Hong Kong: Health chief views Shanghai hospital Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau continued his visit to Shanghai today by calling on Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University and exchanged views with Hong Kong people living in the city. Prof Lo met the hospitals President Fan Jia and its Cardiology Department Director Ge Junbo to learn about the hospitals work. The delegation also visited the hospitals Center for Interventional Cardiology and toured the set-up for a smart hospital there. Prof Lo told Dr Fan that Hong Kong has been driving the development of smart healthcare with the Hospital Authority's (HA) support and facilitation. Over the years, the HA has been striving to usher in innovative technology to enhance public healthcare services, and at the same time exploring and implementing different systems to support the development of a smart hospital. Smart hospital and smart healthcare will be the future strategic goals of profound significance for increasing the healthcare efficiency and achieving a sustainable development of healthcare services." During his meeting with Dr Ge, Prof Lo pointed out that the Mainland has been pressing ahead with the adoption of a systematic approach in all chest pain centres at full speed since 2016 by launching various accreditation works. Dr Ge has been sparing no effort in the setting up of standardised chest pain centres across the country, and formulating of a co-ordinated system and standard of treatment for chest pain, thereby largely reducing the duration for treatment and taking the country's treatment for acute myocardial infarction to a higher level. Such achievements are valuable reference for Hong Kong. Under the arrangement of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Shanghai, the delegation also met Hong Kong people living in Shanghai for lunch to understand more about their daily lives. The delegation will attend the China Organ Donation Day event tomorrow before returning to Hong Kong in the evening. This story has been published on: 2023-06-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. China's top legislator stresses applying new Party theories to people's congress work Xinhua) 09:36, June 10, 2023 Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, learns about seed breeding and germplasm resources at the Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Demonstration Park of Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences in southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 8, 2023. Zhao made a research tour in southwest China's Sichuan Province from Tuesday to Friday. Leading an inspection team, Zhao examined the enforcement of the Seed Law in several cities in Sichuan. (Xinhua/Li Tao) CHENGDU, June 9 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji has called on lawmakers to work to grasp the Party's new theories and apply them to their work related to people's congresses. Zhao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks during a research tour in Sichuan Province. He urged concrete efforts to promote the country's high-quality development and implement the new development philosophy through work related to people's congresses. Leading an inspection team, Zhao examined the enforcement of the Seed Law in several cities in Sichuan and presided over a related meeting. At the meeting, he emphasized the need to recognize the importance of revitalizing the seed industry from the perspective of safeguarding national security, and called for efforts to advance the high-quality development of the modern seed industry through legal means. Zhao also underlined the practice of whole-process people's democracy, stressing the need to improve mechanisms that seek and assimilate public opinions in law-making. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, visits a residential community in Jinniu District of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 7, 2023. Zhao made a research tour in southwest China's Sichuan Province from Tuesday to Friday. Leading an inspection team, Zhao examined the enforcement of the Seed Law in several cities in Sichuan. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, listens to a report on the work for the education campaign on the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 6, 2023. Zhao made a research tour in southwest China's Sichuan Province from Tuesday to Friday. Leading an inspection team, Zhao examined the enforcement of the Seed Law in several cities in Sichuan. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, visits a museum on the history of Sichuan Provincial People's Congress in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 7, 2023. Zhao made a research tour in southwest China's Sichuan Province from Tuesday to Friday. Leading an inspection team, Zhao examined the enforcement of the Seed Law in several cities in Sichuan. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, visits a rice farmer's home in Tashui Town of Anzhou District in Mianyang City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Zhao made a research tour in southwest China's Sichuan Province from Tuesday to Friday. Leading an inspection team, Zhao examined the enforcement of the Seed Law in several cities in Sichuan. (Xinhua/Li Tao) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Flash President of the Republic of Honduras Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento arrived in Shanghai and started her China visit on Friday, expressing her expectations for the visit that will run until June 14. Noting that her visit to China is expected by the Honduran people, Castro said that recognizing the one-China principle, establishing diplomatic relations with China and cooperating with China can bring development opportunities to Honduras. She said that Honduran people admire China's development achievements, especially the country's efforts in poverty alleviation, adding that striving for the well-being of the people is the common goal of Honduras and China, and that she believes the friendly ties between Honduras and China will be strengthened with the unity and cooperation of the two peoples. Castro expressed her hope that Honduras will achieve prosperity and development like Shanghai and said the country will strengthen cooperation with Shanghai. She said that Honduras will actively participate in the sixth China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai in November, and send young students to Shanghai for study. If Honduran young people have the opportunity to receive education and learn science and technology in China, they can contribute to the construction and development of Honduras, she added. Gunfire erupts after Richmond graduation ceremony A 18-year-old who had just received his high school diploma was killed after a gunman opened fire in a Richmond park Tuesday. Shawn Jackson, 18, and his stepfather, Renzo Smith, 36, died in the shooting in Monroe Park, adjacent to the Altria Theatre where the Huguenot High School graduation ceremony was held. The sound of gunfire caused a panic, with at least 12 injured, officials said. Amari Pollard, 19, was arraigned Wednesday morning on two counts of second-degree murder. Officials said the two had a long-standing dispute. This was targeted at one individual ... that's what we know at this time," Richmond Interim Police Chief Rick Edwards said Wednesday. SMOKE: Intense wildfires in Canada are sending smoke drifting into as far away as Virginia. Numerous air quality alerts have been issued over the past several weeks as the fires have spread from western provinces to Quebec. Hazy conditions are reported from New England to Minnesota. Fine-particle pollution known as PM 2.5 is what is being measured. We have defenses in our upper airway to trap larger particles and prevent them from getting down into the lungs. These are sort of the right size to get past those defenses, said Dr. David Hill, a pulmonologist in Waterbury, Connecticut, and a member of the American Lung Association's National Board of Directors. When those particles get down into the respiratory space, they cause the body to have an inflammatory reaction to them. OUT: Virginia regulators have voted to advance Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkins plan to withdraw from a multistate carbon cap-and-trade program. The state Air Pollution Control Board met Wednesday and advanced the plan on a 4-3 vote. Virginia spent years under Democratic administrations moving toward participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which environmental advocates say is proven to help reduce pollution and address climate change. But that has been thrown into reverse since Youngkin took office in January 2022. The governor says the program has functioned as a regressive tax on electricity users with no real environmental benefit. A legal challenge to the governor's move is expected. Former President Donald Trump improperly shared a Pentagon "plan of attack" and a classified map related to a military operation, according to a sweeping 37-count felony indictment related to the mishandling of classified documents that was unsealed Friday and that could instantly reshape the 2024 presidential race. The indictment paints an unmistakably damning portrait of Trump's treatment of sensitive information, accusing him of willfully defying Justice Department demands to return documents he had taken from the White House to Mar-a-Lago, enlisting aides in his eff orts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored in his estate. "I don't want anybody looking through my boxes," one of Trump's lawyers described the former president saying, according to the indictment. He also asked if it would be better "if we just told them we don't have anything here," the indictment says. Making his first public statements, Jack Smith, the Justice Department special counsel who filed the case, said: "Our laws that protect national defense information are critical to the safety and security of the United States and they must be enforced. Violations of those laws put our country at risk." He added, "We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone." The indictment arrives at a time when Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary and one day before a scheduled campaign trip to North Carolina. Though other candidates have largely attacked the Justice Department, rather than Trump, for the investigation, the indictment's breadth of allegations and startling scope will be harder for Republicans to rail against than an earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak. Trump announced that he was being indicted on Thursday night. As Trump lashed out about his indictment in Florida, many fellow Republicans fell in line behind him, with some marked exceptions. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy voiced support for the ex-president. "I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump against this grave injustice," the California Republican tweeted. "House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable," he added. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said the indictment was a "sham" and "the continuation of the endless political persecution of Donald Trump." GOP Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has been seen as a possible 2024 presidential contender, also weighed in. "These charges are unprecedented and it's a sad day for our country, especially in light of what clearly appears to be a two-tiered justice system where some are selectively prosecuted, and others are not," Youngkin said in a tweet. He said parents in Virginia have been targeted by politically motivated actions but did not specify. "Regardless of your party, this undermines faith in our judicial system at exactly the time when we should be working to restore that trust." In April, Youngkin condemned the charges against Trump in a New York hush money case, tweeting: "It is beyond belief that District Attorney Alvin Bragg has indicted a former president and current presidential candidate for pure political gain." John Fredericks, a conservative radio host who served as Trump's Virginia campaign chair in 2016 and 2020, posted on Twitter: "THIS CEMENTS THE NOMINATION FOR TRUMP: Average Americans are seeing through this fraud of an indictment. If they can do this to Donald Trump, they can do it to you!" Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, whose district includes parts of Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield counties, decried what he called a double standard in prosecution. "Not a single effort was made to enforce the law as it relates to classified documents with Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden, yet with Donald Trump it's a different standard," Wittman said in an interview with WRVA radio. "And that's why I think people are so incredibly frustrated with what they see unfolding with the federal government." The 49-page charging document alleges that Trump intentionally possessed classified documents and showed them off to visitors. The indictment is built on Trump's own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, with prosecutors even using against Trump his own words as a candidate and president professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information. The indictment includes 37 counts 31 of which pertain to the willful retention of national defense information, with the balance relating to alleged conspiracy, obstruction and false statements that taken together could result in a years-long prison sentence. Trump is due to make his first court appearance Tuesday in federal court in Miami. He was charged alongside Walt Nauta, an aide and close adviser to Trump who prosecutors say brought boxes from a storage room to Trump's residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. A photograph included in the indictment shows several dozen file boxes stacked in a storage area. Noting the "tens of thousands of members and guests" who visited the "active social club" of Mar-a-Lago between the end of Trump's presidency in January 2021 through the August 2022 search, prosecutors argued that Trump had "nevertheless" stored the documents there, "including in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, and office space, his bedroom, and a storage room." The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump, who has already been indicted in the New York matter and faces additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta that also could lead to criminal charges. But among the various investigations he has faced, legal experts as well as Trump's own aides had long seen the Mara-Lago probe as the most perilous threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. Campaign aides had been bracing for the fallout since Trump's attorneys were notified that he was the target of the investigation, assuming it was not a matter of if charges would be brought, but when. Enumerating the defense and foreign intelligence-related information included in the documents, prosecutors wrote that their "unauthorized disclosure ... could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods." Employees will frequently characterize their workplace as a hostile work environment. Employees who are bullied or harassed might well be in such an environment, but they might not be in a legally actionable one. This is because the cause of action for a hostile work environment requires specific elements. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently reversed a lower court opinion that found an employee had failed to provide sufficient facts to support allegations of a racially hostile work environment. The case will now proceed to a jury. The employee, Tyrone Rembert, worked for Swagelok Co. in Ohio and contended he suffered harassment, discrimination and retaliation. Rembert, a Black man, worked as a tool crib operator. He alleged that in the nine months he worked for the company, multiple employees subjected him to race-based harassment daily. This included numerous co-workers using a racial slur routinely when he was around, as well as his two white supervisors, who allegedly used the slur in comments directed toward him 45 to 50 times, if not more. Among other allegations, Rembert also said that a co-worker once made a noose out of hose pipe, held it up to his face and told him, This is what we do around here. Rembert took this as a threat of violence. A white supervisor allegedly told Rembert, I see you have your Black face on today. On this backdrop, the lower court concluded there were insufficient facts as a matter of law for Rembert to prevail on a hostile work environment claim. The Court of Appeals reversed that opinion. To prevail on a claim of a hostile work environment for co-worker harassment, the employee must show that: He belonged to a protected group; He suffered unwelcome harassment; The harassment was based on race; The harassment was sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment and create an abusive work environment; and The company knew or should have known and did nothing. The court focused on whether the conduct was severe or pervasive, and whether the employer was on notice and failed to act. In concluding that the employee presented sufficient evidence to move forward with trial on the merits, the court noted that, Rembert has presented sufficient evidence from which a reasonable jury could conclude that the harassment was severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would find the work environment hostile. The court added, If a jury were to credit the testimony about the ... (racial slur) alone, it could reasonably conclude that Rembert was subject to severe or pervasive harassment. Further, the court held that holding up a noose and telling Rembert This is what we do here was a physical threat. The court emphasized the need to review the allegations as a totality-of-the-circumstances analysis and to be mindful of the work environment as a whole. The court also determined that the employee met his initial burden to show that he subjectively regarded the environment as hostile. As for the question of whether Rembert demonstrated the company had notice of the harassment, Rembert alleged that he reported the harassment to his supervisor 14 to 17 times and that the supervisor failed to act. The supervisor denied that he was made aware of this conduct. On this, the appeals court concluded that a jury could make this determination. Employers can avoid all of this by having policies that prohibit this type of behavior and communicating them widely and often. That your employee signed the handbook in 2006 isnt going to cut it. This isnt a question of compliance, but one of commitment commitment to a civil and respectful workplace. At least annually, employees should confirm their understanding of the companys expectations for complying with policies on anti-harassment and discrimination. And, while youre at it, add mandates for civility and respect. In addition to policies, conduct education and training on these expectations at least annually. Conversations around expectations for civil treatment of one another in the workplace should be commonplace. Even though the message doesnt change, many of my clients want me to come back year after year to share it: Dont discriminate. Dont harass. Dont touch. Be civil. Dont disparage or make off-color remarks about race, gender, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status, or any protected characteristic. Train managers that if they become aware of something, they must say something. Managers who have notice of allegations of harassment or discrimination put the company at risk for every act of harassment or discrimination that happens after that notice. Its not a complaint-based system; its one of notice. Managers need to bring issues forward so they can be addressed immediately. Every employee deserves a civil, respectful and safe work environment. If you are an employer or manager, you have the responsibility to make that happen. PHOTOS: Recognize these Richmond-area places? QUESTION: Ive reached the difficult decision that I need to terminate one of my employees. What is the best way to handle this? ANSWER: Terminating an employee is a big step and never easy for either party. When deciding to dismiss an employee, we suggest the following steps: Make sure that you gave the employee the opportunity to succeed. Ask yourself: 1. Did I carefully and specifically explain my expectations to the employee and check that they were understood? 2. Did I remove any roadblocks, internal to the company, which might have kept the employee from succeeding? 3. Did I give the employee sufficient training and enough time to acquire and practice necessary skills? 4. Did I motivate the employee to succeed, including giving positive and negative feedback as appropriate? If you can answer yes to these questions and the employee is still underperforming, it might be time to make a change. Make sure that you protect your organization. In Virginia, like many states, employment is at will. This means that you can fire an employee for any reason or no reason at all. However, there are exceptions to this doctrine. Most of these have to do with terminations for discriminatory reasons. If you are not sure, speak to a qualified attorney or human resources specialist. No actions will guarantee that your unemployment tax rate wont increase or that you will not suffer a lawsuit, but you can help to protect your organization from these costs by documenting the events leading up to termination. List facts. For example, Suzie arrived more than 10 minutes late to work on the following dates, or Suzie did not turn in her weekly sales report on the following weeks. Do not include conclusions. For example, Suzie did not care about her job. Make sure to reference any incidents of work rule or company policy violations. If you can demonstrate that the employee violated work rules or company policy, you might be able to successfully fight an unemployment claim. Handle the actual termination efficiently and respectfully. If you have gotten this far, the decision to terminate has been made. You have thought deeply about the decision, investigated any incidents, if appropriate, and produced the documentation. Here are a few suggestions to make the meeting as pain-free as possible. 1. Hold the meeting at the beginning or end of the day. Arrange a time when few co-workers are present. Hold the meeting in a private place. If possible, set it up where co-workers cannot see or hear the employee being terminated. 2. Notify your information technology personnel, giving them enough time to disconnect the terminated employees access to your systems. 3. When feasible, we suggest having a third party, such as an HR professional, present for the termination. This reduces the probability of the employee making false claims regarding what was said during the meeting. 4. Think through and even rehearse what you will say before the meeting. An employment attorney or an HR professional can help here. Explain your decision to the employee. Do not go into excessive detail. Do not try to convince the employee that your decision is correct. Above all, do not get into an argument with the employee. If the employee starts to argue, explain that the decision has been made and that it is final. 5. Have the employee return any company property, including computers, phones, keys, swipe cards, etc. 6. Give the terminated employee any documentation needed for benefits to continue (if appropriate). 7. Allow the employee to gather personal possessions. This might be done immediately or after or before work hours. A manager, HR professional or the business owner should stay with the employee during this time. Dont let the employee access the computer, take company documents, throw things away or attempt to clean up the desk. Although terminating an employee is rarely easy, sometimes it is necessary. Many small-business people are reticent to fire employees. This is understandable. Employees can feel almost like family, and in small businesses, they are often friends or family members. While we have frequently heard business owners lament, I should have fired Suzie months ago, we have never heard even one say, I terminated Suzie too quickly; I should have given her a few more months before letting her go. If you need to dismiss an underperforming employee, follow the steps above to make the process flow as smoothly as possible. Richmond-area business expansions, openings and closings 88 Street Food Urban Myth Street Food Revel Market & Bar Rams House Bar + Kitchen Stanley's Popshelf P.T. Hastings Seafood Killa Dillas Genovas Pizza Station & Take Out Kitchen The Veil Brewing Co.'s new taproom Luxe New American Bar & Grill Wok This Way Eggs Up Grill Mayu Sushi & Thai Maxs on Broad RICH Nail Lounge Sycamore Jewelers, Midlothian Mi Casita Restaurant Ironclad Coffee Grit Coffee Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Boiling Crab Richmond Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. Suzy Sno Diablo Doughnuts RVA The Brass Tap Graybo's Sports Cards Blue Ridge Cyclery BigWife's Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams CarLotz Acacia Midtown Zoom Room Richmond Torchy's Tacos Planet Fitness Raising Canes Chicken Fingers Three Notch'd Brewing Retail or Resell Marshalls Raising Cane's My Favorite Muffin Mattress King Anthony's on the Hill The Mill on MacArthur Feds arrest driver after finding over 2.5 million fentanyl pills Navojoa, Sonora More than two-and-a-half million fentanyl pills were found hidden inside a semi in the state of Sonora. Elements of the Federal Ministerial Police made the highway discovery Wednesday in Navojoa. The Attorney Generals Office of the Republic (FGR) said the Specialized Regional Control Prosecutors Office in Sonora has begun an investigation after locating the drug being transported in a semi. According to the investigation, elements of the Federal Ministerial Police of the Criminal Investigation Agency in its Northwest Region were tipped off. The agency received an anonymous tip about the semis route and load. Authorities received a tip which lead to the inspection of the semi and discovery of the pills. Photo: FGR June 7, 2023. Police located the unit on a section of the Mexico International Highway in Navojoa. During a review of the truck, the FGR said officers found 2,500,514 fentanyl pills. From the site they arrested Luis C, the driver of the semi. The unit and drugs were seized. Police are continuing with their investigation. German killed and Brit injured in Lazaro Cardenas ranch shooting Lazaro Cardenas, Q.R. A German man is dead and his British girlfriend in hospital after they were shot at a private home Friday. The shooting happened early Friday morning in a jungle area in the municipality of Lazaro Cardenas. According to preliminary information, the couple were shot on a ranch they were watching for a friend in, what is speculated to have been, an attempted robbery. At least two gunmen entered La Esperanza Ranch where they happened upon the couple. Details surrounding the shooting remain unclear, however, it is known that the man, Martin S of Germany was shot and killed and that his 32-year-old British girlfriend, Sofie W, was injured. She was airlifted to a Playa del Carmen hospital where she remains in critical condition. The injured British woman was airlifted to a Playa del Carmen hospital. Photo: June 9, 2023. The Attorney General of Quintana Roo has issued a brief statement saying, The FGE of Quintana Roo informs that it initiated an investigation to clarify an event that occurred early Friday in which two people of foreign nationality were attacked with a firearm in a jungle area of the municipality of Lazaro Cardenas. Sofies father, Carl, has told Riviera Maya News that the couple had been looking after the ranch for a friend for only two weeks when the incident happened. The ranch is owned by a German woman. The ranch where the shooting happened is located in the southern portion of the municipality, which borders to the west of Isla Mujeres, Benito Juarez (Cancun), Puerto Morelos and Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen). PDCs Punta Esmeralda ranks top in Latin America for its environmental qualities Playa del Carmen, Q.R. One of Playa del Carmens public beaches has ranked among the best beaches in Latin America. Punta Esmeralda has been ranked the third best municipal beach in Latin America by CIF-Playas. The Panama-based agency says the beach was chosen for its environmental qualities as well as its inclusive policies and educational information. According to their report, This beach is a good example of the application of inclusive policies and attractive information and environmental education formulas, which are supported by its reception center with trained and active staff. It is one of the most visited by the community, with a wide area for rest and recreational activities, they reported. The analysis of the content of 70 websites with some ranking of beaches carried out in 2022 showed that only 30 percent took indicators into account in their evaluation. The rest of the rankings were based solely on opinion, including the opinion of the editorial board or travel specialists, personal experience, user perception and popularity on Instagram, among other subjective variables, they explained. The Ranking of Best Beaches, which was done by the International Center for Training in Beach Management and Certification (CIFPlayas) and the Coastal Systems Research Group, corrects these deficiencies and standardizes the classification of beaches using a robust prioritization framework that includes general, recreation, protection, conservation and health indicators. Photo: CIF-Playas The factors to be measured are waste management, access and parking, load capacity, services and infrastructure, scenic value, security, protection against storms, stability of the coastline, induced changes, sub-aerial dissipation, vulnerability and risk, environmental quality, management actions, habitat, species, heritage, water and sand quality, episodic contamination and sanitary services. The conceptual approach is based on the definition of beach environmental quality, understood as the state of this socio-natural system at a precise moment in terms of ecosystem functionality and satisfaction of human needs. Playa Punta Esmeralda is the third in the category of best urban beach surpassed by two from Cuba, International Varadero and Historic Varadero. It is also among the 10 best beaches in the Caribbean occupying a fourth position which is once again surpassed by Varadero Internacional and Historico and Playa de Faro de Maya in Cuba. By country, Playa del Carmens Punta Esmeralda is first in the best beaches in Mexico category followed by El Corsario, Cabo San Lucas, Del Holi, Jalisco, Acapulquito, San Jose del Cabo and Camarones, Puerto Vallarta. State working to reactivate more flights into Chetumal Chetumal, Q.R. The State Secretary of Tourism continues to work on reactivating more flights into the capital city of Chetumal. Bernardo Cueto Riestra says while other airports like Cancun and Cozumel continue to increase their international connectivity, Chetumal is experiencing a slope. He says that these international route increases depend on airline analysis of profitability. His comments came after the cancellation of several flights including the American Airlines Miami to Chetumal route and Volaris Chetumal to Guadalajara. Riestra says the state is in talks with both Mexican and American airlines to show them the tourism and hotel growth which serves as an incentive to establish new agreements. He said that hotel occupancy in the southern zone grew 30 percent from January to April compared to last year, and that can be an incentive to improve connectivity from Chetumal to Guadalajara and Monterrey and abroad, not only to Miami but also to Texas. As for Mexico airlines, the problem lies in the deficit of planes, but we hope that by the end of the year they will have more units and can consider the possibility of Chetumal after their analysis of tourist destinations such as Mahahual and Bacalar. He said in working with Guadalajara, the state government and the municipality are creating a work dynamic that had not been done before with airlines to try to achieve air reconnection to the state capital. This year, other airport such as Cancun and Cozumel have gained routes. Riestra says Cancun International contiues to average 500 flights a day and has strengthtened its connectivity with the U.S. and Europe, while Cozumel has made progress with Monterrey and Guadalajara routes. Our pending achievement is Chetumals air connectivity with national and foreign destinations, he said. BEDFORD Teachers in Bedford County can no longer initiate discussions with students about sexual orientation or gender identity, after a recent decision from the school board. Additionally, according to adopted Policy INB, classroom discussions of political and other controversial issues shall be facilitated by teachers without violating the provisions outlined in this policy and utilizing an impartial and objective perspective of the subject matter. This policy does not prohibit teachers from including in their instruction, as part of a course of study utilizing the textbooks and other instructional materials adopted in accordance with approved curriculum that includes the historical oppression of a particular group of people based on race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, or sex as well as based on class, nationality, geographic region and/or other differences, the policy states. The board approved the policy Thrusday in a 5-1 vote with District 5 board member Georgia Hairston not present. Susan Mele voted against the policy; Matthew Holbrook, Dwayne Nelms, Marcus Hill, Susan Kirby and Christopher Daniels voted in favor of it. Policy INB was first presented at an April 6 meeting, and the board had a split vote on it at its last regular meeting May 11. Similarly to the May 11 meeting, community members, students and parents spoke both in favor and against the policy Thursday evening. Amy Snead, of Moms for Liberty, whose organizational motto is to educate and empower parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government, spoke in favor of the policy. Snead said if an issue arises such as gender identity or sexual orientation, the parents should always be involved in the first conversation regardless of anything else. This policy, as written, serves to support parental rights and it ensures that a parent is the person who discusses controversial issues, Snead said. Mary Katherine Bennett, who is also in favor of the policy, said it is fantastic. I hate that this has become almost a circus show, but the bottom line is, you have parents who are not going to stand down we want whats best for all the children, and you can be kind and loving without putting forth any sort of agenda on either side to these children, she said. Cindy Younghouse, parent and pediatric nurse who spoke against the policy, said everyone in the schools deserves to feel safe and that its non-negotiable. Younghouse said Virginia schools arent currently safe for LGBTQ+ students. We all know one teacher can make a tremendously positive difference in a young persons life. Policy INB will take that support away, creating a school environment where both students and teachers will fear for their safety, possibly exacerbating staff vacancies, Younghouse said. Cindy Gillespie, a Bedford County teacher and parent who spoke against the policy, said not every student lives in a supportive, loving home environment. She asked the board to take the paragraph out of the policy, which states that teachers shall not engage in discussion with students about sexual orientation or gender identity, which the board amended to not initiate. These students get this love and support from their schools mom or dad, known to you as teachers, secretaries, counselors, custodians, cafeteria staff, bus drivers and other adults at the school, Gillespie said. During discussion amongst the board on policy INB, Daniels made a motion to adopt it but amend engage in the second to last paragraph to initiate. The policy will read as follows: In addition, teachers shall not initiate discussions with students about sexual orientation or gender identity. Sexual orientation is defined as an individuals physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to people of the same and/or different gender. Gender identity is defined as an individuals personal conception of their gender. Kirby, who voted against the policy on May 11, said she did not vote in favor of it because for some students, the teacher is the only one that a student feels safe going to talk to. The changing of the word in the policy from engage to initiate was a factor in her change of voting. I did not want that line of communication cut off completely, Kirby said. Mele, who voted against the policy, asked if the board could review this policy again with parents, students and the committee to see if the group can make it less broad. If we dont have clear expectations about reasonableness or controversial even, then that leaves it open to interpretation by each individual, she said. Hill responded by saying, we are telling parents that we are putting this back on them to take care of the home. Not for our teachers, our administrators or anybody in this school system to handle any type of gender identity or sexual orientation in the classroom, he said. Superintendent Marc Bergin ended the discussion by addressing concerns of the adopted policy stating the discussions portion of the policy pertains to classroom instruction and it does not prohibit a student from initiating a conversation with a trusted teacher or counselor about personal concerns. In response to the concern that changes in this policy are going to create an environment of discrimination, I want to be very clear, we do not tolerate discrimination against any student or staff member with regards to characteristics. School is and must always remain a safe place for everyone, he added. " " An illustration of a Faraday cage, with the bolts touching the cage. OPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock Electricity is the lifeblood of many aspects of our world. Without volts and amps, many of our technological innovations would cease to exist. Even our bodies wouldn't function without an electrical charge zipping through our cells. But what electricity gives, electricity can take away. Although this form of energy is vital to so much of our lives, it's one of those things that are only good in the right amounts. Too much electricity can electrocute people. Likewise, it can kill our modern electronics and machines. Advertisement But thanks to Michael Faraday, the brilliant 19th-century scientist, and one of his namesake inventions, the Faraday cage, we humans have developed plenty of ways to control electricity and make it safer for our computers, cars and other inventions and for us, too. Faraday cages shield their contents from electromagnetic radiation. Basically, when an electromagnetic field hits something that can conduct electricity, the charges remain on the outside of the conductor rather than traveling inside. Faraday cages often look distinctly, well, cagelike. Some are as simple as chain-link fences or ice pails. Others use a fine metallic mesh. Electromagnetic radiation is all around us. It's in visible and ultraviolet light, in the microwaves that cook our food and even in the FM and AM radio waves that pump music through our radios. But sometimes, this radiation is undesirable and downright disruptive. That's where Faraday cages come in. As a Faraday cage distributes that charge or radiation around the cage's exterior, it cancels out electric charges or radiation within the cage's interior. In short, a Faraday cage is a hollow conductor, in which the charge remains on the external surface of the cage. That basic function has plenty of fascinating uses in our electrically cluttered and technology-packed world. And although Faraday would eventually have his day, the backdrop for his invention actually has its roots in earlier times. So, where did the idea for these ultra-useful cages come from? " " Staff members inspect computer hardware at Gannan Data Lake with a total storage capacity of 150PB (petabytes) March 17, 2022, in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province of China. The ever-increasing data generated by servers prompted an increase in prefixes for large measurements. Zhu Haipeng/VCG via Getty Images It's about to get easier for people to communicate about really big and really tiny numbers. The prefixes ronto, quecto, ronna and quetta are joining the likes of kilo, tera, mega and many other existing terms in the metric system of measurement. These new prefixes are the first expansions since 1991. The shift in the International System of Units (SI) was finalized at a vote Nov. 18, 2022, at the General Conference on Weights and Measures. Scientists deemed it necessary because scientific advancements are rapidly approaching the limits of how we can refer to huge and small numbers. The internet is a major reason for this, as the growing amount of data on servers worldwide is set to exceed existing numbers in the next few years. This means that there needs to be a standard unit of measurement in place, so that scientific communication doesn't get all discombobulated. Advertisement At the same time, advancements in radio astronomy, such as measuring the radiation left over from the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, have revealed a need to label exceedingly tiny numbers. Current measurement standards simply can't go that small without adding a bunch of filler jargon, "like one thousand-thousandth of" a given unit. Hence the need for these new prefixes. Donald Trumps attacks on the justice system after his indictment on federal charges are the latest step in a now eight-year campaign by the former president and his allies against the traditions and institutions that have helped maintain American democracy. Infamous murderer, the Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, dies in federal prison | Main | "When Crises Collide: Mapping the Intersections of Climate, Pollution, Crime, and Punishment" June 10, 2023 Media starting to take more note of notable homicide declines in 2023 Regular readers know I have been documenting that, after significant increases in homicides throughout the US in 2020 and 2021, homicide numbers saw small declines in 2022 and these declines have increased into 2023. (Posts in 2023 on this front, with links to some major city data, can be found here and here and here.) Encouragingly, a number of media outlets have started discussing these encouraging homicide developments: From The Atlantic, "The Murder Rate Is Suddenly Falling: The first five months of 2023 have produced an encouraging overall trend for the first time in years." From the Christian Science Monitor, "What is behind a huge drop in the murder rate this year?" From the Wall Street Journal, "Homicides Are Falling in Major American Cities: Local officials say pandemic factors that drove up murder rates are receding" From the Washington Times, "Multiple U.S. cities experiencing decline in homicides, research firm says" As I have said before, homicide trends always seem to be unpredictable and data can change in lots of ways in coming months. Still, the latest homicide data continue to be trending the right way, and it is good to see these trends now getting broader attention. June 10, 2023 at 02:59 PM | Permalink Comments https://nypost.com/2023/06/12/manhattan-street-brawl-murder-is-a-surreal-sign-of-whats-to-come/ This is an interesting data point. And I note, Doug, that you don't mention your hometown, Columbus. Do you walk the walk and live in Columbus, or are you a suburbanite. Posted by: federalist | Jun 13, 2023 11:31:13 AM Most of my professional life, I have lived in suburbs and worked in cities. Same has been true my quarter century in Ohio. Though if you know central Ohio, some of the dividing lines between "city Columbus" and "suburban Columbus" are not always easy to see. And, I think I may have noted in a prior post that homicides went down a lot in in 2022, but are trending up so far in 2023. Posted by: Doug B | Jun 13, 2023 12:08:51 PM Regan Tokes couldn't be reached for comment. A victim of weak justice from the City of Columbus (actually Franklin County). Posted by: federalist | Jun 13, 2023 12:13:53 PM Post a comment DES MOINES While the legal issues continue to pile up on former President Donald Trump the latest, a federal grand jury indictment on 37 felony counts of mishandling classified documents onward move the Republican presidential primary and Iowa caucus campaign. And Iowa caucus experts on Friday expressed doubt that the indictment will have a significant impact on the caucuses, as Iowa Republicans continue to wade through the field of candidates. I dont really think its going to have that big of an impact on the general caucus-goer, said Marlys Popma, a veteran of Iowa Republican politics and a key staffer on John McCains 2008 presidential campaign. I dont think theyre going to be swayed by the indictment. According to the indictment, Trump improperly stored in his Florida estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, repeatedly enlisted aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators, and cavalierly showed off a Pentagon plan of attack and classified map, the Associated Press reported. The indictment is the latest and most significant yet of legal troubles for Trump, who earlier this year in a civil jury trial was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming a woman in the 1990s, and could still face charges related to his efforts to convince state elections officials in Georgia to overturn their presidential election results in 2020. Timothy Hagle, a political science professor at the University of Iowa, said while the indictment seems to be more serious than Trumps previous legal issues, he also questions whether it will significantly alter the direction of the Republican presidential primary. I dont know how much its going to convince people one way or the other, Hagle said. You got a lot of people that are hardcore Trump supporters. Theyll see this as purely political. Many Iowa Republicans, while attending events featuring the myriad Republican presidential candidates, have said they like what Trump accomplished during his tenure as president, but do not care for his personal style or the legal issues that come with him. But those types of Republican caucus-goers were probably already seeking another candidate anyway, Popma said. I probably am one of those people. I absolutely love what Trump did while he was in office, but Im a little concerned about his bravado and his tenor, Popma said. But the fact of the matter is that the people who are saying that they're concerned about how he presents himself, theyre not hardcore Trump people, anyway. So are they going to be swayed by this? I dont know. They might lean toward someone already. Trump comfortably leads the field in national polling on the Republican presidential primary. In Real Clear Politics averaging of national polls as of Friday, Trump led Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the candidate polling next-best to Trump, by 30.8 percentage points. However, that margin is down from 36.9 points on May 19. As for Republican presidential candidates and elected officials, Dennis Goldford, a political science professor at Drake University who wrote a book on the history of the Iowa caucuses, said there are basically four categories of them as it pertains to Trump: those who will always support Trump no matter what; those who will never support him no matter what; those who may not like Trump but appreciate the conservative policies achieved during his term in the White House; and those who may not like Trump but are afraid to upset his base supporters. Mike Pence, Trumps vice president who is now also running for president against his former boss, addressed the indictment while in Iowa on Thursday, just hours before it was officially announced. Pence on Thursday warned against the politicization of the justice department and the undermining of equal treatment, phrases that also could be found in a long stream of statements made by other Republican presidential candidates and officeholders on Friday. If the Department of Justice chooses to move forward with an indictment, I would hope that it would meet the very high threshold for the unprecedented action of a federal indictment against the former president, Pence said Thursday at a Pizza Ranch in suburban Des Moines. Download the new and improved Sioux City Journal app With the new Sioux City Journal app: If you want to know about stories when they post, you can select alerts for news, sports, weather and more. The navigation's easier. You can now change the reading view. You can have articles read to you. And much more. A University of Nebraska regent and her investment manager husband have pledged a total of $25 million to the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. Barbara and Wally Weitz will commit $19 million to UNO to support the universitys programs and priorities as well as create an endowed chair that will be attached to the chancellors position. The couple has also pledged $6 million to the agriculture college in southwest Nebraska toward renovating a 106-year-old building into a center for students. The couples commitment is just the latest example of Barbara Weitzs extensive involvement with UNO. She is a UNO alum and retired faculty member who taught social work. The Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center on UNOs Dodge Street campus is named in her honor. We felt really invested in making this the best it could possibly be, Weitz said. We have an incredible urban university that uses the whole city as its campus. I think the city and state has benefitted so much from UNO. UNO administration will have significant leeway on how to spend the money. The University of Nebraska Foundation says $14 million will go to the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund, which will be dedicated to help boost some UNO programs to be nationally recognized ones and address critical needs in Omaha and Nebraska. Each year from 2024 to 2029, the UNO chancellor will ask for proposals from faculty members. Awards will be based on various factors, such as how well a proposal fits into a campus need and the likelihood of success. The $14 million is truly an investment in new ideas, new innovation, new creativity that will take UNO to the next level and really doing the right thing for state of Nebraska, Chancellor Joanne Li said. Another $5 million is pledged for the Barbara and Wally Weitz Endowed Chair in Higher Education. The foundation said it will be the first endowed chair attached to the chancellors position in the University of Nebraska system, and is aimed at ensuring UNO can offer competitive salaries to attract top-tier chancellors. After the pledge is fulfilled, it will provide an estimated $200,000 a year to support any current or future chancellor and help implement their priorities. Barbara Weitz said she and her husband have been impressed by Lis ideas, energy and excitement since she became UNO chancellor two years ago. What will happen when she leaves? How are we going to get someone that incredibly good to come? Weitz asked rhetorically. The top leadership at UNO needs to be the best. In order to do that, weve got to provide a standard of support they might not find anywhere else. The couples $6 million pledge for the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture will help finance a $12 million renovation of a building, which is known as The Barn, into the Student Success and Activity Center on the rural college campus. The Foundation is seeking another $6 million from private donors to match the couples contribution. Donations can be made online. The center will be a space for students to eat, socialize and study. The center will also host events. The couples $6 million pledge will be the single largest monetary donation for the two-year college, which had 250 students enrolled last fall. They could double the size of their student body if we could redo that building, Weitz said. The couple made the pledge through the Only in Nebraska fundraising campaign. Barbara and Wally are the UNO chairs for the $3 billion campaign. The campaign, which is raising money for all NU campuses plus Nebraska Medicine, has raised nearly $1.9 billion to date from 119,581 donors. This story has been updated to accurately describe the Barbara and Wally Weitz Endowed Chair in Higher Education. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2023 But theyve been having more difficulty finding locals willing to accommodate smaller teams and single riders, as all the surrounding hotels and campgrounds are quickly filling up. As RAGBRAI marks its 50th anniversary with a return to the ride's original route including a start in Sioux City, participation is up leaving more riders and support teams looking for places to stay. On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are going to discuss a topic that was back in the news recently with the debt ceiling negotiations: Social Security. A number of politicians and elected representatives have recently suggested that we make major changes to the Social Security program, changes which could have a substantial (and I think likely negative) impact on American seniors. We will all eventually age, so this means it will impact us. A few quick notes on Social Security before you dive into this podcast episode: It is important to note that this is not a partisan issue (at least among voters). Surveys show that strong majorities of Americanswhether old or young, high-income or working class, Republican or Democratbelieve that it is crucial for the U.S. to preserve full Social Security benefits for future generations, even if it means increasing payroll taxes. that strong majorities of Americanswhether old or young, high-income or working class, Republican or Democratbelieve that it is crucial for the U.S. to preserve full Social Security benefits for future generations, even if it means increasing payroll taxes. Social Security is the biggest source of retirement income for most retirees . . Social Security is arguably Americas most effective poverty-fighting program, bringing elderly poverty down from almost 38% to less than 10% (lower than the national poverty rate ). (lower than the ). Social Security is a social insurance program. This means it will continue to pay benefits regardless of whether or not you live long enough to use more benefits than you paid forwhich a typical American retiree likely will . . Some argue that you could personally invest money in the stock market, instead of putting it into Social Security, and get a better return on your money for retirement. While this is no doubt true for some, millions of Americans would not likely be able to save as much on their own as they would through the forced retirement planning of Social Security. Social Security will never go broke. It will always receive money from current workers, every two weeks, to pay for current retirees. Due to falling fertility rates, however, the program will only be able to afford to pay 77% of promised benefits beginning in the 2030s. beginning in the 2030s. According to Social Security expert Kathleen Romig, the guest on this episode, full benefits can continue beyond this point if we remove the taxable earnings cap (currently around $160,000) and increase payroll taxes on employees and employers from the current 6.2% to somewhere around 7% each. On this episode, we play clips of a summer 2021 podcast conversation we had with Social Security expert Kathleen Romig from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Enjoy! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER! The Connors Forum is an independent entity from the institutions that we partner with. The views expressed in our newsletters and podcasts are those of the individual contributors alone and not of our partner institutions. Episode Audio: WASHINGTON As it pushes to renew a cornerstone law that authorizes major surveillance programs, the Biden administration faces an American public thats broadly skeptical of common intelligence practices and of the need to sacrifice civil liberties for security. Congress in the coming months will debate whether to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Section 702 authorizes U.S. spy agencies to collect large amounts of foreign communications for intelligence purposes ranging from stopping spies to listening in on allies and foes. Those collection programs also sweep up U.S. citizen communications that can then be searched by intelligence and law enforcement officers. The new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Democrats and Republicans have similar views on surveillance tactics, while Republicans have become substantially less likely over the past decade to say its at least sometimes necessary to sacrifice freedom in response to threats. U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 is necessary to protect national security and to counter China, Russia and other adversaries. They credit the program with better informing U.S. diplomats and enabling operations like last years strike to kill a key plotter of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But officials will have to overcome sharp divisions in Congress and bipartisan anger at the FBI, though most observers still believe Section 702 will be renewed in some form. Driving a political shift is increasing skepticism among Republican elected officials of the FBI and intelligence agencies. Conservatives have battered the FBI for misleading the primary surveillance court in its investigation into former President Donald Trump campaigns ties to Russia. Trump and other top Republicans often accuse the so-called government deep state of using its powers to target conservatives. Historically, the left flank has been the more vocal objector to government surveillance on privacy and civil liberties grounds, said Carter Burwell, who was chief counsel to Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, when the law was last renewed in early 2018. Over the past five or 10 years, with the rise of the libertarian wing of the Republican Party, call it the antigovernment wing of the Republican Party, that is an equally vocal and powerful plurality, said Burwell, now a lawyer at the firm Debevoise & Plimpton. The poll asked U.S. adults whether they support several practices authorized by Section 702. It found that 28% of adults support the government listening to phone calls made outside of the U.S. without a warrant, while 44% oppose the practice. Views are similar about the U.S. reading emails sent between people outside of the U.S. without a warrant. The public was more receptive to surveillance of activity outside of the U.S. a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. That shifted significantly by the 20th anniversary of the attacks in 2021. In the latest poll, 48% of Americans this year said they believed it necessary to sacrifice their rights and freedoms to prevent terrorism, down from 54% in 2021 and nearly two-thirds in 2011. That shift was especially dramatic among Republicans, with just 44% saying thats sometimes necessary compared with 69% in 2011. Among Democrats, 55% still say so, similar to the 59% who said so in 2011. White adults were somewhat more likely to say they were opposed to various forms of surveillance 48% said they opposed the government listening to foreign calls without a warrant than Black or Hispanic adults, each at 34%. Rob Redding, a 47-year-old journalist who lives in New York City, said he was neutral about many surveillance practices but said he felt that way because as a Black man, he didnt expect to have privacy. Redding mentioned the FBIs spying in the 1960s on Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders as well as officials in Black nationalist movements. As a Black man in America, as someone who speaks out about the government all the time, I understand that Black people and especially Black leadership cannot trust America, Redding said. Supporters of Section 702 argue most U.S. adults want the government to stop foreign adversaries even if they state misgivings about how American intelligence operates. Glenn Gerstell, a former general counsel at the National Security Agency who is advocating for Section 702 to be extended, noted that while Congress has to be responsive to public opinion, some of this gets pretty technical and isnt easily understood by the public. He said he still believed the law would be renewed with some amendments to bolster civil liberties protections and enshrine into law changes that the FBI has made in response to a series of wrongful uses of foreign intelligence. At the end of the day, I think most members of Congress understand the value of the statute and understand that when we dont have the statute, there is no substitute, Gerstell said. Panama, Pandora and Pentagon Papers: 10 of the most groundbreaking leaks in history Panama, Pandora, and Pentagon Papers: 10 of the most groundbreaking leaks in history Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Manhattan Project Soviet Leaks Operation Mincemeat The Pentagon Papers Watergate and the Nixon Tapes The Iraq War Logs (WikiLeaks) Edward Snowden and the NSA The Panama Papers The Dark Side of the Kremlin The Pandora Papers When George W. Bush was running for president in 2000, he spoke to the NAACPs 91st annual convention where he coined the phrase the soft bigotry of low expectations. By that he meant the attitude held by some that if one is Black, it automatically means they should not be expected to achieve much in life because so many start off in circumstances that are difficult, if not impossible, to overcome. Senator and Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott channeled Bushs statement when he was a recent guest on The View, a highly partisan TV program that seems to hate all things Republican. Scott decided to go on the ABC show after host Joy Behar claimed Scott doesnt get racism. Scott indeed gets racism. As his friend, former Congressman Trey Gowdy has said, Scott has been stopped numerous times while driving simply because he is Black. Gowdy has also said guards at the U.S. Senate have delayed Scott from entering the building and asked for identification even while he was wearing his Senate pin. In his appearance on The View (Behar was conveniently off that day so he couldnt confront his primary accuser), Scott said in response to claims by Behar and others that he and other successful Black Republicans are exceptions not the rule that its a dangerous, offensive, disgusting message to send to our young people today. Indeed it is, and its also a far more subtle and less observable form of racism. If a Black child is told, overtly or covertly, he or she cannot succeed in life, many will internalize that message. Some will use it as an excuse to engage in crime, including the looting of stores and even shootings as we constantly witness in some of our major cities. Others will simply give up, or drop out of school, dooming far too many to a life of failure and antisocial behavior. Scott tried to present evidence that despite racism, which he acknowledges exists, there are growing numbers of Black people who are succeeding and ought to be seen not as exceptions, but examples for others to follow: The fact of the matter is weve had an African American president, African American vice president, weve had two African Americans to be secretaries of state. In my home city, the police chief is an African American whos now running for mayor. Facts dont matter to the left because a change in attitude would require a change in policies that are clearly not working to the benefit of too many Black people. Freeing Black children from poorly performing schools would be a meaningful first step, something Scott has long advocated and the left opposes, even while many, including elected officials, sent their kids to private schools. This latest dust-up between the left and Scott reminds me of a visit I made with Rev. Jesse Jackson to an all-Black middle school in the mid 1980s. Jackson told the young people not to have babies until they are married, stay off drugs and study hard. Any conservative could have given that speech. I recall urging him to speak less of politics and more about what he told those students. Alas, he did not follow my advice, but his challenge to those students was one more of them needed to hear. We Shall Overcome was a powerful song when Black Americans were trying to overcome the racism of their day. A new one might be called We Have Overcome, sung to inspire people who did what Jackson advised and who should urge others to follow the example of the successful. Seppos will never get a handle on drongos, I reckon. That is to say: I dont believe Americans will ever be capable of fully understanding Australians, Australian culture, Australian attitudes, or Australian thought. And why would they? Americans are American, which means they arent obliged to understand anyone, even themselves. Thats the beauty of their version of freedom, after all. Aussies, meanwhile, are up to our bottom lip in American culture, philosophy, politics, andlets call it what it ispsychosis from day dot, to the point where were both drowning in and drowned out by it. Your everyday drongo can parse, speak, and think seppomaybe even pass themselves off as one, if they round out their vowels enough. For many Australian artists dreaming of making it big (or just making any money at all), to become American is to become powerful, heard (loud), omnipresent, and, most importantly, unashamed. This is the heady pipe dream of many an Aussie wanting to surpass the stunted heights offered by our flailing culture industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even if this transformation is achieved, granting a ticket of leave from our roots, the fair-dinkum fact of our Australiannessour internal, eternal, undying drongocan never be erased. There remains a crucial, seemingly irreconcilable difference between the two cultures: Americans are sincere to a fault, whereas Austalians are insincere to a fault. This distinction is crucial to understanding Hannah Gadsby, the Australian non-comedian who drew acclaim for their live stand-up turned Netflix special Nanette in 2018, and more recently derision for their new art exhibition, Its Pablo-matic: Picasso According to Hannah Gadsby, currently on display at the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibition consists of a small collection of Picassos work highlighted with Gadsbys commentary and so-called jokes, as well as a seemingly random collection of works by female artists taken from the museums collection. Its Pablo-matic is pitched as a denunciation of the man himself, his misogyny, and the misogynistic forces of history that elevated his genius. It is the manifestation of a call-out post, if one thats one degree of separation from the Sacklers. Advertisement Since Its Pablo-matic opened in early June, American critics from hallowed American institutions like the New York Times have torn Gadsby apart for the shows apparent philistinism, condescension, and smug self-assuredness. Times critic Jason Farago, in one buzzy pan, wrote of the exhibition, Theres little to see. The ambitions here are at GIF level. Advertisement Those critics may be right in their barbed assessments, but they are missing a fundamental piece of the puzzle: the innate Australianness at the center of Gadsbys work and philosophy. To make sense of this, allow me to explain the Australian cultural phenomenon that is the elegantly simple yeah, nah. For the baffled seppo: Yeah, nahhh is Aussie slang that essentially means I understand, but I disagree. Despite our reputation as pissed-up, muscle-bound brawlers, Australians are, at our core, an incredibly passive-aggressive people who prefer waving someone or something away over sucker-punching or shooting it. Yeah, nah embodies our reflexive dismissiveness of anything that we find even mildly disagreeable. Conversationally, its a neat little tool that lets you wave away the paranoid rantings of a black-pilled Facebook uncle, or skirt around a stranger at a bush doof who is insisting you try their home-brewed black acid; its also just a nice way of saying youre fine, ay without causing offense. Advertisement Advertisement Where seppo language and thought can be block-lettered, cemented, and literal, Australias is scratchy, mercurial, and tricky. I like to think of it as Americans thinking and talking like kazoos, and Australians thinking and talking like slide whistles. Drongo thinking can be so slippery that it passes through our own grip on it, so something as seemingly innocuous as yeah, nah can suddenly go from being a stock response to a poly couple seeking a unicorn on a dating app to a kind of internalized dismissiveness of society, culture, and life at large. Any idea that gets your goat, even slightly, can be swept away with a simple, subliminal slap of the big YEAH/NAH button that all Aussie drongos carry everywhere with us in our heart of hearts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the root of all this is something known as the cultural cringe. Coined by critic A. A. Phillips in a very cheeky essay in Meanjin (fantastic Aus lit journal, check it out) in 1950, the cultural cringe refers to the belief that your own national culture is inferior to that of other countries. In Australia, this originally manifested as a desperation to appear British, which eventually transformed into a desperation to appear American once you mob took overa desire that social media and the ever-darkening shadow of U.S. global imperialism has rabidly fueled over the years. The natural endpoint of cultural cringe is a distrust of culture at large. For Australia, a country with about as many inferiority complexes as one that largely owes its existence to an orgy-loving occultist naturalist could have, the natural endpoint of cultural cringe is a distrust of culture at large, as the very idea of itcinema, theater, literature, high arthas been made to feel, essentially, un-Australian. As a people, we tend to have a knee-jerk yeah, nah response to the very idea of the arts in general. Probably since the first British marine painted the first convict deported to Port Jackson for public exposure, Australians have seen art as something solely for wankers. And if there are two things that Australians are paranoid about being perceived as, its wankers or poofters. Art, to our unending terror, has the whiff of both. This paranoia has been the major motivator behind much of our culture and history, and was why the man who wrote the poem that became our unofficial national anthem, Waltzing Matildaour Walt Whitman or Mark Twain, if you willdecided to take up the pen name Banjo (+5 wanker points, 65 poofter points). Advertisement Advertisement We are a people whose love of making fun of everyone and everythingIm sure Ill be accused of perpetuating tall poppy syndrome, or tearing down someone who has found great success, for this essayis only outweighed by our rabid hatred of being made fun of. Australians are naturally suspicious of art and its challenging ambiguity; by merely existing, it is often perceived to be mocking us. This is the drongo undercurrent of Hannah Gadsbys workof everything that has culminated in Its Pablo-matic. Related from Slate Nadira Goffe Who Is Matt Rife, the ProbleMATTic Comedian Who Just Sent Ticketmaster Into a Meltdown? Read More Back in 2018, when Nanette fever was sweeping the world and Gadsby was performing the show on Broadway, I was living above a glue factory in Bushwick. I made several attempts to watch Nanette, but a combination of apathy and a lapsed Vyvanse script made this all but impossible. I eventually caught the majority of it when my roommates girlfriend played it on our lofts wall via our projector. The only part that made me laugh was Gadsbys riff about Picasso. This wasnt because I found the jokes funny, or because their ideas created the tension (as they put it) that necessitate a laugh, but because Gadsby sounded like any one of the firmly middlebrow Art is for pooftas drongos I had left back in my hometown, the famously culture-phobic Perth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this notorious part of Nanette, which Times critic Farago describes as Gadsby most bizarrely condemning art as an elite swindle, we see a perfect distillation of Australias antagonistic relationship with art and culture as a whole. When I watched Gadsby mockingly enunciate CUUUUU-bism while mugging and rolling their eyes for a delighted Sydney audience, I was dumbstruck by sudden-onset homesickness. When I heard them say that Picasso just put a kaleidoscope filter on his penis to think up Cubism, I was instantly taken back to Australias public school system, where the failed artists turned substitute teachers had an ax to grind against anyone suspected of thinking themselves superior to that lot (I have vivid memories of a teacher who talked about Andy Warhol like hed murdered the guys family). Advertisement Advertisement Gadsbys work sits at the intersection of Australias reflexive anti-intellectualism and Americas corporatized identity politics. Its Pablo-matic shares this dropkick drongoism with Nanette. But what makes both performances special is their touch of seppo. In what may be the most successful merger of Australian and American culture to date, Gadsby deftly melds Australian insecurity with American certainty. Gadsbys work sits at the intersection of Australias reflexive anti-intellectualism and Americas corporatized identity politics. Both phenomena find a common ground in the middlebrow, the natural resting place of attitudes that find anything outside their comfort zone suspect, degenerate, or both. Armed with the overbearing sincerity that allows American critics and commentators to function as culture copscategorizing and cauterizing art so that it can be decried and denounced without the hassle of serious interrogationGadsby is able to equip their quintessentially Australian view of art as snobby rubbish with an identity-wrapped crutch that doubles as a bludgeon. In Nanette, they conflate Picasso with Harvey Weinstein and Donald Trump. In Its Pablo-matic, they write weird flex next to a Picasso print of a nude caressing a sculpture of a naked hunk, and their and the Brooklyn Museum curators response to criticism of the exhibition was to delight in getting (male) critics knickers in a twist. Advertisement The end goal is the same: to take this thing that angers or disquiets you, stamp it as toxic, shrug at it, and sweep it aside. Australian culture is always five to 10 years behind the rest of the world, which is why someone like Gadsby, with their stuck-in-the-2010s sense of humor and social issues, can thrive stateside: Theyve drifted in from a lagging parallel timeline, as entrancing (in a 50s-themed diner sort of way) as they are confusing to contemporary American critics. To those critics, Its Pablo-matic may be an abomination, but I see it as something closer to a miracle of seppodrongo relations, a perfect merger of American sincerity and Australian insincerity. Gadsby has managed to invert, export to the American marketthe only market that mattersand profit from Australias cultural cringe and fear of the wanker. In doing so, Gadsby has blessed America with a slither of Australian enlightenment: that beautiful little head tilt and wave-off known simply as the yeah, nah. The fact that that seems to overwhelmingly be the critical response to Its Pablo-matic is, in its own way, art. Slates homepage editors spend a lot of time looking for photos to put on our site. Those searches sometimes yield unexpected results: random, perplexing, and mesmerizing photos that dont belong on the homepage, but that are too good not to share. Every week, well share something weve found. What search term was used to find this in Getty? donald trump What were you hoping to find? A photo of the former president looking sullen or subdued, to accompany the news that he had blown a hole in his legal defense in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, in which he has since been indicted. What did you find instead? A wooden nutcracker toy soldier, with a red nose, red uniform, and red MAGA hat. The hinged jaw, where you would normally place a nut to crack, is open wide to reveal a thin scroll of text, like the slip of paper in a fortune cookie. It reads: You are a GREAT Supporter! REALLY great! So incredible, VERY special. Huge Heart! Just terrific! Believe me, everyone agrees there has never been anyone like you! I think the text is meant to sound sincere, but the writing is so exaggerated that it verges on sarcasm. Advertisement It is not totally clear whether the nutcracker is meant to be a Trump stand-in ventriloquizing the former presidents hyperbolic speech patterns. The wooden figurewith its shaggy white hair, black curlicue mustache, and cherubic pink cheeksbears little resemblance to Donald Trumps signature comb over and bronzed skin. So perhaps the nutcracker is supposed to represent the GREAT supporter referenced in the text? Its a bit of a mystery. Advertisement Whats the actual backstory here? This photo was taken on June 1, at a campaign stop at the Machine Shed (a restaurant chain dedicated to the American farmer) in Urbandale, Iowa. The venue was much smaller than the arenas where Trump likes to hold his boisterous rallies, but what this crowd lacked in size, it made up for in passion. Supporters gathered at the Machine Shed decked out in MAGA hats and American flagprinted clothes, and wielding Trump yard signs. One woman even wore a T-shirt covered in photos of Trumps face. Advertisement In this milieu, the Trump nutcracker stands aloneboth a sincere tribute and a puzzling talisman to bring to a rally. At the risk of stating the obvious, June isnt the proper time for Christmas decor, so the nutcracker feels all the more out of place at a summer campaign event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets say Im a Trump-Biden voter with a love of nutcrackers and $250 to spend. What can I buy? Youre in luck! If you are inspired by this unique artifact, youll be thrilled to learn that there are plenty more political nutcrackers out there. For $99, you can buy a limited-edition President Donald Trump nutcracker, which comes with a free Lets Go Brandon bumper sticker. For $139, you can buy a President Joe Biden nutcracker from the Erzgebirge region of Germany, where the iconic toy soldier nutcrackers originated, dating back to the 17th century. If you want something at a lower price point, a more ribald (and somewhat sexist) option is the Hillary Clinton nutcracker, which eschews the traditional German design and instead features stainless steel teeth along Clintons pantsuit-clad thighs. Having run through those options, a better use of your money might be to wait until the winter and buy tickets to a performance of Tchaikovskys ballet instead. Why is this the weird photo of the week? This is a GREAT photo! REALLY great! So incredible, VERY special. Huge Art! Just terrific! Believe me, everyone agrees there has never been a photo like this! Its more fun via email (promise). This article first appeared in our Slatest evening newsletter, which seeks to surface the best pieces published across Slates digital and audio journalism. We publish it there to help you cut to the chase at the end of each day. To get it in your inbox, along with more of the best work we published that day, sign up below. First things firstthis headline sums up how today has felt: Unsealed Indictment Formally Accuses Donald Trump of Keeping National Secrets Near a Toilet Ben Mathis-Lilley explains what new facts have been revealed in the 49 page trove, including all of the specific, somewhat ridiculous locations where documents were illegally kept. This includes a bathroom,pictured above. How bad is it? Advertisement Advertisement Weve known since August thatregardless of what the former president himself saidthe documents he was keeping at Mar-a-Lago were classified, and we mean classified. But whew boy, the situation is even worse than early reporting implied! Slates Fred Kaplan explains: The indictment quotes tape recordings of conversations proving Trump knew that he had classified documentshes showing them to a visitor during the conversationand that he had no business having them. The indictment also claims, with photographic evidence, that these boxes were stored, for several months, in places at Mar-a-Lago that were completely accessible to guestsincluding a ballroom stage, a public bathroom, and a storage room that could be reached from multiple outside entrances, including one near a swimming pool. Advertisement Advertisement If Trump is found guilty on all 38 counts, he could go to prison for 100 years. Mark Joseph Stern helps explain how those numbers add up, and what the most serious crimes are. Enter: Judge Cannon Will Donald Trump go to prison for the rest of his life? A lot of what happens next is in the hands of a somewhat familiar Florida judgeyes, there is more than one federal judge in the state of Florida, but nonetheless, this case has landed, once again, in front of Trump-appointee Aileen Cannon, who has already dramatically mishandled this case. Mark Joseph Stern explains what that means. Indictment party Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another place boxes of classified documents were kept? On the stage of a Mar-a-Lago ballroomwhich is still being advertised as a place where one could host a wedding. Or an Indictment Party! OK, we are really done talking about this now. Flamin hotexaggeration? How true is the origin story behind Flamin Hot, a new film which supposedly explains how the world was blessed with spicy Cheetos? Sam Adams takes a look at the facts, how stories like this travel, and what version of reality really matters. The queen of true crime Before True Detective or Serial or even Law & Order, author Ann Rule was a pioneer in the field of true crime. Laura Miller unpacks her wild journeyRule once answered phones next to Ted Bundyand why she switched from writing mostly for men under a male pseudonym, to writing about the more psychological aspects of crime. Friday quiz Its been a long week! Treat yourself to the Slate News Quiz. See if you can beat staffwriter Luke Winkie. Today, Slate ISIN FACTFOR DOGS* yes, the Bad Spaniels Silly Squeaker is a chew toy replica of a Jack Daniels whiskey bottle. And that, the Supreme Court ruled yesterday, is not allowed under copyright law. Advertisement Advertisement Who knew this Court would preserve voting rights, but unanimously vote down fun. Have a wonderful weekend! Well be back on Monday. Set aside the latest indictment for a minute. Many top Republicans have struggled, and will continue to struggle no matter how many indictments there are, with the question of how to stop Trump from getting the nomination and blowing a fourth straight election cycle. Do you stay out of the way so support can consolidate around one alternative? Or do you jump into the race yourself? Consider two big presidential announcements this week from Republicans whose explicit goal is to stop Donald Trump from winning the Republican nomination. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu opted against a run. Our party is on a collision course toward electoral irrelevance without significant corrective action, Sununu wrote in a Washington Post op-ed announcing his decision. The stakes are too high for a crowded field to hand the nomination to a candidate who earns just 35 percent of the vote, and I will help ensure this does not happen. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, meanwhile, entered the race because he believes that Trump will cruise if there isnt a candidate on the debate stage to take the fight directly to him. There is only one lane, Christie said in one of his (many) interviews this week, and Donald Trumps at the head of it, and you need to go right through him and make the case against him. There is a way to fuse these two competing Chris-favored theories for stopping Trump. Everyone can get in, but by early primary season, the unviable candidates need to drop out at once. This has been done beforeDemocrats colluded quite effectively in 2020 to cut off Bernie Sanders! Republicans arent quite so easily wrangled, though. Donald Trump had classified documents in his possession, and he wanted everyone to know it. The federal indictment filed on Thursday, which outlines seven charges against the former president, includes two separate anecdotes in which Trump boasts to random laypeople that he has secret military informationand then he goes ahead and shares some of that information with them. He comes across as an insecure braggart in the indictment, a man desperate to cling to his status after an embarrassing fall from power. Thats not a new look for him. But in this case, his repeated flaunting of the classified material he retained may play a decisive role in whether he is found guilty of federal crimes. Advertisement The seven charges filed in Miami on Thursday relate to a set of classified documents Trump allegedly kept at Mar-a-Lago even after a subpoena required him to surrender them all last year. The charges include conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding and concealing documents, and willful retention of national defense informationa violation of the Espionage Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related from Slate Fred Kaplan The Documents Trump Hoarded Are Even More Sensitive Than We Thought Read More Trump says the charges are bogus, of course. In a series of unhinged Truth Social posts on Thursday night, he called it the Boxes Hoax, referring to the fact that the documents were kept in boxes. He has also claimed that the documents were not classified, despite the fact that they were labeled SECRET and TOP SECRET in a photo taken by the FBI during the Mar-a-Lago raid last August. In an interview with Sean Hannity about the Justice Departments probe into the materials, Trump said that U.S. presidents can declassify any documents they want at any time, even by thinking about it. Advertisement In other words, when I left the White House, they were declassified, he said in the interview. But in a recording of a July 2021 meeting obtained by federal prosecutors, the former president was singing a different tune. In transcript excerpts in his indictment, Trump discusses a classified document from the Pentagon about a plan for a hypothetical future attack on Country A. (CNN reports that the country is Iran.) The discussion took place at Trumps resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, with a writer and a publisher working on the memoir of former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows, plus two current Trump aides. Advertisement In the transcript excerpts, Trump sounds pathetic and thirsty, eager to impress his interlocutors with the power he once held as he shows them a piece of paper. It is, like, highly confidential, he says. CNN reports that the tape captures the sound of paper rustling, as if Trump was waving [a] document around. Advertisement Secret. This is secret information. Look, look at this, Trump says in the transcript. You attack and There, the transcript cuts out, presumably protecting the classified plan Trump describes. A bit later, Trump tells the people at the meeting that he cant show them whats in the document he held. (None of them had the security clearances necessary to view a secret military document.) As president, I could have declassified them, Trump says. Now I cant, you know, but this is still a secret. Advertisement Oopsie! Secret and confidential are categories of classified documents. Trumps use of the terms would seem to prove that he knew the documents hed retained werent magically declassified by his brain. The tape provides strong evidence against Trumps claim that he didnt know any better than to store top secret materials in the storage closet by his pool and occasionally take them out for a spin in central Jersey. At the time of the meeting, the National Archives had already been nagging Trump to surrender all the documents in his possession for at least two months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre trying to prove that Trump knew the material was classified, and also that he knew he no longer had the power to declassify it, it doesnt get much clearer than that. That wasnt the only time Trump couldnt help himself from trotting out the evidence of his federal crime. Later in 2021, back at the Bedminster Club, Trump met with a representative from his PAC. (Ill let you guess whether or not this person had a security clearance.) According to the indictment, Trump mentioned that an ongoing military operation in Country B was not going well, then whipped out a classified map of the country and told the representative that he should not be showing it to the representative and that the representative should not get too close. Advertisement This pattern of I know a secret, I cant tell you because youre not important enough, but heres just a little bit of classified security-threatening intel just to prove its real, but really, please, stop begging me to see it, its only for us presidents is exactly what one would expect from a guy whose primary motivating impulse is his ego. Its why it was not a good idea to elect him president and give him access to those documents in the first place. But hey, it only took about [checks watch] 18 months after he left office for the FBI to confiscate the last tranche of 102 classified documents. How many secret war maps could he have possibly shown off? U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, expressed serious reservations today about President Bidens nominee for Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), Dilawar Syed. Ernst criticized Syed for his perceived lack of transparency, reluctance to decrease burdensome regulations, and questions surrounding his commitment to recovering fraudulent SBA COVID funds. Ernst stressed the importance of the role of Deputy Administrator, often regarded as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the SBA. The COO is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the agency and ensuring small businesses are not overwhelmed by unnecessary bureaucracy. Power Up Your Event's Success Conduct Market Research Sell Your Business According to Ernst, Syeds nomination was delayed in the previous Congress due to his failure to voluntarily disclose his companys PPP and EIDL loans from the SBA. There were also reported false statements and errors in applications and disclosures signed by Syed on behalf of his company, causing further delays. Ernst expressed that Syeds lack of transparency and resistance to providing requested information to the Committee did not inspire confidence in his potential role in the SBA. Ernst also cited Syeds failure to answer direct questions regarding overregulation and its effect on innovation and entrepreneurship. For Ernst, this lack of clarity is unacceptable to Iowas entrepreneurs who are currently struggling with the complexities of the current economy and its regulatory environment. The senator highlighted the concern of Iowas small businesses about the impact of Washington red tape and regulation on their ability to grow and even to survive. Furthermore, Ernst expressed doubts about Syeds readiness and willingness to change the SBAs culture and bring much-needed accountability to the agency. She pointed out that it is essential for the SBA to recover taxpayer dollars provided to ineligible businesses, given the estimated $100 billion in suspected fraud in PPP and EIDL. Ernst asserted that despite commitments from Syed regarding efforts on fraud recovery and prevention, she remains skeptical due to the SBAs decision not to pursue borrowers with unpaid loans of less than $100,000. She also expressed concerns about the integrity of the 7(a) loan program and the risks posed by two recently finalized SBA lending rules. These rules could, Ernst believes, endanger the long-term health of SBAs lending programs, create predatory underwriting standards, and enable fintech companies implicated in rampant PPP fraud to participate in the program. Ernsts remarks offer a cautionary tale for small business owners. The handling of SBA nominations and the agencys internal operations can significantly affect the business environment. The call for increased transparency, reduction in regulation, and accountability in the face of fraudulent activity are issues of importance to small businesses across the country. As such, it underscores the need for small business owners to keep abreast of changes at the governmental level that can influence their operations and success. For the latest, follow us on Google News. If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. A shrink wrap machine is specialized equipment used across industries for packaging purposes. These machines use shrink film, a material made from polymer plastic film. When heat is applied to this film, it shrinks tightly over the product its covering. The result is a sleek, professional-looking package that protects the product from damage and tampering. The importance and uses of shrink wrap machines Shrink wrap machines are invaluable tools in a variety of sectors. They offer an efficient, cost-effective way to package products of all shapes and sizes. These machines are found everywhere from grocery stores packaging food items, to electronics companies wrapping their products, to pharmaceutical firms ensuring their medicines are tamper-proof. Their versatility and efficiency make them a preferred choice for businesses looking for reliable packaging solutions. The basic mechanism of shrink wrap machines The basic operation of a shrink wrap machine is quite simple, yet effective. The process begins with the product being placed on a conveyor system within the machine. A shrink film roll is then unwrapped and sealed around the product using a sealing bar. Once the product is wrapped, it enters a shrink tunnel where heat is applied. This heat causes the film to contract and tightly wrap around the product, providing a secure and aesthetically pleasing package. Power Up Your Event's Success Conduct Market Research Sell Your Business Different industries where shrink wrap machines are commonly used From food processing and electronics to pharmaceuticals and publishing, shrink wrap machines are omnipresent. In the food industry, they help package everything from frozen dinners to fresh produce, ensuring freshness and preventing contamination. Electronics manufacturers use them to package individual components as well as finished products, protecting them from dust and damage. Similarly, the pharmaceutical industry secures drug packages, creating tamper-evident seals that guarantee product safety. The environmental impact of using shrink wrap machines While plastic packaging has been associated with environmental concerns, the industry has made strides in addressing these issues. Innovations include the development of biodegradable and recyclable shrink films. These environmentally friendly alternatives help reduce businesses carbon footprint using shrink wrap machines, without compromising the quality of packaging. The Top Shrink Wrap Machines From preserving food to protecting the products your sell to shipping, shrink wrap machines are invaluable to small businesses. Here are some of the best machines you can now get on Amazon. Top Pick: BestEquip 24" I-Bar Shrink Wrap Machine Runner-up: VisionTechShop 20 Inch Wrapping Machine Best Value: Hubert Countertop Film Wrapper Material Durable iron structure Commercial-grade stainless steel Commercial-grade material Max. Film Width 24 inches 20 inches 18 inches Temperature Control Adjustable temperature Individual controls for cutter and heating plate Thermostatically controlled hotplate Special Features Adjustable wind speed, silicone strip, wide application Adjustable power heating plate, three size adjustment holes Tension adjustments, replaceable Teflon cover, solid-state controlled cut-off rod Pros Durable, adjustable settings, versatile Sturdy, flexible, customizable User-friendly, easy maintenance, reliable Cons Limited sealing length, setup learning curve Limited to manual operation, learning curve Limited to countertop use, specific replacement parts BestEquip 24 I-Bar Shrink Wrap Machine Top Pick: As the top pick, the BestEquip 24 I-Bar Shrink Wrap Machine is designed to provide reliable sealing for films and plastic bags. Its sturdy metal construction and advanced heat gun offer a convenient and effective packaging solution. The machine features adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to customize the shrink wrap process based on the thickness of the film. Features: Durable iron structure with powder-coated finish High-quality heat gun with adjustable wind speed Efficient sealing operation with a lever and silicone strip Adjustable temperature settings for different film thicknesses Compatible with various types of film and plastic bags Wide application for packaging books, CDs, food, toys, and more Pros: Sturdy iron construction for long-term use High-quality heat gun with adjustable wind speed Convenient sealing operation with a lever and silicone strip Adjustable temperature settings for customized shrink wrapping Wide application for packaging various items Cons: Limited to a 24 sealing length May require additional film rolls for large-scale packaging Initial setup and learning curve for optimal usage Not suitable for extremely heavy-duty packaging needs The BestEquip 24 I-Bar Shrink Wrap Machine delivers sturdy construction, adjustable temperature settings, and compatibility with various film types making it a versatile tool for small business owners. Whether you need to package books, CDs, food, or toys, this shrink wrap machine provides a neat and professional appearance while protecting your items. It comes with a roll of 170m/558ft long, 22-inch wide shrink film, ensuring ample supply for your packaging needs. BestEquip 24 I-Bar Shrink Wrap Machine Buy on Amazon VisionTechShop 20 Inch Wrapping Machine Runner Up: Enhance your food packaging process with the VisionTechShop 20 Inch Wrapping Machine. This hand wrapping machine is designed to provide efficient and convenient wrapping for large trays and food packaging. Made with commercial-grade stainless steel construction, this machine offers durability and reliability for your everyday needs. The film holder can accommodate a 20-inch wide wrapping film roll, ensuring ample space for various tray sizes. Features: Commercial-grade stainless steel construction for durability Holds a 20-inch wide roll of wrapping film Individual on/off controls for the cutter and heating plate Adjustable power heating plate for versatile wrapping Three holes on the right side of the film holder to adjust the size Pros: Sturdy stainless steel construction for long-lasting use Ample space to accommodate a 20-inch wide roll of wrapping film Individual controls for cutter and heating plate offer flexibility Adjustable power heating plate for various wrapping needs Three size adjustment holes for customizable wrapping Cons: Limited to hand wrapping applications Requires manual operation for wrapping process May have a learning curve for optimal usage Not suitable for high-volume commercial operations The VisionTechShop 20 Inch Wrapping Machine has sturdy stainless steel construction and adjustable features providing flexibility and convenience in your wrapping process. With the adjustable power heating plate and individual on/off controls for the cutter and heating plate, you have the flexibility to customize the wrapping process according to your requirements. The machine is made in Korea, known for its high-quality manufacturing standards. VisionTechShop 20 Inch Wrapping Machine Buy on Amazon Hubert Countertop Film Wrapper Best Value: The Hubert Countertop Film Wrapper, a heat sealing film wrapper, is designed to meet the demanding needs of commercial use. This product combines exceptional value and innovation, making it the top choice for small business owners seeking reliable food-sealing solutions. The non-stick, replaceable Teflon cover on the thermostatically controlled hotplate ensures easy maintenance and longevity. Features: Equipped with larger rubber non-slip feet for stability Accepts film rolls up to 18 wide Compatible with HUBERT replacement parts Tension adjustments for easy film separation Solid-state controlled cut-off rod for precise sealing Pros: Sturdy and durable construction for tough commercial use Efficient heat sealing capability for various food items User-friendly design with tension adjustments and cut-off rod Easy maintenance with replaceable Teflon cover Reliable performance comparable to leading national brands Cons: Limited to countertop use Requires separate film rolls for operation May have a learning curve for optimal tension adjustment Replacement parts specific to the Hubert brand Whether you need to seal meats, cheese, or other food products, the Hubert Countertop Film Wrapper ensures the freshness and preservation of various food items. Its user-friendly features, including tension adjustments and a solid-state-controlled cut-off rod, make wrapping and sealing a breeze. Hubert Countertop Film Wrapper Buy on Amazon Hanchen Film Wrapping Machine with Built-in Heating Plate The Hanchen Film Wrapping Machine with Built-in Heating Plate is designed to meet the unique needs of wrapping large objects easily and precisely. A hidden heating plate built into the machine offers enhanced durability, a longer service life, and a spacious operating platform. The laser-cut, thick stainless steel plates ensure robustness, capable of bearing approximately 143.3 lbs (65kg) for reliable performance. Features: Hidden heating plate for enhanced durability and a flat operating platform Thicken stainless steel plates for robustness and stability All-inclusive design for cleaner and more hygienic wrapping Optimized and upgraded four-rollers for stable film output Hollow design, cooling holes, and non-slip feet for ease of use and maintenance Pros: Built-in hidden heating plate for enhanced durability Robust construction with thicken stainless steel plates All-inclusive design for cleanliness and hygiene Stable film output without shaking Suitable for a wide range of applications and industries Cons: Requires a transformer for use with 110V voltage Film not included, needs to be purchased separately Limited to film widths up to 45cm (17.7) May require initial adjustments for optimal temperature settings Whether youre packaging fruits, vegetables, desserts, meat, or frozen food, the Hanchen Film Wrapping Machine with Built-in Heating Platefilm wrapper extends the shelf life of your products, ensuring freshness for your customers. With optimized and upgraded four rollers, the machine ensures stable film output without shaking. The hollow design facilitates easy cleaning, while the bottom cooling holes and non-slip feet ensure smooth operation. Suitable for film widths up to 45cm (17.7), this machine is ideal for supermarkets, fruit shops, food factories, hotels, and more. Hanchen Film Wrapping Machine with Built-in Heating Plate Buy on Amazon Semi-automatic Plastic Film Shrink Wrapping Machine The Semi-automatic Plastic Film Shrink Wrapping Machine is designed to provide efficient and secure shrink wrapping for a wide range of products. Its automatic operation mode, adjustable speed, and temperature settings ensure versatility and compatibility with various packaging materials. Features: Heating tunnel for controlled heat application and shrink film conforming Adjustable speed and temperature settings for different products and packaging materials Conveyor belt system for handling various product sizes and shapes Easy-to-use control panel with customizable settings and digital displays Compatibility with different types of shrink films and sleeves Pros: Efficient and secure shrink wrapping for a wide range of products Adjustable settings for flexibility and compatibility Conveyor belt system handles different sizes and shapes Easy-to-use control panel with customizable settings Compatible with various shrink films and sleeves Cons: Cost may vary due to different configurations and shipping addresses Automatic operation mode may require initial setup and training Requires careful handling to ensure proper shrink wrapping The Semi-automatic Plastic Film Shrink Wrapping Machine heating tunnel and controlled heat application create a tight and secure seal, ensuring product integrity during transport and display. The easy-to-use control panel and compatibility with different shrink films and sleeves offer convenience and flexibility. Semi-automatic Plastic Film Shrink Wrapping Machine Buy on Amazon PEC Stretch Wrap Machine, Electric Pallet Wrapper The PEC Stretch Wrap Machine is an efficient and reliable solution for small business owners seeking a semi-automatic packaging process. This electric pallet wrapper is designed to streamline packaging operations with its built-in weighing scales and thermal label printer. The machine saves labor costs and reduces material/film costs compared to hand wrapping. Features: Automatic operation with built-in weighing scales and thermal label printer Labor cost savings and reduced material/film costs compared to hand wrapping Adjustable photo eye and emergency shut-off function for safety Programmable wrapping circles for customized wrap cycles Clear operation interface and user-friendly design Pros: Semi-automatic packaging process with weighing and labeling capabilities Cost-saving with reduced labor and material/film costs Safety features to prevent shipping damages Versatile with programmable wrapping circles User-friendly operation suitable for all employees Cons: Price may vary depending on configurations and shipping costs Initial setup and training required for optimal use Specific power requirements (110V 60Hz) Large footprint with 5 turn table and 9 height The PEC Stretch Wrap Machine, Electric Pallet Wrapper has automatic load height detection and adjustable photo eye ensuring safety and preventing shipping damages caused by poorly wrapped pallets. The programmable wrapping circles allow the customization of wrap cycles for each load, making it versatile for various businesses and industries. With a heavy-duty industrial design and a 5,000lb capacity, it can handle most pallet loads. PEC Stretch Wrap Machine, Electric Pallet Wrapper Buy on Amazon American International Electric I-Bar Shrink Wrap Machine The American International Electric I-Bar Shrink Wrap Machine has an easy to use simple three-step operation and no warm-up requirement, this machine offers convenience and efficiency. It enhances the appearance and value of your products by providing protection against pilfering, dirt, dust, moisture, and handling. The package includes a bar sealer with a 13 length, a timer, a two-speed heat gun and holder, a film rack, a free 500ft. roll of centerfold 75-gauge shrink film, an outlet plug, and a parts kit. Key Features: Professionally shrink wrap packages for just pennies Simple three-step operation and no warm-up required Enhances the appearance and value of your products Sturdy industrial quality construction Includes bar sealer, timer, two-speed heat gun and holder, film rack, free 500ft. roll of centerfold 75-gauge shrink film, outlet plug, and parts kit 13 seal length 250 watts of power Weight: 30 lbs Pros: Cost-effective shrink wrapping solution User-friendly operation with no warm-up time Provides product protection and enhances appearance Durable industrial quality construction Comprehensive package includes essential accessories Cons: Limited seal length of 13 Requires an outlet for operation May not be suitable for large or oversized packages The film roll may require replacement after use The American International Electric I-Bar Shrink Wrap Machine is designed to meet the shrink wrapping needs of small businesses. It offers a cost-effective solution for professionally packaging products with its easy-to-use three-step operation and no warm-up requirement. The package includes a bar sealer with a 13 length, a timer, a two-speed heat gun and holder, a film rack, a free 500ft. roll of centerfold 75-gauge shrink film, an outlet plug, and a parts kit. American International Electric I-Bar Shrink Wrap Machine Buy on Amazon Stainless Steel Stretch Film Wrapping Machine The Stainless Steel Stretch Film Wrapping Machine provides a simple installation and easy-to-use design, this machine is suitable for both countertop use and other applications. The machine features a convenient film cutter that allows for easy film cutting, accommodating stretch films of various widths up to 21.65 inches (55 cm). Key Features: Simple installation and easy-to-use operation Suitable for a wide range of industries and household packaging needs Convenient film cutter for efficient film cutting Premium quality stainless steel structure for durability Accommodates stretch films within 21.65 inches (55 cm) width Pros: Quick and straightforward installation process Versatile and adaptable for different industries and packaging needs Efficient film cutting with the integrated cutter Durable stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance Secure grip and stability with rubber foot covers Cons: Some visible welding marks on the stainless steel bracket It is important to measure the length and inner hole diameter of your stretch film before purchasing Limited to stretch films with a maximum width of 21.65 inches (55 cm) Does not include additional accessories or film rolls The Stainless Steel Stretch Film Wrapping Machine can handle packaging goods in a variety of industries. Its simple installation and user-friendly design provides convenience and ease of use. The machine is particularly suitable for the food industry, production, processing, manufacturing, and household packaging applications. Its durable stainless steel structure ensures longevity, and the convenient film cutter enhances efficiency. Stainless Steel Stretch Film Wrapping Machine Buy on Amazon Sgpkme Hand Wrapping Machine The Sgpkme Hand Wrapping Machine is made from sturdy stainless steel and metal construction to ensure operational durability and stability. The anti-paste heating plate utilizes a sheet metal embossing process to prevent adhesion, making film wrapping smoother and more efficient. Key Features: Anti-paste heating plate for smooth film wrapping Adjustable heating temperature to prevent overheating Suitable for 18-inch/450mm width film roller Sturdy stainless steel and metal construction Widely applicable in factories, shopping malls, and supermarkets Pros: Efficient and convenient operation for high work efficiency Preserves food freshness and taste by preventing water evaporation Suitable for low-temperature display and hygiene maintenance Compact and lightweight design for easy handling and storage Versatile usage in various industries and commercial settings Cons: Manual operation requires manual effort Limited to a film shrink length of 450mm Not suitable for high-volume or automated packaging needs May not be compatible with all types of films or packaging materials The Sgpkme Hand Wrapping Machine has an adjustable heating temperature feature that allows precise control, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance. This machine is designed to hold an 18-inch/450mm width film roller, making it suitable for various hand tray wrapping needs. Widely used in factories, shopping malls, and supermarkets, the Sgpkme Hand Wrapping Machine is a versatile solution for packaging applications. Sgpkme Hand Wrapping Machine Buy on Amazon ZONEPACK Manual Stretch Film Wrapping Machine The ZONEPACK Manual Stretch Film Wrapping Machine is a reliable and versatile tool with a durable painted metal body. Thanks to its mounting holes and non-slip rubber, it can be easily mounted on a wall or on a table. The adjustable fixtures on the film rod accommodate different film lengths, making it suitable for various packaging requirements. Key Features: Rugged and durable painted metal body Adjustable fixtures for different film lengths Mounting holes for wall or countertop use Easy film cutting with the push of a buckle Applicable to a wide range of industries and settings Pros: Lightweight and portable design for easy handling Saves time and improves work efficiency with the built-in film cutter Versatile usage in various industries, including food, electronics, spare parts, and advertising Rust-resistant and durable painted metal body ensures long-lasting performance Can be easily mounted on a wall or used on a table for flexibility Cons: Manual operation requires physical effort Limited to film widths smaller than 500mm Suitable for smaller-scale packaging needs May not be suitable for high-volume or automated packaging requirements Whether you need to package fruit and vegetable trays or handle small items, the ZONEPACK Manual Stretch Film Wrapping Machine offers versatility and convenience. ZONEPACK Manual Stretch Film Wrapping Machine Buy on Amazon Types of Shrink Wrap Machines Manual shrink wrap machines Manual shrink wrap machines are the simplest and most affordable type, making them a good choice for small businesses or operations with low volume requirements. The operator places the product on the machine, manually wraps the shrink film around it, and then applies heat using a handheld heat gun. This type of machine, which typically includes I bar sealers, is perfect for wrapping individual items or small batches. Semi-automatic shrink wrap machines Semi-automatic machines offer a step up in terms of efficiency. They automate some parts of the shrink wrapping process, reducing the need for manual intervention. This type of machine typically includes an automatic film separator and a sealing bar, which cuts and seals the film around the product. The operator then moves the product into the shrink tunnel manually. These machines are ideal for medium-sized operations. Automatic shrink wrap machines Automatic shrink wrap machines are designed for high-volume operations. These machines automate every step of the shrink wrapping process, from the initial film wrapping to the final heat application. Typically, automatic machines include an automatic side seal system and a conveyor system that moves products through the machine with minimal operator intervention. These machines are most commonly seen in larger manufacturing operations where efficiency and speed are paramount. Continuous feed shrink wrap machines Continuous feed shrink wrap machines represent the pinnacle of efficiency in shrink wrap technology. These industrial shrink wrap machines can package a constant stream of products without interruption. The machine seamlessly moves products from the infeed conveyor to the film wrapping stage, through the shrink tunnel, and finally to the discharge conveyor. Its an ideal solution for businesses that need high-speed, continuous packaging. Comparison of different types of shrink wrap machines When comparing different types of shrink wrap machines, several factors come into play. Manual machines are economical and easy to operate but are less efficient for large volumes. Semi-automatic machines offer greater efficiency but still require some manual intervention. Automatic machines provide higher efficiency and consistency, albeit at a higher cost, while continuous feed machines are the go-to for large-scale, high-speed operations. Key Components of a Shrink Wrap Machine The sealing component The sealing component of a shrink wrap machine, typically an I bar sealer or L bar sealer, is a critical part of the shrink wrap process. It cuts and seals the shrink film, creating a loose bag around the product. The seals quality directly impacts the final products appearance and integrity. The shrink tunnel The shrink tunnel is where the magic happens. The shrink tunnel applies heat after the product is loosely wrapped in shrink film. This causes the film to contract, tightly conforming to the products shape. Shrink tunnels come in various sizes and configurations, suitable for a wide range of products. The conveyor system The conveyor system transports the product through the different stages of the shrink wrap process. It moves the product from the film wrapping stage, through the shrink tunnel, and finally to the discharge area. The conveyor systems speed and efficiency can greatly impact a shrink wrap machines overall speed and productivity. Proper maintenance of the conveyor system is vital to ensuring smooth operations. The control panel The control panel serves as the brain of the shrink wrap machine. It allows operators to adjust various settings such as temperature and conveyor speed, enabling customization of the shrink wrap process based on the specific product and shrink film used. Modern control panels often feature digital interfaces for ease of use and precise control. Maintenance and replacement of these components Regular maintenance and timely replacement of key components can significantly extend the lifespan of a shrink wrap machine. This includes cleaning and inspecting the sealing component, monitoring the temperature in the shrink tunnel, and ensuring the smooth operation of the conveyor system. Businesses can prevent unexpected downtime and costly repairs by investing in regular maintenance. Choosing the Right Shrink Wrap Machine Determining your needs and volume of production The first step in choosing the right shrink wrap machine is understanding your specific needs. This includes assessing the volume of products you need to package, the size and shape of your products, and your available budget. For small businesses or startups, a manual machine may be sufficient. An automatic or continuous feed machine may be more appropriate for more extensive operations. Considering the size and type of products to be wrapped Different products require different types of shrink wrap machines. The size, shape, and weight of the product, as well as the type of shrink film used, all play a role in determining the best machine for the job. For example, heavier products may require a machine with a robust conveyor system and a larger shrink tunnel. Budget and cost-effectiveness Budget is an important factor when choosing a shrink wrap machine. While higher-end machines come with a higher upfront cost, they may offer greater efficiency and lower operating costs in the long run. Its important to consider both the initial cost of the machine and the ongoing costs of shrink film, maintenance, and energy consumption. Brand reputation and reviews Brand reputation and reviews can provide valuable insights when choosing a shrink wrap machine. Brands with a history of quality and reliability may be a safer bet. Reviews from other users can give you a glimpse into a machines real-world performance and reliability. Service and support After-sales service and support is an important considerations when investing in a shrink wrap machine. A machine is a significant investment, and having access to timely service and support can help ensure that your machine remains operational and productive for years to come. Troubleshooting Common Shrink Wrap Machine Issues Incomplete seals or weak seals Incomplete or weak seals can lead to poorly wrapped products. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including incorrect heat settings, a worn-out sealing bar, or poor-quality shrink film. Regular inspection and maintenance of the sealing component can help prevent this issue. Irregular shrinkage Irregular shrinkage can result in a wrinkled or distorted package. This is often due to improper heat settings in the shrink tunnel. By adjusting the temperature and conveyor speed, operators can achieve a smooth, even shrink. Overheating issues Overheating can cause shrink film to burn or become discolored. This is usually a sign that the temperature in the shrink tunnel is set too high. Regular monitoring of the tunnel temperature can help prevent overheating. Conveyor malfunctions Conveyor malfunctions can cause disruptions in the shrink wrap process. This could be due to issues with the conveyor belt or motor. Regular conveyor system maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, can help prevent these issues. Film loading and feeding issues Problems with film loading and feeding can cause the shrink wrap process to stall or result in uneven wrapping. This could be due to issues with the film rack or separator. Understanding how to load and feed the shrink film into the machine properly can help prevent these issues. FAQs How does a shrink wrap machine work? A shrink wrap machine works by enveloping a product in shrink film, sealing the film, and then applying heat. The heat causes the film to contract and form a tight, protective layer around the product. What is shrink film made of? Shrink film is typically made from a type of plastic known as polyolefin. Some shrink films are made from PVC. There are also biodegradable and recyclable options available. What is a shrink tunnel? A shrink tunnel is a heated chamber within a shrink wrap machine. After a product is wrapped in shrink film and sealed, its sent through the shrink tunnel. The heat inside the tunnel causes the film to shrink and tightly conform to the product. What is the difference between an I bar sealer and an L bar sealer? An I bar sealer uses a single bar to cut and seal the shrink film, which means the operator needs to make two passes to seal all sides of the product. An L bar sealer, on the other hand, uses two bars arranged in an L shape, allowing it to cut and seal all sides of the product in one pass. Can I use a shrink wrap machine for temperature sensitive products? Yes, you can use a shrink wrap machine for temperature sensitive products. Some machines come with adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to lower the heat for sensitive products. There are also special types of shrink film, such as low-temperature films, designed specifically for temperature sensitive products. How do I choose the right shrink wrap machine for my business? Choosing the right shrink wrap machine depends on several factors, including the volume and size of the products you need to wrap, your budget, and the type of shrink film you plan to use. Its also important to consider the reputation of the machines manufacturer and the availability of after-sales service and support. How can I maintain my shrink wrap machine? Regular maintenance for a shrink wrap machine includes inspecting and cleaning the sealing component, monitoring and adjusting the heat in the shrink tunnel, and ensuring the smooth operation of the conveyor system. Its also recommended to regularly check the condition of the shrink film and replace it as necessary. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230609/saudi-customs-say-seize-over-450000-captagon-tablets-in-countrys-northwest-1111038388.html Saudi Customs Seize Over 450,000 Captagon Tablets in Countrys Northwest Saudi Customs Seize Over 450,000 Captagon Tablets in Countrys Northwest Customs officers in the northwestern Saudi Arabian town of Al Hadithah prevented two attempts to smuggle more than 450,000 captagon tablets in trucks, the Saudi Arabian Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said on Friday. 2023-06-09T23:36+0000 2023-06-09T23:36+0000 2023-06-09T23:36+0000 world captagon saudi arabia drug smuggling /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/09/1111038231_0:160:3076:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_7b9725928ec46a71e960af86537f149d.jpg "Customs of Al Hadithah prevented two attempts to smuggle more than 450,000 captagon tablets, which were found in trucks that arrived in the kingdom," the agency said on Twitter. The statement noted that in addition to the smugglers, two people in Saudi Arabia, who were the recipients of the captagon, were also detained. In April, the Saudi Arabian General Directorate of Narcotics Control prevented an attempt to smuggle more than 12 million amphetamine pills in boxes with pomegranates. In 2021, Saudi Arabia said that it was going to ban the import of Lebanese fruits and vegetables since most of the drugs come to the country from Lebanon and Syria. https://sputnikglobe.com/20190805/uae-customs-seize-batch-of-274000-pills-of-jihadist-drug-captagon---reports-1076463153.html saudi arabia 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 saudi arabia, al hadithah, saudi arabian zakat, tax and customs authority, captagon tablets https://sputnikglobe.com/20230609/trump-indictment-risks-appearance-of-miscarriage-of-justice---us-house-judiciary-chair-1111037408.html Trump Indictment Risks Appearance of Miscarriage of Justice - US House Judiciary Chair Trump Indictment Risks Appearance of Miscarriage of Justice - US House Judiciary Chair The Justice Departments indictment of former US President Donald Trump over the alleged mishandling of classified documents risks appearing as a miscarriage of justice amid concerns about the motivations behind the probe. 2023-06-09T22:54+0000 2023-06-09T22:54+0000 2023-06-09T22:53+0000 americas donald trump washington justice department fbi republican merrick garland mar-a-lago donald trump's indictment /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/1d/1100130908_0:1:3073:1729_1920x0_80_0_0_d10cf2574f10051422a42101dc70674d.jpg "The indictment creates, at the minimum, a serious appearance of a double standard and a miscarriage of justice an impression that is only strengthened by allegations that a Biden Justice Department lawyer inappropriately sought to pressure a Trump-affiliated lawyer with the prospect of a judgeship," Jordan said in a letter to US Attorney General Merrick Garland. Earlier this week, Stanley Woodword, a lawyer representing Nauta, alleged that Justice Department counterintelligence chief Jay Bratt sought to inappropriately pressure him to convince Nauta to cooperate with prosecutors by bringing up his application for a judgeship. Moreover, the Judiciary Committee conducted an interview on Wednesday with former Assistant Director in Charge of the FBIs Washington Field Office, Steven DAntuono, the letter said. DAntuono expressed concerns about the Justice Departments pursuit of a raid on Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence, during which sensitive materials were purportedly recovered. In particular, DAntuono raised concerns about the FBI assigning the Mar-a-Lago raid to the Washington Field Office instead of the Miami Field Office, which is closer to the residence, the letter said. DAntuono also testified that it was "unusual" for the FBI not to have assigned a US Attorney to investigate the matter, given the significance of the case. The FBI also sought to exclude Trumps attorneys from the raid by refusing to wait for their presence prior to execution of the search, DAntuono said. The letter requests Garland provide all documents and communications related to meetings between the FBI and Justice Department prior to execution of the Mar-a-Lago raid, as well as materials related to collaboration between the Washington Field Office and the US Secret Service about the raid. The letter requests the information no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on June 16. The case against Trump has received criticism from both the former president and Republican officials, who have characterized it as a weaponization of the US justice system. Trump currently leads the pack of Republican presidential candidates running in the 2024 race. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230609/us-special-counsel-jack-smith-vows-to-seek-speedy-trial-in-trump-classified-docs-case-1111035923.html americas washington mar-a-lago 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 house judiciary committee chairman jim jordan, us justice department, mar-a-lago indictment, classified documents https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/about-10000-people-evacuated-in-philippines-due-to-threat-of-volcano-eruption---reports-1111040915.html About 10,000 People Evacuated in Philippines Due to Threat of Volcano Eruption - Reports About 10,000 People Evacuated in Philippines Due to Threat of Volcano Eruption - Reports Authorities in the province of Albay on the Philippine island of Luzon began evacuating 10,000 people on Friday due to the threat of an eruption of the Mayon volcano 2023-06-10T05:03+0000 2023-06-10T05:03+0000 2023-06-10T05:03+0000 world philippines volcano volcano eruption /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106098/32/1060983298_0:302:4541:2856_1920x0_80_0_0_20b718d5cc6ab2b84d081d2dd434104c.jpg The authorities launched the evacuation of 2,400 families, or 10,000 people, living in the four-kilometer zone of "permanent danger" of the Mayon volcano, a local broadcaster reported, citing officials. On Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the volcanic eruption threat to Level 3, the report noted, adding that in the case of Level 4, the provincial authorities will evacuate another 16,000 people from the 8-kilometer zone. Mayon volcano last erupted in 2018. philippines 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 mayon volcano, philippine volcano, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/annecy-knifeman-charged-with-attempted-murder-1111050000.html Annecy Knifeman Charged With Attempted Murder Annecy Knifeman Charged With Attempted Murder The man who attacked children near Lake Annecy in France earlier this week is in custody and charged with attempted murder and armed resistance to authorities, Annecy public prosecutor Line-Bonnet Mathis said on Saturday. 2023-06-10T17:01+0000 2023-06-10T17:01+0000 2023-06-10T17:01+0000 world sputnik france stabbing stabbing attack knife /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0a/1111049843_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_399dbde9bde80fc1545eb13fb032f483.jpg Mathis said that the six victims of the attack - four young children and two adults - were out of any danger.The assailant was found in possession of a folding knife, which he used in the attack, two Christian icons, a cross and a Swedish driver's license.The attack took place Thursday morning in a park near Lake Annecy in the department of Haute-Savoie. The attacker was identified as a Syrian born in 1991. He requested political asylum in France in November 2022, but the request was rejected four days prior to the attack on the grounds that he had already been granted refugee status in Sweden.According to media reports, the attacker had lived in Sweden for more than 10 years, was married, and had a three-year-old child. He has been seeking asylum in France, Italy and Switzerland in the past few years.The mayor's office in Annecy organized an event on Sunday in support of the victims of the attack and their loved ones, according to its website. Local residents bring flowers, candles and toys to the site of the attack in the park, according to a video report on French TV. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/at-least-4-children-2-adults-injured-in-knife-attack-in-eastern-france---reports-1111007236.html france Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International annecy knifeman, annecy attack, annecy stabbing, annecy migrant, french migrant stabbing, knife attacks in france https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/indictment-reveals-trump-kept-classified-docs-inside-storage-room-bathroom--ballroom-1111039840.html Indictment Reveals Trump Kept Classified Docs Inside Storage Room, Bathroom & Ballroom Indictment Reveals Trump Kept Classified Docs Inside Storage Room, Bathroom & Ballroom Investigators found that former President Donald Trump kept US classified documents in his bedroom, a bathroom and shower, a storage room, a ballroom, and office at his Mar-a-Lago residency in Florida. 2023-06-10T04:03+0000 2023-06-10T04:03+0000 2023-06-10T04:03+0000 americas donald trump's indictment donald trump justice department mar-a-lago florida classified documents /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/16/1108676833_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_cb0ec4d6717c112578868213aa7e3a3e.jpg A federal court unsealed the indictment against Trump showing he faces 37 counts in connection to his alleged mishandling of classified documents, including 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information. The boxes in the Lake room were eventually moved to the storage room, which had more than 80 boxes when authorities searched the residency, according to the indictment. The indictment states that Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residency had 17 documents labeled top secret, 54 documents labeled secret, and 3 documents labeled confidential. The indictment said the documents in the boxes included information about defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries; US nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack. An unauthorized disclosure of these documents could put at risk US national security, foreign relations, and US intelligence gathering methods, the indictment states. Several of Trump's charges carry sentences of 20 years in prison, according to the indictment. Trump is set to appear at a federal courthouse in Miami on Tuesday for proceedings. He denies the allegations of misconduct and has criticized the Justice Department for not looking into President Joe Bidens alleged mishandling of sensitive materials with the same rigor. Trump leads the pack of Republican Party presidential candidates for the 2024 election, prompting criticism of the case even among fellow primary contenders. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/what-are-the-charges-filed-against-trump-1111039113.html americas mar-a-lago 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 donald trump, indictment, mar-a-lago, classified documents, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/italian-special-forces-prevent-pirates-from-hijacking-turkish-cargo-ship-1111043612.html Italian Special Forces Prevent 'Pirates' From Hijacking Turkish Cargo Ship Italian Special Forces Prevent 'Pirates' From Hijacking Turkish Cargo Ship A Turkish-flagged bulkers crew had tracked the presence of other people aboard through security cameras, which showed the stowaways wandering around the vessel and carrying what looked like sharp objects. 2023-06-10T08:41+0000 2023-06-10T08:41+0000 2023-06-10T08:43+0000 world italy turkiye france cargo ship migrants special forces crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0a/1111042850_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_3ba98b1ee7e749c4941a18db87edb5ac.jpg A seven-hour military operation that was conducted by Italian special forces to tackle suspected hijackers on board a cargo ship sailing from Turkiye to France is over, the Defense Minister of Italy stated on Saturday.Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, for his part, told reporters that the San Marco special forces battalion had to intervene after the 15 attackers, who allegedly earlier sneaked into the vessel undetected, were seen using "what seem to be weapons like daggers" to threaten the crew.This came after an Italian news agency reported that once onboard, the stowaways were discovered by the crew using security cameras and that they then tried to take some of the sailors hostage inside the bridge using knives.The captain of the bulker managed to send an urgent request to Ankara, which in turn reported the incident to Rome as the ship was navigating off the Italian coast.After the Galata Seaways was recaptured, the cargo ship was escorted towards Naples and anchored outside the port, amid a heavy police presence.So far this year, over 98% of the asylum seekers have arrived by sea; the remaining 2% arrived by land. An estimated 522 migrants have died or gone missing en route, according to the UNHCR.Between 2015 and 2016, the arrival of more than one million refugees on Europes shores resulted in a massive migration crisis. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221124/how-europe-created-its-latest-refugee-crisis-1104664158.html italy turkiye france 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 turkish-flagged cargo ship, alleged illegal migrants, italian special forces, italy's special operation on board turkish cargo ship https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/poland-may-have-been-used-as-operating-base-for-nord-stream-sabotage---report-1111041736.html Poland May Have Been Used as Operating Base for Nord Stream Sabotage - Report Poland May Have Been Used as Operating Base for Nord Stream Sabotage - Report Germanys Federal Criminal Police Office is investigating evidence that suggests Poland was used as an operating base to organize blasts at the Nord Stream gas pipelines 2023-06-10T05:23+0000 2023-06-10T05:23+0000 2023-06-10T05:36+0000 nord stream sabotage germany poland the wall street journal nord stream /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/1c/1101300397_0:94:1800:1107_1920x0_80_0_0_c57b09b7699abd78e61ecd94a183ef53.jpg In early March, German magazine Der Spiegel disclosed details regarding the yacht allegedly linked to the sabotage on the Nord Stream pipelines. A Bavaria Cruiser 50 sailing yacht named Andromeda was rented by unknown people, with the e-mail used to rent it hinting at connections to Ukraine, the report said.Investigators are trying to figure out why the yacht that was used to blow up gas pipelines entered Polish waters, the report said. The investigation also showed that Poland could be the center of logistics and financing of the sabotage attack, the newspaper added. German investigators reconstructed Andromeda's entire two-week voyage and found that she deviated from her route in order to enter Polish waters, the report read. The previously unreported findings were combined with data from the Andromeda's radio and navigation equipment, as well as satellite and mobile phones and Gmail accounts used by the culprits, and DNA samples left on board, the report noted, adding that Germany tried to match the found DNA samples to at least one Ukrainian soldier. At the same time, Poland, which is conducting its own investigation, has been trying for months to find out what Berlin is investigating, the newspaper reported.A senior Polish national security official told the news outlet the country's authorities were not involved in the attacks, however, cannot exclude the participation of some private Polish entity in the operation.Other polish officials said that they doubted the Andromeda was involved in the destruction of the pipelines, according to the report.The Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines - built to deliver gas under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany - were hit by explosions last September. The incident is considered to have been a deliberate attack on Europe's energy infrastructure and remains under investigation by Denmark, Germany and Sweden, as well as separately by Russia, since the European nations have refused to share any of their findings.Moscow noted that the US and Britain are behind the incident, since London and Washington were among the staunchest opponents of the project, calling the pipeline "a threat" to Europe. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230504/laughable-claims-by-west-that-kremlin-attacked-itself-similar-to-nord-stream-fallacies-1110075197.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230418/us-tries-to-control-energy-and-info-flow-with-nord-stream-bombing-cover-up-1109621776.html germany poland 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 nord stream attack, who blew up nord stream, who destroyed nord stream, nord stream sabotage https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/second-mp-resigns-after-boris-johnson-steps-down-from-parliament-over-partygate-scandal-1111051180.html Second MP Resigns After Boris Johnson Steps Down From Parliament Over Partygate Scandal Second MP Resigns After Boris Johnson Steps Down From Parliament Over Partygate Scandal Nigel Adams, described by the media as an associate of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, announced on Saturday that he was stepping down as a member of Parliament from the Conservative Party. 2023-06-10T19:58+0000 2023-06-10T19:58+0000 2023-06-10T20:03+0000 world boris johnson united kingdom (uk) parliament metropolitan police prince philip resignation uk parliament /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106549/85/1065498526_0:13:2428:1379_1920x0_80_0_0_0105edde3a5842182bdfb11be7718af9.jpg "Yesterday, Selby Conservatives selected an excellent new parliamentary candidate. Ive today informed the chief whip that I will be standing down as a Member of Parliament with immediate effect. It has been an honour to represent the area where I was raised, educated & I want to thank my constituents for their wonderful support since 2010," Adams tweeted. UK media reported on Friday that Johnson was resigning from Parliament after he received a copy of an internal report tied to the partygate scandal. That same day, former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries, who is a strong supporter of Johnson, also announced her resignation from Parliament. Johnson was earlier forced to resign as the UK prime minister last July after a series of leaks showed that several social gatherings had been held at his offices during the COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing mandate. The situation was aggravated by the reports that two more parties were held in April 2021, right before Prince Philip's funeral, when the UK still maintained COVID-19 restrictions and was in national mourning. Johnson later apologized and said he had paid the fine issued by the Metropolitan Police. In March, Johnson admitted he had misled the parliament on the matter of parties held at his residence at 10 Downing Street during the nationwide lockdown, however argued he did it "in good faith." https://sputnikglobe.com/20230609/uks-boris-johnson-steps-down-as-mp-over-partygate-scandal-1111035316.html united kingdom (uk) 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 nigel adams, boris johnson, uk parliament, resignation, partygate scandal https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/six-crew-members-injured-in-stunt-accident-on-set-of-gladiator-sequel---producers-1111051879.html Six Crew Members Injured in Stunt Accident on Set of 'Gladiator' Sequel - Producers Six Crew Members Injured in Stunt Accident on Set of 'Gladiator' Sequel - Producers Six crew members were injured in an accident during a planned stunt sequence on the set of the sequel to the 2000 epic historical drama "Gladiator" in Morocco earlier this week, the production studio behind the film has said. 2023-06-10T22:10+0000 2023-06-10T22:10+0000 2023-06-10T22:10+0000 beyond politics film studio morocco paramount pictures variety injuries /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0a/1111052112_0:11:3001:1699_1920x0_80_0_0_a58546fd9268480d509735e5c07fc7b2.jpg "While filming a planned stunt sequence on the set of the 'Gladiator' sequel, an accident occurred during which several crew members experienced non-life-threatening injuries," a spokesperson for Paramount Pictures was quoted by US media as saying.A total of six people received treatment for burn injuries, the report said, citing an individual with knowledge of the production. Four crew members remain in the hospital, while two others were treated locally and discharged. The incident occurred towards the end of the shooting day on June 7 and none of the cast members suffered any injuries. A US tabloid cited a source as saying that the crew members were injured in an explosion on the set. Although the cause of the blast is still unclear, onlookers speculated that a gas pipe rupture could have been the problem. "Gladiator" won five awards at the 73rd Academy Awards ceremony, including Best Picture. morocco 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 film set, gladiator sequel, morocco, stunt, injuries, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/the-talibans-ban-works-opium-production-collapses-in-afghanistan-1111020122.html The Talibans Ban Works: Opium Production Collapses in Afghanistan The Talibans Ban Works: Opium Production Collapses in Afghanistan Poppy cultivation, the plant that is used to make opium, is down 99% in Afghanistan following a ban from the Taliban 2023-06-10T03:18+0000 2023-06-10T03:18+0000 2023-06-10T03:18+0000 world mullah haibatullah afghanistan helmand badakhshan taliban the united nations (un) opium opium poppy poppy /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103181/96/1031819679_0:185:3834:2342_1920x0_80_0_0_545d3dfc85783e5530d8b31a32001977.jpg Poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has decreased dramatically after a ban on poppy production was instituted in April 2022, new findings by the research group Alcis have revealed.The production of poppy, the plant opium is harvested from and which serves as a precursor to other opiates like heroin, saw a steep decline in the Helmand province, previously the largest producer in Afghanistan from more than 120,000 hectares (nearly 300,000 acres) in 2022 to less than 1,000 hectares in 2023. Nationwide, Alcis, which cited high-resolution satellite imagery and other research, says poppy production has fallen by 99%.The reduction in Helmand alone far exceeds any attempt to curb opium production by the former Afghan Republic or occupying US forces, even when considering the entire country. The majority of the land previously dedicated to poppy production is now focused on growing wheat.Opium prices have increased accordingly. By November 2022, opium in Afghanistan increased to $360 per kilogram in the south and southwest of the country and $475 per kilogram in the eastern part of the country. That is a 500% to 691% increase from its $60 price in 2020 before the Taliban returned to power.That increase is similar to the price increase following the 2000/01 ban, which saw opium prices increase from $30 in 2000 to a record high of $700 in 2001. By 2008, it had decreased to $92.Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah imposed a ban on drugs in April 2022, an announcement that was met with much skepticism by the West and media outlets. Those skeptics received a significant boost when the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issued its annual Afghanistan Poppy Production Report that year, stating that production had increased 32%.2021 was a down year for poppy production in Afghanistan, seemingly due to weather, but the roughly 10% drop from 2020 could only partially explain the 2022 increase. This led many to doubt that Haibatullah was serious about enforcing the ban.That skepticism was increased when the Taliban released videos showing tractors destroying small, newly planted poppy fields, while chest-high nearly harvestable poppies remained untouched in the background.But the UNODC report and skeptics did not take into account the cultivation cycle of poppy production. The crops harvested in the first half of 2022 were planted 12 months before the UNODC report and five months before the drug ban.The Taliban ultimately decided against destroying those crops as it would have left farmers, who had invested significant effort and money into cultivating them, destitute without it, which may have caused mass unrest in the country.Instead, they focused on the second and third plantings of that year, which tend to have much smaller harvests and would affect the bottom line of farmers far less. But the action largely served as a sign to farmers that the Taliban would destroy more crops the next season.The Taliban also used the early stages of the ban to focus on the destruction of a growing methamphetamine market, with great success. There was also the issue of getting other factions of the government on board and rural farmers. Afghanistan is a very rural country and whatever government controls it, including the Taliban, has limited reach in many areas.That effort may have only been partially accomplished by Haibatullah, because opium production has continued and even increased in some areas, like Badakhshan, reflecting what happened after the 2000/01 ban. Then, as now, the increase in Badakhshan is not nearly enough to make up the difference.Despite the dramatic decrease in production, Alcis says it does not seem that Europe and other countries are experiencing an opiate shortage, judging by the amount seized by Afghanistans neighbors. This suggests poppy farmers have significant stockpiles, and since the Taliban has not yet banned the trade of already harvested poppy, it's likely some farmers are making a significant windfall from the increased prices.During the 2000/01 ban, it took 18 months for the UK to see a significant decrease in heroin purity. Some have speculated that the ban would result in an increase in synthetic opiates, like fentanyl, however, that has not manifested. The report adds that if the Taliban extends the ban another season, or if they ban the sale of harvested poppy, an opiate shortage may occur.The ban may also have a negative economic effect on the Afghan population. While large landowners, who were able to save their stockpiles until prices rose and likely saw a benefit because of that, the farm helpers, who are hired to weed and harvest the crop and are typically paid with part of the harvest, likely would have to sell it immediately. Many poor Afghans make a third or more of their income sharecropping on opium farms.Smaller farms, particularly in the northern provinces are also likely to suffer since it is unlikely they may grow enough wheat to feed their families, or enough cash crops like cotton and melons, to make up for the lost income.Exacerbating the issue is undoubtedly the economic crisis that has hit the country, brought on at least in part by UN sanctions and the US freezing of $7 billion of Afghanistans assets, though half of that has been put into a fund by the US and Swiss governments to be selectively doled out.Alcis notes this may lead to an increase in Afghan migration, which remains relatively cheap. It costs roughly $2,000 to be ferried by land to Turkey, and for a little more they can get further, including Europe. Indeed, were a protracted ban in place, European nations might face a choice between Afghan drugs or Afghan migrants, the study concludes.*The Taliban is under UN sanctions for terrorism* Terrorists affiliated with Daesh (ISIS/ISIL), outlawed in Russia and many other countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230505/us-created-toxic-cancerous-new-police--security-forces-in-afghanistan---former-envoy-1110131532.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230120/russian-presidents-envoy-for-afghanistan-says-there-is-evidence-us-secretly-sponsoring-daesh-1106520915.html afghanistan helmand badakhshan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino 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 Ian DeMartino opium production, afghanistan, poppy, consequences of the afghan war, us occupation of afghanistan, drug war https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/togliatti-odessa-ammonia-pipeline-unlikely-to-launch-soon-after-ukrainian-attack--moscow-1111048583.html Togliatti-Odessa Ammonia Pipeline Unlikely to Launch Soon After Ukrainian Attack Togliatti-Odessa Ammonia Pipeline Unlikely to Launch Soon After Ukrainian Attack The relaunch of the Tolyatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline and the subsequent export of ammonia to Ukrainian ports should not be expected anytime soon due to the damage inflicted upon the facility by Ukraine's attack in contempt of all UN-led efforts, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said on Saturday. 2023-06-10T14:02+0000 2023-06-10T14:02+0000 2023-06-19T12:48+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine terrorist attack ukrainian crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/07/1110981401_56:0:1372:740_1920x0_80_0_0_91bde3f56a43ec6b40842c262e26f3c0.png On Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that a Ukrainian sabotage group had blown up the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline in the Kharkov Region, adding that there are casualties among the civilian population. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that the explosion will complicate the extension of the grain deal. The diplomat called the attack yet another example of Kiev's "unreasonable, irrational and criminal" policies. UN representatives could not explain what prompted Kiev to carry out the attack, he added. Additionally, the official said that exports of ammonia were crucially important for Africa, Asia and South America, adding that the international community should not ignore the incident. On Friday, Geneva hosted a new round of talks between Russia, represented by Vershinin, and the UN, represented by Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, on the memorandum on Russian agricultural exports within the UN-brokered grain deal. In mid-May, the grain deal was extended until July 17 without any changes. The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned that Moscow would block the deal's extension if its concerns about the implementation of clauses concerning Russian agricultural exports are not addressed, including the relaunch of the Tolyatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline. The grain deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkiye in July 2022 to facilitate the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea during hostilities. The package agreement also included a memorandum of understanding between Russia and the United Nations to unblock Russian grain and fertilizer exports via the Black Sea. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230606/kiev-planned-to-use-dirty-bomb-for-terrorist-attack-on-russia---fsb-1110939864.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230604/kiev-hoped-for-natos-direct-entry-into-ukraine-conflict-when-staging-shebekino-terror-attack-1110901190.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, ukrainian war crimes, ukrainian terrorism https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/trumps-second-indictment-shows-democrats-are-uninterested-in-fair-2024-election-1111038061.html Trump's Second Indictment Shows Democrats Uninterested in 'Fair' 2024 Election Trump's Second Indictment Shows Democrats Uninterested in 'Fair' 2024 Election The indictment filed against Trump shows how much Democrats are uninterested in holding a "fair election" ahead of the 2024 cycle, Ethan Ralph, a conservative political commentator and host of the Killstream, told Sputnik. 2023-06-10T01:13+0000 2023-06-10T01:13+0000 2023-06-10T06:44+0000 analysis donald trump's indictment joe biden mike pence republican party democrats durham donald trump /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/09/1111037586_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_4ac978ad24343c5fc2df1998af391861.jpg The latest indictment filed against former US President Donald Trump highlights how much Democrats are uninterested in holding a "fair election" ahead of the 2024 presidential cycle, Ethan Ralph, a conservative political commentator and host of the Killstream, told Sputnik.Ralph noted that "Democrats don't seem to be interested in a fair election.""The increase in lawsuits, indictments, and other legal assaults on Trump is directly related to the viability of his 2024 candidacy," the commentator said. "The Democrats themselves do not seem to think that they can beat Trump in a fair fight. Just look at their actions."Asked whether the indictment had the potential of affecting the former president's chances at returning to the Oval Office, Ralph admitted it was not likely Trump would wind up behind bars before the election kicked off.Not long after records were retrieved from Mar-a-Lago, classified documents began to turn up in the possession former US Vice President Mike Pence and US President Joe Biden. In Biden's case, several documents had been found at his Delaware home and office, as well as the Penn Biden Center in Washington, DC. However, unlike steps taken at Trump's Florida residence, both the Biden and Pence cases did not involve a full blown raid and they haven't received the same treatment in the media.Ralph pointed out that "it's particularly egregious" in how American media treated the cases - specifically that involving Biden. He noting that if outlets are going to cover the topic, it's best to "have an equal playing field for Trump and non-Trump alike."In the hours since Trump first revealed via a Truth Social post that he had been indicted, multiple political figures have come forward to condemn what they see as the weaponization of the US justice system against the former commander-in-chief.Among the critics are Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who said late Thursday that it was "unconscionable" that Biden indicted "the leading candidate opposing him" in the 2024 election.While the Biden White House has claimed it only found out about the indictment through the media, Ralph stated that the weaponization of federal law enforcement by Democrats is unlikely to ease up."The useless US media certainly won't do anything other than cheerlead the moves," he concluded, pointing out that the "trend is towards repression by the West." https://sputnikglobe.com/20230609/mar-a-lago-indictment-designed-to-make-trump-reelection-impossible-1111015907.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230609/biden-weaponizes-justice-system-against-political-rival-trump-1111034128.html durham 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 donald trump, indictment, 2024 presidential election, fair election, ethan ralph, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/ukraine-to-receive-action-plan-on-nato-membership-at-vilnius-summit-1111042475.html Ukraine to Receive Action Plan on NATO Membership at Vilnius Summit Ukraine to Receive Action Plan on NATO Membership at Vilnius Summit Ukraine will receive an action plan on achieving NATO membership at the upcoming Vilnius summit of the alliance, and the country will manage to join the bloc within two years after the end of the current conflict, Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Saturday, citing Deputy Defense Ministry Volodymyr Gavrilov. 2023-06-10T06:40+0000 2023-06-10T06:40+0000 2023-06-19T12:48+0000 world russia-nato showdown nato expansion nato ukrainian crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102382/41/1023824101_0:393:5498:3486_1920x0_80_0_0_714672b2211e356655674ddc10a10a0a.jpg Gavrilov also said that despite the consensus decision-making and the veto power of NATO members, there will be no "great problems" for Ukraines accession, adding that the country "will get what it wants in a certain format." In May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was clear that Ukraine would not join NATO until the conflict was over, but the country hoped to receive an invitation from its Western allies to join the alliance as soon as possible. Last month, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Ukraine would eventually join the bloc as all NATO members supported its ambitions. However, the idea was rejected by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. In September 2022, Zelensky announced that Ukraine would apply for accelerated NATO membership. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow was closely monitoring the situation, recalling that Kiev's orientation toward the alliance was one of the reasons for the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine last year. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230520/pledge-of-nato-membership-for-kiev-would-confirm-russias-warnings-about-blocs-aggressive-posture-1110490624.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230417/russo-chinese-military-cooperation-to-ensure-world-peace-1109597106.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-nato showdown, ukrainian crisis, ukraine nato bid, special military operation, nato expansion Hours after officials confirmed his death, reports surfaced detailing that the cause of death may have been suicide; however, authorities have not yet spoken to the manner in which Kaczynski died. It remains unclear as to when autopsy results may be made public. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/weekly-news-wrap-up-trump-faces-indictment-cornel-west-announces-3rd-party-candidacy-1111037935.html Weekly News Wrap Up; Trump Faces Indictment; Cornel West Announces 3rd Party Candidacy Weekly News Wrap Up; Trump Faces Indictment; Cornel West Announces 3rd Party Candidacy The 2024 presidential race is heating up as Professor Cornel West declares his intention to run for president and Donald Trump faces new charges. 2023-06-10T04:04+0000 2023-06-10T04:04+0000 2023-06-10T11:42+0000 the critical hour radio cornel west donald trump tucker carlson julian assange burisma saudi arabia sudan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/09/1111037778_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_a8ec669c37b51871e03d28f80bf3934d.png Weekly News Wrap up; Trump faces indictment; Cornel West Announces 3rd Party Candidacy The 2024 presidential race is heating up as Professor Cornel West declares his intention to run for president and Donald Trump faces new charges. Caleb Maupin, journalist, and political analyst, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. Former president Donald Trump is indicted. Also, Saudi Arabia and Sudan have announced a ceasefire.Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor of Economics and Politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. Democrats push for debt ceiling overhaul. Also, the world economy is changing and most average people get it but their leaders do not.John Burris, civil rights attorney, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. Former president Donald Trump is indicted. Also, a Florida woman has been arrested in the fatal shooting of her black neighbor.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 news stories. The FBI attacks the Black liberation movement. Also, Cuba must defeat the blockade without waiting for it to be lifted, and African nations are coming together to push back against imperialism in the new Cold War.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 news stories. Former President Donald Trump is facing a new set of charges. Also, Cornel West has announced his run for the presidency, and Tucker Carlson's Twitter video garners over 100 million views.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. saudi arabia sudan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg the critical hour, saudi arabia, sudan, black liberation movement, donald trump, 2024 election, tucker carlson Each state in our nation has the opportunity to honor two great Americans hailing from their state with statues in the U.S. Capitol. When I was Governor, I had the privilege of signing legislation to change Nebraskas statues and honor two tremendous Nebraskans: Chief Standing Bear and Willa Cather. This week as U.S. Senator, I am humbled to see that process come to fruition as we welcome the arrival of Willa Cathers statue on June 7th. Cathers family moved to Nebraska at the age of nine, where she spent her formative years in Red Cloud. Upon reflecting on the impact of her familys move to Nebraska, Cather said, By the end of the first autumn the shaggy grass country had gripped me with a passion that I have never been able to shake. It has been the happiness and curse of my life. In 1890, after graduating high school at age 16, Cather enrolled at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Originally planning to study science and medicine at UNL, Cathers ambitions quickly changed after seeing her first essay published. Later in her life, she described that as the launching pad of her success. Her classmates remember her as an intelligent, outspoken, opinionated, and talented person. Those characteristics led her to Pittsburgh to be the managing editor of a womens magazine. While away from her home state, she honed her creative talents, writing and publishing a collection of short stories. Cather had a career in the magazine industry for almost two decades, as she continued to develop her craft. She took the leap of faith to embark on a full-time writing career just months before her 38th birthday. In 1912, Cather published her first novel. Her second novel, O Pioneers, was published the next year, celebrating immigrant farmers and their desire to develop the prairie. This book launched Cather into the spotlight of American literature and brought much attention to her new and unique writing style. Her most popular book, My Antonia, directly drew on her early life and followed an autobiographical theme through the eyes of Jim. The book was unanimously praised, and many, including Cather, claimed it as her greatest work. Cather made waves again when she traded epic autobiographical novels for a streak of post-war novels. One of Ours told the story of her cousins experience fighting in the war, and was her most impactful. It earned tremendous praise from soldiers for the accurate depiction of their experiences, and would earn Cather a Pulitzer Prize. Willa Cather epitomizes the Nebraska values we hold so dearly a focus on family, a love of learning, the power of our experiences to shape us, and optimism for the future. She used our state and the varied experiences of our people to tell epic and innovative stories that are still revered by millions. She was a pioneer who redefined success and broke barriers. Cathers headstone reads, That is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great. Cathers legacy is great, indeed. I am pleased that she will now be representing Nebraska inside our United States Capitol for years to come. Along with Senator Fischer and the rest of my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my team and I are here to serve you. Contact my team and I anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact. I am honored to serve our great state and will continue to work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach. Memorial Day is now behind us; unofficially, summer has begun and folks will be going on vacations. If you have the opportunity, may I echo the famous words, Go West, young man? They are attributed to author and newspaper editor Horace Greely (1811-1872). Mr. Greely felt that opportunity could be found in that direction. I dont know about opportunity, but there is much of America to be seen in that direction. For instance, you might want to visit Yellowstone National Park. It is larger than you thought. Mostly in Wyoming, Yellowstone is some 3,500 square miles in area, three times the area of Rhode Island and a third larger than Delaware. Judy, our late Scottish terrier Molly Carol, and I made an extended trip west and visited Yellowstone back in the fall of 2010. Judy and I had lived in Gretna, Louisiana, when I was in the Navy, so technically, at least by my Eastern Seaboard (North Carolina) way of thinking, we had been in the West. Anything west of the Mississippi was THE WEST to me. Besides, as further proof, many Louisianans wore cowboy hats and boots. I got to thinking about our odyssey of 13 years ago recently as I was reading Pecked to Death by Ducks, (New York: Vintage Books, 1993), a great collection of travel stories by Tim Cahill. Mr. Cahill is a native Tennessean born in 1944. His story, The Bison Ballet, in Pecked to Death brought back memories of our only close encounter with the large, hump-backed buffalo. Cahill has authored at least 10 books. I have read four of them and plan to read the rest. The American buffalo (Bison bison is its proper scientific name) is an impressive beast by almost any standard. If it was a carnivore, it would rank higher in the Fear Factor category, perhaps up there with T. Rex. As it is, a mature male can easily weigh in excess 2,000 pounds and can outrun a horse in a quarter mile sprint from a standing start. I was not too sure of buffalo feelings toward stopped cars in general and stopped blue Chevy Equinoxes in particular. As one motors through Yellowstone, one observes forms of wildlife not usually seen in the Tar Heel State. We saw elk, deer, big horn sheep, pronghorn antelope and other animals of the West. Although not a form of animal life, I swear I saw a tumbleweed bravely dash across the highway in front of us while we were driving through New Mexico. Judy was resting her eyes at the time, but Molly saw it. I should mention here that at this time (September 2010) Molly was less than a year old and had never been away from home for long nor on an extended drive, but our worries proved to be groundless. Molly was a lady the whole time and folks who saw her frequently came up to pet her and introduce themselves to us. One elderly couple that saw her at Yellowstone was moved to tears; they had not been able to bring their Scottie with them. The most impressive beast, though, and the one we observed closest up, was the aforesaid buffalo. I had not researched buffalo before our journey, but I knew Yellowstone had some buffalo and several other things about this magnificent American mammal. When I was a child, I would occasionally discover a buffalo nickel in the change I got when I purchased a comic book at Mooresville Drug Co. in Mooresville. Our government minted these iconic coins from 1913 to 1938. They were still in general circulation in the 1950s. We have a Buffalo Shoals Road in Iredell County, hinting that perhaps there were buffalo seen around here in olden days. The Eastern cousin of the plains buffalo lived in North Carolina as late as the 1700s, the woodlands bison. The English author and explorer John Lawson wrote in 1709 in his A New Voyage to Carolina that North Carolina was the home of Plenty of Buffaloes. There is also a drawing of one of the animals in John Brickells 1743 sketch of North Carolina wildlife. These bison were somewhat smaller than their Western cousins. Native Americans living in the Great Plains had viewed the buffalo as a sort of mobile general store. They ate its flesh, made blankets and tents from its hides, used its skull in ceremonies, made its sinews into cordage and even boiled its hooves to make a sort of glue, to list just a few uses. Judy and I had recently purchased a brand-new blue Chevy Equinox and decided to see some of trans-Mississippi America while we still had our health. Molly, our Scottish terrier, had never been west of North Carolina that we knew of. Molly, bless her heart, was always ready to go anywhere in a motor vehicle. She proved to be an amiable companion and traveler. Two of the three of us had a mental bucket list of things wed like to see as we motored toward the sunset. The list, in no particular order, included Meteor Crater, Arizona; Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico; Yellowstone National Park, the St. Louis Arch; Roswell, New Mexico; the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore and the relatively nearby Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota; and the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. Here are my notes on, The Real Face of Atheism (Amazon), By: Ravi Zacharias. It has been said that, if one does not know the facts, argument is to no avail, and if one does know the facts, argument is unnecessary. The greatest question of our time is not communism versus individualism; not Europe versus America; not even the East versus West. It is whether men can live without God. Will Durant Nothing, absolutely nothing, has a more direct bearing on the moral choices made by individuals or the purposes pursued by society than belief or disbelief in God. It is not surprising, therefore, that Stephen Hawking concluded his book A Brief History of Time asserting this question to be the most significant factor in the human equation. Hawking, who holds Newtons chair as Lucasian professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, brilliantly laid out his view of the universe and ended with a humble assertion: the one question in need of an answer is the question of God. Science, with all of its strident gains, must still remain contented to describe the what of human observations. Only God can answer the why. Postulating the nonexistence of God, atheism immediately commits the blunder of an absolute negation, which is self-contradictory. For, to sustain the belief that there is no God, it has to demonstrate infinite knowledge, which is tantamount to saying, I have infinite knowledge that there is no being in existence with infinite knowledge. In a naturalistic world, there exists neither a sense of obligation in the universe, nor a demand from it. Boston college professor Peter Kreeft, in his Three Philosophies of Life , stated it very succinctly: Ancient ethics always dealt with three questions. Modern ethics deals with only one, or at the most, two. The three questions are like the three things a fleet of ships is told by its sailing orders. [The metaphor is from C. S. Lewis.] First, the ships must know how to avoid bumping into each other. This is social ethics, and modern as well as ancient ethicists deal with it. Second, they must know how to stay shipshape and avoid sinking. This is individual ethics, virtues and vices, character-building, and we hear very little about this from our modern ethical philosophies. Third, and most important of all, they must know why the fleet is at sea in the first place . . . I think I know why modern philosophers dare not raise this greatest of questions: because they have no answer to it. If atheism gains its life-sustaining support from atheistic evolution, then it cannot shut the floodgates to the tidal waves of its philosophical implications. Not all atheists are immoral, but morality as goodness cannot be justified with atheistic presuppositions. An atheist may be morally minded, but he just happens to be living better than his belief about what the nature of man warrants. He may have personal moral values, but he cannot have any sense of compelling and universal moral obligation. Moral duty cannot logically operate without a moral law; and there is no moral law in an amoral world. At one of my lectures on Mans Search for Meaning, a student rose to his feet and shouted, Ah, everything in life is meaningless. I insisted that he could not possibly believe that. With an equally intense retort he countered that he did. This repetitive exchange went back and forth a few times. Then, not wanting to exacerbate the young mans frustration and having planned for a safe departure from the campus, I decided to bring the discussion to an end. I asked him if he thought his statement was a meaningful one. There was an acute silence, and then he hesitantly answered, Yes. I only had to add that if his assertion was meaningful, then everything in life was not meaningless. If, on the other hand, everything was indeed meaningless, his assertion was meaningless too, and, therefore, in effect, he had said nothing. The words of Saint Augustine of Hippo (354430) are most appropriate: You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee. Or, as French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal was known to have put it, There is a god-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man, and only God can fill it. [Death] It is the one experience when we leave behind everything we have and take with us everything we are. It is the moment of truth, where there is no more showmanship. It is the individual alone against destiny. The human heart yearns for a meeting again, someday. And death just cannot destroy that longing. I have often said the challenge of the truth speaker today is this: How do you reach a generation that listens with its eyes and thinks with its feelings? If the telescope proved anything, it warned us of the erroneous perceptual assumptions that we can make if perception reigns supreme, for it does not always reveal things as they are. Let me borrow an illustration from Francis Schaeffer to demonstrate the need for this approach. Suppose you were to leave a room with two glasses on the table, Glass A and Glass B. Glass A has two ounces of water in it, and Glass B is empty. When you return at the end of the day, Glass B now has water in it and Glass A is empty. You could assume that someone took the water from Glass A and put it into Glass B. That, however, does not fully explain the situation, because you notice that Glass B has four ounces of water in it, whereas Glass A had only two ounces in it when you left in the morning. You are confronted with a problem that at best has only a partial explanation. Whether the water from Glass A was poured into Glass B is debatable. But what is beyond debate is that all of the water in Glass B could not have come from Glass A. The additional two ounces had to have come from elsewhere. God has put enough into the world to make faith in him a most reasonable thing, and he has left enough out to make it impossible to live by sheer reason or observation alone. Science may be able to explain the two ounces in Glass B. It cannot explain the four ounces in it. For the Christian, the acknowledgment of God as the Creator of life brings to bear one very significant life-transforming truth. The Bible makes it specific that God, in his love, created us. Thus, it is not life that precedes love, but love that precedes life. It is the love of God that gave us life in creation, just as it is the love of a mother that enables a child to live in procreation. Any attempt to thwart the love of God thwarts his design and brings discord in life because it rejects the very motivation in the creation of life. The absolute freedom of the individual cannot be guarded in the maze of societys collective interests. There is clearly liberty with distinction, and liberty ends up being redefined, depending upon the court in session. Knowing who we are and what we need is the starting point of what we will become. Those who recognize the nature of sin understand that what renders someone a sinner is not the scale of human wickedness but the very nature and character of God. It is Gods purity that we stand before, not a fluctuating moral code that varies from one society to another. Leo Tolstoy revealed in My Confession that the blatant blunder of his own life was the love of writing and of human acclaim, which robbed him of the treasured relationships that bring meaning. If relationships bring meaning to life, then the ultimate mockery of life is the reality that all relationships are either ruptured by sin or severed by death. Each of us longs for a relationship that cannot be victimized by sin or destroyed by death. That relationship can only be found with God. Once that relationship is established, it serves as a blueprint for all other relationships, bringing the strength of genuine love and shunning the cancer of selfishness. If you make people think theyre thinking, theyll love you: but if you really make them think, theyll hate you. Don Marquis Peter Kreeft, professor of philosophy at Boston College, has briefly addressed the importance of correct argumentation in his book Three Philosophies of Life . In a subsection Rules for Talking Back, he writes the following: Three things must go right with any argument: (1) The terms must be unambiguous (2) The premises must be true (3) The argument must be logical. Approach 2 There is evil in the world. There is nothing inconsistent about evil and the freedom of the will within the framework of a loving Creator. In fact, concepts of love and goodness are unexplainable unless there is a God. Since human beings do experience love and goodness, it argues for the reality of God. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to believe that God exists. The books The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis and Philosophy of Religion by Norman Geisler both contain representative discussions of the problem of evil. Lewis deals with the problem existentially, and Geisler, philosophically. It was a pointed reminder to me that everything that I believe about life is sooner or later tested at the kitchen table, or in the family room, where young people are very quick to make applications on the basis of their parents philosophy. Few people have anything approaching an articulate philosophyat least as epitomized by the great philosophers. Even fewer, I suspect, have a carefully constructed theology. But everyone has a worldview. . . . In fact, it is only the assumption of a worldviewhowever basic or simplethat allows us to think at all. -James Sire A Woodland man was booked in Cowlitz County Jail Thursday for an alleged drive-by shooting that occurred in May after a fight at a Woodland gas station. Thomas Henry Lewis, 40, of Woodland, is charged with first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and drive-by shooting, in which the victim was injured. After charges were filed and an arrest warrant issued, Lewis was detained on May 26 in Montana and told a detective he was the driver and his brother was the shooter, court records show. Lewis was in the Cowlitz County Jail as of Friday and awaiting his next Cowlitz County Court hearing on June 12. David Wayne Lewis, 42, of Kalispell, Montana, is charged with the same alleged crimes as his brother, plus a second-degree unlawful firearm possession. David Lewis has a warrant out for his arrest. In the early morning of May 20, Woodland police received an emergency call about a fight that started at the Astro gas station at 1155 Hoffman St. A police report states a 911 dispatch operator advised the caller, who said he was being shot at as he drove, to drive to the police station, about seven minutes north. The victim told police he was in a verbal and physical altercation with two men at the gas station. One of the suspects, described by the victim as a white man wearing a blue shirt and shorts, allegedly struck him in the back of the head. The victim then retaliated by punching him back and driving off, the police report states. He said the suspects followed him. At one point, the suspects vehicle moved into the oncoming lane and opened fire. Once the officer arrived, he was approached by the victim limping out of a gray Honda Accord with his hands up in the sky, according to the report. The victim suffered a grazed bullet wound. The victim told the officer he was wounded and noticed his vehicle was riddled with bullet holes, with his rear windshield broken. The probable cause statement says the victim speculates about 20 rounds were fired at him. The newest improvement coming to celebrate Longviews centennial is for a monument that predates the state of Washington. A team from the construction company JH Kelly is replacing the signs and benches at the Monticello Convention marker near the Longview Public Library. The Longview City Council approved the donation during its Thursday night meeting. JH Kelly is donating the renovations as a celebration of the 100th anniversary for both the city and the company. Abe Ott, a JH Kelly manager who is helping organize the project, said they wanted to celebrate the local history that predated Longview. We look for projects that benefit the community, and continuing to celebrate that history is an important part of what makes the area special, Ott said. The sign replacement was pitched to the company by local history advocates Cal Fowler and Jackie Evans. The wood signs have not been replaced since 1952, when the marker was originally built along Tennant Way. While the markers are still readable, the interiors have been rotted out from decades of rain. The Monticello Convention in November 1852 was the second of two gatherings of delegates from small settlements across what is now Washington. Monticello was the settlement that existed in present-day Longview until it was destroyed by flooding in 1867. The convention asked for the land north of the Columbia River to be split off from the Oregon Territory into its own region. The request was approved by Congress a few months later, creating the Territory of Washington. The signs include both the history of the convention and a list of the delegates who signed the request. The representatives from the Lower Cowlitz Valley include familiar surnames like Seth Catlin, Peter Crawford and Nathaniel Ostrander. The vast majority of the work to replace the signs and benches will be done by JH Kelly employees. Longview parks staff will trim back tree branches to make the signs more visible and the city will handle the water and electricity needs for the site going forward. The City Council asked JH Kelly to consult with Commissioner Dennis Weber or another local historian to fact-check the sign before putting in the new versions. Weber wrote an extensive history of the Monticello Convention for the Cowlitz Historical Quarterly in 2002. With the approval by the council, Ott said the goal is to finish by the end of the summer. Estimates given to the city say it will take at least two weeks to build the signs and two weeks to install the new materials. OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman, whose company deals with artificial intelligence technologies and has created ChatGPT, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here in New Delhi and discussed various aspects of AI including the need for global regulation. Besides India, Altman is on a six-nation tour this week, including Israel, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, and South Korea. In a tweet, after meeting Altman, PM Modi wrote that the potential of AI in India's tech ecosystem is vast -- among the youth in particular. "We welcome all collaborations that can accelerate our digital transformation for empowering our citizens," PM Modi wrote. During a session at IIIT Delhi, Altman said they discussed about the opportunities in front of the country and what the country should do in AI. "We also felt the need to think about global regulation, which prevents some of the downsides from happening," Altman said. Altman said that his company was currently doing self-regulation. "We spent almost 8 months on GPT for making sure that it was safe enough to release. We build the technology, we have worked with organisations to figure out what the limits should be and tested them all. We do think that coordination is important. So self-regulation is important. It is something that we want to offer. The world should not be left entirely in the hands of the companies," Altman said at the session. Talking about his plan for India, Altman said that the first thing he will do in India is to fund startups. "We were always amazed and quite grateful for the quality of Indian startups," he said, adding that he had met some startups in India. Given India's strong IT industry and a large set of data, AI-based utilities can leverage huge potential in the country. Though AI is still in its early stages. The government quoting NASSCOM data in February this year said the overall AI employment in India is estimated at about 4,16,000 professionals. The growth rate for the sector is estimated at about 20-25 per cent. Further, AI is expected to contribute an additional USD 957 billion to India's economy by 2035. Many nations the world over have been using AI technologies for better service delivery and to reduce human intervention but fears of job cuts remain as the technology evolves. Its show time in Navasota was revealed as the theme for the 2023-24 season unveiled by Navasota Theatre Alliance in a season announcement party Friday night. Theatre Alliance board president Joyce Yorek said, Were excited about mixing our season up this year. We have a few shows that we have never done before, and some that havent been seen on our stage in quite a few years. And we have some of our annual events mixed in as well. I think our audiences are going to love these shows. Theyre funny, sentimental, thought-provoking, and most of all, entertaining! The theater companys 38th season will open with The 39 Steps from Sept. 22 through Oct. 8. The comedy by Patrick Barlow is a spoof of the Alfred Hitchcock film and the novel by John Buchan on which it is based. The 39 Steps will be directed by Keith Marroco. Auditions are Aug. 7-8. Next up will be this years production of the popular Lanterns and Legends series detailing the history of Navasota through the lives of people important to the community. This years version is Faces Behind the Facades, which looks at the residents whose names appear on the fronts of buildings in downtown Navasota. The event features live performers who bring to life the people from Navasotas past during evening tours of Oakland Cemetery on Oct. 16, Oct. 27 and Oct. 28. There will be a special performance in the Sunny Furman Theatre on Oct. 29. Among the historical figures profiled this year will be J.T. Lott, Dr. Alfred Ketchum, Maurine Chinski and Mattie Bookman Craig. It was written by Mavis and Gary Anderson and Mark Taylor, and directed by Yorek, who said, Lanterns and Legends is one of the best things we do each year. It focuses on the rich history of our community and pays tribute to the men and women who built Navasota. Many of these people were very well-known across the state and beyond in their day. We try to let them tell their stories in a way that is historically accurate and honoring to those people, while still providing some humor and perspective along the way. The Theatre Alliances holiday presentation will be An O. Henry Christmas set on Christmas Eve in 1893 on a railroad spur. A stranger appears before a group of down-on-their-luck people and helps them enact several O. Henry stories, include The Gift of the Magi. William Sydney Porter took the pen name O. Henry; he lived in Texas from 1882 to near the turn of the century. Written by Howard Burman and directed by Mark Taylor, An O. Henry Christmas will run from Dec. 7-17, including two special Thursday night performances. Auditions will be Oct. 9-10. The winter show will by Eurydice, a modern take on the story of Orpheus, the greatest musician in the world, and his wife, Eurydice. Eurydice was written by Sarah Ruhl and will be directed by Kathryn Sutton, the daughter of a local theater family who is turning into a fine director. Performances will be Feb. 9 through Feb. 25, with auditions Dec. 18-19. The final production of the regular upcoming season will feature two one-act plays by James McLure and directed by Jim Lawrence. The first one-act play will be Laundry and Bourbon, about three women sitting on a front porch in Maynard, Texas. The second one-act play will be Lone Star, featuring three men in a Texas backyard. Both productions feature humorous scripts dealing with friendship, loyalty and life-surprises. Performances will be April 19 through May 5, with auditions scheduled for Feb. 16 and Feb. 27. As always, Navasota Theatre Alliance will host two camp productions in the summer of 2024. The Rising Star Camp will present Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, adapted by Brendan P. Kelson. Rising Star Camp will run from June 3-7, with Treasure Island set for June 7. Auditions for the camp will be held on May 11. A Teen Camp production has not yet been selected. The camp will run June 17 through June 29, with performances on the chosen production set for June 28-29. Various season-ticket packages are available at navasotatheatre.org: The Big Tickets, $75, with tickets to all Theatre Alliance productions. The Fabulous Four, $48, with tickets to all four main shows. The Pick 3, $36, which lets patrons pick any three Theatre Alliance productions. Individual show tickets also will be available. Regular ticket prices are $16 for adults and $14 for seniors and students. There have been so many Chris Christies that I need to number them. Chris Christie 1.0, during the winter of 2015-16, mocked the notion that a reality-TV host had the credentials to lead the nation: Its all make believe, if you think that (Trumps tinsel stardom) forms the experience to run a government as complicated as the United States government. Chris Christie 2.0, speaking at the 2016 Republican convention: We are about to be led by not only a strong leader but by a caring, genuine and decent person. Chris Christie 3.0 reverted to soft criticism in 2019, lauding my friend Donald for his deal-making prowess, and hailing his friend for possessing many of the qualities that have defined Americas leaders. But he also called Trumps White House tenure a tragedy because the man of many leadership qualities was ill-served by so many of his aides. Chris Christie 4.0, the current version, has now decided that Trump does not possess any leadership qualities. Quite the contrary: A lonely, self-consumed, self-serving mirror hog is not a leader. The person I am talking about, who is obsessed with the mirror, who never admits a mistake, who never admits a fault, and who always finds someone else and something else to blame for whatever goes wrong but finds every reason to take credit for anything that goes right, is Donald Trump a spoiled baby. Christie 4.0 is running again for the Republican presidential nomination, and, like any standard politician, he has hoisted his finger to the wind to see which way its blowing. He has clearly calculated that his only option is to go into kickass mode and market himself as a truth-teller. The problem, of course, is that Duh Base wont listen to him because its too invested in lies and delusions. Nevertheless, Christie can still serve a good purpose if, as already evidenced, hes willing to say the stuff that has long needed to be said. Like, what he said the other night about how Trump is a toady for genocidal Vladimir Putin: Let me tell you how he would (end the war in Ukraine). Hed give Ukraine to Russia. Hed call (Ukraine president) Zelenskyy and say, Hey, guess what? Time to raise the Russian flag up on the pole. Like what he said about Trumps abysmal fiscal record: He left (office) with the biggest deficit of any president in American history. He said he was going to eliminate the national debt in eight years. He added $3 trillion to the national debt in four years. Like what he said about Trumps soon-to-be federal indictment: The classified documents that he had that we now know he had were things that should have never left the White House. And if he, in fact, knew that he had these documents, was looking at them, utilizing them in some way after he left the office and it looks like maybe even two years after he left office its a big problem. At a time when the GOP-MAGA nomination contest reeks of weakness, moral rot, political capitulation. and fear (in the words of ex-Republican strategist Steve Schmidt), its good to have an ass-kicker in the mix, regardless of his flaws. If democracy is to be saved, we must welcome all comers. It takes a brawler to fight a brawler. Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:MITEY Get Rating)s share price passed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $12.43 and traded as low as $11.87. Mitsubishi Estate shares last traded at $11.92, with a volume of 132,044 shares. Mitsubishi Estate Price Performance The stock has a market cap of $15.80 billion, a PE ratio of 11.46 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a current ratio of 2.08, a quick ratio of 1.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22. The companys 50 day moving average is $11.94 and its 200-day moving average is $12.42. Mitsubishi Estate Company Profile (Get Rating) Mitsubishi Estate Co, Ltd. engages in the real estate activities in Japan and internationally. The company is involved in the development, leasing, property management, and sale of office buildings; planning, development, and tenant leasing of retail facilities; investment, development, operational management, and asset management of logistics facilities; operation of 18 hotels under the Royal Park Hotels brand in Japan and the Marunouchi Hotel in the Marunouchi area; and operation of Takamatsu Airport, Miyako Shimojishima Airport Terminal, Mt. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Estate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Estate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skeena Resources Limited (TSE:SKE Get Rating) shares dropped 2.9% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as C$6.74 and last traded at C$6.79. Approximately 213,456 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 33% from the average daily volume of 160,912 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$6.99. Skeena Resources Stock Down 0.3 % The company has a market capitalization of C$595.96 million, a P/E ratio of -5.70 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a current ratio of 1.82, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.77. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of C$8.31 and a 200 day moving average price of C$7.89. Get Skeena Resources alerts: Skeena Resources (TSE:SKE Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 11th. The company reported C($0.22) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C($0.12) by C($0.10). On average, research analysts anticipate that Skeena Resources Limited will post -0.4862973 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Skeena Resources Skeena Resources Limited explores and develops mineral properties in Canada. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine comprising one mining lease and four mineral tenures that covers an area of approximately 1,932 hectares; and the Eskay Creek gold mine that consists of eight mineral leases, two surface leases, and various unpatented mining claims, which total 6,151 hectares located in British Columbia, Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Skeena Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skeena Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Investment analysts at StockNews.com began coverage on shares of American Shared Hospital Services (NYSE:AMS Get Rating) in a research note issued on Saturday. The brokerage set a hold rating on the stock. American Shared Hospital Services Price Performance About American Shared Hospital Services (Get Rating) American Shared Hospital Services provides radiosurgery and radiation therapy equipment to health care providers. The company offers radiosurgery equipment for the Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery, a non-invasive procedure to treat malignant and benign brain tumors, and arteriovenous malformations, as well as for trigeminal neuralgia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for American Shared Hospital Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Shared Hospital Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Anglo American (LON:AAL Get Rating) to an outperform rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have GBX 2,700 ($33.57) price target on the mining companys stock, up from their prior price target of GBX 2,500 ($31.08). A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on AAL. Berenberg Bank reissued a hold rating on shares of Anglo American in a report on Thursday, May 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their target price on shares of Anglo American from GBX 3,400 ($42.27) to GBX 3,200 ($39.78) and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, June 5th. Citigroup reiterated a top pick rating on shares of Anglo American in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Anglo American from GBX 3,500 ($43.51) to GBX 3,400 ($42.27) and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Finally, Barclays restated an equal weight rating and set a GBX 3,250 ($40.40) price target on shares of Anglo American in a research report on Friday, February 24th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 3,170 ($39.41). Get Anglo American alerts: Anglo American Stock Performance Shares of LON:AAL opened at GBX 2,457 ($30.54) on Tuesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is GBX 2,469.56 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 2,921.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 44.39, a current ratio of 1.90 and a quick ratio of 1.28. Anglo American has a 1 year low of GBX 2,223.50 ($27.64) and a 1 year high of GBX 3,892 ($48.38). The stock has a market capitalization of 32.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 824.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.62 and a beta of 1.30. Insider Transactions at Anglo American About Anglo American In other Anglo American news, insider Stuart J. Chambers bought 661 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 27th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 2,493 ($30.99) per share, with a total value of 16,478.73 ($20,485.74). In the last three months, insiders purchased 672 shares of company stock valued at $1,675,781. Company insiders own 7.29% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Anglo American plc operates as a mining company worldwide. The company explores for rough and polished diamonds, copper, platinum group metals, metallurgical and thermal coal, and iron ore; and nickel, polyhalite, and manganese ores, as well as alloys. Anglo American plc was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Anglo American Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anglo American and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI Get Rating) have been given an average recommendation of Hold by the ten research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have issued a hold recommendation and five have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $83.63. A number of equities analysts have issued reports on AWI shares. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on Armstrong World Industries from $95.00 to $90.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 22nd. StockNews.com raised shares of Armstrong World Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, May 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $77.00 to $78.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $90.00 to $87.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group restated an outperform rating and issued a $100.00 price target on shares of Armstrong World Industries in a research note on Wednesday, February 22nd. Get Armstrong World Industries alerts: Armstrong World Industries Stock Down 0.6 % Shares of NYSE AWI opened at $66.56 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $67.18 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $71.63. Armstrong World Industries has a 12 month low of $62.03 and a 12 month high of $94.94. The company has a current ratio of 2.18, a quick ratio of 1.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.00 billion, a PE ratio of 14.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 1.10. Armstrong World Industries Announces Dividend Armstrong World Industries ( NYSE:AWI Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The construction company reported $1.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.06 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $310.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $310.86 million. Armstrong World Industries had a net margin of 16.32% and a return on equity of 41.94%. Armstrong World Industriess revenue was up 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.02 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Armstrong World Industries will post 4.86 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 4th were given a $0.254 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 3rd. This represents a $1.02 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.53%. Armstrong World Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.82%. Institutional Trading of Armstrong World Industries A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of AWI. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Armstrong World Industries in the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in Armstrong World Industries during the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Armstrong World Industries by 32.3% in the third quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 1,029 shares of the construction companys stock worth $82,000 after purchasing an additional 251 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its position in Armstrong World Industries by 89.9% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,272 shares of the construction companys stock worth $115,000 after purchasing an additional 602 shares during the period. Finally, Dark Forest Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Armstrong World Industries during the 1st quarter valued at $124,000. About Armstrong World Industries (Get Rating) Armstrong World Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells ceiling and wall systems in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers suspended mineral fiber, soft fiber, fiberglass wool, and metal ceiling systems, as well as wood, wood fiber, glass-reinforced-gypsum, and felt ceiling and wall products; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings and walls for use in commercial settings; and facade and partition products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Armstrong World Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armstrong World Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ASOS (OTCMKTS:ASOMY Get Rating) had its price objective lowered by Berenberg Bank from GBX 1,000 ($12.43) to GBX 940 ($11.69) in a research note published on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports. Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Credit Suisse Group reduced their price objective on ASOS from GBX 680 ($8.45) to GBX 550 ($6.84) in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Liberum Capital raised ASOS from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 26th. Citigroup raised ASOS from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 19th. Barclays dropped their target price on ASOS from GBX 500 ($6.22) to GBX 450 ($5.59) in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their target price on ASOS from GBX 950 ($11.81) to GBX 725 ($9.01) in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $788.89. Get ASOS alerts: ASOS Trading Down 4.4 % Shares of OTCMKTS ASOMY opened at $4.14 on Tuesday. ASOS has a 12-month low of $4.10 and a 12-month high of $16.21. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $7.29 and its 200-day simple moving average is $8.28. About ASOS ASOS Plc operates as an online fashion retailer worldwide. It offers womenswear and menswear products. The company sells its products under the ASOS Design, ASOS Edition, ASOS Luxe, ASOS 4505, Collusion, Reclaimed Vintage, Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, HIIT, AsYou, Dark Future, UNRVLLD/SPPLY, Crooked Tongues, Daysocial, Actual, and Weekend Collective brands, as well as through third-party brands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for ASOS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ASOS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR Get Rating) has earned a consensus recommendation of Buy from the fourteen brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a buy recommendation. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $40.15. Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of BellRing Brands from $34.00 to $42.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. Needham & Company LLC lifted their price objective on shares of BellRing Brands from $40.00 to $44.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Barclays increased their target price on BellRing Brands from $38.00 to $41.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. Stephens lifted their price target on BellRing Brands from $39.00 to $43.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. Finally, William Blair began coverage on BellRing Brands in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Get BellRing Brands alerts: Insider Activity at BellRing Brands In other BellRing Brands news, Chairman Robert V. Vitale sold 15,000 shares of BellRing Brands stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.82, for a total transaction of $537,300.00. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 230,054 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,240,534.28. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows BellRing Brands Stock Performance Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. grew its position in BellRing Brands by 1,839.2% during the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 3,413 shares of the companys stock valued at $78,000 after purchasing an additional 3,237 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates bought a new stake in shares of BellRing Brands during the first quarter valued at approximately $3,931,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in BellRing Brands by 610.7% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,065,818 shares of the companys stock worth $24,599,000 after acquiring an additional 915,857 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its position in BellRing Brands by 15,216.3% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 15,010 shares of the companys stock valued at $347,000 after acquiring an additional 14,912 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in BellRing Brands in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $221,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.40% of the companys stock. Shares of BRBR stock opened at $35.83 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $4.76 billion, a PE ratio of 32.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.87. BellRing Brands has a 52-week low of $20.20 and a 52-week high of $37.91. The businesss fifty day moving average is $35.75 and its 200 day moving average is $30.76. BellRing Brands (NYSE:BRBR Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 8th. The company reported $0.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.20 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $385.60 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $371.26 million. BellRing Brands had a negative return on equity of 42.81% and a net margin of 9.87%. The companys revenue was up 22.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.23 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that BellRing Brands will post 1.27 EPS for the current fiscal year. About BellRing Brands (Get Rating) BellRing Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various nutrition products in the United States and internationally. It offers ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and other products primarily under the Premier Protein and Dymatize brands. The company sells its products through club, food, drug, mass, eCommerce, specialty, and convenience channels. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BellRing Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BellRing Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Core & Main (NYSE:CNM Get Rating) had its price objective lifted by equities researchers at Citigroup from $27.00 to $29.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday, The Fly reports. Citigroups price objective suggests a potential upside of 3.65% from the companys previous close. Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Core & Main from $25.00 to $27.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, April 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on Core & Main from $40.00 to $42.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Truist Financial upped their target price on Core & Main from $22.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. Loop Capital upped their target price on Core & Main from $28.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on Core & Main from $26.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $32.78. Get Core & Main alerts: Core & Main Trading Up 1.3 % Shares of NYSE:CNM opened at $27.98 on Thursday. Core & Main has a 12-month low of $18.75 and a 12-month high of $28.87. The company has a market capitalization of $6.89 billion, a PE ratio of 13.14 and a beta of 0.83. The business has a 50 day moving average of $25.95 and a two-hundred day moving average of $23.00. The company has a current ratio of 2.71, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. Insider Buying and Selling Core & Main ( NYSE:CNM Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, June 6th. The company reported $0.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.47 by $0.03. Core & Main had a return on equity of 18.42% and a net margin of 5.52%. The company had revenue of $1.57 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.60 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.74 earnings per share. Core & Mains revenue for the quarter was down 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Core & Main will post 1.89 EPS for the current year. In related news, President Bradford A. Cowles sold 14,712 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.01, for a total transaction of $382,659.12. Following the completion of the sale, the president now directly owns 14,679 shares in the company, valued at $381,800.79. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Core & Main news, major shareholder Cd&R Investment Associates X, sold 14,377,183 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, April 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.15, for a total value of $318,454,603.45. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, President Bradford A. Cowles sold 14,712 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, April 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.01, for a total value of $382,659.12. Following the completion of the sale, the president now owns 14,679 shares of the companys stock, valued at $381,800.79. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 14,780,175 shares of company stock worth $329,114,975. 3.49% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Core & Main Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CNM. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in Core & Main by 83.9% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 114,575 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,772,000 after buying an additional 52,285 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in Core & Main by 68.4% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 134,101 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,245,000 after buying an additional 54,460 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new stake in Core & Main in the 1st quarter valued at $1,208,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Core & Main in the 1st quarter valued at $364,000. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Core & Main during the 1st quarter worth $58,000. 95.16% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Core & Main (Get Rating) Core & Main, Inc distributes water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products and related services to municipalities, private water companies, and professional contractors in the municipal, non-residential, and residential end markets in the United States. Its products include pipes, valves, hydrants, fittings, and other products and services; storm drainage products, such as corrugated piping systems, retention basins, inline drains, manholes, grates, geosynthetics, and other related products; fire protection products, including fire protection pipes, sprinkler heads and other devices, fire suppression systems, and related accessories, as well as fabrication services; and meter products, such as smart meter products, installation, software and other services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Core & Main Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Core & Main and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dorsey Wright & Associates bought a new stake in Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 4,506 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $232,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Utah Retirement Systems grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Utah Retirement Systems now owns 31,385 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,506,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 4.6% during the 4th quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 4,692 shares of the companys stock valued at $242,000 after purchasing an additional 206 shares during the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 34,883 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,798,000 after purchasing an additional 214 shares during the last quarter. First Hawaiian Bank grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 0.7% during the 4th quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 38,081 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,962,000 after purchasing an additional 256 shares during the last quarter. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 7.6% during the 4th quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 4,158 shares of the companys stock valued at $254,000 after purchasing an additional 292 shares during the last quarter. 76.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Molson Coors Beverage news, insider Geoffrey E. Molson sold 1,840 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.62, for a total transaction of $111,540.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 25,904 shares in the company, valued at $1,570,300.48. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 2.30% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Molson Coors Beverage Stock Performance TAP has been the topic of several research reports. Wedbush lifted their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $53.00 to $60.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $47.00 to $50.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Bank of America raised shares of Molson Coors Beverage from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $54.00 to $68.00 in a report on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $74.00 to $75.00 in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $62.00 to $69.00 in a report on Thursday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Molson Coors Beverage has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $60.19. TAP opened at $66.45 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a current ratio of 0.77. The companys fifty day moving average price is $60.32 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $55.00. Molson Coors Beverage has a 1-year low of $46.69 and a 1-year high of $67.11. Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The company reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.26 by $0.28. The company had revenue of $2.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.23 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a negative net margin of 1.97% and a positive return on equity of 7.16%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.29 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Molson Coors Beverage will post 4.41 earnings per share for the current year. Molson Coors Beverage Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.41 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 1st. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.47%. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio is presently -137.81%. About Molson Coors Beverage (Get Rating) Molson Coors Beverage Co is a holding company, which engages in the production and sale of beer. It operates through the following segments: Americas, and EMEA and APAC. The Americas segment operates in the U.S., Canada and various countries in the Caribbean, Latin, and South America. The EMEA and APAC segment operates in Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Montenegro, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Serbia, the UK, various other European countries, and certain countries within the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TAP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EVRAZ plc (LON:EVR Get Rating)s share price passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 81 ($1.01) and traded as low as GBX 81 ($1.01). EVRAZ shares last traded at GBX 81 ($1.01), with a volume of 13,219 shares changing hands. EVRAZ Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 68.87, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 0.76. The company has a market capitalization of 1.18 billion, a PE ratio of 41.54, a PEG ratio of 0.05 and a beta of 0.92. The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 81 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 81. EVRAZ Company Profile (Get Rating) EVRAZ plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and distribution of steel and related products in Russia, the Americas, Asia, Europe, CIS, Africa, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Steel; Steel, North America; Coal; and Other Operations. The company offers steel and value-added products, including infrastructure steel, rails, large-diameter pipes, and oil country tubular goods. See Also Receive News & Ratings for EVRAZ Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EVRAZ and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (BATS:KNG Get Rating) shares were down 0.1% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $51.52 and last traded at $51.66. Approximately 296,797 shares changed hands during trading, The stock had previously closed at $51.69. FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF Trading Down 0.1 % The company has a market cap of $593.06 million, a P/E ratio of 18.58 and a beta of 0.88. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $51.32 and its 200-day moving average price is $51.70. Get FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in KNG. Private Trust Co. NA purchased a new stake in FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. 1776 Wealth LLC increased its stake in FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF by 13.0% in the 4th quarter. 1776 Wealth LLC now owns 14,306 shares of the companys stock valued at $731,000 after buying an additional 1,650 shares during the last quarter. Raab & Moskowitz Asset Management LLC increased its stake in FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF by 8.5% in the 3rd quarter. Raab & Moskowitz Asset Management LLC now owns 21,135 shares of the companys stock valued at $963,000 after buying an additional 1,650 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its stake in FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF by 10.6% in the 4th quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 26,880 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,373,000 after buying an additional 2,576 shares during the last quarter. Finally, True Capital Management purchased a new stake in FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $264,000. FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF Company Profile The FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund tracks an equal-weighted index of US large-cap companies that have increased dividends for at least 25 years, with a partial overlay of covered call options. See Also Receive News & Ratings for FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shore Capital restated their house stock rating on shares of Jacobs Engineering Group (LON:J Get Rating) in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, LSE.Co.UK reports. Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on J. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 165 ($2.05) price objective on shares of Jacobs Engineering Group in a research report on Thursday, February 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Jacobs Engineering Group from GBX 219 ($2.72) to GBX 209 ($2.60) and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Citigroup lowered Jacobs Engineering Group to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the stock from GBX 320 ($3.98) to GBX 295 ($3.67) in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Jacobs Engineering Group from GBX 230 ($2.86) to GBX 270 ($3.36) and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, March 6th. Finally, Barclays raised their target price on Jacobs Engineering Group from GBX 285 ($3.54) to GBX 295 ($3.67) and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 246.80 ($3.07). Get Jacobs Engineering Group alerts: Jacobs Engineering Group Stock Performance Jacobs Engineering Group Company Profile (Get Rating) See Also Jacobs Engineering Group Inc is challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the worlds most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Receive News & Ratings for Jacobs Engineering Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jacobs Engineering Group 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 Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 93.97 ($1.17) and traded as low as GBX 89 ($1.11). Michelmersh Brick shares last traded at GBX 89.50 ($1.11), with a volume of 146,412 shares traded. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 180 ($2.24) target price on shares of Michelmersh Brick in a report on Monday, March 27th. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 160 ($1.99) target price on shares of Michelmersh Brick in a report on Monday, February 20th. Get Michelmersh Brick alerts: Michelmersh Brick Stock Performance The firm has a market cap of 85.64 million, a P/E ratio of 1,000.00 and a beta of 0.97. The stocks 50 day moving average is GBX 92.72 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 94.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 1.80 and a quick ratio of 1.56. Michelmersh Brick Increases Dividend Michelmersh Brick Company Profile The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, July 12th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 8th will be given a GBX 2.95 ($0.04) dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 8th. This is a positive change from Michelmersh Bricks previous dividend of $1.30. This represents a yield of 3.24%. Michelmersh Bricks payout ratio is 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. Recommended 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. Equities research analysts at StockNews.com started coverage on shares of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSEAMERICAN:NBY Get Rating) in a research report issued on Thursday. The brokerage set a hold rating on the biopharmaceutical companys stock. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Trading Down 1.4 % NBY stock opened at $0.68 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $1.12 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $1.63. The stock has a market cap of $1.28 million, a PE ratio of -0.12 and a beta of 2.69. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals has a 1 year low of $0.48 and a 1 year high of $12.64. Get NovaBay Pharmaceuticals alerts: NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSEAMERICAN:NBY Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Thursday, March 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($4.33) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.64 million for the quarter. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals had a negative return on equity of 18.62% and a negative net margin of 21.09%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On NovaBay Pharmaceuticals About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of NBY. Altium Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals in the 3rd quarter valued at about $121,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its stake in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals by 103.5% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 409,544 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $102,000 after purchasing an additional 208,322 shares during the last quarter. Armistice Capital LLC acquired a new stake in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals in the 4th quarter valued at about $289,000. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC lifted its stake in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals by 260.4% in the 1st quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 163,451 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 118,099 shares during the last quarter. (Get Rating) NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc engages in the development and sales of scientifically-created and clinically-proven eyecare and skincare. Its products include Avenova, NeutroPhase, CelleRx, and DERMAdoctor. The company was founded on January 19, 2000 and is headquartered in Emeryville, CA. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Reworking Grand Island Public Schools classified staff pay schedule may not be sustainable at this time, but it is affordable and needs to be done, said GIPS interim human resources chief Wayne Stelk. Thursday evening, Stelk presented a proposal asking for a pay scale increase for classified (non-teaching) staff. The pay increases would benefit both existing and new classified staff members. Adjusted rates were calculated based on, among other things, comparable rates of pay for those position besides school districts. The proposal would cost the district $3.1 million, split between the districts general fund, nutrition services and state Special Education Reimbursement. Grand Island Public Schools closed the year with 51 unfilled classified staff positions, Stelk told the GIPS Board of Education Thursday night. That doesnt mean no one was covering those positions, Stelk explained. In some cases we were able to find substitutes. I dont want to give the impression that the district was totally unstaffed or neglected during that time, but those were 51 positions approved in the budget that we were unable to fill. Unfilled positions cost money, from advertising to hours spent trying to fill said positions. Having unfilled classified positions is more than a dollar amount, Stelk explained. Its even more distressing when you think about the stress it adds to a teacher, he said. A teacher might be used to a para(educator) or two in the classroom and when they dont theyre then responsible for dealing with a lot of the issues paras would have been there for. Summer is an active time for classified staff transitions, as the school year closed in May. According to the staffing adjustment report in board meeting materials for Thursdays meeting, about 20 classified staff members left their positions in June; eight of them because of retirement, according to the document. Five classified positions were hired. In June 2022, 22 classified employees left their positions, according to the meetings documents; two because of retirement. Eight different classified employees switched positions within the district. Five classified positions were hired. Stelk said in some cases of vacancies it can is the availability of labor or districts pay. School districts, he said, arent just competing among themselves for teachers; rather, they are searching for employees from a wider, arguably more competitive job market. Everybody is experiencing this shortage, Stelk told the board. Bottom line, Stelk said, is with the turnover that we have, with the vacancies that we have, students suffer. That is why were coming to you with this proposal. Board member Eric Garcia-Mendez noted the bilingual paraeducators pay schedule did not differ from paraeducators who are not multilingual. (Being multilingual) is a huge skill to have, especially when you are alongside coworkers who may not be able to speak or communicate with families. People need to be paid for the skills that they have. Stelk said the plan isnt set in stone its something that were going to have to look at every year. The board took action later in the meeting, unanimously approving Stelks plan (board members Dave Hulinsky and Amanda Wilson were absent). Moving forward, the district will be communicating with classified staff, updating payroll, market those new rates, continue efforts of look for opportunities for sustainability (efficiencies and savings) and update the board periodically. Board president Hank McFarland thanked Stelk for his work, then said, The board and administration are looking with a microscope at all the departments to ascertain what are truly necessary and essential programs, purchases and positions." Superintendent Matt Fisher said, The point (Stelk) made about efficiencies it is important for us to recognize this is not sustainable. Its the right thing to do, its what we need to do but we need to figure out a way we can lower our costs. If you want to shop at Grand Island's JoAnn store, you'd better get there by Sunday at 6 p.m. Signs inside JoAnn indicate the store is closing Sunday. "At this time we are NOT relocating," the sign says. A store employee said staffers have not been told about a new location. Next week, employees will pack up the store's merchandise and furnishings. JoAnn will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. If the store does reopen somewhere in Grand Island, it would probably take at least two months. It's clear the JoAnn store has a following. The store was fairly busy on Friday. A shopper, who asked that her name not be used, said she is very disappointed about the decline in shopping options. She said the plan for Conestoga Marketplace was well thought out. "But they didn't consider what was going to happen enough, in my opinion," said the woman, who's lived in Grand Island since 1967. With the closure of Dillard's, JC Penney and Sears. "There's nowhere for women to shop for a good department store," she said. "Now they're taking away JoAnn's, the biggest place we have for sewing," she said. "I'm really disgusted. For a metropolitan city, what do we have to offer other than gaming and horse races? The shopping's terrible," she said. "I'm shopping elsewhere. I have to go to Lincoln and Omaha to get what I want." She likes the material sold at JoAnn. "If you need something for quilting, you can come out and find it." She likes the crafts and the items she needs for her Cricut device. Long ago, she bought a sewing machine from the JoAnn store. She's heard people refer to Dillard's and Hallmark as "old-people stores." "Well, what do you think we have in Grand Island?" she said. "We have a lot of retired people here." After Sunday, the closest JoAnn store will be in Lincoln. People can also shop at www.joann.com. Banners outside Conestoga Mall remind people that the south end of the mall is still open. One of the banners lists 13 stores that are still open for business. They are American Eagle, King Fade, Buckle, LensCrafters, Claire's, Maurice's, The Children's Place, MBA Fashion, Glik's, Pro Image Sports, Hallmark Gold Crown, Tradehome Shoes and the Incredible Bulk. Two people were transported following a four-vehicle accident Friday at the intersection of Highway 281 and Stolley Park Road in Grand Island. All four vehicles were traveling north on 281, said Lt. Dean Kottwitz of the Grand Island Police Department. Police were called to the scene at 12:38 p.m. Three vehicles, including a semi, were stopped at the red light. The driver of a minivan, also heading north, did not stop in time and struck one of the vehicles, a Ford Explorer, then bounced into the semi and another vehicle, Kottwitz said. The drivers of the minivan and semi truck were transported. The accident caused a traffic backup in the area for about half an hour. The names of the drivers were not available. Danish energy giant Orsted 'pauses market development activities' in Vietnam By Tri Duc Tue, June 13, 2023 | 8:54 am GTM+7 Denmarks Orsted has "paused market development activities in Vietnam," Per Mejnert Kristensen, its senior vice president and Asia-Pacific president, said at the wind power giants Capital Market Day event last Thursday. The executive disclosed the information while reviewing Orsteds strategy in Asia-Pacific, noting that Vietnam is still "an important supplier market". Orsted will bid selectively and deselect opportunities without sufficient values, as it had already deselected auctions in Massachusetts, Taiwan, and markets in France, Vietnam, he added. Citing an example, Kristensen said Orsted did not bid in the previous round in Taiwan due to limitations set by regulations, including project size and content restrictions. Per Mejnert Kristensen, Orsted's senior vice president and Asia-Pacific president. Photo courtesy of Orsted. On a global scale, at the event, Orsted announced targets to install 50 GW of renewable energy and invest DKK475 billion ($68.52 billion) in 2023-2030. The giant also highlighted the market outlook for Asia Pacific, including tens of GW from offshore wind power in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia. In August 2022, Orsted and Vietnams T&T Group had proposed two offshore wind projects of 5 GW in capacity off the coast of Ninh Thuan province. Development of the 3-GW Ninh Thuan 1 project was expected to commence between 2029 and 2033 via three stages, with 1 GW for each. The 2-GW Ninh Thuan 2 project would be developed between 2030 and 2037 in two stages, also with 1 GW for each. Sebastian Hald Buhl, Orsteds country manager in Vietnam, had said at a business dialog in September 2022 that the company expected to generate 2 GW as its initial offshore wind power in Vietnam before 2030, spending $5.5 billion and creating 25,000 jobs. He had added that a competitive mechanism for projects was needed in the market, so the government should come up with an effective bidding mechanism to support major offshore wind goals set for 2035. Vietnams National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030 (PDP VIII), which was approved last month, features 6,000 MW of offshore wind power. In May, Petrovietnam Technical Services Corp (PTSC) signed a contract to build offshore wind farm foundations for Orsted, becoming the first Vietnamese business to receive a mass order for offshore wind power equipment. The technical arm of the national oil and gas group, Petrovietnam, will manufacture 33 suction bucket foundations for turbine operation following an eco-friendly design developed by the Danish energy giant. EuroCham proposes solutions for Vietnams ongoing power shortages By Thuy Tuong Sat, June 10, 2023 | 10:41 am GTM+7 The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam has urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade to concentrate on renewable energy projects to develop a diversified energy portfolio that can withstand various climate conditions. The Son La hydropower plant reservoir in Son La province, northern Vietnam has dried up in this picture run by Vietnams Young Age newspaper on June 9, 2023. The measure is mentioned in a letter EuroCham sent to the ministry, proposing a series of short- and long-term measures designed to alleviate the countrys electricity shortages. EuroCham and the broader business community have expressed growing concerns regarding ongoing power shortages in Hanoi and northern Vietnam, it said on its website on Friday. Many European companies with production and manufacturing facilities in the region, including numerous EuroCham members, have been adversely affected. Swift action is imperative to preserve Vietnams reputation as a dependable global supplier. EuroCham advocates for more communication, ensuring affected companies receive advance notice of scheduled power cuts. By providing specific schedules and durations of power interruptions, businesses will have the opportunity to make necessary arrangements and effectively minimize disruptions to their operations, the chamber said. This proactive approach will ensure that affected companies are well-informed and can prepare accordingly, mitigating the negative impact on their productivity and minimizing financial losses, said the business group, which represents European companies in the country. Second, EuroCham strongly advocates for the prioritization of electricity production and emphasizes the need for promoting the development of additional sustainable capacities, such as solar panels, without imposing undue bureaucratic restrictions. While these short-term measures are crucial for addressing the current power shortage, EuroCham underscored the importance of long-term solutions; therefore focus should be given to renewable energy projects. This approach will contribute to a sustainable future and mitigate power shortages regardless of climatic conditions. Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh earlier this week requested urgent measures to ensure power supplies during this dry season and beyond. In a dispatch, he emphasized that the severe heat and impacts of the El Nino phenomenon have led to a surge in power demand, coupled with drought in the country causing extremely low water levels in hydropower reservoirs, thus affecting electricity supplies. Former ambassador to Japan fired for receiving bribes By Trang Nguyen, Bach Quang Sat, June 10, 2023 | 9:43 pm GTM+7 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has dismissed former Vietnamese ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam for "serious violations and shortcomings" in his role. Vu Hong Nam, former Vietnamese ambassador to Japan. Photo courtesy of International newspaper. On December 22, 2022, Nam was prosecuted and detained by the Ministry of Public Security's investigative agency for taking bribes. A week later, the Party Central Committee's Secretariat concluded that Nam had shown a deterioration in political thought, morality, and lifestyle, and that he had "violated the principle of democratic centralism, Party regulations, State laws, and rules on Party members' code of conduct and responsibility to set a good example." Vu Hong Nam's violations "had caused very serious consequences, bad public opinion, and frustration in society, adversely affecting the reputation of the Party and the Foreign Service". Nam has been expelled from the Party. Nam, 60, had 34 years of foreign affairs experience. He was chief of office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was then appointed Deputy Foreign Minister, and chairman of the State Committee on Overseas Vietnamese. Cases of giving, receiving or brokering bribes, and fraudulent actions regarding rescue flights that brought Vietnamese citizens home from overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic period have been identified at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport, the Government Office, the Hanoi People's Committee, and related units. After the pandemic broke out, Vietnam organized around 2,000 repatriation flights to bring citizens home from overseas, according to a spokesman from the Ministry of Public Security. When the flights were deployed, many people complained they had to buy very expensive tickets and go through cumbersome procedures. Investigators said that many ministerial officials colluded with businesses to reap hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars illicitly. Over the past year, 51 people have been prosecuted. Among the people being investigated for taking bribes are Nguyen Quang Linh, assistant to Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh; To Anh Dung, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Vu Hong Nam, former ambassador to Japan; Tran Viet Thai, former ambassador to Malaysia; Nguyen Thi Huong Lan, former director of the foreign ministry's Consular Affairs Department; and diplomats working in Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Angola. Chu Xuan Dung, vice chairman of Hanoi's People's Committee, and Tran Van Tan, vice chairman of Quang Nam province, have also been investigated for taking bribes. Industrial property developer Becamex cancels $85 mln bond issuance By Trang Nguyen Sat, June 10, 2023 | 2:29 pm GTM+7 Vietnamese industrial property developer Becamex, backed by global private equity firm Warburg Pincus, has decided to cancel a plan approved in 2022 to issue private placement bonds worth VND2 trillion ($85.2 million) due to unfavorable market conditions. The decision will be officially announced at the company's annual general meeting of shareholders (AGM) on June 29. Becamex Tower in Binh Duong province, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the company. However, the company, listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) as BCM, will issue VND1 trillion ($42.6 million) worth of bonds this June to pay for maturing bonds, under a new plan approved on June 2. It will be the first bond tranche issued this year by the Binh Duong province-based company. The new bonds will be non-convertible and backed by mortgages. They will mature in 2025. The expected minimum coupon rate for the first four profit calculating times will be 13% per annum, but on a quarterly basis. Becamex has set a revenue target of VND9.46 trillion ($402.85 million) in 2023, up 19% year-on-year, and after-tax profit of VND2.26 trillion ($96.37 million), up 32%. This year, Becamex will focus its resources on investing in trade, services, smart manufacturing, and innovation to create new growth drivers in the 2023-2025 period. Becamex recorded revenue of VND791.4 billion ($33.7 million) in the first quarter, down 44.8% year-on-year, and after-tax profit of VND74.43 billion ($3.17 million), down 81%. The profit performance was equal to only 3.3% of its full-year target. The company reported after-tax profit of VND1.72 trillion ($73.52 million) last year, of which VND1.15 trillion ($48.83 million) came from its joint ventures and associated companies. The figure was a 15% increase year-on-year and equivalent to 59% of its 2022 target. The corporation earned net revenue of VND6.51 trillion ($277.5 million) in the year, up 6% and fulfilling 67% of the annual target. Becamexs joint ventures include BW Industrial - a major industrial and logistics real estate platform in Vietnam, and a partnership with Warburg Pincus. BW Industrial has about $2 billion in gross assets under management, according to the joint venture. Another joint venture is VSIP Group, a partnership between Becamex and Singapore's leading conglomerate Sembcorp Industries. VSIP is a leading industrial park and township developer in Vietnam. On the HoSE, the BCM share price was VND79,400 ($3.38) at Friday's close Ports, logistics firms in Hai Phong call for help as power cuts hit By Do Hoang, Huong Dung Sat, June 10, 2023 | 8:19 am GTM+7 Port and logistics companies in northern Vietnam's Hai Phong city are crying out for help as the frequency of power blackouts continues to rise amid electricity shortages. In a joint letter sent to state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN), Northern Electricity Corp., and Hai Phong Power Company; the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), the Vietnam Ship Agents, the Brokers and Maritime Services Providers Association (Visaba), and the Vietnam Shipowners' Association (VSA) said their corporate members have been hit hard by the power cuts. Firms in the sector must ensure round-the-clock services for domestic and foreign customers, shipping lines, importers, and exporters, and maintain smooth operations across the entire supply chain, the letter said. Therefore, the associations expect 24/7 power supplies from the national grid, Hai Phong's network, and backup sources. In force majeure cases, they want to know about planned power cuts 24 hours in advance under Vietnamese laws, and when supply will resume. They said power suppliers should send explanations to ports within eight hours after supply is resumed so that the ports can explain to their clients and shipping lines. In cases that are not urgent, ports should receive notice of any blackouts at least five days in advance under Vietnamese law. A port in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Hai Phong Port Management Unit. The letter argued the electricity industry should find solutions to support and compensate the ports, such as assisting with maintenance, operation and investment costs related to power substations and generators, and reducing electricity prices to offset their losses due to power cuts. In the long term, the electricity industry should work on policies to encourage ports and logistics companies to use renewable and clean energy, the associations added. According to Tran Viet Hoa, director of the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the available capacity of all power sources in the northern region, including imported electricity, is 17,500-17,900 megawatts, or about 59.2% of the installed capacity. Meanwhile, the demand is about 20,000 MW and can reach 23,500-24,000 MW in hot weather. It is estimated that each day Vietnam is short of 30.9 million kWh, and even 50.8 million kWh at peak times. "The risk of power shortages throughout the day is looming," said Hoa. Facing power shortages, EVN has had to cut off electricity in the north. For example, at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, the power consumption capacity was cut by 3,609 MW, including about 1,423 MW at major industrial parks and 1,264 MW in residential areas. Thai healthcare firm THG expands investment to Vietnam By Tuong Minh Sat, June 10, 2023 | 11:57 am GTM+7 Thailands Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG) has co-invested in the construction of a 170-million-baht ($4.9 million) wellness clinic in Ho Chi Minh City to serve wealthy customers in Vietnam. The co-investment is a partnership between THG, Vietnamese property developer IFF Holdings, and Mithmitree Clinic, which has operated in Thailand's healthcare sector for 27 years. The three sides signed the co-investment partnership on Thursday. IFF Holdings is funding 60% of the investment, THG 30%, and Mithmitree Clinic 10%. The new BeWell Wellness Clinic is set to open in HCMC, where IFF is headquartered, by the end of this year. More branches are planned for Ho Tram in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province near HCMC, and Danang - Vietnams central hub - by 2025. The project focuses on customers interested in healthcare and anti-aging medicine, said Tanatip Suppradit, CEO of THG. This group of Vietnamese customers has strong purchasing power. They are looking for medical services provided by Thai doctors, he said. Vietnam has bright healthcare prospects with a fast-growing economy, he added, to explain why THG is expanding to the country. (L-R) Tanatip Suppradit, CEO of THG, IFF Holdings CEO, and Mithmitree Medical Co. CEO Worasak Manit at their agreement signing ceremony in Thailand on June 8, 2023 for their co-investment in the BeWell Wellness Clinic. Photo courtesy of THG. IFF Holdings chairwoman Nguyen Thi Mai said the investment is in line with the growing wellness trend that is gaining popularity in Vietnam and ASEAN. The economy has begun to recover post-pandemic. Thats why I decided to partner with THG and Mithmitree. We have confidence in THG's experience and expertise in delivering world-class medical services as well as Mithmitrees expertise as a medical clinic network, she said. Worasak Manit, CEO of Mithmitree Medical Co., said Vietnam is an important market that his firm sees as an opportunity to expand its wellness business in a market of 100 million people. THG expects the internal rate of return for this project to be around 20%, with a payback period of 4.5 years. Investment in Vietnam is part of THG's business strategy. In May, THG and Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital, also in Thailand, agreed to provide counseling services to French-backed FV Hospital in HCMC. The 220-bed general hospital opened in 2003. Thomson Medical Group, a Singapore-based healthcare company, confirmed with Singapore newspaper Business Times on Friday that it is in advanced talks to buy a controlling stake in FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City after a Bloomberg report on Thursday about the discussions. The healthcare company, backed by tycoon Peter Lim, has surpassed other interested candidates to remain in the bidding and is working with a financial adviser on the potential acquisition, according to the report, which says the process is private. Vietnams healthcare sector is opening up to investors. The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, effective in 2020, has eliminated tariffs on around 71% of pharmaceutical products, and the remaining tariffs will be gradually phased out upon the full implementation of the agreement. As part of the agreement, Vietnam has committed to allowing EU-invested enterprises to import pharmaceuticals into Vietnam and to establish 100%-foreign owned companies in the pharmaceuticals sector. This should boost the availability of high-quality medications for Vietnamese consumers while increasing the profitability of EU firms in the industry. Top Korean firms to attend business forum in Vietnam to boost trade By Tuong Nguyen Sat, June 10, 2023 | 5:24 pm GTM+7 Executives from South Korean leading conglomerates will attend an economic forum in Vietnam on June 24 as both countries seek to expand economic cooperation. The Korean business mission, set to join the event in Hanoi, will include Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics; Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group; Chung Eui-sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group; Koo Kwang-mo, chairman of LG Group; and Shin Dong-bin, chairman of Lotte Group, according to Dong-A Ilbo, a reputable newspaper in South Korea. Samsung Electronics executive chairman Lee Jae-yong tours a Samsung smartphone factory in Vietnam on December 22, 2022. Photo courtesy of the company. During their summit talks in Hiroshima on May 19 on the sidelines of the extended G7 Summit, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol committed to expanding the two countries bilateral trade and economic ties. They also discussed ways to enhance relations. Vietnam has become a major investment destination for Korean majors like Samsung, LG, SK Group, Hyundai, Lotte Group, and Hyosung. Dong-A Ilbo said in a June 3 report that major firms on both sides are expected to sign memorandums of understanding and hold trade-related talks. Samsungs new R&D center in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the company. Vietnam has become a production hub of South Korean heavyweights like Samsung and LG. Samsung Electronics launched its $220-million R&D center in Hanoi in late December and is making the new facility a global hub for the giants new-generation products. Following that, LG Electronics is ramping up R&D in Vietnam to serve its rapidly growing electric vehicle-related business by inaugurating an R&D facility also in Hanoi this March. LG Electronics did not reveal the investment for the new center, just saying the new facility will further nurture its existing auto parts-focused R&D center in Hanoi, which the Korean giant has been running since 2016. LG plans to channel another $4 billion into Vietnam, LG Corp. vice chairman and CEO Kwon Bong-seok said in Seoul on December 5, 2022, as top Korean and Vietnamese leaders upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations. EVANSVILLE At about 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, the Randolph County Sheriffs Office was notified of a possible bear sighting approximately two miles south of Evansville. After investigating the report, the department verified the bear sighting was valid, according to Randolph County Sherriff Jarrod Peters. Although their species name is black bear, a black bear can be black, brown or cinnamon colored. A black bear averages four to six feet in length, two to three feet in height when on all four paws and four to six feet high standing on its hind legs. An adult male black bear weighs between 250 and 350 pounds, with a female weighing 120 to 180 pounds. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is aware of the latest sighting and has been in contact with their wildlife biologist to further investigate. Black bears were common in Illinois until they were eliminated in 1870. Increases in bear populations in Missouri and Wisconsin have increased the number of bear who wander into Illinois. In 2008, a black bear was sighted multiple times moving through Bureau County. On Feb. 3, 2009, officers from the Illinois Conservation Police, along with the assistance of a wildlife expert, captured the black bear, which was then transported to a USDA licensed facility in Southern Illinois. The male bear was suspected to have been in human care prior to its release or escape. In June 2009, a black bear wandered down the Iowa side of the Mississippi River, crossed into Illinois near Savanna, wandered north through Carroll and Jo Daviess counties, and then crossed into Wisconsin. On May 26, 2014, a black bear was photographed near Galena in Jo Daviess County. The bear was seen near Stockton, Freeport, Rockford, Belvidere, Genoa, in DeKalb County and Rochelle, Chana, and Morris in Ogle County. Several unconfirmed reports of black bear have been received in northern Illinois since that time. In June 2019, a black bear was confirmed in Johnson County through DNA from hair found in damaged beehives. In June 2020, an IDNR biologist confirmed a black bear had travelled through Jo Daviess County in northwest Illinois. The next day the bear was seen in Iowa. Then, the bear returned to Illinois and then traveled through Rock Island and Henderson counties for a month. In 2021, IDNR, Conservation Police and local law enforcement began tracking black bear near Waterloo in Monroe County. The bear was spotted on June 12 near Mascoutah in Clinton County, June 15 near Dubois in Washington County, then June 17 and 18 at Rend Lake. Again in 2021, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Police and local law enforcement began tracking a black bear on June 10 when it was spotted near Old Baum Church Road at Waterloo in Monroe County. The bear was seen again June 12 off Illinois 177 near Mascoutah in Clinton County. On June 15, a bear was again seen near Dubois in Washington County. Another bear sighting was reported in July 2021 in LaVista. Black bears have been protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code since 2015 when the Large Carnivore Protection Act became law. It says black bears may not be hunted, killed, or harassed unless there is an imminent threat to person or property. Sheriff Peters is encouraging the public not to approach the bear if they come in contact with it. Keep your distance and allow it to move on. Here are additional tips if anyone encounters the bear Do not feed it. Do not approach. Do not shoot it. Do not leave dog or cat food outside. Do not push trash cans out until the day of pickup. If you see a bear, IDNR asks you to report your sighting online at www.wildlifeillinois.org/sightings/report/ For more information on living with bears in Illinois, visit www.wildlifeillinois.org and bearwise.org. Senior Chinese diplomat, Indonesian coordinating minister hold phone talks on ties Xinhua) 09:38, June 10, 2023 BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Friday spoke with Indonesia's Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan at the latter's request. Luhut briefed on his recent visit to China and expressed his heartfelt admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping's outstanding leadership and important ideas on state governance. During the trip, he gained a deeper understanding of the achievements of the CPC in uniting and leading the Chinese people in alleviating poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Indonesia hopes to learn from China's experience in advancing reform and opening-up and striving for high-quality development, deepen practical cooperation in various fields to benefit the two peoples, and work to accelerate key cooperation projects, make every effort to ensure the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway being put into operation on schedule and give full play to its demonstration effect, he said. Indonesia is looking forward to the next stage of high-level exchanges, and will take the important consensus of the two heads of state as a guide to promote the building of the Indonesia-China community with a shared future, said Luhut. For his part, Wang said that under the leadership of General Secretary Xi, the CPC and the people of the whole country are united in upholding the new development philosophy, adhering to high-quality development and comprehensively promoting Chinese modernization, and they are taking solid steps toward the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. China and Indonesia, as major developing countries and important representatives of emerging economies, share similar historical experiences and common endeavors, Wang said, adding that China is ready to strengthen mutual learning on governance and accelerate their respective development and revitalization. With the joint efforts of both sides, the all-round cooperation between them has been progressing smoothly, and the joint commissioning and testing of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, the flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation, marks an important step toward the operation of the entire line, which will inject new impetus to Indonesia's development, Wang said. China attaches great importance to the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership and will, in accordance with the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, strengthen high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust, promote synergy of development strategies, build the China-Indonesia community with a shared future, push bilateral relations to a new height and open up new prospects for bilateral cooperation, he added. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Tony Eaton believes one of the ways to address the tragedy of military veteran suicides can be found at the end of a dog leash. His not-for-profit organization, Down the Leash, trains veterans to work with and in some cases train service dogs to be constant companions and aids. The reason we started our program is because of the suicide epidemic among veterans, said Eaton, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Operation Desert Shield. The Veterans Administration reports 22 suicides a day, but what they dont report is veteran deaths by other means like drug overdoses for example. When you factor all of that in, the suicide rate for veterans in this country is as many as 43 per day. Not only is Eaton a Marine, hes also a former Christopher police officer and a dog trainer. Using what he has learned in all three roles, he has found a way to help veterans. What we do with Down the Leash is we actually have created a new mission for them to get their minds away from the bad things that might have happened to them, he explained. It gives them a sense of mission, a sense of purpose and the end result is they get a wonderful do which they have trained themselves. Eaton said the dogs are trained specifically for the veteran and any needs they may have. Most of the people we work with are veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Eaton explained. So the dog is trained to help them and to keep them from doing any harm to themselves. Basically, it gives them quality of life. During training The Herrin Masonic Lodge lets Eaton use its facility without charge veterans work hands-on with their dogs. The training takes a year or more, he said, with weekly sessions and homework. Eaton, who has worked in dog training for more than six years, started Down the Leash when he met another veteran who was in need of a service dog. He couldnt find a place that would train a dog for him, and I said Ill do it. I knew I could help him. He was an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and thats how it started, Eaton said, adding that veteran now is a member of the board of directors for the organization. One dog led to two, three dogs led to four and the program has grown really, really fast. So far, Down the Leash has trained dogs for veterans from practically every branch of the service and who served in a variety or conflicts and assignments. Eaton said the service also is open to first responders and other emergency personnel. He said some participants provide their own service animals, but in other cases, Down the Leash will locate a dog for the training. I personally believe that these dogs can do about anything. We can train a dog for just about any kind of disability or condition, whatever it may be: PTSD to epilepsy or diabetes or even mobility issues, he said. Eaton added that the training, which takes, on average 18 months, is very much a team effort. I often say that this dog training is 10% the dog and 90% the handler. Youre going to get what you put into your dog, but if you dont do the work yourself, it is going to take the dog longer to learn everything. If you dont do your homework, the dog is not going to do its homework on its own, he said. CARBONDALE Southern Illinois University Carbondale is offering a special event to help businesses with the multifaceted challenge of recruiting employees. The universitys Career Development Center is hosting the inaugural Virtual SIUC Partnership Conference from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28. Employers of all types and sizes are welcome to participate as SIU representatives discuss how the university can partner with businesses, how SIU students are the team members companies are seeking and how available tools can give employers the best and simplest recruiting experience. Organizers also encourage SIU faculty and staff to participate for free in order to help students as they work with recruiters. Numerous topics covered The informative presentations will highlight a wide variety of topics including: Building the companys brand among students and the SIU community. Creating future employees. Employment law issues. Career Development Center and services. Sustainability trends. Employer partnerships. Bridging the connections between available jobs, expectations and students. In addition, there will be a panel discussion focusing on forging connections and getting involved with academic colleges. Sign up now Register online at surveymonkey.com/r/CHHYTR7. The cost is $40 through June 13, $50 from June 14-27 and $55 the day of the event. As a bonus, participating businesses have the chance to win free registration to the SIUs Fall Job and Internship Fair, set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 19. The South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company (SCC&RR) was chartered in 1827 and began constructing a line from Charleston to Hamburg in 1830. The railroad was built on piles, as that was less expensive than embanking. That 136-mile road was completed in 1833, with stops in Summerville, Blackville, Branchville and Aiken. As the company looked to expand, it was clear that piling was not effective, and the entire road had to be embanked. Around the time that the SCC&RR was chartered, E.S. Thomas of Cincinnati (and formerly of Charleston) began to promote a rail line from Cincinnati to Charleston. The directors of the SCC&RR, along with the citizens of Cincinnati, were enthusiastic supporters of the idea of connecting Charleston to the Ohio River Valley. In 1836, the Louisville, Cincinnati & Charleston Railroad was chartered and the former governor of South Carolina, Robert Y. Hayne, was its first president. In the late 1830s, the Louisville, Cincinnati & Charleston Railroad Company gained control of the Charleston to Hamburg line and the new company was called the South Carolina Railroad Company. The company struggled financially but did complete a line to Columbia. The road split from the Charleston-Hamburg line at Branchville and traveled 66.3 miles through Orangeburg, St. Matthews, and Hopkins. The first train from Charleston pulled into Columbia on June 20, 1842. The locomotive was named after Robert Hayne, who passed away in 1839. In 1848, the South Carolina Railroad added a line that split from the Columbia railroad at Kingsville and travelled to Camden. In 1853, a connection to Augusta, Georgia, was completed. Five years later, permission was granted to connect the South Carolina Railroad to the Georgia Railroad in Augusta, and Charleston finally obtained the much-anticipated rail connection to the west. Unfortunately, all of the track, trains, and buildings that belonged to the South Carolina Railroad were destroyed during the Civil War. After the Civil War ended, the company began to rebuild and the rail connection between Charleston and Columbia was completed in early 1866. The South Carolina Railroad struggled financially until 1881, when it was sold to a group of financiers in New York. Still plagued by debt, it passed into receivership in 1889. In 1894, The South Carolina Railroad Company changed hands again and was operated as the South Carolina and Georgia Railroad. Southern Railway leased the road in 1899 and in 1904 that company consolidated it into the Southern Railway Carolina division. South Carolina lawmakers failed to override Gov. Henry McMasters veto of a bill that would have delayed school board elections in Bamberg County. It was a tight vote, but politics prevailed, Rep. Justin Bamberg, D-Bamberg, said in a Facebook post. Therefore, the maps will be re-drawn and an election will be scheduled for next year for some of the seats on the consolidated board. I encourage those who are pro-public education, progress and unity in Bamberg County to consider running for the seats that become available. The Bamberg County Legislative Delegation appointed a board to oversee consolidation of the Bamberg 1 and Bamberg 2 school districts. Bamberg County voters are to begin electing their school board members in 2024. The bill the governor vetoed would have allowed the delegation-appointed board to continue serving until 2028. It would also have reduced the number of board members from nine to seven. Bamberg wanted the existing board to continue dealing with issues left from consolidation, including reducing school debt and taxes, and ensuring students have enough certified teachers. McMasters veto message claimed lawmakers failed to show the legislation is needed and the bill appears to represent unconstitutional local or special legislation. The S.C. House took up the veto on Wednesday. It failed with 41 members for overriding the veto and 50 against. Bamberg says he is now, hopeful things stay on course over the next few years so that every child in our county is able to have a public education that lends itself to them being the absolute best they can be! A 29-year-old Holly Hill man pleaded guilty to trafficking drugs during a recent term of court at the Orangeburg County Courthouse. Willie Jerome Thompson, of 108 Braden Run Road, pleaded guilty to unlawful carrying of a pistol and first-offense trafficking more than 10 grams but less than 28 grams of methamphetamine or cocaine base. He entered his guilty pleas before Circuit Judge Health Taylor. Thompson was originally charged with trafficking more than 100 grams but less than 200 grams of methamphetamine or cocaine base, but pleaded guilty to trafficking more than 10 grams but less than 28 grams of methamphetamine or cocaine base instead. Taylor sentenced him to prison for 10 years, suspended to three years of probation because hed already spent 42 months in jail. His charges of first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug, first-offense distribution of cocaine base and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime were dismissed. In other recent guilty pleas: Antwane Ramon Lee, 41, of 417 Winchester Avenue, Norway, pleaded guilty to second-degree domestic violence and first-offense possession of narcotics. Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison, but gave him three years of probation instead because hed already served two days in jail. He also ordered Lee to complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Taylor stipulated that there will be zero tolerance if Lee fails any of the drug tests. He also ordered Lee to attend anger management classes, if theyre deemed necessary. Lees charge of unlawful neglect of a child was dismissed. Brandon Jamar Lewis, 34, of 298 Heaton Road, Reevesville, pleaded guilty to forgery no dollar amount involved. Taylor sentenced him to three days in jail and gave him credit for time served. Lewis charge of forgery valued less than $10,000 was dismissed. Shyheim Barshay Lippman, 29, of 327 Boatswain Court, Eutawville, pleaded guilty to first-offense failure to stop for blue lights. Taylor sentenced him to two days in jail and gave him credit for time served. The following charges were dismissed: two counts of possession of a stolen pistol and one count each of unlawful carrying of pistol and first-offense driving under suspension license not suspended for DUI. Jonathan Corey Manigo, 30, of 219 C Hammond Drive, West Columbia, pleaded guilty to second-degree domestic violence. Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison, but because Manigo already served 28 days in jail, hes only serving two years of probation instead. Avery Montel Ramsey, 31, of 675 Edisto Drive, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-degree domestic violence. Taylor sentenced him to four years in prison, giving him credit for having already served 136 days in jail. Larry Junior Shuler, 59, of 110 Heiligwood Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense DUI less than .10. He was originally charged with second-offense DUI greater than .10 but less than .16, but pleaded guilty to first-offense DUI less than .10 instead. Taylor sentenced him to two days in jail and gave him credit for time served. Jarick Solcumb, 24, of 533 Lake Edisto Drive, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug and unlawful carrying of a pistol. Taylor sentenced him under the Youthful Offender Act not to exceed one year, but suspended the term to two years of probation because hed already served two days in jail. Solcumbs charge of possession of a stolen pistol was dismissed. Jantze Jeremy Tavenier, 30, of 4034 Wagon Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and battery, second-degree domestic violence and first-offense possession of one gram or less of cocaine base. Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended to two years of probation because hed already served 103 days in jail. He also ordered Tavenier to complete a domestic violence intervention program and undergo substance abuse counseling. Its been 50 years since a colt named Secretariat won the Triple Crown. On June 9, 1973, Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes in New York by a 31-length margin. He holds the records in all three Triple Crown races. The chestnut thoroughbred colt won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes weeks prior, but his success wouldnt have been possible without two Orangeburg County men: Edward Shorty Eddie Sweat of Vance and George Thomas Charlie Davis Jr. of Eutawville. Sweat was Secretariats groom and Davis was the horses exercise rider. Each of the Triple Crown tracks, this year, are remembering the 50th anniversary of Secretariats record-breaking wins. Along with Secretariats legacy are those of Sweat and Davis, who contributed to his success. Charlie Davis Davis grew up near Walworth Plantation, a couple of miles from Eutaw Springs. He worked with Edward OBrien, who had been hired by Walworths owner, J. Peter Grace, to oversee the raising of thoroughbred horses. Davis was born to the late George and Maggie Davis of Eutawville, according to his Eutawville Community Home obituary. His love for thoroughbred horses started at an early age. As an elementary student, hed sometimes cut school to watch the thoroughbreds train on the farm where his father worked, his obituary states. In time, he learned how to exercise horses and eventually worked for legendary trainer Lucien Laurin. Laurin owned the Branchdale Race Track, located between Holly Hill and Vance. In a 2010 interview with The Times and Democrat, Davis said of Secretariat, I exercised him every morning. I got him ready to go to the races. Davis exercised horses until 1981, when he suffered an injury, this obituary says. In Ocala, Davis worked at the John Penn Horse Track and as a foaling manager for several farms in that area, until he became ill in 2012. Davis died at his residence in Ocala, Florida, on Feb. 7, 2018. He was 78. Back in October 2010, Walt Disney Pictures released the movie Secretariat, which had actors playing the roles of Sweat and Davis. Eddie Sweat Davis spoke with The Times and Democrat about Sweat just after the movie, Secretariat, premiered. Davis described Sweat as an irreplaceable personality. He and Sweat grew to be good friends, Davis said. Me and Eddie used to go out of town everywhere every time we got to take a horse to New York, Ohio, Canada, places like that, Davis said. Davis described Sweat as a dynamite guy. Also in 2010, one of Sweats sisters, Bertha Lee Walker, who was 82 at the time, told The Times and Democrat that her brother was born to David and Mary Sweat of the Vance area. He was the sixth of nine children. Walker said of her brother, he worked with horses ever since he was 13 years old, until he died ... he was good with horses from when he was a child. He loved those horses ... and he loved to be a hard worker, Walker said. One of Sweats trademarks was his colorful plaid or patterned pants. We used to laugh at him when he wore those pants. But he would say, I dont care about your laughing because I know Im going to win. Theyre my pants and Im going to wear them, " Walker said. Sweat died in New York in 1998 after battling leukemia. He was 58. Sweat is buried at Rock Hill AME Church Cemetery in Vance. In recent years, a black granite marker was erected at Sweats gravesite. The marker reads, Beloved groom of Chiefs Crown, Riva Ridge and Secretariat. I think theyll take me to my grave with a pitchfork in my hand and a rub rag in my back pocket, the marker also says, quoting Sweat. The weather on Saturday could be described as sort of warm, sort of cold, really cloudy and a bit drippy. No matter, though. At David Street Station, there were enough colors for a thousand cloudy days as community members came together to celebrate Pride Fest. The annual event marked its eighth year with vendors (including corporate giants such as Starbucks and Target), drag performers, food trucks and lots and lots of color. As attendees hung out on the turf and gathered in groups to chat, often running up to each other for a hug, peppy pop music played from the band shell speakers. Morgan Crompton, who is from Wyoming, and Amy Macky, who is from Colorado, came to celebrate, Crompton said. She sported vibrant hair strings tied on to her natural strands, and Macky wore glitter around her eyes. I think its cool that Casper does this, Macky said, adding that since Wyoming tends to be more conservative, activities like these stand out in particular. I bought some stuff, talked to a lot of cool people, Crompton added. Some people, like Tehn Forte, came to represent other communities from around the state. In Fortes case, it was Sheridan. A transplant from Atlanta, Georgia, Forte, who is Black, said they miss where theyre from Atlanta has a much larger vibrant, queer, Black community than Wyoming does but theyve been working to increase visibility in Sheridan, which does have a pride (due to construction, it will be held in September this year, Forte said). They came to the state for their partner, but told the the Star-Tribune that they really like it and have been able to find community here. Weve come every year (to Casper Pride), they said. This year, they and their partner were doing hair accessories for free and accepting donations for a nonprofit called Sheridan Supports LGBTQ+. They had hair chalk, embroidery string and flowers in numerous colors. Not everything was free at Jaydine Krinchovs stand, they had books, pins and other memorabilia for sale. The books in question were his own: Krinchov, who is 20 years old, is an indie author who has written two books as part of his Chronicles of Enigma series. It was his first time at Casper Pride as a vendor. Of course, it wouldnt be an event in Wyoming if someone didnt show up wearing cowboy boots, jeans and a cowboy hat, and there were a few of those at Pride as well. One attendee wore a t-shirt that said Protect Trans Kids as part of his outfit. Mallory Pollock, executive director of Casper Pride, said they were warmed to see the community come together this year and in years past. Look how far weve come in eight years, they said. Weve done a really great job building relationships. Weve found each other and great partnerships in the community. Close Local Casper Target employees could be seen at the Pride Fest wearing community-supporting merchandise on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at David Street Station. Community members hug each other at Casper's Pride Fest on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Casper's Eighth annual pride fest took place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at David Street Station. Locals and out-of-towners celebrate Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. Spirits were high despite the cloudy weather. Princess Porcelain Hughes performs at Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. Sporting a rainbow beard, Robert Tate celebrates Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. Individuals of all ages and genders received awards for the pride run that accord earlier that day on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at David Street Station. Sheridan Support staff prepare their hair design booth for Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. A festival goer is draped in a pride flag at Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. A security guard at Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest walks around with a toy bubble gun on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at David Street Station. Target employee Terra Wilson joins in the pride festivity with their bubble gun toys on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at David Street Station. Izzie the dog is decked out in pride gear while attending Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. PHOTOS: Community gathers to celebrate Casper Pride A crowd gathered at David Street Station over the weekend for Casper's annual Pride event. Here's a look. Local Casper Target employees could be seen at the Pride Fest wearing community-supporting merchandise on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at David Street Station. Community members hug each other at Casper's Pride Fest on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Casper's Eighth annual pride fest took place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at David Street Station. Locals and out-of-towners celebrate Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. Spirits were high despite the cloudy weather. Princess Porcelain Hughes performs at Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. Sporting a rainbow beard, Robert Tate celebrates Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. Individuals of all ages and genders received awards for the pride run that accord earlier that day on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at David Street Station. Sheridan Support staff prepare their hair design booth for Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. A festival goer is draped in a pride flag at Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. A security guard at Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest walks around with a toy bubble gun on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at David Street Station. Target employee Terra Wilson joins in the pride festivity with their bubble gun toys on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at David Street Station. Izzie the dog is decked out in pride gear while attending Casper's eighth annual Pride Fest on Saturday at David Street Station. Library book challenges continue to be a mainstay in Wyoming school districts as parents and community members object to titles they deem explicit for children. A trend that began during the coronavirus pandemic gripped another Wyoming district this week as parents and community members of Laramie County School District No.1 advocated for tighter control of library books during a raucous school board meeting. Speaker after speaker argued that the school district had not done enough to prevent the sexualization of children even as trustees debated new rules that would give parents more oversight over what their kids read. Its the latest in a push for greater control over Wyoming school districts and libraries that has inserted politics further into education and made gender identity and other cultural issues a central theme of school board meetings across the state. Cheyenne schools Parents berated Laramie County School District No. 1 trustees during Mondays final school year board meeting, some of them accusing district leaders of an unwillingness protect children by censoring books that contain sexual scenes and use sexual language. The district oversees public schools in Cheyenne. Chairman Tim Bolin tried to keep the meeting under control and keep the palpable anger in check. Some speakers continuously referenced sex acts even as Bolin asked them to refrain. He repeatedly asked those in the audience to respect meeting procedures after one person interrupted a testifying student. Others cheered, encouraged, applauded and booed during public comment. Patricia McCoy, a district mother, was heated as she referenced a sexual passage in a book and told board members that the books recommended to her children were inappropriate. McCoy said that she and other parents were upset that our children are not being protected and instead are being sexualized and indoctrinated. Brooke Bulgrin, a member of the Laramie County chapter of Moms for Liberty, also criticized the board for not removing books from district libraries. She portrayed the issue as one of parental choice. Its extremely unfortunate that this is such a contentious issue because providing parents more options and protecting the innocence of children is not extreme. Many of those who spoke urged the board to implement an opt-in policy rather than the districts current opt-out option, a move that make some library books off limits for students unless their parents gave them permission. As it stands, the district allows parents to restrict their childrens access to books on certain subjects, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported. I fill out your opt-out forms every single year and its a joke, McCoy said. They dont get followed at all. Parents and community members called for action even as district staff gave a presentation on the work Laramie County School District No. 1 is doing to allow parents more of a say over the library materials their children can access. The district has been working to create more options for parents on the direction of trustees, Joe Evans, Laramie County School District No. 1s English and language arts secondary curriculum coordinator, told the board. Under two of the options, students would have free access or no access to everything in their schools media center. The other choices would allow parents to prevent their children from reading books the school district identifies as sexually explicit, a definition trustees worked to refine during Mondays meeting create their own exclusion list or restrict their students to a clean reads list curated by librarians. While the crowd was vocal, Evans noted that the district only has 41 parent opt-outs this school year of the more than 13,000 students registered in the district. Each book challenge the district receives costs an estimated $10,000 in personnel costs, Evans said. At times, politics seeped directly into the board meeting as parents expressed frustration with the district and some of its library books. The Left says this is about freedom, the Constitution and stopping censorship, said Darin Smith, a district parent. And yet they are not complaining about the Christian books that are clearly banned from the district. Statewide push Wyomings controversy around library books began during the pandemic as battles over mask mandates and other polarizing national debates catalyzed into complaints about what materials are available to students. In 2021, community members in Gillette asked the Campbell County Public Library Board of Trustees to remove books about LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity and sex from the childrens and teen sections in the library after local outcry about the books and a scheduled performance by a transgender magician. A complaint led prosecutors to weigh potential legal action against library employees for making the books available. Since then, opposition from some community members and parents has spread around the state as library books and issues like gender identity have become constant subjects of discussion at school board meetings. In Laramie County School District No. 1, parents tried to remove more than a dozen books from school libraries in late 2021 because of content they deemed too explicit for students. The school board of Park County School District No. 6 voted unanimously last year to keep a book about a transgender teenager in Cody High School. Library books became a focus of Natrona County School District No. 1s 2022 school board elections as some sought to ban two LGBTQ+ books from a district high school. Since trustees voted to keep the books in Kelly Walsh High Schools library in November, the district has received other requests to pull books. The districts review committee has declined to remove any books from area high schools, decisions that NCSD trustees have upheld. The book banning efforts have led to frustrations from some NCSD board members. This is stupid and we need to get past it, Trustee Kevin Christopherson said during a May meeting. The concerted push to ban library books across Wyoming spurred a group of parents and educators last month to form Wyoming Families for Freedom, a group of roughly 150 people that aims to combat book challenges and back librarians and teachers across the state. On Wednesday, the group issued a statement criticizing Bolins handling of the Laramie County School District No. 1 board meeting and the actions and statements of some of those who spoke. District staff, [sic] and our diverse student body deserve a Board that serves the entire district, not a few dozen agitators pushing political agendas dictated by an out-of-state organization that does not represent Wyoming Values, the group wrote. When it came time to say goodbye, Doolarie Badree just could not do it. The ailing mother cried, begged, wailed and bought time until, in the end, she let go of the daughter she could no longer care for. So that afternoon, her child, Renuca Badree, was taken from the home she had never left in all her 47 years of life. Members of the polices White-Collar Crime Unit visited the residence of Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine in Lowlands, Tobago, and searched the premises for several hours yesterday. The search was in relation to the audio recording of THA officials allegedly conspiring to use public funds for propaganda purposes. Public procurement law is one of the most vitally important pieces of legislation enacted since our Independence. Our civil society groups worked long and hard in the vineyard calling for the introduction of public procurement law, in the hope that this would be the catalyst to reverse the corruption and squandermania in government spending which threatens to ruin our country. KEY LARGO, Fla. A university professor who spent 100 days living underwater at a Florida Keys lodge for scuba divers resurfaced Friday and raised his face to the sun for the first time since March 1. Dr. Joseph Dituri set a new record for the longest time living underwater without depressurization during his stay at Jules Undersea Lodge, submerged beneath 30 feet of water in a Key Largo lagoon. The diving explorer and medical researcher shattered the previous mark of 73 days, two hours and 34 minutes set by two Tennessee professors at the same lodge in 2014. It was never about the record, Dituri said. It was about extending human tolerance for the underwater world and for an isolated, confined, extreme environment. Dituri, who also goes by the moniker Dr. Deep Sea, is a University of South Florida educator who holds a doctorate in biomedical engineering and is a retired U.S. Naval officer. Guinness World Records listed Dituri as the record holder on its website after his 74th day underwater last month. The Marine Resources Development Foundation, which owns the lodge, will ask Guinness to certify Dituris 100-day mark, according to foundation head Ian Koblick. Dituris undertaking, dubbed Project Neptune 100, was organized by the foundation. Unlike a submarine, which uses technology to keep the inside pressure about the same as at the surface, the lodges interior is set to match the higher pressure found underwater. The project aimed to learn more about how the human body and mind respond to extended exposure to extreme pressure and an isolated environment and was designed to benefit ocean researchers and astronauts on future long-term missions. During the three months and nine days he spent underwater, Dituri conducted daily daily experiments and measurements to monitor how his body responded to the increase in pressure over time. He also met online with several thousand students from 12 countries, taught a USF course and welcomed more than 60 visitors to the habitat. The most gratifying part about this is the interaction with almost 5,000 students and having them care about preserving, protecting and rejuvenating our marine environment, Dituri said. A 68-year-old woman was killed Friday evening when authorities say her car was struck by a van whose driver ran a red light at an intersection on Tucson's south side. Estela Gallegos was driving east on East Drexel Road just after 5 p.m when she entered the intersection at South Palo Verde Road, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said Saturday in a news release. A southbound van driven by 64-year-old Ignacio Pena drove through the intersection on a red light, colliding with Gallegos' vehicle, the release said. Gallegos died at the hospital. Pena had minor injuries. He was cited for causing death by moving violation, the news release said. The crash is still being investigated. Two people were found dead Thursday afternoon in a hotel room on Tucsons south side and police are investigating it as a homicide, officials say. Xavier Morales, 54, and Sonia Zaragoza, 35, were found about 12:45 p.m. inside a room at the Minsk Hotel, on East Benson Highway near South Park Avenue, a Tucson Police Department news release said. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, the release said. Both Morales and Zaragoza had sustained trauma and were unresponsive when they were discovered by an employee, the news release said. No further details were immediately released by police Friday. The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line. After an increase in driving under the influence charges, Green Valley Justice Court has introduced a new DUI program that aims to reduce recidivism and promote recovery for first-time offenders. The court has developed a DUI program that will allow selected participants to go through a treatment plan thanks to a change in state law. Once the treatment plan is completed, the individuals charge will be reduced from DUI to reckless driving. In 2020, DUI cases at Green Valley Justice Court had gone down and hit a low, court administrator Kristen Randall said. However, cases began to rise in 2021 and skyrocketed in 2022. Now with the help of the new program, first-time offenders who are residents of Pima County and dont have any violent criminal convictions are provided the opportunity to go through a five-phase treatment plan. During the five phases, participants will go to individualized therapy, group therapy, be regularly tested for alcohol and drugs,8 and attend bi-weekly check-ins with Justice of the Peace Ray Carroll. Throughout the plan, which can take anywhere from six to 12 months to complete, the individual can receive incentives to help encourage them during recovery. Once they complete a phase, they may be awarded a reduction in their fines, have decreased court appearances or win gift certificates, the DUI program handbook says. Once the program is completed, the individual will graduate, and the DUI charge will be reduced. Randall said the change of the charge can be really helpful for people when it comes to background checks. If you are a young person that doesnt want to start off your life with a DUI on your record, that can be really big, Randall said. So far, Randall said one person has been enrolled in the program and three others are still figuring out if the program is a right fit for them. Since it is a pilot program, the court has capped it at 20 participants at a time. If the program blooms and grows depends upon a charter year review filled with quantifiable case studies showing it made a difference, Carroll said in a news release. The program can succeed by defendants making a clean start with drug and alcohol counseling appointments including testing and monitoring weekly. The program will be the first of its kind in Arizona because its participants havent been formally charged. While there are other DUI programs in the state, those participants have been charged and do not get their DUI charge reduced at the end of the program, Randall said. When developing the DUI program, Randall said court officials did about six months of research, pulling heavily from Pima County Superior Courts Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison program. They also worked with both the county prosecutors and public defenders offices. Since there are no other pre-adjudicated DUI programs in the state, Randall said they worked with out-of-state courts with similar programs as well as the National Center for DWI Courts. Those were able to offer helpful advice, answer questions and send examples of workbooks. Data from those courts show DUI programs like the one started here are extremely effective. A Michigan study found that participants were 19 times less likely to be re-arrested for another impaired-driving offense than those who were processed through a traditional court, according to the NCDC website. With the implementation of this new program, Randall says she hopes to see recidivism drop and wants to build a model for other courts in Arizona to follow. Now is absolutely the time to follow the data and scientific best practices when dealing with increases in criminal charges due to intense stress, substance use disorder, and alcoholism, Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said in a news release. Now more than ever, we must come together as a whole system of justice to promote community health and safety. We applaud Green Valley for their tenacity and determination. The Pima County Sheriffs Department is looking for a man in connection with the shooting of two people Friday morning on Tucsons northwest side, officials say. Authorities learned about the shooting after a man and a woman went to a Marana hospital about 2:30 a.m. with gunshot wounds, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a news release. Their injuries were non-life threatening. A search warrant was then served at a home in the 4200 block of West Calatrava Avenue, near North Camino de Oeste and West Linda Vista Boulevard, where the shooting is believed to have occurred, the release said. William Vick, 45, is wanted in connection with the shooting, the release said. He is described as being 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 250 pounds and having brown hair. Anyone with information on Vicks whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line. PHOENIX Tucson Democratic Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton is guilty of disorderly behavior for moving and hiding Bibles in the lounge used by lawmakers, the House Ethics Committee says. In a unanimous, bipartisan report issued Friday, the committee found that Stahl Hamilton: Purposely removed the Bibles from the lounge on three separate occasions; Intentionally concealed the books in a manner disrespectful to other members; Violated the inherent obligation to protect the integrity of the House, offended some members, and caused the House to expend resources to place a hidden camera to find where the Bibles were going. Stahl Hamilton never fully apologized for her actions after they were made public and gained national attention but, at best, said she was apologizing to those who she had offended, the report says. Any chance she had to personally rectify that when the committee heard evidence last month disappeared when she did not show up but instead sent two lawyers. it says. The committee made no recommendation, however, on what punishment, if any, should be imposed. Instead, it urged all lawmakers to read the report and decide for themselves what action is appropriate. Any action could come on Monday. Stahl Hamilton said she wont comment until it happens. Ouster takes two-thirds vote The chances of her being ejected from the House are virtually nil. The last two times that penalty was imposed were against a lawmaker who violated House policies on sexual harassment, Don Shooter of Yuma in 2018, and, earlier this year, against Liz Harris of Chandler for facilitating false testimony to a committee and lying about her role when questioned. It takes a two-thirds vote to remove a lawmaker. There is little chance that Democrats, who control 29 of the 60 seats, would go along. A more likely punishment is censure, essentially a formal reprimand by colleagues. Whether Democrats would support even that, however, remains unclear. In a prepared statement Friday, House Democratic leaders said they have seen the report and accept its findings. But they also said they accept the apologies Stahl Hamilton made and that she has owned her actions. We will not engage in any further divisive rhetoric or political opportunism that this incident has inspired, the statement said. It is time to focus and devote our attention to the important work we have left at our Capitol. Video evidence In March, some members first noticed that two Bibles, which are placed on tables in the lounge just outside the House chambers, were missing. A search by security staff turned them up underneath the cushions of chairs. Another incident about a week later found a Bible in a refrigerator in the lounge. House Speaker Ben Toma, R-Peoria, then authorized the placement of a hidden camera, which took video on April 10 of Stahl Hamilton moving the books. After that video went public, aired by a Phoenix TV station, Stahl Hamilton explained her actions briefly to Capitol Media Services, calling them just a little playful commentary on the separation of church and state. In a floor speech that followed, she said: I acknowledge that a conversation about the separation of church and state should have began with a conversation. Stahl Hamilton, who holds a masters of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and is an ordained Presbyterian minister, said she recognized that her actions could have been seen as something less than playful, and offensive. That didnt satisfy three first-term Republican lawmakers who filed a complaint. They said that, in putting the Bibles under seat cushions, she was potentially causing Christian members of the House, staff, and guests to unknowingly sit on their own holy text. They said her placement of one in a refrigerator was disrespectful in the extreme. That led to the hearing last month where the Ethics Committee took testimony and sought to question Stahl Hamilton, who chose not to attend on the advice of my excellent lawyers, both of them former lawmakers. Deeply offensive The committees report Friday says there is no question that Stahl Hamilton removed the Bibles, not only the time she was seen on video but in at least two other prior incidents. Then there was what she did with them. Rep. Stahl Hamilton could have placed the Bibles on a bookshelf or even placed them on the Sergeant-at-Arms desk after removing them from their usual places and still accomplished her stated goal, the report says. Instead, she twice decided to put the Bibles within pieces of furniture where people including her frequently sit, it continues. Her choice was not only disrespectful of the Bible itself but was deeply offensive to those members who revere the Bible as their holy text. Beyond that, the report says that, in hiding he books, she deprived members who choose to exercise their religious beliefs by referring to the biblical text of any opportunity to do so during the time periods when the Bibles were missing. Her actions would have been equally offensive and disrespectful if it had been the Book of Mormon, Quran, or any other religious text, the report says. On one hand, the committee recognizes that Rep. Stahl Hamilton might believe that her public acknowledgment of the matter and expressing remorse sufficiently addressed it, the report says. Conversely, the committee also recognizes that some might believe that her decision to apologize expressly for external reactions but not likewise to do so for her personal actions falls short of fully taking responsibility for her behavior. Despite political backlash, the University of Arizona is standing firm in its commitment to its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, which the school says are key to its recruitment and retention strategy. Legislators are attempting to legalize censorship, says a resolution the UA Faculty Senate passed in April, written in opposition to a proposed legislation that would have made it illegal for Arizonas public colleges and universities to spend money on, or require participation in, DEI programs and initiatives. This bill infringes on freedom of speech and our civil rights and liberties. ... (It) not only impinges on our ability to investigate, invent, discover and to give account but also infringes our right to publish, teach, and research in and outside the classroom without interference or fear of reprisal, the faculty statement says. In both 2021 and 2022, the UA spent $1.6 million a year out of its more-than $2 billion budget to support an administrative unit known as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, whose goal is to make diversity and inclusiveness a habit that is implemented and practiced by everyone consistently throughout the university. Why DEI is under attack According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, 21 states, including Arizona, introduced some form of legislation that would put restrictions on DEI programs in 2023. As of June 1, lawmakers in Florida, Tennessee, North Dakota and Texas had passed some of those proposals into law. But its not happening in Arizona, at least not this year anyway. Arizonas Senate Bill 1694 narrowly failed to make it out of the House last month. Republican Sen. Jake Hoffman from Queen Creek, who sponsored it with six Republican co-sponsors, did not respond to the Arizona Daily Stars request for comment on the failure of the bill or any plans to file a similar bill next year. When the bill was still moving through the Legislature, Hoffman said DEI trainings that schools like the UA regularly offer, which his bill would have outlawed, have become a prevalent tactic of the left to shame employees and to shame folks within the trainings, Capitol Media Services reported. Eliminating such trainings, Hoffman added, gets us back to doing the job that theyve been hired to on behalf of the people. The bill says we dont want public entities influencing the composition of their workforce based on race, Hoffman said. The legislation would also have barred public institutions from advancing theories of unconscious or implicit bias, cultural appropriation, and anti-racism, among numerous other theories that touch on the marginalization or oppression of certain social, racial, ethnic and gender groups. Advocates say DEI programs and trainings can help foster a more welcoming campus environment in addition to bolstering recruitment and retention efforts. Democratic Sen. Priya Sundareshan of Tucson called Hoffmans bill incredibly hurtful, and said DEI initiatives help people and employees and students feel comfortable where they are. If the political tides in other Republican-dominated state legislatures are any indication, the push against DEI in Arizona likely wont die with this years bill. Over the past few years, some conservative politicians in Arizona and across the nation have criticized educators at all levels for indoctrinating students through certain teachings, accusations sometimes broadly referred to as critical race theory. Although that term has taken on new meaning as a conservative euphemism for teaching Americas history of discrimination against people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups, critical race theory itself is a 40-plus-year-old, graduate-level concept rarely applied to high school or undergraduate courses. Eliminating DEI offices and programming, which are typically designed to help historically marginalized students matriculate and succeed in higher education, has surfaced in the national political culture wars as one of several proposed and enacted strategies others include banning certain books and courses to assert political control of ideologies taught or promoted in schools. If you look at the way this has actually been implemented across the country, DEI is better viewed as standing for discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination, Floridas Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference last month after signing Senate Bill 266 into law. Just like the failed proposal in Arizona would have, the new Florida law prohibits public colleges and universities from spending money on DEI initiatives. That has no place in our public institutions, DeSantis said. UA, other schools defend DEI Arizona faculty leaders disagree. Faculty senates at the UA, Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University have passed non-binding resolutions in support of investments in DEI as critical to the operation of accessible higher education in a state with an increasingly racially and ethnically diverse population. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Arizonas diversity index is 61.1%, up from 54.9% in 2010; 61.6% of Arizonans identify as white, 12.4% identify as Black, 18.7% as Hispanic and 10.2% as multiracial. How other Arizona faculty are responding Faculty Senate members at Arizona State University in Tempe and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, which both staff DEI offices, also issued resolutions this spring, as did UA's, reaffirming their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion programs. This is organic to who we are, said Penny Dolin, chair of the ASU Faculty Senate and chair of the Arizona Faculties Council. ASU continues to pursue maximum inclusion in the university. That means diversity, socioeconomic diversity, various religious principles, and more. ASU President Michael Crow added in a statement that inclusion has been part of ASUs charter for a decade. Inclusion is a core value and it drives everything we do, Crow said. I talk about egalitarian access almost every day. NAU's Faculty Senate resolution confirms the school's "commitment to educate, support, and empower students from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; the advancement of education that is diverse in thought and perspective; equitable for each student regardless of their socio-economic background or status; and inclusive of the breadth of both the personal and historical realities of all our students." In response to questions about its commitment to DEI, Pima Community College referred to its governing board policy that says it "is committed to providing and supporting programs, services and training that will enable all students and employees to achieve their educational and career objectives." The same value, the policy continues, "will be utilized by PCC in employee recruitment and hiring." Maricopa Community Colleges did not respond to requests for comment about response to proposed legislation against DEI programs, but according to its website, it has Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that "supports the college mission of creating an inclusive and vibrant learning community where everyone is supported to achieve success." The U.S. Department of Education designates the UA as a Hispanic Serving Institution because 25% or more of its full-time, undergraduate student body identifies as Hispanic, and the university has launched numerous programs to recruit more low-income and first-generation students as well as underrepresented faculty. The university hired its first diversity officer in the mid-2000s. According to UA spokeswoman Pam Scott, UA created the role to help develop teaching strategies for students from diverse backgrounds and to perform research to address the needs of a diverse society. Since then, the UA has significantly grown its investments in DEI initiatives. As of November 2022, more than $2.8 million has been allocated to advancing campus racial equity efforts that are aligned with student priorities, the UA provosts website says. Creating or expanding an office to administer DEI programming and support is something many colleges and universities have done over the past decade. According to a 2019 analysis by the education trade magazine INSIGHT Into Diversity, American colleges increased spending on DEI initiatives by 27% between 2014-2019. However, even with those increases, DEI accounted for an average of 0.5% in a schools overall budget. Sometimes, these investments in DEI have come after public criticisms of a campus intolerance of marginalized students or faculty. It happened at the University of Missouri in response to weeks of high-profile, anti-racism campus protests in 2015. Although it didnt receive near the media attention, one year later in 2016, students at the UA raised concerns about the treatment of marginalized students on campus during a faculty listening tour. I felt scared and unsafe, like maybe someone would show up in the night and try to do something to me, a Black UA graduate student said at the time, as she recalled finding a racial slur written on her mailbox. I didnt really know what to think because nothing like that had ever happened to me before. Asian, Native American, Hispanic, transgender and female students also reported discrimination or harassment from faculty members and fellow students, the Arizona Daily Star reported in 2016. Soon after the revelations of the listening tour, the UA hired two new diversity officers and expanded the scope of its Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Among other functions, the office provides support for outreach and retention efforts, provides resources to those reporting bias concerns, and is in the process of developing a diversity strategic plan. Its working with departments and other units across campus to, according to its website, move even further beyond rhetoric towards sustainable, accountable, action-oriented practices. The UAs Office of Diversity and Inclusion is one aspect of a multipronged approach to recruiting, retaining and supporting students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, Scott said. As the incoming classes have increased in size and diversity year after year so has the academic preparation which has helped lead to higher first-to-second year student retention. In 1980, about 10% of the UAs student body identified as non-white. In 2022, 34% of students identified as a race other than white and 25% identified as Hispanic or Latinx. According to numbers provided by the UA, first-to-second year retention rose from 83.3% to 85.6% between 2017 and 2022. Data from the UAs Office of Equity and Inclusion also shows that between 2012 and 2021, retention rates improved for biracial, white, first-generation and low-income students, among other groups. View from DEI-banned Florida Those are the kind of gains Andrew Gothard, an English instructor at Florida Atlantic University, said he and his colleagues are most worried about losing now that DEI initiatives are outlawed in Florida. From his view as an instructor whos interacted with students for more than 10 years, diversity, equity and inclusion programs are unequivocally good for higher education, and proven to help more students from underrepresented backgrounds attend and graduate from college. When students are no longer getting higher education degrees, they arent pouring that knowledge and experience and expertise back into their (communities) and thats something that hurts everyone, said Gothard, who also serves as president of the United Faculty of Florida. Were deeply concerned about the long term impacts this will have not just on the individual students but the totality of Florida in the coming decades. He said hes already heard from students, parents and faculty who, in part because of Floridas DEI ban, are either looking to leave the state or reconsider their intentions to get an education at or work for a Florida university. Gothards message for Arizonas higher education leaders is to find out what its campus communities actually want and need despite the extreme, false partisan narrative circulating about DEI programs. Get out there and counter that public narrative of what DEI and higher education in general actually do, Gothard said. When you do that, youre going to put the people listening to both sides of this argument in a place where they have to decide what they want. When Patti Woodbury moved to Vail in 1984, the area had no traffic lights, one school and an abundance of open fields dotted with saguaros and native desert vegetation. Now, the area once known as the town between the tracks has several housing developments, a Safeway and an award-winning school district. Thousands of people have moved to Vail since Woodbury settled there nearly 40 years ago, and now, some residents are trying to make the historically unincorporated area its own town. A group called Incorporate Vail Arizona, or IVA, has been exploring what it would take to incorporate Vail and began holding meetings to gauge interest with the areas businesses and residents since last fall. The group is in the process of following the statutory guidelines to make Vail its own municipality, including submitting a notice to the Pima County Board of Supervisors of its intention to do so on Oct. 27. But while the landscape and population of Vail have changed dramatically over time, Woodbury doesnt want to see her home become part of a town. She works as a volunteer with an opposing group, Inform Vail Arizona, thats warning residents of the potential dangers of incorporation, including the added bureaucracy of an extra layer of government, more taxes and the potential loss of the rural nature Vails known for. (Incorporation is) gonna benefit businesses, it's going to benefit developers. (IVA) has yet to show any concrete benefit to the homeowners of the area. They've only shown potential expense, Woodbury said. If Vail incorporates, it would be responsible for its own municipal services like law enforcement, transportation, and public works that the county currently provides. Dissenters say incorporation would put residents on the hook for millions in new expenses. But the IVA group says incorporation gives local control of the area instead of relying on the county to provide adequate services and divvy out its portion of state-shared funding to benefit Vail. As its own town, Vail would instead receive millions in state-shared funding for its own use. At the end of the day, we want to control our future. We want to have a seat at the table. When other municipalities are making regional decisions, we want to make sure that Vail is included, said IVA Vice President MaRico Tippett. IVA published the maps of the boundaries of the potential town and received consent to incorporate from the nearest urbanized area, Tucson, after City Council approved a resolution of support for the groups incorporation effort on May 9 a statutorily required step in the incorporation process. However, both Tucson City Council and the Board of Supervisors roles in the process are primarily ministerial itll be up to the voters of Vail to decide if they want to become a town. IVA is set to submit a petition for Vails incorporation to the Board of Supervisors for approval at its July 11 meeting, which would allow the group to begin collecting signatures. If at least 10% of registered voters sign the petition in support of incorporation by Aug. 8, the final determination will come from a Nov. 7 election. If two-thirds of residents in the proposed incorporation boundaries sign the petition, Vail can be incorporated without an election. Retaining rural nature Its not the first time Vail has entertained the idea of incorporating. While pushes for incorporation have occurred dating back to 1995, the choice went to an official vote in 2013 when 56% of voters turned down the measure. Ten years later, Tippett said he believes incorporation is achievable because we have been highly engaged with the community from the onset. Ultimately, if nothing else, our role is to make sure all the residents of Vail have the opportunity to voice their opinions. And the way that you do that is by putting it on the ballot, he said. IVA conducted a survey in the fall of 2022 and reported 46% of respondents would vote for incorporation in an election, 20% would vote no and 30% needed more information. But volunteers with Inform Vail, the opposition group, say rural areas havent had enough of a say in the process, and the surveys 737 responses arent representative of the estimated 21,000 Vail residents. The two opposing groups for and against incorporation have engaged in social media disputes and conflicting opinion pieces in the Vail Voice, the areas monthly newspaper, on key topics like development, governance and water. Todd Ogiba, a three-year Vail resident and member of Inform Vail, said part of the areas draw is the rural nature of it. It's a quiet, residential community, he said, and fears incorporation would attract more development. That concern is compounded by the fact that Vails Chamber of Commerce was first to kick around the idea of a renewed incorporation effort. The chambers mission is Influencing Vail's future to enhance growth opportunities and advance economic development, according to its website. The Chamber of Commerce also sponsors IVA and is listed as contributing more than $5,000 to the group on its sponsors page. Tippett said the main concern he hears is people don't want more growth, however, growth is here, and it's not going away, and incorporation is the best way to control development by setting up a town council to make planning and zoning decisions on Vails behalf, he said. After incorporation, the countys supervisors would appoint the first town council of Vail. Residents would then elect their own local representatives, which IVA said would be volunteer positions supported by six staff members. That is the minimum necessary to effectively and efficiently run a town, Tippett said. No one's getting rich off of this. All the people on the (IVA) board are residents that are committing their time, energy and effort because they love Vail. Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy oversees District 4, which encompasses Vail. He said, I feel it's not appropriate for a supervisor of that area to engage one way or the other in the process I don't want to be putting my thumb on any scale. However, Christy said, There's a lot of issues that people should be completely familiar with before jumping into incorporation. There's a whole host of services that then become the responsibility of the incorporated area to provide its inhabitants, and those cost money. Financial feasibility IVA published a feasibility analysis in December that shows what a potential town budget would look like. If voters approve incorporation in November, the county would continue to provide services through June 30, the end of the fiscal year. Once the county steps away, the study estimates Vail would have a fund balance of about $2.8 million in its second fiscal year after receiving an estimated $9.9 million in new state-shared revenues distributed to cities and towns from vehicle license taxes, the Highway User Revenue Fund and state sales and income taxes. Incorporation can be helpful on a regional basis, too. The state doles out more tax money to incorporated areas. Maricopa County receives more share of state revenues, as about 90% of the area is incorporated, and only about 60% of Pima County is incorporated. However, Vail's incorporated neighbors like Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, Tucson and South Tucson would likely see a reduction in state-shared revenues as the money is divided across an extra municipality. In addition to receiving revenue from the state, the feasibility analysis proposes a local sales tax rate of 1.5% to 4%. While many Vail residents drive up to Tucson for in-person retail, the tax would also apply to online orders shipped to Vail residents after the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows states to require remote sellers to collect sales tax. It's common for newly incorporated areas to rely on state-shared sales tax for the first couple of years as a municipality, said Tom Belshe, the executive director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. The group promotes local self-government and provides guidance to areas seeking incorporation. All 91 of Arizonas cities and towns have a sales tax, he said, as at some point, it becomes necessary for them to have that extra revenue. Long-term, that means Vail would have to find a way to pay for services like policing, and estimates it will cost $3.8 million to contract with the county to provide 10 law enforcement units. The feasibility study envisions Vail becoming a contract city that depends on third-party providers for municipal services at an estimated $11.3 million cost. When you look at a small town starting out, costs are important, Tippett said. Instead of trying to build buildings for a police force the startup costs alone would bankrupt us so instead of doing that, we can contract those services out. Contracting out services is a way for Vail to establish itself in its preliminary years of incorporation, Tippett said. Dissenters, however, say Vail is doing fine with county services alone. We're going to have to pay costs plus an administrative premium for services that we already get from our current taxes, Woodbury said. We're paying more to duplicate things that we already have. The members of Inform Vail also say incorporation could hinder one of the most important assets in the region: Vails water supply. While concerns exist about providing enough water for new developments, those worries escalated when the group got hold of an Oct. 24 email IVA Director Rob Samuelsen sent to Pima County officials that said he would try to get Vail to enter into rights of first refusal to acquire Vail Water and other private water companies in the area. The Inform Vail group said the regions new tax dollars could be used to buy up water companies or private water co-ops in the region. There are about 358 private well owners in Vail, according to IVA, and the suggestion prompted Inform Vail to warn on its website: Our team can assure you of one thing when it comes to IVAs ambitions in controlling your private property. Their aims are far more intrusive than just water. Rights of first refusal give parties the option to enter into a business arrangement before anyone else when assets are sold. Samuelsen clarified the arrangement is voluntary, and if incorporated, the town wouldnt have the finances to take over peoples water supplies. Annexation fears As the Inform Vail group goes door-to-door talking to neighbors about incorporation, theres one response they say they hear more than others: Tucson will take us if we dont incorporate. Tucson has annexed areas near and adjacent to Vail, but according to Lane Mandle, chief of staff for Tucsons city manager, the city has no current plans to take Vail. And as the city struggles to maintain its own internal services, it would take much more bandwidth to provide services to a larger population. If we were to annex a large residential area, we'd have to be able to provide those services, and quite frankly, it'd be a stretch to annex anything really big at this point with a lot of residential services, she said. Inform Vail volunteers say IVA using the threat of annexation as a talking point in support of incorporation is disingenuous, as state law requires more than 50% of property owners to agree to annexation, as well as more than half of the assessed valuation of an area. That means if the assessed valuation of a potential annexation area contains 10 property owners with a total value of $1 million, at least 6 owners representing a value of at least $500,000 have to give the go-ahead. Samuelsen said Tucson has a history of annexing state land around Vail with potential for commercial development, and there are ways to annex houses as well. While parameters for annexation are in place, a commercial building with a higher property value has a greater say in annexation. Tippett said IVA isnt suggesting annexation into Tucson would happen immediately, but the probability of being absorbed into the city could increase in the future. This whole area would be totally different, we would have a completely different population, he said. So what we're saying is today, we get to make decisions that will affect tomorrow. And if we want to keep Vail, the way to do that is to incorporate now because 20, 30 years from now, who knows what it's going to look like? With nearly a month before IVA asks the board to approve its petition to get enough signatures to call an election, Woodbury continues to work against incorporating the area shes called home for the last 40 years. What I hear from the idea of local representation is more restrictions. It's like, let's just have one big homes owners association, she said. But Tippett, whos lived in Vail for 21 years and raised three kids in the area, believes incorporation is a way to preserve the community for future generations. At the end of the day, I'm doing this because I want to leave something for my kids kids, he said. I want them to say this is my hometown, and it is a legitimate entity. The town of Vail, not just the census-designated area. A local nonprofit is getting ready to open the regions first LGBTQ-affirming and dedicated health center. For nearly 30 years, the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, which supports people living with HIV, LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalized communities, has provided testing for sexually transmitted infections and prevention and case management support. Its leaders say the delivery of on-site, primary care services by providers trained in LGBTQ-affirming care is the next logical step. LGBTQ-affirming care means providing a positive and inclusive environment where people can find trust and open communication with their provider, they say. SAAF Health launched via tele-health a little more than a year ago and already has 250 established patients who are receiving primary care services. On Thursday, the clinic, on SAAFs main campus at 375 S. Euclid Ave., passed state inspection and was officially approved to start seeing in-person patients. An official launch and new patient appointments will begin in the fall. Experts say the need for providers trained in LGBTQ-affirming care is great, as there are documented health disparities due to lack of care, and that providing equity in health care is especially important now that hundreds of legislative proposals introduced across the country in 2023 limit the rights of LGBTQ and transgender people. The opening of SAAF Health is a step in the right direction, advocates say, as are unrelated, ongoing training efforts within the University of Arizona, El Rio Community Health Center, Banner-University Medical Center Tucson and Tucson Medical Center. Always good to have a choice SAAF Health has done no advertising, so the 250 patients under its care found out about it on their own, said the organizations CEO, Beth Frantz. The goal is to increase access to care and improve health outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized populations, such as people experiencing homelessness, refugees, people without legal immigration status, people of color, and people who inject drugs, including more than 300 weekly participants in SAAFs Syringe Access Program. Its always good to have a choice in health care, wherever you live. and there are some really good choices at some of the hospitals and other federally qualifying health centers, Frantz said. But what were going to be able to offer to our community is primary care and behavioral health in a way thats gender-affirming and LGBTQ-affirming. Im really happy to offer this community this other choice. The World Health Organization defines gender-affirming care as a range of social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions designed to support a persons gender identity when it conflicts with the gender they were assigned at birth. A 2021 study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that while LGBTQ+ people are as likely to have a regular provider and usual place of care, they were more likely to report a range of negative experiences, including being blamed by their provider for health problems or having their concerns dismissed. The foundation is a nonpartisan, independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism. Lydia Kennedy, executive director at the University of Arizona-Health Sciences Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, said the need for such care has been the focus of her work the past eight years. Kennedy said El Rio Community Health Center led the pack in terms of establishing LGBTQ-affirming care in Tucson, but other organizations have since follow suited. At the request of supervisors in 2018, she developed LGBTQIA training that was delivered to 1,500 Banner-University Health Center Tucson employees. Shes now working with TMC to develop similar training. She also started an interest group within UA Health Sciences and revised the training used in several UA colleges, including nursing, pharmacy and public health. In the years since Kennedys initial training at Banner, the hospital has enacted systemwide changes, including all-gender bathrooms, printed pronouns on staff members badges, a review of patient charts to ensure the use of inclusive language, signage to indicate the facility is a safe space for people of all genders and orientations, and more. Increasing LGBTQ and gender-affirming care in the community and creating more spaces like SAAF Health is especially important in the current political climate, Kennedy said, as a litany of anti-transgender and LGBTQ legislation is introduced across the country. The need for this is more than ever, Kennedy said. Unfortunately, the ramifications of not getting the proper health care is huge. My goal is to prepare a richly diverse health science workforce that can address the needs of the community and establish equity and inclusion for all. Recent studies show that LGBTQ-identifying patients report providers have used excessive precautions, refused to touch them, blamed them for their health status and in some cases, even denied medical care, Kennedy said. SAAFs director of development, Monique Vallery, said LGBTQ people face higher rates of cancer and other diseases, in part because theyre less likely to seek medical care. LGBTQ+ people more commonly reported being in fair or poor health than non-LGBTQ+ individuals, despite being a younger population, according to the Kaiser study, which also found that LGBTQ+ people reported higher rates of ongoing health conditions and disability or chronic disease. Its often a very traumatic experience to find a primary care provider who is there to truly uphold the oath of service and not be judgmental, Vallery said. The biggest driver here is, how do we take away the barriers? How do we create a safe space where patients feel comfortable and where theyll be seen and not just pushed through really quickly, but rather address the needs they have and then get them the services they need? Vallery said SAAF Healths 250 patients so far show theres a need for this type of primary care in the community and shes excited to see what happens when the clinic opens its doors and starts advertising. SAAF Health accepts most insurance and if a person is insured, they wont be charged a copay. Cost will depend on treatment, Vallery said, but if a person doesnt have insurance, theyll still be seen. We want our community to be healthy. That looks very different for every person, Vallery said. At the end of the day, its about supporting every patient that we encounter. And were ready for it. Primary care for ages 13 and up Jamie Dromgoole-Hernandez, SAAFs director of clinical and prevention services, spent the past 18 months meeting with other agencies, attending conferences and talking with providers as she prepared for the opening of SAAF Healths physical location. A registered nurse for 20 years, Dromgoole-Hernandez said shes excited to help SAAF transition into the medical realm, calling the process a labor of love. The two-room clinic will be staffed by one full-time and one part-time nurse practitioner, a medical assistant and Dromgoole-Hernandez, but SAAF is open to expansion as needed. It doesnt matter where you are in your life, we can help you, Dromgoole-Hernandez, said, adding that SAAF Health provides primary care services to patients ages 13 and up, including physical exams, pap smears and any other type of service a person could receive through a primary care provider. Theyll be able to administer vaccines, and thanks to community partners, will have medical equipment, such as blood glucose or blood pressure monitors, to give or loan to patients in need. Patients who need HIV care will still be sent to an outside clinic, but if a patient tests negative, SAAFs prevention team is on-hand to get the person started on prophylactic treatment. Keeping people free from HIV and finding those that have it and getting them on care as soon as possible is something SAAF has always done well and we continue to do that, Dromgoole-Hernandez said. Now, we have that extra level where can meet people where they are and really make a difference in their lives. One SAAF Health patient said the process of signing up and receiving care was super easy, as simple as filling out a form on the website, after which she immediately received a phone call. Normally to establish care I would sometimes have to wait two months to see a physician, said the patient, who asked that her name not be used. This one was right away, I was very happy with that. She said her provider, family nurse practitioner Melissa Lyapustina, made her feel comfortable right away, asking about her pronouns and her partners orientation and pronouns. Melissa has been so good and so knowledgeable. She gives me tips on even the smallest things, the patient said. Ill tell her I was trying to change my sleep schedule and shell give me little advice on what to do and how to do it. Like with melatonin, the smaller amount you take, the more it works. A cisgender woman of color, the patient said it was important to her to find a doctor who will treat her fairly and give her the respect she deserves. I felt like a lot of physicians can be dismissive, and that doesnt really help me, she said. Not only does it not help me physically, but it does something to you mentally. When you fell dismissed, you wonder why. She said she needed to find a provider that made her feel seen, and shes found that through SAAF Health. Melissa is very supportive, the patient said. I just feel like she asks all the right questions to get to know me. Im very, very happy with my choice. Well-rounded services SAAF Health patients will also have access to other services they may need with the help of a trained navigator. Lets say they need to go to a specialist which we dont have. Theyll be connected to a case management navigator who will help set up appointment and can go with them, CEO Frantz said. Theyll be hands-on for the first three months or so, then transition the patient to a permanent case manager who will be with them as long as they need. These wraparound services dont just include specialists, but also housing assistance, life skills or other needs. Were hoping to be able to provide well-rounded services to our patients, Frantz said. Being able to navigate their concerns appropriately in a way thats respectful to the patient while also getting their health-care needs met in the best possible way is critical. The next phase of SAAF Health will be an on-site community pharmacy, said Vallery. It will be open to patients as well as community members who may wish to have their prescriptions filled at SAAF. The idea is that when someone walks in the door, we can provide them with as many wraparound services to hopefully send them out to protect themselves and protect the community, Vallery said. UA Health Sciences Kennedy said in order to ensure the best possible outcome for patients, everyone on their care team from receptionist to specialist has to have the training and knowledge to make that happen. My slogan I say in every training is, What business are you in? Youre in the business of healing, not hurting. If you treat patients (with bias) thats hurting them, Kennedy said. You dont know how many adversities or health care rejections theyve already gone through by the time they get to your door. You might be the person who brightens their day or you might be the last straw (to where they stop seeking care.) Its always scary going to the doctor. I dont think a lot of people like it, said SAAFs Vallery. But being able to go somewhere and know that youre going to be able to be seen or heard, thats crucial. And for folks in marginalized communities, its really a big deal. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: The biggest concern for any organization should be when their most passionate people become quiet, leadership consultant, Tim McClure has warned. As a business leader, I couldnt agree more, and it is my opinion that this idea extends to our broader community. We each can make an impact in some way, but too often we dont speak up, or worse, when we do, our voices are silenced. We have to continue to try, though. When we become quiet, our community suffers meaning and this is all to often a common occurrence in this environment. Just because a high-ranking leader has a bigger megaphone than us, doesnt mean we shouldnt speak up, rise up, and voice our opinions. Their agenda may not be in our best interest but are listened to because they are the majority. It should be incumbent upon us as well as everyones duty to get involved. Not just individuals, but companies as well. Business leaders need to come together with the community at large to strategically move Tucson into a position of economic prosperity. It wont be easy as we are experiencing uncertain economic times. Compounded by the upcoming 2024 election and the inevitable political vitriol that will come with it, it is more imperative than ever that we come together, work together, and solve problems together. It is incumbent upon all of us to make our community stronger. Tucson has many great business and community organizations. Some work cooperatively together as a leadership or association, while others work independently to focus specifically on their own mission and vision. How powerful could our community be if these businesses and organizations worked collaboratively with a common goal? Voting is an obvious way to participate but only 30% of us typically vote. Only 30%! Political distrust is rampant, and we couldnt be more polarized as a country, but at the end of the day our right to vote is what defines us as a democracy. Is the system perfect? No, but voting allows for a certain checks and balances on major issues. We have to stop voting only down the party line. We have to stop voting on those issues that only affect us directly. You can be a Democrat and still vote for a fiscally conservative bill. You can be a Republican and still vote for a socially liberal resolution. We have to act selflessly and vote in a way that positively impacts future generations. Dont just vote for yourself, but for the greater good. Highly motivated individuals ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm to participate, can carry the best of an organizations culture. They can do the same for our community. These people can serve as a benchmark for the rest of us to aspire to. The passion of these culture creators and environment enforcers becomes positive and inspirational sustenance for us all. It can be the necessary internal energy force that can move us forward. I am calling on each of you to step forward and be the catalyst for change. Every community is different with unique needs, problems and goals. It is paramount that we work together to identify what will benefit Tucson and advance our community in the most positive way. Our compass has to be always pointing north to our future and the future generations. Our vision must reflect that. Forward thinking means that we make decisions today that will have positive implications in five, ten, and twenty years from now. In order for anything to change, however, we must all become engaged and stay engaged. Our future, as a collective, depends upon the active involvement and collaboration of community leaders, residents, families, and businesses alike. Broken Arrows NATV is one of the restaurants featured in a new Hulu series, Searching for Soul Food, which is now available on the streaming service. The show, which debuted June 2, follows Los Angeles-based celebrity chef Alisa Reynolds on an international quest to discover what soul food looks like around the world. Tulsa World Scene podcast: Meet Scene intern Lydia Fletcher, plus a look ahead to this weekend's stories Tulsa World Scene summer intern Lydia Fletcher joins James Watts and Jimmie Tramel to discuss why she's interested in print journalism. Plus, a preview of upcoming weekend stories about Corey Kent, a new Route 66 museum and more. The shows second episode focuses on Oklahoma, where Reynolds met with Native American chefs who are trying to reconnect with their heritage by restoring and reclaiming the foods of their nations and tribes past. One of the stops Reynolds made for this episode was to NATV, the Broken Arrow restaurant of chef and owner Jacque Siegfried. Siegfried, a member of the Shawnee Nation, fuses her classical culinary training with ingredients sourced as much as possible from Indigenous producers, and techniques and traditions from a variety of native cultures. NATVs gourmet take on Indigenous foods earned it a four-star rating from the Tulsa World. It was also named one of the 10 best new restaurants of 2022. NATV is located at 1611 S. Main St., in Broken Arrow. The eight episodes of Searching for Soul Food include stops in Mississippi, the Appalachian mountains and Los Angeles, as well as Lima, Peru; Naples, Italy; Portland, Jamaica; and Cape Town, South Africa. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. An armed home-invasion robber was fatally shot by a Tulsa homeowners son when the robber returned to the house and kicked in the door early Friday, police said. The robber, whose name had not been determined by police, first came through an open window at a house in the 700 block of North Hudson Avenue around 4 a.m., the Tulsa Police Department reported in a Facebook post. He had a gun when he came through the window and demanded items from the son, who told him he didnt have anything of value, police said. The robber then went to the mother, who had a safe and medications in the house. Once she had opened the safe, the robber stole it as well as a cellphone and the keys to a car and then fled in the car, police reported in the post. The residents then called 911, but while the homeowner was on the phone with a police dispatcher, the robber returned to the house and kicked in the front door, police said. The homeowners son, now armed with a shotgun, met him at the door and shot him, the Police Department reported. The man retreated to the street, where he collapsed. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 4:35 a.m., police reported. Officers found on the man a black pellet pistol that looked like a real firearm, police said. They said the residents were cooperating with homicide detectives and that the investigation was continuing. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up was not easy. But for Ashton Clayborn, at least one thing was never in doubt: Where she wanted to be. I loved the community and lifestyle and knew that I would continue to live in a rural location no matter where the future took me, said Clayborn, who grew up in Porum, where her parents were public school teachers. It was the influence of her family physician whose example as a dedicated small-town doctor inspired her that later on helped her figure out the what, Clayborn said. Her decision to pursue medicine then led her to Tulsa and the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Today, almost 10 years later, Clayborn practices at the Choctaw Nation Health Care Center in Talihina, where shes a great example of something her alma mater is among the very best at: placing doctors in rural and underserved areas. In U.S. News & World Reports most recent annual medical school rankings, the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine came in at No. 1 in percentage of graduates practicing medicine in what are deemed Health Professional Shortage Areas. Around 50% of the local medical schools graduates practice in HPSAs, defined as areas or population groups, both rural and urban, that are experiencing a scarcity of health professionals. The school also scored high in graduates practicing in rural areas, where it ranked No. 10. For OSU officials, the rankings are a welcome affirmation. Educating and training doctors to serve in rural and underserved areas has been a core mission of the college, part of the OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, for 50 years. The rankings are a testament to the mission, said OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens. Im so proud of our institution, our graduates, our faculty and staff for their unwavering commitment. OSU-COM emphasizes innovation and passion for community, and that helps produce graduates eager to work in these medical deserts. According to the National Rural Health Association, the doctor-patient ratio for rural areas is 39.8 physicians per 100,000 people. That compares to 53.3 physicians per 100,000 in urban settings. That uneven distribution matters greatly when it comes to health, officials say. Clayborn, who also works with recent medical school graduates as director of the Choctaw Nation Family Medicine Residency Program, said recruiting physicians to more rural areas can be difficult, especially with most medical schools and graduate programs located in urban areas. But at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, although the campus was in Tulsa, I always felt as if my goal to get back to rural Oklahoma was supported and encouraged from the start, she said. Dennis Blankenship, OSU-COM dean, said many of the schools graduates are like Clayborn: They come from rural areas or small towns, and want to go back. We believe in empowering those living in rural and underserved areas who may have dreams of becoming a doctor or a passion for serving others, he said. Recruiting future physicians from small towns and communities in Oklahoma means theres a greater chance they return to their hometowns and rural communities to practice medicine where they are needed most. Clayborn sees that need firsthand in Talihina. Patients face many disparities that affect their health, including limited access to healthy food and limited transportation, she said. The distance to health care facilities alone can increase the risk in emergency situations. A strength, not a hindrance Rural and small town providers played a special role traditionally, and Clayborn recognized that while growing up in Porum, which has a population of around 600. In places as rural as my hometown, its necessary to be comfortable providing care for all ages. Our family physician not only did this but grew to know families in a manner unique to small towns, she said, adding that the doctors example inspired her career path. Many of the resident physicians in the Choctaw Nation program come from similar settings prior to their medical training, Clayborn said. But we also have those who are new to rural living and learn to love both it and the patients they serve over the course of their training, she said. As a result, many of them remain in the Choctaw health system or at least in the same geographic area upon completion of their residencies. Clayborn said students from educational backgrounds similar to hers from small, rural public schools often dont look at medical school as a possibility. She hopes to see that change. I would just say to them: Know that (at OSU-COM) you will be well supported and that your background will be seen as a strength, not a hindrance, she said. Dont limit yourself simply because it isnt common to become a doctor where you grew up. Experiencing a rural setting is also good for medical students who come from urban areas, Clayborn said. If you have never lived rurally or considered rural practice, take an opportunity early in your training to experience a community like ours, she said. You might be surprised and develop a love for rural living. And youll at least come away with a better understanding of the disparities affecting underserved populations when they seek your care in the future. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Algorithm n blues: U.S. Sen. James Lankford said the federal government needs to be up front about its use of artificial intelligence in dealing with the public. Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our federal government, but we must always keep security, privacy, and any unintended consequences in mind before we turn any process or decision over to a computer, Lankford said in a press release. The federal government can and should thoughtfully integrate new technology to help improve customer service for Americans. But agencies should be transparent about when, where, and how we are interacting with AI to ensure continuous oversight and accountability for how these tools impact Americans, he said. According to a January story on the site Government Technology, AI is already used for numerous government tasks, among them processing paperwork and online customer service chats. The New York City Police Department tried out an AI robotic dog that reportedly worked quite well in some difficult situations but spooked the public. But AI can also be used to track individual movement and predict behavior without the subjects knowledge. A recently released advertisement attacking former President Donald Trump reportedly used AI to create misleading images. Tax man: First District Congressman Kevin Hern, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, told Roll Call that the tax bill expected for markup next week has bipartisan support on some things, anyway. That includes a few incentives that were part of the Trump eras 2017 tax cut bill that have since been phased out. Weve talked a lot about (research and development) expensing, going back to where we were and making sure small businesses are able to compete, and just making sure were in a strong competitive environment, Hern said. Of course, being a Republican, Hern said the bill involves clawing back any bad tax policies that were put forth under Democrats. New math: Lankford accused the administration of misleading the public and the press about how many people are entering the United States and under what conditions. The administration claims to have drastically cut the number of undocumented entries because of new policies, but Lankford said thats only because the administration has changed the way it counts undocumented entries. We have the same number of people illegally crossing our border this week that we had three weeks ago and we had three weeks before that, he said on the Senate floor. The administration now has just split up the numbers how theyre counted. Lankford said a new mobile app now makes it possible for those seeking asylum in the U.S. to fill out applications before arriving. Those entrants, he said, are no longer counted as undocumented. Lankford said hes been told by Customs and Border Protection officials in the field that the flow of immigrants is about the same but that fewer are from Latin America. He said that signals a greater security threat. We have military-age, single adult men coming into our country from non-Spanish speaking nations in the Middle East, in west Africa, from Russia, and from China now in much higher numbers than we had before, Lankford said. DYI health insurance: The full Ways and Means Committee passed Herns CHOICE Arrangement Act, which would allow employers to subsidize employee health insurance outside of a group plan. The high cost of healthcare is a huge burden on employers and their employees, Hern said in a press release. This bill provides working Americans more healthcare options to choose from, while relieving employers from the administrative burden of annual renewals and selecting one or two plans for all their workers. Dots and dashes: While some Republicans were complaining that the debt limit deal didnt do enough to curb spending, Mullin was telling constituents it is the largest deficit reduction measure in history. Shrugging off the contretemps by which a handful of Republican members held up the weeks House proceedings, 4th District Congressman Tom Cole said, Ive been around legislative bodies long enough to know these things usually blow over. Gaylord News reported that Mullin was successful in removing a section of legislation dealing with Indian boarding schools that would have required public meetings on the subject in every Bureau of Indian Affairs region. Lankford was keynote speaker for the Republican Party of San Diego Countys Lincoln Reagan Dinner in early June. As promised, 3rd District Congressman Frank Lucas introduced legislation (with the 5th Districts Stephanie Bice as a co-sponsor) to move the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration out of the Commerce Department and set it up as an independent agency. Randy Krehbiel, Tulsa World The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Video: Experts warn AI could pose extinction risk for humanity Dog Iron: The old ranch house where cowboy humorist and actor Will Rogers was born will pass from the Oklahoma Historical Society to the Cherokee Nation on Monday, a transaction the new owners say will lead to renovations next year. The White House on the Verdigris was the hub of the 60,000-acre Dog Iron Ranch controlled by Rogers father, Clem Rogers, a prominent Cherokee citizen for whom Rogers County was named. William Penn Adair Will Rogers, named for another leading Cherokee, was born in 1879 and left home in 1901 to become a gaucho in Argentina. Rogers never lived at the ranch again but returned often and bought 20 acres overlooking Claremore for a retirement home. The Will Rogers Memorial now occupies the site. The Dog Iron ranch house was moved about a mile from its original location to its present site in 1960 to prevent it from being flooded by the creation of Lake Oologah. It now sits on 162 acres. DeTrumping?: Are Oklahomans cooling on former President Donald Trump? Maybe. Maybe not. A Shapard Research Sooner Poll taken before last weeks unsealing of a 37-count federal indictment indicated that a small plurality of Oklahomans were already of the opinion that he should be charged for illegally keeping classified documents after leaving the White House in January 2021. According to the survey of 302 likely voters taken June 1-4, 45.6% said Trump should be indicted, and 40.6% said he should not be. That left 13.8% undecided. Trump received almost two-thirds of Oklahomas popular vote in both 2016 and 2020 and in the latter election became the first presidential candidate to get 1 million votes in the state. What little public polling is available has tended to show him still easily the favorite for the Republican presidential nomination. The most recent poll does show that a substantial share of Republicans 63% did not think he should be indicted. It could be argued that thats essentially the same as the percentage that voted for Trump in the last two presidential elections or that its rather low considering his previous ratings among Republicans. Not surprisingly, Democrats overwhelmingly thought Trump should be indicted, but so did more than three-quarters of the independents polled. Under the dome: Gov. Kevin Stitt, whose veto last month of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authoritys reauthorization was overriden by the Legislature, met with OETA Chairwoman Lisa Greenlee on Thursday, according to Stitts schedule. No word on the outcome. State Sen. Kevin Matthews bill to create an Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail made it into law. Matthews, a Democrat, teamed with Republican Bill Coleman of Ponca City to find language that could get through the legislative gauntlet and be signed by Stitt. Senate Bill 507 creates a grant program, administered by the Oklahoma Historical Society, for development of sites along a trail that will begin with the Chief Standing Bear memorial in Ponca City and wind through sites that are expected to include Tulsas Greenwood District and the states historic all-Black towns and end at Oklahoma Citys Clara Luper Center. Among the legislation to become law without the governors signature is a low-income caregiver tax credit of up to $3,000 for family members caring for veterans or those diagnosed with dementia-related ailments. The legislation also includes a tax credit of up to $2,000 for those caring for other disabled family members 62 and older. The credit is limited to single filers with federal adjusted gross incomes below $50,000 and joint filers below $100,000. The credits effective date is Jan. 1, 2024. School bell: Rajan Zed, a somewhat controversial figure who for more than a decade has presented himself as a spokesman on American Hinduism, said he has inquired into opening a state-supported Hindu virtual charter school in Oklahoma. Zed said he was responding to the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Boards decision last week to accept an application from the Oklahoma City Archdiocese and Tulsa Diocese to operate a state-supported Catholic virtual charter school. For more than a decade, Zed has been offering prayers at various public meetings, including the U.S. Senate, and scolding businesses and others for what he says are misuses of Hindu images. According to a 2019 Christian Century story, however, Zed and his Universal Society of Hinduism do not seem to represent a wide share of American Hindus. Like most of the worlds major religions, Hinduism is quite diverse with many branches and sects and no real central authority. Udit Thakur, a board member of another American Hinduism organization, Sadhana, told the Christian Century: The way that the Hindu tradition has historically developed and been understood in and outside India, it doesnt lend itself to that sort of easy characterization. There isnt one authoritative voice of Hinduism. I dont think that there really should be. Campaigns and elections: Democrat Dennis Baker, a retired FBI agent, has launched a campaign for Oklahomas congressional 1st District seat held by Republican Kevin Hern. Meetings and events: Baker will speak at the Creek County Democratic Partys monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Josephs restaurant in Drumright, 54580 W. Highway 16, Drumright. Bottom lines: The Biden administration says it plans to plug 45 abandoned oil and gas wells in the Deep Fork National Wildlife Reserve in Okmulgee County. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond joined several more multi-state lawsuits, including one against the Environmental Protection Agency for allowing California to ban internal combustion-power trucks by 2035. Trump loyalist and former U.S. Senate candidate Jackson Lahmeyer said Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of the ex-president, will be a speaker at a conference at Sheridan Church, where Lahmeyer and his wife are lead pastors, in September. Randy Krehbiel, Tulsa World The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Three of former President Donald Trumps closest Oklahoma allies blamed Democrats for the 37-count federal indictment against Trump made public Friday. U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, 1st District Congressman Kevin Hern and 2nd District Congressman Josh Brecheen echoed Trumps claims that he has been targeted by President Joe Bidens Justice Department because he is perceived as the Republicans leading candidate for the 2024 presidential nomination. Democrats have been coming after Donald Trump since day one, tweeted Mullin, a personal friend of Trumps. This indictment is nothing new. Once again, the radical Left is weaponizing the Justice Department to attack the leading GOP candidate in the 2024 election cycle. I stand with President Trump. Hern said much the same. Yet again, the federal government is wielded as a weapon against President Trump. The Biden Administration is using their executive authority to attack their chief political rival, Hern said in the first of two tweets. Its the kind of thing you typically see in corrupt autocracies and dictatorships; its chilling to see it happen in what used to be the freest nation in the world. Brecheen, who has endorsed Trump, offered the longest defense of the former president, saying the indictments were part of a phony witch hunt. This is the first time in American history that the federal govt has indicted a president and it is a serious abuse of power by this Admin., Brecheen said in a series of three tweets. It is obvious that these charges were only brought by the Biden Administration because President Trump is doing well in the polls. To think that Attorney General Garland, placed in power and beholden to Joe Biden, doesnt have a political reason for this action defies logic. Justice isnt blind if millions in bribe money paid out to the Biden family continues to be swept under the rug by this Department of Justice and FBI while they focus on bogus charges against a former president and current candidate. The bribery allegations to which Brecheen alluded in his last tweet have been repeated by Republicans and investigated by a House committee but are either unproven or disproved at this point. They stem primarily from the business dealings of President Bidens brother and son. The indictments against Trump were handed down by a Florida federal grand jury after considering evidence and hearing testimony from witnesses many of them former Trump employees and associates presented by special counsel Jack Smith and his assistants. Smith is a former DOJ lawyer who was prosecuting Kosovo war criminals in Europe when Attorney General Merrick Garland asked him to investigate allegations that Trump had kept classified government documents and that he conspired in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It is perhaps worth noting that not all Republicans believe that Trump is Bidens biggest concern. On Sunday, four-term New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said a Trump nomination would likely mean a Biden victory and perhaps congressional losses in 2024. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Photos: Trump indictment shows documents stacked in bathroom, bedroom, ballroom Hoisted on her dad's shoulders and with her right hand raised, Alina Souki was among 90 children and adults from 26 countries who were naturalized as United States citizens Thursday at the Gathering Place. Alina's mother, Nadia Jurdi Souki, traveled to Beirut shortly before the world COVID-19 shutdown in 2020 to take care of her mother, who had had a stroke. In the middle of the pandemic and with travel bans still in place, she couldn't return to the U.S. before she gave birth to Alina. Said Souki, Alina's father, didn't get to meet his daughter until last year due to the ongoing travel bans and government agency shutdowns. He said finally having his daughter as a U.S. citizen is exciting and that getting to take part in the ceremony was something they had been waiting for. Alina, who is just over 2 years old, was one of the youngest people naturalized Thursday. The ceremony was Tulsa's third and largest children's citizenship ceremony since the city began hosting the event in 2019. Among the other countries represented Thursday were Brazil, Burma, Cuba, India, Iraq, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines and Saudi Arabia. Mayor G.T. Bynum told the new citizens that there is nowhere better to lead a life of meaning and purpose than in the U.S. and that Tulsa is a community that wants immigrants to thrive. "The lives that you will lead are of historic significance. The city of Tulsa is proud of you and so proud that you are here as Tulsans and as Americans." Mayor G.T. Bynum "The lives that you will lead are of historic significance," Bynum said. "The city of Tulsa is proud of you and so proud that you are here as Tulsans and as Americans." The majority of the children naturalized Thursday derived citizenship through the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, which allows foreign-born, biological and adopted children of U.S. citizens to receive citizenship by satisfying certain requirements before the age of 18. But Alfred Pavels, who was included along with the children, waited around 60 years to receive his documents proving that he was a U.S. citizen. Pavels, a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, was born in Australia and was naturalized in the 1960s when his father became a citizen. At the time, however, Pavels never received his documentation. He said finally having proof of his citizenship meant a great deal to him because he will finally be able to receive a driver's license in Oklahoma and receive his benefits as a veteran. Up until now, he said he couldn't use the majority of his benefits. "I've been (in the U.S.) for a long time. It was funny that we found out I couldn't get my driver's license because I didn't have proof of citizenship," Pavels said. "So I found out then that we had to go through this whole process again, and it was a tremendous amount of work." The Gathering Place's Reading Tree was surrounded by friends and family supporting those who were naturalized, and Bynum said the entire community was excited for this new group of citizens. "We're excited for what your life is going to look like. Immigrants in Tulsa have achieved great things," Bynum said. "Right now, immigrants all across the country are doing amazing things. We want you to do big things, too, right now in Tulsa." NTT DATA, a member of NTT Group, which is one of Japans leading telecommunications company, has cut a deal with Vietnam Technology and Telecommunication JSC (VNTT) to shore up smart production and industrial park transition in Binh Duong Province, southern Vietnam. The signing ceremony was attended by the leaders and officials of the Binh Duong Peoples Committee and other agencies on Friday. As per the deal, the Vietnamese and Japanese firms will employ smart solutions to help the owners of factories and industrial parks with smart production transition. The partnership will also factor in technology transfer and training. Via the cooperation, transition to smart production will be conducted at a series of industrial parks invested by state-owned company Becamex IDC, under the Peoples Committee of Binh Duong Province, and Vietnam-Singapore industrial parks nationwide. At the event, Becamex IDC Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with VNTT to develop its industrial parks into smart ones with a green and sustainable ecosystem. Such smart industrial parks will feature smart wastewater treatment facilities, security cameras, smart traffic, smart light systems and other smart utilities. All these smart solutions will be monitored and managed by a smart operation center headquartered in WTC Tower in Binh Duong New City, a Binh Duong industry-service-urban complex project. Pham Ngoc Thuan, general director of Becamex IDC Corporation, said that it was necessary to shift the model of industrial parks and factories in Binh Duong Province to beef up competitiveness and suit the new era. Binh Duong Province is moving toward building science and technology industrial parks, thereby offering various incentives to firms which tend to tap the field. Dr Pham Tuan Anh, director of the smart city office in Binh Duong Province and general director of VNTT, presents some solutions to smart industrial park transition. Photo: Ba Son / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! TOKYO -- Some flights were delayed at Tokyo's Haneda airport on Saturday after two planes appeared to have collided on the ground near a taxiway, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing Japan's transport ministry. No injuries occurred, NHK and one of the airlines said, but the incident led to the closure of one of four runways at the airport from about 11 a.m. (0200 GMT). Eva Airways jet gets towed away after making contact with Thai Airways aeroplane at Haneda Airport, in Tokyo, Japan, June 10, 2023, in this screengrab taken from a social media video. Twitter@hankyu_1306F/Reuters The broadcaster showed footage of jets from Taiwan's Eva Airways and Thai Airways on the ground. Part of the wing of the Thai Airways plane looked to be broken, and what appeared to be fragments could be seen near the runway. Eva Airways jet gets towed away after making contact with Thai Airways aeroplane at Haneda Airport, in Tokyo, Japan, June 10, 2023, in this screengrab taken from a social media video. Twitter@hankyu_1306F/via Reuters Thai Airways said its Bangkok-bound flight was on a taxiway preparing for takeoff when a winglet - a part at the tip of its plane's right wing - collided with the rear of an Eva aircraft that was also on a taxiway. Eva Airways jet gets towed away after making contact with Thai Airways aeroplane at Haneda Airport, in Tokyo, Japan, June 10, 2023, in this screengrab taken from a social media video. Twitter@hankyu_1306F/via Reuters The collision damaged the Thai airplane's winglet, meaning it was unable to operate the flight, the airline said. The Airbus A330 aircraft carried 250 passengers and 14 crew members. Eva was not available for comment immediately. An aerial view shows Thai Airways and Eva Air aeroplanes on a taxiway after making contact at Haneda Airport, in Tokyo, Japan, June 10, 2023, in this photo released by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo via Reuters Japan's transport ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment. Thai Airways said Japan's civil aviation authority was investigating the incident. A ruby sold at Sotheby's in New York on Thursday for $34.8 million, setting a new record price at auction for the precious stone. The 55.22-carat gemstone named Estrela de Fura was already the largest ruby ever to go under the hammer. It was cut from a 101-carat rough stone discovered in July last year at the Montepeuz ruby mine in Mozambique operated by the Fura Gems company. The stone was the star attraction of a sale offering 100 different pieces of jewelry. Offered at a starting price of $21 million, it sold for $30 million plus fees and commissions to an anonymous telephone buyer. The previous record belonged to a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby, which sold for a total price of $30.33 million by Sotheby's in Geneva in 2015. "This is really a true wonder of nature," Quig Bruning, head of jewelry for Sotheby's in the Americas, told AFP. "Any ruby that comes out of the ground that ends up over five carats as a polished ruby is something that's rare. Ten carats is really rare. Twenty carats is almost unheard of. "Any ruby really over 50 carats is a once in a lifetime opportunity," he added. Sotheby's also sold "The Eternal Pink," a rare 10.57-carat diamond from a mine in Botswana, for the same price of $34.8 million. That set a record per carat of $3.29 million for a stone of its color. The most expensive pink diamond sold to date was the $71.2 million paid for the 59.60-carat "Pink Star" in Hong Kong in 2017. A ceremony took place in Hanoi on Thursday to mark the 50th establishment anniversary of the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) and the 35th anniversary of the joint operation to search for U.S. soldiers who were reported missing in action (MIA) during the Vietnam War. Addressing the event, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc said VNOSMP has been fulfilling its assigned political missions, contributing to the healing of the wounds of war as well as to the normalization and promotion of the Vietnam - U.S. relations over the past decades. With the relentless efforts of the two sides, the Vietnam - U.S. MIA cooperation will continue to achieve positive outcomes and fulfill its humanitarian mission, helping to lift the Vietnam - U.S. comprehensive partnership to a new height, Ngoc stated. Vietnam established the VNOSMP in March 1973, not long after the signing of the Paris Agreement, with the goal of searching for Americans missing during the Vietnam War that ended in April 1975. Speaking at the event, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper said the MIA cooperation, which was set up before the two nations normalized their diplomatic relations in 1995, has created a firm foundation to promote the U.S. - Vietnam relationship. Knapper, son of an American veteran in the war in Vietnam, Colonel Roger Knapper, added that the U.S. supports a strong, prosperous, independent and self-reliant Vietnam. Attending the commemoration ceremony, Kelly McKeague, director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) of the U.S. Department of Defense, offered souvenirs to individuals and organizations that have contributed to the search for U.S. servicemen missing in Vietnam. A touching video clip was played at the celebration, giving out the words of thanks from the bottom of the hearts of a number of Americans whose relatives died as soldiers during the Vietnam War. A total of 160 remains repatriation missions have been carried out over the past 35 years, with the remains of 734 out of a total of 1,973 American servicemen reported missing in the war having been handed over to the U.S. That means more than 1,200 MIA cases have yet to be resolved and need continuous search efforts. The latest repatriation of MIA remains took place on April 10, 2023, with two remains handed over to the U.S., which was the outcome of the 150th joint search mission between the two sides in the north-central provinces of Nghe An and Quang Binh. All participants of the ceremony took a moment to pay tribute to 16 Vietnamese and American officers who died while on MIA duty 22 years ago. These officials, including nine Vietnamese and seven Americans, were killed when a helicopter carrying them on a MIA search mission crashed in Quang Binh on April 7, 2001. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Catch up on the news in Vietnam today: Society -- The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade has set up an inspection team to oversee the power management and supply at state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and other relevant units between early 2021 and June 2023 in a bid to clarify the cause of the ongoing shortage of electricity. The team was told to fulfill the duty within 30 days. -- Former Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam was forced to resign as a disciplinary measure for bribery charges by the prime minister. -- Police in Thua Thien Hue Province in central Vietnam said on Friday that they had teamed up with police in neighboring Quang Tri Province to detain a 47-year-old Chinese national for allegedly stealing gold necklace worth VND31 million (US$1,320) at a jewelry shop. -- The Education and Training Division of Ho Chi Minh Citys outlying district of Nha Be suspended a male teacher after he had been accused of sexually harassing a student in class at a school in the district. A video clip of his sexual harassment triggered public outrage. Politics -- Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committees Secretariat Truong Thi Mai hosted a reception in Hanoi on Friday for a high-level delegation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) led by its General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. Business -- The leaders and officials of the Peoples Committee of Binh Duong Province, southern Vietnam, and other agencies witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between a Binh Duong-based firm and a Japanese company on Friday to develop a smart production and industrial park. Lifestyle -- The Malaysian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City kicked off the Malaysia exhibition on Friday night, marking the start of the Malaysia Madani Week in the city to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Malaysia diplomatic ties. World -- Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson abruptly quit as a member of parliament on Friday in a furious protest against lawmakers investigating his behaviour, reopening deep divisions in the ruling Conservative Party ahead of a general election expected next year, Reuters reported. -- The White House said on Friday that Russia appeared to be deepening its defense cooperation with Iran and had received hundreds of one-way attack drones that it is using to strike Ukraine, according to Reuters. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Thua Thien Hue Province in central Vietnam have joined hands with police in neighboring Quang Tri Province to detain a Chinese national for allegedly stealing a gold necklace worth VND31 million (US$1,320). The 47-year-old man was identified as Huang Linzhong, who entered Vietnam on May 17, the police said on Friday. After his arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, he bought a motorcycle with plate number 59N1-720.47 and rode it to Thua Thien Hue Province. Huang visited Hanh Hoa Jewelry Shop at the Vincom Hue shopping mall on Wednesday to buy jewelry. An employee of the shop showed him five gold necklaces so that he could select one. He quickly stole one of them and put it in his pocket, while the employee was finding another necklace for him. He left the shop to travel to Quang Tri Province after telling the employee that he must exchange his money to buy one. Some police officers in Thua Thien Hue Province were quickly dispatched to the shop to investigate the theft and hunt him. He was caught in Dong Ha City under Quang Tri Province. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Some contractors of the Ben Luc-Long Thanh Expressway in southern Vietnam have filed a lawsuit against the state-owned Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC), the investor of the project, to the Singapore International Arbitration Center demanding compensation as the project has been put on hold for many years. The 57.8-kilometer Ben Luc-Long Thanh Expressway project passes through Ho Chi Minh City and its neighboring provinces of Long An and Dong Nai and is considered a key national project. The project, which carries a price tag of some VND31.32 trillion (US$1.3 billion), was approved in early 2010. It uses official development assistance (ODA) loans borrowed from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as well as local reciprocal capital. The project was planned to be executed between 2015 and 2025. VEC divided the project into three sections with 11 packages. There are three different loan contracts, including two with ADB and one with JICA. The Phuoc Khanh Bridge on the Ben Luc - Long Thanh Expressway spans the Long Tau River and connects Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City and Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai Province. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre However, the construction of the three sections has come to a deadlock since mid-2019, resulting in the lawsuit of contractors. A section in the west, including five packages, was expected to be completed in 2018, but the investors tight budget and slow site clearance have put the section on hold. ADB terminated the loan contracts for the project in June 2019, so VEC had no money to make payments for contractors. As a result, contractors of the A1 package sued VEC for compensation for their management, and worker and equipment costs during the suspension period. Contractors of the J1, J2, and J3 packages of the middle section of the expressway, which has been halted for three years and nine months, also filed lawsuits against VEC. Similarly, contractors of the A5, A6, and A7 packages of the eastern section have required VEC to pay for their costs during the suspension period and accused the investor of violating their contracts. In a statement sent to the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Transport affirmed that VEC must balance its fund to pay the increased costs. The Ministry of Finance also proposed including these costs in the project development plan. However, lawsuit costs have yet to be specified in the plan, the ministry said. The Ministry of Transport has also suggested VEC allocate an additional VND7.5 trillion ($321.7 million) from its budget for the A2-2, A4, A6, and A7 packages and increased costs. Meanwhile, VEC proposed canceling a contract to borrow $100 million from ADB. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A blaze broke out at a three-storey house in Nha Trang City under Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam, claiming the lives of three people on Saturday. The ground floor of the house on Nguyen Thien Thuan Street in Loc Tho Ward caught fire at 0:30 am on the same day. The flames rapidly ripped through the entire property, which covers 90 square meters, said a representative of the wards administration. When some locals discovered it, the inferno was spreading to two neighboring houses, creating a black column of smoke. Nine people were in the house at that time. Due to the fierce flames and no exits, the victims climbed to the second floor to cry for help. The provinces firefighters and fire trucks were quickly dispatched to the site for rescue and extinguishing operations. The fire was put out at 4:00 am, but three people, including a 70-year-old man and his two grandchildren, aged 8 and 5, were stuck in the house and passed away. The police are cordoning off the house to investigate the cause of the blaze. A window of the house turns black due to the smoke from the fire. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre Equipment and devices inside the house were burned. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Vietnamese prime minister has issued a decision to force Vu Hong Nam, former ambassador to Japan, to quit his job as a disciplinary measure for his violations and wrongdoings while on duty. The disciplinary action against Nam took effect from December 30 last year, according to the decision signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang. The Party Central Committees Secretariat had earlier expelled Nam from the Party for his degradation in political ideology, morality and lifestyle. Besides, he took bribes; infringed Party and State regulations; and violated the donts for Party members and the rules on responsibility for exemplary performance. His violations caused serious consequences, sparked public concern, and damaged the prestige and reputation of Party and diplomatic organizations. In December last year, the Investigative Police Agency under the Ministry of Public Security filed charges against Nam for allegedly receiving bribes when the country organized repatriation flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nam, born in Nam Dinh Province, northern Vietnam, in 1963, has many years experience in the diplomatic field and held multiple positions. He was appointed as deputy minister of Foreign Affairs in 2014, and served as the chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs. In August 2018, Nam was named as Vietnamese ambassador to Japan. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City on Friday fined a supercar dealer for illegally occupying the entire sidewalk section in front of their showroom to exhibit their collection of exotic automobiles. As part of an urban order campaign, a task force on duty discovered K-SUPER, a dealer specializing in supercars, showcasing six vehicles on the sidewalk of 6 Tran Hung Dao Street in Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1 on Friday morning. The sidewalk was completely taken up by these supercars, depriving pedestrians of their space. As a result, the task force documented the incident and imposed penalties on the representative of K-SUPER for unlawfully parking vehicles on the sidewalk. Typically, this infraction incurs a fine ranging from VND800,000 (US$34) to VND1 million ($43). The officers required that the store refrain from committing the violation again. On the same morning, the task force encountered and addressed eight additional instances of unauthorized sidewalk parking on Nguyen Hue Street. As part of the ongoing campaign, officers have been assigned to rotating shifts, patrolling daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm until the end of the year. The working groups will concentrate their patrols on roads and areas prone to robberies and pickpocketing, as well as areas that are popular among pedestrians such as Nguyen Hue Street, Bui Vien Street, and Bach Dang Wharf Park. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The educational administrators of Nha Be District in Ho Chi Minh City said on Friday that they had stopped a teacher from his work after accusations of his sexual harassment toward female students during class hours emerged on social media. The Bureau of Education and Training of Nha Be Ditsrict is clarifying the allegations against N.M.H., a math teacher at Nguyen Binh Khiem Middle School, located in the same district, as per an order from the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City. The images circulated on social media showed that H. displayed inappropriate behaviors toward a female pupil during a math class, including actions like leaning his cheek against hers, putting his arm around her shoulder and placing his hand on her lower back. These are just a few pictures I received from my niece, captured by her friend after multiple instances of harassment directed toward her and other girls, a user, who claimed to be the aunt of the schoolgirl in the photos, wrote in a Facebook post. This video compiles photos showing N.M.H. (L) approaching a student during his math class at Nguyen Binh Khiem Middle School in Nha Be District, Ho Chi Minh City. The user said her family visited H. to question him about the images, but the teacher denied the accusations, explaining one of the photos as accidental contact while bending down to pick up an item that led to touching the girls thigh. Additionally, according to the Facebook user, the teacher had previously threatened the students not to disclose the incidents to their parents, warning them of consequences in their academic performances. The teacher even enticed the children by offering to buy things they liked, including mentioning buying underwear for them. While the Bureau of Education and Training of Nha Be Ditsrict said H. was temporarily suspended from his duties, a representative of Nguyen Binh Khiem Middle School revealed that the teacher admitted to having drawbacks and submitted a request for unpaid leave until December 1, 2023, in order to retire as per his wish. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Sweltering temperatures have hit various northern parts of Vietnam, leaving water in the Son La hydropower reservoir, the largest of its kind in the country, reaching critically low levels and thereby putting stress on power generation and supply as well as the livelihoods of local people. Over the past few days, during which the northwestern region saw temperatures nearly reach 40 degrees Celsius, the Son La and Lai Chau hydropower plants, located in the namesake provinces, respectively, were almost inactive. The record-low water levels of a downstream area of the Son La hydropower reservoir, the largest of its kind in Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Mai Duc Tiep, who is in charge of the Son La hydropower plants operations team, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) news that the water levels in the dam hit record low in 13 years, below the dead-pool level of 175 meters. Six turbines at the plant, which had been operational during the previous extreme hot days, have almost suspended operations these days, Tiep elaborated. The six turbines of the Son La hydropower plant. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre An engineer is monitoring the operating system of the Son La hydropower plant. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre In the operation center of the plant, six engineers were highly focusing on monitoring the operating system. Given the extremely low water levels, they have to check the system every 30 minutes or one hour, instead of two hours as in normal conditions, so as to timely detect abnormal signs, Tiep added. The water level in the Son La hydropower reservoir reached the record low of 174.9 meters on June 7, 2023, below the dead-pool level of 175 meters. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Two local men pull their boat at a Da River section running through Muong La Town, Son La Province, northern Vietnam. The low water levels in the river, triggered by a long-term drought, make life tougher for watercraft to sail back and forth. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Khuong The Anh, general director at Son La Hydropower Company, which manages and operates the two hydropower plants mentioned above, told Tuoi Tre that since the plants were put into service, this is the first time that they have had to operate their nine turbines below the dead-pool levels. The company has intensified regular checks on and dispatched more 3-6 engineers to supervise the operations of the turbines. The bed of the Son La hydropower reservoir section located in Muong Lay Town, Dien Bien Province, northern Vietnam is drying up due to a drawn-out drought. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre At the end of the Son La hydropower reservoir in Muong Lay Town of northern Dien Bien Province, where Nam Lay spring and the rivers of Da and Nam Na meet, a vast area of the reservoir bed is drying up. Fish farming facilities of the locals, such as boats, floating cabins, rafts, were found lying in the sun on the dried-up reservoir bed, while herds of cattle were grazing there. Vang Van Vuong, a local inhabitant in the Son La hydropower reservoir area, told Tuoi Tre that as the reservoir is completely dry, people now can walk on its dried-up bed. When water in the reservoir was ebbing during the same period in previous years, the lowest water levels were some 1-2 meters high, Vuong recalled. From April this year, water in the reservoir began ebbing quickly. The increasingly dry reservoir has made life tougher for local residents as they suffer declining fish catches, Vuong said. Vang Van Vuong, a local inhabitant in the Son La hydropower reservoir area, stands next to his familys lift net on the dried-up reservoir bed. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Doan Duy Quan, head of the Muong Lay hydrology station in Dien Bien, revealed that the water inflow in the Son La hydropower reservoir section passing through Muong Lay fell 40-50 percent compared to the average seen in recent years. The water inflow in the year to date reached a maximum of 1,500 cubic meters per second and is a mere 10 cubic meters per second now. He said the current water level in the Son La reservoir is 175 meters high, lower than the average lowest levels recorded in the previous years by 10-15 meters, adding that the drought is forecast to linger on till the end of this month. Excavators dredge up stones to clear a downstream section of the Son La hydropower reservoir. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre A lift net and two small boats of local residents are aground on the dried-up Son La hydropower reservoir bed. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Local people in Muong Lay Town of northern Dien Bien Province graze their cattle in the dried-up Son La hydropower reservoir. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Another boat runs aground in the dried-up Son La hydropower reservoir. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre According to the administration of Muong Lay Town in northern Dien Bien Province, the prolonged drought over the past six months has brought cage fish farming activities to a halt. In this photo, two cage farms are aground in the dried-up Son La hydropower reservoir. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre To adapt to the drawn-out drought, the Muong Lay inhabitants grew a rice crop to improve their livelihoods, but sudden floods once destroyed the rice fields. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre A local man carries a bag of rice planted in the dried-up Son La hydropower reservoir. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Ho Van Kien, 62, a Muong Lay native, is unhappy as the drawn-out drought has taken a toll on his cornfield. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Malaysian Consulate General in Vietnams southern Ho Chi Minh City opened the Malaysia Madani Week on Friday evening, which consists of a series of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Vietnam. The special week is hosted by the Malaysian Consulate General and some relevant Malaysian agencies, in conjunction with several Vietnamese bodies including the citys Department of External Relations. Deputy chairman of the citys administration Bui Xuan Cuong, Malaysian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City Wong Chia Chiann and Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato' Tan Yang Thai were among the officials at the events opening ceremony. The event started with a three-day exhibition, named Malaysian Madani Pavilion, which features over 30 Malaysian businesses in the trade, investment, tourism, and education sectors. The expo also highlights business networking activities between companies from both countries, as well as traditional art performances by Malaysian artists. Along with the expo is the Malaysia Education Festival that will introduce study opportunities in Malaysia and launch a program promoting education cooperation between the two countries. The most significant events of the week will be two ceremonies to mark a half century of Vietnam - Malaysian ties, with one to be held in the city next Tuesday and another in Dong Nai Province two days later. In addition, a Malaysian cultural and culinary promotion program will be conducted from June 9 to 18 at four major hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, namely Sofitel Saigon, Sheraton Saigon, Pullman Saigon, and M Gallery Saigon, with the participation of eight renowned Malaysian chefs. Also, a business networking session between Malaysian and Vietnamese entrepreneurs will take place next Monday under the host of the consulate general in collaboration with the Vietnam - ASEAN Friendship Association and Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations. I am very pleased to see the Malaysia Madani Week celebrated vibrantly in the city, especially since this is an important year marking 50 years of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Vietnam, Ambassador Thai addressed the ceremony. Vice mayor Cuong highly appreciated the initiative to organize Malaysia Madani Week and expressed his belief that the event will help strengthens the friendship between the two nations This special week will also create an opportunity and a platform to explore and promote new prospects in the fields of economics, trade, investment, tourism, medicine, and education between the two sides, Cuong added. He believed that cultural exchanges during the event will promote mutual understanding and connections and pave the way for stronger ties between the peoples of the two countries. Today is a very special day for all of us, Consul General Chiann said, adding that the words Malaysia Madani reflect the vision of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim. Madani is the Malay acronym made up of six core values: keMampanan (sustainability), kesejAhteraan (prosperity), Daya cipta (innovation), hormAt (respect), keyakiNan (trust) and Ihsan (compassion). Accordingly, Malaysia Madani, is the embodiment of the prime ministers vision for a civilized, progressive and inclusive Malaysian society based on these key values. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Venerated stage and screen actor Camilla Ah Kin, best known for Here Come the Habibs, Going Home, and Holding the Man has died, aged 58. She passed away in Sydney on Friday night after a lengthy battle with illness. Ah Kin was a performer for more than 30 years, having graduated from the WA Academy of Performing Arts in 1989. Her TV roles included matriarch Mariam on Nine comedy Here Come the Habibs in 2016 -17, a role she initially turned down, sight unseen. She told TV Tonight, I kind of went Nah, probably not. But then I asked for scripts, which is always my first port of call. So I read the first 2 episodes, and also Jungle were co-producers and I was a big fan of The Moodys. I hadnt read roles that required a Lebanese background like this one, ever. Ive turned down my fair share of stories that I feel like I have already told, with Middle Eastern backgrounds that start to become repetitive. She was also one of the regular train passengers on the ground-breaking SBS series Going Home in 2000, written, shot, edited and aired in a single day across 130 episodes. Her other credits included Halifax FP, Blue Heelers, Murder Call, All Saints, Stupid Stupid Man, Rake, Dictor Doctor, Fighting Season, Wakefield and Holding the Man. She performed with Bell Shakespeare, The Stables, Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir, Melbourne Theatre Company, WA Theatre Company (Black Swan), Ensemble Theatre, and Griffin. An activist within the industry for 30 years, she was awarded a MEAA Gold Honour Badge earlier this year. During her career in the performing arts, she was a a director, teacher, mentor, panellist, policy innovator and a highly-skilled actor, much admired by her peers, MEAA said in a social media post. Camilla served variously as an NSW Branch committee member, long term Equity delegate to Federal Council and NPC member, on staff as NSW Equity organiser for several years, and latterly, a member of our Board. With kindness and tough love, she held her #MEAAequity family accountable. RIP. When I graduated I was told Youre going to be doing the ethnic roles. I dont know whether that was a good or bad thing, but it did mean you become a specialist, she told TV Tonight. Whole series have gone by me because of my ethnicity. Or I would have to wait for refugee stories, but it does mean they end up being the broken ones, the sad ones, because thats where we are with that story. But the Habibs was warm-hearted and funny and with enough politics to hold my interest. and it was in a commercial arena. So it is a wonderful contrast. World premiere will tell the story of Dinas Cross boy at Custers Last Stand Caption: The cast ofGhost Rider pictured at their first read-through. (Image: On Land's Edge Festival) The story of the only Welshman who fought at Custers Last Stand is being brought to the stage at a local theatre for a world premiere performance. The Ghost Rider from Dinas Cross tells the story of William Batine James, who was among 210 soldiers massacred by thousands of Native Americans at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana Territory in 1876. It will be performed at the opening of Fishguards On Lands Edge /Ar Ymyl y Tir Festival. What is being described as a radical play featuring an innovative all-female cast and atmospheric soundscape has been adapted from the novel If God Will Spare My Life by Aberporth author Mike Lewis. Well-known Pembrokeshire writer and actor Ceri Ashe takes the title role backed up by fellow Pembrokeshire actors Teresa Hennessy, Anna Monro and Jane Harries. Ghost Rider depicts James riding out of Fort Lincoln under the command of the vainglorious General Custer. An early morning mist makes it appear that the bluecoats are riding straight up into the sky. Will they be coming back? Ahead of them, the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes are massing for one last desperate battle to take back their homelands. On the doomed march to Little Bighorn, James recalls his troubled early life in hallucinatory flashbacks. Mike Lewis researched the soldiers story in north Pembrokeshire and at the battlefield in Montana. His resulting novel was published by Victorina Press in 2021 and has been adapted for the stage by writer Anne Garside in collaboration with producer Patrick Thomas. The novels final chapters kept me in such suspense that I was reading until way past midnight, said Anne. I just had to follow Will to the bitter end. I felt that this true-life story might be equally gripping for a theatre audience especially as Will speaks to the immigrant experience, so often tragic, that is relevant to our own times. You could say that the dark hero of Ghost Rider has come to haunt me! The world premiere of Ghost Rider will take place at Theatr Gwaun at the festivals opening on September 22. CAN THO The signing ceremony of cooperation between the military-owned telecommunications group Viettels Can Tho Branch and the Nam Can Tho University was held on Wednesday. The signing of the cooperation agreement aimed to promote scientific research and training to improve the quality of human resources to serve the city's socio-economic development strategy, said Nguyen Van Quang, Rector of Nam Can Tho University. The two sides will cooperate to exchange experience in training and scientific research in the fields of telecommunications services and high-tech manufacturing; improve professional qualifications and capacity for officials and employees of the university and Viettel Can Tho. They will cooperate in organising forums and seminars on telecommunications services, high-tech manufacturing, postal services, construction and installation, trade and import and export. Viettel Can Tho will support digital transformation at Nam Can Tho University, support each other in the fields of technology, services, and commerce; accept internships for students majoring in technology, engineering, economics and finance who are studying at the university and give priority to receive graduate students to work. VNS SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 10 June 2023 - In June 2023, CoinW's philanthropic mission perseveres in Taiwan. "CoinW Official" and "CoinW Taiwan," in association with the Pepe Chinese community, Pudgy Penguins, Dogewow, Floki, and other elite animal-themed NFT and MEME initiatives, organized a Stray Animals Charity Week. Under the theme of "PETS ARE FAMILY," the CoinW Taiwan team, representatives from Taiwan's blockchain institutions, authoritative blockchain media outlets, and prominent project participants, along with influential KOLs, took on the role of Web3 Ambassadors of Love. Together, they ventured to the Taoyuan Animal Protection and Education Park, contributing US$1,000 worth of essential animal feed and supplies to the park's stray cats and dogs.These Web3 Ambassadors of Love urge empathy for displaced animals, advocating for adoption over purchase.With the intent to inspire acts of kindness and care for stray animals, CoinW Taiwan extended invitations to several industry representatives to participate in this donation drive. The aim was to leverage their fame and influence to encourage more kind-hearted individuals to join this love-filled endeavor, extending their love to the strays.Web3 Ambassador of Love, Duo Ruo Yu (CEO and Co-founder of Hooky.Fi, and Vice Chairman of Taiwan Blockchain University Alliance, TBA), shared, "Although the duration of this charity event was merely a few hours, it profoundly reminded us: No life is destined for vagrancy. If you love them, don't abandon them! We hope that even our modest contribution can make the world a better place."TBA Chairman Peng Shao Fu also expressed, "The charity donation event spearheaded by CoinW is extremely meaningful. Through this initiative, the philosophy of 'Caring for life, treating animals kindly' has reached a broader audience, helping more tiny lives avoid displacement and contributing to a civilized and harmonious living environment. We hope that through our influence, we can encourage more people to engage in societal philanthropy."The founder of BlockGang Labs, ZhouYongyou, Crypto City, the blockchain media outlet, Web3 Influencer Xiao Bi'er, the founder of Blockchain Journal, Marx, and other Web3 Ambassadors of Love, underscored the importance of caring for stray animals. They advocated adoption over purchase, discouraged abandonment and wanton cruelty, and urged an end to straying through acts of love. They envisage a world where every creature is tenderly nurtured and equitably treated.The beneficiary of this donation drive is the Taoyuan City Animal Protection Promotion Association. The association was established to aid and improve the welfare of homeless stray dogs and cats housed in shelters. Currently, its primary members are volunteers from the Xiwu Cat Shelter and dog volunteers. The park houses approximately 1,150 dogs and cats. By 2022, the association had organized over 304 adoption events and successfully placed more than 3,073 cats into loving homes.CoinW continues its global philanthropic journey, never forgetting its original aspirations.Over the six years since its inception, CoinW has remained true to its roots, persisting in its philanthropic endeavors while perfecting its own products, and actively fulfilling its corporate social responsibility through actions. Reportedly, this charity event is the third in a series of public welfare activities in 2023, following a visit to the Shanghai Bao'en Temple in January and donations to stray animal rescue organizations in Turkey, Malaysia, and India in March. CoinW aims to collaborate with more industry partners and charitable organizations globally, providing support to more animal shelters and jointly fostering a harmonious environment of coexistence between humans and pets.The head of CoinW Global Philanthropy expressed that CoinW continues to uphold a steadfast sense of responsibility and a mission to give back to society, actively initiating charitable acts in multiple countries and regions such as Asia and Africa. These acts of love and charity are ongoing and sustainable. CoinW will further extend its animal care programs in the future, actively practicing corporate social responsibility, exerting a positive influence, constantly innovating activity content, assisting stray animals in diversified ways, and encouraging and guiding users to actively participate. They aim to spread the concept of love and charity, contributing their own strength to the cause.Hashtag: #CoinW The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About CoinW In 2017, a congregation of young Bitcoin believers coalesced with a vision to change the world through blockchain, giving birth to CoinW. Today, CoinW has become a global leader among comprehensive cryptocurrency trading platforms, providing an all-in-one digital asset service portal for over 220 million digital currency users worldwide. Our user base spans more than 120 countries, and we are ranked 25th on CoinMarketCap and 7th on Feixiaohao. We boast a global cumulative registration of over 9 million users and average daily trading volumes exceeding 20 billion US dollars. Since its inception, CoinW has adhered to its service purpose of "empowering blockchain technology financial reforms" and "assisting users in wealth appreciation." CoinW continually optimizes product line, strive for innovative breakthroughs, shoulder the mission of achieving global financial freedom and inclusivity, guide new trends in the crypto asset industry, and promote the linking of the world and the future through blockchain technology and crypto assets. As a New global frontline exchange, CoinW offers: Innovative product ecosystem, aggregating global operations and traffic. Compliant with regulatory standards holding financial regulatory licenses from multiple countries. Commitment to globalization and compliance development, Realizing financial inclusion through global layout. Five years of pioneering, serving users from 200 countries and regions, undertaking the mission of realizing global financial freedom and inclusivity. Reliable safety Top-notch security risk control systems in the industry, Distributed system architecture, cold and hot wallets with multi-signature technology, and zero security incidents in five years. World premieres of high-quality projects Choosing Hot projects, seizing investment opportunities. Offering 1000+ cryptocurrencies including popular global market projects, Rich currency diversity, high-speed matching engine, and top-tier network depth. Convenient and safe OTC trading. Supporting 40+ fiat currency trading and credit card coin purchases. Diversified deposit channels and one-stop buying and selling transactions. 24/7 efficient customer service support operating round-the-clock to answer your inquiries, answering relevant inquiries as soon as possible Cryptocurrency financial management High-yield, flexible-term cryptocurrency wealth management, redemption at any time Official website: www.coinw.com Twitter https://twitter.com/CoinWTaiwan Telegram https://t.me/CoinWTaiwan Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coinw_taiwan/ LINE Community: https://reurl.cc/GelO8Z HA NOI Sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction over the seas of a state established in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as well as the legitimate rights and interests of the littoral countries, including Viet Nam, must be respected. So said Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, on Saturday while commenting on a June 6 statement by a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry concerning the operation of the group of Chinese survey ship Xiang Yang Hong 10. As repeatedly affirmed, Viet Nam has full legal ground and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over Truong Sa (Spratlys) and Hoang Sa (Paracels), she stressed, adding that the legal status of Truong Sa and its entities has been clearly defined in line with the UNCLOS 1982. This is a manifestation of the responsible and construction spirit and a practical contribution by countries concerned to peace, stability, cooperation and the rule of law in the region, including the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea), she concluded. Pham Thu Hang, who was Deputy Director of the Press Information Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Spokesperson of the ministry, was appointed Acting Director of the department and spokesperson of the ministry. The foreign ministers decision was presented by Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc on June 8. Hang took over the position of the spokesperson from Le Thi Thu Hang, who was promoted to Deputy Foreign Minister in December 2022. She has served in different positions at the Press Information Department for many years. From 2017 to 2020, she acted as Political Counsellor at the Vietnamese Embassy in the US. Hang is the fifth spokeswoman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her four female predecessors are Ho The Lan, Phan Thuy Thanh, Nguyen Phuong Nga (now President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations), and Le Thi Thu Hang (now Deputy Foreign Minister). VNS HOA BINH Two out of the three largest hydroelectric reservoirs in Viet Nam, Son La and Lai Chau are at dead water levels, with only Hoa Binh reservoir having enough water to generate electricity. The inability to mobilise electricity from hydroelectric power plants has affected the management and operation of the power system, as well as people's daily lives and the production of businesses. In the first days of June, Son La hydroelectric reservoir recorded a water level 30 to 40 metres lower than the allowed level of 215 metres above sea level. Mai uc Tiep, a supervisor at Son La Hydroelectric Plant, stated that since the first turbine went into operation in 2010, this is the first time that the water level of the Son La reservoir has dropped to a record low, and the plant has had to operate below the dead water level of 175m. "In the past few, scorching hot, days, all six turbines were operational. However, in recent days, the turbines have almost stopped operating, and if they can run, it is very limited because the reservoir has reached the dead water level," said Tiep. At the central operating area of the plant, six engineers are working tirelessly to monitor the operating system. Although the five turbines have stopped operating, they are kept in a state of readiness to generate power when needed. Tiep added: "Under the condition of the dead water level, the water column of the turbines decreases, the draft tubes are at risk of vibration, and the turbines may become unstable. The temperature of the turbines also tends to increase, so the plant has arranged for additional personnel to inspect the equipment and increase the frequency of inspections. "Under normal conditions, the turbines are inspected once every two hours. However, when operating below the dead water level, inspections need to be conducted every hour or every 30 minutes to ensure that everything is in good working order and ready to supply electricity to the grid upon demand." He also mentioned that at the lower downstream area of the plant, the unit takes advantage of the situation to perform dredging activities to increase the power generation capacity. Located approximately 300km upstream from the Son La hydroelectric dam, the Lai Chau Hydroelectric Plant is almost non-operational as it has fallen below the dead water level by 5m. "This is the first time that both the Son La Hydroelectric Plant and the Lai Chau Hydroelectric Plant have been operating below the dead water level," Khuong The Anh, director of Son La Hydroelectric Company, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. According to The Anh, the monsoon season in 2022 in the river basin ended early, resulting in decreased water storage in the reservoirs. Particularly in the first months of 2023, the water inflow to the Son La and Lai Chau reservoirs was only 51 per cent compared to the same period in 2022. Due to the lack of water accumulation in the 11 reservoirs in China, the water inflow to the Lai Chau and Son La reservoirs has significantly decreased. "During this period, we have to halt the turbines for inspection and maintenance, with the goal of providing electricity to the best of our ability," The Anh said. Hoa Binh holding on Currently, the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Plant is the only functioning hydropower plant in the a River's hydropower system capable of supplying electricity. Pham Van Vuong, the director of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Company, said in late May and early June, due to a shortage of water resources, the hydroelectric plant had to operate at high capacity, causing the water level in the reservoir to decrease rapidly as there was almost no water flowing into the a River basin. The Son La Hydroelectric Plant has already reached the dead water level and can no longer provide additional water supply to the Hoa Binh reservoir. As of 5pm on June 8, the water level in the Hoa Binh reservoir was only 103.45m, a decrease of nearly 6m compared to two weeks ago, while the water inflow to the reservoir was only about 40 cubic metres per second. According to Vuong, currently, all eight turbines are ready for operation, but the plant has to adjust its operation according to the system's demands. At certain times, it can generate a maximum capacity of 1,920MW, while at other times, the output is lower. If the high exploitation continues, the water level in the reservoir will continue to decrease rapidly, and the power generation capacity will not be sufficient, affecting the plant's ability to reach its maximum capacity. Vuong also mentioned that the reserve capacity of other hydropower plants in the northern region is almost depleted, and the water inflow to the a River basin in June is forecasted to remain low. Therefore, the Hoa Binh hydroelectric plant must ensure reserve capacity while also ensuring reserve production for the future. Given the current situation, we are coordinating with the National Power Dispatch Centre and are ready to operate according to the system's requirements," Vuong said. He also stated that if the plant operates at its maximum capacity continuously, the Hoa Binh reservoir will reach the dead water level (80m) in about 12-13 days. VNS HA NOI The ongoing intense heatwaves across the country, not only affect peoples health but also create high risks of wildfires, causing harm to livelihoods and the ecosystem. Multiple forest fires have been reported between mid-May and early June in various localities. In one fire, two people lost their lives. At around 10.30am on June 4, a wildfire occurred in the protection forest for environmental conservation in Minh Tri Commune of the capital citys Soc Son District. Due to the blazing heat, it wasn't completely extinguished until 4.30pm on the same day. Soc Son District also recorded another fire in the protection forest between its Hien Ninh and Nam Son communes, which caused damage to 0.56ha of pine forest. The People's Committees of Ha Long and Uong Bi cities in Quang Ninh Province also reported a forest fire which caused the deaths of two people. Meanwhile, in mid-May in the central Quang Tri Province, a wildfire occurring over 18ha of the protection forest in the Ben Hai River basin was estimated to have caused VN300 million (US$12,800) in damage. Another fire in Cam Lo District also destroyed approximately 3ha of a three-year-old acacia forest around the same time. According to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF), due to the influence of the El Nino phenomenon, there will be more intense heatwaves, with a higher number of sunny days than the previous years average, along with abnormal fluctuations. The combination of blazing heat and a lack of rainfall increases the risk of wildfires in many areas, leading to damage to forests, the environment, and affecting peoples health, properties and livelihoods. NCHMF director Mai Van Khiem said that starting from mid-June, the average temperature is expected to be higher than that of previous years by around 0.5-1 degrees Celsius. Hoang Duy Quang, deputy director of the Management Board for Protection Forests in the Ben Hai River basin (Quang Tri Province), said that their units face a high risk of forest fires during the hot and dry season. Preventive measures Since the beginning of summer this year, forest protection forces have been on high alert, maintaining round-the-clock checkpoints, increasing patrols, conducting awareness campaigns, and implementing fire prevention and firefighting measures. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Tung, deputy chief of the Firefighting and Rescue Police Department (Binh Duong Provincial Police) said that the local police have issued an official dispatch to implement specific measures regarding fire safety. In order to enhance urgent measures for forest fire prevention, Prime Minister (PM) Pham Minh Chinh had issued Directive No. 441/C-TTg on May 22 this year, which requires provinces and cities to strengthen inspections and monitoring of wildfire prevention and control. This is considered a top priority in which complacency, negligence, and lack of vigilance are strictly prohibited. The directive calls for the establishment of dedicated task forces and assigning patrols on standby around the clock throughout the dry season and hot days. Authorities should also monitor, supervise and provide guidance on setting fires near and in forest areas, especially with people burning vegetation for cultivation. The PM also assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to lead forest fire prevention and control nationwide. In the case of forest fire, authorities must be present for firefighting management. In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises and the Vietnam Electricity (EVN) are also required to cooperate with localities to ensure the safety of the national electric grid. VNS HA NOI By all means, enough vaccines must be provided to children as soon as possible, asked Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at a working session with leaders of some ministries, sectors and localities on the purchase of vaccines for children within the expanded immunisation programme, held on Saturday. He made the order amid a number of emerging problems in vaccine purchasing activities. Minister of Health ao Hong Lan said that the ministry was assigned to buy and allocate vaccines to localities within the target programme for the medical-population programme for the 2016-20 period. After this programme ended in 2020, the ministry received budget from the central budget for the work to ensure vaccines for 2021 and 2022. She said that the ministry hopes to be allowed to continue the vaccine purchase for the expanded immunisation programme as it is an effective scheme with significant importance in ensuring social welfare for women and children. She said that recently, the ministry has worked with a number of ministries, sectors and localities on measures in purchasing, bidding and negotiating for prices of a number of kinds of vaccines. Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the HCM City Department of Health Nguyen Anh Dung pointed to a number of legal obstacles in the work. He said that all vaccines in the expanded immunisation programme are on the list of drugs for national centralised bidding, so there is no mechanism for self-biding in localities. Dung suggested that central agencies provide a budget to the Ministry of Health for bidding activities and allow it to allocate vaccines. Agreeing with Dung, Director of the Ha Noi Department of Health Tran Thi Nhi Ha said that to date, the capital city has run out of some vaccines in the expanded immunisation programme, but there is no mechanism for the city to buy vaccines by itself. Deputy Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology Duong Thi Hong said that so far, nine out of the 11 kinds of vaccines for the expanded immunisation programme have run out. Addressing the working session, Deputy PM Ha asked the Ministry of Health to focus on settling the problems in buying vaccines for the programme. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was asked to work with manufacturers, international organisations and countries to seek more supplies of vaccines for the programme. The Deputy PM requested the Ministry of Health to immediately issue a guidance on disease prevention and diagnostic and treatment protocols for medical facilities when children contract diseases. VNS HCMC The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is actively working toward enhancing trade cooperation with China to boost the countrys exports of agricultural produce. Discussions have been held recently with the authorities of Chinas Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province to facilitate trade through the Vietnam-China border gates. Efforts are underway to gain approval for more Vietnamese businesses to join the supply chains. The authorities have also worked on a proposal to kick off the export of fresh aquatic products via Yunnans border crossings, which could help alleviate congestion at the current border gates and streamline trade between the two countries. Vietnam and China will collaborate closely with relevant agencies to establish and enforce food safety and sanitary standards for trading agro-fishery products. These measures are crucial to ensure the quality and safety of the exported goods. Last year, the trade of agro-forestry-fishery products between Vietnam and China reached US$14.2 billion, a 12.7% increase compared to the previous year. HCMC The Government has given the go-ahead to the commencement next week of construction work on four major road projects in southern Vietnam. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has chosen June 17 as the start date of construction of an expressway connecting Chau Doc City (An Giang Province), Can Tho City and Soc Trang Province, which are in the Mekong Delta, according to a statement which the Government Office has sent to the Ministry of Transport. Chau Doc-Can Tho-Soc Trang Expressway will be 188km long. The project will be split into four components with a total cost of VND44,691 billion. On the next day, work will start on HCMC Beltway No. 3, an expressway linking Khanh Hoa Province and Buon Ma Thuot City (Daklak Province) in south-central Vietnam, and an expressway between Bien Hoa City (Dong Nai Province) and Vung Tau City (Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province) in southern Vietnam. HCMC Beltway No. 3 will pass through HCMC and three neighboring provinces, with a total length of 76km and a total cost of nearly VND75,400 billion Khanh Hoa-Buon Ma Thuot Expressway has three components, with Khanh Hoa Province responsible for the first with a total length of 31.5km, the Ministry of Transport for the second with 37km and Daklak Province for the third with more than 48km. The first phase of the 53.7km Bien Hoa-Vung Tau Expressway has three components. Work will start on the first component worth VND6,000 billion on June 18, with Dong Nai Province in charge. Ascension Providence Hospital acknowledged Tuesday a data breach in early March affecting information stored on the hospitals legacy website, Providence.net. Hospital leaders do not believe any information was removed from the affected systems or that it has been misused or shared, according to a statement from Ascension. Ascension networks and medical record systems were not affected, according to the statement. Ascension notified affected individuals and provided complimentary credit and identity theft protection services to those who had Social Security numbers, credit card information or insurance numbers affected. Impacted information includes demographic data such as name, address, email address, phone number, insurance information, Social Security number, tax identification number, or other clinical information that was provided via Providence.net. The site was hosted by Vertex, a third-party vendor, according to the statement. We reviewed our processes for vendor hosted websites and shut down the affected sites, creating new ones hosted by Ascension, as well as reviewed the type of information collected on these sites, the statement says. Vertex also notified law enforcement about the event and continues to cooperate. Hospital leaders filed regulatory reports required by law and they also recommended patients and clients review credit and identity theft protection measures, according to the statement. Now that criminal charges against former Bellmead Assistant Police Chief Brenda Kinsey have been dismissed for a second time, she may sue the officials who brought the charges, claiming malicious prosecution, her attorney said Friday. Now that shes prevailed, for a second time, on these baseless charges, the folks responsible for bringing the charges will be sued for malicious prosecution, attorney Ryan Johnson said Friday. I promise you, we are going to make sure this never happens to anyone else in this community. Johnson represents Kinsey in a federal lawsuit filed March 17 against the city and Bellmead City Manager Yost Zakhary, who was interim police chief at the time of Kinseys first arrest in December 2021. The day before the 2021 arrest, Kinsey had filed harassment and discrimination claims against Zakhary. Prosecutors under former McLennan County District Attorney Barry Johnson dismissed the initial charges against Kinsey in December 2022, days before the end of his term. The dismissal documents say the alleged incident did not meet the elements of the crime required by statute. Police alleged Kinsey asked a dispatcher in August 2021 to look up license plate information for a personal reason. Bellmead police arrested Kinsey again Feb. 3 charging her with misuse of official information, a third-degree felony, and breaching computer security, a state jail felony, with similar underlying allegations as the first arrest. A McLennan County grand jury no-billed her on the second set of charges Thursday, meaning they dismissed the charges for lack of merit. This is the second time Yost Zakhary has tried to prosecute Ms. Kinsey and the second time all the charges have been dismissed the first by former District Attorney Barry Johnson and now a Grand Jury, Ryan Johnson said. Its textbook malicious prosecution. In the most recent case, DA Josh Tetens recused his office because Kinsey consulted his private law firm about the initial charges, before he was a DA candidate. Williamson County prosecutors presented the case to the McLennan County grand jury. Kinseys criminal defense attorney, Brandon Luce, said Friday that Kinsey appreciates the McLennan County grand jurys work. Neither Zakhary nor Bellmead city attorney Charles Buenger returned the calls or emails Thursday night or Friday seeking comment. Johnson said the charges against Kinsey and her firing have had the effect of ruining her career. The city ended her employment in such a way that no other police agency would hire her as a peace officer, Johnson said. Kinsey will continue to work to clear her name and restore her status as a peace officer, Johnson said. A hearing will be held in December to determine whether Kinsey can work again as a peace officer, Luce said. She has a police union attorney to represent her at that hearing. Ms. Kinsey looks forward to that hearing in December, to restore her good name and fully clear her record, Luce said. Another woman, formerly a Woodway city employee, made similar discrimination and harassment claims against Zachary before he resigned as city manager there, the Tribune-Herald previously reported. The former employee and the city settled a lawsuit in July 2018 for $50,000, the Tribune-Herald reported at the time. Waco police released officers' body camera footage Friday showing the shooting death of a pet dog, Finn, last weekend after officers responding to a 911 call reporting a burglary in progress were dispatched to the wrong address. At about 3:15 p.m. June 3, Waco police received a 911 call in which the caller reports someone had kicked their door in. The video police released Friday includes audio from the 911 call. The caller can be heard speaking to someone in the background who says "I'm not trying to hurt you," before the caller says to the dispatcher, "please come now." The address reported was in the 3200 block of North 20th A Street, but the video says the address was autocorrected to the corresponding address in the 3200 block of North 20th Street, which is one street over. The body camera video from two officers shows them arriving at the address on 20th Street. In the video, officers perform a perimeter check for a breached entrance. They find the back door open, and hop over the backyard fence to approach the door. Text accompanying the video says they had their firearms drawn based on the type of incident they were responding to. One officer peeks inside the open door, then says Waco Police Department. Halfway through speaking, the sound of barking dogs can be heard coming from inside the home, and a few seconds later, five dogs come running outside. Upon seeing the dogs, the officer farther from the door holsters his pistol and draws a stun gun as he backs up. As the dogs come outside, four of them run toward the officer with the stun gun out, while Finn breaks off and advances toward the officer closer to the door, who still has his pistol drawn. As Finn comes toward the officer, he is barking and jumps at the officer twice. While backing up, and after commanding Finn to get back, the officer shoots Finn once with his pistol as Finn jumps at him the second time. At roughly the same time, the other officer fires his stun gun and hits one of the other dogs, Hannah. Approximately 3.5 seconds lapse from the moment the dogs come outside to when Finn was shot. Seconds later, Cassandra Page, one of Finns owners, comes outside to get the rest of her dogs inside and speak with the officers, who apologize to her. Page is confused, and asks why the officers are there. They inform her of the 911 call. She is unaware that Finn has been shot. We got a call that someone was breaking and entering, the officer says. Your door was wide open. It doesnt look good in our situation. That's why we're here. The officer then informs Page that he shot Finn. The dog charged me, so I shot it, the officer says. You shot my dog? Page asks. With a gun? Page then runs over to Finn, and screams when she finds him, before helping Finn inside. The officer apologizes for shooting him and informs Page they have called their supervisor. Three minutes later, the supervisor arrives. One of the officers helps load Finn into Pages car. The video says she took Finn to an emergency clinic, where he died from the shooting. Finn was one of five dogs Page owned with her partner, Matt Vasquez. The couple said they regularly kept their back door open so their dogs and three cats could move freely between the house and the fenced backyard. The couple described themselves as animal lovers, and said all of their pets are rescues. The couple said they do not have children, and view their pets as their kids. They said they are devastated by the death of Finn, who was the couples first dog. Vasquez said via text that of their dogs, Finn was the leader of the pack. Vasquez said Finns howling heard in the video was his instinctual alarm, and the video showed he was trying to defend the couples home. The rest of the group makes plenty of noise, but without him we didnt realize how much he made his presence known. Its so eerily quiet, Vasquez said. He was the alarm. He was the voice of the group. Vasquez said the couple has retained Dallas attorney Bradrick Collins in order to pursue legal action against the department. Collins called the video heartbreaking and said he will be reaching out to the police department to attempt to make his clients whole. Collins said the greatest mistake the officers made was not looking for signs of a breaking and entering, such as checking for splinters or other debris, that would have indicated a kicked-down door. He also said there was enough time for the officer to switch from his firearm to his stun gun once he heard the dogs. Collins said he did not think Finn posed a serious threat to the officer, as he was not biting the officer or grabbing his clothing, only barking. Collins also said the dogs barking and coming toward officers was what dogs are supposed to do when confronted by a strange intruder. I wouldnt feed or keep a dog if they didnt do what Finn did, Collins said. Finn got killed for protecting his environment. He got shot for doing his job. Collins said Vasquez and Page are torn up about the situation, and said officers must be more careful and take accountability. Support the family and respect their privacy, Collins said. Support our officers. It is important for those in uniform to know they have our support, but accountability comes with that. You have to be more careful. There could have been a child coming out with the dogs. On behalf of the Waco Police Department, we are sorry for the loss of Finn, and are regretful our officers were mistakenly sent to the home. There is an ongoing internal investigation into how the wrong address was sent to officers," text included in the video says. "We are working diligently with our (computer aided dispatch) vendor to determine the root cause of the location discrepancy, to ensure this does not happen again. Our call takers have been reminded to be extra cautious when entering addresses for any calls for service. The video says the original call was addressed, and no injuries were reported and no arrests were made from it. While we cannot change the outcome of this incident, our department is committed to learning from it and making the necessary changes to avoid this situation in the future," the text in the video says. Earlier this week, Waco police spokesperson Cierra Shipley declined to comment on whether the involved officers would face disciplinary action. Waco Aviation Director Joel Martinez did not say use it or lose it during a presentation to business people Friday, but he did urge attendees to fly out of Waco Regional Airport as often as possible. He said American Airlines and its feeder airline that serves Waco, American Eagle, must make money to stay aloft. He said he would hate to see local service become a financial drag. On a brighter side, Martinez said the continued $9 million renovation of the airport terminal is progressing well. He said he resists the temptation to predict completion by late summer, choosing instead to suggest before the holidays, likely in November, as the latest target date. So far, commuter flights into and out of Wacos municipal airport have not suffered significantly during the transformation. Martinez said 89 of 90 flights scheduled in April were flown, though 11 were delayed for various reasons. American Eagle flies daily between Waco and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Martinez said ceiling installation and the application of fine arts touches were taking place this week, even as he spoke during a lunch the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce hosted and about 75 people attended. He said renovations will enhance the functionality of the airport while dispelling its blandness. For starters, four commissioned pieces of art will grace its walls, selected from more than 100 submissions, Martinez said. Manca Ahlin was at work Friday on her 10-foot cord weaving depicting a mammoth and her calf, a reference to the Waco Mammoth National Monument. Martinez said consideration is being given to having walking tours, accompanied by audio, letting passersby know what the artists are attempting to convey. Even the new bathrooms are a work of art, Martinez said, who also told the crowd he was the weirdo taking photographs of the restrooms in a new Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport terminal that opened in 2019. Waco Regional lost its restaurant to COVID-19, and it was quite a blow. An attendee Friday recalled that a relative, a pilot, said his colleagues looked forward to midday stops at Waco Regional due to its dining options. How cool would it be for people to say, Were going to the airport for lunch today, Martinez said. Were hoping that a local restaurateur will have interest in opening something at the airport, which will have remodeled food and beverage space. It perhaps could fill a need for another restaurant in this part of the city. China Spring is a growing area. Martinez said three goals dominate the wish list of Waco Regional stakeholders: maintaining and growing its partnership with American Airlines; bringing additional airlines to Waco Regional; and decreasing the cost of flights out of the airport. He said the city has retained a consultant to represent its interests at trade shows and conventions, the idea being to talk with airlines about entering the Waco marketplace. So far meetings have taken place in Las Vegas and Chicago, with another scheduled in August in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Martinez said. Before the airline industry began roiling, communities could entice airlines with financial offers, possibly $1 million to $2 million, for example, as a pledge to market the airline, Martinez said. Such deals are becoming obsolete as airlines jettison aircraft and routes to protect bottom lines, he said. American Airlines, for example, announced in May its regional subsidiary, Envoy Air, would retire its aging fleet of 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft, most of which have been in use two decades. American Airlines once served the Waco-to-DFW market with 50-seaters but late last year switched to 70-seat, dual-cabin CR-7 aircraft. But frequency is down to three flights daily, Martinez said. He has conversations with people who let him know it has become challenging to fly from Waco Regional and make timely connections at DFW, he said. Still, in response to an audience question, Martinez said he could see interest in Waco from Delta or United airlines by summer 2024. They appreciate our partnership, Martinez said when asked how Waco Regional and American Airlines get along in turbulent times. But he said Waco does not have the leverage to demand additional flights. Martinez said when he arrived in Waco in 2008, he was shocked at the number of people, including professionals, who did not realize commuter service to larger airports, hubs, was available here. He said that perception is changing, but not as quickly as he would like. He said it also has been a chore to persuade Baylor University to book more flights from Waco Regional. Free parking is a perk Waco Regional offers travelers, but vehicles sit exposed to the elements. Martinez said he is giving thought to creating an additional covered parking area for travelers agreeable to paying a fee. Martinez said the airport strives to acquaint young people with Waco Regional and its operations. He estimated 600 youngsters visited this spring, hearing the roar of an airplane or sitting in a million-dollar firetruck. When renovations come to a close, visitors also will see a 10-foot-tall mammoth and her calf, both made of cord, and metallic scissor-tailed flycatchers swooping along an aluminum spiral suspended from the ceiling. They will also witness fresh flooring, designated workstations, modern furniture and charging stations. Texas public school libraries are awaiting state guidelines and book vendors ratings for books and materials with sexual content after passage of a new law that would limit districts in what they can buy or keep on their shelves. House Bill 900, passed in the regular legislative session, concerns sexually explicit and sexually relevant materials that districts may have in their school libraries. Most districts have policies directing librarians, teachers and administrators to evaluate such materials for suitability and age-appropriateness before purchasing. The new law directs the Texas State Library and Archives to draw up state standards on sexual material, with approval from the State Board of Education, that would shape what districts can buy in the future. It also requires book sellers to create up their own ratings for sexually explicit and sexually relevant content, then rate the books sold in the past. Vendors would have to recall any books rated sexually explicit that they have sold, and Texas public schools would be prohibited from buying any books with such ratings. Districts could retain books rated as sexually relevant, which might include literary works with sexual content or scenes, but would have to publish lists of those books or materials every two years with explanations for why the books are in their libraries. School districts and their trustees usually await guidance from the Texas Association of School Boards on how to implement new legislation, and House Bill 900 is no exception. Officials in the Waco and Midway independent school districts, the two largest public school districts in McLennan County, said they are waiting on guidelines from the association and the state before taking any action on material in their libraries. The new law is more focused on library collections with penalties for non-compliance levied more on book vendors than school districts, said Jasmine Wightman, senior attorney for the Texas Association of School Boards. While part of the law references the state criminal code for guidance on what defines sexually explicit material, determining whether material is sexually relevant can consider its context and educational or literary value, as well as how one defines patently offensive. Vendors need to consider the explicitness or graphic nature of sexual content, how frequent are depictions of sexual or excretory organs or activities and whether a reasonable person would find the material intentionally panders to, titillates or shocks the reader. That sort of consideration takes time, Wightman said. Its not an easy job, she said. Vendors have until April 1, 2024, to rate the books they have sold, with recalls of materials deemed sexually explicit after that. The Texas State Library and Archives has a Jan. 1, 2024, deadline to come up with standards for such material. House Bill 900 also requires written parental permission for a student to check out any books or material rated as sexually relevant. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has created broad voluntary standards for public school libraries since 2004 on subjects including the number of books per student, the age of a collection and the frequency of culling damaged or outdated titles. Texas State Library and Archives spokesperson Susan Floyd said the collection standards that House Bill 900 directs the agency to create, with oversight from the State Board of Education, will be mandatory for schools. The State Board of Education determines the curriculum standards for health and sex education, which sometimes includes sexually graphic or descriptive material. I think this (legislation) will clean up a lot of our school libraries. Were thankful we have it, said Hewitt resident Denise Ballew, a retired educator and parent of former Midway ISD students, who testified in favor of the bill in Austin earlier this spring. Ballew led efforts to contact administrators and trustees in the Waco, Midway and Lorena ISDs to identify books in their school libraries that she felt had inappropriate sexual material, asking that those books be removed. Three of us have really been hitting the road with local schools trying to get stuff cleared out, she said in a recent interview. Ballew, married to a retired educator as well, retired two years ago after 17 years as a paraprofessional working in schools, including in Midway, with students with problems such as behavioral issues. In retirement, she channeled her time and attention to the McLennan County Republican Women group and found her love for caring for children matched up with some of the groups legislative goals. Children are my passion. I feel like God is still using me in that capacity, she said. With stopping the sexualization of children one of the McLennan County Republican Womens legislative goals, Ballew became an activist on the school library front, joining a handful of volunteers in checking school libraries for books appearing on widely circulating lists of books compiled by parent groups and organizations such as Texans Wake Up. We didnt realize these books were in our schools until it became a legislative priority, she said. Some of the lists came with book excerpts illustrating explicit descriptions of sex acts, complete with page numbers of the offending passages, and Ballew found herself shocked by what she read. While others focused on Waco and Lorena ISDs, she was with a group that met earlier this year with Midway ISD Superintendent Chris Allen, who took their list of 43 books under advisement. She was later informed a book audit committee had recommended nine books for removal with another four available only by request at Midway High School. We were disappointed, Ballew said. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (one of the books limited to requests at the high school library) is one of the worst totally pornographic. Its not a lightly-taken, heavy petting book. It has explicit acts. An advisory from parental advisory group Common Sense Media notes the 1999 young adult novel by Stephen Chbosky has mature material including abortion, repressed memories of sexual abuse and sex between men. The 2012 film adaptation of the book was rated PG-13, suitable for audiences 13 and older, for sexual content, drug and alcohol use by teens and a fight. With the state Legislature this spring considering two bills addressing books with sexual content House Bill 900 succeeded, but a Senate Bill 13 died in the House Midway officials opted to withdraw from circulation another 15 of the books on Ballews list that had not previously been acted on, with final determination of their status pending the upcoming state guidelines and book ratings, said Midway ISD spokesperson Traci Marlin. Many of the books placed on hold are available in the Waco-McLennan County Library. Asked if she trusts the work of school librarians and teachers, her former colleagues, in book selection and evaluation of suitability, Ballew said school librarians cannot review every book that comes to them from publishers. Theres no way a librarian can look at every book, she said. She said that while publishers frequently label books according to genre and subject, they do not flag them for any sexual content. Asked if she thinks parents who would like their children to have access to challenged books have an equal right to ask those books be kept available, Ballew said those parents can take their kids to a public library or a bookstore for those materials. Its our job to protect children and thats what our schools should be doing, she said. Ballew said there had been bipartisan support to pass House Bill 900, but acknowledged Republicans had led the effort to remove allegedly offensive material from school libraries. It shouldnt be a political argument, but thats the way it came to us, she said. WASHINGTON Iran is providing Russia with materials to build a drone manufacturing plant east of Moscow as the Kremlin looks to lock in a steady supply of weaponry for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, according to a U.S. intelligence finding released by the White House on Friday. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said U.S. intelligence officials believe a plant in Russia's Alabuga special economic zone could be operational early next year. The White House also released satellite imagery taken in April of the industrial location, several hundred miles east of Moscow, where it believes the plant "will probably be built." Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced it will provide an additional $2.1 billion in long-term weapons aid for Ukraine. The new assistance package will include funding for more Patriot missile battery munitions, Hawk air defense systems and missiles, and small Puma drones that can be launched by hand. Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted Friday that Ukrainian troops started a long-expected counteroffensive and were suffering significant losses. His comments came hours after a string of drone strikes inside Russian territory. One hit a residential building. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, also said a variety of indicators suggested Ukraine's counteroffensive had begun. It said the new phase of the war may also see the highest Ukrainian losses. Kyiv has played down talk of a counteroffensive, reasoning that the less said about its military moves the better. The regional governor of Voronezh, Alexander Gusev, said on the Telegram app that a drone crashed into a high-rise apartment building in the city of the same name, injuring three residents who were hit by shards of glass. Russian state media published photos of windows blown out and damage to the facade. Gusev said the drone was targeting a nearby airbase but veered off course after its signal was jammed. Separately, Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov of the neighboring Belgorod region, which also borders Ukraine, said air defenses had shot down two unspecified targets overnight. An apartment building and private homes were damaged, he said, without saying by what. He also said a drone fell on the roof of an office building in the city of Belgorod. It failed to detonate but caught fire on impact, causing insignificant damage, he wrote. Ukrainian authorities generally have denied any role in attacks inside Russia. Such drone strikes there was even one near the Kremlin along with cross-border raids into southwestern Russia have brought the war home to Russians. In Ukraine, the governor of the Kherson region, Oleksandr Prokudin, said Friday that water levels decreased by about 8 inches overnight on the western bank of the Dnieper, which was inundated starting Tuesday after the breach of the Nova Kakhovka dam upstream. Officials on both sides indicated about 20 people have died in the flooding. President Joe Biden's administration publicly stated in December that it believed Tehran and Moscow were considering setting up a drone assembly line in Russia for the Ukraine war. The new intelligence suggests the project, in the Yelabuga region of Tatarstan, moved beyond conception. Kirby said that U.S. officials also determined that Iran continues to supply the Russian military with one-way attack drones made in Iran: The drones are shipped via the Caspian Sea, from Amirabad in Iran to Makhachkala, Russia, and then are used by Russian forces against Ukraine. As of May, Russia received hundreds of one-way attack drones, as well as drone production-related equipment, from Iran, according to the White House. Iran said it provided drones to Russia before the start of the war but not since. "This is a full-scale defense partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to Iran's neighbors, and to the international community," Kirby said. "We are continuing to use all the tools at our disposal to expose and disrupt these activities including by sharing this with the public and we are prepared to do more." The Biden administration on Friday issued an advisory meant to help businesses and other governments put in place measures to ensure they are not inadvertently contributing to Iran's drone program. The notice from the departments of Commerce, State, Justice and Treasury said it was "critical that private industry be aware of its legal obligations" to abide by U.S. export controls and sanctions. The United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom in recent months all have issued rules designed to cut off the flow of drone components to Russia and Iran. The Biden administration repeatedly publicized intelligence findings that detail how Iran is assisting the Russian invasion. The White House noted Iran also has weapons flowing its way from Russia. Iran is seeking to purchase additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft, according to the White House. In April, Iran announced that it had finalized a deal to buy Su-35 fighter jets from Russia. By Gary Daniels In the Texas hill country lies the historic old German community of Fredericksburg, a tourist destination for folks from Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston seeking good food, shopping, and a little peace and quiet from the rat race of the big city. But on the last weekend in April each year, Fredericksburg wakes up to the sound of radials rumbling over the city. Many of the town folk and tourists make their way to the local airport wondering if an air show they havent previously heard about is underway. What they find is a scene reminiscent of a busy World War II training airbase: twenty some-odd vintage T-6 Texan variants being readied for flight, props turning through, aircraft taxiing out and four ship groups launching from the 5000 x 75 feet of pristine concrete of Gillespie County Airport (T82). What they are witnessing is the annual Texan Roundup, a gathering of pilots, and Texan friends, spending a weekend sharpening their formation flying skills, talking airplanes ad nauseam, and enjoying great food with good friends at this perfect aviation venue. Gordon Richardson is responsible for riding herd on the Texan Roundup. He and his father, Gordon Sr. and brother, Randall, are long time T-6 owners. The concept of a formation-flying clinic for Texan owners began in 2007. These vintage warbirds are constantly asked to fly at airshows, Memorial and Veterans Day flyovers, and special events. Texan owners also enjoy keeping the history of these aircraft alive with younger generations. The best way to show the aircraft is to fly the aircraft, and even better, fly the aircraft in formation flights. So, the importance of being rated to fly formations, and fly safe formations, is paramount. Gordon, along with other Texan owners, realized there was not a venue for a weekend long training to provide recurrent training for a wingman or lead, or to produce a new formation-rated wingman or lead pilot. Texan owners also have an added incentive to be formation rated since they have an abundance of similar aircraft to fly formation. For example, its difficult and very expensive to get a formation of P-51s together. But, there are many T-6s that can gather for events and being formation-rated makes the experience for the pilots, and spectators, that much more special. With its exceptional airport and expansive surroundings, Gordon knew Fredericksburg would be the optimum location for a formation-flying clinic. Gillespie County Airport, on the southwestern edge of town, has a large tarmac with a long and wide runway to handle many aircraft. After takeoff, a training flight is just minutes away from one of the four practice areas over the gorgeous Texas hill country. Plus, the Hangar Hotel and Airport Diner are on the airport property and are a pilots dream with impressive accommodations. What could be better than waking up in a great hotel just a couple of hundred feet from a big breakfast and your dew-covered aircraft? So, with the perfect location determined, the first Texan Roundup was held in 2008. On April 28-30, 2023, more than 20 Texan variants attended the 14th Annual Fredericksburg Invitational Texan Roundup. Most are from all points across Texas. Others arrive from the surrounding states. Thursday is a day of arrivals, comradery, and a great dinner at one of Fredericksburgs fantastic restaurants. On Friday morning, Mike Hastings, North American Trainer Association (NATA) check pilot, conducted a 2-hour formation-flying ground school following the Formation And Safety Team (FAST) protocols. The plan was to launch training flights quickly after the ground school, but the weather proved to be a challenge for this clinic. A strong system was moving across Texas with winds hard out of the west, causing an out-of-limits crosswind canceling training for Friday. By late Friday afternoon, severe storms started to form to the west which caused a mad dash to find hangar space across the airfield to tuck away all the aircraft. The airport FBO and local hangar owners came to the rescue and found space for all 20-plus warbirds. And the annual Friday evening banquet, where the absolute best German food is always served, was moved indoors so that no one would have soggy brats or schnitzel. Saturday was a beautiful, but windy day. Fortunately, the wind was just a few degrees out of the northwest creating a slight crosswind. Not an issue for this group of pilots. Hastings, Jay Consalvi (NATA check pilot), and Richardson paired up instructor and student teams for the days schedule, and two and four ship groups were assembled. After morning briefings, crews headed to their aircraft, 600 horsepower radials roared to life with smoky protest, and the airfield stayed hectic all day. Flights were also flown Sunday morning. Pre-flight briefings outlined the expectations and post-flight debriefs put the polish on the practice. The goal of the Texan Roundup is to make better pilots and to adhere to the mission of FAST, facilitating and promoting safe formation-flying for pilots operating aircraft through a review of criteria to be utilized by its members to standardize formation flight performance evaluation. In Gordons words, Promote safety, keep sharp, fly right and fly tight, and create a constructive debrief environment. Gordon clarified, Dont come to the clinic as a formation novice and expect to be checked-out over the weekend. Because of the short time frame, the pilot must have a certain level of formation experience to begin with. He may even go through the weekend and not be recommended for a check ride. But hell gain additional formation-flying experience and training, which will help him earn his card in the future. Consalvi added, The Texan Roundup is a cant-miss event for me every year. We provide the best formation training and proficiency flights a warbird pilot can receive at a fly-in. I know every single one of our pilots, their strengths, their weaknesses, and I think every one of them leaves the Round Up a better and more proficient formation pilot. In short, these aviators come together for a weekend in the true spirit of aviation, on their own volition, on their own dime, to advance their flying skills. And the opportunity to Fly Right, Fly Tight! over the beautiful hill country deep in the heart of Texas makes the Texan Round Up an annual spring tradition a Texan pilot does not want to miss! WATERLOO About an hour after his girlfriend and her friend were shot dead, Matthew Dee Buford III told the mother of his children that he, too, was going to die. He said he was leaving, he would be dead after this, or something. . What I heard was Im dead after tonight, Martia Phillips told jurors during testimony in Bufords trial Friday. Buford, 39, of Waterloo, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of flight to avoid prosecution in the Feb. 10, 2020, deaths of Tamica Allison, 42, and Andrea Anderson, 41. Prosecutors allege he shot both in the head at the West Second Street apartment he shared with Allison and then dropped off Allisons teenage children with friends and family before leaving for Peoria, Illinois. The state alleges Bufords dead after tonight comment may have been a reference to having suicidal thoughts after the double slaying, a sign of a guilty conscience. But under cross-examination by the defense, Phillips told the jury that when she heard him say that, she thought it was in reference to a lung condition Buford was suffering from. I thought he got back some test results, Phillips said. Bufords comments came during an unannounced visit in which he knocked on Phillips door late at night before the bodies of Allison and Anderson were found and asked to hug his three children, who were sleeping. He told them he loved them, that he wishes he could be better, Phillips said. He said Thank you, I wish I could help more. Buford had Allisons 14-year-old daughter in tow during the visit, Phillips said. She said the daughter was quiet and responded that she was all right when asked. Still, Phillips said, she was concerned. Another friend who had a nighttime visit from Buford following the slaying described him as melancholy and sad. Also during testimony Friday, family members of the deceased wept and hugged each other as the state played body camera videos from officers who responded to the West Second Street home after Allisons daughter told others about the shooting. Police found the house dark, and no one came to the door. The blinds were down, and one officer had to climb to get a view through a high-up window, where he spotted a part of a figure on the floor inside. Officers broke open the dead-bolted door, and their darting flashlights illuminated the bodies in pools of blood in the dining room as they cleared the house. Police said it was obvious the two were beyond help. Nothing I would have done at that time would have made a difference, said Officer Ken Schaaf. Double homicide West Second St, February 2020 021120jr-shooting-w2nd-1 021120jr-shooting-w2nd-3 021120jr-shooting-w2nd-2 021120jr-shooting-w2nd-4 021120jr-shooting-w2nd-6 021120jr-shooting-w2nd-5 021120jr-shooting-w2nd-7 Matthew Dee Buford III 022220jr-buford-initial-4 022220jr-buford-initial-5 022220jr-buford-initial-1 022220jr-buford-initial-2 022220jr-buford-initial-3 110620jr-buford-hearing-1 110620jr-buford-hearing-2 110620jr-buford-hearing-3 110620jr-buford-hearing-5 060823jr-buford-trial-1 061223jr-buford-trial-2 061223jr-buford-trial-1 061323jr-buford-trial-1 061423jr-buford-trial-1 061423jr-buford-trial-3 061423jr-buford-trial-2 061423jr-buford-verdict-1 061423jr-buford-verdict-2 This is why I follow Kadyrov and do not report much about Prigogine. Prigogine is a billionaire and Kadyrov is a great leader of a proud people (Chechens) *** Kadyrov_95 After another statement by Prigogine, the call was made. I called. Not for trials by phone, but to ask where Prigozhin is and drive up, talk face to face, without retelling or a damaged phone. I cant give an exact transcript of the telephone dialogue, but Prigogine himself may have it, since it was a special mobile phone he once provided. The conversation began with the need to put an end to it. Agree. The end should have been put on the issue of declaring the Ukrainian army the second army (this is a slap in the face to each of our fighters), on the issue of switching to personalities and private life, and most importantly, in discussions of the actions of the Russian army, the leadership of the army and, consequently, the Supreme Commander. The president works day and night for the sake of the Russian people, dragging the country out of the pit of sanctions and accusations. Each decision is balanced, the most profitable and the safest. I repeat, he can see much further and wider. We talked like men. Came to an agreement. They promised, among other things, not to criticize or even mention either Akhmat or Wagner in statements. As the initiator of the conversation, I already wanted to tell the worried audience that the misunderstanding was settled, but Prigogine decided to get ahead of me and announced this first, and the Wagner commanders made a number of cynical statements the very next day. No one promised Prigozhin a bandit strelka, not in our style. I was ready to leave or fly out to talk face to face. But in his next statement, Prigozhin managed to present all this in the style of the 90s and even drew a parallel with the murder of Yamadayev, making transparent hints, and also noted with a touch of resentment that he would refrain from statements addressed to the national minority. Yes, I refrained! Chechens in Russia are not a minority, but the third largest nationality, the titular one, its time to know that. And the trial in the Yamadayev case ended long ago, the perpetrators are serving time. To raise such extinct and hackneyed topics in the role of an investigator for especially important ones is not to respect yourself. Here is such a point with a semicolon. And what is the result? I leave everything on his conscience. But I will note a few points to complete the picture. There are no ideal conditions for waging war with an infinite amount of ammunition and armored attack aircraft equipped with jetpacks. CAN NOT BE! Thats why she is a war. Something is always missing: grenades, cartridges, shells, food, stew, water, planes, tanks, mortars, sapper shovels, socks, aspirin at least something is missing. ALWAYS! But to say that the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense do not help is not true. They help both Akhmat and PMCs. Strategy, air support, operational and intelligence data, ammunition, ammunition its all there. And this should not be called support, but joint work, the fulfillment of the order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The leadership is better off knowing where 200,000 soldiers are needed: on critical lines or where the media space asks. There are many more questions that we can raise and ask the so-called comrade-in-arms Prigogine. For example, who supplies various food products for the needs of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and has a good stable income from this? We are aware of all the subtle details of this process. About the Supreme Commander. Today, everyone needs to be his assistants, not bloggers. There is no need to recruit subscribers to your own database through criticism and hype statements, as the oppositional liberal media like to do. It is necessary to work for the sake of the country and for it. After all, later, when all this ends in favor of our Motherland, he will be ashamed of his own behavior and offended. t.me/RKadyrov_95/3684 Kadyrov_95 . . , , , , . , , - . . . ( ), , , , , , . , . , . , . -. . , . , , , , . , . , . 90- , , , . , ! , , , . , . . . ? . , . , , . ! . - : , , , , , , , , , , , -, . ! , . , . , , , , . , , . , 200 : , . , . , ? . . , . , . . , , . Thus, I blog for Russia, not social media Nothing more needs to be said WtR Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (9 June 2023) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a long-range maritime and airborne high-precision strike against foreign-made ammunition, weapons, and military equipment depots, including unmanned aerial vehicles, last night. All the assigned targets have been engaged. The strikes disrupted the supply of groups of Ukrainian troops in the areas of combat operations. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have continued their attempts to launch offensive operations in South Donetsk and Zaporozye directions during the previous 24 hours. In the area of the Vremievsky salient, units of the Vostok Group of Forces repelled four enemy attacks launched by up to two battalion tactical groups reinforced with tanks in the areas of Levadnoye (Zaporozhye region), Novoselka, Storozhevoye, and Neskuchnoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In Zaporozhye direction, two attacks by Ukrainian troops in the areas of Novodanilovka and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region) were repelled by decisive and competent actions of Russian troops, air strikes and artillery fire during the day. In addition, two clusters of manpower and hardware of the 47th AFU Mechanised Brigade were hit by heavy flamethrowers south of Orekhov (Zaporozhye region). Operational-Tactical Aviation of the Vostok Group of Forces have inflicted fire damage against reserves of the enemy close to Gulyai Pole, Omelnik, and Preobrazhenka (Zaporozhye region). Total losses of the AFU in these directions during the day have amounted to 680 Ukrainian troops, 35 tanks, 11 infantry fighting vehicles, 19 armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, including three HMMWVs, as well as a French-made Cezar self-propelled artillery system. In Donetsk direction, the most active fighting took place in the areas of Mariynka and Avdeevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The Yug Group of Forces successfully repelled six attacks by units of the 110th mechanised, 59th motorised infantry and 79th airborne brigades of the AFU close to Khimik, Krasnogorovka, Pervomaiskoye, and the northern edge of Mariynka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). There were no incursions into Russias defence. The enemys losses during the day have amounted to up to 410 Ukrainian troops, four tanks, eight infantry fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, and one Msta-B howitzer. Moreover, an ammunition depot of the 79th Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been hit close to Krasnogorovka. In Kupyansk direction, Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) close to Novomlynsk, Molchanovo, Berestovoye (Kharkov region), and Rozovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic). In addition, actions of two sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were thwarted near Olshana (Kharkov region) and Novoselovskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic). Over 30 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one Uragan MLRS vehicle, and two D-30 howitzers have been neutralised in this direction during the day. In Krasny Liman direction, Russian aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems of the Tsentr Group of Forces hit units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) close to Nevskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Yampolovka, and Grigorovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). One sabotage and reconnaissance group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been disabled close to Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic). The enemy has suffered losses of over 50 Ukrainian troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, two motor vehicles, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and one D-20 howitzer in this direction in the past 24 hours. A U.S.-made AN/TPQ-37 counterbattery radar station was destroyed near Serebryanka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In Kherson direction, the enemy suffered the losses of up to 70 Ukrainian troops, 10 armoured fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, one Grad MLRS vehicle, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery unit, and one D-30 howitzer. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised 97 AFU artillery units at their firing positions, enemy manpower and hardware in 126 areas. Two command and observation posts of the 24th Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been engaged close to Dzerzhinsk (Donetsk Peoples Republic). A communication station of the 102nd Territorial Defence Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been destroyed near Gulyai Pole (Zaporozhye region). A MiG-29 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force has been shot down by Russian fighter jet close to Novoye Zaporozhye (Zaporozhye region) in an aerial battle. Russian air defence facilities have shot down one Su-25 airplane of Ukrainian Air Force near Babino (Kherson region). Air defence forces have intercepted two Storm Shadow cruise missiles and 14 HIMARS MLRS projectiles during the day. In addition, 13 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed in the areas of Ogurtsovo, Olshana (Kharkov region), Zhitlovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Volodino, Krasnogorovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Sladkaya Balka (Zaporozhye region), Bratolyubovka, Peschanoye, and Vasilyevka (Kherson region). In total, 440 airplanes and 238 helicopters, 4,555 unmanned aerial vehicles, 424 air defence missile systems, 9,798 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1,122 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 5,062 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 10,838 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. WtR Local news at link. Svetochka found it for me https://ryazpressa.ru/v-saraevskom-rajone-obshhimi-usiliyami-ne-dopustili-vozgoranie-lesa/ In the Sarajevo district in the afternoon, June 8, near the village of Zarya Svoboda, Sysoyevsky rural settlement, dry grass was burning. According to local residents, the fire quickly spread through the dead wood. Along with the grass, small trees caught fire. Several pieces of equipment worked on the spot, says PSC engineer Alexei Stroilov. Together with firefighters, the fire was extinguished by workers of Rizoznles, a fish farm, a total of 11 people. The danger of the fire was that no more than 500 meters away the forest began, and our task was to prevent the fire from approaching it. Everyone worked as a team, and soon the fire was extinguished. A total of 2 hectares of grass burned. What caused the fire is unknown. *** I stayed out of this fire this year. They caught it in time. I also suspect they actually know who started it. But, lets hope the village never burns down WtR We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 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. Most people know that breathing in wildfire smoke can do a number on your airways, triggering everything from a coughing fit to a serious asthma attack. But inhaling the noxious air can be hazardous for your heart too. A 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that breathing in heavy smoke from California wildfires increased the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (when the heart suddenly stops pumping) by up to 70 percent. Additional research has linked wildfire smoke to a significant increase in emergency room visits, particularly among older adults, for heart-related issues like irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, heart attacks and stroke. Most people think of breathing problems and respiratory health dangers from wildfire smoke, but its important to recognize the impact on cardiovascular health, as well, Comilla Sasson, M.D., vice president for science and innovation for emergency cardiovascular care at the American Heart Association and an emergency medicine physician, said in a news release. Too often we leave that as a side story, says Gaurab Basu M.D., a health equity fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Healths Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment. And it really is one of the things I think most about in terms of the impacts of air pollution. What is wildfire smoke? Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plants, buildings and other material. Source: CDC Wildfire smoke is chock full of pollutants just think of everything a fire engulfs including tiny pieces of liquids and solids, called fine particle pollution, that can lodge themselves deep in the lungs and possibly the bloodstream. Once in the body, researchers say, these microscopic particles can prompt an inflammatory response that can affect the cardiovascular system, especially in people who already have cardiovascular disease. So, people who have any preexisting respiratory or heart-related conditions should take extra precautions because they are likely extra sensitive to the particles in the smoke, says Katelyn O'Dell, an atmospheric scientist and a postdoctoral research scientist at George Washington University, who studies air pollution exposure and its health impacts. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people with chronic heart disease may experience the following symptoms after exposure to fine particle pollution: Heart palpitations Unusual fatigue Light-headedness Shortness of breath Chest tightness or pain in the chest, neck or shoulder Approximately 127.9 million U.S. adults had some form of cardiovascular disease between 2017 and 2020, statistics from the American Heart Association show. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for Americans. Cover Images/Michael Simon Celebrity The 'And This is Just the Intro' rapper's request to disqualify Judge David Herriford arrived after his motion for a new trial was dismissed by the latter. Jun 10, 2023 AceShowbiz - Tory Lanez seemingly has run out of options to fight for his freedom. "The Color Violet" rapper previously sought to disqualify a judge in his and Megan Thee Stallion's shooting case, but his attempt was rejected. Tory's request arrived after his motion for a new trial was dismissed by Judge David Herriford. He even claimed the judge tried "ruin his life" the day before his May 9 court appearance. Judge David initially stated that there were no facts or circumstances requiring his disqualification in the case. "Herriford went through the seven main arguments from Lanez's lawyers and dismantled each one," Meghann Cuniff of Los Angeles Public Press wrote on Twitter last month. "He concluded there were no errors," the journalist added. "But he also said even if he concluded each error existed, the errors didn't have a material affect on the outcome of the trial to warrant a new trial." Now, the Appellate Court also confirmed that the judge had done nothing to warrant his removal. The Appellate Court's decision stated that the petition was denied due to a failure to demonstrate entitlement to extraordinary relief. Tory is facing a minimum of nine years in prison after he was found guilty of shooting Megan in the foot after a 2020 party. However, prosecutors in the case reportedly want to serve 13 years in jail instead. Meghann Cuniff shared a memorandum online that the prosecution filed on Tuesday. It read, "Words have power and the pen is oftentimes mightier than the sword. In this case, Daystar Peterson [Lanezs legal name] used both... Not content to have hurt the victim by use of his sword (gun), he also used his pen. His online posts for nearly three years have re-traumatized the victim." "His online reach is worldwide (millions of followers plus casual observers) and the defendant's statements embolden his followers so that they too have been complicit in re-traumatizing the victim," the memo added. "He is responsible for the effect of his words and his actions." You can share this post! Universal Pictures Movie Six crew members receive treatment for burn injuries and four of them remain in the hospital after an accident occurred during filming of a planned stunt for the 'Gladiator' sequel in Morocco. Jun 10, 2023 AceShowbiz - Several people were injured after a fire stunt went wrong on the set of "Gladiator 2". Six crew members were rushed to the hospital after an accident caused a chaos on the set of the Paramount movie in Morocco on Wednesday, June 7. All six crew members received treatment for burn injuries, which were described as non-life-threatening. Four of them remain in the hospital, while production has resumed by the time the news was confirmed on Friday, June 9. "While filming a planned stunt sequence on the set of the 'Gladiator' sequel, an accident occurred during which several crew members experienced non-life-threatening injuries," a spokesperson for Paramount Pictures said in a statement. "The safety and full medical services teams on-site were able to act quickly so that those who were impacted immediately received necessary care. They are all in stable condition and continue to receive treatment." "We will continue monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions as we resume production," the statement continued. The studio did not provide details of the accident, but Variety reported that it occurred towards the end of the shooting day. Meanwhile, The Sun reported that onlookers speculated a gas pipe on the set may have ruptured. "It was terrifying - a huge ball of fire flew up and caught several crew members in its path," a source said on Thursday. "In years of filming Ive never seen an accident so scary." "Six production staff had to be rushed to hospital for treatment," the source went on dishing. "Hopefully everyone will be OK, but it was a serious accident. Everyone involved, from the lowliest runners to the star names, has been shaken up by this." No cast members were harmed in the incident, but actors like Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington reportedly watched in horror as the crew members were engulfed in flames. An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the huge explosion. Filming in the Sahara desert in the city of Ouarzazate has only just begun, with Ridley Scott returning as the helmer for the sequel to his 2000's "Gladiator". Mescal stars in the lead role as Lucius, the son of of Connie Nielsen's character Lucilla and Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus from the original film. Russell Crowe, who won a Best Actor award at the 2001 Oscars for his role in the original movie, will not return to the sequel. "Gladiator 2" is slated to be released on November 22, 2024. You can share this post! Cover Images/Media Punch Celebrity Although she pulls off her red carpet flawlessly at the Rome event, the 'Euphoria' star reveals that she and her stylist spent an hour to quickly find her a new look. Jun 10, 2023 AceShowbiz - Zendaya Coleman was saved from a wardrobe emergency at the last minutes. The "Spider-Man: No Way Home" actress proved that she is a pro at handling blunder when flawlessly attending the opening of Bulgari Hotel Roma in Rome despite losing her original dress "in transit." On Thursday night, June 8, the 26-year-old Hollywood beauty pulled off a chic appearance at the Bulgari event. Receiving help from her fashion stylist Law Roach, she hit the red carpet in a long sleeve black Valentino blazer with sparkling white dots on top. Under the outer, the "Euphoria" star donned a sleeveless black net shirt. To match the top, she wore a pair of long matching wide-leg pants. She added a pair of black pointed toe heels, shimmering silvery necklace, matching rings and wrist watch. Still, she was apparently forced to spend an hour to look for the new red carpet look. That very same day, Zendaya shared the true story behind her last minute Valentino ensemble. Through an Instagram Story post, she recalled, "Fun factmy dress for tonights @bulgarihotels event got lost in transit, so we got this suit an hour before the event." The girlfriend of Tom Holland went to write, "When in doubta @maisonvalentino suit :) @luxurylaw." Along with the revelation, she let out a photo of her red carpet look for the special night. In the snap, she partially displayed her dazzling suit and curled bob hairdo. Zendaya also shared an Instagram Story video of how her outfit shimmers under the light. In the clip, she posed in front of a huge mirror with a flash on her phone as she moved her body to display her outfit. The white dots on her black blazer and the crystal embellishments on her net shirt could be seen sparkling in the footage. Zendaya showed off her last minute ensemble for the Bulgari event. At the Rome event, Zendaya brushed shoulders with actress Priyanka Chopra who also attended the party. At one point, the "Dune" actress and the wife of Nick Jonas could be seen posing for a photo together. You can share this post! Cover Images/Marion Curtis/StarPix Celebrity The British actress and her longtime partner, who portrayed husband and wife on the Netflix show 'Gypsy', first went public with their romance back in February 2018. Jun 10, 2023 AceShowbiz - Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup might have tied the knot. The "Gypsy" actress and her longtime partner sparked marriage rumors after they were spotted wearing matching rings and wedding attire in New York City. On Friday, June 9, the 54-year-old and her man were caught on camera returning to their apartment together. The British star looked like a bride in Oscar de la Renta Sweetheart Water Lilly Guipure Dress as she held a bouquet of white flowers in her hand. Her rumored husband, in the meantime, looked dapper in a navy blue suit that covered a white button-up shirt. In photos surfacing online, the actor was seen carrying luggage with Naomi walking behind him. It remains unknown where Naomi and Billy were coming from. However, the Nora Brannock depicter on "The Watcher" was beaming in the pictures, prompting fans to assume that they just exchanged wedding vows. When appearing on the "Today" show in April, Naomi was asked whether she was engaged to Billy as she was sporting a massive sparkler on that finger. She, however, avoided answering and jokingly blamed her "brain fog." Naomi and Billy, who portrayed husband and wife on "Gypsy", got close while filming the Netflix series. They went public with their romance in February 2018. At that time, they were photographed holding hands while leaving a 2018 BAFTAs after-party in London, England. Naomi previously dated Liev Schreiber for 11 years. The former couple, who shares two children together, called it quits in 2016. As for Billy, he is a father to 19-year-son William, whom he shares with Mary-Louise Parker. Billy reportedly left her for Claire Danes when she was seven months pregnant with their child in 2003. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity Although she has joined OnlyFans for around one year, the daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards stresses she has her 'own ways' to 'show pretty much everything.' Jun 10, 2023 AceShowbiz - Sami Sheen has defended her "sex worker" job. Having been bombarded with requests for her to bare her top before the camera, the daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards explained she has not gone topless in the contents she made for OnlyFans. On Thursday, June 8, the 19-year-old uploaded a "get ready with me" video on her TikTok account. In it, she was recording herself doing her makeup. While doing so, she also took the time to address one popular question, "I think one of the main questions I get asked by all my subscribers is, 'when can we see the nips?' " "I know you're probably thinking like, 'How the hell are you a sex worker if you keep [your breasts] censored? But trust me, I have my ways." Sami went on to assure her followers. "I still show pretty much everything." She further spilled, "I just want to wait until the girls are done so I'm fully confident with everything I'm showing." Elsewhere in the clip, the adult platform model bluntly stated, "So I'm sure most of you know what I do for a living at this point, but if you don't, I'm a sex worker." Elaborating more on her job, she teased on her plans in the near future, "I'm starting laser hair removal soon so that's gonna be a huge game-changer." On the reason why Sami wanted to remove her hair, she revealed, "I just can't stand shaving my whole entire body every time I need to work! Its so annoying!" She also spilled to her fans about her content for that day, "I just get all pretty and then see what happens." Sami joined OnlyFans in June 2022. In response to her move, her father Charlie expressed his strong disapproval. He told Us Weekly, "She is 18 years old now and living with her mother. This did not occur under my roof. I do not condone this but since I'm unable to prevent it, I urged her to keep it classy, creative and not sacrifice her integrity." While Sami's father was against her decision, her mother Denise shared a different view. "Sami is 18, and this decision wasn't based on whose house she lives in. All I can do as a parent is guide her and trust her judgment, but she makes her own choices," the former Bond girl told Page Six at the time. You can share this post! Winners of IMAGEXX Awards 2023 were announced at a glittering ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza, Gurugram, tonight. Amid loud cheers in a full house, the industry celebrated outstanding work and contributions of Indias Public Relations and corporate communications professionals and agencies. The Awards rounded up the day-long IMAGEXX Summit 2023, which saw the whos who of the PR and corporate communications industry set the agenda and future course. The loudest cheers were reserved for Adfactors PR, which was adjudged PR Agency of the Year (India). The agency put up a stellar show, winning several accolades during the course of the evening. Pooja Pathak, Founder and Director, Media Mantra, was honoured with the PR Agency Head of the Year award. Among the other major award winners, was Hill+Knowlton Strategies, which walked away with the award for PR Agency of the Year (Large Size PR). Greycell PR won the award for PR Agency of the Year (Medium Size PR), while BCW India Group bagged the PR Agency of the Year (Adgully Choice) award. Avian WE was adjudged PR Agency of the Year (Global Network). There were four winners in the Specialist Consultancy/ Firm of the Year category. The Specialist Consultancy/ Firm of the Year (Creative Communication) award went to Teamwork Communication Solutions. Kaizzen PR walked away with the award for Specialist Consultancy/ Firm of the Year (Digital PR), while Candour Communications was adjudged Specialist Consultancy/ Firm of the Year (IT & Technology). PR Professionals won the award for Specialist Consultancy/ Firm of the Year (Adgullys Choice). The Best Independent PR Agency category also saw four winners. Media Mantra won the award for Best Independent PR Agency (Large Size PR), while the award for Best Independent PR Agency (Medium Size PR) went to 80dB Communications. Kommune Brand Communications was Best Independent PR Agency (Adgullys Choice), while Teamology Softech & Media Services won the award for Best Independent PR Agency (Less than 5 Years). Click here for the complete list of winners of IMAGEXX Awards 2023. The India D2C Summit & Awards 2023 partnered by DHL and GreenHonchos continued its second day with a captivating session with industry experts delving into the power of social media influencers and online celebrities in driving D2C businesses to new heights. The session provided valuable insights into the key factors behind successful influencer collaborations and highlighted the role of authenticity, audience connection and content relevance in building a strong brand presence in the D2C domain. Durlabh Kumar Rawat, Founder & CEO of Barosi, a natural food brand stressed on the significance of authentic connections between influencers and their audience. He highlighted the need for relevance to effectively promote a brand and pointed out the transformative power of television, using shows like Shark Tank India as example. Karunesh Vohra, Catalyst at Business of Design, spoke on the significance of a clear brief for influencers and the importance of impactful content in influencer marketing. He also emphasized that in the realm of influencer marketing, content is king. Samayesh Khanna, Co-founder of Beanly Coffee, discussed audience mapping, metrics, and goal definition in influencer collaborations, highlighting the monitoring of conversion rates as a crucial factor. Sneha Beriwal, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Vahdam, a green tea company, shed light on the ability of influencers to influence their audience's investment in a brand and the criticality of finding the right fit between influencers and brands. The relationship between the brand and the influencer and the use of engagement rate (ER) and demographics are effective filters in influencer campaigns, according to her. Rahul Singh, co-founder, Good Creator Co, spoke about ROI-driven influencer collaborations and encouraged brands to experiment with unique strategies that align with their goals and target audience. The session Product Innovation at the Heart of D2C unveiled various aspects of building a unique product. Abhijeet Kaji, Co-founder, knya that makes stylish apparel for medical professionals, discussed the concept of incorporating personalization and individuality into the attire of doctors. Bharat Bhalla, Founder of Yu Foodlabs, highlighted the significance of offering unique and unmatched products that set a brand apart from others. He shared the companys initiative of opening 6,000 stores in South Africa to promote Indian cuisines and spices on a global scale. Bhalla also touched upon the value of publicly committing to customer feedback as a means to gaining an advantage in business transactions. According to Arjun Rastogi, Co-founder of Naagin, a hot sauces brand, sometimes extraordinary innovations can emerge from seemingly bizarre inspirations. He also spoke about the merit of thinking outside the box and finding unconventional sources of inspiration to drive innovation within the D2C industry. The session titled From Bootstrapping to Funding How to Make the Right Moves to Get Funding for a D2C Business covered various aspects of securing funding for a direct-to-consumer (D2C) business. These included understanding valuation methods, pitching ideas to investors, and exploring the most promising ideas and hottest D2C enterprises of the future. Sanil Sachar, Founding Partner of Huddle, an incubator, stressed on why being present in the sales environment matters. Immediate success should not be the sole objective for a mature founder, he felt. Shreyans Gangwal, Principal at Fireside Ventures, highlighted the emergence of new brands, entrepreneurs, and innovations in the past five years. Varun Kapur, Founder of Yu Foodlabs, spoke on the significance of authenticity in customer interactions and shared his journey of developing the product and the brand with the audience. Tarun Joshi, Founder of Joint Ventures, reiterated the importance of understanding market needs and establishing a solid structure and technological foundation before developing the brand. He shared how showcasing confidence and transparency led to the brand attracting 102 investors. Consistency is key to achieving success in building a brand, he shared. Jagran Josh, India's leading education and career website under the wing of Jagran New Media, collaborates with the Embassy of the United States to launch a student awareness campaign Yes You Can! Study in the US. The video campaign series seeks to shed light on the intricacies of getting a U.S. visa for students and empower aspiring students with the right knowledge and resources. The Yes You Can! Study in the US campaign by Jagranjosh.com will span across three weeks. Being the one-stop resource platform for education, Jagran Josh aims to empower students with credible information when it comes to competitive exams, job opportunities, and different career-related aspects. Now, with this campaign, the education website elevates this commitment to guide students aspiring to go overseas for higher education. Mr. Rajesh Upadhyay, Editor In Chief and Sr. Vice President, Jagran New Media, asserts, Were delighted to collaborate with the Embassy of the United States for the student awareness campaign. Our mutual goal of empowering students with factual knowledge and resources aligns perfectly. We believe that together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of aspiring students by opening doors to a world of opportunities. Through this partnership, we aim to provide students with insights to help them attain their academic and career-related aspirations. By leveraging the profound expertise and support of the Embassy of the United States and the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), this initiative seeks to bridge the information gap and enhance access to educational opportunities in the U.S. Under this collaboration, the series will be covering a wide range of topics such as scholarship programs, study opportunities, and career pathways. A video-led campaign where a special insightful video series with Visa Officers from the embassy has been created highlighting the importance of visa application process, prerequisites, and the issue of diversity & inclusion in the university campuses in the U.S. for Indian students. In addition, the campaign will entail engaging content, including articles, bite-sized videos, shorts, and interviews to empower aspiring students with valuable insights and guidance. These resources will be available on www.jagranjosh.com The campaign will be leveraged through social media and organic channels to create awareness about the process of obtaining a U.S. Student Visa and study opportunities. For more information and to stay updated on the campaign, please visit: https://www.jagranjosh.com/ study-in-usa?ref=homepage_ banner TAC Security, a global leader in risk and vulnerability management, has recently appointed Pramod Khanna as the Senior Vice President for Govt Business-India. Mr. Khanna, formerly the Regional Sales Director of BlackBerry, brings extensive expertise and a proven track record in the cybersecurity industry. This strategic move aligns with TAC Security's goal of establishing a strong presence in the government and public sector and positioning itself as a trusted partner in safeguarding critical digital infrastructure. As the Senior Vice President for Govt Business-India, Mr. Khanna will play a crucial role in shaping and executing TAC Security's strategic initiatives in the government and public sector. He will focus on building strong relationships with government agencies, key decision-makers, and stakeholders to understand their unique challenges and provide innovative cybersecurity solutions. Mr. Trishneet Arora, the Founder and CEO of TAC Security, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly interconnected world. He highlighted the significance of safeguarding sensitive information, protecting critical infrastructure, and building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem. Mr. Arora expressed confidence that Mr. Khanna's wealth of experience and strategic vision in the cybersecurity industry will greatly contribute to TAC Security's government and public sector business division. He believes that the appointment will strengthen their commitment to providing top-notch cybersecurity solutions to government organizations and expand their presence in this critical sector. Mr. Khanna acknowledged the imperative nature of cybersecurity in today's digitally-driven world, particularly for the government and public sector, which have become prime targets for malicious acts. He stressed the importance of safeguarding society, economy, and democratic institutions, as well as protecting the nation's digital foundations. Mr. Khanna recognized TAC Security as a reputable global firm offering innovative solutions and services to clients. He expressed his intention to expand the company's presence and enhance its expertise in the government and public sector, catering to the evolving cybersecurity requirements of their clientele. With over 25 years of expertise, Mr. Khanna has successfully collaborated with Fortune 100 companies, achieving significant milestones in business development, CXO relationship management, client acquisition, key account management, and strategic alliances. He has earned a stellar reputation for his comprehensive knowledge and specialization in cybersecurity, IT Services, IT Consulting and Outsourcing, and Infrastructure-OnPrem/Cloud solutions. Leveraging his sales and strategic planning prowess, Mr. Khanna has driven growth in various businesses across sectors. In the context of the Indian cybersecurity market and the need for cybersecurity in the government and public sector, it is essential to recognize the significance of cybersecurity in fulfilling Prime Minister Modi's vision of Digital India. TAC Security's appointment of Mr. Khanna demonstrates their commitment to nation-building and their position as one of the few Indian-home grown cybersecurity companies that have expanded and made a mark globally. By strengthening their leadership and expertise, TAC Security aims to contribute to the cybersecurity landscape in India and protect critical digital infrastructure. China to improve regulation on medical insurance funds Xinhua) 09:47, June 10, 2023 BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- China has formed a tough stance against medical insurance fraud and will strengthen its regulation on the use of medical insurance funds, according to a policy briefing held by the State Council Friday. An implementation guideline on furthering the regular regulation on the use of medical insurance funds has recently been released to tackle the prominent and difficult problems in this field, said the briefing. The guideline urged efforts to strengthen law enforcement of medical insurance funds regulation, improve the long-term regulatory mechanisms, and work faster to build a robust, safe, effective, and law-based routine regulatory system with clearly defined rights and responsibilities. The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) will implement the requirements of the document in terms of smart regulation, law-based administration, comprehensive evaluation systems, and policy publicity, said Yan Qinghui, deputy head of the NHSA. The NHSA, with other four relevant departments, has launched a nationwide special campaign to crack down on medical insurance fraud this year to guard the bottom line of the safety of medical insurance funds. As of April this year, Chinese authorities have inspected over 3.41 million designated medical institutions, and recovered 80.5 billion yuan (about 11.32 billion U.S. dollars) of medical insurance funds, said Yan. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) City-based Techno Paints on Wednesday announced the appointment of film actor Mahesh Babu as its brand ambassador. He will be the company's brand ambassador for a period of two years. "For the past 22 years, we have been successful in offering quality paints and quality painting services to business to business (B2B) segment. We executed over 1,000 projects in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and rest of the country. Prince Mahesh Babu's image as youth icon will help our company to expand. We are extremely confident of establishing ourselves in the Indian retail paints market," said Akuri Srinivas Reddy, Founder of Fortune Group which owns Techno Paints brand. Eyeing 25% market share: We are targeting 25 per cent market share in the Rs 12,000-crore paints industry in Telugu States, said Srinivas Reddy. "We will achieve this target in 12-18 months. Our products will be available for sale at 5,000 touch points. We are already making 2,000 shades of paints. We have added 1,000 shades more recently. We introduced colour banks to immediately supply whatever colours customers want. Only MNCs are offering this facility. We recently introduced products such as wood adhesive, tile primer, wood polish, water proofing compounds," he explained. Fast delivery: To provide timely supply of paints, Techno Paints established 25 depots. "We set up 50,000-sft central warehousing facility in Patancheru. At present, we have a manufacturing capacity of 1 lakh metric tonnes. Our new plants in Palnadu and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and also in Odisha will start production next year. With this, our capacity will increase to 2.5 lakh metric tonnes," said Srinivas Reddy. Major project from govt : Recently, Techno Paints bagged a major project from the Telangana government. Under this, the company took up the painting works of 26,065 schools under Mana Ooru-Mana Badi and Mana Basti-Mana Badi project. It completed over 80 real estate projects in the last financial year and has 140 projects in hand now. It has 250 employees with as many as 4,000 painters working directly or indirectly for it. The company started the production of solvent-based enamel paints in the last financial year. It is manufacturing special textures, finishes in collaboration with Italy-based Rialto Colors. The company clocked 100 per cent growth in 2022-23 Portfolio Night Mumbai 2023 by The One Club for Creativity took place on 8 June (virtual) and 9 June (Mumbai) 2023. The highly anticipated global event brought together 86 emerging creatives who had the opportunity to showcase their work to a distinguished jury panel comprising of advertisings top creative leaders. The event brought together participants from academic backgrounds in design, UI/UX, writing, and animation among others, who showcased the best of their portfolios. The event was held at the Omnicom House in Mumbai and was co-hosted by BBDO India, DDB Mudra Group, and TBWAIndia for the second year in a row. Josy Paul, Chairman and CCO, BBDO India kicked off the event with an inspiring opening address. Following this, participants sat down for short one-on-one sessions with multiple jurors over the course of three rounds to show their best work, receive feedback, and gain insights from the best creative minds in the industry. On the flip side, it was a chance for the creative leaders to engage with potential talent, inspire their journeys and be inspired themselves. Josy Paul, Chairman and CCO, BBDO India said, Portfolio Night is proof that there is no dearth of talent in advertising. It was wonderful to see so many excited faces and feel their energy in the room. I met young folks with such a unique take on the world. I was moved by their love for art, craft and creativity. I saw beautiful minds. I thank the team at DDB, TBWA and BBDO for making this happen. And all the jury members for their time and mentorship. I came, I saw, I am inspired Speaking about this years juror experience, Rahul Mathew, CCO, DDB Mudra Group said, Portfolio night is an opportunity for us to connect with the next generation of creative thinkers. For us to inspire them and at the same time to be inspired by them. And like last year, we finished tonight feeling very optimistic about the quality of the talent out there. Russell Barrett, CCEO, TBWAIndia commented, This years Portfolio Night was charged with an amazing amount of energy. There were fantastic creatives at different stages of development, but the one thing that was consistent was the energy that each of the students had. I was especially excited by some of the crossover ideas. Ideas originating in design and finishing up in digital tech or starting out in experiential and ending in design. I left the evening feeling extremely hopeful with the potential and the ideas on display today. The three Omnicom agencies also hosted the virtual pan-India chapter of the Portfolio Night on 8th June 2023. Pallavi from Miami Ad School, Mumbai emerged as the winner at the Portfolio Night Mumbai while Ilu Shilpakar from Miami Ad School, Madrid won the virtual pan-India Portfolio Night. Theyve both earned the chance to participate in the prestigious global Portfolio Night All-Stars program. This program brings together creatives with winning portfolios from all host cities. The All-Stars will engage in a virtual brief competition and the winning team gets a chance to travel to New York City in September. Regulating AI Part 1: Ground realities, trust & privacy concerns and how to bell the cat With growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all spheres of life, business, science & technology, defence, medical science, etc., time has come to monitor this growth and put some rules to govern what is fast becoming a new ecosystem. Regulating AI Part 2 - How the world is doing it and what India can do Indias regulatory framework for governing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is still evolving and in the process of aligning with international standards and best practices. While India has taken steps to address AI governance through initiatives like the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, there is still work to be done to catch up with some of the more established frameworks around the world. Indian market has always been very good & sophisticated at building brands: Ed Pank In conversation with Adgully, Ed Pank speaks at length about the future of creativity, where does the Indian market stand in terms of creativity, where is the future of creativity headed, and much more. Chimp&z Inc is looking forward to the next 10 years as we are here to play & stay" The year 2023 marks the completion of 10 years of Chimp&z Inc. On this occasion, Adgully spoke to Angad Singh Manchanda, CEO & Co-founder and Lavinn Rajpal, MD & Co-founder, Chimp&z Inc, to know more about this milestone for the agency, what differentiates the agency from others, following a strong employee-centric approach, some marquee work done by the agency over the years, and much more. Managing brand reputation in an increasingly hostile social media era When it comes to social media, no brand or individual can know who is next. With growing awareness among consumers, access to information online and the platform and freedom to share views and opinions online, anyone can be a target, Sonam Shah, Founder and CEO, Treize Communications, rightly points out this market reality for every PR professional, agency and marketer. Reinventing Public Relations - Stage set for IMAGEX Summit & Awards 2023 IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2023 comes at an inflexion point for the Public Relations and Corporate Communications industry. Hence, it has been garnering a lot of interest from the changemakers and leaders in this industry. The discussions at the third edition of IMAGEXX 2023 will encompass a wide range of contemporary topics that are expected to set the agenda for the direction that Public Relations and Corporate Communications industry takes in India. Trust & reliability of info is still why viewers tune into TV news channels: Pradeep Gupta In this interaction with Adgully, Pradeep Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, Axis My India, talks about the need for providing relevant content for driving channel viewership. With content & collaborations, how Godrej Industries is showing the right way to go green In conversation with Adgully, Burjis Godrej, Executive Director, Godrej Agrovet, speaks at length about the partnership with Bhamla Foundation and Hungama, the various initiatives that Godrej has undertaken to increase sustainability, and much more Fashion across Westside is doing exceptionally well: Shailina Parti In conversation with Adgully, Shailina Parti, COO, Trent (Westside) speaks about her struggles in finding a well-fitted swimsuit that suited her body type when she relocated from London to Mumbai, which led to launch of the new collection, and much more. Acer Indias Sooraj Balakrishnan on key trends shaping the marketing landscape in 2023 In conversation with Adgully, Sooraj Balakrishnan, Head of Marketing, Acer India, speaks about significant trends shaping the marketing landscape in 2023, prioritising incremental value creation and customer-centric innovations, focus on sustainability and more. Weve grown 75% in FY2023: Bombay Shaving Company Co-Founder Deepak Gupta In an exclusive interview with Adgully, Deepak Gupta, Co-Founder, Bombay Shaving Company, delves into the insights, strategies, and accomplishments that have propelled the brand to new heights, the mens grooming market in India, and more. Women leaders are driving organisational growth with their innovative ideas: Deepika Jindal In conversation with Adgully, Deepika Jindal, Creative Head and Managing Director, Jindal Lifestyle, speaks about how women from across industries are breaking down barriers and demonstrating their competence in areas that were once male-dominated, and much more. More than just PR tactics are needed to have a strong brand presence: Kanika Chhabra In conversation with Adgully, Kanika Chhabra, Founder, V Spark Communications, speaks at length about effective PR strategies, latest trends and developments in the PR industry, some successful PR campaigns executed by V Spark Comm, crisis management in todays times, and more. Crisis situation is an opportunity to reiterate companys key messaging: Sonia Kulkarni In conversation with Adgully, Sonia Kulkarni, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Hunk Golden & Media, speaks about her independent communications agencys approach to meeting the needs and goals of clients, crucial strategies to handle crises, and more. How Pilgrim leveraged the power of video content for increasing engagement In conversation with Adgully, Konark Gaur, who took charge as Pilgrims Chief Marketing Officer in January this year, speaks at length about the #PilgrimNeDhoondNikale campaign, bringing onboard Yami Gautam as the brand ambassador, the marketing strategy, and much more. Former Union Minister Kapil Sibal said on Saturday that the opposition is clear that it must stand united to bring down the BJP-led government in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and expressed hope that all opposition will come together. All of us in the opposition are clear about one thing that we must stand united if we have to fight the 2024 elections and bring down this govermentI hope all parties in opposition get together, Sibal told ANI. Opposition leaders have been holding parleys to put up a joint fight against the BJP in the next Lok Sabha polls. A meeting of opposition parties is slated later this month in Patna. However, the task of fighting together is riddled with challenges with some opposition parties competing with each other in some states. Sibal also responded to Union Minister Giriraj Singhs remark in which he termed Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, as sapoot of the country. Was Godse a good son according to Giriraj Singh?RSS offered help to Britishers, how can they acknowledge Mahatma Gandhi? So this mindset is against principles of Mahatma Gandhi, said Sibal, a Rajya Sabha MP. What is the meaning of sapoot? Poot means son. Sapoot means good son. The constitution of India has also a responsibility towards the cabinet. That means Grirajji is speaking on behalf of the Government, Sibal added. Giriraj Sinh reportedly said that the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi was not an invader like Mughal rulers Babar and Aurangzeb as he was born in India. He was replying to the query about remarks of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi related to Godse while reacting to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss comment on Aurangzeb. A temple priest Sai Krishna, a married father of two children fell in love with a girl and got involved in an extramarital affair with Apsara. She was a devout follower of a temple. The priest suspect, who works in Venkateshwara colony, falls for the girl. After many advances and special favours the girl gets lured. Here starts the love story, the girl was unaware of the priests marital status. They used to spend maximum time in the temple and after the temple doors closed they used to go out on dates. The romance was at peak, a few years the relation continued but later on Apsara had been pressuring him to marry her. He was in trouble because he never thought Apsara would ever propose to him. Slowly there was discomfort in relation, the priest was interested in only physical relations but he was not inserted in taking any responsibility as he already had a family. Somehow Apsara came to know about his marital status and that made the priest restless. According to Sai Krishnas confession he planned to kill Apsara. The accused priest killed Apsara in Shamshabad and then packed her body in a plastic cover before transporting it to Saroornagar. He threw the body into a manhole behind the MRO Office, close to the temple where he served as the priest. He killed Apsara and dumped her body in the drainage. For a few days he remained silent and he was not much interactive. Since June 4, Apsara did not attend phone calls and her phone was switched off from 11.30am on June 5. The incident came to light after Sai Krishna himself filed a missing complaint, claiming that he had dropped the victim, Kuruganti Apsara, at the Shamshabad bus stand as she was planning to travel to Bhadrachalam. He further stated that she had not been responding to any calls since then and had been missing since May 3. In his complaint, the man claimed the woman in question was his niece. While lodging a complaint many of the details shared by the complainant, who according to him was the last person to meet her, was not matching with the technical evidence gathered by the police, finally police picked up Krishna and grilled him on the suspicion of foul play. However, as the investigation progressed, the police grew suspicious of Sai Krishnas account after CCTVs and other technical data were searched. Subsequently, during questioning, Sai Krishna confessed to the crime, revealing that he had killed Apsara. After sustained interrogation, Krishna finally opened up by confessing that he killed Apsara. When asked about her dead body, he disclosed that Apsaras body was dumped in a manhole at municipal office premises, which is on the rear side of the temple where he works as a priest. The RGIA police, by informing the local revenue authorities, continued the process of recovering the dead body. The priest confessed that the victim was in an extramarital relationship with him and she was forcing him to get married. He also said that in the past she had an abortion and she was hassled by that. Now that she is again putting pressure on him to marry, to get rid of her, he killed her. On June 3, Apsara left her residence informing her mother that she is going to Coimbatore by taking a bus. It was the accused who picked her up from her residence in Venkateshwara colony. The accused is known to her family members as a friend of Apsara, who also belongs to the same caste. The accused took her to Narkuda village in Shamshabad rural limits, where he killed Apsara with a stone. She smashed her head and then body. It is an isolated place, which is familiar to him since he used to visit this area as part of his professional work. From there he shifted her dead body into his car and packed it in a bag and brought her back to Saroornagar and took her dead body to the municipal office, where it was dumped in a manhole. He also used mud to cover her body. He spent hours disposing of her body thinking that he would never be caught. But his own FIR clutched him in the crime he committed. In the past there have been several such cases, men lure a girl for lust, start living together, and when love and lust fades they end up killing their partners. In most of these murders the lovers have broken all the barriers; they went out and out to be with each other, refuting everyone around. Female becomes vulnerable in such relations because her search for stability somewhere brings burden on men. Men want relationships but no responsibility. A man killing their female partners has gone from something that occurred behind closed doors with little public discussion, to the focus of national headlines and high-level policy attention. How many men killing women can we understand through a purely gendered lens? In other words, how much does looking at this problem through a lens of patriarchal control and toxic masculinity actually explain the problem? All roads lead to Bessemer for the 2023 Caribbean Food and Music Festival. The Central Alabama Caribbean American Organizations annual celebration of Caribbean culture kicked off this morning with a parade from Bessemer Hall of History to DeBardeleben Park and will run to 9:00 p.m. with a series of food, music, and revelry. Bolstered by a $5,300 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the CACAO and the city of Bessemer have worked together for the past few months to plan this years festival, which returned in full force last year after a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year is going to be heightened from last year, says CACAO president Gina Sealy. The excitement is even higher. Now in its 10th year, the CACAO team hopes this years festival will be the largest to date with guests from around the Southeast as well as the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Jamaica. A number of dignitaries have joined this years celebration, including Consuls General Oliver Mair of Jamaica and Anthony Moss of the Bahamas, Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley, Ron Marshall, the President of the Bessemer City Council, and Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson. Planning to head to the festival today? Heres what to know: LOCATION: The 2023 Caribbean Food and Music Festival is at DeBardeleben Park, 1623 2nd Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020 PARKING: Parking near DeBardeleben Park is free, however, guests should note that all of the streets around the park will be closed. FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT, and MUSIC: Saturdays free, family-friendly events will feature live performances including Revolution Band from Atlanta, Pansonic Steel Band, a Bahamian Junkanoo Band, and a special area for children hosted by the City of Bessemer Recreation Center with a magician, balloon artist, and face painters. The festival will host a variety of international food vendors, merchandise vendors and dance performances. Musician Jeremy Torres, who has performed with Wyclef Jean, will make his debut at the festival. Comedian and actor Ulato Sam will also return to the festival stage joined by radio host Wayne Hall from Atlanta. Carnival Barbee, who led the masquerade portion of the parade, will join guests and revelers throughout the day to showcase the festival traditions of the Caribbean. 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 Hes always known his way around a story-song. But after Jason Isbell returned from working with Martin Scorsese as an actor on the Taxi Driver and Goodfellas auteurs upcoming film Killers of the Flower Moon, Isbell had new energy for making his new album Weathervanes. It definitely helped when I got into the studio, Isbell says in a press release. I had this reinvigorated sense of collaboration. You can have an idea and you can execute it and not compromise -- and still listen to the other people in the room. Weathervanes, released June 9, finds Isbell, a former Muscle Shoals and Green Hill resident, hitting a new peak, eight solo albums in. The albums vocals, music and production equal his always razor-sharp lyrics. Its the kind of recording that hits that rare intersection of art and commerce that makes big acts huge. Im placing an early bet Weathervanes finally lands Isbell on the cover of Rolling Stone. A Nashville area for a while now, Isbells written several songs about rock bands, being in a band and/or watching a rock bands gig. His classic early solo cut Codeine laments this cover band trying to fake their way through Castles Made of Sand. Other songs that fall into this category include To a Band That I Loved from 2015 LP Something More Than Free. Off the new album, the lyrics to When We Were Close sound like theyre about Isbells friend and former Drive-By Truckers bandmate Patterson Hood. (Since this published. a few Isbell stans -- who apparently missed the phrase sound like in the previous sentence and thought I was asserting WWWC was definitely about Hood -- have emailed me to say the songs actually about the late singer/songwriter Justin Townes Earle. Theyd know better than I would.) For Isbells fans in his native Alabama, another Weathervanes story song about rock-band life is prickling ears and raising eyebrows. The 10th track on the albums a country-rocker titled Vestavia Hills, a reference to the Birmingham-area city. In addition to Isbell on vocals and slide guitar, the track features Isbells longtime backing band The 400 Unit drummer Chad Gamble, bassist Jimbo Hart, keyboardist Derry deBorja and guitarist Sadler Vaden. You can listen to Vestavia Hills and read the songs lyrics below. Vestavia Hills lyrics by Jason Isbell Youre working too hard or youre living too fast Hands over your eyes with a foot on the gas and the best I can tell the crowd seems ashamed It sounds like a warning when they call out your name The boy genius is grown now The competition got fierce and youd rather be anywhere other than here But it can get so much worse and I reckon it will in Vestavia Hills Last night was a long one You made a lot of new friends and your band was on fire right up til the end You met a girl from the suburbs but you missed all the cues I bet you dont remember me tying your shoes The boy genius is grown now and youre an angry young man Well I wont be around when you die in the van Ive got kids of my own and not much of a will in Vestavia Hills This run is my last one I got to get off the road Got to get my mind back in the family mode I wish you the best son Ive seen worse do alright Youre at war with your heart and youre too weak to fight The boy genius is grown now Your dreams all came true Now youre left with nothing but damage to do Well Ive got dreams of my own and my wife pays the bills in Vestavia Hills SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) An appeals court ruling has revived an anti-discrimination lawsuit accusing an Albuquerque teacher of cutting off one Native American girls hair and asking another if she was dressed as a bloody Indian during class on Halloween. Outrage over the girls treatment propelled legislation in New Mexico and beyond that prohibits discrimination based upon hairstyle and religious head garments. The American Civil Liberties Unions lawsuit accused Albuquerque Public Schools and a teacher of discrimination and fostering a hostile learning environment. ACLU of New Mexico Deputy Director Leon Howard said the ruling affirms that public schools are subject to antidiscrimination protections in the New Mexico Human Rights Act. The appellate ruling validates that all students must feel safe at school and confident that their culture, history, and personal dignity are valued and respected by the public schools they attend, Howard said in a statement. A lower court had determined that a public high school does not qualify as a public accommodation under the states civil rights law. The appellate ruling returns the lawsuit to state district court for a hearing on its merits. If a public secondary school official in their official capacity were to refuse services to an individual based on the individuals race, religion, or sexual orientation, then the New Mexico Human Right Act would surely apply, Appeals Court Judge J. Miles Hanissee wrote. Albuquerque Public Schools spokeswoman Monica Armenta said the district is considering options to appeal. The lawsuit alleges that English teacher Mary Jane Eastin dressed up as a voodoo witch on Halloween in 2018 and initiated a game in which she would ask students questions and reward those who answered correctly with marshmallows while giving dog food to those who didnt. At some point, Eastin asked a Native American student whether she liked her braids and then cut off about three inches with scissors, sprinkling the hair on her desk, the suit alleges. The suit says Eastin also asked another student, plaintiff McKenzie Johnson, 16, if she was dressed as a bloody Indian. Johnsons mother later told reporters her daughter was dressed for Halloween as Little Red Riding Hood, with a red paw mark on her face. Johnson, who is Navajo, said she no longer felt welcome at school. The school districts superintendent publicly apologized and told parents Eastin would not return to Cibola High School. Johnson called the ruling a breakthrough for Indigenous students and others. We are surrounded by Native communities, she said in a statement. School staff at all levels need to understand our culture and our history so that what happened in my classroom never happens again. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation in 2021 that prohibits discrimination, discipline or disparate treatment of students based on hair style, religious headdress or culture. The U.S. House endorsed an unsuccessful bill last year largely in response to bias Black people can face over their hairstyles in society, school and the workplace. In 2021, the father of a 7-year-old Michigan girl whose hair was cut by a teacher without her parents permission filed a $1 million lawsuit against the school district, a librarian and a teachers assistant. The lawsuit alleged racial discrimination and rights violations against the biracial girl. Johnson is represented by Parnall & Adams Law and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty. By MORGAN LEE Associated Press Alabama is expected to redraw its congressional districts after Thursdays ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that the map most likely violates the Voting Rights Act. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, affirmed a three-judge district court that ordered Alabama to add a second majority Black or near-majority Black district. Six of the seven districts are majority white, even though Blacks make up slightly more than one-fourth of the population. The court ruled that Alabama should have a second district where Blacks have an opportunity to elect a representative of their choice. On the current map, District 7, represented by Congresswoman Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, is about 55% Black. The other six districts range from about 60% to 81% white. Alabama has had the same 6-to-1 ratio since District 7 became a majority Black district in 1992. Democrats and the organizations that supported the lawsuit hailed the Supreme Court decision as historic because it could result in a congressional delegation that better reflects the states population. But there are no guarantees that a revised map will result in Alabama sending a second Black representative to Congress, a former political science professor and a Republican political consultant said. Jess Brown, former political science professor at Athens State University and a longtime observer of Alabama politics, said he expects the Legislature to add Black voters to District 2 to try to satisfy the courts mandate for a second district where Blacks have an opportunity to elect their chosen candidate. District 2 extends from the Wiregrass to Montgomery and neighboring counties. Except for District 7, District 2 has the largest proportion of Black population at 30%. Brown said District 2 could become a swing district or one that leans Democrat depending on how the black-white ratio changes. About 90% of Black voters vote for Democratic candidates, Brown said, while white voters overwhelming support Republicans. If that district is still less than 40% minority, given the racial polarization in voting, thats still going to be a noncompetitive district and its going to be a Republican district, Brown said. If the minority population gets to 40%, that district starts to be competitive. Its not a D district, its not an R district, it starts to look purple to me when you reach 40%. And at about 45% minority voters, I think a district would have be viewed as competitive and perhaps even leaning Democratic. District 7, on the other hand, stands to lose some Black voters on a redrawn map, lowering the margin of the Black majority closer to 50% and possibly making that district less safe for Sewell, Alabamas only Democratic representative and only Black member of Congress. Now what Republicans might try to do is trade off here, Brown said. If were having to give up a solid district (District 2), were going to try to make the Democrats give up a solid district (District 7). So were going to create two districts and each of them are roughly 47 percent minority (for example). So that it will just be two competitive districts. Republican political consultant Jonathan Gray expects substantial changes to District 1, which includes Mobile and Baldwin counties and the southwest corner of the state, and District 2. Gray said his best guess is that the new map will have Congressman Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, running as an incumbent in a redrawn District 2 that is closer to a 50-50 racial split and more favorable for a Democratic candidate. But Gray said Democrats could still face an uphill battle against the incumbent Moore, partly because he said they have not been effective at raising money in recent Alabama elections. Meanwhile, Sewell who is serving her seventh term, could face more risk in what has been a safe district. You know the old saying. Please dont throw me in the briar patch, Gray said. There are some people in the Legislature saying, You want two districts? Well give them to you. But theyre going to be competitive. By diluting Terri Sewells district and adding white voters and moving black voters to a second district, youre not going to have a guaranteed district. What youre now going to have is two very competitive districts. Sewell, who applauded the court ruling, said Thursday she expects District 7 to change but also expects to continue to represent it. A native of Selma who lives in Birmingham, Sewell said she recognizes that some areas of the Black Belt in her district might move to another. Ive enjoyed representing the amazing district that includes so many of the historic civil rights sites and places, Sewell said. And Ive enjoyed representing a majority of the Black Belt. I grew up in the Black Belt, Im a daughter of the Black Belt. But progress demands that you make sacrifices, and this is a small price to pay to get fair representation in the state of Alabama, Sewell said. Both Brown and Gray said they expect the most substantial changes to the map to be south of Birmingham. In particular, they do not expect changes that would pose any risk for Reps. Mike Rogers in District 3 in east Alabama or Robert Aderholt in District 4 in northwest Alabama. Aderholt is in his 14th term, serves on the appropriations committee and is the chairman of an appropriations subcommittee. Rogers is in his 11th term and chairs the House Armed Services Committee. It matters a lot for Alabama the amount of clout we have in Washington, Brown said. And right now there are two of our House members that have seats in the front benches. Its Aderholt, and its Rogers. And I just cant see the Legislature wanting to substantially redo their districts. Brown said he does not expect changes as sweeping as some of those proposed by the experts for the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The court found that those proposed maps with a second majority Black district were sound in design and followed traditional redistricting principals such as compactness. Some did propose substantial change though, such as changing District 1 from a coastal and southwest Alabama district to one that extends across the southern border of the state to the Georgia state line. Ive seen those plaintiff maps before, Brown said. Ill be very surprised if the Legislature disturbs existing districts that much. Its like a puzzle, its got seven pieces. And when you change the shape of one piece, you inevitably change the shape of at least one other piece, perhaps multiple pieces of the puzzle. So there will be some reconfiguration of districts. But Im guessing that the major shifts will occur Birmingham-south, with perhaps limited tweaking above Birmingham. Gray said one potential issue with substantial changes to Districts 1 and 2 would be putting District 1 Rep. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile, in the same district as Moore. You may have Barry Moore, running as an incumbent in a new district that was drawn for Democrats, Gray said. And I guess were going to flip a coin and see if Barry can withstand the challenge. Thats what I think is going to happen. But if theyre not careful in drawing that boundary line when they redraw 1 and 2, (they) could end up pitting Jerry Carl and Barry Moore head-to-head and one of the two is going home. Read more: Heres what Alabamas new congressional districts could look like The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday ruled Alabamas current congressional maps likely violate the Voting Rights Act, and the states districts will have to be redrawn. Two of the Courts conservative justices joined with the more liberal justices in the decision, which pointed out that only one of Alabamas seven congressional districts was majority Black, despite about one in four Alabamians being Black. The surprising ruling sets the stage for Alabama to add a second majority Black district, and potentially a second Democrat from the state in the U.S. House of Representatives. Its unclear what the new map will look like, but Moon Duchin, a mathematician and professor at Tufts University and an expert witness called by the plaintiff in the court case, offered four examples that would satisfy the requirement of adding a second majority Black district. AL.com used Duchins proposed maps, which were made available by Daves Redistricting. You can explore those here. Use the arrows in the graphic below to flip through each map, starting with the states original plan which was overturned. [Cant see the maps? Click here.] If youre having trouble viewing the maps above, or want to explore them individually, you can do so here: Map A, Map B, Map C, Map D, and Current Map. There are a lot of possibilities to consider, and its unclear which of those four proposed maps, if any, will become official. Heres a district-by-district look at how things could change under these proposals. District 1 In each of the new proposed maps, South Alabama sees the greatest shift. District 1 currently contains all of Mobile and Baldwin Counties, and extends slightly north and east into Washington, Monroe and Escambia counties. Under each of Duchins proposals, District 1 would get whiter and more conservative, moving from about 66% white under the current map to about 75% white, based on data from Daves Redistricting. And based on elections data from Daves Redistricting, it would move from about 60% Republican to about 75% under the new plans. District 2 District 2 in southeast Alabama would become the second majority Black district. The current district contains most of the Wiregrass and extends north and west through Montgomery and into its suburban areas in Autauga and Elmore counties. But the changes would have District 2 move from a majority white, Republican district to become one thats about 50-51% Black, and one that would lean Democratic. District 3 The rest of Alabamas congressional districts, including District 3, dont change as much as Districts 1 and 2, but that doesnt mean things dont shift some. District 3, in east Alabama, would change shape significantly under Duchins plans, but the demographic and political makeup wouldnt change much, shifting by less than five percentage points. Districts 4 and 5 Demographics and political leanings in districts 4 and 5 wont change much under the new proposals, but the map would look a whole lot different. The new proposals would split the two north Alabama districts, dividing the top of the state in half roughly down the middle, with District 4 holding the northwest corner of the state, and District 5 the northeast corner. The current map looks a lot different, with District 5 sitting on top of 4, which runs in a band across the state. District 6 District 6, which sits in the heart of Alabama in the Birmingham area, would spread east all the way to the Georgia line under Duchins proposals. The district would also get whiter and more conservative by between 5 and 8 percentage points. District 7 Alabamas only current majority Black district, District 7 would perhaps be the least changed in terms of geography. It would, however, get slightly whiter and more conservative, but the district is currently nearly 70% Democratic voters, and about 55% Black. It would still be the states most liberal district even after the change. You can explore how each map would affect which district you live in by finding your address in the map below. You can use the collapsable sidebar in the top left corner to click through each of the proposed maps and see how they differ, or click through to explore the map further here. [Cant see the map? Click here.] Do you have an idea for a data story about Alabama? Or questions about Alabama that data may be able to answer? Email Ramsey Archibald at rarchibald@al.com, and follow him on Twitter @RamseyArchibald. Read more Alabama data stories here. In January of 2022, a three-judge federal court halted Alabamas redistricting efforts upon finding that plaintiffs would likely succeed in proving a Voting Rights Act (VRA) violation. In response, Alabama asked the United States Supreme Court to radically reshape the contours of VRA jurisprudence. On June 8 in Allen v. Milligan, the court declined to do so. Now, Alabama legislators must initiate the most radical political shift in generations. Democrats should pause celebrations until they understand what the opinion really means. Alabama Republicans want to maintain a political advantage, and Democrats want more sway. Political power is the animating force behind redistricting every decade or so. The difficult part for map makers is that voters change over time. Yesterdays Democrat is todays Republican. When drawing electoral maps, legislative majorities look for patterns that allow them to predictably know how the votes will fall. Other Columns by Cameron Smith: In recent American politics, one trend stands out beyond the rest. Black Americans voted roughly 90% Democrat in the past few presidential elections. Theyre one of the most politically cohesive voting blocs in the nation, and both political parties know it. Unlike race, partisan affiliation is not a protected voting class. In Alabama, Black voters make up a little more than a quarter of the voting-age population. With those numbers, its easy to draw districts racially proportional to the overall voting population of the state that virtually ensure that the political preferences of Black voters never prevail. For 115 years after Reconstruction, that was the case with Alabamas congressional delegation. In 1992, VRA litigation resulted in Birmingham lawyer Earl Hilliard becoming the first Black Representative from Alabama since 1877. Since then, Alabama Republicans have drawn a substantial number of Black voters into that single district which all but guarantees Democratic representation. By packing the one district with high-likelihood Democratic voters, Alabamas remaining congressional districts are safely Republican. The VRA was written to tackle Americas history of suppressing Black voters. The main challenge for the law is that math doesnt care about race or politics. In order to give a racial minority a voting majority, the state must create maps which intentionally concentrate a certain race in some districts while diluting the same racial representation in others. Terri Sewell currently represents the 7th Congressional District which is 61% Black. It has enjoyed Black representation since its current formulation. Republicans are not remotely competitive for the seat. The plaintiff-proposed maps in the recent VRA litigation craft two districts which range from 50% to 54% Black voting-age population. In short, the 7th will become more white, and the 2nd Congressional District will likely become more Black by pulling in the urban heart of Mobile. Alabamas Gulf Coast wont have a cohesive district. Rep. Jerry Carl will get to know constituents much farther inland. Much to the chagrin of Alabama Democrats, there arent enough Black voters to create two majority-Black congressional districts as politically safe as the current 7th district. Rather than whining about the map changes, Republicans should aggressively compete for both of them. National Democrats are far out of step with socially conservative Black voters. Right now in Alabama, white progressives pushing intersectionality arent getting along with Black Democratic leaders vying for control of the party. Its a wedge Republicans should enthusiastically engage with quality Black candidates in the new districts legislative majorities strategically build. Yes, that means Rep. Barry Moore is probably a redistricting casualty if Republicans hope to retain the 2nd District. The sooner Republicans accept that, the more competitive theyll be. Recruiting and financially backing a credible challenger to Sewell is wise, but the incumbents political savvy and occasional willingness to vote against national Democrats make her difficult to unseat. Alabama hasnt seen a truly competitive general election race for Congress in years. The Supreme Courts ruling is sound, and it gives Black voters more of a voice. Alabamas GOP must take stock and build for the future or increasingly surrender ground to Democrats. In truth, Republicans around the nation should do the same. Smith is a recovering political attorney with three boys, two dogs, a bearded dragon, and an extremely patient wife. Hes a partner in a media company, a business strategy wonk, and a regular on talk radio. Please direct outrage or agreement to csmith@al.com or @DCameronSmith on Twitter. KABUL, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Afghan acting Minister for Commerce and Industry Nooruddin Azizi said that 5,000 companies are officially managed by women in Afghanistan, local television channel TOLOnews has reported. "There is no problem from our side for businesses being run by women in the country. There are 5,000 official companies managed by women," the official as quoted as saying. According to the media outlet, Azizi made the remarks in the southern Helmand province recently, adding that women in Afghanistan also manage about 50,000 companies and firms unofficially. There is an American military saying: Professionals think of logistics. Amateurs think of strategy. To that you can add, And Russians think of neither. Historically, Russia has been really bad at warfare. Czars and Communist dictators feared both a professional army and a well-armed citizen militia. So, they relied on conscript armies, shoved thoughtlessly into human wave attacks. When they did manage to win, it was as part of a coalition, where someone else actually won the big battles. In the Napoleonic Wars, it was Wellington's coalition forces. In WWII, America provided everything to Stalin through Lend-Lease, and then annihilated the best of the Axis land, air, and sea forces. By mid-1942, the Soviets faced only inferior German armies, allies like Romania, or auxiliary units, like the Hiwi. The Russians even managed to be the big losers of WWI, though they were technically on the winning side the entire war. But Nicholas II and Rasputin must be chuckling now, somewhere in eternity, as the current Putin fiasco has exceeded them all. Putins strategy last February, to the extent he had one, was to land some men at the Kiev airport, have a bunch more drive to Kiev by road, then hold a giant victory parade. Apparently, he expected Ukraine to just roll over, as it did in 2014, when he took Crimea without a shot. He also expected America and NATO to acquiesce, like Obama did in 2014, refusing lethal aid to Ukraine. Pres. Trump, of course, agreed to send weapons during his time in office, but also wanted some info on Biden corruption, which got him impeached for his trouble. Biden, of course, went back to Obamas policy, holding up weapons shipments in 2021. Funny how this was not cause for his impeachment. So, you cant fully blame Putin, especially after seeing Bidens disgraceful exit from Afghanistan, from thinking he had an easy mark. What he didnt count on, though, was what Don Rumsfeld called New Europe. After the Cold War, NATO countries were happy to demobilize. The Germans especially, as one of their two major parties, the Social Democrats had long been compromised by the KGB, while the pro-American Christian Democrats came under the leadership of Angela Merkel, aka Frau Dummkopf, who was a likely Soviet asset. Germanys military was left to decay. But the Poles and their neighbors, the Baltic countries, saw things quite differently. The relative weakness of Russia the last few decades was an opportunity to join NATO, modernize their military, and prepare for the day when the Russians started being Russians again. Poland is truly formidable now. Their military is superbly trained and equipped, having been blooded in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The transfer of Soviet military equipment to Ukraine was a two-way deal. As the Ukrainians get the easier-to-operate old stuff from Poland and other Eastern Europeans, the best new American equipment goes into Polish arsenals. Poland is now rapidly expanding the size of its army. So are its neighbors in the Baltics, new NATO member Finland, and soon Sweden. Of all the surprises of this war Putin has suffered, the biggest one must be that it didnt matter that the American President was an incompetent jerk. The guy he really had to worry about was somebody named Mateusz Morawiecki. Thanks to Polish help over the last eight years, Ukraine was ready when the Russians attacked. In hindsight, one can probably say Putin had only the first few weeks in February 2022 to win the war -- to get his soldiers around the western side of Kiev, or to the Polish border, and cut off the supply lines when there was little resistance. Instead, that time was wasted while Ukraine rallied its forces and dug in. The last 15 months have been a brutal slugfest, as modern western weapons carried out target practice on the Russians. Russian tank losses may now include all of what might be remotely described as their modern armored forces. Artillery supplies are running low. And the Iranian Shahed drones are the remaining precision strike weapon, as conventional missile supplies and strike aircraft become scarce. The ordinary Russian conscripts want no part in this fight. Most of the battle the last five months has been carried on by better-paid and equipped mercenaries -- Prigozhins Wagner Group. Now Prigozhin admits to having lost 20,000 men in the recent fight to take Bakhmut and his force is hors de combat. (Ukraine was strongly advised to abandon Bakhmut earlier this year by the same dunderheads responsible for our Afghanistan retreat fiasco Lloyd Austin and Mark Milley. Instead, Ukraine killed off the best Russian troops. Even Col. Blowhard, as I like to call Douglas MacGregor, has shut up about the impending Russian blitzkrieg -- when the mud freezes over, or bakes dry. Or whatever. He is now calling Bakhmut a Stalingrad-like defensive victory. Sure.) By all honest accounts, the Russian army is spent; Putin has no more motivated soldiers nor the modern weapons with which to equip them. The recent cross-border raid at Belgorod showed there are very few Russian troops left north of the line of contact, which starts around Kharkiv. Ukraine has been husbanding resources for one big push this summer, hoping to achieve a decisive result, before they too, exhaust their men and supplies. When that happens, there might be a total Russian defeat, or at least, a reversal of such a magnitude, to effect a ceasefire along the status quo ante. Thats also why the Russians mined the Kakhovka Dam last October, thinking they would be pushed out, which is now very likely. A lot of American conservatives dont trust Mr. Zelensky, and with good reason. He is a former comedian, who is less the Winston Churchill of Ukraine than the Pauly Shore of Ukraine. Nor do they trust the corrupt foreign-policy characters in Washington and Europe who cheer on the conflict. But keep in mind, the overwhelming number of Ukraine men and women are fighting their hearts out every day to beat back Putins invaders. They believe in what they are doing, no matter the crooked politicians. If only we had such brave friends in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Furthermore, the anti-Russian coalition is fundamentally a project of Eastern Europe. Countries with stalwart democratic and Christian societies, led by serious adults. Ukraine is also going to need more money and arms from America. House Republicans finally have the power to audit the Zelensky government and see where our money is really going by attaching congressional oversight provisions to the supplemental bill coming in the next months. After the Ukraine offensive is fought this summer comes the really tricky part. Diplomats will have to find a face-saving way to convince Putin to throw in the towel and not drag things on for years in a low-intensity conflict. Or do something worse, like using tactical nukes or blowing up Ukraine nuclear power plants as the Russians fall back. Nobody in the Biden White House, of course, is going to pull that off, but luckily, that's not who is in charge on our side. It's Mr. Morawiecki and his neighbors, and they have been way ahead of this game right from the start. Frank Friday is an attorney in Louisville, KY. Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service With fires raging in Canada and blanketing Americas northeast in thick orange smoke, leftists are again beating the climate change drum. Saner minds point to Justin Trudeaus refusal to practice good forest management. But what if its neither of those things? It turns out that theres compelling evidence suggesting that eco-terrorists set the fires to corral weary Westerners back into a climate change panicand it wont be the first time thats happened. It was inevitable, once the fires started raging, that the leftists would raise the specter of climate change. Justin Trudeau insisted climate change was the culprit and again demanded a carbon tax to save the world. Bloomberg announced that Canadas Wildfires Expose the Climate Change Spiral of Silence. The BBC asked rhetorically, Is climate change fuelling Canadas wildfires? ABC announced as fact, How Canadas wildfires and air quality warnings are connected to climate change. Image: Fire in Canada. YouTube screen grab. When youve got an unfalsifiable theory like climate change, which is all faith and no science, youd expect leftists to tread the same path. But what if thats not whats happening at all? What if were witnessing arson on a massive, destructive scale to drive the narrative? Elizabeth Nickson has examined the evidence suggesting eco-terrorist arson, and theres a good case. Nickson opens by pointing to a satellite video circulating on Twitter showing the fires beginning almost simultaneously, at just the right time for the winds to take the smoke south: Satellite images from the College of DuPage Meteorology Department show thaton the 2nd of Junethe fires that erupted in Quebec, Canada, all started at the exact same time. Source: https://t.co/dQ7iK0amyq For more content like this, visit: https://t.co/WNzHelgbQP#ClimateScam pic.twitter.com/EXaiPJ4dUa Wide Awake Media (@wideawake_media) June 8, 2023 The reason for this arson? To instill fear: We arent afraid enough, despite every nasty limiting idiotic play they have visited upon us in the last four years. Monkey Pox failed, more plague warnings were greeted by a shrug. But this one, the world bursting into flame? Be very very afraid. Nickson, who is based in Canada knows what shes speaking about. Arson, she writes, causes well over half of Canadas wildfires, and the people arrested are often tied to environmental NGOs. If youre a fan of RFK, Jr., you might think twice when youre reminded that hes a radical climate fanatic who helped foster this trend. Back in the day, the goal was to kill industry to save the trees: I interviewed hundreds of local activists, the ones who, with the inspiration of RFK, Jr. had shut down the biggest industrial forest in the world in an action called The War of the Woods. They were mostly ordinary people, socialists and scientists of one stripe or another and deeply profoundly committed to saving the earth. The fact that they had eliminated the principal source of funding for health care and education -- forestry -- their own in fact, went right over their heads. It didnt matter. "Climate Change" was an existential threat and those trees must stand to suck up carbon, or CO2, as it used to be known. Now, though, the trees must be sacrificed to force change on a public that increasingly understands that the climate has always changed and that wealth redistribution and a return to a dark, dangerous pre-modern era wont change things. Ironically, the fanatics were behind the foolish push to end forest management: Today, the 9th of June, 2023, a full thirty years too late, the Wall Street Journal editorial board finally acknowledges that sustainable forestry management may be the principal cause of the forests burning down. Of course, leftists are good at rolling with the punches. Now that forests are more flammable than before leftists got involved, Nickson writes that theyre using the threat of naturally occurring fires in unmanaged forests to prevent development, whether of homes or industry. But heres the thing: Those fires dont just occur on Natures timetable. They also explode at convenient times or against inconvenient people: Fire serves to shut people up. [snip] Five years ago, Fort McMurray, the home of the oil sands, a titanic achievement, the cleanest oil extraction infrastructure on the planet, burned to the ground in a fire called The Beast. There were reports of fires being set in an arc around the town. Investigations are on-going. During the last election in Alberta, fire patterns were shown to peak at election time, in order to scare people into believing that oil extraction, the engine of their economy, must be shut down. Ive only nibbled around the corners of Nicksons informative, thought-provoking article about the eco-terrorists twisted relationship to forests and fires. I urge you to read the whole essay. CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG) such as methane have been suspected for more than a century of being potentially harmful atmospheric warming agents. The climate movement began more recently with the advent of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1989 and the release of Al Gore's prize-winning film An Inconvenient Truth in 2006. Climate alarm began as "man-made global warming" and, when cooling was observed even as CO2 levels continued to rise, morphed into "climate change." Those of us who can look behind the virtue-signaling mantra of climate change understand the theory that man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning oil and gas are dangerously warming the planet. We can also appreciate the idea that marginal warming may be amplified by increased water vapor and clouds as a result of elevated CO2. A large number of computer models are built on the presumptions of this theory. But are our CO2 inputs to the atmosphere a real threat to our magnificent planet? The evidence tells us no. Although we are in the midst of a broadly warming period following the end of the most recent ice age, satellite and weather balloon data suggest that the models (and theory) are off by quite a bit. The models project much more warming than observed in back casts. That is interesting but perhaps not definitive. There is also evidence that the atmosphere has slipped into a new cooling period that could lead to the next ice age. A seminal review paper by Wijngaarden and Happer (here) illustrates a critical limitation of CO2 radiation transfer that makes it impossible for this trace molecule to cause runaway global temperature. The limitation is known as saturation. The key figure from the Wijngaarden-Happer paper diagrams the inhibiting effect of various greenhouse gases on infrared radiation to space. GHGs reduce Earth's reradiation of incoming shortwave solar radiation to space as longwave heat radiation. Reduced reradiation of heat means air and surface warming. The area under each curve is heat radiation to space. The uppermost, purple line shows what Earth's heat radiation would be if there were no GHGs. Earth's surface would be substantially colder than observed without GHGs. The "valley" formed by the black and red curves centered at about 700 wavelengths/cm is the principal frequency range impacted by CO2. The black line is 400 parts per million (ppm) CO2 as observed today, while the red line represents a hypothetical doubling to 800 ppm CO2. Note that the black and red lines are virtually indistinguishable. The radiation to space at 800 ppm CO2 would be about one percent less than for today's CO2 level of 400 ppm. This is the practical import of CO2 saturation. This explanation is recent, but CO2's geometric radiation physics has been known for almost a century. The phenomenon is ignored by government climate policymakers but is nonetheless an inconvenient truth. Climate change (i.e., natural variation) is real. Climate emergency is not. Geological and paleological evidence has long showed dramatic global change over long and short spans of time. This includes change in the planet's geophysical makeup, change in temperatures, change in CO2 and other GHG levels and change in "normal" weather. The planet and its atmosphere are always changing. Human CO2 emissions must have some effect. The question is how much change is natural and how much is man-made. The evidence suggests the man-made signal is too small to be detectable amid natural variability. Whatever man might be doing to CO2 levels will not drive future temperatures and will neither impede nor cause the next ice age. Earth's atmosphere is often described by physicists and meteorologists as chaotic and nonlinear. Among many climate unknowns are the respective warming and cooling effects of water vapor and clouds and the drivers of major oceanic oscillations such as El Nino. These unknowns are why Steven Koonin titled his recent climate book Unsettled. Given the large body of pertinent unknowns, it is hubris to think we can predict future global climates and attribute causes a century and more out. But we are entirely within the bounds of scientific reason to dismiss CO2 as a climate "control knob" based on its limited effect on radiation transfer. It's also reasonable to think we have no serious business monitoring CO2 levels, much less destroying our energy independence to mitigate them. Government energy policy is based on theoretical adverse effects of CO2 but entirely overlooks its benefits. CO2 is a part of the carbon cycle, important to life on Earth. We exhale it to complete our metabolic process, and plants use it to photosynthesize, giving off life-sustaining oxygen for us to breathe. We might as well call oxygen a pollutant as CO2, which the U.S. EPA has ill-advisedly so designated. The industrial-age doubling of atmospheric CO2 from 200 to 400 parts per million (ppm) is a benefit to plant life, as higher CO2 levels reduce plant desiccation via leaf openings called stomata. Recently observed greening of arid areas such as the Australian Outback serve to reinforce this point. So good for plant life are increased CO2 levels that operators routinely boost the interior of their greenhouses to 1000 ppm. If plant life "likes" CO2 so much, why are we trying to protect the planet from more of it? William Lippincott is a retired environmental consultant with a Ph.D. in biology from the University of California. Prior to his consulting career, he served as Chemical Corps 1st lieutenant, USAR. Dr. Lippincott began his consulting career in the '70s, a soldier for scientific rigor and skepticism over environmental activism. Among his wide-ranging project accomplishments were a marine wetland restoration and participation in the Army's Chemical Demilitarization program. Dr. Lippincott operated an I.T. small business specializing in environmental compliance until his retirement. He taught in the Cal State system and in Latin America and consulted for the federal government. Polar bear image: 358611 via Pixabay, Pixabay License. When it comes to the budget, Congress does not represent or protect the American people. They represent their self-preservation and protect their partys position of power. Every single time Democrats gain power, they build up their administrative state, overspend, and move us toward bankruptcy, while packing the administrative state agencies with leftist activists. When Republicans gain power, they surrender the battlefield to the Democrats, pass budgets that bankrupt us further telling us how this is saving us money, never unpack the leftist insurgents from agencies, and then tell us how they saved America by raising the debt limit and by slowing the debt increase. Not stopping it, but by letting it grow slower until Democrats can gain power again and increase spending beyond our capacity to avoid bankruptcy. A second misconception is the name of the latest debt ceiling hike, bill, the Financial Responsibility Act. How does suspending the debt ceiling until 2025 do anything but give President Biden free rein at spending as much as he wants for whatever he wants. This explains a lot about why government is so bad; neither Democrats nor Republicans understand what Responsibility means. Forget the American flag, or gay pride flag, or any flag Congress flies in an attempt to gain votes; the only flag that Congress should fly is a big white flag. McCarthy lied to us when he said once hes speaker things would be different. Which explains some things too; if they dont know what the word responsibility means, then certainly we dont understand the word, different. Republicans joined Democrats in lying to us. Too afraid to fight for America, McCarthy pulled a Benedict Arnold and went over to the other side passing a budget that will certainly be the beginning of the end for America as a superpower. And 151 Republicans and 163 Democrats supported McCarthy. If you look at the numbers, this is a Democrat bill giving Biden all that he wanted, and giving McCarthy the yellow stripe award for 2023. Congress loves to talk about the brave men and women who serve our country, who give their lives in defense of freedom. Yet this Congress is so afraid of the truth, so afraid of having to go back to their homes and find a real job, that they will do anything to stay in office. Only 46 Democrats and 71 Republicans voted against this bill. That means only 117 members of Congress deserve even consideration for reelection in 2024. The damage done to America by the 2022 Congress will take generations to correct. That is if we still have a country after all this. We complain about Congress, but yet we the voters stand on the sidelines and keep voting for this corruption. We the voters say, Well its not our representative or senator, its everyone elses. We have forgotten that we the voters are we the people. You know the very ones our Founders gave the power to; yet we act like we have no power at all. We the people have forsaken the very principles of our founding, the very words of the Declaration and Constitution by surrendering our power and our nation to the political and financial elites who serve only their self-interest. Without fair and honest elections, without a people willing to do as our Founders did, that is serve God and defend liberty, America is lost. Without pastors and priests willing to point out the deceit and corruption of politicians, the cultural and societal destruction of decency, and the lies that now rule Americas political class, America is lost. Its time America changed our national symbol from the eagle to the ostrich. The question we must ask is: how did we go to sleep in America, only to wake up in China? If you can understand these two questions there may be a chance for us. But first we have to vote out of office the 314 who voted for the Financial Irresponsibility Act. It is time we take back our language and call things for what they are. Time that we vote for those who have read, understand, and support the founding documents of our nation. To understand how that works go to America's Founding - Lesson 4 - Declaration and Constitution Working Together If all that has happened since 2008 has not awakened you to stand against the evil that has captured our government, medicine, education, and society, then we have sentenced our children and most likely their children to life under tyranny. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, for there hope abounds always. In those documents is where our Founders found their strength to stand against the tyranny of the king. There is where true freedom originated. And in our refusal to unseat those in Congress who dont understand that, is where freedom will be lost. John Radell is a Viet Nam War vet who fought in the 1968 Tet Offensive and is the Mid Atlantic Director of the Faith and Freedom Coalition and part of the coalition of Catholics, Evangelicals, and retired Special Forces that have built the Serve God Defend Liberty Movement. www.ServeGodDefendLiberty.com Photo credit: David Maiolo CC BY-SA 3.0 license It is common among rightist circles to describe the current radical tide sweeping the West and beyond as a form of communism, with the negative epithet "cultural Marxism" frequently employed as a descriptive summation of the current state of affairs. While it is true that much of the ideological zeal displayed by academics, politicians, and various cultural figures is often cloaked in a leftist guise, the content is more redolent of nihilism than Bolshevism. A breakdown of some of the differences between the regnant revolutionary doctrine and the main ideas prevalent in communist dogma is therefore in order. Traditionally, communism has been a movement whose principal goal is the overthrow of what its adherents consider the exploitative capitalist order and its replacement by a more just system. The arguments about how to achieve such a change have varied greatly according to time and circumstance, but the core belief in a transnational proletariat as the catalyst for revolutionary social change has never wavered among the faithful. Racial issues in places such as the United States and the decolonizing nations of Africa were exploited by the governments of the USSR, China, and Cuba for their own respective political gains, but race was always subordinate to the idea of the international fraternity of all members of the working class. The revolutionary communist man came in all shades and colors, but his principal loyalty lay with his class brothers rather than his racial kinsmen. By way of contrast, today's muckrakers promulgate a form of racial absolutism whose only goal seems to be perpetuating endless inter-group conflict. In the United States, for example, a semi-official martyr cult has developed around dubious figures such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor while the traditional heroes of American lore tend to be denigrated by the nation's cultural taste-makers. Several cities have raised statues in honor of the career criminal Floyd, while others have seen sculptures dedicated to individuals such as Jefferson and Lincoln defaced and even destroyed. In the cultural sphere, mediocre writers such as Charles Chesnutt and routine composers such as George Bridgetower have been pushed to the fore solely due to the color of their skin rather than the quality of their work. The current climate has provided a fertile opportunity for race hucksters such as Ibram Kendi and Patrisse Cullors to enrich themselves thanks to a gullible public's cowed sensibilities. None of this has anything in common with the promised Marxist utopia of benign cooperation among peoples of different backgrounds. The current Western obsession with homosexuality and transsexualism has no counterpart in any section of the traditional communist cannon. While the Soviet Union during the 1920s briefly decriminalized the former as part of its revolutionary revamping of the tsarist law code, homosexuality was once again forbidden under Stalin in 1934. Being a member in good standing of the communist party and a practicing homosexual was often difficult. The author and future film director Pier Paolo Pasolini was expelled from the ranks of the Italian communist party in 1949 for his involvement in a same-sex relationship. Joseph Stalin contemptuously referred to the homosexual British communist Harry Whyte as "an idiot and a degenerate." Fidel Castro forced homosexual men into detention camps. Other examples could easily be cited. Indeed, even in post-Soviet Russia, the Communist Party under Gennady Zyuganov has remained firmly opposed to any official state sanction for homosexual relationships. While Cuba and some Western European communist parties have softened their stance on homosexuality in recent years, class rather than sex still occupies pride of place in the communist hierarchy. The work of individuals who attempted to combine Marx and Freud as part of a revolutionary synthesis, such as the philosopher Herbert Marcuse (a heterosexual but a believer in the insurgent potentiality of homosexuals) and the homophile theorist Mario Mieli, was never absorbed into mainstream communist thought. Another difference lies in the concept of truth. Among communists, whether in power or not, the party has traditionally been the source of beliefs regarding the "correct" evaluation of politics, art, and morality. Party proclamations regarding these subjects might frequently change according to the whims of leaders and apparatchiks, but communists have always felt that there is indeed an objective life view accessible to those learned in the "verities" of scientific socialism. The ongoing attempt by Western radicals to deconstruct the concept of truth itself into a series of competing narratives, none of which is necessarily accurate in an objective sense, has thus no counterpart in communist thought. The often crude materialism of communist dialectics thus makes a strong contrast to the hazy sexual and racial metaphysics of the post-modernists. Communists also have a definite goal: the overthrow of the capitalist order and its replacement by a more harmonious collective system. The means of achieving this objective have been vigorously debated by theoreticians, and the prescriptions have varied from revolutionary violence to parliamentary reform. What exactly this earthly paradise would consist of is vague, but the intention is crystal-clear. Modern Western radicals, on the hand, are a congeries of races, religions, economic classes, and sexes. They are united only by their absolute loathing for the history and culture of the West and nothing more. The writings of a Robin DiAngelo or the seminars of a Peggy McIntosh are not blueprints for creating a better world, but simply hate-filled propaganda designed to stoke the fires of resentment among groups. Empty slogans about "equity," the destruction of Occidental living standards in the name of "saving the planet," race-revenge politics, and apparently endless third-world immigration seem to have no goal beyond themselves. Chaos is cultivated for its own sake, and the endgame seems to be the void. In short, then, what we have now is not communism. Hard as it is to believe, it is worse. Image: Praveenp via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped). Throughout most of my life, my attitude toward politics has been this: dont get involved. People who get wrapped up in politics gain nothing from it and often ruin their own lives. Live life as best as you can, ignore politics, and enjoy the sweet gifts life has to offer with some of Gods plenty. Usually, this philosophy works, but at a certain point, like all philosophies, it breaks down. Then this philosophy becomes willful ignorance, sticking your head in the sand, and maybe even cowardice. It is a waste of time to say the latest round of indictments against Trump are politically motivated, and it is a waste of time to say we now have a banana republic Department of Justice. You already know this. The purpose of all these indictments is to wear Trump down, exhaust him, and convince the general public that he certainly must be guilty of something. The law of averages is not on Trumps side. The question now for Trump supporters is what to do about it? No, I am not suggesting in any way that you consider an act of terror. However, the time has come to become much more politically active -- like the anti-Trump activists in the summer of 2020. This will also involve, most likely, a cost. Most of you reading this are probably a lot like me -- average middle Americans who go to work every day, pay their bills and taxes, and play by the rules. The rules are being abused to get Trump. I also believe the reason the elites have used every speck of their power against him is because he is an outsider and dared to support the views of average Allan and average Anne. He also dared to challenge permanent Washington and the complicit press: the swamp and the swamp thing. They could not allow this to go unpunished, and they intend to send a message to all future presidential candidates: Never stand against the one party, the uniparty, the Republicrats, the revolting Republicans and the disgusting Democrats, or we will annihilate you. The cumulative effect of all these indictments is to sway the undecideds and deny Trump the election in 2024. So the will of the people, the vote, has already been compromised. George Soros funded both Alvin Bragg and Letitia James. Special Council Jack Smith is a Democrat. The assumptions these ministers in the Kafkaesque Ministry of Justice are making is that their institutional power is sacrosanct and omnipotent and middle America wont do anything to defend Trump. So he is doomed. Its a nefarious but a good plan. Assumptions, though, are always dangerous, because the cumulative effect of all of these indictments against Trump is to harden Trump supporters into a sharp-edged sword. What do you think? Image: Boston Public Library D. Parkers recent analysis of Erich Fromms socialist/communist Afterword to George Orwells 1984 was excellent. I confess that I did not get the irony of the Erich Fromm quote on first reading. Leftists do indeed ascribe any failings of socialism/communism to rightist/reactionary ideas. As Parker states: For the far left, their collectivist ideologies cannot fail. Meaning that when that inevitably happens, it must be blamed on the pro-freedom right so that their system can rise again and they can parrot the tired old line that socialism has never really been tried before. However, some further unpacking of the Afterword is warranted and may lead to the reasons for that consistent failure. The following terms are also used loosely in Fromms Afterword to further the leftist agenda: a two-thousand-year-old Western tradition of hope, moral callousness, and moral considerations. First, in Fromms reductive history, socialism naturally follows the Enlightenment and is based on a two-thousand-year-old Western tradition of hope. That phrase undoubtedly refers to Christianity, which in its earliest form did include the newborn Christians holding all things in common. (Acts 4:32). The early Christians were able to make that work temporarily because their hearts were supernaturally changed by the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). However, sin soon entered the system with Ananias and Sapphira lying about their contributions to the common good (perhaps an early example of virtue signaling) and their swift punishment (Acts 5: 1-11). Later practice does not reflect the system of communism, but that of hard individual work (2 Thessalonians 3:10) and Christian charity to those in need (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). I argue that it is simply a lie to situate both Christianity and the Enlightenment as progression to socialism/ communism (thus the progressive moniker that leftists prefer). Both of those philosophies differ significantly from the Christian teachings that individuals need a radical, supernatural heart transformation (John 3:16; Romans 12:2). A brief look at these philosophies shows their rejection of Christianity. The Enlightenment heralded the individual as the measure of all things (much like the earlier Greeks). Philosopher Emmanuel Kants description shows the elevation of the individual over God: expressing convictions shared among Enlightenment thinkers of widely divergent doctrines, Kant identifies enlightenment with the process of undertaking to think for oneself, to employ and rely on ones own intellectual capacities in determining what to believe and how to act. While also rejecting God, socialism/communism situates the group and group action at the center of history in the Communist Manifesto and the economic/ governance system as the center of redemption. While criticizing former Utopian movements, the Manifesto advocates the for a general reconstruction of society and limits its analysis to systems. Secondly and closely related, Fromm mentions the word moral twice in the short quotation that Parker shares. Fromms terms seem contradictory: fighting World War I was falsely framed as moral, but there were still moral considerations during that war. He does not define moral. With Fromms reference to a two-thousand-year-old Western tradition of hope, the casual reader might be excused in thinking he is referring to Christian principles here. And in fact, Fromm in the opening paragraphs of the Afterword refers to the Old Testament, the coming of the Messiah, and the spiritualization of perfect Kingdom. However, Fromms use of the word moral may be a preview of the strategy described in detail by Paulo Freire in Pedagogy of the Oppressed: learn the words used by the peasants and then twist those words to support the socialist/communist agenda. Thus, while twisting terms, socialist/communist philosophies overlook the fact that the natural hearts of people are the same, regardless of the system of governance or economics or whatever combination of the two. There is selfishness and greed at the center of the natural heart, as Christianity teaches (Colossians 3:4-6). Without God, Marxism attributes that greed only to the system of capitalism. While Marxs writings are rife with references to the capitalist exploiting the laborer, this quote is illustrative: While the miser is merely a capitalist gone mad, the capitalist is a rational miser. The irony of communist failures is demonstrated when leaders such as Stalin enact policies that lead to mass starvation and then regularly spend three months at a summer Black Sea resort (one of Stalins six dachas). In the eyes of socialists/communists like Fromm such greed and lack of compassion must be reactionary capitalism, when people may just be acting according to their natural hearts. A full reading of Fromms Afterword shows that he does write about human nature and argues that the total social control of individuals, as described in 1984 and other dystopias, makes necessary the total destruction of human nature. By the way, reading the whole Afterword makes Parkers connection to the loss of liberty even clearer. In summary, Enlightenment philosophy puts man as the center of all things and the Marxist ideology centers the system of governance and economics. Any morality based on Christianity is left out of these philosophies. Any system that does not take into account the natural heart will be doomed to failure. Transformation of individual human hearts is needed to transform any system; thus, the two-thousand-year source of Western hope is the only hope, not these later day philosophies. Image: Muller-May Is Pete Buttigieg taking more time off, for, who knows? Pride month? What else can one make of an emerging new supply chain crisis, at West Coast ports, that threatens to unleash a new round of shortages and price hikes to the public with no Pete in sight? According to The Hill: Ships are piling up in some West Coast ports, and commercial shipping prices are spiking amid a labor fight between port operators and workers, threatening to trigger a new round of supply chain disruptions that could lead to shortages or higher prices. The fight is sparking concerns among lawmakers who worry surging container prices could ripple through the economy and hit all sorts of consumer goods in a repeat of supply chain problems following pandemic shutdowns. Val Hoyle The shippers I know are afraid of what might happen if we shut down our ports, said Rep.(D-Ore.), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. People are concerned. Data from logistics platform Go Comet shows median delay times trending upward this week in several key West Coast ports, including Los Angeles, Seattle and Long Beach, Calif. Wait times at the port of Seattle are now more than a week. Didn't he tell us after the last one that he had it all under control? Back in 2021, he touted meetings with "stakeholders," got his hands on billions in new infrastructure spending, appointed a ports czar? Remember this? Here was his first ports czar, appointed in August 2021, shortly after he got back from his lengthy paternity leave as the first supply chain crisis raged: WASHINGTON Today, the White House and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that John D. Porcari will be the Port Envoy to the Biden-Harris Administration Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force. Envoy Porcari will work closely with Secretary Buttigieg and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as well as the National Economic Council to address congestion at U.S. ports. Disruptions in global shipping and rapid shifts in demand have led the cost of shipping containers between China and the West Coast to grow more than 90% compared to 2019. Containerized cargo volumes rose 40% in the first half of this year compared to the same time last year at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which together handle the largest share of containerized cargo moving through U.S. ports. Envoy Porcari will work with stakeholder and others at the ports to address the backlog and associated delivery delays and product shortages being experienced by American consumers and businesses. The Biden-Harris Administration is using a whole-of-government approach to work with labor and industry leadership to identify, reduce and eliminate maritime supply chain issues, said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Envoy Porcaris leadership in both the public and private infrastructure sectors make him uniquely qualified to work with stakeholders and federal agencies to address supply chain disruptions. Well gee, all hunky dory, right? He announced he'd hold a meeting with supply chain "stakeholders," -- business leaders, transport executives, labor -- where they would all put their heads together and solve the problem. Didn't happen. Then he got another one. Here's his own Department of Transportation announcement from August 2022: "The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to bring together companies from across the supply chain in this first-of-its-kind initiative to share information and help move goods more quickly and cheaply," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "To keep supply chains moving and prices down, we must invest not only in our physical infrastructure but also our digital infrastructure, and FLOW is an important part of that effort." The start of data sharing between industry and USDOT is an important milestone for FLOW. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with industry to develop this tool to enable industry to make more informed decisions that will improve the movement of goods along our supply chain, said Supply Chain Envoy Gen. Stephen Lyons. Currently, the lack of transparency across supply chain networks makes our supply chain brittle and unable to adapt when faced with an anomaly. Through the FLOW pilot, USDOT is serving as an independent steward of supply chain data across a largely privately-operated enterprise that spans shipping lines, ports, terminal operators, truckers, railroads, warehouses, and beneficial cargo owners. By providing a shared view of the national logistics system, including both supply and demand assets, participants can better understand supply chain capacity nationally. He was all praise for the czars, appointed to do his job he somehow couldn't do. Envoy John Porcari has done a tremendous job addressing challenges at every stage of the supply chain, and goods have moved more quickly and affordably because of his actions, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. Global supply chains will remain fragile as long as the pandemic continues to disrupt ports and factories around the world, and a lot of work remains to reduce shipping delays and costs for American families. We are grateful that General [Stephen] Lyons, formerly commander of the U.S. Transportation Command will now take on the role of Ports and Supply Chain Envoy, working across every level of government, labor, and industry to strengthen Americas supply chains. Since last year, the Biden-Harris Administrations Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force has reached out and engaged with the countrys ports and private companies to address supply chain bottlenecks to build a more resilient, globally competitive good movement system. Well, obviously something went wrong, since Buttigieg appointed the second czar, now we've got another supply chain crisis, and unlike the first one, the COVID pandemic can't be blamed for the same old supply chain problem. Maybe that was because instead of solving the supply chain problem, which we don't recall happened on any other transportation secretary's watch, he busied himself himself by getting out there to tell everyone what a good job he was doing Here's what he told Margaret Brennan at Face The Nation last October: MARGARET BRENNAN: Okay. And I'll keep asking about it. I want to ask you about infrastructure. So, you started doling out some of the sort of allocations here that was part of that more than $1 trillion infrastructure law. You've got $120 billion that you personally, I guess, at the department have discretion over in awarding some of these projects. Where do you prioritize it? Because we've had a number of mayors on this program talk about their frustration that the money's not getting to them, that they know it's been promised, they've spoken to the White House, but it's not getting to Miami, Florida and Jackson, Mississippi? SECRETARY BUTTIGIEG: Well, look, we've got a lot of discretionary grant programs to run over the course of the next five years. And a lot of applications come in, we say yes to as many as we can. And I can tell you, we're supporting infrastructure improvement right now in every state in the union. Now, even now, even with this wonderful funding, we won't be able to say yes to every single project that every local community wants to do, but we can do more than we've ever done before. And I've been one of those mayors, right? I've been a mayor knocking on the door of the DOT, trying to get funding, and back then, we only had a sliver to work with of what we do now. It is amazing what we've been able to see as I've traveled the country with- with good news on everything, from port improvements that will help with our supply chain to fixing bridges that are so deteriorated the school buses and ambulances can't use them because there's a weight limit, to in the Inland Empire in Fontana, California kids walking having to compete with traffic basically along the highway just to walk with school. We're going to fix that. We're getting so many things done, but it's not going to be overnight. Of course it's not. That's part of how it works with infrastructure. He also traveled to get that messaging out, taking the private and government jets on trips to places around the country, such as Memphis, announcing "airport investment" last November to improve holiday shipping. All that cash splashed, all those czars, and somehow, he's still got a supply chain crisis. There have even been paperwork reporting requirements added. This one is supposedly over a labor dispute. You know, with Big Labor, which donates so much to Democrats, and which Democrats say they're best at dealing with. Way to go, Pete. A Google search of news headlines reveals what Mayor Pete's been up to in the first ten days of this month: That doesn't sound much like supply chains. I didn't see any headlines to that effect all. It's Pete living his best life, doing a little travel and public relations, glad-handing, and giving us his opinion about issues that have nothing to do with supply chains. He doesn't actually seem to be working. Now that there's a new supply chain crisis on, what's his excuse this time? Image: Screen shot from Daily Show YouTube video. COLOMBO, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's government has relaxed import restrictions on over 300 items, including electronic equipment, sanitary ware and food items. This new policy came into effect on Friday, following a gazette notification issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies. The Sri Lankan government restricted the import of 1,465 items in August 2022 but lifted restrictions on over 800 of those items on several separate occasions. Official data show that Sri Lanka's total import expenditure in 2022 amounted to over 18 billion U.S. dollars, recording a decline of 11.4 percent from 2021. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said this resulted from measures to restrict non-urgent imports, with liquidity constraints prevailing in the market for most of 2022. State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said the decision to further ease import restrictions has come directly as a result of improved availability of U.S. dollars. I recently pointed out on American Thinker that Matt Walsh, after his huge Twitter triumph last weekend, immediately published two controversial posts claiming aliens are real on his Facebook page. Walshs readers are reacting: as of this writing, the first post has 1.3K comments and the second 4.9K. Knowing that Sundance at Conservative Treehouse has long spoken of Twitter as a tool of the deep state, I visited that site to see it if was covering the alien UFO issue. Sure enough, it was, but in a form I did not expect: a feature on Tucker Carlsons new show on Twitter, which debuted the same day Walsh posted his views on UFOs on Facebook. (The alien connection wasnt mentioned by Sundance but noticed by his readers in the comments.) In his monologue about the latest news in Ukraine, Carlson mentioned (starting at 6:50) the same UFO story that prompted Matt Walshs post: In journalism, curiosity is the greatest crime. Yesterday, for example, a former Air Force officer who worked for military intelligence came forward as a whistle blower to reveal that the US government has physical evidence of crashed non-human made aircraft and the bodies of the pilots who flew those aircrafts. The Pentagon has spent decades studying these other-worldly remains to build more technologically advanced weapons systems. OK thats what the former military office revealed, and it was clear that he was telling the truth. In other words, UFOs are actually real and apparently so is extraterrestrial life. Now we know. Carlson went on to say the major news outlets like the New York Times or Washington Post arent reporting this development, proof of how corrupt the media is. That only truth-tellers like him are willing to tell us things like this, is the implication truth the powers-that-be dont want us to know. Carlson did not present evidence to support his claim that UFOs are real other than the say-so of this intelligence officer turned whistle-blower and the assurance that this intelligence officer has turned over extensive classified information about deeply covert programs (in the words of the article in the Debrief Carlson referenced). Other intelligence officers provided similar, corroborating information, the article said. Also on Tuesday, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. used his Twitter account to tout the same Debrief article on UFOs touted by Walsh and Carlson (H/T Jeff Childers). Kennedy is as of late another narrative-busting hero truth-teller for some conservatives. See, for example, his March speech on the pandemic at a Hillsdale College conference on Big Pharma: Kennedy likens his conservative audience to the 33% of participants who refused to obey orders in the infamous Milgram experiment (starting at 56:40). Kennedy introduced his link to the UFO story as another conspiracy theory that turned out to be true. He defended the whistle-blower as a highly decorated intelligence agency official and (like Walsh) chided his followers who have any doubts: Conspiracy theory is a lazy response that refuses to look at the information on its own merits. Read the article I linked to. In his speech at Hillsdale (at 53:30), Kennedy says his family has been in a 60-year fistfight with the CIA. So, where does his new-found respect for the testimony of intelligence agency officials come from? In any case, like Carlson, Kennedy likened the attempt to suppress the UFO story to all the other so-called conspiracy theories that we (conservatives at least) now know to be true. By the way, in Tuesdays edition of Coffee and Covid, Jeff Childers mentions a number of sound reasons to be skeptical about the UFO whistleblower story, and I encourage everyone to read and consider his thoughts. Now maybe all this talk about aliens and UFOs is true, and Matt Walsh, Tucker Carlson, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. are performing an important public service. Or maybe the three are revealing the hard truth about aliens on the same day is all just a weird coincidence. But perhaps there is a more disturbing explanation. There is one constituency in the US that has not believed the accepted narratives of the last three years about COVID, the 2020 election, J6, the Ukraine war, and many other controversies. This is a problem that the powers-that-be will need to address if they want to rule without dissent. This same constituency also happens to believe that when people like Carlson and Walsh (and now Kennedy) say something, its likely to be true, and likely to be something the powers-that-be are trying to conceal from them. If those powers are going to get this large, skeptical constituency to believe the next narrativeperhaps about UFOsit will have to be through media influencers like Carlson, Walsh, and Kennedy. So, when Elon Musk tweets that it would be great to have shows from all parts of the political spectrum on this platform, is it because he wants all viewpoints to be heard or so that everyone can be propagandized in one convenient and easily controlled location? That is the question. For the record, Musk himself has come out publicly against the existence of aliens and UFOs (in an interview with Tucker Carlson). My final example of conservatives hard-selling the UFO story this last week is from Gateway Pundit, a website that has fought long and hard (to the point of being sued) to present a counter-narrative to what the public has been told about the 2020 election and J6. On Sunday, June 4, before the Debrief article on UFOs was even published, Gateway Pundit ran an article by guest contributor Shawn Bradley Witzemann titled, As the Official Search for ET Accelerates, Scientists say Disclosure is Happening Now. He wrote that former CIA Officer John Ramirez believes we are in an era of soft disclosure [of the truth about aliens] ahead of what he describes as a plan for controlled dissemination that will intensify significantly in 2027. On Thursday, June 8, Gateway Pundit ran another article written by the same author, and the title tells you about all you need to know: UFO Crashes in Las Vegas: Police Bodycam Captures Mysterious Event as Residents Report Encounter with Non-Human Beings (VIDEO). This article contained a link to an interview with the intelligence officer featured in the article in Debrief and one of the commenters left a helpful link to the testimony of a man claiming to be a former US intelligence operative who worked as a Man in Black (and whose colleagues included aliens). Who is Shawn Bradley Witzemann, the author of these articles? A J6er, which for conservatives makes him a sympathetic figure indeed. (See also here.) (Update: Witzemann has just retweeted approvingly a Twitter thread suggesting the Las Vegas citing was a hoax.) I do not mean to call into question the integrity of any of the individuals mentioned above. In fact, I believe we owe each of them a debt of gratitude and, if there is anything to what Im suggesting, they are almost certainly acting unwittingly. But somehow the old proverb (spoken by Goldfinger to James Bond) comes to mind: Mr. Bond, they have an old saying in Chicago: Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time its enemy action. Or at least something to ponder and a wakeup call for us conservatives to be more cautious about swallowing up tales of the unknown than some of our heroes seem to be. Those conservatives rightly outraged at the Trump indictment keep comparing his treatment to that given to Hillary, Biden, and Pence, each of whom admitted to violating national security laws. Thats the wrong argument because Trump is not similarly situated to those lawbreakers. Instead, because he was president when he took possession of the documents, Trump cannot be guilty of the crimes with which hes charged. It starts with the Constitution, which created three equal branches of government: The legislative branch (Art. I), the executive (presidential) branch (Art. II), and the judiciary (Art. III). As part of his authority as the nations chief executive, the Art II president is also commander-in-chief of the military. Image by Andrea Widburg There are three analytical strands at work here. First, as Conservative Tree House explains, the Espionage Act of 1917, which is the basis for the charges against Trump, was enacted long before the document classification scheme began in 1951. CTH notes that isnt arguing that the documents were classified; its arguing that the documents in Trumps possession are vital to the defense security of the United States. Mark Wauck sums up the problem: CTH is absolutely correct that the Trump situation is NOT what the Espionage Act purports to be about. The use of the Espionage Act has regularly been prone to abuse, and it has always had its critics because of the very broad and vague language, such as relating to. Hopefully Trumps lawyers will attack from this angle in pre-trial motions. Second, the real issue in the indictment is whether Trump correctly handled documents under the Presidential Records Act, which is not a criminal violation (h/t Mark Wauck): Indictment confirms Garland's indictment of Trump is political: 1. Presidential Records Act, not Espionage Act, controls former president's handling of his presidential records 2. Generally, legally impossible to obstruct investigation into non-crime, per binding 2019 OLC memo Mike Davis (@mrddmia) June 9, 2023 Those are great arguments, but let me give both more heft with the third point, which applies whether the Espionage Act or the Presidential Records Act is at issue: A presidents power whether or not to treat documents as essential to national security supersedes anything either Congress or his own employees in the administrative state can do. Normally, of course, the president is subject to the duly passed laws of the United States Congress. However, regarding national security, the president cannot be subject to Congress. He has plenary, or absolute, power in that area. The presidents authority over national security matters has been recognized at least since the end of WWII, when, as the court explained in National Federation of Employees v. United States, 688 F.Supp. 671 (D.D.C. 1988), Truman exercised that authority to classify documents: Long before nuclear weapons, satellites, and orbiting laser defense systems, the President, pursuant to his Article II powers, undertook to defend national security by limiting access to and disclosure of sensitive information. See National Security and Civil Liberties, [citation]. After World War II, President Truman laid the foundation for the current system of classifying information possessed by the Executive Branch. [Citation.] In other words, national security and the classification system are the presidents bailiwick, and Congress, as a co-equal branch of government, cannot constrain that authority. In Cafeteria Workers v. McElroy, 367 U.S. 886 (1961) (holding that a naval security officer could act immediately upon the Executive branchs plenary national security power to remove an employee), the Court concluded that, when a branch of government has plenary power, even most due process requirements must fall before it, especially when national security is involved: As these and other cases make clear, consideration of what procedures due process may require under any given set of circumstances must begin with a determination of the precise nature of the government function involved, as well as of the private interest that has been affected by governmental action. Where it has been possible to characterize that private interestas a mere privilege subject to the Executive's plenary power, it has traditionally been held that notice and hearing are not constitutionally required. Lastly, in Department of the Navy v. Egan, 484 U.S. 518 (1988), the Court determined that a legislatively established Merit Systems Protection Board lacked authority to review an employees removal on national security grounds, because national security questions are solely the presidents prerogative, and cannot be subject to congressional limitations: The President, after all, is the "Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States." U.S.Const., Art. II, 2. His authority to classify and control access to information bearing on national security and to determine whether an individual is sufficiently trustworthy to occupy a position in the Executive Branch that will give that person access to such information flows primarily from this constitutional investment of power in the President, and exists quite apart from any explicit congressional grant. The president is the ultimate authority on national security. Congress cannot decide for him what is classified and what isnt nor can Congress or executive branch employees decide whether he made reasonable national security decisions. Likewise, people who work for agencies such as the National Archives, which started the fuss, cannot claim that laws or regulations override their bosss plenary constitutional power. Once Trump took those documents from the White House while still president, he effectively and finally determined that they did not implicate national security. In this, Trumps situation differs greatly from that of Hillary Clintons, Joe Bidens, and Mike Pences. All have admitted to violating congressional national security laws, and none had the authority to do so. Comparing them to Trump is not an apples-to-apples comparison showing the same law unequally applied. It is a felon-to-innocent man comparison, with Clinton, Biden, and Pence deserving lifetime lock-up and Trump being free from all charges of wrongdoing. A club that lets everybody in isnt a club. The UN lost any claim to being an international forum for democracy when the U.S. agreed to admit Stalins Soviet Union. The tossing of Taiwan for communist China was the death knell. Today, it uses the financial and political power of its committees to denounce democratic Israel. Freedom House reports that South Sudan, Syria, Eritrea, North Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Belarus, Somalia, China, Myanmar, and Yemen occupy the bottom rungs of the free countries ladder. The greatest one-year declines in freedom were registered in Burkina Faso, Ukraine, Tunisia, Guinea, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Hungary, Mali, and Russia. Eritrea and North Korea are at the top of the list of countries with slaves, according to the Global Slavery Index. Theyre all in the UN, with two on the Security Council. Afghanistan is on the UN Commission on the Rights of Women. The UN Watch Database indicates that from 2006 - 2022, the UN Human Rights Council adopted 99 resolutions against Israel, 41 against Syria, 13 against Iran, four against Russia, and three against Venezuela. In the 2022 General Assembly there were exactly zero expressions of concern about Venezuela, Lebanon, Pakistan, Algeria, Turkey, China, Qatar, Iraq, or Saudi Arabia. There was one vote each against North Korea, Myanmar, Syria, Iran, and the U.S. (we were condemned for the embargo on Cuba -- 185 yes, 2 no, 2 abstain). Because, why not? Such statements make small, nasty, and ineffectual countries feel important. They have no force of law -- although they do affect UN spending -- and there is, clearly no price for voting against Israel or the U.S. even by countries that have decent bilateral relations and that accept aid from both. Thus far in 2023, Iran executed at least 192 people, including eight women, according to Human Rights Watch. Nevertheless, Iran was elected in May as chair of the UN Human Rights Council Social Forum. And this month, it was elected as one of five vice-presidents of 78th UN General Assembly Meeting as well as rapporteur of the UNGA Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Committee and a member of the committee's presiding board. Because, why not? The World Health Organization (WHO) is an arm of the UN, following the UN script. The mission of WHO is the is attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. After years of Chinese influence peddling in the organization and years of obfuscation by Beijing over COVID virus origins, at the end of May, Chinas sometimes-partner North Korea was elected to the Board of the WHO in a term that lasts until 2026. North Korea joins Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen among others on a board that will determine the organization's agenda and policy prescriptions, and how to spend the organizations $2.1 billion annual budget, about $700 million of which comes from the U.S. Right on cue, according to UN Watch, The 76th World Health Assembly held a special debate on May 24 to single out Israel, which was condemned by Iran, Syria, North Korea, Russia, Venezuela and Cuba for allegedly violating the health rights of Palestinians and the Druze population in the Golan Heights. How is WHO managing the health rights of Syrians affected by chemical attack or Uyghurs in Chinese prison camps or Afghan women or Sudanese, Tigrayans, Ethiopians, or Nigerians affected by civil wars or militia attacks? And how bad off are the Palestinians? In terms of life expectancy, at 74.5 years, they are above the world average of 71 years. On a graph, from 1960-65, prior to Israels acquisition of the West Bank and Gaza territories, the UN estimated Palestinian life expectancy at 48.7 years for both. It was 68 years In 1990. In 2010, it was 70.9 years in the West Bank and 69.9 in Gaza. (Note that women in all cases live longer on average than men.) Regarding infant mortality rates in the West Bank and Gaza, in 1975, it was 72.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2002, it was 23.9. In 2021, 12.8 per 1,000 live births. (Gaza infant mortality has inched up since Israels departure from the Strip.] When countries with no obligations -- financial, moral or other -- get together to denounce countries on a different and better trajectory, the United States should reconsider its financial and political support. Proportionate responsibility for determining the spending of proportionate contributions should be a minimal American criterion for remaining in a universal club with no rules. Shoshana Bryen is Senior Director of The Jewish Policy Center and Editor of inFOCUS Quarterly. Image: WHO Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed that the future of his company revolves around generative AI. He added every single one of Meta products will come with generative AI, including Messenger and WhatsApp. Many companies are trying to incorporate AI into their products and services following the hype after the ChatGPT launch. Some online services have successfully added AI-driven features, with more yet to come. Some Big Tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft also have established plans for AI. But what about Meta? Zuckerberg answered this question in a company-wide all-hands meeting this week. The outlet reports that Zuckerberg has laid out his AI vision for the employees and the company, arguing that generative AI will be incorporated into every single one of our products. Generative AI is coming to all Meta products Zuckerberg briefed employees about the AI features that will come to the companys products. Some will be used internally, but most of them will launch to the customers. The first in-works AI feature is a photo editing tool for Instagram that allows users to edit their photo with a text prompt and share it on Instagram. Another feature would be an AI agent for Messenger and WhatsApp. The agent reportedly has 30 different personalities to help and entertain users. It remains to be seen whether the feature comes with Instagram. Earlier this week, app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi spotted an AI chatbot on Instagram thats capable of answering questions and helping users. Advertisement Moreover, Metas internal AI initiatives are a July hackathon focused on generative AI, publishing research, and sharing AI technologies with the open-source community. In a statement to Axios, Meta CEO noted that In the last year, weve seen some really incredible breakthroughs qualitative breakthroughs on generative AI, and that gives us the opportunity to now go take that technology, push it forward, and build it into every single one of our products. Despite efforts to put generative AI at the heart of every Meta product, the company stays committed to its Metaverse project. For Meta, generative AI will complement and strengthen the Metaverse plans. Its no secret that the launch of generative AI models like ChatGPT and Google Bard has ushered in a new era of AI-generated content, which, in hindsight, is almost indistinguishable from its human-written counterpart. Now, in an effort to address this issue, the European Union (EU) has asked big tech, including Google and Facebook, to label content and images generated by AI. The EUs concerns stem from the ongoing Russian AI-generated misinformation campaigns in Eastern Europe, which aim to spread fake information about Russias invasion of Ukraine with the hope of influencing public opinion. And although the current version of the Code does not require the identification and labelling of deep fakes, Vera Jourova, the EUs commissioner for values and transparency, highlighted the risks and negative consequences associated with the creation and dissemination of misinformation. Furthermore, Jourova proposed two possible approaches for integrating measures for AI-generated content into the Code. The first approach involves companies like Google and Microsoft implementing measures to prevent bad actors from using their services to spread misinformation. The second approach focuses on EU countries collaborating with platforms capable of disseminating AI-generated misinformation and developing tools to identify and clearly label such content for users. I said many times that we have the main task to protect freedom of speech. But when it comes to AI production, I dont see any right for the machines to have freedom of speech. And thats why we want to work further on that also under the Code of Practice based on this very fundamental idea, said Vera Jourova. Advertisement Twitter is on the verge of substantial penalties During the same meeting, the EU also issued a warning to Twitter for recently withdrawing from the EUs voluntary code of practice, putting itself at risk of substantial penalties. Currently, the penalties could amount to up to 6% of the companys global revenue, potentially resulting in a 145 million fine. Moreover, the company could face a complete ban in the EU if it fails to operate within the desired framework. Twitter has chosen the hard way. They chose confrontation. I know the code is voluntary but make no mistake, by leaving the code, Twitter has attracted a lot of attention, and its actions and compliance with EU law will be scrutinised vigorously and urgently, said Jourova. (ANSA) - ROME, JUN 10 - Pope Francis will remain in Rome's Gemelli hospital "'probably for the whole of next week" after undergoing abdominal surgery on Wednesday to fix a hernia caused by a 2021 operation, surgeon Sergio Alfieri said on Saturday. "We have asked the Pope to spend part of his convalescence in hospital," Alfieri told reporters. "It is a decision made out of prudence and in order to facilitate recovery, but everything is going well. "We gave the pope medical advice and he made the decision". The doctor, who also performed colon surgery on Francis two years ago, said that, while the Argentine pontiff's medical parameters are "regular", he should make only "minimal efforts". As a result he said Francis had been asked not to give his regular Sunday Angelus address to the faithful from the window of his hospital room. Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said the pope would recite the Angelus prayer "in private" in his hospital room, adding that "those who wish to join him spiritually in prayer will be able to do so" While the pope's engagements up to June 18 have been suspended, Bruni said that those after that date are confirmed for the time being. (ANSA). Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 10) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed a new country director for the Philippines. Pavit Ramachandran assumed his new role on Friday, succeeding Kelly Bird, who is now an advisor for ADB's East Asia department, the regional bank said. Ramachandran served as country director for Mongolia prior to the appointment but worked on Philippine projects from 2009 to 2014. He will oversee the implementation of the ADBs current country partnership strategy (CPS) which involves $4 billion worth of sovereign loans identified for the Philippines this year. These include loans for the Marcos administration's priority infrastructure projects, such as the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project and the BataanCavite Interlink Bridge Project, the bank said. Ramachandran will also lead the preparation of the CPS covering 20242029. In a statement, the new country director said he looks forward to further solidifying the ADBs unique and enduring partnership with the Philippines, and finding solutions to the nation's development needs. "My immediate priority is to ensure we deliver on our commitments to help the country address its poverty, climate change, and infrastructure development challenges," he said. More than 100 people on Saturday attended a drag queen story hour event described as totally inappropriate by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross. Drag queen Miss Lossie Mouth appeared at the childrens story hour event organised by Moray Council at Elgin Library in Mr Rosss Moray constituency. Miss Lossie Mouth, who is also known as local teacher John Campbell, released a statement via social media on Saturday saying he had received death threats and had been told to commit suicide, after some on social media, including Mr Ross, called the event inappropriate for children. The performer, who is known for wearing a distinctive colourful rainbow foam wig, said he had woken up with trepidation and arrived at the library for 8am in case of protesters, but said none turned up. The statement continued: We had over 100 families all wanting to hear about Zee Zee the zebra, And Tango Makes Three and Unicom NOT wanted! Disney songs were sung and we danced and laughed and young people asked me about my hair and dress. My heart could burst with pride. Thank you Elgin. The hatred is keyboard warriors, inciting hatred for the sake of it hidden behind anonymous profiles and believing in conspiracies and inciting hatred through damaging rhetoric. Its totally inappropriate to hold a show like this for kids under the age of six. Story time for babies and young kids shouldnt focus on gender or sexual identity. That is common sense and on behalf of constituents whove contacted me, Ive raised this with the council. https://t.co/nzoy9v4A4P Douglas Ross MP MSP (@Douglas4Moray) June 6, 2023 Miss Lossie Mouth accused Mr Ross of feeding into conspiracy theories and moral panic, adding: To the haters; you havent won. To those who attended thank you so much for coming out and supporting something that created so much joy this morning. On Tuesday Mr Ross tweeted: Its totally inappropriate to hold a show like this for kids under the age of six. Story time for babies and young kids shouldnt focus on gender or sexual identity. That is common sense and on behalf of constituents whove contacted me, Ive raised this with the council. Over 100 people turned up at the Drag Story Time with Miss Lossie Mouth. The busiest its ever been. The Moray community responded to Douglas Rosss bigoted comment with love, empathy, and care for one another. But at the end of the day, its just kids enjoying stories pic.twitter.com/QqkjdrWf7h Cllr Jeremie Fernandes (@jeremieSNP) June 10, 2023 SNP councillor Jeremie Fernandes, who represents the Elgin City North ward on Moray Council, tweeted: Over 100 people turned up at the Drag Story Time with Miss Lossie Mouth. The busiest its ever been. The Moray community responded to Douglas Rosss bigoted comment with love, empathy, and care for one another. But at the end of the day, its just kids enjoying stories. Earlier this week, the Scottish Greens accused Mr Ross of resorting to a cynical culture war. MSP Maggie Chapman said: Douglas Ross is showing his true colours. Hes cast himself as a pantomime villain with his preposterous and narrow-minded attacks on a simple and innocent community event. Why would anyone want to stop children from learning about the joys of reading and books? Or about the diversity of our families and communities? Is Douglas Ross desperately scraping the barrel for more cynical culture war nonsense? Oh yes he is. Mr Ross told the PA news agency he strongly condemned all threats made towards Miss Lossie Mouth. He said: I strongly condemn any and all threats made towards Mr Naples-Campbell. When I made my feelings known about this event, I was doing so on behalf of many constituents in Moray who had made their concerns known to me. I remain of the opinion that the event was not appropriate for babies and children under six and from the messages Ive received, this view was shared by many people in my constituency and across Scotland. Debate can only be improved on these matters if there is an acceptance of differing views and opinions. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of GBH with intent over a violent assault on two teenage boys and an adult at Blundells School in Tiverton on Friday. The boy will appear at Exeter Magistrates Court on Monday morning following the incident at the private school, Devon and Cornwall Police said. The boys, who are both students at the school, remain in hospital with one in a critical condition and the other described as being in a serious but stable condition. The man, a staff member at the school, was injured but discharged from hospital on Friday, the force said. UPDATE: Officers have formally charged a 16-year-old boy in connection with three violent assaults, which are alleged to have taken place at Blundells School in #Tiverton on Friday 9 June. More here: https://t.co/xK0c5md0HJ pic.twitter.com/xCsnR3Buai Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) June 10, 2023 A police scene guard will remain in place at the school until the end of Saturday, the force added. Superintendent Toby Davies said: Our thoughts remain with the injured boys and their families in what must be a harrowing time for them. My officers are continuing to support them and the wider school community. We continue to fully investigate this incident and a scene guard remains in place at the school and is expected to remain there for the rest of the day. In the meantime, we need to remind the public of the law surrounding this matter. Any suspect under the age of 18 is, by law, not allowed to be identified. These rules are not solely for media organisations to adhere to; they also apply to members of the public and includes information posted via social media. This may be seen as interfering with a live investigation and an active criminal trial, and therefore could see those who do not adhere found in contempt of court. We therefore remind the public that it is vital that they do not speculate on the identity of either the victims or the suspect in this case. Headteacher Bart Wielenga sent a letter to parents and guardians about the incident, which happened at one of the boarding houses, on Friday. He said that the school is working closely with the police as they follow their procedures. Mr Wielenga urged parents and guardians not to engage in speculation or post about the incident on social media. A British girl who was one of four children stabbed in a knife attack in the French Alps while on holiday will be able to leave hospital soon, prosecutors have said. Preliminary attempted murder charges were handed to a 31-year-old Syrian refugee after the children, aged between 22 months and three years, and two elderly adults were attacked at a lakeside park in Annecy, south-east France, on Thursday. The British girl, named locally as Ettie, three, who had been visiting the area with her parents, will be able to leave a hospital in Grenoble within days, officials said on Saturday. Flowers near the scene at a lakeside park in in Annecy, France, following a knife attack (Peter Byrne/PA) According to details from French prosecutors, the British girl suffered a single stab wound but her condition was never vital. It came after French President Emmanuel Macron met the girl in hospital on Friday, saying afterwards that she was awake and watching television. The suspect, whose name has not been officially released, has been remanded in custody pending further investigation. Lead prosecutor, Line Bonnet-Mathis, said at a press conference the man was presented to investigating judges in a court on Saturday, where he heard the charges. In a translated statement, she said: The prosecution service of Annecy immediately opened a case and the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police have also been involved. The assailant at 9.47am was put into custody. The prosecution service of Annecy opened a judicial case for attempted murder. The prosecution service put the assailant in provisional custody. And this afternoon he was going to be taken to court and he will appear before the judge. She said the motive for the attack is still unclear. The suspect was earlier moved from a police station in Annecy, a short walk from where the incident took place. Ms Bonnet-Mathis said the victims are no longer in a life-threatening condition. Mr Macron and his wife, Brigitte, visited the British child and other victims in hospital on Friday before travelling to the lakeside town where the attack took place. French President Emmanuel Macron meets Henri, second right, the 24-year-old backpack hero (Denis Balibouse/Pool via AP) He also shook hands with a man who appeared to chase the knifeman around the park. Henri, 24, who is travelling across the country visiting various cathedrals, was labelled a hero in France after the video was shared on social media. Mr Macron said: Attacking children is the most barbarous of acts and I think that is what has shocked us. He told Henri: You experienced very hard moments, traumatising. I am very proud of you. Witnesses said the knifeman shouted in the name of Jesus Christ as he launched the attack, including stabbing a child in a pushchair repeatedly as bystanders screamed for help. Hundreds of tearful wellwishers continued to visit the park on Saturday, where a sea of flowers, teddy-bears and written messages were laid. A car dealer who clocked 2,750,000 miles from 32 second-hand vehicles he sold on to garages has been jailed for 45 months. Ashley Wilson, of Longfield Avenue, Fareham, Hampshire, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court after being convicted of fraud and gaining 445,957 from the sale of the cars. The 27-year-old was brought to court following an investigation by Hampshire County Council trading standards officers. He was also sentenced to a further 12 months for breaching a previous suspended sentence. A spokesman for the local authority said: Ashley Wilson was convicted on charges relating to reducing displayed mileages on 32 vehicles, commonly known as car clocking, totalling 2,750,000 miles. He was also found to have falsified car service histories to hide the significant reduction in mileage. In total 33 vehicles were fraudulently sold to legitimate car dealers across the country through several online dealer trading platforms. The defendant sold the cars for a combined total of 445,957.80. Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, the councils cabinet member with responsibility for trading standards, said: This is a great result for consumers who have been protected by Hampshire Trading Standards from the illegal activities of an individual who contrived to sell on second-hand cars dishonestly through legitimate traders. Car clocking is a serious criminal activity that can affect anyone who buys a used vehicle in the second-hand market, and result in people paying more than the market price as well as risking further unexpected repair costs because the car has more miles on the clock than advertised. Our advice is to always make a few precautionary checks, no matter who you buy a used car from, to reduce the chances of buying a vehicle thats being sold illegally, or under false pretences. This could include using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agencys free online vehicle checker, viewing the cars MOT history via GOV.UK, or even paying for an independent report on the condition of the car. Any of these steps can reveal problems before you commit to making a purchase. The Illegal Migration Bill breaches a number of the UKs human rights obligations, MPs and peers have warned ministers. Most asylum seekers arriving in the UK after the flagship legislation has been passed would have their claim declared inadmissible, according to a report published by Parliaments Joint Committee on Human Rights. Chairwoman Joanna Cherry MP said children were affected by every aspect of what Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has dubbed the Stop The Boats Bill and vulnerable groups, including victims of trafficking and modern slavery, would be disproportionately impacted. She said the knock-on impact could be that the number of people being trafficked increases because of the Governments proposals. The Joint Committee is urging ministers to make changes so as not to breach Britains legal obligations to those fleeing persecution and conflict. The Illegal Migration Bill, which Mr Sunak has said is a key part of his pledge to stop small boats of migrants from crossing the English Channel, has been passed by the Commons but continues to meet fierce criticism in the Lords, including from Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. The Bill aims to ensure those who arrive in the UK without permission will be detained and promptly deported, either to their home country or a third country such as Rwanda. The committees findings are published in its report, Legislative Scrutiny: Illegal Migration Bill, published on Sunday. It includes an annex containing suggestions for how the draft law could be amended. The MPs and peers state in the 152-page report: We conclude that this Bill breaches a number of the UKs international human rights obligations and risks breaching others. The Home Secretary herself has been unable to certify that the Bill is compatible with Convention rights. We therefore urge the Government to consider our conclusions and recommendations in order to address the human rights incompatibilities within this Bill. Home Secretary Suella Braverman visited Rwanda to see where asylum seekers coming to the UK could be sent (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Home Secretary Suella Braverman has admitted the legislation has more than a 50% chance of being incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In a letter to MPs and peers sent in March, Mrs Braverman said she was compelled to make the statement under the Human Rights Act, which enshrined the convention in the UK. Ms Cherry said: When she introduced this Bill to Parliament, the Home Secretary took the unusual step of making a statutory declaration under the Human Rights Act that she was unable to state that the bill was compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. However, she has stated elsewhere that the Bill is compatible with international law. We disagree. Having carried out legislative scrutiny of the Bill it is overwhelmingly clear that it breaches a number of the UKs international human rights obligations including the ECHR and risks breaching others. SNP MP Joanna Cherry urged ministers to make changes to the Illegal Migration Bill (Lesley Martin/PA) Ms Cherry, a qualified barrister, said most people fleeing persecution or conflict currently have no safe and legal way of getting here. She continued: Under the Bill, any refugee or victim of modern slavery who comes to the UK irregularly and indirectly, as most do, will automatically have their asylum claim declared inadmissible. They will also be subject to detention without time limit and removal from the UK irrespective of the merits of their claims. The Bill applies not only to refugees but also to victims of trafficking and slavery. By treating victims of modern slavery as illegal migrants subject to detention and removal, this Bill would breach our legal obligations to such victims and would risk increasing trafficking of vulnerable people. The SNP MP added: The UK has international legal obligations to those fleeing persecution and conflict, victims of modern slavery, and children. The Bill needs to comply with these obligations. The Home Office said excluding children and modern slavery victims from the scope of the Bill could provide incentives to human traffickers. A spokeswoman for the department said: It is not compassionate to allow people to die in the Channel. We cannot allow a system to continue where people are incentivised to make dangerous, illegal and unnecessary journeys to the UK, which is why the Illegal Migration Bill will see people who enter the country swiftly returned home if it is safe or removed to a safe third country. This legislation sends a clear message that the exploitation of people ferried across the Channel must end and it is also right that we protect the most vulnerable by not creating incentives for criminal gangs to target specific groups, including children and modern slavery victims, by excluding these cohorts from the legislation. We remain committed to ensuring the Bill passes through Parliament as soon as possible, so we can stop the boats. Boris Johnson has been accused of being a coward for quitting as an MP before the findings of a cross-party investigation into whether he lied to the Commons has been published. Angela Rayner, Labours deputy leader, said the former prime minister had jumped to avoid facing a potential by-election in his marginal constituency. Mr Johnson dramatically resigned as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip on Friday and took aim at the Commons Privileges Committee in a scathing 1,000-word statement. He said the seven-person panel, which is chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman but has a Conservative majority, was on a witch hunt and argued it was attempting to use its investigation to drive me out of Parliament. The committee has been investigating whether Mr Johnson lied to the Commons when he said that Covid rules were followed in Downing Street following reports that lockdown-busting parties were held during the pandemic. The committee was reportedly preparing to recommend a 10-day suspension from the Commons, a conclusion which would have resulted in a recall petition among his constituents and a potential by-election in his west London constituency if more than 10% voted for one. Ms Rayner said it was tosh for the former Tory leader to suggest the partygate probe was unfair and accused him of running away from a potential by-election test. To me, he is a coward, the senior Opposition MP told BBC Radio 5 Live. He knows that the Privileges Committee has seen through this fiasco and he has jumped. He could have defended himself, he could have gone to his constituents and fought the suspension, and he has decided he is not going to do that because he knows he is in the wrong. Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said it was tosh for the former Tory leader to suggest the partygate probe was unfair (PA) She said Mr Johnson had truly in the most devastating way let voters down who had put their trust in him at the 2019 general election when he secured a landslide victory. At the time when the public needed him the most, he basically was partying and lying to them at a time when they couldnt see their loved ones, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. And that is unforgivable. Will Walden, who previously worked as a spokesman for Mr Johnson, said his former boss had seen the writing on the wall that he could be ousted in a potential by-election triggered by the Privileges Committees sanction. He told Today: By going, as he has, all guns blazing, he is able to avoid defeat, he is able to blame pretty much everyone else, including it seems anyone that voted Remain in 2016. But it is so Boris. He told the committee that if they found against him, he wouldnt respect the outcome and so it has proved, there is no great surprise here. Sir Chris Bryant, the Labour chairman of the Privileges Committee who recused himself from the investigation into Mr Johnson, raised the possibility that further contempt of Parliament charges could be levelled against the former British leader after his narcissistic rant. Ive now read the Johnson statement which is the definition of self-indulgent narcissism. His attacks on Harriet Harman and the committee are disgraceful and constitute a contempt of parliament in themselves. I dont understand why Sunak has yet to condemn them. Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) June 9, 2023 Ms Harmans inquiry is due to meet on Monday to finalise its conclusions and is expected to publish its report promptly. In a statement released by the committee, a spokesman said Mr Johnson had impugned the integrity of the Commons with his attack. Mr Johnson said he was bewildered and appalled at being forced out, anti-democratically by a probe that he claimed had set out from the beginning to find me guilty, regardless of the facts. Speaking to the Today programme, Sir Chris said: They may want to conclude that there has been an additional contempt of Parliament by the way that Boris Johnson has behaved in the last 24 hours and in the attacks on the committee, which are in effect an attack on the whole House. I dont think anybody can now be in any doubt that Boris Johnson holds Parliament in contempt. Boris Johnsons Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat is a top target for Labour (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mr Johnsons resignation means Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces two difficult by-elections, with former culture secretary Nadine Dorries also announcing on Friday that she was departing the Commons immediately, rather than waiting until the next election. Uxbridge and South Ruislip was in Labours top 100 target seats at the next election even before Mr Johnsons resignation and the Liberal Democrats have briefed that they could potentially pull-off an upset in Ms Dorries former Mid Bedfordshire constituency. To win in Mid Bedfordshire, where Labour came second in 2019, the Lib Dems would need a swing of 23% less than the swings they achieved in by-elections held in the likes of Chesham and Amersham, and Tiverton and Honiton in recent years. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has ruled out a pact with Labour to encourage tactical voting to win the two by-elections. Therell be no pacts, no deals. We will fight both by-elections. Voters will make the decision, he told the Today programme. Mr Sunak, who Mr Johnson in his resignation statement suggested was failing to deliver on his 2019 election manifesto, has yet to comment on his predecessors Westminster departure. Mr Johnsons Commons exit came only hours after his resignation honours list was published in which he gave peerages and other awards to close allies. A Syrian refugee accused of stabbing a young British girl and three other children in the French Alps has received preliminary charges of attempted murder. The group of children, aged between 22 months and three years, and two elderly adults, were attacked at a lakeside park in Annecy, south-east France, on Thursday. The suspect is a 31-year-old Syrian refugee with permanent residency in Sweden. His name has not been officially released. Security forces examine the scene (Keystone via AP) He has been remanded in custody pending further investigation. Lead prosecutor, Line Bonnet-Mathis, said at a press conference the man was presented to investigating judges in a court on Saturday, where he heard the charges. In a translated statement, she said: The prosecution service of Annecy immediately opened a case and the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police have also been involved. The assailant at 9.47am was put into custody. The prosecution service of Annecy opened a judicial case for attempted murder. The prosecution service put the assailant in provisional custody. And this afternoon he was going to be taken to court and he will appear before the judge. The suspect was earlier moved from a police station in Annecy, a short walk from where the incident took place. Ms Bonnet-Mathis said the victims are no longer in a life-threatening condition. The UK will provide an extra 16 million of humanitarian aid to Ukraine after a dam collapsed in the south of the country. Flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam near Kherson has directly affected 32,000 people. Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up the dam. The money consists of 10 million for the Red Cross Movement, 5 million for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and 1 million for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders will be given to the war-torn country and are expected to arrive there next week. Funding will support organisations that are helping people affected by the floods with rapid response equipment, shelter and essential supplies, as well as in areas affected by fighting and communities who have been displaced. The money will also help the response to ongoing impacts from flooding including waterborne infectious diseases, loss of livelihoods and risks from landmines. The announcement comes as water levels in Kherson continue to rise, with flooding spreading to other towns along the Dnipro River. Its effects are expected to last for weeks and leave many in need of food, water and basic supplies. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: Flooding from the destruction of Kakhovka dam is having an untold impact on over 32,000 people living in Kherson, and thousands more in the surrounding area. The UK is leading the way in providing support to those desperately in need. Our funding is playing a vital role in helping Ukrainian services and aid organisations evacuate people and get help to those in need. We will continue to stand by Ukraine in dealing with this terrible incident. The money is on top of 220 million of existing humanitarian support which is allowing organisations such as the Ukraine Red Cross to help evacuate civilians affected by the flooding. Alongside this, the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine has already delivered two specialist rescue boats, search and rescue equipment and trauma medicine to Kherson to assist the ongoing rescue operations by the State Emergency Services. The UK has already given Ukraine 1.5 billion in economic and humanitarian support since the war began, the Government said. The money has paid for the delivery of more than 11 million medical items as well as food supplies, ambulances and shelter kits. Earlier this week the Foreign Secretary visited Ukraine to highlight the UKs unwavering support for the country and its recovery. While there he met President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and discussed how best the UK will continue to support Ukraine against Russias aggression. The UK is also set to host the Ukraine Recovery Conference later this month, which will bring governments and industry leaders together to develop a concerted multi-sector plan to help Ukraine to recover from Russias illegal invasion. The Prince of Wales reviewed his troops on horseback on Saturday as at least three soldiers fainted in sweltering London temperatures. Thousands gathered at Horse Guards Parade in St Jamess Park to witness The Colonels Review ahead of Trooping the Colour during the Kings Birthday Parade next week. The ceremony involved hundreds of horses and soldiers carrying out complex battlefield drill manoeuvres to military music. A trombone player in the military band falls to his knees (Jonathan Brady/PA) But with temperatures reaching 28C, the baking heat proved too much for some, and the prince later tweeted his thanks to those who had taken part. At least three soldiers fainted and were taken off on stretchers while two more were helped off the parade ground. One member of the Massed Bands of the Household Division returned to his feet after collapsing and was greeted with a round of applause from the audience. He appeared to attempt to carry on playing his instrument but was swiftly escorted off by medical staff. William acknowledged the difficult conditions in a tweet he personally signed with his initial. He wrote: A big thank you to every solider (sic) who took part in the Colonels Review this morning in the heat. Difficult conditions but you all did a really good job. Thank you. W. James Calford, 18, from Cardiff, who was the youngest soldier in the Welsh Guards to take part, described Trooping the Colour as like being stood in a sauna with a 200kg dumbbell in your left hand. He said the ceremony is a lot harder than it looks on the TV. Once you have got your tunic and bearskin on and carrying your rifle in heat it is incredibly uncomfortable. The Prince of Wales on horseback took the salute (Jonathan Brady/PA) The Colonels Review is the final evaluation of the Household Division before the soldiers and horses parade for the King during Trooping the Colour on June 17 to mark the monarchs official birthday. William inspected his troops on horseback, wearing a bearskin cap and red dress uniform, for the first time as Colonel of the Welsh Guards. His horse, named Darby, was a gift to the late Queen from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and it led the funeral procession for Williams grandmother last year. The Prince of Wales riding Darby (Jonathan Brady/PA) This year, it is the turn of the Welsh Guards the Kings former division to Troop their Colour. Charles was Colonel of the Welsh Guards for 48 years before passing the role to William in 2022. Preparations for the ceremony began even before the Kings coronation, with all seven regiments of the Household Division taking part, including the five regiments of the foot guards Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh and two mounted regiments the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery. New music was performed by the Massed Bands of the Household Division, including a piece by Major Lauren Petriz-Watts, who will become the first female composer to have her music played on a monarchs birthday parade. A member of the military is taken by stretcher from the parade ground (Jonathan Brady/PA) Welsh Guards Second Lieutenant Freddie Hopkisson, 23, said of the June 17 event: This parade will be huge. Its such an honour and were all feeling it. To get to do this key role at such a young age, carrying the Colour and all it represents, is the absolute pinnacle of my life. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the Mall to witness the Kings Birthday Parade. The Trooping the Colour parade traces its origins back to the Middle Ages when each Lord or Baron flew their banner, known as a colour, so their followers could spot them in battle. The annual event has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign for more than 260 years. WASHINGTON Jack Smith, the newly named special counsel in the Trump investigations, most recently served as the chief prosecutor for the special court in The Hague, where he investigated war crimes committed during the Kosovo War. On June 8, NBC News confirmed that Trump was indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with his mishandling of more than 100 classified documents, two sources confirmed to NBC News. Follow along for live updates Here's what to know about Smith: Before The Hague, Smith served as the vice president of litigation for the Hospital Corporation of America, the nations largest nongovernmental health care provider. Smith began his prosecutorial career in 1994 as an assistant district attorney with the New York County District Attorneys Office. In 1999, he became an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, where he worked for nine years prosecuting issues such as gang murders of police officers as well as civil rights violations, according to a bio from the Justice Department. American Prosecutor Jack Smith presides during the presentation of the Kosovar former president Hashim Thaci for the first time before a war crimes court in The Hague on Nov. 9, 2020. (Jerry Lampen / Pool via AFP via Getty Images file) From 2008 to 2010, Smith worked at the International Criminal Court where he oversaw war crimes investigations. In 2010, Smith returned to the Justice Department where he worked as chief of the Public Integrity Section, overseeing public corruption and elections-related investigations. In 2015, he served as the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee before becoming the acting United States attorney. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Friday that Smith would be returning to the U.S. from his position at The Hague, and would begin his role as special counsel immediately. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 10) The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is "geared up" for potential calamities as the country faces the unrest of two volcanoes and the effects of a typhoon blowing through Philippine seas, Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Saturday. "On the side of the national government, sa [in] DSWD, we're ready for all these multiple potential calamities," Gatchalian told a briefing in Albay. "We're looking closely at Mayon (Volcano), at Taal (Volcano), and at (Typhoon) Chedeng, so the response side of DSWD has been geared up for this type of things." "I'm sure the governor will answer for this province but what I'm doing here now is we have to synchronize our efforts and complement our efforts para walang [so there are no] redundancies and walang [no] overlaps," the DSWD chief added. For his part, Albay Gov. Edcel Greco Lagman said it is "second nature" to people of Albay to respond accordingly to calamities and "make sure na wala tayong [we don't have] casualties for any compounded calamities that may happen." Albay is currently under a state of calamity following the raising of the alert level of Mayon Volcano to Level 3, which means the possibility of a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days. Gatchalian said Mayon is "on top of the list" of things President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants monitored. RELATED: Marcos may visit Mayon-affected areas, says DSWD chief The Albay government said it aims to evacuate over the weekend some 10,000 families living within the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-kilometer radius Extended Danger Zone. The social welfare secretary said he has orders from the president to provide necessary logistic support to affected areas in Albay. He said 60,000 of 102,000 food packs prepared by the agency were sent to Albay, while the rest were directed to neighboring areas. Gatchalian also said the DSWD can also launch a cash-for-work program and conduct emergency cash transfers as part of early recovery, but he requested mayors to first organize the dates of food pack distribution. "We are also putting that on the table as something that we can help you with when the time comes na kailangan na natin, sana wag naman, in the event na medyo maging pangit 'yong maging result ng volcanic eruption [and] if you need to clean up," Gatchalian said of a possible cash-for-work program. [Translation: We are also putting that on the table as something that we can help you with when the time comes that we need to, we hope not, in the event that there will be an unpleasant result of a volcanic eruption and if you need to clean up.] In Batangas, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, described as "low level unrest," with state volcanologists reporting a sulfur dioxide emission level of 2,941 tons per day on Thursday. They also observed Taal emitting a plume 1,500 meters high. READ: Over 100 residents near Taal fall ill as the volcano emits harmful gas Meanwhile, Typhoon Chedeng is slowly moving over the Philippine Sea to leave the country's weather monitoring area by Monday. Chedeng remains far away from land and has been enhancing the southwest monsoon or habagat that bring gusty conditions in some Luzon and Visayas areas. Amazon Prime "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Spider-Man star Tom Holland is flexing his acting muscles outside of the MCU and taking on a much darker role in his new project. The Crowded Room is a psychological drama series created for AppleTV+ by Akiva Goldsman, the screenwriter best known for movies like A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code, based on the arrest of a man who stands accused of a terrible crime. The story, which unfolds through a series of interviews with an interrogator played by The Dropout's Amanda Seyfried, is structured like a mystery, with revelations parsed out suspensefully as both Holland and Seyfried's characters get closer to the truth. But if you're familiar with the source material behind the show, then you'll have a good idea of where all of this compelling drama is going. Is The Crowded Room based on a true story? The inspiration for the series came from the 1981 book The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes, a non-fiction novel which recounts the very real case of Billy Milligan, a man who was arrested for three rapes on the campus of a university, and who was found not guilty by reason of insanity after he was diagnosed with disassociative identity disorder (DID). Milligan's lawyers argued that he was not the person responsible for his crimes, but rather two of his alternate personalities. This landmark case marked the first time that DID was used as part of a plaintiff's defense in a criminal court, and also the first time that it led to an acquittal. Shop Now The Minds of Billy Milligan $8.99 amazon.com The Crowded Room takes much of its plot from Milligan's case and Keyes' book, however in the interest of dramatization, Goldsman changed some key details. In the series, Holland plays a man named Danny Sullivan, and the story is transposed from Columbus, Ohio to New York City. Several key dates have also been changed, and it is likely that creative license has been taken in other aspects of the narrative, meaning that The Crowded Room should be very much viewed as a work of fiction, rather than an accurate portrayal of historical events. The Crowded Room is now streaming on AppleTV+. You Might Also Like "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Grab your cowboy boots and get ready to two-step your way into a musical collaboration that will have your heart pumping and your feet tapping! Joining forces with the soulful R&B sensation Leon Brides, Miranda Lambert just released her latest musical masterpiece. The new song If You Were Mine has fans swooning and begging for more. Picture this: a perfect mix of Miranda Lambert's unmistakable country twang and Leon Bridges's velvety smooth vocals, creating a song that transcends genres and is sure to rise to the top of the charts. "If You Were Mine" is a love ballad that takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as Miranda and Leon explore the ups and downs of a passionate romance. Though their musical styles differ, both artists hail from the Lone Star State, making this collab a no-brainer. They even pay homage to their home state referencing Texas landmarks like the Frio River. After teasing the release for a week, Lambert posted a short clip of the track to her Instagram announcing the release of the song on June 6. It is safe to say the fan reactions have been nothing but positive. If You Were Mine is out now. I wrote this song with @telemitry and @ashleymonroemusic specifically for @leonbridgesofficial. If he hadnt wanted to cut it, I wouldnt have released it. So glad he said yes and that its here, Lambert captioned her Instagram reel. Fans were quick to voice their opinion and sing the pairs praises in the comments. They said: This song feels like butter melting on a warm biscuit with a little apricot jam on the side. LOVE. IT. PLEASE MAKE A WHOLE ALBUM WITH LEON- I Luv it @mirandalambert @leonbridgesofficial yall did it!! This broke the mold.. so soulful! Such a beautiful song by two insanely talented artists . "Yes!!! Ill never get over it." This display of fan loyalty comes at the perfect time as If You Were Mine is Lamberts first song released as a free agent since her split with her label of 20 years, Sony Music, back in March. Of course, we super fans know what to do: If You Were Mine on repeat, please! You can listen to the full song here. You Might Also Like Pool/Samir Hussein - Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's eldest child, Archie, turned four-years-old in early May, and the family celebrated with an intimate party at their home in Montecito, California. Others were celebrating Archie as well, specifically the owners of Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop, Jennifer Blevins and Martin Watson, who gifted Archie a bike for his birthday. The store is based in Montecito as well, but Watson is British and was clearly excited to have a member of the royal family nearby. The bike store shared a photo of the thank you letter they received from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on Instagram, which read, On behalf of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, please accept their sincere thanks for the thoughtful gift you sent to Prince Archie for his fourth birthday. The bike has brought much joy, and is most appreciated by the family. They asked that I convey their gratitude at the lovely surprise. Blevins told People that Watson picked out the bike himself and made it into an elaborate gift. He went and he got one of our little specialized kids' bikes they're really nice little bikes and he's like, This one's perfect, it's got training wheels, she said. And so he went and got some birthday balloons, and he got some flowers for Meghan and a birthday card, and he said, OK, I'm gonna bike over and take it to their house. Watson was stopped by security, naturally, and left the bike for Archie after explaining he was from a British business in town. A few weeks later, a courier arrived with the thank you letter. It was so thoughtful because, you know, they took the time to write something personal and not just a generic thank you, said Blevins. It was recently the Sussexes youngest's birthday as well their daughter Lilibet turned two-years-old on June 4. Watson and Blevins emphasized that she could grow into using Archie's bike someday, too. You Might Also Like Mike Pence struggled to take a clear stance on troubles concerning former US president Donald Trumps indictment in the classified documents case. Mr Trump is reportedly facing 37 counts of mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate. These charges come less than three months after he was charged in New York with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Earlier this week, during an appearance on CNN, Mr Pence shared his views about Trumps indictment. The politician, who has launched his 2024 Presidential campaign, said: I hope the DOJ thinks better of it and resolves these issues without an indictment. I think it would also send a terrible message to the wider world, he added. I mean, were the emblem of democracy. Were the symbol of justice in the world. Mr Pence also ended up criticising the FBIs raid on Mr Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence, saying: I was very troubled last summer when, for the first time in history, there was a search warrant executed at the home of a former president of the United States. He added: There had to be dozens of ways that could have been handled. Sir, I just want to clarify what you're saying is if they believe he committed a crime, they should not go forward with an indictment? You just talked before about committing to the rule of law. pic.twitter.com/8tk5XBZOxe Acyn (@Acyn) June 8, 2023 After making these statements, Mr Pence undercut his own views, saying: I dont know the facts of the former presidents case. The former vice presidents contradictory statement led to the host asking him whether what he was saying is that, if they believe he committed a crime, they should not go forward with an indictment? Mr Pence replied: No, look, let me be clear that no ones above the law. He then added: But with regard to the unique circumstances here, it look I I. No one is above the law. But unique circumstances. Ultimately, Mr Pence ended up conceding that Trump and President Joe Biden had no business having classified documents after leaving office. But I would just hope that there would be a way for them to move forward without the dramatic and drastic and divisive step of indicting a former president of the United States, he said. Mold in Bellingham rental houses and apartments disproportionately impacts tenants and is made worse by poor legislation and substandard mitigation practices, tenant advocates say. In fact, mold was listed as the No. 1 problem facing renters in the rainy Pacific Northwest among readers participating in a Bellingham Herald poll. Most people that I talk to have mold issues, said Rebecca Quirke of the local advocacy group Tenants Revolt. Mold is incredibly dangerous. Quirke has spoken with hundreds of tenants since the group began in July 2022, with the goal of bringing a series of mass-action and class-action lawsuits against landlords for habitability violations, theft and property negligence. Mold is the most-common indoor air quality problem, according to the Northwest Clean Air Agency. Mold growth often causes health issues and damages homes. The impact on tenants Mold problems inside buildings are a result of excess water and moisture that accumulate due to things like inadequate ventilation, leaks and flooding. Results of the recent Bellingham Herald poll show that, of those who responded, mold contamination is the issue experienced most by tenants in Bellingham rentals. Among 41 participants who responded to the poll, 31 of them, or 76%, say they have experienced mold contamination as a renter in Whatcom County. Tenants Revolt has documented numerous older homes occupied by Bellingham renters that are actively in this sort of disrepair. Quirke says she has taken countless reports and personally visited homes that have unmitigated mold infestations. She is even seeing this issue in her own rental unit where she lives. Its clear that nothing is being done. Theres no insulation. many places dont have heat or have active leaks. A lot of people that I speak with dont realize that they have mold, Quirke told The Bellingham Herald. Kristina Michele Martens, a member of the Bellingham City Council actively campaigning for mayor, says mold infestation tends to disproportionately impact renters who are trying to navigate the ongoing housing crisis. When theres nowhere else to go, when to get into a habitable location is maybe a $500, $700, $1,000 increase from where youre at, with the rents so high and the competition being so fierce, those of us who are renters we dont really have anywhere else to go. We have to take what is being offered to us if we just want to be sheltered, Martens said. The Bellingham Herald reached out to several local property management companies for comment on the state of mold in their rental units and how it is remediated when found, but they did not respond. There are no quick fixes Mold often grows inside the walls of homes, making it challenging to spot without proper testing. Even after testing is done, fixing the issue can be expensive and difficult, so poor mitigation strategies are sometimes implemented. What weve seen a lot of the time is ceiling paint covering the mold, Quirke said. The Washington State Department of Health advises against painting or caulking over mold as it will continue to grow under the paint and the paint will peel. An undated photo shows drywall covered with mold that needs to be removed. Painting over mold is not acceptable for mitigation, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Quirke says shes also seen tar paper stapled above drywall to prevent water from a leak from making its way into the main living area of a home. Its not fixing the problem at all, she said. In the instance of a leak that has resulted in moisture penetrating building materials, its very common for landlords to fail to fully realize the scope of the issue, according to the Northwest Clean Air Agency. The agency says materials like drywall, carpet and subfloor need to be aggressively dried to prevent mold growth, sometimes requiring professional assistance. Otherwise, mold growth will persist, causing occupant exposure and property damage. Mold impacts health The Washington State Legislature acknowledges that exposure to mold and its toxins can cause adverse health effects including loss of memory and impairment of the ability to think coherently and function in a job, and may cause fatigue, nausea and headaches. Mold exposure may also lead to skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion, aggravation of asthma, or difficulty breathing. Immunocompromised individuals that come into contact with mold may also be at increased risk for infections, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Exposure can occur through breathing contaminated air, touching mold or ingesting moldy food. An undated photo shows mold growing on the ceiling of a building due to an unrepaired plumbing leak or roof leak. This wallboard must be removed using personal protection and a plastic enclosure to prevent further contamination of the property. Lisa Tenney, a Bellingham renter and certified mold inspector, hosts The Moldy Mama Podcast. She became ill from mold poisoning after living in a house on Peabody Street with her children for more than a decade that had reoccurring flooding. It was very neglected, Tenney said. The windows were rotting. The front porch was rotting. There were rodent holes in my daughters ceiling. Tenney says she developed gut issues and experienced daily nausea which impacted her ability to work. She also experienced worsening symptoms of her mental health issues. Eventually, she says she became bedridden with pneumonia. Tenney says her symptoms have alleviated since moving out of the house. Now that shes a mold inspector, Tenney says shes become more attuned to how widespread the issue is. To me, as a mold inspector, its more like, Where is it? versus Is it here? Tenney said. Legislation is lacking The Washington State Legislature recognizes that residents face preventable exposures to mold in their homes, apartments, and schools. But there are no explicit protections against mold for tenants in Washington, unlike other states like California. Its [the tenants] understanding that theyre responsible for persistent mold that has been unsatisfactorily remediated or covered up because the document that is passed out with lease agreements says this is a shared responsibility between the owner/management company, Quirke said. Washington law requires that landlords maintain the dwelling unit in reasonably weathertight condition. It also requires they provide tenants with information approved by the Department of Health about the health hazards associated with exposure to indoor mold. The information needs to detail how tenants can control mold growth in their units to minimize associated health risks. An undated photo shows a saturated wallboard containing mold. But the law does not require landlords to do mold remediation. Condensation accumulation indoors is also often considered the fault of the tenant, according to the Northwest Clean Air Agency. Quirke says property owners need to be held more legally accountable. We need strong, aggressive, clear guidelines around this, Quirke said. We need mold legislation. We can do it locally if the state doesnt want to implement it. I think a lot can be done at the city level. Martens says there is a lot of work to be done to address habitability issues for renters locally, including mold infestation. We know mold is an issue. We know habitability is huge. And yet everyone is dragging their feet on this, she said. Martens says the city can and needs to take the appropriate legal steps like establishing a department, finding the funding and deciding how [to] tackle this. Preventative measures If mold is growing in your home, the Whatcom County Health Department recommends airing it out as much as possible. If the problem is a water leak inside the walls or behind an appliance, the leak must be fixed and the area must be dried out completely, potentially by removing the wall if the damage is too extensive to clean. Tenney recommends using a dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your home between 30% and 50%, keeping windows cracked as frequently as possible to help exchange indoor and outdoor air, cleaning your HVAC system yearly to avoid collecting mold and redistributing it throughout the house, and diligently checking your crawlspace or attic for signs of mold. Tenney also recommends documenting the issue for your landlord. The Washington State Department of Health recommends the following: Stop water leaks and repair leaky roofs and plumbing. Keep water away from concrete slabs and basement walls. Make sure that warm air flows into all areas of the home. Move large objects a few inches away from the inside of exterior walls to increase air circulation. Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces. Use heavy plastic to cover earth floors in crawl spaces. Clean and dry water-damaged carpets, clothing, bedding, and upholstered furniture within 24 to 48 hours, or consider removing and replacing damaged furnishings. Vacuum and clean your home regularly to remove mold spores. Check around your windows for signs of condensation and water droplets. Wipe them up right away so mold cant start to grow. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Two people are dead and a third is injured after a shooting involving a Kansas City police officer Friday night. The shooting happened after an officer called for help shortly before 9 p.m. near a McDonald's restaurant in eastern Kansas City. Few details were immediately available. Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Andy Bell said the officers who responded found five people and the officer near a white van, and three of the van's occupants had been shot. Marcell T. Nelson, 42, of Kansas City, and Kristen Fairchild, 42, of Gardner, both died. The third victim suffered minor injuries. Two others were detained. The officer was not hurt. Bell said investigators are working to determine what happened before the officer radioed for help and whether anyone else besides the officer fired a gun. A handgun was found at the scene. Theres not a lot of information we can share, Bell said Friday night. Its very, very early in the investigation. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - American Airlines and JetBlue Airways asked a U.S. judge late Friday to allow them to continue mutual frequent flyer recognition and codeshare arrangements. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled on May 19 that the airlines must end their Northeast Alliance (NEA) they used to coordinate flights and pool revenue finding the arrangement means higher prices for consumers and ordering the companies to part ways within 30 days. The airlines said Sorokin should allow them to continue codesharing and reciprocal frequent flyer programs, arguing such agreements are lawful and "to ensure that the right airline is paid for the service provided to the consumer." Codeshares allow multiple airlines to sell seats for the same flight. The Justice Department said Sorokin should reject the airlines "invitation to craft a new 'NEA Lite' on the fly." The court should not "bless a different partnership, in a matter of days, simply because it lacks some of the most brazen features of the NEA." The Justice Department and six states sued in 2021 to unwind the NEA announced in 2020, calling it a "de facto merger" of the American and JetBlue Boston and New York operations that removes incentives for them to compete. The department said Friday the airlines "must abandon their entanglements and return to being fully independent competitors to remedy their unlawful distortion of airline competition in the Northeast and beyond." The airlines opposed other proposed U.S. disclosure and monitoring conditions calling them onerous and unnecessary and oppose a two-year ban on any new alliance with any another U.S. air carrier similar to the NEA. The airlines said Sorokin should minimize consumer disruption and not become "the central planner in the unwinding of a multi-year integrated joint venture in violation of cardinal principles of antitrust law." American is the largest U.S. airline by fleet size and low-cost carrier. JetBlue is the sixth largest. American said last week it plans to appeal. JetBlue has not made a decision. The Justice Department argued the alliance gave the airlines more than 80% of market share in flights from Boston to Washington and six other airports including the New York area's JFK, LaGuardia and Newark. Separately, the Justice Department filed suit in March aimed at stopping JetBlue from buying discount rival Spirit Airlines. (Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Diane Craft) Cleamon "Big Evil" Johnson, known for leading the 89 Family Swans, a violent Blood-affiliated gang, is eligible for parole after serving more than 25 years. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) A notorious Los Angeles killer from the 1990s known as "Big Evil" is eligible for parole after serving more than 25 years on charges that once landed him on death row. Cleamon "Big Evil" Johnson, 55, pleaded no contest and was convicted Thursday of a sole count of murder in a case stemming from five murders in the early 1990s, when he was the leader of a small but disproportionately violent subset of the Bloods the 89 Family Swans in South Los Angeles. Johnson was once on death row at San Quentin State Prison for two of the five killings, but racist comments made by the lead LAPD detective on the case prompted a judge to decide that Johnson would no longer be subject to the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole if he was convicted at retrial. The convicted killer has already been in state prison more than 25 years, meaning he is eligible for parole now, though that does not mean he will be granted it. "I was on this case for 16 years and I'm very pleased with the outcome," said Bob Sager, Johnson's defense attorney. Johnson's no-contest plea Thursday came for the killing of Payton Beroit, who was gunned down along with his friend, Donald Loggins, at a carwash on 88th Street and Central Avenue in 1991. While Johnson pleaded no contest to the Beroit murder, charges were dropped against him in the killing of Loggins along with three others: Albert Sutton, Georgia Jones and Tyrone Mosley. Johnson's case has been bouncing around the legal system for decades, with the California Supreme Court tossing his conviction in 2011 over a juror-related issue from his initial trial. But in 2014 the lead LAPD detective on the case, Brian McCartin, used the N-word when referring to Black gang members while hanging out with a deputy district attorney and a public defender. The information was not turned over to Johnson's defense until 2018. The comments became a flash point in Johnson's case. In May 2022, the judge on the case ruled that McCartin's comments and the four-year delay in turning them over to the defense was unfair to the defendant. "Many unfortunate things happened in this case and its discouraging," said Jon Lipsky, an FBI agent who worked the case in the 1990s. Though Lipsky said Johnson is a "stone-cold killer," he also believed that McCartin's comments and the failure to turn them over expeditiously was a legal violation. "I believe in the rule of law," said Lipsky, speaking about the sentence of 25 years to life. "I think its a fair and just determination." Still, Lipsky recalled Johnson as an "anomaly" in the Los Angeles gang world in the 1990s. While serving time at Ironwood State Prison in Blythe for a drug charge in the early '90s, Johnson ran his gang with violent efficiency, Lipsky recalled, ordering hits in code on phone calls. The breadth of the killings Johnson and his gang were accused of committing was astonishing, Lipsky said. "It was unparalleled," he said. The single count of murder that Johnson is now legally responsible for is a far cry from what police once accused him of. Police attributed "more than 20" murders to Johnson and his crew, according to a report in The Times in 1998. Johnson himself admitted to 13 murders at the time, Lipsky said In 1998, Johnson told The Times that he was like an American soldier sent to "Vietnam ... programmed to kill." "We couldn't stop killing our enemies here, either. I was one of them sick individuals. They locked us away, but we needed help mentally," he said. "I was the epitome of a gang member. I was real. ... Some people worshiped Allah or Jesus. I worshiped Bloods." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. KYIV (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new military aid for Ukraine during an unannounced trip to war-time Kyiv on Saturday, as Ukraine braces for a counteroffensive against Russian forces and grapples with regular air strikes. Trudeau paid his respects at a memorial site in central Kyiv to Ukrainian soldiers who have been killed fighting pro-Russian forces since 2014, and also met President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for talks. "We will be there with (you) as much as it takes, for as long as it takes," he said, sitting across from the Ukrainian leader in footage of the talks released by Kyiv authorities. NATO member Canada, which has one of the world's largest Ukrainian diasporas, has supplied military and financial assistance to Kyiv during the full-scale invasion launched by Russia in February 2022. "Today, I can announce that we will provide 500 million dollars in new funding for military assistance," he told reporters at a joint press conference. Ukraine wants to join the NATO military alliance as fast as it can, but Zelenskiy has said he recognised that cannot happen while the war with Russia is raging. "Canada supports Ukraine to become a NATO member as soon as conditions allow for it. Ukraine and Canada look forward to addressing these issues at the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July 2023," said a joint declaration adopted after the talks. At the talks, Zelenskiy said Ukraine was grateful to Canadians for their support: "Thank you so much. The people of Canada, and of course, to all your team, to the government and parliament. Really. It's (such) necessary help," he said. Trudeau's trip to Kyiv followed a night of Russian missile and drone attacks on targets outside the capital, including Odesa, Poltava region and Kharkiv. The Canadian prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, a Ukrainian speaker. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth and Yurii Khomenko; Editing by Mike Harrison and Alex Richardson) BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) The Colorado man who prosecutors say abducted and killed a Vermont man as part of an international murder for hire conspiracy pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to charges that could land him in prison for life. Jerry Banks, 35, appeared in Vermont U.S. District Court where he changed his plea to guilty. A sentencing hearing for Banks will be scheduled for a later date. Banks was charged with murder for hire that led to the January 2018 death of Gregory Davis, of Danville, Vermont, and a charge of kidnapping. He had initially pleaded not guilty. Davis' body was found by the side of a snowy Vermont back road. Prosecutors say Banks was part of a conspiracy that began when Davis had been threatening to go to the FBI to report hed been involved in a fraudulent oil deal with another one of the conspirators, Serhat Gumrukcu, of Los Angeles, who is also facing a murder for hire charge in the case. The cases of Gumrukcu and Berk Eratay, who faces similar charges, are pending. Both have pleaded not guilty. A fourth person, Aren Lee Ethridge, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty in July and is awaiting sentencing. After Davis death, investigators worked for more than four years to build a chain connecting the four suspects: Banks, who was friends with Ethridge, who was friends with Eratay, who worked for Gumrukcu. (CNN) Four young children have been found alive after more than a month wandering the Amazon where they survived like children of the jungle, according to Colombias President Gustavo Petro. Their learning from indigenous families and their learning of living in the jungle has saved them, Petro told reporters on Friday, after announcing on Twitter that they had been found 40 days after they went missing following a plane crash that killed their mother. Petro said the children were all together when they were found, adding they had demonstrated an example of total survival that will be remembered in history. They are children of the jungle and now they are children of Colombia, he added. Revealing their discovery earlier in the day, the Colombian president had tweeted an image that seems to show search crews treating the children in a forest clearing, along with the words: A joy for the whole country! Their grandmother, Maria Fatima Valencia, said she was going to hug all of them and thank everyone as soon as they were reunited in their home city of Villavicencio, where they live. Im going to encourage them, Im going to push them forward, I need them here, she said. The children, who appear gaunt in the photos, were evaluated by doctors before being flown out by the Colombian Air Force on an air ambulance to the Military Transport Air Command in Bogota, the capital, early Saturday morning. Four medics, including a pediatrician and a neonatologist, provided treatment on board the plane, according to the air force. We hope that tomorrow they will be treated at the military hospital, Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez said earlier Friday night, while praising the Colombian military and indigenous communities for helping find them. Petro said the children were weak, needed food and would have their mental status assessed. Let the doctors make their assessment and we will know, he added. Stranded after plane crash Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy, age 13, Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy, 9, Tien Ranoque Mucutuy, 4, and infant Cristin Ranoque Mucutuy were stranded in the jungle on May 1, the only survivors of a deadly plane crash. Their mother, Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia, was killed in the crash along with two other adult passengers: pilot Hernando Murcia Morales and Yarupari indigenous leader Herman Mendoza Hernandez. The childrens subsequent disappearance into the deep forest galvanized a massive military-led search operation involving over a hundred Colombian special forces troops and over 70 indigenous scouts combing the area. For weeks, the search turned up only tantalizing clues, including footprints, a dirty diaper and a bottle. Family members said the oldest child had some experience in the forest, but hopes waned as the weeks went on. At some point during their ordeal, theyd had to defend themselves from a dog, Petro said. He called the childrens survival a gift to life and an indication that they were cared for by the jungle. The Colombian president said he had spoken with the grandfather of the children who said that their survival was in the hands of the jungle which ultimately chose to return them. The grandfather, Fidencio Valencia, said he and his wife had endured many sleepless nights worrying about the children. For us this situation was like being in the dark, we walked for the sake of walking. Living for the sake of living because the hope of finding them kept us alive. When we found the children we felt joy, we dont know what to do, but we are grateful to God, he said. The childrens other grandfather, Narcizo Mucutuy, said he wants his grandchildren to be brought back home soon. I beg the president of Colombia to bring our grandchildren to Villavicencio, here where the grandparents are, where their uncles and aunts are, and then take them to Bogota, he said. The miracle came Indigenous leader Lucho Acosta, the coordinator of indigenous scouts, credited the extra effort of search and rescue teams and local authorities to find the children in a statement on Friday. They all added a little effort so that this Operation Hope could be successful, and we can hope the kids will emerge alive and stronger than before. We have been hoping together with the strength of our ancestors, and our strength prevailed, he said. We never stopped looking for them until the miracle came, the Colombian Defense Ministry tweeted. During a press conference Friday evening, Petro said he hoped to speak with the children on Saturday. The most important thing now is what the doctors say, they have been lost for 40 days, their health condition must have been stressed. We need to check their mental state too, he said. Petro, who was previously forced to backtrack after mistakenly tweeting that they had been found last month, described the childrens 40-day saga as a remarkable testament of survival. This story was first published on CNN.com. "Missing children found after 40 days in Amazon survived like children of the jungle, Colombian president says" OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) A Canadian government appointee looking into allegations of Chinese interference in Canada announced Friday that he is stepping down from his role, citing the highly partisan atmosphere around his work. Former Governor General David Johnston said in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that his leadership of the governments probe into purported meddling by China has not helped build trust in democratic institutions because of partisanship. The appointment of Johnston, who said he would release a brief final report, was contentious, with opposition Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre accusing him of being too close to Trudeaus family. All opposition parties in the House of Commons have called for the government to hold a public inquiry into the allegations of foreign interference, but Johnston recently released a report recommending against that. Johnston said he encourages Trudeau to appoint a respected person, with national security experience to finish the inquiry and to consult with opposition parties on who that should be. Then Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Johnston as governor general in 2010 and his term was extended under Trudeau until 2017. The governor general is the representative of Britains monarch as head of state, a mostly ceremonial and symbolic position. Johnston is also a former member of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. Trudeau has said he had full confidence in Johnstons handling of the inquiry and played down the importance of any family connections. Earlier this year, Canada expelled a Chinese diplomat alleged by Canadas spy agency to have been involved in a plot to intimidate an opposition Conservative lawmaker and his relatives in Hong Kong. The lawmaker had criticized Beijings human rights record. China expelled a Canadian diplomat in retaliation this month. China regularly uses threats against family members to intimidate critics in the Chinese diaspora. China-Canada relations nosedived after China detained former diplomat Michael Kovrig and entrepreneur Michael Spavor. That came shortly after Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of telecoms giant Huawei and the daughter of the companys founder, at the behest of U.S. authorities who accused her of fraud. (AFP via Getty Images) It was anticipated that a federal investigation into Donald Trumps retention of top-secret documents months after he left the White House would result in charges in Washington DC. But the damning 37-count indictment, with more than two dozen counts of illegally withholding classified documents under the Espionage Act, was filed on 8 June in US District Court in Florida, his primary residence and the location of his notorious Mar-a-Lago resort property, where mounds of boxes with sensitive government documents were discovered by federal law enforcement. Photographs in an unsealed indictment released on 9 June showed stacks of them on a ballroom stage and gilded bathroom with a chandelier. Interviews with witnesses and transcripts of conversations in the sweeping indictment appear to show a depth of coordination among Mr Trump, his aides and attorneys to bring them to the property and, later, conceal them from law enforcement. So it makes sense that prosecutors would charge him and his associate Walt Nauta in Florida. But determining the venue for a case against the former president, or any defendant, isnt necessarily a straightforward one. It really could make a huge difference. The jury pool is different. The judges are different, according to former assistant US Attorney Andrew Weissmann, speaking to MSNBC. Also, DC is a location where the court is very used to dealing with classified information. Theres an expertise there. So in terms of speed, getting this case to trial, the venue matters, he added. The Republican former president also has repeatedly rejected charges and investigations against him in several jurisdiction as political witch hunts, pointing to the Democratic majorities in New York City where was found liable for sexual abuse, hit with a $250m lawsuit from the state attorney general, and criminally charged with more than 30 counts of falsifying business records and Atlanta, where his efforts to subvert the outcome of the 2020 presidential election are expected to result in charges this summer. Mr Trump won the state of Florida in 2016 and 2020, though he lost the county of Miami-Dade, where he is facing a federal indictment. A form attached to the indictment also noted that the case was filed in the West Palm Beach court division, suggesting that a prospective jury pool may be drawn from there. Voters in Palm Beach County have reliably voted for Democratic presidential candidates, but Republican Governor Ron DeSantis won 51 per cent of the county vote last year. Mr DeSantis Mr Trumps rival for the 2024 Republican nomination for president said in a statement after news of the indictment that he will bring accountability to the [US Department of Justice], excise political bias and end weaponization once and for all but stopped short of saying he would do anything to intervene. The fact that this is being charged in Florida is enormously significant, according to CNN legal analyst Elie Honig. Legally, I think its the right move by [the Justice Department], because theyre going to avoid a messy question about venue. Subpoenas may have been issued from Washington DC, but courts have upheld that the venue must be tied to where the unlawful conduct was committed. Florida may ultimately be less advantageous for federal prosecutors and the Justice Department in a case dealing with classified documents and the aftermath of a presidential administration, typically the purview of Washington courts, but the state is a legally a less risky venue at this juncture, according to Mr Weissmann and Ryan Goodman. An aerial view of Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate on 10 August, 2022, days after a federal law enforcement search of the property (AP) Whatever legal and factual arguments might support venue in Washington DC, the consequences of getting that calculus wrong, is an unknown variable that will counsel in favor of caution on the part of the [Justice Department], they wrote. Prosecutors also likely do not want to risk spending the first year fighting over venue, former federal prosecutor Randall D Eliason told The Washington Post. For now, Mr Trumps case will be handled by a federal judge he appointed to the bench in 2020 and who already has delivered controversial rulings in the investigation that were rejected by an appeals court. US District Judge Aileen Cannon is scheduled to preside over his federal court case in Miami. Last year, Judge Cannon appointed a special master to review materials seized by federal law enforcement and restricted the FBI from using those documents as part of the investigation until she completed a review, effectively freezing the Justice Department probe. News crews camp out in front of a federal court building in Miami anticipating Donald Trumps arrival after a federal indictment was unsealed on 9 June (Getty Images) That order was ultimately thrown out entirely by a three-judge panel at a federal appeals court, which sharply criticised the judges actions and stressed that a court cannot simply write a rule that allows any subject of a search warrant to block government investigations after the execution of the warrant or write a rule that allows only former presidents to do so. If she does not recuse herself from the case and she remains a trial judge, she could play a potentially critical role in the cases development, including whether to set a trial before or after presidential primary elections and the general election in 2024, as Mr Trump seeks the Republican nomination for president. He already is scheduled to return to Manhattan Criminal Court on 25 March days after voting begins in primary states. A trial in a fraud lawsuit targeting Mr Trump, his adult children and his business entities is slated to begin in October. FRANKFURT (Reuters) -German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday he planned to speak to Russia's President Vladimir Putin by phone soon to urge him to withdraw Russia's troops from Ukraine. Addressing a convention of the German Protestant church in Nuremberg, Scholz said he had spoken to Putin by telephone in the past. "I plan to do it again soon. It's not reasonable to force Ukraine to approve and accept the raid that Putin has perpetrated and that parts of Ukraine become Russian just like that," he said, adding he would work to ensure that NATO does not get drawn into the war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the TASS news agency that no talks with Scholz were currently planned in Putin's schedule. Moscow and Kyiv both reported heavy fighting in Ukraine on Friday, but it remained uncertain whether Ukraine's full-scale long-anticipated counterattack was under way. The counteroffensive aimed at penetrating Russian defences and driving out occupying forces is ultimately expected to involve thousands of Ukrainian troops trained and equipped by Western countries including Germany. Russia fired missiles and drones at targets across Ukraine in the early hours of Saturday, killing three civilians in the Black Sea city of Odesa and striking a military air field in the central Poltava region, Kyiv authorities said. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke; Writing by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Helen Popper and Mike Harrison) Dubai, United Arab Emirates (AP) A boy was shot and killed by police after his father stole a car in the southwestern Khuzestan province and drove off with him, Iranian authorities said. Ruhollah Bigdeli, chief of police in Shushtar County, said via Iran's official police website that several officers tried to stop the stolen vehicle by shooting at it. The boy died on the spot. Police said they issued the man several warnings before they started shooting, adding that he had a criminal record, including car theft and drug smuggling. The Iranian Jamaran news website identified the boy as 9-year-old Morteza Delf Zaregani. They spoke to the father who accused the police of not issuing any warning before shooting. Morteza's photo was shared on social media, with people expressing sorrow for his death. In November, 9-year-old Kian Pirfalak, was killed in a shooting that his mother blamed on security forces. Pirfalak was shot and killed while passing with his parents through a street in the southwestern city of Izeh, in Khuzestan province, filled with demonstrators, during nationwide protests following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after her arrest by the countrys morality police. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Israelis continued protests Saturday for the 23rd week against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right government to overhaul the judiciary in the country. The mass demonstrations started in January shortly after the government, made up of ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox religious parties, was sworn in. Gaining momentum and seeing large turnouts of more than 200,00 demonstrators at times, protest organizers have said they will not give up until the government cancels the proposed legal changes rather than delaying them. The protests have become a weekly occasion to express on current affairs in the country. In the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, where the main protest with tens of thousands is held, protesters held a giant banner reading Type of citizen: dead, a reference to surging crimes among Israels Arab communities. Other protesters marched behind an effigy of a chained-up Netanyahu amid a sea of Israels blue-and-white flags. The plan would weaken the judiciary and limit judicial oversight on laws and government decisions, what critics say poses a direct threat to civil rights and the rights of minorities and marginalized groups. They also warn it will grant the government unrestrained power and upend the countrys system of checks and balances. The government says the judicial plan is meant to rein in what it says is an overly interventionist Supreme Court and restore power to elected legislators. Kevin McCarthy launched an aggressive defence of Donald Trump after his indictment on 37 counts of mishandling top secret documents. This is going to disrupt this nation because it goes to the core of equal justice for all which is not being seen today, the Republican House Speaker told Fox News on Friday. And we're not going to stand for it. Mr McCarthys comments came after the Department of Justice unsealed a 49-page indictment which laid out in extraordinary detail Special Counsel Jack Smiths 15-month investigation into Mr Trumps willful defiance of efforts to retrieve the materials. The indictment painted a damning picture of Mr Trumps reckless storage of top secret material he took to Mar-a-Lago after leaving the White House, and his efforts to obstruct investigators. The classified material included nuclear secrets, war plans, and vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies. Mr Trump told lawyers tasked with complying with a DOJ subpoena that he didnt want anyone going through my boxes, according to the indictment. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy aggressively defended the former president on Friday (Associated Press) Mr McCarthy, who is struggling to hold on to the House leadership, called the indictment a dark day for America. You've got a sitting president right now in the exact same situation. You have a former first lady, senator, secretary of state, that had the same situation that nothing was done to, he told Fox News. Republicans also rushed to defend Mr Trump despite the seemingly overwhelming evidence presented in the 49-page indictment. We have now reached a war phase. Eye for an eye, Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs wrote on Twitter. Elise Stefanik, the number three House Republican, tweeted that she was committed to holding government officials accountable for their endless illegal witch hunt against President Trump. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley wrote: If the people in power can jail their political opponents at will, we dont have a republic. And Marco Rubio, the Florida senator, said: There is no limit to what these people will do to protect their power & destroy those who threaten it, even if it means ripping our country apart & shredding public faith in the institutions that hold our republic together. However, the indictment comes not from political rivals or even from prosecutors but from a grand jury. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was investigated by the FBI in 2016 for her handling of classified material, who opted not to charge her after saying she had been extremely careless. President Joe Biden and Trumps vice president Mike Pence were found to have retained classified materials, but complied with efforts by the National Archive to return them. Daisa Chantel kisses Anthony Beltran as they take a picture to celebrate Juneteenth at Leimert Park in Los Angeles in 2022. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press) The Los Angeles City Council voted Friday to establish Juneteenth as a permanent paid holiday for city employees, a year after then-Mayor Eric Garcetti signed a proclamation creating the holiday. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday commemorates the events of June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing news of freedom to Black slaves two months after the end of the Civil War and 2 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. Garcetti's 2022 resolution came two years after Councilmembers Curren D. Price and Marqueece Harris-Dawson and former Councilmember Herb J. Wesson introduced a proposal in July 2020 to explore making Juneteenth a city holiday. The two votes taken by the City Council on Friday deal with the minutiae of holiday rules for an employer with tens of thousands of employees. One vote will amend Los Angeles Administrative Code to add Juneteenth as a holiday for "non-represented" employees, or those who don't have union bargaining agreements with the city. The council also voted to approve contract amendments recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday for those workers for agreements with nearly two dozen unions representing city employees. "We negotiated it with all of our unions to make the holiday permanent citywide," City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo said Friday. The holiday will be observed on June 19 every year, unless June 19 falls on a weekend, in which case it will be observed on Friday or Monday, as specified in the Administrative Code and individual labor agreements. Employees who work on the holiday "shall be compensated consistent with the provisions of their" memoranda of understanding, according to an email sent to city employees by Dana H. Brown, general manager of the city's Personnel Department. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that counteroffensive and defensive actions are underway against Russian forces, asserting that his top commanders are in a positive mindset as their troops engaged in intense fighting along the front line. The Ukrainian leader, at a Kyiv news conference alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responded to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putin's comment a day earlier that Ukraine's counteroffensive had started and Ukrainian forces were taking significant losses. Zelenskyy said that counteroffensive, defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. I will not speak about which stage or phase they are in. Top Ukrainian authorities have stopped short of announcing a full-blown counteroffensive was underway, though some Western analysts have said fiercer fighting and reported use of reserve troops suggests it was. I am in touch with our commanders of different directions every day, he added, citing the names of five of Ukraines top military leaders. Everyone is positive. Pass this on to Putin. Trudeau, the first foreign leader to visit Ukraine since devastating floods caused by a breach in a Dnieper River dam, offered up monetary, military and moral support. He pledged 500 million Canadian dollars ($375 million) in new military aid, on top of more than 8 billion Canadian dollars ($6 billion) that Canada has already provided since the war began in February 2022, and announced 10 million Canadian dollars ($7.5 million) for humanitarian assistance for the flood response. Trudeau said the dams collapse was a direct consequence of Russias war, but he didn't blame Moscow directly. Ukraines General Staff said Saturday that heavy battles were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the countrys industrial east. It gave no details but said Russian forces were defending themselves and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraines southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Recent Western injections of billions of dollars worth of military equipment some of it high-tech and top-of-the-line to Ukraine has raised expectations about when it would be used, and to what effect against dug-in Russian lines. For months, Ukrainian commanders in the eastern city of Bakhmut which was largely devastated in a months-long fight that has been one of the bloodiest battles of the war have used the language of counteroffensive and defensive operations to describe the activity there. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Friday that the epicenter of the fighting has been in the east, particularly in the Donetsk region, and cited heavy battles in Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka. Valerii Shershen, a spokesperson for Ukraines armed forces in Zaporizhzhia, told Radio Liberty that they were searching for weaknesses in Russias defense in that region, to the west. Ukraine's nuclear energy agency Energoatom said the last operating reactor at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, had been placed in cold shutdown mode. That's a process in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. The plant's other five reactors already were in cold shutdown amid concerns about the plant's exposure to the fighting. Energoatom said in a statement late Friday that there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant because of the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Water levels in the Kakhovka reservoir, which feed the Zaporizhzhia plant, remained stable on Saturday, Energoatom said. The sites power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Ukrainian authorities reported Saturday that at least six civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. Ukraines State Emergency Service reported that three people were killed and more than two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. A spokesperson for Ukraines southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. Two people were killed in a Russian attack on the town of Orekhova in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to governor Yuriy Malashko. In Ukraines northeast, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, reported Saturday. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded. The Ukrainian air force said that during the night, it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles of various types launched by Russian forces. The fighting and civilian casualties took renewed attention as authorities in southern Ukraine said water levels have been declining in a vast area beneath the ruptured dam. Nearly one-third of protected natural areas in the Kherson region could be obliterated by flooding following the breach of the Kakhovka dam, the Ukrainian environment minister warned Saturday. The U.N.'s humanitarian aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said in an Associated Press interview Friday that an extraordinary 700,000 people were in need of drinking water. In other developments: On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he wants to continue speaking with Putin whose order for Russias invasion of Ukraine has been criticized by many Western leaders and plans to do so again soon. Scholz has spoken several times by phone with Putin since the invasion. The chancellor said the basis for a fair peace between Russia and Ukraine is the withdrawal of Russian troops. Thats needs to be understood, he said. The U.K. government said it will give 16 million pounds ($20 million) in humanitarian aid to those affected by the flooding. Most of the money is being channelled through international organizations such as the Red Cross and the United Nations, and the U.K. is also sending boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders to Ukraine. The U.K. has already given Ukraine 1.5 billion pounds in economic and humanitarian support since the war began, the government said, and has committed 4.6 billion pounds in military aid. ___ Jon Gambrell in Kyiv, Joanna Kozlowska and Jill Lawless in London, and Frank Jordans in Bonn, Germany, contributed to this story. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine MEXICO CITY (AP) The government of Nicaragua announced Friday it has confiscated properties belonging to 222 opposition figures who were forced into exile in February after being imprisoned by the regime of President Daniel Ortega. Those taken from prison and forced aboard a flight to the United States on Feb. 9 included seven former presidential hopefuls, lawyers, rights activists, journalists and former members of the Sandinista guerrilla movement. The court system wrote in a statement that the opposition figures had been declared traitors to the homeland. They are also being stripped of their citizenship, measures that have been criticized as an example of banishment, in violation of international norms. The statement claimed that the dissidents lost their rights to their properties and any shares in companies in NIcaragua, after being convicted of committing acts against the nation's sovereignty, independence and self determination. Those trials were often rushed and completed within hours inside prison walls. Tamara Davila, one of the 222 exiled opposition activists, said the confiscation is completely illegal from any point of view. In political terms, this just shows the regime is in decline, and has to resort to robbery to show strength, she said. In February, the Ortega regime cancelled the citizenship of 94 political opponents, including writers Sergio Ramirez and Gioconda Belli, who are in exile but were not among those flown to the United States. Thousands have fled into exile since Nicaraguan security forces violently put down mass antigovernment protests in 2018. Ortega says the protests were an attempted coup with foreign backing, aiming for his overthrow and encouraging foreign nations to apply sanctions on members of his family and government. In the run-up to Ortegas re-election in November 2021, Nicaraguan authorities arrested seven potential opposition presidential candidates to clear the field. The government also has closed hundreds of nongovernmental groups that Ortega accused of taking foreign funding and using it to destabilize his government. Spain has offered its citizenship to the 222 exiles, while the U.S. granted the Nicaraguans a two-year temporary protection. Alexa Lariy, in blue, celebrates with members of the Trans Latin@ Coalition at the WeHo Pride parade Sunday in West Hollywood. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) When West Hollywood incorporated in 1984 and seated the nation's first city council with an openly gay majority, it grabbed the world's attention and not in an entirely positive way. One year, council members got so many threats that they wore ballistic vests on a float in the L.A. Pride Parade, said Councilman John Heilman, who was on the inaugural council. They weren't intimidated too much was at stake. "Us being out and being visible that in and of itself is a political statement," said Heilman, 65, who is gay and has been attending Pride events for four decades. Since then, there have been tragedies and trials and immense progress as LGBTQ+ people found broader acceptance in American society, won the right to same-sex marriage, could serve openly in the U.S. military. DJ Honey Davenport lines up the music for the One Size make-up float during the WeHo Pride Parade in West Hollywood on Sunday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) It seemed that, especially in liberal California, the LGBTQ+ movement had finally gone mainstream. To some, the colorful annual parades even became of all things kind of bland. But this year, Pride Month comes amid a volatile national backlash against LGBTQ+ people, from conservative lawmakers' efforts to ban drag shows and restrict the rights of transgender people to outcry against brands such as Bud Light and Target for marketing to queer people. In Southern California recently, protests erupted in North Hollywood and Glendale over the teaching of gender and sexuality in schools. The L.A. Dodgers invited, then booted, then re-invited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group of satirical nuns in drag, to its Pride Night. For queer people in and around West Hollywood, the internationally known haven for LGBTQ+ culture and longtime home of L.A. Pride, the vitriol has been met with sadness and anger, but little surprise. Amid the backlash, they say, Pride feels more relevant than ever. "It may be a little bit passe for some of us who've been around a long time, but I have to say, every Pride I feel a sense of renewal. ... I see all these young people out celebrating in a way I don't think I did at their age, and that gives me a lot of hope," Heilman said. Bamby Salcedo, president and chief executive of the TransLatin@ Coalition, said that with right-wing politicians seemingly using transgender people "as political pawns" to "gain votes and to cater to extremist people," it feels especially important this year to be marching. Members of Disney Pride in Concert cheer and wave to fans during the WeHo Pride Parade in West Hollywood on Sunday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) "If we focus on the negativity, that will bring us down," said Salcedo, 53. "When we have these moments like Pride, we are ... able to show our joy to the world and our community so that they are able to understand that, regardless of the challenges we continue to experience, we find joy in whatever way possible." As Pride grew into a social and financial behemoth, fissures emerged. This month, L.A. Pride and the newer WeHo Pride are taking place on back-to-back weekends, two miles apart the result of years of tension between L.A. Pride's parent organization, Christopher Street West, and the city of West Hollywood. Critics said L.A. Pride, which at 53 is one of the nation's oldest Pride parades, had become too corporate, the festival tickets too expensive. And there were widespread complaints that the organization and city were unwelcoming of queer people of color and transgender people. So West Hollywood, which hosted L.A. Pride for four decades, launched its own parade and festival last year. This year's WeHo Pride wound along Santa Monica Boulevard last weekend. L.A. Pride will step off Sunday morning at Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue, about four blocks northeast of West Hollywood city limits. Salcedo marched in WeHo Pride while dressed as a social justice warrior carrying a shield that read, "Invest in Trans Lives." And she will be at the L.A. Pride Parade this weekend. For the TransLatin@ Coalition, she said, Pride isn't just a party. It's a critical venue for passing out information about resources for queer people, about combating hate and about the prevention of COVID-19 and other diseases. People join attorney Gloria Allred during Sunday's parade in West Hollywood. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Gerald Garth, the board president for Christopher Street West, has been coming to L.A. Pride for a decade. In 2013, Garth had just moved to Los Angeles from Louisiana. He hopped on a bus to West Hollywood alone, wearing a feather boa and a fedora with a rainbow-colored brim. "In the body which I occupy, there has to be a great level of boldness to occupy it, as a tall, dark Black man," said Garth, 40. "There's a very prescribed experience which society has given him, and then you layer that with an LGBTQ+ experience." By the time he finished walking down Santa Monica Boulevard, Garth felt lighter. More joyful. It felt, he said, like he was "initiated into the rainbow." No matter what's going on politically, first-timers are transformed by the Pride parade each year, Garth said. With thousands of people on the streets, security is a top priority, organizers for both L.A. Pride and WeHo Pride said. Increasingly, there is debate about the presence of armed law enforcement officers at Pride. The LGBTQ+ community has a fraught history with police, who, for decades, raided gay bars such as the famed Stonewall Inn in New York and the Black Cat tavern in Silver Lake. At WeHo Pride last weekend, Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies arrested two volunteers at a booth for Equal Means Equal, a nonprofit that pushes for the adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A video posted to Twitter shows at least six uniformed deputies wrestling LGBTQ+ activist Xodiac Rose and their friend Abby Thomas to the pavement. "At Pride, oh, my God!" a bystander shouted. "This is what we mean!" Rose, 25, screamed as they were being handcuffed. A deputy, Rose yelled, "was being homophobic" and laughing at signs at the booth. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Los Angeles participate in the WeHo Pride Parade in West Hollywood on Sunday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) In a statement, the Sheriff's Department said Rose, who was in custody for four days, had an outstanding warrant on claims of battery, vandalism and robbing someone of a cellphone outside the West Hollywood Library in April. Thomas, 28, was arrested on suspicion of "interfering and obstructing an arrest," according to the Sheriff's Department. She was released from custody hours later, and witnesses dispute the allegation. Alice Crenshaw, a spokesperson for Equal Means Equal who witnessed the arrests and called them "extremely aggressive," said the warrant against Rose stemmed from a protest outside a Drag Queen Story Hour event at the West Hollywood Library. Videos posted on Twitter show Rose voguing in front of a man filming outside the library. Rose then stomped on a cellphone. A far-right website called Right Now Views which includes videos of protests outside LGBTQ+ events created a wanted poster with photos of Rose, the words "Tweaker Antifa" and a phone number for the Sheriff's Department. In an email, West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne said it was "deeply disconcerting to see images of anyone being held on the pavement surrounded by deputies in gear" and "even more alarming when this takes place in our safe LGBTQ+ spaces." "Pride celebrations are supposed to be places where we as queer people feel empowered, affirmed, and safe," she wrote. "We cant lose sight of the fact that this is emblematic of a larger division in our nation right now." Shyne said she has heard from community members who want no law enforcement at Pride celebrations and from others who are grateful for added security during tense times. The city, she said, is working to "balance safety concerns, which is our responsibility during Pride, with the legitimate concerns of our LGBTQ community members who have had difficult relationships with law enforcement in the past." Shyne, 46, who is Iranian American and the first queer woman of color elected to the City Council, said Pride is essential. "In Iran, LGBTQ people are given the death sentence, so there are no Pride celebrations," she wrote. "Pride events, with all their public displays of flair, flamboyance, and fun are vital because someone somewhere, even in a City like West Hollywood, still may believe they would be better off dead than be LGBTQ. We can't let that happen." On Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood this week, people were reveling in Pride Month, with all its rainbow flags and ribald humor. L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna attends the WeHo Pride Parade in West Hollywood on Sunday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) A banner on the window of Hugo's Restaurant read: #dragisnotacrime. A sign in the window of the West Hollywood Library promoting Drag Queen Story Hour advertised "Fake Eyelashes, Real News." Giant ads with muscular men wearing skimpy swim trunks and stethoscopes promoted an HIV-prevention drug with the words: "I Ho, You Ho, WeHo ... together on PrEP." At the Gallery at Circus of Books, Jesus Clauss, 42, a studio manager for fashion designer Julia Clancey, adjusted displays for her Pride collection, arranging "budgie smugglers" briefs-style swim bottoms with colorful banana prints and shimmery kaftans. Clauss, of Koreatown, went to WeHo Pride at his husband's urging. He initially resisted because, as a younger gay man, he felt a lot of pressure to "have a certain physique." But his husband told him: "Let's make our own memories." He came away inspired, especially by younger queer people who "are not as concerned about appearance." The same weekend, his niece came out as pansexual by posting on Instagram that she was "living my truth." She had faced some resistance from loved ones. He shared his own experiences as a queer person and told her he supported her. The national backlash against LBGTQ+ people is frustrating, Clauss said. But ultimately, things are so much better than when he was discovering his sexuality, without access to the internet or much information at all. "It seems like the rhetoric," he said, "is a result of all the progress we've made." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. (CNN) The US believes that an attack drone manufacturing plant Russia is building with Irans help could be fully operational by early next year, National Security Council official John Kirby said. Iran is shipping equipment for the plant, as well as fully-built drones, to Russia via the Caspian Sea, US officials believe. Russia has purchased hundreds of drones from Iran since last summer and is using them extensively in the war in Ukraine. Kirby confirmed previous CNN reporting that Iran is using the Caspian Sea route to move drones, bullets and mortar shells to Russia, often using vessels that are dark, or have turned off their tracking data to disguise their movements. The US released a map on Friday showing the route Iran appears to be using to ship the equipment from Amirabad, Iran to Makhachkala, Russia. Russia has been using Iranian UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorize the Ukrainian population, and the Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening, Kirby said in a statement. The US also believes that Iran has been shipping materials that Russia has been using to build its own drone factory inside Russias Alabuga Special Economic Zone, about 600 miles east of Moscow. The US released a satellite image of the planned location of the purported drone manufacturing plant, taken on April 3. CNN has asked the Russian embassy in Washington and the Iranian mission to the United Nations for comment. The support is flowing both ways: from Iran to Russia, and from Russia to Iran, Kirby said. Russia has been offering Iran unprecedented defense cooperation, including on missiles, electronics, and air defense, he added. Earlier this year, Iran announced that it had finalized a deal to buy Su-35 fighter jets from Russia. Iran is seeking to purchase additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft. In total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Russia. Kirby said that the US is releasing this information to the public to expose and disrupt the countries full-scale defense partnership. He also announced that the US will be issuing a new advisory on Friday to help businesses and governments better understand how Iran is illegally obtaining the components to build its drones, and how they can put in place measures to ensure they are not inadvertently contributing to Irans UAV program. The US has imposed tough export control restrictions and sanctions to prevent Iran from obtaining the necessary materials for its drones, but evidence has emerged that suggests Iran is finding an abundance of commercially-available technologyincluding components manufactured by US companies, CNN has reported. The Biden administration launched an expansive task force last year to investigate how US and western components, including American-made microelectronics, were ending up in Iranian-made drones being used in Russia. Kirby said the US will continue to impose sanctions on Iranians, Russians, and other countries involved in the procurement of the equipment. This story was first published on CNN, "UN finds US says drone factory Russia is building with Irans help could be operational early next year." By Rod Nickel and David Ljunggren WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) -Rain is likely to help clear up smoky air in eastern Canada starting Sunday but may not reach the forest fires raging in the province of Quebec until days later, a government meteorologist said on Saturday. There were 426 fires across Canada on Saturday morning, 144 of them in Quebec. Canadian forest fires regularly occur in the summer but the scope of the current conflagration - and its early arrival - are unprecedented. The fires on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts have burned 4.4 million hectares so far, forced thousands of Canadians from their homes and spread smoke that has left residents from Toronto to New York gasping for breath. Federal meteorologist Gerald Cheng told reporters on Saturday that rain was expected Sunday in southern Ontario and southwestern Quebec, which will likely help clear smoke. The rain looks set to reach more northern parts of Quebec - where the biggest fires are burning - starting Tuesday but only 10-20 mm (0.4-0.8 inches) of precipitation is expected, Cheng said. "Our concern is that it's not a lot of rain," he said. Officials say that by Monday there will be around 1,200 firefighters, including more than 100 from France, battling blazes across Quebec, a heavily wooded province of 8.5 million people that covers more territory than Germany, Spain and France combined. "In the next few days there is a risk the situation will stay critical. But the arrival of French firefighters is really going to help," Quebec Forestry Minister Maite Blanchette Vezina said on Friday. More than 13,000 people have been evacuated from towns in the north of Quebec. In the Pacific province of British Columbia, weather improved on Saturday as firefighters battled a large 20,000-hectare (50,000-acre) blaze in the remote foothills of the Rocky Mountains near the eastern border with Alberta. Winds that had been blowing westward toward the mostly evacuated community of Tumbler Ridge, about 1,000 km (600 miles) northeast of Vancouver, turned to the east. Temperatures also cooled, allowing firefighters to get closer to the fire, said Karley Desrosiers, information officer for the B.C. Wildfire Service. The fire is just 4 km (2-1/2 miles) from Tumbler Ridge, where about 150 of its 2,400 residents remain. "I can't say the risk has been alleviated because it absolutely has not, but at this exact moment, the weather is working in our favor," she said. Drizzling rain has helped, but the forest is so dry from drought that the area needs heavier rain to make a major difference, Desrosiers said. (Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, editing by Deepa Babington; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Cynthia Osterman) MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia is still not satisfied with how a Black Sea grain deal is being implemented, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said on Saturday after meeting senior U.N. trade officials a day earlier, the TASS news agency reported. Russia has threatened to walk away from the grain deal on July 17 if demands to improve its own food and fertilizer exports are not met. The deal, struck in July last year, facilitates the "safe navigation" of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers - including ammonia - for export to global markets. "We cannot be satisfied with how this memorandum is being implemented," Vershinin was quoted as saying. "Barriers to our exports remain." Russia agreed to a two-month extension of the deal last month but has said the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian grain and fertiliser exports is fulfilled. The demands set out by Moscow include the resumption of the transit of ammonia from Russia via Ukrainian territory to Pivdennyi port in Odesa, from where it is exported. Transit of ammonia, an important part of nitrogen-based fertilisers, was halted via the pipeline after Russia sent its troop to Ukraine last year. Russia's demands to improve its grain and fertiliser exports include the reconnection of Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to the SWIFT international payment system. While Russian exports of food and fertilizer are not subject to Western sanctions, Moscow says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have amounted to a barrier to shipments. Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that U.N. representatives' attention was drawn to obstacles facing Russian agricultural producers and suppliers. "(They) are still forced to overcome numerous restrictions and barriers provoked by illegal anti-Russian sanctions associated with bank payments, delivery and insurance of goods, on their own and at high costs, which negatively affects prices and physical availability of goods," it said. Russia's ambassador to Turkey said on Friday that despite ongoing consultations with the United Nations on the grain deal, there are no grounds to extend it, the RIA news agency reported. (Reporting by Vladimir SoldatkinEditing by Helen Popper and Andrew Cawthorne) BELGRADE (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Serbians joined an anti-government protest in Belgrade on Friday for the sixth time since May 3, blaming a culture of violence for the deaths of 18 people in two mass shootings and calling on the interior minister to resign. Chanting "(Serbian President Aleksandar) Vucic out!" and holding a big banner reading "Students against violence," the protesters gathered in front of the parliament and marched to the government building. Serbia was rocked last month by two unprecedented shootings that happened on consecutive days. On May 3, a teenager killed ten at an elementary school. On May 4, a 21-year-old man killed eight in a town near Belgrade. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Serbia's interior minister Bratislav Gasic and secret service chief Aleksandar Vulin, who they blame for failing to bring criminal groups to justice. They also want the withdrawal of national broadcast licences for television channels Pink TV and Happy TV and a ban on some tabloids who they blame for promoting violence. "I expect the protest to continue, because there is no other way," said one of the protesters, who gave her name as Milica. "I think at one point the government will have to give in, this is a large number of people and eventually they will have to give in to this pressure." Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said on Wednesday she was willing to resign and invited the opposition parties - who have backed the protests - for dialogue. But protest leaders have said that they will not speak with the government until all their demands are met. Vucic says his government is not at fault. "Is the government to blame for crimes that happened? I cannot accept that," he told Reuters on Friday. Serbia has a deeply entrenched gun culture, and along with the rest of the Western Balkans is awash with military-grade weapons and ordnance in private hands after the wars of the 1990s that tore apart the former Yugoslavia. However, mass shootings are rare. (Reporting by Ivana Sekularac, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) AUSTIN, Texas (AP) A Texas businessman at the center of the scandal that led to the historic impeachment of state Attorney General Ken Paxton was charged Friday with making false statements to mortgage lenders to obtain $172 million in loans. The federal indictment of real estate developer Nate Paul is the result of a yearslong FBI investigation a probe Paxton involved his office in, setting off a chain of events that led to a separate federal probe of the attorney general and his impeachment and suspension from office last month. Paul was charged with eight counts of making false statements while seeking loans from mortgage lenders in the U.S. and Ireland. There was no mention of Paxton or the attorney generals office during the hearing. Paul, 36, who entered the federal courtroom shackled and wearing jeans, a blue shirt and Nikes, did not enter a plea during his initial appearance in an Austin court nor visibly react as the charges were read. He was released ahead of trial but ordered to surrender his passport and inform the court of any travel outside Texas. Following the hearing, Paul left through a back door and climbed into a car in a gated area outside the courthouse. Paul is adamant that he is not guilty," defense attorney Gerry Morris said after hearing, adding that he did not know when his client last spoke with Paxton. An attorney for Paxton, Dan Cogdell, speculated Thursday evening that prosecutors might use the charges against Paul to try to get him to flip and cooperate in the investigation of the attorney general. Paul is accused of overstating his assets and understating his liabilities while seeking loans in 2017 and 2018, including by giving financial institution false and counterfeit records. In one case, prosecutors said, Paul told banks he had $18 million in an account when he had less than $13,000. In another case laid out in the 23-page indictment, Paul is accused of telling a credit union he had around $3 million in liabilities when he actually owed more than $28 million at the time. A grand jury handed up the indictment Tuesday but a judge sealed the document until after the court hearing, which took place just a few blocks from Paul's downtown Austin offices. Prosecutors said each count of making false statements carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $1 million. FBI agents examining Pauls troubled real estate empire searched his Austin offices and palatial home in 2019. The next year, eight of Paxton s top deputies reported the attorney general to the FBI on allegations of bribery and abuse of office, including for hiring an outside lawyer to examine the developers claims of wrongdoing by federal agents. The allegations by Paxtons staff prompted an FBI investigation that in February was taken over by the Justice Departments Washington-based Public Integrity Section. They are also central to 20 articles of impeachment overwhelmingly approved by the GOP-led state House of Representatives. They include abuse of public trust, unfitness for office and bribery. The impeachment accuses Paxton of using his office to help Paul over his unproven claims of an elaborate conspiracy to steal $200 million of the developers properties. The bribery counts say that in return the developer employed a woman with whom Paxton had an extramarital affair and paid for expensive renovations to the attorney generals million-dollar Austin home. Paxton's lawyers sought to rebut the latter claim this week by releasing a bank statement that included a 2020 wire transfer purportedly showing Paxton, and not a donor, paying more than $120,000 for a home renovation. But the document raised new questions about the mens dealings. The wire transfer was dated Oct. 1, 2020 the same day Paxtons deputies signed a letter informing the head of human resources at the Texas attorney generals office that they had reported their boss to the FBI. The $121,000 payment was to Cupertino Builders, whose manager had done work for Paul and had an email address with his company, state corporation and court records show. Paul has faced numerous lawsuits from creditors and business partners over the years, with several of his companies filing for bankruptcy or being placed under the supervision of court-appointed overseers. Last year, one of those receivers wrote in a report that Cupertino Builders was used for fraudulent transfers from Paul's business. Paul has denied bribing Paxton. The attorney general has also broadly denied wrongdoing and said he expects to be acquitted during an impeachment trial in the state Senate, where his wife is a member. The Senate will set its own rules for a trial that has little precedent, given that Paxton is just the third sitting official in Texas history to be impeached. The proceeding is set begin no later than Aug. 28. Paxton was separately indicted on securities fraud charges in 2015, though he has yet to stand trial. ___ Bleiberg reported from Dallas. By Nathan Layne (Reuters) -Former President Donald Trump used the first public appearance since his federal indictment to ratchet up attacks on the Justice Department, accusing prosecutors, without evidence, of a politically motivated campaign to keep him from the White House. Speaking on Saturday at Georgia's state Republican convention, Trump alleged that President Joe Biden, a Democrat, orchestrated the criminal charges in order to undermine his main political rival's presidential campaign, as well as to distract from federal and congressional investigations into Biden's son. There is no evidence to support Trump's allegations. The Justice Department maintains that all its investigative decisions are made without regard to partisan politics, and Biden has said he would not get involved in the Trump probe. "The ridiculous and baseless indictment of me by the Biden administration's weaponized department of injustice will go down as among the most horrific abuses of power in the history of our country," Trump told the crowd of local party officials. "This vicious persecution is a travesty of justice." His remarks came one day after prosecutors unsealed a 37-count indictment against him, alleging he mishandled classified documents that included some of the country's most sensitive security secrets after leaving the White House in 2021. Prosecutors allege the former president held on to materials, including documents about the U.S. nuclear program and domestic vulnerabilities to a potential attack, that he knew he should not have retained. The 49-page indictment also detailed two instances in which Trump allegedly shared classified information with people not authorized to receive it, as well as efforts to obstruct government investigators seeking to retrieve the materials. The indictment of a former U.S. president on federal charges is unprecedented in American history and came as Trump is the clear front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination next year. Trump told Politico on Saturday that he will continue running for president even if he were convicted. The charges ensure the case will be a focal point of the party's nomination contest. Most of Trump's rivals responded by accusing the Justice Department of political bias, reflecting their fears of upsetting Trump's core supporters, a group thought to be 30% of the Republican electorate. He is due to make a first appearance in the case in a Miami court on Tuesday, a day before his 77th birthday. In a wide-ranging and at times dark and conspiratorial speech, Trump portrayed his campaign to return to the White House as part of an "epic struggle" to defeat the "sinister forces" that he said were a bigger threat to the country than foreign adversaries like Russia, North Korea and Iran. "Think of that: from within is worse than without," he said. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed two different special counsels to independently investigate the handling of classified records by Trump and Biden, who discovered documents at his home and one-time office at a think tank. Trump sought to equate the investigation into his conduct with that of Biden, even as legal experts say there are stark differences. For more than a year, Trump rebuffed efforts by the National Archives to retrieve all of the records he retained and, according to the indictment, worked to hide documents from his lawyers and investigators. In Biden's case, his attorneys informed the National Archives and the Justice Department of the discovery of classified files, according to Garland. The Justice Department has not said whether it would indict Biden. "Biden was not indicted. And what he did is terrible," Trump said. He referred to Jack Smith, the special counsel who indicted him, as a "thug" and called for the removal of officials investigating him. "This is a sick nest of people that needs to be cleaned out immediately. Get 'em out," he added to applause. Trump told the audience in Georgia that the "joke of an indictment" would further bolster his support within the party, similar to how charges in New York in March over hush-money payments to a porn star elevated his ranking in primary polls. "The only good thing is it's driven my poll numbers way up." It was unclear to what poll numbers he was referring. (Reporting by Nathan Layne in Wilton, Connecticut; Editing by Daniel Wallis) Ted Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber, is flanked by federal agents outside the federal courthouse in Helena, Mont., in 1996. (John Youngbear / Associated Press) At first the bombs were crude affairs, amateur efforts packed with thousands of match heads. But over time, Ted Kaczynski became a craftsman, building sophisticated killing devices from easily obtained chemicals, lamp cords, roofing nails materials that were commonplace, highly damaging and virtually untraceable. When he needed switches, he hand-carved them from hickory. He glued components together with epoxy that he made from the boiled hooves of deer he shot. In his primitive, 10-by-12-foot cabin near the Continental Divide in Montana, he sanded and filed and polished parts to erase his fingerprints. He even peeled the skin off batteries to eliminate the lot numbers that could identify where they were sold. He fed investigators false clues, taunting them like a comic-book villain. He sent the New York Times a letter with a return address of 9th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. in Washington, D.C. the location of the J. Edgar Hoover Building, headquarters of the FBI. At one point, he lodged hairs he found in a bus station restroom between the layers of electrical tape on a bombs wire connections, hoping to initiate a genetic wild-goose chase. But in 1996, after 18 years of a frightening, slow-motion rampage that killed three people and injured 23 more, Kaczynski was finally arrested betrayed not by his bombs but by his own words. Known as the Unabomber, Kaczynski died Saturday in federal prison, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons told the Associated Press. He was 81. Kaczynski was found dead around 8 a.m. at a prison medical facility in North Carolina, where he had been moved to in 2021. A cause of death was not immediately known. By the time of his capture, Kaczynski had become one of the most feared individuals in America. The FBI poured more than $50 million into tracking him down and offered a $1-million reward for information leading to his conviction. In the end, more than 150 FBI agents, profilers, analysts and others were working full time on finding the terrorist who had eluded them for so many years. Kaczynski's Unabomber moniker came from an FBI code name combining the un of universities and the a of airlines, his initial targets. His identity first emerged just two months before his arrest. In his writings, the taciturn hermit referred to himself as FC for Freedom Club and grandiosely used the first-person plural to suggest it was a group of like-minded comrades. A Harvard graduate and a former math professor at UC Berkeley, Kaczynski wanted above all to draw attention to his ideas, all radiating from his hatred of modern technology. In a 1995 letter, he vowed to suspend his killings if the New York Times or Washington Post published, unedited, his 35,000-word treatise on the dehumanizing influence of technology. The manifesto, as it was known, began: The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race. It was published as an eight-page special section in the Washington Post on Sept. 19, 1995. Its themes of technology running amok and individual freedom shrinking were familiar, but parts of the Unabombers opus were chilling. In paragraph 96 of his 232 paragraphs he numbered them, for ease of reference he honed in on the terrifying method of his madness: If we had never done anything violent and had submitted the present writings to a publisher, they probably would not have been accepted, he wrote. In order to get our message before the public with some chance of making a lasting impression, we've had to kill people." Ted Kaczynski's mailbox outside Lincoln, Mont., is shown in 1996. (Stuart S. White / Associated Press) In 1985, Kaczynskis first lethal bomb killed Hugh Scrutton, the owner of a computer store in Sacramento. In 1994, public relations executive Thomas Mosser was killed as he opened one of Kaczynskis packages at his home in North Caldwell, N.J. The following year, California Forestry Assn. President Gilbert R. Murray was killed the same way at his groups Sacramento headquarters. But in addition to the fatalities, Kaczynski tallied many more injuries and some grim near-misses. In 1978, a bomb left in a parking lot ended up injuring campus officer Terry Marker at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. The following year, a graduate researcher at Northwestern, John Harris, was hurt in a student lounge when he opened what appeared to be a gift box. Kaczynski was disappointed when he read that the student was treated only for cuts. I had hoped that the victim would be blinded or have his hands blown off or be otherwise maimed, he wrote in a journal entry. Later in 1979, Kaczynski placed a bomb on an American Airlines flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C. It failed to explode but thick smoke forced an emergency landing. Twelve of those aboard were treated for smoke inhalation. He caused a fleeting panic in 1995, when he threatened to bring down an airliner leaving Los Angeles International Airport within six days. The next day, he took it all back. Since the public has a short memory, we decided to play one last prank to remind them who we are, he said in a letter to the New York Times. But no, we havent tried to plant a bomb on an airline [recently]. In all, he distributed 16 bombs, either dropping them off in person or mailing them from distant cities. His bombs injured United Airlines President Percy Wood and John Hauser, an Air Force captain and aspiring astronaut. They hurt Janet Smith, a secretary at Vanderbilt University in Nashville; Diogenes Angelakos, an engineering professor at UC Berkeley; University of Michigan psychology professor James V. McConnell and his assistant Nicklaus Suino; and Salt Lake City computer store owner Gary Wright. The Unabombers final survivors were Dr. Charles Epstein, a leading U.S. geneticist who taught at UC San Francisco, and David Gelernter, a prominent computer scientist at Yale. Kaczynski sent Gelernter an insulting note two years after his bomb shattered the Yale professors right hand and nearly took out one of his eyes. People with advanced degrees aren't as smart as they think they are, he wrote. If you'd had any brains, you would have realized that there are a lot of people out there who resent bitterly the way techno-nerds like you are changing the world and you wouldn't have been dumb enough to open an unexpected package from an unknown source. Gelernter, also a painter and a political commentator, forwarded the letter to the FBI without reading it. If this guy has a message for me, I dont give a damn what it is, he told agents. Unlike other serial bombers, Kaczynski was not out to avenge perceived mistreatment by a particular individual, company or government agency. Instead, his wrath was directed at all those who enabled the operation of what he called industrial society. As he opined in paragraph 79 of his treatise: It would be better to dump the whole stinking system and take the consequences. Born May 22, 1942, Theodore John Kaczynski grew up in Evergreen Park, Ill., a Chicago suburb. His father, Theodore R. Kaczynski, was a sausage maker, and his mother, Wanda Kaczynski, a full-time homemaker. They quickly recognized his brilliance and tried to nurture it, discussing Scientific American magazine articles with him when he was young. His dad loved the outdoors and taught his two sons camping skills. Young Ted skipped two grades without much effort. In high school, his math teacher said Ted was likely the smartest student hed ever seen. He had no friends, but joined the coin club, played trombone in the school band and got into Harvard on a scholarship. In his university days, he was known mostly as a recluse. I dont recall more than 10 words being spoken by him, Patrick S. MacIntosh, one of Kaczynskis roommates for three years, told the Boston Globe. "His room was an unholy mess, the worst mess I've ever seen in my life," MacIntosh said. "Sometimes it smelled like he had left his lunch in there for weeks." Ted Kaczynski, center, is led from a plane by federal authorities at Mather Field in Rancho Cordova, Calif., in 1996. (Dick Schmidt / Associated Press) Kaczynskis brilliance, however, was unquestioned. A math major, he was admitted to a graduate program at the University of Michigan, where he received his doctorate in 1967. His dissertation won a prize as thesis of the year. Without the assistance or knowledge of his professors, he published papers in respected journals. Ted was quietly solving open problems and creating new mathematics, Joel H. Shapiro, a Michigan classmate, told the Los Angeles Times. It was as if he could write poetry while the rest of us were struggling to learn grammar." In 1967, he signed on as an assistant professor at UC Berkeley. Two years later, he resigned. While he had never been active in Vietnam War protests, he told a family friend he didnt want to be part of the war machine. But from the cabin he built on land purchased with his brother, David, for $2,100, he pursued his own private war. For 25 years, Kaczynski lived three miles from Lincoln, Mont., without electricity or running water. He got around on a rickety bicycle. His beard went halfway down his chest, and he was perennially disheveled. He spoke with few of the locals, though he sometimes rode along with a neighbor to bus stations in Helena or Missoula, secretly carrying his dangerous cargo in wrapped, intricately made wooden boxes. Nobody had sensed that he was violent, but by the 1990s, doubts were stirring among those who knew him best. In increasingly blistering letters, he had estranged himself from his family. When his father, suffering from terminal cancer, took his own life in 1990, Ted refused to attend the funeral. David, a social worker in Schenectady, N.Y., was concerned about his older brothers mental state and so was his wife, Linda Patrik, a philosophy professor at Union College. It was Patrik who persuaded her husband to read the Unabombers newly released manifesto. In their five years of marriage, she had never met her husband's brother, but she was familiar with his long, rambling letters, typically laden with fearful forecasts about technology. Some of the similarities between the manifesto and Teds writings were startling. When David saw the phrase cool-headed logicians in the manifesto, his heart sank. Kaczynski had used the same phrase in one of his letters. David also was disquieted by his brother's familiarity with the places that had been targeted by the Unabomber. Chicago, the University of Michigan, Berkeley, Salt Lake City: All were spots that Kaczynski knew well. Ultimately, he came to an anguished dilemma: Do nothing and run the risk that Ted might kill again, or turn him in and accept the likelihood that he would be executed for his crimes. After the manifestos publication, the FBI received some 55,000 tips on who the Unabomber might be. Offered through an attorney, David Kaczynskis tip about his brother hit home. He later donated most of his $1-million FBI reward to his brothers victims. Consulting with a Georgetown University linguist, FBI profiler James R. Fitzgerald led a team that scoured the manifesto and Ted Kaczynskis old letters to his family. The first similarity to strike Fitzgerald was: You cant eat your cake and have it too an uncommon version of the maxim You cant have your cake and eat it too. His team found some 600 distinctive phrases used in both the manifesto and the letters, including words like wilfully, that were spelled in the style used by the Chicago Tribune when Kaczynski was growing up. On April 3, 1996, a legion of FBI agents and law enforcement personnel surrounded the Unabombers cabin off Humbug Contour Road. A U.S. Forest Service ranger and two agents pretending to be land surveyors knocked at the door. Within seconds, the Unabomber was in custody. For 25 years, Ted Kaczynski lived in a cabin three miles from Lincoln, Mont., without electricity or running water. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press) In a days-long search of the property, investigators found thousands of journal pages, bomb diagrams, technical data on bomb chemistry, two typewriters and shelves of bomb-making materials. Kaczynskis bed was a plywood platform suspended from the wall. It had no mattress, because, as he once told his brother, mattresses make men weak. Beneath the bed was a live bomb, awaiting its next victim. On Jan. 21, 1998, before a federal judge in Sacramento, Kaczynski pleaded guilty to murder and all other federal charges. The plea spared him the possibility of a death sentence. Years later, he responded to a questionnaire from organizers of his 50th alumni reunion at Harvard. He described his occupation as prisoner and noted his awards: Eight life sentences, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, 1998. Kaczynski spent most of his time behind bars in solitary confinement at the federal Administrative Maximum Facility also known as Supermax, near Florence, Colo. Housed in a 12-by-7-foot cell only slightly smaller than his cabin, he was allowed out into a cement courtyard for just one hour a day. For a time, his companions on his workout break, each enclosed in a large wire cage, were Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh and World Trade Center bomber Ramzi Ahmed Yousef. Kaczynski kept himself busy with correspondence. He periodically donated the hate mail addressed to him as well as his many exchanges with fans to a special collection at the University of Michigan library. He turned down nearly all interview requests. In 1999, however, he sat down with Time Magazines Stephen J. Dubner, who pointed out that anarchists saw him as a hero. Kaczynski was flattered but largely unimpressed. A lot of these people are just irrational, he said. Steve Chawkins is a former Times staff writer. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Daphne Psaledakis and Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States urged Nigerian authorities on Friday to investigate an air strike that Reuters reported killed dozens of cattle herders earlier this year and highlighted a pattern of deadly aerial assaults. Dozens of ethnic Fulani herders died in a Jan. 24 aerial bombing in the central state of Nasarawa, according to a Reuters investigation published this week. The deaths raise awkward questions for allies such as the U.S., which arm Nigeria's military as part of ongoing efforts to quell Islamist insurgencies in West Africa. "We urge Nigerian authorities to thoroughly investigate this and all other incidents of civilian harm in a timely and transparent manner," a State Department spokesperson said on Friday in an emailed response to questions about the reporting. The spokesperson said senior U.S. officials and diplomats in Nigeria regularly engage with the Nigerian government on efforts to combat terrorism, discussing issues such as protecting civilians from harm. The spokesperson did not specify whether they had raised the January bombing with the Nigerians. The spokesperson also said Washington is not aware of any information indicating weapons or aircraft supplied by the United States have been involved in any civilian harm incidents attributed to the Nigerian Air Force. The deadly airstrike came amid renewed worries among U.S. lawmakers about weapons deals worth hundreds of millions to Nigeria, a country frequently criticized for its human rights record. The State Department spokesperson said existing defense sales and security assistance to Nigeria include "robust components focused on human rights, preventing civilian harm, and promoting military justice and accountability." "Reports of civilian harm should be thoroughly and transparently investigated," the spokesperson said. In 2017, Nigeria's air force was criticized for bombing a camp for displaced people while on a mission targeting Islamist insurgents in Rann, near the Cameroonian border. The airstrike, which Nigerian officials admitted was a mistake, killed at least 90 people, the majority of them women and children, according to medical charity Medecins San Frontieres (MSF), which had teams in the camp at the time. The State Department spokesperson said that since the 2017 bombing, the Nigerian military has taken corrective action to reduce civilian harm. The spokesperson added that as a result of U.S. training, Nigeria's Air Force is implementing targeting procedures to help avoid civilian casualties. The U.S. State Department is also providing an embedded advisor to work with the Nigeria's military to develop a corps of military legal advisors focused on advising commanders during operations to prevent and mitigate harm to civilians, the spokesperson said. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Tim Cocks and Daniel Wallis) By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the indictment of rival Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday, saying there had been what he called double standards in issuing charges. U.S. prosecutors unsealed a 37-count indictment against Trump on Friday, accusing the former president of risking some of the country's most sensitive security secrets after leaving office in 2021. "I think there needs to be one standard of justice in this country," DeSantis said in remarks on Friday night at a party convention in Greensboro, North Carolina. He condemned what he termed a "weaponization" of government agencies, although he did not mention Trump by name in his speech. "Hillary had the emails," DeSantis said. "Is there a different standard for a Democrat Secretary of State versus a former Republican president?" Hillary Clinton, who was secretary of state under President Barack Obama, lost to Trump in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. During the campaign, she faced questions about her handling of classified material after it became public that she had used a private email server in her home for some of her correspondence. A U.S. State Department investigation found no evidence of deliberate mishandling of classified information by department employees, and the FBI said Clinton had been "careless" but it did not recommend criminal charges. Trump faces 37 criminal counts, including charges of unauthorized retention of classified documents and conspiracy to obstruct justice, after he left the White House in 2021, according to federal court documents made public on Friday. Republicans have alleged that the investigation into Trump, who is running to unseat Democratic President Joe Biden from the White House in 2024, is politically motivated. Biden and top officials have repeatedly said the Justice Department is acting independently. "You can't have one faction of society weaponizing the power of the state against factions that it doesn't like. And that's what we've seen," said DeSantis, who is running a distant second behind Trump in opinion polls for the Republican nomination. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) By Tom Balmforth KYIV (Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged on Saturday that his military was engaged in "counter-offensive and defensive operations" a day after Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said Kyiv's long-vaunted drive to retake territory was well under way. But the Ukrainian leader disclosed no details, telling reporters to pass on to Putin that his generals were optimistic. Sporting his trademark khaki fatigues, Zelenskiy shrugged at a press conference when asked about Putin's comments on Friday that Kyiv had begun its counter-offensive but made no progress. "Counter-offensive and defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine, but I will not say in detail what stage they are at," Zelenskiy said, listing Ukraine's top military brass by name. "They (the generals) are all in a positive mood. Pass that on to Putin," he said with a smile, standing alongside visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He said Putin's comments on the counter-offensive were "interesting...It is important that Russia always feels this: That they do not have long left, in my opinion." Russia's Defence Ministry on Saturday said Ukrainian forces had in the past 24 hours made "unsuccessful" attempts to attack in the southern Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions -- two areas subject to heavy fighting. The ministry also mentioned Bakhmut, the eastern town Moscow says it captured last month after 10 months of fierce battles. Reuters was not able to independently verify the situation on the battlefield. In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy again provided few details while urging troops to keep fighting. "Thank you to all those who holds their positions and those who advance," he said, citing the eastern and southern fronts, where fighting is heaviest. Ukraine's general staff said its forces had repelled enemy attacks around Bakhmut and the long besieged town of Maryinka. Russian forces, it said, "continue to suffer heavy losses which they are trying to conceal". General Oleksander Syrskyi, commander of ground forces who is in operational control of the counteroffensive, posted a picture on social media of an explosion that he said was a group of Russian soldiers being destroyed near Bakhmut. Ukrainian military spokesman Serhiy Cherevatyi reported new gains near Bakhmut. "We're trying...to conduct strikes on the enemy, we are counter-attacking. We've managed to advance up to 1,400 metres (0.87 mile) on various sections of the front," Cherevatyi said. Ukraine has said for months it plans a major counter-offensive. But it had denied the main operation has begun. With scant independent reporting from the front lines, it has been difficult to assess the state of the fighting. Britain's Ministry of Defence said Ukraine had conducted "significant" operations in several eastern and southern parts in the last 48 hours, with Russian defences breached in places. SOME PROGRESS: BRITISH MINISTRY "In some areas, Ukrainian forces have likely made good progress and penetrated the first line of Russian defences. In others, Ukrainian progress has been slower," it said, also characterising the Russian military's performance as mixed. "Some (Russian) units are likely conducting credible manoeuvre defence operations while others have pulled back in some disorder, amid increased reports of Russian casualties as they withdraw through their own minefields." Ukraine's counter-offensive is expected to use thousands of troops that have been trained and equipped by the West, but Russia has built huge fortifications in occupied territory to prepare, while Kyiv also lacks air supremacy. The south is seen as a key strategic priority for a Ukrainian push that could aim to recapture Europe's biggest nuclear plant and cut the Russian land bridge to the occupied Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, dividing Russian forces. Ukrainian military analyst Oleksiy Hetman told NV Radio the events of recent days were only initial steps. "What is happening now could be called 'reconnaissance in battle' - the first stage of the offensive," Hetman said. "It was impossible to make progress in depth. The goal was to check the enemy's defences. Let's wait a few days and see." (Reporting by Tom Balmforth and Felix Hoske; Editing by Alex Richardson, Andrew Cawthorne, Mike Harrison, Ron Popeski and Cynthia Osterman) (CNN) Saudi Arabia and the United States announced a 24-hour ceasefire starting Saturday between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday. The ceasefire is effective starting 6:00AM Khartoum time [12:00a ET Friday], the statement said. The two warring factions agreed to allow for the movement of humanitarian aid all throughout Sudan, the statement said. Saudi Arabia and the US join the Sudanese people in their frustration over the non-commitment of the previous truces, the statement said. On Thursday, Sudans foreign ministry which backs the countrys armed forces notified the United Nations that Volker Perthes, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sudan, and head of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), had been declared persona non grata. The Government of the Republic of Sudan has notified the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Thursday 8th June 2023 that it has declared Mr Volker Perthes, the head of UNITMAS, persona non grata as of today, the Sudanese foreign ministry said in a statement Thursday. Sudans foreign ministry did not clarify in the statement the reason behind the declaration. Last month, Sudans military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan wrote a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking that Perthes be removed from his post in the country, the Sudanese presidency said, according to Reuters. Guterres was shocked by the letter he received from al-Burhan, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at the time, adding that the Secretary-General is proud of the work that Perthes has done in Sudan. Perthes, who was appointed to his role in 2021, has voiced strong concern over the conflict. In an address to the UN Security Council earlier this week, he criticized both leaders of Sudans warring parties and warned of a growing ethnicization of the conflict. Neither side has yet shown the ability to decisively claim a military victory, Perthes said. Last week, the UN Security Council voted to extend the UNITAMS mandate in Sudan for only six months, until 3 December 2023, the UN said in a statement. UNITAMS, created in June 2020 to facilitate a renewed civilian-led transition to democracy in Sudan after the fall of Omar al-Bashir a year earlier, had since been renewed annually for a year. Weeks of fierce fighting in Sudan between Burhans Sudanese Armed Forces and the countrys Rapid Support Forces led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have left the country in turmoil and scrambled hopes for a peaceful transition to civilian rule. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Saudi Arabia and US announce Sudan 24-hour ceasefire" Broadways most glamorous night is just around the corner, as the stars of New Yorks theatre scene come together for the Tony Awards. Hosted by Oscar-winning West Side Story star Ariana DeBose for the second consecutive year, the annual celebration of Broadways best shows will take place at New Yorks United Palace on Sunday 11 June. The 76th Tony Awards could be a big night for British shows, with exports & Juliet, Leopoldstadt, and Prima Facie, the latter starring Killing Eve actor Jodie Comer, among the most-nominated acts. You can find the full list of nominated shows and performers here. In the musical category, the new adaptation of Some Like It Hot leads the pack with 13 nominations. Aint No Mo, A Dolls House, and Leopoldstadt are the most nominated plays, with six nods apiece. Find out more below... When are the Tony Awards? The Tony Awards will take place on Sunday 11 June at 8pm ET. How to watch the Tony Awards The three-hour Tonys awards show will be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+ in the US. Clips from the ceremony will be available on YouTube after the show. Who will be performing? Host DeBose will perform during the awards ceremony, after bringing the house down in 2022 with opening number This Is Your Round of Applause. Still, it is yet to be seen whether the musical theatre star, who appeared in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, will create a moment as viral as her rap from the Baftas in February. Performing a song about the performers nominated in that years acting categories, DeBose swiftly became a meme as she rapped the line: Angela Bassett did the thing. Elsewhere, we will likely see performances from the shows nominated for Best Musical and Best Revival. This year, those shows are: & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Shucked, Some Like It Hot, Into the Woods, Camelot, Parade, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. How people perceive gender and react to it lies at the heart of Transition, Monica Villamizar and Jordan Bryons documentary premiering in competition at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film follows Bryon, an Australian journalist, transitioning at the same time that hes reporting from within Afghanistan as the country falls back under Taliban rule in 2021. His dilemma intensifies as hes ensconced with a group of hardline Taliban fighters. They only know him as a man, so hes able to have the access and security he needs to perform his job even as others in the country are losing their rights because of their gender. With that framework, the film feels like a documentation of a timebomb situation. At any moment things might change drastically for Bryon. By the time Kabul falls, Jordan has been living in Afghanistan for more than five years. Hes there documenting the Taliban in a series of films for The New York Times. As he explains in voiceover, gender labels didnt follow him there and he was able to forge a new identity in this country that feels truer to himself. Bryons story is one of dichotomy: how hes accepted wholeheartedly by people who in different circumstances would not accept transgender people. Bryon has to question his identity every time hes around people. The film creates tension from situations that others wouldnt give a moments thought to, like deciding which airport security line to go through: the mens or the womens. More from Variety Bryons always questioning how he feels about gender in conversations with colleagues and friends, on the phone with his supporting mother and in interactions with his Taliban sources. The danger manifests when the Taliban discuss how they feel about queer people. Yet they also fawn over Bryon, always wanting his attention and approval. Hes accepted as one of them. When they jokingly jostle him around, the audience feels Bryons utmost unease and fear. The camerawork has a truly journalistic feel. Its no surprise that Bryon himself is part of the camera crew. Its equally intimate, loose and at a remove questioning, chronicling but never prodding. Eerie are the scenes documenting the Taliban taking control of the country. The camera becomes probing, inquisitive as chaos breaks out in the city. Bullets fly across as people are fleeing for their lives. The pandemonium is rendered through images of destroyed planes, low hovering helicopters, tanks roaming busy roads, flipped-over cars and belongings left behind. Blink and youll miss a Taliban member striking someone in the street, which instantly makes this personal story feel bigger as the ramifications become quickly apparent. The film immediately and astutely moves to document the effect this political change has on the people of Afghanistan, particularly women. Two important figures in Bryons life take center stage. Kiana Hayeri, an Iranian photojournalist on her own mission within Afghanistan, punctures Bryons growing trust of his Taliban sources he even uses the word lovely to describe them by pointedly stating that his safety comes from being a foreigner first and a man second. Shes harassed when they think shes local. Also suddenly in grave danger is Bryons colleague and friend Farzad Fetrat, whos called Teddy. Hes from Afghanistan and more importantly has worked with the previous infidel government and associates with foreigners. At any moment he could lose his life for that. Both Hayeri and Fetrat contemplate leaving. On the other hand, theres Bryons doctor who states that he will stay. As with Teddy and Kiana, he acts like an oasis for Bryon, someone he can be himself around without fear or danger. His strategies for adapting to the new normal mirror Bryons own. Transition is most effective when it follows Bryon as he navigates the world as a man, whether those are scenes with the Taliban or seeing his doctor and getting his surgery. Theres also a gentleness when showing him trying to look for male identity signposts, in closeups of his face as hes checking for facial hair and in a visit to a barber shop. Audiences are able to recognize his feelings simply from observation, especially when juxtaposed with an earlier time when Bryon presented as a woman and is shown trying on womens clothing in a market. Less successful are moments when he directly addresses the camera, introducing a note of falseness. Documentaries are never entirely nonfiction. Sometimes they need to create an atmosphere in order to coax a true moment. Its just that here those moments never feel as real as the rest of the film. Although this is a personal narrative, when framed within a global seismic historical event the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban it inadvertently becomes smaller. More context is needed; stories about other people affected by this event might have helped. Theres nary a local queer or trans person beyond a brief glimpse of a fellow patient at Bryons hospital in Iran. As a story of one mans navigation of his identity, however, Transition is a strong narrative. Watching this steadfast person survive in such close quarters with those most unaccepting of his situation offers remarkable insight into issues of gender expression and acceptance, which might well translate to the social strictures back home. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Ted Kaczynski, the convicted terrorist known as the Unabomber, died by a possible suicide in his prison cell early Saturday, a source told ABC News. He was 81. A source told ABC News the death is being investigated as a suicide but officially there is no cause of death yet. Kaczynski was found unresponsive in his cell around 12:30 a.m. ET and transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Kaczynski was previously in a maximum security facility in Colorado but was moved to a federal medical center in Butner, North Carolina, in December 2021 due to poor health. Kaczynski, who went nearly 20 years without being captured until his arrest in 1996, was considered America's most prolific bomber. PHOTO: In this April 4, 1996 file photo, Ted Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber, is flanked by federal agents as he is led to a car from the federal courthouse in Helena, Mont. (John Youngbear/AP, FILE) Between 1978 and 1995, Kaczynski placed or mailed 16 bombs that killed three people and injured two dozen others, according to authorities. In 1995, before he was identified as the Unabomber, he demanded newspapers publish a long manuscript he had written, saying the killings would continue otherwise. Both the New York Times and Washington Post published the 35,000-word manifesto later that year at the recommendation of the U.S. Attorney General and the director of the FBI. If it hadn't been for the suspicions of his brother and sister-in-law, Kaczynski might never have been caught. Kaczynski's sister-in-law, Linda Patrik, was one of the first to identify Kaczynski as the Unabomber after reading the Unabomber's writing. In an interview with "20/20 on ID Presents: Homicide" in 2016, Patrik recalled the first time she suspected Kaczynski was responsible for the serial bombings. MORE: Unabomber Ted Kaczynski's Brother, Sister-in-Law Recall Turning Him in to FBI "I'd thought about the families that were bombed. There was one in which the package arrived to the man's home and his little 2-year-old daughter was there. She was almost in the room when he opened the package. Luckily she left, and his wife left. And then he died," Patrik said. "And there were others. And so I spent those days thinking about those people." Patrik said she recognized familiar-sounding ideas in the manuscript from letters her husband David Kaczynski had received from his brother. The family eventually decided to contact the FBI, and on April 3, 1995, a 9-man SWAT team apprehended Kaczynski in his cabin in Montana. A live bomb and a "wealth of bomb components" were found at the cabin, the FBI said, as well as "40,000 handwritten journal pages that included bomb-making experiments and descriptions of Unabomber crimes." "When she said, 'Well, I think maybe your brother's the Unabomber,' I thought, 'Well, this is not anything to worry about. Ted's never been violent. I've never seen him violent,'" David Kaczynski said in the "20/20 on ID Presents: Homicide" interview. "I couldn't imagine that he would do what the Unabomber had done." PHOTO: Ted Kaczynski, identified as the domestic terrorist known as the Unabomber, is shown in this booking photo, April, 1996. (Bureau of Prisons via Getty Image, FILE) Kaczynski went on trial in Sacramento, California, where the key issue was not his guilt but his sanity and whether he would be spared the death penalty. He pleaded guilty to murder in exchange for life in prison without parole in 1998. Kaczynski, who had attended Harvard at 16-years-old and earned a Ph.D. in math at the University of Michigan, had also threatened to blow up airliners, according to the FBI. The prosecution of Kaczynski was supervised by the now Attorney General Merrick Garland when he was a senior Justice Department official. Garland also supervised the Oklahoma City Bombing investigation before he was Attorney General. He grew up in Chicago, where his first bomb exploded, taught at the University of California, Berkeley, where two devices were left, and had lived in Salt Lake City, which was also a target, authorities said. The name Unabomber was inspired by the case name UNABOM, which is derived from the UNiversity and Airline BOMbing targets, according to the FBI. Unabomber Ted Kaczynski dies by possible suicide in prison: Source originally appeared on abcnews.go.com New York may be poised to study the generational impacts of slavery through a new commission to consider reparations for Black residents. State lawmakers passed legislation Thursday that would establish a commission to study the legacy of slavery, and possibly make recommendations for monetary compensation or other reparations for New York's Black residents. The bill, which was passed after debate in the state Assembly and Senate, will go to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her signature. We need to change our political structures and laws to ensure Black New Yorkers are empowered. This is an important step in changing a long history of systemic racism and discrimination," state Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, a sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. How the bill addresses slavery and reparations The legislation would establish a commission tasked with studying slavery and segregation and their economic impacts on Black people in the state, and considering the role of the state and federal government in supporting the institution of slavery. Then, it would recommend "appropriate remedies and reparations." The commission would be directed to: "Examine the current condition of living people of African descent in the state of New York, to the extent practicable, including, but not limited to, economic, political, educational, and social conditions." The commission would be made up of nine members chosen by Hochul and the leaders of the state Senate and Assembly. Any recommendations made by the committee would be non-binding. Slavery's legacy in New York The first enslaved Africans arrived in New York in the 1620s and built some of the earliest infrastructure and buildings, "including the wall that gives Wall Street its name," the bill says. The bill outlines how the treatment of enslaved Africans and, later, the segregation of and discrimination against their descendants has permeated society today, with effects including voter suppression, housing discrimination and disproportionate incarceration rates. "The consequences of slavery in New York State is not an echo of the past, but can still be observed in daily life," the bill says. The status of the state as an economic and cultural hub of the world came on the backs of the work of enslaved Africans, the bill says. Yet, it says, the state also sees high levels of income disparity in large part due to the legacy of slavery. This is a historic piece of legislation that will confront the insidious history of slavery and the way its legacy continues to affect Black New Yorkers today," New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the first Black person to hold the position, said in a statement. State to join California in studying reparations Lawmakers in California passed similar legislation in 2020, becoming the first state in the nation to establish a reparations task force. That task force made a list of recommendations earlier this year that included a formal apology and the creation of an agency to handle compensation claims and possible down payments" to eligible residents. It also suggested how to calculate the amount California owes its Black residents. The group made estimates for possible reparations to Black people in the state, which some economists have estimated could cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Lawmakers will have to consider whether to adopt any of its recommendations. Other states and the federal government have stalled potential legislation to study reparations. The Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, was the first city to make reparations available through a housing initiative that allowed Black residents to apply for money to put toward housing and home improvements in an effort to make up for decades of racial discrimination in housing. HOW CALIFORNIANS FEEL ABOUT REPARATIONS: Most residents don't support reparations payments for Black people, survey finds Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York lawmakers pass bill to consider reparations for slavery 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. Express your opinion! Fill out this form to submit a Letter to the Editor. Submit YEREVAN, JUNE 10, ARMENPRESS. The message spread by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan about the fact that on June 10 the units of the Defense Army regularly opened fire in the direction of the Azerbaijani positions located in the occupied territories of Shushi and Askeran regions of the Republic of Artsakh is another disinformation, ARMENPRESS reports, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Artsakh said in a message. "The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, trying to justify the violations of the ceasefire regime recorded every day by its units, continues to distort the reality, once again announcing the disruption of the engineering works allegedly being carried out in the direction of Martakert, Martuni, Askeran and Shushi," the Artsakh Ministry of Defense emphasized. (CNN) The federal indictment of former US President Donald Trump his second time being charged in less than three months has swept the 2024 presidential election into a new period of uncertainty, and made it even more likely that Trump will campaign while also facing trial. For his rivals, though, the campaign has been frozen in place, with Trump again seizing the spotlight and relegating them to supporting roles. Reactions from the campaigns came ahead of the unsealing of the indictment on Friday afternoon, allowing some to play for time and cast themselves as impartial observers. Others, like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, immediately moved to condemn prosecutors and echo Trumps claims to being a victim of a Department of Justice weaponized by President Joe Biden and allied Democrats. The tangle of early reaction underscores the unsure nature of the primary, with more than seven months of campaigning to go before the first votes are cast in Iowas caucuses, and three candidates formally entering the race this week alone. Unlike in the aftermath of a New York City district attorneys indictment of Trump in connection with a hush money case earlier this year, the former presidents primary opponents are, on balance, staking out more cautious terrain this time, with all but DeSantis suggesting they will withhold judgment until more details about the case are revealed by the government. The Florida governor has ramped up his attacks on Trump over the last couple weeks, but his criticism has largely appealed to Republican voters concerns about electability and an argument that DeSantis is a better bet to deliver on his promises. So when word of the indictment broke, DeSantis sprinted to Trumps corner along with the loyalists he is ultimately hoping will break for him. The weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society, DeSantis tweeted late Thursday night. We have for years witnessed an uneven application of the law depending upon political affiliation. He added, rhetorically: Why so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary (Clinton) or Hunter (Biden)? DeSantis comments were a near copy-paste version of his reaction to Trumps first indictment, when the governor not yet a candidate accused prosecutors of systematized partisan bias. The weaponization of the legal system to advance a political agenda turns the rule of law on its head, DeSantis said in March. It is un-American. That line of response, and attack, was near uniform across the Republican Party after charges were announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, an elected Democrat and champion of progressive policies that already irked most conservatives. The new case against Trump is a stickier political wicket. To start, the grand jury that voted to indict Trump was not based in New York City, where Trump is deeply unpopular, but in South Florida, where he now lives and enjoys a good deal of support. And though the bulk of the evidence against Trump remains under seal, CNN on Friday first reported on a 2021 meeting in which Trump is on tape, according to a transcript, saying he had retained secret military information that he had not declassified directly refuting his prior claims to having done just that before leaving office. Per the transcript, he waved around a classified Pentagon document detailing a blueprint for a military attack on Iran. All sorts of stuff pages long, look, Trump says to others in the room. Wait a minute, lets see here. I just found, isnt that amazing? This totally wins my case, you know. Except it is like, highly confidential. Secret. This is secret information. Look, look at this. Among the 2024 field, DeSantis and longshot primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy emerged overnight as Trumps most ardent defenders. Ramaswamy released a statement and a video, calling the indictment an affront to every citizen before comparing the US to a banana republic where the party in power uses police force to arrest its political opponents. Former Vice President Mike Pence, Trumps deputy in office and two-time running mate, has sought to straddle two worlds at once urging against judgment before prosecutors unseal their case against Trump and, in the same radio interview on Friday morning with conservative host Hugh Hewitt, promising a purge of federal law enforcement officials. Were going to clean house all across the top floors, whether its the Justice Department or whether its the FBI. I just think we need a whole new team, Pence said. I think theres been literally a collapse of confidence. But in the same conversation, Pence also called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to unseal the indictment before the sun sets today in order to provide more transparency into the charges. The American people should be able to judge for themselves whether this is just the latest incident of weaponization and politicization at the Justice Department or its something different, Pence said. Another one-time close Trump ally, former US ambassador to the United Nations and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, tried a similar tack. After keeping mum Thursday night and for most of the morning, she accused the government of abusing its powers. The American people are exhausted by the prosecutorial overreach, double standards, and vendetta politics, Haley wrote. Its time to move beyond the endless drama and distractions. That second line, though, could be read two ways. What precisely Haley wants to move beyond is unclear: Trump and the accompanying circus or the vendetta politics that, she claims, is a driving force behind this latest firestorm. In a Fox News interview on Thursday night, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott sought to strike a similar balance. He demurred when asked whether he had spoken to Trump, then added, somewhat ambiguously, that he would continue to pray for our nation and continue to pray that justice prevails. What he meant by justice, in this context, was difficult to pin down, but it could allow him space to maneuver when the details of the indictment became public. Like Pence, though, he also used the occasion to attack federal law enforcement. What we have seen over the past few years is the weaponization of the Department of Justice against the former president, Scott said, later adding that, if elected president, he would purge all of the injustices and impurities in our system. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, another onetime ally and close adviser to Trump who has emerged as his chief critic in the 2024 race, reacted to the indictment first by disparaging Trumps own response, delivered on the former presidents social media platform, before urging patience. As I have said before, no one is above the law, no matter how much they wish they were, Christie said in a statement. We will have more to say when the facts are revealed. His super PAC, though, was more aggressive. Ahead of a new ad launch, its first of the 2024 primary, a senior adviser to the group said the new indictment furthered Christies political case against Trump. The latest round of indictments serve as another reminder that the Republican Party needs a new direction, said Colin Reed of Christies Tell It Like It Is PAC. To turn the page on the Biden presidency, the GOP needs a qualified leader. Though with less bombast, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has been making a similar strategic argument since entering the race in his case, that Trump should stand down, abandon his campaign, and take on his legal issues away in a different forum. While Donald Trump is entitled to the presumption of innocence, the ongoing criminal proceedings will be a major distraction, Hutchinson said. This reaffirms the need for Donald Trump to respect the office and end his campaign. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Second Trump indictment freezes GOP primary as rivals tap-dance around charges" Since Mr Vaishnaw hails from Raj, the party has drawn up plans to promote him in its election campaign in the desert state While all-out efforts are being made to project rail minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as an efficient and conscientious minister for his handling of the rescue operations post the Odisha rail disaster, the horrific accident could cast a shadow over the Bharatiya Janata Partys plans to project him as a serious politician in the year-end Rajasthan Assembly polls. Since Mr Vaishnaw hails from Rajasthan, the party has drawn up plans to promote the former bureaucrat-turned-politician in its election campaign in the desert state. In fact, a beginning was made two months ago when Mr Vaishnaw delivered the keynote address at a Brahmin Mahapanchayat in Jaipur where he spoke of ensuring the representation of a larger number of brahmins in the assembly, freeing temples from government control and saving Hindu religion. Mr Vaishnaws presence at this meet was seen as a message that he is a favourite of the BJPs top brass. This had led to unease among established political players who also nurse chief ministerial ambitions. With the Odisha rail tragedy placing Mr Vaishnaw in the spotlight, his detractors are running a whisper campaign that he should not be given any prominence in the election campaign as it would not go down well with the electorate. Even as the Indian diaspora in the United States is waiting to roll out the red carpet for Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he reaches there for a state visit later this month, a group of organisations working in the field of human rights are organising a parallel programme in New York. To be held a day before Mr Modis meeting with President Joe Biden, the programme titled Howdy Democracy is billed as an evening of live performances and video appearances from known comedians and musicians. It will also feature speakers who have suffered first-hand the impact of the erosion of human rights in India. The turn-out at the programme will indicate the support enjoyed by these groups and whether it makes any impact considering the Indian diaspora, like society here, is deeply polarised. Members of the Indian community are, by and large, ardent Modi admirers. It has to be seen which side puts up a better show. The never-ending Ashok Gehlot vs Sachin Pilot saga is in the news again. Rajasthans perennial rebel leader Pilot is once more on the warpath despite efforts made by the Congress leadership to broker peace between the two warring leaders. While Rahul Gandhi was present during the recent compromise talks called by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has stayed away from the ongoing battle. It must be remembered that Priyanka had played a key role in placating Mr Pilot when he almost brought down the Gehlot government three years ago. She apparently promised Mr Pilot that he would be suitably accommodated both in the party and the government and advised him to bide his time. But Priyanka Gandhi has taken a back seat this time as she learnt a bitter lesson from her intervention in Punjab affairs when she pushed for Navjot Singh Sidhus appointment as Punjab Congress chief. Priyanka Gandhi came in for a lot of flak then for her political choices as this move proved to be disastrous. As the countdown to the 2024 Lok Sabha has begun, BJP president J.P. Nadda and Union home minister Amit Shah have set themselves the task of reaching out to their old allies and finding new partners. At one stage, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance had over two dozen partners but, over the years, it has shrunk as an all-powerful and numerically-strong BJP did not feel the need to accommodate its partners. Now that the Opposition parties are getting together, the BJP realises it will need the support of allies. From all accounts, it appears Telugu Desam Party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu is eager to revive his old ties with the BJP. There is also talk about tying up with the Shiromani Akali Dal, which had walked out of the NDA over its opposition to the three farm bills. Meanwhile, the Janata Dal (S) has hinted it has no problem in aligning with the BJP. Other smaller regional players will also be approached by the BJP in the coming days. The bitter rivalry between Congress leaders Ajay Maken and Sandeep Dikshit is no secret. The tension between the two was rooted in Mr Makens serious differences with Sandeep Dikshits mother, the late Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. However, lately, Congress insiders observed that the two leaders have called a truce. Mr Maken and Mr Dikshit are said to have joined hands following internal discussions about the appointment of a new Delhi Congress president. Kanhaiya Kumar, who was earlier in the running for the presidency of the Youth Congress, is among those in contention. Leaders pushing for Mr Kumar argue that the former student leaders oratorical skills can be used effectively to reach out to the large Purbaiya population as well as the youth in Delhi. However, this move has met with strong resistance from a section of Delhi Congress leaders, including Mr Maken and Mr Dikshit. That explains why the two have decided to put aside their differences and put up a joint fight for a leader of their choice. Today's headlines: South Korea is racing to harvest salt and seafood ahead of the release of contaminated water from Fukushima; Isis claims the mosque bombing in northern Afghanistan; An indigenous community in Indonesia against a hyper-connected world calls for an internet blackout; 11% of Indians suffer from diabetes, a population at risk of cardiovascular disease and organ complications; Russian officials and politicians prefer the frontline to trials for corruption and fraud. ISRAEL A 21-year-old young man from southern Israel died after a stabbing in the early hours of today, becoming the 100th victim in Israel's Arab community to die of violence since the beginning of the year. A spiral of violence and crime, which has claimed at least eight lives in two days and against which thousands of people in the country demonstrated last night. SOUTH KOREA - JAPAN Ahead of Japan's planned release of contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima plant, the scene of the 2011 nuclear disaster, the race is on to buy salt and seafood in South Korea amid fears of future shortages. Seoul ensures strict controls for possible increases in radioactivity levels, but there is strong public health concern among consumers. AFGHANISTAN Islamic State (IS, formerly Isis) militias claimed responsibility yesterday afternoon for the bloody 8 June attack on a mosque in northern Afghanistan, in which at least 11 people died. At the time of the explosion, the funeral of the Taliban deputy provincial governor, who also died in a jihadist attack earlier in the week, was taking place. INDONESIA An indigenous community in Indonesia has called for an internet blackout in the area to minimise the 'negative impact' of the hyper-connected world. The protagonists of the unusual request are the Baduy, some 26,000 people from the province of Banten, on the island of Java: a part of the inhabitants has embraced modernity, but a 'magic circle' has adopted a total rejection of the 'traps' of modernity. INDIA 11% of Indians suffer from diabetes, a disease that is becoming increasingly common with hypertension and obesity. The government study, conducted between October 2008 and December 2020 in 31 states or territories and a sample of over 113,000 people, shows that 15% are pre-diabetic and 35% suffer from hypertension. A population at risk of cardiovascular disease and long-term organ complications. RUSSIA A special category of Russian volunteers in the war in Ukraine, in addition to conscripts and mercenaries, enlisted mainly among prisoners, are officials and politicians. The latter, in their hundreds, prefer to go to the front rather than face charges of corruption or abuse of office, which are wiped out with the stroke of a pen, ahead of them 'returning loaded with medals'. AZERBAIJAN - ARMENIA Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Dzejkhun Bayramov told the OECD that the main obstacles to the normalisation of relations between Yerevan and Baku are 'the illegal presence of Armenian soldiers on the sovereign territory of our country' and government interference 'in the issue of our relations with the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh'. by Stefano Caprio Francis seeks to build bridges jwhile the 'piecemeal third world war' destroys them, raising walls and digging trenches or even drowning towns and cities under the flood of war. The initiative entrusted to Card. Zuppi is also an excellent 'cover' for the many humanitarian efforts of all the institutions of the Catholic Church in Ukraine and Russia. And between Rome, Moscow and Kiev, a new chapter in a long history opens. Many hopes, though few illusions, are pinned on the Holy See's attempts to get Russia and Ukraine to talk peace, after more than fifteen months of senseless war and strenuous resistance. Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi's visit to Kiev, which may soon continue with a similar trip to Moscow, was not intended to propose concrete measures to start highly improbable negotiations, while apocalyptic clashes are underway that have led to the devastation of the Kherson area, with the explosion of the Nova Khakovka dam, as close as possible to the Universal Flood. Zuppi is certainly the most representative figure of Pope Francis' desire to put a stop to the madness of war. The only Roman cardinal, a personal friend of Bergoglio's, so much so that he often appears on lists of the 'papabili', a historical member of the Community of St. Egidio, the Catholic Church's 'parallel diplomacy' structure, a former negotiator in Mozambique and other contexts, he is also the president of the Italian Bishops' Conference, thus representing the community of a country traditionally friendly to Russia, even though he is clearly in favour of defending Ukraine from invasion. The mission of the archbishop of Bologna, a city 'on the border' between the north and south of Italy itself, is also an excellent 'cover' for the many efforts of all the institutions of the Catholic Church in Ukraine and Russia, the nuncios and local bishops, charitable associations and the parishes themselves. The Church's primary focus is always on people, before political, military and economic strategies: it is the care of refugees, abandoned and deported children, prisoners (among the hostages of the Russians there are also Catholic priests) and families, often devastated by the loss of their homes and men killed in combat, in addition to the many victims of the bombings and inhuman massacres perpetuated in many cities. It was no coincidence that Zuppi visited Buca, the site of the most harrowing horror of this war. Pope Francis has been trying to build bridges since before the start of the Putin invasion (as his very title of pontiff states) just as the 'third world war in pieces', now welded into one great world front, is destroying all bridges, erecting walls and digging trenches, even drowning towns and cities under the deluge of war. In the Russian-Ukrainian literature of ancient times, under the Tatar-Mongolian invasion of the medieval centuries, the legend of the city of Kitez, sunk in Lake Svetlojar across the Volga, stood out, resurfacing at regular intervals to affirm the eternity of the Russian people, despite the devastation. The legend was taken up in a musical work by the great 19th century composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, a member of the group of musicians who sought to rediscover the Russian soul. He extolled the figure of the saint Fevronia, a girl who was about to celebrate her marriage at the time of the invasion, then became the spiritual image of an invisible city, of an unsinkable 'new people'. It seems that Russians and Ukrainians need to better re-read the treasures of their own culture, without trying to appropriate them only for propaganda, as the Moscow Patriarchate has done in recent days with Rublev's icon of the Trinity. The Vatican never forgets past histories, not even those of distant countries, and looks to Russia and Ukraine that will have to rise again after the invasion and devastation, from the lake of blood and shame in which they have sunk for the umpteenth time in history. The peace mission is about the future, hopefully not too far in the future, not least because it is clear to all that neither of the two forces on the field really has the resources to permanently annihilate the enemy, no matter how hard the allies, armies and arms merchants try to increase their volume of fire. The pope of Rome has supported peace in these lands since ancient times, considering it a crucial junction for all of universal Christianity. The sending of cardinals and ambassadors to Moscow and Kiev is a classic of relations with what in curial language was called Ruthenia, the Latin name for ancient Rus', which today is reserved for the Slavs 'in between' the northern and Balkan lands. One recalls two letters from Pope Innocent IV (the one from the clash with the Swabian Emperor Frederick II) to Prince Alexander Nevsky, the one who was trying to save Rus' under Mongol domination, in which the pontiff proposed reuniting with the Roman See, or at least making peace with the Teutonic Knights, the heirs of the Templars that Alexander had defeated by drowning them in the Estonian ice of Lake Peipus. The pope suggested building a large 'united' cathedral in the free city of Pskov, where the Catholic archbishop of the Prussians would be installed to mediate with all the warring peoples, including the Tatars. In 1251, two cardinals even appeared before the prince with a papal bull, after a successful mission to the lands of Galicia (present-day Ukraine) and Lithuania, which had been drawn to the Latin communion. Prince Aleksandr, who had settled in Vladimir from Novgorod, from which Moscow had also originated, preferred to hold on to his Orthodox Metropolitan, who by the vicissitudes of history was called Kirill, sending him to the Tatars on the Volga to defend the interests of the Russians, refusing the outstretched hand of the Pope of Rome. He replied: 'Rus' does not need you'. Many other missions can be recalled, starting with that of St Ignatius of Loyola's companion, the Jesuit Antonio Possevino, who tried in vain to convince Ivan the Terrible to come to an agreement with Rome. The most creative dates back to the mid-fifteenth century, when Pope Paul II proposed to Grand Prince Ivan III a Byzantine fiancee of imperial lineage, Zoe Paleologa, who had taken refuge in Rome after the fall of Constantinople into the hands of the Turks. The pope's hope was that the marriage would put an end to the dissension between the Russians and the Western Catholic world, and he had her accompanied to Moscow by the then archbishop of Bologna, Antonio Bonombra, who led the procession with the Latin cross, but was immediately begged to step aside by the grand duke's guards. The princess became the wife of Ivan (and grandmother of Ivan the Terrible), returning to Orthodoxy and changing her name to one that the Russians considered proper, that of Sophia. Another great of the first generation Jesuits, the Pole Petr Skarga, convinced the Orthodox Russians of the Kingdom of Poland to accept the Union with Rome in 1596, as a response to the claims of the Moscow Patriarchate, established seven years earlier. It was in fact the beginning of Ukraine's modern history, later confirmed by the Cossack uprisings, and for a century in those lands the transition from Orthodoxy to Catholicism (and back) was the norm of ecclesiastical relations, with dramatic moments and "eternal" reconciliations, even if soon disproved. The 'Westernist' Emperor Peter the Great, who conducted war campaigns for twenty-five of his nearly thirty-year reign, considered himself Orthodox when in Moscow and Catholic when visiting subjugated Poland, even taking communion at the Latin Mass. He failed to travel to Rome in his 'Grand Embassy' at the end of the 17th century, limiting himself to an overnight visit to Venice before returning to Moscow, but then planned to found a new capital in 1703 similar to the lagoon city, St Petersburg meaning 'city of St Peter', the new Rome, the birthplace of Putin and Patriarch Kirill. In the 19th century, the Holy See even succeeded in concluding a Concordat with the Tsars of Russia, but it was never activated, partly due to the opposition of the Catholics of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus themselves, who preferred to go it alone with the St Petersburg court. A new attempt was made in 1917, after the February revolution, with an agreement drawn up together with the provisional government of the democratic socialist Aleksandr Kerensky, which was also sunk by the Bolshevik coup in October. Not even this time did the Vatican give in: on the initiative of the visionary Jesuit Michel d'Herbigny, the Pro-Russia Commission was set up, formally never suppressed, to evaluate all possible avenues for dialogue and Catholic penetration into the atheistic Soviet state. Even this initiative remained without practical results, and when Stalin decided to suppress the Greek-Catholic Church in Ukraine with the 1947 Pseudo-Synod of Lviv, attempts were made to salvage what could be saved in hiding and in the suffering of hard labor camps. The Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Cardinal of Lviv Josif Slipyj, after years of detention, was freed through lengthy negotiations and settled in Rome, where he remained as the silent leader of the Church-martyr until 1983, when he died in the cathedral of St Sophia, built on the Via Boccea to commemorate what the Soviets had suppressed or even destroyed in his homeland. Negotiations continued up to the Second Vatican Council, where representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate surprisingly showed up, and Pope John XXIII even managed to come between Kennedy and Khruscev, who had come close to nuclear war in Cuba. The figurines, and even sculptural groups with the three 'heralds of peace' of America, Russia and the Vatican, who opened the apparently 'peaceful' phase of the 20th century Cold War, still exist today. Today, the cathedral on Via Boccea is one of the most active centres in assisting the brothers in the Ukrainian homeland, welcoming refugees and collecting relief supplies to be sent. This too is a mission of peace, indeed above all this one, in which not only popes and cardinals participate, but priests and lay people, ordinary faithful and families, men and women of good will. The Catholic Church has always been committed to this, without waiting for summit meetings and official negotiations. And in the smile of Card. Zuppi expresses the certainty that, with God's help, Ukraine and Russia will re-emerge from the waters of evil like the legendary city of Kitez, to begin a new life together. RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY IN YOUR E-MAIL? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE A historical record completed thanks to UN efforts and set to be stored in the offices of the Supreme Judicial Council. Digitized documents proving Islamic State atrocities crucial in future trials. Kidnapped in 2014 by jihadists, six very young Yazidi women returned to their families in recent days. Baghdad (AsiaNews) - A massive central archive containing crimes committed by the Islamic State (IS, formerly Isis) in Iraq. At least eight million pages that testify to the "bureaucratic" element that accompanied the violence and atrocities wrought by the jihadist group between 2014 and 2017, when it had conquered about half the territory - as well as neighboring Syria - imposing a brutal rule based on blood. This historical record is nearing completion thanks to the efforts of the United Nations and will be preserved in the offices of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council. Millions of digitized documents, collected in one central archive, proving the crimes committed by Isis. Unitad, the body set up by the U.N. to deepen investigations, began its field work five years ago in an effort to bring top leaders and co-respondents of the radical Islamist-inspired movement to justice. "It is absolutely clear to us," says UN chief investigator Christian Ritscher, "that only if we work hand in hand with the Iraqi authorities, particularly with our counterpart in the judiciary, [the Unitad investigation] can be successful." The German-born former prosecutor has delved into a host of atrocities perpetrated by the men of the "Islamic caliphate" including murder, torture, mass rape, enslavement and genocide. The goal is to prosecute perpetrators of "heinous international crimes" through trials "based on evidence and before competent courts." If it is to succeed, "admissible and reliable evidence" is needed, which, moreover, according to the magistrate, "is not lacking." "Isis, was a large-scale bureaucracy that documented and maintained a state-like administrative system" he explains. Because of this, UNITAD launched a huge project to digitize IS documents to ensure that this evidence is admissible before any competent court, whether in Iraq or in other states. So far at least eight million pages of documents in the possession of Baghdad authorities have been digitized and ready to be used by investigators. The next step will be to "create a central repository that will be the sole repository of all digitized evidence," Ritscher adds. The launch is expected to take place "in the coming days" within the Supreme Judicial Council and will be a "milestone" for the system, becoming a model and example "not only in the region, but globally." Also in recent days, more than five years after the military defeat of Isis, six Yazidi women kidnapped by Isis militiamen in 2014 have been reunited with their families, in northern Iraq, four days after the rescue announced by Nobel Peace Laureate Nadia Murad. Considered "heretics" by the caliphate, the Yazidis were among the main victims of the jihadist slaughter and women kidnapped and held as sex slaves or forced brides, their children taken. From Iraq, the woman recounts, the six young women "ended up in Syria" when they were still "little more than children or teenagers." Decisive in the liberation, as Murad herself reported, was Iraqi Kurdistan and Turkey. The meeting with family members, and the reunion, took place in a park in Dohuk. "I am overjoyed," said one of them, "I have not seen them since I was nine years old." Redstone Boulevard was quiet this mud season, but it will be rocking for the 49th annual Fourth of July Parade. The event has grown to the point where Pitkin County is requiring a permit. Preserving the threatened art of saddlebag making Xinhua) 09:54, June 10, 2023 Sonam Chophel (C) is pictured with his family in Thomai Village of Nyingchi City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Zhoupeng) LHASA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Step through the Tibetan-style curtain, and you will find Sonam Chophel's studio, featuring traditional Tibetan saddlebags of different colors, designs and sizes. The 61-year-old craftsman has been making these fine objects since his youth, continuing a tradition that is deeply embedded in the local culture, and that has just about survived despite the pressures of the modern world. Saddlemaking of this sort is a form of local intangible cultural heritage in this part of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. In recent decades, it reached the brink of extinction, but now the local authorities are working hard to preserve it. Sonam Chophel's impressive "saddlebag kingdom" is located at his home in Thomai Village, Nang County, in Tibet's city of Nyingchi. The bags vary in size from large ones made of dark-brown leather that require two hands to hold, to the smallest, which are the size of one's palm. These carefully crafted objects are mostly made of cow hide, with antelope fur trim, and are decorated with traditional patterns, such as auspicious clouds. Dating back more than 300 years, the craft of making the bags by hand was acknowledged in 2018 as a form of regional intangible cultural heritage. In the past, the people of Tibet relied on horses and yaks to travel around, and waterproof and portable saddlebags with a large capacity were a matter of necessity. They allowed a range of objects to be carried on a journey, while spreading the load comfortably on the horses' back and flanks. "I still remember the awe-inspiring sight I saw in my village when I was a child: adults carrying big, beautiful saddlebags on horses," Sonam Chophel said. "It made me dream about making the bags. At the age of 21, I began to learn the craft from a senior craftsman." Sonam Chophel was among the first official inheritors of this local intangible cultural heritage, and now practices his craft with pride. However, a decade ago, this traditional craft was on the point of disappearing forever. At that time, due to the rapid development of road traffic, expressways mushroomed and brought in large numbers of vehicles, with horse riding restricted to areas of pasture land. People seemed to no longer need saddlebags, according to Sonam Chophel. The complicated production procedures are so time-consuming that a pair of saddlebags takes about a week to finish. The raw materials, such as cow hide, need to be soaked in water, with the flesh scraped off and the skin fully rubbed. "It takes at least three days to get the perfect hide through rubbing. When it is cold, my hands easily become red and numb due to the hard work," the craftsman said. With the passage of time, fewer and fewer youngsters in Tibet were willing to learn the dying craft as Sonam Chophel did. In 2015, Thomai Village established a local project to preserve the craft of making traditional saddlebags. The village received about 450,000 yuan (about 64,000 U.S. dollars) in funding to build and renovate workshops, purchase raw materials and enrich the existing products, thus forming a complete industrial chain, said Tsering Dondrup, director of the federation of trade unions in Nang County. "Now we have all kinds of saddlebags in our factory," said Sonam Chophel. "Big ones are usually sold to herdsmen living in Tibet's pasture areas, while small ones are preferred by tourists and local residents as decorations or collectables," he said, adding that the biggest saddlebags can fetch up to 2,000 yuan. Agjam Wangmo, a 40-year-old resident in Lhasa, the regional capital, bought a pair of palm-sized saddlebags, worth 300 yuan in total, during her trip to the county. "I like these delicate handicrafts. Allowing the craftsmen to make some money from their crafts is my way of showing my respect for them," she explained. For Sonam Chophel, it is also a reward for his perseverance. "I'm glad that I didn't quit during those long years, so the craft can continue to be passed down through the generations," he said. Sonam Chophel air-dries peach slices in Thomai Village of Nyingchi City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Nie Yi) Sonam Chophel makes saddlebag in Thomai Village of Nyingchi City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Nie Yi) Sonam Chophel demonstrates a saddlebag he made in Thomai Village of Nyingchi City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Zhoupeng) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Le Mans is celebrating its 100th anniversary, if you havent heard, and almost no one has been with the race for as long as Bugatti. Ettores brand is inextricably linked to Le Mans, going back to the first-ever running of the race back in 1923. Photo: Bugatti Photo: Bugatti Photo: Bugatti That year, Bugatti was there, fielding two cars - these were the Brescia 16S cars piloted by Max de Pourtales and Sosthene de La Rochefoucauld. These were primitive cars - no more than a container for an engine and a driver. I imagine theyre horrifying to drive fast, seeing as the driver is basically perched atop a glorified Radio Flyer wagon, though Bugatti says they were incredibly quick and reliable.It rained that day, as is so common at the Circuit de la Sarthe . Despite that, both drivers finished inside the top 10. Thats an impressive finish considering the 37 total entrants across four classes. At the time, these were decided by engine displacement - ranging from 1.5 to 3 liters.Fast forward a few years, and Bugatti is back at Le Mans for the 1930 race. This time, a more memorable name is in use - the Type 40. Its water-cooled inline four-cylinder could push the car to 80 mph (129 kph), an impressive speed for the time - and one that set the trend for Bugattis reputation for speed. This time, Bugatti finished inside the top ten yet again, with drivers Odette Siko and Marguerite Mareuse putting the car there. Notably, this was a female duo - a rarity even now at Le Mans.In the following years leading up to 1937, Bugatti would continue to participate in some capacity in the race. This produced mixed results. P6 in 32, P9 in 34, and so on. Until 1937, the podium at the now-renowned race would elude the French brand.In 1936, new regulations shook things up drastically, prompting Bugatti to start work on the Type 57 Grand Prix. This time, Bugatti was far more prepared on an engineering level. The 57s 3.2-liter engine made a more respectable 167 horsepower, and the chassis was drilled out to reduce weight without compromising rigidity. On top of that, Bugatti fitted an impressive-by-todays-standards magnesium alloy body. The car was lightyears ahead of anything on the field at the time, at least mechanically. The result? Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist piloted the car to Bugattis first-ever Le Mans win. Down the back straight at la Sarthe, the Tank, as the 57 was known, hit 137 mph (220 kph). No. Thank. You.The terrifying prospect of doing 137 mph in a metal box on bike tires aside, that day held many firsts for Bugatti. The duo finished the race a full 100 km (an astonishing 62 miles) ahead of the second-place car. Its a margin youre unlikely to ever see in motorsport again. On top of that, the all-French duo covered a record distance within the race time - 3,287 km, or 2,042.47 miles.As in any form of motorsport, managing that difficult second album, which is to say victory, is always tough. The competition learned a lot from Bugatti in 1938, and the brand had to retire its car in the 38 running for technical problems. No ones perfect. Bugatti would return in 1939 with a very important name at the helm. That year, Pierre Veyron (yes, that Veyron) would pilot a much-upgraded version of the Type 57G.By now, Bugatti was calling the car the Type 57C . Under the hood sat a much upgraded straight-8 engine, now making a much healthier 197 horsepower. The result was a car capable of a staggering 158 mph (254 mph). Bugatti engineers were also able to take weight off the nose of the cars round, boatlike hood. Unfortunately, the brand doesnt specify what measures were taken there. Unspecified other changes were made to the rear axle and crank. Notably, Bugatti doesnt say whether changes were made to the brakes. Id be a bit nervous about that.As with so many Le Mans victories, Bugattis fate at the race was made by reliability. The Alfa Romeo was tough to beat in 1939, but late in the morning, the car was forced into retirement for a mechanical issue. The Bugatti continued to churn out laps problem free. Ultimately, that solidity, that reliability, is what brought Pierre Veyron a Le Mans victory. Ettore would claim that the mechanics never once opened the hood during the race.Unfortunately, a major conflict that began in Europe in 1939, well, delayed things for Bugatti. The 24 Hours of Le Mans wouldnt return for a decade. Along with so many other brands and people, it was occupied by the ravages of the Second World War . France, as it turned out, was not where you wanted to be in the fall of 1939.For Bugatti, its hiatus would be even longer. The brand faced some tumultuous times in the middle of the 20th century. Ownerships were drawn into question, cars were and were not made, and even a few trains were produced. But those are stories for another time.In 1994, the French would be back at Le Mans under the Bugatti banner. It had been 55 years since its last running at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Even then, the effort itself was ill-fated, with the EB110 crashing out after a technical issue. From there, unfortunately, things havent been so great for Bugatti at Le Mans. It hasnt participated in a race since then. The new Bolide will be driven on track, but it wont be racing. Bugatti is not the racing brand it once was, though it never forgets its heritage. Perhaps one day, well get to see a French car on the podium at the most French of all races. EV SUV ICE Unlike Ford or Chevrolet, GM's premium brand still has many sedan goodies for the US market primarily the CT4 and CT5 series and (marginally) even the flagshipCelestiq. The former was recently upgraded for the 2024 model year, including lots of 20th-anniversary goodies for the Blackwing high-performance heroes . And other regions like China can also gain access to the all-new CT6, for example, if they don't like the crossover coupe-dubbed GT4 or the refreshed XT4.Back in America, Cadillac not only has the facelifted XT4 on offer from $39,090 (without $1,195 destination) or the 2024 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V from $48,490 and $52,890, respectively. But they are also preparing quite diligently for the arrival of the first-ever all-electric Escalade. Dubbed the 2024 Caddy Escalade IQ, the battery-powered full-size SUV is expected to come out from behind the teaser curtain later this year and pave the way for a three-way EV lifestyle alongside Lyriq and Celestiq.Naturally, the news that an EV behemoth (perhaps sold even as an Escalade IQ ESV) was coming from Cadillac inflamed everyone's minds and souls both in the real world as well as across the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. Over there, various pixel masters fought hard to showcase the upcoming EV threat to-powered luxury from every angle, in every unofficial color, and even from the inside out. But they did not presume to think that the US automaker would envision the Escalade IQ as something else other than a full-size SUV, right?Well, Dimas Ramadhan, the virtual automotive artist behind the Digimods DESIGN channel on YouTube, has recently taken up the task of revealing the revived Caddy Escalade EXT luxury truck - in CGI and with not-so-subtle Escalade IQ and Celestiq design cues. Whether or not Cadillac's corner-office head honchos even contemplate the option of further expanding the IQ family beyond the announced Lyriq, Celestiq, and Escalade IQ is anyone's guess. And we are not so sure that they would even dare to revisit the Escalade EXT story after the Chevrolet Avalanche and Hummer H2 sibling failed quite miserably in their attempts to conquer the market.But we can easily imagine that it wouldn't be too hard for General Motors to use the GM BT1 and Ultium platforms for a Caddy Escalade IQ EXT since the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV are already announced, the GMC Hummer EV is already on the market, and there's enough full-size EV pickup truck hype to last everyone for ages. Besides, if they can't go quirky like Tesla with the Cybertruck, they can always go fancy, right? Frigid in the wintertime, blistering in the summertime. Slow as molasses, with aerodynamics that makes a HUMVEE feel better about itself. A pain to drive on dry pavement and downright nightmarish in deep snow, even with chains. At the same time, the engine under the hood is about as powerful as an overly-ripe banana. Oh, and they're known to catch fire on occasion. These are just some of the criticisms one could levy at the Grumman Long Life Vehicle (LLV). But would turning North America's iconic mail truck all-electric fix any of these issues? Photo: Hemmings ICE Photo: Reddit User: Turtle_-_-_ Judging from the fact that the United States Postal Service (USPS) fleet of Grumman LLVs is still powered by internal combustion; the answer to this would be no. But that didn't stop an iconic manufacturer of fighter jets turned mail-truck supplier at the Grumman Corporation from trying. This is the story of the Grumman KurbWatt, the USPS's iconic tinderbox of a mail truck gone all-electric. But first, a brief history behind the LLV and its military-aerospace-inclined manufacturer.Most people who know about Grumman today know them as one-half of the modern Northrop Grumman military contractor. But back in the day, Grumman, based out of Bethpage on Long Island, New York, built some of the finest aircraft carrier-capable fighter planes for the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps. Among their ranks included the F4F Wildcat and F6F Hellcat of Second World War fame, the F-11 Tiger Cold War Jet, and the iconic F-14 Tomcat twin-engine swing wing movie star of a fighter jet.Though military contracts supplied most of the revenue generated by Grumman, the company didn't shy away from manufacturing other items in the civilian market. Among the products sold included multi-person canoes made from aircraft-grade aluminum, as well as box vans with bodies made from aluminum sheet metal. In a partnership between a New York City-based Chevrolet dealership named Walter Heingartner and the then commissioner of the New York State Liquor Authority, Jimmy Olson, devised the idea for a common truck chassis to carry a lightweight sheet-aluminum body and submitted the idea to one of Grumman's founders, a man called Jake Swirlbul, in 1939.With a considerable intermission thanks to the Second World War, the newly-formed Grumman Olson Company began manufacturing aluminum-bodied delivery vans like the Kargo King, the Kurb Side, and the globally recognized Kurbmaster, famous for donning the logo of the American confectionary maker, Wonderbread. In 1963, the company moved its headquarters to the small town of Sturgis, Michigan, where it continues to operate today. From that point until the early 1980s, Grumman Olson operated strictly in the private sector, manufacturing their signature aluminum-bodied truck chassis for independent contractors and delivery companies across North America.This nifty little commercial truck manufacturer did relatively well sales-wise during this period. But it's fairly difficult to sell gasoline/diesel transport trucks when the line for the fuel station stretches for four city blocks. But this was the conundrum that Grumman Olson, and indeed the entire global automotive sector, found itself in at the onset of the second global gas crisis of 1979. Spurred by oil-producing nations withholding fossil-fuel exports in response to the Iranian Revolution, Grumman Olson had a snowball's chance in hell of surviving as a company if the oil crisis hadn't faded away.Without the benefit of hindsight, Grumman Olson decided the only solution was to offer a panel truck with an all-electric drivetrain. Dubbed the KurbWatt, Grumman Olson submitted their design proposal to the USPS in 1980, the same year the vehicle entered production. Indeed, it was the KurbWatt, not the LLV, which was the first corporate collaboration between Grumman Olson and the USPS, which only began production in 1987. Though smaller than the LLV, the similarity in appearance between it and the KurbWatt is still uncanny. It was hoped the use of an all-electric drivetrain could save up to 500,000 gallons of fuel per year compared to the outgoing rear-wheel-drive Jeep DJ.With a curb weight of roughly 2,650 lbs (1,202 kg), only a handful of passenger cars manufactured today come anywhere close to being as lightweight as a Grumman KurbWatt. Had a sprightly engine been fitted under its hood, it might even be tempting to think this rear-wheel-drive mail truck is fun to drive. But a modern Lucid Air Sapphire powertrain, the Kurbawatt's six-volt, lead acid battery, and electric motor, was not. Reports from the few American towns that did receive KurbWatts for trial service found the KurbWatt could barely manage 55 mph (88.5 kph). A gasoline/diesel-powered variant called the KubVan was also manufactured at the same time as the KurbWatt.Though information on the particulars of the KurbWatt's construction is hard to come by, its-powered KubVan sister vehicle utilized a chassis based on the first-generation Volkswagen Caddy pickup truck. It's safe to assume the KurbWatt uses a similar basis for its construction. The first production order of ten Grumman KurbWatt light cargo trucks arrived at the USPS office in Evansville, Indiana, in 1981. Though the vehicle's paltry 40 miles (64.3 km) is laughable by modern standards, mail carriers found the little KurbWatt was more than suited for intra-city mail transportation while being more or less dead reliable. That's to be expected when the KurbWatt was designed to operate for at least 20 years.A further 31 KurbWatts were delivered in an upgraded form to the city of Cupertino, California, in 1983, with a handful more being delivered to electric utility companies in Alameda, California, and Long Island, New York, the same year. As of 2012, a single KurbWatt is known to have been shipped to Bermuda; at that time, the vehicle was still in service. In short, the KurbWatt could have easily become the backbone of the North American postal transport fleet. But as the restrictions imposed by the second great global gas crisis faded with the start of the 1980s, the need for an all-electric mail vehicle went up in smoke.Such an idea wasn't visited again until the KurbWatt's ICE-powered younger brother, the LLV, had already concluded most of its service life in the late 2010s. Meanwhile, Grumman Olson was acquired by the American JBPCO company in 2003 and promptly changed the company name to Morgan Olson the following year and continues to operate under that name to this day. All the while, the LLV mail truck still forms the bulk of the USPS mail carrier fleet.In the end, only around 50 Grumman KurbWatts were ever manufactured, with 40 supplied to American post offices and a further ten given to private energy companies. The last USPS KurbWatts were withdrawn from active service in 1992, with a lack of an upgrade path as well as the raw expense of its electric motor and batteries cited as the primary impetus for its withdrawal from service. Today, a handful of KurbWatt chassis do show up on fringe auction websites as well as occasionally on eBay. It's fascinating to think what could have been had the KurbWatt managed to turn the USPS fleet fully electric. Could the KurbWatt have spurred on the all-electric revolution decades ahead of time with the right support behind its back? The world will never know, but we do at least get a super cool and unique piece of American automotive history to talk about. No matter how creative a custom shop is, the designs they make will eventually end up looking anything but unique, simple reinterpretations of what other crews out there are doing. That's because, most of the time, the same base bike is used to give birth to a custom two-wheeler, and we all know there are just a limited number of things that can be done to make it stand out. Take Harley's long line of Softail motorcycles. Around since the 1980s, it has been reimagined by global garages so many times that it is only natural for us to see variations of the same theme on pretty much all builds of this kind. Appealing, each of them, but not spectacular in the truest sense of the word.The Hardcore might be the exception, though. Based on a Softail of undisclosed lineage, the bike was assembled over in Japan by a crew called Bad Land, and it's so extreme there is a chance people will mistake it a bit for a full custom, built from the ground up.The bike is so insane Bad Land itself calls it a Super Spec. True, it doesn't feature hardware we've never seen before, but all of it is of a variety and used in such a way that the Hardcore certainly becomes a Softail unlike anything we've seen before.The lines of the ride certainly contribute to that. The front wheel, just 18 inches in size and made by Rick's Motorcycles, was pushed as far away as possible from the main body, supported by a Goldammer fork. The one at the back, of the same make and size, is where it's supposed to be, held in place by a Rebuffini swingarm. Both are shielded by visually inspiring pieces of metal that play the role of fenders.In between the two, a slim and long fuel tank snakes down to the very low seat to create the impression the bike has a broken back.Other pieces of the ride have been replaced by aftermarket ones as well, starting with the Bad Land handlebar and ending with the Speed Point headlight.We get absolutely no info regarding any change in engine performance, but as usual the unit has been enhanced by means of a custom air cleaner and exhaust system.Last but not least the paintwork chosen for the ride more than plays its part in sending across the message of a bike unlike any other.The last reference to the Harley-Davidson Hardcore dates back to 2019, and the current whereabouts of the bike are not known. Also a mystery is the total cost of the build we'll keep an eye out for it in case it shows up for sale somewhere, and then we'll get an idea of that. Here's to hoping you take your morning coffee with two scoops of mystery and intrigue and a side of luxury yacht. One of the industry's biggest, presumably most expensive, and most revolutionary builds is also the most mysterious. Photo: Amels Yachting (Composite) Amels and Damen's super-fancy Project Signature Photo: Camper & Nicholsons Complete media blackout on the launch Photo: Camper & Nicholsons You often hear celebrities and public figures complain about how smartphones and social media have made keeping a secret impossible. If you think about it, this goes beyond celebrity sightings: whether in tech, the auto industry, or the luxury segment, there are always leaks and chatty insiders looking to make a quick buck by spilling the beans, even if that means breaking NDAs.A private project like a new superyacht is no exception, but it's not the rule either. You'd think keeping secrets when it comes to something of the size of a superyacht can't be done because of the vessel's size, the large teams working on it in various stages of the project, and the fact that they're spread out across several countries. But as Project Signature proves, the bigger and the more expensive the build, the more impressive the secrecy.As of the moment of press, Project Signature is among the industry's biggest superyachts, the most revolutionary , and, on account of both, presumably among the most expensive as well. Funny then how it launched this week in a complete media blackout.Project Signature is a fully custom 120-meter (394-foot) superyacht from Amels Yachting. It was announced in 2020 and sold in September of that same year, with the shipyard saying that construction would begin in Galati, Romania, at the Damen Yachting shipyard. The name of the owner was never disclosed to the public, but whoever they were, they were represented by Imperial Yachts.Not much about Project Signature was shared with the public then, but Imperial promised more details in the following months. They never came. The delivery date was estimated for 2025: upon delivery, Project Signature would become Amels' newest flagship, a megayacht so revolutionary and so luxurious that it would set the bar high for every other build.Project Signature also held the record for the largest superyacht built in the Netherlands but only temporarily and in theory only. Despite the initial plan, it doesn't look like Project Signature will undergo any work in the Netherlands. Even if it did, the record has already been claimed by Koru , Jeff Bezos' $500 million 127-meter (416-foot) sailing yacht built by Oceanco and delivered to the Amazon billionaire earlier this year.Still, at 120 meters in total length and a beam of 20 meters (65.6 feet), Project Signature isn't trailing Koru that far back. Designed by architect Espen Oino and his team, Project Signature was once described by Imperial Director Julia Stewart as "one the most striking, silent, and advanced superyachts ever delivered," built in accordance with Lloyds Register of Shipping EP (Environment Protection).Powered by a diesel-electric plant, it would have "the lowest levels of noise and vibration ever experienced on a yacht of this size." So it wouldn't be just a luxurious, massive vessel but also one with a reduced carbon footprint. Innovation of this kind on a project of this scale doesn't come cheap, either for the builder or the intended beneficiary.Project Signature is the kind of project even luxury shipyards would take extreme pride in, and that would reflect in the way information about it is shared with the media. It's a fully-custom megayacht, it's the biggest on Amels' fleet right now, and it aims to integrate hybrid propulsion as a way to steer superyacht ownership in a more sustainable direction. It is, quite literally, the kind of perfect project any shipyard would be more than thrilled to be working on and they'd talk your ear off about it whatever chance they got.So how come you haven't heard about it? How come no one has said anything about it past September 2020, even though construction started without delay? How come there isn't as much as a press release about the June 2023 launch at the Galati shipyard, an event that should have at least in theory generated considerable fanfare? The answer to all these questions is "sanctions."That's because the owner is Russian , according to superyacht vlogger eSysman, citing sources familiar with the situation. The megayacht launched in a complete media blackout and was towed to Turkey at another Damen shipyard where outfitting will take place. The original plan was for the outfitting to take place in the Netherlands, but Amels ditched it because the country has barred any kind of work for Russians, whether sanctioned or not. Turkey, on the other hand, refuses to impose sanctions.Imperial Yachting, which was overseeing the build on behalf of the owner , was also sanctioned by the U.S. in June 2022, so it's temporarily shuttered. Management of Project Signature has passed on to Deeside Maritime, a newer company that seems to employ key figures from Imperial. However, before you conclude some sanction-flaunting might be the case, Imperial is adamant that they are "not currently managing or involved with Project Signature."Project Signature is one megayacht to keep an eye out for. kW AMG Shared by the tuner with its social media followers earlier this week, the German super wagon has received a complete interior makeover. Carlex reupholstered most touchable parts using a combination of black leather and suede. Red piping can be seen on the seats, and contrast stitching in the same hue is visible on other components, like the sides of the center console, central armrest, steering wheel with 12 o'clock marker, and door cards.Carlex Design's logo decorates the seatbacks and headrests of the bucket seats, and unlike Mansory and other tuners, they haven't applied it to the steering wheel and gear shifter. The sides of the center console reveal the model's name in red, and the central armrest and tags on the front seats send Swiss vibes. The rear passenger compartment is not visible in the images released by Carlex, but we reckon it has an identical makeover, with leather and suede stitched together with red string and the occasional red piping. The carbon fiber trim completes the redesign.For the interior work, Carlex Design is asking 13,000 (equal to $13,910) in Germany, excluding tax, revealing a lead time of five days. For the exterior of the potent five-door business car from the four-ring brand, they haven't prepared anything other than a new set of wheels. Bedecked by their logo, the 23-inch set has a rallying-ish look, costing 12,000 ($12,840) before tax. Choosing the reupholstered interior and the alloys equipping the pictured super wagon made by Audi, which has a gray finish, dark trim, and red brake calipers in this case, as well as rear privacy windows will set you back 24,000 ($25,680) excluding tax, the tuner reveals.There is no word about the power, but the latest RS 6 Avant boasts 591 hp (600 ps/441) from its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. The engine steams out 590 lb-ft (800 Nm), delivered to the quattro all-wheel drive system through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. For the Mercedes-E 63 Estate fighter, Audi quotes 3.5 seconds required to hit 60 mph (97 kph). As every petrolhead living stateside and their best friend knows, the Audi RS 6 Avant is being sold over here. It has an MSRP of $121,900 attached to it and is positioned at the top of the range, above the A6 Allroad. The jacked-up model starts at $67,900. The four-door variants comprise the A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan, priced from $56,900 and $73,700, respectively. 10 June 2023 12:30 (UTC+04:00) By Akbar Hasanov, Day.az Nothing personal, just business. The author of this phrase is called an associate of a gangster nicknamed "Dutch Schultz", an accountant of American organized crime a hundred years ago, Otto Berman. Exactly the same vital principle is guided by many American politicians, including senators. By the way, how easily and simply members of the Italian mafia bought American senators are very clearly described in the novel by Mario Puzo "The Godfather". This novel was subsequently filmed by Francis Ford Coppola and the whole world saw a real masterpiece of cinematic art. But cinema is cinema, and there is also fresh evidence of the corruption of US senators. For example, the main Armenian lobbyist Robert Menendez was accused of corruption in 2015 because of his relationship with ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen. Prosecutors then accused Menendez of receiving about $1 million in campaign contributions and lavish gifts. The investigation believed that due to fraud with state health insurance, taxpayers were deceived by at least $ 9 million. Senator Menendez was also accused of criminally promoting the interests of Melgen in the supply of port equipment for the Dominican Republic. American media sources claimed that Menendez was trying to obtain a free inspection of equipment at the American border. Yes, he pleaded not guilty and in 2018 the charges against him were dropped. But here, as in the famous joke about spoons and sediment. Moreover, at the end of last year, the US Federal Attorney's Office investigated whether Nadine Arslanian, the wife of Senator Bob Menendez, accepted gifts and services as bribes from certain individuals. So, for Menendez, perhaps, in addition to business, the issue of vilifying Azerbaijan was personal. Well, now we see that other US senators, this time Alex Padilla and Marco Rubio, presented a resolution condemning Baku for "closing the Lachin corridor" and calling on the United States to take immediate steps to end the "humanitarian crisis." The Armenian Assembly of America happily announces this step of theirs. It is noted that the resolution was also presented in the House of Representatives by Frank Pallone and Gaz Bilirakis. Oh, what a blatant lie is contained in this resolution! There is not a word in it that there is no Lachin corridor, but there is the Lachin road, which is located throughout the world, including the United States, recognized territories of Azerbaijan. Accordingly, Azerbaijan has the right to install BCPs on its territory. It is strange that US senators "do not understand" this. They claim that Azerbaijan can "blockade" its own territories. They use the name "Artsakh" in the resolution, which was not, is not and will not be in reality. This is the fruit of the fantasies of the world Armenians and the characters engaged by them in different countries of the world. The memory of the fruit of the myth-making of world Armenians looks especially ridiculous after the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan announced the recognition of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including the Karabakh economic region and enclaves. It turns out that some US senators consider themselves more Armenians than the Prime Minister of Armenia. On the other hand, based on the principle proclaimed by Otto Berman, one can lie, regardless of reputation. Look, this "group in star-striped bathing suits" claims that the Armenian population of the Karabakh economic region of Azerbaijan is without food and drink. How many months have we been hearing this nonsense? Many, very many. How would it be time to first study the essence of the issue and understand that a person simply cannot do so much without water and drink. And if everything is in order with him, then it means that the claims about the lack of food and water supply are lies. It's so obvious! True, if you are a decent and objective appraiser of what is happening. In our case, everything is simpler. Before us are those for whom lying about Azerbaijan is just business. Sometimes, however, there is something personal there, but this does not change the essence of the matter. Lies remain lies. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 June 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Rena Murshud Read more For the first time, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev took part as a guest in a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on May 25 this year in Moscow. Participating in the same briefing, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said that Moscow welcomes and highly appreciates Azerbaijan's interest in the activities of the Eurasian Economic Union. According to the Russian diplomat, an increase in the level of cooperation between Baku and the EAEU would bring tangible economic benefits to all parties. And it would also have a positive impact on strengthening interstate ties and integration processes, which are, first of all, mutually beneficial and based on a mutually respectful approach. But does Azerbaijan's participation in the briefing mean that it will take part in the alliance in the future? Another issue is how the West, which does not have a warm attitude towards Russia and imposes sanctions against it, will react to this? Of course, Azerbaijan's participation in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council testifies to certain balancing tendencies in its foreign policy. However, this does not mean that it wants to take part in any military alliance. An Azerbaijani political analyst, Turab Rzayev said this to Azernews, while discussing Azerbaijan's participation at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. Referring to geopolitical rifts and the approaching polarization currently taking place in the world, he said that examples of this are the Western bloc (Canada, USA, Great Britain, etc.), the Eastern bloc (Russia, China, Iran, etc.), India, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, which are trying to pursue a balanced policy between east and west. Therefore, Azerbaijan periodically discusses economic and political issues and projects with the West, even the project of transferring the Trans-Caspian gas belt to Turkmenistan. At the same time, also participates in Eurasian Economic Union meetings. In this matter, it is important what mutual benefits Azerbaijan can receive, expert said. According to him, the oil and gas sector, which plays a paramount role in the Azerbaijani economy, may suddenly become the object of sanctions, and pressure mechanisms may be activated. However, Azerbaijan can remain there with an observer status or participate in any economic activity in accordance with its interests. I think that additional steps will be taken in this direction, Rzayev said. Speaking about the positive aspects of special concessions between the Eurasian Union and Azerbaijan on certain issues, the expert noted that last year the West imposed sanctions against Russia. The sale of agricultural, fruit and vegetable products produced in Azerbaijan and in the countries of the Middle East (Turkiye, Iran) to the Russian market through Azerbaijan can also have a positive impact on tourism. However, the expert stressed that all these issues need to be approached very carefully. "That is, Azerbaijan should approach the sanctions imposed by the West with caution and not take contradictory steps. Otherwise, Azerbaijan may also suffer the fate of countries that have recently been under pressure from the West. For example, Serbia and Georgia were warned. Some (more than 20) Armenian companies fell under sanctions," the expert noted. --- Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 June 2023 11:59 (UTC+04:00) The price of Azerbaijani oil in the world market has not changed. The price of one barrel of "Azeri Light" brand oil is sold at the same price as the previous day - $78.43, Azernews reports. It should be noted that the maximum price of one barrel of Azerbaijani oil was recorded on March 9 ($135.99) during the past year. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 June 2023 12:55 (UTC+04:00) Within the Astana International Forum in Kazakhstan, a meeting was held between Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Francesco La Camera, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the projects implemented and planned for the production and export of renewable energy, as well as the development of green energy technologies. Cooperation within the Azerbaijan's membership in the IRENA Council for 2023-2024 was considered. IRENA`s support for the assessment of opportunities in the field of renewable energy in Azerbaijan was expressed at the meeting. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 June 2023 11:31 (UTC+04:00) Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov has participated in the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin as part of his working visit to Sochi, Azernews reports citing with the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers. Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Ali Asadov conveyed Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's greetings and best wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin. PM Ali Asadov also touched upon the issues of the Azerbaijan-Russia bilateral strategic partnership agenda. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 June 2023 14:30 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani oil giant SOCAR made humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Azernews reports, citing the post on the companys Facebook account. The post reads: "Taking into account the request of the Ukrainian side, according to the order of the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, SOCAR provided 20 tons of fuel to Ukraine for the purpose of humanitarian aid." We should note that another humanitarian aid was sent from Azerbaijan to Ukraine the day before. Humanitarian assistance was organized on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev, taking into account the appeal received from the Ukrainian side. Humanitarian supplies consist of water pipes, water pumps, life jackets. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 June 2023 18:50 (UTC+04:00) Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. The letter reads: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, Please accept my sincere congratulations on the remarkable occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Azerbaijan. This anniversary is a good opportunity to take a look at the results achieved in cooperation area and define future plans. It is gratifying to note the intensively developing bilateral dialogue in political, economic and humanitarian area with your direct support, as well as the constructive interaction of Minsk and Baku on the international arena. I am sure that the Belarus-Azerbaijan strategic partnership based on long-term friendship traditions and trust will be consistently deepened for the benefit of the peoples of our countries, and will be enriched by new interesting initiatives and joint projects. Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I sincerely wish you good health, inexhaustible energy for the implementation of the scheduled plans, and the residents of Azerbaijan peace and tranquility. Sincerely, Aleksandr Lukashenko President of the Republic of Belarus 10 June 2023 19:00 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Belarus, Azernews reports. The letter reads: Dear Aleksandr Grigoryevich, I cordially congratulate You, and through you, all the people of Belarus, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Belarus. On this remarkable day, I would like to note the high level of Azerbaijan-Belarus relations, which steadily deepen and expand in the spirit of fruitful partnership and are based on mutual respect and trust as well as friendly traditions uniting our peoples for the past three decades. Our interstate relations, which have travelled the great path of development and are characterized by active political dialogue, intensive contacts and fruitful cooperation in economic-trade, humanitarian fields in bilateral and multilateral formats, are particularly gratifying. You made a significant contribution to steady development of Azerbaijan-Belarus relations, their upgrading to the level of strategic partnership. I am sure that friendly relations and cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Belarus will strengthen and be enriched with new content in the future thanks to the joint efforts. Dear Aleksandr Grigoryevich, I wish you strong health, happiness and successes and friendly people of Belarus peace and prosperity. Respectfully, Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku, 8 June 2023 Lois Henry is the CEO and editor of SJV Water, a nonprofit, independent online news publication dedicated to covering water issues in the San Joaquin Valley. She can be reached at lois.henry@sjvwater.org. The website is sjvwater.org. Local government should be doing more, environmental justice advocates said at this weeks Board of Supervisors meeting, to help address leaky Archived Results for Saturday, June 10th, 2023 Newer Older Entries Page 1 Page 2 This post appears here courtesy of the John Locke Foundation . The author of this post is Harrington Shaw Appalachian State University is mired in a student government crisis. Not only has the university violated UNC-System policy and North Carolina law, but administrators have cracked down on students who cried foul, blatantly trampling their First Amendment protections.App State's saga began late last year, when second-year undergraduate (and then-Student Government Association senator) Hunter Clark led the impeachment of ASU's student body president and vice president in his capacity as chair of the Senate Rules Committee. The allegations of malfeasance against the officers in question included abusing funds and threatening other student leaders. After the removals, the university enforced the proper protocols, following the line of succession in appointing a new president.As regularly scheduled elections were approaching in February of this year, members of the student government received a letter from attorney Nathan Miller threatening to sue for defamation on behalf of the dismissed president and vice president. According to Clark's own attorney,The latter is, of course, the standard for defamation lawsuits involving public figures.Despite the frivolous nature of the threatened lawsuit, university officials seemed to panic. A number of Clark's fellow senators received a letter from Assistant Vice Chancellor Jeff Cathey stating that he and Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown had decided that all future SGA elections should be suspendedThis was a clear violation of UNC-System policy, whichThe undergraduate senate duly passed a resolution reminding the institution of the proper role of student government.The next week, Clark received an email demanding a meeting with fellow students. According to Clark in his communication with the Martin Center, the students present at the meeting (with the support of Vice Chancellor Cathey, who attended) demanded his resignation within 24 hours, based solely upon hisWere he to refuse, Clark would be reported forunder the Student Code of Conduct, though no specific allegations of such behavior were made.Since student-conduct proceedings employ astandard, Clark knew that he would not receive due process, and he chose to resign. (All assertions regarding Clark's state of mind are based on his conversations with the Martin Center.) As Clark's attorney stated in his previously mentioned letter, this forced resignation under threat of punitive action is a violation of the First Amendment, as held in Papish v. Board of Curators of the University of Missouri (1973).Soon after Clark's resignation, Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown suspended the student government'sessentially stripping the association of its official recognition. It is entirely possible that the threats against Clark were intended to remove him from the undergraduate senate precisely in order to prevent his resisting the suspension of the association. According to Clark's attorney,In a conversation with App State's student-run newspaper, Vice Chancellor Brown would go on to justify his move by citing a mental-health survey of the undergraduate senate, which found thatIn other words, a frivolous lawsuit and upset feelings persuaded a vice chancellor to violate the law and UNC policy.Student government associations play a crucial role in the university system, as highlighted by the UNC-System Policy Manual. Not only do SGAs engage students inthey also represent the student body on campus andAs such, student governments are carefully protected by the UNC System and United States case law. By shutting down its SGA, App State did far more than interrupt a bunch of kids playing House.Furthermore, North Carolina law states thatClearly, offensive or uncomfortable circumstances are not sufficient justification for an administration's sweeping action against a student government.In addition to embroiling the university in what is likely to become significant legal trouble, App State's decisions have seriously harmed the involved students. Rather than treating Nathan Miller's lawsuit as the meritless case it was, administrators punished the students whom he threatened. Indeed, administrators' malicious use of the student-conduct code against Hunter Clark appears to have been as illegal as it was abhorrent. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression notes thatsuch as the one employed to force Clark's resignation,Appalachian State should revise its Student Code of Conduct to ensure that it cannot be weaponized against students for exercising their constitutional rights.In his resignation letter, Hunter Clark stated that the administration's actionsDue to his position as an engaged leader at App State and a pre-law student, his forced resignation has had a significant impact on his academic and career trajectories. Appalachian State, as a higher-education institution of the state of North Carolina, ought to staunchly defend its students and their unalienable right to freedom of expression. Yet when Hunter Clark requested help from the university in handling the lawsuit, App State did not offer meaningful assistance. It is deeply troubling that the university failed to uphold its mission and protect its students in this instance.Reached for comment, the App State communications office told the Martin Center thatAn Instagram post to the SGA's account on Thursday contains similar language.In response, however, Hunter Clark told the Martin Center that, while the student government was not officiallythe suspension of the rules of engagement has essentially curtailed all of its activities aside from Tuesday meetings, which are micromanaged by administrators. He further stated that the administration isAdditionally, Clark contends, the university haswhich will grant administrators theWhatever the coming months hold for App State's Student Government Association, it is almost certainly the case that the behavior of App State's leadership will have a chilling effect on campus free speech. Students, especially members of the student government, will henceforth fear retaliation for speaking out against future administrative actions. UNC-System policy requires thatBy acting as they did, administrators at App State may well have done lasting damage to the spirit of free inquiry and open debate on campus. TALLAHASSEE, FL Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order Friday to prevent Link, the hero of Hyrule, from wearing the female clothing of the Gerudo people.DeSantis said.The new legislation will prevent the sale of Zelda games that feature Link wearing Vai clothing, fairies that vaguely resemble drag queens, or that clearly gay construction worker named Bolson.continued DeSantis.At publishing time, California Governor Gavin Newsom aired a national network ad encouraging Link to come to California where he will be embraced for living his truth. This spring, East Carolina University students saw the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Fat Ham on Broadway. (Contributed photos) This post appears here courtesy of ECU News Services . The author of this post is Lacey L. Gray This spring, East Carolina University students, along with three faculty members from the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Department of English, had the unique experience of traveling to New York City to watch firsthand the creative reinterpretation of William Shakespeare'sin the Broadway playMarianne Montgomery, Harriot College associate dean for faculty and student affairs and associate professor of English, coordinated the trip that brought 16 students from English, Foreign Languages and Literatures and the School of Theatre and Dance to NYC. The students traveled via Amtrak with Montgomery; Margaret Bauer, Rives Chair of Southern Literature and professor of English; and Donna Kain, associate professor of English.said Victor Aguilar, a sophomore majoring in Hispanic studies education.After seeing the Pulitzer Prize-winning play last summer, Montgomery was inspired to take the group of students to see it in NYC. Playwright James Ijames - originally from North Carolina - and director Saheem Ali transformed Shakespeare'sinto the set of a North Carolina family barbecue in what The New York Times callsMontgomery said.When it was announced that the play would open on Broadway, Montgomery said she thought it would be an amazing opportunity for ECU students, many of whom have studiedin ECU's Shakespeare and theater classes.Montgomery said.said Grace Gardner, a senior majoring in theatre arts.said Alli Swinson, a senior majoring in English.According to Montgomery, she wanted students to take away that they have the power to tell their own stories and write their own endings, and that Shakespeare belongs to everyone and can be freely remixed, adapted and reworked. She said the play offered students an opportunity to experience professional theater and reflect on the big questions - about family and community, race and gender, and tragedy and comedy.said Caleb Joseph, a senior seeking dual majors in psychology and foreign languages and literatures, with a concentration in German.Jonah Seretti, a junior majoring in English, said,In addition to attending the Saturday night performance ofstudents explored the city, visiting landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Stonewall Inn, seeing the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, and marveling at a planetarium show at the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the Museum of Natural History.said Sheema Boone, a senior majoring in theatre arts education.The co-curricular trip was sponsored by Harriot College's Department of English, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Program in Gender Studies and Whichard Distinguished Professorship in the Humanities; the North Carolina Literary Review; ECU's School of Theatre and Dance; and the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center. Bauer's participation was funded by the Rives Professorship in Southern Literature.said Taylor Edmondson, a junior majoring in English and English education. There is one God. There are objective moral truths, rooted in God. Good and Evil are the same for all people. God is the source of our rights. The human being is created in the image of God. The world is based on divine order; order rests on distinctions. Man is not basically good. As human nature is not inherently good, natural inclinations are poor moral guides. Human beings have free will. The Ten Commandments. This post appears here courtesy of the The Daily Wire . The author of this post is PragerU While many people have heard of Judeo-Christian values, Dennis Prager believes few can articulate them, which he laments, because, in his words,Prager argued that while Jews and Christians have differences in theology, they are fundamentally aligned on questions of moral values, which are more foundational to creating and maintaining a healthy society. Prager notes that most religious Jews, Catholics, Protestants, and Mormons are in agreement on basic propositions of right and wrong.Prager also outlines a non-exhaustive list of those basic propositions.Prager argued that secular movements denying these tenets are prone to falling into moral and metaphysical relativism, where basic categories such as good and evil or man and woman become subjective and indeterminate, resulting in dysfunction, disorder, and misery.Prager also highlighted the Ten Commandments of the Mosaic Law as a framework for a moral society.he said,Prager also argued that the two religions need each other: The New Testament could not exist without the Old Testament, and many of Christianity's core principles come from Judaism, but Christianity has spread those values to a far, far larger audience than Judaism.Furthermore, Prager argued that the Judeo-Christian tradition is the bedrock of the American experiment.Prager said.Citing the cultural influence of Judeo-Christian tradition even on the non-Christian founders, Prager noted that Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, who described themselves as deists, proposed a national seal of the United States that depicted God leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Ever notice how, as central government grew more powerful, federal architecture showed more paranoia about the public? Here's FBI headquarters, a 1960s brutalist hulk atop two stories of concrete stilts, as if to defend against a siege. pic.twitter.com/w4RuA3K7Yy J Michael Waller (@JMichaelWaller) April 9, 2022 For #NationalLibraryWeek, what word comes to your mind when you think of your favorite library? pic.twitter.com/McEjSR0ZNB Library of Congress (@librarycongress) April 25, 2023 Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN) wants to make federal buildings beautiful again. Well, what he really wants to do is cement a Trump-era executive order into law requiringon all new buildings to make that happen.On Wednesday, Fox News reported that Banks introduced theIf signed into law, it would mandate thatbe preferred for new federal office designs.Banks told Fox News that the bill is ultimately about the culture and honoring America's heritage.Banks said to the outlet.Former President Trump originally signed an order mandating that all new buildings be constructed using a similar framework. Critics argued that his desire for aesthetically-pleasing structures was somehow linked to white supremacy. President Joe Biden repealed that order in February of 2021.Banks added.Per Fox News, the bill also slamsas aHere's an example of what that looks like:Here's an example of classical architecture:It isn't difficult to see which one inspires more wonder and awe in society. The Statue of Liberty was surrounded by an orange haze on Tuesday as New Yorkers were tormented by smoke coming from Canadian wildfires that started June 2 in Nova Scotia and Quebec. A counterclockwise-spinning low-pressure system in Nova Scotia was slowly heading toward the west. By Wednesday, New York City trailed only New Delhi, India for poor air pollution levels.Air quality levels in New York City on Tuesday were ratedby the government online platform AirNow. Brooklyn and Queens registered an air quality as high as 226 late Tuesday night; air quality over 200 is considered potentially dangerous. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality health advisory through midnight Wednesday for Bronx, Kings, Queens, and Richmond counties.John Cristantello, a meteorologist for the New York City office of the National Weather Service, said.meteorologist John Homenuk of New York Metro Weather explained on Tuesday.he continued.Over 160 forest fires were burning in Quebec as of Tuesday. In Ottawa, Canada's capital, levels nearly reached 250, some of the worst levels in North America.All of New England except Maine, all of New York, around the the Great Lakes, and as far south as Maryland air quality alerts have been issued. Towns across Quebec were evacuated.UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said.Satellite observations Wednesday morning showed the area hardest hit in the U.S. from the Canadian fires was in western New York state; the pollution was heading toward the New York City tri-state area and the toward the Mason-Dixon Line. Your daily reminder that when they accuse us of banning books theyre referring to pornographic books which are offered to kids in schools across the country. This is what is being banned https://www.zerohedge.com/political/biden-admin-appoint-anti-book-ban-coordinator-part-lgbt-push This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When Ethan Darbonne was discovered by director Sean Baker for the role of Lonnie in the A24 Film production Red Rocket, he had no idea it would jettison him into a whole new world where he was the one on the big screen, not merely the person watching it. An avowed movie lover who watches an average of seven films per week, the thought of working in film was the furthest thing from Darbonnes mind when Baker, who was scouting locations in Southeast Texas for the film, stopped to eat at Real Cajun Cafe in Nederland. Darbonne, a cook and kitchen manager, stepped out for a smoke break, passing Bakers table on the way. Baker soon joined him in the alleyway, introducing himself and asking Darbonne if hed be interested in auditioning for a role in his film. At first, Darbonne didnt believe him. RELATED: Locals ride the 'Red Rocket' to the stars When he told me who he was, I was like, Youre not Sean Baker. Ive seen Florida Project. Ive seen Tangerine. Ive seen Scarlet. And he was like, No, thats me, Darbonne recalled. The rest, as they say, is history, and its made Darbonnes face one that has locals scratching their heads when they see him, saying I know that guy." Darbonne recently interviewed for a new job working in the meat department at H-E-B, and even the guy who interviewed me was like, You look so familiar to me.You must just have one of those faces," he recalled. As the interview continued, the manager stopped again. "Naw, man, I know you from somewhere. I was like, Have you ever seen the film Red Rocket? And he was like, Yeah, I rented it from a Red Box a couple months ago. You ARE that guy!" Darbonne said. He has a lot of stories like that now. RELATED: Beaumont nurse wows judges on 'The Voice' Just going to the grocery store, especially around here, that happens at least once a week, Darbonne said. Its fun, but he doesnt let it go to his head. Its awesome when people recognize you, but I still go to work every day, I still go home and make dinner. Im just me." Only now, hes got a broader resume and a new direction in life. Darbonne learned a lot from Rex and Baker about acting while shooting Red Rocket for three months an ad hoc education that has served him well when new opportunities arose. And it didnt take long for those opportunities to come. RELATED: Beaumont Community Players get international honor Attending the Red Rocket premiere in Los Angeles and elite film festivals, Darbonne met his fair share of movers and shakers in the film industry, especially those in the independent film genre. Within months of the films premiere and festival showings, Darbonne, who now had a representative through the A24 production company and started an IMDb page, began receiving new queries. This guy called me randomly one day while I was at work, Darbonne recounted. He said, Im doing a podcast, and I need a voice actor from Texas. I was like, 'Just so you know, man, Ive only ever done Red Rocket. Ive never done any voice acting. He was like, 'Well, voice acting compared to actual acting, its so much easier." RELATED: Ad Hoc Beaumont makes comeback The director sent a clip from the transcript, told Darbonne to record his reading and see how it goes. The director said he could tell just from the short conversation that Darbonne was from Texas, but he was looking for someone about 70 years old. How did Darbonne transform his voice to that of an older man? Cigars, he said. I ate a lot of yogurt, and then I would smoke a cigar. It would just kind of keep that phlegm in your throat. The podcast is titled Families Who Kill: The Donut Shop Murders, and recounts the story of Texass McCrary family, who in the early 1970s would go around to convenience stores and donut shops early in the morning and rob them, kidnap the people, then take them out in the woods and kill them, Darbonne said. After the podcast, Darbonne was contacted by an up-and-coming director, who was working on his senior film for an art school in Austin. RELATED: Local film addresses gun violence Hed watched Red Rocket two weeks before and was like, I gotta find this guy. So he Googled me and a post from the Beaumont Enterprise's (story on Red Rocket) was the first thing that popped up, Darbonne said. The director contacted the Enterprise reporter and was put in touch with Darbonne. The project is a film called Outpatient, centered on two guys in a rehab situation, and its about the struggles of life theyve been going through. Its two guys from two completely different backgrounds. Im kind of more like a country hick, and the other guys like a preppy kid that had the money and just didnt want to do anything else but do drugs, Darbonne said. The low-budget project, which comes out in November, features just four characters and runs an hour and 15 minutes. However, it's being picked up by Showtime and is expected to run on television. The $250,000 movie required just one location for the three-week shoot that had the cast and crew working for 18 to 20 hours each day. Were at a rehab center. So, we didnt go driving around or go to a park, Darbonne said. We used the basement of a church. (The director) did a big donation, and they let us use the whole basement area, and there were no windows or anything, so it kind of worked out just right." RELATED: Boomtown Festival film race highlights local talent The film casts Darbonne in a much larger role, playing a character outside his personal wheelhouse. It wasnt like Red Rocket, where his character was an average guy in a small town who had a job, hung out with his friends and didnt have much ambition beyond those two requirements I was basically playing myself, Darbonne said. His role in Outpatient made Darbonne stretch his acting muscles. It did take a bit of a character change, being this 30-year-old drug head whos been in rehab for five years. Its always weird to watch something Im in, but seeing those scenes (were especially weird), because its not like me in any way, he said. RELATED: Sabine Pass High School theater group takes first place in state When hed get back to the hotel after shooting and being in character nearly all day, Darbonne found himself still in character. My wife hated it, but I was like, Im sorry, Ive been acting like this person for three weeks, he said. One of the highlights of that experience was getting to work alongside Charles Baker, who played Skinny Pete in Breaking Bad. That was really cool to meet him and work with him, Darbonne said. I really learned a lot from him. Were both smokers, so wed talk a lot on breaks. Charles Baker told him the key to acting is not about building character, its about memorizing the script, he said. Charles Baker told him he memorizes a half page or more of a book every day, then has his wife tests him on his performance a kind of daily workout for actors. RELATED: Port Arthur theater camp gives youth new experience Charles Baker also told him that being a part of the film industry, finding work as an actor, is more or less a crap shoot. What Charles was telling me was, acting is one of those things where hell go three or four months and his agent wont hear anything from anybody, and theyll be putting out all this stuff, and then the next week will come by and hell have like five job offers, Darbonne recalled. Before Outpatient, Charles Baker didnt have any work for almost six months, but as soon as he left Austin, he was heading back to Los Angeles to film Mandelorian, then to New York for another project, followed by a movie being filmed overseas. For now, Darbonnes been on a nice run a new project popping up just as another wraps. RELATED: Boomtown Film Festival meet and greet with stars Within the next couple weeks, hell start work on a documentary series about director Sean Baker. Its for a young directors school project hes at an art school in Austin - and so hes going to drive down here to shoot interviews with cast and crew, including Darbonne, at locations where Red Rocket was shot. Its been interesting (since his film foray in Red Rocket), Darbonne said. I had to turn down a couple things, because I am on probation. I got a DWI the week COVID hit, and Im still dealing with it. Although his probation officer was able to work with him on getting special permission to drive while filming Red Rocket, Darbonnes been less fortunate with other requests. RELATED: Meet Southeast Texas's reality TV stars Id been offered to do a movie in Australia, but I wasnt able to do it because I couldnt leave the country. And then a couple things that were going to be big, big projects like there was a TV series that I was going to get a chance to do, but it was in New York and I was going to have to be able to be gone for like six months, and my probation lady gave me the no-go on it, he said. That was going to be good money, too. Those could have been Darbonnes next big breaks, but hes not letting the missed opportunities break his spirit. Darbonne will be done with probation in November, and hopefully by then anything that comes my way I can actually go and do, he said. Honestly, this is what I want to do more than anything. I mean, its the easiest money on the planet it really is. Its memorizing a script and just getting into character - its stupid simple and super fun. You dont really feel like youre working. Darbonne realizes that nothing is guaranteed in the film industry, but if youre good and have something to bring to the table, the work will find you when its meant to be. RELATED: Alexis Morris gets hero's welcome at hometown event Im not hunting down an acting career, he said. I just take it as it comes. Although his family is making a move to "where all the movies are" in Dallas or Austin. Im on these emails for scripts, and almost every week theres something going on in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, or theres something going on in Austin," he said. His dream would be to land in Los Angeles or New York, but the cost of uprooting to another place, family and his growing face recognition in Texas will keep him here for now. For those actively pursuing a career in film, Darbonne's advice is simple. "Put yourself out there. With social media now, there are so many options, he said. Just on Facebook alone, I get 50 notifications a day about things happening in the movie industry. Just having a head shot even if its a Facebook profile picture and a voice clip could get a foot in the door somewhere, he said. But if you see something youd like to get, hop on it quick, Darbonne advised. They go fast. Imagine going to work every day, determined to be your very best for your patients, knowing that you will likely encounter a patient or colleague who makes you feel like you don't belong, like an unwanted outsider whose nursing experience and skills don't matter. Becker's spoke with five nurses who have been there, seen and felt that. In fact, they wonder what more they could be doing as caregivers if they weren't always looking over their shoulder for racist behavior. "I am constantly on high alert, anticipating racism and or racist beliefs and behavior. Imagine how much more I could do for our patients, our communities, the world, if I didn't have to exert that energy and focus," said Tina Loarte-Rodriguez, DNP, associate director of health equity measures at Yale University and Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital's Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation. "Now multiply that potential by the approximately 415,000 Black and Latino nurses in the U.S. That's a lot of power." Results of a survey of more than 5,600 nurses, conducted by the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing and published in Nursing World in January 2022, found that, "nearly half reported that there is widespread racism in nursing, demonstrating a substantial problem within the profession. "Racist acts are principally perpetrated by colleagues and those in positions of power," according to the report. "Over half (63 percent) of nurses surveyed say that they have personally experienced an act of racism in the workplace with the transgressors being either a peer (66 percent) or a manager or supervisor (60 percent). Further, findings from a May 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation survey found widespread racism in the nursing industry. The objective of the survey was to "better understand nurses' perceptions of and experiences with discrimination and racism within their workplaces and nursing schools." Several nurses who spoke with Becker's called for promoting nurses of color to leadership positions in hospitals to encourage equity and provide a place for meaningful conversation about diversity. Editor's note: Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity. Question: What do you want white nurses to know about your experience as a hospital nurse of color? Shondra Brown, FNP-BC. Family Nurse Practitioner at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: We don't trust you and we don't have to. Trust has to be earned. Because we know racism and betrayal, and we know that no matter what, they'll turn on us. And if you are uncomfortable with us calling out what we see, then you have your own issues to contend with. Everyone has biases but the way to get over them is to unpack them and get them out in the open. Quite honestly, we would prefer white nurses be upfront about their issues. We have a saying, "We like our racists straight, no chaser." Madeline Feliciano-Weiser, MSN, RN. Nurse Manager at Penn State Health Lancaster (Pa.) Medical Center: I want to think we're past the point of being surprised. We don't need to conduct more surveys or studies to prove what we already know; the nursing profession has a racism issue. I would say to white nurses, "We need allies and accomplices now to become engaged in eradicating racism in nursing. Our profession and our communities are waiting." Tina Loarte-Rodriguez, DNP. Associate Director of Health Equity Measures at Yale University and Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital's Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation: It is exhausting to be a person of color in the United States. Being a nurse of color, the stress and burden is exponentially greater. As a member of the most trusted profession in the U.S., you need to do more to stop racism in nursing. Learn about your biases and blind spots. Understand your privilege. Use it to speak up for me in the large room, on the unit, or in the classroom. I need you to be an ally every time you witness a racist act. Don't send me an email after the fact. Don't talk to me after the meeting, apologizing for what transpired. Speak our names in the rooms we are not in. Invite us in. Sponsor our continued growth and development. Let us speak for ourselves. Never stop looking for ways to be an ally. Marilyn Mapp, DNP, RN. Director of Nursing at Jefferson Health New Jersey (Burlington): I want them to know we have to navigate the workplace as a "different person." We are challenged when we are not being believed or having concerns. We also experience the challenge of working twice as hard to prove a point. We need them to listen, advocate and be our ally. Deanna Stewart, DNP, RN. Health Services Manager at Optum Healthcare's Landmark Health (Huntington Beach, Calif.) and Founder of nonprofit MyALLy Stewart Diversity Consulting (Clayton, N.C.): As a nurse of color, I face obstacles that involve my physical appearance, education, intelligence, speech, body language, thought processes and more. All nurses show up for work to provide high-quality patient care. However, a nurse of color has to pack extra information baggage to prepare for the environment surrounding them while providing the necessary care for their patients. I have to worry if my patients are getting what they need and if I'm perceived by my peers the way I intended. I fear that my high education will intimate my peers and leaders to the point of inferiority. Is my hair professional enough? Do I come off as intelligent or am I viewed as a braggart? Did I respond with a proper tone and smile so they won't see me as the aggressive Black woman? I have an idea for process improvement, but should I mention it or do I keep quiet since I have a history of white leaders stealing my thoughts and taking credit for them? Yet, throughout the struggle, my main goal is to work collaboratively with all races and deliver care that produces optimal patient outcomes. Little Annabelle and Isabelle Bateson, pictured for the first time since their surgery in March A Co Antrim couple have told how they are living in a period of gratefulness as they described the good chaos of their lives after their conjoined baby twins successfully underwent gruelling separation surgery. Annabelle and Isabelle Bateson were born together to parents Hannah and Dan back in 2022 and were joined from the chest to the pelvis and shared a liver, bladder and bowel, one shared fused leg and one leg each. They underwent the incredible surgery in Great Ormond Street Hospital in London in September 2022 which the family at the time described as the light at the end of the tunnel. The Toomebridge couple appeared on This Morning this week with Holly Willoughby. It was the first time the family had been able to go to the studio but the programme had followed their story. Hannah told the programme: Weve been good, its absolute chaos our life has become, but good chaos and manageable chaos. "We are still figuring it all out." Read more: Baby Spice surprises mum of conjoined Co Antrim twins Annabelle and Isabelle with gifts The couple described one of the biggest changes has been the change of how to look after them now they arent together. Hannah said: "I think that was our biggest realisation when you have two crying babies that they werent together and you cant divide yourself at all times. The babies will continue having surgeries which is why the family were also in London. Hannah said: Thats our new normal but we understood all that, its nothing that has went wrong, there was going to be things to tweak and figure out as we go along and thats part of their wee journey But despite everything they have been through the little girls are the picture of happiness. Dan said: They are very relaxed and happy, when they are sick they are sick but they are so resilient. Theres no huffing, its going from sick to back at it They bounce back so quickly they are very determined. The family said they are very much living in a period of gratefulness. "We didnt think wed be where we are, its hard but its been worth it for us its hard for the girls and its them going through it all but they are characters. The family said they are so grateful for the support they have received both in the form of fundraising and via social media which helped take the pressure off for travel and surgery. "We are grateful, the support has been amazing whether it was just giving social media and people are so articulate sometimes with how they feel and it blows us away. Next in their journey is prosthetics. Hannah explained: "Prosthetics is our next big challenge, its not just walking prosthetics, the girls have no hip pelvis on the other side, so its to get some form of prosthetics to help them sit up unaided and for balance. But nothing stops them they can crawl and climb. East Belfast man who claimed to be loyalist enforcer has been taunting police while on the run for two weeks Police are on the scene of a security alert in the Trench Road area of Newtownabbey. Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph. Police are on the scene of a security alert in the Trench Road area of Newtownabbey. Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph. A security alert in Co Antrim has ended. Police and army bomb experts attended the scene in the Trench Road area of Newtownabbey on Friday. A number of nearby businesses were evacuated as a precaution following the discovery of a suspicious object. PSNI Sergeant Knox confirmed it was safely removed by Ammunition Technical Officers and taken for further examination. However at this stage it is not believed to have been anything untoward, he said. Members of the public, including motorists, had previously been asked to avoid the area. Meanwhile, in a separate incident a man was reportedly hospitalised after being taken into the City Cemetery on the Falls Road by two masked men and shot once in his foot. The incident happened on Thursday at around 10.30pm. SDLP councillor Paul Doherty has said that the local community has been left shocked following the incident. There can be no place for shootings anywhere, but the fact that this took place in a cemetery has upset many people in this area who have loved ones buried there, he said. A man has been attacked after stopping to help someone who he believed to be injured lying in the middle of the road in Dunmurry. Detectives in west Belfast are appealing for information and witnesses following an assault and theft in the Summerhill Road area of Dunmurry at approximately 4.40pm on Friday June 9. The victim had driven onto Summerhill Road from Creightons Road and observed a man lying in the middle of the road beside an electric scooter. The victim believed that this man had been injured and pulled over to check he was ok. As he approached, he heard a noise at his car and turned around to see a second man sitting in the drivers seat before getting out and running off. Detective Sergeant McVeagh said: The victim had attempted to return to his vehicle, however, the man who had been lying on the ground grabbed him by the neck and pulled him back. The victim was then attacked by the suspect who used a Stanley knife type object. "The victim suffered superficial cuts to his stomach, right arm and right leg. Both suspects are described as around 18-years-old, approximately 5ft 10 in height and of medium build and ran off toward Twinbrook. "When the victim managed to get back to his vehicle he discovered that a large sum of money had been taken and his mobile phone. Detective Sergeant McVeagh described the incident as callous and disturbing. The victim went to the aid of someone he thought had been injured and was attacked for his efforts. "This was a terrifying experience and our investigation is underway and we are appealing to anyone who was in the Summerhill Road area around 4.40pm or who noticed anything suspicious to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1587 09/06/23. A report can be submitted online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. By Ted Hennessey, in Annecy and Jordan Reynolds, PA By Ted Hennessey, in Annecy and Jordan Reynolds, PA A British girl who was one of four children stabbed in a knife attack in the French Alps while on holiday will be able to leave hospital soon, prosecutors have said. Preliminary attempted murder charges were handed to a 31-year-old Syrian refugee after the children, aged between 22 months and three years, and two elderly adults were attacked at a lakeside park in Annecy, south-east France, on Thursday. The British girl, named locally as Ettie, three, who had been visiting the area with her parents, will be able to leave a hospital in Grenoble within days, officials said on Saturday. Flowers near the scene at a lakeside park in in Annecy, France, following a knife attack (Peter Byrne/PA) According to details from French prosecutors, the British girl suffered a single stab wound but her condition was never vital. It came after French President Emmanuel Macron met the girl in hospital on Friday, saying afterwards that she was awake and watching television. The suspect, whose name has not been officially released, has been remanded in custody pending further investigation. Lead prosecutor, Line Bonnet-Mathis, said at a press conference the man was presented to investigating judges in a court on Saturday, where he heard the charges. In a translated statement, she said: The prosecution service of Annecy immediately opened a case and the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police have also been involved. The assailant at 9.47am was put into custody. The prosecution service of Annecy opened a judicial case for attempted murder. The prosecution service put the assailant in provisional custody. And this afternoon he was going to be taken to court and he will appear before the judge. She said the motive for the attack is still unclear. The suspect was earlier moved from a police station in Annecy, a short walk from where the incident took place. Ms Bonnet-Mathis said the victims are no longer in a life-threatening condition. Mr Macron and his wife, Brigitte, visited the British child and other victims in hospital on Friday before travelling to the lakeside town where the attack took place. French President Emmanuel Macron meets Henri, second right, the 24-year-old backpack hero (Denis Balibouse/Pool via AP) He also shook hands with a man who appeared to chase the knifeman around the park. Henri, 24, who is travelling across the country visiting various cathedrals, was labelled a hero in France after the video was shared on social media. Mr Macron said: Attacking children is the most barbarous of acts and I think that is what has shocked us. He told Henri: You experienced very hard moments, traumatising. I am very proud of you. Witnesses said the knifeman shouted in the name of Jesus Christ as he launched the attack, including stabbing a child in a pushchair repeatedly as bystanders screamed for help. Hundreds of tearful wellwishers continued to visit the park on Saturday, where a sea of flowers, teddy-bears and written messages were laid. Water levels in Loch Ness fell to their lowest recorded level in May (Yui Mok/PA) Concern has been raised about the water levels of Loch Ness and the River Ness amid the protracted dry spell affecting Scotland and the UK. Last month, the loch dropped to its lowest level since records began in 1990 and it is still categorised as being low. Dry weather in recent weeks has led to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issuing a water scarcity alert in parts of the country. There are also claims that hyrdo-electric power schemes are affecting the water levels at Loch Ness, which by volume is the largest body of water in the UK. Brian Shaw, director of Ness District Salmon Fishery Board, said there had been a dramatic shrinkage in the size of the River Ness. There is a huge amount of concern about the River Ness, which is fed by the loch (Yui Mok/PA) He told the BBC: These conditions are not normally good for angling. Were so early in the year were early summer and already twice this year the River Ness has got to its lowest level at that particular time of year on record. He said there is a huge amount of concern about the health of the river. Mr Shaw said pumped storage hydro near Foyers was also contributing to the low water levels. Adrian Shine, the naturalist who has studied the loch for decades and designed the Loch Ness Exhibition, also noted the low levels. He told the broadcaster: I cannot remember the water levels in Loch Ness being so low as they are now, since 1989. I think its most notable in Urquhart Bay. Theres a smaller bay within that bay which is almost dry now and I dont recall that even in 89. On Friday, Sepa placed another area of the Highlands at significant risk of water scarcity due to the dry weather. Parts of the Highlands are at risk of water scarcity (Yui Mok/PA) It said it is extremely concerning that levels around Loch Maree had dropped so early in the summer. The environment watchdog also warned water scarcity in Scotland is expected to escalate quickly over the coming weeks due to the lack of rain and high temperatures. Loch Ness, along with Loch Esk in Dumfriesshire, are currently facing moderate scarcity. Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Sepas head of water and planning, said: For the risk of water scarcity to have reached significant this early in the summer is extremely concerning and leaves no doubt that the next few months are going to be very challenging for all those who rely on the water environment to run their business. While water levels are critical in this part of the Highlands, we can see other areas of Scotland are on the same trajectory and its vital that businesses take steps now to maximise the resource available and prevent further environmental harm. The Scottish Government has previously said climate change is likely to affect the availability of water in some areas, but predicting exactly where can be difficult. Ukraines nuclear energy agency has put the last operating reactor at Europes largest nuclear power plant into cold shutdown. The move is a safety precaution amid catastrophic flooding from the collapse of a nearby dam, as Russias war on Ukraine drags on through its 16th month. Russian forces have continued pummelling the country with missiles and drones overnight, with Ukrainian officials reporting at least four deaths and damage to a military airfield. Five out of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, are already in a state of cold shutdown, in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. Volunteers haul a woman on a stretcher as she is evacuated from the left bank Dnipro river, in Kherson (AP) Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency, said there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. The last reactor was put into cold shutdown on Thursday, Energoatom said, adding that other factors in the decision included shelling near the site which has damaged overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraines energy system. With all nuclear reactions stopped, temperatures and pressure inside reactors gradually decline, reducing the required intensity of water cooling of the radioactive fuel. This is a nuclear power plants safest operating mode. Energoatom employees are still working at the power plant, although it remains controlled by the Russians. A Ukrainian military vehicle being hit during a combat in Ukraine. (Russian defence ministry Press Service via AP) The sites power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Analysts and Russia say that Ukraine has launched a counter-offensive in southern Ukraine, potentially aiming to retake territory near the plant. Also on Saturday morning, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least four civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. Ukraines state emergency service reported that three people were killed and over two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam (AP) A spokesperson for Ukraines southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. In Ukraines north-east, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, reported. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded. In the Poltava region further west, there was damage to a military airfield struck overnight during a Russian drone and missile attack, local governor Dmytro Lunin reported. No-one was hurt. As of Saturday morning, there was no additional comment from the Ukrainian army or officials on the extent of the damage. The Ukrainian air force said that during the night, it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles of various types launched by Russian forces. After decades of chronic underfunding, Northern Irelands pipes infrastructure is struggling to meet demand when weather is hot, and flushing raw waste into the sea when it rains Few of us want to think about what happens when we flush the toilet, or what is necessary to ensure clean water comes from the tap. Most politicians dont want to think about this either, and because of our collective wilful ignorance, our water system is in crisis. 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. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming the majority of AIDS patients died from medication developed when Dr. Anthony Fauci led the nations response to the emerging epidemic, not from the virus itself. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, launched Family Pride Month to promote traditional families as a counterpoint to events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming Pfizer was caught funneling $12 million to Anderson Cooper to promote COVID-19 vaccines. Start the day with the lastest headlines Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter Lenox native James Brooke has traveled to about 100 countries reporting for The New York Times, Bloomberg and Voice of America. He reported from Russia for eight years and from Ukraine for six years, coming home a year ago. Talking Points Memo: The failure of the Biden administration is only getting more and more obvious by the day. Heres three major agencies that are falling apart. President Biden snaps at reporter for asking about Hunters text messages. SCOTUS rules on states control over elections and agrees to hear case on wealth tax. Bill renews calls for investigation into Zuckerbergs efforts into the 2020 presidential election. Former Prosecutor Cully Stimson on his new book Rogue Prosecutors: How Radical Soros Lawyers are Destroying Americas Communities. Reuters releases report that says all living US Presidents descended from slaveholders all expect Donald Trump. Smart Life: pickleball injuries This Day in History: International Body Piercing Day Final Thought: Leaving money to kids, charities & friends In Case You Missed It: Read Bill's latest column, "They're Not Victims" It's the 'Summer Reading Special!' 'Killing the Killers,' Killing the Legends,' and 'Killing Crazy Horse' all for $32.95. We'll also give you a FREE 'Team Normal' hat. 'Team Normal!' gear is 15% for a limited time. Go to BillOReilly.com now and order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Former President Donald Trump announced on Thursday evening that his attorneys had been informed that he had been indicted by the federal government for alleged crimes stemming from his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House in early 2021. The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been Indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax, Trump wrote on his social media website, Truth Social, adding, I have been summoned to appear at the Federal Courthouse in Miami on Tuesday, at 3 PM. I never thought it possible that such a thing could happen to a former President of the United States. Reuters, ABC News and the Associated Press confirmed that Trump had been indicted on seven criminal counts in relation to his handling of the documents, his second indictment in as many months. The National Archives and the FBI sought to retrieve the classified documents before issuing a subpoena last spring for their return. Possible Espionage Act charge Among the charges that will be made public Tuesday, Trump will be accused of violating the Espionage Act, according to reporting from the New York Times. The act prohibits the unauthorized possession of national defense-related documents and makes special mention of those that are "willfully retained" despite government efforts to retain them. If convicted on that charge alone, Trump, 76, could face a sentence of 10 years behind bars. The Justice Department did not issue a statement about the latest indictment or the specific charges it would contain, the AP reported. Two people familiar with the case but who are not authorized to speak publicly about it, confirmed to the outlet that prosecutors had contacted Trump's lawyers on Thursday to inform them of the indictment. Investigation's climax There were plenty of signs over the past few weeks that special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Trump's handling of the documents was reaching its conclusion. In the last few days, Trump received a letter by Smith's office informing him that he was a target of a criminal investigation, a sign that an indictment was all but guaranteed. On Monday, Trumps lawyers were spotted in Washington prior to a meeting at the Department of Justice, where they sought to persuade officials not to charge the former president with any crimes stemming from the investigation. Politically motivated? While Trump sought to frame the indictments as politically motivated, President Biden was asked Thursday why Americans should have faith that the Justice Department was acting in accordance with the law. Because youll notice I have never once, not one single time, suggested to the Justice Department what they should do or not do, relative to bringing a charge or not bringing a charge. Im honest, Biden responded. What Trumps GOP rivals have said about another possible indictment Prior to the indictment, some of Trump's Republican rivals for the GOP presidential nomination weighed in on the possibility of a second round of criminal charges against the former president. Trump's former vice president, Mike Pence, who announced his own presidential candidacy on Wednesday, said in an interview that he hoped that the DOJ would not indict Trump. "I would hope the Department of Justice did not move forward. Not because I know the facts, but simply because I think after years where weve seen a politicization of the Justice Department is to undermine confidence in equal treatment of the law, Pence said on the campaign trail in Iowa. But Pence issued somewhat contradictory statements on a possible Trump indictment, stating that no ones above the law. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he would wait to see what the charges against Trump consisted of, but made clear that Trump had himself to blame if he was charged for his mishandling of the documents. The problem with all of this is that its self-inflicted. In the end, I dont know that the government even knew that Joe Biden had those documents or not, Christie, a former U.S. attorney, told Fox News, drawing a distinction between a Justice Department investigation into classified documents found at Bidens home. They did know Donald Trump did and in fact asked voluntarily for them for over a year and a quarter and got them back in dribs and drabs. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was more succinct, saying Trump should step aside if indicted in the documents case. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said the DOJ was guilty of weaponizing its investigation and that the the determining factor for the 2024 election should be the voters, ABC News reported. But on Monday, an Air Force whistleblower contradicted the Pentagons claim, telling The Debrief and News Nation that the U.S. government is in possession of quite a number of alien spacecraft. I thought it was totally nuts, David Grusch said . I thought at first I was being deceived. The statement, which was part of a hearing on the topic, generated headlines around the world. UFO sightings are up, noted Politico , but no proof of aliens yet, Pentagon official says. Wrote News Nation , UFO Chief: No credible evidence of extraterrestrial activity. But, Grusch said, he soon learned that United States government possessed quite a number of different kinds of non-human vehicles. I have plenty of current and former senior intelligence officers who came to me many of whom I knew almost my whole career [and] who confided in me. This is not the first time government officials have suggested that the U.S. may possess alien spaceships. I was told for decades that Lockheed had some of these retrieved materials, said the late Senator Harry Reid, who fought for greater disclosure. And I tried to get, as I recall, a classified approval by the Pentagon to have me go look at the stuff. They would not approve that. Former deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Christopher Mellon, recently reported that he has spoken to more than four witnesses who say they know of a secret U.S. government program involving the analysis and exploitation of materials recovered from off-world craft Some have supplied information to the intelligence communitys inspector general, others directly to the staff of the congressional oversight committees. Gruschs claims are shocking, and he has not made public any photographs, video, or written evidence to support them. He says he never saw any of the alleged nonhuman spacecraft himself. And, in response to a query, Defense Department spokesperson Sue Gough repeated what Kirkpatric had said in April. To date, AARO has not discovered any verifiable information to substantiate claims that any programs regarding the possession or reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial materials have existed in the past or exist currently. Leaked emails revealed that the FBI helped a Ukrainian intelligence agency to censor Twitter users. Some of the people that were targeted are American and Canadian journalists, raising First Amendment concerns. Previous reports have already covered how the FBI was approached to aid in online censorship regarding the Ukraine war. In March 2022, a special agent at the FBI sent Twitter a list of accounts that are suspected by the SBU [Ukraines intelligence agency] in spreading fear and disinformation. The email included a memo from the SBU requesting that Twitter ban the accounts and provide their user data, according to a Twitter Files report by Aaron Mate. The email to Twitter was sent by Special Agent Aleksandr Kobzanets, the assistant legal attache at the American embassy in Ukraine. Thank you very much for your time to discuss the assistance to Ukraine, Kobzanets wrote. I am including a list of accounts I received over a couple of weeks from the Security Service of Ukraine. These accounts are suspected by the SBU in spreading fear and disinformation. For your review and consideration. The SBU said that the accounts have been used to disseminate disinformation and fake news to inaccurately reflect events in Ukraine, justify war crimes of the Russian authorities on the territory of the Ukrainian state in violation of international law. The agency continued to say that to stop Russian aggression on the information front, Twitter should take urgent measures to block the accounts and provide us with user data specified during registration. Twitter said that it would review the accounts inauthenticity but questioned the inclusion of Canadian and American journalists in the list. The list included 163 accounts. Twitters head of Trust and Safety at the time, Yoel Roth, said the accounts would be reviewed but the first order of business would be to identify potential inauthenticity because the list included American and Canadian journalists. Roth said that authentic accounts would be suspended if it obtained evidence that they were tied to foreign governments. He continued to say that reporters who cover the conflict with a pro-Russian stance are unlikely to be found in violation of our rules absent other context that might establish some kind of covert/deceptive association between them and a government. Any additional information or context in those areas is of course welcome and appreciated, Roth added. Kobzanets replied that it was unlikely for more information to be provided. 34 of the 163 accounts were banned, 20 have since been deactivated while the rest are active. Thousands of fans sang to Johnny Depp in Romania as the Hollywood star celebrates his 60th birthday. The Pirates Of The Caribbean star thanked fans for the beautiful gesture, adding that it was the largest happy birthday song Ive ever heard. Advertisement It comes as Depps band The Hollywood Vampires kicked off their European tour in Bucharest, Romania, on Thursday. View this post on Instagram Advertisement A post shared by Hollywood Vampires (@hollywoodvampires) A video posted to the bands Instagram page showed the actor with a hand over his heart, thanking fans and blowing them kisses. Advertisement Depps 60th birthday comes just over a year following his victory in his high-profile defamation case with his former wife Amber Heard. He had sued the Aquaman star for $50 million, claiming her 2018 article in the Washington Post was defamatory. Advertisement Over the past 12 months the actor has made a slow but steady return to the spotlight, touring with musician Jeff Beck and making a surprise appearance at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. Advertisement Johnny Depp (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP) More recently he appeared at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of new film Jeanne Du Barry, in which he stars as King Louis XV. Speaking at a press conference at the festival he said he had no further need for Hollywood, and described the fallout from the trial as a weird joke. The Hollywood Vampires a supergroup consisting of Alice Cooper, Aerosmiths Joe Perry and Depp are touring Europe this summer including several dates in the UK in July. Advertisement The band was recently forced to cancel a string of dates in the US after Depp suffered an ankle fracture. Bus Eireann is to spend 30 million installing electric chargers for buses in regional towns and cities. As the Irish Examiner reports, the transport body is seeking to assemble a panel of companies for the supply, installation, and maintenance of specialised electric vehicle chargers for buses by the year 2035. Advertisement At present, the state-owned company operates 11 EVs in Athlone, Co Westmeath, forming the entirety of the towns service, and three hydrogen-fuelled vehicles on Dublins commuter routes. Separately, the companys Galway services consist entirely of hybrid buses, with 20 further hybrid vehicles operating in Limerick ahead of a 3 million plan to fully electrify that citys depot in advance of the delivery of 20 double-decker electric buses for the citys routes. Athlones service is run at present from nine double electric chargers at the towns depot, with a further 12 such chargers in place in Limerick. Advertisement It is unclear how many chargers the 30 million tender budget will provide. Advertisement We are currently at the planning stage for the electrification of our other depots and the total number of chargers in each site has yet to be determined, a Bus Eireann spokesperson said. Bus Eireann is committed to reducing its energy consumption and emissions by 50% by 2030 in line with the 2021 climate action plan, the spokesperson said, adding that as part of the move, the company is transitioning its entire urban public service obligation fleet to zero emissions. The 30 million EV charger plan will see the commissioning of out-of-the-box turnkey chargers and charging points, along with attendant training for Bus Eireann staff. The scope will further allow for the provision of suitable energy storage systems or other sustainable backup systems in the event of a loss of grid power supply, according to the tender documents. Stormont health authorities have welcomed a Government plan to fund 250 student nursing and midwifery places in Northern Ireland universities. The one-year plan would address a shortfall in student places for the 2023/24 academic year resulting from the budgetary crisis north of the border. Advertisement Senior civil servants at Stormont, who are currently running public services in Northern Ireland in the absence of devolution, are facing a funding black hole running into hundreds of millions of pounds this year. Irelands health minister Stephen Donnelly (PA) Stormonts Department of Health had cut 300 student nursing places for the coming academic year as part of a series of cost-cutting measures. Advertisement The proposed intervention from Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly will address much of that shortfall. The plan reported by the Irish Times on Saturday would see a 10 million investment creating 200 undergraduate places for Republic of Ireland students and 50 places for Northern Ireland students in the two main universities north of the border Queens and Ulster University. Advertisement Commenting on the proposal, a spokeswoman for Stormonts Department of Health said: The Department of Health welcomes this planned one-year arrangement which will help maintain the current training infrastructure for pre-registration nurse training, ahead of an intended future increase in NI-funded places in the event of additional funding being available. A proportion of the nursing and midwifery training places being funded will be students from Northern Ireland. Advertisement In addition, the NI health service will benefit from the fact students with ROI-funded nursing and midwifery training places in NI universities will do practical training here, making a vital contribution to care for patients. All those graduating from ROI-funded places will be free to take up employment in the NI health service if that is their preferred option. This planned one-year funding arrangement will be an important practical step in fostering future collaboration across the island of Ireland in the important area of healthcare training which will be to the mutual benefit of our healthcare systems. Advertisement Sinn Feins Linda Dillon (PA) Sinn Fein MLA Linda Dillon also welcomed the reported development. Reports that the Irish Government is set to invest 10 million to fund 250 student nursing places in the north is a hugely positive development, she said. Advertisement Savage Tory cuts have resulted in hundreds of student nursing places being axed at a time when our health service is facing chronic staff shortages. Advertisement This vital cross-border funding would ensure that we can train hundreds of nurses and midwives and provide a welcome boost to our local universities who would benefit from extra student places. A woman accused of possessing crime proceeds in bank accounts in Dublin and Donegal while using bogus identities has been remanded in custody. Diana Maria Popovici, 34, currently of no fixed address but originally from Romania, was arrested at Dublin Airport on Friday evening. Advertisement The accused, who had a prior address at Timbermills, Kilmore Road, Artane, Dublin 5, was charged with 10 offences under the Theft and Fraud Act and money laundering laws. She has six counts of possessing or transferring crime proceeds of unspecified amounts in credit balances in AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB accounts in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, and AIB accounts in Blanchardstown and Raheny, in Dublin. She was also accused of using fake Spanish and Romanian driving licences and Italian ID cards as false instruments at various banks. The offences allegedly occurred on various dates from October 2016 until March 2019. Advertisement Advertisement The accused was held pending her appearance before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dublin District Court on Saturday. Detective Garda David Comerford told the court there was "no reply" to the charges after caution. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed "trial on indictment", meaning her trial would be in the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers. Judge Fottrell heard that also DPP said the accused could be sent forward for sentencing on a signed plea. The woman did not address the court and has not indicated a plea. Defence solicitor Benedict O'Connor told the judge there was no application for bail. Judge Fottrell remanded her in custody to the Dochas Centre in Mountjoy Prison. She will face her next appearance at the District Court on Friday. Prosecutors must complete a book of evidence and serve it on the accused before a return for a trial order is made. Legal aid was allowed after Mr O'Connor informed the judge that his client "has no assets or savings". Counterattacking Ukrainian forces have advanced up to 1,400 metres at a number of sections of the front line near the eastern city of Bakhmut in the past day, a military spokesman said on Saturday. The advance is the latest in a series of similar gains reported this week by Kyiv near Bakhmut, which Russia said it had fully captured last month after the bloodiest and longest battle since it began its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Advertisement "We're trying...to conduct strikes on the enemy, we're counterattacking. We've managed to advance up to 1,400 metres on various sections of the front," the spokesperson for the eastern military command said, when asked about fighting near Bakhmut. Serhiy Cherevaty, the official, said in televised comments that Russian forces were themselves trying to counterattack but that they had not been successful. Advertisement Ukrainian forces, he said, had inflicted heavy Russian troop casualties and destroyed military hardware in the area. Reuters was not able to independently verify that assertion or the situation on the battlefield. Advertisement Moscow and Kyiv both reported heavy fighting in Ukraine on Friday, with bloggers describing the first sightings of German and US armour, signalling that Ukraine's long-anticipated counterattack was under way. Russia, which has built extensive fortifications in Ukraine's occupied east and south, said this week that a big push by Kyiv had failed to break through Russian lines. Britain's Ministry of Defence said that Ukrainian forces have penetrated the first line of Russian defences in some areas, but that Kyiv's progress had been slower in others. Officials in Ukraine, which has been poised to launch a broad counteroffensive for weeks, denies its much-anticipated push has begun and says that when it does it will be obvious. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of GBH with intent over a violent assault on two teenage boys and an adult at Blundells School in Tiverton on Friday. The boy will appear at Exeter Magistrates Court on Monday morning following the incident at the private school, Devon and Cornwall Police said. Advertisement The boys, who are both students at the school, remain in hospital with one in a critical condition and the other described as being in a serious but stable condition. The man, a staff member at the school, was injured but discharged from hospital on Friday, the force said. UPDATE: Officers have formally charged a 16-year-old boy in connection with three violent assaults, which are alleged to have taken place at Blundells School in #Tiverton on Friday 9 June. More here: https://t.co/xK0c5md0HJ pic.twitter.com/xCsnR3Buai Advertisement Advertisement Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) June 10, 2023 A police scene guard will remain in place at the school until the end of Saturday, the force added. Advertisement Superintendent Toby Davies said: Our thoughts remain with the injured boys and their families in what must be a harrowing time for them. My officers are continuing to support them and the wider school community. We continue to fully investigate this incident and a scene guard remains in place at the school and is expected to remain there for the rest of the day. In the meantime, we need to remind the public of the law surrounding this matter. Any suspect under the age of 18 is, by law, not allowed to be identified. Advertisement These rules are not solely for media organisations to adhere to; they also apply to members of the public and includes information posted via social media. This may be seen as interfering with a live investigation and an active criminal trial, and therefore could see those who do not adhere found in contempt of court. We therefore remind the public that it is vital that they do not speculate on the identity of either the victims or the suspect in this case. Advertisement Headteacher Bart Wielenga sent a letter to parents and guardians about the incident, which happened at one of the boarding houses, on Friday. He said that the school is working closely with the police as they follow their procedures. Advertisement Mr Wielenga urged parents and guardians not to engage in speculation or post about the incident on social media. Boris Johnsons notebooks could be withheld from the former British prime minister to stop him from handing over unredacted documents to the Covid inquiry, UK government lawyers have appeared to suggest. Inquiry chairwoman Baroness Hallett had given the UK government until Friday to set out its position on whether it would submit the pandemic leaders WhatsApp messages, notebooks and diaries uncensored to her investigation. Advertisement Ministers are challenging her request for the materials in the courts, but lawyers for the probe have suggested Mr Johnsons co-operation with the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, which he set up when in Downing Street, meant it was likely to see the unredacted documents before a judicial review is heard at the end of the month. Advertisement But in a letter to the inquiry on Friday, a Government lawyer said it would not be appropriate to take steps that were not consistent with the very position that it has raised in the judicial review. Advertisement The UK Cabinet Office has said some of the information requested by Lady Hallett, a retired senior judge, does not relate to the British governments handling of coronavirus and is unambiguously irrelevant. Keith Hugo KC, counsel for the inquiry, said at a preliminary hearing on Tuesday that a request had been made for Mr Johnsons pandemic notebooks to be returned to him by Monday, June 12th with a view for them to be inspected by the investigation team. But Parm Sahota, writing on behalf of the Treasury solicitor, said Mr Johnson who dramatically resigned as an MP on Friday took a different position to the UK government and that it did not support handing over unredacted documents to the inquiry. Advertisement It raises the possibility that the UK Cabinet Office could choose to hold onto Mr Johnsons notebooks until the High Court challenge has concluded and potentially for longer if judges decide in ministers favour. Advertisement We are aware of Mr Johnsons public comments on sharing information with the inquiry and, for his own reasons, he takes a different position to that of the Cabinet Office, the lawyer said. However, we consider that it is not appropriate for the Government to have to take steps that are not consistent with the very position that it has raised in the judicial review and that would be the position were the Cabinet Office to provide unambiguously irrelevant material to Mr Johnson in the knowledge that he intended simply to provide it, without protection, on to the inquiry. Advertisement Mr Sahota added: In relation to the diaries, I can confirm that these documents are Cabinet Office documents produced to record the engagements of the prime minister. The diaries are not Mr Johnsons personal diaries. Advertisement The letter was published by the Cabinet Office only hours before Mr Johnson announced that he was quitting as an MP following what he called a witch hunt inquiry by the Commons Privileges Committee into whether he misled the Commons over lockdown-busting parties held in No 10 during the pandemic. The UK government legal department said neither the WhatsApp messages on Mr Johnsons current or his old phone, which was locked for security reasons, would be sent unredacted to Lady Halletts team. Messages relating to the ordering of three coronavirus lockdowns in 2020 are likely on a phone Mr Johnson stopped using in May 2021 after it emerged his mobile number had been available online for 15 years. Baroness Hallett is in a row with ministers over access to Boris Johnsons correspondence and notes (UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA) Mr Sahota said the Cabinet Office continues to work with security partners and Mr Johnsons representatives to assess the security issues on the device with a view to retrieving the appropriate material. But he said, even if the department does gain access to the messages, the unredacted contents would not be passed on, pending the result of the judicial review. Advertisement The senior solicitor said ministers did not consider that the inquirys work is likely to be materially disrupted by our position as set out above. He noted that redacted copies of Mr Johnsons notebooks, diaries and WhatsApp messages from Mr Johnsons new phone had been submitted as evidence. Lady Hallett is due to hear evidence from witnesses for the first time next week, with public hearings taking place in central London from Tuesday. Six weeks of hearings are planned for the first module of the inquiry, which will focus on resilience and preparedness. The second module, with evidence scheduled to be given in the autumn, will look into Government decision making during the pandemic, with Mr Johnsons evidence likely to be heavily relied upon. Ukraines military has reported intense fighting with Russian forces, while the countrys nuclear energy agency said it had placed the last operating reactor at Europes largest nuclear power plant into cold shutdown. The move at the Zaporizhzhia plant in south-eastern Ukraine has been taken a safety precaution amid catastrophic flooding following the collapse of the nearby Kakhovka dam, as Russias invasion drags on into its 16th month. Advertisement After Russian forces pummelled Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight, resulting in deaths and damage to a military airfield, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Kyiv for a previously unannounced visit his second trip to Ukraine since Russias invasion began in February last year. Mr Trudeau speaks with Ukrainian soldiers as he visits the Wall of Remembrance, in Kyiv (Pool via AP) He was accompanied by his deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland. Advertisement Ukraines General Staff said on Saturday that heavy battles were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the countrys industrial east. Advertisement It gave no details but said Russian forces were defending themselves and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraines southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Five out of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, are already in a state of cold shutdown, in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. Advertisement Volunteers haul a woman on a stretcher as she is evacuated from the left bank Dnipro river, in Kherson (AP) Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency, said there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. The last reactor was put into cold shutdown on Thursday, Energoatom said, adding that other factors in the decision included shelling near the site which has damaged overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraines energy system. With all nuclear reactions stopped, temperatures and pressure inside reactors gradually decline, reducing the required intensity of water cooling of the radioactive fuel. Advertisement This is a nuclear power plants safest operating mode. Energoatom employees are still working at the power plant, although it remains controlled by the Russians. Advertisement A Ukrainian military vehicle being hit during a combat in Ukraine. (Russian defence ministry Press Service via AP) The sites power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Advertisement Analysts and Russia say that Ukraine has launched a counter-offensive in southern Ukraine, potentially aiming to retake territory near the plant. Also on Saturday morning, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least four civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. Ukraines state emergency service reported that three people were killed and over two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam (AP) A spokesperson for Ukraines southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. In Ukraines north-east, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, reported. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded. In the Poltava region further west, there was damage to a military airfield struck overnight during a Russian drone and missile attack, local governor Dmytro Lunin reported. No-one was hurt. As of Saturday morning, there was no additional comment from the Ukrainian army or officials on the extent of the damage. Advertisement Justin Trudeau views destroyed Russian tanks in Kyiv (Pool via AP) The Ukrainian air force said that during the night, it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles of various types launched by Russian forces. The fighting and civilian casualties took renewed attention as authorities in southern Ukraine said water levels have been declining in a vast area beneath the ruptured dam. In the city of Kherson, whose outskirts were among the flood-hit areas, the average water level decreased by 12in during the night, but remained over 15 feet higher than usual, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Mr Prokudin warned that meteorologists predicted heavy rainfall in the area over the weekend, complicating rescue efforts. The UNs humanitarian aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said in an Associated Press interview on Friday that an extraordinary 700,000 people were in need of drinking water. Boris Johnson delivered a withering attack on Rishi Sunak as he quit the British Parliament, saying there was a need for a properly Conservative government. In a rallying call to his followers, Mr Johnson, who hinted at a comeback even as he walked away from the Commons, hit out at repeated tax hikes and a failure to deliver on the opportunities of Brexit. Advertisement Mr Johnsons decision to quit Parliament rather than face the consequences of the Privileges Committee probe into partygate leaves Mr Sunak with the immediate prospect of a tricky by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Advertisement But the former UK prime ministers strongly-worded resignation statement made clear that he has little sympathy for the predicament he has handed his successor, with Mr Sunak blamed by Mr Johnson and his allies for ousting him from No 10. Advertisement Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have a bitter rivalry (Dan Kitwood/PA) Mr Johnson left office after repeated scandals including the partygate row over lockdown breaches in Downing Street, the Owen Paterson lobbying affair and his handling of complaints against Chris Pincher. Advertisement But he defended his record and took aim at Mr Sunaks policy agenda. Advertisement When I left office last year the government was only a handful of points behind in the polls. That gap has now massively widened, Mr Johnson said. Just a few years after winning the biggest majority in almost half a century, that majority is now clearly at risk. The average poll shares for the week ending July 10th, 2022 when Mr Johnson announced his resignation as British prime minister had the Tories on 30 per cent, 12 points behind Labour on 42 per cent. Advertisement The seven-day average for June 9th, 2023 had a 13-point gap between Labour on 43 per cent and the Tories on 30 per cent, although the gap has been wider than that in recent months. Mr Johnson said: Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do. We need to show how we are making the most of Brexit and we need in the next months to be setting out a pro-growth and pro-investment agenda. Advertisement We need to cut business and personal taxes and not just as pre-election gimmicks rather than endlessly putting them up. We must not be afraid to be a properly Conservative government. Why have we so passively abandoned the prospect of a free trade deal with the US? Why have we junked measures to help people into housing or to scrap EU directives or to promote animal welfare? We need to deliver on the 2019 manifesto, which was endorsed by 14 million people. We should remember that more than 17 million voted for Brexit. (PA Graphics) But he said the Conservative Party has the time to recover its mojo and its ambition and to win the next election. Mr Johnson said he was leaving Parliament at least for now, suggesting he does not believe his political career is over. It had long been suspected he could abandon Uxbridge and South Ruislip, where he had a majority of 7,210 in 2019, in favour of a safer seat. His resignation came just hours after leading ally Nadine Dorries resigned her Mid Bedfordshire seat, which has a majority of more than 24,000, fuelling speculation that Mr Johnson could target that safer constituency for a comeback. But both seats will be heavily targeted by opposition parties seeking to deal a blow to Mr Sunak ahead of the UK general election expected next year. Defeat in either seat would pile pressure on Mr Sunak to change course, with allies of Mr Johnson likely to be among the most vocal critics. Boris Johnson has been accused of being a coward for quitting as an MP before the findings of a cross-party investigation into whether he lied to the British House of Commons has been published. Angela Rayner, Labours deputy leader, said the former UK prime minister had jumped to avoid facing a potential by-election in his marginal constituency. Advertisement Mr Johnson dramatically resigned as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip on Friday and took aim at the Commons Privileges Committee in a scathing 1,000-word statement. Advertisement He said the seven-person panel, which is chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman but has a Conservative majority, was on a witch hunt and argued it was attempting to use its investigation to drive me out of Parliament. The committee has been investigating whether Mr Johnson lied to the Commons when he said that Covid rules were followed in Downing Street following reports that lockdown-busting parties were held during the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement The committee was reportedly preparing to recommend a 10-day suspension from the Commons, a conclusion which would have resulted in a recall petition among his constituents and a potential by-election in his west London constituency if more than 10% voted for one. Ms Rayner said it was tosh for the former Tory leader to suggest the partygate probe was unfair and accused him of running away from a potential by-election test. To me, he is a coward, the senior Opposition MP told BBC Radio 5 Live. Advertisement He knows that the Privileges Committee has seen through this fiasco and he has jumped. He could have defended himself, he could have gone to his constituents and fought the suspension, and he has decided he is not going to do that because he knows he is in the wrong. Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said it was tosh for the former Tory leader to suggest the partygate probe was unfair (PA) Advertisement She said Mr Johnson had truly in the most devastating way let voters down who had put their trust in him at the 2019 general election when he secured a landslide victory. At the time when the public needed him the most, he basically was partying and lying to them at a time when they couldnt see their loved ones, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Advertisement And that is unforgivable. Will Walden, who previously worked as a spokesman for Mr Johnson, said his former boss had seen the writing on the wall that he could be ousted in a potential by-election triggered by the Privileges Committees sanction. He told Today: By going, as he has, all guns blazing, he is able to avoid defeat, he is able to blame pretty much everyone else, including it seems anyone that voted Remain in 2016. But it is so Boris. He told the committee that if they found against him, he wouldnt respect the outcome and so it has proved, there is no great surprise here. Sir Chris Bryant, the Labour chairman of the Privileges Committee who recused himself from the investigation into Mr Johnson, raised the possibility that further contempt of Parliament charges could be levelled against the former British leader after his narcissistic rant. Ive now read the Johnson statement which is the definition of self-indulgent narcissism. His attacks on Harriet Harman and the committee are disgraceful and constitute a contempt of parliament in themselves. I dont understand why Sunak has yet to condemn them. Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) June 9, 2023 Ms Harmans inquiry is due to meet on Monday to finalise its conclusions and is expected to publish its report promptly. Advertisement In a statement released by the committee, a spokesman said Mr Johnson had impugned the integrity of the Commons with his attack. Mr Johnson said he was bewildered and appalled at being forced out, anti-democratically by a probe that he claimed had set out from the beginning to find me guilty, regardless of the facts. Speaking to the Today programme, Mr Bryant said: They may want to conclude that there has been an additional contempt of Parliament by the way that Boris Johnson has behaved in the last 24 hours and in the attacks on the committee, which are in effect an attack on the whole House. I dont think anybody can now be in any doubt that Boris Johnson holds Parliament in contempt. Boris Johnsons Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat is a top target for Labour (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mr Johnsons resignation means UK prime minister Rishi Sunak faces two difficult by-elections, with former culture secretary Nadine Dorries also announcing on Friday that she was departing the Commons immediately, rather than waiting until the next British election. Uxbridge and South Ruislip was in Labours top 100 target seats at the next election even before Mr Johnsons resignation and the Liberal Democrats have briefed that they could potentially pull-off an upset in Ms Dorries former Mid Bedfordshire constituency. Advertisement To win in Mid Bedfordshire, where Labour came second in 2019, the Lib Dems would need a swing of 23 per cent less than the swings they achieved in by-elections held in the likes of Chesham and Amersham, and Tiverton and Honiton in recent years. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has ruled out a pact with Labour to encourage tactical voting to win the two by-elections. Therell be no pacts, no deals. We will fight both by-elections. Voters will make the decision, he told the Today programme. Mr Sunak, who Mr Johnson in his resignation statement suggested was failing to deliver on his 2019 election manifesto, has yet to comment on his predecessors Westminster departure. Mr Johnsons Commons exit came only hours after his resignation honours list was published in which he gave peerages and other awards to close allies. Thousands of people who fled their homes in the central Philippines to escape a volcano now have to contend with another threat: monsoon rains that could be unleashed by an approaching typhoon. More than 6,000 villagers have been forced to leave rural communities within a 3.7-mile radius of Mayon volcanos crater in north-eastern Albay province. Advertisement Thousands more may also need to be moved to safety from the permanent danger zone, officials said. Others living outside the perimeter have packed their bags and voluntarily left with their children for evacuation centres in Albay, which was placed under a state of calamity to allow more rapid disbursement of emergency funds in case a major eruption unfolds. Residents living leaving their homes in Daraga town, Legaspi, Albay province (AP) Advertisement Authorities raised the alert level for the volcano on Thursday after superheated streams of gas, debris and rocks cascaded down its upper slope, indicating activity below the surface that could precede a hazardous eruption within days or weeks. Advertisement A key tourist draw for its picturesque conical shape, the 8,077ft Mayon is one of the countrys most active volcanoes. It last erupted violently in 2018, displacing tens of thousands of villagers. Authorities warned that Typhoon Guchol, which is approaching the Philippines from the Pacific but is projected to skirt the archipelago, may still dump heavy rains unwelcome news for those living on Mayons slopes. A loudspeaker alert in the community of low-slung rural houses and narrow dirt alleys has warned people to prepare to evacuate any time if the situation worsens. In the overcast sky above them, the volcano was hidden by thick rainclouds. Advertisement An approaching typhoon has compounded the fleeing villagers difficulties (AP) Village leader Dennis Bon has said he would not risk waiting until the last minute. We have children, persons with disabilities and elderly residents here, Mr Bon said, before he drove off. Advertisement Albay governor Edcel Greco Lagman and welfare secretary Rex Gatchalian said they were prepared if monsoon rains triggered mudflows and rockfalls. We will still make sure that we will have no casualties from any compounded calamities, Mr agman said. The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the area around the ocean rim where tectonic plates meet that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. A long-dormant volcano, Mount Pinatubo, blew its top north of Manila in 1991 in one of the biggest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, killing hundreds of people. Advertisement Democratic US Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and House of Representatives Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries on Friday urged supporters and critics of former president Donald Trump to let his case "proceed peacefully in court" after he was indicted. "No one is above the law including Donald Trump. This indictment must now play out through the legal process, without any outside political or ideological interference," Mr Schumer and Mr Jeffries said in a joint statement. Advertisement US prosecutors unsealed a 37-count indictment against Mr Trump on Friday, accusing him of risking some of the country's most sensitive security secrets after leaving office in 2021. Mr Trump is set for his first public appearances since his federal indictment. Mr Trump will speak to friendly Republican audiences in Georgia and North Carolina on Saturday as he seeks to rally supporters to his defence. Advertisement Former US president Donald Trump is set for his first public appearances since his federal indictment. Mr Trump will speak to friendly Republican audiences in Georgia and North Carolina on Saturday as he seeks to rally supporters to his defence. Advertisement The front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination despite his mounting legal woes is expected to use his scheduled speeches at state party conventions in the two states to deliver a rebuke of the charges and amplify his assertions that he is the victim of a politically motivated witch hunt by Democratic President Joe Bidens justice department. Advertisement His appearances will come a day after the unsealing of an indictment charging him with 37 felony counts in connection with his hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The indictment accuses the former president of wilfully defying justice department demands to return classified documents, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his estate. Advertisement The indictment against former President Donald Trump (AP) Advertisement The indictment includes allegations that he stored documents in a ballroom and bathroom at his resort, among other places. The most serious charges against him carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years each, but first-time offenders rarely get anywhere near the maximum sentence and the decision would ultimately be up to the judge. For all that, Mr Trump can expect a heros welcome this weekend as he rallies his fiercest partisans and seeks to cement his status as Republicans leading 2024 presidential candidate. Trump is a fighter, and the kinds of people that attend these conventions love a fighter, said Jack Kingston, a former Georgia congressman who supported Mr Trump in 2016 and 2020. Advertisement This image, contained in the indictment against former president Donald Trump, shows boxes of records that had been stored in the Lake Room at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida (US justice department via AP) With former vice president Mike Pence also slated to address North Carolina Republicans, Saturday will be the first time the former running mates have appeared at the same venue since Mr Pence announced his campaign against his old boss. For his part, Mr Trump has insisted he committed no wrongdoing, saying: There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years. Advertisement Advertisement The indictment arrives at a time when Mr Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary. Other party candidates have largely attacked the justice department rather than Mr Trump over the investigation, although the indictments breadth of allegations and scope could make it harder for Republicans to rail against than an earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak. Thank you, New Hampshire! I believe in the boundless potential of every American to live the American Dream! And as your President, I will fight every day to bring America all the way back! pic.twitter.com/WGFX6ipIpI Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) June 9, 2023 A Trump campaign official described the former presidents mood as defiant on Friday ahead of his trip. But aides were notably more reserved after the indictments unsealing as they reckoned with the gravity of the legal charges and the threat they pose to Mr Trump beyond the potential short-term political gain. The federal charging document alleges that Mr Trump not only intentionally possessed classified documents but also boastfully showed them off to visitors and aides. The indictment is built on Mr Trumps own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, including his professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information. Advertisement The indictment includes 37 counts 31 of which pertain to the wilful retention of national defence information, with the balance relating to alleged conspiracy, obstruction and false statements that, taken together, could result in a long prison sentence. Mr Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance Tuesday in Miami. The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is hugely worse than before the Kakhovka dam collapsed, the UNs top aid official has warned. Undersecretary-general Martin Griffiths said an extraordinary 700,000 people are in need of drinking water and warned that the ravages of flooding in one of the worlds most important breadbaskets will almost inevitably lead to lower grain exports, higher food prices around the world, and less to eat for millions in need. Advertisement This is a viral problem, he said in an interview with The Associated Press. But the truth is this is only the beginning of seeing the consequences of this act. The rupture of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam and emptying of its reservoir on the Dnieper River on Wednesday added to the misery in a region that has suffered for more than a year from artillery and missile attacks. Advertisement Kakhovka dam and station pictured before and after collapse (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies via AP) Advertisement Ukraine holds the Dniepers western bank, while Russian troops control the low-lying eastern side, which is more vulnerable to flooding. The dam and reservoir, essential for fresh water and irrigation in southern Ukraine, lies in the Kherson region that Moscow illegally annexed in September and has occupied for the past year. Mr Griffiths said the United Nations, working mainly through Ukrainian aid groups, has reached 30,000 people in flooded areas under Ukrainian control. He said that so far Russia has not given access to areas it controls for the UN to help flood victims. Mr Griffiths said he met with Russias UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, on Wednesday to ask Russian authorities for access for our teams in Ukraine to go across the front lines to give aid, to provide support for Ukrainians in those areas. Advertisement Were providing them with details as we speak, to enable Moscow to meet what we hope will be a positive decision on this, he said. I hope that will come through. The emergency response is essential to save lives, he said, but behind that youve got a huge, looming problem of a lack of proper drinking water for those 700,000 people on both the Ukrainian-controlled and Russian-controlled sides of the river. Advertisement There is also the flooding of important agricultural land and a looming problem of providing cooling water for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest, which had been supplied from the dam, he added. In addition, Mr Griffiths noted that waters also have rushed over areas with land mines from the war and what we are bound to be seeing are those mines floating in places where people dont expect them, threatening adults and especially children. Advertisement So its a cascade of problems, starting with allowing people to survive today, and then giving them some kind of prospects for tomorrow, he said. Mr Griffiths said that because of the wide-ranging consequences its almost inevitable that the United Nations will launch a special appeal for more aid funds for Ukraine to deal with a whole new order of magnitude from the dams rupture. Houses are seen underwater in the flooded village of Dnipryany (AP Photo, File) Advertisement But he said he wants to wait a few weeks to see the economic, health and environmental consequences before announcing the appeal. Mr Griffiths said he and UN trade chief Rebeca Grynspan are also working to ensure the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which Turkey and the UN brokered with Ukraine and Russia last July to open three Black Sea ports in Ukraine for its grain exports. Advertisement More than 30,000 metric tons of wheat and other foodstuff has been shipped under the deal, leading to a decline in global food prices that skyrocketed after Russias February 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine. It has been extended three times and is due to expire on July 17. Part of the deal was a memorandum signed by Russia and the UN aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian food and fertiliser shipments that Moscow has repeatedly complained are not being fulfilled. A key Russian demand has been the reopening of a pipeline between the Russian port of Togliatti on the Volga River and the Black Sea port of Odesa that has been shut down since Russias attack on Ukraine. It carried ammonia, a key ingredient of fertiliser. Opening that pipeline and delivering ammonia across the Black Sea to the global south is a priority for all of us, Mr Griffiths said. Ammonia is an essential ingredient for global food security. Negotiations have been taking place in recent weeks, including at a meeting Friday in Geneva between Ms Grynspan and Russias deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin. Were not there yet, Mr Griffiths said. I hope that well make it. Counteroffensive and defensive actions are under way against Russian forces, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday, and his top commanders were in a positive mindset as their troops engaged in intense fighting along the front line. The Ukrainian leader, at a Kyiv news conference alongside Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, responded to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putins comment a day earlier that Ukraines counteroffensive had started, and that Ukrainian forces were taking significant losses. Advertisement Mr Zelensky said the counteroffensive, defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. I will not speak about which stage or phase they are in. I am in touch with our commanders of different directions every day, he added, giving the names of five of Ukraines top military leaders. I welcome Canadian Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau and representatives of his team to Ukraine. Despite all Russia's efforts to bow our people, Ukrainians continue to fight for independence and freedom. And in our victory, we will stand together just as we are standing now on our pic.twitter.com/sX5dUfP5kK Advertisement Advertisement (@ZelenskyyUa) June 10, 2023 Everyone is positive. Pass this on to Putin. Advertisement Mr Trudeau, the first foreign leader to visit Ukraine since devastating floods caused by a breach in a Dnieper River dam, offered monetary, military and moral support for Ukraine. He pledged millions in new military aid, on top of 4.7 billion that Canada has already provided since the war began in February 2022, and announced 6 million for humanitarian assistance for the flood response. Mr Trudeau said the dams collapse was a direct consequence of Russias war, but he did not blame Moscow directly. Ukraines general staff said on Saturday that heavy battles were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the countrys industrial east. Advertisement Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) It gave no details but said Russian forces were defending themselves and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraines southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Top Ukrainian authorities have stopped short of announcing a full-blown counteroffensive was under way, though some western analysts have said fiercer fighting and reported use of reserve troops suggests it was. Advertisement Recent western injections of military equipment, some of it high-tech and top-of-the-line, to Ukraine has raised expectations about when it would be used, and to what effect against dug-in Russian lines. Advertisement For months, Ukrainian commanders in the eastern city of Bakhmut, which was largely devastated in a months-long fight that has been one of the bloodiest battles of the war, have used the language of counteroffensive and defensive operations to describe the activity there. Canada stands united with Ukraine. Im in Kyiv to reaffirm that commitment to President @ZelenskyyUa and the Ukrainian people as they maintain their resistance against Russias brutal war. More updates to come stay tuned. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 10, 2023 At the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest, which is occupied by Russian forces, five out of six reactors were already in a state of cold shutdown a process in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency, said in a statement on Friday that there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Energoatom said it shut down the final reactor due to that, and also because of shelling near the site that has damaged overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraines energy system. Advertisement Burned out Russian tanks in Kyiv (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press/AP) With all nuclear reactions stopped, temperatures and pressure inside reactors gradually decline, reducing the required intensity of water cooling of the radioactive fuel. This is a nuclear power plants safest operating mode. Energoatom employees are still working at the power plant, although it remains controlled by the Russians. The sites power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Also on Saturday, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least four civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. A Ukrainian military vehicle is hit in Ukraine (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP) Ukraines state emergency service reported that three people were killed and more than two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. A spokesman for Ukraines southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. In Ukraines northeast, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded. Advertisement The Ukrainian air force said that during the night it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles of various types launched by Russian forces. The flooded village of Dnipryany after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam (AP) The fighting and civilian casualties took renewed attention as authorities in southern Ukraine said water levels have been declining in a vast area beneath the ruptured dam. Nearly one-third of protected natural areas in the Kherson region could be obliterated by flooding following the breach of the Kakhovka dam, the Ukrainian environment minister warned on Saturday. In a Facebook post, Ruslan Strilets said that the dams collapse left one national park completely submerged, drained rivers and lakes in other protected areas, and could lead to groundwater rising in parts of the Dnieper delta occupied by Moscow, creating the risk of further flooding. In the city of Kherson, whose outskirts were among the flood-hit areas, the average water level decreased by 12 inches during the night, but remained over 15 feet higher than usual, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Floodwaters from the collapsed dam kept rising (Libkos/AP) He said meteorologists predicted heavy rainfall in the area over the weekend, complicating rescue efforts. Advertisement The UNs humanitarian aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said in an Associated Press interview on Friday that an extraordinary 700,000 people were in need of drinking water. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he wants to continue speaking to Mr Putin and plans to do so again soon. Mr Scholz has spoken several times by phone to Mr Putin since the invasion. He said the basis for a fair peace between Russia and Ukraine is the withdrawal of Russian troops. Thats needs to be understood, he said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story part of the June 11 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories . The heartbreak of miscarriage is far more common than many of us realise, as its often not talked about. In Australia, it is estimated about 285 miscarriages occur every day, or one every five minutes, affecting more than 100,000 couples a year. Dr Jade Bilardi, senior research fellow at Monash University and co-founder of Miscarriage Australia, says that medically, miscarriage (the loss of a baby under 20 weeks gestation) is viewed as a routine pregnancy complication that is generally easily managed on a physical level. However, what people often dont realise is how deeply it can impact those affected on an emotional level, she says. Because we have this unwritten social rule around not disclosing pregnancies until the 12-week mark, when its considered safe to tell others, when miscarriage occurs people often dont have that support around them, which leaves them feeling even more alone and isolated in their grief and loss. Adding to this, miscarriage is often unrecognised as a loss because its unseen, with no tangible person to grieve for, and no rites and rituals to commemorate the loss. Bilardi says that consequently there can be expectations from family, friends and healthcare professionals that women should move on quickly after miscarriage. But we know that the levels of grief and loss women experience are not associated with how many weeks pregnant they are; miscarriage can be a cause of major bereavement, she says. Important during this time is that a woman receives positive emotional support from her partner, family and friends, which can help to buffer the loss. Bilardi says that for some it may be helpful to talk to a psychologist or counsellor or join an online support group where women can talk about their experience of miscarriage. Advertisement Here, three women share their stories of pregnancy loss and how they found healing. Ive reconciled with the fact that I will not have another child For Katie Parker, 42, the loss of her third child has been a process of ongoing grief. Katie Parker. Credit: Gabrielle Dennis Photography After I experienced a bleed during my third pregnancy at 12 weeks, the doctors confirmed a miscarriage when they couldnt find a heartbeat. I decided to allow the miscarriage to occur naturally rather than surgically, but I did expect the medical staff to at least provide me with a brochure about support services around miscarriage grief, which they didnt. Three days later, I was at the Seven Sisters [women-only wellbeing] Festival in Melbourne when my body began to release the pregnancy tissue without any complications. Being surrounded by like-minded women who were into holistic health, including the nurturing environment that was created by the festival, made it an even more empowering experience. Advertisement On the evening of my miscarriage, a long walk by the beach at sunset with a close friend was comforting, as she held space for me to verbalise and process my experience. Loading Back home, because of my work as a post-partum doula and completing my masters in palliative care at the time, I knew that my healing journey required practical and emotional care. Thus, I began supporting myself with lots of rest, nourishing meals, self-compassion and journalling. Friends and family further held space for me to grieve, talk and cry. Not long after my miscarriage I shared my story on a podcast I was still quite vulnerable and I listen to it every year because I find it very healing and it helps me to integrate my loss. Although its been three years, Im still grieving what my life couldve been like. We always wanted to be a family of five and even bought a house with that in mind. Every anniversary I return to the beach where I experienced the miscarriage to spend some time there alone, which helps me reflect on where Im still raw and require healing. Advertisement Ive now reconciled with the fact that I will not have another child. I feel that, at age 42, a fourth pregnancy will be too much for my body. So, Im enjoying knowing that we now have more freedom with two kids, and we can do things we love. I feel lucky to have been able to help someone else Lucy Banks, 33, found healing after her miscarriage by donating her eggs. Lucy Banks. I was devastated in 2009 when I lost my first child at 12 weeks after a routine scan revealed no heartbeat. I was 19 at the time and what made it even worse was sitting in the waiting room alone for seven hours without any support, anticipating my dilatation and curettage procedure to remove the pregnancy tissue. When I asked the nurse when I was due to go into surgery, she responded that the doctor was busy with babies who were actually alive. At such a sensitive time, I found her reply very difficult to handle. A friend gave me the number for SANDS, a not-for-profit service for bereaved parents following pregnancy loss, and I did a few sessions over the phone with a counsellor. She listened to me pour my sadness out and that was very beneficial for my grieving process. While I hadnt told anyone at work that I was pregnant, I had to have the difficult conversation about my loss with my manager, as I wanted a few days off. It just happened that one of my colleagues had a stillborn 20 years earlier and every year on her childs birthday she would take the day off. So my employers were aware of how such loss affects women, and they were equally supportive in my case. Advertisement I went on to have two boys, in 2013 and 2015. I felt nervous around both my pregnancies. I never expected any of them to be born and every routine scan was nerve-racking. Im grateful to now have two healthy children. Around that time, I had a family member who needed an egg donor. I did a lot of research and, once Id wrapped my head around the idea, I offered my eggs. But she was not comfortable having my genetic child. Still ready to donate, I found a couple through Egg Donors Australia who had also experienced child loss and found it challenging to conceive again. They went on to have two children and we keep in touch through social media. I feel lucky to have been able to help someone else create their family after having my own babies and also after first experiencing loss. I felt this heavy cloud of trauma begin to lift Pam Foster, 38, experienced two miscarriages and a stillbirth but went on to have two children. Pam Foster. Credit: Erik Bergan I experienced two consecutive miscarriages, one in 2015 and one in 2016, at 10 and 12 weeks respectively. After my first miscarriage it was hard to go back to work, even to get out of bed. Also, none of my friends knew I was pregnant, so I couldnt speak openly about my loss, which I needed to do. Advertisement Chantelle Otten is a sexologist and the author of The Sex Ed You Never Had. The 32-year-old opens up about her ADHD diagnosis, her relationship with her siblings, and why Dylan is a magical human being. I had an eating disorder at 21. It took a big toll on the family. Credit: Cybele Malinowski My maternal grandfather, Cornelius Jan, migrated to Australia with my oma, Greta, and together they opened a potato chip factory in Victoria in 1960. My mother, Veronica, helped run the business after my grandfather died from cancer in 1987. My paternal grandfather, Petrus Otten, or Piet, was born in 1906 and had four children. He was 53 when Papa [Henricus] was born. He worked as an engineer and commander of the volunteer fire brigade in Breda [in the Netherlands] during and after World War II. He was highly decorated for services to the Dutch community. He died when my father was 12. Dads a tall guy, 200 centimetres, who moved to Australia at 22. He taught us how to ride motorcycles and collects vintage cars we race his cars together. He is an absolute go-getter who helped built womens refugees and schools in PNG when we were kids. Truth is an essential force for reconciliation and, on the 185th anniversary of the Myall Creek massacre, we offer an apology for our historical coverage. I led the research team that has spent the past decade mapping the massacres that scar the Australian landscape. When we published the first stage of our digital map in 2017, it amounted to 172 colonial frontier massacre sites in eastern Australia. We were inundated with online comments. Many expressed relief that the evidence of our violent past of the mass killing of Indigenous Australians was now widely accessible. Others were surprised by the extent of the massacres. They had thought of them as rare or occasional events. Lyndall Ryan illustration by Aresna Villanueva. Credit: That notion, already dispelled in 2017, is demolished with the publication of the final stage of our online map this year. It covers the whole of Australia, from the first recorded frontier massacre in NSW in 1794 to the last recorded in the Northern Territory in 1928. It includes 429 frontier massacre sites where 10,918 Indigenous people died. It is important to note that these figures do not include the untold number of frontier murders in which fewer than six Indigenous people died. Our map was the first to deploy a coherent methodology to define a frontier massacre as the indiscriminate killing of six or more undefended people in one operation. The subject of frontier massacre has been part of the NSW school curriculum since the 1980s, following the publication of Henry Reynolds The Other Side of the Frontier (1981) and Bruce Elders Blood on the Wattle (1988). More sustained studies of specific massacres such as Roger Milliss Waterloo Creek (1992) and the role of massacres in military campaigns, such as John Connors The Australian Frontier Wars (2002), added breadth and depth to the subject. Paris: French judges on Saturday handed preliminary charges of attempted murder to a man suspected of stabbing four young children and two adults in a French Alps park, an attack that reverberated across France and beyond. The suspect, a 31-year-old Syrian refugee with permanent Swedish residency, has a three-year-old daughter living in Sweden, regional prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis said. Witnesses told investigators that the suspect mentioned his daughter, his wife and Jesus Christ during the attack on Thursday targeting a playground in the lakeside town of Annecy. The victims, who came from multiple countries, are no longer in life-threatening condition, the prosecutor said. The children, between 22 months and three years old, remain hospitalised. Police detained the suspect in the lakeside park in the town of Annecy after bystanders notably, a Catholic pilgrim who repeatedly swung at the attacker with his backpack sought to deter him. Full service carrier Vistara is facing a shortage of cabin crew uniforms and some of its cabin crew members will soon be wearing black-coloured uniforms as a temporary solution. Vistara, a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has said it is actively working with suppliers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. The airline, which is to be merged with Air India, is expanding its fleet as well as staff strength. Against this backdrop, the carrier on Friday said due to an unforeseen issue with supply of material, it is experiencing limited availability of cabin crew uniforms. "In the coming days, some of our cabin crew may be seen performing their duties in black-coloured trousers and polo T-shirts with the Vistara logo instead of our standard aubergine uniform," it said in a tweet. Vistara expects to add a total of 10 planes as well as hire more than 1,000 people in the current financial year. Also Read Air India Express cabin crew held for gold smuggling in Kochi airport Vistara hikes salaries of pilots, cabin crew by 8% as part of appraisal Vistara reports first ever quarterly profit in Q3, figure undisclosed Vistara cash flow sufficient, won't need fund infusion for 6 months: CEO Vistara crew restrains unruly passenger on Abu Dhabi-Mumbai flight Swedish furnishing major IKEA to bring in funding arm, expand retail biz Ola Electric to start meeting investors for IPO next week in Singapore EV financing platform Revfin raises $5 million in investment from DFC VLCC Health Care to acquire D2C men's grooming brand Ustraa for Rs 61 crore Working on concept to reduce average cargo release time to 1 hr: CBIC In a recent study titled 'State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2022-23', the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) forecast a decrease in the collective state debt as a percentage of the GDP, predicting it to fall to 29.5 per cent in 2022-23, from 31.1 per cent in 2020-21. However, with the 2024 general elections looming on the horizon and state governments pushing for populist schemes, there's a growing concern that this debt might escalate to uncontrollable proportions. Gujarat is now facing the specter of rising public debt, with the figure jumping to Rs 3.40 lakh crore, a significant rise from Rs 3.20 lakh crore as of March last year. This escalating debt, coupled with declining revenues, has ignited worry among opposition leaders and local experts. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had previously cautioned Gujarat against its rising public debt, highlighting the risk of a potential debt trap. These alarming statistics were revealed by the government while presenting the state's annual budget on February 28, 2023. Atman Shah, an economics professor at St. Xavier's College, told IANS: "At face value, Gujarat's fiscal deficit does not seem excessive. However, it's important to discern whether this is due to genuinely low deficit or a low-income base, "We also need to evaluate whether government expenditure for the vulnerable sector is being sufficiently met. A low fiscal deficit is commendable, but the reasons behind it are even more significant." Also Read Pakistan govt's debt swells by 34.1% to Rs 58.6 trillion: Central bank data Honour to be back in India at such historic time in US-India ties: Garcetti No official communication to colleges yet regarding 4-year hons in UG level Maha SSC results declared; overall pass percentage at 93.83, dips 3% YoY US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra violates Hatch Act: Govt watchdog UP's debt burden to touch Rs 7.84 tn in FY 2023-24, 40% higher than before Banks wary of liquidity on ahead of the advance tax outflow and GST Capital expenditure by 54 large CPSEs, key depts rose 93% in April-May AI won't be a threat to jobs for next 5-10 years: Rajeev Chandrasekhar Food regulator FSSAI proposes new category for 'low alcohol' beverages Earlier, the projected public debt for Gujarat was pegged at Rs 3,50,000 crore. The revised estimate, however, stands at Rs 3,40,000 crore and is forecasted to climb to Rs 3,81,000 crore by next year. When Gujarat's Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, presented the state budget for the fiscal year 2022-23 on March 3, 2022, the fiscal deficit for 2022-23 was targeted at Rs 36,113 crore (1.64 per cent of GSDP). According to the revised estimates for 2021-22, the fiscal deficit was anticipated to be 1.51 of the GSDP, lower than the original estimate of 1.64 of the GSDP. Despite these concerns, the estimated fiscal deficit for 2022-23 (1.64 of GSDP) remains well within the Central government's approved limit of 4 per cent of GSDP for the Union Budget 2022-23. As Gujarat grapples with increasing public debt and concerns over fiscal responsibility, it's clear that there's a pressing need to address these issues urgently to safeguard the state's economic future. --IANS janvi/ksk/ The West Bengal government's accumulated debt, as per the budget papers of the state government, is slated to rise to Rs 6,47,825.52 crore by March 31, 2024, a ten per cent rise over the figure of Rs 5,86,124.63 crore as on March 31, 2023. What is equally alarming is that the state's per capita debt by the same period is slated to rise to Rs 59,000. Per capita debt is derived by dividing the total accumulated debt by the total population of the state. Both the projected accumulated debt and per capita debt figures are extremely high compared to the corresponding figures as on March 31, 2011, which was the last year of the 34-year Left Front rule in West Bengal. As on March 31, 2011, the accumulated debt figure was Rs 1,97,000 crore and the per capita debt figure was Rs 20,300. Economists fear that unless urgent fiscal measures are adopted to arrest this upward trend, the state will slowly inch towards a debt trap situation, which is a point where the state has to go for fresh borrowings just for servicing the older debts. That situation comes when the debt to GSDP ratio reaches 50 per cent. In fact, the state budget papers for 2023-24 give some clear indications of the high expenditure of the state during the fiscal under review behind servicing previous debts. Also Read 'Lahiri's law': A mathematical analysis of social divisions TMC, BJP exchange barbs over Odisha's Balasore triple train accident Odisha tragedy: Death toll from Bengal at 81 as more bodies identified Illegal coal mining may push WB's Raniganj towards Joshimath-like crisis Incredible rich diaspora truly an asset to both countries: Biden's top aide CAG cautions Gujarat against rising public debt and potential debt trap UP's debt burden to touch Rs 7.84 tn in FY 2023-24, 40% higher than before Banks wary of liquidity on ahead of the advance tax outflow and GST Capital expenditure by 54 large CPSEs, key depts rose 93% in April-May AI won't be a threat to jobs for next 5-10 years: Rajeev Chandrasekhar As per the budget documents, during the fiscal ending March 2024, the state government will have to shell out Rs 73,303.68 crore for repayment of principal and interest on earlier borrowings, as mentioned in the budget estimates for the fiscal under review, up from Rs 69,691.79 crore as mentioned in the revised estimates for 2022-23. Economists believe that while the first reason for this rising accumulated and per capita debt in West Bengal is because of the rising non-plan expenditure, the second reason is the lack of adequate avenues for improving the state's own tax revenues which is purely state excise dominated. With a 19.41 per cent projected growth during the financial year 2023-24, state excise will continue to be the principal component for generation of the state's own tax revenue. While the state's tax revenue, as per the budget estimates for 2023-24, is slated to increase by just 12.69 per cent to Rs 88,595.54 crore from Rs 79,500 crore as per the revised estimates for 2022-23, the excise collection is slated to rise to Rs 17,921.56 crore, up by 19.41 per cent from Rs 15,001.39 crore as per the revised estimates for financial year 2022-23. Another significant factor on this count is that in 2023-24, state excise, which is just one of the 12 components of the state's own tax revenue, will contribute 20.22 per cent to the total tax kitty. According to the former chief economic advisor to the Union government, Ashok Kumar Lahiri, who is currently a BJP legislator, since the focus of the state government is more on recurring expenditure rather than capital expenditure like infrastructure development the investors are shying away from the state. According to him, it means employment generation is not just in terms of direct employment in big industries but also in forms of development of ancillary and associate industries, which can enable a long-term economic growth of the state. "But the focus of the state government seems to be more on spending on non-productive expenditure like fairs and festivals," he said. Economist P.K Mukhopadhyay also seems to be worried at the trend of expenditure of the state government or rather how the borrowed money is utilised. The main part of the expenses of the state government is for recurring or non-plan expenditure. Lesser spends in capital expenditure means lesser assets creation and lesser employment generation. This is the area in which the state government should concentrate and increase the proportion of capital expenditure and subsequently reduce the spending on non-plan expenditure, he said. Industry observer and professor of economics Santanu Basu feels that the only way to arrest the looming financial disaster is to attract big ticket investment by revising the land and special economic zone laws. "In a state like West Bengal with extremely fragmented land holdings, the state government has to have some role in land procurement for industry. No industrialist will be willing to invest in the state if they have to approach all the landowners to get the land for industry," Basu added. --IANS src/bg The hill state of Himachal Pradesh, whose economy largely banks on tourism, horticulture and hydropower, has accumulated a whopping debt of Rs 75,000 crore with the ever-swelling wages and a liability of about Rs 11,000 crore on account of arrears of salaries of employees and pensioners and dearness allowance from the previous government. Despite facing a mountain of debt, the six-month-old Congress government has fulfilled the promise of implementing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), a crucial vote bank that now drains a major amount of funds. The OPS benefitted 1.36 lakh government employees, a crucial vote bank, but placing an annual burden of Rs 800-Rs 900 crore. Now the impact of crucial freebies is being felt on the economy -- the state has no money to pay salaries, pension and for development projects. For these, the government is raising an additional loan of Rs 800 crore. Despite facing financial restrictions, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu is saying the government is actively focused on resource mobilization by initiating measures to generate additional revenue for the exchequer. Also Read Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take oath as Himachal's chief minister today Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu tests positive for Covid-19 BJP appoints MLA Rajeev Bindal as party chief in Himachal Pradesh Leaders from Shimla district, Rajput community lead in HP cabinet extension Imbalanced regional representation in new Himachal cabinet: Jai Ram Thakur AIFUCTO to continue democratic protest against implementation of NEP-2020 Devas CEO Ramachandran Vishwanathan declared fugitive economic offender Govt sets up committee in Manipur to facilitate peace-making process Navy conducts mega operation involving 2 aircraft carriers, 35 combat jets Dhanbad illegal mine collapse: DC sets up committee to probe incident These include seeking a larger share in power projects of the Central public sector undertakings (PSUs) that have recouped their costs. The government has also conducted auctions for liquor vends, resulting in an additional 40 per cent revenue for the exchequer. Even former chief minister and BJP leader Jairam Thakur admitted this month that the OPS issue had an impact on the electoral outcome in the state. Official sources told IANS the government is raising a loan of Rs 800 crore mainly for development work. The Centre has imposed a limit of Rs 3,000 crore on external borrowings by the state. Also it has restricted the state's borrowing capacity for ongoing projects to Rs 4,000 crore. Despite the precarious financial condition, the Chief Minister says the government is committed to enhancing the state's own resources and ensuring that the lack of funds does not hinder the state's progress. He blamed the previous government for failure to release Rs 11,000 crore due to government employees as arrears. Additionally, over 900 institutions were opened and upgraded during the last six months of the previous government, which would have resulted in an additional burden of Rs 5,000 crore on the state exchequer. "The restriction (on new proposals for external assistance) will be in place for three years, from 2023-24 to 2025-26, and by the end of the financial year 2025-26, Himachal Pradesh will only be eligible for approval of proposals up to Rs 2,944 crore from the government of India," he said. The Chief Minister said the state's decision to reinstate the OPS has led to a deduction of Rs 1,779 crore from the borrowing ceiling for 2022-23. Additionally, the limit of open market borrowing has been reduced by around Rs 5,500 crore as compared to the previous year. The state government has obtained authorization for borrowing Rs 4,259 crore until December 2023, and it is expected to receive authorization for around Rs 8,500 crore. He has been demanding a 30 per cent share from the Central government in hydropower projects set up in the state which does not have any sort of debt liabilities and also getting back approximately Rs 9,000 crore of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) as deposited with the Central government. Expressing concern over the precarious fiscal health of the state, Sukhu, who also holds the finance portfolio, in his budget speech said, "Policies of the previous government have resulted in a debt of Rs 92,833 on every person of Himachal Pradesh. The state's budgetary resources have been adversely affected due to discontinuation of GST compensation after June, 2022. "This will adversely affect the financial position of the state in coming years. Revenue Deficit Grant from the Central government will reduce from Rs 9,377 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 3,257 crore in 2025-26. "Notwithstanding these challenges, the pace of development of the state will not be allowed to be adversely affected." Now to generate the revenue, the government is turning towards nature -- to start cultivation of cannabis for industrial and non-narcotic use and felling of 'khair' (Acacia Catechu) trees for scientific management of forests. As per the government estimates, the global market of industrial hemp in 2022 was about Rs 5,600 crore, which is expected to increase to about Rs 15,000 crore by 2027. Also the government is banking on forestry revenue management through sustainable forest use. The Supreme Court last month allowed the state to axe khair trees on government forest land in 10 forest divisions of the state. The annual yield prescribed is 16,500 trees and the extraction of khair will commence shortly. The government estimates to earn Rs 1,000 crore annually from the timber of 'khair' -- one of the components of the agro-economy in the rural areas of Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Solan and Hamirpur districts. According to Sukhu, the felling of khair trees is better for forest management and its rejuvenation, besides revenue generation for the state exchequer. Most of the khair trees are decaying due to non-extraction of the timber in time and this is a major obstacle in the direction of better forest management. Estimating the state's growth rate of 6.4 per cent, per capita income Rs 222,227 with a growth rate of 10.4 per cent over the previous year and the state's GDP to be Rs 195,404 crore in 2022-23, a confident Chief Minister believes effective steps would be taken to develop Himachal as a 'Green Energy State' by March 31, 2026. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com) --IANS vg/bg Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Odisha on June 17 and address a public meeting in Dhenkanal, a senior party leader said on Saturday. Odisha BJP general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said Shah, during his one-day visit, will participate in the 'Maha Jansampark Abhiyan' of the party in Dhenkanal. Harichandan said some other senior leaders will also visit the state as part of the BJP's nationwide mass outreach campaign which is being held to mark the completion of nine years of the NDA government at the Centre. Party sources said BJP president J P Nadda is also expected to visit the state on June 22 to take part in the campaign. The state BJP has chalked out a massive public outreach programme, which will include public rallies of Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Shah and Nadda. Union ministers Giriraj Singh, Arjun Munda, and Ashwini Vaishnaw are also scheduled to attend various programmes across the state, another BJP leader said. Also Read BSE Odisha 10th Result 2023: All you need to know about checking result IRDAI asks insurers to suo motu settle claims of Odisha rail mishap victims Odisha train tragedy: 51 hours later, train movement restored on tracks Odisha writes to Centre seeking release of pending food subsidy to state Odisha NMMS Result 2023 Released on ntse.scertodisha.nic.in, details here CDS visits EEL in Nagpur, sees demonstration of indigenous munitions Odisha train mishap: Trains won't stop at Bahanaga station till CBI's nod Ministers draw agenda for Goa's 2047 vision during 'chintan shivir' HP govt asks Centre to fix 40-year contract for hydropower projects Delhi's max temp settles at 41.8 degree celsius, two notches above normal Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday called on his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh to discuss the ongoing situation in Manipur where sporadic violence continues a month after ethnic clashes began in this northeastern state. Sarma flew down from Guwahati earlier this morning for this meeting. Sources said that the Assam CM was carrying a message from Delhi as all sides work to find a solution to the ethnic violence in the state that claimed over 100 lives since May 3. No official briefing was held to inform the media about the meeting. A total of 37,450 people are currently sheltered in 272 relief camps. Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Also Read Tribal protest in Manipur turns violent; curfew imposed, internet suspended CM Biren assures safety of Tripura students stuck in violence-hit Manipur As Manipur reels from violence, home minister Shah to visit the state today There is no crisis in Manipur BJP, says CM; gives details of ministers Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma attends Mega Bihu programme at Tezpur Will discuss with supporters outcome of talks held with govt: Bajrang Punia What's their fault, ask parents of students under deportation from Canada Triple train tragedy: Odisha govt's quick action saved 1200 lives After restoring OPS, debt-ridden Himachal hits market for Rs 800 cr loan AIFUCTO to continue democratic protest against implementation of NEP-2020 Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts. UN-Habitat assembly wraps up with resolve to revitalize new urban agenda Xinhua) 10:00, June 10, 2023 Photo taken on June 9, 2023 shows the closing press conference of the second session of the United Nations Habitat assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. The second session of the United Nations Habitat assembly ended Friday with delegates resolving to inject fresh impetus into ongoing efforts to renew cities that host more than 50 percent of the global population. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) NAIROBI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The second session of the United Nations Habitat assembly ended Friday with delegates resolving to inject fresh impetus into ongoing efforts to renew cities that host more than 50 percent of the global population. Kenya hosted the June 6-9 assembly themed "A sustainable urban future through inclusive and effective multilateralism: achieving the sustainable development goals in times of global crises." The five-day assembly, which also featured high-level dialogues, panel discussions, themed side events and exhibitions, sought to recalibrate the new global urban agenda amid multiple global challenges like the climate crises, negative impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) disclosed that 3,416 participants from 137 member states attended the assembly in person. In addition, 1,000 virtual participants attended the assembly, Sharif said, adding that compared to the first UN-Habitat assembly held in 2019, the second edition had more participants from the private sector and local governments. "The second session of the UN-Habitat assembly was a true demonstration of effective and efficient multilateralism in action," Sharif remarked at a media briefing. She said that a resolution on affordable housing that was endorsed by all delegates was a landmark achievement of the assembly, adding that governments will now embed access to decent shelter in their human rights charters. According to Sharif, UN member states will be obligated to set up mechanisms for accelerating the implementation of universal access to the shelter by leveraging innovative financing as well as policy and regulatory incentives. During the assembly, it was announced that the 12th session of the World Urban Forum, a premier conference on fostering sustainable urbanization, will take place in Cairo, Egypt, from Nov. 4 to 8, 2024. Additionally, it was announced during the assembly that the city of Baku, Azerbaijan, will host the 2023 World Habitat Day on the first Monday of October. Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, vice president of the second session of the UN-Habitat assembly, said that delegates including ministers, city mayors, urban planners and entrepreneurs reached a consensus on revitalizing the new urban agenda through cooperation, knowledge sharing and targeted financing. Mensah Korsah added that the commitment by UN member states to implement key resolutions aimed at hastening urban renewal was demonstrated at the assembly. Rafael Tuts, the director of UN-Habitat's Global Solutions Division, said the assembly set the momentum for reengineering global metropolises to make them liveable, greener, inclusive and resilient. Photo taken on June 9, 2023 shows the final plenary of the second session of the United Nations Habitat assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. The second session of the United Nations Habitat assembly ended Friday with delegates resolving to inject fresh impetus into ongoing efforts to renew cities that host more than 50 percent of the global population. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) Photo taken on June 9, 2023 shows the final plenary of the second session of the United Nations Habitat assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. The second session of the United Nations Habitat assembly ended Friday with delegates resolving to inject fresh impetus into ongoing efforts to renew cities that host more than 50 percent of the global population. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday visited Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) in Nagpur and was given a demonstration of the test firing of the smallest rocket motor which is under development at the facility. EEL is a subsidiary of Solar Group of Industries, whose chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal apprised the CDS about the contribution of the group in development, manufacturing and supply of industrial and military explosives as well as other high energy materials. Since its entry into the manufacturing of defence systems in 2010, state-of-art facilities have been established at EEL for development, manufacturing and testing of modern grenades, mines, air bombs and a wide range of munitions, a release by Solar Industries said. EEL has also successfully established production and integration facilities of all variants of Pinaka rockets for supply to the Indian Army as well as for exports to friendly countries, it said, adding EEL had successfully delivered one million state-of-the-art grenades to the Army well before the stipulated date. The release said General Chauhan was taken to the EEL Test Range for demonstration firing of indigenously developed 30mm ammunition being supplied to the Indian Navy. Test firing of the smallest rocket motor, a state-of- the-art product under development at EEL, which would equip the Counter Drone System with hard kill and soft kill capability, was also demonstrated to the CDS, it added. Also Read Indigenously-developed 5G, 4G tech roll out this year: Ashwini Vaishnaw CDS General visits pavilions of domestic defence firms at Aero India US aid for Ukraine will total about $300 mn, include munitions for drones PM Modi to inaugurate projects worth Rs 75,000 crore in Maharashtra SKM to hold demonstration in Delhi in Mar demanding legal guarantee for MSP Odisha train mishap: Trains won't stop at Bahanaga station till CBI's nod Ministers draw agenda for Goa's 2047 vision during 'chintan shivir' HP govt asks Centre to fix 40-year contract for hydropower projects Delhi's max temp settles at 41.8 degree celsius, two notches above normal PM Modi to inaugurate maiden National Training Conclave on Sunday "The CDS was also shown the lethality test of the warhead of recently developed Loitering Munition System. EELis the first Indian company to have been awarded the order from Indian Army to supply fully indigenously designed and developed Loitering Munition System Nagastra 1," the release said. General Chauhan lauded the contribution of EEL towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in the field of ammunitions and defence systems and appreciated the commitment and dedication of its engineers and scientists. He urged private industry to keep pace with rapid advancements in defence technologies, particularly in developing force multipliers to counter threats from adversaries. The CDS also visited Air Force Maintenance Command in Nagpur, sources said. Hyderabad will become the first metro city in the country to introduce a ward office system to enable people to lodge their civic grievances, Telangana's Minister for Municipal Administration, K. T. Rama Rao said on Saturday. The minister said that 150 Ward Offices will be inaugurated on June 16. Each of the ward offices will have 10 staff members from various departments led by the Ward Administrative Officer (WAO). An Assistant Municipal Commissioner rank officer will be the WAO. People can lodge their civic grievances at these offices. The pioneering initiative will take administration closer to people, he said. Asserting that no other metro city in the country has implemented the Ward Office system, minister KTR exuded confidence about its success. He hoped that this will become a model for other cities in the country. He held an interactive session with Ward Level Officers of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The programme was organised on the occasion of Telangana Good Governance Day held as part of the decennial celebrations of Telangana State formation. KTR detailed the main functions of ward offices and job responsibilities of each of the staff members. One of the objectives of the offices is to ensure proper maintenance of all civic infrastructure provided under all ongoing schemes, development projects in the ward. Also Read Hyderabad offered highest new office space in India in 2022-23: Anarock Mamata likely to chair meeting for speedy disposal of public grievances Manish Sisodia has been assigned to segregated ward: Prison officials Asia leads 'back to office' effort; nearly 50% say will quit if no WFH Received 6 mn complaints on grievance redress system in 3 years: Centre India-Bangladesh biannual border talks to begin in Delhi from Sunday India's debt under Modi govt risen to Rs 155 trillion, claims Congress Punjab Cabinet led by Mann approves job regularisation of 14,239 teachers Number of startups increased 300 times in 9yrs under PM: Jitendra Singh Jharkhand bandh demanding 100% reservation for locals evokes mixed response The minister also said that a Citizens Charter will be released which will detail the time to redress a grievance. This will be displayed at the offices. The following staff members will be assigned to each ward office: Ward Administrative Officer (WAO), Engineer, Town planner, Entomologist, Sanitary Jawan, Community Organiser, Urban Biodiversity Supervisor, Assistant, Line Inspector, Computer Operator and Receptionist. The minister said that a WAO will coordinate with all government departments, escalate issues to additional or deputy commissioners or others. Ward engineers will look after roads, drains, repair or construction of community halls and other infrastructure in the ward. They also have to address water logging issues, filling of potholes, and repair of minor patches on roads. Ward town planners monitor buildings construction, ensure public property is not encroached, and enforce building rules. A Ward Entomologist has to identify water logging areas and undertake anti larval operations. Ward Sanitary Jawan will supervise overall sanitation works in the ward. Ward Urban Biodiversity Supervisor is responsible for all the green programs of the government. Ward Community Organiser will coordinate with Self Help Groups (SHG) and NGOs. Ward Assistant will be from HMWSSB, who will receive complaints with regard to water supply, sewerage, bills and others, and redress them. The Ward Line Inspector will attend complaints regarding power supply. Addressing the huge gathering of the staff members, the minister exhorted them to receive grievances from all platforms: in-person, social media. He emphasised the importance of recording every suggestion and request made by citizens. If the staff members are unable to provide a solution to an issue, they should escalate it immediately. --IANS ms/pgh India and Bangladesh will hold biannual talks between their border guarding forces in Delhi from June 11 during which the two sides are expected to discuss a host of issues related to combating cross-frontier crimes and measures to create better synergy. A 15-member delegation of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), led by its director general (DG) Major General AKM Nazmul Hasan, landed in Delhi on Saturday. Border Security Force (BSF) DG Sujoy Lal Thaosen and senior officers of the force welcomed them at the airport, officials said. The four-day talks will conclude on June 14 at a BSF camp in southwest Delhi's Chhawla area. "The conference is being organised to discuss the border-related issues and for better coordination between both border guarding forces." "Discussions will be held on how to jointly curb the various trans-border crimes and timely sharing of information between both the border guarding forces," a BSF spokesperson said in a statement. Further, there will be deliberations on developmental and infrastructural works, joint efforts for effective implementation of Co-ordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), the spokesperson said. This will be the 53rd edition of the talks and the last such meeting was held in July last year when the BSF delegation travelled to Dhaka. Also Read India-Bangladesh border haats will reopen soon: Dhaka Commerce Minister 'India, Bangladesh play significant role in ensuring security of region' US visa threat before B'desh elections: Warning to faltering democracies Oil pipeline with India to play vital role in fuel security: Bangladesh PM Cash-strapped Mizoram gets Bangla refugee influx; border talks with Assam India's debt under Modi govt risen to Rs 155 trillion, claims Congress Punjab Cabinet led by Mann approves job regularisation of 14,239 teachers Number of startups increased 300 times in 9yrs under PM: Jitendra Singh Jharkhand bandh demanding 100% reservation for locals evokes mixed response Report waste dumping on streets and earn up to Rs 2,500 in Kerala The BSF guards the 4,096-km-long international border with Bangladesh on India's eastern flank. These talks were held annually between 1975 and 1992 but they were made biannual in 1993 with either side alternately travelling to the national capitals of New Delhi and Dhaka. A senior BSF officer had earlier told PTI that the relations between the two countries and their border forces are very good and the conference is expected to enhance these ties. A 'joint record of discussions' will be signed by the two sides at the end of the conference. India will host a three-day meeting of development ministers of the G20 member nations in Varanasi beginning Sunday that is expected to focus on disruptions in global supply chains, food and energy security challenges and impacts of climate change among other issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a special video address at the beginning of the meeting which will be chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Around 200 delegates are expected to attend the meeting, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). India is hosting the meeting in its capacity as the current chair of G20. The G20 development ministers' conclave follows the Voice of the Global South Summit that was hosted by India in January, and the decisions taken at the Varanasi meet will also contribute to the UN summit on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September, the MEA said. In a statement, it said the Varanasi meeting is taking place amid mounting developmental challenges that have been further aggravated by economic slowdown, debt distress, impacts of climate change, growing poverty and inequality, food and energy insecurity, global supply-chain disruptions, and geo-political conflicts and tensions. Also Read Guterres, Jaishankar to unveil Mahatma Gandhi's bust at UN headquarters Relations with Indian diaspora bolstered due to Sushma Swaraj: Jaishankar Centre asks states to expedite energy efficiency activities on mission mode Three-day-long G20 event in Kashmir to begin today: All you need to know Global south a victim of several challenges, impacting lives: Jaishankar Govt committed to strengthen cooperatives, treat them equally: Amit Shah Srinagar airport gets free e-cart facility for passengers to reduce delays IAMAI flags concerns on new norms for anti-tobacco warning on OTT platforms Protesting wrestlers are being pressured to compromise, says Sakshi Malik School of excellence helped students to explore artistic abilities: Atishi "The G20 development ministerial meeting will be an opportunity to collectively agree on actions for accelerating achievement of the SDGs and foster synergies between the development, environment and climate agendas while avoiding costly trade-offs that hold back progress for the developing countries," the MEA said. The meeting will consist of two main sessions -- one on 'Multilateralism: Collective Actions for Accelerating Progress towards SDGs' and another on 'Green Development: A LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Approach'. The development ministers' meeting was preceded by the fourth and final development working group (DWG) meeting, which was held in Delhi from June 6-9. The DWG, while building on the crucial work done by previous G20 presidencies, has carried forward its mandate of enhancing G20's contribution to accelerating progress towards SDGs and strengthening G20 long-term vision in this regard. "Cultural programmes, exhibitions and excursions have also been organised to provide the delegates a glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world," the MEA said. In one of the biggest demonstrations of its combat prowess in recent years, the Indian Navy has carried out a mega operation in the Arabian Sea that involved two aircraft carriers, multiple frontline warships, submarines and over 35 combat planes amid China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian Navy said the "seamless" operational integration of the two aircraft carriers -- INS Vikramaditya and newly-inducted INS Vikrant, as well as the accompanying fleet of ships and submarines, is a "powerful testament" to the capabilities of its sea-based air power and India's role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The twin carrier CBG (carrier battle group) drills were held recently, officials said without divulging the specific date of the exercise. The Navy said the demonstration of the naval prowess underscored India's commitment to safeguarding its national interests, maintaining regional stability, and fostering cooperative partnerships in the maritime domain, in comments also seen as an indirect message to China. The two aircraft carriers were the centre-pieces of the exercise as they served as floating airfields for operations of a wide array of aircraft, including MiG-29K and choppers such as MH60 Romeo, Kamov and Advanced Light helicopters, officials said. "The Indian Navy has undertaken the twin-carrier CBG operations with more than 35 aircraft in the Arabian Sea, demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air operations across the vast maritime expanse and underscoring our commitment to safeguarding India's national interests," Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. Also Read 39 years of Operation Bluestar: What happened in Punjab and the aftermath Navy conducts mega operation involving 2 aircraft carriers, 35 combat jets Thyssenkruppe partners MDL for potential Indian Navy submarine order Submarine INS Vagir commissioned, set to give boost to Navy's special ops Navy's Submarine Vaghsheer begins sea trials, to be commissioned next year Amit Shah to address public meeting in Odisha's Dhenkanal on June 17 CDS visits EEL in Nagpur, sees demonstration of indigenous munitions Odisha train mishap: Trains won't stop at Bahanaga station till CBI's nod Ministers draw agenda for Goa's 2047 vision during 'chintan shivir' HP govt asks Centre to fix 40-year contract for hydropower projects A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates and other ships. Commander Madhwal said the exercise marked a "significant milestone" in the Indian Navy's pursuit of enhancing maritime security and "power projection" in the Indian Ocean, and beyond. "The successful demonstration of two-carrier battle group operations serves as a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea-based air power in maintaining maritime superiority," the Navy said in a statement. "As India continues to strengthen its security apparatus, the significance of aircraft carriers will remain paramount in shaping the nation's defence strategy and promoting regional stability," the Navy added. It was the first mega exercise involving the two aircraft carriers after the induction of indigenously-built INS Vikrant in September. Officials said almost all air assets of the Navy's Western Fleet operated from INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant and that the two aircraft carriers acted as mobile bases. "These mobile bases can be positioned anywhere, allowing for increased mission flexibility, timely response to emerging threats and sustained air operations to safeguard our national interests across the globe," the Navy said. "In addition, they provide our friends with an assurance that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our 'collective' security needs in the region," it said. In the last few years, the Indian Navy has significantly enhanced its overall presence in the Indian Ocean region against the backdrop of China's increasing forays into the region. The Indian Ocean is considered the backyard of the Indian Navy and is critical for India's strategic interests. Last month, the MiG-29K fighter aircraft undertook a night landing on the indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The Navy then said the aircraft carrier would be able to play a role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the aircraft carrier that made the country part of an elite group of nations capable of manufacturing aircraft carriers above the 40,000 tonnes category. Built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore, INS Vikrant has a sophisticated air defence network and anti-ship missile systems. It has the capacity to hold 30 fighter jets and helicopters. At the commissioning ceremony of the vessel, Modi called it a "floating city" and that it is a reflection of India becoming self-reliant in defence. INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier purchased by India from Russia in 2013 under a USD 2.3 billion deal and it was renamed in honour of Vikramaditya, the legendary emperor. The 44,500-tonne warship is about 284 metres long and its height is around 60 metres which is like a 20-storey building from keel to the highest point. The ship has a total of 22 decks and it has the ability to carry over 30 aircraft comprising an assortment of MiG 29K jets, Kamov 31 and Kamov 28 helicopters. The 48-hour Jharkhand bandh demanding 100 per cent reservation for locals in government jobs evoked a mixed response on Saturday with sporadic incidents of road blockades and ruckus, officials said. The bandh, called by the Jharkhand State Students' Union (JSSU), affected a few districts, including Dumka and Sahibganj. Elsewhere, it was life as usual, they said. In Ranchi, the protesters took to the streets in the morning to enforce the bandh. They assembled at the Khadgara bus stand and requested bus and auto-rickshaw drivers not to ply their vehicles but those seemed to have fallen onto deaf ears as public transport was normal in the state capital. Markets across the city, including the vegetable markets at Kokar-Lalpur Road and Naga Baba Khatal, were open. The agitators tried to put up a road blockade in Namkum on the outskirts of Ranchi by burning tyres but police swiftly removed them. Ranchi's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishore Kaushal said that no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the district. "No one will be allowed to disturb the law and order situation under any circumstances," he said. Also Read Dhanbad illegal mine collapse: DC sets up committee to probe incident Narcotic drugs worth Rs 60 lakh seized in Jharkhand's Hazaribag: Police After scripting history in polls, Naga women denied 33% quota in ULBs Prez Murmu pays obeisance at Ranchi temple, garlands Birsa Munda statue Shops closed, private buses off roads in Pondy during bandh for statehood Report waste dumping on streets and earn up to Rs 2,500 in Kerala Govt asks regulator CERC to begin process for coupling power exchanges Over Rs 2 trillion paid to sugarcane farmers via DBT since 2017: UP CM Will report Manipur situation to Shah: Assam CM after meeting Biren Singh Odisha accident: Civil societ flags efforts to undermine India's security Kaushal said that elaborate security arrangements were made in the wake of the bandh call. "Police personnel and magistrates were deputed at all major spots, and the situation was being monitored through CCTV cameras," he said. The bandh affected normal life in Dumka and Sahibganj districts. Chhatra Samanvay Samiti led the agitation in Dumka. Schools and colleges remained shut, shops were closed, and all major roads were blocked by the agitators. Government offices, banks and petrol pumps were, however, open. The agitators also took to the streets in Hazaribag, Dhanbad and Bokaro where roads were blocked in many places but normal life remained largely unaffected. JSSU leader Devendra Mahto claimed the bandh was successful on the first day, and it would continue on Sunday. "If the government does not withdraw the 60-40 recruitment policy, we will start an indefinite protest programme," he said. "The Jharkhand government has opened the door for outsiders in state jobs, which we cannot allow. So, we called the bandh," he added. The JSSU observed a state-wide bandh on April 19 as well over the issue. Mahto claimed the government had promised an employment policy based on the 1932 'khatiyan' (land settlement) but instead, it introduced a pre-2016 employment policy, under which 60 per cent of the seats will be reserved while 40 per cent will be open for all. Making 1932 the cut-off year for the domicile policy will help descendants of people living in the region, which is now Jharkhand, prior to that year to get jobs. "We met 72 MLAs, including 42 from the ruling parties, and 13 MPs to seek their support in our agitation against the 60-40 job policy. They also spoke against it. But still, advertisements for jobs are being issued on the basis of 60-40 ratio," Mahto claimed. The textbook revision row in Karnataka escalated after the Congress called RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar a coward who submitted six mercy petitions to the British. The BJP has retaliated by saying "if Karl Marx could be taught to the children, why lessons of RSS leaders cannot be taught". BJP national General Secretary C.T. Ravi on Friday, reacting to the development of textbook revision, said: "If lessons on Karl Marx could be read, why can't students read the lessons of RSS leaders. The ideology will spread through the branches of RSS. They can only remove them from the syllabus, but not from the hearts of people. Former PMs Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi have failed in their similar attempts earlier." Criticising the grand old party, the senior BJP leader further said: "Lies and Congress are two sides of the same coin. Congress leaders have begged for the seat of power. Why were Congress leaders not sent to Andaman prison by the British? Why was only Veer Savarkar sent there? Why was Jawaharlal Nehru not sent to Andaman prison?" Former Revenue Minister R. Ashoka has warned that the BJP would not sit quiet if changes in the syllabus are made according to the whims and fancies of Congress leaders. Senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad claimed that Hedgewar admitted to writing 6 mercy petitions to the British. "We don't want to teach our children chapters on cowards. The Congress government will not approve the ideology of Sangh Parivar, the family of Hindu nationalist organisations such as RSS, will not be allowed to influence the functioning of any government department. Also Read Karnataka education minister hints at possibility of revising textbook Home Minister Amit Shah to visit Maharashtra for two days NCERT drops Khalistan's topic from class 12 political science textbook High-voltage campaigning for Karnataka elections to end today at 5 pm Make India a country of knowledgeable people: RSS chief Bhagwat on R-Day Top headlines: Show-cause notice to Xiaomi, worried Byju's investors & more New Parliament building symbol of PM's commitment towards development: EAM Technical bids of tender open for Patna underground tunnel project: DMRC Working hard not enough, work smartly: CBI director to new recruits Kejriwal seeks Gujarat HC to review its order on PM Modi's degree case "No evidence is there to prove that Hedgewar was a freedom fighter. I refuse to respect individuals pretending to be freedom fighters... and who sought mercy from the British. Someone even referred to Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, as a freedom fighter," he said. The previous BJP government had introduced a chapter on Hedgewar last year, after setting up a committee headed by right-wing writer Rohit Chakrathirta. Former Karnataka Education Minister B.C. Nagesh said: "We made changes (in the textbooks) by taking these people into confidence. But they were hurt by these changes. We removed the lessons on Nehru and reduced the lessons on the glorification of Tipu Sultan. We brought such lessons that developed a feeling of nationalism among students. "Though Congress ruled the country and the state for many years, they are not bothered about the education system. We were practising the same system framed by Macaulay," he stated. Amid the warning of the BJP that it won't sit quiet over revision of syllabus, the Congress government has made it clear that it has already taken up the process of revision of textbooks. Minister for Education Madhu Bangarappa stated on Thursday in Vidhana Soudha that during the ongoing academic year, the "unscientific and un-Constitutional content would be revised". "The previous BJP government had added objectionable content to the syllabus. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself is concerned about revision of those aspects," he said. Many rounds of talks have taken place with academic experts. "Authors and litterateurs have also given their opinions. The experts who are giving advice that the syllabus taught to children should be scientific and have social orientation are not connected to any political parties," minister Madhu Bangarappa stated. --IANS mka/pgh Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has moved Gujarat High Court seeking a review of its order in March where it had set aside an order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) that had directed the varsity to "search for information" regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degrees. Justice Biren Vaishnav admitted the review petition and issued notice to Gujarat University, the Union government, the Chief Information Commissioner and former CIC M. Sridhar Acharyulu, who had passed the order. The next hearing is scheduled for June 30. In his review petition, Kejriwal said the postgraduate degree of Modi was not available on the website of the university or elsewhere in the public domain as claimed by the university and as submitted by Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, who appeared on behalf of the university. "While the court had recorded that PM Modi's degree is available on the varsity's website following submissions to that effect by Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the university, upon a scan of the said website...(it) is found that the said degree is not available, but a document referred to as OR (Office Register) is displayed," the review petition moved by Kejriwal said. Pointing that Mehta had only orally submitted on the day of the hearing, that too for the first time, that the degree is available on the website, Kejriwal has pleaded that there was thus no opportunity for him to verify the oral submission and that OR cannot be considered as degree as was claimed by the varsity. Also Read People are stunned by Gujarat HC order on PM Modi's degree: Arvind Kejriwal HC quashes CIC order on PM Modi's degree, imposes Rs 25k cost on Kejriwal PM Modi to launch projects worth Rs 6,800 crore in Tripura, Meghalaya India stands for peaceful resolution: PM on 'China's military expansion' Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Jan 19 visit to Hyderabad postponed Suhas Palshikar, Yogendra Yadav ask NCERT to drop their names as advisors Anurag Thakur alleges conspiracy to keep Indians away from their history Ram Temple being built due to unity among Hindus: Senior RSS office-bearer Ganga expressway in UP likely to open for the public before schedule Now, an AI-based app to track elephants and alert villagers in Chhattisgarh Submitting that the petitioner had not filed any application for any information and only wrote a letter in April 2016 in response to a letter by CIC, Kejriwal has added that he "never requested the CIC to treat him as an applicant for the purposes of the said information," and that CIC had instead taken up the proceedings suo motu. Kejriwal has sought a review of the judgment and a stay on the implementation, operation and execution of the verdict until final disposal. Earlier on March 31, Gujarat High Court had set aside the Chief Information Commission (CIC) order and ruled that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) need not furnish the degree and postgraduate degree certificates of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The High Court also imposed costs of Rs 25,000 on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who had sought details of the certificate of the Prime Minister's degree. The government of India has constituted Peace Committee in Manipur under the Chairpersonship of the Manipur Governor. The members of the committee include Chief Minister, a few Ministers of the State Government, MP, MLAs and leaders from different political parties. The Committee also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups: MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) ...Read More External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said the new Parliament building is a symbol of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm commitment towards national development. Jaishankar said this while interacting with citizens, including doctors, government employees, members of social organisations and youngsters, as part of the "Sampark se Samarthan" campaign of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the New Delhi area. Addressing a gathering of Delhi University (DU) students, he said youngsters have to contribute significantly in India's progress story, they will have to participate in the country's economic development and cooperate in bringing a clean change in politics. The nationwide campaign has been launched by the BJP with the aim of creating mass awareness about the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in the last nine years. Mentioning the newly-built Parliament House building and the redeveloped Pragati Maidan, Jaishankar said both are "symbols of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm commitment for national development". The external affairs minister discussed the government's achievements with eminent personalities of New Delhi at a meet organised by renowned heart surgeon Viveka Kumar at Sarvodaya Enclave. Also Read 19 Opposition parties to boycott inauguration of new Parliament building This is how India's new Parliament building will look like: Pics inside From Chola tradition to Jawaharlal Nehru: All you need to know about Sengol New parliament building: PM releases commemorative postal stamps and coins New Parliament building LIVE updates: Phase II of inaugural event begins Technical bids of tender open for Patna underground tunnel project: DMRC Working hard not enough, work smartly: CBI director to new recruits Kejriwal seeks Gujarat HC to review its order on PM Modi's degree case Suhas Palshikar, Yogendra Yadav ask NCERT to drop their names as advisors Anurag Thakur alleges conspiracy to keep Indians away from their history In another dialogue at Janpath, the minister interacted with the members of the Art of Living and called for cooperation by reaching out to the last person in the society. Late in the evening, after visiting the Sree Vinayak Temple at Sarojini Nagar, Jaishankar interacted with a group of Delhi residents from south India. Issues regarding community welfare came up during the discussion, according to a statement issued by the Delhi BJP. A group of prominent civil society members, including retired judges, bureaucrats and veterans, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday over the Odisha train tragedy, raising concerns over efforts to "undermine" India's national security and progress. The letter has been signed by 270 signatories. "We are greatly disturbed by the tragedy that has taken place in Balasore, Orissa involving our rapidly growing and modernizing Railways. Although investigation is still underway, as per initial media reports, there are reasons to suspect that the cause of the derailment could be deliberate human interference, a clear case of sabotage at the behest of terrorist outfits," they have said in the letter. The letter said some of the signatories have worked in Jammu and Kashmir and in the northeast where they faced such situations of sabotage on the smooth plying on the railway network. "There were similar well-planned attempts by terrorists to disrupt railway networks in these vulnerable areas, leading to sabotage, derailment and civilian casualties. In one of the many cases, J&K witnessed multiple attacks on railway lines from Pathankot to Jammu in 1990s and early 2000s where the tracks were severely damaged. 8 Catastrophic accidents stopped only after proper deployment was made," the letter stated. Calling the Indian Railways "the lifeline of transport of goods and humans alike", the signatories alleged that forces inimical to the country's progress would like the network disrupted and create a catastrophe with massive human tragedy. Also Read Odisha train tragedy: 51 hours later, train movement restored on tracks IRDAI asks insurers to suo motu settle claims of Odisha rail mishap victims BSE Odisha 10th Result 2023: All you need to know about checking result Odisha train accident: PM Modi distressed, speaks to railway minister India, US making efforts for cooperation in civil nuclear energy sector Over Rs 2 trillion paid to sugarcane farmers via DBT since 2017: UP CM Will report Manipur situation to Shah: Assam CM after meeting Biren Singh Anjum Chopra launches scholarship to nurture budding female cricketers Study finds why chronic stress drives craving for high-calorie comfort food India to be among top three economies of world by 2027: Rajnath Singh "Our view is that our entire Railway network is vulnerable and is particularly so in Eastern and Northeastern States, including the so-called 'Chicken's Neck'. It is imperative that illegal squatters, along railway tracks, including illegal immigrants be removed and stringent measures be taken to secure the safety of our railway tracks," the letter said. The signatories include 14 former judges, 115 retired bureaucrats (11 ambassadors), 141 veterans. Some of them are: Former Rajasthan High Court chief justice Anil Deo Singh, former Gujarat High Court judge S M Soni, former Uttar Pradesh DGP Vikram Singh, former Maharashtra DGP Praveen Dixit, former J&K police chief S P Vaid and former CBI director Nageshwar Rao. Former defence secretary and secretary general Rajya Sabha Yogendra Narain, former RAW chief Sanjeev Tripathi and former NIA director Yogesh Chander Modi are also among the signatories. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday as they reviewed progress in their bilateral cooperation, anchored in historical and strong people-to-people ties. Modi also thanked him for the relocation of 12 cheetahs to India earlier this year, according to a statement. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in BRICS in the context of South Africa's chairmanship this year, it added. "President Ramaphosa briefed PM on the African Leaders' Peace Initiative. Noting that India was supportive of all initiatives aimed at ensuring durable peace and stability in Ukraine, PM reiterated India's consistent call for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward," it said. In their telephonic conversation, Ramaphosa conveyed his full support to India's initiatives as part of its ongoing G20 presidency and said that he looked forward to his visit to India. Also Read EAM meets South African President Ramaphosa; conveys PM Modi's greetings Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi witnesses Republic Day parade Jaishankar speaks to British foreign secretary Cleverly on bilateral ties Covid pandemic no longer determines how we live our lives: S African Prez BCCI to sell digital, TV rights for bilateral series separately: Report Violence won't be tolerated in panchayat polls, says WB Guv ahead of polls AI rectifies glitch in Boeing aircraft stranded in Magadan, lands in Mumbai CDS visits EEL in Nagpur, sees demonstration of indigenous munitions Amit Shah to address public meeting in Odisha's Dhenkanal on June 17 Indian Navy holds operation in Arabian Sea, demonstrates combat prowess The Punjab Cabinet on Saturday approved the summoning of a special session of the state Assembly on June 19 and 20. A decision in this regard was taken in the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann here. Mann said the state government will introduce several important legislations in the ensuing Vidhan Sabha session. The business for the assembly session will be decided by the Business advisory committee, he added. It is a special session of the Vidhan Sabha, said Mann, and the Monsoon session will follow in due course of time. In the business advisory committee, any other issue that comes up will be approved and if any resolution is needed to bring in that will also be decided, said Mann. Also Read CM Mann to take action against ex-Punjab DGP over PM's security breach Inderbir Nijjar resigns from Punjab cabinet, two new MLAs to be sworn in Union cabinet meeting chaired by PM begins ahead of Budget presentation Govt forms cabinet secretary-led panel to monitor Mission Karmayogi Pride of place: How to choose the perfect display cabinet for home Union Ministers Rupala, Murugan interact with coastal communities in Kerala Enhanced security measures put in place ahead of AAP's Maha Rally on Sunday Odisha train tragedy: Survivors show post-traumatic stress disorder WTC Final 2023: Australia set India a mammoth 444-run target to win Raj govt to turn 1.20 lakh hectares of agri land into organic farming area Asked if the special session has been called over the issue of pending funds under the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and the national health mission, Mann said the Centre has withheld the release of funds. During the session, the AAP government may raise the issue of pending RDF and the withholding of funds under the National Health Mission (NHM). The Punjab government has accused the BJP-led Centre of not releasing around Rs 3,500 crore of the RDF. Last month, Mann slammed the Centre over its decision of reducing RDF and market fees on foodgrains. He said the market fee had been reduced from 3 per cent to 2 per cent and RDF from 3 per cent to zero per cent which would cause a loss of Rs 1,000 crore to the state. The AAP government has been at loggerheads with the Centre over the funds under the NHM. The Union health ministry had earlier accused the Punjab government of converting Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) into 'Mohalla Clinics', a pet project of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, and had warned of stopping the funds for the scheme. The AB-HWC is formulated with a 60:40 contribution ratio by the Centre and the state. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday hit out at the ruling AAP, accusing it of doing politics over health matters and said the AB-HWC cannot be converted to any other scheme by the state government. With a major relief to the protesting Indian students in Canada facing deportation proceeding postponed until further notice, Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Saturday expressed happiness. He said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been keeping an eye on the issue for the past several days and he has given clear instructions that whatever effort the government can do in the interests of these 700 students should be done. Keeping in view that most of the students are from Punjab, Dhaliwal had earlier announced free legal assistance to the students while talking to students virtually. He also wrote letters to the High Commissioner of India in Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and the High Commissioner of Canada, Cameron Mackay, to resolve the issue of these students at the earliest. The minister said so far only one youth, Lovepreet Singh, has got relief and until the matters of all the students are settled, the government will continue to make all-out efforts. Dhaliwal has expressed gratitude towards all MPs of Punjab origin in Canada who came forward to help the students. Also Read Here's how climate change is fueling wildfires in the US and Canada Pursuing solution for Indian students fearing deportation: Canada minister Canada forest fires intensify, worsen air quality in Canada, United States What's their fault, ask parents of students under deportation from Canada Canada govt puts on hold Indian students' deportation temporarily J&K security meet focuses on increased synergy for upcoming Amarnath Yatra Hyderabad to introduce ward office system to address civic grievances India-Bangladesh biannual border talks to begin in Delhi from Sunday India's debt under Modi govt risen to Rs 155 trillion, claims Congress Punjab Cabinet led by Mann approves job regularisation of 14,239 teachers --IANS vg/pgh Punjab Police on Saturday launched a day-long operation across the state against people involved in illegal lottery and gambling. The operation was carried out on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, an official release said. Special Director General of Police (law and order) Arpit Shukla said the operation was conducted across the state in a synchronised manner from 10 am to 3 pm. All the commissioners and senior superintendents of police were asked to depute station house officers of each police station to raid and check people against whom more than two cases of the Gambling Act have been registered in the last five years, he said. As many as 285 police teams, involving 1,500 police personnel, have raided over 500 premises allegedly involved in the illegal lottery and gambling, Shukla said. At least 110 people involved in illegal lotteries and 434 people involved in gambling were checked during a day-long operation carried out in all 28 police districts in the state. Also Read Tamil Nadu Governor returns bill on prohibition of online gambling 39 years of Operation Bluestar: What happened in Punjab and the aftermath Flouting govt directions, betting, gambling platforms continue to advertise Tamil Nadu CM Stalin slams governor for returning anti-gambling bill TN notifies ban on online gaming; carries a fine of Rs 5,000, 3-month jail PM Modi speaks to South African President Ramaphosa, reviews bilateral ties Violence won't be tolerated in panchayat polls, says WB Guv ahead of polls AI rectifies glitch in Boeing aircraft stranded in Magadan, lands in Mumbai CDS visits EEL in Nagpur, sees demonstration of indigenous munitions Amit Shah to address public meeting in Odisha's Dhenkanal on June 17 The Special DGP said police also registered 40 FIRs after recovering Rs 46,610 from their possession. The intent of carrying out this operation was to keep a vigil on illegal lottery operators and gamblers. Such raids would continue further, he added. Political scientists Suhas Palshikar and Yogendra Yadav have asked the NCERT to drop their names as chief advisors from all political science textbooks, saying a rationalisation exercise has "mutilated" the books beyond recognition and rendered them "academically dysfunctional". Stating that they were embarrassed to be mentioned as chief advisors, Palshikar and Yadav have written to the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), saying the cuts in the textbooks were arbitrary and irrational. The NCERT, however, said the withdrawal of anyone's association is out of question as textbooks at the school level are developed on the basis of knowledge and understanding on a given subject and at no stage, individual authorship is claimed. Palshikar and Yadav, who were chief advisors for the original political science books for Classes 9 to 12, said, "While the modifications have been justified in the name of rationalisation, we fail to see any pedagogic rationale at work here. We find that the text has been mutilated beyond recognition. There are innumerable and irrational cuts and large deletions without any attempts to fill the gaps created." "We were never consulted or even informed of these changes. If the NCERT did consult other experts for deciding on these cuts and deletions, we explicitly state that we fully disagree with them in this regard," read a letter sent by the two to NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani. Palshikar, an academician and political scientist, and Yadav, a political scientist and Swaraj India leader, were chief advisors for the political science books for Classes 9 to 12, originally published in 2006-07 based on the 2005 version of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). Their names are mentioned in a "letter to students" and in the list of the textbook development team members at the beginning of each book. Also Read NCERT to bring balanced perspective of all genders in new curriculum: Panel NCERT cuts periodic table, democracy from Class 10 books to 'reduce burden' Textbooks not revised to please or offend anyone: NCERT chief Saklani NCERT textbooks revised as per new NEP likely to be introduced in 2024-25 'Historical' changes: Here is what the NCERT has dropped from text books Anurag Thakur alleges conspiracy to keep Indians away from their history Ram Temple being built due to unity among Hindus: Senior RSS office-bearer Ganga expressway in UP likely to open for the public before schedule Now, an AI-based app to track elephants and alert villagers in Chhattisgarh Punjab govt to provide 277,000 private job to youth in state: CM Mann In their letter, they said, "As academics organically associated with the preparation of these textbooks, we are embarrassed that our names should be mentioned as chief advisors to these mutilated and academically dysfunctional textbooks. We wish to explicitly record our full disagreement with the entire process of reshaping the text in the name of rationalisation. "Both of us would like to disassociate ourselves from these textbooks and request the NCERT to drop our names.... We request you to give effect to this request immediately and ensure that our names are not used in the soft copies of the textbooks available at the NCERT websites and also in the subsequent print editions." They said they believe that any text has an internal logic and such "arbitrary cuts and deletions" violate its spirit. The frequent and serial deletions do not seem to have any logic except to please the powers that be, they said. "Textbooks cannot and should not be shaped in this blatantly partisan manner and should not quell the spirit of critique and questioning among students of social sciences. These textbooks as they stand now do not serve the purpose of training students of political science both the principles of politics and the broad patterns of political dynamics that have occurred over time," the letter said. The dropping of several topics and portions from NCERT textbooks last month triggered a controversy, with the Opposition blaming the BJP-led Centre for "whitewashing with vengeance". At the heart of the controversy was the fact that while the changes made as part of the rationalisation exercise were notified, some of the controversial deletions were not mentioned. This led to allegations about a bid to delete these portions surreptitiously. The NCERT had described the omissions as a possible oversight but refused to undo the deletions, saying they were based on the recommendations of experts. It had also said the textbooks were anyway headed for a revision in 2024, when the NCF kicks in. However, it later changed its stand and said "minor changes need not be notified". 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 on a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "Gandhiji's death had a magical effect on the communal situation in the country", "Gandhi's pursuit of Hindu-Muslim unity provoked Hindu extremists" and "organisations like the RSS were banned for some time" were among the portions deleted. The portions referring to the 2002 Gujarat riots were also dropped from the Class-11 sociology textbook, months after the NCERT removed references to the communal violence in two Class-12 textbooks. The NCERT issued a statement late on Friday evening, saying, "The terms of the textbook development committee have ended since the date of their first publication. However, the NCERT acknowledges their academic contribution and only because of this, for the sake of record, publishes the names of all textbook development committee members in each of its textbooks. FEMA authority slaps show-cause notices on Xiaomi, 3 foreign banks The competent authority appointed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) has slapped show-cause notices on Xiaomi Technology India, its senior officials, and three foreign banks for alleged violations of forex rules. The competent authority appointed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) has slapped show-cause notices on Xiaomi Technology India, its senior officials, and three foreign banks for alleged violations of forex rules. Read More $1.2-billion loan dispute: Byju's' legal battle worries key investor The legal battle between Byjus and lenders in the US on the edtech firms $1.2-billion term loan B (TLB), along with the company skipping an interest payment of $40 million on the loan, has made the other investor Davidson Kempner Capital Management, extremely concerned, according to the people familiar with the matter. The legal battle between Byjus and lenders in the US on the edtech firms $1.2-billion term loan B (TLB), along with the company skipping an interest payment of $40 million on the loan, has made the other investor Davidson Kempner Capital Management, extremely concerned, according to the people familiar with the matter. Read More Swedish furnishing major IKEA to bring in funding arm, expand retail biz Swedish furnishing major IKEA, part of the Ingka Group, is inviting its investment arm Ingka Investments to India, a senior company executive said during an interaction in New Delhi. The move suggests that the group is looking at India as a priority market. Swedish furnishing major IKEA, part of the Ingka Group, is inviting its investment arm Ingka Investments to India, a senior company executive said during an interaction in New Delhi. The move suggests that the group is looking at India as a priority market. Read More Go First lenders discuss revival plan; appoint new resolution professional Go Firsts lenders on Friday discussed the grounded airlines revival plan and appointed Shailendra Ajmera, of consultancy EY, resolution professional. Go Firsts lenders on Friday discussed the grounded airlines revival plan and appointed Shailendra Ajmera, of consultancy EY, resolution professional. Read More Documents in Trump's indictment were among US's most closely guarded Top-secret documents were left on a ballroom stage for three months. Some of the nations most prized secrets spilled out of a box and were scattered across a floor. Others were stacked in a bathroom shower. An attack plan was waved in front of a writer. Top-secret documents were left on a ballroom stage for three months. Some of the nations most prized secrets spilled out of a box and were scattered across a floor. Others were stacked in a bathroom shower. An attack plan was waved in front of a writer. Read More Union Ministers Parshotham Rupala and L Murugan on Saturday took part in various events in Thrissur and Kochi as part of the seventh phase of Central government initiative 'Sagar Parikrama' programme and interacted with the people of the coastal region. They also received petitions from those working in the fisheries sector. The Union Ministers also attended and addressed the 'Sagar Parikrama'- 'Theera Sadas' programme at Thriprayar. Union Fisheries Department, Officer on Special Duty, Abhilaksh Likhi, said the Government of India was committed to the welfare and development of small fishermen in Kerala under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The PMMSY scheme by the Ministry of Fisheries was launched to bring about ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially inclusive development of the fisheries sector in India. Likhi said that the Centre was ensuring that the livelihood of the fishers was protected and all necessary steps would be taken for addressing their grievances. In a statement, he said the foundation stone for modernisation of the Cochin Fishing Harbour at a cost of Rs 169 crore will be laid by Union Fisheries Minister Parshotham Rupala on Sunday. Also Read Protection of coastal areas from erosion of utmost importance: Kerala govt Cannes 2023: MoS Murugan wears 'Veshti', shirt with Tricolour on red carpet The Kerala Story gets 'A' certificate from censor board, 10 scenes deleted MoS L Murugan to lead Indian delegation to Cannes Int'l Film Festival Centre will uphold freedom of speech, says Union Minister of State Murugan Enhanced security measures put in place ahead of AAP's Maha Rally on Sunday Odisha train tragedy: Survivors show post-traumatic stress disorder WTC Final 2023: Australia set India a mammoth 444-run target to win Raj govt to turn 1.20 lakh hectares of agri land into organic farming area J&K security meet focuses on increased synergy for upcoming Amarnath Yatra As part of the Sagar Parikrama programme, the Union Ministers will also participate in various programmes in Kochi today. On Friday, they had visited Mahe and interacted with the fishermen during an outreach programme held at the Civil Station there. Speaking on the occasion, Rupala said that the Kisan Credit Card scheme implemented by the Central Government in 2019 was a gift to the fishermen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. The Union Ministers also distributed pension papers under the new pension scheme to 63 people working in the fishing sector. The Sagar Parikrama programme aims to meet fishermen, fish farmers and beneficiaries of various government schemes and to interact with them to hear directly from them about their issues and suggestions to further uplift the fisheries sector in the country for the benefit of all stakeholders. West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Saturday asserted that violence will not be tolerated in the ensuing panchayat elections in the state. His assertion came after State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha called on him to explain the commission's stand on demands for extending the date of filing nominations for the three-tier panchayat polls and to explain steps taken to contain incidents of violence. Bose, in a statement, said, "Ever since the announcement of the panchayat elections, political parties have been flooding the governor with requests of intervention to ensure peace and harmony during the election. They came out with a number of suggestions expressing their apprehension about the likelihood of 'muscle raj' in the coming elections in the state." "The governor assured them that the elections will be held in a free and fair manner. He also reiterated that violence will be the first casualty in the ensuing election. He said that the ensuing panchayat election will prove the victory of democracy and the defeat of mobocracy," the statement added. On his meeting with Sinha, he said, "The Election Commission will leave no stone unturned in conducting the election without violence and intimidation. All the stakeholders will join together in warding off unhealthy trends during election campaign and will resist any attempt of violence and musclemanship in the conduct of the election." Officials said the governor sought from Sinha details of allegations of violence marring the process of filing nominations and asked whether the SEC had considered seeking central forces to manage the polling process. The meeting comes against the backdrop of BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar calling on Bose at Raj Bhavan earlier in the day with complaints about the nomination filing process, as well as state Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury writing to him on the same issue. On Friday, the State Election Commission said that it may consider extending the last date of filing nominations for the Bengal panchayat elections slated to be held on July 8. Also Read Bengal: 34% of seats uncontested in 2018 panchayat polls, claims Suvendu BJP slams TMC's Abhishek Banerjee over his remark on Bengal Panchayat polls No more drugs, rowdyism will be tolerated in Karnataka, says DK Shivakumar Bengal panchayat polls: Adhikari files PIL for central forces' deployment Smriti Irani visits Purba Medinipur for outreach ahead of panchayat polls AI rectifies glitch in Boeing aircraft stranded in Magadan, lands in Mumbai Amit Shah to address public meeting in Odisha's Dhenkanal on June 17 CDS visits EEL in Nagpur, sees demonstration of indigenous munitions Indian Navy holds operation in Arabian Sea, demonstrates combat prowess Odisha train mishap: Trains won't stop at Bahanaga station till CBI's nod This followed a Calcutta High Court observation in response to petitions by opposition politicians for extending the date, that the court is "of the view that the time limit fixed in the notification is inadequate". SEC Sinha had told PTI, "We are going to review the situation and may contemplate extending the date." Separately, officials said following meetings with district magistrates and police superintendents, the Commission decided that special focus would be given to five districts -- North and South 24 Parganas, Birbhum, Jalpaiguri, and Purba Medinipur -- as these are seen as "sensitive". Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday called on his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh here and said he will report to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the ongoing situation in the trouble-torn state. Sarma flew down from Guwahati earlier this morning for this meeting to discuss the situation in Manipur where sporadic violence continues a month after ethnic clashes began in this northeastern state. During my stay here, I met the honourable chief minister, his cabinet colleagues, our party leaders and civil society organisations. For us, peace and stability in Manipur are very very important. Whatever I have learnt during the day, I will report the same to the honourable Union Home Minister for further necessary actions, Sarma told reporters. Shah had visited Manipur from May 29 to June 1 to take stock of the situation. A senior BJP leader who was present at the meeting between the two chief ministers said, "We highlighted the issues of the state concerning the violence. Himanta Biswa Sarma assured us he will work at his level best to restore peace in Manipur." The leader, who did not want to be quoted, told PTI: Sarma said the Manipur BJP should not hesitate to ask what is needed and he will make sure those requirements are met." Representatives of COCOMI, a civil society organisation, were also present at the meeting. The Assam chief minister expressed condolences for the lives lost and said he will do whatever is needed to restore peace, COCOMI media coordinator Khuraijam Athouba said. Also Read As Manipur reels from violence, home minister Shah to visit the state today Tribal protest in Manipur turns violent; curfew imposed, internet suspended There is no crisis in Manipur BJP, says CM; gives details of ministers Manipur CM N Biren Singh convenes all-party meeting in violence-hit state Kuki MLAs, civil society groups decide against dialogue with Manipur govt Anjum Chopra launches scholarship to nurture budding female cricketers Study finds why chronic stress drives craving for high-calorie comfort food India to be among top three economies of world by 2027: Rajnath Singh Bengal rural Poll: Violence continues on second day of nomination filing Rajasthan: Neem Ka Thana-Kotputli road to be built as a four-lane highway The Centre has constituted a committee in Manipur headed by the governor to facilitate the peace-making process among various ethnic groups and initiate dialogue between conflicting parties, the Union home ministry said on Saturday in New Delhi. Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts. The Rajasthan government on Saturday said it will convert about 1.20 lakh hectare of agricultural land into organic farming area and provide organic seeds, bio-fertilizers and pesticides to the farmers. The state government is making all-out efforts to encourage organic farming. In this sequence, chief minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a proposal to convert 1.20 lakh hectares area into organic farming area. Under this, organic seeds, bio fertilizers and pesticides will be made available to the farmers, an official statement said. This year, farmers will be benefited by converting 1.20 lakh hectare area into organic. It will cost about Rs 23.57 crore. Besides, Rs 5,000 per farmer will also be given to 50,000 organic farmers. The chief minister has also sanctioned Rs 5 crore from the state fund for activities like farmer selection, formation of farmers' groups and master trainers training, among others. Also Read Need to promote recycling of agri-waste, chemical-free farming: MoS Agri Forest fires destroyed 13,000 hectares of land in Chile this year: Minister Rajasthan farmers to get Rs 500 cr in FY24 to build greenhouses, shade nets We should target $1 bn organic product export by 2030: Piyush Goyal Ambrosia The Organic Farm Is Improving The Organic India Facilitatively Over Rs 2 trillion paid to sugarcane farmers via DBT since 2017: UP CM Studying market to adequately compensate sunflower growers: Haryana CM Gunny bag shortage hits crop procurement, says Rajasthan minister All eyes on the monsoon progress as kharif crops sowing starts slow Amazon signs pact with ICAR to empower farmers enrolled under Kisan store Ten political parties in Manipur, led by Congress, on Friday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restore peace and normalcy in the state at the earliest. Criticising the Prime Minister's silence over the Manipur situation, three-time Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader O. Ibobi Singh said that Modi's silence over the devastating violence in Manipur proves that the Centre is neglecting the state. He also emphasised that while the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah was appreciated, Manipur continued to suffer from unabated unrest and persistent reports of violence. The Congress leader further expressed the view that if the Central government had intervened on time, the crisis could have been resolved much earlier. The ten political parties in its meeting on Friday at Congress Bhawan in Imphal also resolved to urge the state government to convene a special session of the Manipur Assembly for a detailed discussion on the ongoing unrest. The meeting was chaired by the Manipur state Congress President K. Meghachandra Singh. The 10 political parties include the CPI, CPI-M, JD-U, Forward Bloc, RSP, SS-UBT, Trinamool Congress, NCP, and a local party, besides the Congress. Also Read As Manipur reels from violence, home minister Shah to visit the state today Tribal protest in Manipur turns violent; curfew imposed, internet suspended Shielding governance failure will not resolve Manipur's problems There is no crisis in Manipur BJP, says CM; gives details of ministers Centre's approval required to introduce NRC in Manipur: CM Biren Singh BJP MPs call Kharge 'VC of WhatsApp University' for criticising Railways Amit Shah has asked Shinde to drop four Sena ministers, claims Sanjay Raut Deputy CM Shivakumar gets relief from HC in Covid-19 rules violation case 'All love jihad cases to be probed if BJP comes to power in Bihar in 2025' Kerala govt orders vigilance probe against Satheesan in FCRA violation case Last month, a Congress delegation led by party President Mallikarjun Kharge met President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi and sought her intervention into the Manipur crisis. --IANS sc/vd In the run-up to the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh due to be held later this year, the ruling BJP government led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is leaving no stone unturned to fight the anti-incumbency factor. The state government is announcing a series of populist schemes and freebies to woo the voters while the state is reeling under debt of around Rs 3.5 lakh crore. Experts say that the average per capita debt in the state has sharply increased in the past five-six years. If the debt figures are taken into consideration, every citizen in the state has a debt of Rs 41,000. It was estimated at Rs 13,853 by the end of March 2016, compared to Rs 10,896 recorded in FY 2013-14. They claim that the Madhya Pradesh government is "going through a period of severe economic crisis". The economic condition of Madhya Pradesh can be understood by the fact that in the previous year 2022-2023, the state presented an annual budget of Rs 2.79 lakh crore, while the mounting debt on the government was at Rs 3.31 lakh crore. Even the Rs 3.14 lakh crore 'self-reliant' annual budget presented in March this year by the Shivraj government for the financial year 2023-2024 could not surpass the total debt of Rs 3.29 lakh crore on the state. Shashikant Trivedi, a senior journalist who has been covering Madhya Pradesh's economic status for over two decades, said the economic structure had started deteriorating since 2005-2006, but the enormous changes introduced after 2008 made the situation worst. Also Read We have PM Modi to win Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, says CM Chouhan The Kerala Story' made tax-free in Madhya Pradesh: CM Chouhan MP govt appoints chairmen of 3 development authorities ahead of state polls Former PM Vajpayee's grand memorial to be built in Gwalior: MP CM Chouhan BJP CEC meeting today to finalise candidates for Karnataka Assembly polls Doesn't suit any leader to criticise own country abroad: Shah targets Rahul Kejriwal accuses BJP, Cong of copying AAP's manifesto as MP launches scheme Sharad Pawar announces Praful Patel, Supriya Sule NCP working presidents NCP leaders express concern over incidents of communal unrest in Maha Chidambaram hits out at BJP for 'absolute intolerance to any criticism' According to him, "carousel fraud" was one of the main reasons. "People only understand the GDP growth, which the government highlights but it does not elaborate on the factual data of the state's economic condition. The depth of the economy of the state needs to be transparent to a degree that a layman can understand. For instance, GDP has gone very high, but does it reflect in daily life?" Congress has held the Shivraj-led BJP government responsible for the "very poor" economic condition of the state. Senior Congress leader Tarun Bhanot, who was Finance Minister in Kamal Nath's 15-month government, said: "BJP government claims it borrowed loans from banks for the developments of the people, while the situation is quite different. The debt during Digvijaya Singh-led Congress government was at Rs 26,000 crore, now it has reached close to Rs 4 lakh crore, and the financial condition of the people in the state continues to decline." The former minister claimed the situation has worsened to such an extent that students were not given dues of their scholarship for the last two years. "During the 15-month government, Kamal Nath has made several reforms and multiple revenue resources were created without putting any extra burden on citizens. The Shivraj government has pushed the state 10-15 years back (in terms of economic development)," Bhanot added. --IANS pd/sha/ksk/ A drop box for returning weapons snatched from security forces has been set up at the home of BJP legislator from Imphal East L Susindro Meitei where anonymity will be ensured. A large poster at a covered shed outside his home says Please drop your snatched weapons here both in English and Meitei language. A tagline below this adds feel free to do so, an indication that questions will not be asked how the weapons were in their possession in the first place. A few weapons including a couple of automatic rifles and live ammunition belts were actually present in the box when a PTI reporter went there. Large numbers of weapons were looted from police stations in early May when ethnic violence broke out in the state of Manipur. Since then both Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have appealed to people to surrender their weapons. Also Read 54 dead in Manipur violence, Imphal peaceful, most shops, markets open Imphal peaceful but tense; gunfights between militants, security forces As Manipur reels from violence, home minister Shah to visit the state today Tribal protest in Manipur turns violent; curfew imposed, internet suspended Northeastern Railway cancels all Manipur-bound trains following violence In cash-strapped Punjab, CM Mann sits tight on OPS, focuses on freebies BJP tackles anti-incumbency with freebies, MP's debt swells out of control Doesn't suit any leader to criticise own country abroad: Shah targets Rahul Kejriwal accuses BJP, Cong of copying AAP's manifesto as MP launches scheme Sharad Pawar announces Praful Patel, Supriya Sule NCP working presidents Army and para-military forces in collaboration with state police have been carrying out combing operations to defang communities and bring back peace here. At least 35 weapons and warlike stores were recovered during joint combing operations by security forces on Friday, an official said. At least 100 people lost their lives and 310 others were injured in the ethnic violence in Manipur that broke out a month ago. A total of 37,450 people are currently sheltered in 272 relief camps. Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced he has resigned as an MP with immediate effect, SKY News reported. The former prime minister said he is standing down in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency ahead of the Privileges Committee report into whether he misled Parliament. It is pertinent to mention that Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was grilled by a cross-party parliamentary panel for several hours in March to establish whether he knowingly misled the House of Commons over the party gate scandal of COVID law-breaking parties at Downing Street. In a statement, the former prime minister said he has received the findings from the privileges committee report into whether he misled MPs over party gate. "Much to my amazement they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament", he said. Johnson's statement did not say what sanction the committee recommended, but a suspension from the Commons of 10 days or more - if approved by MPs - would trigger a recall petition which would then result in a by-election if 10 per cent of his constituents backed the move, SKY News reported. Also Read UK ex-PM Boris Johnson to be grilled by Parl panel over partygate scandal UK ex-PM Boris Johnson once again apologises over Partygate scandal Ex British PM Johnson admits misleading parliament in 'partygate' scandal Counterfeiting, smuggling develop into substantial threat to global economy Putin threatened me with missile strike before Ukraine war: Boris Johnson Elon Musk says Twitter transparency builds trust. It's all talk no action After mass layoffs, Mark Zuckerberg plans to reboot Meta's culture LinkedIn bets on skills over degrees as future labour market's currency Russian tactical nuclear weapons to be deployed to Belarus in July: Putin Donald Trump faces new federal charges in classified documents case Johnson said, "I have written to my association in Uxbridge and South Ruislip to say that I am stepping down forthwith and triggering an immediate by-election. "I am very sorry to leave my wonderful constituency. It has been a huge honour to serve them, both as Mayor and MP. "But I am proud that after what is cumulatively a 15-year stint I have helped to deliver among other things a vast new railway in the Elizabeth Line and full funding for a wonderful new state-of-the-art hospital for Hillingdon, where enabling works have already begun,"SKY News reported. The cross-party privileges committee, led by Labour MP Harriet Harman, has been assessing whether Mr Johnson misled parliament with his statements claiming all COVID rules and guidelines were followed by Number 10 during lockdown gatherings, SKY News reported. Johnson said the committee "have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons". "They know perfectly well that when I spoke in the Commons I was saying what I believed sincerely to be true and what I had been briefed to say, like any other minister," he said. Johnson was asked repeatedly by a cross-party parliamentary panel in March this year whether he attended parties, broke lockdown rules, misled Parliament, and should resign. Johnson denied deliberately lying, but if found to have done so, he could face suspension or even lose his seat in Parliament. He told the committee that the rule-breaking events were wrong and "I bitterly regret it," but added, "hand on heart, that I did not lie to the House. NASA has launched a spacecraft as part of a mission in an effort to avert a potential "internet apocalypse" that could leave people without access to the internet for months. According to Mirror, the US space agency's Parker Solar Probe (PSP) has achieved a significant milestone by navigating through the solar wind. Scientists have warned about the potential impact of an upcoming solar storm, commonly referred to as an "internet apocalypse", which could strike within the next decade. The spacecraft, which was launched in 2018, took a remarkable journey that brought it close to the sun's surface, where the solar wind is generated. Solar wind consists of a continuous stream of charged particles emanating from the sun's outermost atmosphere, known as the corona, according to the report. Despite the harsh conditions of intense heat and radiation, the Parker Solar Probe persevered in gathering vital information about the sun's workings. Also Read Indian-origin engineer to lead NASA's latest Moon to Mars Programme Nasa to invest $45mn in small biz to develop tech for future missions OneWeb satellites soon to offer space-based internet services globally Traffic-related air pollution can cause Alzheimer's disease: Research Nasa-Isro satellite gets 'auspicious' send-off before moving to India OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says ready to invest in South Korean startups Israel poised to release world's first digital government bond: TASE $30 billion loss to Pakistan due to floods, rains: PM Shehbaz Sharif 'Hazardous' smoke from Canadian wildfires reaches Norway: Scientists US charges two Russian men over 2014 Mt Gox Bitcoin hack of $400 mn Professor Stuart Bale of the California University who served as the lead author of the study explained the significance of understanding solar wind. "Winds carry lots of information from the sun to Earth. So understanding the mechanism behind the sun's wind is important for practical reasons on Earth," Bale was quoted as saying. "That's going to affect our ability to understand how the sun releases energy and drives geomagnetic storms -- which are a threat to our communication networks," he added. Such an event could cause people to lose internet access for months or even years, rendering satellites and power lines useless. Meanwhile, NASA has launched a new campaign offering the public the opportunity to have their name stencilled onto a microchip, which will ride aboard NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft next year. Europa Clipper spacecraft is scheduled for journey to Jupiter and its moon Europa in October 2024. --IANS shs/ksk/ Pentagon dismissed reports of a secret pact between China and Cuba that would enable Beijing to construct an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island, located 160 kilometers from the United States and called it "not accurate.", Voice of America (VOA) reported. "I can tell you, based on the information that we have, that that is not accurate - that we are not aware of China and Cuba developing any type of spy station," Brigadier General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's press secretary, told reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday. According to the reports, which first appeared in The Wall Street Journal citing unnamed intelligence officials, China had agreed to pay financially hard-pressed Cuba several billion dollars for the spy facility, which would allow China to collect electronic communications from throughout the southeastern United States, where numerous military bases are located, VOA reported. Ryder added that the Pentagon was not aware of China setting up any type of military base in Cuba or elsewhere in the region. However, he cautioned that the relationship between Cuba and China is something that the Pentagon monitors, along with any type of "coercive activity or belligerent activity" by China in the Western Hemisphere. A senior White House official also described the media reports as "not accurate." Also Read US reopening visa, consular services in Cuba post-2017 health issues Twitter removes 'government-funded' news labels from all media accounts 'Dramatic decrease' in Islamic State activities in Iraq and Syria: US WhatsApp will now let you share voice status, here's how to post one Huge win for Russia as TikTok propaganda labels on agencies fall flat Donald Trump tried to hide documents, share secrets, alleges indictment Canada govt puts on hold Indian students' deportation temporarily Documents in Trump's indictment were among US's most closely guarded Trump described Pentagon plan of attack, shared classified map: Indictment Boris Johnson resigns as UK MP with immediate effect over partygate report A Defense Department official, who declined to comment directly on the reports, told VOA the US was still "able to meet all our security commitments at home and across the region." "On a broader level, we are very aware of [China's] attempts to invest in infrastructure around the world that may have military purposes, including in the Western Hemisphere," the official said. Nicholas Eftimiades, a retired intelligence officer, told VOA Mandarin that Cuba "certainly falls within the footprint to be able to collect the US military communications from some geostationary satellites." "This is an intelligence collection program. It's not unexpected. I would think that this has been coming for quite some period of time," he added. "It's another threat to national security that we have to contend with." The White House and many lawmakers in Congress consider China to be the chief US economic and military rival. The US is the world's biggest economy, and China is the second largest. Earlier this year, the US. shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon over the Atlantic Ocean, but not before it travelled the breadth of the United States and flew over numerous military bases. Last weekend, a Chinese warship abruptly sailed across the bow of a US destroyer as it passed through international waters in the Taiwan Strait. The US said the incident forced the American ship to slow down to avoid a collision. Republican opponents of Biden were quick to attack the administration about the reported Chinese venture into the Western Hemisphere, although it was unclear what, if anything, the US. could do to stop it. "Joe Biden needs to wake up to the real Chinese threats on our doorstep," Nikki Haley, a former U.N. ambassador and a current Republican presidential candidate, wrote on Twitter. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, the closest US state to Cuba, said on Twitter, "The threat to America from Cuba isn't just real, it is far worse than this. By Sarah Zheng China should play a key role in shaping the artificial intelligence guardrails needed to ensure the safety of transformative new systems, OpenAI Inc.s Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman said. With the emergence of the increasingly powerful AI systems, the stakes for global cooperation have never been higher, Altman, whose company kick-started an AI frenzy in China with last years launch of ChatGPT, told a Beijing conference via video link on Saturday. In both China and Silicon Valley, talent and investments are flowing into AI, a strategic area that will help define the deepening tech rivalry between the worlds two largest economies. Advances in the emerging technology have also highlighted tensions in how governments are seeking to regulate the sector, one that Chinas President Xi Jinping has said requires greater state oversight to mitigate national security risks. China has some of the best AI talent in the world and fundamentally, given the difficulties in solving alignment for advanced AI systems, this requires the best minds from around the world, Altman told participants at the event hosted by the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence. Altmans speech to the Beijing conference itself was notable as the academy has strongly positioned itself in the AI sector in China. The Chinese non-profit, supported by the countrys Ministry of Science and Technology and Beijings local government, has been name-checked by Microsoft Corp. President Brad Smith as one of the three frontrunners on AI innovation. OpenAIs ChatGPT is not currently available in China, where longstanding data and censorship regulations have long shut out services from Western tech giants like Alphabet Inc.s Google and Meta Platforms Inc.s Facebook. Experts have said complex data and algorithm laws will similarly make it difficult for Western companies to make inroads in AI in the country. 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 After ChatGPT, Sam Altman looks to disrupt crypto world through Worldcoin OpenAI not training GPT-5 for now, will take a lot of time: Sam Altman OpenAI CEO Altman discusses India's tech ecosystem with PM Narendra Modi LIVE: United opposition could work a miracle in 2024, says Shatrughan Sinha Over 5,800 people evacuated after Kakhovka dam collapse Canada joins US in hearings against Mexico's proposed ban on GM corn Top headlines: Show-cause notice to Xiaomi, worried Byju's investors & more Credit Suisse loses three more investment bankers to Banco Santander Chinas tech overseer signaled in draft regulation guidelines that the onus for algorithm and content demands in the country may fall largely on platform operators. The State Council said in June it is planning to discuss AI-related legislation later this year. Altman said Saturday that OpenAI planned to open-source more of its models in the future, as part of its efforts to drive AI safety, without specifying a time frame or particular model. The tech entrepreneurs Beijing speech was part of the Asia leg of his global goodwill tour to promote AI governance. While in London at the end of May, Altman clashed with European Union regulators after saying OpenAI could pull out of the region if proposed AI laws were enacted that would hold companies accountable for how their systems are used. A Syrian refugee has been arrested after he stabbed four children and an elderly man at a park in the town of Annecy in France Thursday morning. The old man and two of the children are in critical condition. According to police, the 31-year-old man, whose name has not been revealed by police, allegedly applied for refugee status in France despite already having a refugee status in Sweden and settled alongside his wife and a three-year-old child before getting a divorce. Macron Express Shock About Anncey Knife Attack A video of the attack was uploaded on social media, showing the man attacking the children, aged 22 months and three years, while allegedly saying the name of Jesus Christ. One of the children was stabbed while in a baby stroller. Afterward, the attacker was chased by a member of the public who attempted to stop the attacker before the police intervened. He had a backpack for protection or parrying the attacker's knife hand. Police responded a few minutes later and arrested the attacker after shooting his leg. Attaque dune lachete absolue ce matin dans un parc a Annecy. Des enfants et un adulte sont entre la vie et la mort. La Nation est sous le choc. Nos pensees les accompagnent ainsi que leurs familles et les secours mobilises. Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 8, 2023 In response to the attack, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that the nation was "in shock." "An attack of absolute cowardice happened this morning in a park in Annecy," he wrote on Twitter. "Children and an adult are between life and death. The Nation is in shock. Our thoughts are with them and their families as emergency services are being mobilized." The French National Assembly interrupted their regular session to observe silence. "Nothing is more abominable than to attack children," said National Assembly speaker Yael Braun-Pivet on Twitter. Meanwhile, French prime minister Elisabeth Borne and interior minister Gerald Darmanin went to the attack scene. Borne told the press the attacker had no criminal or psychiatric record before the crime. She also said the attack was not related to terrorism at this time. Il n'y a rien de plus abominable que de s'en prendre a des enfants. Aux victimes de l'attaque d'#Annecy, a leurs familles, aux forces de l'ordre et de secours mobilisees pour leur venir en aide, l'@AssembleeNat bouleversee a marque son soutien par une minute de silence. #DirectAN pic.twitter.com/ELhdrMY5JX Yael Braun-Pivet (@YaelBRAUNPIVET) June 8, 2023 Read Also: British PM Rishi Sunak Visits White House to Meet Biden Attacker's Obscure Past Local media also interviewed the attacker's ex-wife, who revealed he allegedly was a Christian. "He does not call me for four months. [Our relationship] stopped because we lived in Sweden, and he did not want to live in Sweden anymore," she said, adding the attacker had not previously shown a violent streak. However, Swedish court documents seen by Reuters revealed the attacker was previously fined for fraud in Sweden in 2022 for claiming unemployment and student benefits simultaneously. It was later revealed that one of the injured children in the attack was a three-year-old British national and was the oldest of the children who were stabbed. Another child was identified as Dutch. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who was currently in Paris for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED) meeting, confirmed the identity of the young British girl, saying British consular officers would travel to France "to support the family" of the injured child. "We stand in strong solidarity with the people of France at this terrible time," he added. Meanwhile, British prime minister Rishi Sunak, who was wrapping up his US trip, said he has talked with Macron about the matter and would "stand ready to offer any assistance" if needed. Related Article: Syrian Refugee Stabs Several People in French Town Knife Attack 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. 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Reports Indicate a Spike in Shipments From Authoritarian Petrostates According to data from the Office for National Statistics analyzed by DeSmog, attempts to stop buying oil and gas from Russia seem to have led to a rise in imports from Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Kemi Badenoch, the secretary for trade and business, visited the Middle East last month to "boost trade ties" with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a trading bloc consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In 2022, the UK and GCC trade reached an all-time high of 61.3 billion ($77 billion). Former Prime Minister Liz Truss, speaking at the Conservative Party Conference in October 2022, warned that the UK had grown too complacent and reliant on authoritarian regimes for cheap products and energy. It now seems that rather than investing in Russia, the UK has instead put money into other countries that have been accused of human rights breaches and are involved in violent wars. Read Also: UK Net Migration Reaches New Record High Despite Government Cutbacks, Student Visa Crackdown Decreasing the UK's Reliance on Russian Fossil Fuels When Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, imports of Russian fossil fuel dropped from $753 million to nil in January of this year. Nevertheless, imports of fossil fuels from other authoritarian petrostates increased by almost 60% annually, offsetting this. After spending less than $125 billion on energy imports in the previous year, the UK spent over $157 billion on fossil fuel imports in the fiscal year starting in February 2022, according to research by DeSmog. Qatar was the UK's largest supplier of fossil fuels at $8.6 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia at $4.2 billion, Kuwait at $3.2 billion, and the UAE at $3.1 billion. "While cutting our dependence on Russian fossil fuels is both necessary and laudable - albeit with little actual choice - it is a half-measure if only aimed at reducing fossil fuels from Russia," said Dominic Kavakeb of the human rights and environmental advocacy organization Global Witness. "Replacing Russian energy with fossil fuels from other authoritarian regimes, some of which are also engaged in brutal conflicts, is at best shortsighted, at worst a gross hypocrisy. Fossil fuels are the currency of dictators and warmongers everywhere. It's time to build an energy system that benefits people and the planet, rather than polluters, petrostates, and despots," he added. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency has declared that the world must drastically reduce coal, oil, and gas usage to reach net zero, requiring a total energy system change. Read Also: Russia Accuses Ukraine of Hitting Major Ammonia Pipeline in Potential Blow to Grain Deal @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The French President and First Lady, Emmanuel, and Brigitte Macron, visited a hospital in Grenoble Friday to visit the victims of the knife attack in Annecy yesterday (June 8). The couple spent two hours with the young victims and their parents at the hospital and the hospital staff. Prior to the visit, French prime minister Elisabeth Borne announced all four children injured in the attack had "all been operated on, are under continuous observation, and are stable," including the two who were earlier reported to be critical. "This is still an emotional time, we are still caring for these little children, and I invite everyone to show dignity under the circumstances," she added. Attack Spurs Immigration Issue Anew Meanwhile, French opposition parties took advantage of the attack to question France's immigration and asylum policy. Republican party head Eric Ciotti noticed the attacker "has the same profile" as the other assailants in previous similar incidents. On the other hand, National Rally leader Marine Le Pen told French media the country should "regain sovereignty" on immigration issues, stressing the French Constitution should come above EU law. However, government spokesman Dr. Olivier Veran said such debates are premature. "There will be answers that will have to be provided," he said. "But I do not understand - when we are in the time of emotion when the kids are on the operating table - that everyone starts to indulge in a rather unhealthy game of explanations and justifications. Now is not the time." Read Also: Syrian Refugee Stabs Several People in French Town Knife Attack Attacker Identified Meanwhile, the adult injured in the attack was identified as a 78-year-old man named Youssouf, who was "slightly" wounded in the arm by the Syrian attacker, later revealed to be 31-year-old Abdalmash Hanoun. Youssouf said there was "no reason" for the attack. "[I] can imagine the stress of [the families] of the children and their loved ones or [the] other children who saw the incident," he added. The motive for Hanoun's attack remains unknown as he was still in an "agitated condition," but police alleged he was homeless in the town. Police also had no recorded history of psychiatric illness, but there are growing questions regarding his mental state. Hanoun lived in Sweden for 10 years with his ex-wife and three-year-old child. Reuters earlier revealed he was also fined for fraud there last year for simultaneously claiming unemployment and student benefits. Backpack Hero Frenchmen commended the man who attempted to fight Hanoun with his backpack, earning him the nickname "le heros au sac a dos" or "Backpack Hero" in English. The man was a 24-year-old Catholic pilgrim named Henri, a philosophy and management student. He told local media he was compelled by his faith to stop Hanoun, saying it was God's will that he was there to intervene. "All I know is that I was not there by chance," he said. "On my journey to the cathedrals, I crossed paths with this man, and I have acted instinctively. It was unthinkable to do nothing." Henri also found it unthinkable that Hanoun, a self-professed Christian, would attack children by stabbing them. "It is profoundly unchristian to attack the vulnerable," he explained. "The entire Christian civilization on which our country is built is a knightly message to defend widows and orphans. I think that, on the contrary, something terrible inhabited him." Macron also met with Henri on his trip to Annecy. As for the messages of support towards him, Henri made one simple request: "Pray for the children. Me, I'm fine." Related Article: Annecy Knife Attack: 3-Year-Old British Girl Among the Injured, Suspect Arrested @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russia's President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, June 9, that the country's first deployment of tactical nuclear weapons outside of Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union would begin on July 7-8. That is when specialized storage facilities would be ready. According to Reuters, Putin claims that the US and its Western allies are supplying weapons to Ukraine as part of an escalating proxy war with the goal of bringing Russia to its knees. This allegation comes more than 15 months into the longest land conflict in Europe since World War Two. A Message to NATO and the US Military Alliance for Supporting Ukraine In March, Putin announced that he intended to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. This seemed to be a warning to the military alliance headed by the US and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) over their support for Ukraine. NATO leaders have pledged their unwavering backing for Ukraine, saying they would stand by the country as long as it needs them to repel what Kyiv sees as an imperialistic territorial grab by Russia that threatens the country's very existence. During their meeting at Putin's summer residence on the Black Sea in Sochi, the Russian leader assured the president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, that the nuclear deployment was proceeding as planned. According to a Kremlin translation, Putin said, "Preparation of the relevant facilities ends on July 7-8, and we will immediately begin activities related to the deployment of appropriate types of weapons on your territory." To which Lukashenko responded, "Thank you, Vladimir Vladimirovich." Also Read: Ukraine Launches Full-Scale Offensive? Kyiv's HIMARS Used in Front Lines To Hit Russian Positions The Russia-Ukraine War Putin portrays the conflict as a fight for Russia's survival against what he claims is an ever-expanding NATO military presence in the world. He has cautioned Western nations that Moscow would not back down from their position. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that his nation would not rest until every single Russian soldier has been evacuated from his country. Zelenskiy also wants Ukraine to join NATO as soon as possible. The US, NATO, and European allies are keeping close tabs on Putin's nuclear move, as does China, which has consistently warned against the use of nuclear weapons in the battle. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the US and Russia collaborated closely to bring back the massive Soviet nuclear weapons to Russia that had been stationed in newly independent nations, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. As of the 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, the US was the only country to have used nuclear weapons in anger. UK Punishes Belarus for Ukraine War Involvement Over Minsk's persistent backing of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK has sanctioned exports and online propaganda. In a report by Financial Times on Thursday, June 8, the House of Commons passed Belarus II legislation. They include a prohibition on Belarusian gold, cement, timber, and rubber, regime funding sources. Also Read: UK Exports of Fossil Fuels From Petrostates Surge as It Reduces Reliance on Russia: Report @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In stunning new photographs, a UFO that some onlookers have referred to as an "alien craft" is seen photobombing a Red Arrow display. A dark object that flew through the pilots' formation at "1,000 mph" last weekend at the Torbay Airshow in Paignton was allegedly created by "non-human intelligence," according to John Mooner, a UFO investigator who took the photos. Mooner, a resident of Newton Abbott, claimed that the reason he went to the airshow was to try to photograph any anomalous things close to the planes, according to The Daily Mail. The renowned Red Arrows can be seen flying in formation in John's images, but there is also another object among them: a little black UFO. When Mr. Mooner's camera was set on burst, it captured the object's movement over the course of four pictures. The UFO enthusiast calculates that the object was traveling at a speed of more than 1,000 mph. Regarding the nature of what he witnessed, he had no doubts. Not only John, but others also noticed the mysterious object in the sky. Emma Smith, another observer, informed her local newspaper that she noticed it in her pictures. Read also: UFO Sighting? 'Platform-Like' UFO Witnessed Hovering Near Arkansas Nuclear Plant For Two Hours (VIDEO) UFO Sightings in the UK The United Kingdom has a long and storied history of UFO sightings. In fact, the UK is one of the most active countries in the world for UFO reports, with thousands of sightings reported each year. These are just a few of the many UFO sightings that have been reported in the UK over the years. While there is no definitive proof that any of these sightings were of extraterrestrial origin, they continue to fascinate and intrigue people around the world. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Cpl. Andy Benson) The Red Arrows roll upside down in tight formation during display training over their headquarters at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. Organization: Royal Air Force Object Name: Sca-08-372-Out-Unc-017 Keywords: RAF Scampton, Red Arrows, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, RAFAT, Close Formation, Display Country: United Kingdom Some of these sightings have been investigated by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which used to maintain a UFO desk. The MoD stopped investigating UFO reports in 2009, but the National Archives has released a number of UFO files that were previously classified. The release of these files has led to renewed interest in UFOs in the UK. A number of books and documentaries have been produced about UFO sightings in the UK, and there are a number of websites and forums dedicated to the topic. The number of UFO sightings in the UK has declined in recent years. Some people believe that this is because the government is no longer investigating UFO sightings, while others believe that it is simply due to the fact that people are less likely to report UFO sightings. While there is no definitive proof that UFOs exist, the number of reported sightings in the UK and around the world suggests that there is something unexplained going on. Whether these sightings are of extraterrestrial origin or not remains a mystery. Related article: UFO, Humanoid sighting: Robot, as well as rocket-shaped UFO, snapped, robot vanishes immediately @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Johnny Depp is feeling "happy" as he celebrates his 60th birthday. The movie star - who turned 60 on Friday (06.09.23) - is thrilled to have finally "moved on" from his personal dramas, including his high-profile legal battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard. A source told PEOPLE: "In the last year, he's been able to touch all these different parts of his life that he hadn't been able to do that much before because he was so busy dealing with the matters tied to the Amber trial. "It's nice for him to be an artist first and foremost." Johnny recently explained that he's consciously distanced himself from Hollywood over recent months, following his legal battles. During a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival, he said: "Do I feel boycotted now? No, not at all. But I don't feel boycotted by Hollywood because I don't think about it. I don't think about Hollywood. I don't have much further need for Hollywood myself." Meanwhile, Camille Vasquez - who represented the actor during his legal trial in 2022 - recently revealed that she remains in touch with Johnny. The lawyer also observed that Johnny has enjoyed significant success over the last 12 months, after he won his case with his ex-wife. Camille - who rose to prominence during the defamation trial in Virginia - told PEOPLE in May: "The last time I spoke to him on the phone was probably a few months ago, but we text often. "There's a group of us that texts with him and we send emails, obviously congratulating him on the success that he's had in the last year. He has a big birthday coming up, so I'm sure he'll be celebrating." 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 A woman on Aubrey Avenue told police another woman was harassing her by sending her threatening text messages. The woman was wondering how to go about obtaining a TPO. Police explained the proper steps. * * * A woman on Shallowford Road told police that sometime during the night someone damaged the door to her apartment. * * * The manager for Vision Hospitality Group at 411 Broad St. told police they have had 11 fraudulent checks cashed at unknown locations. She said the bank just wanted her to make a report of the incident. She said the check was from a Christmas bonus from 2021 and they believe it was an employees check. The manager gave police the employees name and believe it was her because five of the checks have her signature on the back of them. All the checks have a different check number and some have different signatures. An officer spoke with the employee about the checks and she said she didnt know who could have done it. She cashed the check at La Guatemalteca, 2109 E. Main St. She said the place will no longer cash the checks from Vision Chattanooga. The total amount stolen is $3,047.55. * * * A man at Brainerd Lumber at 4401 Rossville Blvd. told police sometime overnight, while his 1999 Honda CRV was parked at this location, someone cut the catalytic converter off and stole it. * * * An employee of Metro Lawn Care told police someone stole two weed eaters from the work truck while it was on Highway 153. Both weed eaters are Stihl FS94. * * * Officers were dispatched to a welfare check on Tennessee Avenue, to check on an older white male in a wheelchair. Officers found the man and he was unable to explain to the officers where he lived and could not provide an address. Officers were eventually found by a home health aide who gave the mans address. He was given a courtesy ride to his home. * * * An officer observed a beer board violation while on patrol on Station Street. The officer saw a man carrying an open alcoholic container. He told the officer where he purchased the drink and was unaware he couldnt be in possession of such while on Station Street. A verbal warning was given. * * * A man on E. Martin Luther King Boulevard told police sometime overnight someone broke the rear passenger windows out of both of his 2016 Land Rover LR4s. An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Sumner County Sheriffs Office, and the Gallatin Police Department has resulted in the indictment of a Bethpage man accused of stealing thousands from the food bank where he worked. In May 2022, at the request of 18th Judicial District Attorney General Ray Whitley, TBI agents began investigating allegations of theft involving the former director of the Sumner County Food Bank. During the investigation, authorities determined that James Gill, 81, who was employed as the director of the Sumner County Food Bank, used the organizations money to make personal purchases. He also wrote checks to himself and others from the food banks account and transferred the money to other accounts under a different non-profit name. Further investigation revealed that Gill paid a food bank volunteer for sex acts. On Thursday, the Sumner County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Gill with one count of theft of property over $250,000, one count of money laundering, and one count of patronizing prostitution. On Friday evening, he was arrested and booked into the Sumner County Jail on a $75,000 bond. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has lost his attempt not to be extradited from the UK to the United States to face 18 criminal charges there relating to his site's release of countless confidential US military records and diplomatic cables. The London High Court has approved Assange's extradition, with a judge stating in the court order Friday that Assange had no legal grounds to challenge the decision. The 51-year-old Australian was expected to renew his appeal next week, according to his wife, Stella. "We remain optimistic that we will prevail and that Julian will not be extradited to the United States where he faces charges that could result in him spending the rest of his life in a maximum security prison for publishing true information that revealed war crimes committed by the US government," she said. Read Also: China Plans to Make Secret Deal With Cuba to Build Spy Base Near Florida In 2021, a British judge previously ruled that Assange should not be extradited due to the risk of him committing suicide if convicted and held in a maximum security prison, but it was since overturned after an appeal by US authorities who gave a set of assurances, including a pledge to have him transferred to Australia to serve any sentence. Assange is currently detained at Belmarsh Prison in southeast London after being forcibly removed from the Ecuadorian embassy in April 2019. Wikileaks became prominent in 2010 after the site released hundreds of thousands of classified files and diplomatic correspondences in what was the largest security breach of its kind in American history. Related Article: UK Court Approves Extradition of Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange To Face US Trial @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Kenneth Olvy Sheppard, 78, went home to be with his Father in heaven on June 3, 2023. Ken was born on March 28, 1945, to Olvy and Ruth Sheppard, in Wichita Falls, Texas. His parents were officers in the Salvation Army. They provided a religious and social service ministry to broken and impoverished families. The family also lived in North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ronald J. Sheppard. Ken is survived by his wife, Beverly R. Sheppard, son Aaron K. Sheppard (Gina) of Signal Mountain, and daughter, Kendra Sheppard, of Euless, Tx.. He cherished his family and loved them unconditionally. Ken and Beverly were married for 53 years. They met in Memphis, Tn., where Ken graduated from Memphis State University. He later attended Purdue University. He worked for The Quaker Oats Company in Quality Assurance. Ken retired in 2004, and he and Beverly returned to Signal Mountain. Ken was an assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 60, at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church for many years. He also was a member of WRES, along with his son, doing search and rescue. Ken had a lifelong interest in entomology, which he felt very fortunate to be able to turn into a career. He came upon his true passion later in life, which was learning to play the fiddle. Ken never met a stranger. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known by many as the embodiment of a true friend. Ken was a member of Wayside Presbyterian Church. He loved the Lord, and his son, Jesus Christ. Ken was a grateful and thankful believer, who wished to remain humble in his faith walk. In lieu of flowers, Beverly requested that memorial contributions be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or the Wayside Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Fund. A memorial service will be held at Wayside Presbyterian Church, Signal Mountain, Tn., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 15. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com. Attorney General Skrmetti is joining a coalition of 28 state Attorneys General calling on the Federal Communications Commission to clarify the federal rules requiring telemarketers to obtain consent between an individual consumer and one specific seller or business entity before making telemarketing robocalls and texts. The comment letter was filed this week in response to an FCC notice of proposed rulemaking. In the notice, the FCC sought comment on a proposed amendment to its rule concerning prior express written consent under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, as well as proposals to strengthen protections against illegal text messages. The Attorneys General, in their letter, support the FCCs proposal to formally clarify that National Do Not Call Registry protections apply to text messages. The FCC is proposing to amend its rule concerning consent to close a so-called lead generator loophole. As stated in the letter, lead generators are entities that collect personal information (like telephone numbers) from consumers and sell it to third parties, who then use that information to solicit consumers to purchase goods or services. A common lead generation practice is to offer to give the consumer a quote for a good or service online (like insurance products), and in order to receive the quote, the consumer has to agree to receive calls and/or texts from the lead generators marketing partners, which often include thousands of different businesses offering numerous different goods or services. If these separate businesses are identified anywhere, it is usually on a separate webpage only accessible via a hyperlink. The FCCs proposed amendment adds language to the existing rule to allow a consumer to consent to robocalls and texts from multiple entities, provided the entities are logically and topically associated and are all listed on the webpage where the consumer provides consent. The Attorneys General contend, in their letter, that the FCCs proposed action could create more ambiguity and that, rather, clarification to existing single seller-to-individual consumer language would be more effective. Joining Tennessee in the letter are Attorneys General from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. A copy of the letter can be found here. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is hosting an Open House at all six campuses to provide an opportunity to learn more about the programs offered at GNTC, tour the facilities and meet faculty and staff.The event next Thursday will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on each of GNTCs campuses: Catoosa County Campus, Ringgold; Floyd County Campus, Rome; Gordon County Campus, Calhoun; Polk County Campus, Rockmart; Walker County Campus, Rock Spring; and Whitfield Murray Campus, Dalton.Legare Price, dean of Student Success at GNTC, shared his excitement about the upcoming Open House.For the first time, it will be held simultaneously across all six of our campuses, he said. Our hope is to open our doors to anyone wanting to start their college journey and make that process as simple as possible.The event will include information and assistance on admissions, advising, career guidance and financial aid. GNTC will waive the admission application fee for those attending the event.People are welcome to stop by to tour our facilities, meet and ask questions of our wonderful staff and faculty, check out our support resources for students, and even apply for freeall in a single day, Mr. Price said.Attendees will receive GNTC giveaways.For more information, contact admissions@gntc.edu or 866-983-4682.Campus addresses are:Catoosa County Campus, 120 College Park Dr., RinggoldFloyd County Campus, One Maurice Culberson Dr., RomeGordon County Campus, 1151 Highway 53 Spur, CalhounPolk County Campus, 466 Brock Road, RockmartWalker County Campus, 265 Bicentennial Trail, Rock SpringWhitfield Murray Campus, 2310 Maddox Chapel Road, Dalton The Tennessee Supreme Court issued opinions in two cases holding that restitution orders in criminal cases need not contain payment terms or a payment schedule to be final and appealable. Orders for restitution only have to set the amount of restitution; and, if no payment time is set, then the default payment time is the end of the defendants sentence. In the first case, Johnny Summers Cavin pleaded guilty in the Sullivan County Criminal Court to burglary and theft of property valued between $2,500 and $10,000. The trial court sentenced Cavin to two-and-a-half years of probation and required him to pay $5,500 in restitution during his probationary period. The Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed the appeal holding that the restitution order was not a final order due to the trial courts failure to set payment terms or a payment schedule. In the second case, Joseph Gevedon drove through a Giles County cemetery and damaged multiple gravestones. Gevedon pleaded guilty in the Giles County Circuit Court to driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident. The trial court sentenced him to serve eleven months and twenty-nine days in jail, suspended after 48 hours, and payment of restitution. The trial court later revoked Gevedons probation after he was charged with additional crimes and ordered him to pay over $30,000 in restitution. The Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed Gevedons appeal holding that the trial courts restitution order did not contain payment terms or a payment schedule and thus was not a final order. The Tennessee Supreme Court granted review in both cases to consider whether a trial courts restitution order is a final order when it does not specify payment terms or a payment schedule. The Court reversed the Court of Criminal Appeals in both cases, holding that Tennessees restitution statute allows, but does not require, trial courts to set payment terms and a payment schedule in a restitution order. The Court ruled that the restitution orders resolved all issues in the cases and were final and appealable. In Cavins case, the Court affirmed the restitution order, finding the trial court properly considered the victims loss and Cavins financial resources and ability to pay when setting the amount of restitution. However, the Court vacated the restitution order in Gevedons case, ruling that the trial court failed to consider Gevedons financial resources and ability to pay restitution by ordering Gevedon to pay over $30,000 in restitution while also ordering him to serve the rest of his sentence in jail where he had no earning ability. Justice Sarah K. Campbell wrote separate opinions in both cases, concurring in part and concurring in the judgments. She agreed that the restitution orders were final and appealable, but she reached that conclusion for different reasons than the majority. In her view, the restitution orders were final because the record showed that the trial court thought it was finished with the case, not because the order satisfied all statutory requirements. To read the opinion of the Court authored by Justice Sharon G. Lee in State of Tennessee v. Johnny Summers Cavin, and the separate opinion authored by Justice Sarah K. Campbell; and the opinion of the Court authored by Justice Sharon G. Lee in State of Tennessee v. Joseph Gevedon, and the separate opinion authored by Justice Sarah K. Campbell, please visit the Opinions section of TNCourts.gov. Recently, the editor of a monthly print circular serving the three wealthiest suburbs of Chattanooga devoted her op/ed to the killing of three kids and three adults in Nashville -- and used that emotive plea to declare gun control will solve this problem. That editorial raises a question: Why is it when white children are murdered, white privilege liberals in wealthy suburbs are so moved that they even put plastic virtue-signaling signs in their yards proclaiming "protect kids, not guns"? The attack at Covenant Church School by a sociopathic woman targeting Christians was horrendous, and the grief families of victims continue to suffer is unimaginable. It is unimaginable unless you are among the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have also endured the murder of a loved one. Fact is, more than 99.8 percent of all murders are not victims of a mass assault, and a grossly-disproportionate number of those victims are not white. No yard signs for them... All murders are horrendous. But there is a harsh reality check regarding race and violence -- a politically inconvenient truth that leftist politicians and their white-privilege benefactors avoid. That reality is, violence is not a "gun problem but a cultural problem, highly correlated with the Democrat's most loyal constituency, our black brothers and sisters in urban centers. That culture problem is the direct result of generations of failed leftist social policies -- most notably those enabling the disintegration of families. That is particularly true given the common denominator that most violent offenders grew up in fatherless homes. Ahead of the upcoming Fathers Day, consider this: More than 30 percent of young people are growing up in homes without fathers, and for black children, that stat jumps to 67 percent. One result is metastasizing violence in urban centers, most of which have been under Democrat control for generations. Here is the inconvenient truth about that violence: A very high number of violent crimes nationwide are committed by black assailants, and black-on-black assault is the most prevalent violent crime in the nation. In fact, on almost any day, the total victim count of black-on-black and black attacks on people of other races far exceeds the death totals of any of the rare high-profile mass assaults. But Democrat politicians studiously avoid any discussion of this data because it would require studious consideration of the policies that have created these conditions. If Democrats actually believed black lives matter, they would not propagate the failed urban policies that result in the proliferation of black-on-black violence. The fact that black citizens are 13 percent of the population but their murder victim rate is 22 percent higher than for white victims should be the starting place for every meaningful conversation about resolving the racial disparity associated with violence. Crime researcher Heather Mac Donald has compiled the data on black assailants: Dozens of blacks are murdered every day, more than all white and Hispanic murder victims combined. Blacks between the ages of ten and twenty-four are murdered at twenty-five times the rate of whites between those same ages. Their assailants are not the police, not other whites, but other blacks. The most alarming data on murder is that the suspect in 88 percent of black murders is also black. Further, black assailants commit 90 percent of violent interracial crimes and the young black males who committed most of those crimes represent less than 3 percent of the population. That is not a "white supremacy" problem. As was the case in Nashville, when rare high-profile mass assaults occur, Democrats default to blaming guns as a diversionary distraction to avoid the politically inconvenient truth regarding the actual racial demographic of assailants responsible for the national epidemic of violent crime. It is all political smoke and mirrors to obfuscate the reality that guns dont commit homicide; violent thugs do. And it is notable that more murder victims are bludgeoned to death annually than killed by an "assault rifle," shotgun or other long guns combined. Chattanooga's mayor, city council and police chief are trying to address some of the cultural issues related to violence, and we all hope they succeed. But they, and our frontline first responders in blue, have a steep climb given the unprecedented surge of violence that leftists unleashed across our nation over the last three years, beginning with the "summer or rage" in 2020 and their "defund police" movement. So I ask again: Why is it only after white children are murdered, that white privilege liberals in wealthy suburbs take note? It is long past time that wealthy white folks devote more attention to the cultural problems associated with violence, none of which will be solved with plastic yard signs. Mark Caldwell * * * I question why as well, but not why don't wealthy white people do more to address the violence perpetuated by 3 percent of young black men against other black men in 88 percent of black murders, but why the 97 percent of blacks that do not commit these crimes are not the ones called to action. I have been an avid newspaper reader for many years and used to regularly read Walter Williams syndicated column. He being a highly educated black man often wrote about the plight of the black race. Throughout the 30's through the early 60's he said black "families", ie a mother and a father, were progressing nicely socially, economically and politically. Racial situations were improving. Then the attitudes became more violent "the black panther movement", the two parent family began to fall apart and things have continued to go downhill for the past 50-60 years. The black man became his own worst enemy. The biggest fault of " wealthy whites" lies with the mostly white politicians that decided in the 50's-60s to provide low cost housing to help poor Americans with no time or work limits on the housing but encouraged single parent households by paying more for single women based on the number children they have. Anytime you expect nothing from someone that's usually exactly what you get. The biggest problem facing us today is a lack of personal responsibility. It's rarely somebody else at fault for your violent actions, or lack of action to improve your situation. America was built by people willing to do for themselves and help others that could not. Not those that are not willing. It's not a gun or money problem, but as Mark Caldwell states, a cultural problem. Sam Lewallen * * * Victim blaming serves a purpose. It allows one to abdicate ones responsibility to be a good neighbor, and to treat others as you would have them treat you. There are many reasons, a multitude of reasons, one could say, that crimes of a certain nature tend to impact certain communities more heavily than others. I challenge you to look into the history, the economics and the availability of resources and opportunities today. And perhaps consider the possibility that your take on it is only a little bit of the bigger picture. You have to be able to step outside of where you live and what your personal situation is, to be able to begin to understand what other people and communities experience. I would like to think that that would be something that you Christian people would be interested in doing. But to be perfectly blunt, I'll not hold my breath. Darlene Kilgore * * * Both Mark Caldwell and Sam Lewallen got their stories all wrong on the breakup of the two parent black family. It wasn't because of the social programs or low cost housing. After all, those social programs played a pivotal role in helping to uplift from poverty and create the white middle classes. The oldest low income housing, aka projects aka public housing, was built in 1935. Hundreds of black families were forced out of an area in Atlanta to make way for a 604 apartment unit, public housing aka projects, for whites only. Atlanta's Techwood housing was the first federal public housing projects. More public housing would be built to house primarily white soldiers and their families returning home from WWII. At least two, maybe more, local public housing apartments here, Boone Hysinger, East Lake Courts, were originally white only. I'm old enough to remember when both were whites only. Black people didn't dare enter, unless they were housekeepers working for a white family. The only freshly built public housing where blacks got to live first here in Chattanooga was Poss Homes on Market Street. It was said the only reason the newly built Poss Homes was given to blacks was because whites turned it down. They didn't want to live in such close proximity to blacks living in the surrounding areas. I know because I was midway through 2nd grade when my father came home from work one day to tell us we'd be one of the first families who would be moving into Poss Homes. That was another time black families were being disrupted and moved around to make way for the freeway (I-24) being built and coming through Chattanooga. That was in the early 1960s'. I was midway through 2nd grade when we moved into Poss Homes. Ironically, but not surprisingly, Poss Homes would be the first known public housing to be torn down. Although it was the newest one built. They were beautifully built apartments. Families were intact. Everyone knew one another. Parents kept a watch on one another's children. Not many could afford phones in those days, but before we got home, our parents knew if we'd gotten into mischief or sassed or disrespected some adult. When we first moved into Poss Homes there were no single parent with a mother only being the head of the household. As all fathers during that time did, my father worked full time, first at the Tannery on St. Elmo Ave. (now where there are expensive condos and apartments) and later for the Tannery's owner at his home on Lookout Mountain, after he suffered an injury at the Tannery that nearly caused him to lose his dominant hand. My mother occasionally worked housekeeping in many of the white families homes in and around Chattanooga. Basically she was a stay at home mom while daddy worked, and also a volunteer at Howard School. The school was less than a stone's throw away from where we lived. While dads worked or were away, military or at out of town jobs, it wasn't unusual to walk by a classroom filled with moms working on costumes for an upcoming play that would be performed in the school auditorium. What you two get wrong here is that it was the period when Republicans heavily gained control of several branches of federal government that they began a campaign of displacing and breaking up the nuclear black family. However, unintentionally, they busted up many poor/working poor nuclear white families too. Specifically those living in low income public housing. For many of the black families living in Poss Homes, the fathers were either serving or had served in the military. All the fathers, veterans or civilians, worked, mainly at many of the various foundries in and around Chattanooga. It was actually rare in those days to see a family without a father present in Poss Homes. On the rarest occasion a father didn't appear to be in the household, it was immediately thought he was away 'serving' the country. That's just how rare it was to see a family without a father when we lived in Poss Homes Public Housing. As for your misguided selective statistics on killings within a race, all racial groups are far more likely to be killed by members of their own race than some race outside their group. Nearly 90 percent of white victims are killed by their own race too. In fact a 2020 USA-Today report showed that both white on white and black on black murders remain similar, between 80 percent and 90 percent. Now you two will likely use that but! But! Blacks make up only this/that small percentage of the American population. Brenda Washington * * * This opinion and first response sadly represent the reason that race relations have gone no further than the current state. They both go back tired and unsubstantiated arguments. Their facts fail to go deep enough or far enough back to get to the root cause. It is now and always has been related to whites in power. The prison industrial complex, the legal systems, the lack of equity in financial systems; they all were created to maintain the status quo that the author of this original opinion quotes but unreasonably attributes to a political party. Just a little research into your own political party, Mr. Caldwell, with an open mind, and you will find that the last 60 plus years of rich getting richer and poor being blamed for their condition, along with more gun ownership (NRA pocketing the R party), is more than partially laid at that partys feet. Racism, inequity in finances and the judicial system, immigration, and housing and feeding those without them, could be taken care in this, the richest of all nations, if those in power wanted to do so. They do not. Because it is more profitable for them to set up straw men and get the masses arguing while they enrich themselves. However, until the R party decides to take care of humanity rather than support the systems that enslave them, take away their voting rights, and kill them, Ill be voting for the people that at least attempt to help those in need. Todd Rudolph * * * Mark Caldwell, you well articulated the facts of one of society's greatest issues. You did it with grace and skill, and backed up your words with truth of statistics that are available for all who want to know the same truths. Sam Lewallen, you confirmed these truths, and then added more truths to verify what most of us know, whatever our skin color may be. Then comes Darlene Kilgore, who without much reasoning (my opinion) explained the largest component of this problem with the very first word of her response, victim. She told us another thing we already knew, Victim blaming serves a purpose. It would have been much more accurate had she just changed a few letters and said Victim claiming serves a purpose, rather than her poignant take of victimhood. Victim claiming provides an excuse for bad behavior. Its that simple. In the 1970s, comedian Flip Wilson made a phrase famous, one that most of us repeated because it was so funny. The Devil made me do it. It became a catch-all phrase used to avoid taking responsibility for our actions, or lack of actions. Its exactly what victim is used for in Ms. Kilgores construct of reasoning. Im not buying it, an most of the people I know, regardless of their skin color, agree with me and are just as sick and tired of it. J. Pat Williams Here is the upcoming City Council agenda for Tuesday: I. Call to Order by Chair Dotley. II. Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation (Councilwoman Coonrod). III. Special Presentation. IV. Minute Approval. Order of Business for City Council V. Ordinances Final Reading: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a. 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. FIRE b. 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) (Alternate Version) (Sponsored by Councilwoman Berz)d. 2023-0049 Charles Ford (M-1 Manufacturing Zone to R-T/Z Residential Townhouse/Zero Lot Line 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-T/Z Residential Townhouse/Zero Lot Line Zone, subject to certain conditions. (District 8) (Alternate Version)PUBLIC WORKSe. 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)VI. 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)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, subject to certain conditions. (Alternate Version)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)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, subject to certain conditions. (Alternate Version)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)VII. Resolutions: COUNCIL OFFICEa. A resolution confirming the appointment of Whitney Sickels to the Animal Control Board for District 1, with a term beginning on June 14, 2023, and ending on June 13, 2026. (District 1)ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTb. 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)c. 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)d. 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.FINANCEe. 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.f. 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 OFFICEg. A resolution confirming Mayor Kellys appointment of Declan Mangan-Lamb to the Community Advisory Committee Region 3 (North Chattanooga), and to acknowledge, as confirmed, as a Special Youth Representative, with a term beginning on June 14, 2023, and ending on June 13, 2024. (Moved with permission of Chair Dotley) (Revised)h. 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 WORKSi. 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)j. 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)k. 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.l. 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.m. 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.PLANNINGn. 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)VIII. Purchases.IX. Committee Reports.X. 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 - Terry Wayne Thomas (Applicant for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1289, 2193 Park Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421). (District 6)XI. Recognition of Persons Wishing to Address the Council.XII. Adjournment.TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023CITY COUNCIL PROPOSED AGENDA 6:00 PM1. Call to Order by Chair Dotley.2. Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation (Councilman Henderson).3. Special Presentation.4. Minute Approval.Proposed Order of Business for City Council5. Ordinances - Final 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)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, subject to certain conditions. (Alternate Version)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)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, subject to certain conditions. (Alternate Version)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)6. Ordinances - First Reading: LEGALa. An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 4, which chapter is known as the Chattanooga Air Pollution Control Ordinance, by providing for incorporation by reference of certain federal regulations and for certain housekeeping provisions. (Moved by Chair Dotley)PLANNINGb. 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) (Deferred from 06-06-2023)7. Resolutions: COUNCIL OFFICEa. A resolution confirming the appointment of Sherrie Ford to the Lookout Valley Region Community Advisory Committee for District 1, with a term beginning June 21, 2023, and ending on June 20, 2025. (District 1)b. A resolution authorizing the City of Chattanooga to allocate $40,000.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to First Baptist Cares to serve as the Fiduciary Agent for the Control-Alt-Delete Program, which offers trauma-focused mental health and mindfulness youth initiatives. (Districts 5 & 9)c. A resolution authorizing the City of Chattanooga to allocate $10,000.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum for the support of their community development initiatives centered around connecting the community to arts and culture opportunities. (Districts 5 & 9)d. A resolution authorizing the City of Chattanooga to allocate $20,000.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to the New Monumental Baptist Church for the purposes of making facilities upgrades which will allow the organization to expand their wraparound services to area youth and their families. (District 5)e. A resolution authorizing the Administrator for the Department of Early Learning to accept an award of $100,000.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for the establishment of a school resource center at Tyner Academy and other facilities and equipment upgrades at Barger Academy of Fine Arts, Bess T. Shepherd Elementary, and Tyner Academy. (District 6)ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTf. A resolution of intent that (i) the proposed Urban Story Ventures, LLC Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Project a/k/a The One Westside-Bend Tax Increment Financing Project (Project) will provide necessary improvements to public infrastructure that the City of Chattanooga (the City) wants to occur within the proposed time for the project, but does not currently plan to effect in the short term under its existing capital improvement plans, and (ii) the City Council will consider an Economic Impact Plan prepared and submitted by the City of Chattanooga Industrial Development Board, with aid from the City of Chattanoogas Department of Economic Development, with respect to the project in accordance with the Citys Tax Increment Financing Policy and Procedures.g. A resolution authorizing the acceptance of $228,546.45 from Hamilton County as the Citys portion from the March 2023 Hamilton County surplus property sale, with $227,049.51 applied as the Citys portion; $708.97 applied to City attorney fees; and $787.97 applied to City Treasurer costs.LEGALh. A resolution authorizing the Office of the City Attorney to engage the following firms for legal and lobbying services: (1) Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.; (2) Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon, PLLC; (3) Baker Donelson; (4) Luther Anderson, PLLP; (5) Miller & Martin PLLC; (6) Tidwell & Associates, P.C.; (7) Janie Varnell with Davis & Hoss, P.C.; (8) Evans, Harrison & Hackett, PLLC; (9) Bass, Berry & Sims; (10) Butler Snow LLP; (11) Husch Blackwell; (12) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP; (13) Adam Sowatzka with McGuireWoods; (14) Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP; (15) Brian Kopet of The Title Guaranty and Trust Company of Chattanooga; (16) Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP; (17) Reifers, Holmes & Peters, LLC (formerly Boyle Brasher LLC); (18) BrightShare Consulting; (19) Tune, Entrekin & White, PC; (20) Bridge Public Affairs; (21) Jones Title Insurance Agency, Inc.; and (22) Emanuel Kapelsohn with The Peregrine Corporation, for the period of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.PARKS & OUTDOORSi. A resolution adopting the Parks and Outdoors Plan, in an effort to establish a public vision for the future of parks and the outdoors in Chattanooga.PUBLIC WORKSj. A resolution authorizing the Administrator for the Department of Public Works to award Contract No. P-22-002-201, Chattanooga Police Department RTIC Area Alteration, for the base bid plus Alternate 2 to T.U. Parks Construction Company, of Chattanooga, TN, in the amount of $109,800.00, with a contingency in the amount of $30,000.00, for a total amount of $139,800.00. (District 8)8. Purchases.9. Committee Reports.10. Recognition of Persons Wishing to Address the Council.11. Adjournment. Pixabay/Tammy Cuff A female student of a church-run institute in Kerala, India, reportedly took her own life due to the mental torture she allegedly received from her instructors. The incident sparked controversy, and a group of Bishops voiced their concerns. Suicide Case in Church-Run Institution On Friday, June 2, Sradha Satheesh, a second-year student of food technology at Amal Jyothi College of Engineering in the Kanjirappilly diocese in the Kottayam district in the southern part of the state of Kerala, ended her own life by hanging herself from a ceiling ventilator inside the hostel where she was staying. According to a report from the UCA News, it has been claimed that the student, who is now 20 years old, did not pass several subjects on the yearly examinations. Students at the premium institution, which had opened its doors in 2001, engaged in violent protests two days later, demanding that action be taken against the college's management and personnel. Since then, the administration has reportedly decided to close the establishment permanently. As mentioned, students from the Students' Federation of India (SFI), which is the student affiliate of India's ruling Communist party, also took part in the demonstration that took place in the college, which is considered to be one of the best and most competitive engineering institutes in the state. Moreover, Edex Live News reported that the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC), the highest authority among Catholic priests in Kerala, released a statement addressing the incident, expressing regret and worry over the suicide. The "planned" tension on the college campus was also mentioned as a cause of their concern. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, the President of the KCBC, has offered his cooperation and declared that the denomination would offer whatever help is required for an impartial investigation. He has requested that the government provide security to keep a peaceful situation in the college. On the other hand, UCA News also reported that the "grief and sorrow" of the Kanjirapally diocese's vicar general, Father Boby Alex Mannamplackal, was expressed following the news of the death of the Church-run institution's student. Despite this, Father Mannamplackal stated in a video message that there was no evidence of foul play in her passing. He explained that she was immediately brought to a nearby private hospital when they discovered her hanging from the ceiling fan. At the same time, the priest asserted that they had alerted her family members and the authorities. "We have sought a fair probe into the circumstances that forced her to take such an extreme step," Father Mannamplackal added. Also Read:Former Archbishop of Canterbury Calls for Parliamentary Debate on Assisted Dying Student Suicide in India Due to Failed Examination As per Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI) compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 13,000 students passed away in 2021 in India at a rate of more than 35 every day. This represents a rise of 4.5 percent from the 12,526 deaths that occurred in 2020. Additionally, 864 of the 10,732 suicides were attributed to "failure in examination," Wion News reported. According to the most recent data collected by the NCRB in 2021, the total number of student deaths caused by suicide witnessed a rise of 4.5 percent. In 2021, the total number of student deaths caused by suicide was highest in Maharashtra, with 1,834 fatalities. It was followed by Madhya Pradesh, with 1,308 deaths, and Tamil Nadu, with 1,246 deaths. Related Article:Wife Of Megachurch Pastor Commits Suicide Following Mental Health Battle Pixabay/ Sergei Tokmakov, Esq The state of California has settled a lawsuit with Christian Medical Group. As part of the settlement, California has agreed to pay $300,000 to the group, which challenged a provision in the state's aid-in-dying law, citing religious objections. Christian Medical Group Lawsuit Based on an article from Medscape, the federal judge ruled on Wednesday, May 17, that doctors with objections to assisted suicide would not be compelled to fulfill the documentation and referral requirement. The settlement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the intersection of medical practices and religious freedom. As mentioned, the legal battle is part of a broader trend of lawsuits across California and the United States, focusing on freedom of speech and religious expression within the medical profession. Physicians and advocates, including an anti-vaccine group, have filed two lawsuits challenging another California law allegedly infringing on their free speech rights. Currently on hold as the lawsuits proceed, the law could subject doctors to medical board sanctions for communicating COVID-related misinformation to patients. In addition, the Alliance Defending Freedom reported that Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA), represented by attorneys from the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), filed the lawsuit, Christian Medical & Dental Associations v. Bonta, in February 2022 in response to California's implementation of a law that required doctors to participate in physician-assisted suicide, even if it conflicted with their religious convictions and professional ethics. The lawsuit argued that California's controversial End of Life Options Act, passed in 2015, legalized physician-assisted suicide but failed to provide sufficient safeguards for conscientious physicians. Furthermore, the legislation compelled medical professionals to participate in the process, disregarding the widely accepted medical ethics consensus that no physician should be forced to engage in physician-assisted suicide, even in jurisdictions where it is legal. In September, a federal district court recognized the potential violation of First Amendment rights for religious and medical professionals and suspended law enforcement while the lawsuit progressed. The ruling set the stage for further negotiations and discussions between the parties involved. Also Read:Former Archbishop of Canterbury Calls for Parliamentary Debate on Assisted Dying New Lawsuit at California's Assisted Suicide Laws Angelus News reported that a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, April 25, in Los Angeles County by attorneys representing four disability-rights organizations, including the Coalition of Californians for Life and Freedom (CALIF), aims to overturn California's physician-assisted death law. The plaintiffs argue that the law discriminates against individuals with life-threatening disabilities and suicidal thoughts by offering them a "state-facilitated death" instead of providing proper medical treatment. They further contend that recent relaxations of the law's safeguards, such as eliminating the 15-day waiting period, make it easier for disabled individuals to choose assisted suicide. Accordingly, the lawsuit targets various state agencies and officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom. It asserts that the End of Life Option Act (EOLA) violates the equal protection and due process rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. In addition, the plaintiffs argue that the law contravenes the anti-discrimination provisions outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. In their complaint, CALIF, United Spinal Association, Not Dead Yet, Institute for Patient's Rights, and individual plaintiffs Lonnie VanHook and Ingrid Tischer contend that individuals with disabilities are more likely to be denied access to quality care and coerced into choosing life-ending drugs due to racism and ableism. They reportedly drew attention to the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of these disparities. Related Article:Scottish Faith Leaders Unite to Oppose Assisted Dying as Draft Bill Looms Pixabay/Darko Stojanovic Dr. David Mackereth, a Christian doctor in the United Kingdom, is fighting against his termination in a European court. Mackereth lost his job at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under the National Health Service four years ago for refusing to use a hypothetical patient's preferred pronouns. After exhausting all domestic legal avenues, Mackereth takes his case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to secure justice. Christian Doctor's Appeal Fox News reported that Mackereth initially filed a lawsuit against his former employer, citing religious discrimination. However, his claim was dismissed by the Employment Tribunal a mere three months later. The Tribunal declared that his biblical beliefs regarding gender were "incompatible with human dignity," dealing a significant blow to Mackereth's fight for reinstatement. Moreover, Mackereth turned to the General Medical Council (GMC), an independent body regulating medical professionals in the UK, to review his case. The GMC appeared to side with Mackereth, stating that it did not believe his situation warranted further action that would impede his registration or professional standing. The council acknowledged that while his religious beliefs could be considered "contentious," it found no evidence suggesting that patient safety would be compromised or that his ability to practice medicine was impaired. As mentioned, the GMC emphasized that holding a religious belief against transgender ideology alone did not risk Mackereth's membership. It clarified that action would only be taken if there were concrete indications that such beliefs negatively impacted patient care or safety. The council also highlighted that it would not initiate an investigation based on hypothetical situations, such as the one presented by the DWP, when terminating Mackereth's employment. Ultimately, the GMC concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that the doctor had provided inappropriate advice or care to patients due to his personal views. On the other hand, Mackereth's beliefs stem from the biblical passage in Genesis 1:27, which asserts that individuals are inherently male or female and that one's sex or gender cannot be altered. However, Personnel Today reported that these beliefs clashed with the policies enforced by the DWP. Also Read: Kansas Teacher Who Was Punished For Refusing Transgender Pronouns Gets Temporary Restraining Order Christian Doctor Sued Michigan Hospital for Religious Discrimination Over Transgender Pronouns In a similar report in 2022, a Christian doctor with 17 years of experience at a Michigan hospital filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging religious discrimination. According to Daily Mail, Valerie Kloosterman claims she was terminated and subjected to derogatory treatment after expressing her religious objections to using transgender pronouns. The lawsuit in the US District Court for the Western District of Michigan highlights the sensitive issue of balancing religious beliefs with transgender rights in the workplace. During her tenure as a physician assistant at Michigan Health, Kloosterman sought religious accommodation, requesting exemption from referring patients for transgender surgical procedures and using gender-neutral pronouns. But, her request was denied by the University of Michigan Health-West Hospital, which allegedly terminated her employment on August 24, 2021, citing her refusal to comply with their transgender patient policy. Additionally, Kloosterman, a mother of four, including triplets, had an impeccable record throughout her 17-year tenure at the hospital. She believes her termination resulted from "unlawful religious discrimination" and is seeking legal redress. Related Article: Christian Doctor Fired For Refusing Trans Pronouns Gets Case Heard In Court Feature: Art exhibition held in Gaza to reflect children's woes in Gaza-Israeli tensions Xinhua) 10:03, June 10, 2023 A Palestinian boy stands in front of an artwork during an art exhibition in Deir al-Balah refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on June 8, 2023. Dozens of Palestinian artists in Gaza on Thursday took part in the art exhibition to reflect the suffering of the local children during the Gaza-Israeli tensions. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Palestinian artists in Gaza on Thursday took part in an art exhibition to reflect the suffering of the local children during the Gaza-Israeli tensions. Dubbed "The Occupation Kills Children," the art event was organized by 26 nongovernment organizations, showing graffiti of the children's losses of homes and even lives under Israeli attacks. Graffiti on rubbles of houses destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, theatrical plays, some of the dead children's personal belongings, and remains of Israeli rockets fired at Gaza were among the most visited segments. "We launched this festival to simulate the suffering of Palestinian children because of the endless Israeli violations against them in Gaza," Fedaa Younus, one of the event organizers, told Xinhua. "We decided to invest in the art as a message to people around the world, which can be understood in all languages," the young woman explained. "The children of Gaza are subjected to killing, destruction, displacement, and fear, and no one cares about them," Hussain Abu Sadiq, a Gaza-based artist who drew graffiti on walls of destroyed houses portraying miserable children in Gaza, told Xinhua. "We focus on our children's suffering to ask for the world's support and pressure Israel into stopping all its crimes against them," said the artist. Mohammed Siam, another Gaza-based artist, also took part in the exhibition with his paintings about children who were trying to escape from Israeli airstrikes on their residential houses. "Our children wish to live in their country freely and not to feel afraid of death or bombing, and they want to enjoy a normal life like the rest of the world's children," said Siam. Now in Gaza of more than 2.3 million, residents have gradually managed to resume their normal daily routines after an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire between Israel and the Hamas-led militant groups ended their five-day deadly exchange of fire, which started on May 9 and left 33 Palestinians and one Israeli killed. On Tuesday, Palestine officially called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to add Israel to the list of parties liable for grave violations against children. During the international conference held in Norway's capital Oslo, Riyad Mansour, Palestine's envoy to the United Nations, called on the international community to support the moral, political, and legal measures against Israel as a necessary and important step toward protecting children during conflicts. A Palestinian girl sits in front of an artwork during an art exhibition in Deir al-Balah refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on June 8, 2023. Dozens of Palestinian artists in Gaza on Thursday took part in the art exhibition to reflect the suffering of the local children during the Gaza-Israeli tensions. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian children are seen in front of an artwork during an art exhibition in Deir al-Balah refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on June 8, 2023. Dozens of Palestinian artists in Gaza on Thursday took part in the art exhibition to reflect the suffering of the local children during the Gaza-Israeli tensions. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian girl stands in front of an artwork during an art exhibition in Deir al-Balah refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on June 8, 2023. Dozens of Palestinian artists in Gaza on Thursday took part in the art exhibition to reflect the suffering of the local children during the Gaza-Israeli tensions. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian children are seen in front of an artwork during an art exhibition in Deir al-Balah refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on June 8, 2023. Dozens of Palestinian artists in Gaza on Thursday took part in the art exhibition to reflect the suffering of the local children during the Gaza-Israeli tensions. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) A court in Washington has mandated that a Korean women-only spa, where nudity is required, must allow transgender women even when they have not yet surgically removed their penises. Judgment of Discrimination Against Olympus Spa According to the New York Post, Judge Barbara Jacobs Rothstein of the Seattle District Court declared a discrimination verdict against Olympus Spa earlier this week. The complaint had been brought by Seattle trans activist Haven Wilvich, who calls herself "more woman" than many feminists who are "only incidental." The court documents state that Wilvich identifies as a woman but is naturally male that has not had sex reassignment surgery. The traditional Korean spa has previously defended its women-only rule by saying it was essential for the safety, legal protection, and well-being of its customers. According to the verdict, transgender women are welcome there, but only after they have had post-operative sex confirmation surgery. Initially filing a complaint in February 2020, Wilvich eventually received confirmation from the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) that the Korean spa had discriminated against her on the basis of her sexual orientation. Wilvich had an online post in 2021, rejoicing that she had succeeded in convincing "the main naked lady spa in the area to change their policies and allow all self-identified women access regardless of surgery and genitals," according to Daily Mail. Those whose "gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth" are included in the WSHRC's definition of sexual orientation, which Judge Rothstein used in her verdict. Also Read: Louisiana Passes Law Prohibiting Sex-Change Surgery on Youths The Spa Owner Is Appealing the Decision in Court Myoon Woon Lee, the spa owner for the last two decades, filed a lawsuit to overturn the ruling. He claimed that it ran counter to his "traditional, theologically conservative" Christian views and put his clients at risk, as reported by the New York Post. Lee expressed his concern that Olympus Spa may face legal consequences if female guests were exposed to male genitalia. Based on the spa owner's complaint, there were several instances when customers saw male genitals being exposed. This allegedly caused customers to feel humiliation, trauma, and rage. "Those patrons apparently demanded refunds and never returned." Lee said in his lawsuit that the discrimination policy requires them to serve both naked men and naked women in the same rooms. This, he said, forces them to choose between breaking the law or going against their religious beliefs. One frequent patron of the Korean-style spa who supported the case identified as a Christian and said she "believes that men and women should not be viewing each other's naked bodies unless married to each other." WSHRC investigator Madison Imiola, nevertheless, maintained that the policy of not serving transgender people like Wilvich amounted to discrimination. She points out that Olympus Spa's "biological women" policy is more concerned with customers' privates than with welcoming transsexual women. Olympus Spa has 30 days to submit an amended complaint in response to the judge's dismissal of its case. Also Read: Uganda's LGBTQ 'Lockdown' Raises HIV Concerns @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Unsplash/Diego Lozano Evangelical media's most well-known figure, Pat Robertson, has sadly passed away at the age of 93. Robertson's retirement was announced by his broadcasting network on Thursday. He is well-known for founding the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and developing the well-known "700 Club" television program. Pat Robertson, a longtime TV host, religious broadcaster, educator, humanitarian, and even forayed into politics as a presidential candidate, peacefully died at his home in Virginia Beach early on Thursday morning, according to a statement from CBN News, though the precise cause of his death was not made public. His lasting impact includes the many people he touched over his illustrious career. Religious Broadcaster Pat Robertson Passes Away at 93 According to the article shared in WJAR 10, throughout his professional life, Robertson founded a number of businesses, including the international humanitarian organization Operation Blessing, the American Center for Law and Justice, and Regent University, an evangelical Christian university in Virginia Beach. Robertson attracted a sizable following when he entered politics in 1988 and ran for the Republican presidential nomination. He used an effective approach of interacting with Iowa's network of evangelical Christian churches, which ultimately helped him defeat Vice President George H.W. Bush and take second place in the Iowa caucuses. Robertson established the Christian Coalition in Chesapeake in 1989 after his failed presidential campaign, encouraging thousands of evangelicals to vote in an effort to further the principles of his campaign. Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, Pat Robertson and fellow televangelist Jerry Falwell came under fire for allegedly assigning blame to a number of organizations, including abortionists, feminists, homosexual people, and the American Civil Liberties Union. Robertson caused controversy in 2010 by falsely asserting that enslaved Black people who had signed a "pact with the Devil" during their struggle for freedom from French invaders in the 18th century were to blame for the disastrous earthquake that struck Haiti that year. According to Pat Robertson's biographer Jeffrey K. Hadden, one of Robertson's famous tactics was his insistence on obtaining three million signatures from supporters across the US before deciding to run for a particular position. According to the Times of Israel, he successfully attracted a sizable support base thanks to this strategy. Robertson reportedly asked for individuals to promise to work for him, pray for him, and give him money, according to Hadden, a sociologist at the University of Virginia. Some political historians considered this strategy to be one of the most deft and brilliant moves a politician has ever made. Also Read:New Apostolic Churchs Members Died In A Car Accident While Heading to A Church Meeting Anti-Muslim Sentiments The frequent anti-Muslim sentiments made by Pat Robertson, a well-known American televangelist and former Southern Baptist minister, have just come to light in an article published by Aljazeera. In particular, his remarks received a lot of attention after the horrific events of September 11, 2001. Islamophobia and the marginalization of Muslims have been aided by Robertson's speech, which included calling Islam a "monumental scam" and spreading untrue rumors about Muslim immigrants attempting to rule Western cultures. One of Robertson's most controversial actions was his oposition to the establishment of a Muslim community center near the site of the World Trade Center in New York City in which he was loudly vocal to the public. By equating Islam to Nazism and espousing inflammatory views, he not only undermined the principles of religious freedom and tolerance but also further fueled animosity towards the Muslim community. Related Article:Christian Author Tim Keller Under Hospice Care Amid Pancreatic Cancer Fight, Died at 72 Unsplash/Karl Fredrickson In response to claims of misbehavior involving a former employee, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kokomo has opened an inquiry, according to a statement made public by Rev. The 5th of June saw Christopher Shocklee. The church, which is dedicated to ensuring the security and well-being of children and adolescents, expressed its worry regarding the allegations and confirmed that the alleged offender is no longer connected to the parish, the institution, or the diocese. The statement highlighted the church's inability to comment on a person's prior employment in matters of employment, despite the fact that it did not reveal the former employee's identity. However, the Diocese of Lafayette, the St. Patrick Catholic Church, and the state's child abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-800-5556 have all requested that anybody with information on occurrences involving the former employee report them to law enforcement. Investigation Launched into Misconduct Allegations at Kokomo Catholic Church According to the article in WRTV, for anyone in need of additional assistance, Fr. Shocklee supplied Jackie Montrie's contact information; who works as the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana's victim assistance coordinator and holds the degrees of M.A., LMFT, and LMHC. He reassured the neighborhood that assistance would be available for anyone upset by the news and said that the Victim Assistance Coordinator might suggest counseling resources for particular reports. Both St. Patrick's Church and the Diocese of Lafayette, Indiana, declined to respond when contacted. Since no litigation or criminal complaints have been brought against them, WRTV, who got in touch with the parties involved, also declined to divulge the name of the person in question. In the article shared in Kokomo Tribune, in his statement, Shocklee hinted at the probable nature of the claims while highlighting the critical nature of children's and adolescents' safety and well-being. He acknowledged the distress such news could cause for all parties concerned and promised parishioners of their support during this trying period. Shocklee highlighted their shared dedication to the work of the church, which entails valuing and safeguarding people of all ages. He urged people to pray for their well-being, invoked the Holy Spirit's guidance, and offered his own prayers for everyone impacted. He wished everyone involved blessings as he wrapped up his remarks. Also Read:Former Church Secretary in Alabama Gets Jail Time for Stealing Over $90K Other Crimes Committed in Churches For stealing almost $90,000 from the church, Carmen Ramer Davis, a former secretary at the Brooklyn Congregational Methodist Church in Alabama, received an 18-month prison term. According to the article shared in Christianity Daily, Davis used a debit card to make unauthorized cash withdrawals and personal purchases while having access to the church's bank account. She also paid herself in cash and with cheques. When a bank letter informed them of insufficient finances, the church learned about her deeds. Davis gambled in Alabama and Mississippi with the stolen money. She also had to complete a year of supervised release after her prison term and pay the church $89,440 in reparations. Church theft is a frequent issue that can be difficult to identify because it sometimes includes small amounts taken over a long period of time. Many churches lack the internal financial controls necessary to guard against theft. Earlier embezzlement cases include a church treasurer who stole $850,000 over eight years and a church bookkeeper who was sentenced to eight years in jail for stealing $3,000 as examples. Church leaders need to be on the lookout for such frauds, put precautions in place, and report fraud to insurance companies and local law enforcement. In Davis's case, the judge's punishment emphasized the harm done to the religious community and was intended to dissuade others from committing similar dishonest conduct. Related Article: Pantano Baptist Church's Former Member Accused of Stealing Over $100,000 Fund Pixabay/Pete Linforth Following the tragic death of George Floyd, the Arlington Community Church was moved to initiate a program known as the 'Black Wealth Builders Fund,' which provides financial assistance to African Americans so that they can buy homes. It has been reported that the church immediately gathered hundreds of thousands of dollars. Tragic Death of George Floyd A Black man named George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020, by a white Minneapolis police officer named Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on his neck for approximately ten minutes. According to History, the incident, witnessed by several people and recorded, sparked what has the potential to be the most significant protest movement in the History of the United States and a statewide reckoning on race and policing. Floyd, originally from Houston and a father to five children, had reportedly purchased smokes at a convenience store in Minneapolis. The store manager contacted the authorities after an employee raised the possibility that Floyd had used fake twenty-dollar money during the purchase. The victim first cooperated with the police as they attempted to arrest him after they pulled a gun on him when they got to the scene. Floyd, on the other hand, fought against being put in the police car and claimed that he had claustrophobia. At some point, the officers could take him out of the vehicle, and Chauvin held him down on the sidewalk for 9 minutes and 29 seconds. He was reportedly lifeless when an ambulance arrived, and medical staff at the nearby hospital confirmed that he had passed away. Moreover, BBC News reported that last May 2021, Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of numerous offenses, including murder in the second degree. His attorney defined the crime as "an error that was made in good faith" while he was on trial. Chauvin was also instructed to establish himself as a dangerous offender and was given a lifetime prohibition against firearms ownership. As mentioned, George Floyd's civil rights were violated, and Chauvin and three other former police officers have each been charged with this. Also Read: Pastor Martin Urges Peaceful Protest for George Floyd's Death 'Black Wealth Builders Fund' Project of Arlington Community Church The Arlington Community Church is a member of the United Church of Christ, has a long history of advocating for social justice, and runs nursery schools on the premises. Richmond Standard reported that the congregation quickly established the 'Black Wealth Builders Fund' after Floyd's death. This program assists "our Black neighbors in purchasing homes," according to a member of the congregation named Susan Russell. Support with the deposit, closing expenses, and other expenditures associated with purchasing a property are all eligible uses for the zero-interest loans available up to a maximum of $20,000 through this program, designed specifically for first-time Black homebuyers. In addition, loans are made available to Contra Costa and Alameda Counties residents, with Solano County being added to the list of possible future service areas. Furthermore, assisting members of the Black community in becoming first-time homeowners appeared to be the best course of action. The congregation members, members of other churches in Berkeley, Lafayette, and Alameda, and a sizeable contribution from the California Association of Realtors all contributed to the fund when it was first established in 2021. The total amount initially raised for the fund was roughly $330,000. According to Russell, the Black Wealth Builders Fund is a donor-advised fund managed by RCF Connects, originally known as the Richmond Community Foundation. "Reaching out to Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services and signing up for their first-time homebuyers' program" is the first step to getting a loan, Russell said. She also asserted that Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services provides a program for first-time homebuyers "that all of our applicants have completed." Related Article: Pope Francis Praises BLM For Being Social Poets And Compares George Floyd To Biblical Good Samaritan Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko A vandalism has occurred on the First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain. The vandals have left a hateful remark, in which they insulted the gay through grafittis and ofensive messages. Reverend Darrell Hamilton responded to the disturbing conduct by expressing his sadness at seeing his cherished church damaged. Reverend Hamilton expressed his concern when talking about the current situation, saying that, tragically, we are living in a world and a period where such occurrences are common. He pointed out that we live in a time when homophobia, racism, xenophobia, and Christian nationalism are all on the rise and that politicians, preachers, and other influential figures are fueling the problem by remaining silent. Vandalism Sparks Outrage and Community Condemnation According to the article shared in Boston 25 News, the First Baptist Church, which was founded in 1842, describes itself as an American Baptist and Alliance of Baptists church. In an effort to fully include LGBTQIA+ people in its community and provide them with leadership possibilities, the church publicly acknowledges its membership with Welcoming & Affirming Baptists. Along with serving its local community in Jamaica Plain and beyond, the church works to advance justice. The incident occurred during Pride month, which is a time to honor and embrace the LGBTQ+ community, Reverend Hamilton noted. He stated that the timing was especially sad and that the church holds the fundamental principle that all people are made in the likeness and image of God. Reverend Hamilton expressed the church's unwavering dedication to equality and inclusion through these comments, and he further highlighted their commitment to justice by saying, "We hold to the truth about justice." According to another source, Boston said that Reverend Ashlee Wiest-Laird claims that the incident occurred between 2 am and 7 am on Thursday. The intention of the graffiti, which Reverend Wiest-Laird called "intimidating and hateful," was to sow fear and advance a message of prejudice. The event was quickly reported to the Boston Police Department by Reverend Wiest-Laird, though specifics of the investigation were not immediately available. Reverend Wiest-Laird expressed deep emotional discomfort in his interview with the Boston Globe, saying that it saddens him to watch individuals spend their time engaging in such crimes. His comments brought tears to his eyes. Also Read:Persistent Vandalism at United Methodist Church in Chicago Prompts Pastor to Seek Police Intervention Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden Condemn Vandalism and Express Solidarity with LGBTQ+ Community Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden has sharply condemned the recent act of vandalism that targeted the First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain. According to the article in CBS News, the ugly act was denounced by both leaders, who also stressed the importance of maintaining national cohesion in the face of such discriminatory behavior. In a statement, district attorney Kevin Hayden expressed his thoughts on the vandalism, calling it "dangerous" and "hurtful," and highlighted that officials have a responsibility to protect the LGBTQIA+ community in light of the pervasive intolerance in society. To ensure the protection of LGBTQIA+ people in Boston and Suffolk County, Hayden vowed that they would exert their greatest effort. But he also emphasized how important it was for both parties' political leaders at the federal level to speak out against these harmful trends in our culture. His words emphasized how crucial cooperation and togetherness are to the fight against hatred. Related Article: Community Outraged as Pittsburgh Church Vandalized: Calls for Justice Amplify Amidst Pressing Issue of Religious Institution Vandalism Pixabay/Gerd Altmann After over a year had passed since the murder of two Jesuit priests in Mexico in 2022, gunfire was recently directed towards the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Inside the Church, Father Enrique Urza discovered evidence of gunfire and located three children he managed to rescue. Priest Rescues Three Children Father Enrique Urza, Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral in Guachochi's Pastor, noted that Wednesday, June 21, would mark the first anniversary since the assassination of the Jesuit priests Javier Campos Morales and Joaquin Cesar Mora Salazar. Father Urza noted that they are located in the Diocese of Tarahumara in Chihuahua, a neighborhood with a permanent presence of criminals. A report from the Catholic News Agency stated that the city of Guachochi, which serves as the administrative hub for the Diocese of Tarahumara, is just around nine miles away from Santa Anita. On Tuesday, June 6, Father Urza arrived in Santa Anita and reported that his situation there was distressing. The Cathedral and the modest chamber that acted as a welcoming center for the missionaries who came to the village to evangelize were both entirely obliterated in the fire. Since there are an excessive number of gunshot holes both inside and outside the building, the priest speculated that the perpetrators deliberately targeted the place of worship. "I don't think that an armed gang can have something against us, against the Church. I don't want to think that, but this is the fact," he asserted. As per Herald Malaysia, over 700 spent bullet casings, a grenade, 19 cartridges, and a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that had been "completely charred" were discovered at the scene, according to the office of the attorney general for the state of Chihuahua. Also, a lifeless body of an unnamed male, roughly 35 years old, was reportedly found on the boundaries of the community's Church. The head had been severed from the man's body, who was dressed in olive-colored military-style clothing. On the other hand, the human drama that occurred in the Church was even more distressing. According to Father Urza, he came across three deserted youngsters who had been left at the house of worship. One of the children he saved was only one year old, while the other two were 9 and 11 years old, respectively. The priest also claimed that he came upon them without food and brought them to the local parish to feed them and figure out what else he could do to assist them. Also Read: First Community Church Collects Unwated Guns From Street, Converts Into Pieces of Art Violence in Mexico The current six-year tenure of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has seen more homicides than any of his predecessors, with a total of over 156,136 as of Wednesday, May 31. Catholic Masses stated that going through its most violent time in modern history. During his morning press conference on Thursday, June 1, Lopez Obrador recognized the unprecedented record but blamed it on "a poor security legacy" left by past governments. Accordingly, there have been 567 first-degree murders documented in the state of Chihuahua as of April. While in Mexico, there have been 11,475 documented homicides between the first of the year and June 5 of this year. Related Article:Violence Uprising in Northeast India Claims 60 Lives, Leads to Church Burnings and Internet Blackouts 2 churches expelled from Texas Baptist convention for 'affirmation of same-sex sexuality' Two churches were expelled from the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) last month for allegedly operating "outside of harmonious cooperation with the churches of the convention due to their public affirmation of same-sex sexuality." The BGCT Executive Board voted unanimously on May 23 to expel the two congregations deemed to be "outside of harmonious cooperation." The congregations were notified by letter of their expulsion. The congregations have until June 30 to respond to the allegations to be considered for reinstatement. "While we appreciate the long-standing relationship and previous collaborations with these two congregations, our heart at BGCT is to remain tethered to the grace and truth extended to us found only in God's Word and the Spirit of Christ," BGCT Executive Boarch Chair Bobby Contreras, the pastor of Alamo Heights Baptist Church in San Antonio, said in a statement. "This foundation has and will continue to be where BGCT stands united." While the BGCT announcement didn't identify the congregations in its public statement, Baptist News Global reports the congregations are Woodland Baptist Church in San Antonio and Second Baptist Church in Lubbock. BGCT is an autonomous state convention that partners with the Southern Baptist Convention. "Concerns about the two congregations and their perceived public affirmation were brought to Convention leaders in the weeks leading up to the Board meeting," the announcement from the convention reads. "A member of the Convention staff contacted the congregations to determine whether their theological views on biblical sexuality had changed. In both instances, the congregations were found to hold views that were inconsistent with the Convention's long-held view on biblical sexuality." After analyzing the information about the two churches, a discussion was held, and the board voted unanimously that the recommendation be passed. The decision satisfied the two-thirds majority set by messengers to the 2016 Texas Baptists annual meeting. In 2016, messengers to that year's Texas Baptists Annual Meeting voted to approve a resolution stating that "any church which affirms any sexual relationship outside the bonds of a marriage between one man and one woman be considered out of harmonious cooperation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas." A second motion was also enacted that allowed for the removal of any church as per an executive board vote if those churches fit the category of being "out of harmonious cooperation" with BGCT. "The Board is committed to leading in sharing Christ and showing love in all we say and do," said Contreras. Of the two churches expelled, Garrett Vickrey, the pastor of Woodland Baptist Church, told Baptist News Global that he had informed Bruce McCoy, the director of the Cooperative Program of the BGCT, that his church had not adopted any official policy on LGBT inclusion. Vickery wrote an email to his congregation stating that "we have not put a barrier before membership" and that the church doesn't ask new members to "check a 'biblical sexuality box' on our membership cards," according to BNG. "We do not question prospective members or candidates for ordination about relationship status or sexual practice," Vickery wrote. "We try to treat all people with dignity and respect. We look at the fruit of their lives." Pastor Jake Maxwell of Second Baptist Lubbock told BNG that his church had "little to do with the BGCT in several years" and that the removal notice surprised him. The church's website also lists the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Baptist World Alliance as "denominational partners." The two churches are not the first to have been expelled from BGCT over sexuality, as the convention had previously removed Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, First Baptist Church of Austin and Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco. In 1998, the BGCT Executive Board withdrew fellowship from University Baptist Church in Austin because the church ordained a gay deacon, BNG notes. In 2010, BGCT leaders removed Dallas' Royal Lane Baptist Church over its ordination of openly gay deacons. More information about the two most recent expulsions will be further discussed at the BGCT's executive board's report to the convention during the 2023 Texas Baptists Family Gathering July 16 to July 18 in McAllen. Were sorry to hear that. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. Return to homepage. Nearly all top-25 worship songs are tied to 5 megachurches in the past decade Just about every worship song that hit the top-25 music charts from 2010 to 2020 were co-written or popularized by one of five megachurches, according to a recent study. Worship Leader Research released a study titled "(Almost) 100% of the Top 25 Worship Songs are associated with just a handful of Megachurches," which analyzed where popular worship songs originated. WLR research reveals that from 2010-2020, only 38 worship songs appeared on the Christian Copyright Licensing International and PraiseCharts top-25 lists. The CCLI lists, researchers said, are seen as the Billboard charts of church music," while the PraiseCharts is "where churches might purchase chord charts and arrangements." Of the 38, 37 were either written or popularized by one of five megachurches: Bethel Church, Hillsong, Elevation Church, Passion Church and North Point Community Church. Of the 37 top-25 songs tied to megachurches, 13 are associated with Bethel, nine with Passion, nine with Hillsong, five with Elevation and one from North Point. The lone song not written or popularized by the five megachurches was "Great Things" by Phil Wickham. However, the study noted that "Bethel Music's successful collaborations with Wickham preceded the song's release." Shannon Baker, a postdoctoral fellow in music and digital humanities with Baylor University who assisted with the study's findings, told The Christian Post that the study sought to answer "who are the main players" in contemporary Christian music. "And then the other part of our study was how is that landscape and environment being engaged by worship leaders," she said in an interview. "How are they interacting with these big artists and the songs that they're putting out? And then, how our worship leaders are engaging with the contemporary worship music?" Marc Jolicoeur, the worship and creative arts pastor at Moncton Wesleyan Church in New Brunswick, Canada, and another WLR study author, told CP, "I guess we can say we were surprised at how unsurprising the results were." "You often go into these kinds of projects with a thesis, a hypothesis that you want to test. And then, the goal is to not just try to reinforce that hypothesis. It's really to genuinely put it through the test to see whether or not the data stacks up to the theory," Jolicoeur said. "A lot of people have this sense that there's a small number of large players as it were in this arena, in this field. But then to just see it so data-driven and just laid out in Excel spreadsheets, like 'oh, wow, there it is. It's really true.' So, that kind of was surprising for me." The part that fascinated Baker the most about the results was the influence of a song being released as a single. "The fact that by 2017, every song after that that was in the top-25 on our list were all released as singles," Baker said. "For me, I think it's just really interesting to see the way that the industry mechanics have influenced the way the most used songs find their way into the church." Baker said there are reasons why the most popular songs heard in worship are written by just a handful of songwriters from a few megachurches, labeling Hillsong, Passion, Bethel and Elevation the "big four." She said megachurches are more established than artists who are not affiliated with them. "You think about Hillsong and Passion. They've existed a lot longer. But I do think that the prominence of these artists, especially Hillsong and Passion, their longevity is due to the fact that people have grown to like those artists and therefore have developed the trust of the songs that they produce," Baker said. "I do think that a lot of it is that these big four that we call them have developed this trust with their listener base. So that perpetuates when they release the new album or the new single, people are going to gravitate toward that because they've liked their songs in the past, so they're probably going to like their new songs." Baker added that while Bethel and Elevation came "a little later onto the scene," they were immediately "able to develop that trust to quickly emerge into the songs that made it onto our list. So, I do think a lot of it is trusted sources." The idea that artists, such as Chris Tomlin, have a trusted fan base has played a role in the trend, according to Baker, who pointed to Tomlin's ties to Passion during the 2010s. "Eventually, he does leave. But while he was there, I think his connection added another level of trust to Passion as a whole because he was trusted both as a solo artist and with his work with Passion," she said. Jolicoeur was concerned with the trend, telling CP that this could be bad news for aspiring Christian musicians and artists, as they might lack equal opportunity in the Christian music industry, calling it "a tough game." "If you're looking for a living, it might not be necessarily the way to go," Jolicoeur said. "If, however, you're looking to just write good worship songs with ones that will serve your community from your heart, it turns out there will never be too many of them." "There's always going to be room for what the Psalms asked us to do, which is to 'sing a new song.'" Over 5,000 UMC churches granted disaffiliation amid schism over homosexuality; 3,000 in 2023 After an active week of United Methodist Church regional conferences, the number of congregations approved to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church in the last two years has surpassed the 5,000 mark. This week, according to numbers compiled by UM News, the number of churches that have had their disaffiliation votes approved by their annual conferences under Paragraph 2553 of the UMC Book of Discipline went from around 4,600 on Tuesday to 5,321 as of Friday morning. Although UM News' numbers include all churches that have been granted the right to disaffiliate since 2019, there was a strong uptick in departures beginning last year, with around 2,000 congregations having their disaffiliation votes approved in 2022 and over 3,000 so far in 2023. From 2019 to 2021, by contrast, fewer than 200 had disaffiliated from the second-largest Protestant denomination in the United States. UM News' data is based on a "review of U.S. annual conference reports, publicly available journals and reports of special annual conference sessions held in 2022 and this year." "The General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination's finance agency, is collecting the official data on disaffiliations and church closures," the outlet notes. "But the finance agency's count of disaffiliations lags behind UM News' data because it must wait for annual conferences to submit official reports." In 2019, at a special session of UMC General Conference, delegates voted to add Paragraph 2553 to the Book of Discipline, which created a process for allowing churches to leave the denomination amid a longstanding debate over the denomination's official stance on homosexuality. Contributing to this growth were the recent votes from multiple regional conferences held this week that approved the disaffiliation of hundreds of congregations seeking dismissal. These included the 286 churches in the Kentucky Annual Conference on Sunday, 113 churches in the South Carolina Conference on Tuesday and 237 churches in the East Ohio Conference on Thursday. For the East Ohio Conference, the departing churches represented around a third (36%) of the member congregations for the regional body, with 414 churches remaining with the conference. "We can no longer focus our attention and give energy to those who have chosen to withdraw or disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. We grieve the loss," said East Ohio Bishop Tracy S. Malone in her Episcopal Address on day one of the annual conference. "We pray for them, and we bless them on their journey. We must focus our attention on who is staying in The United Methodist Church and keep our eye ever vigilant on our mission and on our vision." Over the past few decades, theological liberals have pushed to change the Book of Discipline's stance prohibiting the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals. Efforts to remove the Book of Discipline language have been a focal point at UMC General Conference, a churchwide legislative gathering that generally takes place every four years. Although these efforts have failed, many theological progressives in the UMC have refused to follow or enforce the rules, much to the frustration of theological conservatives. In early 2020, UMC leaders from theologically diverse backgrounds announced their intention to pass a measure at General Conference that year that would allocate $25 million for theologically conservative Methodists to leave the UMC and create their own denomination. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns prompted the UMC to postpone General Conference on multiple occasions, ultimately deciding to hold the gathering in 2024. In response to the continual delays, conservatives launched the Global Methodist Church last year, with many of the departing congregations opting to affiliate with it. "It is anticipated that some theologically conservative local churches will find annual conferences willing to negotiate fair and just exit provisions, while others will, unfortunately, face obstacles placed in their paths," announced the GMC in March 2022. "The Transitional Leadership Council decided it was time to launch the Global Methodist Church, so those who can leave early will have a place to land, to begin building and growing, and making room for others to join later." While many disaffiliating churches have joined the GMC, others are seeking to become nondenominational churches or create other denominational start-ups. Many churches face financial obstacles to their quests to disaffiliate as some conferences are requiring churches to pay hefty sums to keep control of their property. This, and other barriers, have led hundreds of churches to seek legal action in states like Florida, Georgia and Maryland. Republican rivals react to Trump's indictment: 'No one is above the law' Former President Donald Trump has been indicted over his reported possession of classified documents, which led to a raid of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida last summer. In a series of posts on the social media platform Truth Social Thursday, Trump stated that federal officials informed his attorneys that he was being charged in federal court over what the former president called "box hoaxes." The indictment, released publicly on Friday, consists of 37 federal charges against Trump, including 31 counts of "willful retention of national defense information." The document specifically alleges that Trump, "without authorization, retained at the Mar-a-Lago club documents relating to the national defense." It also charges Trump and an associate with conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, concealing a document in a federal investigation and making false statements and representations. The charges come as Trump is seeking to return to the White House as a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2024 presidential election. After noting that he had been summoned to appear at a federal courthouse in Miami next Tuesday, Trump declared his innocence and stressed that he is "currently leading, by far, all Candidates, both Democrat and Republican, in the polls of the 2024 Presidential Election." Special Counsel Jack Smith, tasked by the U.S. Department of Justice with investigating the former president's handling of classified documents, elaborated on the indictment at a brief press conference Friday. "Today, an indictment was unsealed, charging Donald J. Trump of felony violations of our national security laws, as well as participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice," Smith said. "This indictment was voted by a grand jury of citizens in the Southern District of Florida." Smith vowed to "seek a speedy trial in this matter, consistent with the public interest and the rights of the accused." Trump leads his closest rival for the Republican presidential nomination, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, by 30.8 percentage points in the RealClearPolitics average of polls sampling Republican primary voters' intentions in the primary. He maintains a lead of 1.8 percentage points in the RealClearPolitics average of polls surveying voters about a hypothetical rematch with President Joe Biden. Trump's current and former rivals have issued statements responding to the news of his indictment, which ranged from condemnation of the candidate's behavior to allegations of politicization at the U.S. Department of Justice. The following pages highlight four reactions to the Trump indictment. 1 2 3 4 5 Next Former President Donald Trump said on tape that he had kept secret military intelligence that he had not disclosed or declassified, according to a transcript of an audio clip of a 2021 meeting acquired by CNN. Trump is quoted in the transcript as saying, "As president, I could have declassified, but now I can't." Part of the 2021 meeting's transcript includes Trump discussing a secret Pentagon memo on striking Iran. As per the written copy, Trump claims on the audio tape that he did not declassify the document he is referring to. Seven Indictments Stemmed From Trump's Handling of Confidential Material On Thursday, June 8, special counsel Jack Smith's inquiry into Trump's handling of secret information resulted in seven indictments. Since the indictment's specifics have not been made public, there are no details on whether any of the seven charges include the 2021 meeting that was recorded. Nonetheless, the audio is essential, knowing that Trump was aware the documents he brought to Mar-a-Lago after leaving the White House remained secret. While publicly condemning the special counsel's probe as a political witch hunt designed to derail his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump stated that all the papers he took with him to his Florida property are declassified. See Also: Justice Department Lodges Federal Criminal Charges Against Donald Trump Over Classified Documents As per the 2021 Meeting Last week, it was reported that prosecutors had obtained an audio recording of a meeting between President Trump, former chief of staff Mark Meadows, and two people working on Meadows' autobiography. Also present at the meeting were Trump aides, including communications specialist Margo Martin, who were employed by the former president. The audio recording's content indicates that Trump is holding up the paper he is discussing with the attendees. Multiple media sources have confirmed that the tape includes the sound of paper rustling, suggesting that Trump was waving about the genuine Iran document. At one point, as reported by CNN, Trump was heard saying, "Secret. This is secret information. Look, look at this ... This was done by the military and given to me." General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was the target of Trump's criticisms during the meeting. The discussion took place after Susan Glasser's account appeared in The New Yorker magazine, in which she detailed how in Trump's last days in office, Milley told the Joint Chiefs to make sure the president did not give any unlawful instructions and to let him know if there was any cause for alarm. "Well, with Milley - uh, let me see that, I'll show you an example. He said that I wanted to attack Iran. Isn't that amazing? I have a big pile of papers, this thing just came up. Look. This was him. They presented me this - this is off the record, but - they presented me this. This was him. This was the Defense Department and him. We looked at some. This was him. This wasn't done by me, this was him," Trump said, according to the transcript. See Also: AI-Generated Images of Trump Hugging Fauci Appear in Attack Ad by DeSantis Supporters @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A major takeaway from Tim Scotts appearance on 'The View' Tim Scott, the Republican senator from South Carolina and now a Republican presidential candidate, recently appeared on The View and had a lively and candid conversation with the hosts about a number of hot-button issues, in particular the question of systemic racism in America today. In the midst of extended and respectful interaction with host Sonny Hostin (herself an African American), Scott differed with Hostins assessment that his own story was an exception to the rule. He stated, That is a dangerous, offensive, disgusting message to send to our young people today, that the only way to succeed is by being the exception. Then, when challenged by Hostin about whether systemic racism currently existed in America, Scott pointed to the great progress we had made, including having national leaders like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris as well as local leaders in South Carolina who were African American. He also noted that, In 1975, there was about 15% unemployment in the African American community and for the first time in the history of the country it is under 5%. When Hostin responded, 40% homelessness of African-Americans as [compared to] 13% of the population, Scott answered, Heres what Im gonna suggest. ... The fact of the matter is that progress in America is palpable. It can be measured in generations. I look back at the fact that my grandfather, born in 1921 in Sally, South Carolina, when he was on a sidewalk, a white person was coming, he had to step off and not make eye contact. That man believed then what some doubt now: in the goodness of America. Because he believed that having faith in God, faith in himself, and faith in what the future could hold for his kids, would unleash opportunities in ways that you cannot imagine. He continued, Every kid today can look just change the stations and see how much progress has been made in this country. ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, ESPN, CNN, and FOX News, all have African-American and Hispanic hosts. So what Im suggesting is that yesterdays exception is todays rule. Hostin then asked, So America has met its promise? Scott responded, No, of course, the concept of America is that we are going to become a more perfect union. But in fact, the challenges that we faced 50 years ago and 60 years ago should not be the same challenges that we face today. Then, getting specific, he said: And heres the way that you measure that. When my mother was born, about 10% of African Americans got a high school degree, diploma, today it is over 90%. When we look at the income success Hoskins interjected here, Thats an HBCU [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] stat and Scott continued, The HBCU stat is a good one. One of the reasons why I took the funding for HBCUs to the highest level in the history of the country, and then I helped make it permanent, is because I believe that education is the closest thing to magic in America. So Im about making sure that our kids have as many opportunities to succeed as possible. May Scotts vision come to pass, and may it come to pass speedily. Well done and well said. But heres what struck me and I write this from the perspective of a white Jewish American who was born in New York City and grew up on Long Island where I encountered very little anti-Semitism and was raised in a non-racist home. (As a young boy, my second organ teacher was a black man married to a white woman, and they would sometimes dine with us. They had lost many friends because of their marriage, something that my father found utterly appalling in that day and age, meaning, in the mid-1960s; I was born in 1955.) The bottom line is that I did not grow up in the South. I did not witness firsthand the outrage of segregation. I did not come from a major slave-owning state. And, although in retrospect Im sure it was happening on Long Island, I was unaware that blacks were subject to racial profiling by the police. This was not a conversation I remember having with any black schoolmates or friends in high school or college, even in my days as a teen drug user, when fear of the police was a reality to me and my fellow-druggies. (For context, I was born in 1955.) What struck me, then, in Scotts comments was not his emphasis on how much better things have gotten for Black Americans today, although I do believe he is right, and I believe we are continuing to head in the right direction, the efforts and attitudes of white Supremacists notwithstanding. Instead, what struck me was howrecent Scotts examples were. To be sure, none of this was new information to me in terms of the picture that he painted. I was just jarred to hear it stated again, especially lines like this: When my mother was born, about 10% of African Americans got a high school degree, diploma ... How devastating. Inequities that run that deep are not quickly reversed. And to think of what his own grandfather suffered. This is not ancient history. Thats why I was not surprised to read that a 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances found that, White families have the highest level of both median and mean family wealth: $188,200 and $983,400, respectively ... black and Hispanic families have considerably less wealth than white families. Black families median and mean wealth is less than 15% that of white families, at $24,100 and $142,500, respectively. Hispanic families median and mean wealth is $36,100 and $165,500, respectively. So, what struck me the most in Scotts comments was how far we still need to go to right the wrongs of the past and I write these words as someone who is not trying to prove my wokeness, who feels zero White guilt (why on earth should I?), and who is not arguing for reparations. Im simply saying that: 1. our ugly past is more recent than some of us realize (or care to realize); and: 2. while I do not believe that systemic racism is by any means pervasive in America today, the legacy of systemic racism can still be felt in many tangible ways. All that being said, I applaud Senator Scotts attitude and I agree with him that we are heading in the right direction. Let it truly be that yesterdays exception is todays rule! Ex-gay Christian accused of advertising 'conversion practices' stands trial in Malta An ex-gay Christian is on trial in Malta after sharing his testimony about leaving behind a homosexual lifestyle. Matthew Grech's trial commenced on Friday in what is belived to be the first case of its kind anywhere in the world. He stands accused of discussing and advertising 'conversion practices' after talking about how he overcame unwanted same-sex attraction and embraced Christianity in an interview with PMnews Malta. The presenters of PMnews Malta who interviewed him are also standing trial. If convicted, Mr Grech faces five months in prison and a possible fine of 5,000 euros. Speaking ahead of his trial, Mr Grech said that Malta's laws on conversion practices are "draconian". "This week I am in a criminal court for the first time for essentially sharing the hope of my Christian faith and what Christians believe," he said. "My Christian journey of transformation, from being a practising homosexual interested in the occult and wanting to be a reiki master, to becoming a committed evangelical Christian, is one that should be told without fear of being criminalised." He is accused of breaking Article 3 of Malta's Affirmation of Sexual Orientation, Gender and Gender Expression Act, which makes it illegal to "perform conversion practices on a vulnerable person" and advertise or offer to perform conversion practices. He is being supported by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), which said that the outcome of the case will have ramifications for the ex-gay community worldwide as well as freedom of the press and freedom of speech to publicly question and debate 'conversion practices' involving LGBT lifestyles. CLC chief executive Andrea Williams said, "We should all be concerned at this flagrant attempt by the Maltese authorities to criminalise Matthew simply for telling his story of freedom from unwanted and unfulfilling homosexual activity. "To deny that Matthew and others can change is discriminatory and violates their Christian freedoms and fundamental human right to free speech." She continued, "The domino effect of 'conversion therapy' bans began in Malta. If a precedent is set by this case in Malta, we will see similar cases in the UK unless, unless robust action is taken. "It is vital to win this case, not just for people in Malta, but for Christian freedoms and the freedom to leave homosexuality and unwanted same-sex attraction across the world." Dr Mike Davidson, head of Core Issues Trust, which offers therapeutic support for people struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction, said the trial of Mr Grech was an attack on human rights and free speech. "In what is probably a test case, the freedoms of speech, conscience and religion are being attacked. The fact is that therapeutic and counselling choice is a fundamental right," he said. "Governments promoting monocultural viewpoints - this idea that sexual orientation is inborn and unchangeable, and that gender is unrelated to biological sex are denying those unwilling to identify as LGBT the right to leave identities and practices no longer relevant to them. This is a human rights issue. "Without ideological diversity in any life issue, democracy is denied checks and balances and descends to totalitarianism." Connecticut's U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy are joining with several of their counterparts around New England to encourage Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to support a transmission line project that would bring hydropower from Canada into New England via underwater cable beneath Lake Champlain. Blumenthal and Murphy joined with Vermont Sen. Peter Welch as well as Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey of Massachusetts in a letter to Granholm to include funding for the New England Clean Power Link project in the federal Energy Department's $2.5 billion Transmission Facilities Program. The project is a 1,000-megawatt transmission line to bring Canadian hydropower into the six-state-region. Part of the transmission line would be buried under Lake Champlain before coming ashore in Rutland County, Vermont. From there, the transmission line would be buried underground across about 56 miles of central Vermont before it would be linked with an existing portion of New England's electric transmission grid. The $1.6 billion project is seen as a way to improve energy reliability in New England, particularly in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island where demand for electricity is the highest. The New England Clean Power Link project has already received all the permits needed, but a timeline for the construction of the project has not yet been established. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The developer of the New England Clean Power Link, Albany, N.Y.-based Transmission Developers Inc., has submitted its plan to the Energy Department in an effort to get federal funding for the project. In their letter to Granholm, the five senators said the project "would help address New Englands annual winter grid reliability issues and help the region achieve its renewable energy goals." Lake Conroe Centennial Lions Club welcomed Tracy Waters with Tracy Lynn Photography as their guest speaker at a recent meeting. The title of her program was "We're Bringing Sassy Back". Pictured above is Tracy with Lake Conroe Centennial Lions Club President Shirley Abt. Lake Conroe Centennial Lions Club opened its last General Meeting with a blessing by President Shirley Abt followed by her leading us all in a pledge of the American Flag and then the Texas Flag. After the reading of the minutes and the financial report, President Abt opened the floor for Good News! Several members stated that a 2023 graduate was in their family and one member stated that she just found out that she will soon become a grandmother! Congratulations to all! Then Program Chair, Marie Underdown, introduced our Guest Speaker, Tracy Waters with Tracy Lynn LLC Photography, Tracy, a wife of almost 33 years and a mom to two beautiful daughters, presented a program entitled Were Bringing Sassy Back. From the beginning, Tracy was a girl behind the camera. As a matter of fact, in high school she got a job at Olan Mills Studio, selling photo packages. Even back then, she had a vision as Tracy told the photographer If we would do the ladies hair and make up first - wed sell more packages. She was ahead of her time, because a few years later Glamour Shots came along! Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tracy continued her education by studying copywriting and desktop publishing in college which earned he a job in advertising. Again she was ahead of her time as she was scanning in photos and editing them in photoshop before that was a thing. Apps were still in the distant future. After the birth of her daughters, Tracy wanted the flexibility to be able to spend more time at home with them, so she bought a mannequin and started a business. Using the mannequin to display different accessories, she taught women how just the changing of accessories can dramatically change the look of an outfit. Tracy continued this business for 12 years. Her children grew as did her business, to a point where she wasnt spending the quality time with her girls. At that point, Tracy felt that God was telling her that it was time to stop and enjoy her daughters while they were still at home. I have never regretted that time! Unfortunately, a decade or so later, Tracy and her husband went through some difficult times: times of hopelessness and despair. Now empty nesters, the couple moved to Montgomery to start over. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Her first job in this area was working at a boutique, helping women choose outfits that make them look good so that they feel good. Then it hit her: lets make women of all ages feel good about themselves: to feel beautiful! Thus her dream was born: To help other women get out of their pit-whatever it may look like- and get their confidence back: in other words, their Sassy! Tracy had been toying with the idea of a photography studio and viola! She did it! Tracys home studio is gorgeous, complete with a glamour closet filled with fabulous accessories and a dramatic spiral staircase, just perfect for that sassy pose. In addition to the clothes and accessories, clients also are treated to a hair and make-up artist. The photos are the icing on the cake! But the program was not finished yet! Tracy then presented a slide show of an actual client: Marie! First the before, then after Tracys professional work! Wow, what a difference! (PS I almost didnt recognize myself!) Then to top the program off, Tracy had a drawing where she gave out lots of fun goodies. LCCLC members bought tickets to win lots of fun prizes that Tracy raffled off, and all the money from that raffle she donated to the Texas Lions Camp! Way to go, Tracy! We not only enjoyed but were inspired by your story. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For more information, check her out on Facebook and insta@TracyLynn LLc, TracyLynnLlc@gmail.com or call or text 832-291-0584. (Note: Tracy will donate 10% of all proceeds to Montgomery County Womens Shelter. She eventually wants to have a program offering grants to help women start small businesses.) Border Patrol agents process migrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border on June 24, 2022, in Yuma, Ariz. Photo for The Washington Post by Eric Thayer The Biden administration on Friday named Jason Owens to be the new chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, an announcement that comes amid a changing-of-the-guard among top border officials whose responsibilities have been eased by a recent drop in illegal crossings. Owens, a 27-year Border Patrol veteran who is well regarded by rank-and-file agents, served most recently as the chief of the Del Rio, Tex., sector, one of the busiest along the U.S.-Mexico border. On June 30, he will replace retiring chief Raul Ortiz, one of several senior leaders who delayed their departures to help manage the expiration of pandemic-related border policies. In a statement, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas praised Owens as "a talented, selfless, and inspiring leader who is dedicated to the Border Patrol's law enforcement mission, the men and women who fulfill it, and the country that we all serve." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Illegal crossings along the southwest border soared to record levels during President Biden's time in office, straining morale in the agency at a time when the Border Patrol has struggled to meet hiring goals and staffing levels have lagged. Crossings jumped to more than 10,000 per day last month as migrants rushed to enter the United States before the Title 42 pandemic policy lifted on May 11 and tighter enforcement policies took effect. Predictions of an even larger border surge after the pandemic policy lifted did not materialize, however. Unlawful crossings have dropped 70 percent since May 11, according to the latest enforcement data. That has brought a reprieve to border officials - and the chance for veteran leaders to step down - after months of crisis-mode operations. DHS officials also announced Friday the retirement of Benjamine "Carry" Huffman, a decorated Border Patrol official who joined the agency in 1985 and has been serving as the acting deputy commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Huffman will be replaced by Pete R. Flores, a veteran official from CBP's Office of Field Operations and one of the agency's most experienced leader of drug interdiction efforts at U.S. ports of entry. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Diane Sabatino, deputy executive assistant commissioner of CBP's Office of Field Operations, will succeed Flores as the top acting official at the Office of Field Operations, overseeing 31,000 officers and employees, according to the Department of Homeland Security. "I am very grateful for the service of our departing senior leaders, and look forward to what our new executives will accomplish in service of our mission," Troy Miller, CBP's acting commissioner, said in a statement. Before overseeing the Del Rio sector, Owens ran the Border Patrol academy in Artesia, N.M., where he hosted a podcast that addressed training topics as well as some of the controversies and public criticism faced by agents. Owens has also held leadership roles along the northern U.S. border with Canada. Border agents under Owens's command responded to the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Tex., that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers in May 2022. The massacre ended when a Border Patrol tactical team killed the shooter, but law enforcement officials were heavily criticized for taking more than an hour to confront him and reach the victims. Former president Donald Trump arrives for a court appearance in New York on April 4, 2023. Washington Post photo by Jabin Botsford. Former president Donald Trump stashed sensitive intelligence secrets in a bathroom, his bedroom and a ballroom at Mar-a-Lago, according to a scathing 49-page indictment unsealed Friday against him and a loyal servant who is accused of lying to cover up his boss's alleged crimes. The grand jury indictment tells a story of hubris and hypocrisy, describing a wealthy former president living among neck-high stacks of boxes with classified documents scattered inside them, sometimes literally spilling out of their containers. In the prosecutors' telling, neither Trump nor any of his aides or lawyers appeared bothered by the sprawl of sensitive papers until government agents came calling. Then, the former commander in chief allegedly set out to hide some of what he had. The document, complete with color photographs and witness accounts of breathtaking criminal conduct, lays down a marker for a legal and political battle to come that could reshape the 2024 presidential race, the politics of national security, and the public's perception of the Justice Department and the 45th president of the United States. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Wouldn't it be better if we just told them we don't have anything here?" Trump allegedly asked when his lawyers told him in May 2022 that they had to comply with a grand jury subpoena seeking the return of any documents marked classified. In that same conversation, he praised a lawyer for Hillary Clinton for what he claimed was the act of deleting 30,000 of her emails when she was in government. "He did a great job," Trump allegedly said. Such private comments stand in stark contrast to Trump's public statements as a 2016 candidate and as president about the importance of protecting classified information. As recounted in the indictment, Trump often used the issue as a rhetorical dagger against Clinton, declaring in September 2016 that "one of the first things we must do is enforce all classification rules and to enforce all laws relating to the handling of classified information." In total, Trump faces 37 separate counts, 31 of them for alleged willful retention of national defense information. Each of those 31 counts represents a different classified document he allegedly withheld - 21 that were discovered when the FBI searched the property last August, and 10 that were turned over to the FBI in a sealed envelope two months earlier. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump was not charged with a crime for every secret document he allegedly possessed, as prosecutors try to navigate the tricky legal and intelligence issues surrounding a public trial involving government secrets. He was not charged with mishandling any of the classified documents that he returned to the National Archives and Records Administration in early 2022 - a telling sign that if he had turned over what authorities had sought, the matter might never have been a criminal case. Now, if convicted, Trump potentially faces decades in federal prison. He is again running for president and currently leads a crowded field of Republican candidates. The secret documents the FBI recovered from Mar-a-Lago, Trump's home and private club in South Florida, included one about the "nuclear weaponry of the United States" and another describing the "nuclear capabilities of a foreign country," according to the indictment. The indictment offers only broad descriptions of the sensitive topics: a White House intelligence briefing from 2018, communications with a foreign leader, documents concerning operations against U.S. forces and others from January and March 2020, and military activities and attacks by foreign countries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Our laws that protect national defense information are critical for the safety and security of the United States, and they must be enforced," said special counsel Jack Smith, who was tapped in November to take charge of the politically fraught investigation and spoke publicly about it for the first time Friday afternoon, after the indictment was unsealed. "Violations of those laws put our country at risk." Trump, who has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, preempted the unsealing of the indictment by announcing it himself Thursday night. He attacked Smith on social media Friday, calling him a "deranged 'psycho' that shouldn't be involved in any case having to do with 'Justice.'" Smith, a former war crimes prosecutor, struck a far more sober tone, telling reporters, "We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone." The charges were filed in Miami federal court, where Trump and his longtime valet, Waltine "Walt" Nauta, are expected to appear in court Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In addition to the willful-retention charges Trump faces, he and Nauta are jointly charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document, concealing a document and scheming to conceal. They are separately charged with making false statements or causing false statements to be made to authorities. A lawyer for Nauta, who faces six counts in all, declined to comment. Smith signaled that prosecutors would try to move quickly to bring the case to trial. The timing will be critical, because Trump faces a March trial in Manhattan in an unrelated case in which he is accused of arranging illegal hush money payments to women during his 2016 presidential campaign. Separately, state prosecutors in Georgia are considering filing charges this summer over Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election result, and Smith is investigating those efforts on the federal level. And any trial in mid-2024 could crash up against the major parties' nominating conventions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While much of the Justice Department's classified documents investigation was conducted through a federal grand jury in Washington, authorities ultimately decided to bring the case in South Florida. The decision was due to concerns about legal precedents involving the proper place to charge the alleged crimes, given that so much of the activity took place in the Sunshine State. The case has been initially assigned to U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump-nominated judge who played a key role in an early stage of the investigation. She appointed a special master to examine some of the material the FBI had seized from Mar-a-Lago, delaying the Justice Department's access to some of the evidence. But Cannon's ruling was eventually reversed on appeal. Shortly before the indictment was unsealed Friday, Trump announced he was losing his two key lawyers on the case, who had tried unsuccessfully to persuade the Justice Department not to bring charges. The former president said he would soon hire new lawyers to help him and that one of the attorneys representing him in the New York case, Todd Blanche, would take a lead role in the Miami defense too. Trump accused prosecutors of trying to "destroy" Nauta's life in hopes that "he will say bad things about 'Trump.'" Advertisement Article continues below this ad The charging document makes clear that plenty of witnesses shared with prosecutors damning accounts of the former president's handling of classified papers after he was out of office, and that much of the security risks posed by Trump's behavior stemmed from a combination of sloppiness and showing off. In December 2021, authorities said, Nauta found that several of Trump's boxes had fallen and the classified documents inside had spilled onto the floor of a storage room, clearly visible. "I opened the door and found this," Nauta allegedly texted another Trump employee, sharing a photo of the mess. Earlier that year, Trump ordered some of his boxes to be brought to his home at the Bedminster Club in New Jersey. In one interview there, he allegedly bragged about having a sensitive document about Iran. "I have a big pile of papers, this thing just came up," Trump told a person who was there working on a book. "Secret. This is secret information. . . . See as president I could have declassified it. . . . Now I can't, you know, but this is still a secret." Around the same time, Trump allegedly met in his Bedminster office with a representative of his political action committee and showed the person "a classified map" of a foreign country, which the indictment does not identify. Trump told the person "he should not be showing the map" and "to not get too close." The indictment did not name the person who was shown the map but did say he did not have a security clearance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Karl Schmae, a former FBI agent who also spent years inspecting military facilities to ensure they were handling classified material correctly, called the allegations in the indictment "just beyond the pale. This behavior is so reckless, so irresponsible, it really puts at risk the national security of the United States." The indictment offers the fullest timeline of the investigation, and how Trump and those around him reacted in the face of increasing government demands to turn over papers, beginning with requests from the National Archives in 2021. In early 2022, after months of requests, Trump provided 15 boxes of papers to the Archives. When government archivists opened the boxes, they found 197 documents with classification markings, of which 98 were marked secret, 30 were marked top secret and the rest were at the lowest classification level, confidential. That ultimately led to a May grand jury subpoena demanding the return of all documents with classified markings. When they received that subpoena, prosecutors allege, Trump and his valet made a concerted effort to hide boxes of documents from the government. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Between May 23 and June 2, Nauta moved 64 boxes from the storage room and brought them to Trump's residence, the indictment says. On the morning of June 2, phone records allegedly show that Trump called Nauta, a call that lasted less than a minute. Nauta allegedly moved 30 boxes back to the storage room - roughly half of what he'd previously taken from the room. Days earlier, Nauta allegedly texted about the boxes with a female relative of Trump, who is not named in the indictment. "I think he wanted to pick from them," Nauta tells her. ". . . He told me to put them in the room and that he was going to talk to you about them." The movement of the boxes on June 2 is a critical moment in the saga because the next day, a federal prosecutor and FBI agents visited Mar-a-Lago to retrieve material in response to the subpoena. They were handed a folder with more than three dozen classified documents. Even then, Trump allegedly suggested to his own lawyer that they withhold material sought by the subpoena, the indictment says, citing an account provided by a person identified as "Attorney 1." Advertisement Article continues below this ad That lawyer, who was identified by a person familiar with the case as Evan Corcoran, described Trump making a "plucking" motion with his hand. "He made a funny motion as though - well okay why don't you take them with you to your hotel room and if there's anything really bad in there, like, you know, pluck it out," the attorney is quoted as saying. "And that was the motion he made. He didn't say that." Neither Nauta nor Trump told Trump's attorneys that nearly three dozen boxes had been moved to Trump's residential quarters and not returned to the Mar-a-Lago storage room, which was the only place Corcoran searched for classified documents in response to the subpoena. Trump's representatives later told prosecutors in a sworn statement that they had conducted a diligent search and produced every document responsive to the subpoena. Those claims, authorities now charge, were lies pushed by Trump. The indictment charges that as much as Trump and Nauta tried to conceal, they repeatedly failed to cover their tracks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When FBI agents interviewed Nauta in late May, he denied moving boxes for his boss, which they charge was a lie. - - - Former vice president Mike Pence at Florida International University in January. A federal judge in March required him to testify before a grand jury investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Photo for The Washington Post by Scott McIntyre A federal judge on Friday unsealed a potentially landmark ruling that compelled former vice president Mike Pence to testify earlier this year before a grand jury investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack and efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Pence had initially fought the subpoena from special counsel Jack Smith. But in March, Pence hailed what he called a historic decision by Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg of Washington, agreeing that Pence could remain silent on topics that dealt specifically with his role in Congress on Jan. 6, when he presided over the Senate in a joint session to confirm results of the presidential election, which was interrupted by a violent pro-Trump mob. Pence called Boasberg's ruling the first to lay out how a vice president also qualifies for constitutional protection enjoyed by lawmakers from being compelled to testify even in criminal investigations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Boasberg's ruling and reasoning had remained secret until now because grand jury rules generally bar anyone other than witnesses from discussing them. News organizations asked the judge to unseal them, and on Friday he granted their request. Boasberg said repeated discussions and revelations by Pence and his lawyers removed the need for secrecy. Boasberg's 18-page opinion, issued in March, reveals that the court allowed Pence the privilege to avoid testifying only in response to very specific questions. In particular, prosecutors are believed to have wanted to ask Pence about Trump and others' failed efforts to pressure him, the Trump Justice Department and officials in key swing states to overturn the election. That includes attempts by Trump's lawyers to substitute allies for certified electors from some states Joe Biden won. Boasberg did not appear to rule out such questions. "The Court holds that, while the Clause does apply to the Vice President, it does not cover the vast majority of what the Special Counsel seeks to ask him about. The Court will thus largely deny the former Vice President's motion," Boasberg wrote in his ruling. The Constitution's "speech-or-debate clause" was intended to protect elected members of Congress who are conducting the people's legislative business from coercion or intimidation by the president's agents - such as the threat of investigation or jailing - a core separation-of-powers principle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But in a key finding, Boasberg said the protection is limited to lawmaker's official duties, or actions taken in preparation for them, and does not extend to "communications urging a lawmaker to act unlawfully." Boasberg drew a line between Pence's actions preparing for and delivering of floor speech on Jan. 6, as well as his internal staff advice on the scope of his authorities that day, which were protected, and conversations by Trump or others encouraging Pence to stop Congress's confirmation of the election results, which the vice president's own aides told him he was not legally authorized to do. "The bottom line is that conversations exhorting Pence to reject electors on January 6th are not protected" from inquiry, Boasberg said. Pence sought to carve out a wider range of conversations, including any meant to "educate a legislator on a matter before him," even incidentally. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But that "would cover any conversation with anybody with an opinion . . . That cannot be the rule," Boasberg wrote. "Instead the touchstone is whether these conversations were integral to the Vice President's performance of his official duties." Boasberg did not unseal his entire opinion, leaving redactions removing references to any specific testimony or prosecutors' factual or strategic basis for seeking it, as the investigation is ongoing. The Justice Department did not appeal a ruling issued earlier Friday by Boasberg in which he said he planned to unseal redacted case documents. "The heart of what the Press asks for here, and what the Court plans to release, is the legal discussion surrounding the dispute Pence has already revealed," Boasberg wrote in Friday's ruling. Pence, who is running against Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has positioned himself as a reluctant witness who has fought demands for his testimony. Still, he discussed events in his book issued late last year, "So Help Me God," and in promotional interviews. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Top aides Marc Short and Greg Jacob, Pence's chief of staff and chief counsel as vice president, have spoken to the Justice Department and also appeared before the grand jury. Jacob told congressional investigators, for example, that Trump attorney John Eastman acknowledged to him that efforts to get Pence to block Biden's electoral college victory would violate the Electoral Count Act, and that Trump was informed it would be unlawful. Pence has said Trump's actions endangered everyone at the Capitol, including Pence's family members trapped with him there, but publicly downplayed Trump's criminal culpability. Liz Hardaway is a breaking news reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. She was a Hearst fellow in Connecticut and at the San Antonio Express-News where she covered city hall and local issues. She also worked at the Sun Newspapers in Southwest Florida as a general assignment reporter covering politics, business, and health. Liz graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2018 with a B.A. in journalism. She enjoys cooking, reading and playing with her dachshund, Finn. (Photo : ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) A timeline of former United States President Donald Trump's classified documents case leading up to his subsequent indictment. Former United States President Donald Trump is facing criminal charges over his handling of classified documents. The Department of Justice raided the Republican businessman's home in August 2022 as part of their search for the sensitive materials Trump allegedly failed to cooperate with federal officials regarding the return of the documents The Department of Justice recently filed a federal indictment of former United States President Donald Trump over his handling of classified documents. Here is a timeline of everything we know so far about the historic case. January 2021: Trump Leaves the White House Trump left office on Jan. 20, 2021, ahead of at the time President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration following his presidential election win. The General Services Administration (GSA) said that members of the former president's transition team were responsible for packing the sensitive materials into boxes and placing them on pallets so that they could be transported. May 2021: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) later found out about the documents taken from the White House after the former president left office. They immediately issued a request on May 6, 2021, for the records to be returned, as per the Independent. January 2022: Return of Some of the Classified Documents NARA received 15 boxes of records that were found to be stored at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, 14 of which were later found to have contained classified documents. The materials were found mixed in with various other materials, such as newspapers, magazines, photos, and personal correspondence. August 2022: Raid of Trump's Mar-a-Lago Estate The FBI raided the former president's Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022 in search of the classified documents that Trump took from the White House. But legal filings also showed that the investigation into the Republican businessman's potential violation of the Espionage Act was already months in the making. The sensitive materials made it clear that the former president had sufficient time to try and return the documents that the government had requested. Officials also discovered the sheer quantity of highly-sensitive materials that Trump was allegedly hiding at his club. Read Also: Joe Biden Allegedly Received $5 Billion Bribe From Burisma Exec, FBI Docs Reveals September 2022: Trump's Request for a Special Master Trump appointee Judge Aileen Cannon granted the former president's request for a special master who would be responsible for DOJ objections in the case. The Justice Department requested access to the sensitive materials that were taken in the raid. While Cannon initially rejected the DOJ's request, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals later allowed the department to review the classified documents, according to Reuters. November 2022: Special Counsel Jack Smith United States Attorney-General Merrick Garland appointed special counsel Jack Smith to oversee the Trump case. December 2022: Testimonies Regarding the Case Tim Paralatore, a lawyer for Trump, appeared before a federal grand jury in Washington where he described efforts to search the former president's properties for any remaining materials. This came after at least two additional records were found following a further search of the Republican businessman's properties. A federal appeals court also reversed Judge Cannon's previous ruling of appointing a special master to the case, arguing that she did not have sufficient authority to make the decision. This gave the DOJ access to all of the seized materials. June 2023: Federal Indictment of Trump Trump revealed on his Truth Social media platform that the Biden administration informed him through his attorneys that he has been indicted in relation to the classified documents. The 37-count indictment was later unsealed and revealed additional details of the case. The criminal charges against the former president include willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, and several others. The indictment added that the former president also stored "information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries" inside his boxes. These also included U.S. nuclear programs, potential vulnerabilities of the country and its allies in relation to military attack, and plans of possible retaliation if a foreign attack does occur, said The Guardian. Related Article: Lawyers Who Used ChatGPT Face Possible Sanctions After AI Cited Fake Cases @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Canada's special investigator to probe China's alleged election meddling in the country is resigning from his post, he announced on Friday, June 9. The investigator appointed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, David Johnston, blamed the widespread opposition not only for his work but for his appointment as well for his abrupt step-down. Canada Special Investigator on China Election Meddling Resigns As per a recent report by Reuters, Canada's special investigator tasked with probing allegations of Chinese election meddling has suddenly thrown in the towel. The 81-year-old special investigator of Prime Minister Trudeau says he will vacate his post once he delivers his brief final report, which could be before June ends. He confirmed, "I am therefore tendering my resignation, effective no later than the end of June 2023, or as soon as I deliver a brief final report, which I hope to be earlier." According to The Guardian, the Canadian investigator emphasized that he decided to abruptly quit due to the "highly partisan atmosphere" of his responsibilities. He says that his work was supposed to instill trust in the democratic institutions of the country. However, given the climate of the situation, he feels that his leadership did otherwise. Thus, he decided to step down. In May, Johnston released a report uncovering an alarming claim. He disclosed that "foreign governments are undoubtedly attempting to influence candidates and voters in Canada." He notes that the country still needs to exert more effort to "strengthen [its] capacity to resist foreign interference." Read Also: Justin Trudeau Net Worth 2022: Overall Wealth, Salary of Canada's Prime Minister China's Alleged Meddling in Canada Elections Throughout his appointment, the special investigation received widespread backlash from the opposition parties in Canada, accusing him of bias. Voice of America News reports that allegations of China's interference in the recent federal elections spread early this year. It accuses Beijing of favoring Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party after meddling in the polls. Amid the accusations, Trudeau appointed a "special rapporteur" to lead the probe, deciding whether the issue requires a formal inquiry. The Canadian government appointed the former Governor General Johnston last March following reports that shed light on allegations that Beijing tried to influence elections and policies in the country. However, China maintained a denial of such accusations. According to BBC, the special rapporteur recommended the government hold a series of hearings on the election meddling claims instead of a public inquiry. The recommendation comes despite the pressure hounding the Prime Minister to mount a public probe on the interference accusations. And as such, opposition legislators slammed the decision of Trudeau to back the recommendation of Johnston. Related Article: Canada Wildfires Update: Blaze Sends Smoke to US States @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Kansas City, Mo., man who formerly lived in Columbia, Mo., has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a $1.1 million insurance fraud conspiracy that involved false claims of injuries suffered in car accidents, as well as to his role in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief benefits. Lawrence Courtney Lawhorn, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., on Thursday, June 8, to the charges contained in two separate federal indictments. In the first indictment, Lawhorn pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. In the second indictment, Lawhorn pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. READ NEXT: New Jersey Man and Oath Keeper Pleads to Obstruction of Congress Related to Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Lawhorn is among 17 defendants who have pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme that defrauded six insurance companies from June 2017 to July 2020. Conspirators submitted false claims that they had suffered bodily injuries and that they would be personally liable for any medical bills related to insurance claims. Conspirators, some of whom were involved in multiple incidents, received thousands of dollars, and in some cases tens of thousands of dollars, based on these false claims. However, none of the conspirators made any payments to medical providers and instead used the funds for their personal expenses. Lawhorn was directly involved in two incidents in which he received separate payments of $1,500 and $17,350 from insurance companies. In several other incidents, Lawhorn sent emails to insurance companies, made telephone calls to insurance companies, directed others what to tell insurance companies, reviewed insurance policies prior to incidents, witnessed release agreements, and assumed the identity of parties to the incidents or people related to parties to these incidents in communication with insurance companies. By pleading guilty today, Lawhorn admitted to his involvement in nine automobile accidents in June and December 2017, in May and August 2018, and in January, February, August, October and December 2019 as part of the insurance fraud scheme that resulted in a total loss to his victims of $1,148,198. Most of the accidents were in Columbia and Kansas City, Mo., with one accident in St. Louis, Mo. FBI agents seized Lawhorn's iPhone and Apple Mac laptop when he was arrested in the insurance fraud case. A detective with the Boone County Cyber Crimes Task Force found evidence of additional fraud after searching those devices, which led to Lawhorn being indicted in the second case. By pleading guilty in the second federal indictment today, Lawhorn admitted that he fraudulently obtained three $10,000 COVID-19 economic relief loans for non-existent businesses in his name and in the names of two other individuals as part of a fraud conspiracy. He also applied online for loans in the names of five more individuals, but those applications were rejected. Under the CARES Act, the federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) provided loan assistance, including $10,000 in advances for small businesses. EIDL proceeds could be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills associated with small businesses that could have been paid had the pandemic not occurred. A business applying for EIDL relief was eligible for an advance of $1,000 per employee up to 10 employees that did not have to be repaid. Under federal statutes, Lawhorn is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the three conspiracy charges, plus a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Maness. They were investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff's Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. READ MORE: Denton County Financial Advisor Guilty of Federal Violations @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A federal grand jury in Austin returned an indictment Tuesday, June 6, 2023, charging Natin Paul, aka Nate Paul, with making false statements for the purpose of influencing the actions of financial institutions on applications for loans. The indictment, unsealed during his initial appearance in Austin today, charges Paul with eight violations of Section 1014 of Title 18 of the United States Code, which prohibits knowingly making a false statement or report for the purpose of influencing the action of a financial institution on an application for a loan. According to the indictment, the lenders were based in Ireland, New York, Connecticut and Texas. The alleged violations occurred between March 2017 and April 2018. READ NEXT: New Jersey Man and Oath Keeper Pleads to Obstruction of Congress Related to Jan. 6 Capitol Breach The defendant made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Howell of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Each count of the indictment carries a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000. The magistrate judge ordered the defendant released on bond. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr., of the FBI San Antonio Division made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Almonte and Alan Buie are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. READ MORE: Denton County Financial Advisor Guilty of Federal Violations @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- For one day only, June 18, the Mandel Jewish Community Center invites all to experience Foodscape: A Sensory Journey through the Land of Israel. From 2-5 p.m. that day, Fathers Day, visitors of all ages can at no cost take in this outdoor multi-sensory mobile art exhibit presented at the Mandel JCC, 26001 S. Woodland Road in Beachwood. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the land of Israel, a small country with a rich and diverse ecosystem. They can also examine the land and its history through transported soil, herbs, citrus and wildflowers, calling upon their senses to map and define the agricultural identity of each region. At the exhibit site, visitors can: -- Wander outdoors among Israels agricultural fields and watch as herbs grow in front of their eyes. -- Watch as herbs are seeded and harvested. -- See herbs being distilled to create Gazoz, a popular carbonated Israeli beach soda, and enjoy a glass that will highlight the taste of each region. -- At 4 p.m., take an Embodied Sensory Walk with Yoshi Silverstein of the Mitsui Collective. The walk offers an opportunity to reflect on the Foodscape experience and make connections to the local community and local ecology. The exhibit had its premiere May 28 in Boston and is only traveling to four cities in the U.S. before the artists return to Israel. Foodscape was created by Studio Mela, a partnership between Israeli artist, performer and chef Carmel Bar, and Israeli designer Michael Evytar. The installation was planned to celebrate 75 years of Israeli independence. It is presented in partnership with Mitsui Collective and is supported by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland through an Israel at 75 Microgrant. Were excited to bring this unique traveling exhibit to Cleveland, said Mandel JCC Director of Jewish Life and Culture Nancy Zimmerman, in a release. Created by expert Israeli artists, this mobile art installation brings the ecosystems of Israel to life right on our Beachwood campus. More than an art exhibit, its an opportunity to connect our community to the land of Israel in a tangible and meaningful way as we celebrate 75 years of Israeli independence. Playmakers Youth Theatre to Present 24 Hour Musical The Mandel JCCs Playmakers Youth Theatre invites actors from ninth grade to young adults to be part of Northeast Ohios only 24-Hour Musical. Students and young adults can audition to be cast in roles for an unknown show. The show will be directed by Playmakers Youth Theatre Director Emma Miller, with music directed by Eric Golovan. Young theater enthusiasts who are interested in participating should arrive at the Mandel JCC in Beachwood at 10 p.m. July 15 for the big reveal and then be prepared to stay up all night rehearsing, eating and having fun with their peers. Auditions will take place at 5 p.m. June 22, with virtual audition times also available. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. July 16 at the Mandel JCC. Those who have questions can contact Emma Miller at emiller@mandeljcc.org, or 216-831-0700, ext. 1494. See more Sun Press news here. Tonight is Taylor Swifts last night in Detroit for The Eras Tour. If you didnt get to see her last night, you still have time to find the cheapest tickets for tonights show, Saturday, June 10 at Ford Field. There are still plenty of tickets on third-party vendor websites to choose from for tonights concert. So hurry and grab the ones you want while you still can. WHERE TO BUY TICKETS TO SATURDAY, JUNE 10 CONCERT: Vivid Seats | StubHub | TicketCity | MegaSeats Here are some of the cheapest single tickets you can buy from the third-party sites: Vivid Seats : $1,382 StubHub : $1,154 TicketCity : $1,544 MegaSeats : $1,771 If youre looking for some floor spots. Vivid Seats has single tickets between $1,861 to $3,484 and $2,065 to $3,850. Swift still has eight cities she will be visiting for her U.S. tour including Pittsburgh, which is the next stop, June 16 and June 17 and Cincinnati, June 30 and July 1. Later this year, she will be heading to Latin America for more tour dates. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) An appeals court ruling has revived an anti-discrimination lawsuit accusing an Albuquerque teacher of cutting off one Native American girls hair and asking another if she was dressed as a bloody Indian during class on Halloween. Outrage over the girls treatment propelled legislation in New Mexico and beyond that prohibits discrimination based upon hairstyle and religious head garments. The headline on this column is all the evidence you need that were not above cheesy gimmicks for a good cause. Pop culture references can attract big audiences, and you keep telling us we need to reach more people about the dangerous assault on Ohio democracy on the Aug. 8 ballot. Thus, we turn to actress Heather Locklear and Star Wars. Although cheesy, they are on point. Locklear became widely known in the late 1980s and 1990s for a string of television shows including Dynasty, Melrose Place and T.J. Hooker, but she was yet-to-be discovered in 1984 when she made a commercial for a shampoo called Faberge Originals. She looked into a television camera and said she liked the shampoo so much that she told two friends about it, and they told two friends, and so on, and so on. If you ever saw it, you remember it. The commercial became an immediate earworm. (You can watch it on Youtube) That silly commercial offers the strategy for stopping Issue 1. If everyone reading this finds two friends, family members or neighbors who are not aware of Issue 1 and helps them get their absentee ballots to vote, how many votes might that mean? For each one of you, two more cast ballots. But wait, theres more. In this strategy, when you activate your two people to vote, you also would get each of them to activate two more people to vote. And then theyd tell two people. And so on. And so on. We could expand the effort still more through social media, by posting images of our smiling friends and neighbors with their ballot applications. Hashtag #Itold2friends. Ive heard from a lot of people who feel helpless about Issue 1. The challenge seems enormous to them. This strategy reduces the challenge from enormous to simple. Who cant find two people to educate about this terrible move by Ohios elected leaders to kill majority rule in deciding Ohios important issues. One step at a time. One voter at a time. We can beat this thing. (You can find all the information you need about registering to vote and getting a ballot at https://tinyurl.com/EverythingIssue1) Quick reminder: Issue 1 would raise the percentage of votes needed to adopt an amendment to the Ohio constitution from 50 percent plus 1 to 60 percent. The majority rule in force on constitutional amendments for more than a century would perish. Issue 1 would let 40 percent of Ohios voters dictate the rules to the 60 percent. But a vote likely would never happen, because Issue 1 also would require the collection of signatures on petitions in every one of Ohios 88 counties, not the 44 that has been the rule since 1912. That makes the process nearly impossible. Mind you, nothing is broken here. No oddball amendment has been passed. Lawmakers led by Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman -- with encouragement from Secretary of State Frank LaRose -- put this on the ballot to head off a move to legalize abortion in Ohio. They know that under majority rule, abortion would be legalized. How bad is this? We keep looking for ways to illustrate the damage this will do to the state. To make this as elementary and accessible as we can, we turn to Star Wars. Lawmakers want you to voluntarily give up your power to overrule them when they pass crazy legislation. Theyre telling you that it is good for you to give up that power. Compare them to Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars. Hes the secret Sith lord who was part of the Galactic Republic government while secretly working to end democracy in the republic and become emperor. But Palpatine couldnt do it on his own. He needed the ruling senate to voluntarily relinquish its authority by giving him emergency powers as Supreme Chancellor. Jar Jar Binks is the character who proposes it, and the Galactic Senate, fearing false threats against democracy, agrees. Palpatine then becomes the monster who Luke Skywalker needs three full-length movies to destroy. I love democracy, Palpatine says as he accepts his dictatorial powers. In this analogy, you are the Galactic Senate, and Huffman and LaRose are Palatine. Or maybe one is Palpatines henchman, Darth Vader. I dont know. Anyway, the lesson here is that if you dont voluntarily relinquish your power to change the constitution, Huffman and company dont get the equivalent of supreme powers while pretending they are protecting democracy. The ability to change the constitution is the only foolproof check we have against Ohio government run amok. Our elected leaders dont want us to have that power anymore. And they are lying to us to persuade us to give it up. They want us to fear unnamed outside interests who want to change the constitution in the same way Palpatine convinced the Galactic Senate that the republic that it was under threat. Dont be the Galactic Senate. Keep the power with the people. On a side note, I heard from many people after last weeks Issue 1 column about how they had been unaware of this attack on majority rule and will fight it. I also heard from some who said they want changing the constitution to be more difficult because changing the U.S. Constitution is difficult. First, changing the Ohio constitution already is difficult. Thats why it does not happen often. Second, the federal and state constitutions have different purposes. The U.S. Constitution is the nations statement of principles, with basic rules for government structure. The state constitution is more of an operating manual. It is supposed to be much more detailed. I also heard from some people criticizing my clear stand on Issue 1. They told me that as a journalist, I should have no bias. Our Statehouse reporters have churned out more news stories about Issue 1 than anyone, all balanced and straightforward. Part of our mission in the newsroom, however, is advocacy. We have an entire team dedicated to making an impact and improving Ohio and Greater Cleveland. And we are unabashed, as an institution, in opposing Issue 1. We will do everything we can to defeat it. Help us. Go tell two friends not to be like the Galactic Senate, so they can tell two friends. And so on. And so on. And may the Force be with you. Im at cquinn@cleveland.com Thanks for reading. CEO of industrial manufacturer Oshkosh Corp. John Pfeifer told CNBC's Jim Cramer artificial intelligence is already making his products more efficient. In fact, it has the potential to make vehicles like garbage trucks completely autonomous. Pfeifer said the company has already used AI to eliminate the role of the person who traditionally stands at the back of the truck. "I think that we'll continue to see the driver get more productive, so in one shift they can cover a lot more stops with every year that goes by," he said. "The continuous evolution of autonomous functionality and AI will allow better productivity that ultimately can go completely unmanned." Oshkosh manufactures access, defense, fire, emergency and commercial vehicles. Its stock plunged to $72 after topping out at $106 in early February, but it managed to climb back to $83. In late April, it reported fiscal first-quarter sales of $2.27 billion, above the $2.09 billion consensus estimate. The company is also fresh off an $800 million deal with JBT's AeroTech Unit, a big name in the aerospace game. "We really like this acquisition, we've been working on this for a little while, probably three or four years we've been interested in it," Pfeifer said. "We participate in airports today with our JLG brand that's on the tarmac everywhere, with airport rescue and firefighting vehicles, and we've seen this as an opportunity to expand into other purpose-built vehicles at the airport." Four children from an Indigenous community in Colombia were found alive in the country's south on June 9, Friday - more than five weeks after the plane they were traveling in crashed in thick jungle, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro said. Four children from an Indigenous community in Colombia were found alive in the country's south on Friday more than five weeks after the plane they were traveling in crashed in thick jungle, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro said. The siblings were rescued by the military near the border between Colombia's Caqueta and Guaviare provinces, close to where the small plane had crashed. The plane a Cessna 206 was carrying seven people on a route between Araracuara, in Amazonas province, and San Jose del Guaviare, a city in Guaviare province, when it issued a mayday alert due to engine failure in the early hours of May 1. Three adults, including the pilot and the children's mother Magdalena Mucutuy, died as a result of the crash and their bodies were found inside the plane. The four siblings, aged 13, 9, 4, as well as a now 12-month-old baby, survived the impact. Narcizo Mucutuy, the grandfather of the three girls and one boy, told reporters he was delighted at the news of their rescue. "As the grandfather to my grandchildren who disappeared in the jungles of the Yari, at this moment I am very happy," he said. Photos shared by Colombia's military showed a group of soldiers with the four children in the middle of the jungle. "A joy for the whole country! The four children who were lost ... in the Colombian jungle appeared alive," Petro said in a message via Twitter. Petro initially reported that children had been found on May 17 in a message on Twitter but later deleted the post, saying the information was unconfirmed. "They were together, they are weak, let's let the doctors assess them. They found them, it makes me very happy," Petro told journalists on Friday, adding the children had defended themselves alone in the middle of the jungle. Rescuers, supported by search dogs, had previously found discarded fruit the children ate to survive, as well as improvised shelters made with jungle vegetation. Airplanes and helicopters from Colombia's army and air force participated in the rescue operations. (Photo : Rob Carr/Getty Images) Two of Former President Donald Trump's lawyers parted ways Friday, a day after he was indicted. After former President Donald Trump was indicted in Florida on Thursday, two of his attorneys resigned. Attorneys Jim Trusty and John Rowley said in a statement that they will no longer represent Trump in the criminal case involving sensitive documents found at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida after he departed the White House, nor in the investigation that began on January 6. Trump Lawyers Resign Trusty and Rowley said in a statement, "It has been an honor to spend the last year defending him, and we know he will be vindicated in his battle against the Biden Administration's partisan weaponization of the American justice system." Now that the case has been lodged in Miami, it is reasonable for us to stand aside and allow others to see it through to a conclusion. Per CBS News, the duo stated that they "have no intentions to address our withdrawals or any other confidential communications with the president or his legal team during media appearances." Trump announced in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he will now be represented by attorney Todd Blanche and "a firm to be named later." Trump is also represented by Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, in the criminal case launched against him in New York related to hush money payments. Trump thanked Trusty and Rowley for their efforts, adding that "they were up against an unprecedentedly dishonest, corrupt, vile, and sick group of individuals." Friday saw the unsealing of the 37-count indictment filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The indictment, which identifies former aide Walt Nauta as a co-conspirator, states that the former president "attempted to obstruct FBI and grand jury investigations and conceal retention of classified documents." Read Also: Afghanistan Suicide Bombing Kills 13 at Memorial Service for Taliban Official Mar-a-Lago Classified Documents The filing includes numerous images of what appear to be bankers' boxes, some of which contained highly confidential national documents and were relocated erratically at Trump's request. Some of the boxes appear to be collapsing, and on December 7, 2021, Nauta discovered that one of the boxes had fallen and its contents had overflowed onto the floor. The folders strewn across the carpet were labeled "SECRET/REL TO USA, FVEY," indicating that they were intended for officials with high-level security credentials from the United States, Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Tuesday afternoon, Trump is expected to appear in Federal District Court in Miami. The initial hearing is scheduled to be presided over by Judge Aileen M. Cannon, according to sources familiar with the matter. It was unclear whether Judge Cannon, who was criticized by a higher court for granting Trump an unusually favorable series of rulings in the early phases of the investigation, would remain assigned for the duration of the case. This is the first incident that a former president has been indicted by a federal grand jury. It places the nation in an extraordinary position, given that Trump is not only a former commander-in-chief but also the current front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination against President Joe Biden, whose administration will now seek to convict his potential opponent of multiple felonies. In a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump continued to agitate against the indictment, labeling it the "greatest witch hunt of all time," according to NY Times. Related Article: Trump Indictment Timeline: Everything We Know About the Historic Case @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A man tries to extinguish a fire at a residential house that was hit during Russian shelling next to a flooded area on June 9, 2023 in Kherson, Ukraine. The White House said on Friday that Russia appeared to be deepening its defense cooperation with Iran and had received hundreds of one-way attack drones that it is using to strike Ukraine. Citing newly declassified information, the White House said the drones, or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), were built in Iran, shipped across the Caspian Sea and then used by Russian forces against Ukraine. "Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorize the Ukrainian population, and the Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening," White House spokesman John Kirby said in a statement. "We are also concerned that Russia is working with Iran to produce Iranian UAVs from inside Russia." Kirby said the U.S. had information that Russia was receiving materials from Iran required to build a drone manufacturing plant that could be fully operational early next year. "We are releasing satellite imagery of the planned location of this UAV manufacturing plant in Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone," he said. The U.S. has previously sanctioned Iranian executives at a defense manufacturer over drone supplies to Russia. Iran has acknowledged sending drones to Russia but said in they past they were sent before Russia's February invasion. Moscow has denied its forces used Iranian drones in Ukraine. A White House official said Iran had transferred several hundred drones to Russia since August. Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to deliver remarks during the Georgia state GOP convention at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center on June 10, 2023 in Columbus, Georgia. COLUMBUS, GA. Donald Trump's legal defense did not start in a courtroom. It began on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. After his historic federal indictment, the former president stepped onstage Saturday in front of more than 2,000 people packed into a convention center here to once again declare his innocence and deliver a grievance-laced takedown of what he said was a biased federal law enforcement apparatus. "In the end, they're not coming after me. They're coming after you and I'm just standing in their way," Trump said. "The ridiculous and baseless indictment of me by the Biden administration's weaponized Department of Injustice will go down as among the most horrific abuses of power in the history of our country," he said. "Many people have said that; Democrats have even said it. This vicious persecution is a travesty of justice." His remarks at the Georgia Republican Party's annual conference came one day after special counsel Jack Smith unsealed a 37-count federal indictment against Trump for allegedly crafting a scheme to keep in his possession sensitive material from his time in the White House, even though he knew many remained classified. The indictment alleged that Trump not only withheld classified documents but lied to federal agents and investigators about his involvement. Those charges, which bring the prospect of an ex-president spending the rest of his life in a prison cell, hung over those gathered in the Columbus Convention and Trade Center to conduct their annual state party business. The event was relatively procedural, aside from Trump. Trump repeatedly mocked the indictment. He called Smith "deranged" and said the Justice Department was a "sick nest of people that need to be cleaned out." "They took one charge and made it 37," Trump said. "It's a political hit job." The crowd, some carrying signs that read "The FBI is the DNC for the KGB," was friendly toward Trump, even in a state that Joe Biden won and whose Republican governor, Brian Kemp, beat a Trump-backed challenger during the 2022 midterms. Trump is also under investigation in the state over whether he broke the law when he asked Georgia Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find" more than 11,000 votes he needed to win the state in 2020, in a phone call that was recorded. The crowd booed Raffensperger when Trump mentioned his name. Several in attendance wore stickers with a red line over the words "voting machines," signaling they thought the 2020 election had been stolen. Kemp and most of Georgia's statewide elected officials were missing from the event. Raffensperger told Fox News Saturday afternoon their absence was by design. He said statewide office holders had not been invited. Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones was there and having to frequently answer questions about why. (He joked that it was because people there liked him so much.) Another person in attendance was the conservative Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor, R-Ga., whom the former president brought onstage for brief remarks. Darby Dunn, the Vice President of operations at Commonwealth Fusion Systems. Photo courtesy Commonwealth Fusion Systems From March 2009 to December 2018, Darby Dunn held a handful of engineering and production roles at SpaceX. "In one role in particular, my unofficial title was 'Mother of Dragons,'" Dunn told CNBC in an interview in Devens, Massachusetts. "In that role, I was leading the build out of our new manufacturing facilities for the crew Dragon vehicle." While she was overseeing production of the Dragon spacecraft, SpaceX went from ramping up production to making its very first spacecraft, and then to sending cargo to the International Space Station on it regularly, Dunn says. Building rockets is a very cool thing to do. But in January 2019, Dunn started work at Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a startup that is attempting to commercialize nuclear fusion as an energy source. Fusion is the way the sun and the stars make energy. If it can be harnessed here on Earth, it would provide virtually unlimited clean energy. But so far, fusion at scale remains in the realm of science fiction. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Darby Dunn with the SpaceX Dragon rocket. Photo courtesy Darby Dunn Dunn says she made the switch from building rockets to working on making fusion energy a reality because she wants to see the impact of her efforts in her lifetime. "I very much believe SpaceX will make life multiplanetary. I don't know how much of that I'll see in my lifetime," Dunn, 37, told CNBC at the end of May. But Dunn has spent large chunks of her life living in California, where SpaceX is based, and has very much seen the effects of climate change in the shape of wildfires and mudslides stemming from extreme rain. "For me, it really came down to wanting to use my energy to clean up the planet instead of get off it. So that was the the huge shift for me to come to CFS," Dunn told CNBC. Joining Commonwealth Fusion Systems in the early stages, as its 10th employee, has allowed her to see a different stage on the journey of company growth, too. "We're a 5-year-old company with 500 employees," Dunn told CNBC. "I joined SpaceX when it was 6 years old with about 500 employees. So I've actually been able to see the entire era that I didn't get to experience at SpaceX and doing so at CFS." The Commonwealth Fusion Systems campus in Devens, Mass. Photo courtesy Commonwealth Fusion Systems A key difference between the two jobs is the maturity of the respective industries. "The aerospace industry has been around for a long time. So building a rocket engine, the mechanics of it look really similar, or the structure itself, or the physics of how it works is all very, very well studied and very well understood," Dunn told CNBC. Fusion machines have been studied in academic settings and research labs since the early 1950s, but the entire industry is just at the very first stages of trying to prove that the science can have commercial applications. It's being a part of that excitement that was a big draw for Dunn. Of course, there are plenty of skeptics who say the industry is the equivalent of Don Quixote tilting at his windmills. But Dunn says her time at SpaceX prepared her to face the skeptics. "When Elon said publicly that we were going to launch and land rockets back from space, everybody said, 'That's not possible! You can't do it!'" Dunn said, referencing SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. SpaceX's response was that the laws of physics say it is possible and so they were going to prove it, Dunn told CNBC. "It took many attempts, a lot of learning, a lot of iterations on our software, many failed attempts off the boat and then we did it. And then we did it again. And we did it again. And we did it again," she said. Darby Dunn, vice president of operations at Commonwealth Fusion Systems. Photo courtesy Commonwealth Fusion Systems "Now it's gotten to the point where you've seen the aerospace industry shift to say, 'Well, why aren't these other companies also lending their rockets back from space?' It's completely changed the way that people are looking at it. They first said, 'It wasn't possible. Then, 'OK, it is possible.' And now it is saying, 'Well, why isn't everybody else jumping in?'" Dunn is looking to be part of that kind of transition for the fusion industry at Commonwealth. Speed is key Dunn is the vice president of operations, which covers manufacturing, safety, quality and facilities. She's helping Commonwealth make the transition from research and development-scale processes to manufacturing and full-scale production. The company spun out of research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the company's goal is to build 10,000 fusion power plants around the world by 2050, Dunn told CNBC. First, however, Commonwealth has to prove that it can generate more energy in its fusion reactor than is necessary to get the reaction started, a key threshold for the fusion industry called "ignition." To do that, the company is currently building its SPARC tokamak a device that will help contain and control the fusion reaction. The company plans to turn it on in 2025 and demonstrate net energy shortly thereafter. To build SPARC, Commonwealth needs to make a lot of magnets using high-temperature superconducting tape. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards The advanced manufacturing facility located at the Commonwealth Fusion Systems campus in Devens, Massachusetts, where magnets are manufactured. Photo courtesy Commonwealth Fusion Systems "The cool part of this building is that the concept for it started out as a doodle that I made on a whiteboard three years ago," Dunn told CNBC. "To see the steel beams going up, walls going up, concrete getting poured, it's a whole vision coming to life, which is super exciting." To fund the construction, Commonwealth has raised more than $2 billion from investors including Bill Gates, Google , Khosla Ventures and Lowercarbon Capital. Even as Commonwealth is figuring out how to make one magnet, Dunn is leading her team to develop manufacturing processes that can eventually scale to a process that looks like an automotive assembly line, she told CNBC. Moving fast is a priority for Dunn, and the rest of the team. After building the demonstration fusion machine, SPARC, the company aims to build a bigger version called ARC, which it says is going to deliver electricity to the grid. The aim is to have ARC online in the 2030s. "The biggest thing I think about a lot is time, about how fast can we go," Dunn told CNBC. "The sooner we can get the magnets built, the sooner we can build SPARC, the sooner we can turn it on, the sooner we can get in net energy, the sooner we get to our first ARC. So I think that's probably the element that I think about the most." Darby Dunn in the Commonwealth Fusion Systems advanced manufacturing facility. Photo courtesy Commonwealth Fusion Systems Speed matters because critics argue that it will take too long to get fusion to work as an energy source to meaningfully contribute to the very urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Top climate scientists at the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have said that to have "no or limited" overshoot of the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming above preindustrial levels will require a 45% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 compared to 2010 levels and hitting net zero around 2050. "I have asked myself, 'Why am I doing fusion as opposed to something that is going to be deployed next year?'" she told CNBC. "For me, it comes down to the fact that fusion is the most energy dense reaction in our solar system." But she does not believe fusion should be the only solution. "I very much believe in in solar power and wind and a lot of other renewables that we absolutely need those. We need those deployed now. We need those deployed all over the world," Dunn told CNBC. "But I don't think they will be enough to get us to 2050 and beyond." Electric cars, heat pumps, green steel and green cement all depend on having large quantities of clean electricity. Its Dunn's focus to build the energy sources that the world will need in the decades and centuries to come. If Commonwealth is going to deliver that solution, though, Dunn first has to make a whole lot of very high-powered magnets. "My own personal opinion is I'm going to keep on keeping on keep on building. And we have a poster in the back stairwell that says, 'Keep calm and fuse on," Dunn told CNBC. "Regardless of what the outside world is saying, we are working every day towards our mission of getting net-positive energy from fusion. And I look forward to proving that to the world in a couple of years." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that counteroffensive and defensive actions are underway against Russian forces, asserting that his top commanders are in a "positive" mindset as their troops engaged in intense fighting along the front line. The Ukrainian leader, at a Kyiv news conference alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responded to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putin's comment a day earlier that Ukraine's counteroffensive had started and Ukrainian forces were taking "significant losses." Zelennsky said that "the counteroffensive, defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. I will not speak about which stage or phase they are in." "I am in touch with our commanders of different directions every day," he added, citing the names of five of Ukraine's top military leaders. "Everyone is positive. Pass this on to Putin." Trudeau, the first foreign leader to visit Ukraine since devastating floods caused by a breach in a Dnieper River dam, offered up monetary, military and moral support. He pledged 500 million Canadian dollars ($375 million) in new military aid, on top of more than 8 billion Canadian dollars ($6 billion) that Canada has already provided since the war began in February 2022, and announced 10 million Canadian dollars ($7.5 million) for humanitarian assistance for the flood response. Trudeau said the dam's collapse was "a direct consequence of Russia's war," but he didn't blame Moscow directly. Ukraine's General Staff said Saturday that "heavy battles" were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the country's industrial east. It gave no details but said Russian forces were "defending themselves" and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraine's southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Top Ukrainian authorities have stopped short of announcing a full-blown counteroffensive was underway, though some Western analysts have said fiercer fighting and reported use of reserve troops suggests it was. Recent Western injections of billions of dollars' worth of military equipment some of it high-tech and top-of-the-line to Ukraine has raised expectations about when it would be used, and to what effect against dug-in Russian lines. For months, Ukrainian commanders in the eastern city of Bakhmut which was largely devastated in a months-long fight that has been one of the bloodiest battles of the war have used the language of counteroffensive and defensive operations to describe the activity there. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Friday that the epicenter of the fighting has been in the east, particularly in the Donetsk region, and cited "heavy battles" in Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka. Valerii Shershen, a spokesperson for Ukraine's armed forces in Zaporizhzhia, told Radio Liberty that they were searching for weaknesses in Russia's defense in that region, to the west. The operator of At the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest, which is occupied by Russian forces, its announced the cold shutdown on Thursday of the last of its five out of six reactors were already in a state of cold shutdown. That's a process in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency, said in a statement late Friday that there was "no direct threat" to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Also in Zaporizhzhia, water levels in the Kakhovka reservoir upstream from the dam, which feeds Europe's largest nuclear power plant, remained stable on Saturday, Ukraine's nuclear energy agency said. A day earlier, Energoatom said the last of its six reactors was placed in cold shutdown, a process by which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. The other five had been in cold shutdown already. Energoatom said it shut down the final reactor because of the lower water level and because of shelling near the site that has damaged overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraine's energy system. The Zaporizhzhia plant has been occupied by Russian forces since the war's early stages, but it's run by Ukrainian staff. The site's power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Also on Saturday morning, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least four civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported that three people were killed and more than two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. A spokesperson for Ukraine's southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. In Ukraine's northeast, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, reported Saturday. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded. In the Poltava region further west, there was damage to a military airfield struck overnight during a Russian drone and missile attack, local Gov. Dmytro Lunin reported. Lunin said no one was hurt. As of Saturday morning, there was no additional comment from the Ukrainian army or officials on the extent of the damage. The Ukrainian air force said that during the night, it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles "of various types" launched by Russian forces. The fighting and civilian casualties took renewed attention as authorities in southern Ukraine said water levels have been declining in a vast area beneath the ruptured dam. Nearly one-third of protected natural areas in the Kherson region could be obliterated by flooding following the breach of the Kakhovka dam, the Ukrainian environment minister warned Saturday. In a Facebook post, Ruslan Strilets said that the dam's collapse left one national park completely submerged, drained rivers and lakes in other protected areas, and could lead to groundwater rising in parts of the Dnieper delta occupied by Moscow, creating the risk of further flooding. In the city of Kherson, whose outskirts were among the flood-hit areas, the average water level decreased by 31 centimeters (12 inches) during the night, but remained over 4.5 meters (15 feet) higher than usual, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin reported Saturday. Prokudin warned that meteorologists predicted heavy rainfall in the area over the weekend, complicating rescue efforts. The U.N.'s humanitarian aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said in an Associated Press interview Friday that an "extraordinary" 700,000 people were in need of drinking water. In other developments: On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he wants to continue speaking with Putin whose order for Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been criticized by many Western leaders and plans to do so again "soon." Scholz has spoken several times by phone with Putin since the invasion. The chancellor said the basis for a "fair peace" between Russia and Ukraine is the withdrawal of Russian troops. "That's needs to be understood," he said. The U.K. government said it will give 16 million pounds ($20 million) in humanitarian aid to those affected by the flooding. Most of the money is being channelled through international organizations such as the Red Cross and the United Nations, and the U.K. is also sending boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders to Ukraine. The U.K. has already given Ukraine 1.5 billion pounds in economic and humanitarian support since the war began, the government said, and has committed 4.6 billion pounds in military aid. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 10) The local government of Albay plans to move out this weekend over 10,000 families or 40,000 locals living inside the danger zone of the erupting Mayon Volcano. As of 7 p.m. on Saturday, the Albay police said 3,007 families or 10,752 individuals were already staying in temporary shelters. In a briefing in Albay on Saturday, Eugene Escobar, research division chief of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, said they plan to evacuate 10,000 families particularly those living inside the volcano's 6-kilometer permanent danger zone and the 7-kilometer extended danger zone. This covers villages in Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Legazpi, Ligao, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, and Tabaco. Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Friday, Albay Gov. Edcel Greco Lagman said preemptive evacuation efforts started in Camalig and Guinobatan as they are the towns most vulnerable to the volcanic activity. During the briefing, Lagman also told mayors that the province has put up evacuation sites for farmers' livestock. Agriculture is the main industry of Albay, with farmers also planting crops within the danger zones. "Pwede tayong mag-adopt, mag-identify tayo ng mga kasamahan natin sa inyong mga respective jurisdictions [We can also adopt, let's identify partners in our respective jurisdictions] that could actually adopt these livestock," the governor suggested. "The province will provide the budget sa pagpapakain ng mga livestock na 'yan [to feed the livestock]so that it would be easier for them to comply with the evacuation protocols," he added. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also called on residents to comply with the orders of the local government unit for their safety. Pinapaalalahanan ang ating mga kababayang Bikolano na sumunod lamang sa mga rekomendasyon at evacuation instructions ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa, the president said in a statement on Saturday. [Translation: We are reminding all Bicolanos to follow the recommendations and evacuation instructions of your local government to ensure everyone's safety.] Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian also visited the province and joined the briefing to get updates. He requested local chief executives to specify dates for food pack distribution and to continuously coordinate for sustained efforts. Mayors have appealed for a cash-for-work program to engage displaced residents. On Thursday noon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert status of Mayon Volcano to Level 3, meaning the volcano is showing an increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption and potential explosive activity that can occur within weeks or even days. "Fair crater glow or 'banaag' and incandescent rockfall shed from new fluidal lava at the summit of Mayon Volcano was also observed last night," the agency said in a Saturday report. Phivolcs also measured sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions of 1,205 tonnes per day on Saturday, three times higher than Friday's 417 tonnes per day. This indicates that the volcano is releasing gas. "Yung worrisome is wala or mababa ang SO2 emission natin at tumaaas yung [What's worrisome is low to none SO2 emissions alongside increased] volcanic earthquakes," Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol told CNN Philippines' Newsroom Weekend. Phivolcs earlier reported that Mayon logged just one volcanic earthquake in the past 24-hour period and 59 rockfall events that placed lava debris on gullies within 1,500 meters from the summit crater. State volcanologists have advised authorities to be vigilant against pyroclastic density currents, lahars, and sediment-laden streamflows. The province of Albay is currently under a state of calamity. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 10) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may visit the province anytime soon in the wake of Mayon Volcanos increasing unrest, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Saturday. In a media briefing in Albay, Gatchalian said the president has been closely monitoring the situation. When asked if there are plans for Marcos to personally visit the province, the Department of Social Welfare and Development chief said he will not be be surprised if Marcos just flies in anytime. The president used to be a local chief executive, and he's very hands-on when it comes to running the government, more so during calamities like this, Gatchalian said. So di ako magugulat kung mamaya kaunti makita mo na yung eroplano ng presidente at nandyan na siya [So, I wont be surprised if we see his airplane and he arrives in no time], he added. According to Albay police, the president was scheduled to travel to the province on June 14, but the visit was postponed due to the raising of Alert Level 3 over Mayon Volcano on Thursday. Police said they were told by the Presidential Management Staff and the Presidential Security Group to instead focus their efforts on helping evacuate residents. In a social media post, Marcos urged the people of Albay to follow the orders of local authorities. "Sa pagsasailalim sa probinsya ng Albay sa state of calamity dahil sa pag-aalburoto ng Bulkang Mayon, pinapaalalahanan ang ating mga kababayang Bikolano na sumunod lamang sa mga rekomendasyon at evacuation instructions ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa," he said. [Translation: With the declaration of a state of calamity in Albay due to Mayon Volcano's increased activity, Bicolanos are reminded to follow the recommendation and evacuation instructions of their local government to ensure everyone's safety.] On Friday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the activity being observed in the volcano is already considered an eruption. Later in the afternoon, the local government of Albay placed the province under a state of calamity. In an update at around 10 a.m. on Saturday, Phivolcs said the Mayon Volcano Network has recorded a total of 59 rockfall events in the last 24-hour period, and a total of 579 since June 1. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 10) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) projected on Saturday that the siphoning of the remaining oil from the sunken MT Princess Empress in the waters of Oriental Mindoro would be completed on or before June 19, earlier than the timeframe estimated by the National Task Force on Oil Spill Management. "Nakita ko kasi iyong mga video niya na i-aakyat na iyong mga langis. May hose na nakakabit at dinadala na doon sa mga tangke doon sa loob ng barko at unti-unti nang nasisipsip at hopefully, by June 19, ay tapos na iyong siphoning operations," PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo said. [Translation: I've seen the videos of the siphoning. There is an attached hose which siphons the oil to a tank inside the ship so it slowly collects the spill. Hopefully the operations will be completed by June 19.] Balilo added that the oil spill could no longer spread to the waters around the sunken vessel, as cleanup personnel made sure that any seepage was collected with a catch can. The Fire Opal, a Dynamic Support Vessel chartered from Singapore to siphon the remaining oil, began the final phase of the cleanup on May 29. The siphoning operations were expected to be done in 10 to 20 days. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said he wanted the oil spill cleanup done within four months. The MT Princess Empress was carrying 900,000 liters of industrial oil when it sank last Feb. 28 off Pola, Oriental Mindoro. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 10) Power plants near the restive Mayon Volcano have not been affected so far, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). The two closest power facilities near the volcano are the Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant in Albay and the Bacon-Manito Geothermal Power Plant in Sorsogon. "In any eventualities po na magkaroon ng disruption sa linya at mag-trip po yung ating mga planta, mayroon hong black start capability ang Bacon-Manito Geothermal facilities, said Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan. [Translation: In the event of a disruption with the lines or if the power plants trip, the Bacon-Manito Geothermal facilities have a black start capability.] The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines is also monitoring 285 structures such as towers and posts within the 15-kilometer radius of Mayon Volcano. Should there be any power interruption, the DOE assured the public that restoring the electricity of vital establishments like hospitals will be prioritized. Mayon Volcano has been under Alert Level 3 since June 8. This means a hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days. (Photo : Win McNamee/Getty Images) After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign posted an AI-generated ad slamming former President Donald Trump this week, MAGA may join the anti-AI movement. Supporters of Donald Trump are criticizing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for a recent online attack ad that features artificial intelligence-generated images. The confirmed blue-checked DeSantis Danger Room n Monday, a Twitter account posted an advertisement comparing Trump's rise to fame while "firing" people as the former host of The Apprentice to his inability to fire Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), dating back to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. DeSantis Campaign Uses Deepfake AI-Generated Images Digital forensics experts and fact checkers have verified that the ad, which has been viewed over 8.5 million times as of Friday afternoon, contains multiple deepfake images of the former president and Fauci kissing. Donald Trump became a household name by FIRING countless people *on television* But when it came to Fauci... pic.twitter.com/7Lxwf75NQm DeSantis War Room (@DeSantisWarRoom) June 5, 2023 Thursday, Trump supporter Laura Loomer cited Elon Musk, who hosted DeSantis on Twitter Spaces when he announced his candidacy for president in 2024, in a tweet asking why Trump supporters receive a "community remark" when posting about DeSantis but the DeSantis War Room does not. Hey @elonmusk How come Trump supporters get community noted for posting facts about @RonDeSantis but then his campaign is allowed to post doctored AI generated images on Trump embracing Fauci and nothing happens? Just seems a bit biased. #Trump2024 https://t.co/TTZeEdL6Jg Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) June 8, 2023 According to Newsweek, Trump senior adviser Jason Miller also criticized the ad on Thursday, following in the footsteps of his employer by referring to the Florida governor as "DeSanctimonious" on Twitter. Conservative podcaster Tim Pool, who said he was previously deliberating between both candidates for the GOP presidential nomination, said the ad has caused him to entirely disregard DeSantis and demanded he "disavow" the ad. According to its bio, DeSantis War Room is the presidential candidate's "rapid response Twitter operation." It is unclear if it is explicitly affiliated with or administered by the DeSantis campaign, or if the governor himself approved the video. Read Also: Ukraine Says Soldier's Phone Call Leak Proves Russia Sabotaged Kalkovka Dam AI-Generated Attack Against Politicians The DeSantis team did not, however, use the first AI-generated software in an advertisement. Last month, the Trump campaign shared a video of a fake Twitter Space featuring DeSantis' visage alongside those of Musk, Adolph Hitler, former Vice President Dick Cheney, World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab, and an FBI agent. In recent weeks, DeSantis has been particularly critical of Fauci, accusing Trump of "handing over the country to Fauci in March 2020." CNN reports that in 2020, DeSantis praised Fauci, stating that he was "really, really good and really, really helpful" and "really doing a good job." DeSantis and his supporters are not the only ones integrating artificial intelligence images and video into their 2024 campaign. Donald Trump Jr. posted an AI video of DeSantis pronouncing his name as "Meatball" earlier this month, a term Trump the candidate has used to describe the Florida governor. Per Fortune, supporters of Trump denounced the video. Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance tweeted, "Smearing Donald Trump with fake AI images is completely unacceptable." And Marjorie Taylor Green tweeted, "Those fake AI campaign ads need to be taken down immediately." Related Article: Two Trump Lawyers Quit His Legal Team After Former President Was Indicted of Federal Charges @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge. Copernicus wrote those words. Or maybe it was Confucius. Or maybe this was a quote intentionally invented to be ridiculous and was falsely attributed to famous thinkers. We know that we do not know for sure. But we do know some other facts. Here are 15 of them 1. The Wrong Calendar Russian athletes showed up for the 1908 Olympics 12 days late. Britain had recently switched over to the Gregorian calendar (the one we use today), while Russia was still using the 2,000-year-old Julian calendar and got their dates wrong. 2. Beat the System The band Vulfpeck released a bunch of brief silent songs on Spotify. The goal was to have fans leave these silent tracks on in the background, forcing Spotify to pay the band royalties. Before the service wised up, the band made 18k. 3. The Bridge Gamble Tacoma paid $8,000 for an insurance policy on its Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The agent who sold it to them, Hallett French, figured there was no chance the bridge would collapse, so he skipped on filing the paperwork and just kept the $8,000 for himself. The bridge collapsed four months after it opened. French went to jail. 4. Lights Out Airplanes dim the lights soon before landing. Thats because they want your eyes to be adjusted to the darkness for when the plane crashes. 5. The Great Torpedo Scandal Quite a few torpedoes that the U.S. fired during World War II were duds. The Navy learned about the issue early on but didnt respond. Testing the torpedoes cost so much that they figured it was best to skip that process. 6. Arthur Demoulas v Arthur Demoulas In 2014, Market Baskets CEO, Arthur Demoulas, was forced out by his brother, who was also named Arthur Demoulas. Employees were so angry that they led a successful boycott that cost the chain tens of millions. Advertisement 7. All the Live Long Day When railroad workers went on strike, President Harry Truman came up with a solution: punish them by drafting them all into the military. Congress rejected the idea. Lets hang a few traitors, make our country safe for democracy, he wrote in a speech. 8. Ups and Downs In 1933, Syria banned yo-yos. The country was experiencing a drought, and people had recently started playing with yo-yos, so it seemed likely that some causal relationship linked these two events. 9. Mom Got Scared When a Pennsylvania kid left his doctor a voicemail, and the receptionist heard the words shooting some people outside of the school, she called it in, leading to school lockdowns county-wide. The kid had actually said, Shooting some b-ball outside of the school. He was quoting the Fresh Prince theme song. Advertisement Advertisement 10. All the Stops The phrase pulling out all the stops comes from church organs. Stop knobs are parts of the pipe organ, and pulling them all out leads to maximum air flow. 11. The Doubt Point A proposed punctuation mark called the doubt point can show that youre unsure about something. It also has a counterpart called the certitude point, for when youre deeply sure about something. 12. Great Balls Some Japanese convenience stores keep orange balls of dye next to the register. The cashier can throw these at robbers or at their cars to mark them. 13. Rest in Peace, Norma Jean In 1972, a circus was traveling through the Illinois town of Oquawka when a bolt of lightning killed their elephant. The circus just packed up and left, leaving the town to deal with the 6,500-pound carcass. 14. Rot in Hell, Ken McElroy In theory, half the town of Skidmore, Missouri, should have seen who killed Ken Rex McElroy in 1981. Prosecutors couldnt get any of the dozens of supposed witnesses to say a word. The guy had been the town bully, and no one liked him. 15. Shhhhhhh Famous British criminal Charles Bronson took a librarian hostage during one of his prison stints. Bronson demanded a helicopter, among other things. Then the librarian farted. Bronson was disgusted and released him. Marketing is an inherently finicky game, even more so when youre marketing a movie adaptation of an Adult Swim show. Its hard to devise an attention-grabbing scheme that will convince stoners to drive to the movie theater for two hours of the bizarro cartoons that they usually watch on their couches at midnight on a Wednesday. So, to anyone who ever finds themselves trying to accomplish that Herculean task, heres a good rule of thumb to determine whether your campaign is a winner: If the showrunners of the series in question ever have to utter the words, Under a load-bearing beam of a major bridge might not be the best location for something like that, its not a winner. Yesterday, Aqua Teen Hunger Force creators Dave Willis and Ned Hastings sat down with CBR.com to talk about the evolution of the show as fans eagerly await the series 12th season, which was recently announced almost eight years after the show was initially canceled. Willis and Hastings also discussed the lasting legacy of the shows biggest controversy following a screening of a 15-years-in-the-making custom episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force at the 2023 Boston Comedy Festival. Long after a guerrilla marketing campaign for the feature film Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters accidentally triggered a city-wide bomb threat that put metropolitan Boston in hysterics in 2007, the series creators are still answering questions about the so-called Mooninite Panic and theyre still getting stopped at the airport. Play Advertisement The story of the Mooninite Panic is so complex that it has its own Wikipedia page, but, for brevitys sake, here are the pertinent beats: In November, 2006, Boston-area artist Peter Zebbler Berdovsky was hired to put up 40 LED signs showing pixelated characters from Aqua Teen Hunger Force called Mooninites around the city of Boston in conspicuous but unconventional places. In mid-January the following year, Berdovsky and his associates did exactly what they were paid to do, placing the mysterious placards on various pieces of public infrastructure, including under multiple important bridges. Not long after, reports of multiple strange devices resembling IEDs scattered around the city reached the Boston Bomb Squad. Panic ensued. We were just as surprised as everybody else, Hastings recalled of the unfolding catastrophe. Both creators say that the campaign was carried out entirely without their knowledge. We were getting the news trickling in at the same rate that everybody else was first it was like, It's a sticker with a cartoon character flipping people off! I was like, Well, that sounds malicious. Then, you know, it was a sign. Advertisement Hastings continued, Finally, they showed it on the news, and I had seen that light bright before because one of the guys in our office that worked for marketing had one in the window of his office. At the time, Hastings was unable to reach anybody in the shows marketing department, so he had to continue to helplessly watch the train derail in real time. Advertisement Willis then pointed out the unwise load-bearing locations of the signs, though he attempted to pin part of the blame on the medias coverage of the event, accusing news networks of blowing it out of proportion. I certainly don't think it was a hoax, as it was reported in the media, Willis said. They liked to make it out like it was some malicious thing, I guess. I guess that makes them look slightly less stupid. Not long after the dust settled and Turner Broadcasting paid the city of Boston $2 million in fines, Hastings and Willis set to writing an Aqua Teen episode skewering the event We were chomping at the bit to get an opportunity to do an episode on it. Our show isn't really satire, you know? So we were trying to approach it in our own oblique way. Bits and pieces of the rumored and unaired episode have leaked at different points in the decade-and-a-half since the scandal to the creators' chagrin, but Hastings and Willis knew that they had to be patient. Play Advertisement Advertisement Fifteen years would go by before the timing was right for Aqua Teen to return to Boston to blast the bombing panic. Then, the stars finally aligned this past May 20 for the special episode to air for 400 Bostonians They love it up there. There's one line, after they blow up Meatwad, and Shake (says), Relax, Frylock, he's in a better place. He's no longer in Boston. They loved it, Willis said of the audience reaction to the custom show. We had another line where the local anchor in Boston says, This angered the drunk racist people of Boston. Standards and Practices made us take that one out. It (was) only for a room of 400 people (at the festival). They paid money to see it. Let's give them every joke. However, comedy festival-goers arent the only Bostonians who remember a time when an 8-bit alien made an entire city fear for its life. Willis brought a Mooninite LED with him on the trip to the festival, which led to an uncomfortable interaction at airport security. He explained, I was bringing (the Mooninite) back through TSA at Logan Airport, the guy searched my bag to look at it. One of the things he said was, Don't flash this around. This will get you problems up here. He remembered it, Hastings added. "(He said), Whatever you do, don't mount that to the bottom of the plane." China and the U.S. decided to participate in Indonesia's 2023 MNEK (Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo). This is quite surprising since the military tensions between the U.S. government and China are ongoing. Before the Komodo naval exercise happened, numerous risky encounters between the United States and China happened. One of these is when the U.S. military blamed a Chinese warship for an unsafe interaction with a U.S. destroyer, as well as a Canadian frigate in the Taiwan Strait. Aside from this, China also carried out an aggressive air force interception maneuver over the South China Sea. Despite all these tensions, the Chinese and U.S. government still supported Indonesia's 2023 MNEK. China, US Joins Indonesia's Komodo Navy Drill Despite Ongoing Tensions According to The South China Morning Post, Indonesia invited 36 nations to participate in its 2023 Komodo naval exercise, which is off South Sulawesi. Also Read: Nova Kakhovka Dam: Key Theories on What Caused Dam's Collapse The 2023 MNEK began on Monday, June 5, and lasted until Thursday, June 8. More than 40 vessels owned by the 36 nations appeared during the Komodo Navy drill. Indonesian officials said that they prepared icebreakers for the guests, as well as medical training and an international maritime security symposium. Other recreational activities included concerts and city tours. Based on the published photos, Chinese sailors had a fun time; enjoying snorkeling and taking part in international cooking competitions. American navy personnel also enjoyed the 2023 MNEK of Indonesia. Both of these rival countries participated since they wanted to support Indonesia. However, experts clarified that the participation of the U.S. and China in Indonesia's 2023 MNEK doesn't mean that the tensions between them are easing. "Everything was coordinated by the hosts, and the Chinese and US navies did not really need to have much direct engagement, and given the overall situation, I doubt they would want to," said Lei Xiao, one of the officers included in the MNEK. What is 2023 MNEK? DVIDS explained that the 2023 MNEK of Indonesia is the first iteration of its Komodo navy exercise since 2018. The theme of this MNEK was "Partnership to Recover and to Rise Stronger." Unlike other naval exercises, MNEK promotes non-warfighting aspects of operational-level exercises. If you want to learn more about it, just click this link. Related Article: Russia to Send Nuclear Weapons to Belarus as Precaution, Says Putin @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images) Ukrainian spies intercepted a Russian soldier's call admitting that Russia blew up the Kakhovka dam, unleashing floods into Ukrainian villages and towns downstream. Ukraine asserted on Friday that it intercepted a telephone conversation between Russian military that "confirms" that Moscow's saboteurs destroyed the Nova Kakhovka dam, while Norwegian seismologists disclosed that they detected a potential explosion around the time of the dam's collapse. SBU, Ukraine's domestic security agency, uploaded a 45-second audio recording to its Telegram channel in which two men can be heard discussing the aftermath of the dam collapse in Russian. Ukraine Claims It Has Evidence Russia Blew Up Major Dam Per NY Post, the individual on the recording states that "thousands" of animals were slaughtered at a "safari park" downstream of Nova Kakhovka as a result of the collapse of the dam. The individual on the other end of the line expresses astonishment at the soldier's claim that the Russians destroyed the dam, which had been under their control since the initial months of the invasion. Moscow has not commented on the phone call's contents. The SBU provided no additional information regarding the conversation or its participants. It stated that a criminal investigation had been launched into war crimes and "ecocide." In the meantime, seismic data gathered by the NORSAR observatory in Norway at 2:54 a.m. local time on June 6 indicated an explosion; the detonation's timing coincided with media reports of the dam's collapse. A senior Biden administration official told The New York Times on Friday that American surveillance satellites detected an explosion at the massive hydroelectric station just before it collapsed, bolstering the argument that the calamitous inundation in Ukraine was the result of an intentional act. Read Also: Afghanistan Suicide Bombing Kills 13 at Memorial Service for Taliban Official Kakhovka Dam Strike The flood caused by the dam failure killed at least nine people and displaced thousands more, according to officials. Thursday, several hundred Ukrainians were rescued from rooftops in the inundation zone. Russia has refuted culpability for the dam's destruction and accused Ukraine of sabotaging the site to divert international attention away from the commencement of its failing counteroffensive. According to NORSAR, the explosion occurred within 30 to 50 miles of the dam. Nevertheless, additional evidence from surveillance footage and Telegram channels indicates that the dam was breached before 2:54 a.m. At 2:46 a.m., security footage reviewed by BBC Verify reveals that the dam was compromised. Additionally, local Telegram users reported hearing explosions at 2:18 a.m. and 2:40 a.m. Ukrainian intelligence had previously asserted that Russia had planted explosives at the dam in April 2022, with President Volodymyr Zelensky accusing Moscow of plotting a "historical catastrophe." According to the Associated Press, officials on both sides of the conflict have reported that at least 14 people have perished as a result of the flooding, while thousands more have been rendered destitute and hundreds of thousands lack access to potable water. The prosecutor general of Ukraine said rescue operations in Kherson, the largest city affected by inundation, were hampered by Russian bombardment on Thursday, which resulted in the death of one civilian and the injury of two others even as evacuations were ongoing. Related Article: Ukraine Launches Full-Scale Offensive? Kyiv's HIMARS Used in Front Lines To Hit Russian Positions @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Former senior Guangdong provincial legislator indicted for bribery Xinhua) 10:23, June 10, 2023 BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Chen Rugui, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial People's Congress, has been indicted for taking bribes. The People's Procuratorate of Nanning City in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region initiated a public prosecution against Chen at the Intermediate People's Court of Nanning City after the National Commission of Supervision concluded its probe into Chen's case. Chen was accused of taking advantage of his various former posts to assist other individuals and units with issues such as project contracting and business operation, in exchange for receiving especially huge amounts of money and valuables. Prosecutors had informed the defendant of his litigation rights, interrogated him, and listened to his lawyer's opinions. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Ukraine's nuclear energy agency has announced that the final working reactor at Europe's biggest nuclear power plant has been placed into a "cold shutdown" for safety reasons due to catastrophic flooding caused by the collapse of a nearby dam. Overnight, Russian troops continued to bombard the nation with missiles and drones, resulting in fatalities and the destruction of a military airport, according to Ukrainian authorities. Russian-Occupied Nuclear Power Facility Is Cold-Shutdown According to CBS News, the Russian-occupied nuclear power plant is already in a condition of cold shutdown, in which all control rods have been placed into the reactor core to halt nuclear fission and the production of heat and pressure. Late on Friday, June 9, the Ukrainian nuclear agency Energoatom issued a statement saying that despite the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant. The dam destruction has caused thousands of people to flee flooding and sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. The final reactor was placed into cold shutdown on Thursday, June 8. Energoatom said that additional considerations in the decision included shelling near the facility, which has damaged overhead connections linking the plant to Ukraine's electricity infrastructure. When nuclear reactions are halted, the reactor's internal temperature and pressure begin to fall, lowering the amount of water needed to cool the radioactive fuel. The nuclear power facility is operating in its safest mode. The power plant is still operated by Energoatom staff, even though it is still under Russian control. Since late September 2022, the site's power units have been inoperable. There will soon be a visit to Ukraine from the chairman of the International Atomic Energy Agency. A counteroffensive has reportedly been initiated by Ukraine in the nation's southern regions, as per analysts and Russia, in an attempt to recover land around the facility. Also Read: Ukraine Says Soldier's Phone Call Leak Proves Russia Sabotaged Kalkovka Dam Russian Missiles and Drones Murdered Civilians and Damaged a Military Airport On Saturday morning, June 10, Ukrainian officials said that at least four people had died in different parts of the country after Russian troops used Shahed drones, rockets, artillery, and grenade strikes made in Iran. Overnight, an assault on the Black Sea port of Odesa reportedly killed three people and injured more than two dozen, as stated by Ukraine's State Emergency Service. Two children and a pregnant lady were among the injured, according to a spokeswoman for Ukraine's southern operations command. In a report by AP News, Governor Oleh Syniehubov of the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine said on Saturday that a man, age 29, was murdered when more than 10 drones attacked the area. He also said that three further persons had been injured. Local governor Dmytro Lunin said a military airstrip in the Poltava area was also damaged by a Russian drone and missile strike. Nobody was reportedly wounded. The Ukrainian air force claimed it shot down 20 of 35 Shahed drones and two of eight Russian missiles of various types throughout the night. Also Read: White House Claims Russia Is Working With Iran to Build Drone Facility @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia appears to have begun, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. "Counteroffensive and defensive actions are taking place," he stated on Saturday, June 10, according to BBC. However, he emphasized that he would not disclose the current phase of the counteroffensive. Ukrainian forces have pushed east of Bakhmut and south of Zaporizhzhia, launching long-range attacks on Russian targets. Meanwhile, in a video interview released on Friday, June 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared, "We can definitely state that this Ukrainian offensive has begun." Zelensky, speaking in Kyiv after meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, called Putin's comments "interesting." Canada Pledges Military Support to Ukraine During his surprise trip, Trudeau pledged increased military funding for Ukraine in the amount of 500 million Canadian dollars (about $373 million), as reported by Reuters. Following the meetings, the two countries released a joint statement in which they expressed their agreement that Canada would welcome Ukraine into North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as soon as the circumstances were suitable. The NATO summit in July would be the venue for this discussion. See Also: White House Claims Russia Is Working With Iran to Build Drone Facility Russia's Drone Attack Damaged Apartment Building in Odesa In the southern city of Odesa, three people were killed and many more were wounded in a Russian attack overnight, prompting the press conference. BBC reported that Ukraine authorities said the fire in a residential building was sparked by falling debris from a wrecked Russian drone. A separate Russian strike on an airstrip in central Poltava occurred throughout the night. After a six-hour assault on Odesa using eight land-based missiles and 35 drones, air defense forces were able to shoot down 20 drones and two cruise missiles, according to the Ukrainian air force. A spokesman for the southern military command, Natalia Humeniuk, said that a fire had broken out because pieces of one of the drones had fallen into an apartment building during the air battle. Emergency services reported that the fire was swiftly extinguished, and 27 persons, including three children, were injured. They said that 12 individuals had to be evacuated from the building. Damage to an Odesa apartment complex was seen in images showing shattered glass and scattered debris throughout the structure. Others displayed photos of a huge hole in the ground. The local governor in Poltava claims that early Saturday morning, Russian ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, attacked the airport nearby. According to him, it wreaked havoc on the airport's facilities and machinery. Separately, an incident in the northeastern Kharkiv area claimed the life of a 29-year-old man. Meanwhile, Russian sources claim that battle has recently risen in the strategic southern Zaporizhzhia area, where Ukrainian troops are reportedly aiming to retake the Sea of Azov to divide Russian forces. However, massive flooding in the south of the nation when the Nova Khakovka dam collapsed last week might impede Ukraine's hopes of regional progress. See Also: Ukraine Says Soldier's Phone Call Leak Proves Russia Sabotaged Kalkovka Dam @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. My opponent of many years, Polly Toynbee, has written a beautiful, funny and moving book. It made me shout many times with laughter, and often brought me to tears as well. I read it in two long sittings, unwilling to be disturbed. It is partly about herself and partly about the infuriating self-righteous class of world reformers to which she belongs. It is foolishly toffee-nosed about an imaginary world of callous Right-wingers who supposedly despise the poor. It assumes that the State has far more power to do good than it does. It neglects the Governments many-times-proven ability to do harm while meaning well. Polly Toynbee at the 2015 Edinburgh International Book Festival It is ridiculously over-sensitive about the way conservatives refer to people such as her as being part of a metropolitan elite or a liberal establishment especially given that this is exactly what they are. It naughtily assumes that such detractors tend to be Old Etonians something I am definitely not. It contains sickly praise for Sir Anthony Blair which is unworthy of such a sharp and detached writer. It is enraged by the incomprehensible inertia of the masses. By this it means the annoying refusal of the millions to rise up and follow Polly a veteran Guardian columnist and her fellow Leftists into the New Jerusalem which they still, after all these years, think they can build. It is so mistaken about education and especially about grammar schools that it is not even wrong. She asks why the thrilling social mobility of the post-war years could not last for ever. Yet she ludicrously calls the system of academically selective state education, the 11-plus and grammar schools a social guillotine. If it was such, how come privately schooled, Kensington-dwelling Polly failed the exam and didnt go to a grammar school? And how come two thirds of grammar-school pupils came from working-class homes in the days before the Left smashed up almost all such schools in an egalitarian frenzy? Nor was attending a secondary modern school a blow for the millions who did very well in those maligned establishments. I am ready to provide her with a tutorial on this at any time. I think the book assumes that its readers will feel the same contempt and unease towards religion that Polly was brought up to feel. I think religious ideals are crucial to the strength and nobility of much of her thinking. But her lack of belief is equally vital to her deep wrongness about the limits of state power. British journalist Polly Toynbee sitting on a brick wall, 9th August 1965 And the memoir is also curiously silent about the importance of the married family for the social welfare of the nation. And no wonder, for Polly (in her own words) is a child of divorce, and also of a family life so distressing and chaotic that it is astonishing how clear-eyed and kind she is about it. Her father, Philip Toynbee, was a distinguished journalist, a Communist and also a terrible drunk, who urinated in the lift at his office and treated his wife appallingly until they broke up. He nearly killed Polly and her sister at least once, driving them wildly down the narrow roads of East Anglia on a winters night when he was hopelessly inebriated. They were only saved from this insane peril when the car ran out of petrol. This sort of thing cannot have left her unmarked. Yet Polly blames not her home life but her private preparatory school (which doesnt even seem to have taught her to spell properly) for the fact that she failed to get into a state grammar school. In fact, she blames it so much that she denounces it in strikingly similar terms on page 51 and page 407. The reader might suspect that something else is going on, just as it was when, having been rescued by a brilliant teacher at Holland Park comprehensive, she then threw up the generous, liberating Oxford scholarship she had won. Is it possible she wanted to get her parents attention, as many such children do? The entire book is preoccupied by class. This is not in the Marxist sense of struggle between workers and bosses, but the old English curse of snobbery and inverted snobbery which keeps so many of us strangers to each other. For Polly is a remote sprig of the landed Whig aristocracy. She is linked by blood with the Howards of Castle Howard, famously used for the filming of Brideshead Revisited. If her prissy, liberal great-grandfather had not frowned on inherited wealth and refused to accept it when he was left it, Castle Howard might eventually have passed down to Polly herself. Polly's parents Philip and Anne and on their wedding day Imagine the stern egalitarian salons that might have gathered beneath its glorious dome. These days, by her own admission, Polly is a property millionaire with a holiday home in Sussex. She excuses these embarrassing (for her) circumstances by saying: At least we of the Left argue honestly for wealth taxes to redress this unjust shift, against the Right who somehow persuade themselves this windfall is justified. How annoying it must be for Polly that the Right have so far prevented such wealth taxes from coming to pass. Though it is always worth pointing out that His Majestys Revenue and Customs is more than happy to accept voluntary contributions from those keen to make them. There are other ironies in being Polly. She refers fondly to two beloved Irish women, who, one after the other, looked after my children while I work. And then, in a passage which more or less invites irreverent sniggers from people such as me, she says: I havent written enough here about the importance of having other women, yes, lower paid than me, to look after my children to give me the freedom to write about low pay. If there is a better summary of the paradox of the new feminist revolution, I have not seen it. The new world is equal only for those who can afford paid help. Despite her belief that comprehensive state schools achieved a great leap forward, she once sent two of her children to the expensively progressive Bedales school (current fees are in the region of 31,000 a year). She also bravely declared in 2009 that her Guardian salary was 106,000 a year, in the hope that everyone else would do the same. They didnt. I wont ask what she is paid now as, unlike her, I think such things are private. But lets get back to the Toynbee ancestry and its grandeur: though Polly is understandably sniffy about the suggestion, there is a possibility that she might have more exalted origins yet. One of her grandfathers an untypically penniless Guards officer of mysterious parentage could have been an illegitimate by-blow of one of King Edward VIIs many naughty dalliances. She spent many childhood Christmases in a Scottish castle, distressed by the deference of the village children beyond the gates. Her appalling paternal grandmother, Rosalind, was a beautiful, wicked, cruel snob, and the granddaughter of the Earl of Carlisle. Young Polly Toynbee in a photo from An Uneasy Inheritance: My Family and Other Radicals Pollys mother Anne came out as a debutante in 1939 and had her own ladys maid, but hated snobbery furiously and somehow managed to marry a boozy Communist intellectual. The rest of the Toynbee family tree is crammed with mighty professors and five-star intellectuals of both sexes, including a great-aunt who was a professor of archaeology and could purr exactly like a real cat. Polly is also distantly related to the Glenconner family, whose matriarch Lady Anne is famous for her brilliant memoirs of life with Princess Margaret. It was a world of high minds, deeply serious and rather admirable charity and social concern, and eye-watering personal austerity, in which almost everyone was anti-religious and scathingly, vituperatively anti-Tory. The great P. G. Wodehouse was frowned upon in those sober circles because the characters in his books drank alcohol (imagine, if you can, a teetotal Bertie Wooster). Small boys were denied toy soldiers lest they came to glorify war, which in those days was something only Tories liked. The new world, in which wars were started by liberals such as Blair, had yet to take shape. Alas, despite or perhaps because of this puritan atmosphere, several of these forebears drank disastrously including, as we have seen, Pollys father Philip. Though Polly rightly says that the liberal and Left-wing middle classes writhe in the particular contortions of their own moral inadequacy, this is no suburban person. And, as she says, being a posh Left-winger is a tricky business, walking across a minefield every step of the way. She adds darkly: It often means revulsion for those who may look and sound like your own kind, but who are most definitely of the opposite political tribe. And at one point she sighs: How we Left-wing middle classes hate the sound of our own voice. There is a searing clue to why this may matter so much to her. A budding friendship between the seven-year-old Polly and a village child in Suffolk was brutally ended by class mistrust, with her friends mother snarling at her quite unjustly Who do you think you are, your ladyship? She had found her daughter pulling Polly along in a little cart, as Polly waved a stick as if it were a whip. A minute before, the two girls had changed places, and it had been Polly pulling the cart, but it was no use explaining. Some ancient resentful fury had been summoned out of the ground and could not be dispelled. It was a horrible thing to happen to a child and it was not the only time. Another cross-class friendship ended equally bitterly in mockery and sneers of Miss La-di-da. Polly Toynbee at The Evening Standard debate 'Is New Labour Doomed' Well, Polly has made up for all of that now. Maybe because she has been driven by regret at the lasting chasm between the classes, or maybe just out of laudable professional curiosity, she has done something very few on the Right or the Left do. She has visited her own country to find out what is going on there. She has repeatedly set out to report on the working lives of those less fortunate than her. Interviewed on TV by Michael Parkinson after her first great exploration, she felt she was being treated like an intrepid Victorian lady returning from the jungles of the Dark Continent. But she had done no such thing: I had been nowhere except right here, in our own country, right next door, down every ordinary street. She has toiled in cake factories and soap factories, as a school dinner lady, as a care home assistant (of which she says, heartbreakingly: There is not a moment when you arent stricken by failure to do more, to be better and kinder). She drudged as a hospital cleaner at dead of night. She has done a stint in a call centre. She has lived in a run-down council flat in a grim estate while working for the minimum wage and trying to make ends meet. She couldnt even afford her usual headache pills. During a stint in a Whitehall nursery she was seen by the New Labour mandarin Peter Mandelson, well known to her. But he either did not recognise her in her servants uniform, or he thought it polite to pretend not to. As a result she now, very creditably, says Hullo to street cleaners and other menial workers we normally ignore, and is polite (if brisk) when call centres ring her. One of the things she found, in two different and widely spaced explorations, was that poor people are significantly worse off now than they were 50 years ago, in real terms. I agree with her. The country is going backwards, and more of us ought to grasp that, for our decline will not spare the chattering classes to which Polly and I both belong, or anybody else. There is a lot that needs fixing out there, and I agree with her about that, too. I think that her side, the radical side, has done a lot of good in our country and has rightly drawn attention to many ills and injustices. But they have also done some harm, especially in their vast failed project to replace the family with the State. This argument will never stop because neither side is totally right nor totally wrong. I am very glad to have such an opponent fierce, brave, adventurous and angry in the unending debate a free country must have about how it treats the weak, the sick and the poor. An Uneasy Inheritance: My Family And Other Radicals by Polly Toynbee is published by Atlantic Books at 22. Who invented sex education? Since we now have so much of it that we can barely escape it, it seems a reasonable question. This is even more important now that we know it does not work. Last week's appalling figures for syphilis and gonorrhoea cases pretty much the worst in modern times showed beyond doubt that Sex Ed has not prevented the spread of sexual diseases. The same is true of the huge abortion figures (do you remember when they said legalising that would make it 'safe, legal and rare'? Not exactly). Without the ever-increasing use of the 'morning after pill', which conceals rather than solves the problem, it would be even worse. Meanwhile, family life, as we knew it only a short time ago, is vanishing from large parts of the British landscape. Instead the state is the main parent. The 1980 prediction by Lady Helen Brook that, 'From birth till death it is now the privilege of the parental State to take major decisions objective, unemotional, the State weighs up what is best for the child', has pretty much come true for millions. I am endlessly amazed that so few people ever pause to wonder why sex education such a major feature of our schools receives so little critical attention, especially since it obviously does not work on its own terms. It has always gone hand in hand with a parallel campaign to make contraceptives available, first to the unmarried and then to any child without his or her parents' knowledge. These policies also failed in their official aim. Is it perhaps possible that its real aim is not the stated aim? Who invented sex education? Since we now have so much of it that we can barely escape it, it seems a reasonable question Sex ed has failed to achieve its official targets pretty much since it first began to spread here in the early 1950s. Yet the only response of its advocates is to say that we need more of it, at younger and younger ages, ever more explicit and radical and virtually compulsory at many ages. Is it possible that it has another intention, one that it has successfully achieved? As far as I can find out, its inventor and pioneer was a Hungarian Communist whose worrying motto was: 'Who will save us from Western Civilisation?' This zealot, Georg Lukacs (pronounced 'Loo Catch'), is still much admired by many on the Left. And he was put in charge of the schools in Budapest during the brief but horrible Hungarian Soviet Republic, which rose and fell there in 1919. Lukacs became the People's Commissar for Education and Culture, and he knew exactly what he wanted. Special lectures and specially printed pamphlets were swiftly introduced. Their aim was to 'instruct' children about 'free love', not to mention 'the nature of sexual intercourse'. But the classes also preached that traditional Christian family codes of behaviour, especially lifelong marriage, were outdated. Religion was dismissed as an irrelevant nuisance which deprived mankind of pleasure. Children were urged to reject and deride the authority of their parents and the Church, and to ignore the accepted moral code. Lukacs and the rest of them were gone in months, but his time has now definitely come round again. The revolutionaries who failed so badly to build Utopia a century ago did not give up their aims. They still know they are right, and they are trying again. They just changed their methods. No more barricades and street fights. Instead they are overturning the ideas that once held Western civilisation together. And they are doing it in a school near you. Why is Julian Assange still in a maximum security prison? There is no justification for this treatment. We should refuse to extradite him in any case, as the charges are obviously political. But there is no excuse for holding him in such conditions. Am I supposed to be pleased that my commute is fuelled by recycled cooking oil? Will the nation's railway lines, tunnels and stations come to smell of old fish and chips instead of diesel? But if this stuff works, I have an idea steam engines, fuelled by fatbergs dug from the drains. Picturesque, green and a perfect way of keeping the sewers from blocking up. The haze we should really fear When I first saw the haunting pictures of New York City in a orange smoky haze, left, I thought the legalisation of marijuana there had finally got out of hand and the whole metropolis was hopelessly stoned. It turns out just to be woodsmoke from Canada. I know which sort of smoke worries me more... A man talks on his phone as he looks through the haze at the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee One man can bring an end to this wretched war What is it about war that makes people so unimaginative and thoughtless? As the long-heralded Ukrainian offensive against Russia's invading troops seems to have begun, I notice that much of the media write rather impersonally about it, as if it is just an event on a map far away. There is no excuse for this. Large numbers of young men on both sides, scared out of their wits, will be dying horribly, or being terribly wounded in ways which will affect them for the rest of their lives. I looked at archive newspaper reports of the great battle of the Somme in July 1916, likewise intended to repel the German invader from French soil. One account, in The Times of July 3, proclaimed: 'Everything has gone well, our troops have successfully carried out their missions, all counter-attacks have been repulsed and large numbers of prisoners have been taken.' The main headline trumpeted 'Forward in the West', and the reports said (no doubt truthfully) that there were large numbers of enemy dead. I am not sneering at what these people wrote and what their editors published. Nobody knew, except the soldiers themselves, the ghastly horror of modern warfare when one huge army throws itself at another which has dug into strong defences. They thought they were still writing about Victorian wars of dashing charges and noble combat. But there is no excuse for any such illusions now. We know the truth. If anyone is in any doubt about the grisly misery of modern war, please read John Harris's marvellous book Covenant With Death. While they still lived, Harris interviewed surviving veterans of the Somme and turned their memories into a novel of extraordinary power. Nobody who reads it could ever choose to launch or sustain such warfare. President Biden knows this war will end with negotiations. He said in June 2022: 'At some point there's going to have to be a negotiated settlement here.' If he wants such talks, he can obtain them, beyond doubt. Ukraine can fight only as long as Washington wants it to. But a regiment of army-barmy politicians and teenage scribblers, who have never seen a dead body or heard a bullet fly, urge war to the end and the young men are ground into the mud and slime, for the vainglory of others far away. When a young Boris Johnson plotted his path to become world king, he could never have imagined that his fate would be entwined with a brash New York property tycoon who would go on to be President of the United States. And yet here we are. By a remarkable coincidence, the two men whose fortunes first collided in 2016, when they led unexpected populist triumphs in Britain and the US, now find themselves humbled in similar ways, on the same day. Even more striking is the almost identical way Johnson and Donald Trump reacted. Johnson used Trumps favourite term witch-hunt to castigate his tormentors. As well as lambasting Harriet Harman for deeply prejudicial remarks about my guilt and investigation head Sue Gray for her political bias, Boriss most Trumpy bit was his lashing out at a lawyer who advised Ms Gray on her Partygate probe as a strong Labour supporter who repeatedly tweeted personal attacks on me and the government. A Boris-hater, as Trump would more pithily put it? Critics say that narcissism oozes from the responses of both former leaders. Yet they do have a point. When a young Boris Johnson plotted his path to become world king, he could never have imagined that his fate would be entwined with a brash New York property tycoon Even more striking is the almost identical way Johnson and Donald Trump reacted. Johnson used Trumps favourite term witch-hunt to castigate his tormentors Ever since those twin shocks to the Establishment seven years ago the Boris-led Brexit vote, followed months later by Trumps election to the White House something seems to have snapped. The vitriol aimed at these two politicians has been unprecedented. The truth is that the Establishment has, most definitely, been out to get these two rumbustious populist leaders for the sheer impertinence of achieving political success on their terms and not the Establishments. To the consternation of the elites in London and Washington, Johnson and Trump (ironically, both, in their own way, are members of the elite) seemed to have an almost mystical appeal to the working class. They went out of their way to ignore and belittle the norms and conventions of political insiders. They connected with voters while bypassing those insular and arrogant media gatekeepers. More substantively, they mounted a revolutionary intellectual challenge to the dominant ruling class ideology of the past 40 years challenging globalism and its central elements of open borders, free trade and engagement with China. For all these reasons, Boris Johnson and Donald Trump built an army of fiercely loyal fans who dont just support them, but love them (just as much as their opponents hate them). That, in turn, helped both men outrun their enemies and survive scandals that would have brought normal politicians crashing to the ground. Until now. Here we come to the big difference between these two larger-than-life characters. For all the bravado in his resignation letter about leaving Parliament at least for now, it is hard to see Johnson becoming Prime Minister again. For Trump, however, each new indictment strengthens him politically. You may be amazed to learn that a current staple of political commentary in America is constitutional experts assuring a dazed public that there is no reason why Trump cant be elected even if he is convicted. Or even wait for it serving as President from inside prison. Yep, were all in for a rollercoaster time ahead. It was a whirlwind romance for Prince Abdullah and Rania Al-Yassin, who were married within a year of meeting, 30 years ago today. The pair were introduced at a colleague's dinner party in 1992 and were engaged six months later before exchanging vows on June 10, 1993. Their lavish ceremony took place at the Zahran Palace in Amman and it made such an impact that it was named a national holiday. And just a few days ago, they had the joy of seeing their son, Crown Prince Hussein, marry Rajwa al-Saif in a spectacular wedding in Amman attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Prince Abdallah posing with his bride Rania Yassine after their wedding ceremony at the Royal Palace in Amman on June 10, 1993 It was a whirlwind romance for the then Prince Abdullah and Rania Al-Yassin, who were married within a year of meeting and are still in love to this day King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan pictured with their children, Crown Prince Al Thirty years ago, Rania's wedding dress had been designed by Bruce Oldfield - a favourite of Princess Diana. It was inspired by the formal Syrian court dresses being displayed at London's Victoria & Albert Museum. The elegant full-skirted gown was a simple piece but was complemented by the embellished gold jacket with a statement collar. Hussein (1st from L), Prince Hashem (2nd from R), and Princesses Iman (1st from R), and Salma Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdulla II and his mother, Queen Rania during the Royal Wedding Banquet in Amman, Jordan earlier this month It was a truly regal ensemble, although Raina broke royal tradition by not wearing a tiara. Tradition dictated a royal bride must wear jewels from her own family at her wedding, but born into a modest Palestinian family in Kuwait, Rania did not come from a noble family with an impressive range of jewels at her disposal. READ MORE: Queen Rania of Jordan makes an emotional tribute to her future daughter-in-law at celebration ahead of her wedding Advertisement Having been raised alongside her two siblings in the West Bank town of Tulkarm and worked hard for her achievements, her decision made a statement marking that she would not forget her humble beginnings. Instead, she wore an embellished headband attached to her wedding veil, which was styled around her intricate up-do. Following their nuptials, the pair became parents to Crown Prince Hussein, 28, Princess Iman, 26, Princess Salma, 22, and Prince Hashem, 18. And while today we celebrate the anniversary of a royal wedding, the Jordanian royals have also recently celebrated the wedding of their son Prince Hussein to Rajwa Al Saif. Ahead of their wedding, Queen Rania paid an emotional tribute to the bride, describing Miss Rajwa as 'the sweetest and most beautiful bride-to-be', adding that she is as precious to her as her daughters Princesses Iman and Salma. Back in March, their daughter Princess Iman of Jordan gave a touching nod to her parent's big day by wearing her mother's white and gold wedding belt as she took part in her henna ceremony. Having overcome the test of time and watched their children grow, the royal couple appear to be just as happy as they were three decades ago. King Abdullah and Queen Rania posing for a picture with the bride and the groom, their eldest daughter Princess Iman and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in March Queen of Jordan pictured speaking in a panel discussion during the annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York in September 2016 And since then, Queen Rania has become widely admired and renowned for her strong voice and charitable work. Having been named of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes magazine in 2011, she has been known to champion projects across key issues, such as women's rights, child protection, the environment and youth empowerment. She is also known for a fine sense of style. From elegant traditional Jordanian clothing to crisply tailored ensembles, the Queen knows how to make a statement with her wardrobe. Most recently, the Queen appeared alongside her husband at the Coronation of King Charles in a yellow long-sleeve dress by Tamara Ralph Couture. She paired the tailored pencil number with a coordinating hat and Jimmy Choo heeled pumps. For a London outing after the Coronation, Rania wore a gradient-effect double-breasted blazer suit by Ermanno Scervino King Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania of Jordan arriving at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023 Having maintained a close relationship with the British Royal Family, the King and Queen were also in attendance at Queen Elizabeth's funeral in September last year. Queen Rania appeared to be fond of the late monarch. She admitted that she 'looked up' to Queen Elizabeth during an interview with ITV News. The Queen said: 'She didn't always presume that you wanted her advice but she was very generous when you asked for it. I really looked up to her. To me, she is the queen of the world.' The blueprint is an homage to interior design of diner cars on passenger trains The style is 'a mashup' of architectural cues from the 1920s, '50s and '60s Architect Michael Wyetzner gave the skinny on how diners across the United States came to have such a similar appearance. The co-owner of NYC firm Michielli + Wyetzner Architects broke down the lineage of the phenomenon in a video for Architectural Digest. Wyetzner begins by explaining that 'architecture and design elements from three different eras of US history work together to give the classic American diner that nostalgic glow.' The blueprint for many 'classic' diner features - booths and compact footprints, for instance - pays homage to the interior design of diner cars on passenger trains, which first took on their formulaic, narrow layout back in the 1920s. Architect Michael Wyetzner dove into the architectural history of the classic American diner in a video for Architectural Digest 'Retro'-style diners are widely seen as integral to the aesthetic of post-war Americana The typical American diner derives its compact layout from dining cars on passenger trains Some early diners were based out of actual dining cars from trains that'd been retired and permanently set in a foundation. Pictured is an example in New York City from 1920 Diners' signature booth-centric seating originated in early 20th century passenger train cars The blueprint of many stationary diners pays homage to the narrow layout of train cars as well 'So the outside has a shape that's reminiscent of a train,' Wyetzner says, adding that 'that's how diners got their name.' Some of the earliest stationary diners actually operated out of train cars that'd been retired and set in foundation, making them permanent fixtures in the rapidly developing built environment of the US. Train travel peaked in the country over the 1920s, with only an estimated 10 per cent of Americans owning cars in that decade. By the 1950s, the number of Americans with their own cars had shot up to about 30 per cent - and kept climbing. At the same time, legislation like the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 spurred the creation of more than 40,000 miles of paved roadways nationwide - ushering in the era of the road trip as well. As highways sprung up in the post-war period, diners did too - meeting the demands of American families who had taken to traveling by car over the rapidly expanding networks of highways newly at the public's disposal. This new crop of post-war diners, as Wyetzner explains, tended to embrace a bold, slightly fantastical-yet-streamlined style, later dubbed Googie architecture. 'Googie architecture was very optimistic, very exuberant. It was about abstraction and signage and brightness,' Wyetzner said. Googies Coffee Shop in Los Angeles was one of the earlier sites associated with what would become known as Googie architecture A couple posing outside of Googies Coffee Shop circa 1954 Many early drive-throughs embraced a futuristic ethos, which also broadly informed Googie architecture. Pictured is Los Angeles drive-in eatery The Track circa 1949 A UFO-like disc motif featured in some Googie-era drive-ins was eventually adapted into more highbrow landmarks, such as Seattle's iconic Space Needle It was so named after one of the earlier sites associated with the origins of the aesthetic: Googies Coffee Shop in Hollywood, which was situated in a building designed in the late 1940s by Frank Lloyd Wright protegee John Lautner. 'What I really liked about this diner [Googies] is it looks like it could have been designed in the late 1980s as a deconstructivist piece of architecture, with these planes that are connected by glass that almost look like they're falling down,' Wyetzner gushes of the facade. Of the general style, Wyetzner summarizes that it's 'about loud signs and attention-getting buildings - new sorts of forms.' See, for instance: the iconic Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, signage that greets motorists inbound to Sin City, first erected in 1959. He further reflects that Googie architecture took mid-century modernism 'to a different, less serious place.' Wyetzner also stresses that, on a more conceptual level, it tapped into 'optimism towards the future, starting in the 1950s, that was very influenced by space-age technology.' Loud, neon signage is considered integral to the Googie architectural aesthetic Pictured is the Historic Village Diner in Red Hook, New York - an example of a still-operational diner situated in a former train car The hopeful sentiments amid the space race in post-war America leaked into the nation's architecture. Pictured is NYC's Stardust Diner, which opened in 1987 in homage to '50s diners That 'space-age' ethos was visibly at play in the earliest iterations of drive-in restaurants as well. One example, Los Angeles drive-in eatery The Track, featured a series of conveyer belts radiating out from the main restaurant building to individual parking spots that surrounded it. The style was also rife with a large-scale spacecraft-esque disc motif, nodding to the excitement around space exploration that permeated the national mood by the late 1950s. Seattle's Space Needle, built in 1962 for that city's iteration of the World's Fair, represents a more high-brow adaptation of that UFO-like element as an architectural feature of buildings. Wyetzner points to the 1964 World's Fair in Queens, New York, as 'the last' moment the Googie style felt like a genuine embodiment of 'the optimism of the future and what could be.' 'All of a sudden, the only parts of Googie architecture that remained were the diners and the eateries that had started it,' Wyetzner says of the style's decline in the late 1960s According to Wyetzner, the quintessential 'retro' diner is 'a mashup' of 'architecture from the 1920s, based on the train; the 1950s, based on the car; the 1960s, based on space travel' After that, as Wyetzner explains: 'iI all came crashing down - that sense of the optimism for the future. And the patriotism, ubiquitous in the space race, came back to Earth, with the rise of the Vietnam War, and the fight for civil rights and the assassinations. 'All of a sudden, the only parts of Googie architecture that remained were the diners and the eateries that had started it.' By the late 1960s, 'the Googie style, once a vision of the future, became a thing of the past,' Wyetzner emphasizes. He goes on to point out that many tend to think of a 'retro diner' as emblematic of 'a specific time in the 1950s.' When, in fact, 'it's really an amalgam of architecture from the 1920s, based on the train; the 1950s, based on the car; the 1960s, based on space travel.' The takeaway, then, is that what most think of as the quintessential 'retro' diner is essentially 'a mashup of all those eras.' In the fast-paced world of technology-focused initiatives, few challenges are as complex as aligning business goals with technical requirements. Often, technology resources struggle to see the bigger picture, while business experts fail to grasp the technological intricacies necessary to achieve their objectives. Enter Niv Raz, a rare individual who possesses the unique ability to bridge the gap between business and technology. Niv Raz's career spans for over two decades of progressive experience and a track record of success. Niv Raz started his journey into the realm of technology when he was rapidly recruited to EDS as a system administrator and quickly moved to lead the infrastructure team at Tnuva, where he gained valuable insights into how even the most basic technological tools impact businesses on a broader scale. As a result of his outstanding results and comprehensive understanding of business needs, Niv Raz was retained by IBM Israel, one of the biggest technology companies in the world, and a major facilitator of Israel's surveillance and security mechanism, where he excelled as a solution architect. Niv Raz was responsible for driving client value through technology by designing and architecting solutions for high-scale, high-value-added projects. This experience further solidified his ability to bridge the divide between business goals and technical requirements. Impressed by his proven track record of delivering exceptional result, Niv Raz was recruited by Harel Insurance, the largest insurance and finance group in Israel. Collaborating with Harel Insurance's major vendors, such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Nutanix, and Microsoft, Niv Raz propelled the organization's business performance to new heights. Employing an agile approach, he ensured the IT group remained adaptable to market requirements, continuously delivering innovative technical solutions and a streamlined user interface for clients. Within a remarkably short span of three years, Niv Raz's exceptional leadership skills were recognized by the Harel Insurance leadership team, resulting in his promotion to the position of Chief Technology Officer at the age of 37. This made him the youngest person to ever hold such a role in Israel's history. As CTO, Niv Raz led the organization's development, data, and infrastructure initiatives, playing a pivotal role in establishing Harel Insurance as a prominent player in international markets and a standout in the insurance industry. He swiftly became the public face of technology for the company, sharing its remarkable journey with the world. Under Niv Raz's guidance, Harel Insurance transitioned into a modern organization, API First, Cloud, and innovative organization by integrating startups to enhance customer experience and provide more personalized services. Niv also led an innovation partnership with Tokio Marine to seek Israeli startups that provide cutting-edge advantages that enhance the insurance industry. Niv Raz does not want wealth of knowledge to be contained to one business and to be able to share his expertise to a wider audience, he founded the CTO Corner Podcast. This platform brought together some of the brightest minds in the industry and quickly garnered a substantial following, serving as a valuable resource for CTOs worldwide to enhance their impact and refine their technology stacks. Additionally, Niv Raz joined the board of directors at CISPI (Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers in Israel), actively promoting the adoption of cloud technology in Israel. He spearheaded conferences, round tables, and public outreach efforts to drive the industry forward. In 2021, Niv Raz embarked on a new chapter in his career, assuming the role of Senior Manager of Solution Engineering at VMware. Leading the solution engineering group in Israel and overseeing the local marketing strategy, Niv Raz wasted no time in making a significant impact. His efforts resulted in impressive revenue and substantial growth within a remarkably short period. Niv Raz's seamless collaboration with business teams and his ability to bridge the gap between technology and business goals proved instrumental in VMware's outstanding performance. A strategic leader and a gifted storyteller, Niv Raz continue to push the boundaries of Israel's technological capabilities. Under his guidance, individual organizations and entire industries have reaped the benefits of applied, solution-oriented technological solutions. Niv Raz's journey is a testament to the importance of fostering alignment between business goals and technical requirements in today's technology-driven world. His exceptional abilities, innovative mindset, and relentless pursuit of excellence have not only propelled his own career but have also transformed businesses and industries, elevating Israel's technology landscape into a bright and promising future. Kelly has since made many connections with men in their 20s and 30s She moved from California to New Jersey and joined dating app Cougar Life A 72-year-old woman has revealed she began getting plenty of advances from younger men after joining a cougar dating app. When Kelly Howard - whose real name is hidden for privacy reasons - moved from California to New Jersey, she wanted to add some excitement in her life so she began looking for a companion in a very modern way. She then found an app known as Cougar Life, which helps younger people meet older women. Five years later, Kelly is receiving messages everyday from about 10 to 20 men, and while some act as her pen pals, others become great dates. Kelly Howard - whose real name is hidden for privacy reasons - is a 72-year-old woman. She has revealed she began getting plenty of advances from younger man on a cougar-dating app (stock) She told Insider that a first date would usually involve the two grabbing drinks, however, occasionally she would sneak up to their hotel rooms and stay overnight. 'We spent the night together and that was it just like, "Oh my god,"' she said of one man she drove more than an hour to meet. Kelly revealed she had even made a few meaningful connections through her dating-app journey. She and one man - who is in his late 20s - have been messaging back and forth for five years, but they had never met because he lived in Vancouver. At first, Kelly didn't even believe he was real due to how 'unbelievably handsome' he was. She revealed that she made him video call her and hold up an orange balloon to prove he was real. Five years later, the pair are super close and tell each other everything. Kelly said she preferred dating younger men over men her age because they were more open to change. Kelly said she preferred dating younger men over men her age because they were more open to change (stock image) She explained that younger men 'don't have that attitude,' adding that it's 'refreshing.' Kelly said that as a child she was always taught women were supposed to 'please the guy,' so she felt like she could finally put herself first. And she isn't the only older woman who is searching for younger men in the dating pool. The senior director of communications at Cougar Life, Isabella Mise, told the outlet that 15 per cent of users on the app are age 50 and up. 'They're still looking for connection, love, physical intimacy, and I think online dating is perhaps a way for them to widen their dating pool,' she said. Cougar Life cites an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) survey done in 2003 that found 34 per cent of women wanted to date younger men. Results were taken from a pool of men and women between the ages of 40 and 69. One cougar known as Annette Wheeler, then 60, told AARP that she sought out younger men because they better matched her 'energetic lifestyle.' 'I can't explain why... without even knowing someone's age, you can be sure I'm going to gravitate toward the younger guy,' she said. 'And I don't know if it's a function of I'm attracted to younger guys or younger guys are attracted to me. It's just their energy, their enthusiasm and - the biggie - "less baggage."' A polar bear cub struggles to climb out of the water onto the rocky Arctic shore in summertime. Just eight months old, the little bear is exhausted after a long swim from a neighbouring island. His mother is skin and bones, ravenously hungry and determined to find gulls nests to raid for eggs. She cannot hang back and waste energy trying to help him out of the sea. Somehow he hauls himself onto the land. Now he has to find the strength to climb the cliffs, to the nests but when he gets there, his mother and bigger brother have eaten everything. The cub needs to keep climbing. Can he do it? Or will he tumble to his death? Its a heart-stopping moment in Our Planet II, the Netflix wildlife series narrated by Sir David Attenborough that comes to our screens this week four episodes of the most sumptuous animal photography ever seen, and all crammed with moments of life-and-death tension. For the first time, a wildlife show has discovered the cliffhanger literally, in the case of the little polar bear. No one has done this in natural history before, says series producer Huw Cordey. Netflix series Our Planet II is crammed with moments of life-or-death tension. Polar bears straight out of the water onto the rocky Artic shore after a long swim from neighbouring islands have to find the strength to climb the cliffs to the nests and even beyond if there is no food Sir David Attenborough narrates Our Planet II, the Netflix wildlife series narrated by Sir David Attenborough that comes to our screens this week. The series is made up of four episodes of the most sumptuous animal photography ever seen There is one narrative arc that runs all the way through, as we follow animal migrations. This allows us to begin a story in one episode, and finish it in the next. We want to hook the viewer, compelling them to watch the next part straight away. The first series of Our Planet in 2019 was incredibly popular. But we realised, analysing the data, that people werent watching it in any particular order. They were jumping around if they loved penguins, for instance, they might start with the polar episode. 'This time, we want viewers to follow a story, one part after the next, as you do with a great drama. We planned this right from the start. We want viewers to follow a story, one part after the next, as you do with great dramas And those cliffhangers are compelling. The first is set on Laysan, in the Hawaiian islands in the Pacific. Albatross chicks are preparing for their first flight and thats an event that brings tiger sharks marauding from hundreds of miles around. A Laysan albatross chick is very cute. With a hooked beak and quiff of brown feathers flopping over its eyes, it looks like a rockabilly dancer from the musical Grease. All it needs is a leather jacket. One chicks parents have been bringing meals of regurgitated fish, but the food bank of mum and dad ceased trading two weeks ago as the adults resumed their own long-distance travels. The chicks are on their own. Instinct tells them to fly, and their wings are just big enough to get them airborne. Staying airborne is more of a problem. And the predators know it. Every chick that bellyflops into the water is a sharks snack. Their only hope is to paddle so hard that they get some lift under their wings. Then they run across the oceans surface until they take off or until a shark snaps them up. In East Africa a million wildebeest and zebras make an annual migration through the Serengeti-Maasai Mara areas of Tanzania and Kenya in search of new grazing pastures. They have to be careful to avoid crocodiles as they cross the Mara river An exhausted family of elephants forced to leave its home in the forests of southern China to begin a 250-mile journey in search of food are seen resting part way through their expedition The show is not without some great predators, including crocodiles living on the banks the Mara river (stock picture) The opening episode ends with our rocker chick getting ready to spread his wings for the first time. And the second begins with him crash-landing into the water, and paddling for his life The next cliffhanger in East Africa is equally dramatic, with a zebra foal building up courage to plunge into the Mara river. He is part of an annual phenomenon in the Serengeti-Maasai Mara areas of Tanzania and Kenya, a million wildebeest and zebra in search of new grazing pastures. Sir David calls it the biggest terrestrial migration on Earth. The annual migration of 40 million red crabs on Christmas Island creates a moving carpet of crustaceans But the river is fast-flowing and full of hungry crocodiles: 6,000 animals will be drowned or killed in the crossing. And our foal is just four weeks old. The tension is almost unbearable, and once again it straddles two episodes. The final crossover story seems the most amazing of all, as drought forces a family of elephants to leave its home in the forests of southern China and embark on a 250-mile journey in search of food. China was at the time of filming the most populous country on the planet and it isnt long before the herd of 17 stumble into villages and wreak havoc in paddy fields. But far from reacting with fear and hostility, the locals pour out sacks of grain to ensure the animals have something to eat. The episode ends with an extraordinary drone shot of the herd lying down, exhausted. Elephants do not like drones, says executive producer Keith Scholey. They think the noise is a swarm of bees, and elephants hate bees. But these ones are so tired they tolerate the drones. Their plight becomes worse at the start of the next segment, as they blunder into a town. The authorities have no choice but to intervene yet somehow, using police and fire trucks as a blockade, theyre able to persuade the herd to turn around. After a trek of two years, they eventually find their way home to the southern forests. Migration is the constant theme of the show. Only now are we beginning to understand that all life on Earth depends on the freedom to move, says Sir David. Sir David's still going wild at 97 With three natural history series this year alone, Sir David Attenborough, 97, shows no sign of slowing down At 97, Sir David Attenborough's passion for wildlife documentaries is undiminished. This year alone David has featured on the BBC's Wild Isles and Apple TV+'s Prehistoric Planet. Now he's narrating Our Planet II, and it involves much more than just narrating a script, as producer Huw Cordey reveals. 'Sometimes you write something and think "That's a great line" - then David changes it. And you realise he's made it better. 'He's a one-off,' says Our Planet II executive producer Keith Scholey. 'If he'd gone into politics, he could have been prime minister. He has an immense creative brain. We're so lucky he chose natural history because the impact he's had on educating the world is incredible.' Advertisement One of the most jaw-dropping sequences follows a flock of demoiselle cranes over the Himalayas. Drone cameras are able to fly with them at 8,000 metres. The birds seem not to be moving, just hanging in the air and flapping their wings. When we were making the first Our Planet series, drones were in the early stages of development, says Huw. They were large, the battery life was poor, and in some parts of the world, such as the Arctic, they lost the GPS signal easily and were never seen again. But the new breed of drones are smaller, with a huge battery life. Its a game-changer. Perhaps more than any previous wildlife series, Our Planet conveys the sheer scale of life on Earth. The numbers involved are staggering. Take the gathering of humpback whales for the annual krill bonanza in the North Pacific. In 90 days, each whale scoops up as much as 100 tons of krill, shrimp-like crustaceans. They are joined by a million sooty shearwaters, birds that fly 600 miles a day for a solid week to be there. On a beach in west Mexico, 250,000 olive ridley turtles gather every year to lay their eggs in the warm sand. When these hatch, more than three-quarters will be gobbled up by predators, including iguanas and gulls. Tens of thousands survive, though, and will spend the next 15 years at sea before coming back to the beach to lay eggs. Even these vast numbers are dwarfed by Christmas Islands red crabs. The annual migration to the sea to breed takes 40 million of them across roads and through towns, a moving carpet of crustaceans. To keep them safe and let the traffic flow, locals have built crab bridges and tunnels, and also sweep them across roads with brooms. Each crab lays 100,000 eggs. The babies, no bigger than money spiders, hatch at the waters edge and head inland. There can be billions ascending the sea wall. And if your mind is still not sufficiently boggled, wait for the locusts. This documentary reveals the largest swarm ever filmed in Africa 200 billion. The annual migration to the sea to breed takes 40 million Christmas Island red crabs across roads and through towns, a moving carpet of crustaceans It wasnt something we could plan for, says Huw. For most of their lives locusts are solitary creatures, but when conditions are right and there is sufficient food, they boom. Then they shed their outer skins and emerge much bigger, with wings. We heard about these huge swarms, appearing in the early months of lockdown, but we couldnt send crews around the world. We had to find local teams to film the scene, and they did an amazing job with drones and long-lens cameras. That many locusts is truly a plague of Biblical proportions. They devour everything in their path, cutting a swathe up the east coast of Africa to the Red Sea. And they dont stop there. Crossing the water, the locusts swarm across the Middle East, reaching Nepal and India. Like everything else in this series, its a mindblowing epic. Without a cunning plan by the writers, Cold Feets middle-class management consultant Robert Bathurst might have found fame in Blackadder and no one would have heard of Tony Robinsons dim-witted servant Baldrick. A lost pilot of the hit comedy presents a tantalising look at an early version of the show which went on to become one of the nations favourite sitcoms. By the time it had been made into a series broadcast 40 years ago this month the show was very different. The setting was more historically accurate and Tony Robinson was in place as the comic sidekick Baldrick. Poor Robert Bathursts character, nice-but-dim Prince Henry, Edmund Blackadders older brother, was cut completely and the titular role, played by Rowan Atkinson, had been reimagined. Now, two new documentaries on Gold will feature the lost pilot unearthed in the BBC archives plus commentary from its stars and secrets from the shows four series. Blackadder: The Lost Pilot and Blackadder: A Cunning Story will air on Thursday (9pm) and Friday (9pm) on Gold The story begins in the mid-1970s at Oxford University where aspiring writer Richard Curtis made friends with shy comedy genius Rowan Atkinson. Following the success of sketch show Not The Nine OClock News which launched in 1979 starring Rowan and co-written by Richard the pair went on holiday to France and wrote Blackadder. We thought about a detective sitcom but that changed to a historical one, recalls Richard. We came up with the idea of Edmund, who was a bully to those below him but sucked up to the people above. Tony Robinson was offered the role of Blackadders servant Baldrick but he was busy, so the part went to actor Philip Fox. The pilot is very funny and John Lloyd, brought in to work on the first series, admits errors were then made, including making devious Blackadder a wimp. After watching the pilot I thought, why hasnt he, as the second son, simply seized power? So we changed him but probably made the wrong call. The first series was expensive but not the hit theyd expected, and for the second Richard Curtis brought in writer Ben Elton whod had huge success with The Young Ones. With a threat of cancellation from BBC boss Michael Grade, the writers cut costly scenes from scripts. We had this mad weekend taking out every special effect, every extra, recalls John. Thats partly why in the second series the queen of England is in a tiny room like a nursery. And because our sets were smaller, it meant we could film it in front of a studio audience. Edmund Blackadder, butler to the Prince (Rowan Atkinson), Baldrick, a dogsbody (Tony Robinson) and The Prince Regent, their Master (Hugh Laurie). A unearthed pilot episode for the show is set to air in two new documentaries airing on Gold Ben says he didnt even know thered been a pilot and is surprised to find it featured his charismatic, clever Blackadder character. I always thought that was my breakthrough, he says. I wanted it different from the first series where Baldrick had been the clever one. It all paid off, with series two a huge hit. Those early Blackadders involved a lot of hard work, struggle, changing our minds and learning things, says John. The message is that struggle is worth it. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were always known to have a close bond with their parents, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew. But despite this, the two royal sisters appear to have frozen out the Duke of York at various poignant royal occasions amid his controversial connection to Jeffrey Epstein. In the past few years, both Princess Beatrice, 34, and Princess Eugenie, 32, have undergone significant life events - including getting married and welcoming three children between them. But any mention of Prince Andrew in the poignant moments has been amiss - and instead, the sisters seem to have made an effort to distance themselves from their father. It's also come during a period in which both sisters have stepped up into the limelight within The Firm, taking on various royal duties and appearing at official engagements. Here FEMAIL takes a look back at all the times Eugenie and Beatrice have frozen out their disgraced father. BEATRICE'S WEDDING DAY Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi pictured on their wedding day in Windsor in July 2022 Even though Prince Andrew walked his daughter down the aisle at All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor, he did not appear in any of the photos released to the public Princess Beatrice married in July 2020 wearing both a tiara and vintage dress generously lent to her by her grandmother, deeply conscious that she was missing out on a traditional large wedding. But there was no sign of her father Princess Andrew in any of the photographs of the released by the Palace. Despite the Duke of York walking her down the aisle during the intimate ceremony at All Saints at Royal Lodge, a decision was taken not to include him in the images made public. Andrew stepped down from public life in November after becoming embroiled in a scandal over his late paedophile friend, disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Beatrice's hastily arranged ceremony was attended only by close friends and family following the cancellation of a larger wedding in May due to lockdown. Family friends insisted the secretive nature of the wedding was not down to Andrew, who was noticeably absent from the official photographs, and his issues over the Epstein scandal. Andrew and Edo gave speeches and the newlyweds enjoyed their first night together as man and wife in a special glamping pod. Images of Andrew at the event have never been released. EUGENIE'S BABY NAME SNUBS Earlier this week, Princess Eugenie announced she had named her second son August Philip Hawke Brooksbank - skipping over any reference to her father Prince Andrew Princess Eugenie and August Philip Hawke Brooksbank attend the Platinum Pageant in June 2022 Six months later, it was confirmed Princess Eugenie had named her first born son August Philip Hawke Brooksbank - skipping over any reference to her father Prince Andrew. Despite remaining close to her father, she chose not to name the little boy after Andrew - who also has a number of middle names to choose from. Instead of choosing Albert Christian Edward for her first born son, she chose instead to name him after other relatives. Eugenie went on to reveal the name was a touching tribute to Queen Victoria's Husband Prince Albert, whose birth name was Franz Albert August Karl Emanuel, and Prince Philip, writing: 'On his grandfather's birthday weekend, thinking of my grandfather, we are introducing our little boy. 'He is named after his great grandfather and both of his 5x great grandfathers.' It was a similar story when she welcomed her second son Ernest was born earlier this week. The youngest daughter of Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York took to Instagram yesterday to announce the birth of Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank on 30th May 2023. Born last Tuesday weighing 7lbs 1oz, his name pays tribute to his late grandfather, Jack's dad George, who died aged 72 in 2021, and Fergie's father Major Ronald Ferguson. Eugenie also said his name was a tribute to his great great great grandfather George V, whose middle name was also Ernest. It means her children's names pay tribute to Jack's father and grandfather, while also paying tribute to Eugenie's own paternal and maternal grandparents. KEEPING THEIR DISTANCE AT ROYAL EVENTS Prince Andrew was pictured mostly separately from the rest of his family on Christmas Day last year Left: Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arrive at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate with the royal's stepson Christopher Woolf. Right: Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank arrive at the Christmas service Elsewhere, the sisters have taken to arriving at royal events at a distance from their father. Prince Andrew joined other members of the royal family for Sandringham Christmas service this year - but his daughters both walked into the service slightly apart from their father. During his surprise appearance at Sandringham, Prince Andrew left members of the public bemused when he told them to 'stand on a newspaper and you insulate your feet'. A video showed the royal family member - seen without his daughters - chatting with the public and he asks a woman if she had cold feet. When she responded 'freezing', he replied: 'Did you know the trick is to bring a newspaper? Stand on a newspaper and you insulate your feet.' Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank attending the Easter Mattins Service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in April 2023 It was the same case at the Easter service, when Prince Andrew arrived alongside Princess Anne instead of his daughters. And while Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice were joined by both their parents at the Coronation concert in Windsor in May, the sisters sat several seats from their father. Fergie and Andrew may have been seen chatting to one another, neither of the York girls were seen speaking to their parents. LEFT OUT OF INSTAGRAM POSTS Since joining Instagram in March 2018, Princess Eugenie has amassed over 1.8m followers - where she regularly shares personal snaps of her young son August and messages of support for her family. Princess Eugenie posted this photo with her mother Sarah Ferguson and Princess Beatrice over King Charles' Coronation weekend Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie pictured with their father Prince Andrew in happier times at Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding in 2011 Despite this, she has rarely shared snaps of her father over the last few years. During the Coronation celebrations, she posted a photograph posing with Princess Beatrice and Sarah. However, her father was noticeably missing from the group shot - even though he sat on the same row as his daughters for the historic ceremony in Westminster Abbey. What's more, Princess Eugenie even travelled in the same car as his youngest daughter to the Coronation. This year, she has also shared birthday messages for Princess Beatrice, Fergie and her husband Jack, but not her father. Last September, Princess Beatrice became a 'counsellor of state' following her beloved grandmother's passing - meaning she can now stand-in for King Charles. The law states that those allowed to step into his shoes include the sovereign's spouse - now Queen Camilla - and the next four people over the age of 21 in the line of succession. Beatrice is the fourth person in line to the throne aged over 21 so can take on the royal duties despite being in ninth position overall. The other royals that can take on the responsibilities are Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William, The Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York. A mother has gone viral after sharing her brilliant hack for making easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs and all it takes is a few taps of a spoon. Jordan Burns, a chiropractor and author from Fishers, Indiana, took to Instagram last week to share a video of his mother, Heather Burns, prepping her eggs before boiling them. 'So Mom apparently has this egg trick,' he said from behind the camera. Heather then demonstrated how she uses the back of a metal spoon to tap the base of the eggs before placing them in a pot of water. Jordan Burns, a chiropractor and author from Fishers, Indiana, took to Instagram last week to share a video of his mother, Heather Burns, prepping her eggs before boiling them Heather then demonstrated how she uses the back of a metal spoon to tap the base of the eggs before placing them in a pot of water 'You hear the snap at the end?' she asked her son. 'It means that the albumen popped away from the outside of the shell, and they are so much easier to peel.' 'Some of them take a little longer to snap than others, but some of them snap in a couple taps,' she added. Heather explained that this pre-boil prep has become a valuable part of her routine because she boils eggs almost every week. Before she started using the tapping method, she would struggle to peel the shells and would end up with 'mutilated' eggs by the time she was done. 'I do this before I boil them. Then I plunge them into an ice bath after a 10-minute boil. Once cool, crack on counter and peel away,' she had her son clarify in the comments. 'This has made the difference for me,' she added. 'I've tried some of the other hacks, but nothing has worked as well as this.' Heather explained that before she learned this hack, she used to struggle to peel the shells and would end up with 'mutilated' eggs by the time she was done 'You hear the snap at the end?' she asked her son. 'It means that the albumen popped away from the outside of the shell, and they are so much easier to peel' More than a thousand people have commented on the viral video, and many confirmed that the mom's egg trick works Jordan's video has been viewed 3.6 million times and has received more than a thousand comments since it was posted on June 2. 'I just started doing this and it works great!' one person replied. 'My grandma got me on this trick as well,' someone else shared. 'It works!' another agreed. 'We do ours this way also, makes a huge difference.' However, there were also a number of people who didn't think the tapping was necessary and offered up their egg boiling methods instead. I use my [Instant Pot] and it works great for me with no pre-tapping,' one viewer commented. I just crack the shell after boiling... then put in cold water,' someone else explained. 'Peels off so nicely.' 'Bring a pot of water to boil after adding a tablespoon or so of salt. Drop eggs into boiling water for 14 minutes, then plunge into an ice bath straight from the boiling water. Wait 5 minutes,' another advised. 'The shells literally come off in two halves. No struggle. You're welcome.' A woman has revealed how she treated herself to a trip to Pisa for just 52 after a stop off in Italy for five hours made her trip home to Ireland 162 cheaper. After flying from Dublin to visit her long-distance boyfriend in Malta, Katie Nolan was shocked to see that a return flight home would cost 214, so she decided to take a five-hour stop off in Pisa, Italy. Katie, 29, the owner of 'Sleek N Easy' hairstyling products, from Kildare, Ireland, spent just 52 on travel, food, drink and fridge magnets during her stop-off in Italy where she was able to enjoy a freshly baked pizza by the iconic leaning tower of Pisa. Making use of Ryanair's affordable flights, Katie turned what would have otherwise been an inconvenience into a mini-day trip - and it went so smoothly that she was still able to get up to attend work the next day. Katie said: 'I was visiting my long-distance boyfriend in Malta. A flight from Malta to Dublin cost over Euro 250 (214). After flying from Dublin to visit her long-distance boyfriend in Malta, Katie Nolan (pictured) was shocked to see that a return flight home would cost 214, so she decided to take a five-hour stop off in Pisa, Italy 'But flying from Malta to Pisa and staying for five hours to see the leaning tower, eat pizza and then fly Pisa to Dublin was cheaper. 'It was cheaper to fly indirect to get to Ireland, as I've done this a few times via the UK from Spain to Ireland. 'It was cheaper than going to Dublin for the day, as in the last few weeks, Dublin is in the top 10 most expensive cities in Europe.' This is exactly what Katie spent in Pisa: 12.87 flight from Malta to Pisa, 10.74 on wine and pizza, 1.72 on two fridge magnets, 1.29 on water, 8.59 return for the train from Pisa airport to the city centre, a 17.18 flight from Pisa to Dublin. Katie (pictured), 29, the owner of 'Sleek N Easy' hairstyling products, from Kildare, Ireland, spent just 52 on travel, food, drink and fridge magnets during her stop-off in Italy where she was able to enjoy a freshly baked pizza by the iconic leaning tower of Pisa The Prince of Wales has praised troops for doing a 'really good job' during the final rehearsal ahead of next week's Trooping the Colour - 'despite difficult conditions' - after several soldiers fainted in the sweltering London temperatures. During the practice session, known as the Colonel's Review, at least three soldiers collapsed and were taken off on stretchers while two more were helped off the parade ground. The service at Horse Guards Parade in London - which saw Prince William inspect the Welsh Guards while on horseback - is effectively a final rehearsal for Trooping The Colour, which takes place next Saturday to mark King Charles III's official birthday. William, 40, who became Colonel of the Welsh Guards in December 2022, looked incredibly smart in his red military uniform, which he teamed with the traditional bearskin hat, while proudly displaying several medals on his chest. Taking to Twitter after the service, the Prince of Wales wrote: 'A big thank you to every solider who took part in the Colonels Review this morning in the heat. Difficult conditions but you all did a really good job. Thank you. W.' With just a week to go until King Charles III's birthday parade, the Welsh Guards are today fine-tuning their routine ahead of Trooping the Colour - and they were led by Prince William (pictured) The Prince of Wales, 40, who became Colonel of the Welsh Guards in December 2022, looked incredibly smart in his red military uniform, which he teamed with the traditional bearskin hat A member of The Band of the Welsh Guards appears to faint during today's ceremony Taking to Twitter after the service, the Prince of Wales wrote: 'A big thank you to every solider who took part in the Colonels Review this morning in the heat. Difficult conditions but you all did a really good job. Thank you. W.' Thousands gathered at Horse Guards Parade in St James's Park to witness The Colonel's Review ahead of Trooping the Colour during the King's Birthday Parade next week. The ceremony involved hundreds of horses and soldiers carrying out complex battlefield drill manoeuvres to military music. But with temperatures reaching 28C, the baking heat proved too much for some, and the prince later tweeted his thanks to those who had taken part. One member of the Massed Bands of the Household Division returned to his feet after collapsing and was greeted with a round of applause from the audience. He appeared to attempt to carry on playing his instrument but was swiftly escorted off by medical staff. James Calford, 18, from Cardiff, who was the youngest soldier in the Welsh Guards to take part, described Trooping the Colour as 'like being stood in a sauna with a 200kg dumbbell in your left hand'. He said the ceremony 'is a lot harder than it looks on the TV'. 'Once you have got your tunic and bearskin on and carrying your rifle in heat it is incredibly uncomfortable.' The Colonel's Review is the final evaluation of the Household Division before the soldiers and horses parade for the King during Trooping the Colour on June 17 to mark the monarch's official birthday. A Welsh Guardsman is carried away on a stretcher during today's ceremony in London A member of The Band of the Welsh Guards appears to faint during today's ceremony (pictured) A trombone player appears to faint as the band marches during the Colonel's Review at Horse Guards Parade in London The ceremony - which saw William inspect the soldiers while on horseback - is effectively a final rehearsal for Trooping The Colour, which takes place next Saturday to mark the King's official birthday The service at Horse Guards Parade in London - which saw the Prince of Wales, 40, inspect the troops while on horseback - is effectively a final rehearsal for Trooping The Colour, which takes place next Saturday to mark the King's official birthday William sported his red military uniform, which he teamed with the traditional bearskin hat, while proudly displaying several medals on his chest The Prince of Wales during the Colonel's Review, for Trooping the Colour, at Horse Guards Parade in London William inspected his troops on horseback, wearing a bearskin cap and red dress uniform, for the first time as Colonel of the Welsh Guards. His horse, named Darby, was a gift to the late Queen from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and it led the funeral procession for William's grandmother last year. This year, it is the turn of the Welsh Guards - the King's former division - to Troop their Colour. Charles was Colonel of the Welsh Guards for 48 years before passing the role to William in 2022. Preparations for the ceremony began even before the King's coronation, with all seven regiments of the Household Division taking part, including the five regiments of the foot guards - Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh - and two mounted regiments - the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. New music was performed by the Massed Bands of the Household Division, including a piece by Major Lauren Petriz-Watts, who will become the first female composer to have her music played on a monarch's birthday parade. Welsh Guards Second Lieutenant Freddie Hopkisson, 23, said of the June 17 event: 'This parade will be huge. It's such an honour and we're all feeling it. 'To get to do this key role at such a young age, carrying the Colour and all it represents, is the absolute pinnacle of my life.' This year's event is particularly significant because it is the first since Charles succeeded to the throne last September. Pictured, The Prince of Wales during the Colonel's Review Welsh Guardsman are seen before Prince William carries out the Colonel's Review at Horse Guards Parade The official birthday of the Sovereign is marked each year by a military parade and march-past, known as Trooping the Colour. Pictured, Prince William (centre) during today's event The troops participating in the parade are drawn of fully trained, operational troops from the Household Division. Pictured, William The ceremony derives from two old military ceremonies, Trooping the Colour and Mounting The Queen's Guard. Pictured, William during today's outing The Prince of Wales during the Colonel's Review, for Trooping the Colour, at Horse Guards Parade in London Tickets for the Trooping the Colour are available to the public, but are chosen by ballot early in the year. Pictured, William inspects the troops Thousands of spectators are expected to line the Mall to witness the King's Birthday Parade. The Trooping the Colour parade traces its origins back to the Middle Ages when each Lord or Baron flew their banner, known as a colour, so their followers could spot them in battle. The annual event has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign for more than 260 years. This year's event is particularly significant because it is the first since Charles succeeded to the throne last September. But while the British Royal Family usually turn out in force for the occasion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been invited, according to The Daily Mail's Richard Eden. He wrote in his column today: 'When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit royal duties three years ago, Queen Elizabeth said they would "always be much loved members of my family". 'And Buckingham Palace officials were keen to stress that they would continue to be invited to family events. I hear that Prince Harry and Meghan have not, however, been invited to the King's Birthday Parade next weekend. 'It will be the first time in Harry's life that he has not been welcome at the monarch's official birthday celebrations.' 'I'm afraid it's a reflection of the state of relations at the moment,' a source said. For those who are unsuccessful in their application, securing a spot on The Mall is certainly the next best thing, as the march passes from St James's down towards Buckingham Palace. Pictured, The Prince of Wales during the Colonel's Review After the Trooping ceremony, the Royal Family will make their way back to Buckingham Palace where shortly after, several members will appear on the balcony. Pictured, The Prince of Wales salutes during the Colonel's Review Other members of the Royal Family watch the parade from the Horse Guards Parade building from the Duke of Wellingtons old office, overlooking the parade ground. Pictured, William carries out the Colonel's Review at Horse Guards Parade Harry and Meghan travelled from California for last year's Trooping the Colour, which became part of the late Queen's platinum jubilee weekend. The couple were invited by the late monarch to watch the ceremony with other members of the Royal Family from offices overlooking Horse Guards Parade. They were not, however, asked to be on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the official flypast later in the day. The official birthday of the Sovereign is marked each year by a military parade and march-past, known as Trooping the Colour. The troops participating in the parade are drawn of fully trained, operational troops from the Household Division. The monarch's colour of a battalion of Foot Guards is 'trooped' - carried along the ranks - each year before the Sovereign. Only one colour can be trooped at a time, and the five Household Regiments - Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards take their turn each year. The ceremony derives from two old military ceremonies, Trooping the Colour and Mounting The Queen's Guard. The origin of the ceremony goes back to the early eighteenth century, and possibly even earlier, when the guards and sentries for the Royal Palaces and other important buildings in the capital were mounted daily on the parade ground by the Horse Guards building. A feature of guard mounting was for the colours of the battalion to be carried (or 'trooped') slowly down the ranks so that they could be seen and recognised by the soldiers. After the Trooping ceremony, the Royal Family will make their way back to Buckingham Palace where shortly after, several members will appear on the balcony. The Royal Family usually travel to Horse Guards Parade in carriages and those members of the Royal Family whore on parade as Colonels of the regiments of Foot Guards, ride on horses on parade. Other members of the Royal Family watch the parade from the Horse Guards Parade building from the Duke of Wellingtons old office, overlooking the parade ground. Tickets for the Trooping the Colour are available to the public, but are chosen by ballot early in the year. For those who are unsuccessful in their application, securing a spot on The Mall is certainly the next best thing, as the march passes from St James's down towards Buckingham Palace. As a mother of three young children, the Princess of Wales knows how hard it is to juggle the demands of family life with her duties as a senior Royal. So it is understandable that many of her public engagements since becoming Princess of Wales have been very close to her home in Windsor Castle. An analysis by The Mail on Sunday can reveal that almost a third of her working days 18 out of 61 since assuming her title in September were within 12 miles of Adelaide Cottage. Last week, for instance, Kate, 41, visited the Windsor Family Hub on Tuesday and Maidenhead Rugby Club, seven miles away, on Wednesday. One Royal watcher quipped: Perhaps Kate ought to be retitled the Princess of Slough! Last week, for instance, Kate, 41, visited the Windsor Family Hub on Tuesday and Maidenhead Rugby Club, seven miles away, on Wednesday An analysis by The Mail on Sunday can reveal that almost a third of her working days 18 out of 61 since assuming her title in September were within 12 miles of Adelaide Cottage Another source said: It has been noted that there have been an awful lot of jobs for both Kate and William near their home. But they have always said that the kids come first so it stands to reason that they want one of them to be there for the school run. In January, the couple visited Windsor Foodshare, a food bank just a stones throw from their home, while the following month Kate met staff and residents at a nursing home in Slough, less than five miles away. On March 1, William and Kate celebrated their first St Davids Day since becoming the Prince and Princess of Wales at Combermere Barracks in Windsor, where they watched a parade by 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. Although the previous day they did visit various venues in South Wales. The Royal couple have carried out visits further afield, including a three-day visit to Boston, Massachusetts, and a one-day visit to Northern Ireland. Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to the Queen, said: She is a working mother and the kids do come home. Like any mother she likes to be there for them. Diana did the same. The Princess has previously urged bosses to recognise the importance of a good work-life balance for parents. It's often thought as an expensive and difficult meal to make - but one Michelin chef has revealed how lobster can be put together by even the most inexperienced of cooks. David Chang - whose New York-based restaurant Momofuku Ko boasts two Michelin stars - believes the best way to cook the seafood is in the microwave, reported The Telegraph. The American chef, 45, discovered the surprising method when he was forced to use the appliance for an event. He has since claimed people's 'heads will explode' when they appreciate just how simple it is to serve up lobster by using the microwave. The chef said those wanting to try out the culinary trick just need to cook the seafood for two and a half minutes in the microwave at 50 per cent power. David Chang (pictured) - whose New York-based restaurant Momofuku Ko boasts two Michelin stars - believes the best way to cook the seafood is in the microwave He said on his podcast, The Dave Chang Show: 'I will legitimately tell you, I think you can get some of the best cooking of seafood in general in a microwave. 'People might laugh at this, I'm sure many professional chefs would say, "why would you take beautiful, very, very expensive red shrimp, and microwave it?" 'Everyone would say "no, you're stupid", but it came out great and I was like wow, I can't believe it worked,' added the chef, who has penned a cook book which includes tips on how to best utilise the microwave. However, Mitch Tonks, an award-winning seafood restaurateur, told the publication that he wouldn't be trying out the unique method any time soon. Instead, he will be sticking to the traditional way of cooking lobster, which is boiling it with salt. Millions of us already trust Dr Google, but now there's a new online doctor in town. A British medical student has created an AI chatbot which claims to provide 'more reliable health information' than the search engine. BTRU pronounced Better You trawls through pages from the likes of the World Health Organization to give users personalised answers, just like ChatGPT. Ian Soh, 22, who is in his penultimate year at St George's Medical Hospital in south London, insists the bot he has created is 'reliable'. He said: 'I believe in a time when people can take control of their health, find reliable health information and make sense of their health, no matter their background.' BTRU - pronounced Better You - was created by 22-year-old medical student Ian Soh The BTRU founder said he wants his platform to achieve better health advice online Experts said the answers were wrong and it could cause unnecessary anxiety BTRU dismissed the idea that men could get pregnant, describing male pregnancy as a 'subject of science-fiction' that has 'no basis in reality' But experts today insisted AI medical advice will never be able to replace that of a human doctor. Gynaecologist Narendra Pisal said that knowing someone's personal history is 'vital' to diagnosis. Mr Pisal, of the private London Gynaecology clinic, said: 'This is one of the reasons why AI will not replace medical expertise. 'Ability to ask relevant questions regarding the context is so important when giving a medical opinion. 'Often that comes from obtaining a detailed history.' Other experts raised concern over some of the answers given by BTRU. MailOnline tested the chatbot by asking: 'I am a man, can I get womb cancer?' The bot said that men could get cancer in their womb if they have 'a history of high oestrogen levels'. It added that symptoms in men are 'vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and discharge'. The NHS quietly omitted the terms 'women' and 'woman' from its webpage on menopause Here are some examples of the woke language changes that have engulfed the NHS . Some of these have been taken from national NHS communications while others are used by individual hospitals Women's health expert Dr Semiya Aziz, a GP in north London, said: 'It has failed to clarify the terminology of men, so it is an incorrect answer.' Only biological women can get womb cancer because males aren't born with one. Women who transition to men, however, and get diagnosed with the disease might consider themselves males. Dr Aziz added that AI can create 'unnecessary anxiety' for people who cannot see a doctor, as well have an impact on their mental health. BTRU did, however, dismiss the idea that men could get pregnant, describing male pregnancy as a 'subject of science-fiction' that has 'no basis in reality'. One NHS doctor told MailOnline she has seen an increase in people claiming to have an emotional connection with 'health robots'. Dr Hana Patel, who works as a GP in southeast London, said: 'I already have patients coming in with Dr Google diagnoses and expectations of how to manage their symptoms. 'It may be even more difficult to manage patients who trust and feel that they have a connection with an AI health robot, especially if this gives them an answer regarding a question they have at that time.' The search tool gave different responses to NHS advice pages, which have been criticised for erasing gender-based language. NHS guidance for the menopause is just one of the topics at the centre of a gender-neutral storm. It used to describe the condition as 'when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally'. But it now reads: 'Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels'. The first mention of the term 'women' in the new version is found in the fourth page, in a section about drugs to treat the condition. No such gender-neutral changes have been made to male cancers, like testicular cancer. The BTRU founder said he wants his platform to achieve better health advice online. He said: 'I believe in a time when people can take control of their health, find reliable health information and make sense of their health, no matter their background', he added. An employee works on the memory chip production line at Samsung Electronics' plant in Xi'an, China, in this May 9, 2014, file photo. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics Replacement demand for servers, supply chain stability to back repricing of major chip stocks By Kim Yoo-chul The worst is over for Samsung Electronics and SK hynix's stock prices at least for this year, as major investors are confident demand will return in the second half of this year due to massive production cuts by the South Korean chip duo as well as Micron Technology of the U.S., which are clearly helping supply chain inventories return to healthier levels quite quickly, analysts say. The start of the COVID-19 pandemic drew attention to the huge significance of supply chains, and the semiconductor shortage quickly became the top example of how bottlenecks and disruptions can affect the industry's leading players including NVIDIA, AMD, TSMIC, SK hynix and Samsung Electronics. Before the pandemic, market capitalization of these top-tier semiconductor companies had been growing exponentially. But as the pandemic deepened, the decline in consumer demand hit the overall sector. In 2021, consumers in many territories had been keen to get their hands on tech products while stuck in lockdowns or social distancing measures. In a move to prevent further disruptions, major tech companies stocked up their inventories by asking chipmakers to increase supply. But as energy prices started to rise, considered as one key factor behind the central bank's moves to hike benchmark rates, global economies slowed down. The result was that having large inventories deteriorated profit margins for chip suppliers. Analysts contacted by The Korea Times said China's reopening the main incentive for the U.S. pursuing semiconductor supply chain resilience and more spending in terms of capacity, could provide a boost for chipmakers and chip equipment vendors. Assuming that the U.S. economy avoids a recession this year, they said the worst is likely over for memory chip stocks, at least for 2023, because chip stocks historically tend to perform strongly in recovery after hitting a bottom after repricing has already occurred. Nvidia co-founder, President and CEO Jensen Huang speaks at a Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) facility under construction in Phoenix, Arizona, Dec. 6, 2022. AP-Yonhap "Customer inventories are clearly getting better. Chances are so low that the U.S. economy, the world's largest, would enter a total recession. Also, the growing scale of technology and other structural forces in economies, in addition to the comeback of cyclical factors such as market pricing, will truly make this year an attractive re-entry point for investors," a senior portfolio manager at a U.S.-based investment bank in Seoul told The Korea Times. AI gold rush The question is: Can supply match demand? Mainstream thoughts are that difficulties could remain for a while but investors don't predict any major constraints, as the end is in sight for the supply crunch affecting the overall semiconductor industry, which includes both memory and logic chips. Samsung Electronics' confirmation that it has joined with SK hynix and Micron to reduce its chip production is undoubtedly viewed as a positive factor, as reduced production will help the overall industry lower inventory levels earlier than expected. The global memory chip sector is dominated by these three market players. While the supply growth is positioned to be limited, thanks to output cuts by the top three players, there is no doubt from a demand perspective that the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution will benefit the South Korean chip duo and their top-tier equipment suppliers, as NVIDIA's lead in the AI sector is expected to encourage established tech giants like Microsoft and newcomers such as OpenAI to invest more into it. Because AI systems require memory chips with fast read and write capabilities, such as NAND flash, Kim Young-keun, an analyst at Mirae Asset Securities, has advised his clients to increase their holdings in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. "Samsung and SK's first-tier semiconductor equipment suppliers will clearly benefit from the overall industry's focus on data-intensive applications such as ChatGPT and easing worries over the demand-supply mismatch amid lower production this year. This will support their profitability next year," he said. While Samsung Electronics' semiconductor division reported an operating loss of 4.6 trillion won in the first quarter of this year, a recovery is anticipated in the second half. However, revenue from its memory chip business is expected to decline by up to 40 percent this year from the previous year. Similarly, SK hynix's revenue would decline by up to 44 percent year-on-year, and its operating loss for 2023 is projected at between 8 trillion won and 9 trillion won, according to Fitch Ratings estimates. The logo of Micron Technology is seen on the company's Shanghai office in China, May 25. Reuters-Yonhap "We forecast stronger DRAM average selling prices (ASPs) as the market moves to new technology, such as DDR5, with demand likely to exceed supply over the medium term. New PCs will include greater memory content. We forecast stronger demand for high-end servers with DDR5 in the second half of this year. Replacement demand for the server market, which has a cycle of four to five years, should pick up from the third quarter of 2023," its analysts Matt Jamieson and Shelley Jang said. With less volatile raw material costs and a less hawkish monetary policy by the U.S. Federal Reserve, 2023 could also mark a stronger year for the global automotive industry. The baseline is that more stability in the automotive supply chain could lift the earnings momentum of chip suppliers as well. "Because major vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are expected to maintain stable and strong pricing power, they will also have to pursue tight control over inventories, which will help top chipmakers charge more for them. The auto supply chain is on track for normalization following disruptions over the last few years," a portfolio manager at Kookmin Bank in Seoul said on condition of anonymity as he wasn't authorized to give official statements to the media. China's ban on Micron lacks teeth Market factors aren't the only essentials that can explain the nature of today's semiconductor industry as the U.S.' prohibition on China's ability to import advanced technology equipment presents risks to the Chinese operations of Samsung, SK hynix and their contractors. As major economies have felt how vulnerability in chip supply lines can lead to extended and massive shortages of key manufactured goods essential to their backbone economies, the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, the Netherlands and others are now scrambling to apply measures that will boost their domestic chip supply chain systems by offering incentives to foreign manufacturers. Flags of China and the U.S. are displayed against a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this photo illustration. Reuters-Yonhap It is an enchanting image that will strike a chord with most parents: baby Nicola, surrounded by her adoring family, as she gazes curiously at the single candle on her first birthday cake. The day was, however, a rare moment of joy in a tragically short life, marred by severe illness and invasive medical treatments. It's not immediately obvious, thanks to the pretty pink dress she is wearing, but at the time Nicola's tummy was so swollen distended by a build-up of fluid in her abdomen that she was unable to stand. Just weeks after she was born, jaundiced and unable to hold down fluids, doctors discovered abnormalities in her digestive system which led to irreversible liver damage. Nicola was given months to live, but she defied the odds. Her mother, Jo Moreno, recalls: 'Every night I would put her to bed and worry that something might happen to her in the night. When she smiled, I sometimes thought maybe the doctor had made a mistake and that she was going to live. But then she would get really sick again, and she was in so much pain. 'The year seemed to pass so quickly. We got a professional photographer to take the picture of her on her birthday because we knew it would be one of the last photos we ever got of her.' Baby Nicola, surrounded by her adoring family, as she gazes curiously at the single candle on her first birthday cake. The day was, however, a rare moment of joy in a tragically short life, marred by severe illness and invasive medical treatments SUFFERERS: Ann, left, now 52, was born with severe cerebral palsy while Kirsteen, right, also now 52, has struggled with profound deafness and asthma Just weeks after the poignant snapshot was taken in 1971, Nicola lost her fight for life. 'I was so distraught. I still am to this day,' says Jo, 74, from Devon. For years after, the reason her daughter had become so desperately and suddenly ill was unclear. 'There were no liver problems or birth defects in our family,' she says. 'I supposed I blamed myself.' Then, in the early 1980s, she read a newspaper report about other babies who'd been affected in similar ways. What linked the cases was an early home pregnancy test their mothers had taken called Primodos. IT'S A FACT Britain's first at-home pregnancy test, where women could find out for themselves using a urine sample, was created 52 years ago. Advertisement It dawned on Jo that she too had been given the groundbreaking test in the form of two white pills. Today, she remains convinced that Nicola's health problems and untimely death were a result of Primodos. And she is far from alone. Since those early reports, more than a thousand women have come forward to say they suffered miscarriages, stillbirths and that their babies were born with deformities after taking the test. The tablets, containing high doses of female sex hormones, triggered a period if the woman was not expecting. If there was no bleeding, then she was pregnant. Primodos was discontinued in the UK in 1978 after medical authorities concluded there were credible safety concerns. Since then, research has repeatedly suggested that taking the test dramatically increased the risk of children being born with debilitating and life-shortening birth defects such as malformed limbs, brain damage and heart problems most recently in a major review conducted by experts at the University of Oxford in 2018. The families affected have sought recognition and compensation for what happened to them. Yet, distressingly, a legal case they brought in 1982 against Bayer, the German drug company behind Primodos, was unsuccessful. And last month their hopes were dashed once again after a High Court judge dismissed their latest claim. Campaigners say they are planning to appeal the decision, which contradicted the conclusion of Conservative Peer Baroness Cumberlege in her Government review into Primodos, published in 2020. A Primodos advert from 1961 - it was discontinued in the UK in 1978 after medical authorities concluded there were credible safety concerns She said the families affected had been failed by the NHS leading then Health Secretary Matt Hancock to issue a public apology. They deserved compensation from Bayer, Baroness Cumberlege added. Campaigner Marie Lyon, 77, who believes her daughter was born with a malformed left arm because of Primodos, says she will continue to fight for the pharmaceutical firm to take responsibility. 'We don't accept the court's judgment,' she said. 'We won't stop until we have justice for our children. It's not about the money, we want the company to admit they were responsible.' Former Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, has branded the ruling 'extraordinary'. He added: 'The High Court case was thrown out not on the scientific evidence but for legal reasons. The recommendations of the Cumberlege report should be completed, and that includes compensation for the affected families.' Bayer denies that Primodos was responsible for causing any problems. In a statement, the company said: 'Previous UK litigation in respect of Primodos, against Schering (which is now owned by Bayer), ended in 1982 when the claimants' legal team, with the approval of the court, decided to discontinue the litigation on the grounds that there was no realistic possibility of showing that Primodos caused the congenital anomalies alleged. 'Since the discontinuation of the legal action in 1982, Bayer maintains that no significant new scientific knowledge has been produced which would call into question the validity of the previous assessment of there being no link between the use of Primodos and the occurrence of such congenital anomalies.' But families who believe they were affected by Primodos disagree. Jo Moreno, who was just 21 when she took Primodos, said: 'I was in disbelief when I heard the news [that the latest case had been dismissed]. For decades there has been evidence that Primodos causes birth defects. I don't understand why the court can't see this, too.' So what is the story behind Primodos and, crucially, what is the evidence against it? The drug first went on sale in the UK in the late-1950s. It involved taking two pills on consecutive days, each containing norethisterone, an artificial version of the female sex hormone progesterone, and ethinylestradiol, an artificial version of oestrogen. Progesterone and estradiol are both found in modern contraceptive pills. But the levels used in Primodos were about 40 times higher and remained in the body for a far longer period of time due to their synthetic nature. Primodos was a revelation: prior to its release, convenient at-home pregnancy tests did not exist. If women wanted to definitively find out if they were in the early stages of pregnancy, the only available and reliable tool was a hospital test carried out in a lab that bizarrely involved injecting women's urine into a female toad to see whether it ovulated. However, it was only reliable two weeks after a missed period, took several days to get a result and was expensive. As a result, Primodos was marketed using a picture of a toad with the tagline: 'The toad is slow to let you know. Quicker, cheaper, equally reliable... two tablets of Primodos.' While available, it was prescribed by GPs to about 1.5 million women in the UK. In 1967, a study showed a significant association between hormone pregnancy tests and birth defects. In light of this, and subsequent research that came to similar conclusions, drug regulators issued a warning in 1975. But is was not until 1978 that the Government halted sales. The reason for such a delay has never been fully detailed. In his 1997 autobiography, Dr Bill Inman, senior medical officer at the Department of Health and Social Security at the time, wrote he was worried 'a thalidomide-type scare in the media could easily cause panic among women using oral contraceptives [which contain the same hormones].' He was, of course, referring to the anti-pregnancy sickness drug thalidomide, which led to severe deformities and death in more than 10,000 children. Had health authorities acted quickly in response to the 1967 study, campaigners say it may have saved the suffering of many women. Janice Mills, 74, took Primodos in July 1970. When her daughter Ann was born, she was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy. She is now 52, has never been able to talk or walk and requires full-time care. Janice says: 'I asked my GP if these pills were going to hurt my baby because I was worried about the thalidomide scandal. He said Primodos was completely safe. 'I will always regret the decision to take it.' Karl Murphy, who died last year aged 50, was born with deformed limbs after his mother took Primodos. He said he was '100 per cent convinced' his abnormalities were caused by the pregnancy test. STRICKEN YOUTH: Karl Murphy, was 'convinced' that Primodos caused his deformed limbs Another mother, Wilma Ord, 75, from Livingstone, also believes her daughter was born with cerebral palsy due to Primodos. Kirsteen, now 52, was also born profoundly deaf and she is severely asthmatic. 'I have no doubt that Primodos damaged my daughter,' says Wilma. 'We were treated like guinea pigs with a drug no one understood at the time.' One of the main obstacles for the families seeking justice is that all of the research into Primodos, naturally, dates back four or more decades. 'The vast majority of scientific studies carried out in the 1970s and 1980s don't meet the standards we expect nowadays,' says Prof Neil Vargesson, a developmental biologist at the University of Aberdeen who helped discover the dangerous effects of thalidomide. 'It's very hard to look at just one study from this period and make a conclusion. What's more, the amount of data we have on it is small in comparison to, say, sodium valproate, an anti-seizure drug which we regularly used for 30 years before we realised it caused birth defects.' In 2017, UK drug regulator The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) formed an expert working group to look at the impact of Primodos. It concluded there was no evidence it caused birth defects but the report was labelled a 'whitewash' at the time by MP Yasmin Qureshi, who accused the group of not looking at the evidence presented to them. One senior scientist who submitted evidence, but asked to remain anonymous, said it was no surprise that the group found no link. 'The MHRA were the ones who approved Primodos in the first place,' they said. 'It was like they marked their own homework.' We put this allegation to the MHRA. It maintained the report was based on the available scientific evidence and no members of the group had conflicts of interest. IT'S A FACT Some 40 per centof those affectedby the 1960s'thalidomide scandalare unable to workdue to theirdisabilities. Advertisement Then, in 2018, University of Oxford researchers published new research which suggested a clear causal link between Primodos and birth defects. The report, which looked at 26 hormone pregnancy test studies involving over 76,000 women, concluded that taking drugs like Primodos increased the risk of birth defects by 40 per cent. However, this study has proven contentious. In 2019, MHRA experts rejected it because they argued the quality of the studies examined was poor and the methods used to analyse them were 'not in line with best practice'. And last month, the High Court chose not to consider the study as new evidence. Bayer's lawyers argued that researchers involved in the study had been influenced by the opinions of campaigners. The researchers have strongly denied this claim. 'When we set out to examine the link between Primodos and birth defects, we always planned to publish our research regardless of whether we found one or not,' says Professor Carl Heneghan, a clinical epidemiologist at the University of Oxford. 'Our analysis followed all the necessary steps expected of a high-quality scientific study. We looked at old evidence in a new light and drew a clear conclusion. I challenge any health expert to look at this evidence and disagree.' Conservative MP Sir Mike Penning, who is vice chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on hormone pregnancy tests, labelled the High Court ruling a 'disgrace'. Some families have gone as far as to say they believe Bayer is dragging out the court battle in an attempt to cover up the scandal. 'I believe Bayer are prolonging this case,' says Marie Lyon, who is chairwoman of the Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests. 'They are waiting for us to die we are in our 70s and 80s now and perhaps Bayer thinks that we won't be around much longer to fight this battle.' Yasmin Qureshi MP, who is backing the Primodos families' appeal, said: 'We are determined to ensure this is not brushed away. Primodos families will be given justice.' Pharmacists are urgently calling for the Government to approve controversial 'horse de-wormer' drug ivermectin to treat a mite infection of the skin amid reports of rising cases and widespread treatment shortages. The highly contagious condition, scabies, causes intense itching, a raised rash and is easily spread in close contact with others. There has been a spike in outbreaks over the past year, particularly among the elderly in care homes and young adults at university. Experts now warn some cases are becoming harder to treat. High Street chemists say that the main drugs used for the skin condition creams which can be bought over-the-counter called permethrin and malathion are regularly out of stock. Experts believe ivermectin an anti-parasitic drug could be a solution. It is used in veterinary medicine which is why it is commonly referred to as a horse de-wormer and is routinely given to children and adults in mainland Europe and beyond to treat or prevent parasitic infections. MIGHTY MITES: Sarcoptes scabiei, which causes the scabies infection Ivermectin became infamous during the Covid pandemic due to claims by fringe medics that it might be a suitable treatment, and even a vaccination alternative, despite a lack of credible evidence The drug became infamous during the Covid pandemic due to claims by fringe medics that it might be a suitable treatment, and even a vaccination alternative, despite a lack of credible evidence. However, only one product containing ivermectin a cream for skin condition rosacea, called Soolantra is currently licensed for use in the UK. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said: 'Scabies medicines have been on and off the shortages list for some time, and we know that ivermectin is a safe and effective treatment. But pharmacists can't give it out. A dermatologist can prescribe it 'off-label', but a referral takes up huge amounts of time and resources. 'Scabies is a worrying and stressful condition for patients because of the distressing symptoms. They'll also likely pass it on to other people. The Government has issued special protocols in the past when there have been shortages of antibiotics and HRT formulations, which instruct pharmacists about the alternatives they are allowed to use. We need this to be issued now, to avoid further distress.' Scabies is caused by the body's immune reaction to a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei as well as its saliva, eggs and faeces. Anyone can be affected, but it particularly harms the elderly, young people and those with weakened immune systems. It is most commonly spread by frequent or prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and outbreaks tend to happen where people are living close together. A ward at an Inverness hospital had to be closed last month following a scabies outbreak, and Norfolk County Council recently wrote to schools warning teachers to be vigilant of symptoms. On top of a raised red rash, other tell-tale signs are 'trails' under the skin where mites have burrowed. It causes an intense itching which is severe enough to disrupt sleep. This can worsen the condition, leading to bacterial infections. Guidance in the UK recommends using either permethrin or malathion creams, which must be rubbed all over the body, including under the nails. It should be kept on for up to 24 hours and has to be repeated after a week. As an alternative, evidence suggests ivermectin taken in pill form is safe and equally as effective. European regulators recommend it in two doses two weeks apart for standard scabies. It can be used alongside the creams for more severe cases. In the UK, however, a prescription can be issued only by a specialist usually a dermatologist for severe cases, or to treat an outbreak, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Dr Tess McPherson, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: 'Dermatologists, particularly those working with young people, feel they are seeing more cases which are more difficult to treat.' While some research has suggested this might be due to the scabies mite becoming resistant to standard treatments just as lice that cause nits are now immune to permethrin other studies show the drug is still effective. Dr McPherson added: 'It's more likely [in cases where treatment doesn't seem to work] that people aren't applying them properly or leaving them on for long enough it needs to be at least 12 hours but many benefit from 24 hours or are being re-exposed because they aren't treating those around them. 'We need a national programme to get on top of this... ivermectin is not a bad option if people can't get hold of anything else.' Geriatrician Dr Lucy Pollock has seen two care home outbreaks in the past year, having never seen any before. 'These are really sad because they cause so much distress. Scabies is difficult to diagnose in older people because they might have itchy skin for so many reasons,' Dr Pollock said. 'Applying creams to everyone twice over, including staff, isn't easy. A single tablet might be a more effective approach.' An ultra-fast test for common sexually transmitted infections could soon be made available amid fresh concerns of the diseases skyrocketing. The tool, either a vaginal swab or urine test, allows patients to get tested and treated on the same day, reducing the risk of infection spreading. It uses sophisticated technology that can detect minuscule bacterial DNA within 20 minutes. Current NHS test results for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, in which samples are sent away for analysis, take up to ten days to return. However some private tests deliver results in two days. The screening tool is backed by UK health watchdog The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which will accelerate its launch to market expected within two years. Figures published last week from the UK's Health Security Agency showed gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnoses are at their highest since records began in 1918. Incidences of chlamydia the most common STI also increased by a quarter between 2021 and 2022 to nearly 200,000. An ultra-fast test for common sexually transmitted infections could soon be made available amid fresh concerns of the diseases skyrocketing Both are easy to treat with a course of antibiotics, if caught early. But they often go undetected because many patients experience either mild or no symptoms. If left untreated, both can cause infertility and severe pelvic pain. 'The biggest challenge is getting patients to come back to the clinic for their results,' says Tim Dafforn, professor of biotechnology at the University of Birmingham. 'Half of those who go to clinics to get tested don't come back because of embarrassment and miss out on treatment. It's a real shame, given that these infections are very easy to treat.' But the new test, developed at the university, aims to combat this problem. It works by adding a mixture of special enzymes to the sample that instantly multiplies the traces of bacterial DNA, making it easier to spot. This technique also allows clinicians to identify both infections from a single sample. 'The traditional tests work like the PCR tests we saw in Covid they require a specific environment to give an accurate result, for instance a certain ambient temperature,' explains Prof Dafforn. 'But the new technology is less high-maintenance and relies on a smaller portion of DNA for a result.' The researchers say it will first be used in GP surgeries and pharmacies, but ultimately want it to be offered at community hotspots. 'You have to go to the potential patients, rather than waiting for them to come to you,' adds Prof Dafforn. 'For example, you could have tests in the supermarket on a Sunday morning, when I imagine a few people might be wondering about the consequences of the night before.' A 'peanut plaster' could save toddlers from severe allergic reactions, US research has shown A 'peanut plaster' could save toddlers from severe allergic reactions, US research has shown. The patch on the child's back, which exposes them to peanut protein in a bid to desensitise their immune systems, can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks in two thirds of peanut allergy cases. This therapy is available in the UK for children aged over four, but The Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute in Chicago has found a remedy for those even younger. Dr Melanie Makhija, a researcher for the study, described the findings as 'terrific news'. 'Children who originally reacted to a small fraction of a peanut were able to tolerate the equivalent of one to four peanuts,' she added. 'We found the peanut patch was safe with very low chances of a severe allergic reaction.' DNA link to high blood pressure A simple genetic test could be used to diagnose hard-to-spot cases of high blood pressure. For about one in 20 patients their blood pressure is dangerously high only at certain times so it often goes unnoticed. Scientists at Queen Mary University and St Bartholomew's Hospital in London have identified a DNA mutation that causes the body to occasionally make too much aldosterone a hormone which controls the balance of salt. Excess salt leads to fluid retention, raising blood pressure. The researchers say taking a sample of DNA could spot the condition. If found, removing the aldosterone-producing glands cures it. Professor Morris Brown, co-author of the study, said: 'A genetic test would circumvent the lengthy diagnostic process.' For about one in 20 patients their blood pressure is dangerously high only at certain times so it often goes unnoticed More than half of meningitis patients dont receive follow-up care, a report has revealed. Every year about 200 Britons contract the deadly infection which can cause hearing, vision and limb loss. But a survey of 228 sufferers by Meningitis Now has shown less than 50 per cent of patients are given a follow-up appointment with a GP or specialist. Meanwhile, 89 per cent of patients receive no helpful information about what to expect after leaving hospital. On the findings, Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: Critical care for meningitis is often very good in this country, but the aftercare needs significant improvement. Without specialist support, meningitis patients are being cast adrift. Cancer is the leading cause of death in type 2 diabetics, overtaking stroke and heart disease. The high blood sugar levels caused by the disease damages small blood vessels, including those supplying the heart and brain, which causes strokes and heart disease. But a series of reports involving at least 300,000 diabetics in England, highlighted in The Lancet, show that medical advancements have vastly improved the treatment and prevention of heart disease. Researchers from Imperial College London blame obesity among type 2 diabetics for the change, as it is one of the biggest risk factors in cancer. NHS patients being treated for an aggressive type of blood cancer will now benefit from a potent drug that can slash the risk of their disease returning. Experts say that the medicine, called Polivy, could drastically improve survival rates for the 5,000 Britons who each year develop the condition, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. A third of sufferers don't survive more than five years after diagnosis. The treatment has been approved by the NHS drug watchdog, the National Institute For Health and Care Excellence (NICE), after studies showed that it hugely outperformed the current treatment, with leading blood cancer experts declaring it a 'game changer' for some patients. 'There hasn't been any real breakthrough in the treatment of this type of blood cancer for the last 20 years or so, but Polivy has shown clear benefits in terms of reducing the risk of relapse,' says Professor George Follows, consultant haematologist at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 'If you respond to this drug, it's a huge game changer.' NHS patients being treated for an aggressive type of blood cancer will now benefit from a potent drug that can slash the risk of their disease returning Researchers found the average relapse rate in patients given Polivy dropped by a quarter in the two years after treatment, according to a trial published in The New England Journal Of Medicine. However, a subset of patients with a specific type of the disease, called non-germinal centre B-cell lymphoma, were found to benefit even more, with the chance of relapse dropping by two thirds. The condition develops when the body's fighter blood cells, called B cells, develop abnormally and bind together to form lumps in the neck, armpit or groin. The malfunctioning cells also impair the body's ability to fight infection and can send the immune system awry. This type of blood cancer can affect people of all ages, but it is more common around the age of 70. Doctors tackle the condition with a combination of chemotherapy drugs, a steroid and another cancer-destroying medicine, but many patients still see their cancer come back within a few years and a third eventually lose their lives to it. Polivy, also called polatuzumab vedotin, is an antibody-drug conjugate medicines that deliver chemotherapy agents into each cancer cell to destroy them from the inside. It is given in addition to the traditional drug regime via a 90-minute infusion in hospital once every three weeks. Polivy usually costs about 72,000 per patient for a four-month course. However, NICE has negotiated a discount with the manufacturer Swiss-based pharmaceutical firm Roche which means the infusion qualifies as a cost-effective option for the cash-strapped NHS. Phyll McCarthy, 76, was one of the first in the UK to benefit from Polivy. The mother-of-two, from Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, noticed a small swelling near her armpit in September 2021. Her GP referred her to hospital for a scan. 'I wasn't really concerned,' says Phyll. 'It wasn't painful and the swelling went down a bit after I'd had the scan.' But a biopsy a few weeks later revealed she had an aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and needed prompt treatment. She had private medical insurance, meaning she was able to seek treatment almost immediately. Phyll saw Prof Follows at the private Genesis Care clinic in Oxford who persuaded her insurer to cover the cost of the new treatment. 'I had my first treatment in early 2022 and, after just two of the scheduled eight sessions, tests showed I was already in remission,' says Phyll. 'That was great news.' But there were some low points. 'The chemotherapy made my lovely, long, dark hair fall out and it has taken a while to grow back,' she says. 'But my regular scans continue to show no sign of the cancer. It's too early to say that I'm cured I need to be cancer-free for five years before we can say that. 'It's great news that many more people will now be able to benefit from this treatment on the NHS.' The boss of Greggs has said the bakery chain is on track with plans to open 150 new shops across the UK. Chief executive Roisin Currie said the company will open new stores in Cornwall and other areas where it currently has fewer sites as part the group's rapid expansion plan. Greggs currently runs around 2,300 shops across the UK, but said it hopes to expand to more than 3,000 as part of its long-term growth strategy. The company said it expects to open 150 net new stores this year, but could accelerate the plans if more sites become available. It comes as the group opens its fourth shop in Cornwall, in U2 Enterprise Park, Saltash, on Saturday as it targets locations where the group currently has a weaker presence. Chief executive Roisin Currie said the company will open new stores in Cornwall and other areas where it currently has fewer sites as part the group's rapid expansion plan The company said it expects to open 150 net new stores this year, but could accelerate the plans if more sites become available. Roisin Currie, who was appointed as chief executive last year, said she is pleased with the group's progress in opening new sites. 'The opening strategy is going to plan and the new location in Cornwall is a key part of that,' she said. 'Obviously we are a brand that started from the North and the natural growth of the business from there means there are some parts of the country, such as in Cornwall and the South West, where we see more scope to open sites.' The new opening comes on top of existing shops in St Austell, Launceston and Truro in the county. Bosses said that a number of new sites in the expansion plan will target UK tourists and travellers, with openings at travel locations such as forecourts and service stations. Ms Currie said the group is also positive about investments into new products on its menu and is optimistic about summer trade. 'We have launched a number of new items, like chicken shawarma flatbreads, and they are all doing very well,' she said. 'We're looking very positively towards the summer and hopefully this warm weather will mean more people out and about, and ultimately looking for somewhere to eat.' Glasgow, The company has previously revealed exactly where seven new spots will be based, with London Edinburgh and Newcastle all set for new branches. Bosses said that a number of new sites in the expansion plan will target UK tourists and travellers Holidaymakers jetting off from Gatwick Airport's South Terminal and Glasgow Airport will soon be able to pick up their favourite treats before they fly abroad A Greggs store will open just a stone's throw away from Edinburgh's historic 12th century castle. And holidaymakers jetting off from Gatwick Airport's South Terminal and Glasgow Airport will soon be able to pick up their favourite treats before they fly abroad, with new shops earmarked for each. Other new locations will include a branch at London's Canary Wharf and Shepherd's Bush stations, while Newcastle's Primark Tasty Cafe and Spennymoor, County Durham, will also be getting their own outlets. Greggs already opened a record 186 new shops this year, and closed 39, with new chains popping up in transport hubs like train stations and airports, retail parks and drive-thrus. By the end of 2022, it had 2,328 branches dotted across the UK - but bosses at the bakery giant claim they want to eventually have more than 3,000 nationwide. Greggs revealed its total sales hit a record high of 1.5 billion last year, up by nearly a quarter on the previous year. Households grappling with rising living costs has resulted in loyal customers who return to Greggs for value meals, although the number of customers has remained below pre-pandemic levels, it said. Britons going on holiday this summer face major disruption to their travel, as staff at the UK's largest airport are set to walk out every weekend from 24 June to the end of August. Some 2,000 members of Heathrow staff will go on strike in a major escalation of a pay dispute. The Unite Union, which represents the workers, said that 'Delays, disruption and cancellations will be inevitable as a result of the strike action' and warned that the dispute could escalate further over the coming weeks. Grounded: Strikes at Heathrow airport this summer will disrupt many holiday plans Terminals three and five will be affected by the strikes. The airlines impacted by the walkout at terminal three are Virgin, Emirates, Qatar, United, American and Delta. Meanwhile the extensive walkouts at Terminal Five will heavily disrupt British Airways' summer schedule. This is Money asked travel experts how customers might be affected - and how to make sure their insurance will cover them. Make sure you check the T&Cs carefully Not all travel insurance providers offer cover for airline strikes, so it's important to always check the terms and conditions of a policy before you buy. Helen Phipps, director at Compare the Market explains: 'Cover for flight cancellations can vary depending on the policy you choose. 'Under certain terms and conditions, strikes by airport staff can be considered as 'extraordinary circumstances' and outside of the airline's control.' Compensation will usually be disallowed in the event of 'extraordinary circumstances'. An exception to this would be if the airline's own staff were taking strike action, however. Full list of strike days by Heathrow security staff in summer 2023 June 24 June 25 June 28 June 29 June 30 July 14 July 15 July 16 July 21 July 22 July 23 July 24 July 28 July 29 July 30 July 31 August 4 August 5 August 6 August 7 August 11 August 12 August 13 August 14 August 18 August 19 August 20 August 24 August 25 August 26 August 27 Strikes that have already been announced will not be covered if you buy travel insurance after the fact, as this is an event that could have been foreseen. 'As long as the airline strike was announced after you booked your trip and your travel insurance, you may be able to claim,' says Angela Dove, travel expert at Moneysupermarket. Scott Dixon, a consumer champion advises: 'Seek travel disruption cover as part of your travel insurance policy and ensure that it covers all eventualities including hotel stays, car hire and additional costs in getting you to and from your destination'. Travellers' ability to claim a refund may also depend on the destinations they are travelling to and from. Phipps said: 'People flying between the UK and the EU or travelling with an airline based in the UK may be entitled to a refund or an alternative flight. 'Similarly, if your flight is delayed for over 24 hours, or if the airline does not book an alternative flight for you within 24 hours following a cancellation, certain travel insurance policies could enable you to reclaim your holiday cancellation costs.' Two week rule for airline compensation You will not be entitled to compensation from the airline if you have had at least two weeks' notice of the strike, or if the airline can offer you a flight that is similar to the one you have booked. If a strike is announced less than 14 days before you are due to travel or you are stranded due to a strike, you are entitled to a refund or an alternative flight if the flight was between the UK and EU or the flight is operated by an airline based in the UK. Will insurance refund hotel stays? The UK still follows EU law when it comes to flight cancellations and airline responsibilities, so this informs the compensation guidelines. Scott Dixon said: 'Under EU law, you may also be able to reclaim other costs apart from a refund of the flight cost such as accommodation on your travel insurance. 'You are entitled to compensation if you have had to stay in a hotel because of a cancelled flight, if the airline is unable to book you on a suitable alternative flight that day and an overnight stay is required. 'Always keep receipts and follow the airline's claims process. If your claim is declined and you remain unhappy with the decision, escalate it to an alternative dispute resolution provider that the airline is a member of. 'If the airline is not a member of an ADR scheme, you can refer your complaint to the CAA. 'The small claims court is a last resort, but don't be afraid to use it,' Dixon added. In a dimly lit North London mansion, a group of half-naked men laugh and drink surrounded by glasses and empty bottles of wine. To raucous cries from his familiars, a large topless man pours vodka from a magnum of Grey Goose into the mouth of a man cross legged on the floor. Without warning, he aims the liquid directly at his face - the alcohol stinging his eyes as he feigns amusement, while his room cheers. This is just one peak behind the curtain of convicted fraudster and sexual abuser Anthony Constantinou's exploits between 2013 and 2015 - where he almost got away with swindling 70million from global investors in a Ponzi style scheme. Now speaking for the first time to MailOnline, an investor who saw hundreds of thousands of pounds go up in smoke after investing with Constantinou, 41, has told how the 'volatile' character was fuelled by expensive alcohol and delighted in savage workplace bullying... Constantinou would hold wild house parties where he would intimidate colleagues In one shocking clip he is seen pouring Grey Goose vodka on a man's head Anthony Constantinou duped hundreds of people into believing he could bring investors returns of 60 per cent a year on risk-free transactions on the Foreign Exchange (FX) markets The conman pocketed 70million from investors and went on the run during his trial. Pictured is one of his Range Rovers funded through his fraud Constantinou enjoyed a playboy lifestyle riding around on a superbike branded with his Capital World Markets (CWM) logo He had a collection of supercars including this Porsche which was later seized Constantinou is the subject of a global manhunt after he stole 70million from investors in his London based Capital World Markets (CWM) brand by duping them into believing he could bring returns of 60 per cent a year on risk-free transactions on the Foreign Exchange (FX) markets and instead pocketing the cash. Last week, the conman - who was jailed in 2016 for sexual assault - was convicted in his absence at Southwark Crown Court and he is now on the run. Between 2013 and 2015 when his scam was at its peak, Constantinou curated a playboy lifestyle for himself and spent millions on private jets, flash cars and the rental of a '10 million' mansion on Wildwood Road, Hampstead, north London. It was these assets - alongside his sponsorship deal with Chelsea FC and ludicrously expensive headquarters in the City of London's Heron Tower - that convinced the investor, 41, to commit to the Greek national's project - something he told MailOnline he now bitterly regrets. 'He put out this image of himself as being hyper successful and I think essentially thats what I fell for' recalls the man who wished to remain anonymous, who first met Constantinou in 2014. 'Initially I had dismissed the whole thing as too good to be true but I saw so much evidence of it being genuine that I convinced myself that it was. I should have listened to my gut. 'I thought essentially if this is a scam he wouldnt have gone to this much effort. It was very elaborate and there were a lot of people involved. 'The clever thing he did was he did actually have a properly regulated FX business in London (CWM was real and regulated) but he ran the Ponzi alongside it - that was quite clever. 'So seeing the office, his house, the chauffeur driven Rolls Royce he got around in and all these sponsorship deals - it did all look very genuine. 'If Chelsea are being sponsored by them and hes meeting showing Princess Anne and showing her round the office it feels legit. After a few meetings with Constantinou and his CWM colleagues in 2014, it was agreed that the businessman would invest 140,000 and work with the company to set up a Dubai base. It was whilst working alongside Constantinou in his 'Wolf of Wall Street' style trading floor, that he saw how difficult, volatile and untrustworthy the fraudster could be. He continued: 'Every single business meeting - and I mean every single one - he would force everyone in the meeting to drink. 'It was always the same, Grey Goose vodka mixed with orange and cranberry juice and hed force everyone to stay and get drunk. 'The drinking would start from 2pm in the afternoon and go on until 10 or 11 at night and it was every single meeting every day. 'He was like a spoiled child king. Nobody could leave these sessions or hed have a tantrum and lose his s***. 'A few hours in hed be absolutely wasted so hed be doing stupid, weird stuff like throwing things across the office to annoy people or smashing doors. 'He was a pretty nasty piece of work.' According to the investor, opting out of Constantinou's demands wasn't a choice as his paranoid, controlling and spiteful nature leaked into the entourage of underlings he kept at his heels. He said: 'His entourage was Stalin-esque. He kept his circle close and everyone just did as he said for fear of reprisals. 'He was a moody child who would fly off the handle for basically any reason. You always had to tell him what he wanted to hear. 'He had a Telegram group where he sent good morning messages. He expected every single person to reply with either a thumbs up emoji or a muscle emoji - if you didnt, he would lose his s***. 'One of his assistants would then phone you up and say: Listen you have to reply to him in the Telegram group, hes going mad and smashing stuff up in the office. Constantinou based his CWM fraud out of an office on the 21st floor of London's Heron Tower The outwardly successful businessman even showed Princess Anne around the office Police have now issued an international arrest warrant after he was convicted in his absence at court for fraud. Constantinou (pictured) was previously jailed for sexual assault in 2016 Anthony Constantinou arriving at the Old Bailey with his wife Penny ahead of his 2016 sentencing This anti-social behaviour also extended to outside of the office at Constantinou's Stamford Bridge box and 10 million rented Hampstead mansion where he would hold court. Recalling one particular incident, the investor remarked that he was stunned by how Constantinou's wilful savagery and wastefulness was applauded by his 'sycophantic' mates. He said: 'We went to his house once after a Chelsea game. He had a box at Stamford Bridge and was renting a 10 million mansion in Hampstead. 'Everyone was jumping in the pool and he brought out this gigantic five-litre bottle of Grey Goose and he was just pouring it over this guys head and all over his face and all his guests were cracking up. 'This is the sort of thing he loved doing, he would get a kick out of humiliating other people in front of an audience - he was a p****.' Father-of-two Constantinou came from obscene wealth being the youngest son of fashion tycoon Aristos Constantinou, who was gunned down in his Bishop's Avenue mansion in 1985 when Anthony was aged just three. He would throw wads of cash at employees, poured vodka down their throats and smashed crystal flutes as he downed champagne at his wild after work celebrations. Whilst in Dubai, after another lucrative acquisition to his fraudulent empire, he allegedly spent 30,000 on champagne and vodka in a nightclub and only drank about 10% of the contents - giving the rest away. The investor believes this outrageous lifestyle and image was part and parcel of the deception he used to weasel money from his victims. He said: 'He was a fantasist when it came to his wealth - but he was fairly liquid, although its impossible to say how liquid he was. 'To rent a Rolls Royce, private jets, a 10 million London mansion and the office space in London as well as all his other luxuries suggests he was fairly liquid. 'He was spending money hand over fist. I know he inherited several million from his father - he certainly had a few million at any one time. I mean he was still flying Emirates first class in 2018 long after the Ponzi was shut down - so to do that youve got to have a bit of cash.' On one lavish night in Dubai, Constantinou allegedly spent 30,000 on champagne, the conman (right) then gave away the majority of the champagne to other revelers Of course, Constantinou's wanton hedonism and complete disregard for everyone around him would eventually catch up with him. In 2016, he was jailed for a year for sexually assaulting two women as he celebrated making millions of pounds. The crooked finance chief stuck his tongue down one woman's throat after force-feeding her eye-wateringly hot wasabi paste from a 500 sushi platter. He groped another woman's breasts and forcibly kissed her at a bash thrown to toast a 1million profit. True to his vile form, Constantinou had tried to claim his victims were lying to get his money but he was convicted regardless. Upon his release from prison, the investor says there was a change in the crook - but his old habits still lingered under the surface. He said: 'When he came out of prison, from what I gather he was a lot less volatile, he had sobered up metaphorically and physically. 'In 2018 I bumped into him in the lounge at Dubai airport. I was heading to Athens and so was he. I was in economy and he was in business class. I had a chat with him and he said: "I was a victim, I was scammed too." 'Hes a pathological liar, I dont even know if he believes his own s*** really.' Constantinou pictured outside the Old Bailey court during his sexual assault trial After going on the run during his own trial, an international arrest warrant has been issued for Constantinou who will be sentenced in his absence on June 9 2023. According to the investor, it is likely the disgraced crook is holed up in Dubai, and if his past form is anything to go by, he could yet have another scam up his sleeve. He said: 'If I was to guess where he has gone now, I would say Dubai on a fake passport. 'He has apparently moved most of his assets here. It wouldnt surprise me if hes setting up another scam to be honest - he'll need to or he'll run out of money.' Whether real or fictionalized, America has a deep rooted fascination with cults, and experts are warning that it's 'dangerous' for people to assume they wouldn't be susceptible to indoctrination. This month Max debuted their controversial new series, The Idol, starring The Weeknd as a modern day cult leader and Prime Video premiered a bombshell docuseries about the disgraced reality TV family, the Duggars, and their disturbing religious fundamentalism. Amidst the moment that cults are having in the cultural zeitgeist, DailyMail.com consulted two world renowned experts to understand how destructive cults function and prey on innocent people. Cult and destructive mind control expert, author and a former cult member himself, Dr. Steven Hassan, explains that the indoctrination process occurs so slowly that even the most intelligent people don't realize it's happening. 'The public tends to think that only weak and stupid people or uneducated people or people from bad homes or not given religious upbringing get into these groups. But it's not the case,' Dr. Hassan told DailyMail.com. Adding: 'We have moments where we're going to be more open to strangers. 'Any of us, if we're caught at the right moment could be susceptible,' cautions cult expert Mike King. King, the author of Deceived, an Investigative Memoir of the Zion Society Cult, is a former cult investigator who has worked on more than 300 cult cases. Both experts agree that most destructive cults participate in unethical and, often times, illegal activities. They are able to thrive, they say, due to intricate mind control and the absolute authority of the cult leader. British seaside towns are increasingly seeing exotic sea creatures in their waters. From giant jellyfish to dangerous fish and sinking sand, visitors at seaside hotspots across the UK have been urged be aware of the many dangers. And the rise in rare creatures, like a sighting of a Babakina anadoni in Cornwall, has left marine experts concerned. They are not only worried for the fish that are not native to our seas but warn rising ocean temperatures will mean we see more and more of them in our waters. Ms Frankie Hobro, Owner and Director at Anglesey Sea Zoo, spoke to MailOnline and said that she doesn't 'like the idea of getting people scared or afraid of the sea - they need to be more careful and look out for stuff' Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Ms Frankie Hobro, Owner and Director at Anglesey Sea Zoo said that it is important to learn about British sea life, as it is right on our doorstep. She said that Brits and tourists should not be deterred from getting into the sea after reading stories about the magnificent or odd creatures found, 'but compared to the tropics or Australia we don't have much'. She said: 'It is all relative and we need to encourage people to be outdoors and in of the sea, as well as making them aware of what they need to be cautious of and what they need to be aware of.' Ms Hobro urges people to go out into the sea and find the creatures that may visit our shores seasonally or rarely, adding that it is important to 'raise awareness of what we have... because people are disconnected with what is in our seas, especially as a lot of it isn't particularly new, it is just that people don't know about it.' However, she is concerned at the rising temperatures in our seas, explaining that, 'there are increasing average sea temperatures in the UK and the fact that there are overextended periods - our temperatures are increasing sooner and are being maintained more longer than 10-20 years ago. 'And we are seeing temperature increases earlier every year. It used to be May every year, but those are now coming on in April, and we are seeing earlier and later decrease of temperatures. 'They are going higher in summer, of to about 18-20C, which is much warmer than we would have had it 10-20 years ago. And in winter it is dropping to 1-2C, but not for such a long period. 'And is taking a longer time to get to this cooler temperatures. 'So because of this, warmer species are getting closer to our seas for longer, and is more likely to be seeing them, and we are currently seeing this with loggerhead turtles in particular in the UK.' Turtles, usually found in the warmer temperatures of the Mediterranean or Canary Islands, are now foraging closer to the UK for longer due to increasing sea temperatures. Ms Hobro adds that climate change and increasing sea temperatures 'will lead us to seeing more creatures we would have not seen before, and more frequently'. So, here are the odd and venomous sea creatures that have been spotted in our waters over these past few months, just how dangerous they are, and what you can do if you spot one. The snapping Weever fish Weever fish can can grow up to 30cm in length, but are difficult to spot in the waters. As well as being spotted in East Yorkshire, advice has been issued to Cornwall beachgoers by the RNLI Venomous weaver fish have been spotted on East Yorkshire's beaches. And while their stings are far from fatal, they can be very unpleasant - so much so that it can cause intense pain and an itchy rash as well as headaches, fever, nausea and vomiting. The fish, which can grow up to 30cm in length, are difficult to spot. This is because they are quite small and bury themselves in the sand waiting on their prey. Two species are found in British waters: the lesser and the greater weever. And Ms Hobro adds that 'weever are incredibly common and the only venomous fish in the UK'. But she says that 'people shouldn't be scared when they see one, they just need to be aware of what is in our waters' . As well as being spotted in East Yorkshire, advice has been issued to Cornwall beachgoers by the RNLI. The easiest way to mitigate against the risk if to wear beach shoes, such as flip flops, crocs, or wetsuit-type shoes. But if you do get stung, there are no quick treatments. However, it's advised that you remove the spines and squeeze the wound to wash out the venom. And bathing the feet in hot water as hot as you can stand it for 60 to 90-minutes, can help. And Ms Hobro added that 'you can also disturb the fish that may be hiding in the sand by shuffling it rather than walking; they will get scared and move.' Gigantic 'killer' jellyfish There were 62 reported sightings of Portuguese Man o War jellyfish in the UK last year, as and windy and strong tides can cause them to wash up on our beaches But Ms Hobro states that Portuguese Man o War jellyfish 'are very rare here,' although we may occasionally get them with warmer the warmer climate Brits are being warned to keep an eye out as giant 'killer' jellyfish are set to hit UK beaches this summer. Portuguese Man o War jellyfish can grow tentacles up to 160ft - equivalent to the size of five double-decker buses - and their incredibly powerful sting can cause agony to their unlucky recipient. At the start of this year, there were reports of the sea creature being washed up at numerous Dorset beaches, including Chesil Beach, as well as Worbarrow Bay and Lulworth Cove in Purbeck. And in April, one local spotted the jellyfish at Island beach in the Isle of Wight. And there were 62 reported sightings of the stinging beast in the UK last year - and windy and strong tides can cause them to wash up on our beaches. Beach-goers are urged to keep clear and stay away from the oval-shaped, transparent jellyfish to avoid any painful injuries. Ms Hobro states that Portuguese Man o War jellyfish 'are very rare here,' but we may occasionally get them with warmer the warmer climate. But what we do have in British waters, and what are commonly misinterpreted as the giant 'killer' jellyfish is a species called By-the-Wind Sailor, which are closely related to the former, but are harmless. The expert says that the sailor jellyfish 'get carried by the wind and currents as they have a sail which is bright blue or purple' and so this is why we may see them in our waters. For good practice, Ms Horbo says that you should wear a wetsuit when going into the water, and you won't even notice you came into contact with a jelly. The NHS has some helpful advice for anyone who gets stung, and it's advised to rinse the affected area with seawater and not fresh water. You should also remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card and soak the area in very warm water. The NHS says you shouldn't use vinegar to treat the stings, and you shouldn't pee on it either. Don't apply an ice or cold pack on the sting, don't touch any spines with your bare hands and don't cover or close the wound. Huge rare 'six-foot shark' A rare 6ft-long smalltooth sand tiger shark, which is known to be non-aggressive towards humans, washed up on popular Lepe Beach in Hampshire It is believed to be the first time the species has been found in UK waters, and Ms Hobro says that as waters get warmer, we may see more sightings of sharks In March, beachgoers were left stunned after a rare six-foot shark washed up on a UK beach for the first time. A mother-of-two was left shocked after finding a smalltooth sand tiger shark - a species which is classified as Vulnerable on the Red List of Threatened Species - at her local beach, Lepe beach, in Hampshire. The deepwater shark, which is known to be non-aggressive towards humans, is not thought to have been found in UK waters before this incident. The species can grow to 12ft in length and can weigh up to 289 kg. And according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are probably fewer than 250 adult sand tiger sharks left in the world. Speaking about this rare sighting, Ms Hobro said: 'We know there are a few of them out there, but when we do get a warm current it can carry the warmer water species. 'But most sharks are vulnerable, and it wouldn't surprise me if there was a sighting of that.' She continued to say that as waters get warmer, we may see more sightings of sharks, 'but there isn't a reason for people to get into the water, as Great White sharks, for example, breed in the Mediterranean, and people still swim there. 'So it goes to prove that they are not as scary as they seem to be - it is all about being armed with the correct information about them.' The moon jellyfish A bloom of jellyfish were recently spotted in the waters of a popular watersports venue in Brighton. Visitors and staff at Hove Lagoon were surprised to see a number of small moon jellyfish populating the waters. As waters warm around the coast, the shores provide the perfect home for the sea creatures, which can be spotted from April to September, usually in large groups. Centre manager for Lagoon Watersports Jack Shead told theargus it was 'the first time' the tentacled invertebrates have been in the lagoon. And in May, locals spotted the jellyfish washed up on Instow beach in Devon. There are fears that the warming seas round our coast will tempt the monstrous blobs out of their deep ocean lairs and onto our packed beaches this summer. Although these jellies are well known for their ability to sting, using harpoon-like cells on their tentacles to force toxin into their prey, the moon jelly possess little danger to humans. But if you happen to get brushed by one, you will feel a minor stinging sensation. Monster 'bad boys' Is the sheer size of these over-sized and scary looking barrel jellyfish that can scare people, but Ms Hobro says that we get them almost 'every summer', so, spotting them in our waters is something we do not need to be concerned about More jellyfish than ever have been spotted this year on our coasts, but Ms Hobro says that 'we have jellyfish every summer, and I don't like the idea of getting people scared or afraid of the sea - they need to be more careful and look out for them.' However, it is the sheer size of these over-sized and scary looking marine animals have shocked locals in North Wales. These beasts were spotted on the foreshore at Fairbourne, a seaside village in Gwynedd, just lying at the water's edge. Estimated at one meter across, the barrel jellyfish was brought in by the tide to the mouth of the Mawddach estuary across the water from Barmouth. And in mid May another giant was found on the beach at Aberdyfi. Rhizostoma pulmo, commonly known as the barrel jellyfish, the dustbin-lid jellyfish or the frilly-mouthed jellyfish. It is typically found in the northeast Atlantic, and in the Adriatic, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov. However, they are important for our ecosystem, as Ms Hobro states that 'moon and barrel are the ones that don't have a powerful sting to humans. 'But they are important food for leatherback turtles, which can be found in the UK from March to around September or October time, as these turtles come to feed on these jellyfish. They migrate here to feed, and then go to breed in warmer places further south.' And so, spotting them in our waters is something we do not need to be concerned about. 'Very rare' sea slug A fascinating yet very rare sea slug was spotted in Falmouth, Cornwall by amazed locals. It is refered to as a rainbow sea slug, but its official name is the Babakina anadoni A fascinating yet very rare sea slug stunned locals in May after being spotted in Falmouth, Cornwall. Often referred to as rainbow sea slugs, but is also known as the Babakina anadoni, the animal is characterised by its bright colours and abnormal shapes. The species is uncommon and usually found in warmer waters, such as the west coast of Spain and further south in the Atlantic. But it has recently been found by divers around the UK with the first sighting in August last year - by a Seasearch volunteer off the Isles of Scilly. Weeks later, another one was spotted by a woman snorkelling in West Cornwall. The rare slug measures just 2cm in length, and has previously only been recorded a handful of times along the west coast of Spain and further south in the Atlantic. Babakina anadoni feeds on the stinging cells from Hydroids, small creatures that are related to coral and jellyfish. More enormous jellyfish An unrecognisable species of jellyfish (left) was seen on a beach in Blackpool. Meanwhile, a jelly, which looks like a moon jellyfish (right), was spotted in Camber, East Sussex Last weekend, all across the UK, people found giant jellyfish washed up on the shores of beaches. While its not uncommon to see jellyfish, the bigger ones have been finding their way to our shores over the past couple of months. And people spotted the sea monster's all around the country - from on a beach in Blackpool, and Camber in East Sussex to Morecambe Beach in Lancashire. Coming in different shapes and sizes, locals snapped up the beasts. Some were as big as shoes while others were nearly as large as a eight-year-old child. Ms Hobro has advised Brits that if you see a jellyfish, you should not touch it as they can sting on the shore, even if they are dead. But if you do get stung, to treat it the expert advised popping 'vinegar or lemon on it as it is acidic and calms the stinging. 'And peeing on it is the worst thing to do as you are more likely to do damage.' Line of 'white brains' A mysterious object that resembled a ;long line of brains' washed up onto a British beach on Anglesey, Wales, in April. It is the latest in the long line of strange creatures that have appeared on beaches up and down the country. The lumps of unidentified white matter had locals and tourists scratching their heads as thy could not work out what the creatures were. One suggestion is that the mass could be whelk egg capsules. Reportedly, it could also be whelk, which is the largest sea snail found in UK seas. And dry balls of empty whelk capsules are often found washed up in line-like formations. According to The Wildlife Trust, whelk live on sandy seabeds below the low tide mark and lay their eggs in a spongy mass of up to 2,000 egg capsules on the seabed. Once hatched, these balls of empty egg capsules often wash up on shore. Strange sand bubbles The strange sighting of sea bubbles was reported at Porthcawl in South Wales on June 5, 2023 Sinking sand, or quicksand, usually consists of sand that has become waterlogged. Sand can become so saturated with water that it reduces friction between particles, meaning it cant hold as much weight from above Just days ago, people visiting a popular UK tourist destination witnessed a very strange phenomenon. They were also warned to stay away from a section of the beach at Porthcawl in South Wales, after bubbles were spotted in a shallow pool a short distance from the tide. On person managed to take a video of the strange occurrence, which was akin to water boiling in a pot. What was of utmost concern was that bubbles usually indicate sinking sand. Sinking sand, or quicksand, usually consists of sand that has become waterlogged. Last year, a couple encountered a similar sight in Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire. Indonesian Ambassador to Korea Gandi Sulistiyanto speaks during a media briefing announcing the collaboration between Indonesia's Surakarta City and Hyundai Motor Group to feature Indonesian batik design at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang in northern Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. Courtesy of Embassy of Indonesia in Korea Indonesian ambassador underscores creative collaborations By Kwon Mee-yoo On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Indonesia, Hyundai Motor Group's flagship electric vehicle (EV) IONIQ 5 will feature Indonesia's iconic batik design. Indonesian Ambassador to Korea Gandi Sulistiyanto announced the special collaboration between Hyundai and Surakarta City, also known as Solo, adding an Indonesian flair to the Korean EV. "The city of Solo is chosen due to its close-knit history of batik development. Batik, the shirt that I am proudly wearing today, is the leading icon of the Indonesian creative industry. Batik reached its golden age in Indonesia, from generation to generation, Indonesians wear batik proudly. Batik is essentially Indonesian," Ambassador Sulistiyanto said during a media briefing at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang in northern Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. "The Indonesian Embassy tries to facilitate collaboration between the Indonesian creative industry with the Korean automotive industry by the inception of this batik signature design by the Hyundai team." Batik is a traditional Indonesian textile design that involves a wax-resist dyeing process. It is famous for its complex, detailed and symbolic patterns and each region of Indonesia has its unique batik patterns that reflect its particular cultural heritage. In 2019, UNESCO recognized Indonesian batik as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Batik designs can feature a variety of themes such as animals, people, nature, folklore and mythology and, among those, Solo batik carries a deep connection to the traditional Javanese culture. The city of Surakarta, currently led by Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, son of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, is renowned for its batik industry. The announcement was made during Gibran's visit to Korea. Indonesian Ambassador to Korea Gandi Sulistiyanto, right, poses with his wife Susi Ardhani Sulistiyanto during their visit to Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang in northern Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. Courtesy of Embassy of Indonesia in Korea The beverage was introduced alongside a peach flavor for Valentine's in 2019 Single cans of the popular energy drink are selling on eBay for as much as $45 The sugar-free Crisp Pear edition of the drink is no longer available to buy Red Bull fans are in uproar as they claim the company has discontinued their favorite flavor of the energy drink. The popular beverage comes in a variety of different flavors and limited editions, including tropical fruits, watermelon and coconut. But people are up in arms that the Crisp Pear edition of the drink appears to no longer be available to buy in stores. The flavor, which comes in a dark green can, is sugar-free and was introduced alongside a peach drink to mark Valentine's Day in 2019. Fans are taking to social media to lament the loss of the beloved beverage - with cans selling on eBay for as much as $45. One can of the crisp pear drink is on sale on eBay for $45 as fans lament its loss Red Bull drinks come in a variety of different flavors, including tropical fruits and coconut 'Red bull needs to bring back the pear flavor I'm still not over it being discontinued,' one person wrote on Twitter. 'I stopped drinking Red Bull when they discontinued the limited edition sugar free pear flavored one,' another said. One user wrote: 'Red Bull discontinuing the sugar free pear flavor was their worst business move in the companys existence.' The drink has popped up on selling site eBay, with prices ranging from $15 to a whopping $45 for a singular can. Red Bull has not officially confirmed the product has been discontinued. DailyMail.com reached out to the company for comment. The energy drink stalwart is not the only firm being accused of discontinuing items. It comes as Walmart shoppers claim another popular soda - Mountain Dew Zero Sugar Frost Bite drink - has mysteriously disappeared from shelves up and down the country. Walmart shoppers claim a popular soda has been removed from store shelves, as they question whether the product has been discontinued Frost Bite Zero Sugar was launched in March 2021 and contains no calories or sugar Customers have taken to social media to complain about the apparent discontinuation. One user wrote: 'Hey @Walmart, I am hearing some whispers that Frostbite Zero Sugar is disappearing in many areas. Has it been discontinued?' Frost Bite Zero Sugar was launched in March 2021 and contains no calories or sugar. Mountain Dew News - an unofficial social media account for the brand - said: 'Now that you mention it, I haven't seen any Zero Frostbite for a while in Utah, that's interesting...' Similarly another said: 'Haven't seen any Frostbite at all in any of my local Walmart store in about a year if not more.' A third wrote: 'Haven't seen any in South Carolina.' The Supreme Court is getting ready to hand down a decision any day now on President Joe Biden's proposed student loan forgiveness plan and progressives are scrambling to find a way to still wipe clean that debt. Meanwhile, the group that launched one of the lawsuits that landed the resident's plan at the Supreme Court says that they will sue any workarounds the Biden administration tries to jam through. Job Creators Network President and CEO Alfredo Ortiz told DailyMail.com that the Department of Education (DOE) is actively working on workarounds to still get at least $10,000 taken off of the debts of most borrowers with outstanding student loans. The group did not want to speculate on what those workarounds could be especially before the 6-3 conservative majority Supreme Court hands down a decision on the fate of one of Biden's keystone proposals. 'If they implement workarounds, we will sue the workaround,' Ortiz said in a discussion with DailyMail.com about the plan the Congressional Budget Office estimates would cost $400 billion. Job Creators Network leaders attended oral arguments at the Supreme Court after suing the Biden administration's rule forgiving between $10,000-$20,000 of student loans The debt ceiling deal, when signed by Biden this month, made it law that student loan repayment will resume at the end of August. Now, progressives are looking at a way to make sure there is a widespread forgiveness plan in place JCN sued the Biden administration for instructing the DOE to implement a plan forgiving between $10,000-$20,000 in student loan debt after more than three years of repayment deferment using the HEROs Act created for first responders of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The group argued that the DOE did not follow rule-making procedure by allowing a public comment period for Americans to weigh-in on the proposed rule. Ortiz also lamented that forgiving student loans with the HEROs Act is outside the scope of what the bill was intended. He attended oral arguments at the Supreme Court earlier this year. Student loans have quickly become one of the biggest issues for millennial and Gen Z voters as the two demographics with the largest burdens of student loans with trillions in outstanding debts to the federal government. JCN CEO and President Alfredo Ortiz told DailyMail.com that the Department of Education is looking at finding other avenues to implement forgiveness and vowed: 'If they implement workarounds, we will sue the workaround' But most Republicans say that those who took out loans need to repay them without a bailout. Student loans were on pause for years during the pandemic and many say they aren't sure how they will factor in the payments once they resume. Cheyenne Hunt, a progressive running for the House in California's 45th congressional district, said that the U.S. needs younger leaders who understand the student loan issue better to address it effectively. 'We must elect young representatives that understand the true toll these predatory loans have placed on the American Dream,' Hunt told DailyMail.com. 'We have allowed the loan service industry special privileges and protections that empower its abusive stranglehold on our economic opportunities.' Ortiz agrees that the student loan industry is 'predatory,' and said the way to attack the issue head-on is to go to the root of the problem rather than pushing forgiveness or pauses on outstanding debts. The debt ceiling deal signed by Biden earlier this month makes it law that student loan repayment will resume at the end of August, after three-and-a-half-years of deferment. This has several borrowers anxious about the resumption of a bill they haven't paid in years. In March 2020, then-President Donald Trump deferred student loan payments due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, Trump and Biden have continued to sign legislation that extended the pause. Biden then proposed last summer resuming payments in conjunction with forgiving $10,000 in student loan debt for individuals making less than $125,000 or couples with a combined income under $250,000. Those with Pell Grants would be eligible for $20,000 in forgiveness. But the proposal was immediately challenged from multiple avenues, including by Ortiz's organization. Ortiz noted that the federal government is losing $5 billion per month by not collecting outstanding student loans and said resumption would help the economy overall. He also said, however, that the 'government should get out of the business of student loans' in general and should have left it to private industry to handle. They were told they must return to the UK within 35 days A family has been 'near-on destroyed' after they were given 35-day marching orders to leave Australia despite one of their children being born in the country. Nathan and Emma Mills have been 'absolutely devastated' over their immigration wrangles in the country they have called home for the past 13 years. The pair arrived in Australia from the UK in 2010 with two young children and have since had a third who is an Australian citizen. The family came on 457 skilled worker visas to care for Emma's dad, an Australian citizen who suffers from serious spinal and mental health issues. Nathan and Emma Mills arrived in Australia from the UK in 2010 with two young children and have since had a third who is an Australian citizen (pictured, with their family who now face deportation) When the family arrived in Australia they settled into the Sutherland shire, south of Sydney with their children. But now 13 years later they face being kicked out of the country despite multiple attempts to secure a permanent visa. On April 13, Emma received a letter from the Home Affairs Department saying they had 35 days to leave or they may be detained and deported. 'To be told you have 35 days to pack up your belongings and leave the country that is just crazy, and it's not even an option for us,' Emma told A Current Affair. 'It's near-on destroyed our family and as a mother it is exceptionally hard not to be able to assure your children and guarantee that their futures are going to be here.' Since then the family have been on bridging visas while they await their fate and were advised to not leave Australia while their status is up in the air. Nathan was forced to stay put in the country while his mum in the UK was seriously ill a few weeks ago. '[I was] devastated, absolutely devastated, it's not just my mum but it's my dad too who is 80 years old and needed help and there was nothing I could do and it was horrible,' a teary Nathan said. The family have been told their children's school enrolments are void as their visas have been cancelled. This is despite their middle child Harry, being midway through his HSC and daughter Daisy Grace, being born in Australia. A 'devastated' Nathan (pictured) was forced to stay put in the country while his mum in the UK was seriously ill a few weeks ago because of their visa status being up in the air The Federal Government declined multiple attempts by the Mills family to secure a carer visa to care for a sick relative. After 13 years in the country they are told they must return to the UK (pictured: Emma Mills with her daughter Daisy Grace who was born in Australia) Emma told 2GB Drive host Chris O'Keefe they had tried three times to apply for permanent residency. 'This is our home. We've built a life here... It's just hard to comprehend that this is even happening,' Emma said. She says changes in the immigration requirements continue to move the goalposts of what they need to stay in Australia, and the family have applied for a carer visa based on the support given to Emma's father but were rejected. Emma said she learnt they were being sent back to the UK from their children's schools. 'The principal informed me that from Monday she [Daisy Grace] was not permitted to return to school. I was in shock and disbelief,' she said. 'I then got a call from Engadine High School with the same news. What shocked me and frightened me the most is my eldest son (still in school) was due to sit his HSC the following week.' The family won an appeal in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal which they believed should have seen them granted the carer visa but it never happened. It was after that they got the devastating letter to leave the country. Emma says she has tried to do everything the right way and will keep fighting, adding her father is 'absolutely devastated' by the news. The couple has three kids, one of whom was born in Australia and another who is halfway through HSC year (Emma pictured with eldest son James) 'Are we going to be sent back to a country that is essentially foreign to us all now?' she said. 'My children don't have lives or memories of the UK, they have memories of Australia. This is their home.' The Department of Home Affairs website states to qualify for a carer visa the individual must have a suitable sponsor who is either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles was unable to comment on individual cases due to privacy, the department said in a statement. Daily Mail Australia has also reached out to the Department of Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles for comment. Pictured: Lisa Wilkinson Lisa Wilkinson appeared to encourage Brittany Higgins to secretly record a conversations with her boss - five days before her rape allegations were aired on television. A conversation between the Liberal staffer and then-Education Minister Michaelia Cash, recorded on February 5, 2021, later formed part of a formal complaint submitted to Australian Federal Police by her alleged rapist's lawyer during his trial in October. Wilkinson appears to back the idea of a covert recording during a five-hour meeting with Channel 10 producer Angus Llewellyn, Ms Higgins and her boyfriend David Sharaz in a Sydney hotel room on January 27, 2021. The purpose of the chat was to decide how best to approach Higgins' forthcoming interview on The Project, which was broadcast two weeks later, in which she alleged she was raped by Bruce Lehrmann in Parliament House in 2019. Mr Lehrmann has always denied the allegations. During the pre-show conversation, the group spoke extensively about Ms Higgins' experience working as an assistant media advisor for former Employment Minister Michaelia Cash in the years after her alleged assault. A court previously heard Ms Higgins disclosed her alleged rape to various colleagues, including Senator Cash, but ultimately decided not to take the matter to police because she feared she would lose her job. However, in the January 2021 meeting, Ms Higgins said she had been compiling the information to use as evidence, and said all devices used by parliamentary staffers had software installed by the government. Brittany Higgins is pictured, left, outside ACT Supreme Court in October last year Ms Higgins told the group her personal phone was mysteriously wiped - including screenshots of WhatsApp conversations with Senator Cash and her former boss, then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds. Wilkinson then said: 'What do you think about on the last day, Brittany saying, 'can someone please tell me what happened to my phone? Because all of the data got wiped and that includes all my photos'.' 'Just to see what their response is. Because we won't get a response from them, if we ask the question. But it might be interesting if you ask.' Ms Higgins replied: 'What's the validity of me recording any of these conversations, though? Like, if, say, if I did have that conversation, I would feel safer having it recorded. But can I record those sort of conversations?' Wilkinson addressed her producer, Llewellyn, asking: 'You're better at legal stuff than me.' Mr Llewellyn pointed out there are laws in NSW against recording conversations without the consent of all parties, before he realised Ms Higgins would be in the ACT. 'Whereas everywhere else is okay. You can somehow get away with, but then again, Canberra operates, and Parliament House operates in a wacky, wacky world. So, that may be different to ACT rules as well,' he said. Ms Higgins said: 'Even off the record, just for corroboration's sake, I'd be willing to record something of that conversation, if that happens. Yeah.' Brittany Higgins worked for Michaelia Cash, left, when she was the employment minister, and Linda Reynolds, right, when she was the defence industry minister Brittany Higgins is pictured with her boyfriend, David Sharaz. They were both in a meeting with Wilkinson and a Channel 10 producer Eventually, Ms Wilkinson said: 'It may mean that we can't use it ... But this is just for your own...' To which Ms Higgins replied: 'Yeah, exactly. And just sort of, for your background, I guess ... As like a sort of, a sounding board about what its like. Id do that for you.' The ACT's Listening Devices Act 1992 states that it is illegal to record a private conversation unless you have the consent of all parties. The ACT Supreme Court heard in October last year, during Mr Lehrmann's jury trial, that Ms Higgins did secretly record a conversation with Senator Cash on February 5, 2021 - 10 days before her interview on The Project went to air. During that phone call, the senator tried to dissuade her from resigning. Ms Higgins told the court Senator Cash pretended as though she didn't know about her rape allegations, and made out 'as though security guard has assaulted me'. 'It was the weirdest call of my life,' she told the court. During the trial, Mr Lehrmann's lawyer Steven Whybrow cross-examined her about the recording of Senator Cash: 'You recorded her on that call without her knowledge?' 'That's correct,' Ms Higgins confirmed. Ms Higgins said the recording was sent to multiple friends for 'safekeeping'. The recording formed part of an official complaint by Mr Lehrmann's defence lawyer, Steven Whybrow, to the Australian Federal Police on October 24 - while the jury was in deliberations. Bruce Lehrmann is pictured, left, with his defence barrister Steven whybrow The complaint, obtained by Daily Mail Australia, contained a range of allegations against Ms Higgins - 'breaches of sections 4-6 Listening Devices Act'. It read: 'Covertly, by the use of listening device, recorded conversations with numerous persons without their knowledge or consent, including Senator Michaelia Cash and Mr Daniel Try (Senator Cash's chief of staff).' She was also accused of 'disseminating those conversations to multiple persons including journalists and public relations consultants without the consent or knowledge of the other party'. Further complaints by Mr Whybrow included 'destroy or concealing evidence', which related to a photo of a bruise on her leg which Ms Higgins claimed was from the alleged assault. However, investigators were unable to find evidence of the photo prior to January 2021. She also signed a statutory declaration for Channel 10 to say the photo was taken 11 days after the alleged assault. Mr Whybrow also accused her of 'deleted and/or concealed communications' with witnesses in the trial, and using Instagram to question the honesty of one of the witnesses during the trial When contacted by Daily Mail Australia, AFP would not confirm whether an investigation into Mr Whybrow's complaints was still open. Mr Lehrmann's criminal trial in the ACT Supreme was aborted in December last year. Ms Wilkinson was approached for comment, but declined. A spokesperson for Ms Higgins told Daily Mail Australia: 'I'd refer you to court transcripts where Brittany responded to all of these questions under oath when they were put to her by the defence attorney.' Comment has also been sought for Channel 10. Advertisement The long-awaited moment has arrived: Ukraine's counter-attack, for which the country has been preparing since late last year, is now underway. Kyiv is saying nothing, but Ukrainian officials, Western analysts and Russian military bloggers all agree the attack began early this week with fighting ramping up across the frontline since then. Ukrainian officials say there will be no single thrust and the offensive is designed as a series of operations that will take months to play out. What we have seen over the last week is merely the opening gambit. But things are already starting to take shape. Ukraine is attacking on three fronts in the east, south-east, and south of the country: Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia last month; Velyka Novosilka & Novodonetsk, in Donetsk oblast; and Orikhiv, in neighbouring Zaporizhzhia. There have been early successes. Ukraine says it is making steady advances around Bakhmut and Russian military bloggers acknowledge Ukraine broke through their lines in Novodonetsk early this week - though now claim some of those gains have been reversed. Ukraine is attacking on three fronts in the east, south-east, and south of the country: Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia last month; Velyka Novosilka & Novodonetsk, in Donetsk oblast; and Orikhiv, in neighbouring Zaporizhzhia However, it appears Ukraine has also suffered its first defeat in Zaporizhzhia with video showing multiple armoured vehicles and at least one tank - which Moscow claims is a German-supplied Leopard - being blown up by a mixture of mines and artillery. And Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Ukraine's counteroffensive had started, but that Kyiv had not reached its goals. 'We can definitely state that this Ukrainian offensive began,' Putin said in a video interview published on Telegram by a Russian journalist. 'But the Ukrainian troops did not reach their aims in any area of combat,' he added. Meanwhile partisan attacks by pro-Ukraine Russian forces continue in the towns of Shebekino and Novaya Tavolzhanka in Russia's Belgorod region, providing an unwelcome distraction for Putin's generals. Ukraine has asked for silence around the offensive, and all information used in this article has either been put out by Kyiv's own forces or else reported by Russian sources and is therefore known to the Kremlin. Here is what we know about the counter-attack at the end of Week 1 Bakhmut It is just three weeks since Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed victory in Bakhmut after months of fighting, and already Russia has been forced on to the back foot. Prigozhin was quick to announce Wagner was withdrawing from the area, handing over control to regular Russian troops which have performed poorly in the area in the past. Ukrainian forces, led by the fearsome 3rd Separate Assault Battalion, went on the counter-attack almost immediately and began capturing ground to the north and south of the city in an apparent attempt to encircle it. Footage shows soldiers of the battalion - made up of remnants of the Azov Battalion - clearing Russian foxholes in the region, leaving dozens dead and steadily taking territory. Pictured: Video from Bakhmut taken by a soldier in the by the fearsome 3rd Separate Assault Battalion shows them fighting Russian soldiers in a forested area near the besieged city Footage shows soldiers of the battalion - made up of remnants of the Azov Battalion - clearing Russian foxholes in the region, leaving dozens dead and steadily taking territory Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Battalion (seen fighting in this grab from a video on the frontlines) forced back Russian troops and made advances towards Berkhivka, to the north of Bakhmut, and along the Siversky-Donetsk Canal, towards Klischivka in the south The battalion has forced back Russian troops and made advances towards Berkhivka, to the north of Bakhmut, and along the Siversky-Donetsk Canal, towards Klischivka in the south. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said on Thursday that troops are now on the offensive and have advanced up to 1km, though did not give precise locations. Russia's 57th Motorized Infantry Brigade and 'Storm-Z' units - made up of prisoners who signed up to the Russian military rather than Wagner - took casualties and lost ground. Rybar, a pro-Russian Telegram channel, said Ukraine exploited difficulties in communication and organisation between Russian military units to gain ground and described the situation there as 'tense'. Though fighting is still in its early days, advances both north and south of the city suggest Ukraine is trying to encircle it and trap Russian defenders stationed there. If they can pull the move off, it would turn one of Russia's few victories in the last several months into an humiliating defeat and open the road for strikes east into Luhansk. Velyka Novosilka & Novodonetsk Located 75 miles south of Bakhmut, these two towns are on Ukraine's southern frontline near to Vulehdar - where Russia suffered one of the biggest losses of its winter campaign. Starting June 4, Ukraine launched a multi-brigade attack on a weak spot in Russian lines. The initial attack was towards Velyka Novosilka, with Alexander Khodakovsky - a commander in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic - saying they had managed to push south of the town. Pictured: A destroyed armoured infantry fighting vehicles is seen on the frontlines in the Velyka Novosilka & Novodonetsk battlefield, located 75 miles south of Bakhmut Starting June 4, Ukraine launched a multi-brigade attack on a weak spot in Russian lines. Pictured: Aerial drone footage shows smoke shows smoke rising from the battlefield Ukraine then feigned pulling back, before launching a second attack at Novodonetsk which Khodakovsky said had achieved 'tactical success'. He also reported seeing Leopard tanks in the area, though provided no evidence to support his claim - and notably did not say whether the tanks were involved in combat. By June 6, pro-Russian Telegram channel Rybar said Putin's forces had retaken Novodonetsk having previously lost around half the town. However, Ukrainian Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi said offensive operations in southern Ukraine were successful. The area remains contested and the exact position of the frontline is not clear, though combat is thought to be taking place around the first line of Russia's defences. If Ukraine were to punch clean through the line, then it would open up the road to Mariupol - the coastal city captured by Russian forces last summer after months of defence by the Azov Battalion. Orikhiv Located in the Zaporizhzhia oblast in Ukraine's south, this area has been much talked-about in the build-up to the counter-offensive as the most likely place Kyiv's troops would strike. Russia has therefore heavily defended the region, with multiple lines of trenches, tank traps, minefields and barbed wire. Pro-Moscow sources claim Ukrainian attacks in the region started at the same time as those further to the east, at Velyka Novosilka, on June 4. However, these appear to have been probing operations for a much larger assault that took place overnight June 7 and into June 8. Russian military bloggers said several Ukrainian brigades armed with Western equipment took part in the attack, and succeeded in breaking through Russian lines. Located in the Zaporizhzhia oblast in Ukraine's south, Orikhiv has been much talked-about in the build-up to the counter-offensive as the most likely place Kyiv's troops would strike. It is therefore heavily defended. Pictured: A smoking wreckage of an armoured vehicle is seen in a field near Orikhiv The 291st and 70th Motorized Rifle Regiments, along with the the 22nd and 45th Separate Guards Special Purpose Brigades, took casualties and were pushed back. However, they counter-attacked and by June 8 had managed to completely push Ukrainian forces back and retake their original positions. Footage released by the Russian Ministry of Defence showed a column of Ukrainian armoured vehicles and tanks being hit by a mixture of artillery and landmines, leaving several of them damaged. At least one German Leopard tank appeared to be damaged during the assault, with smoke seen pouring from the turret. That is likely to be the first Western-supplied tank damaged during the offensive. Colonel General Alexander Romanchuk, who commands Russian forces in the area, praised troops for using a mixture of electronic warfare, artillery and landmines to repel the attack. The Institute for the Study of War, a respected think-tank, noted: 'Losses are inevitable during any military undertaking. 'The loss of equipment including Western equipment early on in the counteroffensive is not an indicator of the future progress of Ukraine's counteroffensive. 'It is important not to exaggerate the impact of initial losses of Western or any other equipment, particularly in penetration battles against prepared defensive positions.' Shebekino / Novaya Tavolzhanka On May 22, the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) and Freedom of Russian Legion (LSR) began attacking the Russian border in Belgorod. Both groups are pro-Ukraine but are made up entirely of Russian civilians who say they want to liberate their country from Putin. Initially they targeted the border towns of Kozinka and Grayvoron, but by June 1 they had swapped their attack to Shebekino and Novaya Tavolzhanka. Both have been repeatedly shelled and soldiers from the two units have conducted raids, taking Russian troops prisoner and killing at least one senior officer: Colonel Stesev Andrey Vasilyevich. Pictured: A group of pro-Ukrainian Russian fighters are seen around Belgorod border region, where Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) and Freedom of Russian Legion (LSR) attacked Pictured: A view from a tank driving down a road, purportedly near Russia's Belgorod region Pictured: An aerial view shows smoke rising from the Russian region under attack from pro-Ukrainian Russian forces Videos appear to show armoured vehicles and a tank belonging to the group moving through the region, along with American humvees and other armoured vehicles. Though both the RDK and LSR claim to hold territory inside Russia, the exact extent of their control is unclear and unlikely to amount to much - even in a best-case scenario. However, the fact that Russia is unable to protect its own borders from raiding parties is hugely embarrassing for Putin. Officially, Kyiv claims no affiliation with either group though it is widely thought they are operating with the knowledge of Ukraine's intelligence services. Given Putin's crackdown on dissent within Russia it is unlikely the attacks really do herald the beginning of an uprising against the despot. However, the attacks do provide an unwelcome distraction from operations in Ukraine itself and - coupled with drone raids across the border - may force Russia to divert troops and air defences away from the frontlines to push them back. A mass grave containing over 400 suspected vampires has been uncovered during roadworks in Poland. The grim discovery in the village of Luzino in the northeast of the country found that some of the 450 skeletons had been beheaded and their skulls placed between their legs and a coin placed in their mouths. The practice which was common in the region during the 19th century was believed to remove the vampire curse. Archaeologist Maciej Stromski said: We discovered examples of belief in the dead returning from the grave, which could only be stopped by decapitation. It was believed that if a member of the deceased's family died shortly after the funeral, then he or she could be a vampire. The grim discovery, made in the village of Luzino in the northeast of Poland, found that some of the 450 skeletons had been beheaded and their skulls placed between their legs and a coin placed in their mouths Therefore, after burial, the grave was dug up and the deceased's head was cut off, which was then placed in the legs. We also discovered an example of a woman after decapitation. The skull of a child was laid on her bosom. He added that in around 30 percent of the graves uncovered, researchers had also found bricks placed next to the skeletons legs, arms and heads. In September last year, the remains of a 'female vampire' pinned to the ground by a sickle across her throat and a padlocked toe to 'prevent her returning from the dead' were also found in Poland. The practice that saw the beheadings, which was common in the region during the 19th century, was believed to remove the vampire curse The site of the excavation in Luzino, Poland. Archaeologist Maciej Stromski said that in around 30 percent of the graves uncovered, researchers had also found bricks placed next to the skeletons legs, arms and heads Discovered during archaeological work at a 17th century cemetery in the village of Pien, researchers also found the skeletal remains had a silk cap on its head, indicating she had held a high social status. Records of myths about the undead date back as far as the 11th century in Central Europe. People feared that some who were buried would claw their way back up to the surface as blood-sucking monsters, and terrorise the living. It is not uncommon the region to find burial sites where a metal rod - or a stake - have been hammered through the skull of the deceased. People at the time believed this was one way to ensuring the person stayed dead. The Justice Department has charged two Russian nationals in the hack of collapsed cryptocurrency exchange Mt. Gox, one of the world's earliest, biggest and most widely publicized alleged bitcoin heists. Alexey Bilyuchenko, 43, and Aleksandr Verner, 29, were charged with conspiring to launder approximately 647,000 bitcoins from their hack of Mt. Gox, which collapsed after losing what was then worth about half a billion dollars in cryptocurrency, the DOJ said. 'As alleged, Alexey Bilyuchenko and Aleksandr Verner thought they could outsmart the law by using sophisticated hacks to steal and launder massive amounts of cryptocurrency, a novel technology at the time, but the charges unsealed demonstrate our ability to tenaciously pursue these alleged criminals, no matter how complex their schemes, until they are brought to justice,' US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement. The event was one of the first signs of how vulnerable exchanges cryptocurrency users employ to transfer their digital assets into traditional cash were to committed cybercriminals. The industry has since suffered a string of massive thefts. Alexey Bilyuchenko, 43, and Aleksandr Verner, 29, were charged with conspiring to launder approximately 647,000 bitcoins from their hack of Mt. Gox. Their crimes began in September 2011 when Bilyuchenko and Verner and other co-conspirators allegedly gained unauthorized access to the Mt. Gox server. Between September 2011 to May 2014, they transferred 647,000 bitcoins - or $16.5billion USD - into their accounts Their crimes began in September 2011 when Bilyuchenko and Verner and other co-conspirators allegedly 'gained unauthorized access to the server holding the cryptocurrency wallets for Mt. Gox,' which was the largest bitcoin exchange in the world at the time. Mt. Gox. stored users' cryptocurrency wallets and the corresponding private keys that were used to transfer private funds, which were stored on a server in Japan, the Department of Justice said. The pair hacked into the system and used the wallets to transfer money into their own accounts between September 2011 to May 2014, transferring 647,000 bitcoins - which is more than $16.5billion USD. In April 2012, Bilyuchenko and Verner signed a fraudulent contract with a New York Bitcoin broker allegedly 'made regular requests to the owner and operator of the New York Bitcoin Broker to make large wire transfers into various offshore bank accounts, including in the names of shell corporations, controlled by Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators.' Between March 2012 and April 2013, $6.6million were transferred to oversea accounts, the Justice Department said. After the theft was revealed, Mt. Gox. shut down. By July 2017, Bilyuchenko, and Verner's operation was shut down by law enforcement In exchange for the transfer, the New York broker received 'credit' and Bilyuchenko, and Verner laundered 300,000 Bitcoins, or $7.6million USD. After the theft was revealed, Mt. Gox. shut down. By July 2017, Bilyuchenko, and Verner's operation was shut down by law enforcement. Bilyuchenko was a key associate of Alexander Vinnik, a Russian cybercrime kingpin who was arrested in Greece in 2017, convicted of money laundering in France three years later and is now awaiting trial in California on charges of running BTC-e, a now-defunct Russian exchange the Department of Justice accused of catering to 'cyber criminals around the world.' When Vinnik was arrested, Bilyuchenko - who was staying elsewhere in Greece - narrowly avoided arrest by destroying his computer, tossing it into the sea and immediately flying back to Moscow, the BBC previously reported. The Department of Justice said Bilyuchenko is also charged with conspiring with Vinnik to operate BTC-e from 2011 to 2017. The next lord chief justice will be a woman for the first time since the position was created more than 750 years ago. Dame Victoria Sharp, 67, a senior judge and the President of the Kings Bench Division, and Dame Sue Carr, 58, an Appeal Court judge, are the final two candidates to head the judiciary in England and Wales. It means British constitutional law may have to be amended to accommodate the title 'Lady Chief Justice' as it is currently a solely male title in the form of 'Lord'. There have been more than 100 male holders since the post was established in 1268. But Alex Chalk, the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, is expected to announce the first woman to take the position in the next two weeks. Dame Victoria Sharp is the favourite to succeed the retiring Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett Dame Sue Carr, a Court of Appeal judge since April 2020, is described by legal insiders as having a more 'outwardly confident personality' A specially chosen panel whittled the contenders down to the final two before Mr Chalk and the Prime Minister's final recommendation will be approved by the King. Dame Victoria, whose twin brother is the former Goldman Sachs banker Richard Sharp who stepped down as chairman of the BBC last month is the favourite to succeed the retiring Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett. She has a reputation for hard work, regularly putting in 14-hour days and raising four children alongside her doctor husband. She once even went into labour while in court. When she was awarded a law doctorate at Bristol University, academic Professor David Clarke said of her: 'She was convinced that if she had not dedicated herself to her job as she did by rejecting any leave on the birth of any of her children, she would have been significantly disadvantaged; as she puts it, if you were not there in chambers, you did not receive briefs and you had no job.' Meanwhile Dame Sue, a Court of Appeal judge since April 2020, is described by legal insiders as having a more 'outwardly confident personality'. 'She would be better able to do the public-facing stuff parts of the role and liaising with the Government and the Lord Chancellor,' a legal observer told The Daily Telegraph. The mother-of-three was educated at Wycombe Abbey School in Buckinghamshire and Trinity College Cambridge, and has described feminism as 'having that true freedom of choice'. She told pupils at Wycombe Abbey School: 'Sometimes the burden of potential is a heavy one and it is all too easy to go down a certain career path because it seems to be what is wanted of you. 'So perhaps you could be prime minister, but if actually you really want to be a painter or teach riding and your circumstances permit it, that is what you should do.' The next lord chief justice will have a full in-tray as she grapples with tackling court backlogs, which this month reached their highest level since autumn. Dame Victoria Sharp The 7am to 9pm slogger Born in February 1956, she attended North London Collegiate School and Bristol University Known for working 7am to 9pm most days and often at weekends She went into labour while giving submissions in court Advertisement Deep in the Zimbabwean bush, a trophy hunter levelled his .450-calibre rifle at an elephant, taking aim just behind the front leg before shooting it in the heart. The six-ton creature collapsed instantly amid the thorny acacia trees, as Africas wildlife hunting season got under way. The death that April morning of the giant tusker, which was almost the height of a double-decker bus, came as a great relief to the people of the nearby village of Sandawana. Night after night, as dusk fell and the elephant roamed outside, parents had counted their children to safety inside the villages traditional circular dwellings, called rondavels. They lit oil lamps and banged pans to try to scare it off. But the old bull had no fear of humans. Drawn by the sight and smell of the maize being grown to feed Sandawanas 700 residents during the dry winter months, he had marched out of Zimbabwes Hwange National Park to satisfy his voracious appetite. Deep in the Zimbabwean bush, a trophy hunter levelled his .450-calibre rifle at an elephant, taking aim just behind the front leg before shooting it in the heart Eliot Siyanyanga, who was trampled to death Within hours of the elephant being shot, its tusks had been removed for the Hungarian trophy hunter whod shot it, and its skinned body had been delivered by lorry to the villagers it had long tormented. They butchered it and cooked their first meat-based meal for weeks. When the Mail visited the next morning, we found the skeleton stripped clean, lying in the village square. We are happy because the elephant is dead and we have eaten it, said an old lady in a threadbare cotton dress, as she and a group of six and seven-year-olds looked on with satisfaction. And what of the Hungarian who paid tens of thousands of U.S. dollars to shoot the beast? He was pleased, too, and flew back to Budapest after his stay at a hunting lodge 30 miles from the village. The elephants tusks are sure to be hung on a wall at his home, as a memento of his African adventure. The idea of wealthy people buying the right to shoot a magnificent wild animal and return home with trophies of their kill will alarm many in Britain. Just before the Sandawana elephant was despatched, a government-backed Private Members Bill to stop the importation of hunters trophies into the UK was voted through by MPs. Next week it will be given a second reading in the House of Lords. But a three-week Mail investigation into trophy-hunting in Zimbabwe and Botswana, which between them have an elephant population of around 220,000, reveals the far-reaching consequences of any likely ban for some of Africas neediest people. The question it raises is whether African countries will lose the freedom to decide for themselves how they manage their abundant wild animal populations whether crocodiles, lions or elephants a resource from which many of its nations can make substantial revenue. The Bills critics and there are many in Africa say the West is poking its nose into affairs it does not understand. We dont tell Britain how to manage its wildlife. Without trophies to take home, fewer hunters will come to Africa, was the irate refrain we heard repeatedly. The idea of wealthy people buying the right to shoot a magnificent wild animal and return home with trophies of their kill will alarm many in Britain Pictured: The family of Eliot Siyanyange who was trampled by an elephant Why should people in safe, air-conditioned offices in London or the Home Counties instruct us on our animals affairs? Dr Emmanuel Fundira, president of the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe , asked me angrily. The West doesnt comprehend our wildlife numbers. Seventy per cent of the continents 415,000 elephants roam through Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola, Namibia and Zambia right next to villages. He points out that in Zimbabwe alone there are 90,000 elephants living in the bush, yet trophy hunters are only allowed to shoot a minuscule 500 each year. The hunters often target the oldest members of the herd, he says, adding: Meanwhile, families cant send their children walking to school in case they are attacked by these wild animals. No one understood this better than Charles Jonga, who was head of Zimbabwes Communal Areas Management Programme For Indigenous Resources (Campfire), an organisation that monitors trophy hunts and ensures the money raised from them goes directly to local people. To dissuade villagers from killing marauding elephants with slow-acting poisons such as cyanide, Campfire also has an emergency phone line and a team of on-call rangers who can be called on to shoot animals that go rogue. Mr Jonga sadly died last month but he had strong views until the end: Trophy hunting is called barbaric by the British unless it involves the rich paying to shoot stags for their antlers on the Scottish hills, he told me. British politicians want to control Africa as they did in the Empires heyday. Our farmers, unlike yours, must stop their children playing outside for fear of being trampled by elephants. We need trophy-hunting to manage numbers. On the other side of this emotive issue are conservation charities such as the West Sussex-based Born Free Foundation, named after Joy Adamsons book about returning a captured lion cub called Elsa to the Kenyan wild. The foundation says it has an ethical objection to the killing of any animal for pleasure or sport. It adds: We also strongly dispute the assertion that . . . trophy hunting provides benefits for rural (African) communities. Yet when news reached Zimbabwean villages of the Mails investigation, I was inundated with requests for meetings from people keen to convey their views on trophy hunting to the British public. I was also invited to the council chamber of Tsholotsho, a 120-square-mile area of bush just outside Hwange National Park, where there are hundreds of elephants. Women dressed in their smartest outfits and hats came to have their say, many having risen early that morning and travelled for hours over dirt roads in donkey carts. The Tsholotsho people said the creatures ruin their lives and the West is ignorant of their plight. When I asked the 30 people who attended the meeting if trophy hunting was a good thing, they all lifted their hands in agreement. One smallholder, Domisani Mayo, 53, said: The British have never lived alongside an elephant. Trophy hunters must shoot a thousand elephants a year in Zimbabwe, not only 500. The Tsholotsho inhabitants took me to a new 60,500 brick-built primary school for 379 children (with a blackboard, front-facing desks, traditional textbooks and seven staff). It was built with the money paid by hunters to shoot elephants here, teacher Phindile Mayo told me proudly, pointing to a Campfire plaque at the entrance. In Tsholotsho, trophy-hunting lodges are collectively allowed to kill 24 elephants, eight buffalo and two lions a year. This quota is agreed by the district council and Zimbabwean wildlife authorities, and ratified by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), based in Europe. In Tsholotsho, trophy-hunting lodges are collectively allowed to kill 24 elephants, eight buffalo and two lions a year What the councils environment committee charges the hunting operators for shooting each elephant is 32,000. Almost all this fee 96 per cent goes to local villages, the remainder to Campfire to pay for its rangers and their vehicles, guns and uniforms. This seems to fly in the face of the British conservationists credo that African people in elephant territory dont benefit from, or need, trophy hunting. They should visit the village of Gibixhegu, hundreds of miles into the bush. It has 28 rondavels, each housing a family of six or seven, and is in an area with more elephants than people. As we drove past in a Jeep one morning, a woman shouted for us to stop. Thinking we were trophy hunters, she waved her hands in the air and screamed: Help us kill the elephants! So we listened to her story, walking to her home along a path littered with elephant dung and footprints the size of dinner plates in the sandy soil. The night before, a herd had broken through a fence to reach a field of sugar cane just outside the village, eaten most of the crop and trampled the rest. My parents came to live here in 1953, Laizah Mpofu, 71, told us. There were fewer elephants then. They were not a problem when I was a child. Now we face daily danger. The hunters arent allowed to shoot enough. We rely on Campfire rangers to protect us but they cant reach every village. This time the Campfire team did arrive. Mrs Mpose had called them on the 999-style number that morning. I told them we needed rescuing from the herd that is eating our crops and making us hungry. As we waited overnight for news of the rangers mission at the home of the villages headman, Patson Ngwenya, 61, he told us: Since elephant culling in Africa was controlled during the 1980s by CITES quotas, they just soared in numbers. They take everything, from the water for our farm animals to our crops. They trample people as they march out of the national park, where they are protected, to help themselves to whatever they want from our farms. Ngwenya pointed into the darkness: We have 500 elephants out there. Leopards and hyenas roam around us, too. We want to increase trophy hunting. I used to love elephants, now I hate them. Meanwhile, the rangers were loading their rifles. They had sent scouts to track the rogue herd and its ringleader. Soon they had pinpointed the position. At dawn they set out, their torches waking us as we slept in our Jeep. By seven in the morning, it was all over. A ranger called Peter returned to the village to tell me: Myself and two other rangers shot the main one dead. He was a bull of four tons. We found him behind the next village, Malaleni. We will share the meat of the creature between there, Gibixhegu and another village near by. He showed me a video clip on his mobile phone of the shooting and excited villagers running towards the dead elephant afterwards, laughing with joy. We are glad it is dead, a little boy of eight tells me, as he walks past. Listen to the story of single father-of-two Eliot Siyanyanga and you can understand their jubilation. The 45-year-old farmer was walking back from the shops half a mile from the village of Kamwi in late March when he was trampled by a big bull elephant which emerged suddenly from trees. As he lay in hospital on April 2, six days later, Eliot told his 28-year-old niece, Innocence: I didnt see it coming. I turned and tried to run away but it chased me. Even Usain Bolt couldnt outrun a bull elephant they can move at 25 mph and in moments it caught up with Eliot, pushed him to the ground and began stamping on him and thrusting its tusks into him. Two delightful children, who write their names perfectly in my notebook, are now without a father. Their school fees for the next term are unpaid He managed to struggle to his feet, running on again and finally taking refuge under a bush. The marauding elephant lost sight of him and, after some irritable tramping around, went on its way. Eliot lay bleeding for two hours before a fellow villager passed and, alerted by his moans, came to the rescue. Four ribs were broken, his intestines were pierced, his liver ruptured and his left ankle broken. He was mortally injured but no one knew it then. The man raced on foot to Eliots home half a mile away, a brick bungalow he had built himself, and shouted inside to his daughters Shalom, nine, and Althia, seven. They called for help and the villagers grabbed a wheelbarrow all they had to hand and managed to load Eliot into it. His pain must have been indescribable, says Innocence, who was one of the rescue party, when I met her in the village where Eliot is buried under a tree. Eventually, at 11 at night, the family scraped together enough cash to hire a car to take him to the nearest hospital. There he lay for a day before the family realised no one was doing anything to treat him. So they took him home again. The next morning they set out again, this time taking Eliot on a bumpy ride by donkey cart to a bus stop to catch a lift to a second hospital. They had no better luck there, with doctors saying his injuries were so severe, they didnt have the facilities to treat him. By then running out of money, the family sold one of their eight cows. We were forced to let our biggest one go, said Innocence. It was worth $500 but we took $320. It paid for a taxi to take my uncle to Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo. While Innocence was with her uncle there on April 2, he faded away. He sat up in bed, rolled his eyes to the back of his head and went unconscious, she says quietly. Two delightful children, who write their names perfectly in my notebook, are now without a father. Their school fees for the next term are unpaid. As Maria, their 68-year-old grandmother and Eliots mother, who now cares for them, says: This family lost everything when my beloved son met an elephant as he shopped for a loaf of bread. And the killer animal has never been found. This is the high price one family has paid for living side-by-side with elephants. Its a price Africans believe is too high but one which, they fear, British politicians determined to stamp out trophy hunting do not even consider. The sensational federal indictment of Donald Trump has stunned one of America's sharpest legal scholars, legendary defense attorney and Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz. Trump faces 37 counts over claims he illegally-stored highly classified government documents at his Mar-a-Lago country club, showed the information to visitors and attempted to obstruct a federal investigation. Jaw-dropping details of the charges against Trump were outlined Friday - and the former president now runs the risk of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Trump will appear before a Miami court on Tuesday. Dershowitz describes himself as a liberal Democrat, and a friend and supporter of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He has also previously spoken out against what he sees as the unfair persecution of Trump and famously defended the then-president in remarks on the floor of Senate in January 2020 during one of Trump's impeachment trials. In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, he said that some of the new charges Trump faces are exceptionally serious, others are extremely weak. Dershowitz also warned that the former president's well-known propensity for talking too much may get him in even deeper trouble. This interview has been edited for length and clarity Alan Dershowitz is a lawyer, Harvard Law School Professor and author of 'Get Trump: The Threat to Civil Liberties, Due Process, and Our Constitutional Rule of Law' DailyMail.com: How do you evaluate the strength of the federal indictment of Donald Trump? Dershowitz: This indictment is stronger than I anticipated in one respect and in one respect only. It has the text of a conversation between former President Trump and a writer in which Trump says: Look, I know these documents that I have in my hand are secret. I could have declassified them. I didn't. Here, I'm going to show them to you to prove my point. That does seem to be evidence that at least there were some documents that President Trump knew were not unclassified. He had them in his possession. Whether the documents were actually given to an unauthorized person to read or just flashed before his eyes, as part of typical Trump bravado, the government is going to have to prove. Dershowitz: Trump has obviously a history and a reputation of speaking too much and getting himself into trouble. This may be the worst sentence he ever uttered in terms of his own protection from criminal prosecution. DailyMail.com: Do you think that Donald Trump is going to prison? Dershowitz: I would think he probably would not be going to prison, but I would be cautioning him to make sure he doesn't say anything more. That increases those chances. Somebody I know once gave him a gift of a fish that had been caught and stuffed and put on a plaque. And the plaque said, 'If I had only kept my mouth shut, I'd still be swimming.' President Trump is going to have to look in the mirror and say, 'Why did I allow myself to be taped in a conversation with a writer when I knew I was being taped?' Trump has obviously a history and a reputation of speaking too much and getting himself into trouble. This may be the worst sentence he ever uttered in terms of his own protection from criminal prosecution. It's the only page in the indictment which I think stands up to scrutiny. Trump 'stored his boxes containing classified documents .. in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, an office space, his bedroom, and a storage room,' according to the indictment which contains pictures DailyMail.com: Do you dismiss the obstruction of justice charges? Dershowitz: The obstruction allegations are extremely weak - moving boxes and suggesting to somebody certain things. Those are cases that would never have been brought if it weren't for President Trump running as the leading candidate against the incumbent president. But what's so strong about that one recorded phone call is that it doesn't rely on the credibility of witnesses. It stands for itself. And so, if I were Donald Trump, I would be losing a little bit of sleep over that one page and the absurdity of why he had to say things like that when he knew they were being recorded. DailyMail.com: There is a co-conspirator named in this case, Donald Trump's White House valet and personal assistant, Waltine Nauta. Analysts say the indictment is designed to convince him to flip on Trump and testify against him. How does that impact Trumps case? Dershowitz: Flipped witnesses don't make the best witnesses because good lawyers can cross-examine them and expose to the jury their motivation to save themselves. We know that prosecutors can put pressure on flipped witnesses not only to sing, but sometimes to compose lyrics and music that the witness believes the prosecutor wants to hear. Dershowitz: Flipped witnesses don't make the best witnesses because good lawyers can cross-examine them and expose to the jury their motivation to save themselves. (Above) Donald Trump's White House valet and personal assistant, Waltine Nauta So that's why the tape is so important. You don't need a flipped witness to testify as to the conversation that occurred with the writer. DailyMail.com: The indictment lays out an alleged conspiracy to hide classified documents from the federal government. Does that make the obstruction charges more serious? Dershowitz: If it can be proved that there was an intent to hide classified documents to make sure that the federal government never got them, it might be serious. But the fact that Trump didn't destroy them, however, would undercut that. It may have been a scheme to avoid the documents from being subject to a search warrant. And that would raise an interesting question. Let's assume that a lawyer says: look, you're going to be subject to a search warrant and they're only going to be searching your private offices. Could the lawyer recommend that the boxes be moved to a different area, preserved, but moved to a different area, so the search warrant wouldn't cover it? Would that be an obstruction of justice? Maybe. But it's not as clear. The easy cases for obstruction of justice are when evidence is destroyed. And there have been many cases like that - Richard Nixon, obviously. He also bribed witnesses. The Nixon case is the standard for former presidents, current presidents, presidential aspirants. And I don't think that standard has been met by this indictment. DailyMail.com: How much stock do you put in Trump's defense that he had the capability to declassify information? Dershowitz: His claim of declassification is a strong one because the burden of proof is probably on the government. They have to prove that he didn't declassify. He doesn't have to prove that he did declassify. That will still come up because there are materials that are subject to the defense that they were declassified. I do think that the prosecution made a tactical blunder by over indicting, by including too many questionable things. If I were a prosecutor, I would have had a much shorter indictment focusing on that one conversation, maybe some conversations with the lawyers. Dershowitz: The obstruction allegations are extremely weak - moving boxes and suggesting to somebody certain things. Those are cases that would never have been brought if it weren't for President Trump running as the leading candidate against the incumbent president. Dershowitz: I do think that the prosecution made a tactical blunder by over indicting, by including too many questionable things. (Above) Special Counsel Jack Smith But I would not have included 32 counts under the Espionage Act. I think that tends to divert the attention of jurors away from the central point. I've seen many cases lost by prosecutors because they have over indicted and overly introduced evidence that didn't persuade the jury. And the jury say to themselves: oh, my God, if they are planning to go after him on these weak charges, how can we trust them on the strong charges? Now, what Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith did that was very clever, in order to try to distinguish this case from the cases involving Hillary Clinton, President Biden and Vice President Pence, is he indicted Trump, not under the statutes that people are usually indicted, namely negligence or gross negligence in the handling of classified material. Smith indicted Trump under a much higher-level statute, one that requires willfulness. It will be harder to prove. But it will distinguish Trump's case from the Biden case and from the Hillary Clinton case, at least on the allegations. Now, the facts may not be so different between Hillary Clinton and President Trump, but the allegations are different. And that's clearly an attempt to try to say, look, this isn't the same as what happened to Clinton. FBI Director James Comey said that never in history has anybody been prosecuted for negligent handling of materials. People have been prosecuted, obviously, for willfully transmitting classified material. Olivier Ray, director for mobilization, movement and partnerships at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), poses for a photo at the ICRC Seoul office June 9, in this photo provided by the ICRC. Yonhap The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) remains ready to provide humanitarian assistance to North Korea and resume projects suspended during the coronavirus pandemic whenever the reclusive country reaches out for aid, according to an official at the organization. In an interview with Yonhap News Agency, Olivier Ray, the ICRC's director for Mobilization, Movement and Partnerships, also said that the organization maintains contact with the Red Cross Society of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Ray is currently on his first official visit to Seoul to discuss South Korea's humanitarian assistance and increasingly active role on the global stage with high-ranking officials from both government and aid organizations, particularly as it was recently elected as a nonpermanent member of the U.N. Security Council. "As of today, the ICRC does not have access to the DPRK due to the COVID-related restrictions that the government has imposed since 2020," he said during the interview held at the ICRC's Seoul office, referring to the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "But we remain in contact with the DPRK Red Cross Society, we have some information through that channel and we are ready to reengage whenever we have access." The director also said that North Korean authorities are aware of ICRC's willingness to resume operations in Pyongyang. "The authorities know that when they are ready, we are ready to send a mission to analyze the needs and reassess the condition of our presence," he said. The Geneva-based ICRC is known for its commitment to humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war, and has operated an office in Pyongyang since 2002. Regarding escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and growing provocations from the North, Ray stressed the importance of "active neutrality" and making a "clear distinction between those who carry weapons" and civilians in need of humanitarian assistance. "Our position is clear, we are in favor of the prohibition of nuclear weapons in general for all states," he said. "If we start mixing the concepts, it is a dangerous path towards selecting which victims you will assist." "And so a child in need of assistance because of war will always be a legitimate beneficiary of humanitarian aid," he added. In the case of military conflict on the Korean Peninsula the ICRC will stay committed to dispatching highly-trained "surge teams" or rapid deployment teams from Switzerland with the aim of arriving within 24 hours, according to the director. "We usually say we are the first one in and the last ones out," he said. "The rapid deployment team will come support and that's true in any context in any crisis, they will come support the ICRC office in close collaboration with the national (Red Cross) society to deliver at scale because the ICRC has the experience of international armed conflict, negotiating access to the frontline and treating the war-wounded." Olivier Ray, second from left, director for mobilization, movement and partnerships, visiting a clinic in Ukraine on Aug. 30, 2022, in this photo, provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Yonhap Rishi Sunak has said biological sex is 'fundamentally important' ahead of a parliamentary debate on changes to equality law. MPs will debate a petition signed by almost 110,000 people calling for the Equality Act to be clarified so the terms 'man' and 'woman' legally mean biological sex, and not 'sex as modified by a Gender Recognition Certificate'. The petition, which attracted support from Harry Potter author JK Rowling, will be debated in Parliament's Westminster Hall on Monday. It will be considered along with a rival petition, which has almost 139,000 signatures, which warned the proposed change would 'remove legal protections for trans people, an already marginalised group'. Asked whether he backed the legal change, Mr Sunak said: 'I've been very clear that when it comes to matters like this biological sex is fundamentally important. Rishi Sunak (pictured) has said biological sex is 'fundamentally important' ahead of a parliamentary debate on changes to equality law In February Mr Sunak waded into the trans rights debate by claiming human biology 'really matters' when it comes to policy in sport and prisons 'I've said that multiple times and with regard to the Equalities Act, in particular, the Government has specifically asked for advice from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on this particular topic, and then obviously, we will review that. 'We've asked for that advice. And it's something I've spoken about in the past as being important to me, and we've asked the Equalities and Human Rights Commission for advice on this particular issue.' The EHRC has previously concluded that changing the Equality Act to refer to 'biological sex' merits further consideration. The EHRC said that while it found 'no straightforward balance', the change could bring 'greater legal clarity' in eight areas, including hospital wards and sport. It comes after Mr Sunak waded into the trans rights debate in February by claiming human biology 'really matters' when it comes to policy in sport and prisons. While the Government must have 'enormous compassion' for those wanting to change gender, Mr Sunak said biological sex must take priority. Referring to the case of trans rapist Isla Bryson, who was initially held in a female prison in Scotland, Mr Sunak suggested the state must 'recognise the challenges' around single-sex spaces while being sensitive to the trans community. 'I know what a woman is an adult human female, ' he told Piers Morgan on TalkTV. 'We must have enormous compassion and tolerance and understanding for those who are questioning their gender identity and wanting to change. That's who we are as a people.' But he came out against trans athletes competing in women's sport, saying: 'That doesn't strike most people as being fair, right? So that's why when it comes to these questions, biological sex matters... whether it's sex, whether it's women's spaces, whether it's prisons, biological sex really matters.' A Republican strategist and ally of Ron DeSantis believes Donald Trump's indictment will cost the Florida governor the 2024 Republican nomination. It comes in the wake of the former U.S. President's indictment in which he's been hit with a total of 37 charges for his handling of classified documents. The strategist, speaking anonymously to Politico, believes it's 'too early' to be certain what the backlash will be but that it will likely be bad news for the Florida governor and good news for the ex-president's White House aspirations. 'I suspect this clinches the nomination for (Trump) and at the least holds his polling advantage steady for the next month and stunts DeSantis' growth,' he said. Another Republican strategist, this one an ally of upstart candidate and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, agrees that it 'hurts anyone not named Trump in the short term' but added a caveat. A Republican strategist and ally of Ron DeSantis believes Donald Trump 's indictment hurts his candidate and will likely guarantee the 2024 nomination It comes in the wake of the former U.S. President's indictment in which he's been hit with a total of 37 charges for his handling of classified documents 'At some point though, you have to think that Trump has to go down by death-by-1,000-cuts? Will that open a door for an underdog?' Perhaps supporting the case that it helps Trump, a separate Politico op-ed said that it's very unlikely Trump's case ends before November 2024, keeping him active in the race. 'Any national security case comes with additional obstacles that make a speedy trial difficult,' wrote Renato Mariotti. 'Trump's attorneys will need to obtain clearance to review classified material, a special order will need to be entered to ensure that the material is properly protected, and there are likely going to be fights over classified material provided by the government in discovery.' Mariotti adds that 'the ball is in Trump's court' and he could essentially delay the trial for as long as he needs. 'The end result is that the proceedings of this unprecedented case will hover over the electoral landscape through all of next year and potentially well into the administration of the next president, whoever that is.' Vivek Ramaswamy, who announced his candidacy for president in February, slammed the federal charges against Trump For DeSantis and his allies, if his strategist's prediction that the indictment helps Trump, it couldn't come at a worse time. Internal polling from backers of DeSantis show the Florida governor gaining ground against Trump in the first-in-the-nation primary contest state of Iowa. A new Never Back Down PAC survey shared with Axios has DeSantis closing the gap between frontrunner Trump by 14 percent since his presidential announcement. In mid-May, before DeSantis officially announced his presidential candidacy in a Twitter Spaces event with Elon Musk, he earned 24 percent in Iowa polling compared to Trump's 48 percent a 24 percent gap. Just a few weeks later, after he officially launched his campaign on May 24, the Florida governor earned 29 percent among likely Iowa caucus-goers against Trump's 39 percent. Now the governor is in second place with only 10 percent between him and the former president, while the rest of the field falls further behind the two frontrunners. But when the other candidates were taken out of the equation and DeSantis and Trump were put in a head-to-head matchup, the pro-DeSantis PAC found the two frontrunners are effectively tied in Iowa compared to the governor's 14-point deficit in mid-May. Donald Trump left classified documents scattered across his bathroom and the Mar-a-Lago ballroom and bragged to aides about taking military secrets, according to the stunning indictment unsealed by the Department of Justice on Friday Extraordinary new photos (above) revealed in the damning filing lay out how Trump valet Walt Nauta walked into a storage room and found intelligence files on allies including the United Kingdom and Australia spilled on the floor In one photo, the cardboard boxes are seen stacked in front of a shower curtain and next to a sink in a Mar-a-Lago bathroom. Some of Trump's aides simply called the files 'his papers' Zooming out to the national level, polling shows DeSantis usually at least 20 points behind Trump and the rest of the field failing to reach into the double-digits. A new CNN survey conducted the day of DeSantis' announcement showed Trump up 56 percent to DeSantis' 26 percent. THE CHARGES TRUMP FACES AND THE MAXIMUM PRISON SENTENCES Trump lawyers have confirmed he is facing seven federal charges. They have not received the formal indictment, but have been sent summonses that suggest he will face the below counts and maximum sentences. Willful retention of national defense information in violation of The Espionage Act (maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted) Conspiracy to obstruct justice (20 years) Withholding a document or record (20 years) Corruptly concealing a document or record (20 years) Concealing a document in a federal investigation (20 years) Scheme to conceal (five years) False statements and representations (five years) Advertisement The new Never Back Down polling comes on the back of DeSantis' first official campaign swing through early primary contest states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. He will continue on to Nevada later in June. Trump also went to Iowa last week, overlapping with the DeSantis swing. Despite the optimistic showing from the main PAC backing DeSantis' GOP primary bid, other polling shows that he has not earned the expected post-announcement boost. A Morning Consult poll taken after DeSantis entered the race shows his standing only increasing by 1 percent and still trailing Trump by 38 percent. DeSantis started the year showing some early leads over Trump, but some pollsters claim his reluctance to announce his candidacy, and keeping one-foot in the race and one-foot out, hurt him among voters. There are already 11 candidates in the GOP primary race. Among those actually earning some polling ground are former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and current South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. Other more long-shot candidates in the running are biotech millionaire Vivek Ramaswamy and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Former Vice President Mike Pence filed appropriate paperwork on Monday to launch a bid for the White House and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu on the same day revealed that he will not be entering the race. This week, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum announced their own campaigns. Trump aide and former 'bodyman' Walt Nauta was indicted in the same classified documents probe after Trump announced he would be indicted Thursday night. The former president could face 100 years behind bars if he is convicted of all seven charges related to mishandling of classified information, according to a report. There are no winners in the 'brutal' court process, say the family of 16-year-old Balin Stewart who was stabbed to death outside his home. They were speaking outside court after a teenager - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter over Balin's death on the Sunshine Coast in January last year. 'We are devastated - no one should go through this court process,' Michael Stewart told reporters. 'It's brutal - it's the only way I can describe it.' Mr Stewart said it had been devastating hearing over and over again during the trial how his son died. There were no winners and hundreds of people had been affected. 'Our family is destroyed ... I am sure his family is feeling (that) as well,' he added. Kerri-Lynn Stewart said no verdict was going to be good while her husband said the outcome would not bring Balin back. The teen was 17 when the boys got into a brawl ending with Balin dying from a single stab wound to the heart from a steak knife with a 12-centimetre blade. Balin Stewart pictured with his parents Michal and Kerri-Lyn. 'We are devastated - no one should go through this court process,' Michael Stewart told reporters after the trial of the teen who stabbed his son Balin Stewart's family outside court in Brisbane. Kerri-Lynn Stewart said no verdict was going to be good while her husband said the outcome would not bring Balin back Crown prosecutor Rebecca Marks argued during the two-week trial that the teen attacked Balin out of jealousy because the younger boy was spending time with his ex-girlfriend. The defendant stabbed Balin with a purposeful motion in one of the most vulnerable areas in the human body immediately after saying he wanted to kill the 16-year-old, Ms Marks told the jury at the start of the trial. The teen said he drove the five minutes to Balin's house late at night because his ex-girlfriend had sent him provocative videos featuring herself and the 16-year-old. On arrival he asked Balin if he wanted to fight, leading to a confrontation on the grass nature strip outside the Buddina home, he said. The teen told the court he hit Balin in a reflex response to being punched by the 16-year-old without realising the knife was in his hand. Balin's mother Kerri-Lynn said Balin and some friends, including a girl he had been in a relationship with years previously and who had broken up with the defendant about six months before, had been hanging out on the evening of January 20. Ms Stewart was woken by the girl banging on the window, shouting for her to come outside. She ran out the front door, finding Balin unconscious and the defendant saying: 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I can't believe I did that.' Under cross-examination from barrister Charlotte Smith, Ms Stewart said it was possible the defendant also said 'I didn't mean it'. Crown prosecutor Rebecca Marks argued during the two-week trial that the teen attacked Balin out of jealousy because the younger boy was spending time with his ex-girlfriend Balin was pronounced dead at 11.50pm after his parents, neighbours, police and paramedics attempted to revive him. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she and Balin decided to make and send to the defendant provocative videos suggesting they had resumed a relationship. The teen told the court he was jealous but not in a rage after being sent the videos and did not want to hurt Balin very badly. 'I went there for a fight specifically,' the defendant told the jury. He denied telling another witness he grabbed a steak knife 'on impulse' and said it was 'for safety' after being warned Balin had a knife. The Brisbane Supreme Court jury found him guilty of manslaughter on Friday afternoon after deliberating for about 14 hours. The teenager was remanded in custody with the case set to be mentioned before Justice Elizabeth Wilson on Wednesday. He will be sentenced under the Youth Justices Act on a date yet to be decided. A Los Angeles-based furniture designer is celebrating after buying a leather chair for $50 on Facebook Marketplace - and then selling it for $85,000. Justin Miller, 33, said he thought the Danish wingback chair, dating from the 1930s, was worth more than the sellers wanted, but he had no idea it would be worth 1,700 times the sale price. 'I make home content for TV and social media, so I spend a lot of time on Facebook Marketplace finding items for projects I am working on,' he told Newsweek. 'Whenever I find something that looks unique and well made, I will look up online to learn more about it.' The brown chair was created by Danish designer Frits Henningsen. 'When I first saw the chair, I loved the color of leather, and I thought it had a really interesting shape, so I wanted to learn more about it,' Miller said. Justin Miller, 33, found this chair at a Beverly Hills house sale via Facebook Marketplace Miller posted a TikTok showing the Sotheby's auction happening, in real time He found it when a Beverly Hills family listed their furniture for sale, and when he went to inspect it in person the owners said it was 'worth a lot of money'. Henningsen was known for his 'exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approach to creating beautiful furniture,' according to Sotheby's - which sold the chair at auction on June 7. They described the chair as 'a rare and important example of his work'. 'Henningsen, having learned from generations of furniture and cabinet makers in his family, utilized high-quality materials and traditional fabrication techniques to yield a sturdy and durable chair,' Sotheby's wrote. 'The curved lines combine with the historic wingback form to create a visually novel yet elegant design. 'The present chair, likely one of only fifty or so examples known to have been produced, retains its original leather and presents a unique opportunity to acquire a peerless object that has become an icon of Danish design.' The leather was damaged, but Miller said Sotheby's secured it, and buyers would restore it correctly. 'The future owner will probably take it to a conservator and have it fixed properly and seamlessly. It's insane what these leather restorers can do,' Miller added. Miller said he frequently buys and sells furniture online The chair was eventually sold for $85,000 - the unknown buyer will also have to pay $22,000 in fees He filmed a TikTok of the auction, which showed the moment the hammer came down. Miller said he hoped it would reach $40,000, but he had no idea it would reach more than double that. The 'hammer price' for the chair was $85,000, but the seller had an additional $22,000 of fees to pay - making the total amount paid $108,000. 'I have found some amazing pieces on Facebook Marketplace,' said Miller. 'Definitely a few that could be sold for a few thousand each, but nothing quite like this.' The driver of the Croydon tram that crashed killing seven passengers yesterday denied being asleep before or at the time it came off the rails. Alfred Dorris, 49, was allegedly going three times the recommended speed before his tram derailed on a sharp curve at Sandilands in south London, killing seven passengers and seriously injuring 19 more. Dorris is on trial at the Old Bailey for failing to take reasonable care of the health and safety of himself and his 69 passengers on November 9, 2016. Under cross-examination yesterday, he repeatedly insisted that he did not believe fatigue had contributed to what he described as a confused and disorientated state that left him believing he was travelling the other direction on the track. Prosecutor Jonathan Ashley-Norman KC asked him whether he had failed to take reasonable care of his passengers. Driver Alfred Dorris at Croydon Magistrates Court for the first court hearing in the Croydon tram crash prosecution The Office of Rail and Road is prosecuting Transport for London after seven passengers died and 51 were injured in the derailment in south London in November 2016 Dorris said: I turned up for work that morning as a professional driver as I always do. It just went horribly wrong for me. Its not for me to say if I did or didnt. When asked if fatigue might have contributed to the confusion he described, Dorris said: I wouldnt say so, no. Pressed again by the prosecutor if he might have been disorientated from having been asleep, Dorris said: No, I wasnt asleep. I was disorientated. Dorris described how the disorientation had left him believing he was heading for Lloyd Park, and not the curve at Sandilands, and so did not feel he needed to immediately apply the brakes. He said there were no warning signs for the disorientation, adding it just crept up on him. Dorris, from Beckenham, south-east London, denies a single charge of failing to take reasonable care at work under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The crash resulted in the death of Donald Collett, 62 The 19-year-old Dean Chinnery also died following the crash Woke teachers have been accused of breaking the law by asking children to campaign for Black Lives Matter. Pupils as young as 12 have been told by teachers at one school to write to Rishi Sunak in support of the movement. Teachers are also teaching terms such as 'white privilege' and encouraging Year 8 children to 'do better' to support black people. Class material used by Cranbrook Education Campus in Exeter asks children to 'write an open letter to our current Prime Minister campaigning for change'. It suggests they 'consider' words such as 'white privilege' and 'ally' to help them. Woke teachers have been accused of breaking the law by asking children to campaign for Black Lives Matter The school, which takes pupils from age two to 16, teaches children about police brutality including the murder of George Floyd Former education secretary Nadhim Zahawi unveiled the directive to stop teachers 'promoting contested theories as fact' The school, which takes pupils from age two to 16, teaches children about police brutality including the murder of George Floyd and the death of Breonna Taylor in the US as part of their personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Cranbrook Education Campus has been criticised by parent groups and campaigners, who said it breaches requirements for schools to be politically impartial. Tanya Carter, from the Safe Schools Alliance, said: 'Whilst children should be encouraged to write to their elected representatives about matters they feel strongly about, telling them what they feel strongly about has crossed the line into proselytising and is illegal.' Iain Mansfield, director of research at Policy Exchange, who exposed the lessons, said: 'Schools should be teaching children how to think, not what to think. 'It is hard to see how these materials which combine uncritical praise of a highly political movement with asking children to write to the Prime Minister can be reconciled with a school's legal duty to be politically impartial.' Guidelines were issued to teachers last year banning them from advocating politically charged topics such as BLM. The movement is dedicated to 'eradicating white supremacy' and calls for the police to be defunded. Then education secretary Nadhim Zahawi unveiled the directive to stop teachers 'promoting contested theories as fact'. Teachers were ordered not to give one-sided accounts of national heroes such as Winston Churchill, branded as 'racist' by activists. Teachers were ordered not to give one-sided accounts of national heroes such as Winston Churchill, branded as 'racist' by activists Other lesson plans from Cranbrook Education Campus aimed at 'celebrating differences' suggest asking children to 'decide what is a non-binary child' and to define words such as 'queer', 'intersex' and 'asexual'. Toby Young, director of the Free Speech Union, said: 'Teaching children as young as 12 that sex isn't binary and Britain is systemically racist is almost certainly a breach of sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996, which prohibits the political indoctrination of children. 'Either this education trust is ignorant of the law, or it just don't care. Either way, it's unacceptable.' The row comes as schools wait for long-promised trans guidance from the Department for Education, first mentioned five years ago. Hinting that it could be introduced by the summer term, Mr Sunak said earlier this year it was important that parents 'know what's going on' amid fears they are being kept in the dark about their children's gender preferences. A Cranbrook Education Campus spokesman said: 'We teach a broad and balanced PHSE curriculum that encourages our students to explore the British values of democracy, law, respect, liberty and tolerance. 'The curriculum aims to provide a framework for class-based discussion tackling some of the moral, social and cultural issues that pupils will be already aware of from social media, on TV and radio or reading newspapers. 'These are balanced discussions and tasks including writing a letter to the Prime Minister as an in-class exercise only. This is all within Department for Education guidelines.' A DfE spokesman said: 'We are clear that any materials must be fact based and age appropriate and schools are required to remain politically impartial, which means they should not teach contested views as fact. 'As part of our review of relationships, sex and health education curriculum, we will consider introducing age ratings to make clear what is appropriate to be taught at what age.' Business leaders and analysts yesterday branded plans by the Government to ease its windfall tax on energy profits if prices drop as 'too little, too late' to save the beleaguered North Sea oil and gas sector. The tax officially the Energy Profits Levy was introduced last year by Rishi Sunak when he was chancellor after global energy prices spiked. It imposed a 25 per cent tax on profits, raised to 35 per cent by Mr Hunt after he took over at No11. The levy imposes an effective 75 per cent corporate tax rate on North Sea firms. To date, it has raised 2.8billion, much of which used to fund energy support schemes for those facing crippling bills. Yesterday the Government said the levy would remain until March 2028 despite protests it has decimated investment. Harbour Energy, the North Sea's largest producer, has said it is axing 350 jobs after the tax 'all but wiped out' its profits. The tax officially the Energy Profits Levy was introduced last year by Rishi Sunak when he was chancellor But Gareth Davies, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said the levy would end early if the average price of oil and natural gas dropped below $71.40 per barrel and 54p per therm (unit of energy) respectively for six months. The last time oil prices reached those levels was in December 2021. Gas briefly slipped below 54p per therm earlier this month but has not been consistently lower since the first half of 2021. David Whitehouse, head of trade body Offshore Energies UK, said removing the levy if prices fell was 'a step in the right direction' but more needed to be done to restore confidence to the industry. Andy Mayer, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, warned the tax would 'continue to make Britain less competitive', adding: 'While any relief of windfall taxes is welcome, this is too little, too late.' Despite the criticisms, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt warned things could be even worse under Labour, saying the Opposition's plans to ban new North Sea drilling from 2050 would be 'self-destructive' for Britain. He added: 'I cannot think of a more self-destructive policy. It would make Britain's energy supplies even more vulnerable to the world's tyrants, and be the end to thousands of British jobs.' Two men have been dramatically rescued from fast moving flood waters in Victoria's north after they were spotted clinging to the back of their vehicle. The duo, from New South Wales, were travelling along O'Farrell Rd near Miepoll about 10.20pm on Friday night when their car became bogged. The men, aged 73 and 46, were spotted by police climbing onto the side of their car as flood waters rapidly inundated the vehicle. A Victoria Police spokeswoman said they were pulled to safety by SES volunteers in a boat and told rescuers they had driven into what they thought was a 'large puddle'. 'Their car quickly became bogged and the water level began rapidly rising as they called emergency services for assistance,' she said. Both were taken to hospital for observation. Two men, aged 73 and 46, were found clinging to their vehicle in fast-moving flood waters near Miepoll, in Victoria's northeast, on Friday night. Picture: Victoria Police. The rescue came as residents in Victoria's northeast were told to brace for flash flooding as heavy rainfall lashed the region. Minor flooding at Seven Creeks, where the men were rescued, was reported by the Bureau of Meteorology and, as of Saturday morning, is easing slowly. An SES spokesman said driving through floodwaters 'could be the last decision you ever make.' 'Most people underestimate the dangers of driving through floodwater as you may not be able to see other hazards in large bodies of water such as potholes, debris, and broken roads,' he said. 'In regional areas where there are no roadside barriers, cars can easily get swept away into neighbouring properties and other stationed cars due to the velocity of the water flow.' A gender studies professor has proudly boasted of failing students who do not adhere to her hyper-woke beliefs, after a student complained of receiving a zero grade for a paper that used the term 'biological women'. Melanie Rose Nipper, a 28 year-old adjunct professor of sexuality studies at the University of Cincinnati, vehemently stood by her grading practices Thursday. She did so after student Olivia Krolczyk complained about being failed for using the previously uncontroversial term 'biological women', now branded offensive over claims it excludes trans women. Nipper told the Cincinnati Enquirer that her support of free speech ends when 'you are, intentionally or unintentionally, participating in a systemic harm of some kind,' - including statements she deems transphobic or racist. Outlining the punishment meted out to anyone who dares to offend her, Nipper attempted to paint her antics as reasonable, declaring: 'Not a zero for the course, a zero for an assignment.' Bizarrely, the academic went on to slam a proposed Ohio state bill aimed at cracking down on controversial campus speech. Nipper moaned it had a 'chilling' effect on her work, seemingly forgetting the draconian tactics she deploys to try and stop students using language she dislikes. University of Cincinnati Adjunct Professor Melanie Rose Nipper stood by her grading practices Thursday - in what looks to be the most recent instance of backlash involving leftist lessons in public institutions, after a student complained of receiving a zero grade for one of her projects On Thursday, the adjunct faculty member of Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies revealed she is now the center of a school-sanctioned investigation, but still stood by her decision to dish out the failing grade The gender and sexuality professor failed Olivia Krolczyk last month for her use of the term 'biological women' in her Women's Gender Studies in Pop Culture class. Krolczyk - seen here complaining about the grade - has since submitted a complaint, spurring an investigation @oliveourviews Emailed her and was told using the term is transphobic be for real original sound - oliveourviews Consequently, Nipper - the previously unnamed teacher referred to in a student's TikTok complaining about the grade - has found herself at the center of a school-sanctioned free-speech investigation, as well as a burgeoning controversy. 'This is unacceptable based on the community, the marginalized individuals that are at stake, and also the foundations of the course,' Nipper - only two years into her tenure at the school - insisted to The Cincinnati Enquirer Thursday. 'I will happily regrade,' an emotional Nipper said of the Women's Gender Studies in Pop Culture proposal in question, penned by then-sophomore Olivia Krolczyk. 'You are not going to have any late penalties.' Appearing at a cafe in the city's Oakley neighborhood to make the comments, Nipper looked to at points insinuate it was her speech being impinged upon after the student she failed filed an official Freedom of Speech claim. She also said she cried when she saw the attention her video was getting. 'It's a lot, right?' Nipper said Thursday, revealing herself to be the woman at the center of the brewing scandal. 'It's a lot to handle.' Posted on May 7, the clip has since been viewed more than 1million times, and has garnered national coverage from media outlets, which Nipper argued was unwarranted. Still processing the widespread reaction, she continued to defend her decision - stating that while classrooms are sites where discourse should always be welcome, that ends when 'you are, intentionally or unintentionally, participating in a systemic harm of some kind.' The term 'biological female,' she said, constitutes such an attack - as it exclusionary to people who are transgender. When a student uses 'outdated terminology,' Nipper added, she will always take that opportunity to correct those mistakes. 'Not a zero for the course - a zero for an assignment.' Nipper said of her stringent, potentially illegal policy she said takes pleasure in administering. Appearing at a cafe in the city's Oakley neighborhood to make the comments, Nipper looked to at points insinuate it was her speech being impinged upon after the student she failed filed an official Freedom of Speech claim. When a student uses 'outdated terminology,' Nipper added of the zero mark (seen here with an accompanying explanation), she will always take that opportunity to correct those mistakes The teacher - now at the center of a brewing scandal - also said she cried when she saw the attention her video was getting. 'It's a lot to handle', she said Thursday Meanwhile, Krolczyk told The Post this week the grades related to this specific project were worth half of her total grade for the class, Meanwhile, Krolczyk - who recently appeared on Fox News to trash the teachers actions without mentioning her by name - told The Post this week the grades related to this specific project were worth half of her total grade for the class, and when she emailed Nipper to question the mark, she was told the term was 'transphobic.' Krolczyk's proposal sought explore milestones reached by female athletes in sports, such as the first women to compete at the Paris Olympics in 1900, and the current fight by female athletes to keep transgender women from women-only even. To illustrate this point, she used the scientific phrase 'biological women' - solely to differentiate between athletes who are transgender, and the women who she claimed are being displaced by the recent advent of liberal elitism in US universities. 'I was told I was implementing TERF ideology, which is Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminism,' Krolczyk recounted in another TikTok that has also gone viral - as officials have confirmed they are probing whether Nipper did any wrong. On Thursday, Nipper confirmed the sequence of events laid bare by Krolczyk, revealing the assignment was one part of a three-part project, and that her scrutiny over her student's language - as well the project's topic - was commonplace, and something she did for every student. 'Every final project proposal has to be approved by the instructor,' she asserted, claiming that Krolczyk asked to focus on a different topic before filing an official complaint with the university alleging her free speech was being compromised. As Nipper offered to extend the assignment's deadline, she was told by the school's Office of Gender Equity & Inclusion that Krolczyk had submitted a Freedom of Speech claim, spurring an internal investigation. Bleuzette Marshall, vice president of Equity, Inclusion & Community Impact at UC, confirmed to the Enquirer Thursday that the probe was underway, telling the paper: 'We don't comment on active investigations, but thank you for your inquiry.' The soon to be junior - whose project sought analyze achievements in the field of women's sport - said that when she emailed Nipper to question the mark, she was told the term was 'transphobic' She appeared on Fox News last month to trash the teacher's actions - without mentioning her by name. After reaching out to the university, she was told they would have a different professor grade her work Nipper on Thursday maintained her policy was meant to keep a clamp on language that could prove harmful, citing transphobia and white supremacy as some of several examples. She went on to claim that similar incidents have happened at the school since her joining in 2021, while repeatedly mentioning SB 83 - the aforementioned Ohio law that asked taxpay-funded colleges to 'not endorse or oppose, as an institution, any controversial belief or policy.' Passed last month, the bill has created a "chilling effect," according to Nipper - who claimed it limits the future 'other academics, friends, peers that I've had from a variety of different cohorts, feel they'll be able to have in this country.' She then equated the law to censorship seen in fascist and totalitarian regimes throughout the course of history. 'We've seen historically in other countries what happens when laws like this can take effect,' Nipper said. 'The way that they are connected to larger societal, cultural movements towards authoritarianism," Asked whether she would have still pursued teaching in Ohio if such a bill had already been in place, Nipper replied: 'Yeah. Because it's important.' She went on to tout the importance of women's, gender and sexuality courses - many of which are relatively new implementations in longheld curriculums. 'Not all students feel seen in academia,' she said of her propensity to ban certain words in the classroom. 'That's really the effort of WGSS [Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies] classes, to have your students feel seen, the marginalized ones in particular, and feel respected.' While taking the time to double down on her actions, Nipper did not comment on the ongoing investigation that's been brought against her. Krolczyk, meanwhile, revealed in the now-viral TikTok bringing attention to her former teacher's actions that the professor told her her proposal was 'solid,' - but still handed her a zero. 'Olivia, this is a solid proposal,' reads the professor's alleged note, shared on Krolczyk's TikTok. 'However, "biological women" are exclusionary and now allowed in this course as they further reinforce heteronormativity. Please reassess your topic and edit it to focus on women's rights (not just 'females') and I'll re-grade.' Krolczyk, who competed in cross country and track in high school, chose not to name the professor out of fear of possible online harassment, and said she contacted the university's DEI department. She was told they would have a different professor grade her work. In the time since, she says hundreds have contacted her with similar experiences - recently telling reporters that she decided to be vocal about the issue because 'it wasn't being taken seriously.' 'I can confidently say within my university and many across the country, dissenting opinions are frowned upon and the views of the professors are affecting their abilities to teach,' she told the Post. DailyMail.com has reached out to Krolczyk and the University of Cincinnati for comment on this story. A Massachusetts dance teacher took her own life amid intense postpartum depression, just nine days after giving birth to twins. Ariana Sutton, 36, died at her home in Norton, 40 miles south west of Boston, on May 31, a-week-and-a-half after giving birth to her son Rowan, and daughter Everly. She had previously suffered from severe postpartum depression when her daughter, Melody Ki, was born four years ago, and required emergency room treatment. But Sutton and her husband, Tyler, an officer with Easton police department, decided they still wanted to expand their family, and had medication and a plan prepared, in case she was beset by further mental health issues. Nonetheless, the speed of his wife's decline following the birth of their twins took Tyler by surprise. Ariana Sutton (left in black) killed herself while battling postpartum depression just nine days after the birth of her twins Rowan, a boy, and Everly, a girl Sutton is pictured shortly after giving birth to her twins on May 22. She took her own life on May 31 The doting mom proudly showed her newborns to husband Tyler and daughter Melody Ki as the infants lay in an incubator. Tragically, Arianna will not be present to see them discharged from hospital in the coming days 'I didn't think it would happen so quick,' he told Boston 25 News. 'She loved being a mom. It was her favorite thing in the world, and that (her death) has nothing to do with (the children). If she could have, she would have stayed.' The twins, a boy named Rowan and a girl called Everly, were born prematurely but are doing well and are set to come home from hospital in the coming days. Tyler Sutton is now faced with the prospect of bringing up three children alone. He said he wants to raise awareness of the terrible impact of postpartum depression, which he said was not widely understood. 'Get more people to focus on it and recognize that it's a real problem and it hasn't been talked about enough,' he said. 'When we first dealt with postpartum depression, we were in the dark. We weren't prepared. We weren't warned.' His wife, who grew up in Easton before studying for a BA in dance education at University of the Arts in Philadelphia, loved her work and her family. Melody is pictured with Rowan and Everly. The youngsters have been left without a mom as a result of last month's tragedy Tyler, pictured with his newborns, now faces the daunting prospect of raising his three children as a widower She worked at the Starline Academy for the Performing Arts in Stoughton for five years, and then in 2013 bought the dance school with her sister, Rayna Flaherty. 'Ariana thrived at inspiring children with the joys of dance and was an avid animal lover,' her obituary states. 'Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her daughter Melody.' But Tyler Sutton said the cloud of depression remained, and she was embarrassed by it. 'It was like a lingering shadow behind her reminding her every once in a while, that it had happened and making her feel ashamed,' he said. He said the change in his wife, after the birth of their children, was shocking. 'It was so odd to see this sudden change. And it was noticeable. 'Like I said, we had a plan we put her on medication right away.' Ariana and Tyler had discussed the prospect of her depression returning when deciding whether to try for more children. They were delighted when she fell pregnant with twins, as it allowed the couple to welcome two more children with one pregnancy. The couple had lined up a therapist and a psychiatrist, and thought they were prepared for it. After the birth of Melody, it took months for the worst of the postpartum depression to take hold. But this time it took days. Ariana is pictured with her older daughter Melody shortly after her birth. The bond between mother and daughter is obvious, although the new mom struggled with depression Ariana and Tyler are pictured on their wedding day. Her husband has been left shell-shocked by his wife's sudden and tragic passing 'We thought we had time,' said Sutton. Harrowing video clips shared by Tyler showed Sutton excitedly showing off her newborns in an incubator, just days before her death. Another older video taken shortly after Melody was born showed Sutton's evident delight in being a mother, and the close bond she shared with her adorable daughter. A GoFundMe, set up to support the family, had raised $339,000 by Friday evening. 'The weight of this tragedy is unimaginable, but together, we can offer our love, strength, and financial assistance to help this family through their challenging journey,' the organizers wrote. 'Ariana, a vibrant and devoted mother, was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her twins, Everly Irene Sutton and Rowan Stephen Sutton. 'Unfortunately, their early arrival brought unforeseen challenges, placing an immense strain on Ariana's mental health. 'Despite her relentless efforts to seek help, the burden of postpartum depression became too much to bear. 'Our hearts break for Ariana, her babies, and the Sutton family, as they now face the unimaginable task of moving forward without her.' A butterfly visits a flower, seen by one of Jeju's Olle Trails. Courtesy of Rachel Stine By Rachel Stine It was May 2021. Six months had passed since I moved to Jeju . Cut off from my friends in Seoul, the gravitas of the COVID-19 pandemic sank in. After the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots and the murder of George Floyd, it felt like the world was collapsing. Then my uncle died. Five days later, my 104-year-old grandmother the matriarch of the Stine family also died. This maelstrom of stress culminated in a relapse of the nameless anxiety disorder that had decimated my life in university. While the condition landed me in New York City emergency rooms twice, it evaded formal diagnosis for years. I was assured that I'd "make a great case study" because my symptoms were so irregular. Unfortunately, my brain internalized this as: "You're such an anxious puddle we don't even have words to describe it. Here's some medication, kiddo good luck! Fighting!" But I certainly didn't feel like "fighting." Having anxiety was like falling to the bottom of a deep well. Eventually, medication, therapy and the advice of North Korean refugee friends wound together to form an escape rope. The climb up was painful, but productive. Moving to South Korea in 2013 greatly reduced my symptoms. By 2016, I was off medication, and convinced I would never fall into that slippery-walled well again. A butterfly, seen by one of Jeju's Olle Trails / Courtesy of Rachel Stine May 2021 proved me wrong. In my 30s, I've come to believe that Nameless Beast is a subset of obsessive-compulsive disorder known colloquially as pure O. For the sake of clarity, I'll be using the term OCD, but please know that I'm not attempting to self-diagnose. Sometimes reality just has linguistic gaps. Fortunately, I am no stranger to this situation. During my occasional flare-ups, I've learned three coping strategies that work. The first is to trawl YouTube for guidance. My go-to video was " H3H3 On Treating Depression ," and although I was not depressed, I have listened to this video so many times I've memorized the script. The second strategy is to do one productive thing a day. For me, this typically meant writing for an hour, since writing is my life-anchor. The third and most critical step is to go outside. That's how my then-boyfriend and I decided to hike Olle Trail 1. So in a way, one might say OCD gave my Olle odyssey its start. When we arrived at the trailhead, the Olle Foundation attendant leaped out of his seat. (This was in the middle of COVID-19, and I assume he was bored sitting around all day with no visitors.) He gave us free guidebooks, a plant dictionary and souvenir pins. We bought Olle Trail passports and stamped them outside. And with that, a year-long journey began. While the OCD noise wasn't completely gone during that hike, the volume was turned down. I focused on photographing the butterflies, which were so big I initially mistook them for birds. We climbed volcanic cones, known as "oreum," and saw Ilchulbong Peak for the first time. When we spotted stray cats, we laughed about how we would have a cat in our family home. A larger, fuzzier kind of butterfly, seen by one of Jeju's Olle Trails / Courtesy of Rachel Stine Matt, 32, was the first in line and grabbed a Dyson Thousands queued for entire city blocks in the early hours of the morning for their chance to cash in on the opening of the cheapest store in Australia. Virgin's 1 Point Club offered Melbourne residents an opportunity to spend a single Velocity reward point in exchange for luxe products worth hundreds of dollars on Saturday. The 24 hour pop-up store on Chapel Street saw keen shoppers lining up for more than four blocks by the time the opening ribbon was cut and the doors opened. Matt, 32, was first in line with his dog at 10pm Friday night after promising his mum that he'd pick her up a Dyson Supersonic HD07 V3 Hair Dryer valued at $649. Within the store's first four hours more than 1,000 people had come to exchange their reward point for products from notable brands including Apple, Bose, Weber, and Breville, among others. Virgin's 1 point club offered Melbourne resident an opportunity to cash in a single Velocity reward point in exchange for luxe products worth hundreds of dollars a piece on Saturday Matt, 32, was first in line with his dog at 10pm Friday night after promising his mum that he'd pick her up a Dyson Supersonic HD07 V3 Hair Dryer valued at $649 Matt said that he'd promised his mum that he would pick up the hairdryer months ago after she said she wanted one but wasn't keen on spending so much money on the product. Most other big ticket items had sold out within two hours and by 1pm all that remained were one-way economy flights to cities around Australia. Hundreds of people were seen queuing up as the doors opened and stock began selling out. The most popular items were from Dyson, according to Virgin employees who were at the store to welcome the crowds. Although the store was intended to remain open for the full 24 hours, it is unlikely to do so as stock continues to run out fast. The pop-up store was opened in celebration of the Velocity 1 Point Rewards Initiative which will launch on Sunday, June 11. New 1 Point rewards will drop every week and will allow members to shop international flights, gadgets and more for only one point each. Matt said that he'd promised his mum that he would pick up the hairdryer months ago The 24 hour pop-up store on Chapel Street saw keen shoppers lining up more than four blocks by the time the opening ribbon was cut and the doors opened While the initiative seemed too good to be true, Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO, Nick Rohrlach, assured bargain hunters beforehand that there was no catch. 'I expect Saturday to be a scene from the Black Friday sales, with hordes of shoppers trying to nab a Dyson hair dryer or Apple Watch for just 1 Velocity Point. It really is something to be seen to be believed,' Mr Rohrlach said on Friday. 'Most people I've spoken to have said the initiative is too good to be true, but I assure you we are serious about fast rewards, and this initiative is a testament to that. 'We know it's hard to believe that a member can go on a holiday for just 1 Velocity Point or purchase a Dyson hairdryer for the equivalent of a $2 purchase at Coles, but this is the beauty of our 1 Point Rewards initiative and it's fantastic to be able to launch it in Melbourne.' What was up for grabs at Virgin's Velocity Frequent Flyer 1 Point Rewards store? Virgin Australia one-way Economy flights to the Gold Coast, Cairns, Brisbane, Hobart, Launceston, Sydney and Adelaide Dyson - Supersonic HD07 V3 Hair Dryer - valued at $649 Dyson Vacuum cleaner (v8) cord free - valued at $719 Smeg 50s Style Toaster - valued at $219 Apple Watch - valued at $399 Weber Baby Q - valued at $389 Chasseau 30cm round firm casserole (Cherry Blossom) - Valued at $320 Breville Barista Coffee Machine 'Chrome' - valued at $779 GHD Unplugged Hair Straightener - valued at $500 Apple Air Pods 3rd Generation - valued at $249 Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth Speaker - valued at $175 Advertisement Bones have been discovered at a property in a country town south of Adelaide. At about 2.30pm on Friday, police were called to a property on Paris Creek Road in Strathalbyn after the bones were found in a backyard. Forensic investigators attended to examine the scene, before a scene guard was established on Saturday morning. Bones have been discovered at a property on Paris Creek Rd in Strathalbyn. Picture: Google Detectives and forensic investigators are continuing to search the area, with assistance from STAR Group officers, volunteers from the SES and local patrols. Police have urged anyone with information that might assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The historic town of Strathalbyn is about 55km southeast of the Adelaide CBD, with a population of around 6000 people. A Stanford University professor set to face charges for allegedly slamming the door on his girlfriend missed the hearing and has not been seen since beginning a hiking trip in Washington State on Monday. Hunter Fraser, 44, was taking the 40-mile trek in Olympic National Park at the start of the week and was scheduled to finish it and return to Seattle Wednesday. His court date in Santa Clara County, California was scheduled for Friday, with Fraser charged for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse. Around 6 p.m. local time Wednesday, park rangers told the Clallam County Sheriff's Office that Fraser was long past due. His family has not heard from him since a text message on Tuesday morning and hasn't been seen by anyone since Monday afternoon. Hunter Fraser, 44, set to face charges for allegedly slamming the door on his girlfriend missed the hearing and has not been seen since beginning a hiking trip in Washington State on Monday His car was found in a parking lot within the park's grounds. County rescue teams have yet to find him. The professor was described in a statement from the sheriff's office as an 'extremely experienced solo hiker' and was reported to have been good for supplies, bringing a backpack and a tent along with him. 'Hunter is an experienced outdoorsman and well supplied,' Stanford Spokesperson Joy Leighton told the Mercury News. 'We are hoping for his safe return.' Fraser's sister Whitney has posted updates to Facebook twice on Friday, saying that '4-5 teams' were on the ground with search dogs and a helicopter rescue was attempting to find her brother. She adds that rescue crews will continue searching through Saturday. His criminal case dates back to July 4, 2022, when he had gotten into an argument with his girlfriend of five and a half years at their Stanford apartment while playing a game with his young daughter from a previous relationship. Fraser is accused of slamming a door into his girlfriend, hitting her chest with the handle. She also claims Fraser threw her to the ground before hitting her with the door. Fraser was arrested, jailed and charged with a misdemeanor soon after. Prosecutors later refiled the case as a felony. Fraser was taking the 40-mile trek in Olympic National Park at the start of the week and was scheduled to finish it and return to Seattle Wednesday Crews have been searching Olympic National Park since Fraser was declared missing and will continue their search through Saturday His court date in Santa Clara County, California was scheduled for Friday, with Fraser charged for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse at their California home The victim suffered fractured ribs from the incident, according to The Stanford Daily. The professor did address the accusations in an email to his laboratory after an initial hearing. 'While I am prevented from going into details here while the case is pending, I do want you to know that the allegations against me are untrue,' he wrote. 'At no point in my career or in my personal life has anyone ever made such an accusation or allegation against me before. This has all been incredibly jarring.' 'In our current cultural moment, I realize that my words may stir skepticism, but they are the truth,' he added, asking people to 'allow the process to be fully completed before reaching any conclusions.' Fraser's family has not heard from him since a text message on Tuesday morning and hasn't been seen by anyone since Monday afternoon Fraser's criminal case dates back to July 4, 2022, when he had gotten into an argument with his girlfriend of five and a half years at their Stanford apartment while playing a game with his young daughter Multiple student groups called for Fraser's removal from campus at the time, though he remained at work, with officials declaring it a 'personal matter' according to a post made by a petitioner for Fraser to be sent away. The petition also posted three citations for vandalism and trespassing against Fraser in 2022. Fraser teaches biology at Stanford and runs the Fraser Laboratory, as well as Bio-X, Stanford's interdisciplinary biosciences institute; the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute; the Stanford Cancer Institute; and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute. Fraser is 6 feet 4 inches tall with a 'trim build' and typically wears eyeglasses, according to the sheriff's office. A renowned law professor has described President Trump's indictment as being a 'different ball game' to Stormy Daniels case - and warns the former president could be in very deep trouble. Jonathan Turley, a criminal defense attorney and Shapiro Chair of Public Interest Law at George Washington University, had previously branded Manhattan AG Alvin Bragg's Stormy Daniels case as both 'politically popular' but 'legally pathetic'. But when it comes to the classified documents found at Trump's Mar-a-Lago, Turley has said the charges laid out are 'extremely damning.' He highlighted the sheer level of detail in the 37 felony count case, and suggested it showed the feds had an extremely strong case against Trump. 'It is an extremely damning indictment. There are indictments that are sometimes called narrative or speaking indictments. These are indictments that are really meant to make a point as to the depth of the evidence. There are some indictments that are just bare bones. This is not,' Turley said to Fox News on Friday. 'The special counsel knew that there would be a lot of people who were going to allege that the Department of Justice was acting in a biased or politically motivated way. This is clearly an indictment that was drafted to answer those questions. Jonathan Turley, a renowned law professor has described President Trump's indictment as being a 'different ball game' to Stormy Daniels case. When it comes to the classified documents found at Trump's Mar-a-Lago, Turley has said the charges laid out are 'extremely damning' 'It's overwhelming in details. The Trump team should not fool itself. These are witnesses who apparently testified under oath, gave statements to federal investigators, both of which can be criminally charged if they're false. Those witnesses are directly quoting the president in encouraging others not to look for documents or allegedly to conceal them. It's damaging,' Turley explained. Turley, who appeared as a Republican witness during both Trump's first and second Senate impeachment trial also testified during Bill Clinton's impeachment in 1998 - is known for being a law absolutist who offers non-partisan opinions on legal matters. Speaking on Friday he told Fox the Trump team should not underestimate Special Counsel Jack Smith, whom he described as a 'serious prosecutor.' 'I know a lot of people have criticized [Jack] Smith for his background, but he's no Alvin Bragg. He's a serious prosecutor. The Alvin Bragg prosecution is a political prosecution. It is what Trump says it is. It is a weaponization of the criminal justice system, in my view. This is a different ball game.' Turley said the Trump team should not underestimate Special Counsel Jack Smith, pictured, whom he described as a 'serious prosecutor' Photos released as part of the indictment against Former President Donald Trump show boxes of documents stacked in rooms across his Mar-a-Lago estate Boxes allegedly containing classified documents appear to be kept in a storage room Stacks of boxes can be observed in a bathroom and shower in Mar-a-Lago Club's Lake Room The unsealing of the indictment on Friday sees Trump charged with 37 felony counts in connection with his hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The indictment accuses the former president of willfully defying Justice Department demands to return classified documents, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his estate. The indictment includes allegations that he stored documents in a ballroom and bathroom at his Florida resort, among other places. The most serious charges against him carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years each, but first-time offenders rarely get anywhere near the maximum sentence and the decision would ultimately be up to the judge. For all that, Trump can expect a hero's welcome this weekend as he rallies his fiercest partisans and seeks to cement his status as Republicans leading 2024 presidential candidate. Legal scholar Jonathan Turley, left, a criminal defense attorney, had previously branded the Stormy Daniels case as both 'politically popular' but 'legally pathetic' Trump has insisted he committed no wrongdoing, saying, 'There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years.' With former Vice President Mike Pence also slated to address North Carolina Republicans, Saturday will be the first time the former running mates have appeared at the same venue since Pence announced his campaign against his old boss. For his part, Trump has insisted he committed no wrongdoing, saying, 'There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years.' The indictment arrives at a time when Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary. Other GOP candidates have largely attacked the Justice Department - rather than Trump - for the investigation, although the indictment's breadth of allegations and scope could make it harder for Republicans to rail against than the earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak. The federal charging document alleges that Trump not only intentionally possessed classified documents but also boasted as he showed them off to visitors and aides. The indictment is built on Trump's own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, including his professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information. Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance in the case on Tuesday, in Miami. Donald Trump is poised to make his first public appearances since being handed his bombshell indictment, where he will likely try to rally support after vowing to fight the federal charges. Still a front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination despite his mounting legal woes, Trump is still set to speak to friendly Republican audiences in both Georgia and North Carolina for consecutive scheduled appearances come Saturday. Unsealed on Friday, the 49-page indictment accuses Trump, 76, of mishandling classified documents after leaving office in 2021, as well as obstruction of justice. It contains 37 counts pertaining to those charges, as well as photographs showing mounds of document-filled boxes were illegally stored at his Florida estate for the better part of a year. Since being handed a summons to appear in a Miami court next week, Trump has repeatedly branded the case to a politically motivated 'witch hunt' brought on by his successor Joe Biden. He is expected to use his platform Saturday to rebuke the charges, while adding on to assertions that have painted himself as the victim. Donald Trump is poised to make his first public appearances since being handed his bombshell indictment, where he will likely try to rally support after vowing to fight the federal charges It contains 37 counts pertaining to those charges, as well as photographs showing mounds of document-filled boxes were illegally stored at his Florida estate for the better part of a year. 'Trump is a fighter, and the kinds of people that attend these conventions love a fighter,' said Jack Kingston, an ex-Georgia congressman who supported Trump in 2016 and 2020, of the former president's planned speech at a state party convention in his home state. Meanwhile, in the latest in a steady stream of posts to Truth social aired early Saturday morning, Trump reiterated promises to fight the case against him in court on Tuesday, while sharing a link asking for money to 'save America'. His consecutive appearances will come a day after the unsealing of the aforementioned federal indictment, which saw the politician become the first-ever former president to be hit with federal criminal charges. All 37 counts are felonies, and accuse the former president of willfully defying Justice Department demands to return classified documents. It further alleges he enlisted aides in efforts to hide the records - and that he even told his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his estate. It claims he stored the documents - 184 of which contained classified information in a ballroom and bathroom at his resort, among other places. The most serious of the charges - including a prospective violation of the US Espionage Act - carry potential sentences of up to 20 years apiece, though first-time offenders rarely get anywhere near the maximum sentence. That decision, ultimately, lies with the federal jurist presiding over the proceedings. 'Trump is a fighter, and the kinds of people that attend these conventions love a fighter,' said Jack Kingston, an ex-Georgia congressman who supported Trump in 2016 and 2020, of the his planned speech Saturday. The pair are seen together in 2016 shortly after Trump's win As for the newly unsealed indictment, all 37 of its counts are felonies, and accuse the former president of willfully defying Justice Department demands to return classified documents It further alleges he enlisted aides in efforts to hide the records - and that he even told his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his estate In one photo, the cardboard boxes are seen stacked in front of a shower curtain and next to a sink in a Mar-a-Lago bathroom. Some of Trump's aides simply called the files 'his papers' A photo of documents seized during the August 8 search of Mar-a-Lago was published by the Justice Department It claims he stored the documents - 184 of which contained classified information in a ballroom and bathroom at his resort, among other places For all that, Trump can expect a hero's welcome this weekend as he rallies his Republican allies and seeks to cement his status as the leading candidate for the GOP. That said, in a strange twist of fate, former Vice President Mike Pence is also slated to appear in North Carolina Saturday for his own speech -the first time the former running mates have appeared at the same venue since Pence announced his campaign against his old boss. For his part, Trump has insisted he committed no wrongdoing, saying, 'There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years.' The indictment arrives at a time when Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary. Other GOP candidates have largely attacked the Justice Department - rather than Trump - for the investigation, although the indictments breadth of allegations and scope could make it harder for Republicans to rail against than an earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak. A Trump campaign official described the former presidents mood as 'defiant' Friday ahead of his trip. But aides were notably more reserved after the indictment's unsealing as they reckoned with the gravity of the legal charges and the threat they pose to Trump beyond the potential short-term political gain. The federal charging document alleges that Trump not only intentionally possessed classified documents but also boastfully showed them off to visitors and aides. The indictment is built on Trump's own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, including his professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information. The indictment includes 37 counts - 31 of which pertain to the willful retention of national defense information, with the balance relating to alleged conspiracy, obstruction and false statements - that, taken together, could result in a yearslong prison sentence. For all that, Trump can expect a hero's welcome this weekend as he rallies his Republican allies and seeks to cement his status as the leading candidate for the GOP - as he continues to post online about what he claims to be an unjust investigation against him Meanwhile, in the latest in a steady stream of posts to Truth social aired early Saturday morning, Trump reiterated promises to fight the case against him in court on Tuesday, while sharing a link asking for money to 'save America' Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance Tuesday in Miami. He was charged alongside Walt Nauta, a personal aide whom prosecutors say moved boxes from a storage room to Trump's residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. A photograph included in the indictment shows several dozen file boxes stacked in a storage area. The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump, who has already been indicted in New York in a hush money scheme and faces additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta that also could lead to criminal charges. But among the various investigations he has faced, the Mar-a-Lago probe has long been considered the most perilous threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. Campaign aides had been bracing for the fallout since Trump's attorneys were notified that he was the target of the investigation, assuming it was not a matter of if charges would be brought, but when. Trumps continued popularity among Republican voters is evident in how gingerly his primary rivals have treated the federal indictment, which comes less than three months after he was charged in New York in a hush-money scheme stemming from payouts made to a porn actor during his 2016 campaign. Pence, campaigning in New Hampshire on Friday, said he was 'deeply troubled' that Trump had been federally indicted because he believes it will further divide the nation. Ex Vice President Mike Pence is also slated to appear in North Carolina Saturday. It's the first time they will appear at the same venue since Pence announced his candidacy Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has promised to fire Christopher Wray, the head of the FBI if he is elected President. During his own remarks at the North Carolina GOP convention on Friday night, DeSantis didn't mention Trump by name but again made the comparison to Clinton Pence urged his audience to pray for Trump, his family and all Americans, and promised to uphold the rule of law and 'clean house at the highest level' of the Department of Justice, if elected. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump's leading GOP rival, unabashedly echoed the former president, decrying the 'weaponization of federal law enforcement' and 'an uneven application of the law.' Without offering any specific allegation, DeSantis took aim at two favorite Republican targets - Hillary Clinton and Bidens son, Hunter - and suggested they have escaped federal accountability because of such 'political bias.' During his own remarks at the North Carolina GOP convention on Friday night, DeSantis didn't mention Trump by name but again made the comparison to Clinton. 'With me, you know, you'll have a new FBI Director on day one. We'll clean out all these agencies on day one. We're going to have a major overhaul. 'I think there needs to be one standard of justice in this country,' DeSantis said as he made remarks at a party convention in Greensboro, North Carolina. He condemned what he termed a 'weaponization' of government agencies, although he was careful not to mention Trump by name in his speech. Wray was nominated to the position by former President Donald Trump in 2017 but he has been criticized by Republican lawmakers for being overly political in his tenure. Among the declared Republican contenders, only Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson had explicitly called for Trump to end his comeback bid. A nature lover who was taking his dog for a walk has stumbled across a python consuming a small wallaby. Duke Orme took the confronting footage near his home in Wongaling Beach in far north Queensland which showed the large scrub python slowly squeezing the life out of the marsupial. The footage showed the snake with its body wrapped around the animal while slowly swallowing it as the wallaby lay listless in its grasp. A man was heard in the vision saying the snake will 'get it down' in about an hour - but added it wouldn't move too much after the massive meal. 'He will just rest up for about a week or so,' he said. Duke Orme came across the python and wallaby tussling in the grass (pictured) in far north Queensland Mr Orme said it was a 'privilege' to see the snake-kill in action despite the horrifying nature of it (pictured, a stock image of a scrub python) Amazed onlookers were heard laughing in amazement over the huge haul. Mr Orme told Yahoo News Australia it was a 'privilege' to see the snake-kill in action despite the horrifying nature of it. 'I take nature for what it is. Every bit of nature has its process and a snake has got to eat,' Mr Orme said. The footage (pictured) showed the snake with its body wrapped around the animal while slowly swallowing it as the wallaby lay listless 'You do get mixed reactions but people are fascinated by it. It's nature.' He said the reptiles are not the heaviest snakes but they are long and capable of taking out big prey. Mr Orme added the snakes eat the head first as the legs can act like a fish hook. The python can weigh up to 25kg and can measure eight metres long. The snakes ambush their prey and constrict them as they swallow them whole and are non-venomous. Gitau was called 'monkey' and 'bush n***a' by the landlord A pregnant couple was threatened with eviction if they brought their newborn baby back home, with a landlord telling them the child was not an 'authorised occupant'. The outrageous comments can be revealed following a successful racial discrimination case lodged by the couple against their landlords in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). It followed what the tenants, Jackson Gitau and Rose Ng'ang'a, alleged was a 'campaign' by the owners - David Walsh and Leachia Boles - involving 'surveillance, obstructing access and humiliating and offensive language' during their time at the unit. A QCAT judgment has revealed the outrageous campaign mounted against a pregnant couple who were threatened with eviction if they brought their newborn baby home. Picture: Getty Images Some of the vile comments involved Mr Gitau being called 'a monkey' and a 'bush n***a'. Mr Gitau and Ms Ng'ang'a, who are from Kenya, argued the couple discriminated against them on the basis of pregnancy and race for months. QCAT Member Jeremy Gordon agreed, ruling in favour of the tenants and finding the campaign against the pair started in March, 2020. A published QCAT judgment reveals Mr Gitau and Ms Ng'ang'a had a fixed-term tenancy with De Soysa Walsh Pty Ltd, a company owned by Mr Walsh, which began on June 11, 2019. Their unit was one of six converted from a suburban house in North Brisbane. Mr Walsh and Ms Boles were joint owners of the block. On December 20, 2019, Ms Ng'ang'a emailed Mr Walsh telling him she was pregnant and asking how she could break their lease, as the couple needed a larger place for their baby. It was agreed the lease could be terminated once a new tenant was found, but no-one was found in time. Ms Ng'ang'a's baby was due on May 5, 2020 - six weeks before their tenancy was due to end. On March 27, 2020, Mr Walsh emailed Mr Gitau stating the pair's lease only authorised them as tenants. 'Your child, once born, is not authorised to be at the premises,' his email, tendered as evidence, reads. The tenants were given a notice to leave without grounds the next day. On March 27, 2020, Mr Walsh emailed Mr Gitau stating the pair's lease only authorised them as tenants and the couple were given a notice to leave without grounds the next day In another email sent days later Mr Walsh said: 'Please inform me as to your intentions as bringing a child to reside at the premises is a serious breach of your lease that will result in my instigating eviction proceedings.' Member Gordon found Mr Walsh and his company discriminated against the couple on the basis of their pregnancy by sending these emails. He also found there was a campaign against the pregnant couple leading up to their child's birth - something he said was 'strongly influenced' by Ms Boles' mistrust of the tenants because of their race. This campaign included sending multiple breach notices for erroneous things like water being thrown off the balcony, bin collection and visits by an NBN contractor. Member Gordon also found the owners ignored complaints from the tenants about water and power issues at the unit. A QCAT judgment found the landlords subjected the pregnant couple to a 'campaign' involving racial and pregnant discrimination after they tried to break their lease to find new accommodation for their child. Picture: Supplied In evidence given at a hearing, Mr Gitau said he was called a 'piece of s**t' by Mr Walsh and a 'monkey' and a 'bush n***a' by Ms Boles on various dates. Ms Ng'ang'a said she was filmed by Ms Boles on several occasions, including her return from hospital - something Member Gordon said was 'not justified at all'. The judgment states Mr Walsh deliberately blocked access to the carport with a trailer and also locked the couple out of a laundry room. Member Gordon accepted the tenants did not have a legal right to access this room but said it appeared to be a broader part of the campaign against the tenants. Shockingly, Ms Boles - who describes herself as an 'American N***o from Alabama' - gave evidence where she expressed a 'mistrust and dislike of African men' and claimed the couple had acted with 'pernicious racism' towards her. The judgment states Mr Walsh deliberately blocked access to the carport with a trailer and also locked the couple out of a laundry room This manifested in a mistrust of the tenants because they were from Kenya. 'She believes her views state the truth,' Member Gordon said. 'It can be seen she holds deeply held prejudices against, and stereotypical views about African people, and African men in particular.' Member Gordon dismissed a complaint of sexual harassment made by Ms Boles towards Ms Gitau, finding she was 'not sufficiently cogent or reliable' to prove the complaint's basic facts. A further hearing on a remedy to Mr Gitau and Ms Ng'ang'a will be held on a later date. Mr Walsh and Ms Boles have previously been before QCAT in November 2021, where they complained about being subject to 'racial discrimination or vilification' after refusing to wear masks in a clinic. Their application to prevent their ban from the clinic was rejected by the tribunal. The manhunt for a potentially armed man is still underway after a man was allegedly stabbed to death by his friend's jealous ex on the eve of his 25th birthday. Youhanna Angok was allegedly stabbed by Prince Fanhbulleh, the ex-partner of his friend Janika Bevin at her St Clair home in western Sydney just before 4.30pm on Friday. It's understood Mr Angok was celebrating his birthday at Ms Bevin's home with friends when Fanhbulleh allegedly arrived unannounced. A fight broke out before Fanhbulleh allegedly stabbed Mr Angok in a bedroom. Emergency services rushed to the home where they found Mr Angok unconscious suffering serious injuries and commenced CPR. Youhanna Angok (left) died after he was allegedly stabbed by Prince Fanhbulleh (right) while celebrating his birthday Mr Angok died at the scene, despite desperate attempts to revive him. Two women present at the time were not physically injured and were assessed by paramedics. Mr Angok has been remmebered by shattered friends as loyal to everyone he loved. NSW Police confirmed on Saturday it's investigating whether the fatal stabbing possibly stemmed from a suspected love triangle. Fanhbulleh allegedly fled the scene on a dirt bike as screams were heard inside. 'I've never seen so many police in my street,' neighbour Andrew Rose said. Another added: 'The screaming only lasted a few minutes and then the sirens came.' Ms Bevin and Mr Angok were at her home celebrating his birthday with some friends when Fanhbulleh allegedly arrived unannounced at the Parroo Close home (pictured) Neighbours also claimed Fanhbulleh had previously been at the property since his relationship ended with Ms Bevin. One allegedly recorded a video of Fanhbulleh chasing his ex down the street while screaming at her last October. 'I'm done with you, you f***ing dumb s***,' the man can be heard screaming in the footage.' Friends told the Daily Telegraph was allegedly at the house four days where he allegedly tried to take his ex-partner's phone. Youhanna Angok was celebrating his brithday at the home of his friend Janika Bevin (pictured) Police were told by neighbours that Fanhbulleh had previously been at the property his relationship with Ms Bevin ended. Pictured are police speaking to two women on Saturday Mr Angok was found unconscious and with serious injuries. Police and Paramedics performed CPR but were unable to revive the young man Parroo Close remained closed on Friday night as forensic investigators combed the area for evidence. Police remained in the street on Saturday to interview neighbours. NSW Police have confirmed the investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made, with a manhunt still underway for Fanhbulleh. It is feared Fanhbulleh could be armed, with police urging the public not to approach him but call Triple-0 immediately. Fanbulleh is described as being aged in his mid-20s, of African appearance, with a solid build and black hair in short dreadlocks. A Metropolitan Police officer who sexually assaulted a colleague while they were both on duty has been jailed for 16 months. Pc Archit Sharmer, who was with the North Area Command, was accused of attacking his colleague on December 7, 2020. He was convicted of sexual assault on March 6, at Wood Green Crown Court and resigned from the force four days later. As well as the 16-month jail term, Sharmer was told he must sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years. He was also handed a restraining order which prevents him from contacting his victim for a decade. convicted of sexually assaulting his colleague on March 6. Wood Green Crown Court also ordered Sharmer to pay a victim surcharge of 156 when he was sent down on Friday. He is the latest in a line of Met Police officers to have been convicted of sex offences. Pc Archit Sharma, pictured, sexually assaulted a colleague while they were both on duty on December 7, 2020. He remained a Met Police officer until his resignation in March 2023, four days after his conviction at Wood Green Crown Court A misconduct hearing held earlier this week found that Sharma would have been sacked had he not already resigned following his conviction After Scotland Yard received the allegation on December 7, 2000, he was investigated and charged on July 28, 2021, however he had to wait until March 6 to appear in court. He only resigned from the force some two years after the initial allegation was made. Sharma also faced a misconduct hearing where he was found to have breached 'Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, and Discreditable Conduct'. The panel said Sharma would have been sacked had he not resigned in March. He has also been added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing, meaning he will not be eligible to rejoin the police or the fire service as well as a host of police-related bodies. Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, responsible for local policing in Enfield and Haringey, said: 'Former PC Sharmas behaviour was abhorrent. His actions were a betrayal of our policing values. 'I hope that this outcome highlights how seriously we take reports of sexual offences, no matter who the perpetrator. 'Following his conviction, we began proceedings for an accelerated case hearing which has upheld the allegations of misconduct.' The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) says a national system should be introduced after reviews into the Met's handling of two allegations of indecent exposure by Couzens in 2021 and Kent Police's handling of a similar allegation in 2015. Couzens would go on to kidnap, rape and murder Sarah Everard three days after the Met was informed he had allegedly indecently exposed himself in a McDonald's in Swanley in February 2021. Prince Andrew will be absent from the Order of the Garter Day procession at Windsor Castle for a second year in a row, it has been reported. The second son of the late Queen had been a mainstay at the event - which sees the monarch and knights ride out wearing velvet robes and plumed hats - for many years. But it is understood the Duke of York will be elsewhere when the hallowed event in the Royal calendar takes place in June 19, The Daily Express reports. Sources say the prince was hoping to appear in part of the procession, after being banned from the event last year. He has been lobbying The King for a return to public life, with renewed hopes after he was allowed to wear his ceremonial robes during the Coronation last month. Prince Andrew was allowed to wear his Royal Garter ceremonial robes at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey The Duke of York was stripped of his Royal patronages by the last Queen last year, and the King appears to have no plans to return them to him Prince Andrew's removal from the Garter Day procession last year was said to have been insisted upon by the King (left) and Prince of Wales (right) Commentators were surprise to see the Duke wearing the Order of the Garter robes at Westminster Abbey, as it had been made clear he was longer a working member of the Royal Family. But the palace appears to have since doubled down on its policy of limiting his public engagements. Sources told the Express that Prince Andrew's ban from the Garter procession last year set a precedent which the Royal Family intends to follow up. It is unknown as yet whether he will attend the private events of the day such as the investiture and the lunch. Prince Andrew lives in the grounds of Windsor Castle and had daily contact with his mother before her death on September 8 last year. King Charles is said to have 'no power' to kick Prince Andrew out of his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor, while sources add the Duke has 'no plans' to vacate. An insider claims the monarch will be unable to remove the disgraced royal from the property because his brother's name is on the lease, not the royal family's. It has been reported that the Royal Lodge had been lined up for Prince William and Kate to move into. But Andrew reportedly intends to honour the lease he signed in 2003 - which expires in 75 years - by refusing to move out of the 30million mansion. This is despite alleged pressure from Buckingham Palace to move to Frogmore Cottage, a smaller residence on the Windsor estate previously lived in by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Sources close to Prince Andrew (pictured) claimed he will not vacate his home at Royal Lodge for Prince William and Kate and that the King has no power to remove him Andrew moved into the luxury home following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002. He was granted the residence by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II and lives there with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson There is pressure from Buckingham Palace to move to Frogmore Cottage, a smaller residence on the Windsor estate previously lived in by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex An insider, who is in regular contact with Andrew, told The Times: 'The lease is in the duke's name so no one can take that away from him. 'It has never been suggested that it could be taken away from him. It's a long lease with 80 to 90 years left on it. 'This is a lease between him and the Crown Estate. That's not a matter for the King. It's a matter for the chancellor of the exchequer. The only way you could get him to move out would be through an arrangement he would have to agree.' A friend told the Mail On Sunday that Andrew is feeling down and 'refusing to budge' from the property, which is believed to have been set aside for the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children. 'He is so fragile,' the friend told the Mail. Reports have swirled that Andrew has been in low spirits and even reclusive. 'He's refusing to see anybody. This has been his family home for the past 20 years. Is it really sensible to kick him out?' They added: 'He's concerned that now the Coronation is over, the knives are out. He's worried that the royals might even turn off the utilities to get him out of there. But we're dealing with human beings, not real estate.' It is widely understood that Royal Lodge, once occupied by the Queen Mother, has been earmarked for Prince William and his family. Andrew moved into the luxury home following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002. He was granted the residence by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II and lives there with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. Tom Bower, who has written biographies about the King and Prince Harry, told The Times: 'I think the King is right. He's got to slim down the number of houses in the royal portfolio and Andrew has got to come to terms with his fate. He can no longer live like a duke. Frogmore will be a cold shower for him, but he's just got to take it. Prince Harry and Meghan previously live in Frogmore Cottage (pictured inside the cottage) The late Queen's second son enjoying a horse ride in the sunshine in Windsor The couple will also retain Anmer Hall, which the paper reports they will continue to use 'regularly' Bower added that Frogmore Cottage has five bedrooms two fewer than Royal Lodge and was an 'obvious step down for the duke'. What is the Order of the Garter? How King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur he set up his own group of knights almost 700 years ago In medieval times, King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the Garter. Nearly 700 years later, the Order is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. The Knights, now both male and female, used to be limited to aristocracy, but today they are chosen from a variety of backgrounds, in recognition for their public service. The patron saint of the Order is St George (patron saint of soldiers and also of England) and if there are vacancies in the Order, appointments are announced on St George's Day (23 April). The spiritual home of the Order is St George's Chapel, Windsor. Every knight is required to display a banner of his arms in the Chapel, together with a helmet, crest and sword and an enamelled stallplate. These 'achievements' are taken down on the knight's death and the insignia are returned to the Sovereign. The stallplates remain as a memorial and these now form one of the finest collections of heraldry in the world. Knights of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed in a particular way to national life or who have served the Sovereign personally. As sovereign and heir, The Queen and Prince Charles are automatically given membership of the Order and are considered 'ex officio knights'. The Prince of Wales is known as a Royal Knight Companion of the Garter. The sovereign, known as the Sovereign of the Garter, is the only one with the power to admit new members. The Garter is open to British and Commonwealth citizens. Notable former members include Sir Winston Churchill, Stanley Baldwin and Sir Edmund Hillary. Field Marshall, the Lord Bramall, a former Chief of the Defence Staff, the Duke of Abercorn, the Duke of Westminster and Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former Director-General of MI5, are among the current Knights and Ladies of the Garter. There are also two orders of 'extra' knights. Members of the Royal Knights and Ladies include Prince Philip, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Prince Charles, the Princess Royal and Prince William. A second order, the Stranger Knights and Ladies, is bestowed on foreign rulers such as Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Harald V of Norway. Although new additions are named on St. George's Day, the 23 April, the initiation ceremony takes place in Junmantle during the traditional Garter Procession, which sees members parade through Windsor. The annual iconic Garter Day procession, where The Queen and the Knights process in grand velvet robes, glistening insignia and plumed hats, is one of the most traditional ceremonies in the Queen's calendar. Every June, a grand procession of the knights takes place at Windsor Castle, accompanied by a marching band and Officers of the Order, all in grand ceremonial dress. The day begins with The Queen formally investing any new Companions with the Order's insignia in the Throne Room of the Castle. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh entertain the members and officers at a lunch, and then all process on foot to a service in St. George's Chapel. There is a short service where any new Companions are installed. The Sovereign and other members of the Order then return to the Upper Ward of the castle in carriages and cars. Advertisement The Duke's younger daughter Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank welcomed their second son earlier this month Ernest but kept news of his birth secret for almost a week. The arrival was clearly joyful news for the whole family as grandfather Prince Andrew was spotted beaming in his Range Rover yesterday. The couple also shared a picture of big brother August gently stroking the newborn on the head. The baby has been named Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank and was born last Tuesday weighing a healthy 7lb 1oz. His names were inspired by his great-great-great grandfather George V, founder of the Windsor dynasty, whose middle name was also Ernest; Mr Brooksbanks late father George; and Eugenies maternal grandfather, Ronald Ferguson, father of Sarah, Duchess of York. Writing on Instagram alongside the photo of the baby and August, two, the princess said: Augie is loving being a big brother already. Buckingham Palace said: Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their son. Their new baby is 13th in line to the throne, pushing his great-uncle Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, down to 14th in the order of succession. Ernest will not receive a title and according to rules laid down by George V in 1917 is not entitled to be called His Royal Highness. Princess Eugenie, 33, who is an HRH, and her husband, 37, (both pictured right) have jobs outside the Royal Family and do not undertake official duties. It is expected that their sons will follow suit. Weeks after she stripped him of his titles, the late Queen asked him to accompany her to Prince Philip's memorial service at Westminster Abbey in March 2022, where he walked his mother down the aisle in a highly symbolic moment. But palace aides - as well as his relatives - are said to have been clear that the strength of public feeling against over his links to Epstein, must preclude him from taking part in frontline royal duties. Despite his non-appearance, the duke believes he should be included in other royal and state events, The Daily Telegraph reported. 'The colonelcy of the Grenadier Guards was his most coveted title and he wants it back,' a source said. 'Having remained a Counsellor of State, he also believes he should be included at royal and state events. Most importantly for him is his status as an HRH and 'Prince of the Blood' and he feels that should be reinstated and his position recognised and respected.' Andrew became Colonel of the Grenadier Guards five years ago after his father, Prince Philip, stepped back from public life and is said to have particularly enjoyed the role. It is claimed he wanted to wear the formal uniform of the rank at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral in 2021, prompting a decision that all royal men would wear civilian morning coats to avoid any embarrassment. A royal source said at the time that the 'Andrew problem' needed fixing. Another source told The Mail on Sunday: 'Clearly at some point soon, thought will have to be given as to how to support the duke as, [away] from the public gaze, he seeks slowly to rebuild his life in a different direction.' There was the suggestion that one option could see the duke spending more time in Scotland but a full-time move there is thought to be unlikely. Royal biographer Angela Levin said: 'Andrew should be ashamed of himself. 'His demand to return to duty was outrageous. It clearly showed he was not concerned about what happened with his court case. 'He was not found guilty - but, my goodness, there is a massive amount of grubbiness surrounding him.' Prince Andrew has denied the allegations. It has long been reported that the couple could one day move into Windsor Castle. The Queen spent much of her time at the Berkshire castle following the death of her beloved Prince Phillip. However it is understood Prince Charles does not plan to spend as much time there when he becomes king. It has previously been reported that the Prince of Wales plans to spend much of his time at Buckingham Palace during his reign. Prince William and Kate were centre stage at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year, appearing on the royal balcony twice and during Saturday night's Party at the Palace celebrations. They were also joined by Prince George and Princess Charlotte as they brought the Platinum Jubilee celebrations to Wales while visiting concert rehearsals at Cardiff Castle. Members of the Gwangju and South Jeolla Province Philippine community hold a parade during the Gwangju Philippines Day event in Gwangju's Geullin Park, May 28. / Courtesy of Arlo Matisz By Arlo Matisz Drizzling rain and a cloudy sky could not dampen spirits on Gwangju Philippines Day, organized by the Gwangju-Jeonnam Philippine Community (GJPC). Music, food and pageantry provided a festive atmosphere despite the inclement weather on May 28 in Unam-dong's Geullin Park. Members of the Gwangju and South Jeolla Province Philippine community march in a parade during the Gwangju Philippines Day event in Gwangju's Geullin Park, May 28. / Courtesy of Arlo Matisz Bright colors and smiles abounded during the parade which opened the festivities and the cultural dance competition which came later in the morning. Several contingents also prepared decorated booths promoting different regions of the Philippines. The Cordillera performance included a banging gong and a clashing of shields in mock combat. They won first prize in the booth competition. Members of the Gwangju and South Jeolla Province Philippine community pose in costume during the Gwangju Philippines Day event on May 28. / Courtesy of Arlo Matisz The Gwangju Filipino Catholic Community (GFCC) depicted an exorcism in a dramatic performance that included elements of the Santacruzan, which commemorates the finding of the True Cross and is held on the last day of May. Their performance earned them first place in the cultural dance competition, the biggest event of the day, which garnered a 1 million won prize and a great deal of celebration. After the cultural dances and a short concert, children and adults played games, including a very dramatic sack race. At the same time, participants mingled around the various booths which had been set up from early morning representing the different participating regions and clubs as well as sponsors of the event offering community services. Members of the Gwangju Filipino Catholic Community pose with their prize during during the Gwangju Philippines Day event in Gwangju's Geullin Park, May 28. They won first place in the cultural dance competition. Courtesy of Arlo Matisz The most popular booth by far was providing food to the hungry crowd. Joanne Pagaduan and Lee Jin-haeng, alongside their son Lee Ju-yong, a gentle giant with a friendly enthusiasm, who looked like he would be equally comfortable in a ssireum ring, busily worked together with several volunteers to pack and serve lunch boxes to the crowd, offering a variety of tantalizing treats native to the Philippines. Their store and restaurant KP Line has been operated in a series of locations since 2005. The most recent location in Gwangju's Songjeong has been open for the last 12 years. While many of their customers are Filipinos, they also cater to Koreans who have visited or lived in the Philippines and developed a taste for the unique cuisine, as well as the ever-popular San Miguel beer. Members of the Gwangju Filipino Catholic Community perform in the cultural dance competition during during the Gwangju Philippines Day event in Gwangju's Geullin Park, May 28. They won first place. Courtesy of Arlo Matisz The Korean Office of the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT), had a booth advertising an innovative program to incentivize Filipinos in Korea to bring their friends to visit the homeland. "This program is called Bisita, Be My Guest," said Jake Velasco, a marketing officer at PDOT. "Filipinos residing in Korea can invite their Korean or foreign friends to visit the Philippines. The Filipinos who invite them, called the sponsor, will get a chance to win condominiums and round trips to the Philippines." Not all of the booth operators were Filipino. Han Jae-dong is the education team leader for the Gwangju Support Center for Foreign Workers, which has a booth to promote the center to foreign workers. He explained the center gives foreign workers comprehensive education options, offering classes in Korean language, computer, safety, law and health promotion. Members of the Gwangju and South Jeolla Province Philippine community pose in front of a booth for Philippine Grace Christian Church during the Gwangju Philippines Day event in Gwangju's Geullin Park, May 28. / Courtesy of Arlo Matisz Two of the brightest outfits belonged to the emcees. For the second year in a row, PJ Baybay and Dessa Ruis held the crowd's attention all through hours of announcements, events and contests. "It's always great to see everyone full of colors and traditions. Actually, this is about promoting our culture, promoting our festivities in the Philippines. We have a lot of festivals. By doing this for Philippines Independence Day, it promotes more about the culture," Baybay said. Ruis had a positive outlook over the course of the day. "The weather today is gloomy, it is raining, but I can say it was still successful, and everyone is having fun and enjoying the festivities." Baybay explained with some degree of regret that this was his last time as emcee, as he was preparing to leave Gwangju after five years. He then introduced a young man new to the city, as if to show how the community carries on. Mark Arnelle had just arrived in Gwangju last October, and with a grin, he explained how he feels about his new job in one of Gwangju's key manufacturing industries. "It's good," he said. "The salary can change your life. Our work is assembling molds for car parts." Asked how Gwangju has helped him settle, his answer came naturally. "Our Catholic Filipino community. I'm a choir member, and I really love it. It's good because I have many friends here and they have become my family." Members of the Igmamuro Swagger Dance Troupe pose during during the Gwangju Philippines Day event in Gwangju's Geullin Park, May 28. They were the first runner up in the dance competition. Courtesy of Arlo Matisz GJPC President Sheryl Diaz, who gave the day's opening remarks, described the event's importance. "I want to share to Koreans that we still remember our Independence Day. And of course, even though we get married to Koreans, we should still remember our culture and traditions. We have lots of traditions in our country. We have fiesta, very big celebrations in every city of our country. The cultural dance competition presented from different regions. We want to share the feelings like in our country. We want to share it with others, not just for us, but also for our kids." Asked how the government can help promote multiculturalism, GJPC auditor Kim Su-min suggested, "To give us a space to celebrate it. By promoting it. Maybe a channel, to promote not just the Philippines, but all the other expats living in Korea, to express what their country has, so that Korea can also see it." GJPC adviser Anna Lissa Rubio Bahay added, "These activities are a part of our mission at the GJPC. One of our missions is to connect all of the Filipinos across Korea. Filipinos really love society and togetherness. We don't have our families. We feel at home with Filipinos. It's not easy to live in a foreign country, without our family. When we see each other, since we don't have family here, we become family. These activities are a visible reminder and recognition that we exist. We mothers have this strength to contribute in the community. This shows our personality, that we are a friendly, loving people, and if someone needs help, we are always willing to lend a hand." Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega gives a speech during the Gwangju Philippines Day event in Gwangju's Geullin Park, May 28. / Courtesy of Arlo Matisz He was today charged with attempted murder and rebellion with a weapon A British three-year-old girl who was stabbed in a French knife attack will be released from hospital within days it has emerged, as her alleged assailant was charged with attempted murder and rebellion with a weapon. Self-styled Syrian-Christian Abdelmasih Hanoun, 31, was on Saturday morning heavily sedated as he was presented before two examining judges at the Palais de Justice in Annecy. Among those injured in the attack, was three-year-old British girl Ettie Turner. She is expected to be released from hospital within days. He did not speak during his appearance behind closed doors, after being carried to a court room on a medical chair. He was placed under formal criminal examination for attempted murder and rebellion with a weapon, said Annecy Prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis. The suspect did not wish to speak when he was presented before judges. He will be remanded in custody. Self-styled Syrian-Christian Abdelmasih Hanoun, 31, was on Saturday morning taken from a secure police station in Annecy to the citys Palais de Justice He was carried on a medical chair after he was shot by French Police during his arrest Abdelmasih Hanoun, 31, pictured, is accused of attacking four children and two adults Attempted murder is punishable with life in prison, which is 30 years in France, and rebellion with a weapon comes with a five-year sentence. Hanoun was himself wounded by police following the attack, when video footage caught him saying the words In the name of Jesus Christ as he repeatedly plunged a knife into four children and two adults. They included British girl Ettie Turner, aged three, and three younger children, as well as two adults. All were stable on Saturday, and making a good recovery, with Ettie well enough to watch television. Also targeted were two French cousins named as Ennio and Alba, both two, and Peter, a 22-month-old Dutch boy. The two adults who were attacked were Manuel, 70, and Yusuf, 78, who was also hit by a police bullet in error. Tributes have been left at the scene where the attack took place including a balloon which said Love For the Children Line Bonnet-Mathis, the Annecy Prosecutor who is leading the investigation into the crimes, confirmed that Hanoun will appear before a judge on Saturday Despite being a failed asylum seeker who faced deportation, Hanoun was left to sleep rough in Annecy. A source who works on a lake pontoon by Lake Annecy said that he saw Hanoun every day for the two months preceding the attack. The source said: He was dressed in black black backpack, dark glasses, bearded, and he wore a headdress to protect him from the sun it could be a t-shirt, this wasnt a religious sign. The divorced father of a three-year-old girl is a Syrian Army deserter who was refused asylum in France six days ago and faced being deported. Despite this, there were no immediate attempts to remove him from the country, or to monitor his movements. Gerald Darmanin, Frances Interior Minister, said this was a troubling coincidence, adding: For reasons not well explained he had sought asylum in Switzerland, Italy and France. Hanoun arrived in Sweden 10 years ago, having served in the army during the countrys ongoing civil war. He married a Swedish woman he had met in Turkey, and they went on to have a daughter, now aged three, before the couple separated around eight months ago. Hanoun was twice refused Swedish citizenship, and this is thought to have motivated him to move to France alone. The multiple stabbings follow a series of similar crimes in France dating back to 2015, most of them linked to Islamist terrorism. Ms Bonnet-Mathis says there was nothing linking Hanouns alleged crimes with terrorism. Al Qaeda-linked jihadists have killed six civilians and wounded ten in a six-hour siege at a beachside hotel in Somalia, police said. Seven Al-Shabaab militants launched the attack on Pearl Beach Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, just before 8pm on Friday. The skirmish ended at around 2am after a shootout between security forces and the militants, according to the Somali Police Force. It comes as part of a 15-year-long Islamist insurgency against Somalia's federal government, which often targets hotels with high-ranking Somali and foreign officials. The Somali Police Force said: 'Six civilians were martyred in the attack and ten others were wounded. Seven Al-Shabaab militants launched the attack on Pearl Beach Hotel (pictured) in Mogadishu, Somalia, just before 8pm on Friday The skirmish ended at around 2am after a shootout between security forces and the militants, according to the Somali Police Force 'Three brave members of the security forces were martyred during the rescue operation. 'The security forces managed to rescue 84 people including women and children and elderly people.' One witness said he was worried about his colleagues because they are 'not responding to their phones' after the shootout. And others added they heard 'heavy' explosions and gunfire throughout the beachside hotel. Witness Abdirahim Ali said: 'I was near the Pearl Beach restaurant when a heavy explosion occurred in front of the building. 'I have managed to flee but there was heavy gunfire afterwards and the security forces rushed to the area.' Pictured: the damaged Pearl Beach Hotel after the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia Pictured: residents stand near the damage at Pearl Beach Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Saturday Pictured: an ambulance carries victims of the attack away from the hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia Witness Yaasin Nur was at the restaurant and said it was 'full of people as it was recently renovated'. He said: 'I'm worried because there are several of my colleagues who went there and two of them are not responding to their phones.' At least 613 civilians had been killed and 948 injured in violence in Somalia last year, mostly caused by improvised explosive devices attributed to Al-Shabaab, according to the UN. The figures were the highest since 2017 and an increase of more than 30 per cent from the previous year. A starving vulture has undergone the world's first beak transplant on a bird of prey and can feed again - after its own beak was crushed in a car crash. The stricken scavenger was on the brink of death as the beak of a dead vulture was screwed onto what was left of a badly damaged one following the accident. It had been rushed to conservation centre in South Africa having lost its left eye and hooked beak that it desperately needs to eat. Incredible photographs reveal how top wildlife vet Professor Katja Koeppel gave the bird a second chance at life after her pioneering operation worked. 'This unfortunate White Backed Vulture had been badly hit by a car and its beak had been crushed and without a new beak it would starve to death,' she said. One vulture was on the brink of death following a car crash that crushed its beak 'She had been brought into us by the vulture conservation centre VulPro to see if there was any way the important hooked section of the beak could be rebuilt to save her. 'We tried twice with prosthetic acrylic beaks but they were not strong enough and tore off when she was feeding so we had to come up with a plan thinking outside the box.' The procedure of transplanting a dead bird's beak onto a living bird is thought to have been done only once before on a duck in New Zealand. But the mallard's new beak only had to cope with chomping on soft earthworms and watery pondweeds, while a vulture rips the tough flesh off carcasses. The new 'bionic beak' would therefore need to survive this, allowing the vulture to devour fresh meat while in competition with other birds of prey. In the past, parrots and macaws have been fitted with titanium prosethetic bills to replace their own but two efforts to repeat this with the vulture failed. So, Dr Koeppel an Associate Professor with the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Veterinary Science created a unique transplant that would stand the test of time. She continued: 'We had a dead White Backed Vulture in the laboratory freezer for research purposes so we sawed a piece of its beak off that would match hooked bit of the missing beak. The beak of a dead vulture was screwed onto what was left of its damaged one Professor Katja Koeppel believes this is a world first procedure on a bird of prey 'Then we used six strong orthopaedic screws to secure the beak from the dead bird to the broken beak beneath and we are delighted it has so far lasted a month.' The beak transplant took around 30 minutes to complete and is thought to be a world first for a bird of prey. In an unusual twist, vet Katja explained that bird beaks are made of keratin which is the same protein found in rhinoceros horns and human fingernails. As a result, keratin will allow the beak to grow back in time while the transplanted beak acts as a protective shield. Vet Katja said: 'It will take a year perhaps but in time the original will grow back fully beneath the transplanted beak which will then be cut off at the right time,. 'Because she was blinded in one eye in the crash and because of her transplanted beak she will need constant monitoring so can't be released back into the wild. 'We hope she will find a mate at the VulPro conservation centre and if she does produce chicks they will be released into the wild to preserve the species.' White backed vultures are classed as highly endangered, declining from the 270,000 in Southern Africa in 1992 to the estimated 40,000 today. The beak transplant took around 30 minutes to complete and is thought to be a world first Keratin will allow the beak to grow back in time while the transplanted beak acts as a shield A sharp plummet in wildlife areas is one reason for this in addition to secondary poisoning. READ MORE: Majestic bald eagle is left dazed but unharmed after flying into patio window and shattering it A bald eagle flew into the patio window of a California home with enough momentum to smash the glass. The eagle is pictured here through the broken window of the house Advertisement This occurs when vultures eat poisoned animals, such as foxes and jackals, that farmers kill to avoid attacks on their stock. The injured vulture who will be named when a sponsor takes her on was injured in a crash in Coligny in North West Province in March. Chief Executive Officer Kerri Wolter of VulPro said: 'The University's veterinary wing did a remarkable back and the vulture is recovering well in a compound. 'She will have to sadly remain in captivity forever due to her injuries but will have a happy life and she is currently eating meat that has been sliced up for her. 'But in time we hope she will move onto eating from carcasses with her new beak but it is a case of wait and see and everyone has their fingers crossed.' Kerri set up the charity which sees 100 injured vultures pass through each year, of which 60 per cent are safely released to the wild once again. Most injuries are severely broken wings from powerlines or hitting wind turbines but all nine species of vulture in South Africa are now in severe decline. Vultures are powerful birds with massive wingspans that spend the days aloft riding thermals in search of carrion such as zebras or antelope to feast upon. The scavengers are important to the ecosystem as they clean the carcasses using their large hooked beaks to reduce the rotting flesh to just bones in hours. By removing the meat from the decomposing carcasses, vultures do the crucial work of clearing up after death thus preventing the spread of deadly diseases. White backed vultures weigh up to 7kg and boast a wingspan of up to 8ft as they soar over the savannah below looking for kills. Kerri said: 'They are wonderful birds and seriously endangered and under threat every day and our team is doing everything we can to help injured vultures get back into the wild'. A government plan to house asylum seekers on board a cruise ship in Liverpool has been scrapped after port officials refused permission for the controversial scheme to proceed. Home Secretary Suella Braverman wanted to put 500 men aboard the vessel while a decision about their future was determined. But, according to Sky News, the Birkenhead plan has been abandoned after Peel Ports objected to the proposal. Under the plan, the MS Victoria, which is currently moored in Scotland would be chartered and brought to Birkenhead where it would be used to house 500 male asylum seekers. But local port officials objected to the proposal. The Government is desperate to move asylum seekers away from hotels and believe that by placing them on barges or cruise ships will make Britain a less-desirable location for seeking shelter. This latest setback comes shortly after the Royal Docks in London informed the Home Office that it could not moor a barge beside London City Airport. The government has been blocked from mooring a cruise ship in Birkenhead, Liverpool to house 500 asylum seekers while a decision was made about their future But Peel Ports who control Birkenhead said it would not allow the vessel to dock for housing asylum seekers. A refusal was made by the Royal Docks in London, while opposition has been expressed in several other locations that are being considered by the Home Office Labour Mayor of London Mr Khan had set out his objections publicly to the suggestion a location in the capital could be chosen for such a vessel. He has since written to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to express his support for the Royal Docks' decision to deny permission for a barge. 'I am writing to you following the recent decision by the Royal Docks Management Authority to reject the use of King George V Dock as a berth to accommodate people seeking asylum. 'I wish first to put on record my support for this decision and secondly to outline my absolute opposition to the Government's policy of housing asylum seekers on vessels.' Scott Derben, managing director of London's Royal Docks, said: 'London's Royal Docks were approached by the Home Office to look at the feasibility of berthing a cruise ship to house asylum seekers. 'After investigation, it was concluded that this would not be an appropriate use for the Royal Docks. ''The Home Office were informed of this decision in May.; Mr Khan said the UK's capital had a 'proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge' as he set out his 'deep concerns' about the Conservative Government policy of housing asylum seekers on barges. He told Mrs Braverman there was 'no evidence' that barge accommodation would act as a deterrent to those seeking to come to Britain and argued it would 'leave large numbers of people in wholly unsuitable conditions'. The former MP also said the boats would be 'highly visible' and that those being housed in them could be at 'significant risk' from targeting by far-right protests. 'I would urge you in the strongest possible terms to abandon the Government's plans to accommodate those seeking asylum in vessels,' he added. Home Secretary Suella Braverman, pictured, wants to house asylum seekers on barges across the country, but is facing opposition from local Tory backbenchers Rishi Sunak insisted that his pledge to 'stop the boats' was 'starting to work', as he revealed two more giant vessels will be used for migrant accommodation. The Prime Minister declined to say where the two new barges would be moored, but there has been speculation that the vessels could be moored near Liverpool and Middlesbrough. A Home Office spokeswoman, asked about Royal Docks' stance, said: 'The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels. 'This is why we continue to source new alternative sites and vessels to accommodate migrants, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours are doing. 'We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.' It comes as Labour accused ministers of 'quietly ditching' the two-tier refugee system, which was introduced under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, pictured, insists that his plan to stop small boats is working In a written ministerial statement to MPs, immigration minister Robert Jenrick confirmed that the differentiation policy would be paused from July. 'This means we will stop taking grouping decisions under the differentiated asylum system after these rules changes and those individuals who are successful in their asylum application, including those who are granted humanitarian protection, will receive the same conditions. 'Our ability to remove failed asylum applicants remains unchanged,' he said. CLICK TO READ MORE: Government plans to house asylum seekers on luxury cruise ships The MS Victoria boasts luxury cabins - although it is not clear whether changes have been made for its current purpose Advertisement Mr Jenrick said that the policy, which created two separate approaches to refugees depending on their route to the UK, had been the 'right approach' when it came into force last June. 'Since then, the scale of the challenge facing the UK, like other countries, has grown,' he said. He added that the Illegal Migration Bill now 'represents a considerably stronger means of tackling the same issue that the differentiation policy sought to address'. The Government's Illegal Migration Bill is currently in the Lords, where it has faced strong criticism and close scrutiny from peers. But shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said that Labour had warned that the policy would only make 'the bureaucracy and chaos worse'. 'Even worse, they have slipped out the announcement in a written statement to avoid publicity or scrutiny by Parliament or the press. 'This is a damning indictment of the Conservatives' flagship immigration Bill, and of their entire record on small boats, and shows ministers have no idea what they are doing to fix the Tory small boats chaos. 'Labour will fix the asylum system that has been broken under 13 years of the Tories.' Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the move was the 'right decision'. He said: 'The Government is now admitting that its flagship Nationality and Borders Act has failed to deliver. 'As was predicted by us and other refugee organisations, it hasn't deterred desperate men, women and children from taking dangerous journeys but has simply led to unnecessary misery for many refugees, leaving them stuck in limbo unable to move on with their lives.' Staff at the anti-poverty charity Oxfam were 'lured' into a 'lengthy presentation' on transgender inclusion, it has been revealed. At a meeting of area managers last month, a PowerPoint slide titled 'Trans and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Guide' kicked off a lecture on diversity and inclusion. Advice from LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall was included, as was guidance on toilet usage and pronouns, with staff members instructed to include theirs in emails and to announce them at the beginning of meetings. Some attendees felt attacked by the tone of the session, which was rather different to managers' usual meetings about the shops they oversee. Oxfam has faced a number of scandals relating to its inclusion policies and faced backlash earlier this week over a video which appeared to depict JK Rowling as an 'evil' transphobe. The charity also settled a claim last July with a former volunteer who had been 'hounded' out of her job after defending the embattled author. A still from the video shared by Oxfam earlier this week, which appeared to show JK Rowling as an 'evil' transphobe Prominent gender-critical feminist Kathleen Stock said she was 'shocked' by the video, which had been made for Pride month One person at the meeting told The Times that they felt 'lured' into the meeting, which had an agenda that focused mainly on retail but ended up as a 'lengthy presentation' on transgender rights. They added that: 'None of us joined the charity for its newly found political views, its LGBTQ+ stance or for financial gain. 'We do it for the "respect" of humanity as a whole. We work with a diverse workforce every single day and "mutual respect" is all thats required. 'It felt like we were being deemed as stupid, that we need lessons on behaviour, when gender/sexuality/race/ability or religion shouldnt even come into our work.' They concluded that it felt as if the charity's long-standing work on women's rights was being eroded by the position and said people were afraid of speaking out about their opinions for fear of being reprimanded. Other information included in the lecture was a link to a Stonewall glossary featuring terms including abro (people who have a fluid sexual and/or romantic orientation which changes over time), ace (a term for those who don't or rarely experience sexual and/or romantic attraction) and grey (people who only experience attraction occasionally or under certain conditions). Staff were told that it is 'best practice' to share pronouns in email signatures and to introduce themselves with their pronouns at the beginning of meetings. They should also use gender-neutral language, the document said. Trans people should be allowed to use the bathroom of their choosing, the guidance advised, whether or not they have a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). The charity anticipated pushback to the guidance, sending out the PowerPoint alongside an additional document called 'What Pushback Do We Anticipate?' to staff members who did not attend the meeting. An Oxfam spokesman said: 'Tackling discrimination of all kinds is core to Oxfam's mission of ending poverty. We know from our work around the world that discrimination whether on the basis of race, gender and sexuality is often a major obstacle in people's efforts to build a better life for themselves. This picture of JK Rowling at the Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald premiere in Paris in 2018 appears to be very similar to the cartoon woman depicted in Oxfam's video 'At heart, training shop staff about how best they can welcome people of different identities and our work fighting for women's rights around the world are both about respecting people for who they are. 'We are proud of our work helping women make their voices heard everywhere from parliaments to peace processes and in working with communities to tackle domestic violence, to take just two examples. 'It is only when we respect and uphold all human rights that we can overcome poverty.' The row comes days after Oxfam faced enormous online backlash for a promotional video which appeared to show Harry Potter author JK Rowling as an 'evil' transphobe, complete with scary eyes and a ferocious scowl. Oxfam insisted the cartoon character was not supposed to be based on anyone and said it would re-release a cut version of the cartoon. The version it later published had removed the scene. Ms Forstater and Ms Rowling are good friends and share similar views on women's rights Maya Forstater, a business studies and international development researcher, accused Oxfam of 'demonising safeguarding, demonising older women, promoting double-mastectomies to children, bulk harassment of gender-critical staff' JK Rowling has previously described former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon as a 'destroyer of women's rights' The character in the original appeared to resemble Ms Rowling's usual haircut and style, as well as a green dress she has been pictured wearing. A memorial poppy she wore in the real image - taken at a 2018 film premiere - is replaced with a badge, bearing the word 'Terf'. The acronym stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist, a view the author has denied having. The co-founder of the Sex Matters campaign Maya Forstater said earlier this week that Oxfam was at a fork in the road. She told MailOnline: 'I think this could be Oxfam's Ratner moment if they don't start standing up for women's rights. 'A lot of their volunteers are women, a lot of their shoppers are women. Oxfam appears to be just listening to these big international foundations, rather than the woman in the street. 'I think Britain is standing up for this a bit more in a way no one really else is. 'I have been following this for a long time and have spoken to people inside Oxfam about it. The message is clear from Oxfam on women's rights being different from trans rights keep quiet about it or leave. I think these views are particularly coming from international organisations, donors, NGOs, they have all adopted it and pushed it. 'On that video, Oxfam hardly made an apology on it.' It came as 'Maria', a volunteer at an Oxfam bookshop, received an apology from the charity after allegedly being 'hounded' out for defending the writer. It prompted an investigation which saw Maria have a nervous breakdown and leave the job and the country. She said members of an LGBTQ+ group encouraged colleagues to complain about the discussion, accusing her of transphobia. Maria claimed constructive dismissal and belief discrimination. In July last year, both parties agreed to settle, with Oxfam issuing a public apology for its handling of the process. Egypt has put its beaches in lockdown following the brutal shark attack that killed a 23-year-old in front of his desperate father. Authorities have cracked down on snorkelling, swimming and watersports after Vladimir Popov was mauled to death by a tiger shark at the Hurghada resort in Egypt. Witnesses say the victim's now mourning girlfriend had been in the water at the time of the attack, while his helpless father watched from ashore. The ban will last until tomorrow, with beaches from the northern El-Gouna Resort to the south border of Abu Souma Bay affected. In a statement, Egypt's Environment Ministry said: 'Dr. Yasmin Fouad, the Minister of the Environment, directed the staff specialized in managing the shark attack incident on a pioneer of Hurghada beaches, to apply all policies applied globally to achieve maximum levels of safety for Red Sea shores and to take all possible measures to avoid the repetition of the shark attack incident again. Vladimir Popov (pictured), 23, was killed by a tiger shark at Hurghada resort in Egypt READ MORE: Father describes how he was forced to watch helplessly while 'meat grinder' tiger shark mauled his son to death Holidaymakers scrambled from the water as horrified onlookers called out to Vladimir Advertisement 'In light of abnormal shark behaviour causing the incident and previous fact that there have been incidents of attacks on humans by this species in the past, the fishing team examined the fish that caused the incident to examine it to find out possible causes for the attack and whether it was. Same fish that caused previous accidents.' The distraught father, Yury Popov, told of his horror while watching his son be pulled apart by the 'meat grinder' as he screamed out: 'Papa, save me!' Holidaymakers scrambled from the water as horrified onlookers called out to Vladimir to swim away from the shark before he was mauled to death. The tiger shark was then caught and dragged to land by boat before it was killed. 'We went to the beach to relax,' Mr Popov, originally from Russia, told the 112 media outlet. 'My son was attacked by a shark, it all happened in seconds.' The heartbroken father said there were no family members near his son to help in the water, though some reports say the 23-year-old's girlfriend had managed to flee the attack. 'What kind of help can you give? This meat grinder happened in 20 seconds, he was just dragged under the water,' Mr Popov said. 'This is an absolutely ridiculous coincidence, because it is a safe beach. There are ships and yachts around. It's never happened there. They usually attack on wild beaches. It's just some kind of evil fate.' Authorities have cracked down on snorkeling and swimming following the attack Witnesses say the victim's girlfriend Anastasia (pictured right) had been in the water at the time of the attack while his helpless father watched from the shore Tourists watched in horror from the shore as the beast wounded Vladimir Popov before dragging him under the water Tourists watched in horror from the shore as the beast wounded Vladimir Popov before dragging him under the water READ MORE: How monster jellyfish, poisonous fish and sharks are increasingly spotted around UK coast Advertisement Vladimir had been living with his father in Egypt for several months before the horrific attack. But Mr Popov said he would cremate his son and return his ashes to their native Russia. Video shows the tiger shark being caught and dragged ashore by a boat, and it appeared to be alive before being clubbed to death. The Egyptian authorities confirmed the shark has been handed over for research to find out the causes of its behaviour and identify whether the animal is related to one that 'caused several previous accidents'. 'Later, the remains were found, and the body was put in a bag and taken to the morgue,' he said. So far, Popov's father Yury is the only member of the family to speak. His girlfriend, Anastasia, who is in her early twenties, has so far not spoken of the tragedy. But one female friend did add that Vladimir was a 'good guy' who loved his father very much. He was only a month away from his birthday,' she said. ''Friends say that he moved there [to Egypt] with his father.' Holidaymakers scrambled from the water as horrified onlookers called out to Vladimir (pictured) to swim away from the shark before he was mauled to death Vladimir's girlfriend Anastasia, who is in her early twenties, has so far not spoken of the tragedy A distraught woman was seen on the beach being comforted by two other woman moments after Vladimir was mauled to death READ MORE: Map shows where sharks have savaged swimmers in the Red Sea after tourist was killed Advertisement 'As far as I know, he really liked living in Moscow, his whole life was there. 'Vova was a wonderful person and loved his father very much.' The horrific attack follows another at Sahl Hasheesh last year that saw 68-year-old Austrian Elisabeth Sauer mauled in front of horrified onlookers at a resort in Sahl Hasheesh - 30 minutes from Hurghada, where Vladimir was killed. A second woman - identified only as a Romanian national in her 40s - is also thought to have been killed in a similar attack just 650ft away from where Ms Sauer died, with her badly disfigured remains found on a nearby reef the same day. Ms Sauer lost an arm and a leg in an attack that was caught on film, as onlookers tried to distract the shark and get her to safety. She reached the shore with the help of a flipper, but died a short time later. Reports at the time - from news agency AFP and Austrian news outlets - pointed to the attack being committed by a Mako shark, while local Egyptian newspapers named the animal as an Oceanic whitetip shark. He is set to face murder charges over the killing of Cash App founder Bob Lee The accused killer was investigated but never charged in the slashings Nima Momeni allegedly stabbed two teenagers in a 'dispute over drugs' in 2005 The man accused of murdering Cash App founder Bob Lee was investigated by police over the stabbings of two teenagers almost two decades ago. Nima Momeni, 38, a tech entrepreneur, was never charged in the alleged slashing, which police said at the time was a possible 'dispute over drugs'. According to the SF Chronicle, a then-20-year-old Momeni stabbed a 19-year-old and a 16-year-old in 2005, inflicting only minor wounds. A witness claimed the younger victim had attacked Momeni first, and Albany Police listed him as both a suspect and a victim in their report about the incident. Momeni was cited for potential charges including assault with a deadly weapon, possession of drugs and possession of drugs with the intent to sell, but prosecutors declined to pursue charges. Nima Momeni allegedly stabbed two teens in 2005. He is pictured in court on May 2, 2023 Momeni allegedly stabbed the teens as a 20-year-old. He is pictured in his Albany High School yearbook photograph The 38-year-old is charged with murdering tech rival Bob Lee on the streets of San Francisco on April 4. Prosecutors allege he got into a heated dispute with Lee over his relationship with Momeni's sister, who Lee had visited earlier in the evening. Prosecutors argued that he vowed to 'come down hard' on Lee over his relationship with his married sister, before he then allegedly stabbed him in the heart with a kitchen knife. He is set to face a murder trial for the slaying, however legal experts say his previous brush with the law as a 20-year-old could be an 'interesting development'. Due to the length of time since the alleged stabbings and a lack of evidence that initially saw the case dropped, coupled with the lack of a conviction, it likely will not have any legal standing. But if Momeni were to testify in court, the incident could be used by prosecutors to question his character and paint him as a dangerous individual. 'The prosecution will be watching like hawks for an opportunity to bring it in,' said Tom Kensok, a former prosecutor, to the SF Chronicle. 'Its something the prosecution will make some effort to explore and develop.' Lee, a father-of-two, was killed in the early hours of April 4 after being stabbed in the heart The timeline of events leading to the Cash App founder's alleged murder Momeni is due back in court on June 13 after previously pleading not guilty to the killings. His last appearance before a judge resulted in the accused killer parting ways with his defense team, who have been replaced by attorneys Saam Zangeneh and Bradford Cohen. In an interview with DailyMail.com, Zangeneh said Momeni was 'excited' to have them on board as he attempts to fight the murder charges against him. 'He's excited for us to get to work,' he added. Police they have surveillance footage that lays out how Momeni lured Lee, a prominent, well-known Silicon Valley entrepreneur, into his car and then down a dark side street in San Francisco before stabbing him to death. Prosecutors say he was furious about his sister's friendship with Lee. Text messages revealed a close friendship between the pair, and some of Lee's friends believed they might have been in a romantic relationship. Lee and Momeni's sister Khazar Elyassnia had reportedly been partying together the night of his murder. She is pictured with her husband Dr Dino Elyassnia Shocking surveillance footage captured Bob Lee's agonizing final moments after he was stabbed in the heart. The entrepreneur was filmed staggering through the streets of San Francisco pleading for help as he left a trail of blood behind him. He was seen lifting his shirt to reveal the fatal wound to an unnamed driver, who callously drove away from Lee before he collapsed in the street. After Lee was rushed to hospital by paramedics, they tried desperately in vain to save his life, including stapling shut wounds in his heart over a four-hour battle. The entrepreneur was pronounced dead on the operating table, and a coroner's report revealed he had ketamine, cocaine and alcohol in his system. One of Britain's loneliest pensioners has been told the news that he has oesophageal cancer just days after sharing his grief on a documentary. John Foster, 76, who has outlived all his friends and family, has said he wishes he wasn't here after discovering he has the disease just six weeks ago. The former shipyard worker, who appeared in the Channel 4 documentary Britain's Forgotten Pensioners, is now unable to eat and is forced to survive on liquid protein mixes that he says 'taste vile'. John lives alone in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear and sits in the dark with his empty fridge turned off due to rising energy costs and visits his family's graves every day. He said: 'It's no life, it's not living, it's just existing, things were bad enough but now I can't even enjoy the little things. The former shipyard worker, who appeared in the Channel 4 documentary Britain's Forgotten Pensioners, is now unable to eat and is forced to survive on liquid protein mixes that he says 'taste vile' 76-year-old John Foster lives alone in the house he used to share with his parents and two siblings, and told of his daily struggle to cope with his isolation John lives alone in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear and sits in the dark with his empty fridge turned off due to rising energy costs and visits his family's graves every day John is currently undergoing chemotherapy for the disease which is making him very ill 'I used to love my breakfasts, sometimes I'd even have two, one of the only joys I had left, now I can't eat anything, I'm sick to death. 'I have to take three of these bottles a day and they're horrible, they taste like chemicals, everything I try to eat does now. 'I used to love pasties too, I've tried to eat small bits but they taste like the drugs I'm taking. 'Where the tumour is, it's stopping any food getting down to my stomach and it gets stuck, it's constantly feeling like somethings went down the wrong way, it's awful. John is currently undergoing chemotherapy for the disease which is making him very ill. He is due to start radiotherapy in January 2024 but he doesn't feel hopeful about the future. He added: 'To be honest, I would rather not be here. 'People can't survive like this, the drugs attack everything, I felt fine until I got diagnosed, I thought i had a hernia and it would be a simple check up. 'The doctor sat me down and told me it was serious, my health has deteriorated since starting chemo, I just don't have the energy for anything. 'I said to the doctor last time I went for a check up, can you please just give me something to end it all. 'I usually go cut the grass at the cemetery on a Saturday, and I look forward to it, I am so tired I don't know if I can even do that any more, anything I once enjoyed - I can't do'. The gentle OAP captured the hearts of the nation in the Dispatches programme aired on Wednesday, June 7, when it was revealed he leaves his will out on his sofa overnight in case something happens to him and no-one is around. The retired shipyard worker has now revealed he leaves all his paperwork out 24/7 now since his diagnosis in case he dies. 'I'm completely on my own. I haven't even got any relations anywhere, I'm just here, that's it. Existing,' he said in a heartbreaking interview John Foster, who appeared in a Channel 4 Dispatches programme called Britain's Forgotten Pensioners, shows how he lays out his will before going to bed The pensioner explained that his brother, a miner, Thomas (pictured) died four days before his 41st birthday John's last surviving relative, his beloved sister Joan, 74, (pictured left with their mother) whom he lived with, died six years ago leaving the former factory worker completely on his own The pensioner explained that his his sister died five years ago. His mother and father (pictured) died within 27 hours of each other He said: 'It's no life, it's not living, it's just existing, things were bad enough but now I can't even enjoy the little things' John's last surviving relative, his beloved sister Joan, 74, whom he lived with, died six years ago leaving the former factory worker completely on his own. 'People thought we were a married couple we were that close, we did everything together, I miss her so much. 'We were such a close knit family, none of us left the family home. It was mam, dad, me, my younger brother Tom and my sister. 'Tom died four days before his 41st birthday and I don't think my parents ever recovered, my mam became a recluse, losing her youngest child broke her. 'He was a miner and had coal dust on his lungs but he was in and out of hospital for years and couldn't walk properly by the end. 'My mam lost all interest in everything, stopped cooking, didn't want to leave the house, we had to rally round and force her out the house, she couldn't cope'. Just four years later he sadly lost his parents Margaret, 76, and John, 82, who tragically died within 24 hours of each other. 'We were sitting watching telly and my dad went through the living room to go get ready. 'Mam said ring an ambulance your dad doesn't look right, so I did. 'We were such a close knit family, none of us left the family home. It was mam, dad, me, my younger brother Tom and my sister,' said Mr Foster, 76 Asked if he ever feels sad, Mr Foster said: 'You should say "do you ever feel happy?" Because I'm sad all the time' 'When they knocked on the door my dad went off it with me for ringing them, he hated hospitals and didn't like the fuss, he swore he was fine and an hour later he was dead. 'When I told my mam she recoiled in shock, sat back on her armchair, and that was it, she never spoke another word. 'She died the next day, the coroner said he couldn't medically say she passed with a broken heart but sometimes when someone gets such a big shock, it can kill them. 'Her and my dad were so close, they did everything together so I don't think she would have survived without him anyway. 'Me and my sister were traumatised by losing them both so suddenly, the house went from being full to being just us, i tried to kill myself, I didn't want to be here anymore without them. 'I got sectioned after taking an overdose, it was too terrible to imagine living in a world without them here, but Joan got me through it. 'It was just us two after that so when Joan died of Dementia in 2017 I was completely alone and terrified, the house was all of a sudden so silent and I've felt hollow ever since. 'She was such a funny person, everywhere we went people loved her, she loved embarrassing me. 'She was completely deaf after having meningitis at two-year-old and had learning difficulties but she was smart, she looked after me so when she passed, it was like losing everything, a light went out. 'None of us married, none of us had kids. My mam used to say "when are you going to get married and give me grandchildren?" But none of us did, she never got them. 'I feel incredibly lonely, I visit their graves every day just to feel closer to them, they're all buried in the same place and I'll be joining them one day, probably soon.' Mr Foster stays in the dark at night to avoid having to pay for his electric lights Mr Foster's will and funeral arrangements laid out on a sofa in his living room for someone to find if they walk in following his death The heartbreaking programme showed Mr Foster laying out his will and funeral arrangements before going to bed in case he died in the night. 'I started doing this when my sister died. I've got no family - they've all gone - so there's nobody to do things like this,' he said. 'If anyone comes into the house this is the first thing they're going to see. They will phone the funeral directors, they'll come out and everything will be done.' READ MORE - Inflation-hit Britons reveal their struggles paying mortgages, feeding their children and filling up their cars Advertisement Asked if he ever feels sad, Mr Foster said: 'You should say "do you ever feel happy?" Because I'm sad all the time.' The pensioner explained that his brother, a miner, died four days before his 41st birthday, while his sister died five years ago. His mother and father died within 27 hours of each other. 'I've got no family, never been married, no kids. Family, if you lose one or two it's bad enough, but if you lose all of them you're completely on your own and it's just a nightmare,' he said. 'I can't believe I'm the last one here. It takes getting your head around it, you just can't work it out.' The documentary showed Karen Noble, from local charity Pallion Action Group, helping Mr Foster gain access to benefits so he could afford utility bills and proper meals. In total this amounted to an extra 131.25 every week which the pensioner did not know he was entitled to. He said afterwards: 'I'm getting a lot more money now, which I've been entitled to for a few years and I didn't know, I had no idea.' The documentary showed Karen Noble, from local charity Pallion Action Group, helping Mr Foster gain access to benefits so he could afford utility bills and proper meals Mr Foster can now afford to go shopping and no longer needs to rely on foodbanks. Ms Noble said: 'I know that there's lots of information online, but we all know older people who don't go online. 'In John's case, if somebody had sat, when his sister had passed away and was on his own, had asked what was going on, then that would have highlighted that he needed some additional support. 'Nobody did, so whose responsibility is it and how are we going to solve it? I think it's shocking that we've got a 76-year-old man who could have been getting an additional benefit for ten years and nobody picked it up.' A National Energy Action poll commissioned by Channel 4 for the documentary revealed the struggles elderly people are facing due to rising gas and electricity bills. It revealed one in five (19 per cent) over-65s went to bed earlier than usual for warmth, while 1.8million older people turned off their heating completely this winter to save money. Meanwhile, three in five (59 per cent) over 65s said they used their heating less than they ordinarily would. Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said: 'Many viewers will be shocked by this programme, and they are right to be. 'Pensioner poverty fell steadily for a generation but then it rose again and now, as this documentary demonstrates, it's truly back with a vengeance. 'What we see in this programme ought to be a wake-up call that prompts an important discussion about how we ensure every older person can live decently and with dignity, free from the fear of the next big unaffordable bill.' Hard-pressed households will receive a minor boost next month as Ofgem lowers its price cap to just over 2,000 a year - a saving of nearly 450. Energy consultancy firm Cornwall Insight predicts the price cap will fall by 446 to 2,054 a year, based on falling wholesale energy prices. However, campaigners warned households are not set to feel relief for another seven years, with energy bills set to remain high until 2030 at the earliest. 'We do not currently expect bills to return to pre-2020 levels before the end of the decade at the earliest,' Cornwall Insight said. Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) said that bills would remain 'unaffordable' for many due to the Government's decision to cut its winter support packages. You can watch Britain's Forgotten Pensioners: Dispatches now on 4oD. The aspiring marine biologist, although in only eighth grade, has won a scholarship to the university when she is ready to go to college A 13-year-old girl that fought off a bull shark that attacked her in shallow waters in Florida has returned to the ocean to tag sharks with scientific researchers. Ella Reed, was sitting in the shallows with her friends at Fort Pierce Beach last month when a four-foot bull shark swam underneath her friend and attacked her. The brave teen fought the animal off by punching it in the face and using her arms to protect her stomach. The young girl sustained injuries to her stomach, arm, finger, and knee and had to get 19 stitches. However, Reed, who one day aspires to be a marine biologist, has returned to the sea at the invitation of Nova Southeastern University who were tagging sharks for research in an inspiring segment that aired on NBC's Today. Ella Reed got ack in the water with sharks just a month after her viscous attack The teen helped a university team tag sharks for research Derek Burkholder Ph.D, a research scientists at the university told Today that they invited Reed because 'we thought that maybe that first interaction wasn't quite the best. 'We would like her second interaction with a shark to be a much more positive one.' 'When I received the invitation to go shark tagging I was super excited, Reed told the program. 'I'm hoping to learn their behavior and more about them.' Not only did Reed get stuck in throwing bait to the sharks and tagging their fins from the boat, she also bravely swum alongside them in the water. 'The tiger shark felt like leather and sandpaper, it was really weird and the nurse shark kind of felt like sandpaper too' Reed said of the experience. 'Tagging the sharks was super fun, it was a lot better than the other time I had an experience with another shark.' Ella's mother Devin Reed said she was pleased her daughter had the opportunity to interact with sharks. Ella Reed, was sitting in shallow water with her friends at Fort Pierce Beach last month when a four foot bull shark swam underneath her friend and attacked her The young girl sustained injuries to her stomach, arm, finger, and knee and had to get 19 stitches The brave teen fought the shark off by punching the shark in the face and using her arms to protect her stomach Not only did Reed get stuck in throwing bait to the sharks and tagging their fins from the boat, she also bravely swum alongside them in the water Ella's mother Devin Reed said she was pleased her daughter had the opportunity to interact with sharks The university have offered Ella a scholarship to study marine biology with them when she is old enough to go to college 'Now that she's able to see marine biology and how you can put that to work, and how you really can make a difference. 'I hope it guides her in the area she wants to go in.' Although Ella is only in eight grade, the university have offered her a scholarship to come and study marine biology with them when she is old enough to go to college. First responders who were attempting to get the scene of a mass shooting in San Francisco were waylaid because a Cruise self-driving car was stopped in the street, a witness said. A shooting in the city's Mission District on Friday night left nine people wounded in an attack that law enforcement officials have referred to as 'targeted' in what is the latest sorry incident in the crime-ridden city. San Francisco police responded to a shots fired call in the area at 24th and Treat Streets on Friday around 9pm. A video posted on Twitter by a witness shows the access being blocked because of the robotic car. In the clip, a San Francisco cop shouts at the car to move because it was blocking ambulances. 'All of a sudden, there were cops, fire engines, and ambulances heading down Folsom toward 24th. The Cruise car just stopped on Folsom. An officer got out of his car and started pounding on the window, yelling at the car to get off the street and get out of the way,' witness Paul Valdez told The San Francisco Standard. A spokesperson for Cruise told DailyMail.com that the car stopped 'as it was approaching an active emergency scene, then proceeded to perform a U-turn and pull over.' 'Throughout this time, all vehicles, including emergency response vehicles, were able to proceed around our car,' the statement continued. San Francisco police responded to a shooting in the Mission District on Friday where nine people were shot in what authorities believe was a targeted shooting Five of the nine victims were taken to the hospital. Four had minor injuries, while one underwent surgery. All victims are expected to survive. Fellow Mission friends. Please stay away from 24th/Folsom. Gunshots fired; reckless Cruise cars. pic.twitter.com/fICRtS6e05 Paul Valdez (@paulvaldezsf) June 10, 2023 Five of the nine victims were taken to the hospital, according to NBC Bay Area. Four had minor injuries, while one underwent surgery. All victims are expected to survive. A police official said that the shooting was 'targeted and isolated.' Cruise self-driving cars is headquartered in San Francisco and is a subsidiary of General Motors. DailyMail.com has reached out to the company for comment on this story. The City of the Bay's crime is now this year by 6.9 percent compared to the same time last year. However, homicide and robbery are both up five and 16.1 percent, respectively. Despite crime being down overall, residents of the city are claiming that liberal politics are causing San Francisco to become a 'fourth world country within a first world country.' One witness described a person's injuries as looking 'very serious.' 'I could see one victim. I heard the shooting loud and clear but didn't visually witness it. The corner where I live is now yellow-taped, cops taking notes and looking for spent rounds, I think. [A victim] was being tended to by three people until emergency response came. It looked very serious,' the unnamed witness told The San Francisco Standard. The Standard's report goes on to note that a local clothing store, Dying Breed, was holding a block party in the area at the time of the shooting. Soft-on-crime policies on the West Coast hub have allowed rampant lawlessness and open-air drug markets to take over the city, leading disgruntled resident Darren Mark Stallcup, 26, to admit he 'can't keep living this way'. 'We are witnessing the collapse of the Paris of the West and potentially the decline of Western civilization, with San Francisco being the first domino,' he told Fox News. 'I am personally witnessing a fentanyl genocide, every night I'm going to sleep to the sound of sirens and waking up to people screaming for their lives.' His remarks come as over 70,000 residents have fled San Francisco since the start of the pandemic to escape the crumbling city's drug and crime crisis. Stallcup, who recently launched a fundraiser to help him move from San Francisco after fentanyl made the city 'uninhabitable', frequently documents the ugly scenes on the streets to bring awareness to the issues. Police believe it was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the area The incident occurred on 24th and Treat Streets (pictured) around 9pm His videos frequently show streets lined with tents, open-air drug taking and homeless addicts terrorizing people without consequence. 'When I go out every morning and count the bodies, when I'm documenting the fentanyl genocide happening in our community,' Stallcup said. 'My goal is to show the world what's really happening on the streets of San Francisco.' Earlier this year, embattled California Governor Gavin Newsom pledged to crack down on the metro's untamed drug and crime wave. But Stallcup said elected officials are to blame for the ongoing crisis, where lenient policies and underfunded police forces are unable to bring the city back to life. The City of the Bay's crime is now this year by 6.9 percent compared to the same time last year. However, homicide and robbery are both up five and 16.1 percent, respectively. Despite crime being down overall, residents of the city are claiming that liberal politics are causing San Francisco to become a 'fourth world country within a first world country' 'It seems as if local leaders and local news are working together to kind of just sweep this under the rug and pretend everything is fine and dandy, when in actuality thousands of people are dying from fentanyl,' the 26-year-old Bay Area native said 'We have a beautiful city. Generations of people, good men and women, built this city. Generations of blood, sweat and tears. 'And I hate to see it all crumble in a decade just because people can't stop voting for this chaos.' Korea and Poland appear to be considering a joint project to develop wheeled armored vehicles, Seoul's state arms procurement agency said Saturday. Officials from Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) visited the state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) late last month and discussed the joint development of the Korean Army's K808 wheel-type armored vehicles, called "Baekho," according to the agency. The K808 vehicles were among a list of export items included in an initial deal signed with Poland to export 1,000 K2 tanks in July last year. "As discussions of the joint development came from the Polish side, they appear to be wanting (wheel-typed armored vehicles) with improved performance instead of buying the current model," a DAPA official said. Poland has been intensifying its arms procurement efforts after it sent military aid to Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion of the country. Last year, Korea signed major deals with Poland to supply Korean weapons systems, including K2 battle tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers and FA-50 light attack aircraft. (Yonhap) Thieves have vandalized dozens of luxury cars along Malibu's Pacific Coast Highway and left residents fearing for their safety. A Los Angeles Sheriff's deputy alerted those living in the area about the spate of break-ins on Memorial Day weekend. Authorities said nearly 24 cars were targeted between Memorial Day and June 8. One woman had her Range Rover smashed in by thieves who stole a purse and sunglasses while she partied at a nearby beach home. That woman described seeing her beloved jeep burglarized as 'traumatizing.' CCTV footage captured the burglary and caught the suspects wiping their prints to avoid being caught. Thieves have vandalized dozens of luxury cars along Malibu's Pacific Coast Highway and left residents fearing for their safety One woman had her Range Rover smashed in by thieves who stole personal items and the suspects wiped their prints from the car to avoid being caught Her Range Rover was parked in the driveway while she was having a party at the beach home A resident who identified herself only as Leah was a victim of the targeted thefts and had her vehicle vandalized. Her Range Rover was parked in the driveway while she was having a party at the beach home. Thieves, wearing gloves and masks, smashed the windows of her car and stole a purse and sunglasses. She caught the entire incident on surveillance cameras outside her home and it shows the thieves pull up in a gray Toyota Prius. They quickly targeted her friend's car before heading down the road to smash into other vehicles. 'Walking out and seeing everything vandalized was just traumatizing because you don't feel safe in your own home and Malibu is so peaceful, everyone loves coming here,' she told local television station KTLA. 'It just hurts to see that these guys would have the audacity to break in and get away with it, just walk away, get in their car and just live their day by day from that. Jai Hendrix also had her car broken into and caught the incident on camera. 'They were kind of professionals at it. I mean, with the surveillance videos, they brushed something onto the window before and used a tool to break in,' she said. 'They seemed like they kind of knew what they were doing.' She believes the thieves came prepared and scouted the area carefully and took their time to plan the burglaries. Los Angeles Sheriff Department said nearly 24 cars were targeted between Memorial Day and June 8 A resident who identified herself only as Leah was a victim of the targeted thefts and had her vehicle vandalized Jai Hendrix also had her car broken into and she believes the thieves came prepared and scouted the area carefully before taking their time to plan the burglaries The Lost Hills Sheriffs Station is investigating the spate of burglaries and it has called on anyone who recognizes the suspects in the surveillance footage to come forward 'Kind of ironic because were immersed in all these beautiful homes over here and then you cant even really park your car out front because your car can get smashed and broken into,' Hendrix said. Those who have had their vehicles damaged along the Pacific Coast Highway are having to use rental cars while theirs are being repaired. The Lost Hills Sheriffs Station is investigating the spate of burglaries. It has called on anyone who recognizes the suspects in the surveillance footage to come forward. Elon Musk suggested the bombshell indictment of former President Donald Trump over classified document mishandling may be a politically motivated attack. The billionaire Twitter owner warned the 2024 frontrunner's arrest sets a dangerous precedent that could erode public trust in the justice system if politicians are treated differently. 'There does seem to be far higher interest in pursuing Trump compared to other people in politics,' he tweeted on Friday. 'Very important that the justice system rebut what appears to be differential enforcement or they will lose public trust.' Twitter owner Elon Musk, pictured in May 2023, weighed in on the indictment of former President Donald Trump, warning it risks eroding public trust in the legal system Musk tweeted that Trump is being pursued with a 'far higher interest' than other politicians Musk's remarks came after Trump made history as the first former president to face federal charges, just months after he was also indicted in New York on charges related to a hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels. The former president is facing over 100 years behind bars for a slew of federal charges related to the mishandling of classified information. The 76-year-old on Thursday said he had been told he was being indicted in relation to espionage - the first time in U.S. history that a former president has faced federal charges. Trump is facing four separate counts each carrying a potential prison time of 20 years: conspiracy to obstruct justice; withholding a document or record; corruptly concealing a document or record; and concealing a document in a federal investigation. One count carries a 10 year sentence: willful retention of national defense information. And the final two counts have a maximum of five years each: scheme to conceal, and false statements and representations. Trump slammed his indictment and insisted that he is an 'innocent man'. He is pictured speaking in the White House in May 2020 Trump took to Truth Social to hit back at the prosecution, arguing his rival President Joe Biden should be investigated for the same crimes he is accused of The indictment was announced by Trump on Thursday evening in a furious tirade posted to his social media site Truth Social. 'The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been Indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax, even though Joe Biden has 1850 Boxes at the University of Delaware,' he said. '(There are) additional Boxes in Chinatown, D.C., with even more Boxes at the University of Pennsylvania, and documents strewn all over his garage floor where he parks his Corvette, and which is secured by only a garage door that is paper thin, and open much of the time.' Trump was alluding to allegations that Joe Biden also mishandled classified materials, with the president's own legal team reporting that they found a small number of documents at his Delaware home and in a DC think tank. Later on Thursday, he posted a video that the New York Times said was pre-recorded, where he hit out at the charges and insisted he is 'innocent'. 'Very sadly we're a nation in decline and yet they go after a very popular president,' Trump said. 'I'm an innocent man, I did nothing wrong,' he continued, vowing to 'fight this out.' In an interview with Fox News Digital, Trump also said he would 'of course' plead not guilty. Security is already being increased around the courthouse in Miami ahead of his appearance before a judge, scheduled for 3pm on Tuesday. Trump is accused of mishandling classified documents. Pictured: A stack of boxes stored in the ballroom of the Mar-a-Lago estate An FBI raid on Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in August found a trove of classified documents (pictured) News of his indictment was met with outrage by Trump's fellow Republicans, with even his main 2024 rival Ron DeSantis declaring the 'weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society'. However, the Florida governor stopped short of saying whether he would pardon Trump if he was convicted. 'We have for years witnessed an uneven application of the law depending upon political affiliation,' he said. 'Why so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter? The DeSantis administration will bring accountability to the DOJ, excise political bias and end weaponization once and for all.' With some GOP lawmakers seemingly unsure whether to speak out soon after the indictment, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy led the way in jumping to Trump's defense, labelling the indictment as 'a dark day for the United States of America'. 'It is unconscionable for a President to indict the leading candidate opposing him. Joe Biden kept classified documents for decades,' he continued. 'I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump against this grave injustice. 'House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable.' Ron DeSantis defended his 2024 Republican rival Donald Trump, but stopped short on saying whether he would pardon him if elected president Jack Smith was appointed in November as special counsel to investigate Trump's handling of classified information Prosecutors have investigated the transfer of presidential files to his Mar-a-Lago Florida estate since last year. The investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents is being overseen by a special counsel, Jack Smith, who was appointed by the Attorney General Merrick Garland in November. In response to Smith's landmark decision to prosecute, Trump lashed out at the attorney and branded him a 'deranged psycho'. Trump linked him to an IRS 'targeting' scandal and called him a 'Trump Hater', maintaining he should be investigating his rival President Joe Biden instead. 'This is the man who caused the Lois Lerner catastrophe with the IRS. He went after Evangelicals and Great Americans of Faith,' Trump said, referencing Smith's time as head of DOJ's Public Integrity Section amid the probe of IRS investigations of Tea Party groups. 'His wife is a Trump Hater, just as he is a Trump Hatera deranged psycho that shouldnt be involved in any case having to do with Justice, other than to look at Biden as a criminal, which he is!' Trump fumed. Police arrested a 34-year-old man this morning while searching for a missing woman from Northern Ireland one week on from her disappearance. This is the second arrested made by police while pursuing a criminal investigation into the disappearance of Chloe Mitchell, 21, of Ballymena, County Antrim. They arrested him this morning in the Ballymena area after a 26-year-old man was arrested in Lurgan, County Armagh, on Thursday in connection with the case and was still in police custody this afternoon. Ms Mitchell was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of June 3 in Ballymena town centre. Several of the searches have focused on the area around the Braid River in the Co Antrim town. Chloe Mitchell, 21, of Ballymena, County Antrim, vanished in the town centre in the early hours of June 3 Search and Rescue teams on the bank of the River Braid in Ballymena Searches have expanded to the nearby Braid River, although it is not believed that Ms Mitchell got into difficulties in the water The Community Search and Rescue organisation has been assisting police in the operation. On Friday, a senior police officer expressed hope Ms Mitchell is safe and well. Superintendent Gillian Kearney said police are treating her as a 'high-risk missing person'. Ms Mitchell's brother Phillip has urged anyone with information to contact the family. Asked by the BBC how much he is missing his sister, he said on Friday: 'Words just can't describe it, I am broke.' Ms Mitchell was last seen by her family on Friday June 2 and was then captured in the late hours of that day and the early hours of Saturday June 3 in Ballymena town centre on CCTV. She was walking in the direction of James Street in the town. Darren Harper, district commander for Community Rescue Service, said search efforts on Thursday had allowed them to eliminate some areas. 'Today's search is going to be just a continuation on from the search areas yesterday, just eliminating the areas that Chloe may not be in,' he said. Mr Harper said his team was well-equipped to deal with the difficulties in searching the steep embankment of the River Braid. 'We do have a tech team that will be able to get down there, so it's not going to be so much of a challenge,' he said. 'It's just because of the low light yesterday when this search area was identified within our search strategy. It was just a lot safer for our guys to try and access it during daylight hours.' Ground teams searched the areas around the river but also close to a property in James Street, near to Ms Mitchell's last known whereabouts, which had been cordoned off by police. Police continued their search this morning after they arrested a 34-year-old man in Ballymena. This is after they arrested a 24-year-old on Thursday in Lurgan, County Armagh Speaking at a press conference on Friday afternoon, Mid and East Antrim District Commander Superintendent Gillian Kearney appealed to the public to come forward with any information Philip Mitchell, the brother of missing Chloe Mitchell said he is 'broken' and 'increasingly concerned' as police search for the missing 21-year-old six days after she disappeared Darren Harper, district commander for Community Rescue Service, said search efforts on Thursday had allowed them to eliminate some areas (pictured: searchers on Friday) Search and Rescue teams on the bank of the River Braid in Ballymena on Friday, looking for the missing 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell Mr Harper maintained that the teams were still hoping to find Ms Mitchell. 'Ground teams again, we're searching for Chloe herself. As I say we're just systematically searching in and around the area at the minute,' he said. Regional commander of the Community Rescue Service, Sean McCarry, said the team is working closely with police. He told the BBC on Friday: 'Our teams were using special equipment to assist with the search. We started yesterday morning in the early hours and went right through into this morning. 'We took a break and now we are back at it as we speak. 'The search is quite wide-ranging. The focus, of course, is in the last place where Chloe was seen. 'Our teams are working along the Braid River. Because it has been so dry through the past few weeks there isn't a big flow in the river. 'We are not searching on the basis that we think Chloe might have got into difficulties in the river, we are searching on the basis of it is within the vicinity of the search area. 'We concentrate on all waterways and all areas as we carry out the search. 'We have quite a number of our team out today. We bring additional resources as we need them and the tasks come through to us from the police. 'Starting this morning we have about 35 people on the job. We would expect that to increase throughout the day.' Police said Ms Mitchell was last seen on CCTV walking in the direction of James Street, and have asked for anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact officers. Independent councillor for Ballymena, Rodney Quigley, praised the efforts of the police and search and rescue teams, but said that people should not listen to rumours in relation to the case Search and Rescue teams behind a property on Edward Street in Ballymena as the search resumes for the missing 21-year-old A police cordon on James Street in Ballymena as the search has resumed in Co Antrim for missing woman Chloe Mitchell Chief Inspector Arnie O'Neill said a 26-year-old man was arrested in Lurgan, Co Armagh, on Thursday and is currently helping police with inquiries. He added: 'We are becoming increasingly concerned as to the whereabouts of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell. 'We are now aware that Chloe was last seen in the late hours of June 2 into the early hours of June 3 in Ballymena town centre. She was seen on CCTV walking in the direction of James Street. 'Chloe was wearing a green and black North Face-style jacket, a white T-shirt, leggings and Nike trainers.' Independent councillor for Ballymena, Rodney Quigley, praised the efforts of the police and search and rescue teams, but said that people should not listen to rumours in relation to the case. 'There's a bit of confusion at the minute, I've heard different reports,' he said. 'I want to stress that there's a lot of rumours going about and for people not to be listening to the rumours. Obviously it's a well-organised search and I feel the people just need to let search parties and the police continue with the search and investigation. 'I know she was a local girl, and she's been missing a week now, which is very concerning, but nobody seems to have seen or heard tell of her anywhere and I've been speaking to quite a few people,' he added. Community groups in Ballymena have also been carrying out searches for Ms Mitchell, including the Harryville Residents Association and Ballykeel and District Community Association. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 2262 of June 5. Police are investigating whether a mother-of-three killed in a horror car crash may have been run off the road by her ex-husband. The mother, 36, tragically died when her green sedan collided with a ute on Speedy Street in Molong, NSW central west at about 3.40pm on Friday. Emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to revive her. Two of her daughters, aged eight and 13, were in the backseat of the car and were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The ute driver, a 35-year-old man, was pulled from the wreckage of his vehicle by Fire and Rescue NSW personnel and airlifted to hospital in a critical condition. A mother-of-three was killed after her green sedan (above) collided with a ute in Molong on Friday afternoon He is understood to be the victim's former husband. Police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash but are understood to be investigating into whether the mother may have been run off the road, Nine News reports. Witnesses claim the pair were seen at a local school and drove away in separate cars shortly before the crash. No charges have been laid. Police remained at the crash scene on Saturday before the wreckages of both cars were later towed away. The ute driver is now reported to be in a stable condition in hospital. NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia local and specialist homicide officers are still investigating the circumstance of the crash The spokesperson confirmed the two drivers are known to each other. Police have confirmed the woman and the driver of the ute (above) were known to each other The tragic crash has rocked the close-knit town of Molong. 'It's devastating for the town of Molong with the loss of a young local lady, it's terrible news for the families,' mayor Kevin Beatty told Nine News. 'Last night in town it was very sombre and again today, it's been very quiet.' 'It's not good news for the town at all.' A local woman who knew the pair said she is 'shattered beyond words' while members of the community said the crash will affect the whole town. 'I have no words for the heartache on my mind right now only a massive ache in my heart,' she said. NSW Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. Financier Crispin Odey is leaving his asset management firm days after a bombshell investigation alleged he had committed serious sexual assaults. Odey Asset Management's executive committee confirmed that Odey would be stepping down in a statement on Saturday. He founded the firm in 1991 and has been at the helm ever since. The 64-year-old investor, who was previously charged with sexual assault over a 1998 incident but cleared by Westminster Crown Court in March 2021, is said to have instigated inappropriate relationships with junior colleagues, as well as groping and sexually assaulting women who worked for him. The Financial Times reported earlier this week that 13 women had accused the financial titan, known in the industry for his 'bearish' attitude to markets, of sexual assault and harassment. The victims said his behaviour had been a well-known rumour at the company and that they had been assaulted in the office and at Odey's home. Financier Crispin Odey (pictured) is leaving his asset firm days after a bombshell investigation alleged he had committed serious sexual assaults The 64-year-old investor was previously charged with sexual assault over a 1998 incident but cleared by Westminster Crown Court in March 2021 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is reported to have already looked at allegations of 'non-financial misconduct' at Mr Odey's firm as part of an investigation dating back two years. Saturday's statement, signed by chief executive Peter Martin and chief financial officer Michael Ede, said the firm investigated the allegations concerning Mr Odey but 'cannot comment in detail as it is bound by legal obligations of confidentiality'. Read more: Top financier Crispin Odey faces City watchdog probe over sexual assault and harassment claims Advertisement The statement said: 'We, the executive committee of Odey Asset Management LLP, are announcing that Mr Crispin Odey is leaving the partnership. 'As from today, he will no longer have any economic or personal involvement in the partnership. 'Odey Asset Management Group Ltd will also cease to be a member and the partnership will now be owned and controlled by the remaining partners and managed as an independent legal entity. 'As we have said previously the executive committee takes all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously. The firm has robust policies and procedures that have been followed at all times. 'The firm has been investigating allegations concerning Mr Odey, but the firm cannot comment in detail as it is bound by legal obligations of confidentiality.' Reached by phone by the FT earlier today, the former City boss said he had been told of the firm's decision but was prepared to fight it. Tory MP Harriett Baldwin, chairman of the Treasury select committee, said on Thursday the FT's report 'paints a troubling picture of an inappropriate work environment'. On Friday, asset manager Schroders cut ties with OAM and sold its remaining investment in the business, following the allegations. The firm said on Saturday it has been 'fully transparent with the regulator and kept them informed throughout this process'. But Mr Odey rebutted the claims, telling Reuters: 'This is a rehash of an old article and none of the allegations have been stood up in a courtroom or investigation.' A law firm representing him previously said he 'strenuously disputed' the claims. Hedge fund bosses are grasping to save relationships with JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley over the bombshell revelations (file image) Mr Odey, 64, a Tory donor who made his name betting against banking shares during the 2008 financial crisis, was previously cleared of indecent assault charges in 2021. In 2019, the Sunday Times Rich List put his personal wealth, combined with his then wife's, at 775million. He was supported through his trial by his wife Nichola Pease before the couple divorced later that year. The FT reported that an internal investigation which ended earlier in 2021 concluded he had behaved inappropriately with female staff. It said the firm's executive committee had given him a final written warning. After a second internal probe later that year, Mr Odey sacked the executive committee, according to the FT. An Australian tradie who spent a month behind bars after an alleged drunk and naked rampage while on a surfing holiday in a conservative Indonesian province is on his way home after being deported. Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones, 23, had been in an Indonesian prison cell since late April after he was accused by police of drunken attacks on multiple people in the deeply conservative Muslim province of Aceh, including a fisherman who suffered serious leg injuries. The tradie from Queensland's Sunshine Coast was released from prison on Tuesday after he went through a restorative justice process, apologised for the attack and agreed to pay compensation to the fisherman. That allowed him to avoid going to court and facing a possible charge of assault that could have landed him up to five years in prison. He spent three nights at an immigration detention centre before he was deported on Saturday. Risby-Jones gave a smile and a thumbs up for the cameras as he was escorted by immigration through Soekarno-Hatta international airport for his flight home. He will land in Melbourne on Sunday morning and will make his way back to the Sunshine Coast. Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones (above) from Queensland was released from Indonesian jail on Tuesday after police claimed he went on a drunken rampage and injured a local fisherman Police claimed Risby-Jones (pictured on Saturday in Soekarno-Hatta international airport) was drunk in a province where alcohol is strictly prohibited 'Of course Im pretty emotional, so Im going to feel bad about it,' Risby-Jones told reporters at the airport. He said the fisherman's relatives forgave him and told him that he was a part of their family now. 'I'm welcome to come back and even stay at their house whenever I want,' he said. 'So, that feeling of guilt is definitely much smaller that it was originally,' he said. His lawyer Idris Marbawi said the two sides agreed that Risby-Jones would pay the fisherman's family for hospital fees and a traditional peace ceremony. The total payment was 300 million rupiah ($20,000). The fisherman underwent surgery in Banda Aceh, the provincial capital, for broken bones and an infection in his legs. 'Risby-Jones is the first foreigner to successfully resolve a case through restorative justice in Aceh province,' Marbawi said. 'He deeply regretted what happened and vowed to return to Indonesia for surfing.' Footage of his release on Tuesday showed Risby-Jones being escorted by officers to a bus after hugging and saying goodbye to several prison wardens. After his release, Risby-Jones spent three nights at an immigration detention centre before he headed home on Saturday. Authorities said Risby-Jones (above) had come to a peaceful resolution with the injured fisherman through 'restorative justice' Authorities said Risby-Jones (pictured before his arrest) had vowed to return to Indonesia for surfing 'It's been a long time coming and I'm feeling amazing and super happy and grateful,' he said. 'Everyone has been very nice and accommodated me well. Thank you.' He also acknowledged the stupidity of his actions. 'I'm very, very relieved and happy,' he said. 'I made a fool of myself and it was shown publicly worldwide.' Violent acts by foreigners are rare in Aceh, the only province in Muslim-majority Indonesia that practices Shariah, a concession made by the central government in 2001 as part of efforts to end a decades-long war for independence. The sale and consumption of alcohol is forbidden in Aceh, and those found drunk have been caned in public. Candle left burning is believed to have caused the blaze Broke a window to escape before being helped by neighbours A nine-year-old boy believed to have been left at home on his own has escaped a terrifying house fire after Good Samaritans rushed to his aid. Emergency services were called to Rodley Avenue in Penrith in Sydney's west shortly before 6.15pm on Saturday and found a two-storey townhouse engulfed in flames. A neighbour walking past the home saw the fire and assisted the boy to get out of the burning home after the little boy smashed a front window trying to escape. A six-year-old boy, who was left home alone, narrowly survived the fire with minor cuts after breaking a window on the townhouse's ground floor and escaping the blaze Firefighters blocked the road as they worked to extinguish the blaze, however the building was destroyed (pictured) Paramedics treated the boy for lacerations before he was taken to Nepean Hospital for further treatment. NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia officers had been informed that the boy was the only person in the building at the time the fire broke out. The boy's mother arrived home a short time after emergency services. Residents were seen standing on the street speaking with police officers. Emergency services were called to Rodley Avenue in Penrith shortly before 6:15pm on Saturday and found a two-storey townhouse engulfed in flames Firefighters managed to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby homes but the townhouse was destroyed. The fire is being treated as not suspicious. Fire investigators and crime scene officers working to determine if a candle left burning in the kitchen was the cause. A child-at-risk notification will be submitted, police confirmed. A dog walker has told how she was left seriously ill after she was bitten by Britain's only native venomous snake. Beau Avis, 26, was walking her cockapoo Bonnie in Upminster, Essex with her dad Kevin Avis, 59, when she accidently trod on an adder - which bit her ankle. Her leg rapidly swelled and turned yellow and she suffered a life-threatening anaphylactic shock. She was rushed to hospital where thankfully doctors, by chance, had an anti-venom shot to hand. She was kept in for two nights before being discharged in a wheelchair, and the incident has left her unable to walk. Beau Avis, 26, was walking her cockapoo Bonnie in Upminster, Essex with her dad Kevin Avis, 59, when she accidently trod on an adder - which bit her ankle Beau was rushed to hospital where thankfully doctors, by chance, had an anti-venom shot to hand Now Beau is on the mend, but she wants to warn others about the dangers of poisonous snakes in the UK and how to react if you're bitten by one. Beau, from Brentwood, Essex, said: 'The bite felt like someone had poured acid into my left leg. 'I panicked as I've been scared of snakes my whole life - but I found out later panicking makes the venom spread faster. 'In that scenario you are supposed to stay calm - something I didn't do!' Beau was working from home on May 31 when her and Kevin headed out on her lunch break to walk her Bonnie at around 2pm. They drove to a near by woodland area, and were walking down a country path when Beau suddenly let out a scream. The PR executive, who was wearing sandals at the time, immediately put her hand on her left ankle to find she'd been bitten. The bite left three teeth marks, and Beau says when she looked down, she saw the back end of a 50cm brownish, zig zagged snake slither off into the long grass. She explained: 'Me and Dad were engrossed in conversation, walking the dog like we often do. Then I felt this sharp bite on the inside of my left ankle. 'Almost immediately the skin under the bite started to swell and I looked frantically for the cause. 'That's when I saw the back end of a brownish, zig zagged creature slither into the long grass. 'It suddenly hit me that I'd trodden on an adder snake - and I started to panic. 'I was freaking out and dad was desperately trying to calm me down - but the fear had already gripped a hold of me. 'We rushed back to the car and the pain and swelling was getting worse every second that went by - it was horrific.' Beau called her mum who rung an ambulance while they were in the car on the way home. Paramedics were at her parent's house within 25 minutes, in which time Beau had gone into anaphylactic shock as a result of the bite. She was drifting in and out of consciousness, vomiting and battling intense stomach pain which would frequently come and go. After arriving at Queen's Hospital in Romford, Beau was fast tracked to the Resuscitation Department and administered with an anti venom adrenaline shot. At first, doctors were unsure whether they had the right concoction of medicine on site - but thankfully they were able to form the right anecdote. She was given the shot at 4pm, two hours after the incident and kept in hospital overnight. But the swelling had travelled so far up her left leg and knee cap that she required a second shot at 6am the next morning. It was only after another full day and night on an intervenes drip that she was allowed to continue her recovery at home. Beau's eg rapidly swelled and turned yellow and she suffered a life-threatening anaphylactic shock Beau said: 'Doctors called the The National Poisons Information Services who told them the shot they required to repel the adder venom. 'Thankfully they had the drugs they needed in the hospital and they blended a concentrate in to an intervenes drip which fed into a bag. 'Anti venom is most effective within four hours so it was vital they acted quickly. 'By the evening, my whole limb was bright red and had doubled in size - and I was being treated for cellulitis. 'The swelling travelled above my knee meaning I needed another shot at 6am the next morning to make sure all the venom had been flushed out. 'An ultra sound revealed three days later that I hadn't suffered any blood clotting in the leg, and it was only then they were comfortable with me going home.' Beau has been left relearning how to walk after her hospital stint, and is only just getting movement in her leg back. Now, she wants to raise awareness about the real danger of poisonous snakes in the UK, and spread information on how to treat bite symptoms. She added: 'My consultant called this morning to check in and ask to use me as a case study so other hospitals know what to do in similar situations. 'An adder bite hasn't killed anyone in ages, but they were really concerned in the first 12 hours because of my low blood pressure. 'If I'd have known panicking spreads the venom, I would have done more to stay calm. 'That's why I want to share my story so others know how to react if they ever get in a similar situation.' A former top judge in Illinois accused of stealing the life savings of a World War II hero has been ordered to pay back $1.2million. Patricia Martin, who sat on the bench in Cook County for 24 years, was in charge of handling Oscar Wilkerson Jr's life savings. But his family and the state legal disciplinary agency claim she stole $240,000 of his money and sunk more than $100,000 into cryptocurrency, according to ABC Chicago. Wilkerson was a highly decorated Tuskegee airman and civil rights pioneer who was one of the first black military pilots to fight for the United States in the war before he settled down in Chicago. He trusted Martin, who is his former wife's niece, to look after his finances as his health deteriorated but sued her last September and said she took advantage of his old age and hid his retirement money. The veteran died a day before his 97th birthday on February 8 and Cook County Circuit Judge Anna Demacopoulos ordered Martin to pay $1.2 million on May 24 due to 'the defendant's continued unresponsiveness'. A former top judge in Illinois accused of stealing the life savings of World War Two veteran Oscar Wilkerson Jr has been ordered to pay back $1.2million Patricia Martin, who sat on the bench in Cook County for 24 years, was in charge of handling Wilkerson's life savings Wilkerson spent his final days at an Orland Park senior living home while Martin was was looking after his bank, 401k, and social security accounts. She was a judge for 24 years and was presiding judge of the Cook County juvenile court's child protection division when she retired in 2020 a month after she took control of Wilkerson's finances. In April 2022, she reported that he had about $50,000 in his checking account and $120,000 in a retirement account, according to the lawsuit. But alarm bells were raised in July when Wilkerson was allegedly notified that he owed $41,296.10 to the retirement home he was living in because payments had not been made in recent months. He found out his accounts had been 'emptied' and it wasn't clear where his Social Security and pension payments were being deposited, the court documents state. Martin did not respond to questions about where the money had gone or requests for information during the litigation, according to the court records. And in October, Wilkerson's attorneys said they were voicing their concerns to the Cook County state's attorney's office, the Illinois attorney general's office and the Illinois Department of Aging. They claimed former judge Martin had 'dissipated funds and may be engaging in risky crypto transactions that threaten the remaining funds that exist' less than a month later. Following Wilkerson's death, Martin was then ordered by Judge Demacopoulos 'to refrain from transferring or using any further funds' at a hearing on April 6. Wilkerson's lawyers obtained records through a subpoena which showed his money being wire transferred to cryptocurrency exchange accounts that were emptied, a May 11 filing stated. The latest transactions were between April 6 and April 28 which totaled $2,875.29 and went against the judge's order. But his family and the state legal disciplinary agency claim she stole $240,000 of his money and sunk more than $100,000 into cryptocurrency, according to ABC Chicago Wilkerson, who died in February aged 96, was a highly decorated Tuskegee airman and civil rights pioneer who was one of the first black military pilots to fight for the US in the war He trusted Martin, his former wife's niece, to look after his finances as his health deteriorated but sued her last September and said she took advantage of his old age and hid his money The veteran's attorneys then wrote to the judge to ask Martin to demonstrate why she shouldn't be held in contempt of court and order her to return the money and show where she put it. They then reported that a total of $383,236.75 had been taken out of his accounts and other people had to come together to pay the money owed to Wilkerson's retirement home. And the lawyers asked for Martin to be sanctioned for not answering the questions or providing records of where the money went and asked for a default judgement of $1,229,384.31. This order was signed and granted by Judge Demacopoulos on May 24 and Martin was ordered to pay more three times what she allegedly took for damages, fees and court costs. Martin is said to have texted Wilkerson's lawyers last October that she was 'not denying nor admitting to any of the allegations'. One of his attorneys replied that it 'speaks volumes and is indeed an admission of wrongdoing on your part.' Martin promised to 'forward the remaining monies', court documents containing the text exchange showed. 'As a former attorney and judge, you fully understand that repayment of stolen funds doesn't undo the crime,' the attorney replied. 'I am also sure you understand that neither I nor anyone involved here is confident that you will actually return funds weeks from now.' A week after Judge Demacopoulos's May ruling, the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) filed a complaint against Martin. The state legal disciplinary agency alleged she 'used at least $246,203.80 of funds without his authority for her own personal purpose' to buy 'cryptocurrency that she held in her own name and over which she maintained exclusive control'. And it accused her of 'emptying his accounts to the point the assisted living facility had not been paid'. The complaint also said Martin submitted a filing in the civil case where she 'admitted that she had wrongfully assumed control' over the veteran's finances and 'had intentionally deprived' him of his money. The ARDC said she has to either fight against the allegations or accept them which could result in her disbarment. During her career, Martin was appointed by former president Barack Obama to join the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities in 2013. The veteran died a day before his 97th birthday on February 8 and Cook County Circuit Judge Anna Demacopoulos ordered Martin to pay $1.2 million in May for damages, fees and costs Wilkerson joined the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black aviation combat unit, after leaving high school in 1944 and their bravery in World War Two helped pave the way for desegregation Wilkerson joined the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black aviation combat unit, after leaving high school in 1944. The group suffered significant racial discrimination while serving because of segregation of the military at the time. 'The military had no intention of using black pilots. The real mission, the underlying mission, was for us to fail and prove their point,' Wilkerson previously said in an interview. But their bravery in the war helped pave the way for desegregation. They were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 2006. He frequently toured churches and schools to tell the story of how the Tuskegee Airmen shattered the stereotype that black men couldn't be combat pilots. Wilkerson, the last known surviving member of the group in Chicago, used to introduce children to aviation and take them on their first flights for free through the Experimental Aircraft Associations Young Eagles Program. He also worked as a DJ and hosted his own radio show until he retired. British missiles were deployed by Ukraine to destroy a suspected Russian military base visited by Vladimir Putin in April. At least two Storm Shadow missiles hit a 'recreation centre' used by his military machine as an HQ close to Henichesk in occupied Kherson region, according to Ukrainian forces. A third may have been shot down by Russian air defences. Ambulances were reportedly at the scene, with Russian reports admitting to one woman killed in the strike. Footage showed a building ablaze near Henichesk, close to the Arabat Spit, a long, thin strip of land linking occupied Kherson region to the Crimean peninsula. At least two Storm Shadow missiles hit a 'recreation centre' used by his military machine as an HQ close to Henichesk in occupied Kherson region The base reportedly had a surprise visit from Vladimir Putin in April, as he met with military commanders Britain recently sent a shipment of Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, enabling Kyiv's forces to strike deeper into Russian-held territory One report citing locals said after the strikes: 'Everything is closed now, there are many ambulances and fire appliances.' Putin supposedly made a surprise visit to meet his military commanders here in April. Yet this trip triggered strong suspicions that he had used a body double to stand in for him, since he did not dare travel the war zone himself amid paranoia over assassination or a missile strike. Until recently receiving UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, Ukraine did not have long-range precision missiles. Russia had chosen Henichesk as a makeshift capital of occupied Kherson region because at the time it was out of range of Ukrainian missiles - but no longer. A report today said that Russian national guards were stationed here. The Putin-appointed governor of Kherson region Vladimir Saldo said today that the strike was 'another confirmation of the barbarism and inhumanity of the London-controlled Kyiv regime'. The 'wreckage of a Storm Shadow missile aimed at children's recreation camp Dnepryany' was found, he said. 'One missile was shot down, but two were able to reach their target. 'As a result, one person was killed and another was injured.' While he claimed the attack was on a 'children's camp', this was a base for 'servicemen of the Russian Guard', said Ukrainska Pravda. Russia had chosen Henichesk as a makeshift capital of occupied Kherson region because at the time it was out of range of Ukrainian missiles - but no longer Smoke could be seen billowing out of the destroyed military base for many miles The Putin-appointed governor of Kherson region Vladimir Saldo said today that the strike was 'another confirmation of the barbarism and inhumanity of the London-controlled Kyiv regime' The building was left in a ruinous state after the blaze was extinguished He claimed 'pinpoint strikes are carried out by British missiles delivered to the Kyiv regime for 'peace' on civilian infrastructure. 'They persecute the top officials of the Kherson region and terrorise the population, but we do not give up.' Saldo also claimed missiles had struck a centre for flooding evacuees after this week's Kakhovka dam explosion. Separately a major explosion and fire hit a fuel and lubricants depot at the railway station in Russian city Ufa. The cause was not disclosed but an investigation was underway into possible sabotage. One man sustained serious burns. A special fire train was sent to deal with the inferno which covered 5,380 square feet amid warnings of further explosions. Separately, footage of a Ukrainian Su-24 bomber is said to show the warplane carrying Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Russia has expressed fury that the UK supplied the long-range missiles which have been used to strike targets in annexed Ukraine, for example on the Sea of Azov in Berdiansk. The missiles with a range of around 155 miles have also hit the blitzed city of Mariupol, also now in Russian hands. And previous strikes on Luhansk were reported as Storm Shadow missiles. It comes as Ukraine launches a counter offensive in several areas in the east and south of the country. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'In some areas, Ukrainian forces have likely made good progress and penetrated the first line of Russian defences. In others, Ukrainian progress has been slower. 'Russian performance has been mixed, some unites are likely conducting credible manoeuvre defence operations while others have pulled back in some disorder, amid increased reports of Russian casualties as they withdraw through their own minefields. 'The Russian Airforce has been unusually active over southern Ukraine, where the airspace is more permissive for Russia than in other parts of the country. However, it remains unclear whether tactical airstrikes have been effective.' Gettyimagesbank Ahead of Japan's planned release of contaminated wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant in the summer, some Korean shoppers are buying salt and seafood in bulk to store at home, and retailers are stockpiling in fear of a supply shortage. Korea's fisheries authorities have vowed to ramp up efforts to monitor natural salt farms for any rise in radioactive substances and maintain a ban on seafood from the waters near Fukushima. But their efforts have not stopped some people from buying a lot more than they need, worried about the potential health hazards stemming from Japan's move. "I worry the release of wastewater could not only pollute (the ocean) and lead to health problems but also raise salt and seafood prices," Park Young-sil, a 67-year-old woman said as she shopped at a traditional market in Seoul. While Seoul and Tokyo have taken steps in recent months to mend ties marred by historic disputes, Japan's plan to release more than a million tons of contaminated water from the destroyed Fukushima power plant remains contentious for its closest neighbor. More than 85 percent of the Korean public oppose Japan's plan, according to a survey last month by local pollster Research View. Seven in 10 people said they would consume less seafood if the wastewater release goes ahead. Hyun Yong-gil, an owner of a wholesale salt store in Seoul, said sales have risen by "40 to 50 percent" in recent days while prices are also going up. "We are getting more customers than usual lately and many of them seem worried about the planned wastewater release," he said. Sea salt prices rose by nearly 27 percent in the first week of June from two months ago, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. But the ministry attributed the uptick in price more to poor weather in recent months and a fall in production, not to panic buying. "With a long rainy season during the spring, there has been growing anxiety among producers," the ministry said in a statement Tuesday. Sea salt was a trending topic on an online shopping website run by the country's National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, Friday. Social media posts talking about buying salt in large amounts and urging people to do the same have also gone viral. "We have bought three years' worth of seaweed and anchovies and a big bag of salt," one viral tweet in Korean said. Order volumes and inquiries about buying salt have increased as of late, according to the local branches of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, known as Nonghyup, in Sinan County, a region famous for producing sea salt. Shares of salt and seafood manufacturers have rallied in South Korea in recent days. Insanaga, a small and medium-sized enterprise specializing in salt products, saw a 28 percent rise in shares on Wednesday. Canned tuna maker Sajo Seafood also saw its shares rise by more than 6 percent. The jump in shares came after a report by Japan's public broadcaster NHK earlier this week that an underwater tunnel which has been built to release irradiated Fukushima wastewater into the ocean had been filled with seawater. Japan plans to dump more than 1 million tons of contaminated water that was mainly used to cool the reactors at the Fukushima plant into the sea by this summer. (Reuters) When Boris Johnson slipped unnoticed into Parliament just over a week ago for a secret meeting with Rishi Sunak, he came in peace. The aim on both sides was to end the crippling pyschodrama between the two men, which has dogged the Prime Minister as he battles to haul back Labour's double-digit opinion poll lead. Instead, the summit lit the fuse for Friday's explosive resignation by Mr Johnson, which Tory MPs fear could lead to a rupture in the party as damaging as the long-running Brexit wars. According to his allies, Mr Johnson left the meeting confident that his resignation honours list would be issued intact. His mood had also been buoyed by separate assurances from Chief Whip Simon Hart that the report by the Commons privileges committee into Mr Johnson's actions during Partygate would 'land in the middle of expectations' and be survivable. When Boris Johnson slipped unnoticed into Parliament just over a week ago for a secret meeting with Rishi Sunak, he came in peace. The pair are pictured together in June 2020 at a gathering in the Cabinet Room in 10 Downing Street The aim on both sides was to end the crippling pyschodrama between the two men, which has dogged the Prime Minister as he battles to haul back Labour's double-digit opinion poll lead Fast-forward to last Thursday, when Mr Johnson received an emailed letter from committee chairwoman Harriet Harman, warning him that her findings would be strongly critical meriting a Commons suspension long enough to trigger a by-election in his Uxbridge constituency. Then, 24 hours later, another severe blow: the honours list was released minus the promised peerage for his close political ally Nadine Dorries. Mrs Dorries resigned as an MP the next day, forcing a by-election in her Mid Bedfordshire seat, followed hours later by Mr Johnson. The fury in the Johnson camp is hard to overstate: they claim No 10 breached promises made in the meeting by removing five names from the list, and 'leant on' Tory MPs on the privileges committee to make their report as damning as possible. No 10 sources describe both claims as 'flat-out lies' and an attempt by the former PM to 'burn the house down'. In the words of one Johnson ally: 'The Government decided over the past two weeks to kill Boris. But it has completely backfired. Boris has shown throughout his career that every time you try to kill him, he just comes back stronger. No 10 sources describe both claims as 'flat-out lies' and an attempt by the former PM to 'burn the house down' Fast-forward to last Thursday, when Mr Johnson received an emailed letter from committee chairwoman Harriet Harman, warning him that her findings would be strongly critical. Mr Johnson pictured in March 2023 'He will use every conceivable forum to express his views about the direction of travel of the Sunak administration, calling for a low-tax regime which makes the most of Brexit.' The tensions between the two Tory big beasts are now as bad as any Westminster watchers can remember ranking alongside the mutual loathing between Margaret Thatcher and Edward Heath, or the toxic feuding of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Johnson supporters argue that Mr Sunak has failed to handle the 'Boris problem', acting in a petty manner out of jealousy at his popularity. They say that the Prime Minister could have halted the Privileges Committee inquiry and bought his loyalty by offering him a post such as the UK envoy to Ukraine. 'Ordinary Conservative voters will think that it is extraordinary for the Tories to use Harriet Harman of all people to oust a once-wildly popular Tory MP. The PM had multiple chances to stop all this, but instead he risks blowing up the party'. Sunak supporters say the pettiness is on Johnson's side, citing the claims by Guto Harri, his former spin doctor, that the ex-PM could not conceal his animosity to his 'bank manager' Chancellor and his 'computer says no' Treasury. Johnson supporters argue that Mr Sunak has failed to handle the 'Boris problem', acting in a petty manner out of jealousy at his popularity He said Mr Johnson had recruited Jacob Rees-Mogg to lead the battle against Mr Sunak, giving him 'carte blanche' to give the Treasury a 'massive kick'; Mr Rees-Mogg responded that he was more than happy to 'tread on some little toes'. The Johnson camp argues that Mr Sunak wanted the former PM to be 'eliminated' to avert the risk of a political comeback, which he has conspicuously failed to rule out. The first 'act of aggression', they say, was the decision three weeks ago by the Cabinet Office to refer Mr Johnson to police over official diary entries which suggested further potential rule breaches by him during the Covid pandemic. The same information was also then passed to Ms Harman's committee; No 10 says the Cabinet Office was simply following the Civil Service code by passing on the new material, Mr Johnson was en route to deliver a speech in Cairo when he received the letter from Ms Harman making clear that her report was going to be sufficiently critical to merit more than ten days' suspension from the Commons enough to trigger a recall process. A furious Mr Johnson told aides that it 'confirms our worst fears that this was always intended to be a political hit-job', and was particularly enraged by lines in the report which said he had deliberately misled Parliament and then compounded the 'contempt' by defending himself in evidence to the committee. The same information was also then passed to Ms Harman's (pictured) committee; No 10 says the Cabinet Office was simply following the Civil Service code No 10 flatly denies the Johnson camp's version of the two men's summit. A source said: 'When Boris kept asking for reassurances about his honours list being cleared, Rishi explicitly said he couldn't make any promises and urged Boris to not leave the room thinking that he had. 'Rishi's only role was to pass the list to the House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC) and then receive it back. It was HOLAC which removed the names. A Prime Minister cannot interfere in that process.' The Johnson allies single out Mr Sunak's Political Secretary James Forsyth, who has known the PM since they were schoolboys together at Winchester College, by claiming he had removed the names as part of a 'plot' against Johnson. The claims are denied by those close to Mr Forsyth, who was the only other attendee at the 'peace summit'. One Johnson ally said: 'No 10 have lied twice. Once when they initially denied that the meeting had even taken place, then when they said Sunak had no involvement or input into the list. But his aides knocked off five without telling us, and contrary to our agreement'. But a source close to Mr Sunak said: 'When the Prime Minister met with the former Prime Minister recently, the former Prime Minister raised the matter of peerages with him, to which the current Prime Minister made clear he would follow precedent and not interfere with the process. Any suggestions of promises made or guarantees given are categorically untrue.' The No 10 sources also scoff at the claims about 'leaning on' the committee, insisting it was an 'obviously independent' body. One source said: 'The reason why the committee hardened its line recently is because of the new information it received about the diary entries, which contain indisputable evidence of rule-breaking. 'It was not in our interests for this to happen it would have been easier for us if Mr Johnson had been let off with a slap on the wrist'. Though his resignation caught most of Westminster by surprise, Tory party managers had been putting in place contingency plans for a by-election in Uxbridge since the new evidence was passed to the police. A source said: 'The red lights started flashing at the end of May, either for Boris to be forced into a by-election or, as has happened, he jumped before he was pushed. 'We were also prepared for solidarity resignations, which is why we are already well advanced in Nadine Dorries' seat.' Now the battle turns to the Conservative associations: Johnson allies say Tory HQ has been flooded with supportive emails since his resignation. Even though party chiefs are technically empowered to block Mr Johnson from standing in a future election, his camp argues that they would be forced into a U-turn by the strength of grassroots feeling. 'It's not game over for Boris it is game on,' says one. 'It's now all-out war.' Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis has declared that if he wins the White House he will restore the name of an army base in North Carolina after it was changed by the US military due to its Confederate roots. DeSantis made the controversial comments during his keynote speech in Greensboro at the North Carolina Republican Party State Convention on Friday night. The Florida Governor told the crowd he looked forward 'to as President restoring the name of Fort Bragg to our great military base in Fayetteville, North Carolina.' 'And thank the people that have served there. And theyre proud of their service there. Its an iconic name and iconic base. 'Were not going to let political correctness run amok in North Carolina,' DeSantis added. The military base's name was changed to 'Fort Liberty' earlier this month after a commission recommendation due to its former name's links to the Confederacy and a slave-owner The Florida Governor told the crowd he looked forward 'to as President restoring the name of Fort Bragg to our great military base in Fayetteville, North Carolina.' The military base's name was changed to 'Fort Liberty' earlier this month after the Department of Defense's Commission on the Naming of Items recommended that names 'that commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America' ought to be removed. Fort Bragg was named after Confederate Civil War general, Braxton Bragg, a North Carolinian who also owned slaves. The US Military has embarked on a wide effort, including in the renaming of its estates, to dispel racial injustice within its ranks after the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020 sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Fort Liberty is the largest US Army base in the country by population, with roughly 47,000 active-duty soldiers. DeSantis' comments fit with his 'war on woke' campaigning, which has led him into spats with businesses such as Disney in Florida. Internal polling from backers of DeSantis show the Florida governor gaining ground against Trump in the first-in-the-nation primary contest state of Iowa. A new Never Back Down PAC survey shared with Axios has DeSantis closing the gap between frontrunner Trump by 14 percent since his presidential announcement. In mid-May, before DeSantis officially announced his presidential candidacy in a Twitter Spaces event with Elon Musk, he earned 24 percent in Iowa polling compared to Trump's 48 percent a 24 percent gap. Fort Bragg was named after Confederate Civil War general, Braxton Bragg, a North Carolinian who also owned Fort Liberty is the largest US Army base in the country by population, with roughly 47,000 active-duty soldiers The US Military has embarked on a wide effort, including in the renaming of its estates, to dispel racial injustice within its ranks DeSantis' comments fit with his 'war on woke' campaigning, which has led him into spats with businesses such as Disney in Florida Just a few weeks later, after he officially launched his campaign on May 24, the Florida governor earned 29 percent among likely Iowa caucus-goers against Trump's 39 percent. Now the governor is in second place with only 10 percent between him and the former president, while the rest of the field falls further behind the two frontrunners. However, following news of former president Trump's indictment for 37 charges over his handling of classified documents, supporter's have suggested the indictment will boost support for Trump detracting from DeSantis. A Republican strategist and ally of DeSantis anonymously told Politico they believe it's 'too early' to be certain what the backlash will be but that it will likely be bad news for the Florida governor and good news for the ex-president's White House aspirations. 'I suspect this clinches the nomination for (Trump) and at the least holds his polling advantage steady for the next month and stunts DeSantis' growth,' he said. These might seem like nervous times for Republicans, Trump supporters in particular. The former president faces yet another lawsuit, this time a serious charge that, in retaining sensitive documents from his time in office, he has mishandled classified information and conspired to obstruct justice. Should he be convicted, Trump could spend many years behind bars, perhaps decades although that is an outcome which first assumes the case will actually go to trial. A big assumption. It is not the only bad news. Week by week, more contenders for the Republican nomination reveal themselves. Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina, is already in the running. Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey has thrown his hat in into the ring. Now former Vice President Mike Pence has declared. The two frontrunners, Donald Trump (pictured) and Florida governor Ron DeSantis, are knocking chunks off each other None of these are exactly friends of Donald Trump, with Pence declaring that his former boss can 'never' be president again after the disaster of the Capitol invasion on January 6, 2021 an outbreak of mob violence which many in America say was incited by Trump. Meanwhile, the two frontrunners, Trump and Florida governor Ron DeSantis, are knocking chunks off each other. Although uniting with other Republicans in criticising the new Federal indictment, DeSantis has accused Trump of being soft on crime. And of 'destroying millions of lives' through his mishandling of the Covid crisis. Trump, meanwhile, has mounted a serious of attacks on DeSantis's record (even though latter is yet to formally enter the race) as if Trump were keen to hole his rival below the waterline and cripple him from the outset. What's notable is that Trump has chosen the battleground of policy, for once, rather than personal insult. And in this, he is presenting himself as a moderate protecting Medicare for the elderly for example in contrast (he wants us to believe) with the more radical, more free-market Republicanism of DeSantis. For all this turbulence, however, I think Republicans have grounds to feel relaxed. There won't be much sleep lost in the Republican hierarchy. Because whichever of the big two wins will automatically get the votes of the loser, whatever their supposed differences in policy and approach. Much of what we're looking at is theatre, in other words. The fringe candidates are duly concentrating on fringe topic education and social security, for example because the real electoral issues such as immigration, tax and the economy have already been carved up by the big beasts. Trump is presenting himself as a moderate protecting Medicare for the elderly for example in contrast (he wants us to believe) with the more radical, more free-market Republicanism of DeSantis (pictured) And why is DeSantis sounding like a radical free-marketeer? Because that's the only ground left to him by Trump who this time around feels happier making the contest more about policy and less about personality. Perhaps for obvious reasons. Trump will very much need to play the 'moderate' if he wants an edge over the Democrats in 2024. Where does that leave the evangelicals, who made Trump the 45th president? They will back him again. He is, after all, the guy who gave the Republicans a 6-3 majority on the Supreme Court. For DeSantis, meanwhile, this means that declaring soon earlier than he might have wanted will be important. Only by cutting through with radical Republican policies and creating a groundswell will he challenge the former president and his formidable hold on the Republican base. As for the others, at least there is the lesser prize of Vice President to run for. And it matters. Whoever is the successful candidate knows that a good VP cannot win it for them but a bad one can surely lose it. As a woman and a former state governor, Nikki Haley has a strong chance of making it. Texas governor Greg Abbot is formidable. Tim Scott is the only black Republican senator. And both are likeable. But the single most important fact is this: Donald Trump already has more than half of all Republicans in the bag. The rest is gravy. Thames Valley Police is appealing for public's help to speak to Billy Ross A 19-year-old teenager is wanted in connection with a search for a missing 15-year-old girl as police warn 'do not approach him'. Thames Valley Police is appealing for the public's help so they can speak to Billy Ross about Macey, who was reported missing from Milton Keynes on Monday. Mr Ross is white, approximately 5ft 8ins tall with brown eyes and brown hair, and is known to be around Essex, London, Sussex and Great Yarmouth. He is also known to travel by train. Investigating officer, Inspector Lucy Bottomley, based at Milton Keynes police station, said: 'We are appealing for the public's help in locating Ross. 'If you see him please do not approach him but call 999 immediately and quote reference number, 43230253352. Billy Ross, 19, is wanted in connection with a search for a missing 15-year-old girl as police warn 'do not approach him' Macey, 15, was reported missing from Milton Keynes on Monday 'Further, if you have any information as to where he might be, please make a report by calling 101. 'If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.' Macey is 5ft 3ins tall, of slim build, has a fake nose stud resembling a gem stone and was last seen wearing cream leggings, a cream vest top, a black jacket with fur lined hood and black sliders with a fur trim. She has links to Harlow, Essex, central London, Sussex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Norfolk, and is thought to be using trains to get around. Sergeant Rory Mayes, based at Milton Keynes police station, said: 'We are concerned for Macey's welfare. 'I would appeal for anyone who thinks they might have seen her to call 999, quoting reference number 43230247007. 'If you have any other information that might help us find Macey, please report this via our dedicated missing persons portal. 'You can also provide information to independent charity Missing People by calling 116 000 or via its website.' The former CEO of Dippin' Dots was arrested for allegedly strangling his girlfriend before he walked outside naked at their home just north of Oklahoma City. Scott Fischer, 44, was detained just after midnight on Wednesday after Nichols Hills Police received complaints about domestic abuse. Officers who arrived on the scene said they saw him standing outside on the front lawn without any clothes on, according to local television station KFOR. He was taken to Oklahoma County Jail on charges related to domestic abuse by strangulation, interfering with a 9-1-1 call, indecent exposure, and public intoxication, authorities said. Fischer came home from work drunk on Tuesday before he got into an argument with his girlfriend at 5.45pm, according to an arrest affidavit. The former CEO of Dippin' Dots was arrested for allegedly strangling his girlfriend before he walked outside naked Scott Fischer, 44, was detained just after midnight on Wednesday after Nichols Hills Police received complaints about domestic abuse Fischer acquired miniature ice cream pellet company Dippin' Dots from bankruptcy in 2012 and helped the company reach $300 million in retail sales The couple began arguing again almost six hours later when she was trying to go to bed but it escalated, the report says. He allegedly grabbed her shirt and began assaulting her. He grabbed her by the throat and began choking her until she slapped him to get away, the affidavit claims. The physical altercation then moved into the living room where Fischer allegedly threw her over the couch. She fell onto her back and he is said to have punched her in the chest and police said they found several small droplets of blood behind the seat cushions. Fischer's girlfriend got up and called 911 and he allegedly tried to stop her by taking the phone away. She eventually got out of the house and police arrived on the scene soon after. Officers said Fischer was 'completely naked with a blank expression on his face' as he stood with a 'circular sway.' He had a 'strong odor of an alcoholic beverage' and was 'unsteady on his feet as we walked him to the patrol vehicle' according to the police. It comes after Fischer was sued by his ex-girlfriend in 2021 over claims he shared nude photos of her and even sent them to her mother during a custody dispute. In the lawsuit filed in Oklahoma County District Court, Amanda Brown said she was in a relationship with Fischer from 2019 to 2020, claiming it was tumultuous because of his 'dangerous tendency to abuse alcohol.' He allegedly grabbed his girlfriend's shirt and began assaulting her. He grabbed her by the throat and began choking her until she slapped him to get away, an arrest affidavit states He was taken to Oklahoma County Jail for domestic abuse by strangulation, interfering with a 9-1-1 call, indecent exposure, and public intoxication, authorities said It comes after Fischer was sued by his ex-girlfriend in 2021 over claims he shared nude photos of her and even sent them to her mother during a custody dispute He allegedly 'drank frequently and excessively,' according to the court documents and 'failed several attempts at sobriety'. Fischer acquired the miniature ice cream pellet company from bankruptcy in 2012 and helped the company reach $300 million in retail sales. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into 12 countries outside of the United States, and led the company's acquisition of Doc Popcorn, the largest franchised retailer of popcorn in the world. He stepped down as CEO in July 2022 and started his own private investment company called Fischer Capital, according to his LinkedIn page. Dailymail.com has reached out to Fischer for comment. Passengers turned on each other in a foul-mouthed row in front of terrified families on a flight to Gatwick. Russell Flanders landed in the UK following a family holiday in Faro, Portugal, yesterday morning and was waiting with his wife and their two kids to exit the plane at Gatwick airport, the Sun reports. He claimed they were then 'trapped' in their seats for 25 minutes as two fliers blocked the aisle after a fight erupted. Footage filmed by Mr Russell's wife shows one passenger shouting: 'Meet me outside, bro... you're gonna smash me up, yeah? When did you start talking s***?', with the other passenger replying: 'When I asked you not to f***ing bump heads.' The two fighting passengers hurl insults at each other as Mr Russell's kids, aged nine and three, watched on 'terrified by the swearing and threats of violence'. Footage filmed by Mr Russell's wife shows one passenger shouting: 'Meet me outside, bro... you're gonna smash me up, yeah? When did you start talking s***?', with the other passenger replying: 'When I asked you not to f***ing bump heads.' One of the passengers who is wearing a Nike backpack swore: I'm gonna f*** you up. You're an Irish boy, get out of my f***ing way. You're f***ing talking to me bro.' The Irish passenger replied: 'Where are you from? I don't give a s***,' he shouted, and added: 'You don't know who you're dealing with. You f***ing idiot.' Sussex Police were called but made no arrests. A spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We can confirm police carried out a search in the airport for two passengers reported to have been involved in a verbal dispute on board a flight. 'There was no trace of anyone matching their description and no alleged offences were disclosed.' The flight was a wetlease service operated by Avion Express on behalf of BA Euroflyer. British Airways said: 'We do not tolerate disruptive behaviour of any kind and will always take appropriate action.' Avion Express and Gatwick Airport have been contacted for comment. Notorious domestic terrorist Ted Kaczynski, also known as the 'Unabomber', showed no remorse over his package bomb spree across the nation which killed three people and injured 23 others. He died on Saturday at a federal prison in North Carolina aged 81, the Bureau of Prisons confirmed. His cause of death was not immediately known. Kaczynski orchestrated 16 bombings over a 17-year reign of terror and was given a life sentence without the possibility of parole when he was finally caught in 1996. But letter revealed in 2018, revealed he didn't regret a single moment of his bombing campaign. He wrote a letter to a love interest from his prison cell who questioned his abhorrent violence but he insisted it was justified. Notorious domestic terrorist Ted Kaczynski, also known as the 'Unabomber', showed no remorse over his package bomb spree which killed three people and injured 23 others He died on Saturday at a federal prison in North Carolina aged 81, the Bureau of Prisons confirmed. His cause of death was not immediately known 'Do I feel that my actions were justified? To that I can give you only a qualified yes,' he said in the letter, according to New York Daily News. Kaczynski's built the explosives he used in the mail bombs at a primitive cabin in western Montana woodland. He was eventually captured in 1996 after a years-long manhunt and he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. And Kaczynski was convicted on May 4, 1998 for his 16 mail bombs sent from 1978 to 1995. He was given four life sentences plus 30 years by a federal judge in California and was only spared the death penalty by pleading guilty to murder. The 'genius-turned-madman, won a scholarship to Harvard when he was just 16 and worked as a mathematician at the University of California, Berkeley. But he abandoned his career in 1971 to live as a recluse in a remote cabin in Montana. A few years later he wrote a manifesto denouncing modern technology and launched a package bomb campaign in 1978, starting at Northwestern University in Chicago. Kaczynski orchestrated 16 bombings over a 17-year reign of terror and was given a life sentence without the possibility of parole when he was finally caught in 1996 But while in jail, he revealed he doesn't regret a single moment of his bombing campaign and told a love interest his actions were justified The terrorist killed three and injured 23 by mailing explosives across America. Pictured: An FBI reproduction of one of Kaczynski's bombs Kaczynski later targeted colleges in Utah, Tennessee, California, and Michigan as well as airlines. The first fatality happened in December 1985 in Sacramento, California where 38-year-old Hugh Scrutton was killed by an explosive left outside his computer store. In December 1994 Thomas Mosser, a public relations executive was killed by a bomb package that was delivered to his home in New Jersey. And in April 1995 a California timber lobbyist Gilbert Murray was killed in his Sacramento office when he opened a letter containing a bomb. Kaczynski continued his random rampage for 18 years until his 35,000 word manifesto 'Industrial Society and Its Future' was published in Washington Post and The New York Times in September 1995. It wasn't until then when the Unabomber's brother David Kaczynski recognized his writing style and reported him to the FBI. A raid of his remote Montana cabin found evidence of his writings, explosive materials, and a live bomb yet to be delivered. Kaczynski believed he was part of a 'revolution' and disliked 'elite' scientists, female activists, liberals, and 'politically correct types'. Kaczynski was eventually captured living a hermit-like life in the Montana wilderness after retreating to a solitary cabin Kaczynski had been moved to the federal prison medical facility in North Carolina after spending two decades in a federal Supermax prison in Colorado And he offered no apology for his actions which resulted in three people dying and 23 others being injured. The Unabombers deadly homemade bombs changed the way Americans mailed packages and boarded airplanes, years before the Sept. 11 attacks and the anthrax mailing. He even virtually shut down air travel on the West Coast in July 1995. Kaczynski had been moved to the federal prison medical facility in North Carolina after spending two decades in a federal Supermax prison in Colorado. Infamous domestic terrorist Ted Kaczynski was found dead Saturday morning in his cell in federal prison, 27 years after his reign of terror was brought to an end. Known across America as the 'Unabomber' while authorities desperately sought him from 1978 to 1996, he waged war on unsuspecting victims by mailing explosives via the US postal system. Over an 17-year campaign, Kaczynski killed three people and injured 23 more with 16 bombs. But his descent into madness came after he became known as a prodigious Harvard-educated mathematician with a genius-level intellect, leading many to question where it went wrong for the notorious terrorist. Ted Kaczynski was captured after an exhaustive 17-year manhunt. He is pictured being escorted by US Marshals in 1996 after his arrest Who was Theodore 'Ted' Kaczynski? Born on May 22, 1942, Ted Kaczynski was the son of second-generation Polish Catholics. His father was a sausage maker and his mother was a homemaker, and he grew up in Chicago with his younger brother David. From a young age it quickly became apparent that Kaczynski was a genius-level mathematician, and he skipped the sixth and 11th grades on his way to attending Harvard aged just 16. However, high school classmates remember the virtuoso as an outcast, with one ominous incident seeing him show a fellow student how to make a mini-bomb that detonated during chemistry class. Harvard classmates recalled him as a lonely, thin boy with poor personal hygiene and a room that smelled of spoiled milk, rotting food and foot powder. He went on to graduate school at the University of Michigan, before he got a job teaching math at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1971, an unemployed Kaczynski bought a 4-mile parcel of land in the wilderness outside Lincoln, Montana, where he built a cabin without heating, plumbing or electricity. While briefly working for his father and brother in Chicago in the late 1970s, he was abruptly dumped by a female colleague after two dates. When Ted began posting offensive limericks about her, his brother fired him, sending him back to the woods where he hatched his plot to terrorize society. Ted Kaczynski (pictured) was behind a 17-year mail bomb spree that left three people dead and wounded 23 others Kaczynski was eventually captured living a hermit-like life in the Montana wilderness after retreating to a solitary cabin How did he become known as the 'Unabomber'? Kaczynski earned his moniker 'Unabomber' from the FBI because many of his early targets were universities and airports. The domestic terrorist used his knowledge of bomb making and engineering to hatch an insidious plot to spread fear and chaos across America, usually by posting bombs to his unsuspecting victims via the US postal system. His explosives were carefully tested and came in meticulously handcrafted wooden boxes sanded to remove possible fingerprints. While most of his victims were severely maimed by the explosives, he did kill three - computer rental store owner Hugh Scrutton, advertising executive Thomas Mosser and timber industry lobbyist Gilbert Murray. Mosser was killed in his North Caldwell, New Jersey, home on Dec. 10, 1994, a day he was supposed to be picking out a Christmas tree with his family. His wife, Susan, found him grievously wounded by a barrage of razor blades, pipes and nails. 'He was moaning very softly,' she said at Kaczynskis 1998 sentencing. 'The fingers on his right hand were dangling. I held his left hand. I told him help was coming. I told him I loved him.' The terrorist mailed explosives across America. Pictured: An FBI reproduction of one of Kaczynski's bombs In April 1996 authorities found Kaczynski in a 10-by-14 foot wood cabin outside Lincoln, Montana What did the Unabomber believe? Throughout the 17-year hunt for Kaczynski, which was the longest and coldest manhunt in US law enforcement history, the bomber shot to infamy as an elusive and almost-mystical criminal mastermind. In 1995, he released his twisted manifesto, 'Industrial Society and Its Future', and promised to stop mailing bombs if it was published. The 35,000 word tome argued that society was spiraling out of control due to the emergence of technology. At the urging of authorities, it was published by major news outlets, which led his brother to recognize the outlandish belief system and tip off the FBI. His capture in 1996 revealed that the terrorist was living a hermit-like existence in the Montana wilderness, where he would construct explosives miles from civilization before sending them across the nation. The domestic terrorist insisted he was not insane when he carried out the series of bombings David Kaczynski (right), the brother of Ted Kaczynski, holds hands with his mother Wanda (left) as they arrive to the Unabomber's murder trial How was the Unabomber arrested? Kaczynski led authorities on the longest manhunt in US law enforcement history from 1978 to 1996. He left authorities baffled as he mailed untraceable bombs across the US, leaving them with little evidence to track down the terrorist. But they finally caught a break when Kaczynski attempted to push his outlandish manifesto on the world in 1996. The year before, he had stepped up his bombs and letters to newspapers, leading experts to speculate the 'Unabomber' was jealous of the attention being paid to Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. When The Washington Post, in collaboration with The New York Times, published his manifesto, his brother David and his wife Linda Patrik realized Ted may be the mystical bomber terrorizing America for almost two decades. Patrik claimed she had a disturbing feeling about her brother-in-law even before seeing the manifesto, and the couple enlisted the help of her childhood friend Susan Swanson, a private investigator, to verify the link. Swanson in turn passed them along to former FBI behavior science expert Clint Van Zandt, whose analysts said whoever wrote them had also probably written the twisted manifesto. 'It was a nightmare,' David Kaczynski, who as a child had idolized his older brother, said in a 2005 speech at Bennington College. 'I was literally thinking, My brothers a serial killer, the most wanted man in America.' His tip-off led federal agents to trace Kaczynski to his Montana hideout, before he was arrested and sentenced to life behind bars without the possibility of parole. He was found dead in his cell on Saturday, June 10, aged 81. She was seen going into the synagogue with her husband Jared, 42, while the pair held hands It was the first time she has been spotted since her father Donald Trump's indictment on 37 felonies Ivanka Trump was spotted for the first time since her father's indictment looking resplendent while walking hand-in-hand with Jared as they headed into the synagogue in Miami. Ivanka, 41, looked elegant in a mid-length white tulle dress, which she wore under a matching white blazer and a white belt around her waist. She accessorized with a pair of beige slingback heels and a small hat. Her husband, 42, was the polar opposite of her, wearing a black suit with a white shirt and comfortable tie-up shoes. He accessorized with a pair of fashionable sunglasses and held tightly onto his wife's hand. The pair walked into a synagogue in Miami for a service. Ivanka Trump was spotted for the first time since her father's indictment walking hand-in-hand with Jared as they headed into the synagogue in Miami Ivanka, 41, look elegant in a mid-length white tulle dress, which she wore under a matching white blazer and a white belt around her waist. She accessorized with a pair of beige slingback heels and a small hat. Their kids were seen riding on shooters as they arrived to the synagogue Recently, Ivanka looked stunning while attending a royal wedding in Jordan. The former first daughter, who attended last week's glamorous event with her husband, took to Instagram on Sunday to reveal the first dress that she donned for the occasion, a $6,500 multi-colored cape dress from Jenny Packham. Ivanka appears to have worn the rainbow-striped gown for the first half of the event, having already shared photos of herself sporting a beautiful pale blue gown from Alex Perry - which she was seen wearing while having a chat with Prince William at the wedding. It appears Ivanka wore the rainbow design - which featured a cape embellishment and a thin silver belt around the waist - to the reception, before changing into her blue gown for the banquet dinner hours later. The pair held hands as they walked into the building Her husband, 42, was the polar opposite of her, wearing a black suit with a white shirt and comfortable tie-up shoes. He accessorized with a pair of fashionable sunglasses and held tightly onto his wife's hand The pair were spotted multiple times holding hands as they crossed the street Ivanka and Jared were among a host of high-profile guests at the event - including First Lady Jill Biden, whose husband, President Joe Biden, has come under furious criticism at the hands of Ivanka's father, former President Donald Trump. Her father is currently campaigning for the 2024 presidential in Georgia. His wife, Melania, is said to be 'standing by her man' through this turbulent time and is 'used' to dealing with bad press, a source told Page Six. 'They are used to dealing with this stuff,' the source said. Her support comes after photos were unsealed from her husband's 37-count felony indictment, which showed classified documents scattered across his home. Trump left classified documents scattered across his bathroom and the Mar-a-Lago ballroom stage and bragged to aides about taking military secrets, according to the stunning indictment unsealed by the Department of Justice on Friday. It was the first time she was spotted since her father's indictment on 37 felonies Trump gave a wave for photographer after stepping off his private plane that was embellished with his name on it in gold paint He was seen arriving with Marjorie Taylor Greene in Columbus, Georgia Extraordinary new photos revealed in the damning filing lay out claims that Trump valet Walt Nauta walked into a storage room and found 'Five Eyes' intelligence files on allies including the United Kingdom and Australia spilled on the floor. There are also multiple instances where Trump suggested it would be 'better' if the classified documents weren't in Mar-a-Lago and even hinted to attorneys they should remove them. It also includes the full conversation he had with the write and publisher of ex-chief of staff Mark Meadows' book where he admitted that he didn't declassify documents on a military 'plan of attack.' Trump showed a classified map to someone who didn't have security clearance - and admitted he shouldn't be sharing it - and had files related to the US nuclear program, the CIA and the Pentagon. She was seen walking close to her daughter Arabella as they maneuvered a busy street Ivanka smiled at her daughter, who wore a flower covered white dress At one point Ivanka wore dark shades like her husband to block out the Miami sun Recently, Ivanka looked stunning while attending a royal wedding in Jordan There are also extensive details of Trump being personally involved in moving documents between different parts of his sprawling Florida club where he has held hundreds of parties since he left office. The former president has been hit with a total of 37 charges for his handling of classified documents, including 31 counts of Wilful Retention of National Defense Information under the Espionage Act. He will appear in a Miami court on Tuesday afternoon and has already said he will plead not guilty. The details laid out are far more damning than first thought, and could land Trump in serious legal peril with a potential of decades in prison if he is convicted. A woman has been left fighting for her life after a stabbing in Croydon as police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder. Emergency services were called to the scene on Grenaby Avenue at around 2pm on Friday afternoon following reports of a disturbance at a South London home. Met Police officers found a 29-year-old woman with stab wounds and provided first aid, before she was rushed to hospital by London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance. She remains in a critical condition in hospital. A second woman, aged 23, was also treated for minor injuries. A man, who police say was known to the two women, has since been arrested and remains in custody. Emergency services were called to the scene on Grenaby Avenue at around 2pm on Friday afternoon following reports of a disturbance at a South London home A crime scene remains in place in the area after a man was arrested on suspicion of murder Police are now appealing for information or witnesses to the incident on June 9 to come forward Police are now appealing for information or witnesses to come forward. 'Police were called shortly before 2pm on Friday, June 9 to reports of a disturbance at a residential address in Grenaby Avenue, Croydon', a spokesperson said. 'Officers attended and found a 29-year-old woman suffering from stab injuries. They immediately provided first aid. 'The London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance also attended. The woman was taken to a South London hospital where she remains in a critical condition. Her family has been informed. 'A second woman, aged 23, was treated for a minor injury. A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in custody at a south London police station. A crime scene remains in place and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances. The man arrested is known to the two women.' A crime scene remains in place in the area. MailOnline has contacted the London Ambulance Service for comment. Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 4200/09Jun. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers. Former China central bank vice governor expelled from CPC, office Xinhua) 10:26, June 10, 2023 BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Fan Yifei, a former vice governor of the People's Bank of China, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office over serious violations of discipline and laws, the country's top anti-graft agency announced Friday. An investigation into Fan, also a former member of the CPC committee of the bank, found that he lost his ideals and convictions, engaged in superstitious activities, resisted investigations into his problems, and accepted money and gifts against the rules, the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision said in a joint statement. Other offenses included seeking profit for others in matters concerning the selection and appointment of officials, intervening in judicial affairs against the regulations, and trading power for money in the name of "investment." Fan's activities have gravely breached Party discipline and constituted significant violations of duty-related laws, the statement said, adding that he is also suspected of the criminal offense of accepting bribes. In line with Party regulations and laws, a decision has been made to expel Fan from the Party, remove him from public office, and confiscate his illicit gains. The case will be referred to the procuratorate for criminal investigation and prosecution, it said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Former National Intelligence Service director Suh Hoon is seen in this May 19 file photo. Yonhap Former National Intelligence Service (NIS) chief Suh Hoon was questioned by police Saturday over charges he had illegally meddled in the organization's hiring decisions. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it summoned Suh for questioning at 10 a.m. and sent him home around 6 p.m. On May 24, the agency had raided the homes of Suh and another ex-NIS director, Park Jie-won, over unfair hiring allegations. The Seoul police are expected to call Park in for questioning in the near future. Suh served as NIS director from 2017-20, and Park from 2020-22, both under the previous Moon Jae-in administration. Suh and Park are both accused of abusing their authority as NIS chief in having people close to them hired as employees at the Institute for National Security Strategy, which is affiliated with the NIS. The spy agency reportedly learned of such hiring in a recent internal inspection of personnel affairs during the Moon administration and requested a police investigation. Suh, who also worked as national security adviser for Moon, was arrested in December last year over alleged irregularities surrounding the 2020 death of a South Korean fisheries official at the hands of North Korea. He was granted bail in April. (Yonhap) A driver has won a court case against a parking company over a fine after they refused to write it in Welsh. Elysteg Llwyd Thomas from Dyffryn Nantlle, Gwynedd, won the civil case against Simple Intelligent Parking Ltd because they had declined to provide the information regarding the 60 fine bilingually. Ms Thomas told the company she would pay if they provided all correspondence in Welsh, including a copy of the fine she received after parking at Lligwy beach, near Moelfre, Anglesey, in August 2021, the BBC reports. But the company ignored her request and upped the fine to 100 and then 160 when she didn't pay up. Ms Thomas was represented in the court by her father, Eifion Lloyd Jones, who is a member of a Welsh language campaign group called Dyfodol i'r Iaith. Ms Thomas told the company she would pay if they provided all correspondence in Welsh, including a copy of the fine she received after parking at Lligwy beach (pictured), near Moelfre, Anglesey, in August 2021 (file image) Judge Merfyn Jones-Evans said all signs in car parks in Wales should be bilingual and that notices in English or Welsh only were not 'sufficient notices' ine line with the Protection of Freedom Act 2012. After the case, Ms Thomas' father Mr Jones from Prion, Denbighshire, said he hoped the judge's warning would lead to the end of Welsh people being penalised for asking for correspondence in Welsh. Dylan Rhys Jones, head of the School of Law at Wrexham's Glyndwr University, said there had been 'absolutely no precedent' set by the case and that there could be another case next week with a different outcome. He told the BBC: 'If people continue to challenge fines that are given in English only like this, and that companies realise that it is cheaper for them in a way to provide documentation in Welsh rather than going to court... then it is going to be cheaper for them to provide documents in Welsh.' Simple Intelligent Parking Ltd said it intended to appeal against the decision and told S4C Newyddion: 'We are waiting for the written judgment so that we can take the appropriate steps. 'However, we anticipate that we will appeal against the decision as it is wrong according to the law.' MailOnline contacted Simple Intelligent Parking Ltd for comment. Trump made his first public remarks since the DOJ indictment was unsealed Donald Trump made his first public appearance since the documents in his 'joke of an indictment' were unsealed and the ex-president used his time to come out swinging against the Democratic establishment. 'In the end, they're not coming after me, they're coming after you and I'm just standing in their way and I always will,' Trump told Republicans gathered at the Georgia GOP state convention on Saturday afternoon. The former president and 2024 candidate appeared alongside acolyte Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in his first remarks since the Department of Justice (DOJ) unveiled 37 counts against him in his classified documents case. Trump continued to up his rhetoric against the 'double standards' exhibited by the DOJ for not investigating President Joe Biden for also taking documents from the White House after his time as vice president. 'Republicans are treated much differently at the Justice Department than Democrats,' he lamented. Trump attacked the 'corrupt' and 'weaponized' Justice Department, telling a Georgia rally: 'Every time I fly over a blue state I get a subpoena.' Donald Trump told a GOP convention crowd in Columbus, Georgia on Saturday afternoon that Democrats are trying to attack Republican voters through launching a myriad of legal challenges against him: 'In the end, they're not coming after me, they're coming after you and I'm just standing in their way' The ex-President appeared at the Georgia GOP convention alongside loyal backer Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has been floated as a potential running mate for Trump in his 2024 bid to take back the White House 'We want him before a grand jury,' Trump said in a voice mimicking Democrats who want to see him behind bars. 'The only good thing about it is that it's driven my poll numbers way up, can you believe it?' he half-joked. Rep. Greene, invited onto stage by Trump during his speech, said: 'This is something that you know, this is something that I know President Trump is beating Biden in poll after poll after poll.' 'Let's get Trump back in the White House for four more years' she told the crowd as they broke out into a chant of 'four more years.' Trump said that 'the ridiculous and baseless indictment will go down as one the worst abuses of power on record.' 'This vicious persecution is a travesty of justice,' Trump insisted. 'You're watching Joe Biden [try] to jail his leading political opponent an opponent that is beating him by a lot in the polls just like they do in Stalin-ist Russia, or communist China. No different.' 'Our country has gone very bad. Just think of it in three years.' The former president told the cheering crowds: 'Together we will stand up to globalists, the Marxists' as well as 'the communists, environmental extremists, the open border fanatics the radical left, the prosecutors and the fake news media.' 'Our country has tears because of what's happening,' he lamented. 'We have fake elections, we have no borders, we have inflation, we have everything is just going wrong.' 'We now have two standards of justice in our country,' he went on. 'The Democrat Communists who jail their opponents while they protect the murderers who prowl our cities day and night, and other brazen criminals.' Adding that 'no criminal is more protected than crooked Joe Biden.' 'It's no coincidence they indicted me the very same day it was revealed that the FBI hid explosive evidence that Joe Biden took a $5 million illegal bribe from Ukraine' Trump alleged. Trump walked on stage to the familiar patriotic tune of Lee Greenwood's God Bless The USA, and spent several minutes enjoying the crowd's cheering and waving before beginning his speech. Donald Trump made his first public appearance since the documents in his indictment were unsealed Donald Trump left classified documents scattered across his Mar-a-Lago estate according to the stunning indictment unsealed by the Department of Justice on Friday Crowds turned out to hear the former president speak for the first time since his indictment was unsealed on Friday Trump fans waited to see Trump exit his plane in Georgia Marjorie Taylor Greene arrives for Trump's rally in Columbus, Georgia The appearance comes after it was reveal that Trump left classified documents scattered across his bathroom and the Mar-a-Lago ballroom stage and bragged to aides about taking military secrets, according to the stunning indictment unsealed by the Department of Justice on Friday. Extraordinary new photos revealed in the damning filing lay out claims that Trump valet Walt Nauta walked into a storage room and found 'Five Eyes' intelligence files on allies including the United Kingdom and Australia spilled on the floor. During his rally, Trump said that it wasn't like the documents were 'smuggled' out of the White House, noting that they were brought out onto the street and photographed before being taken to his Florida Mar-a-Lago residence. The ex-president lamented that President Joe Biden had more boxes of materials that he should not have taken from the White House in his possession, and said the DOJ is refusing to investigate that. 'By the way, Biden's got 1,850 boxes,' Trump said to the Columbus, Georgia crowd of Republicans. 'He's got boxes in Chinatown, D.C. He's got boxes all over the place, he doesn't know what the hell to do with them.' 'And he's fighting them on the boxes he doesn't want to give the boxes,' Trump insisted, saying that he was working with the federal government on handing over the materials despite claims that he was 'obstructing.' There are multiple instances in the indictment where Trump suggested it would be 'better' if the classified documents weren't in Mar-a-Lago and even hinted to attorneys they should remove them. It also includes the full conversation he had with the write and publisher of ex-chief of staff Mark Meadows' book where he admitted that he didn't declassify documents on a military 'plan of attack'. Trump showed a classified map to someone who didn't have security clearance - and admitted he shouldn't be sharing it - and had files related to the U.S. nuclear program, the CIA and the Pentagon. There are also extensive details of Trump being personally involved in moving documents between different parts of his sprawling Florida club where he has held hundreds of parties since he left office. The DOJ's 49-page indictment against Trump was unsealed on Friday and accuses him of mishandling classified documents after leaving office in 2021, as well as obstruction of justice It contains 37 counts pertaining to those charges, as well as photographs showing mounds of document-filled boxes were illegally stored at his Florida estate for the better part of a year in the Mar-a-Lago ballroom and even in a spare bathroom The former president has been hit with a total of 37 charges for his handling of classified documents, including 31 counts of Willful Retention of National Defense Information under the Espionage Act. He will appear in a Miami court on Tuesday afternoon and has already said he will plead not guilty. The details laid out are far more damning than first thought, and could land Trump in serious legal peril with a potential of decades in prison if he is convicted. Trump said that the indictment was unsealed on Friday because it was getting 'too hot' for President Biden, which in the former executive's words mean that he had failed too much and needed the focus to be taken off him. He predicted that soon the DOJ will reveal a small charge against Biden's son Hunter as a way to flaunt their supposed 'fairness.' 'Next Hunter will probably be charged with some very minor offense so the FBI and DAOJ (sic) can pretend they're fair,' Trump said to friendly listeners. 'They want to pretend they're fair 'We got Hunter for J-walking' while they ignore the bribery, money laundering and other major crimes implicating crooked Joe Biden.' A man who was paralyzed in the back of a police van has received a $45million settlement from the city after officers mocked him and accused him of lying about his injuries. New Haven, Connecticut, agreed to pay Randy Cox $45million after he became paralyzed while being transported to jail in handcuffs and without a seat belt in the back of a police van following his arrest last year, the city's mayor and attorneys said Saturday. The agreement was reached Friday evening following a daylong conference with a federal magistrate judge, Mayor Justin Elicker said. It came two days after the city fired two police officers who authorities said treated Cox, 36, recklessly and without compassion. 'The city's mistakes have been well documented,' a statement by attorneys Ben Crump, Louis Rubano and R.J. Weber, who represented Cox, said. 'But today is a moment to look to the future, so New Haven residents can have confidence in their city and their police department.' Cox, 36, was left paralyzed from the chest down June 19, 2022, when the police van he was riding in braked hard, sending him head-first into a metal partition while his hands were cuffed behind his back. Cox had been arrested on charges of threatening a woman with a gun, which were later dismissed. New Haven, Connecticut, agreed to pay Randy Cox, 36, (pictured) $45million after he became paralyzed while being transported to jail Cox was left paralyzed from the chest down June 19, 2022, when the police van he was riding in braked hard, sending him head-first into a metal partition while his hands were cuffed behind his back. 'I can't move. I'm going to die like this. Please, please, please help me,' Cox said minutes after the crash, according to police video. Once at the police station, officers mocked Cox and accused him of being drunk and faking his injuries, according to surveillance and body-worn camera footage. Officers dragged Cox by his feet out of the van and placed him in a holding cell prior to his eventual transfer to a hospital. Five officers, including those who were fired, face criminal charges in the case. The five New Haven police officers were charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons. They were placed on administrative leave after the incident. All have pleaded not guilty. Officer Oscar Diaz was the driver of the van, and was accompanied by Sergeant Betsy Segui. Officers Ronald Pressley, Jocelyn Lavandier and Luis Rivera were working in the detention area when Cox was dragged to a holding cell in a wheelchair. The officers turned themselves in at a state police barracks in November. Each was processed, posted a $25,000 bond and are due back in court December 8, according to a news release from state police. In September, Cox's lawyer Ben Crump, who has represented the families of George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, and Trayvon Martin, said he was suing police for $100million. His attorneys called the settlement the largest ever in a police misconduct case. Since the horrifying ordeal, Cox has had multiple surgeries The settlement came two days after the city fired two police officers who authorities said treated Cox recklessly The five New Haven police officers were charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons. They pleaded not guilty Crump said the city should take responsibility to what happened and said multiple times that 'it should have been unnecessary for Cox to file a lawsuit.' He said: 'If we say, we respect Randy Cox's life and respect Randy Cox's life experiences then we have to show that by action, not just by rhetoric, not just say we care about Black lives, but we have an actual duty in New Haven and throughout America to actually show that we believe black lives matter.' Crump said Cox suffers 'mental anguish that is probably worse than death itself,' the Hartford Courant reported. Since the horrifying ordeal, Cox has had multiple surgeries. Crump said that to give Cox 'a basic quality of life' would cost $20 million to $30 million, including retrofitting a van and 24-hour care. Cox did not plan to make any public comments over the weekend, Rubano said. 'He kind of relived what happened to him throughout the day yesterday, so it was a very emotional day,' the attorney said by phone. 'He's unwinding now.' The case drew outrage from civil rights advocates like the NAACP The case drew outrage from civil rights advocates like the NAACP, along with comparisons to the Freddie Gray case in Baltimore. Cox is black, while all five officers who were arrested are black or Hispanic. Gray, who also was black, died in 2015 after he suffered a spinal injury while handcuffed and shackled in a city police van. New Haven police have since adopted reforms that include making sure all prisoners wear seat belts. The State Senate gave final approval to legislation that would require seat belts for all prisoners being transported on June 5. 'Randy entered a police transport vehicle being able to walk, and now he's not able to walk,' Elicker said at a news conference Saturday. He said he had spoken with Cox's mother earlier in the day. 'What I shared with her is that while this settlement cannot bring Randy back to his original state when he entered that police transport vehicle, that my hope is that it provides Randy the future medical support and other support that he will need,' Elicker said. 'Randy's 36 years old, and we hope he has a long life ahead of him with the kind of support and care that he deserves.' Rishi Sunak has been told he will trigger civil war in the Tory Party if he prevents Boris Johnson from making a political comeback. Mr Johnson yesterday sent a clear message to Downing Street, telling friends: Im not done yet following his shock resignation as an MP on Friday. And former Cabinet Minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has warned party bosses not to stand in the former PMs way if he seeks re-election to the Commons. Sir Jacob said Mr Johnsons dramatic move had put him in pole position to return as Conservative leader if a vacancy should arise. Writing in The Mail on Sunday, he added: I would most strongly warn Conservative Party managers against any attempt to block Boris if he seeks the party nomination in another seat. Any attempt to do so would shatter our fragile party unity and plunge the Conservatives into civil war. Mr Johnson yesterday sent a clear message to Downing Street, telling friends: Im not done yet following his shock resignation as an MP on Friday (Pictured September 2019) A source close to Mr Sunak said the Prime Minister told Mr Johnson he would follow precedent and not interfere with the process Writing in The Mail on Sunday, Mr Rees-Mogg wrote: I would most strongly warn Conservative Party managers against any attempt to block Boris if he seeks the party nomination in another seat' The Tory Party has been thrown into turmoil by Mr Johnsons dramatic exit, which came shortly after his loyal supporter, former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, also announced she would be quitting as an MP. Nigel Adams yesterday became the second Boris supporter to quit the Commons, while a fourth pro-Johnson MP was also understood to be on resignation watch. Members of the Johnson camp claimed that up to six red wall Tory MPs who won traditionally Labour seats under Mr Johnsons leadership could follow suit. It means the Prime Minister is facing at least three by-elections while trailing badly in the polls. New research by Lord Ashcroft also makes grim reading for Mr Sunak, as it shows voters are disillusioned with his lack of progress on key pledges. Mr Johnson, 58, resigned on Friday after claiming he was the victim of a witch-hunt over Partygate accusing the MPs investigating him of acting as a kangaroo court and seeking revenge for Brexit. He said that he was leaving Parliament for now, raising the prospect of a dramatic return to the Commons. Mr Johnson, 58, resigned on Friday after claiming he was the victim of a witch-hunt over Partygate accusing the MPs investigating him of acting as a kangaroo court and seeking revenge for Brexit (Pictured in March 2023) The Tory Party has been thrown into turmoil by Mr Johnsons dramatic exit, which came shortly after his loyal supporter, former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, also announced she would be quitting as an MP Nigel Adams yesterday became the second Boris supporter to quit the Commons , while a fourth pro-Johnson MP was also understood to be on resignation watch READ MORE: Boris met Rishi for a secret peace summit but days later, flying to Cairo, he was sent a 'killer' email... The poisonous inside story of what led Johnson to his bombshell resignation When Boris Johnson slipped unnoticed into Parliament just over a week ago for a secret meeting with Rishi Sunak, he came in peace. The pair are pictured together in June 2020 at a gathering in the Cabinet Room in 10 Downing Street Advertisement Away from Westminster, Mr Johnson has vowed to lead criticism of Mr Sunaks high-tax policies, and what he regards as a failure to make the most of Brexit. Although Tory HQ has the power to block Mr Johnson from standing at a future Election, his backers believe that party chiefs could not ignore a tsunami of support from grassroots members. Amid an increasingly bitter war of words between the two camps, an ally of Mr Johnson last night described the Prime Minister as a dishonourable swindler who made promises that are not worth the paper theyre written on. Mr Johnsons supporters claim Mr Sunaks Government had decided to kill Boris because Labours persistent poll lead meant that Mr Johnson represented a political threat to the Prime Minister. They say hostilities started last month when the Cabinet Office decided to refer Mr Johnson to police over official diary entries which suggested further potential rule breaches during the Covid pandemic. At an intended peace summit nine days ago, the allies claim Mr Sunak promised Mr Johnson that his resignation honours list would be issued intact. However, when it was released on Friday several key names including Ms Dorries, Mr Adams and Cop26 president Alok Sharma were not elevated to the Lords, as expected. The shock news led to a furious reaction from both Mr Johnson and Ms Dorries, who quickly resigned her seat. Insiders also claim Chief Whip Simon Hart had assured Mr Johnson that the Commons Privileges Committee report into Partygate would offer only mild criticism. But on Thursday, committee chair Harriet Harman told Mr Johnson that her findings would merit a Commons suspension long enough to trigger a by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. The Johnson camp believes that No 10 leant on Tory MPs on the committee to make their report as damning as possible. They say Mr Johnson was particularly angered by the committees conclusion that not only had he deliberately misled Parliament by telling MPs he had not broken any rules during Partygate, but that he had compounded the contempt by continuing to insist he had done nothing wrong in the evidence he gave to the committee. Mr Johnson was said to be furious at the prospect of dozens of Tory MPs voting for his suspension when the report went in front of the Commons. He raged to friends: Dont these people realise they are only in Parliament because of me? Downing Street categorically denies every aspect of Mr Johnsons claims about No 10, dismissing them as lies. Labour deputy leader, Angela Rayner, said Mr Johnson had quit to avoid a by-election in his West London constituency triggered by the Partygate report A source said: When Boris kept asking for reassurances about his honours list being cleared, Rishi explicitly said he couldnt make any promises and urged Boris not to leave the room thinking that he had. Rishis only role was to pass the list to the House of Lords Appointments Commission (Holac) and then receive it back. It was Holac which removed the names. A Prime Minister cannot interfere in that process. A source close to Mr Sunak said the Prime Minister told Mr Johnson he would follow precedent and not interfere with the process. Any suggestions of promises made or guarantees given are categorically untrue, the insider said. Yesterday, Labour deputy leader, Angela Rayner, said Mr Johnson had quit to avoid a by-election in his West London constituency triggered by the Partygate report. She said: To me, he is a coward. He knows that the Privileges Committee has seen through this fiasco and he has jumped. He could have defended himself, he could have gone to his constituents and fought the suspension, and he has decided he is not going to do that because he knows he is in the wrong. The committee will meet tomorrow to decide its reaction to Mr Johnsons resignation and his condemnation of the witch-hunt. Members are expected to insist that their report should still be presented to the Commons and voted on by MPs. Last night, it was suggested that the committee could punish the ex-Prime Minister by denying him the pass traditionally given to former MPs allowing them access to the parliamentary estate the sanction meted out to former Speaker John Bercow after he was found guilty of bullying staff. A Johnson ally said: The Government decided to kill Boris. But it has completely backfired. Boris has shown throughout his career that every time you try to kill him, he just comes back stronger. He will use every conceivable forum to express his views about the Sunak administration, calling for a low-tax regime that makes the most of Brexit. Its not game over for Boris its game on. Its all-out war. With his usual aplomb, Boris Johnson has brought the curtain down on the latest stage of his political career. The most compelling Conservative politician of his generation took everyone by surprise critics and allies alike by resigning his Commons seat. His actions command attention in a way that others can only dream about. In the pantheon of Prime Ministers, Boris ranks with Chatham, Palmerston and Thatcher, and is only really outgunned by Walpole because of longevity or Pitt and Churchill because of war. Sir Jacob Rees Mogg: Boris' 'dramatic move and his own hint that he will seek another Parliamentary berth puts him in pole position to return as Conservative leader if a vacancy should arise.' Boris Johnson speaks during his first cabinet meeting since the general election, inside 10 Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019 His extraordinary achievements in his brief spell as Prime Minister include campaigning for a successful Brexit vote and then getting it done. In his brave support for Ukraine, Boris has also reawakened the West to its global responsibilities. Even Boris's leadership during Covid was essential as we now know that the fanatics wanted us even more firmly locked down. However, his charisma and appeal have always been galling to his political opponents, both within the Conservative Party and outside it. The dullards of the Privileges Committee, as the Lilliputians with Gulliver, tried to tie him down but failed. In the face of a clearly partisan, biased report by a committee which Boris himself has called a 'kangaroo court', he has done the right thing by pre-empting it and rendering it null and void. This, though, is most definitely not the end of Boris in the politics of our nation. In fact, his dramatic move and his own hint that he will seek another Parliamentary berth puts him in pole position to return as Conservative leader if a vacancy should arise. On that note, I would most strongly warn Conservative Party managers against any attempt to block Boris if he seeks the party nomination in another seat. Any attempt to do so would shatter our fragile party unity and plunge the Conservatives into civil war. I am not, unlike some of my fellow Boris admirers, resigning my Commons seat. I can understand their anger at the former Prime Minister's treatment. For my part, I will fight my North- East Somerset seat at the next Election and campaign for a Conservative victory nationally. I should, of course, declare that in Boris's long-delayed resignation honours list published on Friday, I was given a knighthood. His recognition of my work with him in government is typical of his generosity. However, my distaste at his treatment by the Privileges Committee was just as great before I received a gong. This committee never had any credibility as an impartial tribunal. Its full-time chairman, Sir Chris Bryant, had to stand aside because of his personal criticisms of Boris, only to be replaced by Harriet Harman, who had herself already condemned Boris on Twitter. In parliamentary committees, the role of the chairman is absolutely crucial. He or she writes the draft report, appoints the lawyers and chairs the meetings, and so directs the conversation. Unfortunately, the Tory members of the committee forgot this, ignored the politicking of the chairman and naively went along with her leadership. Foolishly, the Privileges Committee thought that Boris would go along with this quietly and be as guileless as they were. Instead, he acted decisively to nullify the report which will now gather dust as a document for the next century's antiquarians to ponder over. As for Boris, he could easily get back into Parliament at the next Election. One poll even suggests he would win in a by-election in his former Uxbridge and Ruislip seat. He remains extremely popular with the party's grassroots and in any constituency selection contest, he would be almost impossible to beat. In a strange way, the Privileges Committee may have done him a favour as he can now move to a safer seat without the dishonour of resorting to the so-called 'chicken run'. As I say, all this puts him back in pole position for a future leadership contest. Then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Ukraine. Picture date: Saturday April 9, 2022 Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, to face PMQs When people backed Boris in 2019, it was because of his charisma and electoral appeal both of which remain. They gave him a five-year mandate he has served only three. Furthermore, the succession to him has only been moderately successful which leaves a potential future opening for the job. The master of the unexpected may yet have another scene to play. Rishi Sunak faces a month-long battle to hold his party together in the wake of Boris Johnsons resignation as an MP. The Prime Minister could on Monday fire the starting gun on three by-election contests that could define his premiership. Tonight, Commons sources said they expected the by-election writ for Mr Johnsons former Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat to be moved as early as Monday. But there are also suggestions that the Conservatives could steal a march on Labour by launching the campaign for all three Tory-held seats now up for grabs. As well as Mr Johnsons seat, that includes the Mid-Bedfordshire constituency being given up by Nadine Dorries and fellow Boris loyalist Nigel Adamss Selby and Ainsty seat in Yorkshire. The Prime Minister could tomorrow fire the starting gun on three by-election contests that could define his premiership By Commons convention, it is the party that holds a vacant seat that formally moves the writ that starts a by-election. The polls are normally held between 21 and 27 working days after the writ suggesting the earliest date for the contests would be July 13. The Prime Minister and advisers are expected to make a final decision on the by-election tomorrow. But tonight, one senior Tory MP privately predicted that the PM will want to stretch Labour and Liberal resources by holding all three on the same day and getting them done before the Commons summer recess. However, there are also fears of an undeclared Lib-Lab pact that allows Sir Keir Starmers party to concentrate on winning Uxbridge and South Ruislip in London where Mr Johnson had a slim 7,210 majority and leaves the Lib Dems to focus on the more rural target of Mid-Bedfordshire. Ms Dorries built up a sizeable majority of 24,664 at the 2019 Election. In data released before Mr Adams quit in Selby, pollster Savanta had Labour well ahead in Mr Johnsons old seat. It also suggested Labour was on course to win narrowly in Mid-Bedfordshire. As well as Mr Johnsons seat, that includes the Mid-Bedfordshire constituency being given up by Nadine Dorries (pictured) and fellow Boris loyalist Nigel Adamss Selby and Ainsty seat in Yorkshire However, the pollsters conceded that Ms Dorriess old seat was in reality more likely to be a Lib-Dem target. That would be borne out by what happened in the 2021 by-election in the supposedly ultra-safe North Shropshire seat, triggered by the sleaze-related resignation of Tory ex-Cabinet Minister Owen Paterson. There, the Lib Dems stormed to victory with a massive 34 per cent swing from the Conservatives despite only coming third in the seat at the 2019 Election. Tonight, a Labour spokesman insisted the party was campaigning to win in all three seats. The families of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan are threatening to sue a UK bank over claims it financed a firm that helped Taliban bomb-makers slay hundreds of troops. Standard Chartered Bank, which sponsors Liverpool FC, allegedly ignored British and US military officials' warnings about links between the Taliban and a Pakistani fertiliser company the bank is accused of providing with loans. Bereaved relatives of hundreds of American military personnel are suing the bank in the US. Now British families who lost loved ones in improvised explosive device (IED) attacks want to take similar action in the UK. Lawyer Ryan Sparacino, who leads the American lawsuits, said: 'By any objective measure, Standard Chartered is on the shortlist for dirtiest banks in history. It has the blood of thousands of US and UK heroes on its hands. My clients will impose justice on it.' Angela Jones, from Warrington, whose son Private Thomas Sephton, 20, died after an IED blast in 2010, added: 'I hold this bank culpable. I will be considering legal action because why should Standard Chartered get away with this?' VICTIMS: Sergeant Peter Rayner, who was killed in Afghanistan, with his son Derek Private Thomas Sephton (right) with his mother Angela (left) Ms Jones, 59, said Mercian Regiment soldier Thomas was blown up after 'he saw a wire and turned to his patrol and told them to get back, but the Taliban, who were hiding in a bush, detonated it. Thomas saved a mate's life.' Wendy Rayner, 52, from Bradford, whose husband Sergeant Peter Rayner, 34, was also killed by an IED in 2010, backed suing Standard Chartered, saying: 'If you do not stand up against people like this they will keep getting away with it. They need to be held accountable in court. Only that will stop this.' Sergeant Rayner, of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, who had a son, Derek, was on patrol after a comrade pulled out injured. His widow said: 'He wasn't supposed to be going. He was asked by his captain, who was blown up just before Peter. 'Peter knew it was dangerous. In the conversations we had he was really stressed because they kept sending them down these routes covered with IEDs. 'He rang me and said they could see all these guys planting IEDs but they could not shoot them. They could not do anything. He probably saw the guy planting the IED that blew him up.' Kirsty Cooper, sister of Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper, 21, of Hereford, who was blown up on patrol with The Rifles in 2010, added: 'We'd like to take legal action. There appears to be no remorse.' A total of 457 British military personnel died in Afghanistan with 224 killed by IEDs, which maimed countless more. A key component of IEDs was ammonium nitrate, which was derived from calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), a fertiliser used by Afghanistan farmers. In 2011, the US military issued warnings that CAN from the large Pakistani corporation Fatima was the primary source of explosive material used by the Taliban. The Washington Post quoted an unnamed British officer calling Fatima factories the 'lone source of the problem in Afghanistan'. Standard Chartered allegedly continued to provide foreign exchange and export finance services to Fatima Group until at least 2014 Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, was killed by an explosion while on foot patrol in Afghanistan Despite this, Standard Chartered allegedly continued to provide foreign exchange and export finance services to Fatima Group until at least 2014. Lieutenant General Mike Barbero, who led the US fight to wipe out IEDs in Afghanistan, told The Mail on Sunday he had confronted Standard Chartered about its alleged funding for Fatima Group in 2013. He said that he 'did not see any action or response' from the bank and branded it 'utterly useless'. He said: 'Anybody wounded or who lost a relative as a result of IEDs in Afghanistan should be angry especially with any British or US entity that enabled or at least looked the other way and did not care enough when presented with the evidence. It is shameful.' One of the lawsuits filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act in the US is now before a New York court. The claim states: 'It would have been apparent to anybody looking that the CAN fertiliser bombs being deployed by terrorists in Afghanistan were made of fertiliser obtained from Pakistan, specifically from two related companies: Fatima Fertiliser Company and Pakarab Fertilisers. 'This was so for two reasons. First, these companies had a monopoly or near-monopoly on the production of CAN fertiliser in Pakistan and much of the CAN fertiliser flowing into Afghanistan was coming from Pakistan. 'Second, Coalition forces were frequently seizing large stashes of CAN fertiliser, often in the original packaging bearing Fatima or Pakarab's name, from terrorists.' In 2019, Standard Chartered was fined 1 billion in the US for breaking sanctions on Iran after a criminal investigation was launched in the wake of revelations by British whistleblower Julian Knight, a former RAF pilot and senior figure at the bank. Standard Chartered declined to comment. Some of New York City's most famous locations, like the Empire State Building and Times Square, have been branded as the worst 'overcrowded' tourist traps. Visitors and locals on social media and pages like Trip Advisor have shared their honest opinions on some of New York City's most iconic spots. And instead of encouraging others to check out locations like Williamsburg or the Statue of Liberty, they are warning that the reality may not be what tourists expect. While the Empire State Building carries its name and history, some locals say that there are other tall buildings in Midtown - or indeed Manhattan - that provide a more enjoyable experience Times Square Times Square is known by many as the 'center' of New York City - with its bright lights and illuminated billboards - but it has become one of the main tourist traps in the five boroughs, according to residents. One local, when asked what the biggest tourist trap in NYC was, said: 'This one is easy - Times Square. It's the ugliest 4 or 5 blocks in NYC. 'Unless you are specifically going to a Broadway show in the adjacent theater district, spend 5 minutes at night to see the "great white way" and then move on.' And a disgruntled visitor left a review on Trip Advisor saying: 'One of the highlights to see in NY but after you have seen it you better get out of midtown. Its over crowded, lots of beggars and conmen.' Another person added their opinion on Trip Advisor, saying that the area was swarmed with people taking drugs and garbage on the ground. Times Square is known by many as the 'center' of New York City - with its bright lights and illuminated billboards, it has become one of the main tourist traps in the five boroughs They said: 'NYC is an absolutely wonderful place to visit. That being said, Times Square was abysmal. A few of the reasons I say that. We saw 2 men with their pants around their ankles sitting in a doorway shooting up, sellers are very aggressive and will grab you (they did) trying to pedal rap cds, etc. 'Over-priced, chain restaurants, tourist traps, smell of weed everywhere, a great number of severely mentally ill persons in distress, garbage everywhere, very dirty. 'I was there with my husband and teen sons. This type of stuff may not bother some people but I did not like the vibe and it was the only time in NYC that I did not feel safe (even with a large police presence).' And another tourist, speaking from experience, said that the fact that locals do not go to Times Square should be a tale-tell sign itself. They said: 'Illuminated signs, over priced restaurants, theatres, tacky souvenir shops and crowds of tourists. Its an area avoided by locals, and for good reason. Empire State Building The Empire State Building is an iconic monument on 34th Street - and it was once the world's tallest building. While the Empire State Building carries its name and history, some locals say that there are other tall buildings in Midtown - or indeed Manhattan - that provide a more enjoyable experience. One person said: 'Went to another top of building for less money. Felt that we paid for the name "Empire State Building" as it was significantly more expensive. Having done it once would not do it again.' Others bemoaned the fact that visitors are forced to wait in long queues before reaching the top and seeing the view: 'We spent 30-mins in the security line, only to spend about 5-mins on the observatory floor. Dont waste your money on this.' As people from Manhattan have slowly dispersed over the bridge and settled in Williamsburg's slightly larger apartments, many people have complained that the once unique area has been 'gentrified' Another said: 'It's a tourist trap, no surprise. The entrance is ridiculously hard to find and there are no instructions provided when the tickets are purchased. 'The saving grace is that you'll most likely find a group of lost tourists also looking for the entrance and you all will be looking for the entrance together. We even asked a police officer guarding the building where the entrance was and he politely laughed and said he honestly didn't know. 'Once you're in the building, you'll be screened by their own TSA before you are crammed into an elevator to enter the exhibit. I thought for such a popular tourist attraction, the place would be more organized. 'It felt like we were wandering the halls and constantly told which way to go because most of the time, we were going the wrong way.' Williamsburg, Brooklyn Williamsburg has been an up-and-coming area of Brooklyn, one of New York City's five boroughs, for well over a decade. But as people from Manhattan have slowly dispersed over the bridge and settled in Williamsburg's slightly larger apartments, many people have complained that the once unique area has been 'gentrified.' While the neighborhood is still home to creatives and independent shops, some visitors say that the location did not reach their expectations. One visitor said: 'Thus neighborhood was a bit of a disappointment. We went on a recommendation and didn't find it to be a quirky or interesting as we were led to believe. 'Disappointed we headed over to Dumbo the next day and had a much better time.' One person, who left a review in 2017, could already seemingly see the changes that were happening in the neighborhood - as prices slowly started increasing in the lux Brooklyn area. Visitors have simply said the attraction was 'underwhelming' and apart from the photo opportunity, there was not a lot to do on the tour of the Statue of Liberty But despite the rise of 'hipster' coffee shops and more expensive rents, they said that the area was energetic and had great restaurant options. The reviewer said: 'This gentrified neighborhood is changing by the minute, and getting costlier by the minute too. 'But, its also an energetic, artistic and the bar and food scene rivals that of Manhattan with new restaurants opening on a weekly basis. Great for people watching, biking and running.' A third person bemoaned the gentrification and rising prices: 'Gentrified neighborhood with nice bars and restaurants. 'If your thinking about moving here you'll need about 900k for many small 650 sqft. one bedrooms.' Statue of Liberty Lady Liberty stands on her own island at the tail end of Manhattan - and is an iconic symbol of freedom for the US. But locals and people who have visited say that the statue itself is not as impressive as one may think - and you're better off getting the view from Google images. The disgruntled visitor said: 'Its really not worth the time and money to travel up close to see the statue. Much more impressive far away and on Google images. 'Can easily skip all the crowds and overpriced tickets to get there by taking the Staten Island ferry which is free, and get close enough to the statue if you must pay homage to the symbol of liberty depending how you interpret this. 'NYC waterway also gets you quite close to it and costs about $5++ each way on their ferries.' Another person on Trip Advisor bemoaned the long queues and security checks that visitors must go through before being allowed on the boat. They said: 'Very iconic and a must see if visiting New York, be prepared to spend a lot of time standing and queuing though! They advertise timed slots but it means nothing, its more a free for all, so be prepared.' Another visitor simply said the attraction was 'underwhelming' and apart from the photo opportunity, there was not a lot to do on the tour. The tourist said: 'There are too many eager people who want to see Statue Of Liberty. Staffs are rude. Security screening takes long time. 'But when you are here, only one underwhelming thing to see and take photos.' Although to some, New York's busy, overcrowded streets still have charm and excitement. One person said: 'Ive been to NYC too many times to count and every one of these so-called tourist traps is amazing, iconic and worth visiting.' Boris Johnson could face a 'Bercow-style' ban from Westminster as punishment for his 'kangaroo court' attack on the Commons' privileges watchdog. The threat comes amid fears from Boris allies that 'vengeful' Labour politicians will join with 'patsy' Tory MPs to demand new sanctions against the former Prime Minister. The powerful Privileges Committee will meet tomorrow to decide its reaction to Mr Johnson's shock resignation and his withering condemnation of the 'witch-hunt' mounted against him. It is thought that the committee chaired by ex-Labour Cabinet Minister Harriet Harman will still insist that its report on whether Mr Johnson misled Parliament over Partygate be presented to the Commons and then voted on by MPs. But last night, there were also suggestions that the committee, which has a Tory majority, should seek to punish Mr Johnson by denying him the traditional pass to the parliamentary estate handed out to former MPs. Boris Johnson could face a 'Bercow-style' ban from Westminster as punishment for his 'kangaroo court' attack on the Commons' privileges watchdog Angela Rayner, Labour's deputy leader, said it was 'absolute rubbish' for Mr Johnson to claim that the committee's Partygate inquiry had not been fairly conducted That was the sanction meted out to former Speaker John Bercow after he was found guilty last year of bullying Commons staff. The threat came as one source close to the Privileges Committee claimed that Mr Johnson's 'kangaroo court' attack was 'an attack on the whole House [of Commons] not the committee as it's the House that votes on the final report, not the committee'. One senior MP told The Mail on Sunday: 'There are limited penalties for former MPs but denying him the traditional ex-MP's pass to the place is certainly one of them. 'Obviously, if he gets re-elected, that falls but it's what we did with John Bercow.' Yesterday, Labour MP Sir Chris Bryant warned Mr Johnson could face further contempt of Parliament charges for his 'narcissistic attack' on MPs investigating him. Sir Chris, who recused himself as Privileges Committee chairman after making comments critical of Mr Johnson, said that the ex-PM had 'effectively leaked' the as-yet unpublished committee report. 'They may want to conclude that there has been an additional contempt of Parliament by the way that Boris Johnson has behaved in the last 24 hours and in the attacks on the committee, which are in effect an attack on the whole House,' he added. 'I don't think anybody can now be in any doubt that Boris Johnson holds Parliament in contempt.' Angela Rayner, Labour's deputy leader, said it was 'absolute rubbish' for Mr Johnson to claim that the committee's Partygate inquiry had not been fairly conducted. She insisted that the seven-strong committee was 'highly respected' and pointed to it having a Conservative majority. However, the four Tory MPs who serve on it Sir Bernard Jenkin, Sir Charles Walker, Alberto Costa and Andy Carter have been privately accused by some fellow Tories of failing to stand up to Labour chairman Ms Harman. In a statement issued late on Friday, a Privileges Committee spokesman said it 'has followed the procedures and the mandate of the House at all times and will continue to do so'. The spokesman added: 'Mr Johnson has departed from the processes of the House and has impugned the integrity of the House by his statement. 'The Committee will meet on Monday to conclude the inquiry and to publish its report promptly.' EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: When Roald Dahl's estate apologised for his antisemitism in 2020, it was seen by some as an attempt to pave the way for a lucrative reinvention of the children author's beloved works. The following year, it was announced that American streaming giant Netflix had bought control of the books, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, from the Dahl estate in a reported $500million (415million) deal and was planning new adaptations of the works. Now, I learn that the Roald Dahl museum and Story Centre, in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, is to put up a panel at its entrance declaring that the racism of the Tales of the Unexpected creator was 'undeniable and indelible'. The charity says it 'deeply apologises' for the impact of his antisemitism. The author of The BFG and Fantastic Mr. Fox was a 'contradictory person', it says. 'He could be kind...however, there are also recorded impacts of him being very unkind and worse, including writing and saying antisemitic things about Jewish people.' HiteJinro CEO Kim In-gyu delivers 400 million dong ($17,000) in scholarship funds to 20 college students at Melia Hanoi in Hanoi, June 5. Courtesy of HiteJinro By Kim Jae-heun A growing number of Korean companies are expanding their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in Vietnam and other emerging markets as they seek to improve brand reputation and boost business presence, according to industry officials. The country's largest liquor firm HiteJinro delivered 400 million dong ($17,000) to a total of 20 college students in Vietnam, June 5. The company provided 20 million dong to each of the selected students studying at the University of Languages and International Studies and Hanoi University. Since the establishment of its local branch in Hanoi, the liquor firm's best-selling soju products Chamisul and Jinro have caught on with young consumers there, showing an annual growth of 15 percent. In 2021, HiteJinro's sojo products ranked No. 1 in the local spirits market, according to global market research firm Euromonitor. "We started CSR activities to target local consumers and we are conducting other marketing activities as well. CSR campaigns are a good way to contribute to the local community while promoting our soju products," a HiteJinro official said. KT&G Vice President Lee Sak-hak, third from right, applauds with Korean Consulate General of Almaty Park Nae-chun, first from left, and other officials at the opening ceremony of a Korean language school in Almaty, Kazakhstan, June 3. Courtesy of KT&G The nation's leading tobacco maker KT&G recently opened a Korean language school in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Currently, there are more than 100,000 ethnic Koreans living in Kazakhstan, whose ancestors were forcefully relocated there from the Russian Far East in 1937. KT&G plans to foster global experts with Korean language education and scholarship programs for the local ethnic Korean community and Kazakhs. In 2014, the tobacco firm established its first Korean language institute in Indonesia, educating 2,800 students so far. In 2017, the company also founded Sang Sang University Jakarta in Indonesia to take the lead in spreading Korean culture by supporting cultural and artistic experiences as well as competency development activities for local college students. "We have carried out various social contribution activities in overseas countries such as Indonesia and Turkey to fulfill our responsibilities as a global corporate citizen. Through the KT&G Korean Language School, we hope to act as a bridge between Korea and Kazakhstan in promoting exchange and friendship," KT&G Vice President Lee Sang-hak said. BGF Retail, operator of the country's largest convenience store CU, is running iCU, a child disappearance prevention system in Mongolia. Mongolia is one of the countries where the retailer has achieved huge success, opening 300 stores as of May. CU has become the No.1 convenience store brand there with a 70 percent market share after only four years since it entered Mongolia in April 2018. About 32 percent of Mongolia's population is under 14 and BGF Retail has adopted iCU to prevent children from disappearing by utilizing its convenience stores across the country. The company said there are 10 times more CU stores than police stations in Ulaanbaatar and they help a lot in finding missing children. Furthermore, iCU also helps with preventing child abuse by assisting people to contact the police with a point-of-sale system installed at convenience stores. CJ CheilJedang's Social Contribution Committee Director Min Hee-kyung, second from right, poses with Chief of UNESCO's Education for Inclusion and Gender Equality Section Justine Sass, left, and other officials during the launch of the We Are ABLE Phase 2: Achieving Better Living and Education project in Hanoi, March 28. Courtesy of CJ Group Donald Trump has said he will continue his 2024 White House run even if he's convicted of illegally keeping classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home. The former president, 76, vowed to 'never leave' the political sphere as he continues on with his campaign to get on the Republican ticket for the next election. Trump told Politico on board his plane today: 'I'll never leave. Look, if I would have left, I would have left prior to the original race in 2016. That was a rough one. In theory that was not doable.' The Department of Justice (DOJ) unveiled 37 counts against him in his classified documents case on Friday. Even if Trump theoretically became a convicted felon or went to prison, he would not be legally prohibited from running for president. Donald Trump is pictured today in Georgia after giving a speech. He has now vowed to continue running even if he is convicted A photo, published by the U.S. Justice Department, shows boxes of documents stored in a bathroom at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida in early 2021 And he confirmed that a conviction would not slow him in his tracks during his 2024 campaign. As of June 9, Trump is still the polling favorite among the Republican candidates - with a 32 point clearance from second place, Ron DeSantis. Trump also made a dig against the people lodging the charges against him today, adding: 'These are thugs and degenerates..are after me' as he continued to steadfastly argue his innocence. He told Politico: 'I don't want to be indicted. I've never been indicted. I went through my whole life, now I get indicted every two months. It's been political.' Trump appeared in Georgia today after it was reveal that Trump left classified documents scattered across his bathroom and the Mar-a-Lago ballroom stage and bragged to aides about taking military secrets, according to the stunning indictment unsealed by the Department of Justice on Friday. Extraordinary photos revealed in the damning filing lay out claims that Trump valet Walt Nauta walked into a storage room and found 'Five Eyes' intelligence files on allies including the United Kingdom and Australia spilled on the floor. The ex-president lamented that President Joe Biden had more boxes of materials that he should not have taken from the White House in his possession, and said the DOJ is refusing to investigate that. Donald Trump stands with Marjorie Taylor Greene as he prepares to leave Columbus, Georgia Donald Trump made his first public appearance since the documents in his indictment were unsealed Of the 37 charges, 31 counts are of Willful Retention of National Defense Information under the Espionage Act. He will appear in a Miami court on Tuesday afternoon and has already said he will plead not guilty. The details laid out are far more damning than first thought, and could land Trump in serious legal peril with a potential of decades in prison if he is convicted. Trump said that the indictment was unsealed on Friday because it was getting 'too hot' for President Biden, which in the former executive's words mean that he had failed too much and needed the focus to be taken off him. He predicted that soon the DOJ will reveal a small charge against Biden's son Hunter as a way to flaunt their supposed 'fairness.' 'Next Hunter will probably be charged with some very minor offense so the FBI and DAOJ (sic) can pretend they're fair,' Trump said to friendly listeners. 'They want to pretend they're fair 'We got Hunter for J-walking' while they ignore the bribery, money laundering and other major crimes implicating crooked Joe Biden.' Today in Georgia, Trump attacked the 'corrupt' and 'weaponized' Justice Department, telling the rally: 'Every time I fly over a blue state I get a subpoena.' The DOJ's 49-page indictment against Trump was unsealed on Friday and accuses him of mishandling classified documents after leaving office in 2021, as well as obstruction of justice It claims he stored the documents - 184 of which contained classified information in a ballroom and bathroom at his resort, among other places 'We want him before a grand jury,' Trump said in a voice mimicking Democrats who want to see him behind bars. 'The only good thing about it is that it's driven my poll numbers way up, can you believe it?' he half-joked. Rep. Greene, invited onto stage by Trump during his speech, said: 'This is something that you know, this is something that I know President Trump is beating Biden in poll after poll after poll.' 'Let's get Trump back in the White House for four more years' she told the crowd as they broke out into a chant of 'four more years.' He remains the Republican frontrunner, and sits 34 points ahead of his main competitor Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to a five thirty eight poll. At first glance, it may not have much in common with James Bonds famous Aston Martin. But this rusty old banger does share one significant feature with 007s most celebrated car: it too was driven by Sir Sean Connery. A white Mercedes saloon formerly owned by the star has now been put up for sale - and is already attracting worldwide interest from fans of the legendary Scot. Euphemistically described as a restoration project, the 45-year-old vehicle currently has very little of the glamour associated with a Bond car - as the paintwork is battered and grimy, there is rust along the wheel arches and roof, the upholstery is stained, and the rear bumper is hanging off. Likewise, it has none of the ejector seats, rocket launchers or other high-tech gadgets associated with the superspy - although it does boast an automatic gearbox, climate control and a radio-cassette player. Old banger: Paul Wiggington with the white Mercedes saloon formerly owned by Connery Sean Connery, left, with Ursula Andress, gave the car to his brother The chief attraction of the vehicle, however, is the impeccably documented link to one of Hollywoods biggest stars. By the late 1970s Connery, from Edinburgh, had risen to become one of the worlds most famous actors after starring in six Bond movies - Dr No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever - as well as other blockbusters including Murder On The Orient Express, The Man Who Would Be King and A Bridge Too Far. A letter addressed to the Scot, who was living in Malaga in Spain at the time, reveals that he bought the 300SD model direct from the manufacturer in 1978. Donna Noble, the companys Worldwide Sales co-ordinator wrote to him saying: We appreciate this opportunity to be of assistance to you, and thank you for your patronage of Mercedes-Benz. Vehicle registration papers confirm that in 1983 - the same year as he reprised the role of Bond in Never Say Never Again - Connery, who listed his address as Montpelier St in London, registered the car with the DVLA for use in the UK. In 1988, the actor then donated the second-hand vehicle to his brother. A letter signed by the Scot and dated October 1988 confirms the white Mercedes 300 Saloon number BRK 862Y is a gift to my brother Neil. For years, Neil drove the car around Edinburgh - and attracted admiration from neighbours who knew its showbiz provenance. In 2013, one of Neils friends, Kevin Wiggington, bought the car off him, having noticed it sitting unused in his driveway. At that point the car was no longer running and was placed in a garage for storage - where it remained for the next decade. After Mr Wiggingtons death, the car is now being put on the market by his son Paul, an airline pilot who lives in Cramond on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Document from the late Sir Sean Connery showing that he has gifted a white Mercedes to his brother Neil The car boasts an automatic gearbox, climate control and a radio-cassette player The 45-year-old vehicle currently has very little of the glamour associated with a Bond car Mr Wiggington, 34, said: In 1978, this was a very nice car indeed, with a powerful engine and luxury interior - exactly what you would expect a film star like Sir Sean to drive. By the time my dad bought it, it was no longer running. Dad put it in an garage for safe-keeping and planned to restore it, but it was a massive project and he never got the opportunity to see it through. Ive no idea what its worth... But its not really about making money, more about doing something with the car, for him. Its a piece of history, a collectors item. Its a car thats only ever been driven by a Connery - either Sir Sean or his brother Neil. Although it was only recently listed on the Ebay trading site, the car has already attracted comments from Bond fans and interest from around the world. In his role as Bond, Connery thundered around some of the worlds most exotic locations in a string of glamorous cars. In the first 007 movie, Dr No, he raced around Jamaica at the wheel of a blue Sunbeam Alpine convertible. In Diamonds Are Forever, the spy was chased through the streets of Las Vegas in a bright red Mustang Mach I. However Bonds most instantly recognisable vehicles remain the gadget-laden Aston Martin DB5s he drove in Goldfinger and Thunderball - complete with revolving license plate, bulletproof windshield, machine guns, oil-slick and smoke-screen devices, plus passenger-side ejector seat. It was built for Russian tsar Peter the Great in the 1700s and packed with amber The Amber Room was looted by the Nazis during the Second World War History buffs say they may have stumbled upon the hiding place of the long-lost Amber Room after uncovering hidden rail tracks and wagon wheels at a former Nazi bunker. The Jacwiez Historical and Exploratory Association came across the surprise discovery while digging at the Mamerki bunker complex in northern Poland. The tracks of the narrow-gauge railroad were uncovered five-feet below the surface in an area of flat open ground that had recently been cleared of trees. The complex was the headquarters of Hitler's German Army Supreme Command, and was just a few kilometres from Hitler's Wolf's Lair bunker. Although it is known that a rail line ran from Mamerki to the Wolf's Lair, there have not been any accounts or documents that a railway line existed inside the complex itself. The hidden railway track and wagon wheels were discovered while digging at the Mamerki bunker complex in northern Poland A visualisation of what the train tracks may have looked when it ran from Mamerki to the Wolf's Lair The Amber Room (pictured in the Catherin Palace in 1917) was a gift to Russian tsar Peter the Great from the King of Prussia in 1716 The Jacwiez Historical and Exploratory Association came across the surprise discovery while digging at the Mamerki bunker complex in northern Poland Posting a photo on social media, Bartlomiej Plebanczyk from the Mamerki museum said: 'This is a huge surprise as we did not know that there was a railroad inside the complex. 'Could it be the Gold Train with the Amber Room? We'll find out soon enough....'. He added: 'We don't know why this track was even made here. 'What did the Germans carry in the wagons and why did someone bother to cover it with a one and a half metre layer of earth. The room, built for Russian tsar Peter the Great in the 1700s and packed with amber, gold and precious jewels, was looted by the Nazis in 1941. Upon their arrival at Catherine the Great's White Palace near St. Petersburg, they dismantled the room, putting the precious contents on a train to Koenigsberg Castle, in what was then East Prussia, now just two hours from the bunker. In January 1945 it mysteriously disappeared after air raids and a savage ground assault on the city. While some claimed it had been destroyed by bombs, others suggested the Nazis had spirited it away to safety. The Mamerki bunker was the headquarters of Hitler's German Army Supreme Command , and was just a few kilometres from Hitler's Wolf's Lair bunker A reconstruction of the Amber Room opened in the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, outside St. Petersburg, Russia in 2003 Peter the Great of Russia was presented with the Amber Room's panels in the 1700s to commemorate a treaty between his country and Prussia Some purported witnesses reported seeing 40 wagons moving away from the castle under a cloak of secrecy after the city fell to the Red Army. The search has been on ever since. In May last year, the Mamerki museum once again raised hopes that the Amber Room could be hidden on its grounds following the discovery of a network of secret tunnels. But excavations revealed that they were empty. The Duke of Sussex left a thoughtful gift for a flight attendant on a flight to the US - a copy of his tell-all memoir, Spare. Tiktoker and flight attendant Holden Pattern shared a picture of a beaming Prince Harry on a American Airlines plane on Friday and revealed that he had been gifted a copy of the Duke's book, which was released in January. Prince Harry had been on a whirlwind visit to the UK to give evidence in the Mirror phone hacking trial, where he faced cross-examination after becoming the first royal to take the stand since the 1890s. The Duke of Sussex, 38, did not take time during the visit to see his family, who were less than half a mile from where he was staying, and is unlikely to see them at the King's upcoming birthday celebrations, to which it is believed he has not been invited. Mr Pattern, a pilot and travel influencer, said he had 'just found this [the book] in my luggage that a passenger gave me,' and referred to Prince Harry as a 'passenger prince'. Prince Harry, 38, poses for a picture with Tiktoker and flight attendant Holden Pattern, which was shared online on Friday The cabin crew member revealed that he found a copy of the Duke's memoir, Spare, which was released in January, in his luggage In the picture of the Duke with the cabin crew member, Prince Harry is dressed down in a simple black T-shirt and jeans, a far cry from his carefully tailored suits for his appearances in court. Prince Harry arrived in the UK on Sunday after spending his daughter Lilibet's birthday with her, earning a rebuke from the judge for not being present on the first day of his evidence against the Mirror Newspaper Group. He came to the UK to give evidence across two days as part of his lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) over claims its journalists used hacking, 'blagging' and other illegal means of deception to write 140 articles published between 1996 and 2010. The Duke of Sussex, 38, outside the High Court where he has been giving evidence in a phone hacking trial this week Harry was staying just 700 yards from his brother William this week but reportedly did not see him, nor their father The Duke of Sussex is suing Mirror Group Newspapers for damages over claims journalists used hacking, 'blagging' and other illegal means of deception The duke appeared close to tears on Wednesday as he finished his historic day and a half of answering questions, which saw him become the first royal in more than a century to testify in court. During a turbulent final few hours in the witness box, the duke volunteered details of his chequered love life, including a trip to a strip club. MGN is contesting Harry's claims and has either denied or not admitted that articles about Harry being examined at the trial involved phone hacking or unlawful activity. The Prince is said to have landed in California on Thursday evening, meaning that he will have left Britain around lunchtime on the same day - the same dash he took after King Charles's Coronation last month. He stayed at Frogmore Cottage for three nights, according to the Telegraph, but it is expected to be his last visit to the home he once shared with his wife because his father has evicted him from the early summer. Astronomers know full well that the sun is very slowly getting brighter, and in a billion or so years time it will make Earth too hot to live on. One scientist is now proposing a radical solution that will let humans live on this planet for longer physically moving it away from the sun. Albert Zijlstra, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Manchester, suggests shifting Earth further back from the sun by about three million miles. At the moment, Earth is orbiting the sun at a distance of 93 million miles (150 million km) but this needs to extended to at least 96 million miles (155 million km), he says. This movement would extend a year to 380 days, meaning we'd have to insert an extra 15 days into a calendar year somewhere. Moving Earth further away from the sun would require an asteroid performing a gravity assist or 'slingshot' manoeuvre, commonly used already for speeding up satellites. But getting it to the required distance would take 1 billion years 'Earth will get warmer, and warmer best estimates are that in one or two billion years, the oceans will begin to boil away,' Professor Zijlstra told MailOnline. How would it work? When a planet (such as Earth) slows down in its orbit, it moves closer to the sun. Likewise, when a planet speeds up in its orbit, it moves away from the sun. Therefore, if we want to move Earth away from the sun, the objective is to speed up Earth. Professor Zijlstra proposes doing this using a gravity assist or 'slingshot' manoeuvre, which are already used to speed up spacecraft after they've been launched from Earth. It's a little-known fact that gravitational slingshots can also be used to reduce the speed of a spacecraft, which have the opposite effect on the planet - speeding it up. Rather than a spacecraft - which would be too small - he proposes using a massive asteroid the size of a city. Advertisement 'Shortly after we will be like Venus, with temperatures of several hundred Celsius, so we will have to move before that happens. 'In order to make the living world last for longer than one billion years, we need to move a few million kilometers away from the sun.' To explain how the ambitious project would all work, a bit of simple astrophysics is essential first. When a planet (such as Earth) slows down in its orbit, it moves closer to the sun, due to the immense gravitational pull our star has on its planets. Likewise, when a planet speeds up in its orbit, it moves away from the sun, partly because this speed lets it better resist the sun's gravitational pull. Just like all the solar system's planets, Earth is gradually spiralling away from the sun but not enough to substantially cool the planet down. Professor Zijlstra's concept for moving away from the sun would involve a gravity assist or 'slingshot' manoeuvre, commonly used already for speeding up spacecraft after they've been launched from Earth. By approaching a planet, such spacecraft can make use of the planet's gravitational pull to increase its velocity, which in turn makes the planet itself slow down slightly in its orbit. And as we know, due to the laws of physics, as a planet slows down, it moves closer to the sun. It's a little-known fact that gravitational slingshots can also be used to reduce the speed of the spacecraft, which have the opposite effect on the planet, speeding it up in its orbit. And when the planet speeds up in its orbit, it drifts further away from the sun. Getting an asteroid to perform a 'slingshot' manoeuvre with Earth could move us further from the sun, the scientist suggests (file photo) This is the basic concept on which the project would work, but instead of a spacecraft (which would be much too small) Professor Zijlstra suggests using a massive asteroid about 30 miles (50 km) in diameter, the size of a major city. READ MORE: NASA's DART project nudged an asteroid in 2022 NASA's DART probe hit its target on September 26, 2022 Advertisement He proposes somehow altering the orbit of the asteroid while it's still in space, perhaps by nudging it with a robotic probe at a certain angle and speed. If nudged successfully, the asteroid would do a loop around the sun and head back towards Earth, before slingshotting itself on Earth's orbit. This would slow the asteroid down and, all importantly, speed Earth up although doing the whole process just once would not be enough. 'Because the Earth needs to speed up in order to move away from the sun, we need to let the asteroid lose speed as it moves to the inner solar system,' said Professor Zijlstra. 'Do this a million times and the Earth will increase its velocity by the amount we need. 'After a million fly-bys, the Earth is in its new, up-town orbit. 'And as we have a billion years for the move, this means we only need one fly-by from the asteroid every one thousand years. 'Do this once every thousand years, and over a billion years we can move the Earth enough to keep its temperature constant while the sun brightens.' Ultimately, it sounds like a job big enough only for NASA, or even a consortium of international space agencies working together. Meanwhile, the costs involved would surely be many times more than NASA's DART project last year to nudge an asteroid, which cost $324.5 million (258 million). The public may also have concerns about such a huge asteroid coming close to Earth, especially bearing in mind that it was an asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs. 'We would have to calculate the trajectory very carefully, but we do so regularly for spacecraft,' Professor Zijlstra said. The academic stresses that there are two types of global warming to contend with. The first, which is well-publicised, is caused by greenhouse gas emissions from human activity, such as burning fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the second, less well-known form of global warming involves the natural brightening of the sun, which, as it stands, will make Earth too hot to live on in around one billion years. 'That is a very long time away but scientists are paid to find solutions to problems of the future, before anyone else is thinking about it,' he told MailOnline. 'This concept is not a solution to the current, human-caused global warming. 'It takes much too long to help us now we need to solve human-caused global warming in other ways. 'But it will solve the long term changes in the sun.' If you're obsessed with Jurassic Park, then you might love the idea of hunting dinosaurs for a living. But this real-life fossil hunter says that his job isn't for the faint-of-heart. Whether he's braving the blazing sun of the ominously named Hell Creek Formation, or dodging floods to retrieve T-Rex skulls, no one can say that Anthony Maltese has opted for a cushy job. As curator for the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center (RMDRC) in Colorado, Mr Maltese splits his time between digging for dinosaurs in the field and carefully preparing specimens for display in museums and private collections across the world. In the 'dig season' between late March all the way through to late November, Mr Maltese might spend up to two weeks living out of a tent deep in the deserts of North Dakota or Montana. Whether he's braving the blazing sun of the ominously named Hell Creek Formation, or dodging floods to retrieve T-Rex skulls, no one can say that Anthony Maltese has opted for a cushy job As curator for the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center (RMDRC) in Colorado, Mr Maltese splits his time between digging for dinosaurs in the field and carefully preparing specimens for display in museums and private collections across the world READ MORE: Huge 38ft T-rex skeleton named 'Trinity' considered one of the most complete of its kind ever found sells at auction for $6 million The skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex , nicknamed 'Trinity' (pictured), was sold at an auction in Switzerland last weekend for $6.1 million (4.9 million) Advertisement 'It's not comfortable,' he told MailOnline, 'especially when you only have one shower a week in some of the places we work.' 'When we drive up to Montana, it's 12 hours in the back of a pickup truck just to get to the site. Then when the gnats, and the mosquitos and ticks are all biting you, it can be pretty miserable out there.' Neither, as Mr Maltese explained, does all this misery come cheap. 'When I was in academia 25 years ago, we were budgeting $10,000 a week to run a field programme. Nowadays we'll drop $20-25,000 a week just going out and looking for dinosaurs.' Mr Maltese is employed by a RMDRC and Triebold Paleontology, a commercial fossil collector founded by Mike Triebold, to collect new specimens and make casts to sell to collectors. Prospective buyers can approach Triebold Paleontology to source rare fossils - with some costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. From dedicated fossil quarries in the heart of the USA to dog walkers on the beaches of England's Jurassic coast; collectors and museums alike rely on private individuals to fill their shelves with new specimens. Tyrannosaurus Rex bones in particular have commanded extraordinary prices at auction in recent years, with a T-Rex skeleton made up of three different specimens fetching $6.1m (4.9m) at an auction this April. Mr Maltese is employed by a RMDRC and Triebold Paleontology, a commercial fossil collector founded by Mike Triebold, to collect new specimens and make casts to sell to collectors. Prospective buyers can approach Triebold Paleontology to source rare fossils - with some costing hundreds of thousands of dollars Earth's biggest EVER dinosaur goes on display at London's Natural History Museum: READ MORE Weighing in at 65 tonnes and stretching 121ft from head to tail, the Natural History Museum's new dinosaur is the heaviest animal ever to walk our planet Advertisement Other dinosaurs have been sold for even more outstanding prices. In 2020, the skull of Stan the T-Rex broke the record for the most expensive fossil ever sold when it went for $31.8m (25.5m) to a mysterious bidder, later revealed to have been Abu Dhabi museum. Here in the UK, in 2014 the Natural History Museum enlisted the help of 69 private donors to acquire the world's most complete Stegosaurus. 'Sophie', which was purchased from the Red Canyon Ranch in Wyoming, is even believed to be named after the daughter of the wealthy hedge fund manager who made the purchase possible. Mr Maltese, alongside the team at Triebold Palaeontology, collects specimens as well as producing casts and replicas for sale at lower prices, but says that around 90% of their customers are museums. How much an individual dinosaur specimen will sell for varies depending on the species as well as the condition and completeness of the find. Sometimes, Mr Maltese says that the fossils are sold for just enough to pay back the landowner and cover costs, while others will go for 'hundreds of thousands of dollars'. However, Mr Maltese says neither himself, nor anyone he works with is in this for the money. 'When you consider a 30ft long Triceratops, and how many thousands of hours of labour that we have to put into it, there's not really a high profit margin because it costs a lot of money.' In some cases, 'we don't make money off it, but we can be involved with the publication of these specimens,' he added. Mr Maltese, alongside the team at Triebold Palaeontology, collects specimens as well as producing casts and replicas for sale at lower prices, but says that around 90% of their customers are museums Mr Maltese likened his relationship with academics to the fishing industry, with commercial palaeontologists acting like big fishing ships; pulling up lots of types of fish as they go after valuable species WHAT WAS T. REX? Tyrannosaurus rex was a species of bird-like, meat-eating dinosaur. It lived between 6866 million years ago in what is now the western side of North America. They could reach up to 40 feet (12 metres) long and 12 feet (4 metres) tall. More than 50 fossilised specimens of T. Rex have been collected to date. The monstrous animal had one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom. An artist's impression of T. Rex Advertisement 'It's more valuable to get them into the public trust then to try to hang onto them for 20 years in the hope that somebody may want to purchase them.' When asked what keeps him doing this difficult job Mr Maltese said 'part of what keeps me going is the thrill. But a bit of it, and I hate to say it, is that working with some of these academics is a lot of fun too!' 'I love to be able to go out with someone whose entire PhD is on these three feet of rock that's exposed here, and they can just immerse you in that and tell you everything. That exchange of ideas is extremely satisfying as well.' Mr Maltese likened his relationship with academics to the fishing industry, with commercial palaeontologists acting like big fishing ships; pulling up lots of types of fish as they go after valuable species. 'There's a lot of species that are academically valuable, but not commercially valuable. We call that by-catch, so we can work together with the academics.' However, the relationship between academics and commercial palaeontologists is not always as harmonious. Dr Susannah Maidment, principal dinosaur researcher at the National History Museum, told MailOnline that while private collectors are critical for the museum, they can also create problems. 'In the UK,the amateurs are absolutely critical because they are the people who are out on the coast every day. When there's a big cliff fall or storm, they are the people who are there,' she explained. Dr Maidment says that a lot of collectors, particularly on the Isle of Wight where dinosaur bones can often be found, are very keen to donate items and 'really would like to see their specimens go to a national museum. However, relying on private collectors can be a 'double edged sword' as some collectors want to keep items for their own personal collections. An essential aspect of the scientific process, Dr Maidment explained, is the ability to replicate research. 'I can look at a specimen that was described in 1875 by Richard Owen, who founded the Natural History Museum. Because that's in our collection and I can go back and check those observations,' she said. 'However, in private collections we have no guarantee about where those specimens are going to be and there have been cases where specimens simply disappear.' Here in the UK, in 2014 the Natural History Museum enlisted the help of 69 private donors to acquire the world's most complete Stegosaurus. 'Sophie', which was purchased from the Red Canyon Ranch in Wyoming, is even believed to be named after the daughter of the wealthy hedge fund manager who made the purchase possible On top of scientists not being able to access specimens, another issue with commercial palaeontology is that it can be hard to keep track of exactly where dinosaurs were found. 'The precise location of where specimens are found is extremely significant if we wish to understand how dinosaurs changed over time. This is one of the biggest problems with buying specimens,' Dr Maidment explained. The exact location of a find is so critical that Dr Maidment once had to travel to Morocco and 'work my way back down the commercial trade' to track down the farmer who originally discovered a particularly important specimen. While ethical collectors such as Mr Maltese work closely with academics on digs to ensure that finds are properly document, Dr Maidment says that commercial collection can still cause problems by inflating the price of fossils. 'The problem is that those sorts of big commercial organizations is that they're driving up the price of fossils for everybody,' she said 'People are buying them not because they have an interest in natural history but because they want to diversify their assets in the way that they might buy a piece of art. 'When specimens are sold for $32m [4.90] this puts them so fundamentally out of reach that not even the biggest American museums can acquire them. For that price we can't come anywhere near close to that.' However, both Dr Maitment and Mr Maltese agree that a better relationship is possible and that an all-out ban on commercial collection isn't the way forward.' 'I grew up looking at Ammonites on the Charmouth and that was a big part of the inspiration for what I do,' said Dr Maitment. 'We want to inspire people to understand nature and their impact on the natural world and I don't think we can do that if we put an absolutely blanket ban in place. 'It's not black and white so some sort of nuance is needed because people get very very passionate about one camp or another.' Likewise, Mr Maltese says he thinks commercial and academic palaeontologists might have more in common than they might tend to think. 'I came from the academic side of it,' he said. 'When you get down to basics, the professor from the college is still someone that is paid to work on dinosaurs. 'Selling the specimen is not the end game. My end game is going to a museum and seeing what I've worked so hard to find, excavate, prepare, and mount on display whether it's here, or halfway across the world.' Travelling with a toddler may not be ideal - there is the constant need to keep them occupied. And let's not talk about how uncomfortable the plane seats are. But one TikTok mum has shared a game changing product that she uses every single time she flies. Mother-of-one Kaleigh Gawn shared a TikTok hack that will not only keep young children entertained on long journeys, but is also an inexpensive way of doing so. The TikToker has found a travel product that she says has been a 'game changer' on long flights with her toddler. However, holiday goers have been warned that it is important they check their airline is ok with them bringing this on the flight. Mum-of-one Kaleigh Gawn shared a TikTok hack that will not only keep young children entertained on long journeys, but is also an inexpensive way of doing so The TikToker has left her followers impressed with the hack, with many saying that the blow up footrest is a huge game changer Ms Gawn often shares parenting hacks with her 96.2K TikTok followers and this inexpensive hack has blown people away. In a video that has gone viral, the TikToker showed how she bought a tiny inflatable travel footrest on the plane with her. She then shows herself pumping it up, and when it is full it fits perfectly between the seat and the storage in front. Popping it in the gap, her daughter was able to easily lie down and stretch out during nap time. In the video, Ms Gawn says, 'If you're flying with your toddler, then this one is for you. We purchased this blow-up pillow off of Amazon and it came with a pump and it fills the space between your seat as well as the tray table in front of you.' She added: 'This allows your toddler to stretch out during nap time or just lounging, it was a game-changer,' and in the caption Kaleigh calls her tip an 'Ultimate toddler travel hack'. And there are loads that are being sold on Amazon for as little as 3.30. Meanwhile, on eBay the cheapest goes for 7.99. The best part about these is that they come with a tiny portable hand pump, and are washable and tear resistant. And the TikToker has left her followers impressed with the hack, with many saying that the blow up footrest is a huge game changer. In a video that has gone viral, the TikToker showed how she bought a tiny inflatable travel footrest on the plane with her Popping it in the gap, her daughter was able to easily lie down and stretch out during nap time One person put: 'Yes!!!! Thanks mama!!' Another wrote: '18 hours in the air coming up , I'm getting it.' And a third said: 'This looks a game changer!' And a fourth commented on the TikTok video: 'This is a great idea and car seats are to much hassles to take with you.' However, it is important that travellers are aware that their airline may not accept this. And TikTok users have echoed this too, as one person wrote: 'Ex air hostess here! My airline didnt allow these due to it obstructing the seats! Make sure to check with the airline youre flying with.' One user said: 'Check your airline first to make sure they are allowed. Not all allow them.' While another commented: 'Hello from a flight attendant although this is allowed, most airlines will tell you to place it at the window seat in the event of an emergency.' Meanwhile, another brand that sells inflatable kids beds, Flyaway, has listed the airlines that accept their product. In the video, Ms Gawn says, 'If you're flying with your toddler, then this one is for you. We purchased this blow-up pillow off of Amazon These airlines include: Aeroflot AirAsia Air Canada Air China Air Mauritius American Airlines Cathay Pacific China Airlines Delta EasyJet Etihad Airlines Iberia Icelandair JAL Japan Airlines Jet2 .com KLM Malaysia Airlines Norwegian Airlines Singapore Airlines TAP Portugal Vietnam Airlines Virgin Australia WestJet It should be noted that, British Airways, United and Qantas are among some of the airlines that don't allow these inflatable foot rests. Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant is one of the very best in the world, with not just three Michelin stars, but an almost mythical status in the catering industry. What's it like to eat there? A fascinating YouTube video has emerged that gives viewers a seat at the table. It was shot by Alexander Varga, the co-owner of one-Michelin-starred restaurant '42' in Esztergom, Hungary. As part of his 'mission to find inspiration in gastronomy', he visits other Michelin-starred restaurants and creates spellbinding videos of his experiences at them. They're uploaded to his YouTube channel, 'Alexander The Guest', with his Fat Duck video so far garnering over 365,000 clicks. Alexander treated his teenager daughter to a meal at the restaurant and the video begins with them trying to locate it. He says: 'We arrive at the address, but there is no sign, only clues.' Alexander Varga, co-owner of Michelin-starred '42' restaurant in Hungary, filmed a meal he had at The Fat Duck in Bray with his daughter. They are pictured above at the restaurant before the meal began As part of his 'mission to find inspiration in gastronomy', Alexander visits Michelin-starred restaurants and creates spellbinding videos of his experiences at them The 42-seat restaurant is housed in a white building in the village of Bray, Berkshire, with a spatula in the shape of a duck's foot hanging outside and a coat of arms on the wall inscribed with the instruction - 'question everything'. 'We've found it,' says Alexander. Inside there are 42 seats - and 42 kitchen staff. One for every guest. On Alexander's table is a book called 'Heston's World of Curiosity' and a magnifying glass. 'The book has a story about adventure,' reveals Alexander, 'and the magnifying glass helps you find hidden information.' Their waiter comes to the table and introduces himself as their 'storyteller'. Your browser does not support iframes. The first offering at The Fat Duck is a 'nitro-poached aperitif with Campari spritz' that's 'hard to describe... crisp on the outside and soft and refreshing on the inside' Alexander opts for the 'top-of-the-line' Wonderment wine pairing, which costs 990 This approach, says Alexander, 'is unusual, but interesting'. There is just one tasting menu, priced at 395 (plus service). However, there are five wine-pairing menus to choose from - 'Playfulness [non-alcoholic], Curiosity, Exploration, Discovery and Wonderment'. Alexander opts for the 'top-of-the-line' Wonderment pairing, which costs 990. Then the magic begins. First up is a 'nitro-poached aperitif with Campari spritz' that's 'hard to describe... crisp on the outside and soft and refreshing on the inside'. 'Surprises like that keep happening during the meal,' says Alexander. Heston's team then rustle up 'Aerated Beetroot', 'Red Cabbage Gazpacho with Pommery Mustard Ice Cream', 'Oyster with Passionfruit Jelly and Lavender', a Waldorf salad that's actually two savoury lollies in the shape of a rocket, and a golden pocket watch that turns to soup when immersed in boiling water. The Fat Duck Waldorf salad is actually two rocket-shaped lollies Alexander told MailOnline Travel that the experience was 'really magical and memorable' for both him and his daughter ALEXANDER VARGA'S 42 RESTAURANT The name of Alexander's restaurant - 42 - comes from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. In the first novel, explains Alexander, a supercomputer is built to answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything. After seven and a half million years of computing and checking, the supercomputer answers: 42. The other co-owner is the head chef, Adam Barna, with 42 one of nine restaurants in Hungary to make the Michelin guide. In May 2023, the restaurant took home The Most Innovative Kitchen of Hungary Award. Advertisement 'Every dish has something magical,' says Alexander. And of course there's the famous 'Sound of the Sea' course, seafood some of the best Alexander has ever eaten - enjoyed to the sound of crashing waves, supplied via a music player hidden in a shell and in-ear buds. Alexander told MailOnline Travel that the experience was 'really magical and memorable' for both him and his daughter. Did it live up to the hype? He said: 'I don't know how big the hype is around the restaurant now, but for me, it was a defining experience. Although it might not be considered progressive anymore, Heston Blumenthal has created one of the most influential chapters in gastro history, and I would definitely recommend it. It doesn't matter if some dishes have been on the menu for more than 10 years, they are still really exciting to this day. The service is a huge part of the whole experience. It absolutely deserves the hype, because the whole thing is simply brilliant.' The Fat Duck is extremely expensive but did Alexander feel it was worth the outlay? He said: 'Absolutely. It is really hard to review a restaurant in the aspect of the price-value ratio, since we get calories, art, feelings, ideas and theatre, which teach, inspire and entertain at the same time. Those who just want food might not agree, but for me it was well worth it. It was an amazing experience, and worth every penny.' The famous 'Sound of the Sea' course is seafood enjoyed to the sound of crashing waves, supplied via a music player hidden in a shell and in-ear buds (above) Alexander said: 'Heston Blumenthal has created one of the most influential chapters in gastro history' Above is a doll-house version of The Fat Duck, containing handmade sweets Heston Blumenthal outside The Fat Duck What does he think the secret to Heston's success is? Alexander said: 'If I had to guess, it would be his open mind, out-of-the-box thinking, experimenting nature and bravery. Aside from those I think he has a very serious organizing ability and strong character. He is also thoughtful and takes inspiration from art and science.' How does The Fat Duck compare to other three-star restaurants he's eaten at? Would he say it's the best restaurant? Alexander said: 'Of course this is subjective. I'm not even sure I can decide if a restaurant is "the best". I've been to more than 40 three-Michelin star restaurants around the world, and in my head I list them in three categories. There are some that I don't like, some that I do and some which are special. The Fat Duck definitely goes into the special category.' For more fascinating foodie videos from Alexander visit www.youtube.com/@alexandertheguest and follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/alexandertheguest and on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@alexandertheguest. Follow his restaurant on Instagram at www.instagram.com/42restaurant. Move over Saw and Insidious, there's a new horror film in town. And it's so scary that Amazon Prime viewers have been left unable to sleep after watching it. The film is from the director of huge horror franchises, James Wan, who also did The Conjuring, Dead Silence, Lights Out and The Nun. Malignant is now doing the rounds on the streaming platform, and is terrifying viewers who are brave enough to watch it. The disturbing flick came out in 2021, and has received a 4/5 star review rating on Amazon, with many die-hard horror fans saying it is 'hard to explain how' scary it is. Annabelle Wallis stars as Madison Mitchell in the film, who is tormented and left terrified by visions of the blood-thirsty murders of strangers Viewers have been left quaking in their boots after watching the American thriller movie, which originally came out in 2021 Annabelle Wallis stars as Madison Mitchell, who is tormented by visions of the blood-thirsty murders of strangers. Later, Madison decides to find and save the victims. However, as the movie goes on, her fears worsen when she discovers these waking dreams are in fact terrifying realities. Fans of the film rushed to talk about how scared they were on Twitter. One person commented on the social media site: 'When I say I'm done with epic movies and only want to watch UNHINGED movies, I'm talking specifically about Malignant.' And a second wrote: 'Malignant rewatch, this is the greatest movie ever made probably.' Another put: 'It's one of those that's hard to explain how it's scary without giving something away'. One more person put: 'I can totally see the Malignant comparisons now because while it's scary, and terrifying it's also incredibly weird and filled with the right amount of horror camp. This is one of those films that I can't wait to see again and again now. But I'll never forget that 1st viewing!' While other viewers simply couldn't believe the twist at the end, as one person on Twitter wrote: 'The movie offers a twist that's so ludicrous I simply had to applaud it.' However, others were unsure the movie was for them, with many disappointed the Australian filmmaker didn't produce a top-performing film like Annabelle or The Curse of La Llorona. Fans of the film rushed to talk about how scared they were on Twitter, however others were left far from impressed by the horror One person sad: 'Love a bit of a scary film but we watched Malignant, and it is one of the worst films we've ever seen'. Whereas one gave a mixed review, writing: 'This sure was a bad James Wan movie until the last 30min where its the best thing he's ever put to screen. 'I think he should have his wife write insane scripts more often but have someone else direct it.' And another wrote: 'Haha OMG that was a bonkers film!! Not really scary, though I do wonder if Ill have nightmares tonight because of the special effects. Kind of reminded me of the horror movies from the 1980s.' Chris Hemsworth flaunted his wealth on Friday night during a 'bromance' outing with Matt Damon in Santa Monica. The 39-year-old Australian star sported an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked black ceramic watch, that retails at an eye-watering $492,415. The stylish watch features an openworked slate grey dial, pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. A stainless steel case, 'glareproofed sapphire crystal', a screw-locked crown are also intricate details on the 50 metre water-resistant timepiece. But that's not the only fancy accessory Hemsworth has in his array collection of watches. Chris Hemsworth (pictured) flaunted his wealth on Friday night during a 'bromance' outing with Matt Damon. The 39-year-old Australian star sported a Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked watch, that retails at an eye-watering AU$492,415 The stylish watch features an openworked slate grey dial, pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating The Thor star has a whopping collection worth well over $1million. From Rolex to Bulgari, the Hollywood actor is never shy to show off his exquisite taste in watches at red carpets and exclusive events. Hemsworth's second-most expensive known watch is a platinum Rolex Day-Date 40 that is embellished with a baguette diamond bezel and diamond hour markings, and the ice-blue platinum dial adds elegance to the timeless piece. Chris' second-most expensive known watch he owns is a platinum Rolex Day-Date 40 that is embellished with a baguette diamond bezel. He is seen wearing it here at the red carpet screening of Spiderhead in Sydney in 2022 The ice-blue platinum dial adds elegance to the timeless piece According to Chrono24, the Rolex is worth a staggering $180,828 Hemsworth stepped out wearing the dazzling watch at the premiere of his Netflix film Spiderhead in Sydney back in July 2022. The piece was a perfect match to his deep navy well-tailored suit and pale blue dress shirt. According to Chrono24, the Rolex is worth a staggering $180,828. Another incredible timepiece Hemsworth owns is a Audemars Piguet Royal Oak worth $145,416. Another incredible timepiece in his collection is a Audemars Piguet Royal Oak worth $145,416. The actor wore it at the Los Angeles premiere of Thor: Love and Thunder in June 2022 The 18-carat pink gold case features glareproofed sapphire crystal and a black dial with, plus pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands The 18-carat pink gold case features glareproofed sapphire crystal and a black dial with 'Grande Tapisserie' pattern, plus pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands. The actor wore it at the Los Angeles premiere of Thor: Love and Thunder in June 2022 and sported it again in November 2022 at the Limitless premiere in New York. Hemsworth's Octo Finissimo Automatic watch is an exquisite piece in his collection. The 18-carat rose gold case and bracelet also has 18-carat rose gold dial and retails at $72,100. Hemsworth's Octo Finissimo Automatic watch is an exquisite piece in his collection. The 18-carat rose gold case and bracelet also has 18-carat rose gold dial and retails at $72,100. Chris Hemsworth is pictured here wearing the watch at the Sydney premiere of Thor: Love and Thunder in 2022 Hemsworth flashed the statement watch, along with his flashy rings and bracelets, at the Sydney premiere of Thor: Love and Thunder last year. He also owns a similar Bulgari piece from the same collection but with a black dial and black alligator watch band. The ex-Home and Away star, who lives in Byron Bay with his wife Elsa Pataky and their three kids - daughter India Rose, 11, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, nine - wore the bold Bulgari watch at the Sydney premiere of his wife's Netflix film Interceptor last year. He also owns a similar Bulgari piece from the same collection but with a black dial and black alligator watch band He also owns a similar Bulgari piece from the same collection but with a black dial and black alligator watch band Hemsworth's investments aren't just in watches, the Hollywood megastar also appears to be in the market for a new luxury seaside pad in Victoria. The Avengers star has been seen visiting the construction site of a new development in Beach Street, Port Melbourne, according to the Herald Sun. According to the report, the penthouse apartments inside the chic complex are valued at $18.5million. Hemsworth, who owns property in NSW's Byron Bay region with wife Elsa Pataky worth close to $90million, is yet to buy up any of the available flats, which are worth $2.7million and up. The hunky fan-favourite, who grew up in Victoria's Phillip Island, owns property worth close to $90million, but none of it is in his home state. The ex-Home and Away star, who lives in Byron Bay with his wife Elsa Pataky and their three kids - daughter India Rose, 11 (not pictured), and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, nine After buying his Byron Bay family home for $7million back in 2014, Hemsworth transformed the sprawling property into a compound that has been valued at between $30million and $60million. The actor carried out extensive renovations on the six-bedroom home, and it now boasts a steam room, gym, media room and games room. There's also a stunning outdoor living area, play areas for his three young kids and a 50-metre rooftop infinity pool, which overlooks the ocean. Chris and his family began construction on the mansion, which was previously an eight-bedroom resort-style home known as Kooeloah, in late 2017. The Thor star and wife Elsa Pataky, 46, also own a Broken Head horse ranch and retreat, purchased in 2019 for $4.25million, with a current estimated value of $10million. From left, Thales Senior Vice President Guy Bonassi, poses with Huneed Technologies President Kim Wang-kyung, after signing a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on naval command and control systems businesses during the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX 2023) at BEXCO in Busan, Wednesday. Courtesy of Huneed Technologies By Lee Hyo-sik Huneed Technologies, a global aerospace and defense manufacturer, said Friday that the global it recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Thales, an international defense contractor, to cooperate on the development of advanced naval command and control systems. Huneed plans to work with Thales to expand its development of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment and naval command systems. The signing took place during the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX 2023) at BEXCO in Busan, Wednesday, attended by Huneed President Kim Wang-kyung and Thales Senior Vice President Guy Bonassi. "Huneed is currently participating in upgrading the Korean Navy's IFF Mode-4 to the more advanced Mode-5, which offers enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities," a Huneed official said. "Through this partnership, we anticipate leveraging the advanced technologies of leading companies to bolster our national defense capabilities." The company is also showcasing a variety of naval solutions at this year's MADEX. Among the highlights is their hyper-connected maritime network system, which is built on the core technology for their widely deployed high-capacity trunk radio system (HCTRS). It guarantees long-distance communication at speeds of up to 100Mbps and allows for high-capacity communication services throughout the exclusive economic zone. Furthermore, Huneed's exhibit includes the IFF, Weapon Control System (WCS) and Li-Fi systems. "Rather than confining ourselves to existing fields of business, we will continue to pursue our passion for maritime defense by developing future command and communication systems. We will focus on further innovating military-centered weapons systems," Kim said. Married At First Sight's conflict-filled tenth season ended in April. The relationship experiment's results were decidedly mixed, with only Tahnee Cook and Ollie Skelton, as well as Melinda Willis and Layton Mills still together after the show. But while only two couples remained once the dust settled, there were many more friends made along the way. However even some of those friendships didn't go the distance, with some pals who met on the reality TV megahit subsequently falling out in spectacular fashion. Here are some of the strongest friendships that formed on MAFS - and those that imploded. Although Janelle Han (right) failed to find love with husband Adam Seed, she still managed to form tight friendships with fellow bride Evelyn Ellis (left) Janelle Han and Evelyn Ellis Although Janelle, 28, failed to find love with husband Adam Seed, she still managed to form tight friendships with several of her fellow brides. The TiKTok star is particularly close to Evelyn Ellis, 27, with the two often spotted hanging out in Sydney and they recently attended Australian Fashion Week together. She is also close to Tahnee Cook and her on-screen TV groom Ollie Skelton. The pair were recently spotted attending a musical festival in Perth alongside Jesse Burford. Jesse Burford (left) became close friends with Janelle after the shocking scandal which saw their partners Claire and Adam cheating with each other. Also pictured: co-stars Tahnee Cook and Ollie Skelton Jesse Burford and Janelle Han The 30-year-old marriage celebrant became close friends with Janelle after the shocking scandal which saw their partners Claire and Adam cheating with each other. It seems the ordeal strengthened Jesse and Janelle's friendship and at one point rumours circulated they were dating. Although they have both shot down romance rumours they have admitted to sharing a kiss. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Jesse laughed of recent reports that the pair were dating and confirmed, 'we are just friends'. Pictured at Falls Festival on January 7 Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Jesse laughed off recent reports that the pair were dating and confirmed, 'we are just friends'. 'The strongest connection I've made with anyone in the cast is definitely Janelle,' he added. 'We went through the same thing [being cheated on] and we are both from the same city,' he added. 'The strongest connection I've made with anyone in the cast is definitely Janelle,' he added Jesse said he felt friendless and 'isolated' while filming the show, but things had turned around since production wrapped in December. 'I didn't have a best friend,' he confessed. 'I felt completely isolated... Like, Ollie and Rupert [Bugden] were so tight. I was so envious of their friendship.' He said the only person he felt any connection with in the experiment was Janelle, followed by Cameron Woods, Harrison Boon and Duncan James 'I felt like Claire [his partner] very much enjoyed having her own space and me not being in it. I felt like I didn't have a best friend on MAFS. 'My best friend, who was supposed to be my wife, kissed another dude and then didn't honour my request to leave, and made me freaking stay and have to endure a redemption arc for her.' He said the only person he felt any connection with in the experiment was Janelle, followed by Cameron Woods, Harrison Boon and Duncan James. Lyndall Grace and Bronte Schofield Beauties Lyndall, 27, and Bronte, 28, became best friends during their stint on the show and remain so several months later. Bronte recently shared a gallery to Instagram of heart-warming photos showing the pair having fun together and captioned it with some precious words. 'Besties at first sight. Swipe to see the real MAFS love story, the adventures of Bronte & Lyndall. Walked in hoping to find my one love, walked out with a new home slice.' The pair have even joked that despite failing to find love with their husbands Cam and Harrison they found a great friend in each other. Beauties Lyndall, 27, and Bronte, 28, became best friends during their stint on the show and remain so several months later. Both pictured 'Besties at first sight. Swipe to see the real MAFS love story, the adventures of Bronte & Lyndall. Walked in hoping to find my one love, walked out with a new home slice.' Dan Hunjas and Shannon Adams Hunky grooms Dan, 42, and Shannon, 30, formed a close bond during their time on the show. The pair have been spotted laughing it up together at the beach as they both flexed their buff bodies and shared some fun in the sun. Despite failing to find love with wife Sandy Jawanda, 36, Dan has also become tight with co-stars Tayla Winter and Adam Seed. Hunky grooms Dan (right) and Shannon (left) formed a close bond during their time on the show Cast no longer on speaking terms Melinda Willis and Claire Nomarhas Stunning bride Melinda Willis, 32, recently confessed to Heat Magazine that she has not spoken to cheating bride Claire Nomarhas since filming wrapped. Melinda said she was not impressed by Claire's public display of infidelity as it created a 'huge divide' between the contestants, with several others - who she did not name - also shunning Nomarhas. Bronte Schofield, who was also once close with Claire also recently revealed that is no longer on talking terms with the bride. Stunning bride Melinda Willis (left) recently confessed to Heat Magazine that she has not spoken to cheating bride Claire Nomarhas since filming wrapped Melinda said she was not impressed by Claire Nomarhas' (pictured) public display of infidelity as it created a 'huge divide' between the contestants, with several others - who she did not name - also shunning her Evelyn Ellis and Alyssa Barmonde Evelyn and Alyssa were once considered the closest of friends, until intruder bride Evelyn, 27, decided to steal her groom. Daily Mail Australia snapped mother-of-one Alyssa hanging out with Evelyn on a number of occasions in the final weeks of filming. Sources close to the reality star have said that things were pretty good, until Evelyn laid eyes on her recently single man Barmonde felt betrayed, and decided to cut off all ties with Evelyn and Duncan after the show. Evelyn and Alyssa were once considered the closest of friends, until intruder bride Evelyn, 27, decided to steal her groom Daily Mail Australia snapped mother-of-one Alyssa hanging out with Evelyn on a number of occasions in the final weeks of filming Layton Mills / MAFS grooms MAFS grooms Layton Mills and Josh White are no longer on talking terms. According to chatter in the cast, Layton, 35, has decided to distance himself from several grooms including Josh White. Once considered the closest of friends, Layton stopped answering phone calls or responding to texts from the Sydney-based marketing manager. According to chatter in the cast, Layton Mills, 35, has decided to distance himself from several grooms including Dan Hunjas (left), Harrison Boon (right) and Josh White Layton is also reportedly keeping his distance from Dan Hunjas, Harrison Boon, Hugo Armstrong and Shannon Adams. The group have made little to no contact since the program went to air, despite being photographed hanging out together just weeks after filming concluded. Hugo Armstrong According to leaked text messages intruder groom Hugo Armstrong has been 'iced out' by majority of the group. Armstrong was reportedly kicked out of the Boys' group chat after he was caught leaking things to the girls and couldn't be trusted. 'They saw his true colours. They're very loyal to Tayla and realised what a d**k Hugo was, they pretty much want little to nothing to do with him.' According to leaked text messages intruder groom Hugo Armstrong has been 'iced out' by majority of the group Alyssa Barmonde Alyssa was dubbed one of the 'most hated brides' from the show this year, but she's now been inundated with support from her castmates. In a series of Instagram posts, which Alyssa reposted to her own page, her co-stars offered an outpouring of love for the controversial contestant and claimed that she was edited badly. Fellow bride Lyndall Grace said in an Instagram Q&A that everyone adored Alyssa, adding, 'I probably couldn't name one person that didn't'. Lyndall's on-screen husband Cam Woods shared a video of Alyssa dancing during a night out, writing: 'She might have a child but she is awesome!' Rupert Budgen joined in, saying in an Instagram post that Alyssa was 'massively blindsided' by how she was portrayed on the show. Married At First Sight star Alyssa Barmonde (pictured) has been inundated with support from her castmates after her villain edit on the show 'She's a sweetheart, I don't know how they did that to her. I went to the gym with Duncan often and he was saying nothing about that. He was always talking nicely about her,' he said. Tahnee Cook wrote during an Instagram Q&A: 'She is that friend that will always be there for you no matter what,' adding that Alyssa was 'one of the most beautiful people' she's ever met. Melinda Willis chimed in: 'I'm getting on this bandwagon too because I feel like every single [cast member] has exactly the same thing to say about Alyssa'. She encouraged people to use the hashtag Free Alyssa. Tahnee Cook wrote during an Instagram Q&A: 'She is that friend that will always be there for you no matter what' adding that Alyssa was 'one of the most beautiful people I've ever met' Melinda Willis chimed in: 'I'm getting on this bandwagon too because I feel like every single [cast member] has exactly the same thing to say about Alyssa' Bronte Schofield likewise shared a supportive post, writing: 'The cast and myself have sat back and watched the public tear you down over an edit that you had no control over' 'Let's get this movement going because you guys are giving her such a horrible time and I promise you if you were there and doing the show with Alyssa, she would absolutely be one of your best friends,' Melinda said. Bronte Schofield likewise shared a supportive post, writing: 'The cast and myself have sat back and watched the public tear you down over an edit that you had no control over. 'It breaks my heart that people have jumped on the bandwagon to judge a woman who put her heart on the line to find love in the most catastrophic and controversial way despite everything you have going in your everyday life you never let it stop you from being the big-hearted, beautiful woman that you are.' Alyssa replied in her own post, clearly moved by all the support, writing: 'Real tears this morning. Happy ones this time. 'Thank you to all my cast peeps speaking out. It means so so much you have no idea. I feel so validated.' Duck Family Treasure will return for season two on Sunday, June 11. DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal what the stars Jase and Jep Robertson have been up to and what fans can expect from the latest season. Remarking on the new season, Jase Robertson noted, "I'll tell you this, its not boring! And its the only show I know that you can watch with the whole family.' 'I'm talking from the parents down to the toddlers,' while Jep Robertson added, Its just good clean fun, which we could all use a little more of these days! The show will air on Fox Nation, which is Fox News Media's subscription based service. Coming soon: Duck Family Treasure will return for season two on Sunday, June 11 Stars: DailyMail.com is sharing exclusively what the stars Jase and Jep Robertson said regarding the latest season Episode one will air on Sunday, June 11 with the second episode airing later that night. The series features five episodes, as it follows the Robertson family as they search for buried treasure. Jase and Jep Robertson are joined by their wives Missy and Jessica, with Uncle Si - as well as a history expert named Murry Crowe. Their goal is to find hidden treasures across the south. They visit Tiger Island in Louisiana, Woodlawn Estate in LaGrange, Tennessee, and also Daufuskie Island, South Carolina in their hunt for treasure and Civil War artifacts. The five episode series was produced by Warm Springs Productions with Executive Producers Jase Robertson, Korie Robertson and Zach Dasher. In episode one, Jase, Jep and Murry take a trip to Cajun country and visit Idlewild Historic Estate, which is near the Louisiana town of Morgan City. The town was formerly called Tiger Island. Treasure hunt: Remarking on the new season, Jase Robertson noted, Ill tell you this, its not boring! And its the only show I know that you can watch with the whole family' Previous: The Robertson family originally starred on the hit A&E series Duck Dynasty Episode two, which will also air on Sunday, features the group getting invited to a quail hunt and treasure hunt in LaGrange, Tennessee, at Woodlawn Estate. Season one debuted June 19, 2022 and had 10 episodes. The Robertson family originally starred on the hit A&E series Duck Dynasty. The show aired from 2012 to 2017 as it followed their lives as they ran their family business. Sex and the City star Evan Handler has revealed the second season of And Just Like That... will bring back the spirit of the original show - after Kim Cattrall's shocking return was announced. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the actor, 62, who plays Charlotte's husband Harry Goldenblatt said: 'The scripts for season two feel more reminiscent to the spirit of Sex in the City than some of season one did. 'And by that I just mean, it is a romantic and sexual romp that simply involves women of more ethnicities than it did before, women of a higher age than it did before and people of broader gender identity than they did before. 'And it just is. It is what Sex in the City was, just with that wider group.' The original Sex and the City ran for six seasons from 1998-2004 and was followed by two movies in 2008 and 2010. Discussing the backlash to the first season of the reboot - which will drop its second season on June 22 on Max, he added: 'I don't know how audiences have responded to it. Core four: Sex and the City star Evan Handler has revealed the second season of And Just Like That... will bring back the spirit of the original show - after Kim Cattrall's shocking return was announced (the cast pictured together in SATC season six) Soulmates: Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the actor, 62, who plays Charlotte's husband Harry Goldenblatt said: 'The scripts for season two feel more reminiscent to the spirit of Sex in the City than some of season one did' 'I know there was a lot of chatter that was critical of it, but I know from my vantage point that the scripts for season two are, I think, much better and much stronger than season one. 'My line to people is that Sex in the City is back. I mean, it's really a return to what I loved about Sex in the City. 'And what you're going to see is simply a broader group of individuals, a broader pallet of individuals, a broader swath of humanity represented with all the charm, romance, sex, and humanity of Sex in the City. 'So I think it's great. I'm really very excited about this season.' The actor also weighed in on Cattrall's return and revealed he had no idea she was reprising her iconic role as Samantha Jones. He said: 'I read about Kim coming back in the press just the other day like everybody else. I knew nothing about it. I think it is great for the show.' Handler has not discussed Samantha's return yet with Sarah Jessica Parker, showrunner Michael Patrick King or Cattrall, but feels it's 'great' news for fans. 'If you're asking me to ascribe motive to anyone, I can't. No, I can't do that. I don't know. I don't know anybody's motives for anything. I don't know my own motives for half the things that I do. She's back! The actor also weighed in on Cattrall's return and revealed he had no idea she was reprising her iconic role as Samantha Jones Line-up: Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the actor, 62, who plays Charlotte's husband Harry Goldenblatt said: 'The scripts for season two feel more reminiscent to the spirit of Sex in the City than some of season one did (pictured in Sex and the City 2) 'Sarah Jessica and I go back as colleagues for a long way, but I have no deep relationship. There's never been any insight of relationships shared with me with any of those ladies. 'I can't say what Kim's desires were or Sarah Jessica's or Michael Patrick King's. 'I think the desire is to make a good show that serves the franchise, that serves the history of it, that serves the fans, that's what I know as the motives. Handler spoke before attending The 11th Annual Ed Asner & Friends Celebrity Poker Event, at the CBS Radford Studios in Los Angeles, which raised money for the The Ed Asner Family Center. Cattrall was convinced to join And Just Like That with a promise of 'nice career boost and great payday' by her 'dear friend' and producer Darren Star, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed last week. The iconic actress confirmed her shocking return as Sex And The City's Samantha Jones for the second season of the spin-off last week - despite her explosive feud with co-star Parker. According to Variety, Kim will return for only one 'cliffhanger' scene, which she shot in New York City, without seeing or speaking with Sarah or their fellow leading ladies Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis. In the scene, Samantha, who has moved to London, will have a phone conversation with Parker's Carrie Bradshaw. The New York Post also revealed that Cattrall's cameo was so secretive that her name did not even appear on the call sheet for the day, leaving people stunned at her presence. An insider said said show staffers were 'definitely shocked, very intrigued on how theyre gonna write this in - and very excited. She said shed never do it! She said shed never come back!' Enemies: In the cameo scene, Samantha, who has moved to London, will have a phone conversation with Parker's Carrie Bradshaw (pictured together in 2008) Confirmed! Season 2 of And Just Like That... will return June 22 on HBO Max Phenomenon: SATC has become one of the most iconic television shows of all time It was claimed her scene was filmed in a town car in a parking garage near Silvercup Studios in Queens. Sex And The City designer Patricia Field, who is not the costume designer for AJLT, returned to dress Cattrall for the scene. AJLT's second season will premiere on June 22 on Max. Samantha did feature in AJLT season one - but only over text message as Carrie repeatedly messaged her to try and repair their friendship. AJLT saw Carrie claim Samantha had cut her off and moved to London - due to fury at the writer firing her as a publicist - in a storyline Cattrall slammed for being inauthentic to the character. The explosive reveal will both delight and shock fans of SATC as Cattrall has previously refused to ever reprise her fan-favorite role as the man-hungry publicist - having last played the character in much derided 2010 film, Sex and the City 2. Now, a source close to the actress has revealed exactly what convinced Kim to sign up for a cameo on the sequel - which she admitted last year that she was 'never asked to be a part of'. Fury: The feud escalated in 2018 when Cattrall blasted Parker for talking about Kim's brother Christopher, who was found dead in Canada, in a TV interview Ended: Cattrall told Parker she was 'not her friend' and slammed her According to the well-placed insider, fans of the show can thank show creator Darren, 61, for Samantha's upcoming return, with the source revealing that he was the one who convinced Kim that she needed to give the character a proper goodbye. SCRAPS AND THE CITY: HOW DID KIM AND SARAH'S FEUD BEGIN? May 2008: SJP defended Kim when she was asked whether she supported her decision to delay the filming of the first SATC movie due to salary disputes December 2009: Kim and Cynthia Nixon attend SJP's premier for Did You Hear About The Morgans? in a show of support and SJP tells Elle that she wouldn't have done the SATC film without Kim January 2010: In an interview with the Mail, Kim expressed her exasperation over the never-ending feud rumours saying 'People don't want to believe that we get on' May 2010: Kim admits that 'sometimes feelings get hurt' during grueling filming hours due to the amount of time the women spent together August 2016: SJP wishes Kim a happy 60th birthday and addresses her as her 'old friend' October 2016: Kim once again defends feud rumours but admits not every day working together is easy or perfect September 2017: SJP confirmed a third SATC movie... and then announced it was happening Willie Garson, who played Carrie's BFF Stan tweeted, 'Disappointed for all crew holding on for negotiations to conclude for their jobs, and of course, for the fans. Leave it at that. #Truth.' October 2017: Kim Tells Piers Morgan that SJP 'could have been nicer' about the SATC 3 demise February 2018: Kim blasts 'cruel' SJP and says she is not a friend nor family to her Advertisement Kim's decision to join the And Just Like That cast, even for just a short time, marks a big U-turn for the actress - who had previously insisted that she had no desire to be a part of the sequel in any way. 'What made her finally fold to do it now? It was her connection with her dear friend Darren Star, who created Sex that kept asking her to be a part of the show that finally convinced her to do it,' the insider shared. 'Kim decided if she was ever going to button up the character and then not be asked about it again, she should do it now. 'She is doing it for her friend Darren first. But she is also doing it as she realizes it will be a nice career boost and a great payday above all of that. 'She got to an understanding with Darren that she needed an amazing send-off and they figured it out. 'Everything has now fallen into place, Kim still can't believe she was convinced to do it, but she is going to do it and let the scene speak for itself. 'Sex And The City gave Kim so much, so she is giving the appropriate swan song and Kim hopes everyone is happy with the results.' However, Kim's return to the franchise has done little to change her frosty relationship with Sarah, 58, the source explained - revealing that while the two women have come to 'an understanding', there is likely no chance they will ever be friends in the future. Kim's abrupt about face was also motivated by the fact that another project she had previously been a part of - the Fox series Filthy Rich - was canceled, despite her high hopes that it would 'have taken her to another level in her career', the source went on. 'Kim was really excited to work with [filmmaker] Tate Taylor on Filthy Rich and she really thought that was going to be her next big project and a show that she believed would have taken her to another level in her storied career as she still believes that the show should still be on TV,' the source shared. 'The show was being done right around the same time as And Just Like That and she knew she was going to be asked about it all the time and asked to be a part of that, but she didn't want to do it with her issues with Sarah. 'She was done. She loved her time playing Samantha, but she wanted to move on.' Interestingly, the decision to bring Samantha Jones back into the And Just Like That picture sits very much at odds with Sarah's own thoughts about it - with the actress insisting in February last year that she would not be 'OK' with Kim returning to the fold in light of everything her former co-star had said about their broken relationship. 'My colleagues arent my friends': The actress addressed her connection with her former co-stars and said they had a 'professional' relationship 'I don't think I would [be OK with Kim returning], because I think there's just too much public history of feelings on her part that she's shared,' she told Variety at the time. 'I haven't participated in or read articles, although people are inclined to let me know.' Sarah also confirmed that Kim had not been asked to be a part of the sequel series, explaining that the show's creators made the decision to move ahead without her after she turned down the opportunity to do a third Sex and the City movie. 'We didn't go to Kim for this, you know,' she said. 'After we didn't do the movie and the studio couldn't meet what she wanted to do, we have to hear her and listen to her and what was important to her.' With its blaze of bruising publicity, its little wonder insiders have dubbed Phillip Schofields daytime TV downfall the sofapocalypse. But as Phillip retreats to lick his wounds and Holly Willoughby fights for her onscreen survival, theres one former This Morning colleague who is not weeping into his morning coffee over their fates. Indeed, Eamonn Holmes is giving every impression of eating up the chaos with a big smile, long spoon and a side order of ice cream and sprinkles. Again and again he has returned to the topic on his live GB News show. Anyone watching today who has kissed Phillip Schofield, let us know, he deadpanned this week, mocking Schofield for saying he had made just one mistake in his 41-year career, while attempting to defend his fling with a male colleague aged 20. As Phillip retreats to lick his wounds and Holly Willoughby fights for her onscreen survival, theres one former This Morning colleague who is not weeping into his morning coffee over their fates Indeed, Eamonn Holmes is giving every impression of eating up the chaos with a big smile, long spoon and a side order of ice cream and sprinkles. Again and again he has returned to the topic on his live GB News show And on Tuesday, the day after her much-mocked are you OK? statement, after her two-week break from the show following Schofields exit, Eamonn observed of Holly: You think shes got a big mouth? She wont be using it today. Clearly, the Irishman has a canny sense for what makes good television. But theres more to Eamonns relish at 61-year-old Schofields downfall than just wanting to entertain his viewers. The roots of his loathing for his old colleague go back decades, a roiling mix of grievance at his professional and financial success, and a hatred of what Eamonn perceived to be rude and high-handed behaviour. Added to this, there seems to be a genuine concern for the young man who became involved with Phillip. Indeed, Eamonn says he and wife Ruth Langsford, another former This Morning host, were good friends with the youngster, particularly motherly Ruth who worked with him after his ill-fated romance ended and he moved to Loose Women, where shes a presenter. But his comments have certainly made life tricky for his wife. From her hot seat on Loose Women this week, Ruth has had to navigate live handovers with Holly, sometimes only a few hours after her husbands latest outburst. People in TV are genuinely agog over how aggressively Eamonn has briefed against Phillip, but he thinks Phillip and Holly were a pair of phoneys, that Phillip was a colossal fraud. Hes genuinely angry, says a source. Lord knows what Ruth is thinking. Some of Eamonns assertions have been challenged. He claimed the young man stayed over with Phillip on playtime Thursdays and would arrive back at work on a Friday morning in a taxi paid for by ITV. Yet Schofield insists he had only around five encounters with the man, that he only came to his flat once and he didnt have an ITV taxi account. Friends of Eamonn, meanwhile, tell me they arent surprised by the interventions because Eamonns oft-expressed view was that he was the only proper journalist on This Morning and it was unjust that Schofield was not only above him in the hierarchy, but paid so much more than him. Eamonn was said to be on around 150,000 a year for his one-day-a-week presenting role, while Holly and Phil were on more than 700,000 for their four days. Some of Eamonns assertions have been challenged. He claimed the young man stayed over with Phillip on playtime Thursdays and would arrive back at work on a Friday morning in a taxi paid for by ITV A source tells me: Phillip had the red carpet treatment. He and Holly were seen as stars. All TV is a hierarchy and they were paid far more. Eamonn chafed against it. His rider [the requests a star makes for their dressing room] was a block of inexpensive cheese, but Phillip would get lovely wines brought in from Farr Vintners. Eamonn couldnt see how someone like him, a proper journalist, would come beneath the bloke who was in the broom cupboard with Gordon The Gopher. This angst was only heightened by Eamonns troubled past with This Morning editor Martin Frizell. Indeed, Frizell said grimly of the relentless coverage of the scandal last weekend: I think theres [sic] some scores being settled. He named no names, but surely must have been thinking of Eamonn. Many years ago, Frizell was just like Eamonn a noted journalist, covering the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Tiananmen Square massacre. In 2000, he joined his wife, Fiona Phillips, on GMTV as editor of the show. She had been the anchor on GMTV for three years by then, alongside Eamonn, who had been in situ since 1993. At first, their sofa pairing was harmonious. But Eamonn admitted in his autobiography: He was the boss of both me and his wife not a scenario they would recommend in Harvard Business School. Within weeks of arriving, Frizell told Eamonn he wanted to downgrade him from five days to four, bringing in Andrew Castle. The shake-up ended with a titanic clash over Eamonns hours and pay. Eamonn wanted to be paid as per his five-day-a-week contract, while management felt he should take a pay cut to reflect the lesser hours worked. Lawyers were called in. Eamonn kept his money, but started to look for a new job. (One pal from those days sighs: He definitely had a point, but it is easier to cross Eamonn than it is to cross a road.) Eamonn told friends later: I cant tell you how awful Martin Frizell made life for me. He made my existence a living hell. This angst was only heightened by Eamonns troubled past with This Morning editor Martin Frizell (left) A year after leaving GMTV, Eamonn started presenting This Morning on Fridays with wife Ruth, while Fern Britton and Schofield were the Monday to Thursday team. Again, at first all seemed well. But Fern quit in 2009, allegedly tired of Phillips power on the programme and his higher salary (although she later denied shed departed because of money). Phillip was allowed to choose her successor step forward his bestie Holly Willoughby and, in 2016, the pair were joined by Eamonns former boss Frizell. Frizell was delighted by Phillip, whom he regarded as the king of the show. For his part, Phillip called Frizell: The best captain we have ever had. Where did all of this leave Eamonn? Out in the cold, apparently. A source said: Phillip was very dismissive of Eamonn, quite openly, and so was Martin. We used to call Eamonn and Ruth the B team. Guests were cherry-picked to be on the show from Monday to Thursday thats where the prestige was. On a personal level, Phillip and Eamonn never got on. Eamonn found him snippy and passive- aggressive, and thought he treated the lower-down people on the show very badly. Phillip was impolite. He would ignore you and then be nice to you, and you were meant to be grateful for that. It made Eamonn furious. A source said: Phillip was very dismissive of Eamonn, quite openly, and so was Martin. We used to call Eamonn and Ruth the B team In the run-up to the 2019 general election, tensions came to a head. Frizell was insistent Eamonn should present then Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with a This Morning Christmas bauble. Eamonn was equally insistent that he would do no such thing, saying it would breach impartiality rules for broadcasters in the weeks before an election. He and Frizz didnt speak again after that, says the senior source. In late 2019, Schofields much-gossiped about relationship with his young runner came to an end. Some say he declared his love for Schofe at the National Television Awards in January 2020 others claim they had an altercation. TV presenter Piers Morgan says the former happened, while GB News host Dan Wootton says he saw confrontations between the man and Phillip and Holly separately that night. A few weeks later, Phillip came out to none other than Eamonn and Ruth on the Friday edition of This Morning. Afterwards, Eamonn said he had only been told what was happening 20 minutes before. Onscreen, Eamonn joked to Phillip that discovering he was gay settled a question: There is this great imponderable in life that has always bothered me. 'I thought how come hecan sit in a hot tub with Holly Willoughby and Steph [Phillips wife] doesnt have a problem and Dan [Hollys husband] doesnt have a problem? In late 2019, Schofields much-gossiped about relationship with his young runner came to an end. Some say he declared his love for Schofe at the National Television Awards in January 2020 others claim they had an altercation Phillip, however, fully defended Eamonn, tweeting: Can I just say that @EamonnHolmes & @RuthieeL were utterly magnificent with me today, privately downstairs just the three of us and upstairs in front of the world. I couldnt have hoped for a better, calming and loving set of hugs and support, I adore them both. However, Eamonn now says he feels he was used on that day. In October 2020, Phillip released his big-money autobiography, Lifes What You Make It. A sign of the lack of goodwill between the two men is that he misspelled Eamonns name throughout. Within nine months, he and Ruth were on a warning that Frizell wanted to shake-up the presenting team to include popular stand-in Alison Hammond. The married couple, both 60 at the time, were surprised and furious to be told they were losing their regular weekly gig. Well-connected sources claimed they felt cast onto the scrapheap. When they left, many colleagues got in touch to offer their good wishes for the future. From Phillip and Holly there was not a solitary word, call, text or card. Eamonn told pals that Holly was blank, aloof and cold when they were colleagues and now its as if he never existed. He says that [Phillip and Holly] were rude, cold and poisonous towards him which he still cannot understand. Eamonns view is Holly and Phil always thought they were way above the audience, and way above Eamonn and Ruth and they were wrong on both counts. As Holly fights to retain goodwill among viewers and for her continued career on This Morning you have to wonder: does she ever reflect on how life might be easier if she had Eamonn on her side? Jennifer Coolidge is the latest A-list celebrity to jet Down Under. And she appears to be living up to her name as one of the nicest actors in Hollywood as she was spotted waving to adoring fans outside Park Hyatt in Sydney. In a TikTok posted by an attendee at Vivid Sydney, the American Pie actress, 61, was seen standing on a balcony and chatting to fans on Thursday. As a massive crowd stood around her, the White Lotus actress asked eagled-eyed fans if they would like to be in the background of her glamorous photoshoot at the five star hotel. The person who took the video, who uses the username an.g.n, captioned the short clip: 'Going to see Vivid but see Jennifer Coolidge'. Jennifer Coolidge (pictured) was spotted waving to adoring fans outside the Park Hyatt Hotel in Sydney on Thursday It appears that Jennifer is making the most of her time in Australia and is having a blast. On the same night that she was filmed greeting fans, Jennifer was photographed with the former Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop at glitzy event in Sydney. Posting to her Instagram story, Julie, 66, shared a stunning snap of the pair posing together at The Sapphire Project's dinner at Carriageworks. In a TikTok posted by an attendee at Vivid Sydney, the American Pie actress, 61, was seen standing on a balcony and chatting to fans on Thursday Jennifer wore a midi-length black figure-hugging gown that featured an off-the-shoulder top with silver rhinestones. She kept her signature blonde locks down in a Hollywood curl as she opted for a full glam makeup look with a nude lip. The A-lister matched her dress perfectly with a pair of bedazzled black stiletto's. Julie was also bringing the glitz for the elite dinner that raised money for Australia's ocean conservation. She stunned in a floor-length silver sequin gown as she posed on the blue carpet. The politician swept her short blonde locks to the side of her face as she wore a full glam makeup look with a smoky eye. Posting the iconic photo of her and Jennifer to Instagram, Julie wrote: 'A season of White Lotus in Sydney? One simply must wonder what these two polar opposites spoke about.' Jennifer Coolidge was photographed with the former Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop at glitzy event in Sydney on Thursday (both pictured) The US actress is currently in Australia as she was announced as one of the biggest gets for Vivid Sydney's 2023 program. On Saturday, the 61-year-old actress will be bringing her eclectic personality on-stage at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour as part of Vivid. She will speak about her decades of experience in Hollywood, give the audience a glimpse into her glamorous life, and talk about the huge success of The White Lotus along with its writer and director Mike White. Vivid Sydney has said the announcement of Jennifer and Mike's appearance as part of the festival is its 'biggest' ever in its 13-year history, with Tourism Minister John Graham saying the event is a 'blockbuster addition' to the program. NBC has canceled Young Rock and Grand Crew as the writers strike heads into its sixth week. Young Rock aired for three seasons and loosely told the story of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's life from his childhood to his wrestling career to Hollywood superstardom. The show's story is told from the perspective of the fictional Johnson's run for President of the United States. Johnson appeared as his adult self alongside Adrian Groulx as 10 to 14-year-old Dwayne, Bradley Constant as 15 to 17-year-old Dwayne and Uli Latukefu as 18 to 26-year-old Dwayne. The show also starred Joseph Lee Anderson as Rocky Johnson, Stacey Leilua as Ata Johnson, Ana Tuisila as Lia Maivia and Matthew Willig as Andre the Giant. Young Rock: NBC has canceled Young Rock and Grand Crew as the writer's strike heads into its sixth week Grand Crew: Grand Crew ran for two seasons while Young Rock aired for three seasons Young Rock hit the airwaves in February 2021 and wrapped its third season in February 2023. The series was co-created by Nahnatchka Khan and Jeff Chiang, who executive produced alongside Johnson, his ex-wife Dany Garcia, his ex-brother-in-law Hiram Garcia, Jennifer Carreras and Brian Gewirtz. Grand Crew, meanwhile, has had two seasons since it premiered in December 2021. The series follows a group of Black friends in their 30s as they deal with life and love and spill all the tea over bottles of wine at their favorite Los Angeles wine bar. Nicole Byers played Nicky Koles, Echo Kellum played her brother Noah Kohls, Carl Tart played Sherm Jones with Justin Cunningham as Wyatt Fields and Grasie Mercedes as Fay. Grand Crew's executive producers included creator and show runner Phil Augusta Jackson and Dan Goor. Both shows were produced by Universal Television. NBC did not reveal the reason for the cancelation of the two popular shows. The WGA has been on strike since May 2 and all writers' rooms shut down on that day as the scribes took to the picket lines in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and anywhere else productions were shooting. Wrestling family: Young Rock aired for three seasons and loosely told the story of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's life from his childhood to his wrestling career to Hollywood superstardom Star: Johnson appeared as his adult self on the show (pictured 2019) Family: The show's story is told from the perspective of the fictional Johnson's run for President of the United States Wine bar: The series follows a group of Black friends in their 30s as they deal with life and love and spill all the tea over bottles of wine at their favorite Los Angeles wine bar Two seasons: Nicole Byers played Nicky Koles, Echo Kellum played her brother Noah Kohls, Carl Tart played Sherm Jones with Justin Cunningham as Wyatt Fields and Grasie Mercedes as Fay At issue for the writers are salary and residuals in the ever changing streaming landscape, the size of the writers' rooms and the use of artificial intelligence. While studios and streamers are bringing in billions in profits and paying its top executives hundreds of millions, pay for writers on television shows and movies hasn't just stagnated, it's gone down due to the shorter limited run series that are common today. Where a show got a 22 episode order just a few years ago, shows today air for six to 10 episodes, greatly reducing the pay of the writers, actors and crew. This week the Screen Actors Guild also voted to authorize a strike should their contract negotiations fail. Heather Graham was spotted going for a walk with her boyfriend, John de Neufville, in New York City on Friday. The 53-year-old performer and her partner, 53, stayed close as they enjoyed each other's company during their stroll through the Big Apple. The Twin Peaks actress, who recently showed off her sculpted figure while vacationing in Jamaica, opted for a flowing white dress that showed off her impressively toned legs. Graham layered up with a light beige cardigan sweater while spending time with her boyfriend. The Boogie Nights star also wore a pair of sneakers that matched the color of her outerwear, and she added a bit of darkness to her look with a pair of sunglasses. Ideal partner: Heather Graham was spotted while going for a walk with her boyfriend, John de Neufville, in New York City on Friday Her beautiful blonde locks fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the light tones of her clothing. De Neufville opted for a light blue shirt, slim-fitting pants and Vans Old Skool sneakers. Before she was introduced to her boyfriend, Graham was linked to film and television stars including Matthew Perry, James Woods and Kyle MacLachlan. The actress was also in a long-term relationship with Yaniv Raz that lasted from 2011 until 2018. Graham recently spoke about her love life during an interview with People, where she expressed that she was happy to be able to date an individual outside the film industry. 'Of course, you want someone to understand your crazy schedule, which is different than a normal job, but I like dating someone who's not in the business,' she said. The Swingers actress went on to state that she had learned to make time for her personal life despite dealing with an oftentimes hectic schedule. 'Sometimes your job becomes so important to you, and then you realize there's so many other things in life that are happening. It's not all about the movie business,' she said. Staying comfortable: The Twin Peaks actress opted for a flowing white dress that showed off her impressively toned legs In the past: Before she was introduced to her boyfriend, Graham was linked to figures such as Matthew Perry, James Woods and Kyle MacLachlan It's all good: Graham recently spoke about her love life during an interview with People, where she expressed that she was happy to be able to date an individual not working in the film industry; she is seen with de Neufville in 2021 She then spoke about introducing de Neufville to her filmography, which she admitted was not always perfect. However, the actress stated that her boyfriend 'always tells me I was great and that he is really impressed. It's sweet.' Graham also spoke about not being a mother and stated that she was perfectly fine with focusing on herself. 'I don't feel that I'm missing anything. If you're meant to have kids, you have kids. And if you're not meant to have kids, then the universe gives you someone or something to nurture,' she said. She had a new band, but has so far not commented on her engagement ring Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup set off rumors that they might have tied the knot after she was seen wearing what looked like a wedding band on Friday. The Mulholland Drive star and the Almost Famous actor, both 54, were seen arriving at an apartment in New York City in pictures obtained by Page Six, but Naomi looked particular resplendent in a white Oscar de la Renta dress with gorgeous lacy floral designs, which could have been used as a wedding dress. But it was the gold wedding band on her ring finger which appeared to have been newly added alongside her rumored engagement ring that made fans wonder if she and Billy might have tied the knot. So far, Naomi and her new love have stayed mum about rumors that they had gotten engaged, which began flying after she appeared on the Today Show wearing a massive diamond ring on her left hand. The couple looked particularly sweet as they returned from their outing on Friday, and Naomi even ramped up the secret wedding rumors by carrying a lovely yet reserved bouquet of white roses and other matching flowers. Secret nuptials? Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup, both 54, set off speculation that they might have gotten married when she was seen with him on Friday in a white floral dress with a gold band next to her rumored engagement ring in photos obtained by Page Six; seen in October 2022 in LA Naomi's gorgeous white look was an Oscar de la Renta Sweetheart Water Lilly Guipure Dress, which sells for around $5,000. It featured thick lacy floral-design straps, and its sleeveless design exposed her toned arms. The 5ft5in beauty elevated her stature, wearing a set of gold open-toe heels underneath her ankle-length skirt. She completed the semi-casual summery look with chunky cream-colored cat-eye sunglasses, and she wore her lovely blond hair in a playful, wavy bob. Billy was dressed somewhat more casually, but he still looked fairly elegant. The Watchmen actor had on a navy blue suit, and he looked dashing with his clean-shaven visage and his shaggy salt-and-pepper hair swept back dramatically. Billy brightened up the ensemble with a simple white dress shirt sans tie, and he wore classic black dress shoes. Interesting, he had his arms full as he carried what appeared to be two overnight bags, one black and another an attract red leather bag. Packed for a trip? She looked lovely in a $5,000 Oscar de la Renta Sweetheart Water Lilly Guipure Dress, while Billy wore a navy suit. He also carried to overnight bags to the apartment Sparkler: The BritishAustralian actress appears to have sparked rumors that she and Billy had gotten engaged earlier this year, when she debuted an enormous diamond with a tasteful marquise cut, along with a diamond-encrusted band; pictured April 4 in NYC Stunning diamond: She has worn the ring multiple times on public outings and at red carpet events; seen May 9 in NYC Mum's the word: Hoda Kotb even asked her about the ring on the Today Show, but Noami deflected and refused to admit a possible engagement or even to deny one The addition of the overnight bags didn't do anything to dispel rumors that the couple might have quickly gotten hitched. The BritishAustralian actress appears to have sparked rumors that she and Billy had gotten engaged earlier this year, when she debuted an enormous diamond with a tasteful marquise cut, along with a diamond-encrusted band. So far, Naomi doesn't appear to have commented on her ring, even after Today co-anchor Hoda Kotb directly referenced it during a late April appearance on the iconic morning talk show. Toward the end of Naomi's segment, Hoda joked that he 'eye was hurting' from the 'big glint coming from some ring over here.' 'It just struck me, but it's beautiful,' she added. Lest there be any doubt about her implied question, Hoda's co-host Savannah Guthrie added: 'Hoda is asking if you're engaged.' But Naomi simply replied, 'So, the brain fog...' Savannah went on to compliment the ring's design, but Naomi avoided saying more about her ring, while also not outright denying that she had gotten engaged to Billy. So far, the Morning Show star has also avoided discussing the potential engagement. Naomi appears to have worn the ring at least as early as March, and she was spotted displaying the sparkler on the red carpet at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills. All eyes on her: Naomi appears to have worn the ring at least as early as March, and she was spotted displaying the sparkler on the red carpet at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills; pictured in March in Beverly Hills Work romance: She and Crudup met on her 2017 Netflix series Gypsy, which they costarred in. They began dating that year but have stayed under the radar; pictured together in October 2022 in Pacific Palisades She and Billy met on the set of her 2017 Netflix series Gypsy, in which she starred as a therapist who uses an alias to develop close (and unethical) relationships with people intimately connected to her patients, while Crudup played her husband. The costars began a relationship later in 2017, a year after she had split from her partner of 11 years, the actor Liev Schreiber. The friendly exes share two children: Kai, 14, and Sasha, 15. Watts and Schreiber began their relationship in 2005, shortly after she dated the late actor Heath Ledger from 20022004. Despite having ended their years-long relationship, Watts and Schreiber still attend events together to support their children, and they were even seen smiling together with their current partners in photos taken at Kai's graduation. In a 2019 interview with PorterEdit, she admitted the parents were 'doing something very differently.' 'I'm pretty proud of us, corny as that may sound. We've made it our absolute priority to be good and kind to each other and we're absolutely committed to that.' Schreiber announced earlier this year that he's expecting his first child with girlfriend Taylor Neisen, who is a model. Crudup was long infamous for the terrible timing when he ended his multi-year relationship with Weeds star Mary-Louise Parker. He separated from the actress, whom he began dating in 1996, in November of 2003, when she was seven months pregnant with their son. Naomi has remained friends and co-parents with her ex-partner Liev Schreiber (2nd to L), and they were seen beaming with Crudup (back center) and Schreiber's current girlfriend Taylor Neisen (back R) Out of the spotlight: They didn't make their red carpet debut until the 2022 SAG Awards, though she occasionally shared romantic photos of herself and Billy to social media He subsequent began a relationship with Claire Danes that ended in 2006. Crudup seems to have kept any subsequent romances prior to his relationship with Watts under the radar. Since they began dating, Naomi and Billy have kept their public appearances to a minimum and have largely avoided commenting on their relationship, though she has occasionally shared sweet photos of herself with her actor boyfriend on social media. They waited several years to finally make their red carpet debut at the 2022 Screen Actors Guild Awards, at which Billy was nominated for his role on Apple TV+'s drama The Morning Show. Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky looked very much in love as they cosied up together at a Berlin movie screening. The Byron Bay actor, 39, looked every inch the movie star as he posed on the red carpet for a special screening of Extraction 2 on Friday at Berlin's Zoo Palast. Chris, who plays black market mercenary Tyler Rake in the films, stood proudly beside his model wife Elsa, 46, as he wrapped his arm around her. His Spanish wife Elsa turned heads on the carpet as she donned a stunning floor-length satin pink gown that flaunted her fit figure. The beautiful dress complimented her tanned complexion as she kept her makeup natural and dewy. Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky looked very much in love as they cosied up together at a Berlin movie screening (both pictured) She styled her long brown locks in a loose wave and for accessories, the Spanish model kept it simple with a silver chain. The Hollywood actor looked dapper in a blue three-piece suit that showed off his muscly physique. He paired it with a light blue shirt as he kept his brown locks messy and sweeping across his forehead. The Byron Bay actor, 39, looked every inch the movie star as he posed on the red carpet for a special screening of Extraction 2 on Friday Chris, who plays black market mercenary Tyler Rake in the films, stood proudly beside his model wife Elsa, 36, as he wrapped his arm around her His Spanish wife Elsa turned heads on the carpet as she donned a stunning floor-length satin pink gown that flaunted her fit figure The Thor actor appeared in great spirits as he attended the screening for his newest flick. He was photographed taking selfies and signing autographs for his adoring fans before taking to the stage at Zoo Palast. Chris joined the host of the evening, Jenny Augusta, and filmmaker Sam Hargrave to welcome guests and introduce them to the movie. Extraction 2, the follow up to 2020's smash hit Extraction, is set to be released on June 16. Chris' character Tyler Rake is back and ready for his next mission in the film, which also stars Idris Elba. Back in 2020, Extraction became the number one film on Netflix and had 90 million households in its first four weeks. Extraction follows former SASR operator-turned-mercenary Tyler Rake as he is recruited to rescue the son of India's biggest drug lord. The Hollywood actor looked dapper in a blue three-piece suit that showed off his muscly physique Chris was photographed taking selfies and signing autographs for his adoring fans before taking to the stage at Zoo Palast The son - played by actor Rudhraksh Jaiswal - is being held for hefty ransom by a rival drug lord in Bangladesh. But when Rake attempts to complete the mission, things go terribly awry as corruption and greed come to light. Just a few days before the German screening Chris attended the film's premiere in his wife's native country, Spain. The work trips come after the actor announced that his film career will take a back seat following a discovery he's at risk of Alzheimer's disease. Chris, who recently lost his grandfather Martin to Alzheimer's at age 83, and spoke to British GQ magazine about how he wants to be remembered when it's his time to go. Hemsworth said he was touched to hear people talking fondly about Martin at his funeral, and hopes the same will happen for him when he dies. Chris took to the stage at the Zoo Palast to welcome guests Chris joined the host of the evening, Jenny Augusta to introduce them to the movie (both pictured) 'My uncle specifically said, "he's remembered as a good bloke". And if he knew, or if someone told him that's how he would be remembered, how incredibly proud he would feel,' the Thor star explained. 'It made me think about my own life. And it wasn't about career or anything. It was about being remembered as someone who was good and kind and contributed something of value.' The Rush actor told Vanity Fair last November he has decided to take 'time off' after filming a confronting episode about death on his new Disney+ docu-series Limitless. After having bloodwork done for the program, he was informed he is 'between eight and 10 times' likelier to develop Alzheimer's than the general population, because he is one of only two to three percent of people with two copies of the gene APOE4. However, there are evidently a number of steps that people in his position can take to reduce their level of risk, such as ensuring they get a good night's sleep, curbing their alcohol intake and cutting out cigarettes, according to the CDC. As a result, Chris reacted to the news of his own predisposition to Alzheimer's by cultivating a healthier lifestyle. Chris pictured with Olga Kurylenko, Golshifteh Farahani and Sam Hargrave Just a few days before the German screening Chris attended the film's premiere in his wife's native country, Spain 'Doing an episode on death and facing your own mortality made me go, "Oh God, I'm not ready to go yet",' he told the publication. 'I want to sit and be in this space with a greater sense of stillness and gratitude. And then you start talking about kids and family...It really triggered something in me to want to take some time off.' Playing on Chris' stardom through superhero movies, Limitless follows him as he pushes up against the boundaries of what his body can do. He is seen on the Disney+ program pursuing various physical goals, such as what Variety reports was 40lbs of weight gain for a Thor film. Melanie Griffith got to spend some special family time with one of her three children. On Thursday, the longtime Hollywood leading lady spent part of her afternoon with daughter Stella Banderas. The pair were spotted making their way to Chris McMillan The Salon in Beverly Hills for a mother and daughter pampering session. The Working Girl star, 65, looked fit and stylish dressed in a long black and white checkered skirt and black turtleneck combination. The daughter of former Hollywood actress Tippi Hedren and advertising executive Peter Griffith also donned a pair of black leather boots that appeared to be knee-high length, and her long blonde tresses pulled up into a loose bun and a part in the middle. Family time: Melanie Griffith, 65, and daughter Stella Banderas, 26, enjoyed a little mother-daughter pampering by heading to Chris McMillan The Salon in Beverly Hills on Thursday Griffith and the youngest of her three kids appeared to be engulfed in a conversation as they made their way to the salon for some touch-ups on their hair. Griffith wore black leather boots, and had her brown locks styled in a bit of a bob just past her shoulders with a center part. Banderas who, like her mother and her father, Antonio Banderas, has paved forward with a career as an actress opted for a casual ensemble with baggy black jeans and a gray sleeveless T-shirt. Like her mom, the budding actress, 26, also donned stylish sunglasses for the walk to the salon in the posh Beverly Hills neighborhood. Griffith was married to Antonio Banderas, 62, from 1996, the year Stella was born, until 2015. The former couple have remained friendly throughout the years, in part, for the sake of their relationships with their daughter. The actress, who was once among the top leading ladies in Hollywood in the 1980s and 90s, was also married to Scarface star Steven Bauer. They were married for about eight years in the 1980s, and also share a child together, son Alexander Bauer, 37. Chic: The Working Girl actress looked fit and stylish dressed in a long black and white checkered skirt and black turtleneck combination Casual-cool: Banderas, 26, also an actress, kept it casual in the fashion department in baggy black jeans and a sleeveless gray T-shirt for her day out with her mom Mom and dad day: Just a few months earlier, the proud mom gush how she and ex-husband, Antonio Banderas, were 'surrounding our Stella with love', in an Instagram post Griffith's last film was a role in the dramedy The High Note (2020), in which she starred alongside her other daughter, Dakota Johnson, as well as Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Zoe Chao, Bill Pullman, Eddie Izzard and Ice Cube. Johnson's father is Griffith's first and third ex-husband, Miami Vice leading man Don Johnson. The couple were famously married and divorced twice. Griffith's career resume also includes roles in Something Wild (1986), Working Girl (1988), Pacific Heights (1990), Paradise (1991), Nobody's Fool (1994), Mulholland Falls (1996), and The Disaster Artist (2017), among many others. Her mother, Tippi Hedren was a breakout star of Alfred Hitchcock, starring in the acclaimed horrorthriller film The Birds (1963) and the psychological thriller Marnie (1964). Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks as he attends a joint news conference with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, not pictured, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 8. AP-Yonhap U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China next week for long-delayed talks aimed at stabilizing tense relations, with a U.S. official saying he is expected to be there on June 18. Reuters reported Wednesday that Blinken would travel to China in the coming weeks, citing an official who spoke on condition of anonymity. An official said Friday that Blinken would be in Beijing on June 18, but gave no other details. In February, Washington's top diplomat scrapped a planned trip to Beijing, which would have been the first by a U.S. secretary of state in five years, after a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States. Washington has been keen to reschedule the trip, and the timing emerged after the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that China had reached a secret deal with Cuba to establish an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island roughly 100 miles (160 km) from Florida. The spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said Thursday that the report was not accurate, while saying that Washington has had "real concerns" about China's relationship with Cuba and was closely monitoring it. The State Department, White House and Pentagon did not, however, immediately respond to requests for comment on a subsequent New York Times report that said China was planning to build a facility in Cuba that U.S. officials were concerned could be capable of spying on the United States by intercepting signals from nearby U.S. military and commercial facilities. In Havana, Cuban Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio dismissed the Journal report Thursday as "totally mendacious and unfounded," calling it a U.S. fabrication meant to justify Washington's decades-old economic embargo against the island nation. He said Cuba rejects all foreign military presence in Latin America and the Caribbean. China's foreign ministry said Friday that "spreading rumors and slander" was a common tactic of "hacker empire" the United States. The Cuba issue could raise questions about Blinken's planned trip, intended by Washington to be a major step toward what President Joe Biden has called a "thaw" in relations between the world's two largest economies. Ties have deteriorated over disputes ranging from military activity in the South China Sea and near Taiwan, Beijing's human rights record, and technology competition. U.S. Senator Mark Warner, chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence, and Senator Marco Rubio, the panel's vice chair, said on Thursday they were "deeply disturbed" by the Journal report and urged the Biden administration "to take steps to prevent this serious threat to our national security and sovereignty." A spokesperson for China's Washington Embassy said it had no information about Blinken's trip, but referred to Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping's last meeting in November, and added: "China is open to having dialogue with the United States. We hope the U.S. will work in the same direction with China, and jointly implement the important common understandings between the two Presidents in their Bali meeting." (Reuters) Proving that attention-grabbing style may be in her jeans, Georgia May Jagger brought a London street to a standstill with a fashion shoot yesterday. The 31-year-old daughter of Rolling Stone legend Mick Jagger and US model Jerry Hall was seen strutting her stuff as she modelled for a US fashion label, using a zebra crossing around Berkeley Square in Mayfair as a runway. She echoed her fathers famous poise as she negotiated a series of costume changes, including a 70s-style double denim outfit, accessorised with a black belt and a black tie hanging around her neck plus platform heels. During the shoot she was followed by a large styling team, as the photographers worked against Londons rush-hour traffic. Ms Jagger, who became a model in 2008, has worked for a number of major fashion brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Vivienne Westwood, Versace, Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs. Get the London look: Ms Jagger poses in a denim ensemble in Berkeley Square yesterday Turning heads: A team shoots the model, circled, during Londons rush hour She has been dating Californian skateboarder Cambryan Sedlick since summer 2021 Jagger spotted in a different outfit as she poses on a zebra crossing She represented British fashion, alongside Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Lily Donaldson, at the London 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony. She has been dating Californian skateboarder Cambryan Sedlick since summer 2021. She was previously linked to New York restaurateur Louis Levy. When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit royal duties three years ago, Queen Elizabeth said they would 'always be much loved members of my family'. And Buckingham Palace officials were keen to stress that they would continue to be invited to family events. I hear that Prince Harry and Meghan have not, however, been invited to the King's Birthday Parade next weekend. It will be the first time in Harry's life that he has not been welcome at the monarch's official birthday celebrations. This year's event is particularly significant because it is the first since his father succeeded to the throne last September. When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit royal duties three years ago, Queen Elizabeth said they would 'always be much loved members of my family' I hear that Prince Harry and Meghan have not, however, been invited to the King's Birthday Parade next weekend 'I'm afraid it's a reflection of the state of relations at the moment,' a source tells me. The couple flew over from California for last year's Trooping the Colour, which became part of Queen Elizabeth's platinum jubilee weekend. They were invited by the late Queen to watch the ceremony with other members of the Royal Family from offices overlooking Horse Guards Parade. Long-lens photographers captured through the window grainy shots of the couple briefly larking around with the young children of Zara and Mike Tindall. They were not, however, asked to be on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the official flypast later in the day. Since last June, Harry and Meghan have done much damage to relations with the Royal Family. Since last June, Harry and Meghan have done much damage to relations with the Royal Family. First, they took part in a 'docu-series', or reality show, for Netflix, in which they made a series of strongly disputed claims. Then, Harry published his highly controversial memoirs, Spare, which included details of intimate conversations with members of his family and lurid claims such as his alleged assault by Prince William. Harry was in Britain this week, reportedly staying at Frogmore Cottage, Windsor, while he gave evidence in his privacy case at the High Court in London against Mirror Group Newspapers. He is said not to have spoken to his father or brother while he was here, A Buckingham Palace spokesman declines to comment. Harry and Meghan refuse to communicate with the popular Press. Kanye West has found himself in legal trouble after sharing a photo of a Vogue editor to mock her. The 46-year-old rapper is being sued by the photographer Michaela Efford, who says West used a photo of hers without paying or otherwise getting permission to use it, according to legal documents obtained by TMZ. She had snapped a photo of the fashion writer and Vogue contributing editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, which West who recently seemed to put his feud with Ice Cube to bed shared to his Instagram to poke fun at her outfit. The social media tirade was apparently set off by Karefa-Johnson criticizing West for styling models and himself in a T-shirt reading 'White Lives Matter.' At the time, she described the shirt and the show it was featured in as 'indefensible behavior' in her Instagram Stories. Blowback: Kanye West, 46, is being sued by the photographer Michaela Efford for allegedly posting one of her photos to Instagram without permission; seen in 2019 in NYC Punching down: Efford says West posted her photo of Vogue contributing editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson to mock her clothes after she criticized his 'White Lives Matter' T-shirts; seen in September in Paris She later admitted that the rapper may have intended the shirts and his fashion show to be an act of button-pushing inspired by Marcel Duchamp, but she didn't find it to be successful in the least. 'It didnt land, and it was deeply offensive, violent and dangerous,' she wrote later. The measured critique didn't sit well with West, though, and he set about trying to mock Karefa-Johnson appearance, fashion sense and possible even her professional credentials. 'This is not a fashion person You speak on Ye Ima speak on you Ask Trevor Noah,' the Monster rapper wrote to accompany an Instagram photo of the writer that Efford allegedly holds the copyright on. In her filing, she wrote that she took the photo of Karefa-Johnson in September of 2022, and West posted it only about one week later. His post came amid a spat of offensive displays, including the 'White Lives Matter' shirts, which many commentators found to be racist. The Paris Fashion Week show featuring the shirts also included the right-wing fixture Candace Owens, who wore one of the shirts, as did West. He subsequently shared multiple antisemitic statements, which led to the cancellation of deals he had with Gap and Balenciaga, as well as the abrupt end of his highly lucrative Yeezy deal with Adidas. Below the belt: 'This is not a fashion person,' he wrote while sharing the photo of Karefa-Johnson. Efford has said his post made it difficult for her to license the photo, and she's seeking unspecified damages; seen in October 2022 in Paris Can't take criticism? West lashed out at Karefa-Johnson for saying that his Yeezy show 'didnt land' and was 'deeply offensive, violent and dangerous'; seen in September in Paris Among Efford's complaints in her filing is that West's Instagram post made it difficult for her to market or license the photo of Karefa-Johnson. She is seeking an unspecified amount for damages. Although West had received criticism for many of the bizarre posts and statements he made leading up to his fashion show, his criticism of Karefa-Johnson was a bridge too far for many, as he has far more clout and exposure than she has. 'You wish u had a percentage of her intellect' wrote her friend Gigi Hadid in a comment on one of Ye's posts. She added that he was 'a bully and a joke.' Jennifer Coolidge looked incredible in a powder blue knit dress as she attended a press conference in Sydney on Saturday. The White Lotus and Legally Blonde star, 61, poured her curves into the figure-hugging frock as she fronted press ahead of her talk at Vivid Sydney later in the evening. Jennifer appeared in high spirits as she stepped out alongside White Lotus director Mike White ahead of the chat. The pair attended the press conference at the Park Hyatt in Sydney and even posed for some fun snaps outside of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Jennnifer's frock featured an off-the-shoulder design and long sleeves and she teamed the look with simple heels. Jennifer Coolidge looked incredible in a powder blue knit dress as she attended a press conference in Sydney on Saturday The American Pie star looked glamorous with her dark blonde locks out and around her face in tousled curls. Her makeup was complete with a smokey eye and matte foundation. She told the audience about her time in Sydney: 'I really wanted to do something fun and Australia has always been fun. It's a happy crowd and it's an incredible escape to happy times here.' The White Lotus and Legally Blonde star, 61, poured her curves into the figure-hugging frock as she fronted press ahead of her talk at Vivid Sydney later in the evening Jennnifer's frock featured an off-the-shoulder design and long sleeves and she teamed the look with simple heels Jennifer had a laugh as she spoke to the crowd at the conference Jennifer appeared in high spirits as she stepped out alongside White Lotus director Mike White ahead of the chat Her makeup was complete with a smokey eye and matte foundation Speaking about what's next after White Lotus, she said: 'Some offers have come in. But Mike White made me feel so safe and I'm excited for the future but I don't know what it is or what to wish for.' Jennifer is in Australia to headline an exciting evening as part of Vivid Sydney. She will be bringing her eclectic personality on stage at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour on June 10. Jennifer is known for her roles in Legally Blonde, White Lotus and American Pie She told the audience about her time in Sydney: 'I really wanted to do something fun and Australia has always been fun. It's a happy crowd and it's an incredible escape to happy times here' Jennifer is in Australia to headline an exciting evening as part of Vivid Sydney She will be bringing her eclectic personality on stage at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour on June 10 The American star will speak about her decades of experience in Hollywood, give the audience a glimpse into her glamorous life and talk about the huge success of The White Lotus along with its writer and director Mike White. 'Hey Australia, it's Jennifer Coolidge and I just got really exciting news, Mike White and I are coming to Vivid Sydney on June 10, see you there!' she said in a fun clip promoting her visit. Featuring in movies such as Legally Blonde and American Pie, Jennifer has been a household name for comedy lovers, but her role in The White Lotus has further catapulted her fame. Her role as Tanya McQuoid in the parody series of the luxury class has been globally recognised as she won awards at the Golden Globes, Emmys, Critics Choice Awards and SAG Awards. Featuring in movies such as Legally Blonde and American Pie, Jennifer has been a household name for comedy lovers, but her role in The White Lotus has further catapulted her fame Speaking about what's next after White Lotus, she said: 'Some offers have come in. But Mike White made me feel so safe and I'm excited for the future but I don't know what it is or what to wish for' Jennifer, who was slated to host Saturday Night Live before the writers strike - recently sat down with The Bear star Jeremy Allen White as part of Variety's Actors on Actors interview series. She got candid about her career as she reflected on what she described as her 'fatal flaw' in the days of her early success in the late 1990s through early 2000s. Asked if she had had a plan going into her acting career with a view to longevity, she admitted that she had not. Jennifer was beaming and glowing as she posed in front of the Sydney Opera House 'Now that I'm old enough to really look back at my life and certainly my mistakes, I see a lot of those. But I never had any strategy. I just went job to job,' she explained. Jennifer went on: 'I have to say I made the terrible mistake of not riding the wave that I had early on. It was sort of in the '90s when I had Legally Blonde, Best in Show and American Pie. And then there was Cinderella Story and stuff like that. 'But there was a moment. There was a wave I really could have ridden but I got really distracted.' As for the distraction? 'I started pursuing guys,' she said. 'I wasn't paying attention. I just thought I had my whole life. I did get some jobs, but I didn't have a plan. And I think that was a fatal flaw of mine, because it took so long to get anything going later.' The English actor moved to New Mexico and became a real estate broke The actor had a pivotal role as Perceval, a key ally of King Arthur, in Excalibur Paul Geoffrey, the film and television actor who appeared in Excalibur and had a brief appearance in Better Call Saul, has died. The actor was 68 at the time of his death on June 3 from cancer, according to an obituary that ran in the Santa Fe New Mexican. Geoffrey had a string of roles in films and television series throughout the 1980s, before completely sitting out the 2000s. He returned to acting in the past decade with occasional parts, and his last role was in an episode of the Epix series Perpetual Grace from 2019. Geoffrey, who was born and raised in England, began a second career as a real estate broker after moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico, though he managed to balance his new profession with his first love later in life. Film and TV actor: Paul Geoffrey, the film and television actor who appeared in Excalibur (pictured) and had a brief appearance in Better Call Saul, died from cancer on June 3 at 68 Major series: One of his last roles in a high-profile series was in a 2015 episode of Better Call Saul; pictured with star Bob Odenkirk (R) 'A thespian to the core, Paul continued to act for the remainder of his life. He loved French wine and food, had a stunning grasp of history, was a life-long Arsenal fan, and excelled at being the sweetest guy in the world,' read part of his obituary. Geoffrey's most prominent role was in the 1981 classic Excalibur, in which he played Perceval. The film takes a dark and brutal view of the Arthurian legend, and director and co-screenwriter John Boorman filled the movie with disturbing, surreal imagery. The movie also Helen Mirren and Nicol Williamson, and it helped boost the early careers of Patrick Stewart, Liam Neeson, Gabriel Byrne and Ciaran Hinds, among others. Although some critics were turned off by the dark fantasy elements, it received mostly approval from reviewers and was a commercial success. It also won a prize for best artistic contribution at the Cannes Film Festival. Geoffrey's role was particularly important, as Perceval is the only survivor after Arthur and his knights have all fallen, and he is tasked with throwing Arthur's sword back to the Lady of the Lake, who once again claims it. The film may have helped the actor earn a string of subsequent roles, but his career never took of like several of his Excalibur costars. Geoffrey's next major role was as Lord John 'Jack' Clayton in Ralph Richardson's 1984 Tarzan film Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan. Geoffrey would go on to appear as Mr. Lockwood in the 1992 adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which starred Juliette Binoche. Star moment: Geoffrey played the pivotal role of Perceval in Excalibur and had a pivotal moment in the film after the deaths of Arthur's other knights, but his career never took off like several of his costars; still from Excalibur Staying busy: He went on to appear in Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan (1984), along with a 1992 Juliette Binochestarring adaptation of Wuthering Heights and a 1995 TV movie of Anna Karenina; still from Excalibur He also appeared in a 1995 TV movie adaptation of Anna Karenina, starring Jacqueline Bisset and Christopher Reeve. In the late 1980s, he appeared in an episode of Inspector Morse, and he stuck to the mystery theme with a 1990 episode of Poirot. One of his last high-profile shows was Better Call Saul, in which he appeared in a 2015 episode as a tailor. The series was filmed in his adopted home state of New Mexico. Geoffrey is survived by his wife Sue Taylor and their three children: Alex, Oliver, and Daisy. No memorial plans have been revealed Her affair with best friend Ariana Madix's boyfriend Tom Sandoval has made Vanderpump Rules star Raquel Leviss the most hated woman on television. But if she plays her cards right, the former beauty queen could be looking at a multi-million dollar payday on OnlyFans that would make her even richer than love rival Ariana. Reality star and OnlyFans performer Olivia Frazer, best known for her scandalous stint on Married At First Sight, told Daily Mail Australia that Raquel could easily earn seven figures if she ever joins the subscription-based platform. 'She'd be a millionaire in a month,' Frazer said, before comparing her own income from the site to Raquel's potential earnings. 'Just based on how many followers she has, how many followers I had when I joined, and then the scale of our controversies, shed make a killing!' she continued. 'It would be a lot of money. Even if she was just spilling tea behind a paywall.' Vanderpump Rules villain Raquel Leviss (pictured) could potentially earn millions as an OnlyFans model if she chooses to join the platform Raquel 'would be a millionaire in a month' and could easily earn more money than love rival Ariana Madix following her affair with Madix's boyfriend of nine years, Tom Sandoval Frazer famously got the villain edit on season nine of Married At First Sight Australia, while her on-screen rival Domenica Calarco walked away from the show with a string of lucrative endorsement deals. However, Frazer was able to turn the controversy into cash by joining OnlyFans after her season aired in a move that earned her $500,000 in a few short months. Raquel currently boasts triple the amount of followers as Olivia, and her cheating controversy -dubbed Scandoval- has become the most publicised celebrity scandal in years. Although Raquel doesn't currently have an OnlyFans account, with these metrics, her potential income could easily be upwards of $1million a month if she ever joins. It's not uncommon for controversial models and reality stars to make seven figures on OnlyFans. Influencer Corinna Kopf makes around $2million a month on the platform, while rapper Bhad Bhabie earns as much as $4million per month. OnlyFans star Olivia Frazer (pictured), best known for her scandalous stint on Married At First Sight Australia, said that Raquel could easily earn seven figures on OnlyFans Olivia was forced to join OnlyFans after getting a 'villain edit' on Married At First Sight, which left her unemployable in the mainstream job market Despite the temptation of easy money, MAFS villain Olivia said that baring all for OnlyFans may not be the best decision for Raquel's mental health right now. 'Im not sure how ethical it would be for her to start OnlyFans considering shes obviously vulnerable,' admitted Frazer, who had her own mental health struggles after being relentlessly trolled online by viewers of the dating series. 'Its a blessing and a curse,' she continued. 'The money and lovely interactions I had on OnlyFans saved me at the time. But the leaks of my nudes definitely makes me nervous now and for my future. 'If I could do it again I would have gone into it with much stronger boundaries. Raquel obviously has an issue with boundaries and wanting to please men, so Im not sure it would be the best thing for her.' 'It would be a lot of money. Even if she was just spilling tea behind a paywall,' Olivia said of Raquel's earning potential on OnlyFans Raquel has been hiding out in a mental health treatment facility since her affair with Tom was exposed. Pictured together Raquel is currently on an extended hiatus from the spotlight and is staying in a mental health treatment facility. While she works on her issues, her ex-BFF Ariana has been raking the big bucks with endorsement deals, a movie role, and a six-figure merchandise line. Last month, Daily Mail Australia spoke to PR and branding experts who estimated that Ariana would easily clear over $1million from the affair by the end of the year. However, that figure has skyrocketed in recent weeks as Madix continues to rake in more lucrative deals and opportunities. The blonde just filmed a commercial for Duracell batteries and graced the cover of Glamour magazine. Ariana has been fielding big money endorsement deals and recently landed the cover of Glamour magazine The blonde bartender just filmed a commercial for Duracell batteries. Pictured above Ariana has been less than kind to Raquel since the affair was exposed, calling her 'subhuman' and 'disgusting' Speaking to the publication, Madix admitted that she's determined to make as much money off the Scandoval as possible. 'I want to make enough money to be able to take care of my mom and my brother and any other family members who may or may not need it,' she said. 'I never want to worry about it ever, ever, ever. So I will work as much as possible to not have to.' Ariana has been less than kind to Raquel since the affair was exposed, calling her backstabbing BFF 'diabolical, demented, disgusting, [and] subhuman' at the recent Vanderpump Rules reunion. Multimillionaire Madix also told the 28-year-old to 'f**k yourself with a cheese grater'. 'F**k you, you f***ing suck, you're disgusting, and I wish nothing but the worst f***ing s**t that could ever happen to a person on you,' she screamed. Kelly Brook has admitted she she now 'loves' the language barrier between herself and husband Jeremy Parisi. The British radio host, 42, is married to the hunky European model, 37, who she explained 'uses abstract English,' while being fluent in French and Italian. Kelly confessed that when they first began dating, she initially disliked that they don't speak the same language, but now finds it 'quite comical'. The former glamour model - who married her husband Jeremy in his native Italy in July 2022 - detailed how he 'puts weird words with weird things.' Kelly also revealed that he picks up the flamboyant language which she uses, and never knows what Jeremy's going to say next, adding: 'it's so funny!'. Unconventional: Kelly Brook, 43, has admitted she she now 'loves' the language barrier between herself and husband Jeremy Parisi, 37 Making it work: The British radio host is married to the hunky European model, who she explained 'uses abstract English,' while being fluent in French and Italian Kelly told The Sun: 'We're a pretty traditional, normal couple. The only unconventional thing about us is the language barrier. English is his third language after French and Italian, so he uses abstract English. 'It's always quite comical. It's mad... I didn't like that we didn't speak the same language but I now love it. I find him hilarious. He puts weird words with weird things. 'For someone who works in communications, who spends their life talking for a living, I don't ever hear anyone talk the way he talks. I never know what's going to come out of his mouth next.' Kelly previously told The Sun how her relationship with Jeremy changed after they tied the knot. She said: 'We have been together for a long time but being married changed things. For us, we definitely think more as a couple when it comes to the future and everything. 'Everything has blended together more. We are now in it for the long haul. Not that I wasn't before but it feels more, ''Oh we are really doing this now''.' Opening up about her romance with her 'best friend and soulmate', Kelly previously told The Mirror : 'I've found someone who can keep up with me and the lifestyle that I love. 'It's the combination of having a very exciting life but also having moments where it's nice to stay home, watch Netflix and walk the dog. It's getting that balance.' Real talk: Kelly confessed that when they first began dating, she initially disliked that they don't speak the same language, but now finds it 'quite comical' Kelly embarked on a relationship with the hunky Italian model in 2014 after watching one of his Instagram videos, and friends claim she's 'happier than ever' following the understated engagement. The model - a lads' mag favourite in the nineties - has been engaged before to actors Jason Statham and Billy Zane, rugby player Thom Evans and Gladiator David McIntosh. She also dated rugby lothario Danny Cipriani periodically between 2008 and 2010. Ranvir Singh has recalled how she was once left sobbing in a park with her toddler son Tushaan after being axed by ITV. The host, 45, who is now one of the channel's top stars was left heartbroken after 'giving up everything' for the channel and leaving a comfy job at the BBC. Speaking about the difficult time on the Sliding Doors podcast Ranvir said: 'I had a very secure job with BBC job with a pension and everything. 'I got headhunted to go to ITV. So I give up this whole secure life at the BBC and my friends and my life in Manchester to move to London, essentially, for a contract'. Ranvir, who shares her lad, now 10, with ex-husband Ranjeet, continued: 'It was a two-year contract. But I always remember being in the newsroom at the BBC and looking up at the little television and thinking, 'I want to know what it's like to be there [on national TV]' AXED: Ranvir Singh, 45, has recalled how she was left sobbing in a park with her toddler son after being axed by ITV Scary stuff: The host who is now one of the channel's top stars was left heartbroken after she had 'given up everything' and left a comfy job at the BBC (pictured with GMB co-host Ben Shephard) After ditching her career at a regional news channel to work on a national platform she soon found herself almost out of a job. 'I'm there, 15 months into the job. The programme gets a whole rebrand and I'm not a part of their plans. 'I found out at 10 o'clock in the morning and by 10.30 am and email had gone out.' However as she found herself sobbing with her infant son she received a very important telephone call . 'There's me crying in a park with my little son and My phone rings and it's John Stapleton - a long-term GMTV presenter.' 'He told me not to complain, carry on turning up and to do my job.' Despite bosses telling her that her career had 'plateaued', determined Ranvir rejected the idea and soon found herself being offered a Saturday presenting gig. Less than two months later she was asked to present the News at Ten, before going on to host GMB and stand in for Lorraine Kelly on her self titled show. A spokesperson for ITV told MailOnline: 'Ranvir's comments were in relation to a time early in her career, some 11 years ago, when she first moved to ITV'. 'She has continued to work for ITV ever since first joining in 2012, and as viewers will know, is currently a main presenter on ITV formats across the schedule including GMB, Lorraine, ITV News and quiz show which goes into its second series soon'. Memories: After ditching her career at a regional news channel to work on a national platform she soon found herself almost out of a job (L-R) Ranvir Singh, Susanna Reid Back with a bang: Despite bosses telling her that her career had 'plateaued', determined Ranvir rejected the idea and soon found herself being offered a Saturday presenting gig, before going on to host GMB and Lorraine (pictured) Family: Ranvir pictured with son Tushaan and partner Louis Church It comes after Ranvir and co-host Richard Madeley suffered a technical blunder while presenting a recent installment of Good Morning Britain. The presenting duo were talking with NHS Confederation Chief Executive Matthew Taylor for a segment about the current junior doctor strikes, when fans noticed the slip-up. As Matthew shared his thoughts via a virtual appearance, the camera remained on his screen - with Ranvir and Richard not to be seen. But despite not being on screen, the pair appeared to have left their microphones on and could be heard 'whispering' over the top of their guest. While their exact words couldn't be made out, the moment didn't go unnoticed by fans - with some taking to Twitter to note the moment. Awkward! Good Morning Britain suffered an embarrasing mic blunder on a recent installments as hosts Richard Madeley and Ranvir were caught 'whispering' off camera Oops: The pair could accidentally be heard but not seen as they talked amongst themselves unkowingly Ranvir questioned Matthew on what kind of wage rise that doctors should aim for, if they were to recieve one. The camera then focused on him as he began to answer, but an off-screen Ranvir could be heard whispering to Richard through her microphone. The inaudible conversation could be heard in the background of Matthew's answer, with Richard coughing and then replying back. Taking to Twitter following the moment, one viewer questioned: 'What were they whispering about?' While another added: 'Ranvir we can hear you whispering over the mic when people are talking'. Tammin Sursok made a huge mistake at the age of 21 when she dumped her then boyfriend for being unsuccessful, only for him to soar to A-list status later in life. Despite being married with kids, the former Home and Away star, 39, said she 'could be living in a $30million mansion right now' if she stayed with her ex. '[Dumping him] was a bad decision,' she jokingly told news.com.au on Friday. 'I'm not going to say the name but I was dating a non-real celebrity in Los Angeles and I called my mum, I was 21, and said, "I'm going to break up with him, he's not going to be very successful,"' she said. Unfortunately for Tammin, her 'unsuccessful' ex went on to become a huge Hollywood star. Tammin Sursok, 39, (pictured) made a huge mistake at the age of 21 when she dumped her then boyfriend for being unsuccessful, only for him to soar to A-list status later in life Despite being married with kids, the former Home and Away star said she 'could be living in a $30million mansion right now' if she stayed with her ex. Pictured with husband Sean McEwen, 48, and daughters Phoenix, nine, and Lennon, four 'I'm sorry, husband, I love you so much! Our kid's watching, I love you, but I could be living in a $30million mansion right now,' she joked. Tammin, who now shares daughter Phoenix, nine, and Lennon, four, with US filmmaker Sean McEwen, refused to name the A-lister she once dumped. However, she turned 21 in 2004 during her last year on Home and Away when she starred alongside Hollywood hunk Chris Hemsworth. Tammin refused to name the A-lister she dumped, but she starred alongside hunk Chris Hemsworth on Home and Away in 2004. He is now a Hollywood star with a $30million mega mansion She also had a confirmed romance with Heartbreak High star Danny Raco from 2000 to 2002 while they starred on Home and Away together Though the two never hinted at having a romantic relationship, the Thor actor, 39, famously has a $30million mega-mansion just outside Byron Bay and shot to A-list status after landing his hero role in the Marvel franchise. Tammin also had a confirmed romance with Heartbreak High star Danny Raco from 2000 to 2002 while they starred on Home and Away together. After leaving the soap, Tammin jetted for Los Angeles where she attempted to kick start a music career which failed after one album. Her romantic life remained a mystery during that time until she tied the knot with Sean, 48, in 2011 in Florence, Italy. Ulrika Jonsson has suggested that Katie Price's numerous holidays and boob jobs may have distracted her from giving the care to her animals that they need. The former glamour model, 45, was slammed after her protection dog Blade was killed by a car last week - making him the seventh pet to have died in her care. And reflecting on the tragedies, Ulrika, 55, says that while she sympathises with Katie and believes she wouldn't deliberately harm her animals, she perhaps isn't giving them the time and dedication they need. In her latest column for The Sun, animal lover Ulrika, who herself has suffered the loss of pets due to old age and illness, questioned whether 'something is clearly going wrong' when it comes to Katie owning animals. Ulrika told how she had to make 'huge personal and professional sacrifices' to care for her newest bulldog puppy, as she centered her life around his to ensure he had everything he needs. Opinion: Ulrika Jonsson has suggested that Katie Price's numerous holidays and boob jobs may have distracted her from giving the care to her animals that they need Tragic: The former glamour model, 45, was slammed after her protection dog Blade was killed by a car last week - making him the seventh pet to have died in her care But she suggested that perhaps Katie hadn't have the same mentality as she's too focused on her looks and jetting off on luxurious breaks - where is recent months she's taken to showing off her latest boob job in skimpy bikinis. Ulrika shared: 'From what I can see, on the outside looking in, Katie has had about 582 holidays over the past year and almost as many breast enlargements, which will have taken her away from her animals and limited what she can do for them.' She then likened this to the post-pandemic boom in pet ownership, in which 'idiot humans' got cute puppies to 'alleviate their stress and boredom in lockdown'. While she also suggested that some owners see their pets as 'possessions' rather than 'sentient beings' because they've yet to develop 'a psychological and emotional disconnect' due to simply 'purchasing' the creatures. The presenter also touched on the backlash that Katie has faced amid the death of dog Blade, with animal charity PETA claiming she had 'blood on her hands', while 34,000 have signed a petition supporting the charity's views that Katie should be banned from owning pets. And while she branded the ex model the 'unluckiest pet owner she knows', she claimed there must be something more that's amiss than simply misfortune. Ulrika noted: 'Shes either blighted by the worst bad luck when it comes to her animals or is there something else? Because something is clearly going wrong. I believe Katie to be an animal lover - her love of horses goes way back. I cant imagine she would deliberately hurt an animal.' She concluded: 'While I extend my deepest sympathy to Katie for the loss of her beloved dog, I hope we all realise and truly understand the needs our animals have and alter our lives accordingly. As if we needed reminding, a dog is not just for the fun times.' View: reflecting on the tragedies, Ulrika, 55, says that while she sympathises with Katie and believes she wouldn't deliberately harm her animals, she perhaps isn't giving them the time and dedication they need Wow: 'From what I can see, Katie has had about 582 holidays over the past year and almost as many breast enlargements, which will have taken her away from her animals and limited what she can do for them' Thoughts: In her latest column for The Sun , animal lover Ulrika, who herself has suffered the loss of pets due to old age and illness, questioned whether 'something is clearly going wrong' when it comes to Katie owning animals It comes after Katie hit back at critics this week, claiming the RSPCA has 'no concerns' about the welfare of animals at her home - after a seventh pet died in her care. The former glamour model's black German shepherd dog Blade was killed by a car last week, which Katie has now claimed was a 'sick attack against her'. The star - who recently split again from her fiance Carl Woods - has lost several pets over the past six years, including now five dogs, a horse and even her chameleon, Marvin. Animal charity PETA attacked the star on Tuesday saying she has 'blood on her hands' and a petition to ban her from owning any more animals has received more than 33,000 signatures. Love: Ulrika told how she had to make 'huge personal and professional sacrifices' to care for her newest bulldog puppy, as she centered her life around his to ensure he had everything he needs Something wrong: 'Shes either blighted by the worst bad luck when it comes to her animals or is there something else? Because something is clearly going wrong' But Katie has now hit back and said: 'Update. RSPCA have been up to my house not having any concerns about my animals and never have or had. 'But we are trying to put together how Blade has been killed and his last steps as this is a deliberate target to kill him'. It comes after Katie confirmed she's once again split from on and off boyfriend Carl Woods. Katie and Carl were last seen together at the end of last month as they celebrated her birthday in Brighton. Sharing a photo of herself sporting short black hair, she wrote: 'Extensions out ready for new transformation literally had so much s**t thrown at me and being single now and now dealing with the suspicions my dog had been killed deliberately so being investigated I need a massive change and move in my life.' Her say: Katie hit back this week and said that the RSPCA have 'no concerns' about the animal welfare at her home - after a seventh pet died in her care (pictured with Blade) Strong words: Katie has now hit back and said on her Story: 'Update RSPCA have been up to my house not having any concerns about my animals and never have or had' Suspicions: She took to Instagram again on Tuesday to claim her late pet could have been killed on purpose and that its death was being investigated (Blade pictured with Carl) She wrote: 'Extensions out ready for new transformation literally had so much s**t thrown at me and being single now and now dealing with the suspicions my dog had been killed deliberately so being investigated I need a massive change and move in my life' PETA Vice President of Programmes Elisa Allen told MailOnline: 'After a seventh animal died in her custody, Katie Price should be facing more than the court of public opinion. 'PETA urges authorities to look into Blade's death and reminds the public that it's not just Price who has blood on her hands. 'Greedy breeders who keep selling or "gifting" animals to her are also to blame.' A representative for Katie has been contacted by MailOnline for further comment. Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a statement after a meeting with participants of Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and the Council of the Council of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Heads of Government in the resort city of Sochi, Russia, June 9. AP-Yonhap Moscow and Kyiv both reported heavy fighting in Ukraine, Friday, with bloggers describing the first sightings of German and U.S. armor, signaling that Ukraine's long-anticipated counterattack was under way. With virtually no independent reporting from the front lines and Kyiv saying little, it was impossible to assess whether Ukraine was penetrating Russian defenses in its bid to drive out occupying forces. "We can state for sure that this offensive has begun," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Sochi. "Ukrainian troops did not achieve their goals in any sector." Ukraine's President Voldymyr Zelenskyy said he had discussed tactics and "achievements" with military leaders but gave little away. "For our soldiers, for all those who at this time are engaged in particularly heavy combat. We see your heroism, and we are grateful for every moment of your lives," he said in his nightly video address. "Ukraine is as free as you are strong." Ukrainian military analyst Oleksander Musiyenko, interviewed on Ukrainian NV Radio, said Ukraine was making gains but dismissed Russian reports of a major counter-offensive in south-central Zaporizhzhia region. "This is simply not true. It is not the main phase of the counter-offensive. It is merely a phase and not the large drive from which we can expect a rapid breakthrough and hundreds of kilometers of liberated territory," Musiyenko said. The counteroffensive is ultimately expected to involve thousands of Ukrainian troops trained and equipped by the West. The United States announced an extra $2.1 billion in security assistance on Friday, including air defense and ammunition. Russia, which has had months to prepare its defensive lines, says it has repelled attacks since the start of the week. Kyiv has said its main effort has yet to begin. Moscow and pro-war Russian bloggers reported intense battles on the Zaporizhzhia front near the city of Orikhiv, around the mid-point of the "land bridge" linking Russia to the Crimea peninsula, seen as one of Ukraine's likeliest targets. Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said reports from the Russian bloggers of German-made Leopard tanks and U.S. Bradley armored vehicles near Tokmak south of Orikhiv, if confirmed, would provide the first evidence that Ukraine's new brigades of Western-armed troops had joined the battle. Emergency workers put out a fire in a house which was damaged after Russian shelling in Kherson, Ukraine, June 9. AP-Yonhap In all, Kyiv has 12 brigades totaling 50,000-60,000 troops ready to unleash in the counteroffensive. Nine of the brigades have been armed and trained by the West. "They've got a choice of how many they commit initially and how many they keep in reserve in case the battlefield dynamics change," Barry said, adding that Ukraine's initial priority would be trying to keep the Russians off balance and gain tactical surprise through deception and camouflage. The Russian defense ministry said its troops had repelled two Ukrainian assaults south of Orikhiv and four near Velyka Novosilka further east, where it said Ukraine's attack force included two battalions of troops supported by tanks. Several battalions of up to 1,000 troops comprise a brigade. The southern front is where Ukrainian forces are widely expected to attempt their main push, towards the coast. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said only that battles were continuing for Velyka Novosilka and Russian troops were mounting "active defense" at Orikhiv. In the east, Ukraine has reported advances around Bakhmut, which Russian forces captured last month after nearly a year of the deadliest ground combat in Europe since World War Two. Ukraine generally bars journalists from reaching its side of front lines during offensive operations. Reuters could not independently verify the accounts by either side. Flood disaster overshadows fighting The initial days of the counteroffensive have been overshadowed this week by a huge humanitarian disaster after the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam holding back the waters of the Dnipro River that bisects Ukraine. Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate homes flooded in the war zone, vast nature preserves have been wiped out and the destruction to irrigation systems is likely to cripple agriculture across much of southern Ukraine for decades. Kyiv said at least four people had died and 13 were missing. A woman is evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukraine, June 7, after the walls of the Kakhovka Dam collapsed. AP-Yonhap Loose Women's Sophie Morgan fought back tears after claiming that British Airways staff broke her 8,000 wheelchair for a second time following a flight to LA on Saturday. The disability campaigner, 38, who is paralysed from the waist down following a car accident aged 18, took to her Instagram saying she was 'absolutely f***ing raging'. Filming from arrivals she told the camera: 'British Airways have broken my Batec [battery-powered attachment]. I arrived at the airport and it was working'. 'Now I'm reunited with it off the back of the plane and it's not working'. Batec is a hand bike that connects to traditional wheelchairs to make it motorised and help disabled individuals travel more freely. Furious: The disability campaigner, who is paralysed from the waist down following a car accident aged 18, took to her Instagram saying she was 'absolutely f***ing raging' An emotional Sophie continued: '[The wheelchair has] some kind of electrical fault, it's not connecting when I turn the key and so what does that tell you? It's been manhandled.' 'I honestly don't think I can actually take much more of this. I was just told to put a complaint in through the website again'. 'Thankfully I know that's not what I'm meant to do. I've had no sleep, I'm absolutely exhausted.' Before adding: 'It's happened again. British Airways, you have broken my Batec. I'm actually speechless.' In a statement to MailOnline BA said: 'We're really sorry for our customer's experience and are in direct contact with her to resolve the issue as we investigate what happened'. It comes after Sophie was told her to 'send an email' when she complained about the same issue in January. After claiming British Airways damaged her chair after 'wedging it in the hold' from a flight from Los Angeles to London Heathrow. They had attached the chair to the battery powered attachment without permission and untrained staff were unable to separate them, leaving her terrified she might be stuck without it. Heartbreak: She said 'I honestly don't think I can actually take much more of this. I was just told to put a complaint in through the website again' (Sophie pictured in May) Helpful: Batec (pictured) is a hand bike that connects to traditional wheelchairs to make it motorised and help disabled individuals travel more freely When they did detach the chair from the battery, it had to be pieced back together, leaving it damaged and as she later discovered, the light was also broken. Taking to Instagram, TV star Sophie said: 'Landed at Heathrow with a bang. 'Someone - no one took responsibility - decided to attach my wheelchair and my batec (battery-powered attachment) whilst in transit (they were checked in separately, in two parts, unattached) and they have done so a) without permission and b) COMPLETELY WRONG!!! 'It took over half an hour to "break" them apart, all that time I had to sit on an aisle chair that was NOT safe and I didnt know if I would be able to get back into my chair. 'Eventually, they broke them apart and I got back into my chair and reattached the batec but its not safe to use. I then discovered more damage.' She said the customer service she experienced after this was completely unacceptable. 'And what was I told to do by BRITISH AIRWAYS!? Send an email via the website. Shocking: Sophie was left wheelchair bound after suffering a T6 spinal cord injury in 2003 resulting in paralysis from the chest down at the age of 18 'This has to stop!':It comes after Sophie was told her to 'send an email' when she complained about the same issue in January 'This has GOT TO STOP. Thousands of chairs are damaged by airlines every year. Its #JustPlaneWrong.' Sophie filmed a video which showed she was literally shaking because she was worried that she might not be able to get back into her chair which she relies on. A spokesperson for British Airways told MailOnline: 'We're extremely sorry for Sophie's experience and we're investigating what happened as a matter of urgency. 'We've been in contact with Sophie to sincerely apologise and to resolve the matter with her directly. 'We carry hundreds of thousands of customers who require additional assistance each year and we work hard to provide help and support them throughout the whole journey. 'It's extremely disheartening when things go wrong, and we dont underestimate the impact this has. We're committed to ensuring we deliver a consistently good service, and we'll be working closely with Sophie and our dedicated accessibility teams to discuss how we can continue to make improvements to ensure a great flying experience for everyone.' London-based campaigner Sophie has undergone a host of impressive projects including presenting Channel 4's TV coverage of the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Billionaire chicken heiress Tamie Ingham will marry her celebrity chef fiance in a lavish French ceremony next week. Among the A-list guests set to watch Ingham and Guillaume Brahimi walk down the aisle are fellow billionaires Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch, reported the Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday. Also attending are Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic, with the Today show host set to play MC at the reception. Tamie is best friends and business partners with Jasmine and the two founded Mara and Mine back in 2010 in Los Angeles before moving the business to Sydney. Karl meanwhile is good friends with Guillaume, who runs Bistro Guillaume in Melbourne and Perth and is the Culinary Ambassador for the Crown Sydney. Billionaire chicken heiress Tamie Ingham (pictured) will marry her celebrity chef fiance in a lavish French ceremony next week According to reports, Karl and Jasmine, who married in 2018, introduced their respective friends to each other in 2020. AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan and Seek founder Paul Bassat are among the guests, as is Nova radio star Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli and his wife, Lisa. The wedding is set to take place at the Musee Rodin in Paris, The Sydney Morning Herald reports. Guillaume, 55, and Tamie, 38, have a base in the French capital. Tamie works as a shoe designer and Guillaume is a celebrated chef. It will be Brahimi's second marriage after he split with his ex-wife Sanchia in 2016. Tamie, 38, and her future husband Guillaume Brahimi, 55, (pictured) have a base in Paris. Tamie works as a shoe designer and Guillaume is a celebrated chef Among the A-list guests set to watch Ingham and Guillaume walk down the aisle are fellow billionaires Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch (both pictured) Also attending are Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic, with the Today show host set to play MC at the reception (both pictured) It's wedding season for the chicken heirs, as the Ingham family will then travel to Italy for Johnny Ingham's wedding to Rey Vakili. A star-studded event will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Taormina, with guests such as Kate Waterhouse and Luke Ricketson rumoured to be attending. Johnny's future wife Rey studied political science at Yale in the US and rose to fame in fashion circles after a stint as personal assistant to Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. Johnny and Rey have been a couple since 2018. After a split, they revived their romance in 2021. Finally, the Ingham family will close of their summer of love with Katie Ingham's wedding in Tuscany, Italy. She will tie the knot with her beau Ali Rosenberg. Zendaya was spotted as she enjoyed a spot of retail therapy at the Bulgari store in Rome on Friday, hours after attending their swanky hotel opening. The actress, 26, put on a very leggy display as she slipped into a stylish grey mini dress for the sun-soaked outing. Zendaya nailed casual chic as she donned brown leather loafers and shielded her eyes behind dark shades, while toting her essentials in a 3,000 Louis Vuitton bag. Sporting a natural make-up look the stunner tied back her brunette tresses into a bun as strands framed her gorgeous face. The Spiderman star was spotted as she climbed out of a black SUV before being escorted into the luxury Italian jewellers. Shopper: Zendaya , 26,was spotted as she enjoyed a spot of retail therapy at the Bulgari store in Rome on Saturday, hours after attending their swanky Hotel opening Chic: The actress put on a very leggy display as she slipped into a stylish grey mini dress for the sun-soaked outing The previous evening Zendaya and Priyanka Chopra were among the glamorous arrivals for the glitzy opening of the Bulgari Hotel Roma. And the Euphoria star set pulses racing in an eye-catching black sheer mesh bodysuit as she posed for snaps at the swanky launch. Showing off her svelte physique, Zendaya teamed her revealing one-piece with a matching black trouser suit with a white speckled print. She accessorised her look with simple pointed-toe heels as she and Priyanka posed for snaps together at the opening. Zendaya also continued to show off her sleek brunette bob, which was styled into sophisticated waves. Last week, Zendaya celebrated her boyfriend Tom Holland's 27th birthday with two sweet Instagram story posts. One image showed the English hunk swimming in the ocean with his head dunked in the water and his hands making a heart sign; she added a heart within his hands. Another showed Tom smiling in her direction while climbing rocks at the beach with her adding a heart eye emoji. Style: Zendaya toted her essentials in a 3,000 Louis Vuitton bag Natural beauty: Sporting a natural make-up look the stunner tied back her brunette tresses into a bun as strands framed her gorgeous face Effortless: Zendaya nailed casual chic as she slipped her feet into brown leather loafers and shielded her eyes behind dark shades Swanky: The Spiderman star was spotted as she climbed out of a black SUV before being escorted into the luxury Italian jewellers Tom also posted a snap of himself in a helmet and putting on a pair of water shoes, with a cheeky caption that said: 'Thank you for all the wonderful birthday messages. A gift from me to you. I thought I'd share possibly the sexiest picture ever taken of me! #sexyiestmanalive.' Tom and Zendaya, who met in 2016, first played Peter Parker/Spider-Man and MJ in 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming and reprised those roles in 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home. The actors denied any romance between them for four years, with each star fueling the rumors via social media as they commented on each other's posts. In a birthday tribute in 2017 to Tom, Zendaya shared a snap of him and wrote: 'Pretty glad you were born... happy birthday @tomholland2013. Home time: She later returned to her vehicle no doubt with a pricey bauble or two Whistlestop: Zendaya is currently enjoying a brief trip to the Italian capital In that same year, People's source reported that were were dating but being 'super careful to keep it private.' The insider said: 'They started seeing each other while they were filming Spider-Man. They've been super careful to keep it private and out of the public eye but they've gone on vacations with each other and try and spend as much time as possible with one another.' In August 2017, Zendaya told Variety that Tom is 'literally one of my best friends,' adding: 'This past how many months we've had to do press tours together. There's very few people that will understand what that's like at 20 years old.' Here they are! The previous evening Zendaya and Priyanka Chopra were among the glamorous arrivals for the glitzy opening of the Bulgari Hotel Roma Stunner! The actress set pulses racing in an eye-catching black sheer mesh bodysuit as she posed snaps at the swanky launch In 2019, however Zendaya was linked to Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi, who went on to date Kaia Gerber and now Olivia Jade; Zendaya and Jacob never confirmed their romance. Tom was linked to a woman named Olivia Bolton but reportedly split in April 2020. While there had been rumours about their romance for months - they finally confirmed their romance in July 2021, after they were seen kissing in their car in LA. In late 2021, the couple promoted their third film together - Spider-Man: No Way Home together, and were often seen affectionately posing together or having a tender moment on the red carpet. In January 2021, Zendaya spent time with Tom and his family in London. Alison Hammond was forced to apologise to This Morning viewers following an awkward social media blunder this week. The Friday host, 48, who fronted the show alongside Dermot O'Leary, 50, following Phillip Schofield's axing, revealed she had blocked dozens of unsuspecting fans. Alison apology came after her co-host announced Matthew Wright and Nick Ferrari, who would help them delve through the day's news headlines, as 'GOAT guests.' The phrase which is slang for 'Greatest Of All Time' left Alison baffled before it's meaning was explained. The former Big Brother star admitted she had seen the phrase on social media, however had previously believed it to be an acronym for something offensive. Oops: Alison Hammond, 48, was forced to apologise to This Morning viewers this week following an awkward social media blunder this week Scandal: The Friday host, 48, who fronted the show alongside Dermot O'Leary, 50, following Phillip Schofield's axing, revealed she had in fact blocked dozens of unsuspecting fans Telling viewers: 'I've been blocking people, Sorry If I've blocked you'. It comes after Holly Willoughby seemingly hit back at Eamonn Holmes' assertions that her friendship with Alison was fake. Eamonn, 63, had accused Holly, 42, of using Athe GBBo host and said that their friendship would never have happened two years ago, as the ladies put on a united front in the wake of the recent scandal. Holly hosted the ITV daytime show alongside Craig Doyle on Wednesday, as he took over from Josie Gibson, 38, who co-hosted on Monday and Tuesday. Josie appeared on the show in a link filmed by the Kennet and Avon canal. She said: 'Stick with us over the next few days because I'm going to be on my own canal boat adventure and tomorrow is Best Friends Day, so my friends better be ready! Got a canal boat waiting for you...' Holly responded: 'Aw, enjoy that! Think of all the friends getting on the canal with her. The canals are about to get even more dangerous, Craig!' Craig asked: 'How many of you are going, Jose?' Sorry! Alison apologised after her co-host announced Matthew Wright and Nick Ferrari, who would help them delve through the day's news headlines, as 'GOAT guests' - slang for Greatest Of All Time LOL: The former Big Brother star admitted that she had seen the phrase on social media, however had previously believed it to be an acronym for something offensive and blocking those who used it Josie replied: 'Well, I've been trying to round them out but Alison can't make it, Holly's obviously in the studio, so I've got one or two.' Holly interrupted with a grin: 'Alison can't come because she's at mine tonight! That's what I do know!' Her words came after Eamonn claimed that Holly is 'using' Alison as he insisted their unexpected friendship would 'never have happened two years ago.' In a bombshell interview for GB News, the former This Morning host slammed the impression that the pair are suddenly close pals, insisting that for over a decade there was 'never any contact between them.' It comes as Eamonn also accused ITV of a 'total cover up' over Phillip's affair with a This Morning colleague, which he admitted to on Friday in a shocking statement. Real deal: It comes after Holly Willoughby seemingly hit back at Eamonn Holmes ' assertions that her friendship with Alison was fake Brutal! Eamonn recently claimed that Holly is 'using' Alison as he insisted their unexpected friendship would 'never have happened two years ago' Speaking to Dan Wootton, Eamonn insisted that the idea that Holly is friends with Alison is 'nonsense,' claiming that the presenter 'liked mixing in circles, which she thought would open doors for her.' He added: 'And they're always seen I mean, this nonsense that goes on that Holly Willoughby now has Alison Hammond as her best friend, and it's Alison Hammond's birthday party and Alison Hammond goes to Holly Willoughby's select night out with her friends. 'This wouldn't have happened two years ago. You kidding? Alison has been on that programme 13 years. 'And I'm sure there was very little contact between her and the presenters. But then it all changed. They use people, just use other people. It's disgusting. And it's tolerated. Alison and Holly co-hosted This Morning together for the first time last month, and were lauded by viewers for their chemistry. The Big Brother star, is tipped as the favourite to take over from Phillip as This Morning's main host, having presented the show on Fridays and during the school holidays since 2020. In his interview, Eamonn accused ITV of a 'total cover up' over Phillip's affair, claiming that 'those in authority had to know' about the secret relationship because the man would be ferried between Phil's flat and studios in taxis 'paid for by ITV'. He told Dan that he had decided to stand up for 'people who hadn't got a voice'. He revealed that Schofield's lover, who MailOnline has decided not to name, had been badly hurt by Phil and suggested he was a victim of the man he branded a 'chief narcissist'. Georgia Toffolo has received praise from her fans after sharing a candid look at her skincare journey as she went for new acne treatment this week. The I'm A Celebrity star, 28, took to Instagram on Monday to share a video of her receiving Potenza treatment, which she explained would help with acne scarring by using radiofrequency and microneedling technology. In the video, Georgia, who underwent the treatment at 152 Harley Street with therapist Jo Neagu, said: 'You guys know my skin journey has been a huge part of my life, it's been well-documented over the past ten years I've been in the public eye. 'I'm a little bit nervous but I'm excited too because I'm going to be exploring this super effective treatment.' The video saw Georgia speak with a consultant before getting ready to get the treatment by having numbing cream put all over her face before the microneedling then began. Proud: Georgia Toffolo was praised by fans as being 'so brave' for sharing details of her battle with acne as she tried out new treatment on Monday Treatment: The I'm A Celebrity star, 28, took to Instagram on Monday to share a video of her receiving Potenza treatment Skincare routine: Georgia explained would help with acne scarring by using radiofrequency and microneedling technology Thoughts: Before she had the treatment, Georgia said in the video: 'I'm a little bit nervous but I'm excited too because I'm going to be exploring this super effective treatment' After the treatment, Georgia explained that she would need to avoid direct sunlight and not wear any make-up to allow the treatment to work, but she was already impressed with how well her skin had reacted to it. Potenza uses ultrafine needles and heat to penetrate the top layer of skin and trigger the body's natural healing process and is the only device in the world with four modes for a completely bespoke patient experience. In the caption for the video, she also wrote: 'Ive been very open about my skin journey over the years, so I am beyond excited to be working with @cynosureemea at @neohealthclinic to undergo my course of Potenza treatments which use the latest radiofrequency & microneedling technology to help with acne scarring and even active acne. 'This is quite literally life-changing so keep an eye out for the rest of my treatments, the impact on my skin, and expert advice from my amazing practitioner Jo.' In the comment section, Georgia's followers heaped praise on the star for sharing the video and being candid about the issues she had been having with her skin. One follower wrote: 'So brave of you to share this with us! I hope you get great results xxx' There was one person who wrote: 'Good luck. I sincerely hope all goes well. You are an incredible human being, you are beautiful, your personality is so infectious. Love watching you. Let's keep our fingers crossed.' While one shared: 'Awww Toff hope it goes well for you, you are such a beautiful person inside and out. You are an inspiration to many girls especially but guys as well.' There was also one fan who said Georgia was 'still beautiful regardless of spots or not' while another similarly added: 'You are such a flawless/natural beauty (even w/o make-up)!' Honest: Georgia shared snaps from her acne treatment in the past, and said: 'This is quite literally life-changing so keep an eye out for the rest of my treatments, the impact on my skin' Sweet: In the comment section, Georgia's followers heaped praise on the star for sharing the video and being candid about the issues she had been having with her skin During her appearance on I'm A Celebrity South Africa earlier this year, Georgia shared that she wanted to 'normalise' acne by baring her makeup-free skin. The former Made In Chelsea star told in her exit interview that she was proud for breaking through her urge to cover up with concealer. Toff has been open about her skin struggles over the years and admitted she didn't feel totally herself on the show without her makeup 'war paint' as she suffered a flare up. She explained: 'If I'm being really honest, I've been on a really big journey with my acne. When I was in there, my skin really flared up and it was really aggressive acne. 'There was a part of me that kept on thinking, 'I really want my concealer.' Because I'm being really honest, I'm not totally myself when I haven't got my war paint on. 'But I've been suffering with it now for 15 years and it was really important to me that I didn't hide behind my concealer. Tough: Georgia has previously revealed that she 'lived in fear' of people finding out how severe her acne was at the height of her breakouts when she was younger Battle: Toff told in her ITV documentary In Search Of Perfect Skin last year how she had a 'horrendously low opinion of herself' at the time 'There are so many people that struggle with it like I do. And I wanted people to see that a) that's normal and b) that even if you've got every single privilege in life that I do, you can still have it.' She continued: 'It doesn't matter how well off you are, what school you went to or if you're a celebrity - you can still suffer with it. And that's all right. It's not something to hide behind. 'And I hope that people take that away, that would make me really happy that people look at it and think, 'You know, she normalised it and she went on the telly. Millions of people have watched her twice now and it didn't get her down.' 'So I think that's my biggest takeaway. I'm 27 now and I feel like it's important to show that you can have the spots, but you can also be beautiful at the same time. I had to break through that so I'm really proud of myself.' Jason Statham looked dapper as he made an appearance at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival's opening ceremony on Friday. The Hollywood actor, 55, opted for a slick black suit with a white shirt and satin bow tie as he walked the red carpet at the event. He was joined his co-star and Chinese leading man Wu Jing as they prepare for the premiere of their upcoming film Meg 2: The Trench. Stepping out together at the Shanghai Grand Theatre in China, Jason and Wu smiled for photos ahead of the science fiction's release on August 2. Meg 2: The Trench is based on 1999 novel The Trench and serves as sequel to 2018's The Meg. Slick: Jason Statham, 55, looked dapper as he made an appearance at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival's opening ceremony on Friday Smart: The Hollywood actor opted for a slick black suit with a white shirt and satin bow tie as he walked the red carpet at the event Jason will play main character Jonas Taylor who will leads a research team on an exploratory dive into the sea as they outrun prehistoric sharks. Shanghai International Film Festival kicked off Friday after the previous three years of scheduled events were cancelled due to the pandemic. Warner Bros. Pictures has released a new trailer for Meg 2: The Trench, which teams Statham's Jonas with international action star Jing Wu (Wolf Warrior). They head up a research team on a dive to the deepest part of the ocean, though their journey is hampered by a mysterious mining operation. This global team must find a way to survive against multiple megalodon sharks (a.k.a. Megs). The thriller which also brings back original stars from The Meg such as Sophia Cai and Page Kennedy, along with Sergio Peris-Mencheta (Rambo: Last Blood), Skyler Samuels (The Gifted), and Cliff Curtis (Avatar franchise) -] hits theaters August 4. The trailer begins with a brief demonstration of the food chain, with a small insect being eaten by a small lizard... which is in turn eaten by a much larger creature. 'For 65 million years one species ruled the world,' a graphic reads, as we see a dinosaur come out of the woods and eat the larger creature... before a massive meg shark leaps out of the water and eats the dinosaur and drags it back into the water. All smiles: He was joined his co-star and Chinese leading man Wu Jing as they prepare for the premiere of their upcoming film Meg 2: The Trench Co-stars: Stepping out together at the Shanghai Grand Theatre in China, Jason and Wu smiled for photos ahead of the science fiction's release on August 2 Pose: Win also looked smart in a black suit with a matching tie It's back: Shanghai International Film Festival kicked off Friday after the previous three years of scheduled events were cancelled due to the pandemic Jonas Taylor (Statham) is seen working out, when a man approaches and says they need his help. 'We're detecting increased aquatic activity 25,000 feet deep in the trench,' the voice adds, likely referring to the Mariana Trench, the deepest oceanic trench on Earth. 'It's an ancient ecosystem untouched by man,' the man says, revealed to be Cliff Curtis' James 'Mac' Mackreides, adding, 'Whatever is down there, is trying to make its way to the surface.' The team gears up for their journey, wearing seemingly powerful suits that give the user super-human strength as Jing's character is seen smashing massive cinder blocks. DJ (Page Kennedy) admits, 'this was a bad idea,' as Jonas jokes, 'just a little bit,' as they get out and explore the ocean floor... unaware a massive meg is stalking them. One of the team members is suddenly snatched away when Jing's character states, 'Jonas, we've got company.' 'That's the biggest meg I've ever seen,' one of the women says, as Taylor adds, 'biggest meg anyone's ever seen,' as the woman calls is, 'the apex predator.' Jonas yells for everyone to get back to the station as we see the meg closing in on them at the station doors. 'Three massive megs and who knows what else have escaped the breach,' a woman says, as we see the three huge shark fins approaching a beach town. Statham returns: After conquering a massive megalodon shark in 2018's The Meg, Jason Statham's Jonas Taylor returns in the sequel Meg 2: The Trench Ecosystem: The team gears up for their journey, wearing seemingly powerful suits that give the user super-human strength as Jing's character is seen smashing massive cinder blocks The woman adds, 'I just hope it goes better than last time,' as the meg is seen destroying a dock as Taylor runs away. The team is trying to clear the beach town as Taylor notices, 'they're hunting in packs' as we see a couple in a paddleboat getting eaten. The trailer set to Heart's Baracuda winds down with a huge tentacled creature grabbing onto a helicopter as Jing's character dives out before it crashes. The final shot shows Taylor trying to evade the meg on a jetski as a meg leaps out of the water as the trailer comes to an end. RuPaul's Drag Race champ Tyra Sanchez, whose real name is James William Ross IV, was arrested last month in Starke, Florida. The 35-year-old former reality television star had gotten into a car crash and began yelling at a cop who arrived at the scene shortly after, according to TMZ. When the law enforcement official attempted to calm Ross and later put him in handcuffs, he reportedly 'threatened to shoot the officer.' It was added that Ross went to reach inside his car, prompting the cop to put him in a bear hug and deploy a taser. Undeterred, Ross began to run, but cops were able to apprehend and arrest him for assault and resisting without violence. Trouble with the law: RuPaul's Drag Race champ Tyra Sanchez, whose real name is James William Ross IV, was arrested last month in Starke, Florida Flashback: Ross dressed as Tyra Sanchez in 2013 Ross was crowned the winner of the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2010, leaving the show with a $25,000 prize. In 2020, Ross retired his alter ego Tyra, but returned in 2022 with an OnlyFans account under the name King Tyra. It comes after Ross was arrested and taken to Fulton County Jail in Atlanta for vandalism in 2020. At the time, a spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department said they responded to a call at an apartment complex, where someone had spray-painted the words 'do not move here' across the building, PEOPLE reported. Ross was identified as the suspect by police officers and charged with criminal damage to the property, per the report. TMZ report that Ross was living in the building that he allegedly tagged with graffiti and had reportedly not paid his rent in months. The reality star won season two of RuPaul Drag Race in 2010, but has since distanced himself from his alter ego, Tyra. In March 2020, Ross announced that he was retiring from his drag act, according to Instinct Magazine. 2017: James dressed as himself as he posed in front of RuPaul's Drag Race posters Stardom: The reality contestant pictured at a Drag Race party in New York in 2010 And in a social media post that was later deleted, Ross stated that he had 'outgrown the desire to dress up,' adding that he 'wants muscles, no more shaving my face, I want to look like ZADDY!' He also said: 'MY NAME IS JAMES OR JAY. NOT TYRA, SHE, MAAM, OR QUEEN.' Currently his Instagram account has deleted all its posts, and just has one video image with the caption: 'Verified NEW IG @CREATORIV Tyra Sanchez does not exist anymore and will never return. Stop hoping. Stop wishing. Stop asking.' However, in an Instagram post from February 23, Ross shared side by side photos as himself and as his alter ego and wrote to fans, 'With me, James Ross, bringing my character Tyra back I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that I answer to James and I prefer his/him/he pronouns. 'No shade. Just friendly reminder. I mean if you met Martin, are you gonna call him Shenehneh?' Joan Collins looked as glamorous as ever as she attended Kite Festival at Kirlington Park, Oxfordshire on Saturday. The actress, 90, put on a sensational display in a white dress with an elegant cape as she posed backstage. She teamed the knee-length number with gold jewellery and styled her dark hair into coiffed waves. Joan added a flick of black eyeliner and a slick of berry lipstick as she smiled for a series of photos. The star will be making an appearance on stage at the festival as part of the headline interview. Stunning: Joan Collins, 90, looked as glamorous as ever as she attended Kite Festival at Kirlington Park, Oxfordshire on Saturday Smiles: The actress put on a sensational display in a white dress with an elegant cape as she posed backstage Glam: She teamed the knee-length number with gold jewellery and styled her dark hair into coiffed waves It comes after Joan joked that she 'keeps M&S afloat' as she sends pictures of her clothing purchases and trolleys filled with food to the company's chief executive. She may have a reputation for high-end designer glamour, but fashion icon Dame Joan has a surprisingly down-to-earth style secret she loves to shop at M&S. Just like millions of ordinary British women, the Dynasty star enjoys rifling through the chain's clothing rails and cruising its food halls, according to Marks and Spencer chief executive Stuart Machin. He revealed that the star, who turned 90 last week, even sends him pictures showing what she's buying and jokes that her spending is keeping the business afloat. 'She sent me a WhatsApp the other day, 'Just to let you know I'm keeping you going',' he told The Mail on Sunday. 'She sent me her trolley of shopping.' The admiration cuts both ways, with Mr Machin gushing about his famous customer. 'Number one, I think she's an icon. Number two, I think she is so proudly British, and I love that she is vocal. 'I love that she is passionate about our country. I love her whole demeanour and style. But I love even more that she is a huge fan of M&S. 'She shops at M&S all the time. She buys everything, food and clothing. I think she is an absolute star and a legend.' Glitzy: Joan added a flick of black eyeliner and a slick of berry lipstick as she smiled for a series of photos Glowing: The star will be making an appearance on stage at the festival as part of the headline interview Keeping cool: Dame Joan looked relaxed as she sat on stage, holding her own personal fan in the hot summer weather Addressing her audience: The star was seen speaking to the Kite Festival audience as she held a black microphone In discussion: Dame Joan joined Decca Aitkenhead on stage to be interviewed during the event in Oxfordshire Support: Dame Joans was accompanied by her husband Percy Gibson, 58, who was seen walking hand-in-hand with his famous wife Mr Machin's friendship with Dame Joan became public in February when she complained she had almost been mown down by a cyclist while on her way to dinner with the M&S boss in London. Luckily, she arrived unscathed to join a gathering which included actor Christopher Biggins and Mamma Mia! musical producer Judy Craymer. Dame Joan is said to be especially fond of M&S cashmere. Cardigans and jumpers at the high street store cost less than 100, compared with around 900 from luxury labels. Brooke Shields made an appearance at Disney's FYC (For Your Consideration) event on Thursday to talk about her Hulu documentary Pretty Baby. The Blue Lagoon actress - who recently celebrated turning 58 - looked elegant in a black jumpsuit featuring cropped, ankle-length pants. She paired the strapless jumpsuit with a fitted black jacket and black and white slingback heels. The Endless Love star wore her signature long brown hair in loose waves. The FYC events are put on by studios to promote their shows for Emmy consideration. FYC Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields made an appearance at Disney's FYC (For Your Consideration) event on Thursday to talk about her Hulu documentary Pretty Baby Endless Love: The Blue Lagoon actress looked elegant in a black jumpsuit featuring cropped, ankle-length pants On stage: She paired the strapless jumpsuit with a fitted black jacket and black and white slingback heels The two-part documentary Pretty Baby premiered on April 3 on Hulu. Directed by Lana Wilson, the documentary took its name from Louis Malle's 1978 film Pretty Baby, a drama about a young sex worker, played by Shields, in New Orleans in 1917. The film was met with controversy from critics as Shields, who was only 11-years-old when the movie was filmed, appeared nude in several scenes and kissed a then 27-year old Keith Carradine while she was naked. Pretty Baby wasn't the first, nor would it be the last time she was sexualized by the media. At 15 she shot Blue Lagoon, then came Endless Love. Both featured sex and nudity. And then there were those Calvin Klein denim ads. When she was 16 and a global star, a family friend and photographer tried to sell nude photos he took of her when she was only 10. Her mother sued and the family went to court but the photographer won. Shields, who has written two memoirs, has been approached about documentaries before and always said no. But now with a kid going in college, and with the encouragement of her friend Ali Wentworth as well as a general good feeling about where she is in life after years of therapy, Shields felt the time was right. The Suddenly Susan alum's appearance at the Disney FYC event comes about a week after she opened up about not wanting her daughter Grier, 17, to become a model on Live with Kelly and Mark. 'I fought it for so long,' Shields, told the hosts 'It's such a different industry now than it was.' Long locks: The Endless Love star wore her signature long brown hair in loose waves Red carpet: FYC events are put on by studios to promote their shows for Emmy consideration Mom of two: The two-part documentary Pretty Baby premiered on April 3 on Hulu. Directed by Lana Wilson, the documentary took its name from Louis Malle's 1978 film Pretty Baby, a drama about a young sex worker, played by Shields, in New Orleans in 1917 Controversy: The film was met with controversy from critics as Shields, who was only 11-years-old when the movie was filmed, appeared nude in several scenes and kissed a then 27-year old Keith Carradine while she was naked Scandalized: Pretty Baby wasn't the first, nor would it be the last time she was sexualized by the media Blue Lagoon: At 15 she shot Blue Lagoon, then came Endless Love. Both featured sex and nudity. And then there were those Calvin Klein denim ads She added that Grier had modeled in little things here and there, and eventually the mom of two had to give in to her daughters career wishes, but not without some strict ground rules. You are going to have a great work ethic, its not going to be comfortable, and youre going to listen to me, those are my rules,' Brooke said of her rules. Shields also highlighted that Greer is 'interested in runway' something that Brooke herself never did in her modeling days as she primarily focused on print modeling. The Lipstick Jungle alum also shares another daughter, Rowan, 20, with her husband, film director and screenwriter Chris Henchy. Brian Austin Green shut down a disturbing claim that he and his ex-wife Megan Fox 'force' their sons to wear girls' clothing. His statement comes after Robby Starbuck, who ran for U.S. Congress in 2022, claimed to have witnessed two of the former couple's children say 'they were forced by their mom to wear girls clothes as their nanny tried to console them.' 'Its a totally bogus story. There are only a few people in their world that can actually verify whether or not a story like this is true and I can tell you with absolute certainty it is not,' the Beverly Hills, 90210 star told TMZ. He continued: 'This person trying to claim this is true is a perfect example of someone with selfish motives that does not care about negatively affecting a parent child relationship.' On Thursday, the 34-year-old Republican, from California, tweeted that 'used to live in the same gated community' as the famous family and that their kids 'played at the park.' Proud dad: Brian Austin Green shut down a claim that he and his ex-wife Megan Fox 'force' their sons to wear girls' clothing; seen in 2022 Untrue: His statement comes after Robby Starbuck, who ran for U.S. Congress in 2022, claimed to have witnessed two of the former couple's children say 'they were forced by their mom to wear girls clothes as their nanny tried to console them' 'I saw 2 of them have a full on breakdown saying they were forced by their mom to wear girls clothes,' he alleged. 'Its pure child abuse. Pray for them.' Green and Fox, who split in split in May 2020, share sons Noah, 10, Bodhi, 9, and Journey, 6. He also has a 21-year-old son, named Kassius Lijah Marcil-Green, from his past relationship with Vanessa Marcil, and his 11-month-old baby boy, Zane Walker, with fiancee Sharna Burgess. In 2019, Fox revealed that her eldest 'doesn't care' about being made fun of for wearing dresses to school. 'He designs, he draws outfits. He's very talented, but he's still six,' she said during an interview on The Talk. ''He's really into fashion. He's the one, like sometimes, he'll dress himself and he likes to wear dresses, sometimes.' 'And I send him to a really liberal, like hippy school,' she continued. 'But even there, here in California, he still has little boys going like, "Boys don't wear dresses," or "Boys don't wear pink."' Despite the taunts from other boys, Megan has been teaching her son to follow his own course in life. 'We're going through that now, where I'm trying to teach him to be confident no matter what anyone else says.' Wild claim: On Thursday, the 34-year-old Republican tweeted that 'used to live in the same gated community' as the famous family and that their kids 'played at the park' Expressing himself: Fox has previously stated that her son, Noah, 'doesn't care' about being made fun of for wearing dresses to school (her eldest seen above in 2020) On the defense: In 2017, Green stood up for his son when Fox shared a photo of Noah wearing a dress from the Disney film Frozen At the time, The Transformers star explained that Noah had briefly stopped wearing dresses, but began wearing them again. 'He came home and I was like, "How was it? Did any of the friends at school have anything to say?" And he was like, "Well, all the boys laughed when I came in," but he's like, "I don't care, I love dresses too much."' In 2017, Green stood up for his son when Fox shared a photo of Noah wearing a dress from the Disney film Frozen. 'My son, he's four,' he said at the time. 'I've heard from some people that they don't agree with him wearing dresses. To them I say, I don't care. He's four and if he wants to wear it then he wears it. 'And it's dresses or goggles or slippers or whatever. It's his life, they're not my clothes,' he continued. 'I feel like at 4 at 5, that's a time when he should be having fun. He's not harming anyone wearing a dress. So if he wants to wear a dress, good on him.' Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko walk during their meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in the resort city of Sochi, Russia, June 9. AP-Yonhap Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscow will deploy some of its tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus next month, a move that the Belarusian opposition described as an attempt to blackmail the West. Putin said during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that work on building facilities for the nuclear weapons will be completed by July 7-8, and they will be moved to the territory of Russia's neighbor and ally quickly after that. The move comes as Ukraine has stepped up attacks in several sectors of the frontline in what some observers see as the start of its long-expected counteroffensive. Russia used Belarus' territory to send its troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and has kept forces and weapons on the territory of its ally. "Everything is proceeding as planned," Putin said in televised remarks as he hosted Lukashenko at his residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. "On July 7-8 the preparations of the relevant facilities will be completed and we will immediately start the activities linked to the deployment of those weapons on your territory." Tactical nuclear weapons are intended to destroy enemy troops and weapons on the battlefield. They have a relatively short range and a much lower yield than nuclear warheads fitted to long-range strategic missiles that are capable of obliterating whole cities. Putin announced the planned deployment of the short-range nuclear weapons in Belarus earlier this year in a move widely seen as a warning to the West as it stepped up military support for Ukraine. He has emphasized that Russia will retain control of them. Russia didn't say how many nuclear weapons would be sent to Belarus. The U.S. government believes Russia has about 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons, which include bombs that can be carried by aircraft, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery rounds. Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya strongly condemned the move. "Putin and his puppet Lukashenko are planning to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus immediately before NATO's summit in Vilnius in July," Tsikhanouskaya told The Associated Press. "This is a rude blackmail, an attempt to force Europe to back down, but we can't allow dictators to dodge punishment for the nuclear blackmail. Lukashenko, who has been in power for 29 years, has relied on Russia's political and economic support to survive months of protests, mass arrests and Western sanctions following an election in 2020 that kept him in power but was widely seen at home and abroad as rigged. (Yonhap) Lauren Goodger's daughter Larose was rushed to an emergency medical appointment on Saturday. Former The Only Way Is Essex star Lauren, 36, took the 23-month-old to the doctors after noticing she was unwell. The ex Celebrity Big Brother housemate took to Instagram afterwards to update fans, writing: 'My poor bubs got tonsillitis. Seen doctor this morning as I knew she was poorly. 'So on the hottest day we are in bed all day with the fan on, fruit, cold drinks and lots of cuddles. 'They gave her antibiotics, so on the mend.' Worrying: Lauren Goodger's daughter Larose, 23 months, was rushed to an emergency medical appointment on Saturday Poorly: Former The Only Way Is Essex star Lauren, 36, took her daughter to the doctors after noticing she was unwell Update: The ex Celebrity Big Brother housemate took to Instagram afterwards to update fans, writing: 'My poor bubs got tonsillitis. Seen doctor this morning as I knew she was poorly' Lauren shares Larose with the tot's father Charles Drury, who was also dad to their late daughter Lorena who died shortly after her birth in July last year after her umbilical cord knotted twice around her neck. It comes in the wake of Lauren's late ex-boyfriend's inquest, following his tragic death last year. It was revealed that Jake McLean was nearly three times over the drink-drive limit and had taken cocaine when he was killed in a horror car crash. The crash happened when the 33-year-old's Mercedes E-class careered off a bend and landed upside down in a ravine near the city of Bodrum in Turkey last year, also leaving passenger and fellow TOWIE star Yazmin Oukhellou seriously hurt. An inquest into his death has since revealed he died of 'traumatic head injuries'. Speaking at his inquest in Walthamstow last week, coroner Dr Shirley Ratcliffe said: 'The post mortem found no natural disease, as you would expect in a young man of 33. The cause of death was skull fractures and brain damage. 'As far as I can see, he was driving under the influence nearly three times over the legal limit for driving and had cocaine in his system. My conclusion is that this is an RTC [road traffic collision].' When asked by Mr McLean's mother Anita Walsh if there were any more details, Dr Ratcliffe said: 'Turkey is not the most helpful its taken almost a year to get the post mortem.' Tragic: It comes in the wake of Lauren's late ex-boyfriend Jake McLean's (pictured) inquest, following his tragic death last year Shock: The crash happened when the 33-year-old's Mercedes E-class careered off a bend and landed upside down in a ravine near the city of Bodrum in Turkey last year, also leaving passenger and fellow TOWIE star Yazmin Oukhellou seriously hurt Mr McLean had been travelling in the early hours along a winding road that cuts through hills running from the scenic coastal city of Bodrum to the nearby picturesque seaside town of Yalikavak. Plastic debris from the horrific crash lay scattered across the scene as tyre tracks were visible through bushes and scrubland showing where the car had careered off the road and then landed around ten feet below in a ravine. Mr McLean was jailed for three and a half years in 2008 after conning his way into a mother's house and overpowering her before a masked gang ran in and raided the family home. He reportedly tricked his way into the property pretending to be an estate agent. Way back when: Lauren and Jake dated from 2012 until 2016 with Lauren previously admitting she knew of her ex's criminal wrongdoings and was willing to give him a chance (pictured in 2013) Mr McLean, who was 18 at the time, was part of a gang of six. The other five members ran into the home carrying imitation pistols and threatened to kill their victims if they screamed for help. It is believed he only served half of his sentence and had been in prison for other convictions since. In 2018 he shared Instagram posts showing himself wearing a leg tag. In 2013, Lauren, who met her former lover via Twitter, admitted she was aware of his criminal convictions but was willing to overlook them. She said: 'Jake told me about his past. I could see how much he regretted his actions. I try to take people as I find them.' She's become a regular to listeners thanks to her show on BBC Radio 1. And Mollie King braved the hottest day of the year to head to work at her show's studios in London on Saturday, sporting another fashion-forward look. The presenter, 36, opted to go braless in a nude knitted vest and a matching linen skirt as she arrived at the radio studios. Mollie, who welcomed her first child with her fiance Stuart Broad last November, showed off her svelte physique in the tight cream ribbed vest. She teamed the top with a high-waisted linen skirt knotted at the waist, and matching heels. Chic: Mollie King, 36, went braless in a nude knitted top as she braved the hottest day of the year to head to work at BBC Radio 1 on Saturday Stylish! The presenter donned a matching linen skirt as she arrived at the radio studios to host her show Mollie finished her look with a tan leather cross-body bag as she headed to work to present her radio show with Matt Edmondson. Mollie got engaged to Stuart in January 2021 and the couple announced the birth of Annabella, their first child, back in November. She revealed that they had decided to postpone their wedding, so that the baby could be involved in the nuptials. Mollie revealed her daughter's middle name was Hope after her father tragically passed away from a brain tumour just days after she gave birth. The former Strictly star told fans that she'd been left 'heartbroken beyond words' but had chosen the name for her baby to give her strength and because the newborn 'lit up our lives'. Stephen had been diagnosed with a brain tumour in August 2022, a three months before Annabella's arrival. Following her father's death, Mollie revealed he had held on a few extra days so he could meet his new granddaughter. Taking to her Stories, Mollie also thanked her followers for their support while she mourned the death of her beloved father. Looking good! Mollie, who welcomed her first child with her fiance Stuart Broad last November, showed off her svelte physique in the tight cream ribbed vest Style star! She teamed the top with a high-waisted linen skirt knotted at the waist, and matching heels Glam: Mollie finished her look with a tan leather cross-body bag as she headed to work to present her radio show with Matt Edmondson New arrival: Mollie got engaged to Stuart in January 2021 and the couple announced the birth of Annabella, their first child, back in November (pictured in December) Alongside a picture of the pair she penned: 'Thank you so much for all of your kind messages about my Dad passing away. 'It's been really comforting reading them. I can't begin to tell you how much it means that you've taken the time to get in touch. As I'm sure you can imagine, it's an incredibly sad time, and we're doing our best to pull together as a family to get through it. 'To anyone else who has lost a parent, I'm sending you so much love. It's a feeling unlike anything I've ever felt. I hope your loved ones have helped you find strength.' Channel 4 has axed or delayed some of its most popular shows after running out of money to fund them despite its boss Alex Mahon earning 1.2 million last year. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that staff at the channel are calling it a bloodbath as controversial cult late night show Naked Attraction, big-money celebrity flop Scared Of The Dark and groundbreaking medical documentary Rescue: Extreme Medics, based in Scotland, have all been canned. The much publicised return of reality series Four Weddings has also been scrapped, though a team from an independent production company had been commissoned to make it. Staff on fixed contracts to work on the programme were immediately laid off, with some now worrying about how they will pay their rent. Friday night favourite The Last Leg, one of the channels most popular shows hosted by Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker, is set to have the length of its next series cut to save money. Channel 4 has axed or delayed some of its most popular shows after running out of money to fund them despite its boss Alex Mahon (pictured) earning 1.2 million last year The Mail on Sunday can reveal that staff at the channel are calling it a bloodbath as shows including big-money celebrity flop Scared Of The Dark (pictured) have all been canned The 28th series is due to return this month for a nine-week run but production bosses have been told that the channel can only afford to have it on air for seven weeks. Channel 4 has instructed lawyers to thrash out deals with heads of production companies to get out of contracts for shows which are worth millions of pounds, meaning it has been left with expensive legal bills and exit fees. The crisis comes after Ms Mahon and her colleague Ian Katz fought off a Government plan to privatise it, with one of their arguments being that it funds independent production companies nationwide. A source told The Mail on Sunday that the channel believes it is better to cut its losses. But staff blame Mr Katz for wasting money on expensive but little-watched shows such as reality series Rise And Fall, which is understood to have cost the channel 14 million money which could not be justified because of its low ratings. One insider said: Everyone is calling it a Channel 4 bloodbath. At first everyone was in total shock when Four Weddings was cancelled. Its almost unheard of that a show that is going really well is decommissioned, but as news started to spread, other shows were falling down too. They were told that Ian Katz had been looking at the channels entire output, and they were sorry but it had to happen because there was no money. The casting team were already in place to start on Naked Attraction and were all told they were no longer needed as they were not making another series. They tried to lessen the blow to the shows freelance crew by saying they hope to make another series in December, but that doesnt help them now. Ms Mahon and Mr Katz announced last week that they have deferred taking bonuses worth hundreds of thousands of pounds and scrapped a planned pay rise, amid the crisis. However, one Channel 4 employee said: Its only because they have had to. A spokesman for the network said: 'Channel 4 cares deeply about the Indie community and our wider supply chain of freelancers. They are the beating heart of our business. While we recognise the actions we are asking of some are causing some short-term pain, the plan we have in place underscores our ongoing commitment to our financial sustainability and our continued support of the UKs independent production sector 'The Executive Directors have already made the decision to defer retention payments and earlier this year declined a salary rise as part of a wider response to a very difficult ad-market in Q2, which is affecting all commercial broadcasters.' Jason Gardiner claims he received an abrupt response from Phillip Schofield when the Dancing On Ice judge questioned the former This Morning host over his affair with a younger colleague. Television presenter Phillip, 61, was dropped by ITV and his talent agency YMU after he admitted to the Mail he'd had an 'unwise but not illegal relationship' with a much younger runner on This Morning. And Jason, who had seen Phil with the runner on the Dancing On Ice set, said he first started to hear talk of the relationship in 2020, when Phillip came out as gay. The speculation prompted Jason to send Phillip a message on Twitter. He explained to The Sun: 'I went into a bit of a tailspin. Claims: Jason Gardiner received an abrupt response from Phillip Schofield when the Dancing On Ice judge questioned the former This Morning host over his affair with a younger colleague Spotted: Jason, who had seen Phil with the runner on the Dancing On Ice set, said he first started to hear talk of the relationship in 2020, when Phillip came out as gay 'I said, "I know this is a very difficult moment for you and I support you in your decision to come out, but I also feel that I need to ask you about certain rumours that are going around online and are you aware of them?".' Jason claims Phillip replied with one single word: 'Seriously?' The Australian choreographer added: 'That was it. It was very dismissive and that made me uneasy because I thought, "Ive reached out to you very authentically", and it kind of really p***ed me off.' MailOnline has contacted a representative for Phillip for comment. It comes after Phillip broke his silence over claims he could make a comeback on TalkTV following his exit from This Morning. He left the show after admitting to an affair with a younger man which he branded 'ill-advised but not illegal'. However Andy Barr, CEO of 10 Yetis Digital, claimed Phillip could return to the profession in the future, and on Saturday the TV expert told the Daily Star: 'TalkTV could be the career rebuilding platform that Schofield needs right now. 'If the current media spotlight reveals no new allegations then this is entirely recoverable for him and TalkTV could be the perfect place for him to start again in a high profile media environment.' Host: Phillip presented Dancing On Ice alongside Holly Willoughby before he was dropped from ITV (pictured in February) Screen star: Australian choreographer Jason was a judge on Dancing On Ice on and off from 2006 to 2019 TalkTV is the home of presenters like Piers Morgan and Jeremy Kyle, and the former publicly sympathised with Phillip on social media following his departure from the show. However, a legal representative for Phillip told The Mirror that the presenter was not planning on joining TalkTV, saying: 'Absolutely not as far as I know.' In a recent interview with the BBC, Phillip said he believed his career was 'over' and he had 'lost everything' after admitting he had lied about his relationship with a younger man on This Morning. 'I have to talk about television in the past tense, which breaks my heart,' he told the publication. '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 he's faced since admitting the affair has had a 'catastrophic effect', adding: 'Do you want me to die? Because that's where I am. I have lost everything.' 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'. 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 Schofield's dressing room after a show and 'it was mutual'. 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'. Speaking out: It comes after Phillip broke his silence on claims he could 'rebuild his presenting career through TalkTV' after This Morning scandal on Saturday He said 'it wasn't 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 Schofield's 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 don't 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'. This Account has been suspended. Outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks outside Downing Street in London, Sept. 6, 2022, before heading to Balmoral in Scotland, where he announced his resignation to then Queen Elizabeth II. AP-Yonhap Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson shocked Britain on Friday by quitting as a lawmaker after being told he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament. He departed with a ferocious tirade at his political opponents and at his successor, Rishi Sunak that could blast open tensions within the governing Conservative Party. Johnson resigned after receiving the results of an investigation by lawmakers into misleading statements he made to Parliament about "partygate," a series of rule-breaking government parties during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a lengthy resignation statement, Johnson accused opponents of trying to drive him out and hinted that his rollercoaster political career might not be over yet. "It is very sad to be leaving Parliament at least for now," he said. Johnson, 58, said he had "received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear much to my amazement that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament." He called the committee investigating him which has members from both government and opposition parties a "kangaroo court." "Their purpose from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts," Johnson said. The resignation will trigger a special election to replace Johnson as a lawmaker for a suburban London seat in the House of Commons. Johnson, whose career has seen a series of scandals and comebacks, led the Conservatives to a landslide victory in 2019 but was forced out by his own party less than three years later. He had been awaiting the outcome of an investigation by the House of Commons Standards Committee over misleading statements he made to Parliament about a slew of gatherings in government buildings in 2020 and 2021 that breached pandemic lockdown rules. Police eventually issued 126 fines over the late-night soirees, boozy parties and "wine time Fridays," including one to Johnson, and the scandal helped hasten the end of his premiership. Johnson has acknowledged misleading Parliament when he assured lawmakers that no rules had been broken, but he said he didn't do so deliberately. He told the committee he "honestly believed" the five events he attended, including a send-off for a staffer and his own surprise birthday party, were "lawful work gatherings" intended to boost morale among overworked staff members coping with a deadly pandemic. The committee had been expected to publish its report in the next few weeks, and Johnson could have faced suspension from the House of Commons if he was found to have lied deliberately. By quitting, he avoids a suspension that could have seen him ousted from his Commons seat by his constituents, leaving him free to run for Parliament again in future. His resignation statement suggested he was mulling that option. It was highly critical of Sunak, who served as Treasury chief in Johnson's government before jumping ship with many other colleagues in July 2022 resignations that forced Johnson out. A protester demonstrates against the Downing Street parties, outside Parliament in London, May 25, 2022. EPA-Yonhap 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. China, Malta commemorate 60th anniversary of China dispatching medical team abroad Xinhua) 10:32, June 10, 2023 Maltese President George Vella (2nd R, Front) views a photo exhibition during a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first Chinese medical team abroad as well as the 30th anniversary of dispatching the first Chinese medical team to Malta in Valletta, Malta, on June 9, 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) VALLETTA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Celebrations were held here on Friday to mark the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first Chinese medical team abroad as well as the 30th anniversary of dispatching the first Chinese medical team to Malta. The Chinese Embassy in Malta hosted a reception attended by approximately 300 participants, including Maltese President George Vella and other Maltese officials, as well as diplomats from other countries. In a video speech, Cao Xuetao, deputy head of the National Health Commission of China, said that China has sent around 30,000 medical team members to 76 countries and regions over the past 60 years, providing diagnoses and treatments to over 290 million local patients, aiding in the construction of over 130 medical and health facilities, and saving countless lives. China is ready to work with all sectors of Maltese society to deepen cooperation and exchanges in the field of health and support the development of the Mediterranean Regional Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM), Cao said. Chinese medical team will "continue to benefit the Maltese people with benevolence and skill, and make new and greater contributions to promoting multi-cultural understanding and enhancing China-Malta friendship," he noted. Speaking at the reception, Chinese Ambassador to Malta Yu Dunhai emphasized the deepening medical cooperation between China and Malta over the past 30 years. He also said that China-Malta relations have enjoyed sound and steady development over the past half century, with increasing political mutual trust, fruitful economic cooperation and vibrant cultural exchanges. "China-Malta relations have set a good example of relations between countries of different sizes, social systems, histories and cultures," he said, expressing his confidence in "an ever brighter future" of bilateral ties. The successful collaboration between China and Malta is proof that diverse cultures have a lot to learn from each other and should continuously seek respect and common development, Joseph Chetcuti, permanent secretary of the Ministry for Health, said. According to Chetcuti, the memorandum of understanding in the field of TCM between the two governments was renewed for another term just a few months ago. "I look forward to the first-class medical service offered by top Chinese doctors here in Malta, and to the continued friendly relations between Malta and China in the field of medicine," he said. The satisfactory therapeutic effect has won a wide reputation not only for TCM but also for the medical teams, Dong Xiaoyan, head of the 18th Chinese medical team to Malta, said at the reception. "We are dedicated to working for the health of the Maltese people and developing a deep friendship with them," she added. During the reception, attendees viewed a photo exhibition and a special video showcasing medical cooperation between China and Malta, and highlighting dedicated efforts of Chinese medical teams to Malta over the past 30 years. In 1993, the first Chinese medical team arrived in Malta. In the following year, China and Malta signed a cooperative agreement on traditional Chinese medicine and officially established the MRCTCM in Paola, Malta, opening a new chapter in China-Malta medical cooperation. To date, a total of 18 Chinese medical teams, comprising over 100 physicians, have provided TCM treatments to approximately 250,000 Maltese patients. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Brinker International (NYSE:EAT Get Rating) was upgraded by equities researchers at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. 51job reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Brinker International in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Brinker International from $42.00 to $43.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Northcoast Research assumed coverage on shares of Brinker International in a report on Tuesday, May 2nd. They set a neutral rating on the stock. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of Brinker International from $45.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Brinker International from $29.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Brinker International currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $36.70. Get Brinker International alerts: Brinker International Stock Performance Shares of EAT opened at $36.00 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $1.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.46, a PEG ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 2.37. Brinker International has a twelve month low of $21.47 and a twelve month high of $42.12. The firms 50 day moving average price is $38.15 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $37.10. Institutional Trading of Brinker International Brinker International ( NYSE:EAT Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 3rd. The restaurant operator reported $1.23 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.17 by $0.06. Brinker International had a net margin of 2.17% and a negative return on equity of 44.32%. The business had revenue of $1.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.07 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.92 EPS. The firms revenue was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Brinker International will post 2.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of EAT. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its position in Brinker International by 81.3% during the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 990 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 444 shares during the period. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. bought a new stake in shares of Brinker International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Brinker International during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Brinker International by 451.6% during the 3rd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 2,052 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $51,000 after acquiring an additional 1,680 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC increased its stake in Brinker International by 276.5% in the first quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 1,600 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $61,000 after acquiring an additional 1,175 shares during the last quarter. Brinker International Company Profile (Get Rating) Brinker International, Inc engages in owning, developing, and franchising Chilis Grill and Bar and Maggianos Little Italy restaurant brands. It operates through the following segments: Chilis, and Maggianos. The Chilis segment includes the results of company-owned Chilis restaurants in the U.S. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brinker International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brinker International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Scottish Investment Trust PLC (LON:SCIN Get Rating)s share price crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 895 ($11.13) and traded as low as GBX 882.07 ($10.97). The Scottish Investment Trust shares last traded at GBX 895 ($11.13), with a volume of 35,892 shares trading hands. The Scottish Investment Trust Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.72, a quick ratio of 10.04 and a current ratio of 10.35. The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 895 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 895. The stock has a market cap of 592.25 million and a PE ratio of 1,570.18. About The Scottish Investment Trust (Get Rating) The Scottish Investment Trust PLC is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm manages separate client-focused equity portfolios. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. It employs a fundamental analysis with a bottom-up stock picking approach. The Scottish Investment Trust PLC was founded in 1887 and is based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Read More Receive News & Ratings for The Scottish Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Scottish Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Various Eateries PLC (LON:VARE Get Rating) shot up 1.1% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 46 ($0.57) and last traded at GBX 46 ($0.57). 5,000 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 96% from the average session volume of 130,069 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 45.50 ($0.57). Various Eateries Stock Performance The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 249.48. The stocks 50 day moving average price is GBX 41.28 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 34.18. The stock has a market capitalization of 40.50 million, a P/E ratio of -505.56 and a beta of 0.31. Various Eateries Company Profile (Get Rating) Various Eateries PLC, together with its subsidiaries, owns, develops, and operates restaurant and hotel sites in the United Kingdom. It operates in two segments, Restaurant and Hotel. The company operates two brands across 13 locations, which include Coppa Club, a multi-use, all-day concept that combines restaurant, terrace, cafe, lounge, bar, and workspaces; and Tavolino, a restaurant for Italian food. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Various Eateries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Various Eateries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virtus Convertible & Income Fund (NYSE:NCV Get Rating) shares crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $3.52 and traded as low as $3.29. Virtus Convertible & Income Fund shares last traded at $3.29, with a volume of 649,957 shares changing hands. Virtus Convertible & Income Fund Trading Up 1.0 % The firms fifty day simple moving average is $3.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.52. Get Virtus Convertible & Income Fund alerts: Virtus Convertible & Income Fund Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 11th will be issued a dividend of $0.034 per share. This represents a $0.41 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 12.29%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 10th. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Virtus Convertible & Income Fund Company Profile A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in NCV. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Virtus Convertible & Income Fund by 13.2% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 57,872 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $291,000 after acquiring an additional 6,729 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Virtus Convertible & Income Fund by 7.6% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 92,711 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $466,000 after acquiring an additional 6,524 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Virtus Convertible & Income Fund by 8.6% in the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 130,210 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $655,000 after acquiring an additional 10,359 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Virtus Convertible & Income Fund by 27.9% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 145,526 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $732,000 after acquiring an additional 31,726 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SVB Wealth LLC raised its position in Virtus Convertible & Income Fund by 132.2% in the 1st quarter. SVB Wealth LLC now owns 39,114 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $197,000 after purchasing an additional 22,268 shares during the period. (Get Rating) AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund is diversified, closed-end fund, which seeks to provide total return through a combination of capital appreciation and current income. It invests in a portfolio of domestic convertible securities and non-convertible high yield bonds rated below investment grade. The company was founded on January 17, 2003 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Virtus Convertible & Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Virtus Convertible & Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wayfair Inc. (NYSE:W Get Rating) COO Thomas Netzer sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.22, for a total value of $522,200.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 86,919 shares in the company, valued at $4,538,910.18. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Thomas Netzer also recently made the following trade(s): Get Wayfair alerts: On Tuesday, May 2nd, Thomas Netzer sold 2,913 shares of Wayfair stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.96, for a total value of $90,186.48. On Tuesday, April 4th, Thomas Netzer sold 4,945 shares of Wayfair stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.46, for a total value of $175,349.70. Wayfair Stock Down 1.7 % Wayfair stock traded down $0.88 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $52.07. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,958,029 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,989,350. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $37.20 and its 200-day moving average price is $40.02. Wayfair Inc. has a 12 month low of $28.11 and a 12 month high of $76.35. The company has a market capitalization of $5.85 billion, a PE ratio of -4.09 and a beta of 3.01. Institutional Trading of Wayfair Wayfair ( NYSE:W Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported ($2.50) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($3.14) by $0.64. The company had revenue of $2.77 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.74 billion. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Wayfair Inc. will post -9.02 EPS for the current year. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its stake in Wayfair by 132.4% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 853 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 486 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its stake in Wayfair by 24.1% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 968 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 188 shares in the last quarter. Yarbrough Capital LLC purchased a new position in Wayfair during the 4th quarter valued at about $43,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new position in Wayfair during the 3rd quarter valued at about $59,000. Finally, CWM LLC grew its stake in Wayfair by 102.1% during the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,991 shares of the companys stock valued at $65,000 after acquiring an additional 1,006 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.61% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently issued reports on W. Barclays reduced their price objective on Wayfair from $70.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Monday, February 27th. Loop Capital cut their target price on Wayfair from $30.00 to $25.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Stephens cut their target price on Wayfair from $40.00 to $34.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Bank of America raised their target price on Wayfair from $55.00 to $60.00 in a research note on Thursday. Finally, DA Davidson raised their target price on Wayfair from $49.00 to $57.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Wayfair presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $48.52. About Wayfair (Get Rating) Wayfair, Inc engages in an online home furnishing store. It operates through the U.S. and International segments. The U.S. segment consists of amounts earned through product sales through the companys five distinct sites in the U.S. and through websites operated by third parties in the U.S. The International segment is composed of earnings through product sales in international sites. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Wayfair Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wayfair and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Get Rating) Analysts at Zacks Research decreased their Q2 2023 earnings estimates for Sonoco Products in a report issued on Tuesday, June 6th. Zacks Research analyst S. Deb now forecasts that the industrial products company will post earnings per share of $1.52 for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $1.53. The consensus estimate for Sonoco Products current full-year earnings is $5.82 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Sonoco Products FY2023 earnings at $5.79 EPS, Q1 2024 earnings at $1.41 EPS, Q3 2024 earnings at $1.54 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $1.36 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $5.77 EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $1.43 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $5.83 EPS. Get Sonoco Products alerts: Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Sonoco Products from $71.00 to $69.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, February 13th. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of Sonoco Products from $76.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Seaport Res Ptn upgraded shares of Sonoco Products from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, March 20th. Argus upgraded shares of Sonoco Products from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $67.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Sonoco Products from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $66.17. Sonoco Products Stock Performance NYSE SON opened at $62.93 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $6.16 billion, a PE ratio of 12.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.47. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $60.49 and a 200 day simple moving average of $60.00. Sonoco Products has a 52-week low of $51.52 and a 52-week high of $65.96. Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 1st. The industrial products company reported $1.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by $0.07. Sonoco Products had a net margin of 6.93% and a return on equity of 29.17%. The business had revenue of $1.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.84 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.85 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sonoco Products A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in SON. Nuveen Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Sonoco Products by 35.8% in the third quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 346,837 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $19,676,000 after buying an additional 91,388 shares during the period. Lido Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Sonoco Products during the 3rd quarter valued at $914,000. Cibc World Markets Corp purchased a new position in Sonoco Products during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,424,000. Retirement Systems of Alabama boosted its holdings in shares of Sonoco Products by 0.7% during the 4th quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 128,523 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,803,000 after buying an additional 870 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Edgestream Partners L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Sonoco Products by 59.4% during the 4th quarter. Edgestream Partners L.P. now owns 42,116 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,557,000 after buying an additional 15,701 shares in the last quarter. 76.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Insider Activity In other Sonoco Products news, insider Ernest D. Haynes III sold 531 shares of Sonoco Products stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.36, for a total transaction of $30,458.16. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 1,198 shares in the company, valued at $68,717.28. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Sonoco Products news, insider Ernest D. Haynes III sold 531 shares of Sonoco Products stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.36, for a total transaction of $30,458.16. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 1,198 shares in the company, valued at $68,717.28. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Robert R. Hill, Jr. bought 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 13th. The shares were bought at an average price of $56.00 per share, with a total value of $560,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 20,065 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,123,640. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.51% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Sonoco Products Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 10th were given a $0.51 dividend. This is a positive change from Sonoco Productss previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.24%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 9th. Sonoco Productss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 40.40%. About Sonoco Products (Get Rating) Sonoco Products Co engages in the manufacture of industrial and consumer packaging products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Packaging, Paper and Industrial Converted Products, Protective Solutions, and Display and Packaging. The Consumer Packaging segment offers round and shaped rigid containers, fiber and plastic caulk and adhesive tubes, and aluminum, steel, and peelable membrane easy-open closures for paper and metal cans. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Sonoco Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sonoco Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zalando SE (ETR:ZAL Get Rating)s stock price fell 0.7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as 24.21 ($26.03) and last traded at 24.65 ($26.51). 978,235 shares traded hands during trading, The stock had previously closed at 24.83 ($26.70). Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently issued reports on ZAL. UBS Group set a 48.00 ($51.61) price objective on Zalando in a report on Tuesday, March 7th. Baader Bank set a 50.00 ($53.76) price target on Zalando in a research note on Tuesday, March 7th. Berenberg Bank set a 35.00 ($37.63) price target on Zalando in a research note on Friday, March 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a 49.00 ($52.69) price target on Zalando in a research note on Tuesday, February 21st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a 39.00 ($41.94) price target on Zalando in a research note on Tuesday, March 14th. Get Zalando alerts: Zalando Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 77.75. The company has a 50 day moving average price of 31.42 and a 200 day moving average price of 34.87. The company has a market capitalization of $6.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 164.33, a P/E/G ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.60. Zalando Company Profile Zalando SE operates an online platform for fashion and lifestyle products. It provides clothing, footwear, accessories, and beauty products with free delivery and returns. The company also sells its products through its Zalando Lounge; and brick-and-mortar outlet stores in Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, Leipzig, Hamburg, Hanover, Munster, Stuttgart, Mannheim, and Ulm. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Zalando Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zalando and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership reduced its stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Rating) by 5.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 6,288,170 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 338,186 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories makes up about 1.0% of Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnerships holdings, making the stock its 18th largest holding. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnerships holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $690,378,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. increased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 15.0% during the 4th quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. now owns 673 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $74,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the period. Alesco Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 3.9% in the 4th quarter. Alesco Advisors LLC now owns 2,435 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $267,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the period. MCF Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 3,743 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $411,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the period. Capital Advisors Inc. OK increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Capital Advisors Inc. OK now owns 31,426 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,450,000 after acquiring an additional 96 shares during the period. Finally, Close Asset Management Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% in the 4th quarter. Close Asset Management Ltd now owns 8,507 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $934,000 after acquiring an additional 99 shares during the period. 72.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Price Performance ABT traded up $0.91 on Friday, reaching $101.69. 4,275,980 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,333,661. The stock has a market cap of $176.83 billion, a PE ratio of 30.91, a P/E/G ratio of 4.51 and a beta of 0.67. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $93.25 and a twelve month high of $115.69. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $106.58 and its 200-day moving average price is $106.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 1.22. Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, April 19th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.98 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $9.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.64 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.98% and a return on equity of 22.36%. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue was down 18.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.73 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.39 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be issued a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.01%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 62.01%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on ABT shares. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. BTIG Research boosted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $136.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $127.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $123.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $121.26. Insider Buying and Selling at Abbott Laboratories In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.02, for a total value of $5,551,000.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 6,825,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $757,746,582.32. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 8,226 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.56, for a total value of $909,466.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 70,427 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,786,409.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.02, for a total transaction of $5,551,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 6,825,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $757,746,582.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Abbott Laboratories (Get Rating) Abbott Laboratories engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of a broad and diversified line of health care products. It operates through the following business segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment refers to the international sales of a line of branded generic pharmaceutical products. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Acadian Timber Corp. (TSE:ADN Get Rating)s share price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of C$15.93 and traded as high as C$16.50. Acadian Timber shares last traded at C$16.46, with a volume of 1,401 shares traded. Acadian Timber Trading Down 0.7 % The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 35.80. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of C$16.20 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$15.94. The firm has a market cap of C$278.44 million, a PE ratio of 7.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -4.84 and a beta of 0.92. Get Acadian Timber alerts: Acadian Timber Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a $0.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.09%. Acadian Timbers dividend payout ratio is presently 52.97%. Acadian Timber Company Profile Acadian Timber Corp. supplies primary forest products in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States. The company operates through two segments, NB Timberlands and Maine Timberlands. Its products include softwood and hardwood sawlogs, pulpwood, and biomass by-products. The company owns and manages approximately 1.1 million acres of freehold timberlands in New Brunswick and Maine; and provides timber services relating to approximately 1.3 million acres of Crown licensed timberlands in New Brunswick. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Acadian Timber Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Acadian Timber and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of ALPS OShares Europe Quality Dividend ETF (BATS:OEUR Get Rating) rose 1.1% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $27.65 and last traded at $27.65. Approximately 691 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at $27.35. ALPS OShares Europe Quality Dividend ETF Stock Down 0.4 % The company has a market cap of $46.82 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.50 and a beta of -1.11. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $27.62 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $25.96. ALPS OShares Europe Quality Dividend ETF Company Profile (Get Rating) The ALPS OShares Europe Quality Dividend ETF Shares (OEUR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the OShares Europe Quality Dividend index. The fund selects and weights large and mid-cap Europe stocks based on three factors: high quality, low volatility, and high dividend yield. OEUR was launched on Aug 19, 2015 and is managed by ALPS. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ALPS O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ALPS O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lowered its stake in HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA Get Rating) by 20.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,602,293 shares of the companys stock after selling 420,870 shares during the quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership owned about 0.57% of HCA Healthcare worth $384,486,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Allstate Investment Management Co. purchased a new position in HCA Healthcare during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $2,553,000. Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of HCA Healthcare in the 4th quarter worth approximately $406,000. Qtron Investments LLC boosted its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 119.9% in the 4th quarter. Qtron Investments LLC now owns 3,050 shares of the companys stock worth $732,000 after purchasing an additional 1,663 shares during the period. Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 567.1% in the 4th quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 17,012 shares of the companys stock worth $4,082,000 after purchasing an additional 14,462 shares during the period. Finally, Trustcore Financial Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 1.2% in the 4th quarter. Trustcore Financial Services LLC now owns 307,452 shares of the companys stock worth $73,776,000 after purchasing an additional 3,592 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 64.60% of the companys stock. Get HCA Healthcare alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently issued reports on HCA. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on HCA Healthcare from $243.00 to $275.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on HCA Healthcare from $280.00 to $310.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Barclays lifted their target price on HCA Healthcare from $256.00 to $275.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Bank of America lifted their target price on HCA Healthcare from $294.00 to $323.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage on HCA Healthcare in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. They issued an overweight rating and a $304.00 price target for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, sixteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $298.17. HCA Healthcare Trading Down 0.6 % Shares of NYSE HCA traded down $1.70 during trading on Friday, reaching $271.79. The stock had a trading volume of 729,958 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,062,941. HCA Healthcare, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $164.47 and a fifty-two week high of $294.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 157.23, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.23. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $273.96 and its 200-day moving average price is $257.93. The company has a market cap of $74.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.63, a PEG ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.64. HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Friday, April 21st. The company reported $4.93 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.99 by $0.94. HCA Healthcare had a negative return on equity of 1,157.58% and a net margin of 9.42%. The firm had revenue of $15.59 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.26 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $4.12 EPS. HCA Healthcares revenue for the quarter was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that HCA Healthcare, Inc. will post 18.09 EPS for the current fiscal year. HCA Healthcare Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.88%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 15th. HCA Healthcares dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 12.04%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, SVP Kathryn A. Torres sold 4,473 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $288.38, for a total value of $1,289,923.74. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 22,243 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,414,436.34. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other HCA Healthcare news, SVP P. Martin Paslick sold 2,687 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $275.00, for a total transaction of $738,925.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 24,643 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,776,825. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Kathryn A. Torres sold 4,473 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $288.38, for a total value of $1,289,923.74. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 22,243 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,414,436.34. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 12,733 shares of company stock valued at $3,518,389 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. HCA Healthcare Profile (Get Rating) HCA Healthcare, Inc is a health care services company engaged in operating hospitals, freestanding surgery centers and emergency care facilities, urgent care facilities, walk-in clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, radiation and oncology therapy centers, comprehensive rehabilitation and physical therapy centers, physician practices, home health, hospice, outpatient physical therapy home and community-based services providers, and various other facilities. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for HCA Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HCA Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Beck Mack & Oliver LLC cut its stake in Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM Get Rating) (TSE:BAM.A) by 76.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 198,562 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 629,848 shares during the period. Beck Mack & Oliver LLCs holdings in Brookfield Asset Management were worth $5,693,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BAM. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Brookfield Asset Management by 7,777.8% in the 3rd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 709 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 700 shares in the last quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. raised its holdings in Brookfield Asset Management by 146.4% in the 4th quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,003 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 596 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA raised its holdings in Brookfield Asset Management by 35.5% in the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA now owns 1,057 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 277 shares in the last quarter. RE Dickinson Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Brookfield Asset Management in the 4th quarter valued at $48,000. Finally, Pacer Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Brookfield Asset Management in the 4th quarter valued at $78,000. Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts: Insider Activity at Brookfield Asset Management In related news, Director Multi-Strategy Mast Brookfield sold 24,744 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.96, for a total transaction of $295,938.24. Following the sale, the director now owns 21,104,923 shares in the company, valued at approximately $252,414,879.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 11.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Brookfield Asset Management Trading Up 0.9 % Shares of NYSE BAM traded up $0.29 during trading on Friday, reaching $31.84. The company had a trading volume of 1,209,877 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,234,363. The companys fifty day moving average price is $32.01 and its 200-day moving average price is $33.14. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. has a 12 month low of $26.76 and a 12 month high of $36.50. Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM Get Rating) (TSE:BAM.A) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The financial services provider reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.33 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $966.00 million during the quarter. On average, analysts expect that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.35 EPS for the current year. Brookfield Asset Management Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 31st will be given a dividend of $0.32 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, May 30th. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.02%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have weighed in on BAM shares. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $40.00 price objective on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a report on Tuesday, March 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on Brookfield Asset Management in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. They set a hold rating for the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut Brookfield Asset Management to an underperform rating in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $43.57. Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile (Get Rating) Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. provides alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the ownership, operation, and development of hydroelectric, wind, solar, and energy transition power generating assets. The company's infrastructure business engages in the ownership, operation, and development of utilities, transport, midstream, data and sustainable resource assets. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of First American Financial Co. (NYSE:FAF Get Rating) have been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the seven analysts that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $68.40. FAF has been the topic of several recent research reports. TheStreet lowered shares of First American Financial from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Friday, March 17th. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of First American Financial from $65.00 to $63.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Stephens upgraded shares of First American Financial from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $65.00 to $72.00 in a report on Friday, February 10th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of First American Financial in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Get First American Financial alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On First American Financial A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of FAF. FMR LLC raised its stake in shares of First American Financial by 22.3% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 8,610,627 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $479,268,000 after purchasing an additional 1,567,428 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners acquired a new stake in shares of First American Financial in the 1st quarter valued at about $72,249,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of First American Financial by 135.7% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,184,147 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $141,577,000 after purchasing an additional 1,257,338 shares in the last quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of First American Financial in the 4th quarter valued at about $57,776,000. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of First American Financial during the 4th quarter valued at about $53,163,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.45% of the companys stock. First American Financial Trading Down 0.8 % First American Financial Dividend Announcement NYSE:FAF opened at $56.23 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.26 and a beta of 1.26. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $56.39 and its 200 day simple moving average is $56.12. First American Financial has a twelve month low of $43.54 and a twelve month high of $64.66. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 8th will be paid a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 7th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.70%. First American Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 104.52%. About First American Financial (Get Rating) First American Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides financial services. It operates through Title Insurance and Services, and Specialty Insurance segments. The Title Insurance and Services segment issues title insurance policies on residential and commercial property, as well as offers related products and services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for First American Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First American Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Buffalo Coal Corp. (CVE:BUF Get Rating) passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$0.01 and traded as low as C$0.01. Buffalo Coal shares last traded at C$0.01, with a volume of 26,000 shares trading hands. Buffalo Coal Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of C$7.37 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.33 and a beta of 0.58. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of C$0.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.01. About Buffalo Coal (Get Rating) Buffalo Coal Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a coal mining company in South Africa. It primarily focuses on the Aviemore anthracite mine covering an area of approximately 5,513 hectares and Magdalena mine covering an area of approximately 1,844 hectares located in the Kwa-Zulu, Natal Province of South Africa. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Buffalo Coal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Buffalo Coal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CCFNB Bancorp (OTCMKTS:CCFN Get Rating) is one of 80 publicly-traded companies in the BanksRegional industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its rivals? We will compare CCFNB Bancorp to similar companies based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, risk, earnings, profitability and institutional ownership. Profitability This table compares CCFNB Bancorp and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get CCFNB Bancorp alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets CCFNB Bancorp N/A N/A N/A CCFNB Bancorp Competitors 23.69% 11.39% 1.01% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for CCFNB Bancorp and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CCFNB Bancorp 0 0 0 0 N/A CCFNB Bancorp Competitors 389 1621 1979 35 2.41 Dividends As a group, BanksRegional companies have a potential upside of 28.35%. Given CCFNB Bancorps rivals higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe CCFNB Bancorp has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. CCFNB Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $1.35 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. CCFNB Bancorp pays out 43.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BanksRegional companies pay a dividend yield of 2.5% and pay out 26.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Earnings & Valuation This table compares CCFNB Bancorp and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio CCFNB Bancorp N/A N/A 14.06 CCFNB Bancorp Competitors $3.30 billion $747.86 million 726.59 CCFNB Bancorps rivals have higher revenue and earnings than CCFNB Bancorp. CCFNB Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Institutional & Insider Ownership 3.7% of CCFNB Bancorp shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 39.4% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are owned by institutional investors. 4.7% of CCFNB Bancorp shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 17.8% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary CCFNB Bancorp rivals beat CCFNB Bancorp on 9 of the 10 factors compared. CCFNB Bancorp Company Profile (Get Rating) CCFNB Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. that provides banking and related financial services to individual, business, and government customers. It accepts checking, savings, money market, interest checking, individual retirement, and repurchase sweep accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; and demand and time deposits. The company offers commercial, consumer, and mortgage loans; financial and agriculture, tax-exempt, commercial, and consumer real estate loans; and installment loans to individuals. It also provides trust services; personal, corporate, pension, and fiduciary services; stocks, bonds, and other non-insured financial services; and remote capture, internet banking, telephone and mobile banking, and automated teller machine services, as well as investment and insurance products. The company is based in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Receive News & Ratings for CCFNB Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CCFNB Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:CMAKY Get Rating) announced a dividend on Thursday, June 8th, investing.com reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, June 13th will be paid a dividend of 0.2293 per share on Friday, July 28th. This represents a yield of 5.76%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 12th. China Minsheng Banking Trading Up 5.4 % Shares of CMAKY opened at $4.10 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $17.95 billion, a PE ratio of 3.93 and a beta of 0.43. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $3.78 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $3.53. China Minsheng Banking has a 1-year low of $2.76 and a 1-year high of $4.25. Get China Minsheng Banking alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of China Minsheng Banking from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. China Minsheng Banking Company Profile China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. provides various financial products and services to individuals, small and micro-enterprises, corporate customers, government agencies, and financial institutions in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, and Others segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for China Minsheng Banking Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Minsheng Banking and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach (OTCMKTS:FMBL Get Rating) declared a dividend on Friday, June 9th, investing.com reports. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be paid a dividend of 28.00 per share on Friday, June 30th. This represents a yield of 2.06%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach Stock Up 0.2 % Shares of FMBL opened at $5,436.00 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $652.32 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.70 and a beta of 0.40. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach has a 1 year low of $5,325.00 and a 1 year high of $8,275.00. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $5,662.10 and its 200-day simple moving average is $6,642.98. Get Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach alerts: Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach (OTCMKTS:FMBL Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The company reported $170.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach had a net margin of 27.08% and a return on equity of 7.94%. The company had revenue of $74.65 million for the quarter. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach Company Profile Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach engages in the provision of personal and business banking services. The firm offers business checking, money market, and investment accounts, merchant card services, and small business, real estate, construction, commercial, church, and nonprofit loans. It also provides personal checking, personal money market, and personal savings accounts, as well as personal and home loans. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM Get Rating) and Atlas Energy Solutions (NYSE:AESI Get Rating) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, risk, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and dividends. Dividends Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile pays an annual dividend of $8.17 per share and has a dividend yield of 11.6%. Atlas Energy Solutions pays an annual dividend of $0.15 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.9%. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile pays out 60.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Get Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current recommendations for Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile and Atlas Energy Solutions, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile 1 3 3 0 2.29 Atlas Energy Solutions 0 0 8 1 3.11 Institutional and Insider Ownership Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile presently has a consensus price target of $88.25, suggesting a potential upside of 25.02%. Atlas Energy Solutions has a consensus price target of $24.44, suggesting a potential upside of 39.05%. Given Atlas Energy Solutions stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Atlas Energy Solutions is more favorable than Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile. 18.4% of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile and Atlas Energy Solutions net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile 35.24% 82.96% 37.19% Atlas Energy Solutions N/A N/A N/A Valuation and Earnings This table compares Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile and Atlas Energy Solutions top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile $10.95 billion 1.84 $3.91 billion $13.52 5.22 Atlas Energy Solutions N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile has higher revenue and earnings than Atlas Energy Solutions. Summary Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile beats Atlas Energy Solutions on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (Get Rating) Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA engages in the production and distribution of fertilizers, potassium nitrate, iodine, and lithium chemicals. It operates through the following segments: Specialty Plant Nutrients, Iodine and Derivatives, Lithium and Derivatives, Industrial Chemicals, Potassium, and Other Products and Services. The Specialty Plant Nutrients segment produces potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, and specialty blends. The Iodine and Derivatives segment manufactures iodine and iodine derivatives, which are used in a wide range of medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications. The Lithium and Derivatives segment covers lithium carbonate for electrochemical materials for batteries, frits for the ceramic and enamel industries, heat-resistant glass, air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, primary aluminum smelting process, pharmaceuticals, and lithium derivatives. The Industrial Chemicals segment comprises industrial chemicals including sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and boric acid. The Potassium segment produces potassium chloride and potassium sulfate. The Other Products and Services s About Atlas Energy Solutions (Get Rating) Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. is a provider of proppant and logistics services to customers engaged in the oil and natural gas industry principally within the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico. Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. is based in AUSTIN, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heitman Real Estate Securities LLC increased its stake in shares of Realty Income Co. (NYSE:O Get Rating) by 0.4% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 768,899 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 3,231 shares during the period. Realty Income accounts for about 2.6% of Heitman Real Estate Securities LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest holding. Heitman Real Estate Securities LLC owned 0.12% of Realty Income worth $48,771,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Realty Income during the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Phocas Financial Corp. bought a new stake in shares of Realty Income during the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. Larson Financial Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Realty Income by 27.1% during the 4th quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 727 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 155 shares during the period. CI Investments Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Realty Income by 1,004.1% during the 3rd quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 806 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 733 shares during the period. Finally, Global Wealth Strategies & Associates bought a new stake in shares of Realty Income during the 4th quarter worth about $53,000. Institutional investors own 80.56% of the companys stock. Get Realty Income alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Realty Income from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, February 23rd. Scotiabank raised shares of Realty Income from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and set a $69.00 price objective for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 12th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Realty Income in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Realty Income from $71.00 to $71.25 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, Mizuho cut their price objective on shares of Realty Income from $69.00 to $66.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $71.47. Realty Income Price Performance Realty Income Dividend Announcement Shares of NYSE:O traded up $0.05 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $60.91. The stock had a trading volume of 2,607,841 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,592,325. The companys 50-day moving average price is $61.21 and its 200-day moving average price is $63.36. The company has a market capitalization of $41.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a quick ratio of 1.85, a current ratio of 1.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. Realty Income Co. has a fifty-two week low of $55.50 and a fifty-two week high of $75.11. The business also recently disclosed a may 23 dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 1st will be given a dividend of $0.255 per share. This represents a yield of 5.1%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, May 31st. Realty Incomes dividend payout ratio is 215.49%. About Realty Income (Get Rating) Realty Income Corp. is a real estate company, which engages in generating dependable monthly cash dividends from a consistent and predictable level of cash flow from operations. The company was founded by William E. Clark, Jr. and Evelyn Joan Clark in 1969 and is headquartered in San Diego, CA. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding O? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Realty Income Co. (NYSE:O Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Realty Income Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Realty Income and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hirtle Callaghan & Co LLC lessened its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Get Rating) by 3.9% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,029 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 42 shares during the quarter. Hirtle Callaghan & Co LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $353,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Transamerica Financial Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 727.3% during the third quarter. Transamerica Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 91 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. Tower View Investment Management & Research LLC acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Larson Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 224.0% in the 4th quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 81 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 56 shares during the last quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 109.3% in the 4th quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 90 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 47 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Accurate Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.09% of the companys stock. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Insider Transactions at The Goldman Sachs Group In other news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 24,819,473 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.61, for a total value of $536,348,811.53. Following the sale, the insider now owns 110,337 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,384,382.57. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $337.66, for a total transaction of $1,012,980.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 15,052 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,082,458.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 24,819,473 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.61, for a total value of $536,348,811.53. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 110,337 shares in the company, valued at $2,384,382.57. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 28,935,026 shares of company stock valued at $567,423,318. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE GS opened at $336.08 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $111.73 billion, a PE ratio of 11.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 1.41. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $329.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $344.72. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $277.84 and a fifty-two week high of $389.58. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, April 18th. The investment management company reported $8.79 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.14 by $0.65. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 9.84% and a net margin of 13.23%. The company had revenue of $12.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.66 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $10.76 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 31.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 1st will be paid a $2.50 dividend. This represents a $10.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.98%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, May 31st. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 35.60%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have issued reports on GS. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $339.00 to $375.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Bank of America raised their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $384.00 to $425.00 in a report on Thursday, March 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $430.00 to $415.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. UBS Group upgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, JMP Securities raised their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $460.00 to $470.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $389.17. The Goldman Sachs Group Profile (Get Rating) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in resale agreements. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust (LON:JPB Get Rating) shares crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 66.50 ($0.83) and traded as high as GBX 66.50 ($0.83). JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust shares last traded at GBX 66.50 ($0.83), with a volume of 31,267 shares changing hands. JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust Trading Down 0.4 % The firms fifty day simple moving average is GBX 66.50 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 66.50. JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust Company Profile (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. StockNews.com cut shares of Leidos (NYSE:LDOS Get Rating) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Tuesday morning. Several other analysts have also commented on the stock. Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of Leidos from $120.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on shares of Leidos from $114.00 to $113.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Leidos from $111.00 to $105.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, February 15th. Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Leidos from $130.00 to $124.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 16th. Finally, TheStreet downgraded shares of Leidos from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, May 15th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Leidos currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $103.63. Get Leidos alerts: Leidos Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:LDOS opened at $82.90 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $11.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.06, a PEG ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.77. Leidos has a 12 month low of $76.58 and a 12 month high of $110.91. The firms 50-day moving average is $85.09 and its 200 day moving average is $94.86. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. Leidos Announces Dividend Leidos ( NYSE:LDOS Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The aerospace company reported $1.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.59 by ($0.12). Leidos had a net margin of 4.60% and a return on equity of 21.00%. The company had revenue of $3.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.65 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.58 earnings per share. Leidoss quarterly revenue was up 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Leidos will post 6.54 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be given a $0.36 dividend. This represents a $1.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th. Leidoss dividend payout ratio is presently 29.63%. Insider Activity at Leidos In other Leidos news, EVP Jerald S. Howe, Jr. bought 1,200 shares of Leidos stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 4th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $80.25 per share, for a total transaction of $96,300.00. Following the purchase, the executive vice president now owns 16,958 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,360,879.50. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Jerald S. Howe, Jr. purchased 1,200 shares of Leidos stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 4th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $80.25 per share, for a total transaction of $96,300.00. Following the purchase, the executive vice president now directly owns 16,958 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,360,879.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Thomas Arthur Bell purchased 6,300 shares of Leidos stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of $78.81 per share, with a total value of $496,503.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 6,300 shares in the company, valued at $496,503. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have bought 7,625 shares of company stock valued at $602,898. 1.52% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Leidos Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Leidos during the 4th quarter worth $167,042,000. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Leidos by 10.9% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 15,010,106 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,381,830,000 after purchasing an additional 1,475,772 shares in the last quarter. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. acquired a new position in Leidos in the 4th quarter worth about $77,642,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its holdings in Leidos by 29.0% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,899,486 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $166,149,000 after purchasing an additional 426,858 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Leidos in the 3rd quarter worth about $35,515,000. 75.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Leidos (Get Rating) Leidos Holdings, Inc engages in the provision of services and solutions in the defense, intelligence, civil and health markets. It operates through the following three segments: Defense Solutions, Civil, and Health. The Defense Solutions segment provides services, solutions, and products focusing on digital modernization, mission systems and integration, Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) technologies and services, maritime solutions, transformative software, analytics, intelligence analysis, mission support and logistics services, weapons systems and space systems and solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Leidos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Leidos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Marshall Wace LLP lessened its stake in shares of Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX Get Rating) by 42.3% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,822,013 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after selling 4,268,346 shares during the period. Boston Scientific accounts for 0.6% of Marshall Wace LLPs portfolio, making the stock its 20th largest holding. Marshall Wace LLP owned 0.41% of Boston Scientific worth $269,385,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of BSX. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Boston Scientific by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 116,886,236 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $4,527,004,000 after buying an additional 1,708,496 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Boston Scientific by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 24,855,241 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $1,147,605,000 after purchasing an additional 549,599 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its holdings in Boston Scientific by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 15,093,551 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $584,572,000 after purchasing an additional 432,709 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp grew its position in Boston Scientific by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 13,867,256 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $614,181,000 after purchasing an additional 45,404 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Boston Scientific by 10.9% during the third quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 10,552,928 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $408,715,000 after buying an additional 1,036,331 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.23% of the companys stock. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Boston Scientific Trading Up 0.4 % BSX traded up $0.21 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $51.28. 5,210,575 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,298,372. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 86.94, a PEG ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.80. Boston Scientific Co. has a one year low of $34.98 and a one year high of $54.17. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $51.82 and its 200 day simple moving average is $48.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 1.40. Insider Activity at Boston Scientific Boston Scientific ( NYSE:BSX Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $3.39 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.16 billion. Boston Scientific had a net margin of 6.91% and a return on equity of 14.57%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.39 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Boston Scientific Co. will post 1.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, EVP Eric Francis Yves Thepaut sold 83,401 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.49, for a total transaction of $4,377,718.49. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 12,269 shares in the company, valued at approximately $643,999.81. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Boston Scientific news, EVP Eric Francis Yves Thepaut sold 83,401 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.49, for a total transaction of $4,377,718.49. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 12,269 shares in the company, valued at approximately $643,999.81. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 63,339 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.60, for a total value of $3,394,970.40. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 213,859 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,462,842.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 179,017 shares of company stock worth $9,397,768 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.71% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BSX has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on Boston Scientific in a research report on Tuesday, May 30th. They set an overweight rating and a $58.00 target price on the stock. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Boston Scientific from $54.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Barclays upped their price objective on Boston Scientific from $53.00 to $56.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Argus raised their target price on Boston Scientific from $50.00 to $55.00 in a research report on Friday, February 17th. Finally, UBS Group started coverage on Boston Scientific in a research report on Tuesday, March 28th. They issued a buy rating and a $57.00 price target on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $54.00. About Boston Scientific (Get Rating) Boston Scientific Corp. engages in the development, manufacture and marketing of medical devices that are used in interventional medical procedures. It operates through the MedSurg and Cardiovascular segments. The MedSurg segment includes Urology and Neuromodulation. The Cardiovascular segment consists of Cardiology and Peripheral Interventions. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BSX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR Get Rating) had its price objective dropped by investment analysts at Barclays from $150.00 to $140.00 in a research report issued on Thursday, The Fly reports. Barclayss target price would suggest a potential upside of 36.92% from the companys current price. Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on Nabors Industries from $195.00 to $176.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Susquehanna dropped their target price on Nabors Industries from $110.00 to $91.00 in a research report on Friday, June 2nd. 888 restated a maintains rating on shares of Nabors Industries in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. StockNews.com cut Nabors Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, May 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded Nabors Industries from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and dropped their target price for the company from $175.00 to $165.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $150.86. Get Nabors Industries alerts: Nabors Industries Stock Performance NYSE NBR opened at $102.25 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $103.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $134.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $975.47 million, a P/E ratio of -6.83 and a beta of 2.77. Nabors Industries has a fifty-two week low of $83.05 and a fifty-two week high of $190.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.40, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a current ratio of 1.87. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nabors Industries Nabors Industries ( NYSE:NBR Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, April 24th. The oil and gas company reported ($0.55) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.06 by ($1.61). The company had revenue of $789.01 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $767.96 million. Nabors Industries had a negative net margin of 4.03% and a negative return on equity of 26.14%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Nabors Industries will post 8.67 earnings per share for the current year. Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of NBR. Quarry LP purchased a new position in Nabors Industries in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. US Bancorp DE lifted its stake in Nabors Industries by 165.9% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 226 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp purchased a new position in Nabors Industries in the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its stake in Nabors Industries by 89.6% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 565 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $57,000 after purchasing an additional 267 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in shares of Nabors Industries by 43.1% during the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 793 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $80,000 after buying an additional 239 shares during the period. 71.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Nabors Industries (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. Featured Stories 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. New Jersey Resources (NYSE:NJR Get Rating) and Superior Plus (OTCMKTS:SUUIF Get Rating) are both utilities companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, risk, dividends and earnings. Profitability This table compares New Jersey Resources and Superior Plus net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get New Jersey Resources alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets New Jersey Resources 10.94% 14.22% 4.22% Superior Plus N/A N/A N/A Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent recommendations for New Jersey Resources and Superior Plus, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score New Jersey Resources 1 2 0 0 1.67 Superior Plus 0 0 3 0 3.00 Valuation & Earnings New Jersey Resources currently has a consensus target price of $48.50, suggesting a potential downside of 2.67%. Superior Plus has a consensus target price of $13.10, suggesting a potential upside of 73.97%. Given Superior Plus stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Superior Plus is more favorable than New Jersey Resources. This table compares New Jersey Resources and Superior Plus gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio New Jersey Resources $2.91 billion 1.66 $274.92 million $3.02 16.50 Superior Plus N/A N/A N/A $0.19 39.25 New Jersey Resources has higher revenue and earnings than Superior Plus. New Jersey Resources is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Superior Plus, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Institutional and Insider Ownership 74.1% of New Jersey Resources shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 27.9% of Superior Plus shares are held by institutional investors. 0.7% of New Jersey Resources shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Dividends New Jersey Resources pays an annual dividend of $1.56 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. Superior Plus pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 8.0%. New Jersey Resources pays out 51.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Superior Plus pays out 312.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. New Jersey Resources has raised its dividend for 27 consecutive years. Summary New Jersey Resources beats Superior Plus on 9 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About New Jersey Resources (Get Rating) New Jersey Resources Corporation, an energy services holding company, provides regulated gas distribution, and retail and wholesale energy services. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Distribution, Clean Energy Ventures, Energy Services, and Storage and Transportation. The Natural Gas Distribution segment offers regulated natural gas utility services to approximately 569,300 residential and commercial customers throughout Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Sussex counties in New Jersey; provides capacity and storage management services; and participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets. The Clean Energy Ventures segment invests in, owns, and operates commercial and residential solar installation situated in New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. The Energy Services segment offers unregulated wholesale energy management services to other energy companies and natural gas producers, as well as maintains and transacts a portfolio of physical assets consisting of natural gas transportation and storage contracts in the United States and Canada. The Storage and Transportation segment invests in natural gas transportation and storage facilities. It provides heating, ventilation, and cooling services; holds commercial real estate properties; and offers solar equipment installation, and plumbing repair and installation services, as well as engages in the water appliance sale, installation, and servicing activities. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is headquartered in Wall, New Jersey. About Superior Plus (Get Rating) Superior Plus Corp. distributes and markets propane and distillates in both the United States and Canada. It operates through three segments: The United States Retail Propane Distribution (U.S. Propane); Canadian Retail Propane Distribution (Canadian Propane); and North American Wholesale Propane Distribution (Wholesale Propane). The U.S. Propane Distribution segment distributes propane gas and liquid fuels primarily in the Eastern United States, the Midwest, and California to retail customers, including residential and commercial customers. The Canadian Propane segment distributes propane gas and liquid fuels across Canada to retail customers, including residential and commercial customers. The Wholesale Propane segment supplies propane gas for the Canadian Propane and the U.S. Propane segments, as well as propane and other natural gas liquids to third-party wholesale customers in Canada and the United States. Superior Plus Corp. was incorporated in 1989 and is based in Toronto, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for New Jersey Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New Jersey Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (BATS:UVXY Get Rating)s stock price fell 3.9% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $2.20 and last traded at $2.24. 34,376,833 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at $2.33. ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF Stock Up 0.4 % The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $3.55 and a 200-day moving average price of $5.15. Get ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF alerts: ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF shares are scheduled to reverse split before the market opens on Friday, June 23rd. The 1-10 reverse split was announced on Friday, June 23rd. The number of shares owned by shareholders will be adjusted after the closing bell on Friday, June 23rd. Institutional Investors Weigh In On ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF Company Profile A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. FNY Investment Advisers LLC increased its holdings in ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF by 59.3% during the 4th quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC now owns 21,500 shares of the companys stock worth $147,000 after purchasing an additional 8,000 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI purchased a new position in ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF during the 4th quarter worth $3,251,000. Drive Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF during the 4th quarter worth $686,000. IMC Chicago LLC purchased a new position in ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF during the 4th quarter worth $5,844,000. Finally, Hamilton Wealth LLC purchased a new position in ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF during the 4th quarter worth $88,000. (Get Rating) The ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (UVXY) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures index. The fund provides 1.5x leveraged exposure to an index comprising first- and second-month VIX futures positions with a weighted average maturity of one month. UVXY was launched on Oct 3, 2011 and is managed by ProShares. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (OTCMKTS:BKRKF Get Rating) shares traded down 4% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $0.36 and last traded at $0.36. 67,500 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 40% from the average session volume of 48,218 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.37. Analysts Set New Price Targets BKRKF has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. HSBC lowered shares of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, May 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk in a report on Tuesday, May 2nd. They set a buy rating for the company. Get PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk alerts: PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Trading Down 2.4 % The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $0.35 and its 200-day simple moving average is $0.32. PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Company Profile PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk is a holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following segments: Micro Business, Retail Business, Corporate Business, and Subsidiary Business. The Micro Business segment offers banking products and services to individual and micro entrepreneurs. Read More Receive News & Ratings for PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quantinno Capital Management LP lifted its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Rating) by 85.8% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,102 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 6,972 shares during the quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LPs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $2,044,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Townsquare Capital LLC lifted its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC now owns 121,340 shares of the companys stock worth $16,422,000 after purchasing an additional 2,550 shares during the last quarter. Moran Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 4th quarter worth approximately $33,484,000. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 4th quarter worth approximately $513,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 55.7% during the 4th quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 14,943 shares of the companys stock worth $2,022,000 after purchasing an additional 5,347 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Prio Wealth Limited Partnership acquired a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 4th quarter worth approximately $2,629,000. 6.09% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Novo Nordisk A/S Price Performance Shares of NYSE NVO opened at $158.05 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $354.63 billion, a PE ratio of 41.59, a P/E/G ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.67. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $164.44 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $146.88. Novo Nordisk A/S has a fifty-two week low of $95.02 and a fifty-two week high of $172.97. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $1.27 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.27. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 77.39% and a net margin of 32.53%. The firm had revenue of $7.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.86 billion. As a group, equities analysts predict that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 5.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com started coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company. Credit Suisse Group raised Novo Nordisk A/S from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $383.33. Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (Get Rating) Novo Nordisk A/S is a global healthcare company, which engages in the the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products. It operates through the Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Biopharm segments. The Diabetes and Obesity Care segment includes insulin, GLP-1 and related delivery systems, oral antidiabetic products (OAD), obesity, and other serious chronic diseases. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Staffline Group plc (LON:STAF Get Rating) shares crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 37.26 ($0.46) and traded as low as GBX 34.16 ($0.42). Staffline Group shares last traded at GBX 34.95 ($0.43), with a volume of 28,163 shares traded. Staffline Group Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of 57.94 million, a P/E ratio of 1,747.50, a P/E/G ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 1.76. The stocks 50 day moving average price is GBX 37.73 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 37.22. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 43.10. Get Staffline Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Thomas Spain acquired 42,762 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 26th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 39 ($0.48) per share, with a total value of 16,677.18 ($20,732.45). Over the last 90 days, insiders purchased 662,762 shares of company stock worth $25,237,718 and sold 228,905 shares worth $8,180,002. 41.31% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Staffline Group Staffline Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides recruitment and outsourced human resource services, and skills training and probationary services. It operates through three segments: Recruitment GB, Recruitment Ireland, and PeoplePlus. The company provides solutions to the agriculture, drinks, food processing, manufacturing, e-retail, driving, and logistics sectors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Staffline Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Staffline Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tesco (LON:TSCO Get Rating) had its price objective reduced by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from GBX 290 ($3.61) to GBX 270 ($3.36) in a report published on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has an overweight rating on the retailers stock. Several other research analysts also recently weighed in on TSCO. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Tesco to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from GBX 260 ($3.23) to GBX 310 ($3.85) in a report on Monday, March 6th. Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Tesco in a report on Monday, May 22nd. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 308 ($3.83). Get Tesco alerts: Tesco Trading Down 0.0 % Shares of Tesco stock opened at GBX 261.90 ($3.26) on Wednesday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 270.60 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 252.47. The stock has a market capitalization of 18.99 billion, a PE ratio of 2,619.00, a P/E/G ratio of 3.50 and a beta of 0.64. Tesco has a 1-year low of GBX 194.35 ($2.42) and a 1-year high of GBX 285.30 ($3.55). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 123.29, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.60. Tesco Increases Dividend About Tesco The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 23rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 11th will be given a dividend of GBX 7.05 ($0.09) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 2.63%. This is a boost from Tescos previous dividend of $3.85. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 11th. Tescos dividend payout ratio is currently 11,000.00%. (Get Rating) Tesco PLC, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a grocery retailer in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. It offers grocery products through its stores, as well as online. The company is also involved in the food and drink wholesaling activities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Tesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Money talks, and Brussels has an unlimited amount to bribe their agents in the UK with. These agents may be masquerading as MPs, Lords, civil servants, BofE, Treasury or journalists, but they are treacherous villains all on the Brussels payroll, and they are all complicit in betraying their own country simply for greed. In the old days they used to call it treason these days it means an extra duck house or three in one of your country estates, and all the other perks that come with knavery. These sleazy greed driven agents of the EU operating in the UK never forgave Boris Johnson (aka BoJo) for his decision to support the people and democracy by pushing Brexit through parliament, so they plotted, and finally ousted all Brexiteers from parliament. Naturally, Boris had nowhere else to go but quit after the kangaroo court led by Labour-ite remainers twiddled their little thumbs and came up with more nonsense to condemn the PM with. There is now an air of schadenfreude emanating from the compromised environs of parliament, which is no longer manned by honourable British members of parliament but gloating bloated maggot EU agents who have taken over the once great institution. The valiant Brexiteers have been routed at the gates, their swords buckled and their honour and divine loyalty to Britain bruised. The political wilderness is a preferred place to exist in than a Tory party which has been taken over by treacherous thieves and treasonous vagabonds. Count your blood money, remainer scum, for it will taint your very souls to eternity. LONDON - England - Just because history was in the past, it does not mean it is irrelevant or not linked to what is happening now. Brexit is linked to the very fabric of Great Britain. Brexit means something much more than Britains exit from the communist bloc EU, it ultimately stands for democracy, freedom and a countrys right to forge its own path, to make its own decisions and to govern itself without external interference. One could postulate that Brexit is Britain, and even though this voice of Britain has been stifled by treachery, it is fighting to release itself from the irons that it has clasped around its ankles. To erase such an illustrious history as Great Britain has acquired over thousands of years and to be governed by its former enemies is simply a tragic end for Britannia, a complete denouncement of all those battles fought, of all those fallen soldiers, and of all those great inventions that emanated from these fair Isles. Would the USA give up its sovereignty, would China give up its sovereignty, would Russia give up its sovereignty, would Japan give up its sovereignty? What Britons experienced through the Blitz during the second war may be a distant memory, but the spirit of those people echoes through history and sometimes bleeds through to our time now, as we can see in Ukraine. For all those who ran headlong onto the beaches of Normandy or the Somme, and were mowed down mercilessly by machine guns. They fought for the very freedoms that we were meant to enjoy today, but are being eroded daily. This is what Brexit means, it means the very land you and your ancestors have walked and fought on for thousands of years. Brexiteers are thus real Britons, and remainers are not, simply because they have given up their own land to be governed by foreign forces who DO NOT have our best interests on their minds. If we lose Brexit We lose Britain Once its goneits gone forever. This page may be updated if the event is repeated Past Event - Sunday, June 18, 2023 This page may be updated if the event is repeated Celebrate Father's Day with a Mouthwatering Crawfish Boil at the Wandering Griffin! Be your dad's favorite child! Get ready to indulge in a sensational Father's Day experience that will leave you craving for more. We've gone the extra mile to source the freshest crawfish all the way from Louisiana, ensuring an authentic and delectable feast! We believe in offering you delicious experiences, and Father's Day is no exception. Prepare your taste buds for a unique and tasty sensation like no other! Our outdoor patio area provides a relaxed and comfortable setting for you and your loved ones. Bring the whole family along and make cherished memories as you crack open those crawfish shells and savor every mouthwatering bite. NCP chief Sharad Pawar. (Photo: Twitter) MUMBAI: Maharashtra government on Friday ordered a police investigation into the alleged death threats given to NCP chief Sharad Pawar through a social media post. The , NCP claimed that a message posted on a social media platform reportedly threatened that Mr. Pawar will meet a similar fate as the anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar, who was shot dead in Pune on August 20, 2013. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has also claimed that he and his MLA brother Sunil Raut have been receiving threats. Supriya Sule, Mr Pawars daughter and Lok Sabha member, met Mumbai police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar to demand action on the alleged death threat. She claimed that she received the screenshot of the threatening social media post on her WhatsApp number. "I received a message regarding Mr Pawar on my WhatsApp number. A similar post has been made on a website. I approached the police today seeking justice. This is a disgusting, low-level politics and I request the Union home minister as well as the Maharashtra home minister that this should be stopped," Ms Sule said after meeting the police commissioner. An official said that the police have taken cognisance of Ms Sules complaint and the investigation has started. Ms. Sule said that the police commissioner has assured her that action will be taken in the matter. "The responsibility of Mr. Pawars security lies with the home ministry. The home minister should intervene. Mr. Pawar is the leader of the country," she said. The objectionable post was made on the Facebook account of one Saurabh Pimpalkar, whose social media status claimed that he was a former secular, now kattar Hindutvavadi and a BJP supporter. Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar said, "Saurabh Pimpalkars bio says he is a BJP worker. I do not know if it is true. But the police must find out who is the mastermind behind such posts." Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said that the government has taken cognisance of Ms. Sules complaint and the police will find the people who are trying to disturb law and order in the state. "Police authorities have also been told to review Mr. Pawars security and beef it up if necessary," he said. Mr. Shinde also claimed that deliberate attempts are being made to disturb the peace ever since the Supreme Court validated his swearing-in as the chief minister. "After the SC verdict, some people are upset and they are trying to spoil the atmosphere by glorifying Aurangazeb and Tipu Sultan. These attempts will be thwarted. We will foil the conspiracy to create disturbances for selfish political interests," the Maharashtra CM said. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis also condemned the alleged threat against Pawar and said, "Threatening any leader or overstepping the bounds of civility while expressing themselves on social media will not be tolerated," he said. However, Mr. Pawar said he was not at all worried by the threats and nobody can stop him from expressing his views by giving threats. "Every citizen has the right to express views on any party as per the Constitution. If anyone thinks that he can shut voices by giving threats, then it is a misunderstanding. I have full faith in the system and the capabilities of the police. So I am not worried about it," the 82-year-old veteran politician said. Mr. Raut said that he has also received many threats over the phone in the last seven-eight months and he has informed Mr Fadnavis about it. He further said that his MLA brother also received threats. "These are the government sponsored threats," he said. MA&UD minister K.T. Rama Rao said that in the country's first such decentralisation, each of the 150 wards will have a separate office where people can lodge their civic grievances. (Image: Twitter) Hyderabad: Hyderabad has set Tokyo as the benchmark for cleanliness. MA&UD minister K.T. Rama Rao set the target for the GHMC on Saturday, even as he set out a plan for the GHMC ward offices that will be inaugurated on June 16. Rao said that in the countrys first such decentralisation, each of the 150 wards will have a separate office where people can lodge their civic grievances. Each ward office will have 10 staff members from various departments led by a ward administrative officer (WAO), who will be of assistant municipal commissioner rank. Rama Rao was speaking during an interaction with ward officers at a meeting to commemorate Good Governance Day held as part of the state decennial formation day celebrations, and said the GHMC staff had transformed the living conditions in the last nine years. The meeting was attended by senior GHMC officials, animal husbandry minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, BRS MP Dr G. Ranjith Reddy and MLAs from Hyderabad. Rama Rao urged ward officers to involve the ex-service man and those keen on community building activities in planning and execution of works. The minister said that the ward officers will coordinate with all government departments. Ward engineers will have to look after roads, drains, community halls and other infrastructure in the ward apart from addressing water logging issues, filling of potholes and repair of minor patches on roads. Ward town planners will monitor construction of buildings, ensure public property is not encroached and enforce rules. The entomologist has to identify water logging areas and undertake anti-larval operations. While sanitary jawans will supervise overall sanitation works, the urban biodiversity supervisor will be responsible for all the green programs of the government. The community organiser will coordinate with self help groups (SHGs) and NGOs. The ward assistant, who will be from HMWS&SB, will receive complaints with regard to water supply, sewerage, bills and others, and redress them. "As IT minister I have a glamorous job, wearing English attire, meeting global leaders and people, but it is tough to be a municipal minister. It is a thankless job. Each morning and night the staff will be working tirelessly in the service of the people," Rao said.The minister instructed zonal commissioners to closely monitor the newly-floated system in the initial two to three months by when everything would have fallen in place. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda along with his family at Tirupati on Saturday. (Photo: Twitter/@JPNadda) Tirupati: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda on Saturday visited and offered prayers at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati. Notably, this will be the first big show of Nadda in Southern states after BJP lost in the Karnataka Assembly elections. His visit is considered very important in terms of preparations for the Lok Sabha elections. As per the Election Commission of India, Congress registered an emphatic win in the Karnataka Assembly polls winning 135 seats. The BJP which was in power was reduced to 66 seats and JD(S) won 19 seats. During his one-day visit to Andhra Pradesh, he will also meet party leaders and workers in the state to give important guidelines on preparations for the Lok Sabha polls and will also address a huge public meeting in Tirupati. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, minister of state for electronics and information technology. (Photo: Twitter) NEW DELHI: Amid the debate sparked by rapid advances in artificial intelligence, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, minister of state for electronics and information technology, said that India planned to regulate AI to prevent harm to "digital citizens." He said that companies operating in India would need to prioritise mitigating user harm. Chandrasekhar also mentioned that consultations on the Digital India Bill would begin this month, and a new Personal Data Protection Bill would be introduced in Parliament soon. This came on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, who is among industry leaders who have sought coordinated global regulation of generative artificial intelligence, the technology that is powering powerful chatbot. A statement said Modi and Altman discussed the potential of AI in enhancing India's tech ecosystem, particularly for the youth. The Prime Minister welcomed collaborations that could accelerate India's digital transformation and described the conversation with Altman as insightful. Chandrasekhar stated during a press conference that AI regulation would be implemented similarly to how the government regulates Web 3 and other emerging technologies, with a focus on safeguarding digital citizens. He noted that AI, in its current state of development, was more task-oriented rather than capable of reasoning and logic. As a result, he believes that AI does not pose an immediate threat to replacing jobs that involve reasoning and logic. BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar. (Photo by arrangement) HYDERABAD: BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Friday said that the Congress had become extremely weak in Telangana and could not stand up on its own, or even with assistance. "The Congress did not even retain deposits in the bypolls in Telangana and that party is in a helpless state," Sanjay told party leaders. "It is time for us to show we are strong. This is especially important because the Congress, along with the BRS and a section of the media, are desperately trying to spread misinformation that BJP has become weak in the state," he said, amid a Congress resurgence following its victory in Karnataka. Sanjay was addressing party leaders from Khammam, Bhadradri-Kothagudem, and Suryapet districts in Khammam town on Friday at a preparatory meeting for the June 15 public meeting of Union minister Amit Shah. He called on party leaders and workers to show their strength and make Shahs public meeting a grand success. He also said that after the success of the Khammam meeting, if required, the party will organise another public meeting in Kothagudem that will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There is no doubt that BJP will defeat BRS and come to power in Telangana and it will contest the elections on its own, he said. "The political temperature in the state is rising and people want change. And they want the BJP to bring that change," he said. Sanjay said, "KCR was shocked with the success of our Nirudyoga March in Khammam, and now with news of Amit Shah coming here on June 15, the Chief Minister is very worried. We will have at least one lakh people at the June 15 meeting." He said that the Communist parties had receded into history were no longer a presence. "As a result, they are seeking shelter under KCRs umbrella. Their decision shows that the Communists have no pride even after KCR called them terrible names," Sanjay said. Nana Patole NEW DELHI: Congress insiders claim that Kerala MLA Ramesh Chennithala, in his report on the Maharashtra unit to party president Mallikarjun Kharge, has recommended the change of present state unit chief Nana Patole. Former chief minister Ashok Chavan is among the top contenders for replacing Mr Patole. Mr Chennithala was appointed by Mr Kharge in February to assess the situation in the state and submit a report to the party president over the state of affairs in the Maharashtra unit of the Congress. Mr Patole's "autocratic" working style and "non-responsive" functioning have irked many seniors in the party. There have been complaints about how local leaders were not taken into confidence before organisational decisions were taken for their areas. Mr Patole's tiff with Congress Legislative Party leader Balasaheb Thorat had led to the latter offering his resignation from the post. Former youth Congress chief Satyajeet Tambe, too, had targeted Mr Patole over his decision to opt to contest the MLC polls as an Independent. Mr Patole was in the Congress, then went to the BJP and then again returned to the Congress. He was appointed the state unit chief at the insistence of senior leader Rahul Gandhi despite the presence of a battery of leaders in Maharashtra, including veteran former CMs like Sushil Kumar Shinde, Ashok Chavan and Prithviraj Chauhan. Apart from them, Sanjay Nirupam, Milind Deora and two sons of former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh, who are sitting MLAs. Sensing trouble, the Patole camp is in Delhi, lobbying to save his post. Several leaders from the state have already met K.C. Venugopal and conveyed to him that Mr Patole should remain state unit chief till the Assembly elections are concluded in Maharashtra, that is, in October 2024 after the Lok Sabha elections. However, many in the party are demanding that the change in the state leadership be done immediately and that the new person should be made responsible for both Lok Sabha as well as Assembly elections. In all likelihood, the Congress will go to the polls with the MVA, the grand alliance between the Shiv Sena UBT, NCP and the Congress. Mr Patole was also having trouble with the alliance partners. The party hoped that the new president of the state unit will be better at dealing with the alliance partners. Leaders in the know claimed that a change in guard could be implemented within this month itself. A 20-year-old engineering student was found dead in his college hostel room here on Saturday in a suspected case of suicide, police said. According to the police, Vivek was a fourth semester Electronics and Communication student at a private engineering college in the city. A native of Davangere, the youth did not respond to his roommates' cries to open the door. Also Read | Woman seeks action against social media account for rape threats "Today morning, he committed suicide by hanging himself from a fan while his other roommates went for breakfast," police said. Around 10 am, his roommates knocked the door but he did not open it. When the door was broken open, they saw him hanging from the fan, police added. He was rushed to the government hospital at Yelahanka where he was declared dead on arrival. A 14-year-old Hindu girl, who was allegedly kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam and married off to a Muslim man in Pakistan's Sindh province, has appeared before a district court which refused to send her with her parents despite her insistence that she wanted to go with them. Sohana Sharma Kumari was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint from her home in the Benazirabad district of the southern Sindh province on June 2 in front of her mother by her tutor and his accomplices. Her father Dilip Kumar filed a complaint with the police, saying she was kidnapped. Later, the girl appeared in a video stating clearly under duress that she had converted to Islam and married a Muslim man. Also Read | Imran Khan says stage set for his 'court martial' Her parents however insisted that she was underage. The girl was recovered by police from a house in the district, five days after being kidnapped, after a lot of hue and cry on social media. Sohana was brought to the district court in Larkana on Friday where she in her statement told the judge she was abducted and forcibly converted to Islam and wanted to go with her parents. However, the judge adjourned the hearing until June 12 stating that she appeared to be under pressure while giving her statement and sent her to a shelter home for women. Her mother, Jamna Sharma, told the media at the court that her daughter was taking tuition at home and a few days back the teacher had told her he needed a Rs 100,000 loan. When my daughter told me about this I told the teacher he shouldnt be discussing such matters with Sohana and he went away. But he returned after a day with some people and forcibly took her away at gunpoint. I pleaded with him to take the money and jewellery but leave my daughter but they didn't listen," Jamna said. Her father told the media that all the documents produced by the accused to prove that she had converted to Islam and married a Muslim man of her own free will were fake. Also Read | BSF seizes 5.5 kg heroin airdropped by Pakistan near international border in Amritsar I dont know how government officials can stamp such documents when the girl is 14 years old, he said. Kidnapping and forced conversions of young Hindu girls in the interior of Sindh have become a menace for Hindu families. In recent months there has been a surge in such cases in interior Sindh with the lower courts flooded with applications from affected parents seeking justice and the return of their daughters, sisters and wives. In March, a minority organisation, Pakistan Darawar Ittehad (PDI), even held a protest march from the Karachi Press Club to the Sindh Assembly Building in which a number of affected families joined the demonstration from rural areas. Shiva Kachhi, President of the PDI, said despite the organisation's efforts, it was rare for a Hindu girl to be returned back to her family as in most cases the police were not willing to cooperate. There have been dozens of cases since last year and most of these girls are underage be it Sheela Meghwar, who was abducted from Mirpur Mathelo in Ghotki on March 19 this year, Chanda Maharaj, Simran Kumari, Pooja Kumari, Satran Oad, Kaveeta Bheel, Vijjya Kumari or Sohana now, he said. He said in one case the police ignored a complaint even after a kidnapped girls father told them the man who abducted and forcibly married her already had two wives and four children and was a labourer. How can a 14-year-old girl decide to marry a man twice her age and already with two wives and who was a labourer, Shiva questioned. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in the Muslim-majority country. Three civilians were killed during a Russian drone attack on the Black Sea city of Odesa in the early hours of Saturday after drone debris fell on an apartment block starting a fire, the Ukrainian military said. Also Read: Russia reports heavy fighting in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine Air defences in Odesa region shot down eight "Shahed" drones and two missiles in the latest spate of overnight air strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, a spokesperson for the southern military command said. "As a result of the air fight, debris from one of the drones fell onto a high-rise apartment, causing a fire," the military official, Natalia Humeniuk, said in a statement. The emergency services said 27 people, including three children, were wounded, but that the fire had been rapidly put out and 12 people were rescued from the building. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during a trip to Kyiv on Saturday that Canada would take part in a multinational effort to train Ukrainian fighter pilots and announced C$500 million ($375 million) worth of military aid for Kyiv. Also Read | US readies new $2 billion Ukraine air defense package: Report Trudeau also told a press conference in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Canada was seizing a Russian-owned Antonov cargo aircraft that landed in Canada last year and starting the process of forfeiting the aircraft to Ukraine. Donald Trump faces a formidable task defending against charges that he illegally kept top-secret documents upon leaving the White House in 2021, according to legal experts, who said neither the law nor the facts appear to be on his side. The former US president, who is a candidate to run again in the 2024 election, was charged in an indictment unsealed in Florida federal court on Friday. The 37 counts against him include violations of the Espionage Act, obstruction of justice conspiracy and false statements. National security law experts were struck by the breadth of evidence in the indictment which includes documents, photos, text messages, audio and witness statements. They said this made a strong case for prosecutors allegation that Trump illegally took the documents and then tried to cover it up. Also Read | Indictment of Donald Trump lays out evidence for historic charges The details are pretty shocking in terms of the carelessness with which these documents were handled, and the concerted effort to keep them out of the hands of the FBI, said Elizabeth Goitein, a national security law expert at the Brennan Center for Justice. Trumps lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump has proclaimed his innocence and called the case a witch hunt orchestrated by political enemies. "There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years, he wrote on his Truth Social platform on Friday. Trump's greatest peril could lie in the conspiracy to obstruct justice charges, which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Also Read | A Trump-appointed judge who showed him favor gets the documents case Legal experts said the evidence appears to show that Trump was aware he had documents in his possession that were subject to a subpoena but refused to turn them over and encouraged his lawyers to mislead the FBI. "That's about as clear a case of obstruction as you could imagine," said Clark Neily, a legal expert at the conservative Cato Institute. Obstruction of justice is a particularly difficult charge to defend against, attorney Mark MacDougall said. It offends people. Hiding things from a lawful legal process. Most people understand why thats a crime," he said. Legal experts said Trump's alleged years-long effort to conceal documents was likely a major factor in special counsel Jack Smith's decision to indict him. 'Worse than the crime' During the investigation, Trump's lawyers told the FBI that they had turned over all classified documents in their possession, which was false. They deny intentionally misleading investigators. "This is a situation where the coverup is worse than the crime," the Brennan Center's Goitein said. "If he had only been negligent, no charges would have been brought." The conspiracy element makes the obstruction charges far more serious, and all prosecutors must prove is that Trump worked with another person to try to hinder the investigation, regardless of whether they succeeded. Cato's Neily said that based on his reading of the indictment, prosecutors likely have many witnesses who have given them similar accounts of Trump's efforts. Also Read | Who is Jack Smith, the special counsel who indicted Trump? Trump has claimed he declassified the documents before taking them. That assertion is undercut by a taped conversation cited in the indictment, which said Trump showed a secret document to several people and said that he could have declassified it as president but did not. But the classification issue will likely end up being irrelevant. Prosecutors charged Trump under the Espionage Act, a World War One-era law that predates classification and criminalizes only the unauthorized retention of national defense information. National defense information does not need to be classified to be covered by that law, national security law experts said. The information need only be useful to the nations adversaries and be closely held by the government. Lets say all of the documents were declassified. The Espionage Act does not care, said Georgetown University law professor Todd Huntley. Could Trump pardon himself? However, Trump does have some potentially successful strategies. His lawyers could challenge witness accounts, blame others or argue he was following the advice of his attorneys and did not intend to break the law. If it goes to trial, a Florida jury would hear the case since that is where the special counsel sought the indictment. In the conservative-leaning state, Trump would need only one juror to oppose his conviction for there to be a mistrial. His defense team could also file motions that would delay a trial until after the November 2024 election. Legal experts disagree over whether Trump could pardon himself if he wins. Formally launching the Bharatiya Janata Partys campaign for Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Saturday launched a benefits scheme for women, Laadli Behna Yojana, under which married women will be provided 1000 per month. Chauhan, who is facing mounting anti-incumbency after being at the helm for four consecutive terms, is banking on the scheme under which even separated, divorced and widowed women will be given the monthly sum. Over 1.2 crore women were given the sum in its first installment, government officials said. And 5 lakh more women are due to get it by the weekend. MP government officials said that the scheme is an extension of the Laadli Laxmi Scheme that Chauhan had launched in 2006 during his first government under which unmarried girls were given Rs 1000 per month. His government has a key focus on women, they said. As part of this, stamp duty for women home owners drew 1% leading to a 45% jump in registrations. Apart from that, the state has 30% reservation for women in police and 50% reservation in education. Due to these steps, the state now has women leaders in over 56% posts for sarpanches. Historically women have been discriminated against. My only objective is to undo that, Chauhan told DH. However, the Congress is also promising a sum of 1500 per month to women. Party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be holding a rally on Sunday at Jabalpur. In an anticipatory response, Chauhan told the women at the gathering of the launch at Jabalpur, which was carried out with much fanfare and glitz, that this is just a beginning. We have just started now, but we will increase this sum by 250 every time till we reach 3000, Chauhan told the gathering. He also reminded them that when the Congress was voted to power, then chief minister Kamal Nath stopped the scheme. Im promising this to all the women in a family, if there are three bahus, then you are getting 36,000 per year in one family alone, not to mention the 1000 in pension that the mother in law will get, Chauhan said. Women are an important electorate in the state, and they account for 48% of the states 5.39 crore voters. Despite the Congresss push, the BJP seems unaffected. The partys deputy in-charge Pankaja Munde said that within the BJP, women centric schemes took off from Madhya Pradesh which were later replicated by other states ruled by the party. The Congress is free to carry out its campaign; but by November, our government would have actually given the women the sum that we have promised, Munde said. Amid talks of a possible rift in the ruling alliance between the BJP and the JJP in Haryana, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar asserted on Saturday that the alliance was reached for public welfare, and it will continue in the future as well. "No change has been made," he categorically told the media here, setting aside rumours of fissures between his party and alliance partner Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) led by Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala. Also Read: Haryana Chief Minister gives Rs 181 crore to farmers for crop damage "We are having cordial relations. We are meeting, both officially and personally. We (BJP) didn't get the adequate numbers to form the government (in 2019). Keeping in mind the aspirations of the people, we entered into an alliance with the JJP to form a stable government in Haryana," Khattar said. Without mincing words, he added, "The alliance is very much intact and will continue too." Amid preparations by the BJP and the JJP to woo the electorate ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls separately, five Independent legislators met BJP in-charge for the state, Biplab Kumar Deb, in the national capital. Deb, the former Chief Minister of Tripura, tweeted photos of MLAs Dharam Pal Gonder, Rakesh Daultabad, Randhir Singh and Somveer Sangwan, who expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, after the meeting on Thursday. On Friday, Sirsa MLA Gopal Kanda of Haryana Lokhit Party also met Deb in Delhi. After the meeting, Kanda expressed faith in Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's leadership. The meetings assumed significance given that the BJP was non-committal in continuing its alliance with the JJP. On Deb's meeting with the five legislators, Khattar said, "The party organisation works at its own level and the government works on its own. We are running the government and there is no such issue." "The in-charges of the organisation work to foresee the challenges facing the party, not the government (functioning). They have to make preparations keeping in mind the future elections. Maybe they have some plans or strategies, at least I can't comment on them," Khattar said. On Friday, Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala had said that the JJP-BJP alliance was forged under the leadership of Amit Shah to run a stable government in Haryana, adding that there was no compulsion in forging an alliance. The Lok Sabha elections are due in May next year, while the term of the present Vidhan Sabha ends in October 2024. Countering the charge that his party was now adopting the "soft Hindutva" approach, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday that his party had been "very soft" and needed to take the hard stance. He made the remark while addressing a two-day training camp for party workers. "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has coined a word. They (BJP) are saying that it seems we too are going on the path of soft Hindutva. There is no need to panic. We have been very soft and the need now is to become hard," Yadav told his party workers. Also Read: Samajwadi Party announces support to AAP over Central ordinance His remark assumes significance as it came a day after SP general secretary Ramgopal Yadav termed the training camp a crucial step for "destroying the demons", adding "the BJP is no less than a demon". About 5,000 party workers attended the camp in Naimisharanya in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh which was addressed by senior leaders. The SP president hit out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his claim that "only four out of 100 are unemployed" in the state. "He says whatever his officers tell him," Yadav said, criticising Adityanath. He also targeted the chief minister over police encounters, saying these were "fake". On the issue of caste census, Yadav said that if the government wants it can completes such an exercise within a few months using technology. "Whenever we get a chance to form government, we will get the caste census done. Social justice will be achieved only when the caste census is done," he said. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Samajwadi Party has been holding training camps for its workers on booth management and other important aspects of electioneering. The first training camp was held in Lakhimpur Kheri on June 5, followed by the one in Sitapur. The two districts are known for their Hindu religious sites -- Devkali and Naimisharanya Dham. The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Saturday is said to have busted an ISIS module and arrested four persons including a woman from Porbandar who were allegedly planning to leave India through the coastal route. ATS said that the four persons had planned to go to Afghanistan via Iran to join Islamic State affiliate Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), where the terrorist outfit is reported to be resurging. "They were to then partake in attacks on behalf of the ISKP in its terror campaign in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and attain Martyrdom whereupon their prerecorded statements, images, videos and documents would be used by the handler and ISKP to declare their successful attainment of martyrdom," the ATS said in a statement. Those arrested have been identified as Ubed Nasir Mir, Hanan Hayat Shaul, Mohammed Hazim Shah, all residents of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and Sumaira Banu Malek, a resident of Surat. ATS said that all accused are in their mid 20s. ATS said that they were radicalized by their handler identified as Abu Hamza to join ISKP. Also Read | Gujarat ATS arrests four Bangladeshi nationals for running Al-Qaeda module Based on information, when ATS raided the house of Sumaira in Surat, they recovered a copy of Voice of Khorasan magazine among other literature from her possession. She told the cops that she was in touch with the handler and was closely associated with another Kashmiri resident Zubair Munshi, who is a wanted accused in this case. Deputy Inspector General of Police, ATS, Deepan Bhadran told DH that the accused have been booked under section 38 and 39 of Unlawful Activities (prevention) act which deal with joining and supporting a banned organisation, among other charges. ATS said that from the possession of the three Kashmiri youths, the police seized several documents, mobile phones, tablets and sharp weapons like knives. In a statement, the ATS said that from cloud storage accounts of the suspects, their photographs and videos were found. The ATS is said to have recovered video footage showing four Kashmiri youths giving Bay'ah (oath of allegiance) to Amirul Momineen (Commander of the Faithful), audio clips of Bay'ah audio clips and files mentioning their plans to migrate to Khorasan. Their questioning revealed that they were instructed by their handler, Abu Hamza, to reach Porbandar from where they were to take up jobs in fishing boats as labourers. Their plan, according to ATS, was to use one the fishing boats or dhow to reach "pre-determined GPS coordinates which had been given to them. "They had planned to forge papers in Iran like passports and reach Khorasan. They were then to participate in its terrorist activities on behalf of the ISKP in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and achieve martyrdom, after which their pre-recorded statements, photographs, videos and documents were to be used by Handler and the ISKP to publicize their martyrdom," the ATS said in a statement. A Derry man who was found wandering in the middle of an Inishowen road was found to be in possession of cocaine. Daniel Mullan, 50, of 103 Elaghmore Park admitted possession of the drug at Tievebane, Burnfoot on March 18 last. Buncrana District Court heard that gardai observed Mullan in an intoxicated state, in the middle of the road in Burnfoot at night while wearing dark clothing. Sgt Sean McDaid said Mullan was brought to Buncrana garda station for his own safety. While there, he was found to be in possession of 280 of cocaine. Solicitor Frank Dorrian said Mullan, who is single, in full-time employment and has no previous convictions, disputed the amount of cocaine he had in his possession, saying it was worth 100. Mr Dorrian said cocaine did not play a large role in his clients life. Judge Eiteain Cunningham said she was noting the disparity in the value of the drug between the State and Mullan. She applied the Probation of Offenders Act and ordered Mullan to pay 200 to St Vincent de Paul in Buncrana. The case was struck out after the donation was paid. A man was attacked and robbed after coming to the aid of a man pretending to have been injured in a road collision. The assault and theft happened in the Summerhill Road area of Dunmurry in greater Belfast at around 4.40pm on Friday. The victim had driven onto Summerhill Road from Creighton Road and saw a man lying in the middle of the road beside an electric scooter. He believed the man had been injured and pulled over to check he was okay. Police said as the victim approached the man on the ground, he heard a noise at his car and turned around to see a second man sitting in the drivers seat before getting out and running off. He attempted to return to his vehicle but the man who had been lying on the ground got up, grabbed him by the neck and pulled him back. Police said he was then attacked by the suspect with a Stanley knife-type object. The victim suffered superficial cuts to his stomach, right arm and right leg. Police said both suspects involved were around 18 years old, approximately 5ft 10ins in height and of medium build. They ran off toward Twinbrook. Police said a large sum of money and a mobile phone were stolen from the victims car. A PSNI spokesperson described the incident as callous and disturbing. The victim went to the aid of someone he thought had been injured and was attacked for his efforts, said the spokesperson. This was a terrifying experience and our investigation is underway and we are appealing to anyone who was in the Summerhill Road area around 4.40pm or who noticed anything suspicious to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1587 09/06/23. Tesco Ireland says it is proudly "marking the millionth", as it announces that the Stronger Starts programme has provided one million free, healthy and nutritious meals to primary school children and families at risk of food insecurity, since the programme began in late 2021. Five DEIS schools in Louth - Presentation Primary School, Redeemer Boys National School, Scoil Naisiunta Eoin Baiste, St. Brigids & St. Patricks National School and St. Joseph's National School - are currently benefiting from the programme, receiving packs containing fresh apples, onions, potatoes, and carrots every week. Stronger Starts is an innovative community support programme from Tesco that helps to build thriving communities nationwide by providing children in 117 DEIS schools across Ireland with these nutritious food packs. Stronger Starts began as a pilot programme in partnership with The Good Grub Initiative in November 2021, providing 1,000 food parcels per week to children across 40 DEIS schools. The number of weekly packs has since tripled to 3,000 across 117 DEIS schools, with Tesco setting the ambitious goal of delivering one million meals by May 2023. The programme is supported by long-standing local suppliers Country Crest, Keelings and Dole, and complements existing government programmes that also provide food supports to schoolchildren and their families nationwide. Speaking about the initiative, Rosemary Garth, Tesco Ireland Communications Director, said: We are honoured to have delivered one million meals to children and families in need across Ireland, with the help of our fantastic suppliers, partners and colleagues. "Were grateful to be marking the millionth today after accelerating our ambition last year and increasing the number of families receiving a fresh food pack. Children need to be fed to enable concentration at school, and from speaking to school principals and home school liaison officers, we know the difference Stronger Starts is making in support of that, and for childrens health, more broadly. "With Stronger Starts, our aim is to help make a positive change within our communities, and were looking forward to continuing to do that long past this fantastic one million mark. Tesco has been appointed one of Irelands Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) champions for 2023-2024 by Minister Eamon Ryan. As a grocery retailer, Tesco Ireland says it is particularly committed to "SDG2 Tackling Hunger", aiming to drive awareness through its Stronger Starts programme. The programme also sits alongside Tescos other community supports, including the Tesco Community Fund, its long-term charity partnership with Childrens Health Foundation and work with FoodCloud and Olio to redistribute surplus food to those in need - all of which are helping to build thriving communities across Ireland. For more information on Tesco Irelands commitment to communities nationwide, visit TescoIreland.ie. Click the 'Next >' arrow above or 'Next Story' below to go through the gallery Network Ireland Louth announced the winners of Businesswoman of the Year Awards, on Friday 26th May, at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held in the Monasterboice Inn. Awards were presented in a variety of branch and national categories with the winners of the national categories going forward to the Network Ireland National Awards, in Kildare, in September. The winners of the branch category awards were: Chloe Litchfield of Revitalise Your Home (One to Watch) and Pauline Clarke of KooKee (Business Sector Champion). The winners of the national category awards were: Elena Calvia of Lingotot Drogheda and East Meath (Emerging Business Woman); Andrea McQuillan of Coppertops Digital Marketing (Solo Business Woman) and Carmel McCarthy of EMS & Associates (Networker of the Year). Winners were presented with a framed tile created by local ceramicist, Sarah McKenna. Network Ireland Louth says it looks forward to supporting its Network Ireland national category winners when they go forward to represent the branch at the Network Ireland National Conference and Awards in Kildare, in September. The judging panel for the awards consisted of Audrey Doherty of AIB bank, Bronagh Conlon of Listoke Distillery and Sarah Mallon of Local Enterprise Office Louth with Sarah being represented by Grainne McKeown at the awards presentation. The consensus amongst the judges was that it was extremely difficult to pick the winners because of the high standard of applicants. Karen Devine, of Whitelight Consulting, was MC for the night and Network Ireland Louth said she did a superb job in keeping the flow of the evening going. Niamh Pentony, President, Network Ireland Louth, spoke of the importance of the role of the network in supporting women in business be they starting out or established. She thanked everyone involved in making the night a huge success and, in particular, acknowledged the hard work done by Awards Coordinator, Estelle Cotter of Green Opal Media, who is also Vice President of Network Louth. Amy OSullivan, Network Ireland Vice President Designate, said the awards are a very important acknowledgement of the work and achievements of all entrants. She also felt that all members should celebrate their successes and the advances they are making in their businesses and industries. The keynote speakers for the night were Sinead Crowther and Denise Lauaki of Soothing Solutions. They told their story of starting their business, despite many personal challenges that both of them encountered during their lives. It is a story of resilience that led them to create Tonstix an award-winning natural product, sold through pharmacies. It is a Child Friendly Honey Jelly Pop for toddlers to tweens that comforts through seasonal ailments. Their story touched everyone and a standing ovation, came from the crowd present. Network Ireland Louths chosen charity for the event was SOSAD. Carol Murphy, General Manager of SOSAD spoke on behalf of the charity and outlined the services that they provide and her appreciation of Network Ireland Louth having them as the chosen charity. Network Louth is a branch of Network Ireland, a Nationwide organisation supporting the professional, and personal, development of women. It provides support, learning and networking opportunities for women in business and enterprise, throughout Ireland, through the branch network. SOSAD (Save Our Sons & Daughters), has a new campaign running over the month of June, Breaking the Silence over a Cuppa, that is aimed at encouraging people to chat about mental health over a cuppa. The organisation is encouraging the public, be it at home or in the work place, to get comfortable and break down the stigma around talking about mental health. Individuals, community groups and organisations can register to host a tea / coffee break and receive a SOSAD pack. Since 2007, SOSAD has worked to raise awareness and help prevent suicide in Ireland. It has worked tirelessly in communities to help those in need feel supported and know they are not alone on their journey. SOSAD offers support and services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety, or if someone simply needs to talk. SOSAD says if you want to talk, we are here to listen. You can message us, call us, or call into our office. We have six offices based in Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Laois from which we provide our services. In the 2022 SOSAD provided 17,837 one on one counselling sessions which is up markedly from the 2021 figure of 15,965. It is important to note that this number reflects one-to-one counselling only and does not include phone support, the Messaging Service, or any group work. Carol Murphy, SOSAD General Manager, said that: Mental health is a pressing issue in Ireland, with high rates of suicide and mental illness affecting many individuals and communities. We need to break the stigma around our mental health. The Irish are great for solving their problems over a cuppa and a chat so please support us in this very simple but effective campaign. Find out more about SOASAD and its services at https://sosadireland.ie/. As part of a plan to tackle the rising cost of living and make learning more accessible for all, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) says it is offering a suite of courses that are specifically focused on helping the local community "learn more to earn more". These part-time programmes are heavily subsidised and offer up to 1500 off the fees of in-demand courses in areas such as Data Analytics, Management Fundamentals, Applied Electrical Engineering, Programming, Supply Chain Management and more. These programmes are being offered through a mix of flexible learning experiences from 100% on campus, blended and 100% online classes. Anton Barrett, Head of Lifelong Learning at DkIT said, With public interest in lifelong learning growing annually in Ireland DkIT is pleased to make access to some of our higher education programmes more affordable. "We undertake this to support learners on their path through part-time higher education courses, improve their skills and secure better career prospects whilst supporting enterprises upskill their employees and help them adapt to the myriad of competitive forces they face. Find out more here about the courses on offer. This year marks 60 years since JFK arrived in Cork in June 1963, as part of a four-day trip to Ireland. Approximately 100,000 people flocked to see the US president during the historic trip which took place just five months before his assassination in Dallas. His popularity in America in the summer of 1963, just two and a half years into his presidency, seemed to make him a certainty for re-election. When he took his Irish trip, his approval rating was at an incredible 82%. Crowds cheering the US President John F Kennedy on Patrick St. While Cork was not originally part of the presidents itinerary, his address in the Rebel County turned out to be iconic. Having arrived in Dublin and visited Wexford to explore more of his Irish ancestry with relatives, he boarded a helicopter to Collins Barracks on that Friday morning. He travelled without his sisters Eunice and Jean who had accompanied him all through the previous day. American President John F. Kennedy at Cork City Hall with Lord Mayor Sean Casey during his visit to the city. JFK was made a Freeman of Cork at City Hall, having travelled through the city accompanied by bursts of band music and continuous cheering and applause. He was taken by a motorcade down Summerhill, along MacCurtain St, over Patricks Bridge, along Patricks St, Grand Parade and the South Mall and over Brian Boru Bridge to the City Hall where he was to be conferred with the Freedom of the City by then Lord Mayor, Sean Casey. JFK described it as an honour to receive the Freedom of the City. His speech was broadcast over loudspeakers to the crowds outside. In that speech, he talked about the Irish connections of many of his entourage and praised the contribution of Ireland to the United States. American President John F. Kennedy at Cork City Hall with Lord Mayor Sean Casey during his visit to the city. Speaking about Irelands long history of emigration, he said that most countries send out oil, iron, steel or gold, some others crops, but Ireland has only one export and that is people. Earlier this month, to mark 60 years since the presidents visit, a Homecoming: JFK in Ireland exhibition was launched in Dublin. The exhibition delves into the cultural and political significance of Kennedys four-day trip in 1963, utilising original documents, photography, and oral history interviews to convey what the visit meant to Irish politicians. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, in collaboration with the John F Kennedy (JFK) Presidential Library and Museum, will run the exhibition until September this year. Tommy Tiernan refuses to he cancelled. He still manages to sell out every gig he does and Live at the Marquee is no different. No subject is off limits with the 53-year-old Navan comic. Its little wonder phones were electronically locked for the duration of the gig. Upon entering the venue, patrons are asked to put their phones on silent in pouches locked with magnetic fasteners. It seems a bit excessive dare I say paternalistic but then again, thats Tommy all over. We play by his rules as he takes us on an unpredictably un-woke romp through topics the politically correct brigade would balk at. As far as Irish comics go, he is arguably the most successful with longevity that seems to progress infinitely. Thats not to say he shies away from controversy. Rather, he runs towards the taboos and masterfully juxtaposes the light and the dark, pulling you deeper and deeper into his web. Is it uncomfortable there? Yes. Is it offensive? Absolutely. But is it funny? Undoubtedly. At least the Cork audience seems to think so. Thats not to say some jokes ought not to come with a trigger warning. In a world that seems to cancel celebrities at the drop of a hat for expressing controversial statements, is there still an appetite for this irreverent brand of tomfoolery? It would certainly appear so from the laughter coming from the Cork crowd. He tells us of his time in Maynooth training for the priesthood but his ultimate rejection because he was too sexy for the Bishop. A couple of zany interludes are interspersed throughout a shouty version of The Waterboys The Whole of The Moon and the bent-over walk of the local busybody approaching him on the street to tell him I have no time for you. Tommy Tiernan may not allow phones at his gig but he is certainly not afraid of offending. Whether he is profane and offensive is not in question. As he says himself, he has a holy mind and a dirty mouth. His humour is not for everyone. But the Cork audience wedged together on the woefully uncomfortable plastic chairs at the Marquee seem to be having a blast, albeit if their (read: my) middle-aged backs are killing them. They laughed and laughed at subjects that are by no means funny. And none of it was caught on camera. Touche. AN East Cork garda was put out of work for four months with a hand injury when a man kicked open the heavy door of a patrol van against the officer during his arrest. That was the scenario described by Detective Sergeant Ger OShaughnessy at the sentencing hearing for Sean Lee, aged 33, of Ballyvodock, Midleton, Co Cork. The accused was arrested on the night of September 21, 2021, and he reacted by kicking out. He pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of assaulting a police officer in the course of his duty. Judge Colin Daly said in light of significant efforts made by the accused to turn his life around, and other factors, he would impose a sentence of two years, suspended on condition that he commits no further offences in the next two years. Det Sgt OShaughnessy said the accused had numerous previous convictions for crimes including robbery, burglary, drug-dealing, obstruction of a police officer, and public order offences. However, the detective said the accused had not come to the adverse attention of gardai since this latest offence. Det Sgt OShaughnessy agreed with the submission by defence barrister Paula McCarthy that: You have seen him at his worst but he is at his best now. Ms McCarthy said Lee was clear of drugs, working full time, and that his partner, with whom he recently had a child, has been a favourable influence on his life. When he was put in the Garda van it was not his intention to injure anyone this was a reckless kick out by Mr Lee, she said. Nevertheless, it was a serious matter and he asks me to apologise on his behalf for his behaviour. He is extremely remorseful for his actions and he has brought 2,000 to court for Garda Glynn. A Cork TD accused by Tanaiste Micheal Martin of being a Jekyll and Hyde character has described as productive a meeting they had on Thursday. Cork East TD James OConnor had sought a meeting with Mr Martin following heated exchanges between the two men at last weeks Fianna Fail parliamentary party meeting. Mr OConnor earlier this week confirmed to The Echo the reports that, following criticisms by Mr OConnor that Mr Martin had failed to follow through on promises made to him during a visit to Youghal earlier this year, the Tanaiste had likened him to a Jekyll and Hyde whose mood changes from day to day. The two men had a meeting in Government Buildings on Thursday evening and Mr OConnor, the Dails youngest TD, said it ran for an hour and a half. We had a very constructive discussion during that time. I outlined to him the projects that were causing my frustration and Im happy to say that the air has been cleared, Mr OConnor said. Ive left the Tanaiste in absolutely no doubt that I am in the Dail to work on delivering projects, and he has given me very strong commitments that he will go and work on the items that came from our meeting in Youghal that day, and see what is feasible to be advanced as quickly as can be done. Mr OConnor said Mr Martin had recognised Youghals enormous contribution as a host town for Ukrainian refugees and that the supports needed in the town, specifically for schools, are more acute than in some other places. Im very confident that we will have further progress in the coming weeks, particularly on education and the appointment of a design consultant for the planned bypass for Castlemartyr and Killeagh, said Mr OConnor. I am hopeful that in the budget we will see further supports rolled out, similar to Deis, and provisions will also potentially increase for home-schooling supports, and we spoke about what could be further done to advance the family resource centre in Youghal that was very promising, he said. What is also being looked at is the roll-out of further school meals, and I would like to see that being done at post-primary level. He said he was quite hopeful from his discussion with the Tanaiste that the appointment of a design consultant for the Castlemartyr and Killeagh bypass would come quite soon. Mr OConnor said his row with Mr Martin had not been a nice experience, but he was happy to say it was behind them and their meeting had been very cordial and constructive. I am grateful that we had this meeting, and grateful that there will be positive outcomes from it, he said. Asked if the Tanaiste had apologised for the Jekyll and Hyde comment, Mr OConnor said both men had agreed to let it be. Both of us made a very conciliatory move to close it down, and we shook hands, and I think now there is a full understanding of where I am coming from, which was more than what you could have asked for in a lot of ways, he said. I think coming out of the meeting the needs of Youghal were very much recognised in a way that would give me a lot of hope in the next few weeks. Close to a thousand people, including political parties, trade unions, charities, activists and members of the public, marched the streets of Cork city centre on Saturday afternoon in a bid to Raise the Roof about housing for all. Chants such as Taoiseach in your ivory tower, this is called people power and When renters rights are under attack, stand up, fight back echoed in the city as people marched from Connolly Hall on Lapps Quay down Parnell Place, Merchants Quay, and Patrick Street, before finishing at Grand Parade. Those in attendance included the High Hopes Choir, Cork Penny Dinners, LINC, Sinn Fein, Labour, the Social Democrats, The Workers Party, Socialist Party, SIPTU, the INMO, Forsa, and Connect Trade Union, among others. Speaking to The Echo following the march, Sinn Fein councillor Mick Nugent said: What people are saying is that we need a change. We need a change in the provision of housing. I think people feel the governments policies arent working and we need more housing. We need more social housing, we need more affordable housing, we need more housing for all. Its affecting everybody. Lifting the eviction ban has left hundreds more in the months ahead who will have nowhere to go and thats putting massive pressure on the system. I think we need a radical change and thats what the message is here today. Described as the Mother Teresa of Cork, Caitriona Twomey of Cork Penny Dinners addressed the crowd on Grand Parade following the march. We see people one day and two or three days later we learn theyve died on our streets. Theyve died in the loneliest of circumstances. Their families will forever more be destroyed because of the pain that rips right through them. Can you imagine the loneliness of whats happening on our streets? And thats the reality of it. We had three just last week and two the week before. Thats five. Theyre all ages but the majority of those who actually died on our street are quite young which is a big shame on our government that our young people have no other choice but to live on the street, to stay on the street, to fall victim to the street. They have no future and everything for them is disrupted. They face health challenges, they face education challenges, they face an awful lot of hardship in their lives, and it gets worse and worse. She said it is also so difficult to see three or four generations forced to live together under one roof in 2023. A grandmother is taken in, her son who has to take in his son and his sons partner and children. So, we now have four generations living in one house. Were going back to a time that we were supposed to have gotten out of and everything seems to be going backwards, it seems to be getting harder. Cork City, Cork, Ireland. 19th May, 2023. The promotional banner on the frontof Connolly Hall, Cork highlighting the 'Raise the Roof' event on June 10th which focuses on the current housing crisis. - Picture; David Creedon We have people that have jobs, some of them have two jobs, and they cant afford to pay their rents, their mortgages. We have young people who know they will never get a chance to buy a house because its priced out of their range completely. We need our young people to be looked after, we need our elderly people to look after, in fact, they [the government] need to look after everybody so instead of being happy about what they're doing and what theyre bringing to us, they should hang their heads in shame, she said. Socialist Party TD Mick Barry said: "Nearly a thousand people marched through the streets of Cork today with a message to Micheal Martin, Michael McGrath and Simon Coveney - "we're not happy with your housing policies". "Growing numbers want housing for people not profit and politicians who don't listen will be very much on the back foot at the next General Election." A 61-YEAR-OLD man confessed to having child pornography and using information technology in an attempt to communicate with a young girl for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Mehmet Umit Pala, of Maiville Terrace, Evergreen Road, Turners Cross, Cork, was charged by Detective Garda Craig Peterson and arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court this week. The first charge states that he did knowingly have in his possession child pornography, namely one image file found stored on a Samsung Galaxy J3 mobile device on October 17, 2020. He pleaded guilty to that. He then pleaded guilty to the third count on the three-count indictment, which refers to April 28 and May 2, 2020, at a place unknown, where Mehmet Umit Pala did attempt by means of information and communication technology to sexually exploit a child. Defence senior counsel, Jane Hyland, applied for free legal aid to be extended for the provision of a psychological report on Mehmet Umit Pala to show that he does not represent a risk to children. Judge Helen Boyle granted that application and adjourned sentencing until November 3. Emmet Boyle, prosecution barrister, said that the plea of guilty to two of the three counts on the indictment was acceptable to the State on the basis that evidence at the sentencing hearing would be given on a full facts basis. In effect, this means that all of the evidence gathered to ground the prosecution case in respect of the three original charges can be given when he is sentenced on the two counts to which he pleaded guilty. Count 2, in respect of which the defendant did not enter a guilty plea, related to dates between April 28 and May 2, 2020, at a place unknown, and alleged that he did knowingly attempt to produce child pornography via conversations on Snapchat with a female name, appearing on the charge sheet in quotation marks, or to facilitate activity set out in the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, for the purpose of distribution, publication, export-ation, sale or show. Bail conditions require the accused to have no contact, direct or indirect, with the victim and any other witnesses, to sign twice a week at Anglesea Street Garda Station, reside at the Turners Cross address, and notify gardai of any change in address, be contactable by mobile phone, and notify gardai of any change in phone number within 24 hours, and to surrender all travel documents and give an undertaking not to apply for replacements. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. The Weisweiler coal-fired power plant in Weisweiler, Germany on Oct. 30, 2017. The plant is one of the highest emitters of pollutants and greenhouse gases in Europe. Bernd Lauter / Getty Images A new study by 50 leading scientists conducted to supplement the information gap between Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports said global greenhouse gas emissions have soared to a record high and are threatening to push our planet into unprecedented global heating. Earths carbon budget the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted to have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is quickly running out, the study warned. Evidence-based decision-making needs to be informed by up-to-date and timely information on key indicators of the state of the climate system and of the human influence on the global climate system. However, successive IPCC reports are published at intervals of 510 years, creating potential for an information gap between report cycles, the authors of the study wrote. According to the researchers, since the last major climate system assessment published two years ago, human-caused global warming has kept increasing at an unprecedented rate, a press release from the University of Leeds said. The study, Indicators of Global Climate Change 2022: annual update of large-scale indicators of the state of the climate system and human influence, was published in the journal Earth System Science Data. The researchers found that human activity caused the equivalent of an average of 54 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere each year from 2012 to 2021. This is the critical decade for climate change. Decisions made now will have an impact on how much temperatures will rise and the degree and severity of impacts we will see as a result, said professor Piers Forster, lead author of the paper and director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures at the University of Leeds, in the press release. The timely wake-up call, as one of the researchers called the study, comes as preparations are being made for the COP28 climate conference in December. This robust update shows intensifying heating of our climate driven by human activities. It is a timely wake up call for the 2023 global stocktake of the Paris Agreement the pace and scale of climate action is not sufficient to limit the escalation of climate-related risks, said Dr. Valerie Masson-Delmotte, a researcher from the Universite Paris Saclay who co-chaired Working Group 1 of the IPCCs Sixth Assessment report and was involved in the climate indicators project, in the press release. Because the global climate system is changing so quickly, the scientists say climate negotiators, policymakers and civil society groups must have access to the latest scientific evidence to inform their decision making. In a university-led initiative, an open data and science platform the Indicators of Global Climate Change has been developed by the researchers. The platforms website will provide yearly updates on key climate indicators. Long-term warming rates are currently at a long-term high, caused by highest-ever levels of greenhouse gas emissions. But there is evidence that the rate of increase in greenhouse gas emissions has slowed, Forster said in the press release. We need to be nimble footed in the face of climate change. We need to change policy and approaches in the light of the latest evidence about the state of the climate system. Time is no longer on our side. Access to up-to-date information is vitally important. The researchers shared how key climate indicators have changed since the 2021 publication of the IPCCs Sixth Assessment Working Group 1 report, which contained the essential data for the IPCC Sixth Synthesis Report. The average 1.14 degrees Celsius increase from 2013 to 2022 was up from the average of 1.07 degrees Celsius from 2010 to 2019, and human-induced warming has reached a rate of increase of more than 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade, the scientists said. An annual update of key indicators of global change is critical in helping the international community and countries to keep the urgency of addressing the climate crisis at the top of the agenda and for evidence-based decision-making, said profesor Maisa Rojas Corradi, who is a Minister of the Environment in Chile, an IPCC author and a scientist involved in the study, in the press release. In the case of Chile, we have a climate change law that aims at aligning government-wide policies with climate action. A key finding of the study was that the carbon budget has been dwindling at an increased rate. In 2020, the remaining carbon budget was calculated by the IPCC to be around 500 gigatonnes, but by 2023, it was about half that amount. Even though we are not yet at 1.5C warming, the carbon budget will likely be exhausted in only a few years as we have a triple whammy of heating from very high CO2 emissions, heating from increases in other GHG emissions and heating from reductions in pollution, Forster said in the press release. Each incremental increase in global warming causes climate extremes, like droughts, heat waves and heavy rainfall, to increase in intensity and frequency. If we dont want to see the 1.5C goal disappearing in our rearview mirror, the world must work much harder and urgently at bringing emissions down, Forster said. Commentary: Understanding critical importance of national unification: China's rooted tradition of unity Xinhua) 10:47, June 10, 2023 BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- China's deep-rooted tradition of unity, a fundamental aspect of its millennia-old civilization, has determined the critical importance of national unification to the Chinese people. Spanning over 5,000 years, the history of China is one of various ethnic groups coming together to form the diverse and unified Chinese nation, as well as a tale of a shared effort to establish, advance and solidify a great homeland. At a recent meeting, President Xi Jinping said Chinese civilization is characterized by strong unity, which has facilitated the cultural integration of diverse ethnic groups and bolstered their resilience in the face of adversity. The feature "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 wellbeing of all Chinese people depends," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Xi's discourse has elevated the safeguarding of national unification to the height of a unique feature of Chinese civilization. The tradition of upholding unity in Chinese civilization is deeply ingrained in its unique cultural identity and common beliefs. Over the five millennia of Chinese history, the nation has integrated various ethnic cultures, forming a unified cultural space through exchanges and integration. The cultural identity of Chinese civilization serves as a shared spiritual home that provides a strong foundation for the integration of diverse ethnic groups. As Xi has highlighted, the attribute of strong unity of Chinese civilization is "why different ethnic cultures of the Chinese nation are integrated and can rally close together even when faced with major setbacks." China has faced numerous significant setbacks throughout its history, yet the strong sense of cultural identity and patriotic spirit of its diverse population has enabled the status of the Chinese nation as a unified entity to remain unchanged while preserving its shared spiritual home. Additionally, a common belief in the importance of preserving China's unity has played a vital role. This belief holds that the homeland cannot be divided, the country cannot be destabilized, the ethnic groups cannot be separated, and the civilization cannot be disrupted. Despite turmoil, political separatism, and warfare at various points in the course of Chinese history, a unified and stable country has always been the mainstream of Chinese history. The motherland is a treasure left by the ancestors and a home created jointly by various ethnic groups in China. Any attempt to divide the homeland or split the territory opposes the trend and must be curbed. As history has shown, various ethnic groups gradually formed a shared community through exchange, communication and integration. The community's shared future relies on a unified China, and the destiny of all ethnic groups is intrinsically tied to a unified multi-ethnic country. In the new era, China has fulfilled its promise to leave no ethnic minority group behind in its quest for a moderately prosperous society in all respects. By the end of 2020, China had lifted all of its nearly 100 million impoverished rural residents out of poverty, including 31.21 million from ethnic minority regions. This milestone underscores China's unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity. A robust and unified nation can best safeguard the interests of China's diverse ethnic groups and cater to their needs in terms of material and cultural development. The pursuit of unity and unification is an intrinsic drive that is inherent to the Chinese nation. National unification is at the heart of China's core interests, which is fundamentally determined by the feature of strong unity of Chinese civilization. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) The union governments decision to issue an ordinance in May 2023 to give the lieutenant governor of Delhi the power to control the services personnel in the national capital has triggered a major political controversy. The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance , 2023 nullified the Supreme Court judgment that granted the Delhi government full control over the service conditions, transfers, and postings of bureaucrats working under it. The ordinance has resulted in the formation of the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA). The chief minister of Delhi shall be the head of the committee overseeing decisions in the NCCSA. However, it will also include the chief secretary and principal home secretary of Delhi, with all differences of opinion to be referred to the lieutenant governor, whose decision shall be considered as final. Thus, the union governments ordinance has effectively reduced the administrative powers of the elected government in Delhi. The chief minister of Delhi has argued that the ordinance is undemocratic and is in direct violation of the Supreme Court decision, which had ruled in favour of the state government after a long legal battle of eight years. He has also challenged the timing of the ordinance, which came just a week after the apex courts verdict. He has accused the union government of trying to sabotage the functioning of a popular government elected by the people of Delhi. The Supreme Court had decided that the elected government of Delhi had the legitimate authority to supervise or control the services department, rather than the lieutenant governor. The Court in its decision had further reasoned that administrative services ought not to be separated from the legislative and executive domains of an elected government, because the civil servants, after all, implement the legislative and executive decisions of an elected government. Moreover, the Court also pointed out that the position of the lieutenant governor is bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers, and that giving a final say to the former in matters of administration would violate the principles of the Constitution. As Russias relations with Western countries have reached its nadir, the position of leading Asian nations on key issues has become decisive for Moscow. Their stance on global affairs acquired significance after President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation in Ukraine, and Western sanctions practically cut Russia off from Europe and the United States (US); this has led to a new emphasis on Russias turn to Asia and the necessity for Russia to recalibrate the Eastern vector of its foreign policy. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries appear to be as one of the best natural partners of Russia as they promote multilateralism and multipolarity that Russia favours. In this sense, there is an ostensible complementarity between Russias and Southeast Asias interests and possibilities. Arguably, a reinvigorated partnership with Vietnam would help Russia cement its image as a reliable partner and as an effective power balance in the region. Prior to the conflict in Ukraine, for Russia, the East was mostly a function of the interaction between Russia and the West (Narozhna 2021). The much-touted pivot to the East lacked a comprehensive vision in Russia for its relations with Asia in general, and Southeast Asia in particular. The armed conflict in Ukraine has certainly added a sense of urgency to Russias plans in Southeast Asia. This research analyses the key components of RussiaSoutheast Asia interactions along with their potential benefits and impeding factors. By the same token, this work focuses on the perspectives on mutual interactions between Russia and Vietnam as this could accurately depict the current state of affairs of Russias turn to Asia. The years-long protest against illegal migrants during 197985, which disrupted the everyday life in Assam, has a long history against the backdrop of migration. Assam witnessed waves of anti-immigrant political mobilisations in the earlier decades as well. But what was important about the protests during the 1980s was the scale and impact of the mobilisation, the legal context and the political environment of the 1970s. The most crucial aspect of this period was the emergence of the question of citizenship. The signing of the Assam Accord on 15 August 1985 officially ended the protests. Within months, the first amendment of the Citizenship Act, 1955 was introduced in pursuance of the accord, which marked the beginning of a new citizenship regime in Assam. The seed of the unfolding of this citizenship regime was in Assams repeated claims about illegal immigration from East Pakistan. Assam had been constantly bargaining with the union for special attention on this issue and urged for the protection of the states culture and economy. In 1971, at the advent of the creation of Bangladesh and with the fresh arrival of refugees, the issue attracted more popular attention. In the early days of 1979, Amalendu Guha (1979) noticed a problem of integration. Offering his conceptualisation of little nationalism, Guha placed Assams national question on the linguisticregional plane and tried to find a solution to its integration with mainstream Indian nationalism. Earlier, Guha maintained that the nationality question in Assam was essentially the ideology of the small and unconsolidated middle classes, which could successfully rally the peasants by floating its cause as the national cause (Guha 2006: 243). Nonetheless, Guha hoped for a united India organised on the basis of the recognition of Indian multi-nationality, federal principles of state reorganisation with single citizenship and protection of the democratic rights of all national minorities and their language, including the right of self-determination (Guha 1979: 458). Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. UPDATE: Monday, June 5 at 1:46 p.m. The Missing Endangered Person Advisory for 14-year-old Lyndsey Cote has expired Monday; however, she has not been found, according to the Montana Department of Justice. Anyone with information on Lyndsey's whereabouts is asked to call the Missoula Police Department at 406-552-6300. MISSOULA, Mont. - A Missing Endangered Person Advisory has been issued for a 14-year-old girl. Lyndsey Carlito Cote is described as being five feet, three inches tall, weighs 125 pounds and has red hair and hazel eyes. She may try to alter her appearance by dying her hair. Lyndsey was last seen on May 30th at 8:00 am on foot, at 740 Turner St. in Missoula wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans, according to the alert. Lindsey may be pregnant and there is concern for her safety due to suicidal remarks and alcohol and marijuana usage. If you have any information on Lyndsey Cote, you are asked to the contact Missoula Police Department at 406-552-6300 or call 9-1-1. Dairy farmers are being urged to look out for heat stress as temperatures across the UK are predicted to hit 30C over the weekend and into next week. Heat stress in cows is becoming a major concern for many dairy farmers as summers get hotter. A heatwave can drastically reduce milk yields and even put a farms sustainability at risk over a long period. Dr Tom Chamberlain, a leading expert on the impacts of heat stress, found that across the nine farms, heat stress led to an average loss of production ranging from 24,000 to 90,000 depending on herd size. Now new research from NFU Mutual has found that just over four in ten (41%) farmers say that heat stress is a priority risk, whilst 70% are yet to take further steps to reduce the risk. To tackle the problem, the rural insurer has launched a new type of insurance which pays out if increased hot weather causes heat stress. Known as parametric insurance, this index-driven cover offers farmers pre-determined pay outs based on a trigger event. If limits are exceeded, the policy pays out at the end of the summer risk period, with farmers being able to use payments towards the cost of losses in production and to improve farm infrastructure. The first dairy parametric cover trial will be run this summer with selected farmers in key dairy regions across the UK. Chris Walsh, farm specialist at the insurer, explained that the new insurance had been developed in response to farmers' concerns about the cost of heat-stress. He said: To help our dairy farmers cope with this growing problem, weve talked to agricultural experts, dairies, farmers, and insurers across the world to develop an innovative product which operates simply and effectively. Parametric insurance is already used to protect farmers incomes in some countries, but this is the first time it has been developed to support the UKs dairy sector like this. We believe this type of cover may become increasingly important to protect other agricultural and horticultural sectors as the effects of climate change intensify." What can I do to combat heat stress? Working with Dr Tom Chamberlain, NFU Mutual is also sharing the following dairy heat stress advice: Provide suitable access to water troughs and pipes are in good working order, have no leaks, and that the flow rate to the troughs is sufficient. Identify paddocks that have greater shade availability and utilising these on hot days. When buffer feeding adding suitable feed additives to ensure cattle are receiving peak nutrition to support rumen health function. Implement Siesta Management where appropriate this technique involves cows grazing directly after milking and then being housed at around 10am, with buffer feed available to them. Cows are then sent back out to graze after afternoon milking to graze until dusk. Install greater numbers of water troughs in key locations so that cows are never more than 100m away from a clean water source. Adjust milking times to coincide with the cooler periods of the day. Install shade and fans in holding yards and cow sheds. Review breeding plans to focus on genetic strains that have greater heat tolerance levels. Boris Johnson has quit as an MP after receiving the Partygate report. Boris Johnson has quit as an MP The former UK prime minister claims that he's been driven "out of parliament" after receiving the report into whether he lied to MPs over breaking COVID-19 rules amid lockdown. Johnson, 58, said in a statement that the privileges committee - which has been investigating his behaviour during lockdown - has made clear "that they are determined" to kick him out of parliament. He said: "I have written to my association in Uxbridge and South Ruislip to say that I am stepping down forthwith and triggering an immediate by-election. "I am very sorry to leave my wonderful constituency. It has been a huge honour to serve them, both as Mayor and MP." Johnson has been accused of misleading parliament by insisting that all COVID rules were followed at Downing Street during his infamous lockdown gatherings. The former prime minister - who left office in September - claims that the committee "have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons". He explained: "They know perfectly well that when I spoke in the Commons I was saying what I believed sincerely to be true and what I had been briefed to say, like any other minister." Johnson claims to be the victim of a "witch hunt". He said: "I am now being forced out of parliament by a tiny handful of people, with no evidence to back up their assertions, and without the approval even of Conservative party members let alone the wider electorate." Meanwhile, Johnson also used his statement to slam current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government. He said: "When I left office last year the government was only a handful of points behind in the polls. That gap has now massively widened. "Just a few years after winning the biggest majority in almost half a century, that majority is now clearly at risk. Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do." Mike Batayeh has died at the age of 52. Mike Batayeh has passed away at the age of 52 The actor - who was perhaps best known for playing laundromat manager Dennis Markowski in 'Breaking Bad' - has passed away after suffering a heart attack. The actor's sister told TMZ that he died at his home in Michigan on June 1. Alongside a throwback photo of the actor, his family said on Facebook: "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that my sisters and I announce the passing of our dear brother @Mike Batayeh on Thursday June 1 2023. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many. Funeral arrangements will be posted at a later date. #mikebatayeh #mikebatayehbreakingbad (sic)" Batayeh appeared in multiple episodes of 'Breaking Bad' in 2011 and 2012. His other TV credits included appearances in 'Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia', 'CSI: Miami', 'Everybody Loves Raymond' and 'The Bernie Mac Show'. Some of Batayeh's colleagues have already paid tribute to the late actor. Hollywood director Rola Nashef wrote on Facebook: "A devastating loss of a huge life - Mike Batayeh, you were everybody's friend. And I mean everybody. There isn't a person that I introduced you to or a waitress that took our order whom you didn't make laugh, think, inspire and root for." Elsewhere, Yorg Kerasiotis - who starred alongside Batayeh in the urban comedy 'Detroit Unleaded' - wrote: "You were the superstar we always admired and one of the funniest men I've ever known." Batayeh's family have already confirmed that any donations made in his honour will be used to support young people in south-west Detroit. Dulourin Markam, 35, got married to Nirmal way back, when she was 16. The new bride came to Chhattisgarhs Kaspur village along with her groom to start life in her marital home. While life moved on, Dulourin became mother to four children in succession, but soon found herself deep in the throes of family responsibilities when her husband became addicted to liquor. Owing to the addiction, Nirmal was not in a position to work to earn a living. Often, in an inebriated state, he would beat his wife continuously and then burst out into laughter. She would sob and plead for mercy to be spared the beating. Such instances are not entirely unheard of in certain parts of the country, and for Nirmal, it was his dwindling mental health that was the culprit. Symptoms began to show in early 2010, and were so visible that neighbours started calling him mad. I have to keep my husband tied with chains otherwise he would have kept beating me due to his mental illness. I do not have a choice, she shares. With the help of local medical practitioners, he did show signs of improvement and subsequently, some stability set in, but things took a turn for the worse in 2016. And the beatings did not cease.Dulourin with Nirmal and the rest of her familyWhile she took the beatings at night, during the day, the responsibility of managing the expenses of a family of eight fell upon Dulourin, for which she started going out to work. She grew paddy on the small plot of land she had, and supplemented it by being a daily wage labourer. All her hard work was not enough, she ended up going to bed on an empty stomach. 2020 proved to be a turning point in her life, but unlike how it panned for most, for Dulourin, life changed for the better. She joined the local self-help group (SHG) whose members were preparing for their annual congress Mahadhiveshan. She had joined out of curiosity and was taken in by the exhibition of collective strength, progress and empowerment. Overwhelmed by what she saw, she experienced myriad emotions, and soon emerged as a person driven by extensive determination. A determination to bring about a change in her life.The best way, she found out, was to participate in training conducted by developmental organisation PRADAN, especially to help improve agricultural practices. She learned about the preparation and application of natural fertilisers and pesticides such as Jivamrit and Brahmastra and decided to use them on her own crop. That, along with adopting the System of Root Intensification (SRI) for growing paddy yielded never-seen-before results, not only for Dulourin, but also for her neighbours. That year, her plot yielded 52 quintals of paddy, from the same field that used to produce only 36 quintals earlier! Not one to waste an opportunity, Dulourin saved up every extra paisa she earned and utilised it to admit her eldest daughter to a school 200 km away, in Jagdalpur, something that she had been aspiring to do for over two years. Educating her children had always been a priority for this mother.Beaming with her pond in the backgroundWith the foresight that she had, and the start she received with paddy, Dulourin aspired for more, and started getting trained in vegetable cultivation. She knew she would have to face the dilemma sooner or later, but we still had the same three-acre plot to do it all. She was racking her brain on how to go about adopting new cultivation practices, when it struck her. She was hoarding her paddy stubbles on a small piece of land next to her house, and she knew that was it.Saplings of bitter gourd and chillies were prepared by her and planted in her homestead. The yield? Her initial investment of Rs 1,800 earned her Rs 9,600. Dulourin was on a roll. The vegetables were followed by beans, and the winter saw sunflower seeds. The land that was uncultivated for years had now turned into a fertile opportunity. Not one to keep her knowledge to herself, she extended it to the members of her SHG who also started their journeys the next planting season onwards. Looking at my situation, my children always tell me that they will quit school and go to work with me to support me. But I have said a NO. I am doing everything to educate my kids, she says.Once Dulourin had seen the benefits of enhancing her income, she did not want to stop. Upon seeing a farm pond being planned in her village, she pursued one of her neighbours to lend her land to get a pond dug. Staff members of PRADAN assisted with purchasing 2 kg of fingerlings (baby fish), and she has started with a steady stream of income by selling the bred fish.Showing of her cultivation With no other help at hand, Dulourin managed it all by herself, while Nirmal still remains chained almost all day. While she travelled to other villages to learn different agricultural practices to improve yield, she picked up on drip irrigation methods, benefitting 2.5 acres of land in Kaspur with it. Growing up, and even after marriage, Dulourin had never thought that she will be an earning member of her family. Now an agricultural entrepreneur, she has people from all across the villages calling her for different inputs on enhancing crops and training to improve farm practices. Whats more important is that I get paid for these services, she says beaming with pride, adding that her family members have started respecting her. Next Story : Mayanka Goel, Living And Winning The Hollywood Dream Her next aim is to have her husband work with experts to improve his mental health. So far, nothing has worked, all her efforts and success are lost on him. But Dulourin has not lost hope. In her mind, she is strongly on the path to having him get the appropriate help and treatment and see him fully cured. And she is determined to succeed.Images courtesy PRADANAlso Read: Bangladesh's exports of leather and leather goods (Chapters 41-43 and 6403) remained relatively steady in the first eleven months of fiscal 2022-23 (July-June). Provisional data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) showed outbound shipments valued at $1,120.24 million from June 2022 to May 2023, marking a 0.42 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. In the corresponding period from June 2021 to May 2022, Bangladesh had exported leather and leather goods worth $1,115.58 million. The country set a strategic target of $1,301.81 million for exports in the first eleven months of this year. Consequently, the actual shipments for the period under review fell 13.95 per cent short of the target. Bangladesh has established an overall target of $1,440 million for exports of leather and leather products. Last year, these exports amounted to $1,245.18 million. Bangladesh's exports of leather (Chapter 41) fell by 18.11 per cent to $114.93 million between June 2022 and May 2023, compared to the $139.93 million shipped during the same period last year. However, exports of leather products (Chapters 42-43) rose by 19.43 per cent to $361.47 million, up from $302.66 million. Leather footwear exports (Chapter 6403) saw a decrease of 4.28 per cent to $644.18 million, compared to $672.98 million in the same period the previous year. From June 2022 to May 2023, Bangladesh's leather and leather goods exports slightly increased to $1,120.24 million, a 0.42 per cent rise from the previous year. Despite a drop in leather and footwear exports, an increase in other leather goods boosted the total. However, the exports were 13.95 per cent below the strategic target set for this period. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Gehana Vasisth wedding: Remember Gehana Vasisth, who was arrested by the Mumbai Police in connection with an adult film case? The Gandii Baat actress is once again in the headlines after pictures from her nikah ceremony surfaced on the internet. Gehana found a spot in the latest Twitter trends after her photos with her husband went viral. It has been said that she married her boyfriend in a low-key ceremony. The news spread like wildfire, leaving everyone surprised. GEHANA VASISTH CHANGES RELIGION TO MARRY BOYFRIEND? WHAT WE KNOW While Gehana Vasisth has not officially confirmed her wedding, there are mumours that she has married her boyfriend Faizan Ansari. Photos from their nikah have been circulated on social media where the duo is seen dressed in wedding attires. Gossip mills suggest that Gehana Vasisth, who hails from Chhatisgarh, has changed her religion. Gehna married Faizan Ansari in a nikah ceremony. WHO IS FAIZAN ANSARI? ALL ABOUT GEHANA VASISTH HUSBAND? Faizan is a social media influencer and an actor, who was recently seen in Datebaazi, which was an Amazon MiniTv reality show. Sources claim that Gehana Vasisth got hitched to Faizan Ansari for Datebaazi. The two lovebirds are yet to make an official announcement about the same. In the now-viral picture, Faizan and Gehana can be seen posing happily for the camera after their wedding. Gehna Vasisth, an actress-cum-model, was embroiled in a controversy after the Mumbai Police arrested her for her alleged involvement in shooting and circulating adult content on mobile applications. She had supported Shilpa Shetty's husband and businessman Raj Kundra when he was also arrested in a case linked with the circulation and sharing of obscene content. When the Mumbai Police arrested the businessman, Gehna Vasisth came out in support and termed his arrest as 'illegal'. According to a report in PTI, Gehana worked in three films that were produced for Raj Kundrra's app. She had stated that erotic content was different than pornographic films. Karan Deol-Drisha Acharya Wedding: It's time to send a congratulatory message to the Deol family. After a secretive engagement, actor-politician Sunny Deol's son, Karan Deol, is all set to get married to his longtime girlfriend, Drisha Acharya, this month. It has been reported that the wedding festivities and preparations will begin in full swing on Saturday, June 10. We have our hands on the details of the duo's wedding. Read below to know. Karan Deol-Drisha Acharya's Wedding Deets out! Media outlet India Today reported that Karan Deol's wedding is expected to be a three day affair and will take place at his grandfather, actor Dharmendra's house. Karan and Drisha are reportedly getting married next weekend, on June 18, and it will be an intimate affair. Let us tell you that the couple got engaged in December 2022, on the day of Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur's wedding anniversary. And it was very recent that the news broke in the media. Karan Deol-Drisha Wedding Deets REVEALED: Date, Venue To Star-Studded Reception Bash, All You Need To Know Karan Deol-Drisha Acharya haldi, sangeet ceremony The publication quoted a source saying, "Karan and Drisha's wedding ceremony will take place on June 18th and will be a close-knit family affair. That's how the couple want it to be. It will be a week-long celebration for both families. Sunny, who is busy with work currently, is super excited and is making sure everything is perfect for the couple." Further, talking about the pre-wedding festivities, the source added that the sangeet, mehendi, and haldi will happen between June 15 and June 17. The duo will take saath pheras on June 18. "The Deol family have also planned a reception for the couple post the wedding, for the industry friends to attend," added the insider. For the unversed, Karan and Drisha have been dating each other for over six years now, and Karan's ladylove is the great-granddaughter of renowned filmmaker Bimal Roy. She works in the travel industry. About Karan Deol Karan Deol was born on November 27, 1990, to actor Sunny Deol and his wife, Pooja Deol. He is veteran actor Dharmendra's grandson, and actor Bobby Deol is his uncle. He made his Bollywood debut with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas in 2019, which was written and directed by his father, Sunny Deol. Hindustan Zindabad Tha! Sunny Deol Recreates ICONIC Gadar Dialogue At An Event, Hailed With Cheers. WATCH He will next be seen in Apne 2, where he will be seen sharing the screen with his family members, including grandfather Dharmendra, uncle Bobby Deol, and father Sunny Deol. He also has Velle in his kitty. Madhu Mantena Wedding: Indian film producer Madhu Mantena and author Ira Trivedi have kickstarted their wedding celebrations, commencing with a mehendi ceremony held today (June 10) at their Pali Hill residence in Bandra, Mumbai. The couple, adorned in their vibrant festive attire, exuded joy as they happily posed for the eager photographers. This marks Madhu Mantena's second marriage as he was previously married to designer-actress Masaba Gupta. The news of his upcoming nuptials with Ira Trivedi was announced on June 9. The couple is expected to exchange vows on Sunday, June 11. MADHU MANTENA-IRA TRIVEDI POST TOGETHER AT THEIR MEHENDI CEREMONY During the ongoing mehendi ceremony, Ira Trivedi and Madhu Mantena took a break to graciously pose for the paparazzi outside their residence. Ira looked enchanting in a pink ensemble, her hands adorned with intricate henna designs. Pathaan TV Premiere: SRK Wishes Fans For Creating Guinness Record For Most People Performing His Iconic Pose She opted for a subtle brocade lehenga set, featuring a pleated skirt. The nude pink fabric boasted delicate floral prints, accentuated with vibrant pink piping. Her dupatta complemented the outfit, embellished with minimal golden embroidery and stylish tassels. Ira completed her look with an elegant updo, an elaborate choker necklace, and a short maang-tika. Accompanying his bride-to-be, Madhu Mantena appeared dashing in a cream-colored kurta pajama set. The linen attire featured an asymmetrical hem, adding a touch of contemporary flair to his otherwise understated choice. Mantena posed for the cameras with folded hands before heading back indoors. CELEBS ATTEND MADHU MANTENA & IRA TRIVEDI MEHENDI CEREMONY Several Bollywood celebrities including Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Rajkummar Rao with wife Patralekha attend Madhu and Ira's wedding festivities. Take a look at their photos here: After Satyaprem Ki Katha, Animal Makers Take To The Angelic Time Of 11:11 To Share Their Teaser- Details Following the wedding ceremony on June 11, the couple is set to host a grand reception. Prominent personalities from the film industry are reportedly expected to grace the occasion. All the wedding festivities will take place in Mumbai, adding to the glamour and excitement surrounding the much-anticipated event. Stay tuned for more updates! When it comes to the lives of movie stars, fans have always been interested to know the proceedings of their private lives, too. While some actors share their information on social media, other prefer to lead a private life. However, there hasn't been a scarcity for news reports and allegations about these stars and their relationships. Let's take a look at five Tamil actors, who have made the headlines for being on multiple relationships. Gemini Ganesan: Late actor Kadhal Mannan Gemini Ganesan is known for having several relationships with his costars. While he was married to his first wife Alamaelu, he got into relationships with several women. In his lifetime, he was married to four women all at the same time namely Alamelu, Pushpavalli, Savithri, and Juliana. Kamal Haasan: Another legendary actor whose personal life is also a talk of the town is Kamal Haasan. He has been in relationship with several women and some of them include Vani Ganapathy, Sarika Thakur, and Gautami Tadimala. He was also rumoured to be in relationship with Simran Baga and Pooja Kumar. Nayanthara: Lady Superstar Nayanthara, who is happily married to Vignesh Shivan and has two sons with him, was previously in relationship with several actors including Silambarasan TR and Prabhu Deva. Silambarasan TR: Silambam TR has also been in several relationships. This includes Aishwarya Rajinikanth, Nayanthara, Trisha Krishnan, Hansika Motwani and most recently Nidhi Aggarwal. Radhika Sarathkumar: South actress Radhika Sarathkumar is presently married to Tamil actor and politician Sarathkumar. She was initially married to Prathap Pothan, with whom she was in a romantic relationship for years. Later, after they both faced several hardships in life they parted ways. She later found love and married a British man named Ryan Hardy with whom she has a daughter. Later, she married Sarathkumar and they have been living happily ever after. Ankit Gupta wedding plans: Ankit Gupta has been hogging all the attention ever since he participated in Bigg Boss 16. The actor created ripples on the small screen with his presence in Salman Khan's reality show. Ankit Gupta's sizzling chemistry with Priyanka Chahar Choudhary in BB 16 made waves on social media. Be it their mushy moments or nok-jhok, the two Udaariyaan stars captured the attention of the netizens with their antics in the show. While PriyAnkit have always maintained that they are good friends, gossip mills suggest a different story. Even when speculations about their relationship were rife in the media, the duo never paid heed to the conjecture. The two celebrities bagged trophies at the International Iconic Awards 2023 in Mumbai, adding another feather to their cap. Ankit Gupta, while interacting with a news channel, was quizzed about his wedding plans. The journalist compared his reel-life situation to that of real life, asking if he has plans to marry Priyanka Chahar Choudhary soon. His reaction is unmissable. Wondering what he said? Read on to know. The Balika Vadhu actor joked that his mother would call him after watching the interview. His quirky reply over marriage plans with Priyanka Choudhary will leave you surprised. When quipped about the ring picture that sparked the wedding rumours, he said, "Aise waise kuch nhi ho raha. Sirf show me shaadi ho rahi hai.". "Aisi bataein mat karo, meri mummy phone karke puchugi ki beta ladki kaun hai. Main kya jawab dunga unhe? Agar meri mummy ne call kiya toh main bol dunga. Kudi wudi mein kuch nhi hai, kaam me focus karo and paisa banao," he told ABP News. On the professional front, Ankit is currently seen in Junooniyatt. The musical drama co-starring Gautam Vig and Neha Rana airs on Colors channel. The TV heartthrob is gearing up for the release of Baarish Aayi Hai, where he romanced Shivangi Joshi. Fans are excited to see Ankit and Shivangi together in a project. Rubina Dilaik car accident: Popular TV couple Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla had a scary Saturday (June 10) afternoon as they stepped outside for some work. Their car was damaged after a few people didn't follow the traffic regulations and ended up hitting their SUV. RUBINA DILAIK CAR ACCIDENT DETAILS Abhinav Shukla took to social media to share an update about him and Rubina Dilaik after the car accident. He revealed that Rubina was inside the car when it was hit by another vehicle. The Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka actor expressed his displeasure over the accident, requesting Mumbai Police to take strict action against the culprits. He posted a tweet on his official Twitter handle, sharing details about the accident, claiming that people didn't follow the traffic rules and talked on the phone while driving. "Happened to us, can happen to you. Beware of idiots on the phone jumping traffic lights. To top it up standing there smiling. More details later. Rubina was in car she is fine, taking her for medical. @MTPHereToHelp @MumbaiPolice request you to take strict action," Abhinav tweeted. He shared pictures of his damaged car while penning the note. The Bigg Boss 14 star confirmed that he was taking his wife Rubina for medical after the accident. Mumbai Traffic Police's Twitter handle responded to the tweet and wrote, "Report the incident to the nearest police station of the place where the incident took place." While Abhinav has promised to share more details about the car accident, Rubina has refrained from sharing any post about the same. On the professional front, Rubina Dilaik was last seen in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10, where she emerged as a finlaist.. She won Bigg Boss 14, where she participated along with her husband Abhinav Shukla. Stay tuned for more updates. Prabhas as Raghav in Adipurush Photo Credit: Twitter Adipurush is the tale of Lord Rama aka Raghava, who travels all the way to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita aka Janaki from Lankesh. This epic from the Indian Ramayana written by Valmiki, has been adopted for the silver screen once again. This time, the movie was made with pan-India star Prabhas on a massive budget by director Om Raut. The movie, whose pre-release event in Tirupati was a huge success, is getting ready to roar on the big screens all over the world on June 16. Prabhas, who won international acclaim through Baahubali 1 & 2 is trying to surpass his previous records with this prestigious film, backed by Bhushan of T-Series, along with other producers including Om Raut. Adipurush Budget The movie, which was made as a Telugu and Hindi bilingual was dubbed into three other major Indian languages. Adipurush was made on a budget of Rs 550 Crore. Prabhas' Adipurush Premiere Advance Collection USA The movie is one of the much-awaited films of the year. The buzz around booking is getting bigger and the sales shot up once again, with just a week for its grand and worldwide theatrical release. According to the available information, the advance booking sales of Adipurush have shot up massively overseas, especially in the USA. So far, as the Twitter fan page suggests, Prabhas' Adipurush has sold about 9900 tickets, making a collection of $220K. Adipurush Cast The movie stars Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, Saif Ali Khan, Sunny Singh, Devdatta Nage, Vatsal Sheth, Sonal Chauhan, and Trupti Toradmal as key characters in the movie based on the epic Ramayana. Adipurush Crew The film's screenplay was written by Om Raut, who helmed the movie. Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Om Raut, Prasad Sutar, and Rajesh Nair are producing the movie under the T-Series Films and Retrophiles banners. Karthik Palani cranked the camera for the film which was edited by Apurva Motiwale Sahai. The film's background score was composed by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara while the songs are tuned by Ajay-Atul and Sachet-Parampara. San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2023) - Bellabeat, a trailblazing femtech company, has introduced Meditation Rooms for corporate wellness plans to boost employee wellbeing. The company has always been a champion of women's health and wellness. Dedicated to understanding and improving women's health through innovative and stylish tech-powered products and apps, the company has recently expanded its Bellabeat corporate wellness program with the addition of Meditation Rooms, further showcasing its commitment to enhancing the well-being of its employees. Bellabeat Meditation Rooms are a novel way of promoting employee mindfulness and an extra addition to corporate wellness plans. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/168895_5c4ada2a44d2fa1a_001full.jpg Since its founding in 2014, Bellabeat has made waves in the wellness industry with its compelling ecosystem of products and apps, all designed to focus on women's health. Bellabeat's founders Sandro Mur and Urska Srsen recognized the lack of attention given to women's wellness in the market and built the company with the mission of understanding and improving women's health by utilizing their cycles as a focal point. Bellabeat's Ivy wearable, combined with personalized programs and cycle input, provides women with the tools they need to understand their bodies every day, receive cycle-focused actionable advice in all parts of their lives: nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, and witness the changes for themselves. This innovative approach empowers women to make informed decisions about their health. By providing timely guidance tailored to individual users' unique bio-responses and lifestyles, Bellabeat encourages women to adopt a healthier way of life that works in harmony with their natural hormonal rhythm. Now, Bellabeat is taking its commitment to employee wellness a step further by introducing Meditation Rooms as an additional perk for its corporate wellness program. These dedicated spaces are designed to promote relaxation and stress reduction, enabling employees to take a break from the daily grind and recharge their mental and emotional batteries. While Meditation Rooms are aimed at women as the Bellabeat app includes built-in meditations for stress release, relaxation, etc., everyone can use them. The Meditation Rooms offer a proprietary ergonomic seating design, ensuring optimal comfort and relaxation. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/168895_5c4ada2a44d2fa1a_002full.jpg Meditation has been widely recognized for its numerous benefits, including increased focus, improved emotional regulation, and reduced stress levels. By offering Meditation Rooms in addition to their corporate wellness program, Bellabeat is not only supporting the well-being of your business' employees but also fostering a company culture that values self-care and personal growth. This initiative perfectly aligns with Bellabeat's mission of empowering women to achieve their wellness goals by working with their bodies rather than against them. "We recognize that 43% of women leaders reported feeling burned out," said Sandro Mur, CEO of Bellabeat. "By offering Meditation Rooms as part of our corporate wellness plans, we are providing an opportunity for employers to invest in their female workforce and achieve better employee satisfaction while raising productivity." By integrating Meditation Rooms into its corporate wellness program, Bellabeat is demonstrating its commitment to creating a healthy work environment that supports the overall well-being of its employees. The Meditation Rooms are designed with sound insulation and adjustable lighting to create a serene, immersive environment for deep relaxation. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/168895_5c4ada2a44d2fa1a_003full.jpg The introduction of Meditation Rooms showcases Bellabeat's understanding that wellness goes beyond physical health. By addressing mental and emotional well-being, Bellabeat ensures that corporate employees have access to comprehensive wellness solutions tailored to their needs. This holistic approach sets the company apart from others in the industry and highlights its dedication to fostering a supportive and nurturing work environment. Contact: Bellabeat social@bellabeat.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/168895 With M.F Husains death anniversary on 9th June, Rakshanda Hussain, granddaughter of M.F Husain recollects fond memories with her grandfather. Talking about MF Husains philosophy of life, she says that he was always energetic and his zest for life never died even towards the last days of his life. Husain had in-depth knowledge about history, philosophy and cinema and with this curiosity he would spend his time exploring new themes and used it in his own art. Edited excerpts from the interview: Can you describe your relationship with your grandfather and the special bond you shared with him? How did you spend time with him and what were your favourite activities together? I have fond memories of watching my grandfather paint. Our summer vacations entailed the entire family travelling to Mumbai to spend time at our family house. I would always be enamoured by what he was painting and would stay glued to his side throughout. My grandfather was extremely knowledgeable and I loved having conversations with him about everything under the sun be it books, art, movies or life. In what ways did his practice inspire you? Did he impart any specific artistic knowledge or teach you how to paint? His practice has inspired me in multiple ways. I remember a time when he had finished painting and had gone outside to wait for it to dry. I had been observing him paint the entire time and took a sheet of paper and colours to recreate his painting. When he came back and saw what I had made, he was visibly upset. He asked me to never copy anybody and to explore my own style. In my teenage years, he suggested reading Ways of Seeing by John Berger. One of his recurring lessons to us was to explore beyond what is presented to us and to interpret the essence in our own way. When I see his works now, I finally understand what he was trying to teach us about individuality. Among his works, do you have any personal favourites? Can you recall a particular piece that holds a special significance to you? One of his works that really fascinated me as a child in the 1990s was The Spider and the Lamp. Only later I realised that it is one of his most revered works. Were you ever fortunate enough to witness your grandfather creating art? If so, could you share any anecdotes or memories from those occasions? I saw my grandfather create art very often. An occasion that I remember vividly was when he had been asked to visit Kerala to execute paintings for a Kerala Tourism project. All of us surrounded him to watch him paint, but he suddenly paused and stood up. I happened to ask him if I could paint also, and without missing a beat he handed me the brush. To this day, I can recall which part of the painting was coloured by me. How would you describe your grandfathers philosophy of life? What were his core ideologies that have had a profound influence on you? One of the many aspects I noticed about my grandfather was that throughout his life and even towards the end of it, he was constantly moving and never stayed still. He was extremely energetic and his zest for life is what helped us cope with his absence. He was a perennial learner and would always manage to find something that interested him. Interests such as history, philosophy and cinema among others piqued his curiosity and he would spend his time exploring new themes within them that he could use for his own art. Did your grandfather have any close friends or relationships with fellow artists? Can you recount any instances of meeting them or witnessing their interactions? He had friends around the world and would befriend people wherever he went, making sure that he continued to spend time with them. Although time had passed since the disbanding of the highly influential Progressive Artists group, he continued to stay in touch with and share a close bond with his fellow members. I remember him telling us about his close friendship with Krishen Khanna who he would drive down to meet in Shimla. As his grandchild, you likely have unique insights and anecdotes about your grandfather. Is there anything in particular that only you know about him that youd like to share? Of the many anecdotes I remember, two distinctly stand out. One is him creating a rocking horse for me, which was later part of his exhibition called ShivRak It was for childrens toys and furniture. Another is him creating my wedding invitation. He had initially made a different version which depicted sand dunes and palm trees, nothing like a typical wedding card. I remember him laughing at me being visibly perplexed, after which he decided to create another version. This beautiful new version featured a palanquin and horses and I cherish it to this day. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Recently, veteran star Naseeruddin Shah said in a statement how Sindhi is no longer spoken in Pakistan but was called out by some Sindhi speakers and celebrities in Pakistan. Shah then put out a status on Facebook that read- Two completely unnecessary controversies seem to have erupted. over things Ive said recently. One regarding my mis-statement about the Sindhi language in Pakistan. I was in error there. Apologising for a mistake is indeed a true testament to a persons character and intellect. Naseer sahibs recent gesture has only deepened my admiration for him. It takes strength and humility to acknowledge ones errors and take responsibility for them. pic.twitter.com/fX8T3M11mV Adnan Siddiqui (@adnanactor) June 8, 2023 Upon his apology, Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui lauded Shah and tweeted- Apologising for a mistake is indeed a true testament to a persons character and intellect. Naseer sahibs recent gesture has only deepened my admiration for him. It takes strength and humility to acknowledge ones errors and take responsibility for them. Shah on depiction of Muslims on celluloid Shah, who was seen recently in Taj: Divided By Blood, spoke about how attacking Muslims has become convenient. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Shah said, Mogul has become an English word, an American word; movie Mogul. Running them down is very convenient for the present dispensation to paint all Muslims in one colour and to claim that they looted the country, they destroyed temples, they did this and that and they had many wives. Every king does this. He added, Mughals came here to make this their homeland. They did not come here to loot and scoot. Like Nadirshah stole the peacock throne. He destroyed Delhi and massacred the citizens of Delhi and took his loot and pushed off. People dont know this. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. All eyes are on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Jannayak Janata Party alliance in Haryana as speculations of a rift continue to create buzz. These rumours of frayed relations have increased in the last few days amid leaders of both political parties evading questions about jointly contesting the next years Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. BJP Haryana in-charge Biplab Kumar Debs recent attack on the JJP has further fuelled the reports of tension between the two parties. Amid the rumours of strained ties, JJP MLA Ram Karan Kala resigned as Haryana Sugarfed (Haryana State Federation of Cooperative Sugar Mills Limited) chairman on Thursday. He had threatened to step down if the farmers demand for minimum support price (MSP) for the sunflower crop was not met. What is going on between the BJP and JJP? Lets take a closer look. What has BJP said? Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Saturday (10 June) that BJPs Haryana in-charge will take a decision on the future of the saffron partys alliance with the JJP. The alliance [with the JJP] was forged in the interest of the people. There was no party with a majority, so an understanding was made. The JJP came on board. Independent MLAs also supported us. The Congress only has 30 MLAs. Barring a couple of others, the rest are all with us, Khattar was quoted as saying by Indian Express. He added that Deb will take a call on the future course of action, bearing in mind the saffron partys interest. In what was seen as a show of strength, BJPs Haryana in charge Thursday (8 June) met four Independent MLAs Dharampal Gonder, Rakesh Daulatabad, Randhir Singh Gollen and Somveer Sangwan and Haryana Lokhit Party MLA Gopal Kanda the next day. All of them are supporting the Khattar government. Sangwan, who met Deb for nearly two hours with the other Independents, as per PTI, said: As far as I am concerned, BJP is at a loss with the continuation of this alliance. He claimed that people are unhappy with the JJP and if the BJP stays in the alliance, it will have to face the loss. As per an Indian Express report, Deb also met another Independent MLA, Ranjit Singh, who is a minister in the Haryana government. Singh told the English daily after nearly 45-minute talks with Deb that the Delhi BJP high command will be deciding on the future of the BJP-JJP alliance. Earlier this week, Deb claimed that Prem Lata, wife of former Union minister Birender Singh, will bag the Uchana Kalan Assembly seat next year. The constituency is currently represented by JJP leader and Deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala. The BJP is not dependent on the JJP, and several Independent MLAs are in constant touch with us, Deb said. The JJP did not do the BJP a favour by forging a post-poll alliance in Haryana. In return, several of their MLAs were made ministers, the former Tripura chief minister was quoted as saying by Indian Express. In the 2019 Haryana Assembly elections, BJP won 40 seats in the 90-member House and JJP was victorious on 10. However, as the saffron party fell short of a majority, it entered into an alliance with the JJP to form the government. Last year, the saffron party won Adampur seat in a bypoll, taking its tally in the Assembly to 41. A senior BJP leader recently told Indian Express that there is a strong likelihood that the BJP will part ways with the JJP and go solo for the next Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections. There would be no seat-sharing arrangement either. Of course, if need be, there is always the possibility of a post-poll alliance, like what happened in 2019. That is why both parties are currently working to expand their respective bases, the saffron party leader added. The BJP had hinted at going solo earlier as well. In January, Union home minister Amit Shah had announced at a rally in Gohana that the lotus (BJPs symbol) will bloom on all 10 (Lok Sabha) seats in Haryana. According to Indian Express, Haryana home minister Anil Vij, however, tried to downplay the tensions between the BJP and JJP on Friday, saying: If there are two utensils in the house, they rattle. But sensible people pick them up and put them back, and the household continues to run. On the saffron partys ties with the JJP, BJP leader and former Haryana minister Captain Abhimanyu had said in April that people do not want such compulsive alliances in the future, reported The Times of India (TOI). What is JJPs stance? Following Debs remarks on Uchana, the Haryana deputy chief minister retorted by saying he cannot be a medicine for those who have a stomach ache. Further, he asserted that he will contest the next years elections from his karmabhoomi Uchana, according to Hindustan Times (HT). Both the parties are willing to contest the next assembly and parliamentary polls in alliance and if anyone has changed their mind, we cant do anything. If any bitterness emerges between two sides, we will happily get separated, he said on Friday (9 June), as per HT. On whether there are differences between the BJP and JJP, Chautala told PTI on Friday that when there will be any talkhi (bitterness), the media would not get even a chance to ask. Both the parties had discussed ways to maintain a stable government in the state and only after that, the alliance was forged with mutual consent. It was neither my nor BJPs compulsion. In an apparent reference to Debs remarks, the JJP leader said that the state needed a stable government and we delivered on that. Today, Haryana is making progressI dont think anyone did any favour on anyone. On if the BJP and JJP will contest elections together, Chautala told PTI that will be decided by the leadership of the two parties and I think both parties want to walk together. Chautala has previously said that his party is preparing for all the 10 Lok Sabha seats. Every party aspires to increase its number of seats in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, and with that in mind, we are trying to strengthen our base in all the seats, he told ThePrint in April. Responding to a question on the future of his partys alliance with the BJP, the JJP leader had commented in April that he is not an astrologer. I am not an astrologer. I cannot say what will happen in the future, he said at a press conference at the time. He added that as of today, we have an alliance with the BJP and it is working well. JJP state president Nishan Singh had told ThePrint in April that JJP can make efforts to expand its base in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections while continuing its alliance with the BJP. ALSO READ: Farmers block NH-44 in Kurukshetra, demand MSP for sunflower seed What does this mean? A commentator on Haryana politics told ThePrint in April that such behaviour is not uncommon for alliance partners ahead of the polls. All political parties indulge in hard bargaining ahead of elections so that they can get a better share in the alliance. This is what the BJP leaders are doing when they tell workers to prepare for all 10 seats, Yoginder Gupta said. Gupta also said that Dushyants astrologer remarks indicate that he is trying to convey a message that he cant be taken as a pushover. With inputs from Reuters 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 very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy is likely to intensify further in the next 24 hours and head towards north-northeastwards, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday (10 June). The storm could bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds in several Indian states. Cyclone Biparjoy, this years first storm that took shape over the Arabian Sea, will gradually proceed north-northwestwards in the next three days, as per the IMD. Which states will be affected and what to expect as Cyclone Biparjoy strengthens in the coming days? Lets take a closer look. Heavy rains, squally wind speed Heavy showers and strong winds are expected in coastal areas of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra due to the cyclones impact. The cyclonic storm lay centred at 700 km west of Goa, 630 km west-southwest of Maharashtras Mumbai and 620 km south-southwest of Porbandar in Gujarat, as per the IMD bulletin issued on 10 June at 9 am. VSCS BIPARJOY lay centered at 0830IST of today, near latitude 16.7N and longitude 67.4E, about 700 km WNW of Goa, 620 km WSW of Mumbai, 600 km SSW of Porbandar and 910 km S of Karachi. To intensify further and move NNE-wards gradually during next 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/o4LHhzOuP8 India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 10, 2023 According to a Mid-Day report, the coastal town of Ganpatipule in Maharashtras Ratnagiri witnessed huge waves on Thursday, leading to water entering some shops. A high tide warning was issued on Friday and tourists have been advised not to venture into the sea, as per the report. Biparjoy, meaning disaster or calamity in Bangla, was named by Bangladesh. It is likely to make landfall in Pakistan, reported India Today. Eight districts in Kerala, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, and Kannur, notified a yellow alert on Friday. As per The Times of India (TOI) report, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki could witness isolated heavy downpours this weekend. Thunderstorms and lightning, along with gusty wind speeds reaching 30-40 kmph, are likely to affect one or two places in the southern state till Tuesday, the report added. The fishermen have been asked not to set out into the seas off the coast of Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep. Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places over Lakshadweep during the next two days. ALSO READ: Why El Nino is not good for monsoon rains in India Gujarat on alert The IMD warned that sea conditions off Saurashtra and Kutch coasts are expected to be rough on 10 June, with squally wind speed reaching 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph. The weather agency has advised fishermen out at sea to return to the coast. Speaking to ANI, Manorama Mohanty, director of IMDs Meteorological Centre in Ahmedabad, said: Due to the cyclone, the wind speed may go up to 45 to 55 knots on 10, 11 and 12 June. The speed may also touch the 65-knot mark. The cyclone would bring light rains and thunderstorms in coastal regions, including south Gujarat and Saurashtra. All ports have been asked to hoist Distant Warning signal. In view of the cyclonic storm, Tithal Beach in Gujarats Valsad has been closed to tourists till 14 June. We told the fishermen not to venture into the sea and they all have come back. People will be shifted to the village at the seashore if needed. Shelters have been made for them. We have closed Tithal Beach for tourists till 14 June, Valsad tehsildar TC Patel was quoted by the news agency ANI. Surat also issued an alert in 42 coastal villages in Majura, Olpad, and Choryasi talukas. The cyclone is presently over 800 km far from Porbandar and is slowly moving ahead. It may reach South Gujarat on Sunday or Monday. Presently, we are on alert mode and all officials were advised not to leave the headquarter. The SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams have been kept on standby mode while people of the coastal village had been alerted. If needed, they were told, they will have to be shifted to safer places, Surat in charge collector BK Vasava told Indian Express. What about the monsoon? Delayed by Cyclone Biparjoy, the southwest monsoon finally arrived in India with the onset in Kerala on Thursday. IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told TOI earlier that the monsoon rains were held up due to the formation of a low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea, which turned into the cyclonic storm Biparjoy. As the monsoon advances, very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Assam and Meghalaya is likely on 12-13 June. While Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya could report isolated heavy showers over the next five days, parts of Manipur and Mizoram are expected to on 10 and 12 June. The IMD also predicted very heavy rains for isolated places over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim from 11-13 June. Isolated heavy rainfall over Andaman and Nicobar Islands could occur on 10-11 June. With inputs from Reuters Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Hours after declaring daughter Supriya Sule as Nationalist Congress Partys (NCP) working president, chief Sharad Pawar dismissed claims that his nephew Ajit Pawar is disgruntled over his uncles decision. The suggestion was made by him (Ajit Pawar). So, where is the question of him being happy or unhappy, Pawar told reporters here to questions on the Maharashtra Leader of Opposition being upset about Sules elevation. #WATCH | NCP chief Sharad Pawar speaks on the appointment of Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as working presidents of the party, in Delhi pic.twitter.com/i8xJzg3ob8 ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2023 Earlier today, Sharad Pawar announced that MP Supriya Sule and Praful Patel will be the working presidents of the NCP. Ajit Pawar has always been perceived as NCPs heir-apparent but his ties with the BJP, which became more clear in 2019 when Pawar attended an early morning swearing-in as Maharashtra deputy chief minister along with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, has not been well received by NCP. #WATCH | I am happy with their appointment, says NCP leader Ajit Pawar on the appointment of Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as the partys working presidents. pic.twitter.com/YH98RT7eA4 ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2023 There is no vacancy now. We can talk about it when there is a vacancy, Pawar quipped when asked if Patel or Sule could become NCP chief in the future. Sule has also been appointed as the chairperson of the partys Central Election Authority as well as the in-charge of Maharashtra. Taking a dig at Sharad Pawars announcement BJP Information Technology Department in-charge Amit Malviya said, If only Sharad Pawar loved his nephew as much as Mamata Banerjee loves hers. If only Sharad Pawar loved his nephew as much as Mamata Banerjee loves hers Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 10, 2023 Pawar also made it clear that the decision to elevate Sule and Patel was consciously made by the entire party. This is a conscious decision by the entire party and not me alone. If I had to make a decision, why would I have waited all these years, the NCP supremo shot back when asked about the allegations of nepotism. 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 met his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh on Saturday to discuss the situation in the violence-hit state. Sources say that Sarma was carrying from Delhi as all sides work to find a solution to the ethnic violence in the state that claimed over 100 lives since May 3. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered as many as six cases related to the violence in Manipur and has also set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ascertain the cause of the violence. The police said on Thursday that two bike-borne miscreants allegedly hurled a low-intensity Improvised explosive device (IED) at the gate of MLA Soraisam Kebis residence. There were no casualties in the incident. Except for a few holes in the ground, the blast did not cause any major damage, an officer said. The Central Government has constituted a committee in Manipur, headed by the Governor, to facilitate the peace-making process among various ethnic groups and initiate dialogue between conflicting parties, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Saturday. The members of the peace committee include the chief minister, a few ministers, MPs, MLAs, and leaders from different political parties and civil society groups, it said. Government of India has constituted Peace Committee in Manipur under the chairpersonship of the governor, Manipur. The members of the committee include the chief minister, a few ministers in the state government, MP, MLAs and leaders from different political parties, read a statement. The mandate of the committee will be to facilitate the peace-making process among various ethnic groups of the state, and initiate peaceful dialogue and negotiations between conflicting parties and groups, it 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. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday slammed former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying it does not suit the leader of any party to criticise ones own country abroad. The Union Minister accused Gandhi of going abroad to slander India, and advised him to learn from his ancestors. He was referring to Gandhis criticism of the Narendra Modi government during his recent visit to the US. Any patriotic person should discuss Indian politics within India. It does not suit the leader of any party to go abroad and discuss the countrys politics and condemn the country. Remember this Rahul baba, people of the country are watching it closely, Shah said while addressing a rally at Siddhpur town in Patan district of Gujarat organised to mark nine years of the Modi government. Under the PM Modi-led government, the country witnessed huge changes, he said. But Congress party does not stop talking about anti-India things. Rahul baba is going abroad on vacation due to summer heat. He condemns the country abroad. I would like to tell Rahul Gandhi to learn from his ancestors, he 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. Gujarat Polices Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested four persons, including a foreign national, associated with an international terrorist organisation from Porbandar. A special team of the ATS had been active for the past few days for special operations in Porbandar and surrounding areas. During their operations, the ATS detained four people including a foreign national associated with the terrorist organization, sources said today. According to sources, it was found that the arrested persons have links with international terrorist organizations. The operation of the ATS was led by DIG Dipen Bhadran, who along with other officials, has been in Porbandar since yesterday, the sources said. A convoy of officials including Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad DIG Deepen Bhadran are in Porbandar. It is being speculated that officials including IG are here in connection with the secret operation. A convoy of officers arrived at the Special Operations Group (SOG) office in Porbandar, where the ATS has successfully completed the operation. The ATS have arrested four persons from Porbandar, ATS sources added. ATS sources added, DIG Deepan Bhadran, SP Sunil Joshi, DYSP KK Patel, DYSP Shankar Chowdhury along with other officials were involved in the operations. Scrutiny has also been intensified on all local persons associated with foreign nationals. Today the top officials of ATS or Gujarat Police can make an announcement about the entire operation, ATS sources added. (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 Home Minister Amit Shah said that the 10 years of Congress rule was a period that saw increasing poverty while nine years of the Narendra Modi government are Indias pride. Shahs comments came during one of his addresses in Nanded, Maharashtra. The 10 years of the Sonia-Manmohan government were a period of increasing poverty in the country whereas during 9 years of Modijis government, a lot of poor welfare works were undertaken, he said. He said that it was only after the BJP came to power in 2014 that India saw some real progress. He said, The last 9 years of PM Modi-led Government are the years of Indias pride, of Indias development, of India ensuring the welfare for poor. Only after Sonia-Manmohan rule ended and Modi Ji took command did India make progress and ensure development. Hailing the work done by Bhartiya Janata Party under Narendra Modi, the union minister said, Indias culture and heritage are being best preserved under the strong and dynamic leadership of Modi Ji. The last 9 years of the BJP government have ensured poor welfare and good governance in a true sense. Narendra Modi ji has done the work of respecting the countrys culture and history, Narendra Modi ji has done the work of making the country proud in the world. Today, wherever he goes in the world, slogans of Modi-Modi ji are raised and this respect is not for Modi ji but for our people, he added. Shah is on a two-day visit to the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Shahs event is part of the partys month-long campaign covering all Lok Sabha constituencies to mark the completion of nine years of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 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. The Indian Navy has carried out a mega operation in the Arabian Sea with two aircraft carriers, multiple frontline warships, submarines and over 35 combat planes amid Chinas increasing presence in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian Navy said the seamless operational integration of the two aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and newly-inducted INS Vikrant, as well as the accompanying fleet of ships and submarines, is a powerful testament to the capabilities of its sea-based air power and Indias role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The @indiannavy showcased its formidable maritime capabilities today with a spectacular display of multi-carrier operations involving seamless integration of two Aircraft Carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. Read for more: https://t.co/kz9xWUaabx@giridhararamane pic.twitter.com/jrXeXw8GLS A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) June 10, 2023 The twin carrier CBG (carrier battle group) drills were held recently, officials said without divulging the specific date of the exercise. The Navy said the demonstration of the naval prowess underscored Indias commitment to safeguarding its national interests, maintaining regional stability, and fostering cooperative partnerships in the maritime domain, in comments also seen as an indirect message to China. The two aircraft carriers were the centre-pieces of the exercise as they served as floating airfields for operations of a wide array of aircraft, including MiG-29K and choppers such as MH60 Romeo, Kamov and Advanced Light helicopters, officials said. The Indian Navy has undertaken the twin-carrier CBG operations with more than 35 aircraft in the Arabian Sea, demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air operations across the vast maritime expanse and underscoring our commitment to safeguarding Indias national interests, Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates and other ships. Commander Madhwal said the exercise marked a significant milestone in the Indian Navys pursuit of enhancing maritime security and power projection in the Indian Ocean, and beyond. The successful demonstration of two-carrier battle group operations serves as a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea-based air power in maintaining maritime superiority, the Navy said in a statement. As India continues to strengthen its security apparatus, the significance of aircraft carriers will remain paramount in shaping the nations defence strategy and promoting regional stability, the Navy added. It was the first mega exercise involving the two aircraft carriers after the induction of indigenously-built INS Vikrant in September. Officials said almost all air assets of the Navys Western Fleet operated from INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant and that the two aircraft carriers acted as mobile bases. These mobile bases can be positioned anywhere, allowing for increased mission flexibility, timely response to emerging threats and sustained air operations to safeguard our national interests across the globe, the Navy said. In addition, they provide our friends with an assurance that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our collective security needs in the region, it said. In the last few years, the Indian Navy has significantly enhanced its overall presence in the Indian Ocean region against the backdrop of Chinas increasing forays into the region. The Indian Ocean is considered the backyard of the Indian Navy and is critical for Indias strategic interests. Last month, the MiG-29K fighter aircraft undertook a night landing on the indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The Navy then said the aircraft carrier would be able to play a role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the aircraft carrier that made the country part of an elite group of nations capable of manufacturing aircraft carriers above the 40,000 tonnes category. Built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore, INS Vikrant has a sophisticated air defence network and anti-ship missile systems. It has the capacity to hold 30 fighter jets and helicopters. At the commissioning ceremony of the vessel, Modi called it a floating city and that it is a reflection of India becoming self-reliant in defence. INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier purchased by India from Russia in 2013 under a USD 2.3 billion deal and it was renamed in honour of Vikramaditya, the legendary emperor. The 44,500-tonne warship is about 284 metres long and its height is around 60 metres which is like a 20-storey building from keel to the highest point. The ship has a total of 22 decks and it has the ability to carry over 30 aircraft comprising an assortment of MiG 29K jets, Kamov 31 and Kamov 28 helicopters. 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 Karnataka unit of BJP has launched a helpline number to ensure that party workers do not get exploited in the Congress-run southern state. By dialing the helpline number, party workers will be able to seek legal assistance for false cases registered against them by Congress. The service has been started to assist the party workers to fight the police cases against them legally, Bengaluru South MP and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha president Tejasvi Surya said after launching the helpline. The helpline number 18003091907 was launched against the vindictive politics of the Congress government, Surya said. Ever since the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government has taken over governance in Karnataka, attempts are being made to stifle the voice of the opposition, especially the karyakartas (workers) of the Bharatiya Janata Party, he added. Recently, the government in Karnataka has been warning opposition parties to not make statements opposing the policies of the government or face legal or police actions. We have already witnessed two instances where our karyakartas have faced police brutality, police action for so much so as tweeting against the Chief Minister, having a caricature made against the Chief Minister and making it as their display picture on the WhatsApp, the Surya alleged. He also accused Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara of trying to tackle various cultural organisations inspired by the RSS with brute force in the coastal areas of the state. It appears that the Home Minister of Karnataka is directly taking orders from the PFI and is making these kinds of comments. We have seen in the past the brutal murder of BJP/RSS karyakartas by radical terrorist elements. The Congress party government then did not register proper FIRs, did not conduct investigations properly, diluted the FIRs filed, adulterated charge sheets were filed so that the perpetrators of those crimes be let free, he claimed. 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 and South African President Matemala Cyril Ramaphosa discussed bilateral cooperation including in BRICS during a telephone conversation on Saturday. The two leaders reviewed bilateral, regional and global issues, including cooperation in BRICS. The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation, which is anchored in historic and strong people-to-people ties, the Prime Ministers office said in an official release today. The foreign ministers from the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) recently met in Cape Town to attend the meeting from June 1-2. The blocs current chair, South Africa hosted the BRICS foreign ministers conference in the South African capital. During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi thanked the South African President for the relocation of 12 Cheetahs to India earlier this year. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in BRICS in the context of South Africas chairmanship this year, the official release read. During Indias current G20 Presidency, President Ramaphosa expressed his complete support for its initiatives and expressed excitement for his upcoming trip to India. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch. 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 Indian Navy undertook carrier battle group (CBG) operations with more than 35 aircraft in the Arabian Sea. It demonstrated the formidable capability in ensuring sustained air ops across the vast maritime expanse and underscoring our commitment to safeguarding Indias national interests, read a statement. SKY IS THE LIMIT#IndianNavy undertakes twin-carrier CBG ops with more than 35 aircraft in #ArabianSea, demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air ops across the vast maritime expanse & underscoring our commitment to safeguarding Indias national interests. pic.twitter.com/yOsvHFvQqM SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 10, 2023 The seamless operational integration of the two aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant as well as fleet ships and submarines is a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea based air power and Indias role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean and beyond, the Navy said. Last month, the Navy made the first-ever MiG-29K fighter jet night landing on INS Vikrant. It stated that this is an important step towards the Indian governments goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector. 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 Mahabharata, it is said that when the Pandavas returned from the 12-year exile and sought to take back Hastinapur, the Karavas led by Duryodhana declined. Peace efforts by Lord Sri Krishna came to naught, and the last straw on the proverbial camels back was Duryodhanas refusal to concede Yudhishthiras rock-bottom demand for only five villages to be given to the five Pandava brothers so that the Pandavas could be happy ruling the five villages. Duryodhana had reportedly exclaimed, I will not even give land as much as the tip of a needle. The epic battle of the Mahabharata could not be averted. In the context of Rajasthan impasse, when Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and K C Venugopal met Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and his bete noire in the last week of May 2023, the peace talks boiled down to the three demands of Sachin Pilot high-level probe into charges of corruption against the previous Vasundhara Raje Scindias BJP government, disbanding of Rajasthans public service commission and a compensation for those affected by the Rajasthan government job exam paper leak cases. According to those who were present in the high-level deliberations, there was a general agreement that chief minister Gehlot would return to Jaipur and set up a panel to look into these demands or announce formation of probe panels. Nearly two weeks have passed and in spite of reported prodding by Kharge and K C Venugopal, the chief minister is unwilling to oblige. Faced with this brinkmanship, Kharge reportedly summoned Sachin Pilot to Delhi requesting him to wait till Rahul Gandhi returns from the US. Patience on the part of Sachin Pilot is crucial for Kharge who is giving the final shape to AICC restructuring and revamping of the Congress Working Committee. In Kharges scheme of things, if 11 June passes off peacefully, the Congress president would have time to enforce the Rajasthan peace formula. The significance of 11 June is due to Sachin Pilots mega rally scheduled to be held in Dausa on Sunday. This date marks the 23rd death anniversary of his father Rajesh Pilot. Sources close to Pilot rule out a possibility of any drastic action such as announcement of a breakaway group etc but sources close to Kharge are keeping their fingers crossed till June 11 passes off peacefully. A man of taste and letters, Kharge has a collection of quotes relating to an element of surprise in politics. Erin Hunters surprise is the warriors greatest weapon, is one of his favourites. The settlement of the Rajasthan impasse is a complex exercise for the Congress high command. While it has been partially successful in prevailing upon Pilot to accept its terms and conditions, the issue is far from settled. In addition, there is a constant flow of reports on how ace political strategist Prashant Kishor has teamed up with Pilot, an idea that is stoutly denied by both Pilot and Kishor. Kishor, in fact, told this correspondent with an air of despondence, I have left the space [ of political consultancy] two years back and have nothing to do with such speculations. At another occasion, he had cryptically remarked, I havent put my foot on any vehicle since 2 October 2022. Have not gone to even see my family so where is the question of me meeting him [Pilot]. It is such irresponsible reporting on the part of so many journalists. The question then comes to mind: Who has been spreading the Prashant Kishor bit in the media? Some Congress insiders point a finger at self-proclaimed poll strategist, a wannabee of sorts in the grand old party circles. In a more substantive manner, Congress insiders sound optimistic about Kharge-Rahul playing the role of an effective peace-maker when Gehlot accepts Pilots three demands. The acceptance of these demands that have struck a note of positivity with the youth in poll-bound Rajasthan, can help Kharge-Rahul duo to position Pilot in a new role that would present a united face of the Congress in Rajasthan. On the other hand, refusal to set up a panel of probe against the previous BJP regime looks both odd and jarring particularly when it was part of Congress 2018 election manifesto. On a day when a lot of attention is directed at Rajesh Pilot, it is worth looking at the life and times of the veteran party leader whose promising career was cut short on 11 June, 2000 in a freak road accident. A former Squadron Leader, Rajeshwar Prasad, as he was originally called, joined the Indian Air Force and liked flying so much that he changed his name to Rajesh Pilot. Hailing from a modest Gujjar family of western Uttar Pradesh, Rajesh Pilot, father of Sachin Pilot, used to regularly win from the Dausa Lok Sabha seat in Rajasthan. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Pilot remained popular with the middle class, and had established a good name for his politically correct stances, clean image and efficiency. In a political career spread over fifteen years, Pilot loved to take on the high and mighty and enjoyed the media attention. He was an efficient telecom minister under Rajiv Gandhi but after the Babri demolition in 1993, he began to score political points against the likes of Arjun Singh, Sharad Pawar, Madhavrao Scindia and Kamal Nath. On 25 February 1993, when the BJP organised a demonstration near Parliament, Pilot, as a junior minister in the internal security ministry, made unprecedented bandobast to thwart any threat to mosques in the area. Coming as it did soon after the Babri demolition, there were apprehensions the demonstration could turn violent, but the day passed peacefully. Pilot boasted that had he been in-charge of security on 6 December, 1992, instead of his senior S.B. Chavan in the internal security ministry, the mosque would not have been demolished. Pilot senior then turned on the heat on godman Chandraswami who was close to the then prime minister Narasimha Rao. A tantrik, Chandraswami had powerful friends like international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, the Sultan of Brunei, and Margaret Thatcher, and equally well-placed enemies. In 1995 when the Congress under Rao was in power, Chandraswami was wanted in connection with a series of cases, but nobody could act against him due to his high connections. Pilot got him arrested. It was more than a coincidence that in the subsequent Cabinet reshuffle, Pilot was shunted out of internal security to look after forests and the environment. In private conversation, Pilot (Senior) used to say he was a modest doodhwala who, as a young child, sold milk on a bicycle in Lutyens Delhi. Senior Pilots friends now say had he lived on, doodhwala could have taken on chaiwala. On 11 June 2000, he drove a jeep at breakneck speed from Dausa to Jaipur to catch a flight to Delhi, he overtook his own escort vehicle at a blind spot and collided with a state transport bus. The man who was always in a hurry left behind a thousand and one unfulfilled ambitions. In a striking irony, what initially began as a peaceful demonstration known as the Tribal Solidarity March in Churachandpur district, organised by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur, to voice opposition against the granting of reservations to the Meitei community, has tragically plunged Manipur into a relentless cycle of intermittent violence. Despite the sincere endeavours of numerous stakeholders, the unrest that erupted in Manipur on 3 May 2023 continues unabated, claiming nearly 100 lives and leaving many injured. Amid this unsettling situation, there is one word that echoes with a resounding silence, its omission carrying a weighty significance Nagalim. What is Nagalim? Nagalim refers to the proposed Nagalim region, which encompasses the territories inhabited by the Naga people in North East India and parts of Myanmar. The term Nagalim is derived from Naga, which refers to various ethnic Naga groups indigenous to the region. The Naga people have a distinct culture, language and history that sets them apart from the surrounding communities and the demand for an independent or semi-independent Nagalim has been a significant political issue. The roots of the Naga separatist movement are not new. It can be traced back to the colonial era when the Naga Hills were under British rule. Soon after India gained independence in 1947, the Naga National Council (NNC) declared independence and launched an armed struggle for a sovereign Naga homeland. This led to a prolonged insurgency that continued for several decades. Over the years, the Naga separatist movement has undergone various phases including ceasefires, negotiations and sporadic outbreaks of violence. Several factions have emerged within the movement and multiple peace accords have been signed between the Indian government and different Naga groups aiming to find a lasting resolution. Among these agreements, the most significant peace agreement, known as the Framework Agreement, was signed between the Government of India and the largest Naga rebel group, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), in 2015. This agreement recognises the unique history and identity of the Naga people and seeks to find a mutually acceptable solution. However, the exact boundaries and political status of Nagalim are still subject to negotiations. Why Nagalim is a dangerous idea? History is testimony to the unfortunate reality that Nagas and Meiteis have co-existed in Manipur for decades, but dangerously. The differences between the two communities are not simple as it is rooted in various socio-political factors including issues of identity, land, resources and political representation. The relationship between the Naga and Meitei communities in Manipur has been marked by periods of tension and conflict as well as attempts at reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. The demand for a separate Naga homeland or Nagalim, which has been advocated by some Naga groups, has often been seen as a threat to the territorial integrity and identity of Manipur by the Meitei community, who form the majority in the state. The fear of losing land and political influence has fuelled animosity between the two communities. In 2010, violence erupted between the Naga and Meitei communities in the aftermath of the governments decision to declare seven Naga-inhabited areas as autonomous districts. The clashes resulted in casualties and led to the imposition of curfews in affected areas. There are several reasons why Nagalim may turn out to be a dangerous idea forcing a region already in the grip of violence to more violence that may in all likelihood span out of control: Political instability: The creation of Nagalim could lead to political instability in the region, which is already plagued by ethnic conflicts and insurgencies. The region is home to several different ethnic groups, each with their aspirations and demands. The creation of a new state could exacerbate existing tensions and trigger new conflicts. Opposition from other northeastern states: Although the exact territorial demarcations of the proposed Nagalim is yet to be known, it is important to note that the discussions regarding Nagalim have often focused on areas primarily inhabited by Naga communities, which are spread across different states in North East India including Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It even includes parts of Myanmar. There is no doubt that except for Nagaland all other states will oppose the idea of Nagalim encroaching into their territory. Any such forced movement will only lead to bloodshed akin to a civil war. Assam-Nagaland border dispute Nagaland has made territorial claims into large swathes of Assam land in the districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat. Although Assam and Nagaland are holding regular talks to resolve the border dispute, there is nothing much to be seen on the ground. Armed miscreants from Nagaland often conduct cowboy-kind raids into Assam villages to terrorise people. In one such tense situation, Assam MLA from Mariani which borders Nagaland in Jorhat district Rupjyoti Kurmi had to run for his life along with his police guards when shots were fired from the Nagaland side. There were major clashes between the two states along the border resulting in a huge loss of lives and property primarily on the Assam side in 1965, 1968, 1979, 1985, 2007 and 2014. The two states share a 512.1-kilometre border. The enforcement of Nagalim will thus lead to the major displacement of thousands and thousands of people in Assam leading to major law and order and rehabilitation crisis. Centre giving more importance to NSCN than needed Divided into two factions the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) and the NSCN (Khaplang) the IM-faction has been long involved in peace talks with the Indian government since the 1990s. The NSCN has proposed the idea of establishing a Nagalim which the Government of India has so far not agreed to. Due to the stalemate in discussion with the NSCN-IM, the Government of India is thinking of signing a peace deal with the Naga National Political Groups, which represent seven other Naga rebel groups participating in the peace process, by sidelining the NSCN. How the NSCN-IM will react to that is too premature to comment but it wont take it lightly. The Centre should not be seen giving in to the demands of a militant group which in the name of fighting for the Naga people has a disastrous human rights record taking many lives and destroying property worth crores of rupees. Because of its war on the Indian Union, there was a tremendous burden on the exchequer which the government had to incur to arm its forces to wage its battle against the militant group. Had there been peace, Nagaland would have been a far-developed state today known beyond its pork and pickles. Peace should neither forgive the past entirely nor should it leave pores for future conflict. Although the Jawaharlal Nehru government signed the 16-point statehood agreement with the Naga Peoples Convention ignoring the Naga National Council of Angami Zapu Phizo, the result was a new state was born with a new set of problems which are unresolved until today. Successive governments have either tried to resolve the issue or put it on the backburner but nothing concrete happened. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been trying hard to resolve the issue, the mysterious nature of the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement signed on 3 August 2015, has given rise to more questions than answers. The NSCN(IM) seeks to share sovereign power and wants a separate constitution and national flag for the Naga people which is an outright impossible demand to be met with. Why Nagalim should be rejected for good Giving a nod to Nagalim will not usher peace into the North East rather it will open the floodgate to more problems and many of which will be violent as the ongoing Manipur crisis has shown. Nagalim will just as another battlefront where the same people will continue to kill and fight each other. With the regions proximity to Myanmar and Chinese borders, it will only be volatile involving the Centre more in dousing the fire rather than truly focusing on the actual goal of Indias Act East Policy. If the concerned groups are steadfast in the demands for a Nagalim at the cost of other people in the region, the Centre should very well employ the method in Jammu and Kashmir and turn Nagaland into a Union Territory. The present government at the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for its decisive and drastic steps. Well, this will be another one then! Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. William Dalrymple is a tricky person. His history doesnt always complement his politics. His books, though often appearing to be an apologia for the decadent and depraved later Mughals, have at least been a damning expose on the sorry state of history writing in India. That a history book should be written like a novel with rigorous research put in the endeavour. Stories should remain the core of the book and not a farfetched ideological fantasy dictated by what was once the Only Fatherland of progressive ideas. Even when Dalrymple is not delving into history and wears the hat of a contemporary chronicler, he still seems to tread a fine line of not invading the sacred in his search for modern India. In Nine Lives (2009), for instance, he recounts with empathy the story of The Dancer of Kannur, in which Hari Das, a Dalit from Kerala, is a part-time prison warden for 10 months of the year, but during the Theyyam dancing season between January and March, he is transformed into an omnipotent deity to be worshipped even by the high-caste Brahmins. Then there are the stories of an MBA sannyasin, Ajay Kumar Jha, and an idol maker, Srikanda Stpathy, Tamil Nadus Swamimalai town, told with warmth and understanding. The politics of Dalrymple, however, is starkly different and dangerous. It undoes almost everything he builds as a historian, though one can find traces of self-contradiction in his books too. In Nine Lives, for instance, his reverence for the sacred appears hollow and pretentious as he invokes Romila Thapars idea of syndicated Hinduism to intellectually discredit Hindu resurgence in India. Dalrymple, quite mischievously, calls it Rama-fication of Hinduism. This two-faced nature of Dalrymple to project his reverential aspect of the sacred while simultaneously working to dismantle it was evident early this week when he, in an interview with a British daily, questioned the idea of British-looted treasures being returned to India. He wanted the wealth that the British had illegally drained out of India a phenomenon he himself exposed in his book The Anarchy (2019), pushing the countrys share in world economy from 23 percent in the early 18th century to 3 percent in 1947 to stay put in the island nation. Now thats the typical Dalrymple way of having the cake and eating it too. He takes the moral high ground by exposing the British plunder, and then like a blue-blood British he vetoes the transfer of that looted wealth to the country of its origins. According to Dalrymple, Mughal treasures looted by the British might never be displayed if they are returned to India, which is currently run by a Hindu nationalist government that does not display Mughal items. He, thus, recommends keeping the loot in Britain. You can go to Delhi and not see a display, at the moment, of Mughal art at all. But its there, beautifully displayed, in the British Library, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum. This is classic white supremacist syndrome with a post-colonial twist: In their heydays of colonialism, the Europeans justified their loot in the name of civilising the savage. The truth, however, was just the opposite: When they first reached Akbars court, the Mughal ruler thought of civilising these European immigrants, whom he called an assemblage of savages. Dalrymple himself writes in The Anarchy how in the 17th-18th centuries, British shopkeepers passed off shoddy English-manufactured textiles as Indian in order to gain greater profits. Ironically, Dalrymple, who today wants the stolen artefacts to remain in Britain museums, has taken a starkly different position in his book, The Anarchy, as he lists out the looting of thousands of priceless objects from India to Britain by the employees of the East India Company. The Companys conquest of India almost certainly remains the supreme act of corporate violence in world history, he writes. Earlier, in an interview with the Smithsonian magazine in 2017, he had emphasised the need for the return. If you ask anybody what should happen to Jewish art stolen by the Nazis, everyone would say of course theyve got to be given back to their owners. And yet weve come to not say the same thing about Indian loot taken hundreds of years earlier, also at the point of a gun, he said matter-of-factly. So, what has changed from 2017 to 2023? Nothing exactly! Even the government in power remains the same. The only thing that has changed in the past five years is the growing global clout of India. Today, as India has displaced Britain to become the fifth largest economy in the world, and is set to take the third slot ahead of Japan and Germany by the end of the decade, Indians have never been so steadfast and vocal about getting their stolen heritage back. Its no longer about Western benefaction; its about new India seeking its rightful legacy. Dalrymples hoax is further called when one analyses his claim of Mughal treasures being looted by the British. No, Mr Dalrymple, the British looted Indias treasures, not Mughals. Babur didnt bring any of these treasures from Samarkand or Kabul. He invaded India precisely because it was a wealthy territory, despite pervading political chaos in the subcontinent. But, for the sake of argument, lets analyse what was typically Mughal. Kohinoor, for instance, has a south Indian connection. According to the diary of Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316) of the Delhi Sultanate, he looted it from the Kakatiyas. There are many such non-Mughal objects and artefacts: The British Museum currently hosts a bronze Nataraja sculpture belonging to the Chola era (c. 1100 AD), a granite sculpture of Shiva and his wife Parvati from Odisha (c. 1100-1300 AD), and a carved granite figure of Nandi from the Deccan (c. 1500s AD). This museum also has a marble statue of Goddess Saraswati (c. 1034 AD), originally from the Bhojshala Temple in Madhya Pradesh, and a two-sided limestone relief from Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, carved first in the 1st century BC. Also, if you thought there were just one diamond called Kohinoor, you would be wrong: For, Britain looted another one soon after the Anglo-Maratha war in 1818; called the Nassak Diamond, it was a large diamond originally weighing 89 carat, and adorning the eye of the main idol in Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, near Nashik, Maharashtra. The list of looted heritage is long and exhausting. DV Tahmankar, in his book The Ranee of Jhansi (1958), while detailing the loot of Jhansi in 1858, writes how the British took away jewellery, gold, silver and other valuable stuff. By the end of the pillage, he writes, Not a single useful thing was left with the people. This scene was repeated in one state after another. In fact, one can understand the never-ending plundering appetite of the British from the fact that one of its reformist Governor Generals, Lord Bentinck, in the 1830s, had worked out plans to dismantle the Taj Mahal and ship the marbles to collectors in London. Today, the Taj stands in Agra in all its glory just because the auction was a failure and the British authorities thought it was not worth demolishing the monument! Dalrymple should realise that India is not seeking the damages of wealth Britain had drained out of the country, which as per one estimate amounts to $45 trillion. It just wants its heritage back. And that heritage is Indias, and not that of the Mughals, howsoever hard Dalrymple would want us to believe otherwise. In one of his interactions with this author almost a decade ago, Dalrymple proudly talked about having Mughal blood in his veins. Maybe it is this blood that stops him from appreciating the new India story. His elitism makes him suspect the democratisation, even if partly, of the Lutyens ecosystem. Or, maybe his uneasiness comes from the fact that the new, modern India is fast shedding its colonial inhibitions and is no longer shy of its civilisational roots an India that has stopped looking Westward for legitimacy, vindication. For, Dalrymple could become a literary phenomenon precisely because he first landed in India that was old, docile and down with colonial hangover. Time is ripe for the White Mughal to stop running with the Indian hare and hunting with the British hounds. The author is Opinion Editor, Firstpost and News18. He tweets from @Utpal_Kumar1. 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. It was one of those rare instances when S Jaishankar, Indias articulate foreign minister whos never found short of a quick response or a quip, was forced to take a few moments to give his reply. During MEAs media briefing Thursday, on being asked to react to Canadas national security advisor Jody Thomass recent remarks that India was among the top sources of foreign interference in Canada, a visibly surprised Jaishankar said it is a textbook case of pot calling the kettle black. I was what shall I say, the phrase which came to my mind was actually a Hindi phrase which was Ulta chor kotwal ko daanteyIf anybody has a complaint, added the minister, we have against Canada The space that they are giving to Khalistanis and to violent extremists. So, I was very perplexed by what I heard, he said. Canada accusing India of interference is so replete with irony that the ministers perplexity was understandable. Ottawa has let its toxic diaspora politics spill over into the bilateral arena to such an extent and for a such a long time that it would take a reckless punter to bet in favour of tightening India-Canadian ties under Justin Trudeau, the enfant terrible of world politics. In fact, one of the very first questions in the presser, called by the MEA to showcase Indias foreign policy achievements under the Narendra Modi government in the last nine years, was on the tableau displayed as part of an annual parade in the city of Brampton in Canada to commemorate the anniversary of Operation Bluestar. Organised by the Khalistani groups based in Canada, one of the tableaus depicted in graphic detail the assassination of former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards with an accompanying revenge poster referring to the storming of Golden Temple. The shocking incident that represents a new low even by Canadas exalted standards came to light with the release of a clip that went viral on social media. Given the sordid circumstances, and keeping in mind Canadas track record in encouraging Khalistani terrorists and secessionists to organize umpteen referendums on its soil to carve a Khalistan out of India Jaishankar gave a markedly measured, if slightly cynical response. Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. Referring to the bombing of Air India Flight 182 that exploded mid-air on June 23, 1985, killing all 329 passengers and crew aboard, Jaishankar added, because if you look at their history, you would imagine that they learn from history and they would not like to repeat that history. It is not only one incident, however, egregious it may be. Alleged to be the handiwork of Khalistani terrorists, Canadas worst terrorist attack took place due to glaring security lapses and blunders on part of Canadian authorities, according to a committee report commissioned in 2006 by then Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper. The minister added: I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence and I think it is not good for relationships and not good for Canada. It was interesting to note Thomas accusing India of interference in Canadian affairs, and clubbing it along with Russia, Iran, and China as one of the top state actors meddling in its politics. It could easily have been mistaken as a satirical comment by a stand-up comedian had it not been made by the Canadian NSA, since, as Jaishankar pointed out, the exact opposite is true. And one isnt just talking about the anti-India hate speeches, attacking of Indian diplomatic missions and consulates or defacement of Hindu places of worship that take place dime a dozen in Canada. The conflation of Sikh votebank politics with Khalistani activism and separatism has become such a venomous issue in Canadian domestic politics that from Trudeau to his ministers and colleagues, Canadian politicians over the years have openly and brazenly interfered in Indian domestic politics under the guise of free speech despite the Indian government frequently airing its displeasure and serving demarches. Given the fleeting nature of public memory, a short refresher course might be in order. In December 2020, when the farmers protests in India against three farm laws were in full swing an event that was globally amplified and given robust support from the Sikh diaspora in Canada, Trudeau waded into the debate by calling it a concerning situation and sermonizing that Canada will always be ready to defend the right to peaceful protest. We believe in the importance of dialogue and thats why we reached out to multiple means directly to Indian authorities to highlight our concerns. From Canadian defence minister Anita Anand to then industry minister in Trudeau cabinet Navdeep Bains, the Canadian PMs comments were followed by a laundry list of ministers and lawmakers extending support to the agitation. Things got so out of hand that a furious New Delhi summoned the Canadian high commissioner and handed him a demarche, with the ministry of external affairs telling the envoy that Trudeaus comments on protests by farmers in India constitute an unacceptable interference in internal affairs and may seriously damage bilateral ties. Not to be deterred, and in indication of the brazenness and callousness with which Trudeau treats bilateral ties with India, a day after the demarche, Trudeau again provoked India by saying, Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protests anywhere around the world. The Canadian PM is a repeat offender, and his unabashed courting of Khalistani elements at the risk of further damaging bilateral ties continued unabated, including, rather incredulously, right after he had dialled prime minister Modi for vaccines in early 2021. That call was placed by Ottawa in February 2021, ostensibly under political pressure at home where the Trudeau government was roasted for not seeking New Delhis help. The Minister said she was scouring the globe to find vaccines. I asked if she or Trudeau had called @narendramodi. Nope. pic.twitter.com/ExGCUStn1B Michelle Rempel Garner (@MichelleRempel) February 5, 2021 According to a readout by New Delhi, Modi received a telephone call from Trudeau on February 10, in which the Canadian leader informed about his countrys requirement of COVID-19 vaccines from India. Modi assured Trudeau that India would do its best to support Canadas vaccination efforts, just as it had done for many other countries already. Expressing his appreciation, Trudeau said, if the world managed to conquer COVID-19, it would be significantly because of Indias tremendous pharmaceutical capacity A day after, Trudeaus office released a statement of the phone call where it claimed: the leaders discussed Canada and Indias commitment to democratic principles, recent protests, and the importance of resolving issues through dialogue. Trudeaus ungratefulness is surpassed only by his shamelessness. This is a prime minister that waxes eloquent on farmers protests in India and bats for their rights, and then proceeds to invoke the Emergencies Act to crack down on protesting truckers at home and threatens to freeze the protestors bank accounts. Even this year, when the Punjab government was hunting for Amritpal Singh and his associates, Canadian foreign minister in March said Canada is very closely following the developments in Punjab and will continue to address the concerns of the community. Another rabid India-hater and Khalistani sympathizer is New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, whose support is crucial for Trudeaus minority government to survive. Singh reportedly called upon Trudeau to boycott the G20 events in Chandigarh and Kashmir. To understand Trudeaus compulsions, we need to take a look at the numbers. NDP has 24 seats in Canadian Parliament, and Trudeaus minority government will fall if Singh, whos pro-Khalistan positioning is well documented, withdraws support. Trudeau therefore has vested interest in keeping the Khalistani fire burning, if only for his political survival. At around 500,000 people, the tightly knit Sikh community in Canada is a significant political constituency a point made by Jaishankar during the presser. The Khalistani faction is minuscule in comparison which is to say around 80 per cent Sikhs in Canada have little sympathy for Khalistan, but the separatists are vocal and their activism is being fuelled by increasing political assistance and mainstreaming of their narrative in Canadian political discourse. Evidently, therefore, it is preposterous for the Canadian NSA to claim that India is interfering in Canadian affairs. It is a ridiculous attempt at narrative-shaping and deflecting the criticism that rightly comes Canadas way. Given the short-sightedness of Trudeaus politics, his survival compulsions and the arm-twisting that he has succumbed to, it may safely be assumed that the prospect of India-Canada ties improving in the near future are not bright. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that today the whole world is looking towards India as its position has strengthened manifold. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was interacting with intellectuals at Gopal Narayan Singh University Rohtas, Bihar where he said, BJP fulfils promises, we abolished Article 370 and the grand Ram Temple is now being built. Hum rajniti sirf sarkar banane ke liye nahi balki samaj banane ke liye karte hai. (We dont do politics for forming a government but for the welfare of the society). He said that water has reached around 12 crore homes in the country through taps. Today, water has reached around 12 crore homes in the country through taps. In the year 2014, there was no electricity in about 18,000 villages. Today electricity has reached every house, said Rajnath Singh. He further added that Indias economic growth is tremendous and is progressing very fast. Now Indias economic growth is tremendous. Today, India is progressing very fast. India has joined the top 5 economies of the world. Morgan Stanley has said that India will be counted among the top 3 economies of the world by 2027, said Singh. He further shed light that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a system where every hundred paise is reaching the bank account of the people. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had said that I send 100 paise, but only 15 paise reaches the bottom. Our Prime Minister has given such a system that every hundred paise is reaching the bank account of the people, said Rajnath Singh. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done the work of evacuating Indian students safely during the war between Russia and Ukraine. He talked to the President of Russia, Ukraine and America and the war stopped so that the Indian children were evacuated safely, he added. Referring to the defence production in the country, he highlighted that it has crossed one lakh crore and the exports have reached a record level of Rs 16,000 crores. Today the defence production in the country has crossed one lakh crore. Earlier defence exports were less than one thousand crores, today the exports have reached a record level of Rs 16000 crores. Defence exports are targeted to reach 35000 crores in the coming years, said Singh. Positive indigenization lists of 411 items have been issued by the Armed Forces and 4,666 items by Defense PSUs. These will be made in India and by Indian hands only, he added. He further said that a maximum number of digital transactions are taking place in India. Today, the maximum number of digital transactions are taking place in India. Earlier people used to say that digital transactions are not possible in a country like India. Today a large number of digital transactions are taking place in Bihar as well, he said. The defence minister said that Birsa Munda has been given the honour which was not given earlier. For the first time in the country, Birsa Munda has been given that honour, which was not given earlier. Tribal Pride Day is being celebrated in his honour today, said Singh. 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 Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China next week, officials said. His visit was rescheduled as it got canceled in February after a saga over a suspected surveillance balloon. He is expected to arrive in Beijing on June 18, the first trip by a top US diplomat to China since his predecessor Mike Pompeo in October 2018, US officials said on condition of anonymity. The State Department has not officially announced his travel. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby recently said the United States would announce travel by senior officials in the near future without giving details. Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met in Bali in November and agreed to try to stop high tensions from soaring out of control, including by sending Blinken to Beijing. Blinken abruptly canceled a trip scheduled in early February after the United States said it detected and later shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon flying over the US mainland, drawing fury from US lawmakers and denials by Beijing. But the two sides have more recently looked again to keep tensions in check including with an extensive, closed-door meeting between Bidens national security advisor Jake Sullivan and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna last month. Tensions have risen sharply between the worlds two largest economies in recent years, especially over Taiwan, the self-governing democracy that Beijing claims and has not ruled out seizing by force. The two countries are also at odds over Chinas increasingly assertive posture in the region and over trade and human rights. Biden, however, has looked to limited areas for cooperation with China, such as climate change, in contrast with the more fully adversarial position adopted at the end of the administration of his predecessor Donald Trump. (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. The Canadian province of Quebec hopes that a little rain and help from outside can help authorities fight the forest fires that have been producing plumes of toxic air for almost a week now. Officials announced that by Monday there will be around 1,200 firefighters, out of which 100 have been sent from France, battling blazes across a heavily wooded province of just 8.5 million people that covers more territory than Germany, Spain and France combined. Forestry Minister Maite Blanchette Vezina said, Some rain is forecast in the next few days there is a risk the situation will stay critical. But the arrival of French firefighters is really going to help. Since yesterday (Friday), Canada has witnessed around 422 wildfires, 125 of them in Quebec. The fires have affected the air quality of not just Canada but even New York and other neighbouring regions. Canadian forest fires regularly occur in the warmer summer months but the scope of the current conflagration and its early arrival is unprecedented. Although Federal meteorologist Gerald Cheng said that some rain is expected over the weekend in Quebec, he warned: Whether or not that rain is enough to douse the fires, that remains to be seen. Authorities in the Pacific province of British Columbia, where several small settlements have been evacuated, have made little mention of progress in the fight against blazes there. Right now conditions are very dry. Please use caution so that we can try our best to avoid a catastrophic fire season, British Columbia Premier David Eby told reporters on Friday. More than 13,000 people have been evacuated from towns in the north of Quebec. Vezina said some roads that had been closed were now open again, adding, were moving in the right direction. Asked about the potential for allowing people to actually return home, Quebec public safety minister Francois Bonnardel said, Its clear that it (the situation) could stay problematic until Monday night. The federal environment ministry is due to brief reporters at 11:30 a.m. EDT (1530 GMT) on Saturday to discuss the latest forecasts for Quebec and neighbouring Ontario. 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. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Kyiv on Saturday on a surprise visit. His visit comes as Ukrainian forces were engaged in fierce fighting against Russia on the southern front line. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a tweet, I welcome Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and representatives of his team to Ukraine. Despite all Russias efforts to bow our people, Ukrainians continue to fight for independence and freedom. And in our victory, we will stand together just as we are standing now on our way to defend life and people. I welcome Canadian Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau and representatives of his team to Ukraine. Despite all Russias efforts to bow our people, Ukrainians continue to fight for independence and freedom. And in our victory, we will stand together just as we are standing now on our pic.twitter.com/sX5dUfP5kK (@ZelenskyyUa) June 10, 2023 Trudeau placed flowers by a wall displaying the faces of soldiers killed in combat while a military orchestra played, according to AFP. Canada stands united with Ukraine. Im in Kyiv to reaffirm that commitment to President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people as they maintain their resistance against Russias brutal war. More updates to come stay tuned, Trudeau tweeted. Canada stands united with Ukraine. Im in Kyiv to reaffirm that commitment to President @ZelenskyyUa and the Ukrainian people as they maintain their resistance against Russias brutal war. More updates to come stay tuned. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 10, 2023 The Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Oleksandr Polishchuk was also seen handing Trudeau a container holding shrapnel from a rocket that fell on the Black Sea port city of Odesa. During his visit, the prime minister also spoke with a group of soldiers who had been trained in Canada. One of them, Colonel Petro Ostapchuk, told reporters the troops received training for elite shooters, engineers and young commanders. Its a great privilege to meet the prime minister, he said. Canada has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv since Russias offensive against Ukraine last year. The country is also home to a large number of Ukrainian diaspora Ottawa has provided Ukraine with significant military aid, trained more than 36,000 soldiers and adopted sanctions against Moscow. 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. European Union countries will try again next week to pass a deal on new renewable energy targets, which have been stalled by concerns from France and other states that the law sidelines nuclear energy. A group of countries including France lodged last-minute opposition to the EUs law on more ambitious renewable energy goals last month, putting on hold a main pillar of the blocs plans to tackle climate change. EU country diplomats will attempt to approve the law on Wednesday, according to an agenda for the meeting published late on Friday. Paris has sought changes to the law to offer more favourable treatment of nuclear energy, and said the final deal puts at a disadvantage countries like France with large shares of nuclear power. Nuclear energy is low-carbon, but not renewable. The EU law is designed to drive a rapid expansion of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The deal negotiated this year offered some compromises, including lower renewable fuel targets for industry, in countries that have already used nuclear power to slash their use of fossil fuels. Paris had said the rules still excluded low-carbon hydrogen produced from nuclear electricity. In its hunt for a deal, the EU has considered options such as providing a declaration, accompanying the final law, that acknowledges the challenge this poses for some countries, diplomatic sources said. That would avoid reopening the deal on the law agreed by EU countries and lawmakers earlier this year a scenario the European Commission and some other countries want to avoid. Frances energy ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Thursday France will not give up the competitive advantages linked to nuclear power, noting that EU countries have the right to choose their own energy mix. Other pro-nuclear EU members including Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic had also signalled they would not support the renewable law citing concerns including, for some, that the targets are simply too high. Together, they have enough votes to block the law. It is unusual for countries to reject pre-agreed deals on EU laws, which follow months of negotiations. Meanwhile, states including Germany and Luxembourg both anti-nuclear countries plus Denmark and Ireland have urged the EU to resolve the spat quickly, warning the delay endangers investments in renewable energy. 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 court in France has sentenced a man to 18 years in jail for stabbing and burning alive his 15-year-old girlfriend. The 2019 killing of the secondary school pupil revived outrage in France over the number of women who die at the hands of intimate partners. The court was told that the accused, a 17-year-old high scool student at the time, had lured the victim to a shed in the town of Creil north of Paris to kill her and burn her body. Post-mortem forensic examination revealed multiple wounds inflicted by a knife, but also that the victim was still breathing at the start of the fire. According to public prosecutor Loic Abrial, the crime was premeditated at every stage. He had sought a tougher, 20 or 30-year sentence, but the court took the accuseds status as a minor into consideration. In response, the victims brother cried angrily. 18 years! Thats justice in France, he shouted at the special juvenile court in Oise, and had a tense exchange with the accused before collapsing and being taken to hospital. (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. French President Emmanuel Macron and Irans President Ebrahim Raisi held a lengthy telephonic call on Saturday where the former urged Raisi to immediately withdraw Tehrans support to Russia for its offensive in Ukraine in the form of providing Moscow with military drones. Macron underlined the serious security and humanitarian consequences of Irans drone deliveries and urged Tehran to immediately end the support it thus gives to Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. The call between Macron and Raisi comes just a day after White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that Russia received materials from Iran to build a military drone factory that could be fully operational by next year. The White House released a satellite image of the location of the prospective plant in the Alabuga special economic zone, some 900 kilometres (560 miles) east of Moscow. The Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening, Kirby said in a statement, citing US intelligence information. White House has also alleged that Iran has provided Moscow with hundreds of military drones to attack Kyiv and terrorise Ukrainians, a claim that has been denied by Tehran. US data suggests that the drones provided to Russia are manufactured in Iran and sent to Moscow via the Caspian Sea and then used operationally by Russian forces against Ukraine, Kirby said. The Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening, he added in a statement, citing US intelligence information. The White House said it would release a new government advisory to assist businesses and governments to ensure they are not inadvertently contributing to Irans (drone) program. 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. Fed up with lawmakers investigating his behaviour, former Prime Minister of Britain Boris Johnson abruptly stepped down from his parliamentary post in protest on Friday. Johnson had been under investigation by a parliamentary inquiry looking into whether he misled the House of Commons about lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has accused lawmakers involved in the investigation against him of acting like a kangaroo court with the aim of ending his political carrier. I am being forced out by a tiny handful of people, with no evidence to back up their assertions, an angry Johnson said in a statement. Parliaments privileges committee the main disciplinary body for lawmakers had the power to recommend Johnson be suspended from parliament. If the suspension is for more than 10 days, voters in his constituency could have demanded he stood for re-election to continue as their representative. However, the former PM has left some room open for speculation regarding his comeback as he declared that he was leaving parliament for now. I am not alone in thinking that a witch hunt is underway to take revenge for Brexit and ultimately to reverse the 2016 referendum result, he said. My removal is the necessary first step, and I believe there has been a concerted attempt to bring it about. Johnson could not hold the seat of prime minister for long owing to the partygate scandal which caused a huge uproar among the citizens of UK. The investigation is chaired by a senior Labour Party lawmaker, but the majority of lawmakers on the committee are Conservatives. The Committee has announced that it will conclude its investigation on Monday and will publish its report soon. A spokesperson for the committee said Johnson had impugned the integrity of parliament with his resignation statement. 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 Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has said Indias commitment to import 10,000 MW of clean energy from Nepal in the next ten years has opened a new door for hydropower development in South Asia. His comments came during a meeting with Martin Raiser, World Bank Regional Vice President for South Asia, on Friday. Prachanda said that the increase in hydropower production would aid the development of green and clean energy and help minimise the impacts of climate change in the region. The people in the world will also be benefited directly or indirectly if we focus our attention towards the development of hydropower, he said at the meeting held at the Prime Ministers Office at Singhadurbar. He pointed out that not just Nepal but neighbouring countries like India and Bangladesh would also benefit from hydropower development in the Himalayan nation. Prachanda recalled his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi during his recently concluded visit to India, where Modi expressed commitment to import 10,000 MW of clean energy from Nepal in the next ten years. This has opened a new door for hydropower development, Prachanda pointed out. Prachanda visited India from May 31 to June 3, his first official trip abroad since assuming office in December 2022. Raiser and Prachanda recalled more than six decades of cooperation between Nepal and the World Bank. They discussed the Himalayan nations problems related to the development process, including the challenges posed by climate change and the possibilities of green development, according to sources close to the prime minister. Prachanda also expressed gratitude to the global lender for coordinating the management of financial sources for the development of the Upper Arun hydropower project, a priority project of the Nepal government. Raiser asserted that the World Bank is prepared to assist the Nepal government in its efforts to attain social and economic development. He also expressed the World Banks commitment to help Nepal in areas of reforms. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Cash-strapped Pakistan has expressed its interest in joining the BRICS group amid economic turmoil and failed talks with International Monetary Fund to get loans. Nineteen countries including Pakistan have expressed their interest in joining the BRICS, and these aspirations will be deliberated upon at the groups upcoming summit in South Africa in August, Pakistan Today reported. According to a report, 19 countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran and others have formally expressed their desire to join the group. Others including Argentina, UAE, Algeria, Egypt, Bahrain and Indonesia have also expressed their interest to join. BRICS, an economic bloc that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, was formed on June 16, 2009. South Africa was the only country to join the block after its formation in December 2010. Though the BRICS member states have expressed their desire to expand the membership of the grouping, there is hardly any appetite within the grouping to include Pakistan, in spite of Chinas presence. There is fear among the grouping that any attempt to include Pakistan as part of the grouping could weaken the credibility of the BRICS with India withdrawing from any willing participation in the grouping. India may choose to refrain from active participation in the group, thereby denying the grouping of one of the worlds largest and fastest-growing economies, consumer markets and advanced manufacturing hubs. There are three reasons why Pakistan cannot be allowed to join BRICS. The first is concerns on finance, specifically BRICSs direct challenge to the G7 in terms of economics and trade. In terms of GDP purchasing power parity (PPP), China is the worlds largest economy followed by India in third place, Russia in sixth and Brazil in eighth. As a grouping, they represent 31.5 per cent of the global GDP while G7s share has dropped to 30 per cent. Additionally, all five member states of BRICS are also members of G20 and there have been instances where preparatory meetings held by BRICS members in the areas of governance reform, especially in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, were adopted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and G20. BRICS has also created two new institutions, the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). CRA, which has a capital of more than USD 100 billion, can help member states withstand any short-term balance of payment crises. Pakistan if allowed in BRICS, can easily access the USD 100 billion CRA as well as the comparatively lenient loan conditions of NDB, without improving the functioning of the Pakistani state. Since Pakistans economy is a non-starter in terms of exports or contribution to the global economy and with a perpetually disturbed state, Pakistans inclusion will be a major factor in reducing BRICSs importance since the grouping will be saddled with a liability which it cannot shed, in the process dissuading other deserving countries from being part of the group. The second factor is the danger of the SAARC-isation of BRICS. This implies that the inclusion of Pakistan in BRICS may lead to a deadlock with India in a number of cases, leading to a defunct group. The third and final reason is the lack of any concreteness in Pakistans foreign policy objectives, apart from finding new partners in the name of Islam and wresting favours, economic and geopolitical, from them. Pakistan has been categorized as a rentier state by a few analysts, and this tag fits them to the hilt. With inputs from agencies Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In the early hours of Saturday, Russia launched missiles and drones against sites all over Ukraine, killing three civilians in the Black Sea city of Odesa and damaging a military airfield in the Poltava region, according to Kyiv authorities. The attacks were the most recent in a string of nocturnal strikes that Russia has stepped up as Kyiv prepares to launch a significant counteroffensive. According to officials, a 29-year-old was also killed in the attacks in the northeast Kharkiv region. The Air Force said the attacks involved eight ground-launched missiles and 35 strike drones. Air defence units managed to down 20 incoming drones and two cruise missiles, it said. As a result of the air fight, debris from one of the drones fell onto a high-rise apartment, causing a fire, the southern military commands spokesperson Natalia Humeniuk said of the attack on Odesa. Firefighters battled overnight to put out the fire in the high-rise block in a residential area of the city, footage released by the military showed. The morning light revealed a gaping crater in the ground several metres wide next to the damaged building and a childrens playground, a Reuters photographer said. Humeniuk said the fire had been rapidly put out but three civilians died. At least 27 other people, including three children, were hurt, the emergency services said. Russia also fired drones and ballistic and cruise missiles at the Poltava region, inflicting some damage of infrastructure and equipment at the Myrhorod military airfield, the regional governor said. Ten drones attacked two areas of the Kharkiv region, which borders Russia and also backs onto the front line, wounding a 39-year-old man and killing one other person, governor Oleh Synehubov. Ukraine also shot down two drones over the Dnipropetrovsk region where no damage was reported, its governor Serhiy Lysak said. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The US administration has no intention of seeking a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian conflict and continues to provide weaponry to the Kyiv government, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said on Saturday, commenting on another US military shipment. The US goes on pumping its wards with new batches of lethal weapons. The allocation of such impressive financial resources for these purposes proves one thing: Washington does not intend to look for ways to a diplomatic settlement of the conflict, the Russian news agency TASS quoted Antonov as saying in a statement, released by the embassys press service. He also said that officials from the current Washington administration have done nothing to bring the Zelenskiy regime to the negotiating table. According to Antonov, the US, on the other hand, has been deliberately pushing its puppets to continue sacrificing human lives for the sake of a lunatic aim inflicting a strategic loss on Russia. It is impossible for Washington to back down from this task. The reputation of the countrys leadership, which has chosen the path of war rather than diplomatic outcomes, is at stake, Antonov said. Bringing peace back to the long-suffering land of Ukraine is not obviously included in the plans of Washington strategists. Their priority is to lobby the interests of the military-industrial complex, he said. Every day there are reports from the war zone that fragments of US missiles have killed or maimed people. Made-in-USA-ammunition explodes in residential areas, turning peaceful cities into smoking ruins, he added. The US Department of Defence on Friday announced another package of military assistance worth 2.1 billion US dollars to Ukraine. According to the Pentagon, air defence systems and munitions will be purchased from manufacturers or partners and supplied to Ukraine. The package will include Hawk air defence systems, 105mm and 203mm artillery rounds, Puma drones, and laser-guided rocket systems. Apart from that, the American side will provide support for training and maintenance activities. 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. After over a week into iQOOs hunt for Chief Gaming Officer (CGO), the company has announced that it has partnered with Mithilesh Pattanker, popularly known as Mythpat, as jury member for the hunt. Alongside iQOOs leadership team, Mythpat will join forces with the brand to evaluate and select talented GenZ gamers from across India throughout the three rounds based on various criteria, offering them a chance to become iQOOs first Chief Gaming Officer and earn INR 10 Lakhs, said the company. The ultimate winner will seize a one-of-a-kind opportunity to collaborate with iQOOs esteemed team, connect with top gamers in the nation, and join a thriving community of gaming enthusiasts across the country. The registration process for iQOOs CGO hunt started on May 30, 2023 and will continue till June 11, 2023. Expressing his enthusiasm as a jury member, Mythpat shared: I am thrilled to be a part of iQOOs hunt, where we will witness the convergence of Indias massive youth population and the booming gaming industry. Its truly incredible to see how gaming has grown in our country and the opportunities young gamers are now being presented with. I eagerly await the chance to meet and engage with exceptionally talented gamers across the industry with iQOO. Let the competition begin, and may the best gamer win! Nipun Marya, CEO of iQOO India, expressing his delight in welcoming Mythpat as a valued jury member for iQOOs CGO Hunt, said: We are thrilled to have Mythpat on board as a jury member for iQOOs CGO Hunt. His remarkable talent and unwavering passion for gaming are truly admirable. Mythpats discerning judgments will undoubtedly take the CGO Hunt to the next level. This collaboration will also provide budding gamers in the industry with an exceptional opportunity to gain first-hand experience and forge meaningful connections within Indias gaming landscape. After the details about the Google Tensor G3 SoC that will power Google Pixel 8 series, the camera specifications of the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, thanks to Android Authority. This reveals that the Pixel 8 series will use a 50MP Samsung GN2 sensor, compared to GN1 is the Pixel 7 series. The phones are said to retain the same front camera from the Pixel 7 series. However, the ultra-wide camera in the Pixel 8 Pro will get a 64MP sensor, compared to the 12MP sensor in the Pixel 8, which will be the same as the one used in the Pixel 7 and the 7 Pro. The Pixel 8 Pro is said to retain the same 48MP 5X telephoto camera from the 7 Pro. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro rumoured camera specs Device Pixel 8 Pixel 8 Pro Main camera 50MP Samsung GN2 Ultrawide Camera 0.55x 12MP Sony IMX386 0.49x 64MP Sony IMX787 Telephoto camera NA 5x 48MP Samsung GM5 (48 MP) zoom ratio Front camera 11 MP Samsung 3J1 The Pixel 8 Pro is also said to get a new 88 ToF VL53L8 sensor, but the Pixel 8 will use the same STMicroelectronics VL53L1 ToF sensor. The phones will get Adaptive torch that dynamically adjusts the flash intensity based on the scene and capture mode and Segmentation AWB, and the phones might get blur level selection in the cinematic mode. The leak also says that the thermometer sensor in the Pixel 8 Pro will be FIR Melexis MLX90632, and will not be a full thermal camera to capture heat data. Source Hong Kong: SJ concludes GZ, SZ visit Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today concluded his visit to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, noting that the exchange of views on thematic topics facilitated mutual understanding on the relevant practice. Mr Lam added that the Department of Justice will continue to spare no effort to take forward the rules alignment and talent exchanges, with a view to jointly pursuing mutual and win-win co-operation in the Greater Bay Areas construction. The justice chief and the delegation comprising representatives from the Hong Kong legal sector visited the Nansha Planning Exhibition Hall yesterday to learn about the history and latest developments of the Guangzhou Nansha New Area as well as the prospects of and measures on the deepening of Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Macao co-operation. Accompanied by CPC Guangzhou Nansha District Committee Secretary Lu Yixian and Deputy District Mayor of Guangzhou Municipalitys Nansha District Pang Bo, Mr Lam then visited the Nansha International Arbitration Centre. During the meeting, Guangzhou Arbitration Commission Party Secretary & Director Chen Simin introduced the commissions latest progress and vision. A representative from the Nansha District Bureau of Justice introduced the landscape of Nanshas legal services and work on taking forward the interface of the legal regulatory regimes. Mr Lam said that the Department of Justice will further encourage stakeholders to contribute to the development and opening up of the Guangzhou Nansha New Area, in particular on talent exchange in foreign-related arbitration and commercial mediation in various subjects including maritime finance, insurance and dispute resolution, so as to contribute to Nansha and the bay areas high-quality development and further enhance protection of the rule of law. He visited the First International Commercial Court of the Supreme People's Court yesterday and met its Vice Presidents Zhao Jinshan and Liu Zheng to learn about the establishment and operation of its one-stop platform on the organic convergence of litigation, mediation and arbitration for the resolution of diversified international commercial disputes. Mr Lam also called on the Shenzhen Qianhai Cooperation Zone People's Court to learn about its organisation structure. In a roundtable meeting with the courts President Bian Fei and others, Mr Lam discussed the practice of adopting Hong Kong law by Hong Kong enterprises in the court and the practice on proof of Hong Kong law. Hong Kongs legal sector representatives said they hoped to collaborate with Mainland stakeholders to further promote the application of adopting Hong Kong law by Hong Kong enterprises as well as deepen the professional exchanges and mutual learning on the proof of Hong Kong law. Mr Lam agreed that both sides will explore together the further expansion of the pool of legal talent in the proof of laws, including strengthening young legal practitioners' understanding on the needs of legal services and the bay area market to further enhance the proof of Hong Kong laws effectiveness, with a view to building up the confidence of users in choosing Hong Kong law as applicable law, thereby contributing to the building of a rule-based business environment in the bay area. He paid a visit to the headquarters of Tencent in Shenzhen this morning, to learn about its research and development and its application of innovative technology which contribute to the development of society and a wide array of industries. The justice chief met Tencent Research Institute Dean Jason Si and its representatives to discuss ways innovative technology tools including artificial intelligence instruments such as ChatGPT would affect and bring challenges to different sectors and the legal regulatory regime. Mr Lam indicated that the Hong Kong legal sector should seize the opportunities brought by innovative technology and proactively explore ways to further enhance the efficiency and standard of professional services. He returned to Hong Kong today. This story has been published on: 2023-06-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. 3 killed after coal mine collapses in eastern India Xinhua) 11:03, June 10, 2023 NEW DELHI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and many feared trapped on Friday after a coal mine collapsed in India's eastern state of Jharkhand, local media reports said. The coal mine collapsed at the Bhowra Colliery area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), about 148 km northeast of Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand. According to officials, the mine was illegally operated. "Three people, including a child, a woman and a 25-year-old man, were declared dead," the New Delhi-based television news channel NDTV said. "It seems that illegal mining was underway," Binod Oraon, a police official, said, adding, "We are investigating the matter." The mine was closed after the accident. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Digital India Bill Up For Consultation Soon: Will Allow Stricter Action Against Objectionable Content Online? News oi -Lekhaka The Indian Government will soon put up the new Digital India Bill for consultation. The bill aims to bring in new and stricter laws to combat objectionable content in the digital domain. Even as the new Digital Personal Data Protection Bill crawls toward becoming a law, the central administration is seeking public and stakeholders' opinions on the Digital India Bill. Let's see what the bill aims to achieve. What Is The New Digital India Bill? Rajeev Chandrasekhar, India's Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), has announced plans for new legislation to strictly regulate the Internet. At the core of the bill are the dangers that Indians face online. The Digital India Bill has been created with the aim of combating cybercrimes in the country, clarified the minister. Speaking about the bill, he said: "There are 11 things that we don't want on social media - child sexual abuse material, religious incitement material, patent violation material, misinformation, and things like that." The Digital India Bill has been developed to address multiple, wide-ranging online safety issues, such as combating child sexual abuse material, religious incitement material, patent violation material, and misinformation on social media platforms. Specifically speaking, the new bill will grant more power and options to stop the spread of pornographic content, content harmful to children, copyright infringement, misleading content, impersonation, content deemed against India's unity and integrity, computer malware, banned online games, and anything else that is currently illegal. Incidentally, all of the abovementioned content is already listed in the last update of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. However, the Digital India Bill will grant the government legal powers to hold platforms accountable for hosting such content. India Is The Largest Connected Country World And Indians Need Better Protection? The proposed Digital India Bill is a part of the government's initiatives to make the internet open, and safe, and to protect the digital citizen. "Today India is also the largest connected country in the world, and we want to make India the safest and most trusted country," assured Mr. Chandrasekhar. The MEITY chief stressed the need for the bill because of the IT Act of 2008, and specifically, the amendments made in the act. The minister stated the amendments to the IT Act in 2008 granted immunity to big tech and social media companies and allowed them to shrug off the responsibility of protecting internet users. "It is the responsibility of the online platform to keep its platform safe and trusted for the digital citizens." To enforce this, a provision will be included in the Digital India Bill, making it the responsibility of these platforms to uphold the safety and trust of their users," stated Mr. Chandrasekhar. Best Mobiles in India Report: Madhav Sheth, Former CEO of Realme India, Likely to Assume Role as India Head at Honor News oi -Kabir Jain Madhav Sheth, the former CEO of Realme and the current VP for Business and Corporate Strategy (Global) at the company, is reportedly bidding farewell to Realme after a successful tenure. Recent reports indicate that Sheth may be on the verge of joining Honor's India branch as its new head. This development has sparked speculation that Honor, previously owned by Huawei, might make a comeback in the Indian market as early as August. However, both Honor and Sheth have remained silent regarding these reports, leaving the industry eagerly awaiting official updates. Reports of Madhav Sheth Joining Honor India Amidst the speculation surrounding Sheth's departure from Realme, reports have emerged suggesting that he might assume a significant leadership role at Honor India. Honor, a brand previously associated with Huawei, had withdrawn from the Indian market due to geopolitical tensions. However, recent developments indicate that Honor is keen on making a comeback and is actively seeking experienced industry professionals to spearhead its operations. The news of Sheth's potential move has ignited a sense of anticipation among smartphone enthusiasts, who eagerly await the re-entry of Honor into the Indian market. Speculation About Honor's Re-entry into the Indian Market The possibility of Honor re-entering the Indian market has generated considerable excitement and speculation. If Honor manages to secure Madhav Sheth's services, it could signal a strong resurgence for the brand in a highly competitive market. With Sheth's proven track record and understanding of the Indian consumer landscape, Honor could leverage his expertise to regain lost ground and establish a solid foothold once again. Industry analysts and enthusiasts are closely monitoring these developments, eagerly awaiting official announcements from Honor and Sheth. Discussions Between PSAV Global Tech and Madhav Sheth According to a report by ET Telecom, PSAV Global Tech Private Limited, the partner of Honor in India, is engaged in discussions with Madhav Sheth. The objective of these discussions is to collaborate and bring Honor smartphones back into the Indian market. Apart from Madhav Sheth, reports also suggest that other executives from the online and offline sectors might join Honor India. Reports indicate that Honor currently has no intentions to form its own team in India. Instead, the company is expected to rely on PSAV Global Tech for its operational needs. Honor made the decision to withdraw from the Indian market last year amidst the geopolitical tensions between India and China. Honor CEO Zhao Ming has confirmed this course of action. Source Via 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 Xiaomi Extends Warranty On Select Phones But Gets Notice About Illegal Remittances Of 5,551.27 Crores News oi -Alap Naik Desai Xiaomi is going through some major ups and downs in India. On one hand, the company is trying to win back customer confidence. But on the other hand, the Chinese tech giant is facing action for alleged financial irregularities. Xiaomi India and its officials have received a show-cause notice from Adjudicating Authority in India. At the same time, Xiaomi India has extended warranty on select Redmi smartphones to boost consumer confidence in the brand and its products. Xiaomi India Served Notice About Financial Irregularities Xiaomi India, its officials, and three banks under FEMA have received a show-cause notice from Adjudicating Authority in India. Officials under the authority of the Foreign Exchange Management Act or FEMA had confirmed the seizure of Rs 5,551.27 crore belonging to Xiaomi in April last year. The Adjudicating Authority has issued SCN to Xiaomi Technology India, its officials and 3 banks under FEMA on the basis of a complaint filed by the ED with respect to illegal remittances made by the company to the tune of Rs 5551.27 crores: ED pic.twitter.com/i5WibvWViW ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2023 The notice issued this week has been sent on the basis of a complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The complaint reportedly stems from the illegal remittances made by the company to its parent company in China as "Royalties" for services, patents, and licenses. Xiaomi India Extends Warranty On Select Redmi and Poco Smartphones Xiaomi has extended the warranty of two of its smartphone models that belong to the Redmi Note 10 series. Specifically speaking, users of the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Note 10 Pro Max smartphones now have one more year to claim repairs and services as per revised warranty terms and conditions. Similarly, the company has extended the Poco X3 Pro warranty. Xiaomi claims it has taken this step to assure its consumers about the brand's quality. At @XiaomiIndia, we have always believed in providing best-in-class products with unparalleled experiences to our users & fans. However, unfortunately, there were some instances where we weren't able to adhere to the high standards we hold ourselves to, for a small batch of pic.twitter.com/l7sl5fi9Sq Muralikrishnan B (@hawkeye) June 9, 2023 Xiaomi admitted that a few cases were reported where the device fell off its quality standards. Although the company didn't categorically state the reasons for extending the warranty, it could be referring to multiple complaints about the motherboard or camera systems that went dead inside several Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones. Xiaomi has assured that the extension of the warranty is automatic. Those facing any issues with the smartphones mentioned above have to take their device to any authorized Xiaomi service center across India. The experts at the service center will inspect the smartphone and fix it at no additional cost, claimed Xiaomi. 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. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Media's hype of China's spy station in Cuba a new farce Global Times Washington's insincerity hinders progress in China-US dialogue By GT staff reporters Published: Jun 09, 2023 11:41 PM China on Friday criticized the US' long-term interference in Cuba's internal affairs and urged it to stop undermining the political foundation of bilateral relations while claiming to build "guardrails" on China-US relations after the US media's hype of China's so-called deal of building a spy station in Cuba. The US media's latest sensational reports of "China's eavesdropping facility" in Cuba, which reminds people of the Cuban missile crisis in 1962 - one of the fiercest scenes of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union - could be a new farce staged by the media and some US politicians as "good cop, bad cop" with the purpose of gaining the "upper hand" and pressuring China in any possible dialogue, analysts said, referring to a simultaneous US revelation of top diplomat Antony Blinken's possible visit to China. On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal claimed that China has reached a secret deal with Cuba to establish an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island roughly 160 kilometers from Florida. More Western and US media followed Wall Street Journal in reporting the "news." CNN also claimed that Cuba has agreed to allow China to build a spying facility on the island, citing two sources familiar with the intelligence. However, Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, a US Defense Department spokesperson, denied the report and said, "We are not aware of China and Cuba developing a new type of spy station." John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, said the report is not "accurate" while also noting the US' "real concerns" about China's relations with Cuba, Reuters reported. Cuban Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio also refuted the Wall Street Journal report as "totally mendacious and unfounded" and said it is a US fabrication meant to justify Washington's decades-old economic embargo against the island. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on Friday that spreading rumors and slander is a common tactic of the US. The US is an expert on chasing shadows and meddling in other countries' internal affairs. The US is the global champion of hacking and superpower of surveillance. Wang Wenbin noted that the US has long illegally occupied Cuba's GuantAnamo Bay for secretive activities and imposed a blockade on Cuba for over 60 years. The US needs to take a hard look at itself, stop interfering in Cuba's internal affairs under the pretext of freedom, democracy and human rights, immediately lift its economic, commercial and financial blockade on Cuba, and act in ways conducive to improving relations with Cuba and regional peace and stability, not otherwise. Old tactics While hyping the spy installation in Cuba, in recent days, US media also reported on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's plan to visit China "as soon as next week" following his trip to the Middle East. However, neither China nor the US has officially released any information on his visit to China in the coming weeks. The timing and practice for the US media and some politicians in hyping the so-called Chinese "spy station" in Cuba mirrors the incident in which a Chinese civilian airship deviated off course in February, showing that some forces in the US are scheming to hijack any possible dialogue between China and the US, attempting to force the dialogue to focus on the agenda they set and using it as an opportunity to put extreme pressure on China, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday. Given Wall Street Journal's influence on the business and trade circle, its report on the so-called spy station in Cuba may have a more malicious purpose - to imply that the increasing geopolitical competition between China and the US has made China an unsafe place for investment, denting the outside world's confidence in China, said Li. In February, Blinken announced he was postponing his reported trip to China in response to the flying of what Washington labeled a "spy balloon" over the US. However, China never released or confirmed any information on Blinken's visit and blasted the hype over the balloon incident. Analysts said this was like a repeat of that incident, noting that similar scenes happened again over the past days as some US politicians, especially GOP lawmakers, may wage sharp criticism on the Biden administration for planning Blinken's trip to China in the wake of the Cuba reports, with some pushing for a tougher response to China's "attack on US national security." The current complicated signals sent from the US also highlighted the weakness of Biden as a leader and the huge influence interest groups and the deep state have over him, said Li. Wang Youming, director of the Institute of Developing Countries at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, told the Global Times that the latest hype of China's so-called spy facility in Cuba could also be a farce staged by the US government and media, as one of their old tactics is to play "good cop, bad cop" before a key diplomatic engagement. By hyping such accusations, the US can appear to gain the upper hand in dialogues and stand on the "moral high ground" to shame the other side for playing dirty while the US is "working to promote dialogue," said Wang. Recently, the US has beefed up efforts to shift blame to China on its refusal to hold dialogue. For example, the US side repeatedly claimed China refused a meeting between State Councilor and Defense Minister Li Shangfu and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue. Speaking about China's attitude to dialogue with the US, Wang Wenbin said on Friday that China's position on this issue is consistent and the door to dialogue and communication is always open. However, the important thing is that communication should not be carried out for the sake of communication, still less saying one thing but doing the opposite. The US needs to stop interfering in China's internal affairs and stop harming China's interests. It needs to stop eroding the political foundation of bilateral ties while claiming that it wants to put "guardrails" on the relationship. It needs to work together with China to bring bilateral relations back to the right track of sound and steady development, said Wang Wenbin. Even if the information on Blinken's visit to China is confirmed, some analysts reached by the Global Times said they are still not optimistic that concrete progress will be made to erase the tense bilateral relations during the visit, since the US has not stopped its destructive actions in many fields, including on the South China Sea and the Taiwan question. On Thursday, the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations approved a bipartisan proposal that would require reports from US government agencies to prepare for and counter what it called a Chinese mainland "invasion" of the island of Taiwan. China-US relations are facing a tempestuous environment, as being anti-China has become the politically correct stance in Washington, and there is no sign of an imminent improvement in the short term, given the US' current domestic politics, said Wang. Analysts also warned of increasing risks of deteriorating China-US relations and urged the US to give up its obsession with competing with China and take sincere actions to improve relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address by Ali Sukhanver Consisting of members of the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Police, Bangladesh Air Force, Bangladesh Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh and Bangladesh Ansar, the Rapid Action Battalion, is an anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit of the Bangladesh Police. This Battalion is commonly known as the RAB, formed on 26 March 2004. This organization is blamed of killing more than 1,062 people during the period 2004 to 2008. This organization has been facing bitter criticism from rights groups for its involvement in extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances since its formation. Shaikh Hasina Wajid after coming in power in 2009 launched a crackdown against opposition political parties including Khalid Zia, the leader of Bangladesh National Party with the help of the RAB. Amnesty International and other Human Right Watchdogs including international media bodies have been raising their voice against atrocities committed by Hasina Wajid government against the right wing political parties but these raised voices always remained unheard. Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina [ Photo credit: AP via Al Jazeera] The situation in Bangladesh is still the same; teachers, writers, intellectuals and journalists who do not support Hasinas illegal actions are being continuously harassed. No media person is allowed to point out these atrocities and if anyone tries to do so, he is detained under the charges of sedition and treason. Between January 2020 and February 2022, at least 2244 individuals were accused of treason and detained. For the purpose of suppressing peoples voices the Digital Security Act-2018 (DSA) is being enforced. Bangladeshs Dr. Mohammad Yunus is the worst victim to Hasina governments aggression and hostility. Why is Hasina hostile to Dr. Yunus; this in itself is a very important question. The story of conflict and confrontation between Sheikh Hasina and Dr. Yunus started when Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006 for their work to create economic and social development from below. BZ Khasru from New Delhi, penned down an article in the Statesman on 5th April, 2019 which said, Two popular explanations have been swirling around the world as to why Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh declared war on Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. First, Yunus conspired with the powerful military to exile the nations top two politicians, while prepping himself to join politics; second, Hasina felt jealous because Yunus won the Nobel Prize that she believed she deserved for her role in ending a decades-old tribal insurgency. On March 24, 2011, a write up of Dr. Muinul Islam was published in the Daily Star. The title was Stop Yunus-bashing: He is our national icon. The writer said, Sheikh Hasinas first public outburst against Prof Yunus started in February 2007, right after he announced his intention to float a political party, by terming him a loan shark. The climax of Hasinas hostility against the Nobel peace prize winner Muhammad Yunus resulted in his removal from the post of managing director of the microfinance pioneer Grameen Bank in 2011. After that he was fixed in several court cases. Ultimately he had to leave Bangladesh and settled there in USA. Recently, in the month of March 2023, 40 global leaders wrote an open letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in which they expressed deep concern for the well-being of Bangladeshs Nobel Peace prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. The letter was published as a full-page ad in The Washington Post a few weeks back. It is not only Dr. Mohammad Yunus who is facing the personal rage and anger of Sheikh Hasina; there are countless others too including the opposition leader Ms. Khalida Zia and the senior Vice Chairman Bangladesh National Party Tariq Rahman. Ms. Khalida Zia is off and on pushed behind the bars and Tariq Rahman had fled to UK and living there in exile. It is something very astonishing that on one hand the Hasina government is involved in ever worst kind of human rights violation of its own people and on the other hand it is busy in lobbying against Pakistan in The UN Human Rights Council. Reports say that in its coming 53rd session, the UN Human Rights Council has included the demand for international recognition of so-called genocide committed by the Pakistani forces and their associates against the Bengalese during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. The session is going to start on June 19, 2023. Experts on the issue are of the opinion that Sheikh Hasina has ignited this matter just for her personal political motives as the General Elections are expected to be held in January 2024. Today the situation with reference to the human right violations is more horrible even than the situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The worst example of it is misuse of Information &. Communication Technology (ICT) Act 2006 and Digital Security Act 2018 (DSA). A report prepared by the Human Rights Watch says that from 2013 to 2018 Bangladesh police filed nearly 1,300 charges under the ICT Act, 2006. The ICT Act had been under harsh criticism as it was widely used to arrest and persecute individuals for expressing their views online. Unwillingly, under international pressure, Sheikh Hasina government had to replace it with DSA in 2018. Overly broad and vague provisions in the DSA have granted Hasinas government enormous punitive powers to initiate investigations against anyone suspected of being engaged in political activities which could prove a threat to the government. The report pointed out that from 1st Jan 2020 to 31st Oct 2021, more than 754 cases were filed under DSA. The list of the accused included almost 29.5% politicians and 25.6% journalists. The rest of the accused came from a variety of professions, including businesspeople, students and teachers. Same pathetic situation was pointed out in a report prepared by another research group of Bangladesh the Centre for Governance Studies. According to that report, between October 2018 and August 2022, almost 1,029 cases were registered under the DSA against 301 politicians and 280 journalists. It is the adamant and stubborn temperament of Sheikh Hasina which is compelling her to dig the past and waste her time on refurbishing the history. It would have been much better if she had utilized her talent and skill in making todays Bangladesh society free of human rights violations. Her effort of restarting the stale blame game against Pakistan is nothing but a desperate attempt of flogging a dead horse. The writer is an Associate Professor of English at Govt College of Science, Multan US cyber-attacks on iPhones began as early as 2013, says report from Chinese cybersecurity company Global Times By Guo Yuandan Published: Jun 09, 2023 10:55 PM The US has been hacking iPhones since at least 2013, and this can be carried out either directly through Apple's mobile information receiving service or through the deployment of the "Quantum" system during the web browsing process on Apple's mobile browser, according to a new report by Chinese cybersecurity company Antiy Labs. In early June, Kaspersky Lab, a world-renowned cybersecurity company, released an analysis report suggesting that the Equation Group, which is affiliated with the US National Security Agency (NSA), had hacked some key Russian phones, including those of Kaspersky's internal staff, through Apple's iMessage service. The report suggested that there were thousands of victims worldwide, including Chinese users. The Russian Federal Security Service stated that thousands of iPhones in the country, including those of foreign diplomats, had been attacked by hackers. The accusations directly target the US and Apple Inc. However, they did not provide direct sample evidence. Li Baisong, deputy chief engineer of Antiy Labs, told the Global Times that Apple's security mechanism design has long been praised. Its security system and closed application ecosystem have reduced the likelihood and security risks of the system and devices being hacked. However, in the event exposed by Kaspersky, it seems that the iPhone has become a "black box" that is difficult to effectively analyze and obtain evidence from. Antiy Labs has also been following up and researching the use of advanced malicious software on iOS devices. The report is based on sample analysis research of the Equation Group. Due to the extreme difficulty in extracting and capturing samples, no manufacturer has previously published a sample analysis of the NSA's activity on the iOS platform. The Equation Group is considered a top-tier cyber-attack organization globally, and it is generally believed to be affiliated with the NSA. The report indicates that the general perception is that the iOS platform has better security than the Android platform. However, the iOS platform itself still has many potential entry points. Historical cyber-attacks on the iOS platform include software in the App Store, and vulnerability attacks based on iMessage and FaceTime. "But even closing services such as iMessage and Facetime cannot effectively counter the attacks from the Equation Group," said Li. "The US has multiple attack channels. Even when services like iMessage are shut down, they can still attack the mobile application's network access process using the 'Quantum' attack system, achieving implantation into the phone." The Quantum attack system was first exposed by Edward Snowden in 2013. It is developed and used by the NSA's Tailored Access Operations (TAO) division, an advanced network traffic hijacking attack platform specifically designed for global internet infrastructure. It relies on the invasion and hijacking of network devices from various national carriers to insert attack traffic during the target person's online process, exploiting browser vulnerabilities to run malicious code on online devices. The report shows that, based on the analysis of the Quantum system's attackable scenarios, the system can fully cover all major PC terminals, smartphone terminal devices, and browsers globally. "We can further speculate that A2PT ('Advanced' Persistent Threat) attack organizations such as the Equation Group have conducted comprehensive vulnerability exploration research on China's basic information products and mobile environment, completed the accumulation of reserves, and have already launched targeted operations," said Li. He also emphasized that in actual operations, A2PT organizations like the Quantum system target a very small number of high-value targets for precise attacks, and for defenders to find the victims is like finding a needle in a haystack, putting them in an extremely difficult situation. In recent years, smartphones and other intelligent terminal devices have provided people with the convenience of information, but many domestic government and enterprise institutions and industrial departments have introduced mobile offices to take advantage as well. Once the mobile device is compromised, the attackers can not only collect higher value data assets related to the target person, but also use it as a breakthrough point and springboard to invade the internal network of governments and companies. Li suggested that for mobile terminals with high security needs, it is necessary to focus on mature commercial products, make specific security investments, and build a security system to achieve stronger security defense capabilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Cuba, US reject report of Chinese plan for spy base Iran Press TV Friday, 09 June 2023 9:22 AM The White House has rejected a media report which said that China was planning to build a spy base in Cuba, just 90 miles away from the continental USA. "I can tell you based on the information that we have that is not accurate, that we are not aware of China and Cuba developing any type of spy station," said the spokesman for the Department of Defense, Brig. General Pat Ryder during a Thursday press briefing at the Pentagon. The development came after a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) claimed that China and Cuba had agreed on a secret deal that would let Beijing set up an electronic eavesdropping facility in Cuba, enabling China to monitor communications across the southeastern United States. The report further claimed that China had paid "several billion dollars" to Cuba for the deal. "Separately, I would say that the relationship that those two countries share is something that we continuously monitor. I would say that - as you've heard us say many times - China's activities both in our hemisphere and around the world, any concerning activities, are something that we will continue to watch closely. But in terms of that particular report, no, it's not accurate," Ryder said. John Kirby, the White House National Security Council spokesman, also doubted these reports on Thursday. "It's not accurate. What I can tell you is that we have been concerned since day one of this administration about China's influence activities around the world, certainly in this hemisphere and in this region," Kirby told MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell. "We're watching this very, very closely. And we will and we have and will continue to take steps to mitigate any potential threat that those activities might pose so that we can make sure and we're positive that we can continue to defend this nation," Kirby said. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio also called the report completely false and baseless and termed it a fabrication to justify US sanctions against Cuba. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington said they are "not aware of the case and as a result, we can't give a comment right now." Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry on Friday rejected Washington's claim about the listening base, saying the United States is known for "chasing shadows." Tensions between the United States and China have risen since a Chinese surveillance balloon entered US airspace in January, flying across the Americas as it flew over sensitive US nuclear weapons sites before crashing off the coast of South Carolina on February 4. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 8, 2023 Transcript Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Dr. Ely Ratner Participates in a CNAS Discussion on Building a Networked Security Architecture in the Indo-Pacific LISA CURTIS: Welcome to day three of CNAS 2023 annual conference, American Power and Purpose. My name is Lisa Curtis, and I'm the director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program here at CNAS, and it's my great pleasure to welcome Dr. Ely Ratner, assistant Secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs. He's going to speak with us about building a networked security architecture in the Indo-Pacific. Ely was previously executive vice President and director of studies here at CNAS, so it's really great to have him back. And Ely, I hope you are enjoying being back on your old stomping grounds. When he was at CNAS, Ely led a center-wide effort to produce a major report titled "Rising to the China Challenge". It was published in January 2020, and it was an independent assessment done for the U.S. Congress that had been mandated by the 2019 NDAA. So now, Ely is playing a key role in leading the Biden administration's response to the China challenge and building up our security relationships in the region. So we are just delighted to have him here with us today and to discuss these important issues. So Ely, you're just back from a major trip with the Secretary to Singapore, Japan, India. Can you give us a readout or give us the highlights of that visit? ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ELY RATNER: Sure, happy to. And first of all, let me just say it's great to be here at CNAS to see so many friends in the building here. But I have to say, I hardly go a day without seeing CNAS colleagues in the administration as well from meeting to meeting to meeting, so I'm reminded about the importance of this institution and it's no place I'd rather be to talk about the Secretary's trip to the region. So we just got back a couple nights ago from an 8-day trip; started off out to Japan, on to the Shangri-La Dialogue, then on to New Delhi and a quick stop in Europe before coming back to Washington. I think we'll get into some of, maybe, the particular relationships throughout the conversation, but I guess what I would say is this is a moment of unprecedented alignment in our alliances and partnerships in the region. That was clear through the number of meetings and engagements we had. We have unprecedented engagement and momentum in these relationships. And really, I think what is at the foundation of that, which the Secretary spoke about in his plenary speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, is we have a shared vision with the region for what we're trying to do. So this is not about just the United States' vision or the United States' goal; it's really a shared vision that we hear sort of a chorus of voices throughout the region, and much many of the conversations were about how we're working together toward that vision. In terms of the dominant themes throughout the meetings, I'll speak to three. The first is our ongoing efforts to build a more distributed, mobile, resilient force posture throughout the region. So from meeting to meeting to meeting, thinking about, how are we diversifying our access and basing throughout the region? We've made a lot of progress on that over the last year, and much of that is continuing. So that was a major thread, and we can talk a little bit about why that's so important and why that's such a high priority and where are some of the efforts therein. So on force posture, a key theme throughout the Secretary's discussions. Second is on the capabilities front, both in terms of our efforts to support our allies and partners in developing the capabilities they need to defend themselves, defend their interests, defend their sovereignty, as well as efforts that we're working on together to integrate our defense industrial bases and engaging in co-production, in co-development alongside our allies and partners. And we've talked a little bit about both why that matters so much and some of the specifics. And then finally, to the theme of this discussion, huge emphasis around networking our alliances and partnerships. This is something that think tanks, strategists have been talking about for a long time in Washington, and I think it's coming together in a way that's more real now than it has ever been before. And one of the notable features about Secretary Austin's agenda out at Shangri-La is that he actually did more multilateral and mini-lateral meetings than he did bilateral. And the reason for that was not just, you know, to try to see more folks, but because those conversations are moving from dialogue to action. We're not just getting together to share our perspectives on the region. But from combinations of the United States, Japan and the ROK, the United States, Japan and Australia, engaging with Southeast Asian defense leaders, and then for the first time ever, a defense ministerial meeting between the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines also a very important combination. And then, of course, our ongoing efforts in the QUAD, as well. So really starting to see these linkages being built in a very important way. So those were really the dominant threads. I guess at the end of the day, when you put these together, we are more forward in more places in the region. We're more capable, and we're doing it with more friends than we have ever done it before. And the end result of that, is that we do have a challenging environment, challenging security environment. There's no question about that. But I think it's my firm belief right now that the forces of stability are outpacing the forces of aggression and coercion. MS. CURTIS: That's great. It really is quite amazing, what the administration has accomplished in the last six months with our partnerships and alliances. And you mentioned basing, the U.S. is making progress on basing, access to bases. You mentioned the multilateral meeting between U.S., Japan, Australia and the Philippines. So I do want to delve a bit down into the U.S.-Philippines relationship. There's being remarkable progress ever since the President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., took office last year. And you know, of course, with the new agreement for access, U.S. access to four new bases, including in northern Luzon, not far from Taiwan. So this seems to mark a new era in the U.S.-Philippines relationship. What do you think is driving Philippine leaders to want to enhance their security partnership with the United States? And secondly, how do you think China's going to react to all this? DR. RATNER: So I think it absolutely true. The Philippines is one of the sets of relationships that is really in overdrive right now, but it's part of a broader story. This it's the same story with Japan. It's the same story with Australia, the same story with India. In terms of why is it happening, I think there's just a very strong demand signal right now for the United States to be playing its traditional stabilizing role, and countries see their partnership with the United States as part of that. I spoke about again, this shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and a set of principles that undergird that. I think it's no secret that China's assertiveness and coercion has really underscored the importance of working together to strive toward that outcome. In the context of the Philippines, you're right that the Marcos administration has been an accelerant. But actually, the improvements that we're seeing now started toward the tail end of the Duterte administration. I had the opportunity I got confirmed in late July of 2021, literally, on the very next day, got on the plane, got sworn in by the Secretary on the plane out to Southeast Asia, where we visited the Philippines, and he had a chance to sit down with President Duterte at the time and started to make headway back toward some of the efforts that we're seeing now. But you're right, that under the Marcos administration, we've seen that accelerate in many of the categories that I described earlier. As you said, we have seen approval for four new EDCA sites. These are Philippine installations where the United States military has access. These are not U.S. military bases, and there's no intention by the United States to build permanent bases in the Philippines. This is for rotational forces and will provide us the ability to create greater operinterability (sic) with the Philippines, respond to a number of contingencies throughout the region, including humanitarian assistance in disaster relief, as well as in the South China Sea. So we're really excited, and the fact that the Philippines is part of that effort to start knitting together our alliances will be, I think, things we're aiming toward later this year and into next year, and I'm hopeful that, later this year, in calendar year '23, we'll start to see new forms of cooperation, operational coordination between the United States, the Philippines and some of our other allies. In terms of how the PRC is responding, I think they have been on an ongoing effort for many years to divide the United States from its allies and partners. I think those efforts are not working but they will continue to do so. But again, I think our allies and partners, Philippines included, are seeing a lot of value in the relationship with the United States and doubling down, as they're doubling down on some of their own capabilities. And in addition to our bilateral operational efforts, we are also working with the Philippines on a new security assistance roadmap to try to help them develop in particular some of the asymmetric capabilities that will be most important for the types of challenges that they're facing, particularly around their maritime periphery. MS. CURTIS: Yeah, that's great. Yeah, CNAS did a U.S.-Philippines Task Force. You know, Henry Howard was a very important part of that. He's here in the audience today. And that was one of the issues that we talked about, was the need to develop the asymmetric capabilities of the Philippines. So I think that's extremely important. DR. RATNER: And I would just say on this, on the Philippines, I mean, the we are conceiving of the Philippines as one of our most important alliances in the region. Sometimes, you hear a lot of talk about the relationship with the ROK, the alliance with Japan, the alliance with Australia. I think one of the manifestations of a lot of the cooperation that were ongoing here is that the Philippines-U.S. alliance is now rising to be on par with those other major alliances in the region. It's something we're very invested in, I think is going to be a legacy for this administration, in terms of really taking that alliance to a new place. MS. CURTIS: Well, let's talk about one of those other major alliances, which is the U.S.-Japan alliance. It's been dizzying seeing some of the changes we're seeing to Japan's defense policies that were spelled out, of course, in the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy of Japan last December a commitment to double national security spending over the next five years, enhance their own capabilities, including counter-strike capabilities, enhance their defense industrial production, increase exports of defense items to partners. Really, some amazing changes that we're seeing to Japan's defense policies. So I wonder if you could comment do you see these as evolutionary? Is are these issues that have been sort of cooking for a while or do you see them in response to things that have happened over the last year, say? There's been a bit of debate about that, so I wonder if you could talk about that and also how these changes will impact the U.S.-Japan alliance moving forward? DR. RATNER: Yeah, well, great. And you've just done a lot of my work for me, in terms of articulating all of the different major changes that we've seen in Tokyo. I think these are historic, both for Japan and for the alliance. It really started with the alignment of our strategies. If you look at the strategic documents that Tokyo has put out late last year and layer them against the National Defense Strategy, they are really singing the same song. And I have to say, in bilateral engagements with Japan, it is incredibly encouraging how much we're seeing the challenges we're facing but also the opportunities and goals as one and the same. So that's the foundation of the cooperation, is the level of strategic alignment. The fact that they're putting unprecedented resources after this is creating huge opportunities in terms of boosting their capability. You mentioned counter-strike capabilities. That will be really, really important. And the posture changes that came out of what was a historic 2+2 that we had in January, I think that's a meeting that's going to be looked back upon many years from now as a pivot point in the U.S.-Japan alliance, and making good on a number of those changes, in particular on the force posture front, where we are bringing forward our Marine Littoral Regiment, our most advanced fighting formation, as well as making other changes, including increasing more exercises and cooperation in the Southwest Islands, and other changes related to some of the other services, in terms of, again, that effort to be more mobile, more resilient, particularly in the First Island Chain. So really, really important, in terms of what it means for the alliance. It means that Japan is going to be contributing more therein, and as a result of being more capable, as a result of having that strategic alignment, we're starting to have conversations about roles and missions and Japan's role in the alliance that is changing, and I think that's one of the most exciting features of the alliance today. It's an opportunity for an institution like CNAS to start to be a thought leader on what does that mean for the kind of the future of the alliance and what those roles look like? But it's foundationally important. And then you see Japan networked into every one of our allies and partners. So I mentioned the with the ROK, the trilateral meeting that the Secretary had with the ROK and Japanese ministers in Shangri-La. Coming out of that meeting, making good on a leader level commitment to start sharing early warning data on DPRK missile launches. Really important. New trilateral effort, as well as regularizing our trilateral cooperation with the ROK that traditionally, sometimes that trilateral cooperation has only come together in response to discreet DPRK provocations. What we're saying here is you know what? We think this is important for regional stability and we ought to be doing these as a matter of course, not just dictated by DPRK behavior. So that's something to look for later in the year as we start developing concrete plans for trilateral exercises over the next couple years. Similarly, with the Australians, U.S.-Japan-Australia, actually at the front edge of this kind of regional networking, engaging in, no kidding, high end exercising and really important discussions, and it'll be important to watch that configuration going forward as well as it works on S&T cooperation and operational coordination as well. We talked about the Philippines and then the QUAD too. So you have Japan getting stronger, being able to contribute more to the alliance, you have the alliance doing a lot of exciting new things, and then networked in with the rest of the alliance. Couldn't imagine sort of a more important partner right now. MS. CURTIS: Yeah no, it's it's really incredible, the amount of focus on the Indo-Pacific. I think there was a lot of concern after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that once again the U.S. would fail to make that pivot to the Indo-Pacific region. So I think you've shown that, in, you know, the last 16 months, that that has not been the case, that even as the U.S. is supporting the Ukrainians with military assistance, financial assistance, you know, improving that coalition with Europe, at the same time, the United States is extremely active in the Indo-Pacific. So I guess it's a credit to you, Ely, and your other partners in the administration, but really quite impressive. So we were talking a little bit about Russia. I want to talk about a very important country to the Indo-Pacific Strategy and in the upcoming important visit that we have this is Indian Prime Minister Modi coming to the United States June 22nd. This of course is happening at a time where the U.S. and India are diverging on the issue of Russia quite you know, quite markedly. But what do you think is driving the administration to extend this warm welcome, this state level visit, you know, something that's reserved for only the most respected partners of the United States? What is driving that warm welcome of Prime Minister Modi to the United States? And if I could tack on a related question, there was a recent article by well-renowned strategic affairs expert Ashley Tellis, who argued that the U.S. should not expect India to help the United States militarily in the event of a potential future contingency in the Taiwan Strait. So I wondered if you could react to that article? Did you find it surprising? Was the argument compelling? Just like to hear your thoughts on that. DR. RATNER: Sure, and maybe if I could react to your sort of initial prompt about the relationship between what's happening in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, and then will definitely have a few words to say about the U.S.-India relationship, having just returned from Delhi with the Secretary. I think one thing that is really notable about this question of we've got the obviously Russia's invasion of Ukraine, how's that affecting the emphasis and attention and resources going toward the Indo-Pacific, I think it is incredibly noteworthy and notable that the National Defense Strategy that the administration put forward, that the Defense Department put forward, even amidst the invasion of Ukraine, identified the PRC as the pacing challenge for the Department and identified the Indo-Pacific as the priority theater, and that has manifested itself in the ongoing development of new operational concepts, the investments in the latest budget submission, in terms of the capabilities that the administration is focused on 40 percent increase in funding toward Pacific Deterrence Initiative. So from a concepts and capabilities front, really putting our money where our mouth is, in terms of our focus on the Indo-Pacific and the China challenge. Similarly, in terms of all of the changes we've been making in terms of regional force posture and then the commitment to allies and partners in the region, together I think you put those altogether and you see a very robust commitment by the administration. And it's not credit to me, it's credit to the President, Secretary Austin, Secretary Blinken, Jake Sullivan, and the rest of the team, who even amidst the war in Ukraine, have said we're going to remain committed to the Indo-Pacific, the ongoing leader level QUAD engagements, leader level summits, et cetera. So I think we do see that commitment. At the same time, you do see as well, major Indo-Pacific partners contributing to Ukraine's efforts to defend itself, whether it's Japan, ROK, Australia, Singapore, a number of countries throughout the region, and the reason for that is I think they see a stake for the Indo-Pacific and what's happening in Ukraine, and that's as it relates to diplomatically, that's as it relates to economically, and absolutely from a military operational perspective. Really important, what's happening in Ukraine, in terms of reinforcing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, and we see that happening on a day to day basis. So there is connectivity between these theaters, that's one point, but the primary point is we continue to invest in the Indo-Pacific as the priority theater. As it relates to India, I did obviously read the Ashley Tellis article. I know it's been getting a lot of attention. What I would say is what we are trying to get out of the U.S.-India relationship I think, again, we see increasing strategic alignment here. And from our perspective, I think from India's perspective, we do share a vision, again, for a free and open Indo-Pacific, and a strong U.S.-India partnership is a critical ingredient to realizing that vision. I think that's what both sides have understood, that from India's perspective and from the U.S. perspective, that a closer partnership is going to be essential to the manifestation of that vision, and that's in a number of ways. And I would say the one of the major thrusts of the bilateral defense relationship and one of the things we were talking about while we were in Delhi is this ongoing U.S. effort to support India's military modernization and the integration of our defense industrial bases, more co-production, co-development. And I think that is based upon the belief that a stronger U.S.-India that can or a stronger India that can defend its own interests, defend its sovereignty, is good for the United States. A stronger India that can contribute to regional security out of U.S. co-production, co-development with India there is an aspiration to see India as an exporter of security in the region. That's good for the United States. A stronger U.S.-India partnership, where we are operating more together in the Indian Ocean, in the South China Sea, possibly even in the Western Pacific, that's in the U.S. interest. And a stronger U.S.-India partnership that is integrated with Japan, with Australia, with the Philippines, with partners in Southeast Asia, that's in the interest of the United States. So when I stack that up, I see a lot of mutual benefit that we're deriving from that relationship and we're putting our shoulder into it. MS. CURTIS: Great. Thank you. Well, I'm already seeing a lot of questions rolling in from our online audience, we have a lot of people here in our in-person audience, and I want to give everybody an opportunity to ask questions of Ely. So if you have a question, please raise your hand, I'll call on you. Wait for the microphone to get to you so everybody on our online audience can hear your question. And please state your name and affiliation. So if you have a question, just, you know, please go ahead and raise your hand. And while you're forming those, I'll go to our online question. So the first question comes from Will, and Will asks, "As the Department works to bolster military cooperation and joint operations with the Philippines and other allies in the Indo-Pacific Command AOR, how is the DOD tackling the hurdles associated with interoperable communications under the umbrella of CJADC2?" DR. RATNER: Okay. That's a very complex, but an incredibly important question, which is about, you know, how are we communicating with our partners, how are we sharing data and how are we protecting our networks against increasing efforts to undermine those? And I think that is a theme that we are working within the Department, obviously, in and of itself, but really important with our allies and partners. And you do see efforts with countries like the Philippines, like with Japan and others to try to create stronger cyber and information security, which is really the foundations of our ability to cooperate more. And then thinking about, again, from a communications perspective, how can we be more networked bilaterally, but also multilaterally with our partners? Because again, to be able to operate together requires having similar data platforms, similar communications networks, and there is a lot of work being done on that issue. MS. CURTIS: Okay, great. Thank you. I see we have at least three questions, so I'm going to go to Greg Polling. Greg, if you can wait for the microphone, he's right here. Q: Thanks very much, Lisa, and Ely, I'm impressed. I just got back from Shangri-La Monday, and I'm still a bit jetlagged, so I didn't do several more stuff afterwards. I wanted to ask you about the dangerous and unsafe air intercepts not just targeting us, but targeting the Aussies, the Canadians, the Filipinos. What's the level of communication and coordination like among the allies in responding to that? And relatedly, last year at the CSIS South China Sea Conference, you said DOD was working to declassify more information to prove that those are on the rise. Any progress there? DR. RATNER: Okay, well, thank you for raising that issue. This is a topic that I have been spending a lot of time on and the Secretary has been speaking about regularly, dating back to his speech at Shangri-La 2022, and again this year. And just for folks who may not be tracking this as closely, over the past 18 months or so, we have seen a steep rise in the region of PLA aerial intercepts in particular, but as well, obviously, in the Philippines context and others, more and the United States most recently as last week, more assertive, aggressive, unprofessional, risky, unsafe behavior by the PLA. We're seeing this in the aerial domain in terms of quite close intercepts, dangerous maneuvers, which we saw you may have seen the video of it over the South China Sea with a PLA jet cutting in front of a U.S. aircraft, causing a dangerous disturbance within that aircraft. We've seen, as you mentioned, this behavior toward U.S. allies Canadians, Australians, others releasing chaff, releasing flares, in some cases against allied aircraft in the act of doing operations enforcing U.N. Security Council resolutions against the DPRK, that Beijing voted for. So this is counter-normative behavior. It's dangerous, it's risky and it tempts a crisis that could lead to so tempts an incident that could lead to some kind of crisis or conflict. So I think it's incredibly-dangerous behavior. I will say the administration's response to this has been very clear, which is we're not going to be deterred or intimidated by this behavior. We're going to continue to fly, sail and operate safely and responsibly in accordance with international law, as we have been doing and have been doing in these instances of these unsafe intercepts. This is a major problem. We have communicated this publicly and privately to Beijing, and they have provided new types of ongoing explanations about why they're doing what they're doing. But I think the fact is it is risky and it's dangerous. And I have personally, as has the Secretary, been engaged in more intensive diplomacy with our allies and partners thinking about, how are we going to approach this issue? I've been doing work inside the Department on pulling together a number of stakeholders that are associated with this. And do look forward, Greg, to your question, of finding opportunities to tell this story. It's complicated. These operations and some of the imagery and associated media with them are classified. So the there are processes that we have to go through. Also, to the extent that some of these actions are occurring against our allies, that's their story to tell, not ours, and so we have to be coordinating with them. And I'll just say we're in the process of all of that. If we're in an event six months from now and I have not delivered on my commitment to try to more publicly share information and multimedia about these events, then I haven't achieved my own objectives, so I'm getting after that as much as I can. And I think it's an important story to tell, and not only is it dangerous, but it's happening in the context of the PLA being unwilling to engage with the United States in military-to-military communications, not just crisis communications, but dialogue, as well. And if you were out at Shangri-La, I'm sure you saw discussion around this, whereby we have had a problem over the last couple of years of the PLA and the PRC on-and-off shutting down military-to-military communications. This has been particularly problematic over the last six months at the Secretary level, vis-a-vis Chairman Milley, Admiral Aquilino, INDOPACOM operational talks, working-level OSD talks. All of this has been rejected and canceled by the PLA in weeks in advance of Shangri-La, the Department extended an invitation for the new defense minister, Minister Li, to meet with Secretary Austin at Shangri-La. They rejected that proposal, as well. So we think that's really problematic, particularly in the context of this dangerous and risky behavior. MS. CURTIS: Yeah, it's quite alarming that the same time they're rejecting the invitation to meet for talks, they engage in this risky maneuver in the Taiwan Strait. DR. RATNER: Yeah, it MS. CURTIS: It's quite alarming. DR. RATNER: It is in very stark contrast. And I just want to be clear to this audience and everyone who's watching that the United States continues to extend an open hand to dialogue. I think it's important that the narrative among the media and the region understand that the dynamic here is the United States seeking dialogue and the PLA and the PRC rejecting that. And to the extent that there are these dangerous incidents, you know, sometimes I read these headlines, and it says, you know, "U.S. Naval Ship and PLA Naval Ship Nearly Collide", and it wants me makes me want to tear my hair out because what is happening here is a U.S. naval ship operating with, in this instance, Canada, an ally, in accordance with international law, and it was a very dangerous maneuver by the PLA Navy. That's not two ships almost colliding, that's one ship almost colliding with another operating in accordance with international law, and we ought to be clear about that when we describe these events. MS. CURTIS: Great. Thank you. I want to go to Lalit Jha. Please wait for the microphone. Right back here. Q: Thank you. Lalit Jha from PTI. A few questions. I wanted to ask you about the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister. Where do you see the defense relations? What are the key aspects of that? And any developments you think would be coming out of it? And secondly, the China Committee recently recommended that India should be included in NATO Plus or 5+1. Where do you stand on that? And if the do you have any solution response to the Ashley Tellis article in Foreign Policy? What happens if India doesn't send boots on the ground in Taiwan or doesn't support in the Taiwan issue? Thank you. DR. RATNER: Yeah, okay. So on the broader question of where are we in the U.S.-India defense relationship and what to be looking for when Prime Minister Modi comes here to Washington for a state visit later in the month, which, again, I think will be a historic visit, setting new benchmarks for the relationship, and again, I think will be looked back upon similar to how the Japan 2+2 earlier this year was a pivotal moment in the relationship. I think people will be looking back on this visit by Prime Minister Modi as a real springboard for the U.S.-India relationship. As it relates to the defense set of issues in particular and part of what Secretary Austin was doing in Delhi was advancing a number of bilateral issues but also getting prepared for the Prime Minister's visit to Washington, finalizing particular agreements and initiatives that we're working on. Among the priorities there clear, again, strategic alignment around the question of co-development and co-production between the United States and India on the defense side. This is a priority for Prime Minister Modi to strengthen India's indigenous defense industrial base as well as advance India's military modernization. And for all of the reasons I said earlier, that's in the interests of the United States. So we had obviously Jake Sullivan and National Security Advisor Doval here in January launching the ICET, this new initiative to try to bolster technology cooperation between the United States and India, and there's a very strong defense component of that that we are looking to advance. And I know there have been efforts at this at the past. Sometimes there's skepticism around, you know, is it going to be real this time? And my answer is I think all signs are pointing toward yes, it's going to be real and we're going to have some really big, historic, exciting announcements out of the Prime Minister's visit, in terms of particular projects around defense industrial cooperation. So that's one major focus that we spent a lot of time on talking about here more about. We are also enhancing our operational coordination in a number of different places, a lot of focus on the Indian Ocean, a lot of focus on the undersea domain, as well as new domains space and cyber and new efforts around information sharing as well. So I think if you look at the development of the U.S.-India relationship and I know Lisa, yourself, Richard Fontaine, a number of people here who have been working on this relationship for decades, it's really unbelievable how far the relationship has moved over the last couple decades, and I think that's true now more than ever. MS. CURTIS: Absolutely. Great. I think Jake Stokes from CNAS Jake? Q: Thank you. Hi. Jake Stokes with CNAS. Thank you for being here, Ely, it's great to see you again. My question is can you talk about the state of the nuclear balance, particularly in East Asia? Of course, we've seen China modernizing its nuclear arsenal, both in number and in sophistication, a similar trend in North Korea also adopting a more aggressive nuclear use doctrine. And we've seen some of the responses, particularly in South Korea but also more quietly in Japan. So I wonder if you could talk about how you assess the kind of state of the nuclear balance and what you're doing to reinforce extended deterrence with our allies in the region? Thank you. DR. RATNER: Yeah no, it's a great question, Jake. And obviously reflects someone who's watching events closely. In so far as both the regional trends, it's no secret that the PLA is in the midst of a major nuclear modernization. We've been documenting this in our annual public China Military Power Report over the last couple of years, in terms of China's aspirations and really expanding its nuclear arsenal quite dramatically, and our seeing ongoing modernization from the DPRK as well, as you described. I would say, from a Defense Department perspective, we're engaged in a couple different lines of effort as we are watching these trends. One of course is investing in our own nuclear modernization, and that's a major pillar of the National Defense Strategy. So from a U.S. perspective, ensuring that we have the capabilities that we need to maintain deterrence is retain remains a number one priority for the United States. As it relates to our allies and partners, we are working together on strengthening deterrence and strengthening our readiness, particularly in the DPRK context. So ready to be responding to whatever provocations we may see. But to your point on extended deterrence, this has been a major theme in terms of our alliances, particularly with the ROK but also with Japan and to some extent with Australia as well, in terms of the countries with which we are extending nuclear umbrellas in the region. They are watching these trends, as are we, and are wanting to as the strategic environment is changing, I think they have recognized and we have recognized that, both from a perspective of the types of consultations that we have but also the types of activities that we're engaging with, that those need to be evolving alongside those changes. So you've seen in the DPRK context, particularly under the Yoon administration, a lot of bilateral activity around this and U.S. responsiveness to wanting to ensure that our extended deterrence commitment is ironclad and is clear. We have been engaging in more and more strategic deployments to the region, and you'll continue to see those throughout the year. We've been engaging in unprecedented tabletop exercises with the Koreans and others, actually looking at nuclear use scenarios. We've been doing more site visits, bringing Korean leaders to actually see for themselves U.S. nuclear capabilities around. And then we have been, importantly, enhancing our consultations, and you've probably seen one of the major announcements out of President Yoon's visit to Washington was the establishment of a new Nuclear Consultative Group that is going to allow for deeper and more complex discussions around nuclear issues than we have had in the past. We are enhancing our bilateral dialogues with Japan as well around nuclear issues, and we're interested over time, even as we retain those bilateral dialogues, in starting to knit some of this together multilaterally, as well. So I think, again, similar to some comments I made at the beginning, despite some of these changes in terms of the strategic environment, I remain confident that our deterrent, including with our allies and partners, is real, it's strong, and we're going to keep fortifying it in the face of some of these developments. MS. CURTIS: Great. Well, I'm okay, we have time for one more question, and I think I saw Vikram Singh's hand go up. So Vikram, you get the the last question. And then if you have any final remarks, go ahead and DR. RATNER: And this better be a softball. I'm very upset at Vikram. (Laughter) Q: It's a very, very it's a simple one. Don't worry. (Crosstalk) Q: That Ely, it's great to see you, and Lisa, thank you so much for doing this. My question's just on the practicalities of implementing a lot of these defense cooperative activities. You talked about them with India, but you're we're trying to do them with other countries too, just in the context of export control, ITAR, other restrictions that have complicated our efforts in the past. We've seen with AUKUS, we clearly thought we had defense trade treaties and it would be good, but it's not, and now we're trying to bring them under the umbrella of being domestic providers under the Defense Production Act, so a akin to Canada. That's not going to be available for countries like India. What needs to be done to make sure that we to move down this road of co-production and of co-development, but we actually can share the technologies and we actually can do this do this work together on an export control ITAR basis? DR. RATNER: Yeah, it's a Vikram, it's a great question because we can all have aspirations as we talk about here, deepen our alliance and partnerships, work on technology cooperation. That all sounds very flashy as a concept. The reality is that what this requires is what Secretary Austin often refers to as hard government work, which is intensive work inside the system to start changing the bureaucratic processes and really, the culture around these questions of, how are we sharing in technology? How are we sharing information? And I think we are transitioning from a period in which there was sort of a presumption of denial when it came to sharing America's most closely-held technologies, to a recognition that because our partners being quite capable as well, is so much in our strategic interests, and because engaging and as I as I've been describing, knitting together our defense industrial bases is such an imperative for the alliances, but, frankly, for the United States and regions regional security as well, that it's going to have to be it can't be business as usual anymore. So on these questions of ITAR and export controls, what we are seeing is the senior leadership right from the top all the way down saying, "You know what? You're going to have to look at these things differently." Of course, there will be instances where the answer will still be no, we're going to have to protect those technologies. But we're going to go to the outer bounds of ways in which we think we're willing to take more risk, share more. It's going to be required for AUKUS. It's going to be required in the U.S.-India relationship. It's going to be required in the U.S.-Japan relationship. It's going to be required as it relates to a number of our alliances and partnerships. So I think you're seeing it sort of, we are in the middle of, really, a revolutionary change inside of the U.S. system as it relates to some of these functional parts of our bureaucracies as they're grinding through. So it's again, it's hard work. It's going to go probably slower than we want, but the demand signal is so strong that I think we're going to start seeing unprecedented results, including as soon as Prime Minister Modi arrives here in Washington. So more to follow on that, but I think there's a commitment to break down those barriers as much as we can. MS. CURTIS: Great. Well, thank you so much, Ely. I'm afraid that's all the time we have. We could go on, I know, for a long time, but that was a great tour d'horizon of everything that we're doing, all of our security relationships in the region, and I would like you all to join me in a round of applause for Ely. Thank you, thank you. (Applause) https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3423120/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SECNAV Addresses Leadership Development, Culture of Belonging at ANSO Eastern Regional Symposium US Navy - Press Release 08 June 2023 Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro stressed the importance of leadership development at all levels of service and fostering a culture of belonging to deliver forces capable of winning against any adversary at the 2023 Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO) Eastern Regional Symposium. Secretary Del Toro spoke on the final day of the three-day symposium, held at the Vista Point Catering & Conferencing Center, June 8. The theme of this year's symposium is "Leadership Development from Intention to Impact." "Continued efforts to foster a culture of belonging are critical to our Navy and Marine Corps team," said Del Toro. "Diversity within our workforce is a strength, and we will continue to work toward building a culture of mutual respect and inclusion to attract, retain, and develop the best and brightest that our Nation has to offer." Secretary Del Toro is a lifetime member of ANSO and a former member of the ANSO National Board of Advisors. While on active duty, he became a founding member of the ANSO Chapter in Washington DC. Born from recommendations provided at the Hispanic Officer Recruitment Conference (HORC), ANSO was officially established in 1981 by the late Edward Hidalgo, a Mexican immigrant, trained lawyer, and intelligence officer during World War II. Hidalgo served as the first Secretary of the Navy of Hispanic descent under the Carter administration. Lt. Cmdr. Rolando Machado Jr., ANSO's National Executive Vice President, appreciates the connections and legacy between Secretaries Hildago and Del Toro, particularly their efforts to "pay it forward" as it relates to mentorship and professional development. "SECNAV Del Toro's personal engagement and involvement gives me hope that our efforts within sea service affinity groups is valuable to our Sea Service Chiefs' efforts to create inclusive leaders and improve our overall warfighting readiness," said Machado, who is a 2009 Naval Academy graduate and has been mentored by Del Toro since he was a midshipman. Retired Navy Captain Roy Love, ANSO's National President, agrees. "The impact you get from seeing someone who looks like you and from the same background as you helps you see yourself in the future of the workforce," said Love. Born in Havana, Cuba, Secretary Del Toro immigrated to the U.S. with his family as refugees in 1962. Raised in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City, he attended public schools and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, and was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer upon graduation in 1983. His 22-year naval career included a series of critical appointments and numerous tours of duty at sea. He was sworn in as the 78th Secretary of the Navy August 9, 2021. As Secretary, he is responsible for over 1 million Sailors, Marines, reservists, and civilian personnel and an annual budget exceeding $255 billion. His priorities include securing the training and equipment successful naval operations demand and addressing the most pressing challenges confronting the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps by strengthening maritime dominance, building a culture of warfighting excellence, and enhancing strategic partnerships. "Certainly, I hope my own story can serve to encourage others who may not see themselves represented as often in the highest ranks of government service," said Secretary Del Toro. ANSO is a 501c3 nonprofit recognized as the Hispanic/Latino Leader Resource Group (LRG) for the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, supporting the Sea Service Chiefs in the recruitment, retention and promotion of Hispanics and Latinos across all ranks of civilian and sea service members. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nearly a Year into Office, Marcos Gets Mixed Analyst Reviews By Dave Grunebaum June 08, 2023 Nearly a year since being sworn in as president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is getting mixed reviews from political analysts. "We have really yet to see any major achievements, especially for the lives of the ordinary people," said Cleve Arguelles, chief executive of WR Numero Research, a polling firm in the Philippines. "Although much has been said about bringing down the prices of rice and other agricultural products, we really have yet to see significant improvements in these areas. So, I would say that in terms of the expectation to make Filipino families food-secure especially access to rice he wasn't really able to gain some ground on that." Despite this, Marcos remains popular in public opinion polls, including a Pulse Asia survey released in April that reported 78% of Filipinos approved of his performance. "One explanation for this is that traditionally, Filipinos do give their presidents a honeymoon period during the first year in power," Arguelles said. When it comes to foreign policy and national defense, the Philippines is caught in the middle of a geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. Marcos has been strengthening ties with the U.S. after they were strained by his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who for most of his six-year term leaned significantly closer to China. "Under Duterte, billions [of dollars in investment was] promised, [but] nothing came from the Chinese, as far as I'm concerned," said political analyst Richard Heydarian, a senior lecturer at the Asian Center of the University of the Philippines. "Philippines never had debt trap. We had pledge trap." During the final year of Duterte's term, he added, the administration started mending ties with the U.S. "What Marcos did was just continue the late-Duterte reversion and push it to its logical conclusion, which is a new era of a revitalized alliance," said Heydarian, author of the book "The Indo-Pacific: Trump, China and the New Struggle for Global Mastery." This comes as tensions rise between the Philippines and China due to overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. In February, the Philippine Coast Guard accused the China Coast Guard of directing a military-grade laser at one of its ships, temporarily blinding some of its crew. In an April maritime incident witnessed by several journalists, a Chinese Coast Guard ship cut off a Philippines Coast Guard boat in the Philippines exclusive economic zone. Last year, the Philippines filed almost 200 diplomatic protest notes with Beijing over its tactics in the South China Sea. Earlier this year, the Philippines agreed to give the U.S. access to more military bases, but Marcos has said these sites are not intended to be used as staging grounds for "offensive action" against any country. Critics of the agreement have said the Philippines could become a military target if the U.S. responds to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by using these bases to launch attacks against China. Taiwan lies some 190 kilometers from Luzon, the largest and most populous Philippine island. Heydarian said Marcos is faced with the difficult task of trying to stand up to China's military when it comes to their competing claims in the South China Sea without unduly antagonizing Beijing. Allowing the U.S. greater access to military bases, he said, is being done to prevent war. "If allies have integrated deterrence collective deterrence capability China will not even think of invading Taiwan," he said. "All bets are off if a war happens. Japan is going to be involved. Philippines is going to be involved. Australia is going to be involved." However, Marcos' first state visit to China in January generated $22.8 billion worth of investment pledges. Manila had billed the visit as an attempt to strengthen ties with Beijing and establish direct communication over South China Sea issues. Marcos' office said the financial commitments secured from Chinese investors include $13.76 billion in renewable energy, $7.32 billion for electric vehicles and mineral processing, and $1.72 billion for agriculture, according to Nikkei Asia. "What [Marcos] wants ... is to have the cake of stronger security cooperation with America but also eat more investment and trade relations with China," said Heydarian. "Let's not forget, Marcos Jr. is still saying very nice things about China." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan declares UN envoy persona non grata Iran Press TV Friday, 09 June 2023 6:46 AM Sudan's government has declared the UN envoy Volker Perthes "persona non grata" two weeks after the army chief accused him of fueling the country's internal conflicts and called for his removal. "The Government of the Republic of Sudan has notified the Secretary-General of the United Nations that it has declared Mr. Volker Perthes ... persona non grata as of today," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Since late last year, Perthes and the UN mission he heads in Sudan have been the target of military protests denouncing foreign intervention. In a letter to the United Nations last month, Sudan's de facto leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accused the envoy of escalating the conflict between his army and the militia's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly defended Perthes, who has been angered after criticizing both of Sudan's warring party leaders as the two-month-old conflict eludes efforts to broker a humanitarian ceasefire. Perthes was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Thursday for a series of diplomatic talks, according to the UN mission's Twitter account. Last week, the UN's precarious situation in Sudan was highlighted when the Security Council voted to extend the United Nations Integrated Transitional Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) for just six months. Unitams, created in June 2020 to support Sudan's democratic transition after the fall of Omar al-Bashir a year earlier, had previously been extended annually for a year. Sudan's stuttering path to civilian rule was disrupted in 2021 when Burhan and Daglo together seized power in a coup before collapsing. Since April, fighting between the army and the RSF has engulfed Khartoum and the West Darfur region, challenging a series of ceasefires. More than 1,800 people have been killed, and 1.2 million people have been displaced, according to the United Nations and a further 476,800 have fled to neighboring countries, according to estimates from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Those unable to leave have been forced to hunker down in their camps for weeks as food and other vital supplies have run out. Entire districts of Khartoum no longer have piped water. Electricity is available only a few hours a week, and three-quarters of hospitals in war zones are not functioning. The latest cease-fire was agreed to allow much-needed humanitarian aid into the devastated areas of Sudan, but as in all previous cases, the agreement was routinely violated by both sides. The United Nations estimates that some 25 million people - more than half of Sudan's population - are now in need of aid and support in what was one of the world's poorest countries before the war. Perthes, a former academic who has headed the Sudan mission since 2021, staunchly defended the United Nations against accusations of fueling the conflict, saying "the two generals at war" were to blame. In his letter to Guterres, Burhan accused Perthes of bigotry and lack of respect for "national sovereignty". He said that Perthes presented a misleading picture of "consensus" in his reports to the United Nations and that "without these signs of encouragement, the rebel leader Daglo would not have launched his military operations". It can never be ascertained who fired the first shots of the war. Daglo, an ambitious militia leader initially armed by Bashir to suppress rebels in Darfur, was Burhan's second-in-command before the two men clashed. Pro-Bashir TV channels now accuse Burhan of giving Daglo too much freedom, while pro-democracy voices accuse Burhan of being a Trojan horse for the Islamists of Bashir's regime. Since the coup, several high-ranking officials of the Bashir era have played a role in the Burhan government. Last month, Burhan officially removed Daglo from his post in the ruling council and replaced him with former rebel leader Malik Agar. As the war escalates, the military is now also looking to bolster its ranks, asking army pensioners and reservists to move into command units. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hun Sen threatens to arrest backers of exiled opposition figure Cambodia's prime minister also offered pardons to any Sam Rainsy supporters who repudiate him. By RFA Khmer 2023.06.09 -- Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday warned supporters of opposition leader Sam Rainsy that they will be prosecuted if they continue their association with him. The longtime leader also said that supporters living in exile were welcome to return to Cambodia as long as they renounce Sam Rainsy, one of Hun Sen's most prominent critics and rivals. "The movement of the opposition party members who left the party is like a broken dam," the prime minister said at a meeting with factory workers in Kampong Chhnang province. "We are welcoming all parties' inclinations to live with the CPP," Hun Sen said on Friday, referring to the ruling Cambodian People's Party. "But I won't accept just one person: the traitor," referring to Sam Rainsy. "Anyone who disassociates with him, I will pardon them but those who are associated with him will be prosecuted," he said. Hun Sen and the CPP have neutralized the political opposition ahead of the July 23 parliamentary election by threatening or co-opting activists. Additionally, members of the main opposition Candlelight Party have been arrested in several provinces in recent months, including two senior party officials in Tboung Khmum province who were charged this week with incitement. Some detained activists have received pardons, were released from prison and given government positions after they publicly switched their allegiance to the CPP. Some have made claims that they were cheated by Sam Rainsy. Thailand and Vietnam Once the head of the now-disbanded opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, Sam Rainsy fled to France in 2015 to avoid a series of charges that his supporters say were politically motivated. His recent visit to Kuala Lumpur - where he spent time with Cambodian political activists living in Malaysia - angered Hun Sen, who threatened to attack him with a rocket launcher if he led workers from Thailand into Cambodia. In May, Sam Rainsy told Radio Free Asia that if a new pro-democracy Thai government is formed, he would look into traveling to Cambodia through Thailand. Hun Sen has asked Thailand to arrest Sam Rainsy if he travels there. This week, he said he has received information that Sam Rainsy has also considered traveling on a French passport to Vietnam, where he could walk across the border to Cambodia. Last week, the prime minister threatened to arrest anyone who took part in a planned demonstration in Phnom Penh to protest against the National Election Committee's decision - citing inadequate paperwork - to keep the Candlelight Party off the ballot for next month's elections "Please try me if you dare, you can come out now," Hun Sen said. "I will handcuff you immediately and I won't keep you in Phnom Penh." 'It is hard to accept' Candlelight Party spokesman Kim Sour Phirith said party officials are working to collect information on this week's arrests in Tboung Khmum and will provide defense lawyers. "It is hard to accept [the arrests]," he told RFA. "The Candlelight Party can't participate in the election and now many important activists have been arrested without proper reasons." Hun Sen is obviously worried that Sam Rainsy will return to Cambodia, where he continues to have support, said Duong Chantrea, an opposition party activist who fled Cambodia and is living in Bangkok. He said he won't accept Hun Sen's offer and will continue to associate with Sam Rainsy. "People are struggling for freedom and a better economy like other countries," he told RFA. "They won't follow Hun Sen. They are waiting to get a good chance to change the dictatorial regime." 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 Appears To Sharply Reduce Opium Cultivation In Afghanistan By Abubakar Siddique June 09, 2023 The Key Issue The Taliban appears to have sharply reduced opium cultivation in Afghanistan, the world's largest producer of the illicit drug. In April 2022, the militant group banned the cultivation, production, and trafficking of all illicit narcotics. Annual opium cultivation has dropped by as much as 80 percent compared to last year, according to new research by David Mansfield , a leading expert on Afghanistan's drugs trade who worked with Alcis, a British firm specializing in satellite analysis. Mansfield said the Taliban had "exceeded expectations and reduced poppy cultivation to levels not seen since 2001," when the militant group was ousted from power by the U.S.-led invasion. Around 80 percent of the opium produced in Afghanistan comes from the southern province of Helmand. Mansfield said satellite imagery appeared to show that in Helmand "poppy cultivation has fallen from more than 120,000 hectares in 2022 to less than 1,000 hectares in 2023." Why It's Important: Ending Afghanistan's status as one of the world's biggest producers of narcotics has been a priority for neighboring countries and the international community for years. After 2001, the United States spent some $8 billion in a bid to eradicate the opium trade in Afghanistan. Washington destroyed poppy fields, offered alternative crops to farmers, conducted air strikes, and raided suspected labs. But the strategy largely failed. For years, the Taliban earned hundreds of millions of dollars from taxing poppy farmers and trafficking narcotics to neighboring countries, from where they ended up in Europe and North America, experts have said. Since regaining power, the Taliban appears to be succeeding where foreign powers have failed. In 2000, during its first stint in power, the Taliban implemented a similar ban. Tom West, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, tweeted that reports documenting a significant decrease in poppy cultivation "are credible and important." Michael McCaul , the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in a tweet criticized West for praising a group he said, "actively oppress Afghan women and girls, execute them in public, take Americans hostage, provide terrorist safe havens to Al-Qaeda, and are not recognized as a legitimate government by the United States." It appears that he later deleted the tweet. What's Next: The complete eradication of the drug industry in Afghanistan still appears to be far off. Even as opium production appears to have decreased, Afghanistan has become a major supplier of crystal meth in recent years. The militant group is likely to face intense pushback from poppy farmers in southern Afghanistan if it fails to provide them with alternative livelihoods and crops. The Taliban's cash-strapped and isolated government could lose popularity in a region of Afghanistan that has historically provided most of its leaders and fighters. The Week's Best Stories International donors and aid agencies have suspended their operations in three provinces in Afghanistan after accusing the Taliban of attempting to divert or manipulate aid distribution . The move has deprived hundreds of thousands of people of crucial assistance as the country grapples with the world's largest humanitarian crisis. China and Afghanistan's Taliban rulers appear keen on deepening their relationship, with the sides expanding trade links and pushing for deeper cooperation on security. But experts say the relationship is limited and largely transactional . What To Keep An Eye On In a new report, global rights watchdog Amnesty International accused the Taliban of committing the war crime of collective punishment against civilians in Afghanistan's northern province of Panjshir. Since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, Panjshir has been the scene of low-level resistance to the militant group. Amnesty's June 8 report said that the Taliban had targeted civilians with torture and unlawful killings, while it subjected detained members of the National Resistance Front to extrajudicial executions. Agnes Callamard, Amnesty's secretary-general, said the Taliban engaged in extrajudicial killings, torture, hostage-taking, unlawful detention, and torching of civilian homes. "This conduct in sum amounts to collective punishment -- in itself, a war crime," she said. Why It's Important: Amnesty's report, which is basedon interviews with victims and witnesses in Panjshir and an analysis of open-source material, is yet another example of the grave human rights abuses allegedly committed by the Taliban. The Taliban is unlikely to act on the recommendations of the report, which called on the hard-line group to investigate the alleged abuses and prosecute and punish the perpetrators. The Taliban is likely to continue using brute force to silence its opponents and critics, including members of the former government and security forces, activists, journalists, and those from religious minorities. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azadi-briefing- taliban-opium/32452125.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 Serbs Take To Streets In Sixth Anti-Government Protest Since Mass Shootings Last Month By RFE/RL's Balkan Service June 09, 2023 Tens of thousands of people marched on June 9 in another anti-government protest in Belgrade criticizing the government's response to two mass shootings last month in which 18 people died. The protesters called for the resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic and stuck messages to the door of the government building, including one that said, "Enough is enough." Cardboard figures depicting Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic in black-and-white striped prison suits were also left in front of the government building. The march was the sixth "Serbia against violence" protest since the first shooting on May 3, and, like the others, blamed a culture of violence for the shootings. The key demand of the protesters is "stopping the promotion of violence in public space." Actor Milan Maric addressed the crowd, saying that while the victims' lives cannot be returned, "we can make sure that this doesn't happen again. We want Serbia without violence, Serbia with hope." Serbia was rocked by unprecedented back-to-back mass shootings last month. The May 3 shooting was at a school in Belgrade and claimed 10 lives. A teenage boy who attended the school was arrested at the scene. The second mass shooting occurred the following day and left eight people dead. A 21-year-old man was arrested in that shooting. In addition to calling for Vucic to resign, the protesters demanded the resignation of Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic and security agency chief Aleksandar Vulin, whom they blame for failing to bring criminal groups to justice. Vucic previously rejected the dismissal of Gasic but did not comment on Vulin. The protesters also want the withdrawal of national broadcast licenses for television channels Pink TV and Happy TV and a ban on some tabloids they blame for promoting violence. A change of the management of the Radio Television of Serbia was also mentioned as a demand. The protesters vowed to start "new actions" if their demands are not met by the end of next week. Brnabic on June 7 said the protesters' demands were political. She offered to resign but also invited the opposition parties -- which have backed the protests --- to take part in dialogue. Protest leaders have said that they will not speak with the government until all their demands are met. Vucic said on June 7 that it was clear that there would be extraordinary parliamentary elections and that it was only a matter of choosing the month they will be held. Early elections, however, are not on among the protesters' demands. Vucic told Reuters on June 9 that his government was not at fault. "Is the government to blame for crimes that happened? I cannot accept that." With reporting by Reuters and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-anti- government-protests-vucic/32452624.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 HRW Calls On Kyrgyz Lawmakers To Withdraw Controversial 'Foreign Agents' Bill By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service June 09, 2023 Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Kyrgyz lawmakers to withdraw a controversial "foreign agents" bill, calling it "a highly repressive draft law" that is intended to "discredit and stigmatize" civil society groups that receive foreign funding similar to a law in Russia that has had a chilling effect on nongovernmental organizations. "The draft law is incompatible with international human rights obligations, restricting freedom of association and expression, as well as introducing in some cases criminal liability for nongovernmental organizations and their staff members," HRW's Central Asia researcher Syinat Sultanalieva said in the statement on June 9. According to the bill in question, nongovernmental organizations that receive financial or other sorts of support from foreign organizations must officially register as "foreign representatives." Failure to do so will lead to a suspension of an NGOs' activities, including its banking operations, for up to 6 months or until it is registered. "This requirement is clearly intended to discredit and stigmatize groups that receive foreign funding and could have a chilling effect on the country's civil society at a time when it is already under attack," HRW's statement said, adding that the bill's vague and broad definition of political activity as "actions aimed at changing state policy and shaping public opinion for these purposes" poses a particular risk for civic activism in the Central Asian nation. In addition to mandatory audits, organizations deemed foreign representatives 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 also 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." HRW called on the European Union, the United States, and the United Nations, to publicly express their concern over the bill and urge President Sadyr Japarov not to sign it into law should it pass the parliament, which may take up the bill as early as next month. "If passed, this draft law will have a chilling effect on Kyrgyzstan's civil society organizations, limiting their ability to advocate for human rights, provide social services, and contribute to the development of a robust and inclusive society," Sultanalieva said. 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. Attempts to introduce a foreign agents law in Kyrgyzstan come amid a widening crackdown on civil society in the Central Asian nation. Since coming to power in 2020, President Sadyr Japarov has also targeted his political opponents and the free media, his critics say. More than one-third of lawmakers in the 90-seat parliament have backed a draft bill that was submitted for public consideration last month. However, some Kyrgyz lawmakers have withdrawn their support of the legislation in recent days. Baktybek Choibekov, Emil Jamgirchiev, and Emil Toktoshev, who co-authored the bill, have announced in separate statements that they have quit the group that initiated the legislation in May, acknowledging it may damage democratic institutions and human rights in the country that once was called "the island of democracy in Central Asia." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/hrw-kyrgyz-lawmakers- foreign-agents-bill/32452101.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 The United States and Israel have resolved their differences over the use of two Iron Dome batteries the Americans purchased but were unable to use because Israel refused to provide source code for Iron Dome that the U.S. demanded based on claims that the U.S. needed it to integrate the system into American air defense networks. It took nearly three years for the Americans and Israelis to achieve a solution both found acceptable. In 2020 the U.S. Army found itself in an embarrassing situation after spending a billion dollars to buy two Israel Iron Dome missile defense batteries. The problem was the army refused to put their Iron Dome systems into service because Israel refused to turn over the source code for the novel anti-rocket/mortar system. The army said it needed the source code in order to make Iron Dome part of the army air defense system. There is no such integrated system and, if there was, the source code was unnecessary as an API (Application Programming Interface) could link one system with others. The army also expressed doubts about being able to use Iron Dome in other countries, like Iraq or Afghanistan, without source code. But Israel had sold dozens of Iron Dome batteries to export customers like Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, India, Romania and Singapore with possible sales to NATO, South Korea and (very discreetly) Saudi Arabia. The sale to the Czech Republic was contingent on Iron Dome being capable of integration into the NATO air defense system, which includes many different systems. That was done with an API. The sale to Singapore, like the possible (or already completed) sale to Saudi Arabia was handled confidentially so as not to anger nearby Moslem nations. Singapore has Malaysia and Indonesia to worry about and Saudi Arabia has a lot more potentially offended Moslem neighbors. Such sales are not entirely secret. Iron Dome cannot be disguised as something else and one Moslem nation, Azerbaijan, had already openly purchased Iron Dome with no ill diplomatic effects. The sale to the Czech Republic means Iron Dome would be integrated with nearby NATO nations who use American air defense systems. U.S. Army officials protested that their situation was somehow different. There is some disagreement over how and why this situation is different. The U.S. Army has long been criticized for neglecting air defense. This was true and there were practical reasons for that attitude. The U.S. Air Force gained air dominance, which is one step up from air superiority, towards the end of World War II. Thus from 1945 to now, no one has been able to seriously damage U.S. ground forces from the air. American troops have suffered losses from airstrikes, but these were friendly fire incidents when air force jets were called in to provide close air support. Until the development of smart bombs such air support always involved some risk to the troops being supported. After the Cold War ended in 1991 American ground forces found themselves increasingly vulnerable to missile and rocket attacks. The air domination provided by American airpower was less effective against these and the army was increasingly pressured by the public (via Congress) to develop more effective defenses against this new threat from the air. The army procurement system has not got a great record in situations like this and is especially resistant to obtaining foreign systems, even ones like Iron Dome that have been combat proven and an obvious solution to a very real problems with defending American bases in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere against the kind of weapons Iron Dome have proven it can handle. The army, under pressure from Congress, said it would put the two Iron Dome systems into service. The Dome Batteries arrived in 2020 and a hundred or so soldiers were trained to operate the equipment. The army admitted that, if called on, their Iron Dome batteries, or at least one of them, could be ready to deploy before the end of 2020. There is still the mystery over why the U.S. Army was so intent on trying to force Israel to turn over the source code. The U.S. successfully tested the Iron Dome systems it obtained earlier for evaluation. The Israelis point out that they have not shared Iron Dome source code (and a lot of other similar stuff) with anyone. In addition, the U.S. has been much less successful at keeping secrets than Israel. The U.S. Army is under pressure to use Iron Dome in places like Iraq where American bases are being hit with rockets fired by Iran-backed Iraqi militias. Israel even modified Iron Dome in 2016, at American request, so that it could also shoot down UAVs. There was an American proposal to hold a competition to evaluate other systems that can do what Iron Dome does. The problem was that there are no other such systems and the Israelis rightly thought the U.S. armys demand for the Iron Dome source code was only so the U.S. government and American defense contractors could reverse-engineer it and create a competing U.S. made system. What makes Iron Dome unique, other than the fact that it works, is the use of two radars to quickly calculate the trajectory of the incoming rocket and do nothing if the rocket trajectory indicates it is going to land in an uninhabited area. But if the computers predict a rocket coming down in an inhabited area one (or often two to be sure) $50,000 Tamir guided missiles are fired to intercept the rocket. This and the fact that the Iron Dome fire control system can track hundreds of incoming missiles at once makes the system cost-effective. So far Iron Dome has shot down about 85 percent of the rockets it calculated were headed for populated areas. The Tamir missiles used by Iron Dome weigh 90 kg and have a range of 70 kilometers against rockets, mortar shells and artillery shells up to 155mm. Iron Dome can also shoot down aircraft and helicopters that are operating at up to 10 kilometers (32,000 feet) altitude. The Iron Dome software includes the capability to quickly integrate a new map that indicates areas that must be protected and other areas where the rocket or shell can be allowed to land harmlessly. Export customers have been satisfied with how this works. Some critics have cast doubt on the actual effectiveness of Iron Dome. Yet property and human losses plunged precipitously once Ir0n Dome was in service and the people being protected were satisfied. There have been competing systems. In 2008, while Iron Dome was still being developed and several years away from entering service, Hamas in Gaza was increasing the number of rockets and mortar shells fired into southern Israel. At that point, several hundred rockets and mortar shells a month were fired into southern Israel. Many Israelis had noted that the Americans and British were already using an effective anti-rocket system; C-RAM. This is a modified version of the U.S. Navy Phalanx system, which was originally designed to protect warships from anti-ship missiles. As originally designed, you turned Phalanx on whenever the ship was likely to have an anti-ship missile fired at it. The Phalanx radar can spot incoming missiles out to about 5,000 meters, and the 20mm cannon is effective out to about 2,000 meters. With incoming missiles moving up to several hundred meters a second, you can see why Phalanx is set to automatic. There's not much time for human intervention, which is why the Phalanx has to be turned on and set to automatically detect and shoot at incoming missiles. But weapons engineers discovered that Phalanx could take out incoming 155mm artillery shells as well. This capability is what led to C-RAM. Israel considered buying C-RAM to provide some protection to towns on the Gaza border but decided against it because Iron Dome was close to being operational, which occurred in 2011. Since 2003 there have been two major Phalanx mods. In one, the Phalanx was adapted for use on land, to shoot down incoming rockets. This was done by using a larger artillery spotting radar, which directs Phalanx to fire at incoming mortar shells and rockets. Not all the incoming stuff is hit, but nearly 80 percent of it is, and that is very useful. The second mod was for shipboard use, and changes the software so the Phalanx can be used against small boats, especially those of the suicide bomber variety. In 2007 Britain bought a C-RAM system to protect its airbase in southern Iraq. A C-RAM Phalanx system, which can cover about four kilometers of border, costs $8 million and was effective in defending bases. What it could not do effectively was defend long borders Israel had to guard in the north (Lebanon and Syria) and south (Gaza). C-RAM uses high explosive 20mm shells that detonate near the target, spraying it with fragments. By the time these fragments reach the ground, they are generally too small to injure anyone. At least that's been the experience in Iraq. The original Phalanx used 20 mm depleted uranium shells, to slice through incoming missiles. Phalanx fires shells at a rate of 75 per second. Another advantage of C-RAM is that it makes a distinctive noise when firing, warning people nearby that a mortar or rocket attack is underway, giving people an opportunity to duck inside if they are out and about. The first C-RAM was sent to Iraq in late 2006, to protect the Iraq Green Zone, the large area in Baghdad turned into an American base. It was found that C-RAM could knock down 70-80 percent of the rockets and mortar shells fired within range of its cannon. Not bad, since it only took about a year to develop C-RAM. Meanwhile, another version, using a high-powered laser, instead of the 20mm gun, was in development but never achieved enough effectiveness to enter service. By 2008 there were nearly 900 Phalanx systems in use, including some on Israeli warships. Most have not gotten these software mods that enable the cannon to knock down rockets and shells, as well as incoming anti-ship missiles. Since 2011, when Iron Dome entered service, Israel has made progress in developing Laser Dome, a shorter range (two kilometers) Iron Dome that uses laser beams instead of rockets. Laser Dome is meant to reinforce Iron Dome, not replace it. A longer range (over 100 kilometers) missile has been developed for Iron Dome that enables one battery to protect a larger area. Laser Dome would be used against key targets that might be subjected to an overwhelming attack by a hundred or more rockets at once. Iron Dome cannot launch enough missiles to defend against such an attack, but Laser Dome could handle it since it can fire far more laser beams in less time than Iron Dome can fire longer range missiles. Laser Dome turned into Iron Beam and was introduced in 2023, Iron Beam will enter service in 2025, as part of Iron Dome systems. Iron Beam has a range of up to ten kilometers, depending on how large the target is. Larger targets often require more than one dose of Iron Beam before they are disabled. Iron Bean does not run out of ammunition as long as its power supply keeps working. The fire control system enables Iron Beam to rapidly identify and hit targets. The key to Iron Dome success is its software and U.S. insistence on having access to it is seen as proof of how essential, and valuable that software is. The Israelis insist on keeping it secret. Colombian Gov't, ELN Armed Group Agree to Ceasefire for 6 Months - Cuban Minister Sputnik News 20230609 BOGOTA (Sputnik) - The government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group have agreed to establish a ceasefire, which will begin on August 3, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on Friday. On Friday, the third round of negotiations between the Colombian government and ELN rebels, mediated by Cuba, was held in Havana. "By announcing this agreement, the parties launch the ceasefire process," Rodriguez said, adding that the hostilities will be stopped for 180 days from August 3. The radical left National Liberation Army consists of several thousand people and is the second largest armed rebel organization in Colombia after the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Colombia, the United States and the European Union designated ELN as a terrorist organization. The negotiation process between the government of Colombia and ELN was launched in 2016 but stopped two years later. New rounds of negotiations between the parties were held in November-December 2022 and in March 2023 after Gustavo Petro was sworn in as the country's president. Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela and Norway act as guarantor countries in the negotiations. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Public Launch of Sudan Conflict Observatory Monitoring Platform US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson June 9, 2023 As the United States and our partners continue intense diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Sudan, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and support the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a civilian government, we are monitoring the activities of the warring parties. Through commercial satellite imagery and open-source data analysis, this monitoring has documented multiple serious violations by both sides of their obligations under the May 11 Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan and subsequent ceasefires. Today, the U.S. Department of State announced that some results of this monitoring will be released publicly via the Sudan Conflict Observatory platform. This remote monitoring platform provides independent, expert reporting on conflict activity in Sudan, including damage to infrastructure committed by combatants, military equipment movements, and rapid population shifts. Additional reports will be released periodically through the Sudan.ConflictObservatory.org website. This effort is a collaboration among the geographic information systems companies Esri and PlanetScape Ai, as well as Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab. The Sudan Conflict Observatory platform affirms the U.S. commitment to transparency as we work with partners to bring an end to the military conflict in Sudan; address human rights violations and abuses; and ensure immediate, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access for organizations providing life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable and those displaced due to the fighting. The United States is unwavering in our support for the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people and their demands for freedom, peace, and justice. For more information, please contact csopublicaffairs1@state.gov. 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 9 June 2023 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Good afternoon. Happy Friday, if there is such a thing. On Monday, just a reminder the Secretary-General will be here at 10:15 a.m. to brief you on his Information Integrity on Digital Platforms policy brief, and he will be taking some questions if you can come up with any. ** Ukraine Starting off with Ukraine: Denise Brown, our Humanitarian Coordinator, is in Kherson. Earlier in the day, she was in the town of Bilozerka, which is on the west bank of the Dnipro River, just about a 1.5 kilometres from the front lines. This is one of the areas worst impacted by the destruction of Kakhovka Dam. Ms. Brown said that although initial estimates indicate that 17,000 people are being impacted in the areas controlled by Ukraine alone, it is important to understand that the crisis has not stopped and continues to evolve rapidly. The numbers are changing by the minute, she said, highlighting the impact of the disaster on agriculture, water, energy, and mine contamination. As you know, the disaster has also impacted people under Russian Control, but the UN currently has no access to those areas. Ms. Brown was in Bilozerka today as an OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) led inter-agency humanitarian convoy was there to support 6,000 people in that community. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the World Food Programme (WFP), all provided critical assistance, including ready-to-eat food, bottles of water, water bladders, hygiene kit, jerrycan, solar lamps as well as medical kits and medicine. The Humanitarian Coordinator met with local authorities and members of the community who had received aid on the day of the dam breach. In Kherson, Ms. Brown met with the Governor and had further discussions on the needs of people impacted by this catastrophe. ** Memorandum of Understanding Meanwhile in Geneva, the Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), otherwise known as Rebecca Grynspan, today led the UN team which met with senior Russian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin. The meeting was part of the ongoing consultations regarding the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the UN and the Russian Federation to facilitate the unimpeded export of Russian food and fertilizer, which includes ammonia, to global markets. These efforts are part of the two-fold package deal that includes the work being done by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) in the Black Sea Initiative. The past months have also shown tangible progress regarding the implementation of the memorandum of understanding, including increased export volumes of Russian food and fertilizers, a steady flow of ships to Russian ports and lower freight and insurance rates. Challenges, however, remain, but we will spare no effort to overcome all remaining obstacles. In the weeks to come, our focus will remain on implementing the Memorandum of Understanding and achieving further results before the deadline of 17 July to enable the full implementation of the Istanbul agreements, which includes the MoU and the Black Sea Initiative. The UN remains resolutely committed to working for global food security by ensuring that essential food and fertilizers reach global markets and are available and affordable to all. ** Mali Some sad news to share with you from Mali, where one of our peacekeepers died earlier today in an attack in Ber town, in the Timbuktu region. Eight other peacekeepers have sustained serious injuries. They were part of a security patrol targeted in an attack that involved an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and that was then followed by direct fire. We add our voice to the head of the peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA), El-Ghassim Wane, to strongly condemn this attack of course. This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the risks that peacekeepers in Mali and other places around the world face while tirelessly working to bring stability and peace to the people of Mali. We extend our condolences to the Government, and family, of the fallen peacekeeper and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. We will have a more formal statement from the Secretary-general shortly. Just to give you some context, nine peacekeepers have died in Mali this year alone. ** Central African Republic And an update from our Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) based in Bangui, which announced the decision by the Secretariat to repatriate a unit of 60 Tanzanian military personnel, who were deployed at a temporary operating base in the western part of the country. This follows serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against these peacekeepers. The decision comes after a preliminary investigation which found credible evidence that 11 members of the unit had allegedly engaged in sexual exploitation and abuse of four victims. The identified victims are being provided with care and support by the Mission's humanitarian partners. The Mission has also deployed a team to further engage with the community. The Tanzanian authorities have been formally notified and have deployed national investigation officers to the Central African Republic. In reaffirming their commitment to zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, the Tanzanian authorities noted the seriousness of the allegations and have committed to taking the necessary action to address these matters. The unit has been relocated to another base while the investigation continues, and members of the unit are confined to barracks; this is in order to protect victims as well, of course, as the integrity of the investigation. The unit will be repatriated once their presence is no longer required in theatre by the investigators. The decision by the Secretariat to repatriate this unit is in accordance with resolution 2272 of the Security Council, where the Council "[...] endorses the decision of the Secretary-General to repatriate a particular military unit or formed police unit of a contingent when there is credible evidence of widespread or systemic sexual exploitation and abuse by that unit." The United Nations remains committed to robustly implementing the Secretary-General's vision zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. ** Sudan Moving to Sudan, on the humanitarian front, across the country, the humanitarian community was able to reach some 1.8 million men, women and children with assistance in April and May. Despite the challenges, 68 humanitarian organizations are continuing to expand their operations to reach as many people as possible across Sudan. Since resuming operations in Sudan in early May, the World Food Programme (WFP) has provided emergency food and nutrition assistance to more than 817,000 people in 14 of Sudan's 18 states. That also includes some of the hardest-to-reach areas in the Darfur region. Yesterday, OCHA coordinated the movement of 11 trucks which carried food assistance in North Darfur, which is an area we particularly need to reach. And just to underscore that we continue to be alarmed by the appalling levels of violence in the Darfur region. Some 8.6 million people there urgently need assistance. Civilians, and the humanitarian workers who are risking their lives to help them, must be protected. ** South Sudan We have an update from our peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on the violent intercommunal fighting that erupted yesterday at the UN protection of civilians (PoC) site in Malakal, in the Upper Nile State. The death toll reached 13 three died in the UNMISS hospital in Malakal, where they were brought for emergency treatment, and 10 others passed away in different locations. The Mission continues to provide medical assistance to some of the more than 20 people injured in the clashes and maintains a robust posture, including through patrols, in and out of the UN site. UNMISS calls on communities to exercise maximum restraint so that calm can be restored. As of December last year, some 37,032 displaced individuals are sheltering at the Malakal Protection Site; that's according to the numbers that we've registered. ** Rwanda The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, has allocated $1.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the Government-led response to the floods and landslides which struck Rwanda in early May. With the funding, UN agencies and partners will provide critical food security assistance, health care, shelter materials and basic household items to people who have been displaced by the floods and the landslides. As you may recall, the northern, western, and southern provinces of Rwanda were hit by heavy rainfalls in May, causing deadly floods and landslides. More than 100 people died and 18,000 have been displaced. Homes, roads, as well as crops and livestock have been severely impacted. ** Haiti Also from Haiti, we're working with authorities, NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and the private sector to respond to the flooding and landslides there that were unleashed by the torrential rains over the weekend. So far, we have delivered hot meals to more than 500 people living in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area with more distributions planned in the coming days. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and UN agencies are also gearing up to provide food and other assistance to additional areas around the capital. But, as mentioned earlier this week, the humanitarian response is incredibly difficult due to insecurity and gang activity, which has led to soaring logistical costs. The Haitian head of civil protection says that more than 41,000 households have been impacted by the disaster. ** Myanmar Continuing on natural disasters, in Myanmar, almost one month since Cyclone Mocha struck, our colleagues warn about the deterioration of humanitarian access in cyclone-hit Rakhine State. Existing travel authorizations were temporarily suspended yesterday, pending centralized decisions in Nay Pyi Taw. Initial approval for humanitarian distribution and transportation plans for cyclone-affected townships in Rakhine have also been rescinded. Some of the replenishment of relief supplies from outside the country are also pending. The suspension of access will impact hundreds of thousands of men, women and children in Rakhine. Since the cyclone, more than 110,000 people have received shelter and essential relief items in Rakhine and the north-west. Suspension of activities coincides with monsoon arrival when urgent scale-up of the response is needed in the impact zone. ** Peru And in Peru, our team and local partners have redirected $3 million on Thursday to support the Government's efforts to protect 140,000 people impacted by El Nino, which has brought torrential rains to the country. Over 711,000 people require urgent aid, particularly food, water services, sanitation, health, and protection. The rise in dengue fever is also a growing concern, with cases increasing 74 per cent compared to last year. UNICEF is providing safe water, hygiene kits and school kits, while IOM has supported nearly 13,000 people with shelters, hygiene and housing kits. And World Food Programme is redirecting 2,000 metric tons of goods, providing cash transfers, and UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) has provided dignity kits to over 2,000 women. ** Hate Speech We are getting close to 18 June, which will be the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. As part of an ongoing campaign to mark the Day somebody is unmuted; if you could please mute the Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide who is the UN Focal Point on Hate Speech will organize several high-level events in addition to a social media campaign. They will be sharing useful guidance on countering this phenomenon in line with international human rights standards and featuring special guests, which will be announced shortly. The first event will be on 12 June the launch of a Plan of Action for Women in Communities to Counter Hate Speech and Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes, otherwise known as the Napoli Plan of Action. There will be a high-level event to mark the Day on 19 June. More information to follow. ** Colombia And lastly, I have a statement on Colombia which I've just been given. If I could ask the technician to just mute all the microphones on the outbound, thank you. I have a statement on Colombia: The Secretary-General congratulates the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army, the ELN in Spanish, for the agreements they announced in Cuba today on a six-month bilateral national cease-fire and on a mechanism to define the participation of Colombian society in the peace process. These are important steps forward that send hope to the Colombian people, especially the communities that are most impacted by conflict. The participation of the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, and the First Commander of the ELN, Antonio Garcia, at the signing ceremony in Havana confirms the political will of both parties. The Secretary-General trusts that the parties will now work together and in good faith with the determination to comply with their obligations under the ceasefire, and he notes positively their intention to broaden its scope in the future and takes note of the requested role for the United Nations Verification Mission in its monitoring and verification and stands ready to continue to accompany the dialogue process through his Special Representative on the ground in Colombia. The Secretary-General reiterates his appreciation to the Government and people of Cuba for hosting this latest cycle of talks, which demonstrates their consistent commitment to peace in Colombia. Edie. ** Questions and Answers Spokesperson : Edie? Question : Thank you, Steph. What is the Secretary-General's reaction to General [Abdel Fattah] Burhan's order declaring that Volker Perthes, the UN Special Envoy, is persona non grata? Spokesperson : Well, I think what I can tell you is that the Secretary-General recalls that the doctrine of persona non grata is not applicable to or in respect of United Nations personnel, and its invocation is contrary to the obligations of States under the Charter of the United Nations, including those concerning the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel. Question : Does that mean that Mr. Perthes, who I believe is in Ethiopia, will be going back to Port Sudan, where he's been working? Spokesperson : At this point, Mr. Perthes is in Addis Ababa. We'll share whatever travel changes we may get. Yes, sir? Question : Yesterday, a group of countries here in the UN condemned the shelling by Russian forces of evacuation areas in the Kherson region, in the disaster zone. I wonder whether the Secretary-General would like to join this condemnation. Spokesperson : What I can tell you, first of all, we have no direct information on what happened, but what I can tell you is that all of the people impacted by the destruction of the dam need help, whether they are in areas controlled by the Government of Ukraine or whether they're areas under the control of the Russian military. And I would also add that any targeting of or hitting of civilians or civilian infrastructures is contrary to International Humanitarian Law. Mr. Bays then Dezhi. Question : Just a follow-up on Mr. Perthes. His position is now untenable. Whatever you say about persona non grata not applying to the UN, he cannot continue to do that job, because in that job, he needs to be in Sudan. Correct? Spokesperson : Mr. Perthes, I mean, I will just tell you that Mr. Perthes' status is currently unchanged. And the Secretary-General's position remains the same as what he said to you in last... I think, last week in front of the Security Council. Question : Yeah. But I mean, I'm just recalling 2019, where you said exactly the same words about persona non grata not applying to UN officials with Nicholas Haysom in Somalia. He never went back to Somalia. Mr. Perthes is never going back to Sudan. Is he? Spokesperson : When I have updates on Mr. Perthes' location, I will share that with you. Dezhi? Question : Yesterday, my colleague asked about the USAID suspended the food delivery to Ethiopia, and I think WFP did the same thing. Just want to know, how would this thing go from the UN's opinion and who diverted those food those supplies? Spokesperson : Well, I mean, I would refer you to what very extensive statement WFP put out. It's a decision that they took. They will, I know, be reinforcing their tracking mechanisms to ensure that the food goes to where it's supposed to go, and they obviously are looking into the matter, and that's why they took the decision they took. Question : That's actually what I'm going to ask. How would WFP decide to resume the delivery and if some of the foods, they are diverted to other locations or other people, would they... would it be possible to get those foods back? Spokesperson : Listen, you would have to ask WFP, but it's very hard to imagine that things that have been already... are gone can be gotten back. Obviously, they will do whatever they can to get what is rightfully WFP's, but more importantly, which is rightfully meant to get to those people who need it the most and not having to pay for it. Edie? Question : Thank you, Steph; on the repatriation of the Tanzanian unit from the Central African Republic. Is there any indication how long this sexual exploitation had been going on for and about the number of victims, possibly? Spokesperson : Well, the number of victims that we know of right now is four, I think is what I just said. Obviously, as the investigation is ongoing, we should have more information as to the exact timeline of when these activities are reportedly have taken place. But I, you know, I think these... the decisions by the Secretariat to remove whole units shows the seriousness of the matter. It also shows the seriousness and commitment of ourselves, of our peacekeeping colleagues to tackle these issues head-on, along with the Member States. I mean, we're getting the full cooperation of Tanzania. Question : Do we know whether the victims were male, female, young, old? Spokesperson : What I know is that some of the victims are believed to be minors, but we're still trying to verify that information. Let me go on screen for Maggie, and then I'll come back. Question : Hi, Steph. Sorry, on the incidents in South Sudan and Malakal, MSF (Medicins sans Frontieres) put out their own statement, and they have the death toll at 20 people. And they said more than 50 were wounded, including two MSF staffers who were on-site at the facility. Can you... I don't know, I'm not sure how you reconcile the numbers? Spokesperson : Yeah, I mean, these are the numbers that we are able to verify. It very could be that others have different numbers, but I can only go with the numbers that we've been able to verify. Question : Okay. Well, theirs are substantially higher. So if you get any other info from MSF, could you share it? Spokesperson : Yes, ma'am. Question : Thank you. Spokesperson : Please. Question : When you say about... and that you cannot verify the information about who blew up the Kakhovka dam. What do you mean? Theoretically, what would be the conceded verified information in this case Russia's confession to the crime? Can you imagine that? Spokesperson : What it means is that we don't have, we don't have any information beyond what's being reported. Our focus right now is on helping as many people as possible, which is something we've been doing since day one. And as I mentioned today, Ms. Brown was there on the front lines, along with other humanitarian colleagues distributing aid to those communities indeed. Okay. Ms. [Paulina] Kubiak, up to you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN strongly condemns attack on peacekeepers in Mali, which leaves one dead 9 June 2023 - The UN has strongly condemned an attack on a peacekeeping patrol in Mali which left one 'blue helmet' from Burkina Faso dead and eight others with serious injuries. In a statement, the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MINUSMA), El-Ghassim WANE, described the attack on the security patrol in Ber town, in the Timbuktu region, as a "cowardly act". "This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the risks that our peacekeepers face while working tirelessly to bring stability and peace to the people of Mali", he added. The mission said the patrol was targeted in an attack that involved an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), followed by direct fire. Tribute to 'brother in arms' Mr. WANE extended his "heartfelt condolences to the government, brother in arms, and family of the fallen colleague" and wished a speedy recovery to the injured ones. The safety and security of our peacekeepers remain a priority, and every effort will be made to enhance their protection in the face of evolving security challenges in Mali, MINUSMA said. "MINUSMA reaffirms its commitment to the people of Mali and its determination to continue its mission in supporting peace and stability in the country. The Mission will work closely with the Malian authorities to investigate the incident and bring the responsible individuals to justice." Briefing correspondents in New York on Friday, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric echoed Mr. WANE's condemnation of the attack, and tribute to the fallen peacekeeper, adding that the death marked the ninth just this year, in Mali - which has long been the most dangerous place to serve as a peacekeeper. The head of UN Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, also joined the condemnation over the deadly attack, praising the tireless commitment of those who serve in the mission. History of insecurity MINUSMA was established a decade ago, following rampant insecurity in the north of Mali, and a failed military coup by extremist militants, which led to the signing of a peace deal between the government of the day and armed group coalitions, in 2015. Mr. WANE briefed the Security Council in April, warning that extremist groups had been forced into regions like Timbuktu and Gao after successful Malian military operations, and begun increasingly to use IEDs to hamper ground movements of defence and security forces. MINUSMA is assisting with a three year stabilization strategy for the centre of the country, which relies on closer coordination between the mission and Malian forces, he told the Council. The military led Government is due to facilitate elections and the restoration of full constitutional order by a deadline of March 2024. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan crisis still having devastating impact on civilians: UN rights office 9 June 2023 - Warring parties in Sudan must do more to protect civilians caught up in the conflict, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Friday, in response to recent deadly attacks and ongoing violations. "We are concerned by the continued devastating impact of the fighting in Sudan on civilians," Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told journalists in Geneva. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and military rival, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been locked in vicious clashes since mid-April. Hundreds have been killed and some 1.2 million have been displaced. UN agencies and partners have repeatedly warned of the growing humanitarian crisis. Deadly airstrikes in Khartoum Mr. Laurence said at least eight people died in an air strike on a busy livestock market in the capital, Khartoum, on Wednesday, allegedly carried out by the SAF. At least three of the victims were from the same family. A child was reportedly killed in a separate incident that day after a shell struck his home in the Al-Shajraa district, in southern Khartoum. Refugee and orphan deaths OHCHR has also received reports of the killings of four other civilians in the capital on Monday, while at least three people from the same family, including a pregnant woman, were reportedly killed on Sunday. Airstrikes that day near the Sport Complex in southern Khartoum, hit a refugee centre, reportedly killing at least 10 refugees. Furthermore, no fewer than 71 children have died at an orphanage in Khartoum since the fighting started due to lack of humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies. Sexual violence, online hate Mr. Laurence said OHCHR is also concerned by reports of conflict-related sexual violence. "Since the fighting began, our Office has received credible reports of 12 incidents of sexual violence related to the conflict, against at least 37 women - although the number could be higher. In at least three incidents, the victims were young girls. In one case, 18 to 20 women were reportedly raped," he said. Growing reports of apparent enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention are another concern, he added, and journalists are also now at greater risk amid a rise in online hate speech and disinformation. OHCHR has learnt of a list circulating on social media accusing certain journalists of being RSF supporters. Staff have also seen comments on Facebook calling for the killing of those on the list. Appeal for accountability "We reiterate the High Commissioner's call on both parties to the fighting to ensure protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law," he said. "They must also ensure all violations are effectively and independently investigated and those responsible are held accountable." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Arrests and hate speech target Baha'i minority in Yemen 9 June 2023 - The UN rights office (OHCHR) sounded the alarm on Friday over the detention in Yemen's capital Sana'a of followers of the minority Baha'i faith - and a subsequent sermon by a leading cleric targeting them and other religious groups. OHCHR said that on 25 May, security forces stormed a peaceful meeting of Baha'is in Sana'a. Seventeen people, including five women, were taken to an unknown location, and all but one, are still being held incommunicado. The UN rights office urged the de facto Houthi authorities in Sana'a, to immediately release the detainees. Call for killings On 2 June, according to OHCHR, Shamseddin Sharafeddin, the Mufti appointed by leaders of the Houthi rebel movement accused the detained Baha'is of being traitors, and said that if they did not repent, they "should be killed". Baha'i is a faith that emphasizes the worth of all religions since its establishment in the 19th century, according to the international community's website, including "divine educators" such as Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Jesus and the prophet Muhammad. Around one per cent of Yemen's non-Muslim population are estimated to subscribe to the faith. Houthi rebels, who are Shia Muslims, have controlled Sana'a since 2014, as part of the long-running conflict with officially-recognized Government forces and their allies, for full control of the country. Sermon incited 'discrimination and violence' OHCHR Spokesperson briefing in Geneva, Jeremy Laurence, condemned the use of "any language that incites discrimination and violence, particularly against minorities, and often leads to forced exile and displacement", in addition to contravening international law. "We remind the de facto authorities in Sana'a, that they must respect the human rights of people living under their control", added Mr. Laurence. "Human rights guarantees minorities, among other things, the right to profess and practice their own religion and the right to a fair trial before an independent and impartial tribunal", he continued. He said pre-trial detention "should be the exception and should be used only if reasonable and necessary, based on an individual assessment of each case." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The humanitarian community warns that 34.5 million people need humanitarian assistance as violence haunts the Sahel region UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 9 Jun 2023 The UN and partners' regional humanitarian assessment for the Sahel shows one in three people need aid and protection across Burkina Faso, Far North Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger and north-east Nigeria. Dakar, 9 June 2023: Driven by spiraling violence, displacement, food insecurity and climate hazards, the humanitarian crisis in West Africa's Sahel region is rapidly deteriorating with one in three people now in need of urgent aid and protection, according to the Humanitarian Needs and Requirement Overview for the Sahel 2023, published today by the United Nations and humanitarian partners. Conflict and violence are the main drivers of humanitarian needs in 2023. Security has deteriorated steadily since 2015, with a sharp increase in civilian casualties in 2022, when 4,555 were killed, a 42 per cent increase compared to the previous year. More than 1,500 civilians have been killed so far this year. Insecurity is displacing entire communities, across Sahel and beyond the region, hampering social cohesion, and is contributing to a food and nutrition crisis affecting 11.2 million people. Of a total population of 109 million people in the region covered by the assessment, more than 34 million need humanitarian aid and assistance. Nearly 6 million people are considered having "catastrophic" needs. More than half of those in need are children. In 2023, 6.6 million people are on the move due to persecution, conflict and human rights violations. More than one million of them fled across international borders as refugees. Attacks by non-state armed groups and the fear of imminent attacks account for nearly 75 percent of displacement in the region. Insecurity and attacks on aid workers is also reducing humanitarian space and making it challenging for organizations to operate in the field and for affected people to access aid. The Sahel region, already grappling with desertification, is also facing seasonal flooding which last year resulted in more than 1000 deaths and 2.9 million people displaced. The floods also destroyed nearly half a million homes and devastated 1.5 million hectares of agricultural land. In just one year, funding needs for the region have increased by 14 percent due to the escalation of the crisis. Despite a small increase in funding of an additional US$400 million received between 2020 and 2022, a significant funding gap of nearly $2 billion remained in 2022. This translated in life saving assistance that could not be delivered. UN-coordinated response plans for 2023 are being implemented in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria (north-east), requiring $4.6 billion in funding this year. The current funding level across the response plans is 16 per cent, or $723 million received. "The crisis in the Sahel is an acute humanitarian concern. If current trends continue, increasing numbers of people will be unable to meet their vital needs," said Charles Bernimolin, Head of the Regional Humanitarian Affairs Office (OCHA) for West and Central Africa in Dakar. "This overview of needs should encourage the world to pay attention to this region and donors to increase their funding. Increased support is needed to prevent vulnerable people from being deprived of assistance, children from losing access to education, women from being deprived of protection and the entire population from facing even greater food insecurity. Time is running out". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Porter (DDG 78) participates in Formidable Shield 2023 US Navy 09 June 2023 From Petty Officer 2nd Class Sawyer Connally NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) participated in exercise Formidable Shield 2023 from the North Atlantic Ocean, May 8 to May 23, 2023. "We're extremely excited to take part in Formidable Shield 2023," said Cmdr. Joe Hamilton, Porter's Commanding Officer, as Porter kicked off its role in the exercise. "This exercise is an incredible opportunity for us to receive invaluable live-fire training time with our NATO Allies, and we are honored to sail alongside." Formidable Shield is a biennial integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise that demonstrates allied interoperability in a live-fire joint and combined IAMD environment, using NATO command and control reporting structures. The exercise is long-planned and takes place during odd-numbered years. Formidable Shield 2023 continues through May 26, and has involved numerous NATO Allied and partner nations, more than 20 ships and 35 aircraft, eight ground units consisting of radars, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), and nearly 4,000 personnel from across the Alliance. Porter participated in two live-fire missile events from the UK Ministry of Defence's Hebrides Range during the overall exercise. The events were called "Shepard" and "Armstrong," wherein Porter successfully fired three Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) interceptor missiles and successfully destroyed their targets. "The amount of preparation poured into an exercise like this is incredible, and the Porter crew performed superbly from laying the groundwork to executing missiles on target," said Hamilton. "The opportunity to conduct live-fire missile exercises like this isn't one we get every day, and we made the most of the opportunity." Lt. Mitchell Horrillo, the ship's Combat Systems Officer and Tactical Action Officer during the events, echoed Hamilton's remarks about the novelty and utility of live-fire exercises such as the ones Porter conducted during the exercise. "Live-fire exercises like the ones Porter was able to participate in during Formidable Shield are extremely valuable experiences, but they are also very rare. Most Sailors will go their entire careers without ever firing the missiles that ships carry into combat," said Horrillo. "Because of this, live-fire missile exercises provide precious opportunities to gain tactical experience and observe radar performance and combat system behavior under real-world conditions, while also validating and justifying the technical maintenance that goes into the operations and upkeep of Porter's combat systems." In the days leading up to Formidable Shield, Porter's Combat Information Center (CIC) watch team conducted several extensive trainings and practice scenarios to prepare for the tactical portions of the exercise. "Porter's firing team conducted over 40 hours of training for the live-fire exercise," said Horrillo. "We started with the basics of system configuration, firing procedures, and script rehearsal, and evolved into complex, 'off-nominal' simulations including system casualties, loss of communications, issues with Range Control, and rogue target drones. This training prepared us to respond appropriately if things did not go according to plan, and gave us healthy confidence come firing day that we were ready to execute the mission." Formidable Shield is about more than just live-fire evolutions, however. Throughout the exercise, Porter trained with allies on a variety of tactical and operational evolutions. On May 11, Porter conducted a flag signaling exercise with the French Navy Horizon-class frigate FS Chevalier Paul and a replenishment-at-sea with the British RFA Tidesurge (A138), improving interoperability between units at sea. Porter was also be able to conduct flight operations with allied aircraft and formation transits with NATO allied warships. "These evolutions added value to our participation in Formidable Shield," said Ensign Markus Boles. "Being able to conduct these types of evolutions with foreign navies speaks to the hard work and planning we both put into the operations. From our standpoint, everything went seamless and was up to par with how we do it normally. The difference in equipment, aircraft and language barrier didn't hamper the evolutions at all." Prior to Formidable Shield's start date, Porter made port stops first in Rota, Spain, then in Faslane, Scotland, during which the ship refueled and prepared for its participation in the exercise. "We're always grateful to be able to experience new places and cultures," said Hamilton. "During our time in Scotland, we were able to build relationships with the locals, as well as our friends from the Royal Navy. The time in port is also crucial to conduct vital maintenance to maintain readiness, and to bring on stores needed to sustain the ship and crew out to sea." The relationships fostered and cooperative engagements conducted throughout Porter's experience, both in port and at sea, will continue to serve Porter's crew well in future endeavors. They also underscore the teamwork and camaraderie of the NATO Alliance, as Allies work together to ensure security and stability in the region. Formidable Shield is a biennial integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise involving a series of live-fire events against subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets, incorporating multiple Allied ships, ground forces, and aviation forces working across battlespaces to deliver effects. Formidable Shield demonstrates Alliance cohesion, cutting-edge capacity and capability, and NATO Allies' combined commitment to the deterrence and defense of NATO territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IS-K Leader in Afghanistan Reported Dead By Ayaz Gul June 09, 2023 The leader of a regional affiliate of the Islamic State terrorist outfit was reportedly killed in Afghanistan this week in an area along the border with Pakistan, intelligence officials in both countries confirmed to VOA. Sanaullah Ghafari, the so-called slain emir of Islamic State Khorasan, or IS-K, has led the terrorist group since June 2020. He was widely known as Shahab al-Muhajir and was said to be in his late 30s. Ghafari was traveling through the mountainous province of Kunar late Tuesday when Taliban security forces targeted him in an intelligence-led operation. Six other IS-K operatives were killed in subsequent raids in the area, Taliban sources said without sharing further details. Pakistani intelligence officials also confirmed to VOA the elimination of the IS-K chief in Afghanistan under what they described as "mysterious circumstances." They hailed it as a "major success" against terrorist groups threatening the two countries. VOA has reached out to the Taliban spokesperson in Afghanistan for comment on the killing of the regional terror chief but has not received any response. Separately, sources in Kunar province, speaking to VOA on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to VOA Friday they had seen evidence of Ghafari's death. Ghafari, a resident of the Afghan capital of Kabul, graduated from the city's central university. The United States has offered a reward of $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of the IS-K leader. A U.S. official familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the matter, told VOA the U.S. could not confirm whether the terror leader had in fact been killed. But the official denied any U.S. involvement, rejecting reports the U.S. carried out an airstrike. U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East and South Asia, also told VOA it was unable to confirm Ghafari's death. "CENTCOM is aware of reports alleging that an ISIS-K leader was killed in Afghanistan earlier this week," Major John Moore said in an email. "We have nothing additional to provide at this time." Publicly, American officials have denied working with the Taliban and have cast doubt on their ability to go after high-level terrorist targets in Afghanistan. "The Taliban doesn't have the precision to go after individuals," CENTCOM's General Michael Erik Kurilla told U.S. lawmakers in March. "They [Taliban] will do large, sweeping clearance operations," he said, noting such operations are only "disruptive to a point." Taliban chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid rejected those assertions. He said that since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, their security forces have arrested and imprisoned up to 1,700 IS-K militants and killed close to 1,100 others, including key commanders. An official Taliban media outlet released an audio clip of Ghafari in April, in which he acknowledged his group's significant losses in counterterrorism operations by Taliban special forces. "Only a few of our comrades are left, and their number can be counted on the fingers," Ghafari said in his Pashto language message to his group. He also spoke about the killings of key leaders in counterterrorism operations against IS-K in Kabul and elsewhere in Afghanistan. Pakistani intelligence sources said that Ghafari also directed IS-K terror attacks in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Iran, which all share borders with Afghanistan. The IS-K leader was the mastermind behind last year's failed assassination attempt on Islamabad's acting ambassador in Kabul, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani. IS-K took credit for the December gun attack that injured a Pakistani bodyguard. Nizamani escaped that attack unhurt. The terrorist group has also claimed responsibility for the March 2022 suicide bombing of a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar that killed more than 60 worshipers. Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fuel Prices Soar in Cameroon After Nigeria Scraps Fuel Subsidy By Moki Edwin Kindzeka June 09, 2023 In parts of Cameroon, the price of gasoline has doubled since Nigeria's new President Bola Tinubu scrapped a government fuel subsidy in the oil rich nation. Nigeria is one of Africa's leading oil producers and subsidized petroleum products are routinely smuggled into Cameroon and sold by the roadside. Now, with the subsidy in place, business people in Cameroon say they are struggling to cope as fuel prices rise. Traders in towns and villages on Cameroon's border with Nigeria say business has suffered since Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced the end of fuel subsidies on May 29. Thousands of Cameroonians and Nigerians trade cattle, cotton, foods and other products across their countries' 2,000-kilometer long border. Thirty-three-year old Alphonsine Ngaba buys body lotions, perfumes and cosmetic products in Nigeria for sale in Limani, a town in northern Cameroon. She says the end of the fuel subsidy has led to a fuel shortage, hampering business on both sides of the border. Ngaba says at least a hundred merchants returning from Nigeria have been stranded for three days in Limani, where several dozen transport trucks, vehicles and motorcycles are grounded by fuel scarcity. She says within the past two weeks a fuel shortage has hit towns and villages on Cameroon's border that solely depend on Nigeria for petrol. Ngaba said a few drivers entering Cameroon complain that fuel is expensive in Nigeria and have more than doubled the fares they charge to transport goods. Cameroon's National Institute of Statistics reports that in 2022, more than 30 percent of Cameroonians bought petrol from Nigeria. A liter of Nigerian petrol sold for about 50 cents, while petrol supplied by Cameroon's state oil firm SONARA sold at more than one dollar. Nigerian President Tinubu cited heavy smuggling of petrol into Cameroon, Chad, Benin and other countries as a reason for halting the subsidy. Donatus Manga imports petrol from Nigeria and sells in Buea, a town near Cameroon's southwestern border with Nigeria. He says the price of petrol from Nigeria has more than doubled in the past 10 days, cutting deeply into his business. "Business is quite slow and difficult," said Manga. "At first, I could sell up to 2,000 liters a day, but as of now, I hardly sell up to 200 liters a day due to the rise in the price of petrol from Cross River state, Nigeria." Manga said his supplier has been unable to import petrol from Nigeria's Cross River state for two weeks. Civilians in Cameroon's border towns and villages say the fuel situation has also caused a 15 percent increase in prices of basic commodities and motor spare parts imported from Nigeria. To ease the fuel shortage, the government of Cameroon says it will supply petrol to towns and villages in need. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Libya remains divided and deadlocked. There are two main factions, one in the east based in Tobruk and another in Tripoli, in the west. The UN backs the Tripoli faction, as do local Islamic militias and Turkish troops and mercenaries. The eastern faction controls most of the oil and export ports. The Russian Wagner Group mercenaries are based in the east but now see themselves as peacekeepers and work with the Turks to maintain a ceasefire. This allows Russian oil firms to operate in Libya and do work for the Libyan national oil company. Both factions support national elections to unite the country but neither faction trusts the others enough to proceed with elections. Russia and the Turks refuse to withdraw their troops from Libya until they receive guarantees that their interests in Libya are respected. The UN and NATO oppose that because the Tripoli faction wants to legitimize an illegal treaty signed by the Tripoli faction in 2019 granting Turkey some of Greeces offshore oil and natural gas rights in an area between Libya and Turkey that ignores existing, and internationally recognized, claims on that area. Turkey and Greece are both NATO members and NATO backs Greece in this matter. Turkey wont withdraw its forces from Libya until a new national Libyan government assures the Turks that the illegal agreement is confirmed by a national Libyan government. Many people in both factions do not want to be stuck with a treaty that the UN and NATO consider illegal. Russia is no friend of NATO and is currently at war with NATO in Ukraine. Turkey is also a NATO member but most other NATO members would like to expel the Turks from NATO and there is no legal mechanism for that. Turks and Russians are troublemakers in Europe and Libya is a foreign branch of that mischief. Despite all the divisive problems, all the factions recently agreed to support one prime minister and hold national elections before the end of 2023. Russia has moved its embassy from Benghazi to Tripoli. Delays were caused by security concerns. Tripoli still has problems with local militias. By reopening its embassy in Tripoli and backing the Abdulhamid Dbeibah faction in Tripoli rather than the Fathi Bashagha faction and the LNA (Libyan National Army) in the east, Russia is in effect cooperating with Turkey, whose illegal agreements with the Tripoli government include giving Russia some of Greeces rights to explore for oil and gas in areas of the Mediterranean. Libya is encouraging the reestablishment of embassies in Tripoli. The American embassy closed in 2014 but so far the Americans have no plans to reopen their embassy. A few dozen nations have, or are planning to reopen their embassies in Tripoli. China has not waited for an embassy to open and has already negotiated several investment deals, including a $33 billion railroad, bus route transportation project and a license to mine for gold in the south. China is accused of bribing local tribes and others to enable these projects to move forward. June 5, 2023: The Libyan GAAIA (General Authority for Awqaf and Islamic Affairs) is seeking to establish a Guardians of Virtue organization to police the practice of Islam in Libya. This sort of thing is not popular with most Libyans. June 4, 2023: In the east, about half the 4,000 Egyptians found to be in Libya illegally have been sent back to Egypt. Some of these Egyptians were in Libya to get on a boat to Europe. Others sought work in Libya, something Egyptians have been doing for decades. June 2, 2023: The UN renewed the European Union authority to inspect ships near Libya to prevent illegal arms shipment to Libya. May 31, 2023: In Tripoli, another gun battle broke out between rival militias loyal to the Tripoli government. Several people were wounded before the fighting stopped. May 27, 2023: The Tripoli government used armed UAVs to carry out airstrikes against smugglers operating near Tripoli. May 23, 2023: The Libyan 6+6 committee met in Morocco and worked out the agreement required to hold national elections by the end of the year. The 6+6 means six representatives from the House of Representatives government in the east and six from the High Council of State government in Tripoli. Now Libya has only one prime minister. Morocco has hosted several conferences like this over the last few years and some progress was made each time. May 16, 2023: In the east, the House of Representatives government ousted its prime minister Fathi Bashagha because of mismanagement and corruption. This makes it more likely that a peace deal with the government in Tripoli can be negotiated. Kakhovkaya Dam The structure of the Kakhovsky hydroelectric complex includes: an earth channel dam, a spillway dam (has 28 spillway spans), a HPP building with an installation site, an earthen dam between the lock and the HPP, a single-chamber navigable lock, an earthen flood dam, and an earthen superflood dam. Six vertical hydro units with a total installed capacity of 334.8 MW have been installed at Kakhovsky HPP. Turbines - rotary-blade type, manufactured by JSC "Turboatom" (Kharkov). Generators - synchronous type, with a voltage of 13.8 kV, manufactured by the State Enterprise "Electrovajmash" (Kharkov). The electrical network is composed of three "generator-transformer" blocks on two bus systems of a closed switchgear -154 kV. The construction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station in the 1950s created the Kakhovka Reservoir, the largest in terms of water volume on the Dnieper, with a volume of 18.2 km3. Flow control is seasonal. The total length of the pressure front of the Kakhovsky hydraulic unit is 3,650 meters, and the flow capacity is 22,492 m3/s at a head of 16.0 m. The chief engineer of Ukrhydroenergo, Vadym Rassovskyi, 24 February 2020 drew attention to the safety of dams. And there are seven of them on the balance sheet of Ukrhydroenergo: six on the Dnieper and one on the Dniester. They are in working condition, meet the project requirements and can fulfill their functional purpose in the specified modes. "It is clear that dams are potentially dangerous structures. But from an engineering point of view, we have no doubts about their reliability. Special hydrotechnical divisions of hydroelectric power stations monitor the state of operation of dams every day. There is a regulation of observations, there is instrumental control, there are standards according to which the work is carried out. Once every five years, hydraulic structures are inspected by a specialized interdepartmental commission, which includes experts from various fields. The last such inspection was carried out in the summer of 2019. According to her conclusions, everything is fine with our dams," said the chief engineer, so there is no cause for concern. Preparation for spring irrigation takes place every year, regardless of meteorologists' forecasts, and involves checking the reliability of hydromechanical equipment, valves, cranes, communications, transport, and the availability of an emergency stock of materials, spare parts, and tools. We also train people. Emergency teams of station employees have been created, which during training work out the procedure for liquidating the consequences of flooding, a joint action plan is being developed with the city and regional departments of the State Emergency Service and local authorities, and a schedule for maneuvering the floodgates of the spillway is being drawn up. After all measures have been taken, the readiness of the station is checked by a special commission and a document of readiness for flood relief is drawn up. On September 20, 1950, a resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR adopted a decision on the construction of the Kakhov hydroelectric station and the North Crimean Canal. The first specialists for the construction of Kakhovskaya HPP arrived from Zaporizhzhia in October 1950. Subcontract construction and commissioning departments were immediately organized - "Hydromontazh", "Hydroelektromontazh", "Dnipro-specshydroenergomontazh", "Pivdensantekhmontazh", "Hydrospecsbud", "Hydromechanization". The main equipment for the construction was supplied by the Kharkiv Turbine Plant, the Zaporizhzhya Transformer and Mechanical Plant, and the Elektrovazhmash plant. Project work was carried out by the Ukrainian branch of the "Hydroenergoproject" institute on the basis of a scheme for the integrated use of the lower Dnipro river with an installed design capacity of 312 MW, annual electricity production - 1400 million kWh and the creation of a reservoir with a surface area of 2155 km2 and a useful volume of 6.8 km3. The scale of construction of the Kakhovskaya HPP was impressive: 1,100 vehicles, 30 excavators, 75 crawler and portal cranes, 100 bulldozers, 7 dredges and 14 steam locomotives were used on the site. The works were carried out by 12 thousand people of 19 nationalities - it was a large nationwide construction on a voluntary basis. More than 300 employees of Dniprobud were awarded high government awards for high production indicators and a significant contribution to the development and implementation of progressive work methods during the construction of the Kakhovskaya HPP. The construction of the hydraulic unit lasted from 1951 to 1959 and was carried out by the special construction and installation department "Dniprobud" under the leadership of S. N. Andrianov and chief engineers P. A. Medvedev and P. S. Neporozhny. On October 18, 1955, the first hydro unit was commissioned at the Kakhovskaya HPP. Located on the Dnieper, the Kakhovskaya HPP started the cascade of Dnipro HPPs - it was built second after the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Station and is its last step. The construction of the Kakhovka hydraulic unit gave impetus to the emergence of the city of Nova Kakhovka and the construction of the South-Ukrainian and North-Crimean canals. On the basis of the created infrastructure, the social and economic development of the remote regions of the South of Ukraine accelerated and territorial and industrial complexes were created. Strategic road and railway bridge crossings pass through the water junction. An important result of the construction of the Kakhovsky hydroelectric station was the provision of sustainable crop yields in the South of Ukraine, the development of animal husbandry and the improvement of navigation on the Dnieper. The commissioning of the Kakhovskaya HPP allowed to increase the capacity and improve the reliability of the Ukrainian energy system. To ensure the reliability of the Kakhovskaya HPP dam, the station put into operation an automated system for monitoring the safety of hydrotechnical structures, which provides round-the-clock continuous control of the main indicators of the state of hydrotechnical objects. In 2019, the experts of the Specialized Interdepartmental Commission confirmed that the dam of the Kakhovskaya HPP is in working condition, meets the project requirements and can fulfill its functional purpose in the specified modes. "It is clear that dams are potentially dangerous structures. But from an engineering point of view, we have no doubts about their reliability. Special hydrotechnical divisions of hydroelectric power stations monitor the state of operation of dams every day. There is a regulation of observations, there is instrumental control, there are standards according to which the work is carried out. Once every five years, hydraulic structures are inspected by a specialized interdepartmental commission, which includes experts from various fields. The last such inspection was carried out in the summer of 2019. According to her conclusions, everything is fine with our dams," said the chief engineer of Ukrhydroenergo, Vadym Rassovskyi,r, so there was no cause for concern. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 09 June 2023 - Day 471 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 the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) was extended by 60 days on 17 May 2023. However, Russia almost certainly continues to hinder grain exports by deliberately slowing inspections and actively blocking some vessels. Currently, only one or two ships are being inspected per day, compared with six to eight in Autumn 2022. Russia is likely attempting to force concessions on the re-opening of the Togliatti-Odesa pipeline, which exports ammonia from Russia through Ukraine, via Odesa. To complicate the situation, in recent days, the pipeline was damaged and is not currently operational. There is likely to be further Russian rhetoric and obstruction of the BSGI in the weeks prior to the next extension deadline of 16 July 2023. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that according to precise information, during the period from 00:00 at night to 04:20 in the morning, the Russian occupiers attacked Ukraine with Iranian strike UAVs of the "Shahed" type and Kh-101/Kh-555 air-based cruise missiles against military facilities and critical infrastructure objects. Ukrainian Air Defense Forces in cooperation with the air defense of other components of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed 4x out of 7x Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles, 4x out of 10x strike UAVs "Shahed", "Lancet" and 4x UAVs of operational - tactical level ("Orlan-10" and "Supercam"). In total, Russian forces launched 8x missile attacks on civilian houses in the city of Zviagel, Zhytomyr Oblast, and on the outskirts of Kharkiv. Moreover, Russians carried out 58x airstrikes and launched 31 MLRS attacks on Ukrainian settlements and Ukrainian Defense Forces. Unfortunately, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population, destroyed and damaged private houses, a hospital and other civilian infrastructure. The threat of missile and air strikes remains high across Ukraine. Russia is concentrating its main efforts on attempts to completely occupy the Luhansk and Donetsk Oblasts. During the day, 27x combat clashes took place. Volyn' and Polissya axes: the operational situation has not changed significantly. There are no signs of the formation of offensive groupings. Separate units of the armed forces of the Russian Federation continue to be stationed at the training grounds of the Republic of Belarus. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia continues to maintain a military presence in the areas bordering Ukraine, while strengthening the border with units of territorial forces. Russian forces shelled Karpovychi, Leonivka, Gremyach of Chernihiv Oblast; Khliborob, Sorokyne, Iskryskivshchyna, Yunakivka, Myropyllya, Slavgorod and Velika Pisarivka of the Sumy Oblast, as well as more than 20x other settlements in the Kharkiv Oblast. Among them Basove, Veterinarne, Visoka Yaruga, Izbytske, Verkhnya Pisarivka, Hatyshche, Vovchans'k, Bochkove, Budarky and Zemlyanki on Kharkiv Oblast. Kup'yans'k axis: Dvorichna, Masyutivka, Liman Pershiy, Kislivka, Tabaivka, Berestov in Kharkiv Oblast and Novoselivske in Luhansk Oblast were shelled by artillery and mortars. Lyman axis: Russian forces carried out unsuccessful offensive operations near Bilogorivka. They carried out airstrikes on Nevske in the Luhansk Oblast and Yampolivka, Dronivka, Sivers'k, Spirne in the Donetsk Oblast. Nevs'ke, Bilogorivka of the Luhansk Oblast and Tors'ke, Dibrova, Verkhn'okam'ians'ke, Spirne, Rozdolivka of the Donetsk Oblast were shelled by artillery. Bakhmut axis: the Russian occupiers carried out offensives in the vicinities of Bohdanivka, albeit without success. They carried out airstrikes at Belaya Hora and Torets'k districts of the Donetsk Oblast. Areas of Zvanivka, Nikiforivka, Vasyukivka, Orihovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Kalynivka, Ivanivs'ke, Bila Hora, Druzhba, Torets'k, North Donetsk Oblast were affected by Russian artillery shelling. Avdiivka axis: Russian forces made unsuccessful offensives near Severne and Nevels'ke settlements. They carried out airstrikes in the areas of Vasylivka and Pervomaiskyi. Also carried out artillery shelling of the areas of settlements of Novodonetske, Berdychi, Avdiivka, Vodyane, Nevels'ke Pervomais'ke of the Donetsk Oblast. Mar'inka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled all Russian attacks in vicinities of Mar'inka. Russian forces suffered losses. Also, Russian forces shelled the areas of Georgiyivka, Mar'inka, Ostrivs'ke, Kurakhove, Dachne, Pobyeda, Novomykhailivka and Katerynivka settlements of the Donetsk Oblast. Shakhtars'k axis: Russian forces carried out airstrikes in the Velika Novosilka and Blagodatne Oblasts of the Donetsk Oblast. They shelled Vugledar, Shakhtars'ke, Novoukrainka, Zolota Niva and Neskuchne in the Donetsk Oblast. Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: Russian forces are on the defensive. Carried out airstrikes in the Novosilka Oblast of the Donetsk Oblast and Olhivskyi, Hulyaipole and Stepovoy in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. They shelled more than 30x settlements. Among them are Burlats'ke, Zelene Pole, Novosilka, Novopil', Temyrivka of the Donetsk Oblast; Olhivs'ke, Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Biloghirya and Kam'ians'ke of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Kherson. In Arapivka, Luhansk Oblast, about 90x servicemen of the Russian occupation forces, who voluntarily left their combat positions, deserted. Ukrainian Air Force conducted 16x strikes strikes on Russian manpower concentrations and 2x strikes on Russian anti-aircraft missile systems. Ukrainian missile and artillery units hit 4x control points, 6x areas of manpower, weapons and military equipment concentrations, 3x ammunition warehouses and 5x artillery units of the Russian forces at firing positions. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a long-range maritime and airborne high-precision strike against foreign-made ammunition, weapons, and military equipment depots, including unmanned aerial vehicles, last night. All the assigned targets have been engaged. The strikes disrupted the supply of groups of Ukrainian troops in the areas of combat operations. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have continued their attempts to launch offensive operations in South Donetsk and Zaporozye directions during the previous 24 hours. In the area of the Vremievsky salient, units of the Vostok Group of Forces repelled four enemy attacks launched by up to two battalion tactical groups reinforced with tanks in the areas of Levadnoye (Zaporozhye region), Novoselka, Storozhevoye, and Neskuchnoye (Donetsk People's Republic). In Zaporozhye direction, two attacks by Ukrainian troops in the areas of Novodanilovka and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region) were repelled by decisive and competent actions of Russian troops, air strikes and artillery fire during the day. In addition, two clusters of manpower and hardware of the 47th AFU Mechanised Brigade were hit by heavy flamethrowers south of Orekhov (Zaporozhye region). Operational-Tactical Aviation of the Vostok Group of Forces have inflicted fire damage against reserves of the enemy close to Gulyai Pole, Omelnik, and Preobrazhenka (Zaporozhye region). Total losses of the AFU in these directions during the day have amounted to 680 Ukrainian troops, 35 tanks, 11 infantry fighting vehicles, 19 armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, including three HMMWVs, as well as a French-made Cezar self-propelled artillery system. In Donetsk direction, the most active fighting took place in the areas of Mariynka and Avdeevka (Donetsk People's Republic). The Yug Group of Forces successfully repelled six attacks by units of the 110th mechanised, 59th motorised infantry and 79th airborne brigades of the AFU close to Khimik, Krasnogorovka, Pervomaiskoye, and the northern edge of Mariynka (Donetsk People's Republic). There were no incursions into Russia's defence. The enemy's losses during the day have amounted to up to 410 Ukrainian troops, four tanks, eight infantry fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, and one Msta-B howitzer. Moreover, an ammunition depot of the 79th Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been hit close to Krasnogorovka. In Kupyansk direction, Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) close to Novomlynsk, Molchanovo, Berestovoye (Kharkov region), and Rozovka (Lugansk People's Republic). In addition, actions of two sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were thwarted near Olshana (Kharkov region) and Novoselovskoye (Lugansk People's Republic). Over 30 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one Uragan MLRS vehicle, and two D-30 howitzers have been neutralised in this direction during the day. In Krasny Liman direction, Russian aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems of the Tsentr Group of Forces hit units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) close to Nevskoye (Lugansk People's Republic), Yampolovka, and Grigorovka (Donetsk People's Republic). One sabotage and reconnaissance group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been disabled close to Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic). The enemy has suffered losses of over 50 Ukrainian troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, two motor vehicles, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and one D-20 howitzer in this direction in the past 24 hours. A U.S.-made AN/TPQ-37 counterbattery radar station was destroyed near Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic). In Kherson direction, the enemy suffered the losses of up to 70 Ukrainian troops, 10 armoured fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, one Grad MLRS vehicle, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery unit, and one D-30 howitzer. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised 97 AFU artillery units at their firing positions, enemy manpower and hardware in 126 areas. Two command and observation posts of the 24th Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been engaged close to Dzerzhinsk (Donetsk People's Republic). A communication station of the 102nd Territorial Defence Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been destroyed near Gulyai Pole (Zaporozhye region). A MiG-29 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force has been shot down by Russian fighter jet close to Novoye Zaporozhye (Zaporozhye region) in an aerial battle. Russian air defence facilities have shot down one Su-25 airplane of Ukrainian Air Force near Babino (Kherson region). Air defence forces have intercepted two Storm Shadow cruise missiles and 14 HIMARS MLRS projectiles during the day. In addition, 13 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed in the areas of Ogurtsovo, Olshana (Kharkov region), Zhitlovka (Lugansk People's Republic), Volodino, Krasnogorovka (Donetsk People's Republic), Sladkaya Balka (Zaporozhye region), Bratolyubovka, Peschanoye, and Vasilyevka (Kherson region). In total, 440 airplanes and 238 helicopters, 4,555 unmanned aerial vehicles, 424 air defence missile systems, 9,798 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1,122 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 5,062 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 10,838 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 Russian Nationals Charged With Hacking One Cryptocurrency Exchange and Illicitly Operating Another FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, June 9, 2023 The Justice Department unsealed charges related to the 2011 hack of the cryptocurrency exchange Mt. Gox and the operation of the illicit cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e. According to court documents, Alexey Bilyuchenko, 43, and Aleksandr Verner, 29, both Russian nationals, are charged with conspiring to launder approximately 647,000 bitcoins from their hack of Mt. Gox. Bilyuchenko is also charged with conspiring with Alexander Vinnik to operate BTC-e from 2011 to 2017. "This announcement marks an important milestone in two major cryptocurrency investigations. As alleged in the indictments, starting in 2011, Bilyuchenko and Verner stole a massive amount of cryptocurrency from Mt. Gox, contributing to the exchange's ultimate insolvency. Armed with the ill-gotten gains from Mt. Gox, Bilyuchenko allegedly went on to help set up the notorious BTC-e virtual currency exchange, which laundered funds for cyber criminals worldwide," said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "These indictments highlight the department's unwavering commitment to bring to justice bad actors in the cryptocurrency ecosystem and prevent the abuse of the financial system." "As cyber criminals have become more sophisticated in their methods of thievery, our career prosecutors and law enforcement partners, too, have become experts in the latest technologies being abused for malicious purposes," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. "As alleged, Alexey Bilyuchenko and Aleksandr Verner thought they could outsmart the law by using sophisticated hacks to steal and launder massive amounts of cryptocurrency, a novel technology at the time, but the charges unsealed demonstrate our ability to tenaciously pursue these alleged criminals, no matter how complex their schemes, until they are brought to justice." "For years, Bilyuchenko and his co-conspirators allegedly operated a digital currency exchange that enabled criminals around the world - including computer hackers, ransomware actors, narcotics rings, and corrupt public officials - to launder billions of dollars," said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. "The Department of Justice will work tirelessly to identify cyber criminals, no matter where they are. And Bilyuchenko and his co-conspirators will learn that the Department of Justice has long arms and an even longer memory for crimes that harm our communities." Southern District of New York indictment According to court documents unsealed in the Southern District of New York (SDNY), in or about September 2011, Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators allegedly gained unauthorized access to the server holding the cryptocurrency wallets for Mt. Gox. At the time, Mt. Gox was the largest Bitcoin exchange in existence, servicing thousands of users worldwide. Mt. Gox stored the cryptocurrency wallets containing its customers' bitcoin, and the corresponding private keys used to authorize bitcoin transfers from those wallets, on a computer server in Japan. "The FBI will continue to work with our U.S. government and international partners to relentlessly pursue and disrupt malicious cyber actors wherever they may reside," said Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI's Cyber Division. "When cyber criminals engage in fraudulent activity, such as hacking and illicitly operating cryptocurrency exchanges, it is critical that we impose cost on the bad actors and ensure they face justice." Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators allegedly used their unauthorized access to Mt. Gox's server to fraudulently cause bitcoin to be transferred from Mt. Gox's wallets to bitcoin addresses controlled by Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators. From September 2011 through at least May 2014, Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators allegedly caused the theft of at least approximately 647,000 bitcoins from Mt. Gox, representing the vast majority of the bitcoins belonging to Mt. Gox's customers. Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators allegedly laundered the bulk of the bitcoins stolen through Mt. Gox principally through bitcoin addresses associated with accounts Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators controlled at two other online bitcoin exchanges. "Cryptocurrency offers a new way for criminals to steal and launder money, but greed and deceit are nothing new," said Chief Jim Lee of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). "IRS-CI is specially equipped to follow the complex financial trail left by criminals, and we are dedicated to holding those accountable for crimes committed. IRS-CI is proud to stand with our law enforcement partners to announce this indictment." In furtherance of the money laundering scheme, in or about April 2012, Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators allegedly negotiated and entered into a fraudulent contract (the "Advertising Contract") to provide purported advertising services to a Bitcoin brokerage service based in the Southern District of New York (the "New York Bitcoin Broker"). Under the guise of the Advertising Contract, in order to conceal and liquidate the bitcoins stolen from Mt. Gox, Bilyuchenko and Verner allegedly made regular requests to the owner and operator of the New York Bitcoin Broker to make large wire transfers into various offshore bank accounts, including in the names of shell corporations, controlled by Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators. In accordance with these requests, between in or about March 2012 and in or about April 2013, the New York Bitcoin Broker allegedly transferred more than approximately $6.6 million to overseas bank accounts controlled by Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators. In exchange for the wire transfers, the New York Bitcoin Broker allegedly received "credit" on Exchange-1, through which Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators allegedly laundered more than 300,000 of the bitcoins stolen from Mt. Gox. The fraudulent Advertising Contract with the New York Bitcoin Broker allegedly enabled Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators to conceal and liquidate bitcoins stolen through the Mt. Gox Hack. Mt. Gox ceased operations in 2014 after the theft was revealed. Northern District of California indictment According to court documents unsealed in the Northern District of California (NDCA), Bilyuchenko allegedly worked with Vinnik and others to operate the BTC-e exchange from 2011 until it was shut down by law enforcement in July 2017. During that time period, BTC-e was one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges and was one of the primary ways by which cyber criminals around the world transferred, laundered, and stored the criminal proceeds of their illegal activities. BTC-e served over one million users worldwide, moving millions of bitcoin worth of deposits and withdrawals, and processing billions of dollars' worth of transactions. BTC-e received criminal proceeds of numerous computer intrusions and hacking incidents, ransomware events, identity theft schemes, corrupt public officials, and narcotics distribution rings. "The Secret Service has a long tradition of pursuing and bringing to justice those who aim to exploit our financial systems and target innocent victims," said Special Agent in Charge William Mancino of the U.S. Secret Service's Criminal Investigative Division. "Working together with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate criminal organizations that operate in the ever-evolving cyber domain." "Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) continues to investigate cyber criminals illicitly operating in virtual spaces, and we are proud to have worked collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to bring these two individuals to justice," said Acting Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of HSI. "Our special agents continue to investigate transnational criminal organizations operating in emerging technologies, leveraging our broad authorities to identify, and dismantle those behind sophisticated crypto-scams." The SDNY indictment charges Bilyuchenko and Verner with conspiracy to commit money laundering. The NDCA indictment charges Bilyuchenko with money laundering conspiracy and operating an unlicensed money services business. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York's Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit is handling the SDNY case. The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case and SDNY Assistant U.S. Attorney Olga I. Zverovich is prosecuting the case. The Corporate and Securities Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California and the Criminal Division's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) are handling the NDCA case. The FBI; IRS-CI Oakland Field Office and Cyber Crime Unit in Washington, D.C.; U.S. Secret Service Criminal Investigative Division; and HSI are investigating the case. CCIPS Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker and NDCA Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia Quiroz, both members of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, and NDCA Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided invaluable assistance. A criminal indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Topic(s): Cybercrime Component(s): Criminal Division Criminal - Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) USAO - California, Northern USAO - New York, Southern Press Release Number: 23-637 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army's autonomous truck convoy a first 9 June 2023 The Army successfully operated an autonomous truck convoy on a public road in Australia for the first time on June 6. The National Transport Research Organisation and Deakin University supported the -leader-follower trial, in which a convoy of four autonomous Army trucks followed a crewed 'leader' vehicle on a public road in Victoria. Colonel Robin Smith, of Army's Future Land Warfare Branch, said the autonomous vehicles performed well. "This trial showed how a convoy could undertake a resupply mission between an airfield and a military base, giving us an idea of how this kind of technology could be used in the future," Colonel Smith said. "Driving on a highway in traffic meant the technology was tested to stop safely, and leave distances between other vehicles, while following the path set by the leader. "Down the track, technology like this could remove our soldiers from dangerous environments, or help free soldiers up for other roles." During the highway trials, Army simulated an autonomous resupply mission between Mangalore Airfield and Puckapunyal using the Goulburn Valley Highway and the Hume Highway. The trial is part of Army's modernisation, which includes exploring human machine teaming, quantum technology, artificial intelligence and electrification. Army continues to collaborate with industry and academia to explore how technology can increase mission success and lower risk to soldiers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Conversation with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko Vladimir Putin had a conversation with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at the Bocharov Ruchei residence. June 9, 2023 14:30 Sochi President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Lukashenko, welcome. I am glad to see you. I would like to say once again that our prime ministers have been working hard and energetically for the past few days. I will be seeing them soon. If I may, I will bring your greetings to them. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: Do please, if it is appropriate. Vladimir Putin: But of course, why not? Alexander Lukashenko: Yes, considering that we are discussing issues in their competence. Vladimir Putin: Yes, of course. We will discuss all these issues now. There is a great deal to talk about in the areas of security and economic interaction. It is encouraging, but it is developing unexpectedly well or at least at a fast pace, knock on wood. And the quality of our interaction and the structure of our economic relations are changing as we want. First of all, the current focus is not only on the traditional spheres of cooperation but also on the high-tech sectors. This is good news. I will not provide the figures for our growing trade now. As for security, we will talk about it behind closed doors, one on one. Overall, the situation is stable, and I would even say good. We are collaborating confidently in this area. We are proceeding on schedule with regard to the most sensitive issues, which we have coordinated. As you know, the preparation of the relevant facilities will be finished on July 7-8, after which we will immediately start the process of deploying the corresponding types of weapons in your territory. So, everything is going to plan consistently. We always have plenty to discuss, and that is what we will do today. Alexander Lukashenko: Thank you, President Putin. You put it right - according to plan. We agreed back in Moscow to catch up at that time. Our prime ministers will be working, and if any issues arise, we will respond. After all, Belarusian-Russian relations are at the core of the EAEU and the CIS space. You are about to meet with the prime ministers. I think we are conducting a comprehensive, useful event. Yes, there are economic issues but not problems, and they are being resolved. And, though you said I always criticised the governments, here they are doing a good job. We have much to do, you put it right. The main point is that we know what to do and where to go. Vladimir Putin: And we will make it. Thank goodness, we are getting there. Alexander Lukashenko: I am even afraid to say it - knock on wood - as you did. We thought it would be worse. But so far it is slightly better than we thought and thank goodness. We will gradually develop our relations. I said on record at the meeting of the EAEU Security Council secretaries that Russia and we would think of an action plan in this situation. Should we hope for the lifting of sanctions? We should not even talk about this. We must rely on our own strength, and on ourselves. If we draft our action plan, our partners are bound to join it. I am sure Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the EAEU framework will join us, and we will create attractive conditions here. Vladimir Putin: Yes. Alexander Lukashenko: I am confident our union in the EAEU framework will only become stronger. Specialists should work with the governments. I think we can do it. Vladimir Putin: I will now talk to my colleagues, say a few words myself, and listen to them. I suggest in the evening - I will tell you about this - we should exchange opinions on what our colleagues have done during the several days of their work in Sochi. Alexander Lukashenko: Thank you. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China to host Russia in joint exercise, senior military leaders confirm in talks Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jun 09, 2023 10:21 PM Russia will participate in a military drill organized by China, senior military leaders from the two countries confirmed in a video conference held on Friday, with observers saying that China-Russia joint strategic exercises could become routine. Liu Zhenli, a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the Chief of Staff at the Joint Staff Department of the CMC, and Valery Gerasimov, Russia's First Deputy Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, had a video conference on Friday, in which they exchanged views on the implementation of consensuses reached by the two heads of states and the deepening of cooperation between the two militaries, China's Ministry of National Defense said in a press release on Friday. The two sides confirmed together that Russia will respond to an invitation by China and participate in the Northern/Interaction-2023 exercise organized by China, according to the press release. It will mark yet another military cooperation between China and Russia after the two countries just wrapped up the two-day sixth joint aerial strategic patrol in the Asia-Pacific region on Wednesday. While the press release did not give more details on the Northern/Interaction-2023 exercise, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday that the drill will likely be the second China-Russia joint strategic exercise to be held in China. In August 2021, China hosted Russia in the five-day Western/Interaction-2021 joint strategic exercise, also translated as the Zapad/Interaction or the Sibu/Interaction, in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which featured a large number of ground and aviation forces and showed the two countries' capabilities in jointly tackling regional security issues including terrorism as well as global challenges brought up by countries like the US. Russia annually holds its own strategic exercises in four directions, namely the western Zapad, the southern Kavkaz, the central Tsentr and the eastern Vostok. Now that the China-Russia joint exercises have the Western/Interaction in 2021 and the Northern/Interaction in 2023, such drills could become regular and be held on a rotational basis similar to Russia's own drills, focusing on military cooperation in different regions, the expert said, The military cooperation between China and Russia is expected to continue to deepen, the expert said. The video conference between Liu and Gerasimov came at a time when the US recently ramped up military provocations on China, including sending warships and warplanes to the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea, selling weapons to the island of Taiwan, and holding joint exercises with regional allies including Japan and the Philippines targeting China, while also continued to fuel the Russia-Ukraine conflict with arms supplies to Ukraine. Russia and China's coordination efforts in the international arena has a stabilizing effect on the situation in the world, Gerasimov said in the video conference, according to a press release from Russia's Ministry of Defense. Armed forces of the two countries should continue to conduct joint activities in terms of operational and combat training, Gerasimov said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US can't decide if China is categorized as developing country: FM Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Jun 09, 2023 09:35 PM It's not up to the US to decide whether China is a developing country. The US can neither deny the fact that China is still a developing country, nor stop China from moving toward national rejuvenation. Rather than try to figure out how to pin the label of "developed country" on China, the US might want to think about how to remove its own label of a bully and hegemon, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday. The comment came after a key US Senate committee approved the "Ending China's Developing Nation Status Act" on Thursday, backing a similar bill unanimously passed by the US House of Representatives in March. The bill will seek to change China's status as a developing country in international organizations. "The US is not labeling China a 'developed country' out of appreciation or recognition for China's development success. The real motive behind ending China's developing country status is to hold back China's development," Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Friday during a regular press conference. China's status as the world's largest developing country is rooted in facts and international law. It's not something that can easily be wiped away by a US Congressional bill, Wang stressed. He added that the rights that China is lawfully entitled to as a developing country will not be deprived just because a few politicians on the Hill say so. China is still not classified as a developed country under the criteria of most organizations. China's per capita GDP still lags behind that of developed countries. The metric is used to measure the status of developing and developed countries by major international organizations. Taking World Bank data for 2022 as an example, China's per capita GDP ($12,556.3) is only 18.6 percent that of the US ($68,774), 30 percent that of Japan ($42,676), 24.9 percent that of Germany ($51,464), 28.5 percent that of France ($44,954), and 28.9 percent that of the UK ($44,362). The US' move aims to deprive China of the rights it should enjoy as a developing country in some international organizations and treaties, Tian Yun, a macroeconomic observer, told the Global Times on Friday. "But for the US, it is more important to deprive China of its representation in developing countries and cut off the broad and deep connection between China and developing countries," Tian noted. The US is trying to hollow out the foundation of China's relations with other developing countries and isolate China, Li Yong, deputy chair of the expert committee of the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times on Friday. Li said that by denying China's status as a developing country, the US is trying to weaken China's legitimacy in representing the common interests of developing countries in international institutions. "As a developing country, China understands the development challenges and unfair treatment faced by developing countries, and is committed to fighting for the fair and just development interests of developing countries, and does its best to help developing countries in the fields of economy, technology and investment, which is welcomed and supported by developing countries," Li noted. The foreign ministry spokesperson also stressed that China's contribution to global economic growth and UN regular budget and peacekeeping assessments far outweighs that of most developed countries. "According to some US lawmakers, there is concern that China would use its developing country status to evade international responsibilities. That is completely unnecessary," said Wang. In fact, from 2013 to 2021, China's average contribution to world economic growth was 38.6 percent, higher than the G7 countries combined. China has contributed more than 70 percent to global poverty reduction. Analysts also pointed out that the move is a typical example of the US' consistent hegemonism, which maliciously challenges the international order, adding that the purpose of containing China is very obvious. The containment of China by the US is comprehensive, including the blockade of science and technology and the blockade of industrial chains. The US "trick" of stripping China of its "developing country" label is just a small part of its containment, but one that is played again and again, ever since China applied for access to the WTO, Hu Qimu, deputy secretary general of the digital real economies integration Forum 50, told the Global Times on Friday. "If a country with 1.4 billion people can be brought to a high-income level through modernization in a Chinese style, the demonstration effect on the world will be very strong. It brings confidence to the development of developing countries, so that other developing countries no longer have to rely on the industrial chain of developed countries," said Hu. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on June 9, 2023 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China AFP: Reports by US media outlets say that China and Cuba have agreed to set up a Chinese spy facility capable of monitoring communications across the southeastern part of the US. Officials in Washington and Havana have said these reports are not accurate. Does the Chinese foreign ministry have a comment? Wang Wenbin: I am not aware of what you mentioned. It is well known that the US is an expert on chasing shadows and meddling in other countries' internal affairs. The US is the global champion of hacking and superpower of surveillance. The US has long illegally occupied Cuba's GuantAnamo Bay for secretive activities and imposed a blockade on Cuba for over 60 years. The US needs to take a hard look at itself, stop interfering in Cuba's internal affairs under the pretext of freedom, democracy and human rights, immediately lift its economic, commercial and financial blockade on Cuba, and act in ways conducive to improving relations with Cuba and regional peace and stability, not otherwise. China News Service: On June 8, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a joint press availability with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia that "we're not asking anyone to choose between the US and China." What's your comment? Wang Wenbin: We take note of the words of the US top diplomat. We hope that US diplomatic missions across the globe will act on this commitment he made regarding "not asking anyone to choose between the United States and China", and be truly open-minded about other countries' growing ties with China, stop bludgeoning Huawei and other Chinese firms, stop coercing allies into restricting chip exports to China, stop baiting and forcing other countries into turning away from cooperation with China and stop spreading disinformation about China such as the "debt trap" narrative. George Washington once wrote, "actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends." We will listen to what the US says, but more importantly, we will be watching what it does. NHK: The Philippines launched tourism routes to islands in the South China Sea this month. People of the Philippines and other countries including journalists can visit three islands under "actual control" by the Philippines. How does China respond to this? Will there be any specific countermeasures? Wang Wenbin: China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Islands and the adjacent waters including Zhongye Island. We call on relevant parties to respect China's sovereignty and refrain from actions that might complicate the situation in the South China Sea. China Daily: China announced today that Palestinian President Abbas will pay a state visit to China. Can you share more about this visit and how China views the current China-Palestine relations and the Palestinian question? What does China expect to achieve through this visit? Wang Wenbin: President Abbas is an old and good friend of the Chinese people and the first Arab head of state to be hosted by China this year. This speaks volumes about the high-level friendly relations between China and Palestine. China and Palestine enjoy a traditional friendship. China is one of the first countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the State of Palestine. In recent years, thanks to the personal guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Abbas, the China-Palestine relations have maintained a good momentum of growth with stronger political mutual trust and deeper friendship between the two peoples. China stands ready to work with Palestine to follow through on the common understandings of leaders of the two countries and take the China-Palestine traditional friendship to new heights. The Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East issue and matters to the region's peace and stability and global equity and justice. China has all along firmly supported the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights. For ten consecutive years, President Xi Jinping has sent congratulatory messages to the special commemorative meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. More than once he put forward China's proposals for resolving the Palestinian question, stressing the need to resolutely advance a political settlement based on the two-state solution and intensify international efforts for peace. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to work with the international community for a comprehensive, just and enduring solution to the Palestinian question at an early date. Reuters: Reports are saying that the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting China as soon as next week. Could the ministry provide any information about this? Wang Wenbin: You may refer to my response to relevant questions earlier. AFP: While on a visit to the United States, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Biden announced what they call the Atlantic declaration: a new framework for US-UK economic cooperation. The document that they agreed upon states that the two countries "face new challenges to international stability from authoritarian states, including China". How does the foreign ministry view this declaration? Wang Wenbin: Exchange and cooperation between countries should be conducive to global and regional peace and stability and not target any third party or harm their interests. Those who seek to incite bloc confrontation based on the Cold War mentality are the real threat to international stability. CCTV: It has been a decade since former US defense contractor Edward Snowden leaked secret documents to multiple media outlets, which revealed the shocking evidence that the US government has long been conducting massive surveillance and spying on other countries in the name of counterterrorism. This has been strongly condemned by the international community. On the tenth anniversary of the disclosure of the PRISM program, is there any comment you wish to make? Wang Wenbin: The revelation of the PRISM program certainly brought down the facade of the US as a hacking empire. Tens years on, this champion of hacking, instead of showing any restraint, has doubled down on its hacking behavior and sought to expand its cyber theft targets. Various US eavesdropping and spying programs have surfaced - Irritant Horn, Stellar Wind, Project CAMBERDADA and Telescreen - to name just a few. The US has not only spied on the UN Secretary-General and leaders of its allies such as Germany, France, the ROK and Israel, but also legalized such practice through legislation. Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) allows the US intelligence agencies to conduct warrantless surveillance of foreign targets. That section is set to expire by the end of this year, but the White House has declared that reauthorization of Section 702 is a top priority for the administration.a Over the past decade, it has become clearer to the international community that the US, a self-claimed champion of democracy and freedom, is in fact a violator of the rights and freedom of people across the world by abusing its high-tech prowess for theft of information. The US says it wants to keep the cyberspace safe, yet everything it does is about perpetuating its cyber predominance and expanding its cyber military alliance,which makes the US the biggest threat to cyber peace and stability. The US "Clean Network" is just another PRISM carefully disguised to create an unrivaled, unsupervised US-led global surveillance network. Since last year, Chinese cyber security institutions and firms have exposed US cyber attacks on China and some other countries in their reports. The US still hasn't provided an explanation to these attacks and has instead tried to use disinformation as a distraction tactic. Darkness prevails only in the absence of light. As more and more countries become aware of the US hypocrisy, there will be less and less room for the hacking empire to continue its malignancy. The light of truth and justice will eventually prevail. Kyodo News: On US Secretary of State Blinken's visit to China, what's China's attitude toward dialogue and cooperation with the US? Wang Wenbin: We've stated more than once that China's position on this issue has not changed. We are open to dialogue and communication. The important thing is that communication should not be carried out for the sake of communication, still less saying one thing but doing the opposite. The US needs to stop interfering in China's internal affairs and stop harming China's interests. It needs to stop eroding the political foundation of bilateral ties while claiming that it wants to put "guardrails" on the relationship. It needs to work together with China to bring bilateral relations back to the right track of sound and steady development. CCTV: It was reported that on June 8, the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations approved the Ending China's Developing Nation Status Act, asking to end the treatment of China as a developing nation. What is your comment? Wang Wenbin: The US is not labeling China a "developed country" out of appreciation or recognition for China's development success. The real motive behind ending China's developing country status is to hold back China's development.a China's status as the world's largest developing country is rooted in facts and international law. It's not something that can easily be wiped away by a US Congressional bill. The rights that China is lawfully entitled to as a developing country will not be deprived just because a few politicians on the Hill say so. According to some US lawmakers, there is concern that China would use its developing country status to evade international responsibilities. That is completely unnecessary. China's contribution to global economic growth and UN regular budget and peacekeeping assessments far outweighs that of most developed countries. It's not up to the US to decide whether China is a developing country. The US can neither deny the fact that China is still a developing country, nor stop China from moving towards national rejuvenation. Rather than try to figure out how to pin the label of "developed country" on China, the US might want to think about how to remove its own label of a bully and hegemon. Yomiuri Shimbun: According to a People's Daily report on June 4, the Chinese leader said while visiting the China National Archives of Publications and Culture that he knew of the long tradition of exchanges between Fuzhou and Liuqiu back when he was working in Fuzhou. What is the meaning of the remark? Wang Wenbin: The Chinese side released a readout on the activity you mentioned. You may refer to that. Beijing Youth Daily: The IAEA Board of Governors reviewed the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation recently. China made a statement at the meeting to point out relevant issues involved in the trilateral cooperation and called for joint efforts to advance the IAEA's inter-governmental discussion process. Representatives of more than 20 countries including Russia, Pakistan, Egypt, South Africa, Indonesia, Brazil and Argentina echoed China's position and proposition. What's your comment? Wang Wenbin: The IAEA has reviewed the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation for the eighth consecutive time. The review shows that the cooperation involves complex political, security, legal and technical issues and has led to serious concerns and controversy in the international community. The US, the UK and Australia claim to abide by the "rules-based international order", but when it comes to their own fulfillment of non-proliferation obligations, they blatantly apply double standards and place selfish geopolitical interests above nuclear nonproliferation. Looking back on past discussions at the IAEA, whenever the US, the UK and Australia sought to set the rules for other countries, they would always stress the importance of "the intergovernmental process led by member states." However, when it comes to AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation, all they do is thwart the intergovernmental process involving all parties, attempt to coerce the IAEA Secretariat into accepting their proposal and impose the so-called "rules" on other member states. What kind of "rules-based" behavior is that? On the Iranian nuclear issue, the US, the UK and some other countries wouldn't budge an inch and strictly prohibits Iran from obtaining highly-enriched uranium. However, the two countries plan to transfer to Australia tonnes of highly enriched weapons-grade uranium of over 90% purity through their nuclear submarine cooperation. The contrast once again laid bare their hypocrisy on the issue of nuclear non-proliferation. We urge the US, the UK and Australia to earnestly fulfill their international obligations on nuclear non-proliferation and stop double standard and political manipulation. We call for joint efforts by all IAEA member states to advance an open, inclusive, transparent and sustainable inter-governmental discussion process to firmly defend the international nuclear non-proliferation system, uphold the international order underpinned by international law, and advance peace and security in the world. At the same time, we hope the IAEA Secretariat will follow through the IAEA Statute and its mandate from member states, fulfill its non-proliferation duty and help advance the inter-governmental discussion process. Bloomberg: Will Beijing host the BRICS summit in place of South Africa? When will President Xi Jinping next speak to Cyril Ramaphosa? And will the BRICS summit be on the agenda for that conversation? Wang Wenbin: I have no information to offer on these specific questions. As to the BRICS summit, I already stated China's position. You may refer to it. Reuters: The Taiwan "foreign minister" will reportedly make a visit to Europe next week. The "minister" is expected to visit Brussels and also to appear with the Czech president at one event. What is the ministry's comment on this trip? Wang Wenbin: Let me first point out that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. There is no so-called "Taiwan foreign minister" but the head of local foreign affairs department.a The one-China principle is a universally recognized norm in international relations, a prevailing consensus among the international community and the prerequisite and political foundation for China to develop friendly ties with all countries around the world. We urge the EU to understand the real nature of the Taiwan question and follow through on the commitment it has made to China on the one-China principle. Do not support the Taiwan independence forces or have any official exchanges in any name with the Taiwan region. China never wavers in its resolve of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also have a clear message for the Taiwan DPP authorities that any separatist moves and attempts to solicit foreign support are bound to fail. The following questions were raised after the press conference: Q: On June 8, Chinese Ambassador to the ROK Xing Haiming had a meeting with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the ROK main opposition Democratic Party. During the meeting, Ambassador Xing commented on the China-ROK relations and stressed that the current bilateral relations face considerable difficulties and the responsibility does not lie with China. The remarks made by Ambassador Xing Haiming attracted public attention in the ROK. The ROK foreign ministry expressed concerns to China over this. What's China's comment? Wang Wenbin: The current difficulties and challenges in the China-ROK relations are not caused by China. It is part of Ambassador Xing's job to have extensive engagement with the ROK government, political parties and people from all walks of life, exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest and share China's position and concerns. We hope that relevant parties in the ROK can put this into perspective and focus on how to face up to problems and realize the stability and growth of China-ROK relations. Q: According to reports, an official with the ROK's Office of the President said on June 7 that recent reports about a Chinese foreign ministry official conveying the "four noes" position during a visit to the ROK are not true. The official also clarified that the reported dialogue between the two sides never happened. The ROK government can continue consultations with the Chinese side on issues concerning the DPRK. China has never premised dialogue with the ROK on the THAAD issue or national security issues. What's your comment? Wang Wenbin: The current difficulties and challenges in the China-ROK relations are not caused by China. In the recent China-ROK diplomatic consultations at the director-general level, China has clearly and explicitly stated its position and concern. The ROK side is fully aware of this. It should have an in-depth understanding of the crux of the problem, take it seriously and work with China for the sound and steady growth of China-ROK relations. Q: It was reported that Chinese officials warned ROK officials that if Seoul crosses Beijing's red line on the Taiwan question and engages in military coordination with Tokyo and Washington, China will suspend high-level diplomatic engagements and cancel cooperation on policies related to the DPRK. What is your comment? Wang Wenbin: The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair. It is at the core of China's core interests. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese, a matter that must be resolved by the Chinese. The 1992 joint communiquA on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the ROK explicitly states that the Republic of Korea recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and respects China's position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China. The ROK needs to act on the spirit of the joint communiquA, adhere to the one-China principle and handle Taiwan-related issues in a prudent way. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to give priority refugee status to Uyghurs 'The United States cannot turn our back to those fleeing this persecution,'one sponsor says. By Jewlan for RFA Uyghur 2023.06.09 -- U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill in Congress that would grant priority refugee status to Uyghurs fleeing persecution in China. It designates Uyghurs and other ethnic groups persecuted by the Chinese government as priority 2, or P-2, and expedites their ability to apply for asylum in the United States. "The horrific atrocities that Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities are facing at the hands of the Chinese government are a global human rights emergency, and the United States cannot turn our back to those fleeing this persecution," said Rep. Jennifer Wexton, a Democrat from Virginia, one of the sponsors of the Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act. In addition to Wexton, representatives MarAa Elvira Salazar, a Florida Republican, Gregory Meeks, a Democrat from New York, Don Beyer and Gerry Connolly, both Virginia Democrats, introduced the bill on Wednesday. The P-2 designation is for Uyghurs oppressed by China for expressing political views and religious beliefs or attending political, religious and cultural activities. Those given the designation will receive special humanitarian help and will receive assistance with resettlement and the U.S. asylum process. The bill also seeks to protect Uyghur refugees who have fled to countries outside China besides the United States, by prioritizing U.S. diplomatic efforts in those nations which usually face great pressure from the Chinese government to extradite Uyghurs back to China. The move comes at a time when Uyghur rights groups have called on the international community to take concrete action against China for committing severe rights abuses against the mostly Muslim group in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. China's repression of the Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in Xinjiang has been well documented, with first-hand reports of detention in "re-education" camps and prisons, torture, sexual assaults, forced labor and the separation of Uyghur children from their parents. Allegations of genocide The American government and the parliaments of several Western countries have said the abuses amount to genocide or crimes against humanity. "The United States cannot simply condemn Beijing for its genocide and pat itself on the back," Meeks said in the statement. "We have a moral and international responsibility to offer aid and assistance to those that are trying to escape the PRC's [People's Republic of China] atrocities in Xinjiang. "Providing expanded refugee protections to Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities is the right thing to do and a clear way to demonstrate that America walks the talk when it comes to human rights." Rushan Abbas, executive director of the human rights group Campaign for Uyghurs, said the introduction of the bill is a crucial, though overdue, step forward in addressing the plight of the Uyghurs. "It should have already happened back in 2020 when [former U.S. Secretary of State] Mike Pompeo acknowledged that China was carrying out the Uyghur genocide and committing crimes against humanity," she said. "At the very least, it is of utmost importance to have a bill that will help expedite asylum cases for Uyghurs who have been residing in the U.S. for years, enduring a prolonged wait for their cases to be resolved," she said. Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, said the bill's passage would be a "significant milestone" following the Canadian government's acceptance of 10,000 Uyghur refugees and serve as encouragement for Uyghurs who have fled China for other countries. Canadian move In February, the Canadian parliament unanimously passed a motion to resettle the Uyghur refugees in Canada in response to the Chinese government's efforts to forcibly return members of the mostly Muslim group back to China, where they are at risk of persecution. With a focus on Uyghurs from other countries rather than directly from China, the resettlements are expected to begin in 2024. "Moreover, for future generations, this event would be etched in history as a testament to the United States' unwavering commitment to defending the rights of the Uyghurs, potentially inspiring other nations to take similar action," Isa said. "From a moral and international law standpoint, it will exert pressure on countries that are attempting to repatriate Uyghurs to China, serving as a deterrent against further crimes." Tursunay Ziyawudun, who was previously detained in a "re-education" camp but now lives in the United States, said the bill is significant for Uyghurs whose asylum applications remain unresolved in the U.S. "There are numerous Uyghurs who have been in the process for over a decade, and their cases still linger in uncertainty," she said, adding that when she stayed temporarily in Kazakhstan and Turkey before reaching the U.S., she lived in constant fear of being forcibly sent back to China. Translated by RFA Uyghur. Edited by Roseanne Gerin 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 Facing bankruptcy, pro-democracy Hong Kong news channel calls for financial support Channel C struggles to cover costs after trying to fill a void left by strict government censorship By Cheryl Tung for RFA Cantonese 2023.06.09 -- A social media news channel set up by former journalists from shuttered pro-democracy media outlets in Hong Kong has put out an emergency call for new subscribers, citing the imminent threat of bankruptcy. Channel C, which was founded by former journalists from the Apple Daily and other pro-democracy news outlets forced to close amid aggressive "national security" investigations, used its Thursday night broadcast to announce a financial emergency, citing monthly running costs of around HK$600,000 (US$76,500). If supporters are unable to raise enough money in the next month, the channel -- which currently boasts an audience of some two million people across Facebook, Instagram and YouTube -- expects to shut down on July 12, two years after it was founded, it told viewers in an announcement. At least eight pro-democracy news organizations have folded since Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on Hong Kong in 2020, banning public criticism of the authorities as "subversive." Police and prosecutors have also used colonial-era sedition laws to target some journalists and publications. While Channel C commands the biggest audience among the handful of Cantonese pro-democracy news outlets still operating outside Hong Kong, its viewing figures have struggled to take off since its launch to a degree that would keep it solvent, multimedia production director Ronson Chan told Radio Free Asia. Chan, who also heads the Hong Kong Journalists' Association, said the channel only had around 600 subscribers when it made the announcement, but had received offers of assistance from around 80 more sources in the wake of the announcement. "We will definitely be able to keep going for this month and next, but it's hard to say how things will be in 18 months from now," Chan said. "It's too far ahead to say." "If people aren't able to keep us afloat, then we'll have no choice [but to shut down]," he said. "There's a limit to the number of times you can cry 'emergency,' after all." Will they get support? Current affairs commentator To Yiu-ming said the fact that many pro-democracy Hong Kongers are scattered around the world could make it hard for Channel C to hold all of their attention. "Will they still care about current affairs in Hong Kong as much as they did back then [during the 2019 protest movement]?" To said. "Enough to support media like this?" "There are a lot of independent outlets [for Hong Kongers] but they are all in different places, and they are trying to make themselves unique," he said. "But they are all competing for the attention and support of the same group of Hong Kongers ... overseas." "So it's inevitable that they will run into difficulties." Since jailed media mogul Jimmy Lai's Apple Daily newspaper was forced to close in 2021, when its assets were frozen by national security police, similarly independent and hard-hitting outfits like Stand News, FactWire and Citizen News have also been forced to close by the ongoing crackdown on dissent. Former members of Hong Kong's once-freewheeling press corps responded by launching their own media outlets aimed at covering the city from overseas, including The Chaser, Commons, Photon and Channel C. They have warned that Hong Kong journalists still working in the city are being reduced to the status of government stenographers, as a climate of fear leads to widespread self-censorship. To believes some independent outlets will survive, due to sheer dedication, however. "These independent online media organizations really care about this, so I believe they'll find a way to adapt ... to meet the needs of their audiences," he said. "The worst-case scenario will be that we see some mergers and reorganization." International press freedom groups say the ruling Chinese Communist Party under supreme leader Xi Jinping has "gutted" press freedom in the formerly freewheeling city amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent in the wake of the 2019 protest movement. Meanwhile, journalists who fled the city continue to campaign for press freedom for the city from overseas. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by 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 In the few last months the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) and Freedom of Russia Legion (LSR), two anti-Putin Russian militias based in Ukraine, launched raids into Russia. The two militias are not identical. The LSR began when about a hundred Russian soldiers defected mostly as a single group in early 2022. The RDK was formed around Russians living and working in Ukraine when the invasion began. Both groups are almost entirely composed of Russians who oppose Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The raids are meant to embarrass Putin, not kill Russian soldiers and civilians. Some of the Russian responses to the raids did that, notably by doing the same things they did in Ukraine, like bombing and using thermobaric weapons in civilian areas, looting (of Russian instead of Ukrainian civilians), etc.. Most of the responses against the Ukrainian-backed Russian militias were ineffectual, which is typical of the Russian Army Putin has created to fight in Ukraine. These raiding operations took place in the Russian province of Belgorod, which is on the border north of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Initially these raids faced no armed opposition and when Russian security forces showed during more recent raids, the Russian troops either retreated or surrendered. This was not unexpected because Russian troops in Ukraine have performed poorly from the beginning. Worse, the raiders were all Russians who, unlike most Russian army personnel in Ukraine, were competent and effective fighters whose motivation was to discredit Vladimir Putin and his war in Ukraine. It was also a mystery, at first, where these anti-Putin Russians came from. The LSR was formed in early 2022 from a company of Russian soldiers who defected to the Ukrainians in March 2022 and became part of the International Legion Ukraine formed from the many foreign veterans who went to Ukraine to fight the invaders. The RDK consisted of Russians living in Russia and Ukraine who were fed up with Putin and also joined the International Legion but later left that to form the RDK While the International Legion was formed to defend Ukraine, the RDK and LSR were formed to embarrass, discredit and oust Putin from power. Since the invasion began in February 2022, there have been a growing number of Russians who oppose the war. This is one reason why some of the raids are carried out deep (over 50 kilometers) inside Russia. The Russian armed response to these raids has been embarrassingly ineffective. Before these raids began, the Ukrainian border was lightly guarded, on both sides, by border guards and conscripts. Once these raids by Ukrainian-backed Russian militias began and the border was revealed to be vulnerable, Russia tried to reinforce border security along the entire 540-kilometer border. This proved to be difficult without withdrawing a substantial number of Russian troops from Ukraine along with artillery, armored vehicles and air support. This led some Russian media critics to describe this as an easy, for Ukraine, way to divert forces from the fighting in Ukraine. Russian media was ordered to downplay the fact that the raiders were Russian. The reality of the situation eventually reached most Russians. This is what RDK and LSR wanted, to show that Russians were fighting against Putin. Russia described the raiders as Ukrainian terrorists, playing down the fact that the raiders were Russians. Media coverage of the raids made it obvious that Russian security forces were no better at defending the border than they were at defeating Ukrainians inside Ukraine. Russia also has to worry about the imminent Ukrainian counteroffensive in southern Ukraine. If that offensive has any obvious success, it will demonstrate that the poor security on the Belgorod border was part of a pattern of Russian military failures in Ukraine. Putin is ignoring this and his close associates are not supposed to tell Putin how bad the situation is in Ukraine. This is not a strategy for victory, but for ignoring defeats and hoping for the best. Inside Russia the media cannot report the problems on the border or inside Ukraine. Russians who are curious have other ways, usually via the Internet, to find out what is really going on. As the economic sanctions on Russia continue and are increased, that means more economic privation for Russian civilians. Putin is confident that the traditional Russian willingness to tolerate the shortages and higher unemployment will prevent any protests inside Russia. That has generally been the case. But because this is not a war where Russia has been invaded and is defending itself, Russian military losses and economic losses are harder to justify. Russia is the invader of a neighbor that was not attacking Russia. This reduces the Russian peoples willingness to tolerate the cost of the war. And now Russia is facing armed Russians fighting inside Russia to protest the Putin policies. Hong Kong opposition party activists protest account closures at HSBC head office The League of Social Democrats say the move has hampered their ability to raise funds from supporters. By Lee Yuk Yue for RFA Cantonese 2023.06.09 -- Opposition party activists staged a protest outside the iconic headquarters of HSBC in Hong Kong this week after the bank shut down their party's accounts. Five League of Social Democrats members gathered by the lion statues outside the bank's headquarters in Hong Kong's Central business district on Tuesday, holding up a banner that read: "Dollar signs in their eyes - aiding and abetting tyranny." "Cancellation of bank accounts is soft political persecution!" the protesters, who included party chairwoman Chan Po-ying, chanted. "Everyone is at risk in this international financial center!" "Don't trample on our rights of association!" they shouted, watched closely by around a dozen police officers. The protest comes amid a citywide crackdown on public dissent and political opposition under the 2020 national security law, which has included the freezing of politicians' assets by Hong Kong banks. Party leader Chan Po-ying, who was arrested at the weekend on a downtown shopping street carrying an electric candle and a yellow paper mourning flower on the 34th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, said the move had stopped the party's operations in their tracks. "The closure of the League of Social Democrats' bank accounts for no reason affects our day-to-day operations, but also our survival as a political organization," Chan told journalists at the scene. "We were dependent on digital transfers from people's bank accounts, because we're not allowed to raise money on the street." "We may live in an international financial hub, but we lack access to even the most basic banking services," she said. Vice chairman Dickson Chau said he had received an initial notification from HSBC in February that the bank would be closing down the party's three bank accounts, which were held at different branches of the bank, but without explaining why. At least four other members of the party have had their personal accounts shut down, too. "Based on our political stance, but without explaining the reason, HSBC unilaterally and recklessly canceled our accounts, affecting the day-to-day running of our organization," Chau told journalists at the protest. "We believe that this is part of the systematic suppression of Hong Kong people's freedom of association and freedom of speech," he said. He said the bank's actions had affected the party's ability to raise funds of its jailed former chairman Leung Kwok-hung, who is one of 47 political activists and former lawmakers currently standing trial for "subversion" after they organized a democratic primary in the summer of 2020. Chau said the League had been forced to return "thousands of Hong Kong dollars" in donations due to the move by HSBC, adding that he wasn't optimistic that the party would be able to open new accounts anywhere in Hong Kong. A security officer from HSBC received a letter from the protesters at the scene. But requests for comment from the bank had met with no response by the time of writing. The protest came after the London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch accused banks including HSBC of perpetrating a "brazen asset grab" by withholding up to U.S.$2.4 billion in the pension pots of Hong Kongers who have emigrated to the United Kingdom under its British National Overseas visa scheme. The group called it a form of "punishment" for leaving amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent, and singled out HSBC for criticism, saying the bank had been supportive of a draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong by the Communist Party from July 1, 2020. In January 2021, HSBC came under fire for freezing the accounts of self-exiled former opposition lawmaker Ted Hui and his family after he said he was resettling in the U.K., as well as that of a Hong Kong church that had helped protesters during the 2019 pro-democracy movement. Former finance channel chief at i-CABLE News Joseph Ngan said such actions damage Hong Kong's image as an international financial center. "Before, [this would only happen in the case of] illegal activities like money-laundering, which would have been explained and understood," Ngan said. "But this is purely a case of targeting a political party, an organization that is legally registered in Hong Kong, yet it is still being restricted." Ngan said it was unclear whether the political pressure on the bank was coming from the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing, or the Hong Kong government. He said HSBC had a responsibility to explain "in a clear and reasonable manner," why it was restricting customers' access to banking services. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Paul Eckert. 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 China braces for yet another 'furnace' summer Experts say the country may face higher temperatures than last year's records. By Christopher Taylor for RFA 2023.06.09 -- An early heatwave in southern and southwestern China, which saw electricity demand hitting peak levels in May, suggests that China may face another scorcher of a summer - even fiercer than last year's record-breaking season, according to meteorological reports. So far, the heat has reportedly been particularly punishing on animals, with hundreds of pigs perishing in Jiangsu, central China, fish dying in southwestern China's Guangxi province and Chengdu suffering shortages of rabbit heads - a much-loved Sichuanese street snack. Peak electricity demand was recorded in late May, a month earlier than last year, while in Beijing the temperature is expected to nudge at 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) next week and Shanghai recorded a 150-year-record-high temperature for the month on May 29 at 36.7 C (98 F), eclipsing the previous high of 35.7 C (96.3 F) recorded in May 1876. Was last year a warm-up? Last summer, RFA reported that industry in the Yangtze Region, including semiconductor manufacturer Foxconn, was forced to scale back on production amid a heatwave and drought, in which the authorities prioritized residential electricity supply so that people could run air-conditioning. "The Yangtze River delta has never experienced such high temperatures since historical records began, and high temperatures like this are accompanied by drought," Jiangsu-based current affairs commentator Zhang Jianping told Radio Free Asia at the time. The unseasonably hot weather in China comes on the heels of record-breaking temperatures in Southeast Asia during April and May, as RFA reported. In Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos, the heat led to deaths and hospitalizations, closed schools and caused losses to farmers and business-owners. The region saw the mercury reach record highs everywhere, with Thailand's capital, Bangkok, experiencing its hottest day on record on April 6, 2023, when the city recorded a temperature of 40.2 C (104.4 F). The heat index, which measures how hot it feels when humidity is factored in, reached a staggering 50.2 C (122 F) in some areas of Bangkok, according to local news reports. The 'worst heatwave in history' Some experts are already calling it the "worst heatwave in history" and it is not just affecting Southeast Asia and China; records are even being broken in high-latitude Siberia, CNN reported. Jalturovosk in Siberia had its hottest day in history on June 3 at 37.9 C (100.2 F), according to Maximiliano Herrera, who tracks extreme temperatures across the globe. Experts blame it on global warming, El NiAo, atmospheric blocking patterns and urban heat island effects. But a likely return of El NiAo, a weather pattern caused by warming of sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is of particular concern this year, according to the World Meteorological Organization. In an update on May 3, the WMO warned that there is a 60% chance for a transition to El NiAo during May-July 2023, increasing to about 70% in June-August and 80% between July and September. The organization added that the development of an El NiAo will most likely lead to a new spike in global heating and increase the chance of breaking temperature records. It advised the world to prepare for the impacts, such as increased rainfall, droughts, heat waves and storms. China and beyond Back in China, local reports are already warning of possible hardships to come, chiefly focusing on the possibility of a food security crisis involving essential crops such as wheat, which has already been affected by heavy May rain and high temperatures, and rice, which Chinese agricultural experts are warning will likely be affected by high temperatures and drought conditions. On June 2, China's Meteorological Agency held a press conference, in which experts urged local governments to prepare for the coming heat, warning that densely urban areas are likely to be vulnerable to the so-called "urban heat island effect" and rural areas suffering from heatwaves will also likely experience droughts, the combination of which can devastating to crops. Bloomberg reports that China has so far avoided any large-scale power cuts, but shoppers are spurning daytime shopping for night markets and beer and ice cream sales have risen. Air conditioner sales are up 95% from last year, according to local Chinese-language news reports. A UN report in March warned that "every increment" of global warming will escalate multiple and concurrent hazards. According to scientists, the past eight years have been the eight warmest on record globally, with 2016 being the hottest on record. The World Meteorological Organization says that is primarily due to the "double whammy" of a powerful El NiAo event and human-induced warming from greenhouse gasses. Edited by Mike Firn 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 Blinken to travel to China next week: Reports US Secretary of State had canceled February trip over alleged Chinese spy balloon 2023.06.09 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Beijing next week, Reuters and the Associated Press reported Friday, as the United States seeks to shore up strained ties with China. Both Reuters and AP said Blinken would be in Beijing on June 18, next Sunday, citing anonymous American officials. AP said he would meet with Foreign Minister Qin Gang and possibly President Xi Jinping. State Department officials would not confirm the reported plans. In February, Blinken abruptly canceled a trip to Beijing just hours before he was set to depart Washington after officials said a Chinese spy balloon was found floating over the United States. China insisted it was a weather balloon that strayed off course. Since then, an unofficial trip by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to New York and Los Angeles in March has further inflamed ties. Relations between the world's two major powers have been tense since August, when then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan to the protests of Beijing, which regards the democratic island as a renegade province and has vowed to reunite it with the mainland. There has also been an uptick in near-miss accidents between the two countries' militaries in the past two weeks in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, with the Pentagon accusing China's navy and air force of dangerous maneuvering in front of American vessels. 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 New Head of Chinese Army's Joint Staff to Contribute to Russia-China Military Ties Sputnik News 20230609 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The experience of the new chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission of the People's Liberation Army, Liu Zhenli, will contribute to the expansion of military cooperation between Russia and China, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov said on Friday. "I am convinced that your extensive experience will contribute both to the development of the Chinese armed forces and to the expansion of military cooperation between our countries," Gerasimov told Liu during talks via video link. Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation are currently at the highest level, Gerasimov said, adding that coordination of efforts of Russia and China in the international arena has a stabilizing effect on the situation in the world. "The practice of conducting joint activities of operational and combat training of the armed forces of Russia and China should remain an important area of further activity," Gerasimov added. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No need for trans-regional forces to ensure Persian Gulf security: IRGC navy comdr. IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 9, 2023 Bandar Abbas, IRNA -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said that there is no need for trans-regional forces to ensure the security of the Persian Gulf given that Iran and neighboring countries are cooperating to guarantee the security of the strategic waterway. Rear Admiral Tangsiri said that The Persian Gulf belongs to the countries of this region and they can establish its security themselves. Visiting the Nazea'at region, the IRGC Navy commander added that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always welcomed and continues to welcome the strategic principle of the alliance and community of the countries of the Persian Gulf, and the policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been de-escalation and has always proven this in practice. He reiterated the good performance of the IRGC Navy's inherent mission in stabilizing the security of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz by the brave men of the IRGC Navy. The Nazeaat Region is a collection of four islands, Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Siri in the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz. These islands are considered as the defense fortress of the Strait of Hormuz. 6125**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dena destroyer raised Iran's flag of power in world: Navy commander IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 9, 2023 Mashhad, IRNA -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says the home-grown Dena destroyer has raised the flag of the Islamic Republic's military might in the world in its round-the-globe voyage. "All domestic capacities were used to carry out the great mission of the Dena destroyer, and the flag of the system, the revolution and the Islamic Republic was raised on the world stage," Irani said in a speech before Friday prayer sermons in Mashhad. He said Dena's successful mission was a gift by Iranian youth to the people of the region. "It is a source of honor for the Islamic Republic that the security and safety of navigation in the depth of international waters and the geopolitical and strategic depth of the system in the sea borders were expanded thousands of kilometers," he added. The navy chief further said the successful mission shocked the enemies and conveyed the Iranian people's message that "sanctions, threats, and conspiracies will never prevent us from moving forward". Iranian Army's 86th flotilla comprising Dena, a warship equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles, torpedoes, and naval cannons, and Makran, a major base ship, returned home last month, after completing a voyage around the world which marked the first in the country's history. **2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No interim deal to replace JCPOA on agenda: Iran's UN mission IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 9, 2023 New York, IRNA -- Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has dismissed rumors about an agreement with the US on a temporary deal that would swap some sanctions relief for reducing Iranian uranium enrichment activities, saying no such thing is on the agenda. "There is no temporary agreement to replace the JCPOA on the agenda," the mission said on Thursday, referring to the Iran nuclear deal with its official acronym. It came after the Middle East Eye cited two unnamed sources as saying that Tehran and Washington had "reached an agreement on a temporary deal" to take to their superiors. "This report is false and misleading," said a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council. "Any reports of an interim deal are false." The JCPOA was abandoned in 2018 by then-US President Donald Trump, who unleashed a "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions against Iran despite Tehran's full compliance with the deal. **2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Azarbaijan, Republic of Azerbaijan enjoy inextricable bond: Raeisi Iran Press TV Friday, 09 June 2023 4:11 PM President Ebrahim Raeisi has commended the inextricable bond between the Azari people of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan. No plots or shenanigans could ever drive a wedge between the two peoples as well as among the entire Azeri folks across the world, the Iranian president stated. Raeisi was on a visit to the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan on Friday. Ties have been tense between Tehran and Baku over an attack on the Eurasian country's embassy in the Iranian capital earlier in the year and Baku's improvement of relations with Israel. "The people of Azerbaijan, not only the Azarbaijan of Iran but even the Azerbaijan that is in our neighborhood, showed that their love, devotion and attachment is inextricably resistant to conspiracies and seditions," Raeisi said. "The message of the people of Azerbaijan is the message of unity, cohesion and resistance against enemies and building the country by the capable hands of the beloved youth." Azerbaijan's relations with Iran were strained in January following an attack on its embassy in Tehran. Azerbaijan closed its diplomatic mission following the incident and evacuated staff over what it called a "terrorist act," with President Ilham Aliyev blaming it on the "Iranian establishment." An initial investigation pointed to "personal and family-related problems" as the assailant's motive. The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia as well as Baku's improving relations with the Israeli regime are among other bones of contention between Iran and Azerbaijan. In March, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the regime had reached an agreement with Azerbaijan to establish a united front against Iran. The remarks followed the opening of Azerbaijan's embassy in Tel Aviv. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Enemies engaged in hybrid war to harm Iran: Army commander Iran Press TV Friday, 09 June 2023 3:34 PM Iran's adversaries are working to undermine the Islamic establishment by waging a hybrid war, says the commander of the Army's Air Defense Force. "Our enemies are well aware of the creativity and intelligence of young Iranians. They seek to harm the country and the Islamic establishment through a hybrid war," Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi-Fard said on Friday. The commander said the competent young Iranians have made remarkable progress in all sectors, including at various military levels. Iran's Army, particularly its powerful Air Defense Force, is equipped with the "most advanced weapons and equipment" designed and manufactured by the young elite Iranians, he stated. Sabahi-Fard said the state-of-the-art equipment at the Army's disposal has contributed to the country's deterrence power. Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made grand headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sphere. He said that Iran maintains its military power and poses no threat to the regional countries, adding that the Islamic Republic's defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence. In May, Sabahi-Fard said the Army is in possession of the world's top radar and missile systems. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's top general urges cooperation with Turkish armed forces Iran Press TV Friday, 09 June 2023 2:25 PM Iran's highest-ranking military commander has called for the armed forces of the Islamic Republic and Turkey to keep conducting joint drills. Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri made the remarks in a phone call with Turkey's newly-appointed National Defense Minister Yasar Guler on Thursday. The Iranian commander said Iran and Turkey are "good and strategic" neighbors. "The border between the two countries necessitates the continuation of bilateral cooperation." Baqeri invited the new Turkish national defense minister to visit Iran. On his part, Guler said it was paramount for both countries to improve military cooperation. The Turkish minister commended Iran's brotherly and friendly assistance to his country's people affected by a devastating earthquake that rocked southern Turkey in February. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Khomeini's Close Aide Met Secretly With U.S. Officials Before Iranian Revolution, Declassified Document Says By Golnaz Esfandiari June 09, 2023 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic, was publicly opposed to the United States, which he branded the "Great Satan." But Khomeini and his close aides secretly engaged with Washington before and after he came to power following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, according to U.S. documents that have been declassified in recent years. A declassified U.S. Embassy cable recently obtained by RFE/RL's Radio Farda provides further evidence of the covert contacts between Iranian clerics and U.S. representatives. Dated February 26, 1964, the confidential document reveals that Khomeini's longtime friend and associate, Ayatollah Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Lavasani, met with two U.S. Embassy officials at his residence in Tehran. The embassy cable said Lavasani's "position as Tehran representative of Ayatollah Khomeini contributes to his importance and influence in the Iranian clerical community, particularly in its political role." Lavasani was a comptroller, according to the U.S. document, suggesting that he oversaw the expenditure of funds and donations that Khomeini received "from all over the Shi'a world." The document said Lavasani was one of only 18 people who had access to Khomeini, who by 1964 had become a key critic of the U.S.-backed shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whom he accused of being a Western "puppet." After publicly denouncing the shah in June 1963, Khomeini was detained for around three months. In November 1964, Khomeini was detained again and immediately sent into exile to neighboring Turkey. He spent more than 14 years abroad, including in Iraq and France, before returning to Iran. The declassified U.S. document said Iran's clergy opposed the shah's policies, including on women's rights and "the influence of Baha'is and Jews in the Imperial Court." The document added that the shah's policies were "in flat violation of Islamic law and are calculated to upset the divinity." Khomeini and Lavasani are believed to have been close friends after studying together in the holy Shi'ite city of Qom in the 1920s. Their friendship remained intact after the revolution, although Lavasani did not appear to play a role in the new clerical government. Iranian media have reported that Lavasani stood with the supreme leader until the end and visited him regularly until Khomeini's death in 1989. Lavasani died a year later. The revelation that Lavasani reached out to the United States is likely to cause embarrassment for the clerical establishment and supporters of Khomeini, who often praise his anti-American stance. Relations between the United States and Iran deteriorated sharply in the wake of the Islamic Revolution, particularly after the Iran hostage crisis, or the "conquest of the American spy den," as it is known in Iran. In November 1979, Islamic students stormed the grounds of the U.S. Embassy in the Iranian capital. Fifty-two U.S. citizens and diplomats were held hostage in Tehran from November 1979 to January 1981. 'Not Honest' Lavasani is among several of Khomeini's aides who had secret contacts with U.S. officials before 1979. Declassified CIA documents have revealed contacts between Khomeini and the administration of then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter just weeks before the revolution. The documents suggest that Khomeini was open to dialogue with Washington and would not undermine U.S. interests if he came to power. Khomeini and his aides also reached out to the administration of then-U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963, according to a CIA analysis written in 1980 that was partially released to the public in 2008. The analysis said that Khomeini did not oppose U.S. interests in Iran. Iranian officials have dismissed the declassified documents as fabricated. U.S. documents declassified in recent years have also revealed that U.S. representatives met with key Iranian officials after the revolution, including Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti, who was considered Khomeini's second in command; former Foreign Minister Ebrahim Yazdi; and Mehdi Bazargan, the first prime minister after the revolution. Paris-based Iranian scholar Mohammad Javad Akbarein told Radio Farda that the disclosure of secret contacts between Khomeini's aides and U.S. representatives highlighted the hypocrisy of Iran's clerical establishment. "It shows that the leaders of the revolution were in general not honest in their comments about their ties with [Western countries]," Akbarein said He added that the revelation of Lavasani's meetings with U.S. representatives was significant. "The important feature of the newly released document is that the person who communicated with the Americans was in close contact with Ayatollah Khomeini," he said. "His ties with Khomeini were not political, his relationship with Khomeini was spiritual." "Khomeini and other founders of the Islamic republic were allowed to have contacts with the U.S. and other Western officials. But now, [the authorities] reproach others and say such contacts are not allowed," Akbarein said. Written by Golnaz Esfandiari based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, including Elahe Ravanshad Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-khomeini- us-contacts/32452572.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 Families, Rights Groups Accuse Iranian Government Of Intimidation Tactics By Desecrating Graves By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 09, 2023 A series of attack on the graves of protesters killed during nationwide protests in Iran have sparked accusations from activists and families of the dead that the government is engaging in a broad pattern of intimidation and disrespect to quell any further unrest following the death of a woman while in police custody in September 2022. According to reports from the families of the deceased, the gravesites of Majid Kazemi in Isfahan, Abolfazl Adinehzadeh in Mashhad, and Milad Saeedianjou in Izeh have been andalized in recent days. These come amid other recent reports of the graves of protesters killed during demonstrations beng desecrated, reportedly by Iranian government forces and security personnel. The government has not commented on the accusations. Mohammad Hashemi, a relative of Kazemi, said security forces contacted his family on June 7 and said the family had "no right to go to Majid's grave for his [31st] birthday." Later that night, he added, agents went to the cemetery and set Majid's grave on fire. The graves of Adinehzadeh and Saeedianjou were also vandalized under the cover of darkness, while in another case, the grave of Majidreza Rahnavard in Mashhad's Behesht Reza cemetery was subjected to multiple attacks, according to family members. Mahsa Amini's family has also accused security forces of vandalizing the grave of their daughter, whose death ignited nationwide protests that have turned into one of the biggest threats to the Islamic republic's leadership since it took power in 1979. Rights groups say officials, by concealing burial sites, inhibiting mourning ceremonies, and preventing families from installing tombstones or decorating their relatives' graves with flowers, pictures, badges, or memorial messages, are violating their rights under the International Covenant On Economic, Social, And Cultural Rights. Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protesters-graves- vandalized/32452493.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 United States Publishes Advisory to Industry on Iran's UAV-Related Activities US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson June 9, 2023 Today, the Department of State, Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, and Department of the Treasury issued an advisory to alert the international community, private sector, and public to the threat posed by Iran's procurement, development, and proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Advisory informs private industry of key UAV-related components Iran seeks to develop its UAV program and entities involved in the procurement, production, and proliferation of Iranian UAVs. The Advisory also provides recommendations to exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and financial institutions in implementing effective due diligence and internal controls specifically relevant to Iran's UAV-related activities to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements across the entire supply chain and to avoid unintentionally contribute to Iran's UAV programs. It is critical that the private sector be vigilant in meeting its legal obligations vis-a-vis Iran's development of UAVs and associated components procurement and doing its part to prevent any activities that would further the development of Iran's destabilizing and dangerous UAV program. Russia is continuing to use Iran-produced UAVs in attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. This advisory is another example of how the United States is working to disrupt and delay the transfers of UAVs from Iran to Russia. The advisory is available here. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address White House Warns Private Entities: Products Could Be Used in Iran Drones By Farhad Pouladi June 09, 2023 The White House has warned private entities, especially technology companies, about the risks of their products ending up in Iranian hands. Russia has been using drones in its war against Ukraine, attacking cities and destroying infrastructure, and a according to the White House a is working with Iran to produce them from inside Russia. VOA Persian's White House correspondent Farhad Pouladi on Friday spoke with John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, about this and other issues the administration is tackling regarding the Islamic Republic. VOA: On Iran and Russia cooperation on drones, what advice does the administration have by issuing this new advisory? NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL COORDINATOR FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS JOHN KIRBY: Well, we want to make sure that private entities, certainly technology companies, understand the risks of their products potentially ending up in Iranian hands to be used for the manufacture of Iranian drones in this case that can be used to kill innocent Ukrainian people. So, the purpose of the advisory was really to make sure that the business community understands our concerns and is taking a look at its own procedures and procedures. VOA: In the past two weeks, Iran unveiled a hypersonic missile called Fattah and a 2 kilometer-range missile called Kheibar. With the arms embargo under UNSC Resolution 2231 coming to an end in October, and considering Russia's veto power, what is the U.S. hoping to do? KIRBY: Well, I can't get ahead of the U.N. process here. But you're right. This activity by Iran, particularly with ballistic missiles, is a violation of 2231. Again, I won't get ahead of the process here and where it's going. Clear violations, we're going to continue to work with our allies and partners at the U.N. and outside the U.N. to make sure that we're putting enough pressure on Iran so that they stop this destabilizing activity. Their ballistic missile program continues to improve. It presents a clear threat to the region, certainly to our friends in the region. And now some of these capabilities, not ballistic missiles necessarily but in terms of UAVs, [unmanned aerial vehicles] now, this capability, this technology is being used inside Ukraine to kill innocent Ukrainians. And now we know that Iran is working with Russia on the potential construction of a manufacturing facility, or the conversion of one, to be used inside Russia to actually produce, organically, there inside Russia, Iranian-designed UAVs, so all the more reason to continue to put pressure on the regime. VOA: So, Europeans swap their prisoners with Iran. What is the holdup for the Americans in Iran? You mentioned it behind the podium that a blue passport is a blue passport. So what is the holdup for them? KIRBY: I would tell you that we never lose sight of our obligations, our sacred obligation to get home wrongfully detained Americans overseas, including in Iran. I don't have anything with specific cases to talk to you today. I can just tell you that we never stopped working on this. We're always going to try to find a way to bring these Americans home in a way that comports with our obligation to them but also with our national security. And we're doing that right now. VOA: The IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] Board of Governors and the U.S. "urged Iran to fully cooperate with the agency." And if it fails, the board should be prepared to hold Iran to account at the appropriate time. Isn't that just a slap on the wrist from the U.S.? KIRBY: We have done an awful lot inside the United States, just unilaterally let alone multilaterally with other countries, to hold the regime accountable for their destabilizing activities, for their constant pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities, for their support to Russia inside Ukraine, for their attacks on maritime shipping. I could go on, and on, and on. And we're not going to take any tools off the table to continue to hold them accountable going forward. So I think in Tehran, again, I won't speak for the regime, but I'd be hard pressed to look at the pressure they're under and for them to believe that the United States is simply slapping them on the wrist. Now, yes, we want them to comply with the requirements of the IAEA as they should, as they must, but we're not going to take any options off the table in terms of our ability to continue to put pressure on them so that they do comply, so that ... we can get to a place where they don't have a nuclear weapons capability. VOA: Going to the sanctions issue as part of Iran's nuclear deal, specifically on Iranian blocked assets, that can be used only for humanitarian relief and humanitarian commodities. Any changes to that, especially when it comes to news reports that Iran's Central Bank chief was here? KIRBY: I mean, I don't have a I don't have anything on those press reports. Look, we have sanctions in place that are going to stay in place to hold the regime accountable for their activities in the region, for the way they're treating their own people, and certainly for the manner in which they're supporting Ukraine a I'm sorry, Russia a in their fight inside Ukraine and killing innocent Ukrainian people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel provided Myanmar's junta with arms equipment amid Rohingya genocide: Report Iran Press TV Friday, 09 June 2023 11:28 AM A rights group has revealed that Israel provided Myanmar's military junta with arms equipment despite a US and European Union embargo imposed over the country's genocide against members of the Rohingya Muslim minority. The rights group Justice for Myanmar said in a report published on Thursday that the Israeli arms producer CAA Industries shipped equipment to a supplier of the Myanmar military in July 2019. The two-tonne shipment included molds for injecting plastic polymers which could be used to manufacture rifle parts like grips and handles. Justice for Myanmar published images of rifles manufactured by the Myanmar military's arms industries, including assault rifles, sniper rifles, and light machine guns, and have identified grips and stocks with the identical design that CAA sells. "Under international human rights standards on business and human rights, CAA Industries has a responsibility to conduct due diligence and prevent or mitigate and remedy any negative human rights impacts linked to the end-use of their products and services," the right group said in a statement. "Justice For Myanmar calls for CAA Industries to immediately halt any collaboration, including shipments of accessories for specialized machinery and injection molds, to Myanmar." The Justice for Myanmar said the group which purchased the equipment was the Star Sapphire Group, which Israeli media previously reported had acted as a broker between Israeli contractors and the Myanmar military junta. The Star Sapphire Group had earlier been targeted by US sanctions. The report by Justice for Myanmar also included a letter by Israeli attorney Eitay Mack, who said the arms produced with the help of CAA Industries Ltd equipment could help the Myanmar's military manhunting and extermination campaign against democracy activists, journalists and the general public. "What makes this deal particularly problematic is that it provides the Myanmar military with the tools to upgrade their small arms and this know-how will remain. It is not a one-off shipment of weapons, but products and tools that can be kept and used for a lot of things," Mack added. Human rights groups and Myanmarese officials reported in 2017 that Israel continued to sell Myanmar weapons and arms as thousands of Rohingya refugees fled the military's brutal crackdown in the Rakhine state. The United Nations has described the Rohingya people as the most persecuted minority in the world. In 2017, a bloody campaign in Myanmar's Rakhine state sent some 740,000 Rohingya fleeing across the border into neighboring Bangladesh, carrying accounts of rape, mass killings and arson. The Rohingya are still denied citizenship and freedom of movement in Myanmar, with reports indicating tens of thousands have now been confined to squalid displacement camps for a decade. The Rohingya case is now the subject of separate proceedings before the International Criminal Court and for "acts of genocide" before the International Court of Justice. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Anti-junta groups align at Myanmar's Sagaing Forum, minus shadow government Observers question whether the NUG's absence points to a schism within the opposition. By RFA Burmese 2023.06.09 -- More than 170 anti-junta paramilitary groups from Myanmar's northern, embattled Sagaing region have held talks to deepen cooperation in their fight against the military and share strategies for administering areas under their control. The "Sagaing Forum," hosted online on May 30-31, provides a rare glimpse into the myriad of so-called People's Defense Force, or PDF, groups that are fighting the junta but have not pledged allegiance to the shadow National Unity Government seeking to reestablish a civilian administration in the aftermath of the military's Feb. 1, 2021, coup d'etat. Speaking to RFA Burmese on Friday, Sagaing Forum spokesperson Chaw Su San called the gathering part of efforts to "strengthen the revolutionary forces" of the region, despite the absence of NUG-aligned PDFs. "More than two years into the resistance against the military junta, we held the forum as we saw the need to unite all revolutionary groups, in order to keep up the momentum of the revolution," he said. "The purpose of the forum is to make the anti-junta revolutionary groups in Sagaing more connected so that they will be able to continue fighting against the junta as part of a wider network," he said. Chaw Su San said that topics at the forum focused on regional issues related to politics, the military and regional administration. A statement issued by forum organizers on June 1 said other themes included ending military rule, self-governance, self-administration and the organization of regional anti-junta forces. While NUG-aligned PDF groups were absent from the forum, the shadow government sent a message to the forum at its conclusion, expressing hope that the talks could foster progress on issues related to local needs, "without unwanted external pressures." The National Unity Consultative Council - an advisory body to the NUG made up of various ethnic armed organizations and majority Bamar groups - was present and delivered a speech to attendees. Captain Htut Khaung, the leader of the Yinmarbin township 28th Battalion of the Dar Ma Saing Army under the NUG, told RFA that he did not receive an invitation to the forum, but was briefed on the topics covered. "The forum attendees pledged to continue the revolution as a united front and they discussed their goals, including what they want and how they will carry it out," he said. A person who attended the forum as an observer confirmed to RFA on condition of anonymity that he did not see PDF groups under the NUG's Ministry of Defense in attendance. NUG rival? Critics of the forum have suggested that the groups that attended intend to present an alternative to the NUG and gain political advantage. However, forum spokespersons dismissed the allegations, calling it a "platform for all revolutionary groups to meet and confer." Thein Tun Oo, the executive director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, which is made up of former military officers, said he viewed the gathering as a sign of disunity among anti-junta actors. "It is natural that, after a time, groups with different directions and preferences part ways, leading to fragmentation," he said. "We will have to wait and see if that is what's happening, but it's a possibility." Thein Tun Oo said it is "highly probable" that there will be further splits between the groups going forward, although he did not elaborate. Kyaw Zaw, spokesman for the office of NUG President Duwa Lashi La, denied speculation that the shadow government's absence was proof of a split within anti-junta forces and said the NUG supported the gathering. "The people of Sagaing region and their revolutionary and political groups need to come together and discuss how to jointly implement a new federal democratic state in the Sagaing Forum," he said, elaborating on the NUG statement sent last week. Kyaw Zaw said that discussions at the forum pertaining to the right to self-determination and self-governance were "in line with the Federal Democratic Charter," adding that the NUG was "satisfied" with the results of the meeting. Local support RFA spoke with residents of Sagaing who also welcomed the gathering, including a person from Pale township who said he hopes for additional meetings that promote unity between the region's anti-junta groups. "I welcome these forums as a citizen," said the Pale resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing security concerns. "My only hope is that they collaborate with scholars and other experts to ensure that they don't go astray." Sagaing Forum organizers told RFA that the next gathering will allow participants to drill down on topics raised in May and said they plan to invite additional groups to increase participation. A date has yet to be decided for the second forum. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes 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 South Korea Summons China Ambassador Over 'Unforgivable' Comments By William Gallo June 09, 2023 South Korea summoned China's ambassador to Seoul on Friday, condemning what it called his "unforgivable" criticism of South Korea, in the latest flareup of tensions between Seoul and Beijing. The move came after Chinese ambassador Xing Haiming gave a Thursday speech that was broadly critical of South Korea's foreign policy and how Seoul has become more aligned with the United States. "There are many difficulties in our bilateral relationship. And frankly, the responsibility does not lie with China," Xing said, according to a statement released by China's embassy in Seoul. In particular, Xing insinuated that South Korea was bowing to "external factors," such as the U.S. pressure campaign against China. "We hope the South Korean side will faithfully keep its promise and clearly respect China's core interests, including on the Taiwan issue," he added. The Chinese ambassador's speech came during a dinner event with Lee Jae-myung, the South Korean opposition leader and fierce critic of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. In response, South Korea's first vice foreign minister Chang Ho-jin summoned Xing, according to a statement Friday by South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "He strongly warned and expressed regret over Xing's unconventional and provocative words and actions, which were contrary to diplomatic customs," the statement said. Xing's comments, Chang said, were "untrue and unforgivable," and could be seen as an attempt to interfere in South Korea's domestic politics. He also warned Xing not to "deviate from the duties of his diplomatic mission," warning that the Chinese diplomat "will be responsible for all consequences." South Korea-China tensions also spiked in April, after President Yoon condemned "attempts to change the status quo by force" in Taiwan - an apparent reference to China's increased military threats against the self-ruled island. Yoon also said the Taiwan issue was of global importance - contradicting China's claim that it is purely a domestic matter. After China's foreign ministry scolded Yoon, Seoul pushed back, summoning the Chinese ambassador, blasting Beijing's criticism as "unspeakable," and lodging a complaint with Chinese state media for their "unfounded" disparagement of Yoon. Under Yoon, South Korea has aligned itself more closely with the United States and its allies. Yoon has also become more willing to confront China, South Korea's main trading partner, as he pursues what he says is a values-based foreign policy. However, there are growing signs that Beijing may attempt to use its economic leverage over Seoul. Late last month, China appeared to block access to the website of Naver, South Korea's do-everything web portal. Seoul is familiar with such pressure. In 2017, China waged a painful campaign of boycotts and unofficial sanctions against South Korean businesses following Seoul's installation of a U.S. missile defense system that Beijing viewed as a threat. Addressing South Korea-China relations at a Friday speech, Yoon's National Security Advisor Cho Tae-yong stressed "relationships between countries should be based on mutual respect," according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency. "We will form healthy South Korea-China relations through a 'confident' diplomacy that is befitting to the increased national power of the Republic of Korea and the expectations of the people," he added. According to opinion polls, South Korean public perceptions of China have plummeted in recent years, and are now roughly equal to views about Japan, Korea's former colonial ruler. Lee Juhyun contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Atlantic Council Statement on Russia's withdrawal from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 09 Jun. 2023 The NATO Invitee associates itself with this Statement. NATO Allies condemn Russia's decision to withdraw from the landmark Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), a cornerstone of Europe's security architecture. The CFE Treaty establishes legally binding and verifiable limits on key categories of conventional military equipment of the States Parties. Russia has for many years not complied with its CFE obligations, in particular by ceasing its implementation of the CFE Treaty without a legal basis in 2007. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and Belarus' complicity, is contrary to the objectives of the CFE Treaty. Russia's decision to withdraw from the CFE Treaty is the latest in a series of actions that systematically undermines Euro-Atlantic security. Russia's decision further demonstrates Moscow's continued disregard for arms control, including reciprocity, transparency, compliance and verification. We have repeatedly called on Russia to comply with the Treaty. Russia has not engaged constructively, and has not taken steps towards full compliance. Allies urge Russia to implement its commitments and obligations, and to use the remaining time before its withdrawal to reconsider its decision. We remain united in our commitment to effective conventional arms control as a key element of Euro-Atlantic security, taking into account the prevailing security environment and the security of all Allies. This complements the Alliance's deterrence and defence posture. We reiterate our full commitment to reducing military risk, preventing misperceptions and conflicts, building trust and confidence, promoting transparency and verification, and, thereby, contributing to peace and security. Allies will continue to consult on the implications of Russia's withdrawal from the CFE Treaty and its impact on the security of the Alliance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin: Tactical nuclear weapons to be deployed in Belarus in July Iran Press TV Friday, 09 June 2023 6:57 PM President Vladimir Putin says Russia's military will begin deploying tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus in July. The Russian leader was meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Friday. Russia, Putin said, will start the deployment once special storage facilities are prepared. "Everything is going according to plan," Putin told Lukashenko. "Preparation of the relevant facilities ends on July 7-8, and we will immediately begin activities related to the deployment of appropriate types of weapons on your territory." Putin said 'Iskander' mobile short-range ballistic missiles, which can deliver nuclear warheads with a range of 500 kilometers, had already been handed over to Belarus. Sukhoi-25 aircraft, with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers, have reportedly been adapted to carry the warheads. If the weapons were launched from the main air base outside Minsk, the projectiles could potentially reach virtually all of Eastern Europe, including a host of NATO member states, as well as cities such as Berlin and Stockholm. Putin said in March that he had agreed to deploy such weapons in Belarus. The move will counteract the United States' longtime deployment of similar weaponry in a host of European countries. Meanwhile, fighting has intensified between Ukrainian and Russian forces in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia. Kiev forces are prepping to mount a counteroffensive to reclaim occupied ground from Russian troops in the south and east of Ukraine. The warring sides have since June 6 traded blame for the bursting of the Soviet-era Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, which sent waters cascading across the war zone of southern Ukraine in the early hours of that day, forcing tens of thousands to flee. Currently, nearly 42,000 people are reportedly at risk of being affected by the flooding in Russian and Ukrainian-controlled areas along the Dnipro River after the dam collapsed. 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 said the 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Week In Russia: Flood, Fire, And A 'Travesty Of Justice' By Steve Gutterman June 09, 2023 The destruction of a massive Dnieper River dam in occupied territory added another line to the list of calamities unleashed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Moscow's propaganda machine let a trial balloon fly amid signs that Kyiv's counteroffensive has begun, while the clampdown continued at home. Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward. 'Atrocious' Russian President Vladimir Putin called the breach of the Kakhovka dam a "barbaric act" and suggested it was terrorism. But unless the Kremlin can come up with hard evidence that Ukraine destroyed the dam, chances are good that Russia is responsible: The huge hydroelectric power plant spanning the Dnieper River upstream from Kherson has been controlled by Russian occupation forces for about 15 months. And while Putin pointed the finger at Kyiv and what he called its "Western handlers," Russian officials have not said how Ukraine could have caused the breach. On June 9, Ukraine's security service said it had intercepted a telephone call in which a Russian soldier said a Russian "sabotage group" had caused the breach. The authenticity of the recording could not be independently verified. Arguably, any talk about who or what exactly caused the damage is beside the point. It wouldn't have happened had Russia not launched a full-scale, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Regardless of the details, that seems to hand the bulk of the blame on Russia for what Putin called the "large-scale ecological and humanitarian catastrophe" that ensured when water from Ukraine's main river came pouring over the busted dam, flooding fields, forests, towns, and the city of Kherson while fish flopped and diedas the water levels in the wide river upstream from the dam fell fast. The breach added a catastrophic new twist to the diverse variety of destruction, suffering, and death unleashed by Putin when he ordered the invasion -- a list that, among other things, includes the abuse, torture, rape, and murder of civilians and the dispatch of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia and the territory it occupies, which has made Putin the subject of a war-crimes arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. European Council President Charles Michel called the destruction of the dam a war crime, while French President Emmanuel Macron called it an "atrocious act." British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that "if it does prove to be intentional, it will represent a new low. It's an appalling act of barbarism on Russia's part." On The Move In the days after the dam breach, Russia continued to target Ukrainians in affected areas, shelling Kherson as residents struggled to survive on flooded streets or to leave the city for safer, dryer areas farther from the front. The collapse of the dam came amid increasing signs that a long-expected and potentially crucial Ukrainian counteroffensive may be under way, with heavy fighting reported on at least two sections of the 1,000-kilometer front line stretching from the area near Kherson in the south to the Donbas and the Kharkiv region in the east. A major military push would be a chance for Ukrainian forces to regain more of the territory Russia has occupied not just since the February 2022 invasion but since 2014, when it seized control of Crimea and backed anti-Kyiv forces who took parts of the Donbas, including the eponymous capitals of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It also coincided with intriguing indications that Putin and the Kremlin may be considering cutting Russia's losses and seeking to freeze the conflict in place - or, alternatively, trying to make Kyiv and Western governments think they're considering it. The main point of such a feint, presumably, would be to increase calls in the West for Ukraine to negotiate with Russia -- though Russia has given no convincing sign that it's interested in good-faith talks -- and step back from its stated goal of driving Russian forces out of all of Ukraine, including Crimea. After retreating from northern Ukraine in the spring of 2022 following a failed attempt to take Kyiv, and then losing swaths of land it had occupied in Ukrainian counteroffensives in the east and south later in the year, Russia has continued to struggle on the battlefield, making few gains other than a partial victory in the extremely costly battle for the Donbas city of Bakhmut. The Kremlin has also been rattled by attacks and apparent drone strikes inside Russia. 'Deepening Gloom' Against that backdrop, direct or veiled calls for Russia to scale down its objectives -- essentially abandoning the goal of seizing or subjugating Ukraine, and instead seeking to hold the territory it has occupied and turn the war into a "frozen conflict" -- have been made by prominent and consistently bellicose figures including Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group, and Margarita Simonyan, a state media executive and propagandist. "A mood of deepening gloom is gripping Russia's elite about prospects for President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine, with even the most optimistic seeing a 'frozen' conflict as the best available outcome now for the Kremlin," Bloomberg News wrote in an article published on June 8, citing multiple "people familiar with the situation" without naming them. "Many within the political and business elite are tired of the war and want it to stop, though they doubt Putin will halt the fighting," it said. "The most favorable prospect would be negotiations later in the year that would turn it into a 'frozen' conflict and allow Putin to proclaim a Pyrrhic victory to Russians by holding on to some seized Ukrainian territory," Bloomberg cited two of its sources as saying. Do these statements and signals mean that Putin -- who prefaced the invasion with repeated assertions that Ukraine has no right to exist as a sovereign state -- is ready to halt efforts to seize more of its neighbor's territory and bring Kyiv to heel? No. For one thing, Bloomberg wrote that according to five of the people it spoke to, "Putin shows no indication of wanting to end the war." Make No Mistake Author and analyst Sam Greene, in a Twitter thread about comments from Simonyan that caused a stir, wrote that "it's worth taking a moment to reflect on how Russian propaganda works." Simonyan's logic "reflects the views of some in the Russian establishment. Maybe even many or most," Greene wrote. "It would be a mistake, however, to assume that it reflects the Kremlin's position in any meaningful way." Instead, he suggested it had three objectives: to "disrupt Western strategic narratives," to "maintain domestic constructive ambiguity," and to "conduct reflexive public opinion research" -- in other words, in the last case, to send up a trial balloon in an effort to find out what the Russian populace thinks of the idea. The particular Western strategic narrative that the Kremlin may want to disrupt is "the current Western consensus is that Russia will keep fighting until it either wins or loses outright." "As a result, when arguments are made that the West should push Ukraine towards a negotiated settlement, they fail to resonate: most analysts and policymakers do not see a negotiating partner in Moscow," Greene wrote. "Simonyan's statement is meant to complicate that assumption." As the calamity unfolded on the Dnieper in Ukraine, the Russian state's sweeping clampdown on dissent, civil society, and independent media at home continued. On June 8, a Moscow court began the trial of Oleg Orlov, 70, a senior leader of Memorial, a prominent and highly respectedhuman rights organization that was outlawed in December 2021. The charge against Orlov, who is accused of repeatedly discrediting the armed forces, stems from his condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Council of Europe's human rights commissioner, Dunja Mijatovic, called his triala "travesty of justice." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/week-in-russia- gutterman-flood-fire-travesty/32451817.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 We have always been made to believe that the crafters of the Tinkhundla System of Government excluded the involvement of political parties in contesting an election and ultimately forming a government because they wanted to avoid a situation where constituents would find themselves being represented by people who are unknown to them. This though has been undermined by the provisions of the Voters Registration Act, which allows for a person who has been a resident of an area for a period of three months to stand for the national elections. This qualifies the person to contest for the position of either Member of Parliament, Indvuna Yenkhundla (Constituency Headman) or Bucopho (Constituency Councillor). The Executive is now seeking to amend the three months into six months through the Voters Registration (Amendment) Bill. The amendment, to me, still does not satisfy the spirit of the Tinkhundla system in that I consider the six months to be still too little a time for one to be known by the people of that area. No one can claim to know a person after only six months; three months is even worse. I fully support the argument by senators that the period must be made longer than the six months. Alternatively, the six months should qualify the person to only be eligible to vote but not to contest or stand for the election. The statement made by Senator Cethuka Sigombeni Dlamini summed up such sentiments, when he said: Ngumhlolo wakusihlwa to allow a person who stayed a lousy six months to be elected. Where would the electorate have obtained the confidence to vote for that person? Warn The senator went on to warn that a person who would want to stand for an election in such a short period of time might have ulterior motives and emaSwati needed to be extra careful of such individuals. I fully agree. Why doesnt this parson contest the election under the constituency they have been living in for the past years of their lives? If you would go the constituency where this person has been living, chances are you would find a not-so-good history about them. The individual merit principle on which a person has to be voted for is the cornerstone of the Tinkhundla System and stands to be polluted if the six months period is not reviewed. I say this because there is a danger of money being used to replace the meritocracy part of the system. This will lead to constituents being represented by people who are less known to them and who have little interest in developing those constituencies. This will lead us back to what is common in party politics. We will see what was witnessed in neighbouring South Africa this past week when politician Mzwanele Manyi was sworn in as a Member of Parliament for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). This happened hardly a months after joining the EFF. Rightly so, there have been concerns on why he has been elevated into Parliament to represent the EFF yet he is not known by the partys members, at least as a red beret activist. Manyi was an ANC member for about 30 years before he joined the African Transformation Movement (ATM), where he spent almost four years as a leader in the party. He joins the EFF less than a year ahead of the general elections in 2024. Groundwork Similarly, he left the ANC just before the 2019 general elections. After leaving the ATM, Manyi hailed the EFF, saying the party was the right home for him. But what does he know about the EFF and what do the EFF members know about him so much that he could be their representive in the legislature. No wonder ActionSA Gauteng Executive Committee Member Siyanda Makhubo suggested the move was unfair to other EFF members. Barely a month as a member of the EFF, with no credibility or groundwork as an activist, Mzwanele Manyi will be sworn in to parliament as an MP without leading an EFF branch. If I was an EFF Member, Id be mad, Makhubo said. Some other people on social media shared the same sentiment, saying Manyi was parachuted into parliament by the party. Others defended the partys decision, saying he was well experienced in politics. Reasonable In an apparent attempt to fend of criticism of his joining the EFF and being parachuted into the august House, Manyi said the top leadership of the EFF were reasonable people, some of whom hed worked with over the years, long before the EFF was even conceived. So, I know that we shall find common ground and move on in a united manner. I join the EFF as a rank-and-file member and will make my contribution in that capacity, he said. The case of Manyi has reminded me of Thandaza Silolo, the Spokesperson of the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO). Silolo was for a long time a member of the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and he went to jail, on terrorism charges, as a member for this party. After having served his sentence, he came out, dumped PUDEMO and formed his own party, which he called the Peoples Front. To this day, no other member of this party has ever been known, save for Silolo. When questions began being asked about the membership, Silolo dissolved the party and said the reason for doing so was because he wanted to pursue a career in journalism. He was soon announced as a reporter for the Swaziland News. The manner in which the party was dissolved left me totally convinced that it had no members. If it did, Silolo would have simply quit and left his deputy and the other executive members to continue leading the organisation. At Swaziland News, his journalism career appears to have not taken off at all. In April of 2022, he was unveiled as a member of SWALIMO. The then SWALIMO Secretary General (SG) Dr Siphetfo Dlamini and his then deputy Gift Dlamini were the ones who presented Silolo to the media. It was apparent that in SWALIMOs books, they had made a big catch. Not long after that, Silolo was announced as SWALIMOs Spokesperson. He became the face of the organisation. What did he know about SWALIMO? I dont know. Defected Were there no other capable members within the organisation capable of taking up this position? I dont know. What I know, however, is that he was parachuted into the position. He now had to speak and be the face of an organisation he had joined only a few months back. Some of the people within SWALIMO did not know him but now he had to speak on their behalf and be their face. Now that SWALIMO has lost most of its leaders, some of whom defected to form their own party, and their president in self-exile in the UK, Silolo is now the only visible leader. What do you make of that? The six months period provided for in the Voters Registration legislation has the same potential of parachuting people into positions they shouldnt otherwise have occupied. The concept of parachuting, as explained by French publication Le Monde, is a political metaphor that comes from war. It means sending an outsider officer to the electoral front. In the United States, the publication further states, this concept is known to some as carpetbagging. For the legislative elections, far-right pundit Eric Zemmour decided to campaign in Saint-Tropez, Melenchon Deputy Manuel Bompard in Marseille, and former Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer in the Loiret department for which they all been accused of illegitimacy. Last-minute landings most often incite ethical disapproval for pitting the little guy against the big guy, the country against the capital, the people from below against the people from above, common sense against ideology, Political Scientist Michel Hastings writes in the book Le Parachutage Politique (2003, Political Parachuting). While this parachuting is allowed in other countries, It has to be frowned upon in Eswatini because no politician should represent a constituency he has no long-term ties with. Thats not the spirit of Tinkhundla. NATO Condemns Russia's Decision To Quit Treaty On Conventional Armed Forces In Europe By RFE/RL June 09, 2023 NATO has condemned Russia's decision to quit the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, saying it "further demonstrates Moscow's continued disregard for arms control." The Russian Foreign Ministry said on June 9 that Moscow will withdraw from the treaty, known as the CFE, on November 7. The statement said all countries involved in the treaty had been informed about the move. It added that Finland's recent accession to NATO and Sweden's plans to join the alliance "significantly disrupted the secure and stable balance of conventional armed forces in Europe's north and was the last straw that made it necessary for Russia to leave the treaty." Moscow signaled the move in May, when it said that the treaty was contrary to Russia's security interests "due to the changed situation." NATO said in a statement that the allies condemned Russia's decision the withdraw from the treaty, calling it a "cornerstone of Europe's security architecture." "Russia's decision to withdraw from the CFE Treaty is the latest in a series of actions that systematically undermines Euro-Atlantic security," the statement said. Russia announced in 2015 that it was completely halting its participation in the treaty by withdrawing from a consultative group. It had already suspended its participation the treaty 2007, saying NATO's expansion plans made it impossible to realize the terms of the treaty. The treaty was signed in 1990 to establish equal limitations on major armaments for NATO and the Warsaw Pact, a collective defense treaty between the then-Soviet Union and seven Eastern European countries. The objective of the CFE was to reduce the possibility of a surprise attack and the triggering of a major offensive in Europe. The NATO statement on June 9 said the alliance had repeatedly called on Russia to comply with the CFE treaty, but Russia had "not engaged constructively, and has not taken steps towards full compliance." The alliance also urged Russia to implement its commitments and obligations and to use the remaining time before its withdrawal to reconsider its decision, the statement said. It said member states "remain united in our commitment to effective conventional arms control as a key element of Euro-Atlantic security." With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-conventional- armed-forces-europe/32452510.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 Russia Receiving Hundreds of Iranian Drones, Plans to Produce Them: White House By Patsy Widakuswara June 09, 2023 Moscow has not only received hundreds of Iranian drones but is working with Iran to produce them from inside Russia, according to the White House -- a sign of the deepening military partnership between the two countries. "We have information that Russia is receiving materials from Iran needed to build a UAV manufacturing plant inside Russia," said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby in a statement sent to VOA Thursday. "This plant could be fully operational early next year." The White House released satellite imagery of the planned location of the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) manufacturing plant in Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Kirby said that currently, drones are built in Iran, shipped across the Caspian Sea from Amirabad, Iran to Makhachkala, Russia, and then used operationally by Russian forces against Ukraine. On Friday, the Biden Administration is releasing a new advisory to help businesses and other governments "better understand the risks posed by Iran's UAV program and the illicit practices Iran uses to procure components for it." "This will help governments and businesses put in place measures to ensure they are not inadvertently contributing to Iran's UAV program," Kirby added. Russia has increasingly deployed drones to bombard Ukrainian cities and targets in recent weeks. They are "a difficult target because Ukraine has limited air defense resources," Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat told VOA Friday. "Iranian drones are hard to detect; they are slow," he said. "The Shaheds fly very low, use the river delta and forest, and drop from the radars." Ihnat noted that Moscow sends the drones to all parts of Ukrainian territory from different directions. "Ukraine Air defense today is focused on the protection of big towns, infrastructure objects, and critical infrastructure," he said. JCPOA sunset This latest revelation is part of the administration's periodic release of intelligence findings about Russia's war in Ukraine, with the goal of further isolating Moscow and its supporters. The timing coincides with sunset clauses in the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which imposed international restrictions on Iranian weapons. Many of the JCPOA's sunset clauses were already made obsolete after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the agreement in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions, which led Iran to breach its obligations and enrich uranium to higher levels beginning in July 2019. Still, since the JCPOA was never officially nullified by its other signatories -- Iran, the European Union, Russia and China -- from a legal standpoint the sunset clauses matter. In October 2023, the JCPOA bans on Iran's import and export of missile-related technology will formally end, including on missiles and drones with a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles) or more. In other words, in a few months it will be officially legal to trade Iranian missiles and drones. The U.S. and partners want to alert businesses around the world about the Iran-Russia cooperation on drones and the drones' devastating impact in the war in Ukraine, said Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute. The goal is to interrupt the production of the drones, which depend on components available on world markets. "The U.S. clearly wants to put businesses on notice in a preemptive move and to highlight the reputational risks," he told VOA. While the administration may try to disrupt the drones' production chain, Vatanka is skeptical that Western political pressure will compel Iranian leaders to rethink their military cooperation with Moscow. "Tehran has basically decided to put its money on Russia," he said. "The calculation is as simple as it is cynical: By supporting Russia today in Ukraine, Iran can hope that Moscow will back Iran in its conflict with the U.S." Two-way support As it purchases Iranian drones, mainly the Shahed-136, Russia has provided Iran with "unprecedented defense cooperation, including on missiles, electronics, and air defense," Kirby said, adding that Tehran is seeking to purchase billions of dollars of additional Russian military equipment, including attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft. Earlier this year, Iran announced that it had finalized a deal to buy Russian Su-35 fighter jets. "This is a full-scale defense partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to Iran's neighbors, and to the international community," Kirby said, adding that the administration is working with allies and partners to hold Moscow and Tehran accountable, including through existing and additional sanctions and export restrictions. Collaboration between Tehran and Moscow is likely to continue, said Michael O'Hanlon, senior fellow and director of research in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution. He said the U.S. should be mindful of Moscow garnering support from other partners, namely Beijing. "We should be careful not to so demonize China," he told VOA. "In regard to the Ukraine conflict in particular as well as current geopolitics more generally, that we also drive Beijing and Moscow closer together under the principle that the enemy of my enemy is my friend." The Shahed drones, often called suicide or kamikaze drones, have an operational range of around 2,000 kilometers. Packed with explosives, they can be directed at targets and detonate upon impact like a missile. They can also be launched in a swarm where several of them are launched at the same time in formation. On Friday, the Russian military mistakenly identified one of its own drones as Ukrainian and took it down. Myroslava Gongadze contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Ambassador to UN 'Gravely Concerned' About Russia-Iran Military Cooperation By VOA News June 09, 2023 U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Friday she is "gravely concerned by the growing military cooperation" between Russia and Iran because it enables "Russia's prosecution of its brutal war against Ukraine." Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement, the recent release of information by the United States documenting how Iran has provided Russia with hundreds of one-way, attack unmanned aerial vehicles and UAV production equipment, has enabled Russia to use the UAVs "in recent weeks to strike Kyiv, destroy Ukranian infrastructure, and kill and terrorize Ukrainians civilians." She said Russia and Iran's actions violate U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, "which prohibits all countries - including permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - from transferring these types of weapons from Iran." Many countries, including Ukraine and the United States, have reported these violations to the Security Council and have also provided supporting material and analysis, according to Thomas-Greenfield. "There is an urgent need for the secretary-general to respond to calls from the international community to investigate these violations," she said. "Doing so could save lives." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 9, 2023 Release Readout of 19th U.S.-South Africa Defense Committee Pentagon Spokesman MAJ. Pete Nguyen provided the following readout: The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy hosted the South African Assistant Secretary of Defence as part of the 19th United States - South Africa Defense Committee, June 7-8, at the Pentagon. The U.S. and South African delegations had robust and candid conversations. They discussed a range of topics, including defense policy in Africa, security cooperation, countering violent extremism, Women, Peace, and Security programming, and maritime security. The talks reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between the U.S. Department of Defense and the South Africa Defense Secretariat and South African National Defence Force. Both the U.S. Department of Defense and the South Africa Department of Defence intend to continue the dialogue and cooperation in the next iteration of the United States - South Africa Defense Committee. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3422603/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Paper: Saudi crown prince threatened to inflict 'major' economic pain on US amid oil feud Iran Press TV Friday, 09 June 2023 7:05 AM A classified document has revealed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) threatened to impose significant economic costs on Washington after US President Joe Biden warned Riyadh over its decision to slash oil production last fall. Even though the Saudi government publicly defended its actions politely via diplomatic statements, the 37-year-old de facto ruler of the country threatened in private to re-evaluate the Arab nation's relationship with the White House and impose significant economic costs on the United States if it retaliated against the oil cuts. According to the document, the crown prince claimed "he will not deal with the US administration anymore," and promised "major economic consequences for Washington," The Washington Post reported on Thursday. The US intelligence document was circulated on the Discord messaging platform as part of an extensive leak of highly sensitive national security materials. "We are not aware of such threats by Saudi Arabia," a spokesperson with the US National Security Council said. "In general, such documents often represent only one snapshot of a moment in time and cannot possibly offer the full picture," the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, added. "The United States continues to collaborate with Saudi Arabia, an important partner in the region, to advance our mutual interests and a common vision for a more secure, stable, and prosperous region, interconnected with the world," the official said. The Saudi Embassy in Washington has yet to make a comment on the matter. Eight months after Biden vowed "consequences" for Saudi Arabia after oil output cuts, the US president has yet to take any measures against the Arab country and MbS has continued to engage with top US officials, as he did with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the seaside Saudi city of Jeddah earlier this week. Biden, who had pledged to make Saudi Arabia a "pariah" as a presidential candidate, now scarcely communicates with the crown prince but the president's top aides have gradually rebuilt ties with him hoping the two nations can work together on pressing issues, including normalization with Israel, Saudi Arabia's growing relationship with China, a long-sought peace deal in Yemen and continued disagreements over the supply of oil. A second leaked US intelligence document from December last year also warned that Saudi Arabia plans to expand its "transactional relationship" with China by procuring drones, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and mass surveillance systems from Beijing. During a news conference alongside Blinken in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Thursday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud highlighted that China and Saudi Arabia are close and strategic allies and have been increasing cooperation in the energy and financial sectors, and that "cooperation is likely to grow." He said Saudi Arabia's ties with the United States and China were not a "zero-sum game." "I don't ascribe to this zero-sum game," Prince Faisal said in Riyadh. "We are all capable of having multiple partnerships and multiple engagements and the US does the same in many instances. "So I'm not caught up in this really negative view of this. I think we can actually build a partnership that crosses these borders," the top Saudi diplomat said. Riyadh's strengthening of its commercial and security ties with Beijing comes as US influence wanes in the Middle East region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ko discusses his cross-strait stance with international media outlets in Tokyo ROC Central News Agency 06/09/2023 09:15 PM Tokyo, June 9 (CNA) The rule of Chinese President Xi Jinping (cea) will not last forever, and people should not equate the Xi administration with China, Taiwan People's Party (TPP) founder and Chairman Ko Wen-je (Ya) said in Tokyo Thursday. The TPP presidential hopeful made the remarks after giving a speech at the headquarters of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo when asked by a German media outlet for his view on Xi's government. To elaborate, Ko quoted former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (aa): "If the achievements reached through economic reforms are not followed up with political reforms, then in the end economic achievements will be lost." Ko said he had "never bought into" the idea that China could maintain strong economic growth while continuing on with a relatively backward political system. Ko recalled that during his visit to the U.S. Department of State last month, he asked U.S. officials: "If we all believe in universal values, why do we assume China will never embrace democracy and freedom?" Ko, switching to English, said he told U.S. officials: "Never give up to transform China." Asked what was the key to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, Ko said it was "deterrence and communication." Forming a deterrence strategy is crucial because "the security of one country must not rely solely on the goodwill of another country," Ko said. Therefore, to deter a military invasion, Taiwan must develop defense autonomy to the point where its enemies feel that attacking it would exact too heavy a toll, he said. He added that "deterrence" was the word used most frequently by officials he spoke with in Washington last month. Once Taiwan has developed a strong enough deterrence, it can engage in a dialogue with China, Ko said. Underlining the importance of communication, Ko said that during his two terms as Taipei mayor, he and his administration participated in eight Taipei-Shanghai forums, and although each time the two sides disagreed over certain issues, at least they were able to develop a certain level of mutual trust. Asked whether his stance that "two sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family" would persuade Beijing to engage in a dialogue with Taiwan or be accepted by the people of Taiwan, Ko said it was at least a better approach than "the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are enemies." He said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) refuses to engage in talks with Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), so it deliberately laid down terms that it knew the DPP would not accept -- acceptance of the "1992 consensus," the CCP's "one China" principle, and a Taiwanese version of the "one country, two systems" scheme. He said he would try to persuade China to change or soften its stance on "its insistence" with the five mutual actions he put forward in 2015: to know, understand, respect, cooperate with, and forgive each other. He said with the frequent contact across the Strait, a more pragmatic approach to dealing with cross-strait relations is needed, pointing out that 43 percent of Taiwan's exports end up in China, resulting in trade surpluses of more than US$100 billion annually and that there are approximately 380,000 Chinese spouses in Taiwan and about 1 million Taiwanese studying or working in China. He noted that when the whole world was riveted by the military exercises China staged around Taiwan in August 2022 following a visit by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan that month, most Taiwanese seemed to be unfazed. It was likely due to the DPP downplaying the severity of the situation out of concern that too much panic would tilt election results against its favor, he reasoned. (By Yang Ming-chu and Sean Lin) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan: sixth Human Rights Consultations with the European Union takes place in Brussels European External Action Service (EEAS) 09.06.2023 EEAS Press Team The sixth European Union-Taiwan Human Rights Consultations were held on 9 June in Brussels. The consultations, held in an open and constructive atmosphere, provided an opportunity to review recent developments and to update on respective policies and priorities for action. The EU and Taiwan reiterated their firm commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The EU informed Taiwan about the ongoing Midterm Review of the Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024, the recently adopted anti-corruption package and developments on accountability, among others. Taiwan shared information concerning their first National Human Rights Action Plan for the period 2022-2024, as well as National Action Plan on Fisheries and Human Rights (2022-2025). The EU reaffirmed its longstanding opposition to the death penalty and called upon Taiwan to pursue efforts towards its abolition. The EU and Taiwan also discussed specific human rights issues, such as the rights of migrant workers, especially in the fishing industry, as well as domestic workers, business and human rights, gender equality and rights of LGBTI persons, human rights impact assessment and human rights education. The consultations confirmed that the EU and Taiwan share similar values and principles and a strong commitment to abide by international human rights norms. The EU and Taiwan agreed to continue exchanges and cooperation on human rights, in particular on those issues raised during the consultations. The meeting was co-chaired, on the EU side by the Head of the Human Rights Division, Luisa Ragher, and the Head of Division for China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Mongolia, Dominic Porter, and on the Taiwan side by Minister without Portfolio Lo Ping-cheng. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DPP condemned for preventing invitation of mainland students' visit to Taiwan Global Times By Liu Xin Published: Jun 09, 2023 03:53 PM The Labor Party, an opposition party on the Taiwan island, on Friday condemned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority for preventing cross-Straits exchanges among the youth after media reported that related departments implied it will turn down an application from the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation on inviting 50 college students from the mainland to visit the island. The plan was announced on Thursday and the mainland students from five universities, including Hunan University which Ma Ying-jeou visited in April, would be led to several Taiwan universities and engage in dialogue with their peers. The trip would last for nine days and include stops at some well-known scenic spots and relic sites on the island, said the foundation. From late March to early April, former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou led a group of Taiwan students to visit several cities on the mainland, including Shanghai, Wuhan and Changsha, during which the delegation had exchanges with mainland college students. However, media from the Taiwan island reported on Friday that the "mainland affairs council" in the island told the foundation via an intermediary not to submit the proposal as it will not OK it. The reason the council noted was such event is not important, not urgent and not irreplaceable. The DPP authority's creating obstacles to prevent cross-Straits communication have been under criticism. The Labor Party released a statement on Friday strongly condemning the DPP. The plan to invite college students from the mainland to visit the island, if implemented, will undoubtedly help cool down the current tense cross-Straits situation, but the DPP authority may intentionally turn it down, read the statement of the Labor Party sent to the Global Times. Moreover, the DPP authority has also prevented mainland visitors from going to the island for people-to-people exchanges, trying to build an anti-mainland "iron curtain" to manipulate the public opinion, said the Labor Party statement. Sticking in path of relying on the US to seek independence, the DPP does not want to see any easing of the tense cross-Straits situation. The crisis of war is imminent and we must face up to the choice between war and peace, and face up to the impact of historical changes, said the Labor Party, calling on young people to take actions to promote cross-Straits peace. The executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, Hsiao Hsu-tsen, said he had called on the island's mainland-affairs authority to consider the plan and resume normal exchanges across the Taiwan Straits as soon as possible, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Hsiao also noted that the invitation is conducive to conveying more kindness and message of peace and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK's specialist radar workforce receives A270 million boost Critical radars that protect the Royal Navy's warships against hostile airborne and seaborne attacks will be upgraded and maintained under a A270 million deal. 9 June 2023 A270 million contract awarded to BAE Systems to support, upgrade, and maintain critical radars. Contract secures 400 jobs across the UK and boosts investment in the UK supply chain of SME and high-tech suppliers. Radars are a key defensive capability to the Royal Navy used to identify and track potential airborne and seaborne threats. Critical radars that protect the Royal Navy's fleet of warships against hostile airborne and seaborne attacks will be upgraded and maintained under a deal worth A270 million. The 10-year contract, which has been awarded to BAE Systems to run until 2032, will support Artisan, Sampson and Long-Range Radars which are found on warships including Type 23 and Type 26 frigates, Type 45 destroyers, and the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. As well as securing 400 highly skilled jobs in Cowes, Portsmouth, Essex and in Hillend near Edinburgh, the contract, which includes upgrading existing radars as well as maintenance and other in-service support, ensures the UK retains the highly-specialist skills required for a sovereign option in future radar development. Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: Equipping our Armed Forces with the latest technology to counter emerging threats is critical to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our fleet and personnel. Securing hundreds of jobs across the country, this contract is a boost for the UK Supply Chain and lets our adversaries know we are equipped, prepared and ready. Supporting the Prime Minister's priority to grow the economy this contract secures hundreds of jobs and provides a boost to the wider UK supply chain by allowing BAE Systems to create new support roles in engineering and project management including further investment in the UK supply chain of SME and high-tech suppliers. Cdre Steve McCarthy, Director Ships Support at DE&S, said: This is an excellent outcome for Defence and our industry partners, supporting vital highly skilled UK jobs to underwrite the future of state-of-the-art British naval radar technology. These systems give the Royal Navy the battle-winning edge it needs to protect and defend our nation. The radars provide a key defensive capability to the Royal Navy at sea and are used to identify and track potential airborne and seaborne threats. Rear Admiral James Parkin CBE, Director Develop at Navy HQ said: By combining the support of our existing maritime complex radars, the Royal Navy will be better able to adapt to technological change and our ships will be able to respond faster to developing operational threats. This system of systems approach being taken by BAE Systems aligns with our own approach to sensor development and will maintain our status as one of the world's leading maritime forces. Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems' Maritime Services business, said: This is a pivotal moment for UK radar technology development. This contract secures a decade of investment into a critical capability for the UK armed forces. It also allows us to evolve future radar technology with the MOD to sustain maritime air dominance and vital radar development skills and experience in the UK. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address RAF Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft twice in 24 hours In a single 24 hour period, Royal Air Force Typhoons scrambled twice to intercept several Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace. 9 June 2023 On Thursday evening (8 June), RAF Typhoons based at Amari airbase in Estonia and Swedish Air Force Gripens were scrambled to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 'COOT' A and Su-27 'FLANKER' B flying close to NATO and Swedish airspace. The Russian aircraft were not complying with international norms by failing to communicate with the relevant Flight Information Regions (FIRs), however they remained in international airspace and flew in a professional manner. Typhoons were again scrambled on Friday morning (9 June) to intercept one AN12 'CUB' and one AN72 'COALER' flying south from mainland Russia towards the Kaliningrad Oblast. The RAF fighters were later re-tasked to intercept two Tupolev Tu-22M 'BACKFIRES' and two Su-30 SM FLANKER H, also flying south from mainland Russia over the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. The Russian aircraft were once again not complying with international norms by failing to liaise appropriately with local FIRs. The Typhoons were joined by F18s of the Finnish Air Force as they escorted the BACKFIRES and FLANKER through the Gulf of Finland, later handing over to Gripens of the Swedish Air Force. Portuguese and Romanian F16s, based out of Siauliai Airbase in Lithuania, were also scrambled to escort the Russian aircraft as they transited further south through the Latvian and Lithuanian FIRs. The Defence Secretary, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, said: These intercepts are a stark reminder that the RAF is always ready to defend our skies and those of our allies, while the coordinated action by several air forces serves as a clear demonstration of the value of our international alliances. A pilot involved with the scramble said: These intercepts highlight the speed at which we can get airborne to intercept unidentified aircraft. The Typhoon is the perfect platform to conduct these intercepts with its incredible speed, manoeuvrability, and modern onboard systems." He added, "although there is an apparent increase in regional activity, these intercepts remain normal jogging for us and we are ready to respond to any task that may pose a threat to regional security. NATO is currently conducting naval activity in the Baltic Sea as part of BALTOPs and, as expected, Russian aircraft have been monitoring allied vessels throughout. The RAF's 140 EAW are currently deployed to Amari Airbase in Estonia to undertake NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission. CO 140 EAW, Wg Cdr Maccoll said: This is a busy period yet these intercepts remain routine business for us. Our ability to scramble and intercept multiple Russian jets on separate occasions, within a short period of time, is testament to our resilience and flexibility." He added, "140 EAW, NATO and our future ally, Sweden, have further showcased their ability to perform multinational intercepts in a professional and seamless manner. Our commitment to defend the region and secure the skies over the Baltics remains steadfast and we will act with speed and decisiveness to counter any potential adversary. The RAF will continue to conduct NATO's Air Policing Mission in Estonia with 1 (F) Sqn Typhoons until August, when they will hand over to the Spanish Air Force. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi says China's consistent position on Ukraine crisis is to promote peace talks Xinhua) 11:22, June 10, 2023 BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent, which is to promote peace talks. While speaking over phone with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Xi said that he hopes all parties will build up favorable conditions for solving the crisis through dialogue, and that peace-loving countries worldwide that uphold justice can make a rational voice to promote peace talks. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) MBABANE Other than having to play hide and seek with the police, dagga growers have another nemesis the black mamba. It has been gathered that most victims of black mamba bites are people cultivating dagga, and the biggest danger is that this is grown in areas highly inaccessible by vehicles, as cultivation, transportation or handling of the herb is illegal in the country. This results in dagga growers choosing places far from their homes to grow dagga, meaning that when one is bitten, it is difficult to get them to a health facility in time. It has been gathered that dagga growers make their situation tough because when bitten, they quickly move away from the dagga fields before calling the emergency service, in an attempt to hide their dagga. This delays the acquiring of medical care. The black mamba bite causes paralysis of the muscles, making it difficult for the person to walk, talk or even breathe and then eventually, death occurs by suffocation. Moreover, its bite can kill within 20 minutes or more but this also depends on the individual. According to the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation (EAF), the number of people bitten by the black mamba was high among dagga growers. Thea Litschka-Koen, who is the founder of the organisation, said many of the victims revealed that they were bitten while in the dagga fields. Thea said the foundation was mainly concerned about the health of the individuals and would not go into detail about their farming activities. Hospital She said the reason dagga growers were victims was because they worked in areas where snakes were common and that this was usually far from urban areas. She said they usually arrived at the hospital in a critical condition because they usually had to walk long distances after being bitten by snakes. Thea said when one was in the bush and bitten by a snake, the first thing they normally did was to try and run to the hospital. She said this was dangerous because running could lead to quicker death because this made the blood move faster through the body and at the same time transport the venom. Thea said it was important for dagga growers to learn how to treat snake bites and to understand places where they were likely to be bitten. She added that they also needed to be prepared on what to do when one was bitten by a snake. She said for black mamba bites, it was important to use a tornique. This referred to the tying of the limb to slow the flow of the venom. However, she said one had to be very careful how they tied and the type of material they used. She warned that shoe laces or wires should not be used as they could damage body tissue. Use a wider cloth like a tie, leg of a pair of trousers or even shirt, she said. Thea said once a person was tied, they needed to be taken to a health facility quickly and best if they could be lifted. Also, Thea revealed that the victims of the black mamba bites were usually teenage males to those around early 30s in age. He said this was because these were the most who were working in the fields to fend for their families, but in the end they ended up being bitten by black mambas. Training She also mentioned that the foundation was willing to provide assistance in training the dagga growers so to prevent deaths. She said they could be taught on the type of first-aid to perform when one was bitten by a black mamba. Also, she said they could be trained on identifying snakes and what to do when one spotted a snake in the bush. Though most people who get bitten by black mambas survive due to the fast assistance by health professionals and EAF, some who survive the bite have been left with permanent damage to their mental health. This is because the venom causes difficulty in breathing, resulting in the blood failing to transport oxygen to the brain. Noteworthy, dagga in the country is grown mainly in the Northern Hhohho, some parts of Shiselweni and also Manzini. Most of this is grown in mountainous areas because the climate favours the plant and there is availability of water because of the many rivers that pass through the mountains. Dagga growers also prefer mountainous areas because it is not easy access for police officers. Dagga growers who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were willing to undergo training but were afraid of being identified. They said it would be good to attend some workshops to learn how to handle snakes and that this could reduce the number of the snakebites. Some of the dagga growers said the training could go a long way in assisting them because in the dagga fields, even children and women worked there. They are also victims and they need to be protected, they said. June 09, 2023 Release Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a new security assistance package, underscoring the unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine. This package, which totals up to $2.1 billion and includes critical air defense and ammunition capabilities, is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This USAI package illustrates the continued commitment to both Ukraine's critical near-term capabilities as well as the enduring capacity of Ukraine's Armed Forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term. Unlike Presidential Drawdown authority, which DoD has continued to leverage to deliver equipment to Ukraine from DoD stocks at a historic pace, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry or partners. This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine. The capabilities in this announcement include: Additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems; HAWK air defense systems and missiles; 105mm and 203mm artillery rounds; Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems; Laser-guided rocket system munitions; Support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities. The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3422822/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 9, 2023 By Joseph Clark , DOD News DOD Announces $2.1 Billion Assistance Package for Ukraine The Defense Department today announced an additional security assistance package for Ukraine containing more air defense and ammunition capabilities to arm against Russia's unprovoked war of aggression. The latest package, valued at up to $2.1 billion, underscores the unwavering U.S. commitment to bolster Ukraine's near- and-long-term capabilities to defend its territory and deter Russia. The capabilities contained in the package include additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems, HAWK air defense systems and missiles, additional artillery rounds and other items. The new equipment is authorized under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, the authority under which the U.S. procures capabilities from industry and partners. The U.S. has also continued to leverage the authority to drawdown from current DOD stocks to arm Ukraine under the presidential drawdown authority. In total, the U.S. has provided more than $39.7 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's invasion in February 2022. The Biden administration continues to stand behind Ukraine and has signaled that it will do so for as long as it takes until Russia ends its brutal assault. "It's very clear that on a daily basis, there are Russian forces attempting to kill innocent Ukrainians. And we a the United States government a are going to work with the international community to do everything we can to help them defend their country and take back sovereign territory," DOD Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said yesterday during a briefing at the Pentagon. The U.S. also continues to lead an alliance of more than 50 countries in rallying behind Ukraine through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Ryder announced during yesterday's briefing that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley will host a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on June 15 in Brussels. The NATO defense ministers' meeting begins June 16. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Update 164 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine International Atomic Energy Agency 54/2023 Vienna, Austria 9 Jun 2023 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will provide vital assistance to Ukraine in coping with the devastating consequences of this week's dam disaster, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi announced today, as the level of the reservoir that supplies cooling water to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) continued to fall. Director General Grossi, responding to a call for international assistance from President Volodymyr Zelensky, said he would present details of the Agency's new assistance package at their meeting in Kyiv next week, when the IAEA chief will also travel to the ZNPP in the country's south. Since the beginning of the military conflict more than 15 months ago, the IAEA has been supporting Ukraine in efforts to prevent a nuclear accident. In addition, the IAEA will now use its expertise and resources in the application of nuclear science to assist Ukraine in other areas in the affected region. "Through the use of nuclear techniques, we will determine the effects on potable water, human health, and soil and water management and assess the integrity of critical infrastructure. Ukraine can count on our assistance now and in dealing with the longer-term consequences of this disaster," he said. The breach of the dam early on June 6 - causing a rapid drop in the water levels of the Kakhovka reservoir and further complicating an already precarious nuclear safety and security situation at the ZNPP - has added to the importance of the Director General's already planned mission to the plant. The IAEA experts present at the ZNPP said the height of the reservoir is continuing to drop at a rate of around five centimetres per hour and had reached 11.62 metres at 7pm local time today, down from nearly 17 metres before the dam was damaged almost four days ago. Following a review, the ZNPP reported to the IAEA team that it has estimated it can pump water from the reservoir to the plant, for cooling of its six reactors and spent fuel, until the level falls to 11 metres or possibly lower. It remains unclear at what height the Kakhovka reservoir will stabilize and whether it will do so before it reaches a level where the pumps can no longer be operated, Director General Grossi said. However, the main sources of alternative water supplies - the large cooling pond next to the ZNPP and the discharge channel of the nearby Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP) - are both full. Director General Grossi said the IAEA team has been informed that the ZTPP discharge channel alone has sufficient water to provide the required cooling to the ZNPP for several weeks. In addition, the cooling pond can supply water to the ZNPP for months. The ZNPP cooling pond and the ZTPP discharge channel are both integral to continuing to supply cooling water and the Director General reiterated that maintaining their integrity is vital for the safety of the plant. In view of this, the ZNPP is carefully monitoring the condition of the dyke surrounding the large cooling pond because of the increased pressure caused by the massive loss of water on its other side. "Even if there is no short-term threat, the dam disaster is causing major new difficulties for the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant at a time when the nuclear safety and security situation is already extremely fragile and potentially dangerous during the military conflict," Director General Grossi said. "Increased military activities in the area are adding to our deep concerns about the safety and security of Europe's largest nuclear power plant." Underlining such risks, the IAEA experts continue to hear military activity, including some explosions this morning. Five of the ZNPP's reactor units are in cold shutdown and one is in hot shutdown, providing steam to support processes that also contribute to safety on site. The ZNPP said the available water supply gives it time to determine how long it will continue to operate Unit 5 in hot shutdown. The plant is considering the possibility of installing an independent steam boiler that would meet the need for steam supply to the site in case all six reactor units are in cold shutdown. The IAEA was also informed today that Ukraine's national regulator - SNRIU - issued a regulatory order on 8 June for reactor Unit 5 to be placed into a cold shutdown state. Separately, the Russian Federation, which currently controls the plant, informed in a letter to Director General Grossi that there had been "incoming strikes with the use of kamikaze drones" on Thursday and again today against the electric switchyard of the ZTPP, which in the past has been used for providing back-up electricity to the ZNPP until the last such 330 kilovolt (kV) power line was damaged more than three months ago. Director General Grossi said the IAEA expects to independently assess this information, which requires accessing the ZTPP switchyard. Under the five basic principles for protecting the ZNPP unveiled by Director General Grossi at the United Nations Security Council on 30 May, there should be no attack from or against the plant. In addition, the plant should not be used as storage or a base for heavy weapons and off-site power to the plant should not be put at risk. "During my mission next week, I will reinforce our team of experts at the site in view of our increased activities there. In order for them to monitor compliance with the five principles, I expect them to have the required access," Director General Grossi said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Answer to a question about the situation in the special military operation zone Vladimir Putin answered a journalist's question about the situation in the special military operation zone. June 9, 2023 18:00 Sochi Question: A lot of news came from the front yesterday. The news reported yesterday by the Chief of the General Staff [Valery Gerasimov] and the Defence Minister [Sergei Shoigu] sounded good. Is it safe to say that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has got bogged down, and we managed to neutralise the Kiev regime's offensive potential? President of Russia Vladimir Putin: To answer that, I need to switch gears quickly and go from one issue to another, but here is what I can say to answer your question. First, we can safely state that the offensive has begun. We know this from the fact that the Ukrainian army tapped its strategic reserves. This is my first point. Second, the Ukrainian troops failed to achieve their goals in all combat sectors, which is clear as day. Like I said earlier, the intense hostilities have been going on for five days now. For example, the fighting was intense over the past 48 hours, and the enemy was not successful in any area of operations. All of that is due to the courage and heroism of our soldiers and the good organisation and command of the troops, as well as the high effectiveness of Russian weapons, especially the latest weapons. Indeed, we still do not have enough of the latest weapons, but the arms industry, the country's defence industry is making strides, and I am sure that the defence industry will, without a doubt, fulfil its goals. The production of modern types of weapons is going at a fast pace. Over these days, we have seen the Ukrainian regime suffer significant causalities. As is known, losses routinely amount to about three to one during offensive operations. But in this case, they are much higher. I am not going to give these figures, but they are striking. Notably, this tragedy stems from the events of the previous years, and the responsibility for this tragedy lies entirely with the current Kiev regime, the primary source of power of which is the coup that took place in Ukraine in 2014. I cannot say that the offensive has got bogged down. All I can say is that the counteroffensive attempts that have been made so far failed. But the offensive potential of the Kiev's regime is still there. I believe Russia's military leadership is realistic in its assessments of the situation and will proceed from these realities as it continues to plan up our actions in the short term. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cabinet of Ministers allocates funding to Ukraine to mitigate the consequences of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant crisis Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09.06.2023 On 9 June 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted a decision on the allocation of EUR 200 000 from funds for unseen events for assistance to Ukraine to address the ecological and humanitarian crisis. The crisis was caused by the destruction of the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) by Russia on 6 June. The decision adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers provides for Latvia to make a contribution to the Ukrainian Government to assist in the rapid, coordinated and targeted acquisition of equipment, materials and machinery to mitigate the immediate consequences of the flooding. The request for assistance from the Ukrainian side includes urgent needs such as water tankers to transport drinking water, rescue boats and vehicles to move through flooded areas, heavy duty pumps, drinking water, water filters, food parcels and other items. Latvia strongly condemns Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The destruction of the dam of the Kakhovka HPP is yet another deliberate Russian attack on Ukraine's critical civilian infrastructure. The destruction of the dam has caused an ecological, humanitarian and agricultural crisis of vast proportions in the southern region of Ukraine, the true extent of which is still being determined. The risks of further chemical spills and the potential impact of the crisis on the cooling processes of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are also of concern. The international community must rapidly provide all forms of assistance to Ukraine to mitigate the consequences of the disaster. The Kakhovka HPP has been located on territory not controlled by Ukraine since February 2022. Russia's actions qualify as a war crime under the Article 56, Paragraph one of the Protocol Additional of 8 June 1977 to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I). It states that works or installations containing dangerous forces, namely dams, dykes and nuclear electrical generating stations, shall not be made the object of attack, even where these objects are military objectives, if such attack may cause the release of dangerous forces and consequent severe losses among the civilian population. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President: Germany's role and support for the future of Ukraine in NATO is crucial President of the Republic of Lithuania June 09, 2023 On Friday, President Gitanas NausAda met with BArbel Bas, the President of the German Bundestag. The meeting focused on Russia's war in Ukraine, the security situation in the region, preparations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius, and bilateral defense cooperation. At the meeting, Gitanas NausAda pointed out that the security situation in the Baltic region is a matter of concern and Lithuania takes it seriously. As Russia continues its militarization of Kaliningrad and has deployed its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, it is necessary to strengthen deterrence and forward defense, as well as to increase the number of allied forces in the Baltics. Gitanas NausAda underlined that the focus of the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July should be on deterrence and defense. He stressed the need to adopt new NATO defense plans ahead of the Vilnius Summit and to be ready to fully implement them by the end of year. "The future of cooperation between Ukraine and NATO will be an important subject of the NATO Summit in Vilnius. In response to Ukraine's aspiration to become a member of NATO, it is important to develop political ties between Ukraine and NATO. Ukraine belongs to the transatlantic security architecture. A clear signal is much needed for Ukrainians who sacrifice their lives on the battlefield. Germany's role and support on this issue is crucial," the Head of State spoke. Gitanas NausAda and the President of the German Bundestag also discussed bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Germany. President Gitanas NausAda thanked Germany for its significant contribution to the security of Lithuania and the entire Baltic region, and stressed that Lithuania is investing heavily in the expansion and improvements of the country's military infrastructure in order to create the best possible conditions for the allies to train and be permanently stationed on the territory of Lithuania. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Interview: Kakhovka dam breach to have disastrous economic, ecological consequences, says Ukrainian expert People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:26, June 09, 2023 KIEV, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The dam breach, coupled with the collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, will lead to devastating economic and ecological consequences, a Ukrainian expert has said. "Up to 1 million people may face drinking water problems," Oleksii Kushch, an economist at "United Ukraine" think-tank, told Xinhua in an interview Wednesday. The Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant in southern Ukraine was destroyed on Tuesday, causing a decrease in the dam water level and massive flooding in the nearby areas. Local authorities said at least 30 settlements have already been affected by the flooding, displacing thousands of people. Apart from the humanitarian consequences, the catastrophe will take a heavy toll on the economic development of Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk and southern Mykolayiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, Kushch said. "The water use intensity in the regional gross domestic product will change significantly -- industrial enterprises will lack water. These are mainly enterprises in the processing industry and metallurgy," Kushch said, citing the industrial cities of Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol among those to be severely hit by the water crisis. In addition, the Kakhovka disaster will stop the water supplies to about 30 irrigation systems, which irrigated about 1 million hectares of agricultural fields, the expert said, adding as a result, Ukraine may lose 10-15 percent of its agricultural potential due to indirect or direct influence (of the Kakhovka incident). Consequently, Ukraine's southern regions, where vegetable growing and horticulture were concentrated, may soon turn into semi-deserted areas. "The land use in this region will be changed. Instead of vegetables and moisture-loving plants, mostly unpretentious plants, primarily sunflowers, will be grown in the region," Kushch said. As the Kakhovka plant destruction would cause the loss of approximately 60 percent of water resources in the regional water balance of Mykolayiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, soil salinazation may become another environmental disaster, posing risks to people's health, he warned. "In the absence of water and irrigation, groundwaters, which consist primarily of salt marshes in this region, will rise ... Some salt marshes in the region contain heavy metals and harmful substances that could be spread by the wind. They enter the human body through the respiratory system. This can lead to an increase in serious diseases and abnormalities in the development of children," Kushch said. The expert estimated that the restoration of the Kakhovka plant and its structures would take about five years and require about 2 billion U.S. dollars in investment. The attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant is possibly the most significant damage to civilian infrastructure since the start of the Ukraine crisis in February 2022, according to UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths. "The sheer magnitude of the catastrophe will only become fully realized in the coming days. But it is already clear that it will have grave and far-reaching consequences for thousands of people in southern Ukraine," he told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. The United Nations, Russia and Ukraine have all condemned the incident, while Russia and Ukraine have traded accusations over the responsibility for the attack. In a statement on Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant "by the armed forces of Ukraine," calling on the international community "to condemn the criminal acts of the Ukrainian authorities." Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russian forces had destroyed the Kakhovka dam. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine attempts to attack Europe's largest nuclear power plant: Russia Iran Press TV Friday, 09 June 2023 9:39 PM Russia has said that Ukraine has waged an unsuccessful attack against Europe's largest nuclear power plant, which is under Moscow's control. Reporting on Friday, Russia Today cited local authorities as saying that Ukraine had launched three drones against the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) earlier in the day. The facility, which was built in the Soviet-era, has been in Russia's hands since last March, a month after Moscow launched a "special military operation" against Ukraine. Moscow says it has started the operation to protect Ukraine's pro-Russian population in the southern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk against persecution by the Kiev regime. Ever since Russia's capture of ZNPP, both sides of the conflict have been blaming the other for the attacks against the plant, which raises the risk of causing nuclear contamination in the region. Russia has even described Kiev's attacks against the facility as "nuclear terrorism." Describing the Friday attack, RT said Russia's air defenses had "intercepted" the drones, which were "armed with explosive warheads." "One of the drones exploded upon crashing, while two were recovered mostly intact," it added. "Ukraine blew up the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric power station in order to distract the world from the failures of their much-publicized counteroffensive," the Zaporozhye authorities said in a statement, referring to an earlier incident. "Now, they need another disaster, this time a nuclear one, for which they will again blame Russia," they added. On Wednesday, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow would "respond extremely harshly to any attacks by Ukraine" on the power plant itself, its infrastructure, or the town of Energodar where its employees live. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia reports intensified fighting in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Iran Press TV Friday, 09 June 2023 11:18 AM Fighting has intensified between Ukrainian and Russian forces in the southern Zaporizhzhia region amid speculations that it is a possible prelude to the expected offensive by Kiev. Russian officials on Friday cited "active combat" ongoing in the region between Orekhovo and Tokmak Ukraine has offered no confirmation, but its forces bolstered by Western weapons and training have been expected for months to launch a counteroffensive. The conflict comes as the human and environmental costs rise after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and devastating floods in another part of southern Ukraine. The Ukrainian military said in a Facebook post that "the enemy is on the defensive" in Zaporizhzhia. It said it had destroyed four missiles and 10 drones out of 20 that Russia had fired at "military installations and critical infrastructure". The local governor of Russia said a drone crashed into a residential building in the city of Voronezh in the south of Russia and two people were injured. Alexander Gusev, the governor of the region, said in Telegram that the drone crashed on Belinsky Street in Voronezh, 200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Russian state media showed images of a building with broken windows and a blackened section of wall, apparently hit by a drone. Drone strikes have frequently hit Russian cities - including Moscow - in recent months. It is the first such incident in Voronezh, a city of about one million people. Belgorod region, which borders Voronezh region, has been heavily shelled this month, forcing thousands of people to flee the border towns. Russia and Ukraine have traded blame for the bursting of the Soviet-era Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, which sent waters cascading across the war zone of southern Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday. It forced thousands to flee their homes as water surged into the Dnipro River, flooding dozens of villages and parts of the regional capital Kherson. A total of 600 square kilometers of the Kherson region is underwater, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on social media. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday denounced the attack on the dam as a ''barbaric act that led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe." Currently, nearly 42,000 people are reportedly at risk of being affected by the flooding in Russian and Ukrainian-controlled areas along the Dnipro River. Ukraine also blamed Russia for the dam's destruction, describing it as the result of a "Russian act of terrorism." Russian authorities in Kherson on Friday reported eight deaths from the flood and said the water could keep rising for more than a week NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Goes On The Offensive, Trying To Turn The Tide Of Battle -- Once And For All By Mike Eckel June 09, 2023 Armed with Western tanks and trained by NATO troops, Ukrainian forces have kicked their offensive operations into high gear, attacking Russian units on at least three fronts as part of a multipronged assault that Kyiv hopes will turn the tide of the war more than 15 months after Russia's full-scale invasion. Intense fighting was reported over the past two days in the southern Zaporizhzhiya region, around the towns of Orikhiv and Tokmak, which sits astride two major highways leading south and southwest. Capturing Tokmak would open the door for Ukrainian troops to push into Melitopol, bringing them close to the occupied Crimean Peninsula, and Berdyansk, a major port on the Sea of Azov. Fighting was reported further east, around the village of Velyka Novosilka, close to the administrative border between the Zaporizhzhya and Donetsk regions, and near Vuhledar, which was the site of a catastrophic defeat for Russian forces in February. Major clashes were also reported around Bakhmut, a Donetsk region city that Russia captured last month after nearly 10 months of scorched-earth, urban combat that all but obliterated the city. Ukrainian officials have said little publicly about the beginnings of the push, though President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Ukraine's commander-in-chief, General Valeriy Zaluzhniy, have signaled the offensive was imminent. "Regarding Ukraine's defensive and offensive actions, of course they're under way," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskiy's presidential office, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service on June 9. "It's fair to say the offensive has begun," Mick Ryan, a retired Australian general who has written extensively about the war, told RFE/RL. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said fierce fighting was occurring at various locations in the Donetsk region, and that Ukrainian troops were on the offensive. In his nightly video address on June 8, Zelenskiy said there were "very difficult battles" going on in the Donetsk region. The increased tempo in combat in recent days has been closely documented by Russian military bloggers, some of whom have close ties to military units or security agencies, including claims that Ukrainian troops were suffering major losses of troops and equipment. Some of the claims included videos purporting to show at least two German-supplied Leopard tanks damaged or destroyed in a localized push by Ukrainian forces in southeast Zaporizhzhya. "We're seeing new NATO equipment like Leopard 2 tanks and AMX-10," a French armored vehicle, said Rob Lee, a former U.S. Marine who is now a military expert at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. That "indicates that at least some of Ukraine's new brigades have been committed and that the counteroffensive is under way." Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said as early as June 5 that new Ukrainian operations were under way, reporting a "large-scale offensive on five sectors of the front in the southern Donetsk area." Unnamed U.S. administration officials told The Washington Post that the Ukrainian effort got under way on June 5. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on June 8 that Russian forces had beaten back a Ukrainian attack near Novodaryivka, in the Zaporizhzhya region just west of the Donetsk region line and Velyka Novosilka, that involved one of several newly constituted, Western-trained units, the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Shoigu claimed up to 1,500 troops and 150 tanks and armored vehicles were involved in the fight, a claim that could not be corroborated. The ministry's claims of Ukrainian failure were echoed by other, widely read Telegram channels of pro-Russian military bloggers. "Despite the failure of the Ukrainian offensive, it is too early to relax: the enemy is just beginning to seriously attack in the Zaporizhzhya direction," Rybar, a channel reportedly affiliated with former Defense Ministry officials, said late on June 8. "In addition, a blow should be expected in other sectors of the front." Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in the part of Zaporzhzhya occupied by Russian forces, said Ukrainian troops went on the offensive near Malaya Tokmachka and Novodanilovka, reports that were partly corroborated by other sources. "There is a high-intensity battle going on right now. The enemy is firing continuously from artillery and tanks at our positions, trying to raze them to the ground," he said on Telegram on June 8. "I assume that the enemy will not stop the attacks that have been launched, will not change plans on the go, and we will have a long bloody battle," said Igor Girkin, a former Russian intelligence officer convicted for his role in the deadly downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014 over eastern Ukraine. "Depending on the success of the enemy, it can last from several days (4-5) to 2-3 weeks," he said on Telegram. "If the enemy manages to achieve at least minimally encouraging successes, he will beat and beat forward, in hopes of a breakthrough." A Shift In Tempo There had been a lull in fighting across much of the 1,000-kilometer front line after Ukraine's stunning counteroffensives last fall, in which its forces swept east to push Russian troops out of the Kharkiv region and parts of the Luhansk region. Kyiv also scored a notable success in pushing Russian troops from the western bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region, including the city of Kherson. Over the winter, Russia, bolstered by some of the nearly 300,000 troops ordered mobilized by Russian President Vladimir Putin, made smaller-scale pushes in Vuhledar. And Russian commanders ground down Ukrainian troops in Bakhmut, relying heavily on soldiers from the private mercenary company Wagner. For its part, Ukraine tried to absorb the blows, particularly in Bakhmut, while it also bolstered its arsenals with new Western-provided tanks, artillery, armored vehicles, and other equipment. Ukrainian commanders also turned to NATO members to train and reconstitute as many as 12 new brigades. That includes the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, which has been equipped with U.S.-supplied Bradley fighting vehicles. "Not all of Ukraine's new brigades have been committed," Lee told RFE/RL. "So, Ukraine may attempt to advance in other directions. I also think much of this depends on how much success Ukraine has in the current directions, which may lead Ukraine to commit reserves there or elsewhere." Outside observers, not to mention Russian intelligence, have been watching closely for signs where Ukraine might start its new push. Southern regions like Zaporizhzhya were considered likeliest, since the terrain is largely flat and open, and pushing south to the Sea of Azov would potentially allow Ukraine to cut the "land bridge" that allows Russia to supply occupied Crimea. However, Russia has spent months fortifying the terrain, digging trenches, laying minefields, installing anti-tank barriers, erecting other obstacles. "Really what we're seeing is the initial attacks, that the Ukrainians will be using to prod Russian reaction," Ryan said. "It's not just about finding weakness in the Russian lines. It's about prompting Russian reactions. When do they move their reserves? When they can be targeted? Where are their headquarters?" "Attacks are not just designed to attack Russian units, but to prod a reaction from high-level decision makers," he said. "The Ukrainians seem to be trying to fight their way through the Russian defenses. That's going to be hard and there will be many losses. The fact that there are losses does not mean that the Ukrainians are losing," Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps officer and senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told RFE/RL. Western officials have said nothing publicly. Asked on June 8 about the reports of the new offensive, a U.S. Defense Department spokesman said that "we're monitoring reports of increased fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces [along the front line].... But when it comes to characterizing the fighting, that's best left to the Ukrainians." But U.S. officials speaking anonymously have told Western media that the counteroffensive was fully under way. The launch of the counteroffensive has coincided with the catastrophic failure of the Dnieper River dam at Nova Kakhovka earlier this week. The Russian-controlled dam burst on June 6 -- Ukraine claims it was destroyed in an explosion caused by Russian forces -- flooding hundreds of square kilometers in the Kherson region. Some experts have speculated that the dam's destruction was intentional, to thwart a potential river crossing by Ukrainian troops. However, the floodwaters have also swamped many of the Russian trenches and other fortifications in the region, raising the question of why Russia would cause the breach intentionally. Moreover, once the floodwaters recede, it could be even easier for Ukrainian troops to stage crossings to the opposite riverbank. The new push is likely to be one of the most, if not the most, consequential actions of the invasion, demonstrating whether Ukraine can again surprise allies and outside observers, like it did with earlier successes such as in the early days after the invasion, when Ukraine thwarted the Russian effort to seize the capital, Kyiv. "The Ukrainians fought the Russians off of Kyiv, that's where the West saw the Ukrainians could fight," Ryan said. "No doubt that this (new effort) is also very important moment in the war." If Ukraine pulls off a major success, that will reassure Western allies, some of whom have grown impatient with the scope of equipment supplies and the continuing international instability stemming from the fight. If they don't, however, pressure on Kyiv to agree to negotiations with Moscow will grow. "As long as you're making less mistakes than your enemy, that's what matters," Ryan said. "The Ukrainians don't claim to be a perfect military, but they've made a lot less mistakes than their enemy has." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-offensive- russia-turn-tide/32452406.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 Political activist Peter Mphandlana Shongwe has revealed the number of times he has been arrested by the police. Shongwe, a senior member of the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), is popularly known as victim. He said he had already been incarcerated 35 times for political crimes. Speaking during the Commemoration of Human Rights Defenders in Eswatini, he said he had never been found guilty in all the charges. The event, organised by the Southern African Litigation Centre (SALC), was held at Hilton Hotel yesterday. During the event, the SALC honoured deceased political activists like Mario Masuku, Mandla Mkhwanazi, Thulani Rudolph Maseko, Advocate Rudolph Jenson and Leo Gama. The SALC is a non-profit organisation based in Johannesburg, South Africa, which supports human rights lawyers in Southern African countries with expert legal advice, technical support and funding. SALC was founded by Nicole Fritz and she served as director for 10 years. Shongwe took the participants down memory lane where he recalled how he was arrested by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) in more than 35 instances. He applauded the late attorney, Leo Gama, for representing in courts with aplomb and professionalism, showing vigour and determination in ensuring and upholding of his fundamental human rights. Lawyers I would like to applaud one of the greatest lawyers, Leo Gama. I never paid a cent to him. This time allows me to remember Leo Gamas good deeds towards the struggle. I have been in and out of prison for more than 35 times and as we are speaking now, I am currently out on bail, lamented the political activist. Shongwe revealed that he had been reporting every last Friday of the month. He challenged lawyers to represent clients charged with crimes smacking of political connotations. He made an example of the late Gama, who frequently visited his incarcerated clients. I am challenging lawyers to take up some of these cases in this country as we are released partially and actually we are still in jail, Shongwe said. He added: I understand how the lawyers are feeling towards the case of the commander (referring to self-styled commander of the underground forces, Thabo Kunene). I must say I know it is very challenging and difficult to represent the members of the mass democratic movement (MDM) in these trying times. Further, Shongwe said that he didnt remember a single day when he had to pay a fee to the late Gama, despite the fact that he represented him in almost all the charges preferred against him. I am not saying that we shouldnt pay lawyers,; they also need money, he said. Shongwe applauded organisations like SALC that had always been there for the struggle for liberation. He advised practising lawyers to join the call for political transformation in the country. He pitied the situation in which a person charged with a political crime would not be represented because lawyers were afraid. Ukraine Claims Audio Proves Russia Behind Destruction Of Dam By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 09, 2023 Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) says it intercepted telephone communications between Russian military personnel that "confirm" Russia's involvement in the destruction of the Kakhovka dam as Norway's seismological institute said it had detected a possible "explosion" around the time of the dam's breaching. The SBU released an audio recording on June 9 on its Telegram channel that it claims occurred between Russian military personnel acknowledging that the breach of the dam was the result of the actions of a "saboteur group" aiming to disrupt the Ukrainian military. The recording has yet to be independently verified. "It was not them [Ukrainians] who struck it. It was our saboteur group there. They wanted to scare [Ukrainians] with the dam. It didn't go as they planned; it turned out to be larger than they planned," a Russian military officer allegedly says on the call. Another person on the call seems surprised at the claim about Russian forces, who have occupied the dam since the early days of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The SBU did not give details on those who were on the call, nor did it give any more information on what was said or when. It has, however, opened a criminal investigation into war crimes and "ecocide" over the dam. "By blowing up the [Kakhovska] dam, the Russian Federation definitively proved that it is a threat to the entire civilized world," SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk was quoted as saying in the social media post. Russia has steadfastly rejected accusations it was behind the incident, and has repeatedly claimed Ukraine was at fault for destroying the dam and unleashing mass floods on the area that have forced thousands of people from their homes while creating a major environmental catastrophe. Moscow has yet to comment on the Ukrainian claim over the audio interception. Norway's seismological institute, however, said it had analyzed seismic signals from regional stations in connection with the collapse of the dam and found that "clear signals" of seismic activity that coincide with media reports of the dam's destruction. "The signals indicate that there was an explosion. The magnitude estimate is between 1 and 2," it said. The news surrounding the dam's breach comes amid reports of heavy fighting in eastern and southern Ukraine as analysts watch to see if Kyiv finally announces it has begun its long-awaited counteroffensive. Russian officials reported pitched battles in the Zaporizhzhya region, while Ukraine says it is making minor gains around the city of Bakhmut, which Russia claimed last month to have captured after a protracted battle that reportedly killed thousands. In the Bakhmut region, Colonel Serhiy Cherevatiy, spokesman for the Ukraine's eastern forces, said troops were moving forward, though he did not comment on whether the counteroffensive was officially under way. "We are taking advantage of the fact that the enemy is conducting rotational operations, and those new units that are entering, they do not fully know the area... Over the previous day, our units advanced up to 1,200 meters in some areas," Cherevatiy said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed the heroism of his armed forces. "For our soldiers, for all those who are in particularly tough battles these days. We see your heroism, and we are grateful to you for every minute of your life," Zelenskiy said in his evening address. Ukrainian officials have said their forces are ready for a counteroffensive to reclaim territory in the east and south, but that there would be no formal announcement when it begins. Zelenskiy made no direct reference to the counteroffensive, saying, "We focus our attention on all directions where our actions are needed and where the enemy may suffer certain defeats." Russian President Vladimir Putin said the counteroffensive had started but that the Ukrainian troops "did not achieve their goal in any area," adding that the still retain "offensive potential." Ukraine's General Staff said Russian troops were concentrating their main efforts on attempts to fully occupy the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. In its evening briefing on June 9, it said 27 combat clashes took place in the regions during the day. Overnight, at least one person was killed and three were wounded as Russia unleashed a fresh wave of drone and cruise missile strikes on military and civilian infrastructure targets across Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force said on June 9 that Russia launched 16 Iranian-made attack drones and six cruise missiles. The drones were launched from southern Russia while the missiles were fired from Tu-95 strategic bombers from the Caspian Sea region, the air force said, adding that Ukrainian air defenses shot down 10 drones and four cruise missiles, the air force said. The Zhytomyr region, west of the capital, Kyiv, was the most affected, emergency services and regional officials reported. One person was killed and three were wounded by falling debris in the city of Zviagel, Zhytomyr Governor Vitaliy Bunechko said. Across the region, four houses were destroyed by falling rocket fragments, and another 30 were damaged, the State Emergency Service said on Telegram. Meanwhile, the governor of Russia's Voronezh region, Aleksandr Gusev, said three people suffered shrapnel wounds when a drone crashed into a residential building in the city of Voronezh. He added that an emergency regime has been introduced in the city, while the Investigative Committee said it had opened a criminal case against "persons acting in the interests of the military-political leadership of Ukraine." Amid an increase in air attacks on Ukraine, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a new $2.1 billion security-assistance package for Ukraine on June 9 that includes "critical air defense and ammunition capabilities." The Defense Department said capabilities in the announcement include additional munitions for Patriot air-defense systems, HAWK air-defense systems and missiles, 105mm and 203mm artillery rounds, Puma unmanned aerial systems, laser-guided rocket-system munitions, and support for training and maintenanceactivities. "The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," it said. Hungary said on June 9 it had received 11 Ukrainian prisoners of war from Russia, an announcement that appeared to catch Ukrainian officials off-guard. The POWs were from the western part of Ukraine near the border with Hungary, Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen said in a post on his website. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said it welcomed the news but was not aware the release was happening and has asked Budapest to grant it immediate access to the group while stressing "the need to coordinate cooperation on such sensitive issues." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-targeted-russian-air- strikes/32451674.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 Life 'Broken' In Dozens Of Settlements Near Breached Ukrainian Dam, Zelenskiy Says By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 09, 2023 Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been struggling to get drinking water after major flooding in southern Ukraine following the destruction earlier this week of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, as rescuers continued efforts to bring as many people as possible to safety. "The evacuation is ongoing," Zelenskiy said on his Telegram channel on June 9. "Wherever we can get people out of the flood zone, we do so." "In more than 40 settlements, life is broken. For hundreds of thousands of people in many towns and villages, access to drinking water has been greatly hampered," Zelenskiy said, reiterating that Ukraine holds Russia responsible for the destruction of the dam. "We are establishing more details about the damage Russia has caused by this disaster. Russia must be held accountable for this deliberate crime against people, nature, and life itself," Zelenskiy said. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on June 9 that at least five people died and 13 are missing in the flooding that has extended to an area of some 600 square kilometers. Klymenko said that 34 settlements were flooded on the right bank of the Dnieper that is under Ukrainian control and 14 more were inundated on the left bank, which is under Russian occupation. As of June 9, 2,400 people had been rescued in Kherson, Klymenko said. In the neighboring Mykolayiv region, 23 settlements were flooded and over 800 people were evacuated, he said. Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-installed head of Kherson region, said eight people died and 5,800 were rescued on the Russian-occupied part of the region. "A total of 22,273 houses in 17 settlements were flooded in the region, Saldo wrote on Telegram, adding that the water may not subside for about 10 days. Earlier the Ukrainian governor of Kherson, Oleksandr Prokudin, said in a video message on June 9 that water levels are beginning to drop in the areas of the region that saw major flooding following the destruction of the dam. "We can already see that the water has receded by 20 centimeters overnight," Prokudin said. "In the morning, the water level in the region is 5.38 meters; in Kherson city, 5.35 meters," Prokudin said, adding that on the morning of June 9, a total of 3,624 houses in 32 settlements across the Kherson region were flooded. Prokudin added that 2,352 people had already been evacuated from the flooded areas, although the rescue teams' efforts to bring people to safety were hampered by constant Russian shelling from across the Dnieper. On June 8, Russian forces shelled the Kherson area shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited the southern region. An RFE/RL correspondent on the ground reported explosions Kherson's Korabel district as rescuers in rubber dinghies continued to evacuate people who had yet to leave the disaster area. Prokudin said Russians shelled Kherson's coastal areas and the center of the city of Kherson. The Red Cross warned that the flooding would have disastrous effect on efforts to locate land mines that had been planted in the region. Dislodged mines transported by the water could pose serious dangers both to the local people and the rescuers, the Red Cross warned. On the battlefield, Ukrainian defenders repelled more Russian assaults around the Bakhmut area in the eastern region of Donetsk over the past 24 hours, the General Staff of the Ukrainian military said in its morning report on June 9. Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and Maryinka saw 43 combat clashes, the military said, adding that Russian artillery indiscriminately pounded Maryinka. Zelenskiy said in his nightly address on June 8 that he was grateful to the Ukrainian fighters who achieved "results" on the battlefield after the military said the previous day that Ukrainian forces advanced more than one kilometer in Bakhmut after months of putting up a stark defensive. "Well done in Bakhmut. Step by step," he said. Zelenskiy referred to other areas where fighting is going on but provided no details. His statement came amid expectations of the start of a long-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive to retake regions occupied by Russia since the invasion that started in February last year. Early on June 9, the military said that in the Zaporizhzhya and Kherson areas Russian troops were on the defensive, amid reports on social media of a limited Ukrainian counterattack in the Orikhiv area of Zaporizhzhya. The Ukrainian military has not commented on the reports. With reporting by Aleksander Palikot in Kherson, AP, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kherson- flooding-rescue-efforts-water-receding/32451662.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 Putin: Ukrainian Counteroffensive Has Begun Sputnik News 20230609 Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that the much-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive has been launched. Putin has explained that Kiev's use of strategic reserves during recent attacks means it can be "stated with absolute certainty" that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has started. The Russian president also observed that, so far, Ukrainian forces have failed to achieve their objectives and that their plans have been thwarted by Russian troops while addressing reporters on Friday. He did warn, however, that despite all these setbacks suffered by the Ukrainian forces, the offensive potential of the troops loyal to the regime in Kiev has not yet been depleted. "As to whether the [counteroffensive has got] bogged down or not, it can be said that all counteroffensive attempts made so far have failed. But the offensive potential of the troops of the Kiev regime still remains," Putin said. This week, Ukrainian forces attempted to punch their way through Russian defenses near Donetsk and in the Zaporozhye region. The attacks have been repelled by Russian forces, with Kiev troops sustaining heavy casualties. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kremlin Says Aware of Reports on Drone Shot Down in Voronezh, Verification Underway Sputnik News 20230609 MOSCOW (Sputnik) -The Kremlin saw reports about the situation with a drone in the city of Voronezh, the special services are verifying the information, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. Earlier in the day, Voronezh Region Governor Alexander Gusev said that three people were injured as a drone fall on the street of the city. Photographs posted on social media show that a multi-storey building received minor damage as a result of the incident. "We know, we saw reports that it was shot down. And, in fact, an already shot down drone got there. Details are being specified, special services are working," Peskov told reporters, adding that Kiev continues attacks on residential facilities. Peskov added that Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Sochi, as well as meet with the heads of delegations of CIS and Eurasian Economic Union's (EEU), and plans to talk with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. "Putin is in Sochi today, and he will begin the public part of his working day with an informal conversation with Belarusian President Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko, which will take place at the Bocharov Ruchey [Putin's summer] residence," Kremlin spokesman told. The president will then travel to Sirius and together with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will meet the heads of foreign delegations who take part in meetings of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and the Council of CIS Heads of Government. "There will be a speech by both Putin and Mishustin, speeches by the heads of foreign delegations. Then Putin will hold a separate working meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan," Peskov said. Commenting on recent reports about Suadi-American tensions, Peskov stressed that Saudi Arabia is a sovereign state that can make decisions on its own economy and it does not need lectures from anyone, including the United States. The US news outlet reported on Thursday, citing leaked intelligence, that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman promised major economic implications for the United States last fall after Washington threatened to impose "consequences" on Riyadh for cutting oil production. "Saudi Arabia is a sovereign state, a responsible state, a very important player in the international energy markets. Of course, this sovereign state can quite sovereignly make decisions that relate to the economy itself. And it is unlikely that anyone, even the United States, can read lectures on what to do in this or that case," Peskov told reporters. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We see heroism of our soldiers and are grateful for every minute of their life, which is the life of Ukraine - address of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 9 June 2023 - 20:02 Dear Ukrainians, I wish you health! I just held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The situation on the front line is the main focus. Reports from commanders of task forces, the Commander-in-Chief, Defense Intelligence, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Strategic Industries, Ministry of Internal Affairs. We focus our attention on all directions where our actions are needed and where the enemy may suffer certain defeats. Our defensive actions, active actions, our gains on the front lines. We discussed in detail the supply and distribution of ammunition, the strengthening of our artillery, and anti-aircraft defense. I spoke today with the Prime Ministers of Japan and the Netherlands. I briefed them on our rescue operation in the southern regions, about our urgent needs. There is a willingness to help Ukraine, and I am grateful to the partners for this. There are decisions regarding humanitarian support packages. With the Prime Minister of Japan, we discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit and a conference in Japan on the reconstruction and transformation of our country after hostilities. We talked with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands about our further defense cooperation, coordinated our positions before the next Ramstein meeting. We are moving step by step in strengthening our air shield. We discussed the coalition of Patriot systems, the training of our pilots. Today, there is a very important decision of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands regarding the Scythian gold collection. The Ukrainian collection. The collection kept in our Crimea, but which cannot yet be returned to Crimea for an obvious reason: it cannot be given to the occupier, the robber. Of course, it will be in Crimea, when the Ukrainian flag will also be in Crimea. Actually, the highest court of the Netherlands confirmed this logic. And this is another proof that the Dutch people, the Dutch society and the state really know how to be leaders in defending the rule of law and the values of civilization. I thank everyone who fought for this decision, our team at the Ministry of Justice that worked for this result. We will protect justice step by step. Today, there is also a new security support package from the United States for over $2 billion. Missiles for Patriots and other air defense systems, strengthening our defenses on the ground, enhancing the strength of all our soldiers. Thank you, Mr. President Biden, thank you to both parties of Congress and to all Americans who want freedom to win as much as Ukrainians do. Of course, during the day I receive reports about the rescue operation in Kherson region and Mykolaiv region, about the state of the Kakhovka reservoir - in fact, its remains. An enormous amount of challenges. But we are working to overcome them at all possible levels. And the main thing is that now there is a public potential to do it. Caring for each other, working in unity, protecting people and life. These are our principles, the principles of struggling Ukraine. They, our principles, are now 100 percent effective. And I am sure: no matter how difficult it may be, we will overcome the consequences of this disaster and all Russian evil. I thank everyone in the world who is already helping and who is asking Ukraine how to help. I'm thankful to everyone who is already participating in the rescue operation, who is helping people as best they can. Help people, animals, all living things. I also thank all those who encourage international organizations, foreign leaders, and other states to see what happened and call things by their names. Russian terrorists must be held accountable for everything they have done. And separately - for our soldiers, for all those who are in particularly tough battles these days. We see your heroism, and we are grateful to you for every minute of your life - a life that is truly the life of Ukraine. Because Ukraine is as free as you, our soldiers, are strong. Ukraine is defended as much as you, our soldiers, are effective. Everyone who is fighting now is a fighting Ukraine. Thank you for this! Glory to all who fight and work for our country! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine had a phone call with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands President of Ukraine 9 June 2023 - 17:05 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte. The Head of State noted the final decision of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands on the transfer of museum exhibits from the exhibition "Crimea - a Golden Island in the Black Sea" ("Scythian Gold") to Ukraine. "The Netherlands has confirmed its leadership in the protection of international law," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted. The President informed Mark Rutte of the situation in the regions of Ukraine affected by the Russian act of terrorism at the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station. The Head of State expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid to eliminate the consequences of this man-made disaster. In particular, the Netherlands sent rescue boats, pumps, water filters, field hospitals and other equipment to Ukraine. In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the current situation on the frontline and Ukraine's current defense needs. The interlocutors discussed the continuation of security cooperation, in particular, the training of Ukrainian pilots and the strengthening of Ukraine's sky shield. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte coordinated their positions before the next meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the Ramstein format. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with the Prime Minister of Japan President of Ukraine 9 June 2023 - 11:29 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida. The Head of State thanked Fumio Kishida for Japan's support in organizing his recent visit to Hiroshima to participate in the G7 Summit. Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the Japanese presidency on the successful results of the G7 Summit, which, in particular, adopted important decisions on further consolidation of international support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. The President informed the Prime Minister of Japan about the consequences of Russia blowing up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant and his visit to the southern regions of Ukraine that ended up in the disaster zone. "The aggressor has caused a large-scale man-made, environmental and humanitarian catastrophe. This is a deliberate act of terrorism and another war crime of Russia," the Head of State emphasized. He also noted that the destruction of the hydroelectric power plant poses a threat to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia NPP due to the decrease in the water level in the Kakhovka reservoir. Fumio Kishida expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people over the disastrous consequences of the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. He said that the Japanese government is preparing a humanitarian aid package for Ukraine based on the list of priority needs submitted by the Ukrainian side. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Fumio Kishida about the situation on the frontline and Russia's further intensification of missile terror against Ukraine. He emphasized that the targets of Russian attacks are civilian infrastructure and peaceful cities. The interlocutors discussed further involvement of Japan's security support, in particular, practical cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining. The parties exchanged views on ways to implement the Ukrainian Peace Formula and prepare for the Global Peace Summit. "The latest crimes of the aggressor have confirmed that the Ukrainian Peace Formula is more relevant than ever. We must stop Russia's terror," the President emphasized. The two leaders also touched upon issues of bilateral cooperation and Ukraine's reconstruction. Fumio Kishida confirmed readiness to hold a conference on Ukraine's reconstruction in Japan early next year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'We stand by you' declares UN relief chief, outlining emergency plan for Ukraine dam disaster 9 June 2023 - Plans to help the people of Ukraine following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam are centred on saving people "right now", UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths told UN News in an interview on Friday. "We need to focus on an emergency response right now", he said, highlighting a three-step plan to provide humanitarian assistance to all Ukrainians impacted, who have faced more than one year of war following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. "We need to save people and get them to places where they are safe and can eat, and get safe drinking water." Latest situation report Four days since the destruction of the dam in southern Ukraine, flooding has started to recede, although the disaster is still causing displacement and rising humanitarian needs, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which Mr. Griffiths heads. In the Kherson region which is under Ukrainian control, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 320 people have been displaced over the past 24 hours, increasing the total number who had to leave their homes, to more than 2,500. Across the Ukrainian-controlled areas of Kherson, nearly 40 villages and towns have been severely affected by the flood, with more than 3,620 houses recorded as damaged to date OCHA said, in its latest situation report released late Friday afternoon. Three-phase response plan Highlighting the UN's three-phase response plan, The UN relief chief said emergency actions include getting people to safety, delivery life-saving supplies, and assessing the longer-term consequences. An appeal for emergency assistance is also in the works, he said. Responding to media reports referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's comments on the slow reaction by aid agencies, Mr. Griffiths said an immediate response had always been the priority. "I understand the President's frustration," he said. "What we focused on was trying to get the response moving as quickly as possible." Providing an update on recent efforts, he said two convoys departing on Thursday had reached 30,000 people in Kherson along with another delivery made on Friday, adding that "the engine is moving". Phase one priorities in the coming days will be to continue to both rescue people and deliver medical supplies and food aid, including via boats operated by the World Food Programme (WFP), he said. The next phase will aim at reaching those in need, including the 700,000 people who currently lack safe drinking water, and providing livelihood assistance. Examining the environmental and economic consequences will make up part of phase three, he said. This may be the most "awful shock" to the people of Ukraine and the global South, because it is bound to have an effect on food security as the "bread basket" of Ukraine is most certainly going to be affected, he warned. Reaching out to Russian authorities "We have been in touch with the Russian authorities in the last half hour," he said, noting that his Office is seeking permission to have safe access across lines. Turning to the ongoing mis- and disinformation campaign over responsibility and circumstances surrounding the dam disaster, he said "our obligation is to tell the truth about needs and to deliver on that." "Our message to the region is one of solidarity and sympathy," he said. "The idea that you would go through more than a year of war... and then suddenly to be woken up in the middle of the night by this blast and that torrent, which takes away any future that you might have known before...under these circumstances, the message from the world is very simple: we stand by you in this time of need." Crisis in Sudan Turning to the crisis in Sudan, where fierce fighting continues since rival military forces clashed in mid-April, Mr. Griffiths expressed hope that the latest imminent ceasefire, set to begin on Saturday, will work and "give us a window of opportunity". "We've agreed on cross-border operation from Chad into Western Darfur so that we can actually begin to see the level of needs," he said. "What is fundamentally important is the beginning of a process which brings an end to this war, which deals with the reasons it started, and which returns it to civilian rule and the proper embrace of its people by government," he said. "That's what all humanitarians want: to be driven out of business by the resolution of the conflict," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine flood disaster: needs grow as long-term impacts loom 9 June 2023 - The humanitarian situation following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine is still a "moving target", immediate needs are "huge", and concerns are rising for what the future holds, according to the UN's top official in the country, Denise Brown. Speaking to journalists from Bilozerka, a town on the Dnipro River about 20 kilometres west of Kherson and five kilometres from the frontline, Ms. Brown, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said that on Friday, the UN brought in a five-truck convoy to the affected areas, with desperately needed drinking water, food and equipment to help repair damaged homes. 'Distraught' population Ms. Brown has been visiting affected areas and said that people were completely taken by surprise by the flooding, which came in the middle of the night on Tuesday after the dam suffered a massive breach. Both Ukraine and Russia have blamed each other for its destruction. She stressed that people were "distraught" by the latest catastrophe to hit them, but remained resilient, even though they faced "daily shelling" - including just a day ago. Rising needs In many places, the waters haven't receded yet, which is why the impact remained hard to assess and satellite imagery was "critical", Ms. Brown said. The UN aid coordination office (OCHA) said on Thursday that flooding would still last "for at least a week". For the moment, an estimated 17,000 people were affected in the flooding zone according to Ms. Brown. UN refugee agency (UNHCR) spokesperson Shabia Mantoo, added that this number could rise to 40,000 as the situation evolved. 'Doing my darndest' Asked to comment on earlier criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the UN's relief effort, Ms. Brown said that the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) had been bringing in supplies "from day one" with commercial vehicles and that UNHCR and the UN migration agency (IOM) were also on the ground. "I have asked that question to the Ukrainian authorities, 'Did we get here on time?' And the answer was yes," she said. Ms. Brown explained that the current situation was very difficult and fast-moving, and that the fact that UN agencies brought in relief with commercial transporters may have made them less visible to the authorities. She also recalled her conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Thursday, focused on "what more we can do together". "I am doing my darndest to ensure that we do our job," she insisted. Call for access to Russian-occupied areas OCHA said on Thursday that the UN was "extremely concerned" about the plight of civilians in areas under Russian military control and that it had no access to those areas in the Kherson region. UN rights office (OHCHR) spokesperson Jeremy Laurence, told reporters on Friday that just like humanitarian actors, human rights monitors cannot enter the Russian-occupied territories, as Russia had denied the Office's repeated requests on the issue. He reiterated the urgent call for access, along with an appeal for an independent investigation into the exact circumstances of the Kakhovka dam destruction. Waterborne diseases on the rise Humanitarians insisted that stagnant water in the flooded was a "major" health concern, carrying risks of cholera and diarrhoea. UNHCR also pointed out that sewage, heavy oil and pesticides were mixing with the floodwaters and creating additional health hazards. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday about the impacts of the flooding on sanitation systems and public health services. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted that WHO is supporting the authorities to prevent waterborne diseases and to improve disease surveillance. WHO teams are on the ground, performing health needs assessments, and the agency's Ukraine office said that in the coming days, additional supplies to strengthen access to health services will be delivered. Landmines threat With landmines floating downstream with the floodwaters, Ms. Brown said that a UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) mine expert had been deployed to work with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to assess the risks and that a map had been produced of the most heavily mined areas. On Thursday, Ms. Brown discussed the situation with Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the Government's focal point on landmines. She said that the UN was asked to work closely with Ms. Svyrydenko to communicate the risks from unexploded ordnance in the floodwaters to the population and specifically involve UNICEF in spreading the word in schools. Fresh concerns for the future While the immediate impact of the dam's destruction is staggering, Ms. Brown expressed her concerns about "what the future holds", amid the destruction of homes, farmland and livestock, the dramatic impact on water and energy supplies and the serious risk of environmental contamination. To plan for the long-term effects of the disaster, the veteran aid official said that on Thursday, the UN team met with representatives of the Ukrainian Government, the European Union and the Kyiv School of Economics to look at the available satellite imagery and continue the needs assessment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latest in Ukraine: Fighting Flares Between Ukrainian, Russian Forces By VOA News June 09, 2023 Latest developments: Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would deploy some of its tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus next month. Putin said during Friday's meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that the facilities for the nuclear weapons would be completed by July 7-8, and that the weapons would be moved to Belarus quickly after that. The International Court of Justice has accepted requests from 32 countries to back Ukraine in a genocide case against Russia, the United Nations' highest court said Friday. It's the largest number of countries to join another nation's complaint at the world court based in The Hague, Netherlands. Ancient Crimean gold artifacts that were on display abroad will be returned to Ukraine and not to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled Friday. Intense fighting was being reported on Ukraine's front lines Friday, but independent media weren't able to assess whether this was the beginning of the much-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive or whether Ukraine was penetrating Russian defenses. In his nightly video address, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had discussed tactics and achievements with military leadership, but he did not go into details. "For our soldiers, for all those who at this time are engaged in particularly heavy combat: We see your heroism, and we are grateful for every moment of your lives. Ukraine is as free as you are strong," he said. Moscow and pro-war Russian bloggers reported intense battles on the Zaporizhzhia front near the city of Orikhiv, around the midpoint of the land bridge linking Russia to the Crimean Peninsula. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed certainty that "this offensive has begun," and added that "Ukrainian troops did not achieve their goals in any sector." "The initial counteroffensive operations may be the most difficult and slowest, as they involve penetrating prepared defensive positions," the Institute for the Study of War noted in its latest assessment. "Initial setbacks are to be expected. This phase may also see the highest Ukrainian losses." Both sides have had ample time to prepare for this moment. Ukrainian forces are armed with Western artillery, tanks and training. But Russia's military has entrenched its positions and has brought in additional forces, Axios reported. New US aid for Ukraine Earlier Friday, the Pentagon announced a new $2.1 billion assistance package for Ukraine that it said includes critical air defense and ammunition capabilities. The package includes HAWK air defense systems and missiles, 105 mm and 203 mm artillery rounds, Puma unmanned aerial systems, laser-guided rocket system munitions, and support for training and maintenance, the Defense Department said in a statement. According to the department, since the beginning of the Russian offensive, the U.S. has committed more than $40.4 billion is security assistance to Ukraine. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration and Congress have provided more than $75 billion in humanitarian, financial and military support to Ukraine. This is the first time a European country has held the top spot in U.S. foreign aid since the Truman administration's Marshall Plan after World War II, the Council on Foreign Relations said. Kakhovka dam explosion Clear signals of an explosion occurred at the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine early Tuesday morning, Norwegian seismic research foundation Norsar said Friday. Earlier in the day, a U.S. official told The New York Times that American spy satellites equipped with infrared sensors detected an explosion at the Kakhovka dam just before it collapsed, unleashing a torrent of floodwater into surrounding areas this week. The official said that satellites had detected a heat signature consistent with a major explosion, the official told the newspaper. The AP flew a drone over the dam Wednesday and reported that there were no signs of an attack from above and "no scorch marks or shrapnel scars" visible on buildings above the flooding that would be "typical of a bombardment," which Russia accuses Ukraine of having carried out. Russians and Ukrainians have traded blame for the destruction of the vast Soviet-era dam, which is under Russian control. Officials said more than 6,000 people had been evacuated from dozens of inundated cities, towns and villages on both sides of the Dnipro River. But the true scale of the disaster remains unclear for a region that was once home to tens of thousands of people. At least 14 people have died in the flooding, many are homeless and tens of thousands are without drinking water. Iranian drones The White House said Friday that Russia seemed to be deepening its defense partnership with Iran and that it had received hundreds of one-way attack drones it's been using to hit Ukraine. Citing newly declassified information, the White House said the drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), were built in Iran, shipped across the Caspian Sea and then used by Russian forces against Ukraine. "We have information that Russia is receiving materials from Iran needed to build a UAV manufacturing plant inside Russia," said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby in a statement sent to VOA Thursday. "This plant could be fully operational early next year." The White House released satellite imagery of the planned location of the UAV manufacturing plant in Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Crimean treasures Ancient Crimean gold artifacts that were on display abroad will be returned to Ukraine and not to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled Friday, ending a long, bitter tussle over the treasures. More than a thousand ancient objects, including a solid gold Scythian helmet and a golden neck ornament, were on loan to Amsterdam's Allard Pierson Museum when Moscow occupied the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. "This decision ends this dispute. The Allard Pierson Museum must return these artistic treasures to the state of Ukraine and not to the museums in Crimea," Friday's ruling said, upholding the decision of a lower court in 2021. In a tweet, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the planned return of the "Scythian gold" and called the ruling an example of Dutch "leadership in the protection of international law." 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 MBABANE Government propaganda or genuine threat on the life of Thabo Kunene? This is the question social media users have been asking after a statement was posted by the Government, through the Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo that there was a plot to harm self-confessed commander of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF). The statement was titled Threats on suspect Thabo Kunenes life. Kunene was arrested a week ago by a contingent of police officers. Arrested He has since appeared before the High Court and charged under the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008, attempted murder and murder. He was arrested alongside Sibusiso Nkomonye, who was also slapped with several counts. Kunene is a former police officer whom some of the police officers who did not want to speak on record said he was one of the best trackers of criminals and managed to get many wanted robbers behind bars. He took deferred retirement from the service and left before he turned the age of 60 after working for over 32 years as a police officer, holding the rank of sergeant. Yesterday, the government spokesperson issued a statement that they had a credible intelligence report that there was a plan to harm Kunene. Enforcement He said this was an aim to manipulate the information which Kunene was divulging to the agencies of law enforcement under the interrogation. The government further urged the public to report any suspicious persons to the nearest police station. In the statement, it was mentioned that this was being done as a deliberate strategy of diversion and to create a conundrum for government as the plotters attempt to push back on any possibility of linking them to certain criminal and murder cases which the suspect has been charged with. Government wishes to inform the nation that all is being done by national security services to ensure that the suspect, Thabo Kunene, is provided with maximum protection as he and his accomplice await trial, the press release stated. It stated that the suspect was divulging information to law enforcement agencies under interrogations. The government warned that all those who were or may be involved in this diabolical plan to harm the suspect while in the custody of government should desist from it right away, for the law shall take its full course. Confusion The statement further stated that the nation and all emaSwati to be on the lookout for people whose intentions were to cause chaos and confusion in the country and blame others for their respective criminal activities. However, despite the warning, social media is ablaze with the allegation that it was not true that anyone wanted to kill Kunene. Instead, the netizens alleged that the government was the same that wanted to kill Kunene and then blame the public for it. They alleged that it would not make sense for the government to issue the warning instead of just ensuring that security was intact to prevent anyone from getting into the secure place and harm him. Some of the Facebookers wondered how Kunene would be harmed if security personnel were guarding him 24 hours. Secret This publication has gathered that the security is so tight at the facility such that the security personnel are keeping the location of Kunene a highly guarded secret and many police officers are not aware where he is being kept. It has not been mentioned which facility he has been kept. During this week, the Times of Eswatini reported that even relatives who wanted to see Kunene were not being allowed to do so. Some of the relatives are said to have wanted to visit him behind bars and also provide some new clothes, but it was gathered that they were not allowed to do so. The relatives are said to have been barred from seeing him with some stating that they had not seen him for several months. Last Friday, the National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police William Dlamini revealed that Kunene had been arrested. This was after 24 hours of speculation when the news broke out on Swaziland News that he had been detained at a home in Eswatini. It was reported that he was detained at a home belonging to Dr Mkhulu, who is said to own a security company in that country. Charges He appeared at the High Court on the following day where he was informed of his charges. Meanwhile, there had been concerns from the members of the public on the manner in which he was arrested. Though the police have it on record that he was arrested when he entered the country illegally, social media has been abuzz that he was allegedly forcefully taken into Eswatini from the South African side. The NATCOM has disputed this version, adding that the police who arrested him were on patrol after being informed that certain people were about to enter the country illegally. He said it was after they had entered the country that they were arrested. Damage Assessment of Ukraine Dam Disaster Underway By Lisa Schlein June 09, 2023 From up close, the catastrophic destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine appears worse than how it's depicted in news reports and far off satellite imagery, according to U.N. officials who assessed conditions in the area on Friday. "We have been visiting this morning with the authorities the communities, the small villages along the river that have been completely submerged by the flooding," said Denise Brown, one of several U.N. officials who addressed journalists via satellite from the town of Bilozerka, on the west bank of Dnipro River. "The status situation is dramatic," said Brown, humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine for the U.N. office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs, OCHA. "This is a town that is five kilometers from the front line," Brown said. "Daily shelling, including yesterday, and now because of the destruction of the bridge, which is a result of the war, and now this flooding, which came in the middle of the night. It came very fast, very quickly and people were totally taken by surprise. "We visited a few homes this morning with people who are, as you can imagine, totally distraught by this latest catastrophe to hit them," she said. "But I must say, as always, they are incredibly resilient and vowing to stay in their homes." Ukrainian authorities report at least 80 towns and villages in the Kherson region are fully or partially flooded, as well as thousands of hectares of agricultural land, with some 17,000 people in government-controlled areas affected by the flooding. Shabia Mantoo, spokeswoman for the U.N. refugee agency, said, "Many thousands more in the areas under the temporary military control of the Russian Federation, to [which] humanitarian organizations currently have no access, have also been affected." The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reports that it has repeatedly asked the Russian Federation for access to the territories it occupies. "The Russian Federation has denied us this access," said Jeremy Laurence, spokesman for the OHCHR. "Not only OHCHR monitors, but humanitarian actors cannot get into the occupied territories." He added, "We reiterate the broader U.N. call to the Russian Federation to grant access to the occupied territories, to assist clinicians who have suffered from the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the destruction of the Khakhova dam." Humanitarian agencies report that Ukrainian authorities, the International Red Cross, as well as U.N., and non-governmental organizations reacted quickly after the dam broke on June 6 by bringing in relief supplies and aiding victims caught in the disaster. Mantoo said the UNHCR was participating in an inter-agency convoy of five trucks that will be delivering essential relief supplies Friday and Saturday to the worst affected areas of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. "With interagency partner agencies, we are also currently carrying out damage assessments to understand the scale of the impact of the flooding," she said. After humanitarian agencies get on top of the short-term risks, they will have to concentrate on dealing with the more complex long-term risks threatening the local communities. OCHA coordinator Brown cited the dangers posed by unexploded landmines in the heavily infested Kherson region as a major long-term problem. She said a U.N. mine expert was working with the U.N. system to produce a map of areas where mines were likely to be located and to communicate the threats posed by those weapons to the population, especially to children, who are most at risk of being killed and maimed. "Mines may have moved and so when the flood waters recede, there may be mines where there were not mines before, which means there are not any markings. And this is a significant risk," she said. Laurence agreed noting that "the whole flood zone is a mine-contaminated area." However, he added that circumstances regarding the destruction of the dam remained unclear. Therefore, he said that it was "premature to examine the question whether a war crime may have been committed" by Russia in its attacks on the dam and its ongoing shelling of people trying to recover from the disaster. "We reiterate our call for an independent, impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fattah Hypersonic MRBM Iranian state media published pictures of the missile named Fattah at a ceremony attended by President Ebrahim Raisi and commanders of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps. "The precision-guided Fattah hypersonic missile has a range of 1,400 km and it is capable of penetrating all defence shields," Amirali Hajizadeh, the head of the Guards' aerospace force, was quoted as saying by Iranian state media. Western military analysts say Iran sometimes exaggerates its missile capabilities. There is some gap between an inert trade-show display model of a rocket and an actual workable weapon system deployed in operational numbers. Presumably as of 2023 the "Fattah" was rather closer to the former than the later. This missile design purports to have some ability to maneuver after boost (aerodynamically and by propulsive force), although commonly labeled ballistic missiles (i.e., medium-range ballistic missiles [MRBMs] or intermediate-range ballistic missiles [IRBMs]). Maneuvering systems operate in ways that may deviate significantly from ballistic trajectories. Of the nonballistic systems, post-boost aerodynamic and propulsive maneuvering capabilities may simply allow it to more precisely strike a target on a predictable parabolic ballistic trajectory. Missile systems with payloads in this category combine the impulsive propulsion techniques with an aerodynamically maneuverable payload. Given the variety and inherent overlap of the maneuvering capabilities, conclusively identifying and characterizing missile systems with such payloads may be challenging. However, the purported capabilities of several missile threats indicate that such booster-delivered missile systems are both active and operational in other countries. Examples, those shown on parade include the Chinese medium-range DF-21D carrier killer anti-ship ballistic missile, operationally deployed with Chinese missile forces by 2012, and the intermediate-range DF-26, which has both precision land attack and anti-ship payloads. The growing number of ballistic missile systems that reportedly have precision strike missions implies an ability to maneuver both with propulsive force and aerodynamically after boost to, at a minimum, ensure correction of any errors introduced during the boost phase of flight. As the ranges of precision strike ballistic missiles increase, so do the demands on payload maneuverability, particularly for systems intended to strike moving targets, such as naval vessels. The ability of MaRV-equipped MRBM and IRBM systems like those now fielded by China, for example to strike ships at sea likely requires propulsive trajectory adjustments while outside the atmosphere to account for the motion of the ship. Then MaRV aerodynamic maneuvers are required on reentry to guide the warhead the rest of the way to the target. The use of a post-boost impulsive propulsion capability in the form of a small kick motor on the payload, for example, would enable potentially significant trajectory changes. The kick motor burn could occur in any direction at any time after the boost phase of flight, enabling a missile to fly a wide range of nonballistic trajectories to static or moving targets. IRGC aerospace chief Amir Ali Hajizadeh announced news of the development of the hypersonic missile in November 2022 at an event marking the anniversary of the death of Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, known as the father of Iranian missile technology. Moghaddam died after an explosion at a missile base in 2011, which also killed more than a dozen other IRGC members. The explosion was reported as an accident, but some Western media reported that Israel was behind it. In November 2022, Hajizadeh said the new missile represents a generational leap for Iranian missile technology as it can manoeuvre within and outside the earths atmosphere and penetrate any missile defence system. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has chosen the name, they said, which roughly translates to the opener (of the gates of profit and sustenance: an attribute of God). Occupational noun, referring to people employed in doing something, derives from the root (f-t-?), associated with (fata?a, to conquer). One of the most beautiful names of God, meaning He who opens closed doors for His servants with regard to sustenance, goodness, mercy and truth. "He is God the Conqueror : One of the beautiful names of God, as He is the one who opens the doors of sustenance and mercy to His servants, and He is the Ruler." As in "The army conquered new countries: entered them, conquered them , that is, conquered them and ruled them by force." The name of a surah from the surahs of the Holy Quran, which is the first surah in the order of the Quran, Meccan, the number of its verses is seven. Fatah is the Arabic reverse acronym for the National Liberation Movement, a secular nationalist organisation established by Yasser Arafat and fellow activists. Under Yasser Arafat, and after the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Fatah became the dominant party in the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). State TV said Iran's Fattah missile can target "the enemy's advanced anti-missile systems and is a big generational leap in the field of missiles". Iran's state TV said "It can bypass the most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems of the United States and the Zionist regime, including Israel's Iron Dome". Fattah's top speed reached mach 14 levels (15,000km/h), it added. State media said the missile has a range of 1,400km (870 miles) and features a moveable secondary nozzle and employs solid propellants that allow for high manoeuvrability. This missile with tactical capabilities, due to having a second-stage movable nozzle solid fuel propellant, has the ability to reach very high speeds and also perform various maneuvers inside and outside the earth's atmosphere in order to overcome all types of enemy air defense systems. Despite U.S. and European opposition, the Islamic Republic said it will further develop its defensive missile programme. However, Following Tehran's unveiling of the "Fattah" hypersonic missile, foreign media began to reflect this news and provide explanations about the details of this missile. In a news report reflecting the unveiling ceremony of this missile and also the statements of IRGC Aerospace Force officials, Reuters wrote: Concerns about Iran's ballistic missiles , fueled the 2018 decision of Donald Trump, the president of the United States, to withdraw from the Tehran nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA. Reflecting on the unveiling of the Fattah missile, the Jerusalem Post published a quote from Sardar Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, and wrote that "the Fattah hypersonic missile can reach Israel within 400 seconds." Yavas News also reported on Iran's unveiling of Tehran's new generation missile. He wrote: hypersonic missiles are capable of flying at least five times faster than the speed of sound and in a winding path; A capability that makes it difficult to track it. Al-Arabiya covered this missile with the headline "Iran's unveiling of the first hypersonic missile known as Fatah" and wrote: The official publication of this news will probably intensify the West's concern about Tehran's missile capabilities. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force's hypersonic missile named "Fattah" was unveiled in the presence of Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President, Major General Hossein Salami, IRGC Commander-in-Chief, and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, IRGC Aerospace Force Commander, at the headquarters of this force. With the unveiling of this missile, Iran became one of the four countries with this technology. Due to its technology, the Fattah missile has no anti-missile and cannot be destroyed by any missile due to its movement in different directions and heights. The speed of the Fattah missile is Mach 13, the range of this missile is 1400 km, which is Hit the target area accurately. In the unveiling ceremony of Fattah hypersonic missile, President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi stated that the Fattah missile was built in the light of faith in God and collective efforts and is one of the components of authority. It does the work of basic science. He added: In the imposed war, the situation was such that the leadership said, "They were raining missiles on Tehran, Dezful and Iranian cities, and we had no defense power, and we thought that we should move on our own and become independent in defense, military and Let's go with a rocket" and today we feel that this deterrent power has been created. Raisi said that the Commander-in-Chief believed in this lofty idea that "we should empower ourselves" and continued: The way was to move towards becoming independent in the defense and missile industries. Emphasizing that defense and missile industries have become indigenous in Iran and are not imports that can be pushed to the sidelines by threatening this advanced industry, Raisi said: Today we feel that this deterrent power has been created and this power and strength is a point of security for the countries of the region. And peace is lasting. Sardar Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of IRGC Aerospace Forces, emphasized that the missile activities were supported and approved by the Supreme Commander from the beginning, and said: When we presented the report of the construction of this missile to him, His Highness gave the name of Fatah to this missile. chose; The IRGC's cooperation with the government has never been as good as the current government's, so we are extremely grateful for the cooperation of the Ministry of Defense. Sardar Hajizadeh said during the unveiling ceremony of the Fattah hypersonic missile: The missile that was unveiled today is a missile that is unique in the world, in a way that with the unveiling of this missile, Iran is among the four countries that have this missile. became technology; Due to its technology, the Fatah missile has no anti-missile, while there are anti-missiles for other weapons such as tanks, ships, airplanes, etc., and anti-missiles have even been made for other missiles. He added: Of course, there is no such thing as a missile shield that is very successful; On the other hand, in order to hit one missile, three missiles must be fired, and this is despite the fact that the price of an anti-missile is approximately 20 times that of the target missile. It cannot be destroyed because the anti-missile missiles move according to a specific vector, which, of course, has a low speed. Stating that the speed of the Fattah missile is Mach 13, he continued: It will be impossible to counter a missile with such a speed. The range of this missile is determined to be 1400 km, which accurately hits the target; Our activities in this field do not end with the construction of this missile because we will continue this path so that no enemy even imagines attacking Iran. He pointed out: This new missile will pass through all missile defense systems and I don't think that technology will be found to be able to deal with it for decades. This missile targets the enemy's anti-missile systems and is a big generational leap in the field of missiles. This missile with tactical capabilities, due to having a second-stage movable nozzle solid fuel propellant, has the ability to reach very high speeds and also perform various maneuvers inside and outside the earth's atmosphere in order to overcome all types of enemy air defense systems. Emphasizing that missile activities have been supported and approved by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief since the beginning, he said: When we submitted the report on the construction of this missile to him, His Highness chose the name Fatah for this missile. The IRGC's cooperation with the government has never been as good as the current government's, so we are extremely grateful for the cooperation of the Ministry of Defense. Hypersonic missiles can fly at least five times faster than the speed of sound and on a complex trajectory, which makes them difficult to intercept. In 2022, the Islamic Republic said it had built a hypersonic ballistic missile which can manoeuvre in and out of the atmosphere. Sardar Hajizadeh, the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' Aerospace Force, earlier said: Iranian hypersonic missiles will close the US arms shop. Hypersonic missiles can carry nuclear weapons in a complex trajectory at more than five times the speed of sound, making them difficult to intercept. A supersonic intercontinental ballistic missile (also known as an ICBM) is a ballistic missile with a range of over 5,500 km (3,400 mi), designed primarily to carry special weapons (deliver one or more thermonuclear warheads). Conventional, chemical and biological weapons can also be delivered with varying effectiveness, but so far have never been deployed on ICBMs. Early intercontinental ballistic missiles had limited accuracy and were suitable for use against larger targets such as cities. Second and third generation designs (such as the LGM-118 Peacekeeper) dramatically improved accuracy to the point where even the smallest point targets could be successfully engaged. Modern designs allow a missile to carry multiple warheads, each capable of hitting a different target. Russia, USA, China, India, North Korea and Iran are the only countries with operational supersonic intercontinental ballistic missiles. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gold Bull Resources Corp. (TSX-V: GBRC) (Gold Bull or the Company) is pleased to announce, in connection with its news release dated April 25, 2023, it has filed a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA or Scoping Study) for the Sandman Project (Sandman or the Project) located in Humboldt County, Nevada, USA. The PEA dated June 9, 2023 was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and is available on www.sedar.com and on the Companys website, www.goldbull.ca. The previous Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) was not modified as part of this Scoping Study. The focus of the study was to conduct a preliminary economic assessment of the known gold resources located above the water table. The news release dated April 25, 2023 summarizes results from the Scoping Study and the Company is pleased to report that there were no material differences between the news release and the PEA. ABOUT SANDMAN In December 2020, Gold Bull purchased the Sandman Project from Newmont. Gold mineralization was first discovered at Sandman in 1987 by Kennecott and the project has been intermittently explored since then. There are four known pit constrained gold resources located within the Sandman Project, consisting of 21.8Mt at 0.7g/t gold for 494,000 ounces of gold; comprising of an Indicated Resource of 18,550kt at 0.73g/t gold for 433kozs of gold plus an Inferred Resource of 3,246kt at 0.58g/t gold for 61kozs of gold. Several of the resources remain open in multiple directions and the bulk of the historical drilling has been conducted to a depth of less than 100m. Sandman is conveniently located circa 25-30 km northwest of the mining town of Winnemucca, Nevada. QUALIFIED PERSON The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jerod Eastman, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Eastman is a Registered Member (#00885850) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Inc. and is completely independent of Gold Bull Resources Corp. The information in this news release that relates to mining and cost estimation is based on, and fairly reflects, information compiled by Mr. Eastman. ABOUT GOLD BULL RESOURCES CORP. Gold Bulls mission is to grow into a US focused mid-tier gold development Company via rapidly discovering and acquiring additional ounces. The Companys exploration hub is based in Nevada, USA, a top-tier mineral district that contains significant historical production, existing mining infrastructure and an established mining culture. Gold Bull is led by a Board and Management team with a track record of exploration and acquisition success. Gold Bull is driven by its core values and purpose which includes a commitment to safety, communication & transparency, environmental responsibility, community, and integrity. Cherie Leeden President and CEO, Gold Bull Resources Corp. For further information regarding Gold Bull Resources Corp., please visit our website at www.goldbull.ca or email admin@goldbull.ca or phone 778.401.8545 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential, indicates, opportunity, possible and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. Although Gold Bull believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Companys ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its planned activities at the Sandman Project; the timing and costs of future activities on the Companys properties; maintaining its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing, to explore and develop its projects, to repay its debt and for general working capital purposes; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations, future prices of copper and other metals, changes in general economic conditions, accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates, the potential for new discoveries, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Companys plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Companys operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Three Sixty Solar Ltd. (the Company) (VSOL: NEO) is pleased to announce it has closed an initial tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement, issuing 1,669,900 units of the Company ("Units") at a price of $0.60 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,001,940.00 (the "LIFE Offering"). The Company has also closed an initial tranche of a concurrent non-brokered private placement, previously announced in its news released dated May 19, 2023 (the Concurrent Offering, and together with the LIFE Offering, the Offering), issuing 45,653 Units at a price of $0.60 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $27,391.80. Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share at a price of $0.75 per Share for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering. In connection with the closing of the initial tranche of the Offering, the Company paid an aggregate cash commission of $22,667.40 and issued 37,450 non-transferable broker warrants (the Broker Warrants) to certain finders. Each Broker Warrant is exercisable for one Share at the exercise price of $0.60 for a period of five years from date of issue, and is subject to a statutory hold period until October 10, 2023. The Company intends to use the proceeds raised from the Offering for the procurement of sale of first commercial tower, vertical solar tower IP registration, research and development on second generation tower, business development and marketing, and general corporate purposes. Units sold under the LIFE Offering are being issued pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions and therefore the securities issued in the LIFE Offering will not be subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. Units sold under the Concurrent Offering are being issued pursuant to Section 3 of BC Instrument 72-503 and, along with the Broker Warrants, are subject to a statutory hold period until October 10, 2023. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Three Sixty Solar Ltd. Three Sixty Solar Ltd. is an all-Canadian enterprise which focuses on solar equipment supply to the global market. The companys premier product line is the patent pending SVS series commercial solar tower. According to Statistics MRC, the solar farm sector is set to grow to around $296 billion by 2028. Three Sixty Solars unique tower concept is a high density, clean energy solution that uses up to 90% less land space than conventional solar farms and can co-locate adjacent to homes, retail, agriculture, and industry, thus minimizing line loss and maximizing energy delivery in places where renewables have been difficult to install until now. In multi-tower applications, developers can utilize the spaces between towers to better leverage land assets through additional revenue generating activities. Designed to withstand major instances of extreme weather, Three Sixty Solar offers a clean energy solution with minimal environmental and habitat impact. Sign up to stay informed with news alerts from Three Sixty. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Three Sixty Solar Ltd. Brian Roth Brian Roth Chief Executive Officer and Director Forward-Looking Information Disclaimer Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, forward-looking statements), including those identified by the expressions anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, should and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This news release contains forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Any statements about Three Sixtys business plans and use of proceeds, the Companys ability to receive necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals in connection therewith and the terms associated therewith. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve its goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, changes in legislation and regulations, increase in operating costs, equipment failures, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, litigation, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants and fees charged by service providers. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the listing of the common shares of the Company upon completion of the Offering will occur. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements. Neither the NEO Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the NEO Exchange Canada) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. CONTACT INFORMATION Three Sixty Solar Ltd. Investor Relations Email: investors@threesixtysolar.com Telephone: +1 (778) 383-6743 Sales & Inquiries Email: info@threesixtysolar.com Telephone: +1 (877) 684-1972 VANCOUVER, British Columbia and ALISO VIEJO, Calif., June 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PowerTap Hydrogen Capital Corp. (NEO: MOVE) (OTC: MOTNF) (the Company) announces the results of the Annual General Meeting held on June 8, 2023 (the Meeting). The Company is pleased to announce that all matters submitted to shareholders for approval as set forth in the Companys Notice of Meeting and Information Circular, both dated April 25, 2023, were approved at the Meeting. There were 15 shareholders represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting, holding 2,855,601 common shares, representing 0.61% of the Companys total issued and outstanding common shares as of the record date for the Meeting. The voting results for each matter presented at the Meeting are set out below: Number of Directors The resolution to set the number of directors of the Company at four (4) was approved by votes cast by the shareholders who voted in respect of the resolution present or represented by proxy at the Meeting. Voting results are set out below: Votes For Votes Against 2,768,628 96.95 % 86,973 3.05 % Election of Directors Each of the nominees for election as a director listed in the Companys Information Circular dated April 25, 2023, were elected as directors of the Company for the ensuing year until their successors were elected or appointed. Voting results are set out below: Votes For Votes Against # % # % John Martin 2,726,868 95.49 128,733 4.51 Raghunath (Raghu) Kilambi 2,718,774 95.21 136,827 4.79 John Zorbas 2,725,018 95.43 130,583 4.57 Byron Berry 2,736,873 95.84 118,728 4.16 Appointment of Auditors The resolution to re-appointed Smythe LLP (Smythe) as Auditors of the Company for the ensuing year, with their remuneration to be fixed by the board of directors was varied, as the Company received a notice of resignation from Smythe after the publication of the Information Circular on SEDAR. At the Meeting, the board varied the resolution so that Shim & Associates LLP (Shim) would be appointed as Auditors of the Company for the ensuing year, with their remuneration to be fixed by the board of directors. Voting results are set out below: Votes For Votes Against 2,819,904 98.75 % 35,697 1.25 % Approval of Other Matters The resolution to transact such other business that may be brought properly before the Meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting. Voting results are set out below: Votes For Votes Against 2,732,513 95.69 % 132,088 4.31 % Change of Auditor There were no reservations in Smythes audit reports for any financial period during which the Smythe was the Companys auditor. There are no reportable events (as the term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations) between the Company and Smythe. The Company is concurrently attending to the filing of the Notice of Change of Auditor package on SEDAR as required by National Instrument 51-102 with regards to the appointment of Shim as the successor auditor. ABOUT POWERTAP HYDROGEN CAPITAL CORP. PowerTap Hydrogen Capital Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary, PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp. (PowerTap), is focused on installing hydrogen production and dispensing fueling infrastructure in the United States. PowerTaps patented solution has been developed over 20 years. PowerTap is now commercializing its third-generation blue hydrogen product that will focus on the refueling needs of the automotive and long-haul trucking markets that lack hydrogen fueling infrastructure. www.PowerTapcapital.com www.PowerTapfuels.com PowerTap Hydrogen common shares are listed on the NEO Exchange. Please visit the company's profile on the NEO Exchange website at https://www.neo.inc/en/live/security-activity/MOVE#!/market-depth PowerTap Contact: Raghu Kilambi raghu@hydrogenfueling.co +1 (604) 687-2038 NEITHER THE NEO EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Notice Regarding Forward Looking Information: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of PowerTap. Some assumptions include, without limitation, the development of hydrogen powered vehicles by vehicle makers, the adoption of hydrogen powered vehicles by the market, legislation and regulations favoring the use of hydrogen as an alternative energy source, the qualification for carbon credits (including the availability of credits, benefits, emission reductions, offsets and allowances, howsoever entitled, attributable to the production, combustion or other use of biogas), the availability of sufficient RNG feedstock the Companys ability to build out its planned hydrogen fueling station network, and the Companys ability to raise sufficient funds to fund its business plan. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. This press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to, among other things, the timing and ability of the Company to complete any potential investments or acquisitions, if at all, and the timing thereof. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and, in some instances, to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking information contained in this press release. Although the Company believes that the material factors, expectations, and assumptions expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such statements were made, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements and such statements are not guarantees of future performance. The forward-looking information contained in this release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements and is made as of the date of this release. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. NEW YORK, June 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) between May 5, 2020 and February 21, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important July 18, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Charles River 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 Charles River class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=12403 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 18, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the 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) Charles River had engaged in illegal activity with respect to its importation of non-human primates for research; (2) as a result, Charles River was at a heightened risk of criminal and regulatory investigation by, inter alia, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ); (3) as a result, Charles River would be forced to suspend shipments of primates from Cambodia; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants positive statements about Charles Rivers 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 Charles River class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=12403 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 NEW ORLEANS, June 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 Olo Inc. (NYSE: OLO). On August 11, 2022, Olo, a software company that connects individual restaurant locations to consumers directly through mobile and online ordering, announced disappointing results for 2Q2022, disclosing lowered revenue guidance and a flat active location count due to the loss of 2,500 Subway locations. Further, the Company expected the remaining Subway locations to also end their contracts by 4Q2022 or 1Q2023, which effects the Company claimed to have incorporated into its guidance months earlier without informing the market. 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, violating federal securities laws. Recently, the court presiding over that case denied the Companys motion to dismiss, allowing the case to move forward. KSFs investigation is focusing on whether Olos 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 Olo 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 (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-olo/ to learn more. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nations 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 Vancouver, June 9, 2023 - Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd. (CSE: SXTY) (FSE: 2F40) (OTC Pink: SXNTF) (the "Company" or "Sixty North Gold") further to the news release of June 8, 2023, the Company clarifies that the Mon Gold Property consists of 11 contiguous mining leases and 3 mineral claims, comprising an aggregate 1,537 acres, located in the South MacKenzie Mining District, NWT. It no longer controls eight additional Mineral Claims and one other Mining Lease under option totalling 5,500 acres. Dr. Dave Webb's statement on insider holdings should state, "Insiders now hold 46.2% of the outstanding shares of the Company, up from 40.4% before the financing." ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS s/ "David Webb" David Webb, President & Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact David Webb 604-818-1400 Statements about the Company's future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are "forward looking statements". Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks inherent in mineral exploration and development, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any projected future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Further details about the risks applicable to the Company are contained in the Company's Prospectus dated January 19, 2018 available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), under the Company's profile. THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169528 Kanoo Energy, a leading provider of services to the industrial sector in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, has signed three separate agreements with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) for manufacturing of valves, flanges and establishment of reverse engineering facility in the UAE. These agreements outline the intention of the companies to explore manufacturing valves, flanges and establishment of reverse engineering facility in the UAE, supporting the Make it in the Emirates initiative and the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy. The products are part of the $19 billion worth of products in Adnocs procurement pipeline that the firm identified for domestic manufacturing in July 2022. The agreements were signed by Fahad Kanoo, CEO UAE & Oman and Dr Saleh Al Hashimi, Adnoc Director, Commercial and In-Country Value Directorate at the recent Make it in the Emirates Forum organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Adnoc. In addition to showcasing the UAE as a global hub for manufacturing and innovation, the forum sought to promote sustainability and reduce and eliminate carbon emissions within the industrial sector in line with objectives of the Year of Sustainability, the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, and its preparations to host COP28. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials including Manoj Kumar Tripathy, the CEO of Kanoo Industrial & Energy, Hesham Nass, the Country Manager for UAE at The Kanoo Group, Raman Marwaha, the General Manager of Kanoo Energy UAE & Oman, and Abdullatif Kanoo, the Business Development Manager at Kanoo Group. Last year, Adnoc had signed agreements for local manufacturing commitments worth more than $6.8 billion with UAE and international companies. The Abu Dhabi group said it continues to take a transparent approach to showcasing its product outlook as part of its ICV programme. This approach underscores its efforts to ensure business continuity and incentivize investors and suppliers to set up or expand manufacturing capacity in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi group aims to drive $48 billion back into the UAE economy through its ICV programme as part of its five-year business plan for 20232027. VANCOUVER, June 09, 2023 - Gold Bull Resources Corp. (TSX-V: GBRC) ("Gold Bull" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, in connection with its news release dated April 25, 2023, it has filed a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA" or "Scoping Study") for the Sandman Project ("Sandman" or the "Project") located in Humboldt County, Nevada, USA. The PEA dated June 9, 2023 was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and is available on www.sedar.com and on the Company's website, www.goldbull.ca. The previous Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) was not modified as part of this Scoping Study. The focus of the study was to conduct a preliminary economic assessment of the known gold resources located above the water table. The news release dated April 25, 2023 summarizes results from the Scoping Study and the Company is pleased to report that there were no material differences between the news release and the PEA. ABOUT SANDMAN In December 2020, Gold Bull purchased the Sandman Project from Newmont. Gold mineralization was first discovered at Sandman in 1987 by Kennecott and the project has been intermittently explored since then. There are four known pit constrained gold resources located within the Sandman Project, consisting of 21.8Mt at 0.7g/t gold for 494,000 ounces of gold; comprising of an Indicated Resource of 18,550kt at 0.73g/t gold for 433kozs of gold plus an Inferred Resource of 3,246kt at 0.58g/t gold for 61kozs of gold. Several of the resources remain open in multiple directions and the bulk of the historical drilling has been conducted to a depth of less than 100m. Sandman is conveniently located circa 25-30 km northwest of the mining town of Winnemucca, Nevada. QUALIFIED PERSON The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jerod Eastman, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Eastman is a Registered Member (#00885850) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Inc. and is completely independent of Gold Bull Resources Corp. The information in this news release that relates to mining and cost estimation is based on, and fairly reflects, information compiled by Mr. Eastman. ABOUT GOLD BULL RESOURCES CORP. Gold Bull's mission is to grow into a US focused mid-tier gold development Company via rapidly discovering and acquiring additional ounces. The Company's exploration hub is based in Nevada, USA, a top-tier mineral district that contains significant historical production, existing mining infrastructure and an established mining culture. Gold Bull is led by a Board and Management team with a track record of exploration and acquisition success. Gold Bull is driven by its core values and purpose which includes a commitment to safety, communication & transparency, environmental responsibility, community, and integrity. Cherie Leeden President and CEO, Gold Bull Resources Corp. For further information regarding Gold Bull Resources Corp., please visit our website at www.goldbull.ca or email admin@goldbull.ca or phone 778.401.8545 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "indicates", "opportunity", "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Gold Bull believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its planned activities at the Sandman Project; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties; maintaining its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing, to explore and develop its projects, to repay its debt and for general working capital purposes; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations, future prices of copper and other metals, changes in general economic conditions, accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates, the potential for new discoveries, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. VANCOUVER, June 9, 2023 - TSX VENTURE COMPANIES CE BRANDS INC. ("CEBI.WT") BULLETIN TYPE: Warrant Expiry-Delist BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Effective at the opening, June 15, 2023, the Share Purchase Warrants of the Company will trade for cash. The Warrants expire June 19, 2023 and will therefore be halted at Noon E.T. and delisted at the close of business June 19, 2023. TRADE DATES June 15, 2023 - TO SETTLE - June 16, 2023 June 16, 2023 - TO SETTLE - June 19, 2023 June 19, 2023 - TO SETTLE - June 19, 2023 The above is in compliance with Trading Rule C.2.18 - Expiry Date: Trading in the warrants shall be for cash for the two trading days preceding the expiry date and cash same day on expiry date. On the expiry date, trading shall cease at 12 o'clock noon E.T. and no transactions shall take place thereafter except with permission of the Exchange. ________________________________________ PARTNERS VALUE INVESTMENTS LP ("PVF.PR.U") BULLETIN TYPE: Declaration of Dividend BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 1 Company The Issuer has declared the following dividend: Dividend per Class A Preferred LP Units, Series 1: US$0.28125 Payable Date: July 31, 2023 Record Date: June 30, 2023 Ex-dividend Date: June 29, 2023 ________________________________________ 23/06/09 - TSX Venture Exchange Bulletins TSX VENTURE COMPANIES Big Tree Carbon Inc. ("BIGT") BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement- Brokered BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Brokered Private Placement announced on March 31, 2023: Number of Shares: 6,000,000 common shares Purchase Price: $0.05 per common share Warrants: 6,000,000 share purchase warrants to purchase 6,000,000 shares Warrant Exercise Price: $0.06 for a two (2) year period Number of Placees: 9 Placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Placees # of Placee (s) Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate Existing Insider Involvement: N/A N/A Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: N/A N/A Broker's Fee: IBK Capital Corp. - $20,500 in cash and 545,000 broker warrants Pollitt & Co. Inc. - 55,000 broker warrants Worldsource Financial Management Inc. - $3,500 in cash Broker Warrants Terms: Each non-transferable broker warrant entitles the holder to acquire one unit at $0.05 for a 24-month period. The Company issued a news release on April 21, 2023, confirming closing of the private placement. Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term. ________________________________________ DEVERON CORP. ("FARM") BULLETIN TYPE: Prospectus-Share Offering BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company The Company's prospectus supplement dated April 26, 2023 (the "Prospectus Supplement"), to a short form base shelf prospectus dated November 30, 2021, (the "Base Shelf Prospectus"), qualifying the distribution of 16,774,194 common shares of the Company, was filed with and accepted by TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Base Shelf Prospectus was filed with and receipted by the Ontario Securities Commission on November 30, 2021. Under Multilateral Instrument 11-102 - Passport System the Base Shelf Prospectus is deemed to have been filed with and receipted by each of the British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador Securities Commissions. The Exchange has been advised that closing occurred on May 5, 2023 and May 17, 2023 for aggregate gross proceeds of $5,200,000. Finder(s): Research Capital Corporation and Canaccord Genuity Corp. Offering: 16,774,194 common shares Unit Price: $0.31 per common share Finder(s) Fees: An aggregate of $144,577 and 451,613 non-transferrable finder warrants. Each finder warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at $0.31 for an 18-month period. For further details, please refer to the Company's Prospectus Supplement and news releases dated April 14, 2023, April 25, 2023, May 5, 2023 and May 17, 2023. _______________________________________ HTC PURENERGY INC. ("HTC") BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Disposition Agreement BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 1 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to the non arm's length disposition of certain hemp and hemp drying assets ("Assets") located in Lajord, Saskatchewan in partial settlement of a loan. Pursuant to a partial settlement agreement ("Agreement") dated December 31, 2022, KF Hemp Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, will dispose of all the right, title and interest in all of its Assets to KF Kambeitz Farms Inc. to settle $1,200,000 of its indebtedness with the remaining balance on the loan payable on October 31, 2025. For further details, please refer to the Company's news releases dated May 15, 2023 and June 6, 2023. ________________________________________ Opawica Explorations Inc. ("OPW") BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-Brokered BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced on April 17, 2023: Number of Shares : 6,379,998 Units Purchase Price : $0.10 per Share Warrant : 6,379,998 share purchase warrants to purchase 6,379,998 shares Warrant Purchase Price: $0.15 for 3 years from the date of issuance, subject to accelerated expiry Number of Place : 21 Placee Insider / Pro Group Participation: Placees # of Placee (s) Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate Existing Insider Involvement: Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: 3 2 2,650,000 350,000 Aggregate Cash Amount Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate # of Warrants Finder's Fee: N/A N/A N/A Pursuant to Corporate Finance Policy 4.1, Section 1.9(e), the Company issued a news release on May 23, 2023, announcing the closing of the private placement. ________________________________________ PESORAMA INC. ("PESO") ("PESO.WT") BULLETIN TYPE: Halt BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Effective at 10:49 a.m. PST, June 9, 2023, trading in the shares of the Company was halted, pending news; this regulatory halt is imposed by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Market Regulator of the Exchange pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.9(1) of the Universal Market Integrity Rules. ________________________________________ PESORAMA INC. ("PESO") ("PESO.WT") BULLETIN TYPE: Resume Trading BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Effective at 12:00 p.m. PST, June 9, 2023, shares of the Company resumed trading, an announcement having been made. ________________________________________ Red Pine Exploration Inc. ("RPX") BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Brokered BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Brokered Private Placement announced on March 31, 2023: Number of Shares: 5,675,000 non-flow-through common shares 11,538,230 flow-through common shares 13,679,000 premium flow-through common shares Purchase Price: CDN$0.20 per non-flow-through common share CDN$0.235 per flow-through common share CDN$0.285 per premium flow-through common share Warrants: 15,446,115 share purchase warrants to purchase 15,446,115 common shares Warrant Exercise Price: CDN$0.25 until May 08, 2024 Number of Placees: 34 Placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Placees # of Placee (s) Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate Existing Insider Involvement: 1 75,000 Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: 3 2,280,704 Broker's Fee: Haywood Securities Inc. - $278,819.97 in cash and 1,121,969 broker warrants 3L Capital Inc. - $139,409.98 in cash and 548,673 broker warrants Laurentian Bank Securities Inc. - $46,469.99 in cash and 182,891 broker warrants Broker Warrants Terms: Each non-transferable broker warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at CDN$0.20 until May 08, 2025. The Company issued a news release on May 08, 2023, confirming closing of the private placement. Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term. ________________________________________ UNIGOLD INC. ("UGD") BULLETIN TYPE: Warrant Term Extension BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has consented to the extension in the expiry date of the following warrants: Private Placement: # of Warrants: 16,629,167 Original Expiry Date of Warrants: June 23, 2020 Previously Extended Expiry Date of Warrants: June 23, 2023 New Expiry Date of Warrants: December 29, 2023 Exercise Price of Warrants: $0.30 These warrants were issued pursuant to a private placement of 16,666,667 shares with 16,666,667 share purchase warrants attached, which was accepted for filing by the Exchange effective July 3, 2020, and previously extended by the Exchange effective June 15, 2022 and December 5, 2022. ________________________________________ Vizsla Copper Corp. ("VCU") BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement - Non-Brokered BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 1 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced May 16, 2023: Number of Shares: 9,100,000 common share units ("Units"), each Unit consisting of one common share in the capital of the Company ("Share") and one non-transferrable Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). 16,668,333 flow-through common shares ("FT Shares"). Purchase Price: $0.22 per Unit and $0.24 per FT Share. Warrants: 4,550,000 whole Warrants to purchase 3,507,000 Shares. Warrant Price: $0.30 exercisable for a period of two years from the date of issuance. Number of Placees: 77 placees. Insider / Pro Group Participation: Insider= Y / Name Pro Group= P Number of Securities Aggregate Existing Insider Involvement: N/A N/A Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: P 4,625,700 Aggregate Cash Amount Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate # of Finder Warrants Finder's Fee: $330,144 N/A 1,421,050 Finder Warrants are exercisable at $.22 per Finder Share until June 1, 2025, being two years from the date of issuance. The Company issued a news release on June 1, 2023, confirming the closing of the Private Placement. Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the Warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term. __________________________________ VR Resources Ltd. ("VRR") BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement - Non-Brokered BULLETIN DATE: June 9, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced June 2, 2023: Number of Shares: 2,422,222 common share units ("Units"), each Unit consisting of one common share in the capital of the Company ("Share") and one non-transferrable Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). 2,051,282 flow-through units ("FT Units"), each FT Unit consisting of one flow-through common share ("FT Share") and one-half of one Warrant. Purchase Price: $0.18 per Unit and $0.195 per FT Unit. Warrants: 3,447,863 whole Warrants to purchase 3,447,863 Shares. Warrant Price: $0.25 exercisable for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. Number of Placees: 3 placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Insider= Y / Name Pro Group= P Number of Securities Aggregate Existing Insider Involvement: N/A N/A Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: [1 Pro Group member] P 2,051,282 FT Units Aggregate Cash Amount Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate # of Finder Warrants Finder's Fee: [1 Finder] $24,000 N/A N/A The Company issued a news release on June 7, 2023, confirming the closing of the Private Placement. Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the Warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term. __________________________________ SOURCE TSX Venture Exchange Tokyo, June 10 (UNI) Two passenger jets appeared to have collided near a taxiway in Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Saturday, according to Japan's transport ministry. Around 11:00 a.m. local time, a Thai Airways flight departing for Bangkok and an aircraft with EVA Air came into contact on Runway A of Haneda Airport, local media outlets reported, citing sources with the airport. Currently, the two planes are parked on the runway, footage from Tokyo Broadcasting System Television showed. According to national broadcaster NHK, part of the wing of the Thai Airways plane looks to be broken, and what appears to be fragments can be seen near the runway. The airport has shut down the runway near the site of the accident, with no injuries reported so far. Some domestic and international flights have been delayed at the airport. UNI/XINHUA AKS Mining companies urged to support energy transition efforts Emmanuel Bruce Business News Jun - 09 - 2023 , 09:44 The Deputy Minister of Energy, Herbert Krapa, says there is the need for mining firms to transition to the production and utilisation of clean energy in their processes. Mr Krapa said that at the Mining and Energy Summit and Exhibition which was held on the theme; Harnessing Mining and Energy Potential for Sustainable National Development. We must ensure that we are contributing our quota to reducing global green-house gas emissions and even more importantly, we must achieve de carbonisation, energy access, energy efficiency for the mining industry, he stated. The deputy minister also called on industry players to collaborate with the government to help mitigate any emissions that came out from the production of energy. Leveraging natural resources The deputy minister said while it was important to leverage the countrys natural resources for development, this must be done without harming the environment. He said the country must focus on how it could power the mining industry sustainably while at the same time meet its global obligations with regards to clean energy. He noted that it was for this reason that the government was expanding the national energy portfolio to include more renewables. He said the government was committed to meeting its 10 per cent renewables target by 2030. There is a critical problem of carbon emissions confronting us and critical industries such as mining must be transitioned to cleaner energy sources, he stated. Energy Transition Framework Mr Krapa also mentioned that the government had developed a National Energy Transition Framework to de carbonise the energy sector. He said the long term net zero framework from 2022-2070, balanced a system that helped with new initiatives to increase renewable energy penetration, convert thermal plants to natural gas and integrate nuclear power into the energy system. He said the framework provided the vision and guidance for the transition process and in doing so, the government considered all the policies and programmes for national determined contributions. We also consulted Ghanaians all over the country and considered all their views. We consulted key stakeholder groups including organised and non-organised labour and international partners. The framework guarantees the best policies for a diversified energy mix which is cost effective and help us meet our electricity demand of 380,000 megawatts with an installed capacity of 83 kilowatts, he pointed out. He said the diversified energy mix would include 21 megawatts of renewable energy, providing the country the opportunity to commercialise renewable energy. He noted that electricity generation from this renewable energy mix should push the cost to below 4.5 cent per kilowatt hour. Net Metering Scheme The deputy minister said government had also introduced a Net Metering Scheme to allow electricity consumers to supplement their purchase of electricity with renewable energy connected to the national grid. He said the Public Utility Regulation Commission (PURC) and the Energy Commission were working together for guidelines for implementation of this policy. Pay attention to traditional African folk songs George Mensah Essilfie to stakeholders Edith Mensah Showbiz News Jun - 10 - 2023 , 07:30 FOUNDER of multiple award-winning choral group, Winneba Youth Choir, Dr George Mensah Essilfie, has bemoaned the lack of interest in Ghanaian folk music, labelling it a dangerous situation that would ultimately result in the extinction of the genre. The popular composer posited that the decline in the popularity of folk music in recent years was due to how globalisation and its accompanying factors, such as urbanisation and religious activities had affected indigenous peoples' perspectives on traditional music and urged an immediate call to action to change the course of events. In an interview with Daily Graphic, he emphasised the need for increased attention and initiatives by relevant stakeholders, including musicologists, historians and music enthusiasts to capture, digitise and archive traditional music and historical sounds to help reverse the situation. It's incredible how frequently foreign tunes are played on our airwaves. Our artistic area has already been overrun by these songs, leaving barely any room for our own compositions. Making conscious steps to protect our native music will help us maintain it in the face of all these challenges and ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the magnificent legacy of African folk music. Already, some people feel our traditional music is evil and do not want to associate with it but traditional folk songs are not evil because they possess elements of our very existence as a society and speak so much wisdom to us. If we do not exercise sufficient caution, there will come a time when we will have little to say about our traditional music, which would entail utterly eradicating what defines us as a people," he told Daily Graphic. Traditional folk music One of Ghana's long-established musical genres is traditional folk music, which has its roots in orally transmitted works, the majority of which are by unidentified composers and are typically played on traditional instruments about cultural or national identity. Dr Mensah Essilfie, who is credited with choral arrangements of folk songs, including Agor Yd, Tutu Gbovi, Kpanlogo Yd, Everybody Bring Your Calabash, and Senyiwa (Pete Pete), among others, stressed how crucial it was to preserve this space, emphasising that traditional folk songs were essential to the fabric of a community as it defined who the people were and where they came from. Folkloric dance and music are the cornerstones of many Africans. Traditional African musical sounds and songs are in an unsafe position right now. Even decades after the end of official colonial rule, many historical music practices are still repressed by colonialism since capitalism commodifies music as pure pleasure rather than a cultural tool for preserving tradition and community. It's time we stepped up our game to reverse the trend. Traditional music has to be encouraged and preserved for upcoming generations because it has a rich history but has received very little attention. We can preserve traditional music and dance by going on research excursions with indigenous musicians to learn from the elders and by setting up programmes in schools to transmit the traditions down to the next generation, he said. Digital space He urged composers and interested groups in the traditional music space to tap into the numerous opportunities the digital platforms offered to reach out to a vast audience and help build a catalogue of traditional music presence in the digital space, which could make way for easy accessibility to the wider community. Traditional African music is a gem! And it holds the foundation on which todays music is built and thanks to technology, we can bring life to our traditional folk music. As streaming on digital platforms become the way of the future for music distribution, the vast, rich and distinct sound of traditional music can also be digitised. The digital space is huge and if we tap into it and build a digitised catalogue for our music; we can at least make a headway towards preserving the African folk music heritage and inspire up and coming artistes through the musical storytelling of their past, he said. Upcoming Musical As part of efforts to put traditional folk music in the forefront, the renowned composer is getting ready to enthral audiences once more with his musical, Kalabashi Concert - "Songs of Akotam," to be staged by the award-winning choral group, Harmonious Chorale Ghana on Sunday June 11, 2023 at the National Theatre. He is hopeful that the musical modelled after worldwide musicals, such as Moana, Frozen and Sound of Music, would contribute towards keeping Ghana's traditional folk music vibrant and accessible. The musical will highlight the outstanding talent and rich cultural heritage of Ghana's music scene. The Kalabashi Concert marks George Mensah Essilfies grand return to his home country after an extended period of international performances and collaborations, and the concert is expected to be a celebration of Ghanaian music and creativity. The Harmonious Chorale Ghana, known for their impeccable vocal harmonies and soul-stirring performances, will lend their exceptional talents to bring Songs of Akotam to life on stage. The musical, which will be staged in an African traditional setting, promises to transport an audience on an exciting trip by fusing beautiful melodies, potent storytelling and dynamic choreography. It is anticipated that George Mensah Essilfie's distinctive musical style, which is firmly anchored in Ghanaian traditions and infused with modern elements, will provide a harmonious blend that will speak to audiences of all ages. Read also:Ohemaa Woyeje for Juneteenth in the US Adapt to changing trends in education Dr Dzakadzie Daniel Kenu Education Jun - 09 - 2023 , 09:21 The Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Dr Yayra Dzakadzie, has urged new graduates from the colleges of education to adapt to the changing trends in the industry in order to remain relevant in transforming Ghana. He said education worldwide was going through a new phase hinged on technology and critical thinking beyond just the textbooks. Dr Dzakadzie gave the advice at this year's graduation ceremony of the Agogo Presbyterian Womens College of Education (APWCE) at Agogo last Friday. A total of 363 students graduated from the college out of which 146 were awarded with bachelor's degree in primary education and 217 with bachelors degree in junior high school education. Take advantage Dr Dzakadzie said the new era called for realignment and serious adjustment in the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge. He called on the graduates to pursue academic excellence through discipline. The Director of Tertiary Education urged them to be humble, innovative, disciplined and to work hard, saying "the world requires these qualities at all levels of engagements." He implored them to make effective use of the knowledge and skills acquired so they could navigate life with ease and to bring about the change the world had been yearning for. Dr Dzakadzie assured colleges of education of government's continual funding support to expand infrastructure to meet international standards. Principal The Principal of APWCE, Rev. Dr Mrs Grace Sintim Adasi, congratulated students as well as parents and guardians for their dedication and sacrifice in helping the school to mould quality graduates. She urged graduates to be the catalyst of change, advocate for equitable access to quality education and be voice for those whose voices had been marginalised. Rev. Dr Mrs Adasi charged them to be committed and determined to face any challenge with confidence and aspire for greater heights. She said although there had been works done in the college to improve teaching and learning, a lot more was still needed to be done. Appeal The principal pleaded with government and stakeholders to assist tar the school's roads, build hostels, science and ICT labs, library, purchase a standby generator and a school bus. She appealed to stakeholders to help management fence the school plot to prevent the encroachment of a portion of the school's land. A representative from the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Rev. Prof. Seth Asare Danso, emphasised the need for graduates to be disciplined anywhere they found themselves and enforce discipline wherever they went. He urged them to add value to their training in order to be competitive in the job market. Zoomlion receives special KNUST research excellence award Daily Graphic Education Jun - 09 - 2023 , 09:28 The Zoomlion Ghana Limited has received a special award from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for its special contribution to graduate research in the university. Dubbed, "KNUST research excellence award", the university sought to recognise the contributions to it's research efforts by Zoomlion over the years. Last year, Africa's waste management expert, Zoomlion launched a GH5 million grant for public universities for research purposes. Apart from that, the executive chairman of the company handed over a graduate block to the KNUST for graduate education in Kumasi a couple of years back. It is, therefore, not surprising the university recognises the goodwill gestures of the company. Zoomlion has, apart from the above, been collaborating with almost all public and private academic institutions in the country and abroad for research and academic reasons over the years. Receiving the award, the Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs of Zoomlion, Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duah, commended the KNUST for the recognition. She promised the continuation of more collaboration for research and other purposes for the good of the country. Ms Osei-Duah urged private corporate institutions to support universities to be able to fashion out solutions through research to problems in the country. The politics of illegal mining: Majoring in minors? Dr George Asekere Politics Jun - 10 - 2023 , 06:20 When US former President Barrack Obama decided to visit Ghana during his tenure of office, excitement greeted the air. It was justifiably so because a visit by the President of the wealthiest country in the world, naturally, puts the flag of Ghana up there, at least, for investors. For some political scientists, the expectation was for a pronouncement of a major foreign policy statement, and he did; Ghana needs strong institutions. It is a truism that where institutions exist and work, strong men are not required for effective leadership. Ghana has institutions but one may not be entirely wrong to argue that our institutions are only necessary but not sufficient conditions to achieve the objectives which the drafters of the Constitution purposed. In other words, any President who so desires can use the institutions to suffocate his/her detractors or opponents. The above is the context within which I want to share my views on the ongoing onslaught of our environment, mainly due to the activities of illegal miners. It must be noted that the Collective Rights of human beings that were proclaimed in the 1970s centred on the rights to peace and development as well as the right to a clean and sustainable environment. Illegal Mining/Arrest Illegal mining in Ghana has thwarted that effort, as people in these areas are stifled of land to farm, and potable water as well as denying the body cells clean oxygen to perform functions that keep us alive. This is an infringement of the first, second and third generation of human rights. The fight against the destruction of the environment must, therefore, be sustained despite the greed and selfish imposed restrictions. The popular saying that when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers, suffices the running story on the arrest of the former Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Professor (Prof.) Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng. The arrest of the professor raises so many issues, ranging from lack of partiality in the workings of state institutions on the part of those surprised by the events leading to the arrest of the professor, and equality before the law on the part of those who defend the arrest. While these antics are ongoing, only nature knows what is happening in the forest and the people behind it, hence defeating Thomas Hobbess claim that in politics, the individual desires to preserve his life and his goods, and the role of government is to serve these ends. To fail to fathom that most politicians are rational actors seeking their selfish interests and doing everything humanly possible to achieve this at the expense of the greater good of posterity is more dangerous than the presence of a false oracle. In the substance of politics, Appadora, an Indian professor of political science, reiterated that sovereignty means supremacy, and is akin to the power of the state to make and enforce laws with all the means it cares to employ. This is exacted through the agency of the government. It would be good if our government cares to employ all the means to prosecute and bring to finality, individuals and companies linked to the deadly onslaught on water bodies, with the might it does to the likes of Prof. Frimpong-Boateng. Science has proved that illegal mining endangers the environment and threatens water bodies significantly. For instance, it causes water contamination by polluted runoff or through chemical spills that leach toxic materials into the surrounding environment. This can also result in land subsidence, which can alter the landscape and threaten ecosystems with life-threatening implications. Illegal mining is also said to be a major causative factor in deforestation, as trees and vegetation are removed to make way for these mining activities. Such activities can lead to soil erosion and have a devastating effect on local wildlife. Another serious impact is its contribution to climate change. The destruction of natural habitats and the release of pollutants certainly impact greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to the worsening effect of climate change. Enforcement While the brouhaha surrounding the prosecution, persecution or interrogation (whichever it is) of Prof. Frimpong- Boateng is ongoing, let there be a corresponding increase in enforcement of existing laws and regulations, to demonstrate the governments commitment to the fight against illegal mining. This may entail increasing fines for offenders, strengthening monitoring and surveillance technologies, and making chiefs lead the hiring and training of people to monitor illegal mining sites across the country. Additionally, the state should consider the creation of a better incentive for licensed miners to adopt more responsible mining practices that will prevent cyanide from being carried to nearby water bodies. These incentives could include name and praise rewards for companies that develop and use sustainable mining methods or support local communities in a realistic reclamation of lands. Above all, education and public awareness campaigns should be intensified and sustained to inform people about the rate at which illegal mining is pushing people faster to the grave. The writer is a lecturer at the Department of Political Science Education, University of Education, Winneba. Cargill has partnered with Kotug International to deploy Kotugs zero emission E-Pusher Type M and E-Bargesthe worlds first fully electric pusher boat and bargesto transport cocoa beans from the Port of Amsterdam, the largest cocoa import port in the world, to Cargills cocoa factory in Zaandam, the Netherlands. The KOTUG E-Pusher Series currently has three models ranging from 5.5 to 22 meters in length and a maximum depth of 0.45 to 1.35 meters resulting in a draft that is 30% less than conventional pusher tug designs. The design of the E-Pusher offers the ability to switch energy sources, varying from fossil, hydrogen, and fully electric energy. The series consists of four models to cover all the inland waterways: the E-Pusher CityBarge (for inner cities) and the E-Pusher S, M and L for larger waterways. Animated movie of the Kotug E-Pusher type M Pushers and barges are essential, efficient methods of delivering goods by water from Dutch ports to the Netherlands and beyond. Cargill is the first company to put into operation fully electrified pusher and barges for inland shipping, eliminating both emissions and noise pollution. Haiti - Politic : The PM reiterates the request for intervention of a specialized international armed force in Haiti Friday, June 9, 2023, Prime Minister a.i. Ariel Henry, returned to the country, 24 hours after his participation in Nassau in the Bahamas of the United States/CARICOM and Dominican Republic Summit. During a press briefing given at the Diplomatic Lounge, the Head of Government underlined that the discussions at this summit were frank and the problems were posed frankly. Energy issues; the modalities for mobilizing funds from multilateral donors; the climatic situation; arms trafficking and food security were, among other items, on the agenda. Ariel Henry, also announced that the United States of America has taken the decision to extend the HOPE/HELP Act which should end in 2025. Good news for the textile sector. In addition, he announced additional aid of several tens of millions of dollars in response to the humanitarian crisis and which will be managed by the United States Agency for International Development USAID. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39734-haiti-usa-aid-of-$100-million-from-usaid-for-haiti.html For its part, Jamaica reaffirmed its desire to participate in a specialized multinational force, while the Bahamian Prime Minister Philips Davis, who co-chaired this Summit with the American Vice-President Kamala Harris, declared that he was continuing international contacts concerning requests for international assistance. "As part of the ongoing discussions concerning this multinational force, I sent, with the support of the Government and the High Council for the Transition (HCT) and after consultation with certain partners, a letter to the Secretary General of the United Nations to reiterate our request for the intervention of a specialized international armed force in Haiti in October 2022 https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-37866-icihaiti-request-for-armed-intervention-letter-from-prime-minister-to-the-un-secretary-general.html ," said Henry, stressing that the United States remained committed alongside the Republic of Haiti in seeking support for the PNH. At the end of the press briefing Ariel Henry went to the National Emergency Operation Center (COUN), to inquire about the evolution of the distribution of relief to the victims of the last floods https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39716-haiti-flood-flash-51-dead-18-people-missing-and-nearly-40-000-families-affected-provisional-report-updated.html and the earthquake of June 6 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39715-haiti-flash-first-provisional-assessment-of-the-earthquake-of-june-6-2023-grand-anse.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Economy : Launch of the budget development process (2023-2024) Patrick Boisvert Minister of Economy and Finance and his counterpart of Planning and External Cooperation Ricard Pierre, accompanied by high-level executives from the two Ministries, launched this week the process of drawing up the budget for the financial year 2023-2024. After an overall context, Minister Boivert explained the objectives of the meeting, insisting on the need to speed up the process so that the budget is adopted within a reasonable time to take into account the imponderable factors that may result from the political uncertainties of the country. The objective, according to the Minister, is to provide the country with a budget, ready to enter into force on October 1st, 2023. While recalling the difficult socio-economic context surrounding the budget preparation process, he highlighted the efforts made for sound and transparent management of public finances. He also presented the background to the 2023-2024 budget, which is part of a multi-year perspective, the main lines of which he outlined. Minister Pierre intervened to present the admission criteria for programs and projects for the fiscal year 2023-2024. Priority will be given to projects in progress and to those whose economic and social profitability is the highest. Particular attention will be given to projects consistent with the Integrated Recovery Plan of the Southern Peninsula, the National Policy for Social Protection and Promotion and the Strategic Development Plan of Haiti. Then Jean Michel Silin, the Director General of the Budget, intervened on the creation and composition of the Commission and the 6 sub-commissions which will have the task of operationalizing the process prescribed in the law of May 4, 2016 on the development and the execution of finance laws. In conclusion Patrick Boisvert urged the executives of the two Ministries involved in the process of drawing up the 2023-2024 Budget, to redouble their efforts in order to finalize, as soon as possible, a budget capable of translating the main strategic orientations of the Government. Priorities and objectives of this budget : - Improving governance and the political and security climate of the country; - Implementation of the Integrated Recovery Plan for the Southern Peninsula; - The implementation of the National Promotion and Social Protection Policy; - Capacity building of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H); - The financing of agricultural campaigns; - The continuation of certain priority infrastructure projects on the basis of performance reports. HL/ HaitiLibre Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up New Ad-free Subscriber Login Email Password Password Username Subscribe to our daily NewsLetter Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password or receive our NewsLetter. Stay logged in Lost password Contact Published on 2023/06/10 | Source Korean movie "ARKO LIVE Musical: Sound of Youth" added to HanCinema database Advertisement "ARKO LIVE Musical: Sound of Youth" (2023) Directed by Woo Jin-ha With Jung Wook-jin, Yim So-yun,... Synopsis The youth that lives today, the youth that would have been my time In 2022, Oh Yeong-won, a travel publicity writer who has never been on a trip, visits an old villa on the outskirts of Seoul and dreams of becoming a real writer who travels for real someday, writing briskly in a room that is soundproof. Han Ah-reum, who prepares for a job while working part-time, moves into the house above him. In the harsh reality of beauty, the only comfort is the journey of eternity. However, they do not know each other's faces or names, and they are gradually concerned about the sound of everyday life created by their opposite lifestyle. Eventually, the two receive expert advice. Yeong-won posts a note upstairs stating his dissatisfaction with the noise. Ah-reum pretends to be a man with a secret past, afraid that she will be harmed if she lives alone. Lies are quickly discovered, and they spend days between eternity, beautiful and unfortunate days... "There's only a 15cm wall between you and me. My room is right next to you". How can I survive the noise between floors without an answer? Release date in Korea : 2023/06/07 Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. Hot. High 99F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 76F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. The total number of contacts has remained relatively stable in recent years. However, there has been an increase in the proportion of contacts related to work-related stress. Approximately 2,200 contacts related to harassment and work-related stress were made to the Finnish occupational safety authorities in 2022. Out of these, around 1,500 contacts were related to harassment, while 900 were regarding work-related stress. Some contacts involved both issues. In about 170 cases related to harassment, employees filed written requests for inspection, which enabled the inspector to assess whether enforcement measures could be taken. There were slightly fewer than 70 inspection requests concerning work-related stress. In several cases, both harassment and work-related stress were reported. Further details can be found in the recent report (pdf) published by the occupational safety authorities. The report also includes case descriptions from inspections conducted in 2022. In nearly half of the cases inspected, the employer had neglected their obligations. A total of 59 inspections were carried out regarding harassment. These inspections focused on whether the employer had taken measures to address harassment that posed a health risk to employees, after being informed about such incidents. In almost half of the inspections related to harassment, it was found that the employer had not complied with their obligations under the Occupational Safety Act. The most common finding was that the employer had failed to take any action to address reported cases of harassment. It was typical for employers either not to take any measures to eliminate harassment or for the measures taken to be insufficient. In many cases, the employer had not thoroughly investigated the incidents or had done so belatedly and inadequately. Some cases involved inappropriate behavior by the employer themselves. In about half of the inspected cases, no deficiencies were identified in the employer's actions or workplace conditions. In these cases, the inspector typically determined, based on the employer's explanation, that the reported incidents did not meet the definition of harassment under the Occupational Safety Act. The occupational safety authorities emphasize the importance of preventing harassment in the workplace. "Clear procedures for reporting inappropriate behavior and guidelines for good workplace behavior can prevent the occurrence of harassment situations. It is particularly important to provide training to supervisors on handling situations of inappropriate treatment," emphasizes Chief Inspector Paivi Laakso from the Occupational Safety Division of the Southern Finland Regional State Administrative Agency. Employers have a duty to address workload-related issues There were 30 inspections conducted specifically related to work-related stress. These inspections focused on whether the employer had fulfilled their obligation to identify and reduce workload factors that posed a risk to the health of employees, after being informed about such issues. In about half of the inspections, it was found that the employer had not complied with the legal obligations. In several cases, the employer had conducted inadequate investigations into the causes of employee workload-related stress. In some cases, it was considered that the employer had not taken sufficient measures, even though health-endangering workload factors had been identified. It was typical for employers either not to take action at an early stage or for the measures taken not to address the identified harmful workload factors. In many cases, both harassment and work-related stress were reported. "When a matter is brought to the attention of the authorities, it often indicates that it is unclear at the workplace how and to whom workload-related issues should be reported. Another typical situation is that the causes of workload-related stress have not been adequately investigated in collaboration with occupational health services. Establishing proper procedures is crucial in handling workload-related situations," states Chief Inspector Paivi Laakso. The occupational safety authorities proactively conduct inspections related to the management of psychosocial workload at workplaces. These inspections aim to ensure that workplaces have measures in place to prevent the emergence of harmful workload situations. The inspections also address the occurrence of harassment and inappropriate treatment. More information on the proactive oversight of psychosocial workload can be found in the Finnish Occupational Safety and Health Administration's annual report for 2022. Anonymous Calls to the Helpline The national helpline of the occupational safety authorities is available on weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm at the number 0295 016 620. Calls to the helpline can be made anonymously. The individual's case will only be monitored with their explicit consent. Anonymous tips regarding harassment or excessive workload at the workplace can also be reported to the occupational safety authorities. HT The cost support for agriculture and aquaculture became available for application through the State Treasury on June 1st. The support consists of electricity cost support for professional farmers and professional aquaculturists, as well as fertilizer cost support for professional farmers. The State Treasury has now published a public report on its website regarding the received applications and the granted support. By June 8th, around 3,400 businesses have applied for the support. Out of these, approximately 2,700 applications have been processed so far, with 90 percent of them receiving a positive decision. A total of approximately 6 million in support has been paid out. The main reason for application rejections has been the support amount falling below the minimum requirement of 500. In terms of regional distribution, the highest amount of support, approximately 1 million, has been paid to the region of Varsinais-Suomi. Etela-Pohjanmaa, Uusimaa, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, and Satakunta have all received around half a million euros in support. State Treasury's service receives praise The application process for the support has been a challenge for the State Treasury, which is acting as the grantor of agricultural support for the first time. "Although the State Treasury does not have previous experience with agricultural support, we have been able to leverage past learnings from cost support payments made to businesses due to the pandemic. This has allowed us to focus on aspects such as customer experience," says Mari Selviranta, Director of Services at the State Treasury. In the development of the application process, the State Treasury has collaborated extensively with stakeholders, as it has done with previous cost support programs: "Through cooperation with organizations such as the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, ProAgria, and the Finnish Food Authority, we have been able to improve both the electronic application process and the guidance provided. Successful collaboration is evident in the efficient service provided to support applicants," adds Selviranta. The success of the implementation is reflected in the feedback received by the State Treasury. Positive feedback has been given specifically regarding the functioning application process and clear instructions. The prompt processing times for support applications have also been well-received, with an average processing time of approximately 23 hours. Up-to-date support statistics available to everyone The State Treasury has now published comprehensive statistics on the current status of the support on its website. The statistics provide information on the number of received applications and the amount of support paid out, among other data. It is possible to view the information based on the location of the businesses, for example. More detailed information about the support applicants can also be found in the statistics. On the page, you can find the processing status of the applications submitted by businesses, as well as details about the support decisions. The report is updated with the previous day's data every weekday at approximately 12 PM. The report indicates the time of the latest update. The application period for agricultural and aquaculture cost support will continue at the State Treasury until July 31st at 4:15 PM. The agricultural and aquaculture cost support program has received significant interest from businesses within the industry. The support aims to alleviate the financial burden on professional farmers and aquaculturists by providing assistance with electricity costs and fertilizer expenses. The positive response to the program demonstrates the importance of such support in sustaining and strengthening the agricultural and aquaculture sectors. As the State Treasury takes on the role of administering agricultural support for the first time, their efforts to ensure a smooth application process and efficient service have been highly commendable. By collaborating with key stakeholders and utilizing their previous experience with cost support programs, they have been able to streamline the application procedure and offer clear guidance to applicants. The prompt processing of applications, with an average turnaround time of approximately 23 hours, has been a key factor in the program's success. The State Treasury's dedication to delivering timely decisions and support payments has been crucial in meeting the needs of farmers and aquaculturists. The support distribution has been geographically diverse, with regions such as Varsinais-Suomi, Etela-Pohjanmaa, Uusimaa, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, and Satakunta receiving substantial support amounts. This distribution reflects the importance of agriculture and aquaculture across various parts of the country and highlights the sector's significant contributions to the local economies. To provide transparency and access to information, the State Treasury has made comprehensive statistics available on their website. These statistics enable stakeholders and interested parties to track the progress of applications, the amount of support granted, and other relevant data. The ability to access up-to-date information aids in monitoring the program's effectiveness and ensures accountability in the distribution of support. With the application period ongoing, farmers and aquaculturists are encouraged to take advantage of the support available. The support not only assists in covering electricity and fertilizer costs but also plays a crucial role in promoting the sustainability and growth of the agricultural and aquaculture sectors. As the State Treasury continues to administer the agricultural and aquaculture cost support program, their commitment to providing a well-functioning and efficient service remains steadfast. Through collaboration, continuous improvement, and prompt decision-making, they strive to support farmers and aquaculturists in overcoming financial challenges and securing a prosperous future for the industry. Interested parties can visit the State Treasury's website for more information on the program, eligibility criteria, and the application process. HT The construction industry is currently facing a downturn, with the number of new projects plummeting to levels seen during the previous recession. Employment prospects for construction workers have weakened, and as the summer progresses, the situation is expected to become critical. Currently, the labor availability assessment for non-EU workers has been removed from many construction positions across much of the country. Finnish Construction Trade Unions Board demands that the labor availability assessment be promptly reinstated for all regions under the purview of the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY). The shortage of labor cannot be used as a justification for importing cheap labor into Finland, especially when unemployment among domestic construction workers is rapidly increasing. The Finnish economy is projected to experience a gradual recovery in the coming autumn, and the construction industry will eventually rebound as well. Decisions that affect labor availability during the next upturn are being made by companies at this very moment. Finnish Construction Trade Unions Board calls on industry companies to take responsibility and ensure the future of the sector. This is not the time for hasty layoffs. Companies play a pivotal role in determining whether Finland will have skilled construction workers in the future. It is essential to retain the workforce in the industry and provide employees with opportunities for professional development through skills-enhancing training programs, among other measures. Employers must fulfill their obligations in accordance with the spirit of the law, ensuring that the opportunities offered by job security are utilized to the fullest extent. Job security aims to facilitate the re-employment of those who become unemployed, encompassing measures such as job security benefits, the right to education and training, and extended periods of re-employment leave. During previous economic downturns, the construction industry has permanently lost domestically trained labor. For example, young aspiring builders who have completed their education in the field must be provided with significant first-time employment opportunities. Otherwise, many will opt for alternative industries even before embarking on their careers as construction workers. HT The Rainbow Activism Day aims to engage individuals who are interested in promoting the well-being, rights, and visibility of LGBTQ+ people through various forms of activism and advocacy. Seta, the national LGBTI rights organization in Finland, is organizing an open and free Rainbow Activism Day on June 10, 2023, from 11 am to 6 pm at the Alliance House in Helsinki. The event features parallel lectures, workshops, discussions, and encounters. Seta will present a new study addressing the socioeconomic disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. International guests will be present, including delegates from the European Lesbian Conference, the umbrella organization for lesbian organizations in Europe, and Lesbiks Makt from Sweden. The program includes panel discussions on bodily autonomy, radical care, male-specific issues, and other perspectives on LGBTQ+ activism. Fresh study reveals alarming gaps in research and offers recommendations On Saturday, Seta will unveil a study conducted by Johanna Pakkanen, focusing on the socioeconomic disparities experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The study reveals that while there is information available about the socioeconomic status of LGBTQ+ children and youth, there is a lack of data on LGBTQ+ adults. "LGBTQ+ people are a diverse group with significant socioeconomic disparities within their community. Furthermore, the prejudices and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals also have a detrimental effect on their socioeconomic status. We need more information in this area to better promote the economic and social rights of LGBTQ+ individuals," says Kerttu Tarjamo, the Secretary-General of Seta. Socioeconomic disparities among gender and sexual minorities manifest in various ways, such as the financial requirements associated with private fertility treatments, surrogacy, and accessing gender-affirming treatments abroad. "Access to family-building options should not be limited to those with higher incomes. Removing barriers to LGBTQ+ individuals' path to parenthood also means removing financial obstacles," adds Tarjamo. The study also sheds light on the relationship between educational and career choices and non-heterosexual or transgender identities. For example, gay and bisexual men, as well as trans women, tend to avoid traditionally male-dominated fields due to fear of discrimination. "There is still much work to be done in achieving workplace equality. This presents an opportunity for male-dominated industries to set a positive example. I hope that institutions like the defense forces and the police will lead the way in promoting inclusivity within their sectors," emphasizes Tarjamo. The Rainbow Activism Day serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy, ultimately working towards a more inclusive and equal society for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. HT A recent study conducted by EconPol has examined social security systems in the European Union and found that the welfare state in Finland cushions approximately 38 percent of income losses during economic crises. The study also reveals that social security systems in Scandinavia and Western Europe provide the most comprehensive protection against income losses, while countries in Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland, experience higher income losses during crises. Mathias Dolls, Deputy Director of the ifo Center for Macroeconomics and Surveys, highlights the importance of social security systems in mitigating income losses. He states, "The social security systems in Scandinavia and Western Europe buffer their citizens' income losses most comprehensively." However, countries in Southern and Eastern Europe, along with the United Kingdom and Ireland, face significant challenges in this regard. In Ireland, the study shows that the cushioning of income losses ranges from 30 to 32 percent. In the United Kingdom, lower income tax payments contribute to cushioning around 15 percent of the losses, while lower social security contributions account for 10 percent. Minimum income support compensates for 5 to 7 percent of income losses, with unemployment benefits playing a minor role, absorbing only 1 percent of the losses. Comparing the results across various EU countries, the study finds that Germany provides a cushioning effect of 53 to 63 percent, while France ranges from 38 to 73 percent. Belgium compensates for 52 to 73 percent of income losses, Italy around 43 percent, and Poland offers the lowest buffer at just 29 percent. Max Lay, coauthor of the study, emphasizes the significance of unemployment insurance coverage in determining the stabilizing effect of social security systems. Lay states, "The stabilizing effect of social security systems depends heavily on how many people are covered by unemployment insurance, at least temporarily, when they become unemployed. Unemployment insurance coverage is relatively weak in some European welfare states." Well-designed social security systems are crucial in protecting individuals from economic hardships while providing strong incentives for employment. The study conducted simulations to calculate the impact of economic crises on disposable household incomes in the European Union member states and the United Kingdom. It simulated a 5 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate within two years for each country under consideration. The simulations presented two scenarios, with one evenly distributing the increase in the unemployment rate over the two years, while the other sees a sudden jump at the beginning of the economic crisis, resulting in two values for each country. The findings of this study shed light on the varying levels of income protection provided by social security systems across Europe. It highlights the importance of well-designed welfare states in mitigating the negative effects of economic crises on individuals and emphasizes the need for effective unemployment insurance coverage to ensure a more stable and resilient economy. HT TWO girls are to dance in a production of Swan Lake after being selected in competitive auditions. Katie Ingram, 12, of Hill Road, Watlington, and Emelia Wilson, eight, from Benson, were chosen to be part of the cast of English Youth Ballets production of the famous ballet in March. They were among nearly 200 dancers who auditioned for roles at the New Theatre in Oxford, which is where the show will take place next Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17. In the run-up, the girls have gone through more than 60 hours of rehearsals in 10 days at Cherwell School in Oxford. Principal dancer Lyndsey Fraser, who will star as Odile, the Black Swan, taught some of the classes during the rehearsals. Katie, who is in year 7 at Icknield Community College in Watlington, said being in the show was an amazing opportunity. She said: Ive been dancing almost all my life. I started when I was three and originally did ballet and modern but I prefer ballet. I like the music and think ballet shows are really beautiful. Swan Lake is probably my favourite so it is really exciting to know that I will be in my favourite ballet. We did the audition in March and I think there were about 100 people in the class I was in. Half of them were selected and from there we went to the start of rehearsals. They told us the schedule we would be doing and did casting, where I was chosen as a lady in waiting, which I am very happy with. I am doing two main dances and am part of a few other ones. All the teachers are really good and they help you along if you dont get it. She said she was nervous about performing but added: I know it will all work out in the end. Katie is part of Performanze Dance group in Watlington and has taken part in shows at the Kenton Theatre in Henley and the O2 Arena in South London. She said: I think my favourite part of the process has been meeting so many people with the same interests as me and watching the younger ones because I thought of how I was there once. Lyndsey Fraser taught us some dances. She was very nice and it was really good to have one of the main dancers teach us because they know it very well. I have also made a few friends. After the show, I might celebrate with family and a few friends before practising for a show at the Kenton Theatre the following weekend. She also wants to try out as a dancer when the auditions open at the Wycombe Swan for its Christmas pantomime. Emelia, who lives in RAF Benson and attends Ewelme Primary School, said she was pleased to have been selected and was excited about performing. She is a member of Kinecroft Academy of Dance in Wallingford and has been dancing for four years. She applied for the ballet after seeing a poster advertising the open auditions at her dance school. Emelia said: I do lots of different dance genres but my favourite is ballet as we get to do really cool things and it is soft, whereas in tap, you do loud things. I decided to audition for Swan Lake to have more experience of ballet so it is good. The teachers are very kind. I am not really nervous for the performances, I am more excited. I play a niece. The rehearsals have been fun and I have made good friends. Its busy but not really tiring. Her mother, Rebecca, said Emelia had been spurred on to audition for more shows following her success. She added: She asked me if she could audition for it. This is the first time she has done anything like that, so I took her along just to see. I am really proud of her. To buy tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/oxford AN electric punt from the Eighties is up for sale. The boat, named Voltaire, was built in 1988 by Colin Henwood, founder of boatbuilders Henwood & Dean in the Hambleden Valley, with the intention of promoting the benefits of electric propulsion. Designed by his business partner Robert Dean, Mr Henwood says the punt benefits from silent, clean and pollution-free running. He said: She did a great job as ambassador for electricity back in the day when there was a glimmer of interest, a resurgence from the 1890s when the Thames was home to many electric boats. When we took people out on it, they couldnt believe that you could go along the river in silence and that there was no noise whatsoever. As a consequence, we rebuilt many electric boats and it generated a huge amount of interest. The boat, which has mahogany sides, a plywood bottom and a teak frame, was used by the family for more than 30 years and was taken on picnics, camping trips to small islands in the river and to Henley Royal Regatta and the Henley Festival. Colin said: Evening trips up the Hennerton backwater with a glass of wine and a tasty sandwich became a summer standard. We put a small fridge on board stocked with a few beers and bottle of wine so anyone could spontaneously take advantage of a beautiful day. About 20 years ago, the boat travelled to France to help Boris Proutzakoff, who used to work for the company, establish his boatyard near Angers on the Loire River. Colin recalled: We spent a few luxurious days exploring a tributary and spotting huge water rats living in the river banks. The name Voltaire is a pun on the word volt, referencing the electrical power used to run the boat. Colin said: There is nothing erudite or intellectual about it, its just a nice name for a boat. He is selling the punt because he has not used her for several years since he sold the boatyard and moved away from this area. Colin said: When we have these wonderful things, we need to use them. Its not something you can put in your living room. Beautiful boats should be on the river, not in storage my whole life has been about that. I am very sorry to see it go but I will be very happy to find someone who will love it as much as we have. Its the end of an era. Colin started Henwood & Dean in 1983 to rebuild and restore Thames launches and sometimes built new boats. Six years ago the business was sold to Tony Knights, a former apprentice at the company, and Dan Wood, whose company 3D Marine helped transport the boats in and out of the yard. Colin now owns a workshop at the Long Wittenham, where he restores boats. He is currently restoring an 100-year-old launch and said: My heart has always been in my hands. For more information, email colinhenwoodboats@gmail.com Emily Hart at the New York Times: A spaceship lands near a small town in the Amazon, leaving the local government to manage an alien invasion. Dissidents who disappeared during a military dictatorship return years later as zombies. Bodies suddenly begin to fuse upon physical contact, forcing Colombians to navigate newly dangerous salsa bars and FARC guerrillas who have merged with tropical birds. Across Latin America, shelves labeled ciencia ficcion, or science fiction, have long been filled with translations of H.P. Lovecraft, Ray Bradbury, William Gibson and H.G. Wells. Now they might have to compete with a new wave of Latin American writers who are making the genre their own, rerooting it in their homelands and histories. Shrugging off rolling cornfields and New York skylines, they set their stories against the dense Amazon, craggy Andean mountainscapes and unmistakably Latin American urban sprawl. more here. Jill Lepore in The New Yorker: On November 4, 1963, the Beatles played at the Prince of Wales Theatre, in London, exuberant, exhausted, and defiant. For our last number, Id like to ask your help, John Lennon cried out to the crowd. Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if youd just rattle your jewelry. Two weeks later, the band made their first appearance on American television, on NBCs Huntley-Brinkley Report. The hottest musical group in Great Britain today is the Beatles, the reporter Edwin Newman said. Thats not a collection of insects but a quartet of young men with pudding-bowl haircuts. And, four days after that, CBS Morning News with Mike Wallace broadcast a four-minute report from Beatleland, by the London correspondent Alexander Kendrick. The Beatles are said by sociologists to have a deeper meaning, Kendrick reported. Some say they are the authentic voice of the proletariat. Everyone searched for that deeper meaning. The Beatles found it hard to take the search seriously. What has occurred to you as to why youve succeeded? Kendrick asked Paul McCartney. Oh, I dunno, he answered. The haircuts? More here. External affairs minister S Jaishankar this week talked about Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of making India the leading global power in the next 25 years. He also articulated how his ministry was taking up the challenge and engaging continents and countries hitherto largely ignored in the past. In the same media interaction, Jaishankar lambasted Canada and UK for promoting Sikh separatists' activity as part of vote bank politics and named China for the military threat it poses to India after its unilateral armed belligerence in East Ladakh in May 2020. PM Narendra Modi (Centre), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (Left) and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval (Right).(ANI) While China before the advent of Modi was he who must not be named for Indian diplomacy, the Indian diplomats were also wary of bluntly calling out countries like Canada, UK, and Australia for turning a deliberate blind eye towards anti-India activity in their countries. Even though the muscular foreign policy does not fetch votes in a politics-obsessed country like India, PM Modi and his foreign minister Jaishankar has never shied from airing their sharp views when it comes to the national interest. Fact is that while rival countries are taken aback at India calling spade a spade, even friendly countries are still to adjust to new India. Gone are the days when India just frothed and fumed at a terrorist attack instigated by Pakistan and went back to the negotiating table with Islamabad after a few months. Today, Pakistan fears military retaliation from India in case of a terror attack either in Jammu and Kashmir or in the hinterland. The 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot air strikes are not the only two examples of muscular India. Oblivious to any external pressure, Modis India has chosen not to talk to Pakistan till it puts an end to cross-border terrorism and is sticking to the guiding principle since the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack by Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist group. China too never expected India to display military and diplomatic muscle synchronized with the economic rise of its adversary. The 2017 military stand-off at Doklam in aid of Bhutan and the extraordinary bravery displayed by Col Santosh Babu and his men at Galwan on June 15, 2020, has forced communist China to rethink about India. There is one more thing that is seriously bothering the Communist Party of China about India and that is its ever-growing relationship with the US. China cannot come to terms with the fact that despite the US forsaking India for the terror swamp called Pakistan at least till the turn of the 20th century, New Delhi and Washington have taken to each other on shared global interests on the strong foundations of democracy. The number of leaders who have been invited to address the joint meeting of Congress twice as PM Modi will on June 22 can be counted on the fingers of one hand. It is due to a clear understanding of Indias national interest and vision for the future that PM Modi has been able to forge deep ties with Quad countries, whose mission is much bigger than only containment of China. The turn in the foreign and military policy of Japan and the no change in policy towards China despite a government change in Australia are all examples of the inherent strength of Quad. And the collaboration that the public sees in the open is just the tip of the iceberg. While India has been able to distinguish between friends and competitors, PM Modi has ensured that the country is no longer treated as a soft power by any third country. The voice of India matters today. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Japanese carmaker Toyota will invest $328 million more in a plant in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, it said on Thursday, as it looks to adapt its production processes for a new hybrid model of its Tacoma pickup truck. Toyota has invested close to $1.2 billion in Guanajuato since it announced the plant, it added, saying the factory provides more than 2,500 jobs(AFP Photo) "The new version of the 'Mexican pickup' will be hybrid electric, which means Guanajuato will now form part of the company's electrification production strategy," Toyota said in a statement. The funds will help adapt manufacturing for the new Tacoma model for a North American market, it added. Toyota has invested close to $1.2 billion in Guanajuato since it announced the plant, it added, saying the factory provides more than 2,500 jobs. The announcement followed a visit from Guanajuato governor Diego Sinhue to Japan. Carmakers worldwide are shifting production away from internal-combustion engines to more electric-powered vehicles as they seek to comply with the advent of more stringent emissions rules intended to curb the worsening impacts of climate change. Although Mexico, a key car manufacturing hub, produces large numbers of electric vehicles, many are exported to countries such as the United States because they remain too costly and impractical for drivers in much of Mexico, which lacks a thorough network of charging stations. Mexico has about 1,100 charging stations, mostly clustered in large cities, restricting long-distance EV drives. Hybrid vehicles, however, could be a step forward until there is more investment in EVs, according to industry analysts. In March, Tesla said it would open a "gigafactory" in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, as the electric vehicle behemoth looks to expand its global output. At last year's COP27 climate summit, Mexico, the Americas' third-biggest greenhouse gas emitter, pledged 50% of its auto sales would be zero-emissions vehicles by 2030 and said it would ramp up its clean energy capacity. Bengaluru Special Court has declared Ramachandran Vishwanathan as a Fugitive Economic Offender for allegedly generating huge proceeds through his company, said an official press release. Ramachandran Vishwanathan Also Read - Karnataka BJP launches a helpline number for its workers to fight against cases The matter pertains to the alleged offences committed under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 in the Devas Multimedia Pvt. Ltd. Case. The case was registered by CBI under various sections of IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Viswanathan. Thereafter, an investigation was initiated by the ED under the provision of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). The Provisional Attachment orders worth 82 crore were issued and subsequently Prosecution Complaint was filed by ED against Ramachandran Vishwanathan and others before the Special Court, PMLA Bengaluru for the offence of money laundering. As per the agency, the total proceeds of crime involved in money laundering were quantified as 579 Crore (approximately). "Ramachandran Viswanathan was the mastermind behind the whole scheme of fraudulent generation of huge proceeds by his company M/s Devas Multimedia Pvt. Ltd., and then further diverting the same for his personal benefits and thus caused pecuniary gain to himself and other accused persons," the release stated. Viswanathan is not cooperating with the ongoing proceedings before the competent Special Court under PMLA as well as investigations being conducted by the ED, the agency alleged The Special Court has also declared Vishwanathan as a Fugitive Economic Offender for the offences under Section 12 of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. The attached properties have also been confiscated by the Bengaluru Court under the same act. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bharatiya Janata Party unit of Karnataka has launched a special help line number for its workers across the state on Saturday to fight against alleged legal atrocities on them by the ruling party. The party has also announced they are equipped with around 100 lawyers across the state and they will support them to run the helpline number. Karnataka BJP launches a helpline number for its workers to fight against cases Also Read - Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to turn into a bus conductor on June 11 Speaking to the reporters, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya said, Even in the past, the Congress party has a history of silencing the Hindu organizations with many false cases. To fight against the false cases, we launched the helpline number and we are fully equipped with required legal support to our party members. The newly started helpline number is 18003091907. The party also called the Siddaramaiah led Congress government as Hitler government and alleged that it is trying suppress those who speak against it. The state unit of the BJP tweeted, @INCKarnataka or the Hitler Sarkara, which came to power in the state is trying to suppress our workers by filing false cases. The party will always stand on behalf of all our workers who are active in pro-national activities and will fight legally if necessary.The party is with you to fight against the anti-patriots, against those who harm the pulse, against the anti-people actions of the state government, and the legal expert committee appointed by the party is always ready. In a counter to BJPs helpline number for its workers, Karnataka minister MB Patil said, Requesting @DrParameshwara @PriyankKharge @DKShivakumar @CMofKarnataka to consider setting up a new helpline called Peaceful Karnataka. To ensure there is no hatred being spread in Karnataka, and keep track of any such incidents. Our agenda is only Development & Progress, and to protect Brand Karnataka. In line with its Electric Vehicle policy (EV), the Chandigarh administration will stop registering non-electric two-wheelers from July and even non-electric cars by December as the permitted number of such vehicles in the current financial year is expected to be met by then. In the current financial year, 6,202 internal combustion engine two-wheelers can be registered in Chandigarh as envisaged under the EV policy. (Shutterstock) UT had rolled out its EV Policy in September 2022, applicable for five years, during which it plans to gradually stop registering fuel-run vehicles to dissuade people from buying vehicles that cause pollution. In the current financial year, 6,202 internal combustion engine (ICE) two-wheelers can be registered in the city as envisaged under the EV policy. After reaching the capped number, their registration will be stopped and only electric two-wheelers will be registered. In the next fiscal, there is no provision for further registration of ICE two-wheelers. As per the data provided by the administration, 4,032 ICE two-wheelers have already been registered since April 1 this year. As such, only around 2,170 more can be registered in 2023-24, which is expected to be over by July. On the other hand, only 257 electric two-wheelers have been registered in the city since April. In the case of ICE four-wheelers, new registrations will not be done after their number reaches 22,626 that UT expects will happen by December. In a bid to gradually phase out fuel-run two-wheelers and three-wheelers, the administration had planned to register 35% electric two-wheelers in 2022-23, 70% in 2023-24 and 100% from 2024-25 onwards. After achieving the registration targets of the respective non-electric vehicles, their registration (permanent and temporary) will not be allowed in Chandigarh. The target of non-electric two-wheelers is likely to be achieved by first week of July and that of four-wheelers by December end, said Pradhuman Singh, registering and licensing authority (RLA), Chandigarh. Notably, UT adviser Dharam Pal had recently said they will review the EV Policy and restriction on registration of non-electric vehicles in the city. Chandigarh Two men have been arrested by the Chandigarh Police for sexually harassing and assaulting a 23-year-old woman. The victim said around 11.30 pm, while she was sitting outside her house in Chandigarh, both the accused came there and started abusing her. (Stock photo) The accused, identified as Karan, alias Nana, 20, and Khempal, alias, Sigar, 21, both residents of Mauli Jagran Complex, Chandigarh, were arrested on Friday. On the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, information regarding a quarrel in Mauli Jagran Complex was received from the Police Control Room (PCR), said police. On responding to the scene, police found a woman lying injured, following which she was rushed to PGIMER, officials added. The victim, later in her police statement, said around 11.30 pm, while she was sitting outside her house, the accused came there and started abusing her. When she objected, they touched her inappropriately. Khempal attacked her in the eye, before both accused escaped the spot. On the complaint of a passer-by, police booked the accused under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), (354 (assault or criminal force to woman), 354-A (sexual harassment), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Mauli Jagran police station on June 8. A dispute with the domestic help over his monthly pay had led to the brutal murder of the Pathankot couple, police said on Saturday, two days after their bodies were found in their house in Manwal village. Rajkumar, 62, and Champa Devi, 57, were found brutally murdered in their house in Manwal village. (HT File) The accused, Balwinder Singh alias Kalu, 30, had gone missing right after the crime, thus pointing the needle of suspicion at him, police said while adding that closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) evidence had eventually helped police piece together the sequence of events. Though the accused continues to evade arrest, police have recovered the two-wheeler, an Activa, on which he fled after the crime. The Activa belonged to the couple. Additionally, cops have also recovered some blood-stained clothes, which, along with the Activa, has been sent for forensic examination. Police said that Balwinder had got into an argument with the couple over the monthly pay, which eventually led him to murder them in cold-blood. As per sources, the couple was found with multiple injury marks and their mouth gagged with polythene bags. The incident is suspected to have taken place on Thursday evening while the bodies were discovered late at night. Senior superintendent of police Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said, Right after the crime came to light, police acted swiftly to zero in on the accused. A poster of the accused is being circulated in nearby states and districts, urging the public to come forward with any information that might lead to his arrest. A generous cash reward has been announced for anyone who can provide reliable intelligence regarding his precise location, thereby facilitating his arrest. The cop further said, Five to six dedicated teams have been deployed to conduct raids on all possible hideouts where the suspect may be attempting to evade the law. In a bid to thwart any potential assistance, all family members of the accused have already been rounded up for questioning. Addressing the media, the cop expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community, he said, adding, Our teams are working tirelessly to apprehend the accused, and we urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement authorities. SSP Khakh exhorted the general public to provide information pertaining to their domestic helps for police verification for their own safety. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Two men, arrested by the Panchkula police in an extortion racket case in May last year, have now been booked by the Chandigarh Police for robbing one of their victims car in February 2022. On February 23, 2022, the accused, residents of Panchkula, called the victim to meet near the Sector 48 roundabout in Chandigarh and snatched his SUV. (Stock photo) The accused, Sahil Bhalla and Narinder Khillan, are residents of Sector 8 and Sector 10, Panchkula, respectively. The snatched car, a Tata Harrier, belongs to Dalpreet Singh. As per police, Bhalla had given a loan of 10 lakh to Singh and although he had returned the whole amount, Bhalla was pressuring him to pay 2 lakh more as interest. On February 23, 2022, Bhalla called him to meet near the Sector 48 roundabout in Chandigarh and snatched his SUV. The car was recovered from Khillan by Panchkula police after they busted the extortion racket in May last year. The victim approached Chandigarh Police after coming to know that his vehicle had been recovered in Panchkula. After taking legal opinion, UT police have booked Bhalla and Khillan under Sections 392 (robbery) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Sector 48 police station. Panchkula police had booked the duo, among several others, last year for offering loans to unsuspecting people and later extorting more money by threatening to implicate them in false cases. In an effort to placate sunflower cultivators, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday digitally released a sum of 29.13 crore as an interim payment (bharpai) to 8,528 sunflower farmers for the oilseed crop sown an area of 36,414 acres. The cultivators are up in arms demanding a minimum support price (MSP) of 6,400 per quintal. In an effort to placate sunflower cultivators, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday digitally released a sum of 29.13 crore as an interim payment (bharpai) to 8,528 sunflower farmers for the oilseed crop sown an area of 36,414 acres. The cultivators are up in arms demanding a minimum support price (MSP) of 6,400 per quintal. (HT File Photo) The CM at a press briefing said that when the state government started procuring millet on MSP, farmers of other states also started selling their millet crops in Haryana mandis. A similar situation will arise in the sunflower procurement. So as a matter of precaution we have announced the interim bharpai, as the market rates keep fluctuating, the CM said. Khattar said the government will take a positive decision in the interest of sunflower farmers and a detailed study about the market rates is being conducted. He said that at present the procurement of sunflowers in Haryana was being done at 4,800 per quintal. Neighboring Punjab is procuring the oilseed crop at 4,000-4,200 per quintal. We suspect that Punjabs crop will also find a way in our mandis, he said. Khattar said that the online registration for sunflower was done for 40,000 acres. About 17,000 acres were added to it when the web portal was opened again on farmers demand. It was found that many registrations were not above board. After verification, about 9,000 acres were removed from the database and verification of 6,000 acres is still on, he said. No rift with JJP, our alliance will continue: CM Dismissing talks regarding rift in the BJP-JJP alliance, Khattar said the alliance is intact and will continue. The BJP and the JJP were not pre-poll allies. Both of us needed each other to form the government after no one got a clear majority in 2019 assembly polls. The Independents MLAs are also supporting us. At the moment, the BJP, JJP and Independents together have a strength of 58 MLAs in the state assembly, Khattar said. Asked about BJPs in-charge for Haryana, Biplab Kumar Deb meeting the Independent MLAs recently, Khattar said too much should not be read into it. The coalition government is functioning well. There are no problems between the allies, he said. The Haryana police on Saturday conducted raids on36 hideouts of Himanshu alias Bhau and his aides in Rohtak, Jhajjar, Gurugram, Sonepat and Delhi. The raids began at 6 am and continued till evening hours. The raids were carried out by over 350 police personnel under the supervision of four deputy superintendent of police (DSPs). The Haryana police on Saturday conducted raids on36 hideouts of Himanshu alias Bhau and his aides in Rohtak, Jhajjar, Gurugram, Sonepat and Delhi. The raids began at 6 am and continued till evening hours. The raids were carried out by over 350 police personnel under the supervision of four deputy superintendent of police (DSPs). (HT File Photo) The police recovered 19 mobile phones, 6 SIM cards, 14 bank passbooks, 3 check books, one each pen drive and dongle, two pan cards, 5 notebooks and 9 Aadhaar cards from various locations. Rohtak superintendent of police (SP) Himanshu Garg said the police conducted raids at the hideouts of Himanshu alias Bhau, a resident of Ritauli village and his associates Sagar alias Yamraj, Rahul alias Hulli ,Jasbir alias Zinc, Aman and Sahil. A total of 12 cases have been lodged against Himanshu in Rohtak and seven in Jhajjar under murder, attempt to murder, robbery and other offences. He was carrying a bounty of 1 lakh from Rohatk police and Jhajjar police announced a reward of 55,000 on him. His aide Sahil is carrying a bounty of 10,000 on his head. The accused Himanshu has been involved in criminal activities since his school days, the SP added. He said that Himanshu was arrested in 2020 for firing at a co-villager and later he was sent to Hisar children protection home. He fled from there and is still at large. He is considered to be a close associate of Neeraj Bawana and Naveen Bali gang of Delhi. The accused had also got a fake passport in 2022 from Uttar Pradesh. On April 13, Rohtak police raided Himanshus hideouts and recovered 60 mobile phones, 44 SIM cards, 7 lakh in cash, 2 motorcycles, 16 live cartridges, ATM card, passport, bank documents, a diary and other items. Feature: Chinese winner of Apple Swift Student Challenge aims high Xinhua) 11:40, June 10, 2023 The screenshot shows Chinese student Dai Canglong (Top, R) sharing his thoughts on his project called "DebitCredit," a double-entry accounting app designed on the basis of "double-entry bookkeeping method, during a virtual meetup with Apple CEO Tim Cook. "I hope to make technology and services equally accessible to all by creating more meaningful apps," said Dai Canglong, a Chinese college student who won Apple's 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC23) Swift Student Challenge. (Xinhua) SAN FRANCISCO, June 9 (Xinhua) -- "I hope to make technology and services equally accessible to all by creating more meaningful apps," said Dai Canglong, a Chinese college student who won Apple's 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC23) Swift Student Challenge. The Swift Student Challenge is part of the WWDC23 held June 5-9, along with keynote events, labs, and workshops available online and free to millions of Apple developers. Every year in the lead-up to the WWDC, young people from around the globe use Swift Playgrounds to showcase their coding passion and skills. Dai, a senior student from China's Central University of Finance and Economics, was among 375 students from over 30 countries and regions being selected as 2023 challenge winners. He participated in the competition for the first time with his project called "DebitCredit", a double-entry accounting app designed on the basis of "double-entry bookkeeping method." "The app aims to simplify this accounting method and help users learn this powerful financial tool, ultimately allowing everyone to manage their finances without any accounting knowledge with this tool," Dai said. He attended a virtual meetup for a dozen of Swift Student Challenge winners during the WWDC23 and shared his thoughts on the work with Apple CEO Tim Cook who was very impressed with the standout project. "As a part of China's vibrant iOS developer community, Canglong is helping people to find new ways to improve their lives. By making it simple for anyone to manage their finances, his work can help so many people achieve their goals," Cook said. When Dai was in his first year of high school, he heard about the Swift Student Challenge and closely followed WWDC and its student challenge in the following years. "I have always wanted to participate in this challenge, and my biggest motivation came from developing a successful app last year," Dai told Xinhua on Friday. The app called "GI Pizza Helper" has gained wide attention. It has been downloaded more than 300,000 times, with over 30,000 daily active users in App Store. Dai's success is a microcosm of Chinese students' passion for coding. Since 2016, the China Collegiate Computer Competition Mobile Application Innovation Contest has attracted more than 20,000 students and helped hundreds of colleges and universities set up iOS clubs. At the Apple Design and Development Accelerator in Shanghai, the company has worked one-on-one with developers from across China to help them take their apps from good to great. Since 2019, the accelerator has hosted sessions for developers from around the country, helping developers build on their ideas and bring cutting-edge apps to the market. In recent years, Chinese developers have thrived on App Store in China and abroad. In 2022, roughly as in previous years, China accounted for 51 percent of the billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem, the United States accounted for about 25 percent, and Europe 11 percent, according to a study by Analysis Group. Economists from Analysis Group estimate in the study that last year, Chinese developers generated 523 billion U.S. dollars in total billings and sales from the sale of physical goods and services, 25 billion dollars from in-app advertising, and 21 billion dollars from digital goods and services. Dai was excited to show his project to Cook along with other student winners and was determined to become a product manager in the future. "Through product design, technologies can be delegated to common people, they can benefit from the technologies. That's what an excellent product is about." "Canglong and this amazing new generation of iOS developers around the world are shaping a better future for everyone, and we can't wait to see what he does next," Cook noted. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) A school vidhan sabha mock session being organised in the Himachal Pradesh assembly on June 12 on the occasion of Child Labour Prohibition Day will see Jhanvi, a student from Sundernagar, play role of the chief minister during the childrens session. Jhanvi was elected to play the role by 68 child representatives as well as jury members for the childrens session, said State Legislative Assembly speaker, Kuldeep Singh Pathania in a press conference here. Jhanvi was elected to play the role by 68 child representatives as well as jury members for the childrens session. (HT Photo) He said that the childrens session would start at 10.30 am. The childrens session will start during the question hour. There will be a Zero Hour after the 30-minute Question Hour. The childrens session will end at 2:30pm. He said that deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh would be the special guest of the childrens session. Chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, cabinet ministers, MLAs will be present in the childrens session. He said that out of 68 children selected for the childrens session, 60 are students of government schools. These include 40 girls and 28 boys. 63 children from schools located in 43 seats of the State Legislative Assembly have been selected for the childrens session. Apart from this, 5 children are from other states. He said that the purpose of organizing the childrens session is to give place to childrens thoughts in policy making. Expressing the issues of children by them gives place to originality and innovation. He said that through the youth parliament in the country, children get an opportunity to listen to their views. Organising a childrens session in the Vidhan Sabha shows the commitment to take childrens views seriously, he said. In response to the question, the speaker of the Vidhan Sabha said that the issue of starting Zero Hour in the State Legislative Assembly is under consideration. In response to a question, he said that more than 40 members of the State Legislative Assembly would participate in the conference of the National Legislative Council to be held in Mumbai. The chief minister will also participate in this conference. The speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the chief minister can preside over any session of the conference. Ahead of annual Amarnath Yatra, a joint security conference of security forces and top officials of civil administration was held on Saturday with an aim to increase synergy, interaction and coordination between various agencies for the success of the pilgrimage. The 62-day yatra to the 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine is scheduled to start from July 1. (ANI File Photo) The 62-days long yatra to the 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine is scheduled to start from July 1 from two routes the traditional 48-km Nunwan route in South Kashmirs Pahalgam and the 14-km Baltal route in Central Kashmirs Ganderbal. Detailed briefing and discussions provided an opportunity for deliberations on important issues of mutual interest impacting the security of the Yatra. All officials stressed the need for harmonious functioning of the government agencies to make the event successful, defense spokesman said in a statement released after the meeting. He said that in view of the prevailing internal security situation, an overview of the security was also undertaken to ensure complete synergy between all security agencies and the civil administration for a coordinated effort towards the achievement of the laid down goals for a smooth and incident free Yatra. On Friday, Union home minister Amit Shah had also chaired a security review meeting for sucessful yatra in New Delhi. The meeting besides top officials was also attended by J&Ks lieutenant govener Manoj Sinha. The routes leading towards yatra from Ganderbal Baltal and Pahalgam Anantnag will be ready June 15. Last year 3.65 lakh yatris visited the holy cave and this year officials are hopeful the figure could cross five lakhs. Holding 62-day Yatra shows admns confidence : Jitendra Singh UDHAMPUR Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said the duration of 62 days for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra shows the confidence of Jammu and Kashmir administration as a large number of devotees are expected to join the annual pilgrimage in an improved security scenario. The yatra to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave in south Kashmir Himalayas is scheduled to commence on July 1 from the twin tracks - traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and 14 km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal district. A vacation bench of Delhi High Court which on June 9 granted interim protection from arrest to Basant Bansal, the brother of director of real estate development company, M3M India Pvt Ltd, Roop Kumar Bansal, and Roops nephew, Pankaj Bansal held that both Basant and Pankaj have not been named in the enforcement case information report (ECIR) by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A vacation bench of Delhi HC which on June 9 granted interim protection from arrest to Basant Bansal, the brother of director of real estate development company, M3M India Pvt Ltd, Roop Kumar Bansal, and Roops nephew, Pankaj Bansal held that both Basant and Pankaj have not been named in the enforcement case information report (ECIR) by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (HT File Photo) The HC bench in its June 9 orders said that ED has not yet been able to implicate the duo in any of the scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Roop Bansal, arrested on June 8 by the ED, was on June 9 produced before a special PMLA court in Panchkula that granted his custody to the ED for seven days. Following Roop Bansals arrest, Basant and Pankaj had on June 9 petitioned the Delhi high court seeking anticipatory bails. In separate petitions filed before the HC, the father son duo pleaded that they apprehended imminent arrest in light of the events of the last few days, culminating in the unlawful and illegal arrest of their relative Roop Bansal. Delhi HC vacation judge Justice Chandra Dhari Singh in his orders said that the primary accused in the matter, Lalit Goyal, the promoter of IREO Group, has already been granted regular bail in the matter on April 24, 2022, and the same has not been challenged by the ED. Besides, the EDs counsel has sought one week time to file a status report and relevant document to support their case. Granting interim protection to father son duo till July 5, the HC judge said that the fact that the petitioners have not been named in the ECIR and that the respondent has not yet been able to implicate them in any of the PMLA scheduled offences and the admitted fact that they have not even been summoned by the ED in present case, this court is of the considered opinion that in the interest of justice they may be granted interim protection till the next date of hearing. The HC also said the duo shall surrender passports to the investigating officer and under no circumstances leave India without prior permission of the court, cooperate in investigations, remain present before the jurisdictional police station on second and fourth Saturday of every month for two months or till filing of the final report, drop a PIN on the Google map to ensure that their location is available to the investigating officer. The PMLA investigations were initiated based on multiple FIRs registered against the IREO group. The investigations done by the ED, however, revealed that a huge amount of money running in hundreds of crores was siphoned off through M3M group also, ED officials said. The ED had on June 1 carried out search operations at offices IREO and M3M for allegedly siphoning funds of home buyers and others in Gurugram and Delhi, under the PMLA provisions. Seventeen high-end luxury vehicles Ferrari, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, Bentley and Mercedes-Maybach having acquisition value of about 60 crore, jewelry worth 5.75 crore, 15 lakh cash and various incriminating documents, digital evidence and books of accounts were seized during the search operation. ED Investigations showed that in one of the transactions, M3M group received about 400 crore from IREO group through several shell companies in multiple layers. The transactions were shown in books of IREO as payments towards development rights. The land was owned by M3M group, and the market value of the land was around 4 crore. M3M group initially sold the development rights of the said land to five shell companies for a payment of 10 crore. It was claimed that the five companies were unrelated companies, an ED statement said. The ED said that investigations showed that the five shell companies were operated by M3M Group and immediately sold the development rights of the same land to IREO Group for about 400 crore. After receiving the amount of 400 crore from IREO Group, these five shell companies transferred the said amounts immediately to M3M Group through multiple shell companies and layers. All the shell companies were owned and operated by M3M Group under the directions of its promoters Basant Kumar Bansal and Roop Kumar Bansal and their family members. In this way, IREO and M3M siphoned off about 400 crore money belonging to investors customers and the proceeds of crime remained with M3M Group which was used by M3M for other investments paying off liabilities. On the other hand, IREO Group did not make any efforts to develop the land and started writing off the investments every year, an ED statement said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sunflower growers, who are demanding a minimum support price of 6,400 per quintal, are not happy with the compensation announced by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar. They termed it an attempt to thwart their gathering at the Pipli Mahapanchayat called by various farmer associations on June 12. Sunflower farmers, who are demanding a minimum support price of 6,400 per quintal, are not happy with the compensation announced by Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar. They termed it an attempt to thwart their gathering at the Pipli Mahapanchayat called by various farmer associations on June 12. (HT Photo) This announcement will not have any impact on the farmers as the rally is being organised against the police brutality on farmers, said 67-year-old Pritam Singh of Mahdodan village. He alleged that the police targeted elderly farmers. I was cane-charged while farmers were running to protect themselves from police batons. Now, more than sunflower, self-respect is the issue, he added. Nihal Singh (65), a resident of Salempur village, who has been camping at the Shahbad grain market for the past three days to sell his produce, said, We are with our leaders. The government is trying to lure us by offering us a petty amount of 1,000 per quintal, but they cannot stop us from reaching Pipli on June 12. Baljeet Singh, a young farmer from Sulkhani village, said, We will take the money but will also take part in the rally as we cannot leave Gurnam Singh Charuni alone. Now, he needs our support, and the rally will be a launchpad for the new movement for guaranteed MSP. Even as the government is claiming that private traders were showing interest in buying sunflower seeds, most of the produce lying in mandis are unsold. As per figures, Hafed has procured only 101 MT of sunflower seed so far. However, the lifting has not been started yet and the entire procured sunflower seed is lying in mandis. We have to pay 100 per quintal as labour charges as we had to dry the crop and we take it back again as we have to wait until the government agencies start procurement on the MSP, said Ranveer Singh, who has 10 acres under sunflower in Katlahari village of Kurukhetra. Out of the total 37,000 acreage under sunflower, over 70% is grown in the Shahbad and Ismailabad blocks of Kurukshetra district. Most of the farmers grow two crops a year. Sunflower helps us get additional income of around 50,000 per acre. Even potato farmers want to grow sunflower as it helps them to bear the losses of potatoes if the prices fall below 10 per kg, said Rajeev Sharma, a farmer. Farmers said that the governments decision not to buy sunflower seed at MSP of 6,400 per quintal has not only reduced the prices but also made the farmers a worried lot. They feel that in the absence of government agencies, private buyers will not buy their entire produce. This is the beginning of the harvesting season and now the prices have fallen to around 4,500 per quintal. This is because government agencies are not buying at the MSP. We are sure that once the agitation is over, the prices will fall further, said farmer Dharamvir of Kalsana village. On the other hand, farm leaders are visiting every village to seek support for the Pipli Mahapanchayat which they believe will set the stage for the beginning of a new movement for the MSP in the country. Moreover, the Shahbad police action has united several farmer unions of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. This agitation is not limited to sunflower farmers only, but it has become a national-level movement and lakhs of farmers will reach Pipli to take the final call, said BKU (Charuni) leader Sanju Gundiana. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a Panchkula-based coloniser for allegedly helping Girish Verma, former executive officer (EO) of the Zirakpur municipal council, in accumulating disproportionate assets. The man allegedly also assisted Girish Verma in concealing his illicitly acquired funds by engaging in money layering techniques and integrating the cash into legitimate banking system through various means, including providing bank entries. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) A VB spokesperson said the accused, Pawan Kumar Sharma, played a pivotal role in facilitating Vermas accumulation of illicit wealth. This was achieved by deceitfully selling an open plinth, located on a 5-acre plot in Khudal Kalan village, Bareta, Mansa. The plinth, originally intended for storage purposes with a capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes, was falsely portrayed as agricultural land. The land was undervalued during registration, and Sharma, known for his real estate business in Zirakpur, allegedly provided Verma undue advantages in return. Sharma allegedly also assisted Verma in concealing his illicitly acquired funds by engaging in money layering techniques and integrating the cash into legitimate banking system through various means, including providing bank entries. Additionally, the spokesperson revealed that Sharma had engaged in multiple financial transactions with the EOs son Vikas Verma. The MC officer was arrested on October 12, 2020, after a vigilance probe had found that he spent 7.15 crore more than his income between April 2008 and March 2021. Verma was posted as EO, Bhikhiwind, Amritsar, when he was arrested. According to the bureau, using illegally acquired wealth, Verma purchased multiple properties in his name, besides his wife Sangeeta Verma and son Vikas Verma. Despite being unemployed, both Sangeeta and Vikas own 10 and five properties, respectively. The properties involved in the case include commercial showrooms located in Zirakpur and Panchkula, as well as residential houses in Panchkula and Ludhiana. Furthermore, the accused also acquired plots in Kansal, Chandigarh; Dhakoli, Zirakpur; and Khudal Kalan, Mansa. In addition to these transactions, he had invested a sum of 1.32 crore in two developer firms under his sons name. Recently, the Punjab and Haryana high court had dismissed the anticipatory bail petitions of co-accused Gaurav Gupta and Sanjiv Kumar, both partners of Vikas Verma in the real estate firm, Balaji Infra Buildtech. An anticipatory bail plea of Vikas was also dismissed by the HC and he remains at large. The police suspect the involvement of an insider in 7-crore robbery at the office of a cash management services company by armed robbers in the early hours of Saturday. 7 crore robbery: Police suspect insiders hand Around 2:30 am, at least 10 robbers broke into the office of CMS Securities after overpowering four security guards and then escaped with the cash in a van of the company, police said. Investigating the case, the Ludhiana police found chinks in the statement recorded by employees of the company in New Rajguru Nagar locality here. According to police, the delay in informing about the incident is enough to bring the employees under the scanner. The incident occurred around 2.30 am, while the employees informed the police about it at 7 am. Commissioner of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said that there are some missing links in the story. The police are verifying all the claims made by the employees. Police said that the height of the compound wall of the office is 10 feet. The employees told police that two of the robbers had barged in the office after scaling the wall. Moreover, the robbers disconnected the sensors after barging in, which suggest that the robbers were aware about the sensors and their location in the office. A total of 11 crore were kept in the office, out of which 4 crore were in the safe and 7 crore were lying outside the safe on a table, which is not a common practice among the employees. They used to keep all the cash in safe, but on Saturday they did not, police said. The employees have no idea about the vehicles used by the robbers. The employees said that the robbers have driven away a cash van, but it doesnt have the capacity to carry 10 people. Unsafe office The employees of the company had earlier written to the head office of the company to shift it to a safer place. The office is on the periphery of the city with less population in the area. The employees found the office unsafe for holding huge amounts of money. Despite sending the representation three to four times, the company did not take the matter seriously. Commissioner of police Sidhu said that the police have found the communication about relocating the office to some safer place. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tarsem Singh Deogan Tarsem Singh Deogan is a senior reporter at Ludhiana. He has 16 years of experience in journalism. He has covered all beats and now focuses on crime reporting. ...view detail Police on Thursday arrested a quack for duping a woman of 2,500 by assuring her help in bearing a male child. Pre-Conception and pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques nodal officer Vikas Gupta received information about a quack seeling medicines to pregnant women after assuring them that it would ascertain a male child. (Stock photo) The accused has been identified as Patwari of Kathgarh village in Balachur, Mohali. He worked under the alias of vaid ji. He was arrested in a joint raid at Majri Chowk by a health department team and police. He was produced before the court on Saturday and sent to a one-day police remand. Pre-Conception and pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques nodal officer Vikas Gupta received information about a quack seeling medicines to pregnant women after assuring them that it would ascertain a male child. Health team tracked accused for three days A health department official had visited the quack at near the Parade Ground. The accused initially refused dealing in any medicines, but the official handed him a visiting card. On June 5, the quack called the official and agreed to hand over the medicine. The accused demanded a 3,500 advance and fixed a meeting at Majri Chowk. where he was arrested. Police said the accuseds family, including his father and grandfather, had been selling desi medicines, but no complaints had been received against them. The accused would sell medicines from a Hyundai i20 car. A case under sections 6C of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act and section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at the Sector 7 police station. Panchkula police, meanwhile, cautioned the public against falling for such frauds and not consuming any such medicines. Notably, police had on May 6 also arrested a chemist from Pinjore for allegedly selling exorbitant medical termination of pregnancy kits. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shailee Dogra A senior reporter based in Chandigarh, Shailee Dogra covers SAS Nagar (Mohali) district. ...view detail The Delhi government on Saturday attacked Delhi lieutenant governor VK Saxena, accusing him of unwarranted and unjust attempts to claim credit for works done by the state government to curb pollution in the river Yamuna. Delhi water minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said the reduction in Yamuna pollution was due to the implementation of a 6-point action plan devised by the AAP government. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO) Delhi water minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, in a statement, said the reduction in Yamuna pollution was due to the implementation of a 6-point action plan devised by the AAP government. The statement was issued a day after the National Green Tribunal (NGT)-appointed committee go coordinate efforts to clean the Yamuna, which is headed by the LG, said that the water quality in the river has improved since the formation of the panel in January this year. An official in the LG secretariat described the statement by the Delhi minister as laughableand self defeating. Citing data by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the panel on Friday said that the biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels -- a key indicator of the river waters ability to support aquatic life -- in the Yamuna at Kashmere Gate dipped from 55 milligrams of oxygen per litre (mg/l) in May 2022 to 38mg/l in May 2023. All progress made in cleaning of the Yamuna have been implemented in accordance with the comprehensive six-point action plan announced by the Delhi chief minister in November 2021. The plan, devised by the CM himself, outlines crucial steps to address the core issues affecting the river and has served as the foundation for the Delhi governments ongoing initiatives, the statement said. Bharadwaj, in the statement, said that the LG could not have initiated any steps since he lacks the authority to assign budget for these measures initiated by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). LG lacks the financial authority to approve any projects in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) or the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFC). The ongoing attempts to present minutes of meetings and presentations from departments such as DJB and IFC as if they were solely the achievements of the lieutenant governor are misleading and a disservice to the collective efforts of the people of Delhi, the statement issued by Bharadwajs office said. The statement said that the DJB has made remarkable strides in addressing the problem of pollution in the Yamuna. However, the LG office has been unjustly claiming credit for the ongoing efforts initiated by the elected government and attempting to overshadow the visionary work accomplished by CM Arvind Kejriwal, the statement added. The LG secretariat official said, Had the government of Delhi done a single concrete thing with regard to cleaning the Yamuna during the last eight years, apart from making hollow announcements issuing advertisements and hoisting banners, the NGT would not have slammed the Delhi government for inaction and constituted a special high-level committee and requested the LG to chair it. The official added that the DJB is yet to trap 147 drains falling into Najafgarh and Shahdara drains, and timelines for each stage of trapping of different segments of the drains is yet to be assigned to specific officers. The Delhi government has approached the Supreme Court against the NGT-appointed committees formed to oversee efforts to clean the Yamuna, on of the most polluted rivers in the country, and manage solid waste in the Capital. The turf war between the LG and the AAP government in Delhi has intensified ever since the promulgation of an ordinance by the Centre which seeks to restore control of the LG over bureaucrats in the state government, effectively nullifying a May 11 Supreme Court ruling which said that the transfer and posting of the officials came under the purview of the elected dispensation. Police have arrested a 36-year-old temple priest, Sai Krishna, for allegedly killing his paramour, Kuruganti Apsara, by bludgeoning her with a stone. The incident occurred after Apsara had been pressuring Krishna to marry her, despite knowing that he was already married. The accused voluntarily confessed to having committed that he had murdered the deceased and shifted her dead body with the help of his car. (HT Photo) In March, the diseased Kuruganti Apsara asked Ayyagari Venkat Surya Sai Krishna to marry her even though she was aware that he was married, the police said. "Apsara also blackmailed him, saying if he failed to marry her she would expose him. Vexed by her behaviour, Sai Krishna decided to kill Apsara" a police release quoting DCP Shamshabad K Narayan Reddy said. At first, the accused had approached to police on June 5 and registered a case of missing of his niece (the deceased). "In his complaint, he stated that on June 3, he along with his niece by name Kuruganti Apsara, Saroornagar Mandal, R R District came to Shamshabad bus stand to drop her off as she is proceeding to Bhadrachalam along with her friends. After getting her inside the case, he was unable to contact her and later filed a case of missing," the police said. The police further said that, after a thorough investigation, the accused voluntarily confessed to having committed that he had murdered the deceased and shifted her dead body with the help of his car and dumped the dead body in a drainage manhole in the limits of Saroornagar. "In the month of April last year, the deceased went to the temple and both got acquainted and were in physical relation. In the month of March-2023, the deceased asked the accused to marry her and also forced him even though she has knowledge that the accused is married. Sometimes the deceased blackmailed the accused that if he failed to marry her she would blame him the society. The accused was vexed with the behaviour of the deceased and decided to kill her," the police said. The accused, later on, on the pretext of visiting Coimbatore, took her to the limits of Shamshabad at night and killed her hitting her head several times with the stone. "The accused concealed the dead body in a car cover and went to his apartment at Saroornagar. He parked his car in his apartment parking area. On the same day, he went to a deceased house at Saroornagar and met with the deceased mother Aruna and took her to the police station and lodged a complaint about the missing deceased by giving a false complaint," the police said. On the next day, he brought two tippers load of red soil and covered the manhole and also burnt her handbag, and luggage bag to avoid the smell. After that, he washed his car and concealed it in his apartment parking area, the police said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Congress worker was shot dead in West Bengal on Friday as political clashes broke out on the first day of submitting papers for the high-stakes panchayat elections, even as the Calcutta high court observed that the time period for filing nominations prima facie appeared to be inadequate. State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the attack was politically motivated. (Represntative image) Read here: Bengal rural polls: Opp parties seek more time for nominations, central forces According to police officials, Congress worker Phoolchand Sheikh was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Murshidabad districts Khargram. State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the attack was politically motivated. We were anticipating attacks on our people before the polls. State Election Commission officials said they sought a report from the police on the attack. Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha member Santanu Sen maintained that the police will carry out a thorough investigation. It needs to be ascertained whether the crime was linked to politics, he said. Earlier in the day, a division bench of chief justice T S Sivagnanam and justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya noted that the notification for the July 8 polls were released on Friday and the nomination process started at 11am the same day. Prima facie, we are of the view that the time limit fixed in the notification is inadequate. The notification has been uploaded/published today i.e. on 9th June, 2023 and filing of nominations would start from 11am today. This, in our view, would appear to be hurrying up the process which needs to be reconsidered by the state election commission, the bench said. The state election commission can fix a reasonable time for the prospective candidates to file their nominations because it is insisted that nominations have to be filed in physical form, it added. The bench made the observations while hearing separate petitions filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and leader of opposition in the state assembly Suvendu Adhikari and Congress Lok Sabha floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, seeking extension of dates and deployment of central forces to forestall violence during the poll process. Read here: Bengal panchayat polls to be held in single phase on July 8: State election body The Congresss move to approach the high court may further strain its equations with the ruling TMC and cast a shadow on efforts to forge larger Opposition unity ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The pleas showed, once again, why contradictions in political dynamics at the state and national levels were hurting opposition unity plans. On Thursday, SEC Rajiva Sinha announced that panchayat elections will be held in a single phase on July 8 and nominations for the elections will begin immediately. He added that the results will likely be announced on July 11. Sinha is the states former chief secretary whose appointment as SEC was cleared by governor C V Ananda Bose on Wednesday. Sinha retired from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2020. During the HC hearing, lawyers for both the BJP and Congress said that there were effectively just 24 hours for candidates to file nominations for 58,513 gram panchayats, 9,730 panchayat samitis and 20 zilla parishads, given that there was one holiday. On the prayer for deployment of central forces, the court said it is for the SEC to decide on whether it would augur well to seek for deployment of central forces so that the state police force can work along with the central forces so as to preserve and maintain law and order situation. The last panchayat polls in 2018 witnessed large-scale violence and around 20 murders with opposition parties alleging that their candidates were not allowed to file nominations and intimidated. The TMC bagged around 90% seats, of which 34% were uncontested. On Friday, clashes broke out in Murshidabad, Cooch Behar, Bankura, North Dinajpur and South 24 Parganas districts. In Murshidabads Raninagar-1 community block area, violence erupted after TMC workers allegedly prevented CPI(M) cadres from collecting their nomination papers. Police said they resorted to baton charge to disperse the clashing groups. Read here: ED summons TMC's Abhishek Banerjee in recruitment case on June 13 Our workers were attacked (by TMC workers) in South 24 Parganas as well, CPI(M) state committee member Samik Lahiri said. Dismissing the allegations, TMC state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar said: SEC is conducting the polls. All political parties have to cooperate. TMC is determined to ensure that the polls are peaceful and fair. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON London 'The evidence also points to a breakdown in command and control by commanders over their personnel.' The UN said Friday it will repatriate 60 Tanzanian peacekeepers from Central African Republic after new allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation surfaced - the latest in a string of sexual abuse scandals involving UN peacekeepers in the country. Eleven members of the unit were accused of sexually abusing and exploiting four victims, according to the UN's Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, known as MINUSCA. It was not immediately clear when the alleged abuse occurred, but some of the victims are believed to have been minors at the time, Guy Karema, a spokesperson with MINUSCA, told The New Humanitarian. The contingent has been confined to their barracks pending the results of an ongoing investigation. Tanzanian troops were also accused of abuse and paternity cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2016. "The evidence also points to a breakdown in command and control by commanders over their personnel," a MINUSCA statement added. More than 100 women and children have accused peacekeepers of sexual abuse in CAR since 2013, when an alliance of northern rebels known as the Seleka ousted then-president Francois Bozize and triggered a UN peacekeeping deployment in 2014. As of this year, some 3.4 million were in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the UN. The country also has one of the highest proportions of critically food insecure people in the world. Scandals involving peacekeepers between 2014 and 2015 were particularly damaging to the UN, which introduced a raft of reforms and measures in the years that followed. Still, allegations have continued. In one of those scandals, UN whistleblower Anders Kompass - field operations director at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights - exposed the abuse of children by French troops to authorities in 2014. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Central African Republic Legal Affairs Conflict By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The alleged abuse involved hungry children - as young as eight - in the M'Poko camp for displaced people, coerced into sex in return for food or a little money. Another separate scandal involved UN peacekeepers from Burundi and Gabon. The UN has often said it lacks jurisdiction over UN peacekeepers, who are often repatriated after such abuse allegations. Few ever face prosecution. However, the UN has also been accused of failing victims in CAR and elsewhere - either through a lack of assistance to victims or conducting investigations that take too long or often discount victims' testimonies. In 2019, The New Humanitarian detailed a litany of blunders that UN investigators made in probing such abuse allegations in CAR. In that case, investigators from Gabon and Burundi - the troop-contributing countries accused in the abuse - were also criticised for failing victims during the investigations. More than half of the 130 allegations were ultimately dismissed, according to an internal UN draft obtained by The New Humanitarian. In 2021, the UN withdrew 450 peacekeepers from Gabon following abuse allegations. Gabon and Burundi continue to contribute peacekeepers to the UN. Edited by Andrew Gully. Paisley Dodds, Investigations Editor Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed that Yoga Week be organised on a large scale in the entire state for a week from June 15 to 21, a press statement from the state government read on Saturday. For representation only (HT File Photo) A unique aspect is that combined yoga practise will be prioritised at tourist destinations associated with the states ancient culture, historical sites, banks of significant rivers, lakes, ponds, and all Amrit Sarovars, as well as locations rich in scenic beauty. In addition, video links of the Common Yoga Protocol are also proposed to be disseminated for the convenience and awareness of people, the press statement read. On June 20, a special campaign for cleanliness will be launched by the department of urban development, rural development, and Panchayati Raj in coordination with local educational institutions. Celebrities, well-known athletes, yoga gurus, and well-known members of cultural establishments will work with these programmes as collaborators and influencers in order to spread awareness of the value of daily yoga practise among the general public, the press statement read. During the Yoga Week in the state, large-scale group yoga practise programmes will be organised at all district headquarters. Daily group yoga sessions will also take place at the same time from 6 to 8 am in public parks. In addition, extensive yoga programmes will be held on university campuses. Major universities, colleges, and school-colleges in the state will also host yoga-related seminars and workshops on topics such as the application of yoga to modern lifestyles, stress and mental trauma management, elocution competitions, Rangoli/poster competitions, essay writing competitions, slogan writing competitions, and speech competitions. At the conclusion of the week-long programmes, certificates will be given to students. Arrangements will also be made to distribute fruits and sweets to students taking part in the main programme of joint yoga practise on June 21. Mass yoga practise sessions will be held on the banks of rivers, lakes, ponds, all Amrit Sarovars, and other picturesque locations. Mass yoga practise will be held in all 58,000 gram panchayats and 762 municipal bodies of the state. Various competitions will be held in schools/colleges, the press statement read. In line with the theme of Har Ghar-Aangan Yoga, the Uttar Pradesh government plans to organise yoga camps and various programmes across the state, and to involve influencers and celebrities for the purpose of ensuring successful execution and widespread publicity. Local public representatives will participate in a number of Yoga Week programmes in order to increase awareness of these events. All ministers have been instructed by CM Yogi to participate in these programmes in the districts under their charge. Voluntary organizations, health and wellness centers, religious, and social organizations, yoga institutes, NCC cadets, scouts and guides and NSS volunteers will be associated with Yoga Day. In view of the security of the programme sites, continuous patrolling of the police force will also be ensured. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With a view to strengthening the universitys alumni network and celebrate the achievements of its renowned graduates, the University of Lucknow (LU) is gearing up for a highly anticipated alumni meet scheduled for August 15 this year. The Lucknow University alumni meet is scheduled for August 15 this year. (For Representation) With a deep commitment to their alma mater, the alumni of Lucknow University have pledged to provide funds for the construction of a dedicated guest house on the university premises. This initiative will enhance the universitys facilities and provide a comfortable space for alumni visiting the campus, an official said. Vice chancellor, LU, Prof Alok Kumar Rai said during the Covid-19 pandemic, LU alumni extended their support by providing financial assistance and guidance to students who lost their parents. Their compassion and care exemplify the strong bond within the alumni community. Furthermore, the alumni have also made significant contributions to the VC Care Fund which offers financial support to the students in need. These contributions have had a positive impact on the academic journey and overall well-being of numerous students, showcasing the generosity and unity of the alumni network. Prof Poonam Tandon, dean, students welfare, said the alumni play a crucial role in supporting student placement initiatives by leveraging their professional expertise and networks. Their guidance and mentorship pave the way for successful career paths and open doors to promising opportunities for current students. The preparation of this event is being conducted by Prof Sudheer Mehrotra, chairperson, Alumni Association. A system is also being developed where organised contribution of the alumni in students training and placement is ensured, Prof Poonam Tandon said. As role models for the present generation of students, the LU alumni inspire and motivate through their achievements. Their success stories serve as a beacon of hope, encouraging students to dream big and achieve their goals. Tandon said, The University of Lucknow takes great pride in its strong and active alumni network which continues to make a significant contribution to the institution and society. Several departments within the university have active alumni associations, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities among graduates. As the alumni meet approaches, excitement and anticipation are building among alumni and the current student community. The event promises to be a momentous occasion for reconnecting, networking, and forging new bonds, she said. The LU is committed to nurturing lifelong relationships with its esteemed alumni and harnessing their collective power to further strengthen the institution, Prof Poonam Tandon added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shindes son Shrikant Shinde Friday slammed the local Bharatiya Janata Party leaders from the Dombivli area for engaging in selfish politics by creating trouble for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and offered to resign if that would bridge the growing rift between the two parties. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MP Shrikant Shinde addresses the media at Balasaheb Bhavan, in Mumbai.(PTI file photo) Shrikants statement came after the local BJP workers blamed the Sena MP for falsely framing BJPs Dombivli East Mandal president Nandu Joshi in a molestation case. Alleging that the motive behind the act was to settle political scores, the BJP workers passed a resolution Wednesday to not support the Shinde camp in the polls. Cause of rift Amid the protest by the BJP leaders, Shrikant also announced that the Shinde faction would fight the Lok Sabha seats the party won in the 2019 election, further escalating the conflict. Following the BJP leaders protest seeking the transfer of police inspector Shekhar Bagade, who lodged an FIR against Joshi allegedly on the instructions of the Lok Sabha member, Shrikant Shinde offered to resign. Who is Shrikant Shinde? 1)CM Shindes son Shrikant is a Lok Sabha MP from the Kalyan constituency of Maharashtra, part of the Kalyan-Dombivli metropolitan area the centre of the growing political storm. 2)The orthopaedic surgeon-turned-politician is reportedly being nurtured as the partys youth face and as the Shinde factions answer to Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray ahead of the long-due civic polls to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and assembly election. 3)The two-term MP from Kalyan has emerged as a powerful leader of the Shinde scion, seen as number two in the party within the political circles as he handles the organisational matters and political management of the party. 4)The 36-year-old leader has also been making efforts to spearhead his fathers pet project, the beautification of Mumbai city and other issues. He reportedly keeps a close eye on his fathers decisions as a CM and also acts as Shindes point person in New Delhi. 5)In February, a controversy emerged involving Shrikant, wherein MP Sanjay Raut from the Uddhav Thackeray faction claimed that Shinde's son had given Thane-based gangster Raja Thakur a contract to kill him a claim rejected by Shiv Sena. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Banaras Hindu University launched a student well-being initiative for the students at the Institute of Science. The initiative will support the students in their pursuit of academic development as well as psychological, emotional, physical and mental well-being. The committee will help students navigate life challenges, resolve psychological concerns and develop a life-long orientation toward resilience and mental wellness through formal and informal means. (HT FILE) According to a press statement from BHU, vice-chancellor Prof Sudhir Kumar Jain formed a ten-member committee chaired by Prof Satyen Saha, department of chemistry, to carry out activities under the initiative. The committee will help students navigate life challenges, resolve psychological concerns and develop a life-long orientation toward resilience and mental wellness through formal and informal means. It will develop strategies and implement activities to enhance physical and mental health and overall well-being of students who are in need of any kind of help or assistance. The committee is also mandated to liaise with external and internal resource persons, facilitators or mentors for conducting workshops, talks, activities and events on various aspects of well-being. The members of the committee will make themselves available to the students when the need arises and help them access various services available at the university level. The initiative has been launched for a period of one year initially. Dr Prashant Singh, department of botany, Dr Shruti Trivedi, department of chemistry, Dr Shikha Singh, department of geography, Dr Gulab Chand Gautam, department of geology, Dr Jayeeta Lahari, department of physics, Dr Mahaveer Panwar, department of statistics, Dr Vivek Laha, department of mathematics, Dr Amaresh Kumar Singh, department of zoology, and Dr Ankita Vaish, department of computer science are the members of the committee. The vice-chancellor also appointed an advisory council to monitor and track activities of the life skills and well-being initiative. The advisory council chaired by Prof Madoolika Agrawal, department of botany, has Prof SM Singh, school of biotechnology, Prof Abhay Kr Singh, department of physics, Prof Rajeev Bhatla, department of geophysics, and Prof Madhu Gwaldas Tapadia, department of zoology as members of the advisory council. LUCKNOW The Uttar Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has asked the party lawmakers to focus on the ongoing public connect campaign underway in the state instead of sparing time for the three-day National Legislators Conference, Bharat (NLC), in Mumbai between June 15 and 17. The BJP has also planned Dhanyawad Modi (Thank You Modi) meets. (HT Photo) About 200 lawmakers, including members of the upper house of the Uttar Pradesh state legislature, have enrolled for the NLC, in which lawmakers and speakers of various assemblies are expected to participate. Though there is no official confirmation about the partys decision, yet the move, confirmed off record by some party members, has apparently been taken to ensure that the party lawmakers get to focus on the maha jansampark abhiyaan (mega public connect initiative) that would run through most of June. As part of this mass-connect campaign, the party has planned rallies and visits by senior leaders in each of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies across the state. The party leadership wants the presence of lawmakers in these outreach campaigns. Besides these rallies, the party is also holding prabuddhjan sammelan (intellectual meets). In these events, the participation of BJP lawmakers is expected, said a party source when asked about the plan behind holding back its lawmakers from the Mumbai meeting in which about 2,500 lawmakers and speakers from different states and parties are expected to participate. The BJP has also planned Dhanyawad Modi (Thank You Modi) meets in each of the 17 municipal corporations where the BJP won this time. In 2017, when there were only 16 municipal corporations, the BJP had won mayoral posts in 14 of them while the BSP had won two. This time, the BJP won all, including the newly-formed Shahjahanpur municipal corporation. In most of these public outreach initiatives, the BJP is attempting to approach the common man with the policies of the Modi-Yogi governments, party leaders. While previous governments would only make promises, the BJP governments of Modi ji and Yogi ji at the Centre and in U.P. have ensured that the benefits of the government schemes reach the poorest of the poor. Our governments have consistently adopted the practice of approaching the masses with our party governments report card. Such public outreach will continue. All leaders and lawmakers are part of these drives, a BJP leader said. U.P. is a crucial state for the BJP and has, since 2014, played a crucial role in partys back-to-back wins at the Centre. The BJP won phenomenal 71 of the 80 LS seats on its own with its ally Apna Dal (S) winning two more in 2014 Lok Sabha polls from the state. In 2019, despite the SP-BSP alliance, the BJP won 62 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats while its ally Apna Dal (S) won 2. Of the 14 Lok Sabha seats BJP lost, the party has since won two -- Rampur and Azamgarh Lok Sabha seats -- in the June 2022 Lok Sabha by-polls. LUCKNOW A dance battle between two groups of guests ruined the special day for two brides in a Barabanki village and left several men with grievous injuries on Wednesday. According to police, the wedding guests of the two cousin sisters -- who were being married on the same day -- fought over the dance floor. A purported video of the incident reveals that the two groups attacked each other with rods and canes and even pelted stones at each other. Police have registered an FIR against seven named people and 25 other unidentified people. (HT Photo) Sharing further details, Barabankis additional superintendent of police (ASP), North, Ashutosh Mishra, said that the incident took place in Hasanapur village under Badosarai police station limits. Two brothers --Mohd Haneef Ali and Mohd Jaleel Ali -- had fixed the wedding of their daughters on the same day i.e. June 7. The wedding procession of Mohd Jaleels daughter came in first and a few people from the grooms side started celebrating the union on the dance floor set up near the DJ system. In the meantime, the wedding procession of Mohd Haneefs daughter also arrived at the venue and some of his guests also reached the dance floor. Soon, the two groups started jostling for space and this led to a brawl that later turned into a full-blown clash. Taking cognisance of the viral video of this clash, police registered an FIR against seven named people and 25 other unidentified people from both processions late on Friday evening. The ASP said that the video of the incident shows that the two groups attacked each other with rods and canes as well as pelted stones, causing a nuisance in the village. The senior cop added that seven people -- identified as Mohd Siraj, Mohd Ramzan, Abdul Salam, Abdul Nihal, Mohd Rehan, Mohd Aqeel, and Mohd Aleem -- and 25 others from both groups, have been booked under Indian Penal Code section 160 (for fighting in a public place and disturbing peace) in this connection. He said people involved in the fight will be identified from the available video and further action will be taken against them. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON LUCKNOW A ban on 14 fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs by the Government of India has posed a difficult situation before medicine traders, who are now also being harassed by officials, said Suresh Gupta, the general secretary of Chemists and Druggist Federation Uttar Pradesh (CDFUP). For representation only (PTI) Holding meetings with medicine retailers/wholesalers across the state over the issue, Gupta said, A sudden ban has been implemented perhaps for the first time. We were given no time to dispose of the medicine. Stock worth about 30,000 crore has got blocked due to the order, presenting a sticky situation before traders. Officials from FSDA are now reaching out on retail stores and asking about physical stock of banned medicines. However, these medicines cant be disposed-off like garbage, instead, they need to go through a proper process. While pharma companies have equipment for this kind of disposal, individual retailer dont have them, said Suresh Kumar, former president Lucknow Chemists Association, a body of medicine traders in the state capital. We urge the central government to give at least 60 days of time to medicine traders to get the stock of banned medicine to be returned/disposed of properly and till then, no official should harass traders, said Suresh Gupta. There are at least 250 pharma companies manufacturing 2,500 brands of these combination drugs, which are widely sold and used in India. In the past, manufacturing of the medicine to be banned was stopped but the ban on sale has directly impacted the traders, added Gupta. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Malaysia-based noted Bharatnatyam Guru, Sri Ganeshan passed away on Friday evening just before his dance performance in Bhubaneswar. Malaysia-based Bharatnatyam Guru, Sri Ganeshan. (File) Ganeshan, 63, fell unconscious while lighting a lamp before the second phase of the dance performance on stage, on the third day of his visit. Other guests and dancers rushed him to Capital Hospital, where he was declared dead. Ganesan, who dedicated his life to the dance form, learnt Bharatanatyam under the guidance of Guru K J Sarasa of Saraslaya in Madras between 1979 and 1987. In 1987, he started Sri Ganesalaya in Kuala Lumpur that has till now produced more than 3,000 students. It has also produced more than 350 shows, including several dance dramas such as Ramayana. In 1991, his troupe with 20 dancers represented Malaysia at the International Ramayana Dance Festival in Bangkok, Thailand, during Thai princesss birth anniversary. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON PATNA: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party senior Rahul Gandhi are all set to attend the opposition parties meeting, convened by chief minister Nitish Kumar in Patna on June 23, said a leader of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) familiar with the matter. JD(U) president Lalan Singh said that senior Congress leaders, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, have given their consent to be part of the first crucial meeting in Patna (ANI) The state party leaders and workers are gearing up to accord a grand welcome to Kharge ji and Rahul ji on their arrival here, said Congress legislature party (CLP) leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan, who is also a secretary in the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Khan said that party workers were enthusiastic and are preparing to receive them at the historic party office. We are requesting them to spare some time and visit Sadaquat Ashram, he added. The meeting is being watched keenly by the rival parties, as the earlier scheduled meeting on June 12 had to be cancelled owing to the unavailability of senior Congress leaders. Many leaders in the rival camp had ridiculed Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumars bid to mobilise and bring together all the opposition parties under a united front to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The oppositions unity is firm and final. All major parties have already given their consent for a larger coalition with determination to solicit peoples support to unseat the BJP-led dispensation from power owing to its anti-people policies. There could be some issues with the distribution of seats, which would be sorted out in due course, said a senior AICC leader. JD(U) president Lalan Singh also said that senior Congress leaders, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, have given their consent to be part of the first crucial meeting in Patna. Regarding the meeting, the JD(U) chief said that the CM, who convened the meeting, would decide on the venue. Meanwhile, suspense prevailed over the participation of Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) leader and former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi in the meeting. Soon after meeting CM Kumar, Manjhi said he was not yet invited in the meeting. However, he later played down the issue, saying that his party was with Kumar. Manjhi had staked a claim on five LS seats to contest. Some JD(U) leaders said that Manjhi had dented his credibility after meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah last month. Congress leaders, meanwhile, said that the June 23 meeting would lay down the broad outline for the oppositions strategy to take on the BJP-led coalition across the country in the 2024 polls. As per the understanding, regional parties with mass support would be given majority share in the seat allocation, said a senior BPCC leader, while parrying a query regarding working president of Jharkhand Congress Bandhu Tirkeys claim on nine out of 14 Lok Sabha seats for the party in the state. A senior JD(U) leader said that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Left leaders have agreed to sit together and chalk out a strategy for next years Lok Sabha polls. Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin, Jharkhand CM and JMM leader Hemant Soren, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and Shiv Sena (UBT) group president Uddhav Thackeray are among other key personalities likely to attend the meeting, besides RJD chief Lalu Prasad. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An unauthorised monument dedicated to Tipu Sultan has been demolished by the civic body in Maharashtras Dhule district, police said on Saturday. The demolished structure in Dhule. (HT PHOTO) The development comes nearly a week after communal clashes erupted in certain parts of the state over a social media post praising Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. Also read: Stone-pelting, clashes in Maharashtra's Kolhapur over posts on Tipu Sultan The memorial was constructed by Farouqe Shah, a local legislator affiliated with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party. Confirming the development, Dhule superintendent of police Sanjay Barkund said that the monument was illegally built at the intersection of 100 feet of Vadjai Road in the area. We were informed about the illegality of the structure put up on the main road in the city by a local MLA. We appealed to the MLA to remove the structure and told him that it was unauthorised... Since it was built illegally, the MLA (AIMIM) agreed to follow the due course of law..., he added. Accordingly, Barkund said, a meeting was conducted between the district collector and officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) and the statue was pulled down. The district administration and Dhule police removed the statue on Friday amid heavy police deployment in the area. The action caused no disturbances in the city, the SP said. HT tried to reach out to MLA Shah for a comment on the matter, but couldnt get a response immediately. Also read: We reduced lessons on Tipu, Cong not bothered: Ex-minister on Hedgewar-syllabus row in Karnataka According to officials familiar with the matter, the statue was removed after the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha of Dhule wrote a letter to deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the removal of the memorial, citing traffic problems for local residents. analysis Senegal's protesters should be lauded for defending their country's democracy, not condemned for fomenting chaos. Last week, Senegal, often touted as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, was rocked by clashes between state forces and protesters following the condemnation of the country's main opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, on June 1 for "corrupting youth". By the time of writing, the death toll from the protests and state crackdown was 16, making these demonstrations among the deadliest since the country's independence in 1960. Sonko was initially accused of rape against Adji Sarr, a masseuse at a parlour he frequented, before being convicted on the lesser charge. The case has frustrated many women's rights activists, who have criticised Sonko's lesser conviction as allowing the state to disqualify him from elections without fully assessing the question of gender violence. With the case instrumentalised by both sides, women's rights and feminist activists have found their concerns over gender-based violence drowned out by the political contest in the street. In response to the protests, the government has arrested opposition leaders, restricted access to the internet and social media platforms, and deployed the military in several cities across the country. Much of the commentary so far has focused on the violence of the protesters. Images of burning train stations and grocery stores have shocked audiences at home and abroad more familiar with Senegal's civility and culture of hospitality. Those audiences would do well to remember that the deadliest violence, which claimed lives last week, came not from the protesters, but from the state, which has been accused of using live ammunition and armed militiamen against demonstrators. More worrying than reports of looting and vandalism is the regime's willingness to resort to disproportionate violence to muzzle the discontent pervasive across large parts of Senegalese society, particularly urban youth. The willingness of Senegalese young people to take to the streets to express their outrage should be celebrated as a sign of the vitality of Senegalese democracy, not condemned as a worrying sign of fragility in an unstable region. To understand the importance of these protests, it is necessary to look at Senegal's recent political history. President Sall was elected in 2012 amid widespread protests as his predecessor, Abdoulaye Wade, then 87, ran for a third term which many deemed unconstitutional. These demonstrations ultimately helped boost Sall over Wade, testifying to Senegal's longstanding tradition of political dissent and protest. Sall won re-election in 2019 after two of his chief opponents, Karim Wade and Khalifa Sall (no relation to the president), were disqualified after being convicted of corruption. Karim Wade, son of Abdoulaye, left the country after his 2015 conviction, having served half of his six-year conviction before being pardoned, while Khalifa Sall, who had been mayor of Dakar, received a presidential pardon shortly after the elections. Despite Senegal's reputation as a beacon of democracy, less than democratic conduct from the head of state is far from unprecedented. Leopold Sedar Senghor, the first president, imprisoned (and, according to some, ordered the murder of) political opponents during his twenty-year reign that ended in 1980, and Senegal did not see a leader from outside his party until 2000. Although Senegal has been a multiparty democracy for several decades, its heads of state have long been tempted to test the limits of a truly democratic exercise of power. Back to Macky Sall. In 2021 the state's response to protests led to 14 deaths after Ousmane Sonko, already recognised as the biggest electoral threat to the president, was arrested on the very charges of rape for which he has now been convicted. At least 12 of those killed were reported to have been shot by state forces; the country has yet to see justice for their deaths. The rape case was quickly politicised, with support for a trial automatically equated with opposition to Sonko. Women and feminist activists have found themselves trapped between protesters and state forces. The instrumentalisation of the case, along with the escalation of violence, has hurt the struggle for women's rights in Senegal, leaving activists facing threats and physical violence from both sides. In the meantime, tensions have only escalated. Despite his stance against Abdoulaye Wade's third term in 2012, Macky Sall has not denied rumours that he himself is looking to run for a third term, the constitutionality of which is up for debate. This rumoured third term has proven highly controversial, with domestic and international observers calling on the president to clarify his intentions and respect the constitution. Furthermore, the government has repressed dissent unrelated to Sonko and electoral opposition. The authorities brutally suppressed protests earlier this year over plans to appropriate a beachfront property from Dakar's indigenous Lebous people in the city's Ngor neighbourhood, leading to the death of a teenage girl (and possibly others). Senegal is also riven with economic tensions. While Sall has presided over an economic boom in the Dakar area, the country still suffers from economic inequality and a poverty rate of 36.3% as of last year. Senegal's economic, political, and religious elite are all intertwined, contributing to a sense of hopelessness and disgust with the system among much of the country's youth. Many West African countries experience similar tensions. However, Senegal, which has never experienced a coup d'etat, is often held apart from its neighbours across the region. What the past week demonstrates is that Senegal's strength lies in a people ready to defend their democratic freedoms and rights, despite the threat of state violence - not necessarily in a government that is more democratic than its regional counterparts. While Sonko and his partisans, by dint of their often inflammatory rhetoric, bear some responsibility for the violence, the ultimate responsibility lies with a regime that is far too quick to neglect at home the democratic values that it touts abroad. Meanwhile, the country's protesters should not be held to a different standard than their counterparts elsewhere. Protests in other countries, particularly in the West, do not tend to prompt alarmist coverage about the risks of social discord. Protests in Senegal, on the other hand, inevitably prompt concerns that the country's stability is slipping. Senegal's demonstrators deserve the same respect as their counterparts elsewhere, and should be understood as defenders of democracy, not harbingers of instability. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Senegal Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Democracy is by definition fractious, whether in West Africa or Western Europe. Violence, particularly the kind that robs people of their lives, should be condemned. At the same time, those more concerned with street crime and burning cars than demonstrators killed exercising their rights should re-examine their priorities. The week's events took place in a context where many, not unfairly, suspect the country's justice system of being politicised. This perception of corrupt justice has also had consequences beyond the electoral arena, severely impeding the country's struggle for women's rights. Ultimately, even if violent crime must be condemned, Senegal's protesters should be lauded for defending their country's democracy. Senegal's government, a close ally of France and the West, should be held to account for its anti-democratic tendencies and the lives lost at the hands of its forces. Looking forward, Macky Sall has yet to clarify his intentions regarding a third term. Karim Wade, Khalifa Sall, and Ousmane Sonko, arguably Sall's leading competitors at the ballot box, are now all disqualified from presidential elections next year. The latter was reportedly still at his home at the time of writing, with the Senegalese justice minister saying that he could be arrested "at any time". Although the electoral future of Senegal's opposition leaders is murky, the Senegalese people have shown that their democracy remains alive and well on the street. Audiences at home and around the Franklin Nossiter is a researcher on politics and security in West Africa and the Sahel for the International Crisis Group. A US citizen, he grew up in Dakar, Senegal and is currently based there. The views expressed in his articles are personal. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Saturday said that he is happy with the appointment of Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as executive presidents of the party as proposed by him a few days ago. The senior party leader visited the NCPs city unit office after the announcement was made by the party supremo Sharad Pawar. (HT FILE PHOTO) The senior party leader visited the NCPs city unit office after the announcement was made by the party supremo Sharad Pawar. While interacting with the media, Ajit said, Some media reports that I am unhappy that the party did not give any responsibility to me is wrong. I am the Opposition leader of Maharashtra and party leader at the state level. My interests are at the state level and Supriya is doing well at national politics. When Sharad Pawar resigned as the party president, at that time I proposed to appoint two executive presidents by keeping the former as president. But some leaders suggested me to just request Sharad Pawar to withdraw his resignation. I respected the decision of other leaders, he said. Ajit said, I am interested mainly in Maharashtra politics, so I have always cleared that point in the party. For the past several years, Supriya is in Delhi. Praful Patel and I became MP at the same time in 1991, but as I was not interested in national politics, I resigned and joined state politics. Pune City police have taken robust measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the Palkhi procession, scheduled to take place from Monday to Wednesday. With the deployment of over 6,000 police personnel and strategic planning, the authorities are prepared to tackle any potential law-and-order issues that may arise during the event. Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi departed from Dehu to Pandharpur on Saturday. (HT PHOTO) The Palkhi procession, a significant religious event in Pune, involves the ceremonial procession of revered deities through the city streets. Thousands of devotees gather to participate in this annual procession, making it imperative for the police to maintain order and ensure the safety of all attendees. Both Pune city and Pimpri-Chinchwad police have coordinated their efforts to address any challenges that may arise during the procession. A comprehensive security plan has been put in place, incorporating measures such as increased surveillance, strict crowd management protocols, and the establishment of checkpoints at key locations. According to Pune city police commissioner Retesh Kumaar they have deployed over 6,000 police personnel on ground including two additional commissioner, 10 deputy commissioners, 116 police inspectors, 443 assistant police inspectors, 5,693 police constables and as a part of extra police force one SRPF team and 500 home guards will be pressed into service. Kumaar said, Around six-seven lakh devotees will arrive in the city and we have made arrangements accordingly. To keep watch on chain and mobile snatchers we have deployed a special team of 40 personnels under ACP rank officers.GPS tracking and webpage updates have been introduced to track the procession live. The police personnel are from various specialised units, such as the Riot Control Police, Quick Response Teams, and Traffic Police, to effectively handle any potential law-and-order situations.The police have been actively engaging with religious leaders, community representatives, and organisers to foster cooperation and ensure a peaceful procession, said officials. CCTV cameras, drones will also be used to monitor the procession. Emergency medical centres have been placed at strategic locations along the route, said officials. Pune: A seven-year-old boy died after an iron gate at a construction site in Wagholi collapsed on him, said police officials. According to the police, construction work of Rais house was going on at Gulmohor Society. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) The police have booked the contractor, identified as Wahid Khan, and two workers under charges of causing death due to negligence. The incident had taken place at the Gulmohor Society construction site at around 4:30 pm on November 18, 2022. Though the police had initially reported an accidental death case, probe found the trio responsible for the boys death and filed an FIR. The victim has been identified as Aarnav Mithilesh Rai. His father Mithilesh Rai, 36, working as a government contractor, filed the police complaint. According to the police, construction work of Rais house was going on at Gulmohor Society. Rai had appointed Khan as contractor for the making and fitting of the houses main gate. As per the complaint, Aarnav was playing at the open space near the gate when it collapsed on him, and the boy died of injuries. Lonikand police officials said, The investigation revealed that the contactor and his workers had not taken precaution at the site that cause the death of the child. A case has been registered at Lonikand police station under Section 304 (a) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). RANCHI: The UPA coordination committee chaired by JMM patriarch Shibu Soren on Saturday recommended the Hemant Soren government to review all the Bills returned by the Raj Bhawan and address the anomalies pointed by the latter and implement them at the earliest. JMM chief chairs the UPA coordination committee meeting in Ranchi on Saturday. (HT Photo) The committee, which includes representatives from the ruling JMM, Congress, and RJD, was constituted to advise the government on important issues. Honouring the sentiments of the people, the government had brought bills which were unanimously cleared by the assembly. It includes the Khatiyan bill, ST/SC/OBC reservation bill, and anti-mib lynching bill. They were sent to the governor for his assent. But under pressure from the BJP, Raj Bhawan returned these bills raising certain anomalies. The committee has recommended the government to review all these bills and address the issues on priority and send them back to the governor for assent, said Vinod Pandey, member of the committee and senior JMM leader. Pandey further said a delegation of the ruling combine would also be meeting President Droupadi Murmu and request her to direct the central government to grant the separate Sarna religious code for the tribal community in the next census. Rajesh Thakur, member of the committee and Jharkhand Congress president appealed to the BJP to work constructively in the interest of the state. These bills were passed as per the long-standing demand and sentiments of people. But the BJP created obstacles either through Raj Bhawan or courts. BJP should make a constructive move and support passing these bills, added Thakur. The development holds significance as these issues have been at the core of the political narrative of the ruling dispensation besides being electoral promises in the 2019 assembly polls. With the Lok Sabha elections drawing closer and assembly elections also scheduled next year, the ruling alliance is set to push their political agenda before the election agenda sets in. Govind Namdev has played numerous memorable characters in his 32-year-old film career. From playing the Thakur in Bandit Queen, Veeran in Sarfarosh to Siddheshwar Maharaj in OMG, the actor says he was always able to connect them with a real person in order to portray them convincingly on screen. "I have picked them from the society. I picked qualities from such people and incorporated them in my characters. I practised the nuances and that's why they look so real and have an impact on the audience," he says. (Also Read | Govind Namdev, Prabhudheva were not on same page during Wanted shoot) Govind Namdev will be seen in a silent film, Gandhi Talks. When Govind was beaten up by a sadhu Sharing a story from his childhood which gave him his character in OMG - Oh My God, he revealed, "The character I have played in OMG - I had seen such a person when I was 10-11 years old. We were a group of friends and would visit the banks of a river in Sagar (a town in Madhya Pradesh) on Sundays. I studied till class 7 in Sagar. We used to spend our Sunday plucking guavas, groundnuts and grams and would enjoy it on the banks of the river. We would burn some grass and roast grams and groundnuts and enjoy ourselves during the picnic. There was a water body and we would sit on its stairs to drink water or just play among ourselves. One day, a sadhu scolded us, saying, "I use this water to bathe my shivling. How dare you make this water dirty?" He asked us never to do that again. We would sneak in there on a few more Sundays and would enjoy ourselves in the water. One day, when I was drinking water from there, a hand held my neck and pulled me back. Aur uske baad jo sutaai ki unhone meri (he beat me up with a stick). His eyes were red and he was burning with rage. I remembered that rage and when I got the character, I immediately connected it with that baba." Govind's Thakur in Bandit Queen was based on this person The actor went on to name several other characters which he had picked from those he had met at some point of time in his life. "I took my character in Bandit Queen from my father. He was a renowned pahalwan and would walk from our house to our tailoring shop with a wet towel on his head to save himself from the heat. When I showed this to Shekhar Kapur, he was amazed. He loved it and said there is no need to even put on the moustache and just asked me to wear goggles. My character in Prem Granth was inspired by a person I know. I connected my Tantrik character to my character in OMG," he said. Govind's upcoming films Recently seen in Aazam and Chidiyakhana, Govind Namdev has a long list of upcoming films this year. He will be seen in a silent film, Gandhi Talks, with Vijay Sethupathi, Aditi Rao Hydari, Rohini Hattangadi. "It's a commercial film and refers to how money is what makes things happen. It will be released in theatres," he says. He also has Wo Ladki Hai Kahaan in which he plays a masala king. Talking about one more upcoming film and a web show, he says, "I also have a very different film, Khoobsurat Padosan. Late Bappi Lahiri had planned it and after his death, his daughter and son-in-law have produced it. It stars Rituparna Sen, who plays my wife in the film, and Zakir Husain. I am also eagerly waiting for two web series, one of which is named Chhota Yadav and also stars Saurabh Shukla. I play a powerful character from Bihar who is very fond of wearing stylish dresses each day." SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Shah Rukh Khan surprised fans gathered outside his home Mannat as he stepped out to greet them. The superstar's fans were spotted cheering and dancing outside the gates of Mannat, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Their prayers were answered soon. (Also read: Pathaan review) Shah Rukh Khan stepped out to his balcony once again to greet fans. Why did Shah Rukh step out today? Shah Rukh often makes appearances on the balcony of his famous house on Eid, his birthday or any other special occasion. This time, it's the television release of his film Pathaan that seemingly brought him out of his home. Earlier in the day, a troupe of dancers was seen performing to the film's songs, wearing T-shirts promoting the film's release on Star Gold. Shah Rukh was seen wearing a D'Yavol hoodie in white and blue jeans. The brand is owned by his son Aryan Khan. Seeing him, fans began cheering and shouting his name and some even danced in joy at the Bandstand. Watch: Pathaan's theatrical success Helmed by Siddharth Anand, Pathaan also starred Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in the lead roles. It is the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time, earning more than 1000 crore. It will also soon release in Russia and CIS countries including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.. On receiving abundant love for Pathaan, SRK had tweeted, "'ITS NOT THE BUSINESS....ITS STRICTLY PERSONAL'. Making ppl smile & entertaining them is our business & if we don't take it personally....it will never fly. Thanks to all who gave Pathaan love & all who worked on the film & proved ki mehnat lagan aur bharosa abhi Zinda Hai.Jai Hind." What is Pathaan about Pathaan, a mega comeback vehicle for Shah Rukh after his absence from leading man roles for more than four years, is an important step in YRFs spy franchise where characters from different films will cross paths at some point. The film follows the titular spy (Shah Rukh) who comes out of exile to stop terrorist group Outfit X from launching a debilitating attack on India. It is the fourth film in producer Aditya Chopra's spy universe, following Salman Khan's Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai, and War, featuring Hrithik Roshan. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan are currently in Serbia, shooting for their action series Citadel with Raj & DK. On Saturday, a video of them from a club in Belgrade surfaced on social media and it showed them having a good break from work. (Also read: Citadel review) Samantha Ruth Prabhu danced to Oo Antava once again at a Serbian club. What's in the video? The video seems to have been shared by someone from the film's crew on social media. The poster geo-tagged the place as Belgrade, Serbia. The video shows Samantha in a black leather top and leather pants, holding a beer bottle in her hand. She is also wearing glasses and looks cute in her new bangs. She is grooving to the music, which happens to be her own song Oo Antava from Pushpa. Other cheer her on, asking her to dance as she takes off her glasses. A few steps above her, Varun is also grooving with other crew members, saying something to Samantha, likely asking her to dance. The entire club is seen grooving to the song and even Samantha busts out some cool moves. Watch it here: Why are Samantha and Varun in Serbia Varun, Samantha and Sikander Kher are currently shooting for Citadel in Serbia and they are undergoing intense action training there. It is an Indian sister-series of Russo Brothers' series of the same name. Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden headlined the international version. "The series is going to have high-intense action and it being a spy series there has to be a particular swiftness in the movements and fight sequences, for which the training is currently underway. Shoot will continue till July for the series," a source close to the production informed ANI. The release date of the Indian version of Citadel is awaited. Their recent meet-up with the President Recently, the lead pair and show directors Raj and DK also met President Droupadi Murmu there. Sharing pictures from the special meeting, Varun took to Instagram to post, "Team Citadel India had the privilege of meeting the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji in Serbia. What an absolute joy and honour to meet you ma'am @presidentofindia." Samantha reshared Varun's post and wrote, Madam President. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ajit Pawar put out a tweet on Saturday immediately after Supriya Sule and Praful Patel were named the working presidents of the party congratulating them and exuding confidence that they will successfully fulfil their responsibilities. The decision announced by Sharad Pawar will render Ajit Pawar sidelined, months after speculations over Ajit Pawar's 'rebellion'. Supriya Sule and Praful Patel's rise will translate into Ajit Pawar's sidelining in the NCP. Under the leadership and guidance of respected Sharad Chandra Pawar Saheb, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is making its debut in the silver jubilee year with the idea of ??'Maharashtra in the heart... eyes in front of the nation...' will make a valuable contribution to the development of the country and the state. It is believed that every worker and office bearer of NCP party will work towards this goal. Congratulations again to the newly elected officials! Ajit Pawar tweeted. He was present when Sharad Pawar made the big announcement. When Sharad Pawar announced resignation Amid the turmoil in the NCP, when Sharad Pawar announced his resignation from the president post which he later retracted, the choice for the top post of the party was between Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule. The situation was taken care of when Sharad Pawar withdrew his resignation and there was no talks of the future course of the party for some weeks. In a sudden announcement, Sharad Pawar on Saturday passed the baton to Supriya Sule who will be in charge of the party affairs in Maharashta, Haryana, Punjab and issued related to women, youth and students and the Lok Sabha. Praful Patel is the co-working president who will take care of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Goa and Rajya Sabha. Nothing for Ajit Pawar who joined hands with the BJP in 2019 While both Supriya Sule and Praful Patel are national-level leaders Supriya Sule Lok sabha MP, Praful Patel former union minister and Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Pawars roots are strong in Maharashtra. But in the new power dynamics, Maharashtra affairs have also been given to Supriya Sule. This is being seen as Sharad Pawars strong message to nephew Ajit Pawar who had joined hands with the BJP in 2019 and took the oath as the deputy chief minister when Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Union home minister Amit Shah challenged former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to clarify his stand on Muslim reservation, triple talaq, Ram Mandir, Uniform Civil Code, the Congress's decision to revise textbook in Karnataka to curtail RSS history. "Uddhav ji, you can't ride two boats at the same time," Amit Shah said at Nanded at a gathering on the occasion of the completion of nine years of the Modi government. Amit Shah said Rahul Gandhi should ask party seniors before making 'insulting' comments abroad. "On one hand, PM Modi ji is getting respect from the world and on the other hand Congress shehzada Rahul Baba goes abroad and insults the country. Rahul baba, you do not know that no one takes internal politics outside. But you can ask senior Congress leaders about it. Rahul Gandhi does not say this here. But when he goes abroad he says that in the country no one listens to him," Amit Shah said. On the issue of Sena versus Sena in Maharashtra, Amit Shah said the real Shiv Sena got the bow and the arrow symbol defeating the one which betrayed the BJP. "I was the president of the party. Devendra Fadnavis and I went to talk to Uddhav Thackeray. He agreed that Fadnavis would become the chief minister if NDA gets the majority. But then, he betrayed the BJP and allied with the Congress and the BJP for the CM's chair," Amit Shah said. Today I want to ask Uddhav ji to clarify your stand on Triple Talaq. If you have the courage, then clarify whether you agree with Ram Mandir, on Uniform Civil Code, on Muslim reservations. The BJP does not support religion-based reservation, but Uddhav Thackeray should say what he thinks on this, Amit Shah said. Uddhav ji says we made his government fall. But Uddhav ji, Shiv Sena leaders left you because of your anti-party stand; because they didn't want to be on the same page with Sharad Pawar's party, Amit Shah said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a major relief to the protesting Indian students in Canada, the deportation proceeding initiated against Lovepreet Singh, which triggered the agitation, has been postponed until further notice. The protests began in Toronto on June 5 after Canadian authorities initiated removal proceedings against Lovepreet Singh, who originally hails from SAS Nagars Chatmala village in Punjab. Former Indian students facing deportation from Canada over fake documents protest. The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) had directed Singh to leave the country by June 13 after the authorities found that the offer letter on the basis of which he entered Canada six years ago on a study permit was fake. Singh was among the 700-odd students who were served deportation notices by the Canadian authorities over fraudulent documents. Aam Aadmi Party MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney on Friday said that the government of Canada has decided to put on hold the deportation of 700 Indian students. Sahney, who is also the International President of the World Punjabi Organization, said the Canadian government took the decision after his request and with the cooperation of the Indian High Commission. "We have written to them and we have explained to them that these students have not done any forgery or fraud. They are victims of fraud because some unauthorised agents issued fake admission letters and receipts of payments. Visas were also applied without any checking. Then when the children reached there, the immigration dept also allowed them to enter," Vikram Sahney said. How con agent duped 700 in Punjab About 700 students, mostly from Punjab, were facing deportation from Canada over fraudulent documents. All of them were duped by a Jalandhar-based consultant, Brijesh Mishra, who sent them to Canada on the basis of fake offer letters from prominent colleges and universities. They received study permits as even the embassy officials couldn't detect the forgery and only upon their visit to their respective colleges and universities that they found out that they had not been registered in these institutions. The students said that Mishra made up excuses and convinced them to get enrolled in other colleges or wait for a semester. Only after the students who had arrived in Canada in 2016 applied for permanent residency and found out that their documents were fake. The CBSA conducted a detailed investigation and zeroed in on Mishras firm Education and Migration Services. All students who had come through Mishras firm between 2016 and 2020 were then served deportation notices. (With Bureau inputs) 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 No fewer than 13 members of the vigilante corps have been killed while 30 others were abducted by bandits in Niger State. The incident occurred at Kusherki village of Rafi local government area of the state in series of renewed attacks launched recently by bandits on farming communities in shiroro, Munya , Rafi and parts of Paikoro local government area. It was learnt that the attacks took place in the night when the vigilante corps was taken unawares. Sources hinted that the bandits in their large numbers on motorcycles stormed the area with dangerous weapons and shot randomly to scare the villagers before confronting members of the vigilante corps. A vigilante member who survived the attack said they had engaged them in a fierce battle but were overpowered by superior fire from the bandits. The chairman of Rafi local government council, Alh. Usman Ayuba Katako who confirmed the incident. He said he could not give the exact number of casualties and those abducted as he was in hospital trying to ensure that those injured were attended to. Governor Umar Muhammed Bago last week, met with security agencies in his effort to address attacks by bandits and has vowed to end the menace. The Union government has identified 2,000 primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) to serve as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which are low-cost pharmacies selling unbranded medicines, which officials said would bolster last-mile health care delivery. The move follows a plan to diversify these farm-service points and an agreement overseen by home minister Amit Shah. (PTI) One thousand centres will start functioning by August and the next 1,000 by December this year, an official said, declining to be named. The move follows a plan to diversify these farm-service points and an agreement overseen by home minister Amit Shah and health minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The cooperation ministry, also headed by Shah, is currently ramping up a drive to digitize PACS, which act as last-mile financial institutions for millions of farmers, which will enable them to diversify their business activities. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana was launched by the chemicals and fertilizers ministry headed by Mandaviya in November 2008 to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices. These dispensing facilities sell generic drugs that are 50-90% cheaper than branded drugs. The Centre has rolled out changes to revamp the cooperative sector. At the heart of the overhaul is the plan to digitise PACS. India has nearly 800,000 cooperatives with a total membership base of about 290 million individuals, including banks, sugar mills and businesses, such as fertilizer-maker IFFCO and milk brand Amul. Cooperatives are collectives jointly owned by participating members who share profits and losses. To be eligible to dispense drugs under the scheme, a primary cooperative society needs at least 120 sq. ft space, either privately owned or rented. The application fee for a Jan Aushadhi Kendra is 5,000. Women entrepreneurs, differently abled citizens, and scheduled castes and tribes get priority under special category. All fees are waived off for applications from the special category, the official said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday blasted Delhi Police for allegedly causing trauma to wrestler Sangeet Phogat by taking her to the accused residence to recreate the sequence of events that led to the sexual harassment. TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale urged Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal to take immediate cognizance of the incident and launch a probe against the police officers involved. Sangeeta Phogat during wrestlers' protest march towards new Parliament building, in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. (Photo by Sanjeev Verma/ Hindustan Times) Gokhale said taking a sexual assault survivor to the house of the accused to recreate the crime scene is "unfathomable and shocking." The TMC leader alleged that the Delhi Police "clearly sought to intimidate and create fear" in the mind of the complainant. "This is not a case of murder or homicide where a procedure like this is required to be undertaken...Moreover, through this alleged "recreation of the crime scene", the Delhi Police has made Ms. Phogat relive the trauma of her sexual assault which is a violation of her basic rights as a complainant/survivor," the letter read. Clearly, there is an institutionalized attempt being made by the Delhi Police to intimidate the complainant/survivor and to create fear in her mind. This is compounded by the fact that she was taken to the residence of the sexual assault accused who has not yet been arrested, he added. Brij Bhushan denies reports Sangeeta Phogat was reportedly taken to Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's official residence in New Delhi on Friday afternoon to recreate the sequent of events related to the sexual harassment allegation. Phogat was accompanied by women constables, reported PTI quoting people familiar with the matter. "At 1.30 pm women officers took Sangeeta Phogat to Brij Bhushan's official residence in Delhi. They were there for half an hour. They asked her to recreate the scene and recall the places where she faced harassment," PTI quoted sources cited above as saying. Singh, however, denied the media reports saying nobody came to him. "I was sleeping in my room. Nobody came to my place," the BJP MP said while leaving his residence on Friday. (With inputs from PTI, ANI) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The very severe cyclone Biparjoy or Biporjoy is expected to intensify further on Saturday as it heads towards north-northeast wards, the India Meteorological Department said. "Very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy at over east-central Arabian Sea near lat 16.0N & long 67.4E, likely to intensify further and move north-northeast wards," the IMD tweeted. Due to the cyclone Biparjoy, the south Indian region is likely to experience moderately scattered to fairly widespread rainfall in days ahead. The weather body also said the cyclone will further venture north-northwest wards in the next three days. The weather department added that the south Indian region is likely to experience moderately scattered to fairly widespread rainfall in the next four days. While Kerala and coastal Karnataka are likely to witness heavy rainfall till Monday, Lakshadweep will get rain showers till Sunday. Kerala on Yellow alert: Consequently, as many as eight districts of Kerala were put on a Yellow alert on Friday in the wake of expected heavy rainfall. These districts include Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, and Kannur. The monsoon arrived in the south Indian state on Thursday, seven days behind the schedule, IMD said. The announcement by the weather body came even as the scientists warned that the onset of the weather system is likely to remain weak, with a slow progress over the peninsula due to the cyclone Biparjoy. IMD director general M Mohapatra said that all criteria for declaring the onset have been met; however noted that the rainfall is expected to pick up only after June 15. Issuing a weather outlook till the middle of the next week, the weather office said other than south India and Northeast will also face heavy rainfall till Wednesday. The sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim will continue to witness isolated heavy rainfall in parts on Friday, which is expected to intensify into very heavy rainfall over the next two days. Heatwave warning in seven states: The weather forecast said that some pockets of Bihar will continue to experience heatwave conditions till Tuesday. Similar conditions will follow in the Gangetic West Bengal over the same period while Odisha and Jharkhand will continue to reel under heatwave conditions till Monday. Uttar Pradesh will encounter heatwave conditions till Sunday, meanwhile, parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim and Andhra Pradesh may see similar weather conditions prevailing till Saturday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sibal, in a tweet earlier today, said, ...Assassin, born in India, unlike the Mughals. By this statement, many may not call you a worthy son of India. Assassins cannot be distinguished by their origin! Hope the PM (Narendra Modi) and Amit Shah condemn this statement. Later speaking to news agency ANI, Sibal said the statement is basically glorifying murderers. His statement reflects whoever, if born in India, kills someone, they are saput.'Saput means a good son...was Godse a good son of India? he asked. Being a Union minister, his views are reflecting those of the Modi governmentdoes PM Modi, Amit Shah agree?, he added, mentioning his tweet, calling for condemnation of Singhs statement by the party's top brass. Sibal further said that he has doubts though, that (condemnation) would ever happen. BJP did not participate in the freedom struggleRSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) was therebut BJP follows the ideology of the right wing organisationRSS helped Britishers, did not believe in Gandhis philosophyso this mentality (of the BJP) stems from the same beliefs and reflects in their politics, he said. Singhs comment on Kolhapur violence Singhs statement came while he was on a visit to the Bastar region in Bihar to meet party workers. Speaking to reporters there, he said those who feel happy in calling themselves children of Babar and Aurangzeb cannot be true sons of mother India" and praised Godse. His statement was a response to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi who traded barbs with Maharashtras deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis over the Kolhapur violence that happened in the state last week. A protest by Hindu organisations at Shivaji Chowk in Kolhapur, over some social media posts allegedly glorifying Tipu Sultan and Aurangzeb, turned ugly. Following the conclusion of the rally, some miscreants started pelting stones at homes and business establishments owned by the Muslim community, turning the protests violent. Fadnavis, while appealing for peace, had defended the aggression saying there is bound to be a reaction if Aurangzeb is glorified. Suddenly, in some districts of Maharashtra, aulad (progenies) of Aurangzeb took birth," he said. To this, Owaisi asked expert Fadnavis to call out the offsprings of Godse. This followed the Bihar BJP leaders comments that If he (Godse) was the killer of Gandhi, he (Godse) was also a saput of India. He was born in India. He was not an invader like Babar and Aurangzeb. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Union minister Giriraj Singh on Friday termed Nathuram Godse a saput' (worthy son) of India and said the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi was not an invader like Mughal rulers Babar and Aurangzeb as he was born in India. The firebrand BJP leader from Bihar is on a two-day visit to the Bastar region to meet the party workers and leaders. Union Minister Giriraj Singh. (File photo by Hindustan Times) Talking to reporters in Bastars Dantewada, Singh said those who feel happy in calling themselves children of Babar and Aurangzeb cannot be true sons of mother India. The politics over the 17th Century Mughal emperor intensified in the aftermath of recent violence in Maharashtra's Kolhapur following a protest by Hindutva outfits against some social media posts allegedly glorifying Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. While the Maharashtra home minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed for maintaining peace, he defended the aggression saying there is bound to be a reaction if Aurangzeb is glorified. He also said that suddenly, in some districts of Maharashtra, aulad (progenies) of Aurangzeb took birth. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi countered Fadnavis saying he didn't know the BJP leader was such an expert and asked him to call out the offsprings of Godse. When asked about Owaisi's remarks Singh said, If he (Godse) was the killer of Gandhi, he (Godse) was also a saput of India. He was born in India. He was not an invader like Babar and Aurangzeb. Singh also accused the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh of spreading terror and encouraging religious conversion. Tribals and non-tribals are being converted in the state as part of a conspiracy. When BJP is elected to power in the state, a stringent law will be enacted against conversion, he said. Targeting the state's Congress government, the Union minister claimed the misappropriation of funds given to Chhattisgarh under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Whoever is siphoning off MNREGA funds will have to face investigation and they will be punished, be it chief minister or others, he said. Meanwhile, reacting to Singh's comment, Congress said the BJP leader is known for his 'nonsense statements'. He and the BJP are frustrated that they are not coming to power in upcoming elections. He is known for his nonsensical statements and also for spreading hatred. He should learn how to behave in a democracy. Actually, he got frustrated after visiting Chhattisgarh because his party is badly losing upcoming elections, said RP Singh, Congress spokesperson. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, speaking to reporters after party chief Sharad Pawar announced Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as working presidents of the party, said on Saturday that he was happy with the appointment of Sule and Patel. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar with party members during the party's 25th Foundation Day celebrations, in New Delhi on Saturday.(ANI) Pawar said, I am happy with their appointment. Earlier after Sharad Pawar announced the appointment of daughter Supriya Sule and Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel as working party presidents, Ajit took to Twitter to congratulate the duo and expressed his confidence in them. Ajit wrote on Twitter, Under the leadership and guidance of respected Sharad Chandra Pawar Saheb, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is making its debut in the silver jubilee year with the idea of 'Maharashtra in the heart... eyes in front of the nation...' will make a valuable contribution to the development of the country and the state. It is believed that every worker and office bearer of NCP party will work towards this goal. Congratulations again to the newly elected officials! Sharad Pawar's announcement Sharad Pawar announced the appointment on the 25th anniversary of NCP, which was founded by him in 1999. Praful Patel will shoulder the responsibility of the working president of the Nationalist Congress Party. Supriya Sule will also be the working president of the party, Sharad Pawar said. Along with being the working president, Patel will also be in charge of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Goa, and Rajya Sabha. Whereas, Sule will be heading party affairs in Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and issues related to women, youth, students and the Lok Sabha. Sharad Pawar's explanation on Ajit Pawar Sharad Pawar on Saturday evening, hours after the announcement, said that Ajit wasn't handed any new role as he already had the responsibility of being the Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In one of the biggest demonstrations of its operational prowess in recent years, the Indian Navy on Saturday said it carried out a mission in the Arabian Sea that involved two aircraft carriers, multiple warships, submarines and over 35 frontline planes amid China's increasing forays into the Indian Ocean. Two aircraft carriers, multiple warships, submarines and over 35 frontline planes were used in the mega operation. The Navy's aircraft carriers -- INS Vikramaditya and newly inducted INS Vikrant -- were the centrepieces of the exercise and the two platforms served as floating airfields for a wide array of aircraft, including MiG-29K and helicopters such as MH60R, Kamov and Advanced Light helicopters, officials said. "The exercise marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's pursuit of enhancing maritime security and power-projection in the Indian Ocean, and beyond, " Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. The officials said the exercise was conducted recently. Also Read: China renames five seabed features in Indian Ocean Region He said the exercise involved a seamless integration of two aircraft carriers along with a diverse fleet of ships, submarines and aircraft, showcasing India's technological expertise in the maritime domain. "This demonstration of naval prowess underscores India's commitment to safeguarding its national interests, maintaining regional stability, and fostering cooperative partnerships in the maritime domain," Commander Madhwal said. It is the first mega exercise involving the two aircraft carriers after induction of the indigenously-built INS Vikrant in September. The officials said almost all air assets of the Navy operated from the two aircraft carriers and they operated as mobile bases. The exercise demonstrated that INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya can be positioned anywhere, allowing for increased mission flexibility, timely response to emerging threats and sustained air operations to safeguard national interests across the globe, they said. "In addition, they provide our friends with an assurance that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our 'collective' security needs in the region," said Commander Madhwal. "The successful demonstration of two-carrier battle group operations serves as a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea-based air power in maintaining maritime superiority," he said. "As India continues to strengthen its security apparatus, the significance of aircraft carriers will remain paramount in shaping the nation's defence strategy and promoting regional stability," Commander Madhwal said. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a veiled dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre after former British prime minister Boris Johnson, in a surprising move, quit as an MP after being told by a parliamentary committee that he will be sanctioned for misleading the House over lockdown-breaking parties at Downing Street during his premiership. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh addresses during a press conference. (ANI file) Drawing a comparison between the British and Indian Parliament, Ramesh said, Imagine if we were a truly functional Parliamentary democracy, like we used to be before the so-called Achhe Din was unleashed on us. Before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extensively used the acche din (good days) slogan. A Parliamentary Committee in UK investigated and concluded that PM Boris Johnson lied to Parliament. He has now resigned as MP and quit politics, he says for now. There are some other PMs who provide the Parliament and the nation with a daily dose of TruthFree sweeteners. Imagine if they were to be held accountable for their lies, distortions, fabrications and silences on burning national issues. Imagine if we were a truly functional Parliamentary democracy, like we used to be before the so-called Achhe Din was unleashed on us, Ramesh tweeted. Boris Johnson resigns as UK MP Johnson, 58, had been under investigation by a parliamentary inquiry looking into whether he misled the House of Commons about lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street during the Covid-19 pandemic. Johnson's decision came on Friday as he received a confidential letter from the MP-led privileges Committee over the crucial matter. Johnson accused the Commons inquiry of attempting to "drive me out". In a statement, he said: "They have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons." Earlier on Friday, he received a copy of the yet-to-be-published report, which he claimed was "riddled with inaccuracies and reeks of prejudice". (With inputs from agencies) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A section of the National Highway-2 (NH2) was once again blocked by a Kuki organisation following fresh violence that claimed three lives in ethnic clashes-hit Manipur, people familiar with the development said on Saturday. A section of the National Highway-2 (NH2) was once again blocked by a Kuki organisation following fresh violence in Manipur (ANI) Also read: Supreme Court declines urgent hearing of plea against Manipur internet shutdown The development came days after the blockade on a section of NH2, which connects Manipurs Imphal and Dimapur in Nagaland, was temporarily suspended on the appeal of Union home minister Amit Shah for smooth supply of essentials to the violence-hit state. At least 105 people have been killed, over 300 injured and nearly 40,000 displaced in Manipur since May 3, when ethnic violence erupted in the northeastern state between numerically dominant Meitei community which forms 53% of the state population and tribal communities, especially Kukis, who form around 16% of the state population and live primarily in the hill districts. The Sadar Hills unit of Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has again put blockade the 13-km stretch of NH2 in Kangpokpi district following incidents of fresh violence that killed three people, including an elderly woman, left two injured late on Friday night. Though there was no official confirmation on the identity of the perpetrator of the fresh violence, the tribal organisation has claimed that some gunmen dressed in military uniform attacked Khoken, a Kuki-dominated village on the boundary connecting Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts in the wee hours of Friday. The decision to reimpose the economic blockade was taken following the tragic events at Khoken village. This will continue indefinitely till there peace is restored, COTU spokesperson Rev K Sitlhou told HT. Earlier, following an appeal by home minister Amit Shah to remove the blockade on NH2 to ensure smooth supply to essentials to Manipur, COTU on June 4 decided to temporarily suspend the blockade for seven days beginning June 5 as a goodwill gesture. The highway was blocked on May 3. Also read: Peace committee formed to restore social amity in Manipur On June 4, the Kuki group had released a statement, saying that only essential commodities and medical supplies would be allowed to ply on the highway with the escort of central forces between 10 am and 2 pm. If attacks are carried out on Kuki villages by armed Meiteis during the suspension, the committee will be compelled to look into the matter, the statement read. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utpal Parashar Utpal is a Senior Assistant Editor based in Guwahati. He covers seven states of North-East India and heads the editorial team for the region. He was previously based in Kathmandu, Dehradun and Delhi with Hindustan Times. ...view detail A Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs reference to Hindu god Lord Hanuman as an Adivasi triggered a war of words on Saturday. Umang Singhar allegedly made the remarks during an event in Dhar district to mark the 123rd death anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda. The Congress MLA from Gandhwani explained that those described as apes in the Ramayana were actually tribals. BJP leader Hitesh Bajpai (L) and MP Congress MLA Umang Singhar. (File/Twitter) He said, Adivasis who lived in the jungles helped Lord Ram reach Lanka. Some have called them Vanar Sena (ape army). However, these are just stories. Hanuman was also an Adivasi and we descended from him. The statement evoked strong reactions from the BJP with the state party spokesperson Hitesh Bajpai calling it an insult. "They don't consider Hanuman ji as God! They do not consider Hanuman ji to be worshipped by Hindus! Tagging former state CM Kamal Nath and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, he further asked, Is this the idea of Congress for Lord Hanuman? Is the Congress speaking the language of Catholic priests at your behest who do conversions." Responding to Bajpais tweet, the former MP forest minister demanded an apology for demeaning tribals and hurting the communitys sentiments. Do you consider it an insult to Hanumanji when I call tribals the descendants of Lord Hanumanji? When I considered Lord Hanumanji to belong to our tribal society in my address, you publicly insulted me as a tribal by calling my address a cheechhora statement... Singhar added. Last month, another tribal Congress MLA Arjun Singh Kakodia had made a similar statement while addressing a public gathering in the presence of Kamal Nath in Seoni district. The MLA from Barghat constituency also claimed that Lord Shiva was a tribal who drank poison to save the world. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The central government has formed a peace committee led by Manipur governor Anusuiya Uikey to restore amity among warring ethnic groups and initiate a dialogue between them, the home ministry said on Saturday. Indian Army soldiers recover 22 automated weapons in Manipur on Saturday. (ANI) The committee will have chief minister N Biren Singh, a few state ministers, members of Parliament and state assembly, leaders from different parties, and civil society as well as representatives of ethnic groups. Also read: 3 more killed in ethnic violence-hit Manipur Government of India has constituted peace committee in Manipur under the chairpersonship of the governor, Manipur. The members of the committee include the chief minister, a few ministers in the state government, MP, MLAs and leaders from different political parties, a ministry said in a statement on Saturday. The mandate of the committee, it said, will be to facilitate peace making process among various ethnic groups of the State, including peaceful dialogue and negotiations between conflicting parties/groups. The committee should strengthen social cohesiveness, mutual understanding and facilitate cordial communication between various ethnic groups, the home ministry said. After his four-day tour of the state from May 29 to June 1, home minister Amit Shah had announced formation of a peace committee. As the committee tries to find a solution to the violence through dialogue and negotiation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing a conspiracy angle behind the violence and a three-member judicial panel headed by former chief justice of Gauhati high court, Ajai Lamba, is looking into the causes of violence and lapses on part of authorities, people familiar with the developments said, seeking anonymity. A CBI special investigation team, formed on Friday, has started its probe after re-registering three first information reports of Manipur police and is in the process of taking over all documents from the state government. At least 105 people have been killed and nearly 40,000 displaced in the clashes between the Kukis, who mostly reside in the hill districts, and the Meiteis, the dominant community in Imphal Valley, since May 3. Security agencies have estimated that over 3,500 weapons and half a million rounds of ammunition have been stolen in the riot-hit state, out of which 953 arms, 13,351 munitions and 223 bombs have been recovered till Friday. Also read: Supreme Court declines urgent hearing of plea against Manipur internet shutdown Over 100 companies of central armed police forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force and Border Security Force have been deployed in the northeastern state to assist local police since the ethnic violence broke out last month. The army, too, has been deployed in the state to maintain law and order. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utpal Parashar Utpal is a Senior Assistant Editor based in Guwahati. He covers seven states of North-East India and heads the editorial team for the region. He was previously based in Kathmandu, Dehradun and Delhi with Hindustan Times. ...view detail The central government has constituted a committee in violence-hit Manipur to facilitate the peace-making process among various conflicting ethnic groups, the ministry of home affairs said on Saturday. The peace committee, led by the Manipur governor, will constitute the chief minister, some ministers in the state government, MP, MLAs, leaders from across political parties, and eminent members of civil society, including artists and academics. Union Home Minister Amit Shah meets people from the Kuki community at a relief camp, in Kangpokpi, Wednesday, May 31, 2023.(PTI) The home ministry stressed that the committee should strengthen social cohesiveness, mutual understanding and facilitate cordial communication between various ethnic groups. Government of India has constituted Peace Committee in Manipur under the Chairpersonship of Governor, Manipur, the ministry said in a statement. The members of committee include Chief Minister, a few Ministers in the State Government, MP, MLAs and leaders from different political parties. The Committee also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups, it added. The announcement comes days after Union home minister Amit Shah visited the restive state to take stock of the situation and assured the formation of a peace committee. Ethnic clashes between the warring Kuki and Meitei communities first erupted on May 3 during a protest against a court-ordered tweak to the states reservation matrix, granting scheduled tribe (ST) status to the latter. Violence quickly engulfed the state where ethnic fault lines run deep, displacing tens of thousands of people who fled burning homes and neighbourhoods into jungles, often across state borders. On June 4, the Union government formed a three-member judicial inquiry panel to probe the ethnic violence in Manipur on the recommendation of the state government. The Central Bureau of Investigation has also formed a 10-member special investigation team (SIT) under a DIG-rank officer to probe six cases related to the violence. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi: The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has recently reviewed left-wing extremism (LWE)-affected districts across the country, including funds required by security forces, with an aim to prepare a long-term plan of action to reduce the influence and impact of Maoist insurgency, people familiar with the development said. To prepare a long-term plan of action to reduce the influence and impact of Maoist insurgency,the ministry of home affairs (MHA) has recently reviewed left-wing extremism (LWE)-affected districts across the country . (Biplov Bhuyan) Two meetings were held on April 12 and 17 under the chairmanship of additional secretary (LWE division) in the MHA, an official said, requesting anonymity. The meetings were attended by the nodal officers of Maoist-affected states, officials of Intelligence Bureau and central paramilitary forces under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme to review the LWE-affected districts. Issues such as movement of security forces inside forested areas, radicalisation and use of children by Maoists, number of districts and police stations affected by LWE, opening of security camps, etc. were discussed in the meetings, as the government is focusing on a decisive battle against the red ultras, the official added. In last eight-nine years, officials said, MHA has adopted a three-dimensional strategy controlling extremists, better coordination between the Centre and affected states, and development works that has achieved major success in controlling LWE. For instance, while 13,315 violent acts were recorded in LWE areas during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) tenure between 2006 and 2014, the numbers came down by 50% to 6,552 between 2014 and 2022. Similarly, LWE-related deaths, which were recorded at 5,289 (in 2006-2014), have come down by 66% to 1,754 in eight years between 2014 and 2022, according to the MHA data. On the other hand, the number of LWE militants who have surrendered has gone up from 2,428 during 2006-2014 to 5,816 during 2014-2022. Currently, reports of LWE-related violence are limited to only 45 districts in nine states Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala down from 96 districts across seven states in 2010. A key change in the strategy has been security forces entering the core areas of the Maoists. The MHA data, accessed by HT, suggests that since 2019, security forces have opened 108 camps inside core LWE-affected areas. Relocation of these camps is done from time to time after security assessment, a second official said, also declining to be named. Besides, four new joint task forces (JTF) have been established for special operations and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)s battalions have been re-deployed depending on the influence of Maoists. Security forces have also changed their attack strategy in their fight against Maoists. Instead of applying security (defensive) policy against the militants, an attacking (offensive) policy has been implemented, a third official said. Innovative methods are being used to arrest Maoists. Meanwhile, investigation agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have taken concerted action into Maoists funding. While various state police forces have seized properties worth 22 crores linked to Maoists, ED has attached their assets worth 3 crore and NIA 5 crore, as part of intensive surveillance operations, MHA data suggests. NIA has also created a separate division to speed up the investigation related to left wing militants. This division has to date taken up 55 cases linked to the red ultras. Officials said there is continuous information and knowledge sharing between the central and state police forces. Also, helicopters have been deputed for help and rescue during operations in the affected areas. Keeping politics aside, the Centre is providing the state governments armed police forces, helicopters, training, finance for the modernisation of the police, devices and arms, intelligence reports, and facilitating construction of fortified police stations, the first official cited above said. As of today, there are 250 fortified police stations in LWE areas. Bengaluru-based internal security expert Shreya Upadhyay said, All the stakeholders including central forces, Centre and state governments as well as the locals need to work together for a decisive battle against the left-wing extremists. Focus should be on ensuring that Maoists are not successful in indoctrinating the children from the tribal areas. Day after Union minister Giriraj Singh called Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse sapoot (worthy son) of India, a leader of the ruling Janata Dal (United) in Bihar took swipe at the BJP leader saying, in that case, dacoits like Veerappan, underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and fugitive economic offenders like Vijay Mallya can also be called the same. JDU leader Neeraj Kumar asserted that Godse was a disgrace to the nation and can only be adored by the Bharatiya Janata Party Union minister Giriraj Singh, (File Photo by Hindustan Times) If someone is claiming that person like Godse is the son of Mother India, then dacoits like Chambal, Dawood, Veerappan and Mallya are also sons of mother India, Kumar told ANI. Godse, Veerappan, Dawood and Mallya can be the darling of the BJP but the worthy sons of India are revolutionaries like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil, and Prafulla Chaki. Union minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department Giriraj Singh triggered a controversy on Friday by calling Godse sapoot of India during his visit to Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. The firebrand BJP leader from Bihar said the assassin of Gandhi was born in India and was not an invader like Mughal rulers Babar and Aurangzeb. If he (Godse) was the killer of Gandhi, he (Godse) was also a saput of India. He was born in India. He was not an invader like Babar and Aurangzeb, the BJP MP told reporters while reacting to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's remarks. Kumar said, Aurangzeb, Shahjahan and Akbar were born on this soil only. BJP must read history and must not distort it. Former Union minister and Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal also hit out at the BJP leader saying, Does that mean anyone born in India who commits murder is a 'sapoot' of India? Was Godse a good son according to Giriraj Singh?...RSS offered help to Britishers, how can they acknowledge Mahatma Gandhi? So this mindset is against the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. Aurangzeb-Godse row A war of words between BJP and opposition parties erupted after clashes in Maharashtra's Kolhapur following a protest by Hindutva outfits against some social media posts allegedly glorifying Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. Fadnavis defended the aggression saying there is bound to be a reaction if Aurangzeb is glorified. He also said that suddenly, in some districts of Maharashtra, aulad (progenies) of Aurangzeb took birth. This prompted a retort from Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi who said he didn't know the BJP leader was such an expert and asked him to call out the offsprings of Godse. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Akashdeep Building at Mumbai's Mira Road where the remains of Saraswati Vaidya's roasted, cooked body parts were recovered was sanitised on Saturday as the foul smell persisted days after all the body parts were taken out and Saraswati's husband Manoj Sane was arrested on charges of killing her. The couple used to live at a 2BHK on the 7th floor. The entire complex was sanitised as the residents were still complaining of the abominable smell which permeated housing society after the grisly 'murder' was recovered. Pratap Aswal, the secretary of the society, said the management has decided to go for strict verification of the tenants' identity and background after this case emerged. Read | Mumbai murder: Porn sites notes; online tips for body disposal. What cops found from Manoj Sane Manoj Sane and Saraswati Vaidya have been living in this Mira Road (Left) flat since 2017 Mumbai murder: Mystery over motive, background of Manoj and Saraswati The issue of strict background checks arose as the neighbours of the society were not aware that 56-year-old Manoj Sane and 32-year-old Saraswati Vaishya were married. The couple kept to themselves and their immediate neighbours who lived on the same floor did not know much about them -- though Manoj and Saraswati were living there for several years. Following the smell, the residents of the adjacent flats were sure that it was coming from Manoj Sane's flat. They knocked on the door, but there was no response. They also found a smell of room freshener which was masking the foul smell coming from Manoj Sane's flat. When cops came, they had to break into the flat where they found remains of body parts kept in utensils. The victim's feet were in the kitchen ready to be boiled. The residents on Saturday said they were yet to come out of the shock and were scared to move around. The accused has not admitted to having murdered Saraswati but said she committed suicide which scared him and he was desperate to get rid of the body. He got a tree cutter and chopped up the body, then boiled them and roasted them to separate the flesh and the bones. He apparently fed some pieces to stray dogs as neighbours saw him feeding dogs which he never did earlier. How to prevent corpse from decomposing and smelling, Manoj searched online In another eerie similarity between the Mumbai Mira Road case and Delhi's Shraddha Walkar case, Manoj too looked online for ways to prevent a corpse from decomposing and smelling. Police said Manoj frequented porn sites but could not remember the names and hence wrote them down. Manoj told police he was tested HIV positive in 2008 and had no physical relationship with Vaidya. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail Saraswati Vaidya would often "quarrel" with her live-in partner Manoj Ramesh Sane about him not being able to keep her happy and satisfied". From his browsing history, police sources also discovered that he frequented pornographic sites, The Indian Express reported. Manoj Sane and Saraswati Vaidya got married at a temple, Saraswati's sisters confirmed to the police. Since he could not remember names of porn sites he had also noted down names of 7-8 porn sites on a paper which has been seized, the police source added. Sane, 56, was arrested for allegedly murdering Vaidya, two days after the 32-year-old woman's body parts were found pressure-cooked and roasted inside the flat where they resided in the Mira Road area of the bustling district adjoining Mumbai. Sane, who worked at a ration shop, has now claimed Vaidya committed suicide by drinking poison and he only tried to dispose of her body by chopping it up, officials said. The accused, arrested on Thursday, also allegedly told the interrogators he was HIV-positive and never had any physical relationship with Vaidya. The police have reportedly also seized the paper where Sane had written porn sites. The report quoted the sources as saying that the accused admitted about Vaidya complaining to him about not being satisfied. During the interrogation, Sane admitted that Vaidya would often complain and quarrel with him about him not being able to keep her happy and satisfied. It would also enrage her when he looked at any other woman, the newspaper quoted sources as saying. Manoj Sane searched online for tips to dispose of Saraswati Vaidya's body The police investigation has also found that Sane had searched the internet for ways to dispose of a body. When scanning his phone, the police scrolled through his browsing history and found that on June 4, the day he allegedly killed Vaidya, he searched for ideas on how to ensure that a body doesnt start decomposing and smelling. He then chopped the body into several parts and boiled them to prevent a foul smell, The Indian Express report added. What we know about Saraswati Vaidya and incident Vaidya's mother had died when the sisters were very young while their father had abandoned them, the police said. The victim studied up to Class 10 at an ashram school (school for orphans) in Ahmednagar district of western Maharashtra and came to Mumbai to reside with her relatives after turning 18. After the couple met, Sane had arranged a job of a salesperson for her. Sane, who is in police custody till June 16, told interrogators Vaidya died on the morning of June 3 after consuming poison with foam coming out of her mouth, and fearing he would be held responsible for her death, he decided to dispose of the body. On Wednesday (June 7), the police found Vaidya's body parts, some cooked in a pressure cooker and even roasted, inside the rented flat of the couple who were staying there since the last three years. Sane kept the woman's chopped body parts in three buckets in their flat and tried to suppress the stench by spraying room freshener, his neighbours said on Thursday. The crime came to light after neighbours alerted the police about a foul smell coming out of the flat. According to the FIR registered by the police, Sane not only boiled body pieces in a pressure cooker and an utensil after cutting them with a saw, but also roasted them and put them in a bucket and tub. It is suspected Vaidya died on June 4, but the case came to light on June 7. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Manoj Sane, who allegedly killed his 32-year-old live-in partner Saraswati Vaidya and hacked her body into several pieces before boiling some of them for ease of disposal in their Mira Road apartment in Mumbai, did not look scared or anything of the sort, said the owner of a shop where Sane had visited to get his tree-cutting chainsaw repaired on June 4. The same chainsaw was suspected to be used to chop up Saraswati's body, NDTV reported. Manoj Sane, accused of killing his live-in partner Saraswati Vaidya, being escorted by the police outside the Mira Road Police Station, in Thane, on Friday, (PTI) The shopowner of Karthika Enterprises in Borivali told the news channel that the chainsaw's chain had slipped. "He did not look scared or anything of the sort. He was calm and waited at the shop till the repair was complete," the shopowner, who did not wish to be named, was quoted as saying. The shopowner added that Sane might have purchased the chainsaw from his shop when he was away. "We do sell chainsaws like the one Sane had. There wasn't much wrong with the machine. Just the chain had slipped," he said, adding that he did not spot any marks on the chainsaw while repairing it. Police officials from Nayanagar police station said they have recovered most of the victims remains. Chainsaw used to hack her body into many parts Sane told the police that after killing Vaidya, he had used the electric saw to hack her body into many parts. He had managed to dispose of some of Vaidyas remains. After his arrest on Wednesday, he offered multiple stories to the police for Vaidyas death. Sane first claimed that she had died by suicide on June 4 by consuming poison and fearing that he might be charged with abetment to suicide, he tried to get rid of the body instead of alerting either the neighbours or the police. Subsequently, however, he told the police that the two had had a fight as he suspected her of infidelity, and he stabbed her with a knife and then used the electric saw to cut her up. Married or not? According to the police, Vaidya gave different versions of her relationship with Sane to different people. She told her sisters that they were wed at a temple a few years ago while she told her other acquaintances that Sane was her maternal uncle. Police have not recovered any proof of their marriage. The accused, arrested on Thursday, also allegedly told the interrogators he was HIV-positive and never had any physical relationship with Vaidya. "The couple did not register their marriage, but they had married by performing rituals in a temple," said deputy commissioner of police Jayant Bajbale of Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai Virar commissionerate, citing the statements given by three sisters of the deceased. Vaidya had informed her sisters about the marriage, but since there was a considerable age gap between them, the couple did not make their wedding public, he said. Who was Saraswati Vaidya? The victim studied up to Class 10 at an ashram school (school for orphans) in Ahmednagar district of western Maharashtra and came to Mumbai to reside with her relatives after turning 18, the police said. After the couple met, Sane had arranged a job of a salesperson for her. Gory details emerged after the woman's death. On Wednesday (June 7), the police found Vaidya's body parts, some cooked in a pressure cooker and even roasted, inside the rented flat of the couple who were staying there since the last three years. Sane kept the woman's chopped body parts in three buckets in their flat and tried to suppress the stench by spraying room freshener, his neighbours said on Thursday. The crime came to light after neighbours alerted the police about a foul smell coming out of the flat. (With inputs from Megha Sood in Mumbai) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A day after Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar asked the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to remove their names as advisers from its political science textbooks, saying that they have been mutilated beyond recognition, the council said it has the right to make changes based on copyright ownership and asserted that the withdrawal of association by any one member is out of the question. Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar issued a fresh statement on the NCERT row. Also read: Delhi University panel to take call on adding Savarkar in syllabus The two, however, reiterated their demand on Saturday, saying that their names in textbooks that were once the source of pride for us, are now a source of embarrassment. Yadav and Palshikar, who were chief advisers for the political science books for classes 9 to 12 published in 2006-07 on the basis of the 2005 version of the National Curriculum Framework, on Thursday wrote to NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani that the rationalization process carried out by the council has mutilated textbooks beyond recognition and rendered them academically dysfunctional. While the modifications have been justified on grounds of rationalization, we fail to see any pedagogical rationale at work here. We find that the text has been mutilated beyond recognition. There are innumerable and irrational cuts, and large deletions often without any attempt to fill the gaps thus created. We were never consulted or even informed of these changes, they said. If NCERT did consult other experts for deciding on these cuts and deletions, we explicitly state that we fully disagree with them in this regard. Their letter to NCERT came amid a controversy over the removal of several topics from the high school syllabus in 2022, including passages on the theory of evolution, references to the Cold War, the Mughal courts, the industrial revolution, the 2002 Gujarat riots, the contribution of agriculture to the Indian economy, and a section on challenges to democracy. NCERT had constituted textbook development committees (of which Yadav and Palshikar were members) during 2005-08 and they existed only till the textbooks were developed, the council said in a statement issued late on Friday night. After the textbooks were published by the NCERT, their copyright remained vested with the NCERT independent of the textbook development committee, it said. All members of the textbook development committees had given their concurrence on this through written undertakings. Responding to the councils statement, Yadav and Palshikar on Saturday said continuation of their names inside the current version of the textbook creates a false impression of endorsement, and they have every right to dissociate with this insinuation. If they can use their legal right to distort and mutilate the text, we must be able to exercise our moral and legal right to dissociate our name from a textbook that we do not endorse, they said in a statement. The role of members of the committees as chief advisers, advisers, members and member coordinate were limited to advising how to design and develop the textbooks or contributing to the development of their contents and not beyond this, the council asserted. However, NCERT acknowledges their academic contribution and only because of this, for the sake of record, publishes names of all textbook development committee members in each of its textbooks, it said. Therefore, at no stage is individual authorship claimed, hence the withdrawal of association by any one member is out of the question. Yadav and Palshikar demanded that the NCERT should publish the names of experts who suggested the changes. The NCERT cannot hide behind our names as Chief advisers. Hence, we reiterate our limited demand to the NCERT: please remove our names from the textbooks that were once the source of pride for us but are now a source of embarrassment. The council further clarified that as the copyright owner of all its textbooks, it adopts clear procedures to make corrections and changes from time to time depending on feedback received from their users (teachers, students, etc.) or identification of factual inaccuracies, and incompatible expressions. Also read: Delhi University removes poet Mohd Iqbal, who wrote Sare Jahan Se Acha, from BA syllabus Among the other topics removed from the political science textbooks are the position of Hindu extremists on Mahatma Gandhis pursuit of Hindu-Muslim unity, and the ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh after his assassination. The NCERT last year said that several factors such as overlapping topics, topics not relevant or outdated in the present context, or topics that were difficult or easily accessible to children and can be learned through self-learning or peer-learning, were taken into account during the rationalisation process. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sharad Pawar on Saturday announced Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as working presidents of the Nationalist Congress Party or NCP. Pawar made the announcement at the 25th anniversary of the party, founded by him and PA Sangma in 1999. NCP chief Sharad Pawar and MP Supriya Sule.(File) The announcement was made in the presence of Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar's nephew and a key player in the NCP. "Praful Patel will shoulder the responsibility of the working president of the Nationalist Congress Party. Supriya Sule will also be the working president of the party," Pawar said in the presence of senior leaders. Ajit Pawar, who had joined hands with the BJP in 2019 and was sworn-in as deputy chief minister in an early morning swearing-in ceremony with Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister, appeared visibly upset with the announcement and left the party office here without interacting with the media. An elated Patel said he was surprised by Pawar's announcement and would continue to work for the party. "I have been working alongside Pawar saheb since 1999. So, this is nothing new for me. Of course, I am happy at being elevated as Working President. I will continue to work to increase the footprint of the party," Patel said. Pawar also made Patel party in-charge of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Goa, and Rajya Sabha. Sule will be in charge of NCP affairs in Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and issues related to women, youth, students and the Lok Sabha. "I am grateful to NCP President Hon. Pawar Saheb and all the Senior Leaders, party colleagues, party workers and well wishers of @NCPSpeaks for bestowing this huge responsibility of Working President along with Hon. @praful_patel Bhai. "To my fellow members of the party, because of whom we have come this far,I will work diligently along with all of you to further strengthen the NCP and we collectively will serve the nation for the larger good of our fellow citizens," Sule said in a tweet. By making Sule in-charge of Maharashtra, Pawar had effectively made Ajit Pawar report to her on party matters, a move that could lead to unease in the party. Pawar had last month offered to resign from the presidency of the party which was followed by fervent remonstrations from the party members as well as other political leaders. An NCP panel formed to deliberate on Pawar's offer had on May 5 rejected his resignation and urged him to continue as the party president. Why Supriya Sule? Supriya Sule's ascent in the party in recent years has been viewed as a father grooming his daughter for significant responsibilities. As part of the party's brass, she is involved in major decisions. She keeps a hectic travel calendar across multiple districts in short spans and attends all the programmes. She censures the central government and the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis-led state government. When Pawar offered to resign from the presidency of the party last month, Sule was a picture of calm, amid a sea of emotions expressed by party leaders, who requested the NCP supremo to reconsider his decision. Sule was introduced to active politics with her election as Rajya Sabha MP in September 2006. Later in 2009, she took over the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Pawar until then. She has also formed Rashtravadi Yuvati Congress, a wing of young women, to connect with the youth and build a network across the state. Pawar has groomed many young leaders, including his daughter and Ajit Pawar and state NCP chief Jayant Patil they are now the partys frontline leaders. But, it is not clear who will assume the mantle of the leader. (With inputs from Faisal Malik in Mumbai) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Canadian law enforcement has ruled out any hate crime in the display of a tableau depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during a procession in Brampton city, days after the Indian government expressed displeasure over space being given to people who advocate violence in the country. The controversial tableau Also read: Jaishankar's strong response to Indira Gandhi's killing celebration: 'Not good for Canada' The controversial tableau was put on display during a parade on June 4 to mark the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, when Indian forces stormed into the Golden Temple in Amritsar to oust separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his supporters. Videos of the event showed that other tableaux featured banners referring to the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. The event triggered outrage, with external affairs minister S Jaishankar saying that it is not good for relationships between the two countries, while the high commissioner for Canada in India Cameron MacKay said there is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. Taking note of the matter, Brampton mayor Patrick Brown issued a statement: Police have looked at the video and its their determination it does not constitute a hate crime. The statement also pointed out that Canadians are guaranteed freedom of thought, belief and expression under Section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Any decision to change Section 2 would be at the federal level. Police enforce laws. They dont write them, it added. A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the countrys foreign ministry, said it has nothing further to add to the tweet from Canadas High Commissioner to India Cameron McKay on June 5th. That tweet, the only official reaction from a Canadian official on the matter, so far, said: I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities. There was no immediate response from Indian officials on the matter on Saturday. A senior Indian official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the occurrence as not acceptable. You cannot exceed freedom of expression like this, glorifying the assassination of the leader of a democratic nation, he said. Indo-Canadian organisations have also expressed their outrage over the float. Also read: 'Celebration' of Indira Gandhi's killing: What really happened at Canada event? Satish Thakkar, chair of the Canada India Foundation, said the parade celebrated an act of terrorism against the democratically elected leader of a country that has been the place of origin for nearly two million law-abiding Indo-Canadians. Indira Gandhi served as the first and only woman Prime Minister of India from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984. She was shot dead by two of her own bodyguards at her official residence on October 31, 1984. The assassination was followed by anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and elsewhere in the country, in which thousands of Sikhs were killed and businesses looted. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON National Conference leader Omar Abdullah again hit out at Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwals efforts to secure support from non-BJP parties to counter the Centres ordinance on control of Delhis officers. In a dig at Kejriwal allegedly rooting for the ruling BJPs2019 move to scrap Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah questioned the irony of the Delhi CM seeking support from other parties now. Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah.(PTI) Where was Arvind Kejriwal when Article 370 was scrapped? He supported the government that time and today he is asking for support from other parties, he asked on Saturday. The former J&K CM had slammed the controversial ordinance as a travesty while also taking a swipe at the AAP claiming that they happily sided with the BJP when the state was bifurcated into two separate Union Territories. Abdullah was responding to a tweet by AAP's national spokesperson Raghav Chadha, What next?! A constitutional amendment that any state that votes into power a non-BJP government will be stripped of its legislature and transformed into a centrally administered territory? He replied, What has been done to Delhi is a travesty & goes against the spirit of cooperative federalism. That said Raghav, its a shame the AAP didnt realise the danger of its actions when it happily sided with the BJP in Aug 2019Sadly your chickens have come home to roost now. The Union government had issued a late-night ordinance in May restoring to itself the power over services in the national capital, a week after the Supreme Court ruled that the Delhi government has control over bureaucrats assigned to departments under its purview. AAP has, however, asserted that it never supported the idea of converting the state into a union territory. When Kejriwal sought Congress backing in the battle against BJP, former AICC general secretary Ajay Maken also pointed to instances where the AAP failed to support the Congress, including over the scrapping of special status for J&K. Kejriwal has so far won over Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party, the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and K Chandrashekhar Rao's Bharat Rashtra Samithi to resist the ordinance in the Rajya Sabha, given that the ruling right-wing party doesn't hold a majority in the upper house. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Political clashes continued in West Bengal on the second day of submitting nominations for the high-stakes panchayat elections scheduled on Saturday as the Opposition approached the governor seeking deployment of central forces and the state election commission planned an all-party meeting to review the law and order situation, people aware of the matter said. Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar (left) with governor CV Ananda Bose in Kolkata; and Congress workers stage a protest in Murshidabad, on Saturday over the violence in the state. (PTI) Also read: Congress to Bengal guv on panchayat polls: 'TMC thugs preying like monsters' In Murshidabads Domkal, clashes broke out after Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers allegedly tried to stop candidates of the Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) from filing nominations, the Opposition alleged. On Friday, Congress worker Phoolchand Sheikh was shot dead by unidentified people in the same districts Khargram, triggering a political tussle. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Saumitra Khan said that crude bombs were hurled by TMC-backed miscreants at the partys candidates in order to stop them from filing nominations in Bankura district. The ruling party rejected the charges, saying that the opposition was levelling false allegations in order to draw attention away from the work done by the TMC on the ground. The panchayat polls are scheduled to be held in a single-phase on July 8 and the nomination process for the polls is currently underway. The Opposition moved the Calcutta high court against the schedule and the HC on Friday observed that the time period for filing nominations prima facie appeared to be inadequate. Political violence in West Bengal has come to be known as an unpleasant marker of every election season, a case in point being the previous panchayat polls in 2018 that witnessed large-scale clashes and nearly 20 murders, with opposition parties alleging that their candidates were not allowed to file nominations and were physically intimidated. In the 2018 panchayat polls, the TMC bagged around 90% seats, of which a staggering 34% were uncontested. The rampant violence that characterises the political process in the state has often been attributed to the ruling party of the day mobilising all the goons active on the ground and going after those who go against them. Any meaningful solution to this can be possible only if the electorate firmly decides to penalise parties that promote violence and reward those that deploy peaceful democratic practices. In a letter to governor CV Ananda Bose, state Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called for the deployment of central forces for free and fair elections. I have solid reasons to apprehend that a free and fair election to three-tier Panchayat in the month of July 2023 in West Bengal, would be a far-reaching dream. Therefore, I humbly solicit your good office to do the needful for conducting the said election under the direct supervision of the central forces. Your prompt action in this regard is highly solicited, he said in the letter. A BJP delegation led by the partys state unit chief, Sukanta Majumdar, also met Bose at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata seeking the deployment of central forces. There was hardly any police presence during the nomination process in several places. There are only around 78,000 police personnel in the state. This is inadequate. Central forces are required to hold free and fair elections, Majumdar said. The TMC hit back at the BJP and blamed it for orchestrating the violence. The BJP doesnt have enough candidates for the polls and is hence trying to paint a picture of lawlessness in the state by triggering violence. Mamata Banerjee and Abishek Banerjee have already said that no violence will be tolerated. TMC workers have been strictly warned not to retaliate in the face of incitement by BJP workers, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said. In a statement, the governor said that they will take all the necessary steps to ensure a smooth election process. Ever since the announcement of the panchayat elections, political parties have been flooding the governor with requests of intervention to ensure peace and harmony during the election. They came out with a number of suggestions expressing their apprehension about the likelihood of muscle raj in the coming elections in the state. The governor assured them that the elections will be held in a free and fair manner, the statement said. Sinha also held a meeting with the governor to discuss the commissions stand on demands for extending the date of filing nominations for the panchayat polls and to explain steps taken to contain incidents of violence, officials aware of the matter said. After the meeting, Sinha said that the panel may consider extending the dates for filing nominations, according to the news agency PTI. We are going to review the situation and may contemplate extending the date, PTI quoted him as saying. Also read: Opposition moves HC, Congress worker killed in Bengal ahead of panchayat polls According to an official, the state poll panel was likely to hold an all-party meeting on June 13 to address the grievances of different parties. All political parties have been invited to the meeting scheduled on Tuesday. There will be discussions on the law and order situation in the state. We would also like to hear the grievances and demands of the political parties, PTI quoted an official as saying on condition of anonymity. he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rahul Gandhi, on a 10-day visit to the United States, received a heartwarming gift from an artist based in Washington DC. Sarita Pandey tweeted a picture of the gift, a charcoal and watercolour painting of Rahuls mother Sonia Gandhi. She added that the Congress leader promised that it will be handed over to Sonia. The artist took to Twitter and said, "As I handed it to [Rahul], I said, 'From one mother to another, and he said he will pass it to [Sonia Gandhi]." Sharing a picture of her giving the gift to Rahul, Pandey wrote, "Gifted @RahulGandhi a super-quick charcoal + watercolor painting of Sonia Gandhi Ji when he was visiting Washington, DC, last week. As I handed it to him, I said, "From one mother to another," and he said he will pass it to her. I hope he does." She had earlier tweeted pictures of her meeting with Rahul and Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda at the office of American newspaper The Washington Post. Pandey, whose Twitter profile describes herself as a media communications professional and an artist, was lauded by netizens for her portrait of the former Congress president. "Beautiful painting with beautiful message," wrote one user. "Very nice, charcoal+watercolouring is very difficult job and yet getting all the expressions is the highlight of the art," quipped another. A third user praised Pandey for the touching gesture and wrote, The beauty of it is that one can recognise it being genuine or phoney almost immediately". Yet another person appreciated Pandeys skills as the drawing looked too real. The disqualified Wayanad MPs three-city US tour has been marred by controversies over his statements on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, clampdown on freedom of expression, rising attack against minorities in India, row over the inauguration of the new Parliament building and more. What Rahul said in the US On his first day, Rahul interacted with the Indian diaspora and discussed issues like data safety, politics, and the state of democracy in India. He even talked about his disqualification as a Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha. On the issue of Pegasus spyware, the former MP told the audience he is not worried about it. At one point of time he said he knows his phone is being tapped. And jokingly said, "Hello! Mr Modi" on his iPhone. In another address, he alleged that India was being run by a group of people who were 'absolutely convinced' that they knew everything. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha on Saturday responded to Bharatiya Janata Party's Bihar president Samrat Chaudhary's growing beard like Osama bin Laden comments on Congress Rahul Gandhi. "Crores of people in this country keep a beard. Are they all Osama Bin Laden?" Jha asked Chaudhary. RJD leader Manoj jha If you want to oppose take the political angle. But Samrat ji has a problem. He is competing with Giriraj Singh who called Godse the nation's Saput (worthy son), he added. Jha's reply came after Chaudhary said Rahul Gandhi grows a beard like Osama bin Laden and thinks that he will become like Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chaudhary also referred to Rahul Gandhi as a "child" and questioned his political acumen. He said at 50 years old, Rahul Gandhi lacked the necessary political intelligence, likening him to a person with the intellectual capacity of a child. Gandhi had been in the news during the Congress's Bharat Jodo Yatra. Who else commented on Rahul Gandhi's beard During an election rally in Ahmedabad in November last year, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, I just saw that his looks have also changed. I said in a TV interview a few days back that there is nothing wrong with his new look. But if you have to change the looks, at least make it like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel or even Jawaharlal Nehru will do. It is better if it looks like Gandhiji. But why is your face turning into Saddam Hussein? To this, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had responded, It is truly pathetic that several TV channels did debates today on Assam CM's obnoxious and totally unacceptable comments on Rahul Gandhi's beard. This trivializes the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Among the 42 foreign cadets from seven friendly foreign countries who passed out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Uttarakhands Dehradun on Saturday, 24-year-old Mohamed Adil from civil war-torn Sudan expressed mixed emotions on the occasion. On Saturday, a total of 374 cadets, including 42 from foreign countries, successfully passed out from the portals of IMA (Virender Singh Negi) Donning the military uniform, Adil put up a smile for the pictures during the pipping ceremony at Somnath Stadium of IMAs South Campus. The gentleman cadet, the son of a driver from south-eastern Sudans Rabak city, however, missed his parents, who could not join him in the happiest moment of his life due to ongoing conflict back home. They (my parents) wanted to be present with me in the memorable moment of my life. However, they couldnt make it due to the situation there. Fortunately, I was able to speak to my mother yesterday, before the big day, he said. Sudanese Armed Forces loyal to Abdel-Fattah Burhan have been fighting rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, since April 15 this year. Thousands of civilians have fled the civil war-torn African country that is staring at major humanitarian crises. I hope to bring a change in my country with the training I got from the prestigious military institute, Adil said. On Saturday, a total of 374 cadets, including 42 from foreign countries, successfully passed out from the portals of IMA, with the passing out parade being reviewed by army chief General Manoj Pande, a statement issued by the defence ministry said. Kinga Lhendup (22), a gentleman cadet from Bhutan who also passed out with Adil having completed the rigorous training at IMA, said the experience at the premier institution has changed his perception of life. Unlike his fellow gentleman cadet, Lhendups country Bhutan was rated as the most peaceful country in South Asia in the Global Peace Index, 2021. Lhendup was joined by his parents as he was presented with the Bangladesh Trophy and Medal for standing first in the order of merit from foreign cadets. Remembering his time at IMA, he said, It not just trained me to serve my country but also changed the way I look at life. The White House announced today a broad range of American-made products that may be sold to China, including automobiles, some industrial equipment, and most consumer goods. HT This Day: June 11, 1971 -- U.S. announces free export of goods to China Breaking a 21-year-old embargo on trade to China, President Nixon made public the list of exports that U. S. industry may ship to China under a general licence, meaning the products can be shipped without further approval from the Government. Mr Nixon said the list includes most farm, fish and forestry products, tobacco, fertilizers, coal, selected chemicals, rubber, textiles and some metals. In addition, he said, agricultural, industrial and office equipment was included as well as household appliances, electrical apparatus in general, some electronic and communications equipment, and some automobile equipment and consumer goods. Mr Nixon also decided to sweep aside a requirement that American business must obtain Government permission to export wheat, flour and other grains to China, eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. A 50 per cent U. S. shipping requirement for these items was suspended. The Chinese export list appeared to parallel closely a similar list on exports to the Soviet Union, which has been in existence for some time. Olympic medalwinning grappler Bajrang Punia on Saturday threatened to relaunch the wrestlers agitation if the Delhi Police fails to arrest former wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment charges by June 15. Meanwhile, Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik said that the wrestlers will play the Asian games only if the entire case is completed after a fair probe. They were speaking at a khap mahapanchayat in Sonepat. Wrestlers Bajrang punia and Sakshi Malik addressed a khap mahapanchayat in Sonepat on Saturday. (PTI) If the government fails to arrest him by June 15, we will re-launch our agitation by June 17. The agitation will be started either at Jantar Mantar or Ramlila Maidan, Punia said. If Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is not arrested at the earliest, the six other complainants will also be forced to change the statement the way a minor girl changed her statements. He is a powerful man and the minor girls father had already stated that they are under pressure and the same way these other six complaints are also undergoing similar circumstances, he said. Opinion: Outcome of the wrestlers case is a signal to women There is huge pressure on complainants and justice will be ensured only after Brij Bhushans arrest. He is influencing the probe and a strong chargesheet is required to send him behind bars. The complainants are receiving threat calls and they are in trauma, he said. The union ministers told us that the former WFI chief will be arrested after police found sufficient evidence against him. We are on our own collecting evidence against him and providing the same to Delhi police, he added. Punia also alleged that a woman wrestler, who was taken by police ot the WFI office to recreate the crime scene was shocked to see Singh there. He expressed shock that a woman player had to visit the WFI office to recreate the scene. The woman player who accompanied Delhi police to recreate the crime scene against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is mentally upset and the complaints are going through a mental trauma, he said. He said hat Singh had contacted them in January when they started an agitation against him. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had told the agitators that he is ready to accept whatever Bajrang says and he requested us to take a step back but we continued our fight against this strong man. We dont know politics and I assure you that we are fighting for our daughters justice, he said. Sakshi Malik said, The minor girl, who had changed her statement, is undergoing trauma and other complaints will also bow down if Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is not arrested at the earliest. We will play the Asian games only if the entire case is completed after a fair probe. Read Here | Will participate in Asian Games only when issues are resolved': Sakshi Malik If Brij Bhushan was sent behind bars, the minor girl might not have changed her statement. Her father is receiving threats from Bhushans men, she added. International wrestling referee, Jagbir Singh, told the gathering in Sonepat that Singh had harassed women players during a trial on March 25 last year in Lucknow and he had seen ugly behaviour of Singh in 2013 during a tournament in Kyrgyzstan. Farmer leaders and Khaps from Haryana, Punjab, UP, Rajasthan and Delhi attended the meeting. Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentarian who headed WFI for 12 years, has refuted all the charges against him. Sometimes a single phone call can change ones life. Just ask Himanshu Saini, 37, who became, last month, the only Indian-born chef in the world to helm a restaurant with two Michelin stars, when his Tresind Studio became one of only three restaurants in Dubai to win this distinction. PREMIUM I wanted Tresind Studio to be a personal effort, where I didnt have to worry about cooking what would be popular, Saini says. Rather than caviar or truffles, therefore, diners are offered locally sourced prawns, and twists such as khaman-dhokla ice-cream. (Photo: Shresth Maloo) Saini is in excellent company. The other two Dubai restaurants in this category are run by two of the worlds greatest chefs, Frances Yannick Alleno and Italys Niko Romito. But had Saini not made a specific phone call in 2015, his life may have been very different. Unlike many top Indian chefs, who started out with hotel chains, he went to work in the kitchen at the standalone restaurant Indian Accent, in his hometown of Delhi, where he became a protege of Manish Mehrotra. This was in 2012; Indian Accent was only about three years old, but already making waves. The legendary chef Mehrotra was disappointed when Saini, along with another young kitchen star, Saurabh Udinia, was lured away by restaurateur Zorawar Kalra to open another standalone restaurant, Masala Library in Mumbai. Saini and Udinia opened Masala Library to much acclaim and then collaborated on the menu for Kalras next effort, Farzi Cafe, an attempt to take modern Indian food to a younger demographic. But Saini had always wanted to work abroad. And so, when he was offered a job at an Indian restaurant in New York, he took it. The job was not what he expected. He had endless problems with the management about staffing, ingredient costs and nearly everything else. One day, he decided that enough was enough and walked out. But what was he to do? Was he to return, tail between his legs, to Kalra? He had no offers in the US and wasnt even sure how to secure a fresh work visa. In desperation, he turned to a friend who worked in Dubai. The friend suggested that he reach out to Bhupender Nath, who was in the process of setting up a new restaurant in that Emirate. His timing was perfect. Nath, a self-made millionaire who had earned a fortune in the fisheries business, had dreamed for years of owning a prestigious restaurant. A proposed collaboration with Kalra to open a Masala Library in Dubai fell through, and he was looking for a chef to helm an all-new brand. He knew very little about Saini but decided he was worth the risk. He sent him a ticket to Dubai and gave him the job. I met the duo in Dubai in 2015. Tresind had recently opened in a mid-market location and was not particularly well-known. Sainis food, though, was a revelation. He was still very inspired by Mehrotra (one dish on the menu was described as a tribute to the Indian Accent chef), but I could discern in Sainis food the beginnings of a culinary style all his own. I was less sure about Nath. Was he just another rich guy flirting with the restaurant business for a lark? Nath insisted that he wasnt, and said he was deeply committed to Tresind and to Saini. He was true to his word. I watched as Tresind began to gain traction and as Nath and Saini opened the less-ambitious but very successful Carnival restaurant. Then, as Sainis reputation grew, Nath opened Tresind Studio next door to the original. This establishment served a different, more experimental menu crafted by Saini. I wanted this to be a very personal restaurant, Saini says, where I didnt have to worry about cooking what would be popular. I could just cook what I liked. *** Every morning, Nikhita Kini and her father would have a version of the same conversation. Which shirt should I wear, he would mutter. Try the pink or mauve one today, she would often say. PREMIUM The memorial quilt made from Narasimha Kinis blue shirts. Narasimha Kini would usually choose one of his favourites. Dad couldnt get enough of blue, she says. Sometimes, he would go with her pick. Then the 68-year-old marketing executive would smile and head for the door. When Kini died in 2019, Nikhita didnt know what to do with the shirts. She didnt want to give them away; not the ones hed loved, and not the peach, pink and mauve ones that she had urged him to wear. Panels from these now form a patchwork pattern on a queen-sized quilt. There is no blue in this one; panels from his blue shirts have been stitched into another quilt, which Nikhita gave to her brother, Nikhil Kini, who lives in the US. When I use the quilt, I feel his presence, says Nikhita, 31. Both quilts were hand-stitched over about eight weeks, by the women of Purkal Stree Shakti Samiti (or womens strength society), a social enterprise launched in the village of Purkal in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. The enterprise employs about 100 underprivileged women from across 40 villages. It was set up by Chinni Swamy, 78, who moved here from Mumbai with her husband, the late Gopal Krishna Swamy, in 2003. Chinni, a homemaker who dabbled in quilting, found that numerous local women were eager to supplement their income, and began to teach them patchwork, hand-quilting and applique. She sold the products locally, mainly through word of mouth and at handicraft fairs, and shared the proceeds. We started at my house with one specially abled woman, Chinni says. As more joined, the house turned into a makeshift workshop. It kept growing, and Chinni and the women moved, for a while, into a local school set up by her husband. By 2020, 200 women were involved. Then the pandemic hit, and the business stalled. Three young fashion designers who were working with the group, Banee Batta, Aastha Giri and Aiswarya Enolla Patri, stepped up to revive it. Later that year, the 30-year-olds offered a fresh infusion of funds, and came on board as co-founders of Purkal Stree Shakti Samiti 2.0. Purkal Stree Shakti Samiti co-founders Aastha Giri, Chinni Swamy, Banee Batta and Aiswarya Enolla Patri. Many of the women now work from home; two centres in Dehradun allow them to collaborate on larger orders. The enterprise now uses social-media platforms and its website (purkalstreeshakti.org) to sell quilts, cushion and pillow covers, bags, toys and notebook jackets made by the women, among a host of other products. But the most unusual offering is the memorial quilt. Kinis was their first such order. Since I had grown up watching my aunt quilt, I thought of this for my fathers shirts, but I didnt know whom to reach out to. Then I came across a post by comedian Mallika Dua, on the work done by Purkal Stree Shakti Samiti, and reached out to them on Instagram, Kini says. The pre-stitching stage involved careful conversations with her. When they asked me about my father, I told them about his weakness for shades of blue, which helped them design the two quilts... It was a relief to know that his shirts would be handled with respect, patience, care. They even retained the ballpen marks on some of his pockets. After she gave one quilt to her brother last June (shed been unable to open the boxes for about three months), Kini created an Instagram Reel about them, which was shared widely. It currently has over 230,000 likes, and it turned a spotlight on the group. A memory quilt made for a teen, using their toddler clothes. The samiti has since had more than 100 orders for memory and memorial quilts, including some from as far away as London and Kuwait. These orders have reminded us of the healing power these quilts hold, says Batta. They help the women we work with create a ripple effect of empowerment and shared experiences, love and heritage. One unusual quilt was made as a celebration of new life. A mother from the US commissioned it for her teenager, says Radha Paswan, 45, a quality inspector with the enterprise. It took six months to complete this piece, because the women didnt cut up the garments. The clothes we were sent were from when the teen was a toddler. There were tiny overalls, little caps, booties. We didnt have the heart to cut them up, says Paswan, a mother of two, who has been with the group for 15 years. We designed the quilt in such a way that they were stitched on intact. It will forever capture the parents love. A memorial quilt featuring saris and kurtis that belonged to a Delhi woman who died in the 26/11 terror attacks. As part of another order, for a memorial quilt, the samiti received a carton of saris and kurtis. They were sent in, in November, by the daughter of a Delhi woman who died in the 26/11 terror attacks. The final quilt uses disparate fabrics cotton, silk, khadi, linen, preserved carefully since 2008 to create an elegant pattern in green, turquoise, white, purple, maroon and gold. The memorial and memory quilts are challenging, Paswan says. Theres little control over the colour palette, a range of fabrics to be incorporated, and, often, personalised messages or monograms to be hand-embroidered into them too. They take, on average, 15 to 20 weeks as a result, and prices start at 12,000. Shipping costs extra; it covers the dispatch of the quilt and the return of unused material. We know that the clothes our clients send in are more than just clothes, says Batta. So, the scraps left over, and the items unused, are sent back to them. Enjoy unlimited digital access with HT Premium Subscribe Now to continue reading Start 14 Days Free Trial Already Subscribed? Sign In The central contradiction of our times is the persistence of nation-States on the one hand and the compulsions imposed by an increasingly globalised and deeply interconnected world on the other. The salience of cross-national and global issues, such as the climate crisis, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, international terrorism, and pandemics, such as Covid-19, the issues of cyber security and safeguarding critical space-based assets, has increased dramatically over recent decades. PREMIUM India has a rare opportunity to put its shoulder behind the wheel of UN reform and the reform of its finances.(HT File) These challenges are global but have local impacts. They have domestic and external dimensions. Such challenges are not amenable to national or regional solutions, although their local manifestations require sound domestic policies and interventions. Then there are issues related to the global commons, which lie outside the jurisdiction of national governments but whose management is of collective concern. For example, the health of oceans needs international agreements against the dumping of plastic waste and other hazardous and toxic materials, and strictly enforceable compliance procedures. Unfortunately, even the limited norms applicable are rarely observed. There are existing global regimes that need to be updated. New ungoverned domains require new institutions and procedures for effective management. The cyber domain is one such example. Despite cyber security threats impacting countries worldwide, there is no set of commonly agreed norms, let alone legally enforceable international agreements. The current multilateral system is a legacy of the post-World War II order, centred on the United Nations (UN). It was based on the notion that peace is indivisible and must be upheld through the collective effort of its member-nations. A special responsibility devolved on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its five permanent members, who constituted the most powerful countries in the post-war period. The veto they enjoyed over decisions of the UNSC was aimed at ensuring that its decisions on international peace and security would enjoy a broad consensus. However, it has long been evident that this post-war structure no longer reflects the current power equations. The United States may still be the worlds pre-eminent power and China a rising one, but Russia, the successor to the Soviet Union, is a much-diminished international actor. Neither the United Kingdom nor France are in the category of major powers. The key emerging countries, whose role is critical in resolving global problems such as the climate crisis, find no place in decision-making. These include India. In 2004, a major initiative was launched to achieve permanent membership of the UNSC for India, Brazil, Germany, Japan and South Africa based on their rising international profile and role. However, the existing permanent members resisted this critical step towards modernising the UN and democratising its functioning. Restructuring of the UN is only possible with the consent of the current permanent members, but they are unlikely to give up the status they have enjoyed for the past 75 years and more. Another significant problem relates to finance. The UNs formal budget is calculated on its members assessed contributions based on their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Currently, this income barely covers the running of the UN secretariat. As a result, the wide range of activities of the UN and its agencies, including peacekeeping, are undertaken through grants made by rich donor countries. It should come as no surprise that the UNs activities are oriented towards the preferences of the donors and not targeted towards the priorities of larger constituency of developing nations. Developing countries in the category of middle powers, such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico, for example, could reverse the domination of the UN system through enhanced contributions. Sadly, even these countries seek to influence UN activities in pursuit of their foreign policy aims rather than promote a relatively more autonomous UN. Large multinational corporations are playing an increasingly influential role in critical areas of technology and public health. At over $5 trillion, the turnover of five big tech companies Amazon, Google, Apple, Microsoft and Facebook exceeds the GDP of some of the worlds largest economies. In addition, they run philanthropic foundations, and the UN has partnered with them to augment its financial resources. As a result, the activities of the UN and its agencies are influenced by the priorities and interests of these business entities, undermining the respect and credibility it enjoys as the worlds premier inter-governmental organisation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that as chair of the G20, India will speak on behalf of the Global South, reflect on its concerns, and seek inclusive solutions. It is only multilateralism that can serve as a vehicle for inclusiveness. It is empowered international institutions that can ensure the implementation of inclusive solutions. India has a rare opportunity to put its shoulder behind the wheel of UN reform and the reform of its finances. In the 21st century, the disconnect between the nature of cross-national and cross-cutting challenges the world confronts and the enfeeblement of the spirit of international solidarity that is indispensable to making multilateralism work can only be addressed through the urgent and meaningful reform of the UN and its associated system. Rather than look to the G20 as an alternative to the UN, the Indian goal should be to mobilise the G20 to achieve long-delayed UN reform. Shyam Saran is a former foreign secretary, and an honorary senior fellow, CPR. The views expressed are personal OpenAI founder and CEO Sam Altman, during an event in India organised by The Economic Times, said that it is hopeless for India to try and build an artificial intelligence tool similar to ChatGPT. His comments were made Thursday in response to a question posed by Rajan Anandan, former Google India head and currently a venture capitalist. Sam Altman, chief executive officer of OpenAI.(Bloomberg) Anandan had sought guidance from Altman on how Indian startups could work towards creating models along the lines of OpenAI. "Sam, we have got a very vibrant ecosystem in India, but specifically focussing on AI, are there spaces where you see a startup from India building foundational (AI) models how should we think about that, where is it that a team from India (should start) to actually build something truly substantial?" the former Vice President of Google in India and South East Asia asked. Reiterating that its impossible to compete with OpenAI, Altman said, "The way this works is we're going to tell you, it's totally hopeless to compete with us on training foundation models you shouldn't try, and it's your job to like try anyway. And I believe both of those things. I think it is pretty hopeless." Reacting to his comments, Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani took up the challenge put forth by Altman that Indian companies could not match the AI skill set of their American counterparts. He wrote on Twitter, OpenAI founder Sam Altman said its pretty hopeless for Indian companies to try and compete with them. Dear @sama, From one CEO to another.. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. Undeterred by Altmans claims of Indias incapability in the AI space, Anandan also later tweeted: Thank you, Sam Altman, for the clear answer. As you said, 'it is hopeless, but you will try anyway.' 5000 years of Indian entrepreneurship has shown us that we should never underestimate the Indian entrepreneur. We do intend to try. Expanding more about how his company built the chatbot that took the world by storm, he said, "We spent almost 8 months on GPT for making sure that it was safe enough to release. We built the technology, we have worked with organisations to figure out what the limits should be and tested them all. So self-regulation is important. It is something that we want to offer. The world should not be left entirely in the hands of the companies." Altman kicked off his India visit, part of his six-nation tour, on Wednesday, and also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Altman also talked about Altman also talked about the possibility of AI replacing jobs as well as creating new roles. During his meeting with PM Modi, India's incredible tech ecosystem featured as a key highlight in the discussion. Altman also praised India's achievements in building UPI and Aadhaar. Indian ChatGPT? Earlier this year, union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had hinted at the possibility of the government launching its own version of ChatGPT. Altmans India visit comes as the government is in talks to introduce a new Digital India bill which proposes ways to deal with things that could harm users such as revenge porn, cyber flashing, defamation, cyberbullying, and doxxing. Union minister of state for electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday announced that AI-based tools will be regulated to ensure user safety. We will regulate AI the same way we regulate any emerging tech. Either they will mitigate user harm or they will not be allowed to operate. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A video of a group of rescuers freeing a humpback whale tangled in nets has gone viral. Posted on the official Facebook page of Sea World in Australias Gold Coast, the video shows how the rescuers reached the whale by boat to help it. The image is taken from a rescue video of a humpback whale in Australia. (Facebook/@Sea World - Gold Coast, Australia) Head on-board with the Sea World Foundation team as they joined the Queensland Fisheries MART agencies in a delicate rescue operation to successfully disentangle a 10-metre adult Humpback whale from the shark control program net at Mermaid Beach this morning, they wrote as they posted the video. The whale was reported late on Monday afternoon, but with poor weather, sea and light conditions, the rescue team embarked before first-light this morning to commence the operation. The rescue teams worked collaboratively to successfully disentangle the whale from two vessels using specialised cutting equipment to remove all the netting from the whales head and pectoral fins in around an hour, they added. In the next few lines, they explained that when the rescue team deals with large animals then the operations become extremely dangerous. They ended that post with a line of caution highlighting that such rescues should only be done by trained agencies. Watch the video below: The video was posted four days ago. Since being shared, it has accumulated more than 500 views and counting. The video is also being re-shared by many across other social media platforms. Take a look at how Facebook users reacted to the video: Thanks to both rescue teams, wrote a Facebook user. Thank you again Sea World GC for saving this whale, joined another. Well done as always Wayne, Andy and team, added a third. Have you heard about Miyazaki mangoes? If youre a regular user of social media, then you are more or less likely to know about this variety - which is also the worlds most expensive mango - as the internet is flooded with posts about this fruit. Now, a fresh batch of images of these mangoes captured at a festival in Siliguri has left people amazed. Alongside, the images have also inspired most to come up with hilarious reactions. The images show worlds most expensive mango Miyazaki. (Twitter/@ANI) The images were posted on ANIs official Twitter handle. Siliguri, West Bengal. World's most expensive mango 'Miyazaki' priced at around 2.75 lakh per kg in the International market showcased in Siliguri's three days long 7th edition of the Mango Festival. The festival kicked off on June 9 at a mall in Siliguri organised by Modella Caretaker Centre & School (MCCS), with Association for Conservation & Tourism (ACT). More than 262 varieties of mangoes will be displayed at the festival, they wrote as they posted the pictures. Take a look at the post: The post was shared a few hours ago. Since being tweeted, the share has received close to 1.6 lakh views and counting. Additionally, the share has accumulated nearly 1,400 likes. People posted various comments while reacting to the pictures of Miyazaki. Heres how Twitter users reacted: Forget gold, I'm investing in these mangoes. In a few years, I'll be swimming in mango margaritas and retiring on a tropical island, joked a Twitter user. Aam ka gutli kidhar milega [Where can I get the seed], joined another. This AAM is not for AAM ADMI [This mango is not for the masses], added a third. Property bechni padegi [Have to sell property], wrote a fourth. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A video showing how a sherpa was rescued after he fell into a crevasse while climbing Mt Everest is posted on Twitter. The video is shared by Gesman Tamang, whose Twitter bio says he is a high altitude mountain guide, a professional mountaineer, and a rescuer. The image shows the sherpa who fell into a crevasse while climbing Mt Everest. (Twitter/@GesmanTamang) During every climbing season on Mount Everest, many brave rescues take place. The media tends to focus and highlight the rescues involving clients and foreign climbers, but there are lesser-known stories, such as this one, where a sherpa's life is saved. We successfully rescued a sherpa who had fallen into a crevasse between camp 1 and camp 2, and its a miracle that he survived. This story is a reminder of the sacrifices and risks mountain workers face in making #Everest expeditions possible. #Nepal #himalaya, Tamang wrote as he posted the video. The clip opens to show the sherpa stuck in waist-deep snow inside a crevasse. As the video progresses, another person is seen digging the snow around the sherpa to help him get out. Take a look at the video: The video was posted on June 8. Since being shared, it has accumulated close to 2.6 lakh views and the numbers are only increasing. Additionally, the share has gathered more than 3,100 likes. People posted various comments while reacting to the post. Heres how Twitter users reacted: Excellent. You guys are super human, posted a Twitter user. Wow! The sherpas have exemplified the best of humanity through the years. Truly wonderful people, commented another. Bravo!! Reminds me of our tenure at the Siachen Glacier, shared another. So stoked to hear he survived. Must have been a terrifying ordeal for all those involved, expressed a fourth. Amazing!!!! Glad to know the sherpa's rescue was successful, wrote a fifth. Colombian President Gustavo Pedro on Saturday said four children who survived a plane crash last month have been found alive in the country's Amazon rainforest after five weeks of an intense search operation. Soldiers and Indigenous men pose for a photo with the four Indigenous brothers who were missing after a deadly plane crash, in the Solano jungle, Caqueta state, Colombia, Friday, June 9, 2023.(via AP) A joy for the whole country! The 4 children who were lost 40 days ago in the Colombian jungle appeared alive, Pedro said in a tweet while posting a photograph of several military and Indigenous people who participated in the operation to locate and rescue the siblings. The siblings, who appear gaunt in the photo, were alone when searchers found them and are now receiving medical attention, Petro told reporters. The president said the youngsters are an example of survival and predicted their saga will remain in history. Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy, 13, Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy, 9, Tien Ranoque Mucutuy, 4, and infant Cristin Ranoque Mucutuy were the only survivors of the deadly plane crash. Soldiers and Indigenous men tend to the four Indigenous brothers who were missing after a deadly plane crash, in the Solano jungle, Caqueta state, Colombia, Friday, June 9, 2023.(AP) The crash occurred in the early hours of May 1, when the Cessna single-engine propeller plane with six passengers and a pilot declared an emergency due to an engine failure. The children's mother, Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia, the pilot and an indigenous leader died in the crash. The crashed plane was found in a thick patch of the Colombian rainforest on May 16, two weeks after the crash, and the bodies were recovered from the area. But the children were nowhere to be found. The childrens disappearance into the deep rainforest triggered a massive military-led search operation. On Friday, the military tweeted pictures showing a group of soldiers and volunteers posing with the children, who were wrapped in thermal blankets. One of the soldiers held a bottle to the smallest child's lips. The union of our efforts made this possible Colombia's military command wrote on its Twitter account. (With inputs from agencies) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In 2020 Britain devised a new tactic to insult its European neighbours, a long-standing hobby. The diplomat representing the EU in London would henceforth be denied the rank of full ambassador, a courtesy routinely granted to the bloc despite its not being a country. Instead, the Man from Brussels would be granted the lowlier status as an envoy of an international organisation, sending him tumbling down the protocol order. (The plan was later reversed after the EU reciprocated.) Contrast that with this week, when the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was invited to meet King Charles III at Windsor Castle. Forget the tabloid barbs about unelected Eurocrats; a royal aide dubbed her a world leader of the sort worthy of high tea. Whatever the opposite of a diplomatic snub is called, this was it. PREMIUM Vote Leave campaigners had claimed London would hold all the cards in talks with the EU. In fact the opposite turned out to be true.(REUTERS) Ms von der Leyens tea capped a watershed visit. On February 27th she reached an agreement with Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, on how to handle issues pertaining to Northern Ireland. This had been the last and most intractable piece of the Brexit puzzle, because the region needs somehow to remain largely part of both the EUs single market and the United Kingdom, to avoid having to reinstate a previously troublesome border with Ireland. A complex deal has put the issue to bed. The divorce between Britain and Europe had legally been pronounced in 2020, four years after the referendum in June 2016. But only now do we know what the future living arrangements will look like. Wonks are currently poring over the Windsor framework. It looks like a balanced agreement that allows both sides to save face and move on. Looking at the overall shape of Brexit as it has been haggled over in the past seven years, however, leaves a different impression. Just a glance at the cast present at the final stage of Brexit talks offers a hint of which polity has had a rougher time since talks began. Mr Sunak is Britains fifth prime minister since the referendum, and his Conservative Party is headed for a thumping defeat next year, thanks in no small part to endless spats over Brexit. Ms von der Leyen by contrast is just the second person in her job in that time, and will probably get another five-year term next spring. The manner in which Britain left the EU has turned into a national psychodrama; polls indicate most Brits think leaving the club was a mistake. In Brussels dealing with Britains latest twist was only an occasional agenda point. Vote Leave campaigners had claimed London would hold all the cards in talks with the EU. In fact the opposite turned out to be true. Britain imagined it could craft a way to leave the union but retain the stuff it cared about, like some access to the single market. Or did it? In truth nobody ever worked out what Britain really wanted. Setting priorities was terribly square for the likes of Boris Johnson, the dishevelled foreign-turned-prime minister who steered Britain through much of the haggling. Far better to quip about wanting a cake and eating it too. A rotating cast of Brits arrived in Brexit talks with fuzzy notions of being treated like Switzerland or Ukraine. Opposite them were seasoned Eurocrats carrying weighty briefing packs pointing out why that was not to be. This was no whizz team to beat at the negotiating table, yet the EU deserves plaudits. Its own aims were clear: Brexit should be a one-off event, not serve as a precedent. No country remaining in the EU could be in any doubt that departing from the club would leave it worse off. To achieve this, Britain would need to get a raw deal. London had hoped it could divide and conquer the remaining 27 members of the EU. An often savvy negotiator for its own interest in the 47 years it was a member of the bloc, it turned out to be all at sea negotiating against it. Michel Barnier, a former French foreign minister who became Brusselss point man on Brexit, ensured national capitals were kept fully up to speed in the talks. When it came to the nitty-gritty of coming to an agreement on terms, the triumph of the EU side was to play to its reputation as an inflexible bureaucracy capable only of ticking boxes. Countries looking to join the EU are familiar with this approachheres what you have to do, now do itwhich was broadly recycled for the only country trying to leave it. Once the 27 remaining countries had decided among themselves what they thought was fair, Britain had little choice but to jump through hoops designed by its negotiating foes. The tone was set early on. Britain had to agree to pony up over 35bn ($42bn) to get to the next stage of talks, for example, to fund its share of future Eurocrat pensions. It tried to quibble but ultimately just had to pay. And so it went. One last insult for the road In an irony that slews of discarded Brexit negotiators in London will not have missed, the Windsor deal shows the inflexible-EU approach had been an act all along. It turns out the commission had lots of scope to accede to British demands, and ask for permission from member states later. It just hadnt wanted to before. Indeed, Britain has achieved a better deal than anyone expected, though that may not be saying much. In part that is because the EU had long ago achieved its main aim: not even the maddest populist on the continent thinks leaving the club would leave it better off nowadays. The departure of Mr Johnson, once a purveyor of souped-up Brussels-bashing stories for the Daily Telegraph, also helped. The war in Ukraine has stressed the importance of continental unity: Britain remains a key NATO ally. America pressed both sides to do a deal. Having bulldozed its way to negotiating victory, the EU saw little point in hammering home the point. The offer of a royal meet-and-greet was but one sign that a happier relationship between Britain and the continent may be in the offing. Nothing is likely to change in the short term: Europe has continent-wide elections next spring, a few months before Britain goes to the polls. For now all sides are relieved that, after seven years of talks, this deal is finally done. But one side has quite a bit more to be happy about than the other. Read more from Charlemagne, our columnist on European politics: Why Vladimir Putin will never stand trial in The Hague (Feb 23rd) Whats behind Frances fatal fascination with Russia (Feb 16th) Europe should not respond to Americas subsidies binge with its own blunders (Feb 9th) 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Five workers have been killed in a blast that rocked an explosives factory in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Saturday, Turkey's defence ministry said in a statement. Turkey Factory Blast: The blast occurred at the MKE Rocket and Explosives Factory some 40 km (25 miles) outside Ankara. (Representational) The blast occurred at the MKE Rocket and Explosives Factory some 40 km (25 miles) outside Ankara. Ankara governor Vasip Sahin told reporters there were no more workers trapped, waiting to be rescued, or hospitalized. A boy was shot and killed by police after his father stole a car in the southwestern Khuzestan province in Iran. Authorities said as per Associated Press that after stealing the car, the man drove off with the boy. Ruhollah Bigdeli, chief of police in Shushtar County, was quoted by Iran's official police website as saying that officers tried to stop the stolen vehicle by shooting at it, but the boy was caught in the crossfire. An Iranian flag flutters.(Reuters) The 9-year-old died on the spot, police said. The man was issued several warnings before the police started shooting, authorities informed. The man had a criminal record, including car theft and drug smuggling, they added. Iran's Jamaran news website identified the boy as 9-year-old Morteza Delf Zaregani. The father accused the police of not issuing any warning before shooting as per the report. Morteza's photo was shared widely on social media as people expressed sorrow over his death. A similar incident took place in November when 9-year-old Kian Pirfalak was killed in a shooting. His mother blamed security forces for his death. Pirfalak was shot and killed while passing with his parents through a street in Izeh during nationwide anti-hijab protests following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, Associated Press 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 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Kyiv on Saturday in a gesture of support as Ukraine braces for a major counter-offensive against Russian forces and grapples with regular air strikes. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits an exhibition of destroyed vehicles in Kyiv on June 10, 2023, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.(AFP) Trudeau paid his respects at a memorial site in central Kyiv to Ukrainian soldiers who have been killed fighting pro-Russian forces since 2014. NATO member Canada, which has one of the world's largest Ukrainian diasporas, has supplied military and financial assistance to Ukraine during the full-scale invasion launched by Russia in February 2022. Trudeau's trip to Kyiv followed a night of Russian missile and drone attacks on targets outside the capital, including Odesa, Poltava region and Kharkiv. The new and improvised double-decker seat design for airplanes by 23-year-old Alejandro Nunez Vicente is back, this time at an Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Germany's Hamburg. Vicente believes his double-level airplane seat is the future of economy flying. (CNN) As the images of Vicente's concept known as Chaise Longue went viral, it ignited a flurry of reactions from would be passengers on social media. Some liked the innovative concept centered to solve legroom crunch while others found it difficult to imagine sitting right below another passenger due to flatulence concerns. To be honest, theres no such thing as bad publicity, Vicente told CNN. People can talk and they always hate innovation in some ways. Most of the times when they show you something new, everyone hates it at first, theyre scared of change. But the more you show it, and the more you develop it, and the more they see it, the more they get used to it. The design journey Vicente's concept emerged when he designed it for a college project in 2021. His concept won him a nomination for Crystal Cabin Awards-a top prize in the aviation industry and helped it reach the public consciousness. Following the success of his brainchild, he paused his masters degree and put all his time, money, and efforts into making his vision a reality. At 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters), Vicente has spent many a cramped flight struggling for legroom and failing to sleep. He said he designed the Chaise Longue to solve the airplane seat conundrum, not make it worse. What's appealing the airlines? A graduate of Brunel University London, the designer admitted that for airlines, the appeal of the Chaise Longue is the increased passenger headcount. Many airlines and many big players of the industry are trying to push us to put more passengers into the aircraft," he revealed. Its not our main priority and our main goal, but with this kind of design its also possible. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Comunicado oficial sobre la represa de la planta hidroelectrica de Kajovka en Ucrania.????https://t.co/kGYbbpcFpI Prince Harry landed back in Los Angeles, after a quick visit to the UK to give evidence in his London High Court phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). Prince Harry is not thought to have seen his father King Charles or his brother Prince William during his brief trip. He reportedly stayed at royal residence Frogmore Cottage. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, departs the Rolls Building of the High Court in London, Britain.(Reuters) Prince Harry flew from Los Angeles to London on June 4 after spending the day celebrating his daughter Princess Lilbets second birthday. As he missed day one of the trial, the judge rebuked him saying that he was a "little surprised" that the Duke of Sussex was not in court for the first day, BBC reported. Harry stayed at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor for what is likely to be the last time, since his father King Charles asked him and his wife Meghan Markle to vacate the property weeks after the publication of Harrys tell-all memoir, Spare, The Telegraph reported. King Charles offered up the cottage to Prince Andrew instead, it was reported in January. In the memoir, Prince Harry laid bare his grievances with the royal family. Among the shocking revelations in the book, he alleged that his brother, physically attacked him while King Charles pleaded with them not to make my final years a misery with their feud. Prince Harry also visited the UK for his fathers coronation last month and left for the US shortly after the ceremony finished, heading straight to Heathrow Airport. Then, Prince Harry was not seen speaking to interacting with his brother William. A royal expert suggested that the radio silence from senior members of the royal family reflected the strained relationship. RS Locke, a royal commentator, told The Independent, King Charless decision not to publicly acknowledge his granddaughters birthday, nor Prince Archies last month, is a reflection of their strained relationship and likely an indication of the social media practices going forward. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Donald Trump was reportedly recorded on tape saying that he could have declassified national security documents while he was in office but failed to do so. The former US president was indicted on seven charges related to his handling of classified documents. A report in CNN claimed that federal prosecutors are in possession of a tape in which the former president can be heard saying that he kept "secret" military information. He no longer had the power to declassify them, Donald Trump can be heard saying on the tape. A woman celebrating the indictment of former US president Donald Trump holds a banner in front of the White House.(AFP) "As president, I could have declassified, but now I can't," a transcript of the tape said. The recording was made during a private meeting in 2021 in which Donald Trump also admitted to being in possession of a classified Pentagon document about a potential attack in Iran, CNN reported. This would imply that Donald Trump was aware that the records he kept at Mar-a-Lago were classified- something that he has denied repeatedly in the past months. Last summer, a raid by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at the former president's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida found that several classified documents were held at the residence. He was charged by federal prosecutors over his retention of national security documents upon leaving the White House in January 2021, as well as the alleged obstruction of the government's efforts to retrieve them- marking the first time a former United States president has faced federal charges. Donald Trump has denied all counts. 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 Russian man was killed by a tiger shark in Egypt while he was swimming at a beach on Thursday, leaving the witnesses in shock. The incident, which was captured on a disturbing video that surfaced online, showed the moment when the 23-year-old Russian national was attacked after a shark emerged underwater and grabbed him. A screengrab of the video that surfaced online, showing the moments when the Russian man was attacked by the shark in Egypt. Russia's TASS news agency confirmed that the person killed was a Russian, however he lived in Egypt full-time and was not a tourist, news agency Reuters reported. The gruesome attack was also witnessed by the mans father, present on the spot. We went to the beach to relax, the father recalled the incident. My son was attacked by a shark, it all happened in seconds, he was quoted as saying by the Independent. Also Read: Australian man frees his head from the jaws of a crocodile The heart-wrenching video captured the victim's desperate cry for help, as the witnesses watched the tragic event unfold before their eyes. Trigger warning: Viewer discretion is advised: The following video contains footage of a shark attack. Please be aware that this content may be disturbing or distressing to some individuals. The father expressed his helplessness over the situation as he said nothing could have been done at the moment. What kind of help can you give?...he was just dragged under the water, he said. The victims father also blamed the incident on evil fate, as he noted that the beach was deemed safe to swim. ....ridiculous coincidencethere are ships and yachts around. Its never happened therethis would be just some kind of evil fate, he added. The incident took place at one of Egypts Red Sea resorts near the city of Hurghada. The attack prompted the authorities to close off a 74-kilometre stretch of the coastline till Sunday. The countrys environment ministry has reportedly caught the shark and is examining it to identify reasons for the attack. In 2022, a total of 57 confirmed unprovoked cases of shark attacks had happened globally, with the United States reporting the highest number at 41, followed by Australia, a report by Florida Museum of Natural History stated. Of these, five people died in the attacks. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nisha Anand Trainee Content Producer for Hindustan Times Digital Streams. I read about feminism, late modern history, and globalisation of Korean music. ...view detail French President Emmanuel Macron warned Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on Saturday about the consequences of delivering drones to Russia, Macron's office said on Saturday. In a phone call, Macron urged Iran to "immediately cease" the support it is giving Russia in the war against Ukraine. France's President Emmanuel Macron.(AFP) Macron also expressed concerns about the trajectory of the Iranian nuclear programme, the statement said. Britain, France, Germany, the United States and Ukraine say the supply of Iranian-made drones to Russia violates a 2015 U.N. Security Council resolution enshrining the Iran nuclear deal. The White House said on Friday that Russia appeared to be deepening its defense cooperation with Iran and had received hundreds of one-way attack drones that it is using to strike Ukraine. Greta Thunberg was 15 when she began protesting outside Sweden's parliament in 2018. Now, she has said she has taken part in her final Friday climate "school strike" after finishing school. But she made a vow. "Today, I graduate from school, which means I'll no longer be able to school strike for the climate," Greta Thunberg, 20, tweeted. Greta Thunberg stands with a sign that reads, "School Strike for climate", outside the Swedish Parliament on the day of her weekly protest in Stockholm, Sweden.(Reuters) When she was 15, she was seen carrying a "school strike for climate change" sign, saying that she would only attend school when politicians took action. Her solo protest led to various movements across Europe, US and Australia, known as Fridays for Future or School Strike for Climate as she became a symbol for young people's fight against climate change. Calling herself an "Autistic climate justice activist" in her Twitter bio, Greta Thunberg has frequently chided world leaders on the international stage and sparred with them on Twitter. She was once nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize as well. Earlier this year she was briefly detained at a protest site against coal in Germany. But she made it clear that she had no intention of stopping protesting. "We who can speak up have a duty to do so. In order to change everything, we need everyone," she said. "I'll continue to protest on Fridays, even though it's not technically school striking. We simply have no other option than to do everything we possibly can. The fight has only just begun, she asserted. 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 The independent special rapporteur appointed by the Canadian Government to examine allegations of Chinese interference in the 2019 and 2021 Federal elections, resigned from the post on Friday. David Johnston, special rapporteur on foreign interference, holds a press conference about his findings and recommendations, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada May 23, 2023. (REUTERS) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of former Governor General David Johnston to be the special rapporteur on March 15. Johnston released an interim report in May, turning down the opposition demand for a public inquiry in the allegations and his tenure was till October, when he was expected to submit a final report. However, he submitted his resignation to Trudeau on Friday. In the letter, released to the media, he said, When I undertook the task of Independent Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference, my objective was to help build trust in our democratic institutions. I have concluded that, given the highly partisan atmosphere around my appointment and work, my leadership has had the opposite effect. He added his resignation will be effective no later than the end of June or as soon as he submits a brief final report. A deep and comprehensive review of foreign interference, its effects, and how to prevent it, should be an urgent priority for your Government and our Parliament, he said, advising Trudeau to appoint a respected person with national security experience to carry the work forward. Ideally you would consult with opposition parties to identify suitable candidates to lead this effort, he stated. In response to the resignation, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre attacked Trudeau over flailing around for months trying to cover up the help he got from Beijings Communist government. He has destroyed the reputation of a former Governor General all to cover up his own refusal to defend Canada from foreign interests and threats. He must end his coverup, stop hiding and call a full public inquiry into Beijings interference, Poilievre tweeted. Canadas House of Commons passed a motion on May 31 Johnston to step aside from his role. That motion was supported by opposition parties and opposed by the ruling Liberals, and garnered 174 votes for and 150 against. Johnston was defended at the time by Trudeau who said the special rapporteur had taken the responsibility incredibly seriously and accused the opposition of trying to score partisan points through the motion. Till recently, Johnston had maintained he would not leave the position and would complete the assigned task. The special rapporteur was appointed on March 6 after a series of reports in the outlets Globe and Mail and Global News that Beijing may have tried to influence Federal elections in Canada. A series of exposes have placed sustained pressure on the Trudeau Government. On February 17, the Globe and Mail noted, China employed a sophisticated strategy to disrupt Canadas democracy in the 2021 federal election campaign as Chinese diplomats and their proxies backed the re-election of Justin Trudeaus Liberals but only to another minority government and worked to defeat Conservative politicians considered to be unfriendly to Beijing. That report was based on intelligence documents. 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 Indian-born British journalist Amol Rajan at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) apologised after an environmentalist corrected him on-air Friday for using the offensive term seaweed when referring to marine algae. Rajan immediately apologised for using the word "seaweed" (Daily Mail) English naturalist Chris Packham asked host Amol Rajan to not use the common nickname when talking about the ocean plant that has recently swamped a beach on the southwestern coast of the UK, reported The New York Post. Ill politely last ask you to mind your language. Can we call it marine algae rather than seaweed? The weed word puts it at an immediate disadvantage, doesnt it? said Packham. Rajan interrupted his guest and regretted his mistake. Im so sorry. Im so sorry. And thats important because I actually looked it up and I still got it wrong, the host said. The conversation had changed its path after the host said, a mass of noisome seaweed is causing a huge stink in the beautiful seaside town of Weymouth, Dorset, forcing bathers to wade through a carpet of magnetic kelp. Focus on the bright side Another guest on the show and also a frequent visitor to the Weymouth beach said she had tried to swim through the algae in recent weeks, but couldn't do it owing to the prevailing smell that she drove to another beach some 40 miles away. Packham said that those complaining about the stink need to get a grip and should focus on the importance of the sea algae which acts as an oxygen producer, a fish breeding ground, and a vital link in the oceanic food chain, particularly along the UK coast. The conservationist said the recent swarm of marine algae on the UKs beaches will only be a temporary issue and can be blamed on unseasonal winds. A mistake, again Despite correcting Rajan for using the offensive term, Packham referred to the kelp as seaweed while urging beachgoers to take their children to the beach in spite of the algae piles. Get them popping the pneumatocysts on the bladderwrack. Get them slipping and sliding over that seaweed because it can be great fun and recognize that this material plays a global role, he said. Rajan, who had just apologised for the mistake, did not correct Packham for using the slur. US president Joe Biden mistakenly called Rishi Sunak Mr President as the two met in the Oval Office of The White House during UK prime minister's two-day visit to Washington. Well, Mr President ... I just demoted you, Mr Prime Minister, Joe Biden said as he quickly corrected himself. US President Joe Biden meets with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the Oval Office of the White House.(AFP) During the meeting, Joe Biden told Rishi Sunak that the US-UK special relationship is in real good shape and that the US has no closer ally than Great Britain." Joe Biden said that he was delighted to see the prime minister in the US capital as Rishi Sunak welcomed US president's warm words and lauded the strength of our partnership, our friendship. In the past few months we have met each other in San Diego and then we met in Belfast and we met Hiroshima. And now were here were going solve all the problems of the world in the next 20 minutes. Together, were providing economic humanitarian aid and security assistance to Ukraine in their fight against the Russians," Joe Biden said. We will put our values front and centre as weve always done, Rishi Sunak responded. Joe Biden also mentioned that Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt met in the very same place more than seventy years ago. They asserted to the strength of the partnership between Great Britain and the United States with the strength of the free world. I still think theres truth to that assertion, he said recalling that Churchill was once found wandering the halls of the White House in the middle of the night. Rishi Sunak joked that he wouldnt be doing the same. Theres an awful lot of stories that are told, probably a bunch apocryphal about former prime ministers," Joe Biden said. Wondering around at 3am in the morning? Winston Churchill bothering Mrs Roosevelt. Sir, dont worry, you wont see me there bothering you and the First Lady," Rishi Sunak said. Rishi Sunak said that its daunting to think of the conversations that our predecessors had in this room when they had to speak of wars that they fought together, peace won together, incredible change in the lives of our citizens. And again, for the first time in over half a century, we face a war on the European continent, he added, saying, "And as weve done before, the US and the UK, have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure that they prevail, as I know we will. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Nine people were killed in an attack claimed by al Shabaab Islamist militants at an upmarket restaurant in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Friday night, police said. A Somali police officer uses his cell phone inside the rubble of the Pearl Beach Restaurant following an attack by Al Shabaab militants at the Liido beach in Mogadishu, Somalia June 10, 2023.(Reuters) Those killed at the popular Pearl restaurant were six civilians and three soldiers, police said in a statement. Additionally, Abdikadir Abdirahman, director of Aamin ambulance service, said his group had carried 20 wounded people from the scene. Security forces rescued 84 civilians while the fate of the attackers was unclear, the police statement said. The Somali National News Agency said on Twitter that "security forces have successfully neutralised the al Shabaab militants responsible for the terrorist attack on the Pearl Beach Hotel in Lido Beach, Mogadishu". On Saturday, debris from the restaurant was strewn around the blood-stained street. Window panes were shattered. Hussein Mohamed, a waiter at another restaurant nearby, said he heard a blast followed by gunfire when the attack started. "The whole area is cordoned off by security forces," he said. Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab said it was behind the attack. "The Mujahideen managed to enter the Pearl beach and are still fully in control," the group said in a statement. In November, the group, which controls swaths of the country, attacked another hotel in Mogadishu, killing nine. Al Shabaab controlled a vast area of Somalia before being pushed back in government counteroffensives since last year. However, the militants remain capable of launching significant attacks on government, commercial, and military targets. In late May, its fighters attacked a base housing Ugandan peacekeepers 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Mogadishu, killing 54 soldiers. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Canadian law enforcement does not believe that the display depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi upon a float at a parade in the Greater Toronto Area on June 4 constitutes a hate crime. Parade float depicting Indira Gandhi's assassination at an event organised by pro-Khalistani supporters in Brampton city of Canada.(Screengrab from video tweeted by @BalrajDeol4) A statement released from the office of Patrick Brown, the Mayor of the town of Brampton, where the event occurred, said, Police have looked at the video and its their determination it does not constitute a hate crime. Browns office also said that he was not at the event nor was it a city of Brampton function. However, the statement added that under Section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadians are guaranteed freedom of thought, belief and expression. Any decision to change Section 2 would be at the Federal level. Police enforce laws. They dont write them, it noted. Meanwhile, in response to queries from the Hindustan Times, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada or GAC, the countrys foreign ministry, said it has nothing further to add to the tweet from Canadas High Commissioner to India Cameron McKay on June 5th. That tweet, the only official reaction from a Canadian official so far had said, I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities. The float, which has infuriated the Indian Government, figured in a shaheedi diwas or martyrdom day parade in Brampton on June 4, marking the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar when Indian forces stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar to flush out separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his supporters. Other tableaux at the event had featured posters of Bhindranwale. Indo-Canadian organisations have also expressed their outrage over the float. Satish Thakkar, chair of the Canada India Foundation, said that besides being a hate crime, it celebrated an act of terrorism against the democratically elected leader of a country that has been the place of origin for nearly two million law-abiding Indo-Canadians. He added that the continuation of such acts will reflect poorly on Canada in the world stage, besides negatively impacting the potential for strengthened relations between Canada and India. Jaishankar told media in New Delhi on Thursday that the float is linked to the bigger issue of the space that Canada has continuously provided to Khalistani elements. Jaishankars remarks came after Indias High Commission in Ottawa sent a formal note to GAC on Wednesday to express displeasure over the float, which displayed mannequins depicting Gandhi and her killers, two members of her security detail. A senior Indian official described the occurrence as not acceptable, adding, You cannot exceed freedom of expression like this, glorifying the assassination of the leader of a democratic nation. 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 Manhunt for Ponzi-scheme scammer given jail sentence but on the run for 70m fraud Convicted fraudster Anthony Constantinou. (City Police.) A fugitive who ran a Ponzi-style investment scam worth 70 million in the City of London has been given jailed after going on the run. Anthony Constantinou, 41, ran Capital World Markets (CWM) which offered investors returns of 60 per cent per year on allegedly risk-free foreign exchange markets. He was jailed for 14 years at Southwark Crown Court on Friday after previously being found guilty of seven charges including fraud by false representation, fraudulent trading and money laundering. He was also disqualified from being a director of a company for 25 years. He attended the early stages of the court case but was last reported to be in Bulgaria where he was arrested for travelling on false documentation but then being released. Detectives believe he is now in Dubai or Turkey. Detective Inspector Nichola Meghji, from the City of London Police, said: Anthony Constantinou is a career criminal who has no regard for anyone but himself. We are glad that he has now been jailed for such a significant period of time and we hope that his victims can take some comfort in knowing how seriously the judge has taken his crimes. The fact that the jury unanimously found him guilty after his trial also speaks volumes. While he initially attended court to hear the opening of his trial, Constantinou did not attend the later stages. Enquiries on his whereabouts revealed that he had fled his last known address in London and he was last located in Bulgaria trying to enter Turkey using false documents. That is why today, we at the City of London Police, are launching an appeal for information on Constantinous whereabouts so that he can be brought back to the UK to face the justice that has been served. Constantinou was arrested in Bulgaria last month while trying to enter Turkey while in possession of false documents. He was later released and officers believe he is now either in Turkey or Dubai, but he also has family connections to Greece and Cyprus. She said he is known to use the aliases of Antonis Hadjicostis and Georgios Arnaoutakis. The officer added: It is also vitally important that people come forward with information as Constantinou was previously convicted of sexual assault in 2016 and by absconding from the UK, he is now in breach of his sexual offences harm order. An international arrest warrant has been issued for Constantinous arrest, but we are calling on the public to help authorities locate him. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or provide information to Crimestoppers anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111 / +44800 555 111. Pakistan's finance minister said that a projection in the country's budget of 3.5% economic growth for the year 2023-2024 was a "realistic target". It was a target "on the lower side", Ishaq Dar said a day after presenting the budget for the country amid economic crisis. The country's budget comes as Islamabad seeks more bailout money from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Pakistan Economic Crisis: Pakistan's finance minister Ishaq Dar speaks.(AFP) The finance minister said that he was "hopeful" that Pakistan would pass its next IMF review- ninth for the country. But he "didn't think" it would clear reviews beyond that, he added. Pakistan's gross domestic product (GDP) was projected to grow just 0.29% while the budget said that the fiscal deficit for the following fiscal year was projected at 6.54% of GDP. Ishaq Dar said that there was "no more room" in the budget to reduce the fiscal deficit target by any further as the country faces a series of economy crisis exacerbated by a stall in bailout funding from the IMF. The Shehbaz Shairf government had no plans to reschedule its debt to Paris Club creditor nations or to seek haircuts on its debt, the finance minister further informed. Pakistan is required to secure firm and credible financing commitments to close the $6 billion gap in order to unlock funding under the IMF review. Pakistan has already gotten commitments of only $4 billion, mainly from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, it was earlier 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 After a three-day trip to the UK, Prince Harry took an American Airlines flight back to his wife Meghan and children Lilibet and Archie in California. A lucky cabin crew member seized this opportunity to get a picture the Duke of Sussex. Prince Harry. (AP) Holden Pattern was an air stewardess on Prince Harry's flight back to the US. The fan shared a post on Instagram of his picture with the his royal highness. Prince Harry stood next to a beaming Holden, dressed in a simple black t-shirt and blue jeans. The post was captioned Passenger Prince with a crown emoji. Another picture revealed that Prince Harry gifted the attentive crew member an autographed copy of his book, Spare. He shared an Instagram story showing a business class seat with the book next to. Holden Pattern wrote, just found this [the book] in my luggage that a passenger gave me, in reference to the British Royal. He did not disclose any further details of the flight. The controversial book, Spare, shocked the world. Prince Harry revealed astonishing insight into the royal's upbringing. The book was named so as a reference to the position of the second son in royal circles. He claimed that his father, Prince Charles first dubbed him so when he was born. He allegedly thanked his wife and Prince Harry's mother, the late Princess Diana, for providing him a spare heir. Most surprisingly, the book contained a detailed description of his physical altercation with his brother, Prince William. Further bombshells revealed various details including how the duke lost his virginity. Prince Harry had flown to the UK on June 4 to testify against the tabloid, Daily Mirror. He, along with other celebrities, accused Mirror of using unlawful means to access private information regarding their lives. He blamed the prying eyes of the tabloids for his break-up with former girlfriend Chelsy Davy. As a child, every single one of these articles played an important and destructive role in my growing up, he said during the trial. The duke blames press intrusion for his acute paranoia of being constantly under surveillance. He was questioned for a total of eight hours over the course of two days. Also Read | 10 key revelations from Prince Harry's high court testimony Although both his father, King Charles III, and his brother William, Prince of Wales were in London at the time, it is believe that Prince Harry did not meet either of them. Nor did he visit Princess Eugenie and her newborn son, Ernest. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son Prince Archie received a special surprise on his fourth birthday in May, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed. Archie turned four years old on 6 May, the same day of his grandfather King Charles IIIs coronation. For Archies birthday, a local bike shop in Montecito, California, gifted the couples child his very own bicycle. Prince Harry seen with his son Archie. The owners of Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop in Montecito shared the sweet thank you letter they received from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Instagram. On behalf of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, please accept their sincere thanks for the thoughtful gift you sent to Prince Archie for his fourth birthday, read the letter. The bike has brought much joy, and is most appreciated by the family. They asked that I convey their gratitude at the lovely surprise, it said. The note was signed by Harrison Colcord, who works for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Bike shop owner Jennifer Blevins explained how her British-born partner Martin wanted to give Archie one of their childrens bikes for his fourth birthday. He went and got some birthday balloons, and he got some flowers for Meghan and a birthday card, and he said: Okay, Im gonna bike over and take it to their house, she told People. Security outside Harry and Meghans house asked whether the bike shop owner had received an invitation from the couple to which he replied, Im just a British business in town that wanted to give Archie a gift. He was then allowed to leave the flowers, card, balloons, and bike for Archie after they performed a background check, the report claimed. Jennifer Blevins said, I wasnt expecting that. I had no idea. It was so thoughtful because, you know, they took the time to write something personal and not just a generic thank you. Every celebrity in that town has bought bikes from us, and they all come through there. None of them sent a thank you letter," she added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prince Harry contradicted his brother Prince William's account of their mother Princess Diana's paranoia during his witness statement in a phone hacking lawsuit in UK. The Duke of Sussex accused The Sunday Mirror of using illegal tactics to get a story on a "series of heart-to-hearts" he had with King Charles III in January 2003. The article contained "details of private conversations I had with my father about my future, mainly that I didn't want to go to University and would rather join the Army." Prince Charles with his wife Princess Diana in front of Lodge Canberra, Australia, Nov. 7, 1985. (AP File) Prince Harry said articles of this kind caused him to doubt some of the people closest to him, just like his mother Princess Diana felt. "It was so conflicting. It's only now, realising what the [Mirror Group's] journalists were doing, and how they were getting their information, that I can see how much of my life was wasted on this paranoia," Prince Harry said. I've always heard people refer to my mother as paranoid, but she wasn't. She was fearful of what was actually happening to her and now I know that I was the same, he added. But Prince William described Diana as "paranoid," in a strongly worded statement condemning her treatment by BBC journalist Martin Bashir who had faked financial documents suggesting that staff was betraying her in order to secure a bombshell 1995 TV interview with Panorama. Prince William had earlier said, "It is my view that the deceitful way the interview was obtained substantially influenced what my mother said. The interview was a major contribution to making my parents' relationship worse and has since hurt countless others. It brings indescribable sadness to know that the BBC's failures contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation that I remember from those final years with her." In his Netflix series, Prince Harry had said, I think she had a lived experience of how she was struggling living that life. She felt compelled to talk about it. Especially in that Panorama interview. I think we all now know that she was deceived into giving the interview. But at the same time, she spoke the truth of her experience. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Doting grandfather King Charles had a plan for his granddaughter Lilibet- a very lavish gift for her second birthday earlier this month but he was warned by Prince Harry on what to purchase, it was reported. According to OK! Magazine the monarch was instructed to choose a 'less extravagant' gift than he had planned by his younger son Prince Harry. King Charles III is seen. (Reuters) King Charles had his aides looking at custom-made cubby houses, similar to what the queen and Princess Margaret had when they were girls, the report claimed, adding, "He wants to give Lili something she will use and be hers. Shell remember it forever its going to be the ultimate surprise." Whether King Charles agreed to Prince Harry's wishes or not was not made clear though. Reports suggested that Lilibet's party took place at Prince Harry and Meghan Markles Montecito home. King Charles and other senior royals did not share a public birthday tribute on Twitter, as is usually the custom as they dont mark the birthdays of non-working members, the report claimed. "They, of course, wish Lilibet a very happy birthday, but nothing will be put out on any channels," the report quoted as a royal family insider as saying. However, late Queen Elizabeth II had honoured her great-granddaughter with a Twitter post for her first birthday last June. "Wishing Lilibet a very Happy 1st Birthday!" the Queen shared at that time. Relationship between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and his family has plunged to its lowest point yet following the release of their Netflix series and his tell-all memoir Spare. Earlier this month, Prince Archie celebrated his fourth birthday. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son turned four on the same day as King Charles' coronation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Camilla Parker Bowles took on a new title after her husband King Charles ascended the throne. Following the coronation, Camilla is now formally recognized as Queen. But when King Charles reign comes to an end and Prince William ascends the throne, Camilla will acquire an additional title. Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.(AP) The title will correspond to her status within the monarchy and might surprise many royal watchers. As King Charles' eldest son ascends to the throne, his stepmother Camilla will acquire a new role and title. She has held many titles through the years. It is expected that Prince Williams wife, Kate Middleton, will assume the title of Queen when William becomes king. Consequently, the royal family has held internal conversations about Camillas title when William becomes the monarch, reports claimed. Although there has been some uncertainty about her role once William assumes the crown, her title has been decided, they added. The royals reportedly want Camilla to take on the title of Queen Dowager when William is crowned. If this happens, she will not be the first royal to outlive their partner. Queen Adelaide was the first to use the Queen Dowager title back in 1830. Camillas relationship with Charles began while he was still married to Princess Diana. Although Camilla technically became the Princess of Wales when she wed Charles in 2005 but the title remained closely connected to Princess Diana. 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 Russian president Vladimir Putin spoke about what many believe is the beginning of Ukraine's highly anticipated counteroffensive saying that his army does not have a sufficient amount of modern weapons. As Kremlin officials and several reports said that Ukraine launched its counteroffensive against Russia, Kyiv remained silent on the same with officials saying in the recent days that offensive strikes do not signal the start of the military campaign. Russia-Ukraine War: Russian president Vladimir Putin is seen. (Reuters) "We can state with absolute certainty that this Ukrainian counteroffensive has begun, and the use of strategic reserves points to it," Vladimir Putin said during press conference in Sochi, according to the Russian state media outlet RT. Putin acknowledged that Moscow's troops are facing shortages of modern weapons, and expressed hope that the country's military industry will soon be able to satisfy growing demand," the report claimed. However, the Russian leader didn't offer any further specifics about the modern weapons he feels the country is lacking. Experts had earlier speculated that Vladimir Putin could soon run out of weapons, while many reports have suggested that his military has resorted to pulling old tanks out of storage due to heavy losses of armored vehicles in Ukraine. Guy McCardle, managing editor of Special Operations Forces Report (SOFREP), told Newsweek it is out of character for Putin to admit" that Russia lacks modern weapons. "Specifically, they're running short on main battle tanks and ballistic missiles. This is evidenced by the fact that they are using so many glider bombs today. They still have cruise missiles, but these, of course, are very expensive, and they just can't be firing them off at will. This is due to international sanctions that affects the parts that are used to make the weaponry," he said. "The Ukrainian troops did not achieve their goals and objectives in any of the areas of hostilities," Vladimir Putin said, per Tass, adding that it is not known whether the [Ukrainian] offensive has bogged down or not. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Russian president Vladimir Putin delayed his traditional televised call-in show which typically occurs at this time of year as Moscow prepares for Ukraine's counteroffensive, Russia's Kommersant newspaper reported. This comes as Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv's counteroffensive operations were underway, while remaining resistant on sharing details. Russian president Vladimir Putin is seen. (AFP) Responding to Vladimir Putin's message that Ukrainian forces had certainly begun their counteroffensive, Zelensky asserted, "Counteroffensive and defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine, but I will not say in detail what stage they are at" listing Ukraine's top military brass by name. The Direct Line with Vladimir Putin event usually takes place in June every year giving a chance to Russian citizens to call in and ask their president about issues that impact their daily lives. Last year, the Russian president had also scrapped the call-in. It was widely assumed then that the decision was taken owing to Russia's invasion in Ukraine. Kommersant reported that the call-in show was anticipated to take place this summer, but the decision was made recently to delay it. Jason Jay Smarta political adviser on post-Soviet and international politics told Newsweek that he believes Vladimir Putin could be postponing the show because he fears Russia will suffer more setbacks. Putin recognizes that the counteroffensive could undermine whatever he says publicly to citizens. Delaying it allows him to use the event, later, to justify why Russia is losing territory in Ukraine, Jason Smart said. The call-in event could still take place this year, perhaps in November or December, the newspaper reported adding that this timing would allow Vladimir Putin to take calls from the Russian public before the possible announcement of his 2024 presidential reelection campaign. In April, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the show would likely be held on an unspecified date in June. "As for the Direct Line, we said that as soon as we decide, we will announce the dates. So far, as you know, we haven't announced any dates. We're quietly preparing for it, little by little. We will certainly inform you when the time comes," Dmitry Peskov had said as per Tass. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Russian president Vladimir Putin has body doubles who stand in for the 70-year-old at certain events, a Ukrainian intelligence official claimed. Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence agency, made the remarks in an interview with online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda amid rumours that Vladimir Putin's health is deteriorating. Russian president Vladimir Putin is seen. (Reuters) The Kremlin has earlier rejected the allegations. "Putin uses doubles," Andriy Yusov said, adding, This is a fact that is based both on operative intelligence and on the assessments of physiognomists and many other specialists. Citing an unannounced visit Vladimir Putin made to Ukraine's occupied regions in March, the official said, His visits to the occupied south are a total fake, one organized rather poorly and hastily. There was a considerable difference both in 'Putin's' behavior and his looks. He would never sit in that car and would never dress like that. He would never talk to alleged local residents, as we know that access to the real Putin in the Kremlin is restricted even for his own entouragea meters-long table that becomes longer and longer, mandatory quarantines people undergo before meeting him," he continued. In August 2022, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov had claimed that Vladimir Putin's ears looked different in several of his public appearances. "The picture, let's say, of the ears, is different. And it's like a fingerprint, each person's ear picture is unique. It cannot be repeated," Kyrylo Budanov had said, without offering evidence to back his allegations. "They [Putin's body doubles] have different habits, different mannerisms, different gaits, sometimes even different heights if you look closely," he further said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A federal judge in Russia was found dead after falling 12 storeys from his apartment window, Newsweek reported quoting local media. The body of Artem Bartenev, 42, was found on Thursday morning near his property in Tartarstan. He served in the Kirovsky District Court in the city of Kazan. Artem Bartenev is survived by two daughters. He was appointed by a decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 14, 2022 and handled administrative and civil cases, reports claimed. Artem Bartenev, 42, is seen. He had been due to preside over a trial on the day he died, Kazan 24 reported, and his wife had been walking their dog at the time of his death, it added. The circumstances of his death are being investigated. Artem Bartenev became the latest Russian official to die in what reports described as unusual or at least unexplained circumstances since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. On June 4, Yuri Demin, 62, who was the former head of the State Inspectorate for Road Safety for the Sverdlovsk region, died after falling from the second floor of his house. In February, Marina Yankina, who headed the Russian defense ministry's financial support department, died after falling from a window in St. Petersburg. Pavel Antov, a Russian politician who criticized Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, was found dead after a fall from a window. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ALBANY People in New York who have old criminal records could have them automatically sealed as long as they remain out of trouble for a certain number of years under a bill passed by lawmakers in the state Assembly on Friday. The "clean slate" legislation would automatically seal most recent convictions three years after serving time or parole for a misdemeanor, and eight years for felony convictions. Sex crimes and most Class A felonies, such as murder, will not be eligible for sealing. The state Assembly debated the bill for almost five hours before passing it on a party-line vote, garnering applause and cheers. The state Senate is expected to follow and pass the measure, according to state legislative leaders. Some liberal lawmakers and unions who support the bill say it would give New Yorkers a path forward that is not encumbered by past mistakes. They say a criminal record often means difficulty obtaining work and housing. That's the case for Ismael Diaz Jr., of Long Island, who was released from prison seven years ago and is still struggling to find secure employment. Diaz, who served almost 10 years in prison for manslaughter, said he went through three rounds of interviews for a janitorial position at a supermarket before being told he was "unemployable" because of his criminal record. "I was stressed out because I was trying to get a job and you can't because of having a record," said Diaz, 52. "I want to earn a salary and take care of my family and start building up my life where it is supposed to be." Other states including Utah and Michigan have passed similar measures. California passed legislation last year that would automatically seal conviction and arrest records for most ex-offenders who are not convicted of another felony for four years. Business groups including big companies like JPMorgan Chase and Verizon have also endorsed the New York legislation. They say increasing the labor pool would boost the state's economy and make the state more competitive. Under New York state law, employers can ask about conviction records at any point in the hiring process, but they must consider factors such as whether the conviction has any bearing on the person's ability to do the job. But advocates for the legislation say that despite that, those with criminal records face huge barriers to stable employment. Nearly 2.2 million people in New York have criminal convictions, according to a study by the Data Collaborative for Justice, a research center at John Jay College. The study is based on New Yorkers who had convictions from 1980 to 2021. But Republican lawmakers and victim advocacy groups have criticized the legislation, warning it will take away accountability for those who have committed crimes. "I'm sorry, you committed it, you're convicted of it, and unfortunately you have a debt to pay to society, and some aspects of those will be with you forever, just like you did to your victim," said Republican state Assemblymember Anthony Palumbo, also a former prosecutor, before floor deliberations. "I think this is completely disregarding the victims of those crimes and disregarding society as a whole." Palumbo said he favors an existing sealing statute in New York through which people can apply to seal their records depending on the type of conviction and whether they're a repeat offender. But advocates for the state's "clean slate" bill said the application process is cumbersome and expensive. Less than 1% of New Yorkers eligible for sealing criminal records through that statute have successfully done so, according to a study conducted by Santa Clara University. The automatic sealing would not apply to a person who has a pending felony charge in another state. The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, in coordination with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, will be tasked to provide data to state administrative agencies so that they can seal eligible convictions. Those sealed convictions could be later accessed by any court, prosecutors and defense attorneys under certain conditions, as well as by federal and state law enforcement agencies. Gun licensing agencies, law enforcement employers, and employers for work with vulnerable populations such as children and older adults will still be allowed to access the criminal records. The original version of the bill excluded only sex crimes from automatic sealing and required seven years to pass until a felony conviction could be sealed. Gov. Kathy Hochul said she wants to make sure the bill would not have "any negative, unintended consequences" while also giving those with criminal records a second chance. "It's not a simple answer. These are complicated issues, far more than people may realize at first glance," Hochul told reporters at an unrelated event earlier in the week. "My goal as governor is to make sure we have forward thinking, progressive policies that actually work." The bill would go into effect one year after it is signed into law. In 2018, Prince William appeared to fall briefly asleep during a royal engagement. The incident happened just days after the birth of his youngest son. The video from the day has been shared widely on social media when Prince William attended the annual ANZAC Day service at Westminster Abbey on April 25, 2018. The service commemorated Commonwealth soldiers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada who died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Prince William attended the annual ANZAC Day service at Westminster Abbey on April 25, 2018.(File) Just two days before, Prince William's wife Kate Middleton had given birth to the couple's third child, Prince Louis. The footage shared on social media of Prince William was taken from the official broadcast of the ceremony at Westminster Abbey. "A prince or not, having a newborn is exhausting," a user commented while another said, "Bless him, all parents know that feeling. It's those moments where you have to TELL your eyes to open back up." "As a mom who had a six month old at the time I was like same dude/same," a third wrote. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding took place less than a month later after the service. For the ANZAC commemoration, Kate Middleton had chosen to remain at home but Prince William was accompanied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It was Meghan's first official ceremonies at the Abbey. Prince Harry reflected on the relationship between Meghan and Kate during this period in his tell-all memoir Spare. The Duke of Sussex recounted that relations between Meghan and Kate were increasingly strained during the period between Louis' birth and the royal wedding. Kate had taken offence to Meghan attributing the princess' forgetting something at the time to "baby brain." In a subsequent confrontation, Prince Harry claimed Kate told Meghan that the comment had "hurt" her and that they weren't close enough to talk about my hormones! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Honduran president says relations with China bring development opportunities Xinhua) 13:22, June 10, 2023 SHANGHAI, June 10 (Xinhua) -- President of the Republic of Honduras Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento arrived in Shanghai and started her China visit on Friday, expressing her expectations for the visit that will run until June 14. Noting that her visit to China is expected by the Honduran people, Castro said that recognizing the one-China principle, establishing diplomatic relations with China and cooperating with China can bring development opportunities to Honduras. She said that Honduran people admire China's development achievements, especially the country's efforts in poverty alleviation, adding that striving for the well-being of the people is the common goal of Honduras and China, and that she believes the friendly ties between Honduras and China will be strengthened with the unity and cooperation of the two peoples. Castro expressed her hope that Honduras will achieve prosperity and development like Shanghai and said the country will strengthen cooperation with Shanghai. She said that Honduras will actively participate in the sixth China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai in November, and send young students to Shanghai for study. If Honduran young people have the opportunity to receive education and learn science and technology in China, they can contribute to the construction and development of Honduras, she added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy FAST FORWARD! Phocuswright Europe travels to Barcelona 12-149 June 2023! Get ready to join 600+ of the most influential travel leaders in one platform for pointed one-on-one conversations, critical debate, the next wave of innovation and the best networking in travel. This event is organized by Phocuswright LIVING CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Jun 11 500 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 Second Sunday after Pentecost! Though Jesus was a devout Jew who practiced his faith, he was criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinnersthe religiously nonobservant. Jesus criticizes the self-righteous and reminds us that mercy is to be at the heart of our religious practices. God continues to be made known in those on the margins of society, like Matthew the tax collector and the hemorrhaging woman. As we gather each Lords day we receive the healing that makes us well and sends us forth to be signs of Gods mercy for the world. We will learn more with our First Reading of Hosea 5:15-6:6 (God desires steadfast love) Psalm 50:7-15 (Call upon me in the day of trouble, says your God) and the Second Reading of Romans 4:13-25 (The promise to those who share Abrahams faith) together with the Gospel Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (Christ heals a woman and raises a synagogue leaders daughter). https://go.evvnt.com/1775256-0. BEACON UU SUNDAY SERVICE: May I Suggest? ~ Rev. Robin's Final Sunday Jun 11 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. May I suggest, may I suggest to you; May I suggest this is the best part of your life? So asks composer Susan Werner in the lovely song we will hear Austin sing this morning. Her lyrics offer us a frame for exploring with Rev. Robin the themes and messages she has shared with us over the past four memorable years as our Interim Minister. Weve asked many questions and reflected on many suggestions together. Come take a walk down memory lane and celebrate the time weve shared. Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker, preaching, with Worship Associate Nancy Paxton, and music from Austin Shaw. CELEBRATION POTLUCK TO FOLLOW. https://go.evvnt.com/1774670-0. PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Jun 11 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/1773391-0. Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center Jun 11 Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center, 1800 S. Milton Road, Flagstaff. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Join us live or live-stream for a special message for Unity of Flagstaff provided by Daniel Nahmod. Daniel has performed his profound, heart-opening original music for over one million people in 45 U.S. states and Canada since beginning his music career in 1999. Daniel's poetic and evocative message of peace, love and compassion across all nations, cultures and faiths has found overwhelming acceptance wherever he has performed. Performances of his music form the backbone of many New Thought Sunday Services. Check out Daniel Nahmod's wonderful music on YouTube.com. https://go.evvnt.com/1781993-0. 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. 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. Summer is the best time to relax and indulge. Maybe take that vacation of your dreams and head to any of the breathtaking destinations within the country or just plan to chill at home and spend quality time with family indoors. You'll never run out of ideas on how to maximize bonding with your loved ones and stay feeling cool within the comforts of your home. Buy any participating Samsung Air Conditioner model and get a chance to win a free trip to South Korea! With this in mind, Samsung is helping you Beat The Heat this summer bringing the latest Air Solutions products like their Windfree Air Conditioners, Bespoke Air Conditioners, and other innovative AC products closer to their loyal regional customers. Samsungs Beat The Heat Trip to Korea Raffle Promo will showcase the brands best-selling AC products such as Split Types, Window Inverters, and Floor Standing Air Conditioners. Speaking of summer, theres always one appliance that we all love to depend upon. Yes, Air Conditioners are life savers! Good thing, all of Samsungs AC products are carrying the 5-star CSPF (Cooling Season Performance Factor) Rating from the Department of Energy (DOE). This means that all Samsung air-conditioning units are energy-efficient, thus letting you enjoy reduced power consumption and save more energy than ever. Get special discounts and avail of the exciting promos when you buy your AC at Samsungs Beat The Heat Trip to Korea Raffle Promo. Choose from the wide array of AC units that perfectly suit your home and even businesses. Samsungs Beat The Heat Trip To Korea Raffle Promo will also serve as your ticket heading to the coolest destination in Asia right now! Imagine heading over to South Korea and having the grandest time of your life. Buy one of any Samsung Air Conditioner models at any participating Samsung Authorized Retailers nationwide to get one raffle entry. This promo is ongoing from May 15, 2023 - July 15, 2023. For more promo updates and additional routes of the 5-Star K-Caravan, visit samsung.com/ph or check out Samsungs Official Facebook Page and Samsungs Official Instagram Page. 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 Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to intensify further and move north-northeastwards in the next 24 hours. The cyclone which has been categorised as very severe is the fourth strongest cyclone in the Arabian Sea this year. Biparjoy lay centred at 0830IST of today, near latitude 16.7N and longitude 67.4E, about 700 km WNW of Goa, 620 km WSW of Mumbai, 600 km SSW of Porbandar, and 910 km S of Karachi, IMD wrote in a tweet on Saturday 10 June. [It is set to] intensify further and move NNE-wards gradually during the next 24 hours. According to local reports, fishermen have been warned against venturing into the Arabian Sea until things calm down. The people who are already out sailing are also advised to return to the nearest coast as soon as possible. Several districts in Kerala have been issued a yellow warning. As a precautionary measure, Tithal Beach in Valsad, Gujarat has been closed to tourists for at least four days. We told the fishermen not to venture into the sea and they all have come back, a senior official, TC Patel of Valsad said in a statement, as per Indian Express. People will be shifted to the village at the seashore if needed. Shelters have been made for them. We have closed Tithal Beach for tourists till 14 June. Indian Coast Guard in North West India has also initiated outreach to advise the fishing community, mariners, and stakeholders of states Gujarat and Daman & Diu to take necessary precautions and safety measures. ANI reported that Indian Coast Guard is constantly conducting community interactions with fishermen to take adequate precautions in view of the cyclone and reiterate that no fishing activity should be undertaken. 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 representative for Jamie Foxx has shut down conspiracy theories that the actors recent hospitalisation was due to the Covid-19 vaccine leaving him partially paralyzed and blind. In a statement to NBC News, Foxxs representatives called the claims completely inaccurate. The conspiracy theory began on 30 May, when Hollywood gossip columnist AJ Benza made the unsubstantiated claim on Ask Dr Drew, hosted by reality TV host Dr Drew Pinsky. During the podcast episode, Benza alleged that Foxx was forced to get the Covid-19 vaccine while he was working on a film, citing a source in the room with Foxx when he was hospitalised. Benza claimed Foxx developed a blood clot in the brain after receiving the vaccine, which caused him at that point to be partially paralyzed and blind. Despite Foxxs representatives refuting Benzas claims, it hasnt stopped far-right commentators from spreading the anti-vaccination conspiracy theory on the internet. Political commentator Candace Owens peddled the theory on her YouTube-based podcast, where she has 1.67m subscribers, on 6 June. In the video, titled Whats Going On With Jamie Foxx?, Owens suggested there may be some veracity to Benzas claim because nobody in Foxxs family had denied it at the time. Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk also weighed in on the claim, tweeting on 1 June that he was infuriated a decent person like Jamie Foxx fell victim to Big Pharma because a movie set is still dumb enough to mandate their cash cow clot shot. Theres been much speculation surrounding Jamie Foxxs health after the 55-year-old actor was hospitalised in April following a medical complication. On 12 April, his daughter Corinne Foxx shared in a social media statement that the Django Unchained star experienced a medical complication yesterday. Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery. We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers, she said. The family asks for privacy during this time. Foxx was filming the forthcoming Netflix film Back in Action in Georgia when he was taken to a medical facility. Many rumours soon emerged about Foxxs health. While most reports suggested that the actor was recovering, one source told Radar that his friends and family were hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. On 3 May, Jamie Foxx broke his silence on social media when he thanked fans for their support. Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed [prayer, heart and fox emoji], the actor shared on his Instagram Story. Meanwhile, his daughter Corinne later rebuked claims that his family were preparing for the worst and revealed that the actor had been out of the hospital for weeks. Update from the family: Sad to see how the media runs wild. My Dad has been out of the hospital for weeks, recuperating, she shared on her Instagram on 12 May. In fact, she continued, he was playing pickleball yesterday! Thanks for everyones prayers and support! We have an exciting work announcement coming next week too! 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 }} Wes Anderson has reflected on being a father to his seven-year-old daughter Freya at the age of 54. The filmmaker lamented that he is an old father to his child, whom he shares with his partner, designer and author Juman Malouf. In a new interview published on Saturday (10 June), the Asteroid City director said he did not give his own mortality any thought until he became a parent. I never used to think about having not much time left for this or that, or noticing how the time had disappeared so fast, he told The Times. It didnt have an emotional effect on me whatsoever. However, parenting a young child has made him think about it more often. But now my daughter will be, well, I will be very old when my daughter is still very young, he continued. I am an old father. And maybe with modern medicine its better than it used to be, but you know Anderson, whose family home is in Kent, was reminded that he had once said he hoped to die at the age of 90 on a film set. He said: Yes. Thats good. But I do feel a different thing now, which is somehow my family is more part of it now. And the only thing about [dying on] the film set is that they wont be there. But, you know, they dont need to see me die. They have enough to worry about. They can just take my ashes. Centre: Freya Anderson and Juman Maloud attend the Asteroid City red carpet during the 76th annual Cannes film festival on 23 May 2023 (Getty Images) Elsewhere in the interview, Anderson shared his thoughts about a popular TikTok trend that sees users creating short clips about their everyday lives in a film style similar to his. He revealed that he does not watch the TikTok videos and erases them immediately if someone sends one to him. Anderson and Malouf have been together for more than two decades, and she has collaborated with him on a number of his projects. The couple curated an exhibition at Viennas Kunsthistorisches Museum in 2018, comprising of 537 objects from the museums collection. It was titled Spitzmaus Mummy in a Coffin and Other Treasures, and also exhibited at the Prada Foundation in Milan the following year. 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 }} On Tuesday, 4 July, millions of Americans will celebrate Independence Day. The occasion marks the date back in 1776 when Americans broke away from being ruled by the British, who had been on the continent since the 16th Century. First introduced by Congress in 1885 when it was decided that federal employees should have certain days off from work, the list of US federal holidays is made up of 11 days of significance that Americans recognise - and celebrate. To ensure that these holidays are observed, certain guidelines have been put in place, with federal holidays that fall on a Saturday observed by federal employees on the previous Friday, while holidays that fall on Sunday are observed the following Monday. On these 11 days, all non-essential federal offices are closed, while banks, post offices and schools may also be closed. However, that doesnt mean that all Americans will receive a day off from work, as employees in the private sector may or may not get the day off, depending on their employer. From Memorial Day to Thanksgiving, these are the dates of the 2023 federal holidays. 2023 federal holidays: New Years Day: Sunday, January 1 (Observed Monday, January 2) Martin Luther King Jr Day: Monday, January 16 Presidents Day: Monday, February 20 Memorial Day: Monday, May 29 Juneteenth: Friday, June 16 Independence Day: Tuesday, July 4 Labor Day: Monday, September 4 Indigenous Peoples Day (also observed as Columbus Day): Monday, October 9 Veterans Day: Saturday, November 11 (Observed Friday, November 10) Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23 Christmas: Monday, December 25 Other important days to note: Valentines Day: Tuesday, February 14 St Patricks Day: Friday, March 17 Passover: Thursday, April 6 Good Friday: Friday, April 7 Easter: Sunday, April 9 Mothers Day: Sunday, May 14 Fathers Day: Sunday, June 18 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 }} The Duke of Sussex left a surprise gift for an air steward as a thank-you for a pleasant flight to the US. The flight attendant, Holden Pattern, shared a photograph of him and Prince Harry on an American Airlines plane via his Instagram Stories on Friday (9 June). He captioned it: Passenger prince. In the image, Pattern beams as Harry puts his arm around him, wearing a plain black T-shirt and blue jeans. It comes after the duke returned to the US after giving evidence at his High Court phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) in London last week. It is understood that Harry did not see his father, King Charles III, or his brother, the Prince of Wales, during his brief trip here. However, he made Patterns day after he left a thank-you gift in the form of his controversial memoir, Spare, for the air steward. In another photo shared on Instagram Stories, Pattern showed followers a snap of a business class seat with Harrys book placed on the table. He wrote: Just found this in my luggage that a passenger gave to me. American Airlines flight attendant Holden Pattern shares a photograph of a gift left for him by Prince Harry (Holden Pattern/Instagram) Pattern did not offer any further details about the flight that carried Harry home after presenting his testimonial in court. Harry flew to the UK from Los Angeles overnight last Sunday (4 June) after celebrating his daughter Princess Lilibets second birthday. He missed the opening day of his claim against MGN in court, earning him rebuke from the judge. The prince, alongside a number of other celebrities, is accusing the publisher of the Daily Mirror of using unlawful information-gathering, including phone hacking, to uncover details about his personal life. During his testimony this week, Harry blamed the prying eyes of the tabloids for causing his relationship with former girlfriend Chelsy Davy to end. He also said the alleged unlawful information-gathering led him to lose friendships due to the huge amount of paranoia the press intrusion caused. Harrys memoir Spare, which was released in January, contains a number of explosive claims about the royal family, particularly around its relationship with the UK press. The book became the fastest-selling non-fiction book in the UK since records began in 1998. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Sarah, Duchess of York has revealed she cried when daughter Princess Eugenie told her that her newborn baby son would be named after the duchesss late father. Eugenie, 33, and husband Jack Brooksbank, 37, welcomed their second child on 30 May and announced his name on Tuesday (6 June). The baby is named Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank and is named after his great-great-great-grandfather King George V, whose second middle name is Ernest. Sarah, speaking publicly about her new grandchild for the first time, described Ernest on the second episode of her Tea Talks podcast on Thursday (7 June) as a seriously beautiful little boy and said the gesture moved her to tears. Ernests middle name Ronnie pays tribute to the duchesss father Major Ronald Ferguson, the former royal polo manager, who died in 2003. The duchess, who is known to her now-three grandchildren as GG, said: Hes a very, very seriously beautiful little boy. Hes done very, very well. She added of hearing of his name: When Jack and Eugenie told me, it was so moving that they had put my dad in there. It was so kind, I thought. It made me cry. Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank (Buckingham Palace) The duchess added of Eugenie: She said that I was allowed to say. Well I have to be very careful. I get so proud. The duchess launched her podcast, Tea Talks alongside Sarah Thomson, the founder of childrens newspaper First News, last week. She also spoke about her wedding-day tiara which her other daughter, Princess Beatrice, wore to the evening reception of the Jordanian royal wedding last week. The duchess described the piece as a beautiful gift from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for her own nuptials in 1986, adding: Its really precious to me. A lot of newspaper reports said Oh Im surprised she hasnt pulled it apart and flogged it. She joked how a hairdresser in Jordan fixing Beatrices tiara had initially mistakenly placed it right at the front of her head before Beatrice corrected it, with the duchess adding: I think (the hairdresser) had been studying Disney princesses. Sarah has two other grandchildren Eugenies eldest son August and Beatrices daughter Sienna as well as a step-grandson, Wolfie Beatrices stepson. She told how she enjoyed spending time with one-year-old Sienna, who came over to stay while Beatrice was in Jordan. Ive managed to really have a bond and guess what my bond is? I give her a little sup of my tea out my tea cup . I put some cold water with it, she added. With additional reporting from PA. 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 mother and her daughters have gone viral after wearing their wedding dresses to dinner at a restaurant. Influencer Alexis Houston received nearly half a million likes on Instagram when she shared a video of her mother, her sisters, and her sister-in-laws heading to dinner in their wedding gowns. My five sisters, mom and I wore our wedding dresses for our monthly dinner and dessert, she wrote over the viral clip. The family outing included their mother, Terri Bonin, and her four daughters: Madeleine Frost, 28, Alexis Houston, 25, Annalise Hiley, 23, and Kate Bonin, 18. Her daughters-in-law, Hannah Joy Bonin, 30, and Sydnie Bonin, 26, also joined in on the fun. Each month, Terri and her daughters gather together (while their husbands stay home with their children) for a girls night out at True Food Kitchen in The Woodlands, Texas, located near Houston. But this time was different, as they opted to show up to the restaurant in their wedding dresses. We decided that the most expensive dresses we owned deserved to be worn and enjoyed for more than just one day in our lives, Alexis captioned the video, which showed the women each in their floor-length gowns. Weve decided to make this a yearly tradition. However, it seems that trying to fit into years-old wedding dresses wasnt an easy feat. We met together before the dinner to tape each other into our dresses, Alexis revealed, before adding that her mother borrowed her daughter-in-laws prom dress and her 18-year-old sister thrifted hers. After their dinner, the women filmed themselves twirling outside in their wedding gowns. 100/10 recommend doing this! Absolutely SO fun!! she wrote. In her caption, Alexis revealed how fellow patrons at the restaurant reacted to all the women arriving for dinner in their wedding dresses. Ive been asked what the response was from the people around us, she added. Well, we were recorded on phones, complimented, asked what the occasion was and asked to be taken photos with. Cant say we didnt enjoy the attention. Since it was posted on 19 May, Alexis Houstons video has been flooded with comments from people praising the women for their bold yearly tradition. Yearly tradition???? What if one of you doesnt fit in the dress anymore? asked one user to which Houston jokingly replied: More duct tape. I wear mine every year on our anniversary, said someone else. Its too expensive of a dress to not wear it! This is so amazing!!! a third user wrote. (Courtesy Madeleine Frost) Speaking to The Independent, the Bonin family revealed that they were inspired to wear their wedding dresses out in public after watching an Instagram Reel of another woman going out in her own wedding dress. We saw this Reel that was so funny of this woman putting on her wedding dress with her friends and we were like, Oh my gosh, we should do this, Alexis told us. But instead of doing it in the house, lets just go to our normal restaurant. So, we decided to do it, took lots of pictures and film, and it was so fun and hilarious, she said, adding that their restaurant outing wasnt out of the blue. In fact, because their mother-daughter dinner is a monthly occurrence, eldest sister Madeleine said thats partly why it was so hilarious that their video went viral. Its like, this is just a normal dinner for us, Madeleine explained. We just happened to wear our dresses and everyone thinks its such a big deal, and I think thats just so funny. (Courtesy Madeleine Frost) When it came time to put on their actual wedding dresses, after several years and several children later, many of the women found themselves squeezing into their dresses using bobby pins and tape. As they arrived at the restaurant, daughter-in-law Sydnie recalled how patrons at True Food Kitchen were equally surprised and confused to see the group of women dining in their wedding gowns. We had so many people come up to us, Alexis added, describing how one woman who was celebrating her birthday had even asked for a group photo. It was almost like they thought we had all gotten married to husbands and had just left them at the altar to go hang out. (Courtesy Madeleine Frost) For matriarch Terri, the best part about the wedding dress experience was hearing from former brides who wanted to carry on the tradition for themselves. That was exactly what we wanted to happen, is we wanted to inspire women to get out, get dressed up, have some fun with their sisters and with their friends, Terri told us. As for how the wedding dress outing brought them closer together as a family, Sydnie explained that the experience was just the icing on the cake of their already tight-knit bond. Sometimes you need time to go deeper with people, and then other times you need experience to go deeper with people, Sydnie noted. This was something where it was an experience that drew us together. Now, the Bonins hope their viral video inspires others to make time for fun. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices 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 Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The first ever known case of a crocodile laying eggs without a male mate a rare reproductive strategy that could be traced back to dinosaurs has been documented by scientists. Over the last two decades, zoologists have increasingly documented the very rare vertebrate reproductive strategy of facultative parthenogenesis (FP) in which females lay eggs or give birth to their offspring without mating. Until now, a wide range of organisms including birds, non-avian reptiles like lizards and snakes as well as some fishes, including sharks, have been shown to reproduce in this strange mode. However, questions have remained over the occurrence of this reproduction mode outside of these vertebrate lineages most notably in turtles, crocodiles, alligators and gharials, said researchers, including those from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the US. Looking for such a rare reproductive strategy in crocodilian species has been particularly intrigued scientists as these organisms lack sex chromosomes and their sex determination is controlled by the temperature in which eggs develop and hatch. In the new study, published on Wednesday in the Biology Letters journal, researchers have documented the first evidence of FP in the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus. The latest research is based on the 2018 observation of a lone female American crocodile held in captivity for 16 years, which laid a clutch of eggs, one of which contained a discernible foetus, indicating she was a female like her mother. The discovery, according to the researchers, is the first documentation of this very rare mode of reproduction in a crocodile species. Following genetic analysis, scientists confirmed that the mother crocodile laid the eggs without any input from a male mate a process commonly known as virgin birth. While the eggs did not hatch, the discovery has intrigued biologists as it indicates there is a common evolutionary origin of the rare reproductive strategy across reptiles, crocodilians and birds. The findings further raise the possibility that extinct relatives of crocodilians and birds such as dinosaurs and pterosaurs may have also had this rare reproductive strategy. This new evidence offers tantalizing insights into the possible reproductive capabilities of extinct archosaurian relatives of crocodilians, notably the Pterosauria and Dinosauria, scientists wrote in the study. 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 }} Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces a third by-election test after a close ally of Boris Johnson resigned from the Commons with immediate effect. In a tumultuous 24 hours for the Conservative Party, Nigel Adams MP announced on Saturday that he was following the former prime minister and former culture secretary Nadine Dorries lead in quitting Westminster. In a tweet, Mr Adams said: Yesterday, Selby Conservatives selected an excellent new parliamentary candidate. Ive today informed the chief whip that I will be standing down as a Member of Parliament with immediate effect. It has been an honour to represent the area where I was raised (and) educated. Mr Adams and Ms Dorries had been tipped for peerages in Mr Johnsons resignation honours but neither featured in Fridays published list. There has been speculation that Downing Street wanted their names removed to avoid by-election contests, although No 10 said Mr Sunak had no involvement in producing the final list. The Prime Minister has yet to comment on Mr Johnsons departure. While the Tories enjoy a comfortable 20,000 majority in Selby and Ainsty, Mr Adams decision to exit immediately rather than wait until the next election means the Tories will face contests on three fronts. Mr Johnson sensationally quit Westminster on Friday as he launched a fierce attack on the Commons Privileges Committee investigation into whether he misled MPs with his assurances over parties held in Downing Street during coronavirus lockdowns. In a 1,000-word statement, he said the seven-person panel, which is chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman but has a Conservative majority, was on a witch hunt and compared it with a kangaroo court. Mr Johnson said he was bewildered and appalled at being forced out, anti-democratically by a probe that he claimed had set out from the beginning to find me guilty, regardless of the facts. He denied lying to MPs and said he corrected the record as soon as possible after receiving information about lockdown gatherings in No 10. The former Tory leaders Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat, where he had a 7,000 majority, was in Labours top 100 targets at the next election even before Mr Johnsons resignation. Labour wasted no time in targeting the seat, with the partys campaign co-ordinator Shabana Mahmood and a host of other MPs joining activists and candidate Danny Beales in Uxbridge on Saturday. The Liberal Democrats have briefed that they could potentially pull off an upset in Ms Dorries former Mid Bedfordshire constituency. The TalkTV presenter said on Friday that she did not plan on triggering a by-election but later U-turned, resigning shortly before Mr Johnsons honours roll was made public. Labour came second in Selby at the 2019 election. It comes as Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey ruled out a pact with Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party to encourage tactical voting in a bid to secure victories in the by-elections. Therell be no pacts, no deals, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Sir Eds party said the flurry of resignations showed the Tories were in meltdown and urged the Prime Minister to call a general election. Mr Johnsons decision to step down came ahead of the publication of the Privileges Committee report into whether he lied to the Commons when he said No 10 had followed social distancing rules during the pandemic. While the committees findings have yet to be released, Mr Johnsons response appears to confirm that the MPs have concluded he had not been truthful about the boozy parties. Ms Harmans panel will meet on Monday and publish its findings promptly. The committee was reportedly preparing to recommend a 10-day suspension from the Commons for Mr Johnson, a conclusion which would have paved the way for a recall petition and a potential by-election in his west London constituency if more than 10% of his constituents voted for one. Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner called him a coward for quitting the Commons and said he jumped before having to face the verdict of voters. The truth of the matter is, ask around Parliament, ask most of the MPs, most people are fairly sure he misled the House Veteran Tory MP David Davis Veteran Tory MP David Davis, who served in Theresa Mays cabinet alongside Mr Johnson, said most MPs thought the former No 10 incumbent had lied. The former Brexit secretary told GB News: The truth of the matter is, ask around Parliament, ask most of the MPs, most people are fairly sure he misled the House. And he did so many times and he did so knowing that these parties had occurred and he had been at some of them. It is hard to be at a party and not notice it is a party. He said his fellow Brexit campaigner had been given hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers money to pay for the most expensive lawyers in the land to advise him during the inquiry. He added: I hardly think thats unfair treatment. Mr Johnson appeared to leave the door open for a return to Parliament, saying he was leaving for now in his lengthy statement. But Tory MP Bob Seely told Times Radio that Mr Johnson aint going to be leader of the Conservative Party again and that his achievements were all in the past. 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 British girl who was one of four children stabbed in a knife attack in the French Alps while on holiday will be able to leave hospital soon, prosecutors have said. Preliminary attempted murder charges were handed to a 31-year-old Syrian refugee after the children, aged between 22 months and three years, and two elderly adults were attacked at a lakeside park in Annecy, south-east France, on Thursday. The British girl, named locally as Ettie, three, who had been visiting the area with her parents, will be able to leave a hospital in Grenoble within days, officials said on Saturday. It came after French President Emmanuel Macron met the girl in hospital, saying afterwards that she was awake and watching television. The suspect, whose name has not been officially released, has been remanded in custody pending further investigation. Lead prosecutor, Line Bonnet-Mathis, said at a press conference the man was presented to investigating judges in a court on Saturday, where he heard the charges. In a translated statement, she said: The prosecution service of Annecy immediately opened a case and the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police have also been involved. The assailant at 9.47am was put into custody. The prosecution service of Annecy opened a judicial case for attempted murder. The prosecution service put the assailant in provisional custody. And this afternoon he was going to be taken to court and he will appear before the judge. She said the motive for the attack is still unclear. The suspect was earlier moved from a police station in Annecy, a short walk from where the incident took place. Ms Bonnet-Mathis said the victims are no longer in a life-threatening condition. Mr Macron and his wife, Brigitte, visited the British child and other victims in hospital on Friday before travelling to the lakeside town where the attack took place. He also shook hands with a man who appeared to chase the knifeman around the park. Henri, 24, who is travelling across the country visiting various cathedrals, was labelled a hero in France after the video was shared on social media. Mr Macron said: Attacking children is the most barbarous of acts and I think that is what has shocked us. He told Henri: You experienced very hard moments, traumatising. I am very proud of you. Witnesses said the knifeman shouted in the name of Jesus Christ as he launched the attack, including stabbing a child in a pushchair repeatedly as bystanders screamed for help. Hundreds of tearful wellwishers continued to visit the park on Saturday, where a sea of flowers, teddy-bears and written messages were laid. 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 boss of Greggs has said the bakery chain is on track with plans to open 150 new shops across the UK. The sausage roll seller said it will open new stores in Cornwall and other areas where it currently has fewer sites as part the groups rapid expansion plan. Greggs currently runs around 2,300 shops across the UK, but said it hopes to expand to more than 3,000 as part of its long-term growth strategy. The company said it expects to open 150 net new stores this year, but could accelerate the plans if more sites become available. It comes as the group opens its fourth shop in Cornwall, in U2 Enterprise Park, Saltash, on Saturday as it targets locations where the group currently has a weaker presence. Roisin Currie, who was appointed as chief executive last year, told the PA news agency that she is pleased with the groups progress in opening new sites. The opening strategy is going to plan and the new location in Cornwall is a key part of that, she said. Obviously we are a brand that started from the North and the natural growth of the business from there means there are some parts of the country, such as in Cornwall and the South West, where we see more scope to open sites. The new opening comes on top of existing shops in St Austell, Launceston and Truro in the county. Bosses said that a number of new sites in the expansion plan will target UK tourists and travellers, with openings at travel locations such as forecourts and service stations. Ms Currie said the group is also positive about investments into new products on its menu and is optimistic about summer trade. We have launched a number of new items, like chicken shawarma flatbreads, and they are all doing very well, she said. Were looking very positively towards the summer and hopefully this warm weather will mean more people out and about, and ultimately looking for somewhere to eat. It comes after the group revealed in May that sales surged by nearly a fifth over the start of 2023 as its cheap meals remained compelling to cash-strapped consumers. 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 16-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of GBH with intent following a violent assault on two teenage boys and a staff member at a private school. Devon and Cornwall Police said weapons were found at the scene after the incident at Blundells School in Tiverton on Friday. The force said both students are in hospital, with the condition of one described as critical, the second as serious but stable. Their families are with them and are being supported by officers, while the staff member has been discharged from the infirmary, according to an update issued by police. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear before Exeter Magistrates Court on Monday and remains in police custody. Blundells is a mixed-sex public school for three- to 18-year-olds and has boarders as well as day students. It costs 41,325 a year for senior boarders from year 9 onwards and around 28,000 for students in years 7 and 8. Commander Superintendent Toby Davies said: Our thoughts remain with the injured boys and their families in what must be a harrowing time for them. My officers are continuing to support them and the wider school community. We continue to fully investigate this incident, and a scene guard remains in place at the school and is expected to remain there for the rest of the day. In the meantime, we need to remind the public of the law surrounding this matter. Commander Superintendent Davies reminded the press and the public to not share any information on social media that could identify the charged boy, to avoid contempt of court. The school has been emailed for comment. It has not shared a statement on its website or on social media. Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating the attack at the school in Tiverton (PA Archive) Superintendent Antony Hart had earlier told reporters about the weapons being found. We are still establishing what happened in the early hours of this morning, and an extensive investigation continues, he said. Our investigation is being assisted by experts who are assessing the injuries sustained and how they were caused. While we can confirm some weapons were located at the scene, it would not be appropriate to speculate on how these may have been involved while our enquiries continue. Our priority is to fully investigate this incident and support the victims, their families and the school community. Our thoughts remain with the injured boys, [the injured] man, and their loved ones. 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 }} Madeleine McCann, a three-year-old girl from Rothley, Leicestershire, was reported missing from the Portuguese holiday resort of Praia da Luz on the Algarve on 3 May 2007, a case still unsolved and still the subject of intense interest among the public and press. Her parents, Kate McCann and Gerry McCann, posted a statement on the Find Madeleine website on 3 May 2023 marking the latest anniversary of their daughters disappearance, reiterating their hopes of being reunited with her one day and posting a poem, The Contradiction by Clare Pollard, to express their feelings. Today marks the 16th anniversary of Madeleines abduction. Still missing... still very much missed, they wrote. The police investigation continues, and we await a breakthrough. Thank you to everyone for your support it really helps. Follow all the latest updates on The Independents liveblog Here is a reminder of the events of the case. The story began when the McCanns affluent doctors Kate and Gerry, their three-year-old daughter Madeleine and her two-year-old twin siblings Amelia and Sean joined a group of seven family friends and their five children on holiday at the Ocean Club in the village of Praia da Luz on the southwestern tip of Portugal on 28 April 2007. After a pleasant spring break by the sea, the adults in the party went out for dinner at the resorts open-air tapas bar on 3 May, gathering at 8.30pm. The children were left behind sleeping in their respective apartments with the doors unlocked and a rota system in place among the parents to ensure that someone returned every half-hour to check on them. When Kate McCann took her turn and returned to her apartment at 10pm, she raced back to the restaurant screaming Madeleines gone! Someones taken her! The police were quickly called and 60 staff and fellow guests searched the complex, calling out the girls name in vain until daybreak the following morning. Border police and airport staff were put on alert and hundreds of volunteers joined the efforts to find the missing girl over the coming days, the case fast becoming a sensation. The Portuguese authorities would later attract criticism over their conduct in the crucial earliest hours of the investigation when the trail might still have been warm, accused of making rudimentary mistakes like failing to conduct a house-by-house search of every local residence or interview all of the other guests at the resort, acting slowly to erect roadblocks and potentially compromising forensic evidence at the crime scene. Madeleine McCann (PA) The police initially stated that they believed Madeleine was still alive and had been abducted from the room by a stranger as the parents described their anguish and despair over her vanishing, a worst fear realised for any parent. On 26 May, police issued a description of a suspicious man seen on the night of the girls disappearance. The individual in question was spotted by Jane Tanner, one of the McCanns dining companions, who said she had seen a Mediterranean man with dark hair and beige trousers carrying a child close to the apartment when she went to check in on her own children. Scotland Yard would later come to dismiss the sighting as a red herring. The search continued as the summer progressed amid a wild media circus and with huge fundraising activities underway, the McCanns setting up Madeleines Fund on 15 May to raise cash to support further investigation and keep the profile of the case high, attracting generous donations from celebrities like Richard Branson, Simon Cowell, JK Rowling and Coleen Rooney. By 30 May, the case was such a cause celebre that they were being flown out to meet the Pope at the Vatican in Sir Phillip Greens Learjet. A local man, Robert Murat, subsequently became its first suspect and had his house and car searched, his swimming pool drained and his electronic devices confiscated but no evidence was found to link him to Madeleine and the matter was soon dropped. By June, the Portuguese police admitted that they had failed to protect potentially useful evidence at the scene as frustration with the lack of developments grew and the media began to question whether the McCanns themselves had been involved in the matter. Lurid tabloid allegations suggested the couple and their friends might have been swingers and that the McCanns, as physicians, might have been in the habit of sedating their children, while others claimed inconsistencies in their version of events. The intensity of the hostility towards the parents would later be described by Roy Greenslade of The Guardian as no journalistic accident, but a sustained campaign of vitriol against a grief-stricken family, singling out The Daily Express and Daily Star for particular condemnation. In July, assistance offered by former South African police officer Danie Krugel who claimed his handheld matter orientation system could help to find Madeleine was rubbished, while British police sent over two springer spaniel sniffer dogs to search for DNA. Gerry and Kate McCann (PA) Relations with the local authorities would ultimately sour as the latter came to resent British intrusion into a Portuguese inquiry, according to Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swans book Looking for Madeleine (2014). By August, Madeleine has been missing for 100 days and police admitted for the first time that she may never be found. They also told the McCanns that they were no longer considering the matter an abduction case but, rather, a murder inquiry. The McCanns themselves were interviewed as arguidos (suspects) by Portuguese police in September, with the parents told that the dogs had discovered DNA evidence from the missing girl in the boot of their holiday rental car, lines of inquiry that had already been leaked to the British press. They vehemently denied having any part in her disappearance. Despite being listed as suspects (a designation that would linger until the following July), the McCanns were allowed to return to Britain on 9 September. A day later, chief inspector Tavares de Almeida of the Policia Judiciaria in Portimao signed a nine-page report concluding that Madeleine McCann had died in their apartment as a result of an accident, that the tapas dinner and rota checks on the McCann children had been part of a planned cover-up, that the familys friends had helped to mislead the police and that the McCanns had concealed the body and then faked an abduction. A public prosecutor subsequently applied for the confiscation of Kate McCanns diary and Gerry McCanns laptop plus the groups phone records. On 2 October, chief inspector Goncalo Amaral was removed from the case and transferred after alleging that the British police were only interested in pursuing leads favourable to the McCanns. He would later publish a book, Maddie: The Truth of the Lie, the following summer, resulting in a lengthy libel battle with the McCanns that would run back and forth through the courts until March 2017. Back in Britain, Gerry McCann issued a video that November in which he speculated that his family had been watched by a predator during their stay at Praia da Luz. His wife had come to believe that a potential perpetrator could have seen a note in the resorts guest book visible to all in reception noting their dining arrangements on the evening of Madeleines disappearance. The couple followed up on 20 January 2008 by releasing a sketch of a creepy man they said other holidaymakers had said they had seen loitering at the Ocean Club. In April, a month before the one-year anniversary of the fateful night, Portuguese police travelled to Leicestershire to conduct further interviews with the McCanns friends. Then, on 21 July, Portugals attorney general, Fernando Jose Pinto Monteiro, announced that there was no evidence to link either the McCanns or Robert Murat to the disappearance and closed the case, unsolved. With the trail cold and no closure in sight, the McCanns continued to publicise their cause, issuing computer-generated images of how Madeleine might look now that she had aged on 3 November 2009 and condemning the release of previously unseen Portuguese police files detailing possible sightings of their daughter to British newspapers in March 2010. The McCanns published a book of their own about their ordeal in May 2011, entitled simply Madeleine, which was serialised in The Sun as the newspaper led a campaign calling on British prime minister David Cameron to launch a new inquiry. He did so. Commenced by then-home secretary Theresa May, the Metropolitan Polices Operation Grange would be led by commander Simon Foy and comprise a team of three detective inspectors, five detective sergeants, 19 detective constables and six civilian staff. It began to yield results in 2013, with Scotland Yard formally announcing a new investigation in July and saying in October it had identified 41 potential suspects. That same month, BBC Crimewatch released an e-fit image of a man of particular interest who had been seen in Praia da Luz with a child matching Madeleines description in May 2007. Detectives arrived in Portugal in January 2014 promising new arrests and finally searched the village in June, interviewing four people the following month but without unearthing new information. The quartet would be definitively ruled out in April 2017, before the UK government said it would continue to fund the investigation until 2020, having already admitted it had cost 10m in its first four years of operation. That investment had enabled detectives to have tens of thousands of documents translated, investigate over 8,000 potential sightings, take 1,338 statements, collect 1,027 exhibits and investigate 650 sex offenders and 60 persons of interest, all without definitively establishing the truth. The Madeline McCann case lay dormant before suddenly exploding into life in June 2020 when German media revealed that Christian Brueckner, a 43-year-old prisoner with a track record of child abuse and drug trafficking, had been identified as a new suspect by the public prosecutor of the German city of Braunschweig. Christian Brueckner (AFP/Getty) He had reportedly been living in a Volkswagen camper van in the Algarve at the time of Madeleines disappearance and one woman has since come forward to suggest she saw a girl that might have been Madeleine speaking German in a supermarket in Portugal in 2017. German investigators classified their probe into his movements as a murder inquiry, saying they were working on the assumption that Madeleine is dead and reporting in July 2021 that they had found an abandoned cellar beneath his former allotment near Hanover where she could, theoretically, have been held captive. Hans Christian Wolters, the prosecutor leading the investigation into Brueckner, has said he was very confident the inmate is responsible for kidnapping her. If you knew the evidence we had you would come to the same conclusion as I do but I cant give you details because we dont want the accused to know what we have on him these are tactical considerations, he told the BBC. It was subsequently revealed that Madeleines Fund still had 773,629 to spend as of 31 March 2020, meaning the McCanns can continue to bankroll a private investigation to find their daughter long after the police hunt is finally drawn to a close, should they choose to. Brueckner was formally made a arguido in relation to the case on 21 April 2022. On 19 September, the McCanns lost their libel case against Mr Amaral, the former chief inspector who had investigated the disappearance, before the European Court of Human Rights. The couple had attempted to argue that Mr Amaral was responsible for damaging their reputation and breaching their rights to respect for their private life and to be presumed innocent after taking exception to his book and associated media appearances in which he had repeatedly suggested they were responsible for the vanishing. Their complaint also argued that Portugals Supreme Court had failed to allow them proper redress over the alleged libel by Mr Amaral after judges threw out their earlier claim in 2017. The verdict left the McCanns with three months to appeal against the decision. In February 2023, a Polish woman called Julia Faustyna made headlines by claiming she was Madeleine, using the Instagram name @iammadeleinemccann. Ms Faustyna, 21, did not provide any supporting evidence but sought DNA tests to prove her origins. The results ultimately revealed that she was entirely of Polish origin, with no British heritage, disproving her claims for good. In April 2023, a court in Braunschweig dropped a rape charge against Brueckner, unrelated to the Madeleine McCann case, concluding it did not have jurisdiction. Police in Germany continue to claim they have concrete evidence that Madeleine is dead but this has still not been confirmed and their investigation is ongoing, with Brueckner still not charged in the McCann case. Investigators explore the Barragem do Arade beauty spot (EPA) Like her parents, Madeleines sister Amelie, now 18, observed the 16th anniversary of her disappearance in May 2023. Speaking publicly for the first time at a prayer meeting in Rothley, she said: Its nice that everyone is here together but its a sad occasion. Amelie McCann reportedly joined in with chants including Never never give up, leave no stone unturned, dont forget about me and still missing, still missed. Later that month, the case unexpectedly lurched back into life in when investigators launched a major search operation at a reservoir in the Algarve, with Mr Wolters saying they were acting on certain tips from Brueckner, whom the prosecutor said he remains very confident holds the key to Madeleines disappearance. With help from Portuguese police and with Scotland Yard detectives watching on, German investigators carried out a thorough examination of the Barragem do Arade beauty spot in Silves. They combed the shoreline and surrounding grasslands with sniffer dogs, rakes, spades and pickaxes and inspected the water in a rigid-hull inflatable boat. A no-fly zone was put in place in the skies overhead to allow police drones to survey the region undisturbed. The site is located approximately 30 miles northeast of the Ocean Club resort, from which the missing girl first disappeared. In their most recent update, the investigators said they were comparing soil samples from the reservoir with others taken from Brueckners VW camper van in an attempt to establish for certain that he was in the area during the timeframe of interest in order to try to close the net around him. 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 }} With temperatures hotting 30C this weekend, the UK has been issued with an extreme heat warning. The UK Health Security Agency has upgraded a yellow alert for the weekend to an amber heat-health alert, covering five regions - southeast England, the West Midlands, East Midlands, east of England and the southwest. So you might find yourself tempted to go for a dip as Britain heats up. However, its worth doing your research beforehand and the Environment Agency (EA) regularly provides updates on water quality across the country. The Swimfo website has an interactive map highlighting areas where the EA advises against bathing. Annual ratings classify each site as excellent, good, sufficient or poor based on measurements taken over a period of up to four years. Campaign group Surfers Against Sewage provides a similar map that also flags more recent sewage discharges. Below we take a look at more than a dozen locations around the UK where you should think twice before going for a swim, either due to sewage concerns or poor quality conditions for bathing. Blackpool North Blackpool North sand beach is opposite Blackpool Tower and between Central and North Piers. Water quality here was rated sufficient in 2018 and 2021, and good in 2019 but were rated as poor last year. Bognor Regis (Aldwick) Aldwick is mostly a shingle resort beach with some sand exposed at low tide. There are eight sewer overflows spread out across the length of this beach with several more to the east and west. In 2019 and 2021 the water was rated as good but took a dramatic plunge in 2022 to poor. Bridlington South Beach Bridlington South Beach has one sewer overflow that discharges straight onto the beach. A long sea overflow was built in 2014 to transfer discharge from the Gypsy Race 1.1km out to sea. Water quality was rated as poor last year. The Environment Agency highlights many of the locations on this list due to water quality concerns (Swimfo) Burnham Jetty North In 2020 the Environment Agency warned against swimming on Burnham-on-Seas main beach due to ongoing water quality concerns and that remains in place three years later. The Agencys environment manager Jim Flory said at the time: The EA has issued permanent advice against bathing at Burnham Jetty at Burnham-On-Sea. This advice is issued under the Bathing Water Regulations because water quality has been classified as poor for five consecutive bathing seasons at Burnham. Clacton (Groyne 41) This is another area where the EA has permanently advised against bathing. The spot in Essex was found to have been poor for five years running. The agency previously suggested pigeons were partly to blame for the conditions, with birds dropping faeces dropping into the water when they nest under the pier. Dunster North West Dunster North West is a large pebble and sand resort beach backed by Chalets. It faces into the Bristol Channel and is just east of the popular seaside resort of Minehead. A sewer overflow discharges directly into the sea in the middle of this beach. Bathing is not advised after previously sufficient water quality dropped to poor in 2022. Beach resort Weston Super Mare has a number of spots with poor quality water for bathing (Getty) Heacham Heacham or Stubborn Sands is a gently sloping sand beach fronting a popular Norfolk seaside resort. The sea is cloudy here due to tidal movements stirring up the sediment. There are no sewer overflows discharging directly onto the beach but there are long and short sea outfalls at Hunstanton. In 2018 and 2019 the water quality was deemed sufficient but has dropped to poor in the last two years. Ilfracombe Wildersmouth Wildersmouth beach is another Devon location where the EA permanently advises against bathing. In 2017 alone, 42 warnings were issued against swimming due to pollution risk. Instow Instow in North Devon is not a bathing beach and the public is advised not to go swimming, the local parish council says. It is another spot that has consistently had poor water quality and the EA does not believe it will meet the minimum standard in the foreseeable future. The council also warns that dog owners should bear in mind that if there are pollutants in the water that are potentially harmful to humans they are also potentially harmful to dogs. Surfers Against Sewage also shows recent sewage discharges across the country (Surfers Against Sewage) Kinghorn (Harbour Beach) Bathers are advised to avoid entering the waters of Harbour Beach in Kinghorn, Scotland, due to its poor annual classification. The beach is a mix of sand and rock pools and cliffs and stretches about 500m long. Scarborough South Bay Scarborough South Bay is a long, sandy resort beach located directly below the seafront and in one of Britains most famous seaside towns. There is a sewer overflow that discharges directly onto the beach, with two more at 800m and 2.5km away from the bathing water. Quality of the water was rated sufficient in 2021 but dipped back down to poor the year after. St Marys Bay (Kent) St Marys Bay is a shingle beach with large areas of sand flats. There are no sewer overflows discharging directly into St Marys Bay, however there are sewer overflows in the vicinity. Back in 2018 the water quality was considered good but dropped to sufficient the year after and then poor last year. Seaton Carew North A small, sandy resort near Hartlepool in County Durham, Seaton Carew North has experienced sewer overflow directly onto the beach in the last 48 hours. Discharges from streams and rivers can also impact the water quality here too, particularly following periods of heavy rainfall. Seaton Carew Centre Closeby at Seaton Carew Centre, there have been similar sewage warnings issued in the last couple of days. Though the sewage hasnt discharged directly onto this beach, the issues in the surrounding area - at Seaton Carew North - could have an impact on water quality. Tynemouth Cullercoats The beach is enclosed by piers at each end, which means the area is a sheltered bay. Though no sewer overflows discharge directly at Tynemouth Cullercoats, there are discharges into the River Tyne, which meets the sea just south of the bathing water. Water quality here has been rated poor every year since 2018. Blackpool North is one of several areas where water quality took a dive last year (Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images) Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay A sand and shingle beach resort in North Somerset, approximately 5km wide and backed by sand dunes. There is a salt marsh at the northern end, and Sand Point Headland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The outfall from Weston-super-Mare STW discharges to the sea at Black Rock 5km south of Sand Bay. Water quality was rated good in 2018, falling to sufficient the year after and then poor last year. Weston Main Located close to the popular seaside town of Weston-super-Mare, the main beach is a large stretch of sand with a pier. Two sewer overflows discharge directly into the sea here - one at the northern extent of the beach and one 2km to the south. The bathing water quality may also be affected by discharges from the surrounding urban catchment area. In 2019 it was rated as sufficient but fell to poor for the last two years. Wharfe at Cromwheel The short 160m stretch of the River Wharfe flowing through the West Yorkshire town of Ilkley is popular with swimmers and paddlers. A sewage discharge outlet is located within the designated bathing area at one of these beaches. Water quality was found to be poor in 2021 and 2022. Wolvercote Mill Stream Wolvercote Mill Stream is a bifurcation of the River Thames that splits from the main channel above Kings Lock, re-joining below Godstow Lock. The most recent water quality classification in 2022 rated it poor with bathing not advised. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson has doled out knighthoods and other gongs to fellow Brexiteers as part of his resignation honours. Former Brexit opportunities minister Jacob Rees-Mogg is among those to be made a "sir" in the list a perk for prime ministers who are leaving office. Other knighthoods included Leave-supporting Conservative MPs Michael Fabricant and Conor Burns. Jacob Rees-Mogg has been rewarded with a knighthood (PA Wire) Damehoods were meanwhile dished out to Tory MPs Priti Patel and Andrea Jenkyns. Mr Johnson's list was delayed by months of back and forth with Rishi Sunak's government, which has to approve nominations. The list was released late on Friday - but some names, such as the of close ally Nadine Dorries, were missing. Ms Dorries had reportedly been in line for a peerage, but this never materialised, amid speculations that Mr Sunak had wanted to avoid a difficult by-election in her seat. MPs appointed as peers must resign their seat, though those given knighthood and damehoods do not. The Times reported earlier that Mr Sunak is hoping to clear the decks by signing off the awards, which are said to have been a source of contention between the two figures. Former home secretary Priti Patel has also been honoured by Boris Johnson (PA) Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused Mr Sunak of rewarding failure by allegedly giving the list the green light. The fact that one of the most scandal-ridden prime ministers is now allowed to stuff his cronies in the Lords after a failed premiership tells the British public everything they need to know about this Conservative Party, she said. Boris Johnson caused crisis after crisis in this country if Rishi Sunak rewards his failure its just proof it is one rule for the Conservatives and another for everyone else. The buck stops with Sunak he must ensure that Johnsons honours list is put through the shredder. Labour leader Keir Starmer suggested the Conservative Party leader was having to appease different bits of the governing party with his handling of the honours roll. Whether its Boris Johnsons WhatsApp messages, Boris Johnsons peerages, all the Prime Minister is doing is managing his own party instead of running the country, the Labour leader said during a visit to a steelworks in Scunthorpe. Mr Johnsons spokesman said: We strictly do not comment on honours. Close Moment MPs vote in favour of Partygate report finding Johnson misled parliament Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Tory civil war has grown more fractious as Zac Goldsmith hit out at misleading No 10 briefing over his scathing resignation, insisting that Rishi Sunak was wrong to claim he had refused to apologise over his Partygate comments. The outgoing environment minister claimed he was happy to apologise for remarks labelled disturbing by the privileges committee in their report alleging interference from 10 Tories during their investigation which found that Boris Johnson repeatedly lied to parliament. As he sought to get back on the front foot at a No 10 briefing outlining his plans for NHS reforms, Mr Sunak insisted the Tory peer had resigned after taking a different course when asked to apologise for his incompatible remarks despite No 10 insisting just hours earlier that he had the PMs confidence. But Lord Goldsmith opened up a new front of criticism for Mr Sunak as he countered the PMs claims of his refusal to apologise on Friday, insisting the Sunak governments lethargy on climate meant his resignation had been a long time coming. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rishi Sunak is facing a third by-election as fresh turmoil engulfed the Tories after another close Boris Johnson ally resigned from the Commons in an apparent revenge attack aimed at creating chaos for the prime minister. Capping a tumultuous 24 hours, Mr Johnsons friend Nigel Adams announced on Saturday that he was following the ex-PM and the former culture secretary Nadine Dorries in quitting parliament with immediate effect. Senior Tories told The Independent that Mr Johnson and his bitter associates are lashing out in an attempt to damage the Sunak administration, as some speculated that they could coordinate a string of by-elections this summer. But Sunak loyalists insist that the prime minister will be relieved at having a chance to draw a line under the Boris madness and reshape the party in his own image however harmful potential by-election losses could prove to be in the short term. Cabinet minister Michael Gove hit back after Mr Johnsons angry tirade, in which the former prime minister declared that Mr Sunak is not leading a properly Conservative government. Asked what a Tory government would look like, Mr Gove told an event hosted by Tortoise: The current one. The levelling-up secretary also defended the privileges committee, which is expected to hand Mr Johnson a suspension of more than 10 days, after the former PM described it as a kangaroo court. Mr Gove said: I think weve got to trust their judgement. In an explosive move set to escalate tensions further, the government published late on Saturday the list of new peers sent to the prime minister by the official body which vets appointments. Its shows that after it carried out its checks, key allies of Mr Johnsons including Ms Dorries were not on the list. At the same Mr Johnsons allies ramped up pressure on the prime minister.Former Tory party chairman Jake Berry asked who is in charge here The voters or the blob? as he tweeted: You voted for Boris Johnson - the establishment has forced him out. Mr Johnson was accused of Trumpian behaviour after claiming he was forced out by a witch-hunt, with both former allies and senior figures in his party accusing the ex-PM of disrespecting parliament and talking rubbish. The former Tory leader was warned he could face even more charges next week if the privileges committee thinks his narcissistic resignation statement amounts to contempt of parliament, while the opposition urged Mr Sunak to revoke Mr Johnsons resignation honours. The news of Mr Adamss exit on Saturday appeared to confirm speculation that Mr Johnson and his closest remaining allies could coordinate a series of by-elections. But some senior Conservatives said they were delighted at the meltdown in the Boris camp. Rishi Sunak hoping to draw a line under Boris madness, say allies (AFP/Getty) One senior Tory MP told The Independent: This is the grand finale of the Boris madness. Good riddance. There will be short-term pain, but then we can clear the decks after the by-elections and start afresh. I think Rishi will be pleased to get rid of him. The leading Conservative, who is close to Mr Sunak, said: Theres no coherent logic to [the resignations] he and Nadine are just spitting the dummy, lashing out to create chaos for Rishi. Its partly theyre bitter about the peerages, and also want to cause trouble if they were going to go anyway. Tory peer Gavin Barwell said that the three resignations in the last 24 hours were looking like a coordinated attempt to damage Mr Sunak and the government. Bridges well and truly burnt, the former No 10 chief of staff tweeted. The Johnson camp is thought to be angry at the removal of Ms Dorries and former climate minister Alok Sharma from the former PMs resignation list after they were lined up for peerages. No 10 was said to be desperate to avoid by-elections as it tries to claw back momentum. But Downing Street has insisted the list was accepted by Mr Sunak from the House of Lords Appointments Commission, and that it was passed on unamended to Buckingham Palace for final approval. A report in The Sunday Times said Mr Johnson had assured Ms Dorries that she would be on the honours list following a clear-the-air meeting with Mr Sunak last week, messaging Ms Dorries to tell her: Youre on it. Mr Johnson left the meeting apparently assured that his original list would be approved, including peerages for Ms Dorries, Mr Sharma and two Tory donors, David Ross and Stuart Marks all of whom were shorn from the final list. But Mr Sunak is said to have told Mr Johnson: I dont want you to leave this room thinking I have made you a promise. The authors of the privileges committee report that prompted Mr Johnsons resignation are now said to be contemplating a 20-day suspension, having told the former PM it would significantly exceed 10 days. According to The Sunday Times, the committee of MPs were convinced to impose a harsher punishment on Mr Johnson because of evidence submitted to the police about possible rule-breaking at Chequers, which was also shared with the group. Nigel Adams has revealed he is quitting parliament with immediate effect (PA) Sir Chris Bryant, a senior Labour MP, warned that Mr Johnsons narcissistic rant on Friday evening could land him in more trouble with the privileges committee. The committee is set to meet on Monday to discuss how quickly to publish the report on whether Mr Johnson lied to parliament over Partygate. The report still stands and will have to go to the House, Sir Chris told the BBC. They may want to conclude that there has been an additional contempt of parliament, by the way that Boris Johnson has behaved in the last 24 hours and in the attacks on the committee. Will Walden, a former chief of staff to Mr Johnson, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that his former boss knew he probably would lose a by-election if he was suspended for more than 10 days a punishment that would trigger a recall petition and potentially a fresh vote in his constituency. The former adviser added: So by going all guns blazing, he is able to avoid defeat; he is able to blame pretty much everyone else, including, it seems, anyone that voted Remain in 2016. Hes convinced by his own truth, in his own righteousness theres no apology, no taking responsibility. It all feels very Trumpian. Johnson loyalist Nadine Dorries also resigned as an MP on Friday (PA) Former minister David Davis said most Tory MPs were fairly sure [Mr Johnson] misled the house and that he would be facing serious punishment. He did so many, many times, and he did so knowing that these parties had occurred and hed been at some of them, he told GB News. Johnson ally Nadhim Zahawi moved quickly to quash the idea that he might be the next to resign, saying: Any speculation that I might be stepping down from my seat is untrue. Johnson loyalist Andrea Jenkyns tweeted: I am certainly NOT resigning. Meanwhile, veteran Brexit supporter and Boris ally Sir Bill Cash announced on Saturday that he would step down at the next election. It comes as Labour and the Lib Dems wasted no time capitalising on Tory woes by kicking off their by-election campaigns in Mr Johnsons Uxbridge constituency, where he had only a narrow majority over Labour. They also began campaigning in Ms Dorries Mid Bedfordshire seat, which has a Tory majority of 24,000. Labour finished in second place there in 2019. Mr Adams also has, on paper, a large majority of over 20,000 in Selby and Ainsty, where he finished ahead of Labour in 2019. But with the Tories lagging as far as 20 points behind in the polls, opposition parties are likely to regard the by-elections as a chance to deal a series of blows to the beleaguered government. Labours national campaign coordinator Shabana Mahmood denied there would be any pact with the Lib Dems to boost the chances of by-election victories. There are no conversations, she told Sky News. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also ruled out a formal pact with Labour. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The immediate resignations of Boris Johnson, Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams has left Rishi Sunak facing three imminent by-elections. And while his Conservative government command healthly majorities in Ms Dorries Mid Bedfordshire and Mr Adams Selby and Ainsty constituencies, the situation is far more precarious in the former prime ministers seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Despite leading his party to an 80-seat majority in 2019 with the Get Brexit Done slogan, Mr Johnson - who blamed his departure on a witch hunt over the Partygate scandal - only won his seat by 7,210 votes. Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have made no secret of their desire to win the Greater London seat - and Sir Keir Starmer could well take it if his partys 23-point poll lead materialises. How far, if at all, this poll lead will eat into support for the Tories in Ms Dorries and Mr Adams true-blue constituency - where they both won by more than 20,000 votes in 2019 - remains to be seen. And after Mr Johnson said he was leaving parliament at least for now, it has even been speculated that he could return to stand as a candidate in his former culture secretarys old seat. As both MPs launched blistering attacks on Mr Sunaks government, The Independent has taken a look at how the Tories odds fair in the looming polls. Boris Johnson - Uxbridge and South Ruislip Uxbridge and South Ruislip has been held by Mr Johnson since May 2015 and the Conservative Party since its creation in 2010. Before this, its predecessors - Uxbridge and Ruislip-Northwood - had been held by the Tories for decades. In the 2019 Conservative landslide, the then-prime minister held the seat by winning 25,351 votes. This gave him a majority of 7,210 based on a 68.5% on an electorate of 70,365. Mr Johnsons majority was relatively modest compared with some ultra-safe Tory and Labour seats where MPs can command majorities of over 20,000 votes. Nadine Dorries was a strong backer of Mr Johnson throughout his premiership (PA) In the 2019 poll, Labour - led by Jeremy Corbyn - won 18,141 votes, equating to 37.6% of the turnout, through its candidate Ali Milani. Liberal Democrat candidate Joanne Humphreys was in third with 3,026 (6.3%) votes, while Mark Keir came fourth for the Greens with 1,090 (2.3%) ballots cast in his favour. Labour has already selected Camden councillor Danny Beales to represent it in the ward in the upcoming poll. Shabana Mahmood, Labours campaign coordinator, told Sky News: Boris Johnsons handling of the last 24 hours speaks for itself. This is not a man who is about anything other than Boris Johnson and frankly, the sooner everybody stops giving him limelight and attention that he clearly craves the better. Mr Johnson blamed a witchunt on his decision to leave parliament (PA Wire) What we care about is the voters of Uxbridge, he has shown disdain for the voters of Uxbridge, but Danny Beales as a Labour candidate and future MP for Uxbridge will put the people of Uxbridge first, he will be fighting for them in Parliament, thats what the people here need and that is singularly what Boris Johnson has always failed to do. Despite this, recent polling by former Tory donor Lord Ashcroft predicted that Mr Johnson would win a byelection. Writing on his blog on Thursday, he speculated on the likelihood of a poll being held if Mr Johnson was suspended after being found to have misled parliament over the Partygate scandal, a byelection was called and he decided to stand in it for the Conservatives. He said: Our survey of the Uxbridge & South Ruislip seat completed on Friday suggests he would win a by-election tomorrow with 50% of the vote, with Labours Danny Beales on 33% and Liberal Democrat Blaise Baquiche a distant third on 6%, a single point ahead of the Greens. Bookies Ladbrokes currently have Labour as 1/10 favourites to win the constituency, with the Conservatives in second place on 6/1. Alex Apati, from the firm, said "the odds suggest it would take nothing short of a miracle at this point for Labour not to win the upcoming poll. Nadine Dorries - Mid Bedfordshire Ms Dorries has always enjoyed a significant majority since she was elected in 2005, winning it by 24,664 votes at the last general election. This mammoth lead saw her earn nearly 60% of the vote - almost tripling the percentage of the turnout won by Labour candidate Rhiannon Meades (21.7%) when she had 14,028 ballots cast in her favour in 2019. The Lib Dems were a distant third with 8,171 (12.6%), while the Greens lagged even further behind on 3.8% of the turnout with 2,478 votes. Prior to her tenure, the seat - and its various guises - have returned Conservative MPs exclusively since 1931. Ms Dorries has represented Mid Bedfordshire since 2005 (PA) Despite this mountain to climb, Labour went on the offensive this morning - claiming that only it can win the seat. Rachel Hopkins - an MP for the nearby constituency of Luton South - shared a polling graph which claimed her party was only two points behind the Conservatives in the area and therefore voting for the Liberal Democrats would make no sense. She wrote: Labour is the only party that could beat the Conservatives in #MidBeds And writing on its Facebook page, Mid Beds Labour said: Ours is a wonderful constituency, but Nadine Dorries has not 'served' us or even been present at all. Its time for a Labour MP who will care about the people of Mid Beds, defend our public services, especially our NHS and schools, and listen to local communities. A piece on The Polling Report claimed that even with the current state of polling, based on a Uniform National Swing, it looks like it could well stay in Tory hands. This is down to tactical voting placing a large part in recent byelections oustings, it said. However, this is not so clear cut in Mid Bedfordshire which made lead to the opposition vote being split. It went on to say that while a Conservative loss is more than possible, it may well depend on how well opposition parties can co-operate. Nigel Adams - Selby and Ainsty Known as the former prime ministers Mr Fixit, Mr Adams has represented the constituency in the Yorkshire and The Humber since 2010. Over the decades ensuing elections, the staunch Johnson loyalist and former party whip returned solid majorities over 10,000 and he appeared to enjoy bumper support during the 2019 election - as much of Labours Red Wall fell to the Tories. In its previous guise - when it was simply called Selby - the seat went the way of the governing party at every election from its creation in 1983. This saw it remain a Labour marginal throughout the Blair and Brown years - with their majority gradually cut to less than 500 votes by the 2005 election before it was flipped in 2010. Now that the Tories majority has grown to 20,137 it represents a significant challenge for Labour to overturn. But as the news broke, the constituencys branch appeared to be ready to contest the poll. Matt Burton, its secretary, tweeted: Bring on the by-election. Whether Sir Keir party realises its ambition remains to be seen. Website Polling Report predicted that the Conservatives would win a by-election - although they would lose about 15% of their vote - the majority of which would go to Labour. It believes that the Liberal Democrats would be in third with around 8% and the Green in fourth on 6%. 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 UK is facing a dangerous teacher shortage as the recruitment crisis in the sector deepens, headteachers have told The Independent. Figures this week show teacher vacancies in English schools have doubled in the past two years as falling pay and conditions make recruitment increasingly difficult. Headteachers have now warned the situation has only deteriorated further since the statistics which run until last November were collected. Daniel Leonard, headteacher at West Hatch High School in Essex, said it was getting worse year after year. It is a worrying state of affairs. There seems to be fewer people in the system, more people leaving, and more experienced staff getting out earlier than they might have previously. And it is dangerous, because it is going to impact massively on the kids. Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis Charitable Trust, which runs 52 schools across England, said the problem was not new this summer and was still getting worse. And Benedick Ashmore-Short, chief executive of The Park Academies Trust (TPAT) said the recruitment situation for both primary and secondary teachers had been significantly worse this school year. Sam Freedman, a former adviser to Michael Gove as education secretary, said recruitment is the worst it has ever been (Alamy/PA) The latest government figures show 2,300 teacher vacancies up from 1,098 just two years earlier. But the Times Educational Supplement showed almost 7,500 unfilled roles on Thursday, a week after the deadline for teachers to resign while giving their school time to find a replacement. This means many roles will have to be filled by supply teachers while some subjects will be taught by non-subject specialists. Recruitment is a particularly difficult problem for schools, as training teachers takes at least a year. The number of new entrants to Initial Teacher Training (ITT) has fallen from 40,377 in 2020-21, to just 28,991 last year, just 71 per cent of the governments target, official figures show. Its target for maths, biology and chemistry were all missed. For computing, just 30 per cent of the governments target was achieved while in physics that figure was just 17 per cent. The governments targets were exceeded in classics, drama, history and physical education. Sam Freedman, a former adviser to Michael Gove as education secretary and senior fellow at the Institute for Government, told The Independent recruitment is the worst it has ever been. The figures are terrible this year, he added. When graduates are looking at new jobs, teaching is paying less relative to other jobs than it was and that inevitably is going to have an effect over time. Four teaching unions the National Education Union, NASUWT, ASCL and NAHT are piling pressure on the government to improve pay in the sector. The NEU and NASUWT have staged widespread industrial action while the two main headteacher organisations NAHT and ASCL are balloting members on possible strikes. Mr Freedman pointed to pay as a reason for terrible recruitment figures, due to both people leaving the teaching profession prematurely, or not training to become one in the first place. He said the big perk of working from home available in other jobs had put people off. Pay for teachers has been deteriorating relative to other jobs since 2010, according to the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER). Mr Leonard, who is also chairperson of the Association of Secondary Headteachers in Essex, said schools are facing a pigs ear. He described schools having to consider increasing class sizes and cutting subjects such as foreign languages, design and technology and computing while pupils are taught by non-specialists in key areas such as maths and science. If you cant recruit, what do you do? Do you put all the students in a hall and teach in groups of 60 or 70? he said. Dr Patrick Roach, from the NASUWT, described the scale of the crisis as unprecedented as he blamed rates of pay and soaring levels of workload, while Dr Mary Bousted, from the NEU, said annual teacher training targets are routinely missed, even when those targets are reduced. Mr Chalke, from Oasis, accused the government of shortsightedness, adding: The pay and conditions are a real issue but training is also a problem. He said teachers are well prepared to deliver lessons, but many are driven out of the job by a lack of training around how to deal with children especially amid a growing mental health crisis among pupils. Mr Ashmore-Short, chief executive of TPAT, said incentives were increasingly used to attract teachers for both primaries and secondary schools: Teachers offered jobs are now routinely requesting golden handshakes, relocation packages and higher starting salaries. We are also seeing teachers accept jobs only to renege if a better offer comes along this has never traditionally been the case in the profession. This competition will drive up average salaries, particularly in shortage subjects, and lead to systemic pay inequity. And Turner Schools chief executive Seamus Murphy said: We are seeing primary and secondary schools struggling to recruit maths, science, and English teachers. We always review class sizes across our schools, and as a result of recruitment pressures, we have increased class numbers in one of our primaries to above 30 pupils for the first time. Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said the discontent among teachers is much wider than simply pay. Theres a sense in which teachers feel that support in school has been stripped away from them, she said. The recruitment and retention crisis is about support staff as well as about teachers, and the challenges with which they have to deal are being made worse and worse by the wider problems with our economy and society outside the school gate. A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: Since 2010 weve increased the number teachers working in state-funded schools by 24,000, now totalling more than 465,000. Almost 9 in 10 teachers who qualified in 2020 were still teaching one year after qualification, and just over two thirds of teachers who started teaching five years ago are still teaching. We want to continue bringing great people into teaching and have bursaries worth up to 27,000 tax-free and scholarships worth up to 29,000 tax-free, to attract talented trainees in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing. 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 UK will provide an extra 16 million of humanitarian aid to Ukraine after a dam collapsed in the south of the country. Flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam near Kherson has directly affected 32,000 people. Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up the dam. The money consists of 10 million for the Red Cross Movement, 5 million for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and 1 million for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders will be given to the war-torn country and are expected to arrive there next week. Funding will support organisations that are helping people affected by the floods with rapid response equipment, shelter and essential supplies, as well as in areas affected by fighting and communities who have been displaced. The money will also help the response to ongoing impacts from flooding including waterborne infectious diseases, loss of livelihoods and risks from landmines. Our funding is playing a vital role in helping Ukrainian services and aid organisations evacuate people and get help to those in need Foreign Secretary James Cleverly The announcement comes as water levels in Kherson continue to rise, with flooding spreading to other towns along the Dnipro River. Its effects are expected to last for weeks and leave many in need of food, water and basic supplies. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: Flooding from the destruction of Kakhovka dam is having an untold impact on over 32,000 people living in Kherson, and thousands more in the surrounding area. The UK is leading the way in providing support to those desperately in need. Our funding is playing a vital role in helping Ukrainian services and aid organisations evacuate people and get help to those in need. We will continue to stand by Ukraine in dealing with this terrible incident. The money is on top of 220 million of existing humanitarian support which is allowing organisations such as the Ukraine Red Cross to help evacuate civilians affected by the flooding. Alongside this, the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine has already delivered two specialist rescue boats, search and rescue equipment and trauma medicine to Kherson to assist the ongoing rescue operations by the State Emergency Services. The UK has already given Ukraine 1.5 billion in economic and humanitarian support since the war began, the Government said. The money has paid for the delivery of more than 11 million medical items as well as food supplies, ambulances and shelter kits. Earlier this week the Foreign Secretary visited Ukraine to highlight the UKs unwavering support for the country and its recovery. While there he met President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and discussed how best the UK will continue to support Ukraine against Russias aggression. The UK is also set to host the Ukraine Recovery Conference later this month, which will bring governments and industry leaders together to develop a concerted multi-sector plan to help Ukraine to recover from Russias illegal invasion. 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 }} Four children who survived a plane crash have been found alive after being lost in the Colombian jungle for 40 days, according to the countrys president. Gustavo Petro announced that the four siblings who disappeared after a plane they were on went down in the Amazon rainforest had survived their ordeal and were receiving medical treatment. A joy for the whole country! The 4 children who were lost 40 days ago in the Colombian jungle appeared alive, Mr Petro tweeted on Friday. The president said the youngsters, who were found alone, are an example of survival and predicted their saga will remain in history. The siblings 13-year-old Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy, nine-year-old Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy, four-year-old Tien Noriel Ronoque Mucutuy, and 11-month-old Cristin Neriman Ranoque Mucutuy were travelling in a Cessna 206 plane when it crashed on 1 May near the Guaviare province. Their mother Magdalena Mucutuy, the planes pilot, died in the accident but the children were nowhere to be found, according to the Colombian Air Force. Una alegria para todo el pais! Aparecieron con vida los 4 ninos que estaban perdidos hace 40 dias en la selva colombiana. pic.twitter.com/cvADdLbCpm Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) June 9, 2023 Days into the initial search Mr Petro announced that the minors had been located and were in good health. But hours later, he walked back that assertion, clarifying that the Air Force and indigenous communities had established contact with the children, but that their location remained unknown. Ms Mucutuy was travelling with her children to Bogota to meet her husband Manuel Ranoque and start a new life together. A soldier stands in front of the wreckage of a Cessna C206 that crashed in the jungle of Solano in the Caqueta state of Colombia in May According to El Tiempo, Mr Ranoque, who is related to a local political leader, previously lived in the indigenous reserve of Puerto Sabalo with his family. Scenes from the Amazon rescue attempts (Aeronautica Civil de Colombia ) He had to flee the community on foot after receiving threats from crime groups operating in the area. Mr Ranoque completed his odyssey through the jungle and eventually arrived in Bogota. Magdalena mucutuy died in the crash. Her four children survived, says the countrys president (OPIAC Amazonia/Twitter) He reportedly found a job and saved money for a month and a half to afford his familys transport from their remote community to the Colombian capital. The search for the children has captivated Colombia during the 40 days since they vanished after surviving the crash. Mr Petro told reporters that the children were alone when they were found, according to the AP. On 1 May, the plane carrying six passengers in addition to the pilot suffered an engine failure and declared an emergency. After the plane fell off the radar, the search for any survivors started. The plane wasnt found until two weeks later on 16 May in the rainforest. The remains of the three adults on the plane were located, but the children werent there. The Colombian armed forces flew 150 soldiers with dogs to the area to search for the siblings with dozens of volunteers from Indigenous tribes also joining the search efforts. As they searched in areas with low visibility because of the forest and mist, soldiers in helicopters dropped boxes of food into the jungle for the children to hopefully find. At night, planes fired flares to help ground crews search, and megaphones were used with a recording by the childrens grandmother telling them to stay in one place. At one point, rumours emerged concerning the childrens location and Mr Petro tweeted on 18 May that they had been found but soon deleted the message, saying that he had been misinformed by one of the government agencies. The children were travelling with their mother from Araracuara, a village in the Amazon, to San Jose del Guaviare, a small city on the outskirts of the rainforest. The children are a part of the Huitoto people, with officials saying that the oldest siblings have a level of understanding of how to survive in the forest. The president said on Friday following the finding of the children that for a time he thought that they had been rescued by one of the nomadic tribes that still travel through the jungle with little interaction with the authorities. During the search, signs that the children were alive appeared, including footprints, a baby bottle, diapers, and fruit with what appeared to be human bite marks. The jungle saved them, Mr Petro said, according to the AP. They are children of the jungle, and now they are also children of Colombia. 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 }} Nine people were wounded in a shooting in San Francisco that police described as targeted and isolated. The shooting took place on Friday evening in the Mission District. The authorities have signalled that all those injured are likely to survive, according to CBS News. Police responded to the shooting after 9pm in the area close to 24th Street and Treat Avenue. After 11pm, police said that several people had been taken to hospital and that all of them were set to survive. The authorities said that since the shooting appeared to have been isolated, there was no further threat to the public. The shooting took place at a community block party, according to KTVU. Witnesses said it was a drive-by shooting. The ages of the victims ranged from 19 to 35, with one individuals age being unknown. The victims, most of whom are in their 20s, have varying degrees of injuries from non-life threatening to life-threatening, SFPD Investigations Deputy Chief Raj Vaswani said, according to KTVU. An aide to Supervisor Hillary Ronen, Santiago Lerma, said that one victim was in surgery. Mr Lerma said that four people were receiving treatment for minor injuries. He added that he heard gunshots and spotted ambulances arrive. I was about 10 feet away with my three-month-old son about an hour before this happened. This is an outlier. This is a very safe neighbourhood generally, he said, according to the local TV station. He added that he often walks around the area along with his family. So do many other people, so were very concerned about this incident. We want there to be a resolution. Ariana Blea was at the block party when the shooting occurred. She said she ran down the street with her 13-year-old nephew to get away, adding that one of her friends was wounded. If anyone was doing that whos watching this right now we got kids there, our family, people we love and even a person I know got shot. I dont know where they got shot, but they got shot and they got sent to the hospital. You know, you cant do that when kids are around, she told KTVU. Ms Blea said she is a resident of the area and that she saw people bleeding on the ground, with one person holding their bloodied head. Theres no information regarding a possible suspect or about the vehicle that was used. 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 }} Theodore Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, has died in federal prison aged 81, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons told The Associated Press. Kaczynski was found unresponsive in his cell at 12.25am on 10 June in a federal prison in North Carolina. The cause of death was not immediately known but four people familiar with the matter told the AP on Sunday that he died by suicide. They were not authorised to publicly discuss his death and spoke on condition of anonymity. Responding staff and emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures before he was pronounced dead by hospital staff. He was serving life without the possibility of parole following his 1996 arrest at the primitive cabin where he was living in western Montana. Kaczynski pleaded guilty to setting 16 explosions that killed three people and injured 23 others, maiming some permanently, in various parts of the US for 17 years between 1978 and 1995. He had been moved to the federal prison medical facility in December 2021 after spending more than two decades in a federal Supermax prison in Colorado for the series of bombings that targeted scientists. The deadly bombs were homemade and sent through the mail some targeted airlines by including altitude sensors to trigger an explosion mid-flight. An early altitude-triggered bomb went off as planned on an American Airlines flight in 1979 with a dozen people suffering from smoke inhalation as a result. One threat to blow up a plane out of Los Angeles in 1995 over the July 4th holiday weekend almost completely shut down air travel on the west coast. He later claimed it was a prank. Kaczynski was nicknamed the Unabomber because his early targets appeared to consist of universities and airlines. Those killed by him were computer rental store owner Hugh Scrutton, advertising executive Thomas Mosser and timber industry lobbyist Gilbert Murray. California geneticist Charles Epstein and Yale University computer expert David Gelernter were maimed by bombs two days apart in June 1993. A Harvard-trained mathematician, he railed against advanced technology. His 35,000-word manifesto, Industrial Societ and Its Future, was published by The Washington Post and The New York Times in September 1995. Its publication was backed by federal agencies as he had said he would desist from his campaign of terrorism if it received a national audience. His writing was recognised by his brother David Kaczynski and his sister-in-law, Linda Patrik, who turned him in to the FBI, ending one of the longest and costliest manhunts in US history. When authorities closed in on Kaczynski at his cabin outside Lincoln, Montana, they found it filled with journals, a coded diary, explosive ingredients, and two completed bombs. In prison, he was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic whose delusions were mostly persecutory in nature and revolved around being maligned and harassed by family members and modern society. Kaczynski hated the idea of being seen as mentally ill and pleaded guilty to avoid his lawyers presenting an insanity defence. With reporting from the Associated Press 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 }} Newly released top secret FBI files on Ivana Trump have sealed confusion over her immigration status before she became a US citizen. The second batch of documents related to Donald Trumps first wife, who died in 2022, detail the Bureaus efforts to establish which country she was a citizen of before coming to the US. A first batch of documents released earlier this year stated that the FBI had opened a preliminary inquiry into Ivana Trump in March 1989 because of her ties to then-Communist Czechoslovakia. The file was closed in 1991 because the Bureau had no outstanding leads but the latest batch of documents show that agents believed there were inconsistencies, reported The Daily Beast. A document marked 5 October 1989, states that Ivanas Immigration and Naturalization Service file was fraught with inconsistencies regarding dates of residence, schooling and employments. In the file, a letter from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, states that she told them she studied at Charles University in Prague until 1973, then moved to Quebec until 1977. Agents wrote that There is no mention of any time spent in Austria and added that Nowhere else in her INS file is there any indication of ever having attended Charles University. The Bureau later confirmed that Ivana had received a masters degree in physical education from the university in 1972. Ivana reportedly married Austrian ski instructor Alfred Winklmayr to gain an Austrian passport so that she could leave Czechoslovakia for Canada. And her switch of nationalities raised eyebrows at the Bureau. In addition to the inconsistencies of her whereabouts, there exists the continual changing of her citizenship, the document added. While still married to (redacted) and presumably still living in Austria, she became a citizen of Austria in 1972. One year after her marriage to Trump, she became a Canadian citizen. And, 5 months after that she became a permanent resident of the US. 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 }} The Army veteran who helped take down the Club Q shooter during the November massacre in Colorado Springs will be honoured on Sunday as the grand marshal of the citys Pride parade, riding in his El Camino truck with his wife, daughter and friends hed been socializing with on that tragic night while remembering the sixth, fallen member of their group. Richard Fierro, 46, a Colorado Springs brewery owner, was in Club Q on November 19 for a drag performance with his wife, Jess; their daughter, Kassandra, and her boyfriend, Raymond Green Vance; and two other friends. When a shooter opened fire in the venue, Mr Fierros 15 years in the US Army including combat experience kicked in back on civilian soil. He helped tackle the heavily-armed Anderson Lee Aldrich to the ground and continued to subdue the shooter until officers arrived. Before Aldrich was disarmed, more than a dozen were wounded, and five were killed including Mr Vance, just 22. Mr Fierro, his wife and daughter will be sitting in the back of the El Camino for the Pikes Peak Pride parade on Sunday, their two surviving friends from that terrifying night driving the vehicle. Richard Fierro consoles his daughter Kassandra on 22 November at a memorial for her boyfriend who was fatally shot during a mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs (Getty Images) For us, that truck, well have all five of us in there and knowing that the sixth person that we lost [wont be there,] thats the group that went and we kind of wanted to do that as part of the parade, Mr Fierro tells The Independent. When he was asked to be the Grand Marshal a few months ago, he was brought to tears, he says. For a community to open their arms to someone thats not necessarily in the community adjacent or an ally, whatever you want to call it but for them to open their arms to me, when so many right now are closing their arms to them ... that was a beautiful, beautiful thing, he says. So to me, that was what was most touching. Following Mr Fierros actions in November, he was invited to attend the State of the Union address in February and received the 2023 Single Act of Heroism award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society the next month. Mr Fierro and his wife, who opened Atrevida Beer Company in 2018, have always founded their business on inclusivity and celebrated Pride, he says but this year is far different. Raymond Green Vance. (Colorado Springs Police Department) Im blown away by the stories Ive heard ... I already thought I knew what was going on in the LGBTQ community, but I didnt, he tells The Independent. And hearing the stories of these kids, its still just as hard as it was back in the 80s and 90s, when I was watching my friends go through this. So its interesting, he adds. I thought there was a lot of progress and then it seems like its starting to go backwards again. And I hate to see that. The Colorado Springs community has received outpourings of support since the November shooting, and Mr Fierro says that he thankfully has not witnessed hateful behavior towards others in his everyday life but he knows its out there, and growing. Fierro poses with his wife in Washington DC, where he was attending the State of the Union after subduing the gunman during Novembers Club Q attack in his hometown (Richard Fierro) I have seen nothing but positive folks, and folks that are not part of the [LGBTQ} community just say, Thanks for doing that for Colorado Springs folks. Thats kind of where its at, and I think thats a good thing, he says. Online is a whole other nightmare, but I dont pay attention to it ... I dont see any of the crazy stuff. So, for me, its not a thing; my wife and daughter do deal with it a lot, but thats because theyre on all the social media stuff, and thats part of it. The media kind of projects what the feeling is across the country, with certain attitudes and laws being passed, he says, referring to more conservative regulations passing in states such as Texas and Florida. And yeah, I mean, thats bad, but I cant change any of that, so I focus on whats in front of me, and thats the people that Im around and then Im surrounded by my customers and folks that I see in the store, and I just try and say hi and be friendly, because at the end of the day, thats really all we can do. And hopefully that keeps people from doing something crazy. This booking photo provided by the Colorado Springs, Colo., Police Department shared via Twitter shows Anderson Lee Aldrich. (Colorado Springs Police Department) Mr Fierro never expected to see that level of violence and disregard for human life at home in Colorado Springs, far from the war zones where he served with the US military. I tried and thought I had managed everything from my Army experience, because youve got to move forward, and I sought all the treatment, and I was pleased with where I was at prior to the Club Q shooting, he says. And then when it happened, it kind of scared the crap out of me, that I was going to go back to how I was. A makeshift memorial to Club Q victims was constructed in Colorado Springs following the November attack near the shooting site (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) So I went right back into treatment, and I feel like Im managing it, he says. But you never know. Its a forever change. This kind of stuff is not normal, and I dont care how many times it happens, till it happens to you, its the worst thing that you can ever go through. I didnt think Id ever have to go home, on a daily basis, to folks that I went to combat with, right? We go to war, and we come back, and we all go our separate ways, and we still stay in contact, but I dont have to come home and lay in bed with somebody who I went through combat with and now thats how me and my wife are, and my daughters there with us, too. Their family, and the wider Colorado Springs community, continues to heal, he says and the citys Pride festival, 29 weekends after the devastating Club Q horror, hopes to stand as a visible sign of that progress. Its a mark of kind of a restart, Mr Fierro tells The Independent. I think this is a good moment for everybody to come out, show support, let the LGBTQ community in the Springs know that theyre welcome, that nobody has hate for them, and were all safe again. Weve got to keep that mentality, because, at the end of the day, you cant always fear. You have to get to live in the present. So thats the goal. -Global Times - On June 8, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published an "exclusive report" citing anonymous US officials, stating that China agreed to pay cash-strapped Cuba several billion dollars to allow it to build an eavesdropping station. To understand what this news means to Washington, which has become so sensitive about China-related issues, we can refer to the "Chinese made cranes," "corn factories," and "balloon incident" that the US hyped up earlier this year. The nature of these events is somewhat similar, though the severity cannot be compared with the "Cuban eavesdropping station," but they have all caused a stir in the US. Cuba is only about 160 kilometers from Florida. If China really builds surveillance facilities there, will Washington's politicians still be able to sleep? The WSJ called it "a brash new geopolitical challenge by Beijing to the US," which immediately reminded people of the most dangerous moment of the Cold War - the Cuban missile crisis. Other US media outlets quickly followed suit, and the members of Congress who have made being anti-China their political careers also took action. The US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence issued a joint statement solemnly stating that building a spy base will pose a "serious threat to our national security and sovereignty." As a result, the tension suddenly increased, and these people obviously wanted to escalate the situation. John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, said before the WSJ article was published that he couldn't comment on the details of the report, but stated that the US was monitoring the situation and taking steps. After the article was published, Kirby clearly stated that "this report is not accurate," so there were obvious contradictions. The Pentagon also said that the media reports are "not accurate." To be honest, the denials by the White House and the Pentagon were somewhat surprising. It may be that the quality of the WSJ's information is so poor that officials cannot publicly endorse it. Cuba stated that the article was "totally mendacious and unfounded information," and China pointed out that "spreading rumors and slander" is a common tactic of "hacker empire" the US. The WSJ is a habitual and repeat offender when it comes to spreading rumors about China. Not long ago, it created a major international rumor by saying that China proposed recognizing the "occupied territories of Ukraine as part of Russia." Because it was so absurd, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba immediately refuted the claim and clarified it. There are many such examples. However, not only does the WSJ not take responsibility or pay the price for these false accusations, it instead thrives in stirring American public opinion and goes further down the road of spreading rumors. It is hard to believe that there was no US official tolerance, encouragement, or feeding of these rumors. People suspect that this is a case of one person playing the good guy and the other playing the bad guy. In fact, rumors have become a handy tool and weapon for the US to contain and suppress China, and they are very cheap. These rumors and hype often appeared at a moment when a turning point in China-US relations seems imminent. Just as the US media revealed that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken might visit China in the next week or two, the WSJ's rumors came out, as was the case with the "balloon incident" in February. This once again made people realize that there is a force, a black hand, secretly causing damage to bilateral relations and pushing the two countries toward confrontation. When the US government uses rumors, rumors in turn also manipulate and influence the US government. The reason why the White House and the Pentagon refuted the story this time may be because they are afraid that if the rumors are allowed to ferment, they will lose control and become passive. However, the US government's ability to control this dark political force is becoming weaker and weaker. From this incident, it can also be seen how difficult it is to bring the US back to a normal and rational state of understanding toward China. In fact, the US has been carrying out activities such as global surveillance, building military bases near China's territory, and conducting close reconnaissance along China's coast in recent years. After the false news that "China is building an eavesdropping station in Cuba" came out, some American scholars even said that China is prepared to do the same in America. This is very ironic. If those lawmakers who get nervous and lose sleep at any sign of "China wanting to cause trouble near the US" can show a little empathy and think about how the US' actions would make Chinese people feel, China-US relations would not have reached the current difficult situation. The US has repeatedly expressed its hope of avoiding conflict and confrontation with China, but if something goes wrong internally every time there is a sign of an easing in bilateral relations, then this has become a major uncertainty that China-US relations face, and it is also a huge risk that the US cannot avoid. The WSJ has become a professional rumormonger against China, which is not only a media outlet degrading itself, but also a footnote to the pathological environment in Washington. 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 man whose wife died while parasailing in the Florida Keys last year has spoken out for the first time since the tragic accident. Thirty-three-year-old Supraja Alaparthi was killed after her body was dragged across the water and slammed into a bridge while strapped into a parasail. Alparthi and her family were visiting the Keys from their home in a suburb outside Chicago. Her young son and nephew were also injured during the June 2022 incident, as her husband Srinivasrao Alaparthi and other family members watched from a boat. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigated the crash last year, according to The Associated Press, and found that the boat captain, Daniel Gavin Couch, cut the line holding Alaparthi and the two boys because the parasail was dragging in high winds from a sudden summer storm. Whatever he was doing, it was concerning for all of us. I didnt exactly see when he cut the rope, Mr Alaparthi told ABCs Good Morning America in an exclusive interview aired on Wednesday. [It was a] terrifying and horrible moment. Mr Couch was charged by Florida authorities in September with manslaughter in the crash. He has pleaded not guilty. According to Pedro Echarte, an attorney representing Mr Alaparthi, family members told employees they would come back the next day if the weather prevented parasailing but were reassured it would be okay to go on with the activities. There were so many opportunities for them to stop this from happening but yet, theres failure, after failure, after failure, Mr Echarte told GMA. Supraja Alaparthi (second from right) was killed while parasailing last year (indiatoday.in) Dont rely upon the signage. Dont rely upon the websites, Mr Echarte advised. Ask questions. What are your policies? What are your procedures? What type of safety equipment [do] you have? If it doesnt smell right, if it doesnt seem right, dont go. The grieving family is now suing the captain, a crew member and a Florida resort company that owns the marina where the boat was based. Last June, the family filed a separate wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit against the boat company. Srinivasrao Alaparthi, whose wife was killed in the Florida Keys after being dragged across the water while strapped into a parasail Mr Alparthi told reporters that his family continues to grapple with the loss of his wife one day at a time. Having fun is not worth the cost of life. There should be enough safety measures, he told GMA. Otherwise, they will end up in a miserable situation. 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 }} GOP Representative Clay Higgins appeared to call for an insurrection following the announcement that Donald Trump would face a second set of indictments stemming from his possession of sensitive documents following his presidency. On Thursday evening, Mr Trump announced on Truth Social that he would face indictment a second time making him the first president ever to face federal charges in the wake of the Mar-a-Lago raid by the FBI. After the announcement, Mr Higgins, a GOP congressman from Louisiana and a former law enforcement officer, issued a strange tweet responding to the news. "President Trump said he has 'been summoned to appear at the Federal Courthouse in Miami on Tuesday, at 3 PM.' This is a perimeter probe from the oppressors. Hold. rPOTUS has this," he wrote. "Buckle up. 1/50K know your bridges. Rock steady calm. That is all." Mr Higgins has previously referred to Mr Trump as "rPOTUS," and Joe Biden as "iPOTUS." QuacksAnonymous, a researcher on Twitter who follows right-wing extremist spaces, told The Independent that the "rPOTUS" abbreviation was originally used by resistance Democrats when referring to Mr Trump with "r" standing for Russian but was later co-opted by conservatives who do not accept the results of the 2020 election, now using the "r" to stand for "real." It is unclear what "iPOTUS" refers to with regard to Mr Biden, though it may mean "imposter" when considering the meaning behind "rPOTUS." More troubling though is his comment regarding bridges. Clay Higgins issued a cryptic tweet following Donald Trumps second indictment that some experts interpreted as a call for insurrection (REUTERS) The Washington Post's Will Sommer who has authored a book on QAnon and previously hosted a podcast focused on esoteric right-wing grievance culture was baffled by the tweet and asked for assistance parsing the language. Any ideas on what '1/50k know your bridges' means, besides literally knowing your local bridges? Not something Ive encountered before, Sommer asked on Twitter. Jeff Sharlet, the author of The Undertow: Scenes From a Slow Civil War, a New York Times bestselling book about US militia movements, provided Sommer with an answer. "Deep scary: 1/50 k refers to military scale maps & publicly available US Geological Survey maps of areas mostly surrounding military installations," he wrote. "This isnt a metaphor. This isnt slow civil war. This is a congressman calling for the real thing." Mr Sharlet admitted that "I think this is scary as hell." He also theorised that rPOTUS means real POTUS in Mr Higgins usage. The alarming response prompted Twitter users to ask Mr Sharlet for his intepretation of Mr Higgins tweet. Prepare for war. Know your bridges is militia speak for closing them down. County level insurrection, Mr Sharlet replied. Former New Jersey Democratic Representative Tom Malinkowski, who served at the same time as Mr Higgins, called the congressman "dangerous" and "unhinged" after the comment. "Most of this guy's House GOP colleagues know he's dangerous and unhinged," Mr Malinkowski wrote. "But they tolerate him. That is all." The Independent has reached out to Mr Higgins for comment. This is the second time in as many months that Mr Higgins has made headlines. Last month he grabbed and shoved an activist who was shouting questions at Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and other GOP lawmakers during an outdoor press conference in Washington DC. Mr Higgins was caught on video grabbing the man's shirt and forcefully shoving him backward. He then kept the man grappled until police arrived and separated the two. He offered a response peppered with law enforcement lingo following the incident. "Activist was a 103M. Threatening. He was escorted out and turned over to Capitol Police. Textbook," Mr Higgins wrote in a tweet. "103M" is police radio code for a "mentally disturbed individual. 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 }} Former President Donald Trumps indictment on charges of mishandling classified documents is set to play out in a federal court in Florida. But hundred of miles away, part of Trumps defense is well underway in a different venue the halls of Congress, where Republicans have been preparing for months to wage an aggressive counter-offensive against the Justice Department. The federal indictment against Trump, unsealed Friday, includes 37 counts, including allegations that the former president intentionally possessed classified documents, showed them off to visitors, willfully defied Justice Department demands to return them and made false statements to federal authorities about them. The evidence details Trump's own words and actions as recounted by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses. The Republican campaign to discredit federal prosecutors skims over the substance of those charges, which were brought by a grand jury in Florida. GOP lawmakers are instead working, as they have for several years, to foster a broader argument that law enforcement and President Joe Biden are conspiring against the former president and possible Republican nominee for president in 2024. Today is indeed a dark day for the United States of America, tweeted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, soon after Trump said on his social media platform Thursday night that an indictment was coming. McCarthy blamed Biden, who has declined to comment on the case and said he is not at all involved in the Justice Departments decisions. McCarthy called it a grave injustice and said that House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable. Republican lawmakers in the House have already laid extensive groundwork for the effort to defend Trump since taking the majority in January. A near constant string of hearings featuring former FBI agents, Twitter executives and federal officials have sought to paint the narrative of a corrupt government using its powers against Trump and the right. A GOP-led House subcommittee on the weaponization of government is probing the Justice Department and other government agencies, while at the same time Republicans are investigating Bidens son Hunter Biden. Its a sad day for America, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio, a leading Trump defender and ally in the House, said in a statement on Thursday evening. God bless President Trump. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs was more strident. We have now reached a war phase, he tweeted. Eye for an eye. Democrats say the Republicans are trafficking in conspiracy theories, with potentially dangerous consequences. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both Democrats from New York, issued a joint statement Friday urging calm around the Trump case, saying everyone should let this case proceed peacefully in court. Recent Republicans rhetoric not only undermines the Department of Justice but betrays the essential principle of justice that no one is above the commands of law, not even a former President or a self-proclaimed billionaire, said Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. Key elements of the GOP strategy are to discredit the prosecutors and investigate the investigators a playbook that Republicans employed during Trumps presidency as his own Justice Department probed his connections to Russia, and also used in April when Trump was charged in a hush money investigation in New York. In the days leading to the New York indictment, House Republicans laid out a full-on campaign against Alvin Bragg, the Democratic district attorney in Manhattan who brought the case against the former president. Charging that the prosecution was pure politics, Jordan held a field hearing near Braggs New York offices to examine what they said were his pro-crime, anti-victim policies. Jordan is also the top Republican on the weaponization subcommittee. As special counsel Jack Smith was preparing this week to release the indictment, Trump's allies on Capitol Hill were working overtime to prepare the defense of the former president. Jordan issued a series of letters to the Justice Department, demanding documents related to his investigation into Trumps handling of classified records. Jordan cited the recent report by special counsel John Durham that found that the FBI rushed into its investigation of ties between Russia and Donald Trumps 2016 campaign and routinely ignored or rationalized evidence that undercut its premise. In the June 1 letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Jordan requested information about the ongoing investigation in order to ensure any ongoing investigations are not poisoned by this same politicization. Just as the indictment was unsealed on Friday, Jordan sent another letter to Garland, this time laying out testimony from a former FBI official who testified to the committee about the raid at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate. The Ohio Republican wrote that Steven DAntuono, a former assistant director at the FBIs Washington Field Office, told the committee the Justice Department was not following the same principles as previous raids. Defending Trump also has the potential to ease tensions among House Republicans as they face their own troubles on Capitol Hill, after a conservative-led revolt over the recent debt ceiling deal divided the party this week and halted most legislation from passing on the floor. But even if Republicans are able to shape public perception of the probes, there is one thing they cannot do control the outcome of Trump's trial. The former president is at great legal risk, no matter what the public believes, under two indictments and potentially more as prosecutors in Georgia and Washington investigate his actions leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection. Still, some Republicans maintain that the multiple indictments could help Trump improve his standing in polls of Republican voters and solidify the impression that the government is conspiring against him. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina told CNN she believes the indictment handed Donald Trump the nomination in the 2024 GOP primary. And as the House panel has ramped up its efforts to defend the former president, the word weaponization has taken root among Trumps Republican allies. Nearly every GOP lawmaker used the term as did a member of Trump's legal team hours before the charges were unsealed to the public. It puts a stamp of reality on something that really is unreal in terms of the weaponization of the Department of Justice, said James Trusty, one of Trumps lawyers, on ABC Friday morning. Trump announced later in the day that Trusty was leaving his team. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas tweeted that the weaponization of our Department of Justice against enemies of the Biden admin. will do enormous damage to the rule of law & have a lasting impact. Cruzs GOP colleagues in the Senate were more muted, with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and others who have criticized the former president declining to weigh in on the indictment. Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, the only GOP senator to vote to convict Trump in both of his impeachment trials, was a rare voice of criticism. While Romney stressed that Trump is entitled to presumption of innocence, he said he believes the charges are serious and Trump brought them on himself. These allegations are serious and if proven, would be consistent with his other actions offensive to the national interest, Romney 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 }} Former President Donald Trump will make his first public appearances since his federal indictment, speaking on Saturday to friendly Republican audiences in Georgia and North Carolina as he seeks to rally supporters to his defense. Trump, who remains the front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination despite his mounting legal woes, is expected to use his scheduled speeches at state party conventions in the two states to deliver a full-throated rebuke of the charges and amplify his assertions that he is the victim of a politically motivated witch hunt by Democratic President Joe Bidens Justice Department. His appearances will come a day after the unsealing of an indictment charging him with 37 felony counts in connection with his hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The indictment accuses the former president of willfully defying Justice Department demands to return classified documents, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his estate. The indictment includes allegations that he stored documents in a ballroom and bathroom at his resort, among other places. The most serious charges against him carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years each, but first-time offenders rarely get anywhere near the maximum sentence and the decision would ultimately be up to the judge. For all that, Trump can expect a heros welcome this weekend as he rallies his fiercest partisans and seeks to cement his status as Republicans leading 2024 presidential candidate. Trump is a fighter, and the kinds of people that attend these conventions love a fighter, said Jack Kingston, a former Georgia congressman who supported Trump in 2016 and 2020. With former Vice President Mike Pence also slated to address North Carolina Republicans, Saturday will be the first time the former running mates have appeared at the same venue since Pence announced his campaign against his old boss. For his part, Trump has insisted he committed no wrongdoing, saying, "There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years. The indictment arrives at a time when Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary. Other GOP candidates have largely attacked the Justice Department rather than Trump for the investigation, although the indictments breadth of allegations and scope could make it harder for Republicans to rail against than an earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak. A Trump campaign official described the former presidents mood as defiant" Friday ahead of his trip. But aides were notably more reserved after the indictments unsealing as they reckoned with the gravity of the legal charges and the threat they pose to Trump beyond the potential short-term political gain. The federal charging document alleges that Trump not only intentionally possessed classified documents but also boastfully showed them off to visitors and aides. The indictment is built on Trumps own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, including his professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information. The indictment includes 37 counts 31 of which pertain to the willful retention of national defense information, with the balance relating to alleged conspiracy, obstruction and false statements that, taken together, could result in a yearslong prison sentence. Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance Tuesday in Miami. He was charged alongside Walt Nauta, a personal aide whom prosecutors say moved boxes from a storage room to Trumps residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. A photograph included in the indictment shows several dozen file boxes stacked in a storage area. The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump, who has already been indicted in New York in a hush money scheme and faces additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta that also could lead to criminal charges. But among the various investigations he has faced, the Mar-a-Lago probe has long been considered the most perilous threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. Campaign aides had been bracing for the fallout since Trumps attorneys were notified that he was the target of the investigation, assuming it was not a matter of if charges would be brought, but when. Trumps continued popularity among Republican voters is evident in how gingerly his primary rivals have treated the federal indictment, which comes less than three months after he was charged in New York in a hush-money scheme stemming from payouts made to a porn actor during his 2016 campaign. Pence, campaigning in New Hampshire on Friday, said he was deeply troubled that Trump had been federally indicted because he believes it will further divide the nation. Pence urged his audience to pray for Trump, his family and all Americans, and promised to uphold the rule of law and clean house at the highest level of the Department of Justice, if elected. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump's leading GOP rival, unabashedly echoed the former president, decrying the weaponization of federal law enforcement and an uneven application of the law. Without offering any specific allegation, DeSantis took aim at two favorite Republican targets Hillary Clinton and Bidens son, Hunter and suggested they have escaped federal accountability because of such political bias. During his own remarks at the North Carolina GOP convention on Friday night, DeSantis didn't mention Trump by name but again made the comparison to Clinton. Is there a different standard for a Democratic secretary of state versus a former Republican president? DeSantis asked. I think there needs to be one standard of justice in this country. ... At the end of the day, we will once and for all end the weaponization of government under my administration. Among the declared Republican contenders, only Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson had explicitly called for Trump to end his comeback bid. ___ Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Meg Kinnard and Hannah Schoenbaum in Greensboro, N.C.; Eric Tucker in Washington; Thomas Beaumont in Marshalltown, Iowa; and Holly Ramer in Derry, N.H., 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 }} The Department of Justice is likely to attempt to have former President Donald Trump incarcerated if hes convicted following the indictment laying out 37 charges against him in relation to his handling of classified national defence information. National security lawyer and George Washington University law professor Kel McClanahan said that the department will probably want to go for incarceration in the case of Mr Trump, according to Insider. Mr McClanahan said that the evidence in the indictment that was unsealed on Friday afternoon is intended to show that Mr Trump is a kingpin who knowingly broke the law, endangered national security, endangered nuclear weapon security, [and] endangered other countries national security. The charges include 31 counts of willful retention of documents under the Espionage Act. The consensus among most legal experts commenting on the indictment appears to be that Mr Trump is in serious legal jeopardy. If Mr Trump is convicted, he could be sentenced to decades in prison. A former assistant US attorney in the Southern District of New York, Sarah Krissoff, told Insider that to the extent that theres a conviction here, the Department of Justice is going to want to be seeking a real sentence because of the nature of the conduct, how long it lasted, his involvement, the involvement of other people, working allegedly at Trumps direction. She noted that if Mr Trump is convicted, the sentence would depend on the judge, which seems likely to be Trump-appointee Aileen Cannon in the District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Mr McClanahan noted the novelty of possibly having to find a proper way to put a former president behind bars. He questioned how the authorities would go about imprisoning someone who has a Secret Service detail and who has national security secrets bouncing around his brain, such that if someone holds a shiv to his neck, hell reveal the location of our missile bases. He added that Mr Trump might become a foreign intelligence gold mine for most countries on earth if hes imprisoned. Mr McClanahan sees it as more likely that if Mr Trump is convicted, he would be sentenced to house arrest with an ankle monitor. But Ms Krissoff told the outlet that Trump can share that information that is in his head whether he is incarcerated or not incarcerated. So Im not particularly concerned that, as a citizen, the incarceration will trigger the sharing of information that wouldnt be shared otherwise. Fox News legal commentator Jonathan Turley didnt hold back after the indictment was unsealed. Mr Trump showed classified documents to others twice in 2021, the legal filing states. Mr Turley, the Shapiro Chair of Public Interest Law at George Washington University, said on Fox News on Friday afternoon that it is an extremely damning indictment. There are indictments that are sometimes called narrative or speaking indictments. These are indictments that are really meant to make a point as to the depth of the evidence, there are some indictments that are just bare bones, he added. This is not one of those indictments, Mr Turley said. The Special Counsel knew that there would be a lot of people who were going to allege that the Department of Justice was acting in a biased or politically motivated way. This is clearly an indictment that was drafted to answer those questions. Its overwhelming in detail, he continued. The Trump team should not fool itself. These are hits below the waterline. These are witnesses who apparently testified under oath [and] gave statements to federal investigators, both of which can be criminally charged, if theyre false. Those witnesses are directly quoting the president in encouraging others not to look for documents or allegedly to conceal them. Its damaging, Mr Turley said. This is not an indictment that you can dismiss. There are a lot of people who are testifying under oath, and theyre saying highly incriminating things, the attorney added. Documents at Mar-a-Lago (DOJ) Documents at Mar-a-Lago (DOJ) Speaking about the images from Mar-a-Lago of the boxes of documents found in a ballroom and a bathroom, in addition to other less-than-ideal places, Mr Turley said, Its really breathtaking. Obviously, this is mishandling. Putting the classified documents into ballrooms and bathrooms borders on the bizarre. And these are the types of pictures that hit you below the waterline in a trial. Its hard to show a picture of these boxes surrounding a toilet and saying we really acted responsibly, he added, going on to note that the government is bringing dozens of counts they only have to land one of those punches. Keep in mind that every one of these counts is coming with a substantial potential sentence, Mr Turley said. The lawyer said that the Trump legal team has to run the table, they have to take out every single count, or youve got a 76-year-old man looking at a potentially terminal sentence. 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 kept classified documents from seven agencies after leaving the White House, the 49-page and 37-count unsealed indictment against the former president has revealed. The agencies include the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, the Department of Energy, and the Department of State and its Bureau of Intelligence and Research. The indictment outlined the responsibilities of each agency with the CIA being in charge of providing intelligence on foreign countries and global issues to the president, the DoD being responsible for providing the military forces needed to deter war and ensure national security, the NSA working on foreign signals intelligence and cybersecurity, the Geospatial Intelligence Agency leading the exploitation and analysis of imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial information in support of the national security objectives. A number of the agencies are under the umbrella of the Defense Department, including the Reconnaissance Office which is responsible for developing, acquiring, launching, and operating space-based surveillance, while the Department of Energy is in charge of maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent to protect national security. The Department of State was responsible for protecting and promoting United States security, prosperity, and democratic values. Within the Department of State, the Bureau of Intelligence and Research was a member of the USIC and responsible for providing intelligence to inform diplomacy and support United States diplomats, the indictment states. The indictment, unsealed on Friday afternoon, stems from Mr Trumps allegedly unlawful retention of hundreds of documents at his Florida residence Mar-a-Lago. Trump aide Walt Nauta has also been charged after he was apparently spotted on surveillance footage moving boxes at the property. The ex-president stands accused of having moved classified documents from the White House at the end of his presidency despite not having the right to do so. Photo of document boxes in Former President Donald Trumps Mar a Lago residence released by US Justice Department as part of indictment (US Justice Department) In a short statement on Friday, the man in charge of DoJs investigations into Mr Trump, Special Counsel Jack Smith, said: Today, an indictment was unsealed, charging Donald J. Trump of felony violations of our national security laws, as well participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice. This indictment was voted by a grand jury of citizens in the southern district of Florida. It is very important for me to note that the defendant in this case must be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. To that end, my office will seek a speedy trial in this matter, he added. Fox News commentator Jonathan Turley said: It is an extremely damning indictment ...This is not an indictment you can dismiss. Photo of document boxes in Former President Donald Trumps Mar a Lago residence released by US Justice Department as part of indictment (US Justice Department) Mr Trump took to Truth Social to slam the Special Counsel, calling him a Trump Hater and a deranged psycho. The ex-president said Mr Smith shouldnt be involved in any case having to do with Justice, other than to look at Biden as a criminal, which he is! Under the Presidential Records Act, Im allowed to do all this, Mr Trump claimed in a subsequent statement. There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years, he added. Nobody said I wasnt allowed to look at the personal records that I brought with me from the White House, Mr Trump 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 }} California Governor Gavin Newsom pushed back when Fox News host Sean Hannity repeatedly questioned whether President Joe Biden was up to the task of leading the US and whether the governor himself has been urged to run in 2024. Do you think hes cognitively strong enough to be president? Hannity asked the California governor, in a preview of the Fox News hosts exclusive interview airing next week. Mr Newsom said he had no qualms about Mr Bidens cognitive faculties. I have conversations with him all the time. Yes, Mr Newsom said, adding: And Ill tell you what. Im dead serious about that. Ive talked to him when hes been overseas, Ive been in Air Force One, Marine One, Ive been in the limo with him. Ive spent time with him privately and publicly. Hannity kept trying, though. How many times does your phone ping a day, people saying, You need to get in this race because they agree with me that hes not up to the job? the Fox host asked once again. I see where youre going with that, Sean, Mr Newsom said. Im asking, Hannity said. Im not answering, the California governor responded. Mr Biden, 80, is the oldest president in US history. Republicans have long sought to make hay out of the presidents advanced age, arguing that he is senile and confused during public events. Mr Bidens doctor, however, has said the president remains in good health and fit for duty. 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 was arrested and arraigned on Tuesday 13 June for the second time in less than three months. At 3pm local time, Mr Trump surrendered to authorities at the Wilkie D Ferguson Jr United States Courthouse in Miami, Florida on 37 federal charges stemming from his alleged unlawful retention of national defence information, adding another criminal case to the legal pressure against the twice-impeached former president as he seeks to win his partys nomination in next years Republican presidential primary. The arraignment comes just days after a federal grand jury indicted the former president. Mr Trump first revealed the indictment in a series of posts on his Truth Social platform on 8 June just one day after The Independent reported that federal prosecutors had planned to ask a grand jury to return an indictment against him. The 49-page indictment was unsealed on Friday (9 June), revealing 37 counts against the ex-president. They include: willful retention of national defence information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, concealing a document in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal, and false statements and representations. Each charge carries a maximum sentence ranging from five years to 20 years. A potential sentence, if convicted, could include decades in prison. Just before the arraignment hearing, deputy marshals booked Mr Trump and took electronic copies of his fingerprints. Proceedings followed similarly to what happened in early April when Mr Trump appeared in Manhattan court to face criminal charges following Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs investigation into hush payments leading up to the 2016 presidential election. They did not take a mugshot of the former president since he is recognisable nor did they place him in handcuffs. After approximately 45 minutes, in which Mr Trump pled not guilty the former president left the courthouse to return to his home in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he gave a speech covering his usual unsubstantiated narrative that he is the victim of political persecution. Former US President Donald Trump waves from his vehicle following his appearance at Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. United States Federal Courthouse, in Miami, Florida, on June 13, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images) In the speech, where he lashed out at President Joe Biden and Special Counsel Jack Smith, Mr Trump claimed that the boxes of classified documents discovered in his possession actually contained clothes. Many people have asked me why I had these boxes, why did you want them? he said. The answer, in addition to having every right under the Presidential Records Act, is that these boxes were containing all types of personal belongings many, many things, shirts and shoes, everything. The latest charges come just days after a last-ditch attempt by Mr Trumps legal team to convince Department of Justice officials not to seek charges against him in the classified documents probe, which began early last year after National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) officials discovered more than 100 classified documents in boxes that were retrieved from Mr Trumps Palm Beach, Florida residence. That discovery led NARA officials to notify the Department of Justice, which kicked off an investigation into how the documents ended up at Mr Trumps property. Following his indictment, Mr Trump declared that he was an innocent man. This is election interference and continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time, he ranted. The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been Indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax, he wrote, using the phrase he has frequently used to describe the long-running probe. Throughout the investigation, prosecutors and investigators harboured concerns that the ex-president was not being truthful about whether he had returned any and all classified documents in his possession to government custody as required under the Presidential Records Act. But the classified nature of the records at issue added another wrinkle to the dispute between Mr Trump and the government he led from January 2017 to January 2021. Trump stops off at Versailles restaurant after his arrest and arraignment (Sky News) At times, the ex-president has claimed that he had used the sweeping classification and declassification authority to declassify any record he took with him to his Palm Beach home at Mar-a-Lago. No evidence has emerged that any such order was ever issued, and in audio recordings obtained by prosecutors, Mr Trump is said to have acknowledged that he did not declassify certain records that were in his possession long after his authority to possess them expired. The Department of Justice is likely to attempt to have Mr Trump incarcerated if hes convicted. National security lawyer and George Washington University law professor Kel McClanahan said that the department will probably want to go for incarceration in the case of Mr Trump, according to Insider. Mr McClanahan said that the evidence in the indictment is intended to show that Mr Trump is a kingpin who knowingly broke the law, endangered national security, endangered nuclear weapon security, [and] endangered other countries national security. The consensus among most legal experts commenting on the indictment appears to be that Mr Trump is in serious legal jeopardy. A former assistant US attorney in the Southern District of New York, Sarah Krissoff, said that to the extent that theres a conviction here, the Department of Justice is going to want to be seeking a real sentence because of the nature of the conduct, how long it lasted, his involvement, the involvement of other people, working allegedly at Trumps direction. She noted that if Mr Trump is convicted, the sentence would depend on the judge, which seems likely to be Trump-appointee Aileen Cannon in the District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Mr McClanahan noted the novelty of possibly having to find a proper way to put a former president behind bars. He questioned how the authorities would go about imprisoning someone who has a Secret Service detail and who has national security secrets bouncing around his brain, such that if someone holds a shiv to his neck, hell reveal the location of our missile bases. In this handout photo provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, stacks of boxes can be observed in the White and Gold Ballroom of former U.S. President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida (Getty Images) He added that Mr Trump might become a foreign intelligence gold mine for most countries on earth if hes imprisoned. Mr McClanahan sees it as more likely that if Mr Trump is convicted, he would be sentenced to house arrest with an ankle monitor. But Ms Krissoff told the outlet that Trump can share that information that is in his head whether he is incarcerated or not incarcerated. So Im not particularly concerned that, as a citizen, the incarceration will trigger the sharing of information that wouldnt be shared otherwise. Fox News legal commentator Jonathan Turley also didnt hold back after the indictment was unsealed. Mr Turley, the Shapiro Chair of Public Interest Law at George Washington University, said on Fox News that it is an extremely damning indictment. There are indictments that are sometimes called narrative or speaking indictments. These are indictments that are really meant to make a point as to the depth of the evidence, there are some indictments that are just bare bones, he added. This is not one of those indictments, Mr Turley said. The Special Counsel knew that there would be a lot of people who were going to allege that the Department of Justice was acting in a biased or politically motivated way. This is clearly an indictment that was drafted to answer those questions. Its overwhelming in detail, he continued. The Trump team should not fool itself. These are hits below the waterline. These are witnesses who apparently testified under oath [and] gave statements to federal investigators, both of which can be criminally charged, if theyre false. Those witnesses are directly quoting the president in encouraging others not to look for documents or allegedly to conceal them. Its damaging, Mr Turley said. This is not an indictment that you can dismiss. There are a lot of people who are testifying under oath, and theyre saying highly incriminating things, the attorney added. Speaking about the images from Mar-a-Lago of the boxes of documents found in a ballroom and a bathroom, in addition to other less-than-ideal places, Mr Turley said, Its really breathtaking. Obviously, this is mishandling. Putting the classified documents into ballrooms and bathrooms borders on the bizarre. And these are the types of pictures that hit you below the waterline in a trial. A photo published by the U.S. Justice Department in their charging document against former U.S. President Donald Trump shows boxes of documents stored in a bathroom at Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in Florida in early 2021 (Justice Department via REUTERS) Its hard to show a picture of these boxes surrounding a toilet and saying we really acted responsibly, he added, going on to note that the government is bringing dozens of counts they only have to land one of those punches. Keep in mind that every one of these counts is coming with a substantial potential sentence, Mr Turley said. The lawyer said that the Trump legal team has to run the table, they have to take out every single count, or youve got a 76-year-old man looking at a potentially terminal sentence. 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 }} Fox News host Mark Levin delivered an eight-minute on-air rant after news broke of Donald Trumps indictment over his alleged mishandling of classified papers. Appearing on Sean Hannitys segment on Thursday night, Mr Levin became irate as he accused the Biden administration of weaponising what he called the Department of Injustice to advance a criminal case against Mr Trump. None of the key players at the centre of the Palm Beach, Florida, case against the former president escaped the vicious rant. The radio personality especially honed in his criticism against US Attorney General Merrick Garland and Special Counsel Jack Smith, who Mr Levin branded a mob lawyer and a Soviet star prosecutor, respectively. This is a disgusting mark in history by these bandits in the White House, Mr Levin yelled to the camera. Joe Biden is the crookedest crook that has ever been in the oval office... Whats going on here is a disgusting disgrace and it is a war on Trump, a war on the Republican party, and a war on the Republic Mr Levin went as far as claiming that Thursday, 8 January, was the real insurrection, not the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol which put the lives of elected officials in danger and left five people dead all while unchallenged by Hannity. The host of Life, Liberty & Levin, who once claimed he would never support Mr Trump, continued to spew more accusations against the FBI, the DoJ, and the Biden administration. He noted he [doesnt] want to hear about the technicalities [in Trumps case] and his [alleged] obstruction, because it is a documents case and it should have never been criminalised. For what? For what? And they indict him today? And they indict him today in Miami? a flustered Mr Levin said. Dont be bamboozled by these cable channels and these fools telling you, Hes not above the law, Are you kidding me? Mr Trump faces seven criminal charges, including the willful retention of national defence information, obstruction of justice and conspiracy related to his alleged unlawful retention of national defence information at Mar-a-Lago. The scope of the evidence remains unclear as the indictment is under seal. Mr Trump has already been indicted in New York in connection to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels. He faces more potential indictments in Georgia and Washington, DC, a prospect that could see him facing trial in four separate jurisdictions while running to return to the highest office in America. 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 }} It was anticipated that a federal investigation into Donald Trumps retention of top-secret documents months after he left the White House would result in charges in Washington DC. But the damning 37-count indictment, with more than two dozen counts of illegally withholding classified documents under the Espionage Act, was filed on 8 June in US District Court in Florida, his primary residence and the location of his notorious Mar-a-Lago resort property, where mounds of boxes with sensitive government documents were discovered by federal law enforcement. Photographs in an unsealed indictment released on 9 June showed stacks of them on a ballroom stage and gilded bathroom with a chandelier. Interviews with witnesses and transcripts of conversations in the sweeping indictment appear to show a depth of coordination among Mr Trump, his aides and attorneys to bring them to the property and, later, conceal them from law enforcement. So it makes sense that prosecutors would charge him and his associate Walt Nauta in Florida. But determining the venue for a case against the former president, or any defendant, isnt necessarily a straightforward one. It really could make a huge difference. The jury pool is different. The judges are different, according to former assistant US Attorney Andrew Weissmann, speaking to MSNBC. Also, DC is a location where the court is very used to dealing with classified information. Theres an expertise there. So in terms of speed, getting this case to trial, the venue matters, he added. The Republican former president also has repeatedly rejected charges and investigations against him in several jurisdiction as political witch hunts, pointing to the Democratic majorities in New York City where was found liable for sexual abuse, hit with a $250m lawsuit from the state attorney general, and criminally charged with more than 30 counts of falsifying business records and Atlanta, where his efforts to subvert the outcome of the 2020 presidential election are expected to result in charges this summer. Mr Trump won the state of Florida in 2016 and 2020, though he lost the county of Miami-Dade, where he is facing a federal indictment. A form attached to the indictment also noted that the case was filed in the West Palm Beach court division, suggesting that a prospective jury pool may be drawn from there. Voters in Palm Beach County have reliably voted for Democratic presidential candidates, but Republican Governor Ron DeSantis won 51 per cent of the county vote last year. Mr DeSantis Mr Trumps rival for the 2024 Republican nomination for president said in a statement after news of the indictment that he will bring accountability to the [US Department of Justice], excise political bias and end weaponization once and for all but stopped short of saying he would do anything to intervene. The fact that this is being charged in Florida is enormously significant, according to CNN legal analyst Elie Honig. Legally, I think its the right move by [the Justice Department], because theyre going to avoid a messy question about venue. Subpoenas may have been issued from Washington DC, but courts have upheld that the venue must be tied to where the unlawful conduct was committed. Florida may ultimately be less advantageous for federal prosecutors and the Justice Department in a case dealing with classified documents and the aftermath of a presidential administration, typically the purview of Washington courts, but the state is a legally a less risky venue at this juncture, according to Mr Weissmann and Ryan Goodman. An aerial view of Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate on 10 August, 2022, days after a federal law enforcement search of the property (AP) Whatever legal and factual arguments might support venue in Washington DC, the consequences of getting that calculus wrong, is an unknown variable that will counsel in favor of caution on the part of the [Justice Department], they wrote. Prosecutors also likely do not want to risk spending the first year fighting over venue, former federal prosecutor Randall D Eliason told The Washington Post. For now, Mr Trumps case will be handled by a federal judge he appointed to the bench in 2020 and who already has delivered controversial rulings in the investigation that were rejected by an appeals court. US District Judge Aileen Cannon is scheduled to preside over his federal court case in Miami. Last year, Judge Cannon appointed a special master to review materials seized by federal law enforcement and restricted the FBI from using those documents as part of the investigation until she completed a review, effectively freezing the Justice Department probe. News crews camp out in front of a federal court building in Miami anticipating Donald Trumps arrival after a federal indictment was unsealed on 9 June (Getty Images) That order was ultimately thrown out entirely by a three-judge panel at a federal appeals court, which sharply criticised the judges actions and stressed that a court cannot simply write a rule that allows any subject of a search warrant to block government investigations after the execution of the warrant or write a rule that allows only former presidents to do so. If she does not recuse herself from the case and she remains a trial judge, she could play a potentially critical role in the cases development, including whether to set a trial before or after presidential primary elections and the general election in 2024, as Mr Trump seeks the Republican nomination for president. He already is scheduled to return to Manhattan Criminal Court on 25 March days after voting begins in primary states. A trial in a fraud lawsuit targeting Mr Trump, his adult children and his business entities is slated to begin in October. Barely a week after Nebraska's Legislature voted 41-0 to repeal the state's motorcycle helmet mandate, local law enforcement agencies are already reporting an uptick in helmetless riders. Though neither agency offered concrete data, officials with the Lincoln Police Department and Lancaster County Sheriff's Office each reported Wednesday that street officers have observed a noticeable increase in the practice. The problem: Nebraska's helmet mandate, which has been in place since 1989, won't expire until Jan. 1. "From now until then, you still need to wear a helmet," Chief Deputy Sheriff Ben Houchin said during a media briefing Wednesday morning, where he and Lincoln Police Capt. Todd Kocian both reminded residents of the nearly seven-month gap between now and when the law takes effect. Until then, helmetless riders risk a $50 fine though Houchin said the Sheriff's Office hasn't ticketed any riders for violating the helmet mandate in the eight days since LB138 passed. When it becomes law in January, the bill will allow any motorcyclist or passenger 21 or older to ride without a helmet as long as they have completed a basic motorcycle safety course and, for state residents, submitted proof of completion to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Helmetless riders also have to wear eye protection, be it glasses, goggles or a face shield, unless their motorcycle or moped's windshield protects the rider's line of vision "in all operating positions." Riders from other states could also ride without a helmet in Nebraska if they have taken an equivalent course and carry proof of completion. The bill will make violations of the new set of rules governing helmet and eye protection use secondary offenses, meaning that law enforcement will only be able to ticket riders for helmet violations if they are stopped for some other traffic offense. For some motorcyclists, LB138's safety course requirement and the still-evolving logistics surrounding collection of course completion data may serve as a roadblock in the route to legal helmetless riding, said Rhonda Lahm, the director of Nebraska's DMV. Lahm said many motorcyclists complete such courses before they ever become licensed motorcycle operators in the state, since applicants can have both their written and driving tests waived if they show proof of completion to the DMV. But those who took the other route to licensing opting instead to take the written and driving tests through the DMV will have to complete a basic motorcycle safety course before they're legally allowed to ride without a helmet. Lahm said members of both camps will have to carry proof of completion of such a course with them when they ride or provide proof to the DMV to have it noted on their driver record though there isn't yet a mechanism in place for motorcyclists to do so. "The legislation just passed, and that amendment got amended on in literally the very last couple days of the session," she said. "And we had no indication that that bill was gonna get included or passed this year, so we are just in the preliminary stages of talking about what that's gonna look like." Lahm said the DMV will develop and publicize a process to collect motorcycle safety course data from licensees before the end of the year. More than 86% of motorcyclists killed in Nebraska crashes over the last nine years were wearing helmets when they crashed, according to data compiled by the state Department of Transportation in January. From 2014 to 2022, 195 of the 226 motorcyclists killed in crashes in Nebraska were wearing helmets, according to the report, while the state's helmet use rate has hovered near 85% and the number of basic rider course training certificates issued has fallen by nearly 50%. In Missouri, where lawmakers passed a similar repeal that took affect in August 2020, motorcycle fatalities increased by 35% in 2021 over the prior year while overall traffic fatalities increased by only 2%. More than half of the record 159 motorcyclists killed on Missouri roadways in 2021 were not wearing a helmet, according to Missouri Department of Transportation data, which Nebraska officials included in their January report. In Nebraska, Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair initially proposed the newly passed repeal through a separate bill but later added it as an amendment to LB138 with two weeks left in the legislative session, which ended June 1. Amid Hansen's bid to attach the amended to LB138 in late May, several of his colleagues expressed support, even as they recounted personal experiences with motorcycle crashes. Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner said two of her nephews died while riding motorcycles, one who was wearing a helmet and one who was not. Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil said a motorcycle helmet saved his life as a young man. And Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington signaled support for the bill for the sake of motorcyclists' personal freedom, saying the Legislature should not be involved in these personal decisions, even though I know more people will die." But other lawmakers pushed back against that suggestion, including Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus, who said the government tells people what to do in many situations, including wearing seat belts, putting children in car seats and obeying speed limits. A week later, all four senators Ibach, Murman, DeBoer and Moser voted in support of the bill, which Gov. Jim Pillen signed June 1. Best of Sturgis 2022: Photos from the 82nd annual motorcycle rally 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 }} Kevin McCarthy launched an aggressive defence of Donald Trump after his indictment on 37 counts of mishandling top secret documents. This is going to disrupt this nation because it goes to the core of equal justice for all which is not being seen today, the Republican House Speaker told Fox News on Friday. And we're not going to stand for it. Mr McCarthys comments came after the Department of Justice unsealed a 49-page indictment which laid out in extraordinary detail Special Counsel Jack Smiths 15-month investigation into Mr Trumps willful defiance of efforts to retrieve the materials. The indictment painted a damning picture of Mr Trumps reckless storage of top secret material he took to Mar-a-Lago after leaving the White House, and his efforts to obstruct investigators. The classified material included nuclear secrets, war plans, and vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies. Mr Trump told lawyers tasked with complying with a DOJ subpoena that he didnt want anyone going through my boxes, according to the indictment. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy aggressively defended the former president on Friday (Associated Press) Mr McCarthy, who is struggling to hold on to the House leadership, called the indictment a dark day for America. You've got a sitting president right now in the exact same situation. You have a former first lady, senator, secretary of state, that had the same situation that nothing was done to, he told Fox News. Republicans also rushed to defend Mr Trump despite the seemingly overwhelming evidence presented in the 49-page indictment. We have now reached a war phase. Eye for an eye, Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs wrote on Twitter. Elise Stefanik, the number three House Republican, tweeted that she was committed to holding government officials accountable for their endless illegal witch hunt against President Trump. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley wrote: If the people in power can jail their political opponents at will, we dont have a republic. And Marco Rubio, the Florida senator, said: There is no limit to what these people will do to protect their power & destroy those who threaten it, even if it means ripping our country apart & shredding public faith in the institutions that hold our republic together. However, the indictment comes not from political rivals or even from prosecutors but from a grand jury. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was investigated by the FBI in 2016 for her handling of classified material, who opted not to charge her after saying she had been extremely careless. President Joe Biden and Trumps vice president Mike Pence were found to have retained classified materials, but complied with efforts by the National Archive to return them. 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 }} During his first public remarks since the unsealing of the 49-page, 37-charge indictment against him, Donald Trump again lashed out at special counsel Jack Smith the lead prosecutor in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents probe. Speaking at the state Republican Party convention in Columbus, Georgia, the former president and current presidential candidate gave a meandering stump speech weaving in his apparent incredulity regarding the charges levied against him. As with all of his foes, political or judicial, Mr Trump has already veered into personal attacks against the individuals concerned on his social media platform Truth Social but relished his first opportunity to talk to a large, enraptured crowd of followers. After calling the indictment a political hit job and claiming Republicans are treated far differently at the Justice Department than Democrats, Mr Trump pondered whether Mr Smith had changed his name. You know Im talking about Jack Smith. What do you think his name used to be? I dont know Sounds so innocent. Hes deranged. The former president didnt stop there. He continued: Deranged Jack Smith and I watched him yesterday go up and talk. He talked for about two and a half minutes. He was shaking. He was so scared. He didnt want to be there. Because ultimately, these are cowards. Theyre cowards. He added: And hes a big Trump hater, openly hes a Trump hater. And his wife is even more of a Trump hater. I wish her a lot of luck. But hes a bad Trump hater and shes a Trump hater. Mr Trump returned to the topic of his indictments a couple of times during the speech which went on for much longer than expected as he revelled in the applause from the crowd, who booed and jeered at the mention of his political opponents. The federal indictment against the former president outlines 37 counts related to retaining classified information, willfully retaining national defence information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and more. The indictment was unsealed on Friday afternoon (9 June), revealing the Department of Justices findings after a nearly year-long investigation into Mr Trump retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Last August, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized boxes of documents from Mr Trumps home, some of which included top-secret records detailing a foreign nations nuclear capabilities. As the former president raged against the indictment online on Friday, Mr Smith gave a televised speech from the Justice Department as referenced by Mr Trump in Saturdays remarks. Mr Smith stressed that laws intended to protect national defence information are critical to the safety and security of the United States. And they must be enforced. Violations of those laws put our country at risk. Adherence to the rule of law is a bedrock principle of the Department of Justice and our nations commitment to the rule of law sets an example for the world, he added. We have one set of laws in this country and they apply to 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 }} The Sydney Morning Herald has issued an apology for their historical coverage of the Myall Creek massacre. In 1838, at least 28 unarmed Indigenous Australians were killed by 12 colonists at the Myall Creek near the Gwydir River, in northern New South Wales. In several editorials published before, during, and after two Sydney trials in late 1838 relating to the massacre, the Herald essentially campaigned for the 11 accused mass murderers to escape prosecution, an editorial in the 9 June edition said. It also opposed the death sentence eventually handed to seven of the men. In one editorial published ahead of the trials and amid a public debate about legal protections for Aboriginal people, the Herald proclaimed: The whole gang of black animals are not worth the money the colonists will have to pay for printing the silly documents on which we have already wasted too much time. The newspaper also encouraged readers to shoot and kill Aboriginal people if they ever felt threatened. The newspaper owned up to the errors made and issued an apology for their coverage, writing: The Herald has a long and proud history of telling the Australian story. But on Myall Creek, the truth is we failed dismally. This isnt the first time The Sydney Morning Herald has issued an apology for its coverage. In 2016, The Herald apologised for publishing the names, addresses, and professions of people arrested during the 1978 Mardi Gras. The former editor and chief Darren Goodsir issued a statement at the time, saying: We can not take back the harm that our publications caused, nor erase the pain and suffering that flowed from the Heralds transgressions at that time. We cannot wipe away the discrimination and harassment that came after those publications, albeit in keeping with an ignorant reporting convention. But we can, through me as editor-in-chief of the Herald and as a senior executive of Fairfax Media, finally take ownership of those errors and sincerely apologise to you here tonight, and to your friends and families. 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 }} New Zealands state broadcaster has launched an investigation after it was found that some stories about the Ukraine and Russia war were edited to reflect the pro-Russian view. Local media reported that the state-funded Radio New Zealand [RNZ] published at least four articles attributed to the Reuters wire service that had been edited inappropriately to add the pro-Kremlin tone. RNZ is investigating how a story on the Ukraine conflict on its website was changed to reflect a pro-Russian view, the broadcaster said on Friday. The version published by RNZ included a false account of the events. The story has since been corrected, it added. At least four wire articles published by RNZ had been edited to add pro-Kremlin phrasing. RNZ is concerned and takes this matter extremely seriously, it said in a statement. We are investigating and have taken appropriate action. In one article that was edited, a paragraph was added that read: The Kremlin also said its invasion was sparked by a failure to implement the Minsk agreement peace accords, designed to give Russia speakers autonomy and protection, and the rise of a neo-Nazi element in Ukraine since a coup ousted a Russian-friendly Ukrainian government in 2014. Another added that Russia launched its invasion claiming that a US-backed coup in 2014 with the help of neo-Nazis had created a threat to its borders and had ignited a civil war that saw Russian-speaking minorities persecuted. The broadcaster said an employee had been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Megan Whelan, the head of content at RNZ told the Guardian: RNZ is aware of instances of inappropriate editing of several wire service stories relating to the war in Ukraine published on our website. An investigation is underway into the alleged conduct of one employee. The employee has been placed on leave while we look into these matters. She added: We have corrected the stories and added an explanatory note to each article. We are auditing other articles to check whether there are further problems. We will release the outcome of the audit when it is completed. 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 man suspected of stabbing four children in a playground in the French Alps has been held on charges of attempted murder. French judges handed the preliminary charges to the 31-year-old Syrian asylum seeker, who has not been named, on Saturday. He is due to appear in court this afternoon. The stabbings left four children including a three-year-old British child, named locally as Ettie fighting for their lives. Two adults were also injured in the attack which unfolded on Thursday morning in the picturesque town of Annecy. Speaking on Saturday, lead prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis said witnesses had heard the suspect, who was wearing a cross around his neck, say in the name of Jesus Christ as the attack took place. She added that the victims are no longer in life-threatening condition. She also revealed that the suspect was found not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when he was examined in custody. She said: A psychiatric doctor also examined him and he pronounced him to be able to appear before the court. It is premature to make any kind of psychiatric conclusion as to the state of the assailant so far. Floral tributes were left at the playground where the stabbing unfolded (AP) In footage which went viral, a man wearing a blue-chequered headscarf and sunglasses was allegedly seen attacking small children in the playground with a four-inch blade. The assailant later jumps over a low wall and repeatedly lunges at a child in a stroller, pushing aside a woman who tries to fend him off. One bystander is later seen trying to stop him as other parents flee with their children. Within minutes, the attacker was pursued by police. He then attacked an elderly man in a different part of the park. Police fired shots and detained the attacker, who was unharmed. Tributes left near the scene at a lakeside park in Annecy, France, following a knife attack (PA) Speaking after his arrest, French prime minister Elisabeth Borne said the suspect was a Syrian national who was granted asylum in Sweden 10 years ago. She confirmed that he had entered France legally and was carrying Swedish identity documents plus a Swedish driving license. He had asked for asylum in France, which had not been processed because he already had refugee status in Sweden, she said. Speaking on Thursday, Annecy public prosecutor Ms Bonnet-Mathis said there was no evidence of a terrorist motive. This emerged after police sources told the French Le Monde newspaper the man had declared himself to be a Syrian Christian in his French asylum application. The publication also reported that he had been wearing a Christian cross on a chain around his neck when arrested. News of the attack was quickly condemned by political leaders across the planet. Rishi Sunak described the stabbing attack as unfathomable, adding that his thoughts were with all those affected. All our thoughts are with those affected by this unfathomable attack including a British child, Mr Sunak said, during a press conference alongside Joe Biden at the White House. 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 }} Italian authorities boarded a Turkish vessel off the southern city of Naples after the crew detected a group of unidentified people on board. During an event on Friday, Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto announced that there were 15 illegal migrants on board the ship named Galatea Seaways which was bound for France. According to reports, 13 men and two women, mainly from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, had allegedly snuck into the ship in the hope of finding asylum in Europe. The Guardian reported that the immigrants were armed with knives and attempted to hijack the vessel. Ansa news agency additionally reported that once the immigrants were discovered by the crew of the ship, they allegedly tried to take some of the sailors hostage inside the bridge using knives. The captain of the ship was somehow able to get his hands on the radio, sending an SOS request to Ankara, which ended up reporting the incident to the Italian authorities. An operation is underway on a vessel boarded by pirates The stowaways were using what seem to be weapons like daggers Mr Crosetto told reporters at the time. The San Marco battalion had to intervene. He added: What is known about the hijackers is that they are illegal immigrants. Lets hope it ends as quickly as possible without consequences for anyone. It reportedly took seven hours for Italian special forces to intervene and regain control of the ship. They reportedly arrested the immigrants, some of whom found a place to hide in the depths of the ship. After the mission was successful, the Italian ministry said: The ship has now been recaptured and the entire 22-man crew of the Turkish ship is safe. Mr Crosetto also issued a statement on Twitter, writing: Everything ended well. My congratulations to the guys of the San Marco battalion and the police, who completed a wonderful operation, he added. Close Holes up to 2ft deep were dug up in the reservoir search, in the hope of unearthing clothing fibres, local media reported 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 }} Police officers who scoured a reservoir in Portugal in the search for Madeleine McCann have warned against hope as they hit a fresh roadblock in their investigation. A large section of the Barragem do Arade reservoir was cordoned off in May, about 30 miles from where three-year-old Madeleine went missing in Praia da Luz 16 years ago. It is believed that the main suspect in the case, convicted sex offender Christian Brueckner, regularly visited the reservoirs peninsula and had described it as a little slice of paradise. But detectives searching the reservoir have now said there is no compelling evidence Madeleine is there. Holes up to 2ft deep were dug up in the reservoir search, in the hope of unearthing clothing fibres, local media reported. But despite initial hope, German public prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters told newspaper Bild: Please dont expect too much. This comes after a former friend of Brueckner, Helge Busching, claimed that the jailed paedophile had told him she didnt scream during a conversation about the missing three-year-old. He told Bild he revealed the crucial information to Scotland Yard in 2008 but was ignored. 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 }} At least five workers died in a blast at an explosives factory in Turkey on Saturday, the defence ministry said. The explosion occured at around 8.45am local time at the state-owned factory in the district of Elmadag, on the outskirts of Ankara, local media reported. Turkeys ministry of national defence said in a statement: An explosion occurred at the MKE Rocket and Explosives Factory in the Elmadag district of Ankara. As a result of the explosion, five of our workers were martyred. It added that a judicial and administrative investigation into the incident has been launched. Ankara governor Vasip Sahin told reporters that all staff had been evacuated and taken to safety. He said that there were no more workers trapped, waiting to be rescued, or hospitalised. Mr Sahin stated that an explosion occurred possibly because of a chemical reaction inside the factory. In the first evaluations, our friends are of the opinion that it is the result of a chemical reaction, and our public prosecutors are also investigating, he said. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said in a statement on his Twitter account: I wish mercy from Allah to our martyrs and condolences to their grieving families and relatives. May their authorities be almighty. Reports said that there were several ambulances and fire trucks were dispatched to the site of the explosion. NTV reported that the explosion shattered the windows of nearby houses and other buildings. The factory is state-owned and produces rockets and explosives for the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Interior. NorthWestern Energy is resuming construction of its gas-fired power plant in Laurel following a court decision lifting a stay on the project. Yellowstone Judge Michael Moses lifted the stay Thursday citing recent changes to environmental law by the Montana Legislature and recent a Supreme Court ruling limiting the court remedies to state violations of permitting law. The utility said Friday it will resume construction as soon as possible. The 175-megawatt power plant should be operational in 2024. In April, Moses ordered construction of power plant halted, ruling that state regulators ignored environmental risks when permitting the facility in 2021. Montanas Department of Environmental Quality had failed to take a hard look concerning two environmental issues, namely the impacts of the gas-fired power plants emissions of greenhouse gases, and light pollution from the power plant. What followed the Moses order was a scramble by the Montana Legislatures Republican majority to ban state agencies from reviewing carbon dioxide emissions. The State Supreme Court in a separate case concluded that stays, like the one imposed on Laurel, were beyond the remedies allowed when courts address violations of the Montana Environmental Policy Act. MEPA, as the policy act is known, spells out how permitting reviews take place. In lifting the stay Thursday, Moses concluded that the April 7 order halting construction no longer aligned with state law. The judge declined to take up whether the Legislatures new ban on reviewing greenhouse gases was unconstitutional. That decision is now in the purview of the Montana Supreme Court, Moses said, because both NorthWestern and the plaintiffs Montana Environmental Information Center and Sierra Club have appealed the April 7 order. In responding to Moses earlier order that DEQ analyze carbon dioxide emissions and light pollution, DEQ submitted analysis of the latter, but cited the new law in choosing not to assess carbon pollution. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two passenger planes accidentally came into contact at Tokyos Haneda Airport on Saturday morning, local reports said. There were no injuries reported. One of the four runways at the airport was temporarily closed due to the incident which reportedly occured at around 11.00am local time. The two planes Thai Airways and Taiwans Eva Airways came into close contact on the runway which reportedly led to the chipping of the wing of the Thai Airways plane. The Japan Times quoted a passenger on Eva Airways as saying that there had been an impact while the plane was waiting for departure. Part of the wing of the Thai Airways plane was chipped, the passenger said. The broadcaster NHK aired footage of the two passenger planes on the ground. It confirmed that part of the wing of the Thai Airways plane appeared to be broken. The parts of the chipped wing could be seen on the ground. There were 260 people on board Thai Airways and 200 were aboard the Eva Airways aircraft, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Local media reported that some of the other flights from Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways [ANA] were delayed due to the incident. A helicopter flew past a raging wildfire tearing through a forest in Canada on Thursday, 8 June. Footage posted by the BC Wildfire Service shows the West Kiskatinaw River wildfire burning 10km (6 miles) east of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia. Local residents were ordered to evacuate their homes. Officials said that fire activity is expected to increase further amid winds predicted on Saturday. More than 420 fires have been raging across Canada from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, impacting the air quality of US cities such as New York City and Chicago. Italian special forces have secured control of a Turkish cargo ship that was attacked by armed stowaways off the coast of Naples on Friday, 9 June. Twenty-two crew members were aboard the ship, named Galeta Seaways, that was on its way to France when unidentified people were detected on board. Defense minister Guido Crosetto said special forces lowered themselves onto the Turkish ship from two helicopters to free crew held by around 15 stowaways, two or three armed with sharp objects. Mr Crosetto confirmed in a tweet that the ships hijackers were captured. 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 }} Ciara Clark, a Black doula, laboured for more than nine hours at home before making a last-minute switch to go to the hospital to give birth. With her own Black doula and mother by her side, Clark had hoped to have her baby at home with no medical assistance at all. She wanted to have a wild pregnancy one that is medically unassisted. Ciaras doula supporting her during her home birth (Reuters) I wanted to go through this birth without having any medical intervention, says Clark. After four caesarean sections with her previous pregnancies, Clark says she feared that her birth plan would not be supported by the medical staff. But after a long labour, Clark says she became anxious and decided to go to the hospital, where she gave birth to a healthy son. Ciara in her shower during her home birth in Toms River, New Jersey (Reuters) Receiving support from her husband, Anthony (Reuters) Holistic doula Ciara Clark labours in her birthing pool (Reuters) Clark is not alone in her distrust of medical intervention in the birthing process. Nine Black pregnant women and new mothers that Reuters spoke to for this story voiced similar comments. All of the women spoke of feeling unseen and unheard at times through their pregnancy and postpartum period. Latest data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Black women in the United States are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women. The CDC said this was a result of multiple factors, including variation in the quality of healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias. Evan, their crying newborn, is weighed (Reuters) Ciara with her sleeping newborn (Reuters) For Chelsea Ward, a nursing student from Fords, New Jersey, who recently gave birth to twins, the state of Black maternal health in the United States is inadequate. Its challenging when youre fighting and advocating for your maternal health rights, and having to educate your peers as well, Ward says. Obtaining knowledge and self-advocating is key to making informed decisions, Ward adds. Chelsea takes her coat off after picking up her seven-month-old twins, Callie Rae Polen and Cai Ryan Polen, from daycare (Reuters) Despite their challenges, the women described their resilience as they navigate maternal healthcare and motherhood. Soyal Smalls, from Poughkeepsie, New York, who was pregnant when Reuters photographed her in August 2022, believes increasing the number of Black healthcare providers would help Black mothers, along with having more hospitals with birthing units to support the mother and allow for more vaginal births. Ashlee Muhammad agreed, saying her doctors had assumed she would have a caesarean and she had to advocate for herself to have a vaginal birth for her twins. CEO Ashlee Muhammad has her hair, make-up, and wardrobe fixed during her last maternity shoot in Brooklyn (Reuters) Many of the women also emphasised the importance of postpartum care. If we are not whole as mothers, I dont know how anyone expects us to care for these children, Clark says. Ward says she thought more education for the Black community on innovations in birthing, postpartum care, and parenting would be beneficial. I truly believe that if we know better, we would do better, she says. Shariah Bottex, a programme manager in Flushing, New York, pumped milk while her fiance fed their newborn son when Reuters photographed her in March. She says her biggest hope for her children is that they will feel comfortable in their skin and that they get to enjoy their childhood. Shariah Bottex pumps milk while her fiance, paramedic Jose Quinonez feeds their son Kaiel (Reuters) Cuddling her newborn (Reuters) My greatest joy as a mother is seeing my baby smile so big and knowing that Im the cause of that smile and his happiness, Bottex says. Photography by Joy Malone Reuters Shareholders in Barryroe oil and gas field brace for 100m wipeout Firm is fighting for its survival after Environment Minister turned down permit for exploration project The Barryroe prospect was discovered in 2012 John Mulligan Sat 10 Jun 2023 at 03:30 Meta says a ban on data transfers means it would have to permanently delete the accounts of users in the European Economic Area Facebooks owner, Meta, has been granted a short stay by the High Court on a decision that it must suspend the transfer and storage of user data from Europe to the US. Last month, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd 1.2bn and ordered it to cease unlawful processing and storage of personal data of millions of Facebook users from the European Economic Area (EU countries along with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). That decision followed a successful legal challenge by Austrian privacy campaigner Max Schrems over concerns that EEA users data is not sufficiently protected from US intelligence agencies when it is transferred across the Atlantic. While Meta updated its contractual terms with users following the Schrems decision, the DPC found these arrangements did not address the risks to the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects in accordance with a European judgment in that case. Following an inquiry, the DPC issued orders that Meta suspend the data transfers and cease the processing and storage of the data. Meta says the decision means it will have to cease providing its Facebook service to EEA users by October 25 next and after that it will have to permanently delete all their accounts. As a result, on Friday it sought leave from Mr Justice Denis McDonald, with only the Meta side represented, to bring judicial review proceedings challenging what it says is the DPC's unlawful decision. The judge said that having read the papers in the case he was satisfied Meta had established arguable grounds for the relief sought. He was satisfied to grant leave to bring judicial review proceedings on notice to the DPC. He said the case could come back on June 19. Declan McGrath SC, for Meta, then asked the judge for an interim stay on the DPC decision because of the financial losses his client will incur without it. The judge said he was only prepared to grant a stay until June 19 but stressed that in doing so, it did not call into question the validity of the DPC. His order only meant Meta had established arguable grounds to suggest the decision is invalid, he said. In an affidavit, Meta Ireland director and head of office, Anne O'Leary, said that suspending Facebook for hundreds of millions of EEA users or even telling them suspension will occur would result in the loss of a very significant number of users and advertisers to competing platforms. She said the damage will begin to occur even before the October date when the orders are to take effect and will increase significantly once users are notified of the impending suspension and deletion of accounts. Without a stay, she said, the estimated revenue loss is around $714m (664m). Ms O'Leary says the US government and the EU Commission have reached agreement on a new framework for transatlantic data flows (known as the Adequacy Decision) and it is likely the EU will have that framework in place shortly. In the event of an unexpected delay in the Adequacy Decision coming into effect, Meta will find itself having to suspend and engage in the "irreversible bulk deletion" of user data which will have a massive impact on users, she said. Without a stay on the DPC decision, she said millions of users will be unable to connect with friends and family across the globe and millions of business would no longer be able to use Facebook to sell goods and services. It would also have serious adverse consequences for Meta's 4,700 strong EU workforce, including 4,470 in Ireland, she said. Ms O'Leary said a significant factor to the balance of interests in this matter is that Meta Ireland is just one of many communications and technology businesses and organisations which transfer EEA personal data to the US. Despite this, as far as Meta is aware, the DPC has not commenced own-volition inquiries or taken any steps to prevent the transfer to the US by these other businesses, she said. Life in this country is pretty good, we heard on Brendan OConnor, but virtual reality might be coming to replace it some day Is this country unquestionably one of the best places in the world to live? That was the contention made by Mark Henry, author of An Optimists Guide to Ireland at 100, to Brendan OConnor (Radio 1, Sat-Sun 11am). The host began by saying: There can tend to be an air of pessimism around these things. But Mark, youd argue that, if we look at the census and facts in general, Ireland is actually a very good news story. He certainly did, citing a number of social and economic metrics; for example, we have the longest life-expectancy of any country in Europe, record low unemployment, more women in the workforce and ridiculously large tax surpluses projected for the next few years. There have been, Henry said, huge changes in Ireland and these, to me, are for the better. Not sure I agree with some of his contentions as being automatically a positive; for instance: The population has grown by a million people in two decades, and thats a good thing. Is it? I actually dont know (unlike the vast majority of my fellow citizens, who seem to be experts on everything). At very least, its wide open to debate and not a done deal. Anyway, he went on: Life has become better for most people and they feel it. We tend to overestimate how much negativity is out there, but a recent survey showed that 95pc of people are fairly or very satisfied with life. And one of the reasons for this discontent, in the face of the apparent reality of things? That infernal device in your hand, pocket or bag. Destroy all smartphones before they destroy you! Although maybe its already too late. Brendan also spoke to Elaine Burke, of the For Techs Sake Podcast, about Apples introduction of a VR/AR virtual reality and augmented reality headset. It sounds like the usual pointless techie nonsense a childs toy tricked out and sold to adults, basically but these yokes will, Elaine said, be selling for about three grand, so early adoption is going to be for a certain subset of people only. Still, they reckoned that Apples virtual reality doodads might succeed in a way that Mark Zuckerbergs havent quite so far, because Apple are good at marketing understatement of the millennium so far, I think. Elaine also touched on issues the makers are having with battery life, as enthusiasts spend hours jacked into these imaginary worlds, draining the power from their gadget. Yes, it is all like an Aldous Huxley novel come to life, only played this time as absurd farce, without the consolation of that sense of dignified tragedy in Brave New World. If you still havent been turned off this futuristic hellscape and are determined to buy a headset, save up by cutting down on holiday costs. Brendan chatted with Dubliner Sharon and Mayoman Kieran about swapping homes with strangers for a cheaper holiday. It gives you, the latter reported, a more authentic experience of the place youre visiting, in that youre staying in a neighbourhood, not just some indistinguishable hotel or whatever: Youre immediately in a community, theres friendship, the kids get to play with other kids It all works really well. Gang attempting to build ties in Iran that would reduce possibility of arrest Daniel Kinahan: The cartel boss is believed to have moved to Iran There has still been no decision on whether Christy Kinahan Sr or either of his two sons should face criminal charges in Ireland. Haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada linger over Manhattan. Photo: Reuters/Mike Segar A view before (left) and after (right) haze and smoke from Canadian wildfires shrouded the skyline, in New York. Photo: Reuters First the sky became hazy and Dr Marcus Collier was taken back to the bad old days in 1980s Dublin when winter smog hung thick over the choking city. Then it turned brown and he was reminded of a visit to Yellowstone Park in the US when the ominous colours overhead signalled a devastating blaze at a time when major wildfires were still rare. He was sharing these thoughts with his students when the distinctive smell of burning started to creep in. And sure enough, about an hour and a half later, we looked out and everything was mustard yellow and it was tough to breathe, said Dr Collier. New York citys blue-sky summer had been enveloped in smoke from wildfires burning hundreds of kilometres away in Canada. Dr Collier, associate professor of sustainability science at Trinity College Dublin, was in New York with a group of PhD students. He was struck by how shaken New Yorkers were by the experience. I would have said they would withstood anything, he said. I was here 38 years ago and I remember a hurricane came through and there were people out doing their shopping, not a bother on them. But they didnt think this could happen. It caught them completely off guard. It wasnt even forecast. It was like our volcanic ash cloud a few years ago. It came out of nowhere and they were scared. For them, this happens in California not here. Dr Colliers group of students were working on an EU-funded project, NovelEco, which is gathering information about wild places in urban spaces. They were several days into their trip, meeting community groups, environmentalists, artists and guerilla planters. They were logging natures determined forays into vacant lots, pavement cracks and other untended places when their schedule was interrupted. The city authorities asked people to stay in and they cancelled schools and games and asked people not to go jogging and to take extra care with pets. It was effectively a lockdown and when we met up with the local groups on Thursday, when the worst of the smoke had passed, there were some very emotional people. Everyone was wearing face masks and was cautious. I was quite surprised because New Yorkers are normally so resilient. But were working in a poor area many people here are on food stamps and a lot of people were concerned because the cost of healthcare here is so high, they cant afford to get sick. So there was genuine anxiety. Despite the trope that poor people cant afford to worry about climate change, Dr Collier found the exact opposite is the case. Climate change was definitely part of the conversation. For New York, fires are not an issue so much as sea-level rise. A huge proportion of the city is very close to sea level and it also happens to be the poorest part so theres a climate justice issue. What happened this week made that very clear. Its disproportionately affecting poor people, people with breathing difficulties and elderly people people who cant just get into a car and drive away or cant afford good air conditioning or may not be able to react as fast as others. Whats worrying is that this is not an outlier. It will be happening more and more. Lockdowns, facemasks, health problems what we experienced as a consequence of disease is going to be a feature of our existence in many parts of the world because of climate change, even in our own country. It probably wont be as severe in Ireland but if the wind was blowing differently from France or England or Scotland, we could just as easily get what weve had in New York this week in certain parts of Dublin and Belfast. Despite the unexpected interruption, the NovelEco research outings and meetings proved invaluable. A woman asked us were there black plants in Black neighbourhoods and white plants in white neighbourhoods, he said. She was asking does affluence and culture determine what nature you get. Thats such an important question for us all. Dr Collier leaves New York tomorrow for meetings in Quebec, Canada, so hell be moving closer to the source of the problem. Colleagues there have been telling me to be prepared but I find it very sad that this is now something we have to prepare for. Senior lawyer sent email to property developer for cash to not block housingLaw firm to tech giants states: We are taking this very seriouslyMatheson email is for Matheson business only. This was not Matheson business, firm says Matheson, the highly reputable law firm, has strongly moved to distance itself from the actions of a senior lawyer in the company. Photo: Getty A senior lawyer has left Irelands largest law firm, Matheson, over a demand for a payment to not object to planning permission for a housing development. Neighbours in a salubrious southside Dublin suburb secretly sought 225,000 each to not block the project, the Irish Independent has revealed. The demand has been referred to gardai after the developer reported a potential fraud. However, the written request for the substantial payment was made from an official email address of the countrys biggest firm of solicitors. The lead homeowner who sent the email was a senior lawyer at Matheson. The firm is based in the tech capital of Grand Canal Dock in Dublin, and among its clients are multinational giants Google, Facebook and Microsoft. It specialises in corporate tax regimes and has grown massively as Ireland became the base for multinationals in the tech, pharma and finance sectors. It was the first European firm to open an office in Silicon Valley in the mid-1990s. The email address, signature and contact details made it clear the homeowner was a senior figure with the firm. Now the highly reputable company has moved to distance itself from the actions of a senior lawyer. The company is understood to have launched its own internal investigation. Matheson told the Irish Independent the demand for the payment was not done on its behalf. Matheson email and stationery is for Matheson business only. This was not Matheson business. We take this very seriously, and the individual no longer works for Matheson, the firm said in response to queries from this newspaper. It is not clear when the company became aware of the issue involving the senior lawyer. In the queries, the Irish Independent did not provide specific details relating to the identity of the staff member, their home address or the housing development, merely that the email came from a Matheson address. The prompt action taken by the firm reflects the potential reputational damage the company could face by being associated with the incident. The revelation of the demand for payment has generated a negative reaction among the public. Mathesons response stands in contrast to the approach of the senior lawyer who sent the email. When contacted a week earlier by the Irish Independent, the staff member said: I had no involvement in that issue. When it was put to them that they sent the email outlining the demand, the response was: No comment. This individual did not reply to further queries. The payment demand lifted the lid on the practice of go-away money payments for dropping objections to planning in the housing crisis. The homeowners in this case all work in highly reputable positions. Aside from the senior lawyer in the countrys top legal firm, there is also a director of an international company and a member of a state board. Residents demanded a 125,000 up-front payment, plus either a substantial boundary divide or another 50,000, and changes to the part of the development or another 50,000. The final tally per house was 225,000. The group also proposed to bring an offer to other residents along the road, but this would not be for cash, merely for boundary changes. In effect, their own neighbours would not be getting the same benefit. The residents demands were to not take a legal challenge against the development and to not support any other objection No payment was made by the developer, and the housing is still caught up in the development process. The residents did not lodge legal objections. Houses in the area regularly sell in the 1m-plus range. The details of the payment demand have prompted much discussion within the property industry. More may emerge. This should put a new and long- overdue complexion on the objector culture, a source said. Developers say additional costs from the planning system, including any payments to residents, will add to the price of housing. The garda fraud squad has received the correspondence from the developers, alleging criminality. In relation to your query, I can advise that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau continues to assess a complaint received, the garda press office said. Matheson is a major player in the legal scene in both Ireland and the US. The firm employs 800 staff and has offices in Cork, London, New York, Palo Alto and San Francisco. Its HQ is at No 70 Sir John Rogersons Quay, a seven-storey office block in Dublins docklands, near many of the tech companies it works for. The firm was previously known as Matheson Ormsby Prentice, but changed its name to Matheson a decade ago. It boasts the largest tax practice group among Irish law firms, with over 40 lawyers and tax advisers and 19 partners and tax principals. The company says on its website: Matheson services the legal needs of internationally focused companies and financial institutions doing business in and from Ireland. Our clients include over half of the worlds 50 largest banks, seven of the worlds 10 largest asset managers, seven of the top 10 global technology brands and we have advised the majority of the Fortune 100 companies. Matheson is consistently in the top three law firms in Ireland. But the last published Law Society of Ireland rankings saw the company surge from third for six years in a row to top with the most practising solicitors. The bragging rights as Irelands largest law firm had been owned by either A&L Goodbody or Arthur Cox LLP throughout that period. But Matheson has now leapfrogged both of these large-firm competitors to top this years table, with 327 practising solicitors, the Law Society Gazette reported. Matheson was named Irelands top law firm in a recent poll of solicitors. The Sunday Independents Best Law Firms 2023 survey saw 1,026 legal professionals recommend firms across 25 different areas of expertise. Matheson came top with 15 areas of expertise recommended. The company was also ranked as the top Irish law firm for mergers and acquisitions for the second consecutive year in 2022 as the firm advised on US$2bn (1.86bn) worth of deals. Fifty Montana landowners will be awarded 79 either-sex elk tags as an incentive to allow public hunters access to almost a half-million acres of land in the 2023 hunting season. The Fish and Wildlife Commission approved awarding the tags on Thursday under the Elk Hunting Access Agreement program, also known as the 454 program for the legislation that founded the process in 2001. Critics called the program "bulls for billionaires." Last hunting season, 34 agreements were approved with 41 licenses/permits issued to landowners or their designees, according to an evaluation provided to the commission. The agreements provided access to more than 375,000 acres and resulted in hunters killing 285 elk, 47 of which were bulls and the other 238 of which were cows or calves. Thirty of the 34 landowners provided the public free access to elk beyond the requirements of the program. Additionally, four landowners did not report a specific number of additional public hunters allowed access above the minimum required, the report noted. However, these landowners indicated they provided additional access through Block Management or in the case of one ranch reported harvest statistics (225 cows harvested by additional public hunters at that ranch). Thus, the number of additional public hunters provided free elk hunting access via the program is likely higher. Of the landowners or designees who hunted under the Elk Hunting Access Agreement program in 2022, 61% shot an elk, 84% of which were branch antlered bulls. For the public hunters, out of 56 who were surveyed, 87.5% said they saw elk. Out of 35 hunters surveyed, 62.5% said they were successful. Last season was the first under a heavily modified application process for the program, setting a deadline for landowners to submit requests to participate. In 2020, the commission and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks were criticized for allowing participation by some landowners after the rifle hunting season had already started. Interest in the program surged in 2020 after the Legislature dropped the number of public hunters the landowner had to allow onto their property in return for the free elk tag. Prior to the change, for each elk tag the landowner had to allow four public hunters access. The change cut that to three with the landowner able to pick one of the three hunters. The free landowner tags are only good on their own property. Commissioner Brian Cebull, who waded through the chaotic days of the 2020 program, praised Hope Stockwell and Jason Kool for their oversight of the changes made to organize the program. Kool is the Hunting Access Program manager and Stockwell is administrator for the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division. Thomas Baumeister, representing the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, also praised the revisions to the program. However, he said it is difficult for the public to evaluate whether applicants should be approved or not. It feels to us that this has sort of become transactional in nature, he said. A landowner says, Yep, I would like to have a bull permit and I would be willing to allow three public hunters. But when you look at the actual statute that authorized this and calls for these 454s, as really a tool for wildlife management, I think that concept sort of gets lost in the transactional nature of this. Jeff Lukas, of the Montana Wildlife Federation, said the short deadline between when the applications are made publicly available and when the commission acts is too short to provide adequate public scrutiny. The deadline for applications was May 15. The public was asked to comment to the commission before that deadline. Hunter Stier, of Belgrade, emailed a comment to the commission saying the value of the free elk tags given is not a fair exchange for Montanans. Commissioner Pat Tabor said he saw a very consistent and routine application process where not all of the requests were approved. What that tells me is the system is working, he said. I hope its not lost on the public because I know there was a lot of negativity with this program when it first started, that this is, right now, a positive direction for gaining access for folks that otherwise wouldnt get it. And thats something to be collectively celebrating, in my opinion. Cheap long-haul flights would delight many, but the airlines CEO Eddie Wilson explains why they havent taken the leap Aer Lingus does it on wide-body A330s and single-aisle, A321 neo LR aircraft . Norwegian did it with a no-frills service from Irish airports until it axed the flights in 2019. And Icelandic budget carrier Play is doing it from Dublin Airport, albeit with short stopovers in Reykjavik. With travel to the US getting easier, Covid restrictions gone and US Preclearance in Dublin and Shannon, surely the low-cost airline to end them all would crush it if it went transatlantic. So, will Ryanair finally fly to the US? No, says its CEO Eddie Wilson. The airline has just ordered 300 new Boeing 737 Max 10 aircraft for its European network, but North America is not so much as a blip on its radar, he says. There are a couple of reasons. One is that Ryanair does 25-minute turnarounds and goes to a lot of uncongested airports in Europe. So were able to get extra turns on the aircraft. But if youre on the transatlantic route, even the major carriers cant get an extra turn. An extra turn means an additional flight, increasing the money an aircraft can make. But thats tricky on US flight rotations due to many factors, including distance, changeover times and the chance of picking up weather delays. You might say you could drop down to the Canaries, but your schedule, given weather and things like that, means its very hard to become any more efficient... so youre not able to replicate that part of the model. The next challenge is the shortage of slots at major airports. It would be very difficult to get on one of those routes with any sort of presence. And if you had to go to secondary airports [Norwegian flew to Stewart in New York State], youre ruling out Business Class. What really pays for transatlantic are the 24 people up front and the cargo, Wilson says. Down the back, there just arent enough seats for you to lower fares. Were not set up for that. We have no experience in running a Business Class cabin, and we dont have cargo. Norwegian launched in 2017 with lead-in transatlantic fares of 69 each way. But bigger carriers soon turned the screw on its economy prices while keeping their revenue ticking over up front (it was also impacted by the global grounding of Boeings 737 Max). Theres no obvious part of our business model that is transferable from short-haul, Wilson says. Nobody has ever really cracked that yet. [With the] Ryanair model, you do the same thing every day, every seat, every flight. Thats what has kept us on the straight and narrow for the last 30-plus years. We dont change things very often. But when we do, its got to be every seat, every flight. A strong balance sheet, hedging on fuel prices, buying aircraft at the right time and getting growth deals out of secondary airports all give Ryanair a larger cost advantage on its competitors, he says. And we just keep rolling that out all the time... you know, its boring! As for being cautious in terms of transatlantic flights, it looks like Ryanair will continue to keep us waiting. You can be vulgar and call it a fine or be posh and insist on solidarity contributions. However, the reality is that Ireland risks paying far more EU migration fees perhaps over four times the 1.5m payment sanctioned this week by the Government in place of taking 350 migrants seeking international protection here. With Tom King An Gobha and Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland A very special one-day event will take place on Sunday June 25th called Myth & Metal; A day of Stories, Steel and Song at the Forge of the Smooth Road. Take a step back in time in the historic Boyne Valley and spend a day hearing the ancient tales of gods and monuments, and see an award-winning traditional smith making jewellery in his forge. Tom King An Gobha and Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland will be your hosts for a very special day at the Forge of the Smooth Road, Slighe Assail, (Bohermeen), one of the five ancient roads leading to the Hill of Tara. Immerse yourself in the legends of Bru na Boinne, Tara and the ancient sites of Meath at the forge which is located just 1.5 miles from the resting place of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Learn all about the craft of the blacksmith as he hammers steel and bronze and brass into beautiful pieces inspired by the myths and megalithic art of the Boyne Valley. Itinerary: 10am: Arrive at the forge to a warm Cead Mile Failte from Tom and Anthony. Enjoy some tea and refreshments as you prepare for a day of Myth and Metal. 10:30am: Hear mythologist Anthony Murphy recite the ancient tales of the Boyne Valley. There will be stories of the Tuatha De Danann, and how they were said to have built the ancient Stone Age monuments of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. Listen to tales of love and war, of warriors and god kings, in the most historic and story-rich part of Ireland. 11:45am: Take a trip with Tom and Anthony to the Famine House (Durhamstown Auxiliary Workhouse), and hear about the struggles of the Great Hunger, when people desperate for food went to the workhouses to offer labour in exchange for a meagre meal. 1pm: Dinner. Brigids Banquet. Prepared by Tom. Hes not just good with making metal jewellery he makes good food too! Dine at the forge with Tom, Anthony and the other guests. 2.15pm: Watch and listen as Tom An Gobha King makes a piece of his famous jewellery on the anvil, using traditional methods. The skilled craftsman will talk you through every step and aspect of his forging. And when hes finished making the piece, perhaps one or two of the guests might try their hand at making something with Toms guidance? 4.30pm: Refreshments, photographs and chat. And who knows, maybe a song or two? 5pm: Depart the forge. Tickets: 45 each and you can book on the Mythical Ireland website at www.mythicalireland.com Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston has announced that he is taking a break from acting for a year which will include unplugging from social media. The 67-year-old American actor, known for portraying chemistry teacher-turned-crime boss Walter White, said he was making the decision to spend more time with his beautiful wife Robin Dearden and have a sort of reset on his career. His decision follows British actor Tom Holland telling Extra on Wednesday that he is taking a year off after psychological thriller series The Crowded Room broke him. The 27-year-old star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, known for playing Spider-Man in several films, portrayed a character, based on serial rapist Billy Milligan, in the new show. In a GQ interview last week, Cranston said he plans to shut down his production company, sell his half of his mezcal business Dos Hombres, move to a foreign country for at least six months with his wife and then retire in three years. However, on Friday the actor told his Instagram followers: I am not retiring. What I am going to do is hit the pause button for a year after I reach my 70th birthday in 2026. Holy crap 70! Im not even sure what pausing means entirely, but at this moment, I think it means that by taking a year off it will provide several things. First, it will allow me to spend time with Robin (my beautiful wife of 34 years now) in a way that I havent been able to in the last 25 years not as a wife of a celebrity, but as a loving married couple entering into well, lets be honest, our latter years, with new hopes and goals and experiences. Secondly, it gives me a sort of reset in my career. Ive had such an unbelievable ride for over two decades with playing characters on TV, films, and on stage that I could only have dreamt about until it actually happened. Explaining his decision, Cranston, who married actress Dearden in 1989, said he is beginning to run out of fresh ideas on how to portray characters. Bryan Cranston and Robin Dearden (Ian West/PA) He added: So, exploring a more expanded life experience will give me the chance to replenish my soul and prepare for whatever roles I may be afforded in a more authentic way. I will unplug from social media, step off the hamster wheel of business, and dive into the classic novels that Ive always promised myself I would read but havent But before that happens, Ive got some unfinished business. Cranston said he was looking at returning to Broadway and will bring out several films, which are slated to include Wes Andersons science fiction flick Asteroid City and other projects such as spy thriller Argylle. He also said: For now, let me just express my deep gratitude to all of you who have been so incredibly kind and generous with your time in reading my posts and following my career. I never take my good fortune for granted. I am blessed, and man, do I know it. I wish all of you well and Ill see you down the road. Love, Bryan. It has also been reported that Cranston will now get involved in a Malcolm In The Middle reunion project. The comedy show aired from 2000 to 2006 and saw Cranston play Hal, who is the father to several sons including Malcolm, played by Frankie Muniz, alongside his wife Lois, played by Jane Kaczmarek. Our fashion editor rounds up the latest style news and fashion trends Stylist and broadcaster Cathy OConnor this weekend launches her Women Unbranded campaign to create social change towards ageing in the fashion and beauty worlds. At a time of extraordinary inclusion, many women over 40 feel like they are on the outside looking in. Wed like a more realistic portrayal of us, highlighting our vibrancy, our wisdom and our value, says Cathy. Qantas's policies are said to have been a source of frustration for some employees. Photo: Getty stock Qantas, the Australian airline, will no longer require its female cabin crew to wear make-up and heels in a change it said was reflective of the times. Actress Nikki Sanderson has told the UKs High Court she was harassed by the public including once having her hair set on fire due to her portrayal in papers published by Mirror Group Newspapers. Tributes left near the scene at a lakeside park in Annecy, France. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire A 24-year-old Catholic pilgrim on a tour of Frances cathedrals has been hailed as a national hero after using his rucksack to take on a Syrian knifeman. Washington branded a hacker empire as row deepens over alleged spy station on Cuban soil China has lashed out at the US for spreading rumours and slander and described Washington as the most powerful hacker empire in a denial of reports that it had inked a secret deal with Cuba to set up a spy station. Theodore Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, has died in federal prison in the US, a spokesman for the Bureau of Prisons told The Associated Press on Saturday. DES MOINES, Iowa In March, when Donald Trump became the first former president in U.S. history indicted on criminal charges, his reelection campaign saw a huge surge in donations. Even political rivals rushed to support him. There was no dent in his front-runner status after the state charges in New York. Thursday's news that Trump has been indicted again, this time on federal charges related to his handling of classified documents, may offer a repeat. A 37-count felony indictment unsealed Friday accuses Trump of willful retention and improper sharing of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and corruptly concealing a document or record, among other charges. The top counts carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison upon conviction. But soon after he was indicted, there were clear signs that Republican voters may be willing to entrust him again with access to the nation's biggest secrets and authority over the very laws prosecutors say he defied. Republican pollster Neil Newhouse said the indictment would not fundamentally change Trump's standing in the GOP or his advantage in the crowded 2024 Republican primary. In any other decade, this would be more than enough to kill a presidential contender in the crib. That's no longer the case particularly for Donald Trump, Newhouse said. He argued Trump has been effectively setting expectations for more charges for months. This comes as a surprise to very few Republicans, Newhouse said. Trump's been saying he'd get indicted. He got indicted. The sense from many Republican voters is that this is all about politics. The prospect that someone under indictment twice could somehow still be considered a viable presidential candidate underscores Trump's grip on the Republican Party and the ways that he has fundamentally transformed democratic norms in America. It also illustrates just how effective he has become at inoculating himself against political fallout by setting expectations and controlling the narrative. And it reflects growing Republican hostility toward the federal government and particularly the Justice Department, which Trump has now spent the better part of a decade maligning. But even if the indictment doesn't hurt Trump's standing with Republican primary voters, its far from certain that the broader set of general election voters, which includes independents and moderates in both parties, will be as forgiving next fall in a prospective matchup against President Joe Biden. The Democratic president beat Trump in 2020 with a promise to restore a sense of normalcy to Washington after Trump's drama-filled presidency. With these new charges, Trump's baggage is only growing heavier. The former president faces the possibility of still more indictments in Georgia and Washington, D.C., a prospect that could see him facing trial in four separate jurisdictions while running to return to the highest office in the land. For now, the new indictment throws Trump back into the spotlight, dominating every news cycle and denying his rivals space to break through to voters, just as many have formally launched their campaigns. Republican strategist Sarah Longwell, a fierce Trump critic and founder of the Republican Accountability Project, acknowledged the indictment might ultimately help Trump seize the GOP nomination. I've certainly seen a rally around Trump effect every time Trump is impeached or indicted, she said, adding that much depends on the reaction of his Republican 2024 challengers. Does anyone have the political talent to seize this as an opportunity? Or will they all line up behind Trump? she said. Because if they all defend him, they will relegate themselves to bit players in Trump's drama and never get around to making an affirmative case for themselves. Still, Doug Heye, another Republican strategist, said Trump's primary opponents do have a major opportunity to argue that the former president cannot win in 2024 because of his baggage. This should be gold for Republican presidential candidates, should they choose to use it, Heye said. So far Trumps rivals instead seem to be rallying to his side an acknowledgement of his enduring popularity with the GOP voters they need to win over in order to snag the nomination. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who received backlash after he briefly knocked Trump over the New York case, lashed out at the Justice Department in a tweet Thursday night. The weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society, he wrote. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott used similar language in an appearance on Fox News, decrying the weaponization of the Department of Justice against the former president." Former Vice President Mike Pence said he was deeply troubled that Trump had been indicted because he believed it would further divide the nation. Only former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a long-shot candidate and frequent Trump critic, offered a rebuke. This reaffirms the need for Donald Trump to respect the office and end his campaign, he said. Image Credit: Screenshot grab from Twitter videos Toronto/New Delhi/IBNS: Taking a swipe at the Canada government led by his own Liberal party, Canadian MP Chandra Arya has slammed the Khalistanis over former Indian Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi's assassination float that has triggered a new outrage from Indians. Taking to Twitter, Arya said, "Khalistan supporters in Canada have reached (a) new low with a despicable float in a recent Brampton parade. The float celebrated the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with her cutout in white saree soaked in blood and cutouts of her bodyguard turned killers brandishing and pointing guns. "This is not what our country Canada stands for. Tolerating glorification of violence and public promotion of hate goes against everything our country believes in. Khalistan supporters have crossed a line and Canada should and must respond," he said adding that he had always flagged the anti-India and anti-Hindu actions. Khalistan supporters in Canada have reached new low with a despicable float in a recent Brampton parade. The float celebrated the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with her cutout in white saree soaked in blood and cutouts of her bodyguard turned killers pic.twitter.com/ZMBipjLMZn Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) June 8, 2023 The float was reportedly part of a parade that was organised by some Khalistani elements in Brampton. India on Thursday slammed Canada for going lenient on extremists and separatists after a video emerged on social media of a float that allegedly celebrated the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the Canadian city of Brampton. In a press briefing, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Canada giving space to extremists and separatists on its soil is neither good for its bilateral ties with India nor for its own wellbeing. Earlier visuals from Canada, of Khalistanis celebrating assassination of the former Indian PM. pic.twitter.com/kVBSKtGZ79 Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 8, 2023 "I think there is a bigger issue involved. And the bigger issue involved really is the space that Canada has continuously and frankly... we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics, why anybody would do this," Jaishankar said. "Because if you look at their history, you would imagine that they learn from history and they would not like to repeat that history. It is not only one incident, however egregious it may be," he added. Khalistan Cauldron While the demand for Khalistan is a non-issue in India, Khalistani extremists, backed by Pakistan, have a free run in Canada since the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984. Canada has second highest concentration of Sikhs outside India with nearly 800,000 adherents accounting for 2.1% of Canada's population as of 2021. Indira Gandhi was assassinated on Oct 31, 1984, by two of her Sikh bodyguards to avenge the military action at the Golden Temple in Amritsar as part of Operation Blue Star to flush out Damdami Taksal leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the holiest site of Sikhism. Her killing triggered India-wide anti-Sikh riots. On 23 June 1985, the shocking mid-air bombing of an Air India flight in 1985 was the handiwork of Canada-based extremist outfit Babbar Khalsa to avenge the anti-Sikh riots and Golden Temple operation. The bombing had killed 329 people aboard, including 268 Canadian citizens, 27 British citizens, and 24 Indian citizens. However despite diplomatic pressures and souring of relations, Canada has been soft-peddling the Khalistan issue largely because of domestic vote bank politics. The Khalistani flags are ubiquitous in areas like Brampton in Greater Toronto while many religious places of the Sikh community have glorified pictures of extremists behind acts of anti-India terrorism. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in May 2017 had attended an event of nagar kirtan in Toronto with Khalistani flags, inviting the concern of the Indian government over the presence of the PM in such a gathering, sending the signal that it condones the anti-India forces' action. In a significant operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) successfully intercepted and confiscated 5.5 kg of narcotics that were airdropped by a Pakistani drone near the International Border in the Amritsar sector. The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday, sending a strong message about the constant vigilance maintained by the BSF. At approximately 4 am on June 10, BSF troops stationed at the border detected a violation of Indian airspace by a drone originating from the Pakistani side. The troops also heard the distinct sound of an object landing in the fields near Rai village, providing crucial information to the authorities. Acting promptly, the BSF initiated a search operation in the specified area. During the thorough search, the BSF officers uncovered a large package concealed in yellow adhesive tape, equipped with a hook. The package was located in the fields on the outskirts of the village, raising suspicions about its contents. Upon careful examination, the officers discovered five smaller packets meticulously wrapped in yellow tape. The packets are believed to contain heroin, a potent illegal substance. This seizure comes on the heels of another major interception made by the BSF in the same region. On the previous day, the security force successfully apprehended 5.2 kg of narcotics that were dropped in a similar fashion near the Amritsar sector. These back-to-back incidents highlight the persistent attempts to smuggle drugs across the border and the unwavering commitment of the BSF to curb such illicit activities. The BSF has been actively bolstering its surveillance and security measures along the border to combat the growing threat of drug trafficking. The use of drones by smugglers has emerged as a significant challenge, as it allows them to evade traditional methods of detection. However, the BSFs vigilance and advanced surveillance technology have proven instrumental in foiling such attempts. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation to determine the source and destination of the seized drugs, as well as the individuals or groups involved in the smuggling operation. The BSF continues to maintain a heightened state of alertness and will remain steadfast in its mission to safeguard the nations borders and prevent illegal activities that endanger the security and well-being of its citizens. (Image and Text: Khalsavox.com) Image Credit: Video grab ABP Ananda video grab Kolkata: The situation across various districts of West Bengal remained tense on the second day of the panchayat election nomination process, media reports said. Many candidates were unable to file their nominations on the first day. The Opposition alleged that Congress workers were beaten by Trinamool Congress supporters. While tension continued, the BDO office in Murshidabad district was gheraoed. On Saturday, the workers of Congress and its ally CPM attacked TMC activists, which led to further escalation of the violence. This came after Congress worker, Fulchand Sheikh, 45, was shot dead on Friday, India Today reported. Sheikh was murdered on the first day of the filing of the nomination. Congress alleged that the TMC was behind the murder of its worker. During the chaos, a firearm was discovered in the possession of Bashir Mollah, a local leader affiliated with the Trinamool Congress in Domkal. Following the recovery, Mollah was arrested and taken to a nearby police station for further investigation and legal action, the report said. On Friday, Domkal, which is some 32 km away from Murshidabad, witnessed a tumultuous situation as party candidates prepared to submit their nominations for the crucial panchayat polls, the report stated. According to reports, CPM workers claimed that supporters and members of the Trinamool Congress surrounded the Block Development Officer (BDO) office, turning the area into a battlefield. Domkal is a town and headquarters of the Domkal Subdivision in Murshidabad district. The opposition party workers further alleged that they were targeted by miscreants linked to the ruling party. The opposition workers united and reached the BDO office to submit their nominations. The workers and supporters of the Trinamool Congress were chased by the opposition workers. The confrontation escalated to the point where both groups resorted to stone pelting, resulting in damage to several vehicles amidst the violent clashes. Meanwhile, West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the attack on Congress and CPM leaders clearly reflected how TMC was using muscle power to decimate its rivals. Slamming Mamata Banerjees party, Chowdhury said TMC had no wish to contest the election with the ballot and was using bullets to suppress the Oppositions candidates. He alleged that free and fair elections would be virtually impossible under the Mamata Banerjee regime in West Bengal and demanded the deployment of Central forces to conduct the rural polls. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury met the family of injured Congress workers at Khargram, Murshidabad. He said TMC goons are targeting INC workers and their families post declaration of Panchayat elections dates. According to a Congress leader from Murshidabad district, Sheikh was shot six times, and the two individuals who sustained injuries were also members of the Congress party, the India Today report said. However, local leaders from the Trinamool Congress alleged that the killing was a result of personal rivalry and accused Congress of politicizing the incident. In another incident in Birbhum, violence broke out during the nomination filing as BJP Mandal Vice President Somanath Mandal was accused of assaulting opposition party members. It was alleged that Somanath Mandal physically attacked them. The opposition accused Trinamool Congress-backed miscreants of obstructing the BJP candidates and their leaders. A clash between Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) workers took place in Baraboni, Asansol, during the nomination filing at the party office. Both sides accused each other of attacking. The police intervened to control the situation. The upcoming three-tier panchayat polls in West Bengal, considered a litmus before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, are scheduled for July 8. The State Election Commissioner, Rajiva Sinha, announced that the rural council elections would be held on a single day, with the deadline for filing nominations set for June 15. The votes will be counted on July 11. Opposition leader in West Bengal Assembly Subhendu Adhikari said the security deployment would not be sufficient for the single day poll and predicted blood bath during the voting. "42,000 police personnel will be deployed to facilitate voting in 70,000 booths across the state in a single day! This is inviting death. Paramilitary forces must be deployed," he said. According to Adhikari, the situation is likely to get out of control as the opposition is expected to further increase its resistance against the ruling TMC. Reports of clashes are pouring in from different parts of WB. @BJP4Bengal Candidates are being blocked from filing nominations at Labhpur; Birbhum district, by the TMC Goons. Our Candidates & Party Leaders have suffered serious injuries. TMC anti-socials have established a reign pic.twitter.com/cQLEHFfjF7 Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) June 10, 2023 Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including Sukanta Majumdar and Agnimitra Pal, have met wiith the Governor in Raj Bhavan to express their concerns. According to BJP sources, the state government unilaterally decided to hold the panchayat election just days after the appoitment of the new State Election Commissioner without consulting the opposition. The BJP delegation approached the Governor's office to lodge a complaint over the matter. Bengaluru: In response to OpenAI founder Sam Altman's pretty hopeless comment over how Indian startups could start building AI platforms like ChatGPT, Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani has said he accepted the challenge. Altman, who is currently in India as part of his six-nation tour, was attending an interactive session where former Google Vice President in India and South East Asia Rajan Anandan asked whether India can develop an artificial intelligence tool like ChatGPT. "We have got a very vibrant ecosystem in India, but specifically focussing on AI, are there spaces where you see a startup from India building foundational models how should we think about that, where is it that a team from India should start to actually build something truly substantial?" Mr Anandan asked. In response to this question, Altman replied: "The way this works is we're going to tell you, it's totally hopeless to compete with us on training foundation models you shouldn't try, and it's your job to like try anyway. And I believe both of those things. I think it is pretty hopeless. OpenAI founder Sam Altman said its pretty hopeless for Indian companies to try and compete with them. Dear @sama, From one CEO to another.. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. pic.twitter.com/67FDUtLNq0 CP Gurnani (@C_P_Gurnani) June 9, 2023 Taking Altmans response as a dare, Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani tweeted Altman's reply and said that the challenge has been accepted. "OpenAI founder Sam Altman said it's pretty hopeless for Indian companies to try and compete with them. Dear @sama, From one CEO to another...CHALLENGE ACCEPTED," tweeted Gurnani. Despite Altman's claims that India lacks the capabilities to build a tool like ChatGPT, Anandan said Indian entrepreneurs should not be underestimated and they will try to build their own AI tool. "Thank you, Sam Altman, for the clear answer. As you said, 'it is hopeless, but you will try anyway.' 5000 years of Indian entrepreneurship has shown us that we should never underestimate the Indian entrepreneur. We do intend to try," Mr Anandan wrote. However, Altman said the question was taken out of context. "This is really taken out of context! the question was about competing with us with $10 million, which i really do think is not going to work. but i still said try! however, i think it's the wrong question," Altman replied to the Tech Mahindra CEO. In the next tweet, Altman underscored the potential of Indian startups. "The right question is what a startup can do that's never been done before, that will contribute a new thing to the world. i have no doubt indian startups can and will do that! and no one but the builders can answer that question," he said. During his India tour, Sam Altman met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed how India can benefit from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and framing global regulations for the technology. Great conversation with @narendramodi discussing India's incredible tech ecosystem and how the country can benefit from AI. Really enjoyed all my meetings with people in the @PMOIndia, he tweeted after the meeting. Sam Altmans six nation tour also includes UAE, Israel, Jordon, Qatar and South Korea. Image: unsplash The Global Report on Food Crisis produced by the Food Security Information Network, an international alliance of the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and other agencies working to tackle food crises, which was released last month, drew urgent attention to the steep and alarming increase in the number of people worldwide experiencing acute hunger and requiring food, nutrition and livelihood assistance. Acute food insecurity is defined as when a persons inability to consume adequate food puts their lives or livelihoods in immediate danger. The report concluded that the number of people facing acute food insecurity in 58 countries and territories in 2022 was 258 million, and this was the highest in the seven-year history of the report, signifying a deteriorating trend in global acute food insecurity. In 2021, 193 million people in 53 countries and territories faced acute hunger, so the figure for 2022 reflected a 34% jump within just one year. Among South Asian countries, Afghanistan was facing the most challenging situation, with the report including the country among seven nations that is assessed were on the brink of starvation. The report assessed that the key drivers of this crisis were economic shocks, conflict/insecurity, and weather/climate extremes, with economic shocks (the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 and the repercussions of the war in Ukraine) having surpassed conflict as the primary driver of acute food insecurity and malnutrition in several major food crises. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in the reports foreword, drove home the harsh reality that More than a quarter of a billion people are now facing acute levels of hunger, and some are on the brink of starvation. Thats unconscionable. The UN, meanwhile, published a report on 29 May that placed Afghanistan, Pakistan and Myanmar among the hunger hotspots across the world. Titled Hunger Hotspots: FAO and WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity, the report has been jointly published by two Rome-based UN agencies, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP). It marks 18 hunger hotspots across the globe where acute food insecurity is expected to increase in the period from June to November 2023. The 18 hunger hotspots include two regional clusters and comprise 22 countries. In these hotspots, the UN predicted that parts of the population already facing acute food insecurity will experience significant deterioration. While Afghanistan is at the highest concern level, Pakistan and Myanmar, the latter having been included in the latest UN report for the first time, have been marked as areas of very high concern. The UN warned that economic, political, and social crises in these countries threaten to aggravate the problem of acute food insecurity and malnutrition. The report pointed out that all the hotspots at the highest level have populations facing or projected to face starvation or are at risk of deterioration towards catastrophic conditions, given they already have critical food insecurity and are facing severe aggravating factors. These countries, therefore, require the most urgent attention. The Pakistani daily Dawn reported on 30 May that according to the UN report, acute food insecurity in Pakistan was likely to rise in the coming months, especially so if the countrys prevalent economic and political turmoil intensified, aggravating the consequences of the devastating 2022 floods. The report said that Pakistan, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Syrian Arab Republic are hotspots with very high concern, and the warning is also extended to Myanmar in this edition. It elaborated that, All these hotspots have a high number of people facing critical acute food insecurity, coupled with worsening drivers that are expected to further intensify life-threatening conditions in the coming months. In Pakistans case, the report noted that amid the current global economic slowdown, mounting public debt had exacerbated the ongoing financial crisis in the country. In addition to political turmoil, the countrys International Monetary Fund (IMF) financial bailout had been delayed for the past seven months. Pakistan has to pay back international creditors US$ 77.5 billion over the next three years, a substantial repayment amount bearing in mind the countrys GDP of US$ 350 billion in 2021. The UN report added that growing political instability and lagging reforms in Pakistan were preventing the release of crucial new lines of credit from international organizations and additional support from bilateral partners. It predicted that, The political crisis and civil unrest are likely to worsen ahead of general elections scheduled for October 2023, amid growing insecurity in the northwest of the country. A shortage of foreign reserves and a depreciating currency are diminishing the countrys ability to import essential food items and energy supplies and increasing food items prices besides causing nationwide energy cuts. The situation has been compounded by the effects of last years floods, which caused damages and economic losses of Rs 30 billion to the agriculture sector. According to the report, over 8.5 million Pakistanis were likely to experience high levels of acute food insecurity between September and December 2023. Further, the food insecurity and malnutrition situation was likely to worsen, as economic and political crises were having the effect of reducing the purchasing power of households and their ability to buy food and other essential goods. The Pakistani daily The Express Tribune noted that while political wrangles raged in public, in courts, and on the streets, Pakistan did not have the money to secure food imports on ships anchored at its ports. This resulted in shortages of even bare necessities, including wheat flour for the daily bread. The Diplomat reported on 2 May that in March-April this year, the Pakistani government had set up distribution sites across the country to provide low-cost and free flour to people to ease their burden amid spiraling prices brought about by the ongoing economic crisis. However, instead of benefitting the public, the initiative caused trouble in several places where stampedes broke out, killing and injuring people. Alina Effendi, a member of The Express Tribunes editorial team, in a timely 4 June article stressed that urgent action was needed to address malnutrition, which had become endemic in Pakistan. She wrote, In Pakistan, malnutrition poses a silent threat to the health, development and future of its people. Despite progress in various sectors, malnutrition remains alarmingly prevalent, hindering the nations growth and prosperity Within Pakistans borders, millions of vulnerable individuals, especially children and women, silently bear the consequences of malnutrition. Shocking statistics reveal that nearly half of children under the age of five experience stunted growth, and 30% suffer from wasting. This situation highlights the seriousness of the issue and demands our unwavering attention. Effendi underlined that it was crucial for Pakistan to prioritize this crisis of malnutrition and take immediate action to address its root causes. The UN report, meanwhile, recommended that Pakistan enhance the shock-responsive character of existing social protection mechanisms such as the Benazir Income Support Programme to promote effective preventive action and humanitarian response via social protection systems. It called for building the capacity of national and provincial disaster management authorities to include forecast-based financing and risk insurance as part of disaster management and sectoral contingency plans. Regarding Myanmar, the UN report said that in addition to a fragile economy and climate catastrophes like the recent Cyclone Mocha, conflict and repression under Myanmars military junta has further increased the risk of food security in the country in the past six months. The at-risk population increased by 2 million in 2022 compared to 2021. The most precarious situation, as per the UN report, was in Afghanistan. The country has turned insular since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, forcing women to stay at home. No country in the world has recognized the Taliban regime. The report noted that falling humanitarian funding under international sanctions, a major source of foreign reserves for funds-deprived Afghanistan, coupled with drought-like conditions were likely to put 15.3 million people at the risk of high acute food insecurity in the country. As per the UN, 70% of people in Afghanistan already do not get two proper meals a day. Economic and political crises are drastically reducing households purchasing power and ability to buy food and other essential goods. The report said that economic and political crises in Afghanistans neighbor and main trading partner Pakistan will also worsen food security problems across the two nations. It noted that Afghanistans coal and food export revenues could drop if the economic and political crisis in Pakistan and the security situation in the border areas between the two countries continued to deteriorate. Earlier, the UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) had observed that in all of Afghanistan, poverty and hunger had increased significantly since the Taliban retook control of the country. Approximately 28.3 million Afghans, or roughly two-thirds of the countrys population, will require urgent humanitarian and protective assistance in 2023, according to the organizations findings. The irony of the situation in Afghanistan is that possibly the most positive policy decision that the Taliban regime has taken since it came to power banning the cultivation of poppy and rigorously enforcing that decision is likely to add to the food insecurity that is plaguing the country. Yogita Limayes coverage for BBC News of the implications of the poppy cultivation ban threw some light on this aspect. Pointing out that Afghanistan used to produce more than 80% of the worlds opium, and that heroin made from Afghan opium made up 95% of the market in Europe, Limaye observed during her research on the ground in eastern and southern Afghanistan that the Taliban appeared to have been more successful in cracking down on poppy cultivation than anyone ever had been before. She wrote, In April 2022, Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada decreed that cultivation of the poppy - from which opium, the key ingredient for the drug heroin can be extracted - was strictly prohibited. Anyone violating the ban would have their field destroyed and be penalised according to Sharia law We found a huge fall in poppy growth in major opium-growing provinces, with one expert saying annual cultivation could be 80% down on last year. Less-profitable wheat crops have supplanted poppies in fields - and many farmers saying they are suffering financially The evidence we saw on the ground is backed up by imagery taken from above. David Mansfield, a leading expert on Afghanistan's drugs trade, is working with Alcis - a UK firm which specialises in satellite analysis. It is likely that cultivation will be less than 20% of what it was in 2022. The scale of the reduction will be unprecedented, he says. A large number of farmers have complied with the ban, and Taliban fighters have been destroying the crops of those that havent. Toor Khan, the commander of the Taliban patrol unit we are with in Nangarhar, tells us he and his men have been destroying poppy fields for nearly five months, and have cleared tens of thousands of hectares of the crop. The adverse economic impact that the Talibans otherwise laudable ban was having on a severely distressed population was evident from Limayes conversations with farmers whose poppy crops had been destroyed by Taliban enforcement teams. Farmer Ali Mohammad Mia, when asked why he was cultivating poppy despite the ban, responded with If you have no food at home, and your children are going hungry, what else would you do. Another farmer said, I cant meet my familys needs. Ive had to take a loan. Hunger is at its peak and we havent got any help from the government. Urgent humanitarian action is needed to save lives and livelihoods and prevent starvation and death in hotspots where acute hunger is at a high risk of worsening. As FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said in a statement, We need to provide immediate time-sensitive agricultural interventions 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. Investing in disaster risk reduction in the agriculture sector can unlock significant resilience dividends and must be scaled up. Ensuring that predictable hazards do not become full-blown humanitarian disasters is very important in todays fast-changing world in which millions are at risk, and as QU Dongyu put it, 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. The much-anticipated film Maurh has finally hit the theaters, and it lives up to its expectations with a grand budget and a captivating plot. Produced by Jatinder Mauhar, this historical masterpiece has been the talk of the town among moviegoers. With stellar performances by Ammy Virk, Dev Kharoud, and Vikramjeet Virk, Maurh takes us back to a defining period in history. The film also boasts an ensemble cast including Ameik Virk, Jarnail Singh, Kuljinder Singh Sidhu, Marc Randhawa, Naiqra Kaur, Paramveer Singh, Baljinder Kaur, Sikandar Ghuman, Richa Bhatt, and many others. Maurh is a joint venture of Naad Studios and Rhythm Boyz, ensuring a high-quality production that adds to the films grandeur. Ammy Virk delivers an outstanding performance as Jeona Maurh, capturing the characters bravery and unwavering determination. His portrayal of a man driven by a relentless pursuit of freedom and justice is commendable. Dev Kharoud, as Kishna Maurh, complements Virks performance with equal brilliance, bringing depth and emotional impact to the story. Vikramjeet Virk shines in his portrayal of Chaudhary Ahmed Dogger in Maurh. Fans have applauded his meticulous dedication to the role, appreciating his charisma and acting prowess that once again captivates the audience. Set in the years 1885 to 1893, Maurh offers a realistic depiction of Punjabs socio-political landscape under British colonial authority. The film effectively captures the essence of that era, providing an immersive experience for viewers. With its authentic portrayal of the characters struggles and remarkable performances by the entire cast, Maurh delivers everything the audience desires. The cinematography in Maurh is breathtaking, utilizing wide shots to depict the vastness and desolation of the region. This technique immerses the audience in the protagonists solitude and challenges. The meticulous attention to detail in the production design, costumes, and set pieces further enhances the viewers experience, transporting them to Punjab during that pivotal period. For those seeking a thought-provoking and compelling cinematic journey, Maurh is a must-watch. It promises to transport audiences to Punjabs bygone era with its captivating plot, exceptional performances, and stunning visuals that leave a lasting impression. (Image and text: Khalsavox.com) Wikipedia Commons London: Former British PM Boris Johnson has resigned as the Tory MP and even claimed that he was 'forced out of Parliament' over Partygate, media reports said. The ex-PM saw in advance a report by the Commons Privileges Committee investigating if he misled the Commons over Downing Street lockdown parties, reports BBC. In his statement, Johnson described the Committee as a 'kangaroo court'. He said its purpose 'has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts'. The cross-party committee of MPs - with a majority of Conservatives - added it would conclude its inquiry on Monday and 'publish its report promptly', reports BBC. Following his resignation, there will be an by-election in his constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip. He had served as the PM of the country from July 2019 until September 2022. Image: MINUSMA/Fred Fath The UN has strongly condemned an attack on a peacekeeping patrol in Mali which left one blue helmet from Burkina Faso dead and eight others with serious injuries. In a statement, the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MINUSMA), El-Ghassim WANE, described the attack on the security patrol in Ber town, in the Timbuktu region, as a cowardly act. This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the risks that our peacekeepers face while working tirelessly to bring stability and peace to the people of Mali, he added. The mission said the patrol was targeted in an attack that involved an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), followed by direct fire. Tribute to brother in arms Mr. WANE extended his heartfelt condolences to the government, brother in arms, and family of the fallen colleague and wished a speedy recovery to the injured ones. The safety and security of our peacekeepers remain a priority, and every effort will be made to enhance their protection in the face of evolving security challenges in Mali, MINUSMA said. MINUSMA reaffirms its commitment to the people of Mali and its determination to continue its mission in supporting peace and stability in the country. The Mission will work closely with the Malian authorities to investigate the incident and bring the responsible individuals to justice. Briefing correspondents in New York on Friday, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric echoed Mr. WANEs condemnation of the attack, and tribute to the fallen peacekeeper, adding that the death marked the ninth just this year, in Mali which has long been the most dangerous place to serve as a peacekeeper. The head of UN Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, also joined the condemnation over the deadly attack, praising the tireless commitment of those who serve in the mission. History of insecurity MINUSMA was established a decade ago, following rampant insecurity in the north of Mali, and a failed military coup by extremist militants, which led to the signing of a peace deal between the government of the day and armed group coalitions, in 2015. Mr. WANE briefed the Security Council in April, warning that extremist groups had been forced into regions like Timbuktu and Gao after successful Malian military operations, and begun increasingly to use IEDs to hamper ground movements of defence and security forces. MINUSMA is assisting with a three year stabilization strategy for the centre of the country, which relies on closer coordination between the mission and Malian forces, he told the Council. The military led Government is due to facilitate elections and the restoration of full constitutional order by a deadline of March 2024. Image: MINUSCA/Leonel Grothe The UN on Friday announced that following serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, an entire unit of 60 peacekeepers from Tanzania formerly based in the western part of the Central African Republic (CAR), is to be repatriated. UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told correspondents that the decision to send the unit home had been made by the Secretariat in New York, following consultations with the peacekeeping mission in CAR, MINUSCA. Credible evidence The decision comes after a preliminary investigation which found credible evidence that 11 members of the unit had allegedly engaged in sexual exploitation and abuse of four victims, Mr. Dujarric said. In a statement, MINUSCA said that a rapid response team had been immediately deployed to assess the allegations. Responding on Twitter to the news, UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, said that the scourge has no place in any part of his department, adding that the upcoming repatriation is a robust measure taken to protect victims and demonstrate our resolve to swiftly address these wrongs with the troop-contributing country. Victims provided care and support The identified victims are being provided with care and support by the Missions humanitarian partners. The Mission has also deployed a team to further engage with the community, he added. The Spokesperson said the Tanzanian Government had already been formally notified of the decision, and have themselves deployed a national investigation team to CAR. Tanzania pledges action In reaffirming their commitment to zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, the Tanzanian authorities noted the seriousness of the allegations and have committed to taking the necessary action to address these matters. Mr. Dujarric added that the unit had been relocated away from the area where the alleged abuse took place are are now confined to barracks in order to protect victims as well of course, as the integrity of the investigation. The unit will be repatriated once their presence is no longer required in theatre by the investigators. Zero tolerance He noted that the Secretariats decision was in accordance with Security Council resolution 2272, which provides clear support for decisions made by the UN Secretary-General to repatriate peacekeeping personnel, of a particular military unit or formed police unit of a contingent, when there is credible evidence of widespread or systemic sexual exploitation and abuse by that unit. The UN chief Antonio Guterres announced a firm and robust policy early in his tenure of zero tolerance towards sexual abuse by UN personnel, calling on Member States to sign a voluntary compact on preventing and addressing the scourge, in 2017. Mr. Dujarric stressed that the UN remains committed to robustly implementing the zero tolerance policy at all levels. Interview: Honduran president's visit to China to take bilateral ties to higher level -- FM Xinhua) 13:25, June 10, 2023 TEGUCIGALPA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Honduran President Xiomara Castro's visit to China will lift bilateral relations to a higher level and lead to greater cooperation between the two countries, Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina has said. Castro arrived in Shanghai on Friday, starting her China visit which will run until June 14 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting between the two leaders will bring fruitful results and provide more development opportunities for the two peoples, Reina said in an interview with Xinhua ahead of the visit. Since establishing diplomatic relations on March 26, Honduras and China have made significant progress in a series of economic and trade cooperation, Reina said. "Honduras-China relations have just begun and we are already seeing friendship and solidarity," the foreign minister said. Regarding the opening of the Chinese Embassy in Honduras on June 5, Reina said it was "very good news." In his opinion, the opening of the Chinese Embassy, as well as that of the Honduran one in Beijing, will ensure a solid development of bilateral relations and help the two countries to further strengthen cooperation and better serve their peoples. He perceived the promotion of multilateralism in the international community, which China has been advocating, as a common principle that the two countries adhere to. "Cooperation between the two sides will give a strong impetus to the development of multilateralism in the international diplomatic arena," Reina said. The minister said the expanding "circle of friends" of China in Latin America reflects a logical trend in the region as China's international status continues to rise. "China has been an important trading partner of Honduras since long before the establishment of diplomatic relations, so the fact is that Honduras and China have been working together for a long time," Reina said, referring to the establishment of their diplomatic relations as just a natural choice to follow the trend and meet the international reality. Regarding China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, he said that the initiative is "important," as it has created a significant space for cooperation and brought countries around the world closer together. "I believe that the Belt and Road will help Honduras find new opportunities for development, investment and infrastructure construction that will benefit not only the Honduran people, but also the world. It will help connect the world," Reina added. Honduras is willing to further strengthen cultural cooperation with China, he said. In this regard, he said that with such important projects as the Confucius Institute, the Honduran government hopes the people will soon have the opportunity to learn Chinese there. In addition, the foreign minister said that as Honduras is faced with many structural problems in its current development, Chinese modernization can provide experience for Honduran reforms and help it promote education, trade, and economic and social development. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation says a deal it has reached with a major pipeline company will advance its energy development goals. Thunder Butte Petroleum, a subsidiary owned by the MHA Nation, signed an agreement Friday to acquire a pipeline segment from Enbridge. The Plaza/Wabek pipeline will connect the tribe's oil facilities on the Fort Berthold Reservation to Enbridges broader system that covers the U.S. and Canada. This allows the tribe greater access to markets across both countries. Tribal Chairman Mark Fox said the purchase will have a dramatic effect on the MHA Nation. This is a major step in enhancing our ability to get our trust assets of oil and gas out to market, he told the Tribune. The Plaza/Wabek pipeline had previously been inactive, Fox said. It is the closest pipeline to Thunder Butte Petroleums transloading and oil storage facility. New infrastructure is soon to be built to connect Thunder Butte, the Plaza/Wabek pipeline and the Enbridge system, according to Fox. Fox and other tribal officials highlighted the economic development the move will bring for the MHA Nation at a press conference Friday in New Town. Were going to spin that off into agriculture, into hydrogen development, and all these other things that we can do with water and sun, Fox said at the press conference. Mike Koby, vice president of U.S. liquids pipelines operations for Enbridge, said the MHA Nation will be the first tribal shipper on an Enbridge pipeline. "Ownership provides direct financial benefits to the tribal communities that's coming directly from the assets that they have an ownership in," Koby said. The Fort Berthold Reservation has more than 2,640 active oil and gas well that produced an average of 144,190 barrels of oil per day in February, according to the most recent figures from the state Department of Mineral Resources. State regulators estimate the reservation has the potential for 3,911 additional oil and gas wells. The pipeline runs 31 miles from the Plaza/Wabek fields to Enbridges facility in Stanley. It can transport 15,000 barrels a day. North Dakota Pipeline Authority Executive Director Justin Kringstad said the purchase will serve the MHA Nation well. Bakken barrels moving into the Enbridge network have been seeing very strong pricing in the Midwest relative to other crude benchmarks, he said. Fox said he expects the pipeline to be operational within a year. Image: Fuerzas Militares de Colombia Bogota: Four Colombian children, who went missing after their plane crashed on May 1, have been rescued after 40 days from the Amazon jungle. The siblings were reportedly recovered by the rescuers involving soldiers and locals near the border between Colombia's Caqueta and Guaviare provinces. The children who fended for themselves in the forest after surviving the crash are aged 13, nine, four and one.Their mother and two pilots died in the crash. Colombias President Gustavo Petro announced on Twitter: "A joy for the whole country! The 4 children who were lost 40 days ago in the Colombian jungle appeared alive." He later told reporters as quoted by CNN: Their learning from indigenous families and their learning of living in the jungle has saved them." Petro said the children were all together when they were found, adding they had demonstrated an example of total survival that will be remembered in history. They are children of the jungle and now they are children of Colombia, he said. The President also posted several images of the missing children on Twitter. #GeneralGiraldo: "La union de esfuerzos hizo posible esta alegria para Colombia" Gloria a los soldados de las @FuerzasMilCol, a las comunidades indigenas e instituciones que hicieron parte de la #OperacionEsperanza" pic.twitter.com/LO3BPldLgD Fuerzas Militares de Colombia (@FuerzasMilCol) June 10, 2023 In the images, the four children could be seen surrounded by their rescuers in the forest. The children belonged to the Huitoto indigenous group. A video shared by Colombia's ministry of defence showed the children being air-lifted into a helicopter in the dark above the tall trees of the jungle. They have been flown to the nation's capital Bogota, where ambulances have taken them to hospital for further medical treatment, reports BBC. The children's grandmother, Fatima Valencia, was quoted as saying by the British media: "I am very grateful, and to mother earth as well, that they were set free." According to reports, the Cessna 206 aircraft, in which the children were traveling with their mother, was flying from Araracuara, in Amazonas province, to San Jose del Guaviare. The pilot had issued a mayday alert due to engine failure before it crashed. The bodies of the three adults were found at the crash site by the army, but it appeared that the children had escaped the wreckage and wandered into the rainforest to find help, reports BBC. A massive search was launched in May to find the missing children. Image: Fuerzas Militares de Colombia Image: Pixabay A fire broke out at a fuel station in Afghanistan's Sheberghan city on Friday which left at least one person dead. The fire incident left two others injured. Abdul Sattar Halimi, a Taliban spokesperson in the province, told Khaama Press that at least one person was killed and two others were wounded in the incident. The injured person was rushed to hospital for treatment. The tragedy happened last night at around 3 oclock in the Alam Yar Bayat fuel station near Andkhoi port, located in the city centre of Shabarghan province, Halimi told the news agency. The fire has been brought under control. Image: Pixabay Islamabad: The Afghanistan embassy in Islamabad on Friday urged the Pakistani government not to detain its refugees any further. The embassy said the POR, ACC, and passport holders were among the Afghan citizens detained by the CTD-ISB and other Pakistani agencies. " The ongoing apprehension of Afg refugees in ISB, Pindi, and adjacent areas persists. In relation to the matter, a delegation from the Afg Emb engaged in a detailed discussion with the security authorities of ISB. During today's meeting with police officials, it came to light that including POR, ACC, & passport holders, approx 250 Afg citizens have been detained by the CTD-ISB & several other agencies. Emb is actively working towards clarifying the legal status of the detained Afghans & expediting their release," the embassy tweeted. The Govt of I.R of Pak is urged to cease the arrest of Afg refugees & officially address its concerns, as it can adversely impact bilateral relations btw the two nations. 3/3 Embassy of Afghanistan in Islamabad (@AfghanembassyI1) June 7, 2023 "The Govt of I.R of Pak is urged to cease the arrest of Afg refugees & officially address its concerns, as it can adversely impact bilateral relations btw the two nations," read the tweet. According to Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, the deputy spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, Afghan nationals are being arrested in Pakistan under the pretext of taking part in recent anti-Pakistan protests, reports Tolo News. The deputy spokesman asked the government of Pakistan to stop the process of arresting Afghan immigrants in Pakistan and to allow them to live in the country as usual. Image: Unsplash Islamabad: More than 100 technical and vocational training centres are feared to be closed in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region due to lack of funds, media reports said. The employees of technical and vocational centers have not received their salaries for four months due to the non-availability of funds, reports ANI reported quoting Urdu Point newspaper. The Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority has written a letter to the concerned authorities to release the funds, as per Urdu Point. The development occurs at a time when Pakistan is facing an acute financial crisis. Pixabay Bangladesh showed solidarity with the Muslim community of Yunan province as the Islamic Movement Bangladesh (IMB) on Friday organized a protest against China for attempts to destroy the minaret and dome of the mosque in the Nagu area. In June, a court ruled that some of the mosques most recent renovations were illegal and demolition was ordered following which clashes broke out between Chinese Police and people in a Muslim-majority town in southwestern China, reports ANI. The members of the Islamic Movement Bangladesh formed a human chain at Baitul Mukarram in Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Friday to protest against China. They ignored heavy rains to protest against the incident in Dhaka. Protestors led by Advocate Khairul Islam, chairman of Islamic Movement Bangladesh, highlighted the Chinese atrocities on Uyghur Muslims and warned China to stop such practices immediately, reports ANI. Protesters were seen carrying banners and posters at the site of the demonstration. They urged the people of Bangladesh to extend support to the oppressed Muslims living in China whose culture is facing an existential threat. Speakers also alleged that Muslim women are being raped, harassed and Muslim males are being continuously tortured. They added that China has now started to destroy symbols of Islam, which they said will not be tolerated, reports ANI. Pride Month is commemorated yearly in memory of the Stonewall Riots, which started on 28th June 1969 due to a police raid on a gay club and the resultant protests. In India, the first pride march, called The Friendship Walk, was held in Kolkata on 2nd July 1999. Since then, Pride Marches have been held in many cities, now Pride Month, typically June, is dedicated to celebrating and commemorating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride. In a world that thrives on diversity, the LGBTQ+ community is a testament to the kaleidoscope of human identities, experiences, and expressions. At the core of this vibrant community lies the extraordinary bravery of individuals who fearlessly embrace their true selves, even in the face of a society that may not always understand or accept them. The Pride Month is also an opportunity to reflect on the significant progress made in pursuing equal rights for all individuals while recognising the challenges that persist. BCCL/Representational Image Over the past decade, India has embarked on a transformative journey towards empowering and including LGBTQ+ individuals. The Supreme Court's 2018 ruling decriminalised consensual sex between adult homosexual men and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 have been pivotal in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. These milestones combat discrimination, uphold the dignity, and provide equal opportunities. In addition, while the Supreme Court's decision on same-sex marriage is pending, its outcome can shape a future of greater acceptance and equality for all in India. We need to recognise that Tamil Nadu has emerged as a beacon of progress in advancing the rights of the LGBTQI community in India, especially with recent initiatives such as self-employment subsidies up to Rs. 50,000 and educational assistance. The state judiciary has also played a pivotal role in recognising and acknowledging the challenges faced by the transgender community in Tamil Nadu. Through landmark judgments, it has taken a stand against conversion therapy and queerphobia within medical institutions and directed the government to prioritise sensitisation on LGBTQ+ issues for school teachers. BCCL/Representational Image ActionAid Association has been actively engaged with the PLHIVs and LGBTQ+ community in the southern state of Tamil Nadu for nearly two decades. The organisation undertook advocacy efforts to enhance awareness, challenge discrimination, and foster an environment of acceptance and equal rights for PLHIVs and sexual minorities. In its battle against HIV/ AIDS, ActionAid Association prioritised vulnerable groups, including sexual minorities. However, while celebrating these accomplishments, we must not overlook the challenges the LGBTQ+ community continues to face in India, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities and exacerbated marginalised communities' struggles, including sexual minorities. Many transgender people in Tamil Nadu found themselves without Public Distribution System (PDS) cards, rendering them ineligible for the state's relief measures against Covid-19. As a result, their livelihoods were severely impacted, with some resorting to begging or engaging in sex work for survival. Others relied on small businesses or sold handmade goods, such as garlands, on the streets to make ends meet. The sudden and prolonged lockdowns during the pandemic left them unprepared, amplifying the difficulties they faced. Recognising the dire situation, ActionAid Association complimented the efforts of the government by providing cooked food and dry rations from the beginning of the pandemic until recently BCCL/Representational Image Another pressing issue is the assurance of quality education for gender non-conforming children. Ensuring that all children, regardless of gender identity, have access to an inclusive education environment is crucial for their personal development and future opportunities. Community-based efforts must be made to foster understanding, empathy, and unconditional love within families, enabling them to embrace their transgender loved ones fully. Moreover, livelihood opportunities are vital for ensuring the economic independence and empowerment of sexual minorities. Sustainable income-generation programs, skill-building initiatives, and efforts to combat workplace discrimination can help create an inclusive environment where transgender people can thrive and lead fulfilling lives. As we celebrate Pride Month we must recognize that it is a collective responsibility to continue advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, addressing the existing gaps, and fostering a more inclusive world where everyone can be celebrated for who they are. We need to recognise that Pride is for all! A court in Bengaluru has declared Indian-origin US businessman Ramachandran Viswanathan, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Devas Multimedia Private Limited, a fugitive economic offender. The 21st Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge, the special judge for CBI cases, on Thursday, declared Vishwanathan a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) while allowing an application filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under Section 4 read with Sections 10 and 12 of Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. Ramachandran Viswanathan Who is Ramachandran Viswanathan? Vishwanathan, a US citizen who founded Devas in 2004, is one of the nine accused in a money laundering case filed by the ED in 2018. They were accused of diverting 85 per cent of the Rs 579 crore received from Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) commercial arm Antrix Corporation to the US. Antrix- Devas deal The investment was received under a satellite deal with Antrix Corporation signed in 2005. Under the agreement, Devas was to use two ISRO satellites to provide multimedia services in remote areas. However, the deal was annulled by the government in 2011. The National Company Law Tribunal had liquidated Devas Multimedia in 2021. The CBI had initiated a case against the accused, and the ED later filed a separate suit. BCCL No payment of damages to Antrix In March, the Delhi High Court had upheld an order setting aside an arbitral award directing Antrix to pay damages of $ 562.2 million with interest to Devas for terminating the deal in 2011. A bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma dismissed an appeal by Devas against the order passed by a single high court judge. It said there was no error in the earlier finding that award suffered on the grounds of "fraud" and "being in conflict with the public policy of India". What the CBI court said On Thursday, Special public prosecutor P Prasanna Kumar pleaded to the court to declare Vishwanathan an FEO and confiscate his properties. Principal Special Judge KL Ashok noted that a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) is active against Vishwanathan. The NBW was issued after the accused failed to appear before the court in response to the summons. The judge ruled that the requirement under Section 2 (F) of Fugitive Economic Offender Act is clearly applicable to Vishwanathan. BCCL The trial court had issued two notices in December 2022 to appear before it. The notices were sent to him through the Ministry of External Affairs, but he failed to attend the hearing. "Therefore, the requirement under Section 2(F) of Fugitive Economic Offender Act is clearly applicable to Vishwanathan," the court said. "The application filed by the Directorate of Enforcement, Bengaluru zonal officer, dated May 4, 2022 under Section 10 and 12 of Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 is allowed and accused number two Ramachandran Vishwanathan has been declared a fugitive economic offender," the court said. For more on news, sports and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Today in History: June 11th is the 162nd day of the year (163rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are days 203 remaining until the end of the year. There are several notable events that happened on June 11 throughout history, and that's why it's an important day in Indian and world history. What Happened this Day in India History Events | Unsplash If you're wondering to know about what happened today in History? Then you're in the right place. On this day, there are several notable events that have occurred throughout Indian and world history. In this article, we have compiled a list of the important things that happened all around the world on June 11. Take a look: Today in History: What Happened This Day in India History Events National Making Life Beautiful Day - June 11 National Making Life Beautiful Day is observed annually on June 11, and we wish it was more than just one day. However, it is also up to us to decide to make life beautiful on a daily basis. 1964 - Jawaharlal Nehru Ashes Scattered in India Ashes of Jawaharlal Nehru, the ashes of his ashes were scattered all over the country. What happened in World History on June 11 1817 - The first predecessor of the bicycle is demonstrated Using his revolutionary Laufmaschine, also known as Draisine, a two-wheeler without pedals, German inventor Karl Drais completed a 14 km test run in less than an hour, presenting a viable alternative to transportation by horse. 1959 - Christopher Cockerell first presents the hovercraft The amphibious air-cushion vehicle first crossed the English Channel just weeks after Cockerell first demonstrated his prototype, the SR.N1. The scheduled flights between Dover (U.K.) and Calais (France) were discontinued in 2000. 1963 - University of Alabama desegregated Facing federalized Alabama National Guard troops, Alabama Governor George Wallace ends his blockade of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and allows two African American students to enroll on June 11, 1963. 1979 - John Wayne dies On June 11, 1979, John Wayne, an iconic American film actor famous for starring in countless westerns, dies at age 72 after battling cancer for more than a decade. 1991 - Microsoft releases MS-DOS 5.0. Microsoft released its MS-DOS 5.0 operating system. End-user retail all versions of IBM PC DOS (and other OEM-adapted versions) were sold to end-users. DR-DOS began selling to end-users with version 5.0 in July 1990, followed by MS-DOS 5.0 on June 11, 1991. What Happened this Day in India History Events. Todays Highlight in History: - In 1509, Englands King Henry VIII married his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. - In 1770, Captain James Cook, commander of the British ship Endeavour, discovered the Great Barrier Reef off Australia by running onto it. - In 1776, the Continental Congress formed a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence calling for freedom from Britain. - In 1919, Sir Barton won the Belmont Stakes, becoming horse racings first Triple Crown winner. - In 1938, Johnny Vander Meer pitched the first of two consecutive no-hitters as he led the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-0 victory over the Boston Bees. (Four days later, Vander Meer refused to give up a hit to the Brooklyn Dodgers, who lost, 6-0.) - In 1962, three prisoners at Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay staged an escape, leaving the island on a makeshift raft; they were never found or heard from again. - In 1985, Karen Ann Quinlan, the comatose patient whose case prompted a historic right-to-die court decision, died in Morris Plains, New Jersey, at age 31. - In 1987, Margaret Thatcher became the first British prime minister in 160 years to win a third consecutive term of office as her Conservatives held onto a reduced majority in Parliament. - In 1993, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that people who commit hate crimes motivated by bigotry may be sentenced to extra punishment. - In 2001, Timothy McVeigh, 33, was executed by injection at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people. - In 2009, with swine flu reported in more than 70 nations, the World Health Organization declared the first global flu pandemic in 41 years. What Happened this Day in India History Events Also on this day: In addition to these historical events on June 11 events, there is also the birthday and death of several notable individuals that you must know about. Famous People's Birthday on June 11 1897 - Ram Prasad Bismil's Birthday Ram Prasad Bismil, also known as Ashfaqullah Khan, was born on June 11, 1897. He was a prominent Indian revolutionary who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. 1948 - Lalu Prasad Yadav's Birthday Lalu Prasad Yadav, born on June 11, 1948, is an Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Bihar. He is one of the prominent leaders of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) party and a key figure in Bihar politics. Lalu Prasad Yadav is known for his strong influence and charisma, especially among the Yadav community, which is a significant vote bank in the state. 1969 - Peter Dinklage Birthday Born on June 11, 1969, he is a famous American actor in Games of Thrones and was born in Morristown, New Jersey. Important Days in June 2023 India June 2023 Important Days: Complete List June 2023 Important Days Important Events In May 1 June World Milk Day 1 June Global Day of Parents 2 June Telangana Formation Day 2 June International Sex Workers Day 3 June World Bicycle Day 4 June International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 5 June World Environment Day 7 June World Food Safety Day 8 June World Brain Tumor Day 8 June World Oceans Day 12 June World Day Against Child Labor 13 June International Albinism Awareness Day 14 June World Blood Donor Day 15 June World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15 June World Wind Day 16 June Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day 17 June World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 18 June International Picnic Day 18 June Autistic Pride Day 18 June Fathers Day (Third Sunday of June) 19 June World Sickle Cell Awareness Day 19 June World Sauntering Day 20 June World Refugee Day 21 June World Music Day 21 June International Yoga Day 23 June International Olympic Day 23 June International Widows Day 23 June United Nations Public Service Day 26 June International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 29 June National Statistics Day 30 June World Asteroid Day Month-wise Important Days List 2023 Important Days and Dates List 2023 January February March April May June July August September October November December This was all about the interesting and intriguing events that occurred on June 7! For more such informative content, keep following Indiatimes. While restaurants strive to provide excellent service and create a welcoming atmosphere for their customers, there are instances where tensions may arise between the establishment and its patrons. Though it would be unfair to generalize that all restaurants "hate" their customers, various factors can contribute to occasional dissatisfaction or conflicts in the hospitality industry. Unsplash A major conveyor belt sushi chain in Japan, Sushiro, has filed a 67 million (US $480,000) lawsuit against a boy who licked a soy sauce bottle at one of their outlets. Unsplash The lawsuit was filed by Akindo Sushiro, the company operating the restaurant chain, at the Osaka District Court on March 22. The incident occurred in January of this year when the boy visited the restaurant in Gifu prefecture with a friend, as the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. A complaint has been filed in court stating that the boy was recorded licking an open soy sauce bottle and a new teacup and subsequently touched a plate of sushi with a finger covered in his saliva. SCMP The company claims that after the video was shared on social media on January 29, their restaurants experienced a significant decline in customer numbers. The lawsuit further alleges that the video caused the parent company's market capitalization to decrease by over 16 billion yen. In response to the incident, Akindo Sushiro is taking measures such as installing plastic barriers in over 600 outlets nationwide, resulting in a loss of 90 million yen. While the boy admitted to licking the items and expressed remorse, he requested the court to dismiss the lawsuit, as reported by The Asahi Shimbun. In a similar incident, a man in his 30s was charged after he was caught on camera eating red pickled ginger directly from a shared bowl at a Yoshinoya beef bowl restaurant in Osaka. The incident occurred outside the sushi business and led to his indictment on the same charge. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. The U.S. Treasury Department has approved North Dakotas application for $68 million to help finance the construction of 13 career academies across the state. Gov. Doug Burgum earlier this year signed House Bill 1199, providing for a $68 million line of credit from the state-owned-Bank of North Dakota for the academies -- a move to boost fields with workforce needs. U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., on Friday announced the federal funding, saying it "means the short-term loan from the state can be promptly repaid and will enable construction to move forward. Career academies help students prepare for careers in the trades, health care, technology and other industry sectors. All of those fields are in need of workers in North Dakota. These career academies are a key component of our comprehensive efforts to address North Dakotas workforce shortage," Burgum said in a statement Friday after Hoeven's announcement. State lawmakers during the Legislature's special session in November 2021 approved $88 million for career academies, including $20 million in state funds that have already been distributed and $68 million from Treasurys Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. Legislators this past February approved the $68 million line of credit because the federal funding was still uncertain. It was the first bill of the session signed by Burgum, to avoid delaying construction of career academies. Money is going to 13 projects, including the Heart River Career and Technical Education Center in Mandan and an expanded facility for the Bismarck Public Schools CTE program. Other projects are in Dickinson, Watford City, Williston, Minot, Grand Forks, Fargo, Grafton, Wahpeton, Devils Lake, Jamestown and Valley City. Projects require a local dollar-for-dollar match. The committees decision affirmed long-simmering distrust against public schools and those who make decisions governing them expects to receive the first American-made F-35 jets from the United States by 2028, former National Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulous told Real FM on Friday. Twenty-five farmers have reportedly been killed while several women and girls were abducted as bandits attacked various communities in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. The breakdown of the killing showed that 13 people lost their lives in Kusherki community, 12 others were killed in Gidigori village, while several others were yet to be accounted for. Daily Post gathered that humanitarian crisis in the area had worsened since Wednesday as hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), including women and children from various villages trooped to Kagara, the Headquarters of Rafi LGA, abandoning their villages for the bandits. READ ALSO: Bandits Attack Sokoto Villages, Kill 37 For Refusing To Pay Levies Confirming the attack, a community leader in one of the villages, Mallam Nasir Buhari said: Its true that bandits have resumed attacks with full force. We have not had it easy in the last two weeks but the situation had worsened since Wednesday. As I speak to you, bandits have taken over most parts of Rafi LGA. They have been in Kusherki community since around 2 pm on Friday. They spent the night in Garin-Zara community and rustled hundreds of cattle, goats and rams and killed an unspecified number of people, he said. Also confirming the attack, the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa lamented that the bandits had resumed attacks on Rafi, Paikoro, Munya and Shiroro local governments that form part of his constituency. He said the criminals were out to test the power and capacity of the new administrations at both federal and state levels. He, however, said he believed President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Mohammed Umar Bago-led governments would deal with the situation. The Niger State Police Commands Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said security operatives had been deployed to the area to arrest the situation. We have reviewed tactical deployments in the area, and more deployments of PMF (Police Mobile Force) have been made, in collaboration with the military to cover Yakila, Tegina, Kagara, Pandogari, Kusherki and its environs to forestall reoccurrence, the PPRO said. The Kano State Police Command has arrested fifty-seven suspects for allegedly looting public properties. This was contained in a statement signed by the commands Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullah Haruna Kiyawa on Saturday. This is coming after the Kano State Government launched the demolition of illegal structures in the Kano metropolitan area. READ ALSO: My Husband Does Not Pray, Observe Ramadan Fast Divorce Seeking Wife Kiyawa said the arrest followed reports that some hoodlums were taking advantage of the demolition exercise to loot peoples properties. According to the statement, This is in addition to the 49 suspects arrested and charged to Magistrates Court for offenses of criminal trespass, mischief, shop-breaking and theft. He reiterated that policing is a collective responsibility and therefore calls on parents and community leaders to admonish their wards and youths to desist from looting peoples properties, as anyone arrested will face the full wrath of the law. CP advised parents and community leaders to admonish their wards and youths to desist from looting peoples property, the statement warned. The Labour Party (LP) has condemned the suspension of Governor Godwin Emefiele of Central Bank of Nigeria, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that his investigation needs no urgency. The opposition party via its acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, on Saturday described the Presidents action as vindictive and unconstitutional, urging him to go after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. Ifoh said the Labour Party is disturbed by the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend/sack the Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, albeit unconstitutionally without seeking the permission of the national assembly and we insist that the action was not in good taste and sounds punitive. Mr President has the right to ask the CBN governor to resign, same way, Nigerians have the right to ask him or anyone to resign. However, he does not have the powers to do so. Having a right is one thing, having the power is another. Many have asked Mr President to resign but lack the powers to compel him to do so Femi Gbajabiamila, The (then) minority leader of the House of Representatives, January 13, 2014. READ ALSO: DSS Confirms Arrest Of Suspended CBN Gov, Emefiele Drawing inspiration from what Femi Gbajabiamila, then Minority Leader, had said years ago (as quoted above) over a similar situation when President Goodluck Jonathan sacked former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, wherein he questioned the powers of the President in sacking the CBN Governor. The opposition leader made it clear that the President lacks powers under the laws of the land to sack the CBN boss. One wonders what has changed between that time and now. Femi Gbajabiamila is the current Speaker of the House of Representatives and also holds the enviable portfolio as the Chief of Staff to President Tinubu. He had then argued that the law requires the President to seek the approval of two third of the Senate to be able to sack the CBN Governor. Reasons being essentially to enforce the doctrine of Checks and Balances and to avoid the abuse of powers of a capricious and arbitrary President, while at the same time guaranteeing the autonomy of the CBN. But under Gbajabiamilas watch, Emefiele was fired in a most unconstitutional and vindictive manner. It is only in Nigeria that we find people that approbate and reprobate at the same time. People say one thing from one side of their mouth and another from the other side, especially when it favours them politically and otherwise. READ ALSO: Time For Terrorism Financier To Face Wrath Of Law Fani-Kayode Reacts As Tinubu Suspends Emefiele That explains why the country is in shamble: no rule of law, no equity, no justice, and no fair play. People dont follow standard rules and procedures. That is why every aspect of our lives, be it our economic, political and social lives, is challenged. Because he was in the opposition at that time, Gbajabiamila saw everything wrong with President Jonathan sacking Sanusi, today, he is on the other side of the divide, and he doesnt see anything wrong with it. This is what Nigerians will face in the APC government, where perceived enemies are dealt with, perceive opposition parties and their members are dealt with, even when they are protected by the law. The LP Spokesman furthered that, most Nigerians will not forget in a hurry the famous Naira redesign policy initiated by Emefiele primarily to check vote buying in the last general election. A noble policy which a particular candidate then, unfortunately, believed was targeted at him. To him, it was a mortal sin which cannot be forgiven and must be punished. Labour Party believes that Emefiele, a fall guy, is paying for his sin. The government said the suspension of Emefiele is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy. It is laughable to read that statement as most Nigerians are already aware of the intention of the government. READ ALSO: Emefieles Eviction Commendable But CBN Needs Thorough Housecleaning From External Auditors Shehu Sani If indeed, there is any government agency that should be investigated with this utmost urgency, should it not be the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu? This is the institution that is responsible for the mockery of our democracy. This is an institution which asked and received N355 billion in tax payers money to conduct, the worst-ever election in the history of Nigeria and in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is an election umpire that has shamelessly chosen to be partisan during and after the election, even at the tribunal. We urge the APC-led government to carry out a thorough investigation of the CBN and particularly, the last APC governments interference in the operation of the apex bank. Nigerians will not tolerate political and peripheral investigation. We suggest a forensic auditing by an independent firm and by so doing, maybe the real culprits, not just Emefiele will be unearthed. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hits the ground again, said his administration took the right decision by removing the subsidy on premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol. Tinubu stated this at a meeting with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) at Aso Rock on Friday. The president described the subsidy as an elephant that could have brought the country to its knees because it is struggling to pay salaries. He said Nigeria should not be Father Christmas to neighboring countries by providing them subsidized petrol. Tinubu said, I am grateful that you are paying attention to what I have been doing, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the villas director of information, quoted the president as saying. You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighboring countries, even though they say not everyday is Christmas? The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing. He said, We are all ears. We are ready to listen at any given time. I promise you an open-door policy and that is the way I will go. That open-door policy is for you to call me and send to me at any given time any concern that you might have. READ MORE: Insecurity: Were Closest To People, Use Us To Tackle Insecurity Ooni Tells Tinubu We may not have it right 100 percent of the time but we must get it right 90 percent of the time for this country. Also speaking at the meeting, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, said the traditional rulers are in full support of Tinubus administration. He said, We are 100 percent in support of your government and we believe in the will of the Almighty Allah you will move this country forward. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that, after the announcement of petrol subsidy removal in Nigeria, the product was sold for 700 CFA or 800 CFA in Benin Republic up from a previous price of 450 CFA. Meanwhile, motorcyclists in Cameroon recently protested Nigerias subsidy removal, saying the development has adversely affected their business. 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INFORMATION NIGERIA gathered that the veteran journalist released a statement on Saturday, titled My Kobo advice to Governor Nyesom Wike hours after the aggrieved Governors of the a Peoples Democracy Party popularly known as G5 Governors, arrived at the Presidential Villa, Abuja for a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The group made up of Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde; former Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Ifeanyi Ugwuwanyi (Enugu) and Samuel Ortom (Benue). Speaking two days after the meeting, Momodu slammed the Wike for harboring for too long, an excessive and perpetual anger, one the veteran journalist prayed the Rivers politician learns to control before it consumes him. READ MORE: From G5 To G-String, Powerful To Perforated Sowore Mocks G-5 Govs After Meeting With Tinubu The PDP chieftain further appealed to the former Rivers governor not to burn a bridge that had once served him, for the sake of others coming after him. Momodu mocked Wike and the other members of the G5 governors over their recent movement at the presidential villa. His statement reads: MY KOBO ADVICE TO GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE My dear Brother, good evening. I have watched you in recent months with trepidation. Im scared about your inability to comprehend the country called Nigeria. You must have underrated how the owners of Nigeria operate. I studied the biography of CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO. I was an insider in the June 12 1993 crisis, and a veritable witness to the tribulations of my great mentor, CHIEF MOSHOOD ABIOLA. Closer home, you must have seen how your predecessor, DR PETER ODILI, was stopped in his tracks in 2007. Youre certainly one of Nigerias best-performing Governors, if not the best. Personally, Im very proud of your uncommon achievements. I know you are very angry. It is your right to be. But Im begging you in the name of God not to take decisions based on anger. Nigeria has been very kind to you. Rivers State has been extremely generous to you. GOD has blessed you beyond imagination. You have such a beautiful family. Your people love you stupendously for services delivered to them. PDP has been your solid platform. You should never destroy a bridge after crossing the river. Even if you no longer need the bridge, what of your friends and family? I pray you kill this excessive and perpetual ANGER. It is getting out of hand. Most people around you will keep quiet for fear of losing patronage. Many politicians survive only on power. My Brother, I love you. But someone must be able to tell you the truth. No General fights on too many fronts. Please, apply the brakes, before it is too late See what G5 has become in the past months, begging and prostrating all over the Aso Rock presidential Villa, for protection and Job, who would trust you after damaging your own party? what an anticlimax Barely some hours after the suspension of Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for 2023, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the immediate arrest of the CBN governor by the Department of State Security. Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the suspension of Emefiele in a statement on Friday by the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Willie Bassey. Following the directive suspending him from office, Emefiele has been directed to hand over the affairs of the CBN to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the apex bank boss pending the conclusion of the investigation and the reforms. However, the DSS has reportedly arrested the former CBN boss over alleged sabotage and conspiracy to undermine the democracy of the nation with the naira swap policy. Reacting to the alleged arrest in a Twitter post, Sowore said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor and Emefiele should be arrested and prosecuted. The media entrepreneur also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari should also be arrested and made to face the law. READ MORE: Naira Redesign: Wicked Emefiele Would Be Remembered As One Who Brought Hardship, Death To Nigerians APC PCC He wrote: DSS reportedly picks up / detains former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele. In an ideal society, his main accomplice in the military, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor should be arrested and tried with Emefiele. Of course not leaving out former President @MBuhari as well. The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday rejected the witness presented by the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the petition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubus victory at the February 25 polls. Information Nigeria reports that the Labour Party presented a Channels Television reporter, Lucky Isawode, as a witness at the Presidential Election Petition Court. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also objected to the acceptance of the witness at the court. An insight into the development, given in a series of posts via Twitter by Arise Television reads: In the hearing of Labour Party petition, Channels TV reporter, Lucky Isawode, has taken to the witness stand to give his witness statement. Labour Party Lawyer, Jibril Okutepa informed the Court that Mr Isawode had to appear as Labour Party witness following the issuance of two sets of subpoenas to the TV stations. The dates of the subpoenas dated 30th May and 6th June 2023, are addressed to the Director and CEO of Channels TV. Counsel to Bola Tinubu, Akin Olujimi objects to the competence of the witness to testify in the proceedings on grounds of it being in breach of the Electoral Act. READ ALSO: INEC Releases Final List Of Candidates For Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Election He says the witness statement of this kind should have come with the petition. Adding that the witness statement was filed and served on him today, Friday 9th June, which is past the 21-day period within which petitions challenging the outcome of elections are to be filed. He also says the witness isnt listed among the list of witnesses by the Labour Party. The subpoena requests the witness to produce a live interview of the Chairman of INEC, Mahmoud Yakubu and Festus Okoye, an INEC National Commissioner. The witness brought a flash drive which Tinubus lawyer, Akin Olujimi describes as unknown adding that he isnt prepared for it. Mr Olujimi says having not served the exhibits on them, Tinubu and APC say it will be against their right to a fair hearing. INECs lawyer, Kemi Pinhero, also objects to allowing Mr Isawode to appear as a witness of the Labour Party. The Court however states that doesnt stop its admissibility, as they can be played on another date, when they must have had ample time to study the content. Two flash drives with the video evidence were tendered in the exhibit and adopted by the Court. The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) sitting in Abuja has rejected an application filed by the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, seeking to question the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the technology deployed for the conduct of the February 25 polls. Obi had in the application, prayed the tribunal to compel INEC to answer 12 key questions he listed on an interrogatory he filed on May 22. The former Anambra State governor wants INEC to disclose the date it conducted the functionality test on the purported improved technological system it deployed for the elections, as well as the names and details of those that conducted the test. He equally urged the court to compel INEC to supply answers to the following questions; Who created/deployed the four (4) Applications Patches/Updates to fix the HTTP 500 error that prevented the e-transmission of the results of the Presidential election on 25th February 2023? READ ALSO: Tinubus Lawyers, INEC Object As Peter Obi, LP Present Channels TV Reporter As Witness At Tribunal What was the exact time of the occurrence of the technical glitch which prevented the e-transmission of the result of the Presidential election on 25th February 2023? What time were the technological glitches fixed and or repaired? What percentage of the result of the Presidential election was uploaded on the I-Rev on 25th February 2023? What percentage of the result of the Presidential election was uploaded on the I-Rev as at the time of the declaration of the Result of the Presidential election on 1st March 2023? If the Presidential Election was conducted concurrently with the National Assembly Elections on the same day and at the same time using the same technological devices, why were there glitches only with respect to the Presidential Election? However, all respondents (INEC, All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, and Kashim Shettima) urged the court to dismiss the application for want of competence. Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel, ruling on the application on Saturday, struck out the application on the premise that it was filed outside the pre-hearing period. Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has described former Kano Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as his political son who dared not look at his eyes whenever they met. The former Kano Governor made this known during an interview session with BBC Hausa on Saturday while reacting to the remarks of Ganduje who said he would have slapped him (Kwankwaso) at the Presidential Villa over the recent demolition of some buildings in the state. READ MOVE: I Could Have Slapped Kwankwaso Embattled Ganduje Laments Gov Abbas Demolition Of Properties Speaking further, the NNPP chieftain said he met with President Bola Tinubu for about two hours over the land deals and other infractions of the Ganduje administration in the state. He said: I heard that he (Ganduje) said he wouldve slapped me, but Im here. He was just confused. These are all my boys politically. They cant even look at me straight in the face if we meet. He was in a confused state when he said that. These my political boys if they see me they lower their gaze. Kwankwaso added that President Tinubu was so surprised with the revelations when he briefed him on the true picture of what led to the present demolition. He alleged that Ganduje had among others, allocated lands at the Kano Race Course to his friends and family members, a development that now made it hard for people who wanted to indulge in sporting activities and other exercises, to find a place. Governor Dauda Lawals led government of Zamfara State has disclosed that over forty vehicles belonging to the government were recovered from the states former governor, Bello Matawalle. Recall that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS), stormed Matawalles residence on Friday morning. The revelation was made in a statement on Friday, signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Zamfara Governor, Suleiman Idris. The state government noted that the operatives had obtained a court order and search warrant contrary to reports circulating on the internet. The statement read partly: The Zamfara State Government has cleared the air on the operation of the Nigeria Police Force that led to the recovery of vehicles looted by the former State Governor, Bello Mohammaed Matawalle. READ MORE: Return Missing Vehicles Within Five Days Zamfara Gov, Lawal To Matawalle In the early hours of Friday, The Nigeria Police Force stormed the residence of the former Governor, where over 40 vehicles were impounded. The Police acted on a court order and a search warrant was obtained for the operation. Recall that the Zamfara State Government communicated officially to former Governor Bello Matawalle and his Deputy to return all the missing vehicles within five (5) working days. We also lodged an official complaint with the Police on overriding public interest on wasteful looting of valuables including official vehicles. Consequently, the Police sought a search warrant which was duly given by the court and hence raided Matawalles residence in Gusau, Maradun Local Government, and another unidentified hideout. Over 40 vehicles were recovered including Three bulletproof vehicles and eight SUVs. We want to reaffirm our commitment to recover all that belongs to the people. Our common resolve is to rescue and rebuild Zamfara. The state government called for calm assuring residents that the recovery was a part of its critical mission to recuperate all proceeds of crime and public assets. We want to call on the people of Zamfara to remain calm as we continue to record massive improvements in the areas of security and the lingering water scarcity in the state, the statement read. As a college student at Howard University in 2005, Tahir Johnson decided to go to the beach. He put on his pink polo shirt, packed up his decked-out red Lexus, grabbed his youngest brother and little cousin, and set off for Ocean City, Md. But rather than a day in the sand, Johnson got pulled over due to a broken taillight one traffic stop of what he estimates to be about 100 in his life. The officer told Johnson, who is Black, that he looked like a drug dealer. Johnson told the officer he had weed in his trunk. The police found it, and arrested him. He was convicted on a possession charge, and would later be arrested two more times for marijuana. His marijuana-related arrests and conviction have since been expunged. But Johnsons legal issues never scared him away from cannabis. Now, Johnson, 39, is preparing to open Simply Pure Trenton in Ewing Township, N.J., his hometown. The shop will make Johnson one of the first Black recreational dispensary owners in New Jersey, and one of the states first operating owners with a cannabis-related conviction. Simply Pure Trenton is tentatively set to open in July. I always said I would never go back to Trenton unless I could be the mayor or something. Something impactful, Johnson said. Who ever would have thought it would be weed? Selling weed legally back home is a far cry from where Johnson expected to be. When he left for college, his parents encouraged him not to return to Ewing to avoid trouble especially from the authorities. Advertisement In Mercer County, which includes Trenton and Ewing, police arrested Black people for marijuana at a rate 4.1 times higher than white people between 2010 and 2018, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. And New Jerseys prison population has the highest racial disparity in the country, with Black people being incarcerated at a rate 12.5 times higher than whites, a 2021 report from the Sentencing Project found. Discrimination, especially in enforcing marijuana laws, was egregious in Trenton, Johnson said. If youre unlucky enough to have even a seed or a roach, your whole life is ruined. From banker to budtender A common criticism of the legal marijuana industry is that while Black people have been disproportionately targeted for cannabis offenses, white business owners are benefiting from legalization. New Jerseys marijuana legalization laws have attempted to address that impact: The states Cannabis Regulatory Commission gives priority to applicants with cannabis-related convictions, as well as those who come from communities inordinately harmed by the war on drugs, such as Trenton and Ewing. But Johnsons path wasnt straightforward. Before entering the cannabis market, he worked in banking and finance, landing a job at Morgan Stanley despite his record. [My manager] was like, You have this on your record. Youve got to promise me that nothing like this is going to happen again, Johnson said. That changed my life. By 2016, he was working at SunTrust Financial Services, where he said he collected a six-figure salary as a financial adviser. Then, he became inspired by Hope Wiseman, a former investment banker who became the nations youngest Black woman to own a marijuana dispensary in Maryland. So, he broke into the legal weed industry as a budtender. Making $15 an hour. It started as a part-time gig, but soon, he went full-time doling out weed at a Maryland medical marijuana dispensary. The move was a financial sacrifice for Johnson, who has three daughters, ages 9, 5, and 1. It also caused friction in his relationship with his former long-term partner. That was tough, Johnson said. I got kids in private school, I got a mortgage, I got all that stuff. It was a big risk. It was also a turning point. Johnson partnered with the dispensary owners in an unsuccessful attempt to get marijuana business licenses for ventures in Maryland and New Jersey, and discovered advocacy work. He became an important player in the marijuana industry thanks to his roles at organizations including the National Cannabis Industry Association, U.S. Cannabis Council, and the Marijuana Policy Project, where he focused on diversity, social equity, and inclusion efforts. I saw a real need for, and lack of, diversity in the industry, Johnson said. Here I was, traveling the country, and everywhere I go, Im like the only Black person there. Ultimately, he met Wanda James, who became the first Black person to own a legal U.S. cannabis dispensary in Colorado in 2009. Johnson is licensing James Simply Pure brand to start Simply Pure Trenton. The idea with Simply Pure Trenton, Johnson said, is to provide an upscale experience while targeting traditional marijuana consumers something he says is missing from New Jerseys legal market. He even has a robot, Pepper, to help customers. Weed and Wall Street experience New Jersey has seen high interest in the legal weed industry from diversely owned and social-equity businesses: As of May, 67% of new adult-use licenses had gone to businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs, women, and other underrepresented groups. But despite those numbers, few Black-owned or social-equity businesses have actually opened. New Jersey went its entire first year of legalization without a Black-owned recreational marijuana dispensary operating. That only changed on May 6, when Atcos Holistic Solutions, owned by Suzan Nickelson, began recreational sales. In part, the lack of operating marijuana businesses owned by underrepresented groups comes down to funding, Nickelson said. Because marijuana is federally illegal, business owners often cant get loans and must find investors to provide start-up money. That can lead to predatory situations in which investors lend money under terms that cause the operators to lose control of the business. There is a crisis regarding capital access, and in that, minority operators are the most harmed, Nickelson said. New Jersey has attempted to address this with a pilot grant program that will provide a total $10 million in state funding to developing marijuana start-ups. Compounding the issue is the lack of available real estate, said Todd Johnson, executive director of the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association. An estimated 70% of New Jersey municipalities have opted out of allowing marijuana businesses. That leaves nearly 2,000 applicants hoping to set up shop in about 170 towns. Because of his work in finance, Tahir Johnson was better positioned to be successful in New Jerseys cannabis industry than most. He said the mentorship he received informed his approach to funding his marijuana business. I dont know how many people in the world had this background with weed and Wall Street experience, he said. That experience culminated in March, when he submitted his adult-use retail application alongside lifelong friend John Dockery, who also partnered with Simply Pure to open a location, Simply Pure Downtown Trenton, with which Johnson is not involved. In April, they received their annual licenses, which allow them to open. Once they do, theyll be doing business down the street from one another. Johnsons shop, he hopes, will be a source of pride for the Trenton area. Its the type of place where people dont always put nice things, or the best things, he said. Trenton makes, the world takes. It makes me proud to make that mean something again. Police on the 2500 block of North 32nd Street, where a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot Friday night. Read more A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed Friday evening in Strawberry Mansion, one of 11 people shot in a 13-hour stretch that included four other homicides and a violent attack on two people by an ax-wielding assailant. The shooting victims ranged in age from 16 to 48, according to Philadelphia police. There have been 161 fatal shootings and 626 nonfatal shootings in the city in 2023 as of Saturday, with Philadelphia on pace to have fewer shootings than in 2022, when there were 474 fatal and 1,789 nonfatal shootings. A triple shooting occurred on East Luzerne Street between O and Potter Streets in Juniata Park at 7:39 p.m. Friday. A 38-year-old man was shot once in the temple and a 28-year-old man was shot in the face, buttocks, leg and shoulder. Both men were in critical condition at Temple University Hospital while a 44-year-old man shot in the wrist was in stable condition at Jefferson Frankford Hospital, said police, who did not release their names. A 38-year-old man, Thomas Dooner, was shot three times and killed in his Tacony house in the 7100 block of Jackson Street at 8:36 p.m. Friday by an unidentified 31-year-old man who had been engaged in a verbal confrontation with the victims daughter, police said. The accused gunman, they said, was last seen driving an SUV south on Roosevelt Boulevard. The unidentified 16-year-old was shot multiple times at 10:35 p.m. Friday on North 32nd Street between Cumberland and Sergeant Streets. Police said the motive and identity of the shooter were unknown. Advertisement A 35-year-old unidentified man died after being shot multiple times at 11:16 p.m. Friday on the 5700 block of Elmwood Street in Southwest Philadelphia, while a 42-year-old man was shot three times in the leg and is in stable condition at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. A 24-year-old woman was shot multiple times on Welsh Road between Roosevelt Boulevard and Leonard Street in Winchester Park at 1:18 a.m. Police said she later died at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital. A 48-year-old man was shot twice in the chest at 1:24 a.m. Saturday inside a home on Oakmont Street between Cottage and Jackson Streets in Holmesburg. He later died at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, police said. An 18-year-old man was shot in the left thigh in the 1800 block of Belmont Mansion Drive in Fairmount Park in West Philadelphia at 3:17 a.m. Saturday. He was reported in stable condition at Penn Presbyterian. At 9:39 a.m., a 31-year-old man was shot six times in his lower body and once in the stomach on the 100 block of East Somerset Street in Kensington. He was in critical condition at Temple University Hospital. Police reported recovering a gun and taking an unidentified man into custody. In the ax attack, a 35-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man were both struck in the head in a home on the 2300 block of Sharswood Street in North Philadelphia at 12:47 a.m. Saturday. Both were taken to Temple University Hospital while a suspect, a 36-year-old man who had not been identified, was arrested, police said. You can buy or build your own custom cheese boards and charcuterie trays like these from Di Bruno Bros., which has several locations throughout the region. Read more If youre having or going to party, youre going to need food potentially lots of it. The Philly area has lots of choices for trays, platters, and a la carte items. From traditional Italian fare and charcuterie to truly delicious Indian, Middle Eastern, and Japanese party food, were spoiled for options. Here are a few good spots around Philly to pick up a spread for your next party or family gathering. The hardest part will be picking what you want. Advertisement South Philly Indonesian food stalwart Hardena made the #NotPizza box special famous (its currently on hold there), but Stina added a Greek twist with its Taverna Style Pikilia. This ones all about the protein, with enough chicken souvlaki, loukaniko sausage, soujouk sausage, spit-roasted lamb, and beef gyro to put most of your partygoers down for a meat nap (plus, theres fresh pita, pickled veggies, tzatziki, olives, tabouleh, and fire-roasted long hots). Not enough? There are family-style trays of spanakopita, moussaka, and more that serve four to six people, plus cookie trays, baklava, and chocolate cake (order two days in advance). 1705 Snyder Ave., 215-337-3455, @Stina_Pizzeria, stinapizzeria.com If youre looking for a cheese tray or charcuterie board, its tough to beat this Philly institution. The shop has a catering arm for premade cheese boards, charcuterie trays, crudite platters, hors doeuvres, desserts, and just about anything else you can think of (pickup and delivery are available). Or do your own with the help of Di Bruno Bros. expert cheesemongers, who can help you build your perfect board from a substantial selection of cheeses, cured meats, and other specialty items. 930 S. Ninth St. (locations throughout Philadelphia, and in Wayne and Ardmore), 215-922-2876 (or 215-665-1659 for catering), @DiBrunoBros, dibruno.com Help make this guide better See something missing? If you spot an error or omission in any of our guides, please let us know by emailing us at phillytips@inquirer.com This Philly classic has been running since 1923, and has everything from cannoli and cake to sfogliatelle and almond horns plus about a dozen kinds of cookies. Terminis cookie trays are a big holiday favorite, each of which features eight types of cookies such as pignoli, coconut macaroons, imbutitti, and scumetti and, depending on the size, can serve up to 35 people. Cream puff, cupcake, and cannoli trays are also available, or you can keep it simple and grab a prepackaged cookie tin, too (and yes, theres shipping). 1523 S. Eighth St. (locations also in Packer Park Shopping Center, Reading Terminal Market, Comcast Center, and Live! Casino & Hotel), 215-334-1816, @Termini_Bros, termini.com Yes, Campos has been slinging good steaks since 1947 (and you can order a kit to serve your gathering), but the deli also happens to have a couple of other extremely Philly party trays. The pretzel tray, for example, includes enough pretzels, Peanut Chews, whiz, and mustard to serve 10 to 18 people, or you can go full dessert mode with a variety platter of Tastykakes (butterscotch Krimpets, Kandy Kakes, chocolate cupcakes, Juniors the works) that will feed up to 20. 214 Market St., 215-923-1000, @CamposPhillyCheesesteaks, camposdeli.com If youre going the sandwich route to feed a crowd, this South Street spot has a ton of options ranging from a cheesesteak made with shaved rib-eye and truffle whiz to a vegan-friendly falafel sandwich with roasted beets. Woodrows signature sandwich tray comes ready to serve 10 people and includes three sandwiches of your choice (our favorite? The pork sandwich with broccoli rabe, aged provolone, and long hot aioli). Or, if you want it a little more DIY, grab a hot tray for meatball, BBQ brisket, or hot pork that can serve up to 25 people and have folks serve themselves. 630 South St., 215-470-3559, @WoodrowSandwich, woodrowsandwich.com For something a little sweet, head to this South Philly institution, which has been crafting specialties like cannoli, rum cake, and ricotta cookies since 1904. One of its coolest offerings for parties is a Chip and Dip tray and were not talking tortillas. This one is a redesigned cannoli platter that serves either 12-15 (small) or 20-25 people (large) with crispy cannoli chips alongside chocolate cream, vanilla cream, and ricotta with dark chocolate chip dips, making soggy party cannoli a thing of the past. 1009 Christian St., 215-923-3092, @IsgroPastries, isgropastries.com While its Collingswood location is long gone, Philadelphians can still party with the Indeblue location right here in the city. Here, party tray and catering options include tandoori lollipop lamb chops, veggie or paneer shashlik, veggie samosas, BBQ pork spring rolls, fresh naan, and more, plus kheer and chai and chocolate pot de creme for dessert most of which can serve 15 to 30 people, depending on size. Thirsty? Grab a bottle (each bottle serves 15) of mango lassi, house-made chai, or mint lemonade. 205 S. 13th St., 215-545-4633, @Indeblue, indebluerestaurant.com This University City spot gets its name from a traditional Lebanese flatbread made with crispy dough and vegetarian or halal meats. And, of course, you can order them for a crowd topped with beef, lamb, labneh, cheese, and more. Or you can go with other savory options like beef or chicken shawarma, platters of dips like hummus and baba ghannouj, falafel, grape leaves, and more and finish up with trays of the cafes famous baklava, kanafe (a creamy, cheesy relative of baklava), or basboosa (a semolina cake soaked in syrup). 4420 Walnut St., 215-921-2135, @ManakeeshCafe, manakeeshcafe.com Grab a savory platter from chef Jezabel Careaga, like empanadas that run the gamut from spicy beef or chicken to ham and mozzarella or vegan-friendly lentils (they come in packs of 12 or in an assorted box of eight for your party, too). Or, keep it sweet and check out Jezabels alfajores (a kind of Argentinian cookie sandwich filled with dulce de leche), passion fruit pavlova, or torta de ricotta. 206-208 S. 45th St., 215-554-7380, @Jezabels.PHL, jezabelscafe.com Billed as the lone Japanese-owned grocery store in the Philadelphia area, this Ardmore shop and restaurant focuses on Japanese soul food, as owner (and Osaka-area native) Seiko Dailey told The Inquirer in 2018. Its party tray options serve 10 people or more, and include gyoza, shumai, edamame, karaage (a Japanese-style fried chicken), inari sushi (fried tofu stuffed with sushi rice), and pork, shrimp, or veggie yakisoba. Call to order, and be sure to order one week in advance. 5 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 484-417-6745, @MaidoUSA, maidoardmore.com If the occasion calls for tomato pie, Corropolese is the place to go. You can grab quarter (eight slices) or full sheets (30 slices) of its famous tomato pie from any of four Pennsylvania locations, either plain or topped with add-ons like sweet peppers, fried eggplant, or pepperoni. Or if you want something a little more refined, the Norristown and Limerick locations offer catering options that can serve up to 24 people, with offerings like antipasto, bruschetta, prosciutto-wrapped melon, and a variety of hot hors doeuvres (72 hours notice required). 2014 Old Arch Rd., Norristown (locations also in Audubon, Royersford, and Douglassville), 610-275-6664, @CorropoleseBakery, corropolesebakery.com READ MORE: Where to get the best tomato pie in Philly Located in Springfield, Delaware County, this longtime local favorite has just about every red gravy Italian dish, hoagie, wrap, or finger food option you could want. A la carte platter choices include full sheets (24 slices) of more than a dozen kinds of pizza, massive strombolis (order a large for 70 slices) hoagie trays, and appetizers including bruschetta, fried ravioli, bacon-wrapped scallops, and tons more. Or, if youre feeding 50 people or more, check out the catering packages that can plan the menu for you. 226 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, 610-690-0150, johnnypaisanos.com To keep your holidays a little smoky, head out to Willow Grove for a bevy of BBQ platters, desserts, classic sides, and, of course, meat by the pound. Streetside has everything from baby back ribs, brisket, smoked wings, and pulled pork to prime rib, beef tenderloin, and smoked hot dogs and burgers plus sides like half pans (serves about 15 people) of baked means, collard greens, smoked veggies, and more. Just want dessert? Cookies, banana pudding, rice pudding, pound cake, and brownies should satisfy. 801 W. Moreland Rd., Willow Grove, 215-821-7665, @Streetside_BBQ, streetsidebarbecue.com Folks out in the western burbs probably know this longtime favorite, seeing as its been a destination for gourmet Italian fare and ingredients for roughly 40 years now. Like its urban counterpart Di Bruno Bros., Carlinos list of offerings is almost endless from classics like homemade bread and pasta, hoagies, tomato pie, and beef brasciole to fancier fare like mini filet crostini and bacon-wrapped scallops, plus desserts like sfogliatelle, fresh fruit crostatas, and Italian rum cake. 2616 E. County Line Rd., Ardmore (and 128 W. Market St., West Chester), 610-649-4046, @CarlinosMarket, carlinosmarket.com Its all about grazing at this Medford shop, which focuses on grazing boards and boxes. Choose from a ton of custom-made boards and takeaway boxes with a wide variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, bread, dried fruits, veggies, nuts, olives, and dips (boards, meanwhile, come with flowers and herbs for style points, and you can even keep the pine board they come on). Or, for something unique, check out the charcuterie cones. 45 S. Main St., Medford, N.J., 609-351-4873, @GrazingAffair, grazingaffair.com READ MORE: Live your best life in Philly: Read our most useful stories here. A onetime firehouse at 1625-27 N. Howard St. in Kensington, destined to become a restaurant, on May 22, 2023. Read more Mike Solomonov and Steve Cook, among Philadelphias most prolific restaurateurs, appear to be planning another Kensington restaurant. A liquor-license application in the name of Jaffa was filed May 10 for a century-old former firehouse at the triangular intersection of Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Howard Street, and Turner Street a block from their restaurant Goldie and event facility, Lilah. The site is several blocks north of Laser Wolf, amid Fishtown and Kensingtons sizzling dining scene. Such a liquor application might not pique interest, especially since the restaurateurs names or their corporate name, CookNSolo, do not appear on the paperwork, but Jaffa is the name of a bar-restaurant that the pair opened last month in Brooklyn with partners. The Jaffa license application bears the name of a limited-liability company whose Center City address is used by Pearl Properties, one of CookNSolos primary landlords. Advertisement City records show that the building, at 1625-27 N. Howard St., was bought in March by a holding company with the same 19th Street address. Reed Slogoff, a principal of Pearl, signed the deed. Slogoff did not return a message seeking comment, and CookNSolos rep did not respond to requests for comment on the apparent link. The James Beard Award-winning Solomonov and Cook have been on the move lately. Jaffa an indoor-outdoor restaurant whose name is inspired by the Israeli port city opened May 18 on a second-floor terrace at the Hoxton hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in a partnership with the Chicago-based Boca Restaurant Group. Jaffa joins CookNSolos Laser Wolf on the hotels roof and KFar on the ground floor. The menu includes raw and cooked seafood options such as yellowtail pastrami with grilled cucumber; octopus shakshuka with charred tomato sauce; and brisket kebab-stuffed squid with harissa tehina. Cook and Solomonov, whose Federal Donuts chain is undergoing a dramatic expansion, also recently announced the expansions of their Dizengoff and Goldie restaurants, as well as the impending closings of Merkaz and Abe Fisher. The Fishtown-Kensington neighborhood, already home to such destinations as Suraya, Kalaya, Cheu Fishtown, Wm Mulherins Sons, has a number of other forthcoming restaurants. Essen Bakery has a second location on the books for late summer, as does Dim Sum House by Jane Gs. http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/12-unhealthy-fish-avoid-eating?s=2 Imported catfish Why it's bad: Nearly 90% of the catfish imported to the US comes from Vietnam, where use of antibiotics that are banned in the US is widespread. Furthermore, the two varieties of Vietnamese catfish sold in the US, Swai and Basa, aren't technically considered catfish by the federal government and therefore aren't held to the same inspection rules that other imported catfish are. Eat this instead: Stick with domestic, farm-raised catfish, advises Marianne Cufone, director of the Fish Program at Food & Water Watch. It's responsibly farmed and plentiful, making it one of the best fish you can eat. Or, try Asian carp, an invasive species with a similar taste to catfish that's out-competing wild catfish and endangering the Great Lakes ecosystem. Imported shrimp Why it's bad: Imported shrimp actually holds the designation of being the dirtiest of the "dirty dozen," says Cufone, and it's hard to avoid, as 90% of shrimp sold in the U.S. is imported. "Imported farmed shrimp comes with a whole bevy of contaminants: antibiotics, residues from chemicals used to clean pens, filth like mouse hair, rat hair, and pieces of insects," Cufone says. "And I didn't even mention things like E. coli that have been detected in imported shrimp." Part of this has to do with the fact that less than 2% of ALL imported seafood (shrimp, crab, catfish, or others) gets inspected before its sold, which is why it's that much more important to buy domestic seafood. (Read more about The Not-So-Simple Life of Shrimp and how to make the best choices for your dinner table.) Eat this instead: Look for domestic shrimp. Seventy percent of domestic shrimp comes from the Gulf of Mexico, which relies heavily on shrimp for economic reasons. Pink shrimp from Oregon are another good choice; the fisheries there are certified under the stringent Marine Stewardship Council guidelines. American eel Why it's bad: Also called yellow or silver eel, this fish, which frequently winds up in sushi dishes, made its way onto the list because it's highly contaminated with PCBs and mercury. The fisheries are also suffering from some pollution and overharvesting. Eat this instead: If you like the taste of eel, opt for Atlantic- or Pacific-caught squid instead. 12. Chilean Sea Bass Why it's bad: Most Chilean sea bass sold in the US comes from fishermen who have captured them illegally, although the US Department of State says that illegal harvesting of the fish has declined in recent years. Nevertheless, fish stocks are in such bad shape that the nonprofit Greenpeace estimates that, unless people stop eating this fish, the entire species could be commercially extinct within five years. Food & Water Watch's guide notes that these fish are high in mercury, as well. Eat this instead: These fish are very popular and considered a delicacy, but you can get the same texture and feel with US hook-and-linecaught haddock. 11. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Why it's bad: A recent analysis by The New York Times found that Atlantic bluefin tuna has the highest levels of mercury of any type of tuna. To top it off, bluefin tuna are severely overharvested, to the point of reaching near-extinction levels, and are considered "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Rather than trying to navigate the ever-changing recommendations for which tuna is best, consider giving it up altogether and switching to a healthy, flavorful alternative, such as Alaska wild-caught salmon. Eat this instead: If you really can't give up tuna, opt for American or Canadian (but not imported!) albacore tuna, which is caught while it's young and doesn't contain as high levels of mercury. 10. Orange Roughy Why it's bad: In addition to having high levels of mercury, orange roughy can take between 20 and 40 years to reach full maturity and reproduces late in life, which makes it difficult for populations to recover from overfishing. Orange roughy has such a reputation for being overharvested that some large restaurant chains, including Red Lobster, refuse to serve it. However, it still pops up in grocer freezers, sometimes mislabeled as "sustainably harvested." There are no fisheries of orange roughy that are considered well-managed or are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, so avoid any that you see. Eat this instead: Opt for yellow snapper or domestic catfish to get the same texture as orange roughy in your recipes. 9. Shark Why it's bad: Problems associated with our eating too many sharks happen at all stages of the food chain, says Cufone. For one, these predatory fish are extremely high in mercury, which poses threats to humans. But ocean ecosystems suffer, too. "With fewer sharks around, the species they eat, like cownose rays and jellyfish, have increased in numbers," Cufone says. "And the rays are eatingand depletingscallops and other fish." There are fewer of those fish in the oceans for us to eat, placing an economic strain on coastal communities that depend on those fisheries. (Shark-fin soup made our list of 8 Cruelest Foods You Eat for a reason.) Eat this instead: Among the recommendations for shark alternatives are Pacific halibut and Atlantic mackerel. 8. Imported king crab Why it's bad: The biggest problem with imported crab is that most of it comes from Russia, where limits on fish harvests aren't strongly enforced. But this crab also suffers from something of an identity crisis, says Cufone: "Imported king crab is often misnamed Alaskan king crab, because most people think thats name of the crab," she says, adding that she's often seen labels at supermarkets that say "Alaskan King Crab, Imported." Alaskan king crab is a completely separate animal, she says, and it's much more responsibly harvested than the imported stuff. Eat this instead: When you shop for king crab, whatever the label says, ask whether it comes from Alaska or if it's imported. Approximately 70% of the king crab sold in the U.S. is imported, so it's important to make that distinction and go domestic. 7. Atlantic salmon (both wild-caught and farmed) Why it's bad: It's actually illegal to capture wild Atlantic salmon because the fish stocks are so low, and they're low, in part, because of farmed salmon. Salmon farming is very polluting: Thousands of fish are crammed into pens, which leads to the growth of diseases and parasites that require antibiotics and pesticides. Often, the fish escape and compete with native fish for food, leading to declines in native populations. Adding to our salmon woes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving forward with approving genetically engineered salmon to be sold, unlabeled, to unsuspecting seafood lovers. That salmon would be farmed off the coast of Panama, and its unclear how it would be labeled. Currently, all fish labeled "Atlantic salmon" come from fish farms. (Wonder what other fish is frequently mislabeled? See Your Fish Is A Fake.) Eat this instead: Opt for wild Alaskan salmon now, and in the event that GE salmon is officially approved. 6. Atlantic flatfish Why it's bad: This group of fish includes flounder, sole, and halibut that are caught off the Atlantic coast. They found their way onto the list because of heavy contamination and overfishing that dates back to the 1800s. According to Food & Water Watch, populations of these fish are as low as 1% of what's necessary to be considered sustainable for long-term fishing. Eat this instead: Pacific halibut seems to be doing well, but the group also recommends replacing these fish with other mild-flavored white-fleshed fish, such as domestically farmed catfish or tilapia. (Tilapia tacos, anyone?) 5. Imported shrimp Why it's bad: Imported shrimp actually holds the designation of being the dirtiest of the "dirty dozen," says Cufone, and it's hard to avoid, as 90% of shrimp sold in the U.S. is imported. "Imported farmed shrimp comes with a whole bevy of contaminants: antibiotics, residues from chemicals used to clean pens, filth like mouse hair, rat hair, and pieces of insects," Cufone says. "And I didn't even mention things like E. coli that have been detected in imported shrimp." Part of this has to do with the fact that less than 2% of ALL imported seafood (shrimp, crab, catfish, or others) gets inspected before its sold, which is why it's that much more important to buy domestic seafood. (Read more about The Not-So-Simple Life of Shrimp and how to make the best choices for your dinner table.) Eat this instead: Look for domestic shrimp. Seventy percent of domestic shrimp comes from the Gulf of Mexico, which relies heavily on shrimp for economic reasons. Pink shrimp from Oregon are another good choice; the fisheries there are certified under the stringent Marine Stewardship Council guidelines. 4. American eel Why it's bad: Also called yellow or silver eel, this fish, which frequently winds up in sushi dishes, made its way onto the list because it's highly contaminated with PCBs and mercury. The fisheries are also suffering from some pollution and overharvesting. Eat this instead: If you like the taste of eel, opt for Atlantic- or Pacific-caught squid instead. 3. Atlantic cod Why it's bad: This one was difficult to add to the "dirty dozen list," says Cufone, because it is so vital to the economic health of New England fishermen. "However, chronic mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service and low stock status made it very difficult to recommend," she says. Atlantic cod stocks collapsed in the mid-1990s and are in such disarray that the species is now listed as one step above endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Eat this instead: The good news, if you love fish 'n' chips (which is nearly always made with cod), is that Pacific cod stocks are still strong and are one of Food and Water Watchs best fish picks. Even better, we have a feel-good-fish recipe that the whole family will love. 2. Caviar Why it's bad: Caviar from beluga and wild-caught sturgeon are susceptible to overfishing, according to the Food and Water Watch report, but the species are also being threatened by an increase in dam building that pollutes the water in which they live. All forms of caviar come from fish that take a long time to mature, which means that it takes a while for populations to rebound. Eat this instead: If you really love caviar, opt for fish eggs from American Lake Sturgeon or American Hackleback/Shovelnose Sturgeon caviar from the Mississippi River system. 1. Imported catfish Why it's bad: Nearly 90% of the catfish imported to the US comes from Vietnam, where use of antibiotics that are banned in the US is widespread. Furthermore, the two varieties of Vietnamese catfish sold in the US, Swai and Basa, aren't technically considered catfish by the federal government and therefore aren't held to the same inspection rules that other imported catfish are. Eat this instead: Stick with domestic, farm-raised catfish, advises Marianne Cufone, director of the Fish Program at Food & Water Watch. It's responsibly farmed and plentiful, making it one of the best fish you can eat. Or, try Asian carp, an invasive species with a similar taste to catfish that's out-competing wild catfish and endangering the Great Lakes ecosystem. http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/12-unhealthy-fish-avoid-eating?s=2 Nakisha's Billas 21-year-old son, Domonic, was killed March 29, 2021. These floral letters, which were photographed in her living room, were part of an arrangement at his funeral service. Read more A Philadelphia man who shot and killed 21-year-old Domonic Billa in the Philadelphia Mills Mall more than two years ago was sentenced Friday to up to 52 years in prison. Gregory Smith, 23, killed Billa and shot at another man after a fight broke out in the malls food court in March 2021. He was convicted of murder and attempted murder and will spend between 26 and 52 years behind bars, Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement. Smith was also ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to Billas family. Billas mother, Nakisha, said Friday that she was disappointed in the sentence. Smiths punishment, she said, provided no comfort to her or her family No amount of time would make this wrong right because Domonic isnt here, Nakisha Billa said. My hope is that he [Smith] would have gotten a life sentence without parole, because we are serving a life sentence without Domonic. A life sentence of pain, grief, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression. Its never-ending for us. Advertisement When police arrived that afternoon after a report of a shooting inside the mall, they found Billa on the ground in the food court with several gunshot wounds to his chest, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The other man Smith shot at was not injured. The shooting triggered a lockdown at the mall, but Smith was able to escape. He was arrested the next month. An attorney for Smith could not be reached. The jury had not done a good job analyzing the evidence, said Nakisha Billa. She felt that the criminal justice system had failed her, she said. Its not enough. Its not enough, she said. His mother still gets to talk to him [Smith] and hear his voice. Shell still be able to see him. She might still be able to hug him. He took that away from me. I will never see my son again. So it will never be right. Rev. James Garisto, 73, of the New York Archdiocese, has been arrested and charged with sexually molesting a Philadelphia boy for eight years. Read more A Staten Island priest pleaded no contest to corruption of a minor and indecent assault on Friday after prosecutors said he sexually abused an underaged boy in Fishtown during the mid-2000s. The Rev. James Garisto, 74, faced several related charges after his arrest last year, but those charges were dropped, according to a spokesperson for the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office. Garisto, who spent nearly 40 years as a priest, teacher, and school administrator in the Archdiocese of New York, has faced multiple allegations of abuse. Church officials placed him on leave in 2019 after receiving a report of sexual misconduct against him. After a New York man sued Garisto in 2021 over abuse he said he suffered at the hands of the priest as a boy, a Philadelphia man in his 30s came forward to say that Garisto had abused him between 1995 and 2002. Advertisement The Philadelphia man told police Garisto sexually assaulted him beginning when he was 10 years old at the priests home in Fishtown. Criminal charges were filed in connection with those allegations, but they were later dropped because the statute of limitations on the alleged crimes had lapsed. Garisto was again arrested last May, when another man said the priest touched him inappropriately at the Fishtown home between 2006 and 2010 when he was 15 years old. He said Garisto had also abused him at a property the priest owned in Harrisburg and at a church in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Efforts to reach Garisto and his lawyer were unsuccessful Friday. Garisto is scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 7. A civil lawsuit filed by the victim in the criminal case is pending. The Archdiocese of New York, which was also named as a defendant in the suit, recently reached a settlement in the case, according to AJ Thomson, the victims attorney. Thomson declined to disclose the amount of the settlement. Garistos no-contest plea means that his conviction on the underlying crimes in the case cannot be used as evidence in the lawsuit, Thomson said. Still, he said the outcome of the criminal case was a step toward justice and accountability in Philadelphia, where criminal charges are rarely filed against priests accused of sex abuse. A SEPTA bus is parked at Fourth Street and Oregon Avenue during the unveiling of a new SEPTA Route 7 bus wrap as part of a collaboration between Mural Arts Philly and SEPTA to get people to use public transportation to get to the city's green spaces. Read more Buses wrapped in ads are a common sight in any city, but have you ever seen a bus wrapped in mural art? On Saturday, the art project Getting to Green: Routes to Roots officially began, with artist Shira Walinskys painting unveiled on SEPTAs bus Route 7. The initiative is aimed at getting folks to explore city parks on public transportation. Knowing what route to use can be confusing, Walinsky said. Especially for non-English-speaking immigrants and refugee communities. So, she partnered with media producer Laura Deutch to create a visual arts project to inform Philadelphians that they can get to public parks for the fare of a bus ticket. The unveiling of the art is part one of a two-phase initiative by the artists, Murals Arts Philadelphia, SEPTA, and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. Advertisement For the next eight weeks, Route 7 (33rd and Dauphin to Pier 70 on Columbus Boulevard) leaves behind its classic white color for a lime background decorated with trees, animals, people waiting at a bus stop, and rivers. This first stage is meant to raise awareness of the citys 576 parks, and make the connection between them and the neighborhoods visible, said Walinsky. Although Route 7 is the only one to showcase the mural, Routes 38 and 9 are also part of the project. Route 7 runs river to river, all the way to FDR Park in South Philadelphia; Route 38 can take you to the heart of Wissahickon Valley Park; and Route 9 leaves you just a transfer away from Houston Meadow in the Andorra section. This information is coming in handy for community members such as Rosalba Munoz, who emigrated from Mexico to Philly in 2006. We use the bus for everything, but I didnt know the 7 could take me to FDR Park, Munoz said in Spanish. Then again, navigating the public transportation system has been a hassle because of the language barrier. The second phase of Getting to Green: Routes to Roots will aim to ease that issue by creating posters with icons that can visually guide people. Beginning in July, until 2024, Mural Arts will roll out 10 posters with information on how to get to the closest park on the following SEPTA bus stations: JFK Boulevard and 17 Street; Market and Fifth Streets; 22nd and Winter Streets; Market and 10th Streets; Midvale and Henry Avenues; 29th Street and Ridge Avenue; Snyder Avenue and Swanson Street; Oregon Avenue and 20th Street; 39th Street and Girard Avenue; and Belmont Avenue and Monument Road. The timeline for the posters is yet to be determined because this is a developing project. But organizers of Getting to Green: Routes to Roots encourage people to follow their social media channels for opportunities to join community charter tours, watch Deutchs video stories about Philly residents and parks, and be part of curated activities. In the meantime, Mural Arts executive director Jane Golden hopes the project encourages Philadelphians to explore the city beyond your neighborhood. Karl Morris, owner of Urban Art Gallery, arranges pieces by artists Watson Mere and Erice Reid for the Caribbean Creatives Art Show the gallery is hosting. Read more Karl Morris will tell you he has no background as an artist. He simply loves art. I cant paint at all. I cant draw, he said. But that didnt stop Morris, who works for the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier, to open the Urban Art Gallery in West Philadelphia. To me, art is inspirational, its peaceful, its beautiful. Advertisement Morris, whose first name is Kalphonse, often goes by Karl. He opened the gallery at 262 S. 52nd St. in 2013 and celebrated its 10th-year anniversary earlier this year. He developed his love for art during an art appreciation course he took at West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys. At 17 and 18, he would take a bus to New York just to visit the art galleries. Sometimes he went with friends, and sometimes he went alone. For years, he considered his love for art a quiet passion. Even my brothers didnt know how much I loved art until I opened the gallery. After high school, he took a few semesters of college, hoping to major in engineering. When college didnt work out because he didnt have the resources to continue, he took a number of other jobs: working in sales for a furniture store, at a video store, a check-cashing place, and then for a decorating company. That last job meant he had a chance to study the art works hanging in the Main Line mansions he was sent to to decorate for parties. Now 57, Morris began working for the Postal Service in 1994. After a stint delivering mail in West Philadelphia, he started a route in Center City. There, he delivered mail to art galleries and talked to their owners about the works on their walls. He also struck up conversations with two Center City law partners who each had huge art collections in their office. From postal worker to art gallery owner Long before he became a postal worker, however, Morris began investing in real estate, starting out near 51st and Locust Streets, where he grew up, not far from the Urban Art Gallery. Initially, he was going to lease the 52nd Street building for retail space. But as he talked to Black artists and other emerging artists of color, he learned of their frustrations about not being able to show their works at upscale galleries in Center City. To me, art is inspirational, its peaceful, its beautiful. Karl Morris It seemed like getting into the galleries downtown, you had to be in some secret society, Morris said. So he decided to combine his own love for art with a desire to give back to the community. And now, amid the nail salons, fast food restaurants, clothing stores, Hakims Bookstore, and more, there is an art gallery on 52nd Street. Art is not just for rich people downtown Morris wanted this West Philly art gallery to not only open doors for emerging artists, but announce to community residents that art was for them, too. I wanted art to be in this community and for the community to love art, he said. The neighborhood is majority Black and many people had never been inside an art gallery before, he said. I would sit at the front window on Friday nights and wave for people to come inside and take a look. People would ask if it cost money to enter. Or, they might say they werent dressed properly to come inside. Id tell them, look at me, Im still in my mailmans uniform, he said. I wanted to let people know that its OK to appreciate the arts and to come into an art gallery and not feel intimidated. It was important for them to know, he said, that art is not just for rich people downtown. Caribbean roots On Saturday, the Urban Art Gallery will open its Caribbean Creatives Art Show to celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month. Morris was born in London to Jamaican parents. His family returned to Jamaica when he was about 2 or 3, he said. And when he was 4 or 5, they moved to Philadelphia, where his grandparents had migrated years before. He remembers starting kindergarten at a local church at age 5. After that, he was educated in Philadelphias Catholic schools. The show is the brainchild of Erice Reid, an educator and artist who was born in Jamaica and came to the United States at age 11. She partnered with Morris to present the first Caribbean Creatives show in 2017. Erice Reid: We are a community within a community Reid, who works for the New Jersey Department of Educations Office of Special Education and lives in Delaware County, has been an artist all her life. She said she comes from a family of creative people who were artists or musicians, and she is a writer and has also made jewelry. Currently, she is focusing on painting acrylics on canvas. A few years ago, at an art exhibit, she realized that many of the artists had similar backgrounds. She thought it would be cool to have an exhibit featuring artists from the Caribbean or from Africa. We are a community within a community, she said. Reid will have at least two paintings depicting the Maasai people in the exhibit. This week, she was still working on a third piece, a portrait of a woman, that she was hoping to finish before the shows opening. Jae Martin: Those colors represent love Jae Martin was born in Brooklyn to parents from Barbados. He lives in Devon, Pa., and has an art studio in Germantown, where he creates art he describes as Graf-Pop it uses elements of graffiti and pop art. He is known for grayscale paintings of popular figures such as former President Barack Obama, the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, and the rappers Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, and Nipsey Hussle. The grayscale portraits have bold colors splashed across their faces. I use a lot of bright, bold colors, Martin said. My family is from Barbados and those colors are a presentation of Barbados. Those colors represent love. Examples of his work can be seen at his website. My family is from Barbados and those colors are a presentation of Barbados. Jae Martin Martin, 46, quit his day job working in shipping logistics for a major retail store chain a couple of years ago to work full-time as an artist. Although born in New York, Martin lived in Barbados for five years as a child. After returning to New York, he spent summers on the island with his grandmother. I love the people, I love the food. I want to represent them. And I want people to know its not just a place to go to as a tourist. People live there. Its home. The Caribbean Creatives Art Show opening is from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at the Urban Art Gallery, 262 S. 52nd St., Philadelphia, 215-919-2424. The free show will run through July. Gallery hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Like many media watchers, I awaited Holly Willoughbys return following Philip Schofields scandalous departure from ITVs This Morning chat show with some anticipation. What would she say? Would she even address the elephant in the room? I havent watched breakfast television with such intense interest since I was a child at home sick from school and listening agog to agony aunt Claire Rayners graphic relationship advice. Like many people, I have been enthralled by the unfolding media storm at the show over the last few weeks that has eventually led up to Schofields retirement after accusations of grooming a young showrunner with whom he had a relationship (Schofield denies those accusations). But while Schofield is the one who is accused of wrongdoing, the focus has shifted to Willoughby, the goody-two-shoes of British television. With her baby-blonde hair, Bambi eyes, and Julia Roberts smile, she is an idealised version of the girl next door, someone that viewers both relate to and aspire to be like. She cant put a foot wrong, and hasnt done so in her 20-year career. The worst thing she had done to date was skip the queue to see the late Queen Elizabeth II lying in state. As the Schofield storm broke though, Willoughby was accused of being complicit in his wrongdoing by not saying anything about it (she denies all knowledge of Schofields affair). What was really interesting about Willoughbys return though, was how she looked. COURTROOM DRESSING Her appearance was a masterclass in what we have come to know as courtroom dressing. Her makeup was natural, accentuating her large eyes. She wore a white sleeveless midi-dress, buttoned up to the neck, just a tasteful flash of leg, and nude-coloured demure sandals. No cleavage or red patent stilettos here, no bright nail polish either. Her blonde roots were freshly done, her skin glowing from her recent trip to Portugal. She looked like she was about to be inducted into a religious cult rather than perform the sort of career-saving high-wire act she was about to in addressing Schofields departure. How women look has become a huge part of our culture, from how women dress for court appearances to how they dress for post-divorce parties or following public humiliations like being cheated on by their spouses (remember Matt Hancocks wifes outfits after his affair broke? She wore demure and relatable floral dresses). Clothes transmit messages about the kind of people we are. Why else do we dress neatly and formally for an interview? We want to show that we are smart, serious people. Willoughby was aware of the power of clothes as she draped herself in white, the colour of innocence, the colour of truth-telling, the colour of surrender, the colour of peace. Willoughby also kept it high street she knows relatability is her calling card so she opted for a dress from Reiss, expensive but still within the reach of many of her viewers. How clever she is. Picture: Brid O'Donovan DRESS AS COMMUNICATION It called to mind Gwyneth Paltrows recent court case where Paltrows carefully selected outfits seemed to semaphore the message INNOCENT. I tuned in every day to see what version of luxury chic Paltrow turned up in and what message she was sending that day. She stuck to neutrals, knowing that they telegrammed exactly that neutrality, trustworthiness; no fiery emotional reds or hysterical unhinged purples. Just calm cool beiges, whites, greys, browns, and blacks. Shades of white are always used by defendants in court cases for all of the above reasons but also because they usually signal youth, which we often equate with innocence, vulnerability. Think of who wears white dresses usually little girls or blushing brides. Many years ago, when I played music in rock bands, we were making a video for a song. The director, an American student, wanted to convey innocence. She told me to wear no makeup, a youthful fringe and handed me yep, you guessed it a white cotton dress, the kind my six-year-old daughter now wears. Even a student film-maker knew the quickest route to signalling the innocent look was through the colour white. Its fascinating to me how the way we look still plays such a huge part in how people view us, and how easily we can manipulate how people view us just by changing our hair, our outfits, our shoes. The fake heiress Anna Sorokin, who scammed rich Americans, even hired a court stylist to advise her on her courtroom outfits. She had a whole Instagram account dedicated to her wardrobe and invariably she wore demure dresses in black or white, flat shoes, or white shirts and trousers. The dresses were the kind that child actors on the cusp of womanhood usually choose for red-carpet events. The shoes made her look frumpy. Which makes me wonder, do we equate frumpiness with innocence? It seems to be a key characteristic of those wanting to make a good impression on a judge. If we do equate frumpiness with innocence, does that mean we equate the flip side sexiness and attractiveness with guilt? And if so, what does that say about how we still view women? In March 2001, 20 contestants descended on the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex for a Channel 5 challenge. They stood around a Toyota Land Cruiser and placed their hands on its body, smiling and laughing for the cameras like fishermen whod just caught a five-doored, diesel-powered, four-wheel-drive trout. The task at hand (quite literally) was simple: whoever among the 20 challengers was the last person touching the truck would win the vehicle for themselves. A clock started ticking. Touch The Truck had begun. With no allowance for sleep and only minor breaks for food and bathroom breaks, things unravelled. Several contestants began hallucinating. One left the challenge because he imagined he could see a towering pile of chocolate, another because believed the truck had transformed into a massive ocean liner. Four days after it started, 39-year-old Jerry Middleton emerged victorious, having touched the SUV for 81 hours, 43 minutes and 31 seconds. Touch The Truck was not a ratings success, but I watched enough of it at the time to consider it the strangest television programme Id ever seen on British TV. Then came this week, when I watched Sky News Harry in Court. TECHNODROME Given the prominence of Prince Harrys current court battle with the Mirror Group after this he has two more, against The Mail and The Sun, to follow youd be forgiven for thinking this show was self-explanatory. It would, you presume, be an overview of the tabloids dealings with the prince, cataloguing the cruel and unusual surveillance theyd place him under for the entirety of his life. It might perhaps mention the specifics of the accusations, including that the News of the World tracked his phone calls while he was still a schoolboy, or his claims that The Mirror employed private investigators to spy on him, and dispatched dozens of paparazzi to snap him on holiday while he was still a teen. But Harry in Court was not a documentary, nor a primer on the case before the British courts or the issues around it. It was, broadly speaking, a Match of the Day-style highlights programme, in which host Jonathan Samuels moderated as former Mirror editor Paul Connew and media lawyer Persephone Bridgman Baker discussed that days legal proceedings. Separated by a table so tiny it looked like it was designed for a business-savvy toddler, they faced their host in one of those vast, fibre-optic villains lairs that news organisations tend to use. You know the kind of thing, all shiny floors and technodrome lighting, as if the days headlines only adopt a sufficient degree of gravitas once delivered from inside the transparent workings of a 2003 iMac. Seamas O'Reilly. Picture: Orfhlaith Whelan TORTURED AND EMBARRASSING Which brings us to the star of the show, actor Laurence Dobiesz. British courts do not allow cameras and, presumably, Sky News thought that the traditional route for covering such things pastel courtroom drawings, voiced over with monotone quotes from proceedings lacked panache, so instead they had their actor stand in the studio, directly giving Harrys testimony to the host. He adopted a broad facsimile of Harry voice, and wore a replica of the exact suit the prince had worn in the dock some hours earlier. His beard, too, had been groomed into a meticulous approximation of the most famous ginger stubble on Earth, so that Mr Dobiesz, who does not bear much of a resemblance to his royal counterpart, looked a little like David Platt from Coronation Street, if hed dunked the bottom half of his face in iron filings. The overall result was one of the most tortured and embarrassing things Ive ever seen. If enlivening the show was their object, this was achieved, by supercharging the programme with dangerous levels of cringe that only made the cuts to punditry even stranger again. It turns out the only thing more bewildering than watching an actor channelling Prince Harry as if he were a spirit medium possessed by some restless spirit in the afterlife, is to watch him do that and then cut to the only three people on Earth who didnt think there was anything strange about this at all. AN ODD PEOPLES' CHAMPION The pundits were, on the whole, cautiously respectful of the Princes case, but still lobbied charges of naivety and attention-seeking toward him. To be clear, they were saying this about a person who has been stalked, harassed, photographed and followed since he was a baby, on the basis that he should really have known what he was getting himself into, being born. This is but the latest in hundreds of lawsuits against British tabloids in the past 10 years, when hacking claims broke in earnest at the beginning of the last decade. It has been proven in court that agents of the British press hacked phones, broke into homes, stole goods and fabricated sources in pursuit of stories. They did this to celebrities, but also ordinary people and victims of crime, perhaps most repulsively when the News of The World accessed the voicemails of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowling and her family. News Corp shuttered that paper in the ensuing fallout, and have since paid out 1.2bn in settlements relating to such cases, which have compensated litigants, but have also allowed them to deny any criminal liability for actions undertaken by their other major title, The Sun. It is this contradiction that the prince now has in his sights. Harry makes an odd peoples champion, but anyone appalled at the conduct of the British press should wish him to be the last man standing in all of this. As the scion of an immensely powerful political and cultural force and an extremely wealthy private citizen, he is quite possibly the only person who could make this stand against those who buy ink by the barrel, since he is both immune to the costs, and inoculated against their revenge. Ironically, there is little the tabloids can sling at him that he hasnt borne every minute of the day since he wore short trousers. There are, in short, few indignities left for him to suffer. Unless, that is, he was watching Sky News the other night. Temporary accommodation including tented villages will be required to provide emergency capacity to shelter refugees for some time, Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said. Mr Martin said there will be a continuing flow of people to Ireland as refugees flee war and the impacts of climate change. It comes as the Irish Examiner learned that ministers were briefed on Thursday that there is a possibility of an increased number of refugees coming to Ireland over the summer months. I think we will always need tented capacity to deal with immediate challenges and it can vary at different times of the year in response to a different crisis, Mr Martin said. Read More Warning that tents should not become a new norm as refugees arrive at Gormanston camp You could have a very significant flow of migrants in any one week which would be against the normal average so therefore you will need emergency capacity such as tented villages and so on and tented accommodation to deal with such immediate pressures that can come from on a week to week basis. The objective would be then to move them on relatively quickly to more acceptable accommodation. Around 176 refugees are to be moved into tented accommodation at the former Central Mental Hospital site in Dundrum, Dublin in the coming weeks. A July 2022 picture of military tents set up in Gormanston military camp in Co Meath to shelter hundreds of Ukrainian refugees. File picture: Department of the Taoiseach /PA Mr Martin said the State needed to prioritise refugees that are arriving into Ireland on a daily basis when asked why Ireland couldnt accept a further 350 international protection (IP) applicants and instead chose to give the EU 1.5m. The Fianna Fail leader who was speaking at the official opening of Avondale House in Co Wicklow, said both rapid-build housing and the refurbishment of a significant number of buildings will create 6,000 beds by the end of the year. He said rapid-build housing is going to emerge as a significant contributor to accommodation, which is separate from modular housing. He said that all of those measures will give the State capacity to meet further challenges down the line in what he described as a unprecedented situation. He also said work needs to happen at an EU and global level to resolve some of the issues in countries that are causing mass migration such as aiming to help reduce conflict and resource areas that are suffering through United Nations bodies. Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said that 5,000 beds will also be made available over the summer months as students leave their accommodation until the next academic term in September. He said it is the bed capacity will need to return to colleges but the beds will be in use during the down-time period. The Tanaiste also said that its about solidarity and not fines in the EUs latest proposal which will see a charge of 20,000 per head for member countries that refuse to host refugees. Read More First look inside Cork's modular homes as Mahon prepares to welcome Ukrainian families Mr Martin said this was an issue prior to the war in Ukraine and the exponential rise in migration, because many countries in Europe were experiencing very significant migratory flows and they felt it was not adequate burden-sharing between all EU members. Weve always been supportive of a broader EU approach where there is genuine burden sharing, he added. Meanwhile, Mr Martin said security needs to be improved after a teenager gained access to Leinster House last weekend. Clearly security does need to be improved, Mr Martin said. My understanding is its a young teenager so Id like to take that into consideration as well in terms of any commentary and I think its a situation that ended in a sensitive and effective way by those present in Leinster House and I do commend them for the manner in which they resolved the issue. It does raise wider security issues for Leinster House itself which I think will be attended to. Trying to package rural Ireland into one neat little box will fail and deep down those vying to establish a rural party must know that. Fierce debate around proposed nature restoration laws has prompted many both inside and outside Leinster House to again call for a party that will represent rural issues, rural priorities, and rural people. A narrative of the Greens coming to plant half the land and submerge the other half in bog water has been cultivated in a bid to galvanize support for a new political party or possibly two. But people living outside our cities and major towns are not one homogenous group that can be easily herded toward the ballot box. While some may like to cling to an outdated image of dancing at the crossroads after a hard day on the bog, rural Ireland has long moved on from comely maidens milking and men with clay pipes. Back in 2015, long before the pandemic lured a new wave of remote workers back to isolated parts, Prof Cathal ODonoghue, who was then head of Teagascs Rural Economy and Development Programme, wrote in this paper that there is no one rural Ireland. "Rather there is a rich diversity of different types of people, doing different things, with different interests and backgrounds; far from the stereotype. "Rural Ireland is full of sophisticated, articulate people, highly connected both to the local place and globally, and with a multi-layered cultural richness," he wrote. Census data released last week revealed that the population in every single county has increased since 2016. In the same period, those employed in the traditional rural practices of farming, forestry, and fishing dropped by 8% to just over 82,000. The data also shows that a third of all workers now do so from home for at least part of their week. It maybe explains why the two separate groups one led by Michael Fitzmaurice, and the other being spearheaded by Michael Collins, Mattie McGrath, and Richard O'Donoghue that are now working to bring rural Independent politicians together are still a bit all over the shop. While quick to announce the intention to establish a party that will be the voice of rural Ireland, neither grouping has produced any concrete policies. When contacted this week, McGrath couldn't say whether the new party will actually be a party. He suggested that the party, which could end up as more of a grouping or perhaps a hybrid of both, will appeal to rural voters who feel disenfranchised but will also aim to attract urban dwellers. When it comes to policy the proposed party/grouping/hybrid hasn't agreed anything yet, but McGrath said they intend to have a list of core objectives. "Our policies have yet to be fully agreed upon. They will be quite simple, but we have yet to agreed on them. "We will have five to 10 core values that we will be bringing forward," McGrath said before stating that housing, emigration, farming, and bureaucracy around planning are areas that voters feel let down on. McGrath added that the whip system has not worked in politics, so members of the new political entity will not be bound when it comes to voting, except perhaps around financial votes. But overall, there is "broad agreement" and "huge interest", the Tipperary TD insisted. Alternative party Over in the alternative rural party camp, Fitzmaurice said he and a group of local councillors and others, who he does not want to name at this point, are currently working on policy documents across agriculture, housing, transport, balanced regional development, and health. The Roscommon-Galway TD, who was on the verge of doing a deal with Enda Kenny back in 2016 as a member of the Independent Alliance, now sees the need to be a part of Government. The only reason I would be involved in trying to do this is because I can see what the Greens are trying to achieve on the other side, we can shout and scream as Independents, but what else can we achieve? He says 'it's not for the faint-hearted", but is serious in the endeavour and will not be standing in the next general election unless the party is established. Having raised serious concerns around the proposed EU Nature Restoration Law that aims to restore 30% of degraded areas across the bloc, through rewetting, rewilding, and other means by 2030, Fitzmaurice says that agriculture will be "the big one". But he admits that rural Ireland is not just about farming and other weighty items such as town and village planning policy will also have to be included. Those looking to appeal to rural voters can look to the success of the Dutch farmers' movement that took 19% of the votes in elections in March. But those living outside urban areas are a diverse group made up of conservative and liberal voices, atheists and pious Mass-goers, climate deniers, and climate activists. Take Michael Collins' constituency of Cork South-West which includes some of the most rugged and isolated areas in the country. Much of the employment is based around fishing, agriculture, and tourism, but pharma, food, and the IT sectors also provide significant jobs. Collins, who gained attention for his recent Dail outburst after Green Party Junior Minister Pippa Hackett described him as an organic farmer (he is in fact a former organic farmer), topped the poll and is now hoping to establish a new rural party to take on the "green agenda" which he has said is suffocating rural Ireland. Holly Cairns' viewpoint is at odds with Michael Collins. Also representing the people of Cork South-West is Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns who, among other things, has campaigned to ban greyhound racing. Her views are completely at odds with Collins who, in a Dail debate on the industry last year, said greyhound racing makes a "valuable contribution to a balanced regional economy". Cairns first became involved in politics through campaigning for a repeal of the Eighth Amendment, but Collins has said he would never support abortion, and described it is "an old-fashioned, cruel cure that needs to be kept out of our country" ahead of the 2018 referendum. Cairns also received more than half of all transfers when Green Party candidate Bernadette Connolly was eliminated in the 2020 general election, hardly a cohort Collins is going after judging by recent comments in which he warned of the Government's "cult-like obsession with climate change". And yet both candidates had enough support to win a seat in the Dail. Interestingly, Cairns, while elected, got fewer first-preference votes than two other candidates, Fine Gael's Tim Lombard a dairy farmer, and Paul Hayes who ran for Sinn Fein, who would also have very different support bases. Seamus Boland of Irish Rural Link believes that setting up a rural party would have to come from a groundswell of grassroots support, which he feels is not currently present. "To create a movement from the ground up, you'd want a united approach with a lot of people involved. I think rural Ireland is much more complex." Even if those hoping to create a new political party do manage to draft a consistent set of policy objectives, enticing the current set of Independent TDs on board will be another challenge. The Healy-Rae brothers have already ruled out joining a rural party as has Wexford representative Verona Murphy. Independents can sometimes wield significant power while still remaining free of the shackles of political parties, the key example being Tony Gregory, whose deal with Charles Haughey brought Fianna Fail to power. Not being associated with any one party is also a key selling point of Independents to voters, especially if they are running as single-issue candidates. Of course, there are people living in rural Ireland who feel they are not represented, but creating a party to meet all of their differing expectations is an almost impossible task. For those trying to do it, the best of luck to them. U.S.-Asia Relations: Indispensable to Our Future https://2009-2017.state.gov/secretary/20092013clinton/rm/2009a/02/117333.htm Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State Remarks at the Asia Society, New York, New York February 13, 2009 SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, Vishakha, and thanks also to John Thornton and Jamie Metzl and the board members who are gathered here this afternoon. It is a great pleasure to be back here in this magnificent building and to have the chance to thank you for the Asia Societys work over many decades to strengthen the relationship between America and the people and governments of Asia. Before I begin, let me just take a moment to say that my thoughts and prayers today are with the families who lost loved ones in the tragic crash of Continental Flight 3407, with those who live in Clarence Center where this tragedy occurred, and with the entire Buffalo community. I know the strength and compassion of the people of western New York and have no doubt that they will pull together and support each other through this difficult time. I was deeply saddened to learn that among those who were taken from us too soon was Beverly Eckert, who herself lost her husband in the attacks of September 11th. Beverly became known to me and a friend to me and to many New Yorkers for her tireless advocacy for the families of the victims of 9/11, and she was one of the principal champions of the idea of the creation of the 9/11 Commission. I will miss her, and I want to just publicly thank her for all she did in the midst of her own tragedy. A half century ago when the Asia Society was founded, Asia was frozen in a cold war, wracked by poverty, and seemingly destined for desolation. Few in or outside of Asias borders foresaw anything but a future of conflict, occupation, and despair. Today, the countries I will visit are at peace. Asia is on the cutting edge of so many of the worlds innovations and trends. It is a contributor to global culture, a global economic power, and a region of vital importance to the United States today and into our future. Over the past 30 years, Ive had the privilege of traveling to a very different Asia. Whenever I think back on my visits, its as if a movie reel of images, old and new, were running through my head. I think of the elegant temples of Kyoto, or the rituals of nomadic life outside Ulaanbaatar, the intricate handwork of traditional craftspeople in Chiang Rai, the vibrant markets of Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Dhaka; the grand hotels of Singapore and Manila, the calligraphers practicing their art in Xian, the historic dress of Seoul and the traditional dances of Jakarta, or the strum of the sitar in New Delhi. And Ive seen also the skyscrapers and factories, the urban corridors and high-tech campuses, the research facilities and modern hospitals a continent where, now, more often than not, the rule of law and free elections have become or are in the process of becoming the norm, where entrepreneurship and innovation have transformed economies into global economic powers. Asia has influenced world civilization for millennia, as it has our own culture. Our nation is home to 13 million Asian American citizens, and our daily life is so enriched by Asian literature and art, by music and movies, by food and architecture, medicine and science, technology and values. Today, it is tempting to focus our attention on the tensions and perils of our interdependence, but I prefer to view our connectedness as an opportunity for dynamic and productive partnerships that can address both the challenge and the promise of this new century. And thats what I want to talk about today, how the United States is committed to a new era of diplomacy and development in which we will use smart power to work with historic allies and emerging nations to find regional and global solutions to common global problems. As Ive said before, America cannot solve the problems of the world alone, and the world cannot solve them without America. At the same time, given the realities of todays world, we can no longer approach our foreign policy solely country by country, or simply by carving the world into separate regions. With smart power, we will seek to build partnerships that transcend geographic and political boundaries. In the months ahead, I will press for stronger bilateral, regional, and global cooperation when I meet with leaders of Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, just as I will seek more robust engagement in my discussions with Asian leaders in Tokyo, Jakarta, Seoul, and Beijing next week. In making my first trip as Secretary of State to Asia, I hope to signal that we need strong partners across the Pacific, just as we need strong partners across the Atlantic. We are, after all, both a transatlantic and a transpacific power. Our relationships with each of the countries Im visiting, and with all of our partners and allies throughout Asia and the Pacific, are indispensable to our security and prosperity. When we consider the gravest global threats confronting us financial instability and economic dislocation, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, food security and health emergencies, climate change and energy vulnerability, stateless criminal cartels and human exploitation it is clear that these threats do not stop at borders or oceans. Pandemics threaten school children in Jakarta and Jacksonville. Global financial crises shrink bank accounts in Sapporo and San Francisco. The dangers posed by nuclear proliferation create worries in Guangzhou as well as Washington. And climate change affects the livelihoods of farmers in Chinas Hunan province and in Americas Midwest. These dangers affect us all, and therefore we all must play a role in addressing them. So I leave for Asia ready to deliver a message about Americas desire for more rigorous and persistent commitment and engagement, ready to work with leaders in Asia to resolve the economic crisis that threatens the Pacific as much as any other region, ready to strengthen our historic partnerships and alliances while developing deeper bonds with all nations, ready to help prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons in Asia, ready to expand our combined efforts on 21st century challenges like climate change and clean energy, pandemics, and income inequality. In the Obama Administration, we are also ready to reach beyond ministerial buildings and official meeting halls, as important as those are. Were ready to engage civil society to strengthen the foundations needed to support good governance, free elections, and a free press, wider educational opportunities, stronger healthcare systems, religious tolerance, and human rights. And we are ready to listen. Actively listening to our partners isnt just a way of demonstrating respect. It can also be a source of ideas to fuel our common efforts. Too often in the recent past, our government has acted reflexively before considering available facts and evidence, or hearing the perspectives of others. But President Obama and I are committed to a foreign policy that is neither impulsive nor ideological, one that values what others have to say. And when we have differences, which we will, we will discuss them frankly and specify those which limit our capacity to cooperate. As part of our dialogues, we will hold ourselves and others accountable as we work to expand human rights and create a world that respects those rights, one where Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi can live freely in her own country, where the people of North Korea can freely choose their own leaders, and where Tibetans and all Chinese people can enjoy religious freedom without fear of prosecution. Existing problems today, we believe, are opportunities as well. Exercising smart power begins with realistic assessments of the world we inhabit. And this obliges us, no less than other nations, to acknowledge our own contributions to the global problems we face. Let me start with the global financial crisis that hit us first and hit us deeply. Across the United States today, families are losing jobs, homes, savings, and dreams. But this is not our crisis alone. Its repercussions are also being felt in parts of Asia and elsewhere around the world. We have recently heard forecasts from South Koreas new finance minister that their economy will shrink by 2 percent this year, with 200,000 jobs potentially lost. A Chinese Government survey of villages last week reported that 20 million of the nations 130 million migrant workers are unemployed. In Japan, a new analysis predicts a larger economic contraction than previously forecast. Indonesias exports fell by more than 20 percent in December as growth estimates have also fallen. And Taiwans economy reported a record 44 percent drop in exports. Throughout Asia, the demand for durable goods is way down. The global financial crisis requires every nation to look inward for solutions, but none of us can afford to become so introspective that we overlook the critical role that international partnerships must play in stabilizing the worlds economy and putting all of us back on the path to prosperity. And we cannot respond with a race to erect trade and other barriers. We must remain committed to a system of open and fair trade. Here at home, our government is working to address the housing crisis and restore the banking system. Congress is expected to pass a stimulus package that represents the largest government effort in a generation to create jobs and increase incomes. China, Australia, and others in Asia are responding vigorously. We need multiple engines working together to reignite global growth. At the G-20 meeting in Washington in November, leaders pledged to take actions from adjusting fiscal policy to strengthening domestic regulation. The upcoming G-20 meeting in April in London will provide us with an opportunity to build on that pledge. Like the financial crisis, other issues also require bilateral as well as regional and global approaches. The United States is committed to maintaining our historic security alliances in Asia and building on those relationships to counter the complex global threats we face. Im very pleased that Japan and South Korea this week agreed to joint assistance for reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, and that both countries continue to work with us on global security, especially in combating piracy off the Horn of Africa. We will need to work together to address the most acute challenge to stability in Northeast Asia, North Koreas nuclear program. The Obama Administration is committed to working through the Six-Party Talks, and I will discuss with South Korea, Japan, and China how best to get the negotiations back on track. We believe we have an opportunity to move these discussions forward, but it is incumbent upon North Korea to avoid any provocative action and unhelpful rhetoric toward South Korea. The North Korean Government has committed to abandoning all nuclear weapons and to return at an early date to the Treaty on Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We continue to hold them to those commitments. If North Korea is genuinely prepared to completely and verifiably eliminate their nuclear weapons program, the Obama Administration will be willing to normalize bilateral relations, replace the peninsulas longstanding armistice agreements with a permanent peace treaty, and assist in meeting the energy and other economic needs of the North Korean people. On a related matter, I will assure our allies in Japan that we have not forgotten the families of Japanese citizens abducted to North Korea. And I will meet with some of those families in Tokyo next week. Global solutions are essential to addressing climate change and the need for clean sources of energy. Now, climate change is not just an environmental nor an energy issue, it also has implications for our health and our economies and our security, all wrapped up in one. The rapid appointment that the President and I made of a United States Special Envoy for Climate Change reflects the seriousness we feel about dealing with this urgent threat. And I will be taking Special Envoy Todd Stern with me to Asia next week to begin the discussions that we hope will create the opportunities for cooperation. Now, our nation has been the largest historic emitter of greenhouse gases, and we acknowledge that we must lead efforts to cut harmful emissions and build a lower-carbon economy. But each of the countries that Im visiting also have a role to play in this effort. I will press the case for clean energy in both Japan and South Korea, and look for ways to work with Indonesia as well. Orville Schells commentary in Time magazine this week reminds us that collaboration on clean energy and greater efficiency offers a real opportunity to deepen the overall U.S.-Chinese relationship. So we will work hard with the Chinese to create partnerships that promote cleaner energy sources, greater energy efficiency, technology transfers that can benefit both countries, and other strategies that simultaneously protect the environment and promote economic growth. While in Beijing, I will visit a clean thermal power plant built with GE and Chinese technology. It serves as an example of the kind of job-creating, bilateral, public-private collaboration that we need so much more of. Now, you may have heard me describe the portfolio of the State Department as including two of national securitys three Ds: defense, diplomacy, and development. Each is essential to advancing our interests and our security. Yet too often, development is regarded as peripheral to our larger foreign policy objectives. This will not be the case in the Obama Administration. We will energetically promote development around the world to expand opportunities that enable citizens, particularly on the margins, and particularly women and children, to fulfill their God-given potential, which we happen to believe will advance our shared security interests. That much of Asia enjoys peace and prosperity today is due in no small part to American efforts over the last half century to support political, economic, security, and educational alliances with Asian nations. We are proud to have lent American assistance in response to natural disasters, including rebuilding efforts after the tsunami in Indonesia and the cyclone in Burma. And we commend the Indonesian people and government for settling longstanding civil conflict in Aceh that threatened the countrys progress, and for similar positive efforts to achieve peace and stability that are working in Timor-Leste. Indonesia is one of Asias most dynamic nations, where human energy and aspiration combine to help lead the country to a free and fair system of elections, a free press, a robust civil society, and a prominent role for women in the Indonesian Government. We will support Indonesia and other countries in the region that are actively promoting shared values. And we look forward to working with our other partners and friends in the regions, allies like Thailand and the Philippines, along with Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, to ensure that ASEAN can live up to its charter, to demonstrate the regions capacity for leadership on economic, political, human rights, and social issues. Let me also thank Australia for its leadership and friendship over decades. While Im not able to visit Australia on this trip, we know that Australia is one of our most trusted allies in the world. And as we have all seen in the news, wildfires have devastated the state of Victoria during the past week. President Obama and Prime Minister Rudd have discussed the situation by phone. And we have sent forest fire specialists to help the Australians out. We want our Australian friends to know that we mourn with them over the loss of innocent lives in this tragedy, and we remain grateful for our work together in the past and what we will do together in the future. Let me now give you a brief rundown of some of the key issues that I will be addressing next week, country by country, starting with my first stop in Japan. Our security alliance with Japan, 50 years old next year, has been, and must remain, unshakable. In Tokyo, I will sign the Guam International Agreement, which will position our security alliance to meet the challenges of this time by moving 8,000 American troops from Okinawa to Guam. Japan is also to be commended for taking on a bigger leadership role in addressing the economic crisis in Pakistan and for working on collaborative efforts to explore space, cure disease, and offer relief to victims of disasters around the world. We anticipate an even stronger partnership with Japan that helps preserve the peace and stability of Asia and increasingly focuses on global challenges, from disaster relief to advancing education for girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan to alleviating poverty in Africa. We also will focus on the very fertile ground for cooperation that we believe exists with Indonesia. I dont need to remind you that our new President is well known and much admired there. We now have an opportunity for stronger partnerships on education, energy, and food security. The Indonesian Government has also suggested the creation of a deeper partnership with the United States. This idea represents a positive approach to areas of common concern, and we are committed to working with Indonesia to pursue such a partnership with a concrete agenda. In South Korea, we will be visiting with one of our staunchest historic allies. And certainly, everyone who has followed the history of South Korea joins me in admiration for the transition that we have observed from static conditions of the past century to the dynamic state that South Korea finds itself in today. The United States and South Korea are both committed to expanding trade in a manner that benefits both of our countries, and we will work together to that end. As members of the Asia Society, you know very well how important China is and how essential it is that we have a positive, cooperative relationship. It is vital to peace and prosperity, not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but worldwide. Our mutual economic engagement with China was evident during the economic growth of the past two decades. It is even clearer now in economic hard times and in the array excuse me in the array of global challenges we face, from nuclear security to climate change to pandemic disease and so much else. Now, some believe that China on the rise is, by definition, an adversary. To the contrary, we believe that the United States and China can benefit from and contribute to each others successes. It is in our interest to work harder to build on areas of common concern and shared opportunities. China has already asserted itself in positive ways as chair of the Six-Party Talks and in its participation in international peacekeeping efforts. And our two countries, Im happy to say, will resume mid-level military-to-military discussions later this month. And we look forward to further improved relations across the Taiwan Strait. Even with our differences, the United States will remain committed to pursuing a positive relationship with China, one that we believe is essential to Americas future peace, progress, and prosperity. An ancient Chinese story tells of warring feudal states, whose soldiers find themselves on a boat together crossing a wide river in a storm. Instead of fighting one another, they work together and survive. Now, from this story comes a Chinese aphorism that says, When you are in a common boat, you need to cross the river peacefully together. The wisdom of that aphorism must continue to guide us today. So I will leave for Asia Sunday with a firm commitment to work very hard with our partners across the Pacific, to strengthen our engagement so that the positive transformations of the past half-century are replicated, mirrored, made stronger and more obvious in this century. We have such an opportunity that I hope we will seize, but it is not just up to our government to do so. It is also up to Americans across our country, those of you here in the Asia Society, in the private sector, in academia, in labor and the professions, in nongovernmental organizations all. Let us commit ourselves to providing the kind of outreach and responsiveness, understanding, and commitment that will lead not just to a better understanding, but positive actions to improve the lives of our own people here and those who live in Asia today. Thank you all very much. (Applause.) MS. DESAI: My goodness. SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. (Applause.) MS. DESAI: Please stay seated for a little while longer. First of all, thank you so much for such an amazing, encompassing speech that I know is going to be heard around the world, as it is being heard now. The Secretary has actually agreed to take a few questions. I want to just remind you all that we really want to focus on East Asia. So those of who say, How come she didnt say anything about India, were not doing it now (laughter) just so you know. Because theres another time. And the fact is that the Special Representative Richard Holbrooke is actually in South Asia now, and we dont want all of our heavy power all to be in the same place at the same time. So do not ask those questions. And what Im going to do is that we actually have questions from online audience, as well as here, and we have selected a few to see if you would give some answers. The first one is very simple, but we would love to hear from you about what you think is the significance of having your first trip as Secretary of State to Asia and not somewhere else? SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I believe it demonstrates clearly that our new Administration wants to focus a lot of time and energy in working with Asian partners and all the nations in the Pacific region because we know that so much of our future depends upon our relationships there. And we equally know that our capacity to solve a lot of the global challenges that were confronting depends upon decisions that are made there. So it was an easy choice for me to make. Obviously, we are focused on the many problems that exist today that were confronting. Right off the bat, actually, the very first day I walked into the State Department and the second day of his Administration, both President Obama and Vice President Biden came to the State Department to make the announcements that I had asked them to do, naming George Mitchell as our Special Envoy to the Middle East and Richard Holbrooke as our Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan. So clearly, we are focused on many parts of the world. We are in preparation right now for the NATO Summit that will be coming up in Europe. I will be going to Cairo on March the 2nd for the Donors Conference that Egypt is hosting on humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. I will be helping to tee up what we do with the Summit of Americas that is coming in April that will be very important for our neighbors to the south, as well as ourself. We have a lot of challenges in Africa that we are working hard to address. So its a big world, and we have a lot of work to do. And I think there has been a general feeling that perhaps we didnt pay an appropriate amount of attention to Asia over the last years, being very preoccupied with other parts of the world, so I wanted to start at the very beginning demonstrating our commitment there. MS. DESAI: Thank you. That was from Robert Kindle of ARD German Broadcasting from Washington, D.C. The next question is from our own Vice Chair sitting in San Francisco, Jack Wadsworth. And hes asking, and I will paraphrase the question, that under the Paulson-Bush era, the primary focus of U.S.-China dialogue has been economic. What do you think are the risks or potential benefits of broadening this agenda? SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, its an excellent question, and its a apt description. Secretary Geithner and I have already met about this because we believe that the Department of State and the Treasury Department should be playing a mutually reinforcing role with respect to the broad range of issues that the United States and China should be discussing. We think that this provides us with the opportunity to engage at all levels of government simultaneously. How were going to structure those dialogues is something that I will be discussing with the Chinese leadership this coming week. But it is important that we understand how broad and deep the concerns that we share truly are. You know, I made a reference to energy and climate change. We are, as I said, the historically largest emitter, but China has just surpassed us. They are now the largest emitter. And this has such direct effects on healthcare and indices of quality of life, as well as the economy and so much else. So we want to have a very broad discussion. How we structure it is something were going to work out mutually with the Chinese. MS. DESAI: Well, sometimes people have said that since Secretary Geithner would be so focused on the economic stimulus package here and what happens at home, does that mean that State will actually take more of a leadership responsibility for the organization of these under your leadership? SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, we know that the Secretary, along with much of the rest of our government, is focused on getting our own economy up and going. But what we can do and the sequencing of how effective our recovery will be is very intimately connected with what the Chinese are doing and the decisions theyre making. So the economic dialogue is a broad one to start with. There are aspects of it that I think, you know, very much belong within the Treasury portfolio. But there are other aspects which cut across the entire range of issues that we would like to address with the Chinese. So thats why Secretary Geithner and I have been working out our own approach. There have always been, alongside the strategic economic dialogue that Treasury led during the Bush Administration, senior dialogues on a range of issues, plus defense-related discussions. So theres been a lot going on, but partly out of choices that were made in the last eight years, the economic dialogue, led by the Treasury Department, really did assume a larger role than a lot of these other concerns. And we think that it is in our mutual interest to work out a way that all of these important issues are discussed on an ongoing basis, and thats what we intend to do. MS. DESAI: Well, I must say from the Asia Society perspective, its wonderful that you and the Obama Administration generally have focused so much on climate change because of our own work under the leadership of Orville Schell. But I should also tell you that Tim Geithner happens to be a good friend of this institution because Peter, his father, who is the head of the Asia region in Ford Foundation, was also a good friend. So were delighted that you will be working together, and we hope he will be here as well. SECRETARY CLINTON: I will extend the invitation. MS. DESAI: Right. Thank you. (Laughter.) SECRETARY CLINTON: I dont know if theyll let him out of Washington for anything -- MS. DESAI: Not yet. Not yet. SECRETARY CLINTON: -- anythingyet. MS. DESAI: This is an interesting question. North Korean Philharmonic wants to hold a concert in New York, in response to when the New York Philharmonic went there. Is there any condition in changing the atmosphere before such visas could be granted? SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I am hopeful that we will be able to engage the North Korean Government in the kind of serious discussion that I referred to in my remarks, one that could lead with their fulfilling their commitments regarding denuclearization and nonproliferation to bilateral relations and opportunities for the kind of normalization that I think many would hope to see. So much of it depends upon the choices that they make. But we will look at all of these individual decisions like the Philharmonic coming here, for example and consider whether or not that does help us to try to change the atmosphere to increase the connections between North Koreans, and certainly, Americans get it off of just the government-to-government Six-Party Talk and bilateral discussions that have been the, you know, predominant or only way of that kind of formal relationship. So much of it depends upon the choices that the North Korean Government makes. And certainly, we are hopeful that they will not engage in provocative actions and words that could create a much more difficult path for us to walk with them. MS. DESAI: This is about the Bretton Woods Institution. Some experts have called for a revision of the Bretton Woods Institution and the UN especially the Security Council, as you know so that it would account primarily also for the increasing role of Asian states in global, economic and political affairs. How, if at all, do you think these institutions might accommodate and engage a rising Asia? SECRETARY CLINTON: I think the discussions that have been started in the G-20 and also at the G-8 level, as well as within multilateral institutions like the IMF, the World Bank, the WTO, as well as within governments, should vigorously consider and debate whether we need new institutions, whether we need to, you know, reframe some of the regulatory processes that need to be in place. This should all be on the table, and I know that certainly, the Obama Administration is going to be implementing new regulations in our own economy that we think will make the free market work better and be more effective without the kind of distortion and interference that some of the decisions that weve seen over the last several years have caused. So I think that there is a great a great receptivity, but the devil is in the details, and there hasnt been the kind of hard work yet done to determine whether the you know, the son of Bretton Woods is a realistic possibility or not. And Im hoping that that will be part of the broader agenda. I know its on the minds of the President and the Treasury Secretary and the National Economic Council led by Larry Summers. So from my perspective, I think its important for the United States to lead and rebuild confidence in our own markets to demonstrate that weve learned the lessons that the last months have unfortunately brought home to us, in order to both answer the legitimate criticism from others around the world and assuage their concerns about our economic position. In order to continue to be the preeminent economic power in the United States, we have to take actions here that will position us for that kind of future. And I hope that with the Presidents leadership, youll see that happen. MS. DESAI: As you have said numerous times, actually, that often in Asia, people have said after their last financial crisis that we gave them lots of advice on what to do. And many Asians now come back and say, But America hasnt followed its own advice. And therefore, we have to reclaim that position again -- SECRETARY CLINTON: Thats right. MS. DESAI: -- of credibility. Its important. SECRETARY CLINTON: I think that I mean, everyone talks about our current financial crisis as being as much one of confidence and trust as of, you know, credit. And I really believe that weve got to take steps here in order to demonstrate exactly what Vishakha is saying, that weve cleaned up our own house and weve done it in a smart way, where we havent crippled our capacity to, you know, be the global, you know, credit center, to be a market maker, to do all that is done so well historically in this city. But you dont have to travel very far to hear the voices of doubt and even the explicit criticism coming from the leaders of other countries. And its my hope that, you know, again, well have a public-private partnership to address these concerns, answer them, and, you know, lead the global recovery so that we can once again, you know, be promoting and creating prosperity here at home as well as around the world. MS. DESAI: This question is partly related, but somewhat different, and this question is from Michele Ehlers and shes a co-founder of Global Visionary Global Leadership Network in Fremont, California. And her question is: How can we upgrade our American dream to a global vision that the earth can sustain and that is supportable for every human being? If we Americans wish to be known for our leadership in the world and be recognized as true partners in global development, we need to take on a new model of life thats sustainable and possible for every human being. How can you best advocate that? SECRETARY CLINTON: Thats a great question, and it was a question that maybe five years ago would have been, you know, thought of as kind of touchy-feely, to be honest about it (laughter) and would not have been entertained seriously in a lot of the boardrooms and the decision-makers meetings and halls of legislatures. But I think it is an issue that we have to be smart about addressing. You see, the threat of global climate change, the intimidation created as weve seen in Europe by control over energy supplies, the fear that globalization has not spread its benefits broadly and deeply enough, those are all opportunities for Americans, primarily in the private sector and also in our government, to start kind of solving these problems, and to do so with the same level of energy and ingenuity that we have brought to problems in the past. We have such an opportunity here, and Im hoping that, you know, some of the provisions that made their way through the difficult negotiations over the stimulus package will have the result of helping to jumpstart and support research. Weve got to get back to supporting basic science in America. Its one of our greatest advantages. And we have not been keeping up with our potential for leading the way in science, technology, and research. So I would hope that the answer to the question asked doesnt, in any Americans minds, sort of create the image that somehow, we would have to give up our way of life. I mean, that seems to always end up being the debate, that, you know, this will be economically ruinous for us, this will cause us to fall behind, well lose out in what the American dream should be, in a material sense. And I just dont buy that. I dont believe that is the way forward. Now, do we have to change some of how we live? Yes. But, you know, changing to compact fluorescent bulbs is not the kind of sacrifice that is going to undermine the quality of our life. (Laughter.) You know, it -- MS. DESAI: You know, in Australia, now they already have made that as a law. SECRETARY CLINTON: Thats right. MS. DESAI: You know, so -- SECRETARY CLINTON: Thats right. And so I think theres you know, you can go from the small steps that each of us can take, which, in the aggregate, would add up to significant changes, to the kind of governmental driven decisions that youll see more of in the Obama Administration. Our new Secretary of Energy Steven Chu is absolutely focused on how he can make the case that changes in our uses of energy, and in how we both create it and deliver it, would go a long way toward enabling us to live a better, more sustainable life. You know, even though the legislative changes that have been made in California over the last 35 years have resulted in a lower per capita usage of electricity than in the rest of the country and I dont think people in California feel like theyre deprived. So part of what we have to do is have the leadership in both the public and the private sectors look to academia you know, ask for good ideas and then begin implementing them, and do so with courage and a pioneering spirit. You know, we are supposed to be the problem solvers. You know, thats who were supposed to be. And its time, when we face these global challenges, we demonstrate that thats who we continue to be. And Im excited by it. I think, you know, our children and our childrens children will live very well if we make the right decisions now. And if we dont, I dont think we can look them in the eyes and make that claim, and I dont want to live like that as an American. I think its far preferable that we step up to our responsibilities, and I know thats what the President is trying to encourage us to do. MS. DESAI: Well, its sort of you talk about smart power in international relations. This is about smart energy use -- SECRETARY CLINTON: Thats right. MS. DESAI: -- domestically and -- SECRETARY CLINTON: Yeah, smart grids. MS. DESAI: Exactly. SECRETARY CLINTON: Smart cars. MS. DESAI: Right. SECRETARY CLINTON: You know, I mean, its not going to happen overnight. But the idea that we just continue putting off the future when were supposed to be the country of the future is so contrary to our nature. And it is, I think, causing some puzzlement around the world. But also, people are going to say, Well, well take advantage of those opportunities. You know, whether or not we have a modern battery industry is up to us. Whether or not we have a smart electric grid that will save energy and be able to decentralize energy production and usage is up to us. Whether or not we sort our way through our automobile crisis and end up with cars that are energy savers as insofar as transportation permits is up to us. And you can go down the list. These are not somebody elses responsibility, and I think we have to have a very significant government commitment, and thats what were trying to do in the Obama Administration. Its still difficult to make the case. I mean, a lot of what was in the stimulus originally, which would have set the path for us, you know, was not left in because it was thought to be, you know, economically challenging, should be left to completely to the private sector. Well, we forget we electrified the country because the government stepped in. You know, we have so many examples from our past where we went as far as we could with the private sector, but frankly, it wasnt profitable to bring electricity to the northern reaches of New York and the Adirondacks or northern Arkansas. The interstate highway system we built highways to places that were barely populated, which are now booming. I mean, we made decisions that drove our growth and they were government and business decisions, and I think weve got to get back to thinking about that and feeling like were all on the American team for the next decade so that we can reassert our position economically here at home and around the world. MS. DESAI: On that note, we must bring this to an end. I just want to say that with our foreign policy in your hands, our heart is at ease. SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, thank you. MS. DESAI: Please join me in thanking Secretary Clinton. (Applause.) # # # MS. DESAI: Please join me in thanking Secretary Clinton. (Applause.) It wasnt just dramatic timing that the warning given to a University College Cork conference by former US vice president Al Gore that the atmosphere is being treated like an open sewer was marked by a miasma of eerie orange haze over New York City. The polluting consequences of wildfires can be witnessed somewhere around the globe on almost any day of the year. SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE 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. Last weekend, the European Commission announced a doubling of its aerial firefighting fleet following devastating 2022 conflagrations in France, Spain, Germany, and Slovenia. Nearly 450 emergency workers have been pre-positioned on the ground for 2023. Significant outbreaks around Valencia with further fires in Asturias and Cantabria have already taken place in March. Readers will recall huge fires in Washington State and the Pacific northwest last summer and autumn. This time it was the turn of the eastern seaboard. The Big Apple, for a time, carried the unenviable title of the city with the highest level of air pollution in the world. All outdoor activities at public schools were suspended, vulnerable New Yorkers were told to wear masks and stay indoors, baseball matches were postponed. The New York Times rolled out consumer checks to discover the best domestic air purifier ($230 roughly 214 from Amazon if you want the model in white). Performances of Hamilton and Camelot were cancelled on Broadway and actress Jodie Comer had to end one of her debut season performances after 10 minutes following a coughing fit and telling the stage manager: I cant breathe in this air. Changes in patterns such as the El Nino ocean warming cycle used to be the province of specialists and meteorologists. Now they are subjects in which everyone has a stake. Maynooth Universitys climate change expert, Peter Thorne, has warned that its return will help to break the 2016 record as the hottest year in recorded history. In Cormac McCarthys 2006 Pulitzer prize-winning eco thriller The Road, we never learn what the extinction event is that leads to the collapse of society, leaving the US ash-covered, dangerous, and forlorn. But there is a terrifying quote fully applicable to events this week: By day the banished sun circles the Earth like a grieving mother with a lamp. Read More Al Gore tells Cork conference: This decade the most decisive for climate and biodiversity Spike Island has always been a place that deals with its own duality beautifully. Despite being just a ten-minute ferry ride away from the bustling town of Cobh, the island feels totally separated from the real world, with a trip to Spike often feeling like a journey into the past, where visitors are transported all the way back through the islands 1,300 plus years of Irish history. The greater contradiction, however, is that while much of that history is utterly tragic, chronicling everything from the famine years to the War of Independence, a trip to Spike Island is always a fun day out! How is it that getting to explore what was once the worlds largest prison and recounting just how painful Irelands journey to independence was is not only a somber experience, but also one that consistently sees visitors both young and old leaving with a smile on their face? For children who are learning about Irish history in school, a visit to Spike Island is a great, educational way to help them visualise key periods from the past. Getting the balance right is really important to us, explains Michelle Russell, Spike Islands Marketing Manager. I suppose people think of Spike Island primarily as a prison, but it actually started out as a seventh century monastery and at one point was an impressive military fort built to defend Cork Harbour. Most famously it went on to become the world's largest prison during the 19th century and remained in various states of use throughout its lifetime, it's hard to believe now when you walk through the gates but it was still operating as a prison as recently as 2004". With Spike Island having stood witness to so many vital parts of Irish history, its only natural that some periods are less pleasant to recount than others. Parts of the history here are heartbreaking, the punishment block in particular can be quite harrowing, Michelle reflects. Theres still an air to it of all the terrible things that happened inside the block in the 1800s, it was really not a nice place to be. Theres also what was known during the famine years as the childrens prison, which held people who were arrested for small crimes like stealing food. Around that time, it was also used as a convict depot, housing prisoners who were sentenced to transportation overseas. There would have been children as young as 13 years old incarcerated there, which is quite a disturbing thought. Those are the things that do stand out to our visitors. Michelle Russell, Spike Island marketing manager, is pictured far left with Michelle Dunne and Amy Cronin, two authors who took part in the Spike Island literary festival last year. "However, in spite of the harrowing stories from our history, there is also a rich social history attached to the island with many holding happier memories of their time here. Throughout our military history, members of the Irish and British army would have been stationed on Spike and their families lived with them here on the island, contributing to a special microcosm of Irish social life. We actually have a group of Volunteers who join us every Tuesday, they all have a connection to the island with many having grown up here and their stories are fascinating. Many of their original homes are still here on this island, as well as their church, their school - they went about daily life, growing food, attending mass and socialising together. I suppose it's alien for the rest of us think of growing up here but to them it was normal life and for many, all they'd ever known and they missed island life after they left." As well as these bright spots from history that tell of happier times at Spike Island, theres also plenty of joy to be found on the island in the present day. We have a lovely cafe on site here serving hot and cold sandwiches and delicious cakes as well as a gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir of your visit," shares Michelle. There are also some beautiful walking trails around the outer island with breathtaking views of Cobh and Cork Harbour, which we recommend visitors take the time to enjoy. Weve recently added a childrens playground and a kids history trail, where they get to explore and wander around with their little map and participate in a fun quiz. We've also had our fairy fortress trail for a few years now, which is still really popular with the little ones, but we felt the older kids werent getting the full benefit of that, whereas these new additions have a wider appeal. Lorna and Wayne Coogan with their children Noah (aged 6) and Grayson (aged 3) at Spike Island, Co. Cork. There are also plenty of family fun events planned for the coming months, each set to breathe new life into the island. We are continuing to diversify our offering at Spike Island in terms of different events, so we have some exciting concerts and events coming up that well be announcing shortly. The big date in the calendar this summer is our annual Independence celebrations on the 8th July, which commemorate the handover of Spike Island from British to Irish rule. Its a great day out with something for all the family, including fireworks, music performances and more. Those who don't get their hands on the much coveted tickets tend to flock to the likes of Cobh and Crosshaven to watch the fireworks from afar, so it's a really nice community event. "We also had our first literary festival on Spike Island last year, which was a great success attracting budding writers and avid readers alike as well as our regular visitors. The festival returns this August with a really exciting programme and line-up and details will be announced very soon." Following the huge success of last year's Spike Island Literary Festival, many are eagerly awaiting its return this summer. With so much going on at Spike Island, its no surprise that people from all over the world are travelling to visit it. Theres about an 80/20 breakdown of our visitors at the moment, with 80% of them being domestic tourists from across Ireland and the other 20% being international visitors from all corners of the globe, Michelle explains. The international market is really bouncing back since the pandemic, as weve got the cruise liners coming into Cobh again. We work with a number of international tour operators who bring visitors from as far as the US with a strong audience also coming to us from the UK and throughout Europe too". Like so many other great tourist attractions, however, Spike Island remains relatively unexplored by those who live just a stones throw away. Its a weird one, but I always think if somethings on your doorstep, youre less likely to go for some reason! It's interesting that when I mention Spike Island, the amount of Cork people who will turn to me and say oh Im mortified, Ive never been. When they do come theyre actually taken aback by how much there is to see and do here, they regret not visiting sooner, Michelle laughs. Spike Island's stunning fireworks show can be seen all the way from Crosshaven. This sense of surprise at the sheer vastness of Spike Island is familiar for all visitors. After all, Spikes fort alone is so large that the whole of Alcatraz island could fit inside! A typical visit to Spike Island takes 3.5 hours in total, and people really do need all that time if they want to see everything at a relaxed pace! We recommend our visitors take the guided tour on arrival at the island. Our guides really are expert storytellers and they bring the island's past to life so vividly and with such passion and integrity," Michelle advises. If you want to stop for a bite to eat in the cafe, or go for a stroll around the outer island, its very easy for the time to fly by! With family tickets starting from just 59, including a return ticket for the idyllic ferry from Cobh, you can get a full day out for the whole gang at great value. Who knows, mammy and daddy might even learn something new while theyre there too! To book tickets this summer, and find out more about Spike Island, visit their official website. Former US president Donald Trump is set for his first public appearances since his federal indictment. Mr Trump will speak to friendly Republican audiences in Georgia and North Carolina on Saturday as he seeks to rally supporters to his defence. The front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination despite his mounting legal woes is expected to use his scheduled speeches at state party conventions in the two states to deliver a rebuke of the charges and amplify his assertions that he is the victim of a politically motivated witch hunt by Democratic President Joe Bidens justice department. His appearances will come a day after the unsealing of an indictment charging him with 37 felony counts in connection with his hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The indictment accuses the former president of wilfully defying justice department demands to return classified documents, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his estate. The indictment against former President Donald Trump (AP) The indictment includes allegations that he stored documents in a ballroom and bathroom at his resort, among other places. The most serious charges against him carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years each, but first-time offenders rarely get anywhere near the maximum sentence and the decision would ultimately be up to the judge. For all that, Mr Trump can expect a heros welcome this weekend as he rallies his fiercest partisans and seeks to cement his status as Republicans leading 2024 presidential candidate. Trump is a fighter, and the kinds of people that attend these conventions love a fighter, said Jack Kingston, a former Georgia congressman who supported Mr Trump in 2016 and 2020. This image, contained in the indictment against former president Donald Trump, shows boxes of records that had been stored in the Lake Room at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida (US justice department via AP) With former vice president Mike Pence also slated to address North Carolina Republicans, Saturday will be the first time the former running mates have appeared at the same venue since Mr Pence announced his campaign against his old boss. For his part, Mr Trump has insisted he committed no wrongdoing, saying: There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years. The indictment arrives at a time when Mr Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary. Other party candidates have largely attacked the justice department rather than Mr Trump over the investigation, although the indictments breadth of allegations and scope could make it harder for Republicans to rail against than an earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak. Thank you, New Hampshire! I believe in the boundless potential of every American to live the American Dream! And as your President, I will fight every day to bring America all the way back! pic.twitter.com/WGFX6ipIpI Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) June 9, 2023 A Trump campaign official described the former presidents mood as defiant on Friday ahead of his trip. But aides were notably more reserved after the indictments unsealing as they reckoned with the gravity of the legal charges and the threat they pose to Mr Trump beyond the potential short-term political gain. The federal charging document alleges that Mr Trump not only intentionally possessed classified documents but also boastfully showed them off to visitors and aides. The indictment is built on Mr Trumps own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, including his professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information. The indictment includes 37 counts 31 of which pertain to the wilful retention of national defence information, with the balance relating to alleged conspiracy, obstruction and false statements that, taken together, could result in a long prison sentence. Mr Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance Tuesday in Miami. Two passenger planes bumped into each other on a runway at a major Tokyo airport, but no injuries were reported, a government official has said. A Thai Airways International jet headed to Bangkok accidentally hit a parked Eva Airways plane headed to Taipei at Haneda airport, a transport ministry spokesperson said. Ukraines military has reported intense fighting with Russian forces, while the countrys nuclear energy agency said it had placed the last operating reactor at Europes largest nuclear power plant into cold shutdown. The move at the Zaporizhzhia plant in south-eastern Ukraine has been taken a safety precaution amid catastrophic flooding following the collapse of the nearby Kakhovka dam, as Russias invasion drags on into its 16th month. After Russian forces pummelled Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight, resulting in deaths and damage to a military airfield, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Kyiv for a previously unannounced visit his second trip to Ukraine since Russias invasion began in February last year. Mr Trudeau speaks with Ukrainian soldiers as he visits the Wall of Remembrance, in Kyiv (Pool via AP) He was accompanied by his deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland. Ukraines General Staff said on Saturday that heavy battles were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the countrys industrial east. It gave no details but said Russian forces were defending themselves and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraines southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Five out of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, are already in a state of cold shutdown, in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. Volunteers haul a woman on a stretcher as she is evacuated from the left bank Dnipro river, in Kherson (AP) Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency, said there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. The last reactor was put into cold shutdown on Thursday, Energoatom said, adding that other factors in the decision included shelling near the site which has damaged overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraines energy system. With all nuclear reactions stopped, temperatures and pressure inside reactors gradually decline, reducing the required intensity of water cooling of the radioactive fuel. This is a nuclear power plants safest operating mode. Energoatom employees are still working at the power plant, although it remains controlled by the Russians. A Ukrainian military vehicle is hit in Ukraine (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP) The sites power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Analysts and Russia say that Ukraine has launched a counter-offensive in southern Ukraine, potentially aiming to retake territory near the plant. Also on Saturday morning, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least four civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. Ukraines state emergency service reported that three people were killed and over two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam (AP) A spokesperson for Ukraines southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. In Ukraines north-east, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, reported. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded. In the Poltava region further west, there was damage to a military airfield struck overnight during a Russian drone and missile attack, local governor Dmytro Lunin reported. No-one was hurt. As of Saturday morning, there was no additional comment from the Ukrainian army or officials on the extent of the damage. Justin Trudeau views destroyed Russian tanks in Kyiv (Pool via AP) The Ukrainian air force said that during the night, it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles of various types launched by Russian forces. The fighting and civilian casualties took renewed attention as authorities in southern Ukraine said water levels have been declining in a vast area beneath the ruptured dam. In the city of Kherson, whose outskirts were among the flood-hit areas, the average water level decreased by 12in during the night, but remained over 15 feet higher than usual, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Mr Prokudin warned that meteorologists predicted heavy rainfall in the area over the weekend, complicating rescue efforts. The UNs humanitarian aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said in an Associated Press interview on Friday that an extraordinary 700,000 people were in need of drinking water. Counteroffensive and defensive actions are under way against Russian forces, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday, and his top commanders were in a positive mindset as their troops engaged in intense fighting along the front line. The Ukrainian leader, at a Kyiv news conference alongside Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, responded to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putins comment a day earlier that Ukraines counteroffensive had started, and that Ukrainian forces were taking significant losses. Mr Zelenskyy said the counteroffensive, defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. I will not speak about which stage or phase they are in. I am in touch with our commanders of different directions every day, he added, giving the names of five of Ukraines top military leaders. Everyone is positive. Pass this on to Putin. Mr Trudeau, the first foreign leader to visit Ukraine since devastating floods caused by a breach in a Dnieper River dam, offered monetary, military and moral support for Ukraine. He pledged millions of dollars in new military aid, on top of 6 billion that Canada has already provided since the war began in February 2022, and announced 8 million for humanitarian assistance for the flood response. Mr Trudeau said the dams collapse was a direct consequence of Russias war, but he did not blame Moscow directly. Ukraines general staff said on Saturday that heavy battles were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the countrys industrial east. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) It gave no details but said Russian forces were defending themselves and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraines southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. At the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest, which is occupied by Russian forces, five out of six reactors were already in a state of cold shutdown a process in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency, said in a statement on Friday that there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Energoatom said it shut down the final reactor due to that, and also because of shelling near the site that has damaged overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraines energy system. Burned out Russian tanks in Kyiv (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press/AP) With all nuclear reactions stopped, temperatures and pressure inside reactors gradually decline, reducing the required intensity of water cooling of the radioactive fuel. This is a nuclear power plants safest operating mode. Energoatom employees are still working at the power plant, although it remains controlled by the Russians. The sites power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Also on Saturday, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least four civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. A Ukrainian military vehicle is hit in Ukraine (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP) Ukraines state emergency service reported that three people were killed and more than two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. A spokesman for Ukraines southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. In Ukraines northeast, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded. The Ukrainian air force said that during the night it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles of various types launched by Russian forces. The flooded village of Dnipryany after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam (AP) The fighting and civilian casualties took renewed attention as authorities in southern Ukraine said water levels have been declining in a vast area beneath the ruptured dam. Nearly one-third of protected natural areas in the Kherson region could be obliterated by flooding following the breach of the Kakhovka dam, the Ukrainian environment minister warned on Saturday. In a Facebook post, Ruslan Strilets said that the dams collapse left one national park completely submerged, drained rivers and lakes in other protected areas, and could lead to groundwater rising in parts of the Dnieper delta occupied by Moscow, creating the risk of further flooding. In the city of Kherson, whose outskirts were among the flood-hit areas, the average water level decreased by 12 inches during the night, but remained over 15 feet higher than usual, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Floodwaters from the collapsed dam kept rising (Libkos/AP) He said meteorologists predicted heavy rainfall in the area over the weekend, complicating rescue efforts. The UNs humanitarian aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said in an Associated Press interview on Friday that an extraordinary 700,000 people were in need of drinking water. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he wants to continue speaking to Mr Putin and plans to do so again soon. Mr Scholz has spoken several times by phone to Mr Putin since the invasion. He said the basis for a fair peace between Russia and Ukraine is the withdrawal of Russian troops. Thats needs to be understood, he said. Junta troops slaughtered at least five civilians during two days of raids in Moebye town, southern Shan State, on the border with the resistance stronghold of Kayah State, according to local sources. A local rescue team confirmed that two brothers were shot dead in Moebye by junta troops on Thursday while two women and their father met the same fate a day later. At least five bodies of civilians were retrieved in two days and we couldnt retrieve other bodies as junta troops were storming the town, he said. Sources said the two female victims were reportedly raped by junta troops before being killed. The bodies of victims were cremated by a local volunteer group in Moebye, according to sources. Around 13 people were detained by junta troops during the raids, according to the Moebye Rescue Team, citing a separate source. Some residents informed us that their family members were missing. Next day, we discovered that some of them had been killed by junta soldiers, he said. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the claims. Clashes erupted between junta troops and local resistance forces in Moebye town on May 27. Since then, regime forces have pounded its houses with heavy artillery and airstrikes. At least 13 civilians including three children had been killed by junta forces as of Friday, according to the Moebye Peoples Defense Force. Five people including two girls, aged 3 and 11, died in the shelling while two other residents of the town were killed by regime infantry. On Monday, local resistance forces launched a joint attack on junta troops in the town. The battle lasted nearly eight hours and left at least 10 junta troops dead and many others wounded, according to resistance groups. The groups have yet to release detailed information on casualties. Residents who have not fled are taking refuge at local monasteries, according to sources. People are afraid to stay in their homes as junta troops are conducting heavy shelling and arbitrary arrests, a resident said. Meanwhile, junta troops are using four other local monasteries as bases from which to conduct raids on Moebye, locals said. Myanmar junta forces torched a village in Salinggyi Township, Sagaing Region after losing its police station in a resistance raid on Friday, according to locals and resistance groups. The daring raid on the Nyaung Pin Gyi police outpost was conducted right under the noses of regime forces at 5pm by the Kayah State-based Buffalo Peoples Defense Force and the Union Liberation Front (ULF), a combined force of 18 resistance groups from three Sagaing townships. Nyaung Pin Gyi village is located just across the Chindwin River from Monya town, where the regimes Northwestern Command is based. After one hour of fighting, the combined resistance force managed to seize and burn down the police base, ULF spokesperson Ko AT told The Irrawaddy on Saturday. At least 10 regime forces and police officers were killed in the fighting, and weapons plus ammunition seized from the outpost, resistance groups said. A video released by the groups shows bodies of regime troops at the police base. The combined group also claimed to have rescued civilian detainees from the polices prison cell. Regime forces had been using the police outpost as a base to raid and torch nearby settlements in the township, the resistance group said. Most of the regime forces had left the outpost last week to join troops from Northwestern command bases and the nearby Chinese mining company Wanbao on raids of villages in Salingyi and Pale townships. We attacked the police base after learning that only a few regime forces were left there, Ko AT said. Junta forces retaliated by launching a 30-minute airstrike on the village and resistance groups, using MI 35 helicopter gunships. Buffalo PDF member Ko Wai Yan Lin was killed in the strikes, while five other resistance members suffered injuries. After the resistance forces retreated, junta reinforcements crossed the river and burned down homes in the village. Local media outlets reported that regime forces continued to burn houses in the village until Saturday morning. Thousands of residents from Nyaung Pin Gyi and nearby villages have fled their homes since Friday evening. The resistance groups requested supplies of ammunition as they plan to raid more regime bases. Benj Edwards, a reporter covering AI news for Ars Technica, wrote about why he shelled out $1,200 for the 2023 print edition of World Book Encyclopedia. World Book is the sole publisher of a general reference encyclopedia in 2023. (Encyclopedia Britannica gave up in 2012.) While World Book does provide an online subscription service, Edwards noted the enduring appeal of the print version, particularly for public and school libraries, leading to sales numbering in the thousands. Edwards' description of the impressive features of the 2023 edition makes me think he is onto something. The 22-volume set has 17,000 articles and 14,000 pages and over 25,000 visual elements such as photographs, illustrations, diagrams, and maps. The print edition's charm, according to Edwards, lies in its permanence and reliability compared to online content, offering a sense of ownership that cannot be edited or removed, though his family doesn't share his enthusiasm for the set. I like the way the set forms a giant photo of a shark! Maybe you are one of the people who can't resist taking a small souvenir rock from the Petrified Forest National Park in Northeast Arizona. It's so pretty and colorful; surely just one tiny piece of rock won't be missed? Is that curse of bad luck for rock swipers really true? Nah, how could ityou just slip the rock in your pocket. And then you might suffer financial losses, or a marriage ends, or your health takes a turn for the worse. Or maybe you just feel guilty. Why the bad luck?it MUST be that rock you stole! So you write a "conscience letter" and return the rock by mail to the petrified Forest park. You wouldn't be alone. The park has received over 1200 letters dating back to 1934. Many of the humorous, tragic, superstitious and profound letters (and photos of the returned rocks) are assembled in the book "Bad Luck, Hot Rocks, Conscience Letters from the Petrified Forest," by Ryan Thompson & Phil Orr. So, is the bad luck curse really true? In the past year, 49 states in the U.S. have proposed 556 anti-queer/anti-trans laws, of which 80 have passed, 104 failed, and 372 are still active. Combined with increased violence against the LGBTQ+ community, and the weaponization of culture by rightwing ideologues, the Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency. Along with the declaration, HRC released "LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack: A Report and Reflection on the 2023 State Legislative Session." "The sharp rise in anti-LGBTQ+ measures has spawned a dizzying patchwork of discriminatory state laws that have created increasingly hostile and dangerous environments for LGBTQ+ people, prompting HRC today to also issue a national warning and downloadable guidebook for the LGBTQ+ community including health and safety resources, a summary of state-by-state laws, "know your rights" information, and resources designed to support LGBTQ+ travelers as well as those already living in hostile states. This guidebook will arm LGBTQ+ people with resources and information to help ensure safety in all 50 states." For more, check out this short film by Beth Sterling, "The Rising Tide: LGBTQ+ in 2023," featuring "Shane Windmeyer/Buff Faye, CEO of Campus Pride; Whisper Moore, Engagement and Resource Manager for Campaign for Southern Equality; Distinguished Human Rights Scholar Dr. Mark Gibney, UNC Asheville." In this PBS video from March, Imara Jones, founder of TransLash Media, explains what's behind the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ laws across the United States and the globe. Former mathematics professor Ted Kaczynski, better known for other work, was found dead in his jail cell today. He was 81. Between 1978 and 1995, Kaczynski placed or mailed 16 bombs that killed three people and injured two dozen others, according to authorities. In 1995, before he was identified as the Unabomber, he demanded newspapers publish a long manuscript he had written [PDF], saying the killings would continue otherwise. Both the New York Times and Washington Post published the 35,000-word manifesto later that year at the recommendation of the U.S. Attorney General and the director of the FBI. If it hadn't been for the suspicions of his brother and sister-in-law, Kaczynski might never have been caught. Kaczynski's sister-in-law, Linda Patrik, was one of the first to identify Kaczynski as the Unabomber after reading the Unabomber's writing. Wikipedia's summary of his decline from respected academic to reclusive murderer: Reddit Email 172 Shares As conditions that best support life shift toward the poles, more than 600 million people are already living outside of a crucial climate niche, facing more extreme heat, rising food scarcity and higher death rates. By Abrahm Lustgarten | ( Propublica) Climate change is remapping where humans can exist on the planet. As optimum conditions shift away from the equator and toward the poles, more than 600 million people have already been stranded outside of a crucial environmental niche that scientists say best supports life. By late this century, according to a study published last month in the journal Nature Sustainability, 3 to 6 billion people, or between a third and a half of humanity, could be trapped outside of that zone, facing extreme heat, food scarcity and higher death rates, unless emissions are sharply curtailed or mass migration is accommodated. The research, which adds novel detail about who will be most affected and where, suggests that climate-driven migration could easily eclipse even the largest estimates as enormous segments of the earths population seek safe havens. It also makes a moral case for immediate and aggressive policies to prevent such a change from occurring, in part by showing how unequal the distribution of pain will be and how great the improvements could be with even small achievements in slowing the pace of warming. There are clear, profound ethical consequences in the numbers, Timothy Lenton, one of the studys lead authors and the director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter in the U.K., said in an interview. If we cant level with that injustice and be honest about it, then well never progress the international action on this issue. The notion of a climate niche is based on work the researchers first published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2020, which established that for the past 6,000 years humans have gravitated toward a narrow range of temperatures and precipitation levels that supported agriculture and, later, economic growth. That study warned that warming would make those conditions elusive for growing segments of humankind and found that while just 1% of the earths surface is now intolerably hot, nearly 20% could be by 2070. The new study reconsiders population growth and policy options and explores scenarios that dramatically increase earlier estimates, demonstrating that the worlds environment has already changed significantly. It focuses more heavily on temperature than precipitation, finding that most people have thrived in mean annual temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Should the world continue on its present pathway making gestures toward moderate reductions in emissions but not meaningfully reducing global carbon levels (a scenario close to what the United Nations refers to as SSP2-4.5) the planet will likely surpass the Paris Agreements goal of limiting average warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and instead warm approximately 2.7 degrees. That pathway, which accounts for population growth in hot places, could lead to 2 billion people falling outside of the climate niche within just the next eight years, and 3.7 billion doing so by 2090. But the studys authors, who have argued in other papers that the most extreme warming scenarios are well within the realm of possibility, warn that the worst cases should also be considered. With 3.6 degrees of warming and a pessimistic climate scenario that includes ongoing fossil fuel use, resistance to international migration and much more rapid population growth (a scenario referred to by the U.N. as SSP3-7), the shifting climate niche could pose what the authors call an existential risk, directly affecting half the projected total population, or, in this case, as many as 6.5 billion people. The data suggests the world is fast approaching a tipping point, after which even small increases in average global temperature will begin to have dramatic effects. The world has already warmed by about 1.2 degree Celsius, pushing 9% of the earths population out of the climate niche. At 1.3 degrees, the study estimates that the pace would pick up considerably, and for every tenth of a degree of additional warming, according to Lenton, 140 million more people will be pushed outside of the niche. Theres a real nonlinearity lurking in there that we hadnt seen before, he said. Slowing global emissions would dramatically reduce the number of people displaced or grappling with conditions outside the niche. If warming were limited to the 1.5 degrees Celsius targeted by the Paris accords, according to a calculation that isolates the effect of warming, half as many people would be left outside of the optimal zone. The population suffering from extreme heat would be reduced fivefold, from 22% to just 5% of the people on the planet. Image by Jeanette Atherton from Pixabay Climate research often frames the implications of warming in terms of its economic impacts, couching damages in monetary terms that are sometimes used to suggest that small increases in average temperature can be managed. The study disavows this traditional economic framework, which Lenton says is unethical because it prioritizes rich people who are alive today, and instead puts the climate crisis in moral terms. The findings show that climate change will pummel poorer parts of the world disproportionately, effectively sentencing the people who live in developing nations and small island states to extreme temperatures, failing crops, conflict, water and food scarcity, and rising mortality. The final option for many people will be migration. The estimated size of the affected populations, whether theyre 2 billion or 6 billion, suggests an era of global upheaval. According to the study, India will have, by far, the greatest population outside of the climate niche. At current rates of warming, the researchers estimate that more than 600 million Indians will be affected, six times more than if the Paris targets were achieved. In Nigeria, more than 300 million citizens will be exposed, seven times more than if emissions were steeply cut. Indonesia could see 100 million people fall out of a secure and predictable environment, the Philippines and Pakistan 80 million people each, and so on. Brazil, Australia and India would see the greatest area of land become less habitable. But in many smaller countries, all or nearly all the land would become nearly unlivable by traditional measures: Burkina Faso, Mali, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Niger. Although facing far more modest impacts, even the United States will see its South and Southwest fall toward the hottest end of the niche, leading to higher mortality and driving internal migration northward. Throughout the world, the researchers estimate, the average person who is going to be exposed to unprecedented heat comes from a place that emitted roughly half the per capita emissions as those in wealthy countries. American per capita emissions are more than twice those of Europeans, who still live a prosperous and modern existence, the authors point out, so there is ample room for comfortable change short of substantial sacrifice. The idea that you need the level of wasteful consumption that happens on average in the U.S. to be part of a happy, flourishing, rich, democratic society is obviously nonsense, Lenton said. Each American today emits nearly enough emissions over their lifetime to push one Indian or Nigerian of the future outside of their climate niche, the study found, showing exactly how much harm Americans individual actions can cause (1.2 Americans to 1 future person, to be exact). The lifestyle and policy implications are obvious: Reducing consumption today reduces the number of people elsewhere who will suffer the consequences tomorrow and can prevent much of the instability that would otherwise result. I cant as a citizen of a planet with this level of risk opening up not also have some kind of human and moral response to the figures, Lenton said. Weve all got to deal with that, he added, in our own way. Via Propublica Reddit Email 34 Shares By Marcel Plichta, University of St Andrews and Mateja Peter, University of St Andrews | As clashes continue between the Sudanese military and rapid support forces, the current and historic role of foreign governments in Sudanese affairs is under close examination. Unsurprisingly, the Sudan conflict has amplified concerns from the US and other countries about the roles Russia and China are playing in Sudan specifically, and in Africa. Researchers had been concerned that Beijings loans for infrastructure and development to countries including Sudan might be debt-trap diplomacy, a predatory attempt to acquire key foreign infrastructure such as ports. Analysts had previously suggested the implications of Chinas growing military engagement with Africa including establishing naval bases and its use of security contractors are examples of Beijing wanting to expand its military power and political influence abroad. Others have suggested that Russian activity in Africa could be a return to Soviet-era levels of influence through arms sales, joint military exercises, and installing their own set of security contractors to train the Sudanese military. The Wagner Group, a high profile group of Russian mercenaries, has denied any involvement in events in Sudan, saying in a post on Telegram: Due to the large number of inquiries from various foreign media about Sudan, most of which are provocative, we consider it necessary to inform everyone that Wagner staff have not been in Sudan for more than two years. China favours stability Our work for PeaceRep, an international research consortium led by Edinburgh law school, suggests that the US and Europe should be cautious about lumping Russia and Chinas goals in Africa together. It found that Beijing and Moscow are taking different approaches. China has its own set of interests, but its approach appears to fundamentally favour stability. As a result, China is keener to work with the broader international community on issues such as peacekeeping and mediation of conflicts. Conversely, Russia pursues its interests in Africa without as much cooperation with international institutions. Our new report looks at the available data for pre-war Sudan to see how well claims from scholars and commentators match Russia and Chinas behaviour. We consolidated data from the United Nations, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the AidData research lab on Chinese and Russian engagement with Sudan, as well as news reports to examine how well the arguments from scholars and policymakers hold up. We found that China cooperated with the international community on issues such as peacekeeping and pursued deep economic engagement. In contrast, Russia prioritised arms sales over issues such as trade, aid, or peacekeeping. Sudan shows how Russia and Chinas approaches to Africa differ. Sudan received billions in loans and investment from China to facilitate oil production and economic development throughout the 2000s. Russia is a longstanding security partner of Sudan, and is keen to set up a naval base in Port Sudan. Both countries sell arms and sent peacekeepers to at least one UN mission. Chinas investment According to the UN Comtrade database, Chinas economic investment is higher than Russias. Chinas imports from Sudan took a big hit when South Sudan became independent due to South Sudan having the lions share of the oil reserves. Chinas imports peaked at nearly 6.2 billion worth of goods in 2011. Ten years later, annual imports hadnt recovered. Meanwhile, Chinese exports to Sudan grew steadily. In 2021, China exported 1.3 billion worth of goods to Sudan, even amid the disruptions caused by COVID-19. China is also a major lender. As AidDatas Chinese development finance data shows, China has pledged billions of dollars in loans since 2000. Contrary to claims that Chinese loans are part of debt-trap diplomacy, China often provided debt relief to Sudan. The findings match recent research that China is working to ensure countries they lend to can service their debts. Article continues after bonus IC video Reuters: Factions battle for control of arms factory in Sudan By comparison, Russias economic engagement in Sudan is meagre. As a major oil producer, Russia did not need to purchase Sudanese petroleum products. Annual trade with Sudan is significantly lower than Chinas, and Russia offered little in the way of bilateral aid or loans. Supplying arms Contrary to some concerns about Chinese arms sales, data shows that Russia sold more major weapons by value in the post-cold War era than China, especially high-ticket items such as fighter jets. Globally, China has been far more involved in multilateral efforts than Russia. Of all the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China has become the biggest UN peacekeeping contributor. In Sudan, Russia created a small peacekeeping contingent for the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). China contributed a larger force to UNMIS and an engineering unit to the concurrent UN-African Union Mission in Darfur, nearly 800 peacekeepers at the peak of both missions. Russian and Chinese security contractors are both under scrutiny, but we found no reliable quantitative data on the number of Russian or Chinese contractors in Sudan. Other work suggests that their roles in Africa and Sudan are different. Chinese security contractors seem to be focused on protecting Chinese businesses oversees and Russian contractors such as the Wagner Group are alleged to be involved in criminal activity in addition to their formal missions. The Wagner Group said reports of it having any staff in Sudan were false. Overall, the conflict in Sudan shows the differences between Russia and Chinas approaches. Russian pre-war activity in Sudan has had more negative effects than Chinas in the current conflict. Russian-made aircraft are currently being used to strike Sudanese cities. China, on the other hand, faced similar challenges to western states in trying to evacuate its citizens, but also helped get citizens of other countries out of Sudan as well. Any international engagement with China and Russia to help find longer-term responses to the crisis in Sudan needs to be well informed about these different approaches. Marcel Plichta, PhD Candidate , University of St Andrews and Mateja Peter, Lecturer in International Relations, University of St Andrews This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Reddit Email 212 Shares Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Although the saga of Trumps mishandling of classified documents, as revealed in the 38-count indictment, is shocking to anyone who has ever been involved in government work, it is also darkly comic and trivial. Trump seems to have held on to the top secret documents the way a collector hangs on to objets dart once loaned to him just to have them around and to take them out and show people to impress them from time to time. There isnt any evidence that he planned to use the documents to make money or to blackmail someone. He was just a spoiled rich guy born with a silver spoon in his mouth who was used to keeping stuff he wanted to keep, and was used to impressing people with his stuff. In my view some of the actions Trump took while president were much, much worse than storing some old files in his bathroom. The government over-classifies things and the 1917 Espionage Act, which underpins some of the charges against him, is unconstitutional and should be struck down. Maybe if the Republicans are angered enough by its use against their partys leader they can be proper libertarians and get rid of the damn thing. So here are three things Trump did, which immediately come to mind, that should have been crimes that landed him in jail. 1. Trump initiated a formal policy of family separation of undocumented immigrants to the United States. He didnt change the law, just the way Homeland Security and other agencies viewed the law. It is not intrinsically illegal for people to enter the US without a visa, if, for instance, they are seeking asylum. You cant really tell the status of their case until they go before a judge. So up until 2017 they werent considered criminals. But Trump encouraged law enforcement to disregard asylum claims and to view them as having broken the law for just having stepped foot in the US. If they were criminals they had to be jailed. And children cannot be held in a jail for adults. So the practical outcome of treating the parents as criminals was that their children would be taken from them by child services and placed in juvenile detention or even in foster homes. The policy had no other rationale but cruelty. Then White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, part of Trumps psychopathocracy, openly boasted about sending a message in this way to immigrant families not to come with their children. There is no, repeat, no evidence that the family separations slowed immigration. The practice did, however, resemble the actions of slavers in the America of the 19th century who separated enslaved families and sold family members down the river. Some of the children taken away were US-born. The government lost track of others. Some children were abused. Anybody who did a thing like that should go to jail for life. But it wasnt even illegal, and although 66% of Americans disapproved, 27% thought it was the right thing to do. Article continues after bonus IC video PBS Newshour: Hundreds of migrant children remain separated from families despite push to reunite them 2. Muslim Ban. Trump tried three times to come up with regulatory language that would allow him to ban some Muslims from coming to the United States. Discriminating against people on the basis of religion is un-American. Because he finally tied the ban to countries that would not or could not conform to US reporting requirements on would-be immigrants, he finally made it stick. Most of the big Muslim countries, like Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh and Indonesia were not even affected. He managed to make life more difficult for Yemeni-Americans who could not see their grandparents anymore, or for desperate Syrians trying to flee their civil war. As with family separation, the cruelty was the point. 3. Trumps deployment of force against peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters at LaFayette Square in June 2020 was illegal and unconstitutional. His attempt to order in military forces contravened posse comitatus. Scott Michelman of the ACLU observed, The Presidents shameless, unconstitutional, unprovoked, and frankly criminal attack on protesters because he disagreed with their views shakes the foundation of our nations constitutional order. And when the nations top law enforcement officer becomes complicit in the tactics of an autocrat, it chills protected speech for all of us. Also illegal was his use of federal agents to kidnap protesters in Portland, Oregon, off the streets without due process. Of course these three lawless actions that harmed large numbers of innocent people are only a drop in the bucket among the innumerable unethical, illegal, unconstitutional or just plain ugly things Trump did to our country. If he goes to jail for stupidly fooling around with some old Pentagon war plans, that will be ironic, since it is probably the least damaging of his crimes. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2023) - Baselode Energy Corp. (TSXV: FIND) (OTCQB: BSENF) ("Baselode" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of a final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"). Under the final tranche, the Company sold 870,000 flow-through units of the Company (the "FT Units") at a price of C$0.48 per FT Unit for gross proceeds to the Company of C$417,600.00 (the "Offering"). Each FT Unit consists of one common share of the Company issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "FT Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$0.70 at any time on or before June 8th, 2025. The FT Shares and Warrant Shares will be subject to a hold period of four months expiring on October 10th, 2023 in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company intends to use the proceeds raised from the Offering for exploration of the Company's projects in the Athabasca Basin. Proceeds from the sale of FT Shares will be used to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" as defined in subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act and "flow through mining expenditures" as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act. Such proceeds will be renounced to the subscribers with an effective date not later than December 31, 2023, in the aggregate amount of not less than the total amount of gross proceeds raised from the issue of FT Shares. In connection with the final tranche of the Offering, the Company paid total cash commissions of C$25,056.00 and issued 52,200 compensation warrants (each, a "Compensation Warrant"). Each Compensation Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.48 at any time on or before June 9th, 2025. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction. About Baselode Energy Corp. Baselode controls 100% of approximately 264,172 hectares for exploration in the Athabasca Basin area, northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The land package is free of any option agreements or underlying royalties. The Company discovered the ACKIO near-surface, high-grade uranium deposit in September 2021. ACKIO measures greater than 375 m along strike, greater than 150 m wide, comprised of at least 5 separate zones, with mineralization starting as shallow as 28 m beneath the surface and down to approximately 300 m depth beneath the surface with the bulk of mineralization occurring in the upper 200 m. ACKIO remains open to the west, south, and along the Athabasca sandstone unconformity to the east and south. Baselode's Athabasca 2.0 exploration thesis focuses on discovering near-surface, basement-hosted, high-grade uranium orebodies outside the Athabasca Basin. The exploration thesis is further complemented by the Company's preferred use of innovative and well-understood geophysical methods to map deep structural controls to identify shallow targets for diamond drilling. For further information, please contact: Baselode Energy Corp. FIND on the TSXV This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.baselode.com James Sykes, CEO, President and Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 306-221-8717 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Baselode Energy Corp. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Baselode Energy Corp. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under Baselode Energy Corp. profile at www.sedar.com. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2023) - Tincorp Metals Inc. (TSXV: TIN) (OTCQX: TINFF) ("Tincorp" or the "Company") is pleased to report that all resolutions were approved at the Company's Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on June 9, 2023. The voting results are as follows: Total issued and outstanding Common Shares as at Record Date: 66,557,423 Total percentage of Common Shares voted: 52.90% Matter Voted Upon Voting Result Fixing the number of directors of the Company at six (6) The number of directors of the Company for the ensuing year was fixed at six (6), by a majority of shareholders: Votes For Votes against 33,539,795 (99.89%) 36,075 (0.11%) Election of Directors The following nominees were elected as directors of the Company until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, by a majority of shareholders: Votes For Votes Withheld Non Vote Gordon Neal 32,736,428 (97.50%) 839,442 (2.5%) 1,633,290 Lorne Waldman 33,542,676 (99.90%) 33,194 (0.1%) 1,633,290 Dr. Rui Feng 33,221,064 (98.94%) 354,806 (1.06%) 1,633,290 Bhakti Pavani 33,222,785 (98.95%) 353,085 (1.05%) 1,633,290 Alex Zhang Hernan Uribe-Zeballos 33,222,151 33,223,012 (98.95%) (98.95%) 353,719 352,858 (1.05%) (1.05%) 1,633,290 1,633,290 Appointment of Deloitte LLP, as auditors of the Company Deloitte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, was reappointed as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year, and the directors were authorized to fix their remuneration, by a majority of shareholders: Votes For Votes Withheld 35,183,495 (99.93%) 25,665 (0.07%) Approval of Amended and Restated 10% Rolling Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") The Plan was approved by a majority of shareholders: Votes For Votes Against Non Vote 33,055,857 (98.45%) 520,013 (1.55%) 1,633,290 Appointment of CFO Ms. Jean Zhang resigned from her position as Chief Financial Officer of the Company effectively immediately to pursue other career opportunities. The Company would like to thank Ms. Zhang for her efforts and wishes her success in her future endeavours. The Company has appointed Mr. Derek Liu, CPA, CGA as its new Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Mr. Liu has extensive experience in finance and accounting. He has held senior accounting positions, such as corporate controller and chief financial officer in several public Canadian mining companies, and currently is also the Chief Financial Officer of Silvercorp Metals Inc. About Tincorp Tincorp Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company focusing on tin projects in Bolivia and a gold project near Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. The Company has signed agreements to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Porvenir Project and SF Tin Project, which are 70 km southeast of Oruro, Bolivia. The Company's 100% owned Skukum Gold Project is approximately 84 km south of Whitehorse by road. An independent mineral resource estimate update in respect of the Skukum Gold Project was completed in October 2022. On Behalf of Tincorp Metals Inc. signed "Gordon Neal" Gordon Neal, CEO & Director For further information, please contact: Investor Relations, Tincorp Metals Inc. Phone: +1 (604)-336-5919 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.tincorp.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 news release. On the heels of former national security professional David Grusch's mindblowing claims that the US government has retrieved multiple "intact and partially intact vehicles" of "non-human origins," and even the pilots of such craft, quite a bit of smart skepticism is bubbling up in the UFO community and also the mainstream media. (If you want to go deep into the debate, scroll down at the Anomalist for links to some fascinating reading material.) Writing in the New York Times, Ross Douthat asks, "Does the US government want you to believe in UFOs?": The possibility of literal spacecraft stashed in U.S. government hangars, meanwhile, piles up two immense-seeming improbabilities. First, that inhuman species cross oceans of space or leap interdimensional barriers using unfathomable technology and yet somehow keep crashing and leaving souvenirs behind. Second, that human governments have been collecting evidence for generations without the truth ever being leaked or uncovered or just blurted out by Donald Trump. But this whistle-blower's mere existence is evidence of a fascinating shift in public U.F.O. discourse. There may not be alien spacecraft, but there is clearly now a faction within the national security complex that wants Americans to think there might be alien spacecraft, to give these stories credence rather than dismissal. The evidence for this shift includes the military's newfound willingness to disclose weird atmospheric encounters. It includes the establishment of the task force that Grusch was assigned to. It includes the government's bizarre behavior, secretive in an attention-grabbing way, around the military shootdowns of what were presumably balloons earlier this year. After the unexpected twist in last week's episode, "Dr. Romantic 3" episode 13 is set to showcase the tension between Ahn Hyo Seop Go and Yoo Yeon Seok. As the medical K-drama is about to reach its finale, viewers are hooked on each episode as it features more revelations and surprises. Headlined by Han Suk Kyu, he returned as Doldam Hospital's legendary surgeon, Kim Sa Bu. Joining him for the third season are Lee Sung Kyung and Ahn Hyo Seop, who play Cha Eun Jae and Seon Woo Jin, respectively. Adding to the list of "Dr. Romantic 3" cast, original members are Jin Kyung as head nurse Ms. Oh, Byun Woo Min as Dr. Nam Do Il, Kim Min Jae as Nurse Park Eun Tak, and more. Interestingly, joining as new characters are Lee Kyung Young as Cha Eun Jae's father and Kim Sa Bu's nemesis, Cha Jin Man, and Doldam Hospital's maknae, Lee Seon Wung and Jang Dong Hwa, played by Lee Hong Nae and Lee Shin Young. As the Trauma Center and Doldam Hospital faced a challenging situation, Kim Sa Bu welcomed his former apprentice, Kang Dong Joo, portrayed by Yoo Yeon Seok. In the latest stills released by SBS, the network hints at what to expect in the upcoming season. 'Dr. Romantic 3' Episode 13 Spoilers SBS dropped teasers featuring Yoo Yeon Seok and Ahn Hyo Seop's characters. Ready for surgery, the new stills suggest a face-off between two skilled doctors. "A tense encounter between Dong Joo and Woo Jin," the caption reads. Kang Dong Joo wears a fierce expression as he calls the staff of the Trauma Center. However, Seo Woo Jin looked at his senior with a sharp gaze. With this, the teaser raises anticipation as it suggests an intense confrontation between a senior and his junior. Over the comment section, viewers expressed tier excitement to see more of Dr. Kang and what will be his chemistry with the old and new staff. 'Dr. Romantic 3' Episode 12 Highlights With Cha Jin Man leaving Trauma Center, Kim Sa Bu thought of someone who could replace the former head. He told Doldam Hospital Director Park Min Guk that "someone more intense" than him will be the next head. Interestingly, the next seen featured a familiar silhouette. As Seo Woo Jin passes by the front door, Kang Dong Joo entered the building while Kim Sa Bu welcomed him with a bright smile. At this point, the longtime staff seemed waiting for the arrival of Kang Dong Joo, especially Dr. Nam, Ms. Oh and park Eun Tak. Following Yoo Yeon Seok's appearance, "Dr. Romantic 3" achieved an all time high rating. Interestingly, reports also noted that he will continue to play Dr. Kang till the finale. For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Fans bid their bittersweet goodbyes to JTBC's "The Good Bad Mother" as it closed its curtains. Following its conclusion, Ahn Eun Jin bares her soul to talk about her honest feelings over the ending, her character and chemistry with Lee Do Hyun. Ahn Eun Jin Expresses Gratitude To 'The Good Bad Mother' Viewers The healing dramedy "The Good Bad Mother" starring Lee Do Hyun, Ra Mi Ran and Ahn Eun Jin finally concluded after seven weeks of broadcast. It ended with flying colors and recorded its highest rating of 12%. On June 9, Ahn Eun Jin, who was Lee Do Hyun's leading lady, shared her honest thoughts on the finale. Throughout the show, Ahn Eun Jin received great reviews from viewers around the world as she showcased her improved skill set as an actress. She was also complemented by her senior actors including Ra Mi Ran whom she worked with for the first time. Regarding its ending, Ahn Eun Jin felt nothing but happiness and satisfaction. Since the drama ended on a great note, "The Good Bad Mother" was able to fulfill its goal before its premiere; to deliver a beautiful and healing drama for struggling fans. Although Ahn Eun Jin feels lonely that the series has ended, she feels extremely grateful to have worked with amazing actors like Lee Do Hyun and Ra Mi Ran. Moreover, she expresses her utmost thanks to the viewers who tuned in to the drama from the very beginning until the end. Ahn Eun Jin Reveals Memorable Moments With Lee Do Hyun Even before accepting the offer, Ahn Eun Jin was more than excited to work with Lee Do Hyun. According to Song Hye Kyo, Ahn Eun Jin's labelmate and great friend, she will get along well with Lee Do Hyun as the two young actors share the same principles when it comes to acting. To recall, Song Hye Kyo partnered up with Lee Do Hyun in the smash hit revenge drama "The Glory" earlier this 2023. In particular, Ahn Eun Jin also shared that Lee Do Hyun has met her high expectations. When asked about her most memorable moment with the actor, she mentions their kissing scenes. The drama had a lot of kissing scenes between the two actors. Thankfully, it went well without awkwardness. Ahn Eun Jin emphasized that they were both comfortable with each other. Interestingly, every moment between the two was well-received by the public, and was constantly praised for its cider-like elements and authenticity. Ahn Eun Jin jokes that she thankfully hasn't received any calls from Lim Ji Yeon-Lee Do Hyun's "The Glory" co-star and real life girlfriend-yet despite the hundreds of kissing moments in the series. Moreover, Lim Ji Yeon is also Ahn Eun Jin's senior at the prestigious Korea National University of Arts. ICYMI, you can catch "The Good Bad Mother" on Netflix with English subtitles. KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. On June 9th and 10th, 2023, the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum was held in Huangshan City, Anhui Province. With the theme of "Regional Cooperation for a Win-Win Future," about 500 Chinese and foreign guests gathered to discuss new opportunities for RCEP economic and trade cooperation, and seek a new future of mutual benefit and development. At the opening ceremony, leaders from Laos, China, Thailand, and ASEAN delivered speeches, and representative from Anhui Province presided over the opening ceremony. Government officials and responsible persons from friendly provinces and states of RCEP member countries, executives of Fortune 500 companies and well-known corporate leaders, heads of domestic and foreign chambers of commerce and investment institutions, and well-known experts and scholars at home and abroad attended the opening ceremony. During the opening ceremony, the business community of all parties issued the "2023 RCEP Huangshan Forum Initiative," aiming to integrate RCEP local governments and friendly cities, take the successful holding of this forum as a new opportunity, create new platforms, jointly promote consultation, construction and sharing, and promote local governments and enterprises to fully integrate into the RCEP market at a higher level, achieve mutual benefit and common development at a higher level, and inject more certainty into world peace and development. The first RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation Forum was hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Anhui Provincial People's Government, with the China-ASEAN Center as a supporting unit. Participants discussed many themes, including deepening friendly exchanges between governments, developing economic, trade, cultural, and tourism industries, and the fields of life, health, and medical care. They provided suggestions on how to fully and effectively implement RCEP and help more enterprises participate in RCEP regional economic and trade cooperation on a larger scale, in a wider range, and at a deeper level. He will surrender to the authorities, be processed and then be taken before the judge. It is unlikely that Trump will be in handcuffs during this process. "You can expect a criminal case to be resolved within six months of an indictment issuing," Walter Norkin, a former federal prosecutor in the Southern District of Florida, told ABC News. "The judges in the Southern District of Florida adhere very strictly to the Speedy Trial clock, which, with limited exceptions, requires trial or conviction to occur within 70 days." Special counsel Jack Smith also stressed that his office would push for a speedy trial "consistent with the public interest and the rights of the accused," during a news conference Friday after the indictment was unsealed. 7 Shares Share An excerpt from Saving Grace: What Patients Teach Their Doctors about Life, Death, and the Balance in Between. On the morning of the first day of surgery in Nicaragua, I paced. It was 8:10 a.m., and the cases were supposed to begin at 7:30 a.m. But as with most missions, the first day was already running behind, with last-minute changes to the operating schedule and other logistics being worked out. My first patient would be less than a year old, and two years had passed since I had cared for an infant that young. My circulating room nurse was named Julie, and she waited with me at the front desk of the operating suite. Like most of the people on the mission trip, Julie had come from a different part of the country than I and didnt know any of the other thirty-five members who had assembled for the week. We would be together all day, each day, and would be fast friends by the time Friday rolled around. On Saturday, we would depart, never to see each other again. The other surgical teams were milling around with us. We were lucky this year, because each crew had been assigned their own operating room, rather than having two surgeries done simultaneously, as I had with a prior mission. We waited. As we stood at the desk, I tried to mask my apprehension. It was bad enough to feel itI didnt want to show it. I rocked back and forth on my feet and opened my hands widely, fingers stretched apart, then clenched them in fists, as if that might calm me. No luck. Damn it, I murmured, cant we just get started and get the first little one done? Then, all at once, five young mothers holding infants in their arms arrived, led by a hospital nurse. They walked towards the desk together, slowly, cautiously, as if by staying as a group it would be somehow safer. Each patients name was read aloud, and the mother gently nudged towards the anesthesiologist to whom she would surrender her baby. They arrived wordlessly and stood before us. The mother of my young patient looked like a child herself. Eighteen, maybe nineteen at the most, and short, all four feet something of her before me, eyes cast down. She held her son close in with her arms encircling him, seeming to protect him from those around her. Perhaps she was trying to hide his face, as well. I took the infants chart in my hands, a manila folder with a single piece of paper inside. I couldnt read the writing, but a Post-it note on the outside told me all I really needed to know: 11 months, 8.2 kg. Combo. So, a really young one scheduled for a combination cleft lip and cleft palate repair. I swallowed nervously. On the top right-hand corner was his name, Jose something, the place he had come from, and then his travel information. It read, Two days. First day canoe, second day bus. I reflected on when they made the arduous trip to the hospital the week prior, the mother had no assurance her son would even be chosen for surgery. But she did have hope, and that had been enough for her to make the long journey. Julie took the folder from me. She spoke Joses full name, reading from a sheet of paper that listed the operating schedule for our room. The mother looked up; our eyes met. She half-smiled, warily, hopefully. I held out my arms, and she gently, reluctantly, gave her son to me. I cradled him in my arms. He was really small for his age, light as a feather. I guessed he was only in the lowest tenth percentile of weight, maybe from malnourishment from his facial defects, maybe from poverty, maybe from both. I pulled back the blanket that covered his face and saw the unmistakable features I would come to recognize in many of my patients that week: a kind of copper sheen to his skin, dark chocolate brown eyes, straight jet-black hair, and prominent cheekbones. Joses eyes peered up at me, seemingly curious about the Caucasian man who now held him. Below his cheekbones was a vicious curled gash in his upper lip, off to one side, which ripped all the way up to his nose. The skin was twisted and purplish, pulled tight and scarred white at the edges. It was split wide enough that you could see a gap in his pink upper gums as well, extending inside to the area where his palate was cleaved in two. He was beautiful. As Psalm 139 describes, fearfully and wonderfully made. I held Jose gently in my arms and smiled at the mother. She looked back at me with dark eyes, wide. She reached up and put her hands on my shoulders. Quickly, she drew me in and pulled me down. She kissed me softly on my cheek, holding me there for a moment. As she withdrew, I saw her lips were quivering. A solitary tear ran down her cheek from one eye. Without a word, holding Jose close to my chest, I turned and strode to the OR. David Alfery is a cardiac anesthesiologist and author of Saving Grace: What Patients Teach Their Doctors about Life, Death, and the Balance in Between. Reprinted with permission from Getting In: The Essential Guide to Finding a STEMM Undergrad Research Experience, Second Edition, published by The University of Chicago Press. 2015, 2023 by Paris Grey and David Oppenheimer. All rights reserved. Sometimes students disqualify themselves from participating in undergrad research because they believe (or someone has told them) that their grade point average (GPA) isnt high enough, they arent smart enough, they dont have enough prior research experience, or some other reason. But heres the truth: Youre in college, so youre qualified to do undergrad research. You didnt trick an admissions committee to let you in, nor were you accepted to college because someone felt sorry for you. You earned your place in college and you belong in a STEMM research experience if thats what you want to do with your time. And you dont need to have a scientist in your family or be friends with one to be successful in undergrad research. We want to underscore this point for those readers who havent received strong mentorship in this area and those from communities that are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine. For any student, you might not have the eligibility requirements (such as academic year) to be eligible for certain undergrad research positions, but youre qualified to conduct research and make a contribution to science in the process. In the next section, we address the most common concerns on this topic weve encountered as mentors in interviews with undergrads, through social media, and in discussions with colleagues. Our goal with this section is to prevent self-doubting students from preemptively disqualifying themselves from a research position before theyve even started their search. And if youre having doubts about something we didnt cover here, find us on Twitter @YouInTheLab or Instagram @UndergradInTheLab and send us a direct message detailing your concern. If we dont have the answer, we can send your inquiry anonymously out to the Hive to ask for suggestions. Im premed and Ive been advised to pretend to be pregrad or undecided because a lot of professors and grad students wont mentor premeds in research. Any advice? We dont deny that some researchers prefer to mentor pregrad students or flat out dont accept premed ones. Sometimes the reason is that the mentor believes that their expertise and mentoring energy are best used to train those who plan to pursue a career in research. (However, we believe that the world needs good doctors, too, and if the training a student receives in our research group helps them get there, well, then were proud to be a small part of it.) For other researchers, the hesitation might arise after working with a premed student who approached research as a checkmark to enhance their med school applications instead of as a genuine experiential learning opportunity. Some potential mentors have been advised by a colleague to avoid training a premed student because of the dreaded premed reputation. The interpretation of the premed reputation varies but is sometimes translated as a student who doesnt value nonclinical research, or someone who will quit research if an A is in limbo in any class or withdraw immediately after their mentor submits a recommendation letter for med school. We understand not wanting to mentor a student who takes this approach to research, but in our experience these issues could arise from a student in any career path. But the question is: Should you claim to be on the pregrad or the PhDMD track to increase your chances of securing an undergrad research position? After all, research groups that dont train premed students rarely state so on their website or in an advertisement for an undergrad researcher. The answer is simple: No. Its not worth it, or even necessary, to misrepresent your career path to find a research experience, and doing so could possibly cost you a research position or land you in one that you dont really want. First, understand that its easy for an experienced research mentor to spot a premed student simply by reviewing a resume and transcript. For example, if in high school you volunteered at a hospital and participated in charity events to raise money for human disease research, and then in college joined the American Medical Student Association, shadowed in a clinic, and took a premed health professions class, youre obviously premed. However, if you balanced those activities with participating in high school science fairs and community education outreach, and then in college continued with science outreach and classes to prepare for grad school or similar activities, its plausible that you could be premed, pregrad, or undecided. We do recognize that either pattern can be true for someone who isnt 100 percent clear about their career path. Second, misrepresenting your career path can make your search more difficult because it could raise a character issue. Chances are, when you apply for a research position, the competition will be tough, so you dont want to raise any red flags at the application stepand misrepresenting your career path definitely raises one. Plus, the potential mentor who reviews your application will be less likely to forward it to a colleague who does mentor premeds if it seems as though youre misrepresenting something. Third, misrepresenting your career path might land you in the wrong research position. In a research experience, both your happiness and your success are highly dependent on achieving your goals. We dont mean your research goalsalthough those are important. We mean the personal and professional development goals you want to achieve through an undergrad research experience. Those goals should be achievable through the experience you join. As a premed student, you want your research mentor on your sideadvising you throughout your experience on opportunities that will ultimately strengthen your med school applications. If you pretend to be on a career path that you arent, the guidance from your mentor wont be customized to help you, and certain suggestions will be a waste of your time. Essentially, if your mentor doesnt know your true professional path and goals, they cant help you achieve them. There are plenty of research groups that welcome premeds or dont care what an undergrads career path is. Your goal is to find one with a research program that youre genuinely interested in joining and have enough available time in your schedule to uphold their required commitment. Paris H. Grey is a writer, molecular biologist, and lab mentor. David G. Oppenheimer is an associate professor of biology. They are authors of Getting In: The Essential Guide to Finding a STEMM Undergrad Research Experience. The long-abandoned Tumble Inn's "Sizzlin Steaks" giant neon cowboy recently lost its head, but don't worry, it wasn't destroyed by wind or vandalismit was taken down on purpose, for restoration. The 70-year-old iconic neon sign, located in Powder River, Wyoming depicts a giant cowboy that Jake Nichols of the Cowboy State Daily describes perfectly as oozing "kitsch and caboodle nostalgia from hat to boots." Nichols explains that the cowboy sign has a new owner, Jonathan Thorne, who intends to restore the sign and bring it back to its former glory: Thorne is a semi-retired engineer who has the time, passion, and means to revive the Tumble Inn sign. He thought it was the right thing to do for Natrona County and Wyoming at large. He has no plans, however, to go into the bar business. "The paint is coming off and it is starting to rust. I'm an engineer, so I knew corrosion was going to take hold and soon it would be too late," Thorne said. "I bought it on faith. I'm betting if I take this leap and start a restoration project, there are people out there who also want to help. "This is not about me. This is for Wyoming." Thorne will be working with a team of specialists to restore the giant cowboyincluding artist Samuel Austin; John Huff, former owner of Yellowstone Garage in Casper, Wyoming; San Francisco-based sign restoration company SF Neon; and neon expert Connie Morgan. And Wyoming-based videographer Anthony Stengel will be filming the processhopefully for a future documentary! To read more about the restoration effort and to see some awesome photos of the neon cowboy, read the rest of the Cowboy State Daily feature here. And for some history and old photos of the Tumble Inn, check out the video, below. The submissions on the new possible boundaries for Kilkenny offer some very interesting insights into how the public feel electoral politics have worked here in recent years. Its perhaps understandable for example, that some in Carlow feel they have missed out as part of the wider Carlow-Kilkenny constituency. It tends to be that the majority of the TDs elected tend to be Kilkenny-based, and Carlovians feel they dont always get their full share of the spoils. While some local TDs can argue they have delivered for Carlow, it would be hard to begrudge them their own constituency, should the Electoral Commission decide that is required, given the population growth here and in that county in recent years. Neither county has seen many senior ministries over recent years, with Kilkennys Phil Hogan the obvious exception. Of course, we want the best for ourselves and for our neighbouring county, currently part of this constituency, in the event of any boundary redrawing. It is hard to reconcile any of this with the sentiment of a number of submissions to the Electoral Commission, calling for a swathe of Kilkenny to be severed from its current constituency and moved into Waterford, and boosting that constituencys number of TDs to five. Apparently without irony, a number of the submissions calling for South Kilkenny territory to be subsumed refuse to countenance the reverse scenario. They stress that Waterford must not be breached to bolster the neighbouring populations of Cork, or Tipperary or Kilkenny. Following on from this, it was unfortunate to hear comments made in the Dail last week by independent Waterford TD Matt Shanahan, in an apparent attempt to stoke up the boundary debate once again. Deputy Shanahan offers that the 2017 boundary report (which was rejected by the Government), if implemented would have had electoral consequences for two sitting deputies and so was not advanced at that time. This is presumably referring to the offices of TD John Paul Phelan (retiring on health grounds) and the late TD Bobby Aylward (RIP), and is at best a contentious observation. Indeed, given the facts, and the long, arduous process around the issue, the next part is perplexing. Calling for the report to be reissued, he continues: It appears both these political machines are no longer strategically interested in the issue (emphasis added). Are we to believe no other public representatives are interested in the matter? Has the massive response from the people of South Kilkenny, who made their views on this very clear, been forgotten? There was a long-suffering campaign by other Kilkenny public representatives and a lengthy, detailed submission from Kilkenny County Council outlining the damage the move would have. There were submissions from business groups, including Kilkenny Chamber, and other stakeholders, urging no redrawing of the boundary. Reigniting the debate is a disservice to the many decent people of this county who took their time to make their opinions known, with thousands of submissions. There is no appetite here for the boundary to move. If Waterford has been left lobsided it is not the fault of Kilkenny. Kilkenny and its representatives have done their best to secure this countys interests, as well as the South-East at large. These positions have been made clear, time and time again. Over 200 million is being thrown at the North Quays project in Waterford to attempt to right some historic issues. A new technological university for the region has been created and headquartered there (with no Kilkenny campus), but it will never be enough. Still, a chunk of Kilkenny is still desired in some quarters. It seems eaten bread is soon forgotten. Waterfords mega funding windfall for the North Quays served not to sate the appetite, but only to whet it. The North Quays development has radically strengthened the case for taking up the boundary commission report, Mr Shanahan told the Dail. I urge the minister to finish the good work he has started by investing in Waterford city and the region, and to address the boundary issue again. Its a shame to see this huge and welcome investment in Waterford used as a slippery slope to reopen the divisive debate. Thankfully, those in cabinet have not abandoned their positions, and these advances were soundly rebuffed by Minister Darragh OBrien. I want to be straight with the Deputy on this. I do not propose to make any changes to the county boundaries between Waterford and Kilkenny. I think the region can grow as a whole, saidMinister O Brien I do not see how the expansion of the county boundary from Waterford into Kilkenny or a reallocation of boundaries would in any way further enhance what we are doing at the moment. Its not the first time Minister OBrien has poured cold water on such posturings; when turning the sod on the North Quays development, he quickly shut down any such manouevre alongside the Taoiseach. Let us hope, although few will really believe, once again, that this can be the end of the matter. Waterford can do its own thing and leave Kilkenny be. Diverse cultures from Africa, Asia, South America and Europe gathered together in City Hall on Wednesday for the annual presentation of end of term certificate awards. The event - hosted by Mayor David Fitzgerald, his last in City Hall before his end of term as mayor - was the culmination of the years endeavour to learn English by an eclectic group of immigrants. Over 100 participants passed through the project during the past year with over 70 eligible for award certificates. READ MORE BELOW Failte Isteach has been running under the auspices of the Fr McGrath Centre for the past twelve years. In addition to providing language tuition, the project works at breaking down the barriers that immigrants and communities face by extending the hands of friendship and goodwill. It provides more than the transfer of skills and knowledge; it also links participants to a variety of community activities and makes a positive difference to the lives to all those involved. It is often the very first stop for newly-arrived immigrants to the locality. There was a buzz about the place on Wednesday. Everyone had a different story to tell but all agreed that faced with the challenges of adapting to a new culture, life was made a lot easier by understanding the common language. The learners highly value the opportunity to learn English, as without the language they can feel marginalised and detached from the community. The Fr McGrath Project is unique, in that, in addition to providing conversation English, participants are linked to a range of social, community and educational activities. The centre reaches out to new communities and valuing their diversity, while at the same time promoting inclusiveness within the local community. I really like coming to the Fr McGrath Centre where I have made many new friends, said one Ukrainian student. We all feel welcome and at home here, we are encouraged to practice and develop our English skills and we communicate through English language, even if we are just at the beginning and only have a few words. We get to know each other as well as finding out what is going on in the local community. The Failte Isteach awards were not just for the students; 16 tutors who volunteer their time each week to teach English were also presented with certificates for their sterling work and commitment to the project. They are the glue that holds it all altogether, says coordinator Theresa Delahunty. Also recognised for their tremendous work throughout the year were the team running the project, Theresa Delahunty Coordinator, Samuel Morgan Immigrant Support Officer, Margaret Birnie Tutor Team leader, and support workers Elina Tkachenko and Oksana Ryaboshapka. The programme is funded through SICAP by Kilkenny Leader Partnership and further resourced by St.Canices Community Action Network. The next term begins on September 20. New tutors are always welcome. For further details, contact 056-7751988 or 086-1927033. Immigrant Services has run the Failte Isteach Project and Support Services for Immigrants for twelve years. It is funded through SICAP by Kilkenny Leader Partnership and further resourced by St.Canices Community Action Network. The next term begins on September 20. New tutors are always welcome. Further details can be obtained by phoning The Fr McGrath Centre 0567751988 or Immigrant Services Mobile 0861927033 or 0861966073. Local Kilkenny writers, Orla Mackey and Brendan Casey have been selected by the Irish Writers Centre to receive professional literary mentoring over the next eight months from an acclaimed Irish writer of their choice. After a national call out, 37 writers have been selected from nearly three hundred applicants. County Kilkenny Arts Office funds the literary mentorships along with the Arts Council of Ireland to guarantee that the best applicant from the county would be selected. Their support will ensure that the chosen mentees receive this potentially life-changing support free of charge. It is also an investment in the long-term literary reputation of the region. The mentoring process involves four 90 minute meetings between the selected mentee and their chosen professional writer. Each mentor reads up to 10,000 words / 180 lines of poetry of the awarded mentees writing in advance of all four meetings, sharing their kind and critical feedback with the mentee, face-to-face at each meeting. Mentors also provide broad professional advice, sharing the benefit of their years of experience. The Irish Writers Centres mission is to support a vibrant and diverse community of writers of all types and talents to develop their craft, capacity and confidence to thrive as a writer in the world. The hope for the National Mentoring Programme is that the chosen mentees will go on to write the next great works of literature with the support and sustenance of their chosen mentor. Its a form of peer to peer teaching that is increasingly popular in literature, formalising the process whereby successful writers pass on their craft and experience to the next generation of writers across the island. Orla Mackey is a teacher and writer. She writes fiction and educational texts for children. She recently completed her first novel. She has a keen ear for the rhythms of language, particularly the language of rural Ireland. She celebrates the ordinary and has a uniquely wry voice that shines through in her debut novel. Orla has a B.A in English Literature from Trinity College, Dublin and is a winner of Novel Fair 2022. Her debut novel, Mouthing is being published by Penguin U.K and is due for release in 2024. Brendan Casey is an Irish/Australian writer. He has an MA in Creative Writing from University College Dublin and is a recipient of an Artlinks Emerging Artist Award and an Arts Council of Ireland Literature Bursary. His poetry explores the intersection between visual art and language and has been published in The Stinging Fly. His novel in progress was longlisted for the 2020 Deborah Rogers Foundation Award and will be published by John Murray Originals in June 2023. He lives in Inistioge. Running since 2017, the programme now has numerous published authors among its alumni, including Doireann Ni Ghriofa, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, Fiona Scarlett, and Victoria Kennefick to name just a few. Erick Erickson is a leading conservative radio host in the US who voted for and endorsed Trump in 2020. He writes: I've read the indictment, and I'm just smacking my head with how stupid this all is not the indictment, but Trump's antics as alleged in the indictment. This was all so avoidable. Let me give you the highlights. First, we're not discussing love letters with the North Korean dictator. According to the indictment, after leaving the White House, President Trump kept plans for invasions of other countries, locations of American spies around the world, classified locations of soldiers, military vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies, classified assessments of nuclear capabilities of various nations, etc. That's not small ball stuff. According to the indictment, the National Archives demanded Trump hand over documents. Trump sent them 197 documents. Six months later, a federal grand jury demanded Trump hand over every other classified document he had. Trump sent the grand jury 38 more documents. When the FBI raided Mar-a-Lago, they found another 102 classified documents. In other words, Trump withheld classified documents from the federal grand jury. More damning, the indictment alleges Trump ordered his valet to move classified documents to Trump's residence so that Trump's own lawyers could not find them. And then Trump's own lawyer says Trump asked him to hide documents from the FBI. Trump's own lawyer admits that! The indictment also alleges, with photographic evidence, that Trump stored documents on a stage in the ballroom at Mar-a-Lago and that some boxes fell over revealing highly classified information. Keep in mind that a Chinese spy tried to steal intelligence from Mar-a-Lago in 2019. All he had to do was hand over all the documents. But he lacked impulse control. It is all so, so stupid. We can but Hillary and but Biden all we want, but none of them were caught on audio tape admitting to showing people classified documents, and, to our knowledge, none of them ordered a valet to hide documents from their own lawyer, let alone asked their lawyer to hide documents from the FBI. Three loaded guns and a large quantity of suspected marijuana were seized when officers executed a search warrant Wednesday in the 400 block of Connecticut Street, between 14th and 17th streets, Buffalo Police announced. Omar Ali, 30, of Buffalo, was charged with three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C felony. Further charges are expected. Police said they found a Palmetto PA-15 rifle loaded with 10 rounds, a Riley Defense RAK 47 rifle loaded with eight rounds and a Kel-Tec KS7 shotgun loaded with six rounds. A police photo showed more than a dozen plastic bags containing suspected marijuana. The announcement noted that Ali is on probation following a July 2022 conviction for second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He also was arrested Jan. 25 for driving while ability impaired by alcohol. The search warrant was executed by the Buffalo Police Intelligence Unit assisted by the Buffalo Police SWAT Team and agents from the U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference following a luncheon with Senate Republicans in the Capitol Building on May 2 in Washington, DC. The mammoth building at 2885 Main St. has become too small to hold both Middle Early College and Lewis J. Bennett School of Innovative Technology. For the 2023-24 school year, Buffalo Public Schools has decided to move Middle Earlys roughly 330 high school students about a mile down Main Street to another location before determining the schools long-term destination. On May 17, the Buffalo School Board approved a one-year lease for 45 Jewett Ave. and a portion of 100 LeRoy Ave. to serve as Middle Earlys next stop. The Jewett building currently holds Buffalo Collegiate Charter School, which will close at the end of this month, after SUNY did not renew its charter. David Hills, Buffalo Schools chief operating officer, said in March that 333 Clinton St. and 33 Ash St. were both possible long-term destinations for Middle Early College. Each is about a mile from the city campus of Middle Earlys longtime higher-education partner SUNY Erie Community College; 2885 Main St. is about 6 miles away. Bennett students will remain in place, but the schools enrollment is expected to jump from about 360 students to 425, according to the 2023-24 school-based budget. Research Laboratory High School of Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, which shared 2885 Main St. with Bennett and Middle Early, was moved to the Tri-Main building before this school year. David J. Potter, principal at Middle Early College for the last three years, said the impending move to a swing school presented progress on the schools unfinished journey. Its one step closer to our goal to have a place we can call home for Middle Early College, the principal said last month. Middle Early: Nomadic history, strong performance Middle Earlys entire history has been tenuous. Under founding principal Susan Doyle, the school spent a decade at Swan Tower downtown before a swing year at 333 Clinton St. preceded the move to its current location in 2015. Brief forays to move to the former Grover Cleveland High School, to a shared space with Math, Science, & Technology Prep School, and to 101 Oak St. fell apart in the last decade. The schools cohabitation on Main Street left it a significant distance from Erie Community College and its more recent additional partner, SUNY Buffalo State. Doyle retired in 2020 with Potter, her assistant principal, taking the reins. Even without a settled location, Middle Early has built success around its middle college model, which targets students in jeopardy of leaving the college track and lays a foundation for them to earn a degree. The high school enrolls incoming ninth-graders with grades between 65 and 85. By their sophomore year, students are dual-enrolled in the high school and one of the college partners. They also have ample support to complete necessary college paperwork. Among the rigors of the program is attending college-level classes and completing mandatory four-week summer courses each year. As seniors, theyre full-time college students. After five years, students receive their high school and associate degrees, or their high school degree and more than 40 credits toward a bachelors. Potter understands the swing move is necessary for Middle Early to eventually reach its goal. Im a little nervous, Potter said, but a little excited as well. The time is now Although they represent two cultures that must now be separated in order to grow, the histories of Lewis J. Bennett School of Innovative Technology and Middle Early College are intertwined. In 2013 and 2014, Buffalo Public Schools fended off potential charter school occupation of multiple buildings, including 2885 Main St., when the New York State Education Department threatened closure of four low-performing high schools one being a reeling Bennett High School if no reasonable alternative could be developed. New Buffalo schools draw kids focused on tech fields Planned programs at Bennett, East, Lafayette, MST Prep and South Park to focus on technology and public The result of plans crafted by school officials and district leadership was to place together two progressive high schools under one roof. This included a significant reboot of Bennett, focused on technology, and a new location for Middle Early. The outcome has been promising: the two schools have fared similarly well in graduation rates, as their roughly 90% mark is 10 points above the district average over the last two years. The districts objective is to provide Bennett and Middle Early with their own spaces to avoid stunting their growth, Hills said. But Superintendent Tonja M. Williams acknowledged the unrest between the two schools had an influence, too. We do believe that we are at a tipping point at that location on Main Street, Williams said in the winter. Each school has its own culture, we know that, so when you put two cultures in one place it can create a little bit of difficulty, the superintendent added. Program shows the benefits of relatable reading options for students For 400 Buffalo Public Schools middle school students, the big event of this school year came at the end, and they worked toward it all year: a visit to a college campus, a pizza lunch and meeting a famous Black author who writes for kids like them. Neil Lange, president of the Bennett Alumni Association, said Research Labs move out of the fourth floor before the fall gave Lewis J. Bennett more stability. Bennetts teachers no longer had to share classrooms. But relocating Research Labs did not ease a unique challenge presented by the two schools clashing schedules: Bennett has 42-minute classes with A, B, C, D and E-days, while Middle Earlys schedule reflects college-length classes, generally on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday. Imagine two schools with two totally different bell schedules operating in the same building, sharing one gym, one cafeteria, one auditorium and one library, said Lange, who taught at the school for 35 years. Not having adequate access to these shared spaces deeply impacts the shared experience. 'SMALL SCHOOL' SEEKS BIG RESULTS BUFFALO'S MIDDLE COLLEGE OFFERS NEW SETTING FOR STUDENTS TO PERFORM AT A HIGHER LEVEL In elementary school, Edgardo Vega was along for the ride. He was bright enough to get by but not motivated to work to his potential. You might say he was a kid caught in the middle. But no more. Edgardo took a chance last year on Buffalos then-new Middle College, which offered both a high school diploma and a Matthew Cohen, student council president at Lewis J. Bennett, told the School Board in February about conflicts that alarmed him. I fear for the safety of my fellow classmates, Cohen said. I have a gym class we collide with two Middle Early gym classes, and weve been seeing an increased amount of fights. Weve seen Middle Early students coming into gym when theyre not allowed to. We barely see a security presence in gym where its needed. Were very, very lucky there have been no major incidents, Lange said. While Potter sees the next step in the districts plan, Lange considers Middle Earlys move as a chance for Lewis J. Bennett to expand and flourish. He said Bennett has been capped at 112 students per class, but there were 835 eighth-graders last year that requested to attend. In addition to a substantial bump in enrollment, Lange hopes the school can grow its P-Tech program, part of the districts Career & Technical Education efforts. It is our goal to have two highly successful high schools thrive each in their own building, Lange said. China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. (OTCMKTS:JINFF Get Rating) shares passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $3.70 and traded as high as $4.22. China Gold International Resources shares last traded at $4.18, with a volume of 1,696 shares trading hands. China Gold International Resources Price Performance The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $4.62 and a 200-day simple moving average of $3.70. China Gold International Resources Company Profile (Get Rating) China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. engages in acquisition, development, and exploration of gold and base metal mineral properties. Its project portfolio includes CSH Gold Mine and Jiama Copper Gold Polymetallic Mine. The company was founded on May 31, 2000 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for China Gold International Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Gold International Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Southern Copper Co. (NYSE:SCCO Get Rating) have received an average rating of Hold from the nine analysts that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $62.29. Several research analysts have recently issued reports on SCCO shares. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Southern Copper from a neutral rating to a sell rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $65.00 to $66.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 9th. Morgan Stanley downgraded Southern Copper from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $70.00 target price for the company. in a report on Wednesday, March 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on Southern Copper from $55.00 to $56.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. UBS Group boosted their target price on Southern Copper from $48.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Thursday, February 23rd. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Southern Copper in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Get Southern Copper alerts: Southern Copper Trading Down 0.9 % NYSE:SCCO opened at $71.28 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $73.79 and a 200-day simple moving average of $70.74. The stock has a market cap of $55.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.66, a P/E/G ratio of 14.69 and a beta of 1.24. Southern Copper has a 1 year low of $42.42 and a 1 year high of $82.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 3.38 and a current ratio of 4.17. Southern Copper Cuts Dividend Insider Transactions at Southern Copper The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, May 9th were paid a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.33%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 8th. Southern Coppers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 115.94%. In related news, Director Bonilla Luis Miguel Palomino sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.50, for a total value of $39,250.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 6,014 shares in the company, valued at approximately $472,099. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Southern Copper Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Accurate Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Southern Copper in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH acquired a new stake in Southern Copper during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Clearview Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Southern Copper during the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. acquired a new stake in Southern Copper during the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Finally, Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new stake in Southern Copper during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.03% of the companys stock. Southern Copper Company Profile (Get Rating) Southern Copper Corp. engages in the development, production, and exploration of copper, molybdenum, zinc, and silver. It operates through the following segments: Peruvian Operations, Mexican Open-Pit Operations, and Mexican Underground Mining Operations. The Peruvian Operations segment focuses on the Toquepala and Cuajone mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, industrial railroad, and port facilities that service both mines. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Southern Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telecom Argentina S.A. (OTCMKTS:TCMFF Get Rating) traded up 15.4% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $1.05 and last traded at $1.05. Approximately 262 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 80% from the average daily volume of 1,316 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.91. Telecom Argentina Stock Performance The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $0.88 and its 200-day simple moving average is $0.91. About Telecom Argentina (Get Rating) Telecom Argentina SA engages in the provision of telecommunications services. The company offers fixed-line telecommunications, mobile telecommunications, other telephone-related services such as international long-distance and wholesale services, data transmission, information technology solutions outsourcing, and internet services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Argentina Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Argentina and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yes, by at least $1 Yes, by $2 or more No Vote View Results 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. Al Dirschberger, the former commissioner of Erie Countys Department of Social Services, was released from prison last week after serving four years in custody on a 2019 rape conviction. Al Dirschberger sentenced to five years in prison for rape of employee Former Erie County Social Services Commissioner Al Dirschberger was sentenced Friday to five years in prison for raping a 28-year-old subordinate while the two attended an Albany conference in 2017. Jurors last month found Dirschberger guilty after a weeklong trial, during which the woman accused Dirschberger of raping her in her hotel room while she was intoxicated. Dirschberger testified He was sentenced to five years in prison after a jury found him guilty of raping a 28-year-old county social worker his subordinate employee while the two attended an Albany conference in 2017. The conviction on two felony sex-related charges followed a weeklong trial. Dirschberger had been offered a plea deal that would have resulted in no jail time, but he refused the offer. He lost on his appeal of his conviction and sentence. Dirschberger, 59, was released Wednesday from the Groveland Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison in Livingston County, and will remain on parole for 10 years. The victim, meanwhile, launched a civil suit against both Dirschberger and Erie County, claiming that the county should have been aware of Dirschbergers improper behavior before the rape. That case is still active. In April 2019, the issue for the jury was whether Dirschberger engaged in sexual activities with the female employee without her consent. Jurors ultimately accepted the accusers account that Dirschberger raped her in her hotel room despite some resistance and her intoxicated state after hearing her testimony, supporting testimony and medical evidence presented. Albany jury finds Dirschberger guilty of raping employee The six female and eight jurors reached their verdict after four days of statements and testimony and hours of deliberation regarding charges that the former Erie County Social Services Commissioner had sex with a 28-year-old subordinate without her Dirschberger testified the two engaged in consensual sex and that she invited him in. Video presented in his defense showed interactions between the two of them at a bar and in public spaces at the hotel. The third-degree rape charge covers instances in which a person does not give consent to sex or is incapable of giving consent. The third-degree criminal sexual act charge refers to other sexual conduct with a person who did not give consent. During sentencing, the social worker gave a lengthy and emotional statement in Albany County Court about how her life has been torn apart by both the sexual assault and the trial. She was subsequently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Dirschberger accuser: He told staff to 'keep drinking' on night of alleged rape Former Social Services Commissioner Al Dirschberger is on trial in Albany on charges he raped a subordinate county The Buffalo News does not identify victims of sexual assault without their consent. Dirschberger did not speak at sentencing, but numerous character reference letters were submitted to the judge on his behalf. While incarcerated, Dirschberger wrote eight articles for the Prison Professors newsletter, geared toward offering insight and support toward other people in jail. He referenced his disbelief and disillusionment in the jury verdict. He described his own actions as a moral and ethical mistake, but still contends that his behavior did not amount to criminal behavior. He will remain on parole until June 2033. A new board of trustees is in place at Nardin Academy following a tumultuous period that led to the former boards removal on May 29. Nardin Academy Board of Trustees removed; new leadership to be named The Nardin Academy Board of Trustees has been ousted by the religious order that oversees the school, the latest and potentially final chapter in a bruising battle over the leadership and future of the 166-year-old Buffalo school. Marsha Joy Sullivan, who stepped down as president of the independent Catholic school in 2021, is chair of the new 15-member board, which includes 10 former board members and six members of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, the religious order that founded the school in 1857. Sullivan spent 14 years as president of Nardin and enters her second tenure as chairwoman. Two remaining board members, due to their positions as ex-officio members, are automatically on the board: Elizabeth Dodge, one of the DHMs and the U.S. provincial, whose term expires in November, and Sandra Betters, Nardins embattled president who announced her resignation effective June 30. An interim president is expected to be named after Betters leaves while a search process for a permanent appointment begins. Together we share a deep commitment to our beloved institution and pledge our service in the spirit of renewal and great excitement for a strong future, Sullivan said in a statement released to the school community. Nardin is held dear by each of us as parents, alumnae, past parents, school partners and devoted Daughters of the Heart of Mary... Most of us have served Nardin as trustees or as administrators in the past and have the experience needed for a fresh start in board leadership, Sullivan said. Nardin president will step down at the end of June; 9 board members resign A statement issued by the Board of Trustees late Wednesday night said it had agreed on several measures, including that Nardin President Sandra Betters would step down as of June 30. The nine board members will also step down as part of that agreement. Former members returning to the board are Charlie Chiampou, Luke Jacobs, Marsha Sullivan, former Buffalo News editor Margaret Sullivan, Dave Uba and DHM members Mary Christina Clark, Dodge, Anita Baird, Paula Gaudet and Pat Lucas. Other board member are DHM Renee Dewhurst, Leslie Keane and the Rev. David Ciancimino, president of Canisius High School, and Kendra Brim, Nardins former diversity, equity and inclusion director. The newly seated board drew an enthusiastic response from Therese Forton Barnes, a member of Nardin Together, a group of parents, alumni and former faculty that helped organize the opposition to Betters and the past boards leadership. We are excited about the new board that is in place, especially with the experience and knowledge that they bring to Nardin, Barnes said. Its a relief to know this board is going to be working hard for the future of the school, and especially for the parents and the faculty. The previous board of trustees, led by Tish Van Dyke, was ousted by the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary in Paris after the Nardin community, following the ouster of nine board members in May, appealed to them to intervene. Betters enjoyed the full support of the board leadership as faculty from the high school, lower school and Montessori school raised strong concerns about her leadership. In early May, Nardin announced she tendered her resignation, effective at the end of the school year. Parents and others who backed the faculty soon turned their sights on Van Dyke, seeking her resignation. Those calls grew louder as the leadership showed no signs of giving ground, and as a large number of parents told the school they wouldnt re-enroll their children unless there was a change in leadership. The action by the religious orders Paris-based leadership came just days from Nardins June 1 re-enrollment deadline. Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 10 (ANI): Jammu Deputy Commissioner Avny Lavasa on Saturday said that different agencies are coordinating with each other to maintain law and order during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. While speaking to ANI, Lavasa said, "As usual in Amarnath Yatra, there is an increased level of alertness due to the huge influx of crowd so from the point of law and order we have to look for crowd management also. All agencies are doing their best and working in coordination." Also Read | Amit Shah Reaches Nanded During His 4-State Visit; Offers Prayers at Sachkhand Gurdwara (Watch Video). Jammu DC Lavasa further mentioned that adequate arrangements have been made for tourists in case Amarnath Yatra stops at some point. "All the repairs and other arrangements have been made in Yatri Niwas. Community Centers have been reserved for the pilgrims. If Yatra stops due to weather conditions, in that case, all the necessary arrangements have been made," she said. Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Hides His Identity to Befriend Hindu Woman, Arrested After He Threatens to Share Her Obscene Videos and Photos; No Love Jihad Angle, Say Police. "After a week we will publicize helpline numbers, pilgrims should also access the website of the Amarnath shrine board as a lot of important instructions is there," she added. Earlier on Friday Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra at a high-level meeting in the national capital. Shah directed the officials concerned to make adequate security arrangements on the entire route of 62 days long Amarnath Yatra, which will commence on July 1 and culminate on August 31. He also stressed the need for smooth arrangements on the route "from the airport and railway station to the yatra base camp, and directed to provide air service from Srinagar and Jammu at night for the convenience of the pilgrims". The Home Minister also directed to ensure adequate stock of oxygen cylinders and their refilling and also asked for the availability of additional teams of doctors. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 10 (ANI): The Border Security Force (BSF) Tripura on Thursday apprehended one Indian national and seized 3,195 bottles of Eskuf syrup, worth Rs 5,59,125 intended for smuggling into Bangladesh, the BSF said in an official statement. "In a recent operation conducted on June 8, 2023, in collaboration with the local police, a suspected vehicle was intercepted by the BSF Tripura," said the statement. Also Read | Balasore Train Tragedy: Bahanaga High School Building Served As Mortuary Demolished Amid Rumours of Supernatural Presence. The vehicle was found to be carrying 3,195 bottles of Eskuf syrup, valued at Rs 5,59,125 intended for smuggling into Bangladesh. Consequently, one Indian national was apprehended, it added. The statement also said that the BSF troops along with Airport Police Station swiftly launched further operations based on the information provided by the arrested individual. Also Read | Heinous Crimes in India: From Shraddha Walkar Killing to Delhi Girl Murder and Mira Road Case, List of Gruesome Murders That Shook Nation Recently. BSF party assisted by Police tracked one truck parked at Agartala airport road near the Usha Bazar area, it said. "During the search of the vehicle, a huge quantity of Eskuf syrup 84,800 bottles worth Rs 1,48,40,000 packed in several cartons was found concealed under sacks filled with corn," it added. BSF handed over the seized Eskuf/Phensedyl to Police Station Airport, it further added. In addition, BSF troop also seized 8,960 bottles of Eskuf syrup, worth Rs 15,68,000 from a truck concealed near Village Mohanpur. BSF handed over the seized items to Police Station Sidhai, the statement said. In a single day, 96,955 bottles of Eskuf/ Phensedyl worth Rs 1,69,67,125 were recovered and seized by BSF troops, it said. The official statement added that the Border Security Force (BSF) Tripura remains committed to combating the persistent issue of border smuggling on the Indo-Bangladesh international border. Through its ongoing efforts and regular execution of "Special Operations," the BSF Tripura effectively neutralizes the nefarious designs of syndicates engaged in border smuggling, it said. The vigilant BSF troops deployed across various regions of the Tripura frontier continue to undertake proactive operations against trans-border smugglers, leading to the seizure of various contraband items, it 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) New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): The central government has constituted a Peace Committee in Manipur under the chairpersonship of the State Governor aimed at facilitating the peacemaking process among various ethnic groups there, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) statement said on Saturday. The committee members include the Chief Minister, a few Ministers of the Manipur government, Members of Parliament, MLAs and leaders from different political parties. Also Read | Bihar Police Recruitment 2023: CSBC Notifies Vacancies For Over 21,000 Constable Posts, Apply Online at csbc.bih.nic.in. The Committee also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups. The mandate of the Committee will be to facilitate a peacemaking process among various ethnic groups of the state, including peaceful dialogue and negotiations between conflicting parties and groups, said the MHA statement. Also Read | India Navy Conducts Mega Operation Involving Two Aircraft Carriers, Multiple Warships, Submarines and 35 Combat Jets Amid China's Increasing Forays Into Indian Ocean. "The committee should strengthen social cohesiveness, mutual understanding and facilitate cordial communication between various ethnic groups" it said. The committee was formed days after, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced the constitution of the peace committee after taking stock of the situation of Manipur during his four-day visit there between May 29 to June 1. The violence in Manipur erupted on May 3 during a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest the demand for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The march was organized in protest against the demand for inclusion of the state's Meitei community in the ST category, following an April 19 Manipur High Court directive. Violence has gripped the entire State for now a month and the Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 10 (ANI): Indian Coast Guard units are sending regular advisories to the fisher folk through ships, aircraft and radar stations amid the approaching severe cyclonic storm -- 'Biparjoy. With 'Biparjoy' taking menacing proportions, developing into a severe cyclonic storm, Indian Coast Guard Region-North West has initiated outreach to advise the fishing community, mariners and stakeholders of Gujarat, Daman and Diu to take necessary precautions and safety measures, officials of the Gujarat Information Department informed on Saturday. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Two Women Die Due to Mudslide Near Pond in Bhopal (See Pics). For the past week, all coastal establishments of the Indian Coast Guard have been holding regular community interactions with fishermen, and taking adequate precautions as the tropical storm brews over the Arabian Sea. They have already warned locals against venturing out to sea for fishing. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi To Host G20 Development Ministers' Meeting From June 11, EAM Jaishankar To Chair. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said the 'very severe cyclonic storm', 'Biparjoy', will likely intensify further during the next 24 hours. "VSCS BIPARJOY lay centred at 1130IST of today, near latitude 16.8N and longitude 67.4E, about 700 km WNW of Goa, 620 km WSW of Mumbai, 590 km SSW of Porbandar and 900 km S of Karachi. To intensify further and move NNE-wards during next 24 hours," the IMD said in a tweet. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 10 (ANI): FastBeetle, a digital logistics platform based in Jammu and Kashmir, has recently made headlines with its successful undisclosed funding round, valuing the company at 3 million dollars. The funding was led by Jaipur-based angel investors KM Trans Group and advised by Alsisar Impact, an incubator based in Mumbai. This new investment will enable FastBeetle to further disrupt the conventional delivery sector in J-K and expand its presence in the e-commerce industry. Also Read | Ajmer-92 Controversy: 'Girls Can Make Even the Biggest Person Slip', Says Sarwar Chishti of Ajmer Dargah (Watch Video). Founded in 2019 by Samiullah and Abid Rashid Lone, FastBeetle quickly gained recognition for its mission to create a strong and efficient logistics network within its home state. The startup has established an extensive network of warehouses and delivery centres across major districts of J-K, including a recent expansion into Ladakh. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate First-Ever National Training Conclave in Delhi on June 11. This strategic infrastructure allows FastBeetle to offer comprehensive services across 19,000 pin codes in India and internationally, handling an impressive volume of over 3 lakh shipments per month. One of the key drivers of FastBeetle's success lies in its partnerships with over 1,500 micro-entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including women-led businesses. By fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth in underserved areas, FastBeetle has not only disrupted the logistics industry but also created opportunities for marginalized communities. FastBeetle stands out in the market by offering enterprise users a streamlined order management platform, powered by proprietary algorithms such as real-time order clubbing and dynamic batching. These optimization techniques reduce lead times and enhance first-time delivery success rates, minimizing the need for multiple attempts and returns. By minimizing delivery failures, FastBeetle helps businesses save costs associated with return to origin (RTO) shipments. Sheikh Samiullah, Co-founder and CEO of FastBeetle, expressed his vision for the company, saying, "Our mission is to provide a world-class experience to customers and partners while generating long-term value for stakeholders. Our investments in the Himalayan region have the potential for significant social and economic impact." The recent partnership with KM Trans Group, a respected name in the logistics industry, has further solidified FastBeetle's positions in Jammu and Kashmir. KM Trans Group expressed their excitement about the collaboration, stating, "At KMT, we are delighted to announce our partnership with FastBeetle and eagerly anticipate witnessing their journey as they strive to establish a technology-driven logistics network in J-K, an accomplishment that has eluded many major players in the field. The startup's significant contribution to the state's economic growth fills us with immense pride." The funding secured in the Pre-Series A round will enable FastBeetle to invest in advanced technology solutions such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. These investments will improve various aspects of the company's operations, including hiring, route planning, and tracking. Moreover, the funds will support FastBeetle's geographical expansion, strengthen its supply chain partnerships, and enhance solutions for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. This includes integrating better with warehouses, transporters, and third-party Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to offer same-day and next-day delivery options. CTO Abid Rashid emphasized the importance of the funding for the company's future growth, stating, "This funding will enable us to leverage advanced technology solutions to optimize our operations and enhance the services we provide to our partners. We are committed to delivering an exceptional experience to our customers and enabling seamless logistics for D2C brands." FastBeetle has demonstrated exceptional financial performance by achieving profitability in a relatively short period. In an industry where growth and sustainability are paramount, the company's profitability-focused approach has attracted investors seeking long-term value. Sunny Gupta, Head of Strategy and Partnerships at FastBeetle, highlighted this achievement, saying, "By prioritizing profitability as a core metric, FastBeetle has established itself as a robust and sustainable venture. We have set the foundation for long-term success, attracting the attention of investors who recognize the immense potential of our business." FastBeetle's success story serves as a testament to the resilience and innovation of startups in the face of the ongoing funding challenges in the Indian startup ecosystem. With a focus on disruptive technology, economic empowerment, and social impact, FastBeetle is set to revolutionize the logistics landscape in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Rohtas (Bihar) [India], June 10 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the young ignited minds of the country to come out with new ideas and innovations and help the government in making India a developed nation by 2047 as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was addressing the convocation ceremony of Gopal Narayan Singh University in Rohtas district of Bihar on Saturday. Also Read | West Bengal Fire Video: Massive Blaze Erupts at Chemical Factory in Howrah; No Casualties Reported. Rajnath Singh asserted that India has entered its golden age and it is surging ahead at an unprecedented pace to become a developed nation at the end of 'Amrit Kaal' by 2047. "India's economy has grown at a tremendous level. India has joined the top 5 economies of the world. According to Morgan Stanley report, India will be counted among the top 3 economies of the world by 2027," Rajnath Singh said. Also Read | RBI Decision to Maintain Repo Rate Welcomed, Impact on Affordable Housing a Concern. He also shed light on the growth of the start-up ecosystem in the country, pointing out that the number of start-ups has skyrocketed to nearly one lakh today, including over 100 unicorns, from just 500 seven-eight years ago. "The youth has the potential and capability to take the nation to greater heights and contribute to the betterment of humanity," he emphasised. Rajnath Singh also urged the students to lay emphasis on connecting with the country's cultures, values and traditions, as much as they focus on obtaining education and knowledge. "Your values are not only your identity in the world, but it is also that of your parents, teachers and the country," he said. The Defence Minister exhorted the students to concentrate on character building, highlighting that India is a place where a person's worth is not only assessed by his/her knowledge but also through values and behaviour and how proficiently that skill is used. "Ego, overconfidence and self-centred attitude are some of the biggest roadblocks to growth," he said, adding that the aim should be to move forward taking everyone together on the path of progress. Rajnath Singh urged the students to keep grooming themselves spiritually, while the educational institutions nurture them at the academic and mental levels. He also called upon the teaching fraternity to light the eternal flame of learning in the hearts and minds of students. He described it as the most crucial part of an individual's personality, which not only ensures personal growth but also the development of society. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 10 (ANI): Jammu Deputy Commissioner Avny Lavasa convened a meeting to review the arrangements for the smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra 2023 at the DC Office complex here on Saturday. ADC L&O Harvinder Singh, ADC ADM Sandeep Seointra, ACR Piyush Dhotra, SDMs, Tehsildars and other concerned officials were present in the meeting. Also Read | Ajmer-92 Controversy: 'Girls Can Make Even the Biggest Person Slip', Says Sarwar Chishti of Ajmer Dargah (Watch Video). The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the arrangements for pilgrims, especially at registration counters. He also allotted the duties to SDMs as nodal officers at different registration counters to ensure that all necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Yatra, to be carried out by respective departments, are put in place well in time before the commencement of the pilgrimage. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate First-Ever National Training Conclave in Delhi on June 11. He was informed pilgrims can do online registration while five counters put up for Tatkal registration of the pilgrims at Vaishnavi Dham, Mahajan Sabha, Panchayat Ghar and two at Geeta Bhawan and Ram Mandir for the registration of seers. It was also apprised that RIFD and e-KYC will also be done at these counters and a token counter has also been put up at Saraswati Dham for the disbursement of pilgrims and crowd management. Deputy Commissioner Avny Lavasa asked the nodal officers to visit their respective counters and ensure the provision of all the required facilities before June 25. She also asked them to conduct a test run of the facilities so that pilgrims don't face any problems during the yatra. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Jun 10 (PTI) A 35-year-old Nigerian man was arrested for alleged possession of mephedrone worth more than Rs 1 crore in neighbouring Thane district, police said on Saturday. Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Hides His Identity to Befriend Hindu Woman, Arrested After He Threatens to Share Her Obscene Videos and Photos; No Love Jihad Angle, Say Police. The anti-narcotics cell of the MBVV police intercepted the accused who was moving around in a suspicious manner in Mira Road area on Thursday, an official said. Also Read | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Poll Promises, Says 'Will Do What We Had Said'. The police team found 503 gm of mephedrone worth more than Rs 1 crore on the accused's person, he said. A probe revealed that the man was a resident of Pragati Nagar locality in Nallasopara and used to supply contraband to different parts of Mumbai and its adjoining areas, the official said. 'The accused, who was lodged at Yerwada Jail, had recently come out on bail in a similar case and some of his associates are also under scanner. A case under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered,' inspector Amar Marathe said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) ALBANY In the waning hours of the 2023 state legislative session, Albany lawmakers passed bills upending local elections, rolling back a campaign finance reform, sealing criminal convictions and much more. Lawmakers debated bills late into the evening Friday and into the morning on Saturday, an end-of-session tradition at the State Capitol. After 3 a.m., the State Senate wrapped up for the year. The Assembly returned during the day on Saturday to finish voting. Heres the latest: Local elections shift Both houses of the Legislature passed a bill that would move many local elections in New York to even-numbered years. The bill would mean many important local elections in Erie County including for Erie County Legislature and Erie County executive would be in even years, beginning in 2026. According to reporting by Newsday, elections for town and village boards and county legislature and executive would run in even election years. The bill would not apply to positions where the terms are set under the state constitution, including judges, district attorneys and county clerks. NY Senate declines to confirm Power Authority leader, days after discrimination accusations Justin Driscoll, the acting president and CEO of the New York Power Authority, was accused of minimizing discrimination complaints by late Niagara Falls NAACP leader Shirley Hamilton. Some local officials believed on Friday that the bill applied to City of Buffalo elections. But in debate on the State Senate floor early Saturday morning, the Senate sponsor, Democrat James Skoufis, said the bill did not apply to cities, including Buffalo. The bill passed the Senate on Saturday at nearly 2 a.m. by a vote of 40-23. If signed into law by Hochul, the bill could well advantage Democrats in local elections, since turnout is typically higher in even years, when races for governor, Congress and U.S. president are at the top of the ballot. Higher turnout usually benefits Democratic candidates. Democrats in the Legislature also framed the move as a cost-saving measure for local boards of elections, since it could conceivably require fewer elections to be held. Ralph Mohr, the Republican commissioner on the Erie County Board of Elections, argued that would not be the case, since elections will still have to be held on odd-numbered years for certain offices. This is another example of Democrats in the Legislature trying to engineer rigged elections for their partys benefit, Mohr said. Its not going to end in saving the taxpayers money and its going to cause more confusion on the part of the taxpayers. Mohr said that the races of U.S. president and governor would drown out attention for local elections. Theyre all going to be vying for the same money, same airtime, the same columns of media print, Mohr said. Mohr said the Erie County Legislature would be forced to run for election in 2025 then again in 2026, when the even-year schedule would take effect. Under the bill, local officials elected to two-year terms in 2025 would only serve one year before running again; officials elected to four-year terms in 2025 would serve three-year terms. Jeremy Zellner who is both the chair of the Erie County Democrats and the Democratic co-chair of the Board of Elections said he also believed the county would have to still hold elections annually. He did not know if the measure would save any money for the Erie County board, but said, Anytime you can increase turnout and remove barriers to people from voting, I think its a good thing. Zellner said there would still be plenty of airtime and donors for local candidates, and he did not believe the shift would necessarily advantage Democrats in local elections. Skoufis said he also wanted to pass a constitutional amendment so all elections are in even years and that he planned to introduce the proposed amendment next year. Campaign reform rollback The Democratic-controlled State Senate narrowly passed a bill on Friday undercutting a program that sought to reduce the influence of major donors in New York elections. Immediately after the vote, a Senate official announced the result as passage by a 32-31 margin, meaning that a substantial number of members of the 42-person Democratic supermajority opposed the measure an unusual degree of dissent. (Senate staff said Friday evening that the vote tally was unofficially recorded as 34-29.) Republicans also broadly voted against the bill. Its unclear whether Gov. Kathy Hocul would sign the measure, which also passed the Assembly on Friday. In explaining her no vote, Democratic State Sen. Rachel May called the bill pushed by the Democratic majority a betrayal of the original intent of New Yorks pathbreaking campaign finance law. With this change in how matching funds are treated, I can no longer tell my low-income constituents that we are lifting up their voices in that way, May said. May said the bill would feed the populaces belief that when push comes to shove, our campaign system will always ensure those with the deepest pockets have the loudest voices. The Buffalo News first reported on the bill last week. On Tuesday, the chair of the elections committee in both the Senate and Assembly introduced the eleventh-hour legislation, and a number of editorial boards came out in opposition, including a lengthy and scathing editorial in the New York Times stating lawmakers were trying to sabotage campaign finance reform. The new publicly funded system, which was meant to reduce the impact of major campaign donors in state elections, is severely undercut by the changes, according to critics of the bill. The new program took effect this year ahead of the 2024 elections. Under current law, only campaign donations of $250 or less would be matched with generous amounts of public funds, a provision meant to elevate the importance of small donations to candidates. The bill now removes the $250 cap, so that the first $250 of a donation of any size up to the maximum amount is matched with public funds. For instance, a statewide candidate for office could receive an $18,000 donation and see the first $250 matched, vastly diminishing the incentive for candidates to rely on small donors. The new bill also significantly raises the number of in-district donors and the total donation figure needed to qualify for matching funds likely making it more difficult for incumbents opponents to qualify. Proponents of the change argue that unserious candidates for office should not be able to qualify for hundreds of thousands in taxpayer funds, necessitating the higher threshold. Two Buffalo Democratic state senators, Sean Ryan and Tim Kennedy, voted in favor of the bill. In the Assembly, the bill passed 84-62, meaning a number of Democrats in the 102-member majority voted against it. One was Democratic Assemblywoman Monica Wallace of Lancaster. The program doesnt get big money out of politics, it just adds public money to big donations, she said. Republican Assemblyman Andy Goodell of Chautauqua said the bill should be renamed the Incumbent Reelection Guarantee Act. He said the new, higher thresholds to qualify for public funds would severely hinder challengers to incumbents. With this program, incumbents will have almost unlimited funding and their challengers will be frozen out, Goodell said. Seneca Nation compact Agreement struck 'in principle' on new Seneca Nation gaming compact Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. announced an Wednesday that an agreement had been reached "in principle" with Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration on a new, 20-year gaming compact. On Wednesday, the Seneca Nation and Hochuls administration reached a deal on the broad outlines of a new, 20-year gaming compact. As a result, the Seneca Nation, which had been pressing hard for a bill giving the Nation certain advantages in negotiations with Hochul, likely felt less of a need to secure passage of that bill before sessions end. The bill would have granted the Nation exclusivity over casino gaming in geographic boundaries first negotiated in 2002 and made it easier to sue the governor over stalled negotiations. The bill, sponsored in the Senate by Kennedy, also would have enabled Hochul to enter a new compact with the Nation, as is required for a governor to strike such a pact. Instead of that bill, on Thursday, Kennedy introduced a new, less ambitious bill enabling Hochul to enter a pact that largely mirrored legislation passed in 2001, enabling the original compact. The pared-down bill passed the Senate on Friday. It was expected to pass the Assembly on Saturday, but the Assembly adjourned until Sunday without voting on that bill. We have come to a fair deal with the State, and it is incumbent of them to hold up their side of the bargain, said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr., in urging the Assembly to pass the bill. We know there are many non-Native gaming interests in the dtate, including those with close ties to elected officials, that would rather not have the Nation as a competitor. Housing On Thursday, a potential deal aimed at protecting tenants and building more housing fell apart. In a rare joint statement, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins blamed Hochul, stating, Unfortunately, it was clear that we could not come to an agreement with the governor on this plan. Many of the proposals that were under discussion impacted New York City, although some aspects including a proposed Housing Access Voucher Program, providing housing assistance to the homeless would have had statewide ramifications. According to the New York Times, the potential deal between the Legislature and Hochul fell apart when Hochul balked at including good cause eviction in the package, which would have limited a landlords ability to raise rents and evict tenants in New York City. According to the Times, at a meeting on Wednesday, Hochul said she would veto the housing package if it included the good cause measure. Hochuls office fired back on Thursday, arguing that the Legislature was blaming the governor for their own failure to act and arguing that absolutely nothing stood in the way of the Legislature passing the bill. Death lawsuits, criminal records, campaign finance: Major Albany bills on tap in session's final days The State Senate and Assembly were originally scheduled to finish their work for the year Thursday, but are now set to end Friday, as hundreds of bills small and large wind their way through the State Capitol. In both houses, there are on paper enough Democrats to override a veto by Hochul. But such a veto override, which is rarely used, would require almost all Democrats in both houses of the Legislature to support it. Instead, the Legislature chose not to introduce their final agreement at all, bringing criticism from groups supporting the housing measures. Sealed criminal records The Clean Slate Act, a bill that advocates have sought for years, passed both houses of the Legislature on Friday. Hochul has said a deal between her and the Legislature was close, but her office did not respond to a question on Friday about whether Hochul supported the amended version introduced in the Legislature this week. The bill would shield criminal records from public view, a measure meant to help people with records move forward and gain housing, employment and other opportunities. The State Business Council supported the bill, arguing that it would create second-chance opportunities for individuals ready to reenter the workforce and help the economy. Businesses will thrive with this, and the American dream will flourish with this, said Buffalo Assemblyman Jonathan Rivera, a Democrat, during floor debate on Friday. Under the newly introduced version, misdemeanors would be sealed three years after the end of a persons incarceration, or sentencing, if no prison term was served. For felonies, records would be sealed eight years after a conviction or the end of a prison sentence. The sealing only would occur if a person is not convicted of any other crime before those time periods have lapsed. Serious felonies, such as murder, would be excluded from the sealing requirements, as would sexual offenses. Still, Republicans argued Friday that sealing peoples criminal histories could put members of the public in danger. This robs employers of the tools they need to properly vet candidates, especially in instances where theyll be working with children, sensitive information and money, said Republican Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny. Im all for second chances and helping folks get back on their feet after mistakes but for the victims of these convicted felons, their trauma and suffering never goes away. Their slate is never wiped clean. Reparations commission Both houses of the Legislature passed a bill creating a commission to examine paying reparations to Black residents of the state. This is not simply a Black issue, this is an American issue, said Democratic State Sen. James Sanders, the bills Senate sponsor. I am voting not only for God and my ancestors, but I am voting for the 50,000 New Yorkers who died to end this madness that is slavery, and would risk their lives again to ensure that this legacy that lingers in the nation is ended. Its unclear where Hochul stands on the idea. New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): Former Congress leader Kapil Sibal and Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy on Saturday came down heavily on Union minister Giriraj Singh over his praise of Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse. Hitting out at the Union minister, Sibal, who also happens to be one of the country's leading advocates, said the BJP and the Rashtriya Swamyamsevak Sangh (RSS), its ideological fountainhead, can never truly acknowledge the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi as they had offered to help the British rulers during the freedom struggle. Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Hides His Identity to Befriend Hindu Woman, Arrested After He Threatens to Share Her Obscene Videos and Photos; No Love Jihad Angle, Say Police. "Was Godse a good son as Giriraj Singh said? The RSS had offered help to the British (during the freedom struggle). How can they acknowledge the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi? Their ideology and beliefs go against the principles espoused by Mahatma Gandhi," Sibal told ANI on Saturday. Earlier, Giriraj Singh had dubbed Godse as a 'Sapoot' (son) of this country. Also Read | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Poll Promises, Says 'Will Do What We Had Said'. "The assassin of Mahatma Gandhi was not an invader like Mughal emperors Babar and Aurangzeb. He was born in India and was a son of the soil," Singh said on Friday. Condemning the Union minister's statement, TMC MP Saugata Roy said he heaped praise on a person who killed the "Father of the Nation". "I reject his statement. He sang praises of a person who killed the Father of the Nation. He said the Mughal emperors were enemies of India," the TMC MP added. Singh made the remark in response to a statement by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Godse. Owaisi was responding to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who made a remark invoking Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Singh said people, who take pride in being called the descendants of Babar, cannot be considered true sons of India. An FIR was registered against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande and 8 others under Maharashtra Police Act 37, 135, for burning an effigy of Aurangzeb in the aftermath of Kolhapur violence, Mumbai Police said on Thursday. A curfew was imposed in Kolhapur the day before following violent clashes between two groups. The police had to resort to a lathi-charge and disperse the crowd to enforce order. Speaking on the violence, Fadnavis said, "Sons of Aurangzeb seems to have popped out of nowhere in some districts of Maharashtra. They keep Aurangzeb alive through their posters. It is because of such elements that such incidents take place. However, the question remains, where do these sons of Aurangzeb come from? Who were behind this incident? We will find them out," Fadnavis told ANI in Nagpur earlier. (ANI) (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 10 (ANI): Ahead of Ninth International Yoga Day, the Uttar Pradesh government plans to organise yoga camps and various programs across the state, and to involve influencers and celebrities for the purpose of ensuring their successful execution and widespread publicity in line with the theme of 'Har Ghar-Aangan Yoga'. "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already given instructions regarding organizing group yoga exercises and other programs across the state on Yoga Day to be held on June 21. Celebrities, well-known athletes, yoga gurus, and well-known members of cultural establishments will work with these programs as collaborators and influencers in order to spread awareness of the value of daily yoga practice among the general public," the official statement said. Also Read | Delhi Court Acquits Noor Mohammad Accused of Rioting and Unlawful Assembly in 2020 Riots Case; Pulls Up Police for False Claims. "The Yoga Week will be organized on a large scale in the entire state for a week from June 15 to 21," it stated. the official statement said. All media platforms, including social media, will work together on the ninth International Day of Yoga to spread awareness of the mass yoga exercises and other programs being held all over the state. Also Read | Cyclone Biparjoy Update: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm To Intensify Further, Says IMD. It further stated the unique aspect is that combined yoga practice will be prioritized at tourist destinations associated with the state's ancient culture, historical sites, banks of significant rivers, lakes, ponds, and all Amrit Sarovar, as well as locations rich in scenic beauty. In addition, video links of the Common Yoga Protocol are also proposed to be disseminated for the convenience and awareness of the general public During Yoga Week in the state, large-scale group yoga practice programs will be organized at all the district headquarters. Daily group yoga sessions will also take place at the same time from 6 to 8 am in public parks. In addition to this, extensive yoga programs will be held on the vast university campus. "Major universities, colleges, and school colleges in the state will also host yoga-related seminars and workshops on topics such as the application of yoga to modern lifestyles, stress and mental trauma management, elocution competitions, Rangoli/poster competitions, essay writing competitions, slogan writing competitions, and speech competitions," it further stated. At the conclusion of the weeklong programs, certificates will be given to the students. Smooth arrangements will also be made to distribute fruits and sweets to the students taking part in the main program of joint yoga practice on June 21, it further read. As per the statement, local public representatives will participate in a number of Yoga Week programs in order to increase awareness of these events, ensure their smooth operation, and establish a visible presence in the community. All ministers have been instructed by CM Yogi to participate in these programs being organized in the districts under their charge. "The main function of June 21 will be organized in all 58,000-gram panchayats and 762 urban bodies. In all the 14,000 wards of the state, places will be marked for yoga practice through councillors. At the same time, voluntary organizations, health and wellness centers, religious, and social organizations, yoga institutes, NCC cadets, scouts and guides and NSS volunteers will be associated with Yoga Day," the statement read. While on June 20, a special campaign for cleanliness will be launched by the Department of Urban Development, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj in coordination with local educational institutions. In view of the security of the program sites, continuous patrolling of the police force will also be ensured. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Marine biologist Uli Kunz is a research diver, underwater photographer, TV presenter and lecture traveler. His goal: to raise awareness of the fragility of the oceans in the face of their growing pollution."For me, World Oceans Day is 365 days a year," says Uli Kunz right at the beginning of the DW interview regarding the UN World Oceans Day, which is on June 8. Also Read | India News | Andhra Pradesh: BJP National President JP Nadda Offers Prayers at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati. Kunz has just returned from Mozambique, where he visited the "Marine Megafauna Foundation," an animal protection organization, on behalf of the TV series "Terra X." There, he observed sharks and violin rays. The latter can only be seen in a few places in the world. Also Read | Business News | Indias FY23 GDP Growth Likely to Be over 7.2 Pc when Final Numbers Come in 2026: Chief Economic Adviser Nageswaran. Off the coast of Mozambique, they survive thanks to a rigidly enforced "no-take" zone, a marine protected area from which no animal can be taken. "What happens then is enormous, because all this diversity then spreads out again," Uli Kunz says enthusiastically. The marine biologist is a well-known advocate for marine flora and fauna. He is a welcome guest on television and talk shows. In the broadest sense, you could call him an adventurer. The Hamburg native has been a research diver since 2005, going under Arctic ice and swimming amidst humpback whales and orcas while hunting for herring, barreling down into dark wells and tracking down Mayan skeletons in Mexico's water-filled caves. Sometimes he travels alone, sometimes with his colleagues from the Submaris research diving group, which is commissioned by German state agencies or research institutes to examine certain fish species or the marine fauna around the Helgoland archipelago in northern Germany. Biodiversity and species decline Kunz carries out work for a number of organizations, including the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar Research, Greenpeace, World Wide Fund for Nature, and the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research. The trained marine biologist undoubtedly has one of the most exciting jobs imaginable, but he never had a career plan: "I wanted to be a doctor, but realized during my studies that I didn't want to get to know just one creature, but many. After that, it was free-flowing." After two semesters of medicine at the University of Freiburg, Kunz moved to Kiel, where he studied oceanography and ecology, and completed his training as a research diver. In addition to research and his work as a TV presenter, Kunz has been touring German-speaking countries since 2012, giving lectures at universities, schools and institutes. There, he presents his fascinating underwater photographs and talks about the threatening changes in the ocean. In his footage and images, he documents not only the abundance of species, but increasingly also their decline, the overfishing of the oceans and the impact of climate change, as well as the destruction caused by pollution. Ambassador of the seas When Uli Kunz shares his enthusiasm about the big and small wonders of the water world, you are immediately all ears. He is a gifted storyteller, and he is well aware of that. "What I am good at is collecting this knowledge and communicating complex problems in an understandable way, because marine biology can be presented simply." With a lot of passion and vivid presentations, Kunz demystifies false myths about the sea in his lectures and instead shows what is really fascinating about marine flora and fauna. And how fragile both are. When asked about the current state of the oceans, his emotions become more serious. This is "catastrophic," he says. "We are in the process of threatening numerous animal species. Climate change is affecting the underwater world. This is a huge problem that will be with us for many decades to come." During his active time as a diver, Kunz has watched thriving coral reefs become piles of black rubble where life is no longer possible. While 20 years ago he still saw a lot of eels during night dives in the North Sea, these are now almost threatened with extinction, "because baby eels are fished off in the Atlantic to sell them on the Asian market for a lot of money." Environmental protection is self-protection In his view, we humans must finally become aware of one thing.: "It's about ourselves. It is a purely selfish approach to protect nature. If we manage to treat it better, we too will survive much better than is currently the case. If we continue as we are, the damage will be immeasurable." As for biodiversity and climate change, he said, there will continue to be a lot of very bad news in the near term. But none of that is a reason to bury our heads in the sand, he said. So what gives him hope? "I hardly ever use the word hope. It would be presumptuous to rely on it," Kunz said. Instead, he says, everything is our own responsibility. "I want young people to adopt the perspective that you can make a difference in marine conservation, that you're always educating yourself to understand this world. It's only when we create awareness that we might have a chance." Cutting back and putting society on a "sustainable path" not just a buzzword is the key, he says. Then Kunz enthusiastically tells of an algae farm in Norway and how much space could be freed up in nature if we were to curb much of factory farming. "It's a set screw we could easily turn. The facts are on the table. It just all takes an insanely long time with us humans." Kunz himself owes his fascination for nature and an understanding of its fragility to his father. He used to take him on kayak tours and snorkeling at Lake Constance. "If you are led into nature as a small child, you will automatically treat it with respect. And the more you see not only what problems there are in the world, but also what great projects, then you can't overlook them." When asked what else he wants to experience or see, Uli Kunz replies firmly, "I haven't seen everything yet, but I don't want to see everything either. I don't have a bucket list. I'm happy every day about what I get to experience." This article was originally written in German. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 10, 2023 03:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Islamabad, June 10: Amid a deepening economic crisis and stalled talks with International Monetary Fund to get loans, Pakistan has expressed its interest in joining the BRICS, Pakistan Today reported. As per the Pakistani daily, Islamabad's aspirations will be deliberated upon at the group's upcoming summit in South Africa in August. Nineteen countries including Pakistan have expressed their interest in joining the BRICS, and these aspirations will be deliberated upon at the group's upcoming summit in South Africa in August, Pakistan Today reported. Pakistan Today is a Pakistani English-language daily newspaper. BRICS National Security Advisers Discuss New Threats, Challenges to National Security. One of the primary foreign policy agendas of Pakistan is to apply for membership in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). Though the BRICS member states have expressed their desire to expand the membership of the grouping, there is hardly any appetite within the grouping to include Pakistan, in spite of China's presence. Pakistan Crisis: Petrol Pumps in Major Cities Including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala Shut Down Due to Fuel Shortage. There is fear among the grouping that any attempt to include Pakistan as part of the grouping could weaken the credibility of the BRICS with India withdrawing from any willing participation in the grouping. India may choose to refrain from active participation in the group, thereby denying the grouping of one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies, consumer markets and advanced manufacturing hubs. There are three reasons why Pakistan cannot be allowed to join BRICS. The first is concerns on finance, specifically BRICS's direct challenge to the G7 in terms of economics and trade. In terms of GDP purchasing power parity (PPP), China is the world's largest economy followed by India in third place, Russia in sixth and Brazil in eighth. As a grouping, they represent 31.5 per cent of the global GDP while G7's share has dropped to 30 per cent. Additionally, all five member states of BRICS are also members of G20 and there have been instances where preparatory meetings held by BRICS members in the areas of governance reform, especially in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, were adopted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and G20. BRICS has also created two new institutions, the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). CRA, which has a capital of more than USD 100 billion, can help member states withstand any short-term balance of payment crises. Pakistan if allowed in BRICS, can easily access the USD 100 billion CRA as well as the comparatively lenient loan conditions of NDB, without improving the functioning of the Pakistani state. Since Pakistan's economy is a non-starter in terms of exports or contribution to the global economy and with a perpetually disturbed state, Pakistan's inclusion will be a major factor in reducing BRICS's importance since the grouping will be saddled with a liability which it cannot shed, in the process dissuading other deserving countries from being part of the group. The second factor is the danger of the 'SAARC-isation' of BRICS. This implies that the inclusion of Pakistan in BRICS may lead to a deadlock with India in a number of cases, leading to a defunct group. The third and final reason is the lack of any concreteness in Pakistan's foreign policy objectives, apart from finding new partners in the name of Islam and wresting favours, economic and geopolitical, from them. Pakistan has been categorized as a rentier state by a few analysts, and this tag fits them to the hilt. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) London [United Kingdom], June 10 (ANI): Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced he has resigned as an MP with immediate effect, SKY News reported. The former prime minister said he is standing down in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency ahead of the Privileges Committee report into whether he misled Parliament. Also Read | Pakistan: Severe Acute Malnutrition Among Infants Stand at 14%. It is pertinent to mention that Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was grilled by a cross-party parliamentary panel for several hours in March to establish whether he knowingly misled the House of Commons over the party gate scandal of COVID law-breaking parties at Downing Street. In a statement, the former prime minister said he has received the findings from the privileges committee report into whether he misled MPs over party gate. Also Read | US: Donald Trump-Appointed Judge Aileen Cannon to Handle Classified Documents Case Against Former President. "Much to my amazement they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament", he said. Johnson's statement did not say what sanction the committee recommended, but a suspension from the Commons of 10 days or more - if approved by MPs - would trigger a recall petition which would then result in a by-election if 10 per cent of his constituents backed the move, SKY News reported. Johnson said, "I have written to my association in Uxbridge and South Ruislip to say that I am stepping down forthwith and triggering an immediate by-election. "I am very sorry to leave my wonderful constituency. It has been a huge honour to serve them, both as Mayor and MP. "But I am proud that after what is cumulatively a 15-year stint I have helped to deliver among other things a vast new railway in the Elizabeth Line and full funding for a wonderful new state-of-the-art hospital for Hillingdon, where enabling works have already begun,"SKY News reported. The cross-party privileges committee, led by Labour MP Harriet Harman, has been assessing whether Mr Johnson misled parliament with his statements claiming all COVID rules and guidelines were followed by Number 10 during lockdown gatherings, SKY News reported. Johnson said the committee "have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons". "They know perfectly well that when I spoke in the Commons I was saying what I believed sincerely to be true and what I had been briefed to say, like any other minister," he said. Johnson was asked repeatedly by a cross-party parliamentary panel in March this year whether he attended parties, broke lockdown rules, misled Parliament, and should resign. Johnson denied deliberately lying, but if found to have done so, he could face suspension or even lose his seat in Parliament. He told the committee that the rule-breaking events were wrong and "I bitterly regret it," but added, "hand on heart, that I did not lie to the House." (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, Jun 10 (PTI) A possible deal between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to co-manufacture jet engines in India will have a "ripple effect" across the American and Indian defence industries, the head of a top US business advocacy group has said. The two companies are expected to announce the deal in and around the official State visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US on June 22. Also Read | Colombia: Four Children Lost in the Jungle for 40 Days After a Plane Crash Are Found Alive. The two sides remain tight-lipped about it as the industry experts are hopeful that the long-awaited deal would have a major impact on the relationship between the two nations. "Both governments are putting enormous effort into concluding the deal. I wish them great success. I hope it goes through. I think it will have a ripple effect across the US and Indian defence industries, and most importantly our private sector companies," Atul Keshap, president of the US Indian Business Council (USIBC) told PTI in an interview. Also Read | Boris Johnson Quits As UK Lawmaker: Former British PM Resigns As Legislator After Being Told He Will Be Sanctioned for Misleading Parliament. "(It) will unleash even more confidence and even more deal-making. That leads to strong defence, which is deterrence, which means peace and security," Keshap said. He stressed that such an agreement between the two countries would be pretty important. "I don't want to reveal conversations I've had in both governments, but one person told me that if this deal were to go through, it would impact the US-India defence relationship for four decades in a positive way," Keshap said. "When you think about the scale of the engines, it's hundreds of them going into India's advanced multi-role combat aircraft. It would involve a collaboration closer than we've ever had, and it would go on for many decades because those airplanes will be bought by the Indian taxpayer and expected to fly for 40 years as ours do, he said. He praised the possible deal. "Our planes fly longer and longer because we do avionics upgrades and capability upgrades, weapons systems, engine upgrades. So I think what India's doing or hoping to do is to get an even more powerful and performative engine into its next platform. And we support that," Keshap said. Responding to a question, Keshap said that Prime Minister Modi's administration has put enormous effort into ease of doing business in India and clearing up the regulatory environment and making India a more attractive destination. "Think about the fact that we are now solid Quad partners. The Quad is really important so that the US and India and Japan and Australia are investing so heavily in the Quad is a reflection of how much we trust each other and how much we have overcome the legacy of distrust in various areas. "When you look at the Quad, you look at the military defence, military intelligence, diplomatic engagement, law enforcement, and counterterrorism, things are very strong. Also, scientific collaboration, very, very strong, he said. Japan, India, Australia and the United States had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. According to Keshap, the ICET (Initiative of Critical and Emerging Technology) is as important as the nuclear deal in unleashing that next big arena of the US-India, deep tech and future tech cooperation. We've learned from the pandemic that we trust each other, that we're willing to do the most sensitive things with each other with regard to technology," he said. "That also kind of implies there are people we don't trust, and we want to keep our channel clean in a high-trust ecosystem. So the strategy is good, the economy is getting better, and technology is now beginning in earnest. That's the main theme of this visit (of the prime minister to India), he added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Firozabad, June 10: The body of a minor girl missing since Friday was found in a field in the Tundla area of this Uttar Pradesh district, police said. Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Kumar Mishra told reporters that the 15-year-old girl had been missing since Friday evening. Telangana Horror: Minor Girl Dead as Driver Rolls Up Car Window on Her Neck in Suryapet District. Her body was found in the field on Saturday morning, he added. Mishra said a 'dupatta' was found near the body, hinting that she might have been strangled. Mumbai: Minor Girl Vidya Bansode Crushed To Death by Dumper in Dahisar, Driver Arrested After Terrifying Accident Video Goes Viral. The police sent the body for post-mortem and have formed three teams to investigate the matter. National Childrens Day is celebrated annually in the United States of America (USA) on the second Sunday of June. This year, National Childrens Day 2023 will be celebrated on June 11. The main highlight of the day is to promote the well-being and rights of children, the importance of children in society, and educate people about the challenges they may face. Furthermore, National Children's Day is a reminder for societies and governments to prioritize investments and policies that support the rights of children. The day serves as a platform to work towards ensuring a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children to grow, learn, and thrive. As National Childrens Day 2023 nears, here's all you need to know about National Childrens Day 2023 date, history and significance. International Children's Book Day 2023: Know Date, History, Importance and Significance of the Global Event. National Children's Day History The origins of National Childrens Day in the US can be traced to the 1800s. According to records, the date of celebrating National Childrens Day has been changing ever since 1857. Dr Charles Leonard, a pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts, was the first to establish Childrens Day in 1857 on the second Sunday of June and named the day Rose Day. He had organized the day to hold a special service for children, including baptizing them. The name was later changed from Rose Day to Flower Sunday and then eventually called Childrens Day. Childrens Day Date in India: Know History, Significance of Bal Diwas on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Jayanti. Later in 1995, US President Bill Clinton changed the date to October 8 and established it as National Childrens Day. This was followed by President George Bush, who proclaimed that the first Sunday of June should be celebrated as National Childrens Day. In 2009, Pat Quinn, the Governor of Illinois, proclaimed that National Childrens Day would be celebrated on the second Sunday of June every year and thats how it has been since then. National Children's Day Significance National Children's Day is a perfect opportunity to work on initiatives focusing on children's health, education, and well-being. The day serves as an opportunity to advocate for children's rights and to address issues such as child poverty, child labour, access to quality education, healthcare, and protection from violence and exploitation. On this day, several events and programs are held across the US to engage children in activities promoting physical, emotional, and social development. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 11, 2023 12:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Scientists have warned about the potential impact of an upcoming solar storm, commonly referred to as an "internet apocalypse", which could strike within the next decade. The spacecraft, which was launched in 2018, took a remarkable journey that brought it close to the sun's surface, where the solar wind is generated. In the age of the internet, Mexico has become a haven for people working from home. Now, the Mexican government has set new work-from-home rules that would require employers to provide some amenities, including paying for the internet. The new ruling was issued by Mexico's Department of Labor. It stated that employers who have employees working from home must not just pay for their internet connections, but also provide them with ergonomic chairs so they can work properly. According to the Associated Press, the new rules also have a "right to disconnect" mandate for employees who work at least 40% of their time from remote locations. This is mainly because of complaints that remote workers have, being always reachable at home and are constantly asked by their bosses to work. Not only that, but the Mexican Department of Labor also stated that employers are also responsible for paying for the electricity, printers, and other equipment being used by remote workers from their homes. The new rules also stated that if the employee lives in an unsafe environment, if it is not well-lit and well-ventilated, they cannot be forced to work from home. Inspectors can also visit a remote worker's home to ensure that these conditions are met, with employees also being able to take pictures of their homes to show that it meets labor requirements. Remote workers also cannot be paid less than office workers and they can also set their working hours. Work-from-Home Exploded in Mexico During COVID-19 Pandemic While work-from-home already existed in Mexico before the pandemic, much like many other countries, it saw a huge rise in people doing remote work during the pandemic era where everyone was forced to work from home to avoid getting infected by COVID-19. Now that the pandemic is over, office occupancy is now once again increasing. However, work-from-home has stayed as a trend, and the Los Angeles Times pointed out that the trend has become so big that downtown office buildings have since been converted into apartments, hospitals, and stores. READ NEXT: Mexico Migrant Detention Fire: Migrant Who Started Fire That Killed 40 People Charged Mexican commercial real estate firm Newmark did confirm that the office market in Mexico City has already shown "slight signs of recovery" since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Mexican capital's office vacancy rate declining to 23.4% in 2023 as compared to 24.5% last year. Some employers have since adopted a "mixed" or hybrid model for their workers, with employees only being required to come to the office for part of the week. However, these new laws regarding work-from-home are for those who spend 40% of their time working remotely. US Citizens Moved to Mexico for Work-from-Home but Are Taking Away Office Space From Locals However, while the work-from-home model in Mexico sounds good, it has also caused problems for local businesses as it attracted wealthy American expats. The work-from-home conditions in Mexico have been great even before the new laws came to be, and it has attracted Americans to live there. Landlords in Mexico City have been evicting local families and businesses and are now renovating and remodeling their properties to accommodate these expats who came to live in Mexico to work from home, according to CNN. This has resulted in higher rent prices. The older occupants tried pushing back, but they were ultimately evicted to make way for the richer American occupants. READ MORE: Mexico Kidnapping: Mourners Gathered for American Man Killed by the Gulf Cartel This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Work-from-home benefits and cheap rent. Major city is now a magnet for Americans - CNN President Gustavo Petro announced on Friday that the four missing Colombia children, who had been missing after a plane crash in the Amazon jungle 40 days ago, have been found, AP reports. Following signing a ceasefire agreement with the National Liberation Army rebel group in Cuba, President Petro returned to Bogota and informed the press that the children had been discovered alone and have been receiving medical attention. President Petro referred to the children as a remarkable example of survival and emphasized that their story would be etched in history. The incident occurred on May 1, when the pilot of a Cessna single-engine propeller plane carrying six other passengers issued an emergency call due to engine failure. The aircraft vanished from radar shortly after, triggering an extensive search and rescue operation. Tragically, the bodies of the three adults were found nearby, having been subjected to acts of violence. READ NEXT: Plane Crash Update Sparks Hope That 4 Colombia Children Passengers Survived Colombia Children from Huitoto Indigenous Group have Jungle Survival Skills Rescuers searching for the missing children from the plane crash in the Colombia Amazon jungle have found some of their belongings along a trail revealed by satellite images, per Daily Mail. Items such as shoes, a nappy, a makeshift shelter, and a partially eaten fruit were discovered, providing hope that the children may still be alive. Leaders from the Huitoto community are optimistic about the children's survival due to their knowledge of jungle survival techniques and familiarity with the local fruits. The Cessna 206 plane departed from Araracuara in the early hours of May 1, destined for the Colombian Amazonian hamlet of San Jose del Guaviare. The crash resulted in severe damage to the plane's nose, and soldiers found the remains of the three adults on board on May 16 near the vertically lodged wreckage in the dense jungle, but Lesly (13), Soleiny (9), Tien Noriel (4), and Cristin (0) were not found in there. The urgency to rescue the children was emphasized by their grandfather, who stated, "Yes, the children have been found, but I need a flight or a helicopter to go and get them urgently." The government has reported that the indigenous group performed traditional rituals, communing with the jungle and seeking the return of the missing children. Colombia Children, Mother Were Travelling to Start New Life with Their Father Magdalena Mucutuy and her children were en route to Bogota to start a new life alongside Magdalena's husband, Manuel Ranoque, The Independent noted. Previously residing in the Puerto Sabalo indigenous reserve, Ranoque has familial connections to a prominent local politician. The family's decision to leave their community stemmed from the alarming death threats they received from local gangs. Fearing for their safety, Ranoque embarked on a treacherous journey on foot, eventually reaching Bogota. Reports suggest that Ranoque worked diligently for approximately a month and a half to accumulate sufficient funds to cover the transportation costs for his family's transition from their rural town to the bustling Colombian metropolis. READ MORE: Colombia Wiretapping Scandal This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Clues suggest children survived Colombian jungle plane crash as officials race to find them - From CNN A random, online connection has blossomed into an international program reaching hundreds of kids around the world, thanks largely to the efforts of an Easton native. Michelle Zattoni ran cultural festivals for years in Allentown. She grew up in Easton but now lives in Bethlehem. Some African creations from the festival were featured on Instagram and caught the eye of a Nigerian schoolmaster in 2017. He invited Zattoni to come to his country. He needed help. She did some homework, thought it over and decided to go for it. Since that trip in 2019, Zattonis arts and cultural exchange program has reached more than 1,000 Nigerian children. During her visits overseas she helped set up a new school, laid the groundwork for another one and is arranging for online exchanges between kids from Nigeria and kids from Allentown. In recent years Zattoni, her collaborators and their nonprofit programs have cooperated to reach children in Kenya, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Zattoni said shes driven to help kids. Its what brought her back to Nigeria for a week in May. Zattoni, the former Easton Arts Academy school board president, made the recent trip with District Judge Linda Vega and actress/author Jacinth Headlam, who lives in Whitehall. Each of the women developed a program to reach troubled children through the arts. Theyre involved because each of them relied on the arts to overcome trouble in their lives. Vega has blazed trails as a Latina and LGBTQ community leader who was elected judge in 2022. Success didnt come easily for her. Vega was born in Bethlehem but spent a troubled childhood drifting around the Lehigh Valley, New York and Philadelphia. She dropped out of high school and was emancipated at 17. She found herself on the street in New York City at age 13, trying to figure out her purpose in life. She did not fit the expectations of her Latin community. She felt lost. She got inspired when she stumbled into a cafe with a woman onstage. The woman wasnt singing or playing music. She was talking. Vega later realized she was hearing spoken-word poetry. I dont know how to explain, Vega said. It just felt like home for a second. Thats when I knew what poetry was. Vega eventually got her GED and wrote her way out of life on the street. The arts saved my life, she said. Her nonprofit organization, Rilyc, was born more than 20 years ago through arts programs she hosted at her cafe. Now it brings art to children in Allentown and abroad. Zattoni piggybacked her cultural exchange program through Vegas Rilyc organization. Vega coined the term. The ri refers to Rican, her Puerto Rican heritage. Lyc is short for lyrics, or poetry. Vegas arts programs help children work through difficult emotions. They write poems. They create paint poetry. And they mime. Mime? Really? Everyone always laughs at first, Vega admits. District Judge Linda Vega, right, teaches children how to mime at the Clever Minds school in Nigeria through the International Cultural Exchange Program.Courtesy of Michelle Zattoni Sometimes acting out a scene helps children articulate feelings or troubles they cant or wont talk about. It brings them comfort, she said. The Nigerian children at the Clever Minds school loved it, Zattoni said. The school was founded by Zion Oshiobughie. His family had no means to support him so he was made a servant to a family at age 16. In exchange for his work, he received an education. That education freed him from poverty. It fueled his desire to help orphans and disadvantaged children to rise out of a Nigerian slum and make something of their lives. His school is free. The uniforms are free. Many children get their only meal of the day in his school, he said in a YouTube video. Art seems like a luxury for children living in shacks, but it helps them see their lives have value, Zattoni said. She brought lots of paper, crayons and supplies with her last month to Nigeria. A lot of those students hadnt seen the art supplies we had. They never heard of glitter glue, Zattoni said. Children at the Clever Minds school in Nigeria use art supplies brought from the Lehigh Valley to write books as part of the International Cultural Exchange Program.Courtesy of Michelle Zattoni Headlam worked with the children to build confidence through public speaking and modeling. They went from not wanting to walk in the fashion show to striking poses and blowing kisses, Zattoni said. They didnt want to walk in front of us. Now theyre walking in front of 300 people. Headlam came to the United States from Jamaica when she was 11. The transition was difficult. She tried acting but set it aside when she had her children and took a job in finance. Later in life, she realized she couldnt be happy unless the creative arts were the center of her life. I cant do 9 to 5, she said. I cant do a traditional job. Nothing else is fulfilling. Shes modeled for QVC and acted in shows aired in France, Canada and the Caribbean. She wrote a memoir about her experiences in 2019. The City of Allentown recognized her endeavors and her mentorship work with young people with Jacinth Headlam Appreciation Day in 2019. Zattoni said she struggled growing up on Eastons South Side as the child of an alcoholic father. She got into trouble and narrowly avoided prison. Along the way she learned how to vent her anger and frustration and use it to inspire change. Programs like the ones she organizes would have helped her avoid a lot of heartache and difficulty in her teen and young adult years, she said. I want to make sure it doesnt happen to anyone else, she said. Rilyc runs programs for children at Trexler and Raub middle schools in Allentown. Zattoni is seeking permission to modify the program so that children from Nigeria can send video messages to the Allentown kids, and the Allentown kids can reciprocate with their own video messages to Nigerians. The whole purpose of cultural exchange was so kids from different countries could interact with each other and understand each other on a different level, Zattoni said. Their lives and cultures are vastly different, and yet children in each country face their own struggles with racism, sexism, poverty and growing up. The program will give them a better understanding of what it means to be a global citizen and, hopefully, more empathy and self-esteem. Theyll have a better understanding of the world theyre going to step into when they graduate from school, Zattoni said. You can contribute to the International Culture Exchange Programs work in Nigeria on its GoFundMe page. District Judge Linda Vega, right, teaches children at the Clever Minds school in Nigeria through the International Cultural Exchange Program with NigeriaCourtesy of Michelle Zattoni Jacinth Headlam, left, works with children in Nigeria through the International Cultural Exchange Program.Courtesy of Michelle Zattoni Jacinth Headlam, in red; Michelle Zattoni, in black; and Linda Vega, wearing the RILYC shirt, went to Nigeria from May 15 to May 22, 2023, through the International Cultural Exchange Program.Courtesy of Michelle Zattoni Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. A man caught with 20 of cannabis was given a three month sentence at Portlaoise District Court. Vincent Wade, 47, with an address at 40 Beechlawn, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise admitted having the cannabis on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise on October 22, 2021. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant has a number of previous convictions including eight under the misuse of drugs act. He revealed one conviction had occurred the day before the latest offence. The day after he was convicted in Portlaoise District Court he was found with drugs on his person, Judge John OLeary noted. Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client has a certain reliance on cannabis and needs to take the orders of the court more seriously. Ms Fitzpatrick said her client was on a CE Scheme earning 247 per week. She said he is pleading at the earliest opportunity. Judge OLeary said the mans continued use is funding drugs gangs. He sentenced the man to three months in prison. I hope this is a wake up call, said Judge OLeary, who fixed recognisance in case of appeal. The defendant appealed the sentence later in the day. Laois is getting a small fraction of a new 2.7 million fund targeted at helping county councils support biodiversity projects around Ireland. A total of 188 projects have been approved across all 31 local authorities. Just five projects were approved for Laois County Council costing just over 83,000 or about 3% of the national pot made available. The money going to Laois and other counties was delivered the under the Governments Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF). Laois compares poorly with some neighbouring counties. Offaly, where Laois man Ricky Whelan is the Biodiversity officer, has the green light for 17 projects with more than 121,000. The biggest chunk of money being spent in Laois is 17,000 for the treatment of Himalayan Balsam an invasive species that prevents biodiversity. Offaly, where Green Minister Pippa Hackett is based, is also getting cash for a project on the Quagga Mussel in the Shannon. Carlow has also done well getting over 110,000 for 11 projects. The 83,035 for Laois biodiversity projects was confirmed during Biodiversity Week when the national funding was also announced. Training and awareness are the biggest areas of spending in Laois. The projects in Laois that have been approved for funding: Pollinator awareness radio ads 6,375 Biodiversity awareness on the Portlaoise Orbital Route 24,089 IAS treatment at Abbeyleix bog 10,071 Biodiversity enhancement at Laois Education Centre 34,000 Biodiversity training for Laois County Council staff, Heritage Forum & Laois Chamber 8,500 The money was welcomed by Laois Offaly TD and Minister of State Sean Fleming. "This is good news for local projects in Laois awarded funding under the LBAF. This fund supports communities to deliver on Irelands national objectives for nature. This ranges from projects on invasive species to habitat restoration, awareness-raising to surveys and monitoring work," he said. Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, expected funding to all counties would rise. "As more and more Biodiversity Officers join the ranks of our local authorities, I know that the benefits for nature and people that this Fund provides are only going to grow, he said. Projects approved this year include: 8 local authorities joining together to monitor the Quagga mussel invasive species in the Shannon 3 local authorities supporting The Shannon Dolphin Project, which is 30 years old this year (2023) making it one of the longest dolphin studies in Europe Habitat mapping in Cork Development of an Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Galway City Council Installation of closed predator-proof fences at five key breeding wader sites in County Donegal Hedgerow survey in Kilkenny Operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the scheme was first launched in 2018. Since then, a total of just over 6m has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF for projects that support actions in the 3rd National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). 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. WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trumps indictment on charges of mishandling classified documents is set to play out in a federal court in Florida. But about a thousand miles away, part of Trumps defense is well underway in a different venue the halls of Congress, where Republicans have been preparing for months to wage an aggressive counteroffensive against the Justice Department. The federal indictment against Trump, unsealed Friday, includes 37 counts, including allegations that the former president intentionally possessed classified documents, showed them off to visitors, willfully defied Justice Department demands to return them and made false statements to federal authorities about them. The evidence details Trump's own words and actions as recounted by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses. The Republican campaign to discredit federal prosecutors skims over the substance of those charges, which were brought by a grand jury in Florida. GOP lawmakers are instead working, as they have for several years, to foster a broader argument that law enforcement and President Joe Biden are conspiring against the former president and possible Republican nominee for president in 2024. Today is indeed a dark day for the United States of America, tweeted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, soon after Trump said on his social media platform Thursday night that an indictment was coming. McCarthy blamed Biden, who declined to comment on the case and said he is not involved in the Justice Departments decisions. McCarthy called it a grave injustice and said that House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable. Republican lawmakers in the House have already laid extensive groundwork for the effort to defend Trump since taking the majority in January. A near constant string of hearings featuring former FBI agents, Twitter executives and federal officials have sought to paint the narrative of a corrupt government using its powers against Trump and the right. A GOP-led House subcommittee on the weaponization of government is probing the Justice Department and other government agencies, while at the same time Republicans are investigating Bidens son Hunter Biden. Its a sad day for America, said Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the House Judiciary Committee chairman who is a leading Trump defender and ally, in a statement Thursday. God bless President Trump. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs was more strident. We have now reached a war phase, he tweeted. Eye for an eye. Democrats say the Republicans are trafficking in conspiracy theories, with potentially dangerous consequences. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both Democrats from New York, issued a joint statement Friday urging calm around the Trump case, saying everyone should let this case proceed peacefully in court. Republicans' recent rhetoric not only undermines the Department of Justice but betrays the essential principle of justice that no one is above the commands of law, not even a former President or a self-proclaimed billionaire, said Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. Key elements of the GOP strategy are to discredit the prosecutors and investigate the investigators a playbook that Republicans employed during Trumps presidency as his own Justice Department probed his connections to Russia, and also used in April when Trump was charged in a hush money investigation in New York. In the days leading to the New York indictment, House Republicans laid out a full-on campaign against Alvin Bragg, the Democratic district attorney in Manhattan who brought the case against the former president. Charging that the prosecution was pure politics, Jordan held a field hearing near Braggs New York offices to examine what they said were his pro-crime, anti-victim policies. Jordan is also the top Republican on the weaponization subcommittee. As special counsel Jack Smith was preparing this week to release the indictment, Trump's allies on Capitol Hill were working overtime to prepare the defense of the former president. Jordan issued a series of letters to the Justice Department, demanding documents related to his investigation into Trumps handling of classified records. Jordan cited the recent report by special counsel John Durham that found that the FBI rushed into its investigation of ties between Russia and Donald Trumps 2016 campaign and routinely ignored or rationalized evidence that undercut its premise. In the June 1 letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Jordan requested information about the ongoing investigation in order to ensure any ongoing investigations are not poisoned by this same politicization. Just as the indictment was unsealed on Friday, Jordan sent another letter to Garland, this time laying out testimony from a former FBI official who testified to the committee about the raid at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Jordan wrote that Steven DAntuono, a former assistant director at the FBIs Washington Field Office, told the committee the Justice Department was not following the same principles as previous raids. Defending Trump also has the potential to ease tensions among House Republicans as they face their own troubles on Capitol Hill, after a conservative-led revolt over the recent debt ceiling deal divided the party this week and halted most legislation from passing on the floor. But even if Republicans are able to shape public perception of the probes, there is one thing they cannot do control the outcome of Trump's trial. The former president is at great legal risk, no matter what the public believes, under two indictments and potentially more as prosecutors in Georgia and Washington investigate his actions leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection. Police are investigating a report that a woman was dragged by her hair from her car during a hijacking in Belfast. A young child was in the car during the incident in the Markets area of south Belfast on Friday. A man reportedly flagged down a woman driving a cream Renault Captur with a black roof on Stewart Street, indicating that she had an issue with her car. When the driver pulled over to check, she was dragged by her hair from the vehicle by the man. She and her child were ordered to get out of the car before the man drove off in the direction of the Ormeau Road. The car was found on fire a short time later at nearby Raphael Street. The man has been described as being about 5ft 6ins tall, of stocky build and was wearing a dark hooded top with the hood up, black trousers and white trainers. Detective Sergeant David Kitchen said it had been a terrifying experience for the woman and her passengers. We have been conducting inquiries in the area and would appeal to anyone with any information or who captured dash-cam footage which could be of assistance to our investigation to contact detectives in Musgrave on 101, quoting reference number 870 09/06/23, he said. A report can be submitted online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. Stormont health authorities have welcomed an Irish government plan to fund 250 student nursing and midwifery places in Northern Ireland universities. The one-year plan would address a shortfall in student places for the 2023/24 academic year resulting from the budgetary crisis north of the border. Senior civil servants at Stormont, who are currently running public services in Northern Ireland in the absence of devolution, are facing a funding black hole running into hundreds of millions of pounds this year. Stormonts Department of Health had cut 300 student nursing places for the coming academic year as part of a series of cost-cutting measures. The proposed intervention from Irish health minister Stephen Donnelly will address much of that shortfall. The plan reported by the Irish Times on Saturday would see a 10-million-euro investment creating 200 undergraduate places for Republic of Ireland students and 50 places for Northern Ireland students in the two main universities north of the border Queens and Ulster University. Commenting on the proposal, a spokeswoman for Stormonts Department of Health said: The Department of Health welcomes this planned one-year arrangement which will help maintain the current training infrastructure for pre-registration nurse training, ahead of an intended future increase in NI-funded places in the event of additional funding being available. A proportion of the nursing and midwifery training places being funded will be students from Northern Ireland. In addition, the NI health service will benefit from the fact students with ROI-funded nursing and midwifery training places in NI universities will do practical training here, making a vital contribution to care for patients. All those graduating from ROI-funded places will be free to take up employment in the NI health service if that is their preferred option. This planned one-year funding arrangement will be an important practical step in fostering future collaboration across the island of Ireland in the important area of healthcare training which will be to the mutual benefit of our healthcare systems. A statement from the Department of Health in Dublin said: Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, TD has made clear the imperative for Ireland to double our number of healthcare graduates, across all disciplines. We can confirm that the Department has been engaged in this regard with the third level sector, and all other stakeholders, across the island. As part of this work the Department of Health has come to an agreement with the Department of Health in Northern Ireland that will result in 200 nursing places this year for students from the Republic. This will support Northern Irelands objective of preserving their training capacity and is a sign of what can be achieved through all island cooperation. Sinn Fein MLA Linda Dillon also welcomed the reported development. Reports that the Irish Government is set to invest 10 million euro to fund 250 student nursing places in the north is a hugely positive development, she said. Savage Tory cuts have resulted in hundreds of student nursing places being axed at a time when our health service is facing chronic staff shortages. This vital cross-border funding would ensure that we can train hundreds of nurses and midwives and provide a welcome boost to our local universities who would benefit from extra student places. French Prosecutor Line Bonnet and Judicial Police Director Damien Delaby hold a press conference in Annecy on June 10, 2023 following a mass stabbing. JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK / AFP French judges on Saturday, June 10 handed preliminary charges of attempted murder to a man suspected of stabbing four young children and two adults in a French Alps park on Thursday, an attack that reverberated across France and beyond. The suspect is a 31-year-old Syrian refugee with permanent residency in Sweden. His name was not released. The lead prosecutor, Line Bonnet-Mathis, told a news conference Saturday that the man was presented to investigating judges in the lakeside town of Annecy on Saturday and given charges of attempted murder and armed resistance. He is in custody pending further investigation. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Annecy knife attack: When the children's laughter fell silent The prosecutor said the victims are no longer in life-threatening condition after Thursday's attack in and around a playground. The children, between 22 months and 3 years old, remain hospitalized. The six victims came from four different countries: France, Britain, the Netherlands and Portugal. The suspect, a 31-year-old Syrian political refugee with permanent residency status in Sweden, has a 3-year-old daughter and wife living in Sweden, the prosecutor said. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Annecy knife attack: Suspect Abdelmessih H. is a Christian Syrian refugee who arrived from Sweden He was examined by psychiatrists who deemed him fit to face charges, the prosecutor said. She said that the motive for the savage attack remained unclear, but it didnt appear to be terrorism-related. Witnesses said they heard the attacker mention his daughter, his wife and Jesus Christ, according to the prosecutor, who said he had Christian objects with him at the time of the attack. Police detained the suspect in the lakeside park in the town of Annecy after bystanders notably, a Catholic pilgrim who repeatedly swung at the attacker with his backpack sought to deter him. Read more Annecy knife attack: A time for emotion and for reason French President Emmanuel Macron visited the victims and their families, first responders and witnesses Friday. Macron said two young French cousins who were the most critically injured have stabilized, and doctors were "very confident." The wounded British girl "is awake, shes watching television," Macron added. A wounded Dutch girl also has improved and a critically injured adult who was both knifed and wounded by a shot that police fired as they detained the suspected attacker is regaining consciousness, Macron said. The seriously injured adult was treated in Annecy. Portugals foreign ministry said he is Portuguese and "now out of danger." He was wounded "trying to stop the attacker from fleeing from the police," it said. The second injured adult was discharged from a hospital, his left elbow bandaged. The pilgrim, Henri, a 24-year-old who is on a nine-month walking and hitchhiking tour of France's cathedrals, said hed been setting off to another abbey when the horror unfolded in front of him. The attacker slashed at him, but Henri held his ground and used a weighty backpack he was carrying to swing at the assailant. Henris father said his son "told me that the Syrian was incoherent, saying lots of strange things in different languages, invoking his father, his mother, all the Gods." Read more Annecy knife attack: Three questions on asylum and the freedom of travel in Europe The suspects profile fueled renewed criticism from far-right and conservative politicians about French migration policies. But authorities noted that the suspect entered France legally because he has permanent residency status in Sweden. Sweden and France are both members of the EU and Europes border-free travel zone. He applied for asylum in France last year and was refused a few days before the attack, on the grounds that he had already won asylum in Sweden in 2013, the French interior minister said. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes French right and far right jostle for political advantage following knife attack in Annecy THE GOVERNMENT has dedicated funding to clear the infestation of Giant Hogweed along the River Loobagh that flows through Kilmallock. The funding is part of a larger scheme for biodiversity projects around the country with over 55,000 for Limerick. A total of six projects in Limerick will receive funding, the Giant Hogweed clearance on the River Loobagh received the most funding with 15,683. Giant Hogweed is an invasive, fast spreading species. It is a health hazard due to the severe burns the plant sap causes when combined with UV sunlight. Other projects which benefitted from the funding include: 15,500 for a County Limerick Hedgerow Survey, 9,500 to Celebrate 30 Years of Knowledge of the Shannon Dolphins, 8,691 for Barn Owl Conservation, 4,119 for the River Shannon Quagga Mussel project, 2,304 for a Barn Owl Booklet. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund was first launched in 2018. Since then, a total of just over 6 million has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF for projects that support actions in the 3rd National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). This years grants will build on that investment. Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD was delighted to announce the funding. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund is an enormously impactful scheme that supports local authorities and communities to deliver on Irelands national objectives for nature, from invasive species to habitat restoration to awareness-raising to surveys and monitoring work. As more and more biodiversity officers join the ranks of our local authorities, I know that the benefits for nature and people that this fund provides are only going to grow," he said. A total of 188 projects have been approved across all local authorities, covering a range of biodiversity-related activities, including invasive alien species control, dune restoration, wetland surveys and biodiversity awareness and training. The Maigue Rivers Trust have previously conducted Giant Hogweed clearing measures. The invasive species thrives in the Irish climate and can be found along many river banks in Ireland. It can be spotted along the areas of the River Shannon and Maigue. For more green' news from Limerick make sure to log see the ecolive section of our website. DEBATING your way to the top is what one Limerick native has done, as he won the International Toastmasters competition which took place in the UK. Mark Quinn, Limerick native and member of the Thomond Toastmasters club, the only Limerick-based club of its kind, claimed first place at the international humorous speech competition, with his speech Whats Love Got To Do With It? in Liverpool. The competition is held annually between some 200 toastmasters clubs located in Ireland and the UK. Marks speech was judged to be the best from the six finalists from both countries. Describing his win as an enormous shock, Mark explained how it felt to win on a world stage: The competition in the final group was very, very strong. I was sat in the audience watching all of the other finalists speeches and honestly, any one of them could have won. When I heard my name come out as first, I couldnt even stand at first as I didnt realise it was my name that they were calling out! To win, Mark had to navigate through club, district and divisional competitions, eventually arriving at the international finals in Liverpool. Mark, who currently lives in London but is originally from the Castletroy area, often travels home to attend club meetings, if not attending on Zoom. A member of the Thomond Toastmasters club since 2020, Mark attends the fortnightly club meetings in the Castletroy Park Hotel on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month, which he often flies home to do. Explaining his reasons for returning to Limerick to join a toastmasters club rather than staying put in London, which would seem more convenient, Mark said: I wanted to learn how to say more, with less. I joined a club very near to my house in London and was with them for about six months, but ultimately, found it too formal. Thomond Toastmasters felt a lot more friendly, supportive and had a warmer environment - public speaking is not actually that difficult, but it is nerve racking. Working as a service sales rep for a software service company, Mark is often required to present to audiences of one person to as many as 25 at a time. He therefore finds the practice of public speaking with toastmasters a definite help, in a professional capacity. Mark concluded by saying that it isn't that people struggle with what to say, but rather how to say it: People aren't short on opinions - it is expressing them that catches people. IF LIMERICK win, lose or draw against Clare in the Munster final on Sunday the players are still guaranteed a rapturous reception. Supporters will climb over advertising boards and rush to be in the presence of greatness. They will politely ask for selfies and hats, hurleys and jerseys to be signed by their heroes. Surely all they want is to get into the dressing room, put a cold towel over their heads and savour a sweet victory or come to terms with a bitter defeat. But unlike a recently highlighted English premiership club, Limerick hurlers never have enough time for their fans. The expression on the face of 20-year-old Sarah Bennis, from Corbally, with Gearoid Hegarty after the Cork match encapsulates it. Sarah, who has Down Syndrome, is in awe as the giant half forward bends down to give her a hug. Her aunty Jean Knight said Sarah, daughter of Niall Bennis and Jane Kinnane, is mad about Gearoid. She knows him from St Patricks GAA Club. He has been very good to her down through the years. She has been going to the club with my brother Niall Bennis for years. She was over the moon to meet him. I just think it captures so much, said Jean, of Castleconnell. Sarah said to her favourite player, Well done Gearoid, up Limerick! We needed that one, he replied. While Sarah was chatting with Gearoid, Jeans daughter Lucy and her friend (Ava Salmon) were meeting Kyle Hayes. He signed their bucket hats. They were thrilled. All the team stayed ages on the pitch, said Jean. Lucy and Ava couldnt wait to go to Castleconnell NS to show their Tipperary principal Richie Ryan their signed Limerick hats! Meeting Gearoid capped off a memorable few days for Sarah as four days earlier she was one of the bridesmaids at her aunty Marys wedding to Aaron McNeill, from Antrim. The couple flew home from Australia to get married in the Lakeside Hotel in Ballina. It was cancelled three years ago due to Covid. It was an amazing few days. Sarah was the most beautiful bridesmaid and gave a speech. There wasnt a dry eye in the house. Mary and Aaron and three of their friends from Australia came to the Cork match. They loved it! said Jean, who like everybody else is on the look-out for Munster final tickets to bring Sarah. A HOSPITAL businessman has outlined the challenges he faces when asked to transport items over long distances. Jimmy O'Neill, who runs O'Neill's Heavy Haulage in south Limerick, has revealed how he has to take detours miles out of his way in order to safely deliver some of the most challenging cargo around the country - and further afield. On top of this, the haulier has to secure permits from the local authority of every county his drivers travel through, as well as pay for a garda escort - which requires seven days notice. O'Neill's transport a whole number of items, including windmills and temperature-controlled dairy produce in large stainless-steel vessels. These measure 25 metres by 4.8 metres in size meaning getting around is a huge challenge. It means the vehicles have just inches of leeway as the tanks scrape perilously close to the maximum bridge height of five metres. In the last fortnight, staff of O'Neill's Heavy Haulage transferred items to Waterford Port, having taken delivery of them from Charleville, where the cylinder vessels were made. Rather than travelling west along the N24, his vehicle specifications meant a diversion was planned. Mr O'Neill said while it would be possible to do this, the truck drivers would need to manually steer around each roundabout, as well as taking the signs down at each of these roundabouts in order to drive over the grass verge. So its easier for us to go from Charleville to Limerick up the motorway to Naas, come back down the M7 south and transfer to the M9 motorway. There's no roundabouts - it's just one motorway up and one motorway down, he explained. What would make life easier for haulage companies like his, Mr ONeill said, would be a national permit to travel, rather than having to approach several different local authorities. We need to apply for separate permits with each council for each day, each week. They all cost 200. You must factor that into the price. Mr O'Neill employs 10 people in the haulage firm, and another five in the shop and pub he runs in Hospital village. A LOCAL TD has put rumours in relation to his health to rest after spending over a week in a Limerick hospital. Deputy Richard ODonoghue had quite a scare after suffering a TIA - also referred to as a mini-stroke - which he has described as a "wake-up call". The Independent TD who represents County Limerick was hospitalised in University Hospital Limerick for eight days and returned home just before the weekend. He says he will be back to a 100% in a couple of weeks. Somebody said to me that you should never travel faster than your guardian angel. And my family and friends have been telling me to slow down," Mr O'Donoghue told Limerick Live this Saturday. "I do believe it was brought on from workload and exhaustion, and trying to help as many people as we can. But I can't help anyone unless I actually look after myself. So, for the next couple of weeks, I'm going to take a bit of a time-out. The father-of-four and grandfather to two grandchildren added: They got a big shock when it happened because theyre not used to seeing me under pressure or going down. I feel good now, Im glad to be home. Theres no fear in me, and I have the medication now to make sure I am fine. Earlier this Saturday, the TD who lives in Granagh - Ballingarry posted a message on social media in a bid to dispel some rumours which were circulating in relation to his health. I got messages today, and we had to put up a clarification on social media because of the amount of calls we were getting from people asking us if we were OK, he told Limerick Live. After going to see his doctor in Adare, Mr ODonoghue was sent to a medical assessment unit in Ennis, where he was told they didnt have the equipment to assess his symptoms. He was then sent to the ED in UHL, which was absolutely choc-a-bloc. When I got there, I was seen by a nurse after about two and a half hours, and they told me that they wanted a consultant that was on, to see me, but they couldn't tell me how long it'd be. And at 11 that night, the ED doctor saw me and said he wanted me to be admitted, but he had no trolley or bed to put me in. He noticed the staff were under pressure as there were people and trolleys everywhere". After waiting on a chair for 13 hours, he was seen by a doctor. Mr ODonoghue pointed out: No fault of the doctors or the medics that were there, what they were dealing with that night was absolutely unreal. I think they had me down as a tier three and there were a lot of people before me, so they were working around the clock. While he rests for a couple of weeks, hes going to take time to relax that includes watching this Sundays Munster final on the TV. My wife said youre not allowed to go this Sunday, you can watch it at home with me. So my two sons are going to take my tickets. I would be confident that Limerick will pull it off, I do believe they'll pull it off by a couple of points. News / Local by Staff reporter The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on Friday sought to calm a run on banks, insisting that depositors' funds were safe.Thousands of panicky Zimbabweans lined up in bank queues to withdraw their United States dollar balances, fearing a new banking and currency crisis."The RBZ wishes to advise and reassure the public that there is sufficient foreign exchange in the market to satisfy all needs and demands of banks' customers," governor John Mangudya said in a statement."The foreign exchange liquidity of banks stands at 60 percent in both cash and balances held with foreign corresponding banks."Panic was spread by messages circulated on social media, purportedly from BancABC and FBC bank setting new withdrawal limits from foreign currency accounts (Nostro) and also purportedly stopping transfers to credit cards if the money was not banked as cash, or did not come through a telegraphic transfer.The measures would have particularly hit civil servants, whose salaries have a foreign currency component paid by the government.The crisis came as the Zimbabwe dollar's value tanked.Said Mangudya: "Statements allegedly made by certain banks purporting that funds held in foreign currency accounts are not foreign exchange and that the said banks were deactivating international debit and credit cards such as MasterCard should be disregarded."Former finance minister Tendai Biti, now deputy leader of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change, said: "In 2016, the regime introduced a fiat currency the Bond Note, after it had nearly exhausted genuine United States dollar balances held by banks through an expansionary fiscal policy."They have been at it again in the past 18 months, gnawing at genuine United States dollar balances. The system is now shacky once more."The official exchange rate showed the Zimbabwe dollar sliding to 3,673 to the United States dollar on Tuesday, with the parallel market rate reaching up to 7,000."Zimbabwe is now at that precipice where the exchange rate is now in the self-fulfilling freefall zone that we saw in 2008. Sadly, the regime doesn't panic and they don't care. The regime must accept failure. It must apologise to Zimbabwe and accept that the de-dollarisation experiment was a total disaster." Did you know the legendary origin of the phrase "chancing your arm" came from Dublin in 1492. A fascinating social media thread from Buchanan: Dublin Time Machine outlines the origins of the saying. Just as the phrase 'beyond the Pale' has its origins in Irish history, so too does the phrase 'chancing your arm' The story goes that the Butlers of Ormonde and the FitzGeralds of Kildare were involved in a violent land feud at that time. The Butlers retreated to the sanctuary of St Patrick's Cathedral, with the FitzGeralds in hot pursuit. Youtube video: St Patrick's Cathedral A standoff took place, with the Fitzgeralds refusing to leave until the Butlers surrendered. However, the Butlers feared they'd be massacred by their sworn enemies if they left the sanctuary. To break the stalemate, Gerald came up with a genius idea. To show his sincerity to let the Butlers surrender peacefully, Gerald Fitzgerald cut a hole in the chapterhouse door and put his empty sword arm through, as a gesture of peace. The Butlers recognised the honour of the act of Fitzgerald "chancing his arm". A standoff took place, the Fitzgeralds refusing to leave till the Butlers surrendered. However, the Butlers feared they'd be massacred by their sworn enemies if they left the sanctuary. To break the stalemate, Gerald came up with a genius idea. pic.twitter.com/fBW8xN9pJJ Buchanan: Dublin Time Machine (@RobLooseCannon) June 1, 2023 Their leader shook Fitzgerald's hand. Both families left the cathedral in peace and in one piece! The 'Door of Reconciliation' is still on display in St Patrick's Cathedrals north transept to this day. For a smooth and successful launch of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in late 2023, Ola Electric will organise its investor meeting next week. The Indian e-scooter maker will hold talks with investors in Singapore and the USA for its up to $1 billion IPO, reported Reuters citing sources. The company is expected to file its regulatory papers on the IPO for approval by August, according to the news agency. Ola is planning to raise between $600 million and $1 billion in its initial public offering (IPO) planned for late 2023, reported Reuters. The company is backed by foreign investors like SoftBank and Temasek. Over the next two weeks, Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal will travel to Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom to meet its investors and explain to them the business potential of India's nascent EV market. During the trip, Bhavish Aggarwal will meet investors like BlackRosk, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, and mutual funds such as T Rowe Price, the first source told Reuters. "EVs are still an emerging space and while there are some global parallels, it is an even newer story in India. So Bhavish wants to take the extra time to create comfort for investors," a first source told Reuters. Recently, the company has also appointed Bank of America as one of its lead managers on the IPO. Other than BoA, Goldman Sachs, Citi, and local Kotak Banks, Axis, and ICICI Securities, will also be responsible for the smooth execution and management of its IPO plans. Bank of America also didn't provide any official comments on Ola IPO plans. As of now, there has been no official comment from Ola Electric on its planned investor meetings. In the nascent but promising India EV sector, Ola is planning to become the market leader with its IPO. The company claims of selling around 30,000 a month, priced around $1,600 each. The investor meeting will help the company in gaining investor confidence and help the company achieve its growth prospects and valuation, which is expected to be more than $5 billion, the sources said. The ever-growing E-scooter maker is currently competing with bigger companies like TVS Motors, Ather Energy, and Hero Electric. Nearly all these companies are established names in the petrol-diesel segment of automobiles. ITR filing: Last date for income tax return (ITR) filing for the financial year 2022-23 or for the assessment year 2023-24 is 31st July 2023. But, ahead of ITR filing, there seems big confusion among some earning individuals who don't have any tax liability. Such earning individuals believe that they don't have any income tax liability and hence they don't need to file ITR. The confusion seems to have creeped among senior citizens as well because they believe that they have received an interest income after deduction of tax at source. But, this is incorrect. According to tax and investment experts, if an earning individual has an annual income below threshold limit and TDS has been deducted from their paymaster, then in that case they need to file ITR and get their money through ITR refund. Similarly, if a person has annual income below the threshold limit but he or she has invested in mutual funds, equities, bank fixed deposits, etc., then net income of the person would include income from all sources and if it exceeds threshold limit, then in that case the earning individual needs to file income tax return. Income tax return filing for salaried individuals Advising earning individuals to calculate all sources of income, Mumbai-based tax expert Balwant Jain said, "It may happen that due to various deductions and rebates, you may not have any tax liability but you may still have to file your ITR if the sum of all taxable income exceeds the threshold prescribed. For example, if your income is below 5 lakhs and does not include any long-term capital gains on listed shares and equity funds. due to rebates available under section 87A, you will not have any tax liability but have to still file an ITR." Balwant Jain went on to add that the income to be considered for this purpose is the income before various deductions available under Chapter VIA, which comprises mainly Section 80C, 80 CCD, 80D, 80 G, 80TTA, 80 TTB etc. These deductions relate mainly to life insurance premiums and health insurance premiums, contributions towards EPF, PPF, and NPS accounts, interest from banks, tuition fees for children, repayment of home loans etc. While arriving at the amount of taxable income you have to include certain exempt incomes like, exemption from long-term capital gains under Section 54, 54EC, 54F, etc. "The threshold of basic exemption is 2.50 lakhs for those below 60 years. It is 3 lakhs and 5 lakhs respectively for those resident individuals between 60 and 80 and those over 80 years. It may happen that due to various deductions and rebates, you may not have any tax liability but you may still have to file your ITR if the sum of all taxable income exceeds the threshold prescribed," Balwant Jain said. The threshold of basic exemption is 2.50 lakhs for those below 60 years. It is 3 lakhs and 5 lakhs respectively for those resident individuals between 60 and 80 and those over 80 years. ITR filing for bank depositors On income tax rules for bank depositors, SEBI registered tax and investment expert Jitendra Solanki said, "If a person has deposited 1 crore or more in one's current account or 50 lakh or more in one's savings account in single financial year, then the bank depositor needs to file ITR even when he or she has not income tax liability. Similarly, if tax deducted on your income exceeds 25,000 in single financial year, then you need to file ITR for that financial year. In case you are a senior citizen, then tax deduction limit is 50,000." However, Jitendra Solanki advised both Senior Citizens and individuals below 60 years of age to file ITR if there is TDS deduction on their bank interest income or any other source of income. Ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy, high waves were witnessed at the Tithal Beach of Valsad city in Gujarat. cahead of Cyclone Biparjoy. As a precautionary measure, the Valsad administration has closed the Tithal Beach for tourists till 14 June. While speaking to ANI, Valsad Tehsildar, TC Patel said, We have warned fishermen not to go into the sea and they all have come back. In Dariya Kanthan village, people will be shifted if needed and shelters have been arranged for them. We have closed Tithal Beach for tourists till June 14." Apart from Valsad, the district administration in Navsar has also restricted people from going on the beach. According to IMD, the cyclone is likely to intensify more in the next 24 hours. As per IMD, the 'very severe' cyclonic storm Biparjoy is expected to intensify further in the next twenty-four hours and will move north-northeastwards." Also Read: Biparjoy Cyclone News LIVE: "Very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy at 2330 hrs IST of 9th June over east-central Arabian Sea near lat 16.0N & long 67.4E. Likely to intensify further & move north-northeastwards during the next 24hrs," IMD said in a tweet. Meanwhile, as cyclone 'Biparjoy' headed northwards and remained centred about 900 km south-southwest of Gujarat's coastal Porbandar district, fishermen have also been asked to return to the coast from deep sea areas and ports instructed to hoist Distant Warning signal (DW II), officials told PTI on Thursday. Also Read: Cyclone Biparjoy: 'Very severe' storm to further intensify. IMD issues heavy rain alert in THESE states today "Due to the cyclone, the wind speed may go up to 45 to 55 knots on June 10, 11 and 12. The speed may also touch the 65-knot mark. The cyclone would bring light rains and thunderstorms in coastal regions, including south Gujarat and Saurashtra. All ports have been asked to hoist Distant Warning signal," said Director of IMD's Meteorological Centre in Ahmedabad, Manorama Mohanty. In accordance with international procedure, ports are advised to hoist "signals" whenever adverse weather is expected over them in oceanic areas. The district collectors of the coastal region are geared up to face any eventuality in the coming days. Jamnagar collector BA Shah said nearly 76,000 people reside in 22 villages situated on the coastline of the district and elaborate plans are in place to shift them to safer places if need arises. "In view of the formation of a cyclone in the Arabian Sea, all district as well as taluka officials have been asked to remain stationed at their headquarters until further orders. Fishermen registered in the district have already returned to the coast. If need arises, we will shift 76,000 people living near the coast to safer places," said Shah. Amreli collector Ajay Dahiya said the district administration, if required, will work closely with the Coast Guard to prevent loss of lives. "A district-level disaster control room has been activated. Officials of two coastal talukas - Rajula and Jafrabad - have been instructed to stay alert. Fishermen have been asked to return to shore as wind speed may reach up to 160 km per hour in the sea on June 11 and 12. In case of an emergency, we will work closely with the Coast Guard to save human lives," Dahiya said. (With inputs from agencies) Days after recovering Pakistani drone carrying narcotics in Punjab, Border Security Forces (BSF) troops disabled another attempt of drug smuggling from Pakistan to India on Saturday. The BSF troop shot down a drone carrying suspected narcotics from Pakistan along the International Border near Rai village in Amritsar, Punjab. Earlier, a Pakistani drone carrying along the International Border near Rai village was recovered by the forces on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. The Punjab Frontier's PRO, said that they are suspecting the smuggled item to be heroin due to its gross weight of approx 5.5 kg. "On June 10, at around 4 am BSF troops deployed at the border reported an Indian space violation by a drone coming from the Pakistan side. Troops also heard the sound of something having fallen in a farming field in depth area near the Rai village in Amritsar. As per the laid down drill, BSF troops immediately reacted, " the PRO added. In the earlier incident, the BSF troop found the suspected material during their subsequent search of the area. Soldiers found one large packet, wrapped in a yellow colour adhesive tape frpm the farming field on the outskirts of Village Rai. The tape was attached with a hook. On the opening of the big basket, a total of five packets of heroin of 5.5 kg weight were recovered. All of them were wrapped with yellow clour adhesive tape. The BSF troops were able to track down and the smuggled contraband items due to their alertness. This time, the BSF team was also joined by the police force during their search operations. The item recovered this time was looked similar to heroin recovered days ago by the BSF feam from field. The packet was wrapped in a yellow coloured adhesive tape was also recovered from the farming field on the outskirts of the Reasr Kakkar village in Amritsar. The packet was also attached with a green colour nylon rope and a hook. (With inputs from ANI) In the ongoing controversy over the social media posts regarding Aurangeb and Tipu Sultan in Maharashtra, the Union Minister Giriraj Singh has called Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, as 'Sapoot (son) of India. "The assassin of Mahatma Gandhi was not an invader like Mughal rulers Babar and Aurangzeb as he was born in India," the Union Minister said on Friday. He made the controversial statement while replying to the query about a statement of AIMIM chief Asadudddin Owaisi, who had asked question related to Godse in reaction to Maharashra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' comment on Aurangzeb. Criticising those who were supporting Aurangeb, the said that individuals who take pride in being called the descendants of Babur cannot be considered true sons of India. On the other hand, the Maharashtra Police has registered an FIR against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande and eight other under Maharashtra Police Act 37, 135 for burning an effigy of Aurangzeb post Kolhapur violence. Til Wednesday, curfew was imposed in Kolhapur after the violent clashes erupted between two groups. To control the situation, police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has crticised those who were supporting the erstwhile Mugal emperor. "Suddenly, in some districts of Maharashtra, sons of Aurangzeb took birth. They keep the status of Aurangzeb and show their posters. Because of this, there are tensions. Questions arise, where do these sons of Aurangzeb come from? Who are behind this? We will find this out," said Fadnavis while talking to ANI in Nagpur. Giriraj Singh, who is no unknown name in such controversies, accused Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel of "damaging the federal structure of the state". In his statement, Giriraj Singh accused the Chhattisgarh government of encouraging conversion in the state. He also demanded the implementation of a strict law in this regard, and ensured people that his government will bring a similar law. He also accused the Baghel government of spreading terror and forcing people for conversion. (With inputs from ANI) Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal slammed Union minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department Giriraj Singh on his remark on Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, whom Singh called as "sapoot" of the country. While speaking to ANI, Sibal said, Was Godse a good son according to Giriraj Singh?...RSS offered help to Britishers, how can they acknowledge Mahatma Gandhi? So this mindset is against principles of Mahatma Gandhi" "What is the meaning of sapoot? Poot means 'son'. Sapoot means 'good son'. The constitution of India has also a responsibility towards the cabinet. That means Grirajji is speaking on behalf of the Government," he added. On Friday, Union Minister Giriraj Singh dubbed Godse as 'Sapoot' (son) of this country. He said, The assassin of Mahatma Gandhi was not an invader like Mughal rulers Babar and Aurangzeb as he was born in India." His response came to the query about a statement of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi related to Godse while reacting to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's comment on Aurangzeb. He further said that individuals who take pride in being called the descendants of Babur cannot be considered true sons of India. Apart from Sibal, leaders of other parties has also slammed Giriraj Singh's remark. JDU leader Neeraj Kumar said that if a person like Godse pretends to be the son of Mother India, then dacoits like Chambal, Dawood, Veerappan and Mallya are also sons of Mother India. He said, Godse, Veerappan, Dawood and Mallya are close aides of the BJP. Aurangzeb, Shahjahan & Akbar were born on this soil only. BJP must read history & must not distort it," he added. TMC MP Saugata Roy has also reacted to Singh's statement. He said that Singh has made a communal statement and that he said he totally rejects it. My reaction is total rejection of what Giriraj Singh said. He has made a communal statement, he has praised a person who killed the father of the nation. 'Babar ki Aulad' is a term used by communal people...we reject it. He called Mughal emperors as the people against India," he said as quoted by ANI. Meanwhile, on 9 June, former Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat termed Godse a patriot while mocking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for merely sharing the surname with the father of the nation. "Gandhi ji was killed, that is a different issue. But as far as I have understood and read Godse, he too was a patriot. We do not agree with the killing of Gandhi ji," the BJP leader told reporters in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia. Congress leader Vaibhav Walia said Rawat's remarks were not just an insult to the father of the nation but also an insult to the country. "The eulogising of Godse must stop and to give a message for this Rawat must be shown the door by the BJP," said Walia, secretary in All India Congress Committee's Communications Department. "If you (Modi) don't remove him from the party then it means what he has said has tacit consent from you," the Congress leader from Uttarakhand said. In a deeply moving incident, a son has undertaken the construction of a memorial house shaped like the Taj Mahal, with a staggering cost of 5 crores, for his mother in Ammaiyappan near Tiruvarur. This heart warming gesture comes in the backdrop of a society where elderly parents often find themselves neglected and placed in old age homes due to the self-centeredness of their own children. Abdul Qader Jailani Biwi, a resident of Ammaiyappan in Tiruvarur district, was a hardware store owner in Chennai and a parent to four daughters and a son. When Abdul Qader passed away, his son Amruddin Sheikh Dawood was merely eleven years old. From that point on, Jailani Biwi single-handedly managed the shop while raising her children, showcasing immense strength and dedication. Amruddin Sheikh Dawood, having completed his BA degree, runs a successful business in Chennai. Thus, when Jailani Biwi passed away, Amruddin decided to construct a memorial house as a tribute to his beloved mother. The construction of this Taj Mahal-inspired memorial house involved sourcing marble from Rajasthan and bringing in skilled workers from the same region. Over the course of two years, the laborers, along with the local workforce, painstakingly built the memorial house, which was unveiled to the public on June 2. People from all religions are welcome to visit and pay their respects. Additionally, a madrasa school operates within the premises, currently accommodating ten students. In a poignant gesture, Amruddin Sheikh Dawood personally cooks biryani and distributes it to a thousand individuals on every Amavasya, Jailani Bivi passed away the day after Amavasi. This Taj Mahal-shaped memorial house attracts hundreds of visitors daily. While the Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife is recognized as one of the wonders of the world, it would not be an overstatement to consider the Taj Mahal constructed by Amruddin as the eighth wonder of the worlda testament to a son's love for his mother. ( With inputs from HT Tamil) The Government of Canada has decided to hold the deportation of the Indian students who have been accused of allegedly submitting fraudulent documents. Meanwhile sources have been quoted as saying that the number of students who are trapped in immigration fraud in Canada and facing deportation cases is much less than 700. India has also taken up the matter with the Canadian authorities. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar took up the matter with his Canadian counterpart and the authorities have been urged to be fair and take a humanitarian approach since the students are not at fault", sources said. Some Indian students who had gone to Canada during 2017-2019 have been threatened with deportation for allegedly submitting fraudulent admission letters. The actual number is much less than the 700 which is being reported in the media. After completing their studies, some of the students obtained work permits, while others continue to study in Canada," sources were quoted as saying by ANI They have said that PM Justin Trudeau has also acknowledged the need for a fair treatment of the students. India has been taking up the matter with Canadian authorities, in Canada and in New Delhi. EAM also took up with matter with his Canadian counterpart. Secretary (East), MEA raised it during his visit to Canada in April this year. Indian Consulate in Toronto, where most of the students are based, have met many of them." Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the need for fair treatment of the students," sources said, adding, Canadian authorities were repeatedly urged to be fair and take a humanitarian approach since the students were not at fault." It was also pointed out that there were gaps in the Canadian system and a lack of diligence, owing to which the students were granted visas and also allowed to enter Canada. Some students have recently received stay orders on their deportation notices," sources said. Meanwhile, Canada has put on hold the deportation of Indian students. Dan Rather Remembers the 'Toughest' Goodbyes to His Children and Wife: 'You May Not Come Back' (Exclusive) Dan Rather Remembers the 'Toughest' Goodbyes to His Children and Wife: 'You May Not Come Back' (Exclusive) During more than seven decades in news, Rather has traveled to Vietnam, Afghanistan and beyond but even today, at 91 years old, he gets choked up recalling the conversations they had before he left Jeremy Liebman Dan Rather was beamed into American homes night after night during his years as a TV news correspondent and anchor but the work that he did often took him away from his own home. The legendary broadcaster and subject of the documentary Rather, premiering this weekend at the Tribeca Festival, reflects in this week's issue of PEOPLE on the lessons he learned and sacrifices he had to make during his career and how his wife Jean, now 87, "was absolutely committed" to supporting him along the way. Rather tells the story of how the newsman's mission took him from Ku Klux Klan rallies in the '60s to Kabul in the early 2000s, with tours of Vietnam, Pakistan and Washington, D.C. between. But at its core, the 91-year-old says the documentary "is the story of a child, a boy, dreaming against what appeared to be all odds ... [of] being a big-time, world-class, world-level war correspondent, foreign correspondent, White House correspondent. And being in the line of succession to the great Edward R. Murrow and the great Walter Cronkite at CBS News." Growing up in Depression-era Texas, confronted by a years-long bout of rheumatic fever, Rather notes that, "for a long time, it seemed an impossible dream but lo and behold, as it turned out, I was mighty lucky and mighty blessed, helped by a lot of people and I wound up being at the right place at the right time in many instances." Related: Dan Rather's 'What Unites Us' Explores Patriotism as 'a Common Purpose' CBS via Getty Images As it were, chasing his dream and the biggest stories of the day across more than seven decades often plunged Rather into the nightmare of war. Acknowledging that his career did often "really put a strain on family life," Rather shares, "The first year I was with CBS News, I was home 41 days out of the year. Forty-one days out of the year. Very hard to hold a marriage and a family together then." He credits the "fighting heart" of his wife, "Jeannie Grace Goebel [who] was absolutely committed: 'Whatever it takes, we're going to make it work.' And maybe the saving grace was ... [that] when I was home, I tried to hit the off switch. I tried to make every hour count with my children, Robin, my eldest, and Dan, my youngest. They grew up with it. And again, all credit to Jean to whom I've been married for 66 years now." Dan Rather According to Rather, "The toughest times, besides [when I was covering] Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights era when I was away from home all those days, was going to Vietnam where Jean not to be overly dramatic about it but she knew I might not come back. We both knew that. When I started, I was only going to go for a fairly short time. But the war was exploding. It was expanding. So you don't leave a story like that." Related: 94-Year-Old Mom Recounts the Loss of Her Son During the Vietnam War in Ken Burns Documentary: 'It's Still So Difficult' Once the seemingly endless siege of Vietnam had ceased, the next global hot spot flared up. "Maybe the roughest [assignment] was when after the Russians invaded Afghanistan in 1980," says Rather. "This was the first really big Afghanistan story. After 9/11, Afghanistan became a different story. But in 1980, the Russians invaded, and we had a plan for me to lead a small group into Afghanistan. We had been told we probably couldn't get in, but if we did get in, we'd never get out alive." He recalls, "Jean and I had a real heart-to-heart talk about it. And my oldest child, my daughter, took me aside and said, 'Dad, you've been through a lot, but we have a bad feeling about this one. We think if you go, you may not come back.'" Choking up at the memory, he continues, "In terms of leaving, that was probably the toughest leave that I made." CBS via Getty Images Related: 'The Russians Will Die Here,' Vows a Young Commander of the Resistance in Afghanistan During his time in Afghanistan, Rather admits he "worried a lot. But rightly or wrongly, I've had a sense that journalism good journalism, journalism done right matters. It's important. I thought the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in late 1979, going into 1980, was one of the big stories of my time. And any journalist worthy of the name wants to be on the big story. Journalists have a dual prayer, their first prayer is, 'God give me the great story.' And then you say, being greedy, 'And by the way, God, if you give me the great story, please help me be at or near my best.'" "And in the end," he adds, "even Jean said, 'I never want you to walk away from a big story.'" After more than two weeks on dangerous ground, "through a lot of luck and God's grace, we managed to get out alive. But to this day, I realized how lucky I was and how blessed I was to be able to do that." Looking back, he realizes, "It certainly is among the most vivid memories of our family life." Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images Though Rather's medium has changed over time in the last decade, he's become a bona fide social media influencer with 2.6 million Twitter followers his mission to tell the big story has not wavered. "Since leaving CBS News [in 2006], I've tried to continue doing that." Only now his global reach doesn't require plane travel. He expresses his deep respect for those reporters following in his (and so many others') footsteps onto hostile terrain. "The news business has changed," he tells PEOPLE, "but most people in news have not really changed where it counts. They want to do the right thing. I see correspondents from all around the world, many of them from our beloved United States of America, putting their lives on the line in war zones all over the world now Ukraine being one place." He continues, "Time and again, they did what some of us did in Vietnam, and that is go where the work is, go where the fighting is, go where it's dangerous in order to bear witness to what's going on." Related: Dan Rather Recalls How a Scary Home Invasion He Believes Was Connected to Watergate 'Changed My Perspective' (Exclusive) Jeremy Liebman And even after bearing witness for more than 72 years, Rather exudes the same passion he did as a boy who dreamed of being a "big-time, world-class" war correspondent. Only now he has the wisdom of experience. "One of the great things about being a journalist, one of the joys of being a journalist is that you learn so much," he says. "I learned a great deal covering Dr. King. I learned a tremendous amount covering the [John F.] Kennedy assassination in 1963. ... [And in] that green jungle hell that was Vietnam, I learned a great deal about myself. I learned a great deal about my country. I learned a great deal about war." 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. Rather premieres Saturday at the Tribeca Festival in New York City. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. China's drive to reduce its dependence on imported oil has led to the construction of a huge concrete facility near Zhuhai, resembling the size of Monaco, which serves as the centerpiece of its deepwater drilling efforts. The facility, operated by a unit of China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), is responsible for producing production platforms that will be deployed in China's offshore oil fields. As China's aging onshore wells struggle to meet the country's growing energy demands, it has become increasingly reliant on foreign crude. Currently, over 70% of China's oil supply is imported, compared to less than 10% at the beginning of the millennium. In an effort to mitigate this dependence, CNOOC, one of China's three main state-owned oil firms, is aggressively investing in drilling technology to challenge the dominance of Western oil majors. However, this expansion into contested waters has also raised tensions with the United States government. In 2021, CNOOC was blacklisted by the US, which accused the company of collaborating with China's military to intimidate neighboring countries in the South China Sea. CNOOC has denied these allegations. The company has made significant progress in developing China's offshore oil fields. It has transformed the Bohai Sea into the country's largest oil field and is expanding operations in the eastern South China Sea. Last year, offshore wells accounted for 60% of China's new oil production. Senior research analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights, Baihui Yu said, With significant untapped volumes offshore China, domestic offshore barrels are expected to become an indispensable growth engine for the coming decade." He added, Technology progress and increased access have enabled more drilling to be focused into deeper waters." CNOOC is Chinas exclusive offshore oil producer and its domestic production grew to account for 23% of the countrys total in 2021, compared with 15% in 2013, according to company filings and BP Plc data. CNOOC aims to increase its output by 4% to 6% this year and a further 12% by 2025. However, the challenges of deepwater drilling are immense. At the Zhuhai facility, workers laboriously construct steel structures known as jackets, which are then transported offshore and submerged to support oil platforms. These jackets must withstand extreme weather conditions, making their construction and installation complex and demanding. While international oil majors like Chevron Corp. and Shell Plc possess advanced technological capabilities in this sector, CNOOC is rapidly closing the gap. CNOOC's achievements include building the largest jacket in Asian history for the Haiji-1 field and expanding exploration into deeper waters. The company expects to produce between 650 and 660 million barrels of oil equivalent this year and is also involved in global projects such as Exxon Mobil's significant oil discovery off the coast of Guyana. CNOOC's technical progress has made previously economically unviable offshore fields now feasible for development. Despite geopolitical challenges and the dominance of Western oil majors CNOOC is catching up. ( With inputs from Bloomberg) Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted with 37 counts in the Mar-a-Lago documents case. The unsealed indictment which was released on Friday, alleged that Trump unlawfully possessed classified files related to US nuclear and defense programs. An indictment unsealed by the Justice Department Friday underscores the high-level material the former president kept after leaving office, the times he improperly shared it with those without clearances and the extent he sought to block any efforts to retrieve them. The documents Trump took "included information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries, United States nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack," the indictment said. "The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States," it said. Im innocent and we will prove that very, very soundly and hopefully very quickly," Donald Trump said in a video post. MAGA world has condemn its angst on social media ever since the former president has been indicted in the case. Republicans have alleged that the investigation into Trump, who is running to unseat Democratic President Joe Biden from the White House in 2024, is politically motivated. Biden and top officials have repeatedly said the Justice Department is acting independently. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized the indictment of rival Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and said that there had been what he called double standards in issuing charges. In a tweet, he questioned, Why so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter?", further adding that the weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society." New York state court Justice Robert Reed has ruled that former President Donald Trump can go ahead with a lawsuit against his niece Mary Trump for providing information to the New York Times for its 2018 report on his taxes. The state court judge rejected Mary Trump's argument that the lawsuit against her was aimed at chilling freedom of speech and press" and that it violated many state laws against frivolous litigation. The judge had previously rejected the former President's case against the New York Times noting that the investigative report by the Times was protected under First Amendment rights. The New York state court had also asked Trump to pay the New York Times for its legal fees. It isn't a surprise because Mary Trump violated the 2001 settlement agreement with her uncle even after benefiting from it financially, Trumps attorney Alina Habba said in a statement. Mary Trump had already received a lucrative settlement in the estate proceedings, but she greedily sought to exploit the situation further by disclosing confidential information in violation of an agreement that she freely signed." Mary Trump is likely to appeal. The ruling is her second setback in litigation with her uncle. Reed in November dismissed her earlier fraud suit against her uncle, which accused the former president and his siblings of defrauding her of her minority share of the family business. The ruling is a modest procedural victory for Trump on an otherwise rough day in which he became the first-ever ex-president indicted for federal crimes. US prosecutors unsealed a 37-count indictment against Donald Trump on Friday, accusing the former president of risking some of the country's most sensitive security secrets after leaving the White House in 2021. Trump mishandled classified documents that included information about the secretive US nuclear program and potential domestic vulnerabilities in the event of an attack, the federal indictment said. The latest twist in Donald Trump's attritional war with US law enforcement, as with so much else in the former president's story, throws the United States into unprecedented territory. Facing multiple federal charges over his hoarding of government secrets, the mercurial Republican presents the country with the possibility of a winning candidate moving into the White House while under indictment -- or running the government from a jail cell. The defiant billionaire has dismissed the notion that he would ever drop out of his party's primary contest, reverting instead to a favored tactic of accusing his "corrupt" political adversaries of election interference. "It likely won't sway undecided voters but it will galvanize Trump supporters who might be wavering or looking to a candidate with less baggage," Matt Shoemaker, a national security analyst and former intelligence officer, told AFP. Prosecutors in both the federal documents case and the state-level financial fraud probe targeting Trump in New York will hope to have him face justice before the country goes to the polls in 17 months. But there is no guarantee of either case wrapping up that quickly and Trump also faces federal and state-level probes into his efforts to subvert the 2020 election. He would likely torpedo any outstanding federal prosecutions were he reelected, by attempting to pardon himself -- an unprecedented scenario that would almost certainly spark a constitutional crisis. But he would have little influence over state-level cases and his more immediate worry is the damage his legal woes could do to his campaign to win the Republican nomination in the first place. Going for the jugular? The latest indictment allows Trump's primary challengers -- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former vice president Mike Pence and others -- to level the criticism that the runaway frontrunner is unfit for office. But they run the risk of alienating Trump's loyal base, whose support has only grown more fervent since the Manhattan indictment. As a result, many rivals have rallied to Trump's side, perhaps hoping to keep their powder dry until he is finally taken out of the running by further indictments expected in the coming months. Trump is under federal investigation over his role in the January 6, 2021 US Capitol insurrection and media reports suggest racketeering and conspiracy charges are set to drop in Georgia in August over the tycoon's campaign to overturn the election there. "They are hoping Trump is eventually knocked out of the race by a series of indictments, including those concerning January 6 and the attempt to overturn the election," said University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato. "That's it. That's their strategy... They won't do anything. Go for the jugular? Trump's teeth will be in their jugular before they can do the same to him." Prosecutors on Friday said Trump had been charged with almost 40 counts filed under multiple charges, including illegal retention of government secrets, obstruction of justice and conspiracy. Serious crime In a recent YouGov poll only half of respondents said it was a "serious crime" to falsify business records to conceal hush money payments to a porn star -- the case that he faces in Manhattan. But two-thirds said the same about removing classified government secrets from the White House and obstructing efforts to retrieve them. The figures are 28 percent and 42 percent respectively among Republicans -- a gap that suggests Trump's latest scandal could mark a turning point in his primary campaign. DeSantis -- who has been polling a distant second to Trump -- has exercised restraint in comments over his rival's legal woes but the rhetorical hand grenades lobbed between the camps have become more bellicose in recent weeks. Meanwhile Chris Christie, a political knife-fighter who has indicated he'll take on Trump more directly than the rest of the pack, has jumped into the race since the Manhattan indictment. "DeSantis would most benefit from Trump dropping out of the race but he seems to have calculated that they have many of the same potential voters so doesn't want to alienate them," Shana Gadarian, a professor of political science at Syracuse University, told AFP. "It may take someone like... Christie to shake up that narrative," she added. Christie's candidacy is about bringing the mainstream back to the party and he may see the benefit of attracting former Republicans who were turned off by Trump's presidency." This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Sharad Pawar on Saturday explained why his nephew Ajit Pawar has not been considered for the post of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president when he decided to reshuffle the party ranks, announcing two working presidents. Explaining why, Sharad Pawar has said his nephew Ajit Pawar already has responsibilities as the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly . Sharad Pawar has named Praful Patel and Supriya Sule as working presidents of the party, marking a generational shift in the organisation. Sharad Pawar has also said that the decision to appoint two working presidents in the party was a well-thought-out decision by the seniors of the party. When asked if Ajit Pawar, who has often registered his aspirations to be the chief minister, was happy with the announcement, Sharad Pawar said he was one of the senior party members to take the decision. When the decision was being announced, Ajit Pawar was observed on stage, fidgeting with a bottle before proceeding to applaud. While he left the party office soon after the announcement and without interacting with the media, Ajit Pawar later took to Twitter to congratulate Supriya Sule and Praful Patel. Under the leadership and guidance of respected Sharad Chandra Pawar Saheb, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is making its debut in the silver jubilee year with the idea of 'Maharashtra in the heart... eyes in front of the nation...' will make a valuable contribution to the development of the country and the state. It is believed that every worker and office bearer of the NCP will work towards this goal. Congratulations again to the newly elected officials!" Ajit Pawar said. By making Supriya Sule in charge of Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar has effectively made nephew Ajit Pawar report to her on party matters, a move that could lead to unease in the party. Former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday took a jibe at Arvind Kejriwal for travelling to states to gather support against Centres ordinance on control of services in Delhi, asking where was he when Article 370 was abrogated. Omar Abdullah also hinted at staying away from the Oppositions grand alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, saying most such parties remained silent on the scrapping of Article 370. Attacking Arvind Kejriwal for his alleged silence" on Article 370 abrogation, Omar Abdullah said the Delhi chief minister had supported the Central government then. Where was Arvind Kejriwal when Article 370 was scrapped? He supported the govt that time and today he is asking for support from other parties," Omar Abdullah said. Omar Abdullah said Arvind Kejriwal needs other parties support when he is in trouble". Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of J&K into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh by the Central government, Omar Abdullah said, I am repeatedly saying that when they need us, they knock on our doors. When [Arvind] Kejriwal is in trouble, he needs our support but where were these leaders in 2019 when we faced a big deceit." On the grand alliance, Omar Abdullah said, Compulsions aside, I do not see any benefit from such an alliance for the party and Jammu and Kashmir." What we have [to contribute] outside Jammu and Kashmir? We have a total of five (Lok Sabha) seats and what storm these seats can create? We have to fight against the BJP on these seats and what is going outside J&K is a secondary question," he said. By Niklas Pollard and Humeyra Pamuk STOCKHOLM/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Sweden still hopes to be a member of NATO by the time of the alliance's summit in Vilnius in July, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said on Friday, an anticipation echoed by a senior Biden administration official in Washington. Russia's invasion of Ukraine convinced Sweden and Finland last year to ditch long-held policies of military non-alignment and seek security of NATO's collective defence commitment. Finland joined NATO last month, but Sweden's membership has been held up by objections from Turkey and Hungary. "There isn't going to be any plan B or anything like that. Plan B is plan A - that is full membership in NATO and that is what I and the government are going to work for all the way to Vilnius," he told reporters. The U.S. State Department's acting top diplomat for Europe also voiced hope that Sweden would be a member of the alliance by July 11-12, when the NATO leaders summit is set to take place in the Lithuanian capital. "We have had extensive conversations with the Turkish government about allies - including ours - clear conviction that Sweden is ready for membership now," Acting Assistant Secretary Dereck Hogan told reporters. "We do very much look forward to seeing both Turkey as well as Hungary ratify Sweden's accession protocols very soon, prior to the summit in Vilnius," Hogan said, adding that Washington and others would be discussing it with the new Turkish government following Sunday's second round of presidential elections there. Turks go to the ballot boxes on Sunday for the runoff of a tight presidential race, with incumbent Tayyip Erdogan leading after the first round on May 14. Hogan's optimism is also in stark contrast with Erdogan's comments from a CNN International interview last week during which he said Turkey was not ready for Sweden's membership right now. Despite that, Sweden's Billstrom said he hoped Turkey's parliament would begin the ratification process after the dust has settled. "It is time for Turkey to start its ratification process and uphold its part of the bargain," Billstrom said. Sweden and Finland struck a three-way deal in Madrid in June last year aimed at addressing Turkey's security worries. But Turkey has been dragging its feet over Sweden, saying Stockholm harbours members of militant groups it considers to be terrorists. Hungary has also objected to Sweden's application citing grievances over Swedish criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's record on democracy and the rule of law. Billstrom said it was unclear what objections Budapest had to Sweden's membership. "Hungary gave its support at the summit in Madrid last year for Sweden to be given invitee status without any conditions," he said. "It is our firm opinion that they should start ratification." (Reporting by Niklas Pollard abd Simon Johnson in Stockholm; Humeyra Pamuk and Simon Lewis in Washington, editing by Anna Ringstrom and Alistair Bell) When a Fillmore County sheriff's deputy discovered Madeline Kingsbury's body in a rural culvert Wednesday, prosecutors say she was found with a knotted towel wrapped around her head and neck. According to a criminal complaint filed Friday against Adam Fravel, bedding from Kingsbury's Winona home was used to wrap up her body before it was dumped along a low-maintenance road near Mabel. Fravel, who is the father of Kingsbury's two children and had an on-and-off relationship with her, has been charged with 2nd degree intentional murder and 2nd degree unintentional murder in Winona County Circuit Court. He was ordered to be held Friday on a $2 million unconditional and $1 million conditional bail. At a press conference outside the county courthouse Friday afternoon, Winona County Attorney Karin Sonneman said special assistant Phillip Prokopowicz will head up the prosecution. We have heard from so many individuals how wonderful a person Maddi was. She had a bright future and Mr. Fravel took that from her, Sonneman said. By charging him today with her murder, we intend to hold him accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Sonneman said her office is considering more significant charges based on what is uncovered in the ongoing investigation. The medical examiner's office concluded the manner of Kingsbury's death was homicidal violence. According to the criminal complaint, Kingsbury's family was concerned about Fravel's prior outbursts and violence toward Kingsbury. In one instance, a family member told law enforcement of an earlier incident when Fravel put his hands around Kingsburys throat and the family member noticed a red mark on the side of her neck. Court documents show that officers conducted forensic extractions on two Apple iPhones that belonged to Kingsbury. Text messages were found from Sept. 21, 2021, in which Kingsbury told Fravel shes not really okay with or over the fact that you put your hand around my neck and pushed me down in front of the kids earlier. Fravel allegedly responded, "You'll adjust." Additionally, investigators spoke with a friend of Kingsbury who indicated that sometime in 2020 or 2021 the two were on a video call while Kingsbury was holding one of her children and cooking dinner when Fravel entered the room, yelled at Kingsbury to keep quiet, then struck her in the face when she told him to calm down. The friend told investigators that there were several times during video calls that she observed bruises on Madelines face, court documents say. When the friend inquired about the bruises, Madeline would cover them up with her sweater. During a bail hearing Friday, special assistant Prokopowicz told the judge Fravel had mocked law enforcement when the county took custody over the children April 4. Fravel's next court appearance is set for 1:45 p.m. July 20. Winona County Emergency Management Director Ben Klinger said his department is turning its focus to putting together all the documentation on the searches for Kingsbury. Were relieved shes found, obviously, but sad we couldnt bring her home, Klinger said. Well continue to support the investigations. Klinger, who was in charge of organizing the mass volunteer searches a week after Kingsburys disappearance, said the case has been taxing. Ive never been involved in a case this big or this long, Klinger said. Weve had big incidents but nothing thats lasted this long. A womans decision to walk into a Longford supermarket to steal bed linen has been described as a moment of madness, a court has been told. Eighteen-year-old Katie Byrne, of 26 Hawthorn Drive, Rathdrum, Dublin pleaded guilty to shoplifting from Dunne Stores, Dublin Road, Longford September 19, 2022. Sgt Conor McShane, on behalf of the State, said Ms Byrne was observed picking up two packs of bed linen before leaving the store without paying moments later. He said when approached by security personnel Ms Byrne dropped both items. Judge Bernadette Owens was told the goods stolen by Ms Bryne were recovered and resellable. Sgt McShane, said the accused, who had no previous convictions prior to the incident also made admissions to her culpability during interview. Defence solicitor Brid Mimnagh said Ms Byrnes actions were very much out of character with someone who is making a valuable contribution to society. It was a moment of madness, said Ms Mimnagh, in reference to the incident. She is a young lady with no previous convictions. She is not living around here and has a bit of part time work in a restaurant in Wicklow. She is hoping it (offence) wont affect her. It was also revealed Ms Byrne had not come to any adverse garda attention over the intervening period. In summation, Judge Owens said in light of those revelations concerning Ms Byrnes otherwise exemplary character, a conviction might be deemed to be a disproportionate penalty. On that basis, she told Ms Byrne if she paid in 150 to local charitable organisation, Cians Kennels she could strike out the case. Ms Byrne was remanded on bail until September 12 to allow her make that payment. The Clarks Public Library is going to be a hopping place this summer. Library Director Barbee Sweet has plenty of activities to keep kids busy for the next two months. Sweet said that libraries can choose the Nebraska Librarys Commissions set theme or go with their own; she said she decided to do her own. It will be different than most other libraries within the area. I love Dr. Seuss. I decided to do Welcome to Seussville, Sweet said. Each week we focus on a Dr. Seuss story and then I have activities that coordinate with that story. This week was the first week for the 2023 summer reading program, with the focus being The Lorax. Every child that came to the summer reading program yesterday went home with a blue spruce tree to plant because the Lorax loves trees, Sweet said on June 8. This upcoming week will be One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. We are going to have Bader Park come and talk to our kiddos about fishing and what native fish that they will find if they go fishing in our lakes and rivers here in Nebraska, she added. They'll probably give them a little walkthrough on fishing, just in case there are some kiddos that haven't done that before. Additionally, the Merrick County Extension is giving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classes every Tuesday. During the first STEM class this week, the kids worked on their listening skills with games of Simon Says and Rock, Paper, Scissors. Storyhour is every Wednesday while Lego Club is on Thursday. For Lego Club, there is a new challenge drawn every week and theres a Lego table where the kids creativity is set loose and they work on their masterpieces. There is no registration required, Sweet said, and people are free to attend just one activity or go to all of them. I usually average about 30 kiddos for summer reading, the Wednesday afternoon class, Sweet said. The STEM class, Ive been having about 15 kiddos, thats about my average. Lego Club is something new that I'm trying this year so I hope that it grows every time. I had about eight kids this afternoon. The first week has been good, she added. I always enjoy seeing all the kids and having them come back. It's been really fun, Sweet said. (June) 21 our book is Go, Dog. Go! and we are going to have Strobel Racing come and talk to the kiddos. They have a Baja desert race and possibly they're going to talk to one of their children who does go-kart racing. The last Wednesday of June will feature the Keith West magic show, which Sweet is looking forward to as this show travels all over the United States and Europe. The importance of summer reading programs, Sweet said, is keeping kids engaged over the summer so they dont experience a loss in learning. You keep reading, you keep active then you won't lose the things that you've learned in school. When school starts again, you'll be able to pick right up, Sweet said. You'll be able to tell if you're in the teaching profession, which kiddos read and were active over the summer and which kiddos weren't. There's definitely the summer slide. The summer reading program is open to preschoolers up to fifth graders and lasts through July. The end of July we always do the big end-of-summer reading bash, Sweet said. Our volunteer fire department is always very generous and they set up a big water fight for us. That is a big draw, and the kids look forward to it every year. THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is looking at sophisticated drones to boost its capabilities and strengthen the countrys border security. PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said using drones could save the unit time and fuel in the conduct of maritime patrols. If we can have our way, all districts of the Philippine Coast Guards should have at least one drone each, Balilo said during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City. Balilo also narrated the PCGs participation in a trilateral maritime exercise with its counterparts in Japan and the United States, held in Mariveles, Bataan last June 1-7. He said during the Kaagapay drills, the PCG learned that the US Coast Guard has a large drone that can conduct surveillance over a large area of the ocean. Japans Coast Guard was also using US-made surveillance drones, Balilo said. Thats what we dont have, and when we saw it, we cannot help but by envious. Its really a big thing, Balilo said. While he admitted that modern drones were expensive, he asserted that it would still be cost-effective considering the aircrafts potential to conduct unmanned surveillance over the high seas. Balilo pointed out that the use of drones would make it easier to monitor the presence of foreign vessels and other unlawful maritime operations. The Coast Guard officer conjured up a future scenario where all vessels were preoccupied with ongoing missions, but maritime surveillance could not be waived. That is when the drones come in very handy, Balilo stressed. Given its limited budget, the PCG has yet to include the planned purchase of drones in the list of equipment that would be procured amid the ongoing efforts to modernize the Coast Guard, he said. Balilo disclosed that a number of countries have expressed interest to supply the PCG with modern drones, which he described as the future of maritime patrol. We have a huge responsibility. We have to procure additional equipment to sustain our maritime domain awareness), he added. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Boston firefighters knocked down an early morning 2-alarm fire in Dorchester that left several adults and a child displaced, while also sending one firefighter to the hospital on Saturday. At around 3:10 a.m., smoke was visible from a home on 80 Adams St. when first responders arrived, the Boston Fire Department tweeted. Three families lived in the building. When firefighters arrived, a 2-alarm fire was ordered after flames could be seen on the top third floor of the building and extending through to the roof, Boston fire officials said. Within an hour, the fire was contained and it did not spread to the rest of the building, a subsequent tweet at 4:17 a.m. said. However, the blaze left six adults and one child displaced. Fire officials said Red Cross Massachusetts will help to house those displaced. One firefighter was also taken to the hospital by Boston EMS, officials said. The firefighter received minor injuries. Saturday mornings fire comes not long after another fire on Adams Street displaced 12, WCVB reported on May 29. A former Suffolk County assistant district attorney was found not guilty in connection with a reported Boston sexual assault in 2016. Gary Zerloa, 51, was found not guilty of two counts of rape in connection with a reported sexual assault of a 23-year-old woman in a North End apartment in 2016, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. Prosecutors accused Zerola of raping his girlfriends coworker once she fell asleep on a couch after a late night of partying, NBC Boston reported. Dancing together in the kitchen as a family, with Taylor Swift or Disneys Encanto play in the background and her 4-year-old daughter singing and smiling, are memories Elena Bliss will never forget. The South Hadley mother remembers her daughter, Brittney Bliss, filled with joy. She remembers her humor. She remembers how captivating her daughter was. And she remembers her fighting spirit. Brittney died Tuesday, about a year after being diagnosed with cancer and a few days after her fifth birthday. She was smart as could be. And funny, and caring, Elena Bliss said. She was just a little kid that was looking forward to going to kindergarten and growing up. Nearing her fifth birthday, her parents realized she likely wouldnt be able to have a normal birthday party. They called on kind-hearted strangers across the U.S. to help bring Brittney joy by setting the goal of getting a birthday card from every state in the U.S. We thought itd be a fun way for her to see how loved she was, even if she couldnt have a big birthday party like a normal kid. And she really loved it, her mom said, crying. She loved the amount of mail that came in and going to the P.O. box. Two days before turning 5, Brittney completed getting a card from every state. Elena Bliss said people also sent drawings and gifts. The family cherishes the time they got to spend together opening all of them, especially as things had taken a downward turn in Brittneys health. It was a really nice time this last month of sitting and just opening cards. And even reading the messages that people sent or the pictures that little kids drew, she said. The fact that her story was making it out to so many people was just incredible. Brittney Bliss died Tuesday, about a year after being diagnosed with cancer and a few days after her fifth birthday. Getting a diagnosis It started as what doctors thought was an ear infection. But a week after antibiotics, Brittney wasnt getting better. In fact, she was getting worse. And her parents rushed her to the emergency room as they noticed her face drooping, almost as if she had a stroke, her mom recalled. Doctors found a mass on her temporal bone. It was inoperable, Elena Bliss said. Because it was surrounding a lot of cranial nerves and arteries. However, at first, doctors thought it was easily curable. But as the day went on, Elena Bliss recalled getting the news that her and her familys world had forever changed. Brittney was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. Her family described it as extremely rare, especially the location of it. She began chemotherapy. Brittney Bliss died Tuesday, about a year after being diagnosed with cancer and a few days after her fifth birthday. You dont get time back Eventually the family moved to Christophers Haven in Boston to focus on Brittney. They were there for six weeks. We didnt have to worry about work, Elena Bliss said. We were able to just spend every day making her happy. They went on duck boat tours, to the New England Aquarium and simply played games with other families in their situation. It gave them time to be a family. She taught us to be present, to live in the moment, to not take ourselves so seriously. And to remember that at the end of the day, its all about family, she said between tears. You dont get time back, you really dont. That, she said, is her biggest piece of advice for other parents going through similar situations. If theyre ever in this God-awful situation, just making the most of every day, not waiting too long to make the memories or being too distracted by the stress, and the worry and the anxiety, she said. Both employers of Elena Bliss, and her husband, Brian, were flexible, they said. But not everyone gets so lucky. Massachusetts residents are allowed 12 weeks of leave to care for a sick family member. But thats not enough time, Elena Bliss said. Its a full-time job for parents, she said. And no parents should have to be deciding to work or to be there to support their kid because they may not be there later on. She hopes Brittneys story and others like hers can help raise awareness for this issue. We had to research When the Bliss family was told Brittney only had a few months left to live, they set out to find a specialist or a research trial as their last hope. They contacted doctors across the country and flew to Philadelphia in hopes of like a research trial. But they were required to do a lot of the research to find the doctors. We had to research and find these doctors and try to find their emails and connect with them, she said. Thats when they started sharing their story on social media. We started sharing her story in hopes of connecting with people that could help us get connected with doctors that would be willing to talk with us to see if there was anybody that could help her, she said. It worked. They ultimately, ended up at Connecticut Childrens. We wish that we had found Connecticut Childrens sooner just because it ended up being a really amazing place in our backyard, she said. But finding these specialists can be really difficult and time consuming for families, Elena Bliss said. The time that it took was taking away from being with our daughter, having to be researching and writing things down, she said. The Bliss family doesnt want other families to lose precious time away from their children. They said they hope there can be a more universal way for specialists to connect with patients or for patients and their families to be offered referrals. We wish that there was more of a universal way for parents of kids with cancer to connect with those specialist, for their stories to be shared and for more universal input from other doctors, Elena Bliss said. But they also hope for more cancer research, especially in pediatrics. In Brittneys memory, the family is asking for donations to Connecticut Childrens Foundation. In the comment/memo section, people are asked to write Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, for the donation to be used towards cancer research. Brittney Bliss died Tuesday, about a year after being diagnosed with cancer and a few days after her fifth birthday. Her laugh could brighten any dark day On Monday, family and friends will gather in purple, Brittneys favorite color, at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. Brittney had a light that shined so bright, she had the most beautiful smile and the bluest eyes that sparkled, her laugh could brighten any dark day, her obituary reads. A little girl who loved Bluey, princesses, unicorns, SpongeBob and crafts, brought many from across the U.S. together in the form of birthday cards. And although her life was short, her obituary reads, she made a lasting impression. One that those who followed her story said changed the world. Brittney truly changed the world, and her story was heard around the world as she filled her birthday map, Jen Caruso wrote on Instagram. She lives in the hearts of all those who sent her cards and gifts. Her light will shine forever. A Boston Police officer was shot on Friday night in Roxbury, according to the Massachusetts State Police. State police responded to assist Boston police after a male Boston officer was shot in the area of 44 Cedric St. in the city around 9:20 p.m. on Friday, June 9, according to state police. The officer was brought to Boston Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries, state police said. One person is in custody from the shooting, the department added. Cedric Street was closed as of 11:11 p.m. on Friday for the crime scene investigation, which was being handled by the Boston Police Department and the Suffolk District Attorneys Office. The Boston Police Department could not immediately provide information on the situation, the department stated. Tonight, our thoughts are focused on the @bostonpolice officer shot tonight in Roxbury. As always we proudly stand with our BPD brothers and sisters, the state polices tweet read. At around 11:25 p.m. on Friday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stated at a press conference outside the Medical Center, I want to especially thank the doctors and nurses here at Boston Medical Center, our EMTs and everyone who immediately went into action, including fellow officers to make sure that we could be here with with the officer recovering safely in this moment. Its a reminder of the risks that happen every single day, every hour of each day, and Im very, very grateful that were here tonight with this team, Wu said. According to officials during the press conference, the officer had approached the suspect at Cedric Street, and the suspect opened fire. The official stated the officer had been hit multiple times. When Columbus native and Scotus Alumna Hallie Parker started college at Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota, she started out in elementary education and special education. A college job at a nutrition club, however, changed that course dramatically. "I was in college trying to make some extra money, like 'I need a job' and it turned into I was coming in and hanging out when I wasn't even getting paid. I loved the people and I loved the environment," Hallie said. Hallie admits she fell in love with the work and as time went on, began to understand the product: nutritional shakes and energy teas. She eventually also fell in love with the notion of opening her own business and being her own boss, so she switched her focus to business administration. Her mother, LeAnn Parker, said she began to use the product too as Hallie's career went on. When Hallie graduated in December 2022 and a couple of months later decided to bring the business she knew to Columbus, LeAnn was in. "I really loved the product. I think the idea was planted then like this would be really great to do. It just all worked out, came together and I was like Yeah, I really want to do this with you,'" LeAnn said. LeAnn said that she and her husband Tim have been helping Hallie to get the storefront in order before opening on June 17, but Hallie is the owner/proprietor. LeAnn said she may help out after opening as well. "Shes the owner and Im a mom and a co-manager, helping every way I can and my husband has been a big part of the build-out, especially the bar and cabinetry, the sink, all the things that were involved with that," LeAnn said. The building, which Hallie said some may recognize as "the old Subway," located at 1925 23rd St., needed some work to match the vision she had. Fortunately, LeAnn added, the owners of the building were very helpful in getting the building from gutted to good-to-go. "The owners of this strip mall were very cooperative, asked what do you want, how do you want it?" LeAnn said. "My husband (Tim) was very helpful in helping her get the layout, dimensions and all the things but definitely without the owners this whole project probably would not have happened at all." The nutritional shakes, Hallie said, are intended to be full meal replacement shakes, with all the necessary nutrients of a regular meal in a simpler, drinkable format. "They have 24 grams of protein, 200 calories, all the essential vitamins and nutrients of a healthy colorful meal," Hallie said. "I like to say theyre more like ice cream shakes than protein shakes. Well offer different flavors from coffee to chocolate, fruity, peanut butter, something for everyone." Her favorite thing on the very large menu is their "Protein Mixer" which is a different kind of shake for those who want a little bit more substance to their shake. The mixer has a protein bar mixed into the shake, adding an extra kick of protein and not too many calories, Hallie said. "It also gives your shake texture, which sounds weird but some people are like I cant just drink a shake and call that a meal, I need to chew on something so that is just a little bit of a different option," Hallie said. As for the energy teas, Hallie said they are an herbal tea mixture with a "liftoff" added, a capsule of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B, ginseng, L-Taurine and other combinations to add a little kick of energy. "That gives, not just caffeine, but a natural boost. Its pretty cool. Those combined make my lifted teas," Hallie said. She also has a product for those who wish to show a little school spirit, her Special-Teas, tea mixtures that are themed around specific vitamins or nutrients in local school colors. The Shamrock is a green hydration boost, the Discoverer is a maroon protein boost, the Viking is a blue collagen boost and the Raider is a green immunity boost. The environment she hopes to foster, she said, is a welcoming space where, like the Yankton location, people will come in not just for the product, but for the people and space. "I'd just love for people to come in here that are looking for a place they can come and be safe and work on their goals and not be judged by the outside world. Thats kind of the atmosphere I want in here, were welcoming, were all working on the same thing," Hallie said. Columbus and coming back to her hometown has been a big part of starting the business, Hallie said. She was originally going to name the shop "Hometown Nutrition" but a different business somewhat nearby had the name already and she didn't want any confusion. Since the business was growing in her hometown, she went with HomeGrown Nutrition instead. "This is my community and I wanted to help grow it," Hallie said. Since Brittney Bliss, the 5-year-old girl from South Hadley who received birthday cards from every U.S. state, died on Tuesday, a GoFundMe page set up May 13, 2022, is nearing its goal. As of Saturday, $21,263 have been raised, closing in on the $25,000 goal meant to go to Bliss family. The GoFundMe had been active for a year as both parents have been unable to work full time since her diagnosis, Amy Heneghan, Bliss aunt and a fundraising team member, said to MassLive on Friday. The GoFundMe page has received 302 donations, including a total of $930 since Bliss died. In the days since, Heneghan said the family has been left to pick up the pieces while dealing with the immense grief that comes with losing a child. Medical bills will continue to trickle in for a while, funeral costs and adjusting to their new normal with their 17-year-old daughter who is entering her senior year of high school in the fall, Heneghan added. Bliss father Brian announced her death on Tuesday on Instagram. Last year, Bliss was diagnosed just before she turned four. Before turning five, her family asked others to help celebrate her birthday after she went to the hospital. Seeing as she cannot partake in a typical celebration, her parents will be collecting birthday cards to give to her on this special day to remind her how much she is loved, New England Old World Antiquities wrote on Instagram. Elena Bliss, Brittneys mom, posted on Instagram showing the 5-year-old had received a card from every state, plus Australia, Ireland and Canada. The cards were sent to a P.O. box in South Hadley. Elena returned on Thursday with the latest news, paying tribute to her daughter. Sadly she will now be forever 5, but the joy and love she received leading up to her birthday was extraordinary, Elena wrote in an update on the fundraiser page. Thank you to everyone that sent her a card or gift, it truly was a bright light during this past month. Heneghan said it will take a long time for the family to have a sense that theyre back on their feet. Meanwhile, the GoFundMe will help them with the burden that comes along with 13 months of medical uncertainty. Those who want to support the family can visit their GoFundMe page at the link here. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal said Friday morning he was waiting for the indictment against Donald Trump to be unsealed and for the government to present its case. And for the defense to have a chance to respond, Neal, D-Springfield, said, speaking with reporters. Hours later in Miami, federal prosecutors released a 49-page charging document, alleging that Trump intentionally possessed classified documents but also showed them off to visitors, is startling in scope and in the breadth of allegations. Federal prosecutors said Trump shared a Pentagon plan of attack and a classified map related to a military operation, according to the sweeping 37-count felony indictment. Neal, as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, won his own three-year court battle with Trump over access to the former presidents taxes. Trump had been the first presidential candidate not to release tax documents since Richard Nixon. Neal said the case was about Congress responsibility to oversee the presidency. During that fight, Neal was careful to speak only in general terms and, as he said Friday, Not do any end-zone victory dances. Neal said the Trump indictment could turn up the heat on the nations political discourse. Some mornings you wake up and you think the heat couldnt go up any higher, Neal said. A West Roxbury man was charged on Friday with indecent assault and inappropriate conduct in connection with two incidents on MBTA buses in May, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office announced. During his arraignment in the West Roxbury division of Boston Municipal Court, Rufus Sanders Jr., 63, was charged with indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 and lewd, wanton and lascivious conduct, Haydens office said. Boston and transit police responded to the first incident on May 25 at around 6 p.m., Haydens office said. A woman reported a man who approached her at the Forest Hills Station and placed his right hand on her shoulder before moving it down and cupping her breast. The woman said Sanders moved his hand to her waist and attempted to pull her down. The victim said she heard another woman in the back of the bus yell, Stop grabbing my ass, Haydens office said. The victim took a picture of Sanders as he exited the bus at Roslindale Square. Police spoke with a witness the next day who said she saw a man harassing two young girls on the bus, Haydens office said. The witness yelled for the man to stop before he sat down across from her, spread his legs and fondled his crotch area with his hand as he stared at her. The witness recorded the incident, showing investigators the video, who recognized the man to be Sanders. Later on June 5, a man with an open beer can approached officers at the Forest Hills Station, Haydens office said. After he started talking to them, the police recognized the man to be Sanders, wearing the same clothes as he was described to have worn during both incidents in May. This individuals behavior is dangerous and disturbing and impacts the safety realities and perceptions of our many residents who rely on public transportation. I thank police for their work on the case and commend the victims for speaking up to help prevent any future assaults by this individual, Hayden said in a statement. Judge Margaret Albertson set Sanders bail at $750 and ordered him to stay away from the victims and the Forest Hills Station. Sanders is due back in court on June 30 for his pre-trial hearing. 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. Shenell Ford is the founder of Heart2Heartbeat Lactation & Wellness in Springfield. Shenell Ford Age: 33 Community: Springfield Her story: Shenell Ford is the founder of Heart2Heartbeat Lactation & Wellness, a community-based practice in Springfield that serves prenatal and lactating families, focusing on culturally-informed clinical breastfeeding management, equity in lactation professional development training, commUNITY breastfeeding classes, and lactation specific advocacy activities. Ford is also a mayoral aide to Mayor Domenic Sarno in Springfield. She also serves on the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition Board of Directors, as Springfield Department of Health and Human Services Maternal Child Health Commission Chair, and is a member of U.S. Breastfeeding Committees CRASH Committee and Vital Village Networks Black Breastfeeding Week Committee. Fords passion for lactation began when she had her first child. Motivated by a lack of systemic support for lactation, especially for Black and Brown communities, Ford was inspired to become a Breastfeeding Peer Support Counselor with Tapestry North WIC. She later became a certified Lactation Counselor and an international board certified Lactation Consultant in 2019. Since then, she has also become a certified perinatal educator. As a lactation consultant, Ford centers her work on making sure families in Springfield feel seen, heard, and respected. According to Ford, health and lactation education and support are intertwined. Im proud yet disheartened to be one of very few IBCLCs (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners) of color in the Commonwealth, and committed to changing that. Culturally responsive care is vital and diversifying the pool of providers offering lactation services has direct impact on achieving positive health outcomes, Ford said. In her words: Find your village and lean in, as often as you need! Especially for those aspiring Black and Brown lactation warriors, align yourself with those currently doing the work, locally, nationally, and globally. In the midst of holding space for our families, make sure to hold space for yourself. You cant pour from an empty cup. 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. The trial of a Bronx, New York man accused of fatally shooting a Pittsfield resident in 2018 ended in a hung jury Friday. The Berkshire County District Attorneys Office plans to retry the case after the jurors indecision. Lance Burke, 44-year-old man from Bronx, New York, was indicted on murder and illegal firearm charges in connection with the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Pittsfield resident David Green Jr., according to the Berkshire County District Attorneys Office. On Nov. 3, 2018, Green was shot in the neck as he sat in a truck near Spring and Willow streets in Pittsfield. He died days later on Nov. 7 at Berkshire Medical Center, officials stated. Read more: Bronx man in Berkshire court appearance denies killing Pittsfield resident David Green A follow-up investigation led authorities to identify Burke as the suspect in the fatal shooting. He was arrested Nov. 20, 2018 in the Bronx by New York City police, agents with the FBI and Pittsfield police, officials said. In Berkshire County Superior Court Friday, after 17 hours of deliberation, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict in the fatal shooting resulting in a hung jury. Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said, the victim deserves justice, his family deserves justice and we are fully committed to conviction. I share my deepest condolences with Mr. Greens family at this difficult time and recognize that while moving forward to retry the case is the right decision, it continues to amplify the death of their beloved family member. Green was a New York native who moved to Pittsfield years before he was fatally shot. He worked as a cook in the area, according to The Republican. Theodore Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, has died in federal prison, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons told The Associated Press on Saturday. Kaczynski was found dead around 8 a.m. at a federal prison in North Carolina. A cause of death was not immediately known. He had been moved to the federal prison medical facility in North Carolina after spending two decades in a federal Supermax prison in Colorado for a series of bombings that targeted scientists. Kaczynski was serving life without the possibility of parole following his 1996 arrest at the primitive cabin where he was living in western Montana. He pleaded guilty to setting 16 explosions that killed three people and injured 23 others in various parts of the country between 1978 and 1995. As the previously unhealthy air quality levels in Massachusetts from Canadian wildfire smoke turn back to breathable, the question of what will inevitably happen later in the summer as temperatures increase and wildfires become more frequent arises. Shichao Liu, assistant professor of both architectural and fire protection engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, is an expert on wildfire smoke. Liu explained that if wildfire smoke was present on a hot day, when air quality levels are already high and unhealthy, it would cause even higher levels of pollution and health risks. When the outdoor temperature rises, especially during heatwaves, it can have a negative impact on air quality, the professor explained. Hot weather can lead to increased levels of ground-level ozone and particulate pollution. This happens because sunlight and high temperatures trigger chemical reactions that produce these pollutants, Liu explained. The view from atop Mount Holyoke at Skinner State Park in Hadley, looking south, shows haze over the area June 6. Wildfires in Canada have caused wafting smoke to blanket our region. On a clear day, the Springfield skyline would be visible from here. (Don Treeger / The Republican) Read more: MLB postpones two games due to bad air quality after smoke turns sky orange Liu stated that ground-level ozone and particulate matter are the two main types of air pollution that factor into the Air Quality Index, or AQI. There are five primary pollutants that determine AQI, with the others including carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, the professor explained. Liu said on hot days, the index may read the air quality is poorer because of the chemical reactions that are triggered to produce the pollutants. The WPI professor added that hot weather can create stagnant conditions in the atmosphere because of high-pressure systems that linger, meaning there is less wind and less precipitation to move the air pollutants, leading to worse air quality. The skies over Springfield had a yellow-ish hue most of the day Tuesday, June 6, 2023 due smoke from wildfires in Canada moving south across North America.Nicole Simmons/MassLive Moreover, the heat can transform primary air pollutants into secondary pollutants that may be even more harmful to human health, Liu added. Because of all of these factors, if wildfire smoke like the conditions experienced the past week throughout the Northeast was in the atmosphere when it was hotter outside, as it will become later in the summer, the outdoor air quality would be very poor, Liu said. If wildfire smoke is present on a hot day, the outdoor air quality becomes even worse, Liu stated. This is because both the emissions from the wildfire and the chemical reactions triggered by sunlight and high temperatures contribute to the pollution. The combination of these factors can result in even higher levels of air pollution and potential health risks. Isolated showers and thunderstorms expected across the interior of Massachusetts are anticipated to be primarily along the eastern coast, the National Weather Service said Saturday. The weather service specified in a tweet that most of Saturdays rain will be east of Interstate 95 and toward the southeast coast. A sea breeze is expected to keep coastal areas in the 60s. More afternoon showers today, mainly east of I-95 and over the south coast. More sunshine in the CT River Valley. Highs in the low to mid 70s for most, but a sea-breeze will keep the coastal areas in the 60s. pic.twitter.com/YwsxAyHoz7 NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) June 10, 2023 Fog across parts of the region, including in north Eastern Massachusetts and in Boston, is expected to lift by mid-morning, forecasters said. They added that strong June sunshine will burn off areas of fog and low clouds by late morning. Clouds are expected to appear late morning going into the afternoon, giving ample opportunity for scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms to appear. Temperatures kick up toward the west, diminishing any chance for showers across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, forecasters said. Those areas are expected to see the driest weather. Worcester is expected to see a high of 70 degrees, while Springfield is looking at a high of 75, forecasters said. To the south, Hartford and New Haven are forecasted to hit 76 degrees. Cooler onshore flow and increased cloud cover are expected to leave Boston, Plymouth and Hyannis, among other coastal communities, in the high 60s. On Saturday, no air quality alerts were in effect for Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island or upstate New York after several days of wildfire smoke from Canada choked the skies and left air quality unhealthy to breathe. As of late Friday, officials categorized air over parts of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley areas as unhealthy for sensitive groups, with Indianapolis labeled with an unhealthy air quality index, according to AirNow.gov. Smoke that moved from Western Massachusetts Thursday to the Cape and southern coast on Friday arched back north to the coast of Eastern Massachusetts, forecast models showed. The air quality indices for most communities were labeled as good, AirNow.gov said. In the Boston area and to the north, including Billerica, Lawrence and Haverill, the air quality was labeled as moderate, though its less likely due to smoke and more to do with other pollutants and ozone, weather service meteorologist Torry Gaucher said. AirNow.gov said that under this index if you dont see or smell smoke, its OK to open windows or go outdoors. For sensitive individuals, its recommended to keep outdoor activities limited. Were not really looking at anything of any significance for the weekend in terms of smoke, Gaucher said. Its kicked offshore, well to the south of Nantucket by several hundred miles. Things have definitely cleared on out, so theres no concerns for right now. Fewer showers are expected on Sunday, where temperatures are forecasted to hit close to or above 80. An air mass passing over the region could also elevate temperatures further to the mid-80s in the Connecticut River Valley, forecasters said. The work week is expected to see more seasonable temperatures each day, hovering between highs in the 70s and 80s. A cold front is expected to bring more wet weather Monday going into Tuesday, raising the odds for rainfall totals over an inch and just under 2 inches, forecasters said. More spotty showers are expected to appear Wednesday, with a less likely chance of appearing in the latter half of the week, forecasters said. By next weekend, theres little to expect in terms of fully dry summer conditions. Unfortunately there are no promising signals beyond Friday that suggest a significant pattern change, forecasters said. 38 noms de chevaux se trouvent sur la liste de la HRD publiee les 18 juillet 2023 pour la journee du 22 juillet 2023 au Champ de Mars organisee par le Peoples Turf PLC. Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently conducted their annual conference, the 9th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary. The conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, and H.E. Mrs. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother along with African First Ladies of Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Angola and Central Africa. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, I proud of our long-term partnership with H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, that started in 2019. We have together achieved a lot together in this short duration. Together we have provided 60 Scholarships to young Namibian doctors in critical and underserved medical specialties like Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Respiratory and Acute Medicine, Trauma and Orthopedics, Critical Care, Psychiatry, Clinical Microbiology and Infectious diseases, Dermatology in Clinical Practice, Internal Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, and Pediatric Emergency Medicine. We will continue to build healthcare capacity in Namibia. H.E. Mrs. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother shared, I am very happy to have this ongoing long-term beneficial partnership with Merck Foundation. I am particularly excited as More Than a Mother Ambassador, as together we have been doing amazing work in the country to empower women living with infertility through access to information, education, information, change of mindset and economic empowerment. Moreover, 60 scholarships have been provided to young Namibian doctors in the fields of Diabetes, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Respiratory Medicines, Acute Medicines and Sexual and Reproductive Medicines, and many more. For Namibia, 2.4M population, we will soon have more than 18 skilled and trained doctors nationwide, to assist couples living with infertility or need any sexual & reproductive help, this will be a significant contribution towards improving women health in general and reproductive health in specific. This is a big achievement for us. Two Mineral Area College (MAC) students were honored with Breaking Traditions Awards from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) this spring. The Breaking Traditions Awards are awarded annually to outstanding nontraditional career and technical students in the state. DESE considers nontraditional careers to be occupations in fields of work in which one gender comprises less than 25 percent of the individuals employed. Daphna Jones Spirit Award MAC freshman Associate Degree Nursing student Cody Campbell received the Breaking Traditions Daphna Jones Spirit Award at an April 26th ceremony at the Governors Mansion in Jefferson City. Cody will receive a $500 scholarship to Mineral Area College as part of the award package. The Daphna Jones Spirit Award is a statewide honor presented to someone who exemplifies an unbreakable spirit, has overcome undue hardships, braved harsh obstacles, stood courageously against troubles, and has had the tenacity to surpass all odds. MACs nursing faculty nominated Cody because he embodies all the qualifications for the award. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, receiving many medals, ribbons, and a meritorious promotion to Sergeant E5 for heroic action in Afghanistan. He also volunteers for the veterans suicide hotline and serves as a volunteer firefighter and first responder. Breaking Traditions Regional Winner MAC sophomore Engineering Technology Design Drafting student Isabelle Bruckerhoff was chosen as a Breaking Traditions Female Secondary Regional Winner. She graduated from Mineral Area College this May and was also honored as the college's 2023 Career and Technical Education Outstanding Student. Isabelle will enter the workforce immediately and then plans to continue her studies with the eventual goal of completing a masters degree in architecture. Thirty years. Its about how long Democratic Sen. Creigh Deeds has served in Virginias state legislature and its how old fellow Democrat Del. Sally Hudson was when she was first elected to it in 2019. The two Democrats are now vying for the same seat in the Virginia Senate in a June 20 primary. Senate District 11 encompasses the Democratic strongholds of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, plus Nelson and Amherst counties and part of Louisa County. Neither candidate is new to many of the Democratic voters in District 11 and they overlap on a lot of policy stances but they represent different demographics and flairs of their political party. Deeds, who served in the House of Delegates from 1992 to 2001, has represented Charlottesville as a senator since December 2001. He lived in Bath County, closer to West Virginias border, before the state Supreme Court reconfigured the states legislative districts. In 2021, he moved to Charlottesville to run for this seat. Since his move, he can sometimes be spotted on the Downtown Mall with his dog, Mila, one of the beagles rescued when federal authorities cracked down on a Cumberland breeder mill assailed for inhumane practices. (In 2021 legislators passed a bipartisan beagle bill to protect dogs and cats at research facilities.) Hudson, an economics professor at the University of Virginia, has lived in the area since 2016. The first woman to represent the Charlottesville area in the House of Delegates, she considers herself among the wave of progressive Democrats who became more politically active following the election of President Donald Trump in 2016. Its sort of new wave versus old guard, Hudson said of the primary contest with Deeds. I think the more recent legislators, whether were young or old, have just been more community-connected because we were mobilized in the post-Trump era. We realized just how far Democrats had fallen from connecting with state and local politics. In the blue wave elections of 2017 and 2019 a surge of diverse Democrats were elected to the legislature bringing more young lawmakers, women, people of color and lawmakers of varied religious backgrounds. Deeds, the 2009 Democratic nominee for governor, noted legislative similarities between himself and Hudson, but said his experience sets him apart in the race. Redistricting lumped many lawmakers into districts with other incumbents, prompting a wave of retirements in the Senate this year. Deeds is poised to be the second-most senior Democratic senator if reelected bringing with him his institutional knowledge and what he termed a high track record of passing bills. Substantively, theres not a lot of space between us but the reality is that I get more stuff done, and Ive done it for a long time, Deeds said. I think thats a significant difference between the two of us. He boasts a higher success rate of his bills becoming law, according to analysis by the Virginia Public Access Project. Hudson noted at a debate this spring, that shes in the minority in her chamber Democrats control the Senate while Republicans have controlled the House during half of her tenure there. When I pass bills, I pass them with Republicans. That means you have to put your name as second fiddle on the list, she said at the time. Who cares if you get the credit? Hudson said she thinks another difference between them is community connection. Constituents have hosted Hudson for neighborhood house parties around the district as part of her campaign. The gatherings give people a chance to speak with her more directly. Throughout her tenure in the House, she has routinely hosted town halls to update constituents on happenings in the General Assembly. This is not a policy difference, but it is a difference in how we do the job, Hudson said. Its our job to be out and about the community making sure that people understand year-round why the state government matters. Deeds isnt a stranger to the districts voters, though. He may have previously lived further away from the Charlottesville and Albemarle base of the district, but hes used his position on several committees to advance legislation that residents of the Democratic stronghold he represents care about. Legislative progress Both legislators consider 2020s expanded voter access one of several points of pride in their public service. The measures included expanded early and absentee voting, and were made possible, in part, through Deeds and Hudsons votes. He also chaired the Privileges and Elections Committee at the time. Bills are filtered through committees before they can receive full floor votes and potentially end up on a governors desk. Deeds currently is co-chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and serves on Commerce and Labor, Finance and Appropriations, Privileges and Elections, and Rules. Hudson currently serves on the House Finance Committee along with the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee. In primaries around the commonwealth, Democratic candidates have said theyre hearing about guns and abortion as key issues their voters care about. Deeds and Hudson note their work on these issues. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections last summer, it placed authority over access to the procedure into states hands. In the year since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Virginia has become the least restrictive state in the South for abortion access. With Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other Republicans pushing for a ban of most abortions after 15 weeks, abortion protections have emerged as a key issue in Democratic primaries. Both Deeds and Hudson have secured endorsements from reproductive rights groups though a recent campaign mailer from Deeds insinuated otherwise. Its just a strange mistake to try to claim that hes the only candidate in the race who has support from abortion rights advocacy groups, when thats clearly not true, Hudson said. Deeds is endorsed by advocacy groups ReproRising and the Virginia chapter of the National Organization for Women, while Hudson is endorsed by Whole Womens Health, a national organization that has a clinic in the Charlottesville area. At the time, we didnt know about Sallys abortion supporters, Deeds said of the early June mailer. Hudson was endorsed by the group in early May. On the endorsements he received, he said the organizations backing him know that he is an ally to women. Both Hudson and Deeds have co-sponsored and say they will continue to support a proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion protections in the states constitution. Hudson said she has more of a track record when it comes to abortion legislation. In 2021 Hudsons successful House Bill 1896 removed prohibition of abortion coverage from the states insurance exchange. Another abortion-related bill she carried fell on party lines this year. Hudson said it stemmed from listening to abortion providers and constituents to solve a specific issue. House Bill 2097 would have required health care providers administer emergency contraception to survivors of sexual assault if they request it. Virginia law includes a conscience clause physicians can cite if performing certain care violates their moral or religious beliefs. I think that the hospitals have to at least have a backup plan in place so that if a survivor of sexual assault shows up in an emergency room seeking care, their options dont depend on who happens to be on duty that night, Hudson said. You dont hear those stories if youre not working with providers. She noted the uphill battle for such legislation in the current political climate. She introduced her insurance bill unsuccessfully in 2020 before it passed in 2021. Despite shifting political climates, Deeds said he is proud of his success rate in passing bills. Despite this, hes also seen bills on contentious issues defeated. This year, both candidates, who carried nearly identical bills such as the prohibition of guns at universities, saw their attempts to reduce gun violence defeated along party lines and each has vowed to try again next year if elected. Another bill that will be taken up again is a ban on the sale of assault-style weapons. Though Deeds carried the Senate version of the bill this year, he was among four Democrats to vote against it in 2020. In 2020, Deeds was concerned that the version of the bill then under consideration would have applied to more guns than intended. His 2023 version outlined that the definition would not apply to antique guns, bolt-operated guns, and ones manufactured before July 2023. The bill ultimately failed this session. Still, Deeds attributes his higher success rate in passing bills to how he approaches other legislators. I work well with others. I understand that you catch more bees with honey than with vinegar, Deeds said. I get along with people and Ive got relationships on both sides of the aisle. Amid redistricting, all districts are technically new, meaning there are no true incumbents. In challenging Deeds, Hudson is among about a dozen delegates seeking to hop from House to Senate, as Deeds did more than 20 years ago. An area of voters accustomed to supporting both Deeds and Hudson must now choose between them and each candidate is working to connect with the newer areas of the district as well. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, the district currently has the highest turnout for early voting. I think its a very good thing that we have competitive primaries right now, Hudson said. It pulls people out. Theyve got candidates working hard for their vote. 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. State-regional top story Two incumbents, Lucas v. Spruill, equals one hot primary State Sens, Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, and Lionell Spruill Sr., D- Chesapeake, prominent lawmakers in Hampton Roads, are the only two Senate incumbents facing off in a June 20 primary. A familiar byline returned to The Daily Progress earlier this year when Reynolds Hutchins, a name that peppered the papers pages a decade ago, became the city editor. Now, Hutchins has been promoted to the role of editor, and he said that hes excited by the opportunity to shape Charlottesvilles newspaper of record. Theres a lot of work to be done, Hutchins said. But I relish hard work and always have. Although he has worked for such national and international publications as the Washington Examiner, the Journal of Commerce and the real estate-focused CoStar News, Hutchins said he thrives in the whirl of local news. It was a career aspiration to be named editor of a newspaper, Hutchins said. And there was only one newspaper that I genuinely wanted and yearned and strived to be a part of again. Longtime Progress readers may recall that Hutchins covered government and politics in 2013 and early 2014. I cut my teeth in journalism at The Daily Progress, said the 33-year-old Wake Forest University alumnus and native of Wilmington, North Carolina. It was not my first job in journalism, but it is where I became a journalist. In January, he returned to The Daily Progress to become the city editor after last years departure of long-time Progress writer and editor Bryan McKenzie. Three months into his return, editor Lynne Anderson announced that she was leaving to become the weekend editor at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Its good to know the paper is in the hands of someone who cherishes the community as much I have, said Anderson. Hutchins said he has hurled himself into the task of keeping the Progress pages vibrant and engaging. He said there has already been a return on that investment, citing strong growth in subscribers and readers on dailyprogress.com in just the first few months of guiding local coverage, which includes news in the city of Charlottesville and the surrounding towns and counties of Central Virginia. Our trend lines are great, said Hutchins. Since he was named editor, Hutchins has hired former BBC fellow Jason Armesto to cover government and politics and recent Virginia Commonwealth University graduate Faith Redd who has written for the Chesterfield Observer, Suffolk News-Herald and Farmville Herald to cover education. A new deputy editor is planned to join the newsroom by months end, and the paper is preparing to open a position for a breaking news reporter. At the same time, he has brought on two summer interns from leading universities. He said his goal is to bring on quality content producers who can bolster civic coverage and complement the papers award-winning sports, culture and photo departments. My top priority is content, and it will always remain content, he said, which is why my first objective is to hire a full staff of content producers, reporters, journalists and storytellers. Another one of his priorities is outreach and accessibility. I want our readers and anyone in the community to know that we are listening, he said. As part of that promise, my phone number and email appear in every edition of our newspaper. That promise of accessibility extends to anyone interested in submitting letters to the editor or guest commentary to the paper. I am always available, he said. Hutchins said he has been a digitally focused journalist since he began his career. The Daily Progress digital product is where the news can and should thrive, he said. Daily from our founding has always meant that we report daily news, he said, pointing out that when the paper was founded in 1892 it was only printed six days a week. But even in the digital age, Hutchins said that he gets many story ideas on his walks downtown from the home he shares on West Main Street with his fiance Nicholas Morrow and their Alaskan husky Bardot. Theres something about this place that clearly resonates with people, said Hutchins. For me professionally, its a great news town. Local and federal authorities descended on a Waynesboro residence on Friday and arrested a man wanted in a New Jersey homicide case as well as as a more local robbery investigation. Jaleel Khirey Brookins, a 27-year-old Waynesboro resident, was apprehended in the 300 block of Arch Avenue in the city. The Albemarle County Police Department, assisting the Waynesboro Police Department and the FBI, announced Friday that Brookins had been taken into custody without incident. Brookins has been charged with four crimes in New Jersey: homicide, illegal use of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a permit and making bodily threats. He has also been charged with two crimes in Albemarle County: robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony. A second man, 29-year-old Qwasean Jamal Lewis of Charlottesville, was also found in the residence, Albemarle police said, and taken into custody. Like Brookins, Lewis has been charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony in Albemarle County. The local charges are related to a May robbery, according to police. During the search of the residence, officers located and seized four firearms. Charges related to the firearms seizure are currently pending, Albemarle police said in a Friday statement. As of Saturday, both men were in custody at Middle River Regional Jail in Augusta County. Bias from junior officers and supervisors is a key reason why minority troops face harsher treatment in the military criminal justice system, a new Pentagon internal review has found. The review revealed that "significant racial disparities exist across the investigative and military justice systems" and that those outcomes begin early on -- long before legal troubles -- during minority troops' interactions with mid-level superiors. The findings track with a Government Accountability Office report in 2019 that said Black and Hispanic troops were more likely than white counterparts to face criminal investigations and courts-martial. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, who ordered the review, called the racial disparities found by the review unacceptable. Read Next: Bad Economy Bonus for E-6 and Below Pushed by House in Annual Defense Bill "They degrade service members, directly impact recruitment and operational readiness, and undermine public trust in the military," Hicks wrote in a memo on the completed racial disparity review, which began a year ago. The internal review team found that the greatest bias enters the judicial process through early discretionary decisions by a service member's direct supervisors as well as senior enlisted leaders and junior officers. Those decisions shape how commanding officers process information and make recommendations, they said. "Although the commanding officer makes the final decision, it is the junior leaders who put the paperwork on the senior leader's desk," according to the review. Besides the 2019 GAO report, investigators said that reports going back decades found evidence of bias and disparity in punishments. A Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute study in 1992 found that Black service members were 2.2 times more likely to receive courts-martial convictions and 1.7 times more likely to receive nonjudicial punishment compared to their white counterparts. Analyses done by both the Army and Navy in 2020 also found racial disparities existed in their branches. However, the review ordered by Hicks offered new insights into how the well-documented biases affect the service members who are forced to live with them. In discussions and focus groups that investigators conducted, many junior enlisted service members said they believed their supervisors operated without meaningful oversight by the chain of command. The enlisted troops said they felt that "being 'liked' or 'disliked' by superiors improperly influences the outcome of disciplinary decisions." The superiors -- often either more senior enlisted personnel or junior officers -- not only have the power to shape commanding officers' views, they also have "the ability to take independent actions that can, for better or worse, affect service members throughout their military careers and long after." Furthermore, the investigators found that the superiors were far from properly trained, given the amount of influence that they wield. "This lack of training and education has profound negative impacts on the ability of service members at all levels to effectively execute their roles in these systems," the review found. Racial disparities were more prevalent in less regulated command investigations, adverse administrative actions, and nonjudicial punishments, as opposed to proceedings like a court-martial. "Where more due process is provided and service members have greater protections, racial disparities decrease," according to the review. Review team investigators made 17 recommendations that included more protections for accused service members. The services should adopt more modern policing practices like body cameras and recording suspect interviews, provide a right to a lawyer for all nonjudicial punishments and summary courts-martial, and add more due process when a service member is being administratively separated, they said. Investigators also recommended that the branches step up their data collection efforts on cases and outcomes, as well as add more training and education for service members -- especially direct supervisors. The Pentagon's chief spokesman, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, told reporters at a briefing Thursday that the Defense Department is taking a "deliberate approach" to carrying out the recommendations. Ryder said the department is starting with a 120-day assessment that will be led by Gil Cisneros, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Ryder stressed that the Pentagon remains "determined to eliminate racial disparities throughout our armed forces" and it "will continue to work to identify the causes of any racial, ethnic or gender disparities in the military justice system." The report, however, stressed that if the department is serious about addressing racial disparities, it needs to work with Congress to make sure it has the needed funding. If the Pentagon "intends to take on racial disparities and win, these initiatives must be prioritized and fully funded by the DoD, across the out-years; unfunded mandates will not suffice," according to the review. -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin. Related: 'A 9/11-like Event': Navy Report on Carrier Suicides Cites Missed Warning Signs, Leadership Failures For the first time in decades, the Army is fielding a new capability to support infantry units: the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle. The service unveiled the vehicle this week at the Pentagon in a briefing to reporters. The M10, which took four years to select and procure, resembles something between a Soviet BMP-2 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle and a small Abrams tank. Named for two soldiers who died in combat but might have survived with heavier support, the M10 will deploy to help infantry brigades start or finish fights on the battlefields of the 21st century. It is part of a larger push to update how the Army travels to combat, and fights when there. Read Next: Bad Economy Bonus for E-6 and Below Pushed by House in Annual Defense Bill "The M10 Booker is an armored vehicle that is intended to support our Infantry Brigade Combat Teams by suppressing and destroying fortifications, gun systems and trench routes, and then secondarily providing protection against enemy armored vehicles," said Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, program executive officer of Army Ground Combat Systems. On Thursday, Dean and Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, talked with reporters at the Pentagon about the new vehicle and how it came to be named. While not the first Army vehicle to be named for two people -- the Army's Stryker bears that distinction -- the Booker is the first to be named for a post-9/11 veteran, Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker, who was killed in action in Iraq on April 5, 2003, during the Thunder Run in Baghdad. Booker, who was with an Abrams tank, was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The Booker Combat Vehicle is also named for Robert Booker, who was awarded the Medal of Honor after being killed in action while under heavy machine-gun fire in Tunisia on April 9, 1943, during World War II. The nature of both soldiers' valor -- killed during violent infantry combat, one alongside an Abrams, one as a dismount -- underscores the need for a vehicle like the Booker. With a 105mm main gun and an armored chassis reminiscent of the Soviet BMP-2, famed for being nearly impregnable from the front, the Booker is designed to give infantry hung up on fortifications the punch needed to break through any obstacle or position. It wasn't without developmental issues, though Bush assured reporters that the worst issues have been resolved. A problem in which toxic gas would fill the turret after the main gun was fired "is an issue that is behind us," and another where the vehicle would overheat under hot performance conditions was resolved after engineers fixed an air flow problem at the rear of the M10. Bush dispelled another rumor: That a shortage of 105mm shells was the result of ammunition being sent to Ukraine. "The amount of ammunition provided to Ukraine has not had any effect on this program," he said. The turret will be manufactured in Ohio and the hulls in Michigan, and it will be assembled in Alabama. Once production is at full capacity, the Army expects to produce three new M10s per month. Vehicle production began early in 2023, and the Army expects the first delivery in 2024. Planners expect a full battalion of 42 Booker Combat Vehicles by late 2025, and hope to ultimately field more than 500 M10s. At a time when the Army is fielding a new squad vehicle to increase mobility, the addition of a battalion of heavily armed and armored vehicles that brigades can draw on for extra power will be welcome. And the new battalion of M10s will accompany a new infantry unit being stood up, though the details of where and when have yet to be decided. Meanwhile, while the Booker Combat Vehicle may resemble something between a BMP and a smaller Abrams, Dean wanted to be clear about a question he felt certain would receive ample airtime online and in person. "This is a combat vehicle," he said, answering a question from a reporter during the briefing. "The historic task of light tanks has been to perform reconnaissance functions. [The M10] isn't a mission match, even though [it] sort of looks like, smells like, feels like [a light tank]." Editor's note: This story has been corrected. Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker was killed while on an Abrams tank. -- Steve Beynon contributed reporting. -- Adrian Bonenberger, an Army veteran and graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, reports for Military.com. He can be reached at adrian.bonenberger@monster.com. Related: NTC's New OPFOR Combat Vehicles Will Look and Perform Like Modern Enemy Battle Wagons 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 Postal Code A Botetourt County man was sentenced to six years in prison Friday for pepper-spraying police officers who were trying to defend the U.S. Capitol from a mob he was part of. Markus Maly, 49, has called himself a January 6 P.O.W. who was unfairly convicted by a jury last December. His comments to a far-right online publication, which also promoted a fund-raising campaign that garnered more than $16,000 in contributions for his family, became an issue at his sentencing. Federal prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta to fine Maly the amount raised, citing what it called his fraudulent attempts to profit from his notoriety. The money he has raised following his conviction is entirely profit built on his efforts to publicize his case and portray himself as a political prisoner and martyr, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Rancourt wrote in court documents. But Mehta declined to impose a fine that Malys lawyer said he had no ability to pay. The $16,516 collected through a fund-raising website has already been spent to support an extended family that lost its sole breadwinner when Maly was incarcerated following his trial, according to assistant federal public defender Benjamin Schiffelbein of Roanoke. In stark contrast to Mr. Maly asking for funds to help his familys living expenses, former President Trump has received millions based on his false, flagrant, and inciteful claims that he won the 2020 presidential election, Schiffelbein wrote in a sentencing memorandum, referring to campaign contributions Trump has received. If the government wants to claw back earnings from those who profited from crimes related to January 6, there is any easy target who actually has the ability to pay, the document stated. Testimony at a December trial showed that Maly traveled alone by bus to Washington the morning of Jan. 6, 2021. There, he joined thousands at a rally to hear Trump urge them to fight like hell against an election he claimed was stolen from him. Maly then joined a large and unruly crowd that vastly outnumbered police who were trying to defend the Capitol. At about 2:30 p.m., Maly made his way to the front of a mob that had gathered on the Lower West Terrace. Facing a line of police officers who were trying to prevent rioters from entering a tunnel that led into the Capitol, Maly directed a stream of pepper spray at the formation. The spray struck Christopher Boyle, an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department, directly in the face. Boyle was temporarily overcome by the toxic irritant, which caused pain that he ranked at the top of a 10-point scale. Rioters then forced their way into the tunnel, yelling heave ho in unison as they pushed against police. A canister of pepper spray was passed between Maly and two other men, who were tried together with him, before one of his co-defendants discharged the orange-colored substance, the jury was told. Maly then took a police shield that was passed to him, saying he intended to keep it as a trophy. At one point, he climbed scaffolding that had been erected for the upcoming inauguration to get a better view of the chaos he was part of. This is what happens when you steal elections, he said in a selfie video that showed rioters climbing the steps of the Capitol. You get a pissed off fking America, he said. And America knows how to fight back. More than 1,040 people from across the country including seven from Western Virginia have been charged with participating in the insurrection. Of the approximately 524 defendants sentenced through this week, about 310 have received prison terms. About 118 more were placed on home detention, and the remainder got probation, community service or other non-custodial forms of punishment, according to figures from the U.S. Attorneys Office. Outfielder David Dahl went unclaimed on outright waivers and elected minor league free agency, tweets Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The Pads had designated him for assignment when reinstating Adrian Morejon from the injured list earlier in the week. Dahl signed a minor league pact with San Diego over the winter. He broke camp but appeared in only four MLB games. A quad strain cost him some time early and he spent the bulk of his time on optional assignment to Triple-A El Paso. Dahl got into 17 games there, hitting .265/.342/.382 with one home run. Thats modest power production in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Dahl did demonstrate strong plate discipline in that limited time, walking eight times against seven strikeouts. The lefty-swinging outfielder has now appeared in parts of six seasons at that level. In a little less than 800 trips to the plate, hes hitting .299/.352/.488 against Triple-A pitching. Dahl was an All-Star outfielder for the Rockies early in his career. He hasnt gotten much major league run in the past few years. Dahl missed a good chunk of 2020 to injury, slumped to a .210/.247/.322 showing for the Rangers in 21, then spent all of last season in the minors. Hell likely look for minor league opportunities on the open market. ANN ARBOR, MI - There are lots of legends at the University of Michigan. One is that students who step on the Block M in the Diag will fail their first blue book exam. Do not ask what it takes to remove the curse (it involves disrobing and running through campus). But, An informal survey by the universitys History Department found this superstition to be mostly myth. Only 13% of students who stepped on the M before their first exam failed it, while 27% earned As or Bs, the survey revealed. Another more romantic legend is that students younger than 21 who kiss under the West Hall Engineering Arch will end up getting married. Thats probably also a myth, as the survey found only 1% of kissers ended up getting hitched. Dennis Ball and Kandice Schifko are in the lucky 1%. University of Michigan alums Dennis and Kandice Ball kissing under the West Hall Engineering Arch on Central Campus. Legend says that students that kiss under there will end up married, which happened with these two. Photo shared with permission by Kandice Ball.Kandice Ball Schifko, now Mrs. Ball, met Mr. Ball during the summer of 2013. She was with friends for her 21st birthday at the since-closed Melting Pot fondue restaurant, where he was making ends meet as their server, he wrote on Facebook. The two bantered a little back and forth, enough for her friends to write her number on the check without her knowing. He thought he was really charming, Schifko said, with a smile. Your friends left your phone number at the top of the check and my life was changed forever, Ball wrote. About a year into the relationship, they found themselves under the West Hall Engineering Arch after a night of bar-hopping. Schifko, a self-described romantic, asked him to kiss her under the arch at the stroke of midnight. He obliged. She knew about the archs legendary marital powers prior to the smooch. I wanted to believe in it, she said. I was madly in love, and I thought that if we did it that maybe it really would increase our chances of getting married. Ball, now a building supervisor for the Ann Arbor District Library, graduated in 2014 with degrees in history and political science. He stayed in Ann Arbor while Schifko, a 2013 graduate now working as a pediatrician in Ypsilanti, earned a medical degree at Wayne State University. The support he gave her during that time away is what really convinced her that they were meant for each other, Schifko said. He got me through medical school, she said. I dont think I could have done it without him. We then moved in together. The work Schifko and Ball put into their relationship showed her partnerships involve more than kissing under an arch. Relationships are more than legends, she said. I still want to believe in it, though. In August 2020, they were walking to the UM Diag to meet some friends when he stopped her right underneath the arch to propose. When planning our proposal, I knew I wanted to bring you back there to that spot, Ball wrote. Back to the campus where our story began. Im so grateful you said yes. Since Schifko is the more romantic of the two, she said the proposal was a total surprise. But he knew how much it meant to me, she said. I always used to say you kissed me under the arch, so you have to marry me. The Balls married in August 2022 and live in Saline. A baby is due in September. When hearing the arch only leads to 1% of kissers getting married, Schifko was surprised. People who meet in undergrad and have a romance like that, I would think they would make it more, she said. I guess not. The arch may not be the story for a lot of married Wolverines, but it is distinctly one for the Balls. When we got our wedding photos, our favorite ones are under the arch, she said. We have been back there quite a few times. 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: A Zingermans sandwich is one of the 15 best in the country, ranking says Pup Patty at Grizzly Peak in Ann Arbor will wag your dogs tail Anti-Semitic threats, COVID-19 conspiracies led to this University of Michigan workers downfall WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Where is Washtenaw County growing? It may be no surprise to residents watching farmland morph into subdivisions, but suburban areas outside city limits are the place to look. Since 2020, many of the countys urban centers like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti lost population, while some surrounding townships got a boost, according to new 2022 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Ann Arbor Township led the county in growth over that two-year time period, with an estimated 5% jump in population. Meanwhile, its more urban neighbor, the city of Ann Arbor, dropped an estimated 3%, or some 4,000 people, the figures show. As a whole, Washtenaw County has shrunk about 1.6% since 2020. Its 2022 population estimate was 366,376, making it Michigans sixth largest county. Read more: See which Michigan towns grew, shrunk in 2022 Locally, seven communities have grown, while 21 have lost residents, according to the data. Heres a breakdown by municipality. Which areas are growing? Which are shrinking? Since the last Census in 2020, seven Washtenaw County municipalities have grown, and many are townships surrounding cities. They are: Ann Arbor Township - Up 5.2% Sylvan Township - Up 2.6% Saline Township - Up 2.6% Superior Township - Up 1% City of Dexter - Up 0.6% York Township - Up 0.1% Pittsfield Township - Up 0.1% (Cant see the map? Click here.) The other 21 cities, villages and townships have seen population drops. The city of Ypsilanti led the way, with its population falling 4.5%, dipping just below 20,000, according to the 2022 Census Bureau estimates. The city of Ann Arbor followed with a 3.2% decline. Each city, home to large student populations thanks to the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University saw big drops between 2020 and 2021, but actually made slight population gains from 2021 to 2022. So, one explanation for the estimated dip over the two-year span could be the departure and gradual return of students for in-person classes as the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions loosened. For many local municipalities, like the cities of Saline, Chelsea, Dexter and Milan, local population held relatively steady, the figures show, with roughly one percent deviation up or down since 2020. The Census Bureau calculates the population figures each year by taking the previous population base, such as the count from the 2020 decennial census, and factoring in births, deaths and migration. The yearly estimates are as of July 1 for any given year. Michigan as a whole shrunk in population with the 2022 figures, with deaths outpacing births and thousands of residents moving out of the state, MLive reported. In Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor remains the largest municipality, with an estimated 119,875 people in 2022. Ypsilanti Township follows, with 54,884 people, and Pittsfield Township rounds out the top three with 39,200 people. 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 from The Ann Arbor News: Ann Arbor Civic Band crescendos into 91st season Toyota to build nearly $50M automotive battery testing lab in Washtenaw County Ypsilanti leaders make cuts, grapple with massive deficit in city budget Washtenaw County prosecutor seeks anonymous do-gooder who returned his wallet FLINT, MI A Flint resident has filed a federal lawsuit against five members of the City Council, City Attorney William Kim and a Flint police officer after being asked to leave a council meeting. The woman was given one other option turn off the light on a small, hand-held digital camcorder she was using to record the meeting. Kamryn Randle filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court on Thursday, June 8, claiming the city officials violated the states Open Meetings Act and her First Amendment rights by expelling her from the meeting after denying her the ability to freely record it. The city declined to comment on the filing on Friday, June 9, stating it doesnt discuss pending litigation. The lawsuit names council members Ladel Lewis (Ward 2), Eva Worthing (Ward 9), Judy Priestley (Ward 4), Dennis Pfeiffer (Ward 8) and Quincy Murphy (Ward 3), as well as Flint police officer William Metcalfe and Kim. The five council members voted on a motion at their meeting on Monday, June 5, to support Lewis ruling that Randle cover the light or stop recording after Worthing said she was sensitive to the cameras light. Ive had a headache this whole time. Ive tried to just deal with it, but if this is going to be consistent, I need to be able to do my job, Worthing said at the meeting. The light doesnt have to be shining in my face. I have a right to be able to do my job. Shortly after voting on the light restriction on Monday, council members voted to adjourn the meeting before taking any further action. Randles lawsuit calls the councils action nothing more than an arbitrary, capricious, vindictive, despotic, and needlessly restrictive infringement on her First Amendment rights. The lawsuit says Randle, who was at the meeting as support staff for 1st Ward Councilman Eric Mays, could not turn off her camcorder light without stopping her recording. The light on her camera was not a bright studio light intended to brighten the scene being recorded, rather it was merely an operational light on the camera itself, indicating that the camera was turned on and actively recording, the lawsuit states. Randles litigation cites a 1998 opinion written by former Michigan Attorney General Frank J. Kelly, which says, in part, that public bodies may establish reasonable regulations governing the televising or filming by electronic media of a hearing open to the public in order to minimize any disruption to the hearing but may not prohibit such coverage. The City Council has not adopted any rules or regulations regarding lights on cameras or other recording devices, the lawsuit says, and the Rules Governing Meetings of the Flint City Council are silent on the subject of recording council meetings. Flints charter says its employees shall comply with the Open Meetings Act. Flint council meetings have developed a cult national following through social media and YouTube videos that often focus on arguments and commentaries by Mays, whose clashes with other council members have become fuel for viral videos on YouTube and TikTok. On TikTok, the councilman has over 100,000 followers, and other account holders have used video clips of him that have been viewed by millions. One account holders library of Mays videos has nearly reached 100, with clips of the councilman being arrested and participating in loud exchanges with former and current council members. With his broad audience, Mays created a GoFundMe account that had raised more than $23,000 as of Friday. Mays has said previously that he needs financial support to help pay legal fees tied to his work as a councilman. Read more at The Flint Journal: Flints budget gets council OK. No changes to mayors spending plan Flint City Council president resigns, says health issues made me come to this decision Flint wants to replace 3 bridges in poor condition, invest in fixing 3 more Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. GRAND RAPIDS, MI The third round of National Merit Scholarship winners includes five students from the Grand Rapids area. The teens were named Wednesday, June 7, among over 3,000 students from across the country who won National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among 15,000 finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution. The scholarships range from $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. Another group of students who won college-sponsored scholarship will be announced on July 10, according to a news release from the National Merit Scholarship program. This year, 153 colleges and universities are sponsoring National Merit Scholarship awards for a total of 3,800 students. The scholars were selected from students a pool of 15,000 students who advanced to the finalist level in the National Merit Scholarship competition and met criteria of their scholarship sponsors. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists had to submit a detailed scholarship application, which included writing an essay and providing information about extracurricular activities, awards and leadership positions. Semifinalists also had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirmed their qualifying test performance. This is the third round of recipients selected to receive National Merit Scholarships in 2023, with an additional group of scholars expected to be announced in July. By the end of this years competition, more than 7,140 academic champions will have won National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $28 million. Here are the five Grand Rapids-area students who won college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships this year: Ada: Jason M. Korzen, a senior at Lowell High School, won a National Merit Scholarship from the University of Alabama. He is planning to pursue a career in software engineering. Byron Center: Ryan T. Wall, a senior at Byron Center High School, won a National Merit Scholarship from the University of Alabama. He is planning to pursue a career in computer science. Grand Rapids: Jonathan T. Lundberg is a senior at The Potters House High School, a private Christian school in Wyoming. He won a National Merit Scholarship from Calvin University, and is planning to pursue a career in computer science. Grandville: William G. Bosch, who is homeschooled, won a National Merit Scholarship scholarship from Liberty University. He is planning to pursue a career in accounting. Holland: Matthew Harrelson, a senior at Black River High School, won a National Merit Scholarship from Michigan Technological University. He is planning to pursue a career in computer science. More on MLive: Forest Hills to begin contract negotiations with interim superintendent choice, selects search firm This boardwalk trail skims the water at Hollands Lake Macatawa Facing police racial discrimination charges, Grand Rapids asks judge to block older cases GRAND RAPIDS, MI The same day funeral services were held in Middleville for a young mother found shot to death in a car in Grand Rapids, the suspect in her case was arrested outside of Chicago. With the help of the U.S. Marshalls Fugitive Task Force and U.S. Marshalls personnel in Cook County, Illinois, Luis Fabian Bernal-Sosa was taken into custody in the Chicago area on Friday, June 9, Grand Rapids police said in a news release. Bernal-Sosa, 27, is believed by police to be responsible for shooting and killing 22-year-old Leah Marie Gomez, of Wyoming, on Wednesday, May 31 near downtown Grand Rapids. Gomez was found by police at 3:20 p.m. that day with multiple gunshot wounds in a parking area for an apartment building at the corner of Commerce Avenue SW and Wealthy Street. A child in the vehicle was unharmed, police said. Its an absolute tragedy in the fact she was shot in the presence of a child, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said at the scene. Im obviously angry about it. Were going to do everything we can to quickly bring justice for this woman. Winstrom said that killing appeared to be targeted and police named Bernal-Sosa as a suspect the day after the shooting. Bernal-Sosa will spend Friday night in custody in Illinois, police said. Ashley Reil, an aunt to Gomez, described her niece as an amazing mother with a huge heart. Her sole purpose was being the absolute best mother to her daughter, she said in a Facebook message to MLive. Gomezs daughter is 21 months old and requires 24-hour care, the aunt said. 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. Also on MLive: Three Grand Rapids men found guilty of killing church choir director at ATM Already facing charges after child brought gun to school, man arrested following standoff with police See photos from the Asian-Pacific Festival in downtown Grand Rapids JACKSON COUNTY, MI Ben Snyder and his girlfriend Holly Lippmann had a dream of starting a food truck offering something Jackson doesnt have. They remembered their previous travels to places like Hawaii, Mexico and Costa Rica. And, after eating their way through the islands and countries, they realized island food might be the answer. So they started Bens Island Grindz. Freshness and complex flavors make Hawaiian dishes unique, Snyder said, adding its not like the usual chicken and pineapple people may expect to see. Their most popular dish to date is the poke bowl, which is similar to a salad bowl with sashimi-grade raw tuna, fresh vegetables and rice with a sesame soy-based marinade. Homemade wonton crackers are sold with it. People like it because its light, refreshing and filling without putting someone in a food coma, he said. I think people are enjoying it because it is not commonly found in the area, Snyder said. The Lu Nachos also are a hit. They are vegan and made with jackfruit, a meat alternative that tastes similar to chicken or pork. The nachos are layered with black beans, tomato, jalapenos, lettuce, cilantro, onions, olives and cashew cheese and sour cream. I see a lot of places where their vegetarian options are really boring, Snyder said. Why not focus on a vegetarian, vegan option that is just as inclusive as the rest of the diner? The menu also features a macaroni salad and a pineapple salad. The Fryin Ryan, a pulled pork sandwich, is also popular. Lippmann focuses on the Bens Island Grindz smoothies and Kava cocktails made from the Kava root, which helps with relaxation, Snyder said. One such drink is the Blueberry Dream, which comes with Kava, muddled blueberries, sparkling water, coconut water, lime and mint. Aside from cooking up Island cuisine, the couple loves getting to spend additional time with family, especially their 10-year-old daughter Sienna Snyder. Its definitely a family (business). She likes working in the truck, Lippmann said. Locations, schedules and updates on where to find Bens Island Grindz can be found on its website and 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: Hungry for a smash burger? Try this Jackson food truck 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 Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. FERRYSBURG, MI Pine Street Cafe has been serving regulars and tourists of the Muskegon area since 1991, dishing up traditional breakfast and lunch. After the beloved original owner, Loretta McLaughlin, retired in December 2022, Executive Chef Jaime Knudsen took over, bringing a new spin to the old Pine Street Cafe located at 401 Pine St. Knudsen has been in the industry for the past 17 years. When he and McLaughlin met to talk about new management of the business, they immediately clicked since both are devoted to the people they serve in the community. This summer, Pine Street Cafe is taking time to connect with the community before and after their summer excursions at the Keenan Marina down the street. The cafe is showing its customers what changes are in store for the cafe after McLaughlins retirement. She was there six days a week, owner-operated and was very hands-on with the community as well, Knudsen said. Thats why its very important to everybody that goes there; they feel like they have a little part of their heart going there. New changes to the restaurant after Knudsens takeover include new uniforms, a new website and new branding, but the biggest change is expanding hours on Thursday through Sunday, which has led to a new dinner menu at the restaurant available after 3 p.m. Knudsen said the best meal options on the dinner menu include the pork porterhouse with a brown sugar rub and whole grain mustard cream sauce with baby roasted Yukon potatoes for $18 and the grilled salmon with sweet fried super grains and roasted corn salsa for $19. The pork porterhouse is a favorite of the new dinner menu at the Pine Street Cafe. Photo Credit to Jeff Hage. Breakfast and lunch are still the cafes busiest mealtimes, with lines out of the door most of the summer. Lunch has also been spruced up as Knudsen added gourmet salads and high end sandwiches made with local bread. One of the most popular new lunch menu items is the grilled peach salad with marinated peaches, fresh blueberries and feta cheese for $14. The grilled peach salad at the Pine Street Cafe is one of the new gourmet salads on the lunch menu. Photo credit to Jeff Hage. Knudsen said some of the classic burgers are still an important part of the menu. The breakfast burger with avocado, fried egg and hashbrowns is $16, or try the smokehouse burger made with a smashed brisket patty, tobacco haystack onions and bacon for $14. One thing Knudsen said hell never change is the best-selling breakfast menu item: Lorettas stuffed hashbrowns, $9 for a half order and $14 for a full order with ham, cheese, onion, green pepper and mushrooms. Another traditional menu item sticking around is the jumbo cinnamon roll for $6. Those are still very basic items that we wanted to keep traditional for the restaurant itself, Knudsen said. Did I take a different spin and approach on some of the items in the menu to try to elevate it for the community and make sure were putting out some really, really good food there? Absolutely. A new breakfast item Knudsen said is one of his personal favorites is the pork carnitas with slow-braised pulled pork, salsa, queso, pico de gallo, avocado and two eggs for $13. Knudsen has kept his eye out for where he can locally source the ingredients for the diverse menu like bakeries for bread in Hudsonville and blueberry farms in Spring Lake, as well as local farms right in town for other produce. Another thing Knudsen plans to keep the same are the decorations at the Pine Street Cafe. But some changes are coming to bring a little more sun to customers. The Pine Street Cafe hopes to open its new patio seating area within the next month, letting diners enjoy the summer weather. Pine Street Cafe is open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Thursday through Saturday, the cafe is open 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday. Full menu options are available here. Contact the restaurant at 616-847-6080. Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. More from MLive: Concerns about over policing, privacy surface again with proposed police drone purchase Michigans weather this week: Cooler temperatures, but will there be rain? Former owner of The Intersection, Zs Bar remembered as great barkeep, larger than life MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI Members of the Muskegon Heights community gathered Friday for an open house to celebrate the first new home construction in the city in 17 years. The event was hosted by construction trades students and staff from the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center (CTC). The students built the 1,500-square-foot home at 527 E. Hume St., in partnership with the Lake Hawks in Flight Foundation, and with the support of several organizations including AmeriCorps. The students are still working on the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with an open design, nine-foot ceilings, waterproof vinyl plank floors, a pocket office, deck, front porch, and single-stall garage. The biggest thing is seeing our own youth using their hands, their time, their skill to build this, said Muskegon Heights Mayor Pro Tem Ronald Jenkins, who is the founder of Lake Hawks in Flight Foundation. Theyve been taught hands-on to do these things. Muskegon Heights resident Janet Robinson, whose great-grandparents owned the previous home on the site, provided the property for the school project. This being history, the love, the spirit of the land, we wanted to do something special here, she said. This is the beginning of the renaissance in the city of Muskegon Heights, said Muskegon Heights Mayor Walter Watt. If youre not aware, theres a housing crisis in West Michigan and across the country. New housing development, affordable housing is vitally needed, and right here, in the city of Muskegon Heights, we have an affordability story. The home is built to Energy Star specifications and includes a high-efficiency heating and cooling system, spray foam and recycled cellulose insulation, and LED lighting, according to the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center news release. Students from the CTCs Electrical/Computer Technologies program also took part in the project by running low-voltage wires and installing structured cabling for internet, cable, and phone services. They also assisted in the installation of the service panel and the wiring of the homes outlets, lights, and ceiling fans. Officials said they expect the construction on the home to be completed by the end of June and it will be eventually sold at cost. No specific amount was provided. The other organizations that supported the student project included: John Grace Restoration and Construction, Kent Companies, The Mart Dock, and Quality Tool and Stamping. The construction trades program at CTC offers valuable opportunities and a hands-on learning experience for high school students interested in pursuing a career in construction, the release said. For more information, visit the construction trades page here. More on MLive: Summer recreation programs starting in Muskegon parks Guide to Taste of Muskegon 2023, including the menu and bands Michigans Best Local Eats: Try the pork porterhouse at Ferrysburgs Pine Street Cafe BAY CITY, MI A downtown restaurant here will host a drag show next month. Michigan Drag Brunch, a traveling drag show, will bring its queens to MI Table, 213 Center Ave., for two events in one day: At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 16. Admission costs $45, and includes meals, drinks and a 2-hour show by the performers. Organizers say the event is for patrons aged 18 and older. Tickets are available online at midragbrunch.com. 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. Read more from MLive: A throwback experience with 2023 films awaits at this Michigan drive-in theater Another Saginaw City Council meeting got heated over rules review plan Saturday bus hours to be restored in Saginaw after 3-year hiatus More smoke from wildfires and unsafe air conditions can be expected in Michigan and across the Great Lakes region as the climate continues to warm. Experts say hotter temperatures and more frequent droughts fueled by climate change will exacerbate wildfire risks and lead to larger and more frequent blazes across all North America. Those raging wildfires will put increasing amounts of smoke into the atmosphere and cause dangerous air pollution that will billow across the continent and around the world. That means more frequent unhealthy air conditions will become the latest new normal in the accelerating climate crisis. Experts say these recent days of wildfire smoke from Canada blanketing the U.S. West, Midwest, and Northeast regions is expected to be an indicator of more to come. This is something were going to see more of in the future, said Paige Fischer, wildfire expert and associate professor at University of Michigan. We need to be prepared not just for the wildfires in the place where there are forests that could burn, but we have to be prepared for the smoke because thats just an inevitable effect of wildfires. Fischer studies human adaptation to environmental changes, specifically increasing wildfire risk; she just returned to Michigan from a research trip to study wildfire in Chile. The scientist said air pollution caused by wildfire smoke wafting great distances from the actual fires has become a global crisis requiring adaptation on a larger scale. Up until recently, people in the United States just thought its a western problem. Some even think, Oh, its just people who build their weekend houses up in the mountains. But theres a lot of vulnerable people and people who dont have a choice about where they want to live, where they can live out there, and also outside of the west, Fischer said. As climate change continues to drive temperatures up and disrupt rainfall patterns, experts say more of these types of intense and harmful wildfire seasons can be expected. Climate change is having a significant impact on the duration of the length of the wildfire season, the severity of these fires, and the frequency of wildfires, and theyre happening in every part of the world except for Antarctica. Its an increase globally, said Sarah Vogel, air pollution expert and senior vice president of healthy communities at the Environmental Defense Fund, an environmental advocacy nonprofit. When they burn hot like that, and theyre so powerful, the smoke can go so high up in the atmosphere and thats where you see the smoke traveling just enormous distances. Both Detroit and New York City were ranked among the most polluted cities in the world on June 7, 2023, because of smoke from wildfires burning across Canada. Theres black carbon, theres nitrous oxide that those particles can mix in the air with, sunlight and other aerosols in the air to create other air pollutants that are concerns, Vogel said. So even after drifting long distances across the continent, wildfire smoke remains a dangerous mix of particulate matter. In fact, smoke grows more harmful the longer it wafts through the skies. Its known the chemistry of wildfire smoke changes; the longer its in the atmosphere, the more it will be altered by ultraviolet light, said Christopher T. Migliaccio, a toxicologist at the University of Montana who studies the impact of wildfire smoke on human health. He said researchers found a higher level of oxidants and free radicals the longer the smoke is in the air. Though specific health effects arent yet clear, indications are more exposure leads to greater health effects. It may come down to dose, Migliaccio said. Chances are, if youre a healthy individual, going for a bike ride or a hike in light haze wont be a big deal, and your body will be able to recover, he said. If youre doing that every day for a month in wildfire smoke, however, that raises more concerns. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says exposure to particulate matter can affect both the lungs and heart, and scientific studies have shown particle pollution exposure is linked to premature death in people with heart or lung diseases, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms like coughing. The science around the health effects of air pollution is incredibly strong. We know that particulate matter can cause lung disease, can cause cardiovascular disease at pretty low level. This can cause low birth weight of babies, which is not a good outcome. It can cause asthma and exacerbate asthma, Vogel said. Yet she said a benefit of this weeks widespread wildfire smoke pollution is that its a visible reminder of the effects of climate change. It should be a significant wake-up call for urgent climate action, Vogel argued. Its that sense of we really are all in this together, she said. Theres no other planet we all get to jump to. Weve really got to get in this together. This is the moment. The Associated Press contributed to this article. Sign up to receive MLive's free new environment and climate newsletter, "Lake Effect." Enter your email below: Related articles: Amid wildfire smoke, Michigan leaders signal support for new clean energy standard Wildfire smoke health risks: Should you wear a mask outdoors in Michigan? Big Grayling wildfire leaves unease over dry conditions in its wake Rockstars shooting at beer cans and customers tearing apart store displays have made major companies skittish about celebrating Pride month this year. Brands like Bud Light, Target, Adidas and Starbucks have all faced backlash recently for their campaigns featuring transgender people. Brands are starting to flinch a little bit, scale back a little bit and not go as hard in the paint, said Marcus Collins, a University of Michigan marketing professor. In recent years, brands have been loudly celebrating the LGBTQ+ community during the month of June. Collins said some companies were opportunistic with their campaigns because quote unquote everyones doing it. While others were conviction-driven, saying this community matters to us. But this year some brands are tiptoeing around Pride month as critics have urged product boycotts and LGBTQ issues turned into a flashpoint in an ongoing culture war. Debates about sexual education, book bans, transgender athletes and gender-affirming healthcare have been pushed to the forefront by some Republicans in recent months. Legislation prompted the Human Rights Campaign to declare a state of emergency for LGBTQ people across the United States. Related: Bud Light-costumed far-right protesters crash Michigan drag show Its the Target, Adidas, Bud Light of the world. They didnt just celebrate Pride. They specifically celebrated and supported trans people, and thats where the pushback is happening, Collins said. In Michigan, major brands have had mixed public responses to Pride month. Retail giant Meijer has been quiet on its social media this year despite posting love is love last year and were pride proud in 2021. The grocer does outline its diversity and inclusion efforts online. Kellogg, after partnering with GLAAD for several years to launch colorful pop tarts and cereal, has not created any Pride-related goods yet this year. Neither company responded to requests for comment. I think that when the calculus is, theres far more upside to do this, so therefore, were going to do it, Collins said. When there is downside to do it, then thats an easy decision to make: pare it back. For two years, Ford Motor Co. touted a rainbow vehicle during Pride Month. In 2021, Ford Europe shared a video of a rainbow Very Gay Raptor in response to social media comments. Then last year Ford rolled out a one-of-a-kind rainbow and gold Pride Bronco at the Memphis Pride Festival and Motor City Pride. But blowback to these rainbow trucks reverberated into 2023. Social media posts resurfaced the video last month with one saying, Ford goes woke! Looks like they didnt learn from Bud Light and pushing for a boycott. Another said Thank goodness I dont drive a Ford. The backlash prompted Reuters to publish a fact check on the video being two years old. And podcaster Joe Rogan reportedly criticized the calls for a boycott saying, No ones not gonna buy Raptors and called it a good looking truck. Related: 2 years after LGBTQ flag controversy, rural Michigan city to host Pride Festival Ford responded saying the video was never part of a Ford ad campaign. It began in 2021 as an attempt by our team in Europe to turn a negative into a positive with an in-kind response to a social media comment asserting that a color of the then-new Ranger Raptor truck was very gay which offended colleagues and customers, the automaker said in a statement. A 2021 tweet from Ford Europe about the Raptor said very gay was a compliment, right? This year, Fords recognition of Pride Month is less visible. But Ford is sponsoring Detroits Motor City Pride Festival alongside 50 other organizations this weekend. The other Big 3 automakers General Motors and Stellantis are also backing the 51-year-old festival. We look forward to participating again this year as part of our focus on celebrating and supporting our LGBTQ+ employees, General Motors said in a statement about its Pride Month plans this year. A history of the automakers commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is outlined on its website. General Motors is also flying a new intersex inclusive Pride Flag outside its facilities this June, but its social media pages have been quiet so far. Stellantis released new Pride-themed merchandise for seven of its brands including Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram. Its employees will also be leading to Motor City Pride Festival parade alongside Jeep vehicles which have historically been decorated with rainbows. Related: Outright war: Gender Queer and the attack on Michigan libraries For brands that outwardly recognize Pride, Collins says their campaigns cut through the noise. There is a silver lining, the people who stayed the course, the brands that have decided to stay true to their commitment to the community, their actions speak much louder than words, he said. Collins says the outrage against LGBTQ campaigns will eventually fade, but the public support carries more meaning this year particularly for transgender people who are the most marginalized. About 29% of transgender adults live in poverty with transgender people of color facing even higher rates, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Violence against transgender people is also elevated with nearly half saying theyve been sexually assaulted. This moment in time will be forgotten by most of us but not the people who suffer, Collins said. More on MLive: State of emergency declared for LGBTQ people in U.S. Michigan will be the anti-Florida, state leaders say, kicking off Kalamazoo Pride Banning conversion therapy in Michigan would protect LGBTQ children, supporters say Bay City celebrates LGBTQ+ community with official Pride Month proclamation 10.06.2023 LISTEN The Vice President, Dr. Mahamud Bawumia, praised Hon. Joseph Cudjoe, Minister of State responsible for Public Enterprises, for his innovative work at the Ministry. During an event organized by the Ministry of Public Enterprises, a ministry which operates directly from the presidency at Kinpeski Hotel in Accra, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana commended Hon. Joseph Cudjoe, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Effia constituency. The Vice President highlighted the Minister's innovative approach to rebuilding and retooling state or public enterprises. Furthermore, the Vice President congratulated Hon. Joseph Cudjoe for his conception and implementation of the Public Enterprises League Table (PELT), an instrument designed to rank public enterprises and drive them towards greater effectiveness and efficiency. The Vice President described the Minister as brilliant and praised his understanding of public service and nation-building through innovative means. In response to these remarks, some political activists perceive this as an endorsement from the Vice President; and believe it will greatly assist the Honorable Minister in securing his next term with ease. By: Emmanuel Ackon, pooling station secretary, Effia Constituency. 09.06.2023 LISTEN Registrar of the Land Division of the High Court in Tema, Sebastian Agbo, has been sacked by the Judicial Service for his involvement in fraudulent activities. The dismissal, which took effect on May 18, 2023, was confirmed through a notice issued on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, by Justice Cynthia Pamela Addo, the Judicial Secretary. The notice explicitly warned the public and Judicial Service staff against engaging with Mr. Sebastian Agbo, emphasizing that he no longer holds a position within the Judicial Service. The General Public and Staff of the Judicial Service are hereby informed that Mr. Sebastian Agbo formerly of the Land Court, Tema was dismissed from the Judicial Service of Ghana on 18th May 2023 for fraudulently preparing thirty (30) Court orders, a major offense under Section 37(a) of the Conditions of Service for Senior and Junior Employees of the Judicial Service. In view of the ongoing, Mr. Sebastian Agbo no longer represents the Judicial Service. All persons who deal with him, therefore, do so at their own peril. Please be advised accordingly, the statement added. The Daily Graphic on Thursday reported that the Supreme Court has referred a case involving the estate of a deceased pastor to the Chief Justice to investigate the conduct of the judge and a Court Registrar involved in that case. In a unanimous decision Tuesday [June 6, 2023], a five-member panel of the apex court, presided over by Justice Jones Dotse, said the antecedents of the case cast a slur on the integrity of the judicial system. The court, through the referral, urged the Chief Justice to investigate Justice Emmanuel Ankamah, who presided over the case at the High Court in Tema in 2022 but is now a Justice of the Court of Appeal, and the then Registrar of the High Court in Tema, Sabastian Agbo. In our collective wisdom, we deem it appropriate to refer this case to the Chief Justice to cause further investigations into the conduct of the learned trial judge and Sebastian Agbo, then Registrar of the High Court, Tema under whose tenure the sordid affairs happened. This should cover all officers who played any role in this shameful specie of conduct, the court said. The decision was the valedictory judgment of Justice Jones Dotse, who retires Thursday [June 8, 2023]. The other Justices on the panel were Avril Lovelace-Johnson, Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, and Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi. Certiorari application The highest court of the land made the referral to the Chief Justice after it granted a certiorari application quashing the decision of Justice Ankamah which struck out a caveat challenging the letters of administration for the sharing of the properties in the estate of the late Rev Emmanuel Dorgbadzi. A caveat is a document that is filed in court to prevent the proposed executors or administrators of a deceased person's estate from getting permission to administer the estate assets. Delivering the judgment, Justice Dotse held that Justice Ankamah failed to give the caveators a hearing before striking out the caveat and, therefore, the court breached the rules of natural justice. It was the considered view of the court that the evidence on record showed that the case was not listed for hearing, but strangely it was heard on the blind side of the caveators, with the presiding judge striking out the said caveat for want of prosecution and granting the letters of administration to the interested parties. According to Justice Dotse, the irregular manner in which the case was determined pointed to the fact that the presiding judge appeared to be biased against the applicants. Again, the court wondered why Justice Ankamah struck out the caveat when the issues raised in the caveat were of utmost importance as it raises questions about the capacity of the parties who filed the letters of administration. It is therefore clear that the affidavit filed by the applicants herein that had raised serious issues of fact and law as regards priorities of a grant of the letters of administration. That being the case, the learned trial judge should have been circumspect in casually dismissing this caveat,' the court held. Apart from quashing the decision by the Tema High Court, the Supreme Court also prohibited Justice Ankamah and the Registrar of the High Court from ever dealing with the case. Undervaluation The Supreme Court further questioned the values of the properties in the estate listed in the letter of administration, describing it as undervalued and deceptive. For example, the letters of administration valued a hospital at Obuasi at GH60,000, a school at Obuasi at GH35,000, and a house of the deceased at Tema valued at GH30,000. In view of this, the Supreme Court also referred the interested parties in the certiorari application who filed the letter of administration at the Tema High Court as well as their lawyers. We further advice and urge the Hon Chief Justice to cause investigations into the apparent device by the interested parties herein to undervalue the Estate of the deceased. Learned Counsel who filed the application for and on behalf of the interested parties should be made to give an explanation as to the basis for the valuation in respect of the properties stated herein,' the court added. -Newsroom Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, the 2020 Running Mate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the developmental achievements of past NDC governments should encourage Ghanaians to return the party to power. To her, the achievements of NDC across sectors, far outweighed the performance of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos government, which had impoverished the people. Any objective assessment will make the NDC an obvious choice for Ghanaians, she said in separate interactions with traders, artisans, and the aged at Assin-Praso and Bereku, ahead of the Assin North by-election slated for Tuesday, June 27. Accordingly, she urged supporters to take the lead in propagating the achievements of the party to make it formidable and attractive to win power in 2025. Our party has a story to tell citizens of the prudent policies, pragmatic programmes, and numerous social interventions achieved by our government to alleviate the sufferings of the people, we must not be complacent but intensify our campaigns on our achievements. We the members hold the key to the partys victory in 2024, hence it behooves on all, particularly women groups, to work tirelessly and assiduously towards achieving that feat, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stated. Knowing very well the partys victory would not come on a silver platter, she said, I want us to remain focused, steadfast and confident to reclaim power in 2024. Rallying support from the people, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, the NDCs parliamentary candidate for the Assin North By-election for accepting and committing to the development and decency exhibited in politics. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang assured that the NDC's commitment to an issue-based campaign was solely influenced by the partys quest to implement sound economic policies to save Ghanaians from the present socio-economic difficulties in the country. She also called on Ghanaians to grant the NDC and Mr Quayson, the mandate to continue the party's good works, some of which have been neglected by the present administration. This is the time for you to choose productive change by voting for a people-centered government and desist from following anybody's propaganda, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed. Mr. Quayson thanked the people for the love, commitment, and trust reposed in him to lead them again. According to him, Assin North District lingered in abject poverty and stagnation because of years of neglect by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, and that gave him the confidence to contest to change the narrative. He was hopeful of making history by winning the seat back for the NDC and the good people of Assin North. He asked the people not to be perturbed about the lies being perpetrated by the members of the ruling NPP government that he would be jailed if voted into power. It is a way to sway you of your votes ahead of the by-election, he said. GNA A Rocha Ghana has stressed that government must do more beyond commemorating Green Ghana Day if it really wants to protect forests in the country and the environment. Addressing a press conference in Accra on Friday, June 9, A Rocha Ghana Deputy National Director Daryl Bosu alleged that government is only embarking on the Green Ghana Day to distract Ghanaians from its failure to protect the countrys forests. According to him, Green Ghana Day will continue to be a greenwashing agenda unless government takes bold steps to secure forest reserves in the country. ..until government takes active steps to secure all forest reserves indeed, we reiterate that, Green Ghana Day will continue to be a green washing agenda by government to distract all of us from their terrible record of securing forests and biodiversity in Ghana, Daryl Bosu said at the press conference. At the press conference whic was organised by A Rocha Ghana as part of the Civil Society Organisations commemoration of Fridays Green Ghana Day it raised concern about L.I.2462, insisting that it will further cause more destruction of the countrys already highly depleted forest estates if it is not abolished. Mr Daryl Bosu noted that the Forestry Commission must stop granting any Forest Entry Permits for mining in forest reserves while urging the Minerals Commission to immediately revoke all mining licences in the reserves, beginning with those granted to irresponsible companies. The forests must be fully protected from all mining, both government-licensed and galamsey, otherwise their integrity and capacity to support life will soon be gone. Governments Green Ghana Day can plant 500 billion trees every year, but it can never bring back Ghanas old growth forests, Daryl Bosu argued. The press conference was held by A Rocha Ghana in collaboration with Nature Development Foundation, Ecoconscious Citizens, Youth Alliance for Green Ghana, and Ghana Youth Environment Movement. Rebels from the Islamist Al-Shabaab group were attacking a hotel in Somalia's capital Mogadishu on Friday, the government and witnesses said. Attackers targeted a hotel at a beach often visited by officials, according to a government statement. "The security forces rescued many people from the building and the operation is still ongoing," it said. Al-Shabaab, which has been waging an insurgency against the internationally backed federal government for more than 15 years, claimed responsibility for the attack. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions at the hotel on Lido beach, where the government said civilians "were spending time to rest". "I was near the Pearl Beach restaurant when (a) heavy explosion occurred in front of the building," witness Abdirahim Ali told AFP. "I have managed to flee but there was heavy gunfire afterwards and the security forces rushed to the area." Yaasin Nur was at the restaurant and told AFP it was "full of people as it was recently renovated". "I'm worried because there are several of my colleagues who went there and two of them are not responding to their phones," he said. Al-Shabaab has been driven out of Somalia's main towns and cities but retains power in large swathes of rural areas, and continues to carry out attacks against security and civilian targets, including in the capital. Hotels have often been targeted in the past as they tend to host high-ranking Somali and foreign officials. The rebels, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, launched a large-scale attack against a hotel at Lido beach in 2020, killing 10 civilians and a police officer. The security forces took four hours to regain control over the site. 'All-out war' The latest attack highlights the endemic security problems in the Horn of Africa country as it struggles to emerge from decades of conflict and natural disasters. Last year, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched an "all-out war" against Al-Shabaab, rallying Somalis to help flush out members of the jihadist group he described as "bedbugs". His pledge came after 21 people were killed and 117 others were wounded in an Al-Shabaab siege on a Mogadishu hotel in August 2022 that lasted 30 hours. The attack raised serious questions about the security forces, who failed to protect a heavily guarded administrative district. In October 2022, twin car bombings in Mogadishu killed 121 people and injured 333, in the country's deadliest attack in five years. The army and militias known as "macawisley" have in recent months retaken swathes of territory in the centre of the country in an operation backed by the African Union mission ATMIS and US air strikes. But Al-Shabaab fighters killed 54 Ugandan peacekeepers in an attack on an African Union base in the southern town of Bulo Marer last month. A 24-hour ceasefire took effect Saturday between Sudan's warring generals but, with fears running high it will collapse like its predecessors, US and Saudi mediators warn they may break off mediation efforts. With the fighting now about to enter a third month, civilians trapped in the battlegrounds in greater Khartoum and the flashpoint western region of Darfur are desperate for relief from the bloodshed but deeply sceptical about the sincerity of the generals. Multiple truces have been agreed and broken since fighting erupted on April 15, and Washington had slapped sanctions on both rival generals after the last attempt collapsed at the end of May. The nationwide truce announced by US and Saudi mediators on Friday took effect at 6:00 am (0400 GMT). "Should the parties fail to observe the 24-hour ceasefire, facilitators will be compelled to consider adjourning" talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah which have been suspended since late last month, the mediators said. Map of Sudan and neighboring countries showing the number of refugees fleeing the conflict by country of destination as of June 7, according to UNHCR.. By Sophie RAMIS, Nalini LEPETIT-CHELLA (AFP) Civilians voiced disappointment that the promised ceasefire was so limited in scope. "A one-day truce is much less than we aspire for," said Khartoum North resident Mahmud Bashir. "We look forward to an end to this damned war." Issam Mohamed Omar said he wanted an agreement that required fighters of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who had occupied his home in Khartoum to leave so that he can return there from his temporary lodgings across the Nile in Omdurman. "For me, a truce that doesn't kick the RSF out of the home they kicked (me) out of three weeks ago, doesn't mean anything to me," he said. 'Incentives not changed' Sudan specialist Aly Verjee said he saw little reason why this truce should be honoured any more than its predecessors. "Unfortunately, the incentives have not changed for either party, so it's hard to see that a truce with the same underlying assumptions, especially one of such short duration, will see a substantially different result, said Verjee, a researcher at Sweden's University of Gothenburg. Upwards of 1,800 people have been killed in the fighting, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. Nearly two million people have been displaced, including 476,000 who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, the United Nations says. Khartoum residents unable to leave have been forced to camp out for weeks as supplies of vital goods run low. By - (AFP) The Saudi and US mediators said they "share the frustration of the Sudanese people about the uneven implementation of previous ceasefires". The army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, said it has "agreed to the proposal", adding in a statement it "declares its commitment to the ceasefire". The paramilitary RSF, commanded by Burhan's former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, said: "We affirm our full commitment to the ceasefire." Both statements said the truce could support humanitarian efforts, while cautioning against violations by their opponents. "If observed, the 24-hour ceasefire will provide an important opportunity... for the parties to undertake confidence-building measures which could permit resumption of the Jeddah talks," the US-Saudi statement said. UN backs envoy Friday's announcement came a day after Sudanese authorities loyal to Burhan declared UN envoy Volker Perthes "persona non grata", accusing him of taking sides. UN chief Antonio Guterres later expressed support for Perthes, who is currently in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa for a series of talks. Speaking through his spokesman, Guterres said "the doctrine of persona non grata is not applicable to or in respect of United Nations personnel" and is contrary to Khartoum's obligations under the UN charter. The fighting has sidelined Perthes's efforts to revive Sudan's transition to civilian rule, which was derailed by a 2021 coup by the two generals before they fell out. Sudan's government has declared United Nations envoy Volker Perthes (C) 'persona non grata'. By - (AFP/File) It has also complicated the coordination of international efforts to deliver emergency relief to the 25 million civilians that the United Nations estimates are in need. Alfonso Verdu Perez, outgoing head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in Sudan, warned on Friday that "health care may collapse at any moment". "The needs are immense and much more remains to be done" in both Khartoum and Darfur, he told reporters in Geneva. burs/kir/dv Six civilians were killed and 10 wounded in a six-hour siege by Islamist Al-Shabaab militants at a beachside hotel in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, police said Saturday. The Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists have been waging an insurgency against the internationally backed federal government for more than 15 years and have often targeted hotels, which tend to host high-ranking Somali and foreign officials. "Six civilians were martyred in the attack... and 10 others were wounded. Three brave members of the security forces were martyred during the rescue operation," the Somali Police Force said in a statement. The assault, for which Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, began just before 8 pm on Friday (1700 GMT) when seven attackers stormed the Pearl Beach hotel, a popular spot at Lido Beach along Mogadishu's coastline. It ended at around 2 am, police said, after a fierce gunfight between security forces and the militants, all of whom were killed during the battle. Al-Shabaab has been driven out of Somalia's main towns and cities but retains power in large swathes of rural areas. By (AFP) "The security forces managed to rescue 84 people including women and children and elderly people," the police statement added. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions at the hotel on Lido beach. "I was near the Pearl Beach restaurant when (a) heavy explosion occurred in front of the building," one witness, Abdirahim Ali, told AFP. "I have managed to flee but there was heavy gunfire afterwards and the security forces rushed to the area." Yaasin Nur was at the restaurant and told AFP it was "full of people as it was recently renovated". "I'm worried because there are several of my colleagues who went there and two of them are not responding to their phones," he said. Several ambulances were also parked nearby, an AFP journalist saw. 'All-out war' The attack at Lido beach underscored the endemic security problems in the Horn of Africa country as it struggles to emerge from decades of conflict and natural disasters. Al-Shabaab, which was driven out of Somalia's main towns and cities by an African Union force, still controls large swathes of countryside and continues to carry out attacks against security and civilian targets, including in the capital. Last year, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched an "all-out war" against Al-Shabaab, rallying Somalis to help flush out members of the jihadist group he described as "bedbugs". His pledge came after 21 people were killed and 117 others were wounded in an Al-Shabaab siege on a Mogadishu hotel in August 2022 that lasted 30 hours. That attack raised serious questions about the security forces, who failed to protect a heavily guarded administrative district. Two months later, twin car bombings in Mogadishu killed 121 people and injured 333 in the country's deadliest attack in five years. The army and militias known as "macawisley" have in recent months retaken swathes of territory in the centre of the country in an operation backed by the African Union mission ATMIS and US air strikes. But Al-Shabaab fighters killed 54 Ugandan peacekeepers last month in an attack on an African Union base in the southern town of Bulo Marer. In August 2020, Al-Shabaab launched a large-scale attack on the Elite, another hotel at Lido beach popular with officials, killing 10 civilians and a police officer. It took security forces four hours to regain control of the site in that attack. The UN said in November that at least 613 civilians had been killed and 948 injured in violence in Somalia last year, mostly caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) attributed to Al-Shabaab. The figures were the highest since 2017 and an increase of more than 30 percent from the previous year. Turkey's newly reelected president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, faces the challenge of balancing ties with Russia and Western allies as he seeks to make the country a major player on the world stage. With Erdogan taking the presidential oath for a third time, analysts predict foreign policy will be central to his goal of making Turkey a 21st-century power. "We are also likely to see a continuation of this non-aligned and strategic, autonomous idea of Turkey's place in the world," said Asli Aydintasbas, a visiting fellow with the Brookings Institution in Washington. "President Erdogan sees Turkey as a rising power," Aydintasbas explained. "He's built his campaign on this. The 21st century, he says, will be the century of Turkey, and that Turkey is not a loyal card-carrying member of the transatlantic community." Standoff over Sweden Ankara's ongoing veto of Sweden's Nato membership bid is increasingly viewed as a critical test of its loyalties. Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg attended Erdogan's swearing-in last weekend, urging Turkey to lift its veto of Sweden's bid to join the transatlantic alliance. Ankara has accused Stockholm of sheltering members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist group by Ankara and its Western allies. Speaking to reporters after meeting with Erdogan, Stoltenberg described talks as "productive", acknowledging security threats posed by Kurdish rebel groups like the PKK to Turkey. "No other ally has faced more terrorist attacks," said the Nato chief. But Stoltenberg insists Stockholm has addressed Ankara's calls to crack down on terrorist organisations attacking Turkey. "Sweden has taken significant concrete steps to meet Turkey's concerns," he said. "This includes amending the Swedish constitution, ending its arms embargo, and stepping up counter-terrorism cooperation, including against the PKK. Important new terrorism legislation has come into force just a few days ago. So Sweden has fulfilled its obligations." Russian investment, American ambitions Ankara's ongoing opposition to Sweden's Nato bid comes as Erdogan is pledging to deepen ties with Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first to congratulate Erdogan on his latest electoral success. "Turkey is having a lot of investments from Russia," pointed out Huseyin Bagci, head of the Foreign Policy Institute, an Ankara-based research organisation. "In his presidential speech, [Erdogan] was talking about this nuclear plant and also an LNG [liquid natural gas] hub for certain European countries. Turkish-Russian continue to be stronger," Bagci said. Putin gave Erdogan significant financial support during the presidential election, deferring billions of dollars in energy payments to support the beleaguered Turkish economy. But analysts suggest Erdogan wants to consolidate his electoral success with a reset with Washington. US President Joe Biden has in the past criticised Erdogan, even calling him an autocrat. "Erdogan got what he wanted or what he needed before the elections from Russia. He got a deferment of payments for natural gas," stressed international relations professor Serhat Guvenc of Kadir Has University. "Now, probably, his expectations are more centred in the West than in Russia. There is this expectation that now that Erdogan was elected, that is proof of his democratic credentials," said Guvenc. "So based on this perceived renewal of democratic credentials, probably Erdogan and his associates will seek a reinvigoration of the relations between the two countries on the basis of a better reception of Erdogan in Washington, probably an official visit this is what they are expecting." Lack of chemistry Improving Turkish-US relations is widely expected to help ease financial pressures facing the economy. But the poor chemistry between the country's two leaders remains an obstacle. "Turkey's a challenge for Washington, and it will continue to be a challenge. The relationship is less than ideal. In fact, it's pretty dysfunctional," warns analyst Aydintasbas. "It starts at the top with President Erdogan and President Biden hardly talking or hardly ever meeting. Even though they've met on the sidelines of major international summits, I think that the lines of communication between the two are just very poor," she added. That relationship could ultimately be tested over Ankara's stance on Nato enlargement and growing Western calls to impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, something Erdogan has so far refused. Some 74 youths in the Dormaa East District have begun the first stage of training under the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project (GJSP). The training which is under the YouStart programme, a newly introduced flagship programme by government would enable beneficiaries to acquire skills, knowledge and capital to develop a carrier. The beneficiaries are expected to undergo three stages of the training, namely the basic, intermediate and advanced levels to qualify for the full package the projects bring. At the opening session at the Dormaa East District Assembly Hall, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Agyeman, who was very happy about the initiative, commended government and the implementing agency for making this vision a reality. He adviced the youth to capitalize on the opportunity and make the most out of it. The CEO of Ghana Enterprise Agency under which the project is running, Mrs Kossey Yankey commended the leadership of Dormaa East for the effort put into registering 1,800 applicants, which is the highest so far recorded across the board. She added that the move would make more youths in the District benefit from the programme. On Friday the 9th of June 2023, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Frema Osei-Opare visited the Amasaman Constituency to mark this year's Green Ghana Day in Achiaman. The Green Ghana Day was introduced in 2021, by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of an aggressive national afforestation/reforestation programme to restore the lost forest cover of Ghana and to contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change. The maiden edition was held on June 11 2021, where an estimated 7million tree seedlings were planted and this year, an estimated 10 million more trees as expected to be planted across the nation. In a brief introductory speech, the MCE, honourable Clement Wilkinson touched on how happy he was to have received the Hon. Chief of Staff into the constituency. He noted that Achiaman is one of the biggest amongst the about 67 communities within the entire constituency and therefore a very important location for the exercise. He said due to the rampant encroachment of government lands like that of the Achiaman school, the Municipal Assembly would take the opportunity of this tree planting to plant more trees as a fence to protect such lands. In her remarks, the Hon. Chief of Staff, expressed how joyous she was to visit the constituency. She said due to the decline of Ghana's forest cover as a result of human activities and other climatic conditions, it had become necessary for government to take remedial action to mitigate the impact of deforestation instituting the Green Ghana Day. In his address, the Member of Parliament for the area, honourable Akwasi Afrifa-Mensa opined that the Green Ghana Day is an essential exercise and "If we are able to sustain this laudable initiative, it will go a long way to solve the problems associated with climate change." He continued by appealing to the teachers and students of the school to nurture the trees so that at the Chief of Staff's next visits, she would know that her sweat was not in vain. He thanked the Hon Chief of Staff for choosing his constituency, Amasaman out of 275 constituencies in Ghana to observe this very important day. After the Tree planting exercise, Hon. Frema Opare and her team, together with the MCE and MP, inspected the Achiaman CHPS facility which was fully funded by CODA, completed and commissioned in November 2021. The Hon. Frema Osei-Opare ended her day with a closed-door meeting with the Management of the Ga-West Municipal Assembly, including the MCE, Member of Parliament and Constituency executives present. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng 10.06.2023 LISTEN Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng has denied the allegation that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is victimising former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng. Prof. Frimpong-Boateng on Thursday revealed that he was arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor on May 16 when he honoured an invitation by the Special Prosecutor. Since the widespread of his arrest in the media, the Special Prosecutor has been criticised and accused by many of vilifying the renowned Ghanaian surgeon. Speaking to Joy News on the New File programme on Saturday, June 10, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng explained that it is not only Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng who is being investigated. According to him, his office has targeted every person who was an officer of the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM). Mr. Agyebeng insists that the ongoing investigation of corruption and corruption-related activities is necessary because allegations against the IMCIM before his office are very disturbing. Every person who was an officer of this committee is my target. You cannot cloak yourself in immunity. Everyone is fair game for us while the investigation is live, Kissi Agyebeng shared. The Special Prosecutor further noted that his Office is careful and treats people with civility in order not to stigmatise the reputation of persons of interest. The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng has rubbished the allegation that some political actors are behind the arrest of former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng. According to him, no government official can interfere in his work or use him as a pawn to settle personal scores. The government of the day cannot instruct me to go after people. Nobody can use me to settle scores with another. If you have your fight in court with someone, that's your own problem. The OSP does not settle scores on behalf of people, Lawyer Kissi Agyebeng said in an interview with Joy News on Saturday, June 10. The Special Prosecutor has been criticised in the past week after Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng revealed that he was arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor on May 16 when he honoured an invitation from the office. Speaking to Joys News on Thursday night, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng disclosed that he was only told that his arrest was in relation to an investigation into corruption and corruption-related activities. With no charges leveled against him, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng who chaired the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) opined that he feels victimised. In reaction, Lawyer Kissi Agyebeng said that is never the intention of the Office of the Special Prosecutor. He said the OSP is only focused on executing its mandate for the people of Ghana and will not act in any way that will damage the reputation of any person of interest. He stressed that his office is targeting all persons who served on the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining citing several serious allegations against the work of the committee. The Ashanti Region Seedling Contractors Association has said it does not know the exact amount of money the government owes it. The Association had initially called on the government to pay the GH28 million it owed its members for the supply of seedlings for the tree planting exercise during the Green Ghana Day celebrations in 2021 and 2022. However, speaking in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Samuel Amoah, a member of the Plantation and Seedlings Scheme, told Umaru Sanda Amadu that the Association can not tell the exact amount the government owes us. He said it is the government that knows the amount it owes us. Mr. Amoah explained that it is difficult to quantify the amount owed to members because the supply of seedlings came from various parts of the country, making it difficult to keep track of the money trail. We have people who have supplied the government with seedlings from various parts of the country. We have supplied to the government during the two times that the Green Ghana Project has been held and also during the normal afforestation plantings that the government has been having, he said. He also alleged that the government refused to purchase from us for this year's Green Ghana Project and we are wondering where they got the seedlings for this year's project. We cannot just get up and take any action at all, so we have been engaging the government, but we are not seeing any fruitful measures being taken to pay us, and so we have petitioned a respectable person to intervene and all that we are telling the government is to come to our aid and pay us our monies, Mr. Amoah further disclosed. citinewsroom Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey (MCAG), Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, is calling on media and civil society groups to pressure leaders to ensure that the directors of Akonta Mining Limited are prosecuted. He believes that the prosecution of the directors of Akonta Mining Limited is long overdue, given the destruction that they have caused to water bodies and lands on the concession that they operated. He has therefore called on civil society organizations and the media to embark on a serious advocacy campaign to ensure that the directors of Akonta Mining Limited are prosecuted. The group met with senior officials of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) on Thursday, June 8, 2023, to discuss the progress of the investigation into Akonta Mining Limiteds mining activities in the Tano Nmira Forest Reserves. Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Dr. Ashigbey pointed out that there was enough evidence that Akonta Mining had sinned against the Minerals Commission. Therefore, we were expecting that after this long period, some action would have been taken, and they would have been in court by now. If you take our Constitution, sovereignty resides in the people. The same Constitution also gives the media the mandate to hold leadership to account. Citi FM and other media houses, you need to make sure that the Director General of CID, the Attorney General, and the judiciary ensure that the likes of the directors of Akonta Mining and other influential people, including Aisha Huang and Yaw Danso Bosome Freho, the former District Chief Executive, are brought to book. The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey posited that it would be meaningless for leaders to plant trees without safeguarding the existing forests. It is really important that leaders take action. Today, we are out there planting trees. For example, in the case of Akonta Mining, the number of trees that have been cut down from these forests is alarming. As much as we want to plant trees, we need to ensure that we safeguard our forests, cocoa, and not support this illegality. It is important that all of us, including civil society and the media, ensure that we get leaders to do what they ought to do, Dr. Ashigbey asserted. MCAG sent two petitions to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, in January 2023, to carry out swift investigations into the alleged illegal mining activities by Akonta Mining, which is owned by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako. The MCAG said it was informed that investigations were ongoing, but the group expressed disappointment that the directors of Akonta Mining Limited had not yet been prosecuted, despite the clear evidence of their alleged wrongdoing. citinewsroom Police under the Police Action Against Indiscipline (PAARI) have arrested motorcycle Riders over various traffic offenses. The offenses included jumping the red light, riding with pillion riders without crash helmets among others. Although the Officers declined to speak, the GNA counted about 58 motorbikes at a point. A source close to the Ghana Police Office told the GNA that the offenders would be arrainged before Adenta Magistrate Court for prosecution. GNA In a move that many hailed as a salve for the historic wounds between Europe and Africa, Germany last December returned 22 artefacts, looted during the colonial era, to what is now Nigeria. But five months on, questions are being asked in Germany as to whether cultural guardians were wise to hand back the priceless treasures, known as the Benin bronzes. Controversy erupted after Nigeria's outgoing president, Muhammadu Buhari, suddenly declared in March that the artefacts would be returned to a traditional ruler -- and not to the Nigerian state, as Germany had expected. The recipient named by Buhari is the Oba of Benin, a descendant of the sovereign who reigned over the kingdom of Benin when the bronzes were looted by the British at the end of the 19th century. Custody of any repatriated bronzes must be "handed over to the Oba," who will be "responsible for the management of all places" where they are kept, Buhari's statement said. Buhari's announcement was one of his last moves in office before he was succeeded by Bola Tinubu following elections. But it stirred soul-searching in Germany, where critics said it appeared to breach a key understanding with Nigeria. Under a July 2022 agreement, Germany promised to return around 1,100 bronzes from 20 of its museums, and both sides agreed on the importance of making the works accessible to the public. Underpinning this were plans to display the bronzes in a new museum in Benin City in southern Edo state. The state of Saxony has put the brakes on further restitutions pending clarification on whether the Oba's ownership would affect public display of the bronzes. Saxony's Grassi museum was among five museums that handed over the 22 bronzes in December and other museums in the state still hold 262 pieces. Before proceeding with returning them, the state wants to "wait to see what the effect of this declaration is (...) and how the new government is going to proceed", a spokesman for the Saxon culture ministry told AFP. "We will not take any new steps" before the situation is made clear, he said. No 'conditions' Asked about Buhari's declaration, foreign ministry spokesman Christopher Burger said the return of the bronzes was "not subject to conditions." The Ethnological Museum in Berlin's Humboldt Forum has a large collection of Benin bronzes. By JENS SCHLUETER (AFP/File) "It is the decision of the sovereign state of Nigeria to do what it wants," he said, while adding that it was "important to us that the public continue to have access to the Benin bronzes". Culture Minister Claudia Roth said she was "surprised and irritated" by the response to the declaration in Germany. "What happens to the bronzes now is for the current owner to decide, and that is the sovereign state of Nigeria," she told the ZDF broadcaster. Hermann Parzinger, president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK), which runs the Ethnological Museum in Berlin, said he did not believe Buhari's declaration placed future restitutions in doubt. The Ethnological Museum has around 530 historical objects from the ancient kingdom of Benin, including more than 400 bronzes -- considered the most important collection outside London's British Museum. Just an excuse? The Museum of Ethnology in Hamburg is also among the German museums that returned the first tranche of bronzes in December. It has signed a deal to return 179 artefacts from its collection to Nigerian ownership, though a third of them are to remain in Hamburg. The museum told AFP it "has confidence in its Nigerian partners". Abba Isa Tijani, who heads the Nigerian government agency in charge of recovering looted works, said the planned museum project in Benin City was unaffected by the declaration. The bronzes, characterised by intricate carvings, have been acclaimed as a triumph of African art. By JENS SCHLUETER (AFP/File) "The museum construction is still in place," he said. "The Oba of Benin relies on this museum, nothing has changed because he doesn't have the staff or the expertise to run the museum," he added. "We want to reassure our partners, the museums in Europe" that the objects will be "made available for researchers, and for the public and tourists to be seen," Tijani said. "The artefacts of course can't be sold, because in Nigeria it's forbidden to sell Nigerian antiquities." Peju Layiwola, an art historian and artist in Nigeria who was heavily involved in the battle for the return of the bronzes, said the reaction of western museums to the declaration had been overblown. "It's an excuse... to not return those artefacts, because they didn't want to give it back," she said. 10.06.2023 LISTEN Special Prosecutor of Ghana, Kissi Agyebeng has expressed his respect for Professor Frimpong Boateng's accomplishments but was quick to add that his admiration has no bearing on the work of his office. Speaking on Professor Frimpong Boateng's recent arrest, he emphasized that despite his admiration, there is a national duty to perform. He stated during an interview on Joy Newsfile on June 10, that his position as the Special Prosecutor is to investigate corruption-related offences. I respect the credentials of the Professor and I doff of my heart to him, you know me very well, you know me and my life trajectory, I am an academician myself and so I respect such people, on all sores, I mean his CV is unbelievable, I respect that and I applaud him for that but I have a charge to keep, the charge I have to keep is to the republic of Ghana and to the public, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng stated. He continued that his position empowers him to prosecute individuals deemed culpable of corruption and recover assets for the State. I have been put in this position to investigate corruption and corruption-related charges, I have been put in this position to prosecute people who are deemed to be culpable for such offences, I have been put in this office to recover assets for the country, I have been put in this office to prevent corruption, this is the targets I have until August 2028, Mr Kissi Agyebeng said. Shares of First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund (NYSEARCA:FXR Get Rating) traded up 2% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $57.50 and last traded at $57.44. 164,233 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 4% from the average session volume of 171,210 shares. The stock had previously closed at $56.33. First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund Stock Performance The firm has a market cap of $1.68 billion, a PE ratio of 12.51 and a beta of 1.23. The firms 50-day moving average price is $54.64 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $54.48. Get First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Gateway Advisory LLC boosted its stake in shares of First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund by 5,713.3% during the 1st quarter. Gateway Advisory LLC now owns 3,917,779 shares of the companys stock worth $3,918,000 after purchasing an additional 3,850,386 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its stake in shares of First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund by 5.1% during the 4th quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 12,283,147 shares of the companys stock worth $632,705,000 after purchasing an additional 599,466 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC boosted its stake in shares of First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund by 49.4% during the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 669,911 shares of the companys stock worth $37,214,000 after purchasing an additional 221,452 shares during the last quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund during the 4th quarter worth about $5,981,000. Finally, Sterling Manor Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund during the 1st quarter worth about $5,742,000. About First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of an equity index called the StrataQuant Industrials Index (the Index). The Index is an enhanced index created and administered by the AMEX, which employs the AlphaDEX stock selection methodology to select stocks from the Russell 1000 Index. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Great Bear Resources Ltd. (CVE:GBR Get Rating) was down 2.3% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as C$28.15 and last traded at C$28.15. Approximately 1,886,525 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 525% from the average daily volume of 301,841 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$28.80. Great Bear Resources Trading Down 2.3 % The company has a quick ratio of 3.82, a current ratio of 3.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The company has a fifty day moving average of C$28.15 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$28.15. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.63 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of -153.83. About Great Bear Resources (Get Rating) Great Bear Resources Ltd. operates as a mineral exploration company in Canada. The company primarily explores for gold. Its flagship property is the Dixie project covering an area of 9,140 hectares located in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The company was formerly known as Great Bear Uranium Corp. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Great Bear Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Great Bear Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yellow Cake plc (LON:YCA Get Rating)s stock price shot up 1.6% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 426.20 ($5.30) and last traded at GBX 424.60 ($5.28). 691,268 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 22% from the average session volume of 886,557 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 418 ($5.20). Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and set a GBX 552 ($6.86) price target on shares of Yellow Cake in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Get Yellow Cake alerts: Yellow Cake Trading Down 0.1 % The companys 50 day moving average price is GBX 386.01 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 387.61. The stock has a market cap of 833.60 million, a P/E ratio of 859.59 and a beta of 0.38. Yellow Cake Company Profile Yellow Cake plc, a specialist company, operates in the uranium sector. It is involved in the purchase and holding of uranium oxide concentrates; and exploitation of other uranium-related opportunities. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Saint Helier, Jersey. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Yellow Cake Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yellow Cake and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI Get Rating) (TSE:CNR) have been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the twenty-two brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $140.00. CNI has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Bank of America reduced their target price on Canadian National Railway from $137.00 to $134.00 in a report on Monday, March 27th. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded Canadian National Railway from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 6th. Credit Suisse Group boosted their price objective on Canadian National Railway from $126.00 to $133.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 25th. Morgan Stanley upgraded Canadian National Railway from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, National Bank Financial lifted their target price on Canadian National Railway from C$175.00 to C$178.00 in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Get Canadian National Railway alerts: Canadian National Railway Price Performance CNI stock opened at $114.19 on Friday. Canadian National Railway has a 52-week low of $103.79 and a 52-week high of $129.89. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $118.61 and its 200-day simple moving average is $119.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $75.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.90. Canadian National Railway Cuts Dividend Canadian National Railway ( NYSE:CNI Get Rating ) (TSE:CNR) last issued its earnings results on Monday, April 24th. The transportation company reported $1.35 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.09. Canadian National Railway had a return on equity of 25.00% and a net margin of 30.61%. The firm had revenue of $3.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.15 billion. Equities research analysts expect that Canadian National Railway will post 5.83 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 9th will be given a dividend of $0.5835 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 8th. This represents a $2.33 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.04%. Canadian National Railways dividend payout ratio is presently 38.47%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Canadian National Railway Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in Canadian National Railway by 3.8% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,762,307 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $2,350,111,000 after purchasing an additional 800,108 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in Canadian National Railway by 0.9% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 20,375,062 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $2,400,975,000 after purchasing an additional 188,460 shares during the period. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec lifted its position in Canadian National Railway by 5.3% in the first quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 12,333,700 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,655,948,000 after purchasing an additional 625,000 shares during the period. Jarislowsky Fraser Ltd lifted its position in Canadian National Railway by 0.7% in the first quarter. Jarislowsky Fraser Ltd now owns 9,556,511 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,126,080,000 after purchasing an additional 70,386 shares during the period. Finally, 1832 Asset Management L.P. lifted its position in Canadian National Railway by 0.9% in the first quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 8,513,991 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,004,396,000 after purchasing an additional 75,087 shares during the period. 86.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Canadian National Railway Company Profile (Get Rating) Canadian National Railway Co engages in rail and related transportation business. Its services include rail, intermodal, trucking, supply chain services, business development and maps and network. Its offers their services in automotive, coal, fertilizer, food and beverages, forest products, dimensional loads, grain, metals and minerals and petroleum and chemicals industries. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Canadian National Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian National Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ariel Investments LLC acquired a new position in Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. (NYSE:ITUB Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 789,469 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $3,718,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Raymond James & Associates boosted its stake in Itau Unibanco by 296.9% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 153,645 shares of the banks stock worth $877,000 after buying an additional 114,929 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in shares of Itau Unibanco by 48.8% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 34,975 shares of the banks stock valued at $199,000 after purchasing an additional 11,468 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Itau Unibanco by 41.4% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 37,984,762 shares of the banks stock valued at $216,894,000 after purchasing an additional 11,129,486 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Itau Unibanco in the 1st quarter valued at $103,000. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL boosted its stake in shares of Itau Unibanco by 31.0% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 35,013 shares of the banks stock valued at $200,000 after purchasing an additional 8,285 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.25% of the companys stock. Get Itau Unibanco alerts: Itau Unibanco Stock Up 1.7 % Shares of NYSE ITUB opened at $5.67 on Friday. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $5.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is $4.93. The company has a market cap of $55.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a quick ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. has a 12-month low of $3.90 and a 12-month high of $6.07. Itau Unibanco Announces Dividend Itau Unibanco ( NYSE:ITUB Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 8th. The bank reported $0.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.17 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $6.94 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.17 billion. Itau Unibanco had a return on equity of 17.88% and a net margin of 10.38%. On average, research analysts expect that Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. will post 0.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.003 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 1st. This represents a $0.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.64%. Itau Unibancos payout ratio is presently 5.08%. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Itau Unibanco from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, May 19th. Itau Unibanco Profile (Get Rating) Itau Unibanco Holding SA provides financial products and services to individual and corporate clients in Brazil and abroad. It operates through the following segments: Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, and Activities with the Market and Corporation. The Retail Banking segment includes credit cards, asset management, insurance, pension plan and capitalization products, and a variety of credit products and services for individuals and small companies. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITUB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. (NYSE:ITUB Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Itau Unibanco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Itau Unibanco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atlas Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHSC Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 113,676 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,477,000. John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF accounts for about 0.9% of Atlas Wealth LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Raymond James & Associates boosted its stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF by 13.1% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 97,263 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,336,000 after purchasing an additional 11,300 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers purchased a new position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $521,000. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF by 985.6% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 102,230 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,506,000 after purchasing an additional 92,813 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC boosted its stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF by 26.3% in the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 165,368 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,832,000 after purchasing an additional 34,452 shares during the period. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN boosted its stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF by 5.3% in the second quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 385,915 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,276,000 after purchasing an additional 19,447 shares during the period. Get John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF alerts: John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA JHSC opened at $32.73 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $31.48 and a 200-day simple moving average of $31.89. John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF has a one year low of $27.83 and a one year high of $34.53. The firm has a market cap of $350.21 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.53 and a beta of 1.12. John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF Profile The John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap index. The fund tracks an index of US small-cap stocks selected by relative price and profitability. Securities are weighted by multiple factors relative to their sector peers. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JHSC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHSC Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Queensland Limited (OTCMKTS:BKQNY Get Rating) traded down 2% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $7.18 and last traded at $7.27. 1,072 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 2% from the average session volume of 1,098 shares. The stock had previously closed at $7.42. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Bank of Queensland from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. Get Bank of Queensland alerts: Bank of Queensland Stock Performance The businesss 50-day moving average is $8.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.05. Bank of Queensland Cuts Dividend Bank of Queensland Company Profile The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 16th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 10th will be given a dividend of $0.2369 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, May 9th. This represents a yield of 6.2%. Bank of Queenslands payout ratio is presently 75.18%. (Get Rating) Bank of Queensland Ltd. engages in the provision of financial services to the community. It operates through the following segments: Retail Banking, BOQ Business, and Other. The Retail Banking segment offers retail banking solutions to customers managed through its owner managed and corporate branch network, ME Bank and Virgin Money distribution channels, and third-party intermediaries. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Queensland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Queensland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Rating) had its target price boosted by Barclays from $115.00 to $125.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports. GE has been the topic of a number of other reports. Oppenheimer lifted their target price on General Electric from $98.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 14th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of General Electric from $104.00 to $113.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of General Electric from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $120.00 target price for the company in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of General Electric from $96.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, April 14th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of General Electric in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, General Electric has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $103.87. Get General Electric alerts: General Electric Price Performance Shares of NYSE:GE opened at $106.30 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day moving average is $100.12 and its two-hundred day moving average is $89.53. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. General Electric has a 12-month low of $46.55 and a 12-month high of $107.33. The company has a market cap of $115.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.47 and a beta of 1.27. Insider Buying and Selling at General Electric General Electric ( NYSE:GE Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.27 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.14. General Electric had a net margin of 11.85% and a return on equity of 9.45%. The business had revenue of $14.49 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.46 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.24 earnings per share. General Electrics revenue for the quarter was up 14.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that General Electric will post 2.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In related news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 58,292 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.68, for a total transaction of $6,102,006.56. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 70,537 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,383,813.16. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, SVP Scott Strazik sold 173,873 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.56, for a total transaction of $17,310,795.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 56,049 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,580,238.44. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 58,292 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.68, for a total transaction of $6,102,006.56. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 70,537 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,383,813.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 239,419 shares of company stock valued at $24,144,151 in the last three months. 0.67% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On General Electric A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Lumbard & Kellner LLC purchased a new position in General Electric during the first quarter worth about $219,000. EP Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of General Electric in the first quarter valued at approximately $4,628,000. Macquarie Group Ltd. increased its holdings in General Electric by 7.3% during the 1st quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 66,180 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $6,327,000 after acquiring an additional 4,480 shares during the period. Searle & CO. increased its holdings in General Electric by 6.4% during the 1st quarter. Searle & CO. now owns 4,149 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $411,000 after acquiring an additional 248 shares during the period. Finally, Cravens & Co Advisors LLC grew its stake in General Electric by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. Cravens & Co Advisors LLC now owns 10,357 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $990,000 after buying an additional 273 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.12% of the companys stock. General Electric Company Profile (Get Rating) General Electric Co engages in the provision of commercial and military aircraft engines and systems, wind, and other renewable energy generation equipment and grid solutions, and gas, steam, nuclear, and other power generation equipment. It operates through the following segments: Aviation, Healthcare, Renewable Energy, and Power. See Also Receive News & Ratings for General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc (LON:THRG Get Rating)s share price passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 586.56 ($7.29) and traded as high as GBX 618 ($7.68). BlackRock Throgmorton Trust shares last traded at GBX 616 ($7.66), with a volume of 183,216 shares. BlackRock Throgmorton Trust Price Performance The firms 50 day moving average price is GBX 587.84 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 601.71. The firm has a market cap of 615.06 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -206.08 and a beta of 1.23. About BlackRock Throgmorton Trust (Get Rating) BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock Fund Managers Limited. It is managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United Kingdom. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Throgmorton Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Throgmorton Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Britvic plc (LON:BVIC Get Rating) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 841.52 ($10.46) and traded as high as GBX 898.50 ($11.17). Britvic shares last traded at GBX 889 ($11.05), with a volume of 486,819 shares traded. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Peel Hunt reaffirmed a hold rating and set a GBX 920 ($11.44) target price on shares of Britvic in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Get Britvic alerts: Britvic Trading Down 0.6 % The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 907.63 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 841.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 187.55, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.03. The stock has a market capitalization of 2.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,578.57, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.69. Britvic Cuts Dividend About Britvic The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, July 5th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 25th will be paid a GBX 8.20 ($0.10) dividend. This represents a yield of 0.88%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 25th. Britvics dividend payout ratio is currently 5,178.57%. (Get Rating) Britvic plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells soft drinks in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, France, Brazil, and internationally. It also provides fruit juices, syrups, squash, mineral water, sodas, mixers, and energy and flavored drinks. The company offers its products under the 7UP, Aqua Libra, Ballygowan, Britvic, drench, Robinsons, Gatorade, J2O, Lipton, The London Essence, Mathieu Teisseire, Mountain Dew, Pepsi MAX, Plenish, Purdey's, Rockstar, R. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Britvic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Britvic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of China Resources Cement (OTCMKTS:CARCY Get Rating) from an underperform rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Wednesday morning, The Fly reports. China Resources Cement Price Performance China Resources Cement stock opened at $13.19 on Wednesday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $14.41 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $14.73. The company has a market cap of $3.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.02 and a beta of 0.11. China Resources Cement has a 52-week low of $13.19 and a 52-week high of $18.18. Get China Resources Cement alerts: China Resources Cement Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 3rd. Investors of record on Thursday, June 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.0304 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, May 31st. This represents a dividend yield of 2.73%. China Resources Cements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 1.83%. About China Resources Cement China Resources Cement Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, engages in manufacture and sale of cement, concrete, and related products and services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. It operates through Cement and Concrete segments. The company engages in the excavation of limestone; and production, sale, and distribution of cement, clinker, and concrete. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for China Resources Cement Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Resources Cement and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. COMPANHIA ENERG/S (NYSE:CIG.C Get Rating) shot up 11.4% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $3.92 and last traded at $3.90. 63,187 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 19% from the average session volume of 53,134 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.50. COMPANHIA ENERG/S Stock Performance The companys fifty day moving average is $3.82 and its 200-day moving average is $3.39. COMPANHIA ENERG/S Company Profile (Get Rating) Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in Brazil. As of December 31, 2017, the company operated 117 hydroelectric, thermoelectric, and wind plants with an installed capacity of 5.7 GW; 38 substations and 4,927 km of transmission lines; and 529,873 km of distribution networks and 17,301 km of distribution lines. Read More Receive News & Ratings for COMPANHIA ENERG/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for COMPANHIA ENERG/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Cranswick plc (LON:CWK Get Rating) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 3,114.52 ($38.72) and traded as high as GBX 3,296 ($40.97). Cranswick shares last traded at GBX 3,294 ($40.95), with a volume of 36,991 shares trading hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently weighed in on CWK. Peel Hunt reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a GBX 3,800 ($47.24) target price on shares of Cranswick in a report on Tuesday, May 23rd. Shore Capital reaffirmed a house stock rating on shares of Cranswick in a report on Tuesday, May 23rd. Get Cranswick alerts: Cranswick Price Performance The company has a market cap of 1.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,578.85, a P/E/G ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.76, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.72. The firms fifty day moving average is GBX 3,157.70 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 3,117.14. Cranswick Increases Dividend Cranswick Company Profile The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 20th will be paid a GBX 58.80 ($0.73) dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 20th. This represents a yield of 1.87%. This is a boost from Cranswicks previous dividend of $20.60. Cranswicks payout ratio is presently 3,798.08%. (Get Rating) Cranswick plc manufactures and supplies food products to grocery retailers, food service sector, and other food producers in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and internationally. The company offers fresh pork, gourmet bacon and gammon, fresh and coated chicken, ready to eat chicken, charcuterie, houmous and dips, and olives and antipasti, gourmet sausages, cooked meats, gourmet pastries, and ingredients, as well as cheeses and pasta. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cranswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cranswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DNB Markets lowered shares of Holmen AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:HLMNY Get Rating) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Wednesday morning, The Fly reports. Holmen AB (publ) Price Performance Holmen AB (publ) stock opened at $19.75 on Wednesday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $20.01 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $20.84. Holmen AB has a 52 week low of $19.52 and a 52 week high of $27.61. Get Holmen AB (publ) alerts: Holmen AB (publ) Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 19th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 30th were paid a dividend of $0.4758 per share. This is a boost from Holmen AB (publ)s previous dividend of $0.38. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, March 29th. This represents a yield of 2.27%. About Holmen AB (publ) Holmen AB (publ) produces and sells paperboards, papers, wood products, and renewable energy in Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, rest of Europe, Asia, and internationally. The company's Forest segment offers logs, pulpwood, and biofuel to sawmills, pulp mills, and paperboard and paper mills; and manages forests, which cover approximately one million hectares. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Holmen AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Holmen AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. (NYSE:EDU Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 544,117 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,946,000. Driehaus Capital Management LLC owned about 0.32% of New Oriental Education & Technology Group as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of New Oriental Education & Technology Group by 2.4% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 64,329,110 shares of the companys stock worth $73,977,000 after buying an additional 1,492,990 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its stake in New Oriental Education & Technology Group by 130.8% during the first quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 37,490,100 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,114,000 after acquiring an additional 21,246,644 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its position in shares of New Oriental Education & Technology Group by 11.4% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 9,078,131 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,441,000 after purchasing an additional 932,613 shares during the period. Bridgewater Associates LP raised its stake in shares of New Oriental Education & Technology Group by 48.9% in the 1st quarter. Bridgewater Associates LP now owns 6,201,032 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,131,000 after buying an additional 2,035,926 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Verition Fund Management LLC raised its position in New Oriental Education & Technology Group by 158.8% in the first quarter. Verition Fund Management LLC now owns 5,000,000 shares of the companys stock worth $5,750,000 after purchasing an additional 3,067,800 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.55% of the companys stock. Get New Oriental Education & Technology Group alerts: New Oriental Education & Technology Group Price Performance EDU stock opened at $42.02 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $40.07 and a 200 day moving average price of $38.65. New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $15.75 and a fifty-two week high of $46.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 56.02 and a beta of 0.60. Analysts Set New Price Targets New Oriental Education & Technology Group ( NYSE:EDU Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 19th. The company reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $754.15 million during the quarter. New Oriental Education & Technology Group had a negative net margin of 1.54% and a negative return on equity of 1.21%. On average, equities analysts expect that New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. will post 1.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Separately, StockNews.com upgraded New Oriental Education & Technology Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $36.60. New Oriental Education & Technology Group Profile (Get Rating) New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the provision of private educational services. It operates through the following segments: Educational Services and Test Preparation Courses; Online Education and Other Services; Overseas Study Consulting Services; and Others. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for New Oriental Education & Technology Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New Oriental Education & Technology Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Great Portland Estates Plc (LON:GPOR Get Rating) shares passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 735.50 ($9.14) and traded as high as GBX 767.50 ($9.54). Great Portland Estates shares last traded at GBX 735.50 ($9.14), with a volume of 442,820 shares traded. Great Portland Estates Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of 1.87 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 124.66. The company has a current ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 24.29. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 735.50 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 735.50. About Great Portland Estates (Get Rating) We are a FTSE 250 property investment and development company owning A2.6 billion of real estate in central London. We proactively manage our portfolio, flexing our activities in tune with London's property cycle to deliver long-term out-performance. We create in-demand spaces that people want to be part of; helping our occupiers, local communities and the city to thrive. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Great Portland Estates Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Great Portland Estates and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hengan International Group Company Limited (OTCMKTS:HEGIF Get Rating)s stock price fell 0.1% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $4.56 and last traded at $4.56. 1 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 100% from the average session volume of 275 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.57. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Hengan International Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 17th. Get Hengan International Group alerts: Hengan International Group Price Performance The firms fifty day moving average price is $4.53 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.69. Hengan International Group Company Profile Hengan International Group Company Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures, distributes, and sells personal hygiene products in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company offers pocket handkerchiefs, box and soft tissue papers, kitchen towels/papers, toilet rolls, first-aid products, enema, garbage and food bags, preservation papers, table cloths and swabbers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, overnight pants, wet tissues, maternal and child care products, adult and baby diapers, and cleansing products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hengan International Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hengan International Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:HTZ Get Rating) shares traded up 2.6% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $17.47 and last traded at $17.40. 2,231,108 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 33% from the average session volume of 3,325,180 shares. The stock had previously closed at $16.96. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on Hertz Global in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Get Hertz Global alerts: Hertz Global Stock Down 0.7 % The stock has a market capitalization of $5.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.64 and a beta of 2.09. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.93. Hertz Global Company Profile Hertz Global ( NYSE:HTZ Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.16 by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $2.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.04 billion. (Get Rating) The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc, operates the Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty vehicle rental brands throughout North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The Hertz Corporation is one of the largest worldwide vehicle rental companies, and the Hertz brand is one of the most recognized globally. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hertz Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hertz Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hirtle Callaghan & Co LLC grew its position in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IVW Get Rating) by 3.2% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 71,261 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,240 shares during the period. Hirtle Callaghan & Co LLCs holdings in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF were worth $4,169,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. lifted its stake in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 19.0% during the first quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. now owns 184,517 shares of the companys stock worth $14,339,000 after purchasing an additional 29,518 shares during the last quarter. United Bank lifted its stake in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 7.3% during the first quarter. United Bank now owns 54,579 shares of the companys stock worth $4,169,000 after purchasing an additional 3,690 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 4.0% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 245,020 shares of the companys stock worth $18,714,000 after purchasing an additional 9,526 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its stake in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 0.5% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 113,156 shares of the companys stock worth $8,643,000 after purchasing an additional 573 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. lifted its stake in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 13.1% during the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 702,440 shares of the companys stock worth $53,652,000 after purchasing an additional 81,527 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF alerts: iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA IVW opened at $67.94 on Friday. iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF has a fifty-two week low of $55.30 and a fifty-two week high of $71.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $32.08 billion, a PE ratio of 22.15 and a beta of 1.05. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $65.17 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $62.42. iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF Company Profile iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF, formerly iShares S&P 500 Growth Index Fund (the Growth Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500/Citigroup Growth Index (the Growth Index). The Growth Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IVW Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Actual Experience plc (LON:ACT Get Rating) insider Richard Steele acquired 97,580 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 1 ($0.01) per share, with a total value of 975.80 ($1,213.08). Richard Steele also recently made the following trade(s): Get Actual Experience alerts: On Tuesday, April 4th, Richard Steele acquired 51,663 shares of Actual Experience stock. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 1 ($0.01) per share, with a total value of 516.63 ($642.26). Actual Experience Price Performance Shares of LON:ACT opened at GBX 0.73 ($0.01) on Friday. Actual Experience plc has a one year low of GBX 0.70 ($0.01) and a one year high of GBX 8 ($0.10). The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 0.93 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 17.37, a current ratio of 3.51 and a quick ratio of 6.81. The stock has a market cap of 1.57 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -8.06 and a beta of 1.80. Actual Experience Company Profile Actual Experience plc, an analytics-as-a-service company, provides human experience management and associated consultancy services in the United Kingdom and the United States. It offers Analytics Cloud that receives data from digital users, applies algorithms to the data, and produces an objective score of digital experience quality and supply chain diagnostics; business impact assessment that helps its customer to understand the impact on top-level business metrics; and continuous improvement service to optimize the digital business over time. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Actual Experience Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Actual Experience and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (LON:IHG 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 GBX 5,302.71 ($65.92) and traded as high as GBX 5,482 ($68.15). InterContinental Hotels Group shares last traded at GBX 5,440 ($67.63), with a volume of 409,330 shares traded. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on IHG shares. Barclays downgraded InterContinental Hotels Group to an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, March 6th. Numis Securities reaffirmed an add rating and issued a GBX 5,550 ($69.00) target price on shares of InterContinental Hotels Group in a research report on Wednesday, February 15th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a GBX 5,850 ($72.73) target price on shares of InterContinental Hotels Group in a research report on Tuesday, May 9th. Redburn Partners downgraded InterContinental Hotels Group to a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 21st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of InterContinental Hotels Group in a research report on Tuesday, May 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, InterContinental Hotels Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 5,836.67 ($72.56). Get InterContinental Hotels Group alerts: InterContinental Hotels Group Price Performance The stock has a market cap of 9.32 billion, a PE ratio of 3,258.68, a P/E/G ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 0.95. The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 5,410.84 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 5,308.28. Insider Activity at InterContinental Hotels Group InterContinental Hotels Group Company Profile In other news, insider Daniela Barone Soares bought 150 shares of InterContinental Hotels Group stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 5,428 ($67.48) per share, with a total value of 8,142 ($10,121.83). In other news, insider Graham Allan bought 300 shares of InterContinental Hotels Group stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 5,370 ($66.76) per share, with a total value of 16,110 ($20,027.35). Also, insider Daniela Barone Soares bought 150 shares of InterContinental Hotels Group stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 5,428 ($67.48) per share, for a total transaction of 8,142 ($10,121.83). 4.82% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. (Get Rating) InterContinental Hotels Group PLC owns, manages, franchises, and leases hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Greater China. The company operates hotels under the Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, HUALUXE, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, avid, Staybridge Suites, Atwell Suites, Candlewood Suites, voco, and Crowne Plaza. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for InterContinental Hotels Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for InterContinental Hotels Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF (TSE:CDZ Get Rating)s share price were down 0.1% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$30.18 and last traded at C$30.21. Approximately 7,620 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 62% from the average daily volume of 20,264 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$30.25. iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF Stock Down 0.5 % The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$30.55 and a 200-day moving average of C$30.50. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:BULZ Get Rating) dropped 5.3% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $60.10 and last traded at $60.62. Approximately 262,233 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 50% from the average daily volume of 521,074 shares. The stock had previously closed at $64.03. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Trading Up 3.7 % The firms fifty day moving average is $46.15 and its 200 day moving average is $36.33. See Also Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novozymes A/S (OTCMKTS:NVZMF Get Rating) is one of 346 public companies in the Biotechnology industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare Novozymes A/S to related businesses based on the strength of its institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk, profitability, earnings, valuation and dividends. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Novozymes A/S and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Novozymes A/S alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Novozymes A/S 0 0 0 0 N/A Novozymes A/S Competitors 202 1194 3522 26 2.68 As a group, Biotechnology companies have a potential upside of 87.81%. Given Novozymes A/Ss rivals higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Novozymes A/S has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Dividends Institutional & Insider Ownership Novozymes A/S pays an annual dividend of $1.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.8%. Novozymes A/S pays out 22.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Biotechnology companies pay a dividend yield of 2.8% and pay out 1,846.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Novozymes A/S is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. 20.4% of Novozymes A/S shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 24.6% of shares of all Biotechnology companies are owned by institutional investors. 25.8% of shares of all Biotechnology companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Novozymes A/S and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Novozymes A/S N/A N/A N/A Novozymes A/S Competitors -458.64% -82.18% -15.35% Valuation & Earnings This table compares Novozymes A/S and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Novozymes A/S N/A N/A 5.96 Novozymes A/S Competitors $119.51 million -$4.82 million -54.46 Novozymes A/Ss rivals have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Novozymes A/S. Novozymes A/S is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Summary Novozymes A/S beats its rivals on 6 of the 10 factors compared. Novozymes A/S Company Profile (Get Rating) Novozymes A/S engages in the research and development of biotechnology solutions, which produces industrial enzymes and microorganisms. Its business areas include agriculture, bioenergy, biopharma, food and beverage, household care, leather, pulp and paper, textile and wastewater solutions. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Receive News & Ratings for Novozymes A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novozymes A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shore Capital reiterated their buy rating on shares of Paragon Banking Group (LON:PAG Get Rating) in a report released on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a buy rating and set a GBX 690 ($8.58) price target on shares of Paragon Banking Group in a research note on Tuesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Paragon Banking Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 687.50 ($8.55). Get Paragon Banking Group alerts: Paragon Banking Group Trading Up 0.7 % LON:PAG opened at GBX 561 ($6.97) on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 290.57, a quick ratio of 1.48 and a current ratio of 1.48. The firm has a market cap of 1.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 445.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.50 and a beta of 1.44. Paragon Banking Group has a 52 week low of GBX 364.60 ($4.53) and a 52 week high of GBX 621.50 ($7.73). The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 503.96 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 535.70. Paragon Banking Group Cuts Dividend Insider Transactions at Paragon Banking Group The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 28th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 6th will be paid a dividend of GBX 11 ($0.14) per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 6th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.18%. Paragon Banking Groups payout ratio is currently 2,301.59%. In other Paragon Banking Group news, insider Graeme Yorston acquired 650 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 22nd. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 542 ($6.74) per share, with a total value of 3,523 ($4,379.66). 1.63% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Paragon Banking Group (Get Rating) Paragon Banking Group PLC provides financial services in the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Mortgage Lending, Commercial Lending, and Idem Capital. The Mortgages Lending segment offers buy-to-let, owner-occupied first and second charge lending, and related activities. The Commercial Lending segment provides SME lending, development finance, structured lending, and motor finance services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Paragon Banking Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Paragon Banking Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:PNGAY Get Rating) declared a dividend on Thursday, June 8th, investing.com reports. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, June 14th will be given a dividend of 0.3718 per share on Thursday, July 20th. This represents a dividend yield of 4.49%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, June 13th. This is a boost from Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of Chinas previous dividend of $0.26. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Stock Down 0.7 % PNGAY stock opened at $13.60 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $13.75 and a 200-day moving average of $13.81. Ping An Insurance has a fifty-two week low of $7.80 and a fifty-two week high of $16.76. Get Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China alerts: About Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China (Get Rating) Further Reading Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. provides financial products and services for insurance, banking, asset management, and fintech and healthtech businesses in the People's Republic of China. The company's Life and Health Insurance segment offers term, whole-life, endowment, annuity, investment-linked, universal life, and health care and medical insurance to individual and corporate customers. Receive News & Ratings for Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Pure Storage (NYSE:PSTG Get Rating) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning. Several other brokerages have also weighed in on PSTG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of Pure Storage from $40.00 to $35.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, March 2nd. Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Pure Storage from $40.00 to $41.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. KeyCorp upped their target price on shares of Pure Storage from $35.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Pure Storage from $37.00 to $38.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of Pure Storage from $37.00 to $34.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, March 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $38.33. Get Pure Storage alerts: Pure Storage Stock Up 2.4 % Shares of Pure Storage stock opened at $35.37 on Tuesday. Pure Storage has a 52-week low of $22.14 and a 52-week high of $35.60. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $25.96 and its 200-day simple moving average is $27.00. The firm has a market cap of $10.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,179.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.86 and a beta of 1.21. Insider Activity at Pure Storage Institutional Inflows and Outflows In related news, Director Roxanne Taylor sold 19,155 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.08, for a total transaction of $499,562.40. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 63,416 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,653,889.28. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . In other Pure Storage news, CRO Dan Fitzsimons sold 28,481 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.49, for a total transaction of $697,499.69. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive now directly owns 192,530 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,715,059.70. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, Director Roxanne Taylor sold 19,155 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.08, for a total transaction of $499,562.40. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 63,416 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,653,889.28. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last three months, insiders sold 58,689 shares of company stock valued at $1,576,954. Corporate insiders own 6.50% of the companys stock. Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. EP Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Pure Storage in the 1st quarter worth about $1,537,000. Toroso Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Pure Storage in the 1st quarter worth about $229,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of Pure Storage by 19.1% in the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 134,823 shares of the technology companys stock worth $3,432,000 after buying an additional 21,591 shares during the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC lifted its position in shares of Pure Storage by 39.7% in the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 38,458 shares of the technology companys stock worth $981,000 after buying an additional 10,928 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV lifted its position in shares of Pure Storage by 12.5% in the 1st quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 13,670 shares of the technology companys stock worth $349,000 after buying an additional 1,519 shares during the last quarter. 84.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Pure Storage Company Profile (Get Rating) Pure Storage, Inc engages in the business of delivering innovative and disruptive data storage, products, and services that enable customers to maximize the value of data. The firm is also involved in the provision of data storage and management with a mission to redefine the storage experience by simplifying how people consume and interact with data. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Pure Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pure Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. REV Group (NYSE:REVG Get Rating) posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by $0.15, MarketWatch Earnings reports. REV Group had a net margin of 0.76% and a return on equity of 10.97%. The business had revenue of $681.20 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $580.47 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.14 earnings per share. REV Groups revenue for the quarter was up 18.2% compared to the same quarter last year. REV Group updated its FY 2023 guidance to EPS. REV Group Trading Up 0.7 % Shares of NYSE:REVG opened at $12.91 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 1.80. The stocks 50-day moving average is $10.95 and its 200-day moving average is $12.11. REV Group has a 52-week low of $9.85 and a 52-week high of $16.38. The company has a market cap of $767.33 million, a P/E ratio of 40.33 and a beta of 1.92. Get REV Group alerts: REV Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a $0.05 dividend. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th. REV Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 62.50%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On REV Group Analyst Ratings Changes Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in REVG. Swiss National Bank lifted its stake in shares of REV Group by 7.0% in the first quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 68,900 shares of the companys stock valued at $923,000 after buying an additional 4,500 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in shares of REV Group by 7.4% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 258,422 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,463,000 after buying an additional 17,750 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of REV Group by 38.6% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 112,712 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,510,000 after buying an additional 31,403 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in REV Group by 7.9% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 34,948 shares of the companys stock valued at $483,000 after purchasing an additional 2,566 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in REV Group by 55.4% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 15,792 shares of the companys stock valued at $212,000 after purchasing an additional 5,631 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.92% of the companys stock. REVG has been the topic of several analyst reports. DA Davidson increased their target price on shares of REV Group from $12.00 to $13.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, March 13th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of REV Group in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. Credit Suisse Group increased their target price on shares of REV Group from $11.00 to $12.00 in a research report on Friday. Finally, Robert W. Baird raised shares of REV Group from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $16.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $13.70. REV Group Company Profile (Get Rating) REV Group, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the design, manufacture, and distribution of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services. The company sells its products to municipalities, government agencies, private contractors, and industrial and commercial end users. It operates through the following segments: Fire and Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. See Also Receive News & Ratings for REV Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for REV Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Absa Group (OTCMKTS:AGRPY Get Rating) is one of 80 publicly-traded companies in the BanksRegional industry, but how does it compare to its peers? We will compare Absa Group to related businesses based on the strength of its earnings, risk, profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, valuation and dividends. Insider & Institutional Ownership 0.0% of Absa Group shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 39.4% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are held by institutional investors. 17.8% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Get Absa Group alerts: Dividends Absa Group pays an annual dividend of $13.78 per share and has a dividend yield of 77.9%. Absa Group pays out 46.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BanksRegional companies pay a dividend yield of 2.5% and pay out 26.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Absa Group 0 0 0 0 N/A Absa Group Competitors 389 1621 1979 35 2.41 This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Absa Group and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat. As a group, BanksRegional companies have a potential upside of 28.35%. Given Absa Groups peers higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Absa Group has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Absa Group and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Absa Group N/A N/A 0.60 Absa Group Competitors $3.30 billion $747.86 million 726.59 Absa Groups peers have higher revenue and earnings than Absa Group. Absa Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Profitability This table compares Absa Group and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Absa Group N/A N/A N/A Absa Group Competitors 23.69% 11.39% 1.01% Summary Absa Group peers beat Absa Group on 9 of the 10 factors compared. About Absa Group (Get Rating) Absa Group Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides retail, business, corporate, investment banking, insurance, financial, and wealth management products and services in South Africa and internationally. It offers retail and business banking products and services; residential property-related finance solutions; vehicle and asset finance products and services; credit cards; personal loans; corporate, relationship and transactional banking services; and savings and investment products and services. The company also provides life insurance products, including death, disability and retrenchment, funeral, and life wrapped investment products; non-life insurance products, such as motor, medical, and workman's compensation; and short-term insurance and other related insurance products. In addition, it offers insurance and financial advisory, stockbroking and portfolio management, and trust administrative services, as well as operates a digital advice platform and a direct sales service center. Further, the company provides trade and working capital, cash management, payment, and liquidity products and solutions; and investment banking, private equity and infrastructure investment, and commercial property financing services. Additionally, it offers broker-dealer trading in debt and equity securities; and solicitation, syndication, selling, and arranging of equity and debt products, as well as financial, leasing, and management services. The company was formerly known as Barclays Africa Group Limited and changed its name to Absa Group Limited in May 2018. The company is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Receive News & Ratings for Absa Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Absa Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Roscan Gold Co. (CVE:ROS Get Rating)s stock price dropped 2.9% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.16 and last traded at C$0.17. Approximately 132,848 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 9% from the average daily volume of 145,249 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.17. Roscan Gold Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of C$64.81 million, a P/E ratio of -5.50 and a beta of 1.94. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 3.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$0.18 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.18. Get Roscan Gold alerts: Roscan Gold (CVE:ROS Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, March 31st. The company reported C$0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Roscan Gold Co. will post -0.09 EPS for the current year. About Roscan Gold Roscan Gold Corporation, an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in West Africa. Its principal project is Kandiole project that hosts 10 gold prospective targets located in the Kenieba area of Southwest Mali. The company was formerly known as Roscan Minerals Corporation and changed its name to Roscan Gold Corporation in September 2018. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Roscan Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Roscan Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of The Scottish American Investment Co PLC (LON:SCAM Get Rating) passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 417.50 ($5.19) and traded as high as GBX 418.67 ($5.20). Scottish American Investment shares last traded at GBX 417.50 ($5.19), with a volume of 170,822 shares trading hands. Scottish American Investment Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 3.80, a current ratio of 3.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.49. The company has a market capitalization of 603.25 million and a P/E ratio of 9.08. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 417.50 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 417.50. About Scottish American Investment (Get Rating) The Scottish American Investment Company P.L.C. is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Baillie Gifford & Co Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Baillie Gifford & Co and OLIM Property Limited. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Scottish American Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scottish American Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF (NYSEARCA:ADIV Get Rating) traded down 0.1% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $13.61 and last traded at $13.61. 2 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 100% from the average session volume of 531 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.62. SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF Price Performance The companys 50 day simple moving average is $13.60 and its 200-day simple moving average is $13.66. The firm has a market cap of $2.74 million, a P/E ratio of 10.20 and a beta of 0.58. SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF Company Profile (Get Rating) The SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF (ADIV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI AC Pacific ex-Japan NR index. The fund actively invests in Asia Pacific companies expected to have an increase in dividends over time. ADIV was launched on Mar 31, 2006 and is managed by SmartETFs. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smartsheet (NYSE:SMAR Get Rating) issued an update on its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $0.37-$0.44 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.35. The company issued revenue guidance of $943.00 million-$948.00 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $945.92 million. Smartsheet also updated its FY24 guidance to $0.37-0.44 EPS. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages recently commented on SMAR. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $57.00 price objective on shares of Smartsheet in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Smartsheet from $50.00 to $49.00 in a research report on Thursday. Credit Suisse Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $40.00 price objective on shares of Smartsheet in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. DA Davidson lifted their price objective on Smartsheet from $54.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. Finally, KeyCorp raised their target price on Smartsheet from $48.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Smartsheet presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $49.18. Get Smartsheet alerts: Smartsheet Price Performance SMAR opened at $38.83 on Friday. Smartsheet has a 12 month low of $25.09 and a 12 month high of $52.81. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $44.48 and a 200 day moving average price of $42.37. Insider Buying and Selling Smartsheet ( NYSE:SMAR Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, June 7th. The company reported $0.18 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.08 by $0.10. Smartsheet had a negative return on equity of 34.84% and a negative net margin of 21.39%. The firm had revenue of $219.89 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $214.12 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.53) EPS. Smartsheets revenue for the quarter was up 30.6% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Smartsheet will post -1.27 EPS for the current year. In other Smartsheet news, insider Jolene Lau Marshall sold 4,000 shares of Smartsheet stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.04, for a total transaction of $192,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 5,535 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $265,901.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other Smartsheet news, CRO Michael Arntz sold 10,418 shares of Smartsheet stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.68, for a total transaction of $496,730.24. Following the completion of the sale, the executive now directly owns 18,483 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $881,269.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Jolene Lau Marshall sold 4,000 shares of Smartsheet stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.04, for a total value of $192,160.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 5,535 shares of the companys stock, valued at $265,901.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 23,430 shares of company stock valued at $1,115,359 in the last three months. 4.71% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Smartsheet Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Delphia USA Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Smartsheet by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. Delphia USA Inc. now owns 7,260 shares of the companys stock valued at $347,000 after purchasing an additional 281 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its holdings in shares of Smartsheet by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 75,396 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,968,000 after purchasing an additional 343 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its holdings in shares of Smartsheet by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 37,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,272,000 after purchasing an additional 364 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio lifted its holdings in shares of Smartsheet by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 62,949 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,163,000 after purchasing an additional 496 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Smartsheet by 12.1% in the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 5,058 shares of the companys stock valued at $200,000 after purchasing an additional 545 shares during the last quarter. 89.50% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Smartsheet Company Profile (Get Rating) Smartsheet, Inc engages in managing and automating collaborative work. Its platform provides solutions that eliminate the obstacles to capturing information, including a familiar and intuitive spreadsheet interface as well as easily customizable forms. The company was founded by W. Eric Browne, Maria Colacurcio, John D. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Smartsheet Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smartsheet and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of TransAlta Co. (TSE:TA Get Rating) (NYSE:TAC) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$12.26 and traded as high as C$13.45. TransAlta shares last traded at C$13.29, with a volume of 484,726 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently issued reports on TA. CSFB increased their target price on TransAlta from C$17.00 to C$18.50 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Scotiabank upped their price target on TransAlta from C$16.00 to C$17.00 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. CIBC upped their price target on TransAlta from C$16.50 to C$17.00 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. National Bankshares cut their price objective on TransAlta from C$15.00 to C$14.00 in a report on Friday, February 24th. Finally, TD Securities cut their price objective on TransAlta from C$17.50 to C$16.50 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, February 24th. Get TransAlta alerts: TransAlta Trading Down 0.8 % The business has a 50 day moving average of C$12.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$12.27. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 195.84. The firm has a market cap of C$3.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.65, a PEG ratio of -0.07 and a beta of 1.12. TransAlta Announces Dividend TransAlta Company Profile The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, July 1st. Investors of record on Thursday, June 1st will be paid a $0.055 dividend. This represents a $0.22 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.67%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 31st. TransAltas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 51.16%. (Get Rating) TransAlta Corporation owns, operates, and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, and Energy Transition. owns and operates hydro, wind and solar, natural gas-fired, and coal-fired facilities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for TransAlta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransAlta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Two Sigma Advisers LP increased its holdings in shares of The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR Get Rating) by 70.2% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,524,600 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,866,300 shares during the quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP owned 0.63% of Kroger worth $201,707,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Accurate Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Kroger during the 4th quarter worth $27,000. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. acquired a new stake in Kroger during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Retirement Financial Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Kroger in the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. RFP Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Kroger in the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN acquired a new stake in shares of Kroger in the 4th quarter valued at about $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.03% of the companys stock. Get Kroger alerts: Insider Activity In related news, VP Todd A. Foley sold 3,885 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.95, for a total transaction of $182,400.75. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 28,456 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,336,009.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Kroger news, VP Christine S. Wheatley sold 25,000 shares of Kroger stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.49, for a total transaction of $1,187,250.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 126,866 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,024,866.34. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP Todd A. Foley sold 3,885 shares of Kroger stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.95, for a total value of $182,400.75. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 28,456 shares in the company, valued at $1,336,009.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 136,091 shares of company stock worth $6,584,518. Insiders own 1.38% of the companys stock. Kroger Price Performance Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Shares of KR traded up $0.41 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $46.17. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,792,135 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,931,159. The Kroger Co. has a one year low of $41.81 and a one year high of $52.00. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $48.06 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $46.63. The company has a quick ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.47. Several research firms have issued reports on KR. StockNews.com raised Kroger from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on Kroger from $51.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, March 3rd. Northcoast Research raised Kroger from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $60.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 20th. Telsey Advisory Group reduced their price target on Kroger from $64.00 to $55.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, March 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Kroger from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, March 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Kroger presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $52.31. About Kroger (Get Rating) The Kroger Co engages in the operation of supermarkets and multi-department stores. Its brands include Big K, Check This Out?, Heritage Farm, Simple Truth, and Simple Truth Organic. The company was founded by Barney Kroger in 1883 and is headquartered in Cincinnati, OH. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kroger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kroger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Westhaven Gold Corp. (CVE:WHN Get Rating) shares were up 3.6% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.29 and last traded at C$0.29. Approximately 9,000 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 89% from the average daily volume of 84,352 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.28. Westhaven Gold Trading Up 3.6 % The company has a market capitalization of C$40.77 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -29.00 and a beta of -1.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 12.10. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$0.32 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.34. Get Westhaven Gold alerts: Westhaven Gold (CVE:WHN Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Monday, April 24th. The company reported C$0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Westhaven Gold Corp. will post -0.01 EPS for the current year. Westhaven Gold Company Profile Westhaven Gold Corp., a junior exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It owns 100% interests in four properties, which include the Shovelnose, Prospect Valley, Skoonka Creek, and Skoonka North gold projects that covers an area of approximately 37,000 hectares located in British Columbia. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Westhaven Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Westhaven Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK Get Rating) (TSE:TECK) Research analysts at Zacks Research raised their Q2 2023 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Teck Resources in a report released on Monday, June 5th. Zacks Research analyst M. Das now forecasts that the basic materials company will post earnings per share of $0.75 for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $0.71. The consensus estimate for Teck Resources current full-year earnings is $4.69 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Teck Resources FY2025 earnings at $2.84 EPS. Get Teck Resources alerts: TECK has been the topic of several other reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Teck Resources in a research note on Saturday. They set a hold rating on the stock. B. Riley boosted their target price on Teck Resources from C$66.00 to C$68.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Teck Resources from C$64.00 to C$72.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 22nd. 888 reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Teck Resources in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, TD Securities lowered their price target on Teck Resources from C$80.00 to C$78.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $61.86. Teck Resources Stock Down 0.6 % Teck Resources Increases Dividend Shares of TECK stock opened at $42.51 on Thursday. Teck Resources has a 1-year low of $24.72 and a 1-year high of $49.34. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $43.29 and its 200 day moving average price is $40.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The company has a market cap of $21.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 1.07. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be paid a $0.125 dividend. This represents a $0.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.18%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This is a positive change from Teck Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. Teck Resourcess payout ratio is currently 8.65%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Teck Resources Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Dodge & Cox increased its stake in Teck Resources by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 27,691,040 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,010,723,000 after buying an additional 616,700 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Teck Resources by 1.9% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 15,602,373 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $474,468,000 after buying an additional 297,156 shares in the last quarter. Davis Selected Advisers increased its stake in Teck Resources by 2.0% during the 4th quarter. Davis Selected Advisers now owns 13,008,612 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $491,986,000 after buying an additional 253,832 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Teck Resources during the 4th quarter worth approximately $291,283,000. Finally, FIL Ltd increased its stake in Teck Resources by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. FIL Ltd now owns 6,656,893 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $243,076,000 after buying an additional 481,624 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 56.15% of the companys stock. Teck Resources Company Profile (Get Rating) Teck Resources Limited is a resource company, which engages in the exploration, acquisition, development, production, and sale of natural resources, Its products include steelmaking coal, copper, zinc, industrial products and fertilizers, and other metals. Its project operations are located in Canada, Peru, Chile, and US. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Teck Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teck Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TVS Motor (Singapore) Pte, a subsidiary of two-wheeler maker TVS Motor, said on June 10 that it has agreed to acquire an additional 25 percent stake in Swiss E-Mobility Group (Holding) AG, also known as SEMG, based in Switzerland. SEMG, which is an e-bike platform covering B2B and B2C businesses involving sale of own branded ebikes, is currently a subsidiary of TVS Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd. After the acquisition of the 25 percent shares from existing minority shareholders is done, SEMG will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of TVS Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd, TVS Motor said in the filing. Also Read: TVS Motor Company registers sales growth of 9% to 330,609 units in May 2023 Previously, TVS Motor had acquired a 75 percent stake in the e-mobility company via its Singapore subsidiary in 2022, to establish its presence in the space. In April this year, TVS Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd, had agreed to acquire a 25 percent stake in Killwatt GmbH by way of newly issued shares of the latter, amounting to 8,500 common equity shares. As on June 9, the company's shares were up 9.9 percent to Rs 1,336 on the NSE. 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 China's assertion that its survey vessel group found in Vietnamese waters had operated legally in the South China Sea is patently false, the Vietnamese foreign ministry stated Saturday. At a press conference on June 6, spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wang Wenbin said China had sovereignty over "the Spratly Islands and nearby sea regions" when he was asked to comment on the Xiangyanghong 10 vessel groups encroachment on Vietnam's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Wang said that it was legal for the vessels to perform normal research activities in sea regions under China's jurisdictional rights. "There is no way our vessels entered other countries EEZs," he claimed. However, spokeswoman for Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang rejected Wangs assertions on Saturday, saying Vietnam has full legal basis and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel islands. "The regime of the Spratly Islands, as well as entities of the islands, have been clearly determined in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," she said. Hang said the sovereignty and jurisdictional rights over a country's sea regions have been established in accordance with UNCLOS, and the legitimate rights and interests of coastal nations, including Vietnam, must be respected. "[UNCLOS] shows the spirit of responsibility, constructiveness and practical contribution of relevant nations to the region's peace, stability, cooperation and respect of the law, including in the South China Sea," she added. The Xiangyanghong 10 and several other accompanying Chinese vessels were discovered heading towards the Vanguard Bank area, which is located within Vietnam's EEZ, back in May, the South China Morning Post reported. Vietnam had demanded China withdraw the vessels from Vietnam's sea territories. On June 5, the vessels in question left Vietnamese waters and headed towards Hainan Island, China, Reuters reported. Air India's Boeing aircraft that was grounded in Magadan in far east Russia is now airborne after engineers rectified the oil system defect in one of the engines and the plane will land in Mumbai later in the day, the airline said on Saturday. On June 6, AI 173 operating from Delhi to San Francisco carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew members was diverted to the port city of Magadan in far east Russia following a mid-air glitch in one of the engines of the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. All were stranded in the port city for two days and the replacement aircraft ferried them to San Francisco on June 8. An Air India spokesperson on Saturday said the B777-200LR aircraft, bearing registration mark VT-ALH, that was grounded in Magadan, Russia (GDX) following the diversion of AI173 DEL-SFO on June 6, has departed GDX and is on its way to Mumbai. "We can confirm that a defect in the oil system of one of the aircraft's engines has been rectified by our engineering team that flew on a ferry flight to GDX on June 7. The aircraft was checked on all safety parameters and certified serviceable before take off from GDX today," the spokesperson said in a statement. According to a source, there are two pilots and eight cabin crew onboard the aircraft. The airline had sent four engineers on the ferry flight to Magadan on June 7 and the issue of oil pressure in one of the engines of the stranded aircraft was fixed. Apple and Amazon.com must face a consumer antitrust lawsuit in U.S. court accusing them of conspiring to artificially inflate the price of iPhones and iPads sold on Amazon's platform, a federal judge in Seattle ruled on Thursday. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour rejected bids from Apple and Amazon to dismiss the prospective class action on various legal grounds. Coughenour said the "validity" of the relevant market, a central issue in antitrust litigation, was a question for a jury. The lawsuit, filed in November, is among several private and government actions challenging Amazon's online price practices. Coughenour's ruling means the case will move forward to evidence-gathering and other pretrial proceedings. Lawyers for Apple and Amazon and representatives for the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday. Steve Berman, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, called the court's ruling "a major win for consumers of Apple phones and iPads." The plaintiffs are U.S. residents who bought new iPhones and iPads on Amazon beginning in January 2019. They contend an agreement between Apple and Amazon that went into effect that year restricted the number of competitive resellers in violation of antitrust provisions. In 2018, according to the lawsuit, there were some 600 third-party Apple resellers on Amazon. Apple agreed to give Amazon a discount on its products if Amazon reduced the number of Apple resellers from its marketplace, the lawsuit alleged. Apple has argued that its agreement with Amazon limited the number of authorized resellers to help minimize counterfeit Apple goods being sold on the e-commerce platform. In a court filing, Apple's attorneys called the agreement "commonplace" and said the "Supreme Court and Ninth Circuit have routinely recognized that such agreements are procompetitive and lawful." The judge in Seattle said "countervailing" motivations for the agreement between Apple and Amazon would be addressed later in the litigation. Apple recorded $94.8 billion in sales in the second quarter, and Amazon reported $127.4 billion in its most recent quarterly earnings report. The complaint seeks unspecified triple damages and other relief. The case is Steven Floyd v Amazon.com Inc and Apple Inc, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, No. 2:22-cv-01599-JCC. Here is a collection of the most important stories this evening ChatGPT can help Indian IT companies take more projects and increase employment: CEA Anantha Nageswaran If these sources of AI increase productivity of workers, and a company can do with assigning less number of people to a project, it also means they can take on far more projects than earlier. It can be a win-win proposition provided we are able to upskill our people to take advantage of these new tools, interventions and innovations. Read more here. Govt will regulate AI, other tech from potential harm to users: MoS IT On Friday, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and IT, announced that the government will enforce regulations on technologies like artificial intelligence, taking into account the potential harm they can cause to users. Read more here. Meta's internal survey shows only 26% of employees confident in Mark Zuckerberg's leadership: Report An internal survey conducted by Meta, the parent entity of Facebook and Instagram, found only around one-fourth of the employees are confident in the leadership of the company's Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg, a report said on June 10. Read more here. Finance ministry on same page with RBI for FY24 growth forecast: CEA Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran on Saturday said that the government is on the same page with the Reserve Bank of India on the GDP growth forecast for the current financial year which is 6.5 per cent. Read more here. India leads global digital payments with record-breaking transactions: MyGovIndia data India has emerged as the frontrunner in digital payments, surpassing four other countries, with a staggering 89.5 million digital transactions recorded in 2022, according to data sourced from MyGovIndia. The figures reveal that India contributed to a significant 46 percent of worldwide real-time payments, highlighting its dominance in the digital payment space. Read more here. Why have China-focussed mutual funds hit a bump, again? China-focussed mutual fund schemes in India have fallen again. Axis Greater China Equity Fund of Fund is down 6.23 percent since the start of the year, Edelweiss Greater China Equity has fallen 4.94 percent, and Nippon India ETF Hang Seng BeES is down 2.21 percent. Read more here. Barbie vs Oppenheimer box-office clash likely to leave an unprecedented pop-culture impact One is a fantasy movie based on the worlds best-selling fashion doll; the other is about the man who made the worlds first atomic bomb. They are releasing on the same day and have kickstarted a discourse on outdated views on gender and the perception of art. Barbie vs Oppenheimer is a battle between plastic fantasy and brutal reality. Read more here. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has rejected the plan of the successful resolution applicant, Anirudh Agro Farms (AAFL), for Viceroy Hotels (VHL) following the expiry of bank guarantees furnished by AAFL. Viewing liquidation of the corporate debtor as the last resort, the tribunal directed the continuation of the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) and asked the resolution professional to call for fresh bids. Viceroy Hotels currently owns two properties in Hyderabad. At one of these, the Marriott group operates a five-star hotel, and at the other it operates a three-star outfit. On June 9, the NCLT Hyderabad bench comprising judicial member Venkata Ramakrishna Badarinath Nandula and technical member Charan Singh, rejected the application filed by resolution professional Govindarajula Venkata Narasimha Rao seeking to approve the resolution plan of Anirudh Agro, which had been approved by 95.82 percent of the committee of creditors (CoC). Anirudh Agro could not be reached for comment. The tribunal had in March 2018 admitted the petition filed by the financial creditor the Asset Reconstruction Company, and ordered the commencement of the CIRP proceedings. In all, Rs 714.24 crore of claims from financial creditors were admitted after the resolution professional constituted the CoC and invited bids from resolution applicants. Though 88 percent of the CoC had approved the resolution plan of CFM Asset Reconstruction, the tribunal rejected it in September 2021 on the ground that an asset reconstruction company would not be capable of implementing the resolution plan without prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India. Subsequently, the tribunal extended the CIRP multiple times, allowed the CoC to replace the resolution professional, and cleared the proposal to call for fresh bids. Responding to the bids called for in June 2022, five resolution applicants, including Anirudh Agro, submitted their plans. While the fair value was placed at Rs 357.19 crore and the liquidation value at Rs 202.83 crore through a revised valuation exercise in July 2022, the resolution plan of Anirudh Agro Farms at Rs 168.5 crore was approved by the CoC on November 10 last year. The successful resolution applicant also proposed to infuse fresh capital of Rs 50 crore required to improve the operations of the two properties of VHL in Hyderabad, and work closely with the existing hotel operators. However, the tribunal found that the bank guarantee furnished by Anirudh Agro Farms had not only expired, but also did not cover the implementation plan. The tribunal did not accept AAFL's undertaking that payments to creditors would be made in five tranches as per the approved plan, and that payments in prior tranches are liable to be forfeited if it fails to make subsequent payments. Accordingly, the tribunal rejected the resolution plan, finding it to be in breach of statutory provisions. Karnataka IT-BT minister Priyanka Kharge on June 10 launched a Twitter poll, asking about the expectations of startups in Karnataka from the government. Kharge provided four options: funding, incubation/acceleration, access to government market, and mentor/investor connect. What do startups in Karnataka expect from Govt? Priyank Kharge / (@PriyankKharge) June 10, 2023 The IT minister's outreach comes at a time when Bengaluru, known as the IT capital, faces intense competition from the neighboring city of Hyderabad. In Telangana, KT Rama Rao, a tech-savvy IT minister, has been highlighting issues such as Bengaluru's crumbling infrastructure and communal issues in Karnataka to attract investors to their state. On May 31, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah reallocated two major portfolios, with Priyank Kharge being assigned the IT-BT (Information Technology-Biotechnology) portfolio, and MB Patil taking charge of infrastructure development. Priyank Kharge, the son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, is the MLA from the Chittapur constituency. This portfolio is crucial for Bengaluru, given that it is home to major IT and biotech companies, as well as global capability centers (GCCs). Kharge previously served as the state minister for tourism, information technology, and biotechnology from 2016 to 2018. Traffic and crumbling infrastructure remain key concerns for companies operating in the state capital. Despite having a vibrant startup ecosystem, Bengaluru has been plagued by issues such as crumbling infrastructure, traffic congestion, potholes, and flooding/water-logging during rains. In a series titled 'Karnataka Elections: Eye on Bengaluru,' Moneycontrol highlighted these pressing issues before the assembly polls CEOs, startup founders, investors, and venture capitalists have repeatedly raised concerns about the poor infrastructure and traffic problems. However, little has been done by elected representatives and administrators to address these issues. The city's infrastructure is clearly not keeping up with its rapid growth. According to Karnataka's Economic Survey, the state is home to over 5,500 IT/ITES companies and approximately 750 MNCs, contributing to over $58 billion in exports. The survey also states that this sector provides direct employment to over 12 lakh professionals and creates over 31 lakh indirect jobs. "The industry contributes to over 25 percent of the state's GDP. The share of software exports accounts for nearly 40 percent of the country's exports, totaling $155 billion," the Economic Survey said. A global expert on the impact of climate change, climate mitigation and climate adaptation, Delhi-based climate activist Harjeet Singh leads the global political strategy for the Climate Action Network International, an environmental network of over 1,800 non-governmental organizations in 130 countries. At the Bonn Climate Change Conference (June 5-13), Singh is a leading voice for developing countries in demanding support in fighting the climate crisis. The Bonn climate meet, which follows the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt last November, will set the agenda for COP28, to be hosted by Dubai, UAE, during November 30-December 12 this year. A member of the United Nations Technical Expert Group on Comprehensive Risk Management under the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage, Singh talked to us about the objectives, sessions and challenges facing developing countries at the Bonn climate meet that is discussing action for limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the availability of climate finance, operationalizing the loss and damage fund and tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030. Excerpts: What is the main agenda before the participants at the Bonn Climate Conference? Global stocktake is one major agenda where we are looking at what happened in the last few years since the 2015 Paris Agreement and whether we have provided sufficient support to people for adaptation or how people are facing loss and damage, which means climate impact. Basically a global stocktake, that is why the name. The discussion is also about what needs to happen to raise ambition and protect people. The discussions include climate finance to developing countries and global goals on adaptation. There are also several workshops happening at the meet. We need to have some kind of metrics so that we know whether we are able to meet the adaptation targets in terms of helping people prepare for climate impact. There are also discussions on which body will host the entire loss and damage network, because to operationalize it, we need a host agency. Hopefully by the end of the conference, a decision will be taken on the host agency. The Bonn Climate Conference comes at a time when the world is increasingly depending on fossil fuel following the Russia-Ukraine war. How does the conference and Climate Action Network International view this situation? Phasing out fossil fuels in an equitable manner is a major priority for Climate Action Network this year. This week, we met the incoming COP28 President Sultan Al-Jaber in Bonn and communicated our demands for phasing out fossil fuels equitably. The discussion on fossil fuels has been totally absent for the first 30 years of negotiations. Only in COP26 Glasgow in 2020 there has been a mention of fossil fuels. It is very clear that we can't continue to burn fossil fuels in a manner in which we will completely blow the target of staying below 1.5 degree Celsius (global temperature rise over pre-industrial levels). The reality is the most expansion of fossil fuels is happening in North America. We do call out the hypocrisy of the rich countries. On the one hand, the rich countries put pressure on emerging economies who have not been provided sufficient finance to phase out fossil fuels and phase in renewable energy. On the other hand, the rich countries are expanding the extraction of fossil fuels. It is their double speak and hypocrisy that we expose. This year is India's presidency of G-20 countries. There have been calls for the G-20 to act in the face of the climate catastrophe. How is India leading the initiatives for action in Bonn? India is very engaged in the conversations on all the areas -- mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance, which is extremely important. India did play a very important role in getting the agreement on the loss and damage fund at the Egypt summit last year. This year, India is also giving inputs for how the fund should be designed. Kunal Satyarthi, adviser, National Disaster Management Authority, is part of the transitional committee on the loss and damage fund. He attended the first meeting in Luxor, Egypt, in March this year. I was also there. We did a lot of exchanges. India is quite involved in designing the loss and damage fund, which is directly relevant to our disaster response. The core issue, the reason we keep coming to these conferences, is to put pressure on rich countries to provide finance which they have committed. The IPCC report in March issued an alarming warning about the world running out of time to combat climate change. Are you seeing any concrete steps being taken by countries to deal with the likely global temperature rise above 1.5 degrees Celsius between 2023 and 2027? All countries are aware and very involved with the IPCC report. But the challenge is unless they are supported with finance, and that responsibility lies with rich countries, they will not be able to respond. Whether it is reducing emissions or preparing for disasters by ramping up adaptation efforts or dealing with loss and damage, everything is stuck because of climate finance. One, rich countries are not doing their fair share in terms of reducing their emissions and moving away from fossil fuels. Two, they are also not providing finance. There is no doubt that because of the IPCC report, there is a lot of awareness of the issue of global temperature rise, but the awareness will not lead to any action unless developing countries are supported. So the core issue, the reason we keep coming to these conferences, is to put pressure on rich countries to provide finance which they have committed. The commitment goes back to the 1992 Rio convention and specifically in Copenhagen in 2009 when they said 100 billion dollars. They have not been able to meet the commitment. What are the plans by the participating nations to make climate finance, a major decision from COP27, available to developing countries affected by severe effects of climate change? At the sessions, the developing countries have clearly said they would not discuss mitigation until there is a discussion for finance. They know that climate finance is a major bottleneck and they won't be able to implement their plans without it. The civil society has put a lot of pressure on G-7 and we are hearing from rich countries that they will meet the target of providing 100 billion dollars. Even if they meet the target, the challenge is that 70 percent of that money is loan, which means it is going to put more pressure on developing countries to pay back the money they will be using for mitigation or adaptation. Do you foresee anything concrete emerging from this conference as well as CoP Dubai later in the year? The Bonn conference is setting the tone for the Dubai summit. The progress is happening, though it is very slow on the loss and damage fund because these are still input sessions. Similarly, there are discussions on the global stocktake. The main challenge that we are seeing is the whole impasse on mitigation and finance issues. If there is no progress on finance, that is going to affect all streams of negotiations. That is something we are worried about. Developing countries have prepared their plans on mitigation, adaptation and dealing with loss and damage, but there is no adequate support. How is the operationalization of the loss and damage fund going to happen? This year the transitional committee that has been set up for operationalizing the loss and damage fund has has two meetings already. One took place in Bonn, which I attended, the previous one happened in March in Luxor, Egypt. There is another dialogue happening today. All these sessions are inputs to the discussion that will inform the design of the loss and damage fund. There is a clear opportunity through these engagements, and we will be presenting our inputs to the transitional committee discussions so that we can shape the fund in a manner that responds to the scale, speed and access issues. As a part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate the completion of nine years of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in the Centre, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address a rally in Nanded on Saturday. Shahs visit assumes importance as it coincides with the rising communal clashes in Maharashtra and the growing bitterness between the ruling and Opposition parties. State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, Shah will arrive in Nanded to address a public rally. It is a part of the outreach programme organised to celebrate the nine years of the Narendra Modi government. Notably, there has been a spurt in the number of communal clashes in Akola, Kolhapur, Dhule and Ahmednagar in the last few days. BJP insiders said Shah will certainly speak on the state developments but will also convey a strong socio political message. A senior BJP vice-president requesting anonymity said, With Lok Sabha and the 2024 Assembly elections approaching, the ruling BJP cannot afford any law and order problems in Maharashtra, which is the economic capital of India. Till now, at least 14 Union ministers, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, have visited Maharashtra to celebrate Modis nine years in the Centre. Maharashtra is an important state with 48 Lok Sabha seats and BJPs top leadership is putting all efforts to maximise its electoral gains. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP had won 23 seats. Its ally Shiv Sena had got 18 seats. Now, with Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) as an alliance partner and Maha Vikas Aghadi putting up a united front, BJP is up for a challenge to meet its ambitious target of 42 plus out of the 48 seats in Lok Sabha. However, there seems to be no end to the growing tensions between the ruling and Opposition factions. On Friday, BJPs Pravin Darekar said, Whenever Sharad Pawar led NCP is in the Opposition, there are riots. The BJP leaders terse remark came shortly after NCP sought investigation and action for threat issued to Sharad Pawar. The NCP leader received a life threat from an unknown individual. The NCP has also approached the police commissioner. On Saturday, NCP state president Jayant Patil said, It is evident that there is a deliberate attempt to create communal tensions. When someone showed posters of Aurangzeb in a public rally, why did the police not take immediate action? Why were they allowed? Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a statement three days after the incident. What does this show? A day after a Congress worker was shot dead in West Bengal's Murshidabad district in the run up to the panchayat election, the party on Saturday alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress was behind the murder. Fulchand Sheikh, 45, was attacked by TMC's goons when he was playing cards in Ratanpur village on Friday, his family members alleged. Sheikh was rushed to Kandi Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Two other persons were injured in the attack, police said. The TMC denied it has any role in the incident. Police said investigations into the case are on and two persons are being interrogated in this connection. "This is a clear indication that the TMC is trying to win the panchayat polls by using muscle power. What is the use of ballot if TMC wants to win with bullets," state Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said. Sheikh was killed on the first day of filing nominations for the July 8 Panchayat elections. The TMC is trying to intimidate Congress workers ahead of the panchayat polls, Chowdhury claimed. A Murshidabad district Congress leader said Sheikh received six bullets. The two injured persons were also Congress workers, he claimed. Local leaders of the TMC claimed that personal rivalry was behind the killing and the Congress is trying to add political colour to it. 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 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused Rahul Gandhi of criticising India and discussing its internal politics during his visits to foreign countries, and said the Congress leader should learn from his ancestors. Patan, Jun 10 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused Rahul Gandhi of criticising India and discussing its internal politics during his visits to foreign countries, and said the Congress leader should learn from his ancestors. Shah said it does not suit any leader to criticise one's own country abroad, and asked Gandhi to keep in mind that people of the country were watching him. Shah said it does not suit any leader to criticise one's own country abroad, and asked Gandhi to keep in mind that people of the country were watching him. He was referring to Gandhi's criticism of the Narendra Modi government during his recent tour of the USA. He was referring to Gandhi's criticism of the Narendra Modi government during his recent tour of the USA. "Any patriotic person should discuss Indian politics within India. It does not suit the leader of any party to go abroad and discuss the country's politics and criticise the country. Rahul baba, you must remember that people of the country are watching it closely," Shah said."Any patriotic person should discuss Indian politics within India. It does not suit the leader of any party to go abroad and discuss the country's politics and criticise the country. Rahul baba, you must remember that people of the country are watching it closely," Shah said. "Rahul baba is going abroad on a vacation to escape the summer heat. He keeps criticising the country there. I would like to suggest Rahul Gandhi to learn from his ancestors," he said."Rahul baba is going abroad on a vacation to escape the summer heat. He keeps criticising the country there. I would like to suggest Rahul Gandhi to learn from his ancestors," he said. Shah was addressing a rally at Siddhpur town in Patan district of Gujarat organised to mark nine years of the Modi government. The country has witnessed huge changes under the Modi government, but Congress does not stop talking about anti-India things, he said. Shah also attacked Gandhi over its criticism of the new Parliament building. "You opposed the new Parliament building and installation of 'Sengol', a historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu, there. The Sengol was to be installed by Jawaharlal Nehru. Modi is doing it because he (Nehru) did not do it, then why are you opposing?" he asked. Congress leaders do not allow PM Modi to speak in Parliament and only keep opposing everything, Shah alleged, and added that the PM has started a new tradition of doing "politics of development". Shah also attacked Gandhi over the issues of Ram temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370. Lord Ram's temple at Ayodhya was desecrated since the time of Babar (founder of the Mughal empire), he said. "But today, a grand temple of Lord Ram is under construction and it will be completed shortly," he said. Praising PM Modi, Shah said the government worked towards improving the lives of Dalits, poor and tribals and made them capable. "It was under the leadership of PM Modi that a tribal woman became the President of the country for the first time," he said. Whether improving the economic condition or connecting the country digitally, implementing projects of social welfare, COVID-19 vaccination or infrastructure, India has become a centre of hope in the world, he said. Referring to former PM Manmohan Singh and ex-Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Shah said, "Comparing 10 years of Manmohan-Sonia to 10 years of Modi, one will find that the 10 years of the Congress-led government were marked by corruption, mismanagement, economic downfall, terrorism and poor law and order situation." The 10 years of the Modi government have been that of capable and safe digital India walking the path of social welfare, he said. Shah urged the people of Gujarat to vote for the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) to ensure that it wins all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat in the 2024 election. "Narendrabhai started a new era of development in the country from Gujarat. The publicity of all-round development witnessed in Gujarat from 2002 till 2014 in terms of 24-hours electricity, water, check dam, farm, and girl education helped Modi become the prime minister and the 'Gujarat model' turned into the 'India model', he said. Shah urged people to get united and decide whether they want Modi or Gandhi as their prime minister in 2024. "Wherever I go, I see support for Modi. I request the people of Gujarat that they should ensure that all 26 seats in the state are won by the BJP for the third time," he said. A little over three years after actor Irrfan Khan died from cancer on April 29, 2020, film critic Shubhra Gupta and Pan Macmillan have brought out a book of interviews with actors and filmmakers who had worked with him over his 30-year career in the movies. Shyam Benegal, Naseeruddin Shah, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Rajat Kapoor, Mira Nair, Shoojit Sircar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Nikkhil Advani, Homi Adajania and Pankaj Tripathi are among the people whom Gupta interviewed for the book. In addition to reminding us once again of the sheer range and depth of work that Irrfan Khan did in the three decades before his death (The Lunch Box, Maqbool, Qissa, Angrezi Medium), the book offers a glimpse into a different side of Bollywood - one where those who love movies give each other a leg-up, form lasting connections and can be brutally honest with each other (there's a segment where one of the interviewees cops to asking Irrfan Khan why he was so bad in advertisements). It's also rare for filmmakers to dissect a fellow actor's art, and what they brought to each character and each film. No vapid, vacuous responses seem to mar the stories and observations the interviewees share - perhaps it is easier to do this posthumously and for an actor who was deemed talented; perhaps it's a result of the editing. Judge for yourself. Excerpted below is a section of Gupta's interview with Vishal Bhardwaj who worked with Khan on films such as Maqbool (2003) and Haider (2014). Shubhra Gupta: Its well known that when you started to cast for Maqbool, Irrfan was not your first choice. What made you gravitate towards Irrfan, and what was it like to work with him in that film? Vishal Bhardwaj: I think it was destiny which brought us together, because some other actor was meant to be playing Maqbool. When I watched the trial of his film Haasil, I was blown away by his performance. Somewhere in my heart, I wished I had seen Haasil earlier. But by that time the other actor was finalized. Somewhere along the line, when we came closer to our shoot, we had some date issues with the other actor. Immediately I contacted Irrfan. He heard the script, loved it and came on board. It was destiny. SG: The two of you coming together tell me a little bit about that magic, that alchemy. VB: Irrfan was a great actor. But beyond that, he was a very evolved human being. A very aware person. His views about relationships, his worldview about politics and religion were very evolved. And as we started working together, we gradually got close and became friends. Itna khoobsurat insaan tha dil se [He was a beautiful person at heart]; there was no malice within him. And to add to that, he had a khatarnak [deadly] sense of humour. He could find humour in anything. When we started working together, I used to find it odd that sometimes he was so natural in front of the camera, it seemed like he wasnt even acting. So I had my doubts whether he had even come prepared or if he just walked in front of the camera without any preparation or homework. He always used to say that one per cent of what we do behind the camera translates into twenty per cent on camera. He used to be very subtle in his approach; he was so natural. Tabu and I used to tease him a lot because of a habit he had sometimes he used to talk double-double. Kaun-kaun, kya-kya. So we would all talk like that amongst ourselves when Irrfan was around: hum-hum, kaun-kaun, kya-kya. Irrfan could take a dialogue and make it his own, turn it into a rhythm. He didnt really sing a lot; he wasnt good at singing, but he was good at feeling music. I think he was one of those Sufi men. There was some Sufism inside him; he was born with it. So if Irrfan didnt work on acting in this lifetime, if he was in any other profession politics or anything his spirituality would have still come to the fore. SG: You mentioned Tabu. How did this pairing come about? Every time they appear on screen, they just light it up. VB: When I was working on Maqbool, the first people that I cast were Tabu and Naseer bhai [Naseeruddin Shah]. It was a transitional phase for Tabu, because she had begun a journey after Maachis* and this [Maqbool] was eightnine years after Maachis. So a different kind of phase had begun for her. Back then Irrfan used to do supporting roles, so I did doubt what Tabus attitude would be, because she was coming from the mainstream, and he was transitioning from a supporting role to the lead. But the chemistry they had together as people they connected, you know? They connected very deeply. A lot of scenes, like the meri jaan scene they both performed it so beautifully. SG: Yes, that is a sublime scene. VB: It didnt feel like they were actors it seemed like those two characters were real in the scene. When they were crying during the climax, there was silence on the set. They connected as people. And we made a great triangle we were so connected with each other. Even when he was not well we met only once when he was not well the three of us, we met for threefour hours. After that, I only met him once, in London, and I think Tabu met him at his place. But the three of us met together only once when he was sick, and we were joking so much, it didnt feel like Irrfan was unwell. I think, to connect as people is essential. I dont think just by connecting with someone professionally you can do a good job. Unless you are connected personally, unless you have respect for each other, love for each other, you cannot create magic on screen. Magic gets created on its own when all these things come together. SG: Everybody I have spoken to has told me about your very special connection with Irrfan. Mira Nair said she was in touch on and off. Tigmanshu Dhulia and he were close friends from drama school, and they kept in touch. But Im constantly being told how you and Irrfan had something really special together. So tell me a little bit about that. VB: It was beyond explanation, our connection. And thats why, I think, Im still affected when I talk about him, and therefore I was avoiding talking to you. Because I dont want to talk about him Im still very affected by his going away. I still get ... I start missing him. Give me two minutes. SG: Please, take your time. VB: Yeah, sorry ... So thats why I was not ... I didnt want to talk to anyone. I didnt want to talk about him. I thought maybe I was over it but I was wrong; I am still very affected by his departure. Because it was not just ... we never talked deeply about work, about acting or performance or scripts. Everything used to just casually happen on its own. Even during Haider, when I approached him. He was very busy in those days, and I told him that he should read it once. This is a very zabardast character youd be able to play him, I said. Sometimes he didnt do parts simply because the role was very good. His intention towards every project was clear. He read it and told me that this script should definitely be made into a film: To this day, nobody has done anything like this on Kashmir, so I will do it. I dont know from where he dug out those fivesix days. On 26 January, we started the shoot in Kashmir. He was available only on those fivesix days. Once, during Ishqiya [2010], we had a small fight. He was supposed to do Arshad Warsis part. When he didnt do it, I had a small fight with him over that. And I didnt work with him for many years; then I approached him again. Because everyone was saying no to that character he played in 7 Khoon Maaf that masochist husband. I called him on the phone I still remember, it was in Mussoorie. I said, Look, everyone is saying no. He said, I will toh do it, because I have to make it up to you. He did it just for that reason. And what he did in that, he did very beautifully. This was also his way [of saying] that this style of storytelling is so khoobsurat that I want to be a part of it. After that, he was upset with me again. His part in 7 Khoon Maaf, no matter the length, was very poetic. The entire story had no dialogue; the whole part was done in only poems and songs. Finally, because the length was becoming a bit too much, his story was cut down the most, so he was very upset. So when he came to do Haider, he said, My first condition is that you will release my entire story of twentytwenty-five minutes on YouTube. I wanted to do it but I could not find that cut. He was great. I have never told this to anyone, that Meghna [Gulzar] was going through a very bad phase in her life, in her career [before the making of Talvar]. So he said that Gulzar saab must be feeling very low that his daughter is not able to do well. And this was a good script; he wanted to do it. If not for Meghna, I want to do it for Gulzar saab. He was a great human being, and his selection was not only based on the role. He would look at the intention of the whole film and then want to be a part of it. Excerpted from Irrfan: A Life In Movies by Shubhra Gupta, with permission from Pan Macmillan India. Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh presents his credentials to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Photo: baoquocte.vn) The President said that the Vietnam-Algeria traditional friendship serves as an important foundation for the promotion of their multifaceted cooperation for the mutual benefits of their peoples. He pledged the best conditions possible for the Vietnamese Ambassador to fulfill duties during the new working term, contributing to the growth of the two countries ties. For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador affirmed Vietnams desire to consolidate and further develop the good traditional friendship and cooperation relationship with Algeria. He vowed to spare no efforts in lifting the relationship to new heights, particularly regarding the sides' exchanges of high-level delegations and collaboration in trade, agro-fishery, culture-education, and defence. On this occasion, he conveyed Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuongs greetings to President Tebboune./. Netflixs The Ultimatum: Queer Love is the steaming platforms first queer dating reality show. Its previous instalment featured cishet people. The five couples (Lexi and Raelyn, Mal and Yoly, Sam and Aussie, Tiff and Mildred, and Vanessa and Xander) in its new season, hosted by the American actor JoAnna Garcia Swisher, are concerned about their relationships future as they are faced with the dilemma of getting married. While one of the partners of all the five couples has given an ultimatum marry or move on to the other, in the time theyve to decide theyre allowed to interact and form pairs with other participants. This caveat makes it interesting as those who were reluctant to get married find themselves agreeing to the idea of marriage with someone else. All this makes for a curious watch. Given the ongoing fight for marriage equality in India, Moneycontrol connected with three queer couples who share their stories and viewpoints on the show. Being on the same page helps P, a software engineer, met his partner, also into tech, on a dating app. Theyve known each other since 2014 and have been living together for almost nine years now. Regarding the question of marriage, P says, In the beginning, it was a thing we would tease each other about. And bring up marriage as a joke. After a couple of years, I would say Marry me instead of saying I love you. It came from a place of deep affection towards my partner where saying I love you was no longer sufficient. Now that we are no longer young, marriage comes up as a practical need for issues such as co-ownership of the apartment weve both built together, getting health insurance, co-signing a loan, and my partner being able to give medical consent if anything were to happen to me. All this ties back to the bouquet of rights that queer people will be able to avail if marriage equality is upheld by the apex court, as senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy argued during the hearings. Ps partner, who says that the question of getting married doesnt come up that often, notes that it feels like we are already married as weve lived together as a couple for almost nine years. It doesnt make either of us nervous or uncomfortable. Were pretty open to the idea and enjoy discussing it. We are on the same page about marrying each other. Echoing the thoughts of several participants of the Netflix show, P says that not being on the same page at the same time is always a deal breaker. Its best to re-calibrate expectations, talk it out, and decide whether [you] need more time or [see if] there are fundamental disagreements. I dont think not wanting to commit to a relationship is necessarily a sign of being unfaithful. Maybe they are not ready emotionally [or] mentally. Its okay to take time. Not every relationship needs to result in a marriage. Ps partner adds, We both feel that marrying someone who you love and enjoy your time with is critical for a marriage to be a success. Marriage is definitely not like spending a short amount of time with a casual sex partner. Its not easy to live with a person! We realised that doing even the most monotonous chores in life can be fun if one has their favourite person around them. Marriage only for practical reasons Author of Homeless: Growing Up Lesbian and Dyslexic in India (Yoda Press x Simon & Schuster, 2023) and the host of the podcast Queerious Connections and her (closeted) partner, a graphic designer, have been living together for seven years. We both individually decided when we were young (even before we discovered our sexuality) that we dont see ourselves getting married to anyone. Of course, we were thinking of heterosexual marriage at the time; we hadnt seen a single example of a marriage around us that was happy and nurturing so we didnt want that for ourselves, they note. Further, The question of marriage only comes up [during] jokes about our wedding: the ridiculous costumes wed wear or the close family we wont invite. We have had a serious conversation about marriage and decided that wed only marry for practical reasons, mainly for joint-property ownership and medical guardianship. The couple, who hasnt watched the show because they found it quite cringey and melodramatic, feel that marriage is an outdated institution. They further note that it can, perhaps, be practical and useful for raising children together, but for child-free individuals like us, other than the practical reasons stated above, marriage doesnt serve any purpose other than inviting our families into the relationship, which may or may not be very helpful for the relationship. Happy with the way things are Nitin, 32, who is self-employed, and Arjun, 38, an entrepreneur, were in a long-distance relationship for the past 12 years and have only recently started living together. We met out of the blue one day at a Nirulas on a Christmas evening and never looked back since, they fondly share. But the question of marriage has almost never [come] up because of the long-distance relationship. But even if it does come up, it will not unnerve either of us. We both are as comfortable with the idea of marriage as we are [with] just being able to live together. We feel this way because none of us wants to move to a country with marriage rights. We hope for marriage rights in our own country. Till then, we are happy just the way things are. For both Nitin and Arjun not marrying is not a deal breaker. They both believe being faithful or not has nothing to do with the state of being married. Firstly, faithfulness is an innate human [desire] and secondly, faithfulness has different meaning[s] for different people. At the end of the day, its an equation that couples customise for themselves. It has to be mutually accepted value. The Ultimatum: Queer Couple is streaming on Netflix. Note: Pseudonyms are used to protect the privacy of participants. Adam Smiths more popular book - An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations was published in March 1776. Though not often referenced, Smith (1723-1790) made copious notes about India and the British East India Companys presence and impact on the contemporary Indian economy. Here are a few excerpts from the book: Ganga and the business of inland navigation The improvements in agriculture and manufactures seem likewise to have been of very great antiquity in the provinces of Bengal, in the East Indies, and in some of the eastern provinces of China In Bengal, the Ganges and several other great rivers form a great number of navigable canals in the same manner as the Nile does in Egypt It is remarkable that neither the ancient Egyptians, nor the Indians, nor the Chinese, encouraged foreign commerce, but seem all to have derived their great opulence from this inland navigation. Profit of trade in Bengal Salt is said to be the common instrument of commerce and exchanges in Abyssinia; a species of shells in some parts of the coast of India; sugar in some of our West India colonies The highest ordinary rate of profit may be such as, in the price of the greater part of commodities, eats up the whole of what should go to the rent of the land, and leaves only what is sufficient to pay the labour of preparing and bringing them to market The profits of the trade which the servants of the East India Company carry on in Bengal may not perhaps be very far from this rate. Also read: Adam Smith is still relevant. But not for the reasons they taught us in school and college Precious metals in India The precious metals, therefore, would naturally exchange in India for somewhat a greater quantity of the precious stones, and for a much greater quantity of food than in Europe. The money price of diamonds, the greatest of all superfluities, would be somewhat lower, and that of food, the first of all necessaries, a great deal lower in the one country than in the other. But the real price of labour, the real quantity of the necessaries of life which is given to the labourer, it has already been observed, is lower both in China and Indostan, the two great markets of India, than it is through the greater part of Europe. The wages of the labourer will there purchase a smaller quantity of food; and as the money price of food is much lower in India than in Europe Silver versus gold in India In China, and the greater part of the other markets of India, ten, or at most twelve, ounces of silver will purchase an ounce of gold; in Europe it requires from fourteen to fifteen ounces. In the cargoes, therefore, of the greater part of European ships which sail to India, silver has generally been one of the most valuable articles. The great quantities of silver carried annually from Europe to India have, in some of the English settlements, gradually reduced the value of that metal in proportion to gold. In the mint of Calcutta an ounce of fine gold is supposed to be worth fifteen ounces of fine silver. Sea crossings The ancient Egyptians had a superstitious antipathy to the sea; a superstition nearly of the same kind prevails among the Indians. Bengal famine The drought in Bengal, a few years ago, might probably have occasioned a very great dearth. Some improper regulations, some injudicious restraints imposed by the servants of the East India Company upon the rice trade, contributed, perhaps, to turn that dearth into a famine. Buy cheaper in India, sell with better profit in Europe But a company of merchants are, it seems, incapable of considering themselves as sovereigns, even after they have become such. Trade, or buying in order to sell again, they still consider as their principal business, and by a strange absurdity regard the character of the sovereign as but an appendix to that of the merchant, as something which ought to be made subservient to it, or by means of which they may be enabled to buy cheaper in India, and thereby to sell with a better profit in Europe. Faulty administration of India It is the interest of the East India Company, considered as sovereigns, that the European goods which are carried to their Indian dominions should be sold there as cheap as possible; and that the Indian goods which are brought from thence should bring there as good a price, or should be sold there as dear as possible. But if the genius of such a government, even as to what concerns its direction in Europe, is in this manner essentially and perhaps incurably faulty, that of its administration in India is still more so. The East India Company The old English East India Company was established in 1600 by a charter from Queen Elizabeth. In the first twelve voyages which they fitted out for India, they appear to have traded as a regulated company, with separate stocks, though only in the general ships of the company. In 1612, they united into a joint stock. Their charter was exclusive, and though not confirmed by Act of Parliament, was in those days supposed to convey a real exclusive privilege. The money price of diamonds, the greatest of all superfluities, would be somewhat lower, and that of food, the first of all necessaries, a great deal lower in the one country than in the other. The perils of monopoly Since the establishment of the English East India company, for example, the other inhabitants of England, over and above being excluded from the trade, must have paid, in the price of the East India goods which they have consumed, not only for all the extraordinary profits which the company may have made upon those goods in consequence of their monopoly, but for all the extraordinary waste which the fraud and abuse inseparable from the management of the affairs of so great a company must necessarily have occasioned. Such exclusive companies, therefore, are nuisances in every respect; always more or less inconvenient to the countries in which they are established, and destructive to those which have the misfortune to fall under their government. Settlement in Madras During the French war, which began in 1741, the ambition of Mr. Dupleix, the French governor of Pondicherry, involved them in the wars of the Carnatic, and in the politics of the Indian princes. After many signal successes, and equally signal losses, they at last lost Madras, at that time their principal settlement in India. It was restored to them by the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle; and about this time the spirit of war and conquest seems to have taken possession of their servants in India, and never since to have left them. During the French war, which began in 1755, their arms partook of the general good fortune of those of Great Britain. They defended Madras, took Pondicherry, recovered Calcutta, and acquired the revenues of a rich and extensive territory, amounting, it was then said, to upwards of three millions a year. Three principal settlements in India In India, their principal settlements of Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta, which had before been altogether independent of one another, were subjected to a governor-general, assisted by a council of four assessors, Parliament assuming to itself the first nomination of this governor and council who were to reside at Calcutta; that city having now become, what Madras was before, the most important of the English settlements in India. The Court of the Mayor of Calcutta, originally instituted for the trial of mercantile causes which arose in city and neighbourhood, had gradually extended its jurisdiction with the extension of the empire. It was now reduced and confined to the original purpose of its institution. Disorders of the East India Company The regulations of 1773, accordingly, did not put an end to the disorders of the companys government in India. Notwithstanding that, during a momentary fit of good conduct, they had at one time collected into the treasury of Calcutta more than three millions sterling; notwithstanding that they had afterwards extended, either their dominion, or their depredations, over a vast accession of some of the richest and most fertile countries in India, all was wasted and destroyed. They found themselves altogether unprepared to stop or resist the incursion of Hyder Ali; and, in consequence of those disorders, the company is now (1784) in greater distress than ever; and, in order to prevent immediate bankruptcy, is once more reduced to supplicate the assistance of government. Buying a gin was simple back when there were fewer options. Now, experimentation with botanicals and ingredients has resulted in a lot of variation, leaving gin drinkers confused. Given its versatility and diverse flavours, there is a gin for every palate. Our top 10 recommendations across the globe for this World Gin Day: 1. Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin Steeped in gin for 8 weeks, Yarra Valley Shiraz grapes, crushed and mixed with Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, has resulted in this Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin from a leading gin producer - Four Pillars, Australia. A deep red-purple gin with notes of juniper, spice and raspberries that goes well with tonic or soda, its balance of sweetness and spice on the finish sets it apart. 88 Australian dollars for a 700 ml bottle 2. Nikka Coffey Gin Made with 11 botanicals, this zesty and citrusy gin from the Japanese whiskey brand, Nikka, is surprisingly light considering its 47% ABV. The botanicals include four different Japanese citrus fruits - yuzu, kabosu, amanatsu, and shequasar, resulting in a fragrant, lemony citrus aroma and flavour, along with a hint of fruity sweetness and delicate, peppery spice. 45; this gin is worth picking up, even if only to celebrate special occasions. 3. Satiwa Hemp Craft Gin Satiwa has doubled down on the use of 100% organic hemp, along with 10 locally-sourced botanicals. Light, fruity and floral on the nose, the gin does not require any additional effort in terms of flavouring. The gin retails for INR 1,650 for a 700ml bottle in Goa. A limited-edition variant, Satiwa Passion, has been introduced. Tropical, sweet and fruity, the taste and aroma make it a good addition to fruity cocktails. 4. VII Hills Italian Dry Gin The perfect match for a negroni, this rare Italian dry gin, is heady, but herbal. The subtle citrus flavours are hard to miss. The botanicals make it unique as it contains artichoke, celery, blood orange, chamomile, rose hip, pomegranate and juniper. Affordably priced, this one comes at 29.00 5. Terry Sent Me A playful and affordably priced gin at Rs 850 for a 750 ml bottle in Goa, this gin is made with a secret blend of exotic botanicals, and ingredients like Gondhoraj lime and orange peel, this gin is meant to be a tribute to the rebellious spirit of the Prohibition era and the speakeasy culture. With distinct spicy cardamom and cinnamon notes, it is a refreshing gin, light on the palate. 6. Procera Gin An African gin, distilled by a dedicated team of distillers at Kenyas first craft distillery, Procera Gin's 10 botanicals are sourced from all across Africa-including pink peppercorn from Madagascar and orris root from Morocco. The gin gets its name from the juniper species, Procera, used in this gin and is the worlds first gin to do so. Go get yourself this hand-blown artistic, 500 ml bottle priced at $90. 7. Malhar Indian Craft Gin From the stable of the renowned whiskey maker Paul John Distillery, Malhar pays homage to the Monsoon raga - Malhar. The craft gin comes in two variations: The Malhar Classic Dry Gin which offers delicate floral notes and The Malhar Citrus which is somewhat heady. Priced at Rs 3,075 for 750ml and Rs 205 for 50ml, this one celebrates Indianness. 8. Dorothy Parker Gin Made by the New York Distilling Company, Dorothy Parker gin is popular with cocktail lovers. Named after the legendary writer, poet and satirist, this is a spectacular American gin, made with traditional and contemporary botanicals including juniper, elderberries, citrus, cinnamon and hibiscus petals. Priced at $ 35 / 750ml. 9. Source Gin A mix of locally foraged rosehip, juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, lemon and orange zest, vapour-distilled. The Source Gin is forged by the four seasons that blow through the Cardrona Valley, Southern Alps, New Zealand. Non-chill filtered, 47% ABV, this is priced at $62 for 750ml. 10. Cotswolds Gin With distinct ginger and vanilla notes on the palate, this sweet and spicy, barrel-aged gin is distilled to 83% ABV and then diluted to 65% ABV for casking, it is this process which distinguishes it and makes it highly priced - Rs 12,600 for a 500 ml bottle. This one is obviously an indulgent purchase when you are in a mood to splurge. Cotswolds Gin offers notes of warm honey and sweet orange, balanced by the fresh spicy ginger and piney juniper. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on Twitter at the start of this week that he would be going on a six-nation tour that included India and true to his word, he came to India. At an event, Altman was asked by former Vice President of Google in India and South East Asia and current venture capitalist Rajan Anandan whether India can build an artificial intelligence tool such as ChatGPT. "Sam, we have got a very vibrant ecosystem in India, but specifically focussing on AI, are there spaces where you see a startup from India building foundational (AI) models how should we think about that, where is it that a team from India (should start) to actually build something truly substantial?," Anandan asked at an event organised by The Economic Times. "The way this works is we're going to tell you, it's totally hopeless to compete with us on training foundation models you shouldn't try, and it's your job to like try anyway. And I believe both of those things. I think it is pretty hopeless," Altman said, in reply. Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani shared Altman's reply on Twitter and said that the challenge was accepted. "OpenAI founder Sam Altman said its pretty hopeless for Indian companies to try and compete with them. Dear @sama, From one CEO to another.. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED," he wrote. OpenAI founder Sam Altman said its pretty hopeless for Indian companies to try and compete with them. Dear @sama, From one CEO to another.. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. pic.twitter.com/67FDUtLNq0 CP Gurnani (@C_P_Gurnani) June 9, 2023 Anandan, however, refused to believe that India were incapable of building a tool like ChatGPT and later tweeted saying that Indian entrepreneurs will try to build an AI tool. "Thank you, Sam Altman, for the clear answer. As you said, 'it is hopeless, but you will try anyway.' 5000 years of Indian entrepreneurship has shown us that we should never underestimate the Indian entrepreneur. We do intend to try," he wrote. Thank you @sama for the clear answer. As you said, "it is hopeless, but you will try anyway". 5000 years of Indian entrepreneurship has shown us that we should never underestimate the Indian entrepreneur. We do intend to try@sama@OpenAIhttps://t.co/gQkxOZAFCW Rajan Anandan (@RajanAnandan) June 8, 2023 During his visit to India, Altman also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and revealed that he asked him as to why India had embraced ChatGPT. Also read: ChatGPT creator Sam Altman meets another CEO in India. This one is his friend from Stanford Online mortgage firm Better.com, which is run by Indian-origin Vishal Garg, has laid-off its entire real estate team and shut down the unit, as per reports. TechCrunch reported that the company was looking at moving from an in-house agent model to a partnership agent model. There is no clarity yet as to how many employees in the real estate team had lost their jobs. One of the employees who was laid off from the company said that they got "little to no severance" and revealed that he had received a 50 per cent paycut in November 2022. In May 2022, the company gave its employees in India the option to quit the firm voluntarily and close to 920 resignations were accepted later. In December 2021, Garg had laid off 900 employees over a Zoom call. Overall, the number of employees who have been laid-off from Better.com by Garg in India and United States has crossed 4000. In March 2023, Amazon had inked a deal with the firm to permit employees to use their shares for a mortgage down payment. Garg had said that Amazon employees can finance their residences without relinquishing their shares. "Even though equity is a valuable asset, it is considered ineligible by most banks and financial institutions when calculating the necessary down payment on a home," he said. As per Better.com, the uncertain mortgage market conditions led to an extremely challenging operating environment for several firms in the industry. Also read: Better.com CEO Vishal Garg, who fired 900 employees over Zoom call, sued for 'misleading investors' The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is hugely worse than before the Kakhovka dam collapsed, the U.N.'s top aid official warned Friday. Undersecretary-General Martin Griffiths said an extraordinary 700,000 people are in need of drinking water and warned that the ravages of flooding in one of the worlds most important breadbaskets will almost inevitably lead to lower grain exports, higher food prices around the world, and less to eat for millions in need This is a viral problem, he said in an interview with The Associated Press. But the truth is this is only the beginning of seeing the consequences of this act. The rupture of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam and emptying of its reservoir on the Dnieper River on Wednesday added to the misery in a region that has suffered for more than a year from artillery and missile attacks. Ukraine holds the Dniepers western bank, while Russian troops control the low-lying eastern side, which is more vulnerable to flooding. The dam and reservoir, essential for fresh water and irrigation in southern Ukraine, lies in the Kherson region that Moscow illegally annexed in September and has occupied for the past year. Griffiths said the United Nations, working mainly through Ukrainian aid groups, has reached 30,000 people in flooded areas under Ukrainian control. He said that so far Russia has not given access to areas it controls for the U.N. to help flood victims. Griffiths said he met with Russias U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, on Wednesday to ask Russian authorities for access for our teams in Ukraine to go across the front lines to give aid, to provide support for Ukrainians in those areas. We're providing them with details as we speak, to enable Moscow to meet what we hope will be a positive decision on this, he said. I hope that will come through. The emergency response is essential to save lives, he said, but behind that youve got a huge, looming problem of a lack of proper drinking water for those 700,000 people on both the Ukrainian-controlled and Russian-controlled sides of the river. There is also the flooding of important agricultural land and a looming problem of providing cooling water for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest, which had been supplied from the dam, he added. In addition, Griffiths noted that waters also have rushed over areas with land mines from the war and what we are bound to be seeing are those mines floating in places where people dont expect them, threatening adults and especially children. So its a cascade of problems, starting with allowing people to survive today, and then giving them some kind of prospects for tomorrow, he said. Griffiths said that because of the wide-ranging consequences its almost inevitable that the United Nations will launch a special appeal for more aid funds for Ukraine to deal with a whole new order of magnitude from the dams rupture. But he said he wants to wait a few weeks to see the economic, health and environmental consequences before announcing the appeal. Griffiths said he and U.N. trade chief Rebeca Grynspan are also working to ensure the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which Turkey and the U.N. brokered with Ukraine and Russia last July to open three Black Sea ports in Ukraine for its grain exports. More than 30,000 metric tons of wheat and other foodstuff has been shipped under the deal, leading to a decline in global food prices that skyrocketed after Russia's Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine. It has been extended three times and is due to expire July 17. Part of the deal was a memorandum signed by Russia and the U.N. aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian food and fertilizer shipments that Moscow has repeatedly complained are not being fulfilled. A key Russian demand has been the reopening of a pipeline between the Russian port of Togliatti on the Volga River and the Black Sea port of Odesa that has been shut down since Russias attack on Ukraine. It carried ammonia, a key ingredient of fertilizer. Opening that pipeline and delivering ammonia across the Black Sea to the global south is a priority for all of us, Griffiths said. Ammonia is an essential ingredient for global food security. A rupture in the pipeline was reported from shelling late Tuesday, but Griffiths said the U.N. couldnt confirm it because the pipeline is in the middle of a war zone. We, of course, are very, very strongly of the view that we need that repaired as quickly as possible, he said. So lets hope its not too badly damaged. He said the Ukrainians have told the U.N. they will get to the pipeline, which is on their territory, as soon as they can. Griffiths said the Ukrainians see opening the pipeline as part of a package that would also include Russian agreement to open a fourth Black Sea port at Mykolaiv to export more grain. Negotiations have been taking place in recent weeks, including at a meeting Friday in Geneva between U.N. trade chief Grynspan and Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin. We're not there yet, Griffiths said. I hope that we'll make it. Representatives of the Vietnam News Agency (second from right) and Radio Station of the University of Chile receive their respective prizes for an excellent multimedia product and for an excellent foreign information imprint. (Photo: VNA) They included five Prize A, 13 Prize B, 16 Prize C, and 31 consolation prizes. Addressing the event, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue expressed his delight to see the submission of 3,328 works to the first edition by 171 press agencies in Vietnam and abroad and seven loffices of the NA delegation and people's councils. The carefully prepared entries are rich in topics, sharp in content, diverse in style and modern in means of journalism, Hue said, adding that their discovery, novelty, and creativity have been well received and appreciated by readers. In addition to the above-said prizes within the structure of the award, there were two special prizes for an excellent multimedia product and excellent foreign information imprint. Their respective winners were the Vietnam News Agency with its special information page on the election of deputies to the 15th NA and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2016 term; and the Radio Station of the University of Chile with a work spotlighting the Vietnam-Chile friendship week programme./. June 10, 2023 "Let's Try This Again!" Yesterday I posted a picture of a Leopard 2A6 tank, 4 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and a Soviet era mine clearing vehicle all caught up next to each other in a minefield. There is now also better video of that scene as well as others. For unknown reasons the Ukrainian command later decided to add five more Bradleys to the scrap exposition: It is the same Leopard tank in the same position. I believe that the 'armoured recovery vehicle' @miladvisor mentions is an incorrect identification of the mine clearing vehicle that can also be seen in the previous picture. All of those vehicles seem to have some mobility damage, i.e. they lost a track or two due to mine explosions. One of the added Bradleys seems to be on fire. Then its neighboring Bradley decides to also burn and explodes. Someone had sent half a company into a minefield where it was damaged and stopped. He then sent the second half of the company to the same place where it met the same fate. "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." (No, that is not an Einstein quote.) Here is a first person view video from the Ukrainian side of what, I believe, is another group of four Bradleys in a minefield. Finally someone throws smoke grenades so some of the soldiers involved can be evacuated. Simplicitus tries to put some rationality cover over the Ukrainian decision to attack the strongest defense position of the Russian forces: This is all to say that Ukraine has almost no time left to make a big splash. They have no option apart from gaining one final big flashy triumph they can hail as a victory to be sold to their souring Western audience, whose support is slowly drying up, and whos getting ready to throw in the towel. And the only way for Ukraine to get such a huge and relatively fast triumph is by severing the Crimean landbridge. Its the only objective in the entire conflict where Ukraine can deal one big deathblow to Russias jugular in a very proportionately small amount of moves. No other possible combination of captures or assaults in Donbass can have such an effect. I find that hard to accept. One attacks where one has the highest chance of success, not where some foreign political calender tells one to go. How that is then (over-)sold to the 'western' public is a completely different question. Throughout the last night the 47th brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces tried to attack the Russian lines.The 47th is supposed to be elite, as it was trained and armed by NATO countries. Two columns of the brigade were hit and stopped before they could reach the line of contact. What was then left to attack failed to break through. Posted by b on June 10, 2023 at 13:42 UTC | Permalink Comments next page Deputy Defense Minister Volodymyr Havrylov said that Ukraine would receive an algorithm for joining NATO at the Vilnius summit, the press service of the Ministry of Defense reported. "In a comment, Volodymyr Havrylov noted that at the summit in July, the NATO countries "will reach a certain order of our accession, which will be fixed," the report on Telegram reads. He noted that, despite the consensus decision-making mechanism and the veto power of the alliance member states, "I don't think there will be big problems" with the adoption of a decision on Ukraine. "There are all signs that Ukraine will get what it wants in a certain format," he said. According to him, "already now at the summit in Vilnius, Ukraine must clearly understand that after the war, say, within a year or two, after certain procedural things are carried out, we will be members of NATO." Tom Holland arrives for the premiere of Apple TV+'s "The Crowded Room" at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on June 1, 2023. (Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) Former President Donald Trump greets supporters at a Team Trump volunteer leadership training event held at the Grimes Community Complex on June 1, 2023, in Grimes, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images/TNS) Chicago Schools physical restraint of students: New details emerge of districts alleged violation of state law over practice The air forces of the Ukrainian defense forces over the past day delivered 19 strikes on the areas of concentration of Russian troops and two strikes on enemy anti-aircraft missile systems, Military Media Center reported on Saturday morning. In turn, the Ukrainian missile and artillery units hit four command centers, six areas of troops concentration, weapons and military equipment of the Russian invaders, three ammunition depots and five artillery units of the enemy in firing positions. Jester "JB" Benjamin and Joel Hyle, from Mangilao, fill coolers from a water tanker positioned at the village's Santa Teresita Catholic Church on Sunday, June 4, 2023. Savaii is the most affected with roads submerged by overflows. Maj. Tom Stambaugh, from the Salvation Army Boise Corps and formerly from the Guam Corps, is shown Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Guam in Tumon. Seven Ukrainian civilians were killed and another 50 were injured over the past day because of shelling by the Russian occupiers, the Military Media Center reports as of 09:00 on Saturday. "According to the information provided by the situational center of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, over the past day, Russian troops shelled the territory of 11 regions of Ukraine. From different types of weapons (mortars, tanks, artillery, UAVs, tactical aircraft), 129 settlements and 122 infrastructure facilities were attacked," the report says. Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) from different regions of the country help the victims of the flood caused by the destruction of Kakhovka hydroelectric power station in Kherson region. "Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society from different regions of the country are joining to help people affected by the destruction of Kakhovka hydroelectric power station. Volunteers from Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Zaporizhia regions from the first hours took part in the evacuation and support of the victims with humanitarian aid," the URCS Facebook page says. Volunteers from Kharkiv and Kyiv regions (the Vyshgorod rapid response team) and the capital of Ukraine also came to Kherson region. In addition, in cities where evacuation trains arrive, volunteers meet the victims. They transport people with limited mobility to shelters, provide humanitarian aid, first aid and psychological support. "The entire Ukrainian Red Cross Society is being mobilized to respond to the emergency situation," the report says. Tuolumne County District Attorney's Office Logo View Photo Sonora, California A former Sonora man convicted of killing his disabled sister by setting her on fire 20 years ago has been denied parole. Steven Richards was 48 when he was convicted in 2005 of murder and arson and sentenced to 8 years plus 25 years to life in prison. He is now 68 and will have to wait another three years for a chance at parole. At his video conference parole board hearing, a two-commissioner panel found him unsuitable for parole after he was unable to provide any concrete steps he had taken in the last few years to prepare for release in society, although he had hoped to be released to a board and care facility somewhere, according to Tuolumne County District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke. That was not the only reason for the denial of parole. Before the hearing, a Current Risk Assessment (CRA) report was done and noted that he had been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic and suffered auditory hallucinations requiring regular medication. It also classified Richards as a High Risk for violent recidivism should he be released. Also, just in 2019, there were reports of violence against prison staff by him. The case dates back to 2003 when Richards was living in his mothers home. He was convicted of pouring a coffee can full of gasoline on his physically disabled sister, Nadine, and lighting her on fire in front of their mother. Jenecke detailed, Nadine was engulfed in flames and died, and the family dog was also killed. The family home was also destroyed in the fire. Richards next chance at parole could have been extended to as much as 15 years. Jenecke added, The board urged Richards to continue going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and to work with appropriate people in the prison system on coming up with an organized plan for reintroduction. Calaveras County health and education officials teamed up in an effort to combat the opioid crisis through overdose prevention training View Photo Calaveras County, CA Calaveras County health and education officials teamed up in an effort to combat the opioid crisis through overdose prevention training. According to the California Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, the rate of opioid overdoses in Calaveras were four times higher in 2021 compared to 2020. Its important to be mindful of the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose because it can happen to anyone. If you suspect an opioid overdose, administer naloxone and call 9-1-1 immediately, advised Calaveras County Health Officer, Dr. Rene Ramirez. She added, Talk to your friends and family members to make sure that if they are using opioids, it is important to carry naloxone. Calaveras County Public Health recently provided Opioid Overdose Prevention Training to ten schools and over 100 school staff. It included hands-on demonstrations, a test your knowledge quiz exercise, and each trainee was given a prevention kit that included Narcan nasal spray (2 packs), a fentanyl test kit, gloves, and a face shield for CPR. The training also covered the facts, statistics, signs, and preventive steps in the event of an opioid overdose and meets E.C. 49414.3, the California Department of Public Health and the California School Nurses Organization training standards. Click here for instructions on how to properly recognize and respond to an opioid overdose and prevention tips. Belgium will provide Ukraine with urgent humanitarian assistance to eliminate the consequences of the explosion of the dam of Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant in Kherson region, the website of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Saturday. "Ukraine has called for additional emergency aid through various channels, including the European Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The country has to cope with a large-scale conflict for more than a year, resulting in enormous needs for humanitarian aid. On top of this, the Nova Kakhovka dam breach has now caused massive flooding, endangering thousands of people," the report says. "To help the people affected by the floods, B-FAST is providing emergency aid, in the form of shelter equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, jerry cans, hygiene kits). All these relief items are transported by B-FAST under European coordination. The value of this donation is EUR350,000," it says. "Because of the sanitary impact of floods of this magnitude, B-FAST and the FPS Health are currently in contact with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health through the UCPM to meet the assessed needs. As such, the FPS Health will provide medical equipment worth EUR1.6 million (medication, medical products, drinking water storage tanks). Defense will also provide dehydrated meals for the displaced people. This material will also be delivered on site by B-FAST," according to the document. "In addition, on the basis of an official request received via the European coordination mechanism, B-FAST has been tasked with purchasing generators worth EUR1.5 million in consultation with the Minister for Energy, Tinne Van der Straeten. These funds will enable B-FAST to send generators to deal with the many difficulties encountered in the areas affected by the floods," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. "Finally, of the previously announced humanitarian aid package for Ukraine this year (EUR24 million), EUR7 million will go to the UN Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine (OCHA) via the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation," it stated. B-FAST is the structure of the Federal Government that is activated when providing emergency aid abroad. The calendar has turned to June, and Cindy Bombards time as president and CEO of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce has hit its final month. Bombard will be celebrated with a retirement party Tuesday, June 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol. For ticket information, visit centralctchabmers.org/cindy. All proceeds will support BristolWORKS. Bombard has served as president and CEO of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce since 2017 and was vice president of sales and marketing for the Chamber from 2010 to 2017. In each role, she has led the Chamber with energy, passion and a deep love for the Central Connecticut region and business community. While others retreated during the pandemic, Bombard kept the Chamber moving forward, providing essential supplies and services for members and beyond. Under her leadership, the Chamber welcomed Plymouth, Farmington and Plainville into the Central CT Chambers family and presided over significant investments in the future of the Chamber. Katie DAgostino, current vice president of the Chamber, will take over as president and CEO of the organization on July 1. Cindy has had such a positive impact on not only the business community in the region, but the community as a whole, DAgostino said. Her accomplishments and her energy and passion deserve to be celebrated. Well miss her dearly, but the legacy shes leaving behind will be felt every day. Yves here. Ive always been leery of wilderness therapy because even when younger I would have quickly sprained an ankle and been in serious trouble. But more generally, it seems like a cult-like process to break someones will (here particularly in connection with the bonding process afterward). This is completely different from outdoor rituals of passage or vision quests, where the participant is psychologically prepared and critically, has not been compelled. By Katherine Gibbons, a 21 year-old psychology student advocating for reform of the wilderness therapy industry. Originally published at Undark The nightmares and ashbacks did not start until two years after I left Evoke Cascades. I was just 17 when I was taken there against my will. Located in a secluded desert near Bend, Oregon, Evoke Cascades was part of the lucrative for-profit industry of wilderness therapy programs for adolescents. Like similar programs, it operated on the premise that kids who are struggling with self-medicating or self-destructive behaviors, as I was, are best treated by removing them from familiar environments and from civilization altogether. The living conditions were treacherous; the physical demands were harsh. I often had to endure frigid and freezing temperatures with only a thin tarp as my shelter. For the 13 weeks I was there, I had no access to the outside world, except through weekly letters from my parents. I felt abandoned, unwanted, and unloved, despite understanding that my parents had sent me there to try to help me. Like many other adolescents who get placed in these programs, I went straight from wilderness therapy lthy and exhausted into seven months of therapeutic boarding school, further extending my isolation from friends and family. For a time, I repressed these memories. I returned home to the Chicago suburbs, nished my senior year in high school, and earned admission to my dream university, a highly regarded Catholic school. In a 2020 story in Undark magazine, I attested that wilderness therapy had helped me overcome my self-medicating coping mechanisms and renew my focus on myself and academics. Then, in my freshman year of college, the flashbacks started. Deep rooted anxieties surfaced. In time, I came to realize that the wilderness therapy I had credited with reversing my downward spiral had, in actuality, traumatized me. Im not alone. Dozens of wilderness therapy programs currently operate in the U.S. Collectively, according to the American Bar Association, the troubled teen industry including therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centers, boot camps, and correctional facilities treats between 120,000 and 200,000 adolescents each year, some 50,000 of whom were sent privately by their parents. There is little scientic evidence that wilderness therapy is eective, and many such programs have faced lawsuits alleging abuse, improper treatment of adolescents, and wrongful death. Many of them have permanently closed. Yet, wilderness therapy remains a thriving industry and parents frequently pay $16,000 or more per month in fees. Many of the young people who graduate from these programs, however, report lasting trauma. In recent stories by The Guardian, USA Today, and other outlets, survivors of wilderness therapy have described experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, that were triggered by their experiences. My own symptoms surfaced in the form of unwanted memories of my abrupt transportation to Evoke Cascades of waking up in a tiny motel room with two strangers and fearing Id been kidnapped into a human tracking scheme. Although I knew it was irrational, I felt during those flashbacks as if it could happen to me again. I relived the sense of abandonment I felt when I was there. These anxieties grew worse each year around the anniversary of my exile to wilderness therapy. I began self-medicating to cope. The Undark article I appeared in, and which I feel portrayed me in an unflattering light, did not help matters. Every time I thought of it, heard of it, or read about it, I felt traumatized anew. Eventually, I realized that my anxieties werent going away, and that I couldnt manage them on my own. I withdrew from school to attend a trauma center, where medical professionals clinically diagnosed me with PTSD, which they determined was rooted in my experience at Evoke Cascades. Using brain mapping, they detected signatures of trauma in my occipital and temporal lobes. Now, I have clinical and scientific evidence that wilderness therapy traumatized me. But the trauma center also equipped me with tools to help me manage my PTSD. I have used neurofeedback therapy to learn to better control my brain functions, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy has helped me regulate my responses to emotional triggers. I also exercise more the endorphins help to improve my mood, thoughts, and feelings. Through trauma-informed therapy, Ive healed, gained friendships and self-insight, and acquired a sense of self-love that has allowed me to return to school and succeed. About two years after I left Evoke Cascades, the program closed and was folded into another Evoke branch. But, almost certainly, it continues to exact a mental health toll on many of the young people who were sent there, traumatized, and kept there against their will. I am lucky: I found resources that made me feel both physically and mentally well. Others may not be as fortunate. And so I stand with the public gures, non-prot organizations, and survivors who have called to reform the troubled teen industry and to investigate the allegations of abuse and neglect that swirl around it. Yes, wilderness therapy might have helped me temporarily shed certain self-destructive behaviors. However, it was not worth the lasting trauma. The Most COMPLEX Pop Song of All Time YouTube Available Space: The sonic environments of Ry Cooder The Baffler (Anthony L) Missing children found after more than a month in Amazon CNN (Kevin W) Courts have long seen K-9 dogs as impartial. Now police bodycams hold them accountable MPR (Chuck L) The War on Dogs History Today (Anthony L) Yea or Nay? Vertically Staggered Airplane Seats Core77. Resilc: Did his dad invent waterboarding? Why hasnt L.A. seen a big San Andreas quake recently? Researchers find a clue Los Angeles Times All in Slow Motion: Dani Garavelli on the trials for the murder of Nikki Allan London Review of Books (Anthony L) An Extremely Rare Mutation Landed a Woman in Prison For Murder Science Alert (Chuck L) Study finds amino acid taurine slows aging in mice and monkeys STAT (furzy). Just wait, this will be used to argue that old people eating cat food is really not so bad. Rings & Books The Raven (Anthony L). Practically all the great European philosophers have been bachelors. #COVID-19 Climate/Environment China? Old Blighty Big Agriculture Squeezing Argentina ConsortiumNews (Robin K) New Not-So-Cold War Blast at explosives factory in Ankara kills 5 workers Times of India Syraqistan Big Brother is Watching You Watch Assange THREAD: Julian Assange has lost his appeal against extradition to the United States He is now closer than ever to spending 175 years in prison. UK High Court judge Sir Jonathan Swift rejected #Assanges appeal on all grounds. 1/ pic.twitter.com/mLI4yj5mCp Richard Medhurst (@richimedhurst) June 9, 2023 At the same time as the UK announces it will not give #Assange his day in court to challenge their decision to hand him over to the US, American lawyers respond to the CIA's motion to dismiss efforts to prove foul play, with supporting evidence emerging via @elpais_espana. pic.twitter.com/76EnOP0xja Consortium News (@Consortiumnews) June 9, 2023 Imperial Collapse Watch Longing for Crusades New Left Review (Anthony L) The global backlash against The Little Mermaid proves why we needed a Black Ariel Guardian. Resilc: USA USA has no teachers, MDs, nurses, healthcare, electricians, people in tents. But we can have a war over a fucking mermaid????? USA USA is hopeless shithole with crims running the show and morons below. 2024 Ron DeSantis campaign uses fake AI-created photos of Donald Trump hugging and kissing Dr. Fauci (video) BoingBoing (resilc) Governor Newsom Proposes Historic 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution to End Americas Gun Violence Crisis gov.ca.gov (furzy). The provisions are not at all bad, but tactically, this guarantees another $100 million in funds raised on the R side if Newsom wins the Dem nomination. Rs will spend more to preserve gun rights than Dems will to restrict them. Plus the bar for a Constitutional amendment is high, so this is na ga happen. Trump Biden Its Past Time For Republicans To Impeach Biden And All His Top Officials The Federalist (Li) Smith, Crapo, Neal, and Wyden Announce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Approve First Taiwan Trade Initiative Agreement House Ways and Mean Committee. Lori Wallach of Public Citizen comments: The bill would approve the first bit of the US-Taiwan deal signed last week. But its clear its underlying purpose, with important implications for IPEF, is to reassert that a president cannot enter a binding trade agreement without a vote of Congress and to require access to consolidated negotiating texts and require certain procedures and a vote before any additional agreement elements can go into effect. While the bill approves the agreement with Taiwan already signed, it conditions it going into effect on presidential certification of Taiwans compliance with agreement terms. Our No Longer Free Press This is very important. Zuckerberg says that many of the claims about COVID that the US Government and the Fauci Complex pressured FB to censor on the grounds that it was "disinformation" turned out, in fact, to be very debatable if not proven true. Think how dangerous that is: https://t.co/XIAl7I7uC0 Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) June 9, 2023 Im not keen about the thesis, but I am appalled at the censorship and the bizarre Nazi charge: Seriously, the Berlin State Prosecutor (@GStABerlin) is investigating me for disseminating propaganda, the contents of which are intended to further the aims of a former National Socialist organization for tweeting the cover art of my anti-Covid-totalitarianism book. pic.twitter.com/BfTsKw0Xaq CJ Hopkins (@CJHopkins_Z23) June 8, 2023 AI The Bezzle UBSs state aid is a disaster insurance policy Reuters (furzy) The US Is Building Factories At a Wildly Fast Rate Business Insider Class Warfare Antidote du jour (martha r from Instagram): And a bonus (Chuck L): Birds and sheep dancing together pic.twitter.com/RNhWMYT416 That's Actually Very Cool (@thatsavcool) June 2, 2023 And a second bonus (Chuck L): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. AFU continue counteroffensive on at least four sectors of front, info about losses of equipment exaggerated - ISW Ukrainian troops on June 9 continued counteroffensive operations in at least four sectors of the front, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports. "Ukrainian officials stated on June 9 that Ukrainian forces advanced 1.2 kilometers in continued offensive operations near Bakhmut on June 8. Ukrainian forces continued limited counteroffensive operations in western Donetsk region near the Donetsk-Zaporizhia regions border on June 9, and made tactical gains in the area. Ukrainian forces also continued ground attacks in western Zaporizhia region overnight from June 8 to 9 and during the day on June 9," the report reads. "Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on June 9 that the Ukrainian counteroffensive recently began and noted that Ukrainian forces still have offensive potential, a departure from previous Kremlin efforts to downplay Ukrainian counteroffensives Contrarily, much of the Russian information space prematurely claimed that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has failed after Russian forces damaged more Western-provided Ukrainian military equipment on June 9," ISW said. "Ukrainian officials directly acknowledged that Ukrainian forces expect to suffer equipment losses during counteroffensive operations. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar stated on June 9 that losses are expected during combat operations and that military equipment that cannot be destroyed has yet to be invented. Maliar added that Russian sources are heavily amplifying footage of Ukrainian equipment losses for informational effects," the report states. "ISW previously assessed that Ukrainian forces appear to have committed only a portion of their available reserves for current counteroffensive operations, and that the existing reports of damaged Western-provided equipment are not a definitive measure of current Ukrainian combat power. Ukrainian crews of these armored vehicles, who are far more valuable than the vehicles themselves and can remount new or repaired vehicles, likely survived and withdrew once the vehicles became immobilized," it notes. "Russian and Ukrainian forces conducted limited and localized ground attacks south of Kreminna. Russian forces continued ground attacks near Bakhmut and on the Avdiyivka-Donetsk city line. Ukrainian forces continued limited ground attacks on the administrative border between Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions and in western Zaporizhia regions," the report states. Backlash as Air Force tweets image of soldier SALUTING LGBTQ+ flag . (Article by Steve Watson republished from Summit.news) The image shows a silhouetted individual throwing up a salute along with the rainbow, black and brown and trans colours and the Air Force seal. The gender of the individual isnt clear, but it is clearly a depiction of a uniformed service member. The caption reads June is #PrideMonth! The Department of the Air Force proudly recognizes and celebrates generations of LGBTQI+ service members and their contributions to our #AirForce & #SpaceForce. The Air Force Global Strike Command responded to the tweet, writing, Our diversity is our competitive advantage. Our diversity is our competitive advantage https://t.co/fgbaSLXtvX Air Force Global Strike Command (@AFGlobalStrike) June 7, 2023 Cringe. Many were not impressed: What an embarrassment Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 7, 2023 Why is the Service member SALUTING the alphabet cult flag? Its illegal for a uniformed service member to salute anything but the American flag. This cult is actively disgracing our military and replacing the American flag like we are a conquered people. This must stop. Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 7, 2023 The only colors American military ought to salute are Red, White, and Blue. https://t.co/cRu3JgSLRB Rep. Ralph Norman (@RepRalphNorman) June 7, 2023 They would die laughing at us. ? Nancy the Neanderthal ?? (@nan_mclellan) June 8, 2023 Can we have a I am normal month; a heterosexual month; I work for a living month; Im not on public assistance month; I dont do drugs month; and I support the Blue month? R2D (@hoopster26) June 8, 2023 How? Francis White (@whit1736) June 8, 2023 My father served 25 years in the USAF and retired a Colonel. He's rolling over in his grave at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. He was in charge of "Personnel", back in the day...I'm sure it would be called "HR" in today's world. This wouldn't have happened on his watch. Lar ?? (@Lar97240724) June 8, 2023 We salute the American flag. Diversity of thought is our advantage.... Color and who you sleep with doesn't affect squat. Danger Close Apparel ?? (@DangerCloseApp) June 8, 2023 How are LGBTQI+ service members contributions any greater then the men and women (who are actually men and women) who truly stand for this country. This is a disgrace. The world is laughing at our weakness Sue Piller (@SuePiller) June 8, 2023 ?pride month...how about a whole month of honoring veterans? Disgusting display Colleen (@colleen0629) June 7, 2023 Related: Read more at: Summit.news Cut from the same cloth: Cuba agrees to let China construct a SPY BASE on island to intercept American communications The communist nations of China and Cuba have reached a clandestine agreement for Beijing to establish an espionage facility on the island China's proposal involves the construction of an electronic eavesdropping facility in Cuba, roughly 100 miles from Florida, which would allow Chinese intelligence services to easily monitor American ship traffic and scoop up electronic communications throughout the southeastern United States, which incidentally is home to many critical military bases. (Related: Chinese spy balloon collected intelligence from military sites and transmitted it to Beijing in real time.) The headquarters of U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military activities in the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia, is at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. One of the Army's largest military installations, Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, is in North Carolina. Officials familiar with the agreement who spoke with the Wall Street Journal claim that China has agreed to pay the cash-strapped and isolated Cuba several billions of dollars to allow the construction of the eavesdropping station and that the two nations have reached an agreement in principle. The Wall Street Journal also spoke with several U.S. officials who described the intelligence on the planned Cuba site as convincing. They noted that the base would enable China to conduct signals intelligence, which could include monitoring a wide range of communications, including phone calls, satellite transmissions and emails. The officials the news outlet spoke to declined to provide any more details about the proposed listening station, including its location or whether construction had already begun. These same officials noted that it is difficult to determine what, if anything, the administration of President Joe Biden can do to stop the completion of the facility. Cuba, White House deny report of possible Chinese spy base on island In Havana, Cuban Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio dismissed the report as "totally mendacious and unfounded," calling it an American fabrication meant to justify Washington's decades-old economic embargo against the island. He claimed that Cuba rejects all foreign military presence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Even the White House has denied the accuracy of Wall Street Journal's reporting. Spokesman for the National Security Council John Kirby claimed it "is not accurate." "We remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home and in the region," he said, without specifying what the White House believed was incorrect with the reporting. Kirby added that the White House is concerned about China's relationship with Cuba and was closely monitoring any developments in this field. Department of Defense Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder also dismissed the report, saying the Pentagon is "not aware of China and Cuba developing a new type of spy station." A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. refused to comment on the report. While both Cuba and the White House deny the claim, a joint statement from the Senate Intelligence Committee notes that top lawmakers are convinced. They wrote that a Chinese eavesdropping facility in Cuba would pose a "serious threat to our national security and sovereignty" and urged Biden and his administration to take action. "We are deeply disturbed by reports that Havana and Beijing are working together to target the United States and our people," wrote Chairman Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia and Vice Chairman Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. If China ends up admitting to the existence of the eavesdropping facility, analysts noted that Beijing would easily argue that the base is justified because of U.S. military and intelligence activities close to China, including military aircraft flights over the South China Sea and engaging in electronic surveillance against Chinese vessels and bases in the international waters, which the Chinese Communist Party claims as its sovereign territory. China will also likely use the example of Taiwan, to which the U.S. regularly sells arms and military vehicles, deploys a small number of troops there to train its military and regularly sails U.S. Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait in shows of force. An eavesdropping facility so close to the American mainland would make clear that "China is prepared to do the same in America's backyard," warned Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the national security think tank the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "Establishing this facility signals a new, escalatory phase in China's broader defense strategy. It's a bit of a game changer," he added. "The selection of Cuba is also intentionally provocative." Learn the latest news from socialist nations like China and Cuba at Communism.news. Watch this clip from the "Worldview Report" as host Brannon Howse and guest David Pyne discuss the report of China building a spy base in Cuba. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Border officials see significant increase in illegal crossing by Chinese nationals, increasing risk of ChiCom infiltration and spying. GOP lawmakers question regulators about China's access to US financial data via trading platforms. Biden proves once again he's in the pocket of the Chinese government with move to provide Confucius Institutes with taxpayer funds. DHS invites communist state sponsor of terrorism to tour US maritime security facilities. INDOCTRINATED: Chinese firms with ties to the CCP are purchasing American private schools with strong military training programs. Sources include: WSJ.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com FDAs Rumor Control hub encourages public to SNITCH on misinformation spreaders The U.S. Food and Drug Administration launched an updated Rumor Control hub aimed at enlisting the public to help stop the spread of misinformation, which the agency defined as false, inaccurate, or misleading spreading intentionally and unintentionally. (Article by Brenda Baletti, Ph.D. republished from ChildrensHealthDefense.org) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an updated Rumor Control hub aimed at enlisting the public to help stop the spread of misinformation. The updated webpage, first launched in August 2022, includes a new video that defines misinformation as information that is false, inaccurate, or misleading spreading intentionally and unintentionally. The agency said its Rumor Control hub provides the public with tools to identify and report on misinformation. Some individuals and organizations promote opinions online disguised as fact, the FDA site says, adding that misinformation spreads six times faster than facts. The video warns that people may be misled by headlines or out-of-context statements, particularly when they are shared by a trusted person. But, according to the video, people can determine whether something is actually true by getting the information from three types of authoritative sources that can be trusted to provide real facts: medical journals, a nonprofit fact checker or a government website. The FDA is concerned health misinformation is negatively impacting the publics health, the agency said. The FDA tweeted the video to promote the hub. What's the deal with misinformation? The growing spread of rumors, misinformation and disinformation about science, medicine, and the FDA, is putting patients and consumers at risk. Were here to provide the facts. https://t.co/JcM10Oq5DYpic.twitter.com/YN79GzwS4Q U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) May 16, 2023 The Rumor Control site includes links for reporting misinformation on all major social media sites. By following the links, users can find instructions to mark posts as false news, false information or inappropriate content, depending on the website. Bernies Tweets on Twitter called the website the FDAs snitch page. US - The FDA has rolled out its snitch page. So those following the narrative can snitch to the government about all those who question or disagree with them. How very erm pic.twitter.com/01mrpXFXYy Bernie's Tweets (@BernieSpofforth) June 3, 2023 The federal government continues to try and fool the public into thinking misinformation is a dire problem and a crime, Dr. Meryl Nass wrote on her Substack. Misinformation is whatever the government does not want you to know. Nass added, Clearly, the feds are getting nervous that their cons on the people are being recognized. The hub provides a poster that explains what misinformation is and how to address it in language even a third grader can understand, Nass wrote. It explains that trusted authorities recommendations may change because science changes, but people should always trust science. The site includes FDA-approved facts about COVID-19, sunscreen and supplements. FDAs project to save lives by policing online content Since FDA Commissioner Robert Califf began his second tenure as the agencys head in February 2022, he has made combating misinformation one of his top priorities, arguing it is a leading cause of preventable death in America now though this cannot be proved, he said. In an Aug. 22, 2022, article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Califf wrote that the global information environment has been contaminated by misinformation and disinformation. He added: The FDA must be more proactive in preempting and countering misinformation [but there is a need for] collaboration across sectors to create an information environment in which decisions [by] consumers, patients, and clinicians are more likely to be informed by reliable information based on high-quality evidence from trustworthy sources. The Rumor Control initiative is one of several such initiatives launched during Califfs tenure. For example, the FDA also created a series of fact-checking YouTube videos Just a Minute that features Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, addressing COVID-19 myths. The FDA also uses Twitter to tweet about misinformation, and Instagram to post memes encouraging vaccination. Califf said that he believes in the power of social media being used for good, Fierce Pharma reported. According to The Associated Press (AP), the FDA also can use a tactic known as prebunking, by which the agency defines something as misinformation before readers have an opportunity to encounter it elsewhere as possibly true. The FDA has the ability to do this because Google prioritizes credible websites like the FDAs in its searches. Rumor Control works as a prebunking strategy that debunks a long list of false claims about vaccines and presents them first in peoples Google searches, according to the AP. Califf previously worked at Verily, a life sciences company owned by Googles parent company, Alphabet Inc. Fact-checking the FDA The most current version of the FDAs fact check on COVID-19, linked from the Rumor Control hub, assures readers, for example, that vaccination does not make people more susceptible to the latest variants of COVID-19 and that the vaccine is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. But just last week, the Cleveland Clinic published a peer-reviewed study that found the more doses of COVID-19 vaccines a person receives, the higher the risk of getting the virus. A number of recent studies revealed striking risks to pregnant women who get the COVID-19 vaccine and identified serious flaws in the methods government agencies used to conclude they are safe. Government health officials knew about several of those studies, including Pfizers own clinical trial studies, before they recommended the shots for pregnant women. The FDA also came under fire for granting Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12-15 despite having identified that safety signals existed for myocarditis in young males following COVID-19 jabs. The FDA, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, withheld this information from the public. In the last two years, the FDA also was widely criticized for granting approval to an unproven Alzheimers drug, for its delayed response to a contaminated baby formula plant and for approving the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for pregnant women despite concerns about premature births identified in clinical trials, among many other issues. Nass wrote that in 1992, Congress passed the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, which allowed the FDA to charge manufacturers to regulate their products, compromising its integrity to such an extent that the FDA has become a rogue agency for hire. Most funding the FDA uses to evaluate whether drugs are safe and effective comes from industry, she wrote, and most drugs seeking approval get fast-tracked and evaluated in just six months. Manufacturers of drugs that are dangerous can often avoid liability by working with the FDA to write the label in such a way that meets disclosure requirements. So if you are looking to avoid misinformation, the FDA is the last place you might go to for truth, honesty, ethics and consideration of the publics welfare, Nass wrote. Read more at: ChildrensHealthDefense.org PEDO PLATFORM: Instagrams algorithms promote a vast pedophile network, report reveals Instagram uses algorithms that help promote a vast network of pedophiles who are seeking underage sex content, according to a new expose by the Wall Street Journal. The news outlet investigated these activities alongside researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Stanford University, and their findings were extremely unsettling. According to the report, Instagram connects pedophiles and guides them to content sellers via recommendation systems that excel at linking those who share niche interests, the Journal and the academic researchers found. The platform also makes it easy for people to search using hashtags that can help them find this type of illicit material, including everything from videos and images to meetings in person. According to the report, after setting up test accounts and viewing a single account that was part of a pedophile network, one researcher was inundated with recommendations from those peddling this type of content. The report noted: Following just a handful of these recommendations was enough to flood a test account with content that sexualizes children. They found more than 400 sellers of self-generated child sex material, which means accounts that claim to be run by the children involved. Some say they are as young as 12, and many use overtly sexual handles that make no attempt to hide what they are trying to accomplish. They found that these accounts had thousands of unique followers. And its not just accounts that are actively selling and buying this type of content that are so concerning; many of the associated users also discuss ways to access minors. The Wall Street Journal reported: "Current and former Meta employees who have worked on Instagram child-safety initiatives estimate the number of accounts that exist primarily to follow such content is in the high hundreds of thousands, if not millions. Although Instagrams owner, Meta, has said they try to remove such users closing nearly half a million of these accounts in January for violating their child safety policy Meta is finding enforcement more challenging than other social media platforms are due to design features that actually promote the content as well as weak enforcement. In fact, the algorithms used by Instagram are so influential that even a quick glance at an account connected to the pedophile community can prompt the social media platform to start suggesting users join it. Former Meta Chief Security Officer and current Stanford Internet Observatory Director Alex Stamos said: That a team of three academics with limited access could find such a huge network should set off alarms at Meta. I hope the company reinvests in human investigators. Instagram has the power to stop this so why aren't they doing anything? The Wall Street Journal also pointed out that Instagram allows people to search for terms related to pedophilia despite knowing that searchers could be looking for illegal material. It notes that users searching for certain related terms will be presented with a pop-up screen warning them that their results could contain images of child sexual abuse and that consuming and producing this material can cause children extreme harm. However, users can then opt to see the results anyway. Meta has suppressed account networks it deemed dangerous in the past, and many experts are wondering they arent doing more to prevent child exploitation. After all, they were all too willing to suppress accounts connected to the January 6, 2021, events, so it stands to reason that they could take similar action against pedophilic content as well. Unfortunately, they do not appear to be as quick to protect children and put a stop to this behavior as they are to suppress political stances they dont agree with. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com FoxNews.com Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes is being tortured in DC Gulag following conviction allegedly at the orders of anti-Trump Deputy Warden Landerkin Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes was sentenced on Thursday May 25th in Washington DC. (Article by Jim Hoft republished from TheGatewayPundit.com) Far-left Obama-appointed US District Judge Amit Mehta on Thursday sentenced Rhodes to 18 years in federal prison. This was after he added extra years to his sentence because he believed Rhodes actions amounted to terrorism. This was completely ludicrous. The soulless judge then lectured him on what a danger he was to society. Rhodes is currently 57. If this kangaroo courts conviction stands, Rhodes will be 75 when he is released. Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes: ** NEVER went inside the US Capitol on January 6. ** He never instructed anyone to go inside the US Capitol. ** He was unarmed as were all of his Oath Keeper associates that day. ** They left their weapons outside of the city in their hotel rooms. ** There was no plan to enter the US Capitol. ** There was no scheme to take over the government with their bare hands. ** There were no pre-planning meetings on how they were going to take over the Capitol. ** The prosecution was a sham. ** There was no evidence of an insurrection at all! ** The jury was a pool of DC Communists and unhinged left-wing activists who see themselves as victims. As Banks Fail and Americans Scramble to Protect Retirement Accounts With Physical Gold and Silver, A Faith-Based Company Shows Them How ** Please donate to Stewart Rhodes new GiveSendGo account here. Following his sentencing Stewart Rhodes was moved to the hole where he will not have much access to the outside world. This was after his phone call interview with The Gateway Pundit. Stewart Rhodes told a trusted source today, I am still in solitary confinement in the DC jail (South 1). The staff calls it involuntary protective custody. Just met with the housing officer this morning and was finally told WHY I am here: because Deputy Warden Landerkin ordered it (the same deputy warden who was exposed for saying on Twitter she hates J-6ers and intends to punish us). No reason was given other than Meggs and I have been sentenced. But other J-6 prisoners have also been sentenced but were left in CTF with other J-6 prisoners. So Meggs and I are being singled out for persecution. Theres more Stewart added this: The conditions here in DC jail are terrible. Locked in our cells, alone, except for outdoor recreation in a dog-run cage twice a week, and an indoor cage once a week. Cuffed at all times, even to go take a shower. And put in chains./leg irons often. They are torturing Stewart Rhodes. Where are the human rights groups? Where is Amnesty International? Where is Human Rights Watch? As TGP previously reported In December 2021, news broke that the Deputy Warden at the DC Gulag is a raging leftist. Deputy Warden Kathleen Landerkin regularly tweets out vicious attacks at Trump supporters and GOP lawmakers. Droves of anti-Trump & anti-republican tweets from the Deputy Warden of the DC Jail where all of the protesters from J6 are being held in AWFUL conditions. @awkathyjo is responsible for GRAVE human rights violations and she must be held accountable immediately. Watch & RT! pic.twitter.com/mTn3KSk569 Alex Bruesewitz ?? (@alexbruesewitz) December 11, 2021 She is Deputy Warden at the DC Gulag. Landerkin bragged about denying Republican lawmakers access to the political prisoners in America! Deputy Warden also tweeted that she wants white people extinct Republican white people. What the hell is she doing in charge of any government prison facility? Flip the Switch was able to interview Stewart and posted their video on Rumble. An awesome interview with Stewart Rhodes! We talk about how his Freedom of Speech landed him an 18 year prison sentence. He has been convicted of Seditious Conspiracy. He was at the U.S. Capitol as security and never stepped foot inside. Is this a precursor to what they are planning for President Trump? Stewart breaks it all down. To help Stewart w/ legal funds, commissary etc Please go to www.Givesendgo.com/GAF5B If youd like to learn about our American Factory go to www.Switch2Usa.com choose Flip the Switch w/ Jenn and Maria in the pull down menu. To help or find out information on J6 Political Prisoners you can go to www.WeAreGoodMen.com www.StopHate.com American Gulag Read more at: TheGatewayPundit.com WHO gets record-high $6.83 BILLION budget increase and approval for replenishment mechanism to raise MORE FUNDS A record-high increase of $6.83 billion in the budget of the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2024-2025 has been approved to fight "pandemics fueled by climate change" and "emergencies of all kinds" during the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Switzerland. The staggering increase in budget and the launch of a new "replenishment" initiative for the agency were given the green light despite the fact that the WHA failed to come up with a final agreement on the pandemic treaty or amendments to the international health regulations (IHR). (Related: WHO pushing new pandemic rules to gain dictatorial control over UN's 194 member countries.) WHO member states on May 22 agreed to the WHO budget hike, which is a 20 percent increase in assessed contributions (or membership fees). The nations vowed to contribute $1.15 billion via their membership fees while another $5.69 billion will come from "voluntary contributions" from member states and other contributors. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked the member states for the rise in the assessed contributions saying, this was "a historic milestone." Dr. David Bell, a public health physician, biotech consultant and former director of Global Health Technologies at Intellectual Ventures Global Good Fund, said the approval of more funds "illustrates that global health as a discipline has completely lost the plot and been taken over by people interested in making a profit." WHO's budget priorities focus on expanding universal health coverage, protecting the world from health emergencies and promoting "better health and well-being" for one billion and more people." The funds will also go to WHO support to countries, polio eradication, special programs and emergency operations. According to independent journalist James Roguski, the WHO spent twice as much on salaries ($1.164 billion) as it did on medical supplies and materials in 2022, which represented only 13 percent of expenditures. In addition to the increase in member states' contribution, WHO is also doing the "replenishment mechanism" to raise even more funds, from private actors. It will increase the predictability of WHO's funding by encouraging multiyear commitments. It will also attract new donors and "enhance political support for the full financing of the base segment of WHO's program budget through a year-long, inclusive engagement process that culminates in a high-visibility financing event." The replenishment mechanism and several "investment rounds" should start in 2024. And to make this opportunity enticing for investors, there will be a "$35 return for every $1 invested in WHO," the agency announced. WHO shows true colors by partnering with globalist group Rockefeller Foundation Tedros opened the WHA on May 21 with a speech emphasizing the need to expand vaccine coverage all over the world and promoted the use of new vaccines targeting tuberculosis, malaria and human papillomavirus (HPV), especially in low- and middle-income countries. He also denounced "anti-vaxxers" for the WHO's failure to 100 percent implement the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DPT) inoculation drives. Elsewhere in his opening remarks, the WHO top official lauded Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance "for reaching the incredible milestone of immunizing one billion children." Gavi was established in 1999, with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as one of its co-founders and permanent board members. It maintains a core partnership with the WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank. During the summit, it was also announced that the WHO is partnering with the globalist Rockefeller Foundation "to strengthen the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence," with a $5 million investment that will accelerate priority projects to drive global collaboration in genomic surveillance, adoption of data tools for pathogen detection, and assessment of climate-aggravated outbreak threats. According to Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO assistant director-general and head of the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored that disease surveillance was essential to health security. This, he said, made the global community unprepared. Dr. Rajiv Shah, president of the Rockefeller Foundation, added that "Climate change is increasing both the risk of another global pandemic and the need to collaborate and share data. We're proud to partner with the Hub to expand its focus on preventing pandemics fueled by climate change." Visit Corruption.news for more on agencies that have gone corrupt and profit-driven. Watch the video below where WHO officials discuss writing a new chapter in global health history that would include vaccine passports and digital health certificates. This video is from the Thrivetime Show channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rolls out campaign against WHO's impending power grab. World Health Organization positioning to become global health dictator while masses are distracted with "lab leaks." World Health Organization pushing for global vaccine passport scheme. World Health Organization continues to put mad scientists in charge of global health, promoting medical fascism. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org WHO.int Twitter.com TMCNET.com Brighteon.com Due to its resistance to climate change, Indonesia is contemplating switching from rice to the cereal species sorghum as its staple food. Mdm Loretha, Mama Sorghum Maria Loretha, an Indonesian, was a law student in East Java. She is well-known in the East Nusa Tenggara, although not for her legal knowledge. Mdm. Loretha, an activist of 54 years old, is referred to as "Mama Sorghum" because of her continuous commitment to spreading knowledge about the grain plant. She has relentlessly lectured on sorghum farming to several communities over the past ten years. S he received her moniker in 2013 because she was the only national spokesperson who successfully spread sorghum around the country. After obtaining seeds from a neighbor in 2007, Mdm Loretha started canning the plant because of its intriguing flavor-slightly nutty and sweet. She diligently explored East Flores for additional seeds despite initially not having enough for her three-hectare field. She learned that sorghum was grown by farmers in outlying locations with little infrastructure. Others were used to rice, thus it was difficult to get them to accept sorghum. But as time went on, people became aware of the health and financial benefits of growing and eating sorghum. Sorghum Cultivation Today In East Nusa Tenggara, there are about 1,000 farmers growing sorghum throughout eight regencies, the majority of whom are women. During his visit in June of last year, President Joko Widodo was pleased by the residents' farming practices and their support of sorghum as a main crop. This adjustment will lessen Indonesia's reliance on wheat and rice, both of which have been harmed by climate change and the crisis in Ukraine, as well as lower its reliance on wheat exports. The necessity for alternative components like corn, sago, and sorghum was highlighted by President Widodo. He responded by ordering authorities to develop a plan for sorghum production, which might perhaps solve the nation's declining rice supplies and lessen the demand for imports. Sorghum as Staple There are several distinct varieties of the cereal plant known as sorghum, and each has a unique application. Grain sorghum is a kind of grass that is also used to make flour for human use. It is available in black, white, tan, orange, red, and bronze shades. Sorghum with the colors red, orange, and bronze may be used for anything from fuel to animal feed. Sorghum flour is produced from tan, cream, and white grain for the food sector. According to Healthline, burgundy and black sorghum are particularly strong in antioxidants. The director of BRIN, Laksana Tri Handoko, concurs that sorghum is more suited to the tropics than wheat. Because of its great nutritional content and ability to stave off diabetes, Professor Azrai is in favor of making sorghum a staple meal in Indonesia. However, the greatest archipelagic country's 7.5 million acres of rice fields would still dwarf the new sorghum area, according to The Star, highlighting how crucial rice is to the Indonesian culture. Also Read: Global Chocolate Consumption Linked to 1.5 Million Hectares of Deforestation in Africa Resilience to Climate Change The presidential chief of staff, Moeldoko, forecasted a strong El Nino climatic pattern, resulting in drier circumstances, during President Widodo's visit to the sorghum field. He emphasized how resistant to weather sorghum is. It also needs less water than rice. Azrai said that replanting sorghum increases soil fertility, whereas Handoko said that processing sorghum doesn't require sophisticated equipment. Economic Advantage Azrai contends that raising sorghum production may strengthen Indonesia's economy and revitalize its rural areas. He sees bright futures for processed foods, sorghum-based bioenergy, and lessening reliance on rice. Sorghum, according to experts, offers a longer-lasting satisfaction than rice, preventing the depletion of rice stockpiles and lowering imports, CNA reports. Related Article: California Ventures into Farming Avocados, Mangoes, Agave in Response to Climate Change After charging at locals, the first rabid moose documented in Alaska was euthanized. In its necropsy, the animal tested positive for Arctic Fox rabies. The moose was slain, according to the state's Department of Fish and Game, after it was spotted prowling around Teller, Alaska, and charging at onlookers. First Rabid Moose in Alaska According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the moose had exposed areas of skin, was unstable, tripping, and drooling a lot. Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen, the department's wildlife veterinarian, was contacted, samples from the moose were taken, and submitted for testing, and the animal's remains were burnt out of caution, according to agency personnel. The incident, according to officials, represented the state's first officially documented instance of rabies in a moose. Necropsy Results The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention verified the virus was an Arctic Fox rabies variation the next day, according to a press release, after the Alaska State Virology Laboratory discovered rabies in the moose's brain during a necropsy on Monday. While this was the first moose to be diagnosed with rabies in Alaska, there have been previous occurrences in South Dakota, Minnesota, Canada, and Russia. https://t.co/LzZfh9fORz Alaska's News Source (@AKNewsNow) June 8, 2023 According to Fish and Game authorities, the moose likely caught the virus from a fox because it was the same version that was circulating in red foxes during the epidemic in the Nome and Seward Peninsula along with North Slope arctic foxes this past winter. Moose rabies diagnoses are uncommon, although they have been found in South Dakota, Minnesota, Canada, and Russia, according to Fish and Game authorities. Only moose in Alaska that exhibit neurologic symptoms are examined for rabies, according to authorities. Tested Positive Fish and Game authorities said they want to increase rabies monitoring as a result of the recent occurrence by analyzing all brain samples taken from mammals discovered dead or put down in areas where fox rabies is an enzootic disease. Avoid approaching any mammals that have been found dead or that are exhibiting rabies symptoms. According to USA Today, symptoms include excessive salivation, unusual or aggressive behavior, and bite marks. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game added in an official statement that although individual instances like this one are uncommon, rabies outbreaks in the moose population are extremely unlikely given their primarily solitary nature. Also Read: Invasive Marsupial Opossums Being Hunted Down in Alaska Rabies The most common way that rabies, an avoidable viral illness, is spread is by the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus affects mammals' central nervous systems, which eventually results in brain illness and death. Although any mammal can contract rabies, the great majority of cases that are documented each year involve wild animals. Only mammals are afflicted by rabies. Warm-blooded creatures with fur are known as mammals. Mammals include people as well. Since birds, snakes, and fish are not mammals, neither they nor you can contract rabies from them. However, rabies may infect any creature, including humans. About 60,000 Americans receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) each year to prevent infection with rabies after receiving a scratch or bite from an infected or suspected infected animal, even though rabies in humans is uncommon in the United States, with just 1 to 3 cases documented yearly, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Related Article: Moose Samples Buttery Popcorn in Alaska Movie Theater Menhirs, which date back 7,000 years and were recently destroyed in France for a DIY store, have locals fuming. 39 Ancient Stones or Menhir It has been discovered that 39 antique stones at the Neolithic site of Carnac in northwest France were damaged during the building of a Mr. Bricolage DIY store. One of the most significant prehistoric sites in all of Europe is the enormous Carnac site in Brittany, which is home to hundreds of ancient standing stones dispersed throughout 27 communes. Single-standing stones known as "menhirs" are a part of one of the world's greatest collections. Some of the stones, some of which are thousands of years old and were set there as early as 4,000 BC, are thought to have been built during the Neolithic period. Christian Obeltz, a local archeologist, said that the menhirs have an estimated age of about 7,000 years, based on carbon dating done on surrounding stones in 2010, according to TVP World. Making Way for a DIY Store The construction site of a new DIY shop is located near the boundary of the heritage area. The regional daily Ouest-France reported that the town hall had awarded building permits to the DIY chain Mr. Bricolage in August 2022 for the construction of a new store in the area. The building process has started. The stones in issue are in Montaubin, not near the main tourist attractions Menec and Kermario, which are around 1.5 kilometers distant. However, historical organizations and locals have expressed skepticism over how building permits could have been granted to a location identified as a heritage site to be maintained, including Obeltz, a researcher who maintains the "Sites & Monuments" website. Mishaps on Permits The problem seems to be that a few stones were left off of recently updated planning maps, so the builders claim they were unaware that the site was a protected cultural monument. A 2014 archeological examination, according to Ouest France, resulted in the denial of another planning application because the site's development may have harmed "elements of archeological heritage." However, Stephane Doriel, who will be in charge of the construction project, informed Ouest France that no official agency or document had forewarned them about the menhirs' location. Doriel emphasized that she is not an archaeologist and is unaware of menhirs, as well as the fact that low walls are commonplace. She continued by saying that if they had known, they would undoubtedly have acted differently. Doriel asserted that it was a wetland issue, not the stones, that led to the previous permission being denied. Read Also: Ancient Maya City Layout Resembles a Crocodile: Symbolism or Happenstance? - Scientists Discuss Aborted UNESCO Futures According to Daily Mail, they claim that the property was also going to be presented to the French Ministry of Culture to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage property. Despite being the head of the organization applying to UNESCO, the mayor, Olivier Lepick, said he was not aware of the site's inclusion on the Heritage Atlas. Lepick opined that since additional stone finds were reported in 2015, there must have been a mistake when zoning plans were updated. Others believe that local officials are racing to construct before the 397 megalithic structures surrounding Carnac are classified by UNESCO in September 2023, when more stringent rules would be put in place, The Local France reports. Related Article: Authorities Protect Yosemite Sequoia from Washburn Fire with Sprinklers The Oregon Coast Aquarium reports that a total of 25 critically endangered sunflower sea stars were found in Yaquina Bay near Newport, providing them with optimism for potential species recovery. Critically Endangered Since populations were decimated ten years ago by the sea star wasting illness, which caused the creatures to start losing their limbs before finally dissolving into the water, this is the case that has received the most attention in one location. The sea stars were previously often seen in the tidal pools along the coast of Oregon. The animals are currently on the verge of extinction. The West Coast's sea star population was decimated by an unknown sickness in 2013, putting the species in danger of going extinct. In the bay, OCA staff members were looking for fish and crustaceans. This is when one adult and 24 young sunflower stars, the biggest measuring only six inches across, were found on the survey. According to the aquarium, fully developed sea stars may grow up to four feet wide and have up to 26 arms. As many as six million individual sea stars may have died within a few years, according to Steve Rumrill, who oversees the shellfish program for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 2022, according to KGW8. According to estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the illness killed 90% of the population of sunflower stars. Throughout the species' range, impacts varied by location and often advanced from south to north, while a noticeable delay happened off Oregon for an unidentified cause. Although less noticeable, declines in coastal British Columbia and the Aleutian Islands nevertheless topped 60% and most likely 80%. Also Read: Critically Endangered Sawfish Dead in Australia With Toothed Saws Chopped Off Hope for Recovery Tiffany Rudek, an aquarist, expressed her excitement as she started counting the stars. Each species is cautiously lowered back to the seabed after being photographed and measured. The young sunflower stars, according to OCA, could be a sign of the species' comeback, but only time will reveal that. Rudek said that it is a remarkable accomplishment to find not just one, but 25 sunflower stars. She is thrilled about what this may signify for the species because it is unprecedented. Native to the Northeast Pacific Ocean's coastal waters, the organisms play an essential role in regulating urchin populations, KGW8 reports. In 2023, scientists had discovered a cure for the disease. In the past ten years, the sickness has become more prevalent, according to Courtney Klug of the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. According to Klug, for this brand-new therapy, aquarium experts put a sea star in chilly water, feed it probiotics, and give it medicine baths. By March 2023, they will have rescued 17 specimens. Sunflower sea stars consume sea urchins, as per Klug, hence the state must preserve them. According to a recent Oregon Public Broadcasting report, urchin populations that become uncontrollably huge risk destroying kelp beds, which are a source of food for several other creatures. Related Article: Starfish Facts: Misnamed Stars of the Oceans The Russian Federation continues to evade international sanctions and has restored access to key Western chips and electronics that it needs to produce military equipment, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). "The White House revealed on June 9 that Iran is helping Russia build a drone manufacturing factory in Yelabuga, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, underscoring the growing military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow despite Western sanctions," the analysts say. "The drone factory could produce at least 6,000 Iranian Shahed-136 drones could be operational by early 2024. A factory producing Iranian drones in Russia would support Russias war effort against Ukraine. Russia could provide Iran with advanced military equipment that would modernize Irans air force, such as Su-35 fighter jets, attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft, in return for helping construct the factory. Officials of an unspecified US ally previously stated that Iranian officials travelled to Yelabuga in January 2023 to discuss the construction of a new drone manufacturing facility in the city, reporting the same claim the facility could produce 6,000 or more drones in the coming years," the report says. "Chief of the Russian General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov discussed increasing Russian-Chinese military cooperation with Chinese Central Military Commission (CMC) Joint Staff Department Chief of Staff Liu Zhenli on June 9. Gerasimov emphasized the importance of joint military exercises," it says. "Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on June 9 that Russia will begin deploying tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus in July 2023, and this is not an escalation from Putins prior nuclear weapons rhetoric," the ISW stated. By PTI NEW DELHI: India has expressed interest in negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Africa with an aim to boost economic ties between the two regions. This was stated by commerce and industry Minister Piyush Goyal during his interaction with fifteen ambassadors from several countries of the African region here on Thursday. "India is open to FTA negotiations bilaterally or individually with African countries or Africa as a whole," he said. India would act as a trusted partner to expand trade, commerce, business, investment and opportunities with Africa, he said. In such agreements, two or more trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. Besides, they ease norms for promoting trade in services and attract investments. The 15 ambassadors are from countries, including Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Republic of Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The African continent presents vast opportunities for Indian businesses, with its rapidly growing population, emerging middle class, and abundant natural resources. Through increased trade and investment, both the regions can benefit from each other's strengths and expertise, fostering inclusive growth and job creation. The two-way trade between the regions stood at over USD 90 billion. NEW DELHI: India has expressed interest in negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Africa with an aim to boost economic ties between the two regions. This was stated by commerce and industry Minister Piyush Goyal during his interaction with fifteen ambassadors from several countries of the African region here on Thursday. "India is open to FTA negotiations bilaterally or individually with African countries or Africa as a whole," he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); India would act as a trusted partner to expand trade, commerce, business, investment and opportunities with Africa, he said. In such agreements, two or more trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. Besides, they ease norms for promoting trade in services and attract investments. The 15 ambassadors are from countries, including Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Republic of Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The African continent presents vast opportunities for Indian businesses, with its rapidly growing population, emerging middle class, and abundant natural resources. Through increased trade and investment, both the regions can benefit from each other's strengths and expertise, fostering inclusive growth and job creation. The two-way trade between the regions stood at over USD 90 billion. By PTI SITAPUR: Countering the charge that his party was now adopting the "soft Hindutva" approach, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday that his party had been "very soft" and needed to take the hard stance. He made the remark while addressing a two-day training camp for party workers. He said, "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has coined a word. They are saying that it seems we too are going on the path of soft Hindutva. There is no need to panic." "We have been very soft and the need now is to become hard," Yadav told his party workers. His remark assumes significance as it came a day after SP general secretary Ramgopal Yadav termed the training camp a crucial step for "destroying the demons", adding that "the BJP is no less than a demon". ALSO READ | Are engines of Lucknow and Delhi colliding: Akhilesh slams UP govt over no full-time police chief About 5,000 party workers attended the camp in Naimisharanya in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh which was addressed by senior leaders. The SP president hit out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his claim that "only four out of 100 are unemployed in the state. He says whatever his officers tell him," Yadav said, criticising Adityanath. On the issue of caste census, Yadav said that if the government wants it can complete such an exercise within a few months using technology. ALSO READ | Road to 2024: SP chief Akhilesh commences 'Samajik Janjagran Yatra' from Lakhimpur Kheri "Whenever we get a chance to form a government, we will get the caste census done. Social justice will be achieved only when the caste census is done," he said. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Samajwadi Party has been holding training camps for its workers on booth management and other important aspects of electioneering. The first training camp was held in Lakhimpur Kheri on June 5, followed by the one in Sitapur. The two districts are known for their Hindu religious sites Devkali and Naimisharanya Dham. SITAPUR: Countering the charge that his party was now adopting the "soft Hindutva" approach, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday that his party had been "very soft" and needed to take the hard stance. He made the remark while addressing a two-day training camp for party workers. He said, "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has coined a word. They are saying that it seems we too are going on the path of soft Hindutva. There is no need to panic."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We have been very soft and the need now is to become hard," Yadav told his party workers. His remark assumes significance as it came a day after SP general secretary Ramgopal Yadav termed the training camp a crucial step for "destroying the demons", adding that "the BJP is no less than a demon". ALSO READ | Are engines of Lucknow and Delhi colliding: Akhilesh slams UP govt over no full-time police chief About 5,000 party workers attended the camp in Naimisharanya in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh which was addressed by senior leaders. The SP president hit out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his claim that "only four out of 100 are unemployed in the state. He says whatever his officers tell him," Yadav said, criticising Adityanath. On the issue of caste census, Yadav said that if the government wants it can complete such an exercise within a few months using technology. ALSO READ | Road to 2024: SP chief Akhilesh commences 'Samajik Janjagran Yatra' from Lakhimpur Kheri "Whenever we get a chance to form a government, we will get the caste census done. Social justice will be achieved only when the caste census is done," he said. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Samajwadi Party has been holding training camps for its workers on booth management and other important aspects of electioneering. The first training camp was held in Lakhimpur Kheri on June 5, followed by the one in Sitapur. The two districts are known for their Hindu religious sites Devkali and Naimisharanya Dham. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Centre has constituted a committee in Manipur headed by the governor to facilitate the peace-making process among various ethnic groups and initiate dialogue between conflicting parties, the Union home ministry said on Saturday. The members of the peace committee include the chief minister, a few ministers, MPs, MLAs, and leaders from different political parties and civil society groups, it said. "Government of India has constituted 'Peace Committee' in Manipur under the chairpersonship of the governor, Manipur. The members of the committee include the chief minister, a few ministers in the state government, MP, MLAs and leaders from different political parties," a home ministry statement said. ALSO READ | Three killed, two injured in fresh violence in Manipur The mandate of the committee will be to facilitate the peace-making process among various ethnic groups of the state and initiate peaceful dialogue and negotiations between conflicting parties and groups. The committee will strengthen social cohesiveness, and mutual understanding and facilitate cordial communication between various ethnic groups, the statement said. It also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups, the home ministry said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Manipur from May 29 to June 1 and announced the constitution of the peace committee after taking stock of the situation. Violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status. So far, nearly 100 people lost their lives and over 300 injured ever since the ethnic violence broke out over a month ago. NEW DELHI: The Centre has constituted a committee in Manipur headed by the governor to facilitate the peace-making process among various ethnic groups and initiate dialogue between conflicting parties, the Union home ministry said on Saturday. The members of the peace committee include the chief minister, a few ministers, MPs, MLAs, and leaders from different political parties and civil society groups, it said. "Government of India has constituted 'Peace Committee' in Manipur under the chairpersonship of the governor, Manipur.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The members of the committee include the chief minister, a few ministers in the state government, MP, MLAs and leaders from different political parties," a home ministry statement said. ALSO READ | Three killed, two injured in fresh violence in Manipur The mandate of the committee will be to facilitate the peace-making process among various ethnic groups of the state and initiate peaceful dialogue and negotiations between conflicting parties and groups. The committee will strengthen social cohesiveness, and mutual understanding and facilitate cordial communication between various ethnic groups, the statement said. It also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups, the home ministry said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Manipur from May 29 to June 1 and announced the constitution of the peace committee after taking stock of the situation. Violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status. So far, nearly 100 people lost their lives and over 300 injured ever since the ethnic violence broke out over a month ago. Ashish Srivastava By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In an order that will limit the powers of the Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has directed the DCs not to take any action in their respective zones unless they receive a written complaint from the councillors of the area. According to the order, noncompliance will be "viewed seriously". "It has been directed that none of the Deputy Commissioners will take any action in their respective zones unless a written letter or written complaint has been given by the councillor of the respective Ward. Action taken in regard to above orders would be viewed seriously," the statement read. With this move, the Mayor has cut the direct grievance link between the citizens and the police as the public will now have to go through the councillors, even to register a complaint. ALSO READ | Mayors order on MCD polls set aside by Delhi HC Many have found this move an unnecessary intervention in a bid to control the power of the police. "Such an intervention by Mayor is highly objectionable and is a direct interference with administration," said Atul Goel, president, of United Resident Joint Front, which represents around 2,500 RWAs in the city. "Why can't the public directly reach the administration? Why do we have to go through a councillor to register even a small request? And what if the counsellor is not available or denies it?" he asked. Goel also said that the move will also prompt a rise in corruption at the grassroots level. "Now for even the smallest thing, we have to look for councillors. This change in power dynamics may also prompt a rise in corruption which is not hidden from anyone. People may give bribes to prioritize their case or leaders may also ask to allow cases to be registered with the administration," he added. The move has not got down well with the officials as well. Speaking in anonymity, a senior MCD official said that the Mayor should hand over the administration of the zones to the counsellors instead. "If the administrative head of a zone (DC) will have no power to take an action on suo-moto cognizance or through direct complaints from the public, then the MCD should dissolve the post of the DC and hand over the operations to the councillors," the official said. Even though we tried to contact Oberoi, she remained incommunicado. Deputy Mayor Aaley Mohd Iqbal said that he is not aware of the development and refused to comment. Meanwhile, the opposition party in MCD, BJP, said that the order restraining the DCs is "unconstitutional." "It is not written anywhere in the MCD Act that the Deputy Commissioner and other officers cannot order any action without the recommendation of the councillors," said Praveen Shankar Kapoor, spokesperson, Delhi BJP. NEW DELHI: In an order that will limit the powers of the Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has directed the DCs not to take any action in their respective zones unless they receive a written complaint from the councillors of the area. According to the order, noncompliance will be "viewed seriously". "It has been directed that none of the Deputy Commissioners will take any action in their respective zones unless a written letter or written complaint has been given by the councillor of the respective Ward. Action taken in regard to above orders would be viewed seriously," the statement read.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); With this move, the Mayor has cut the direct grievance link between the citizens and the police as the public will now have to go through the councillors, even to register a complaint. ALSO READ | Mayors order on MCD polls set aside by Delhi HC Many have found this move an unnecessary intervention in a bid to control the power of the police. "Such an intervention by Mayor is highly objectionable and is a direct interference with administration," said Atul Goel, president, of United Resident Joint Front, which represents around 2,500 RWAs in the city. "Why can't the public directly reach the administration? Why do we have to go through a councillor to register even a small request? And what if the counsellor is not available or denies it?" he asked. Goel also said that the move will also prompt a rise in corruption at the grassroots level. "Now for even the smallest thing, we have to look for councillors. This change in power dynamics may also prompt a rise in corruption which is not hidden from anyone. People may give bribes to prioritize their case or leaders may also ask to allow cases to be registered with the administration," he added. The move has not got down well with the officials as well. Speaking in anonymity, a senior MCD official said that the Mayor should hand over the administration of the zones to the counsellors instead. "If the administrative head of a zone (DC) will have no power to take an action on suo-moto cognizance or through direct complaints from the public, then the MCD should dissolve the post of the DC and hand over the operations to the councillors," the official said. Even though we tried to contact Oberoi, she remained incommunicado. Deputy Mayor Aaley Mohd Iqbal said that he is not aware of the development and refused to comment. Meanwhile, the opposition party in MCD, BJP, said that the order restraining the DCs is "unconstitutional." "It is not written anywhere in the MCD Act that the Deputy Commissioner and other officers cannot order any action without the recommendation of the councillors," said Praveen Shankar Kapoor, spokesperson, Delhi BJP. By PTI DHANBAD: A day after three persons were killed as an illegally-operated coal mine collapsed in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, the administration on Saturday set up a committee to probe into the incident, an official said. The two members of the probe committee are Abhishek Kumar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sindri and Parmesh Kushwaha Circle Officer (CO) Jharia. "A two-member committee has been set up to probe the incident that occurred at the Bhowra colliery area of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL). The committee will submit its report within 24 hours," Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Sandip Singh told PTI. Singh said: "I have also sought a report from BCCL about the incident and would take action against the outsourcing company if lapses are found on its part". Three persons were killed when a portion of the roof of a mine in the Bhowra colliery area of BCCL where a large number of people were allegedly mining caved in on Friday. The incident happened around 10.30 am on Friday in the Bhowra colliery area, about 21 km from Dhanbad town. The deceased persons were identified as Jitendra (16), Satyendra (22) and Madan (25), officials said. Bhowra Colliery Area General Manager SS Das admitted that despite the ban on entry into the mining area, some people were doing illegal mining there. Action would be taken on the basis of the probe report, he said. Das said as an inquiry was ordered into the incident, and he would be in a position to comment only after its report comes. Asked if a police case was lodged, Das said any step would be undertaken only after completion of the probe. The rescue operation has been suspended as no one was found trapped inside after the removal of the debris, he had said on Friday night. Jharia MLA Purnima Neeraj Singh alleged that illegal mining was being done in the area for a long. "I have been telling BCCL constantly about it for the last three years that any day an accident can happen. Along with illegal mining, mining norms are being violated in the area. No action has been taken till date," she said. WATCH DHANBAD: A day after three persons were killed as an illegally-operated coal mine collapsed in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, the administration on Saturday set up a committee to probe into the incident, an official said. The two members of the probe committee are Abhishek Kumar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sindri and Parmesh Kushwaha Circle Officer (CO) Jharia. "A two-member committee has been set up to probe the incident that occurred at the Bhowra colliery area of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL). The committee will submit its report within 24 hours," Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Sandip Singh told PTI.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Singh said: "I have also sought a report from BCCL about the incident and would take action against the outsourcing company if lapses are found on its part". Three persons were killed when a portion of the roof of a mine in the Bhowra colliery area of BCCL where a large number of people were allegedly mining caved in on Friday. The incident happened around 10.30 am on Friday in the Bhowra colliery area, about 21 km from Dhanbad town. The deceased persons were identified as Jitendra (16), Satyendra (22) and Madan (25), officials said. Bhowra Colliery Area General Manager SS Das admitted that despite the ban on entry into the mining area, some people were doing illegal mining there. Action would be taken on the basis of the probe report, he said. Das said as an inquiry was ordered into the incident, and he would be in a position to comment only after its report comes. Asked if a police case was lodged, Das said any step would be undertaken only after completion of the probe. The rescue operation has been suspended as no one was found trapped inside after the removal of the debris, he had said on Friday night. Jharia MLA Purnima Neeraj Singh alleged that illegal mining was being done in the area for a long. "I have been telling BCCL constantly about it for the last three years that any day an accident can happen. Along with illegal mining, mining norms are being violated in the area. No action has been taken till date," she said. WATCH President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that all Ukrainian commanders are positive. "I am daily in touch with our commanders of different directions - Syrsky, Tarnavsky, Moskalev, Nayev, and Zaluzhny. Everyone is positive now. Tell Putin so," he said at a press conference after a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, asked about the course of the counteroffensive, in Kyiv on Saturday. "From my point of view, counteroffensive defense operations are taking place in Ukraine. At what stage - I will not say in detail. And I think that we will feel it," the president said. "I would not trust Telegram channels and Putin. We must trust our military," Zelenskyy stressed. Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: A day after External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that there were no disputes between India and Nepal over the Akhand Bharat mural in Indias new Parliament (which depicts the extent of Ashokas empire), the mayor of Nepals capital Kathmandu on Friday put up in his chamber a Greater Nepal map that includes parts of India. The controversial mural of Akhand Bharat in the recently inaugurated new Parliament building of India may stoke unnecessary and harmful diplomatic row in the neighborhood including Nepal. It has the potential of further aggravating the trust deficit already vitiating the pic.twitter.com/dlorSZ05jn Baburam Bhattarai (@brb1954) May 30, 2023 Mayor Balendra Shah called his office staff on Thursday and asked them to put up the map in his chamber. Shah said this was done to remember the history of Nepal and it gives a positive vibe of nationalism, sources said. Interestingly, Shah is currently in Bengaluru where his wife is undergoing treatment. Jaishankar had on Thursday said the map in Indias Parliament was a cultural map and not a political one and friendly countries like Nepal would have no problem. Meanwhile, in Nepal, some are questioning the constitutional validity of the mayors decision to put up the Greater Nepal map as elected leaders must only use maps that are approved. Shah is an elected mayor. His position is equal to that of a state minister. He should be mindful of this as this could result in tensions between India and Nepal. He should follow the Constitution, Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, a well-known cartographer in Nepal, said. The mural in Parliament includes ancient sites Lumbini and Kapilavastu which are in Nepal. We had raised the issue of the map in Indias Parliament but were told its a historical map and not a political one, Nepal PM Pusha Kumar Prachanda said on Wednesday. NEW DELHI: A day after External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that there were no disputes between India and Nepal over the Akhand Bharat mural in Indias new Parliament (which depicts the extent of Ashokas empire), the mayor of Nepals capital Kathmandu on Friday put up in his chamber a Greater Nepal map that includes parts of India. The controversial mural of Akhand Bharat in the recently inaugurated new Parliament building of India may stoke unnecessary and harmful diplomatic row in the neighborhood including Nepal. It has the potential of further aggravating the trust deficit already vitiating the pic.twitter.com/dlorSZ05jn Baburam Bhattarai (@brb1954) May 30, 2023 Mayor Balendra Shah called his office staff on Thursday and asked them to put up the map in his chamber. Shah said this was done to remember the history of Nepal and it gives a positive vibe of nationalism, sources said. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Interestingly, Shah is currently in Bengaluru where his wife is undergoing treatment. Jaishankar had on Thursday said the map in Indias Parliament was a cultural map and not a political one and friendly countries like Nepal would have no problem. Meanwhile, in Nepal, some are questioning the constitutional validity of the mayors decision to put up the Greater Nepal map as elected leaders must only use maps that are approved. Shah is an elected mayor. His position is equal to that of a state minister. He should be mindful of this as this could result in tensions between India and Nepal. He should follow the Constitution, Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, a well-known cartographer in Nepal, said. The mural in Parliament includes ancient sites Lumbini and Kapilavastu which are in Nepal. We had raised the issue of the map in Indias Parliament but were told its a historical map and not a political one, Nepal PM Pusha Kumar Prachanda said on Wednesday. By PTI JABALPUR: The Madhya Pradesh government on Saturday transferred Rs 1,000 each to the accounts of 1.25 crore women in the state as it rolled out the 'Ladli Behna Yojana', a scheme billed as a game-changer by the BJP in the poll-bound state. Assembly elections are due by the year-end in the BJP-governed MP. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pressed a button at an event at the Garrison Ground here to transfer the first dole of the scheme under which beneficiaries will receive Rs 1,000 a month. Addressing the function, he said that the scheme will empower women socially and economically. The beneficiaries can withdraw the money from Sunday onwards, said officials. Chouhann said the government plans to slowly and gradually raise the amount to Rs 3,000 depending on the state's finances. "This amount will be gradually increased in the future as per financial arrangements to be done from time to time from the present Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 gradually. This amount will be increased to Rs 1,250 in the first stage and subsequently to Rs 1,500, Rs 1,750, Rs 2,000, Rs 2,250, Rs 2,500, Rs 2,750 and Rs 3,000," the chief minister said. The Yojna was introduced with the aim to empower poor women financially so that they can meet the small household expenditure like spending money to purchase books and ice cream for children and pay transport fare to visit their brothers or the house of their parents. "Initially, the scheme was meant for women belonging to tribal communities of Baiga, Bhariya, and Shariya. After its success, the scheme is now introduced to cover all poor women," Chouhan said. He said married women aged 21 will also get the benefit of this scheme. In another outreach, the chief minister said the old age pension for women will be raised to Rs 1,000. With the Ladli Behna scheme, the BJP government in MP would be able to reach out to about half of the 2.6 crore women voters in the state. Women voters outnumber their male peers in at least 18 of the 230 assembly constituencies in MP, as per an estimate. These areas include the tribal-dominated Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Alirajpur and Jhabua districts. After he launched the scheme on his 65th birthday on March 5 in Bhopal, Chouhan has taken part in several Ladli Behna functions across MP in the past two months braving the scorching summer. Under the scheme, women aged between 23-60 years are eligible to receive Rs 1,000 per month with certain riders, including that they are not income tax payees and their families' annual income is below Rs 2.5 lakh. A provision of Rs 8,000 crore has been made for the scheme in the state budget. The number of new women voters in MP has gone up by 2.79 per cent, while it is 2.30 per cent for male voters, officials said. Of the 13.39 lakh new voters, 7.07 lakh are women, as per official records. The roll-out of the scheme comes ahead of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra kickstarting her party's campaign with a rally in Jabalpur on Monday. Congress leaders claimed Gandhi had announced Rs 1,500 to eligible women under the 'Nari Samman Nidhi' in the run-up to the Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls in December 2022 and that Chouhan had copied the move for his 'Ladli Behna Yojana'. The last MP Assembly polls held on November 28, 2018, did not give a clear majority to any single party. The Congress emerged as the largest party with 114 seats in the 230-member House, while the BJP won 109 seats. The Congress formed a coalition government under Kamal Nath, but it fell in March 2020 after several MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia switched over to the BJP, paving the way for Shivraj Singh Chouhan to return as chief minister. JABALPUR: The Madhya Pradesh government on Saturday transferred Rs 1,000 each to the accounts of 1.25 crore women in the state as it rolled out the 'Ladli Behna Yojana', a scheme billed as a game-changer by the BJP in the poll-bound state. Assembly elections are due by the year-end in the BJP-governed MP. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pressed a button at an event at the Garrison Ground here to transfer the first dole of the scheme under which beneficiaries will receive Rs 1,000 a month.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Addressing the function, he said that the scheme will empower women socially and economically. The beneficiaries can withdraw the money from Sunday onwards, said officials. Chouhann said the government plans to slowly and gradually raise the amount to Rs 3,000 depending on the state's finances. "This amount will be gradually increased in the future as per financial arrangements to be done from time to time from the present Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 gradually. This amount will be increased to Rs 1,250 in the first stage and subsequently to Rs 1,500, Rs 1,750, Rs 2,000, Rs 2,250, Rs 2,500, Rs 2,750 and Rs 3,000," the chief minister said. The Yojna was introduced with the aim to empower poor women financially so that they can meet the small household expenditure like spending money to purchase books and ice cream for children and pay transport fare to visit their brothers or the house of their parents. "Initially, the scheme was meant for women belonging to tribal communities of Baiga, Bhariya, and Shariya. After its success, the scheme is now introduced to cover all poor women," Chouhan said. He said married women aged 21 will also get the benefit of this scheme. In another outreach, the chief minister said the old age pension for women will be raised to Rs 1,000. With the Ladli Behna scheme, the BJP government in MP would be able to reach out to about half of the 2.6 crore women voters in the state. Women voters outnumber their male peers in at least 18 of the 230 assembly constituencies in MP, as per an estimate. These areas include the tribal-dominated Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Alirajpur and Jhabua districts. After he launched the scheme on his 65th birthday on March 5 in Bhopal, Chouhan has taken part in several Ladli Behna functions across MP in the past two months braving the scorching summer. Under the scheme, women aged between 23-60 years are eligible to receive Rs 1,000 per month with certain riders, including that they are not income tax payees and their families' annual income is below Rs 2.5 lakh. A provision of Rs 8,000 crore has been made for the scheme in the state budget. The number of new women voters in MP has gone up by 2.79 per cent, while it is 2.30 per cent for male voters, officials said. Of the 13.39 lakh new voters, 7.07 lakh are women, as per official records. The roll-out of the scheme comes ahead of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra kickstarting her party's campaign with a rally in Jabalpur on Monday. Congress leaders claimed Gandhi had announced Rs 1,500 to eligible women under the 'Nari Samman Nidhi' in the run-up to the Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls in December 2022 and that Chouhan had copied the move for his 'Ladli Behna Yojana'. The last MP Assembly polls held on November 28, 2018, did not give a clear majority to any single party. The Congress emerged as the largest party with 114 seats in the 230-member House, while the BJP won 109 seats. The Congress formed a coalition government under Kamal Nath, but it fell in March 2020 after several MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia switched over to the BJP, paving the way for Shivraj Singh Chouhan to return as chief minister. By PTI NEW DELHI: In one of the biggest demonstrations of its combat prowess in recent years, the Indian Navy on Saturday carried out a mega operation in the Arabian Sea that involved two aircraft carriers, multiple warships, submarines and over 35 frontline planes, amid China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean region. The Navy's aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and newly inducted INS Vikrant were the centrepieces of the exercise as they served as floating airfields for a wide array of aircrafts, including MiG-29K and helicopters such as MH60R, Kamov and Advanced Light helicopters. The Indian Navy said the "seamless operational" integration of the two aircraft carriers, as well as the fleet ships and submarines, is a powerful testament to the "pivotal role" of sea-based air power and India's role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean and beyond. A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates and other ships. ALSO READ | First maritime exercise by India, France and UAE Indian Navy Spokesperson, Commander Vivek Madhwal said, "The Indian Navy has undertaken the twin-carrier CBG operations with more than 35 aircraft in the Arabian Sea, demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air operations across the vast maritime expanse and underscoring our commitment to safeguarding India's national interests." He said the exercise marked a "significant milestone" in the Indian Navy's pursuit of enhancing maritime security and "power projection" in the Indian Ocean and beyond. "This demonstration of naval prowess underscores India's commitment to safeguarding its national interests, maintaining regional stability, and fostering cooperative partnerships in the maritime domain," Commander Madhwal said. SKY IS THE LIMIT#IndianNavy undertakes twin-carrier CBG ops with more than 35 aircraft in #ArabianSea, demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air ops across the vast maritime expanse & underscoring our commitment to safeguarding Indias national interests. pic.twitter.com/yOsvHFvQqM SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 10, 2023 It is the first mega exercise involving the two aircraft carriers after the induction of the indigenously-built INS Vikrant in September. The officials said that almost all air assets of the Navy operated from the two aircraft carriers and they operated as mobile bases. The exercise demonstrated that INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya can be positioned anywhere, allowing for increased mission flexibility, timely response to emerging threats and sustained air operations to safeguard national interests across the globe, they said. "In addition, they provide our friends with an assurance that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our 'collective' security needs in the region," said Madhwal. "As India continues to strengthen its security apparatus, the significance of aircraft carriers will remain paramount in shaping the nation's defence strategy and promoting regional stability," he added. Last month, the MiG-29K fighter aircraft undertook a night landing on the INS Vikrant. ALSO READ | Navy carries out maiden night landing of MiG-29K on indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant The Navy then said that the aircraft carrier would be able to play a role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the aircraft carrier that made the country part of an elite group of nations capable of manufacturing aircraft carriers in the above 40,000 tonnes category. Built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore, INS Vikrant has a sophisticated air defence network and anti-ship missile systems. It has the capacity to hold 30 fighter jets and helicopters. At the commissioning ceremony of the vessel, Modi called it a "floating city" and that it is a reflection of India becoming self-reliant in defence. NEW DELHI: In one of the biggest demonstrations of its combat prowess in recent years, the Indian Navy on Saturday carried out a mega operation in the Arabian Sea that involved two aircraft carriers, multiple warships, submarines and over 35 frontline planes, amid China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean region. The Navy's aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and newly inducted INS Vikrant were the centrepieces of the exercise as they served as floating airfields for a wide array of aircrafts, including MiG-29K and helicopters such as MH60R, Kamov and Advanced Light helicopters. The Indian Navy said the "seamless operational" integration of the two aircraft carriers, as well as the fleet ships and submarines, is a powerful testament to the "pivotal role" of sea-based air power and India's role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean and beyond.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates and other ships. ALSO READ | First maritime exercise by India, France and UAE Indian Navy Spokesperson, Commander Vivek Madhwal said, "The Indian Navy has undertaken the twin-carrier CBG operations with more than 35 aircraft in the Arabian Sea, demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air operations across the vast maritime expanse and underscoring our commitment to safeguarding India's national interests." He said the exercise marked a "significant milestone" in the Indian Navy's pursuit of enhancing maritime security and "power projection" in the Indian Ocean and beyond. "This demonstration of naval prowess underscores India's commitment to safeguarding its national interests, maintaining regional stability, and fostering cooperative partnerships in the maritime domain," Commander Madhwal said. SKY IS THE LIMIT#IndianNavy undertakes twin-carrier CBG ops with more than 35 aircraft in #ArabianSea, demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air ops across the vast maritime expanse & underscoring our commitment to safeguarding Indias national interests. pic.twitter.com/yOsvHFvQqM SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 10, 2023 It is the first mega exercise involving the two aircraft carriers after the induction of the indigenously-built INS Vikrant in September. The officials said that almost all air assets of the Navy operated from the two aircraft carriers and they operated as mobile bases. The exercise demonstrated that INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya can be positioned anywhere, allowing for increased mission flexibility, timely response to emerging threats and sustained air operations to safeguard national interests across the globe, they said. "In addition, they provide our friends with an assurance that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our 'collective' security needs in the region," said Madhwal. "As India continues to strengthen its security apparatus, the significance of aircraft carriers will remain paramount in shaping the nation's defence strategy and promoting regional stability," he added. Last month, the MiG-29K fighter aircraft undertook a night landing on the INS Vikrant. ALSO READ | Navy carries out maiden night landing of MiG-29K on indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant The Navy then said that the aircraft carrier would be able to play a role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the aircraft carrier that made the country part of an elite group of nations capable of manufacturing aircraft carriers in the above 40,000 tonnes category. Built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore, INS Vikrant has a sophisticated air defence network and anti-ship missile systems. It has the capacity to hold 30 fighter jets and helicopters. At the commissioning ceremony of the vessel, Modi called it a "floating city" and that it is a reflection of India becoming self-reliant in defence. Preetha Nair By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The tragedy of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis death was a personal loss, writes former Chief Election Commissioner T N Seshan in his autobiography, which was published posthumously this week. In his book Through the Broken Glass, published by Rupa, Seshan said that a week before Gandhi was assassinated, Seshan received a message from the Kanchipuram Shankara Mutt, asking Rajiv to be careful. Gandhi was assassinated in Sriperumbudur while campaigning for Congress in the 1991 Lok Sabha elections. On 10 May 1991, I called on Rajiv around daybreak. There was no agenda; it was a personal chat to convey my concern, to which Rajiv replied, laughing: I wont die twice. I cautioned him again, beseeching him to reconsider his decision to campaign so freely, but to no avail, he wrote.. Four days later, on 14 May, Seshan received a message from Kanchipuram Shankara Mutt, asking Rajiv to be careful. I told the Kanchi seer that Rajiv was taking the risk lightly in spite of being cautioned by me. A fax to this effect was again sent directly to him and that reached his table on 17 May. However, before he could read it, he was killed in the bomb blast in Sriperumbudur on 21 May. I was grief-stricken again. I did not attend the cremation and spent the entire day at home, he wrote. Seshan, who took over as CEC in 1990, writes in the book that due to his interest in horoscopes, he was eager to see what the stars foretold about Rajiv. There were valid astrological reasons, apart from a host of other factors, to conclude well in advance that Rajivs party was poised for victory. Ironically, that was what brought me intimations of fear, he said. Sheshan, who drafted the legislation for the SPG Act, says that he tried to convince Rajiv that the laws should protect the PM and his family, along with the former PMs and their immediate families, but he declined to do so. One particular section of the Act said that the SPG shall provide proximate protection to the PM and his immediate family. I suggested to Rajiv that we needed to include past PMs and their families too in the Act, wrote Seshan. Though he cited the example of the USA, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation looks after the presidents family even long after his death, Rajiv did not agree.. I argued that Rajiv and his immediate family would need protection even after he gave up the job due to election loss or any other reason. He thought that people would believe he was doing it out of pure self-interest. He said no for the former PMs; it was enough to include the present one, said Seshan, who was in -charge of the PMs security at that time. Though Rajiv never took his personal security lightly, there were times when he overruled Seshan. He overturned my strong opposition to his visit to Colombo to sign the IndoSri Lanka Accord. Despite Chidambaram backing me, Rajiv would still not listen. And despite our best efforts, Rajiv was attacked, wrote Seshan. NEW DELHI: The tragedy of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis death was a personal loss, writes former Chief Election Commissioner T N Seshan in his autobiography, which was published posthumously this week. In his book Through the Broken Glass, published by Rupa, Seshan said that a week before Gandhi was assassinated, Seshan received a message from the Kanchipuram Shankara Mutt, asking Rajiv to be careful. Gandhi was assassinated in Sriperumbudur while campaigning for Congress in the 1991 Lok Sabha elections. On 10 May 1991, I called on Rajiv around daybreak. There was no agenda; it was a personal chat to convey my concern, to which Rajiv replied, laughing: I wont die twice. I cautioned him again, beseeching him to reconsider his decision to campaign so freely, but to no avail, he wrote.. Four days later, on 14 May, Seshan received a message from Kanchipuram Shankara Mutt, asking Rajiv to be careful.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); I told the Kanchi seer that Rajiv was taking the risk lightly in spite of being cautioned by me. A fax to this effect was again sent directly to him and that reached his table on 17 May. However, before he could read it, he was killed in the bomb blast in Sriperumbudur on 21 May. I was grief-stricken again. I did not attend the cremation and spent the entire day at home, he wrote. Seshan, who took over as CEC in 1990, writes in the book that due to his interest in horoscopes, he was eager to see what the stars foretold about Rajiv. There were valid astrological reasons, apart from a host of other factors, to conclude well in advance that Rajivs party was poised for victory. Ironically, that was what brought me intimations of fear, he said. Sheshan, who drafted the legislation for the SPG Act, says that he tried to convince Rajiv that the laws should protect the PM and his family, along with the former PMs and their immediate families, but he declined to do so. One particular section of the Act said that the SPG shall provide proximate protection to the PM and his immediate family. I suggested to Rajiv that we needed to include past PMs and their families too in the Act, wrote Seshan. Though he cited the example of the USA, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation looks after the presidents family even long after his death, Rajiv did not agree.. I argued that Rajiv and his immediate family would need protection even after he gave up the job due to election loss or any other reason. He thought that people would believe he was doing it out of pure self-interest. He said no for the former PMs; it was enough to include the present one, said Seshan, who was in -charge of the PMs security at that time. Though Rajiv never took his personal security lightly, there were times when he overruled Seshan. He overturned my strong opposition to his visit to Colombo to sign the IndoSri Lanka Accord. Despite Chidambaram backing me, Rajiv would still not listen. And despite our best efforts, Rajiv was attacked, wrote Seshan. Shruti Kakkar By Express News Service NEW DELHI: YSRC MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddys son Raghava Reddy, who was granted 15-day interim bail by the Delhi High Court, suffered a setback as the Supreme Court on Friday modified the HCs order and directed him to surrender on June 12. Reddy was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in February in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam but was granted bail by the Delhi HC on June 7 to take care of his maternal grandmother, who had slipped and was admitted to ICU. He was arrested after being questioned by the ED at its office in New Delhi. A vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal opined that the purpose for which Reddy was granted bail, could be served till June 12. Urging the bench to either stay the grant of bail or modify the order, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju for the Enforcement Directorate, contended that his bail was applied on the part of him to stay out of jail. He also told the bench that Reddys regular bail was rejected by the trial court and he had attempted to seek bail on the grounds of his wifes illness but had later withdrawn the same. Now, he has filed for maternal grandmother. And look at the illness, she just fell and it is not serious. There are people to look after her. He also told the bench that the HC had misrepresented his case. There is history of tampering. He has met the grandmother and now he can return. These are all tricks to get interim bail because they cannot get regular bail, Raju further added. On the other hand, senior advocate Amit Desai, while opposing the ASGs submission, said there was nobody to take care of Reddys grandmother apart from him and her sickness was verified by the ED. The bench in its order said, Having considered the submissions and also going through the medical documents of the maternal grandmother of the respondent, in our opinion, the purpose for which the respondent has been released could be served, if he has been asked to surrender on June 12, 2023. We accordingly modify the order to direct that the interim bail shall be till June 12, 2023, as he has already been enlarged on bail on June 7, 2023. NEW DELHI: YSRC MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddys son Raghava Reddy, who was granted 15-day interim bail by the Delhi High Court, suffered a setback as the Supreme Court on Friday modified the HCs order and directed him to surrender on June 12. Reddy was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in February in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam but was granted bail by the Delhi HC on June 7 to take care of his maternal grandmother, who had slipped and was admitted to ICU. He was arrested after being questioned by the ED at its office in New Delhi. A vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal opined that the purpose for which Reddy was granted bail, could be served till June 12.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Urging the bench to either stay the grant of bail or modify the order, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju for the Enforcement Directorate, contended that his bail was applied on the part of him to stay out of jail. He also told the bench that Reddys regular bail was rejected by the trial court and he had attempted to seek bail on the grounds of his wifes illness but had later withdrawn the same. Now, he has filed for maternal grandmother. And look at the illness, she just fell and it is not serious. There are people to look after her. He also told the bench that the HC had misrepresented his case. There is history of tampering. He has met the grandmother and now he can return. These are all tricks to get interim bail because they cannot get regular bail, Raju further added. On the other hand, senior advocate Amit Desai, while opposing the ASGs submission, said there was nobody to take care of Reddys grandmother apart from him and her sickness was verified by the ED. The bench in its order said, Having considered the submissions and also going through the medical documents of the maternal grandmother of the respondent, in our opinion, the purpose for which the respondent has been released could be served, if he has been asked to surrender on June 12, 2023. We accordingly modify the order to direct that the interim bail shall be till June 12, 2023, as he has already been enlarged on bail on June 7, 2023. Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: As airfare to Srinagar has witnessed a steep rise after the suspension of operations by Go First Airways, the tourism sector in Kashmir has been hit and tourist footfall has come down and travellers are cancelling their visits to the Valley. Prominent hotelier and J&K Hoteliers Club chairman Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya said the tourism industry has suffered losses due to a rise in airfare after the suspension of flight operations by GoFirst. He said GoFirst used to operate 15 flights at Srinagar airport and with a drop in flights, the tourism inflow to Kashmir has declined. With lesser flights available, the airfare has jumped significantly. Now tourists are reluctant to come to Kashmir because of increased airfare, Chaya said. The occupancy of hotels and houseboats, he said, has been hit due to a surge in airfare. The tourists want to come to Kashmir and explore its natural beauty but the cost of air tickets is making them look for other options. It is the peak tourist season and the occupancy in hotels is very low as compared to last year, he said. Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Kashmir chapter president Zahoor Ahmad Qari said the number of packages to Kashmir is getting cancelled due to an increase in airfare. The travellers, he said, feel that they can visit Dubai and other destinations at a much cheaper cost than visiting Kashmir as airfare to Srinagar has increased manifold. According to Qari, the intended tourists who were supposed to come along with their families, are reluctant to come to Kashmir and spend a big chunk of money on airfare only. He said the rise in airfare has hurt the tourism industry here as the tourist flow bloom has dipped. The rooms are available in hotels and houseboats due to the drop in tourist inflow. Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) president Farooq Ahmed Kathoo said due to the surge in airfare, there have been many cancellations. People are changing their plans and moving to HP and other places. This has given a major jolt to Kashmir tourism this year. The bookings in high-end hotels have also been cancelled, he said. Kathoo said although Kashmir at present has a good footfall of tourists tourist inflow is low as compared to the same period the previous year. He said the tourism stakeholders have taken up this issue with the J&K government and Union Tourism ministry but so far there has been no concrete step to bring the airfare under control. We are hopeful something will be done to bring down the airfare, which is touching the sky. We have told the officials that additional 15 flights should be operated to Srinagar so that availability of flights can bring down the airfare, Chaya said. SRINAGAR: As airfare to Srinagar has witnessed a steep rise after the suspension of operations by Go First Airways, the tourism sector in Kashmir has been hit and tourist footfall has come down and travellers are cancelling their visits to the Valley. Prominent hotelier and J&K Hoteliers Club chairman Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya said the tourism industry has suffered losses due to a rise in airfare after the suspension of flight operations by GoFirst. He said GoFirst used to operate 15 flights at Srinagar airport and with a drop in flights, the tourism inflow to Kashmir has declined.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); With lesser flights available, the airfare has jumped significantly. Now tourists are reluctant to come to Kashmir because of increased airfare, Chaya said. The occupancy of hotels and houseboats, he said, has been hit due to a surge in airfare. The tourists want to come to Kashmir and explore its natural beauty but the cost of air tickets is making them look for other options. It is the peak tourist season and the occupancy in hotels is very low as compared to last year, he said. Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Kashmir chapter president Zahoor Ahmad Qari said the number of packages to Kashmir is getting cancelled due to an increase in airfare. The travellers, he said, feel that they can visit Dubai and other destinations at a much cheaper cost than visiting Kashmir as airfare to Srinagar has increased manifold. According to Qari, the intended tourists who were supposed to come along with their families, are reluctant to come to Kashmir and spend a big chunk of money on airfare only. He said the rise in airfare has hurt the tourism industry here as the tourist flow bloom has dipped. The rooms are available in hotels and houseboats due to the drop in tourist inflow. Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) president Farooq Ahmed Kathoo said due to the surge in airfare, there have been many cancellations. People are changing their plans and moving to HP and other places. This has given a major jolt to Kashmir tourism this year. The bookings in high-end hotels have also been cancelled, he said. Kathoo said although Kashmir at present has a good footfall of tourists tourist inflow is low as compared to the same period the previous year. He said the tourism stakeholders have taken up this issue with the J&K government and Union Tourism ministry but so far there has been no concrete step to bring the airfare under control. We are hopeful something will be done to bring down the airfare, which is touching the sky. We have told the officials that additional 15 flights should be operated to Srinagar so that availability of flights can bring down the airfare, Chaya said. Namita Bajpai and Ramashankar By Express News Service LUCKNOW/PATNA: Even as opposition parties efforts to stitch together a grand alliance to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are on, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has decided to chart its own course and project Mayawati as its Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Recently, Janata Dal (United) lead KC Tyagi claimed that no invitation was sent to BSP chief Mayawati for the proposed congregation of the opposition leaders in Patna on June 23. Shortly after the JD-U leaders statement, the BSP made it clear that it did not want to be a part of the strategy chalked out by other parties for the 2024 challenge and instead it would chart out its own course. Commenting over the issue, a senior BSP leader seeking anonymity said that even after several rounds of meetings wherein Nitish Kumar had been roaming around to meet the heads of various opposition parties to prepare the ground against the BJP, it was not clear as to who would be projected as Oppositions PM candidate. The BSP, however, has decided to project Behan Mayawatiji as our PM candidate, he said. In neighbouring Bihar, former Bihar chief minister and patron of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) Jitan Ram Manjhi is unhappy that he has not been invited by grand alliance partners for the meeting of non-BJP parties in Patna on June 23. At a meeting of the partys core committee on Friday, he said: Our party has not been invited to the Opposition parties meeting scheduled to be held on June 23. Manjhi, however, said that he has vowed to continue with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who is spearheading Opposition unity at the national level. Earlier, he along with party MLAs had called on Nitish at the latters residence. At the meeting, HAM reiterated its demand for five Lok Sabha seats in the next years general election. He said that leaders of the grand alliance would consider the partys demand and give seats under seat-sharing arrangements. The HAMs demand of five Lok Sabha seats is likely to trigger internal differences among seven constituents of the grand alliance in the state. HAM has four MLAs in the state assembly. Mayawatis case is different, especially after her partys disastrous performance in UP Assembly polls and its general decline in states such as Punjab. It could be that she wants to put pressure on the opposition parties to give her more weightage as parties sit together to flesh out the final strategy for LS polls. LUCKNOW/PATNA: Even as opposition parties efforts to stitch together a grand alliance to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are on, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has decided to chart its own course and project Mayawati as its Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Recently, Janata Dal (United) lead KC Tyagi claimed that no invitation was sent to BSP chief Mayawati for the proposed congregation of the opposition leaders in Patna on June 23. Shortly after the JD-U leaders statement, the BSP made it clear that it did not want to be a part of the strategy chalked out by other parties for the 2024 challenge and instead it would chart out its own course. Commenting over the issue, a senior BSP leader seeking anonymity said that even after several rounds of meetings wherein Nitish Kumar had been roaming around to meet the heads of various opposition parties to prepare the ground against the BJP, it was not clear as to who would be projected as Oppositions PM candidate. The BSP, however, has decided to project Behan Mayawatiji as our PM candidate, he said. In neighbouring Bihar, former Bihar chief minister and patron of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) Jitan Ram Manjhi is unhappy that he has not been invited by grand alliance partners for the meeting of non-BJP parties in Patna on June 23.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); At a meeting of the partys core committee on Friday, he said: Our party has not been invited to the Opposition parties meeting scheduled to be held on June 23. Manjhi, however, said that he has vowed to continue with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who is spearheading Opposition unity at the national level. Earlier, he along with party MLAs had called on Nitish at the latters residence. At the meeting, HAM reiterated its demand for five Lok Sabha seats in the next years general election. He said that leaders of the grand alliance would consider the partys demand and give seats under seat-sharing arrangements. The HAMs demand of five Lok Sabha seats is likely to trigger internal differences among seven constituents of the grand alliance in the state. HAM has four MLAs in the state assembly. Mayawatis case is different, especially after her partys disastrous performance in UP Assembly polls and its general decline in states such as Punjab. It could be that she wants to put pressure on the opposition parties to give her more weightage as parties sit together to flesh out the final strategy for LS polls. By PTI SRINAGAR: Jobs are drying up in the new Kashmir which was split in 2019, with CMIE reporting 23 per cent unemployment for April, even as the data was disputed by the government officials. A large number of workers, mostly from Bihar, Punjab, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, flocking to the valley to earn a good livelihood for decades are reporting finding little to no work as compared to pre-COVID levels. Naba Paswan, a daily wage labourer from Bihar, has been coming to Hawal Chowk every morning in the hope of getting some work. "Before COVID, work was good but now there is no work, I have been sitting idle for 10 days. There is no work and now the wages are also low," Paswan told PTI. Bikhari Ram, another labourer from Bihar, said the number of working days has dropped drastically. He said, "We travelled thousands of kilometres to earn something but there is no work here. I have a family to feed. What can we do? I am not earning enough for my own survival. What can I do for the family? "There is no work. We only get 15 days of work in one month and sometimes just 10 days or even only five days," he added. Faika Javid, a graduate, said educated youth are falling into depression due to unemployment. "Youth are completing degrees and sitting at home. This leads to depression and an increase in suicidal cases. It's not only about Kashmir, there are other states of India also where unemployment is a big issue," she said. Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) in its April report claimed that the unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir was a whopping 23 per cent. However, an official of the Jammu and Kashmir government dismissed the report saying it was not reflective of the real situation. Director of Employment Nisar Ahmad Wani said, "There are different views about it. The survey has not been conducted accurately which could have actually determined the rate of unemployment." He said, "According to the Department's survey, in coordination with District Development Commissioners, the unemployment rate was 7.04 per cent for last financial year. Thereafter we did a survey according to the method of one village and one tehsil in every district" "We covered 206 villages with 206 tehsils of UT but urban areas have not been included. The unemployment rate carried out by that survey came out to be 8.04 per cent," he said. Wani said according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation the unemployment rate for the last two quarters is 13 per cent to 13.02 per cent respectively. Wani said there were two lakh youth registered as unemployed on the portal of the Employment Department. In an exercise carried out by the government in 2012, more than six lakh youth had registered themselves with the department as unemployed. In 2020, Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection and Recruitment Board conducted a written examination for 10,000 posts. As many as 5.94 lakh candidates appeared in that examination, indicating that the number of unemployed was more or less the same since 2012, at least among the educated youths. Wani, though, admitted that unemployment was increasing in Kashmir. He said, "Unemployment rate is always fluctuating depending upon the time of the year and academic session as well. It has been gradually increasing but not to any severe extent." SRINAGAR: Jobs are drying up in the new Kashmir which was split in 2019, with CMIE reporting 23 per cent unemployment for April, even as the data was disputed by the government officials. A large number of workers, mostly from Bihar, Punjab, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, flocking to the valley to earn a good livelihood for decades are reporting finding little to no work as compared to pre-COVID levels. Naba Paswan, a daily wage labourer from Bihar, has been coming to Hawal Chowk every morning in the hope of getting some work.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Before COVID, work was good but now there is no work, I have been sitting idle for 10 days. There is no work and now the wages are also low," Paswan told PTI. Bikhari Ram, another labourer from Bihar, said the number of working days has dropped drastically. He said, "We travelled thousands of kilometres to earn something but there is no work here. I have a family to feed. What can we do? I am not earning enough for my own survival. What can I do for the family? "There is no work. We only get 15 days of work in one month and sometimes just 10 days or even only five days," he added. Faika Javid, a graduate, said educated youth are falling into depression due to unemployment. "Youth are completing degrees and sitting at home. This leads to depression and an increase in suicidal cases. It's not only about Kashmir, there are other states of India also where unemployment is a big issue," she said. Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) in its April report claimed that the unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir was a whopping 23 per cent. However, an official of the Jammu and Kashmir government dismissed the report saying it was not reflective of the real situation. Director of Employment Nisar Ahmad Wani said, "There are different views about it. The survey has not been conducted accurately which could have actually determined the rate of unemployment." He said, "According to the Department's survey, in coordination with District Development Commissioners, the unemployment rate was 7.04 per cent for last financial year. Thereafter we did a survey according to the method of one village and one tehsil in every district" "We covered 206 villages with 206 tehsils of UT but urban areas have not been included. The unemployment rate carried out by that survey came out to be 8.04 per cent," he said. Wani said according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation the unemployment rate for the last two quarters is 13 per cent to 13.02 per cent respectively. Wani said there were two lakh youth registered as unemployed on the portal of the Employment Department. In an exercise carried out by the government in 2012, more than six lakh youth had registered themselves with the department as unemployed. In 2020, Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection and Recruitment Board conducted a written examination for 10,000 posts. As many as 5.94 lakh candidates appeared in that examination, indicating that the number of unemployed was more or less the same since 2012, at least among the educated youths. Wani, though, admitted that unemployment was increasing in Kashmir. He said, "Unemployment rate is always fluctuating depending upon the time of the year and academic session as well. It has been gradually increasing but not to any severe extent." By PTI NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission in its new regulations has proposed a common counselling for admissions to graduate courses at all medical institutions in the country on the basis of the NEET-UG merit list. These new Regulations are called Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 or GMER-23. "Without prejudice to anything stated in the present Regulations or other NMC Regulations, there shall be common counselling for admission to graduate courses in medicine for all Medical Institutions in India based on the merit list of the NEET-UG," the NMC in a gazette notification on June 2 said. ALSO READ | Need to fight against NEET more seriously Counselling shall entirely be based on the seat matrix provided by NMC, provided the common counselling may have multiple rounds as may be necessary, it stated. The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) shall publish guidelines for the conduct of common counselling, and the designated authority under section 17 below shall conduct the counselling in conformity with the published guidelines. The government will appoint a designated authority for the counselling and decide and notify its agency and method for all undergraduate seats. No medical institute shall admit any candidate to the Graduate Medical Education (GME) course in contravention of these regulations, the regulations stated. NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission in its new regulations has proposed a common counselling for admissions to graduate courses at all medical institutions in the country on the basis of the NEET-UG merit list. These new Regulations are called Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 or GMER-23. "Without prejudice to anything stated in the present Regulations or other NMC Regulations, there shall be common counselling for admission to graduate courses in medicine for all Medical Institutions in India based on the merit list of the NEET-UG," the NMC in a gazette notification on June 2 said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | Need to fight against NEET more seriously Counselling shall entirely be based on the seat matrix provided by NMC, provided the common counselling may have multiple rounds as may be necessary, it stated. The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) shall publish guidelines for the conduct of common counselling, and the designated authority under section 17 below shall conduct the counselling in conformity with the published guidelines. The government will appoint a designated authority for the counselling and decide and notify its agency and method for all undergraduate seats. No medical institute shall admit any candidate to the Graduate Medical Education (GME) course in contravention of these regulations, the regulations stated. Dilip Singh Kshatriya By Express News Service AHMEDABAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused former Congress President Rahul Gandhi of attacking India and debating its internal politics while travelling abroad, and the Congressman was advised to take advice from his forefathers. Amit Shah was speaking at a rally held in Siddhpur, Gujarat's Patan district on Saturday, to celebrate the nine years of the Modi administration in power. Speaking to the crowd, Union Minister Shah said it is improper for a leader to disparage his or her own nation in overseas. He advised Rahul Gandhi to remember that the nation's citizens were watching him. Shah was making reference to Gandhi's recent trip to the USA, where he criticized the Narendra Modi administration. "Any patriot should debate Indian politics within India." It is inappropriate for the leader of any political party to travel abroad to debate and criticize the country's politics. "Remember, Rahul baba, that the entire country is watching you," Shah remarked "Rahul Baba is taking a vacation abroad to escape the summer heat, He continues to criticize the country there, I would advise Rahul Gandhi to learn from his forefathers," Shah Said Gandhi's criticism of the new Parliament Building was also criticized by Amit Shah. "You were opposed to the new Parliament building and the installation of the 'Sengol,' a historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu. Jawaharlal Nehru was supposed to install the Sengol. "If Modi is doing it because Nehru did not, why are you opposing?" he questioned. ALSO READ | EAM Jaishankar attacks Rahul Gandhi for criticising BJP govt in US, calls it 'concerning' Shah claimed that Congress leaders do not allow PM Modi to speak in Parliament and instead oppose everything and that the PM has begun a new tradition of doing "development politics." Shah also accused Gandhi on the subjects of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the repeal of Article 370. Union Home Minister said that Lord Ram's temple in Ayodhya had been desecrated since the reign of Babar, However, a grand temple of Lord Ram is currently under construction and will be completed soon," he stated. Referring to former PM Manmohan Singh and ex-Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Shah said, "Comparing 10 years of Manmohan-Sonia to 10 years of Modi, one will find that the 10 years of the Congress-led government were marked by corruption, mismanagement, economic downfall, terrorism, and poor law and order situation." According to him, India has become a capable, secure, and socially responsible digital nation during the last ten years of the Modi administration. Praising PM Modi, Shah stated that the government strived to improve the lives of Dalits, the underprivileged, and tribals and to empower them. "It was under PM Modi's leadership that a tribal woman became President of the country for the first time," he stated. AHMEDABAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused former Congress President Rahul Gandhi of attacking India and debating its internal politics while travelling abroad, and the Congressman was advised to take advice from his forefathers. Amit Shah was speaking at a rally held in Siddhpur, Gujarat's Patan district on Saturday, to celebrate the nine years of the Modi administration in power. Speaking to the crowd, Union Minister Shah said it is improper for a leader to disparage his or her own nation in overseas. He advised Rahul Gandhi to remember that the nation's citizens were watching him. Shah was making reference to Gandhi's recent trip to the USA, where he criticized the Narendra Modi administration.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Any patriot should debate Indian politics within India." It is inappropriate for the leader of any political party to travel abroad to debate and criticize the country's politics. "Remember, Rahul baba, that the entire country is watching you," Shah remarked "Rahul Baba is taking a vacation abroad to escape the summer heat, He continues to criticize the country there, I would advise Rahul Gandhi to learn from his forefathers," Shah Said Gandhi's criticism of the new Parliament Building was also criticized by Amit Shah. "You were opposed to the new Parliament building and the installation of the 'Sengol,' a historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu. Jawaharlal Nehru was supposed to install the Sengol. "If Modi is doing it because Nehru did not, why are you opposing?" he questioned. ALSO READ | EAM Jaishankar attacks Rahul Gandhi for criticising BJP govt in US, calls it 'concerning' Shah claimed that Congress leaders do not allow PM Modi to speak in Parliament and instead oppose everything and that the PM has begun a new tradition of doing "development politics." Shah also accused Gandhi on the subjects of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the repeal of Article 370. Union Home Minister said that Lord Ram's temple in Ayodhya had been desecrated since the reign of Babar, However, a grand temple of Lord Ram is currently under construction and will be completed soon," he stated. Referring to former PM Manmohan Singh and ex-Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Shah said, "Comparing 10 years of Manmohan-Sonia to 10 years of Modi, one will find that the 10 years of the Congress-led government were marked by corruption, mismanagement, economic downfall, terrorism, and poor law and order situation." According to him, India has become a capable, secure, and socially responsible digital nation during the last ten years of the Modi administration. Praising PM Modi, Shah stated that the government strived to improve the lives of Dalits, the underprivileged, and tribals and to empower them. "It was under PM Modi's leadership that a tribal woman became President of the country for the first time," he stated. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau in Kyiv on Saturday, during the meeting they adopted a joint declaration. According to the press service of the head of state, the president of Ukraine and the prime minister of Canada reaffirmed their unequivocal condemnation of Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. "Canada remains unwavering in its commitment to Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Canada commends the determination and courage of the Ukrainian people and armed forces in defense of their independence. Their resolve and valour on democracys front line are not only safeguarding the security of Europe in the face of Russias violent expansionism, but also bolstering the rules-based international system and demonstrating that no matter how brutal the foe, might does not make right," the declaration reads. "Russia must immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," it says. "The people of Ukraine can count on Canada to continue its political, financial, humanitarian and military support for as long as it takes individually and through international cooperation within the G7, NATO, the United Nations and any other forum where Canada can bring its weight to bear," it reads. "Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $8 billion in wide-ranging assistance to Ukraine. Canada is providing unprecedented military support, including tanks, air-defense systems and artillery, and continues to develop new assistance measures based on Ukraines needs," according to the document. "Canada supports Ukraine's initiative for a just and sustainable peace based on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and commends the key principles of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Canada is providing significant contributions under several points identified in the Formula, including nuclear safety, food security, accountability and ecological safety. Looking forward, Canada will continue to focus its support on Ukraines greatest needs, with a particular focus on those outlined in the Formula. Canada stands ready to cooperate with Ukraine and with others to ensure as wide an international participation as possible in pursuing the Peace Formulas objectives, including through an upcoming Global Peace Summit and any other appropriate diplomatic initiatives," the report says. "The two countries also reiterate the crucial role of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in helping to relieve global hunger, and the need to ensure its continued and unhindered operation. Ukraine and Canada also reiterate their support for the investigations of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, which are a step toward accountability, and have taken note of the courts arrest warrants," according to the declaration. "Ukraine and Canada agree on the need to increase our collective pressure on Russia through further sanctions to weaken Russias ability to continue its illegal war of aggression," the document reads. By PTI NAGPUR: Maharashtra state BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday said that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is in such a position that he will have to accept even if the Congress and NCP give his party just two Lok Sabha seats to contest. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule said that BJP treated Thackeray like an elder brother when it had an alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena. But now, the situation is different, he said, referring to Thackeray and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The BJP leader claimed that the Congress has already laid its hands on the Ramtek constituency, which was earlier with the Shiv Sena, now being headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Thackeray broke ties with the BJP in 2019 after differences cropped up over the chief minister's post. He then joined hands with Congress and NCP to become the CM under the banner of the MVA. But his government fell last year following a rebellion led by Shinde. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats out of which the undivided Shiv Sena won in 18 constituencies in 2019. Uddhav Thackeray will have to say yes even if Sharad Pawar or Sonia Gandhi asks his party to contest on just two seats as he has no other options left. About claims that a BJP worker named Saurabh Pimpalkar is connected with the death threat to NCP chief Sharad Pawar on social media, Bawankule said that the party worker had only followed the accused on Facebook. He said that neither BJP nor its worker issued any threat to Sharad Pawar on social media. NAGPUR: Maharashtra state BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday said that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is in such a position that he will have to accept even if the Congress and NCP give his party just two Lok Sabha seats to contest. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule said that BJP treated Thackeray like an elder brother when it had an alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena. But now, the situation is different, he said, referring to Thackeray and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The BJP leader claimed that the Congress has already laid its hands on the Ramtek constituency, which was earlier with the Shiv Sena, now being headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Thackeray broke ties with the BJP in 2019 after differences cropped up over the chief minister's post. He then joined hands with Congress and NCP to become the CM under the banner of the MVA. But his government fell last year following a rebellion led by Shinde. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats out of which the undivided Shiv Sena won in 18 constituencies in 2019. Uddhav Thackeray will have to say yes even if Sharad Pawar or Sonia Gandhi asks his party to contest on just two seats as he has no other options left. About claims that a BJP worker named Saurabh Pimpalkar is connected with the death threat to NCP chief Sharad Pawar on social media, Bawankule said that the party worker had only followed the accused on Facebook. He said that neither BJP nor its worker issued any threat to Sharad Pawar on social media. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government is engaged in preparations for the International Trade Show proposed to be held from September 21 to 25 in Greater Noida. After receiving investment proposals of over Rs 35 lakh crore in the UP Global Investors Summit-2023, the state government will present UP with changing capabilities to global visitors. The event will focus majorly on 40 sectors that contribute significantly to the development of the state. During the five-day event, there would be a display of the talent, culture, resources and capability of the state. A number of B2B and B2C buyers are expected to participate in the event. Besides showcasing the states business and trade potential, the Yogi government will also honour dignitaries who have taken the states art and culture to newer heights. Padma awardees and Shilp Gurus will also be honoured during this event. What is more, separate stalls will be put up to showcase items from all 75 districts of the state, highlighting their unique ODOP (One District One Product) items. The exhibition will feature Varanasis Gulabi Meenakari (pink enamelwork) and Ganesh idols, Moradabads brassware, Azamgarhs black pottery, Kannaujs perfumes, Banda and Banaras silk products, and Lucknows chikankari embroidery. Additionally, the Golden Talent Hall will be a major attraction for young entrepreneurs in the state, hosting award-winning startups, women entrepreneurs, and angel investor meets. The Town of Export Excellence will showcase products from districts with significant export potential and a dedicated hall will focus entirely on the health and wellness sector, featuring stalls related to AYUSH. Moreover, halls dedicated to IT, ITES, infrastructure, tourism, and hospitality will captivate visitors from around the world. The trade show will include B2B meetings and seminars and is expected to host over two thousand exhibitors displaying their products. The best of UP The exhibition will feature Varanasis Gulabi Meenakari (pink enamelwork) and Ganesh idols, Moradabads brassware, Azamgarhs black pottery, Kannaujs perfumes, Banda and Banaras silk products LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government is engaged in preparations for the International Trade Show proposed to be held from September 21 to 25 in Greater Noida. After receiving investment proposals of over Rs 35 lakh crore in the UP Global Investors Summit-2023, the state government will present UP with changing capabilities to global visitors. The event will focus majorly on 40 sectors that contribute significantly to the development of the state. During the five-day event, there would be a display of the talent, culture, resources and capability of the state. A number of B2B and B2C buyers are expected to participate in the event. Besides showcasing the states business and trade potential, the Yogi government will also honour dignitaries who have taken the states art and culture to newer heights. Padma awardees and Shilp Gurus will also be honoured during this event.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); What is more, separate stalls will be put up to showcase items from all 75 districts of the state, highlighting their unique ODOP (One District One Product) items. The exhibition will feature Varanasis Gulabi Meenakari (pink enamelwork) and Ganesh idols, Moradabads brassware, Azamgarhs black pottery, Kannaujs perfumes, Banda and Banaras silk products, and Lucknows chikankari embroidery. Additionally, the Golden Talent Hall will be a major attraction for young entrepreneurs in the state, hosting award-winning startups, women entrepreneurs, and angel investor meets. The Town of Export Excellence will showcase products from districts with significant export potential and a dedicated hall will focus entirely on the health and wellness sector, featuring stalls related to AYUSH. Moreover, halls dedicated to IT, ITES, infrastructure, tourism, and hospitality will captivate visitors from around the world. The trade show will include B2B meetings and seminars and is expected to host over two thousand exhibitors displaying their products. The best of UP The exhibition will feature Varanasis Gulabi Meenakari (pink enamelwork) and Ganesh idols, Moradabads brassware, Azamgarhs black pottery, Kannaujs perfumes, Banda and Banaras silk products Narendra Sethi By Express News Service DEHRADUN: A record 43.5 lakh pilgrims have registered for the Char Dham Yatra, of which 24.5 lakh have already completed the holy journey. As the Yatra sets a new record this year, environmental experts in Uttarakhand have expressed concern over the governments achievement, calling it the beginning of a big danger. Last year, over 46 lakh pilgrims visited Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib, Yogendra Gangwar, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board joint director, told TNIE. This year, the number of registrations has crossed 43.5 lakh in just one-and-a-half months, which clearly indicates that last years record will definitely be surpassed, Gangwar said. However, environmentalists are quite worried about the rising number of pilgrims. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Magsaysay Award-winning environmentalist and a recipient of Padma Bhushan Chandi Prasad Bhatt said, There was a time when wearing red clothes was forbidden in this Himalayan region. There was also a ban on speaking loudly and making noise, as there was a risk of the glacier being adversely affected due to the vibration of the noise. Expressing concern over the long queues of the pilgrims, Bhatt said, The ill effects have also been seen on wild animals and flora. Today we are ignoring all these warnings, which resulted in disasters such as the one in 2013. He said people will ultimately suffer if we continue to treat the Himalayas unfavourably, said Bhatt, the 90-year-old environmentalist. Environmentalist and scientist Dev Raghvendra, who is campaigning vigorously to save the Himalayas from pollution, said the government was projecting the arrival of lakhs of pilgrims to the Char Dham Yatra as its achievement, but the hills have only a limited capacity to bear the load. The government should immediately change its approach towards the pilgrims, otherwise we are again writing a script for the recurrence of a major disaster, said Raghvendra. According to the information received, within 45 days of the Yatra that started on April 22, 121 pilgrims from all over the country died. Of these, 58 pilgrims died during the Kedarnath Yatra. Bad weather, severe cold, heart attack and other reasons were cited as the reasons behind the deaths. As many as 634 people have been injured so far and, 20 mules carrying these devotees have also died. On the Yamunotri route, 470 pilgrims were injured, while 21 horses and mules died. According to the report, most of the pilgrims who died were from Bengal, Maharashtra, UP, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. According to a report, oxygen service was provided to more than 2,500 pilgrims due to breathing problems. All of them were trekking to reach the temple located at an altitude of 11,775 feet. DEHRADUN: A record 43.5 lakh pilgrims have registered for the Char Dham Yatra, of which 24.5 lakh have already completed the holy journey. As the Yatra sets a new record this year, environmental experts in Uttarakhand have expressed concern over the governments achievement, calling it the beginning of a big danger. Last year, over 46 lakh pilgrims visited Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib, Yogendra Gangwar, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board joint director, told TNIE. This year, the number of registrations has crossed 43.5 lakh in just one-and-a-half months, which clearly indicates that last years record will definitely be surpassed, Gangwar said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); However, environmentalists are quite worried about the rising number of pilgrims. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Magsaysay Award-winning environmentalist and a recipient of Padma Bhushan Chandi Prasad Bhatt said, There was a time when wearing red clothes was forbidden in this Himalayan region. There was also a ban on speaking loudly and making noise, as there was a risk of the glacier being adversely affected due to the vibration of the noise. Expressing concern over the long queues of the pilgrims, Bhatt said, The ill effects have also been seen on wild animals and flora. Today we are ignoring all these warnings, which resulted in disasters such as the one in 2013. He said people will ultimately suffer if we continue to treat the Himalayas unfavourably, said Bhatt, the 90-year-old environmentalist. Environmentalist and scientist Dev Raghvendra, who is campaigning vigorously to save the Himalayas from pollution, said the government was projecting the arrival of lakhs of pilgrims to the Char Dham Yatra as its achievement, but the hills have only a limited capacity to bear the load. The government should immediately change its approach towards the pilgrims, otherwise we are again writing a script for the recurrence of a major disaster, said Raghvendra. According to the information received, within 45 days of the Yatra that started on April 22, 121 pilgrims from all over the country died. Of these, 58 pilgrims died during the Kedarnath Yatra. Bad weather, severe cold, heart attack and other reasons were cited as the reasons behind the deaths. As many as 634 people have been injured so far and, 20 mules carrying these devotees have also died. On the Yamunotri route, 470 pilgrims were injured, while 21 horses and mules died. According to the report, most of the pilgrims who died were from Bengal, Maharashtra, UP, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. According to a report, oxygen service was provided to more than 2,500 pilgrims due to breathing problems. All of them were trekking to reach the temple located at an altitude of 11,775 feet. By PTI NANDED: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the BJP for the chief minister's post after the Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019 by joining hands with Nationalist Congress Party and Congress. Addressing a rally at Nanded as a part of the BJP's outreach campaign to mark the completion of nine years of the Narendra Modi government, Shah said the BJP didn't bring down the Thackeray-led MVA government last year. He said Shiv Sainiks who were tired of Thackeray's policies and were not ready to go with the NCP headed by Sharad Pawar. He said in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, people have to decide who will become the prime minister of the country Narendra Modi or Congress' Rahul Gandhi. "I as (then) BJP president and (the then chief minister) Devendra Fadnavis had carried out negotiations in which Thackeray agreed that if the NDA gets majority, Fadnavis will be the chief minister (again) of Maharashtra. However, after the results (in 2019), Thackeray broke the promise and sat in the Congress-NCP's lap," Shah added. The Shiv Sena (undivided) and the BJP contested the 2019 Assembly polls together, but the former walked out of the alliance over the post of chief minister. "The act of cheating and betrayal was done by Uddhav Thackeray. The elections were contested in the name of Modi ji and Devendra ji and he sat in the lap of Congress to become chief minister," Shah said. Leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) routinely dub lawmakers who owe allegiance to Chief Minister Shinde, whose rebellion in June last year split the party founded by the late Bal Thackeray, as traitors who betrayed the Thackerays and the party. Shah said the Shiv Sena, which is now headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has got back its bow and arrow and it has been decided who the real Shiv Sena is. He dared Thackeray to make his stand clear on whether he agreed with abolishing the practice of triple talaq, the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Uniform Civil Code and reservation for Muslims. Shah also targeted Thackeray over the Congress' stand on Hindutva ideologue late VD Savarkar. He said while being with the Congress and the NCP, Thackeray cannot support the renaming of Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar, Osmanabad as Dharashiv and also Ahmednagar. In his last cabinet meeting last year, Thackeray had decided to change the names of Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv. "You cannot have your feet in two boats. You will be exposed before the people of the state," Shah said in a swipe at Thackeray. Shah said during the COVID-19 pandemic while Modi was giving vaccines to countrymen, Thackeray did not go to office. Thackeray had received flak for not going to the office during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his revised autobiography released last month, NCP president Sharad Pawar said although the middle class liked Thackeray's Facebook Live during the COVID-19 pandemic, him going to Mantralaya (the state secretariat) just twice was difficult to fathom. Shah said four generations of the Congress could not achieve what Modi did in nine years. He said Prime Minister Modi is working to raise the stature of India globally, while on the other hand, the Congress' "prince" Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and insults the country. "Rahul baba, one does not talk about the country's politics when he is abroad. If you don't know about this then ask senior Congress leaders. Rahul baba does not speak in the country. He talks abroad because there are very few in the country who listen to him," Shah said. The senior BJP leader said a magnificent Ram Temple will be built in Ayodhya by 2024. NANDED: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the BJP for the chief minister's post after the Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019 by joining hands with Nationalist Congress Party and Congress. Addressing a rally at Nanded as a part of the BJP's outreach campaign to mark the completion of nine years of the Narendra Modi government, Shah said the BJP didn't bring down the Thackeray-led MVA government last year. He said Shiv Sainiks who were tired of Thackeray's policies and were not ready to go with the NCP headed by Sharad Pawar.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, people have to decide who will become the prime minister of the country Narendra Modi or Congress' Rahul Gandhi. "I as (then) BJP president and (the then chief minister) Devendra Fadnavis had carried out negotiations in which Thackeray agreed that if the NDA gets majority, Fadnavis will be the chief minister (again) of Maharashtra. However, after the results (in 2019), Thackeray broke the promise and sat in the Congress-NCP's lap," Shah added. The Shiv Sena (undivided) and the BJP contested the 2019 Assembly polls together, but the former walked out of the alliance over the post of chief minister. "The act of cheating and betrayal was done by Uddhav Thackeray. The elections were contested in the name of Modi ji and Devendra ji and he sat in the lap of Congress to become chief minister," Shah said. Leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) routinely dub lawmakers who owe allegiance to Chief Minister Shinde, whose rebellion in June last year split the party founded by the late Bal Thackeray, as traitors who betrayed the Thackerays and the party. Shah said the Shiv Sena, which is now headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has got back its bow and arrow and it has been decided who the real Shiv Sena is. He dared Thackeray to make his stand clear on whether he agreed with abolishing the practice of triple talaq, the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Uniform Civil Code and reservation for Muslims. Shah also targeted Thackeray over the Congress' stand on Hindutva ideologue late VD Savarkar. He said while being with the Congress and the NCP, Thackeray cannot support the renaming of Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar, Osmanabad as Dharashiv and also Ahmednagar. In his last cabinet meeting last year, Thackeray had decided to change the names of Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv. "You cannot have your feet in two boats. You will be exposed before the people of the state," Shah said in a swipe at Thackeray. Shah said during the COVID-19 pandemic while Modi was giving vaccines to countrymen, Thackeray did not go to office. Thackeray had received flak for not going to the office during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his revised autobiography released last month, NCP president Sharad Pawar said although the middle class liked Thackeray's Facebook Live during the COVID-19 pandemic, him going to Mantralaya (the state secretariat) just twice was difficult to fathom. Shah said four generations of the Congress could not achieve what Modi did in nine years. He said Prime Minister Modi is working to raise the stature of India globally, while on the other hand, the Congress' "prince" Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and insults the country. "Rahul baba, one does not talk about the country's politics when he is abroad. If you don't know about this then ask senior Congress leaders. Rahul baba does not speak in the country. He talks abroad because there are very few in the country who listen to him," Shah said. The senior BJP leader said a magnificent Ram Temple will be built in Ayodhya by 2024. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Eminent Bharatanatyam guru, Sri Ganesan from Malaysia, collapsed and died during an event at Bhanja Kala Mandap on Friday evening. He was 60. Ganesan was rushed to Capital Hospital where the doctors declared him dead. The Malaysia-based dance guru had arrived in the city to attend the three-day Jayadev Samaroha, organised by the National Cultural Mission. He was staying in Panthanivas here. Ganesan reportedly performed during the event and collapsed while lighting the lamp.Ganesan seemed to be in good health. He performed Bharatanatyam based on Gita Govinda in the evening. Unfortunately, he collapsed while lighting the lamp on stage, said organiser Jagabandhu Jena. Our initial investigation suggests Ganesan died due to some natural cause. Further details will emerge after his postmortem report is received, said an officer of Badagada police station. Ganesan was the president of the Malaysia Barathanatyam Dance Association. He was also the director of Sri Ganesalaya in Kuala Lumpur. BHUBANESWAR: Eminent Bharatanatyam guru, Sri Ganesan from Malaysia, collapsed and died during an event at Bhanja Kala Mandap on Friday evening. He was 60. Ganesan was rushed to Capital Hospital where the doctors declared him dead. The Malaysia-based dance guru had arrived in the city to attend the three-day Jayadev Samaroha, organised by the National Cultural Mission. He was staying in Panthanivas here. Ganesan reportedly performed during the event and collapsed while lighting the lamp.Ganesan seemed to be in good health. He performed Bharatanatyam based on Gita Govinda in the evening. Unfortunately, he collapsed while lighting the lamp on stage, said organiser Jagabandhu Jena.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Our initial investigation suggests Ganesan died due to some natural cause. Further details will emerge after his postmortem report is received, said an officer of Badagada police station. Ganesan was the president of the Malaysia Barathanatyam Dance Association. He was also the director of Sri Ganesalaya in Kuala Lumpur. Diana Sahu By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Ferrying decomposed bodies isnt new for siblings Muna Nayak and Sagar Nayak, both ambulance drivers from Bhanjanagar. But this time, the experience of carrying the mortal remains of victims of the Bahanaga train accident was traumatising and physically draining for them. Muna has just returned from Bihar after transporting a body to a village near Patna while Sagar is on his way to Nepal on a similar assignment. In their mid-20s, the brothers work for a private agency that looks into ambulance requirements at Capital Hospital. Muna drove at a stretch for more than 900 km on Monday night. The stench of decomposing flesh was unbearable for both me and the deceaseds relative but we had to reach early. After reaching the village on Tuesday evening, the family asked me to take the body directly to the burial ground because the final rituals could not be performed at home owing to the condition of the body and odour, Muna said. He drove back to Bhubaneswar immediately considering he would be required again to work at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. ALSO READ | Odisha train crash: Nightmares, olfactory hallucination haunt rescuers as PTSD sets in For Sagar too, this is the first time he has carried a decomposing body to a place as far as Nepal. And this is his second such trip this week. He ferried a body to Bihar on Monday and took another to Nepal on Thursday. Sagar had already travelled 1,200 km with the body with just a 10-minute break in between for tea. After the bodies were shifted from Balasore to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the state government announced a free ambulance service to transport the mortal remains of victims who lost their lives in the train accident. Like Muna and Sagar, there are several other ambulance drivers in the state who are currently on the job. ALSO READ | Odisha train crash: Bahanaga school that became a temporary morgue set to be demolished State transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur informed both 108 and private ambulances are being used to send the mortal remains of victims to their destinations. While 108 ambulances are ferrying the bodies to districts within the state, private ambulances are being used to send the bodies to other states. BHUBANESWAR: Ferrying decomposed bodies isnt new for siblings Muna Nayak and Sagar Nayak, both ambulance drivers from Bhanjanagar. But this time, the experience of carrying the mortal remains of victims of the Bahanaga train accident was traumatising and physically draining for them. Muna has just returned from Bihar after transporting a body to a village near Patna while Sagar is on his way to Nepal on a similar assignment. In their mid-20s, the brothers work for a private agency that looks into ambulance requirements at Capital Hospital. Muna drove at a stretch for more than 900 km on Monday night. The stench of decomposing flesh was unbearable for both me and the deceaseds relative but we had to reach early. After reaching the village on Tuesday evening, the family asked me to take the body directly to the burial ground because the final rituals could not be performed at home owing to the condition of the body and odour, Muna said. He drove back to Bhubaneswar immediately considering he would be required again to work at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | Odisha train crash: Nightmares, olfactory hallucination haunt rescuers as PTSD sets in For Sagar too, this is the first time he has carried a decomposing body to a place as far as Nepal. And this is his second such trip this week. He ferried a body to Bihar on Monday and took another to Nepal on Thursday. Sagar had already travelled 1,200 km with the body with just a 10-minute break in between for tea. After the bodies were shifted from Balasore to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the state government announced a free ambulance service to transport the mortal remains of victims who lost their lives in the train accident. Like Muna and Sagar, there are several other ambulance drivers in the state who are currently on the job. ALSO READ | Odisha train crash: Bahanaga school that became a temporary morgue set to be demolished State transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur informed both 108 and private ambulances are being used to send the mortal remains of victims to their destinations. While 108 ambulances are ferrying the bodies to districts within the state, private ambulances are being used to send the bodies to other states. Lingering effects of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans New York, June 9: Recent scientific findings have revealed that Neanderthal genes compose 1 to 4 per cent of the genome of modern-day humans whose ancestors moved out of Africa, but the issue of how much those genes are still actively influencing human traits has gone unanswered until now. Lingering effects of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans A multi-institutional research team led by Cornell University has created a new set of computational genetic tools to examine the genetic impacts of 50,000-year-old interbreeding between humans of non-African descent and Neanderthals. (The study applies exclusively to descendants of people who came from Africa before Neanderthals died out, and in particular, those of European descent.)In a study published in eLife, the researchers reported that some Neanderthal genes are responsible for certain traits in modern humans, including several with a significant influence on the immune system. Overall, however, the study shows that modern human genes are winning out over successive generations."Interestingly, we found that several of the identified genes involved in modern human immune, metabolic and developmental systems might have influenced human evolution after the ancestors' migration out of Africa," said study co-lead author April (Xinzhu) Wei, an assistant professor of computational biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. "We have made our custom software available for free download and use by anyone interested in further research."Using a vast dataset from the UK Biobank consisting of genetic and trait information of nearly 300,000 Brits of non-African ancestry, the researchers analyzed more than 235,000 genetic variants likely to have originated from Neanderthals. They found that 4,303 of those differences in DNA are playing a substantial role in modern humans and influencing 47 distinct genetic traits, such as how fast someone can burn calories or a person's natural immune resistance to certain diseases.Unlike previous studies that could not fully exclude genes from modern human variants, the new study leveraged more precise statistical methods to focus on the variants attributable to Neanderthal genes.While the study used a dataset of almost exclusively white individuals living in the United Kingdom, the new computational methods developed by the team could offer a path forward in gleaning evolutionary insights from other large databases to delve deeper into archaic humans' genetic influences on modern humans."For scientists studying human evolution interested in understanding how interbreeding with archaic humans tens of thousands of years ago still shapes the biology of many present-day humans, this study can fill in some of those blanks," said senior investigator Sriram Sankararaman, an associate professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. "More broadly, our findings can also provide new insights for evolutionary biologists looking at how the echoes of these types of events may have both beneficial and detrimental consequences."ANI09 June 2023 Shared Recently! UN urges Lebanon, Israel to hold talks to resolve outstanding issues Beirut, June 9: The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has urged Beirut and Israel to hold talks to address outstanding issues. UN urges Lebanon, Israel to hold talks to resolve outstanding issues "I continue to appeal for engagement in Blue Line talks to address outstanding issues. Our efforts need to be forward-looking and focused on solutions, getting beyond the immediate incidents and looking at how we resolve them," said UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lazaro.He made the remarks during a regular tripartite meeting held at the UN outpost in Ras al-Naqoura, one day after Israel began bulldozing agricultural land owned by Lebanese in the occupied Kfarchouba Hills, reports Xinhua news agency."During the last couple of months, there have been several concerning developments along the Blue Line," Lazaro said, calling on the parties "to continue to avail of our liaison and coordination mechanisms while avoiding unilateral actions."The Lebanese army, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the tripartite meeting discussed Israel's repeated attacks on Lebanon and its continuous violations of Lebanese sovereignty by land, sea and air.According to the statement, the army held the Israeli enemy responsible for the consequences of these attacks, calling on the UN to exert maximum pressure to stop them.The Lebanese side also reaffirmed the country's commitment to UN resolutions, particularly the UN Resolution 1701 and its provisions, stressing the need for Israel to withdraw from all the occupied Lebanese territories.On April 6, Lebanon and Israel exchanged fire after the Israeli police forces raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem's Old City, firing gas canisters and stun grenades at Palestinian worshipers.It was one of the worst rocket attacks on northern Israel since the 2006 full-fledged war between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group.IANS09 June 2023 Shared Recently! Leading Climate Tech Company XNRGY Announces Phase One of its New Arizona Manufacturing Facility MONTREAL: XNRGY Climate Systems (XNRGY), a leader in the design and manufacturing of energy efficient commercial HVAC systems, today announced that it has secured the financing for phase one of its U.S. headquarters in Mesa, Arizona. Leading Climate Tech Company XNRGY Announces Phase One of its New Arizona Manufacturing Facility Located next to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, the new Arizona facility will include 250,000 sq. ft. of production capacity along with 25,000 sq. ft. of office space and is expected to be completed by 2024. The financing has been provided by its new development partner, The Boyer Company. XNRGY has also secured additional options from The Boyer Company to finance an additional 750,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space at the Mesa, Arizona site.The Arizona facility will add significant capacity and pan-North American coverage to better support its clients. Led by industry pioneers with decades of combined working experience, XNRGY is on a mission to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial buildings. XNRGY's high-performance HVAC systems are designed to increase energy efficiency, reduce costs, and provide superior indoor air quality to mission critical customers including hospitals, clean rooms, educational institutions, and data centers.XNRGY's estimated investment and economic impact to Arizona of $300 million USD is significant and will create more than 1,200 employment opportunities. All construction phases are targeted for completion within 5 years.This expansion is reflective of our steadfast commitment to our customers by providing them with additional production capacity, shorter lead times, and the latest climate tech innovations, said Wais Jalali, the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of XNRGY. I am excited to embark on this next stage of growth with our valued partner, The Boyer Company, to better serve our customers, he said.With our new Arizona manufacturing facility, XNRGY will take the lead in sustainability and environmental impact through technology. We will continue to design and manufacture our climate technology solutions for our customers while also building a facility that itself reduces carbon footprint and water usage through our own innovations, said Larry Hopkins, Chief Technology Officer at XNRGY. The facility's leading edge is further evidenced by the inclusion of an R&D Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) Lab which will demonstrate visualization technologies for key metrics such as power usage efficiency and data center performance indicators, he said.XNRGY is exactly the type of company we hoped to attract to our Gateway East development, said Matt Jensen who is a partner with the project developer, The Boyer Company. We are excited to get the initial building underway and look forward to helping XNRGY grow to meet proliferating customer needs.About XNRGY Climate SystemsXNRGY is a privately held climate technology company that designs, engineers, and manufactures sophisticated, sustainable innovative solutions focused on reducing carbon footprint, water usage and energy consumption. Key products include large custom refrigeration and chilled water air handling units, vertical and horizontal CRAC and CRAH units up to 600 kW, clean room systems, energy recovery systems, low dewpoint EV manufacturing units, and factory installed turnkey controls platform. XNRGY uses BIM/CFD to prevent transient performance failures in mission-critical facilities. XNRGY looks at iso vectors and pressure distribution to design the most efficient systems for clients. This contributes to lower KW while delivering the maximum air to the buildings as well as adding to LEED and NET ZERO initiatives (Paris Climate Accord). To learn more about XNRGY, visit www.xnrgy.comAbout The Boyer CompanyThe Boyer Company is a full-service developer and manager of industrial, retail, office, residential, medical, government, and other specialty property types. Boyer is a preferred development partner for a wide variety of public entities, having the expertise and financial stability to successfully work on public-private projects with a number of governmental entities. The company is focused on creating positive long-term relationships with clients. Boyer is one of the largest development firms in the Western United States having developed over 43 million square feet of commercial space since 1972. The company is currently working on over $1B in active development projects. To learn more about Boyer, visit www.boyercompany.com.PRN09 June 2023 Shared Recently! Ukraine and Canada, in a declaration signed by the leaders of the two countries on Saturday, recorded Canada's support for Ukraine's entry into NATO, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a press conference after a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday. "And today, in our joint declaration with Mr. Prime Minister, we recorded Canadian support for Ukraine's membership in NATO," he said. Zelenskyy thanked the government of Canada for the decision to extend the duty-free import of goods from Ukraine for another year. "This is very important during the war for our economy, for our people," he said. The president also welcomed the decision of the Canadian side to transfer the confiscated Russian An-124 cargo aircraft to Ukraine. "We discussed the restoration of Ukraine, the involvement of Canadian businesses in the recovery, in the implementation of specific projects, and in our victory we will be as united as we are now on our path to protecting life and people," Zelenskyy stressed. Zelenskyy also expressed condolences and support to all Canadians who "are now going through such a terrible test of forest fires and the scale of these fires is colossal." "We talked about how Ukraine can help in this situation. We never remain indifferent to the threats to life, we are ready to help with our fire brigades if necessary," the president stressed. According to him, they discussed the need for artillery, armored vehicles, and this is what Ukraine needs support for." Zelenskyy also informed "about our rescue operation in Kherson region" and, in his words, "is grateful to Canada for its willingness to help." "We discussed demining in Ukraine. It is very important. Canada is already helping us. We determined how to extend this cooperation and save even more lives of Ukrainian citizens," he said. China adopts Sun Tzus Art of War, uses deceit, espionage to gain global recognition: Expert Beijing, June 9: The modern People's Republic of China (PRC) has not only adopted Sun Tzu's philosophies but all Chinese military troops appear to have memorized his work, reported The Times of Israel. China adopts Sun Tzu's Art of War, uses deceit, espionage to gain global recognition: Expert Sun Tzu was a military strategist who lived during the Eastern Zhou period of 771 to 256 BCE. He is famously known for his book 'The Art of War', a guide on how to successfully engage in conflict and battle.Vas Shenoy, a political researcher, writes in The Times of Israel that phrases such as indirect strategy, maximum profit with minimum effort, avoiding combat, some and mirrors, and deceit, are the terms used by Sun Tzu.Russia's attack on Ukraine today has brought war back to Europe. Vladimir Putin's attack on Kyiv does not follow Master Sun's maxim that an enemy should be subdued without a fight, but China has continued to prefer cold wars over hot wars.With the exception of Xi Jinping, every member of the Central Military Commission is a general or admiral who has mastered the "Art of War" to the letter, wrote Vas Shenoy.The first precept of Xi Jinping's China is the employment of espionage and unconventional warfare. China has more active hackers (live agents) than the majority of other nations. The most active spies are those that aggressively seek economic, technological, and personal information and spread misinformation, as per The Times of Israel.There are no restrictions on what the PRC can do, from selling surveillance cameras to survey streets, traffic signals, and sensitive installations to a contemporary app like TikTok that is used to collect data on users throughout the world, distort information, and propagate propaganda.There are 102 abroad Chinese police stations in 53 nations, including Italy, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, according to the human rights organisation Safeguard Defenders, which brought attention to the matter for the first time in 2022.These Chinese spies run illegal Chinese police stations, gathering information on Chinese citizens and those who oppose the current Chinese regime. They live legally in Italy and other countries that housed them under the pretext of police stations. All of this was accomplished by deceiving the host government.Another instance of the current Chinese government using Master Sun's technique is attacking where resistance is little. You dissipate, moving in the direction of the place of least resistance, wherever they strike.Pakistan, which is currently in upheaval, can serve as an example. The nation is China's go-to ally in any situation and was a crucial ally of NATO during its invasion of Afghanistan.As a result of the current unrest in Pakistan and the West's abandoning of Afghanistan, China has gained access to Afghanistan's natural riches, particularly lithium, the fuel of the future. Afghanistan, ruled by the Taliban and considered a pariah by the West and a threat to its patron Pakistan, maybe the newest member of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), taking the place of Italy, which seems is on its way out.Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing on February 4, 2022. He and Chinese Premier Xi declared a relationship with "no limits." The two nations, who have a 4,200 km shared border, were adversaries during the Cold War. The genuine start of the Sino-Russian rapprochement came following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Following his "no limits friendship" proclamation, Putin invaded Ukraine, isolating Russia and forcing it to depend on China. Russia has changed from being a rival to being an extension of China.By supporting Putin, Xi could put another Master Sun's teaching into practice in a single action, reported The Times of Israel.ANI09 June 2023 Shared Recently! Germany Defence Ministry concerned over ex-pilots sharing secrets with China Berlin, June 9: The German Defence Ministry has expressed concern that its retired air force pilots, lured by private training contracts, are sharing their unique skills with China, reported Deutsche Welle (DW). Germany Defence Ministry concerned over ex-pilots sharing secrets with China China and Germany have previously participated in official military training programmes, the report noted, adding that military organisations frequently share their technical and tactical expertise. However, it is uncommon for retired army people to share their specialised skills with the commercial sector.But these norms are now being examined more closely when it comes to China. The same was recently demonstrated by the strong response in Germany to a report, shedding light on a routine practice According to the publication, Spiegel and the public broadcaster ZDF, as cited by DW, a "handful" of retired German air force pilots have relocated to China on highly lucrative private training contracts, as per DW.DW is Germany's international broadcaster which provides news and information.German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, was attending a high-level defence summit in Singapore when the story broke. He told his Chinese counterpart, Li Shangfu, that he expected "this practice to be stopped immediately."This development came at the time when the German government, at the request of the United States, reevaluated its economic and strategic relationship with China, the report said.Marcus Faber, a lawmaker who sits on the parliamentary defence committee, told DW in a statement, "The (defence) ministry must now do everything possible to end this practice. The rules for people who, due to their world for the German state, have access to security-relevant information need to be urgently tightened."There are no legal violations inherent in the work. However, because of the legal grey zone, the German government has little power to halt this form of knowledge transfer, the report noted.However, a representative for the German defence ministry told DW that short of a clear case of disclosing state secrets, former military personnel and other government employees are generally free to exploit their skills. They are liable for "retroactive service obligations", the statement said. In accordance with that, they must disclose their job and "maintain secrecy about matters that he or she became aware of". The ministry then does a "conflict of interest check" and has the right to reject an application if it uncovers any.The ministry has voiced concern about the fact that Chinese pilots are being taught the fundamentals of flying, including information on NATO operational strategies. But it's not clear if doing that would violate the confidentiality agreement.The South African school, TFASA, which was mentioned in the Spiegel investigation, denied endangering the national security of any nation in a statement to DW.A London-based communications consultancy representing TFASA said, "All training aspects and material are strictly unclassified, and provided either from open source or the clients themselves."According to analysts of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), China's armed force, the practice of using veteran NATO pilots to teach Chinese airmen may go back almost a decade. That was long before the US national security policy referred to China as the "only competitor" with the ability and intention to "reshape the international order" and the European Union labelled China as a "systemic rival."But China has a long history of successfully using foreign know-how to accelerate its domestic prowess. Western advances in academia and research, industry, technology, and intellectual property have all found their way into Chinese equivalents, the report noted, adding that it is not a big leap to apply these efforts to the defence sector.Tzu-Yun Su, a research fellow at the Institute for National Defence and Security Research (INDSR) in Taiwan, told DW, "For the PLA, working with retired Western pilots allows them to refine their doctrine, and it's essentially stealing secrets of Western countries' military exercises."ANI09 June 2023 Shared Recently! Over 67% students pass university entrance exam in Myanmar Yangon, June 9: Myanmar's Ministry of Education said on Friday that 67.87 per cent of students have passed their university entrance exam for the 2022-2023 academic year. Over 67% students pass university entrance exam in Myanmar A total of 161,850 students took the exam for the current academic year, reports Xinhua news agency.Of them, 109,851 students passed the exam, the Ministry said.This year's pass rate was up, as compared to 46.88 percentage points from the 2021-2022 academic year, official data showed.Myanmar held the nationwide matriculation exam for the 2022-2023 academic year in March this year with 863 exam centres, including five overseas exam centers.From the overseas exam centers, 10 students passed the matriculation exam, with a passing rate of 90.91 per cent, the Ministry figures showed.According to the Ministry, 4,108 students, or 63.86 per cent of entrants, in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw passed the exam this year, while 15,285 students, or 64.20 per cent of entrants, in Yangon region passed.In Myanmar, students take the matriculation examination before joining universities.A high score in the exam is needed to enroll in the Southeast Asian country's famous higher education institutions.IANS09 June 2023 Shared Recently! Over 41,200 people enter Ethiopia from Sudan: UN Addis Ababa, June 9: The number of people arriving in Ethiopia to escape the violence in Sudan has surpassed 41,200, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said. Over 41,200 people enter Ethiopia from Sudan: UN "More than 41,200 people are estimated to have crossed from Sudan into Ethiopia, majority are Ethiopian returnees, as of June 6," the UNOCHA said in its latest situation update.The UNOCHA said the uninterrupted daily large number of arrivals, estimated between 700 and 1,000 per day, is a challenge to response capacities at the Metema point of entry in Ethiopia's Amhara region, reports Xinhua news agency.It warned that more than 4,000 refugees, asylum seekers and about 80 returnees remain at the Metema point of entry resulting in congestion that could expose arrivals to health and protection risks.It said more than 19,500 Ethiopian returnees were provided with transportation services from Metema to their respective destinations.Noting that hot meals, drinking water and health services are being provided at the Metema point of entry and Mandefro Terara transit site, the UNOCHA said the services are far from meeting the scale of needs.Amidst efforts being made by partners to assess the situation at other border entry points of the country, the UNOCHA said refugees and asylum seekers in Gambella Region reportedly must travel from crossing points to existing refugee camps or often stay with host communities as there is no known support in between the areas.Sudan has witnessed deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese Army 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.The conflict has so far killed more than 800 people, injured thousands others and displaced at least 1.6 million.IANS09 June 2023 Shared Recently! Odisha train mishap: School that stored bodies demolished after students scared to return Balasore, June 9: The process of demolition of a school building where some of the bodies of those killed in the recent train crash in Bahanaga in Odisha's Balasore district were stored, began on Friday morning after students expressed their reluctance to return to the place. Odisha train mishap: School that stored bodies demolished after students scared to return Demolition of the Bahanaga High School building in Balasore district began today in the presence of school managing committee. On Thursday, Balasore district collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde had visited the school and said it would be demolished if the school managing committee submits a resolution.The committee accordingly submitted the resolution following which the demolition started. It had earlier members met with District Collector Shinde and discussed virtually with Odisha chief secretary PK Jena the reluctance of the students to attend classes in the school where bodies of the victims of the June 2 mishap were kept.Students of the 65-year-old educational institution said they were scared to return to the school. Speaking to ANI, a student of the school said, "After the horrific train accident, our school was full of bodies. We just cannot forget the scary pictures of those bodies scattered all over our school premises. Almost all the bodies were headless and limbless. Even entrails were visible. Maybe our minds will calm down after sanitization, puja-hawan and painting the school building."The school which had a strength of 567 students had six classrooms filled with bodies after the June 2 incident involving three trains- the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express, the Howrah-bound Shalimar Express and a goods train, which left 288 people dead. The incident took place about 100 metres from the Bahanaga High School.A Class 8 student at the school said, "I feel scared about going back to the school. There were body parts lying on the floor. My younger brother and sister feel scared as well."Another student said, "Those who are younger to me and the girls will feel scared. If the school is sanitised and painted it would be better for us."Smruti Rekha Panda, a teacher of the school said that rituals like a havan, according to Hindu traditions should be performed at the school to ward off evil spirits, as per popular belief."We have requested the authorities to organise a havan at the school so that people come back to the school and are not frightened," she said.Panda said that students are being motivated at present to come to school but there is a state of fear in their minds. "We are trying to reassure them those were dead bodies and nothing will happen to them. However, students fear coming here as they believe it is haunted," the teacher saidPanda also requested the State government as well as the central government to do some major alterations to the space so that students get the confidence to come back.Padmaloch Malik, a teacher at the school said, "The prayer hall and the dining hall will be demolished and constructed again. Parents and children were objecting to the fact that bodies were kept in those rooms. Yesterday, the District Magistrate visited the school. All this is superstition. The new building will be constructed in four to five months time by demolishing the rooms in which the bodies were kept. Till then children will be taught by making temporary arrangements," he said.Ashish Kumar Sahu, another teacher said, "The Odisha Chief Secretary had a virtual meeting with the students, teachers, school principal and district collector. There the students said that if the building is painted and some parts of it demolished and newly constructed they can come back to school."ANI09 June 2023 Shared Recently! President Droupadi Murmu successfully concludes Suriname, Serbia visits Belgrade [Serbia], June 9: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday successfully concluded her two-nation visits to Suriname and Serbia, the Ministry of External Affairs informed in a statement. President Droupadi Murmu successfully concludes Suriname, Serbia visits President Murmu visited Suriname and Serbia from June 4 to 9. This was her maiden visit to Suriname, at the invitation of Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and also her first state visit since assuming office in July 2022. Murmu also received an invitation from Serbian President Aleksander Vucic to visit his country."President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn successfully concludes her visit to Suriname and Serbia. The visit has set new milestones in India's ties with the two countries," tweeted MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Friday.President Droupadi Murmu and Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday agreed to set a target for bilateral trade from the present 32 crore Euros to one billion euros by the end of the decade, the Ministry of External Affairs said.During the business event, both leaders agreed to set a target for bilateral trade from the present 32 crores to a billion euros by the end of the decade, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary-West Sanjay Verma said in a media briefing.MEA Secretary said President Droupadi Murmu had a packed day of official engagements, which started with a guard of honour at the Serbia Palace, followed by restricted-level talks, delegation-level talks, a joint address to the media and a business event."During the interactions on Thursday morning, both presidents reiterated old commitments and resolved to explore new areas of cooperation for further strengthening bilateral relations," MEA Secretary West Sanjay Verma said.The Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, Dr Vladimir Orlic, also called on President Murmu.Later, President Droupadi Murmu laid a wreath on the memorial of the unknown warrior atop Mountain Avala in Belgrade.During delegation-level talks, President Vucic was joined by the Ministers of Defense, Agriculture, Culture, Health, mining and energy, construction, transport and infrastructure, trade and tourism, and youth, which means eight members of the Cabinet were present today for the delegation-level talks. Each participating minister was briefed about the potential in their respective sectors, Sanjay added.At the outset, President Vucic expressed his condolences for the loss of lives in the triple train accident in Odisha. During the bilateral interactions, both leaders reiterated their principle stand on the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. President Butcheck described Serbia's relationship with India as a fraternity.He termed India as a time-tested, friendly country and told the Indian president to consider Serbia as a second motherland.President Vucic identified six major areas of cooperation. "These included defence and military tech cooperation pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial cooperation, information technology, AI cultural cooperation, including film production and cemetery graphics".Both sides discussed "cooperation in the field of culture, particularly in cinema films, and tourism came up repeatedly". Serbia sees the potential of attracting Indian filmmakers for shooting post-production and during the visit, there is a high-profile Indian film crew shooting in this country.Murmu reached Suriname on June 4 and towards the end of her visit, she said that a mini India resides in Suriname and highlighted the significant contributions made by Indians in various aspects of Suriname's development, including the economy, society, and culture.President Droupadi Murmu was also conferred with the highest civilian award of Suriname -- Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star.Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her on the honour saying that this special gesture from the government and the people of Suriname symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two countries."Congratulations to Rashtrapati Ji on being conferred the highest civilian award of Suriname - Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star. This special gesture from the Government and people of Suriname symbolizes the enduring friendship between our countries", the Prime Minister said in a tweet.During her visit, she also met people of Indian origin living in Suriname at a community reception which was also attended by Suriname President Chandikaprasad Santokhi.Addressing the people present on the occasion, President Draupadi Murmu said, "It is a matter of pride for us that Indians have reached the highest positions in Suriname.""My first state visit after assuming office is to Suriname. It is a privilege for me to be part of the celebration of 150 years of the arrival of Indians in Suriname. It is a matter of pride for us that Indians have reached the highest positions in Suriname. Indians have been contributing significantly to the development of Suriname economically, socially and culturally," President Murmu said.She further said the Centre's policy is to build permanent relations with all its friendly countries."Today India is moving fast towards development, India has always been ahead in helping its friendly countries regarding vaccines and medicines," she added.Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santoki, while addressing the event, said that Suriname will further strengthen the 47 years of relationship with India."We are celebrating 150 years of Indian coming to Suriname, we are overwhelmed to wholeheartedly welcome the President of India on this occasion. We will further strengthen the 47 years of relationship between Suriname and India, and will further strengthen cultural and social-religious ties. Despite the distance of thousands of kilometres, a mini India resides in Suriname. Our relations have become stronger after Draupadi Murmu ji's visit. I say thanks on behalf of the people of Suriname," he said.Earlier, President Murmu paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi's statue along with her Suriname counterpart Chandrikapersad Santokhi in Knuffelsgracht of capital Paramaribo on Tuesday."Remembering the lasting legacy of Mahatma. President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn and President @CSantokhi of Suriname paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Paramaribo," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.ANI09 June 2023 Shared Recently! Amit Shah reviews Amarnath Yatra preparedness, asks for adequate security, comfortable darshan for pilgrims New Delhi, June 9: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra at a high-level meeting in the national capital, directing to ensure adequate security arrangements to make a comfortable pilgrimage for the pilgrims. Amit Shah reviews Amarnath Yatra preparedness, asks for adequate security, comfortable 'darshan' for pilgrims Pointing out that it is the priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government that Amarnath pilgrims should have "comfortable darshan and should not face any difficulty", Shah directed the officials concerned to make adequate security arrangements on the entire route of 62 days long Amarnath Yatra, which will commence on July 1 and culminate on August 31.Shah also stressed the need for smooth arrangements on the route "from the airport and railway station to the yatra base camp, and directed to provide air service from Srinagar and Jammu at night for the convenience of the pilgrims".The Home Minister later directed to ensure adequate stock of oxygen cylinders and their refilling and also asked for the availability of additional teams of doctors.He further directed for an adequate number of medical beds and the deployment of ambulances and helicopters to meet any medical emergency.Shah directed the provision of all necessary amenities for Amarnath Yatris, including travel, stay, electricity, water, communication and health.He also directed to ensure a better communication system on the Yatra route and the deployment of machines to immediately open the route in the event of a landslide.During the meeting, he apprised officials that all the pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra will be given RFID cards so that their real-time location can be traced."The insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh for each Amarnath Yatri and Rs 50,000 for each animal will be ensured. Apart from this, arrangements for tent city, Wi-Fi hotspots and proper lighting will be made on the travel route," read a Home Ministry statement."Additionally, Online- live Darshan of Baba Barfani, live telecast of morning and evening aarti in holy Amarnath cave and religious and cultural programs will be organized at the base camp," the statement added.The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau, Director General of Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force, Director General of Border Roads Organisation, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, other senior officials of Army, Central Government and Jammu and Kashmir administration.ANI09 June 2023 Shared Recently! Fixed Income View: June 2023 (Opinion) Mumbai, June 9: The optimism of April was brought forward in May as well. The 10-year benchmark government bond yield went on a downward spiral, reaching 6.99 per cent on May 31, 2023 against 7.12 per cent at the end of April. However, most of this rally was observed in the first half of the month, while in the second half the bonds traded in a narrow range of 6.97 per cent-7.03 per cent. Fixed Income View: June 2023 (Opinion) Short term money market rates also fell during the month with the 3-month T-bill falling from 6.90 per cent levels to around 6.76 per cent by the end of the month. The yield on the AAA rated 3 months - PSU commercial papers (CPs) also fell by around 12bps during the month due to easing banking liquidity and a lower supply of money market instruments.RBI on extended pause iAA The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its June 2023 meeting, decided unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.50%. Consequently, the Standing deposit facility (SDF) and Marginal standing Facility (MSF) rates remain unchanged at 6.25 per cent and 6.75 per cent, respectively.The MPC also voted 5-1 in favour of the policy stance as 'Withdrawal of accommodation' to ensure that inflation progressively aligns with the target of 4 per cent, while supporting growth. It revised down the CPI inflation estimate for FY24 from 5.2 per cent to 5.1 per cent, while retaining the growth estimate at 6.5 per cent.The highlight of this policy was the RBI's emphasis on lowering down inflation to its medium-term target of 4 per cent. The Governor aptly used the quote 'The ideal must not be lowered' to suggest that we shouldn't get too comfortable with inflation falling to 5 per cent. The headline CPI inflation is still far from the 4 per cent target. This quashes any hope of a rate cut in this year. We would expect the policy repo rate to stay at 6.5 per cent for an extended period.Liquidity Influx iAA The banking system witnessed an influx of liquidity during the last month. The banking system liquidity as measured by net borrowing/lending under the RBI's liquidity adjustment facility, was in surplus of around Rs 419 billion on April 28, 2023. This rose to around Rs 2.4 trillion on June 2, 2023. The main contributors to this increase in liquidity surplus were - (1) government bond maturities to the tune of Rs 1 trillion, (2) RBI's buying of foreign exchange, and (3) deposits of Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes after the RBI announced its withdrawal from circulation.There was an expectation that the RBI might announce measures to suck out excess liquidity. The RBI did acknowledge that the deposit of Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes will add to the already high liquidity surplus in the banking system. However, they chose not to deploy any durable liquidity absorption tool to reduce the excess liquidity.Instead, they will likely conduct variable rate reverse repo (VRRR) auctions of various tenors to absorb the excess liquidity temporarily. In our opinion, overall liquidity conditions will remain easy until increased cash demand during the festive season starting in October. Thus, there could be further decline in short term money market rates.Inflation in the comfort zone Headline CPI for April eased to 4.7 per cent YoY owing to base effect and a broad-based moderation in prices. Core CPI (ex-food, fuel) decelerated below the 6 per cent mark to 5.3 per cent YoY in April. Fuel CPI softened further to 5.5 per cent YoY in April from 8.8 per cent in March. The CPI is likely to remain below 5 per cent in Q1FY24 and average around 5 per cent in the full year.GDP numbers were a positive surprise India's GDP growth in Q4 FY23 at 6.1 per cent and in FY23 at 7.2 per cent both surprised positively. GDP growth at 7.2 per cent for FY23 indicates that the economy has done better than expected, more so since this growth comes from a higher base on account of the upward revision of FY22 data. Agriculture and strong domestic services provided the extra push to the growth story.We expect the growth to slow down slightly (around 6 per cent) in this fiscal FY24 on the back of exports being impacted due to the global economic slowdown and slow recovery in private consumption.Nonetheless, even at 6 per cent, India would likely be the fastest growing G-20 economy this year.May 2023 also witnessed the US dogging the debt ceiling clouds and how it averted the crisis by temporarily suspending the debt ceiling. However, the US economy was surprised with the addition of 339K jobs against the expected 190K. The tight labour market is likely to reinforce the Fed's hawkish view for the next policy decision.Although the Indian bond market remained untarnished by the US debt ceiling episode, an upward movement in the UST is likely to have some impact on the Indian bond market as well.Outlook Declining inflation, peaked policy rates and comfortable external position are all strong backdrops supporting the bond market over the medium term. However, the near-term outlook is clouded by uncertainty over the timing, quantity and distribution of rain fall amid forecasts of El-Nino conditions which causes lower rainfall. Given the bond yields have come down significantly over the last three months, there is a high possibility of yields moving higher from current levels in the near term. However, the upside on yields should be limited to 10-20 basis points given the overall macro backdrop being favourable.In line with our near-term cautious view, we maintain a lower portfolio duration in our actively managed bond fund as a tactical position.iAANotwithstanding the near-term concerns, we maintain our constructive outlook for long bonds in the medium term. With bond yields hovering above 7 per cent, much of the government bond yield curve is offering reasonably high positive real yield.Also, given that the inflation is trending down, and the rate hiking cycle is near its end, the probability of capital gains in long term bonds over the medium term has increased. Investors with over 2-3 years investment horizon should allocate to dynamic bond funds which tend to benefit in this kind of interest rate environment.Dynamic bond funds have the flexibility to change the portfolio positioning as per the evolving market conditions which makes dynamic bond funds better suited for long-term investors in this volatile macro environment.Investors with shorter investment horizons and low-risk appetite should stick with liquid funds.Tightening liquidity conditions will continue to put upward pressure on short term rate and is, in turn, positive for short term debt fund categories like liquid fund. We would expect further improvement in the return potential of these categories as interest accrual on short term debt instruments has risen meaningfully.Since the interest rate on bank savings accounts is not likely to increase quickly while the returns from liquid funds are already increasing, investing in liquid funds looks more attractive for your surplus funds. Investors with little desire to take risks should invest in liquid funds that own government securities and not in private sector companies, which carry lower liquidity and a higher risk of capital loss in the event of default.(Pankaj Pathak is Fund Manager- Fixed Income, Quantum Mutual Fund. The views expressed are personal.)IANS10 June 2023 Shared Recently! Botswana on high alert against cholera outbreak Gaborone, June 10: Health authorities in Botswana are on high alert following the outbreak of cholera in some countries in the Southern African Development Community -- South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Botswana on high alert against cholera outbreak "The ministry is on high alert and continues to monitor developments in the region and globally," said Christopher Nyanga, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, on Thursday issuing a statement on precautionary measures against cholera.Nyanga highlighted that some deaths have also been recorded in the neighboring countries due to the cholera outbreak. "However, Botswana has so far not recorded any cholera case," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.Nyanga further advised citizens and residents who travel to infected countries to take necessary hygiene precautions and present to their health facilities if experiencing any symptoms.IANS10 June 2023 Shared Recently! We are ready, says Manchester Citys manager Guardiola ahead of Champions League final Istanbul, June 10: Manchester City is ready to take on Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on Sunday at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium. Ahead of the match, Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola stressed that the team is ready for the finals, according to the official website of Manchester City. We are ready, says Manchester City's manager Guardiola ahead of Champions League final Manchester City already had a successful domestic season. They have won the Premier League title and the FA Cup this season.Now, Pep Guardiola's side will be looking to complete their treble having won two titles already.According to the official website of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola said, "Tomorrow will be the same. I will have a plan. We are ready - I have the feeling the players will give absolutely everything. Go for it"He further added, "We have to be patient. The most important thing in this type of game is thinking we are 0-0 and thinking we are losing."Speaking in a press conference in Turkey, ahead of the final match, Pep Guardiola said, "Italian teams are 0-0 and think they are winning. They are not winning it is 0-0. We have to be stable and get the rhythm and be stable."Adding on, "In bad moments we need to step forward. It will happen. 1-0 down or 1-0 up so in both circumstances be stable.""The plan gives us stability and helps in certain moments in the game to come back and have security," said Guardiola.As per the official website of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola said, "It's important in the final to have a plan. But finals are one-off games and if it goes bad, we can put more strikers.""Or maybe we put seven central defenders, I don't know. There are moments when it will be, guys, there are no tactics here. It's just desire we have to go", said Pep Guardiola.In 2021, Manchester City featured in the final of the UEFA Champions League against Chelsea. Unfortunately, Manchester City was defeated 1-0 by Chelsea in the final.Speaking on the last final Champions League final encounter, Pep Guardiola said, "It's a different game, two years later, different players," what we planned two years ago was to play a good game against Chelsea. It did not work. That's why people say it was wrong."Manchester City will be hoping to make amends in their second appearance in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan.ANI10 June 2023 Shared Recently! The military asked the country's leadership to facilitate the establishment of US sanctions against the Chinese company IFLIGHT, which supplies thousands of drones to the Russian Federation The well-known Chinese company IFLIGHT is currently producing tens of thousands kamikaze drones by order of the Russian army. Ukraine needs to start a dialogue with EU countries and the USA regarding the implementation of large-scale sanctions against the IFLIGHT company urgently. This was stated by the famous Ukrainian aerial scout Madyar in his speech to the country's leadership. "IFLIGHT is a large and well-known Chinese company that produce deadly kamikaze drones to the order of the Russian army today and now. Attention: tens of thousands units. It is necessary to initiate a dialogue with the United States and EU countries about the implementation of large-scale sanctions against this company immediately," - said the well-known air scout Madyar in his speech. As previously reported, the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed restrictive measures against a network of five Chinese companies for assisting Iran in the production of drones. Tusker Arikomban now at Kanyakumari forest range Chennai, June 10: Tamil Nadu forest department officials have located in Kanyakumari forest range, 'Arikomban' the wild tusker that was captured from Cumbum in Theni district and translocated at Upper Kodayar forest in Tirunelveli district. Tusker 'Arikomban' now at Kanyakumari forest range According to Kanyakumari range Divisional Forest Officer Ilayaraja, the radio collar attached with the elephant has given signals that the tuskar has reached the forest area after traversing around 15 km from Upper Kodayar dam area.Tamil Nadu forest department is conducting a strict vigil with a batch of ten forest officials doing round the clock duty to monitor the elephant.'Arikomban' got its name after it entered several ration shops and homes looking for rice in Chinnakanal area of Idukki district.The name Arikomban is derived from 'ari' means rice and 'komban' means tusker in Malayalam.Elephant experts are of the opinion that the forest department will have to monitor the movement of the elephant closely as it will again try to get rice .Tribal organisations and activists of Kanyakumari are worried about the presence of 'Arikomban' in Kanyakumari forest range as the possibility of the elephant reaching the mainland cannot be ruled out.The rogue elephant was captured from Chinnakanal in Idukki district on April 29, after a herculean task and was relocated to Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) and the elephant reached Cumbum town.Tragically in the mele of locating him in the town, a security officer Palraj (57)fell off his two-wheeler and later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital. This led to the Tamil Nadu forest department constituting a special team to capture the elephant which was subsequently tranquilised, captured and relocated to Upper Kodayar area in Tirunelveli district.IANS10 June 2023 Shared Recently! All of us should embrace NEP in letter and spirit: Dharmendra Pradhan Bhubaneswar, June 10: Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education, on Saturday, urged that the National Education Policy (NEP) should be embraced by all in letter and spirit while congratulating the newly recruited faculties in Bhubaneswar. All of us should embrace NEP in letter and spirit: Dharmendra Pradhan "NEP is a philosophy. All of us should embrace and implement in letter and spirit to realise the goal of a modern, culturally-rooted, developed India," tweeted Pradhan while speaking after inaugurating the Virtual and Augmented Reality Centre of Excellence at IIT Bhubaneswar.Inaugurating the Virtual and Augmented Reality Centre of Excellence at IIT Bhubaneswar Pradhan said "This CoE will accelerate digital transformation across disciplines, invigorate application-driven research as well as boost entrepreneurship."He also reviewed academic programs of higher education institutions in Odisha and tweeted, "Always a learning experience coming to our IITs. It always gives us new energy, and inspiration and ignites the learner within. Encouraged the @iitbbs family to undertake a massive plantation drive for making the campus green and sustainable."Speaking on the occasion Pradhan said that he was glad to be among the academic fraternity of IIT Bhubaneswar and congratulated all the newly recruited faculties. Pradhan encouraged them to instil social responsibilities in young minds and also prepare them to become global citizens in line with the tenets of the National Education Policy (NEP).IIT Bhubaneswar intends to augment the existing experimental facilities and establish two pioneering centres, one for materials characterization, processing and manufacturing and the other for a Centre of Excellence for Laboratory Grown Diamonds, said officials.Both these facilities will expand the R and D and innovation profile of IIT Bhubaneswar, strengthen innovation and research in material sciences, boost industry-academia linkages, aid the development of critical technologies, encourage entrepreneurship, boost employment and make India self-reliant in frontier areas.ANI10 June 2023 Shared Recently! Dubai records AED 9 billion in weekly real estate transactions Dubai, June 9: A total of 3,397 real estate and property transactions valued at AED 9 billion were conducted during the week ending 9th June 2023, according to figures released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Dubai records AED 9 billion in weekly real estate transactions The DLD report showed that 204 plots were sold for AED 1.52 billion, and 2,562 apartments and villas were sold for AED 5.69 billion.The top three transactions were land in Wadi Al Safa 3 sold for AED 90.04 million, followed by land that was sold for AED 81.5 million in Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, and land sold for AED 78.18 million in Wadi Al Safa 3 in third place.Al Hebiah Fifth recorded the most transactions for this week with 31 sales transactions worth AED 96.17 million, followed by Wadi Al Safa 3 with 28 sales transactions worth AED 467.65 million, and Madinat Hind 4 with 25 sales transactions worth AED 32 million in third place.The top three transfers for apartments and villas were a was sold for AED 80 million in Al Thanayah Fourth, a was second in the list sold for AED 55 million in Palm Jumeirah, and thirdly it was an apartment sold for AED 52 million in Zaabeel First.The sum of the amount of mortgaged properties for the week was AED1.52 billion, with the highest being land in Nadd Hessa, mortgaged for AED 122 million.134 properties were granted between first-degree relatives worth AED 340 million. (ANI/WAM)ANI10 June 2023 Shared Recently! National factory for 3D printing and robotics in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, June 9: Sinaha Platform, the unified platform supporting national products in the UAE, has announced the signing of an agreement with international partners Omega Future, to build and plan the first 3D printer and educational robot factory company, in Abu Dhabi. National factory for 3D printing and robotics in Abu Dhabi The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Make it in the Emirates Forum last week, aligns with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology to develop the UAE's industrial sector, promote local products among consumers and strengthen supply chains.The MoU was signed in the presence of Osama Amir Fadl, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerators Sector in the Ministry of Industry and advanced technology, and Arafat Al-Yafei, Executive Director of the Industrial Development Office in ADDED, where the agreement was signed by Kardous Muhammad bin Salem bin Kardous Al-Amiri, Deputy CEO of Sinaha, and Yaroslav Aleinik, CEO and Founder of Omega Future.Al-Ameri affirmed that in line with the strategic vision, Sinaha is mainly focused on attracting investment, advanced technologies and solutions for the 4th industrial revolution in the UAE, strengthening Abu Dhabi as an advanced and efficient status of a competitive regional industrial hub, as the 3D printing and educational robotics industry is one of these pillars, facilitating the fast and efficient delivery of products."The Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates support all conditions for the success of industrial projects and provide investors with the right environment to grow their businesses, 3D and robotics, which will serve the industrial and commercial sectors," he added.Aimed at local, regional, and international markets, the facility will help provide the market with multifunctional 3D printers, which are considered scientific breakthroughs and contribute to economic growth. Depending on the usage, robots will also be manufactured and programmed on-site, so we will focus on educational robots first. (ANI/WAM)ANI10 June 2023 Shared Recently! NASA mission to avert internet apocalypse that could pause online access for months San Francisco, June 10: NASA has launched a spacecraft as part of a mission in an effort to avert a potential internet apocalypse that could leave people without access to the internet for months. NASA mission to avert 'internet apocalypse' that could pause online access for months According to Mirror, the US space agency's Parker Solar Probe (PSP) has achieved a significant milestone by navigating through the solar wind.Scientists have warned about the potential impact of an upcoming solar storm, commonly referred to as an "internet apocalypse", which could strike within the next decade.The spacecraft, which was launched in 2018, took a remarkable journey that brought it close to the sun's surface, where the solar wind is generated.Solar wind consists of a continuous stream of charged particles emanating from the sun's outermost atmosphere, known as the corona, according to the report.Despite the harsh conditions of intense heat and radiation, the Parker Solar Probe persevered in gathering vital information about the sun's workings.Professor Stuart Bale of the California University who served as the lead author of the study explained the significance of understanding solar wind."Winds carry lots of information from the sun to Earth. So understanding the mechanism behind the sun's wind is important for practical reasons on Earth," Bale was quoted as saying."That's going to affect our ability to understand how the sun releases energy and drives geomagnetic storms -- which are a threat to our communication networks," he added.Such an event could cause people to lose internet access for months or even years, rendering satellites and power lines useless.Meanwhile, NASA has launched a new campaign offering the public the opportunity to have their name stencilled onto a microchip, which will ride aboard NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft next year.Europa Clipper spacecraft is scheduled for journey to Jupiter and its moon Europa in October 2024.IANS10 June 2023 Shared Recently! In cash-strapped Punjab, Mann sits tight on OPS, focuses on freebies Chandigarh, June 10: It has been over seven months that the 14-month-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced to revive the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for more than 1.75 lakh employees, but its implementation is yet to see the light of day. In cash-strapped Punjab, Mann sits tight on OPS, focuses on freebies The reason With the current whopping debt of Rs 3.12 lakh crore, the state seems heading for bankruptcy with the increased borrowings and also the freebies promised in the run-up to the recently concluded Assembly elections like free water and electricity up to a limit.The latest spanner is that the Central government has slashed the state's borrowing limit from Rs 39,000 crore to Rs 21,000 crore.Amid the growing unrest among the employees over the inordinate delay in implementing the OPS, the government now appears to be buying time over legal and financial constraints of implementing the OPS.The abnormal delay has given the opposition parties an opportunity to question its propriety.Taking the lead, AAP rebel and Congress firebrand legislator Sukhpal Khaira said it has been more than six months since the Bhagwant Mann government issued notice to revive the OPS stopped since 2004 but there has been no further progress."Was it only a notification to procure votes for the AAP in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat?" Khaira asked.Joining the issue, state Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has condemned the Central government for slashing Punjab's borrowing limit by Rs 18,000 crore."Owing to the AAP government's ill-conceived self-branding decisions, the BJP-led Central government has slashed Punjab's debt limit which will only add to the state's financial burden," he said.Officials with the state finance department admitted to IANS that the Centre's step to slash the borrowing limit is mainly attributed to the government's decision to opt for OPS, meaning that the state may stop contributing Rs 3,000 crore annually to the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) by reverting to the old pension.The Centre has also stopped the grant of Rs 2,600 crore under the head of special assistance grant for development of capital assets and the grant of Rs 800 crore for the National Health Mission.With an eye on the Gujarat Assembly elections, the AAP government in November last year hurriedly notified the implementation of the OPS in Punjab that aims to benefit more than 1.75 lakh employees, currently covered under the National Pension System (NPS).In addition, 1.26 lakh employees are already covered under the existing OPS.The government says the OPS scheme is expected to benefit more than 4,100 employees in the next five years alone. In order to ensure that the scheme being introduced is financially sustainable for the exchequer, the government will be contributing proactively to the pension corpus.The contribution to the corpus will be Rs 1,000 crore per annum initially and will gradually increase. In addition, the current accumulated corpus with the NPS is Rs 16,746 crore, which the government has requested the PFRDA to refund but the Centre has declined.Amid the tighter financial conditions and a worse than anticipated slowdown, the finance department officials are sceptical over the implementation of the OPS, saying it would put additional stress on finances as the state debt is close to 180 per cent of its annual budget.They say the state is facing the daunting task to usher in much needed economic reforms as a major component of government earning and borrowing is meant for servicing debt rather than capital expenditure.As per the state budget, the effective outstanding debt to the GSDP has been estimated to be 46.81 per cent in 2023-24.Despite tighter monetary conditions, the state is annually providing a power subsidy of Rs 7,780 crore to domestic consumers and Rs 9,064 crore free power to farmers.The AAP government, which stormed to power with a landslide win of 92 seats in the 117-member Assembly, is providing 300 units of free power per month to domestic consumers as per its pre-poll promise. Nearly 90 per cent of the state's households are now getting zero electricity bills.However, the party's much hyped pre-poll announcement of Rs 1,000 to every adult woman, a big drain on the exchequer, is yet to see the light of day.Angered over the bureaucratic hassles over mentioning the detailed pension policy, a section of employees unions, under the banner of the Old Pension Restoration Struggle Committee, have been demanding the timely implementation of the old pension scheme in Punjab.They argued that the government's notification regarding the implementation of the old pension "is just a political announcement" as it did not specify how it would do so and from which date the old pension is going to be implemented.Employees of Punjab Roadways are not getting salaries on time. They say to create a vote bank, the government has extended free travel facilities to women but has not adequately compensated the roadways, resulting in huge losses.An official familiar with the matter told IANS that political compulsions and populist announcements by the government have been taking a huge toll on the state's finances and this may increase the debt beyond the projected Rs 2.52 lakh crore.(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com)IANS10 June 2023 Shared Recently! India to Host 71st Miss World 2023 New Delhi, June 10: The much awaited 71st Miss World contest will be held in India in 2023. The choice to bestow this coveted competition on India honours the country's rich cultural legacy, dedication to advancing diversity, and passion for women's emancipation. India to Host 71st Miss World 2023 India's vibrant traditions, culture, and history make it a global beauty and fashion powerhouse, with captivating landscapes, iconic landmarks, and warm hospitality. 71st Miss World 2023 in India will promote charitable causes through philanthropic activities, inspiring contestants to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to society. Renowned Bollywood names from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Priyanka Chopra to Yukta Mukhey, India has many talented women who have won world-level pageants.On the occasion, Chairperson and CEO, Miss World Organisation, Julia Morley expressed, "I am delighted to announce India as the new home of the 71st Miss World Final! I have had a great affection for India from the first moment I visited this incredible country more than 30 years ago! We cannot wait to share your unique and diverse culture, world class attractions and breathtaking locations with the rest of the world. Miss World Limited and PME Entertainment are joining forces - to produce an extraordinary Miss World Festival. 71st Miss World 2023 will showcase the Achievements of 130 National champions in their one-month journey across "Incredible India" as we present the 71st and most spectacular Miss World final ever. I'd also like to thank Dr Syed Zafar Islam for his support in making this possible."The 71st Miss World 2023 pageant promises to be a remarkable platform that honours the very best in diversity, feminism, and beauty. Participants from more than 130 nations will congregate in India to display their special skills, wisdom, and compassion. They will take part in a number of demanding competitions, such as talent shows, sporting events, and philanthropic endeavours, all of which are intended to emphasise the traits that make them outstanding ambassadors of change. Before the big finale, which is expected for November or December 2023, there will be many rounds to shortlist participants over the course of one month.Jamil Saidi, Chairman, PME said, "The 71st Miss World Festival is in the most deserving country, to showcase this magnificent event. It enables representatives of 140 countries to come and experience Incredible India!"Salman Ahmed, Founder and CEO, PME, further endorsed, "We're delighted to partner with the Miss World Organization to host the 71st Miss World in India, an incredible country, full of vibrancy, colours, and life - the elements that represent beauty in its purest form."India prepares to welcome the world with open arms with the 71st Miss World 2023 and showcase the country's grace, beauty, and progressive spirit. Join us in celebrating the power of women to make a difference, as we embark on this extraordinary journey together," Miss World 2022, Karolina Bielawska said.The Miss World pageant holds a long-standing reputation for celebrating the beauty and intellect of women, going beyond physical appearances. It is a platform that empowers women to raise their voices, advocate for causes close to their hearts, and foster positive change on a global scale. By hosting 71st Miss World 2023, India aims to amplify these values and serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and actions.(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)IANS10 June 2023 Shared Recently! Uttarakhands first Teppanyaki Restaurant: Toya New Delhi, June 10: Modern restaurant Toya, which draws its inspiration from Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Japanese cuisines, is ready to give its customers a tempting selection of a la carte dishes from local and worldwide favourites on the menu. The restaurant, which is a part of The Westin Resort and amp; Spa Himalayas, entertains guests with a live Teppanyaki show while they take in the scenery of the forested mountainside. Uttarakhand's first Teppanyaki Restaurant: Toya The Westin brand has been a global hospitality leader in wellness for over a decade and The Westin Resort iamp; Spa, Himalayas has become a quintessential property of the brand's embodiment of wellness. Following the brand's Eat Well ethos, Toya brings gourmet experiences showcasing the powers of organic, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, exemplifying the resort's commitment to sustainability and nourishment. The menu at Toya has been carefully crafted by Expat Chef Tawee Chaichana, to make it exclusive and sensitive for all flavour palettes and preferences. Teppanyaki is a newly sprung concept in India and the goal is to make Toya synonymous to authentic Teppanyaki along with curating immersive experiences and signature epicurean memories for our discerning guests," said Vivekananda Saha, Executive Chef - The Westin Resort iamp; Spa, HimalayasThe restaurant's stunning al fresco eating space is attached and features contemporary and elegant decor for patrons who appreciate being in a natural setting. Toya's interior design features a lovely fusion of traditional and modern South Asian themes. The floor to ceiling windows fill the restaurant with natural light and give the patrons a peaceful dining experience.The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with interactive concepts such as Teppanyaki, and a live sushi counter. The menu features an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including appetisers, main courses, beverages, and desserts. The delectable menu highlights signature dishes such as Yam Som O, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Tom Yam, Asparagus and Avocado Tempura roll, California Roll, Stir Fried Asian Greens, Stir Fried Chicken, Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai Noodles and Vegan Tres Leches. The bar at Toya is an electrifying space offering delectable cocktails and mocktails such as Toyatini, Thai Melon, Shirley ginger for the teetotalers.(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)IANS10 June 2023 Shared Recently! Non-plan spending up, revenue sources down, WBs per capita debt at all-time high Kolkata, June 10: The West Bengal government's accumulated debt, as per the budget papers of the state government, is slated to rise to Rs 6,47,825.52 crore by March 31, 2024, a ten per cent rise over the figure of Rs 5,86,124.63 crore as on March 31, 2023. Non-plan spending up, revenue sources down, WB's per capita debt at all-time high What is equally alarming is that the state's per capita debt by the same period is slated to rise to Rs 59,000. Per capita debt is derived by dividing the total accumulated debt by the total population of the state.Both the projected accumulated debt and per capita debt figures are extremely high compared to the corresponding figures as on March 31, 2011, which was the last year of the 34-year Left Front rule in West Bengal.As on March 31, 2011, the accumulated debt figure was Rs 1,97,000 crore and the per capita debt figure was Rs 20,300.Economists fear that unless urgent fiscal measures are adopted to arrest this upward trend, the state will slowly inch towards a debt trap situation, which is a point where the state has to go for fresh borrowings just for servicing the older debts. That situation comes when the debt to GSDP ratio reaches 50 per cent.In fact, the state budget papers for 2023-24 give some clear indications of the high expenditure of the state during the fiscal under review behind servicing previous debts.As per the budget documents, during the fiscal ending March 2024, the state government will have to shell out Rs 73,303.68 crore for repayment of principal and interest on earlier borrowings, as mentioned in the budget estimates for the fiscal under review, up from Rs 69,691.79 crore as mentioned in the revised estimates for 2022-23.Economists believe that while the first reason for this rising accumulated and per capita debt in West Bengal is because of the rising non-plan expenditure, the second reason is the lack of adequate avenues for improving the state's own tax revenues which is purely state excise dominated.With a 19.41 per cent projected growth during the financial year 2023-24, state excise will continue to be the principal component for generation of the state's own tax revenue.While the state's tax revenue, as per the budget estimates for 2023-24, is slated to increase by just 12.69 per cent to Rs 88,595.54 crore from Rs 79,500 crore as per the revised estimates for 2022-23, the excise collection is slated to rise to Rs 17,921.56 crore, up by 19.41 per cent from Rs 15,001.39 crore as per the revised estimates for financial year 2022-23.Another significant factor on this count is that in 2023-24, state excise, which is just one of the 12 components of the state's own tax revenue, will contribute 20.22 per cent to the total tax kitty.According to the former chief economic advisor to the Union government, Ashok Kumar Lahiri, who is currently a BJP legislator, since the focus of the state government is more on recurring expenditure rather than capital expenditure like infrastructure development the investors are shying away from the state.According to him, it means employment generation is not just in terms of direct employment in big industries but also in forms of development of ancillary and associate industries, which can enable a long-term economic growth of the state. "But the focus of the state government seems to be more on spending on non-productive expenditure like fairs and festivals," he said.Economist P.K Mukhopadhyay also seems to be worried at the trend of expenditure of the state government or rather how the borrowed money is utilised.The main part of the expenses of the state government is for recurring or non-plan expenditure. Lesser spends in capital expenditure means lesser assets creation and lesser employment generation. This is the area in which the state government should concentrate and increase the proportion of capital expenditure and subsequently reduce the spending on non-plan expenditure, he said.Industry observer and professor of economics Santanu Basu feels that the only way to arrest the looming financial disaster is to attract big ticket investment by revising the land and special economic zone laws."In a state like West Bengal with extremely fragmented land holdings, the state government has to have some role in land procurement for industry. No industrialist will be willing to invest in the state if they have to approach all the landowners to get the land for industry," Basu added.IANS10 June 2023 Shared Recently! MP CM Chouhan to distribute first instalment of Mukhyamntri Ladli Bahna Yojana today Bhopal, June 10: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will distribute the first instalment of the monthly aid of Rs 1000 to be given to women under Mukhyamntri Ladli Bahna Yojana in Jabalpur on Saturday. MP CM Chouhan to distribute first instalment of Mukhyamntri Ladli Bahna Yojana today A state-level program for transferring funds under Ladli Bahna Yojana is scheduled to be held in Jabalpur on Saturday evening.Addressing media persons ahead of the program in the state capital, CM Chouhan said, "Today is a very important day for me. An important step is going to be added to women's development which is the Ladli Bahna Yojana. Under this Yojana a monthly aid of Rs 1000 will be given to women. They will not feel helpless and will not have to spread their hands for the small needs.""Today I feel, becoming the Chief Minister has become meaningful. Today is a day of joy for me, 1.25 crores women have submitted applications for the scheme. DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) of 1.20 crore women has been done and 5 lakh are still left. It is quite possible that some women may not get the money in their account now, but after removing all the technical problems, they will also get the money," Chouhan said.Chouhan also met with former CM Uma Bharti and took her blessings on the occasion.Bharti said while blessing CM Chouhan, "I am the first Ladli Bahna."Notably, CM Chouhan on Friday held a meeting with senior officials to review the preparations for the programme. He also discussed the outline of the programmes to be held at the village and ward level with all the divisional commissioners on the occasion.He said that better preparations should be made for the program and if the task of giving an invitation to women has not been completed, they should be invited by visiting their homes. Proper arrangements should also be made for the telecast of the state-level programme.The CM also said, "The impact assessment of Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Yojana should be done. This scheme is an example of the administrative efficiency and the hard work of the entire staff. This initiative to benefit 1.25 crore women of the state every month is an example for other states as well. All activities should also be documented."ANI10 June 2023 Shared Recently! BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. Command-staff exercises were held in the liberated territories in accordance with the training plan of the Land Forces, Trend reports. Army Corps, formations and units involved in the exercises were brought into the state of various levels of combat readiness, and withdrawn to the designated areas. Control bodies were deployed to the area, and the activities were accomplished in interoperability with other types of troops' units. The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, and other leadership of the Ministry watched the progress of the command-staff exercises, and the activities of the units in the area. Colonel General Z. Hasanov attended the command and control post deployed in field conditions and inspected the organization of activities. The Minister heard the reports of the commanders and staff officers about the decisions made on the map and the model of the area during the operations. It was noted that, the main objective of the exercises held with considering combat experience gained in the Patriotic War and subsequent operations, as well as with the application of modern management methods in difficult terrain areas is to develop the knowledge, management and flexible decision-making skills of commanders and relevant officials. Then, the final meeting of the exercises was held under the leadership of Colonel General Z. Hasanov. The Minister assessed the course of the exercises positively, brought to the attention of the meeting participants the tasks set to the Azerbaijan Army by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev. The Minister of Defense gave specific instructions on proper fulfilling the tasks assigned by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, accomplishment of all the duties assigned to the Azerbaijan Army, as well as permanent readiness to suppress possible provocations immediately and decisively. In the end, tasks were assigned to the relevant officials regarding the constant maintenance of the combat readiness and the level of professionalism of military personnel, and the higher quality and intensive conduct of training and exercises. Indian Navy demonstrate formidable capability in Arabian Sea with aircraft carriers New Delhi, June 10: Amid China's increasing forays into the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy carried one of the biggest demonstrations of its formidable capability in recent years by carrying out exercise in the Arabian Sea involving both its aircraft carriers - the INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant, along with participation of over 35 aircrafts. Indian Navy demonstrate formidable capability in Arabian Sea with aircraft carriers In a series of tweets, the Indian Navy said Sky is the limit. Indian Navy undertakes twin-carrier CBG ops with more than 35 aircraft in Arabian Sea, demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air ops across the vast maritime expanse and underscoring our commitment to safeguarding India's national interests.The seamless operational integration of the two aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant as well as fleet ships and submarines is a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea based air power and India's role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean and beyond, it said.INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, centre-pieces of the exercise, serve as 'floating sovereign airfields', providing a launch platform for a wide array of aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, MH60R, Kamov, Sea King, Chetak and ALH helicopters.IANS10 June 2023 Shared Recently! On 2-day visit to 4 states, Amit Shah reaches Nanded; offers prayers at gurdwara Nanded, June 10: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday offered prayers at Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurudwara at Maharashtra's Nanded. On 2-day visit to 4 states, Amit Shah reaches Nanded; offers prayers at gurdwara Shah is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh starting Saturday.Earlier in the day, Shah planted saplings at Gokul Global University in Gujarat's Patan.The Union Home Minister will attend various political events and public rallies during his visit to the four states.In Nanded, Shah will address the first rally under the BJP's special month-long campaign. Nanded is the home turf of Congress veteran and former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan.Shah's event is part of the party's month-long campaign covering all Lok Sabha constituencies to mark the completion of nine years of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The Union Home Minister is also likely to address a rally in Abchalnagar ground of Nanded -- the second largest city in the Marathwada region. It is home to one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Sikhs, as Guru Gobind Singh had spent his last days in Nanded.The Home Minister will reach Chennai by Saturday late evening and go into a huddle with party workers on Sunday.He will also address a rally in Vellore in Tamil Nadu to highlight the achievements in 9 years of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.The rally is part of the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit to hold 66 public meetings in a month to highlight the achievements of the government under PM Modi. Several national leaders of the BJP would headline public meetings in the state over a month.Union Minister of State for Personnel and PMO, Jitendra Singh, addressed a meeting in Chennai last week, highlighting the 'achievements' of the BJP government at the Centre.On June 11, the Home Minister will reach Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh where he will address a public meeting at the railway grounds as part of the nationwide celebrations being organised in every Parliamentary constituency on the completion of 9 years of the government led by PM Modi.ANI10 June 2023 Shared Recently! BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on the occasion of the country's national holiday, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, I extend most sincere congratulations and best wishes to You and your people, on behalf of myself and people of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the national holiday of your country- Portugal Day. I wish You robust health, happiness and the people of Portugal welfare and prosperity on this remarkable day," reads the letter. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 87F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies early with scattered thunderstorms developing late. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry has expressed condolences to Turkiye over human casualties in a plant explosion in Elmadag, Trend reports. "We're deeply saddened by the news of the explosion. May the Almighty rest the souls of those who died as a result of this tragic incident. We wish recovery to the injured, and express solidarity with our Turkish brothers!". The explosion occurred at a plant for production of rockets and explosives. The National Defense Ministry of Turkiye has revealed that the explosion killed five employees of the plant. In a paper published today in Science Advances, an international team led by deCODE genetics, a subsidiary of Amgen, reveals the discovery of sequence variants in the gene ABCC9 that influence the pitch of voices. Speaking is one of the most characteristic human behaviors, and yet the genetic underpinnings of voice and speech are largely unknown. In the first study of its kind, the scientists combined speech recordings from almost 13,000 Icelanders with data, in the sequence of the genome, to search for common variants in ABCC9 that are associated with a higher-pitched voice. The scientists found that ABCC9 variants associate with higher voice pitch in both men and women. The same sequence variants are also linked to higher pulse pressure, a cardiovascular risk factor, highlighting links between voice pitch and health-related traits. In addition to voice pitch, the study investigated the genetics of vowel acoustics. While vowel sounds such as ah or ee are clearly influenced by culture and context, the scientists found that such measures contain a heritable component, which likely has to do with the shape of the vocal tract and its effect on vowel sounds. The findings shed new light on diversity in voice and speech and contribute to a better understanding of the human vocal system. Being to identify people at high risk of chronic disease means that they can be targeted with prevention measures before they become sick. Polygenic risk scores, where genomic information alone is used to assess the risk of developing diseases, have been receiving a lot of attention recently, but research to be presented at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics today (Saturday 10 June) suggests that combining blood biomarkers with genomic information gives more accurate, cost-effective results. Dr Jeffrey Barrett, Chief Scientific Officer, Nightingale Health, Helsinki, Finland, will describe how his team measured over 200 biomarkers in blood samples from 300,000 participants in the UK Biobank, and 200,000 in the Estonian biobank. "This is the biggest dataset of its kind that has ever been collected," he says. The researchers used machine learning to build predictive models for individuals' future risks of nine common diseases, based on their genetic information and the biomarkers that they measured. The diseases studied were ischaemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer's and other dementias, depression, liver disease, and colon cancer. These are the top sources of "disability adjusted life years" in the European region, according to the WHO, and thus the biggest sources of suffering and health care costs, and the most important in terms of prevention. We found that in all the diseases, both genetics and biomarkers could provide useful information about disease risk, even ten years into the future. And the blood biomarkers provided better prediction in nearly all cases for example, the 10% of individuals with the highest risk of lung cancer based on the biomarkers had four times the risk of an average person, whereas the top 10% based on genetics had only 1.8 times the risk. And for liver disease the same numbers are 10 times and two times respectively." Dr Jeffrey Barrett, Chief Scientific Officer, Nightingale Health, Helsinki, Finland The team also found that the prediction using blood biomarkers was sometimes even stronger for near-term risk (for example in two or four years), which they believe may reflect direct links between some of what the biomarkers measure and the pre-symptomatic phase of the disease. At a time when healthcare systems are running out of money, in large part because aging populations have increasing levels of lifestyle diseases like the ones studied, they believe that their work shows how easy-to-measure blood tests can be used in population preventive health. "It means that it is relatively easy to find the individuals at greatest risk of many diseases and offer them ways to reduce their risk, keeping them healthier and at the same time reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems," says Dr Barrett. "I was surprised by the breadth of the applicability of our approach the way in which the data capture many core metabolic functions in one blood test could provide so much information across different areas of human health. We were able to show that our predictions were highly consistent across multiple biobanks, whereas many other studies have access to just one. This suggests that these biomarker scores are not a narrow research finding, and could be used effectively in general practice," Dr Barrett concludes. Professor Alexandre Reymond, chair of the conference, said: "While more work to assess the robustness of these predictions is warranted, it is tantalizing to see the first steps of genomic preventive medicine." The University of Warwick is excited to announce the launch of "#DocTok," a new initiative that harnesses the expertise of medical doctor Dr James Gill to address and communicate possible medical concerns to the younger generation. #DocTok videos will appear on the official University of Warwick TikTok page @UniOfWarwick the popular social media platform to provide accessible and accurate information on a wide range of health issues, from chlamydia to tonsillitis, anxiety, and depression. Dr James Gill. Image Credit: University of Warwick With the rising prevalence of health-related concerns among young adults and the demographic of TikTok users closely mirroring that of university students, #DocTok fills a crucial gap in knowledge dissemination and health literacy. This innovative project aims to empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, while also relieving the pressure on already burdened (GP) surgeries. Dr. James Gill, an experienced GP and a prominent advocate for health education, will be at the forefront of #DocTok. Combining his medical expertise with the vibrant and dynamic nature of TikTok, Dr. Gill will deliver engaging and informative content in a concise and accessible format. Users can expect to receive accurate medical information, have common myths debunked and gain insights into various health conditions directly from a trusted professional. #DocTok comes at a time when GP surgeries and healthcare services are under immense strain, struggling to meet the growing demand for healthcare services. By utilizing TikTok, a platform that appeals to the younger generation, #DocTok aims to reach a wider audience and provide a reliable source of information that helps users distinguish between legitimate health concerns and everyday worries. We are thrilled to launch DocTok and bridge the gap between medical concerns and the younger generation. TikTok offers a unique opportunity to engage with young people and address their health-related questions and worries in a way that is relatable and easily digestible. Our goal is to empower them to make informed decisions about their health and when they need to access healthcare, while also easing the burden on GP surgeries." Dr James Gill, GP and The Face, #DocTok We welcome this initiative from the University of Warwick as NHS services continue to recover from the Coronavirus pandemic, its important that young people in our region and beyond feel informed and comfortable when monitoring their own health and wellbeing. Allison Duggal, Director, Public Health and Wellbeing, Coventry City Council Ines Hipolito is a highly accomplished researcher, recognized for her work in esteemed journals and contributions as a co-editor. She has received research awards including the prestigious Talent Grant from the University of Amsterdam in 2021. After her PhD, she held positions at the Berlin School of Mind and Brain and Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin. Currently, she is a permanent lecturer of the philosophy of AI at Macquarie University, focusing on cognitive development and the interplay between augmented cognition (AI) and the sociocultural environment. Ines co-leads a consortium project on Exploring and Designing Urban Density. Neurourbanism as a Novel Approach in Global Health, funded by the Berlin University Alliance. She also serves as an ethicist of AI at Verses. Beyond her research, she co-founded and serves as vice-president of the International Society for the Philosophy of the Sciences of the Mind. Ines is the host of the thought-provoking podcast The PhilospHERs Way and has actively contributed to the Women in Philosophy Committee and the Committee in Diversity and Inclusivity at the Australasian Association of Philosophy from 2017 to 2020. As part of our Frontier Scientists series, Hipolito caught up with Frontiers to tell us about her career and research. What inspired you to become a researcher? Throughout my personal journey, my innate curiosity and passion for understanding our experience of the world have been the driving forces in my life. Interacting with inspiring teachers and mentors during my education further fueled my motivation to explore the possibilities of objective understanding. This led me to pursue a multidisciplinary path in philosophy and neuroscience, embracing the original intent of cognitive science for interdisciplinary collaboration. I believe that by bridging disciplinary gaps, we can gain an understanding of the human mind and its interaction with the world. This integrative approach enables me to contribute to both scientific knowledge and real-world applications benefitting individuals and society as a whole. Can you tell us about the research youre currently working on? My research centers around cognitive development and its implications in the cognitive science of AI. Sociocultural contexts play a pivotal role in shaping cognitive development, ranging from fundamental cognitive processes to more advanced, semantically sophisticated cognitive activities that we acquire and engage with. As our world becomes increasingly permeated by AI, my research focuses on two main aspects. Firstly, I investigate how smart environments such as online spaces, virtual reality, and digitalized citizenship influence context-dependent cognitive development. By exploring the impact of these environments, I aim to gain insights into how cognition is shaped and adapted within these technologically mediated contexts. Secondly, I examine how AI design emerges from specific sociocultural settings. Rather than merely reflecting society, AI design embodies societal values and aspirations. I explore the intricate relationship between AI and its sociocultural origins to understand how technology can both shape and be influenced by the context in which it is developed. In your opinion, why is your research important? The aim of my work is to contribute to the understanding of the complex relationship between cognition and AI, focusing on the sociocultural dynamics that influence both cognitive development and the design of artificial intelligence systems. I am particularly interested in understanding and the paradoxical nature of AI development and its societal impact: while technology historically improved lives, AI has also brought attention to problematic biases and segregation highlighted in feminist technoscience literature. As AI progresses, it is crucial to ensure that advancements benefit everyone and do not perpetuate historical inequalities. Inclusivity and equality should be prioritized, challenging dominant narratives that favor certain groups, particularly white males. Recognizing that AI technologies embody our implicit biases and reflect our attitudes towards diversity and our relationship with the natural world enables us to navigate the ethical and societal implications of AI more effectively. Are there any common misconceptions about this area of research? How would you address them? The common misconception of viewing the mind as a computer has significant implications for AI design and our understanding of cognition. When cognition is seen as a simple input-output process in the brain, it overlooks the embodied complexities of human experience and the biases embedded in AI design. This reductionist view fails to account for the importance of embodied interaction, cognitive development, mental health, well-being, and societal equity. This subjective experience of the world cannot be reduced to mere information processing, as it is context-dependent and imbued with meanings partly constructed in societal power dynamics. Because the environment is ever more AI-permeated, understanding how it is shaped by and shapes the human experience requires investigation beyond the conceiving of cognition as (meaningless) information processes. By recognizing the distributed and embodied nature of cognition, we can ensure that AI technologies are designed and integrated in a way that respects the complexities of human experience, embraces ambiguity, and promotes meaningful and equitable societal interactions. What are some of the areas of research youd like to see tackled in the years ahead? In the years ahead, it is crucial to tackle several AI-related areas to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future: Design AI to reduce bias and discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Make AI systems transparent and explainable, enabling people to understand how decisions are made and how to hold them accountable for unintended consequences. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to address biases, cultural sensitivities, and challenges faced by marginalized communities in AI development. Consider the ecological impact, resource consumption, waste generation, and carbon footprint throughout the entire lifecycle of AI technologies. How has open science benefited the reach and impact of your research? Scientific knowledge that is publicly funded should be made freely available to align with the principles of open science. Open science emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and accessibility in scientific research and knowledge dissemination. By openly sharing AI-related knowledge, including code, data, and algorithms, we encourage diverse stakeholders to contribute their expertise, identify potential biases, and address ethical concerns within technoscience. Furthermore, incorporating philosophical reasoning into the development of the philosophy of mind theory can inform ethical deliberation and decision-making in AI design and implementation by researchers and policymakers. This transparent and collaborative approach enables critical assessment and improvement of AI technologies to ensure fairness, diminishing of bias, and overall equity. Intuitive has today announced that surgical trainees from across Northeast England are gaining hands-on experience of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) with da Vinci surgical systems thanks to a UK first programme designed to train the next generation of surgeons. More than 30 surgical trainees in urology, colorectal , HPB and upper gastro-intestinal from NHS trusts across the Northeast are enrolled in the landmark programme which is designed to give access to technology training on a da Vinci surgical system at an earlier stage in a surgeons career. The da Vinci Academic Surgical Trainee Programme is run by the Newcastle Surgical Training Centre (NSTC) in partnership with Intuitive, the pioneering global leader of RAS and developer of the da Vinci surgical systems that are used across trusts in England. Professor Alan Horgan, consultant colorectal surgeon at Newcastle Hospitals is the co-director of the Newcastle Surgical Training Centre and believes the training programme has huge benefits for trainees in the region. This means a lot to the Newcastle Surgical Training Centre and also to the Trust to be the first of its kind in the UK and indeed in Europe to be running a surgical training programme which will allow all trainees to become proficient in robotic surgery by the time they complete surgical training. For our patients this is great news as there will be more and more surgeries being performed robotically in the future and it means their surgeons will have been trained at an early stage to perform these procedures and they can take full advantage of the technology. Professor Alan Horgan, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Newcastle Hospitals Existing practice within the NHS sees surgeons begin training to use a robotic-assisted surgical system once they have qualified as a consultant, limiting the access a trainee surgeon can have to this pioneering technology. To date, more than 66,000 surgeons have been trained to use the da Vinci surgical system worldwide. Last year, Intuitive became the largest provider of robotic-assisted surgical technology training to receive accreditation by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. To enable trainee surgeons to become proficient sooner in their careers, Intuitive has developed a structured curriculum for trainees to participate in robotic-assisted surgical procedures with da Vinci surgical systems, which incorporates key elements of its established Technology Training Pathway. We are excited to collaborate with healthcare institutions in the Northeast of England to run the UKs first programme to train the next generation of surgeons to use da Vinci systems. We look forward to working with this cohort of trainees over the next three years who represent the future of surgery here in the UK, as they go on to utilise our technology to support the NHS in improving outcomes and productivity and deliver better overall experience for patients while lowering the total cost of care. David Marante, Regional Director, Intuitive UK and Ireland Trainees will use Intuitives digital learning platform and the My Intuitive App throughout the programme, enabling them to access their operational data during their training. These industry-leading tools allow them to analyse trends, see how their learning is progressing and share their data with mentors to review and learn from. Once the trainees have successfully completed all four phases of the programme, they will be awarded with a training equivalent certificate, which shows technical competence on the da Vinci surgical system. As an early intervention program offering mental health support through one-to-one life mentoring with a professionally trained volunteer Mentor, Mentoring Men is dedicated to making mens mental health matter all year round. To reach more men in the local community, Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) has provided funding to expand the service across the northern Sydney region whereby there are now approximately 130 Mentors and 3 Mentor Peer Support Groups ready to provide help to men in the area. Data from Lifeline Australia shows that 75% of those who take their own lives are men (Data & Statistics - Lifeline Australia) Men are also less likely to seek help for a mental health condition than women (Statistics - Beyond Blue). Mentoring Mens support helps prevent men from reaching crisis point by matching an at-risk man (Mentee), with a trained Mentor for 6-12 months. Volunteer Mentors are trained to provide non-judgmental support and proactive prevention to engage mentees. Volunteers are trained in best practice in Suicide Prevention to equip them with the skills to support men in the community. Mens mental health is a priority, not just in Mens Health Week, but all year around. By expanding the Mentoring Men program we hope to reach those who may be feeling isolated and encourage them to seek support. Ramon del Carmen, Acting CEO, Sydney North Health Network Mentor Peer Support Groups for volunteers are also offered by Mentoring Men. These provide a forum for Mentors to discuss their mentoring relationships and how best to support each other through challenging experiences. The service will also improve community connections by holding monthly community events such as walk and talks, forums, and events in multiple locations to reduce social isolation. Through a male-focused suicide prevention strategy, the Mentoring Men program has successfully engaged over 1400 men across Australia. InnoScot Health is aiming to help NHS Scotland improve womens health with a fresh innovation call targeted at pregnancy and perinatal treatment and care. Image Credit: InnoScot Health The new call will be open for submissions on Wednesday 7 June and seeks to inspire fresh ideas and new thinking from all health care staff to promote and support good child and maternal health. It is an area of intense focus for the Scottish Government. Its Womens Health Plan (2021-2024) set out a bold strategy to improve health and reduce health inequalities; long-term plans for improving maternity and neonatal care are being remobilised following the pandemic and Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) is a continued commitment to providing all children, young people, and their families with the right support at the right time. InnoScot Health is a formal partner of NHS Scotland and believes that identifying ideas drawn from the deep expertise and experience of the workforce can improve how the service provides the right care for every woman and baby, while giving all children the best possible start in life. Inspiring this diverse workforce to come up with new ways of working is vital, and to help encourage staff to come forward with innovative ideas, InnoScot Healths package of support for NHS Scotland staff includes support up to the value of 25k for initial seed funding, regulatory support, project management, and the extensive innovation expertise of its highly experienced team. Ideas that InnoScot Health are looking for could include: Devices for managing and monitoring pregnancy Innovations to improve labour and delivery Technologies for neonates needing specialist care Improving outcomes for mothers with co-morbidities Support for women experiencing mental health problems before and after delivery It is vital that we improve the outcomes of maternity and neonatal care for all women, babies, and families in Scotland, and place more focus on mental health and inequalities. In 2020, women were three times more likely to die by suicide during or up to six weeks after the end of pregnancy compared to 2017-2019. We also know black and Asian women have a higher chance of dying during pregnancy compared to white women, while further inequalities remain an issue. But we have an opportunity to work collaboratively to improve pregnancy and perinatal services and are calling on NHS Scotland workers who have vast experience and insight to come forward with their ideas and solutions. Workforce innovators with breakthrough ideas can be the difference that makes for improved patient outcomes. Robert Rea, Head of Innovation, InnoScot Health Since it was set up in 2002, InnoScot Health has developed a range of medical devices, products, and technologies for use in hospitals, care homes and on-scene emergency settings, both in Scotland and around the world. It helped to pioneer the Ambulance Child Restraint (ACR), a flexible, fully harnessing system used for the safe, secure and effective transport of infants and children in an ambulance. The patented two-part system was an idea of Keith Colver and David Fitzpatrick from Scottish Ambulance Service, developed alongside InnoScot Health and Lightweight Medical. The Childrens Acute Transport Service, NHS infection control officers, and paediatric ICU specialists at Glasgows Yorkhill Hospital for Sick Children further contributed to ACR development and it is now manufactured by ParAid Medical after being adopted across Scotland. InnoScot Health can be a vital partner in the journey from evaluation to deployment for innovation in pregnancy and perinatal treatment and care. In the case of the highly successful Ambulance Child Restraint, we worked with all parties to facilitate the design and development, IP protection, and put in place necessary legal agreements. We hope to replicate this success with our latest themed call. The aim is to inspire bespoke solutions to everyday issues from the people who work within the service and often best understand the challenges. Our commercial support then helps translate ideas into products and services that can then be deployed back into the NHS, resulting in improved outcomes, better processes, and a more sustainable health service. Gillian Henderson, Head of Project Management, InnoScot Health The call welcomes ideas simple or complex from any NHS health board and staff across all roles. Ideas can be submitted online via www.innoscot.com. Once submitted, they will be evaluated by an expert team and selected innovations will then have access to a package of support. The largest and most comprehensive cell map of the human lung is announced in Nature Medicine today (8 June). Revealing the great diversity of cell types in the lung and key differences between health and disease, the Human Lung Cell Atlas will be a valuable resource for lung researchers. Image Credit: The Human Cell Atlas (HCA) By combining data from nearly 40 studies, researchers created the first integrated single-cell atlas of the lung, revealing rare cell types and highlighting cellular differences between healthy people. In addition, the study found common cell states between lung fibrosis, cancer and COVID-19, offering new ways of understanding lung disease, which could help identify new therapeutic targets. The study is part of the global Human Cell Atlas (HCA) initiative to map every cell type in the human body, to transform our understanding of health, infection and disease. Lung research has benefited greatly from recent single-cell studies that show which genes are active in each cell. Despite this, the research has been limited so far by the number of samples and individuals included per study. To better understand healthy lungs and determine what goes wrong in disease, a comprehensive atlas has been needed, however this has been difficult to achieve. Now, a large team of researchers has successfully combined 49 lung datasets, from nearly 40 separate studies, into a single integrated Atlas, using advanced machine learning. By pooling and integrating datasets from every major single-cell RNA-sequencing lung study published to date, the team created the first integrated Human Lung Cell Atlas. This Atlas spans over 2.4 million cells from 486 individuals and gives new insights into lung biology that were not possible before. A comprehensive organ atlas requires many datasets to capture the diversity between both cells and individuals, but combining different datasets is a huge challenge. We developed a benchmarking pipeline to find the optimal method to integrate all datasets into the Atlas, using artificial intelligence, and successfully combined knowledge and data from almost 40 previous lung studies. Dr Malte Luecken, Senior Author on the Paper, Group Leader, Institute of Computational Biology and the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Munich, Germany We have created a first reference atlas of the human lung, which includes data from more than a hundred healthy people and reveals how the cells from individuals vary with age, sex, and smoking history. The sheer numbers of cells and individuals involved now gives the power to see rare cell types and identify new cell states that have not previously been described. Professor Fabian Theis, Senior Author on the Paper, Director, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Munich While the core of the Human Lung Cell Atlas is data from healthy lungs, the team also took datasets from more than 10 different lung diseases and projected these onto the healthy data, to understand disease states. The team discovered that different lung diseases shared common immune cell states, including the finding that a subset of macrophages (a type of immune cell) shared similar gene activity in lung fibrosis, cancer and COVID-19. The shared states indicate that these cells could play a similar role in scar formation in the lung in all three diseases, and provide pointers for potential therapeutic targets. This is the first effort to compare healthy and diseased lungs in one study in an integrated way. Our study not only supports the presence of lung fibrosis in COVID-19, it allows us to identify and define a shared cell state between lung fibrosis, COVID-19 and lung cancer patients. Finding these shared disease-associated cells is really exciting, and reveals a totally different way of looking at lung diseases, opening possibilities for novel treatment targets and developing treatment response biomarkers. Our findings also suggest that therapies working for one disease may help alleviate others. Martijn Nawijn, Senior Author on the Paper, Professor, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands The Lung Atlas Integration project was an international collaborative effort with nearly 100 partners from more than 60 departments, including key researchers from Helmholtz Munich, University Medical Center Groningen and Northwestern University. The team are part of the Human Cell Atlas Lung Biological Network, which has its roots in the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Seed Networks for the Human Cell Atlas, and the European Union funded lung network DiscovAIR. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the single-cell lung communities came together rapidly, forming the HCA Lung Biological Network to help understand COVID-19, which then led to the global effort to integrate all the data. One of the big problems in creating the integrated lung cell atlas was with cell type annotation. Different research groups used different names for the same cell type, or the same name for different cells, so as a team we worked to standardise them using the data in the atlas. The atlas is a first step towards a consensus annotation of the human lung, which will help bring together the field of lung research. Lisa Sikkema, First Author on the Paper, PhD Student, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Munich The first integrated major organ within the Human Cell Atlas initiative, the Human Lung Cell Atlas is publically available for researchers globally, as a central resource to study the lung in health and disease. The Human Lung Cell Atlas is a huge resource for the scientific and medical community. Openly available to researchers, new disease data can be mapped onto the HLCA, transforming research into lung biology and disease. As the first whole reference atlas of a major organ, the HLCA also represents a milestone towards achieving a full Human Cell Atlas which will transform our understanding of biology and disease and lay the foundation for a new era of healthcare. Dr Alexander Misharin, Senior Author on the Paper, Associate Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA Delhi University will offer admission to PhD through the Common University Entrance Test (PhD) administered by the National Testing Agency, authorities announced on Friday. This is the first time the institution will admit candidates to PhD studies by a standardised test and not through written exams and interviews. The decision was made at the Executive Council meeting, where a slew of resolutions, including the five-year LLB course, were adopted. PhD admission will be done on the basis of CUET (PhD)-2023 based on the recommendation of the Standing Committee of the Academic Council, after deliberations on various matters related to admission and attendance of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD programmes for the academic session 2023-24, the same were also accepted by the Executive Council (EC)," the varsity said in a statement. Admission to Delhi Universitys Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes in 2023 through CUET Last year, the University of Delhi (DU) began accepting applications for undergraduate programmes through CUET-UG and will soon begin accepting applications for postgraduate degrees through CUET PG. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will administer the national-based CUET (PhD)-2023 entrance exam. However, officials verified that both teaching and non-teaching categories of university employees can directly attend interviews, according to news agency PTI. It further added, Teaching and non-teaching staff may be permitted to attend classes and take examinations without affecting the duties assigned during office hours. These rules for PhD will be applicable from the academic session 2023-2024." Admission to undergraduate (MBBS/BDS) course: Aside from that, the EC accepted the Medical Science Courses Admission Committees (MCAC) eligibility condition and seat matrix recommendations for admission to undergraduate (MBBS/BDS) courses for the academic session 2023-2024. MSc admission to the Respiratory Therapy programme will also fall under the purview of CUET (PG)-2023. Bar Council approval awaited for the LLB program: The Executive Council meeting also approved a 5-year LLB programme. However, the permission of the Bar Council is still pending. Now the CLAT exams are over. In such a case, taking admission through a separate examination has been suggested. Admissions to the five-year LLB programme are set to begin this year. In a proud moment for India, a documentary on a Mumbai conservancy workers journey during the Covid-19 pandemic titled Clean Up has won at the prestigious Los Angeles Film Awards in the United States. The documentary highlights the challenging journey of conservancy workers during the pandemic and how these frontline workers picked up and managed the constantly rising quantities of hospital waste. The documentary features Avinash Pillai, a contract labourer from Worli, who along with other workers in the city battled the tough lockdown. Pillai was one of the first frontline workers on duty immediately after the lockdown was announced in India. Mumbai generated thousands of tonnes of waste from each hospital during the difficult phase including large quantities of disposable curtains, bedsheets, gloves, gowns, medicines, face masks and more. Clean Up follows Pillai, who picked up these waste bags every day, revealing how his journey was part of a larger global problem. We remember many frontline workers but very few people think of the conservancy workers who also played such a crucial role during the time. They dealt with bags that were completely infected with the virus and each hospital generated over 10,000 waste bags in a day. They had to be picked up and disposed of to make space for thousands more to follow in the coming days, months and a year. I felt it was an important story to tell, said Vaishnavi Vasudevan, director and producer of the award-winning film. The documentary was shot in Mumbai during the peak of the pandemics first and second wave in India in 2020 and 2021. The film was produced by the Board of Governor of Television Academy Award and renowned producer, Daniel H Birman. The documentary was also selected to be released on Spectrum News1 for more than 11.5 million subscribers in Southern California. It was selected not just for the compelling story it told about the journey of conservancy workers in Mumbai but also how disposable waste we generated across the world impacts us even today, said Birman. Clean Up also reveals the impact of the waste on those living in and around the bio-medical waste incinerator located in Deonar. It throws light and features the work of city environmentalist Stalin D, Mumbais Kachra Vahtuk Shramik Sanghs Milind Ranade, renowned city pulmonologist Dr Vikas Oswal and a few Deonar residents as well as activists who have been fighting for the shifting of the incinerator. It turned out to be an investigative visual piece that also explored the global impact of the Covid-19 waste on our planet, with experts from around the world (mostly US, UK, Hong Kong and Canada) sharing their experiences about the challenges and its impact, said Vaishnavi. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov has expressed condolences to his Turkish colleague Yasar Guler, Trend reports. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of five people and the injury of people as a result of an explosion at a plant in the Almadag district of Ankara. May the Almighty rest the souls of the dead. We share the grief of their close relatives and express our deepest condolences to their families. May the Almighty send recovery to the injured!". The explosion occurred at a plant for the production of rockets and explosives. According to the National Defense Ministry of Turkiye, as a result of the explosion five employees of the plant were killed. Cyclone Biparjoy," which is now a very severe cyclonic storm, is expected to move nearly northwards and further intensify in the next 24 hours, the India Meteorological Department said. It is likely to further intensify into an extremely severe cyclonic storm" in the next 12 hours, but it may not hit Gujarat, IMD said in its latest bulletin. As of Saturday morning, the severe cyclonic storm was placed about 700 km west-northwest of Goa and 620 km west-southwest of Mumbai. From here, it will intensify further and move north-northeastwards and then gradually north-northwestwards during the subsequent three days. How was this cyclone named Biparjoy"? The name Biparjoy, which is pronounced as Biporjoy" was given by Bangladesh. The name means calamity or disaster in Bengali. Each cyclone is recognized by alphabetical names given by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). These names are provided by member nations of the Organisation, which in this case is Bangladesh. Why are cyclones given names? According to the WMO, names are necessary for tropical cyclones because there can be more than one such system operating in a particular zone, and naming them helps in not creating a confusion between the cyclones. Therefore, each tropical storm is given a name to avoid confusion, facilitating disaster risk awareness, management and mitigation. Every region has its own rules for naming extreme weather events Every region has its own rules for naming cyclones. In the Atlantic and in the Southern hemisphere (Indian ocean and South Pacific), tropical cyclones names are given in alphabetical order, and women and mens names are alternated. The WMO maintains the rotating lists of names, which are appropriate for each tropical cyclone basin. If a cyclone is particularly deadly or costly, then its name is retired and replaced by another. Generally, the name list is proposed by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) of the WMO members of a specific region and approved by the respective tropical cyclone regional bodies at their annual or biennial sessions. #WATCH | Gujarat: High waves are seen at Tithal beach of Valsad ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy.Tithal Beach was closed for tourists as a precautionary measure by the Valsad administration following the cyclone Biparjoy warning (9/06) pic.twitter.com/TSvQfaiezv ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2023 Cyclone Biparjoys impact in India? Due to the cyclone, Gujarat will witness thunderstorm activity during the next five days, and wind speed will remain high especially in the Saurashtra-Kutch region. Apart from this, fishermen have been warned against venturing into the Arabian Sea during the next five days. All fishing activities have also been suspended in this region. During the next two days, the Saurashtra-Kutch region will witness a wind speed of up to 30-40 kmph. Thereafter, the region may witness wind speed of up to 30-50 kmph gusting to 50 kmph, especially in coastal areas during June 13-15," Manorama Mohanty, director of the Ahmedabad IMD centre said. The cyclone is also likely to bring comparatively strong wind gusting to 60 kmph and increasing to 75 kmph, in coastal districts such as Porbandar and Kutch. How is India taking precautions? Authorities have dispatched teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the districts of Porbandar, Gir Somnath and Valsad in Gujarat as a precautionary measure. The SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams have been kept on standby mode while people of the coastal village had been alerted. If needed, they were told, they will have to be shifted to safer places," Surats Collector BK Vasava told Indian Express. The Indian Coast Guard has commenced an outreach to advise the fishing community, seafarers and stakeholders of Gujarat, Daman and Diu to take requisite precautions and safety measures. The ICG units are communicating regular advisories to vessels at sea through ships, aircraft & RADAR stations Weather predictions across India Amid Cyclone Biparjoy Northeast India Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely during the next five days over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh, IMD said in its latest bulletin. South India Heavy rainfall is also very likely over Kerala and coastal Karnataka during the next three days. East India Andaman and Nicobar islands are set to see very heavy rainfall on Saturday. Apart from this, heatwave conditions are likely over Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas till June 12. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that the Balakot airstrikes and the surgical strikes sent a message that India can defend itself both within and outside its borders. Speaking at a function in Rohtas district of Bihar, Singh lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for having approved the military operations at meetings that lasted barely 10 minutes, with not more than four to five persons in attendance". He was taking part in an interaction with intellectuals" organised by a private university founded by and named after Gopal Narayan Singh, a former president of the BJPs Bihar unit, who was also present on the occasion. The Defence Minister showered encomiums on Modi for making possible the return of Indian students who were trapped in Ukraine when it was attacked by Russia. Russia was pounding Ukraine with its heavy artillery. Modi had a word with Russian, Ukrainian and American presidents. The war was halted for four hours and the students were brought back. The world looked agape at this feat," said Singh. He said the Modi government had similarly succeeded in bringing back students stranded abroad when country after country was enforcing lockdown in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with our professed ideal of vasudhaiv kutumbakam (the world is a family), we not only inoculated each and every citizen, becoming the only country in the world to have done so, but also exported vaccines to countries which needed these," he said. Modis Make in India call has transformed the defence sector. Our defence exports, which used to be worth a paltry Rs 900 crore, are now worth more than Rs 16,000 crore. We are committed to raising these to Rs 35,000 crores in the next two years," he said. Stating that the total defence manufacturing has reached Rs 1.10 lakh crore, Singh said the country has come a long way since being dependent on imports for most of its defence requirements. The Defence Minister also touched upon welfare schemes launched by the Modi government and claimed that these were proof that we have a Prime Minister with a level of sensitivity that has been unheard of". He added, We may not have been able to eradicate corruption, but nobody can deny we have taken decisive steps in that direction." Singh, who has formerly been the BJPs national president, stressed that his party saw politics as a means to serve the people and not merely to grab power". He also said that the abrogation of Article 370 and the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya proved there is no gap between the words and the deeds of this party". Visibly impressed with the speech of Bihar BJP president Samrat Choudhary, who spoke earlier, Singh said, I am confident that our party will form the next government in the state, with full majority". The Defence Minister asserted that India under Narendra Modi is finally getting the respect it deserved among the comity of nations". Global financial analyst Morgan Stanley had a few years ago clubbed India with Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa and Turkey and remarked these countries were on the brink of an economic collapse. It has now revised its opinion and noted that the country could rank among the top five economies of the world by 2027 We must now resolve to become a developed nation by the time we celebrate 100 years of Independence in 2047," said Singh. Already, we are among the top five, a huge improvement since 2014 when we were not among the top ten," said Singh, in an oblique reference to the time when Modi came to power. Our culture is being respected as well. Foreigners are increasingly willing to refer to our country as Bharat, instead of India. Angreziyat (anglicisation) is on its way out," said Singh. Earlier, he addressed a convocation ceremony of the university, where among other things, he hailed the entrepreneurial spirit of the countrys youth, and cited an article by American commentator Thomas Friedman who had weighed Infosys against Al Qaeda, showing how different the Indian IT giant was from the global terror outfit despite both attracting educated youths into their folds. Singh also urged students to also remember their teachers with respect and gratitude and recalled a personal anecdote involving a Moulvi by whom he had been taught as a child and whose feet he had touched after becoming the education minister of Uttar Pradesh. The very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy is expected to intensify further on Saturday and move nearly north-northeastwards over the course of two days, the India Meteorological Department said. The weather agency also said that the Southwest monsoon is likely to advance into the remaining parts of Kerala and additional areas of the southern peninsula within the next two days. Very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy over east-central Arabian Sea, lay centred at 5.30 am on June 10, near lat 16.5N & long 67.4E, likely to intensify further and move north-northeastwards during next 24 hours," said IMD in a tweet.," the IMD said in a tweet. The cyclone would intensify further gradually during the next 36 hours and move nearly north-northeast wards during the next 48 hours and north-northwestwards during the subsequent three days, the weather agency said on Friday. Top Points About Cyclone Biparjoy Pakistans meteorological agency has said that a ferocious cyclone in the Arabian Sea is unlikely to make landfall in the country, but authorities in the coastal areas in Sindh and Balochistan have been advised to be on alert to ensure public safety. Biporjoy was located by Friday night at around 1,120km away from Karachi, about the same distance between Karachi and Lahore, the Express Tribune reported quoting the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) experts. The NDRF is deploying one team each in Porbandar, Gir-Somnath and Valsad in Gujarat as a precautionary measure. In view of the cyclone, IMD has predicted rainfall activities in isolated places over Gujarat for the next two days. After two days, rainfall will be expected in Saurashtra and Kutch areas, the weather agency said. "Earlier Cyclone was moving towards South-south west. After two days, it will start moving towards North-north East. Wind speed to increase in coastal areas of Gujarat after two days. No clarity on landfall yet," IMD said. The first cyclone in the Arabian Sea this year-Biparjoy- has been named by Bangladesh. The name means disaster" or calamity" in Bengali. In anticipation of Cyclone Biparjoy, high waves have been observed at Tithal Beach in Valsad on the Arabian Sea coast. As a precautionary measure, Tithal Beach has been closed to tourists until June 14. As Biparjoy is headed northwards and remained centred about 900 km south-southwest of Gujarats coastal Porbandar district, fishermen have been asked to return to the coast from deep sea areas and ports instructed to hoist Distant Warning signal (DW II). As the cyclone would bring light rains and thunderstorms in coastal regions, all ports, in accordance with international procedure, are advised to hoist signals" whenever adverse weather is expected over them in oceanic areas. The step seeks to alert vessels and ensure the safety of maritime activities. The IMD also advised fishermen not to venture into the seas off the coast of Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep. A yellow alert was issued for eight districts in Kerala on Friday. The districts where the yellow alert is issued are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, and Kannur. The cyclone is also expected to bring light showers and thunderstorms to coastal regions of Gujarat. The cyclone may reach South Gujarat on Sunday or Monday and therefore the state administration is on alert mode and all officials were advised not to leave the headquarter. The SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams have been kept on standby mode while people of the coastal village had been alerted. If needed, they were told, they will have to be shifted to safer places," Surats Collector BK Vasava told Indian Express. The IMD further predicted that along and of the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts, squally wind speed, reaching 35-45 kmph and gusting to 55 kmph, is likely to prevail on June 10 and likely to increase to 40-50 kmph and gusting to 60 kmph on June 11, 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph during June 12, and 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph June 13 and 14. On the monsoon, the IMD said: In the coming 24 hours, the monsoon is expected to progress into more regions of the central Arabian Sea, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and additional areas of southwest, central, and northeast Bay of Bengal. It is also predicted to reach the remaining parts of Kerala, followed by the northeastern states and certain parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim in the subsequent two days." A 20-year-old engineering student was found dead in his college hostel room here on Saturday in a suspected case of suicide, police said. According to the police, Vivek was a fourth-semester Electronics and Communication student at a private engineering college in the city. A native of Davangere, the youth did not respond to his roommates cries to open the door. Today morning, he committed suicide by hanging himself from a fan while his other roommates went for breakfast," police said. Around 10 am, his roommates knocked on the door but he did not open it. When the door was broken open, they saw him hanging from the fan, police added. He was rushed to the government hospital at Yelahanka where he was declared dead on arrival. As the prices of crude oil have come down globally, the Central Government may reduce fuel prices if the international crude cost remains stable and oil companies have a good next quarter. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Saturday highlighted that there is no rise in oil prices since April 2022 and noted that it will make certain that consumers suffer no hardship. Oil companies will be in a position to look at the issue of reducing petrol and diesel prices if the international crude cost remains stable and these firms have a good next quarter, Puri said while addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi to mark the Modi governments nine years in power. Indias Import of Russian Oil Scales New High in May Indias import of cheap Russian oil scaled another record in May and is now more than the combined oil bought from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE and the US, industry data showed. India took 1.96 million barrels a day from Russia in May, 15 per cent more than the previous high in April, according to data from energy cargo tracker Vortexa. Russia now makes up for nearly 42 per cent of all crude oil India imported in May. This is the highest share for an individual country in recent years. The rise in Russian share came at the cost of traditional suppliers in the Middle East. Shipments from Saudi Arabia slipped to 560,000 tonnes the lowest since February 2021, according to figures from the shipping analytics company. Oil producers cartel OPECs share in Indias oil imports fell to an all-time low of 39 per cent in May. Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), mainly in the Middle East and Africa, made up for as much as 90 per cent of all crude oil India imported at one point of time, but this has been sliding since Russian oil became available at a discount in the aftermath of Moscows invasion of Ukraine in February last year. For the eighth straight month, Russia continued to be the single largest supplier of crude oil, making up for 42 per cent of all oil India imported. Crude oil is converted into petrol and diesel at refineries. The imports from Russia are now more than the combined purchases from Iraq and Saudi Arabia Indias biggest suppliers in the last decade as well as UAE and the US. Iraq supplied 0.83 million barrels per day (bpd) oil in May, while UAE shipped 203,000 bpd. As much as 138,000 bpd was sourced from the US, the data showed. From a market share of less than 1 per cent in Indias import basket before the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Russias share of Indias imports rose to 1.96 million barrels per day in May, taking a 42 per cent share. OPEC supplied 1.8 million bpd out of 4.7 million bpd oil India imported in May. This was down from 2.1 million bpd imported in April, according to Vortexa. Indian refiners in the past rarely bought Russian oil due to high freight costs but now they are snapping up plentiful Russian cargo available at a discount to other grades, as some Western nations rejected it because of Moscows invasion of Ukraine. The purchases from Russia in May were more than double of 0.83 million bpd of oil bought from Iraq, which had been Indias top oil supplier since 2017-18. Saudi Arabia has been pushed down to No.3 spot. The average cost of Russian crude including freight costs landing on Indian shores in April was USD 68.21 a barrel the lowest level since the Ukraine war. The average cost of Saudi Arabian crude sent to India in April was USD 86.96 a barrel, while Iraqi oil was priced at USD 77.77 a barrel. May import price has not yet been released. Russia is selling record amounts of crude oil to India to plug the gap in its energy exports after the European Union banned imports in December. According to Vortexa, India imported just 68,600 bpd of oil from Russia in March 2022. (With PTI inputs) HOROSCOPE TODAY, JUNE 11, 2023: Horoscopes provide a glimpse into the potential events and energies that may shape our lives. From demanding family dynamics to financial struggles, unexpected recognition to personal growth, this horoscope aims to offer insights and guidance for the day. So, lets explore the predictions and embark on a journey through the cosmos to discover what the stars have in store for you today. Below mentioned are the forecasts for each zodiac sign, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19) Disagreements may crop up with colleagues Individuals with the zodiac sign Aries can expect a particularly demanding day ahead, filled with potential conflicts within their family. Financially, your expenses are likely to surpass your income, causing additional stress. Surprisingly, despite experiencing favorable profits in your business, you may find yourself feeling restless and uneasy. There is a possibility of engaging in a disagreement with a colleague or encountering a dispute at your workplace. TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20) Stability at the job Your family might engage in a propitious ceremony, strengthening the bond among its members. Your older siblings will express great joy and appreciation towards you. Esteemed officers will hold you in high regard, acknowledging your accomplishments. Your professional life will experience a period of stability and progress. You will relish precious moments with your life partner, cherishing the quality time spent together. GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20) Conflicts with family likely Making crucial decisions regarding your inherited estate could be on the horizon. Surprisingly, even your adversaries might acknowledge and respect your choices. However, accomplishing your work objectives might prove challenging during this period. Potential conflicts among family members could arise, necessitating a cautious approach to maintain harmony. It is advisable to remain attentive to legal affairs and ensure compliance. You might allocate funds towards religious undertakings during this time. CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22) Connect, broaden network Cancerians can expect assistance from both superiors and colleagues at work. Newly married couples may engage in family planning to establish their future. Your commitment to fulfilling responsibilities will be unwavering, reflecting your loyalty. You will have the opportunity to connect with learned and wise individuals, broadening your network. You will develop a keen interest in participating in religious activities. LEO (JULY 23 - AUGUST 23) Keep the ego in check Might experience discord while doing government-related tasks and could face obstacles in their families. You will find yourself drawn to creative pursuits, but concerns about a business slowdown may weigh on your mind. The memory of a past event could bring about emotional distress. Its important to guard against allowing your ego to disrupt your relationships. VIRGO (AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22) Happiness in married life Virgos may find themselves entering into significant business agreements, demonstrating their commitment to supporting those around them. Collaborating with your colleagues will prove fruitful, leading to financial prosperity. Love and affection will flourish in your married life, bringing joy and contentment. Your actions will garner the admiration and happiness of your elders, and you can expect a steady and stable income. LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22) Might get a promotion Expect positive transformations in your character as you embrace personal growth. The possibility of securing promotion to a more elevated role is on the horizon, along with the ease of settling your financial obligations. Anticipate the potential of being entrusted with significant responsibilities within your profession. It is crucial to honor the boundaries within your romantic relationship and maintain a healthy level of respect for one another. SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21) Children will bring you joy Your love life will continue to be fulfilling and enjoyable. In your business ventures, you will attain the desired outcomes and experience the fruits of your hard work. Your children may bring you immense joy and satisfaction. Your high self-esteem will command respect from others, who will hold you in high regard. To accomplish your tasks efficiently, it is crucial to approach them with intelligence and shrewdness. Media professionals and artists will receive well-deserved recognition and honor. SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21) Pending work needs attention It is crucial to uphold a structured daily schedule to ensure productivity and completion of essential tasks. There may be pending assignments or responsibilities that require attention. Individuals with cardiac conditions may experience certain health challenges. As your income rises, likely, your expenses will correspondingly increase. Nevertheless, amidst these circumstances, a sense of tranquility and inner harmony will be experienced. CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19) Valuable moments with friends Capricorns may exhibit great care and responsibility towards their children, ensuring their well-being and development. Any obstacles that may have been affecting your marriage will dissipate, allowing for a harmonious and loving relationship. You will cherish valuable moments with your friends, engaging in meaningful conversations and possibly addressing significant matters. Your likability and influence will grow, as people are drawn to your positive qualities. It is an auspicious day to embark on new ventures and initiatives, as success is highly likely. AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18) Concerns over daughters marriage Aquarians will experience a sense of contentment as financial growth flourishes. It is important to prioritize the well-being of your mother. Dedicate careful supervision to your work to achieve success. Concerns regarding your daughters marriage will occupy your thoughts. Students are advised to maintain an unwavering focus on their studies. PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20) Romance is in the air Business professionals will effectively promote their products, thereby generating increased sales. You will cherish delightful moments of romance with your life partner, while successfully resolving any conflicts that may arise among your team members. Engaging in enjoyable and lively activities will be an integral part of your routine, allowing you to showcase and capitalise on your talents effectively. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said the new Parliament building is a symbol of Prime Minister Narendra Modis firm commitment towards national development. Jaishankar said this while interacting with citizens, including doctors, government employees, members of social organisations and youngsters, as part of the Sampark se Samarthan" campaign of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the New Delhi area. Addressing a gathering of Delhi University (DU) students, he said youngsters have to contribute significantly in Indias progress story, they will have to participate in the countrys economic development and cooperate in bringing a clean change in politics. The nationwide campaign has been launched by the BJP with the aim of creating mass awareness about the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in the last nine years. Mentioning the newly-built Parliament House building and the redeveloped Pragati Maidan, Jaishankar said both are symbols of Prime Minister Narendra Modis firm commitment for national development. The external affairs minister discussed the governments achievements with eminent personalities of New Delhi at a meet organised by renowned heart surgeon Viveka Kumar at Sarvodaya Enclave. In another dialogue at Janpath, the minister interacted with the members of the Art of Living and called for cooperation by reaching out to the last person in the society. Late in the evening, after visiting the Sree Vinayak Temple at Sarojini Nagar, Jaishankar interacted with a group of Delhi residents from south India. Issues regarding community welfare came up during the discussion, according to a statement issued by the Delhi BJP. Sarawasti Vaidya, 32-year-old Mira Road resident killed and chopped into pieces, quarreled" with her live-in partner about him not being able keep her happy and satisfied". Manoj Ramesh Sane reportedly frequented pornographic sites, and since he could not remember names of the sites, he noted down names of seven-eight porn sites on a paper. The deceased apparently would also get enraged when the accused, Sane, would look at any other woman". The new details emerged after police sources told Indian Express about the browsing history of 56-year-old Sane and his latest admission. Police has also seized the paper where Sane had scribbled porn sites. The report quoted the sources as saying that the accused admitted about Vaidya complaining to him about not being satisfied. Besides the pornographic sites, the police investigation into the gruesome murder has revealed that Sane searched the internet for ways to dispose of a body. According to the IE report, when scanning his phone, the police scrolled through his browsing history and found that on June 4, the day he allegedly killed Vaidya, he searched for ideas on how to ensure that a body doesnt start decomposing and smelling. Police had earlier revealed that the accused had chopped Vaidyas copy using a tree cutter and boiled the body parts to prevent a foul smell. DCP Jayant Bajbale of Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai Virar commissionerate, had said that Sane was influenced" by Shraddha Walkar-Aaftab Poonawala murder case. While Poonawala, a food blogger, used a refrigerator to store the chopped body parts of his live-in partner, Sane reportedly purchased five bottles of nilgiri (eucalyptus) oil to delay the bodys decomposition. The 56-year-old murder accuseds attempts, however, failed as the emanating from the chopped body triggered alarm among the neighbours and they reported the matter to police. ALSO READ | Mira Road Murder Accused Roamed in Mask But Didnt Hunt for Dead Rat. Then He Was Trapped Where All Have Sane Thrown Vaidyas Body Pieces Since the case emerged, there have been many theories regarding Sanes method of disposing of the chopped body parts. IE reported that Sane boiled the body pieces in a cooker and also roasted some of them to dispose the lot in a nullah nearby. A TOI report, however, quoted sources as saying that the police suspect Sane may have disposed of some of the cooked body parts through the toilets as residents complained about choked toilets and drains. It said officers have begun opening the septic tanks of the building. Residents also suspected that Sane may have fed some body parts of the stray dogs as he was lately seen feeding strays something that he had not done before. However, police on Thursday said that the theory holds no merit. CLICK HERE to Know When, Where How Saraswati Vaidya Was Killed | Full Timeline Details on Saraswati Vaidyas Personal Life The victim has four sisters, and police said all of them grew up in Jankidevi Apte Anath Ashram in Ahmednagar. After attaining the age of 18, the Vaidya sisters left the orphanage, and later the three of them began living in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Saraswati moved to Borivali in the financial capital. She met Sane in 2013 while looking for a job. According to the IE report, the Vaidya sisters initially lived in Aurangabad with her mother after their parents separated, but were admitted to an ashram after their mothers death. Police on Friday revealed that Saraswati and Sane had got married in a temple. The victim, however, would introduce Sane as her uncle because of their age difference". The IE report stated that the victim had failed in two subjects, hence could not clear the Class 10 exam and thus was unable to get a job. Sane promised to get her a job and also promised to marry her. They then shifted from Borivali to Mira Road. ALSO READ | Mira Road Murder Accused Taught Math to Daughter-like Victim But She Was Possessive A report in Times of India quoted an official from the orphanage as saying that Vaidya was handed over to them in 2001 as an orphan from Rahuri town in Ahmednagar district by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). She appeared unsuccessfully in 2010 for her Class X examination, and after that she was repatriated to the CWC, the report stated. The publication further mentioned that after about five years, Vaidya started intermittently visiting the Balikashram. Whenever she came, Vaidya would tell the people her life was going on smoothly and that she was happy that she met her uncle in Mumbai," the official was quoted. Saraswati Vaidya maintained she didnt want to marry and that she was happy working and living with her uncle, the orphanage official said. We will match Saraswati Vaidyas DNA with that of her siblings, and would hand over her body to them for the last rites," DCP Jayant Bajbale was quoted by IE. The sisters have sought strictest punishment for Sane. Motive Behind Murder, Statement of Manoj Sanes Relatives According to the TOI report, there is no clarity on the motive behind the murder. While Sane has accepted fights over domestic issues, police is exploring the domestic violence angle as assault marks were found on portions of the limbs seized by the officers. The TOI report stated that the police are probing if Sane would lock the flat door from outside when he left for work. The publication quoted neighbours as saying that while the door was mostly locked, they rarely saw Vaidya leave with Sane. The police said they will record the statement of Sanes relatives too, the report stated. The accuseds uncle, Madhukar Sane, who stays in Sane Residency, has reportedly told police that he did not know anything about Vaidya. TOI report stated that Madhukar used to wave at the accused when he passed by the ration shop where he worked. Sane has a flat in the building which has been given on rent. Even though the demand for work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) showed a downward trend in the first three months of 2023, April and May have seen a significant rise in the total number of households demanding work in the new fiscal. At 3.17 crore households, the month of May has seen the highest demand over the past five years, barring the pandemic year, shows official data. Data shows that the new financial year, starting April, has seen the demand go up, which until March remained quite low. A total of 3.17 crore households demanded work in May 2023, as against the same month in 2.61 crore in 2022-23, 2.65 crore in 2021-22, 3.73 crore in 2020-21 and 2.47 crore in 2019-20. April, too, saw a rise, both as compared to the first three months of 2023 as well as against the corresponding month in previous years. In the new fiscal, April saw 2.40 crore households demanding work under the scheme. This figure for the month of April was 1.86 crore in 2022-23, 2.61 crore in 2021-22, 1.34 crore in 2020-21 and 2.10 crore in 2019-20. According to the data, the first three months of the post-pandemic year saw demand for work under MGNREGS drop close to pre-pandemic levels 1.89 crore, 1.67 crore and 1.66 crore, respectively. The increase in number of households demanding work under the scheme is being attributed to two factors extension of the Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) deadline from April 1 to July 1 and more families looking for work since the harvest season is over. Heres a look at the month-wise data on the number of households that demanded work under MGNREGS since 2019-20. May 2023-24 3.17 crore 2022-23 2.61 crore 2021-22 2.65 crore 2020-21 3.73 crore 2019-20 2.47 crore April 2023-24 2.40 crore 2022-23 1.86 crore 2021-22 2.61 crore 2020-21 1.34 crore 2019-20 2.10 crore March 2022-23 1.89 crore 2021-22 2.40 crore 2020-21 2.62 crore 2019-20 2.07 crore February 2022-23 1.67 crore 2021-22 2.37 crore 2020-21 2.86 crore 2019-20 2.22 crore January 2022-23 1.66 crore 2021-22 2.33 crore 2020-21 2.63 crore 2019-20 1.88 crore The rise in demand appears to be contrary to what the Centre had stated earlier this year on drop in demand due to the economy bouncing back to normal post-pandemic. MGNREGS activists had claimed that the drop in demand was actually people not being able to avail the scheme due to three changes steep budget cut, introduction of the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) to mandatorily mark workers attendance digitally on the app and the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) for transfer of wages, even though a large number of workers still dont have Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. Even as the fresh deadline for states to switch completely to ABPS is around the corner, at least 25% of the total active workers are yet to be covered under it, shows the official website. News18.com reached out to the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) for a response on the same. This report will be updated if and when a response is received. The figures reflect that the highest demand for work under the scheme peaked during the pandemic years when MGNREGS turned into a crucial safety net for the poor as well as migrant workers who moved back to their villages looking for jobs, even when the economy had opened up partially. The Economic Survey 2022-23 that was tabled in Parliament on January 31 stated that Year-on-Year (YoY) decline in monthly demand for MGNREGS work is emanating from normalisation of the rural economy due to strong agricultural growth and a swift bounce-back from Covid-19. This year saw the steepest budget cut ever in the scheme, which the government said was due to drop in demand and funds being allocated to other schemes in rural areas where people can find work. Senior Congress leader and former rural development minister Jairam Ramesh in a recent tweet attacked the Centre on the economic distress in rural population on the rising MGNREGS demand currently. The Modi govt does a huge song and dance about record GST revenues, which is nothing but an expected mathematical reality but you wont hear the drum-beaters talk about the record numbers of people demanding MGNREGA work in Maymore than 3 crore households, he tweeted. The Modi govt does a huge song and dance about record GST revenues, which is nothing but an expected mathematical reality but you wont hear the drum-beaters talk about the record numbers of people demanding MGNREGA work in Maymore than 3 crore households.No amount of pic.twitter.com/0QxaBaF3e7 Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 6, 2023 Loopholes in the NMMS and ABPS have been causing delays in wages and many workers are being left out of the ambit of the scheme, which led to a 60-day-long protest by the workers and activists in the national capital in April-May. The protest prompted the ministry to hold a talk with the agitating workers, who were assured possible interventions on part of the government to address their concerns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday as they reviewed progress in their bilateral cooperation, anchored in historical and strong people-to-people ties. Modi also thanked him for the relocation of 12 cheetahs to India earlier this year, according to a statement. They also exchanged views on several regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in BRICS in the context of South Africas chairmanship this year, it added. President Ramaphosa briefed the PM on the African Leaders Peace Initiative. Noting that India was supportive of all initiatives aimed at ensuring durable peace and stability in Ukraine, PM reiterated Indias consistent call for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward," it said. In their telephone conversation, Ramaphosa conveyed his full support for Indias initiatives as part of its ongoing G20 presidency and said that he looked forward to his visit to India. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has congratulated the people of Portugal with the National Day, Trend reports. "On the occasion of the Portugal Day, we extend our sincere congratulations and warm wishes to the government and people of Portugal! Looking forward to further deepening and development of our bilateral cooperation! Happy National Day!" reads a message on the ministrys Twitter page. Greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time high, with yearly emissions equivalent to 54 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. A group of 50 leading scientists have said in an analysis that human-caused global warming has continued to increase at an unprecedented rate since the last major assessment of the climate system published two years ago. One of the researchers said the analysis was a timely wake-up call and it comes as climate experts meet in Bonn, Germany, to prepare the ground for the major COP28 climate conference in the UAE in December, which will take stock of progress towards keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. The researchers wrote in the analysis that human-induced warming, largely caused by fossil fuel burning, reached an average of 1.14 degrees Celsius for the most recent decade (2013 to 2022) above pre-industrial levels, up from 1.07 degrees Celsius between 2010 and 2019. It is now increasing at a pace of over 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade, they wrote in the journal Earth System Science Data. In an initiative being led by the University of Leeds, UK, the scientists have developed an open data, open science platform the Indicators of Global Climate Change. Its website will update information on key climate indicators every year. Arguing that policymakers, climate negotiators and civil society groups need to have access to the latest and robust scientific evidence for decision-making, the scientists said that these key climate indicators have changed since the publication of the UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes (IPCCs) Sixth Assessment Working Group 1 report in 2021, which produced the key data that fed into the subsequent IPCC Sixth Synthesis Report. While there has been a positive move away from burning coal, it has, in fact, added to global warming by reducing particulate pollution in the air, which has a cooling effect, the analysis noted. Coordinator of the initiative, Piers Forster, Director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures at Leeds, said, Long-term warming rates are currently at a long-term high, caused by highest-ever levels of greenhouse gas emissions. But there is evidence that the rate of increase in greenhouse gas emissions has slowed. We need to be nimble footed in the face of climate change. We need to change policy and approaches in the light of the latest evidence about the state of the climate system. Time is no longer on our side. Access to up-to-date information is vitally important. Decline in remaining carbon budget, an estimate of how much carbon that can be released into the atmosphere to give a 50 per cent chance of keeping global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius, another major finding of the analysis, has been attributed to a combination of continued emissions since 2020 and updated estimates of human-induced warming. The IPCC calculated in 2020 this budget to be around 500 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide. By the start of 2023, the figure was roughly halved to 250 gigatonnes. Even though we are not yet at 1.5 degrees Celsius warming, the carbon budget will likely be exhausted in only a few years as we have a triple whammy of heating from very high CO2 emissions, heating from increases in other GHG emissions and heating from reductions in pollution. If we dont want to see the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal disappearing in our rearview mirror, the world must work much harder and urgently at bringing emissions down, said Forster. Maisa Rojas Corradi, Minister of the Environment in Chile, IPCC author and a scientist involved in this study, said, An annual update of key indicators of global change is critical in helping the international community and countries to keep the urgency of addressing the climate crisis at the top of the agenda and for evidence-based decision-making. He said that Chile had a climate change law aimed at aligning government-wide policies with climate action. San Francisco is unquestionably the best place to celebrate Pride, and in 2023, things are about to get even more amazing. Pride is resurfacing in a big way and outperforming all predictions. This years Pride festival, which is in its 53rd year, has the motivational theme of Looking Back and Moving Forward." It will pay tribute to the priceless insights and enormous victories of the past while highlighting the significant individuals advancing social justice now. Everyone is encouraged to embrace their true selves and participate in this unique celebration of love, equality, and self-expression within the vibrant 49 square miles of the city. San Francisco will undergo a total transformation, emanating a rainbow-hued kaleidoscope from top to bottom. Get ready to be amazed by the enthusiasm, vibrancy, and unabashed revelry that characterise Pride celebrations. Frameline47 June 1624, join Frameline in celebrating the 47th season of LGBT cinema. The well-liked film festival shows everything from documentaries to feature films to discussions with movie stars. The best part is that you may watch these unique selections encores online while relaxing in your house! National Queer Arts Festival (NQAF) Celebrates 26 Years This yearly multidisciplinary festival, which takes place all around the San Francisco Bay Area, is the biggest LGBT arts festival in North America. The subject of this years NQAF, Murmurations of Queer Power," which celebrates the convergence of a swarm of queerness and the strength of coming together in the service of liberation, will be used to frame both physical and online events. Pink Triangle San Francisco annually illuminates a huge pink triangle above Twin Peaks as a reclamation of the sign long used to shame the LGBT population. Since its inception in 1996, the custom has served as a symbol of both a difficult past and a promising future. Through Pride, you can catch this nightly guiding light of enduring love. It began on June 17 and will continue till July 1st. Civic Centre Festival On Saturday, June 24, the public plaza in front of City Hall will be Pride central from noon to 6 p.m. Visitors may catch amazing live performances on more than 20 community stages, including the Urban Global Village Stage, the API LGBT Stage, Homo Hip-Hop, and Soul of Pride. If you miss a performance, dont worry; most ensembles return the following day. Parade for San Francisco Pride The Pride Parade in San Francisco is unlike any other, with participants wearing every colour of the rainbow flag and tens of thousands of onlookers lining the route. On Sunday, June 25, a sizable assemblage of sellers and entertainers will surround the plaza at City Hall as marchers make their way west along Market Street from the city centre. Performer and activist Honey Mahogany, author and activist Paul Aguilar, executive director Laura Lala-Chavez, counsellor and healthcare supporter Breonna McCree, doctor and LGBT rights activist Dr. Nasser Mohamed, and the Bay Area chapter of Drag Story Hour are among this years Grand Marshals. Tickets for the grandstand are already on sale. Juanita MORE! s Pride Party Without Juanita MOREs well-known celebration, Pride would not exist. At 620 Jones, the renowned drag queen conducts her yearly bash in support of The Q Foundation. Tickets purchased in advance cost $60 (cash only). NATIONAL CHILDRENS DAY 2023: National Childrens Day is a significant occasion that aims to honour and rejoice in the purity, happiness, and potential of children worldwide. It is observed annually on the second Sunday of June in the United States. This year, the day falls on June 11 for 2023. This special day serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to nurture and safeguard the rights and well-being of children. Its an opportunity to advocate for their safety, education, and overall well-being. National Childrens Day inspires communities, families, and individuals to unite in promoting childrens rights, ensuring they have every chance to flourish and become the future leaders of tomorrow. National Childrens Day 2023: History Childrens Day celebrations trace back to 1856 when Dr. Charles Leonard of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts initiated the observance as a day dedicated to baptizing children. Originally called Rose Day, it later evolved into National Childrens Day. In 1995, President Bill Clinton proclaimed October 8 as National Childrens Day, recognising its importance in promoting the welfare of children. This date was later succeeded by President Bush in 2001, who designated the first Sunday in June as the day of celebration. National Childrens Day has been consistently celebrated on the second Sunday of June each year since 2009, following the proclamation by Pat Quinn, the Governor of Illinois. This decision has remained unchanged, solidifying the significance of this day for childrens advocacy and well-being in the United States. While this is the case in the United States, many other nations choose to commemorate the rights of children on November 20, a date designated by the United Nations. National Childrens Day 2023: Significance National Childrens Day holds great significance as it serves as a dedicated occasion to recognize and celebrate the importance of children in society. This day aims to raise awareness about the unique needs, challenges, and potentials of children, emphasizing their role as the future generation and valuable members of society. One of the significant aspects of National Childrens Day is its focus on advocating for childrens rights. These rights encompass various aspects, including the right to education, health, protection from exploitation, and the right to be heard and participate in decisions that affect them. National Childrens Day serves as a reminder to uphold and promote these fundamental rights for every child. Moreover, National Childrens Day serves as a platform to address issues that impact childrens well-being. It encourages discussions and actions surrounding child welfare, child poverty, access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities for personal growth. This day highlights the importance of nurturing and supporting childrens emotional, social, and cognitive development. It encourages individuals and organizations to engage in activities that help promote a childs interests and talents. Overall, National Childrens Day calls for collective action to create a world where every child can grow, learn, and reach their full potential in a safe and supportive environment. Samantha Ruth Prabhus name is synonymous with grace and style. The Yashoda actress often dishes out fashion goals with her OOTDs worth bookmarking. Recently, she served some perfect summertime glam yet chic looks and we are taking notes. The diva surely knows how to grab the spotlight and how! Dropping a photo on Instagram from her recent photoshoot, Samantha Ruth Prabhu weaved tradition with contemporary and the result is just timeless elegance. The actress draped a floral printed saree with vibrant floral designs on a muted beige chiffon fabric which featured intricate lace details. It radiated a breezy and graceful look for the summer. She chose the six yards from the shelves of Saaki and the name of the saree is Moonstruck Memoir. She wore a pink-coloured sleeveless blouse. Check out the photo right here- View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saaki (@saaki.world) She accessorised herself with multiple bangles and a statement bracelet. As for the makeup, she chose hydrated skin, subtle eyes and muted orange lips. She rounded off the look by letting her bangs fall loosely on her face. The internet is absolutely in love with her fresh yet summery vibes look and could not have enough of it. One Instagram user wrote, Sam is a rock star as always. Btw (by the way) my eyes are on her bracelets more than the saree. But I have to say this, the saree is also so beautiful." Another commented, Real-life Barbie. Another wrote, She is an angel." The actress made quite an impression with her recent two releases, Yashoda and Shaakuntalam. At the Cannes World Film Festival on Sunday, Shaakuntalam movie won the Best Indian Film Award. Currently, the actress is gearing up for the release of her web series Citadel: India, opposite Varun Dhawan. She will also begin shooting for her upcoming Hollywood movie titled Chennai Story. Samantha Ruth Prabhu is busy shooting for Kushi which also stars Vijay Deverakonda. The movie is slated to release on September 1. It is bankrolled by Mythri Movie Makers and will star Jayaram, Sachin Khedekar, Murali Sharma, Vennela Kishore, Lakshmi, Rohini, Ali, Rahul Ramakrishna, Srikanth Iyengar, Sharanya Pradeep in key roles. The team of Citadel India are in Serbia to shoot a leg of the series. Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan took a much-deserved break from work. A video captured them enjoying themselves at a club in Belgrade, and it quickly made its way onto social media, giving fans a glimpse of their downtime. A video, shared by a member of the films crew, has gone viral on social media, giving fans a sneak peel into the lively atmosphere of Belgrade, Serbia. In the video, Samantha can be spotted sporting a black leather top paired with leather pants, while holding a beer bottle in her hand. The music playing in the background is her very own blockbuster song Oo Antava" from the movie Pushpa, and Samantha cannot resist grooving to the beat in the video. Encouraged by others, she takes off her glasses and grooves to the song. Eventually, Varun, too, joins in the fun, dancing alongside fellow crew members and engaging with Samantha. Check out the video here: Only a while back. Samantha took to her official Instagram handle to share a series of pictures from her shoot in Belgrade. In one, she can be seen relaxing on a cozy sofa, while another captures a mesmerising dusk view from her hotel room from where one can see the huge skyscrapers in Belgrade. The third picture features Samantha dressed in her Citadel character clothes, accompanied by director Raj Nidimoru, on the set of their shoot. She captioned it, Mood". Citadel India is a spin-off of Priyanka Chopra and Richard Maddens Citadel. The Indian adaptation is being produced by Raj & DK. Although this is their first time sharing the screen, Samantha and Varun seemed to have gelled well. Samantha and Varun attended global premiere of the series in London along with Priyanka Chopra, Richard Madden, Stanley Tucci, and Leslie Manville earlier this summer. As Pathaan geared up for its TV premiere, Shah Rukh Khans fans gathered outside Mannat to celebrate on Saturday. The highlight of the day was when the actor surprised everyone by making a surprise on his balcony. In a viral video, he can be seen striking his iconic pose, wearing faded blue jeans and a white T-shirt. He blew kisses to the excited crowd and even performed the hook step of Jhoome Jo Pathaan. As Mannat continues to be an iconic stop for his fans, heres a little throwback on how he acquired the huge property. In the March 2013 issue of Notch Magazine, designer-turned-producer Shabinaa Khan penned a heartfelt essay recalling her experiences with Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan. Titled The SRK Story," the article delved into SRKs early days in Bollywood and his life with wifey dearest Gauri Khan after they relocated to Mumbai. She revealed that After Gauri joined Shah Rukh in Mumbai, they lived in one of the bedrooms in Aziz Mirzas house for a few weeks. Then they rented a one-bedroom apartment in Mount Mary. Gauri took care of all the housework herself because she didnt want a maid in such a small space. Shah Rukh had brought his Maruti 800 car from Delhi, and Gauri would drive it around. Shah Rukh got his dream bungalow Mannat during Gauris birthday - and Adi decided to show the first copy of his film (DDLJ). That was the day Shah Rukh hosted all of us on the dilapidated terrace of the house with no lights, just one bulb, biryani served on thermocol plates and disposable glasses. He was just too excited to show us his latest acquisition." Shah Rukh Khan had told Shabinaa of having a mere 2 crore rupees in savings when he purchased Mannat, a property valued at 30 crore rupees. However, through his determination and efforts, he managed to repay the entire loan within a span of just 4 years. Today, the megastar has houses in many countries across the world. The highly anticipated The Vaccine War by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has been making headlines since the time it was announced. While the excitement around the film is off the charts, according to Trade expert Taran Adarsh the makers, producer Pallavi Joshi and director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri have decided to shift the release date of the much awaited The Vaccine War, based on true events, from 15th August to Dussehra. More to be added, a source informed that the film is currently being shot in a secret location. Today, filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri shared few glimpses from the shoot of last schedule and writes With the blessings of Maa Saraswati, beginning last schedule of #TheVaccineWar With the blessings of Maa Saraswati, beginning last schedule of #TheVaccineWar pic.twitter.com/OyDI3VOJeU Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) June 10, 2023 Talking about the same, a source informs Currently, The Vaccine War is being shot in a secret location with Nana Patekar, Sapthami Gowda and the other starcast. There is a strict no phone policy on sets for one week so that nothing gets leaked. #Xclusiv VIVEK AGNIHOTRI SHIFTS THE VACCINE WAR TO DUSSEHRA 2023 #TheVaccineWar - which was scheduled for release this #IndependenceDay weekend - will now arrive in *cinemas* on #Dussehra2023, it is learnt from reliable sources.After the #Blockbuster run of pic.twitter.com/EFBxniqSto taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) June 8, 2023 Even though not much has been revealed about the film, the name speaks volumes about the theme that the film is based on. It signifies that it will open certain chapters about Indian Bio-scientists and indigenous vaccines. The film will pay tribute to the dedication of the medical fraternity and scientists during the uncertain times of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, while Covid 19 continues to cause issues for many countries, including China, the UK, and many others, even in 2023, the Indian vaccination has been so effective at shielding its users from Covid 19 despite having a population of 1.4 billion. One of the most anticipated films ever made will be released on Dussehra 2023, in 11 languages, producer Pallavi Joshi has refused to comment anything when we reach out. The Vivek Agnihotri directorial revolves around Indias contributions to producing a COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic. Apart from Nana Patekar, Anupam Kher and Kantara fame Sapthami Gowda are also a part of the film. Vin Diesel has a knack of making franchise films with his family of actors and while Deepika Padukone boarded the Hollywood train with her role as Serena Unger in 2017 film XXX: Return of The Xander Cage, the Fast X actor seem to be missing Deepika Padukone this weekend. In his recent Instagram post, Vin gave a shoutout to Deepika and thanked her for bringing him to India. On Saturday, Vin Diesel took to his Instagram handle to drop a picture that seemed like a promotional poster from the 2017 action thriller film. In the snap, the two actors can be seen standing side by side with Deepika Padukones hands over Vin Diesels shoulders. The Gehraaiyan actress donned a black top and black shorts, Vin Diesel flaunted his chiselled physique in a bare avatar. One could clearly see all the tattoos printed over his body. The shootout post also received a like from Deepika Padukone. His caption read, Spirit lead meShe brought me to India and I loved it. All love, always." Fans were pleasantly surprised to see Vin Diesels post. One of them wrote, Wanna see you two together again " Another one asked, Does this mean that youre making another xXx movie and @deepikapadukone will be in it?" Someone else said, CAN YOU GUYS REUINTE ASAP". A fan also stated, Hope to see you both reunite again one day . xXx is an action film series by Rich Wilkes staring Vin Diesel and Ice Cube. There have been three instalments in the series namely- xXx (2002), xXx: State of the Union (2005) and xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017), and a short film, The Final Chapter: The Death of Xander Cage. And now the fourth instalment in also under talks. On the work front, Deepika Padukone recently starred in the blockbuster film Pathaan and is now gearing up for her next project, Fighter, directed by Siddharth Anand, where she will be sharing the screen with Hrithik Roshan and Anil Kapoor. Apart from Fighter, Deepika also has Project K with Nag Ashwin in the pipeline. The film features a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Disha Patani. It is an old adage: if you come for the king, you best not miss. Apart from suicide, a coup detat is a crime in which people get punished if they fail. Pakistans former Prime Minister Imran Khans unforgivable crime is that he targeted the real rulers of the country the Pakistan Army and their chief and missed. Now the military establishment and the incumbent regime are going after him with a vengeance. The odds are stacked heavily against him. The Pakistan Army is in an unforgiving mood, which has become clear in a series of press releases issued by the spokesman of the military. But the latest statement issued after the meeting of the Formation Commanders the entire top brass of the Pakistan Army is the most ominous for Imran Khan. The Army brass is in a really ugly mood and has made it clear that it will not only hold military trials of the perpetrators of the attacks on military installations on May 9, but also the planners and masterminds behind the rebellion against the state and state institutions. Simply put, the Army has Imran Khan in its crosshairs and is accusing him of waging war against the state of Pakistan a crime punishable by death. Whats more is that the Army has issued a warning to the cabal of judges led by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, that it will not allow anyone to obstruct or stymie whatever it has in store for those who had the temerity to challenge the Pakistan Army and target its bases. In the last month since Imrans failed putsch, the Pakistan Army and government have pulled out all stops to dismantle Imrans political vehicle, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI). Using brute force, blackmail, and intimidation (including arrests of family members, raiding of residences, misbehaviour with women folk and even detaining them), the PTI is being stripped of all political leaders of any consequence. A virtual deluge of desertions has hit the PTI, denuding it of a bulk of its second and third-rung leaders. Such tactics have been deployed in the past against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) after the 1977 coup, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) after the 1999 coup, and Altaf Husseins Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) in 2016 after a controversial speech. But even by Pakistani standards, the speed at which the PTI has been disintegrating in Punjab and to an extent in Sindh is quite breathtaking. Some of the most vocal and visible, if also vitriolic and vacuous, leaders like Fawad Chaudhry, Ali Zaidi, Fayyaz Chohan, Aamir Kayani, Murad Rass and Imran Ismail have dumped Imran and PTI after a bit of arm twisting by the ISI and local police. Many of the Punjab leaders most of them very boastful and full of bluster couldnt bear even a couple of days in jail, and jumped ship. Some of them like former ministers Shireen Mazari and Maleeka Bokhari have renounced politics. Few holdouts in Punjab are under enormous pressure to quit or face the consequences. The only place where the PTI leaders havent quit en masse, so far, is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. But even there, it is a matter of time before the military establishment engineers a breakaway faction that takes away a bulk of the electable leaders. In Punjab, a new party Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) under Imrans estranged former right-hand man, financier and political trouble-shooter Jehangir Tareen has been set up. Just as politicos were corralled into PTI by the military in the years leading up to 2018 and after the elections in that year, the deserters of PTI have been instructed or encouraged to join Tareens IPP. According to some accounts, efforts by some of the deserters to form their own small groups have been nipped in the bud and they have been told to go with Tareen or else As far as the party workers are concerned, they have had to face really nasty treatment reserved for the Hoi Polloi in the Land of the Pure. They have been left defenceless by the party which, in any case, has disintegrated. The crackdown has so far only targeted Imran Khan politically, not personally. But that is only a matter of time. He has managed to avoid being arrested, in part, because the focus is on draining out his street support, and in part because of the cover given to him by a coterie of judges who are his loyalists. These judges have uncharacteristically gone against the military. But something has got to give in the next few days or weeks. The kind of blatant bias being displayed by the judges cannot be sustained for very long. But as long as the Army stays within the four corners of the law, its hands will be tied behind its back in trying to move against either Imran or the judiciary. Neither warnings nor threats seem to be working either on the judges or even on Imran who remains defiant. It isnt clear if the defiance is because he is unhinged or because he is confident, or even because he has decided that if he has to go, he will, in a blaze of glory with the halo of a martyr. There are reports that the Army has tried to even offer Imran an exit route distance himself from politics, hand over the reins of the party to someone else, go into exile but he has refused to take it. Perhaps once the judiciary is tamed, Imran will read the writing on the wall. But it is a big if. In the good old days, the military would not have hesitated in making short work of Imran. But times have changed and any drastic or precipitate action could easily backfire badly on the military. This is why the Pakistan Army is trying to stay within the constitutional framework while fixing Imran Khan. Even so, there is no way the Army will allow Imran to stay in active politics. Even the possibility of letting do any kind of back-seat driving is practically non-existent. Although the Army is reducing PTI into a shell, as long as Imran is around, even the shell is dangerous. The thing is that while the Army might have built up Imran, his support base is now much bigger than what the Army passed on to him in the form of electable leaders. This vote base is not going to be transferrable to anyone without him. The new party, IPP, will impact Imran organisationally but whether it will do that politically remains to be seen. Imrans support base has three components: diehard loyalists, the electables vote and the floating vote. His loyalists arent deserting him in any significant numbers yet; the electables are no longer with him; the floating vote will split but Imran is expected to get a substantial chunk of it. How this plays out at the hustings between Imran and the other parties is a toss-up. But because it is all so iffy, the military will not want to take a chance of Imran either sneaking back into power or even holding the balance of power. The Army is also not comfortable with the two older established parties PMLN and PPP. They have therefore forged the IPP in the hope that it will be able to emerge as a third force and hold the balance of power more accurately, allowing the military to hold the balance of power. This means that the military establishment is trying to ensure that as and when elections are held, no party emerges with a majority. In other words, a split mandate is what the Army wants. The fragmentation of politics might be in the best interest of the military but doesnt augur well for the country. The weak governments that will result from this political engineering will hardly be in a position to take the terribly tough decisions that are required if an economic meltdown is to be prevented. Compounding the problems for the Army is the fact that the PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif appears to have become wise to the Armys political games. The PMLN feels that if the Army is preparing the field to cut it to size, then it must lay enough minefields that the Army gets caught in the web it is spinning. The budget for the year 2023-24 seems to be designed towards that end. It throws fiscal responsibility to the winds. It is a populist budget, albeit on an empty treasury and a sinking economy. The can will have to be carried by the caretakers who will take the reins of government from the PMLN and lead the country into elections. The caretakers will have to reverse the populist measures in the PMLN budget if they want to enter into a new IMF programme, which will have its own political repercussions. Throwing the book at Imran and neutering him politically is unlikely to bring the stability that Pakistan desperately needs. If anything, Pakistan could be facing even greater instability in the weeks and months ahead, with the economy melting down, the politics unmanageable and terrorism becoming uncontrollable. Neither an election, nor a selection, and not even a coup detat will be able to solve the predicament that Pakistan is facing because the entire state structure is working at cross-purposes. The writer is Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation. Views expressed are personal. The BJP has been trying to reach out to the Christian community in Kerala with Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement on March 2 that the party will come to power in the southern state, the same way that the cadre had been revived in the northeast and Goa. Even though the Kerala BJP has denied this, the violence in Manipur is likely to create hurdles for the saffron camp in its outreach to the Christian community in the state. Last Easter, many leaders including the prime minister visited churches, bishops and Christian homes. On Vishu, too, many were invited to BJP leaders residences. There were also statements from bishops on the lines that they see all fronts as the same. With this, the BJP was able to create a perception that the party can gain some ground in the state. In Manipur, too, the BJP was trying to attract the Christian community. They came to power but we can see what is happening now. How can we believe them? They dont respect different communities and culture, said Father Jacob Palackappilly, deputy secretary of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC). He added that the community could not stop any political leadership from approaching them. The prime minister has not said a word on the Manipur issue. Manipur is a part of this country. Why has he not said anything on this? Palackappilly questioned. When the home minister came to kerala, the president of CBCI (Catholic Bishops Conference of India) met him and discussed the Manipur issue and other topics, he said, adding that the BJP had proved that it cannot be trusted. The CBCI and KCBC have responded to the Manipur issue but it is not to the extent required. The kind of atrocities happening in Manipur is not in the spirit of the Indian Constitution. The condition of the people is bad and it definitely needs to be brought up as a main issue. A discussion should be done, at least by the church, in Kerala. But this is not happening, another Catholic priest said on condition of anonymity. The priest further said during Easter, the BJP tried reaching out to the community. It was to make people feel that the BJP is with Christians but in reality that is not the case. This has affected the mindset of the people. They feel that the community is not safe. So outreach will be difficult since they have not touched the peoples minds, he added. There was a lot of anger against the BJP with regard to the Manipur issue, said Shaiju Antony, the public relations officer of the Laity Movement. There is also distrust towards church leadership that they are not taking any action to urgently raise this issue. The people here are aware of what is happening in other states, he said. Antony said the community felt that the BJP-led government was not doing much to stop the attack on churches by fringe elements and many were angry at the church leadership for not raising these issues. The Kerala BJP, however, denied this and said the violence in Manipur will not have any impact in Kerala and the partys outreach to the Christian community. The people of Kerala have understood that seven out of 10 Kuki MLAs are from the BJP. In Kerala, CPM and Congress tried to raise a campaign against the BJP over the Manipur issue but the people of Kerala understood this, said state general secretary George Kurian. The church leaders have not made a statement on the lines that the BJP is behind these attacks because they know the real situation. They know the fight is between two tribes. Both CPM and Congress are trying to create a narrative like this but it has not had any effect, said state secretary S Suresh. Suresh said as part of the BJPs nine-year term at the Centre, the party was holding a number of outreach programmes. It was meeting people from constituency to constituency. As part of this, we are meeting thousands of prominent people in each constituency. Among these, there are many who belong to the Christian community. When we talk to them, they are not raising this issue, he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko sent a letter to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. "Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, Please accept my sincere congratulations on the remarkable occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Azerbaijan. This anniversary is a good opportunity to take a look at the results achieved in cooperation area and define future plans. It is gratifying to note the intensively developing bilateral dialogue in political, economic and humanitarian area with your direct support, as well as the constructive interaction of Minsk and Baku on the international arena. I am sure that the Belarus-Azerbaijan strategic partnership based on long-term friendship traditions and trust will be consistently deepened for the benefit of the peoples of our countries, and will be enriched by new interesting initiatives and joint projects. Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I sincerely wish you good health, inexhaustible energy for the implementation of the scheduled plans, and the residents of Azerbaijan peace and tranquility," the letter says. The police on Saturday arrested a man from Maharashtras Sangli for allegedly putting up an objectionable post on social media against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other senior politicians, an official said. Based on a complaint lodged by an activist from the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, the Naupada police in Thane registered a case against the accused under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, he said. The accused had allegedly posted objectionable matter on social media against Fadnavis, Kalyan MP Chief Minister Eknath Shindes son Shrikant and other senior politicians, the official added. Sharad Pawar, NCP supremo, on the partys 24th foundation day made two important announcements from Delhi on Saturday Supriya Sule and Praful Patel will now operate as the working presidents of the party. This is the first time that the NCP will have the post of working president. As the working presidents, Sule was given the responsibility of Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab whereas Patel got Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Both leaders represent the NCP in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and also have contacts across parties. Considering his age, Pawar is of the opinion that he should delegate some responsibilities to other leaders. This decision to appoint two working presidents is a big step for Pawar but it indicates that he has started working on a plan of succession. The first step of this plan was to delegate responsibilities that are with him to other leaders. So, by appointing two working presidents, Pawar has given them responsibilities of different states. The next step was to mentor a leader, so that after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, they run the show when Pawar steps down. Patel has already made it clear that he is not in the running to become national president. Hence, in such a scenario, the partys Lok Sabha face Sule is likely to take over as the national president after the all-important elections next year. Pawar has also given the responsibility of Maharashtra to Sule, which could be a hint that she could be the next boss. She was awarded the best parliamentarian award more than a couple of times and has good connections across all parties. Pawars legacy is not only limited to state politics. His work and effort to bring together opposition parties up against the BJP at a national front was appreciated by one and all. The veteran will have similar expectations from the next national president. In the entire scenario, however, there is still the question of his nephew Ajit Pawar as to why he was not given any responsibility. Ajit has always focused on Maharashtra and taken a lot of interest in the NCPs growth in the state. Many times, when Ajit was asked questions on national politics, he would refuse to comment. He has made it clear that Pawar, Sule and Patel are national leaders and will react on national issues. But after Sharad Pawar, Ajit is the only leader who has got a strong hold over the party. Top leaders are of the opinion that, considering the upcoming general elections, Sharad Pawar has made this decision as the first poll strategy. They are also hopeful that once Pawar decides on Maharashtra, Ajit will be given all the responsibilities as he is the face of the party in the state. Party leaders also feel that Pawar has already made a natural division in the party, where Sule is looking after national politics and Ajit will be looking after state politics. The new leadership team will work closely with Sule and Patel but both leaders have the responsibility to continue Sharad Pawars work and carry forward his legacy at a national level. As of now, the NCP has lost the status of a national party so to regain that status will be another task for the two new appointees. Former Karnataka chief minister Sadananda Gowda and three other BJP MPs from the southern state have written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, criticising him for his recent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Odisha train accident. Arguing that Kharges letter was high on rhetoric and low on facts, they said: There was no collision in Mysore as stated in your letter. It doesnt suit a leader of your stature to be writing letters to the PM based on facts got from Whatsapp University. But perhaps as the Vice-Chancellor of Whatsapp University, you are forced to regurgitate fake news as facts. Four BJP MPs from Karnataka, including former CM Sadananda Gowda and Tejasvi Surya have written a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge regarding his recent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Balasore train accident. https://t.co/8QX3qesv5Z pic.twitter.com/Ouhd1Gkgab ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2023 Apart from Gowda, signatories to the letter include MPs Tejasvi Surya, PC Mohan and S Muniswamy. In his letter to the PM, Kharge had flagged 10 points and urged the government to bring out the real reason behind the Balasore triple-train accident that claimed 288 lives. In response to your recent letter to our Honble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, we must say, we found it high on rhetoric and low on facts. As a former Minister of Railways, one would anticipate your discernment of the situation to be infused with depth and understanding, as you were at the helm between 2004 and 2014. Yet, your recent communication to us suggests otherwise, the leaders said. You raise concerns about safety investments, yet under our tenure, the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) was established for critical safety-related works. Railways spent over Rs. 1 lakh cr on RRSK works between 2017-18 and 2021-22. Our total safety expenditure in the last 9 years of Rs. 1,78,012 cr is 2.5 times the expenditure during your era. It is amusing how you have the confidence to lecture us on rail safety after performing so miserably during the 10 years of UPA, the letter to Kharge said. In his letter, Kharge had questioned recruitment in Railways during Modis tenure, to which the BJP MPs replied: In the past 9 years, Railways appointed 4.58 Lakh new appointees and currently recruitment process to appoint about 1.52 Lakh candidates is ongoing. Thus in our 10 years, we would appoint more than 6.1 lakh youngsters, which is almost 50 per cent more than of 4.11 Lakh candidates appointed during the 10 years of UPA. Secondly, the 5,518 freshly appointed Assistant Loco Pilots quash your allegations of neglecting this sector. In the news since he said hundreds of acres of land allotted to RSS and its affiliates by the previous BJP government will be reviewed, Karnataka minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, while speaking to News18, said other decisions such as the Hijab ban and Halal row would also be looked into. Denying BJPs allegations that the Siddaramaiah government was practising politics of vendetta, Rao said it was the saffron party that was known for harassing the Opposition, especially at the Centre. Edited excerpts: You mentioned that the Congress government will review all the land allocated to RSS and its affiliates. Are you planning to revoke those allocations? A significant amount of land, which belongs to the government, has been allocated to the RSS, its affiliated associations, and other institutions. All this will be looked into. Are you suggesting that these allocations were not carried out transparently? No. We intend to look into how these allocations were made, the purpose behind them, and whether they are justifiable. Ultimately, a lot of land has been given to trusts run by the RSS and the government should probe this. There were several important laws passed by the previous BJP government, such as the anti-cow slaughter law and the anti-conversion laws. Regarding the anti-cow slaughter law, even minister K Venkatesh has commented on it. Will it be reviewed? Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also said that he will review it. It is important to highlight that farmers and farmer associations have approached our government, expressing their concerns and urging us to re-evaluate the law. The livelihoods of farmers are being affected by this law. While the 1963 cow slaughter law is already in place, the newly framed law needs to be revised. Farmers, who live with and care for cows, have petitioned us several times that transporting aged cows has become a problem. They have requested a review of the law for the sake of the economy. What about decisions made regarding issues like Hijab and Halal? Will those also be reviewed? Yes, the government will review those decisions. Our Congress government is committed to not allow any decision that divides or attempts to communalise society. We will make decisions in the best interest of maintaining social harmony. What about allegations that the BJP government tried to saffronise education, particularly regarding textbooks and the removal of references to Tipu Sultan and the introduction of anecdotes about Veer Savarkar? Will there be an effort to restore what was removed from the textbooks? The BJP distorted and attempted to promote a particular ideology even in education, which is unacceptable. Education should be imparted based on facts and not utilised as a means to propagate a specific ideology. Children should have open minds, not closed ones as was attempted during the previous government. Therefore, the school curriculum needs to be reworked from that perspective. The BJP has accused the new Congress government in Karnataka of being driven by vendetta and targeting the BJP at every opportunity. How do you respond? Such accusations are baseless. No such decisions have been made. The BJP has been known for practising vendetta and harassing opposition parties, especially at the central level. They have become masters at silencing the media, NGOs, and citizens who raise their voices against their policies. We have witnessed how the Narendra Modi government has worked against those who have opposed BJPs policies. Just consider how the Centre mishandled the issue involving our wrestlers who not only made our country proud but also put us on the world map. Is this how we should treat our athletes? The BJP should think before making such statements. Basavaraj Bommai claimed that Karnataka is in a state of emergency under the Congress, but the fact is that our country is under an undeclared emergency under the BJP. We have increasingly seen WhatsApp frauds rising steadily over the past few monthsnot only have we seen job scams, people receiving calls from international numbers wherein fraudsters act as company representatives to dupe unsuspecting victims, but we have also seen WhatsApp call forwarding scamswherein scammers trick people into dialing call forwarding codesand this is exactly what happened with a woman from Tollygunge, Kolkata. According to a report by The Times of India, a 45-year-old woman from Kolkata got in touch with the Cyber Cell to report that her WhatsApp account had been compromised, and that the scammers are pretending to be her and messaging her contacts, asking for money on the pretext of her needing money to go to Odisha. The complainant said that the Wi-Fi at her residence was malfunctioning, so she filed a complaint with telecom service providers customer care asking for help. Later, on June 5, she received a call from a person who pretended to be a customer care executive and instructed her to dial starting with 401a code used to forward calls and messages on numbers ending with 67 and other sets. The fraudster masquerading as the executive reassured that her problem would be solved. Later, the woman discovered that her WhatsApp account was compromised and that her contacts were receiving messages asking for money on her behalf. The Times of India notes that the Kolkata police also shared an example of another woman who had come across the same fraud but the hackers demanded ransom for letting go her account. The Police even took to Facebook to share the common occurrence. WhatsApp Getting Hacked! If you receive this kind of message and if any person on your WhatsApp contacts list (even if known) asks you to forward the same, please dont do so. Fraudsters are using this to take control of your WhatsApp account. We have received a few such complaints and seek your cooperation, the Police said. Ten years after a giant inflatable yellow duck captivated crowds in Hong Kong, the art installation returned to the citys Victoria Harbour on Friday as a double-bill exhibition. The twin 18-metre-tall (59-feet) sculptures by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman are part of the Rubber Duck series that has made appearances in major cities since its 2007 debut. The faddish artwork previously made headlines in Hong Kong for drawing huge audiences and for accidental deflations, including when it shrank to a flat disk next to a ferry pier in 2013. Following stormy weather early Friday before they were released onto the water, Hofman joked that the two ducks took a bath this morning". In a world where we suffered from a pandemic, wars and political situations, I think it is the moment to bring back the double luck," he said. Setting sail in front of Hong Kongs landmark Convention and Exhibition Centre, the mighty ducks moved through the harbour before stopping to nest near the city governments headquarters. Office workers strolled by during lunch breaks to snap selfies, while others carried yellow duck balloons to celebrate the sunny duos new perch. I think its very good to have the duck back after 10 years because it is simple happiness, especially after the pandemic," one admirer named Vivian told AFP. Its a form of flashback," said 32-year-old bank employee Zenj. I think it brings luck." During its 2013 visit to Hong Kong, the solo lemon-hued bird ruffled feathers in Beijing after internet users edited the famous Tank Man" photo from the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown by replacing the tanks with ducks. Internet searches for yellow duck" were banned in mainland China in the run-up to June 4 that year, the anniversary of the crackdown, as Beijing forbids discussion of the day Chinese troops crushed demonstrations. Even after Hofmans duck exhibitions slowed in the mid-2010s, the creature has found new life as an inadvertent protest symbol in Brazil, Russia and most recently Thailand. Wildlife safaris offer thrilling experiences and up-close encounters with majestic animals. This now viral video from a safari in Namibia, however, has raised concerns about tourists behaviour when interacting with wild animals. The video captures a group of safari-goers, in Namibias scenic wilderness, having a nerve-wracking encounter with a cheetah. The incident occurred during a cheetah-feeding tour near Windhoek last year. In the video, the safari jeeps driver can be seen engaging in provocative behaviour, enticing the cheetah by instructing it to say miau (meow) if it desired food. Surprisingly, the cheetah obliges and climbs onto the vehicles door, standing tall on its hind legs. Although the cheetah was reportedly not tamed, it lived in an enclosure. The driver proceeded to feed the cheetah a piece of meat, even stepping out of the vehicle to toss more meat to the growling feline. Soon after getting the meat piece, the cheetah walks away in the bushes. Watch the video here: These tourists on a safari had a close encounter with a hungry cheetah pic.twitter.com/c62ODFlWaM NowThis (@nowthisnews) June 8, 2023 The incident garnered attention after the video was posted on Twitter by Now This News, accumulating over 29k views in a short period. The tourists behaviour faced significant backlash from online viewers. One commenter expressed concern, stating, And if he attacks them, they will blame the Cheetah. And if he attacks them they'll blame the cheetah GJ (@TDOT1991) June 8, 2023 Another comment referred to the tourists as idiots. Idiots! Shelly Giammaria (@ShellyGiamm) June 8, 2023 In response, some defended the tourists, highlighting that cheetahs are not as aggressive as larger cats, and that it was merely responding to the tempting offer of food. Cheetahs arent aggressors like larger cats, this one just wanted a piece of meat that was being dangled in its face. If this was a lion theyd all be in danger. timothy schinsky (@kingtungsten) June 8, 2023 This is not the first time that safari goers had a close encounter with a wild animal. Earlier, a video showing a similar incident with elephants had gone viral. The video showed a couple of safari guides close encounters with a pair of grumpy elephants in a safari park. The footage, shared by a wildlife content creator, captured the moment when the guides, riding at the back of an open-top 44 safari vehicle, spotted the elephants in the bushes. Instantly, the elephants charged at them, prompting the guides to speed away. The TikTok video gained significant attention, amassing over 10 million views on the short video-sharing platform. Have you ever wondered how easily children can find themselves in dangerous situations while simply having fun? This unfortunate reality was recently witnessed in Malaysia, where a childs playful adventure quickly turned into a harrowing accident. The child seemed to be enjoying his own company, climbing the gate outside his home, unaware of the dangers of iron grills above. Tragically, the boy slipped and one of the rods entered his body, causing extreme pain. It was only when the child began to cry out loud, his parents rushed to the scene and their hearts broke seeing their injured child. The child displayed remarkable courage as he awaited the arrival of the rescue team. He made the conscious decision to remain still, not daring to move an inch, out of concern that any sudden movement could potentially further harm the other parts of his body. Approximately ten officers of the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department quickly reached the scene to rescue the trapped child. According to a spokesperson from the department, the childs condition was critical as a metal rod was 15 cm deep inside the body. To facilitate the removal process, the rod had to be carefully cut from the gate. Despite the risky situation, the child was immediately transported to the hospital, with the rod still lodged inside their body. At the hospital, doctors conducted a surgical procedure to remove the rod. However, the procedure was not without its complications, as the child experienced significant blood loss during the operation. Meanwhile, the concerned neighbours revealed that the child had a habit of playing by climbing on the gate where the accident occurred. Unfortunately, on that fateful day, the child lost balance and accidentally sat directly on the metal rod. The incident involving the child in Malaysia serves as an eye-opening reminder of the importance of parental supervision and attentiveness when it comes to ensuring the safety of children. While it is important to allow children to have fun but at the same time, it is always advised to provide them with guidance and set boundaries to prevent unfortunate incidents from occurring. In India, parental attitudes towards academic achievement often receive attention, highlighting a narrow perspective that emphasises high scores and their celebration while neglecting lower ones. However, a significant portion of parents in the country holds different beliefs, placing their unwavering trust in their children and celebrating their efforts regardless of their academic performance. These parents understand that a childs abilities extend far beyond mere marks on a report card. Fortunately, one incident in Mumbai gained widespread recognition, shedding light on a family that wholeheartedly celebrated their sons 35% score in his 10th-grade exams, demonstrating their unconditional support for him, irrespective of the outcome. Vishal Karad, a student from a Marathi medium school, achieved a score of 35 in all six subjects during his SSC exams, meeting the minimum passing percentage requirement of 35%. Despite the financial crunch, his parents, an autorickshaw driver, and a domestic worker, stood by his side and celebrated this accomplishment. They viewed it as an achievement in itself to have cleared the exams, and their joy knew no bounds. Also Read: Zerodhas Nithin Kamath Advocates Strength Training In Viral Twitter Thread Many parents may be celebrating their childrens high scores, but for us, Vishals 35% holds a lot of importance as he has done us proud by clearing his SSC exams," expressed Vishals father. Residing in Uthalsar, Thane, Mumbai, Vishal himself acknowledged, I feel that I managed to clear the exams only due to constant encouragement from my parents." Meanwhile, a heartwarming video capturing their celebration has been shared by IAS officer Awanish Sharan. The videos caption, when translated from Hindi, reads, A class 10th student from Mumbai secured 35% marks in the examination. But instead of being sad or angry, his parents celebrated his success." The video quickly garnered positive reactions from viewers, commending the family for their celebratory approach. One user wrote, Great initiative Parents shouldnt pressure their kids to get good grades. They need to stay positive. Parental pressure can often make children prone to stress and anxiety. They are much more likely to become insecure and doubtful of their own potential." Also Read: Mom Celebrates Daughters 76% in Boards And Twitter Says That is The Support We All Need Another user chimed in, saying, Great are his parents. We should learn lessons from them not to pressurize our kids to score top marks." Great initiative Parents shouldnt pressure their kids to get good grades. They need to stay positive.Parental pressure can often make children prone to stress n anxiety. They r much likely to become insecure n doubtful for their own potential. veenu sehgal (@veenu_sehgal) June 9, 2023 Great are his parents. We should learn lessons from them not to pressurize our kids to score top marks Optimistic (@anupamzubin) June 9, 2023 So inspirational, lovely parents, proud of you. Hardev Malinda (@HMalinda73) June 8, 2023 This much-needed break from the traditional stereotype was, indeed, applaudable! New advances in the fight against a range of cancers have been revealed at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which wraps up in Chicago on Tuesday. Here are some of the announcements that have most excited experts. Lung cancer One of the trial results that caused a stir in Chicago has raised hopes for a new weapon against lung cancer, the deadliest of all cancers. The treatment osimertinib was shown to halve the risk of death from a certain type of lung cancer when taken daily after surgery to remove the tumour. Developed by the pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca, the daily pill targets patients with non-small cell cancer by far the most common type as well as a mutation of their epidermal growth factor receptor, or EGFR. Iris Pauporte, head of research at Frances League Against Cancer, told AFP the advance was a big ray of hope" for this type of cancer, for which progress has been slow. Muriel Dahan, head of research at Unicancer, said that if the results are confirmed, it should change" common practice in treating this kind of lung cancer. Systematic testing for the EGFR mutation would also become necessary for lung cancer patients, she added. Brain cancer Another treatment, called vorasidenib, was found to significantly prolong the progression-free survival of patients with brain tumour glioma, according to clinical trial results. The daily pill, developed by French pharma firm Servier, aims to block an enzyme responsible for the progression of some brain cancers, which have been particularly difficult to treat. Patrick Therasse, Serviers vice-president of oncology research, told AFP that there have been few therapeutic advances for brain tumours over the last 20 years". Thanks to our targeted treatment, patients avoided cancer progression for 27.7 months, compared to 11.1 months" for those taking a placebo, he added. Fabrice Andre, head of research at Frances Gustave Roussy cancer centre, said precision medicine opens a door for a disease for which there was nothing until now". It means that science can unblock situations that were catastrophic," he told AFP. Unicancers Dahan said it was important to remain cautious" but added that this could become the new therapeutic standard depending on further trials". Breast cancer Preliminary trial results also released in Chicago indicated the drug ribociclib reduced the risk of breast cancer recurring by 25 percent for a large group of early-stage survivors. The drug, developed by Swiss pharmaceutical maker Novartis, is already widely approved around the world. It was tested in combination with hormonal therapy. ASCO expert Rita Nanda said it was a very important and practice-changing clinical trial". Cervical cancer There was also good news for patients with early-stage cervical cancer with a low risk of progression. There was no greater risk of the cancer returning for patients who get a simple hysterectomy, in which the uterus and cervix are removed, than a radical hysterectomy, in which the uppermost part of the vagina is also removed, according to phase three trials. League Against Cancers Pauporte said this was good news," adding that it shows that its not just progress involving drugs that was important". Ovarian cancer A trial also presented at ASCO showed that taking the antibody treatment mirvetuximab soravtansine significantly improved the survival rate of patients with ovarian cancer, a particularly deadly form of cancer. ASCO expert Merry Jennifer Markham said the treatment demonstrates progress and offers hope for these patients". Rectal cancer Study results released in Chicago indicated that patients with locally advanced rectal cancer could receive chemotherapy without getting radiation therapy before undergoing surgery. This would spare patients from the brutal side effects of radiation. Vaccines Vaccines that treat existing cancer have long been a goal of the medical community. Preliminary studies announced at the ASCO meeting involved vaccines targeting lung cancer, head and neck cancers, brain tumour glioblastoma and the cancer-causing HPV virus. Christophe Le Tourneau, an oncologist at Frances Curie Institute which presented a study about a vaccine for a certain form of HPV, said there has been significant technological progress" in the area recently. Therapeutic vaccines, we talk about them more and more, and there are more and more trials in progress," he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter to President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Belarus, Trend reports. "Dear Aleksandr Grigoryevich, I cordially congratulate You, and through you, all the people of Belarus, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Belarus. On this remarkable day, I would like to note the high level of Azerbaijan-Belarus relations, which steadily deepen and expand in the spirit of fruitful partnership and are based on mutual respect and trust as well as friendly traditions uniting our peoples for the past three decades. Our interstate relations, which have travelled the great path of development and are characterized by active political dialogue, intensive contacts and fruitful cooperation in economic-trade, humanitarian fields in bilateral and multilateral formats, are particularly gratifying. You made a significant contribution to steady development of Azerbaijan-Belarus relations, their upgrading to the level of strategic partnership. I am sure that friendly relations and cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Belarus will strengthen and be enriched with new content in the future thanks to the joint efforts. Dear Aleksandr Grigoryevich, I wish you strong health, happiness and successes and friendly people of Belarus peace and prosperity", the letter says. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Saturday as Ukrainian forces were engaged in fierce fighting against Russia on the southern front line. Trudeau, who is due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later on Saturday, placed flowers by a wall displaying the faces of soldiers killed in combat while a military orchestra played, AFP journalists saw. He also visited an open-air exhibition featuring destroyed military vehicles. Canada stands united with Ukraine. Im in Kyiv to reaffirm that commitment to President @ZelenskyyUa and the Ukrainian people as they maintain their resistance against Russias brutal war. More updates to come stay tuned. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 10, 2023 Ukraines Deputy Defence Minister Oleksandr Polishchuk handed Trudeau a container holding shrapnel from a rocket that fell on the Black Sea port city of Odesa. A group of Ukrainian soldiers who received training in Canada spoke with Trudeau. One of them, Colonel Petro Ostapchuk, told reporters the troops received training for elite shooters, engineers and young commanders. Its a great privilege to meet the prime minister," he said. Canada, which hosts a large Ukrainian diaspora, has been one of Kyivs key allies since the Russian invasion. Ottawa has provided Ukraine with significant military aid, trained more than 36,000 soldiers and adopted sanctions against Moscow. Trudeaus visit comes as Russia has reported thwarting Ukrainian attacks in the east and south that some observers have interpreted as the start of Kyivs expected large-scale counter-offensive. Ukraine has so far minimised the importance of the attacks. A special investigator named by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to probe alleged election interference by China on Friday said he would quit, citing widespread opposition to his appointment and work. David Johnston, 81, said he would leave his post by the end of June, or as soon as he has delivered a brief final report. Last month he said Trudeaus government had not ignored evidence of Chinese meddling and recommended against an official public inquest. Johnston was appointed in March after media reports based on leaked intelligence said that Beijing had sought to influence elections and policy. China has denied any interference. Last month the House of Commons, the lower chamber of parliament, approved a non-binding motion to demand Johnstons resignation. Some critics said he had ignored a real issue while others, noting his long friendship with Trudeau, said the appointment had been a mistake. My objective was to help build trust in our democratic institutions. I have concluded that, given the highly partisan atmosphere around my appointment and work, my leadership has had the opposite effect," Johnston said in a letter to Trudeau. In response, government minister Dominic LeBlanc thanked Johnston and said the attacks on his position and work had been unwarranted and unacceptable. In a statement, LeBlanc said he would consult experts as to how to continue probing foreign election interference and who would be best placed to lead that work. Following Johnstons appointment, three opposition legislators said Canadas spy agency told them they had been the target of Chinese interference. Last month Trudeaus government expelled a Chinese official after it emerged that he had sought information about the family of one of the legislators. China-Canada relations turned icy in late 2018 when Canadian police detained a Chinese telecommunications executive. Shortly afterwards, Beijing arrested two Canadians on spying charges. All three were freed in 2021. After outcry in Pakistans Sindh assembly regarding a Hindu girl being kidnapped and forced to convert and marry a Muslim man, the police recovered the minor in a raid in the early hours of Friday morning, the Dawn said in a report. Shaheed Benazirabad police official Younis Chandio told the news outlet that the girl was recovered following a raid in the Bachalpur area by a strong contingent of police. The girl was produced before a judge who ordered that she be sent to a womens shelter home. Earlier on Thursday, Sindh lawmakers begged law enforcement authorities to take stern action against those who abducted and forcibly converted the girl and married her. She is my relative, please have mercy on her, Pakistan lawmaker from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-(P)) Mangla Sharma appealed in the Sindh assembly earlier on Thursday, begging lawmakers to address the menace of forced conversions. The girls father lodged an FIR at the Qazi Ahmed police station after her kidnapping against nine suspects and the police arrested only a handful of them. The father said that nine armed men kidnapped his 15-year-old daughter who was studying in Class VIII from his home and also stole PKR 100,000 in cash and gold jewellery. Lal Chand Ukrani, who had raised the issue on the floor of the Sindh Assembly, thanked the government for recovering the kidnapped girl. MQM-Ps Mangla Sharma and Sanjay Perwani, Pakistan Grand Democratic Alliances (GDA) Nand Kumar and ministers Mukesh Kumar Chawla and Giyan Chand Essrani also thanked the provincial government for taking action. Sindh minister Syeda Shehla Raza said the girl was recovered at 4am in the morning on Friday and taken to Nawabshahs women police station. A report by Forbes said that more than 1,000 girls are forcibly converted to Islam every year in Pakistan. We respect every religion, but it is not appropriate to change someones religion by force, Sindh minister Giyan Chand Essrani said on Thursday, according to Dawn. Pakistan Peoples Partys provincial assembly member (MPA) Lal Chand Ukrani became emotional on Thursday when he raised the issue in the provincial assembly. Residents reported a welcome lull in fighting in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on Saturday after a 24-hour ceasefire between two warring generals took effect, but few believed it would hold. Fighting has raged in the north African country since mid-April, when army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), turned on each other. Multiple truces have been agreed and broken since the conflict flared, and Washington slapped sanctions on both rival generals after the last attempt collapsed at the end of May. The air strikes and artillery bombardments that have rocked greater Khartoum almost daily subsided at least temporarily, allowing trapped civilians to venture outdoors to buy desperately needed supplies. In one Khartoum market, people were seen scrambling to stock up on fruit and other basic goods. The truce is a chance for us to get some food supplies after we lived on rationed quantities in recent days," said one of the shoppers, Mohamad Radwan. Hajar Youssef said she had gone out in search of an open pharmacy to buy insulin for her mother, who has diabetes. Unfortunately, I did not find one." Many people expressed disappointment that the promised ceasefire was so limited in scope. A one-day truce is much less than we aspire for," said Khartoum North resident Mahmud Bashir. We look forward to an end to this damned war." Bus station employee Ali Issa said many people were using the truce to flee the capital for the relative safety of the provinces. Today, numbers have risen significantly, maybe even doubled," he said. - Mediator warning - There was no immediate word on observance of the ceasefire in the conflicts other main battleground, the flashpoint western region of Darfur. Announcing the latest truce on Friday, US and Saudi mediators warned the warring parties they would break off their diplomatic efforts unless they honoured their commitments this time. Should the parties fail to observe the 24-hour ceasefire, facilitators will be compelled to consider adjourning" talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah which have been suspended since late last month, they said. Sudan specialist Aly Verjee said he saw little reason why this truce should be any better than its predecessors. Unfortunately, the incentives have not changed for either party, so its hard to see that a truce with the same underlying assumptions, especially one of such short duration, will see a substantially different result," said Verjee, a researcher at Swedens University of Gothenburg. Upwards of 1,800 people have been killed in the fighting, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. Nearly two million people have been displaced, including 476,000 who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, the United Nations says. - Mediator warning - The Saudi and US mediators said they share the frustration of the Sudanese people about the uneven implementation of previous ceasefires". The army said it has agreed to the proposal", adding it declares its commitment to the ceasefire". The paramilitary RSF said: We affirm our full commitment to the ceasefire." Both statements said the truce could support humanitarian efforts, while cautioning against violations by their opponents. If observed, the 24-hour ceasefire will provide an important opportunity for the parties to undertake confidence-building measures which could permit resumption of the Jeddah talks," the US-Saudi statement said. Fridays ceasefire announcement came a day after Sudanese authorities loyal to Burhan declared UN envoy Volker Perthes persona non grata", accusing him of taking sides. UN chief Antonio Guterres later expressed support for Perthes, who is currently in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa for talks. Speaking through his spokesman, Guterres said the doctrine of persona non grata is not applicable to or in respect of United Nations personnel." The fighting has sidelined Perthess efforts to revive Sudans transition to civilian rule, which was derailed by a 2021 coup by the two generals before they fell out. It has also complicated the coordination of international efforts to deliver emergency relief to the 25 million civilians that the United Nations estimates are in need. US House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy, the Republican from California, criticised the federal indictment of former US President Donald Trump saying it has the potential of disrupting the nation. McCarthy said that it violates the principle of equal justice under the law. McCarthy told Fox News earlier this week that public officials, including US President Joe Biden, possessed documents they should not but other officials are not facing charges like Trump. This is going to disrupt this nation because it goes to the core of equal justice for all, which is not being seen today. And were not going to stand for it, McCarthy was quoted as saying by Fox News and the Hill. The former president has been charged with 37 counts for his actions. Among the charges levelled at him, the willful retention of national defence information, charges of hatching a conspiracy to obstruct justice, a scheme to conceal and make false statements and representations are likely to hurt his image the most amongst a section of Republican voters. Donald Trump and his allies have slammed the investigation and termed it politically motivated and he has asserted that he is innocent. Trump, too, pointed out that documents were found at Bidens home and office and were later turned over to the FBI. A special counsel is conducting a probe into the documents found in Bidens offices and residences. The US House Speaker said he spoke to fellow party members Ohio Republican and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Kentucky Republican and House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer on what they can do to ensure equal justice. McCarthy also told Fox News that Steven DAntuono, a former assistant director in charge of the FBIs Washington, D.C., field office said the surprise search of Mar-a-Lago the FBI conducted in August was conducted improperly when he testified before the Judiciary Committee. The US House Speaker said that there are certain questionable aspects of this investigation which leads one to believe that the Department of Justice gave a wrong judgement. They treated President Trump differently than they treat others, and it didnt have to be this way, the US House Speaker said. Special counsel Jack Smith, who oversaw the probe, defended the FBI and Justice Department. He said that those conducting the probe are among the most talented and experienced in the Department of Justice. They have investigated this case hewing to the highest ethical standards, and they will continue to do so as this case proceeds, Smith was quoted as saying by the the Hill. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. It is gratifying to note the intensively developing bilateral dialogue in political, economic and humanitarian area with your direct support, as well as the constructive interaction of Minsk and Baku on the international arena, said President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko as he sent a letter of congratulations to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. I am sure that the Belarus-Azerbaijan strategic partnership based on long-term friendship traditions and trust will be consistently deepened for the benefit of the peoples of our countries, and will be enriched by new interesting initiatives and joint projects. Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I sincerely wish you good health, inexhaustible energy for the implementation of the scheduled plans, and the residents of Azerbaijan peace and tranquility, the President of Belarus said in his message. Its a weekday morning and Anna Sorokin is on house arrest in a New York apartment building that has been condemned as imminently perilous to life. So shes attempting to capture outside attention and relieving her boredom in the most quotidian way: starting a podcast. So many people became famous for bad things and were able to kind of segue it into something different," she recently told the AP in her East Village apartment. The main theme of my podcast is productive rule-breaking, she said of The Anna Delvey Show . For now, she wants to reimagine her public image to shake her reputation of being a con artist and a scammer . Im on 24/7 house arrest. Im only allowed to leave for my parole check-ins, my ICE check-ins and for medical emergencies, she said. Behind her is a life-size cutout of her likenesscreated by artist Kenny Schachterwhich, like Sorokin herself, is wearing an ankle monitoring device. Going by the name Anna Delvey, she posed as a German heiress and lied about having a $67 million trust fund in order to apply for loans, run up debts, and secure a historic building for a private arts club. She falsely claimed to be the daughter of a diplomat or an oil baron. Arrested in late 2017, she was convicted in 2019 on multiple counts of larceny and theft for bilking banks, hotels, and wealthy New Yorkers out of $275,000. She was sentenced to four to 12 years in prison. After serving three years in prison thoughabout half of which was at Rikers Island jail complexSorokin, a German citizen, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Later, she was released after posting a $10,000 bond in the fall to home confinement, pending a deportation hearing. The podcast gives her the opportunity to take back some control over the narrative, and its something shes thought about doing for some time. So, for now, the subject of the Inventing Anna series on Netflix waits to find out if people tune into the podcast, available this week on all major platformsand if her campaign to reinvent herself works. (Read the full story.) Oregon has long been known as a mecca for high-quality marijuana, but that reputation has come with a downside: illegal growers who offer huge amounts of cash to lease or buy land, then leave behind pollution, garbage, and a drained water table. Now, a bill passed by the Oregon Legislature seeks to tackle that by making the landowners themselves responsible for the aftermath. The bill also prohibits the use of rivers or groundwater at the illegal site, as well as criminalizes seizing the identity papers of migrant workers who tend the plants or threatening to report them for deportation, per the AP . Under the bill, local governments are authorized to file a claim of lien against property used for illicit marijuana, if the owner doesn't pay for the cleanup. A leader of the state's cannabis and alcohol regulatory agency has said southern Oregon is to marijuana what Bordeaux is to wine. But the state faces challenges on two fronts: The regulated industry has a glut of product that has slashed prices and profit margins, and there has been huge growth in illegal pot farms operating under the guise of growing hemp, which became legal nationally in 2018. After passing the state Senate and House, House Speaker Dan Rayfield signed the measure Wednesday, over the objections of some Republicans. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek is expected to sign it next week. "This is just an assault on property rights here in the state of Oregon," GOP Sen. Dennis Linthicum said on the Senate floor. But Democratic Sen. Jeff Golden said property owners should know something is amiss when they're "approached at the beginning of the growing season with requests to lease their property for tens, sometimes hundreds of [thousands of] dollars for a single year. Witnesses have described backpacks with thousands of dollars in cash being handed over to landowners and getting numerous offers to buy. "We pay CASH and offer a fast close," says one letter received by a landowner last year, one of three offers they received. Jackson County Sheriff Nathan Sickler told lawmakers that after police raid illegal pot farms, neither landowners nor the suspects make efforts to remove the cheaply built greenhouses (aka "hoop houses"), latrines, and other debris, including plastics and chemicals. "Frankly, it's an eyesore for our community, with no means to deal with it," Sickler said. Landowners who've been intimidated and suffered environmental damage from illegal grow sites are applauding the bill. Christopher Hall, who works to engage the public in water stewardship, said the bill shows that Oregon officials understand the problem of large-scale illicit cannabis operations and are committed to solving it. The illicit sites "not only turn streams into gravel roads, but also lead to serious human rights violations and dumping of trash, sewage, chemicals, and other waste into ditches, riparian areas, and streams," he said. The House passed the marijuana bill on a 53-3 vote on May 31; the Senate had previously approved the measure. The bill will now go to Kotek to sign into law, taking immediate effect. "The governor supports cracking down on illegal cannabis operations that have been prevalent in southern Oregon," a Kotek spokesperson says. (Read more Oregon stories.) Four Indigenous children survived an Amazon plane crash that killed three adults and then wandered on their own in the jungle for 40 days before being found alive by Colombian soldiers. The announcement of their rescue on Friday brought a happy ending to a saga that had captivated many Colombians, a watch with highs and lows as searchers frantically combed through the rainforest hunting for the youngsters. President Gustavo Petro celebrated the news upon returning from Cuba, where he'd signed a ceasefire with representatives of the National Liberation Army rebel group, per the AP . He said he hoped to talk with them Saturday, and officials said late Friday that the youngsters were being brought to Bogota to be checked at a hospital. Officials didn't say how far the children were from the crash site when they were found, but the teams had been searching within a 3-mile radius. An air force video showed a helicopter using lines to pull the youngsters up because it couldn't land in the dense rainforest where they were found. The air force said it was going to San Jose del Guaviare, a small town on the edge of the jungle. No details were released on how the four siblings, ages 13, 9, 4, and 11 months, managed to survive on their own for so long, though they belong to an Indigenous group that lives in the remote region. Petro called them an "example of survival" and predicted their saga "will remain in history." The military tweeted pictures showing a group of soldiers and volunteers posing with the children, who were wrapped in thermal blankets. One of the soldiers held a bottle to the smallest child's lips. The crash happened in the early hours of May 1, when the Cessna single-engine propeller plane with six passengers and a pilot declared an emergency due to an engine failure. The small aircraft fell off the radar a short time later, and a frantic search for survivors began. Two weeks after the crash, on May 16, a search team found the plane in a thick patch of the rainforest and recovered the bodies of the three adults on board, but the small children were nowhere to be found. Sensing they could be alive, Colombia's army stepped up the hunt and flew 150 soldiers with dogs into the area. Dozens of volunteers from Indigenous tribes also helped search. During the search, in an area where visibility is greatly limited by mist and thick foliage, soldiers on helicopters dropped boxes of food into the jungle, hoping that it would help sustain the children. Planes flying over the jungle fired flares to help search crews on the ground at night, and rescuers used speakers that blasted a message recorded by the siblings' grandmother, telling them to stay in one place. The children had been traveling with their mother from the Amazonian village of Araracuara to San Jose del Guaviare when the plane crashed. They're members of the Huitoto people, and officials say the oldest children in the group had some knowledge of how to survive in the rainforest. As the search progressed, soldiers found small clues in the jungle that led them to believe the children were still living, including a pair of footprints, a baby bottle, diapers, and pieces of fruit that looked like they'd been bitten by humans. "The jungle saved them," Petro said. "They are children of the jungle, and now they are also children of Colombia." (Read more Colombia stories.) "Here we are again." That was the frustrated statement given Wednesday night by Detroit Assistant Police Chief Charles Fitzgerald, after a 6-year-old boy found a gun inside his house and shot his baby brother, twicein what Fitzgerald noted has become a "too common occurrence," per NBC News . Fitzgerald said the incident took place earlier Wednesday, around 7:40pm, when the older sibling discovered an unregistered semi-automatic firearm in the home located in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood and shot the 1-year-old, who was jumping in his bouncy seat. The baby was shot through his cheek and left shoulder but is expected to survive, Fitzgerald said. The injured infant was taken to Corewell Health's Beaumont Hospital, then transferred to another medical center, where he was said to be in stable condition, Fitzgerald noted, per the Detroit News. "We are very fortunate that that child is still with us," he added, per Click on Detroit. Fitzgerald said that at the time of the shooting, the children's mother was down the street at a relative's house, while the father was in the backyard with other kids and another adult working on a fence. In April, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law that mandates guns not stored in a locked box to remain unloaded and locked if there's reason to believe a child may be present. That's something that apparently didn't happen here. "Once again, preventable," Fitzgerald said. "We're here far too often talking about securing your weapons. ... There are gun locks, gun safes, or even the highest shelf you [can] find in your house. Put the gun up as high as you can." So far, no arrests have been made, though an investigation is ongoing. The parents have been questioned and are said to be cooperating with law enforcement. Fitzgerald says any findings from the probe will be handed over to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office to determine if charges will be filed. (Read more shooting stories.) Company representatives from China and Hungary sign the agreements during the Hungary-China Business Meeting and Signing Ceremony in Budapest, Hungary on June 9, 2023. Hungary-China Business Meeting and Signing Ceremony took place here on Friday, as part of a series of trade promotion events to boost economic and trade relations between the two countries. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Hungary-China Business Meeting and Signing Ceremony took place here on Friday, as part of a series of trade promotion events to boost economic and trade relations between the two countries. Li Xingqian, director general of the Foreign Trade Department of the Ministry of Commerce of China, said at the business meeting that the trade promotion events are expected to help introduce more high-quality Hungarian products to the Chinese market. Noting the potential of the Chinese market, Li said Hungarian companies are warmly welcome to participate in trade exhibitions in China such as the China International Import Expo and the China International Consumer Products Expo. Liu Bo, minister-counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, said that continuous efforts will be made to enhance economic and trade ties to the benefit of the people of both countries. Adrienn Gobel, director general of the Department for Export Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, said that the current business discussions "will further expand this successful collaboration and open new avenues for developing our economic ties." Organized by the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of China, the meeting attracted nearly 100 entrepreneurs and representatives from both countries. At the meeting, companies from China and Hungary signed multiple trade agreements. Liu Bo, minister-counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, speaks during the Hungary-China Business Meeting and Signing Ceremony in Budapest, Hungary on June 9, 2023. Hungary-China Business Meeting and Signing Ceremony took place here on Friday, as part of a series of trade promotion events to boost economic and trade relations between the two countries. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Adrienn Gobel, director general of the Department for Export Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, speaks during the Hungary-China Business Meeting and Signing Ceremony in Budapest, Hungary on June 9, 2023. Hungary-China Business Meeting and Signing Ceremony took place here on Friday, as part of a series of trade promotion events to boost economic and trade relations between the two countries. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of congratulations to President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Trend reports. On this remarkable day, I would like to note the high level of Azerbaijan-Belarus relations, which steadily deepen and expand in the spirit of fruitful partnership and are based on mutual respect and trust as well as friendly traditions uniting our peoples for the past three decades, the President of Azerbaijan said in his letter. Our interstate relations, which have travelled the great path of development and are characterized by active political dialogue, intensive contacts and fruitful cooperation in economic-trade, humanitarian fields in bilateral and multilateral formats, are particularly gratifying, President Ilham Aliyev noted. You made a significant contribution to steady development of Azerbaijan-Belarus relations, their upgrading to the level of strategic partnership. I am sure that friendly relations and cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Belarus will strengthen and be enriched with new content in the future thanks to the joint efforts, the head of state added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that counteroffensive and defensive actions were underway against Russian forces, asserting that his top commanders were in a "positive" mindset as their troops engaged in intense fighting along the front line. The Ukrainian leader, at a Kyiv news conference alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responded to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putin's comment a day earlier that Ukraine's counteroffensive had startedand Ukrainian forces were taking "significant losses." Zelensky said that "the counteroffensive, defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. I will not speak about which stage or phase they are in," per the AP . "I am in touch with our commanders of different directions every day," he added, citing the names of five of Ukraine's top military leaders. "Everyone is positive. Pass this on to Putin." Trudeau, the first foreign leader to visit Ukraine since devastating floods caused by a breach in a Dnieper River dam, offered up monetary, military, and moral support for Ukraine. He pledged $500 million in new military aid, on top of $8 billion that Canada has already provided since the war began in February 2022, and announced $10 million for humanitarian assistance for the flood response. Trudeau said the dam's collapse was "a direct consequence of Russia's war," but he didn't blame Moscow directly. Ukraine's General Staff said Saturday that "heavy battles" were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the country's industrial east. It gave no details but said Russian forces were "defending themselves" and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraine's southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. At the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, which is occupied by Russian forces, five out of six reactors were already in a state of cold shutdown. Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency, said in a statement late Friday that there was "no direct threat" to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Nearly one-third of protected natural areas in the Kherson region could be obliterated by the flooding, the Ukrainian environmental minister warned Saturday. In the city of Kherson, whose outskirts were among the flood-hit areas, the average water level decreased by 12 inches overnight, but remained over 15 feet higher than usual, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin reported Saturday. (Read more Ukraine stories.) At their state convention on Saturday, North Carolina Republicans voted to censure their senior US senator over votes delegates said didn't follow the party line. Sen. Thom Tillis' record on abortion issues was the biggest concern, the News & Observer reports. "We believe that you'reyou have a viable life from the time of conception," Steve Carter said. "That's what the Bible says." Judy Carter, his wife and a party activist, said the message to the GOP senator is "we want you to remember who voted for you." Wayne King, a former vice chairman of the state party, called the the censure "shameful." "This sends a terrible message to independents," King said, that the North Carolina party "doesnt welcome anyone who doesn't abide by every word of a party platform that only a few thousand delegates voted on." He said such actions could turn the state Democratic. Other points of contention are gun safety legislation, immigration, and gay marriage. Several delegates at the convention in Greensboro attacked Tillis over his support for last year's Respect for Marriage Act, which placed protections for same-sex and interracial marriages in federal law, per the AP. He lobbied GOP colleagues to vote for the measure. The national and state party platforms oppose same-sex marriage, but Tillis is known for being willing to work with Democrats, which has increased his clout in Congress. The censure vote, which took place behind closed doors, requires a two-thirds majority. It has no effect on his term in office. A spokesperson listed several causes supported by the party that the senator has worked for, including tax and border issues. Tillis "keeps his promises and delivers results," Daniel Keylin said. A state lawmaker at the convention said dividing the party as elections approach is a bad idea. "Sen. Tillis does a lot for North Carolina," Sen. Bobby Hanig said, adding, "so why would I want to make him mad?" (Read more Thom Tillis stories.) A recent photo of Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Chandler Caldwell sits next to a historic photo of him during his service in the U.S. Army. (Courtesy photo) 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. Vivian Korthuis is the CEO of The Association of Village Council Presidents. AVCP is a regional nonprofit tribal consortium comprised of the 56 federally recognized tribes of the YK Delta. The geographic boundaries of AVCP extend from the Yukon River Village of Russian Mission downstream to the Bering Sea coast, north up through Kotlik and south along the coastline to Platinum and then extending up the Kuskokwim River to Stony River, including Lime Village on the Stony River tributary. The area encompasses approximately 6.5 million acres, or 55,000 square miles, in Western Alaska. First posted 09:54 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. Units of the Armenian armed forces from 23:20 (GMT+4) June 9 to 00:35 (GMT+4) June 10, while using small arms, periodically fired at positions of the Azerbaijani army in the direction of Astaf settlement of Dashkesan district from their positions in the direction of Garaiman and Guneshli settlements of Basarkechar district, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry. Members of illegal Armenian armed formations on the territory of Azerbaijan, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily stationed, periodically fired at the positions of Azerbaijani army in the direction of the Khojaly and Shusha districts. Adequate response measures were taken by Azerbaijani army units in all the mentioned directions. Moreover, members of illegal Armenian armed formations, under the guise of agricultural work, tried to establish long-term fortifications in front of the positions of our army located in the directions of Aghdam, Fuzuli, Khojaly, Khojavend and Shusha districts. As a result of the urgent measures taken by the units of the Azerbaijani army, the work was immediately prevented. 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. Finall, @GodwinIEmefiele has been nabbed, to be handcuffed and sent to jail. This is my best weekend ever pic.twitter.com/Oc45Toa2lK The Godfather JP (@AyoOyalowo) June 10, 2023 The Department of State Services (DSS) says Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is now in custody. The secret police confirmed his arrest hours after saying he was currently not in detention. Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson, announced the development in a statement issued on Saturday. The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is now in its custody for some investigative reasons, the statement reads. The public, particularly the media, is enjoined to apply utmost caution in the reportage and narratives concerning this. In a video circulating online, the suspended CBN governor was seen alighting from a Hilux truck, and subsequently boarding a private jet alongside security operatives. Emefiele was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on Friday evening. His suspension was announced by Willie Bassey, director of information, office of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF). Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, deputy governor, operations directorate, has taken charge of affairs at the apex bank. Emefiele has been on the radar of the DSS since 2022 over alleged terrorism financing. The security agency had sought an arrest warrant from a federal high court but the application was declined on the grounds that there was no evidence to back the claim. A federal capital territory (FCT) high court later issued a restraining order stopping the DSS from arresting Emefiele. The Department of State Services (DSS) says Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is not in its custody. Following the announcement of Emefieles suspension, there were reports that he was arrested by operatives of the secret police. Reacting in a terse statement posted on Twitter on Saturday morning, the DSS said the suspended CBN governor is currently not in detention. Currently, Emefiele is not with the DSS, the tweet reads. Currently, Emefiele is not with the DSS. Department of State Services (DSS) (@OfficialDSSNG) June 10, 2023 The DSS however failed to elaborate on whether he was previously apprehended. The office of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) announced Emefieles suspension on Friday. Willie Bassey, director of information, SGF office, had said Emefiele was to transfer his responsibilities to the deputy governor, operations directorate. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, the deputy governor, is expected to act as the CBN governor pending the conclusion of an investigation of Emefieles office. DSS PROBE OF EMEFIELE Since late 2022, Emefiele has been the subject of investigations by the DSS over alleged terrorism financing. The secret police had approached a federal high court in Abuja seeking a warrant to arrest him The court, however, declined the application on the grounds that the DSS did not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate its claims. A federal capital territory (FCT) high court sitting in Maitama later issued an order restraining the security agency from arresting Emefiele. President Bola Tinubu on Friday suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele from office with immediate effect. Tinubu also directed Emefiele to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), Mr Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi. He said Shonubi will act as the CBN Governor, pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms Below is a brief profile of the Acting CBN Governor. 1. Shonubi was born on 7th of March, 1962. 2. He holds a double Masters Degree respectively in Business Administration and Mechanical Engineering, from the University of Lagos. 3. He is a banker with over 30 years professional experience and was the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System PLC from 2012-2018. 4.Shonubi was Executive Director, Information Technology and Operations at Union Bank of Nigeria Plc; a member of the Board of Union Homes and Director, Information Technology and Corporate Services in Renaissance Securities Nigeria Limited, with responsibility for the Groups IT infrastructure in Africa. 5.He was the Deputy General Manager of MBC International between 1999 and 2007 and served in First City Monument Bank Limited as Vice President and in Ecobank Nigeria Limited as Executive Director. Abdullahi Ganduje, immediate past governor of Kano, says he could have slapped Rabiu Kwankwaso, his predecessor if he had met him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Ganduje spoke on Friday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on the security situation and the ongoing demolition exercise in Kano. The former governor said he visited the villa to report Kwankwaso to the president, adding that some of the demolitions were carried out on the directive of his predecessor. While delivering his inaugural speech on May 29, Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, directed security agencies to revoke all public properties sold during Gandujes administration. Yusuf said the properties were acquired and built illegally, adding that revoking them was not an attempt to go against the previous administration. The governor had also said the demolition exercise was to fulfil part of his campaign promises to restore the urban development masterplan of the city. Some of the buildings recently demolished in the state are the Haji camp, Daula Hotel, and shopping complexes around the Eid Prayer Ground in Kano. The former governor expressed concern over the demolition exercise, adding that we dont want it to result into religious or tribal conflict. Thousands of traders have been rendered without any business. Ganduje said the demolition was illegal as it was carried out without proper investigation or due notice by the provisions of the land use act. We appointed a technical committee right from the beginning. They submitted a report to the executive council. The executive council approved the PPP project, he said. The PPP project is 90 percent executed, but now without any investigation, without any notice, this new government under the directive of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso demolished the building. The issue is in a court of law. The former governor said he has briefed the president on the matter and had petitioned Usman Alkali, inspector-general of police (IGP), with video evidence of the looting and vandalization that followed the demolition. He described the governor as a stooge to Kwankwaso, adding that one of the affected developers has sued the government, demanding compensation of N10 billion. Both the former governor and his predecessor were at the Villa at the same time to see the president. Responding to whether the issue has been resolved, the former governor said I know that he is in the building. But we did not meet inside. I would have slapped him if I met him inside. Shehu Sani, a public affairs commentator, has referred to the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai as a bigot. Sani was lamenting the number of Christian clerics killed in Kaduna during El-Rufais eight years as governor. The former Kaduna Central Senator said El-Rufai never visited the families of the deceased clerics for condolence all through his tenure. Tweeting, Sani wrote: Imagine a Governor of a State for eight years and these high profile clerics were murdered by terrorists in his state, and he never for once bothered to visit their families for condolence or even speak personally on the tragedies. If I dont find a word bigger than a bigot, Ill coin it. This is coming at a time El-Rufai has come under scrutiny over his recent religious comment. Addressing a gathering, the former governor said the All Progressives Congress, APC, used religion as a tool to make Bola Tinubu Nigerias leader. President Bola Tinubu will on Monday morning address Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast to mark this years Democracy Day. In a statement on Friday, George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said democracy day, with the theme Hope reassured, would be celebrated lowkey. Akume urged Nigerians to take stock of how the nation has fared and assess the dividends of democracy and areas that need improvement. It is important to note that Democracy Day has been reviewed to be celebrated annually from May, 29 to June 12 to honour the heroes who championed the struggle and made extra-ordinary sacrifices for the enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria from 1999 till date, the statement reads. However, May 29 remains the date or anniversary of handing over or taking over of power, and this happens every four years according to the Nigerian constitution. To commemorate this years anniversary, it is expedient for citizens and foreigners alike to take stock of how the nation has fared so far and assess the dividends that democracy has ensued as well as areas where we need to make improvements. It is in light of this that the theme of this years democracy celebration is Hope Reassured. It is pertinent to state that having had an elaborate presidential inauguration this year, activities to mark the 2023 June 12, democracy day will be low key. He said the presidential broadcast will be live on all major stations and streamed on various social media platforms. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. The European Union has already signed the first deals on joint gas purchasing on the EU Energy Platform, said Maros Sefcovic, Vice-President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations, Trend reports. I am pleased to report that the first contracts have already been signed. I am confident that more deals will be signed, as many contracts are being negotiated following the first matching done on the Platform, he said. He pointed out that the EU Energy Platform, designed for joint gas purchasing, is proving to be highly effective, yielding tangible outcomes. Sefcovic believes that with a favorable market response and extensive political support, the continuation of joint purchasing is strongly advocated. The remarkable achievements of this model suggest that it could serve as a blueprint for other critical resources, such as hydrogen and essential raw materials, in the long run, according to the EU Commissions Vice-President. We need to explore all avenues to continue strengthening the competitiveness of our economy and to secure stable supplies of gas at sustainable prices for our households and industry, he added. With the objective of preventing EU countries from engaging in bidding wars and fostering coordination, the EU Energy Platform aims to facilitate unified action and negotiations with external upstream suppliers. Leveraging the EU's significant gas consumption as one of the world's largest consumers, the platform strives to secure improved conditions for all EU consumers. Initiated in April 2022, in response to the European Council's mandate to diversify gas sources away from Russia, the platform encompasses various measures concerning natural gas, LNG, and potential future inclusion of hydrogen. Its primary focus is to safeguard the EU's energy security, ensuring access to affordable energy. Key activities include international outreach, demand aggregation, and optimizing the utilization of EU gas infrastructure. By bolstering cooperation and leveraging the collective strength of EU member states, the Energy Platform seeks to enhance the security of gas supply, promote affordable energy access, and foster a more resilient energy landscape within the European Union. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn The first Big Brother Titans, BBTitans reality show winner Khosi Twala on Friday received a royal welcome from the Nigeria police band and fans as she arrived in Nigeria. The South African touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos state, on June 9, 2023. A viral video on social media on Saturday shows excited Khosi smiling happily as she held a bouquet of flowers she was given. Recall that Khosi had in May during an Instagram Live session with her Nigerian friend, Marvin, said; Im not going to lie, I am scared of visiting Nigeria. I didnt know there were so many people in Nigeria who didnt want me there. There was even a petition. I was so scared when I heard about the petition against me not to visit Nigeria. Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, says at least 150 people have been killed in Mangu LGA of the state in the last three weeks. Speaking on Friday in an interview with Channels Television, Mutfwang said four persons were murdered in the LGA on Thursday night. Over the past few months, some LGAs in Plateau have witnessed a spate of violent attacks, resulting in fatalities and displacement. In May, Solomon Maren, a member of the house of representatives from Plateau, said over 100 people were killed in two days during overnight attacks in his constituency Mangu/Bokkos. The Plateau governor said 80 percent of the incidents are pure genocide, adding that over 30,000 people have been displaced. He said reports from the communities indicate that the perpetrators of the violent attacks are foreign mercenaries. Last night, four people were killed in Mangu. Conservatively, I will put it that in the last three weeks, we have buried not less than 150 people in Mangu local government, he said. And as I am talking to you we have no less than 30,000 people scattered in various IDP camps that we are having to deal with now. Commenting on his meeting with President Bola Tinubu, the Plateau governor said the president has the political will to deal with the security challenges in the state. I had the privilege and honour to have a meeting with Mr President at very short notice. The meeting centred around the challenges of security in the Plateau and I found Mr President full of listening ears and determination to deal with the issues. I think it is going to be a welcome change, he said. The response of Mr President is reassuring and his understanding of the problem was quite comforting. Certainly, Mr President is showing that he has a political will to deal with the issues. Wife of Edo State Governor, Betsy Obaseki, has advised women on the need to prioritise their safety and well being ahead of abusive marriages. She gave the strong stance against domestic abuse on Friday in Benin, during a heartfelt visit to a survivor of domestic violence, Mrs Tina Okhiria, whose arm was tragically amputated due to a gunshot allegedly inflicted by her abusive husband. While seeking to understand the circumstances that led to the incident and the actions taken by the family, the mother of the victim revealed to Mrs. Obaseki that she was aware of the ongoing abuse. She explained further that her daughter who had left the abusive marriage on several occasions was swayed by appeals from her abusive husband because of her concern for their children. Expressing her concern, the Edo First Lady who stressed that no woman should endure such cruelty, urged victims to seek help and escape dangerous situations, even as she emphasized the importance of leaving an abusive marriages rather than die in it. Mrs. Obaseki firmly stated that the abusive husband would face legal consequences for his actions, as the crime committed was against the state and could not be resolved through arbitration or appeals. Drawing attention to the resources available through the Ministry of Gender, the First Lady assured the public that there are avenues to address issues of spousal battery and prevent them from escalating. She emphasized that no person, regardless of status or influence, has the right to abuse their spouse. Marriage, she said, should be a source of happiness and fulfillment, not a prison sentence. In a gesture of support, she assured Mrs. Okhiria that she will receive assistance in obtaining a prosthetic arm to alleviate the loss she has suffered. The abusive husband has since been arrested and is currently in police custody. The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, has evaluated decisions taken so far by Governor Alex Otti-led administration. The party claimed that decisions taken so far by Otti smacks of antagonism, vendetta and missteps when the governor ought to have preached peace and reconciliation among all Abia citizens. The Abia chapter of the PDP stated this on Friday in a statement by the State Vice Chairman and the acting state publicity secretary of the party, Hon Amah Abraham. He said the first few appointments made by the Abia governor were skewed in favour of a particular section of the state. Making appointments that speak against our oneness is at best divisive and would not provide the conviviality needed to move the state forward. The mistakes he has made show him as incompetent, bringing credence to the point we made during the campaigns that there is a huge difference between running a small financial institution and running a big public corporation like Abia state, the party added. The party criticized Governor Otti for disbanding the task force on collection of vehicle levies on Abia without first creating an alternative to those that earn a decent living from that sector. It further regretted that the state governor bypassed extant laws that established statutory boards in Abia and dissolved them with executive fiat and described the action as unlawful, high-handed and obnoxious. As if that was not enough, he asked the chairman of all the illegally dissolved boards to hand over to the most senior officers in the board, but in the case of Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), he contradicted himself by imposing an officer who is not the most senior. What manner of imposition is that? The State PDP queried. The main opposition party also came hard on the state governor over the recent removal of Professor Hagler Okorie as Rector of the state-owned Polytechnic in Aba, and replaced him with his deputy, Mrs Chidinma Martha Ndukwe. It partly stated: Hagler Okorie, a renowned professor of law was just appointed and confirmed in march 2023 by the immediate past Governor of Abia state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and we begin to wonder the reason for his removal because he has shown capacity as a good manager in the last few months of administering Abia Polytechnic. The Abia PDP continued: If what we are thinking, that he is making good his threat not to touch anything used by the former Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu is correct, then we are worried that Abians are in for a ride with an emperor not a governor. The best Governor Alex Otti can do to move Abia forward is to rid himself of the excessive and deep seated animosity against the PDP and those that did not vote for him. The day he was sworn in as the governor of Abia state is the day he became the father of all Abians. We expect that he should apply the best principles of good governance and not conduct himself as an intolerant leader. Unfortunately, that is the way he comes across to many people. Abia belongs to all of us and every Abian deserves to be treated fairly and equally. Ben Murray-Bruce, former senator representing Bayelsa East, says President Bola Tinubu is making the right calls. In a post via his Twitter page, the ex-lawmaker said Nigerians should watch out for Tinubus administration. President Bola Tinubu is making the right calls. He turned Lagos into the 6th largest economy in Africa, and now he is in charge of the largest economy in Africa. Watch out, Murray-Bruce tweeted. Following his victory at the polls, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to making Nigeria better. In his inaugural speech, the president declared the petrol subsidy regime over, adding that his administration would unify the foreign exchange markets. The petrol subsidy removal led to a hike in the pump price of the product across the country. As a result, organised labour asked workers to embark on strike but the planned strike was suspended after meetings with the federal government delegation. The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) also suspended its industrial action following the intervention of Tinubu. The president also intervened in the tussle between the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Recall that NigerianEye had reported how DSS operatives prevented EFCC officials from accessing their Ikoyi office in Lagos state. Tinubu had asked the DSS to vacate the EFCC office immediately, saying the agencies would resolve the issues between them amicably. On Thursday, Tinubu signed the bill on uniform retirement age for judicial officers. The law extends the retirement age of high court judges and others from 65 to 70 years. The president also signed the electricity bill into law, thereby empowering states, companies and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity. Tinubu said the devolution of power in the power sector is his administrations contribution to developmental projects. The presidential election petition tribunal has dismissed an application filed by the Labour Party (LP) seeking to question the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the technology deployed for the conduct of the election. According to NAN, the five-member panel led by Haruna Tsammani, held on Saturday, that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to grant the request because it was brought outside the pre-hearing session. The application, tagged CA/PEPC/03/2023, was filed by the LP and Peter Obi, the partys presidential candidate. The applicants, among other reasons for disputing the outcome of the election, are accusing INEC of non-compliance with the 2022 electoral act. The petitioners concerns also included the failure to transmit the results of the presidential election in real-time on the INEC results viewing portal (IREV) as assured. The petitioners had asked the court to permit them to question INEC on the technology deployed to conduct the election including the competency of the ICT experts who oversaw technology. In two applications, the petitioners through Patrick Ikweto, their counsel, prayed the court to order INEC to supply the names and other details of its ICT professionals that deployed electronic devices for the conduct of the election. Specifically, the petitioners maintained that given INECs reply to their petition, the commission should be compelled to answer 12 questions posed to it. At the hearing, the tribunal in a unanimous decision, ruled that the applicants failed to disclose any extreme circumstance that stopped them from filing within the statutory time. The court said motions could not be heard at the hearing session. It is an afterthought on the grounds that the pre-hearing period to file such an application elapsed on May 22, Tsammani said. I have not disputed the fact that they did not call the attention of the court during the pre-hearing session. It is for the applicant to take a step towards the hearing of his motion on notice. The court cannot do that for him. The petitioners counsel are very conversant with the provisions of the law and did not ask for an extension of time. They rather seek to employ the right to fair hearing as a magic wand to escape the consequence of their failure to comply with the law and blame the court for its inaction. Their application is incompetent and the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain it and accordingly, the application is struck out. The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has declared the stance and choice of the State over the National Assembly leadership offices to support the All Progressives Congress preferred choices of Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President and Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The 10th National Assembly is expected to be proclaimed by the president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on June 13, 2023. Fubara, during a meeting with the National Assembly members-elect of Rivers State at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, explained that the declared support is to advance Nigerias interest. Details of the meeting is contained in a statement signed by Boniface Onyedi, media aide to the governor who made copies available to newsmen on Friday evening. Onyedi in the statement asserted that the position of the state should be in the interest of all the elected National Assembly members from Rivers State who are expected to be formally admitted into either of the chambers when proclaimed. Governor Fubara charged members-elect not to veer off the declared interest of the state but rather remain focused on electing the preferred choices. He admonished them to always work together as a team to make the desired impact and enjoy the dividends that follow. Fubara assured the lawmakers of the continued support of the state government so that they can always remain relevant in national affairs. Speaking on behalf of the members-elect, the Senator-elect for Rivers South-east Senatorial District, Senator Barry Mpigi commended the governor for the strategic meeting and assured that members will certainly work in line with his charge as the leader of the state. The New Jersey Forest Fire continued to battle an 350-acre wildfire Friday afternoon that was burning through the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in Burlington County, officials said. As of 8:20 p.m., the fire, which was in the area of City Line Road, was 20% contained and was threatening two unidentified structures, according to a statement from the service. When crews first arrived, they were met with a rapidly-spreading blaze with multiple locations burning, fire officials said. Firefighters were expected to continue to set backfires to help contain the wildfire throughout the night. Local forest roads in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest were closed and the public was asked to avoid the area. Crews from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service were battling a wildfire in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in Burlington County on Friday, June 9, 2023.New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Exceptionally dry conditions have led to multiple forest fires in recent weeks. The most recent was an 82-acre fire in Jackson in Ocean County earlier this week. Another wildfire in Ocean County burned more than 1,600 acres in April. The latest wildfire comes as air quality conditions continue to improve in New Jersey after days of thick, hazy smoke that drifted south from Canada. New Jersey had the worst air quality in 43 years on Wednesday and Thursday. All 21 counties in New Jersey remain under a code orange air quality alert through midnight Friday. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. A 59-year-old bus driver from Florida was arrested Wednesday at a Burlington County hotel after he allegedly texted with police detectives he thought were a 14-year-old, authorities said. Gregory P. Tibbetts, of Ocoee, Florida, who was traveling through the area Monday as part of his employment responsibilities, allegedly told an employee at a Westhampton hotel that he wanted to connect with an underage girl or boy to engage for sex, according to a statement from the Burlington County Prosecutors Office. The employee contacted the police who gave the worker a cell phone number to pass along to Tibbets, the office said. During the ensuing text exchange with detectives, Tibbets allegedly described in graphic detail the sexual acts he hoped to engage in with the girl. Branded the Unabomber by the FBI, Kaczynski died at the federal prison medical center in Butner, North Carolina, Kristie Breshears, a spokesperson for the federal Bureau of Prisons, told The Associated Press. He was found unresponsive in his cell early Saturday morning and was pronounced dead around 8 a.m., she said. A cause of death was not immediately known. Before his transfer to the prison medical facility, he had been held in the federal Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado, since May 1998, when he was sentenced to four life sentences plus 30 years for a campaign of terror that set universities nationwide on edge. He admitted committing 16 bombings from 1978 and 1995, permanently maiming several of his victims. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 10. Kazakhstan in talks on joint investments in gas production with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), CEO of Kazakhstan's national company, QazaqQaz, Sanzhar Zharkeshov, told Trend on the sidelines of the Astana International Forum (AIF 2023). "We have warm relations with Azerbaijan, especially with SOCAR. We have already held a series of meetings and negotiations with the Azerbaijani side in the gas industry, particularly regarding investment in gas exploration and production, as well as the construction of new LNG plants," he said. Zharkeshov noted that the platform of the Astana International Forum will also provide an opportunity to deepen relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in various sectors. "The Azerbaijani side has already expressed interest in specific projects in Kazakhstan's gas industry, and we will continue to explore opportunities for joint cooperation. The platform we are on today is precisely created for such serious negotiations," added the chairman of the company's board. A former employee for a Chipotle Mexican Grill in Mercer County claims she was fired after she complained her supervisor and another worker didnt wear gloves and ate in the kitchen while preparing the restaurants food. DShawn Caldwell worked at the Chipotle in Mercer Mall in Lawrenceville, from May through July 2022, when she was terminated in violation of state whistleblower laws, according to the lawsuit filed March 2 in Superior Court of Mercer County. Caldwell told her supervisor and another employee that they were in violation of the states food safety laws for not wearing gloves and eating while working in a retail food establishment, according to the suit. She also complained about being underpaid for hours she spent training as a kitchen manager, the suit says. A spokesperson for Chipotle headquarters in Newport Beach, California, did not respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit says the two workers ostracized Caldwell after she complained, and that one spoke poorly of her to other employees, making it difficult for plaintiff to work with other people. On June 30, 2022, Caldwell complained to corporate human resources and payroll about the alleged pay and food-safety violations, but both departments closed their investigations concluding there was no issue, the suit says. A week later, Caldwells hours were cut from 40 to 20 per week and she was demoted from kitchen-manager-in-training to team member because of her behavioral issues, the suit says. Caldwell received a paycheck on July 20, 2022, for 26 hours of work, even though she had worked 32 hours, the suit says. The next day, supervisors failed to include Caldwell on the work schedule, thus terminating her employment, the suit says. The suit alleges the restaurant chain violated New Jerseys wage payment law, and the states Conscientious Employee Protection Act. The suit was moved April 7 from New Jersey Superior Court to U.S. District Court after Chipotle filed a motion stating the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, and that Chipotle is headquartered outside of New Jersey. In an answer filed in federal court a week later, Chipotle says it reviewed Caldwells complaints and closed their investigations because they found her claims unsubstantiated. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. UPDATE: It could be months before wildfires are out, officials say The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is currently battling two wildfires in Burlington County, after a second blaze ignited in Evesham Township Friday. The latest wildfire burning near Kettle Run and Bortons Road in the township grew from 60 acres Friday night to 600 by 10 a.m. Saturday. Thats in addition to the blaze in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest near City Line Road that more than doubled in size overnight to over 850 acres. Wildwood Crests newest dining destination has a mission to not only serve up delicious treats, but to also provide a welcoming destination for families of children with autism and other disabilities. Owners Aimee and Karl Famiano drew inspiration from their own familys experiences when they opened Brandons Pancake House and Ice Cream Parlor on New Jersey Avenue named after their son. Over the years, the couple noticed how Brandon, who has autism and is nonverbal, would often be overlooked and left out when dining out with his family, Aimee said. Servers wouldnt give him a menu because they would assume that he couldnt read, she said. And the look on his face because of the lack of inclusion and compassion ... to be at a table with a bunch of people and you not being looked at, you being overlooked. Their goal was to make the restaurant, which opened in April, Brandons forever place so that they could someday leave the business to him. From the decorations to the menus and trained staff, the pancake house puts special emphasis on details that make the dining experience more inclusive. There are two menus, for example, that list the many breakfast, lunch and dessert items served at Brandons. However, the second menu is a laminated picture menu that has images of the items, so people who are nonverbal can point to or circle an item with a dry erase marker when they are ready to order. This is amazing even for neurotypical kiddos who you just want to teach manners or social skills to, Aimee said. One of the menus at Brandon's Pancake House in Wildwood Crest is designed so people who are nonverbal can point to what they want to order or circle the image with a dry erase marker. Or you can have your three year old participate and teach them how to do things in a restaurant, so everybody has a chance to be a participant in the ordering process and in their own life, she continued. Walking into Brandons, customers will also spot a counter covered in autism awareness puzzle pieces that many guests have already written their names on. There is also a basket full of sensory toys for customers of all ages to fidget and play with while they wait for their food or to be seated. And if the restaurant gets too loud, servers can offer guests noise canceling headphones. The owners said small gestures, including ensuring their staff members demonstrate patience and make direct eye contact while serving patrons, is what makes people feel genuinely welcomed and at ease at Brandons Pancake House and Ice Cream Parlor. The restaurant also makes it a mission to hire people with disabilities, the owners said. Brandon, their now 25-year-old son, helps out by putting away plates, organizing the silverware or by acting as mayor of the business, his parents said with a laugh. Brandons Pancake House also collaborates with local schools to offer paid job opportunities to help high school students with autism and other disabilities gain work experience and develop life and culinary skills. Sometimes the temporary positions will become permanent jobs, according to the restaurants owners. Schools have also called to ask if they can bring students to the pancake house and ice cream parlor for field trips, they said. Following the restaurants April ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was attended by Wildwood Crests mayor, Brandons has drawn a warm response from the community and had a busy start to the summer season, the owners said. Although there have been challenges with finding good workers to keep up with orders at the restaurant, the business is thriving and going better than expected, said Karl, who wrote in his 1997 Lower Cape May Regional high school yearbook that his dream was to own a pancake house. Aimee is a special education teacher and her husband Karl a stepdad to both Brandon and his 27-year-old brother worked in sales for a decade before becoming the chef behind the omelets, burgers, wraps and other menu items served at the restaurant. Brandons brother, John, has also been there along the way to support his family members, who currently reside in the Villas section of Lower Township, the couple said. Their location at 6200 New Jersey Ave. was previously the Doo Wop Drive-in, a breakfast and lunch restaurant. Jason Kramer, owner of the now-closed Doo Wop Drive-in, put the property up for sale last year for almost $1 million, saying he wanted to spend more time with his sick children, including one who had a serious illness. He said buying the property would be a unique opportunity for someone to run a family business. With a dream and a mission inspired by their son, the Famiano family said they sold everything and moved back to New Jersey from Pennsylvania to start the restaurant in Wildwood Crest. People were so warm, saying thank you for this, sending us videos, Aimee said. Its just really overwhelming, in a good way. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A 55-year-old East Orange man was found guilty of impersonating a police officer after preforming an illegal traffic stop on someone, the Essex County Prosecutors Office reported on Friday. On July 2, 2022, Todd Thompson stopped a car near Penn Station in Newark using unauthorized police lights he installed on his own car, according to officials. During the illegal traffic stop, Thompson falsely identified himself as a cop and demanded documents from the victim while threatening the person with a handgun, the county prosecutors office said. A 26-year-old man was stabbed to death in Newark early Saturday morning, according to police. At around 3:19 a.m. on Saturday, authorities responded to a stabbing incident reported on the 300 block of Bloomfield Avenue in Newark, according to the Essex County Prosecutors Office. When police arrived they discovered the victim, Fernando Michael Villa Valdivieso, of Newark, suffering from a stab wound. With a 30-day review period ending Monday on New Yorks congestion pricing plan to charge up to a $23 fee to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is asking federal officials to tap the brakes. We put a letter in to ask that the comment period, which is supposed to end on June 12, is extended a month, Murphy said after an event last week. The New Jersey Department of Transportation is engaged in its own review of the MTAs environmental assessment and plans to submit those findings to the federal government, DOT officials said last month. Murphy also said he spoke to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg last week and re-expressed my disagreement with decision not to do a full environmental impact study. As the clock ticks down, thats not the only communication federal transportation officials are receiving about the states concerns about the plan. U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., sent a letter on Friday asking the USDOT and Federal Highway Administration to reconsider its draft Finding of No Significant Impact for the congestion pricing plan based on an environmental assessment conducted last year. That finding would allow the plan to continue toward a potential 2024 implementation. Like the governor, the federal lawmakers want federal officials to require a more comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement analysis be conducted. They cited the information from the Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys Environmental Assessment that predicted higher levels of air pollution in Bergen County and the Bronx, New York, that would be caused by trucks detouring around the Manhattan congestion zone, if the plan were implemented. Congestion pricing would charge a toll to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, that could range from a low of $9, with no exemptions or credits for bridge and tunnel tolls, to a high of $23, that would provide toll credits for the three Hudson River crossings and other toll bridges. The plans goals are to reduce traffic and congestion on Manhattan streets. It is also projected to raise an estimated $1 billion for MTA subways, buses and commuter railroads. While concluding congestion pricing would benefit regional air quality by reducing criteria pollutants in the 12-county study area, the MTA environmental assessment said it could increase pollution in three New York counties and Bergen. That would come from traffic using the George Washington Bridge through North Jersey to bypass the congestion zone. The MTA offered $130 million to mitigate the effects of predicted air pollution increases in the Bronx from traffic, according to a New York Times article. Measures offered also included $25 million for asthma treatment. No such measures have been offered for Bergen County. The FHWA merely accepts that the MTA will consider placement of these additional mitigation efforts in impacted communities after implementation, if deemed necessary by further analyses conducted by the MTA itself, Menendez and Gottheimer wrote. It is clear that the Draft FONSI fails to fully appreciate and mitigate the expected environmental harm to NJ. A program of this magnitude and large-scale environmental impact should require more than the sole judgment of the agency seeking to implement it, they wrote. Murphy echoed those environmental concerns as a reason a full Environmental Impact Study is needed. There is a huge burden as a result on New Jersey commuters and on the environment in certain towns in the nexus of the George Washington Bridge, Murphy said. Well see a diversion of traffic that would otherwise go through Manhattan, so we reiterated, we are not happy. The state has a working group that meets every day on this, he said. Were looking at all of our options and we continue to look at legal options as well. Federal Highway Administration officials did not immediately respond to emailed questions. U.S. Rep Bill Pascrell Jr., D-9th Dist., who also has voiced support for conducting a full EIS study, is the House sponsor of a bill that Menendez sponsored in the U.S. Senate. That legislation would mandate a city or state implementing a congestion pricing plan provide a neighboring state with greater participation in the process. It would mandate such involvement under penalty of losing 50% of federal National Highway Performance program and Transportation Block Grant program funding if a state proceeds without participation from a neighboring state. Menendez criticized the current congestion pricing process for that reason. All six appointed members of a traffic mobility board that will make final recommendations on congestion pricing rates and toll credits are New York residents. It lacks a single New Jersey voice in the decision, he said. The legislation would amend the Federal Highway Administrations Value Pricing Plan, that New York is seeking permission to join with the congestion pricing plan, to require a state meaningfully engage with and seek consent from any state impacted. NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. By Peter G. Verniero The recent redistricting decision of the U.S. Supreme Court puzzled headline writers and more than a few legal pundits. Not because of what the court held that Alabamas redistricting map had diluted the power of Black voters and thus likely violated the Voting Rights Act but because of who wrote and joined the majority opinion. In Allen v. Milligan, Chief Justice John Roberts reaffirmed settled voting protections guaranteed by federal law and was joined by so-called fellow conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh and so-called liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. In so doing, the majority defied political labels because of what presumably they believed, in their best collective judgment, the facts and law required. Somewhere Alexander Hamilton is smiling. Still, there is the troubling fact that so many court watchers would be surprised by a majority lineup that went against type. But we should not be surprised by such surprise. It reflects the sad reality that our nations highest court increasingly is seen as no more than another political branch, subject to the vagaries and influences of partisan politics. The judiciary has become engulfed in the divisiveness and rancor that today passes for political discourse. This hyper-partisanship affects nearly every aspect of public life. It is especially prevalent in the judicial confirmation process. When nominees are subjected to a political grilling by either party, it is no wonder that they arrive at the Supreme Court with their respective robes, to paraphrase NBCs Chuck Todd, looking more red or blue than black. Dont miss an issue of our Opinion newsletter! Get it delivered each Wednesday right into your inbox by adding your email below and hitting "subscribe." It does not have to be this way. The Senate confirmed Antonin Scalia, an icon of the right, by a bipartisan vote of 98-0, and did much the same when confirming Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an icon of the left, by a vote of 96-3. To be sure, it mattered who sat in the Oval Office at the time of their nominations and which party controlled the Senate. But those political realities seemed to yield to the higher purpose of preserving the judiciarys reputation as an independent branch one designed to resolve disputes free of partisan influences, as Hamilton and the other founders envisioned. Its hard to imagine returning to those days of bipartisanship, but we must try. For starters, we should resist the temptation to apply labels to judges whenever we explain their decisions, especially those with which we disagree. The Alabama redistricting case may make it easier for us to describe the court in institutional rather than ideological terms. It is perhaps no accident that the decision was authored by Chief Justice Roberts who famously urged an end to judicial labeling when he said in 2018: We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them. Those of us who believe deeply in an apolitical judiciary need to express our views. In the end, it is still we the people who ultimately can shape the destiny of our government. If we cherish the rule of law the idea that legal principles, not parties or personalities, are the collective polestar toward a more perfect Union then we must urge our leaders to do everything in their power to end or reduce the politicization of the courts. If not, we are truly sunk. Peter G. Verniero formerly served as a justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court and state attorney general. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. By Thomas Raggio and Hank Kalet Health care is a human right. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the World Health Organization defines health as our most basic and essential asset. This is only possible if health services, goods, and facilities are provided to everyone without discrimination and if they are easily accessible to all. For higher education workers in New Jersey, this is not the case. For too long, adjunct professors and instructors have been excluded from health benefits provided to their full-time colleagues and forced to buy health insurance from state or federal plans that are expensive or have higher deductibles. We are excluded because we are seen as part-time, despite many adjuncts teaching full-time course loads at multiple colleges and universities. Dont miss an issue of our Opinion newsletter! Get it delivered each Wednesday right into your inbox by adding your email below and hitting "subscribe." Caitlin Carroll Dudek, who is a lecturer, was uninsured when she was injured in an accident two years ago that caused a concussion. She needed a CT scan to check for a brain bleed and follow-up appointments with her primary physician and a neurologist. Her bills were several thousand dollars, which she paid out of her savings something many of her adjunct colleagues are unable to do. I dont discount how fortunate I am to have been able to rely on those savings, she said. But it would have been a lot less stressful if I didnt have to check uninsured in the emergency room. It would have been easier to rest if I didnt have to worry about the number on the bills and when theyd be sent. This must change. Adjuncts like us teach most of the classes at public institutions, state and community colleges. The same classes that full-time professors and instructors teach. Under current NJ state law, this allows public colleges and universities to treat us as second-class citizens when it comes to health insurance. The Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union has been battling against this second-class status for several years, joining our full-time and graduate worker colleagues on a strike that won us better pay and limited job security. An antiquated state law prevented us from making health care gains, which is why we are among the higher education unions now calling for changes to state law. Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) has sponsored legislation A4398, which would provide adjuncts who teach at least 24 credits at New Jersey public institutions of higher education with the same health care plans offered to full-time faculty. The law recognizes that many contingent faculty work multiple jobs at multiple schools to support their families and that many are forced either to do without adequate coverage or to pay an excessive portion of their earnings for barely adequate plans. The legislation is supported by the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union, the American Federation of Teachers-New Jersey, and the unions representing the state and community colleges. The Rutgers Union knows all too well the impact and importance health care will have. From single parents raising kids to those with pre-existing conditions and individuals worrying about how to pay bills or buy medicine. We need all state representatives to grasp the fact that passing the adjunct health care bill will be life-changing. Instead of people leaving our state, we can retain educators and continue to build a better future for New Jersey. This is not just a Rutgers or higher education problem. Our approach to health care in the United States is nonsensical. And while we support a national single-payer system, that remains years away. We must address the crisis in New Jersey. We can begin doing that by passing A4398. States such as Oregon and Rhode Island already offer health care to their adjunct faculty. New Jersey must join them. We encourage New Jersey residents to call their representatives and urge them to vote yes on A4398. Thomas Raggio is a lecturer at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers Arts Online, and chairman of the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Unions Legislative Committee. Hank Kalet is a lecturer in Journalism and Media Studies at the Rutgers School of Communications and Information and is New Brunswick Vice President for the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Students from Hunterdon Central Regional High School celebrated their prom at Steel Stacks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 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. The blanket of heavy smoke and polluted air from Canadian wildfires that held New Jersey hostage this week is finally on its way out, with forecasters saying nearly all of it should clear by early Saturday afternoon. Air quality index readings in the state are mostly either in the good or moderate range, AirNow.Gov shows. The AQI has dropped below 100 in every county, meaning the air quality is considered acceptable. For the most part people can open their windows and go outside mask-free. They dont have to really worry about anything, said Alex Dodd, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services regional office in Mount Holly. The state Department of Environmental Protection has also lifted all air quality alerts for the state. Still, the agency describes the overall state air quality as moderate, meaning individuals with pre-existing conditions should continue to exercise caution. The highest concentrations of smoke as of 9 a.m. Saturday morning are in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and southern Camden counties, according to an AccuWeather.com smoke map for New Jersey. The map shows either trace, minimal or moderate amounts of smoke for most of the state. High pressure builds in from the west today, setting up a mild and pleasant day for the region with mostly sunny skies. A weak disturbance may touch off a few showers this afternoon, mainly in the northern zones. Air quality improves. Enjoy! #NJwx #PAwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/8JjVloULV9 NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) June 10, 2023 MORE COVERAGE: Localized smoky conditions are still possible today across parts of South Jersey due to active wildfires in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest and near Kettle Run Road in Evesham Township. The wildfire in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, the second largest state forest, is 350 acres in size and is 20% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The fire burning near Kettle Run Road in Evesham was 60 acres in size and 0% contained as of early Saturday, officials said. There is a 20-25% chance of scattered showers in North Jersey this afternoon, but for the most part sunny skies are on tap. Temps should rise into the upper 70s or low 80s for most spots, according to the National Weather Service. Sunday should be hot and sunny with highs in the mid-to upper 80s. Sorely needed rain showers are possible on Monday, with afternoon temps in the low 80s. Current weather radar Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. NJ Advance Media staff writers Len Melisurgo and Jeff Goldman contributed to this report. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. Kazakhstan's low-cost carrier, FlyArystan, has resumed flights between Astana and Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek, Trend reports. Starting from June 10, 2023, the flight Airbus A320 airliners began flying on the Astana-Bishkek route. Flights between the two capitals are carried out twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. According to the company's schedule, the flight from Astana to Bishkek is scheduled to depart at 08:25 (GMT+6) and arrive at Manas International Airport at 10:15 (GMT+6). The estimated duration of the flight is 1 hour 40 minutes. Meanwhile, flights in the opposite direction, from Bishkek to Astana, are scheduled to depart at 11:15 and arrive at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport at 13:00. FlyArystan is the first low-cost airline in Kazakhstan, whose fleet consists of 14 Airbus A320 aircraft. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a late entry for Comeback Player of the Year. Gary Sanchez kicked to the curb by the Yankees and Mets, Twins and Giants hit his fifth home run in 10 games with the San Diego Padres in a 9-6 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. Welcome back, 2017. A lot of times, you get a little confidence again and you do some things youve done in the past, Padres manager Bob Melvin said after the win. Hes still a young man for what he does. Each and every game he has like this, youll see some of the potential hes always had. And if the offensive resurgence isnt crazy enough, get a load of this: The Padres are raving about Sanchezs defense, too. On Friday, Sanchez made his second start behind the plate with Yu Darvish on the mound. Going back to the start of last season, Austin Nola had been Darvishs personal catcher. Darvish who has eight pitches posted seven shutout innings on Sunday in his first pairing with Sanchez, and while he was slapped around for four runs in 5.1 innings on Friday, still was the winner. Sanchez, youll recall, twice led the American League in passed balls while with the Yankees and was so bad at blocking pitches that he had to crouch with one knee on the ground. I think some of the balls maybe in the dirt, in the past hes sold out to framing, Padres manager Bob Melvin told the San Diego Union Tribune. " I think thats where hes gotten some of his criticism, but I think hes found a nice balance to where he gets in a position to where he can block a ball in front of him. Hes done that and his framing numbers and throwing arm has always been there. Melvin, who was a catcher himself in a 10-year career, added: In a place like New York, you can get some criticism pretty quickly. But I like his skills behind the plate right now. Suddenly, Sanchez is the Padres No. 1 catcher. Just continuing to work on it, you know, both the offensive side of the ball, but also the defensive side of the ball, Sanchez said through a team interpreter. Thankfully, the results have shown, but really its all about continuing to work. MORE SPORTS: Hes back! Former Yankees fan favorite is signed by MLB team Son of Yankees great sticks it to team that traded him Overpaid Mets are headed for a housecleaning ... and it could start soon Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. 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. Locally reported news and sports Stay Current with What's Happening Get the most of NNY360, register today! By providing your email address, you consent to receive emails and special offers from NNY360.com Watertown, NY (13601) Today Sunny. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High 79F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. One of the annual highlights of the just completed New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is the Grand Tasting. The idea is to showcase wines from around the world with food from top New Orleans chefs. Among the talented group this year was chef Terrence Twins Carroll, 37. The dish he submitted to the judges and served to hundreds of patrons at the event was his seafood gumbo, a savory simmer of Gulf shrimp, sausage and crab. He and wife and partner Krystal Carroll, 38, own Orleans Brothers, located in a shopping center in New Orleans East. Our customers told us about NOWFE, Terrence Carroll says. So we thought, why not? We arent thinking about winning the competition, but just to be included is exciting for us. Orleans Brothers Where 5941 Bullard Ave., Suite 6, (504) 415-5817; orleansbrothers.com When Lunch Mon.-Fri. How Takeout Check it out Crawfish pie and more Creole favorites in New Orleans East The Carrolls, who first met as students at Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School in Hollygrove, didnt exactly plan on opening a restaurant. But thats how things worked out. Although they went through school together, the pair didnt start dating until they were in their twenties. She was the smartest one in school, Terrence says. I was the one always being sent to the principals office. I didnt really see anything in him until we were older, Krystal says. Now theyre married and have two sons. Krystal started working at the convention center in 2011, moving her way up through the accounting department into management. Terrence was a surveyor on river barges, also working his way up to a supervisors position. They loved to cook together and host family for holidays, serving their seafood gumbo and crawfish pie. In 2018, the couple took a trip to New York City for their fifth anniversary. After seeing that city, we realized that we werent really living, Krystal says. We were stuck going to work, coming home, not really doing anything new. So they both quit their jobs and moved to Houston, where Terrences twin brother Terry lives. Krystal found a job in financial services, but Terrence didnt want to get a job at the trucking company where his brother worked. I didnt want to feel stuck again, he says. They had the idea of making Krystals crawfish pies and selling them around town. Rising at 5 a.m., shed make them before going to work. Terrence would load the still warm pies and go to his brothers job and walk the dock. Sometimes wed make $400 in 30 minutes on crawfish pies, he recalls. Between that and the money he was making driving for Uber Eats, We were doing better than when I was on the river, he says. The pair came home to be close to family in early 2020. Then the pandemic hit. They doubled down, making large family-sized pies, along with pralines and the occasional special. Wed post on Instagram and people would pre-order, Terrence says. Then Id deliver them in our van all over to Slidell, to hospitals downtown. I think people liked my attitude and kept supporting us. Since making that much food from a home kitchen isnt sustainable, they started looking for a storefront location. When they spotted the space at 5941 Bullard Ave., they knew it was right for the business, which they dubbed Orleans Brothers. They made a video of Terrence in front the building, talking about their goal and crawfish pie, and sent it to the number on the sign. It turns out the building was owned by New Orleans native Jesseca "Judy" Harris-Dupart, also known as BB Judy, founder of Kaleidoscope Hair Products. She told us, Nobody ever roots for nobody. You can have it. We didnt have to show financials, which is good since we didnt have any, Krystal says. She gave us a chance. They opened their doors in early 2022 as a take-out only place. Their small space has bright red walls and a strong New Orleans vibe. The popular crawfish pies come from a recipe Krystal cobbled together using crawfish tails, onions, bell peppers, celery, breadcrumbs and garlic. Theyre available in three sizes. The compact menu also includes seafood gumbo, beef yaka-mein, crawfish-stuffed baked potatoes and bell peppers and homemade pecan pralines in traditional or wedding cake flavors. The word has been getting out. New Orleans rapper Birdman heard about the pies and brought an entourage in, not once, but twice. He put us on his social media, Krystal says. I couldnt even sleep that night, I was so excited. The American Civil Liberties Union and The Legal Defense Fund are asking the courts to move forward with cases challenging Louisianas district maps, after the Supreme Court Thursday determined Alabama maps violate the Voting Rights Act. Civil rights groups sued the state over the congressional map Louisiana lawmakers drew last year that kept the state with just one majority-Black district despite Black people making up about a third of the population. They also challenged the House and Senate maps, arguing they should have included more majority-Black districts to fairly represent Black people in the state. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. Kazakhstan's SCAT Airlines launched direct passenger flights to Pakistan's Lahore, Trend reports. Starting from July 8, 2023, direct regular passenger flights between Almaty and Lahore are scheduled to commence. The flights will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using Boeing 737 aircraft. Reportedly, in line with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive to expand flight routes and increase the number of international flights, the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of Kazakhstan, in collaboration with aviation authorities in Pakistan and with the assistance of Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, has worked on the opening of regular passenger flights to Pakistan by SCAT Airlines. The launch of air connectivity between Kazakhstan and Pakistan will accelerate the development of trade, economic, investment, tourism, and cultural cooperation between the two countries. It will provide new opportunities for business collaborations, facilitate tourism exchanges, and enhance people-to-people interactions. Donald Trumps indictment on 37 counts of mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate represents the most serious legal jeopardy so far for Trump, coming less than three months after he was charged in New York with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Heres a look at the charges, the special counsels investigation and how Trumps case differs from those of other politicians known to be in possession of classified documents: WHAT ARE THE CHARGES? Trump faces 37 counts related to the mishandling of classified documents, according to the indictment unsealed Friday. The charges include counts of retaining classified information, obstructing justice and making false statements, among other crimes. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. The death toll from wildfires in Kazakhstan has reached 14, Trend reports. Around 250 pieces of equipment and 11 helicopters have been involved in extinguishing the fire, which spread over 60,000 hectares in a short period of time. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev signed a decree on the dismissal of Minister of Emergency Situations Yuri Ili amid the forest fires continuing the second day. Moreover, Tokayev postponed his visit to Vietnam scheduled for June 11-13 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. Turkmenistan is ready to consider proposals for the implementation of projects in the chemical industry by the South Korean Daewoo E&C company, including the construction of plants for the production of ammonia and urea, phosphate fertilizers, Trend reports. According to the official source of Turkmenistan, this information was announced by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov during a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of the South Korean Daewoo Engineering & Construction Jong Won-ju. During the meeting, the Head of state noted the positive dynamics of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the South Korean both in the political and diplomatic sphere and in the trade and economic sphere, and also added that large South Korean companies are participating in the implementation of important projects in the gas, chemical industry and other sectors of Turkmenistan. Among the most important topics of interaction, the parties named the chemical industry, where Turkmenistan aims to develop its rich reserves of natural raw materials, the production of highly liquid products on the domestic and foreign markets, innovative modernization of production taking into account modern environmental requirements as one of the main options, attracting investment in this area. Furthermore, the parties discussed the possibilities of cooperation in development of new cities, in particular the use of Korean smart city technologies, developments in the field of renewable energy sources. Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speak during a meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in Sochi, Russia, on June 9, 2023. (Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Kremlin via Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Moscow will start deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus when the necessary special storage facilities in the former Soviet republic are completed early next month. The announcement comes several months after Putin first described plans to move tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus in March, pointing to U.S. deployment of similar weaponry at NATO bases in a number of European countries over many decades. Belarus longtime authoritarian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, recently described the development as a unique chance for Minsk and Moscow to unite. Belarus, along with Kazakhstan and Ukraine, relinquished its nuclear weapons to Russia in the 1990s in exchange for security guarantees. Everything is proceeding as planned, Putin said in televised remarks of his meeting with Lukashenko at his Bocharov Ruchey resort in Sochi on Russias Black Sea coast. Preparations of the relevant facilities will be completed on July 7 or 8, and we will immediately begin the activities related to the deployment of the corresponding types of weapons on your territory, he added, according to a Kremlin transcript of his remarks. If everything goes as planned, the deployment will mark the first time Russian tactical nuclear weapons are placed outside Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Tactical nuclear weapons are envisioned as a means of delivering the destructive power of a nuclear weapon in a relatively limited battlefield space. These weapons are usually smaller in yield than the strategic nuclear weapons designed to destroy entire cities during the Cold War. Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Putin who has been in power for nearly three decades, has relied on Moscows political and economic support to survive months of protests, mass arrests, and Western sanctions following an election in 2020 that kept him in power but was widely seen at home and abroad as rigged. Last month, Lukashenko promised tactical nuclear weapons to any other country that wanted to join the Union State of Russia and Belarusa supranational agreement between the two former Soviet republics that was signed in 1999 with the aim of strengthening economic and defense ties between the two neighbors. It is very simple: join in the Union State of Belarus and Russia, he said during an interview on Kremlin state television on May 28, adding, There will be nuclear weapons for everyone. Lukashenko stressed during the interview that it was his own viewnot necessarily the view of Putin. Military Escalation As the war in Eastern Europe between Ukraine and Russia continues to rage after more than 15 months, Putin has repeatedly raised issues with the United States and other Western nations pumping arms into Kyiv as part of an expanding proxy war aimed at bringing Russia to its knees. Putin casts the war as a battle for Russias own survival in the face of what he describes as an ever-expanding NATO. He has warned the West that Moscow will not back down. He also expressed concern about the United States deploying B61 tactical nuclear warheads at NATO bases in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Turkey. Moscow is also unhappy about a reported upgrade of the B61, which was first tested in Nevada shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis. The United States has criticized Russias nuclear expansion to its neighboring ally, but has said it has no intention of altering its position on strategic nuclear weapons and also that it has not seen any signs Russia was preparing to use a nuclear weapon. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a news conference in May that the Biden administration is aware of the Russia-Belarus arrangement and will continue to monitor, certainly, the implications here. This is yet another example of [Putin] making irresponsible and provocative choices, she said. We remain committed to a collective defense of the NATO alliance, and Ill just leave it there. NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu also denounced Putins plans in March, saying Moscows reference to NATOs nuclear sharing is totally misleading. NATO allies act with full respect of their international commitments, she said, adding that Russia has consistently broken its arms control commitments. The war in Ukraine has triggered what both Moscow and Washington say is the deepest crisis in relations since the depths of the Cold War, with major nuclear arms control treaties unraveling and both sides denouncing each other in public. Reuters contributed to this report. EAST CHICAGO A major investment in life-saving cardiac care at St. Catherine Hospital is being hailed as a victory for East Chicago. The long-standing hospital in the Indiana Harbor neighborhood landed a $1.5 million federal grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration to improve health care access for people who are medically vulnerable or underinsured. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan helped line up the money and helped announce the investment. "Today is a victory for the residents of East Chicago because it's access to health care," he said. "I was born at St. Catherine Hospital. My grandparents were taken here. My mom and dad were cared for here. My sister was a candy striper here and went on to become a nurse practitioner for Northwestern. This was and still is an anchor for the community." East Chicago leaders were concerned about the hospital's future after Franciscan Health decided to close the similarly aged former St. Margaret Hospital in neighboring Hammond, Northwest Indiana's most populous city. "They wanted to make sure the safety-net hospital continued," he said. "What today is about is assuring the city of East Chicago and every resident that St. Catherine is thriving and investing in new technology that gives them access to care equal to anywhere around the world. This is an investment in East Chicago itself, and it allows the residents to understand they have access to quality care here in the city." When Mrvan was North Township trustee, he often heard complaints from residents that they didn't have access to care. "This is a safety-net hospital. That means it takes care of the most vulnerable populations," he said. "This technology is the gold standard for Northwest Indiana. It's the same technology you would have in the city of Chicago, but it's right here in East Chicago. The hospital is working to provide world-class health care. As a congressman, I will listen to your concerns and try to provide access to health care, the best technology and the best for East Chicago." St. Catherine CEO Leo Correa said the hospital continues to provide advanced technology to East Chicago and surrounding communities. "St. Catherine Hospital is committed to ensuring that our community has state-of-the-art cardiac care close to home," Correa said. "It's a well-known fact that in the 1960s, St. Catherine Hospital became the choice facility in the Chicagoland area for the treatment of heart disease, performing the first open-heart surgery in Northwest Indiana. And today, we continue to invest in cardiac care and treating heart disease." The hospital will install an Azurion 7 C20 Catalyst table, an image-guided therapy system that provides high-quality images with low doses of X-rays. Philips Healthcare is installing the new technology in its cath lab, which is undergoing a multiphase modernization project. It will allow for precision diagnosis and treatment for patients. The new technology can capture uncommon angiography views, provide real-time 3-D impressions for complex vascular interventions and better visualize stent and balloon placement in coronary arteries. "Our patients and clinicians benefit from the fast procedure times, reduced radiation exposure and superior image quality of this new technology," said Mary Miller, director of Cardiovascular Services. St. Catherine Hospital has long placed an emphasis on cardiac care while serving the community for nearly a century, Correa said. "During that time, we built a reputation for providing unparalleled cardiac care," he said. "That did not happen by chance. That's the result of an intentional investment in top health care providers and resources. "We have fortified a culture of excellence in cardiac care by continuing to invest in skilled specialists and technologies to diagnose and treat heart disease. St. Catherine, along with our fellow hospitals in Community Healthcare System, Community Hospital in Munster and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, operates one of the largest and most advanced cardiovascular programs in Northwest Indiana. Our hospitals are certified chest-pain centers that are fully accredited by the Joint Commission or the American College of Cardiology. "Every day, highly skilled cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, electrophysiologic and cardiac support staff walk through our doors and use their expertise to treat patients who put their trust in us." WHEATFIELD Surrounded by decades worth of landscape paintings of pristine Grand Kankakee Marsh wetlands in her studio, before calling out to her squawking parrot Casey so he wouldn't feel lonely in the other room, Doris B. Myers recalled the time a student called her a profanity while she was working as a bus driver. She grabbed the school bus's fire ax. Students nervously asked her what she was going to do with it. "I'm going to use it," she declared tersely. She stepped off the bus and chopped a branch off a beautiful red maple tree and handed it to the kid, who lived in a house with a dirt floor at the end of a dirt road, so he'd have something for show-and-tell in school that day. "You could have heard a pin drop," she said. "I said I'd use it and I did." Myers, who turned 101 in November, has met every challenge head-on. She even survived a nasty fall a few years ago that broke her neck. She was born during the Great Depression and started college at the age of 35 while taking care of her four children, her husband and her elderly in-laws in their rural Wheatfield home. She graduated from Valparaiso University in four years, then earned a master's degree at Ball State University. Not content to settle for the life of a rural housewife that was forced upon many of her era, Myers became a beloved educator at Kankakee Valley schools, ran an art gallery and created thousands of paintings, ceramics and pieces of writing. She continues to make art, painting or writing almost every day. "I can't wait to make things. I can't wait to paint. I can't wait to write," she said. "I've always maintained that to be happy, you have to start every morning with something that you want to do, even if it's cleaning out a dresser drawer. I've tried to do big things." She's long sought to bring the arts to her rural community. She founded the North Light Studio gallery and the Kankakee Valley Fine Arts Council. Her work, often depicting nature, hangs in many homes in Jasper County and greater Northwest Indiana. She's done paintings for the public library and town hall. She recently persuaded the Chamber of Commerce to commission Wheatfield's first mural, which will be painted this summer downtown. She started writing as a member of the Prairie Writers Guild and has written two books, publishing the autobiography Through Many Doors" last year. The title is a reference to all the doors of opportunity she has passed through in the past century. "She's been an inspiration for many, many people over the years who have gone on to make art or come to appreciate art. I picked up quilting because of her," her daughter Connie Timm said. "A lot of her longevity is staying active and keeping her mind occupied every day." Myers is the featured artist at the 71st annual Chesterton Woman's Club's exhibit, which is on display at the Chesterton Art Center through the end of the month. Her painting "Nier Barn Remembered" is on display. Myers has lived outside Wheatfield all her adult life as her four children begat grandchildren, great-grandchildren and now great-great-grandchildren. She doesn't have a smartphone or computer. "Being on a computer is like floating on a cloud with your eyes shut," she said. She started teaching as a paraprofessional even before she pursued her longtime aspiration to go to college. "She was always a hard worker. My father was very traditional. She did cooking, cleaning and raising the four kids while taking care of my father and his parents," said Bonnie Zimmer, her daughter and art manager and a successful artist. "But she made it happen. And he was always quite supportive of her art." Myers drove from Wheatfield to night classes at Valparaiso University, studying English because it didn't have an art major at the time. She then drove down to Muncie with her kids in the summer to finish her master's at Ball State. "It opens the door for her and gave her the confidence to pursue her other pursuits," Zimmer said. "She never stopped growing, never stopped challenging herself, never stopped painting and never stopped reading everything related to art." Myers taught several subjects at Kankakee Valley, ultimately becoming the art teacher at the high school and heading up the art department. "I liked the challenge of getting kids' attention. I just had a natural instinct for how to treat them to get their attention." For instance, a kid who cursed at her at a school dance wound up in one of her classes. She knew she could be in trouble, so immediately engaged him in conversation, asking whether he liked to hunt and if he hunted foxes and raccoons. She persuaded him to take up stitchery, which he enjoyed so much that he started doing it in study hall and other classes. "You have to be able to meet them wherever they are to connect in some special way," she said. While she taught, she pursued her art, painting in watercolors, oils and ultimately acrylics. "The best thing about acrylics is how quickly they dry," she said. "The worst thing about acrylics is also how quickly they dry." Myers exhibited widely, including at the Chesterton Arts Center, the Art Barn outside Valparaiso, South Shore Arts in Munster, the Village Gallery in Valparaiso, even a gallery in Texas. Her work has been displayed in many juried exhibits, collected by people across the United States and Europe, and won several awards, including at the Art Barn's annual Juried Art Exhibition and the annual South Shore Arts Salon Show. She is inspired by nature, so she often paints landscapes, especially wetlands, woods, rural scenes and barns that have captivated her since she noticed that many of the older barns were disappearing in the 1980s. She often depicts empty barns, painting from angles that peer through cracks to the other side. Her work frequently features the Grand Kankakee Marsh, the Kankakee River, the flight of the sandhill cranes that pass through the area, and farm fields near her home in Jasper County. She's tackled other subjects over the years, including floral arrangements, log piles and the California coastline. "I like getting close to nature, with the birds and trees and water and reflections in the water. I started painting landscapes really early. It just stirred up my brain." She's painted en plein air painting entire finished pictures out of doors before but prefers to work from photos in her studio. She has a collection of photos she draws inspiration from and is always thinking of new ideas. Myers is often struck by the beauty of spring blossoms or the light hitting tree boughs. She was so captivated by a hazel tree she saw outside a house in Michigan City once that she went to the door and asked if she could shear off a branch for her art. When no one was home, she went ahead and pruned one off on the spot, figuring they wouldn't mind. Myers retired from teaching in 1984. "She's been on a 40-year journey of personal enrichment, taking classes, teaching classes and making art," Zimmer said. "She's taking classes and workshops all the time." Even in retirement, Myers has remained an educator. She's long served as a lecturer and workshop instructor, teaching drawing, painting, ceramics, fiber art, rug making, textiles and other artistic mediums at places like the Art Barn School of Art in Porter County. Myers also has been a prolific potter, throwing clay on wheels and firing pottery on the kiln for years. She learned ceramics at night classes while her husband, Rich, who farmed during the day, worked at Youngstown Sheet and Tube at night, driving 60 miles to the steel mill in East Chicago. She made mugs, bowls, casseroles, plates, tea, pots, ceramic clocks and non-functional pieces, including some "crazy stuff." She made 60 pieces of pottery in one sitting one day, becoming so absorbed in her work that she threw clay from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. She had to take pains to keep the cats out of the barn for days while it all dried. "You can create something out of nothing. I like the tactile nature of pottery, making something out of a lump of wet stuff." Her kiln is now stored in the grain bin outside because she no longer has the strength to throw clay the way she used to. "I wasn't up to it physically," she said. "The kids talked me out of it." For more than 20 years, Myers sold her pottery and paintings and her three daughter's artwork out of the North Light Studio in Wheatfield. It opened around the holidays every year so people could buy Christmas gifts. It also sold textiles, jewelry, metalsmithing and other art. Eventually, they had to turn the gallery into a living space for Doris and Rich because they began to have trouble climbing stairs. She's always been creative. As a kid, she penned a short story about a spoiled rich girl that she made up from whole cloth from her imagination. She took up writing as a more serious pursuit about 20 years ago, joining the Prairie Writers Guild and contributing to its annual literary magazine. She published her first book, "Sunshine and Shade," in 2019. It was a collection of short stories, poetry and art. "I've always been interested in telling stories. The Prairie Writers Guild was a group of about 15 of us that included some pretty good writers. It met monthly, and it was good to have a deadline once a month." She's always been creating, making paper dolls as a kid and burning matchsticks so she would have charcoal art supplies to draw and sketch with. "Usually when I get a canvas, I have a subject in mind," she said. "I have boxes full of photos I'll flip through until I get a spark of something and I get an idea." She paints in different styles. Many of her works are naturalistic, but she's working on a dot painting of a sunset. She remains so dedicated to her work that she'll chastise herself when talking to her daughter on the phone if her output was meager that day. "She'll say she wasn't very productive," Zimmer said. "She has a lifetime of being productive in the bank." The family is no longer selling any of Myers' original paintings, only reproductions, because they don't know how many she has left in her. She does Wordle every day to stay mentally sharp, and strength and balance training with a trainer "who has no sympathy" for her to stay in shape to make her art. "You just need to keep your eyes open and think about things and shapes," she said. "I would definitely recommend working hard, getting an education and seeing as much art as you can. Then you can sort it out and make something someone might like." Art has long enriched her life. "It's not just the ability to produce. Art makes you think in a different way. It gives you ideas and makes you observe and pay attention. I was just marveling at these white flowers blooming in the trees and then looked again. It wasn't really white and it wasn't flowers. It was the sky holes between the leaves. It makes you realize that even empty space right across the road can be beautiful." CROWN POINT A disagreement between two men led to a deadly shooting Friday in Gary's Midtown neighborhood. According to court documents, Dyequan Kizer, 29, of Chicago has been charged with murder for firing the shot that killed Darius Sims around 4 a.m. in the 2500 block of Madison Street. Kizer was reportedly at the residence to pick up his children when he shot Sims. Sims was living with a friend who is the mother of Kizer's children, and he told her to pack her things and move out because he didn't approve of the way she was raising her kids, according to court documents. Upon calling Kizer to come pick her and her children up from the residence and placing the call on speakerphone, Sims and Kizer got into a verbal altercation and were shouting obscenities at each other. While Sims was helping the woman pack her items, Kizer arrived at the residence, abruptly entered the apartment and shot Sims, court documents say. The children were sitting in a vehicle outside the apartment when the shots were fired. He fled the scene but returned after police arrived. He was taken into custody and is being held without bail, according to online court records. The Lake County coroner's office has not released an official cause or manner of death. Gary police did not respond to a request for comment. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this shooting can call the Lake County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Task Force at 219-755-3855. MERRILLVILLE A woman is dead and an a man is in critical condition after shootings late Thursday in the area of the Menards at 6300 Mississippi St., said Merrillville Police Cmdr. Matthew Vasel. Officers were called to the scene around 11:15 p.m. and found a man shot near the entrance of the store, Vasel said. Medics arrived a short time later and began treating the shooting victim, who was transported by helicopter to a Chicago hospital, where he was listed Friday morning in critical condition, according to police. "Officers continued to search the area and located a female, who was deceased on scene as a result (of a) gunshot wound," police said. The shootings are under investigation, and police did not release the identities of those shot. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Alexander Van Rite at 219-769-3531, ext. 349, or avanrite@merrillville.in.gov. Anonymous tips can be sent to investigations@merrillville.in.gov. It is almost certainly a fact that Richard Montanez did not invent Flamin Hot Cheetos. That revelation, which came to light as part of a 2021 Los Angeles Times investigation, arrived at a rather inconvenient time, considering a biopic based on Montanezs inspirational 2013 memoir, A Boy, a Burrito, and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive, in which he claims to have invented the spicy snack, was already in development. But the Times article wasnt a death knell for the film in fact, far from it. We never set out to tell the history of the Cheeto, Eva Longoria, who is making her feature directorial debut with Flamin Hot, told The Los Angeles Times in March, shortly before the films premiere at South by Southwest. We are telling Richard Montanezs story and were telling his truth. So, the filmmakers forged ahead, and Flamin Hot, which bills itself as a true story, will begin streaming on Disney+ and Hulu on Friday. The film follows Montanez (Jesse Garcia) through his early days as a janitor at a Frito-Lay plant in California, where he eventually makes a pivotal phone call to Roger Enrico (Tony Shalhoub), the chief executive of the Frito-Lay parent company PepsiCo, to pitch an idea for a tasty corn puff. That sets him on a path to becoming a multicultural marketing executive at PepsiCo. Heres a guide to how the spicy Cheeto tale unraveled, what parts of it are actually true (there are some!) and what the real Montanez has said about the controversy. Every year, millions of people flock to Manhattan festooned in rainbows and feathers and leather to celebrate the annual Pride March. Many of them will traipse down Christopher Street, home of the Stonewall Inn, the epicenter of the modern gay rights movement in New York. But have you ever stopped to wonder what that smells like? What scents waft through the air, mixed with the ever-present aromas of summer in the city? No? Well, theres a candle for that. It smells like jasmine and sandalwood. For $45, Literie is selling Pride on Christopher Street, a candle made in collaboration with NYC & Company, the citys official tourism and marketing arm. All profits about $30 per candle after production costs, according to Literie are going to Heritage of Pride, the nonprofit behind the citys official Pride events. (Literie produced 500 of the limited-edition candles.) Most of our candles are very specific scents, Erica Werber, 42, Literies founder and chief executive, said of her fragrance choices. Afternoon in Central Park is going to smell like fresh cut grass. Brunch in the West Village smells like a mimosa. It was hard to pinpoint what would Pride smell like. On a barge in Red Hook, Brooklyn, dockworkers chant against their corrupt union boss. Were striking this ship! yells the groups leader. Old barrels sit on the edge of a bare stage as it sways beneath the actors feet. This is a scene from Brave New World Repertory Theaters production of The Hook, the first American staging of an adapted Arthur Miller screenplay. The show, which opens at the Waterfront Museum on Friday, follows Marty, a longshoreman in 1950 who fights against the union corruption that controlled Red Hooks waterfront. Miller based the screenplay on the life of Pete Panto, a local dockworker who was killed more than 80 years ago, presumably for standing up to the port bosses. Now the show returns to the neighborhood in which it is set, staged aboard a docked ship straight from Pantos time. The location does 50 percent of the work for us, said Claire Beckman, who directed the show and is the artistic director for Brave New World, which specializes in site-specific works. President Biden named a new Border Patrol chief on Friday as U.S. immigration policies have come under renewed scrutiny following the end of Title 42, a pandemic-era restriction that allowed the authorities to expel most migrants for more than three years. Jason Owens, who has served in the Border Patrol for more than 20 years, was most recently the leader of the Del Rio division in Texas, which handles one of the busiest areas for illegal crossings. He succeeds Raul Ortiz, who is set to retire at the end of the month after serving 32 years in the Border Patrol. Mr. Owens takes over at a time when illegal crossings have decreased. Although the numbers have gone down in the weeks since Title 42 was lifted in May, officials expect the number of crossings to rise again this summer, as thousands of migrants make their way through South and Central America with plans to go to the United States. As the chief of the Del Rio division, Mr. Owens focused much of his time on preparing for and responding to these kinds of influxes. He also will have to contend with legal challenges to new Biden administration border policies, which are designed to deter people from crossing into the United States illegally. Visitors from a foreign planet might think Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida had been delivered a tremendous gift this week when his main presidential rival was charged with mishandling the countrys national security secrets. But as Mr. DeSantiss latest speech showed, this is a turn of events he will need to beware. In an address to Republicans in North Carolina on Friday night, his first public remarks since the unsealing of federal charges against former President Donald J. Trump, Mr. DeSantis trod carefully and danced quickly past the subject. Previewing how he might criticize the Justice Departments case without letting Mr. Trump entirely off the hook, he offered a somewhat backhanded defense of the now twice-indicted former president whose loyal followers Mr. DeSantis is seeking to avoid angering by drawing on his own experiences as a Navy lawyer. Seeming to muse aloud, Mr. DeSantis asked what the Navy would have done to him had he taken classified documents while in military service. I would have been court-martialed in a New York minute, he said, in a riff on Mr. Trumps hometown. Behind closed doors, Mr. Trump and his team had fought a pitched battle to block the special counsel from obtaining that information. But the chief judge of the Federal District Court of the District of Columbia, Beryl A. Howell, ruled that the so-called crime-fraud exception applied, allowing a grand jury in the district to review it. Those decisions, however, were only about what could be shown to a grand jury. Mr. Trumps defense team can bring new motions to suppress that evidence and keep the information from reaching the trial jury, and Judge Cannon will not be bound by Judge Howells rulings. Decisions Judge Cannon makes in establishing the pretrial and trial calendar could also be critical. Mr. Trump has long pursued a strategy of trying to run out the clock on legal matters, and if he can push the documents trial beyond the 2024 election, there is a chance that a Republican whether that is Mr. Trump himself, or another nominee will become president and end the case. Because the case involves classified evidence 31 of the counts against Mr. Trump center on violations of the Espionage Act in the unauthorized retention of 31 secret and top secret documents it is likely that any judge would spend significant time in handling pretrial hearings over whether to allow substitutions that do not contain classified information. Samuel Buell, a white-collar criminal law professor at Duke University and former lead prosecutor on the Enron task force, said that there could be a lot of misdirections and delays and things that may play well in the MAGA media space but I dont see legally how even a judge inclined to make mischief is going to prevent this from going to trial. Two of former President Donald J. Trumps lawyers who had represented him in the classified documents investigation resigned from his legal team the day after he was indicted, according to a statement they released on Friday. The lawyers, James Trusty and John Rowley, left Mr. Trumps defense team in a state of chaos and confusion as he faced the most serious legal threat of his career: a 37-count indictment filed in Miami accusing him of illegally retaining documents after he left office about some of the countrys most sensitive national security secrets and of engaging in a conspiracy with an aide to obstruct the governments repeated efforts to retrieve them. Mr. Trump announced the departure of Mr. Trusty and Mr. Rowley in a post on Friday on his social media platform, Truth Social. He said he would be represented by a new lawyer, Todd Blanche. I want to thank Jim Trusty and John Rowley for their work, but they were up against a very dishonest, corrupt, evil, and sick group of people, the likes of which has not been seen before, the former president wrote. We will be announcing additional lawyers in the coming days. A mortar shell explosion near Qoryoley, a city in the Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia, killed about 27 people, mainly children, and injured 53 on Friday, according to the state news agency. Children were playing with a mortar shell that did not go off. It exploded on them, said Abdi Ahmed, deputy district commissioner of Qoryoley, a city of about 60,000 people south of the countrys capital, Mogadishu. We request the government and aid agencies to clear mines and shells from the area, Mr. Ahmed added. Residents said that the unexploded shells were used by the warring factions in Somalia. In Mogadishu on Friday, a beachside hotel was attacked, with the Al Shabab extremist group claiming responsibility, according to The Associated Press. As of Friday evening, no fatalities were reported in the assault on the Pearl Beach hotel, as security forces continued to battle with the militants overnight. Canadas ferocious wildfire season has burned nearly 10 million acres and displaced more than 20,000 people. Many have been able to return home, but others are still stranded away from their communities. Federal and provincial governments have pledged to match donations to the Canadian Red Cross for those affected by wildfires in Nova Scotia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, raising more than $32 million in total so far. Other fund-raising efforts have popped up from Canadian figures, such as Shawn Mendes, who released a song on Friday that he wrote this week in response to the wildfires. He said that he, too, would be making donation to the Red Cross. Here are ways to help: After 40 days in the Colombian rainforest, all four children who had been missing since the plane they were traveling in crashed on May 1 have been found alive, according to Colombias president. They achieved an example of total survival that will go down in history, President Gustavo Petro said at a news conference on Friday night. When rescuers reached the site of the planes wreckage last month, the bodies of the three adults on board were found, but there was no sign of the four children known to have been on the plane. In a case that captivated the nation, local Indigenous communities from the remote region, along with the Colombian military, began scouring the jungle for the children, aged 13, 9, 4 and 1. Canadas capacity to prevent wildfires has been shrinking for decades because of budget cuts, a loss of some of the countrys forest service staff, and onerous rules for fire prevention, turning some of its forests into a tinderbox. As residents braced for what could be the worst wildfire season on record, and one that is far from over, the air slowly cleared over the Northeastern United States on Friday, but hundreds of wildfires continued to burn across Canada. Thanks to some rain and cloud cover near wildfire areas, with scattered rains expected in parts of southern Ontario on Sunday, Steven Flisfeder, a warning preparedness meteorologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, predicted that the weekend could bring better air quality in Toronto, the countrys largest city. Thats going to help flush out the contaminants from the air a little bit, he said. More than 1,100 firefighters from around the world have been dispatched across Canada to help combat the countrys raging fire season, officials said, including groups from France, Chile, Costa Rica, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. When the composer and vocalist Jen Wang took the stage at the Monk Space in Los Angeles to perform Alvin Luciers The Duke of York (1971) earlier this year, she sang with a digital rendition of her voice, synthesized by artificial intelligence. It was the first time she had done that. I thought it was going to be really disorienting, Wang said in an interview, but it felt like I was collaborating with this instrument that was me and was not me. Isaac Io Schankler, a composer and music professor at Cal Poly Pomona, conceived the performance and joined Wang onstage to monitor and manipulate Realtime Audio Variational autoEncoder, or R.A.V.E., the neural audio synthesis algorithm that modeled Wangs voice. R.A.V.E. is an example of machine learning, a specific category of artificial intelligence technology that musicians have experimented with since the 1990s but that now is defined by rapid development, the arrival of publicly available, A.I.-powered music tools and the dominating influence of high-profile initiatives by large tech companies. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. Uzbekistan is one of the largest beneficiaries of the World Bank with the project portfolio tripling and currently exceeding $11 billion, Antonella Bassani, WB Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, said, Trend reports. She made the remark at the meeting with President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the meeting, they discussed further deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperation between Uzbekistan and the World Bank Group in effectively advancing the program of socio-economic reforms in Uzbekistan. Bassani also noted that Preparation of the Country Climate Change and Development Report is nearing completion. With the Bank's participation, the "Country Platform" has been launched as an effective mechanism to coordinate practical interaction with development institutions. The VP highly appreciated the modern level of fruitful cooperation and confirmed the World Bank's commitment to consistent and comprehensive support for the program of irreversible reforms in our country. Projects focusing on poverty reduction, modernization of rural infrastructure and mid-sized cities, promoting women and youth employment, healthcare and education reforms in line with the targets for the period up to 2030 are in the spotlight. Special attention is given to the implementation of "green" energy, land reform, comprehensive regional development programs, and privatization of state enterprises. The current WB Partnership Program 2026 includes priority projects worth $4 billion. The WB provides support in implementing reforms in the fields of healthcare, education, agriculture, banking sector, energy, transportation, digitalization, and other areas. Fifty miles south of the U.S. border, at the edge of a city on the Gulf of California, a few acres of dusty shrubs could determine the future of Arizona. As the states two major sources of water, groundwater and the Colorado River, dwindle from drought, climate change and overuse, officials are considering a hydrological Hail Mary: the construction of a plant in Mexico to suck salt out of seawater, then pipe that water hundreds of miles, much of it uphill, to Phoenix. The idea of building a desalination plant in Mexico has been discussed in Arizona for years. But now, a $5 billion project proposed by an Israeli company is under serious consideration, an indication of how worries about water shortages are rattling policymakers in Arizona and across the American West. On June 1, the state announced that the Phoenix area, the fastest-growing region in the country, doesnt have enough groundwater to support all the future housing that has already been approved. Cities and developers that want to build additional projects beyond what has already been allowed would have to find new sources of water. In the nearly 20 years that Megan Stainer worked in nursing homes in and around Detroit, she could almost always tell which patients near death were receiving care from nonprofit hospice organizations and which from for-profit hospices. There were really stark differences, said Ms. Stainer, 45, a licensed practical nurse. Looking at their medical charts, the nonprofit patients always had the most visits: nurses, chaplains, social workers. The nonprofit hospices responded quickly when the nursing home staff requested supplies and equipment. By contrast, she said, if you called and said, I need a specialized bed, with for-profits it could take days days when the patient is in a bed thats uncomfortable. Ms. Stainer, now a private duty nurse and certified death doula in Hamburg, Mich., also found nonprofits more willing to keep patients enrolled and for-profits more prone to live discharge removing patients from hospice ostensibly because they no longer met the criteria for declining health, then re-enrolling them later. Like his mother, Princess Diana, Harry has been an instrument all his life. The Windsor family is Britains national pantomime, and he was cast at birth long before he could give consent to be the shade to the sunlight of his brother, William. The newspapers chronicled his childhood; his parents love affairs, late-night telephone calls and hatred. They photographed his mother as she lay dying in a tunnel in Paris. They filmed Harry as he, age 12, walked behind her coffin at her funeral, his presence necessary to protect his fathers reputation. Even the British media wouldnt heckle a faithless husband in front of his son. As a teenager and young adult, Harrys every error was noted or leaked. When he smoked cannabis, his father reportedly arranged for a visit to a detox center for heroin addicts as a short, sharp shock, and then the story was leaked and his father spun as his rescuer. Harry chipped a bone in his thumb, and it was news. Then he married Meghan Markle, and when she was abused by the British media which happens to all women who marry into the family, but this was a racist, classist and xenophobic variation he did something sensible and loving for his new family: He left Britain. Since then his redemption has been sequential. There was the interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they described his familys concern about the skin color of their unborn child. There was a Netflix documentary. There was his memoir, Spare, in which he described how his father, probably smelling of flowers and gunpowder, sat down on his bed to tell him that his mother was dead. Now there is the litigation and, eventually, I hope, the day when he lays down his title, accepts that some things cannot be reformed and is redeemed by the application of self-knowledge. Its addictive, as I said. I read Spare as a portrait of an abusive childhood and an act of whistle-blowing, but most of the British media did not. They mocked him for writing about a youthful sexual encounter how crass to mention it, now we must find the woman! and for his affinity for Stewie, the infant prodigy in Family Guy, whom he described as a prophet without honor. The Lazar story is a useful backdrop to the latest round of claims about secret U.S. programs involving alien technology, which just appeared in the technology website The Debrief. Useful, first, because of the familiarity once again we have a whistle-blower claiming knowledge of long-hidden work on otherworldly crafts. But useful, also, because of the difference. The would-be whistle-blower in this case, David Grusch, isnt touting fraudulent credentials; hes a former national-security professional who was assigned to the then-newly-created Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (lately rebooted as the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office) from 2019-22. That assignment appears to be the basis for his claims; hes operating through normal national security channels in making this report; and he has other figures with some kind of governmental background speaking in his support. That doesnt mean that you should believe him. My general view is that the U.F.O.-encounter phenomena seems in continuity with supernatural experiences reported across the long pre-modern past abductions into faerie realms, especially. As such, the experiences are more likely to offer evidence of either some kind of strange Jungian unconscious or of actual supernatural realms than they are to involve interplanetary visitors from Zeta Reticuli. The possibility of literal spacecraft stashed in U.S. government hangars, meanwhile, piles up two immense-seeming improbabilities. First, that inhuman species cross oceans of space or leap interdimensional barriers using unfathomable technology and yet somehow keep crashing and leaving souvenirs behind. Second, that human governments have been collecting evidence for generations without the truth ever being leaked or uncovered or just blurted out by Donald Trump. Last month, hundreds of well-known people in the world of artificial intelligence signed an open letter warning that A.I. could one day destroy humanity. Mitigating the risk of extinction from A.I. should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks, such as pandemics and nuclear war, the one-sentence statement said. The letter was the latest in a series of ominous warnings about A.I. that have been notably light on details. Todays A.I. systems cannot destroy humanity. Some of them can barely add and subtract. So why are the people who know the most about A.I. so worried? The scary scenario. One day, the tech industrys Cassandras say, companies, governments or independent researchers could deploy powerful A.I. systems to handle everything from business to warfare. Those systems could do things that we do not want them to do. And if humans tried to interfere or shut them down, they could resist or even replicate themselves so they could keep operating. A Chinese spy base or facilities in Cuba that could intercept electronic signals from nearby U.S. military and commercial buildings have been up and running since before 2019, when they were upgraded, according to a Biden administration official. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence, said the spy base was an issue that the Biden administration had inherited from former President Donald J. Trump. After Mr. Biden took office, his administration was briefed about the base in Cuba as well as plans China was considering to build similar facilities across the globe, the official said. The existence of an agreement to build a Chinese spy facility in Cuba, first reported on Thursday by The Wall Street Journal and also reported by The New York Times and other news outlets, prompted a forceful response from Capitol Hill. In a joint statement, Senator Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia and chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and the panels top Republican, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, said they were deeply disturbed by reports that Havana and Beijing are working together to target the United States and our people. John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, denied the reports at the time, saying they were not accurate. He added that we have had real concerns about Chinas relationship with Cuba, and we have been concerned since Day 1 of the administration about Chinas activities in our hemisphere and around the world. An appeals panel on Friday limited the authority of the judge presiding in hearings in the U.S.S. Cole bombing case while it considers an ethics challenge, the latest obstacle in the slow-moving path to trial in the longest-running war crimes prosecution at Guantanamo Bay. At issue is whether Col. Lanny J. Acosta Jr., the judge, had a duty to step down earlier this year when he lined up a civilian job at the Defense Department to follow his retirement from the Army on Sept. 30. Lawyers for Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri portray Colonel Acostas pursuit of his next job as a clerk at the Air Force judiciary as a conflict of interest because he was simultaneously seeking a job from the Pentagon while presiding in a case being brought by the Pentagon. Mr. Nashiri, a Saudi prisoner, is accused of orchestrating the Oct. 12, 2000, bombing of the destroyer Cole off Yemen that killed 17 U.S. sailors. He has been in U.S. custody since 2002 in a case that has been hampered by challenges, including over the judges 2021 decision, since overturned, to accept evidence derived from torture in certain circumstances. No trial date has been set. The criminal case against President Donald J. Trump over his hoarding of classified documents was randomly assigned to Judge Aileen M. Cannon, a court official for the Southern District of Florida said on Saturday. The chief clerk of the federal court system there, Angela E. Noble, also confirmed that Judge Cannon would continue to oversee the case unless she recused herself. The news of Judge Cannons assignment raised eyebrows because of her role in an earlier lawsuit filed by Mr. Trump challenging the F.B.I.s search of his Florida club and estate, Mar-a-Lago. In issuing a series of rulings favorable to him, Judge Cannon, a Trump appointee, effectively disrupted the investigation until a conservative appeals court ruled she never had legitimate legal authority to intervene. Under the district courts procedures, new cases are randomly delegated to a judge who sits in the division where the matter arose or a neighboring one, even if it relates to a previous case. That Judge Cannon is handling Mr. Trumps criminal indictment elicited the question of how that had come to be. Theodore J. Kaczynski, the Unabomber, who killed three people and injured 23 in a bombing spree stretching from 1978 to 1995, died by suicide at a federal prison medical center in North Carolina early Saturday, according to three people familiar with the situation. Emergency workers were called to Mr. Kaczynskis cell at 12:23 a.m. at the Federal Medical Center, Butner, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Attempts to revive him in the prison and in an ambulance were unsuccessful, and he was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, officials said. He was 81. The F.B.I. was notified of his death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in North Carolina confirmed in an email that it conducts autopsies of deaths at the federal medical center in Butner, but offered no timetable for when one might be completed for Mr. Kaczynski. The circumstances of his suicide are unclear, and it is uncertain whether prison officials could have done more to ensure his safety. But the self-inflicted death of another high-profile inmate, four years after the accused sex offender Jeffrey Epstein hanged himself at a Manhattan federal detention center, is certain to raise fresh questions about the quality of security, oversight and health care in the troubled, chronically understaffed federal prison system. Standing on a stage decorated with rainbows and speaking to a crowd that included survivors of gay nightclub shootings and transgender rights advocates, President Biden on Saturday said his administration would work to counter a recent series of Republican-led bills and laws targeting the L.G.B.T.Q. community. Were taking on these civil rights violations, Mr. Biden said at a Pride Month event held at the White House on Saturday afternoon, because thats what they are. At the Pride event which had been postponed earlier in the week because of smoke from the wildfires in Canada the president said that his administration had taken steps to protect the civil rights of L.G.B.T.Q. Americans, including appointing an official within the Department of Education who will monitor and address the growing number of local bans on books with references to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Neera Tanden, the White House domestic policy adviser, told CBS News that the official would provide guidance to school districts and warn them that book bans may violate federal civil laws if they create a hostile environment for students. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. It is still unknown in what direction Iran and the Western countries will take steps regarding Iran's nuclear program, Trend reports. Recently, information has been released about secret talks about Iran's nuclear program, and some media, including Reuters, and Middle East Eye, have published information about a possible agreement between Iran and the US on Iran's nuclear program. However, this information was denied by both the US and Iran. It is possible to draw three conclusions based on the information about Iran's nuclear program: - Firstly renegotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2022 is no longer on the US agenda. - Secondly, there are still conflicting nuances about the details of the interim agreement, and this agreement has not been finalized. - Thirdly, the denial of the agreement by both parties is intended to frustrate the plans of the third parties due to the negotiations taking place in a secret format. In general, it can be said that misunderstandings about some issues in the discussions between the US and Iran make it very difficult to reach an agreement, at least in the near future. However, in connection with the progress achieved in the discussions between the two sides, it is claimed that within the mentioned agreement, Iran will stop its activities on enriching uranium to 60 percent and above, and will continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to control its nuclear program and confirm that it is for peaceful purposes. In return, Tehran will be given the opportunity to export 1 million barrels of crude oil per day, get its earnings, and its assets frozen abroad will be unblocked. Provided that those funds will be spent on the purchase of essential products, including food and pharmaceuticals. According to the information obtained by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has increased the amount of highly enriched uranium by 27 percent in the last three months, and currently, the country's enriched uranium reserves are 4,745 kilograms. This is 15 times more than the amount of uranium allowed for Iran in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany), and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports, more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad. Recently, Iranian media made a report about the unblocking of $24 billion of Iran's frozen assets abroad. In January 2016, JCPOA was launched between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany) in connection with Iran's nuclear program. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. To preserve the agreements reached as part of the JCPOA, the European signatories of the deal started in January 2019 that a financial mechanism for maintaining trade with Iran called INSTEX was formed. On May 8, 2019, Iran announced that it had ceased fulfilling its commitments regarding the sale of over 300 kilograms of uranium, as stated in the deal, basing its decision on the other signatories that have not fulfilled their obligations. On July 7, Iran announced that it will not be fulfilling its commitments regarding the enrichment of uranium at 3.67 percent and the reconstruction of the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility as stated in the deal. Iran announced that it will enrich uranium using next-generation centrifuges and will not mix it with the enriched uranium residues as part of the third step of reducing commitments in JCPOA on Sept.5. On Nov. 5, 2019, Iran announced that it took the fourth step in connection with reducing its commitments to the nuclear agreement. So, uranium gas is being pumped to the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. On Jan.2020, Iran took the last fifth step in reducing the number of its commitments within JCPOA. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@BaghishovElnur Former President Donald J. Trump has a lot at stake in the federal criminal case lodged against him. He could, in theory, go to prison for years. But if he winds up in the dock in front of a jury, it is no exaggeration to suggest that American justice will be on trial as well. Historys first federal indictment against a former president poses one of the gravest challenges to democracy the country has ever faced. It represents either a validation of the rule-of-law principle that even the most powerful face accountability for their actions or the moment when a vast swath of the public becomes convinced that the system has been irredeemably corrupted by partisanship. Mr. Trump, his allies and even some of his Republican rivals have embarked on a strategy to encourage the latter view, arguing that law enforcement has been hijacked by President Biden and the Democrats to take out his strongest opponent for re-election next year. Few if any of them bothered to wait to read the indictment before backing Mr. Trumps all-caps assertion that it was merely part of the GREATEST WITCH HUNT OF ALL TIME. It is now an article of faith, a default tactic or both. Jack Smith, the special counsel, and his prosecutors knew that defense was coming and have labored to avoid any hint of political motivation with a by-the-book approach, securing the assent of judges and grand jurors along the way. Moreover, their indictment laid out a damning series of facts based on security camera video, text messages and testimony from within Mr. Trumps own team; even some who have defended him in the past say it will be harder to brush aside the evidence in a courtroom than in the court of public opinion. After months of anticipation, Ukraines forces newly trained on complex warfare tactics and armed with billions of dollars in sophisticated Western weaponry launched operations on multiple fronts in the past week in an effort to dislodge entrenched Russian military units, a counteroffensive that many officials in the United States and Europe say could be a turning point in the 15-month war. Much rides on the outcome. There is little doubt the new military drive will influence discussions of future support for Ukraine as well as debates about how to guarantee its future. What remains unclear, though, is exactly what the United States, Europe and Ukraine view as a successful counteroffensive. Publicly, American and European officials are leaving any definition of success to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. For now, Mr. Zelensky has not laid out any public goals, beyond his oft-stated demand that Russian troops must leave the whole of Ukraine. He is known as a master communicator; any perception that he is backing off that broad ambition would risk undermining his support at a critical moment. Privately, U.S. and European officials concede that pushing all of Russias forces out of occupied Ukrainian land is highly unlikely. Still, two themes emerge as clear ideas of success: that the Ukrainian army retake and hold on to key swaths of territory previously occupied by the Russians, and that Kyiv deal the Russian military a debilitating blow that forces the Kremlin to question the future of its military options in Ukraine. Theodore J. Kaczynski, the so-called Unabomber, who attacked academics, businessmen and random civilians with homemade bombs from 1978 to 1995, killing three people and injuring 23 with the stated goal of fomenting the collapse of the modern social order a violent spree that ended after what was often described as the longest and most costly manhunt in American history died on Saturday in a federal prison medical center in Butner, N.C. He was 81. A spokesman for the Federal Bureau of Prisons said Mr. Kaczynski was found unresponsive in his cell early in the morning. The bureau did not specify a cause, but three people familiar with the situation said he died by suicide. The bureau had announced his transfer to the medical facility in 2021. Mr. Kaczynski traced a singular path in American life: lonely boy genius to Harvard-trained star of pure mathematics, to rural recluse, to notorious murderer, to imprisoned extremist. In the public eye, he fused two styles of violence: the periodic targeting of the demented serial killer, and the ideological fanaticism of the terrorist. Four Colombian children who survived in the Colombian jungle for 40 days after their plane crashed were eager to play and asked for books to read, officials said on Saturday, one day after the group was rescued. The siblings, aged 1 to 13, were recuperating at a military hospital in Bogota, the capital, and were said to be in good health and spirits on Saturday, when they were visited by President Gustavo Petro and other officials. The country has been captivated by the childrens story, with many eagerly awaiting news of their fate since their plane crashed on May 1. The children, members of the Huitoto Indigenous community, had been traveling with their mother and an Indigenous leader from the tiny Amazon community of Araracuara, Colombia, to San Jose del Guaviare, a small city in central Colombia along the Guaviare River. When rescuers reached the crash site last month, the bodies of the three adults with whom they were traveling were found, but there was no sign of the children. As details emerged from the indictment charging former President Donald J. Trump with mishandling classified documents, global reaction ranged from strategic silence to unbridled outrage, with room in between for world-weary shrugs, wild conspiracy theories and ominous predictions of American decline. Chinas propaganda machine, which would normally leap on a U.S. scandal, stayed quiet. Russian commentators called the charges a fake production of the deep state. And among American allies in Asia and Europe, there were concerns that the episode hurt not just the former president, but also the United States by highlighting that security secrets were not safe in Americas hands, and that the countrys disorienting, partisan fever has yet to break. The case shows once again that Donald Trump belongs behind bars, not in the White House, Ralf Stegner, a German Social Democrat who sits on the German intelligence oversight committee, said in a text message, adding: This man is a threat to security and democracy in the U.S. and around the world. The world, it seems, is once again gawking at the messiness of the United States and calculating the costs and opportunities of the latest Trump revelations transfixing and dividing the country. It is a moment that feels familiar yet not quite the same. For five years, Greta Thunberg has spent her Fridays in front of the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm instead of in class; after 251 weeks, she is hanging up her cardboard protest sign as a student. What began as a 15-year-old with a singular message has spread into a global movement across 7,500 cities. Ms. Thunberg, an activist who has inspired young people around the world to demand action against climate change, graduated from high school on Friday in Sweden, signifying what she said would be her final school strike. When I started striking in 2018 I could never have expected that it would lead to anything, she wrote on Twitter. Were still here, and we arent planning on going anywhere. Pope Francis is recovering well after undergoing abdominal surgery this past week, his surgeon said on Saturday, but his doctors advised him not to give his traditional public blessing on Sunday so that he can rest. The surgeon, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who operated on Francis on Wednesday, told reporters at a news briefing at the Policlinico A. Gemelli hospital in Rome that it was important that the pontiff, who is 86, try to limit movement to avoid straining his abdomen. He also said that Francis medical team had suggested that he remain in the hospital for at least another week. Compared to other people his age, its not like hes going to go home and sit in front of the television, Dr. Alfieri said. Hes the head of a government, overseeing millions of Catholics, a person with important responsibilities, so its important that hes physically strong when he leaves. He said that he hoped the pope would take the advice, but that hes not the kind of person you can force something on. A homeless Syrian man in his 30s was charged with attempted murder and detained in France on Saturday in connection with a violent stabbing attack this past week that injured two adults and four young children, a prosecutor said. There was no indication that the attack was an act of terrorism, said Line Bonnet-Mathis, the public prosecutor in Annecy, the southeastern French city where the attack unfolded on Thursday. The attacker, now in custody, has also been charged with resisting arrest with a weapon. Investigators have yet to determine the motive of the assailant, who they said went on a violent rampage, lunging at young families at a playground in one of Annecys most popular lakeside parks, and stabbing his victims with a switchblade. Bystanders, including a so-called backpack hero, chased the man before police officers arrested him. The authorities have not publicly named the man but said he had obtained asylum in Sweden, lived there for a decade and still has a 3-year-old child there. At the time of his arrest, he was wearing a cross necklace and carrying other Christian symbols as well as 480 euros ($516), Ms. Bonnet-Mathis said. Witnesses heard him mention his ex-wife, his daughter and Jesus Christ during the assault, the prosecutor added. After days of silence on the extent of the fighting, President Volodymyr Zelensky offered the strongest confirmation yet on Saturday that the long-awaited counteroffensive had begun. Counteroffensive and defensive actions are being taken in Ukraine, he said at a news conference in Kyiv with the visiting Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau. At what stage, I will not disclose in detail. The multipronged assault, concentrated along the front in the south and the east, is a test run of Ukraines new arsenal of Western tanks and armored vehicles as well as tens of thousands of newly mobilized soldiers who trained in Europe for months in preparation for the fighting. Kyiv, which as expected in the early stages is suffering casualties, will need to show significant progress in its counteroffensive to keep the money and weapons flowing from the West. Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces firing rockets and artillery hit four Russian command centers, six areas of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment, three ammunition depots and five enemy artillery units in firing positions, Ukraines military said. The claims could not be independently verified. The flurry of initial attacks, staged under a cloak of secrecy by the Ukrainian Army, is intended to probe for weak points and lure Russia into revealing its defensive strategies too soon, before the bulk of Ukraines new force is put into the fight. Out in the expanse of farmland, the two armies are maneuvering and hiding their hundreds of tanks, armored vehicles and howitzers in tiny villages and thickets of trees, lest the other side guess where their forces are concentrated. President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday offered the strongest confirmation yet that the long-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive had begun, as battles along a 600-mile front line offered further evidence that the long-awaited counterattack was underway. Counteroffensive and defensive actions are being taken in Ukraine, he said at a news conference Saturday with the visiting Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau. At what stage, I will not disclose in detail. The Ukrainian military, which guards battlefield information closely, offered only broad acknowledgment of the clashes playing out along the front Friday night into Saturday. Military analysts said it appeared that Ukraine was trying to break through Russian lines at several locations in the south and east, near the towns of Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region and Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region. Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces firing rockets and artillery hit four Russian command centers, six areas of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment, three ammunition depots and five enemy artillery units in firing positions, Ukraines military said. The claims could not be independently verified. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. There is no undeclared nuclear material in Iran, as was reflected in the statement of Iran's Permanent Representation to the UN, Trend reports. Iran has so far demonstrated adherence to its obligations under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and has made every effort to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to continue its verification activities in Iran. It has been repeatedly stated by Iran that there are no locations in Iran that require disclosure under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Iran's nuclear activities remain peaceful under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Accordingly, there is no legal basis for deep concern about this. The discovery of natural uranium remains in the Marivan County of Irans Kurdistan Province in the west of the country, cannot be considered as a sign of the presence of nuclear materials. Iran has increased all its efforts to discover the origin of such remains within the framework of cooperation with the IAEA. Iran has explained its views on the possible reasons for the presence of uranium remnants. Since no technical reason has been found for the presence of a uranium stockpile in Iran, it is logical that foreign forces may have intervened in this matter through provocative or hostile actions. The Turquzabad point located in Irans Tehran Province in the north of the country, is an industrial area that is used to store detergents, chemicals, food items, auto spare parts, etc., and continuous transportation is normal. Based on this, the allegations made regarding the disappearance of some containers stored in this place do not reflect reality. Issues in Iran's nuclear activities, such as existing centrifuges, production of new centrifuges, heavy water, and uranium ore concentrate, are completely outside the comprehensive safeguards agreement. Any steps in this direction are voluntary and related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, there is no link between ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program and increasing knowledge of Iran's nuclear program activities. On May 26 through May 31, 2023, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, presented a report to the agency's Board of Directors regarding Iran's nuclear program. In January 2016, JCPOA was launched between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany) in connection with Iran's nuclear program. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. To preserve the agreements reached as part of the JCPOA, the European signatories of the deal started in January 2019 that a financial mechanism for maintaining trade with Iran called INSTEX was formed. On May 8, 2019, Iran announced that it had ceased fulfilling its commitments regarding the sale of over 300 kilograms of uranium, as stated in the deal, basing its decision on the other signatories that have not fulfilled their obligations. On July 7, Iran announced that it will not be fulfilling its commitments regarding the enrichment of uranium at 3.67 percent and the reconstruction of the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility as stated in the deal. Iran announced that it will enrich uranium using next-generation centrifuges and will not mix it with the enriched uranium residues as part of the third step of reducing commitments in JCPOA on Sept.5. On Nov. 5, 2019, Iran announced that it took the fourth step in connection with reducing its commitments to the nuclear agreement. So, uranium gas is being pumped to the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. On Jan.2020, Iran took the last fifth step in reducing the number of its commitments within JCPOA. On May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany), and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports, more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@BaghishovElnur A FORMER Tullamore hotel and the site around it could be set for a major revamp. Cayenne Holdings, whose director is Tullamore businessman and developer Seamus Kane, will be applying for permission to partially demolish the vacant Moorhill House on the Clara Road to construct a house and 24 units. According to a planning notice published in the Tullamore Tribune and Midland Tribune, consent will also be sought from Offaly County Council for 24 one-bedroom units in a single and three storey block. The planning notice says the Moorhill House is a protected structure: The works includes partial rear demolition of the protected structure with proposed refurbishment and rear single and two storey extension to create a three-bedroom house. Separately, Cayenne Holdings is the owner of the land in Cappincur where Offaly County Council has given the green light for 62 houses and 40 apartments on a greenfield site close to the bypass roundabout. The Cappincur scheme will be located on the northern side of the Daingean Road, close to a filling station, and is being developed by Daingean Road Residential Ltd. Planning documents say its directors are Martin Kenny and Fearghal de Feu. The project will comprise 13 four-bedroom houses, 27 three-bedroom houses and 22 two-bedroom houses on a site of more than four hectares. The 40 apartments include one, two and three-bed units and the plan is for them to be built in four separate three-storey blocks. Access for traffic will be off the Daingean road and an initial proposal for 173 car parking spaces was increased to 195. Local residents had expressed serious concerns about the project, saying there was a history of flooding in the area and that a density of 28 dwellings per hectare was too high. However, the applicant referred to an Office of Public Works study which said there had been no flood events on the site or in the immediate vicinity. The developers also said a flood risk assessment placed the site in zone C, which they said was the lowest risk of three flood zones and meant the site was suitable for residential development and that a justification test was not needed. When council planners told the developers that Transport Infrastructure Ireland had concerns about the impact on the existing N52 roundabout, the applicant said an analysis showed there would be no impact on the roundabout and it will continue to operate well within capacity. On April 24 last a letter on behalf of residents was sent to the council, saying they were still looking for answers and had concerns about a range of issues, including flooding, density, traffic impact, wastewater, ecological impact, lack of a masterplan for the area, plus an additional concern about the scheme's heating source. Planning permission was granted on condition that all houses and duplex units be occupied at first by individual purchasers or by people eligible for social, affordable or cost rental housing. This condition bars a corporate entity from buying the units and will only be lifted if within two years the dwellings are not occupied by individual purchasers or people eligible for social, affordable or cost rental housing. The council said the aim of the condition is to ensure an adequate choice and supply of housing, including affordable housing, in the common good. A management company must be set up for the apartments. Also, a double set of gates must be provided at a junction with adjacent land between two houses in the scheme. At least 10% of the parking spaces must have electric charging points and the remainder must have ducting to allow for charging points in the future. Police investigating the disappearance of Co Antrim woman Chloe Mitchell have arrested a second man. The 34-year-old was detained in the Ballymena area on Saturday morning. Ms Mitchell, 21, was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of June 3 in Ballymena town centre. A major search operation continued in the town on Saturday. A 26-year-old man was arrested in Lurgan, Co Armagh, on Thursday in connection with the case. Police have secured a 36-hour extension to his detention period. Several of the searches have focused on the area around the Braid River in the Co Antrim town. The Community Search and Rescue organisation has been assisting police in the operation. On Saturday, officers made a renewed appeal for information about Ms Mitchells disappearance. PSNI Mid and East Antrim District Commander Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: Police are becoming increasingly concerned about Chloes safety and we have launched a criminal investigation into her disappearance. It is completely out of character for her to not be in contact with her family, who are being supported by specialist officers during this worrying time. I am appealing to anyone who was travelling through the James Street area in Ballymena from 10pm on Friday, June 2 and 5.40pm on Thursday, June 8 to think if they saw Chloe or anything unusual. I would also appeal for anyone with dashcam footage during this period to bring it to police. Chloe was last seen wearing a green and black Northface-style jacket, a white T-shirt, leggings and Nike trainers. Around 70 to 80 volunteers with the Community Rescue Service were involved in Saturdays searches where teams concentrated on thick undergrowth on the banks of the River Braid in Ballymena. Darren Harper, a district commander with the Community Rescue Service, said the operation was challenging. We have a substantial amount of volunteers on the ground at the minute, he told the PA news agency. We are rotating them more frequently than what we usually we do, given the temperature here today its about 19 to 20 degrees so its important that we rotate them and get them water on board and look after their welfare while maintaining the search. Mr Harper praised the local community in Ballymena, which he said had been bringing food and drink down for the search volunteers. The community has been absolutely fantastic, he said. The district commander insisted the volunteers were committed to continuing the search. Were still looking for a high-risk missing person and we will continue until Chloe is located or until the police deem that we are no longer needed, he said. 76 Flats Built On Land Seized From Gangster Allotted To Poor In UP India oi-Sanjeev Nayak In a gesture that would further glisten the image of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has allotted 76 1-BHK flats, which are built in Prayagraj on the land confiscated from the illegal occupation of slain gangster Atiq Ahmed, to the poor. There were 6,030 applicants, of which 1,590 were found as eligible claimants for the flats after verification. The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) yesterday held a draw of lots to determine the allottees. The process of handing over possession of the flats to the allottees will be taken up soon, said PDA vice-chairman Arvind Chauhan. The land located in Lukarganj area, where the mafia don used to reside and also run his office from, was freed by the authorities during an anti-encroachment drive in 2021. CM Yogi Adityanath had laid the foundation stone for the affordable housing project built on the 1,731-square metre site on 26th December the same year. According to the government guidelines, the flats were allotted on the basis of the reservation rules for Other Backward Class (OBC), Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), physically challenged and senior citizens. Each flat is equipped with modern facilities and has a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, a toilet, a bathroom, a balcony, electricity, sewerage and parking facility. Look-Out Notice Issued against Atiq Ahmeds Wife, Shaista Parveen Two four-storey towers have been built in the area where the cost of such a flat is Rs 6 lakh. However, the allottees will have to pay only Rs 3.5 lakh each while the Central government will give a subsidy of Rs 1.5 lakh and the State government Rs 1 lakh. Block-A in the complex has 36 flats whereas Block-B has 40. The flats were constructed by the District Urban Development Authorities (DUDA) under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Once all the official procedures are completed, the flats will be handed over to the beneficiaries by CM Yogi himself. Atiq and his gangster brother Ashraf were shot dead at point-blank range by three men posing as journalists while the duo was being taken to a city medical college for a routine checkup on 15th April this year. Atiq was accused in the 2005 murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Raju Pal and also in the killing of a key witness in that case, Umesh Pal, in February this year. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 11:47 [IST] Congress Worker Killed; Party Points Accusing Finger At TMC India oi-PTI A day after a Congress worker was shot dead in West Bengal's Murshidabad district in the run up to the panchayat election, the party on Saturday alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress was behind the murder. Fulchand Sheikh, 45, was attacked by TMC's goons when he was playing cards in Ratanpur village on Friday, his family members alleged. Sheikh was rushed to Kandi Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Two other persons were injured in the attack, police said. The TMC denied it has any role in the incident. Police said investigations into the case are on and two persons are being interrogated in this connection. "This is a clear indication that the TMC is trying to win the panchayat polls by using muscle power. What is the use of ballot if TMC wants to win with bullets," state Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said. To Equate Me With Non-Transparency Is Laughable: TMC MP Mahua Moitra On Complaint To EC Sheikh was killed on the first day of filing nominations for the July 8 Panchayat elections. "The TMC is trying to intimidate Congress workers ahead of the panchayat polls," Chowdhury claimed. A Murshidabad district Congress leader said Sheikh received six bullets. The two injured persons were also Congress workers, he claimed. Local leaders of the TMC claimed that personal rivalry was behind the killing and the Congress is trying to add political colour to it. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 14:38 [IST] Cyclone Biparjoy Set To Intensify In Next 24 Hours; Yellow Alert In 8 Kerala Districts India oi-Deepika S Very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy is set to intensify further in the next 24 hours, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday. According to the latest weather bulletin issued by the IMD, the cyclonic storm which is currently located about 690 km west of Goa, 640 km west-southwest of Mumbai, and 640 km south-southwest of Porbandar, is packing winds of up to 145 kilometers per hour. "Very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy at over east-central Arabian Sea near lat 16.0N & long 67.4E, likely to intensify further and move north-northeast wards," the weather department tweeted. The IMD has warned that the storm could cause heavy rain and strong winds in coastal areas of Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. Cyclone Biparjoy Set To Intensify In Next 36 Hours High waves were observed at Tithal Beach, a popular tourist destination in Gujarat's Valsad on the Arabian Sea coast, in anticipation of Cyclone Biparjoy. The Tithal Beach has been closed to tourists until June 14 due to high waves and strong winds. Recommended Video Cyclone Biparjoy to intensify in 24 hours, high waves seen at Gujarats Tithal Beach | Oneindia News #WATCH | Gujarat: High waves are seen at Tithal beach of Valsad ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy. Tithal Beach was closed for tourists as a precautionary measure by the Valsad administration following the cyclone Biparjoy warning (9/06) pic.twitter.com/TSvQfaiezv ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2023 "We told the fishermen not to venture into the sea and they all have come back. People will be shifted to the village at the seashore if needed. Shelters have been made for them. We have closed Tithal Beach for tourists till June 14," Valsad Tehsildar TC Patel was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The weather department has advised fishermen not to venture into the seas off the coast of Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep. A yellow alert was issued for eight districts in Kerala on Friday. A yellow alert was issued for eight Kerala districts inluding Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, and Kannur. How Cyclone 'Biparjoy Will Impact Monsoon In India Heatwave conditions in seven states According to the IMD, states like Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand will continue to reel under heatwave conditions till Monday. While Uttar Pradesh will encounter heatwave conditions till Sunday, meanwhile, parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, and Andhra Pradesh may witness heatwave conditions till Saturday. Defence Deals On Anvil: 'BrahMos' For Vietnam, 'Prachand' For Argentina India oi-Sanjeev Nayak India's amazing journey of transition from being the largest shopper of defence equipment to turning into a big-time vendor of military hardware continues with a high note as the country is all set to sell its highly-accomplished ''BrahMos'' missiles to Vietnam, signaling a deepening defence cooperation between the two countries. What makes the development even more significant is that a team of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is in Argentina to negotiate with the Argentinian Air Force (FAA) to make a pitch for its indigenously developed products like light combat helicopter (LCH) "Prachand" and fighter jets "Tejas". The BrahMos missiles, jointly developed by India and Russia, have been highly sought-after by countries seeking to bolster their defence capabilities due to their supersonic speed, precision, guidance and versatility. After Philippines, now Vietnam and Indonesia too have evinced keen interest in the missile. Vietnam is expected to place an order between three to five units of BrahMos missiles. With each battery consisting of multiple missiles, projected to be priced at approximately $125 million, the potential deal could range between $375 million and $625 million -- depending on the number of units Vietnam intends to acquire, as per a Zee Business report. This comes close on the heels of India's successful sale of three units of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines last year for $375 million. The missiles have gained a reputation as one of the most advanced anti-ship and land-attack missiles in the world. Adding significance to the potential deal, Vietnam's Defence Minister Phan Van Giang's is going to visit India on 19th of this month. The tour presents an opportunity for both countries to enhance their bilateral relations and strengthen their defence capabilities, as per the report. Pakistan Allocates Rs 1.8 trillion For Defence In Budget 2023-24 Meanwhile, the HAL team, including Indian Ambassador to Argentina Dinesh Bhatia, met the FAA Chief Brigadier General Xavier Isaac. It remains to be seen if HAL will be able to clinch the "breakthrough" deal, in the background that its effort to sell the 'Dhruv' choppers to Ecuador had gone bust years ago, according to a report published in Eurasiantimes.com. Prachand, which literally means 'fierce', is India's first indigenous multi-role combat helicopter with potent ground attack and aerial combat capability. It is the only helicopter operating at 5,000 metres above the sea level with a considerable load of weapons and fuel. After Russian Mi-25 and Mi-35 choppers proved ineffective during the Kargil war in 1999, the Indian defence establishment felt the need for a dedicated platform capable of operating at high altitudes and delivering precision strikes. Customised as per the requirement of the Indian Air Force to operate in deserts and mountains, Prachand was formally inducted into it in October last year. "The negotiations are going on, and nothing concrete can be said at the moment. The Indian team is still in Argentina. But the Argentinians had shown interest in the LCH during the Aero-India air show in 2023," an HAL official was quoted by the portal as saying. India has long been harbouring the hopes of emerging as a key player in the defence export market. In its quest to become an arms exporter, it has been tapping Latin American, African and South East Asian countries. Of late, it has found some success in the recent times due the present government's emphasis on development and self-reliance. Rajnath Holds Talks With US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin With India's increasing role as a major exporter of defence equipment, the sale of BrahMos missiles to Vietnam could help deepen strategic ties between the two nations. As both countries strive for stability and security in the region, this potential deal could contribute to a stronger defense network in Southeast Asia. BrahMos Aerospace, the developer and manufacturer of the missile, is a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM). Manipur: Woman Shot Dead By Unidentified Gunmen Near School A Day After It Reopened US Offers To Help India To Deal With Manipur Violence, Congress Reacts Sharply Can't Take Law And Order Apparatus In Our Hands: SC On Manipur Violence Why SC Refused To Give Directions To Indian Army On Manipur Violence Manipur Violence: Centre Sets Up Committee To Facilitate Peace-Making Process India oi-Deepika S The central government has constituted a committee in Manipur headed by the governor to facilitate the peace-making process among various ethnic groups and initiate dialogue between conflicting parties. The members of the committee include Chief Minister, a few Ministers in the State Government, MP, MLAs, and leaders from different political parties. The Committee also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers, and representatives of different ethnic groups. The mandate of the Committee will be to facilitate the peace-making process among various ethnic groups of the State, including peaceful dialogue and negotiations between conflicting parties/groups. The Committee should strengthen social cohesiveness, mutual understanding and facilitate cordial communication between various ethnic groups. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state of Manipur from 29th May 2023 to 1st June 2023 and announced the constitution of the Peace Committee after taking stock of the situation. CBI Forms SIT to Probe Manipur Violence; Re-Registers 6 FIRs Referred By State The Home Minister also announced that a CBI probe will be instituted to investigate five criminal conspiracies and one general conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur. Ethnic clashes broke out in the state nearly a month ago after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. After a relative lull for over a fortnight, the state witnessed a spurt in clashes and gunfights between militants and security forces on Sunday. Nearly 100 people have been killed in the violence so far. Another terror attack in Paris, Kurds on target this time Desperate Islamic State claims responsibility for an attack that never took place Radar on JeM backed PAFF as NIA gets set to probe Poonch attack Case Against Caller Who Threatened To Carry Out 26/11-Like Attack If Seema Haider Not Sent Back Gujarat: ATS Arrests 4 ISIS Members In Porbandar; Prevent Potential Terror Attack India oi-Deepika S The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Saturday is said to have busted an ISIS module and arrested three men and a woman, in operations carried out in Porbandar and Surat. Acting on a tip-off, the Gujarat ATS arrested three men from Porbandar and a woman from Surat city and seized from them incriminating materials that showed their association with the banned terrorist organisation, said Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay. A first information report (FIR) has been registered against the four under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and efforts are on to nab a wanted accused in this connection, Sahay said. The ISKP is a transnational Salafi-Jihadist organisation and an UN-designated terrorist organisation. "The three men were planning to use a fishing boat from Porbandar to cross the International Maritime Boundary Line and reach Afghanistan via Iran and join ISKP," Sahay told reporters. They were detained from Porbandar on Friday morning and were identified as Ubed Nasir Mir, Hanan Hayat Shol and Mohammad Hajim Shah, all residents of Srinagar, Shah said. During preliminary interrogation, they revealed that they were trained and radicalised by a handler identified as Abu Hamza. Recommended Video Gujarat ATS arrests 4 persons with terrorist links from Porbandar | Oneindia News NIA Busts ISIS-linked Terror Module In MP; 3 Held They also told the ATS that two more persons, identified as Zuber Ahmed Munshi from Srinagar and Sumerabanu Hanif Malek of Surat, were also members of the ISKP module and associated with them. "Based on the information, Gujarat ATS, and Surat crime branch raided the house of Sumera Malek and seized several radical publications such as 'Voice of Khorasan' from there. Sumera revealed that she was in touch with her handler and in close relation with Zuber," the police officer said. The DGP said that several documents related to their personal identities, and materials used for digital communication such as mobile phones, tablets and sharp weapons were recovered from the trio detained from Porbandar. When the cloud storage of the accused was accessed, their photographs with ISKP banner, videos of a leader giving them the pledge of allegiance, audio clips of their leader, and other incriminating files were recovered, the ATS said in a release. The three had been directed by their handler Abu Hamza to reach Porbandar and join a fishing boat as fishermen and use the boat captain to reach the given GPS coordinates, it said. From there, they were to be taken to Iran on a dhow and provided with fake passports for Afghanistan and reach Khorasan via Herat, police said. Efforts are on to nab accused Zuber Ahmed Munshi, police said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 16:12 [IST] It Will Give New Direction: Sharad Pawar On Attending Opposition Meet In Patna India oi-Madhuri Adnal In a significant development, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar asserted that the upcoming meeting of opposition parties, scheduled for June 23, will forge a fresh path, aligning with the public's strong desire for change. According to news agency ANI, Pawar expressed his optimism regarding the gathering during a media interaction. "We will make earnest endeavors to fulfill the aspirations of the people," said NCP Chief. Pawar said that he would attend the meeting of opposition leaders convened by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna on June 23 and strive for putting up a joint fight against the BJP.''A prime ministerial face is not an issue before us. Even in 1977, no one was projected as the prime minister. The Janata Party won the elections and Morarji Desai was made the prime minister,'' the NCP supremo said. #WATCH | This meeting will give a new direction as people want change. We will make sincere efforts to meet the expectations of the people, says NCP chief Sharad Pawar on the Opposition meeting to be held on June 23 in Patna. pic.twitter.com/386uwOJisN ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2023 ''If it could happen in 1977, why can't it happen now? We have the responsibility to provide the people of this country with an alternative to the BJP,'' he said. Pawar stressed that it was not a necessity to project a prime ministerial face in Lok Sabha elections. ''There is a need to present an alternative before the people. If we contest the elections together, we will be able to provide that alternative. The result of this will decide things in the future,'' Pawar said. Pawar said there has been a suggestion to put up joint opposition candidates against the BJP and this issue will be discussed at the meeting in Patna on June 23. ''There has been a suggestion that where BJP is strong, if possible, non-BJP parties can field a single candidate. This will be discussed in Patna. ''The meeting in Patna will give a new direction as people want change. We will make sincere efforts to meet the expectations of the people,'' he said. 'Happy': Ajit Pawar On Appointment Of Supriya Sule, Praful Patel as NCP Presidents On incidents of communal violence in Maharashtra, Pawar said the people of the state will reject such divisive politics as they did in Karnataka. The NCP chief alleged that the BJP and its allied organisations were vitiating the atmosphere in Maharashtra ''as they did in Karnataka in the name of Lord Hanuman''. ''But the people of Karnataka rejected the communal agenda. I am confident that the people of Maharashtra too will not accept it,'' Pawar said. On threats to him over social media, Pawar said he trusts Maharashtra Police and is confident that it will do its job sincerely. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. Despite the discussions on Iran's nuclear program in New York, it is impossible to reach an agreement soon, Iranian MP Mojtaba Tavangar wrote on his Twitter page, Trend reports. The US is seeking to get certain privileges in discussions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for unblocking Iran's frozen assets abroad. This is against Iran's interests, the MP added. Tavangar pointed out that the US intends to hold direct official discussions with Iran. Iranian and the US officials were said to have been secretly discussing the nuclear program, which was later denied by both sides. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that Iran has increased the highly enriched uranium by 27 percent in the last three months, bringing it to 4,745 kilograms. It exceeds the levels set in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by 15 times. On May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany), and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports, more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad. Recently, Iranian media made report about the unblocking of $24 billion of Iran's frozen assets in abroad. In January 2016, JCPOA was launched between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany) in connection with Iran's nuclear program. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. To preserve the agreements reached as part of the JCPOA, the European signatories of the deal started in January 2019 that a financial mechanism for maintaining trade with Iran called INSTEX was formed. On May 8, 2019, Iran announced that it had ceased fulfilling its commitments regarding the sale of over 300 kilograms of uranium, as stated in the deal, basing its decision on the other signatories that have not fulfilled their obligations. On July 7, Iran announced that it will not be fulfilling its commitments regarding the enrichment of uranium at 3.67 percent and the reconstruction of the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility as stated in the deal. Iran announced that it will enrich uranium using next-generation centrifuges and will not mix it with the enriched uranium residues as part of the third step of reducing commitments in JCPOA on Sept.5. On Nov. 5, 2019, Iran announced that it took the fourth step in connection with reducing its commitments to the nuclear agreement. So, uranium gas is being pumped to the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. On Jan.2020, Iran took the last fifth step in reducing the number of its commitments within JCPOA. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@BaghishovElnur Read what Ghulam Nabi Azad said in his notice to Jairam Ramesh after being called Mir Jafar Jairam Ramesh's Achhe Din Jibe As Boris Johnson Quits As UK MP India oi-Deepika S Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre after former British prime minister Boris Johnson quit as an MP after being told by a parliamentary committee that he will be sanctioned for misleading the House over Boris Johnson resigns as UK MP with immediate effect over partygate report. Drawing similarities between the British and Indian Parliament, Ramesh said, "Imagine if we were a truly functional Parliamentary democracy like we used to be before the so-called Achhe Din was unleashed on us." "A Parliamentary Committee in the UK investigated and concluded that PM Boris Johnson lied to Parliament. He has now resigned as MP and quit politics, he says for now. There are some other PMs who provide the Parliament and the nation with a daily dose of TruthFree sweeteners," Ramesh tweeted. "Imagine if they were to be held accountable for their lies, distortions, fabrications, and silences on burning national issues. Imagine if we were a truly functional Parliamentary democracy like we used to be before the so-called Achhe Din was unleashed on us," he added. Notably, the 'acche din' slogan was extensively used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Boris Johnson Quits As UK lawmaker After Learning He Will Be Sanctioned Over Partygate In a surprise move, Boris Johnson on Friday quit as a lawmaker after being told he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament. He departed with a ferocious tirade at his political opponents and at his successor, Rishi Sunak that could blast open tensions within the governing Conservative Party. Johnson resigned after receiving the results of an investigation by lawmakers into misleading statements he made to Parliament about partygate, a series of rule-breaking government parties during the Covid-19 pandemic. "It is very sad to be leaving Parliament at least for now," he said. Johnson said he had "received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear - much to my amazement - that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament." For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 11:25 [IST] Kerala Sailors, Who Were Detained In Nigeria, Return Home After 9 Months India oi-Madhuri Adnal After a harrowing nine-month detention, the Kerala sailors who were held captive by the Nigerian Navy have finally returned home, according to a report by news agency ANI. The mariners, who arrived at the Kochi airport via Cape Town in South Africa, were greeted with tearful reunions with their families and expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs for their support throughout the ordeal. The incident dates back to last year when 16 Indian crew members aboard the crude oil carrier 'MT Heroic Idun' were detained in Equatorial Guinea, and subsequently in Nigeria, for alleged violations of the international maritime boundary line. Among the 26-member crew, which included eight Sri Lankans and one each from the Philippines and Poland, Milton D'Couth of Mulavukad, Sanu Jose of Elamkulam, and V. Vijith of Kollam were the Indian sailors who experienced this challenging journey. Kochi | Kerala mariners return home after nine months of detention in Nigeria, thank the Ministry of External Affairs 16 Indian crew of the ship 'MT Heroic Idun' were detained last year in Equatorial Guinea and later in Nigeria for allegedly violating the international maritime pic.twitter.com/Sw440EXIxO ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2023 2 Aircraft Carriers, 35 Combat Jets: Navy Displays Military Prowess In Massive Exercise [WATCH] Milton D'Couth shared his emotions upon returning, stating, "There was this huge excitement and sense of freedom on landing on home soil. Communication was the biggest problem during detention since our captors allowed us access to mobile phones only for a few minutes once in one or two months. They wanted us to communicate with none other than our families," as reported by The Hindu. The mariners recounted the deteriorating conditions they faced during their detention, including limited food and water supply. They expressed concern about the quality of water provided, which made them vulnerable to diseases such as typhoid. D'Couth described their traumatic experience, saying, "We were locked up in a small room. To be dealt with like criminals despite committing no crime was traumatic." Initially, the crew was detained by Equatorial Guinea on charges of violating their territorial waters. They remained in the custody of the Equatorial Guinea naval force from August 12, but were later handed over to the Nigerian Navy, as stated in the report. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 23:00 [IST] First IIT Outside India Will Be In Tanzania Enormous Good Fortune For Country To Have Somebody Like Him: Jaishankar Hails PM Modi Jaishankar, Derek O Brien Among 11 Leaders Set To Be Elected Unopposed To Rajya Sabha New Parliament Shows PM Modi's Commitment Towards National Development: Jaishankar India oi-PTI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said the new Parliament building is a symbol of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm commitment towards national development. Jaishankar said this while interacting with citizens, including doctors, government employees, members of social organisations and youngsters, as part of the "Sampark se Samarthan" campaign of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the New Delhi area. Addressing a gathering of Delhi University (DU) students, he said youngsters have to contribute significantly in India's progress story, they will have to participate in the country's economic development and cooperate in bringing a clean change in politics. The nationwide campaign has been launched by the BJP with the aim of creating mass awareness about the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in the last nine years. Mentioning the newly-built Parliament House building and the redeveloped Pragati Maidan, Jaishankar said both are "symbols of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm commitment for national development". Jaishankar Defends 'Akhand Bharat' Mural in New Parliament, Responds to Pakistan's Criticism The external affairs minister discussed the government's achievements with eminent personalities of New Delhi at a meet organised by renowned heart surgeon Viveka Kumar at Sarvodaya Enclave. In another dialogue at Janpath, the minister interacted with the members of the Art of Living and called for cooperation by reaching out to the last person in the society. Late in the evening, after visiting the Sree Vinayak Temple at Sarojini Nagar, Jaishankar interacted with a group of Delhi residents from south India. Issues regarding community welfare came up during the discussion, according to a statement issued by the Delhi BJP. How NDRFs canines, Romeo, Julie, Honey, Rambo are proving to be stars in Turkey Rescue Dog Julie Who Sniffed Out 6-Year-Old Girl In Quake-Hit Turkey Awarded India oi-Madhuri Adnal In a heartwarming recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Julie, a six-year-old Labrador and valued member of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), has been presented with a commendation certificate for her remarkable efforts in locating and aiding the rescue of a young girl trapped beneath rubble during a devastating earthquake in Turkey. Officials made the announcement on Saturday, highlighting Julie's invaluable role in the rescue operation. Julie, part of the 'Operation Dost' team dispatched by the Indian NDRF, demonstrated exceptional search-and-rescue skills while assisting in the aftermath of the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and neighboring Syria on February 6. For her exemplary performance during this mission, Julie was honored with the prestigious "Director General's Commendation Role." The commendation specifically recognizes Julie's vital contribution in locating six-year-old Beren, who was trapped for over 70 hours under the debris of a multi-story building. Working alongside her partner Romeo, a male Labrador, Julie's diligent search efforts led to the identification of signs of life, prompting the successful rescue of Beren. The young girl was saved from the Gaziantep region of Turkey, thanks to the alertness and dedication of the canine duo. Odisha Train Crash: NDRF Jawan Who Was On Leave Sent 1st Alert, 'Live Location' Of Accident Site Julie currently serves with the second unit of the NDRF based in Kolkata, India. In response to the devastating earthquakes, India swiftly launched "Operation Dost," which involved sending seven aircraft carrying rescue personnel, essential supplies, and medical equipment to aid in the earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria. Under this operation, the Indian Army established the 60 Para Field Hospital, while NDRF teams were deployed for search and rescue operations. Currently, three NDRF teams are actively engaged in the region, assisting with the recovery and relief work. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 18:17 [IST] Hundreds Of Acres Of Land Allotted To RSS, Its Affiliates To Be Reviewed: Karnataka Minister RSS Body To Encourage Women To Read Gita, Ramayana For 'Sanskari, Deshbhakt' Babies India oi-PTI An RSS-affiliated body said it will launch 'Garbha Sanskar' campaign on Sunday under which pregnant women would be encouraged to read religious texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana, chant Sanskrit mantras and practise yoga so that "sanskari and deshbhakt" babies are born. "The 'Garbha Sanskar' programme has been developed with a holistic and scientific approach towards pregnancy, right from conception to delivery to ensure babies learn sanskar (culture and values) in the womb. The process will continue till they attain the age of two," a Samvardhinee Nyas functionary told PTI on Saturday. The programme will be implemented across the country by doctors associated with the Samvardhinee Nyas wing of Rashtra Sevika Sangh, a women's organisation that parallels the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP's ideological fountainhead. Expectant mothers and their families will be guided on various aspects of having a good child including taking healthy food, and providing good surroundings and atmosphere, the Nyas functionary said. Hundreds Of Acres Of Land Allotted To RSS, Its Affiliates To Be Reviewed: Karnataka Minister "For this, we have divided the country into five regions and each will have a team of 10 doctors who will implement the programme. Each of these doctors will start by taking up 20 cases of pregnancy in their respective regions," the Samvardhinee Nyas functionary told PTI. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and other dignitaries will be present during the virtual launch event, she added. An eight-member central team of the Nyas has been formed to guide and oversee the implementation of the Garbha Sanskar programme. The central team comprises ayurvedic, homoeopathy and allopathy doctors and a "subject expert", she added. "Every child taking birth, be it a boy or a girl, should come with good sanskar, good thoughts and be a deshbhakt (patriot). Our future generations should come to this world and grow up with a sense of service, values and culture, respect for women," another senior functionary of the Nyas said. Samvardhinee Nyas is confident that the 'Garbha Sanskar' programme will play a significant role in 'Bharat Nirman', she added. Under the programme, the Nyas functionary said, the pregnant women will be encouraged to chant some mantras in Sanskrit and read the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other religious scriptures. BJP, RSS attacking democracy, spreading hatred: Rahul in Bidar "Chanting of Sanskrit mantras and the reading of the Bhagavad Gita by parents can have a profound impact on the development and growth of the babies' brain in the womb which will continue after their birth. Positive vibrations reach to the baby in womb with chanting of Sanskrit shlokas," she told PTI. Under the programme, parents will be guided to have communication with the baby in womb, she said. "After four months in the womb, the baby starts listening. It has been proven by science. So parents will talk to the baby in the womb at a certain time, tell the baby about family members, Bharat, the state they live in and stories of India's great personalities," she added. Pregnant women will also be provided with lessons on yoga so that they have "a normal delivery", she added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 16:02 [IST] Shah Accuses Uddhav Of Betraying BJP For CM's Post After 2019 Maha Polls India pti-PTI Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the BJP for the chief minister's post after the Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019 by joining hands with Nationalist Congress Party and Congress. Addressing a rally at Nanded as a part of the BJP's outreach campaign to mark the completion of nine years of the Narendra Modi government, Shah said the BJP didn't bring down the Thackeray-led MVA government last year. He said Shiv Sainiks who were tired of Thackeray's policies and were not ready to go with the NCP headed by Sharad Pawar. He said in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, people have to decide who will become the prime minister of the country Narendra Modi or Congress' Rahul Gandhi. "I as (then) BJP president and (the then chief minister) Devendra Fadnavis had carried out negotiations in which Thackeray agreed that if the NDA gets majority, Fadnavis will be the chief minister (again) of Maharashtra. However, after the results (in 2019), Thackeray broke the promise and sat in the Congress-NCP's lap," Shah added. The Shiv Sena (undivided) and the BJP contested the 2019 Assembly polls together, but the former walked out of the alliance over the post of chief minister. The act of cheating and betrayal was done by Uddhav Thackeray. The elections were contested in the name of Modi ji and Devendra ji and he sat in the lap of Congress to become chief minister, Shah said. Will have to first recognise which Sena faction is the political party: Maharashtra Speaker Leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) routinely dub lawmakers who owe allegiance to Chief minister Shinde, whose rebellion in June last year split the party founded by late Bal Thackeray, as traitors who betrayed the Thackerays and party. Shah said the Shiv Sena, which is now headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has got back its bow and arrow and it has been decided who the real Shiv Sena is. He dared Thackeray to make his stand clear on whether he agrees on abolishing the practise of triple talaq, construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uniform Civil Code and reservation for Muslims. Shah also targeted Thackeray over the Congress' stand on Hindutva ideologue late V D Savarkar. He said while being with the Congress and the NCP, Thackeray cannot support the renaming of Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar, Osmanabad as Dharashiv and also Ahmednagar. In his last cabinet meeting last year, Thackeray had decided to change names of Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv. "You cannot have your feet in two boats. You will be exposed before the people of the state," Shah said in a swipe at Thackeray. Shah said during COVID-19 pandemic while Modi was giving vaccines to countrymen, Thackeray did not go to office. Thackeray had received flak for not going to office during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his revised autobiography released last month, NCP president Sharad Pawar said although the middle class liked Thackeray's Facebook Live during the COVID-19 pandemic, him going to Mantralaya (the state secretariat) just twice was difficult to fathom. Shah said four generations of the Congress could not achieve what Modi did in nine years. He said Prime Minister Modi is working to raise the stature of India globally, while on the other hand, the Congress' "prince" Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and insults the country. Rahul baba, one does not talk about the country's politics when he is abroad. If you don't know about this then ask senior Congress leaders. Rahul baba does not speak in the country. He talks abroad because there are very few in the country who listen to him, Shah said. The senior BJP leader said a magnificent Ram Temple will be built in Ayodhya by 2024. 'Shakti' Scheme: Free Travel for Women on Buses with Stickers Only India oi-Madhuri Adnal The Karnataka Government is gearing up to implement its first 'guarantee' as promised in the Congress manifesto through the 'Shakti' scheme. On Sunday, June 11, women across the state will be entitled to free travel in government buses. To ensure clarity and avoid confusion, the Transport Department has decided to affix stickers on buses that offer this free bus service exclusively for women, while excluding sleeper and luxury buses from the scheme. The official launch of the 'Shakti' scheme will take place at 11 am in front of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, and will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The scheme will be implemented statewide from 1 pm on the same day. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy addressed reporters at Vidhana Soudha, highlighting the preparations made for the launch of the 'Shakti' scheme. "The scheme will be launched here at Vidhana Soudha, and then we will travel to Majestic, where we will give the green signal to the scheme. It will be launched simultaneously across Karnataka. After 1 pm, women can travel for free in government buses. Stickers will be attached to buses that offer free travel for women to prevent confusion. Buses without stickers are not part of the free service," stated Ramalinga Reddy. 'Conductor' CM Siddaramaiah to Kickstart Free Bus Rides for Women in Karnataka on June 11 Under the scheme, sleepers and luxury buses have been excluded. Buses traveling outside the state, including sleeper buses (both AC and non-AC), Vayu Vajra, EV Power Plus (AC), Ambari, Airavat, and Flybus, will not offer free travel. The minister further emphasized that all beneficiaries must obtain the 'Shakti Smart Card' within the next three months. "The smart card will help us track the number of women passengers and their travel distances. This data will be useful for reimbursement to the Transport corporations," added the minister. Regarding the extension of the scheme to private buses, especially in coastal regions where government buses are limited in number, the minister stated that no such proposal is currently under consideration by the government. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 21:43 [IST] PM Modi To Be Honoured With Lokmanya Tilak National Award, Sharad Pawar To Be Chief Guest Sharad Pawar Announces Praful Patel, Supriya Sule NCP Working Presidents India oi-Deepika S In a major political development, Sharad Pawar on Saturday named Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as working presidents of the Nationalist Congress Party, virtually sidelining nephew Ajit Pawar, who is known to display rebellious streaks. The NCP chief made the announcement at the 25th anniversary of the party, founded by him and P A Sangma in 1999. "Praful Patel will shoulder the responsibility of the Working President of the Nationalist Congress Party. Supriya Sule will also be the Working President of the party," announced Pawar. While Supriya Sule has been tasked with the responsibility of Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and issues related to women, youth, students and the Lok Sabha, Praful Patel will look after Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Goa, and Rajya Sabha. The announcement was made in the presence of Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar's nephew and a key player in the NCP. Sharad Pawar A Reincarnation Of Aurangzeb: BJP's Nilesh Rane Kicks Up Row Recommended Video Sharad Pawar appoints Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as working presidents of NCP | Oneindia News Last month, Pawar had offered to resign from the presidency of the party which was followed by fervent remonstrations from the party members as well as other political leaders. An NCP panel formed to deliberate on Pawar's offer had on May 5 rejected his resignation and urged him to continue as the party president. Ajit Pawar, who had joined hands with the BJP in 2019 was seen visibly upset with the announcement and left the party office here Sule entered into active politics with her election as Rajya Sabha MP in September 2006. She took over the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency in 2009. She also formed the Rashtravadi Yuvati Congress, a wing of young women, to connect with the youth and build a network across the state. With his decision, Pawar has effectively made nephew Ajit Pawar report to her on party matters, a move that could lead to unease in the party. NCP was formed by Pawar along with Tariq Anwar and P A Sangma on June 10, 1999, after they were thrown out of Congress for raising an issue related to Sonia Gandhi, the then Congress President. Pawar managed to form the government with Congress after the 1999 Maharashtra Assembly elections to form the coalition government. Five years later, when the Congress-led UPA came to power, Pawar and Patel became Union Ministers and the NCP increased its footprint across several states. However, NCP has failed to make any impact since 2014, when it lost power both in Maharashtra and at the Centre. Meanwhile, the Election Commission removed national party status for NCP as the party no longer satisfied the condition of state party status in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Manipur. US Offers To Help India To Deal With Manipur Violence, Congress Reacts Sharply Can't Take Law And Order Apparatus In Our Hands: SC On Manipur Violence Will Report Manipur Situation To Amit Shah: Assam CM After Meeting Biren Singh India oi-PTI Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday called on his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh here and said he will report to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the ongoing situation in the trouble-torn state. Sarma flew down from Guwahati earlier this morning for this meeting to discuss the situation in Manipur where sporadic violence continues a month after ethnic clashes began in this northeastern state. "During my stay here, I met the honourable chief minister, his cabinet colleagues, our party leaders and civil society organisations. For us, peace and stability in Manipur are very very important. Whatever I have learnt during the day, I will report the same to the honourable Union Home Minister for further necessary actions," Sarma told reporters. Shah had visited Manipur from May 29 to June 1 to take stock of the situation. A senior BJP leader who was present at the meeting between the two chief ministers said, ''We highlighted the issues of the state concerning the violence. Himanta Biswa Sarma assured us he will work at his level best to restore peace in Manipur.'' The leader, who did not want to be quoted, told PTI: "Sarma said the Manipur BJP should not hesitate to ask what is needed and he will make sure those requirements are met.'' Representatives of COCOMI, a civil society organisation, were also present at the meeting. Manipur Violence: Centre Sets Up Committee To Facilitate Peace-Making Process "The Assam chief minister expressed condolences for the lives lost and said he will do whatever is needed to restore peace," COCOMI media coordinator Khuraijam Athouba said. The Centre has constituted a committee in Manipur headed by the governor to facilitate the peace-making process among various ethnic groups and initiate dialogue between conflicting parties, the Union home ministry said on Saturday in New Delhi. Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 22:07 [IST] Boris Johnson Quits As UK lawmaker After Learning He Will Be Sanctioned Over Partygate International oi-PTI Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson shocked Britain on Friday by quitting as a lawmaker after being told he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament. He departed with a ferocious tirade at his political opponents and at his successor, Rishi Sunak that could blast open tensions within the governing Conservative Party. Johnson resigned after receiving the results of an investigation by lawmakers into misleading statements he made to Parliament about partygate, a series of rule-breaking government parties during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a lengthy resignation statement, Johnson accused opponents of trying to drive him out and hinted that his rollercoaster political career might not be over yet. "It is very sad to be leaving Parliament at least for now," he said. Johnson, 58, said he had "received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear - much to my amazement - that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament." Rishi Sunak's Office Refuses To Hand Over Boris Johnson's Unredacted Messages To Covid-19 Inquiry He called the committee investigating him - which has members from both government and opposition parties - a "kangaroo court." "Their purpose from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts," Johnson said. The resignation will trigger a special election to replace Johnson as a lawmaker for a suburban London seat in the House of Commons. Johnson, whose career has seen a series of scandals and comebacks, led the Conservatives to a landslide victory in 2019 but was forced out by his own party less than three years later. He had been awaiting the outcome of an investigation by a House of Commons standards committee over misleading statements he made to Parliament about a slew of gatherings in government buildings in 2020 and 2021 that breached pandemic lockdown rules. Police eventually issued 126 fines over the late-night soirees, boozy parties and "wine time Fridays," including one to Johnson, and the scandal helped hasten the end of his premiership. Johnson has acknowledged misleading Parliament when he assured lawmakers that no rules had been broken, but he said he didn't do so deliberately. Recommended Video Boris Johnson, former UK Prime Minister quits Parliament with immediate effect | Oneindia News He told the committee he "honestly believed" the five events he attended, including a send-off for a staffer and his own surprise birthday party, were "lawful work gatherings" intended to boost morale among overworked staff members coping with a deadly pandemic. The committee had been expected to publish its report in the next few weeks, and Johnson could have faced suspension from the House of Commons if he was found to have lied deliberately. By quitting, he avoids a suspension that could have seen him ousted from his Commons seat by his constituents, leaving him free to run for Parliament again in future. His resignation statement suggested he was mulling that option. It was highly critical of Sunak, who served as Treasury chief in Johnson's government before jumping ship with many other colleagues in July 2022 - resignations that forced Johnson out. Johnson took aim at Sunak, who was chosen by the Conservatives in October to steady the government after the terms of Johnson and his briefly serving successor Liz Truss, who stepped down after six weeks when her tax-slashing policies caused financial turmoil. Johnson claimed that "when I left office last year the government was only a handful of points behind in the polls. That gap has now massively widened." Conservative poll ratings went into decline during the turbulent final months of Johnson's term and have not recovered. Opinion polls regularly put the opposition Labour Party 20 points or more ahead. A national election must be held by the end of 2024. "Just a few years after winning the biggest majority in almost half a century, that majority is now clearly at risk," Johnson said. "Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do." Putin threatened UK with missile attack, claims Boris Johnson Johnson resigned hours after King Charles III rewarded dozens of his loyal aides and allies with knighthoods and other honors, a political tradition for former prime ministers that drew cries of cronyism from opponents of the ousted leader. Johnson's dramatic exit is the latest - but maybe not the last - chapter in a career of extremes. The rumpled, Latin-spouting populist with a mop of blond hair had held major offices, including London mayor, but also spent periods on the political sidelines before Britain's exit from the European Union propelled him to the top. Johnson's bullish boosterism helped persuade 52% of Britons to vote to leave the EU, and he was elected prime minister in 2019 on a vow to "get Brexit done." He was less suited to the hard work of governing, and the pandemic - which landed Johnson in intensive care with COVID-19 - was a major challenge. Johnson's government won plaudits for its rapid vaccine rollout, but the U.K. also had one of the highest coronavirus death tolls in Europe, and some of the longest lockdowns. The final straw came when details emerged of parties held in Johnson's Downing Street office and home while the country was in lockdown. "Partygate" caused outrage and finally pushed the Conservative Party to oust its election-winning but erratic leader. Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, responded to Johnson's resignation with: "enough is enough." "The British public are sick to the back teeth of this never ending Tory soap opera played out at their expense," she said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 8:26 [IST] BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. Inclusive, ambitious, and action-oriented were the words Prime Minister Narendra Modi used to define Indias G20 presidency in Bali last year. Six months into our presidency, there is no doubt that India has delivered on its promise of inclusivity, Trend reports. Indian democracy derives its strength from the spirit and ethos of the countrys citizens and people-centric development is its defining feature. Indias inclusive approach to the G20 presidency is, therefore, an extension of its domestic approach to development and progress, which focuses on engaging all sections of society. Providing every citizen with the basic necessities of life is the highest priority for the government and it has consistently ensured that there is enough social security support for all citizens. Take our digital public infrastructure, for instance. It has enabled the government to deliver the benefits of development directly to citizens in all parts of the country in a transparent, smooth and corruption-free manner. Another example of Indias commitment towards inclusive development is that under Prime Minister Modis leadership, about 110 million rural households have been provided access to drinking water at their homes. More than 110 million sanitation facilities have been created across the country. Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana benefits women immensely. Fifty-six per cent of Jan Dhan account holders are women with 67 per cent of these accounts based in rural and semi-urban areas. It is not surprising, therefore, that women-led development is a major priority under Indias G20 presidency. Prime Minister Modis call for a pro-planet peoples movement to fight climate change is an exercise in inclusivity in its most fundamental sense and reflects this years G20 theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or One Earth One Family One Future. This portrays Indias holistic view of the world and emphasises that a collective effort is essential for global good. Drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text, the Maha Upanishad, the theme reaffirms the value of all life human, animal, plant, and microorganisms and their interconnectedness on planet Earth and the wider universe. Working for the global public good has been an important objective of Indias foreign policy as was evident during the Covid pandemic. India shared essential medical supplies with over 190 countries in the world. We also shared the Made in India vaccines with over 150 countries through the Vaccine Maitri programme. Inclusivity has been at the heart of every major decision under Indias presidency. From the decision to hold G20 meetings in every state and Union Territory of India rather than confining them to the capital, to invitees to the summit and key priorities discussed, every aspect has been carefully crafted to ensure this. So far, 131 G20 meetings have been held in 48 different locations in our country covering all but two states and all Union Territories. Africa will be strongly represented under Indias G20 presidency with the participation of South Africa, Comoros (African Union Chair), Nigeria, Egypt and Mauritius. In a bid to enrich and broaden the base of discussions, non-G20 member countries as well as regional and international organisations have been invited to specific G20 meetings. For example, Norway, which has expertise in the blue economy, has been invited to the G20 meeting on ocean health. At its core, Indias G20 presidency is a people-oriented event. The Jan Bhagidhari or peoples participation approach has evoked a great deal of enthusiasm within the country. G20-related events including seminars, conferences and festivals are designed to make people stakeholders in Indias presidency. As Prime Minister Modi underlined in his remarks in February to G20 Finance Ministers and G20 Central Bank Governors, the G20 must focus on discussions on the most vulnerable citizens of the world. It was with this human-centric development mindset that he convened the Voice of Global South Summit, attended by heads of state, governments and ministers from 125 countries, soon after India took over the G20 presidency. India firmly believes in inclusivity and taking everyone on board the path to growth and prosperity. At a time when multiple crises of global magnitude affect us all, the importance of keeping Vasudhaiva Kutumbakams sentiment alive has never been more critical. Trump Set For First Public Appearances Since Federal Indictment International oi-PTI Former President Donald Trump will make his first public appearances since his federal indictment, speaking on Saturday to friendly Republican audiences in Georgia and North Carolina as he seeks to rally supporters to his defense. Trump, who remains the front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination despite his mounting legal woes, is expected to use his scheduled speeches at state party conventions in the two states to deliver a full-throated rebuke of the charges and amplify his assertions that he is the victim of a politically motivated "witch hunt" by Democratic President Joe Biden's Justice Department. His appearances will come a day after the unsealing of an indictment charging him with 37 felony counts in connection with his hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The indictment accuses the former president of willfully defying Justice Department demands to return classified documents, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his estate. The indictment includes allegations that he stored documents in a ballroom and bathroom at his resort, among other places. The most serious charges against him carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years each, but first-time offenders rarely get anywhere near the maximum sentence and the decision would ultimately be up to the judge. What Is Donald Trump's Classified Documents Case About? For all that, Trump can expect a hero's welcome this weekend as he rallies his fiercest partisans and seeks to cement his status as Republicans' leading 2024 presidential candidate. "Trump is a fighter, and the kinds of people that attend these conventions love a fighter," said Jack Kingston, a former Georgia congressman who supported Trump in 2016 and 2020. With former Vice President Mike Pence also slated to address North Carolina Republicans, Saturday will be the first time the former running mates have appeared at the same venue since Pence announced his campaign against his old boss. For his part, Trump has insisted he committed no wrongdoing, saying, "There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years." Recommended Video Donald Trumps unsealed indictment says he took files on US nuclear secrets | Oneindia News The indictment arrives at a time when Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary. Other GOP candidates have largely attacked the Justice Department - rather than Trump - for the investigation, although the indictment's breadth of allegations and scope could make it harder for Republicans to rail against than an earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak. A Trump campaign official described the former president's mood as "defiant" Friday ahead of his trip. But aides were notably more reserved after the indictment's unsealing as they reckoned with the gravity of the legal charges and the threat they pose to Trump beyond the potential short-term political gain. The federal charging document alleges that Trump not only intentionally possessed classified documents but also boastfully showed them off to visitors and aides. The indictment is built on Trump's own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, including his professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information. The indictment includes 37 counts - 31 of which pertain to the willful retention of national defense information, with the balance relating to alleged conspiracy, obstruction and false statements - that, taken together, could result in a yearslong prison sentence. Trump Described Pentagon Plan Of Attack And Shared Classified Military Map Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance Tuesday in Miami. He was charged alongside Walt Nauta, a personal aide whom prosecutors say moved boxes from a storage room to Trump's residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. A photograph included in the indictment shows several dozen file boxes stacked in a storage area. The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump, who has already been indicted in New York in a hush money scheme and faces additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta that also could lead to criminal charges. But among the various investigations he has faced, the Mar-a-Lago probe has long been considered the most perilous threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. Campaign aides had been bracing for the fallout since Trump's attorneys were notified that he was the target of the investigation, assuming it was not a matter of if charges would be brought, but when. Trump's continued popularity among Republican voters is evident in how gingerly his primary rivals have treated the federal indictment, which comes less than three months after he was charged in New York in a hush-money scheme stemming from payouts made to a porn actor during his 2016 campaign. Pence, campaigning in New Hampshire on Friday, said he was "deeply troubled" that Trump had been federally indicted because he believes it will further divide the nation. Pence urged his audience to pray for Trump, his family and all Americans, and promised to uphold the rule of law and "clean house at the highest level" of the Department of Justice, if elected. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump's leading GOP rival, unabashedly echoed the former president, decrying the "weaponization of federal law enforcement" and "an uneven application of the law." Without offering any specific allegation, DeSantis took aim at two favorite Republican targets - Hillary Clinton and Biden's son, Hunter - and suggested they have escaped federal accountability because of such "political bias." During his own remarks at the North Carolina GOP convention on Friday night, DeSantis didn't mention Trump by name but again made the comparison to Clinton. "Is there a different standard for a Democratic secretary of state versus a former Republican president?" DeSantis asked. "I think there needs to be one standard of justice in this country. ... At the end of the day, we will once and for all end the weaponization of government under my administration." Among the declared Republican contenders, only Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson had explicitly called for Trump to end his comeback bid. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 10:35 [IST] The operators of the Artemis brothel had launched two lawsuits after police raided the premises in 2016. The city administration.. Deutsche Welle 10 Jun 2023 When Jennifer Austin woke up on Tuesday morning, her Ottawa home smelled like smoke, even though all the windows were closed. The Waratahs will be hoping to snap a daunting 14-year hoodoo at Eden Park when they head to Auckland next week for a quarter-final clash against the Blues. Australia stretched its lead to 296 runs against India and tightened its grip on the World Test Championship final. French judges on Saturday handed preliminary charges of attempted murder to a man suspected of stabbing four young children and two.. Upworthy 10 Jun 2023 Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has left chaos in his wake after quitting Parliament and accusing fellow lawmakers of ousting him in a witch hunt. Johnson unexpectedly stepped down as a lawmaker late Friday. He had faced suspension from Parliament for misleading lawmakers about rule-breaking government parties during the pandemic. Johnson insists he never deliberately lied over partygate. His departure left the Conservative government absorbing the shock of yet another Johnson earthquake. The committee investigating Johnson said he had had impugned the integrity of the House of Commons with his attack. Meanwhile, a band of loyal supporters insisted Britains divisive ex-leader could still make a comeback. EU interior ministers have gathered in a bid to reach a deal on joint migration and asylum policy. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said Berlin wants to include enhanced rights for children in the agreement. The operators of the Artemis brothel had launched two lawsuits after police raided the premises in 2016. The city administration has apologized for detaining staff and making prejudicial statements at a press conference. The German chancellor said that he was open to speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but ruled out peace talks until Moscow withdraws troops. Follow DW for more. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. The country's economic growth should rise from the current seven per cent to at least 10 per cent, which would result in overall increase in the per capita income, former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said on Friday, Trend reports. The compounding rate is so powerful that if India grows at 9 per cent, the per capita income would be USD 20,000 and if the growth stood at 10 per cent, the per capita income would be USD 30,000, he noted. "For this growth (7% to 10%) to be achieved, I believe every State should be champions. We need 10 to 12 States to grow at 10 per cent plus to enable other states to also grow. Southern states have to play a key and critical role as they are the best in competition," he said at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Southern Regional Council Meeting here. Elaborating, he said in every index that have been conducted -- be it health, education and tourism sector, southern states have always ranked 'Number One'. "India's growth story has to be driven by the southern region and especially the private sector. Every state has to now become the easiest place of doing business to allow the private sector to invest and grow," Mr Kant also the G20 Sherpa of India, said. Projecting that over 500 million people would be migrating to urban areas over the next five years, he said, "what is currently happening is unplanned urbanisation whereas one should look at a well-planned urbanisation.. This is a huge opportunity for the private sector to be a part of the new and well-planned cities." He noted that the sun rise sectors like electric mobility, battery storage, green hydrogen were emerging areas of the growth and the country needs to embrace such sectors and build size and scale. "The ability to be a global champion is only possible when there is a size and scale of manufacturing of these areas." Amitabh Kant said and stressed the need to bring down cost of production and for creation of a robust global value chain. "India must further develop the skills, ability to manufacture, improve logistics, and the ability to turn around ports to make India a truly global leader," he said. The US Justice Department accused Trump of putting the country's national security at risk by keeping secret documents at his estate in Mar-a-Lago. The children went missing after surviving a plane crash 40 days ago. President Gustavo Petro celebrated the news as a "joy for the whole country." Rumble 12 Jun 2023 Ted Kaczynski, former math professor and 'twisted genius' who came to be known as the Unabomber when he carried.. 2008-2023 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Plans for a giant cruise ship to house asylum seekers near Liverpool have been scrapped after being declined by port officials. The White House is still requiring unvaccinated guests to wear face masks and practice social distancing, despite the government ending the COVID national emergency. ViewAmong the 37 felony counts former President Donald Trump faces in federal court, 31 of them are for his alleged mishandling of.. Newsy 14 Jun 2023 Not mentioning Trump by name, Governor Ron DeSantis pledged to "end the weaponization of power" in a speech at the Republican North Carolina State convention on Friday night. (9 June)(AP video shot by Erik Verduzco) British Royal Air Force fighter jets were twice scrambled over the course of 24 hours to intercept Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace, the Ministry of Defence in London said Friday. Canada said Friday it will join a trade dispute panel that the United States requested over Mexicos proposed limits on imports of genetically modified corn. The U.S. government asked that the dispute process be formally opened on June 2, after talks with the Mexican government failed to yield #mexico #mexican #usmexicocanada #usmca #northamerican #economydepartment BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on Friday said while there would be a consensus on the various issues that are being discussed at the forum during New Delhis presidency, the country will be putting forth a developmental agenda, including digital public initiative and the drive for green hydrogen. Speaking at the Confederation of Indias (CII) southern regional conference in Chennai, he said the country has been advocating inclusive resilient growth when one-third of the world is facing recession, while developed countries wanted to discuss war-related issues, like food, fuel, and fertilisers. We will do everything possible despite the challenges and the global tension, we played a key role in Bali and will continue to do a key role for bringing all countries together. We are ambitious about the developmental issues and has been inclusive all along, he said. Asked about whether there are still any issues that have to be ironed out, Kant said only 50% of work has been done and the remaining half will be completed in another three month. In September, the stakeholders are converging in Delhi. Many of the issues are being discussed in the third and fourth round. We are happy with the progress achieved so far on all the issues in the agenda,he said. Highlighting the importance of green hydrogen, Kant said India currently imports $200 billion of fossil fuel. The country can reduce this import bill by investing in green hydrogen and also be the biggest producer and exporter of green hydrogen in the coming years. He said that while relative shares of the economies of the developed world to the global output were dwindling , countries like India, China and African countries have been on a path to growth because of the young demographies. To take advantage of the situation, he called on the industries to propel the manufacturing market which will make products of international standards at affordable rates which will in turn benefit the countrys economy. According to him, for higher growth to be achieved, every state should be champions. We need 10 to 12 states to grow at 10% plus to enable other states to also grow. The southern states have to play a key and critical role as they are the best in competition, Kant said. Apple and Amazon.com must face a consumer antitrust lawsuit in U.S. court accusing them of conspiring to artificially inflate the price of iPhones and iPads sold on Amazon's platform, a federal judge in Seattle ruled on Thursday. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour rejected bids #apple #amazoncom #iphones #ipads #amazon #seattle #johncoughenour #steveberman #supremecourt #ninthcircuit Tens of thousands of people rallied again in downtown Belgrade on Friday, demanding the resignation of Serbia's populist president and warned of radicalization of the peaceful protest if Pakistans cash-strapped government on Friday presented its draft for the national budget, allocating funds to fight climate change despite staggering $30 billion in losses from last summer's devastating floods. Lawmakers are expected to approve the proposal by the end of the month, after a #pakistan #shahbazsharif #imrankhan #finance #ishaqdar Sri Lanka has lifted import restrictions on nearly 300 items with immediate effect, the finance ministry announced on Saturday, in a clear sign that the island nation is slowly but surely emerging from its worst economic crisis in decades. In April 2022, Sri Lanka declared its international debt default due to the forex crisis. Counteroffensive action against Russian forces is under way, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, with troops engaged in intense fighting along the front line. Dragos Tigau made a racist comment at a meeting in April but has only now been disciplined. Bingoal Fined by Dutch Authority for Directing Advertisements at Young Adults Published June 10, 2023 by OCR Editor In a striking move, KSA fines Bingoal Nederland 400,000 for deliberately directing promotional activities towards young adults, breaching Dutch gambling regulations. In a targeted enforcement action, the Dutch gambling watchdog, de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has sanctioned Bingoal Nederland with a hefty 400,000 (345,282/$427,678) fine for deliberately directing marketing content towards young adults. This action comes after an extensive investigation into allegations that some gambling operators have been sending advertisements to individuals between 18 and 24. The investigation, which spanned from 1 October 2021 to 1 April 2022, was launched following numerous reports about potential breaches of gambling regulations. During the probe, the KSA found that Bingoal had distributed promotional emails and messages to many players within this specific age bracket, sparking controversy and raising questions about ethical business practices in the industry. According to Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the Dutch Betting and Gaming Act (Bwrvk), licensed operators are strictly prohibited from directing their promotional activities towards young adults. This rule was allegedly breached by Bingoal, leading to the KSA's punitive action. Bingoal, while accepting that they had sent the communications to the players under scrutiny, contested the allegations, stating that these were not specifically targeted at the young adult age group. Instead, the company argued that the emails were part of a broad advertising campaign aimed at all players. In a surprising twist, Bingoal criticized the KSA for interpreting the law, claiming that there was ambiguity surrounding the term "targeting." The firm also posited that any penalty should consider its status as a licensed operator and that imposing a fine between 100,000 and 500,000 would give unlicensed operators, who are not subject to the same regulations, a significant advantage. Despite these objections, the KSA imposed the fine, citing similar decisions made in concurrent investigations. In addition, the authority asserted that an administrative fine would serve as an appropriate response and take into account the severity of the violation. The KSA further declared that Bingoal was in clear breach of the Bwrvk rules and noted that the company had failed to prevent certain emails from reaching young adults, despite possessing the technology to do so. The regulator also rebuffed Bingoal's argument about the law's ambiguity, stating that it is incumbent upon licensees to understand their obligations. The 400,000 fine was broken down with 350,000 attributed to the actual breach and the additional 50,000 related to the duration of Bingoal's noncompliance with the law. The decision was made and ratified on 5 April, marking a significant moment in enforcing gambling regulations in the Netherlands. Kochi: Vinaykumar Balakrishnan from Keralas Kochi was working as the CEO of a Mauritius-based insurance company in 2018. While attending a party in Dubai he was captivated by the plate in which he was served food. It was his first encounter with biodegradable plates made of wheat bran a moment which would define the rest of his career. The plates evoked first a sense of curiosity and then a business idea in Vinaykumar; he had already worked in several entities including the Indian Railways, two banks and three insurance companies. Vinaykumar found that the plates used at the party were manufactured by a Polish company. He wrote them a complimentary note, a sort of business invite. He asked the company to explore the possibilities of expanding its business to India where its main raw material agriculture byproducts like bran and hay are available in abundance. The reply from the company, however, did not only disappoint him but offended too. The crux of their reply was that their products were not meant for Indians. That made me furious. I decided to quit my job, return to India and start a company making such plates, Vinaykumar told Onmanorama. That was the origin of Angamaly-based VIR Naturals and its biodegradable plates and straws, branded as Thooshan. It was a rare instance of a spurt of national pride paving way for a risky business. Thooshan biodegradable plates from Angamaly-based VIR Naturals. Photo: Special arrangement Thooshan which has already found its space in a variety of dining areas, including private parties, luxury hotels, wayside eateries and even at the G20 meet held in Kumarakom, was one of the star attractions at the three-day HotelTech Kerala exhibition in Kochi which concluded on Friday. Thooshans prominent products are dinner plates made of wheat bran and drinking straws made of rice flour. The straws are edible while the plates can also be eaten or used as bio manure for plants. The company's upcoming product is a fork made of rice bran and bioplastic. The founders named the product Thooshan as the word in Malayalam means plantain leaf on which a traditional Kerala feast is served. Vinaykumar believes it to be the first biodegradable plate in the world. Our aim is to make Thooshan synonymous with biodegradable plates and cutlery. We want to reduce use of single-use plastic as much as possible. I already have a sense of satisfaction about doing something for the future generation, he said. After he took the sudden plunge into entrepreneurship, his wife Indira Vinaykumar also quit her banking job and joined him. Vinaykumar is the founder and managing director of the company while Indira is co-founder. Thooshan biodegradable forks from Angamaly-based VIR Naturals. Photo: Special arrangement Indira said their clients include Club Mahindra and event managers who conduct 'eco weddings' and parties. Of late, we have also been getting orders from thattukadas (wayside eateries) where cleaning plates properly has been a big concern. Juice shops are the main customers of our straws, she said. After deciding to start the company, Vinaykumar collaborated with the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) for setting up the necessary technology. We were able to create the technology in three years, he said. The company now has its manufacturing units in Telangana and Kochi. Vinaykumar is yet to forget the snub from the Polish company. However, he had the last laugh as the foreign company contacted him six months ago seeking possible collaboration. He did not respond though. Thooshan biodegradable plates and straws from Angamaly-based VIR Naturals. Photo: Special arrangement Unlike the Polish company, Im ready to share our technology with anyone who requires it. Already, firms from Russia, UK and Nigeria have approached us, he said. Vinaykumar is looking to scale up; the valuation for the expansion has been done. The company registered under the Kerala Startup Mission is trying to get investors onboard. Thooshan was one of the five companies selected from Kerala for the PM Kisan Samemlan. The company has won recognitions from organisations including the UNDP, FICCI, Startup Mission, Kerala government and EY. If opportunity is a congenital twin to chaos, then war is its handmaiden. Yet the smart strategist side-steps conflict to embrace favorable contingencies. Alliances are now loose, multiple and wide-ranging, in stark contrast to the iron curtain era of the Soviets when Hungary's vain attempt to loosen its ties ended in disaster. India, for example, is seeking some sort of security arrangement with the US to balance the threat it feels from China. At the same time, it has a long history of buying arms from Russia. Arch- rival Pakistan is a long-time friend of China to the point of being almost a client state. Not surprisingly, it is very sensitive to India's closer ties in that direction. Saudi Arabia is playing fast and loose with its US ties as it broadens its associations and begins to woo Iran, which has recently signed an understanding with China and Russia. As China depends on its oil and gas from the Gulf, it has an interest in peace there and encouraged the Saudi initiative. In this Middle East maelstrom, the US is conspicuous in its absence. The US president is supposed to speak softly and carry a big stick except the current occupant of the office is inaudible and his stick is a crutch. So the US is sending F-16 fighters to Ukraine. But Ukraine is a minor player. The real prize is Russia itself with its vast resources. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. A fire broke out in a factory in Istanbul (Turkiye), Trend reports. The incident took place in the Basaksehir district. Fire brigades continue to extinguish the fire. At the same time, a fire broke out at a scrap metal warehouse in Istanbul's Pendik district. Earlier, an explosion occurred at a rocket and explosives factory in Ankara. Block 216, developer Walt Bowens $600 million building in the heart of Portlands troubled downtown, will stage its grand opening Aug. 15. The 251-room Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which will be the buildings largest tenant and employ 350, will open for business that day. Aug. 15 is also the first day would-be buyers of the buildings 132 condos can close on their units. Block 216 is the largest and most expensive building in the citys central business district in four decades. The striking 35-story glass tower was an epic undertaking for Bowen even before the pandemic and the stunning decline of the citys downtown. Now, he and his team must find tenants and homebuyers who want to live and do business between the downtown Target store, a shuttered city park heavy with graffiti, and a Multnomah County behavioral health center thats drawn complaints from nearby businesses because of security issues. Bowen remains confident. As one of the tallest towers in Portland, this development is a monumental signifier of the renewal and transformation in store for this city, he said in a statement. We are pleased to contribute to Portlands continued recovery and resurgence. Bowen declined an interview request. Greg Goodman said Block 16 will be a game-changer for downtown. I think its fabulous that Walt has endured, Goodman said. Hes had to deal with some trying times and he deserves some success. Local real estate developer Bob Ames said the building is nothing less than a referendum on downtown Portland. They have to sell the condos, theyve got to lease the office space and someone has to operate the hotel, Ames said. But, if it is successful on an operating basis iit sends all the right signals that Portland is coming back. Bowen also has apparently settled a fight with the city over affordable housing. Bowens company BPM Real Estate Group will pay $7.76 million to the Portland Housing Bureau to avoid its inclusionary zoning requirements, one of the citys programs intended to promote construction of affordable housing. Bowens team had two choices: to make 27 of the 132 condos affordable, or to pay the penalty. As first chronicled by The Oregonian/OregonLive, BPM delayed paying the money by insisting to the city that it would set aside the cut-rate condos when it actually had no intention of doing so. On Friday, BPM pledged to make the payment to the city by the end of 2025, characterizing it as the single largest investment supporting affordable housing in Portland history. Revenue from the condo sales will be key to the buildings success. Jim Mark, head of the Melvin Mark Cos. real estate development and management firm, said he was told on a recent tour of the building that 25% of the units had been tentatively sold. Patrick Clark, a Portland Realtor who specializes in condos, said the building and its condos are beautiful. Whats more, the Ritz-Carlton affiliation will attract a different, wealthier customer than a typical Portland unit. That being said, Portland-area condo sales in 2023 are weak. Sales in the first five months of this year are 45% lower than the same time last year, Clark said. In the same period, the average price fell 19%. Much of the buildings retail space is spoken for. Packhouz Jewelers will move into the buildings first floor this fall. Flock, the buildings all-new, open-air cuisine experience, will be unveiled in November. The space, reminiscent of the food carts that once occupied the block, will be home to breweries, well-known restaurants and a coffee shop and bakery. BPM is also negotiating a long-term lease with a major Portland law firm, three people in the real estate industry said, though the identity of the firm is not yet certain. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill into law Tuesday that will increase punishments for people caught street racing in the state, the latest effort by lawmakers to crack down on dangerous and sometimes deadly street takeovers that have snarled city streets for years. Starting in September, anyone convicted of street racing in Oregon could face up to 364 days in prison, a $6,250 fine or both, according to Senate Bill 615. People convicted of street racing more than once within five years would face a five-year prison sentence, a $125,000 fine or both. The law also authorizes the seizure of vehicles used in street racing called speed racing in the bill and modifies the crime of reckless driving to include street racing. In an announcement on Twitter Tuesday night, Kotek said the bill would help restore safety to Oregon communities. Street racing is deadly to those who participate, to bystanders, and to neighborhoods, Koteks statement said. Since 2015, at least eight people have been killed in street-racing-related incidents in Oregon. Others have been injured including an 11-year-old boy hit by gunfire in March 2022 and an 18-year-old woman in a coma after being hit by a racer in 2018. A street-racing crash in February killed one driver and seriously injured another driver and their passenger on North Marine Drive in Portland after both drivers lost control of their cars, police said. Officers arrived at the scene to find the two cars on fire. Several months earlier, 26-year-old Ashlee Diane McGill was struck by an out of control street racer on Aug. 27 while waiting for a bus in Southeast Portlands Hazelwood neighborhood. The driver who hit her was racing another car on Southeast Stark Street near 133rd Avenue, police said. Portland police arrested 35-year-old Kenneth Freeman in the crash that killed McGill. He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree manslaughter. Portland police, city leaders and lawmakers have taken steps in recent years to crack down on street racing, including a 2021 ordinance revising city code to make street racing and street takeovers misdemeanor offenses, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Portland police have also partnered with the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police on multiple speed racing missions, resulting in dozens of arrests, citations and vehicle seizures. Earlier this month, Portland police arrested five people and cited 25 more during a street-racing sting in North Portland, where a group of racers took over North Columbia Boulevard near Peninsular Avenue to speed and perform stunts for hours. About two dozen people fled from police, the bureau said. In April, Kotek agreed to send Oregon State Police troopers to help the Portland Police Bureau respond to street-racing events. -- Catalina Gaitan, cgaitan@oregonian.com, @catalingaitan_ Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe. The Northwest just went through its second heat wave of the year, wildfire smoke is finally being taken seriously (now that New York City has been impacted) and schools are just about done for the year. All of which can only mean one thing: Thats right, some of Portlands top restaurants are rolling out their summer events series, with new pop-up press releases, um, popping up in my inbox nearly every day. And better yet, many of them look like a lot of fun, from a wood-fired Friday wine and pizza series to a Cuban-influenced rooftop taqueria to a back-patio carne asada taco pop-up. Here are some stand-out summer pop-ups as they stand on Friday June 9 (I might add more as I hear about them; feel free to drop me a line if you know of one I missed. My criteria: The event series should take place in Portland, it should be seasonal, and it should be recurring no one-offs, please). Pride Month @ Bullard Tavern Bullard Tavern and its sister establishments are celebrating pride month with specials created in collaboration with staff, including a burrata and summer strawberry salad and fried trout sandwich at lunch, and a compressed melon salad, rainbow trout almandine and special dessert at dinner, plus one-off pastries at the Woodlark Hotels Good Coffee location and specials at the adjacent Abigail Hall and Sellwood-Morelands Holler Treats. A portion of June proceeds will go to Portlands Q Center. When: The month of June, with further summer events include a Copper River Salmon dinner on June 25, a Pride Parade party July 15-16, farm dinners and an oyster competition with guest chefs extending into August. Where: 813 S.W. Alder St. 9 1 / 9 The Wine Yard opens Cafe Olli @ Division Winemaking To celebrate the completion of their new Wine Yard tasting room and production facility, Division Winemaking owners Kate Norris and Thomas Monroe have invited Cafe Olli our No. 2 restaurant of 2022 to park their mobile pizza oven at the urban winerys new courtyard for a Friday night pop-up pizza series. Division will sell wines by the glass or bottle, DJs will spin music, kids and dogs are welcome and Cafe Olli will offer vegan and vegetarian pie options, along with a meat. No reservations are necessary. When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday June 23, Friday, July 28 and Friday, August 11, with potential additional dates to be added Where: 2005 S.E. 8th Ave. Can Bar Between Heavenly Creatures, Cache Cache and a handful of projects still in the rumor phase, seafood finally seems to be having a moment in Portland this year. Can Bar, Tobias Hogans new pop-up at the old Pix Patisserie space, 2225 E. Burnside St., hopes to bring local low-intervention wines, canned cocktails and 50 canned seafood options from around the world, available on their own or as part of a board. According to a press release from Pixs Cheryl Wakerhauser, the options include chargrilled tuna neck, ultra-thin razor clams, curried mackerel filets, tiny sardines and more. Starting June 16, Can Bar guests will also have access to Pixs impressive bubbly list When: 4 to 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Where: 2225 E. Burnside St. Smoked chicken and sides from a special night at Grand Fir Brewing. The Southeast Portland brewery recently launched its Tack Shack BBQ series with specials and collaborations on alternating weeks through the summer.Michael Russell | The Oregonian Tack Shack BBQ @ Grand Fir Brewing My favorite bites at Grand Fir Brewing, the new brewery from Whitney Burnside and chef Doug Adams, have been the brewpubs special smoked meat nights and occasional beer pairing dinners. Good news, then, as Grand Fir is putting a lively, East Texas brand on those events with Tack Shack, a summer BBQ series filled with smoked beef ribs, pork belly BLTs, beer can chickens and a must-attend upcoming collaboration with Grasslands, the Hood River-based barbecue all stars. When: The Grasslands collaboration runs from 3 to 7 p.m. (or sold out) Wednesday, June 21, with future Tack Shack events happening on Monday July 3 and Monday July 17, with more to come in August. Keep an eye on Instagram for more info. Where: 1403 S.E. Stark St. Kachkas Grill n Chill Necessity is the mother of invention. When Kachka first took over its back parking lot with a 90s-era comfort food pop-up, it was 2020, and many Portlanders were still uncomfortable dining inside. On Wednesdays through June, the restaurant is throwing a grill n chill tailgate, with skewered meats, burgers, wings, seasonal salads and ice cold cocktails, each with a Kachka twist. Visit Tock to RSVP. When: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday June 14, 21 and 28 Where: 960 S.E. 11th Ave. (just outside Lavka, Kachkas upstairs deli) Palomar's rooftop bar took last year off, but it's back this year with Tocayo, a pop-up taqueria with food and drinks inspired by owner Ricky Gomez and chef Ricky Bella's Cuban and Mexican heritage.Michael Russell | The Oregonian Tocayo @ Palomar After taking last year off, Palomars rooftop bar has reopened as Tocayo, a new taqueria from owner Ricky Gomez and chef Ricky Bella blending their Cuban and Mexican backgrounds (in Mexico, tocayo means namesake). A sample menu shows braised pork or oxtail tacos, a shrimp and tuna ceviche and a frozen guava margarita. The pop-up is 21+ and weather dependent. No reservations are required. When: 4 p.m. to sunset Saturdays and Sundays (update: due to staffing issues, Tocayo shifted its start time from 2 to 4 p.m. after press time) Where: 959 S.E. Division St Piggins by Higgins The dark green food cart from the Higgins team is back at the Oregon Historical Societys terrace, this time with a casual Venetian theme, including wine and beer, charcuterie, cheese and cichetti little snack-sized sandwiches topped with a daily selection of salumi, seafood or vegetables. In addition, Piggins is moving back to a table-service model. When: Noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. at Where: 1200 S.W. Park Ave. The Sunset Room @ Pacific Standard The icelandic KEX hotels rooftop bar opened for the summer season late last month with strawberry wine coolers, smoky banana margaritas and a small bites menu including cold grilled shrimp with chili-tamarind glaze. Owners Jeffrey Morgenthaler and Benjamin Banjo Amberg have been busy the second location of Pacific Standard, the former Clyde Common duos lobby bar at KEX opens in Salems Holman Riverfront Park Hotel on June 14. When: 4 to 11 p.m. daily Where: Up the yellow elevator at KEX, 100 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Surprise! The Woodsman Tavern recently opened its secluded back patio for pop-ups from Tacos Con Onda and their own backyard BBQ series.Courtesy of The Woodsman Tavern Tacos Con Onda This Norteno-style carne asada taco pop-up comes from Adan Fausto, a former fine-dining chef who impressed us with his Mexican seafood dishes at Paradise Mariscos, one of Portlands great food finds of 2022. At Tacos Con Onda, Fausto is hoping to present a taste of his fathers Mexicali heritage, with steak cooked over mesquite coals, real-deal flour tortillas, pinto beans, charred jalapenos and more, including vegan and kosher options. (Keep an eye out for more on Tacos Con Onda next week.) No reservations are required. When: 4 p.m. until sold out Thursday and Friday starting June 22, 2 p.m. until sold out Saturday starting July 8 (see locations below) Where: Thursdays and Fridays at Hungry Heart Bakery, 7940 S.E. Stark St., Saturdays at The Woodsman Tavern, 4537 S.E. Division St. The Woodsman Taverns Backyard Bash Speaking of The Woodsman, did you know the Division Street tavern has a back patio? Thats because theyve never opened it to the public until this year. For the first time this summer, the restaurant will welcome guests to that patio, where Woodsman chef Jeff Emerson will host a Sunday BBQ series with brewers, winemakers, creative makers, chefs and other friends along with live music and DJs, house sausages, summer sides and canned drinks. Tickets are available via Resy. When: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday June 11, Sunday June 18, Sunday June 25 and Sunday July 9 Where: 4537 S.E. Division St. Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Breakfast and lunch could be free for all students in Portland Public Schools by the 2024-2025 school year, under a proposed $17 million funding boost to the state school nutrition fund. That money, combined with changes to federal rules that govern which schools are eligible for full or partial reimbursements of the costs of providing school meals, would allow more than two-thirds of all Oregon schools to offer free breakfast and lunch by fall 2024, said Matt Newell-Ching, a policy manager for the Oregon Food Bank who has closely tracked the issue. At the start of the legislative session, anti-hunger advocates had hoped that Oregon would become the sixth state to offer universal school lunch for every student, regardless of their income level. Free school meals were a national pandemic staple, until funding for the effort was discontinued in October 2022. But the state will fall short of that goal, after lawmakers let the bill die in committee. However, in March, the federal government announced plans to make it easier for schools to qualify to offer free meals for all students and get reimbursed for up to 90% of the cost of doing so. Previously, at least 40% of students in a school had to be eligible for federal social services to participate, but the U.S. Department of Agricultures plan will lower that bar to 25%. There is a catch: In order to make it pencil out for all eligible schools, the state needs to provide some matching funding, which is where the $17 million comes in. Oregon currently spends about $45 million per year subsidizing school lunches. Already, about 55% of schools in Oregon qualify to offer universal free lunch. The federal rule change and boost in state funding would add another 200 schools, Newell-Ching said. Thats important, he said, because decades of research has shown that students do better both academically and socially when they have enough food to eat and no worries about where their next meal is coming from. The new funding was approved this week by the Joint Ways and Means Committee, as part of the Oregon Department of Education budget for the upcoming biennium. It still needs sign-off from the House and Senate. Progress on virtually every legislative initiative has been stalled for weeks after Senate Republicans staged a quorum-denying walkout in large part over House Bill 2002, a sweeping reproductive rights bill that would give minors the right to seek an abortion without parental notification, among other provisions. But this week, negotiations to restart the session have kicked into high gear, with legislative leaders from both parties meeting Friday to hammer out more concrete terms of a potential deal. Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, D-Portland, said Friday that the two sides are getting closer. She said Democrats are not willing to kill House Bill 2002 which she said would be negotiating away our goals and values. But her caucus might be open to small modifications, she said. Even if the two sides dont come to an agreement and policy bills fall by the wayside when the legislative session ends June 25, Gov. Tina Kotek could call lawmakers back to Salem to deal with agency budgets, including for the Department of Education, during a special session in July. One issue that could dissipate with the expansion of free school lunches is lunch debt, the collections process that kicks in around the end of the school year. In Beaverton, for example, 6,742 students out of about 40,000 finished the year owing money for meals, at a total cost to the district of $217,450, according to district data. In Hillsboro, lunch debt stands at $140,000. By contrast, in the David Douglas School District, all schools already offer free meals to students, so no families are getting reminders about paying up, spokesperson Dan McCue said. The number of individual public school children receiving free meals will grow next school year under a federal pilot program that will allow Oregon kids who are eligible for Medicaid to be automatically registered for free school lunches. Currently, in schools that dont offer universal free lunch, an Oregon family of four needs to make less than $83,250 to qualify for free school lunches. Every school district sets their own prices for lunch, and costs can vary widely. Julia Silverman, @jrlsilverman, jsilverman@oregonian.com In ninth grade, Karelly Ramirez-Wades chemistry teacher in Monterrey, Mexico, pulled her aside as he handed quizzes back to students. Shed let someone copy her work and he caught it. Instead of punishing Ramirez, he encouraged her to be proud of her work, and told her something she didnt hear very often: Youre good at this. It was a confusing time for Ramirez, who didnt know then that she had learning disabilities, including dyslexia. Shed been made to feel stupid in math class for mixing up numbers when she responded to questions. Instead of signing up for science electives she craved, Ramirez pretended she wasnt interested, because science, her peers said, was for boys. I already felt weird, I didnt want to feel weirder, remembers Ramirez, 26. The comment from Mr. Romo, at a time when Ramirez felt like so many teachers doubted her, was a reassurance. It kindled a love for science that eventually drove her to chase a double major in chemistry and physics at Portland State University, and continues to fuel her efforts to make science more accessible. Ramirez is among the nearly 4,000 undergraduates who will graduate from Portland State this summer, many of whom will walk the stage at commencement next week. She wants to open the door wider for the women, neurodivergent students and students of color coming up behind her in the sciences and supports that next generation by mentoring underprivileged middle school students interested in STEM. Science is for everyone, Ramirez said. The thought of gatekeeping that is just not OK. FROM MEDICINE TO SCIENCE Ramirez was planning to attend medical school in Mexico before she visited the United States. Pondering the decade of intense schooling ahead of her, the then 19-year-old decided she wanted a short break. She planned a trip to the Pacific Northwest in the fall of 2017, and on a whim applied to the University of Oregon. She got in. But on her trip, Ramirez fell in love with Portland instead. Growing up, Ramirez would paste pictures of pine trees to the walls of the bedroom she shared with her mother in Monterrey. She wasnt a fan of the sappy teenage drama Twilight, but as other girls launched into fantasies about vampire love boat Edward Cullen, Ramirez instead dreamed of Twilights foggy forests, far from her desert home. So when she got lost in Forest Park on her first trip to Portland, Ramirez knew she was in the right place. Alone and somewhat frightened in the middle of the woods, she felt something akin to the lyrics of a Smiths song at least if she was lost, shed found a heavenly way to die. I was like, This is awesome. This is so beautiful. This is literally what Ive always wanted, she said. That was sort of the thing that made me decide I wanted to move here. Ramirez decided she preferred Portland States city-centered campus over school in Eugene. She applied, and after saving money and securing a Visa, Ramirez returned to Oregon for school in 2018. Ramirez doesnt come from a wealthy family. She attended a Mexican private school on scholarship and is the first in her family to pursue college. In the U.S., Ramirez decided she couldnt afford the lengthy and costly process of studying medicine, and opted instead to return to science. She remembers the day that interest began. Watching a documentary on the local channels in Monterrey, Ramirez became enthralled by the idea that matter could not be created or destroyed. On monthly trips to the bookstore - a rare splurge for the Ramirez family - she started buying books on Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking and thermodynamics. Even though I couldnt really understand it, I was like, Wow, this sounds so cool, Ramirez said. But math was a hurdle for the aspiring scientist. After failing calculus several times, Ramirez connected with a professor who noticed that she understood the process of calculus, but wrote incorrect answers to the problems. He asked if shed been tested for dyslexia. Tests confirmed his suspicion. When you have something like that, but youre unaware, how can you make it better? Ramirez said. I like solving things. Im good at it. And once I was able to figure out what was happening, it was easier for me to make things that would help me. Ramirez learned techniques to work through her learning quirks, like saying numbers aloud to make sure she had them straight on the page, or using highlighters to help her focus on readings. With a diagnosis, she could also receive accommodations like extra time on tests to make sure her answers were correct. Portland State professor Andrew Rice first met Ramirez when she took his thermodynamics class and was impressed by her intent to pursue a difficult double major in chemistry and physics. Ramirez has a natural ability to connect with people and an ease with communication, Rice said, a unique skillset for a scientist. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped build team spirit among his research group by fostering both scientific and social discussions on the communication platform Discord. Ramirez said she wants to be a good representative of her country and of the warm, open and inviting Mexican culture. Thats what I hope Im expressing to people, she said. Ramirez has also competed in the universitys Cleantech challenge where students build creations to address environmental problems. In 2021, her team built an ethanol fuel cell that could provide an alternative to lithium-based batteries. I want to know what she does in the future, Rice said. I think shell be a leader. At the moment, Ramirez is considering graduate school for applied physics. Shes interested in helping the semiconductor industry become more environmentally friendly. PROPPING OPEN THE DOOR Ramirez has for several summers helped mentor middle schoolers through the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM camp at Portland State. Abigail Van Gelder, who oversees the program, said Ramirez stood out as a leader. She has a keen ability to pick up on student interests like their fascination with the mission to Mars and build those into projects that engage the youth, Van Gelder said. She continually uses her own life experience to help inspire younger students, Van Gelder said. Ramirez has helped the camp be more adaptive and responsive, she said. Ramirez favorite memories of the camp include meeting young Spanish speakers who get excited when shes able to connect with them in their own language and helping students with unique learning needs feel comfortable. Last summer, Ramirez noticed a boy who struggled with some of the same things she did growing up. He would get upset when there was too much going on in class, so Ramirez set a table aside for him where he could have his own space when other students were doing group work. After a while, the boy felt comfortable enough to join the group tables, Ramirez said, and got so engaged with projects he did extra research at home. Showing students that whatever theyre sensing is a difficulty is not an inconvenience for you, or for the group, can matter a lot, Ramirez said. Her goal is to help break down stereotypes that scientists are men and are cold and unapproachable. She wants her students to know that the possibilities within science fields are vast and open to everyone, and pay forward the encouragement she received from her own chemistry teacher years ago. Its important to provide a good experience for children early on about what science is, she said. Giving them insight into what it really looks like, and what we really do, can maybe open up some kids imagination or perspective on what it could be for them. This story was brought to you through a partnership between The Oregonian/OregonLive and Report for America. Learn how to support this crucial work. Sami Edge covers higher education for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430. WASHINGTON Theodore Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, has died in federal prison, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons told The Associated Press on Saturday. Kaczynski, 81, was found dead around 8 a.m. at a federal prison in North Carolina. A cause of death was not immediately known. He had been moved to the federal prison medical facility in North Carolina after spending two decades in a federal supermax prison in Colorado for a series of bombings that targeted scientists. Kaczynski was serving life without the possibility of parole following his 1996 arrest at the primitive cabin where he was living in western Montana. He pleaded guilty to setting 16 explosions that killed three people and injured 23 others in various parts of the country between 1978 and 1995. Before Kaczynski was arrested, the FBIs search for him twice led agents to Oregon. In July 1995, the FBI culled through a list of subscribers to the academic magazine Critical Sociology, whose jargon they thought the Unabomber might have copied. The magazine served up 1960s radicalism when it was founded. One of the magazines founders was Steve Johnson, a University of Oregon sociology professor. In 1995, the magazine was edited by Val Burris, who also taught at UO. When Kaczynski was arrested, Burris declined to look at the subscription list to see if Kaczynski was on it. I havent looked, and I dont particularly want to look, Burris said. Also in 1995, the FBI warned a Portland law firm that it might be a Unabomber target. The firm had represented a timber company in a spotted owl case. The name of the firm and the lead attorney in the case were No. 2 on a hit list in a 1990 underground environmental publication. The first and third names on the list did become Unabomber targets. Gilbert B. Murray, president of the California Forestry Association, was No. 1 on the list and died in a mail-bomb blast April 24, 1995. Thomas J. Mosser, who had helped Exxon Corp. repair its image after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, was killed opening a Unabomber package in 1994. Exxon had been third on the list. By MICHAEL BALSAMO Associated Press The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report. This article has been corrected to reflect the correct date for Mossers death. The Tigard Public Library canceled a Sunday book-reading event featuring one of Portlands best-known drag queens out of public safety concerns, Tigard police said. The event was canceled due to repeated threats of violence, according to a statement posted on social media by the Tigard Police Department. The library will be closed Sunday out of an abundance of caution, police said. Tigard police spokesperson Kelsey Anderson declined to say what the threats were or whether they knew who was responsible for them, citing an ongoing investigation. Plans for a sit-in protest of the reading, and a counter-protest in support of the event, circulated online in recent days. Anderson said there will be an increased police presence at Tigards community Pride celebration and parade, which is scheduled to take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Drag Queen Storytime, sponsored by the city of Tigard, was going to feature Poison Waters reading stories about acceptance and diversity in celebration of Pride Month. Kevin Cook has performed drag under the stage name Poison Waters for decades and served as the grand marshal of the 2023 Starlight Parade. Cook said the decision to cancel the reading is disheartening, but that he understands the need to prioritize public safety. He said threats have come in for many of his shows over the years, but few of them have had any problems. We still continue to do them because giving in is not an option; letting somebodys negativity win is not an option, Cook said. But this one was a little different, just a little stronger, and Ill just say, uglier. Several of the families planning to attend the reading have already reached out to find other upcoming family-friendly events featuring Poison Waters, Cook said. These events wouldnt exist if there werent families wanting them, Cook said. Cook added: Ive never done an event where a child didnt come up and say, That story reminded me of my brother, or That story reminded me of my friend in school, or That story speaks to me, Cook said. Thats the purpose of these events, to normalize, and I hate that word but, for lack of a better term, that there are all different walks of life out there. Gabriel Buehler, chair of the Washington County Republican Party, said the local GOP has planned a celebratory flag wave in front of the Tigard Public Library during the time the reading was scheduled to take place. He said the party was not involved in organizing the planned sit-in protest. He said he believed the threats of violence came from individuals planning to participate in the counter-protest. Ive seen all across the media waves today, threats of violence, and its kind of insinuated that parents were threatening violence, Buehler said. Thats not the case, this was Antifa. The Tigard reading is the second family-friendly Pride event in the Portland area to be canceled because of threats. In May, officials at Atkinson Elementary School canceled a scheduled Pride Fest, an optional after-school event intended to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Nick Gibson; ngibson@oregonian.com; 971-393-8259; @newsynicholas Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The Democratic Party of Oregon said Friday it will return the illegal $500,000 campaign contribution it received last October from an executive at FTX, the bankrupted cryptocurrency exchange, by tapping into contributions from some of the states most powerful Democrats. The party said in a news release Friday that it would disgorge the $500,000 to the U.S. Marshals Service, as requested on April 13 in a letter from the U.S. Justice Department, which said it intended to use the funds to compensate victims of the FTX fraud. The DPO received the contribution last fall from FTX executive Nishad Singh, but at his request, party officials misattributed it to Prime Trust, a crypto payment processor. Singh pled guilty to fraud and other charges in February. The Oregon Secretary of States election division subsequently investigated the partys handling of the contribution, and fined it $15,000 last month. The Oregon Department of Justice is also reviewing whether to open a criminal investigation into whether the DPO violated a state law against accepting campaign contributions under a false name. The party said Friday that it is is also complying with an additional request to return $7,100 out of a $10,000 contribution that former FTX Chief Executive Sam Bankman-Fried made to the Oregon Victory Fund last year and was later transferred to the DPO. Bankman-Fried faces a slew of criminal charges tied FTXs collapse. The partys state account, where the $500,000 was deposited in October and quickly spent on the gubernatorial and other campaigns in last Novembers election, has a balance of only $32,000, according to state campaign finance filings. But in Fridays news release, a party official credited the ability to repay the money to contributions from the campaign accounts of Gov. Tina Kotek, U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and U.S. Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici and Val Hoyle. Koteks campaign filings showed a $100,000 contribution Friday to the party. The party has been working together to resolve this issue since Nishad Singhs guilty plea to federal charges, Dr. Rosa Colquitt, chair of the DPO, said in a statement. This resolution will fully account for these donations by ensuring the funds go where they belong -- to federal law enforcement officials working to achieve justice in this case. In fact, the party was already caught in a controversy of its own making over the historically large contribution from a company that had little to gain by influencing Oregons state politics, but would certainly want to curry favor with members of Congress in a position to influence cryptocurrency regulation. Democrats heavy hitters like Kotek and Wyden are likely hoping the repayment will get an embarrassing albatross off their backs. Hank Stern, a spokesperson for Wyden, said via email that Wyden had separately returned to the U.S. Marshals Service the $2,900 portion of Bankman-Frieds $10,000 contribution to the Oregon Victory Fund that went to his campaign fund. While the fundraiser who helped arrange the larger contribution to the party is one who has worked for Wyden for years, Stern said his office had no role in brokering the contribution to the state party, which came as Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan appeared to be surging in the polls. The party had little choice but to repay the funds, according to Brett Kappel, a Washington D.C., campaign finance lawyer who represents nonprofits and political campaigns. He said that precedent was well established when bankruptcy receivers went after recipients of campaign contributions after the bankruptcies of Enron in 2001 and Stanford Financial Group in 2009. Recipients of contribution in both those cases argued they couldnt be required to return the money because theyd already spent it. Thats didnt fly in court, Kappel said, which determined the contributions were fraudulent transfers. If you get a court order that these are fraudulent conveyances, it becomes a debt that they have to continue reporting on (campaign finance reports) until its paid off, he said. You cant escape the bankruptcy court. Correction: This story originally misidentified Prime Trusts business role. --Ted Sickinger; tsickinger@oregonian.com; 503-221-8505; @tedsickinger The Portland Timbers are sliding in the Western Conference standings, while FC Dallas is on the rise. The first of three home matches in their next four begins Sunday for the Timbers, with every point crucial for the team at this stage. The Oregonian/OregonLive has Three Points to watch for Portland vs. FC Dallas: 1. WHO REPLACES BRAVO? Claudio Bravo is suspended for Sundays match due to yellow card accumulation, leaving a hole at left back in the Timbers starting lineup. Options include Justin Rasmussen and Eric Miller, with Miller more likely to start given his recent form and MLS experience. Miller was a solid presence at right back for Portland in a 0-0 draw at Seattle, and now he will flip to the other side of the field as both he and Juan David Mosquera are likely to get the nod at the fullback spots. 2. DALLAS SAVIOR Jesus Ferreira has been on a tear this season, scoring a team-high nine goals for FC Dallas. Nobody else on the team has more than two goals, a testament to the USMNT strikers ability to lead the way and finish off chances. Containing Ferreira is key to picking up three points against Dallas. Portland has allowed the fourth-most goals in the Western Conference this season (24), so it will need to be in better defensive shape to keep Ferreira from causing problems. A good sign? Portlands defensive effort was superb last week against Seattle. The Timbers will also be missing Aljaz Ivacic in goal, who is on international duty with Slovenia. David Bingham will get the nod between the wickets. 3. UP AND DOWN With a win on Sunday at the Timbers, fourth-place FC Dallas (7-5-5, 26 points) could find itself sitting atop the Western Conference Standings. Eleventh-place Portland (4-7-5, 17 points), meanwhile, is trying to get back into the playoff picture with a victory. FC Dallas is on slightly short rest, having finished off 40 minutes of a postponed match against St. Louis on Wednesday, winning 2-0. Portland has had a week to prepare, but its recent form suggests scoring and winning against a top-tier Dallas side might prove difficult. Portland vs. FC Dallas kicks off at 7 p.m. Sunday at Providence Park, with a live broadcast on FS1 and live stream available for free on the Apple TV app. -- Ryan Clarke, rclarke@oregonian.com, Twitter: @RyanTClarke The rumour spread through Mbour like an Atlantic wave unfurling on a beach. Egypt President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Saturday that the country received about 200,000 Sudanese refugees over the past eight weeks, stressing that security should be restored to neighbouring countries. El-Sis's remarks came while inspecting the Military Academy on Saturday. He said that Egypt received about 9 million refugees from different countries, stressing that Egypt has always been a haven for the people of any country suffering from instability. The president stated that Egypt is interested in settling the Sudanese crisis and voiced hope that the country will restore stability as soon as possible. Furthermore, El-Sisi underlined the importance of avoiding foreign interference in internal affairs as this negatively affects the stability of countries; he underscored Egypt's steadfast stance on the issues of Libya and Sudan. The president accentuated Egypt's keenness to achieve a ceasefire in Sudan and resolve the conflict via negotiations. El-Sisi also addressed the country's current economic crises, affirming that state bodies have worked for over three years to alleviate the repercussions of these crises. He added that the Russian-Ukrainian crisis affected the whole world, not only Egypt, stressing that the state is working on easing this crisis, which has also disrupted commodity supplies. African cooperation El-Sisi underlined the importance of boosting cooperation with African countries, highlighting his African tour in the last few days, which included participation in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) summit. He said that the COMESA and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are Africa's largest economic entities that aim to boost trade exchange among African countries. Egypt intensified efforts over the past two years to activate the trade agreement among COMESA member states, El-Sisi said, noting that three more countries still have to endorse it before launching cooperation. After handing over the COMESA presidency to Zambia, Egypt became the group's rapporteur, the president said. El-Sisi lauded the outcome of his visit to Angola and Mozambique as offering a chance for furthering cooperation. Search Keywords: Short link: Port-Louis, Mauritius (PANA) Mauritius will sign the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the Government Information Services (GIS) said on Saturday Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The chairman of the Libyan High State Council, Khaled al-Mechri, discussed with the new Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, the results of the 6+6 Joint Commission with the House of Representatives (Parliament) and the State Council responsible for preparing the electoral laws leading to legislative and presidential elections, following their meetings in the Moroccan town of Bouznika Photo: (Photo : JOAO LAET/AFP via Getty Images) In a remarkable testament to survival, four young children have been found alive in the depths of the Amazon rainforest after enduring a harrowing 40-day ordeal. Colombian President Gustavo Petro shared the miraculous news, describing the children's resilience as akin to that of "children of the jungle." According to CNN, the incredible story of their survival has captured the hearts of the nation.President Petro commended the children's resourcefulness, attributing their survival to the invaluable knowledge they gained from indigenous families and their ability to adapt to life in the jungle. When discovered, the children were found together, a testament to their unwavering strength and determination. According to Daily Mail, President Petro declared their remarkable feat an example of total survival that will be remembered throughout history, declaring them not just children of the jungle but now children of Colombia.Earlier in the day, President Petro shared an image on Twitter, capturing the emotional moment when search crews found the children in a forest clearing. The photo depicted the children, appearing gaunt and exhausted, receiving medical attention. Colombia Celebrates the Safe Return of Lost Children The President's accompanying tweet expressed joy on behalf of the entire country as hope transformed into an awe-inspiring reality.The children, identified as Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy (13), Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy (9), Tien Ranoque Mucutuy (4), and infant Cristin Ranoque Mucutuy, were left stranded in the treacherous jungle following a fatal plane crash. Tragically, their mother, Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia, along with two other adult passengers, lost their lives in the crash. Against all odds, the siblings managed to survive, symbolizing the resilience of the human spirit. According to Yahoo, the search for the missing children mobilized a massive operation involving over a hundred Colombian special forces troops and more than 70 indigenous scouts. Despite finding only faint traces, such as footprints, a dirty diaper, and a bottle, the search persisted for weeks. Hopes diminished as time passed, but the unwavering determination of the rescue teams and the support of local authorities fueled the search for these young lives. Read Also: Dad Invents Smart Wristband To Help Track Lost Children After Losing Daughter At A Park For An Hour Children's Incredible 40-Day Journey to Safety President Petro revealed that the children had encountered challenges during their arduous journey, including defending themselves against a dog. However, their survival amidst such adversities was hailed as a gift from life and a testament to the nurturing embrace of the jungle itself.Indigenous leader Lucho Acosta, the coordinator of the indigenous scouts, acknowledged the extraordinary efforts made by search and rescue teams as well as local authorities. Their collective determination, along with the strength of their ancestors, led to the successful outcome. The Colombian Defense Ministry expressed its unwavering commitment to finding the children, asserting that they never ceased their search until the miracle came to pass.President Petro expressed his eagerness to speak with the children and emphasized the importance of assessing their physical and mental well-being. After enduring 40 days of uncertainty, their health and resilience would undoubtedly require thorough evaluation and care. The president recognized that their story would forever serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of survival.The nation of Colombia now celebrates the incredible rescue of these young survivors, embracing them as symbols of hope and resilience. Their miraculous journey through the unforgiving jungle has captivated the world and will be remembered as an awe-inspiring tale of courage and survival for generations to come. Related Article: Missing 4-Year-Old Reunites With Father as Florida Deputies Rescue Him From the Woods Sola Scriptura: Self-Defeating; Church Hierarchy; Jerusalem Council 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 12: Sola Scriptura] What does sola scriptura mean? Its become a Catholic trope to say that sola scriptura is self-contradictory, and Ive seen Protestant apologists struggle with that charge. [p. 621] Its not a trope; its a truth. The historic target of sola scriptura is the papacy and post-apostolic church councils. Sola scripture is the claim that there are no infallible post-apostolic church councils. Likewise, that God didnt institute the papacy. The pope is not a divine mouthpiece. [p. 621] Yes, thats how Martin Luther was forced to adopt the position, by default. He didnt like Catholic authority so he had to come up with something else. As it was, he was forced into a corner in in the Leipzig Disputation in 1519. This is not how major Christian beliefs ought to originate. Apropos (iii), suppose a Catholic apologist asks us where do we find that in the Bible? [p. 621] Its a perfectly valid and expected question, seeing as Protestants have made Scripture the sola infallible authority. So if sola Scriptura isnt found in the Bible itself, then its simply a fallible tradition of men, to which I ask: why should anyone believe it? At the very least it should be, and we would expect it to be in the inspired Bible, if in fact its true. But thats the pointwe dont find the papacy in the Bible. [p. 621] The papacy is all over the New Testament, in the form of Petrine primacy, as I have massively demonstrated. And we dont find divine promises to inspire post-apostolic church councils in the Bible. We find promises to the apostles. But we dont find comparable promises to bishops or post-apostolic church councils. [p. 621] What we find is the Jerusalem council, which consisted of both apostles and elders (Acts 15:2, 4, 6). It led by Peter the first pope (15:7-14) promulgated an infallible decree for all Christians (Acts 16:4), which was indeed inspired by the Holy Spirit (15:28). This is altogether adequate as a representative model of how Christian councils (as a matter of ecclesiology) would work all through history. Its pointless to believe that such an event would be written about in the Bible, but at the same time pretend that it has no relevance for the rest of Christian history. By the same reasoning, its foolish to accept Petrine primacy (as many Protestant scholars do) but think that it has nothing to do with the papacy or papal succession. Why should it only be there in the mid-1st century and then disappear? Catholics appeal to Acts 15, but apostles along with a sibling of Jesus were participants. So thats no precedent for post-apostolic church councils. [p. 621] It also consisted of elders: which the text states about six times. So it has all the relevance in the world for future councils. Moreover, Catholics distinguish between local councils and ecumenical councils. But we dont find that distinction in Scripture. [p. 622] We do find the prototype of the latter in the Jerusalem council: it was presided over by the person who is presented in the Bible as the leader of the early Christian Church. It made a decree that bound all Christians and which, indeed, has been held by virtually all Christians since that time. Paul went around proclaiming it in cities far away in Asia Minor. Therefore, it was not merely a local council. It was in Jerusalem, which was at that time the center of world Christianity, just as the councils Vatican I and II were held in Rome: the center of world Christianity. Destination unknown Because the Bible is a finished product, it contains no surprises. We know what were getting. We know what to expect. [p. 623] Why is it, then, that Protestants have endless internal disputes, if the Bible is formally sufficient to function as their rule of faith? How to read a map To begin with, this isnt a hypothetical question for Protestants. We believe in sola Scriptura because that is how God in fact chooses to operate. [p. 624] This is circular reasoning. We only know, in the final analysis, how God operates by the Bible: His inerrant and inspired revelation. But that Bible doesnt teach sola Scriptura. Its a man-made, extrabiblical tradition of men: exactly what Jesus taught us to avoid. The question of sola Scriptura I like to keep up with the competition. Brand Pitre is one of the best younger generation Catholic apologists. [p. 625] Really? He didnt keep up with me. I wrote a book critiquing sola Scriptura from the Bible, published by Catholic Answers in 2012, and a second self-published one in the same year that tackled two Anglicans, widely considered to be among the best historic defenders of this false position, and Ive written more articles on this topic than any other one. But because Hays had by then concluded that I was evil and schizophrenic, etc. he had no interest in critiquing my books (like James White did: twice) or articles. Even if he thought I was a terrible, lousy apologist (as he did, post-2009), here was his golden opportunity to dismantle my book and be the great champion for sola Scriptura. Its not like I am a nobody in Catholic apologetics. All of the active anti-Catholic apologists of our time including Hays colleague and successor on his blog, Jason Engwer have dealt with my material; some of them quite a bit and for several years. But something about my work threatened ands unnerved Hays to such an extent that he felt he had to hurl every insult imaginable my way, in order to besmirch my name and character, so that his followers would ignore me. Of course that is no refutation at all of my arguments. i) Believe and obey divine revelation ii) Dont elevate non-revelation to the status of divine revelation iii) Disregard whatever is contrary to divine revelation Scriptures teaches these propositions. Thats sola Scriptura in a nutshell. [p. 630] No its not. Catholics believe all three of these things as much as Protestants do, yet we dont hold to sola Scriptura, which means, according to the standard Protestant definition: Scripture is the only infallible and final authority for Christian doctrine. Our position is that the Bible itself teaches that there is an authoritative, infallible tradition and Church, so that if you accept all of biblical teaching, you arrive at the Catholic three-legged stool rule of faith. *** This concludes my examination of the late Steve Hays book Catholicism. He obviously enjoyed and relished taking potshots at Catholicism and playing games with his usual sophistry. My next and last project having to do with him will be my multi-part examination of his book Biblical Calvinism, which is 819 pages. Its a whole different ballgame comprehensively presenting and defending ones own position. I suspect that he will offer far more serious arguments and less sophistry in this book. I will relentlessly offer counter-arguments from the Bible. Its nothing new for me. I have devoted two books and part of a third to debunking Calvinism and have large Calvin and Calvinism web pages, including massive line-by-line responses to large portions of Calvins Institutes of the Christian Religion. I know the arguments, and I know how to refute them: primarily from the Bible. *** 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. Egypt announced on Saturday that it was imposing visa entry for Sudanese citizens arriving at the Egyptian borders in order to regulate the process, not limit or restrict entry, according to a statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. These measures aim to set an organisational framework for that process after more than 50 days since the outbreak of the crisis, and they are not intended to prevent or limit the number of Sudanese citizens entering Egypt, the statement quoted Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Abu-Zeid as saying. Abu-Zeids remarks came in response to inquiries by several diplomatic journalists on the reasons for the decision. Egyptian authorities had so far exempted Sudanese women of all ages, children under 16 and anyone over 50 from having to obtain a visa prior to arrival at a point of entry. gypt has received more than 200,000 Sudanese citizens since the outbreak of the crisis and until today, which makes the country the highest among Sudan's neighbouring countries in terms of the number of Sudanese brothers received, Abu-Zeid said. The Sudanese who have fled the conflict represent an addition to the nearly 5 million Sudanese citizens who were already present in Egypt before the start of the crisis, the spokesperson noted. He also stated that the responsibility for providing the Sudanese who have recently arrived in Egypt with health, education, and housing rests with the Egyptian government, which provides the basic services to the Sudanese citizens on its territory. On the reasons behind the newly-imposed visa entry, Abu-Zeid revealed that illegal activities by individuals and groups on the Sudanese side of the border were recently detected, adding that these activities included forging entry visas to Egypt to make profits. These groups exploit the need of Sudanese citizens to come to Egypt and the good intentions of the Egyptian side in responding to the crisis and absorbing such a massive influx of Sudanese to Egypt, he clarified. As a result, Abu-Zeid noted, the Egyptian authorities introduced regulatory procedures based on automated visas to combat these crimes. Moreover, he confirmed that the Egyptian consulates in Sudan were provided with the necessary electronic devices to carry out these procedures accurately and promptly, ensuring the orderly arrival of Sudanese citizens to Egypt. The spokesperson said that there were rules and procedures governing the entry of Sudanese citizens into Egypt, adding that these rules were formulated by joint consular committees with the Sudanese side, the spokesperson said. These committees, he added, convene regularly to review and update the relevant procedures according to developments in the situation and circumstances. Search Keywords: Short link: International exhibition company, Afrocet Montgomery, has hosted over 2,500 packaging, processing, plastics and printing exhibitors and industry players at its 3-day exhibition and conference to provide insight, knowledge and thought leadership on the trends and relevant topics. Propak Ghana, the exhibition, held in Accra, provided a platform for suppliers and service providers to display cutting-edge products and service offerings, showcasing the latest technology, bring new companies to Ghana for the first time, act as a unique platform for those more established, and ultimately help drive the manufactural industry forward. To address the continents fast-developing manufacturing sector, the event hosted 50 speakers delivering sessions on circular economy, sustainability, financing options for SMEs, latest trends in print and packaging technology, and many other insightful and informative sessions. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, George Pearson, Regional Director West Africa, at Afrocet Montgomery said Our objective is to establish Propak as a key support platform for Ghanas aspirations to increase output of the made in Ghana brand and boost its exports in the region and beyond. Currently, Ghana is exporting a high percentage of its naturally-produced products in the raw state, and there is no doubt that value addition can help the country maximize revenue from its exports. This approach can ensure Ghanas plan at transforming its economy from one heavily reliant on natural resources, to a true value-added exports-led economy. This strategy cannot be a reality without investment in manufacturing, increasing the use of state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, as well as human capital, since these are key ingredients in ensuring greater efficiency and effectiveness in manufacturing, he added. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yaw Amoateng Afriyie noted the exhibition is timely for Ghanas export and import ecosystem. This exhibition is timely, especially as we collectively summon the courage to do things differently and challenge antiquated dogmas that we must rely predominantly on imported brands and packaging - and that our homegrown brands are inferior or costly. Again, exports remain vital to the manufacturing sector, allowing businesses to expand their reach at home and abroad, which improves our balance of payments, skilled labour, and foreign exchange. GIPC is committed to working with companies like the Montgomery Group and others here to attract a blend of financing options, e.g., equity, debt, and mezzanine, that will leapfrog Ghana to operate at the higher ends of the packaging value chain to be able to compete at home and into the global market, he mentioned. On his part Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Mr. Albert Kassim Diwura,was confident that the conference will be a catalyst for transformative change and open new doors of opportunity for Ghanas packaging, processing, and printing sectors, and aim for a future where Ghana stands tall as a hub of excellence in packaging. To round off George Pearson shared his thanks to their headline sponsors, Mohinani Group, and headline partners AGI as well as other sponsors Jaykay Global, Neofyton, Engel, Fujairah Plastics and Tetrapak and welcome all to join them next year at the end of April for the second instalment of the only exhibition in Ghana for the packaging, plastics, processing industries. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Communications Officer of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi accused the Electoral Commission (EC) and the ruling government of conniving to input Charles Opokus name into the voters register despite him not being a registered voter in the Assin North constituency. According to him, this action reeks of bias and has clouded the EC's judgement and interpretation of CI 127 as contained in the Commissions document. We are closely monitoring this situation and shall take every legitimate step to ensure that this illegal plot is not carried out by the Electoral Commission and their collaborators in the NPP, Sammy Gyamfi stressed. EC Replies NDC But the EC has described the allegations as unfounded and baseless saying "Ghanas democracy has come of age and we call on Sammy Gyamfi to exercise maturity, decorum and truth in his discussions on the EC. We urge him to go out and campaign and leave the EC alone". It also stated; "Over the years Sammy Gyamfi and his party have put out false claims aimed at maligning the integrity of the EC. This was evident in their petition to the Supreme Court after the 2020 Elections alleging that they had won the Elections. "It is well known that they could not provide evidence in Court to support their allegations. This current allegation is no different. It is baseless and unfounded and a figment of the imagination of the National Communication Officer." The Commission called on "all well-meaning Ghanaians to ignore" the NDC allegations. Wading into the discussion during a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', former NDC Central Regional Chairman now turned Social Commentator, Allotey Jacobs said Sammy Gyamfi "misfired". "When I saw the statement from Sammy Gyamfi I said to myself; he's misfired". Listen to his reason in the video below Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says it is unfathomable for any person to claim that the NPP does not have a message for Ghanaians going into the 2024 elections. Addressing the NPP International Women's Conference in London on Saturday June 10, 2023, Dr. Bawumia noted that inspite of global factors which have hit several economies around the world in the past three years, the NPP government has done tremendously well with many landmark achievements since assuming office in 2017. Former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen, who is aspiring to be the flagbearer of the NPP, recently angered NPP faithful when he publicly stated that the NPP does not have a message for the upcoming elections and the Vice President's extensive address in London, cheered on by party supporters, is viewed as a shot back. "We have not had it all rosy and delivered everything that we set out to do from our day of initiation into office. But the setbacks notwithstanding, we have produced a solid track record of achievements," Dr. Bawumia noted while highlighting some global and domestic factors which have affected the country recently. Dr. Bawumia said for the governments efforts to be appreciated, it is important to recollect the state of the country and the challenges therein the government inherited as well as the solutions it has proffered to address these challenges. The Vice President listed, among others, high unemployment, dumsor for 4 years, a virtually collapsed national health insurance system, a nearly collapsed national ambulance system, freeze on public sector employment, an almost collapsed banking sector, annual increases in utility bills, poor economic indicators, low agricultural growth, low industry growth, cancellation of teacher and nursing training allowances and a huge burden of paying $1 billion dollars annually for a "take-or-pay" excess energy capacity deal negotiated by the previous NDC government. After listing the numerous challenges this government inherited, Dr. Bawumia presented a comprehensive list of programmes, projects and policies in every sector they have implemented to address the challenges in employment, education, health, agriculture, industries, security, energy and digitalisation sectors. On the economy, Dr. Bawumia showed how the government significantly improved the economy by getting every economic indicator far better than it inherited until the global covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war set the economy back. On education, apart from the governments flagship Free SHS programme, which the Vice President, said has solved a generational problem of unequal access to education, he stated a number of infrastructure projects built by the government including thousands of classroom blocks to improve education in the country. On the problem of high unemployment, Dr. Bawumia noted that government has improved the situation by halting the freeze on public sector employment introduced by the erstwhile NDC administration. He said the NPP government has created over 2 million jobs and indicated these facts are verifiable. Dr. Bawumia also highlighted better growth in agriculture, industries and further touted the the government's numerous achievements in the health sector including improving NHIS, provision of ambulances for every constituency, introduction of drones for emergency delivery of medical supplies to remote areas, treatment for children with cancers as well as the governments flagship "Agenda 111" health initiative to construct district and Regional hospitals across the nation. Dr. Bawumia also spoke extensively on governments achievements in reviving the industrial sector, highlighting particularly the revival of Anglogold Ashanti, WAMCO, Ghana Publishing, Ghanapost and the establishment of many factories under the "1 District 1 Factory" initiative. Undoubtedly, the climax of Dr. Bawumia's address was when he turned his attention on digitization and listed a number of initiatives under this sector including the numerous problems the government's focus on digitization has addressed. "Ladies and Gentlemen, when you look at this tall list of achievements, one cannot but admit that they are monumental. Let nobody tell you that we dont have a message for 2024," Dr. Bawumia said to a rapturous applause from the audience. "I must hasten to add that this does not mean we have done everything we intended to do or ought to have done. There is clearly a lot more to do and we will work hard to do more." Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghana Investment and Opportunities Summit 2023; Socialite Sandra Ankobiah Joins Vice Prez Bawumia, Others In London View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sandra Ankobiah (@sandraankobiah) Bawumia in London for UK-Ghana Business Council meeting Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has left Accra for the United Kingdom to attend the 8th UK-Ghana Business Council meeting (UKGBC) and the 3rd edition of the Ghana Investment and Opportunities Summit (GHIOS). The event is organised by the Ghana High Commission, UK, in partnership with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC). As co-chair of the UKGBC, the Vice President will lead a team of government officials and the private sector to discuss with their counterparts in the UK issues of development cooperation between Ghana and the United Kingdom", his spokesperson Gideon Boako said in a statement. He noted: "Some of the key outcomes from previous UKGBC meetings are the Kumasi International Airport, Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase II, and the Tamale International Airport". "At the GHIOS, Vice President Bawumia is expected to lead a delegation of industry captains and business leaders to showcase why Ghana should be the number one choice for investors considering doing business in Africa", Dr Boako added. Dr Bawumia is expected back home on Sunday, 11 June 2023. 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 Dimers.com provides exclusive betting content to PennLive.com, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly. A quality field of eight horses will enter the starting gate for the third and final jewel in horse racings Triple Crown, the 154th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Belmont Park. Dimers.com has everything you need to know before placing your Belmont Stakes 2022 bets this Saturday. This betting preview is proudly presented by TVG. Claim a $200 risk-free bet on the Belmont Stakes here . Established in 1867, the Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the Triple Crown races and the longest. This is the first and probably only occasion the field will ever compete over 1-1/2 miles, so pedigree does matter. Belmont Stakes 2022 field and odds We the People (2-1) Skippylongstocking (20-1) Nest (8-1) Rich Strike (7-2) Creative Minister (6-1) Mo Donegal (5-2) Golden Gilder (20-1) Barber Road (10-1) Belmont Stakes 2022 lineup Rich Strike (7-2) Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike will endeavor to prove his 80-1 upset at Churchill Downs was no fluke. Conditioned by Eric Reed and owned by Rick Dawsons RED-TR Racing, the son of Keen Ice provided his breeder, Calumet Farms, with their ninth title in that category. Rich Strikes connections opted to target the Belmont Stakes and skip the Preakness to stick to his schedule of four to six weeks between starts. The chestnut would be the first non-Triple Crown winner to win the Run for the Roses and Belmont Stakes since Thunder Gulch in 1995. Ten other horses have accomplished this feat. Rich Strike is the third choice on the morning line at 7-2 and will commence his quest for white carnations with regular pilot, Sonny Leon, in the irons from post position four. We the People (2-1) We the People is the 2-1 morning line favorite and will leave from the rail with Flavien Prat holding the reins. Despite being lightly raced with a record of 4-3-0-0, the son of Constitution is favored off his impressive performance in the Grade 3 Peter Pan over this surface on May 14 where he hit the wire 10-1/4 lengths to the good of fellow Belmont Stakes entrant Golden Glider. He was assigned a 103 Beyer Speed figure for that effort which is the highest in the field. Owned by WinStar Farm, CMNWLTH, Siena Farm and Bobby Flay, We the People is trained by Rodolphe Brisset, a long-time exercise rider for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott at this track. The colt demonstrated his talent and affinity for two turns at Oaklawn Park this winter but was off the board in the Grade I Arkansas Derby. We the People signaled he is prepared for the Belmont with a half-mile breeze in a sprightly :47.59 on June 4. If the colt wins it would be Brissets first classic victory. TVG will give you a $200 risk-free bet on the Belmont Stakes here . Mo Donegal (5-2) Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, who is also based at Belmont Park, will send out Grade 2 Wood Memorial winner Mo Donegal and Grade I Ashland winner Nest. Owned by Donegal Racing and Repole Stable, Mo Donegal was an extremely good fifth in the Kentucky Derby as he came from 17 lengths behind and second-to-last. Going wide around the turn side-by-side with fellow Belmont entrant Barber Road, Mo Donegal was only 3-3/4 lengths behind Rich Strike. The son of Uncle Mo has competed primarily in the Empire State and also won the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes in December at Aqueduct Racetrack. He defeated Grade I Bluegrass Stakes winner Zandon in that event. Zandon would finish third in the Kentucky Derby. If Mo Donegal takes the Belmont, he would be the first horse to win the Wood Memorial and the Belmont Stakes since Empire Maker in 2003. Mo Donegal, who is 5-2 on the morning line, will have three-time champion jockey Irad Ortiz at the controls when he leaves from post position six. If the colt wins it would be Ortiz second Belmont win and Pletchers fourth, tying him with Max Hirsch, R. Wyndham Walden and D. Wayne Lukas. Nest (8-1) Pletcher will also saddle the filly Nest. Owned by Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred partners and Michael House, Nest was second to Secret Oath, who ran fourth in the Grade I Preakness Stakes, in the Grade I Kentucky Oaks on May 6. After she was able to shake free in the lane, Nest closed strongly to the wire. The filly has never been off the board in any of the six pari-mutuel events she has competed in. Nest captured her first two trips to the post by open lengths. The first at Tampa Bay Downs in the Suncoast Stakes by six lengths before she rolled by 8-1/4 quarter lengths in the Grade I Ashland on April 8 at Keeneland Racecourse. Nest, who will have Jose Ortiz aboard, is 8-1 on the morning line and will begin her journey from post position three. She would be become the fourth filly to capture the Belmont joining Ruthless, Tanya [1905] and Rags to Riches [2007], who was also trained by Pletcher. Claim a $200 risk-free bet on the Belmont Stakes with TVG here . Creative Minister (6-1) Two decades after Ken McPeek saddled Sarava to record the biggest upset in Belmont Stakes history at 70-1, he returns to the Big Apple with Creative Minister. The son of Grade 1 winner Creative Cause arrives in New York after a third-place finish in the Preakness Stakes three weeks ago. Owned by Fern Circle Stables, Back Racing and Magdalena Racing, Creative Minister is 6-1 on the morning line and will leave from post five. The colt was supplemented to the Preakness Stakes for $150,000 and it was his first appearance in a graded stake. If Creative Minister takes another step forward and wins the Belmont Stakes it would be the first classic victory for jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. Barber Road (10-1) Barber Road, who is 10-1 on the morning line, was a late closing sixth in Louisville five weeks ago. The son of Race Day was last in the field of 20 at the first quarter-mile marker and was 11 lengths from the rail as he galloped into the stretch. He finished only 4-3/4 lengths behind Rich Strike after an enduring a much longer journey. Although Barber Road has yet to capture a graded stake, he has demonstrated his ability. He was second in the Grade I Arkansas Derby when losing a shoe, second in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes and the Grade 3 Smarty Jones Stakes. He was also third in the Grade 2 Rebel. A win by Barber Road would be the first for owner WSS Racing and for trainer John Ortiz. It is the first Belmont Stakes entrant for both. Joel Rosario, a two-time winner of the Belmont Stakes, will ride and the duo will exit from post position eight. Belmont Stakes 2022 post time The 154th running of the Belmont Stakes will post at 6:44 p.m. ET on Saturday, with race coverage on NBC beginning on CNBC from 3-5 p.m. ET and moving to NBC at 5 p.m. ET. If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. MORE SPORTS BETTING STORIES Latest DraftKings promo code delivers Bet $5, Win $150 offer for UFC 275 New BetMGM promo code: Bet $10, Win $200 offer for NHL Playoffs The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is battling two wildfires in Burlington County, after a second blaze ignited in Evesham Township Friday. The latest wildfire burning near Kettle Run and Bortons Road in the township grew from 60 acres Friday night to 600 by 10 a.m. Saturday. Thats in addition to the blaze in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest near City Line Road that more than doubled in size overnight to over 850 acres. The second fire, which the service called the Buzby Boggs Wildfire, was 50% contained and threatening four structures in the township, according to a statement from the service at 10 a.m. Saturday. Crews from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service were battling a wildfire in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in Burlington County on Friday, June 9, 2023.New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Throughout the night, firefighters continued to set backfires to contain both the Evesham and the first blaze in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, officials said. That fire in the state forest was 50% contained, officials said. No structures were threatened but the blaze caused the closure of City Line, North Branch, Butler Place and Glassworks roads, they said. Very dry conditions have made New Jersey susceptible to forest fires. The most recent was an 82-acre fire in Jackson in Ocean County earlier this week. Amid the ongoing containment efforts, New Jersey has been witnessing a gradual restoration of air quality after enduring a haze-filled atmosphere caused by smoke that drifted southward from Canada. Nyah Marshall may be reached at Nmarshall@njadvancemedia.com Related: Air quality in Pa. reaches historically bad levels from wildfire smoke State and federal forecasters are projecting the Harrisburg regions air pollution at moderate levels for Saturday, a decline from the hazardous ratings seen over the past three days due to drifting smoke from wildfires in Canada. On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection had issued a code orange warning on the agencies color-coded air quality scale - with an orange rating meaning the air may be unhealthy for sensitive or vulnerable people. As of Friday evening, however, most central Pennsylvania air monitors that were reading orange earlier in the day had dropped back to the yellow zone - or moderate pollutant concern - on the EPAs mapping of air quality monitor sites. That yellow rating is expected to continue into Saturday, according to the EPA forecast, as the haze of pollution from the fires continues to dissipate. As of 7 p.m., Harrisburgs reading for PM2.5 - fine particle pollution of 2.5 microns or less in size - was 11.1 micrograms per cubic meter of air, according to the DEP. This is drastically lower than readings from the prior 72 hours. PM2.5 levels in Harrisburg spiked to an unprecedented 409.8 micrograms per cubic meter at 1 a.m. Thursday morning, according to DEP data. Saturday in the Harrisburg region is expected to be sunny, with a high of 83 degrees. Donnie Adams still says family is everything, even if some family nonsense nearly cost him his leg. The story he is telling is just one you dont hear often, and that is why he is making national headlines. There he is, on NBC News, staring back from his hospital bed with his leg bandaged up. Thats the one he almost had to have taken off after a family member bit him on the thigh. Thats right. The 53-year-old Florida man says that when some family members got into an altercation, he scrambled into action to try to help break it all up. But, he said, while pulling the family members off of one another, one of them bit him. It was all downhill from there. Adams reportedly ended up in the emergency room back in February with a bump the size of a dollar coin on his upper left thigh, according to the NBC report. Doctors gave him a tetanus shot and antibiotics and sent him home, but Adams said things just kept getting worse. The area became red, swollen and it hurt. By day number three, the leg was swollen, it felt very warm and I had problems with mobility and everything, Adams told NBC. A surgeon who worked on Adams said you could still see teeth marks on his thigh when he returned to the emergency room. He was rushed into emergency surgery back on Feb. 19, and had to have a second operation, too. I would have lost my leg if I had waited to the next day based on how the infection was growing in that region, he said. Turns out, it was reportedly a form of flesh-eating bacteria that had taken hold. His doctors say he will make a full recovery, luckily. And Adams, well, he is all about family. Family is everything, and sometimes things go down in families, he told NBC. Im a man of faith. People can be forgiven and thats the way I feel about that. It was a family event that went sour between two people and even though I got in the middle of it and I got injured, it doesnt mean Im going to hate my family over this. New Haven, Connecticut, has agreed to a $45 million settlement with Randy Cox, who was paralyzed while being transported handcuffed and without a seat belt in the back of a police van following his arrest last year, the citys mayor and attorneys said Saturday. The agreement was reached Friday evening following a daylong conference with a federal magistrate judge, Mayor Justin Elicker said. It came two days after the city fired two police officers who authorities said treated Cox recklessly and without compassion. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu late Friday suspended Godwin Emefiele from the governorship of the country's central bank, ahead of planned reforms in the financial sector. Emefiele served as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria since June 2014. The move came following an investigation by the government, said a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Emefiele, it said, has been ordered to instantly hand over to a deputy governor in charge of operations, who will act as the interim governor pending the conclusion of the investigation and reforms. Search Keywords: Short link: A Maryland funeral home owner is accused of killing a pallbearer at a funeral service for a child this week. The Prince Georges County Police Department claims Wilson Chavis gunned down a rival funeral service operator Tuesday afternoon. The victim, 30-year-old Ronald Steven Banks of Washington, D.C., was helping carry the casket of a 10-year-old girl when he was killed. Cops said Chavis confronted Banks and another person while the burial was getting underway at Washington National Cemetery. Those individuals are affiliated with a second funeral service company with which Chavis has a long-standing business dispute, police claimed. The alleged shooters company was handling the service. Several people attending the funeral reportedly became upset with Chavis when he addressed his rivals. Thats when cops say he killed Banks and fired a second shot grazing a female attendee. The suspect fled in his car, but was quickly apprehended by authorities. Im so traumatized that this happened at my daughters burial site, grieving mother Antionette Belk told NBC News4. Its trauma after trauma. Belk claims Chavis yelled I own this body and spat on a preacher before opening fire. The preacher was the dead childs uncle. According to Belk, her family had nothing to do with the parties involved in the conflict at her daughters funeral service. News4 reports the girl was killed last month when a bullet hit her familys car while they were returning from a Mothers Day celebration in Washington D.C. Police believe the killing was unintentional. Charges against Chavis include first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. -------- 2023 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. MONTOURSVILLE - Williamsport Regional Airport is leading a new coalition representing small airports that have a lost significant percentage, if not all, daily commercial air service since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Restoring Essential Service to Our Rural Economies (RESTORE) will be working with Congress and the Biden Administration to promote changes in the 2023 FAA reauthorization bill to better support rural and small community airports, spokesman Richard Howell, executive director of the Williamsport Regional Airport, said Friday. The Williamsport airport has been without commercial service since American Airlines pulled out Sept. 30, 2021 after a year of operation. Any time a rural community is trying to retain or attract business air service is vital, said Tom Freeman, the director of aviation at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport in New York. That airport lost significant service when United Airlines pulled out in 2020. Our small and rural community airports are the main economic driver for our regions and airports like ours are getting hit worst and first, Howell said. Our community was growing and attracting new businesses, building upon the success of our popular border crossing with Mexico, which is a main commercial artery between our two countries, said John Sheedy, city manager of Del Rio, Texas. But when we unexpectedly lost daily air service a few months ago we found there were few resources from the federal government we could tap into. More than a dozen airports across the country, mainly in rural and small communities, have lost all daily air service since the COVID-19 pandemic and more than 50 have lost at least 50 percent of service, the coalition notes. This occurred despite the government providing major airlines more than $54 billion in COVID-related support, it points out. The Essential Air Service (EAS) and Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) are two programs vital to ensuring air-service to rural and smaller communities, according to the coalition. Changes made to EAS during the 2012 Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization effectively closed off that program to airports that want to join it and SCASD has an annual budget of only $15 million, it points out. With the FAA up for reauthorization this year, RESTORE says it will urge Congress to reopen EAS for a five-year window for airports currently ineligible, providing they can show significant air service loss since 2020. Additionally, it says it is pushing to increase funding for the SCASD to better meet the demand on the program. [Essential Air Service] would be a lifeboat for our community but we need Congress to update the program so that communities like Del Rio arent being punished for legislation created over a decade ago, Sheedy said. U.S. Reps. Dan Meuser, a Republican whose district includes Williamsport, and David Trone, D-Maryland, introduced the bi-partisan Essential Air Service Reform Act that would reopen the program for three years. U.S. Sens. John Tester, D-Montana, and Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, have introduced the Small Community Air Service Act that would provide more funding for the SCASD program. These bills are an excellent start and the RESTORE coalition looks forward to working with other members of Congress in the upcoming FAA reauthorization to promote these changes, Howell said. Our regions need this. Other airports and several other entities are expected to join the coalition, he said. The Williamsport community has been attempting without success to attract a commercial carrier to the airport. A day does not go by that someone does not say they need local air service for business purposes, Jason Fink, president and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, said. It is not efficient having to drive to another airport, he said. The Williamsport airport remains fully operational for general aviation and the control tower is staffed. Police are looking for a suspect or suspects and their vehicle after two officers were struck by an SUV - and one of the officers shot at the automobile - at a Home Depot in Columbia County, according to news reports. According to reports from WNEP and the Press-Enterprise, Hemlock Township police were called to a Home Depot just outside Bloomsburg around 8:30 a.m. Friday for a shoplifting report. Witnesses said a store employee tried to stop a man stealing tools, according to the Press-Enterprise. Two officers approached the suspected thiefs vehicle, which had two occupants, according to WNEP. The driver then pulled away, hitting the officers, who were later released from a medical facility, according to the news station. Pennsylvania State Police told WNEP that one of the officers fired at the fleeing vehicle; cartridge casings were seen in the parking lot as PSP investigated the scene, according to the reports. The Press-Enterprise also reported that the suspects vehicle hit at least one other car in the parking lot during the incident. Police are looking for a dark blue Nissan Murano with Pennsylvania registration MDG2541, according to WNEP. More from PennLive Girl rescued, father drowns in ocean off Jersey Shore, cops say Beware fake rental listing scams: Attorney General Federal investigators: pilot reported engine failure shortly before plane crashed on turnpike Donald Trump has been indicted and folks on social media seem convinced that Kid Rock is involved. No, Rock didnt turn Donald in. That would be decidedly off-brand, and there was nothing in the indictment that specifically implicates the rocker in any of this. So, why then was his name trending on Twitter? Well, in the indictment revealed this week is a section that claims that In August or September 2021, at the Bedminster Club, Trump showed a representative of his political action committee who did not possess a security clearance a classified map related to a military operation. Which apparently made folks remember a 2022 interview that Kid Rock did with Tucker Carlson. Were looking at maps and (stuff), and Im like, Am I supposed to be in on this (stuff), Rock said about time he spent with Trump. I make dirty records sometimes. What do you think we should do about North Korea? Im like, What? I dont think Im qualified to answer this. You can see the clip, here, but there are a few expletives peppered in there. Anyway, maybe this wasnt the map showing written into the indictment, but per Rocks own words he was shown maps of something. And Twitter ran with it. Goes to jail for showing military secrets to Kid Rock was in retrospect always a very possible outcome of Trump running for President, one user wrote on the platform. If you went back to 2013 and told me you were from 2023, and President Biden had just had former President Donald Trump arrested for showing Kid Rock a classified map of North Korea and asking his advice, Id think you were on the best drugs I had ever seen, another person wrote. Kid Rock to tucker Carlson on March 21, 2022: Were looking at maps and (stuff). Im like, you know, Im like, Am I supposed to be like, in on this (stuff)? another user wrote. March 30, 2022: FBI opens a criminal investigation into the unlawful retention of classified documents. And theres plenty more of that over on Twitter right now. As for Kid Rock, he has yet to comment on the platform regarding Trumps arrest or about why his name has been trending on Twitter. On behalf of about 900 member organizations in the region, representing over 130,000 employees, I write to express sincere appreciation for the Pennsylvania Senate Finance Committee members who voted to advance Senate Bills 345 and 346. In particular, Senator Greg Rothman of Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties has played a pivotal role as the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 346 and ardent supporter of Senate Bill 345. The tax provisions contained in these bills are critical to improving Pennsylvanias business climate and establishing the Commonwealth as a premier destination for businesses looking to establish or expand. The tax savings from an accelerated Corporate Net Income Tax reduction coupled with a higher limit on Net Operating Loss carryovers will signal to the business community that Pennsylvania is ready, willing, and prepared to welcome their investment. For too long, our Commonwealth has lagged peer states when it comes to job and population growth. With the assets we possess, that is simply not acceptable. As Pennsylvania combats a workforce shortage, these policies will be a vital tool in attracting businesses and talent to the Commonwealth. Last year, by starting the initial phase-out, Pennsylvania shot up the State Business Tax Climate rankings from the bottom half to the top half nationwide. An accelerated phase-out will show that we mean business. The Harrisburg Regional Chamber is thrilled to see bipartisan support for these business-friendly policies, and we are grateful for the leadership of our elected officials in advancing them through the General Assembly. Ryan C. Unger, President & CEO Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC By Mark S. Singel Seventy-nine years after D-Day, Ukraine launched its own counteroffensive to push back on the merciless invasion of their country by Russia. Like the original D-Day, the stakes could not be higher. If successful, Ukraine can reclaim at least portions of the territories seized by Putins forces. It could also expose continued disarray among the invading troops and force Russia to rethink its ruthless aggression. The Ukrainians have shown that they will fight tirelessly for their country. This means that if the current counteroffensive fails, the war will drag on and thousands more will die. The landings on the Normandy beaches in 1944 stopped Hitlers aggression. Thousands of allied troops not only changed the direction of the war but they ensured a rejection of Naziism and the threat that it posed to our own country and to freedom around the world. The stakes of the battle now raging in Ukraine are identical. The United States and its allies are heavily invested in Ukraine for a reason. We understand the consequences when a brutal authoritarian seeks unlimited power and conquest. It is in our interest to defend democracy as heroically as the troops did in 1944. It is critical that Ukraines counteroffensive succeeds. David Ignatius of the Washington Post wrote this about the fight: If Ukraine can drive back an already shaky Russian army, it stands a chance of forcing Moscow to bargain for an end of its failed invasion. But if Ukraine fails, it would be a bitter blow to the countrys weary population and could endanger continued support from some restless NATO members. The whole world is watching. This includes powerful interests in China and elsewhere who may place their bets on Russia if the counteroffensive stalls. The terrain in this fight is daunting. Russia seems willing and capable of reducing roads, bridges, and dams to rubble in an effort to thwart the opposition. They are heartless enough to sacrifice thousands of their own troops and innocent Ukrainian citizens who are caught in the crossfire. The barrage of missile attacks and endless bombings of hospitals and schools should be appalling to any rational observer. This past week featured an explosion that wiped out a dam that provided water to hundreds of thousands of families. It also flooded towns and supply routes that were essential to Ukraines battle strategy. The clear message is that there is no empathy coming from the Kremlin. From the start Putins invasion has been brutal and relentless. Ukraine is making a bold statement that they have had enough. We might not know the results of the counteroffensive immediately but there are already signs of progress. Ukrainian forces have returned to pummeled areas along the eastern front and are reclaiming them inch by inch. Reports from the field say that the Russians are losing their tenuous grip on Bakhmut and other towns. On the home front, there are indications that some political leaders support for Ukraine is less than robust. With the conclusion of a bipartisan deal on the debt ceiling, some House members are retreating to their ideological corners and balking at new support for the war effort. While the U.S. Senate is proceeding with a supplemental funding bill to aid Ukraine at this critical turning point, budget hawks and far-right members of the House are hesitant. Speaker McCarthy says that Ukraine support and the entire Defense Budget is locked in by the debt ceiling deal. His position is buttressed by a handful of far-right activists who would cripple the war effort and, in the process, endanger world peace. In a remarkable tale of two houses, the U.S. Senate has found strong, bipartisan support for the Ukrainian cause. The House, on the other hand, is pinned down by ideologues who would rather score political points than face up to the realities of war. Ironically, the loudest anti-funding voices are coming from a faction that calls itself the Freedom Caucus. As the Ukrainians fight on, we salute their courage. We also remember the sacrifices that they, like the soldiers who came before them, endured. Says David Ignatius: Any visitor to Omaha Beach in Normandy will recall the steep cliffs at Pointe du Hoc that American Rangers had to scale to dislodge German forces. The grave markers for the soldiers who died on D-Day seem to stretch almost to the horizon. But they won the battle and the war. Mark S. Singel is former Lt. Governor and Acting Governor of Pennsylvania. After a long season full of speed and dedication, all Perry County schools sent athletes to the state meet. Susquenita had multiple medalists as well as Greenwood. West Perry had two athletes represent the schools. For the Mustangs, Trevor Albright and Marcus Quaker competed in their respective events. For the Wildcats, Zane Cassell, Luke Taylor, Leah Ritzman and the 4x800 relay team all competed against the best track and field athletes in Pennsylvania. RECORD-BREAKING West Perrys Trevor Albright will end his high school career as the fastest sprinter in Mustang track history. (Ricki Foulk photo) Albright ended his historic season with a 14th place finish in the 400 meter race in the prelims with a time of 49.44. This placement did not allow him to move onto the finals. At the end of his season, Albright holds the school records in both the 200 and 400 meter races. He beat the record at this years Perry County tournament where he ran a personal best 49.3 400M race. Throughout the regular season, Albright led West Perry with the most team points (323). Additionally, Albright will leave West Perry as a member of the 500 point club. Marcus Quaker also competed at the state level in the 300 meter hurdles. Quaker also placed in the prelims with a 40.38 time, which landed him in 12th place. This also did not put him in the finals. These two have multiple accomplishments throughout this season to be proud of. At the Shippensburg Roddick Invitational, Albright placed in the top five for the 200 meter race and the 400 meter race. In a dual meet against East Pennsboro, Quaker earned second in the 110M hurdles, first in the 300M hurdles and first in javelin. At the Perry County tournament, Albright took second in the 100M race and first in both the 200 and 400 meter races. Quaker took first place for the 110M hurdles, 300M hurdles and javelin. For the Wildcats, all of the athletes in states qualified for the final round held the next day. Cassel ran the 800 meter and earned a second place finish with a time of 1:56.06 in the finals. Taylor performed the triple jump where he earned a personal record of 43-4 which put him in eighth place. Ritzman competed in the shot put event and ended up in 21st place after throwing a 32-3.25. Greenwoods 4x800 team has continued to impress throughout the year, especially since earning first place at districts. At the state level, the Wildcat relay team took third place after running an 8:03.88 race. Following the resignation of Newport mayor Robert Campbell, Stephen Tice stepped up to take the reins. Tice, who has lived in Perry County for 23 years, was appointed by borough council to fill the vacancy until the next election, in which Tice is running unopposed. Some people I know and my wife had asked me if Id be willing to run for the mayors position, Tice said. I want to give back to my community. I want to do what I can, so I put my name to the borough council. They considered it, and they chose me to proceed as a mayor until the election. Tice is duty-oriented, having joined the Pennsylvania National Guard after graduating from Tulpehocken High School in Bernville. He is a 33-year combat veteran, currently a sergeant first class. He deployed four times to Middle Eastern countries during both Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror. He works in logistics and plans to retire from the military in November. He has a bachelors degree in business from Central Penn College. Tice also is an elected constable, and he does part-time security for Newport High School. He is married and has six children and three grandchildren. He works for a contractor that leases food service options on the Pennsylvania Turnpike where he manages a food service section for the Cumberland Valley Service Plaza. TAKING OFFICE Stephen Tice has stepped in as mayor of Newport. Hes with his wife, Michelle. Tice said he transitioned into the role of mayor with no difficulty. With my years in the military, Im used to handling operations. I do large operations as it is. Every few years I move probably 3,500 troops and 2,000 pieces of equipment to California and back. Honestly, I just want to give back to the community and help where I can I believe everyone needs to give back. Tice doesnt believe major change needs to come to the borough. I think it just needs fresh eyes. I think we need to look at things and see what we can improve, what we can do for the community, for the people who live here. I think sometimes that voice is lost, and I think as a mayor its my responsibility to listen to what complaints people have and what their interests are and then bring that up to council. On his vision for Newport: We have to improve, we have to change. We have to improve continually and keep up with things. If nothing ever changes, you just kind of wither. There are always opportunities move forward, and I think we need to identify and take advantage of that. Tice strives to take one day each week to walk around Newport and talk to business owners. I walk downtown, I visit the businesses, and I say hi at the senior center and talk to people to hear what their concerns are, and see if theres anything that needs immediate attention. Due to his service in the National Guard and his work with logistics, Tice has lived throughout the country, though he has always been drawn back to Pennsylvania. He moved to Perry County in 2000 and found a new home. I like the people. I like the small-town community; Im not a big city person. I like the atmosphere of cooperation that we have here. Tice can be reached through the borough office, 717-567-3728 or secretary@newportboro.com. Another county-wide burn ban has been put in place in in York County for the next 30 days, starting on Monday. The York County commissioners adopted a resolution to ban all open burning due to the record-low stream levels, low ground water levels and drier than normal temperatures keeping the wildfire potential very high. This extends the temporary ban first instituted on June 5. Anyone who violates the burn ban may face a maximum fine of up to $100 for the first offense, $200 for a second offense and $300 for a third and subsequent offenses. The commissioners said in the resolution that open burning is defined as the ignition and burning of any combustible materials such as but not limited to garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, paper or vegetable material, outdoor burning either in a screened or unscreened burn barrel, a backyard fire pit or on the ground. The ban does not apply to the use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquette grills or use of tobacco; however, all fireworks are prohibited unless approved by the municipality where they are being ignited. The duration of the ban will be reviewed periodically over the next 30 days to determine if weather conditions are such that it can be terminated, according to the resolution. The dry conditions are not limited to York County, According to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Lebanon County residents also are under a burn ban through July 7. Meanwhile, the wildfire danger is high for all but four northwestern counties: Warren, Forest, McKean and Elk where the risk is rated as moderate, according to the department. AccuWeather forecasts a chance for a passing shower in the Capital Region on Sunday evening. There also is a chance of showers on Monday and again on Wednesday. Ukraines military reported intense fighting with Russian forces on Saturday, while the country's nuclear energy agency said it put the last operating reactor at Europes largest nuclear power plant into a cold shutdown for safety as Russia's war on Ukraine drags on through its 16th month. After Russian forces pummeled Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight resulting in deaths and damage to a military airfield, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Kyiv Saturday for an previously unannounced visit, his second trip to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February last year. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Ukraines General Staff said Saturday that heavy battles were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the countrys industrial east. It gave no details but said Russian forces were defending themselves and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraines southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Five out of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, were already in a state of cold shutdown, in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency, said in a statement late Friday that there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Energoatom said it shut down the final reactor due to that, and also because of shelling near the site that has damaged overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraines energy system. With all nuclear reactions stopped, temperatures and pressure inside reactors gradually decline, reducing the required intensity of water cooling of the radioactive fuel. This is a nuclear power plants safest operating mode. Energoatom employees are still working at the power plant, although it remains controlled by the Russians. The sites power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Analysts and Russia say that Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive in southern Ukraine, potentially aiming to retake territory near the plant. Also on Saturday morning, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least four civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. Ukraines State Emergency Service reported that three people were killed and more than two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. A spokesperson for Ukraines southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. In Ukraines northeast, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, reported Saturday. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded. In the Poltava region further west, there was damage to a military airfield struck overnight during a Russian drone and missile attack, local Gov. Dmytro Lunin reported. Lunin said no one was hurt. As of Saturday morning, there was no additional comment from the Ukrainian army or officials on the extent of the damage. The Ukrainian air force said that during the night, it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles of various types launched by Russian forces. The fighting and civilian casualties took renewed attention as authorities in southern Ukraine said water levels have been declining in a vast area beneath the ruptured dam. In the city of Kherson, whose outskirts were among the flood-hit areas, the average water level decreased by 31 centimeters (12 inches) during the night, but remained over 4.5 meters (15 feet) higher than usual, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin reported Saturday. Prokudin warned that meteorologists predicted heavy rainfall in the area over the weekend, complicating rescue efforts. The UN's humanitarian aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said in an Associated Press interview Friday that an extraordinary 700,000 people were in need of drinking water. Search Keywords: Short link: David Johnston, Independent Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference, appears as a witness at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Johnston says he is stepping down from his role, citing the highly partisan atmosphere around his work. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Dominic LeBlanc speaks during a news conference following the resignation of David Johnston, Independent Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference, in the Foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Saturday, June 10, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Sarah Herzali Comes Up Shy of Being First Female Bracelet Winner of 2023 WSOP June 09, 2023 Connor Richards Editor & Live Reporter U.S. Though the 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) has only been underway for a week and a half, there have already been multiple female players who have closed in on WSOP bracelets. First Kristen Foxen finished seventh in Event #6: $5,000 Mixed No-Limit for $69,683 (and later finished 12th in Event #16: $25,000 High Roller for $79,335), and later France's Sarah Herzali made a deep run in Event #15: $1,500 6-Handed No-Limit Hold'em that had poker fans wondering if she would be the first female champion of the 2023 WSOP. Though Herzali, who entered the tournament with $552,104 in Hendon Mob earnings, came short of winning a bracelet, she finished third for a career-best $207,720 and to make the deepest run of any woman at the WSOP so far this year. PokerNews spoke with Herzali about her run in the event that drew 2,454 entrants for a prize pool of $3,276,090. 2023 World Series of Poker Hub Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2023 WSOP is here. Click here First WSOP Final Table Herzali's first tournament cash dates back to 2009 when she finished fourth in a Partouche Poker Tour event for $4,132. But she was first introduced to poker through cash games. I started to play poker in cash games in south France," she told PokerNews. "I played a lot of cash games and after that I had a sponsorship, so I played more tournaments. And since then I dont have my sponsorship (anymore), but Im still playing tournaments. Sarah Herzali Herzali is a WSOP regular and noted that she attends the summer series almost every year. She made deep runs in the both the 2019 and 2022 WSOP Main Events, respectively finishing 561st for $24,560 and 314th for $40,900. She also plays international stops. A few years ago, she met her husband, fellow French poker player Tom Jarry, during a poker festival in the Bahamas. Yeah, we met there," said Herzali. "He was commentating for partypoker. A few years down the road and Jarry found himself in Las Vegas cheering his wife on as she made her first WSOP final table. It was on the rail that PokerNews spoke with Jarry as Herzali sparred with the four other remaining players in the $1,500 event. Shes just really good," he said when asked about the best part of his wife's poker game. "Really aggressive, and patient as well. Just overall really good, did study a lot in the past few years. Though they live in Edinburgh, Scotland, Jarry said the couple make the trip out to Las Vegas for the WSOP "every summer. Shes been coming here even longer than me," he said. 2023 WSOP Featured Females: Maria Konnikova & Kristen Foxen Making Runs Rowdiest Rail of the Summer Jarry wasn't the only one cheering Herzali on from the sidelines. In fact, the $1,500 6-Handed event featured the rowdiest rail of the summer so far, in no small part because of a group of over a dozen French poker players rooting for Herzali. Team France was only outdone by the louder and deeper Team Brazil rooting for eventual champion Rafael Reis. It was a huge rail. It was really really amazing," said Herzali. It just was fun. It was really nice to not feel the pressure when theyre screaming (for you). Its a more fun experience than something too serious. Herzali's supporters were there cheering her on when she hit a straight flush during Day 3 in a hand where she didn't get as much value as she wanted after checking the river (I hoped a bluff or an ace-high flush would bet"), and they were rooting for her even harder when she doubled multiple times after losing most of her stack during four-handed play. Sarah Herzali But the cheers couldn't prevent Herzali from running king-nine into the pocket jacks of Reis in the hand that ended her bracelet run in third for $207,720. I ran pretty well yesterday on Day 2, and unfortunately my Day 3 was more difficult ... so I just did my best," said Herzali, who had started Day 3 as the chip leader with 15 players remaining. While she wasn't able to be the first female WSOP champion of the summer, a feat that would see her follow in the footsteps of fellow European pro and 2021 $1,500 The Closer champion Leo Margets, Herzali was in good spirits after earning the career-best six-figure score. Im really happy about my tournament (and) how everything went well," Herzali told PokerNews shortly after her elimination. "And I finished third, so Im quite happy. I dont regret anything. Read about last week's WSOP Featured Females as Foxen and famed writer Maria Konnikova both made deep runs. Check out our guide to the Best Online Casinos around the world. For US players, online real money casino is available in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey and West Virginia. If you're looking to start playing Online Casino right now, then we recommend FanDuel Casino. If youre in a State where real money online casino isnt an option, then you still have the chance to play via Social Casino sites such as Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Saturday as Ukrainian forces were engaged in fierce fighting against Russia on the southern front line. Trudeau, who is due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later on Saturday, placed flowers by a wall displaying the faces of soldiers killed in combat while a military orchestra played, AFP journalists saw. He also visited an open-air exhibition featuring destroyed military vehicles. Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Oleksandr Polishchuk handed Trudeau a container holding shrapnel from a rocket that fell on the Black Sea port city of Odesa. A group of Ukrainian soldiers who received training in Canada spoke with Trudeau. One of them, Colonel Petro Ostapchuk, told reporters the troops received training for elite shooters, engineers and young commanders. "It's a great privilege to meet the prime minister," he said. Canada, which hosts a large Ukrainian diaspora, has been one of Kyiv's key allies since the Russian invasion. Ottawa has provided Ukraine with significant military aid, trained more than 36,000 soldiers and adopted sanctions against Moscow. Trudeau's visit comes as Russia has reported thwarting Ukrainian attacks in the east and south that some observers have interpreted as the start of Kyiv's expected large-scale counter-offensive. Ukraine has so far minimised the importance of the attacks. Search Keywords: Short link: Man of the People: How Daniel Negreanu Bagged Top 4 Stack on $300 Gladiator Day 1a June 10, 2023 Chad Holloway Executive Editor U.S. When it comes to the World Series of Poker (WSOP), six-time bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu is typically found in bigger buy-in events. Hes among pokers elite often competing for $25K Fantasy and Player of the Year points, and buy-ins in excess of $10,000 give him the best chance at both, not to mention his first bracelet since 2013. For instance, he finished 22nd in Event #2: $25,000 High Roller Six-Handed NLH for $50,000, though he failed to bag Day 1 of Event #23: $50,000 High Roller (8-Handed) after firing two bullets. However, on Wednesday after busting early on Day 2 of Event #16: $25,000 High Roller, Kid Poker opted to become a man of the people by hopping into Day 1a of Event #18: $300 Gladiators of Poker, which boasted a $3 million guarantee. Follow Live Updates from the WSOP Gladiators of Poker Here! Are You Not Entertained? Needless to say, recreational players in the field were thrilled to see one of pokers top stars in the lowest buy-in tournament of the 2023 WSOP. That was evidenced by the hundreds of photos hed take while in the Paris Ballroom. A shot from Negreanu's vlog of him standing in a long line. Despite having to wait in long lines, Negreanu busted two bullets in short order and opted to fire a third, which is when he began to catch fire. It started just before the dinner break when Negreanu more than doubled his stack of 36,000 with AJ against two players, one who was short stacked and another bigger stack who held the 66. The board ran out 2A9JA and Negreanu filled up to Not long after, a player raised, Negreanu three-bet, and the original raiser jammed. Negreanu called with the AK and was up against the KK. The 339 flop gave Negreanu a runner-runner heart draw, but the 4 turn dashed those hopes and left him looking for an ace on the river to stay alive. Well, Negreanu doesnt always run bad as he spiked the A to double his stack of 102,000. By the dinner break he had worked that up to 307,000. 2023 World Series of Poker Hub Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2023 WSOP is here. Click here Post-Dinner Heater With around 300 players remaining in the field, Negreanu won a big pot with the AQ against an opponents A8 after the board ran out [7h4s9h3h10]. Going into the last break of the night, Negreanu sat with 775,000 when the average was 450,000 with roughly 260 players. Daniel Negreanu having a ball! The run good didnt stop there as Negreanu won an 800k pot when his pocket kings coolered queens, and it was only up from there. The flight drew 3,954 entrants, but after 22 levels of play just 129 bagged with Negreanu and his stack of 2.25 million in fourth place. Along with all the other survivors, Negreanu will return at 10 a.m. PDT on Sunday for Day 2 action. Hes already in the money, which marks his fourth cash of the 2023 WSOP. Why not the Gladiator? Why not? Lets just do this one, Negreanu said. Im a man of the people. Negreanus wild ride in the Gladiators of Poker was documented in his daily vlog, which you can watch here: Sharelines Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) doesn't play many low buy-in tournaments during the @WSOP. A Look Inside Phil Hellmuth's WSOP Break Room: How Does He Fit on that Couch? June 09, 2023 Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. When you hold the record for the most World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, there are perks. For Phil Hellmuth, whose 16 bracelets (and counting) may never be touched, one of those perks is his own personal break room at Horseshoe Las Vegas. That's a nice benefit especially on 90-minute dinner breaks. Hellmuth granted PokerNews access to his small but intimate break room, which is in an undisclosed location. "Don't disclose the location. I don't need fans knocking on the door seeking autographs while I'm trying to rest," the Poker Hall of Famer joked. What's Inside the Poker Legend's Breakroom? Hellmuth's personal space at Horseshoe is quite small about 12 feet by 8 feet but it is cozy and a great spot to relax and reenergize following a bad beat. 2023 World Series of Poker Hub Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2023 WSOP is here. Click here Inside the room, the Poker Hall of Famer has his own snack table, drink cooler, and a small couch that is more suited for someone who is much shorter. Hellmuth is 6'7", making him one of the tallest high-profile poker players ever, about an inch taller than fellow former world champion Huck Seed and slightly shorter than Phil Gordon. So, how does take he a nap on such a tiny couch during dinner break? PokerNews' Lara Neacy brought up the question. "It's a very short couch," the astute Neacy commented. "Do you curl up into a ball?" "I had a longer couch last year, and they asked me, 'do you want a longer couch?" Hellmuth responded. "I said I think I'll be fine because no matter what they're not going to find one I'll fit completely into." When pictures first surfaced of the room on social media, some poker fans were critical that Hellmuth was given preferential treatment. But, as the "Poker Brat" explained, the perks are deserved given what he's accomplished in poker and at the World Series of Poker. "I'd like to think that I've earned it," Hellmuth said of getting his own personal room at the Horseshoe. The small but intimate room also features a Pepsi-branded cooler for the poker pro to store drinks and refrigerated snacks such as fruit and cheese. At the time we visited, the fridge was stocked with some Fiji waters, coconut waters, string cheese, and bananas. As for his sizable snack table, he had some Oreo's, Pop Tarts, chips, peanuts, and a few other goodies that he can chow on during breaks and at the poker table. "The store is 50 yards away and I just said alright give me a box, the whole box," Hellmuth said. Hellmuth's fridge is stocked with all sorts of refreshing beverages and snacks. Hellmuth isn't the only poker legend with such a valuable perk. Daniel Negreanu, now that he no longer has a space to park his RV, also has his own cozy break room inside the WSOP host venue. Through the first 10 days of the 2023 World Series of Poker, Hellmuth has racked up three small cashes. He's chasing his record-extending 17th bracelet, although he told PokerNews he couldn't guarantee he'll win one this year but his goal every summer is to add some hardware. Sharelines Come take a look inside @phil_hellmuth's personal @WSOP break room. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Ann Coulter sarcastically responded to calls for Republican candidates to suspend their campaigns in solidarity with Trump by suggesting GOP suicide. Coulter tweeted in response to Charlie Kirk calling for every Republican presidential candidate to suspend their campaign in solidarity with Trump: That's nothing! I'm calling on EVERY REPUBLICAN TO COMMIT SUICIDE in solidarity with Trump! Otherwise, we don't have a country, folks. https://t.co/3wzw9rjCqa Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) June 9, 2023 Ann Coulter is no fan of MAGA and Trump, and she was calling out the cult-like devotion to Trump that some of the slaves to MAGA are exhibiting. The federal indictment has exposed those who make their living from MAGA and need it to keep the cash or votes rolling in. Any sane political party would have stopped Trump from winning its nomination in 2016. Any sane political party would have convicted Trump at his second impeachment trial after he tried to overthrow the government. A political party with an ounce of self-preservation instinct would not have allowed Trump to continue to lead it and be the frontrunner for the 2024 presidential nomination. Law enforcement had to step in to stop the Trump crime wave because Republicans wouldnt. After a federal indictment of their leader, Republicans have reached the point of insanity where some are calling for a suspension of the 2024 presidential primary. The Republican Party is acting like it is Donald Trump. The only left to find out is if Ann Coulter is correct and the Republican Party has transitioned from a political cult to a death cult. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The story that Trump showed maps of North Korea to Kid Rock in the Oval Office looks a lot more criminal after the Jack Smith indictment. Here is Rock on Tucker Carlson in 2022 telling the North Korea story: Kid Rock described Trump being the Oval Office and whipping out maps. Rock responded, And Im like Im like, Am I supposed to be like in on this s**t? Trump asked the musician, What do you think we should do about North Korea? Kid Rock told Carlson, Im like, what? I dont think Im qualified to answer this. I make dirty records sometimes. What the f**k am I doing here? Funny enough, what the fk am I doing here is the same response many people have had at a Kid Rock concert. A story that the right found charming, and it alarmed everyone else because the guy who managed to screw up combining Werewolf of London and Sweet Home Alabama into the same song was solicited for advice on how to deal with North Korea. Now that Trump has been indicted for violations of the Espionage Act, his behavior with Kid Rock can be identified as part of a pattern. Trump was always trying to impress others by showing them things they werent supposed to see. As president, Trump leaked and mishandled classified info regularly, but when he no longer had the protections of the presidency to hide behind, his behavior became criminal, and when the government asked for the documents back, he is alleged to have committed a whole new set of crimes, and that is why we are where we are today. Donald Trump was jeopardizing the country for a long time until he finally got caught. Midland Valleys graduation ceremony on Thursday night was brimming with groundbreaking accomplishments, beginning with the introduction of Daisy Gonzales as the first Mexican American valedictorian in Midland Valley history. Gonzales noted her parents both Mexican immigrants as the driving force behind her ambition. Her father, who became an orphan at the age of 12, and her mother, who was unable to pursue education, have given Gonzales the inspiration she needed to succeed. My greatest source of motivation has been with me since before I was even born, she said. And now it happens to be the ones I share a home with. In her speech, Gonzales made sure to emphasize the importance of her identity and the struggles faced by many first-generation students. A long time ago, I made myself a promise that others in this audience may relate to. It wasn't that I would leave where I came from, but that I would take who I am wherever I go. My parents have instilled in me the value and the importance of being a proud Mexican American student, she said. Being a first-generation student is not easy. Entering an unfamiliar school system with an unfamiliar language as a test drive for future generations is not easy. We have the power to break barriers, overcome obstacles and create a new path for future generations. She also spoke a portion of her speech in Spanish for other bilingual listeners in the audience. Like many others here tonight, I pride myself in loving in two languages and working in two languages and speaking in two languages. Gonzales has been accepted to over 23 schools, including Notre Dame and Ivy League schools such as Brown and Yale. This fall, she will be attending Harvard. Gonzales wasnt the only highlight of the night the graduating class of 2023 set a record by earning $18,073,241 in scholarship money. The class of 2023 has been offered, in total, the most scholarship dollars in Midland Valley High School history, said Principal Sheldon Higgenbottom. Class of 2023, you are accomplished, compassionate and courageous. Remember, you are always a mustang in everything you do. Ten years after Palace Malice captured the Belmont Stakes in New York, the memories of that accomplishment remain vivid for Aiken resident Anne Campbell and still make her smile. The victory was special because the Belmont is among the most prestigious events in the Sport of Kings. It was the highlight of our whole career in racing, said Anne, whose late husband, Cot Campbell, founded and was the president of Dogwood Stable, which campaigned the bay thoroughbred. Anne also enjoys reminiscing about the 2013 Belmont because of the enthusiastic response of local residents to the Palace Malices triumph. Immediately afterward, the Campbells celebrated with family and Dogwood partners, and then we had this incredibly wonderful community to share it with, which added a great deal to the win, Anne said. When the Campbells arrived at Aiken Regional Airport in a chartered jet the day following Palace Malices Belmont conquest, there were green and yellow balloons, which matched the colors of Dogwoods racing silks, at the facility and on their car that was parked there. Then, on the way back to their home, when we got to the intersection of York Street and Richland Avenue, there were three women there and one of them was Jane Page Thompson, Anne said. They had balloons, and their car radio was turned up and playing Frank Sinatra singing, New York, New York. They were dancing in the street. At the Campbells house on York Street, even more balloons were on display and 70 to 80 people were waiting to the welcome the couple back to Aiken, Anne further recalled. They also had put up signs, she said. We were so thankful that we lived in Aiken. The Belmont is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, a series of races for 3-year-olds. The first leg is the Kentucky Derby, and the second is the Preakness Stakes. Palace Malice finished a disappointing 12th in a field of 19 in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4 while wearing blinkers, which can help focus a thoroughbreds attention on competing, for the first time. Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Mike Smith, Palace Malice charged quickly to the lead in the 1-mile race, but went so fast early that he got tired and faded before the wire. He broke (from the starting gate) like a bat out of hell, Anne said. Everybody was so excited and cheering, and we were like, Oh no, whats going on here? It was clear to us that he was going way too fast too soon, and we knew he couldnt sustain that. Palace Malice then took a break from the Triple Crown, skipping the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course in Maryland on May 18. When he returned to competition June 8 in the 1-mile Belmont Stakes, Smith was back on board. The day was glorious, Anne Campbell said. We had a festive, wonderful time. Both of the Campbells daughters, Lila Campbell and Cary Umhau, were scheduled to join their parents at Belmont Park, but Lila couldnt get there because bad weather in Atlanta delayed her flight. It was heartbreaking, it really was, Anne said. She watched on TV, and she said she cried the whole time because she was so disappointed not be there and also excited. Palace Malice, who faced 13 rivals at Belmont, wasnt wearing blinkers, and without them, he didnt rush to the front. After the first quarter-mile, Palace Malice was in fifth, and he moved up to fourth by the half-mile point. From there Palace Malice continued to advance. In the final turn, he and Preakness winner Oxbow battled for the lead, and Palace Malice pulled ahead for good with only about a quarter-mile remaining. As the race unfolded, the Campbells were feeling confident. We were thinking, Oh my gosh, hes looking good. Hes in the right place. Hes really looking promising, Anne said. We just kind of knew at one point, maybe at the end of the final turn, that he was going to win it before he actually won it. Palace Malice defeated Oxbow by 3 lengths while Kentucky Derby winner Orb finished another 1 lengths behind in third. The Dogwood runners winning time was 2:30.70. After the race, Cot declared, Theyre dancing in the streets of Aiken while being interviewed on NBCs Belmont Stakes telecast. The Campbells later drank champagne and dined at a steakhouse in New York City. Its dream come true to be in a business where you hit the jackpot, Anne said. Palace Malice was the second winner for Dogwood in a Triple Crown race, following Summer Squall who captured the Preakness in 1990. You always hope, but dont expect to have another classic winner, Anne said. Palace Malice just kind of topped off the whole thing. The horses that have the real staying power are the ones that are going to win the Belmont Stakes. Palace Malice finished his career with victories in seven of his 19 races and earned $2,691,135. In addition to the Belmont Stakes, he won the Metropolitan Handicap, Jim Dandy Stakes, Gulfstream Park Handicap, New Orleans Handicap, Westchester Stakes and a maiden race at Saratoga Race Course in New York. Palace Malice is a stallion standing at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky. Cot, who died in 2018 and was a pioneer in the development of racing partnerships, is a member of Thoroughbred racings Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs, New York. Pletcher and Smith also are Hall of Fame members. Brad Stauffer and Ron Stevens trained Palace Malice while he was in Aiken. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has briefed Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping about an upcoming mission by African leaders to Russia and Ukraine to try and broker peace, Pretoria said Saturday. Ramaphosa announced last month that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky had agreed to receive a six-member African delegation, expected to visit this month. Ramaphosa "has briefed" Xi, the South African presidency said in a statement. The delegation will group the presidents of the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. His office did not specify when he spoke to Xi but said the Chinese leader "commended the initiative by the African continent and acknowledged the impact the conflict has had on human lives and on food security in Africa". In February, Beijing released a paper calling for a "political settlement" to the conflict, which Western countries warned could enable Russia to hold much of the territory it has seized in Ukraine. China says it is a neutral party but it has been criticised for refusing to condemn Moscow for its offensive and for its close strategic partnership with Russia. Similarly, South Africa's ruling party which has close ties to the Kremlin since the anti-apartheid struggle years, has not condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying it is impartial and prefers dialogue. African countries have been badly hit by rising prices for grain since Russia invaded Ukraine -- a major global source of wheat and other agriculture commodities -- in February last year. The war had also had a wider impact on world trade. The peace mission comes as South Africa is looking to burnish its credentials following accusations that it has drifted towards the Kremlin. South Africa is also faced with diplomatic dilemma ahead of a BRICS summit scheduled for August in Johannesburg. Putin, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court over accusations that Russia unlawfully deported Ukrainian children, has been invited to the summit. As a member of the ICC, South Africa will be obliged to detain Putin on arrival. The Xi and Ramaphosa talks also touched on preparations for the summit amid speculation that South Africa is considering moving the August meeting to China to avoid having to arrest Putin. Both leaders "committed to work towards a successful summit," said the statement. BRICS groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and aims at counterbalancing the traditional dominance of Europe and the United States on the world stage. Search Keywords: Short link: A large Berkeley County tract near the Summerville area's industrial real estate epicenter recently sold for nearly $17 million. Rushmark Properties paid $16.8 million in late May for about 300 acres along Interstate 26 southwest of Jedburg Road and north of Dawson Branch Road, according to public land records. The largest chunk of land in the transaction about 263 acres was sold by North Charleston Lands Corp. for about $15.3 million. A group of smaller adjoining parcels made up the remainder of the deal. The property is just west of a parcel off Woodhill Patch Lane near Jedburg Road that was sold for $5.75 million in October to an affiliate of Camping World. A representative of Rushmark did not respond to a request for comment about the plans for its newly acquired property. The Falls Church, Va.-based firm has been active in the local market for years. Among Rushmark's previous commercial real estate holdings was a part ownership with Charleston developer and investor Frank Haygood in the S.H. Kress & Co. building at 281 King St. on the peninsula. They sold the art deco-style structure for $19.5 million in 2019. Now open A new apartment development is now open on the Charleston peninsula. Quarterra Multifamily, a subsidiary of single-family homebuilding giant Lennar Corp., and Cresset Partners last week announced the completion of the 303-unit Cormac Apartments where Morrison Drive meets Meeting Street Road. The rental complex has studio to two-bedroom apartments with monthly rates ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. Residents have access to a controlled-access, three-story, above-grade garage as well as on-street parking and 19 electric-vehicle charging stations. The complex also features an eighth-floor rooftop terrace with a butler kitchen. Three elevated courtyards can be found on the fourth floor, including one with a pool and clubhouse. Cormac also includes 13,068 square feet of retail space and a pair of public ground-level courtyards. The moniker comes from the birth name of 18th-century pirate Anne Bonny, who may have lived in Charleston as a child. Sign up for our real estate newsletter! Get the best of the Post and Courier's Real Estate news, handpicked and delivered to your inbox each Saturday. Email Sign Up! New builder The company behind a Berkeley County tract as big as the Charleston peninsula is adding its own homebuilder to the lineup of companies already doing business at the site. Brookfield Residential, which acquired Newland, the former developer of the 5,000-acre Nexton project near Summerville in 2021, plans to build a new collection of townhomes in the mixed-use community as its first project in South Carolina. The builder is an affiliate of Brookfield Properties, which invests in logistics, hospitality and retail assets. Among its holdings is Columbiana Centre in the Midlands. The Nexton townhomes will be built in the Midtown neighborhood. The 1,600-square-foot, two-story, three-bedroom properties will be priced starting in the mid-$300,000s. They also can be outfitted with extra driveway space and a one- or two-car garage. Pre-sales will begin mid-summer with a model residence opening later this year. Builders in Nexton have sold more than 2,600 homes to date. At completion, it's projected to have more than 7,000 dwellings, or about 17,500 residents, making it as big as the populations of Moncks Corner and Georgetown combined. Other Nexton builders include Ashton Woods, Centex, David Weekley, Del Webb, Homes by Dickerson, New Leaf, Pulte Homes, Saussy Burbank and True Homes. Nexton is owned by a subsidiary of North America Sekisui House LLC and is managed by Brookfield. Rebranding A national nonprofit with an office in Charleston that provides apartment companies with pre-screened, trained and ready-to-work talent is now operating under a new name. The former Shelters to Shutters is now Entryway. The multifamily industry continues to grapple with high turnover rates for entry-level employees. Entryway offers a unique program that focuses on sourcing talent where hiring managers may not be looking: individuals and families at risk of or facing situational homelessness. The nonprofit offers training, employment and housing to qualified individuals who aren't living on the street but are close to it. GREENVILLE A religious information center plans to fill the spot of a short-lived cosmetics store on Greenville's Main Street. Veritas Catholic Information Center, a recently formed nonprofit, leased 14 S. Main St. to transform it into a center for evangelism and outreach. The store, to be called Christ on Main, expects to be a "spiritual oasis" for anyone interested in learning about Catholicism, whether a practicing Catholic or not, Executive Director Brendan Dudley said. The store will sell retail items, display religious artwork and decor, host scheduled events both on- and off-site and act as a resource to those with questions or looking to have faith-based conversations. The maroon-painted building on South Main Street was most recently home to a cosmetics store, and before that, an alcohol seller. Dark Corner Distillery spent nine years in the store before shuttering in Oct. 2020, citing pandemic-related hardships. Then, in March 2022, Gallery 42, opened its doors, selling skincare products like moisturizers, creams, lotions, perfumes and colognes. The business left the store earlier this year, and Veritas Catholic Information Center leased it this spring. In the coming months the organization will demolish and remodel the interior of the 3,300-square-foot store to include a retail section where Catholic literature and other devotional items will be sold, a large flexible space to host day-to-day conversations along with other scheduled activities, a conference room and a dedicated prayer room, or oratory. The center expects to host a grand opening before the end of the year. The store will not be engaging in street evangelizing. "We will not be on the sidewalk handing out flyers. We will not be on the sidewalk engaging in faith conversations," Dudley said. "This will be about inviting people in for a non-judgmental, non-threatening environment to which they can explore, grow and discover about themselves through exploring and discovering about Christianity, specifically Catholicism." About 10 percent of adults identify as Catholic in South Carolina, per The Pew Research Center. I understand that Catholics in South Carolina make up 10 percent of the population, Dudley said. But I also know that that has been growing a lot, especially in the past decade or two, especially here in the Upstate." Veritas Catholic Information Center was organized and managed by lay persons or non-clergy people. The former Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston and his successor both approve and support the organizations efforts, Dudley said, but it is not officially sponsored by the diocese. While early meetings regarding the group started in 2020, its inaugural event was held in August 2021. A board of directors was then selected, the group applied to be a nonprofit and fundraising began. The anticipated storefront hours are still being determined, but it does "plan on having a consistent schedule of hours, especially to maximize the foot traffic and the car traffic on Main Street," Dudley said. It will soon seek volunteers to assist with planning activities and with daily life at the store. CONWAY Horry County Administrator Steve Gosnell will receive a $28,000 annual raise, making him the second highest-paid county official in South Carolina, according to the latest available data. Gosnell, who has worked for the county for 30 years, received unanimous support from County Council this month when they voted to extend his contract and give him a raise. The increase will bump his salary from just over $225,000 to $253,000, according to information released by the county late June 9, three days after his raise was approved. He also receives an $8,400 car allowance. Steve does a great job, Horry County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner said after the vote on June 6. Im glad to have him. Although council members voted to approve Gosnells raise at the end of their June 6 meeting, they initially refused to reveal how much additional money he would receive, saying the contract would not be valid until the document was signed by both Gardner and Gosnell. The contract was signed on June 7 and the county released it on June 9 in response to a public records request from The Post and Courier. His extension is for one year. His new contract expires on July 9, 2024. Ahead of the vote on the extension, the council chairman said he aimed to make Gosnell among the highest-paid county administrators in the state, if not topping that list. Even with the raise, Gosnells compensation still falls well below Greenville Countys administrator, the states top-earning county administrator, who receives a $303,659 salary, $27,450 in vacation pay and $33,188 in deferred compensation, according to his most recent statement of economic interest filed with the state Ethics Commission. Greenville County has the state's largest population. The population in Horry County, the home to Myrtle Beach that has been the state's fastest-growing county for years, ranks fourth. But Gosnells new salary does put him above the Richland County administrator ($237,665) and the Charleston County administrator ($245,651), according to their latest statements of economic interest. Those two counties have larger populations than Horry County. Gosnell declined to comment on the raise. An engineer, Gosnell served as an assistant county administrator over the infrastructure and regulation division before taking the administrator's job in 2019. The administrator is the highest-ranking official in Horry County government, leading a staff of more than 2,500 employees. Gosnells hiring followed a chaotic period of county leadership. On the day Gardner was sworn in to office in 2018, then-County Administrator Chris Eldridge asked the State Law Enforcement Division to investigate extortion allegations involving the new chairman. SLED later cleared Gardner of any criminal wrongdoing, and that led to intense debates about Eldridges job. The council split over whether to fire Eldridge, but he ultimately stepped down and the council tapped Gosnell to serve as interim administrator. The council then offered to remove the interim tag from Gosnells title. Initially, Gosnell was paid a lower salary than his predecessor and even less than he made as interim administrator but he still agreed to take the job. Until this week, he had not received a raise beyond those provided annually to all county workers. Some council members have credited Gosnell with helping them navigate difficult times: the COVID-19 pandemic and the years of recovery from Hurricane Florence in 2018. Charleston County and Folly Beach have scored the largest flood insurance discounts in South Carolina, and few local governments in the nation have had more success in the FEMA incentive program that provides the savings. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Community Rating System rewards property owners with lower flood insurance rates when their governments take steps to reduce potential damage and raise awareness. More than 1,700 governments participate nationwide, but only two have a score better than Charleston County's, and only nine have a score better than Folly Beach's. The reward is a 40 percent discount on flood insurance policies for property owners in unincorporated Charleston County the areas that aren't part of any town or city in the county and a 35 percent discount for those on Folly Beach. "It's financially helpful, and also makes us a more resilient community," Folly Beach Administrator Aaron Pope said. Charleston County's CRS score improved this year and the 40 percent insurance discount, increased from 35 percent, will be effective Oct. 1. "I'm so proud of my team," said Hakim Bayyoud, the county's director of building inspection services. "A lot of other jurisdictions reach out to us for help." So, how did the county and Folly Beach score so highly, and why do most towns and cities in Charleston County have worse scores and lower insurance discounts? In the county's three largest municipalities, residents of the city of Charleston and Mount Pleasant get a 20 percent discount, and North Charleston residents get 15 percent off their flood insurance. Part of the answer is that the best scores are usually related to more strict regulations dealing with flooding and building construction, and some governments aren't willing to go that far. Costs and benefits The more restrictions and requirements you put on development, and substantial damage and improvement (rules), the greater the discount you get," said Matt Fountain, Charleston's director of stormwater management. "There are other ways to get points but thats one of the main ones." A good example is the "freeboard" rule that determines how high new buildings must be above base flood lines. Higher buildings mean less potential flood damage, but a sticking point comes when those rules apply to existing homes. That's the "substantial damage and improvement" rule Fountain referenced. If improvements or repairs to a building cost at least 50 percent of what a building is worth, it could be required to meet current building code rules, and that could mean having to elevate a home at great expense. Charleston City Council in 2020 raised the city's freeboard rule from 1 to 2 feet, but exempted existing homes that sustain damage equal to at least half their value. The council was responding to concerns about adding costs for homeowners who could have to rebuild after a flood or hurricane, but exempting those properties cost the city some potential CRS points. The potential for acute individual harm was not worth the widespread moderate benefit (of a higher insurance discount), for many council members," Fountain said. Once youre down to a level six (CRS score) theres no low-hanging fruit left. Charleston County adopted a 2-foot freeboard rule with no exception, and also reduced the damage threshold to 49 percent. Mount Pleasant also adopted a 2-foot freeboard rule, and on Folly Beach it's 4 feet. All those measures help with CRS scores and flood resiliency. Folly Beach calculates the value of building improvements over a rolling 10-year period, making the rule even stricter. And Folly Beach treats all property in the barrier island city as if it's in a "V" flood zone, even where it's not, which mean tougher building rules. The last 10 years or so, weve had councils that were willing, from the regulatory standpoint, to tighten up our flood-related rules," said Pope. Its elevating buildings, decreasing damage from floods, and everyone on Folly Beach gets a 35 percent discount on their flood insurance. Fountain does not expect Charleston's CRS score of 6 to change during an upcoming review, but said an ongoing rewrite of the city's zoning code could help in the future. We just have not been as focused on points as we have been on flood reduction for our citizens," he said, citing the city's massive pump-and-tunnel drainage projects on the peninsula. CRS scores range from 1, the highest, to 9, the lowest. Charleston County has a 2 and Folly Beach has a 3. Seeking larger discounts North Charleston and Mount Pleasant officials said they expect those municipality's scores to improve after reviews in 2024. Were hoping to go two or three stages better than we are now," said Adam MacConnell, North Charleston's senior projects manager. If that happens, the city's CRS score could go from a 7 to a 5 or even a 4, which would be the third-best score in South Carolina, and flood insurance discounts could rise from 15 percent to as much as 30 percent. We understand that we have a lower rating than the county, and we are taking active steps to address that," he said. We recently set out a resilience working group in the city to address these issues, and have been doing some training with the CRS folks about improving our scores." MacConnell said Charleston County gets lots of its CRS points by restricting development in flood plains, and much of that comes from the county's Greenbelt program. The Greenbelt program buys open space, but also purchases the development rights to large properties from willing owners. Towns and cities in metropolitan areas tend to have less undeveloped land to potentially protect, but North Charleston has used county Greenbelt funds to buy or protect wetlands and watersheds. High CRS scores also require enormous amounts of staff time and paperwork, to document all the things that can add points. The National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System manual is 641 pages long. William Horne is Mount Pleasant's deputy engineering and development services director, and before joining the town staff in the summer of 2021 he was Charleston County's assistant director of building inspection services. Horne said his work for the county is one reason the county's score is so good, and he's confident Mount Pleasant's score will improve when FEMA does a review in 2023. Scores are only reviewed every three to five years. Each improvement in a score comes with an additional 5 percent discount on flood insurance. So, a community with a 9, such as Columbia, gets a 5 percent discount while a community with a 3 like Folly Beach gets 35 percent off. I dont see a problem with (Mount Pleasant scoring) a five," said Horne. I hope to be a four." He said documenting the town's efforts to control stormwater, such as tightening the rules for how much of a property can be covered by impervious surfaces that don't absorb water, will help. In the walled Old City of Israeli occupied east Jerusalem, Nora and Mustafa Sub Laban are counting down the last days before a court decision that has hovered over them since 1978 is carried out. After decades of legal wrangling, they are set to be evicted from their home in the Muslim Quarter to make way for Jewish settlers. "These days, I'm like a prisoner waiting to be put to death. I don't sleep like other people," Nora Sub Laban told AFP. The east Jerusalem residents have been embroiled in a 45-year legal battle with authorities and Israeli settlers. The settlers are part of an organisation called Atara Leyoshna and are represented by Eli Attal, according to both the Sub Laban family and Ir Amim, an anti-settlement watchdog. Attal declined to comment about the case when approached by AFP. The Israeli plaintiffs claim that Jews lived in the building before the occupation of the holy city into Israeli and Jordanian sectors following the proclamation of Israel in 1948. They invoke an Israeli law from the 1970s that allows Jews to reclaim any property owned by Jews before 1948, even if they are not related. The Sub Labans say they were designated "protected tenants" by Jordan in the 1950s, before Israel captured east Jerusalem in 1967 and proceeded to annex it in a move regarded as illegal by the United Nations. The family showed AFP a Jordanian rental contract dating back to 1953, as well as Israeli court rulings recognising their status as "protected tenants". Yet the courts said that the couple do not currently live permanently in the building, so their "protected tenants" status no longer applies and the eviction can go ahead. The judgment refers to a period when Nora was not living in the apartment daily because of a hospitalisation. "Legally speaking, within the Israeli system, nothing more can be done," said Rafat Sub Laban, the couple's son and an employee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Israeli 'Hegemony' According to Ir Amim, some 150 Palestinian families in Jerusalem's Old City and nearby neighbourhoods are currently threatened with eviction because of "discriminatory laws and state collusion with settler organisations". The group says such evictions are part of "a strategy to cement Israeli hegemony of the Old City basin, the most religiously and politically sensitive part of Jerusalem and a core issue of the conflict". Over the years, Israeli settlers have opened several yeshivas, Jewish seminaries, on the street where the Sub Laban family lives. Their nearest Israeli neighbour lives just a few steps from their home, they share a landing. But it is not a peaceful cohabitation. "We do not live in freedom and security," said Nora. Inside the apartment, photos have been taken down and objects of sentimental value removed. The Sub Labans know that when the police come, they will have only a few moments to clear out their things. "When unfortunately that happens, we will bring our parents to my sister and me" in another neighbourhood of east Jerusalem, their son Rafat said. "It's the only option." "I lived my childhood in this house, I grew up here, I lost my father and my mother here", said Nora Sub Laban. "People think that a house is just walls, but it's also memories, it's my whole life," the 68-year-old added. "But (the settlers) don't care about that." Messages scribbled on the wall in black marker by their grandchildren are one of the few things left in the almost empty apartment. "Palestine will be free", "We will return" and "This is our home," they read. * This story has been edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-10 17:25:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 353 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 10, 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.310-301-3335info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-10 03:00:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1037 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 9, 2023 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against First Horizon Corporation ("FHN") (NYSE:FHN), The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries, including wholly owned subsidiary TD Bank US Holding Company (collectively, "TD Bank" and, together with FHN, the "Companies"), and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and docketed under 23-cv-03024, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired FHN securities between February 28, 2022 and May 3, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), to recover damages from the Defendants for their violations of the federal securities laws under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, as detailed below.If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired FHN securities during the Class Period, you have until July 21, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.[Click here for information about joining the class action]FHN is a bank holding company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee that, as of December 31, 2022, had consolidated assets of $79 billion. FHN provides consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, mortgage lending and other financial services primarily through its principal subsidiary, First Horizon Bank. As of December 31, 2022, FHN operated 414 banking centers in twelve states.TD Bank is a Canadian financial institution with U.S. headquarters in New Jersey. As of October 31, 2022, TD Bank had $1.9 trillion in assets. Since 2004, TD Bank has expanded its retail banking presence in the U.S. through acquisitions of regional banks.On February 28, 2022, FHN and TD Bank jointly announced that TD Bank had agreed to acquire FHN for $25.00 per share in cash ("Transaction"), which represented a 37% premium to FHN's share price from its close on the prior trading day.With respect to the timeline for closing the Transaction, a joint press release ("Feb 2022 Press Release") issued by TD Bank and FHN on February 28, 2022, announcing the deal explained that the "transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of TD's 2023 fiscal year, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals from First Horizon's shareholders and U.S. and Canadian regulatory authorities." The Feb 2022 Press Release further advised that (i) if "the transaction does not close prior to November 27, 2022 [i.e., within 9 months], First Horizon shareholders will receive, at closing, an additional US$0.65 per share on an annualized basis for the period from November 27, 2022 through the day immediately prior to the closing," and (ii) "[t]he transaction will terminate, unless otherwise extended, if it does not close by February 27, 2023."On a conference call to discuss the Transaction held on February 28, 2022, an analyst observed that "there's a lot of sensitivity around regulatory approval process for M&A in the U.S.," and then asked TD Bank's senior management about their "comfort level on getting deal closing done" within the timeline announced.The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and omissions concerning the risks to regulatory approval of the Transaction posed by TD Bank's materially deficient anti-money laundering ("AML") policies and procedures, which caused Plaintiff and other Class members to suffer significant losses when these undisclosed regulatory risks materialized and caused the market value of FHN's securities to decline precipitously.On August 25, 2022, on TD Bank's Q3 2022 earnings call, TD Bank's Group President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Defendant Bharat B. Masrani ("Masrani"), reiterated that he expected the Transaction "to close in the first fiscal quarter of 2023." When asked about any risks that may delay the Transaction from closing, Defendant Masrani responded, "[o]ur deal continues to progress in the normal course, there is nothing out there to suggest that, that is different this time around." Defendant Masrani was not the only TD Bank executive to reassure analysts concerning the timeline for closing the Transaction. On September 14, 2022, at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference, when asked for an update on the timeline for the Transaction, Defendant Leo Salom ("Salom"), Group Head, U.S. Retail, TD Bank Group and President and CEO, TD Bank, advised that "[w]e do expect to close the transaction at the end of the fiscal first quarter. And we're tracking well against that." Defendant Salom then added: "[O]n August 18th we had the public hearing, the OCC, the Fed hosted. That is the normal part of the application process. But to your point, I'm sure there's going to be a lot of questions about how confident are we? We're extremely confident. We believe this transaction does not represent any financial stability or competitive consolidation risk. We've already announced that we will protect all the front-line staff, we will be retaining all the retail and commercial bankers. Likewise, we won't be closing any stores. So, if you look at the strength of the application, we're quite excited about getting this done in short order.Based on the repeated reassurances provided by Defendants Masrani and Salom that there were no regulatory risks that could delay the closing of the Transaction, FHN shareholders had no reason to believe that TD Bank was concealing any regulatory risks that could derail the Transaction. Unbeknownst to FHN shareholders, however, (i) TD Bank had materially deficient policies and procedures for detecting and reporting suspected money laundering, (ii) regulators at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") and the Federal Reserve were refusing to approve the Transaction because of TD Bank's materially deficient AML policies and procedures, and (iii) TD Bank's materially deficient AML policies and procedures thus constituted a concealed regulatory risk to the closing of the Transaction.TD Bank's public statements concerning its risk ma PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-10 00:15:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 710 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Valo Holdings Group and SurgeTrader select a charitable organization to support on each leg of the Gold Rush Rally, furthering their mission of community support and philanthropy.NAPLES, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 9, 2023 / Valo Holdings Group and SurgeTrader, prominent companies in the investment and trading sectors, are excited to announce their participation in the highly anticipated 2023 Gold Rush Rally. Led by their CEO, Jana Seaman, the companies have committed to supporting charitable organizations at each stop of the rally, covering various cities across the western United States. This collaborative effort reflects their dedication to corporate social responsibility and making a positive impact in the communities they serve.The Gold Rush Rally serves as a platform for Valo Holdings Group and SurgeTrader to showcase their commitment to philanthropy while enjoying the thrill of the rally. With each leg of the race, the companies will meet with a designated charitable organization to pledge their support and make a donation. The following are the dates, locations, and the respective organizations being supported:June 9th: 3rd Ave Charitable Organization. The team will be hosting a meet-and-greet at 11 a.m. at The Intercontinental Hotel, located at 901 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 92101.June 10th: The Just One Project. The team will be hosting a meet-and-greet at 5 p.m. at Encore at Wynn, situated at 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109.June 11th: Hope Women's Center. The team will meet at a time to be determined at the Enchantment Resort, situated at 525 Boynton Canyon Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336.June 12th: The Veterans Integration Center. The meeting will take place at 4:30 p.m. at Sandia Resort & Casino, located at 30 Rainbow Rd, Albuquerque, NM 87113.June 13th: Mountain Valley Horse Rescue. The team will be hosting a meet-and-greet at 4:30 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, located at 0130 Daybreak Ridge Rd, Avon, CO 81620.June 14th: Canines with a Cause. The meeting will take place at 4 p.m. at The Grand American Hotel, situated at 555 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.June 15th: Higher Ground. The team will meet at 4 p.m. at Sun Valley Resort, located at 1 Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley, ID 83353.June 16th: Big Sky Bravery. The team will meet at 4:30 p.m. at The Summit Hotel, situated at 60 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716.June 17th: The Autism Society of Idaho will be the final stop and beneficiary of Valo Holdings and SurgeTrader's support. The team will be hosting a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. at the Coeur d'Alene Resort, located at 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.CEO Jana Seaman expressed her enthusiasm for the Gold Rush Rally and the opportunity to contribute to these deserving organizations. "We are thrilled to be part of the Gold Rush Rally and to support these incredible charitable organizations," she said. "Through our collaboration with Valo Holdings, we aim to make a lasting impact and inspire others to join us in giving back to our communities. We invite everyone to join us at each stop, meet our team, and learn more about the exceptional work being done by these organizations." Valo Holdings and SurgeTrader's commitment to nine charitable organizations along the Gold Rush Rally route exemplifies their unwavering pledge to corporate social responsibility and their dedication to making a positive difference. By supporting these charitable organizations, they hope to inspire others to contribute to the well-being and empowerment of individuals in need.About Valo Holdings Group:Valo Holdings Group is a leading global investment firm with a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning various industries. Committed to creating positive change, Valo Holdings Group focuses on strategic investments and philanthropic efforts that empower communities and drive innovation. More at https://www.valoholdings.com/ About SurgeTrader:SurgeTrader, LLC is a U.S.-based proprietary trading - or prop trading - firm, with a mission to accelerate trader funding and provide capital to profitable traders. Once traders have proven they can be profitable by passing an Audition, they become a part of the SurgeTrader funded trader community, with access to an account funded with up to $10 million in buying power. For more information on SurgeTrader or how to become a funded trader, visit https://www.surgetrader.com Contact InformationChrissa AlghiniMarketing Directorinfo@ surgetrader.com 239-944-5317SOURCE: SurgeTrader, LLC The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been taken into custody by Nigerias secret police, the State Security Service (SSS), hours after President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office. The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is now in its custody for some investigative reasons, Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the agency, said in a press statement he shared with PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Afunanya did not provide details of when and how Mr Emefiele was arrested and where he is being kept. However, PREMIUM TIMES learnt the banker was picked up from his home in Lagos and then flown to Abuja guarded by a detachment of operatives. He was then driven to the SSS headquarters in the Asokoro District of the nations capital when sources said he was being quizzed. There were speculations Friday night that the SSS arrested Mr Emefiele shortly after he was suspended. But the law enforcement agency tweeted Saturday morning, saying the top banker was not in its custody. It is unclear why the SSS is holding the embattled official. But the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said Friday that his office, the CBN, was under investigation. The SSS and Mr Emefiele have had a turbulent relationship recently. Last year, the agency accused the governor of a barrage of offences. The SSS secretly requested a court order in December to arrest him on allegations of financing terrorism, fraudulent activities, and economic crimes of national security dimension. This request was, however, rejected by the Federal High Court in Abuja because the secret security unit failed to present sufficient evidence to justify issuing an arrest warrant against Mr Emefiele. Mr Emefiele also faced criticism due to his controversial foray into partisan politics, which saw him contest for the presidential ticket of the ruling All Progressive Congress. Although the governor tried to deny his involvement in partisan politics, support groups were calling for his emergence as flagbearer of the ruling party. The governors unprecedented involvement in partisan politics attracted widespread condemnation, with experts expressing worries about the governors impartiality and the autonomy of the CBN. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon called for calm on Friday after Lebanese and Israeli troops came close to direct confrontation in the flashpoint Blue Line border area. The tension on the edge of the Lebanese border village of Kfar Chouba began earlier this week over the Israeli military digging in Lebanese area. On Friday, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas to disperse scores of protesters who pelted the troops with stones along the border with Lebanon, leaving some Lebanese demonstrators and troops suffering breathing problems. "UNIFIL peacekeepers are on the ground. They have been on the ground since the beginning to maintain the status quo of the cessation of hostilities, to establish calm, and to help ease tensions," said Tenenti. He added that, "UNIFIL is in contact with the parties, and is striving to find solutions," calling on both sides to "exercise restraint and avoid actions that might lead to an escalation of tension along the Blue Line." On Wednesday, a Lebanese villager tried to stop an Israeli bulldozer from digging a trench along the border. Once the villager's legs were covered with sand as the bulldozer moved ahead, UN peacekeepers jumped in and convinced the driver to move back. Videos of the elderly man with his legs stuck in the sand dune went viral on social media. Fridays protest took place on the edge of Kfar Chouba hills, which Beirut says is Lebanese land occupied by Israel. Kfar Chouba hills and the nearby Chebaa Farms, are areas occupied by Israel during the 1967 War and claimed by Lebanon. Some of the protesters tried to break through a fence in the rugged area overlooked by an Israeli military post. Israeli forces fired tear gas to disperse them while Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers later moved in and pushed the protesters back. DO NOT CROSS THE BLUE LINE, read a banner carried by a U.N. peacekeeper in Arabic, English and French, referring to the border drawn after Israels withdrawal in 2000. Israeli troops and several vehicles, including a heavily armored Merkava tank, were seen in the area. Lebanese troops were on alert in the area and reinforcements were brought in. The protesters later held Friday prayers in the area and then tried to sneak in again, leading to more tear gas fire. Fridays tension came a day after the head of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, Maj. Gen. Aroldo Lazaro, chaired a meeting with senior Lebanese and Israeli officers at the U.N. headquarters along the border. The general appealed for restraint along the border and work on reducing tensions. The Lebanon-Israel border has been relatively calm since Israel and Hezbollah fought a 34-day war in 2006. Despite that, there have been tensions. In April, Israel launched rare airstrikes on southern Lebanon wounding two people and causing some property damage. Israel ended an 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon when its troops withdrew from the area in May 2000. Search Keywords: Short link: The Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Nigeria) says the operation of Binance Nigeria Limited, the Nigerian subsidiary of the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, is illegal. The commission, in a statement published on its website on Friday, said Binance Nigeria Limited is neither registered nor regulated by the commission and its operations in Nigeria are therefore illegal. It noted that any member of the investing public dealing with the entity is doing so at his/her own risk. The attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) has been drawn to the website operated by Binance Nigeria Limited, soliciting the Nigerian public to trade crypto assets on its various web and mobile-enabled platforms. Binance Nigeria Limited is neither registered nor regulated by the Commission and its operations in Nigeria are therefore illegal. Any member of the investing public dealing with the entity is doing so at his/her own risk, the statement said. The SEC further noted that as the regulator with the statutory mandate of investor protection, the Commission urges Nigerians to be wary of investing in crypto-assets, and crypto-asset related financial products and services if the service provider/its platform is not registered or regulated by the Commission. READ ALSO: The commission warned investors that investing in crypto-assets is extremely risky and may result in total investment loss. By this circular, Binance Nigeria Limited is hereby directed to stop soliciting Nigerian investors in any form whatsoever immediately. The Commission shall provide updates on further regulatory actions concerning the activities of Binance Nigeria Limited and other similar platforms and shall work with other regulators in Nigeria to provide further guidance on this matter, the commission added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A cast of venture capitalists, a banker, and a real estate entrepreneur are the controllers of Strategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL), the consortium to which the Central Bank of Nigeria sold Polaris Bank, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report. Our investigation is revealing for the first time the full span of the ultimate beneficial ownership of the bank. The trio of Michel Danladi Verheijen and Ehimari Idahi, who are venture capitalists, and Albert Chukwuemeka Emuwa, a banker, used layers of offshore entities to hold their 45% shareholding in the bank. Full disclosure of these holdings, including details of Polaris Banks full beneficial ownership, was missing in the banks documentation with the Corporate Affairs Commission when PREMIUM TIMES requested the information. The non-availability of the details is a clear breach of the Corporate and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020. That Messrs Verheijen, Idahi and Emuwa are associated with 45 per cent interest in Polaris Bank was largely unknown before now, but the control of the larger 55 per cent shareholding is long known to be held by Auwal Lawal, a real estate tycoon. The new revelation is the product of several months of cross-border digging by this newspaper. The investigation began shortly after the bank, a hitherto distressed entity that was bailed out of trouble with over a trillion naira of public funds, was sold to the SCIL consortium in October 2022. Our investigation spanned Nigeria, Mauritius and Jersey, where we eventually hit a dead end. When approached by our reporters, authorities in that secrecy jurisdiction declined to disclose the ultimate beneficial owners (UBO) of Zagamon Limited a shell company through which Messrs Verheijen, Idahi and Emuwa hold their 45 per cent stake in Polaris Bank. We then approached the management of Polaris Bank with our findings. We informed the Bank that the non-disclosure of 45 per cent of its ownership clearly violates the CAMA Act 2020, which seeks to make ownerships of businesses operating in Nigeria more open and transparent. On May 15, in response to our enquiry, the bank surprisingly revealed the identities of all its beneficial owners. However, it wrongly claimed that no provision of CAMA 2020 was breached with the non-availability of the UBO records in the companys file with the CAC. Enacted to enhance corporate transparency and combat illicit financial flow, CAMA 2020 took effect in 2020, promising progress against asset shielding by dodgy business people and politically exposed persons (PEPs), with a statutory requirement for companies to disclose their beneficial owner(s) or person(s) with significant control (PSC). Even where a foreign company is a subscriber or shareholder in a company registered in Nigeria, the law requires the offshore company to disclose the particulars of its beneficial owners, which can be publicly accessed in the CAC register. The particulars of the PSCs, including real names, national ID numbers, residential and tax addresses, email addresses, age, and place of birth, nature of and percentage of ownership, and PEP status, are to be kept in the central PSCs register by the CAC and made publicly accessible. The SCIL consortium and Polaris Bank Last October, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced the sale of Polaris Bank to SCIL for N50 billion. The sale decision was jointly taken with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the governments bad debt buyer, which took over Polaris Banks predecessor Skye Bank after the CBN withdrew its licence in 2018 before setting up Polaris as a bridge bank. In addition to the N50 billion acquisition price, SCIL also got 25 years to repay the N1.3 trillion the central bank injected into Polaris in the four years before the sale. Publicly available incorporation records show that SCIL was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission on 28 April 2022, six months before it emerged as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of Polaris, whose assets are worth N1.2 trillion (2.8 billion USD). CAC checks further show that SCIL has two PSCs or beneficial owners, with both being corporate entities: Ponglomerape Limited (55 per cent) and Clotaire Investment Limited (45 per cent). Ponglomerape was registered on September 5, 2002, and is 99 per cent owned by Auwal Lawal, with Asmau Ahmad Auwal Mohammed taking the remaining 1 per cent shareholding, according to our investigation and the disclosure made to us by Polaris Bank. The ownership of Ponglomerape by the Lawals is disclosed in the corporate filing at the CAC, complying with CAMA 2020 requirements on beneficial ownership disclosure. Mr Lawal shot into public consciousness after his wedding in 2017 to the daughter of Nigerias ex-military president, Ibrahim Babangida. He is a real estate tycoon. According to the companys website, he chairs Ponglomerape Properties Investment Limited, which has developed residential properties in Abuja, including in the affluent Maitama neighbourhood of the capital. Zagamons Non-disclosure On the other hand, Clotaire is 100 per cent owned by another company, an offshore entity known as Zagamon Limited, the companys status report, obtained exclusively by PREMIUM TIMES on 3 May 2023 by CAC, shows. While Nigerias law allows an offshore company like Zagamon to be a subscriber or shareholder in a Nigerian-registered company, the legislation requires such an offshore entity to provide the prescribed particulars of the person with significant control who ultimately owns or controls the foreign company, according to the PSC Regulation 2022. Despite this provision, CAC only has on file Zagamon, an offshore entity, as the 100% shareholder of Cloitare. That arrangement made it impossible for the public to know Cloitaires UBOs through the CAC register. That, in turn, made it difficult to have a full span of the real owners of Polaris Bank. The non-disclosure violates Nigerias law and creates concerns about the continued use of offshore secrecy for asset shielding in a country notorious for corruption and illicit financing involving PEPs and dodgy businesspeople. On CAC records, Zagamon is said to have been registered in Mauritius, a notorious destination of the rich and powerful seeking a haven for their financial secrets. However, an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that Zagamon was not incorporated in Mauritius but in another offshore secrecy jurisdiction, Jersey. We were able to track down the company in Jersey. The Zagamon we found in Jersey was incorporated on 21 May 2019 and has the same incorporation number as the one on the CAC database. However, the CAC wrongly claimed the company was registered in Mauritius. We then officially approached Jersey Financial Services Authority for information and did a paid search for records on Zagamons ultimate beneficial ownership. That search at the Jersey company registry still did not yield the beneficial owners of Zagamon. Rather, what is listed as the director and shareholder of the company is a long-known offshore secrecy seller, Lumbro Corporate Services Limited. Secrecy enablers are usually used as nominee directors and shareholders of companies to hide assets in notorious tax havens and secrecy jurisdictions. In the search report, Zagamon and Lumbro share the same address, Standard Bank House, 47-49 La Motte Street, St. Helier, JE2 4SZ, Jersey. This address features in our earlier Panama Papers Investigation. It is linked with other secrecy sellers like Standard Bank Offshore Trust Company Jersey Limited, Lumbro Nominees (Jersey) Limited, and Cotllion Trust Company Limited. Often, in countries like Jersey, beneficial owners are never publicly known. Instead, service providers who help to incorporate these shell companies appear as nominee directors and stand-in shareholders. Real beneficial owners, whose information is usually tucked away in confidential files, may only be revealed when requested by law enforcement agencies or in leaks such as Panama Papers, Paradise Papers, or Pandora Papers. The regulators involved in the Polaris Bank transaction including CBN, AMCON, and Corporate Affairs Commission appear unable to explain how they allowed partial disclosure of the ownership of the bank, in violation of the law. We are concerned about this matter because we advocated the legal framework to enable the disclosure of beneficial owners of companies in Nigeria, said Auwal Rafsanjani, the executive director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the representative of Transparency International in Nigeria. To now see that a Beneficial Owner (BO) of SCIL that purchased Polaris Bank is itself a corporate entity whose BO is a shell company with concealed owners registered in Jersey, which is a tax haven, is a red flag. Polaris Bank opens up Although it did not comment on why the UBOs of Clotaire were not disclosed in filings made to the CAC, Polaris revealed their names to PREMIUM TIMES. The bank said, Clotaire Investment Limited has one shareholder, Zagamon Limited, who owns 100 per centof the shares. The shares of Zagamon Limited are held by Lumbro Corporate Services Limited in trust for Zalane Limited (46.21 per cent), Montane Limited (10 per cent) and The Galtstar Trust (43.79 per cent), who are nominee shareholders used as vehicles by Standard Bank Trust Company(Mauritius) Ltd as trustees for the settlers. The Shares held for Zalane Limited are held as part of the assets of a trust (Raria). Raria Trust owns 100 per cent of Zalane Limited. The Original Settlor of the Raria Trust is Michel Danladi Verheijen. The shares held for Montane Limited are held as part of the assets of a trust (Arakan). Arakan Trust owns 100 per cent of Montane Limited. The Original Settlor of the Arakan Trust is Albert Chukwuemeka Emuwa. The shares held for the Galtstar Trust are held as part of the assets of the Galtstar Trust. The Original Settlor of the Galtstar Trust is Ehimare Idiahi. Mr. Idiahi has no holding company. Therefore, interest in Zagamon is directly held by the Galstar trust. The trustee of all three trusts is Standard Bank Trust Company (Mauritius) Limited. Messrs Idiahi, 41, and Verheijen, 47, are the co-founders of Verod Capital, a Nigerian investment firm. Mr Idiahi is associated with a total of seven companies as a serving and former director in the UK corporate register. Mr Emuwa, 59, is a former chief executive of Nigerias Union Bank and is currently a director of Tangerine Financial Limited, a UK-registered firm, alongside Mr Idiahi. Polaris Bank Sale indicates regulatory capacity gap Governance and transparency activists aware of our findings described the failure of the CAC to compel SCIL to act in compliance with the law and also the due diligence failure of the CBN and AMCON as a reflection of regulatory failures in Nigeria. This shows a gap in the capacity of our institutions to implement these rules and it is disappointing, Mr Rafsanjani, the Transparency International official, said. The CAC did not respond to an enquiry sent to it by PREMIUM TIMES (filed via a Freedom of Information request) on why it incorporated SCIL without compelling the entity to disclose all its beneficial owners, a sloppy approach that breached its own law (CAMA 2020) enacted to enhance corporate transparency and block asset shielding. READ ALSO: Sale of Polaris Bank followed due process CBN The CBN acknowledged an FoI request for information and documents relating to Polaris Banks acquisition process and the ultimate beneficial owners of SCIL. It, however, failed to answer the questions we asked. We wish to inform you that the information being sought, where available, will be communicated in due course, reads CBNs reply of March 30 2023. The bank is yet to keep its promise. AMCON ignored requests to comment on our findings. The spokesperson for the agency, Jude Nwauzor, did not answer or return calls made to his known telephone number between May 7 and 8. He also did not reply to a text message sent to him. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Vice President Kashim Shettima and First Lady of Nigeria Remi Tinubu, have arrived at the National Assembly to partake in the valedictory session of the Senate. Mr Shettima represents Borno Central, while Mrs Tinubu represents Lagos Central in the outgoing ninth Senate. While Mr Shettima was elected into the Senate for the first time in 2019, after his tenure as Borno State governor, Mrs Tinubu is a three-term senator. This is the first time the duo will be coming to the upper legislative chamber since Mr Tinubu assumed office as president of the country on 29 May, the same day Mr Shettima and Mrs Tinubu assumed their new roles. Other Senators who are members of the outgoing Senate have also arrived at the Senate gallery where the valedictory session is taking place. The outgoing Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, is presenting certificates to his members. The ninth Senate was inaugurated on 11 June, 2019 for a four-year tenure. Details later Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Vice President Kashim Shettima has advised senators-elect not to accept bribes from any of the aspirants contesting for the position of senate president before voting on Tuesday. Mr Shettima advised in his remarks at the valedictory session to mark the end of the ninth Senate on Saturday. The 109-member 10th Senate will be inaugurated on Tuesday. Of the four aspirants contesting for the senate president, Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, is the only aspirant enjoying the support of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) is also enjoying their support for the deputy senate president. Other senate president aspirants, Abdulaziz Yari, Orji Kalu and Osita Izunaso have been advised to withdraw from the race and endorsed the presidents choice, but they all refused on the ground that their party, APC and the president are unfair to other geopolitical zones in the sharing formula of the National Assembly leadership positions. The aggrieved aspirants were reportedly allying to run against Messrs Akpabio and Jibrin. Meanwhile, there have been allegations that some aspirants are luring the senators-elect with cash and other incentives to vote in favour of them. The composition of the next senate shows that the APC has 59 members, while the six opposition parties have altogether 50 members. Mr Shettima, while speaking at the valedictory session, condemned the gesture, urging the senators-elect to vote wisely for the countrys progress. The stability of this nation is greater than the stability of your pocket. Let us vote wisely for the progress of our country. The vice president also urged the outgoing Senators to continue striving for the countrys development. READ ALSO: In the past four years, the debates, our differences and even our setbacks have been for the good of this nation. Whatever position you pursue after today, you should always remember that theres an end to the road. The 9th Senate is a testament. As we bid farewell, let us remember that our journey has just begun, he said. Mr Shettima extended appreciation to his colleagues at the ninth senate for the support they offered him during the electioneering period. We may no longer occupy the same chamber, but we will forever share the same experience, he said. The vice president was a member of the outgoing senate representing Borno Central until 29 May, when he was inaugurated as the nations number two citizen. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has referred Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the embattled former local government chairpersons and councillors in the state to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centre of the court for the settlement of the outstanding N3.4 billion debt. Justice Elfreda Williams-Daudu gave the order after counsel for the state government, Ayodele Akintunde, SAN, and that of the ex-LG officials, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, took their house-cleaning motions. The development occurred during the hearing of the notice of motion for stay of execution filed by Mr Makinde and six others against the April 27 order absolute of Justice A. O. Ebong of an FCT High Court, Bwari in furtherance of a Supreme Court judgment given on May 7, 2021, ordering the governor to pay the outstanding salaries and allowances of the sacked council officials. Mr Akintunde, who informed the three-member panel about a motion for a stay of execution filed, said the matter was about payment of judgment debt. He told the panel led by Justice Williams-Daudu that the state government was not disputing the payment of the money but that what his clients were asking for was more favourable terms of payment. The senior lawyer argued that the Oyo State government would not be able to pay the judgment debt in the way and manner ordered by the lower court, considering its monthly allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for both the state and local governments, its contractual obligations, payment of wages and salaries, among others. But Adetunbi disagreed, insisting that the state government can pay the money as set out in the judgment. He said there was no dispute about whether or not the Oyo State Government could immediately pay the N1.3 billion as ordered by Justice Ebong, because the bank had written to confirm that they had monies belonging to the state government in their coffers. The panel, however, agreed that the money cannot be paid now since there is a pending appeal before it. Mss Williams-Daudu held that after careful consideration of the case, it was agreed that the matter should be sent to the Court of Appeal ADR Centre for the matter to be possibly resolved between the parties. According to her, the process will be swift because it is faster and devoid of undue rigidity as it is with the normal court process. She then asked the lawyers to ensure that the parties that have the authority to make decisions participate in the process of mediation at the ADR centre as mediation is party driven and they must ensure that they both work out a way to ensure the payment of the judgment sum. Justice Williams-Daudu, who directed that the case file be transferred to the ADR Centre of the Abuja Court of Appeal, adjourned the matter until 6 July for the report on a possible settlement reached between both parties. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has dissociated itself from the commendation of President Bola Tinubus leadership style by one of its House of Representatives members-elect, Amobi Ogah. Mr Ogah, elected to represent Isuikwuato-Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State, expressed his admiration for Mr Tinubu after the president met with the lawmakers elected for the 10th Assembly at the State House on Thursday. Today is my best day. Im so happy that Im an elected member and seeing my president talking. In fact, Ive never known that this man is so intelligent, he said. The LP member-elect further pledged his support to the president, noting that the countrys interest is above party affiliation. We have agreed that we are going towards a government decision, not minding I am of the Labour Party. Now the party is not the issue. We are talking about building Nigeria. We are talking about the unity of Nigeria, Mr Ogah was quoted to have said. However, in a reaction to Mr Ogahs comments, the LP, in a statement issued by Obiora Ifoh, its national publicity secretary on Friday, said the party has a contrary view from what the lawmaker-elect was quoted to have said. According to the statement, the LP said the lawmaker has regretted his actions and has apologised to the party. The LP and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are currently challenging the victory of Mr Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Election Tribunal. INEC had on 1 March declared Mr Tinubu the winner of the 25 February presidential election. Read the LPs full statement below: Hon Ogahs position on President Tinubus leadership, personal, not party position. The attention of the leadership of the Labour Party has been drawn to an interview granted by one of our House of Representatives members-elect, Hon. Amobi Ogah wherein he expressed his satisfaction with the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that some of his colleagues have agreed to go towards government decision on the leadership of the 10th Assembly. Though as a first time and newly elected lawmaker, the Member-elect made the utterance which is clearly within his rights as an individual as enshrined in the laws of the land however, the party has a view quite different from what the honourable member was quoted to have said. As an individual, he does not have the mandate to speak for the party and therefore cannot claim to be standing on the platform of the Labour Party to do the same, giving views that are diametrically opposed to what the Labour Party stands for. The Labour Party is presently in the tribunal hoping to retrieve our mandate which was expressly given to our presidential candidate on the February 25, and every testament emanating from the tribunal points to the fact that the Labour Party clearly won the election but was robbed. We have remained resolute to our belief that justice will be done and so soon. For the record, the Labour Party has nothing against the personality of President Tinubu, however, we are challenging both the process and final outcome of the presidential election. We as a party insist that the route to His Excellency must be excellent and anything other than that amounts to a mockery of democracy. Finally, we urge millions of our party members who are irked and offended by Hon Ogahs interview which has since gone viral to maintain their cool as the lawmaker has regretted his actions and has tendered unreserved apologies to the party. SIGN Obiora Ifoh National Publicity Secretary LABOUR PARTY. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has described cross-border cooperation as a credible alternative for strengthening socio-economic relations between cross-border communities in the West African sub-region, especially in farming and pastoral movements. He made the remarks Wednesday at the opening ceremony of a workshop aimed at finalising the multi-year action plan of the cross-border collaboration with Zinder, a province of neighbouring Niger Republic, the governors media aide, Hamisu Gumel, said in a statement. The governor, represented at the event by his deputy, Aminu Usman, highlighted the significance of cross-border cooperation between Zinder and Jigawa (North-west Nigeria) in strengthening socio-economic relations and fostering trade. Cross-border cooperation is now seen as a very credible strategic alternative for strengthening socio-economic relations between cross-border communities and even neighbouring countries, the governor said. It facilitates trade and the movement of goods and people. Niger and Nigeria are united by history and their almost identical socio-cultural realities, which have existed for decades, he added. The event also marked the establishment of a transhumance monitoring system and brought together key stakeholders, including a delegation from the Niger Republic led by the Governor of Zinder, Lawwali Ahmadou; ECOWAS; the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel; traditional rulers; experts from the Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock; and leaders of herders and farmers associations from both countries. Mr Namadi commended the previous agreements signed by the cross-border actors in Katsina and Maradi in 2017, which paved the way for the subsequent bilateral agreement between Jigawa and Zinder. He expressed his delight at joining hands with Zinder in the best interests of their populations. READ ALSO: You will agree with me that this is a very good situation that further bolsters the cross-border actors in Katsina and Maradi, who materialised this on July 25, 2017, by signing the agreement on the management and organisation of cross-border transhumance. Fortunately, we (Jigawa and Zinder) joined them on August 13, 2022, with the signing of the bilateral agreement that now links our two territorial entities in the best interests of our populations. Underscoring the economic and integration potential of mobile livestock farming in West Africa and the Sahel, the Governor disagreed with the notion of labelling it as a destabilising factor or a source of conflict. Instead, he highlighted the importance of recognising its value and supporting peaceful transhumance through effective coordination and dialogue. The bilateral agreement we signed was in response to a deep concern about the tendency to label this type of mobile livestock farming as a destabilising factor and a source of conflict, which is highly emphatic and inappropriate. Indeed, this type of livestock farming has great economic and integration potential in West Africa in general and in the Sahel in particular. For two days, you will be considering ways and means of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the Zinder Region and the Federal State of Jigawa. This will involve finalising and consolidating the multi-year action plan of the Zinder-Jigawa cross-border area consultation framework, as well as setting up an operational animal counting system, which is a major first in our area and which will respond to a concern that has always existed, namely better knowledge of animal flows, to facilitate better management of the cross-border mobility of livestock. The workshop aims to finalise the multi-year action plan, set up an operational animal counting system, and promote peaceful transhumance. It seeks to consolidate and validate the consultation frameworks overall planning of activities over the next five years. Additionally, discussions will revolve around the configuration and roles of the technical committee responsible for monitoring the implementation of the plan. The establishment of a reliable information system on animals and herders involved in cross-border transhumance movements will also be addressed. The Governor expressed gratitude to ECOWAS, the partners involved in the Integrated and Secure Livestock Farming and Pastoralism in West Africa Projects (PEPISAO), and the Sahel Regional Pastoralism Support Project (PRAPS-2) for their support. He commended the commitment and achievements of all those involved in these projects, which contribute to the resilience of the agro-pastoral system in the Sahel and West Africa. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The people of Enugu State on Saturday endorsed Governor Peter Mbahs resolve to end the weekly sit-at-home order by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). They gave their endorsements at a town hall meeting convened by the governor. Those who attended the meeting included the police, the NLC, traditional rulers and students, NGOs, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Others were the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), financial institutions, transport unions and traders unions. The town hall meeting deliberated on Ending Sit-At-Home Order in Enugu State; the Way Forward. Addressing the meeting, Governor Mbah said the impact of the sit-at-home order was harmful and would not allow him to deliver on promises he made during his campaigns. He noted that the order disrupted economic activities and hurt children, who, he said, would not be able to compete with their peers as they did not go to school on Mondays. The damage is quantifiable, and we must end it now. It is about us and our childrens future, the governor said. Commending security agencies for providing security on Monday, 5 June, when the sit-at-home order ended in Enugu State, Mr Mbah urged them to double their efforts to secure lives and property on subsequent Mondays. In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Ahmed Ammani, assured residents of adequate security on Mondays. He said security agencies had deployed personnel to strategic places in the state to deal with those enforcing the sit-at-home order. He urged the residents to support the security agencies with intelligence reports to tackle the menace. Representative of CAN, Enugu State chapter, Osita Edeh, expressed appreciation for efforts being made by Governor Mbah to effect the release of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. He charged security agencies to remain friendly while discharging their duties. In his contribution, Chairperson Southeast Traditional Rulers Council, Lawrence Agubuzu, said only Enugu State was observing the sit-at-home order out of the nine states that were in the defunct Biafra. He said many countries that agitated for independence did so without killing their people or forcing them to sit at home. READ ALSO: He stressed that traditional rulers had a role to play by educating their subjects on the need to end the order. NBA Chairman in Enugu, Ferdinand Ugwueze, in his remarks, assured Governor Mbah of the associations support to end the sit-at-home order. He argued that it would be easy to end the sit-at-home order once Nnamdi Kanu was released. Mr Ugwueze urged the federal government to obey court orders that freed Mr Kanu for peace and tranquillity to prevail in the South-east. Representatives of students and labour at the meeting assured Governor Mbah that students would be in school and workers would be in their offices if adequate security were provided. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Impeached twice and survived. Charged, sued, and survived. Former President Donald Trump is facing criminal trial in a separate New York court and is surviving, so far. And now facing 37 counts of federal charges. Will Trump survive this too? On Friday, 9 June, the US Department of Justices Special Counsel, Jack Smith, delivered remarks at a press conference in Washington, DC, in the United States, stating that an indictment was unsealed charging Donald J. Trump with felony violations of our national security laws as well as participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice. An official Justice Department statement was also made public. We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone, said Mr Smith, adding that his office will seek a speedy trial in this matter. Consistent with the public interest and the rights of the accused. While the defendants, in this case, must be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, former president Donald Trump is facing these charges for having kept classified documents and conspiring with a top aide, who helped him to hide them from the United States Government. The defendants in this case must be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, a Justice Department statement said. Globally, is it unique for presidents to face criminal charges or be prosecuted? No. There are many past examples: former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, and former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. In fact, in the last two decades, more than 70 countries around the world have jailed, prosecuted, or imprisoned their former leaders, including Sudan, South Africa, South Korea, Argentina, Mexico, Taiwan, and many others. What is unique about Mr Trump? Has it happened in America before? Never. One vice president came close, though former Vice President Aaron Burr faced treason charges 216 years ago, in 1807. Former president Bill Clintons cases did not even come anywhere close to what Mr Trump is facing. America and Mr Trump are, therefore, in uncharted territory. The Charges US authorities unsealed details of the charges against Mr Trump, revealing that he stands accused of obstructing justice and keeping classified government documents and storing them in his home in the State of Florida. In boxes, the various materials were stored away in cupboards, closets, and bathrooms. The Justice Departments claim is that the documents contain national security information that could put the US at risk; at risk of information getting into the hands of foreign governments. To break this down, there are 37 counts involving classified documents. Mr Trump is also accused of having lied to investigators. He denies any wrongdoing. This Tuesday, 13 June, Mr Trump is expected to stand in a federal courtroom in the City of Miami, where he will be read the charges against him. Unfazed Trump commences campaigns Seemingly unfazed, and despite facing these federal charges, Mr Trump, the 45th president of the United States, planned to hit the 2024 election campaign trail and make at least two campaign stops and two speeches at two Republican Party conventions in the States of Georgia and North Carolina, on Saturday, 10 June. He plans to be out on the campaign trail, where he will be responding to the charges while addressing his Republican supporters and raising more campaign funds. He has cast himself as a victim of politically motivated efforts by people who want to stop his front-runner status in his bid for the nomination to be the presidential candidate for the Republican Party. The eventual Republican Party presidential candidate will run against incumbent President Joseph Biden in the 2024 US Election. I had nothing to hide, nor do I now. Nobody said I wasnt allowed to look at the personal records that I brought with me from the White House. Theres nothing wrong with that, Mr Trump claimed on his social media platform called Truth Social, on Friday. He has called the legal actions against him election interference and his 2024 presidential campaign hopes to raise donations from his supporters. Mr Trump has already raised substantial amounts of money for his 2024 presidential bid. Between 11 November 2022 and 31 March 2023, alone, Mr Trump raised over $18 million ($18,272,903.09), according to the US Federal Election Commission on its webpage. As of June 2023, Ballotpedia had identified three noteworthy Democratic presidential candidates and 11 noteworthy Republican candidates. Among Mr Trumps opponents in the Republican primary election field are his former vice president, Mike Pence, who threw his hat in the race on 7 June; the former governor of New Jersey, who announced his bid on 6 June; the governor of Florida, who went public on 24 May, and former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor, who announced on 24 February. It is a full field full of candidates, who just before these new set of charges lag far behind Mr Trump in election polling. Reputable polling shows that Mr Trump had doubled his lead over one Florida contender, Governor Ron DeSantis. Mr Trump remains at the top of the list of declared or potential candidates with 56 per cent support among Republican and Republican-leaning voters, followed by Mr DeSantis with 25 per cent, according to a Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pea-ack) University national poll released today. Pearl Matibe is a Washington, DC-based White House Correspondent, and media commentator with expertise in US foreign policy and international security. You may follow her on Twitter: @PearlMatibe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed a warehouse containing goods worth N1.9 billion in Idu, an outskirt of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that a member of the Federal Taskforce and Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, NAFDAC, Bubuchiki Godiya, disclosed the development on Friday. Mr Godiya was said to have revealed that the agency received an allegation concerning feed avenue producing animal feeds. Tip off The official said the agency, on receipt of the allegation, sent its staff to the warehouse for confirmation. He added that the team was shocked by their findings on getting to the warehouse because it was discovered that goods were being manufactured there. According to him, the revelations show that most of the goods are expired. He said, What we saw verified the allegation as the company had been carrying out funny activities at the warehouse. In the managers office, we saw some pressing iron, sailing thread and several other items for re-bagging feeds. Mr Godiya said on interrogation, the manager could not explain what the items were used for as he claimed the products were imported from France. He also said that aside from the discovery the goods had expired, some labels were also observed to have been removed and replaced with new ones. We saw many newly printed labels in the managers office; the manager said he had no answers to questions he was asked, as some products he said were produced in Nigeria had no label or NAFDAC number. We will investigate this and must get to the root of the matter. When you go to a place, and you see scaling machine, pressing iron, coding machine, one will understand that things are being manufactured there, he said. The task force member disclosed that on inspection of the facility, the team discovered that the place was a warehouse and not even a factory for production. He said the team had sufficient evidence and that further regulatory action would be taken against the company. Company speaks Meanwhile, Mr Daniel Ajayi, the warehouse manager, claimed not to be aware of other activities, saying his responsibility is to sell poultry products. He claimed that the new empty bags and other things in the warehouse were to re-bag any damaged product. Another NAFDAC official speaks Umaru Suleiman, the Team Leader of the Federal Taskforce Investigation and Enforcement Unit, Kaduna, whose jurisdiction covers the entire North, including Abuja, said the warehouse had all it takes to repackage any product. Mr Suleiman explained that the company buys expired products, re-bag them and sell to customers. According to him, even if a product is registered, it should be evaluated immediately after it expires. He said: Expired products should be quarantined in a particular place, so as not to contaminate others. If it is imported from France as he claimed, there is what we call import permit for products like this, and it will be written on the labels. NAN reports that the warehouse had been sealed and the manager arrested. NAN also reports that the warehouse has no notice board, and it is on the premises of a construction company. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Four Indigenous children who had been missing for more than a month in the Colombian Amazon rainforest were found alive and flown to the capital Bogota early Saturday. The children, who survived a small plane crash in the jungle, were transported by army medical plane to a military airport at around 00:30 am Saturday (0530 GMT). They were taken off the plane on stretchers and wrapped in thermal blankets, with ambulances waiting to bring them to hospital, AFP journalists said. General Pedro Sanchez, who led the search operation, credited Indigenous people involved in the rescue effort with finding the children. "We found the children: miracle, miracle, miracle!" was the message he had for the reporters he received on Friday. President Gustavo Petro announced their rescue and told the media: "Today we have had a magical day." "They are weak. Let's let the doctors make their assessment," he said. 'A joy for the whole country' Petro had posted a photo on Twitter showing several adults, some dressed in military fatigues, tending to the children as they sat on tarps in the jungle. One rescuer held a bottle to the mouth of the smallest child, whom he held in his arms. "A joy for the whole country! The 4 children who were lost 40 days ago in the Colombian jungle were found alive," he wrote on Twitter. Video shared by the Defense Ministry late Friday showed the children being pulled up into a helicopter as it hovered over the tall trees in almost complete darkness. Originally from the Huitoto Indigenous group, the children -- aged 13, nine, four and one -- had been wandering alone in the jungle since May 1, when the Cessna 206 in which they were traveling crashed. The pilot had reported engine problems only minutes after taking off from a jungle area known as Araracuara on the 350-kilometer (217-mile) journey to the town of San Jose del Guaviare. The bodies of the pilot, the children's mother and a local Indigenous leader were all found at the crash site, where the plane sat almost vertical in the trees. Officials said the group had been fleeing threats from members of an armed group. A massive search involving 160 soldiers and 70 Indigenous people with intimate knowledge of the jungle was launched after the crash, garnering global attention. Army chief Helder Giraldo said rescuers had covered over 2,600 kilometers (1650 miles) in total to locate the children. "In an unprecedented operation in the history of our country... something that seemed impossible was achieved," Giraldo said on Twitter. Warrior spirit The area is home to jaguars, snakes and other predators, as well as armed drug smuggling groups, but clues such as footprints, a diaper, and half-eaten fruit led authorities to believe they were on the right track. Worried that the children would continue wandering and become ever more difficult to locate, the air force dumped 10,000 flyers into the forest with instructions in Spanish and the children's own Indigenous language, telling them to stay put. The leaflets also included survival tips, and the military dropped food parcels and bottled water. Rescuers had also been broadcasting a message recorded by the children's grandmother, urging them not to move. According to the military, rescuers found the children about five kilometers (three miles) west of the crash site. Huitoto children learn hunting, fishing and gathering, and the kids' grandfather, Fidencio Valencia, had told AFP the children are well acquainted with the jungle. "I just want to see them, to touch them," he said early Saturday after learning of their rescue. The children's grandmother Fatima Valencia said 13-year-old Lesly kept her younger siblings safe with her "warrior" spirit. 'Alliance for the country to follow' News came as Petro returned home from Cuba, where he signed a six-month truce with Colombia's last active guerrilla group, the ELN. "Getting closer and attaining peace in the agreement that is moving forward with the ELN... And now I return and the first news is that indeed the Indigenous communities that were in the search and the military forces found the children 40 days later," he told reporters in Bogota. "They were alone, they made it on their own. An example of absolute survival that will go down in history," he said. Seventeen days after the children went missing, Petro announced that they had been found alive but he retracted the statement a day later, saying he had been given false information. On Friday, he praised "the effective coordination between the military and the Indigenous people" during the search, saying it was an "example of an alliance for the country to follow." Search Keywords: Short link: The ninth Senate will today hold a valedictory session to mark the end of its four-year tenure. Senate President Ahmad Lawan disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the session was earlier scheduled for Thursday but was postponed because of the request from President Bola Tinubu to hold a meeting with all the lawmakerselect. By the grace of God, we will still hold plenary tomorrow (Thursday) and then our valedictory session will be on Saturday, Mr Lawan said. We believe that a session as significant, important, historical and memorable as a valedictory session of the Senate requires a whole day, not one, two, three hours. Therefore we pushed it to Saturday. He also scored the outgoing Senate high, saying it performed well in three core areas of lawmaking, representation and oversight. He added that he was not bothered that the upper chamber was tagged rubber stamp. According to him, the ninth Senate passed many laws out of which former President Muhammadu Buhari assented to about 112. Many Nigerians labelled the outgoing Senate as a rubber stamp because it seldom went against the interest of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The valedictory session will witness farewell remarks from the senate president, his deputy, principal officers and some senators. The 109-member Senate was inaugurated on 11 June 2019. On the same day, it elected Mr Lawan from Borno as its president and Ovie Omo-Agege as his deputy. Todays event will mark the end of the ninth session of the Senate and is a step before the inauguration of the 10th Senate on 13 June. The ninth House of Representatives, which was also inaugurated on 11 June 2019 held its valedictory session on Wednesday. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party ( NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, said his meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Friday was to discuss the ongoing demolition of some properties the Kano State Government claimed were illegally sold by the immediate past administration of the state. Express Radio in Kano reported that Mr Kwankwaso said the president invited him to discuss several issues, including the ongoing demolition. Mr Kwankwaso said contrary to some reports that the demolition was targeted at some people, he told the president that the demolition is part of the NNPP campaign promises. The demolition we are doing is part of our campaign promises, and its what we are delivering. The Kano State Government set up a committee to investigate the sales of government properties that were improperly sold, and people complained about it. Five major places are considered for demolition because we believe that the former governor (Abdullahi Ganduje) sold them to his son. The shops at race course road and the Daula Hotel was an annexe of the State University of Science and Technology, Wudil. Go and search in the Corporate Affairs Commission. It belongs to Gandujes son. Hajj Camp was also improperly sold to developers, and one of them met me and admitted that there was a mistake in the dealings, Mr Kwankwaso claimed. The Eid prayer is only meant for prayer, yearly hosting the emir of Kano and other dignitaries, but the prayer ground was circled by shops after it was sold, and that is not security-wise because a snipper can hide in any of the shops and fire a dignitary during prayer. I noticed that earlier, which is why I ordered Bulletproof glass covering the elite section of the praying ground. We have also warned people not to buy the land there and build shops, but they refused. Places like Triumph Publishing Company are part of the government properties we promised to demolish, Mr Kwankwaso said. Reacting to the allegation by the APC that he also sold some government properties to his cronies during the twilight of his second term as governor, he said two wrongs cannot make a right. He then called on the Kano State Government to demolish any place it found its administration sold illegally. Meanwhile, the immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has denied that he sold the properties to himself. He said his administration resorted to the law while selling the properties. He said those against the selling of part of the Eid prayer ground for commercial activities have lost touch with modern development. Even in Saudi Arabia, the Holy Site was surrounded by shops. People complaining about the Kano case are ignorant of modernity, Mr Ganduje said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Traders in Kano State, the commercial centre of northern Nigeria, are ruing the ongoing demolition exercise in the city, saying that it has created a hostile business environment in the state that is forcing many of their customers from within and outside the country to stay away. Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf ordered the demolition of certain properties across Kano Metropolis, which he claimed the immediate past government sold illegally. The traders also claimed that apart from the demolition exercise, the widespread looting of business centres and building believed to be marked for demolition, has made many customers apprehensive of coming to the city to do business. Sharif Nataala, a market union leader in the Kofar Wambai Market, told BBC Hausa service that business activities have stalled since the start of the demolition exercise and customers coming from Niger Republic, Cameroon and Chad have stopped coming to the state over the fear that their properties might be looted. Mr Nataala said the major parking space for trucks and other vehicles for the traders in the Kofar Mata area was demolished and the area is no longer secure as looters are on the rampage vandalising shops and looting properties. Before the incident, you will see our customers from Niger Republic, Cameroon, and Chad with trailers but since they started the demolition no single customer came and bought materials from us again. After the demolition at the Kofar Mata Eid ground, looters crossed over to our shops, broke many of them, looted properties and goods, Mr Nataala lamented. He said traders in the area have lost almost N1 billion to looters and their customers are being attacked by looters. The government started the demolition overnight without prior notification, which would have enabled us to secure our belongings and that has been giving us a sleepless night, Mr Nataala said. The demolition exercise has resulted in the massive looting of properties by a mob who invaded and looted properties in the demolition sites and areas they are anticipation of an alleged plan by the state government to demolish the building. The governors spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, said his principal has ordered the police to clamp down on miscreants looting peoples properties at the demolition sites. ALSO READ: Police arrest suspected thieves looting properties at Kano demolition sites The police have arrested at least 106 looters of properties at the demolition sites and measures are in place to protect peoples properties. Also, property owners are being given prior notice to evaluate their valuables before the commencement of the demolition exercise, Mr Bature said. Some of the properties demolished include a three-storey building with 90 shops on a race course at the Nasarawa GRA. Daula Hotel is a three-star hotel reconstructed by the Ganduje administration under a Private Public Partnership arrangement. The government also demolished another structure, at Hajj Camp, sold to private individuals by the immediate past administration of the state and shops erected at parts of the Kofar Mata, Eid prayer ground. The owners of the demolished properties have vowed to sue the Kano government over the alleged unlawful demolition of their properties. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print When Chioma Nwafor told her husband their four-year-old vomited a balloon, he did not believe her. The four-year-old, Jayden, has now vomited and stooled several balloons a total of 25 balloons so far, swallowed on 26 May 2023, a report from a hospital seen by PREMIUM TIMES on Friday confirmed. How it happened Mrs Nwafor said her childrens school Kids Glory, based in the Ago area of Lagos celebrated Childrens Day on 26 May (Friday) and tagged it Colour Day. The mother of three said that each of them had a unique balloon colour in their classes for the celebration. For the toddler, blue colour was used in his class, the mother said. Mrs Nwafor said she was reluctant to bring her children for the Colour Day event but was persuaded by a teacher. The next day (Saturday), we went for rehearsal in church, my son wanted to stool, then he stooled balloons, a big pink balloon, she recounted. I was not with my phone to capture it. I told my husband about it. He was doubting me that it is not possible for a child to swallow a big balloon. He said it could be pieces. I didnt push it further because I was the only one that saw it. Within that week, on Sunday (June 4), he wasnt eating. I spanked him and forced him to eat rice. After the first spoon I gave him, he vomited a yellow balloon. After that, he vomited a pink one. That was when I was shocked and told my husband that there was a problem. She said that it was late in the night, and the following morning, she took him to a hospital in the Ago area of Lagos. In the hospital, I told them they are balloons in his system, but they didnt believe me. I told them that he vomited and stooled balloons, but they still didnt believe me. I showed them pictures. They said, Madam, if there are balloons in his system, he will choke. READ ALSO: She narrated that an ultrasound was carried out, but it didnt reveal anything, yet she refused to leave the hospital. Mrs Nwafor said that at that time, Jaydens tummy had swollen. There, he vomited balloons. Patients and the doctors saw it, and that was when they took me seriously. When I took him to the toilet, he pooped a lot of balloons, pink, orange, purple, baby pink and others, those long ones, she said. That was when the hospital decided to admit him, but they said that they couldnt operate on him because the ultrasound did not show that the balloons were still there. Mrs Nwafor said that her husband joined her in the hospital, and they took their son home, where he again vomited balloons. She said that they informed the head teacher and sent the pictures and video of the balloons. She (head teacher) said she will get back to me but didnt. The teachers I sent it to were checking if the colours were from their own classes but didnt get back to me, Mrs Nwafor said. Mrs Nwafor further said that the move by the school angered her and pushed her to post the videos on the WhatsApp group, but the group admin was quick to delete it. She said it was at that moment she got their feedback. They called me and said that they are coming to my house to resolve it. They came to the house with a cleaner and two other people. My husband was asking them where the teacher was, but they said she couldnt make it because her house was far away, she said. But my husband said that they cant discuss it in the absence of the teacher. While they were there, my son pooped balloons again. As we were trying to take him to the hospital, he vomited balloons in the car. Meeting The school management would later via WhatsApp invite the parents to the school. In reference to the incident you brought to our attention on Monday, June 5th, 2023, regarding Jayden, we have done our findings and would like to discuss the outcome with you, a part of the message reads. At the meeting with the school, Mrs Nwafor claimed the school management said that they had reviewed the videos she sent and did not find any blue balloons there. They said his own class used blue balloons, and he didnt vomit blue balloons. Meanwhile, there are other classes not too far from theirs (upstairs). They said that the other balloons are not within the reach of his class. They also said that parents can be careless. My children confirmed that they were using their legs to burst balloons even with other children in school. But the teachers insisted that there were no balloons aside from the colour blue downstairs where Jaydens class was. School reacts Many calls and text messages to the principal officers of the school were unanswered since Friday. For instance, the head teacher, Debra Kings contact was unreachable, while the school coordinator, identified as Mr Samuel, did not respond. However, Jaydens class teacher, identified as Mrs Oladele, said that the matter has been settled by the school management. She urged this reporter to visit the school for more details. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Outgoing Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, could not control his emotions during the valedictory session of the chamber on Saturday, as he recounted his ordeal in a case involving N7.1 billion fraud allegedly perpetuated during his tenure as governor of Abia State. Mr Kalu, who was governor between 1999 and 2007, was tried alongside his company, Slok Nigeria Limited, and Udeh Udeogu, the director of finance and accountant of the Abia Government House, during his tenure. The former governor and his co-defendant were found guilty and convicted for diverting money from the state government coffers in December 2019. Mr Kalu was already serving a 12-year jail term for the crime when the Supreme Court, in May 2020, nullified the proceedings leading to his and his co-defendants conviction. The outgoing chief whip burst into tears when he spoke on the allegations while giving his remarks to mark the end of the ninth Senate on Saturday. I never lacked. When the PDP that I was governor for two terms was being formed, I brought every money they used in forming that party, every penny in 1997 and 1998. I later became a thief, and people I gave transport money from my house to VI became agents: this is what Nigeria represents. I want to thank my colleagues for giving me the voice of uninterrupted support because this country is not fair to so many of us. READ ALSO: I have three factories in Lagos, Nigeria. I have two factories in Otta. I have factories in Aba, and I am a thief, and people that have not displayed where their source of wealth came from are not thieves. I leave everything in the hands of God, he spoke in tears. Mr Kalu, a member of the Third Republic House of Representatives, represents Abia North Senatorial District in the outgoing Senate and was reelected during the 25 February National Assembly election. He is one of the aspirants for senate president of the 10th Senate, which will be inaugurated on Tuesday. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja on Saturday dismissed a request by the Labour Partys presidential candidate Peter Obi to interrogate ICT experts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of the February presidential election. Mr Obi had sought to interrogate INECs ICT officials concerning Internet use during the 25 February presidential election. Mr Obi and his party are, in their joint petition, challenging the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the poll. He alleged manipulation of the electoral process by INEC in favour of Mr Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). But Mr Obis application to interrogate the electoral umpires ICT experts was vehemently opposed by lawyers to INEC, Mr Tinubu and the APC at the courts hearing on 8 June. Ruling Ruling on the issue on Saturday, the five-member court panel headed by Haruna Tsammani said Mr Obis legal team failed to file their request to interrogate INECs ICT officials within the statutory period enshrined in the Electoral Act 2022. In an election petition, a party who wishes to file further particulars in court, and in this case file interrogatories, may file at any time but not later than ten days after filing the reply to the respondents response. If he fails to apply within the period laid down, he shall be barred from so applying, Mr Tsammani said while referencing the electoral law, the court rule. In the unanimous ruling of the five-member panel, the court said, The petitioners (Mr Obi and LP) filed their reply to the respondents (Mr Tinubu, INEC and APC)s reply to the petition on 21 April 2023. Mr Tsammani noted that Mr Obis request seeking leave to serve the interrogatories on INEC was filed on 23 May 2023. Therefore, it (request) was filed out of the statutory time as stated in the First Schedule of the Electoral Act 2022, Mr Tsammani said. He said the law unequivocally prohibits party from making an application for further particulars after the period laid down has elapsed. The court further emphasised that the time for filing any court document in an election petition is sacrosanct. This court cannot extend the time to file the interrogatoriesthe petitioners counsel did not ask for an extension of time but rather seek to employ the right to fair hearing as the magic wand to escape the consequences of their failure to comply with the law and blame the court for their action, Mr Tsammani explained. In dismissing the request, the court said, The application is incompetent, and the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain it. Accordingly, it is struck out. Background At the application hearing on Thursday, Mr Obis lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), sought to know the quality of the ICT experts and professionals who presided over the 25 February presidential poll. Mr Ikwueto had urged the court to order INEC to supply him with the names and other details of its ICT professionals that deployed electronic devices for the election. READ ALSO: He raised 12 questions to be forwarded to INEC. Mr Ikwueto had hoped that if the court granted their request, it would enable them to ask relevant questions and elicit responses that would aid their suit. The inability of the electoral umpire to electronically transmit results of the presidential election from polling units in real-time to its IReV portal is a major contention at the court. But, INECs lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, a SAN, opposed Mr Obis application to subject electoral officials to interrogation. Mr Pinheiro argued that the requests were incompetent. He contended that Mr Obis requests should have come during the courts pre-hearing session. The court had held its pre-hearing sessions for two weeks when it streamlined the procedures for the trial of the substantive petition. Mr Pinheiro contended that the court lacked the jurisdiction to grant Mr Obis applications. Mr Tinubus lawyer, Akin Olujimi, and his APC counterpart, Lateef Fagbemi, both SANs, aligned with INEC in opposing Mr Obis requests. The lawyers argued that the application was incompetent and urged the court to discountenance it. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Some senators have rejected suggestions that the outgoing ninth senate was a mere rubber stamp to the executive arm. Abba Moro (PDP-Benue) and Kabir Barkiya (APC-Katsina) said the ninth senate, whose legislative year ends today with the ongoing valedictory session, has performed well. There have been allegations that the 2019-2023 Senate was a mere rubber stamp to the executive, with critics insisting that it did not exercise its role of checking the executive. Mr Moro, who will be returning to the 10th Senate, said the lawmakers were committed to a better Nigeria. With all sense of responsibility, the ninth Senate has performed fairly well. Its unfortunate that certain things took place which warranted the nicknaming of the ninth Senate as a mere rubber stamp. Sometimes some of the criticisms of the activities of the senate of the 9th assembly are borne out of lack of proper understanding of the dynamics of parliamentary practice. And then, of course, the relationship between the executive and the legislature, law-making and providing for good governance does not require avoidable confrontations. It is not everything that comes from the executive that is wrong as people will want to think. Mr Moro, a former interior minister, said bills by the Executive that the Senate rejected included the Inland Water Authority (amendment) Bill. The bill to amend the Inland Water Authority Act was rejected. It is a bill that the executive had long wanted, by our own understanding. READ ALSO: That bill would have been introduced through the back door because the House of Representatives would have passed it. They needed the concurrence of the Senate to make it go through. Some appointments by the immediate past administration were rejected. It is not in all circumstances that the Senate had looked like a lame dog senate or a rubber stamp. In exceptional circumstances, I think the senate had stood up to the bidding and had done the right thing to ensure that the right things were done for Nigerians. On the successes of the ninth Senate, the lawmaker said that it introduced some innovations. Some reformative activities are taking place, amendments have been made to old and traditional ways of doing things. We have created a new innovative platform for activities to take place with less human touch and more digital application or technology. Mr Moro further said that the electoral process, despite the human errors that had complicated the electoral process, witnessed a good attempt at introducing technology into the electoral process. He said the intention was to minimise the human limitations that had occasioned the scuttling of the electoral process. Our efforts were targeted at introducting fine technology. For some of us, who would have expected that the electoral process is digitised all through from accreditation to voting to the transmission of results, calculation of results, all of them would have been technology-driven. For Barkiya, the actions taken by the ninth senate were nothing compared to attracting the tag rubber stamp. He said all bills and motions were debated and voted for, so calling the ninth Senate rubber stamp would hold no water. Mr Barkiya said that the outgoing assembly had recorded so many successes including passing the Constitution amendment bill and the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), now an Act. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, says her husband, President Bola Tinubu, granted her freedom to take independent decisions on political issues throughout her 12 years in the Senate. Mrs Tinubu, who represents Lagos Central in the 7th, 8th and 9th Senate, said she always ran to her husband for advice whenever she was confused and needed to take critical decisions about her political career. The First Lady, a three-term senator, said this on Saturday while giving her remarks at the valedictory session to mark the end of the ninth Senate. She was also a member of the seventh senate (2011-2015) and eight Senate (2015-2019). My thanks will go to my husband for giving me the support and he gives me little advice when I seek it. READ ALSO: He gave me the freedom to be myself and to be able to make the contributions I felt were necessary for our people, especially the women and our youths. I did all that was required of every legislator, motions, bills, even some bills that were assented to as law. I can only just be grateful to God for what He has done and for the people I met here even though we might not understand each other, but we used to relate with each other with respect, and I believe that we can build a nation that even our young ones will be proud of, she said. Family Mrs Tinubu said at one point, she wanted to retire from politics and concentrate on her family, but God helped her to reverse the decision. She noted that her journey in the Senate for 12 years was possible because God stood by her side. God sustained me for three terms, from the 7th assembly, 8th assembly and 9th assembly, and I am still confused myself how I have been able to continue this journey. At a time, I even thought that let me retire and begin to face my family because serving the nation takes a lot of sacrifices, and it starts with a sacrifice from your home, your children, and even your better half. It takes a lot of sacrifices to want to give time to serve the nation at the same time, but it is a great privilege for all of us that are here, the first lady said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of MTN- Nigerias mobile telecommunication giant, MTN Foundation, has rolled out plans to adopt 40 out of Nigerias 25,380 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) for revitalisation support. The intervention is coming on the heels of the declaration by the Nigerian government that only 463 out of the 25,380 PHCs, amounting to 1.8 per cent, possess the required number of Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs). The planned intervention, according to the Foundation, is aimed at improving the health outcomes of underserved Nigerian communities that would be successfully chosen through what it described as a merit-based process. The Foundation, in a statement which was made available to PREMIUM TIMES, noted that revamping the PHCs is the focus of the 5th edition of its initiative tagged: What Can We Do Together (WCWDT). About WCWDT initiative Launched in 2015, the Foundation said the WCWDT campaign was initiated to address various community development needs such as education, health infrastructure, and economic empowerment. It said since it kicked off, the initiative has impacted more than 586 communities nationwide, reaching 2,930,000 people through investments in education, health, and economic empowerment, among others. This was done by installing solar-powered boreholes, providing household items to orphanages, donating learning materials to schools, and setting up ICT laboratories in public secondary schools, the Foundation said. Why PHCs? The organisation said the WCWDT initiative would welcome suggestions from Nigerians which PHCs require urgent attention through a nomination process involving a short text message by sending the word MTN to 421. It said apart from infrastructural facelifts, each of the selected PHCs will be fully equipped with solar-powered boreholes to address water challenges the facilities may be facing. In selecting the PHCs that will be upgraded by the MTN Foundation, the Foundation collaborates with well-meaning Nigerians to nominate PHCs in their communities in need of an upgrade, the statement added. It said the nomination process will close on 17 June. The Foundations Executive Secretary, Odunayo Sanya, said the campaign has been an integral part of the organisations commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The executive secretary said, This years theme, #TogetherforHealth is aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of people living in rural and underserved areas by improving access to quality healthcare services. Presently, many of the PHC facilities in Nigeria lack the capacity to provide essential healthcare services, with issues such as low staffing, inadequate equipment, distribution of health workers, quality of healthcare services, condition of infrastructure, and lack of essential drug supply. This is why, as a Foundation, were partnering with various organisations and stakeholders in the health sector to ensure that the PHCs are equipped with the necessary facilities and personnel to provide quality healthcare services to the communities. READ ALSO: MTN Nigeria allots 4 million incentive shares to shareholders The Foundation said every individual that nominates a PHC will be contacted for verification. State of Nigerias PHCs In May, Nigeria launched a new initiative to address the identified skill gaps in the workforce of the PHCs. The former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who led other government officials, including the immediate past Health Minister, Osagie Ehanire, and the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, lamented the poor state of the primary health care facilities across the country. The initiative, which is tagged Community-based Health Research, Innovative-training and Services Programme (CRISP), according to the government, addresses the significant challenge. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Here are few tips; prioritise experiences over material acquisitions; if you havent found your lifes passion, make it your mission to discover it. The joy it brings will spill over into all aspects of your life Keep in mind that lifes fairness isnt guaranteed, yet the true tragedy lies not in its brevity but in our reluctance to wholeheartedly embrace it while we still can. Allow me to burden you with two remarkable stories that unfolded before my very eyes in the course of this past week. The lessons learnt resonate deep within my soul and its my hope they will awaken your true essence also. It was the 3rd of June and a busy Saturday prior to Memorial Day here in the US. The atmosphere at home was brimming with excitement as we celebrated my wifes birthday. After a nice little family dinner, we agreed to accompany the birthday girl to her favourite mall on the outskirts of town. Unbeknownst to us, our plans would encounter an unexpected spoiler, quietly lurking in the shadows. As we approached the mall, the whole place was buzzing with raw energy. The allure of last-minute holiday bargains had drawn in throngs of eager shoppers, creating a frenzy of activities. Traffic was an absolute nightmare, with cars jostling for position, desperately trying to find parking spots. It seemed as if everyone had descended upon the mall at the same time. Amidst the chaotic queue, a worn-out red Toyota Camry emerged, defying traffic norms. The driver, in a display of frustration, threw his hands up and sneered, swiftly overtaking us recklessly. The cars tail swung wildly, colliding forcefully with our vehicle, and sending a shiver down our spines. The impact was jarring, leaving us stunned. Caught in the aftermath of its daring move, the Camry skidded off the track and teetered on the edge of total disaster. Miraculously, the driver, a middle-aged black man, emerged from the wreckage unscathed and continued on his way, as if nothing had happened. He showed no interest in checking if anyone was hurt, but his car bore the weight of the damage it had incurred. Story number two: I dialed a friend, the one I often meet at our favourite watering hole in town. Our regular visits were never really about the quality of the drinks served after all, we rarely finished more than a single glass of margarita each. Instead, it was the vibrant ambiance and the enchanting experience of being surrounded by happy and gregarious people. The entire narrative, from the shocking diagnosis to the untimely passing, unfolded within a space of four weeks. As I sit here, penning these words, the deceased lies in the morgue, her presence a stark reminder of the fragility of life. The vicarious pain I feel for my friend and the profound loss his family is enduring is a burden that weighs heavily upon my heart. However, on this particular day, as the phone rang, I discovered that my friend wouldnt be able to join me. A sombre tone weighed heavily in his voice. Long story cut short, a dear friend of his wife who had come to spend a joyful vacation with his family had been struck by a merciless blow her life cut short by a malignant cancer that ravaged her body, leaving devastation in its wake. The entire narrative, from the shocking diagnosis to the untimely passing, unfolded within a space of four weeks. As I sit here, penning these words, the deceased lies in the morgue, her presence a stark reminder of the fragility of life. The vicarious pain I feel for my friend and the profound loss his family is enduring is a burden that weighs heavily upon my heart. Viktor Frankl was an Austrian Jew, psychiatrist, neurologist, and Holocaust survivor. During the Holocaust, Frankl was imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, where he endured immense suffering and tragically lost his parents, brother, and wife. Frankls observations, while navigating through those harrowing life experiences, formed the foundation of his psychological approach, which he named logotherapy. This approach revolves around the profound belief that discovering meaning and purpose is crucial for human well-being. The invaluable insights offered are eloquently chronicled in his renowned masterpiece, Mans Search for Meaning. Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. Those Viktor Frankls timeless words resonate with a depth that can reshape our lives. Picture this: a chaotic moment at the mall, where danger seemed imminent as a reckless individual jeopardised my safety and those of my loved ones. What if I had succumbed to anger, chased him down, and plunged into a regrettable altercation? What if he possessed a firearm, eagerly seeking any excuse to extinguish a life? Thankfully, none of those nightmarish scenarios unfolded. Why? Because I heeded Frankls wisdom and embraced the significance of that vital space. Within the complex tapestry of human connections, we are bound to cross paths with individuals who radiate negativity, displaying unpleasantness, rudeness, or a critical disposition. However, amidst this intricate web, a profound truth emerges: their abrasive conduct often serves as a veiled reflection of their own internal battles, unresolved struggles, and deep-rooted insecurities. Its not about you. Within the complex tapestry of human connections, we are bound to cross paths with individuals who radiate negativity, displaying unpleasantness, rudeness, or a critical disposition. However, amidst this intricate web, a profound truth emerges: their abrasive conduct often serves as a veiled reflection of their own internal battles, unresolved struggles, and deep-rooted insecurities. Its not about you. In the face of adversity, remember it is your response, your unwavering resilience, that will shape your destiny. Choose growth, choose liberation, and let the misguided arrows of others bounce harmlessly off the impenetrable armour of your self-belief. One more thing: Lifes fleeting nature demands that we ceaselessly chase after our dreams, unburdened by the trivial setbacks that pepper our journey. Like everyone else, the young lady harboured boundless aspirations, only to be abruptly silenced by the call of death. Let her story awaken within us a profound realisation: while we toil diligently towards our goals, we must not neglect the very essence of life itself. Here are few tips; prioritise experiences over material acquisitions; if you havent found your lifes passion, make it your mission to discover it. The joy it brings will spill over into all aspects of your life. Keep in mind that lifes fairness isnt guaranteed, yet the true tragedy lies not in its brevity but in our reluctance to wholeheartedly embrace it while we still can. As we bid farewell to the young mother whose life was tragically cut short, let her spirit shine brightly, igniting hope and inspiration in each of us. May her grieving family discover solace and uncover moments of joy amidst the ashes of sorrow. Amen! Osmund Agbo writes from Houston, Texas. Email: Eagleosmund@yahoo.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Egypts gas exports to Jordan are set to increase, with the signing of two new agreements on Saturday that facilitate LNG storage and regasification, and increase gas supply to Jordans industrial sector, according to official statements from the two countries. Under the first agreement, Egypt will use a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) at the Al-Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Terminal in Aqaba, Jordan through 2025, a statement from Jordans Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources said on Saturday. The agreement was signed by Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) and Jordans National Electric Power company (NEPCO). Amjad Al-Rawashdeh, director general of NEPCO, explained that Egypt will supply Jordan with LNG and a separate amount of natural gas that can re-pumped to Egypt if needed through pipelines. The agreement aims to reduce the operational costs of LNG storage and regasification, and to secure gas supplies for both countries, according to a statement from Egypts Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. While under the second agreement, Egypt will supply the Jordanian industrial sector with natural gas. The second agreement was signed by EGAS and the Jordanian-Egyptian Fajr Company. Egypts Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla said on Saturday that the new agreements embody the strength of cooperation and integration existing between the two countries in natural gas sector. In January, Egypt and Jordan signed an agreement to supply natural gas to the industrial city of Quweira in Aqaba, Jordan. Search Keywords: Short link: Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has sworn in Interim Transition Committee chairpersons for its 17 local government areas at Government House Jos. The governor represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, during the ceremony on Saturday, said that the exercise was necessary to ensure that no vacuum existed in his administration. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had on 1 June suspended all democratic structures in the states 17 local government areas following the recommendation of the Plateau House of Assembly (PLHA). Mr Muftwang said that the suspension followed their inability to produce documents related to financial transactions in the various local governments saying all efforts to make them produce the documents were unsuccessful. He explained that the state government after careful study of the recommendations resolved to suspend the chairpersons in order to conduct an efficient and proper investigation of the development. He urged the transition chairpersons to cooperate with the PLHA and ensure that all documents required for the investigation were provided for appropriate action. This administration will not condone any form of indiscipline. You are expected to stabilise the LGA council and not see it as an opportunity to amass wealth. Also remember that this is a transitional administration that can give way any time government chooses, he said. Responding, the Chairman of Wase local government, Hamisu Anani, assured the governor that they would abide by the rules and regulations governing the local government and work for the progress of the state. READ ALSO: Bala Mohammed emerges chairman of PDP Govs Forum as Atiku criticises Tinubu over subsidy removal NAN reports that the interim chairpersons include Markus Hussaini, Jos East; Sati Shuwa, Riyom; Peter VwangDung, Jos South; Fidelis Adara, Bassa; Danjuma Guda, Barkin Ladi; Istifanus John, Jos North; Markus Artu, Mangu; Monday Kassa, Bokkos. Others are Samuel Pankshin; Caleb Shikir, Kanke; Ado Yusuf, Kanam; Nicholas Nshe, Shendam; Christopher Manship, Quanpan; Daniel Kungmi, Mikang; Nanmwa Kumzhi, Langtang North; Manji Dangfa, Langtang South and Hamisu Anani, Wase. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has ordered the revocation of the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road project due to the alleged slow pace of work by the contractor. Mr Fubara gave the order in Andoni on Saturday while inspecting the project alongside the Commissioner for Works, George Kelly, and the Chairperson of Andoni Local Government Council, Erastus Awortu. The governor said it was regrettable that the contractor could only achieve about 45 per cent on the project despite receiving 100 per cent funding from Nyesom Wikes administration. What I have seen here today leaves much to be desired, given that the immediate past administration had good intentions for the people of Andoni. The last administration made so much commitment to the point of even making 100 per cent payment to ensure quick delivery of the project before the end of its tenure, unfortunately, the contractor did otherwise. We are left with no option than to remove the big elephant behind the slow pace of work on this project just like President Bola Tinubu removed the big elephant behind fuel subsidy, Mr Fubara said. Consequently, the governor directed the works commissioner to commence the process of revocation of the project immediately. READ ALSO: He has also directed that the project be re-awarded to a more competent contractor who would deliver timely and according to specifications. The governor, however, assured that the Andoni Section of the Unity Road would be completed and commissioned within his first hundred days in office. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Opobo-Nkoro-Andoni Unity Road, when eventually completed, would further promote the economy and co-existence amongst local communities in the area. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Labour Party (LP) members-elect in Enugu State cannot produce the speaker and deputy speaker for the yet-to-be-inaugurated 8th Enugu House of Assembly, despite being the majority in the assembly, checks by PREMIUM TIMES showed. Upset The LP caused a surprising upset during the 2023 general elections across the country mainly in the South-east, after winning the governorship election in Abia State and securing several seats in both state and federal legislative houses in the country. In Enugu, the party won two of the three Senate seats and also won seven of the eight House of Representatives seats. It won 14 of the 24 Enugu Assembly seats to become the majority party in the yet-to-be-inaugurated 8th House, unseating the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had been the only party in previous houses. The PDP won only 10 seats in the assembly and would be in the minority for the first time in the state since the return of democracy in 1999. Before the 2023 LP upset, the PDP had been in firm control of Enugu State and had won all elections in the state. The LP also won the presidential election in each of the five South-east states. The successes recorded by the LP across the South-east and other parts of Nigeria were attributed to the effect of Peter Obi, the 2023 LP presidential candidate, who enjoyed swelling support across the country during the elections. LPs Enugu Assembly leadership unlikely The current 7th assembly of Enugu State was inaugurated on 10 June 2019. The assemblys lifespan will end by Saturday, 10 June 2023, having stayed four years since its inauguration, according to Section 105(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. A house of assembly shall stand dissolved at the expiration of a period of four years commencing from the date of the first sitting of the House, the sub-section reads. Earlier this month, there were speculations that the PDP leadership in the state and the state governor, Peter Mbah, were plotting to inaugurate the assembly secretly to prevent members-elect of the LP, who are in the majority, from producing the speaker and deputy speaker of the House. The Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Emma Udaya, however, debunked the speculations. But PREMIUM TIMES found that despite being the majority in the Enugu State House of Assembly, members-elect of the LP cannot produce leaders of the House. This is because the 14 members-elect of the LP are fresh members. According to the Standing Orders of the Enugu Assembly, to become the speaker or the deputy speaker, the candidates must be ranking members of the assembly. Any member nominated as speaker or deputy shall be a ranking member who must have successfully completed a four-year tenure in a state House of Assembly, part of the Standing Orders reads. The implication of the order is that, although a party with a majority in the House can garner more votes during elections for the speaker and deputy speaker, such a party must overcome the first hurdle of having ranking members among them for the positions. The clerk is mandated to preside over an inaugural session of the House and the election of the speaker as well as deputy speaker of the House, according to the order. PDP set to retake leadership The order, therefore, puts the ruling PDP in a position to retake the leadership when the 8th Assembly is inaugurated, despite being in the minority. But among the 10 members-elect of the PDP, only four of them are ranking members and are qualified to be nominated for the principal leadership positions in the House, checks by this newspaper showed. The four members are Callistus Uche Ugwu (Udi North Constituency), Ezenta Ezeani (Igbo-Etiti East Constituency), Iloabuchi Aniagu (Nkanu West Constituency), and Jane Chinwe Eneh (Awgu North Constituency). They served as lawmakers in the 7th assembly and were reelected during the 18 March general elections in the state. Order cant be changed before inauguration Before now, Sections 54, 96, 105 and 311 of Nigerias Constitution 1999 did not adequately provide regulations on procedures of the first session and inauguration of members-elect of the countrys legislative houses, particularly the State Houses of Assembly. However, the National Assembly, in 2023, enacted an Act which altered the provisions of the sections to adequately regulate the first session and inauguration of members-elect of both the National and State Houses of Assembly. With respect to the State Houses of Assembly, the altered provision of Section 105 (4) of the constitution, insists that the standing orders of a state house of assembly before its dissolution must apply in the first session of a new assembly. The standing orders of the house of assembly before its dissolution under section 105 of the constitution shall apply in relation to the proceedings of the first session of the state house of assembly convened by the governor pursuant to his powers under this constitution, the section read. The implication of this constitutional provision is that the lawmakers-elect cannot change the standing orders of the departing 7th assembly of Enugu State. Subsection five of the altered section (105) highlighted the period within which the standing orders may be changed. The standing orders of a legislative house before its dissolution under section 64 or 105 of this constitution may be modified within such a reasonable time after the inauguration and first session with the proceedings of the newly inaugurated legislative house, the section states Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ATLANTA, June 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta Housing (AH), in collaboration with the Bowen Choice Neighborhood team and the City of Atlanta, is thrilled to announce the completion and celebration of Watkins Street Park, a striking greenspace designed to cater to all ages and foster community engagement. Located just blocks away from the former Bowen Homes site, this newly established park exemplifies the commitment to creating accessible and inclusive recreational areas for residents and surrounding communities. The development of Watkins Street Park was a result of the "Doing While Planning" initiative, where AH, Longline Holdings, Urban Oasis Development, Living Playgrounds, and Integrated Land Design collaborated with former Bowen Homes residents and community members in 2022. "At Atlanta Housing, we believe in partnerships. This park is a proud example of what we can accomplish for the greater good when we embrace the true spirit collaboration," said AH President and CEO Eugene Jones, Jr. "Watkins Street Park will be a lasting source of recreation and enjoyment for all who seek it here." Through extensive workshops and invaluable community feedback, the project aimed to prioritize the aspirations and needs of residents. The end result is a picturesque park that reflects the desires of the community and holds endless potential for health, fitness, creative play and fostering a strong sense of togetherness. "This space was nothing before. Those of you from the community can likely attest to that," said Commissioner Justin Cutler of the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation. "On behalf of Mayor Dickens, we thank Atlanta Housing for your leadership and organization in creating this magnificent space." The celebration and ribbon-cutting is open to the public beginning at 11 AM, at 1065 Hightower Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (Watkins Street and Hightower Road). ABOUT ATLANTA HOUSING Led by President and CEO Eugene Jones, Jr., the Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta, Georgia (AH), is the largest housing authority in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation. AH provides and facilitates affordable housing resources for nearly 27,000 low-income households comprised of approximately 45,000 people, including AH-owned residential communities, tenant-based vouchers, supportive housing, and homeownership opportunities. Programs are funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Visit AH at atlantahousing.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn at @housingatlanta. SOURCE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF CITY OF ATLANTA SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney-Partners Roger A. Dreyer and Noemi Nunez Esparza of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora have recently secured a $40-million settlement in a Sacramento elementary school sex abuse case after seven years of hard-fought litigation. Partners Roger A. Dreyer and Noemi Nunez Esparza of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora were joined by The Law Office of Joseph George Jr. to secure a $40-million settlement at the end of a hard-fought Sacramento elementary school sex abuse case. The attorneys represented five survivors of child sex abuse carried out by a trusted employee of Sacramento's Mark Twain Elementary School, who sexually abused at least six elementary school children between 2013 and 2016. The lawsuit was brought against the City of Sacramento and the Sacramento City Unified School District, who were accused of negligently ignoring multiple warning signs that the employee was abusing children for several years. The litigation began with The Law Office of Joseph George Jr., who eventually brought in the two attorneys from Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora to take the lead, joined by Attorney Joe George, Ph. D. and Attorney Maricar Pascual of the George firm. After seven years of litigation, more than 40 depositions, and countless legal battles, Attorneys Dreyer and Esparza were able to secure the $40-million settlement for their clients, which set a settlement amount record for such cases. Furthermore, the survivors and their families did not have to go through a potentially traumatic civil trial before this settlement was reached. A previous victory secured by Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora and The Law Office of Joseph George Jr. required Mark Twain Elementary School and the Sacramento City Unified School District to significantly update the policies and practices regarding staff-and-student interactions. In 2019, the law firms represented another child sexual abuse survivor who was abused in the same timeframe and by the same sexual offender. The case ended with a $12.5-million settlement and a checklist of mandatory policy changes. The conditional agreement in the settlement required the defendants to implement improved policies to prevent future incidents of child sexual abuse, such as improved staff training for mandated reports when unusual or inappropriate staff behavior is known or suspected, stricter requirements for how often and how long a staff member can be alone with students, and other important changes. The district also hired a third-party consultant to review its policies and procedures regarding sexual abuse reporting and staff monitoring. The $40-million settlement can help bring closure and a sense of justice to the young survivors and their families. Although the sexual offender and the school's inaction have caused the survivors to suffer lifelong pain, trauma, and trust issues, the attorneys of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora are hopeful that the settlement will act as the first step on the path to long-term emotional recovery. Attorney Roger Dreyer has been quoted as saying, "These children are going to be living with what has been imprinted into their hard drive, into their brain, the mistrust of adults and the violation that they didn't even know could happen." With financial stability and the offender taken to justice in both the criminal court system and the civil court system, the survivors can begin their healing journeys. This landmark case highlights the unshakable duties of educational institutions to safeguard the well-being of the children placed within their care and instruction. It also underscores the need for schools, administrators, and authorities to take decisive action when the warning signs of misconductsexual abuse or otherwiseare first noticed or reported. With the City of Sacramento paying 60% of the settlement and the Sacramento City Unified School District paying the rest, the attorneys of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora are hopeful that the case result will serve as a catalyst for change in school districts throughout California and across the country, prompting them all to review their policies and ensure the safety of their students. For more information about this case, refer to this Sacramento Bee article: https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article275427836.html. (Log-in and subscription may be required.) For more information about Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, a Sacramento-based sexual abuse and personal injury law firm, inquiring parties should visit: https://www.dbbwc.com. Media Contact: Roger A. Dreyer; 916-379-3500; [email protected] SOURCE Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora TIANJIN, China, June 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 8, Yangliuqing, an ancient town with a history of over 1,000 years in north China's Tianjin Municipality, embraced a feast of intangible cultural heritage. To mark the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day which falls on June 10 this year, a grand event was held in the town, featuring a display of the-Great-Canal-related intangible cultural heritage projects, according to the The Publicity Department of Xiqing District. Intangible cultural heritage projects shine in northern Chinese ancient town. The five-day event will see the display of nearly 100 intangible cultural heritage projects from Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, which are provincial-level regions along the Great Canal spanning from east to north China. In front of the West Lake silk umbrella booth, visitors dressed in Hanfu attire, a traditional style of clothing worn by the Han people, swarm to take photos with the sophisticated umbrellas. Exquisite silk umbrellas, gorgeous ancient costume, delicate makeup and the unique buildings of the ancient town constitute a moving picture of Chinese-style beauty. "The West Lake silk umbrella is a national intangible cultural heritage project. It uses bamboo as the bone and silk as the surface, and the 18 main production processes are all handmade," said Song Zhiming, representative inheritor of the making techniques of the delicate umbrella. "There are more than 100 detailed steps, and the material selection is very exquisite. Only the unique silk and light bamboo in Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou area is qualified." As one of the serial activities of the Cultural Tourism Year of Xiqing District, where Yangliuqing is located, the exhibition also sets up a cultural market, showcasing the intangible cultural heritage exhibits, food, cultural innovative products of various provinces and cities. In addition, the activity has restored some of the scenes of the ancient water and land dock and warehouse culture, introducing elements of the Grand Canal and coastal style into the town. "We have launched six intangible heritage treasure museums featuring the culture of places along the Great Canal, set up multiple game-play stations, organized experience courses, and Hanfu attire parades. All these will help immerse visitors in the cultural charm of the Great Canal," said a senior official with Xiqing District's culture and tourism bureau. Image Attachments Links: Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=441042 SOURCE The Publicity Department of Xiqing District Egypt is facilitating procedures for children waiting to join loving homes through a new centre for foster care. Egypts Ministry of Social Solidarity is establishing the first national foster care centre in a step to deinstitutionalise the system and help children of decent descent children deprived of parental care, especially those of unknown parents to grow up in alternative loving homes instead of foster institutions. The centre is slated to open in the near future and is being built in collaboration by the ministries of social solidarity and health and FACE for Children in Need, a non-profit organisation. The project will work on directing children from birth to six years to suitable alternative homes, Magdi Hassan, head of the Central Department for Social Welfare at the Ministry of Social Solidarity, told Al-Ahram Weekly. The centre is meant to save children and families seeking to foster time and effort and emotional upheavals, he added. Until now, orphaned children and children of decent descent are sent to one of the 29 National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) centres, affiliated to the Ministry of Health and Population, or one of the 43 residential nurseries affiliated to the Ministry of Social Solidarity. Meanwhile, caregivers visit the NCCM centres and residential nurseries, located across the nation, to find and connect with the child they want to include in their family, Hassan noted. Also according to the existing system, the prosecution must authorise the placement of an orphaned child in an NCCM centre where they reside for three months before they are taken to a residential nursery, he explained. The new centre serves as a one-stop shop, where the children are directed to the centre where they are provided with legal documents, psychological support and healthcare, while fostering families can head to the centre to see the children they want to foster instead of visiting NCCM centres and residential nurseries. They can also finalise all the needed documents for fostering at the centre, Hassan stated. A child is allowed to remain in the new centre for three months, he added. The centre is due to open in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, and Qalioubiya, Hassan said. More centres are planned in later phases. Each of the new centres will be divided into two departments: one for babies under two years of age, and another for children aged two to six for whom the centre performs psychological and social interventions, he continued. The procedures were not as easy back in 2018 when I fostered my daughter, said Yomna Dahroug, who launched an initiative under the name Ehtedan (Fostering). The initiative later became a civil institution. The Ministry of Social Solidarity has been facilitating foster care procedures and they can even be conducted online. On the ministrys website, there is a section on its front page with a picture of smiling children and a caption Foster a child at home Press here to apply. After filing for application, the ministry contacts the applicants before they head to the Central Committee for Fostering Families, available in every governorate. The committee studies the requests and conducts a thorough social investigation as well as psychological and physical tests to determine whether the applicants are eligible to care for a child, Hassan said. The next step, he added, the parents have to attend in person, not online free-of-charge training designed by the Ministry of Social Solidarity and implemented in partnership with specialised civil organisations. Following further interviews, the committee decides whether the applicants meet the conditions to foster a child. If rejected, the wannabe-caregivers can file a complaint with the Supreme Committee for Fostering Families, he pointed out. In a step to encourage foster care in Egypt, the state has recently allowed divorced women, widows, and unmarried women over 30 to apply to foster a child. Hassan is proud of how successful the foster care system in Egypt has become. Thus far, 14,000 children have found their loving forever homes, he added. The Ministry of Social Solidarity is working on a new bill and drafting a new strategy for foster care, all while seeking to amend some laws in this regard, he noted. We are working towards closing NCCM centres and residential nurseries gradually. We wish that, come 2030, foster care institutions will be children-free, he stated. Last year, 48 foster care institutions were closed and the current occupancy in those still functioning is estimated at 67 per cent. After taking a child home, some caregivers change their minds and return the child to the state institution, resulting in a child bearing a psychological scar. These caregivers are fined LE20,000, which is deposited in the bank in the childs name, and the caregivers are blacklisted for good. They cannot apply to foster again, Hassan said. Dahroug and an unmarried woman seeking to foster said the new centre will eliminate several obstacles, including attempts by some workers in foster institutions to hide children especially those with distinctive features like blond hair and blue eyes from visitors. The reason, the two women said, is to keep the children at the institution and prevent its closure. The other woman added that the workers believe children with distinctive features garner more sympathy from caregivers. On the other hand, some caregivers opt to foster children of a certain age or prefer girls to boys due to religious and social reasons, Dahroug pointed out. This is why there is a long waiting list to foster girls, she added. However, some women now opt to breastfeed their foster baby boys especially if they have a baby girl of their own because in Islamic Sharia, if the boy is breastfed from the mother, the girl becomes impermissible for him in marriage. According to Sharia, children who have been breastfed five full feeds by the same woman are considered milk-siblings. Asmaa Sadek, a paediatrician and breastfeeding consultant, said many women visit her clinic to start breastfeeding their foster children. In 95 per cent of the cases, the breastfeeding is conducted successfully, she said. The women also request a certificate from my clinic that the babies were breastfed to present it to Al-Azhar institution and Dar Al-Iftaa to receive another certificate that the child is their son through breastfeeding, Sadek said. Dahroug added that another challenge facing caregivers is the social negative views and ignorant practices from the surrounding community as well as the lack of social support. Other challenges face families that foster children over the age of two, resulting in having to give them back to the foster care institution, she said. One of the most difficult moments, Dahroug lamented, is when you have to tell the children especially the adolescents they are not biologically your own. Search Keywords: Short link: DENVER, June 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, June 10, 2023, the University of Denver celebrated the graduation of over 1,150 undergraduate students. For the Class of 2023, this moment may have seemed unimaginable three years earlier as the then-freshmen were confronted with the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic. DU graduates receive surprise $500 gift as the graduation speaker shares message of paying it forward and help others. Tweet this Graduates at the University of Denver celebrate during commencement on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Delivering this year's commencement address was Pat Hamill, chairman and CEO of Oakwood Homes, a Berkshire Hathaway company. He shared with the graduates and their families the importance of philanthropy, the joy of giving and the impact of paying it forward. Hamill gifted to each graduate in attendance $500 and delivered this message: "Keep it if you really need it. Give it to someone who really needs it if you don't. Or combine it with your friends and do something together. Keep it real and do something that matters for someone who needs it," Hamill said. Hamill has been a longtime supporter and philanthropist in the Denver community by donating both his time and resources to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver and the Early Childhood Commission. In 1997 he launched BuildStrong Education, an Oakwood Homes Foundation, with a focus on educational programs and initiatives. BuildStrong has invested millions of dollars since its inception. Hamill is also the founder of the STEAD School and the Colorado Homebuilding Academy. University of Denver Chancellor Jeremy Haefner thanked Hamill for his generous gift and reinforced the message to the graduates. "I hope your minds are spinning on what good each of you can do to "pay it forward"in ways big and smallthat improve communities," Haefner said. "Each act toward serving the public good compounding on itself, gaining momentum and changing lives. And it can all start today." Video of the surprise gift announcement is on the University of Denver YouTube page. About the University of Denver: Founded in 1864, the University of Denver is a private university that empowers students who want to make a difference. Recognized as one of the top research universities in the country, DU has more than 300 academic programs serving about 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students. DU students benefit from an experience that channels passion to serve the public good. Visit the University's Newsroom or follow the University on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. SOURCE University of Denver DALLAS, June 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Valor Healthcare is proud to announce its selection as one of four companies awarded a position on Veterans Affairs' (VA) eight-year, $1.032 billion contract to provide Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Home Telehealth (HT) services for veterans. VA's Office of Connected Care will deploy the systems and tools needed to monitor veterans' chronic health conditions while they are at home. The contract award represents the largest Remote Patient Monitoring effort in the federal government. The VA's award notice, posted Monday, May 1st, states that the work supports at least 72,000 veterans whose needs can include chronic care, acute care, health promotion, disease prevention, and non-institutional care. Awardees will also be responsible for providing prosthetic appliances in support of care coordination and chronic disease management efforts. Valor Healthcare is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality RPM-HT services to veterans across the country. Valor is the largest private provider of Community Based Outpatient Clinics to VA, providing direct primary care and mental health services to over 140,000 veterans across the country. With this award, Valor Healthcare is the only private company in the United States providing veterans both in-person care in brick-and-mortar facilities and care delivered via Remote Patient Monitoring and Home Telehealth. "We are both honored and humbled to be selected as one of four contractors to provide RPM-HT services for the VA," said Dr. Scott Wise, President and CEO of Valor Healthcare. "We have assembled an extraordinary team of RPM-HT technology industry leaders, and we are committed to leveraging our collective expertise with this technology, this patient population, and this customer to help VA deliver unparalleled RPM-HT services to the most deserving patient population in the world." The VA's decision to award this contract to Valor Healthcare underscores the government's commitment to providing high-quality care to veterans across the country. Valor Healthcare has a 25-year, proven record of delivering exceptional healthcare services to veterans and other patriots serving our country. The VA's RPM-HT services are especially important now, given the increased demand for remote healthcare services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and are a key part of VA's healthcare delivery modernization effort. The RPM-HT technologies provided by Valor Healthcare and the other companies awarded this contract enable veterans to better self-manage their chronic conditions and alert caregivers or other medical personnel to needs for active care and case management, including referral to a clinic or hospital for in-person care. Valor Healthcare as the prime, teamed up with noted established companies and thought leaders in the space to bring the most comprehensive Remote Patient Monitoring/Virtual Care options in the market today. Notably among them, Movement Interactive, Inc., Valor Healthcare will have the option to work with Movement Interactive, Inc. and others on this awarded contract. Movement Interactive, Inc., is delighted to be one of the high-performing subcontractors that are a part of Valor Healthcare's award-winning team. Movement Interactive's mission is to enable longevity by addressing current health concerns and preventing future problems. Movement Interactive, Inc. has developed the patented HijiSense; a sock-worn wearable sensor. The HijiSense is a fall-detection and fall-prediction device and enables at-home and in-residence safety of users. Movement Interactive's software powered by IvedaCare and IvedaAI, alongside existing telemedicine solutions at VA care facilities, will help address major concerns for both veterans and staff. Movement Interactive will augment Valor's RPM-TH by providing high quality hardware and software capabilities, specifically, empowering fall detection and fall prediction of veterans in non-critical conditions. This capability will enhance the safety and health of veterans both in-clinic and at-home. "As the population of aging veterans continues to increase, it's important for the care provided by the VA to follow suit and innovate," added Dr. Eric Luster, CEO at Movement Interactive. "This contract will equip VA care facilities with the next-generation technology necessary to provide healthcare workers with a much-needed extra set of "digital" eyes to assist with patient care and safety. Thanks to this contract, our aging veterans will be consistently cared for, even if a healthcare worker is not present in the room. It is an honor to be part of the awarded contract and to continue working with Team Valor toward our shared goals in this space." Other leading partners include: Life365/Microsoft, ChronicCareIQ, Data Primed, and GlobalMed. For more information on Movement Interactive, Inc., please visit Home - Movement Interactive (movement-interactive.com). More About Valor: Valor Healthcare is a premier provider of exceptional primary care and behavioral health services to Veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare system as well as patriots who honor their country through government service. With a mission to improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and other patriots, Valor Healthcare operates outpatient clinics across the United States, delivering high-quality care that is accessible, convenient, and patient-centered. As a leader in the federal government healthcare space, Valor Healthcare is proud to be a trusted partner of the VA Healthcare system, the Department of Homeland Security, and other departments and agencies of the federal government. Movement Interactive, Inc. Media Contact: Nipun Chopra Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-888-585-9311 SOURCE Valor Healthcare MECCA, Saudi Arabia, June 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Six Saudi international airports, four of which are among world's top 100 airports, are on high alert. These airports will receive 1.7 million pilgrims during Hajj season, via 7,700 flights coming from the countries in the seven continents. Many planes, owned by world airlines, will change their routes towards the largest country in the Middle East. Foreign pilgrims arrive to the airport before performing Hajj The Saudi GACA upgraded its international airports, especially those receiving the guests of Allah, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj, the Saudi first line in the big Hajj system. Four of these airports ranked up in world's top 100 airports, during 2023, according to UK "Skytrax", which reviews top 550 airlines and airports worldwide. Geographical distribution was taken into consideration, while selecting the international and regional airports to receive pilgrims around the clock. According to official releases of Saudi authorities, these airports will receive 7,700 flights transporting 1.7 million pilgrims during Hajj season, 2023. GASTAT's observation of thousands of pilgrims' flights, over the past years, indicates receiving more than 1.3 million pilgrims, by air, during 2014; a number not far from that accomplished in the following year. Numbers were, notably, increasing during Hajj season, 2018, where Saudi airports received 1.8 million pilgrims. Foreign pilgrims, travelling to Saudi Arabia by air in 2019, were 93% of the total numbers which reached 1.7 million of foreign pilgrims. Hence, operation departments for Hajj and Umrah of "Ministry of Hajj" in the six airports, should, effectively, contribute to the operational plan with high absorptive capacity, to serve the pilgrims as of receiving and transporting them to their residences at the holy sites. Due to its experience in dealing with pilgrims, the Ministry of Hajj took proactive steps to save the time and efforts of the other entities and the pilgrims. It launched awareness campaigns in the travellers' countries, to introduce them to aviation local systems, customs, and directives concerning the necessary life skills, via using 11 languages, to ensure delivering its awareness messages clearly to the largest possible numbers. During official occasion implemented by the Ministry in Jeddah on June 4th, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, said that Saudi Arabia intends to increase the numbers of pilgrims during the upcoming years. He added that this is in line with "Saudi Vision 2030", launched by the Kingdom's leadership. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2098269/Ministry_of_Hajj.jpg SOURCE Ministry of Hajj 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 10 : Iran has denied a media claim of it "nearing an interim nuclear deal" with the US, saying such a deal neither exists nor is on the agenda. Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations on Thursday responded in a statement to a report by the London-based online news outlet Middle East Eye that claimed Tehran and Washington were close to achieving an interim deal, under which Tehran would curb its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the semi-official Tasnim news agency. "An interim deal for replacing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) neither exists nor is on the agenda," said the Iranian mission. A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council also denied the report, saying it is "false and misleading". Iran signed the JCPOA with world powers in July 2015, agreeing to put some curbs on its nuclear programme in return for the removal of the sanctions on the country. The US, however, pulled out of the deal in May 2018 and reimposed its sanctions on Tehran. The talks on the JCPOA's revival began in April 2021 in Vienna, Austria. No breakthrough has been achieved after the latest round of talks in August 2022. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Ottawa, June 10 : There were ten new wildfires burning in Canada, bringing the total number of wildfires in the country so far this year to 2,405, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre has said. There were 422 active wildfires on Friday, down from 431 on Thursday. The number of out-of-control wildfires fell to 219 on Friday from Thursday's 234, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a daily update by the centre on its website. On Friday, there were 89 wildfires being held and 114 under control. Wildfires have so far devoured about 45,000 square km of land in Canada, making 2023 one of the worst years for wildfires on record, according to the centre. In Alberta, unsettled weather brought new starts. Hot and dry windy weather was across the north, and extreme fire weather is expected. In Ontario, two larger fires in the far north were receiving some limited suppression action and ignition. More lightning fires from existing and new lightning are expected, the centre said. Washington, June 10 : Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who has has joined the fray for the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nomination, has vowed to "promptly" pardon indicted former President Donald Trump if elected to the White House next year. "It would be much easier for me to win this election if Trump weren't in the race, but I stand for principles over politics. I commit to pardon Trump promptly on January 20, 2025 and to restore the rule of law in our country," Ramaswamy tweeted on Friday. The remarks by Ramaswamy, who is campaigning on 'anti-woke' credentials, came after the Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Trump with a 37-count indictment, accusing the former President of risking sensitive security secrets after leaving office in 2021. Trump is the first former American President to face federal charges, which include willful retention of national defence information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or a record, concealing a document in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal, and making false statements and representations. Trump, who is running for a second presidential term and has been the frontrunner candidate among the Republicans, praised fellow candidate Ramaswamy after the political newbie polled even with former Vice President Mike Pence in a survey last month. Ramaswamy said in his post that one cannot have two tiers of justice -- one for Trump, another for Biden. "I never thought we'd see the day when the US President deputises the DOJ to arrest his lead rival in the middle of an election," the 37 year-old biotech executive said. In an interview to The New York Post, Ramaswamy also heaped praises on Trump, saying that the former president "sets a high bar". "He's a friend. I know him. I genuinely believe he cares about national unity," Ramaswamy had said. Asserting that there are also serious legal questions about the President's power to declassify documents, Ramaswamy called the move by the DOJ in charging Trump as "hypocritical". "This is an affront to every citizen: we cannot devolve into a banana republic where the party in power uses police force to arrest its political opponents. ItaAs hypocritical for the DOJ to selectively prosecute Trump but not Biden," Ramaswamy said. Apart from Ramaswamy, fellow Republican candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis slammed the indictment, saying that there had been what he called double standards in issuing charges. At a party convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, DeSantis flayed what he called "weaponisation" of government agencies. However, he did not mention Trump by name in his speech.Trump is due in federal court on June 13 and called it "a dark day" for the country. "I am an innocent man," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that he has been "indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax". Khartoum, June 10 : The Sudanese Armed Forces has declared its commitment to a 24-hour truce with the rival, paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), starting from on Saturday. The ceasefire will come into force at 6 a.m. (local time), reports Xinhua news agency. However, the army also highlighted its right reserved to "deal with any violations that the rebels may commit" during the new truce mediated by Saudi Arabia and the US, according to an official statement. Earlier on Friday, Saudi Arabia and the US announced in a joint statement that the two warring rivals have agreed to the 24-hour countrywide ceasefire, adding both parties also agreed to "allow the unimpeded movement and delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout the country". Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the army and the RSF in the capital Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which has left 863 people dead and 3,531 others injured, according to the Sudanese Doctors Union. At least 1.6 million people have been displaced, fleeing to safer locations inside and outside Sudan, according to the UN figures. For the first time in history, a star was given a Korean name by a Korean. Lee Tae-hyeong, a 36 year-old amateur astronomer, announced Tuesday that he had received permission from the International Astronomical Union in April to name stellar target 23880, which he found in September 1998. Lee added that it will be called "Tongil," which means unification. Three stars had been already given Korean names but all by Japanese astronomers. Lee said that he had been inspired by Professor Kichiro Hurukawa, who had given Korean names to two stars in 1977 and 1999, when they met in the spring of 1998. He discovered 23880 that fall. After meeting the Japanese astronomer who had given a Korean name to the star that he found, Lee went near the DMZ area, whenever the weather was good for observing the sky. He said he was upset with the fact that a Japanese had given a Korean name, so he visited him to learn the know-how of searching for stars. Lee added that he found the star using a 21cm-telescope that anyone can easily purchase. He stressed that to find a new star, it was important that many people look for one and good equipment alone do not guarantee the discovery of new stars. Lee, who studied chemistry at Seoul National University, joined an amateur astronomers' club in his sophomore year. He said that he was fascinated by stars at the time. He has written three books on stars which were popular with the general public. He will be inaugurated as the head of the Daejeon Citizens' Astronomical Observatory on May 3. Addis Ababa, June 10 : The World Food Program (WFP) has announced its decision to suspend the food aid assistance program in Ethiopia, citing large-scale aid misappropriation. In a statement, the UN agency quoting its Executive Director Cindy McCain said food diversion is absolutely unacceptable and that it welcomes the Ethiopian government's commitment to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the misappropriation of food aid, reports Xinhua news agency. "Our first concern is the millions of hungry people who depend on our support, and our teams will work tirelessly with all partners to resume our operations as soon as we can ensure that food reaches the people who need it the most," the statement said. It did not specifically mention the name of the entities that had diverted its food aid in the East African country. "A comprehensive action plan to strengthen safeguards and controls across the country will include WFP and NGO partners working more directly with communities and using technology to select those most in need and verify their identity in real-time," the statement also said. It further said that it will strengthen its food tracking system all the way to beneficiary families as well as reinforce the monitoring and reporting of violations by partners and the misuse of food aid. The UN agency estimates more than 20 million people in Ethiopia affected by the ongoing drought and conflict urgently need humanitarian food assistance. New York, June 10 : An Indian-American is suing a waterfront resort and a boat captain for alleged negligence that led to the death of his wife and left his son and nephew severely injured while parasailing last year in Florida. Srinivasrao Alaparthi filed a 68-page lawsuit in Monroe County circuit court this week against the boat captain, his first mate and the resort, Captain Pip's Marina & Hideaway, alleging negligence and wrongful death, The Washington Post reported. He had filed a lawsuit last year against the parasailing company, Lighthouse Parasailing, which operated out of Captain Pip's Marina. On May 30, 2022, Alaparthi, his wife Supraja, 33, their son, 10, and nephew, 9, went parasailing while vacationing in the Florida Keys when the weather turned bad. Minutes later, boat's captain Daniel Couch cut the towline connecting the parasail to the boat, sending Supraja and children floating in the air for two miles before they crashed into a concrete bridge. Alaparthi, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, told reporters on Thursday that it was a "terrifying experience", The Post reported. He alleges in his lawsuit that the boat's crew failed to check the weather forecast, which would have shown an incoming storm and did not radio the US Coast Guard for help as the independent chute dragged Supraja to her death. In addition, the crew did not provide enough safety equipment, including life jackets on board, and did not properly bring the parasail down after losing control. "I can't help but think that if the people we trusted from the parasailing company and Captain Pip's Marina had done their jobs, my wife would still be with us today," The Post quoted Alaparthi as saying. "We trusted these companies, but they let us down in the worst possible way." In September last year, Couch was charged with manslaughter and multiple boating violations. He has pleaded not guilty. According to media reports, he believed that cutting the towline would allow them to drift into the water, where he could save them. A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation said Couch lost control of the parasail with some 150 feet of line still extended and "immediately" cut the tow line with a pocket knife. Due to this, the three passengers plunged from "an unknown height", according to the affidavit. Untethered from the boat and propelled by the wind, the parasail itself stayed aloft and soared south, dragging its three occupants in and out of the water for two miles, The Post said, quoting the affidavit. Alaparthi told reporters that the children are still healing physically while "working through the emotional trauma". Porbandar, June 10 : The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Gujarat Police has arrested four Islamic State (IS) affiliates after it dismanted a module of the terrorist group in the coastal town of Porbandar. The four arrested individuals include a woman named Sumera from Surat, the police said, adding that another person involved with the IS module is currently at large. According to the police, these suspects were active members of the IS module with plans to abscond and officially join the terror group. For the past year or so, they had been engaging in regular communication and were reportedly radicalised by their Pakistani handlers, the police added. The crackdown on the IS module began on Friday under the leadership of DIG Deepan Bhadran and SP Sunil Joshi. The apprehended suspects had been under the surveillance of the ATS for an extended period, during which their activities were meticulously documented and tracked. The operation is ongoing. In 2017, the Gujarat ATS had arrested two suspected IS terrorists, reportedly brothers, who were purportedly preparing to launch a series of bombings at various religious sites across the state. The arrested took place in Rajkot and Bhavnagar. Bhopal, June 10 : Dubbed as the cultural capital of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur is heading towards occupying the centrestage in the run-up to the Assembly elections due later this year. In the race for power, both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress are set to launch their poll campaign with mega promises of freebies. On Saturday, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to release the first installment of Rs 1000 to the women under its newly launched scheme - "Ladli Behna Yojna" from Jabalpur. This scheme is not just an attempt to woo the 38 per cent women voters of the state, but also a bid to reduce the high anti-incumbency against the nearly two-decade rule of Chief Minister Chouhan. Not only the state BJP unit, but the central leadership of the saffron party banking on the scheme to change the mindset of the people. According to government data, around 1.25 crore women of age group between 23 and 60 years would receive their first installment of monthly financial benefit under the scheme. According to sources, it is a well-planned experiment of the state BJP leadership. Later, an internal survey would be conducted to assess whether the scheme has minimised the anti-incumbency against the ruling BJP. On June 12, Congress national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will kick-start the Opposition party's poll campaign from Jabalpur with a roadshow and public meeting, after performing the Narmada poojan on the banks of the river. The political importance of Jabalpur stems from the fact that it's considered the Gateway of Gond and Baiga tribe-dominated Mahakoshal region of MP. The 38-Assembly seats strong region, which includes seven seats of state Congress chief Kamal Nath's pocket-borough Chhindwara district, had gone the Congress's way in 2018 Assembly polls. The party had won 24 out of the 38 seats, while the BJP managed to win just 13 and one seat was won by a Congress rebel. In Chhindwara, all the seven seats were won by the Kamal Nath-led party in the 2018 polls, while in Jabalpur district (the BJP had won six out of the eight seats, while Congress managed just two seats in 2013), the Congress and BJP won four seats each in 2018. Even in the July 2022 mayoral polls, BJP suffered setbacks on all three seats of Mahakoshal region. While the Congress won Jabalpur (after 18 years) and Chhindwara, the BJP's official candidate was trounced by its rebel in Katni. Knowing well that retaining Mahakoshal holds the key in boosting its prospects for returning to power in the state on its own, the Congress has planned to get the poll campaign launched by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from Jabalpur. With Priyanka setting the tone for the year-end polls from Jabalpur, it will also send a positive message to another poll-bound state, the Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh, which neighbours Mahakoshal region of MP. During a visit to Jabalpur a couple of days back, former Chief Minister and state Congress chief Kamal Nath had said, "We are going to kick start the poll campaign from Jabalpur on June 12. I believe that people of Madhya Pradesh will take the state toward development to secure the future of the new generation. I believe that people will support the Congress in the upcoming Assembly polls." Notably, Jabalpur also assumes significance for the BJP, as it is where party's national president J.P. Nadda and state party chief VD Sharma's in-laws live. The city is also seen as the political 'karmabhoomi' (workplace) of Sharma. New Delhi, June 10 : In response to four BJP MPs slamming Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for criticising the Railways in his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Odisha train tragedy, former Union Minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday hit out at the saffron party for its "absolute intolerance to any criticism". Taking to Twitter, Chidambaram said: "Kharge is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. He is entitled to write to the Prime Minister. In a functioning democracy, the people expect the Prime Minister to reply to the letter. But our democracy is such that the Prime Minister will not deem it worthy to reply. "Instead, four BJP MPs take it upon themselves to send a reply that is shallow on facts and hollow on arguments. Two CAG reports submitted in December 2022 completely vindicate Kharge's reasoned criticism. "The letter dated February 9, 2023 of the Principal Chief Operations Manager of the SW Railway was a forewarning that a tragedy such as Balasore was likely to happen. I have no doubt that the letter lay unattended in some file of the S W Railway and was gathering dust. Will the BJP MPs tell us what action was taken on the letter?" His remarks came a day after four BJP MPs including Tejashwi Surya termed the criticism "high on rhetoric and low on facts", saying "it does not suit a leader of your (addressing Kharge) stature to be writing letters to the Prime Minister based on 'WhatsApp University' assertions. In a four-page letter to Kharge, the BJP MPs said: "In response to your recent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, we must say, we found it high on rhetoric and low on facts." The BJP MPs said that Kharge, as a former Minister of Railways, "one would anticipate your discernment of the situation to be infused with depth and understanding". "Yet, your recent communication to us suggests otherwise. We must, therefore, break down the reality for you, with factual replies to your conjectures," they added. Taking on Kharge's charge over employment, they said that in the past nine years, Railways appointed 4.58 lakh new appointees and currently the recruitment process to appoint about 1.52 lakh candidates is ongoing. "Thus, in our 10 years, we would appoint more than 6.1 lakh youngsters, which is almost 50 per cent more than of 4.11 lakh candidates appointed during the 10 years of UPA," the MPs said. The letter also said that 5,518 freshly appointed Assistant Loco Pilots "quash your allegations about neglecting this sector". Hitting back at the Congress Rajya Sabha MP, they said that it may also be noted that "there was no collision in Mysore as stated in your letter". "It doesn't suit a leader of your stature to be writing letters to the PM based on what has been received from 'WhatsApp University'. But perhaps as the Vice-Chancellor of WhatsApp University, you are forced to regurgitate fake news as facts," they alleged. The remarks of BJP leaders came days after Kharge wrote to Modi over the tragic train accident in Odisha's Balasore district on June 2, which led to the deaths of 288 passengers and over 800 injured. Mogadishu, June 10 : A huge blast went off at a popular restaurant in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. The police and witnesses said the blast targeted Mogadishu's Lido Beach restaurant, which is near some government security buildings, reports Xinhua news agency. "Explosions followed with gunshots could be heard from the beach area. There is an exchange of fire between al-Shabab fighters and hotel security," a police officer told Xinhua. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the latest attack. New Delhi, June 10 : Delhi Police have arrested a man for raping and blackmailing a woman while posing as an impersonator, an official said on Saturday. The accused has been identified as Shahrukh, a class 10 pass who works at a tailor shop in Seelampur. Sharing the details, the police official said that the 22-year-old Hindu woman from West Karawal Nagar visited the Karawal Nagar police station on Friday to report an alleged case of impersonation, deception, and blackmail. The woman claimed that Shahrukh had hidden his identity and posed as a Hindu to befriend her in October 2020. According to the victim, their friendship turned into a physical relationship over time. In January this year, she discovered Shahrukh's actual identity and expressed her disagreement with their relationship, desiring to end it. The situation took a sinister turn when the woman learned that Shahrukh had secretly taken explicit photos and videos of their private encounters, without her knowledge or consent. "Subsequently, Shahrukh began to threaten and intimidate her, pressuring her to remain friends with him. He warned that if she refused, he would publicly share the explicit material on social media platforms," said the official. Taking cognizance of the serious allegations, the Karawal Nagar police have registered a case under sections 376(2)(N) (rape), 354A (sexual harassment), 354C (voyeurism), 354D (stalking), 448 (house-trespass), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. "We have arrested the accused and further, the investigation of the case is in progress," said the official. Islamabad, June 10 : The Pakistan government has proposed a roughly 16 per cent increase in the defence budget as the country continues to face internal and external security challenges, the media reported. Interestingly, all three services -- Army, Navy, Air Force -- were given an equal increase in the budget, although the military takes the major share given its size and the role, The Express Tribune reported. Pakistan's defence spending is now 1.7 per cent of its GDP, showing a decline compared to last year. The defence spending in 2022-23 was around 2 per cent of the country's GDP, the size of which has grown due to the rebasing of the economy, The Express Tribune reported. Defence spending has always been the subject of discussions with some seeking greater transparency and open debate about the military's budget. In recent years, the government provides more details about the defence budget. However, there has never been open debate within the parliament on the subject. Observers believe that the increase in the defence budget is justified given the impending external and internal security challenges, The Express Tribune reported. Despite the US troops withdrawal from neighbouring Afghanistan, Pakistan still deploys thousands of troops along the western border as well as in the erstwhile tribal areas to deal with the threat of terrorism. The budget document shows that defence outlay for 2023-24 would be 1,804 billion PKR compared to the revised defence spending of 1,591 billion PKR earmarked for the outgoing fiscal year. San Francisco, June 10 : NASA has launched a spacecraft as part of a mission in an effort to avert a potential "internet apocalypse" that could leave people without access to the internet for months. According to Mirror, the US space agency's Parker Solar Probe (PSP) has achieved a significant milestone by navigating through the solar wind. Scientists have warned about the potential impact of an upcoming solar storm, commonly referred to as an "internet apocalypse", which could strike within the next decade. The spacecraft, which was launched in 2018, took a remarkable journey that brought it close to the sun's surface, where the solar wind is generated. Solar wind consists of a continuous stream of charged particles emanating from the sun's outermost atmosphere, known as the corona, according to the report. Despite the harsh conditions of intense heat and radiation, the Parker Solar Probe persevered in gathering vital information about the sun's workings. Professor Stuart Bale of the California University who served as the lead author of the study explained the significance of understanding solar wind. "Winds carry lots of information from the sun to Earth. So understanding the mechanism behind the sun's wind is important for practical reasons on Earth," Bale was quoted as saying. "That's going to affect our ability to understand how the sun releases energy and drives geomagnetic storms -- which are a threat to our communication networks," he added. Such an event could cause people to lose internet access for months or even years, rendering satellites and power lines useless. Meanwhile, NASA has launched a new campaign offering the public the opportunity to have their name stencilled onto a microchip, which will ride aboard NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft next year. Europa Clipper spacecraft is scheduled for journey to Jupiter and its moon Europa in October 2024. Srinagar, June 10 : Security forces and agencies have foiled Pakistans ploy to turn youth in Jammu and Kashmir into drug addicts as a decisive war has been launched against terrorism and smuggling of narcotics into the Himalayan region. Jammu and Kashmir, after witnessing Pakistan sponsored terrorism for 30-long years, has regained its lost glory after the abrogation of Article 370, a temporary provision in the Constitution, three years ago. In the 'Naya Jammu and Kashmir', sounds of bullets and bombs have vanished and people are carrying on with their daily chores without any disruptions. After August 5, 2019, when the Centre announced its decision to scrap Jammu and Kashmir's so-called special status and bifurcate it into two Union Territories, terrorists and the separatists, who used to dance to the tunes of their masters sitting across the Line of Control (LoC), have been cornered and defeated. Pakistan after losing a three decade long proxy war is making desperate attempts to keep the conflict alive. It has realized that terrorists have lost the local support and Jammu and Kashmir's new generation is least interested in its propaganda of hate and violence. Youngsters have said no to guns and stone-pelting. A robust counter infiltration grid along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and soldiers maintaining a tight vigil are not allowing the terrorists to infiltrate into this side. Failed infiltration attempts and local recruitment in terror ranks falling down to zero have left the terrorist bosses exasperated. Pak using drones to drop drugs After 2019, terror sponsors operating from Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have been using drones to drop drugs, weapons and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). In 2022, the security forces observed an illegal entry of 191 drones from the Pakistani side into the Indian territory. Despite facing a humiliating defeat Pakistan is not ready to give up. After turning Kashmiri youth into terrorists, now it wants them to become drug addicts. Terrorist handlers are finding it hard to digest that their agenda has fizzled out in the Union Territory. They are trying to flood Jammu and Kashmir with narcotics so that it becomes a haven for the drug peddlers and substance abusers. Their only motive is to prevent Jammu and Kashmir from moving on the path of peace, prosperity and development. 'Drug game' gets befitting reply Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security forces are effectively countering the "drug game" sponsored by Pakistan. The drones being sent from the other side are being spotted and shot down. Many peddlers, who were hired by the terror bosses sitting on the other side, have been identified and taken to task.Nefarious designs of Pakistan are not hidden from anybody. Investigating agencies have established a nexus between the terror outfits and Pakistani agencies in the drug trade. Probe has revealed that the drugs dropped through drones in Jammu and Kashmir are sold in other states and the sale proceeds are used for terror funding. All this is being done with only one purpose i.e. to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Making J&K "Nasha Mukth" Besides security agencies, administration is also playing a vital role in curbing the drug menace and to make J&K "Nasha Mukth" (addiction free). The Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) has devised a comprehensive strategy at different levels to counter the menace of drug abuse. In the recent past, the government has taken stringent action against the drug traffickers. Many of them have been booked under the Public Safety Act, their properties and bank accounts have been seized. A message has been sent to one and all that Jammu and Kashmir follows a zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics. The investigating agencies are working hard to identify the payment methods being used though hidden channels including dark net. Known and suspected drug traders/smugglers in border areas are being watched and action is being initiated against them. The administration is also taking help from the communities to keep a watch over the activities of the suspects and create awareness among the youth about the ill effects of drug addiction. Special programmes have been devised to build the capacity of police officers and drug enforcement agencies. Mass awareness programmes are being organized in schools, colleges and universities about the deadly repercussions of substance abuse. The administration is also lending a helping hand to the victims of the drug abuse. They are being provided all the possible assistance to live a normal life. All the government departments are working in close coordination and synergy with the stakeholders to prevent Jammu and Kashmir youth from falling prey to the vicious designs of Pakistan, which is out to ruin their lives and careers. Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police are monitoring the hotspot areas in their respective districts involved in trading of drugs and are taking punitive actions against the accused. Pharmacies and medical shops found selling Psychotropic substances without prescription from authorised medical practitioners are being penalised. The Deputy Commissioners are conducting monthly meetings of district NCORD committees and are sharing the data of the same on the national NCORD portal. Special teams of the Drug Control Department have been formed to keep a watch on airports for drug peddling or smuggling of contraband substances. Cases of drug peddlers booked under the NDPS Act are being pursued vigorously. During the past few years the rate of converting the FIRs into convictions has increased manifolds. According to the officials in the year 2022, a total of 159 drug peddlers were booked under PITNDPS in Kashmir Division while in Jammu Division 43 drug dealers were detained. As many as 1,850 FIRs were registered and 2756 persons arrested for carrying out the illicit trade. Moreover, during 2022, 240 kg Heroin, 498 kg Charas, 249 Kg Ganja, and 1,78,677 caps/bottles/tabs of Scheduled drugs were seized throughout Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Police playing a pivotal role On the other hand, the Jammu and Kashmir Police are collecting the record of drug consumers at Panchayat and block levels which is helping them to identify the source of supply. Recently, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbag Singh directed for establishing the ANTF secretariat in Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir to be headed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Crime Branch for better coordination, feedback and analyzing of successful as well as failed cases. The aim of the secretariat would be to identify the grey areas where gaps need to be plugged in. Mechanism has been put in place in the Jammu and Kashmir Police Department for automatic flow of information regarding the drugs and action taken against the drug peddlers and narco-traders. While Pakistan is leaving no opportunity to ruin the lives of Jammu and Kashmir youth, the security forces and the government are putting in relentless efforts to thwart the machinations of the people sitting across the LoC. After the scrapping of Article 370, Pakistan and its stooges have been exposed. Jammu and Kashmir people have understood that terrorists and their bosses are not their well wishers. Their only objective is to keep Jammu and Kashmir burning either by sending guns or bombs or through drugs. Former U.S. President Donald Trump faces 37 felony charges related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents after he left the White House, including top secret files on U.S. nuclear and defense programs, according to an indictment made public Friday. The 49-page charging document said that on at least two occasions Trump showed classified documents about U.S. military operations to people who did not possess a security clearance. The U.S. Justice Department accused Trump of ignoring demands to return documents he had taken from the White House to his home in the southern U.S. state of Florida and of asking aides to help him hide the documents. A Trump aide, Walt Nauta, is also facing charges in the case; he was indicted on six counts for allegedly helping Trump to hide the documents. A federal grand jury in Florida indicted Trump on Thursday, making him the first former American president in history to face a federal indictment. 'Boxes Hoax' Trump confirmed his indictment on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying he had been summoned to appear in court in Miami on Tuesday. "The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been Indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax," Trump wrote, apparently alluding to boxes of classified government documents seized by the FBI from his Florida estate last August. In a video statement, Trump defiantly asserted that President Joe Biden's administration has "weaponized" the Justice Department and the FBI to target him. "I'm an innocent man, I'm an innocent person," Trump said. "We can't let this continue to go on because it's ripping our country to shreds." Biden declined Friday to comment on the indictment. When asked by reporters in North Carolina if he had spoken to Attorney General Merrick Garland, he replied, "I have not spoken to him at all and I'm not going to speak with him." The White House said Biden had no advance knowledge of the indictment and he found out at the same time as everyone else. Trump's staunch supporters rallied behind the former president. In a brief statement, Representative Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican who is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, wrote, "It's a sad day for America. God bless President Trump." Two of Trump's opponents for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, decried what they called the "weaponization" of the Justice Department against the former president. Another Republican presidential hopeful, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, withheld judgment on the indictment, saying he'd have "more to say when the facts are revealed." Democrats voiced support for the indictment. Representative Adam Schiff of California, who served as the manager in Trump's first impeachment, wrote: "For four years, he acted like he was above the law. But he should be treated like any other lawbreaker. And today, he has been." New Delhi, June 10 : Shortly after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan launched the 'Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Scheme', Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed on Saturday that the BJP and the Congress were following the path shown by AAP. Inaugurating the scheme in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Chauhan announced that his government would transfer Rs 1000 to women under the 'Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana,' and they had received 1.25 crore registrations for the scheme. Reacting to the development, Kejriwal tweeted that this scheme was nothing but a replica of AAP's manifesto. "Both the Congress and the BJP have begun following the path shown by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Congress' guarantees in Karnataka were a copy of AAP's manifesto. Now, in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP has also embraced AAP's path. It's a positive development. The welfare of the people should be the priority, regardless of the party behind it. It doesn't matter which party implements it or not," Kejriwal tweeted. Chauhan said that Saturday was a significant day in his life. "We have received 1.25 crore registrations for this scheme. Over the span of 12 months, all women will receive Rs 12,000 in their bank accounts. This initiative, the Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana aims to empower women and enable them to fulfil their basic needs," he added. Chandigarh, June 10 : Cash worth a whopping Rs 7 crore was looted from the office of a private firm in Punjab's industrial town Ludhiana by at least 10 armed men on Saturday. Police Commissioner Mandeep Singh Sidhu told the media that the office of CMS Company, a cash management firm, located near Rajguru Nagar, was looted. He said 15 cash vans of the company are usually stationed there. The police have also recovered a cash van that was taken away by the miscreants. The police have launched an operation to trace the miscreants, who destroyed CCTVs installed at the spot before committing the robbery. Bhopal, June 10 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday sought BJP leader Uma Bharti's blessings at her residence before leaving for Jabalpur to launch the ambitious women-centric financial scheme 'Ladli Behna Yojana' ahead of the Assembly polls. Accompanied by state sangathan mantri Hitanand Sharma, Chief Minister Chouhan touched the feet of Uma Bharti, who is known as 'didi' in the political circles of Madhya Pradesh. While receiving a coconut wrapped in saffron colour cloth as 'sagun' on the auspicious occasion, Uma Bharti - who still enjoys a considerable hold among the women in the state -- was heard quipping 'Sabe Pehli Ladli Behna Mai" (I am the first Ladli Behna). Bharti has the distinction of being the first woman Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, under whose leadership the saffron party had managed to end the ten-year rule Digvijaya Singh-led Congress government in 2003. However, she had to leave the post and was succeeded by (late) Babulal Gaur and then Shivraj Singh Chouhan occupied the chair. Since then, the BJP has won two consecutive Assembly elections in 2008 and 2013. In the 2018 elections, the Congress under the leadership of veteran leader and state unit president Kamal Nath managed to romp back to power after a gap of 15 years. However, a political crisis within led to the debacle of his government in 15 months and Chouhan returned to power with the help of Jyotiraditya Scindia in March 2020. This morning, after meeting Bharti, Chief Minister Chouhan left for Jabalpur to address a huge gathering of women - the beneficiaries of the schemes hoping to retain power after the Assembly polls slated later this year. The much talked about 'Ladli Behna' scheme, has been formulated on lines of Chief Minister Shivraj's flagship 'Ladli Laxmi Yojana' during his previous tenure, which earned him the tag of 'Mama'(maternal uncle). With the elections just five months away and the BJP and the CM reeling under high anti-incumbency, an obvious question arises whether this new ambitious scheme would fetch him the tag of 'Bhaia' (brother)? The outcome of this scheme would also be a test of leadership of CM Chouhan, for which he has been vigorously campaigning for the last three months. As per the state government's statement, 1.25 crore women - the selected beneficiaries of the scheme - would receive the first installment of Rs 1000. Meanwhile, the state BJP unit has been making an attempt to create an euphoria around the scheme in the state. "Ladli Behna Yojna is not just a scheme but a step towards women empowerment," state BJP president V. D. Sharma asserted. San Francisco, June 10 : At least nine people were shot at in San Francisco's Mission District area in what authorities have termed as a "targeted and isolated incident". Addressing a news conference early Saturday, San Francisco Police Department Officer Eve Laokwansathitaya said that the victims are expected to survive the Friday night shooting, which took place while "some sort of block party" was underway, CNN reported. At least five of the victims were hospitalized, according to Santiago Lerma, a legislative aide to a San Francisco Board of Supervisors member. One of the five wounded is undergoing surgery, while four people were treated for minor injuries, Lerma told CNN affiliate KPIX. San Francisco Police Department officers were called to the Mission District around 9 p.m. on Friday night. "When officers arrived on scene they located multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds," CNN quoted the police as saying in a statement. "Officers summoned medics to the scene to treat and transport the victims to local area hospitals." The Mission District, popularly known as The Mission, is a large and diverse neighbourhood often known for its historic architecture in the east-central portion of San Francisco. June 10 : Veteran actor Rajpal Yadav celebrates 2 decades of blissfully married to his wife Radha and pens a heartfelt on their wedding anniversary. Sharing a picture with his wife, Rajpal wrote. 2 decades ago today we got married here in Mumbai, what an incredible journey so far! I am looking forward to many more years of adventure and togetherness with you. Just want to say I couldnt have found a better partner in anyone else. Happy 20th anniversary, my love! His wife responded to his post with one of her own. "I am lucky to be able to call you my husband....it's been an amazing 20 years and here's to many more together!Love you..Happy Anniversary!," she posted. Fans congratulated the couple on their special occasion. After the demise of his first wife, Yadav got married to Radha on June 10, 2003. They have two daughters, Harshita Yadav and Reyanshi Yadav. 2 decades ago today we got married here in Mumbai, what an incredible journey so far! I am looking forward to many more years of adventure and togetherness with you. Just want to say I couldnt have found a better partner in anyone else. Happy 20th anniversary, my love ! pic.twitter.com/dxDKHc6rIb Rajpal Naurang Yadav (@rajpalofficial) June 9, 2023 On the work front, Rajpal Yadav was last seen in Gunchakkar, Hum Toh Loot Liya, Shehzada and Kathal. Next, the actor will be seen in Satyaprem Ki Katha, Dream Girl 2, Apurva and Son. Kolkata, June 10 : The West Bengal government's accumulated debt, as per the budget papers of the state government, is slated to rise to Rs 6,47,825.52 crore by March 31, 2024, a ten per cent rise over the figure of Rs 5,86,124.63 crore as on March 31, 2023. What is equally alarming is that the state's per capita debt by the same period is slated to rise to Rs 59,000. Per capita debt is derived by dividing the total accumulated debt by the total population of the state. Both the projected accumulated debt and per capita debt figures are extremely high compared to the corresponding figures as on March 31, 2011, which was the last year of the 34-year Left Front rule in West Bengal. As on March 31, 2011, the accumulated debt figure was Rs 1,97,000 crore and the per capita debt figure was Rs 20,300. Economists fear that unless urgent fiscal measures are adopted to arrest this upward trend, the state will slowly inch towards a debt trap situation, which is a point where the state has to go for fresh borrowings just for servicing the older debts. That situation comes when the debt to GSDP ratio reaches 50 per cent. In fact, the state budget papers for 2023-24 give some clear indications of the high expenditure of the state during the fiscal under review behind servicing previous debts. As per the budget documents, during the fiscal ending March 2024, the state government will have to shell out Rs 73,303.68 crore for repayment of principal and interest on earlier borrowings, as mentioned in the budget estimates for the fiscal under review, up from Rs 69,691.79 crore as mentioned in the revised estimates for 2022-23. Economists believe that while the first reason for this rising accumulated and per capita debt in West Bengal is because of the rising non-plan expenditure, the second reason is the lack of adequate avenues for improving the state's own tax revenues which is purely state excise dominated. With a 19.41 per cent projected growth during the financial year 2023-24, state excise will continue to be the principal component for generation of the state's own tax revenue. While the state's tax revenue, as per the budget estimates for 2023-24, is slated to increase by just 12.69 per cent to Rs 88,595.54 crore from Rs 79,500 crore as per the revised estimates for 2022-23, the excise collection is slated to rise to Rs 17,921.56 crore, up by 19.41 per cent from Rs 15,001.39 crore as per the revised estimates for financial year 2022-23. Another significant factor on this count is that in 2023-24, state excise, which is just one of the 12 components of the state's own tax revenue, will contribute 20.22 per cent to the total tax kitty. According to the former chief economic advisor to the Union government, Ashok Kumar Lahiri, who is currently a BJP legislator, since the focus of the state government is more on recurring expenditure rather than capital expenditure like infrastructure development the investors are shying away from the state. According to him, it means employment generation is not just in terms of direct employment in big industries but also in forms of development of ancillary and associate industries, which can enable a long-term economic growth of the state. "But the focus of the state government seems to be more on spending on non-productive expenditure like fairs and festivals," he said. Economist P.K Mukhopadhyay also seems to be worried at the trend of expenditure of the state government or rather how the borrowed money is utilised. The main part of the expenses of the state government is for recurring or non-plan expenditure. Lesser spends in capital expenditure means lesser assets creation and lesser employment generation. This is the area in which the state government should concentrate and increase the proportion of capital expenditure and subsequently reduce the spending on non-plan expenditure, he said. Industry observer and professor of economics Santanu Basu feels that the only way to arrest the looming financial disaster is to attract big ticket investment by revising the land and special economic zone laws. "In a state like West Bengal with extremely fragmented land holdings, the state government has to have some role in land procurement for industry. No industrialist will be willing to invest in the state if they have to approach all the landowners to get the land for industry," Basu added. Ahmedabad, June 10 : In a recent study titled 'State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2022-23', the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) forecast a decrease in the collective state debt as a percentage of the GDP, predicting it to fall to 29.5 per cent in 2022-23, from 31.1 per cent in 2020-21. However, with the 2024 general elections looming on the horizon and state governments pushing for populist schemes, there's a growing concern that this debt might escalate to uncontrollable proportions. Gujarat is now facing the specter of rising public debt, with the figure jumping to Rs 3.40 lakh crore, a significant rise from Rs 3.20 lakh crore as of March last year. This escalating debt, coupled with declining revenues, has ignited worry among opposition leaders and local experts. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had previously cautioned Gujarat against its rising public debt, highlighting the risk of a potential debt trap. These alarming statistics were revealed by the government while presenting the state's annual budget on February 28, 2023. Atman Shah, an economics professor at St. Xavier's College, told IANS: "At face value, Gujarat's fiscal deficit does not seem excessive. However, it's important to discern whether this is due to genuinely low deficit or a low-income base, "We also need to evaluate whether government expenditure for the vulnerable sector is being sufficiently met. A low fiscal deficit is commendable, but the reasons behind it are even more significant." Earlier, the projected public debt for Gujarat was pegged at Rs 3,50,000 crore. The revised estimate, however, stands at Rs 3,40,000 crore and is forecasted to climb to Rs 3,81,000 crore by next year. When Gujarat's Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, presented the state budget for the fiscal year 2022-23 on March 3, 2022, the fiscal deficit for 2022-23 was targeted at Rs 36,113 crore (1.64 per cent of GSDP). According to the revised estimates for 2021-22, the fiscal deficit was anticipated to be 1.51 of the GSDP, lower than the original estimate of 1.64 of the GSDP. Despite these concerns, the estimated fiscal deficit for 2022-23 (1.64 of GSDP) remains well within the Central government's approved limit of 4 per cent of GSDP for the Union Budget 2022-23. As Gujarat grapples with increasing public debt and concerns over fiscal responsibility, it's clear that there's a pressing need to address these issues urgently to safeguard the state's economic future. Thiruvananthapuram, June 10 : Former SFI leader K.Vidya, who is accused of producing a fake experience certificate for a guest lecturer's job in a government college, is on the run. Even though the Kerala Police have registered a strong case of forgery, soon after the case surfaced, Vidya has gone incommunicado and the probe police team which reached her house at Trikaripur on Saturday morning found it locked. Meanwhile, the KSU -- the student's wing of the Congress party -- told the media in Kozhikode that she had violated all the University rules while doing her M.Phil. "Everything that she has done seems to be wrong. Without the support of the CPI(M) higher ups, how can a person succeed in violating all rules when it comes to her M.Phil, PhD and finally getting a teaching job using a fake experience certificate. An ordinary probe will not help and only a judicial probe will bring out the truth," top KSU officials said. Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan said things in Kerala have reached a stage where SFI activists can commit anything from forgery to impersonation and can get away with it. "Hands of the police probe team are tied and hence no action will be taken against any SFI leader. But we will sit quiet," said Satheesan. Meanwhile, State Industries Minister P.Rajeev like few other cabinet colleagues of his, on Saturday denied Vidya being a SFI leader. "SFI is a big organisation and there are numerous activists and just because one person does wrong, the organisation should not be taken to task," said Rajeev. Even though quite a few state ministers and top CPI(M) leaders have said Vidya was not an SFI leader, numerous pictures of her with the high and mighty Left leaders are tumbling out serving as fodder for the Opposition to attack the party. New Delhi, June 10 : Modern restaurant Toya, which draws its inspiration from Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Japanese cuisines, is ready to give its customers a tempting selection of a la carte dishes from local and worldwide favourites on the menu. The restaurant, which is a part of The Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas, entertains guests with a live Teppanyaki show while they take in the scenery of the forested mountainside. The Westin brand has been a global hospitality leader in wellness for over a decade and The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas has become a quintessential property of the brand's embodiment of wellness. Following the brand's Eat Well ethos, Toya brings gourmet experiences showcasing the powers of organic, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, exemplifying the resort's commitment to sustainability and nourishment. The menu at Toya has been carefully crafted by Expat Chef Tawee Chaichana, to make it exclusive and sensitive for all flavour palettes and preferences. Teppanyaki is a newly sprung concept in India and the goal is to make Toya synonymous to authentic Teppanyaki along with curating immersive experiences and signature epicurean memories for our discerning guests," said Vivekananda Saha, Executive Chef - The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas The restaurant's stunning al fresco eating space is attached and features contemporary and elegant decor for patrons who appreciate being in a natural setting. Toya's interior design features a lovely fusion of traditional and modern South Asian themes. The floor to ceiling windows fill the restaurant with natural light and give the patrons a peaceful dining experience. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with interactive concepts such as Teppanyaki, and a live sushi counter. The menu features an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including appetisers, main courses, beverages, and desserts. The delectable menu highlights signature dishes such as Yam Som O, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Tom Yam, Asparagus and Avocado Tempura roll, California Roll, Stir Fried Asian Greens, Stir Fried Chicken, Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai Noodles and Vegan Tres Leches. The bar at Toya is an electrifying space offering delectable cocktails and mocktails such as Toyatini, Thai Melon, Shirley ginger for the teetotalers. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) New Delhi, June 10 : "Marriage is the institution we all look forward to at some point in time in life. It is not surprising that we all hope for it to be a smooth experience and recognise the fact that there will be bumpy moments and endurance during these is key. However, if the bumps are rigid and keep you at unrest for longer than usual, chances are you can be in an abusive marriage," says Author Kanchan Bhaskar. The author of the book 'Leaving - How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage' tells IANSlife that there are always warning indicators that might help you distinguish between a good marriage and an abusive one. Let's have a look at some of Kanchan's examples of early behavioural warning indicators of an abusive marriage: Possessiveness and Controlling Behaviour: Restrictive controlling behaviour is an early trigger to watch out for. Isolating you from friends and family, and telling you who you can talk to or what to wear and how to be are all signs to watch out for. Does your partner restrict you from working, or having a life of your own, are they suspicious and controlling? Have they asked you to cut ties with not one but several people from your group of friends? These are signs of possessiveness and controlling behaviour. Recognise them as abusive traits which can erupt into full fledge abuse at any stage. If dialogue helps, then the trait can be worked upon, but if the person only feels attacked and disregards their partner's voice regarding the subject, it can be a sign of an abusive partner. Dismissive of others' feelings and situations: There can be several instances in which feel overwhelmed or emotional about a situation. It could be upset, annoyance, feeling disrespected, or any emotion. If these are overlooked or dismissed or mocked, then you are facing stonewalling from your partner. For example, you won an award at the office and you want to share the news with your partner and they respond by saying, "Should I undrape a red carpet for your arrival?" though jokingly but in an attacking way. You may want to discuss with them what behaviour triggers you, to make peace and not let the conversation get violent and negative with time. Lack of respect for person and property: Does your partner simply act like they are entitled to having you and your assets as theirs all the time? Do they make a joke out of everything you say without taking anything seriously? Uninformed decisions which may affect you and justify their decision while keeping you in the dark in a very disrespectful way? These are certainly signs of an abusive person who feels they can be entitled to everything that is yours without drawing clear lines of boundaries. Rigid gender roles: Has your partner mentioned to you to leave your corporate career and follow the household path; or contrarily have they told you that you must earn the bread being the male in the house? Specific rigid gender roles wherein one refrain from understanding the perspective of the other and their capabilities in doing certain tasks are signs of giving leeway for abuse to enter your relationship. Use of force, threats, and verbal abuse: If your partner is rigid about you doing certain things according to them failing which they threaten to punish you or simply hurl abuses, then you must take things seriously and seek help on tackling the situation. Have you encountered instances wherein your partner has abused you physically or verbally? Take this as the tip of the iceberg of their inability to have an equal relationship. Force, threat, and verbal abuse have a long-term impact on an individual and can affect their physical as well as emotional health in the long run. "There can be many more signs that one can infer if their partner is an abusive one. If they constantly gaslight situations trying to play the victim card and how your actions are not in-line with their thought process, etc. It is best to seek help by keeping your parents, siblings, close friends, etc. informed about the unusual instances occurring in your relationship which you feel are not healthy for it to prosper. It is never late! One can seek help and vocalise their suffering in a relationship at any point in time. Years spent together cannot pay homage to accept it as fate and continuing to suffer," says concludes Kanchan. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) From up close, the catastrophic destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine appears worse than how it's depicted in news reports and far off satellite imagery, according to UN officials who assessed conditions in the area on Friday. "We have been visiting this morning with the authorities the communities, the small villages along the river that have been completely submerged by the flooding," said Denise Brown, one of several UN officials who addressed journalists via satellite from the town of Bilozerka, on the west bank of Dnipro River. "The status situation is dramatic," said Brown, humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine for the UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs, OCHA. "This is a town that is five kilometers from the front line," Brown said. "Daily shelling, including yesterday, and now because of the destruction of the bridge, which is a result of the war, and now this flooding, which came in the middle of the night. It came very fast, very quickly and people were totally taken by surprise." "We visited a few homes this morning with people who are, as you can imagine, totally distraught by this latest catastrophe to hit them," she said. "But I must say, as always, they are incredibly resilient and vowing to stay in their homes." Ukrainian authorities report at least 80 towns and villages in the Kherson region are fully or partially flooded, as well as thousands of hectares of agricultural land, with some 17,000 people in government-controlled areas affected by the flooding. Shabia Mantoo, spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency, said, "Many thousands more in the areas under the temporary military control of the Russian Federation, to [which] humanitarian organizations currently have no access, have also been affected." New Delhi, June 10 : While there have been a good number of Indian women scientists changing the world with their radical work, all the names we hear in everyday conversations about science are a bandwagon of male scientists, Ramanujan, Jagdish Chandra Bose, etc. We do not hear about the first Indian woman doctor, Dr Anandibai Joshi, or even the extraordinary female botanist Janaki Ammal. We believe children's books by representing women scientists can foster an early introduction to women scientists and by changing the public perception of who a scientist can be, increase the motivation in young girls to become one, bridging the gnawing gender gap. There have been some phenomenal children's books from Indian authors that tackle this gender divide in groundbreaking creative ways. An introduction to these books can help inspire young girls to feel confident to pursue the sciences. Youki Terada in her opinion piece writes that children's science books represent male scientists three times as much as female scientists. By making a conscious intentional change in these gender-biased representations, children's book authors can revolutionise the way young girls think about their potential to be STEM leaders. A children's book titled 31 Fantastic Adventures in Science: Women Scientists of India, with the word "adventure" in its title, makes science seem like a fun challenge instead of a daunting inhibition. The book, written by Nandita Jayaraj and Aashmia Friedog, unravels stories about Indian women scientists who brought about radical progress in the field of science and technology, such as environmental biotechnology, particle physics, palaeobiology, astrophysics, and oncology. With her colourful illustrations, the illustrator of the book, Upasana Agarwal, tries to convey these scientists' personalities through the motifs and colour palettes she uses to depict them. Nandita Jayaraj, one of the book's authors, says they would like "to use this book as an opportunity to undertake more interactive sessions with children. It is as much about the science as it is about the people in it." It is exactly this idea of capturing stories as much as the experiments that humanizes the sciences. The human stories inspire the girl children to write their own stories without following any societal conventions. This book aptly captures the science, and the stories of these scientists, thus encouraging young minds to realize the efforts behind these scientific endeavours and inspiring them to see how these could be their stories too. Aashmia, the other author of the book, says the book is essentially a feminist project, and undoubtedly so, considering its aim of removing the stigma in a girl child's mind -- that they are not capable enough to pursue the sciences. Another stellar book, She Can You Can: A-Z Book of Iconic Indian Women, is a timeless series of biographies, where a summary with an illustrative sketch represents each character A-Z. It highlights the achievements of pioneering women scientists, doctors, astronauts, and other stalwarts. Pratham Books, a non-profit children's book publication house, has released the delightful book titled, Anna's Extraordinary Adventures with Weather, with lovely illustrations, about the Indian weather scientist Anna Mani who invented the Ozonesonde. For the unfamiliar, it is a balloon-borne instrument that measures ozone concentration at various altitudes and broadcasts the data by radio. The story, written by Nandita Jayaraj and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan, vibrantly depicts a little girl who wants to read about and study diamonds instead of wearing them, shattering conventional gender stereotypes Holding the book in her hands, the girl child feels inspired to do the same while reading it. The illustrations portray a time-lapse with a little girl bent over books and tools, transforming into a sari-clad scientist who would go on to study the weather and invent the Ozonesonde. A research study on the meta-analysis of five decades of U.S. children drawing scientists was published in 2018. It was observed that in 1966 -77, only 1 percent of girls portrayed scientists as women when asked to draw a scientist. However, in 2016, this figure had increased significantly, with 58 percent of girls drawing women scientists. This radical improvement in the percentage reveals a significant shift in public perception of who a scientist can be, an image that isn't necessarily male and busts gender-related stereotyping. From many of the earliest NASA scientists who were women and people of colour, whose stories could lead to intersectional feminist conversations, women scientists in India drastically challenged the idea of women being in the inner/private realms of society and men working in the public domains. Women can definitely do science, and in her feminist satire, Sultana's Dream, Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain turns the tables of society, where the men are locked in the inner realms of society while the women are outside building revolutionary technology. Children's books, we believe, can pave the way for more gender equity in the field of science as they would change the mindsets of young minds early on in the enculturation process. When girls see women as trailblazers in STEM fields at a young age, there is a high likelihood that they will become pioneers in STEM themselves as they grow up. (Dr Monika Sharma is an Assistant Professor, at Plaksha University, and Sreemoyee Bhattacharyya is a fellow at the Centre for Thinking, Language, and Communication, Plaksha University; M.Phil. in Children's Literature, Trinity College Dublin) (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) New Delhi June 10 IANS While addressing a National Conference in 2021 on work related to religious affairs, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that 'religions in China must be Chinese in orientation. China has been steadily building its own innovative narrative on Buddhism which hinges on a very controlled and regulated practice under the close supervision of the government and the party. At the same time, China has realised the critical relevance of Buddhism as a soft power to counter any reference made to China's association with atheism. The Buddhist narrative is also being used appropriately by China to push forward its economic and political ambitions abroad. The Communist Party Congress of China has declared Buddhism as an indigenous religion that was destroyed in its birthplace of India and nurtured in China, from where it spread to Southeast Asia and Japan. This declaration comes as part of China's efforts to create a new globalized Buddhist network under the 'Buddhism Belt Road Initiative (BRI)', (Belt and Road Buddhism) a project aimed at reviving ancient Buddhist connections and promoting cultural exchange. In recent years, China has been actively engaging in a unique form of diplomacy through its promotion and utilization of Buddhism as a tool for soft power projection. Chinese Buddhist diplomacy is an approach that seeks to enhance China's international influence by leveraging its rich Buddhist heritage and engaging with Buddhist communities worldwide. This strategy involves various initiatives, including cultural exchange programs, infrastructure development, financial support, and the establishment of Buddhist organizations. China's commitment to Buddhism became evident in 2006 when it established the World Buddhist Forum. The recent fifth session of the forum, held in Fujian province, focused on various aspects of Buddhism and resolved to support the BRI. This initiative aims to promote economic and cultural connectivity between China and other countries, with Buddhism as a common bond. One of the key aspects of China's strategy is the promotion of Bodhisattvas and sacred Buddhist sites as religious pilgrimage destinations. Bodhisattvas such as Avalokitesvara, Amitabha and Manjushri are being highlighted to attract devotees and tourists. Additionally, China has been replicating Buddhist holy sites in India, with the Brahma Palace in Wuxi being touted as a replica of Rajgir. To further strengthen its Buddhist influence, China has been backing the Shugden faction of the Gelug School. In collaboration with the Shugden group based in Switzerland, China has instituted the annual Dipankar Atisha Peace Award, which provides financial support to propagate Shugden teachings. China's efforts extend beyond its borders, with Nepal being a significant focus. China aims to counter the religious influence of Bodh Gaya, the place of Buddha's enlightenment, by developing Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. A proposed rail link between Lumbini and Kathmandu, which will connect to Lhasa and other Buddhist sites in China, is intended to facilitate the movement of Chinese tourists and pilgrims. Pakistan, too, has attracted China's attention in its efforts to promote Buddhism. The development of the Gandhara trail, which connects Pakistan to South Korea and Japan, is a priority. The establishment of Gandhara University and the promotion of Tibetan Buddhism founder Guru Padmasambhava's birthplace in the Swat Valley further exemplify China's intentions. Chinese authorities are taking Buddhist monks from Bhutan to the mythical Odiyana in Swat, aiming to attract Chinese followers of Tibetan Buddhism from around the world. In Bangladesh, the birthplace of Atisha Dipankar, a revered Buddhist figure associated with the second coming of Buddhism, China has provided financial and technical expertise to conserve Buddhist sites in Comilla. A joint China-Bangladesh team has also excavated the Bikrampur ruins, while China has engaged influential Buddhist clergy in Sri Lanka through hefty donations to various Nikayas. China's efforts in Tibetan Buddhism are particularly notable. The Chinese government has taken steps to control the selection and recognition of reincarnate lamas, including the future succession of the Dalai Lama. Through these measures, China aims to shape the religious leadership and exert control over the narrative surrounding Tibetan Buddhism. This approach, while controversial, allows China to further strengthen its influence over Tibetan Buddhist communities worldwide. China's preparations for the succession of the 15th Dalai Lama have raised concerns as it seeks to exert control over the process. By downsizing the number of monks in monasteries and strategically appointing compliant monastic heads, China aims to create a loyal group of monks who align with its interests. To further solidify its influence, China has implemented Order No. 5 on Management Measures for Reincarnation of Lamas, which grants it authority over the identification and recognition of reincarnations. Already, China has taken steps to assert control over the selection of the next Dalai Lama by exerting influence on prominent Tibetan Buddhist figures such as the Panchen Lama, Penor, Reting, and Adoe Rinpoches. These actions highlight China's efforts to manipulate the succession process and consolidate its power over Tibetan Buddhism. Financial support plays a significant role in Chinese Buddhist diplomacy. China has donated to Buddhist organizations and monastic communities in various countries. These donations not only support the maintenance of religious institutions but also enable the propagation of Buddhist teachings and practices. By financially supporting influential Buddhist clergy and organizations, China seeks to cultivate relationships and gain influence within the global Buddhist community. China's influence over international Buddhist organizations is also growing. It has gained considerable sway over the International Council of Day of Vesak (ICDV), the World Fellowship of Buddhists, and other organizations in Korea and Taiwan. This influence is evident in the Common Text Project (CTP) undertaken by the ICDV, where Tibetan scholars have been marginalized, and Chinese texts have been given prominence over traditional Tibetan sources. In 2021, China started the South China Sea Buddhism Foundation to influence Buddhist countries of South China Sea. The first South China Sea Roundtable was organised in Shenzhen in 2021 and second was organised in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The aim of the roundtable is to cooperate with Buddhist temples and monasteries in the South China Sea. China's efforts to create a new Buddhist order and expand its influence in the global Buddhist community are significant. By promoting Buddhism as an indigenous Chinese religion and leveraging its economic power, China aims to shape the future of Buddhism and foster cultural exchange through initiatives like the BRI. While these actions have attracted both support and criticism, they undoubtedly mark a significant development in the landscape of Buddhism and China's role within it. China observers strongly feel that being an atheist state where the party is all powerful and in control, and where Tibetans and Uyghurs are persecuted endlessly, China intends using Buddhism to showcase its apparently accommodative attitude. The Chinese objective is to use Buddhism to gain maximum mileage in the country's political and economic strategies and hence the BRI initiative of China can best be referred to as 'BBRI' - Buddhist Belt and Road Initiative. However, what matters to the world outside is how China realistically deals with its overall human rights record and religious freedom landscape. Tirupati : , June 10 (IANS) BJP national president J.P. Nadda began his day-long visit to Andhra Pradesh on Saturday by offering prayers at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala. He was accompanied by state BJP leaders to the hill shrine. Later, he told media persons that he prayed for the wellbeing of the society. He will visit the Srikalahasti temple later in the day before addressing a public meeting in the evening. Nadda's visit is being seen as part of BJP's efforts to reach out to masses and gain a foothold in Andhra Pradesh A day after Nadda's visit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive in the state and is scheduled to address a public meeting in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. This is Nadda's first visit to Andhra Pradesh after his recent meeting with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Delhi. Naidu met Shah and Nadda on June 3 and they reportedly discussed a TDP-JSP-BJP alliance for the Assembly elections in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This was also Naidu's first meeting with Shah after the TDP pulled out of the BJP-led NDA in 2018 over the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Assembly elections in Telangana are due in November-December 2023, while in Andhra Pradesh it will take place next year along with the Lok Sabha polls. Pawan Kalyan, leader of the Jana Sena Party (JSP) -- an ally of the saffron party -- has been urging the BJP leadership to ensure a greater opposition alliance to defeat the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in Andhra Pradesh. However, The BJP has not invited Pawan Kalyan for the public meetings at Tirupati and Visakhapatnam. The BJP had contested the 2019 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh on its own but had drawn a blank. TDP, which also went alone, lost power to YSRCP. JSP, which contested in alliance with BSP and the Left parties, won just one seat in the 175-member Assembly. Imphal, June 10 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday held a series of meetings in Imphal with his Manipur counterpart N. Biren Singh and various other bodies and civil society organisations about the ethnic violence in the state that has so far killed 105 people and injured over 320 others since it first broke out on May 3. Sarma, who is also the Convenor of BJP-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), arrived in Manipur earlier on Saturday on a day-long visit. He is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with MLAs and different ethnic groups at a hotel in Imphal. There was however, no immediate information on the outcome of the meetings. Also on Saturday, the Central government announced that it has constituted a Peace Committee with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey as the Chairperson in an effort to bring normalcy to the violence-hit state. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said said that besides the Governor, the Committee will also include Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, few state Ministers, MPs, MLAs, leaders from different political parties, former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups. The MHA said that the mandate of the Committee will be to facilitate the peacemaking process among various ethnic groups of the state, including peaceful dialogue and negotiations between conflicting parties or groups. "The Committee should strengthen social cohesiveness, mutual understanding and facilitate cordial communication between various ethnic groups," it added. While addressing a press conference in Manipur on June 1, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced that a Peace Committee under Governor Uikey will be set up which will have representatives of all political parties, besides representatives from the ethnic communities and social organisations. Shah had visited Manipur from May 29 to June 1. Meanwhile, a three-member Commission of Inquiry, set up by the MHA on June 4 to probe the violence, arrived in Imphal on Friday. A senior Manipur Home Department official told IANS that the Commission under the chairmanship of the Gauhati High Court's former Chief Justice Ajai Lamba would soon start their inquiry. The MH asked the probe panel to submit its report to the Central government as soon as possible but not later than six months from the date of its first sitting. Former IAS officer Himanshu Shekhar Das and retired IPS officer Aloka Prabhakar are the other two members of the Commission. The panel would probe the causes and spread of the violence and riots targeting members of different communities; the sequence of events leading to, and all the facts related to the strife; whether there were any lapses or dereliction of duty in this regard on the part of any of the responsible authorities and individuals; the adequacy of the administrative measures taken to prevent; and to deal with the violence and riots. New Delhi, June 10: Pakistan's Interior Ministry has decided to crack down on Afghan nationals staying illegally in capital Islamabad in wake of the massive violence that shook the country on May 9 after former prime minister Imran Khan's arrest. The police has arrested over 200 Afghans who are now being prosecuted under the Foreign Act. The Ministry of Interior also wants an audit of all Afghan settlements in Islamabad. Pakistani authorities believe that Afghan nationals were involved in the unprecedented riots of May 9 in which Pakistani Army properties and symbols were attacked. The police say that the crackdown on the Afghans is to curb the crime rate in the capital. Tens of thousands of Afghans have been residing in Pakistan for years due to the conflict in their country. That number increased suddenly after the Taliban took over power from President Ashraf Ghani in the wake of the US and NATO forces vacating the nation. The latest estimates, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, say that more than 600,000 Afghans fled for Pakistan fearing the Taliban in August 2021, pushing the numbers of Afghan refugees to 3.7 million. However, most of the refugees are not registered with the UNHCR. For the past few months Islamabad has been pushing many reluctant Afghans back to their country. It has also arrested many and imprisoned them in poor conditions, a point which was raised by the Taliban representative in Islamabad. More recently, tensions have risen between Kabul and Islamabad over the treatment of the Afghan nationals in Pakistan. Afghan news agency Tolo News reports that the Afghanistan embassy in Islamabad has alleged that Pakistani agencies are arresting Afghan citizens with proper passports. The embassy also urged Pakistan to stop the arrest of Afghan refugees and to raise its concerns officially, "as it can adversely impact bilateral relations between the two nations". The Taliban government has also taken note of the Afghans arrested after the May 9 riots. Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, the deputy spokesman for the Afghan Foreign Ministry has said that Afghan nationals are being arrested in Pakistan under the pretext of taking part in recent anti-Pakistan protests. He urged Islamabad to stop arresting Afghan immigrants in Pakistan and allow them to live in the country as usual. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have been sliding over a number of issues. Earlier the two had a spat after Islamabad threatened to attack terror camps across the Durand Line. Numerous clashes have also broken out between the two on their common border. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Porbandar, June 10 : The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Gujarat Police has detained four people with alleged links to the proscribed terrorist organisation, the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), while a search operation is underway for a fifth member who is absconding, the state's Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed on Saturday. The accused were identified as Ubaid Nasir Mir, Hanan Hayat Shawl and Mohammad Hajim Shah from Soura, Srinagar; and Sumerabanu Mohammad Hanif Malek from Saiyedpura, Surat. The absconding member is Zubair Ahmed Munshi, a resident of Amira Kadal, Srinagar. According to the ATS, Ubaid Nasir Mir, Hanan Hayat Shawl, and Mohammad Hajim Shah were allegedly radicalised by their handler, Abu Hamza, and had joined the ISKP. The three were attempting to leave India via the coastal route from Porbandar to Afghanistan towards Iran. Acting on spefic information, the ATS conducted further operations, which revealed two more individuals -- Zubair Ahmed Munshi and Sumerabanu -- as members of the same ISKP module. A joint raid by the Gujarat ATS and Surat Crime Branch at Sumerabanu's residenc led to the recovery of several radical ISKP publications, and material confirming her allegiance to the ISKP leader. Evidence from the trio's belongings discovered at Porbandar included personal identity documents, digital communication devices, sharp-edged weapons, and incriminating cloud storage data showing the individuals with ISKP banners and flags. It also contained videos of the four Kashmiri youth swearing allegiance to the ISKP leader, and documents confirming their commitment to join the Khorasan jihad. As per the ATS, the suspects were instructed by their handler, Abu Hamza, to take employment as laborers on a fishing boat. Using this boat, they were to reach a predetermined GPS coordinate to be picked up by a dhow and taken to Iran. With fake passports, they were to make their way to Khorasan via Herat, Afghanistan, and engage in ISKP's terror campaign. Following the arrests and substantial evidence gathered, charges were filed under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 against the five detained individuals and Munshi, who is still at large. Kolkata, June 10 : With the apprehension that the party might not be able to field candidates in all the 75,000 seats in the three-tier panchayat in West Bengal, the state unit of BJP is adopting a new campaign strategy for the June 8 rural civic body polls. "If there is no candidate from any registered political party for a particular seat, then our plea will be to vote for the strongest independent candidate," said a member of the state committee of BJP. He admitted that this strategy is in line with the recent call given by the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari where the focus is "no vote to Trinamool". Adhikari's belief is that Trinamool Congress's success in the 2021 Assembly polls was to an extent contributed by "no vote to BJP". His belief is also that once the ordinary voters are pursued and convinced on this "no vote to Trinamool Congress" campaign- line, BJP as the strongest opposition party in West Bengal now will be the automatic choice in most cases. Meanwhile, state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar has said that in the campaign for the upcoming polls the focus will be more on door-to-door campaign and small street-corner meetings rather than big rallies considering the limited time of campaign before the polls. Meanwhile, the state committee leader of BJP said that corruption issued against the state government and ruling party leaders will be the main subject of campaign for the rural civic body polls. "We are keeping our legal teams ready with the apprehension of massive violence unleashed by the ruling party during the nomination, pre-poll days, polling day and on the day of counting, so that appropriate courts can be approached urgently whenever required," he said. Meanwhile, Dr Sukanta Majumdar met the West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Saturday and elaborated him about the violence being unleashed already since the poll dates were announced. Seeking the Governor's intervention for ensuring free and fair polls, the state BJP president also handed over a deputation to him. Besides appealing to ensure central armed forces security cover for the polls, Majumdar also requested the governor to ensure that contractual workers, teaching and non-teaching staff whose appointments are sub-justice before the courts, should not be deployed for election duty. He also urged that CCTVs should be installed at all sensitive and relevant locations to boost public confidence. Thiruvananthapuram, June 10 : The Kerala University, which had ordered a probe into College Union elections conducted by the 183 of its affiliated colleges, on Saturday disqualified 39 councillors after a detailed verification. The decision for a recheck was taken after an incident of an elected woman councillor being replaced by an SFI leader at the capital district Christian College, Kattakada surfaced. After the detection of the fraud, a big furore broke out and the principal of the college and the student who managed to become the councillor on the sly were suspended and a case registered by the Kerala Police. The Vice-Chancellor ordered for a scrutiny of all the elections conducted in 183 colleges affiliated to the university. Of the 183 colleges, 147 of them have by now replied and it was found out that there have been violations to the norms as prescribed by the Lyngdoh Committee leading to disqualification of 39 councillors. As per the norms, any violation in the age, attendance and results of past examinations will lead to disqualification of the elected student. Meanwhile, the Kerala University has imposed a fine of Rs 1.55 lakh on the Christian College Kattakada as they had made all the arrangements for the election for the Kerala University Students Union, but had to be cancelled after the fraud was detected. The fine imposed was for the cost that the University had spent to conduct the election by printing ballots and other expenses incurred for the election. Both the Congress and the BJP have slammed the ruling CPI(M) for allowing their student's organisation SFI to engage in all undesirable activities. Amaravati, June 10 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday urged Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to immediately halt illegal digging of earthen soil on the banks of the Godavari river and protect the environment. In a letter to the Chief Minister, he voiced concern over indiscriminate digging of earthen soil and its smuggling by leaders of ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in Yelamanchili 'mandal' (block) of West Godavari district. The former chief minister also condemned the alleged police excesses on Dalit community of Chinchinadu village for protesting against and illegal digging of earthen soil. He pointed out that Dalit community of Chinchinadu village has been earning their livelihood for the last 60 years by cultivating the assigned lands allocated to them in Yenuguvanilanka village. Naidu wrote that ruling YSRCP leaders Mudunuri Prasad Raju, MLA and Kavuru Srinivas, MLC through their henchmen have been illegally mining the earthen soil against the rules and smuggling the same to other places. Dalits have been protesting against illegal digging of earthen soil and police have used excessive force against the peacefully protesting Dalits. "On June 6 police resorted to lathi charge against the peaceful protestors and forcefully arrested them. The police pushed severely injured Dalits into police vehicle and abused them in the name of caste. Instead of taking severely injured Dalits to nearby hospital at Palacolle, police took them to government hospital in Tadepalligudem, which is around 70 kms away," reads the letter. The TDP chief said though it was a medico-legal case, the police did not take statements from the victims. He told Jagan Mohan Reddy that as the head of the government he was liable to answer what was the need for the police to resort to lathi-charge against peaceful Dalit protestors and arrest them. He also wanted to know why the police failed to take statements from the injured as per the norms. "Why is the government allowing digging of earthen soil in spite of its illegality? Why is the government trying to protect the culprits," Naidu asked. The leader of opposition said he learnt that police kicked Dalit women on their chests. Appalling to note the manner in which the police have been behaving like the party goons instead of discharging their duties and functions as per the Constitution, Naidu wrote. The TDP chief alleged that around 200 policemen were aiding illegal mining and smuggling. Daylight robbery of natural resources with active support and aid from police is a black spot on the police functioning, he remarked. Naidu pointed out that as per the norms digging/mining is not permitted within 200 meters range from Godavari River. The indiscriminate digging on the banks of the Godavari river and subsequent movement of heavy vehicles has destroyed the river bund. This will have severe consequences as the destruction of river bund leads to flash floods and would alter the course of the river. He warned against the long term adverse impact on the local ecosystem and environment. Naidu urged the Chief Minister to take action against police officials for injuring and abusing Dalits. He also demanded arrest of perpetrators of illegal digging of earthen soil. New Delhi, June 10 : BJP president J.P. Nadda will hold a meeting with all party MPs through video conference on June 15, a party source said on Saturday. During the meeting, Nadda will seek feedback from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs regarding the special public relations campaign being run across the country to mark the completion of nine years of the Narendra Modi-led government in the Centre. The BJP chief would also provide them with guidelines regarding the strategy and action plan for the campaign. According to a source, the meeting would also focus on the party's plans and preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The achievements of the Modi government would also be discussed in detail, which the party plans to highlight among the people during its special public relations campaign. Earlier, Nadda held a meeting with all the General Secretaries of the party on Friday. The party's General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh and senior leaders Arun Singh, Tarun Chugh, Sunil Bansal, Kailash Vijayvargiya, Dushyant Gautam, D. Purandeswari, Dilip Saikia, C.T. Ravi and Vinod Tawde were also present during the meeting. For Tom Holland, the TV series The Crowded Room has changed his life. As a result of the show, I feel like Im a much happier person and in a much better place, he said during an interview with EL PAIS, conducted via video call last week, the day before his 27th birthday. The British actor known worldwide for playing Peter Parker (or Spider-Man) in movies since 2017 is currently starring in his first series, a psychological thriller that premieres on Apple TV+ on Friday, June 9. In The Crowded Room, Holland plays Danny Sullivan, a shy and antisocial young man who ends up involved in a shooting in the vicinity of the Rockefeller Center in New York, in 1979. During the interrogation he is subjected to by an investigator (played by Amanda Seyfried) Danny recalls his entire life. He thinks about the relationships with his friends, family and how it all led him to where he is. The story gradually unfolds like a puzzle; the pieces make sense and fall into place as the episodes go by. Knowing more than these small details could spoil the viewers pleasure, as the story has lots of little twists. The filming of the series took 10 months, with the entire process requiring significant effort from the actor. [We were] dealing with sensitive subject matter on a daily basis highs and lows in emotions [that] took a toll on me, he recalls. I really found a strong understanding of what Im capable of, what Im able to put up with what triggers me and what sets me off and sends me on a spiral. I think as a result of the show and what I learned I feel like Im a much happier person and in a much better place. Screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who received the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2002 for A Beautiful Mind, is the creator of this story with which, in his own words, he intends to stir empathy towards those who suffer trauma related to mental illness. Goldsman is familiar with this terrain, both on a personal level as both his parents are child psychologists and a professional level, as A Beautiful Mind was based on the life of mathematician John Forbes Nash, who suffered from schizophrenia. His help was endless his knowledge and his experience, Holland notes, referring to Goldsman. He was a real wonderful mentor for me, a confidant, a friend, someone who I could lean on. The actor says that the series has changed his way of seeing trauma and mental health: I hope that this show can serve as an education for millions of people around the world, because they really do need to understand what it can be like for these poor people. Tom Holland, in a scene from 'The Crowded Room.' The protagonist of The Crowded Room is based on a real man, Billy Milligan (again, its best not to look up the gentleman, as an internet search can ruin the viewing experience), but the series opts for the path of fiction, rather than attempting to recreate history. We wanted people to sympathize with Danny and to understand his actions, the reasons for his actions, Holland explains. For his first series (although he did have a minor role in the 2015 British miniseries Wolf Hall), Holland wanted to live the full experience. He accepted the job before the scripts were even written, deciding not only to participate as an actor, but also as an executive producer, thus following all phases of the process, from beginning to end. It was interesting for me to try and understand how television works. Navigating a story over 10 hours rather than two-and-a-half hours It was a huge learning curve and one that I think audiences will really appreciate, because it really is a true psychological thriller. It makes you think, it keeps you on your toes. Youll be on the edge of your seat while youre watching, he promises. Amanda Seyfried and Tom Holland, in the sixth episode of the series. It might have been an easier experience had I just been the leading actor. But I love learning new things. I love the business, I love working in it. I love the creative process, I love the collaboration between departments, and I just wanted to be a part of that in a more hands-on way. Holland was also involved in the conversations that took place prior to the writing of the script. I was working with Akiva [Goldsman] and at the beginning, he was working with what could only be described as sort of beat sheets (outlines) for each episode. We would talk about the episodes, we would talk about the story points He would then go back and change them. And once we had a really solid ten-episode show that was really well laid out, he and his wonderful writers went away and put pen to paper. And to be honest, they did an amazing job. Theyre the best scripts Ive ever had the pleasure of reading. I hate reading scripts its the part of my job that I really, really dont enjoy. And reading his scripts was wonderful. The level of involvement that Tom Holland took on in this series is surprising. And his response is also surprising, when asked about the most enjoyable part of the whole process: I think the thing that I enjoyed the most, to be perfectly honest with you, was the editing process. I would work with Akiva and the editor every week most weeks wed meet twice a week and wed be going through the episodes, and I have my opinions and my thoughts on how things should pan out. It was just such an amazing experience to see these experts do what they do best and to see how they wanted to piece the show together. And, you know, some episodes shifted around in order. I really loved being allowed to be part of that puzzle-building process. Ive been speaking to Bayona maybe theres something down the line that wed do together. Maybe youll see me in a film with him in the coming years. Now, after shooting, Holland is taking things in stride. Hes been in a long-term relationship with another Hollywood star, Zendaya, his co-star in Spider-Man. Months ago, he decided to reduce the time he spends on social media. And, for the past 16 months, hes been sober, while getting involved in charitable organizations related to youth mental health. Professionally, the Hollywood writers strike paralyzed the launch of what would have been his fourth Spider-Man movie. This has resulted in a short break for someone who has been going non-stop since he made his film debut under director Juan Antonio Bayona in the 2012 film The Impossible. When asked if he would ever like to return to filming in Spain (Bayonas country of origin), Holland is enthusiastic. I might have a little something Im cooking up. You know, with the writers strike, everythings been put on pause. Were not doing any development right now in solidarity with our friends. But Ive been speaking to Bayona, and maybe theres something down the line that wed do together. You know, he changed my life. He put me in my first film. I owe a lot to him. I love him. Hes one of my dear friends. So, maybe youll see me in a film with him in the coming years. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Bhopal, June 10 : At least two women were reported killed after a portion of a pond they were working at caved in in Bhopal. Two other women, who were also stuck at the same spot have been rescued. The incident occurred in Balrampur village located at the border of Bhopal and Raisen district on Saturday. A team of SDRF reached the spot and the officials of district administration began investigation the matter. The deceased are identified as Firoja Bi (35) and Pinki Adivasi (16), both residents of Balrampur. As per the reports, the women had removed around 7-8 feed deep soil. Two women (those died) were inside and digging, while other were upside. All of sudden, the upper portion caved in. Bhopal District Collector Ashish Singh said that a team of local administrative officials have been rushed to the spot for investigation. The kins of the deceased will be given a compensation of Rs four lakh. Chandigarh, June 10 : Amid talks of a possible rift in the ruling alliance between the BJP and the JJP in Haryana, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar asserted on Saturday that the alliance was reached for public welfare, and it will continue in the future as well. "No change has been made," he categorically told the media here, setting aside rumours of fissures between his party and alliance partner Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) led by Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala. "We are having cordial relations. We are meeting, both officially and personally. We (BJP) didn't get the adequate numbers to form the government (in 2019). Keeping in mind the aspirations of the people, we entered into an alliance with the JJP to form a stable government in Haryana," Khattar said. Without mincing words, he added, "The alliance is very much intact and will continue too." Amid preparations by the BJP and the JJP to woo the electorate ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls separately, five Independent legislators met BJP in-charge for the state, Biplab Kumar Deb, in the national capital. Deb, the former Chief Minister of Tripura, tweeted photos of MLAs Dharam Pal Gonder, Rakesh Daultabad, Randhir Singh and Somveer Sangwan, who expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, after the meeting on Thursday. On Friday, Sirsa MLA Gopal Kanda of Haryana Lokhit Party also met Deb in Delhi. After the meeting, Kanda expressed faith in Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's leadership. The meetings assumed significance given that the BJP was non-committal in continuing its alliance with the JJP. On Deb's meeting with the five legislators, Khattar said, "The party organisation works at its own level and the government works on its own. We are running the government and there is no such issue. "The in-charges of the organisation work to foresee the challenges facing the party, not the government (functioning). They have to make preparations keeping in mind the future elections. Maybe they have some plans or strategies, at least I can't comment on them," Khattar said. On Friday, Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala had said that the JJP-BJP alliance was forged under the leadership of Amit Shah to run a stable government in Haryana, adding that there was no compulsion in forging an alliance. The Lok Sabha elections are due in May next year, while the term of the present Vidhan Sabha ends in October 2024. New Delhi, June 10 : A court here has pulled up the Delhi Police for falsely claiming that a complainant can identify the accused in a case pertaining to the 2020 north-east Delhi riots, while acquitting the accused Noor Mohammad of offences related to rioting and unlawful assembly. The court also questioned the credibility of a police witness, saying "it seemed his statement was obtained falsely and belatedly". "The fact that the state falsely cited the complainant as a witness who can identify the accused as the offender, indicates that the case of the prosecution that the offence was committed by the accused Noor Mohammad is false," Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shirish Aggarwal of Karkardooma Courts said. The judge also expressed doubts about the identification of Mohammad by a head constable who claimed to be an eyewitness to the rioting. The court highlighted the head constable's failure to take action or provide evidence despite witnessing the offence. "It is hard to fathom that a police officer who is courageous enough to make efforts to stop the mob just stood there as a mute spectator when the rioting and plundering was taking place... no explanation has been given by the said witness who is a police officer for standing by and just watching and waiting. He did not even deem it fit to make a video of the offence being committed, even though he was at a relatively safe distance," it said. During the trial, the complainant, who was the prosecution's first witness, was declared hostile for failing to identify Noor Mohammad as the offender. Another prosecution witness, a head constable, admitted to not reporting the offence or identifying the offenders. The court deemed the testimony of the head constable unreliable due to contradictions. The judge found it hard to believe that the head constable, as a police officer, did not report the offence or make any attempt to arrest the offenders. The court said: "It is hard to believe that a police officer who has witnessed an offence being committed in his area of posting did not make any complaint in this regard. He never reported the matter to his police station for registration of FIR. He did not call the number 100 to seek immediate police aid. He did not make any attempt to arrest any of the offenders. "... he has claimed that he tried to stop the mob, but could not control the same. If he has the courage to make efforts to stop the mob, he could have also made attempt to arrest the offenders. He did not even bother to ask the complainant whether the complainant had reported the matter to the police," the court added. The court also noted that the head constable and the complainant being present at the police station during Noor Mohammad's questioning appeared too coincidental. "Admittedly, the complainant did not frequent the police station and it was only the first time after registration of FIR that the complainant had come to the police station to enquire about his case," the court said. The court concluded that Mohammad could not be convicted based on mere probabilities or suspicions, as proof was required for conviction. Ahmedabad, June 10 : The Gujarat High Court on Saturday rejected the bail application of Afsalbhai Kasambhai Lakhani, who has been accused of posting objectionable content against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother, Heeraben Modi, on Facebook. The single-judge bench, presided over by Justice Nirzar Desai, underscored that while it is acceptable for any individual to like or dislike the Prime Minister, using derogatory and abusive language against him is unwarranted. Justice Desai noted, "Every person has the right to like or dislike any individual, but this does not entitle him to use abusive or derogatory language against the Prime Minister and his late mother." The court chose to make general observations, instead of reproducing the explicit contents of the posts. Justice Desai highlighted that Lakhani's posts had the potential to disrupt societal peace, emphasising that the posts not only contained insulting remarks about the PM and his late mother, but also comprised pornographic and obscene content. The court further noted that Lakhani had shared pro-Pakistani and anti-India content that could instigate communal discord and social unrest. Justice Desai maintained that the language used against the Prime Minister in the posts was excessively derogatory and unsuitable for reproduction in the court order. He also asserted that the posts appeared to be agenda-driven, adding, "Even if the maximum punishment of five years for the offence is considered, I find no compelling reason to grant bail." In its verdict, the court indicated that the posts were intended to smear not just the country's leader's image, but also to serve Lakhani's personal hidden agenda. Justice Desai expressed concern that if granted bail, the accused might perpetrate similar offences using different aliases and by creating fake profiles. "Given the far-reaching influence of social media, the potential harm such a person could inflict is considerable. Once the damage is done, there's no point arresting the individual and punishing him, as the larger damage would already have been inflicted on societal peace, harmony, and brotherhood," Justice Desai noted. The complaint leading to Lakhani's arrest was lodged by a person named Devubhai Gadhavi on December 31, 2022. He alleged to have discovered the derogatory posts on the 'Gujarat Trast Bhajpa Mast' Facebook page, resulting in charges of defamation, hate speech, religious sentiments violation, obscenity, and other relevant provisions under the Information and Technology Act against Lakhani. Mumbai, June 10 : Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has announced the beginning of the last schedule of his upcoming film 'The Vaccine War', based on true events, with speculation that the film's release date has been shifted from August 15 to October 24 this year, which happens to be Dussehra. According to a source, the film is currently being shot in a secret location. Agnihotri on Saturday shared a few glimpses from the shoot of the last schedule on Twitter and posted: "With the blessings of Maa Saraswati, beginning last schedule of #TheVaccineWar." Taran Adarsh wrote on Twitter that Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and his producer-wife Pallavi Joshi "are currently giving finishing touches to The Vaccine War. A few days shoot is yet to be executed." Adarsh tweeted: "VIVEK AGNIHOTRI SHIFTS 'THE VACCINE WAR' TO DUSSEHRA 2023. #TheVaccineWar - which was scheduled for release this #IndependenceDay weekend - will now arrive in *cinemas* on #Dussehra2023, it is learnt from reliable sources."He added: "After the #Blockbuster run of #TheKashmirFiles, #VivekRanjanAgnihotri and his producer-wife #PallaviJoshi are currently giving finishing touches to #TheVaccineWar. A few days shoot is yet to be executed, besides the duo have plans of organising pre-release screenings of the film in #USA (TheKashmirFiles also followed the same strategy], before it hits the *cinemas) in #Indiaa That explains the shift to #Dussehra2023."Talking about the film, a source said: "Currently, 'The Vaccine War' is being shot in a secret location with Nana Patekar, Sapthami Gowda and the rest of the star cast. There is a strict no-phone policy on sets for one week so that nothing gets leaked." Though not much has been revealed about the film, the title reveals much about the theme of the film. The film is likely to "open certain chapters about Indian bio-scientists and indigenous vaccines," the source said. The film will also pay tribute to the dedication of the medical fraternity and scientists during the uncertain times of the Covid-19 pandemic. New Delhi: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar with party's newly elected president Praful Patel and other leaders unflur the party flag during the party's 25th foundation day celebrations in New Delhi, on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Sha Image Source: IANS News Mumbai: NCP leader Supriya Sule with state President Jayantrao Patil , Deputy Speaker Narhari Jirwal and others hoist party flag on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of Nationalist Congress Party at Nationalist Bhavan, Mumbai, Saturday, June 10, 2 Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar with party's newly elected president Praful Patel and other leaders during the party's 25th foundation day celebrations in New Delhi, on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Sharad Pawar announced Pr Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) newly elected president Praful Patel addresses at the party's 25th foundation day celebrations in New Delhi, on Saturday, June 10, 2023. NCP chief Sharad Pawar announced Praful Patel and Supriya Sule as par Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, June 10 : With less than a year remaining for the Lok Sabha elections, and ahead of upcoming polls in various states, Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar has overhauled the party, naming senior leader Praful Patel and his daughter Supriya Sule (Pawar) as the new Working Presidents. He made the important declaration as the party enters the Silver Jubilee year, at a function held in Delhi, with the top brass in attendance. The developments on Saturday came exactly 35 days after Pawar had vigorously stirred the NCP cauldron with his 'resignation drama' and then bowed before the party's wishes to remain as the party supremo on May 6. Cracking the whip as he had promised last month, Pawar has effected a major reshuffle in the party's organisation at the top levels, starting with the General Secretaries (GS). Patel, Rajya Sabha MP, shall be in-charge of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Goa and the upper house of parliament, besides being the Chairman of Economic Affairs. Sule, Lok Sabha MP from Baramati, shall also be in-charge of Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana, women, youth, students and the lower house of parliament, besides being Chairperson of Central Election Authority. P.P. Mohammed Faizal, MP and GS will look after Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala, the Overseas India and Foreign Affairs departments. GS Sunil Tatkare, MP, will handle Odisha and West Bengal , plus national committee, sessions and conferences, Election Commission, Minority Department, Farmers Cell. GS Dr. Yoganand Shastri is entrusted with organisations, Seva Dal and also President of Delhi NCP. Another GS K.K. Sharma will look after Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, plus Panchayati Raj Department in the party. GS Narendra Verma shall oversee the party work in all the seven northeastern states, media and IT departments. GS Dr. Jitendra Awhad, MLA in Maharashtra is given the responsibility of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, plus Labour, SC/SC/OBC, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs departments in the party. Permanent Secretary S.R. Kohli is entrusted with press, publicity, administration, assist Patel and Sule, and the treasurer in accounts and coordinate with the Election Commission. Pawar has instructed all the national general secretaries to consult the new National Working Presidents for major policy decisions and keep him in the loop on various activities regularly. To questions on why his nephew Ajit Pawar is not given any additional assignments, Pawar Sr. said that he (Ajit) is already have a crucial responsibility as the Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. On his part, Ajit Pawar made it clear that "he is not sulking", and heartily congratulated all the new appointees, wishing them the best in their endeavours to build and fortify the party. State NCP President Jayant Patil has congratulated all the new appointees including Patel and Sule, saying that the party will grow stronger and now all will get down to work ahead of the elections as the party enters its 25th year. NCP National Spokesperson Clyde Crasto and Chief Spokesperson Mahesh Tapase have hailed the appointments of Patel and Sule to the high posts and said they will prove beneficial to the party. Tapase added how Sule has been particularly instrumental in bringing the youth and new voters to the party fold which will be a boost in the upcoming elections. NCP sources don't rule out some more changes in the coming days at various levels and in different state units as the clock ticks away furiously towards the elections now. Chandigarh, June 10 : With a major relief to the protesting Indian students in Canada facing deportation proceeding postponed until further notice, Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Saturday expressed happiness. He said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been keeping an eye on the issue for the past several days and he has given clear instructions that whatever effort the government can do in the interests of these 700 students should be done. Keeping in view that most of the students are from Punjab, Dhaliwal had earlier announced free legal assistance to the students while talking to students virtually. He also wrote letters to the High Commissioner of India in Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and the High Commissioner of Canada, Cameron Mackay, to resolve the issue of these students at the earliest. The minister said so far only one youth, Lovepreet Singh, has got relief and until the matters of all the students are settled, the government will continue to make all-out efforts. Dhaliwal has expressed gratitude towards all MPs of Punjab origin in Canada who came forward to help the students. Hyderabad, June 10 : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 10.27 kg gold after conducting multiple searches in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Saturday. The DRI officers seized 7.798 kg gold in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh while in Hyderabad, the agency seized 2.471 kg gold. In Nellore, the gold was seized from a car during vehicle checking at the Venkatachalam toll plaza on the Chennai-Kolkata highway. Based on specific information, a search was conducted in Hyderabad and 2.471 kg of gold was recovered. The DRI said that it has arrested three persons in connection with these cases. Of them, two were couriers while the third accused was a receiver. All the three have been sent to judicial custody. Bhubaneswar, June 10 : The cyber police in Cuttack have busted a pre-activated SIM card racket and arrested eight members of the gang on Saturday, a police officer said. Over 800 SIM cards, including 300 pre-activated SIMs, have been seized from the eight accused, of which seven are employees of a private telecom company, the police said. Briefing mediapersons, Cuttack DCP Pinak Mishra said that while investigating a cyber fraud case, it was found that the SIM used in the fraud was activated in Odisha and cyber scamsters from Rajasthan and Western Uttar Pradesh were involved in the fraud. The cyber criminals are yet to be traced, as several technical aspects are pending, he said. However, during the investigation, a pre-activated SIM gang was found involved in the crime, who sold the SIM to the scamsters, Mishra said. The accused had come in contact with a fraudster from outside the state and learnt the tricks to activate SIM cards by becoming vendors and misusing the identity of the consumers, he said. The accused hail from Puri district and the police have seized 16 mobile phones and Rs 2,600 from their possession, the DCP said. The DCP added that the gang was in contact with professional fraudsters outside the state and used to hand over the pre-activated SIM cards to them. Recently, the Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha police had arrested four cyber criminals for sharing OTPs of pre-activated SIMs to some criminals and suspected Pakistani agents. Ghaziabad, June 10 : Many shocking revelations have come to the fore in the case pertaining to conversion through a gaming app in Ghaziabad. New WhatsApp chats between a cleric (maulavi) and a minor boy of a Jain community have surfaced that show how he was brainwashed through chats and motivated to adopt Islam. The purported conversation happened in December 2022, in which the boy is told about the 'wudhu' (ablution) and Namaz time. In the chat, the student can be seen saying: "I am in school now... will not be able to offer Namaz", to which the cleric replies: "Today is Friday, it is very important to offer Friday prayer." The cleric -- identified as Abdul Rahman, was arrested in Ghaziabad for his alleged role in the religious conversion of at least four youth. The prime accused, Shahnawaz Khan a.k.a Baddo, a resident of Thane, is on the run. The police have launched a manhunt to nab him. The Ghaziabad Police have received information about the conversion of four minors from different parts of the country. One is from Faridabad, one from Chandigarh, and two are from Ghaziabad. A four-member team of Ghaziabad Police has also been sent to Maharashtra to nab Khan. Khan's mother and brother are in constant touch with the police. Meanwhile, the Ghaziabad Police have started probing the bank accounts of Khan, Rehman and the families of both individuals. About 20 bank accounts linked to them are being probed. The police have received Khan's bank transaction report of around 150 pages. When he was hired as a night receptionist at the Best Western CottonTree hotel in Provo, Utah, a university town near Salt Lake City, Brandon Sanderson told his boss that he planned to spend all those nights writing while he worked at the front desk. His boss shrugged and replied that he could do whatever he wanted, as long as he took care of the customers. At least he wouldnt be dozing off in one of the armchairs, like his predecessor did. The future creator of the Cosmere a lucrative literary universe of global reach, the largest in terms of epic fantasy since J.R.R. Tolkien conjured up his Middle-earth wrote seven novels at that desk in the time he spent studying biochemistry, first, and then English at Brigham Young University, where he is a teacher today. He found out that biochemistry was not his thing in Seoul, Korea, where he spent some time as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because, like Orson Scott Card and Stephenie Meyer, another pair of classics of the fantastic, Sanderson is a Mormon. Something that, however, has hardly had an impact on his status as a bestselling author, since, as an almost slave to his craft he sees himself as a sort of worker in a factory that bears his name Sanderson does nothing but write and talk about writing (on his podcast Writing Excuses, twice nominated for the Hugo Award). Still, despite his enormous popularity, there is not much action on his social media accounts, even though he shares every (literary) step he takes with his readers. He writes tirelessly never less than 3,000 words a day, a small monstrosity and he works on more than one project at a time. For this reason, his website displays some percentage-based progress bars that show how far advanced some novels are. Right now there are four underway; two are finished, and the other two (the fifth installment in the Stormlight Archive saga and a new one, Skyward Legacy) were 52% and 25% complete, respectively, at the time of writing this article. There is even a bot on Twitter that reports these percentages. One of those that currently appear as finished is the final draft of his fourth secret novel, the latest in a parallel project that makes him deserving of the title hybrid author and which helped him raise a whopping $41 million on Kickstarter. Those $41 million were a new record for these types of crowdfunding platforms, but they did not pose any kind of threat to the publishing sector. That is to say, Sanderson planned to self-publish those four secret books, but it was not his first time. His editor in Spain, Marta Rossich, from the Nova publishing house, explains: There is respect for his status as a hybrid author an author who is both published and self-published in his American publishing house, Tor, because they know that this is not some kind of maneuver. The same publisher releases those titles months after Sanderson publishes them. What the writer wants are carefully crafted editions. He remembers his first readings, and the maps and everything that grew around the novels universe. He wants everything to be perfect, and he can only make sure of that if he does it himself. Sanderson published his first book, Elantris, in 2005. Currently, there are now more than twenty titles in circulation; more than 30 million copies have been sold worldwide. It grows exponentially, says Rossich, who considers it a phenomenon of unknown dimensions, because his universe doesnt even have a movie adaptation yet. The reason is that Sanderson is very demanding: when one of his books is adapted, he says, it has to be exactly how he and his readers expect it to be. He is in no rush. In the meantime, his own staff keeps growing. Up to 64 people already work directly for Sanderson, collaborating with those self-publishing projects that are driven by a single engine: the brain of an avid reader who fell in love with fantasy when he read Barbara Hamblys Dragonsbane in high school, and who later decided that he was going to subvert the narrative pattern known as the heros journey, defined by Joseph Campbell. To Sanderson, if fantasy has become in any way stagnant, it is precisely because of this pattern and what he calls the Campbell Syndrome. He explains his way of getting rid of such a legendary constriction in Creative Writing Course, a manual from last year in which he details his writing process, much like he does in the classes he teaches at the university biographical nuggets included. Among his readers there are many young people who started reading with his books and now are completely hooked, says Rossich. His most recently published title, a young adult novel called The Frugal Wizards Handbook for Surviving Medieval England his secret project number two will appeal to readers of Terry Pratchett. However, his followers, in a multitude of websites devoted to the Cosmere, recommend starting with Mistborn, his second saga, partly because the first book, The Final Empire, is self-contained, but it leaves you wanting more. That way you can open the door and decide when to close it. That creative voracity is what has placed Sanderson at the top of the podium in the realm of fantasy. Lets not forget that George R.R. Martin, his main rival as Tolkiens successor, is currently out of the picture The Winds of Winter, the next installment in his series A Song of Ice and Fire, has been delayed for more than a decade. And that Patrick Rothfuss, who emerged at the same time as him, is now too many books behind: The Name of the Wind was actually better received than Sandersons first works, as well as its sequel, but no one has heard anything from Kvothe, its main character, since 2011. Meanwhile, without looking back or stopping to wonder when someone might dethrone him, Sanderson has promised to publish at least 19 more Cosmere titles he has already published 21 and to do it before he turns 70. Because what matters are the readers. And the readers, as his Spanish editor said, just keep increasing. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Kolkata, June 10 : With West Bengal entering the election mode following the announcement of date for the forthcoming panchayat elections, the scheduled programmes of Prime Minister Narenadra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in the state have become uncertain. Polling for the three-tier panchayat system will be conducted on July 8, and the results will be announced on July 11. Both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister were supposed to visit West Bengal as part of the party's nationwide outreach to celebrate nine years of Modi government. However, a senior state BJP leader said that following the announcement of panchayat poll date, there is every possibility that those visits will now be made after the elections are over and the results are announced. Besides Mofdi and Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda was also supposed to make a trip to West Bengal sometime this month. The saffron leader said that BJP's plan to conduct mass outreach programmes in the state during the current month with special focus on the rural areas to highlight the achievements of the Union government in the past years has been hampered by the sudden announcement of panchayat polls to be conducted at a short notice. Shah was also supposed to review the organisation structure of the party in the state. In May, the Home Minister had made a trip to West Bengal and during that visit, he held a meeting with the state BJP leadership where he advised the latter to strengthen the organisational base and booth-level committees of the party. He also stressed on the party leaders reaching out to as many people as possible, keeping in mind both the panchayat polls and the big battle of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Chennai, June 10 : The Cauvery Tribunal meeting, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on June 16, is unlikely to dicuss the Mekedatu Dam issue which has been a bone of contention between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Aftre the Congress government in Karnataka announed that it has allocated an amount of Rs 8000 crore for the construction of Mekedatu Dam across Cauvery, pressure has started to build in Tamil Nadu. The state's Water Resources Minister S. Duraimurugan said that Tamil Nadu would not allow any construction across the Cauvery. Meanwhile, the Cauvery Tribunal has said that it will not take any decision regarding the issue as the tribunal has taken a position of 'uniform stand' on the issue pertaining to Mekedatu or any other issue associated with Cauvery basin as the matter is before the Supreme Court. Tamil Nadu has been consistently opposing Karnataka raising the Mekdatu dam issue. In the petition filed before the Supreme Court, Tamil Nadu has said that the planning of the Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river was in gross violation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal verdict of February 5, 2007. As per sources in Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department, the state will try to push the case of Mekedatu Dam before the Cauvery Tribunal. Imphal, June 10 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, after holding a series of meetings with his Manipur counterpart N. Biren Singh and various other organisations on Saturday, said that he would report about the outcome of the deliberations to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Sarma, who is also the convenor of the BJP-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), said that his "good will visit" is a part of the process to create confidence building measures in Manipur. "This time I did not hold any meetings with any leaders and MLAs of the Kuki community. I came to Manipur to learn the situation here," the Assam Chief Minister told the media before leaving Imphal for Guwahati. Sarma said that besides the Chief Minister, he met ministers, BJP leaders, heads of various Civil Society Organisations and key leaders, and discussed the situation in the state. "For all of us, peace and stability in Manipur is very important. I hope that we will be able to restore peace and stability permanently in Manipur," he said. Jaipur, June 10 : Sarwar Chishti, the Khadim (cleric) of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, is once again in the news, this time for a viral video wherein he issued a statement with reference to the release of the film 'Ajmer-92'. In the video, Chishti, the secretary of Anjuman Syed Zadagan, an organisation of Khadims of Ajmer Sharif Dargah, could be heard saying, "A girl is such a thing who can make even the biggest person slip." "Man cannot become corrupt only because of money or values. A girl is such a 'thing' who can make even the biggest person slip." 'Ajmer-92' has courted controversy even before its release with many Muslim organisations demanding a ban on the movie. Directed by Pushpendra Singh, the film claims to showcase 'true' events of gang-rape and blackmail of over 100 girls in Ajmer. Referring to the 'Menaka and Vishvamitra' episode from mythology, Shishti could be heard saying in the video: "A person can also lose control like Vishvamitra... Also, all the Babas are in jail in cases involving girls." 'Ajmer-92' is slated for release on July 14. But even before its release, Khadim representatives are protesting demanding a ban on it. Along with Anjuman Syed Zadagan, different Muslim representatives are also issuing statements against the film. Sarwar Chishti has been a controversy figure over his alleged PFI connection. After the Kanhaiya Lal beheading in Udaipur, the National Security Agency (NIA) had called him to Jaipur for making provocative speeches during a procession in Ajmer. Meanwhile, Ajmer Deputy Mayor Neeraj Jain said, "Chishti's comments expose his dirty mentality towards women. Chishti considers women only as an object of consumption. This is an insult to women power. The Khadim community and the police should take action on his statement." Jaipur, June 10 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly questioned Banay Singh, a close aide of Rajasthan minister Subhash Garg, on Saturday regarding the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET) paper leak case, sources said. It is learnt that documents have also been seized from the house of Banay Singh, whom the ED has shifted to Delhi for further questioning. Banay Singh is the state coordinator of the Rajiv Gandhi Study Circle, whose role had allegedly come under scanner in the paper leak case for recruitment examinations. The ED had issued notices to 23 people, including those associated with the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), who are being interrogated on the basis of seized documents. The agency had tweeted on Friday, "The ED carried out search operations at the residential premises of different people at 27 locations in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Dungarpur, Barmer, Sikar and Jalore in Rajasthan on 5.6.2023 under the PMLA, in Senior Teacher Grade II Paper Leak Case and REET Paper Leak Case." New Delhi, June 10 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that cyclone Biparjoy is set to intensify into an "extremely severe cyclonic storm" in the next 12 hours. "Biparjoy is very likely to intensify further into an extremely severe cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours. It is likely to move north-northeast wards during the next 24 hours and then gradually north-northwestwards during the subsequent three days," it said. The IMD said that "Biparjoy" (pronounced as "Biporjoy") over the Arabian Sea was about 700 km from Goa, 620 km from Mumbai, 580 km from Porbandar and 890 from Karachi (Pakistan). The IMD has predicted that along and between the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts, squally wind speeds reaching 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph are likely to prevail on June 10, and may increase to 40-50 kmph to 60 kmph on June 11; 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph during June 12, and 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph during June 13 to 15. The IMD said that the southwest monsoon has further advanced into some parts of Kerala and Karnataka, most parts of northeast Bay of Bengal, and many parts of northeastern states on Saturday. The IMD also said that Biparjoy looms large over Gujarat's coastal areas of Valsad and Navsari districts. The Met Office has issued a stern warning to the fishermen, advising them against venturing into the Arabian Sea for the next few days. It has also urged those already at sea to return to shore immediately. The district administration of Valsad has closed the popular Tithal beach for tourists until June 14 as a safety measure. "We've advised fishermen not to venture into the sea. Shelters have been set up for them and we have closed Tithal Beach for tourists until June 14," said Valsad's Tehsildar TC Patel. Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has advised fishers, mariners, and others in Gujarat, as well as Daman & Diu, to take all necessary precautions and safety measures. The ICG units have also been regularly sending advisories to ships at sea through their ships, aircraft, and radar stations. New Delhi, June 10 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday urged the residents of the national capital to turn up in large numbers at the 'Maha Rally' that will be organised by the AAP on Sunday to protest the Central government's ordinance on service matters. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has planned to hold the 'Maha Rally' at Ramlila Maidan here. Seeking the withdrawal of the ordinance, the AAP has stated that the Central government should reconsider its stance and prioritise the welfare of the people of Delhi. In a tweet, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said: "Tomorrow, the people of Delhi will come together at Ramleela Maidan to protest against the dictatorial ordinance of the Central Government, which is depriving the people of Delhi of their rights. Join this rally to save the Constitution and democracy." The AAP has vowed to utilise all its might and voice strong opposition against the ordinance during the Maha-Rally. The AAP has claimed that more than one lakh people will attend the Maha-Rally at Ramlila Maidan. "People of Delhi have undeniably declared that they have entrusted Arvind Kejriwal with the responsibility of running Delhi's government. However, the Narendra Modi government at the Centre has not been able to tolerate this," said AAP leader Gopal Rai. He further stated that the AAP has decided to fight this battle until the end, even in the scorching heat. New Delhi, June 10 : A Delhi court on Saturday rejected the bail application of Manish Kothari, the chartered accountant of Trinamool Congress strongman Anubrata Mondal, in connection to the alleged multi-crore cattle smuggling scam in West Bengal. Challenging the trial court's order denying him default bail in the case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a plea by Mondal, who is also in judicial custody, is listed before the Delhi High Court for hearing on July 4. In Kothari's case, Special Judge Raghubir Singh denied him bail stating that the circumstances were not appropriate for granting him release. Kothari had applied for bail, arguing that his custody is now unnecessary in the case, in which the ED has alleged that the accused assisted Mondal in funneling money obtained from cattle smuggling operations through shell companies. Meanwhile, Mondal had moved the high court on January 31 challenging Rouse Avenue Court's order dated January 24 denying him bail, finding 'no reason' to grant it to him. The ED's special public prosecutor Nitesh Rana had said that Mondal's bail application was without any merit. New York, June 10 : New York State legislature has passed a Bill to make Diwali a school holiday in the city in a final scramble before it adjourned. Both the Senate and the Assembly voted for the Bill before they ended their session early Saturday morning and it now goes to Governor Kathy Hochul for her expected signature to make it law. Introducing the bill, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar said, "It is long past time to honour" the "vibrant cultural heritage" of the South Asian, Indo-Caribbean, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities by making Diwali a school holiday. An estimated 200,000 students from these communities will be able to celebrate the festival of lights in their own way, free of school. "As the first Hindu-American and South Asian-American woman elected to the state office in New York, I take special pride in advocating for new American communities, including those that celebrate Diwali," Rajkumar said. Two earlier attempts to pass the legislation in 2021 and 2022 did not succeed. The Bill overcame a last-minute hurdle after the Bill's sponsors, Rajkumar and State Senator Joseph Adabo, dropped a proposal to have Diwali replace the Brooklyn-Queens Day holiday and leave it to the discretion of the city. Diwali may instead replace an obscure holiday, Anniversary Day, to maintain the required 180 days of class required every year. In February, New York City Council had passed a resolution proposed by Councilwoman Linda Lee to make Diwali a school holiday, but it needed state-level approval. New York Mayor Eric Adams has supported the legislation, unlike his predecessors, as has Schools Chancellor David Banks. The New York Legislature also passed a Bill to make the Lunar New Year a state-wide school holiday. Grace Meng, a member of the US House of Representatives, who had introduced a Bill to make Diwali a federal holiday, said, "The New York State Legislature's approval of these two measures is a wonderful reminder and celebration of the great diversity that exists in our state, and underscores how this diversity should be reflected in the holidays observed by our residents." In an earlier acknowledgement of the significance of Diwali, New York City suspended in 2006 a parking regulation for Diwali, putting it on par with other religious holidays. The City Council voted to override a veto by then Mayor Michael Bloomberg to add the festival of lights to the list. Suspension of the regulation against parking on a certain side of the road on certain days is to ensure that those celebrating the holiday do not have to move their vehicles amid the festivities. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) Imphal, June 10 : A huge drop box has been set up in front of the residence of Manipur Public Health Engineering Department Minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei here to enable those who snatched or looted arms and weapons from security forces during the recent ethnic violence to deposit them there anonymously. So far, 130 arms and a lot of ammunition have been deposited. The Minister said that the box was set up to take advantage of the anonymous facility to deposit looted weapons, including sophisticated automatic rifles. A large poster, written in both English and Meitei, in a covered shed outside the Minister's home, read: "Please drop your snatched weapons here. Feel free to do so." Susindro, a BJP legislator from Imphal East, while touring his assembly constituency area, persuaded the youth and villagers to join in the peace process by depositing their weapons. "Some youth who have been possessing snatched arms, hesitate to return their arms out of fear of the police. That's why this anonymous box was set up," he said. Both Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh have earlier appealed to people to surrender their weapons and no legal action would be taken if the people deposit their arms voluntarily. The army, various para-military forces and Manipur police have been carrying out combing operations across the state for the last nine days to recover the looted arms. Defence sources said that operations, accompanied by executive magistrates, continued with due diligence to avoid unnecessary hardships for locals. In all, 22 weapons, mostly automatic, were recovered from different districts during the past 24 hours, the sources added. Media reports claimed that thousands of different types of arms and a large quantity of ammunition were looted by mobs from many police stations and security camps after the riots broke out on May 3. Since the introduction of oil painting, there had never been a similar revolution in art. Today, however, theres a new debate, divided between the appearance of a new type of artistic expression and those who consider it to be a failed idea. Artificial intelligence (AI) has torn into creation. While art and technology have been related for 50 years, this has always been a marginal discourse. Perhaps the South Korean artist Nam June Paik (1932-2006) was the biggest pioneer of this he is considered to be the founder of video art. Amid all the eccentricities of artists experimenting with technology, AI has continued to advance. The Museum of Modern Art in New York City added 14 video games to its collection last year, from Super Mario Bros (1985) to Minecraft (2011). Walking into the past, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art has unveiled an exhibition titled Coded, which reveals how computers went from calculating missile trajectories to being used in artistic creation. The Guggenheim Museum has also keyed into this phenomenon, hiring Noam Segal an expert on the mixture of creation and technology to be a curator. This new museum circuit is no coincidence: art created by AI is going through an immensely hopeful period. Canadian artist Jon Rafman whose work centers around the existential impact of technology on daily life has displayed some massive paintings (all generated by algorithms) at the Spruth Magers gallery in London. He has utilized machine learning technology in this creative process: the higher the quality of the data supplied to the algorithm, the better the aesthetic product. When the contemporary Spanish artist Daniel Canogar is asked if he thinks that this formula will have reach in the future, he makes a prediction: I dont know about the market, but the creative spirit of the human being will devour this technology and make it his own, through complex, ironic and subtle works. The British art collector Damien Hirst whose work belongs more and more to business school textbooks and less to the field of art history knows how to make money. His recent AI-generated project The Beautiful Paintings has already brought him over $20 million in just nine days, after he sold 5,508 paintings in the first weeks of April. These were released in physical and digital formats (as an NFT, similar to a JPG image). Hirst has also used AI to revise his 1992 series, Spin Paintings. Back then, the British citizen had resorted to a classic technique borrowed from amusement parks: the experience in which boys pour paint on a spinning sheet, obtaining colorful spirals. Hes now made millions more from a simple concept, which has been varnished with technology. AI-generated art presents problems that are as extensive as its possibilities of fraud. German artist Boris Eldagsen recently turned down a 2023 Sony World Photography Award because he used AI in the work he was being honored for. He freely admitted this: his goal was to warn of the dangerous limits between manipulation and photography. In our society, it is institutions that validate the dream or the lie of art. Mexicos Rafael Lozano-Hemmer one of the great artists at work in the fusion of artistic creation and technology has no doubts about this new form of art. It will enter museums, just like painting or performance. Theres no human discipline beyond AI, because its part of us even if we have to avoid it. These AI programs are trained with images. The higher quality they are, the better the results. And, at this stage of the process, the lawyers make an appearance. A key question arises: who owns the rights? Getty Images has sued the AI generator Stable Diffusion in the US and UK for $2 billion in damages, after the technology company used millions of its photos to train algorithms. Meanwhile, the British painter David Hockney ironically declared that the best acronym for NFTs would be international thieves and fraudsters. With all of this rejection of the art form, there are a lot of clouds ahead. But there also appears to be a commitment to AI-generated art. For instance, the Detroit-based Knight Foundation an American non-profit has announced $23 million in funding for digital creation. They profess hope about this new trend: AI pushes us to reimagine the way in which all sectors of society live and will have its impact on art, predicts Victoria Rogers, the artistic vice president of the foundation. Theres something dystopian when machines can appropriate any existing art style. Something disturbing. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Chennai, June 10 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said on Saturday that the BJP, which faced a debacle in the Karnataka Assembly elections, might advance the Lok Sabha polls scheduled next year. Speaking to DMK functionaries in Salem, Stalin also asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah as to what the BJP has done for Tamil Nadu in the past nine years after it came to power at the Centre in 2014. Stalin said that for the past two days, there were reports about Amit Shah visiting Tamil Nadu and addressing a public rally in Vellore. "When DMK was part of the Central government during 2004-14, we introduced many schemes in the state, such as the Metro Rail project worth Rs 16,600 crore, highway projects worth Rs 56,664 crore and the Sethusamudram project. We also obtained 11 per cent of the total funds allocated for various schemes by the Government of India for Tamil Nadu," Stalin said. The Chief Minister also said that the only support given by the Central government to Tamil Nadu was the allocation of AIIMS in Madurai, but added that the Centre did not have the heart to allocate Rs 1,000 crore for the project. Amit Shah is reaching Tamil Nadu on Saturday night and will attend a public programme at Vellore on Sunday. Shah will also meet BJP office-bearers of the South Chennai Lok Sabha constituency. Stalin, meanwhile, called upon the DMK cadres to stay prepared for the Lok Sabha elections, saying that no political party will be able to defeat the DMK. He also exhorted the party cadres to work hard to win all the seats in Tamil Nadu in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP is expecting to win 11 seats in Tamil Nadu as part of its political alliance with the AIADMK. Thiruvananthapuram, June 10 : Top Congress leaders in Kerala have slammed the "vindictive attitude" of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for ordering a probe by the Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau against Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, based on a complaint that he collected money from abroad soon after the 2018 floods to build homes for the poor in his constituency. Kerala unit Indian National Congress president K. Sudhakaran said he haunted one of Kerala's most popular Chief Ministers, Oommen Chandy, and "now he is doing that against Satheesan". "This shows the vengeance of Vijayan, as he knows there are quite a few cases haunting him and Satheesan is strongly taking him on in these cases and to extract his pound of flesh, just as he did to Chandy, he is trying to do on Satheesan. The people of Kerala know what is happening," warned Sudhakaran. What has raised eyebrows was this order was given hours before Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan left for a visit to the US and Cuba, and it surfaced on Friday. Former Leader of Opposition and veteran Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala said "this is the way Vijayan tries to settle scores with his political adversaries". "I was charged in five Vigilance cases and all of them have been disposed of. Now, since Satheesan is vehemently bringing out the wrong deeds of Vijayan, he is being targeted, but all we have to say to him is 'don't try to threaten us by such cases'," said Chennithala. Satheesan told the media that Vijayan is doing what Prime Minister Narendra Modi does, "like what he did to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi". "I have said earlier this case had surfaced before and on all three occasions, including, the Kerala High Court had cleared him. Now again, this has been raised to counter the wrong doings of Vijayan that has been exposed. I am very sure when the Vigilance completes its probe they will come out with their report the way I handled the funds for rehabilitation is the right model that could be replicated," said Satheesan. Kochi, June 11 : The manner in which the Kerala Police on Saturday registered a case against a female TV reporter and four others, including a college principal, based on a complaint filed by the state secretary of the SFI has received widespread condemnation. The case was registered after SFI state secretary P.M. Arsho filed a complaint alleging that a conspiracy was hatched to defame him by reporting a 'false' news. Those who have been accused include the principal of the Government Maharaja's College, a professor, and three others. Akhila Nandakumar, a television journalist, is the fifth accused and the charge against her is that she was part of the conspiracy and came to the college to report the news against Arsho. Trouble has been brewing at the Maharaja's College ever since a report surfaced that former SFI leader K. Vidya was caught red-handed after a teacher from the Government College in Wayanad got in touch with the principal of Maharaja's College in Ernakulam seeking clarifications if Vidya was employed as a guest lecturer during 2018-19 and 2020-21. The principal of Maharaja's College, after verification, realised that there was no one employed in the Malayalam department as guest lecturer for the past one decade. Along with this news came pictures of Vidya and Arsho, and also a news which was aired that revealed a mark list of Arsho, who is an MA archeology student at the Maharaja's College, which said that he passed a semester examination, but the mark list showed serious errors. Soon came the news that it was an error on the part of the National Informatics Centre, which prepared the list. But Arsho in his complaint said that it was done following a conspiracy and this was first taken up by the student's wing of the Congress party - KSU - and Akhila had reported this. The Kerala Union of Working Journalists and the Trivandrum Press Club have strongly condemned the police action of registering a case against the reporter, terming it as something "unheard" of. Congress legislator and former Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that he fails to understand what's happening in Kerala. "Strange things are happening as a journalist has been indicted because she did her job. This is not at all acceptable," Chennithala said. New Delhi, June 11 : A man in Delhi has alleged that he was pressurised to convert to Islam by a B.Tech student in computer science, a police official said. Sharing official information, a senior police official said that a complaint was received from one Sandeep Saagar, a resident of Delhi's Turkman Gate wherein he alleged that one Mohd. Kalim lured and pressured him to convert to Islam. State BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva has said that the Delhi Police on Saturday registered a case wherein one Sandeep Sagar, a caretaker of Delhi government's night shelter in Turkman Gate, has told them that a person Mohd. Kalim had allegedly converted the religion of one Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of the night shelter, and now has changed his name to Abbas. The Delhi BJP Chief also added that the Delhi government is solely responsible for this incident such that its Ministers and officials do not guard the night shelters. Sachdeva also said that the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has been involved in "anti-Hindu" campaigns. "Now it is clear from this alleged religious conversion incident in a government-run night shelter that the Kejriwal government stands firmly with "anti-Hindu religious conversion" forces." "After primary enquiry, under Section 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 295-A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code was registered at the Chandni Mahal police station," the official added. "The accused was identified as Mohd. Kalim, a resident of Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested," said the official. The official added that Kalim was produced before the court and sent to judicial custody. New Delhi, June 11 : Prime minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during which both the leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral relations. According to official sources, the two leaders on Saturday reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation, which is anchored in historic and strong people-to-people ties. Modi thanked the South African President for the relocation of 12 cheetahs to India earlier this year. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in BRICS, in the context of South Africa's chairmanship this year. BRICS is an international grouping comprising China, India, Russia, Brazil and South Africa. President Ramaphosa briefed India's Prime Minister on the African leaders' peace initiative. Noting that India was supportive of all initiatives aimed at ensuring durable peace and stability in Ukraine, Modi reiterated India's consistent call for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. The South African President conveyed his full support to India's initiatives as part of its ongoing G20 presidency and that he looked forward to his visit to India. FullHost, a prominent Canadian managed hosting company, today announced the launch of Mission Critical DNS. This next-generation DNS service delivers high performance, exceptional security, and unmatched reliability with the added benefit of unlimited DNS queries, signifying a significant step forward in FullHosts commitment to providing industry-leading managed hosting solutions. Chris Tilden, Director of Client Success, stated, "Mission Critical DNS epitomizes our dedication to continually enhancing the value we provide to our clients. This service was designed with an emphasis on speed, security, reliability, and, importantly, cost transparency a unique proposition that sets us apart in the competitive landscape." Mission Critical DNS, empowered by advanced AnyCast technology, features two separate Anycast clouds with a combined total of 48 nodes distributed globally. This extensive network significantly improves DNS resolution speed, as client queries are automatically routed to the closest or most efficient DNS server, minimizing latency and maximizing site loading speed. Addressing the growing need for digital security, Mission Critical DNS integrates robust DDoS protection to secure DNS infrastructure and ensure the continuity of online services. A unique feature of the service is automated zone backups, providing clients with the peace of mind that their configurations can be quickly restored if needed. In a departure from the norm of variable pricing models that charge for DNS queries, FullHost is offering Mission Critical DNS with a pricing model that champions cost predictability. FullHost's five distinct plans cater to various requirements of zone files, all providing the advantage of unlimited DNS queries at no extra cost, thereby allowing businesses to accurately budget their expenses. Tilden added, "With Mission Critical DNS, we are excited to offer our customers a DNS service that not only guarantees high performance, robust security, and reliability but also ensures cost predictability. This aligns with our commitment to ensure that our clients online presence is always secure, optimized, and cost-effective." Mission Critical DNS is available immediately for all FullHost clients. For more details, visit http://www.fullhost.com. About FullHost Since its inception in 2004, FullHost has been at the forefront of providing exceptional managed hosting services, specializing in WordPress web hosting and comprehensive cloud solutions. FullHosts commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative solutions makes it a preferred choice for businesses across Canada and around the globe. To learn more, visit http://www.fullhost.com. CGTN America and CGTN UN release a new episode of its China Views series, short videos showcasing impromptu street interviews for global audiences. This time we focus on Chinese culture. China is modernizing the worlds oldest civilization. Inclusiveness and harmony are deeply-rooted values in Chinas history. They are ancient values that contribute a positive energy to global efforts to resolve modern problems like climate change. How much do people around the world know about China and what do they feel about Chinese culture? To gauge U.S. public opinion, CGTN America took to the streets in eight North American cities including Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Vancouver and Mexico City. The result is China Views a lively roundup of perspectives on Chinese inventions on the coolest things about China and where people learn more about the worlds second-largest economy. As for Chinese inventions, a man in Mexico said, Printing. A lot of inventions from China we [still] are using now. A woman from San Francisco mentioned the abacus. One woman in Chicago could even name all four great inventions of ancient China: the compass, gun powder, paper and printing. When asked, What is the coolest thing about China? one woman from Vancouver said: I admire their loyalty. I admire their deep-rooted history and tradition. I admire their strong sense of family. Asked where people can learn about China, people said libraries, Chinese friends, and schools. For perspectives on China, a women from Chicago said she preferred online media. I still get The New York Times. A lot of them, Im going to say, quite honestly, we are putting sort of political situation that I dont feel personally comfortable with, because I dont feel that way about China. So, thats why online media is so great. You have the diversity of a lot of sources much more so than with your paper and your television. Click here to watch China Views: https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2023-06-10/CGTN-America-releases-street-opinion-production-China-Views-on-Chinese-civilization-1kvmL2oXTck/index.html (This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.) Dr Andy Pearson receives plaque at 10th IIR Conference 'The accolade marks Dr. Pearsons consistent presence and seminal research papers presented at all ten editions of the Ohrid conferences.' Dr. Andy Pearson, Group Managing Director of Star Refrigeration, was recently recognised for his 18 years of contribution to Ammonia and CO2 refrigeration research at the 10th International Conference on Ammonia and CO2 Refrigeration Technologies. Organised by the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Ss Cyril & Methodius Skopje, the conference was held in Ohrid, North Macedonia. The biannual specialist conference unites the worlds preeminent scientists and industry leaders to promote knowledge exchange and foster innovation in ammonia and CO2 refrigeration technology. This years event took place from 27th 29th April 2023, with the attendance of 500 international delegates. Dr. Pearson was presented with the special plaque by Didier Coulomb, Director of IIR, and Risto Ciconkov, President of the Organising Committee. The accolade marks Dr. Pearsons consistent presence and seminal research papers presented at all ten editions of the Ohrid conferences. Since its inception in 2005, the conferences objective has been to dispel ambiguities and confusion surrounding ammonia and CO2 refrigeration technologies. Aiming to bridge the gap between industry and academia, the conference was set up to respond to the global transition towards natural refrigeration technology following global efforts to phase-down HFCs to mitigate the catastrophic implications of climate change. This year, Dr. Pearson, who is also the Conferences President of the Scientific Committee, initiated the conference proceedings with his research paper, Energy Performance of Process Cooling Equipment, in which he explored the challenges in the benchmarking energy performance of cooling processes due to the great variety in system types and products processed. Pearson also called for the development of data banks for different products and processes with the assistance and input from operators, saying that the key in benchmarking is to start data collecting as soon as possible in order to build up a pattern, even if the means of processing the data is not yet established. The conference further addressed topics such as the design of modern ammonia (NH3) and CO2 refrigeration and heat pump systems, energy efficiency, and safety and compliance issues associated with natural refrigerants. A prominent industry expert, Dr. Pearson is known for his profound knowledge of industrial refrigeration, having published numerous research studies on energy-efficient design, compliance, and safety of ammonia and CO2 refrigeration technology over four decades. His research and pioneering work in the design and installation of refrigeration and heat pump systems such as the worlds first and largest ammonia district heat pump in Drammen, Norway, have earned him prestigious recognitions, including the International Environmental Agencys Rittinger Medal and the J&E Hall Gold Medal from the Institute of Refrigeration. Dr Pearson is an IOR and ASHRAE Fellow and advises on the Refrigeration Safety Technical Committees for the British Standards Institute (BSI), the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and the International Standards Organisation (ISO). On receiving the award, Dr. Pearson said, I am honoured to receive this special plaque for for having presented at all ten Ohrid conferences. At Star Refrigeration, we remain committed to sharing innovative refrigeration knowledge and best practices underpinned by the most recent industry research. Star Refrigeration are a leading supplier of industrial ammonia and CO2 refrigeration and heat pump systems. With over 50 years of experience, the company is a total solutions provider, working in partnership with customers in the cold storage, pharmaceutical, food and drinks manufacturing, brewing, dairies data centres, building services, ice and leisure, petrochemical and district heating industries. The IIR International Conference in Ohrid is a pivotal industry event for knowledge exchange on Ammonia and CO2 Refrigeration Technologies. For more information, visit https://iifiir.org/en/events/10th-iir-conference-on-ammonia-and-co2-refrigeration-technologies To find out more about Star Refrigerations advancements in ammonia and CO2 refrigeration and heat pump technology, as well as their recent installations, visit https://www.star-ref.co.uk Ribbon cutting at kat's Coffeehouse in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania The 7 Steps team is outstanding. Each of them knows this coffee business and shares your joy when you succeed. Weekly calls ... helped us avoid so many mistakes." - Todd Williams, Owner, kat's Coffeehouse in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania Something exciting is brewing in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania! kats Coffeehouse has opened at 617 Warrendale Road, Suite E. Owners Kathy and Todd Williams learned how to start a coffee shop through the 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program of Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea. On April 25, Allegheny County coffee lovers gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Gibsonias newest independent coffee shop. The day included a $1 special on all regular-sized specialty coffee drinks. The new shop invites customers into a warm environment designed by Kathy Williams. Ample seating and free Wi-Fi invite guests to stay while they savor specialty coffee drinks, including espressos, mochas and lattes. A drive-thru window caters to Gibsonia coffee lovers on the go. Locally sourced pastries, subs and ice cream round out the menu. We want to serve the best coffee and provide an experience that the customer remembers as extremely positive, Todd Williams said. We focus on the details, from lighting to music, fiber internet to fast drive through. And we hire people who truly enjoy the dance of making outstanding specialty coffee drinks that make people happy. kats Coffeehouse is the latest in a series of enterprises for the couple. Before venturing into coffee, the entrepreneurs made waves in kitchen textile design, the steel industry and retail clothing boutiques. Kathy has worked in fashion since she started in retail at age 15. Before opening two Kat & Willie clothing boutiques in Pittsburgh, she spent 14 years designing kitchen textiles. Todd sold more than three million aprons and tea towels designed by Kathy to retail stores such as HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Earlier in their marriage, he sold steel while Kathy raised their four children. After the clothing boutiques got off the ground, the serial entrepreneurs needed something new to keep the momentum going. Then, encountering a local coffee shop for sale, they took a chance and made an offer. The only problem? They had zero coffee experience. "With no prior experience in the industry, we knew we needed a partner that truly understood coffee," Todd Williams said. Enter Crimson Cup. The award-winning coffee roaster helps entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of starting and running thriving independent coffee shops. Its 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program is designed to help those with little or no coffee experience avoid typical pitfalls and become profitable as quickly as possible. I was researching coffee providers and got in touch with their amazing 7 Steps coffee shop startup consulting team of Scott Fullerton, Steve Bayless, Heather Syx and Dave Eldridge, Todd said. He then read Seven Steps to Success: a Common-sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee by Crimson Cup Founder and President Greg Ubert. This book forms the foundation of the roasters 7 Steps program. It was apparent from reading the book and talking to the consulting team that the business model Crimson Cup provides works, Todd said. As part of their due diligence, the couple visited the Crimson Cup Innovation Lab in Columbus, Ohio, where Kathy tasted a cup of black java with no additives. "It was the best cup of coffee Ive ever had! she exclaimed. That was the deciding factor. "After an exhaustive three-month search, we knew we had found our coffee partner," Todd said. Crimson Cup has helped over 400 entrepreneurs like the Williams open and run successful coffee shops in more than 30 states. Its 7 Steps team guides new owners using over two decades of startup experience. Through the 7 Steps, aspiring coffee shop owners master the complexities of the coffee industry. The consulting team guides them through writing a coffee shop business plan, choosing a location, hiring and training employees, marketing to attract new customers and more. A big part of our mission is to help coffeehouse owners thrive at every step from opening their shops to becoming a fixture in their communities, Ubert said. As a one-stop shop for independent coffeehouses, Crimson Cup provides end-to-end support. 7 Steps customers receive access to award-winning coffee, workhorse espresso machines, other coffee shop equipment, and quality coffee shop products. Ongoing mentorship helps entrepreneurs thrive in their unique coffee ventures. The 7 Steps team is outstanding, Todd said. Each of them knows this coffee business and shares your joy when you succeed. "Weekly calls with Steve and Heather and learning from Dave, whom I call the expert of experts, have helped us avoid so many mistakes, he added. Todd found 'The Dance' the most valuable guidance in the 7 Steps program. The Dance ensures that coffee service remains uninterrupted by ancillary food service, preserving the quality of customer experience, he explained. "We provide food items from local bake and sub shops, but these only complement the coffee and never slow down the coffee line. Our sales confirm this. The coffee, roasted by Crimson Cup, is gaining a following among area coffee lovers. Customers say its amazing, the best coffee theyve ever had. They even compare it to shops in Europe, Todd said. The company has received 20 five-star Google reviews in just over two months. This place is awesome! wrote one reviewer. I went for the first time today and was immediately greeted by a man named Todd. He shared with me that he was the owner and was just so kind and welcomed me in! The decor is really fun and cozy. I got an iced latte with oat milk and caramel drizzle, and it was great! Very smooth and not too sweet. They had lots of different options too. Will definitely be going back and bringing friends. Definitely check this place out! After completing the startup process, Todd had several thoughts to share with others contemplating opening a coffee business. Don't do it alone! he said. Do it with someone who shares when you win and helps when you need help. Most important if you don't have great coffee and training nothing else matters. Plus, work with a coffee business consultant that instills operations best practices so you can get to be profitable faster than doing it alone or just buying coffee from a roaster with a marketing pitch. Kathy and Todd Williams invite everyone in Allegheny County and beyond to visit kats Coffeehouse. The new shop is open seven days a week at 617 Warrendale Road, Suite E, in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit the shops Google Business Profile. About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Founded in 1991, Crimson Cup is at the forefront of the coffee industry. Its attentive roasting, startup support and global partnerships are consciously designed for the greater good of communities around the world. Among other national recognitions, the company has earned 2020 and 2017 Good Food Awards, the 2019 Golden Bean Champion for Small Franchise/Chain Roaster and Roast magazines 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Crimson Cup travels the world searching for the perfect cup driven by meaningful relationships, honesty and a shared vision for the future. Its Friend2Farmer initiatives foster respect and decency through mutually beneficial collaboration across local and global communities. Through its 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program, the company teaches entrepreneurs how to open and run independent coffee houses in their local communities. By developing a coffee shop business plan, entrepreneurs gain insight into coffee shop startup costs. Crimson Cup coffee is available through over 400 independent coffee houses, grocers, college and universities, restaurants and food service operations across more than 30 states, Guam and Bangladesh. The company also owns several Crimson Cup Coffee Shops and a new CRIMSON retail flagship store. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com, or follow the company on Facebook and Instagram. 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Contact Surgeons Advisor Surgeon's Advisor invites medical practices seeking to elevate their digital presence and connect more effectively with potential patients to take advantage of industry-leading services and strategic partnerships. The agencys specialized knowledge and comprehensive suite of offerings are designed to meet the unique challenges of the medical industry in an increasingly digital world. Contact Surgeons Advisor directly for a free SEO Audit or more information on how they can drive your practice forward and help you reach your digital marketing goals. In 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 confinement, the Cuban creator Dagoberto Rodriguez, co-founder of the prestigious but inactive since 2018 conceptual art collective Los Carpinteros (The Carpenters), began to recreate refugee camps in watercolor. His process consists of finding them on Google Earth, selecting a fraction (I try to understand where the action takes place, he explains) and creating three-dimensional Lego models of them on his computer. The resulting image serves to project, draw and paint a watercolor one of his favorite techniques which offers a birds-eye view that is half playful and half puzzling. He has done this, for example, with camps such as those of the Rohingya in Bangladesh; Zaatari in Jordan, caused by the Syrian war; and Dadaab, where approximately 350,000 Somalis who fled the civil war, and later drought and famine, eke out survival in Kenya. Born in 1969 in the city of Caibarien, Rodriguez graduated from the Higher Institute of Art in Havana in 1994. There he met the other two original members of Los Carpinteros, the collective with which he reached his zenith of recognition and with which he opened a studio on the island in 2015, in the midst of an economic opening promoted by Raul Castro that allowed them to buy the space. With Los Carpinteros or by himself, he has exhibited at MoMA and the Guggenheim in New York, the Tate Modern in London, the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris and the Reina Sofia in Madrid, among others. In 2021 he obtained the EFG Latin American art award. Rohingya Refugee Camp, by Dagoberto Rodriguez. The idea to turn refugee camps into art stemmed from his life experience. First, from his own journey as a resident in Madrid, Spain, since 2009. Everything that has to do with migration connects a lot with our own experience. Our journey into exile is that of any refugee, he points out. At the end of the story, you say: You belong to art, and so on... but youre a refugee. Second, from a much harsher feeling: Cuba has ceased to be a political project to become one of survival and its capital is now a large refugee camp, he states. Havana is becoming a favela. It used to have a defined structure but it has been undergoing a backwards process [] It lives on international aid. And the people are there temporarily. The final destination in Havana is not Havana, but Miami or Spain, he says. The artist, in fact, has a provocative watercolor in which he recreates the citys port with the same technique and visual language. Its title is Havana Refugee Camp. Havana Refugee Camp, by Dagoberto Rodriguez. After two and a half years of using Google Earth, Rodriguez felt the need to go one step further. To add the street-level view to the one provided from above by technology. Im interested in symbolic production, seeing how people organize the space, he explains. For this he chose Palestine, a place that has been present in his life since his childhood, in speeches in support of the revolution in Cuba, which broke off relations with Israel after the Yom Kippur War (1973) and declared official mourning for the 2004 death of the historic Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. This is practically a city, he says as he walks with family and friends through the streets of Aqabat Jaber, the camp in the West Bank city of Jericho that is home to 10,000 refugees, as well as another 3,000 Palestinians who are not refugees but moved there because of the housing prices. Aqabat Jaber has little to do with the refugee camps that many might imagine with tents, muddy children and tanker trucks. Here, 75 years after the Nakba (the expulsion or flight of two-thirds of the Palestinians who lived in present-day Israel), the houses are made of concrete. At first glance, the only thing that distinguishes it from a normal neighborhood in a Palestinian city are the banners paying tribute to those killed in the conflict with Israel, the piles of garbage (the employees of the UN agency that manages the camps are on strike) and the blue color of the United Nations in schools and medical centers. After a while, Rodriguez notices something else: It wouldnt be very different from any suburban neighborhood if it werent for the faces, the expressions... theres a lot of tension. Jericho is one of the quieter cities in the West Bank, but in recent weeks it has been the target of several Israeli military raids, including one just 72 hours before the artists visit. Rodriguez stops from time to time to take photos with his cell phone. He is captivated by a fountain decorated with Palestinian flags and posters of the latest martyrs of the Israeli incursions. It looks, he says, like a political art installation. He is also struck by the horizontality of the buildings, which differ from another camp he visited: Aida, in Bethlehem, where the lack of space pushes the housing towards verticality. What interests him most is the spatial organization, and its translation into a creative language. Thus, while others pose political questions to a local representative, what he wants to know is if there is something akin to a movie theater in the camp (they set up an outdoor screen in the summers) or who grants building permits. Afterwards, he circles back to his own experience: The Cuban government does to us what Israel does to the Palestinians. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In 2015, PW first interviewed Emily Knox for her then-new Book Banning in 21st-Century America, a fascinating exploration of how and why people challenge books and what those challenges tell us about the immense power of reading. An associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and board president of the National Coalition Against Censorship, Knoxs work studying book bans and censorship is perhaps more important today than ever. PW caught up with Knox for the 2023 Libraries Are Essential program at the U.S. Book Show to discuss how book banning has changed in just a few short yearsand, perhaps most importantly, why its changed. As someone who studies book bans, did you ever imagine wed be talking about book bans in America like we are today? I didnt expect that we would have this huge surge in book bans. Theres always been a sort of low level of book challenges. Its an ongoing phenomenon and has been for many, many years. But what were seeing right now is unprecedented. Virtually every library and school has well-established processes for challenging books, and in the past challenges tended to be pretty personal. But now were seeing organized efforts to go around these challenge processes. Whats changed? Its true, book challenges are usually quite individual. Usually someone will say, like, My kid brought this book home, they looked like they were embarrassed or upset while they were reading it, and a parent would maybe challenge the book with the school or the library. I think what were really seeing now, across the country, is a broader phenomenon where people are mistrustful of democratic policies and processes. Some people believe they cant get the outcome they want if something actually has to come through a consensus or a majority process. We saw this with January 6, right? So rather than follow book challenge processes, some people have decided to just remove booksor worse, show up to school and library board meetings and call people groomers or engage in really horrible rhetoric in an effort to force the outcome they want. I think what were really seeing now, across the country, is a broader phenomenon where people are mistrustful of democratic policies and processes. So this surge in book bans is part of an overall movement that were going through in the country. And libraries and schools are caught up in this because this is where people have the most power over their lives. Its a way more direct power than, say, whats going on in Washington or even in your state legislature. And social media has made it easy for people to find and share lists. It takes just one person to find the Moms for Liberty Facebook group, get their friends to join, and then show up. In recent years, challenges have become very focused on the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. Has there always been such a pronounced political component to book challenges, or is that part of this new political moment? Last year, 2022, was the 40th anniversary of Island Trees School District v. Pico [the first Supreme Court case to consider the First Amendment rights of users vs. the power of local school boards to remove library books from schools]. And I went back and looked at the list of books that they were considering, and they were all books about what we would call diverse topics now. So, yes, book challenges have always had a political valence to them. But we are in a new moment. And I see a few things that have really led us to where we are now. The first, of course, is the pandemic. One of the major things that happened with the pandemic, and I really want to emphasize this, is that school came home. It used to be you sent your kid off to school and they may or may not tell you whats going on. But during the pandemic, school was at the dining room table and I think a lot of parents discovered how much pedagogy has changed. And that has made some parents very nervous. Another major thing that happened was George Floyds murder and the protests that followed. Many of these protests happened in very small, very white communities across the country. And they were often led by kids, by teenagers, who showed up and said, I am going to speak up about this horrible murder that happened in my country and why this is wrong. I think a lot of parents thought Where is my kid hearing about this? or Why does my kid think its okay to protest? And I would also point to the demographic shift happening in the United States. What does it mean that we are moving to a majority minority country? How do we make sure that kids understand our history? How do we talk about our history of slavery and genocide and taking peoples land? What does it mean to be an American? What does it mean to live in a democracy that does not always live up to its ideals? This has always been contentious in the United States, and many of the books being challenged today are being singled out because they do not center a white, heterosexual, cis male understanding of our world. I have to point out the obvious here: people are going after books in libraries for being inappropriate when we all have these powerful computers in our pockets and access to the internet. This surge in book bans isnt really about books, is it? One of my favorite things about my work is studying what I call the discourse of censorshiphow do people argue for removing books? And what Ive found is that, in so many of these arguments for banning books, the books themselves usually take up just a little time before the discussion moves on to larger issues, like what it means to be a human being, to have gender, or to reconcile with the Civil War. Books are important. Books are symbols. Books represent truth. Books have outsize influence. But when you look at what book banners talk about, the book is almost always just a catalyst to talk about these other issues. Were figuring out what we are going to be as we get out of the pandemic, through this time of racial reckoning and into this nonwhite-majority world that we are going to be living in very, very soon. So it really is much more about power and control than it is about books. I know this a huge, complicated question, but how do we effectively defend the freedom to read against this kind of politically organized threat? There are many things that people can do. First, support the authors who have been targeted by these bans. Read a banned book. Its very, very important that their words get out there. More than anythingorganize, and show up. Even if your community has not yet been touched by this wave of book bans, are you prepared for when it does happen? Talk to the people who work in your libraries and schools so you know who to turn to. Theres also the American Library Association, theres the National Coalition against Censorship, and theres your state library and education associations. Know who these people are and how to get in touch with them. And bring your kids to the school or public library meeting. Theres nothing more powerful than when kids and students speak up in public to support books and authors. It makes such a difference when you actually hear the kids say, This is why this book matters to me." This interview has been edited and condensed. A pillar of the picture book world since 1965, when she published her debut title, Svens Bridge, Anita Lobel has created dozens of illustrated works for children. These include 1981s On Market Street, written by her former husband, the late Arnold Lobel, and named a Caldecott Honor Book. Lobel, who began her artistic career as a textile designer, has also made her mark penning nonfiction based on her own life, beginning with 1998s No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War, a National Book Award finalist. Lobel, born Anita Kempler in 1934 into a Jewish family in Krakow, described her childhood memoir as a childs tale of surviving Hitlers Poland, a rescue by the Swedish Red Cross in 1945, and ending with school years in Stockholm. More than 20 years later, Lobel continues her life story in the autofiction Stone Soup: Morsels of an Unsettled Life. After opening with harrowing flashbacks to the Nazis arrival in Poland during World War II, Stone Soup chronicles the authors relocation to New York City with her family. There, the initially unhappy teenager found a sense of freedom and fulfillment in art school; lived as a newlywed and young mother in socially swirling Park Slope; enjoyed critical and financial publishing success; endured the sudden, deeply unsettling dissolution of her marriage; and found long-eluded contentment with her true love, Billy Giles. Speaking by phone from her Tribeca home, this warm, frank, and funny picture-book legend shared nuggets of her life story. Why, more than two decades after publishing No Pretty Pictures, did you decide to continue chronicling your own life in Stone Soup? I have had a very interesting life, and a good life, and I learn from both the high and the low points. I wanted to convey that in Stone Soup, and also to emphasize the importance to me, as a writer, of the rhythm learned from music and progression of scenes in a theater performance, and to do with words that which I am used to doing with pictures. In February, Simon & Schusters Paula Wiseman Books published your latest picture book, Good Morning, Good Night. Would you say writing about your own life is a different challenge than writing stories for children? Pictures in picture books often substitute for words. Not having pictures to lean on when I write about my own life, I have to recreate them. So much in life is visualwalking down the street, looking at people, window shopping, glancing at the skyand when Im writing about my life, my writing wants to be visual. You open Stone Soup with the words, The moment you put pen to paper, autobiographical writing becomes autofiction. How do you distinguish the two? To me, autofiction signifies that none of it is a lie, but it is not moment-to-moment truth. Its partly made-upyou start with your personal experience and embroider on it. And just because the story is personal doesnt mean it is a confessional piece of journal writing. Why did you opt to relay your story as autofiction rather than write a straightforward autobiography? Autofiction is not a lie, but it is more than the truth. And sometimes less. In Stone Soup, I chose to strike quite a few things. I could have said many more bad things about Arnold and the way he ended our marriageit was a terrible, terrible shock. But in the book, I treaded lightly, and ultimately, I was gentle on him. Why did you decide to self-publish Stone Soup? This is a small piece of literature, and none of the editors who read it wanted to pick it upprobably they didnt want [Arnold Lobels] Frog and Toad books to be dishonored! I resisted the idea of self-publishing at first, and asked myself, After all this time, do I want to go into self-publishing? It was not the way I imagined myself publishing a book, but I thought, What is more important to me, being embarrassed to self-publish orat almost 90 years oldgetting a book that I want to see out there out there? And I knew the answer. After focusing on some of the tumultuous and traumatic segments of your life, you end Stone Soup on a peaceful, resonant note, as you and Billy Giles climb into a car to head back to New York after spending a quiet Christmas in New Hampshire with his aunt. Was it important to you to wrap up the book with this comforting scene? Billy was my great and real love and, though many years passed before we were both free to begin a romance, we were together for almost 34 years. He died in 2021, and I miss him terribly. I decided that I didnt want to end the book with The End, but with the sentence, Billy and I were going home. Those were the exact words I wanted to use, and to me that is a very happy ending. Arthur C. Brooks, 59, is not a happy man. He says thats why he made happiness his field of study: at 31, this social scientist left his career as a horn soloist to pursue a doctorate in public policy analysis. Now, he teaches lessons about happiness and leadership at Harvard Business School (HBS), one of the worlds most prestigious business schools. Brooks is a columnist for The Atlantic and a bestselling author; he also served as the director of the American Enterprise Institute, a Republican Party think tank, for 11 years. The Spokane, Washington, native, who is married to a Catalan woman and just became a grandfather, spoke with EL PAIS before giving a talk at IE University in Madrid. Question. Philosopher Julian Marias said that happiness is a necessary impossibility. What does happiness mean to you? Answer. When I ask my students on the first day of class, they answer that it is a feeling. They are wrong: if you are looking for a feeling, you will be constantly frustrated. Happiness is not a destination; it is a direction, a project. Everything worthwhile in life is a project; its not something that you have. Moreover, you have to go against the current, against the world and against nature on this path. Nature only wants two things for us: to survive and to pass on genetic material. It doesnt care if we are happy or not. And if you listen to the mantra if it feels good do it, like the hippies did, you will end up destroying your life. You have to go against the tide of the economy, culture and especially Mother Nature... Q. And what are the keys to this project? A. Investing in four habits: faith or philosophy, a way of keeping perspective, so that you are not always focused on yourself; family; friendship and then work. The latter only needs to have two characteristics, neither of which are money, power or fame: earned successthat is, the idea of generating value with your efforts, which people know you do welland service to others. That applies to any job. Arthur C. Brooks at IE University in Madrid in May. Jaime Villanueva Q. Tuition for an MBA at HBS is about $74,000 a year (over 68,000). As a professor, you teach people who, if they are not rich already, are going to make a lot of money. How do you approach the relationship between money and happiness with them? A. The average salary after leaving HBS is $200,000. My class is the most popular one because my students know that everything they have done for years wont make them happy. Some people think, If I have success, money, pleasure and fame, Im going to be happy. Thats a mistake. I tell them that there is nothing wrong with money, but they have to understand its relationship with happiness: money does not increase happiness; it decreases unhappiness, and only up to a fairly low point, about $100,000. Beyond that, it doesnt matter how much money you have. Q. Whats the difference between reducing unhappiness and increasing happiness? A. Happiness and unhappiness are not opposites; they occur in different parts of the brain. When we think we are having a good day, it means that the mix of these two sets is positive. There are four things you can do with money: spend it on things, spend it on having more time, spend it on buying experiences or donate it. Nature says you want to have more stuff, but this is never going to increase your happiness. However, if you invest it in your family and friends, it will increase your happiness, as will using it philanthropically. Ultimately, the secret is love. Arthur C. Brooks at IE University in Madrid in May. Jaime Villanueva Q. We live in an age of stress and anxiety, especially at work. In the United States, it has caused the Great Resignation. What can companies do to remedy this situation? A. The Great Resignation does not exist, not even in the United States; it is a total fiction. Burnout is not the companies problem; it is a cultural problem: companies can do practically nothing about the four pillars of happiness. In the United States and around the world there is less and less faith, not just traditional faith like mine [Brooks is a practicing Catholic], but less and less spirituality. There are a lot of young people who say, Im not religious, but Im spiritual, but its neither one nor the other. Also, family is becoming less and less important. The problem of loneliness is catastrophic. Companies only have leeway in the work pillar by helping the employee to have a [sense of] purpose, but they cant do anything for [employees] faith or their family. The problem is cultural, not economic. Q. If the problem is cultural, what cultural differences do you see between the United States and Spain? A. In the United States, people work more; its the immigrant culture. Spain is more of a country of leisure. In the United States, when you meet a person, the first question is: what do you do? [In Spain] its: where do you go on vacation? Its a window into the Spanish soul. When Im here, Im much more relaxed. I would love to live here, but my wife doesnt want to [he laughs]. Q. Labor dissatisfaction often has to do with workers not feeling fulfilled by their work. What advice would you give to young people who are about to enter the labor market? A. Usually when you go to a graduation, the speaker always says in their speech, find a job you love, and youll never work a day in your life. Thats lousy advice. Youre never going to find a job thats always fun. The second piece of advice they give you is to save the world, which youre never going to achieve. You have to find something interesting, which wont always be fun or have an impact on the world, but it will always be yours. The most interesting thing for you is your vocation if you can make a living with it. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Book challenges and bans leveled on childrens and YA materials in school and public libraries have been in the headlines for a couple of years now, part of a news cycle fueled by the heat of the politically motivated culture war gripping our country. The spotlight on this issue burned especially hot in April when the American Library Associations Office for Intellectual Freedom released its annual list of the top 10 most challenged books, revealing that there were 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number the organization has ever recorded. According to ALA, 58% of those challenges targeted books and materials in school libraries, classroom libraries, or school curricula. In other recent tracking data, PEN Americas latest Index of School Book Bans found that in the first half of the 20222023 school year, there were 1,477 instances of books banned affecting 874 unique titles, which is up 28% over the prior six months. These bans occurred in 37 states, with Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and South Carolina topping the list. We spoke with some school librarians about the effects of book banning on their work, and how they are finding and offering support during this stressful and troubling time in their profession. Given this exceptionally tense climate, a number of school librarians declined to speak on the record for this story. It is exhausting, says Kim Fields, school library media specialist at Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Fla. Each day our governor comes up with new ideas, new demands, new terrible backwards steps. Essentially, this is an attempt to indoctrinate all people who do not conform to conservative Christian beliefs. Fields explains that the biggest push behind the spate of Florida legislation designed to censor curricula and ban books is coming from the group Moms for Liberty, which she notes was founded in her states Brevard County in 2021. The conservative nonprofits purpose is to fight for the survival of America by unifying, educating, and empowering parents, according to its website. Most recently, the group has put its mission into action by organizing its nationwide network of chapters to advocateoften via school boardsagainst mentions of race, LGBTQ rights, discrimination, gender and sexuality, and other related topics in school curricula. In Hillsborough, Fields says, we have one MFL member on our board and she is very vocal. We recently had our first official challenge of a book [This Book Is Gay], and she swayed the school board vote [resulting in a ban] at the very last second. The last board meeting I listened tothey occur during school hours, so while we cannot attend, we can listen to a livestream or recordings to stay up to datehad 58 speakers lined up. It was horrible, but like a train wreck you cannot turn away from. Shadows over the Sunshine State Looming particularly large for Fields and fellow Florida librarians is the recent passage of Florida House Bill 1069, which serves as an expansion of the states dont say gay law and goes into effect July 1. The new law mandates requirements for instruction and materials relating to human sexuality and reproductive health, and it will also dictate the use of pronouns and terminology related to sexual orientation or gender identity deemed acceptable in schools. Equally distressing to many librarians, the law also defines classroom libraries and delineates new standards for book challenges. The language of this bill is concerning for those who want to inspire readers and make sure students have access to appropriate, respected books about subjects of their own interest, says Suzy Tkacik, media specialist at Pride Elementary in Tampa. Among other things, it requires that every book in every classroom be cataloged, made searchable to the public, and vetted and approved by a licensed school media specialist. With more than 60 classrooms in my school, this will require hundreds of hours collectively to accomplish. Fields agrees that the scope of work created by the fast-approaching legislative shifts is burdensome. It makes the library media specialist responsible for maintaining and approving all classroom books beyond those in the approved curriculum, Fields says. This includes any donated books or Little Free Libraries on school property. Tkacik notes that some of the teachers in her school fear losing their job or their teaching license over books in their classroom libraries. I have heard from more than a few teachers that they plan to just remove their classroom libraries rather than face the scrutiny that Florida HB 1069 threatens, she says. This is absolutely heartbreaking to hear. She explains that access to both the school and the classroom library is vital for students. Classroom libraries serve a different function than a school library. Free choice is perhaps the most important factor in inspiring independent reading, so any time we limit access to appropriate choices, we limit opportunities for kids to learn to love to read. Tkacik adds that when kids cant find themselves, their interests, or what makes them curious in books, they can easily search for that material somewhere else, with potentially harmful results. Books in school libraries and classrooms have been thoughtfully curated by librarians and teachers for their particular audience. Under the new law, Fields says, the process for challenging books will change. Books that are challenged in any way by any person must immediately be removed or quarantined. Any protest of any book will make this happen. Previously, challenged books remained in the library until the challenge went through all the proper channels and a decision was made. Like Tkacik, Fields notes that, faced with this kind of censorship, many teachers are choosing to box up and take home all of their available books. The wider scope of this means less access to books for kids all around. It will be illegal to carry most of what we have now, especially at the middle and high school levels. Somethings got to give Censorship efforts such as legislating what is taught in schools and which materials are permitted to be there have a chilling ripple effect that has already impacted what the day-to-day work of a school librarian or media specialist looks like. The heavy slate of new legislation in my state has added another layer of work and stress to an already overwhelming list of duties, Tkacik says, noting that her responsibilities include technology maintenance and repair, instructional technology, and school communications, in addition to managing a library of roughly 10,000 volumes and teaching classes every day. I think school media specialists already juggle about three full-time jobs in our one jobas do most teachers and school administrators. The new legislation means more state training, more time substantiating our book choices by requiring external reviews for each item, and now ongoing time needed to review and approve every book in every classroom library. The strain is taking a toll. Our mood now is dark, Fields says. We are angry. We are frustrated. We are insulted; our degree, required by the state, means less than one parents right to choose. They will now mandate what is selected based on their biased personal beliefs, and not our professional degrees. She points out an even more rattling juxtaposition. July 1 will also usher in Floridas Constitutional Carry law, which allows individuals to carry concealed weapons without obtaining a government-issued permit. People can carry guns as they choose, yet children will not be able to read books deemed inappropriate by someone else, she says. Our children will be in more danger than ever. It is just bizarre. Looking beyond this pivotal summer, Fields admits, I do not know how much fight I have left in me. Attacks on all sides will wear a person down. I think that next year will be my last. But what scares me the most: What if all librarians here in Florida feel this way? What happens to this generation of readers? Who will fight for their rights under our national constitution? This emotional and physical stress overload is not limited to school librarians in states with the most book challenges or restrictive education laws, either. Without a doubt, the current climate in libraries and education has influenced my work as a school librarian, says Steve Tetreault, school library media specialist in the Holmdel Township School District in Holmdel, N.J. I find myself second-guessing many of my decisions about what to include in displays, and what purchases should be made. Like many of his colleagues, Tetreault strives to provide unfettered access to a wide range of materials. There are some items that, while not the right fit for some students, are just rightor maybe even essentialfor others, he says. As an example, he cites research studies from the Trevor Project and other sources that have found that LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to die by suicide than their non-LGBTQ peers. I have heard parents of LGBTQ+ teens who have attempted or committed suicide share how important having support materials available can be for some students. Tetreault has also heard other marginalized students discuss various forms of discrimination they have encountered from their peers. Providing materials where these students can see themselves and feel seen and represented is important, he says. Trying to serve students in need without hanging a target around ones neck has gotten difficult, Tetreault adds. The climate created by book bans has also led to some internal discussions about collection development and policies for both curating and removing books from the collections of all the libraries in the district. Where to find help School librarians across the country routinely say that standing in solidarity is critical to their success, especially in trying times. Fields and Tkacik both praise their district library services administrators in Florida for the steady, passionate support they provide. In New Jersey, Tetreault notes that the New Jersey Association of School Librarians established a Rapid Response Team that will organize volunteers willing to mobilize to defend school librarians and education in their area. Many other resources are available nationwide, and an array of library and education organizations stand ready to help librarians facing censorship issues. The American Association of School Librarians guides its membersand nonmembers, tooto the ALAs Office for Intellectual Freedom, says AASL president Kathy Lester. OIF has the expertise to provide confidential, specific support, she says. We also encourage everyone facing any type of challenge to report to OIF. Lester says her organization has focused on building community as a way for members to share and support each other via the groups board meetings or chapter assembly meetings as well as in numerous blog posts in AASLs KnowledgeQuest newsletter. She hosted a town hall about supporting school librarians navigating challenges last October, and she and AASL president-elect Courtney Pentland have crowdsourced a list of Resources for School Library Professionals for Action and Safety During Challenging Times. Additionally, AASL has teamed with ALA on a number of initiatives surrounding the issue, including an ALA Connect Live Session cohosted by Lester and ALA president Lessa Pelayo-Lazado during National Library Week in April and two webinars earlier this year, created in collaboration with OIF. I have spent time with AASL working diligently and collaboratively for about two years with ALA public policy and advocacy staff, as well as staff of Sen. Jack Reeds and Rep. Raul Grijalvas offices to introduce the Right to Read Act in October 2022, and then to reintroduce the Right to Read Act 2023 during National Library Week in April 2023, Lester says. We are proud that the bills have been endorsed by ALA and AASL, as well as the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, National Council of Teachers of English, and PEN America. For the AASL Presidents Program at ALA Annual on June 24, Lester will be moderating a Freedom to Read Ambassadors panel discussion. Well be talking about speaking out for the freedom to read and why it is important for all students to have access to a wide variety of books and information, she says. The panelists include author Kelly Yang (Front Desk); Sonja Cherry-Paul, educator, author, and adapter of Stamped for Kids; Amanda Jones, 2023 winner of AASLs Intellectual Freedom Award; and Becky Calzada, cofounder of the #FReadom group. More generally, in terms of supporting fellow librarians, Tetreault notes that more transparency could help clear up some of the misinformation and misunderstanding that drives parents concerns in book banning cases. The more the community is engaged with and aware of how the school library serves all its students, the lower the chance that community members will believe mis- or disinformation, he says. Another big problem Tetreault sees is that so many efforts to counter book banning efforts are reactive, rather than proactive, he says. Building a support network before challenges arrive is the best way to prevent those challenges in the first place. In speaking with numerous librarian friends who are personally facing book banning efforts, Tetreault hears a common rallying cry. Theyve all shared similar advice: get ready, get active, and get loudwhether literally or figuratively. Similarly, Tkaciks advice for librarians also stresses preparation, knowledge, and courage of conviction. We need to understand the laws and make the most of our abilities and expertise rather than be frightened by the threat of repercussions, she says. While new legislation brings challenges and adds to our workload, our students need and deserve access to diverse, rich, meaningful texts, which provide windows, mirrors, and doors to our world. We cant let fear hinder the choices that we provide. Despite Fieldss feelings of frustration and defeat, she says she still has reason to hope. She recalls a quote she recently read, in which Maya Angelou refers to the song lyric, Every storm runs out of rain. Thats what I believe, Fields says. For now, I continue to fight in my own way to supply a book for each reader I have in my care. Its exhausting, appalling, terrifying, yet theres determination, tooto keep on giving our kids every chance we can. For a list of Lesters advice for librarians facing censorship, click here. "In a way, Minnesota companies have become the center of independent childrens publishing on a national level, says Lerner Publishing Group CEO Adam Lerner. We have not been conglomeratized. The publishing scene is still run by families. Being a family-run business is part of our strength: we are dynamic and entrepreneurial. We all started from a school and library base. And theres also Mackin Educational Resources [a distributor to schools and libraries]. Owners Randy and Kitty Heise are the elder statesmen of the scene. Theyve done a lot to foster the industry here. LPG, founded by Lerners father in 1959, is headquartered in Minneapolis, as are a number of smaller childrens publishers, including Gryphon Press, Maren Green, Mighty Media, North Star Editions, and Oliver Press. ABDO and Capstone Publishing Group are both based in Mankato, with offices in suburban Minneapolis, while the Creative Company has operated out of Mankato for more than 90 years. Minnesota publishers nimbleness in responding to current events and cultural shifts with topical releases will be on full display at ALA, with such offerings from LPG as Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults and Night and Dana, a graphic novel that the publisher says is a coming-of-age story for the climate-change era about making art and growing up when it feels like the world is on fire. As for Creative Company, it will promote Banned Book, which uses redacted text to explore how and why books are targeted. It will also spotlight Simply Skye, about a nonbinary child who cant identify as either male or female. It has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with one childs worry about disappointing their family, says Anna Erickson, v-p, sales. Capstone is spotlighting Lena and the Burning of Greenwood: A Tulsa Race Massacre Story. The author introduced me to this quote from a Tulsa Race Massacre survivor, says v-p of publishing Beth Brezenoff. Maybe if we talk about it enough, itll never be again. Im really proud to publish this book; it is a story worth readingeven when its hard to do so. Sweet home Chicagoland Chicagolands childrens publishers are every bit as connected to their communities and responsive to the zeitgeist as their Minnesota counterparts. Our Midwest roots are deeply ingrained in who we are and the company weve built, says Sourcebooks senior v-p/ editorial director Todd Stocke. We have always been keenly aware that our readership is our neighbors, and our neighbors are regular folks. At ALA, Sourcebooks will promote This Book Is Banned, a hilariousand thoughtfullook, senior marketing director Heather Moore says, at what happens when ideas are outlawed instead of shared. Moore is also excited about You Need to Chill!, a picture book with a protagonist whose brother Bill has become her sister Lily. Albert Whitman & Co. sales and marketing director Tom MacDonald says hell focus on the companys Abby in Orbit series, which he calls a fabulous chapter book series about a fun-loving third graders adventures in space travel, at ALA, as well as books that emphasize community, including Jack the Library Cat. Our Midwest roots are deeply ingrained in who we are. Phoenix International is spotlighting its Kids Ask About nonfiction series, which Chris Fey, publisher of PIs Sequoia Kids Media school and library imprint, describes as perfect for summer reading. PI will also have on hand Black Swans, a picture book containing stories about six pioneering Black ballet dancers. Black Swans is, per PI v-p, publisher Susan Brooke, an example of a commitment to publishing books that explore diversity within diversity, with releases about BIPOC notables including civil rights activists and astronauts, as well as ballet dancers. Cottage Door is also prioritizing diversity with its Brown Sugar Baby series of board books. It will be promoting two 2023 releases at ALA: Brown Sugar Baby Christmas Joy and Brown Sugar Baby Sweetest Love. East of Lake Michigan, in the Detroit metro, Cardinal Rule Press will be a first-time ALA exhibitor, and publisher Maria Dismondy is eager to introduce librarians to her company and its list. One release that she anticipates will resonate is Hide and Shh!, which features a main character with Down syndrome. Dismondy notes, however, that this is not the point of the story. We had plenty of feedback on the development of this character, Dinah, from parents and teachers in the DS community, and we think Dinah is an amazing representation, she says. Return to main feature. Yangs Shoes Walk to Park Row For six figures, Park Row preempted North American rights to The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang. The debut novel, which Nicole Luongo and Laura Brown bought from Madeleine Milburn at the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency, is a work of historical fiction about two women in 19th-century China. Park Row said it follows the high-born Linjing and her maidservant Little Flower, who is gifted with embroidery, as they navigate the limited realities and strict expectations placed upon them. Yang was born in Vietnam, which was then the Chinese enclave of Saigon, and raised in Australia. The novel is set for January 2025. St. Martins Chases Hawkinss Storm Rachel Hawkins (The Wife Upstairs) re-upped with Sarah Cantin at St. Martins, selling world English rights to two novels. The Storm will be released in January 2025, and the second, currently untitled book is set for January 2026. The Storm, St. Martins said, is a dual-timeline tale set at a Gulf Coast hotel that has withstood 70 years of hurricanes. However, with a superstorm bearing down, the secrets of the past threaten the inns survival from inside and out. Holly Root at Root Literary represented Hawkins. Fargo Favors Random House Layne Fargo (Temper) sold The Favorites to Random Houses Caitlin McKenna. The novel marks the thriller writers first foray into womens fiction. Sharon Pelletier at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret brokered the two-book, world English rights agreement. Random House called The Favorites a modern reimagining of Wuthering Heights. It follows the relationship between a decorated ice dancer and her childhood sweetheart, who grows up to be her Olympic skating partner. McKenna said Fargo has taken Brontes original and fused it with a riveting contemporary story of unapologetic ambition and love in the world of elite skating. The Favorites is set for late 2024 or early 2025. Finks Witch Haunts Gallery Musician Orenda Fink sold The Witchs Daughter to Rebecca Strobel at Gallery in a U.S., Canadian, and open market rights agreement. In the book, Finkwho is part of the indie music duo Azure Rayblends details of her own story with a meditation on mother-daughter relationships. Gallery said The Witchs Daughter is based on a childhood spent amid poverty and her mothers diagnosis of the borderline personality disorder type known as The Witch. Yfat Reiss Gendell at YRG Partners represented Fink. Viking Wins DuQues Stories North American rights to the debut story collection by Jenzo DuQue were acquired at auction by Vikings Ibrahim Ahmad. The publisher said The Rest of Us explores the duality of the first-generation Latinx experience from the streets of Chicago to the forests of Colombia, grappling with the reverberations of national and personal history. DuQue contributed to The Best American Short Stories 2021. Julie Barer at the Book Group brokered the agreement, which also includes a currently untitled novel. Kanders Adult Debut Goes to Mira Mira Books April Osborn bought North American rights to Beth Kanders adult debut at auction. The publisher said I Made It Out of Clay is about a single, Jewish woman who, in a drunken panic days before her sisters wedding, creates a golem to solve all her problems, only to discover he might unearth the greatest fear shes ever faced. Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio represented the playwright and childrens book author. This article has been updated for clarity. In his poem Chicago, Carl Sandburg describes the nations third-largest city as the Hog Butcher of the World/ Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat/ Player with Railroads and the Nations Freight Handlerbut he may as well have added that it is also the city of many bookstores. Of the 65 Illinois bookstores that are Great Lakes Independent Bookstore Association members, about 50% are located inside Chicagos city limits; scores more serve the suburbs. Lynne Mooney, a co-owner of Women & Children First, a feminist bookstore, described Chicagos bookstore scene as dynamic, adding, The bookstores here all have strong and distinct personalities and people are not afraid to take risks. There are, of course, full-service general bookstores, such as 57th Street Books, located in Hyde Park. Its just a few blocks from the legendary Powells Books, which is renowned for its huge inventory of used and remaindered books. Other general bookstores include Sandmeyers in the South Loop, Madison Street Books in the West Loop, and Volumes BookCafe in Wicker Park; Volumes also operates a 1,500-sq.-ft. satellite bookstore in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, the upscale shopping district on North Michigan Avenue. According to Volumes co-owner Rebecca George, attendees at this years American Library Association Annual Conference, set to run June 2227, who stop by the stores Wicker Park location will receive 50% discounts on coffee and tea. As Mooney pointed out, the indies scattered around the Windy City are doing well because each is unique and fills a distinct niche. In Logan Square, City Lit is a general bookstore with a large inventory of childrens books, while the Book Cellar nearby is a general bookstore with a wine bar. Unabridged Bookstore in Lake View, another general bookstore, stocks a broad selection of LGBTQ literature. In River West, Semicolon Bookstore specializes in Black literature, while the Abraham Lincoln Bookshop specializes in books on the Civil War and about the U.S. presidents, especially the 16th. Da Book Joint, a 150-sq.-ft. store in a retail space created from rehabbed shipping containers, opened its doors in Bronzeville, on Chicagos South Side, in late 2021. It specializes in African American titles across all genres, for both adults and children, though owner Verlean Singletary noted, Our biggest section is books for tweens and teens. The citys two newest niche bookstoresThe Understudy, a theater cafe and bookstore in Andersonville, and Skunk Cabbage, a Logan Square bookstore specializing in environmental issues and sustainability that hosts workshops for community membersboth opened their doors this spring. Exile in Bookville is located in the historic Fine Arts Building on South Michigan Avenue downtown. EiB sells vinyl records along with books, and boasts a large inventory of music titles and a wall of small press releases. There are a lot of new faces on the bookselling scene, noted Javier Ramirez, who worked for 25 years as a bookseller at a number of Chicagoland stores before opening EiB with business partner Kristin Gilbert on Independent Bookstore Day 2021. Echoing Mooney, Ramirez praised the collegiality of his fellow booksellers, and maintained that their success is due to each doing weird things to realize their vision for their bookstores. We all have the same common goal, but different identities. He added that EiB is offering 15% discounts on store-branded T-shirts and tote bags to ALA attendees. So wear your badge! Founded in 2016 as a used bookstore, Pilsen Community Books in the Pilsen neighborhood became an employee-owned and -operated bookstore in 2020 that sells both new and used books. Seminary Co-op, located near the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, was founded in 1961 to sell scholarly books; four years ago, it tweaked its mission and now bills itself as the countrys first not-for-profit bookstore whose mission is bookselling. One of Chicagos newest booksellers, Tim Wurman, the owner of Three Avenues Bookshop in West Lakeview, perhaps sums up best what makes Chicagos bookselling community so special: Weve made a lot of friends since we opened our doors last fall, he said. Rebecca George at Volumes, Javier Ramirez at Exile, Danni Mullen at Semicolonthose are our three main mentors. And we got to know so many others planning the Independent Bookstore Crawl in April. Chicago booksellers have welcomed us into their community. They rock! Comics and graphic novels are prime targets in the current battle to ban books at libraries across the country: the most-banned book in the U.S. was once again Maia Kobabes Gender Queer, and others, such as Mike Curatos Flamer, Jerry Crafts New Kid, Craig Thompsons Blankets, and Art Spiegelmans Maus, appear on multiple ban lists. Librarians who have championed the comics form find themselves on the front lines, processing and disputing challenges and helping others counter censorship while facing virulent harassment on social media and even in person. Some have left the profession entirely due to the resultant fatigue and fears for personal safety. There are some positive signs: key legal victories, and a groundswell of popular support as surveys show the majority of Americansincluding parentsare against censorship and pro-library. But overall, its a tough situation that has gotten tougher, acknowledges Robin Brenner, teen librarian at the Public Library of Brookline (Mass.) and president of the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table. The GNCRT is an ALA interest group, now five years old, which helped defenders of the right to read become ever more sophisticated in how they counter challenges. (For more about the GNCRTs other efforts to support librarians, see Spotlight on ALA Comics Initiatives, p. 67.) The conflict is more visible, which in some ways is more helpful, Brenner says. More people are talking about it and successfully fighting to keep books on the shelves, or stand up to the one person at a school board meeting thats being contrary. But the onslaught wears out even the most stalwart professionals. Kelly Jensen is a former librarian who covers book censorship news for Book Riot. Warnings had been sounded for a while, she says, but the threat was underestimated at first, while groups like Moms for Liberty became well rehearsed, well funded, and well practiced, and were given a platform by journalists who still believe that you need to cover both sides to any story. Victories set precedent Lawyer Jeff Trexler, interim head of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), points to recent legislative and legal victories that set precedent to protect the freedom to read. Illinois passed a bill to ban book banning, and last year Trexler contributed to win a key victory for Gender Queer in a Virginia court. More and more lawsuits that rely on upholding the First Amendment are being filed. Recently, PEN America teamed up with Penguin Random House and a group of authors and parents to file a federal lawsuit claiming a Florida school districts removal of books from school libraries violates both the First and 14th Amendments, because the books being targeted are disproportionately books by non-white and/or LGBTQ+ authors, per the suit. The U.S. Department of Educations civil rights office also issued a decision against book bans, which created a potentially hostile environment for students, in violation of their civil rights, as PW reported in May. Shira Pilarski, assistant manager of the Detroit Public Library and president-elect of the GNCRT for 2024, applauds the increasing crowd of people who are supportive and realize that they need to get involved. They mention a high school senior of color in Boise, Idaho, who successfully ran for the school board on a platform of opposition to book banning. One of the ways that he won was talking about how it was important for him to read books about characters like him, Pilarski says. Communities are rallying: it turns out libraries are one of the most popular government services. An ALA survey showed that more than 70% of voters oppose censorship, including majorities of voters across party lines, and attempts to defund libraries have been rebuffed. Its becoming more apparent that the people who are calling for censorship actions are in the minority, Trexler says. A lot more people value the library and the services it provides, and even the fact that it includes certain books. Brenner says the popularity of graphic novels in libraries for readers has not been quashed, which provides inspiration to weary librarians. Some of the most banned titles are in fact the most in-demand, especially among kids who are nonwhite or queer. There are so many stories that still need to be told, and kids are finding them in comics more and more, she notes. Pilarski is keenly aware as a librarian in an urban center of the need to defend diverse books. If we didnt buy books about BIPOC people, then we wouldnt be reflecting the community, they say. Jerry Craft, the first cartoonist to win a Newbery for a graphic novel, was initially shocked by the outcry against his graphic novel New Kid. Try growing up Black and see how many uplifting books you had as a kid, he says. Nobody was trying to save me as a kid. We have all grown up to write the books that we wish we had. (For our q&a with Craft, see Just Be Better, p. 66.) A chilling effect Librarians have always been aware that comics are vulnerable to censorship. The visual medium can make taboo material literally more visibleand easier to take out of context, as shown by the claims that Gender Queer is obscene based on a single panel. But comics are extra vulnerable for challenges, because you already have situations in which the library as a whole is generally not advocating for comics as real reading, says Amie Wright, the head of GNCRTs Addressing Challenges Committee and a former manager at the New York Public Library. The struggle is taking a toll. Accused of promoting child pornography and being abusers or groomers, librariansespecially school librariansoften feel isolated or burned-out. There is a chilling effect, the full extent of which is hard to measure. People are afraid, Trexler says. I get messages all the time asking, Am I going to get arrested for buying this book or shelving that one? Even Brenner is apprehensive in her mostly progressive area of Boston, as Pride Month begins. Ive been lucky, but were all on edgewe have to prepare for backlash, she says. Some worry that pre-censorship is becoming the norm. Several sources pointed to the recent controversy when Scholastic asked author Maggie Tokuda-Hall to remove references to racism in the authors note of Love in the Library, her picture book about how her parents met in an incarceration camp for Japanese Americans during World War II. Publishers are in a double bind, Trexler says. Threats of boycotts are real, as the zealous reaction to mild displays of support for queer rights by Disney and Anheuser-Busch have shown. Companies have to answer to shareholders and boards, he explains. So thus far, the public task of defending books has been left largely to individual librarians, or to organizations like the CBLDF and EveryLibrary, a PAC formed a decade ago. Wright agrees that reactions from publishers havent been aggressive, but hopes that may change, as PRHs involvement in PEN Americas lawsuit suggests they might. Librarians, she says, need to make a case for their influence in the overall graphic novel publishing business. So much of Scholastics business is comics. Even in school libraries, 40%75% of a collections circulation is graphic novels, according to various surveys. Lets discuss return on investment, circulation and statistics, growth over time. Even as the number of challenges has soared, some worst-case scenarios remain hypothetical. Despite threats, according to Trexler, hes not aware of any librarian who has been arrested over a book staying on shelvesyet. There have been librarians who have been shut down or fired, he says. Its hard to criticize someone who is in jeopardy of losing their job. Standing up for the right to read Librarians defending their collections have an arsenal of new resources, including guides from PEN America, the ALA, GNCRT, Penguin Random House, and other support organizations. Some librarians are discovering the best tool to counter challenges is their existing library policies, Brenner says. For example, a standard rule in many libraries is that once a book is challenged, it cant be challenged again for two years, to prevent so-called nuisance challenges. More libraries are insisting that only members of their local communities can lodge challenges. School libraries are investigating whether challengers have children who currently attend their schoolsor whether they are even parents. Another basic policy requires that the challenger have read the entire bookoften, they havent. It seems irrational, but the first question a librarian asks should be, Did you read this book entirely? Wright says. For comics, Brenner says, librarians should ask what image, what page, and why. They should contextualize this image in the entire book. She adds that complaints are often based on extraordinarily skewed talking points. They say, I dont want to expose myself to the material theyre challenging. Basically, there is no logic. The GNCRT assembled a tool kit aimed at presenting real, pragmatic, concrete advice about what your collection development policy and challenge policy should look like, Wright says. She also advises that issues unique to comics and graphic novels need to be addressed in library policies. One of the things weve heard is that even now, most libraries dont actually talk about bans and challenges in advance, she says. Its depressing to need to be prepared, like having active shooter drills. Trexler says that another key is knowing that obscenity has a legal definition, despite how often its thrown around. Wright agrees that letting librarians know that they have legal rights is important. Just because someone comes in and says Gender Queer is obscene, doesnt mean that it is, she explains. It has to be proven in a court of law. Trexler sees the very ferocity of the campaign to suppress stories about gender and race as a sign that challengers know they are on the wrong side of history. Its a deep-seated feeling that theyve already lost, he says. Theres a sense that graphic novels are everywherethat the depiction of these relationships and racial questions are everywhere and will be part of schools and libraries. What people are doing is raging against the whirlwind. But Jensen, of Book Riot, isnt so sure. Im cynical, having done this for so long, she says. Even if we take down Moms for Liberty, these other groups are proliferating. I think were in an era where this is going to continueand one of the biggest problems is the lack of literacy about how to read and understand graphic material. The toll taken on librarians will linger, Brenner acknowledges. Going through a challenge is incredibly personal and exhausting, she says. If youre the school librarian trying to make a place for these kids, being targeted feels very lonely and very isolating. Trexler hopes that advocates begin to recognize censorship as a wedge issue. He points to large numbers of people who are campaigning against censorship getting on school boards nationwide. I do think were going to win out again, but its going to take some time, he says. And were going to have to be more sophisticated. I dont want to focus on an end in sight, says Detroit public librarian Pilarski. Were going to keep fighting, because thats what we do. Read more from our Graphic Novels in Libraries feature: Just Be Better: PW Talks with Jerry Craft We spoke with Craft, author of the frequently banned, Newbery Awardwinning graphic novel 'New Kid' (Quill Tree) and its sequels, on the experience of having one's own book banned. The American Library Associations New Comics Initiatives The ALAs Graphic Novels and Comics Roundtable is rolling out new initiatives geared toward serving and supporting librarians. The 2023 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition will feature one of the most robustand importantslates of programming in years, with more than 200 programs on tap in a range of formats addressing a host of urgent topics facing libraries. This years conference features an especially strong lineup of programs responding to the ongoing nationwide surge in book bans and legislative challenges to the freedom to read, a sampling of which are rounded up below: A Rally for the Right to Read: Uniting for Libraries & Intellectual Freedom Thursday, 69 p.m., Hilton Chicago, Boulevard Room This special pre-ALA event will feature anti-censorship activists from around the nation and will honor the 2023 recipients of the ALAs intellectual freedom awards. The rally will include an appearance from Ibram X. Kendi, author of numerous bestselling books, including Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, which won the 2016 National Book Award for Nonfiction, and the international bestseller How to Be an Antiracist. This is a ticketed event, but tickets are free and can be obtained via the ALA annual conference website. Changing the Narrative: ALA Policy Corps Takes On Book Banners Saturday, 910 a.m, McCormick W180 This program will share successful strategies for engaging legislators across the political spectrum as well as practical techniques and tools to best position ones library to take on book banners. The panel will be moderated by former Nashville Public Library director and ALA senior policy fellow Kent Oliver, and will feature Maine State librarian Lori Fisher; Amanda Kordeliski, director of libraries and instructional technology at the Norman (Okla.) Public Schools; Becky Calzada, district library coordinator, Leander, Tex., ISD; and Erin MacFarlane, legislative committee chair for the Arizona Library Association. Books Under Fire: Law and the Right to Read, 2023 Saturday, 12 p.m. McCormick W180 Attendees will learn all about new laws relating to book banningand ways to oppose themfrom two powerhouse defenders of intellectual freedom: Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALAs Office for Intellectual Freedom, and Theresa Chmara, general counsel for the Freedom to Read Foundation, the ALAs First Amendment legal defense arm. SOS: Stock Our Shelves (with Challenged and Banned Books)! Saturday, 2:303:30 p.m., McCormick W187b This workshop is billed as an SOS call to all librarians who are interested in sharing strategies to ensure that children of all ages are offered a variety of texts in their schools and libraries. Participants will connect with colleagues, share their stories, and hear others. It will be led by Jen Nails, multiservices librarian at the Las VegasClark County Library District. We Need Diverse Books and ALA Present: How to Fight Book Bans: Authors On Speaking Up and Fighting Back Saturday, 2:304 p.m., McCormick W183a WNDB founding member and CEO Ellen Oh will moderate a panel of authors and present concrete ideas for how to respond to censorship attempts in the classroom and the library, including strategies libraries can implement to gain community support and acquire resources from the publishing and author communities. Joining Oh will be Kyle Lukoff, author of the Stonewall Awardwinning When Aidan Became a Brother; Samira Ahmed, bestselling author of Love, Hate & Other Filters and the Amira & Hamza middle grade duology; Ashley Hope Perez, author of the bestseller Out of Darkness (#9 on the ALAs top 10 most challenged books list for 2022); Jerry Craft, the Newbery Medalwinning author and illustrator of New Kid, Class Act, and School Trip; and Eliot Schrefer, a two-time finalist for the National Book Award in Young Peoples Literature and the author of Queer Ducks, which explores sexuality in the animal kingdom. How to Navigate Book Challenges in the Teen Services Space Sunday, 11 a.m.noon, McCormick W194a This panel of teen service librarians who have experienced book challenges firsthand will offer resources and advice for pushing back against censorship attempts. Moderated by YALSA president-elect Colleen Seisser, this panel will feature Sheila E. Michaels, librarian at Nixa (Mo.) High School; Jennie Stevens, adult services librarian at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library in Weston Springs, Ill.; Rachel Colias, teen services librarian at the Niles-Maine District Library in Niles, Ill.; and Kathleen Breitenbach, teen librarian at the Hamilton (N.J.) Township Public Library. United for Libraries Presidents Program: Emily Amick (Emily in Your Phone) Sunday, 11a.m.noon, McCormick W184bc A former counsel to U.S. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, Emily Amick (@emilyinyourphone on Instagram) has grown a massive audience on social media by speaking out on some of the nations most important issuesand her engagement with book banning has made her a powerful advocate for the library community. In this program, Amick will review the current political climate and offer ways that library leaders and supporters can increase awareness and engagement on the essential issues impacting libraries. The session will be moderated by Gordon N. Baker, dean of libraries emeritus at Clayton State University. Help! Theyre Coming for Our Books! Sunday, 11 a.m.noon, McCormick W185a This panel discussion, sponsored by the ALAs Rainbow Round Table, will discuss the legal rights of libraries and librarians, their experiences facing censorship, and efforts to resist censorship. The program will also highlight the many resources libraries have to fight against the banning of their materials. It will be moderated by Angela Ocana, current chair of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Round Table; Christine Emeran, Youth Free Expression program director with the National Coalition Against Censorship; John Chrastka, EveryLibrarys founder and executive director; and Jonathan Friedman, PEN Americas director of free expression and education programs. Make the Most of Banned Books Week Sunday, 12 p.m., McCormick W194a The ALAs Annual Banned Books Week (set for October 17) is an opportunity to celebrate and emphasize the importance of the freedom to read. This panel will explore the ways libraries can use Banned Books Week to engage their communities. It will be led by ALA program officer and Banned Books Week coordinator Betsy Gomez and will feature Cheryl Davis, director of the Youth Free Expression program at the Authors Guild; Christine Emeran, director of the Youth Free Expression program at the National Coalition Against Censorship; and Sarah Miller, senior coordinator of intellectual freedom and book initiatives for the National Council for Teachers of English. This Book Is Banned! Sunday, 3:304:20 p.m., Exhibit Hall PopTop Stage (Aisle 1600) This session will feature a conversation between two bestselling picture book authors whose works have been targeted by book bans: Raj Haldar, author of This Book Is Banned, and Juno Dawson, author of This Book Is Gay. Also known by his stage name Lushlife, Haldar is a rapper, composer, and producer from Philadelphia. Dawson, who now lives and writes full-time in Brighton, England, is an international-bestselling author of fiction and nonfiction for young adults. This Book Is Gay has been frequently targeted by book banners and came in at #10 on the ALAs list of most challenged books in 2022. As always, check the ALA program for any last minute changes or additions. The publishers anchored in Americas Heartland, particularly in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, include a vibrant mix of indies, literary nonprofits, childrens publishers, religion and spirituality publishers, and academic presses. Theres even a company in St. Paul, Minn., Elva Resa, that publishes books for both adults and children about almost every aspect of military life. Heartland publishers may vary in size and scope, with some in large metro areas and others in small cities, but they all share one characteristic: without exception, they remain grounded in their local communities while doing business on a global scale. Its all about networks, as Kregel Publications publisher Catherine DeVries puts it. No matter where you are, you can find your peopleyou can find your community. Describing Sourcebooks as an outsider to the more traditional book publishing model, and ascribing that status to its location in a Chicago suburb, senior v-p//editorial director Todd Stocke says, This has allowed us to forge our own path, and be both reader and data-centric. You may find that true of a lot of publishers in the Heartlandthis freedom to operate and create outside the norm. Noting Sourcebooks roster of international authors, Stocke adds, Thats part of the job, toobringing the ideas and cultures of this big, beautiful world back to our hometowns. The times they are a-changing While a number of publisherssuch as Cynthia Sherry of Chicago Review Press, Adam Lerner of Lerner Publishing Group, and Kregels DeVriescelebrate that the companies they lead remain family owned, change is in the air. Penguin Random House recently became a majority stakeholder in Sourcebooks, the company famously launched in 1987 in Dominique Raccahs spare bedroom, and in late 2021, Judy Galbraith, another industry trailblazer, sold Free Spirit, the childrens publisher she founded in Minneapolis 40 years ago, to California-based Teacher Created Materials. How do we expect kids to develop critical thinking skills if they are offered only one way to think? On the nonprofit literary publishing side, Fiona McCrae retired as publisher of Graywolf Press after 28 years, during which she transformed a struggling small press into what a Chicago Tribune columnist proclaimed to be the greatest publisher in the world, its authors receiving such prestigious honors as the Nobel Prize, Booker and Booker International Prizes, Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and National Book Critics Circle Award. Graywolf is not the only Heartland publisher to have attained great success with books that have become backlist stars. One notable example is Milkweed Editions, which has sold more than one million copies of its 2013 release Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Anna Erickson, v-p of sales for Mankato, Minn.based Creative Company, says the publishers Creative Editions picture book imprint was probably better known internationally than in the U.S. for many years, due in part to Creatives relationship with famed Italian artist Roberto Innocenti. For nearly 30 years, Creative Editions has been Robertos exclusive publisher, and weve sold rights to his titles around the globeincluding Italy. Diversity and inclusion Of course, publishing in the Midwest does pose challenges endemic to the entire industry, including a need to diversify the workforce, and two Chicagoland publishers have taken action to do just that. Three years ago, Sourcebooks launched the BIPOC Editorial Program in an effort to make publishing careers more accessible to people of color from nontraditional backgrounds. The program, which is conducted remotely and pays a stipend, emphasizes the fundamentals of publishing while providing hands-on experience. In July, Agate Publishing will roll out Agate Publishing Academy, a series of online courses designed to provide an affordable and accessible option for in-person publishing programs, says publisher Doug Seibold. Pulling the curtain back is going to create more equity of opportunity for people. It should be important for our whole industry. A commitment to ramping up their output of books reflecting DEI themes was expressed by every Heartland publisher PW spoke with. While Lerner launched the Read Woke Books imprint to, as publicity director Lindsay Matvick says, amplify the voices of people of the global majority and provide information about groups that have been disenfranchised, Phoenix International launched its Sunbird Books imprint to represent strong and diverse voices that reflect childrens realities, according to publisher Susan Brooke. Confronting challenges Even if they arent creating new imprints or specific lines to promote diversity and inclusion, Heartland publishers are publishing more and more books featuring LGBTQ and BIPOC charactersthe kinds of books targeted by extremists and essential to library collections. A few publishers are even releasing books about book banning itself to educate childrenand their parentsabout censorship. Creative Editions recently published a picture book, Banned Book, and this fall Sourcebooks will release its own picture book on the subject, This Book Is Banned. The spike in book bans is a major concern for all Heartland publishers. Even those that have not yet contended with their titles being challenged admit, as Two Dollar Radio publisher Eric Obenauf puts it, that it does affect our approach in terms of the types of books we seek to publish. That is not always in the ways that the extremists agitating for book bans would wish, however. Noting that one of its releases, Four Feet, Two Sandals, has been challenged in Florida, publisher Anita Eerdmans of Eerdmans, which is renowned for its faith-based list for the Christian market, declares that while bans continue to be distressing for us, it has only strengthened our resolve to publish books that reflect diversity of all kinds. And Haymarket Books has been organizing free e-book giveaways and is spearheading a campaign to send donated books from its Chicago offices to schools and libraries under siege in Florida, Tennessee, and elsewhere. Disclosing that Creative is so concerned about censorship that it has licensed the right to reprint a recent Atlantic magazine article, The Librarians Are Not Okay, on the cover of its fall 2023 catalog, Erickson points out, The current political climate will affect everyone in the end. No library can hold physical copies of every book, but there is a vast difference between a collection curated by a trained professional and a collection stripped of anything even remotely controversial. How do we expect kids to develop critical thinking skills if they are offered only one way to think? Read more from our Heartland Publishing Spotlight feature: Midwestern Publishers Have Something for Everyone Publishers from America's heartland are prepared to strut their stuff at this year's American Library Association conference in Chicago. Children's Publishing's Deep Midwester Community Roots Midwestern childrens publishers are finding inspiration in their communities. Midwestern Faith-Based Publishers Find a Higher Purpose Religious presses in the Midwest aim to offer readers hope through their books. The Heartland's Scholarly Presses Look Past the Ivory Tower Midwestern scholarly publishers, like their counterparts in other regions, are increasingly expanding their lists beyond the academic market. Midwestern presses are proud of the publishing hubs they have created around the Great Lakes, in cities better known for their blue-color industries. Some people dont think of Chicago as a publishing town, says Doug Seibold, founder and publisher of Agate Publishing in Evanston, Ill. But despite their thoughts, Chicago is a trade-publishing place with independent publishers like us who have become an integral part of this citys cultural life. Agate, which has grown to become one of Chicagolands largest indie publishers, was founded in Seibolds basement in 2002 to publish books to fill a niche without him being beholden to funders or donors or investors. Agate was the first to publish acclaimed novelist Jesmyn Ward and food writer Iliana Regan, and Seibold expressed confidence that 2023 releases like Under the Henfluence by Tove Danovich and Regans Fieldwork will spark interest among librarians at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference, as well as its In Their Own Words series, now with a companion series for young readers that includes collections of quotes by Michelle Obama and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Launched at approximately the same time as Agate, Haymarket Books has published books by such authors as Rebecca Solnit, Arundhati Roy, and Howard Zinn examining systemic inequality and social justice from radical perspectives. Pointing out that sales surged during the pandemic and remain 54% above prepandemic levels, programming and development coordinator Dana Blanchard explains that the uprisings following George Floyds murder in 2020 were transformative for Haymarket: Interest in our books matched the intensity of the political moment as people searched for ideas, analysis, history and politics related to systematic racism, she says. During ALA, Haymarket, which has been a leader in the fight against book bans and censorship, will host at its Chicago offices a gathering of radical librarians, publicity director Jim Plank says, for a discussion of anti-censorship efforts and other ways for libraries and librarians to support liberation work. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Chicago Review Press publishes 50 new books annually under nine imprints. Describing this falls releases as an exciting lineup, publisher Cynthia Sherry is confident that Paul Landiss The Final Witness will generate a lot of excitement. Another iconic publisher, Third World Press, is arguably the largest independent Black-owned publisher in the U.S. It launched in 1967 when Haki R. Madhubuti met with poet Carolyn Rodgers and activist Johari Amini in Madhubutis Chicago basement; it has since grown into a multimillion-dollar company releasing works by such authors as Gwendolyn Brooks and Amiri Baraka. The biggest publisher in Chicagoland is, of course, Sourcebooks. But it started out very smallin a bedroom in publisher Dominique Raccahs Naperville home. Now in its 36th year, Sourcebooks publishes about 540 books annually under 12 imprints, and among its adults imprints are Sourcebooks Casablanca for romance fiction; Sourcebooks Landmark, devoted to commercial fiction; and Bloom Books, dedicated to publishing entrepreneurial authors. Detroits Aquarius Press publishes underrepresented voices, with its Willow Books imprint focusing on BIPOC authors. Visible Ink in nearby Canton focuses on the sciences, history, minority studies, and the paranormal. Heading west, generous state funding supports Minnesotas cluster of literary nonprofit presses, including Coffee House Press, Graywolf Press, and Milkweed Editions. CHP has become renowned in recent years for its edgy offerings, and will feature at ALA such titles as poetry by Black queer femme Saretta Morgan. Graywolf will feature recent books from Tsitsi Dangaremgba, Dana Gioia, and Max Porter, while Milkweed is spotlighting The Lost Journals of Sacajewea by Deborah Magpie Earling. Strive Publishing, a relative newcomer on the scene, publishes books of Black interest. Publisher Mary Taris also operates a bookstore/gift shop inside a collaborative retail space in downtown Minneapolis, the Sistah Co-op. Minnesota is also known for publishers affiliated with two of the countrys most prestigious medical facilities. The mission of Hazelden Publishing, a division of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, is to help people overcome addictions, while Mayo Clinic Press publishes books on mental and physical health topics for both adults and children. Belt Publishing, in suburban Cleveland, was founded in 2013 with the mission of publishing underrepresented perspectives from the Rust Belt region, while Two Dollar Radio in Columbus is, publisher Eric Obenauf says, committed to championing diverse voices that speak to contemporary issue,and does so in true Midwest nice fashion. When extremists prevented a local eatery from hosting a drag queen brunch, Two Dollar Radio partnered with Cover to Cover, a local childrens bookstore, to set up a display of books by trans and nonbinary authors. A portion of the proceeds from sales were then donated to the Columbus Kaleidoscope Youth Center. And, Obenauf says, Were shuffling our early 2024 list around a bit in order to publish some bold voices, such as a title that speaks directly to trans and nonbinary athletes in sport. Bethanne Patrick is a writer and editor living in the Washington, D.C., area. Return to main feature. Scholarly publishers in the Midwest, like their counterparts in other regions, have expanded their lists beyond the academic market, and are acquiring books that appeal to general readers, including biography, literary fiction, history, and poetry, as well as regional interest titles. Such crossover titles vary not just from state to state, but from publisher to publisher. Northwestern University Press still releases strong cultural criticism titles, like Sex Work, Text Work: Mapping Prostitution in the Nineteenth-Century French Novel, but it also publishes literary fiction, such as As If She Had a Say. At Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, the list hews more closely to traditional academic guidelines, with history, botany and criminology often tied to regional interests, such as the recently released Mary Lincoln Demystified. The University of Illinois Press also tends toward the academic, with strong offerings in Black studies, labor history, and musicology, such as Workers of All Colors Unite and A House for the Struggle. At Wayne State University Press in Detroit, which calls itself a distinctive urban publisher, the list mixes current scholarshipsuch as Memory Spaces about Jewish womens graphic narrativeswith poetry and fiction, including Enough to Lose and the poetry collection The Second Stop Is Jupiter. We hold the range and depth of our list as a point of pride, says director Stephanie Williams. Our Made in Michigan series, for example, includes poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction works across a range of forms, modes, and styles. Most exciting to me as a Stephanie and as a Black woman is the opportunity to work with Stephanies Evans, Shonekan, and Adams on the timely Dear Department Chair: Letters from Black Women Leaders to the Next Generation. In East Lansing, Michigan State University Press publishes many books about the environment and the natural world, such as Great Women of Mackinac, 18001950 and the novel Wiijiwaaganag: More Than Brothers. At the University of Michigan Press in Ann Arbor, titles lean toward narrow, serious topics for many different fields of study, from the classics to modern languages to video game theory, including 2023s Toward a Gameic World by Ben Whaley and Writing on the Soil. The Minnesota Historical Society Press, headquartered in St. Paul, showcases Minnesota and the Upper Midwest with cookbooks, memoirs, and history, many of them centered on regional concerns, like Minescapes and Wild Things: A Trans-Glam-Punk-Rock Love Story. The University of Minnesota Press has The Sioux Chefs Indigenous Kitchen by Sean Sherman, who was featured in Time magazines 100 Most Influential People of 2023. Other titles of strong ALA interest include Earth Ice Blood Bone and The Last Supper Club. Kent State University Press in Kent, Ohio, offers a mix of highly specialized academic titles in fields such as African American studies and social science, including Fraternal Light: Painting While Black and Dressing a la Turque. However, those fields have expanded to include a book on the barrier-breaking comic strip Funky Winkerbean, as well as one on true crime that involves murder with a potato masher. With a mission to focus on its regions history, diversity, culture, and environment, Ohio State University Press in Columbus releases many essay collections and works of fiction with ties to the Housatonic area, especially as part of its Trillium imprint. A few of its standout 2023 titles are Growing Up Graphic, Asian American Players and Safe in a Midwifes Hands. Ohio University Press in Athens was established in 1947 and is known for a serious list with strengths in books relating to the Midwest, Appalachia, Southeast Asia and Africa. Swallow Press, acquired in 2008 by Ohio University Press, reprints many classics besides offering new releases. Afrofuturisms and Collective Chaos are among the presss latest releases. In Madison, the University of Wisconsin Press has myriad series and journals that support scholars in areas that include African studies, Jewish studies, and books about the Upper Midwest. Its spring 2023 offerings include Radium Girl poetry collection as well as Charlottengrad: Russian Culture in Weimar Berlin. Less than a mile away are the offices of the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, which has been publishing since 1855. It continues to release relevant works like The Flavor of Wisconsin and A History in Indigenous Voices, the latter a title that should appeal to librarians seeking to further diversify their collections. Return to main feature. Even though Grand Rapids, Mich., has a population of only about 200,000, the western Michigan city and surrounding area is a major hub of religion publishing and is home to Baker Publishing Group, Eerdmans Publishing, Kregel Publications, and Zondervan. A lot of the publishers in the Midwest came out of the same faith traditions, and also knew each other, says Andrea Doering, editorial director of Revell, BPGs fiction imprint. They started publishing books in their hometowns around the same time, during the Great Depression. They had a ready and willing market there, across the country, and across the globe. Kregel publisher Catherine DeVries concurs, noting that three of the four companies are still family owned (Zondervan is now part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing). Being a family-owned enterprise in Michigan, DeVries says, gives us the freedom to publish what we feel is important and what people need. We believe in the books we publish; theyre not just numbers on a list. Both Doering and DeVries point out that, while people everywhere are transitioning to postpandemic life, readers are still, as DeVries put it, looking for hope, a deeper purpose than they sought prior to 2020. Both are especially excited about their faith-based fiction lists, each citing a novel set in WWII Polandboth written, coincidentally, by Amanda Barratt. This fall, Revell is releasing The Warsaw Sisters, while back in January Kregel released Within These Walls of Sorrow. Explaining that the Black Lives Matter movement has driven Kregel to build a more diverse list, DeVries is also excited about nonfiction, such as Colorful Connections, a book about race coauthored by a Black woman and a white woman. Issue-based books are very important, DeVries says. We need more voices from a variety of perspectives. Chicago publishers keep the faith Most of the other religion publishers in the Heartland are located in major metro areas and affiliated with larger organizations. Four of these houses are clustered in Chicago: InterVarsity Press, affiliated with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; Loyola Press, the publishing arm of the Roman Catholic Jesuit ministries; Moody Publishing, part of the Moody Bible Institute; and Tyndale, the publishing division of Tyndale House Ministries. All four will spotlight their offerings for children at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference. IVP will introduce its new IVP Kids line, and Loyola is announcing the launch of its 4U2B Books & Media imprint, which publisher Joellyn Cicciarelli says will focus on secular books for children and adults that deliver connected, inclusive, and inspirational topics and stories. Tyndale will be giving away A Twisty Turny Journey, the 11th volume in its Dead Sea Squirrels middle grade series. Moody publisher Randall Payleitner says the press is making new strides to reach middle grade readers, with both nonfiction and fiction, to help them better navigate the complex world in which they live. Out of the Shadow World and This Seat Is Saved are two new poignant fiction releases that he thinks every library should carry, Payleitner says, as both make real-world sense out of the difficulties faced by todays kids. While the Twin Cities are renowned for being hubs of literary and childrens publishing, Minneapolis is also home to 1517 Media, the publishing arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 1517 Media publishes for the trade under two imprints: Broadleaf Books for adults and Beaming Books for children. Explaining that our lists expand beyond progressive Christian interest to reach and speak to a general readership interested in such topics as social justice, spirituality, and personal wellness, senior director of marketing and sales Alison Vandenberg is buzzing about The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal, due out in September. The Pilgrim Press moved to Cleveland in 1990, and publisher Rachel Hackenberg declares that the publishing arm of the United Church of Christ will never leave the Midwest. Pilgrim has built relationships with other small presses, including those in Cleveland, Hackenberg says, and is a member of an association of Protestant-owned publishing houses. She adores Pilgrims childrens book series Slug and Snail, because it engages children in fundamental concepts of belonging and global citizenship through the adventures of a pair of crawling besties. Amanda Barratt's first name was incorrect in an earlier version of this story and has been corrected. Return to main feature. Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Friday that hes quitting as a lawmaker after being told he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament. Johnson quit after receiving the results of an investigation by lawmakers over misleading statements he made to Parliament about a slew of gatherings in government that breached pandemic lockdown rules. In a statement, he accused opponents of trying to drive him out. Several dozen allies of former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson received honors from King Charles III on Friday, a list that drew cries of cronyism from opponents of the ousted leader. Resignation honors, bestowed by the monarch but chosen by the government, are an established but contentious way for departing leaders to reward loyal lieutenants. Johnson gave lifetime seats in Parliaments unelected upper chamber, the House of Lords, to several former advisers, and bestowed knighthoods or damehoods on loyalist lawmakers including former Cabinet ministers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Priti Patel. Other aides, lawmakers and Conservative Party figures received lesser honors. The list features several staffers implicated in the partygate scandal over rule-breaking gatherings in government buildings during the pandemic, including former Johnson aides Martin Reynolds and Shelley Williams-Walker. Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, said that Johnson had rewarded a carousel of cronies. Instead of tackling the cost-of-living crisis, the Tories are spending their time doling out rewards for those who tried to cover up rule-breaking and toadied to a disgraced former prime minister, she said. Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks office said that, as is customary, the current leader didnt interfere with his predecessors honors list. Among the political allies of the tousle-haired Johnson, one name on the list stood out: Kelly Dodge, the long-serving manager of Parliaments in-house hair salon, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. One name missing from the list is former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, a stalwart Johnson supporter who had been widely tipped to enter the Lords. She wasnt on the list but announced Friday she was quitting as a lawmaker, effective immediately. There will be a special election to fill her seat in the House of Commons. Issues of patronage are especially sensitive around Johnson, who left office in September 2022 when scandals over money, ethics and judgment turned Conservative lawmakers against him. Johnsons Conservative predecessors Theresa May and David Cameron also handed out honors when they left office in 2019 and 2016, respectively. But Labour prime ministers before them, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, didnt use the procedure. Johnson, whose career has been a roller coaster of scandals and comebacks, led the Conservatives to a landslide victory in 2019 but was forced out by his own party less than three years later. Still a lawmaker, he is awaiting the outcome of an investigation by a House of Commons standards committee over misleading statements he made to Parliament about a slew of gatherings in government buildings in 2020 and 2021 that breached pandemic lockdown rules. Police eventually issued 126 fines over the late-night soirees, boozy parties and wine time Fridays, including one to Johnson, and the scandal helped hasten the end of his premiership. The committee is expected to publish its report in the next few weeks. If it concludes that Johnson deliberately lied, he could face suspension from the House of Commons. A suspension of 10 days or more would allow his constituents to petition for a special election to replace Johnson as a member of Parliament. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition With the launch of the Coordination Platform on Economic Coercion in May, the Group of Seven (G7) leading economies have taken an important step after years of U.S. allies and partners facing coercion from the People's Republic of China (PRC) alone. There is no shortage of recent examples regarding why such a coordinated approach by the G7 members is warranted. In November 2021, NATO and EU member Lithuania welcomed a new Taiwan Representative Office. But allowing it to be called Taiwan rather than Chinese Taipei, or some other term, raised the alarm in Beijing. The PRC deemed it a violation of the One China principle and struck back: China, with a 2021 gross domestic product (GDP) of $17.7 trillion versus Lithuania's $66.4 billion, instituted a set of coercive trade measures on Lithuania. This was only one of a large set of such coercive measures China has been instituting against smaller countries over perceived slights. The G7 agreement builds on a measure in the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act, signed in December, which calls for the establishment of a Countering Economic Coercion Task Force. That task force has, as part of its mandate, the requirement to discuss with allies and partners how best to respond to Chinese economic pressure. As policymakers from the world's leading economies consider their response, there are a variety of options they could adopt to ensure that states do not have to be left to fend for themselves against such coercion. Our recent RAND report, Countering Chinese Coercion: Multilateral Responses to PRC Economic Pressure, identifies these different options and explains how the United States might lead such a collective response, including the costs and benefits of different approaches. There is much the West can do to push back against such bullying, and many reasons to do so. Doing so is a core interest of the United States, which now places itself in competition with China over the shape of the international order. Chinese pressure campaigns may create a chilling effect on state decisionmaking and sovereignty. Smaller states that rely on China economically may hesitate to offend China and may decide to avoid policies that do not meet with Beijing's approval. U.S. policymakers have clearly stated that they reject a system in which small states subordinate national aspirations to the sphere of influence of larger ones. There are three broad steps the United States and its allies and partners can take to respond to, and potentially stop, China's coercive actions. Share on Twitter There are three broad steps the United States and its allies and partners can take to respond to, and potentially stop, China's coercive actions. First, the G7, which accounts for more than half the global economy, can publicly unite to denounce China's actions. There is precedent for such joint statements on other issues that threaten the international order. For example, in November 2022, the communique of the Group of 20 heads of state summit in Bali declared the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible, in reference to Russia's threat to use nuclear weapons in its war on Ukraine. Before the May 2023 G7 summit, however, such broad-based joint statements do not appear to have been issued regarding China's coercive activities. Second, they can retaliate economically in a coordinated manner against China, such as with multilateral trade or travel bans, until China ceases its coercive efforts. Such measures could be reciprocal to what China has done, or they could be unrelated to China's actions but economically costly to the PRC. Third, they can provide economic assistance to the target of China's wrath, helping it weather the negative consequences of China's coercion. This could include facilitating exports of goods that China has banned or direct financial assistance. All these measures come with a cost, although united statements would have the least cost. These costs could include the cost of potential Chinese retaliationboth economic and noneconomiccosts to domestic businesses in the cases where the United States and its partners put restrictions on Chinese trade or investment, or the costs of direct financial outlays. These should be weighed against the costs of not acting and allowing China to continue to attempt to dictate the policies of U.S. allies and partners. Recent events show what can be done through collective action. In the case of Lithuania, other states became increasingly willing to push back. Starting in January 2022, the European Union started a World Trade Organization case against China. Taiwan started a $1 billion credit program to help finance joint Lithuanian-Taiwanese projects. The United States sent a senior delegation to Lithuania in a show of support and held talks with the EU on how to counter coercion. And Australia, itself a target of Chinese pressure, increased cooperation with Lithuania to counter these pressures. Beyond Lithuania, the European Union is moving toward a new, formal Anti-Coercion Instrument. Anti-coercion efforts would be strongest if they encompassed Asian states that are even more exposed to potential Chinese economic coercion than European targets. Share on Twitter While these signs are hopeful for European targets of Chinese coercion in particular, such anti-coercion efforts would be strongest if they encompassed Asian states that are even more exposed to potential Chinese economic coercion. Japan ( PDF ) and South Korea have also endured sustained PRC coercive campaigns in the past, and U.S. Asian treaty allies are much more economically dependent on China than those in Europe or North America. Based on available data, we calculate that in 2021 total goods traded with Chinaimports plus exportsamounted to 15 percent and 16 percent of all goods traded by the United States and the EU, respectively, those figures were 23 percent for Japan and 24 percent for Korea. U.S. leadership and coordination will be required to take advantage of the full economic power of the West, broadening out from the G7, including the United States, EU members, NATO members and U.S. Asian treaty allies. Based on World Bank data, we calculate that together these states accounted for 57 percent of global GDP in 2021, compared to 18.5 percent for China. Acting collectively gives the West considerable leverage to safeguard the policy freedom of smaller states and to shape China's actions in a more productive direction. This direction would be the same that has given rise to the world'sand China'sremarkable growth and development, specifically, safeguarding an international rules-based system in which countries are free to set their own policies within those agreed-upon rules. Bryan Frederick is a senior political scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation and the associate director of the Strategy and Doctrine Program in RAND Project AIR FORCE. Howard J. Shatz is a senior economist at RAND and professor of policy analysis at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. This commentary originally appeared on The Hill on June 9, 2023. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. Aaron Clancy / Instagram By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 06/10/2023 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. alum Aaron Clancy has posted PDA-filled pictures with his girlfriend Alice Gray, sharing how he's very happy in the relationship.Aaron took to Instagram earlier this week to share photos with his girlfriend from their date to Lorimar Winery in Temecula, CA, and in a one of them, they were sharing a steamy kiss."I'm a happy guy right now," Aaron captioned the slideshow, along with a red heart.Alice commented on the post with two red heart emojis and wrote, "Love you. Now hurry up with the chicken bake and come back to the pool.""Love u 2," Aaron responded.In the two pictures, Alice was wearing a white crop top with high-waisted khaki pants and Aaron was sporting a gray T-shirt and black hat.Aaron has also been trying to come up with a celebrity name for the couple. He's thrown out Aliron and Aalice, and Alice recommended Aarison.Aaron confirmed he's in a new relationship with Alice in April by sharing a video of sweet moments they've had together."I've been pretty busy lately, and I couldn't be happier about it. Kind, generous and understanding is an understatement. Thank you for being one of the most special people I have ever met. Let's keep living it up babe," Aaron captioned the hard launch.Alice, a California-based blonde beauty, commented on Aaron's video, writing, "Why are you so cute?!"Aaron had teased he was seeing someone following his split from Genevieve Parisi during a March appearance on the "Click Bait with Bachelor Nation" podcast."Life is good, I can't complain... I don't want to say anything too, too official right now, but I am seeing someone," Aaron told Joe Amabile during the March 2 episode of the "Click Bait" podcast."Things are going really, really good. I am super happy, actually. I'm probably the happiest I've been."Aaron said he and his girlfriend, whom he chose not to identify at the time, met through "a friend of a friend."Aaron gushed about how the mystery woman "is super talented," explaining, "[I don't want to] give too much away, but she's an artist."Aaron recalled how his first date with his girlfriend was a very casual one with no pressure."It's funny because for our first date, I wasn't really planning on it being a date. It was more of, like, just meeting this person. But we got a few beers. It was more casual, and then once I really started liking her, I was like, 'Okay, I've got to do this right,'" Aaron shared.Aaron therefore asked Alice out on what he believed would be a more proper first date."So I took her to a nice restaurant out here in San Diego called Island Prime. It's a steak and lobster type of place right on the water. So I did it right for sure!" Aaron boasted.Aaron also said his girlfriend knows about his past on Katie Thurston 's season of The Bachelorette, Season 17, and his two stints on , Seasons 7 and 8."Yeah, she knows about my horrific failures on national TV, for sure," Aaron confirmed with a laugh.Joe quipped in reply, "If she's okay with that, I feel like she could be The One."Aaron responded, "One thousand percent. I agree. And I'm even worse in real life, so....""Trust me, I know," Joe joked.Aaron, who went to school for business, was working in sales and social media in San Diego at the time. When Joe playfully called Aaron "unemployed," Aaron noted, "I'm in between things."Aaron left 's seventh season in 2021 single but in a new best friendship with James, who is also currently in a serious relationship The men proceeded to enter 's eighth season last year together, as a funny and entertaining bromance.James got involved in a love triangle with The Bachelor 26 alum Shanae Ankney , but he was sent packing when Shanae chose Logan Palmer over him.Meanwhile, Aaron dated Genevieve from The Bachelor 26 and fell in love with her.However, Aaron dumped Genevieve after the Final Rose Ceremony and before overnight Fantasy Suite dates, claiming their fights were unhealthy and it didn't seem like she was going to be his person.Aaron then became a subject of scrutiny late last year, when he was accused of using and playing Genevieve just to stay in Paradise -- and remain on-camera -- for as long as possible.And according to one of Aaron's alleged ex-girlfriends, he was allegedly playing two women shortly before leaving San Diego to film in Mexico.Aaron was allegedly dating two women , simultaneously, from around September 2021 through May 2022.filmed in June 2022, and once Aaron returned home, he appeared to resume dating one of the women he had left behind to film the show. Alice, however, is someone brand new in his life.Aaron denied allegations he was a two-timer and that he had manipulated Genevieve for more screentime.Aaron also claimed he never left to film Paradise in Mexico with the intention of reuniting with one of his former flames once he traveled back home to San Diego.However, the woman who had come forward with the accusations to Reality Steve spoiler blogger Steve Carbone fired back, insisting Aaron was a liar and a cheater Genevieve, for her part, said on "The Ben and Ashley I: Almost Famous Podcast" in early December that Aaron had "blindsided" her with their split on Paradise.Genevieve said she had fallen in love with the wrong person and "should have picked up on some flags."Genevieve also complained on the podcast that Aaron never reached out to talk or check on her once filming ended.Aaron, however, insisted that he texted Genevieve after the reunion filmed on November 4.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group The Shiv Sena-UBT and the Nationalist Congress Party on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party will make the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena "cry" for every Lok Sabha seat, the statements coming amid strife in the ruling alliance in Kalyan Lok Sabha seat represented by Shinde's son Shrikant. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister meet Union Home Minster Amit Shah in New Delhi. Photograph: @mieknathshinde/Twitter On Friday, Shrikant Shinde had said some leaders were trying to create hurdles in the alliance in Dombivali area (under Kalyan Lok Sabha seat) for their own selfish politics and that he was ready to leave the seat since the aim was to ensure the Narendra Modi government returns with a thumping majority in the 2024 LS polls. Latching on to the strain there, Shiv Sena-UBT Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said the Kalyan-Dombivali area was a stronghold of the (undivided) Shiv Sena and the party had been winning from there for years now. "The same seat was given to Shrikant Shinde who had no connection with the party. Uddhav Thackeray had pampered Shinde's son. Let him fight his battle. The BJP will make them (Shinde-led Shiv Sena) cry for every single seat," Raut said. The NCP said the BJP had plans to ditch Shinde in Kalyan and eventually force all Shiv Sena leaders to contest on its lotus symbol. "Looks like @BJP4Maharashtra has all plans to ditch MP Dr Shrikant Shinde in Kalyan Loksabha Constituency. Eventually BJP will force all others from Shinde camp to contest on BJP ticket or face permanent political isolation. @NCPspeaks," the party's spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said. On Friday, in a bid to defuse the situation, Shrikant Shinde had said he would "back whichever candidate the senior leadership of BJP-Sena decides" for Kalyan as everyone was "working towards the BJP-Shiv Sena forming government at the Centre". Shrikant Shinde has been MP from Kalyan since 2014. Meanwhile, BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that Uddhav Thackeray is in such a position that he will have to accept even if the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party give his party just two Lok Sabha seats to contest in Maharashtra Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule said the BJP treated Thackeray like an elder brother when it had an alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena. The BJP leader claimed that the Congress has already laid its hands on the Ramtek constituency, which was earlier with the Shiv Sena, now being headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Thackeray broke ties with the BJP in 2019 after differences cropped up over the chief minister's post. He then joined hands with the Congress and NCP to become the CM under the banner of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), but his government fell last year following a rebellion led by Shinde. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats of which the undivided Shiv Sena won in 18 constituencies in 2019. Uddhav Thackeray will have to say yes even if Sharad Pawar or Sonia Gandhi asks his party to contest on just two seats as has no other option left. It was the BJP that treated Uddhav Thackeray like an elder brother and gave him seats as per his wishes, he said. But now, the situation is different, he said, referring to Thackeray and MVA. About claims that a BJP worker named Saurabh Pimpalkar is connected with the death threat to NCP chief Sharad Pawar on social media, Bawankule said the party worker had only followed the accused on Facebook. Neither BJP nor its worker issued any threat to Sharad Pawar on social media, he said. Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday dismissed suggestions that the appointment of his daughter Supriya Sule as the working president of the party has upset his nephew Ajit Pawar, asserting he himself had mooted the proposal. IMAGE: Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar in discussion with his nephew and NCP leader Ajit Pawar after announcing his resignation as party chief in Mumbai on May 2, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo "The suggestion was made by him (Ajit Pawar). So, where is the question of him being happy or unhappy," Pawar told reporters in New Delhi to questions on the Maharashtra Leader of Opposition being upset about Sule's elevation. The veteran leader announced earlier in the day three-term Lok Sabha member Sule and Praful Patel will be the working presidents of the NCP. Ajit Pawar was seen as an heir-apparent in the NCP, but his dalliances with the Bharatiya Janata Party, including an early morning swearing-in as Maharashtra deputy chief minister along with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in 2019, had not been received well by the party. "There is no vacancy now. We can talk about it when there is a vacancy," Pawar quipped when asked if Patel or Sule could become NCP chief in the future. Sule was also appointed the chairperson of the party's Central Election Authority as well as the in-charge of Maharashtra, the only state where the NCP has a formidable electoral presence, ushering in a generational shift in the party. The BJP was quick to take a dig at the announcement made by the NCP chief. "If only Sharad Pawar loved his nephew as much as Mamata Banerjee loves hers," BJP Information Technology Department in-charge Amit Malviya said on Twitter. Pawar also said elevating Patel and Sule was a "conscious" decision taken by the entire party. "This is a conscious decision by the entire party and not me alone. If I had to make a decision, why would I have waited all these years," the NCP supremo shot back when asked about the allegations of nepotism. Pawar said there was "not even one per cent truth" in reports of Ajit Pawar being upset with the decision. "Jayant Patil is already the president of Maharashtra unit of NCP, Ajit Pawar is the Leader of Opposition in the assembly. Praful Patel and Supriya Sule did not have any such responsibility in the party and were ready to devote time for the party," Pawar said. He said senior party leaders had made suggestions to the effect and the proposal was under discussion within the party for the past one month and he had only made the announcement on Saturday. Pawar said Sule being a Lok Sabha member has to work in Delhi and has been given responsibility of adjoining states of Haryana and Punjab, besides Maharashtra. Similarly, Patel has personal contacts in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh -- states that are closer to Gondiya, his home town, Pawar said. Amid strain between the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party in Kalyan Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra, local MP Shrikant Shinde on Friday said he was ready to resign for the sake of the alliance. IMAGE: Shrikant Eknath Shinde. Photograph: ANI Photo In a statement, Shinde, who is the son of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, said he wanted that the Sena-BJP form government (as part of the National Democratic Alliance) again at the Centre in 2024. "Some leaders from Dombivli are trying to create obstacles for the alliance for their selfish politics. I have no desire for any post. I will back whichever candidate the senior leadership of the BJP-Sena decides," he said. Shinde has been representing Kalyan constituency near Mumbai since 2014. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro and ELN commander Antonio Garcia shake hands during a bilateral ceasefire agreement signing ceremony between Petro's government and the ELN guerrilla. Colombias government and its largest remaining guerrilla group agreed Friday to a six-month cease-fire at talks in Cuba, in the latest attempt to resolve a conflict dating back to the 1960s. The government and the National Liberation Army, or ELN, announced the accord at a ceremony in Havana attended by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, top guerrilla commander Antonio Garcia and Cuban officials. The cease-fire takes effect in phases, goes fully into effect in August and then lasts for six months. This effort to look for peace is a beacon of hope that conflicts can be resolved politically and diplomatically, top rebel negotiator Pablo Beltran said at the ceremony. The talks originally were scheduled to conclude with an official ceremony on Thursday, but were postponed as the parties asked for additional time to work on final details. Petro traveled to the island for the ceremony, saying it could herald an era of peace in Colombia. The accord reached Friday also calls for the formation of a broadly representative national committee by late July to discuss a lasting peace. You have here proposed a bilateral agreement, and I agree with that, but Colombian society has to be able debate it, and to participate, Petro said during the ceremony. Garcia, the rebel commander, said his group was very confident in the accord, though he characterized it as procedural and not yet the substantial kind needed for Colombia to change. Negotiations between the sides had resumed in August, after being terminated in 2019 when the rebels set off a car bomb at a police academy in Bogota killing 21 people. Following that incident, the government of then-President Ivan Duque (2018-2022) issued arrest warrants for ELN leaders in Cuba for the peace negotiations. But Cuba refused to extradite them, arguing that doing so would compromise its status as a neutral nation in the conflict and break with diplomatic protocols. Talks relaunched in November shortly after Petro was elected as Colombias first leftist president. Petro has pushed for what he calls a total peace that would demobilize all of the countrys remaining rebel groups as well as its drug trafficking gangs. He has questioned whether senior ELN leaders have full control of a younger generation of commanders who he has suggested are focused more on the illegal drug trade than on political goals. The ELN was founded in the 1960s by union leaders, students and priests inspired by the Cuban revolution. It is Colombias largest remaining rebel group and has been notoriously difficult for previous Colombian governments to negotiate with. In 2016, Colombias government signed a peace deal with the larger FARC group that ended five decades of conflict in which an estimated 260,000 people were killed. But violence has continued to affect rural pockets of the country where the ELN has been fighting the Gulf Clan and FARC holdout groups for the control of drug trafficking routes and other resources. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is taken from court, where he appeared on charges of jumping British bail seven years ago, in London, on May 1, 2019. A British judge has rejected the latest attempt by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to fight extradition to the United States to face spying charges. High Court justice Jonathan Swift said a new appeal would simply re-run arguments that Assanges lawyers had already made and lost. Assange has battled in British courts for years to avoid being sent to the U.S., where he faces 17 charges of espionage and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks publication of classified diplomatic and military documents more than a decade ago. In 2021, a British district judge ruled that Assange should not be extradited because he was likely to kill himself if held under harsh U.S. prison conditions. U.S. authorities later provided assurances that the Australia-born Assange wouldnt face the severe treatment that his lawyers said would put his physical and mental health at risk. Those assurances led Britains High Court and Supreme Court to overturn the lower courts ruling, and the British government authorized extradition in June 2022. Assange is seeking to halt the extradition by obtaining a new court hearing on parts of his case that were dismissed by the first judge. But in a ruling made public on Friday, Swift said all eight parts of Assanges potential appeal were not arguable and should not be heard. The proposed appeal comes to no more than an attempt to re-run the extensive arguments made to and rejected by the district judge, he said. Assanges wife, Stella Assange, said the WikiLeaks founder would make a new appeal attempt at a High Court hearing on Tuesday. He has almost exhausted his avenues of appeal in the U.K. but could still try to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights. We remain optimistic that we will prevail and that Julian will not be extradited to the United States, where he faces charges that could result in him spending the rest of his life in a maximum-security prison for publishing true information that revealed war crimes committed by the US government, Stella Assange said on Twitter. Assanges supporters and lawyers maintain he was acting as a journalist and is entitled to First Amendment protections of freedom of speech. They argue that the case is politically motivated, that he would face inhumane treatment and be unable to get a fair trial in the U.S. Assange, 51, remains in Londons high-security Belmarsh Prison, where he has been since he was arrested in 2019 for skipping bail during a separate legal battle. Before that, he spent seven years inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault. Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November 2019 because so much time had elapsed, but British judges have kept Assange in prison pending the outcome of the U.S. extradition case. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Daniel Baldwin-Page, of Brattleboro, was described by prosecutors as "the keeper of the door" if an apartment at Moore Court where two pounds of crack cocaine were found following the service of a search warrant on Thursday morning. Baldwin-Page, two other Brattleboro residents and a man from Connecticut were ordered held on bail on a variety of charges, including conspiracy to distribute drugs. In this photo released by Colombia's Armed Forces, soldiers and Indigenous men tend to the four brothers who were missing after a deadly plane crash. Four young siblings lost for 40 days in the Colombian jungle following a plane crash that killed their mother have been found alive, as confirmed by President Gustavo Petro. The children are in good health despite the dangers they faced in an area full of jaguars, deadly plants and poisonous snakes. Today we have had a magical day, full of joys. We are getting closer to touching peace, in the agreement that is moving forward with the ELN, said Petro after returning from Havana, where he has just signed a ceasefire with the ELN guerrilla. And now I come back and the first news is that indeed the indigenous communities that were conducting the search and the military forces, jointly, found the children 40 days later. They were alone. They achieved an example of total survival. It will go down in history. Those children are today the children of peace and the children of Colombia. In a tweet, Petro attached a photograph that served as proof of life of the siblings. In another image that is now going around the world, the children are surrounded by the military who found them, wrapped in thermal blankets. They are showing signs of malnutrition. One of the soldiers is holding the baby in his arms. Military personnel take out one of four children from a plane on Saturday. John Vizcaino (AP) The Colombian military took the children out of the jungle with a helicopter that could not land and hovered 60 meters in the air. They were lifted into the aircraft with harnesses and a pulley. The height of the trees and the darkness made the operation difficult. The children looked dumbfounded, as if they were living an unreal moment. The authorities said they ate assiduously from the survival kits that the rescuers dropped from the air. The children are Lesly Jacobo Bonbaire (13), Solecni Ranoque Mucutuy (9), Tien Noriel Ronoque Mucutuy (4) and Cristian Neryman Ranoque Mucutuy, who turned one while authorities were searching for them. When they were found they were dehydrated and their bodies were full of mosquito bites, but authorities reported that they were in general good health. The fact that they survived a plane crash was already improbable, and even more so that all alone, with no help from anyone, all four would manage to stay alive for this long in a jungle where it rains 16 hours a day and is plunged in near darkness by the dense foliage. President Petro noted that the fact that they were from an indigenous community had increased their chances of survival. The children, especially the two older ones, were accustomed to going into the jungle and recognizing the plants they could eat without poisoning themselves. The children belong to the Uitoto indigenous people and live near the Cahuinari river in Caqueta. On May 1, the small plane in which they were traveling with three adults, including their mother, crashed in the middle of the Amazon jungle on the Apaporis river as they were on their way to meet their father at a different location. No more was heard from the occupants until 17 days later, when indigenous trackers found the wrecked plane. Inside were the bodies of the three adults, but there was no trace of the children. The death toll from clashes between displaced people inside a U.N. site in South Sudan has risen to more than 20, with more than 50 others wounded, the medical charity MSF said Friday. The statement by the organization, which is also known as Doctors Without Borders, said that two of its staff were among those hurt. Some of the injured were being airlifted to the capital, Juba. While the situation was relatively calm this morning, many women and children who fled the camp are yet to return in fear of escalation, said Luz Linares, MSF's head of mission in the country. Thursday's clashes in the Malakal camp occurred between members of the Shilluk and Nuer ethnic groups, a local representative of the displaced people told The Associated Press . The U.N. office in South Sudan said the fighting began with a stabbing, and that its mission had reinforced the military and police presence in the area in close collaboration with South Sudan's military and authorities. People too scared to return to their shelters in Malakal @unmissmedia Protection of Civilian Site following yesterday's violence. They prefer to camp out next to humanitarian hub despite deriorating weather @UN_SouthSudan providing humanitarian aid not sustainable. #SouthSudan pic.twitter.com/vJCtaYRF6E Peter Van der Auweraert (@PeterAuweraert) June 9, 2023 Deadly violence between ethnic groups and communities still troubles South Sudan years after a 2018 peace deal to end a five-year civil war. During the conflict, thousands of people took shelter inside U.N. protection sites. More than 41,000 people are staying in the Malakal site, which is also a designated camp for people fleeing the violence in neighboring Sudan , MSF said. Italian special forces have regained control of a Turkish ship that had been attacked by armed stowaways off the southern city of Naples, Italys defense minister told state television on Friday. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said the operation was still underway and that Italian forces were securing the safety of the 22 crew members aboard the Galeta Seaways, while rounding up the stowaways. The special forces lowered themselves onto the Turkish ship from two helicopters in the dramatic operation to free crew held by about 15 stowaways, two or three armed with sharp objects, Crosetto said. I dirottatori della nave sono stati catturati. Tutto e finito bene. I miei complimenti ai ragazzi del Battaglione San Marco, ai poliziotti ed ai finanzieri, che hanno concluso una splendida operazione in collaborazione. Ognuno per la sua parte. Bravi! Guido Crosetto (@GuidoCrosetto) June 9, 2023 The stowaways moved to take control of the cargo ship that was en route to France after being discovered, but the captain was able to sound an alarm. Italian custom patrol boats blocked the Turkish ship, while the special forces boarded, Crosetto said. Some of the stowaways continued to elude capture, Crosetto said. We hope it will end as soon as possible without consequences for anyone, he told RAI. A Moroccan migrant who was injured by gunfire while crossing from Turkey into Greece Thursday is being hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries, Greek officials said. A police statement said the 30-year-old man was found trying to cross the river Evros Meric in Turkish that runs along the land border, in a small boat with two other men. He had a gunshot wound in the back, apparently inflicted by somebody on the Turkish side. The boat reached the Greek side, where the man was taken to hospital. The other two were uninjured. Greek police said the Moroccan man told them he had been shot by the Turkish gendarmerie. But they added that they were examining every possibility as to who had fired at him from the Turkish side including whether migrant-smugglers might have been involved. The river, on Greece's northeastern border with Turkey, is a major crossing point for people trying to surreptitiously enter Greece. Earlier this week, Greek officials held a series of high-level contacts with the newly elected Turkish government in an effort to counter a surge in attempted crossings. Patrols along the Greek bank of the river have been intensified following a recent drop in the water level that makes migrant crossings easier. ___ Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration The government of Nicaragua announced Friday it has confiscated properties belonging to 222 opposition figures who were forced into exile in February after being imprisoned by the regime of President Daniel Ortega. Those taken from prison and forced aboard a flight to the United States on Feb. 9 included seven former presidential hopefuls, lawyers, rights activists, journalists and former members of the Sandinista guerrilla movement. The court system wrote in a statement that the opposition figures had been declared traitors to the homeland. They are also being stripped of their citizenship, measures that have been criticized as an example of banishment, in violation of international norms. The statement claimed that the dissidents lost their rights to their properties and any shares in companies in NIcaragua, after being convicted of committing acts against the nation's sovereignty, independence and self determination. Those trials were often rushed and completed within hours inside prison walls. Tamara Davila, one of the 222 exiled opposition activists, said the confiscation is completely illegal from any point of view. In political terms, this just shows the regime is in decline, and has to resort to robbery to show strength, she said. In February, the Ortega regime cancelled the citizenship of 94 political opponents, including writers Sergio Ramirez and Gioconda Belli, who are in exile but were not among those flown to the United States. Thousands have fled into exile since Nicaraguan security forces violently put down mass antigovernment protests in 2018. Ortega says the protests were an attempted coup with foreign backing, aiming for his overthrow and encouraging foreign nations to apply sanctions on members of his family and government. In the run-up to Ortegas re-election in November 2021, Nicaraguan authorities arrested seven potential opposition presidential candidates to clear the field. The government also has closed hundreds of nongovernmental groups that Ortega accused of taking foreign funding and using it to destabilize his government. Spain has offered its citizenship to the 222 exiles, while the U.S. granted the Nicaraguans a two-year temporary protection. For over 20 years, the Imam Ali's Popular Student Relief Society has worked on combating poverty and helping vulnerable children in Iran. But the charity, which has over 10,000 volunteers across Iran, has come under mounting pressure from the authorities in recent years. In 2021, an Iranian court ordered the independent NGO be dissolved, a ruling that was upheld by an appeals court last year. In July 2021, the charity's founder, Sharmin Meymandinejad, was arrested and charged with insulting Iran's leaders. He was kept in detention for months, during which he alleges he was tortured. In an interview with RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Meymandinejad, who recently fled Iran, said the clerical establishment saw his grassroots organization as a threat. He said his organization's interpretation of Islam clashed with what he called the intolerant and violent version promoted by the authorities. "Our path was different than the one taken by the establishment, our reading of the religion was an attempt to promote self-sacrifice, mercy, and altruism," said the 53-year-old, who now resides in the United States with his wife and three children. "But the reading promoted by the establishment is based on violence, which the authorities claim comes from above, they even say from God," he added. The crackdown on the charity, which is widely known as the Imam Ali's Society, came after years of state pressure and a smear campaign by hard-liners, who have branded the organization a cult, Meymandinejad said. One of the NGO's biggest critics has been the ultra-hard-line daily Kayhan, whose editor in chief was appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "We didn't want to challenge the establishment. We were doing social work based on real [Islamic] principles," said Meymandinejad. "They saw that a [nongovernmental] group was doing the work [of the government] and that comparisons could be made," he said. The Imam Ali's Society has been credited with helping alleviate poverty and aiding marginalized Iranians. In comparison, large state charities with extensive funds are often seen as corrupt and ineffective. The Imam Ali's Society, one of the largest NGOs in the Islamic republic, was launched in 1999 by a group of students led by Meymandinejad at Tehran's Sharif University of Technology. The organization originally focused on poverty alleviation but has since expanded its activities to include providing education, medical care, and social and cultural events for vulnerable children and campaigning against the death penalty for offenders who committed crimes as minors. The group has been credited with saving around 50 minors on death row. Rights groups criticized the 2021 court order to disband the Imam's Ali Society as an assault on independent NGOs and said the ruling had been "made in apparent coordination with Iran's abusive intelligence and security apparatus." It is unclear if the charity is still active or has been dissolved. The original court order was issued following a complaint by the Interior Ministry, which said the Imam Ali's Society had "deviated" from its mission. As evidence, the court cited the group's "questioning of Islamic rulings," including the principle of qisas, or retributive justice, as well as "promoting falsehood by publishing statements against the Islamic republic of Iran." The move came amid a wider crackdown on civil society and dissent. Scores of activists, lawyers, and journalists have been arrested in recent years. The Oslo-based Iran Human Rights reported last year that two other NGOs, including the Society For the Protection of Children, have also come under pressure by the authorities. 'I Broke' In his interview with Radio Farda, Meymandinejad also accused the authorities of sending children from poor Iranian families to fight in the war in Syria, where Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) deployed military advisers and fighters to prop up the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Meymandinejad also accused the authorities of using minors to help crush nationwide antiestablishment protests that erupted in September. Photos appeared on social media in October that purportedly showed children and adolescent boys wearing uniforms and holding batons. They appeared to be wearing the uniforms of the Basij paramilitary forces, a branch of the IRGC. Members and supporters of the Imam Ali's Society said the authorities had recruited children from impoverished families to help "suppress" the street protests. In exchange, the minors received a "few bags of food," the charity said. The Imam Ali's Society was among several groups that warned that the use of child soldiers was against international law. Meymandinejad said he will continue to hold Iran's clerical establishment accountable for its actions even from exile. He said state pressure and the alleged torture he suffered during his time in detention forced him to leave his homeland. "I was weak, I wasn't strong like [prominent jailed rights activist] Narges Mohammadi. I was concerned that my children will pay the price for my activities," he said. "After four months of torture I broke and signed whatever they wanted. I broke because of my children," he added. NORTH AND SOUTH MITROVICA, Kosovo -- Since it opened in 2011, three years after Kosovo declared independence, Ura is beloved locally and ranked high among South Mitrovica's restaurants on sites like Tripadvisor and Restaurant Guru. It serves up familiar Mediterranean (and Albanian) dishes on archetypal checkered red-and-white tablecloths on a grand, shaded terrace. It's also perched next to the bridge that spans a powerful symbol of this fledgling Balkan country's greatest challenge: the Ibar River, which separates heavily Albanian South Mitrovica from the smaller and mostly Serb North. Farther to the north and west lie the three other predominantly Serb municipalities where simmering disputes over Kosovo's independence and local government boiled over at the end of May into violence that injured Serb protesters but also Italian and Hungarian peacekeepers. These days, between scattered spring showers, Ura is serving a lot of new faces shuttling between north and south. Journalists covering a worrisome flashpoint in a notoriously fractious region. Police officers tasked with enforcing laws on minority Serbs who reject Kosovar statehood and authority. And staff and troops from NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) or the EU's Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). "Everyone's our guest, with no distinctions," says Agron Berisha, a fit, slightly graying waiter who's been serving food and chatting with customers in this neighborhood for 11 years. But he says the tensions that routinely arise in northern Kosovo ripple through the community and restaurant, nevertheless. Berisha has learned to pick up on clues from the NATO peacekeeping mission that's been here since 1999 and has gradually devolved duties to the Kosovo Police and other local authorities. Before the recent outburst of unrest, he recalls, KFOR staff, and particularly its civilian staffers, were more relaxed. "From this situation now that's happened," Berisha tells RFE/RL's Balkan Service, he is seeing KFOR staffers "for the first time with bulletproof vests." Mitrovica has been a divided city since the height of the former Serbian province's war of independence led by ethnic Albanians in the late 1990s. North Mitrovica, along with the nearby municipalities of Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan, the latter the scene of the most serious clashes between protesters and KFOR troops on May 29, have been governed by a "parallel system" with wide latitude and support from Belgrade. The recent violence followed Pristina's escalation of a monthslong standoff with Serbs who boycotted by-elections in all four majority-Serb municipalities in April. Those votes were intended to fill mayorships vacated by protesting Serbs with support from neighboring Serbia, which also rejects Kosovo's sovereignty. But the combined voter turnout of under 4 percent discredited the vote in many people's eyes. Not Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti's, though. His decision to use special forces to secure those town halls to seat the newly inaugurated ethnic Albanian mayors was quickly condemned by U.S. and EU officials, who have swung toward greater criticism of Kurti as they continue to seek a normalization between Belgrade and Pristina. Such a shift to normalcy has been in the making since the so-called Brussels Agreement in 2013, which enshrined some aspects of self-government and the establishment by Kosovar authorities of an Association of Serb Municipalities to represent Serb interests. Western pressure has increased on Kurti to follow through on his predecessor's pledge for the association, in particular. Vladimir Rakic is among the locals seeking relaxation and shelter from occasional rain showers outside a cafe across the Ibar, in mostly Serb North Mitrovica. "Daily life is the same as in the last 20 years," he says, "monotony and tension at every moment. [But] much more tense in the last 10 days." He and a friend, Llazar Kragovic, are discussing rising prices in the north, where the Serbian dinar is still the currency of choice for most. Kragovic, like many Serbs in northern Kosovo, has working ties to Serbia. He says cherries right now cost about 120 dinars -- or roughly 1 euro -- across the Serbian border in Raska but around 450 dinars in Mitrovica. 'Everything Is Dead Here In The City' The Serbian government has long financed and otherwise supported the activities of Serb political parties and even institutions like health care and local administration in northern Kosovo. Pristina calls the "parallel system" illegal. Travel between Kosovo and Serbia has been complicated by disputes over the recognition of documents like IDs, customs papers, and license plates despite EU efforts to mediate between the two aspiring member states with grievances that predate the brutal wars of the 1990s. Many Serbs are angry about the closure of schools here and in the other municipalities since tensions intensified on May 26, when most of the new mayors were inaugurated. "There's wire around schools, wire around municipal facilities; it's hard for these kids," says a North Mitrovica resident who doesn't want to be identified in the media. "Everything is dead here in the city. Everyone is staying home or going somewhere else." The entire school system of Serb communities in Kosovo teaches the curriculum of Serbia. Children from Zvecan, about 3 kilometers north of here, joined demonstrations calling for an end to the violence. Protective bars there surround the municipal complex, which also houses a secondary school and residential building. Residents must pass through KFOR peacekeepers to get around. Back in North Mitrovica, there are also homes and businesses that belong to ethnic Albanians, although they are admittedly few in number. People working in what's known locally as the "Bosnian Quarter" complain, too. "I don't know if they're afraid or what the problem is," says Dua Stavileci, who works in a perfume shop. "I don't know, but the work has declined a lot, business has declined." One second, Stavileci says, the streets are busy and then empty the next. "Maybe [the street] is full, but the second the alarm goes off, the neighborhood immediately shuts down," she says. Another retailer says it's not just the civil sirens. Vehicles belonging to the Kosovo Police or EULEX sometimes blare their sirens and scare off potential customers, too. This is the story of a city and a country horrified by a crime committed for no apparent reason, and simultaneously dazzled by the courageous acts of several citizens who prevented a massacre. It is partly the story of Abdalmasih and Henri. One is Syrian; the other, French. The former is in custody for stabbing several young children on Thursday in a park in Annecy, a placid and prosperous town in the French Alps. The second is resting in a house in a residential neighborhood of that same city as he tries to assimilate what happened in the last few hours. It was Henri who, armed only with his backpack, chased Abdalmasih away from the playground where he was attacking children and babies the most barbaric act conceivable, said the French president, Emmanuel Macron and thus, risking his own life, saved the lives of others. If there were no deaths, it was thanks to Henri and other citizens who chased Abdalmasih and allowed the police to arrest him a few minutes later. He has been charged with attempted murder. Abdalmasih and Henri, two fates that fortuitously crossed paths, two men born in the 1990s, who are respectively 31 and 24 years old. One wanted to hurt and kill defenseless beings; the other one saved them and is already being hailed as the hero with the backpack. The former had a cross in his hand when he carried out the attack. In one of the videos that has circulated on social media, he seems to say in English: In the name of Jesus Christ. The latter is a devout Catholic who was stopping over in Annecy during a nine-month walking tour of the cathedrals of France. This is the story of a Syrian refugee who declared himself a Christian from the East and who has a Christian name Abdalmasih means servant of the messiah and a French youth who says he has felt guided by faith in Christ since he was a child. Henri told BFM-TV on Friday morning: I dont know what [religion] [Abdalmasih] claims to be, but what I do know is that it is profoundly anti-Christian to attack perfectly unarmed and weak innocent beings. Every Christian civilization, on which our country has been built, consists precisely of a chivalrous message to defend the widow and the orphan. Now hes very tired, hes resting, said Arnaud, Henris uncle, at midday when he opened the door of the house where he is staying these days. Arnaud prefers not to give out his last name, nor Henris. He said that his nephew was not afraid: He acted on instinct. He says that perhaps it was his past as a boy scout that guided him. And religion: Faith drives you. In the entrance to the building on the centrally located Royale street, where Abdalmasih spent the nights in recent months, Sofia Moreno, a woman of Portuguese origin who manages rental apartments in the building, explained: I never saw his face: he covered his head with a handkerchief. He did not say anything. As far as I know, he was never aggressive. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, visited the injured and their families who have been hospitalized in nearby Grenoble. He later met in Annecy with the citizens, police and staff who subdued the assailant and provided assistance to the victims. The motive and background of the assailant remain clouded by many unknown factors. It is known that he is Syrian, that he arrived in Sweden about a decade ago, that he obtained a permanent residence permit in that country, that he married a woman of Syrian origin with Swedish citizenship, that they had a daughter, and that they separated. It is not clear why at the end of 2022 he went to France, and particularly to Annecy, a postcard-like city with its lake and imposing mountains. One possible reason is that Sweden denied him citizenship, allegedly because between 2011 and 2013 he had belonged to the Syrian Army, according to the daily Le Monde. In France he had applied for asylum, which was rejected on June 5. The interrogation is progressing slowly, according to a source quoted by Le Monde. This source said that Abdalmasih maintains an obstructionist attitude. A psychiatric examination has established that he is anxious and depressed, according to BFM-TV. The incident is politically flammable. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, told Europe 1 radio: A referendum on immigration is needed. Its the only way to regain control. I do not admit that we cannot decide who enters and who remains in our territory. Le Pen connects with a malaise present in French society. On Friday at 9:45 a.m., in Le Paquier, the meadow by the lake where 24 hours earlier Abdalmasih had stabbed the children, there were journalists, cameramen and residents who came to bring flowers and leave messages. Not everyone was happy about Macrons visit. The president, right now, needs to regain popularity, and when there is an incident like this, he tries to clean up his image, says Valerie, a 50-year-old administrative assistant. Valerie is in favor of a referendum on immigration. And I already know the result: people are fed up. Sylvie, mother of a two-and-a-half-year-old boy, adds: They should send everyone back to their countries, all those who do not have papers. Its sad to say, but we dont feel safe. Matthias, a 19-year-old student who has overheard the conversation, approaches and says: I find it a bit silly that politics are getting involved here, I would rather that we contributed our support to the families. Abdalmasih lived between this park and the common area of the building on Royale Street, a pedestrian area with shops and cafes. By day he sat on a bench by the river. At 7 p.m. he would walk back to the area that served as his residence, spread some cardboard under the mailboxes and covered himself with a sleeping bag. He was well dressed and before going to sleep he always brushed his teeth, recalls Bertrand, who runs a sportswear store right across from the spot. Sofia Moreno, the woman who is in charge of apartments in the Royale street building and who crossed paths with Abdalmasih almost daily, corroborates that he kept strict hours. There was only one exception, on a recent Saturday or Sunday. It was the only time he saw him sleeping in. He had a bottle of whiskey with him. I told myself he was drunk. The United States believes Ukraine is making progress in its counteroffensive against Russian forces and still has "significant" reserves it has yet to commit, said U.S. General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff. "Despite the enormous costs, Ukrainians are advancing steadily and deliberately, braving brutal and bloody battles to reclaim their homeland," Milley told reporters on July 18 after a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. 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 counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. Asked if the counteroffensive had stalled, Milley said Russian land mines are slowing the counteroffensive as Kyiv's forces face heavily fortified positions that include minefields, tank obstacles, barbed wire, and trenches. "Right now, they are preserving their combat power, and they are slowly and deliberately and steadily working their way through all these minefields, and it's a tough fight." It is "way too early" to judge the offensive a failure, he said, adding that the war "is going to be long, it's going be hard, it's going be bloody." He noted that three brigades currently are being trained and equipped in Germany and other training is ongoing around the region. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the counteroffensive is a "key moment of this tragic war" as he opened the 14th meeting of the contact group, which was formed to coordinate military assistance from Ukraine's allies. Austin reiterated that the United States will support Ukraine as long as necessary. "We supply Ukraine with such critical equipment as air defense and ammunition. And we are not going to give up. We will continue to provide Ukraine with what it needs, when it needs it," he said. IN PHOTOS: Residents in the eastern Ukrainian town of Lyman, a key railway hub, are awaiting their fate as Russian troops are once again threatening to recapture their shattered community. Located 50 kilometers north of Bakhmut, the town was cleared of Russian forces in October 2022. The United States has spearheaded the push for international support for Ukraine, joining European allies in forming the contact group backing Kyiv. Indiscriminate shelling by Russian troops troops earlier on July 18 killed at least four civilians in eastern and southern Ukraine, regional officials reported on July 18, as the Ukrainian military said the situation is difficult but under control in some parts of the eastern front, while in the south, incremental advances are being made. Russia also kept up the pressure on Ukraine's air defenses, launching a fresh wave of drone strikes early on July 18 that was largely repelled, but drone debris damaged infrastructure in the Black Sea port of Odesa. In the northern part of the Donetsk region, three civilians -- a 52-year-old woman and two men, aged 49 and 52 -- were killed by Russian shelling, regional Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko reported. Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said fighting continues in the Kupyansk area of the eastern Kharkiv region. "The enemy offensive in the Kupyansk direction is currently unsuccessful. The fighting continues, but the initiative is already on our side," she said on Telegram. Fighting continued on the northern flank as Russian forces try to regain lost positions, she said, noting that Ukrainian fighters "have to deal with dense mines and intense enemy fire." General Oleksandr Syrskiy, commander of Ukrainian ground forces, said on the Telegram messaging app on July 18 that the situation was "complicated" in the Kupyansk area of the eastern Kharkiv region but that Ukrainian forces continued to register successes in parts of the south, where it pressed on with its counteroffensive. "The situation is complicated, but under control. The enemy is transferring reserves to the Bakhmut area [of Donetsk], trying to stop our advance," Syrskiy said. "At the same time, the enemy concentrates its main forces in the Kupyansk direction, where Ukrainian soldiers are on the defense." WATCH: A section of the Crimea Bridge was damaged by a deadly explosion on July 17. Moscow said two people were killed and a child was injured in the blast that it blamed on Ukrainian maritime drones. Early on July 18, Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the military administration of the Odesa region, said Ukraine's air defenses had repelled a Russian air attack on the port city. Ukraine's Operational Command South later said in a statement that "debris from the destroyed missiles and the blast wave from the downing damaged the port infrastructure facilities." The strike on Odesa, which is crucial for Ukraine's grain exports, came a day after Moscow pulled out of a UN-brokered deal to allow the transit of the grain, refusing to extend it after it expired on July 17. Russia overnight also launched an attack on Mykolayiv region, using Iranian-made drones that caused a fire, regional Governor Vitaliy Kim, said on Telegram. Russia's Defense Ministry and the Moscow-installed head of annexed Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, said on July 18 that Russian forces repelled an attack by 28 Ukrainian drones on the eastern part of region. The ministry said in a statement that 17 drones were destroyed and 11 were disabled by electronic means. Both the ministry and Aksyonov said the attack caused no casualties or damages. The report, which could not be independently verified, came a day after an attack by seaborne drones on the bridge that links Crimea with Russia that killed two people and caused major damage and a disruption to traffic. Russia has blamed Ukraine for the attack. Kyiv did not claim responsibility, but Ukrainian media quoted sources as saying security services had deployed maritime drones. In a statement quoted by the TASS news agency, Russia's Defense Ministry said on July 18 that it had carried out "revenge" strikes in Odesa and Mykolayiv against sites that Moscow claimed were used by Ukraine to prepare seaborne drones of the type suspected to have hit the Crimea bridge. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP WASHINGTON -- U.S. envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar says he anticipates major progress within the next year on the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. The top U.S. State Department negotiator for the Western Balkans testified on July 18 before a subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, covering a range of topics from efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region to potential additional consequences for Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, who Escobar said remains focused on dismantling the Dayton peace agreement and the constitution of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Escobar pledged to continue to call out and hold accountable anyone who undermines the Dayton agreement, which ended the country's 1992-95 civil war or threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character of the country. He reassured lawmakers that the State Department is just at the very beginning of showing what the consequences are going to be for Dodik, who has long been a thorn in the side of negotiators for pursuing increasingly nationalist and secessionist policies while seeking closer ties with Serbia and Russia. Dodik has been designated for sanctions by the U.S. and Britain, and earlier this month three leading European parliamentarians called on the European Union to finally impose sanctions on him. The call came after the Republika Srpska assembly voted to suspend recognition of any decisions by Bosnia's multiethnic Constitutional Court and decided against publishing the decisions of the internationally appointed high representative of the Balkan nation, Christian Schmidt. Escobar said his office remains firm in its support of Schmidt, who responded by canceling several rulings that defy the Dayton peace accords. Escobar also hailed the European Union-facilitated Ohrid agreement as the foundation of progress for the region, stating that good faith movement on the agreement would not only de-escalate ethnic tensions, but also open the door for greater recognition of Kosovo worldwide. The Ohrid agreement, signed in March by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti, facilitated a deal which, among other things, requires Serbia to recognize Kosovos national symbols and documents. In turn, the agreement requires Kosovo to implement the highly contested Association of Serbian Municipalities (ASM). While Escobar assured lawmakers that the agreement creates real possibilities for both countries to move closer to the European Union and create a peaceful and sustainable relationship, he said to date, weve seen neither party move forward on the agreement. The last 60 days, Escobar said, have been instead focused on de-escalation after clashes between international peacekeepers and ethnic Serbians following controversial mayoral elections. Escobar called for political courage on both sides, saying that what he hears from almost all that do not recognize Kosovo is that they are waiting to see goodwill from Kosovo on the ASM. The committee also grilled Escobar on current U.S. action against Dodik, though the envoy defended current sanctions against him as effective, and additionally hinted at future consequences for the Republika Srpska president. Escobar said that, in private conversations, Republika Srpska is constantly asking for the removal of current sanctions, but he added that the United States is talking with the International Monetary Fund about withholding funds for the entity. U.S. lawmakers expressed significant concern during the hearing about Moscow and Beijing's influence in the region, and Escobar agreed that combating Russian and Chinese influence was a high priority for the U.S. Escobar said the integration of Bosnia into the European Union and NATO is essential for reducing the "harmful influence of actors such as Russia and China. Answering a question on how China is trying to influence the countries of the Western Balkans through the Belt and Road initiative, Escobar replied that it is doing so through apparently favorable, but nontransparent, loans and investments. He pointed out that Russia is still the exclusive supplier of natural gas to some countries in the Western Balkans and is a serious threat to regional security. The Kremlin spreads misinformation, often in the Serbian language," and seeks to create divisions, mistrust and interethnic tensions, he said. With reporting by Marija Augustinovich-Stojak from RFE/RL's Balkan Service Tens of thousands of people marched in Belgrade on June 9, criticizing the Serbian government's response to two mass shootings last month in which 18 people died. Cardboard figures depicting President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic in black-and-white striped prison suits were left in front of the government building. The sixth "Serbia against violence" protest since the first shooting on May 3 called for "stopping the promotion of violence in the public space," the removal of the interior minister and the head of the intelligence agency, and an end to the promotion of violence in the media and the public space. Earlier this week, in response to the string of mass protests, Vucic promised early parliamentary elections and the prime minister offered her resignation. Turkmenistans authoritarian government has always tightly controlled information in the isolated country by monitoring and blocking news websites, social media platforms, and messaging apps. But many Turkmen continue to use VPN (virtual private network) and other tools to circumvent the draconian Internet restrictions. In their latest bid to regulate what Turkmen can see online, state officials recently summoned bloggers and influencers in several regions to tell them to promote the governments narrative of the happy and prosperous country of Turkmenistan. Speaking on condition of anonymity, some of the bloggers told RFE/RLs Turkmen Service that police also warned them that if they shared any content that was critical of the government they could go to jail. Officials also warned them that even liking or commenting on such content is prohibited and could be seen as an anti-government activity, they said. Those summoned by police are well-known Turkmen influencers who use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share videos, promote services and products, talk about themselves, or express their opinion on different subjects. They told RFE/RL that police now want them to only post content that shows Turkmenistan in a positive light, for example depicting happy children or shiny new buildings. The countrys state media and government websites report only on positive events -- such as the unveilings of new bazaars, schools, or hospitals; joyous families moving into a new house, or nicely dressed older citizens blessing the start of the harvest season. Police and other officials did not return comment when asked by the Turkmen Service about the bloggers claims. Local sources link the latest efforts by police to a recent viral video that purportedly shows a Turkmen police officer ripping his own epaulet and blaming it on a driver to extort a bribe. A young policeman appears to write a ticket while speaking to the driver of a car that was pulled over to the side of a highway. Apparently unaware he was being filmed, the officer rips the insignia from his right shoulder and flings it on the car before blaming the driver for it. You just tore off my epaulet, that is not allowed, the officer tells the driver. He then apparently realizes he is being filmed by some bystanders and demands they stop recording. The officer and driver havent been identified and its not known when or where the footage was recorded. It appeared on social media on June 3. The vehicles license plates show it was registered in Lebap Province. Unannounced Raids Authorities didnt comment publicly about the video. Law enforcement officials, in the meantime, continue to conduct unannounced raids on schools and state agencies to check the students and employees mobile phones for any material deemed anti-government. Turkmen authorities often demand that students sign statements saying they wont use VPNs or other tools to try to access banned sites. A recent study found that Turkmenistan has blocked more than 122,000 web domains. The Central Asian country has repeatedly been cited for having the slowest Internet in the world. The U.K.-based Cable.co.uk said in a report on worldwide broadband speed that Turkmenistan, with an average Internet speed of 0.50 megabits per second (Mbps), was the slowest of all 224 countries surveyed in 2021. In Turkmenistan, it took some 22 hours and 34 minutes to download a 5-gigabyte movie file. Written by Farangis Najibullah in Prague based on reporting by RFE/RLs Turkmen Service Female desire came out of the closet in 2019, when a clitoris suction toy called the Satisfyer became a social phenomenon and the star product of that Christmas. It not only contributed to destroying taboos about female masturbation, but also to reduce the so-called orgasm gap: men having more orgasms than women. Sexologist Megwyn White, Satisfyers education director, says that sex toys help shared intimacy to be a pleasurable experience for everyone involved. They become tools for a game that liberate desires, expand boundaries and start a shared adventure of passion and exploration. However, sexologists around the world started to notice a consequence: accustomed to the products efficiency and speed, women could no longer reach orgasm without it. As time passed, I had to stop using it, because I was incapable of orgasming without it, especially with a partner, says Sara M., a 42-year-old publicist. Cristina Callao, a psychologist and sexologist, warns that we should not ignore the inconvenient features of these products. We have turned masturbation in an infallible speedway with a single purpose: the immediate orgasm. The brain establishes synaptic connections and learns things, like a concrete path to reach a place. If I use the suction toy repeatedly, without diversifying, always in the same way and at the same speed, it is likely that when I try to masturbate with my hand, or interact with someone else, I will feel frustrated and unsatisfied about not being able to orgasm. However, Megwyn White argues that the belief that the use of a Satisfyer, or other sex toy, can make it impossible to reach orgasm alone is a myth. Its true that its use can increase the intensity of orgasms during solo play, but it is essential to recognize that orgasms originate inside of us and form part of a subjective personal experience, which comes from our own physical and emotional responses to pleasure, she explains. Clitoris suction toys have already been featured on television. In the new season of the Netflix show Valeria, one of the protagonists uses the Satisfyer so much that viewers may expect it to appear in the final credits. In 1998, Sex in the City turned the Rabbit vibrator into a pop culture sensation, as part of a new wave of consumption of sex toys. What can men do? Satisfyer Men One was released as a male alternative for those who felt jealous of womens newly intense orgasms. But what many feared was not lacking their own sex toy, but that women no longer needed them in bed. Megwyn White argues that mens sense of intimidation by sex toys is due to the mistaken idea that they are tools designed to solve problems: that women use them because of problems in their sex life. Men deserve to know that their value in the realm of intimacy goes far beyond performance, and shedding that pressure can lead to liberation. By embracing play and incorporating sex toys, men can discover an erotic world that transcends traditional expectations. That being said, the deeply ingrained social programming around masculinity and intimacy requires constant reminders and opportunities for men to embrace a new narrative, she says. Author and sexologist Laura Camara believes that the rejection that some feel towards the suction toy is due to the centering of male sexuality in heterosexual couples. When we introduce the suction toy, it may seem to them that the toy replaces them, fulfilling a mission that they previously fulfilled, which is why fears and complexes appear. That is why it is so important to deconstruct this idea of male sexuality and heterosexual sex, because everyone is responsible for their own pleasure, and it can be enjoyed as a couple using toys, she explains. Male sexuality is fragile in this sense. If men feel like something is competing with them, they are scared. Female sexuality is more autonomous and has long since broken with the myth that it is the man who has to lead her to pleasure and guide her to orgasm. A survey of 500 British men revealed that 60% of men suffer from anxiety about their performance in bed, highlighting the pervasive impact of these societal pressures. Men who interpret their partners use of sex toys as a sign that they are inadequate or unable to meet their needs and desires are met with feelings of insecurity and a sense of being out of step with their partners pleasure. Benjo Podlech Sandoval, psychologist and masculine energy expert, clarifies that if in heterosexual relationships the relationship with mans pleasure is phallocentric, sexuality and pleasure are reduced. If some men feel rejection or fear of the Satisfyer, you have to welcome those emotions, accept them and give them their place. The first thing is to try to accept his fears and feelings in order to change them, in this case that thought of if she enjoys the Satisfyer, she doesnt need me. Then, they have to understand that tastes are infinite and change over time, so talking about a sex toy could be as simple as talking about breakfast. After that openness and communication, you could experiment with the Satisfyer again and see if the perception changes. He might even be glad that his partner experiences different pleasures with him, and he can enjoy the creativity that toys can bring if used together. The industry shares Sandovals perspective: clitoral suction devices can be used by couples. There are models created specifically for joint use. But much more difficult than using them is the conversation about introducing them into the relationship. Its important to communicate that the introduction of a sex toy is not a substitute for your partners role, but rather an opportunity to explore new experiences together, White says. One effective method is to frame the request between two positive statements: I love making love and I value the connection we share, and Im curious about incorporating a vibrator into our intimate moments. By expressing your appreciation for the current state of your sex life and emphasizing your desire to improve it, you highlight the strength of your bond while introducing the idea of incorporating a sex toy. I think that the more options there are to enjoy as a couple, the better! says Xavi T., 42, a product manager. In the end, the sex toy complements the experience, both solo and together. The psychologist and sexologist Cristina Callao concurs: Sex toys, specifically the suction toy, have highlighted that women do not need to insert anything into our vagina to experience pleasure, something that, apparently, has not been good for some men. I think that those who are afraid of being replaced by a toy should take note and learn that there is an area in the body of women called the clitoris that has been invisible for years. Instead of feeling afraid, just keep it in mind in your next sexual encounters. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A Texas businessman at the center of the scandal that led to the historic impeachment of state Attorney General Ken Paxton was charged Friday with eight counts of making false statements while seeking loans from mortgage lenders in 2017 and 2018. The federal indictment of real estate developer Nate Paul is the result of a years-long FBI investigation a probe Paxton involved his office in, setting off a chain of events that ultimately led to his impeachment and suspension from office last month. Paul, 36, did not enter a plea during his initial appearance in an Austin court nor visibly react as the charges against him were read. He entered the federal courtroom shackled and wearing jeans, a blue shirt and Nikes, and was released ahead of trial but ordered to surrender his passport and inform the court of any travel outside Texas. One of Pauls lawyers, David Gerger, said his client may comment after his court appearance. Dan Cogdell, a defense attorney for Paxton, said Thursday that he had no information on the arrest. Paul is accused of overstating his assets and understating his liabilities while seeking loans. In some cases, prosecutors said, Paul told banks he had $18 million in an account when he had less than $13,000. In another case laid out in the 23-page indictment, Paul is accused of having $28 million in liabilities but giving a credit union in 2018 a far lower number, FBI agents examining Pauls troubled real estate empire searched his Austin offices and palatial home in 2019. The next year, eight of Paxtons top deputies reported the attorney general to the FBI on allegations of bribery and abuse of office, including for hiring an outside lawyer to examine the developers claims of wrongdoing by federal agents. The allegations by Paxtons staff prompted an FBI investigation, which remains ongoing, and are central to 20 articles of impeachment overwhelmingly approved by the GOP-led state House of Representatives. They include abuse of public trust, unfitness for office and bribery. The impeachment accuses Paxton of using his office to help Paul over his unproven claims of an elaborate conspiracy to steal $200 million of the developers properties. The bribery counts say that in return the developer employed a woman with whom Paxton had an extramarital affair and paid for expensive renovations to the attorney generals million-dollar Austin home. Paxtons lawyers sought to rebut the latter claim this week by releasing a bank statement that included a 2020 wire transfer purportedly showing Paxton, and not a donor, paying more than $120,000 for a home renovation. But the document raised new questions about the mens dealings. The wire transfer was dated Oct. 1, 2020 the same day Paxtons deputies signed a letter informing the head of human resources at the Texas attorney generals office that they had reported their boss to the FBI. The $121,000 payment was to Cupertino Builders, whose manager had done work for Paul and had an email address with his company, state corporation and court records show. Paul has faced numerous lawsuits from creditors and business partners over the years, with several of his companies filing for bankruptcy or being placed under the supervision of court-appointed overseers. Last year, one of those receivers wrote in a report that Cupertino Builders was used for fraudulent transfers from Pauls business. Paul has denied bribing Paxton. The attorney general has also broadly denied wrongdoing and said he expects to be acquitted during an impeachment trial in the state Senate, where his wife is a member. The Senate will set its own rules for a trial that has little precedent, given that Paxton is just the third sitting official in Texas history to be impeached. The proceeding is set begin no later than Aug. 28. Paxton was separately indicted on securities fraud charges in 2015, though he has yet to stand trial. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Boris Johnson Ex-PM Boris Johnson is facing a Parliamentary Committee Investigation in the matter LONDON: Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson surprised the entire country by suddenly resigning from the membership of the Parliament on Friday. He has taken this step after the statement of the Parliamentary Committee. It said Johnson had misled Parliament on the issue of holding parties at 10 Downing Street (the Prime Minister's residence) in violation of the lockdown imposed to prevent Covid-19 during his tenure as Prime Minister. Notably, Johnson (58) is facing a parliamentary committee investigation in the matter. The committee is investigating whether the former PM misled the House of Commons about parties held at 10 Downing Street in breach of lockdown rules during the Covid-19 pandemic. Advertisement Johnson's decision came on Friday after he received a confidential letter from Parliament's Privileges Committee on the matter. Johnson called the parliamentary committee's investigation "an attempt to get him out of Parliament". In a statement, he said, "The committee has not yet produced a single piece of evidence that I have intentionally or negligently misled the House of Commons." Earlier on Friday, he was given a copy of the inquiry committee's report which has not been published yet. Johnson claimed the report was "riddled with errors and biases". The former prime minister issued a statement announcing that he was resigning as an MP, in which he said, "I have not lied and I am sure the committee knows that. It knows very well that when I spoke in the House of Commons, I was saying what I honestly believed to be true and what I was asked to say like any other minister. KYODO NEWS - Jun 10, 2023 - 06:24 | All, World Former U.S. President Donald Trump is facing 37 criminal counts related to his handling of the classified documents he took with him upon leaving the White House in 2021, an indictment unsealed Friday showed. Of the total, 31 are counts of willful retention of secrets pertaining to military activities and capabilities of the United States as well as unnamed foreign countries. The 49-page indictment said the documents contained information on U.S. nuclear programs, potential vulnerabilities of the country and its allies, and possible retaliation measures against a foreign attack. "The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk" U.S. national security, foreign relations, the safety of the country's military and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods, it said. The disclosure by the Justice Department came a day after Trump, who seeks to win another term in the 2024 election and remains the clear front-runner for the Republican nomination, announced through his Truth Social platform that he had been indicted. It marked the first-ever indictment of a former president on federal charges in U.S. history. The indictment, which also details counts of conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements to investigators, alleged with some photographs that Trump kept numerous boxes containing classified documents in such places as a bathroom, ballroom and storage room at his Florida estate. It said that Trump showed off some of the top-secret materials to visitors on two occasions in 2021. Trump has criticized the federal investigation as a politically motivated "witch hunt." The former president is due to appear in a Miami court on Tuesday, and faces the possibility of imprisonment if convicted. Along with the 76-year-old Trump, his aide Walt Nauta was also charged in the case. Nauta is accused of helping him hide classified documents from a grand jury probing the case and making false statements to investigators. U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is heading the prosecution, made public comments on Friday, saying, "We have one set of laws in this country and they apply to everyone." "Applying those laws, collecting facts -- that's what determines the outcome of an investigation. Nothing more and nothing less," said Smith, who did not take questions from reporters. Related coverage: Trump indicted over classified docs, 1st federal charges for ex-pres. Rhodes University Chair of Council, Judge Bloem, delivers a tribute to the life and legacy of Eusebius McKaiser [PIC CREDIT: Joshua Etsimaje] By Unarine Mugogovhali Loved ones and members of the Rhodes University community gathered at the 1820 Settler's Monument in Makhanda on 10 June 2023 to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of one of the Universitys most prominent alumni Eusebius McKaiser. As the recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award, Eusebius was an exemplary alumnus of Rhodes University. He died unexpectedly on 30 May 2023 at age 44, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of community upliftment, compassion, creativity, dedication, and kindness. Rhodes University's Chair of Council, Judge Gerald Bloem, spoke on behalf of the University, the Vice-Chancellor, Council and the broader University community. Said Judge Bloem: "I feel honoured to stand here and speak about such an outstanding alumnus of Rhodes University. Eusebius epitomised the Rhodes University values. He was an embodiment of the University's spirit robust, engaging and with a well-cultivated sense of intersectionality. He stood for social justice and equality. His stance against racism was unequivocal and unmistakable." Eusebius joined Rhodes University in 1997 to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Philosophy. True to his character, he went on to do his Honours and Master's in Philosophy, which he obtained with distinction. "No language will sufficiently describe the enduring sequel of despair, sadness and even rage that our community is going through. Disbelief continues to alternate with denial in many of us as the intrusion of ill-timed death and the resultant reality of the irreplaceable loss settles with every passing moment, said Judge Bloem. "We share this loss with innumerable others in society locally, nationally and internationally." Fellow debate enthusiast Scott recalled meeting Eusebius at Rhodes University in 1998. I will miss you so much. The only solace, if there is any solace at all at this point is that you brought the most amazing writing into our lives. Were going to be able to read your words, again and again, reflect on them, think about what they mean for us, and what they mean for our country, Scott stated. A mentee of Eusebius, broadcaster and presenter, Oliver Dickson, spoke about his compassion and particular activism to alleviate period poverty, which Eusebius raised awareness about through the MINA Menstrual Cup Foundation. Eusebius was always available for those he cared for and the things he cared for, Oliver said. Juffrou Juliet, one of Eusebius' teachers from St Mary's Primary School, bravely got on stage, despite never having spoken publicly before to share beautiful memories of 'young' Eusebius. He was a quiet, reserved boy with a bright intelligent mind, and he did us so proud in so many ways, she stated. Eusebius' friend Gareth from Graham College, which he attended from 1992, reminisced about their friendship, which spanned over 30 years. At high school, Gareth recalled Eusebius convincing him to join debate teams and Toastmasters, which remained an interest in Eusebius' life until the end. Gareth said, I stand a little taller today because of you. I will forever treasure you, my famous friend. The void you have left behind will be difficult and near impossible to fill. Kate, another friend Eusebius met at Rhodes University, mentioned Eusebius' book-in-progress on novelist Kabello Sello Duiker and shared a Duiker poem about the 1994 elections. Sister Miriam, on behalf of the Makhanda community, said: Although he stayed in Gauteng, he always remained a part of the Grahamstown community. He was there all the time, every time. Manager of Rhodes University's Student Bureau, Desiree Wicks, took the podium to talk about her friendship with Eusebius, which had started during his time at the University. She recounted all the ways he had helped students, the University and Makhanda over the years. May all the happy memories ease our pain. We know Eusebius and those happy memories will live in our hearts forever, she said. Nduduzo, Eusebius' partner of almost 10 years, opened his tribute by sharing words from Dr Seuss Oh, the Places You'll Go!, which was a favourite they shared. In closing, a eulogy fitting of Eusebius illuminating legacy was read out by Mandy: "You were an unmatched soul. You elevated thought and discussion at a global level, yet still had the time and humility to engage the average Joe. You will be sorely missed and forever immortalised. We love you." Eusebius is survived by his father Donny Boy McKaiser, step-mother Valencia, siblings Geniva Fiks, Marilyn Mohammed and Aiden Stevens, his partner Nduduzo and his cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. His funeral proceedings can be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G7b3q4O5lk The new KTM 200 Duke LED headlight will sell alongside halogen headlight model Back in 2012, 200 Duke was how KTM began its operations in India. Fast forwarding to 2023, 200 Duke is one of the best selling KTM. Now in a new gen avatar, it gets the same design and body as its elder 250 Duke and 390 Duke, but lacks a few features. KTM is bringing the 200 Duke one step closer to its elder siblings by giving it LED headlights. This is the same unit as the one found on 250 Duke and 390 Duke. KTM is keeping the halogen headlight version on sale as well, making LED headlights an option. Halogen headlight unit continues to be on offer with a version of 200 Duke and 125 Duke. KTM 200 Duke LED Headlights variant launched Until now, LED headlights were only part of 390 Duke and 250 Duke. If you take the 250 Duke, which was launched in 2017, it featured halogen headlights until the BS6 model was launched in 2020. One might say, KTM is adding LED headlight tech lower in the hierarchy, step by step. Will this LED headlight make its way on 125 Duke as well? That said, not all of 390 Dukes tech goes down the hierarchy. For example, a TFT screen is still exclusive with 390 Duke, while 250 Duke, 200 Duke and 125 Duke still make do with LCD infotainment screens. Take a look at the walkaround video of KTM Duke 200 led headlight variant below, credited to Knots Rider. Sticking with headlights, this LED headlight unit is far brighter and delivers better spread and intensity than halogen ones. KTM 200 Duke LED headlight edition will cost Rs. 1.97 lakh (ex-sh) as opposed to almost Rs. 1.93 lakh (ex-sh) for the 200 Duke with halogen headlights. This makes the LED headlight equipped variant around Rs. 4,000 more expensive (ex-sh) than halogen headlight variant. Speaking of variants, KTM will be selling both LED and halogen headlight variants alongside each other. So, buyers arent forced to opt for a costlier option. KTM has not bundled any other feature additions to this Rs. 4,000 increment. The same motorcycle as before mechanically Mechanically, there wont be any changes. So, the same 199.5cc single cylinder engine with 24.67 bhp of power and 19.3 Nm of torque will continue duties. Other notable elements are 6-speed gearbox, liquid cooling setup, WP Apex 43 mm USD front forks from, WP Apex rear mono-shock, 4-pot front caliper, dual channel ABS, 17 alloy wheels with 110-section front and 150-section rear tyre and more. KYODO NEWS - Jun 10, 2023 - 18:44 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism Two passenger planes came into contact at Tokyo's Haneda airport Saturday morning, leading to the temporary closure of one of its four runways, the Japanese transport ministry said. While no injuries were reported as a result of the incident that occurred on a taxiway at around 11 a.m., Thai Airways confirmed that a winglet on its plane had been damaged. The closed runway resumed operation after about two hours. The Thai Airways flight was carrying around 260 passengers, while the other plane operated by Taiwan's Eva Airways had about 200 people on board, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Inbound and outbound flights managed by other airlines including All Nippon Airways Co. and Japan Airlines Co. were also delayed. A passenger on the Eva Airways flight told reporters that there was an "impact" as the plane was waiting to depart, noting how "part of the wing of the nearby Thai Airways plane was chipped." But the overall atmosphere inside the aircraft remained calm, despite people aboard being confined for an extended period of time, the passenger added. KYODO NEWS - Jun 9, 2023 - 23:03 | All, World, Japan Japan has been gearing up to attract more foreign workers to address its severe labor shortage, with its Cabinet approving a plan to expand the number of industries covered by the blue-collar skilled worker visa that effectively grants permanent residency. But the country faces headwinds as an attractive workplace amid a weakening yen and competition from other Asian locations such as Taiwan and South Korea with fewer visa requirements. Weng Fei, an employee of the construction company in Gifu Prefecture in central Japan, obtained the Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 visa in April last year as the first person in Japan to do so. As the visa allows holders to bring in family members and has no limit on the number of times they can renew their visa, the 36-year-old has been reunited with his wife from China and now seeks to work longer in his company, where he leads a group of employees made up of Japanese and foreign workers. "I trust him enough to make him responsible as a foreman," said Taketo Kano, the 51-year-old president of the construction company. But Kano acknowledged that welcoming foreign workers requires great efforts, saying he helped Weng acquire qualifications in addition to picking up and dropping off Weng's family members to Japanese classes. "It requires time and patience," he added. Currently, only proficient laborers in the construction and shipbuilding sectors can upgrade their status to the Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 visa. But the revision approved by the Cabinet includes nine more industries -- among them the fishery, agriculture and hotel sectors -- with foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visas able to apply for No. 2, provided they pass Japanese language and technical skills exams. As of the end of last year, the number of foreigners who had obtained the No. 1 status stood at around 130,000. Vietnamese people made up the majority at 77,000, but the winds are starting to shift. "The time when Japan dominated has ended," said one Japanese employee who works for an organization that assists Vietnamese people in working abroad. "At this rate, we will be left behind." One 34-year-old worker decided to go to South Korea instead of Japan, remaining there for about five years before returning home last year. She noted the abundance of support networks and free Korean language classes. Taiwan is also becoming a popular destination for work. Between January and March, the number of Vietnamese who went to the island exceeded 18,000, surpassing those who came to Japan in the same period. "It costs about $8,000 to fly over," but it takes less time to begin working, said an official from another organization who assists in sending workers abroad. While those who want to work in Japan under the No.1 status require some Japanese language proficiency, there is no such prerequisite, nor any need to sit an exam to work in Taiwan. Foreign workers may also be attracted to the possibility of being employed on the island for up to 12 years. Taiwan has accepted migrant workers from Southeast Asia since 1992, hosting about 730,000 in comparison with its population of around 23.3 million people. Related coverage: Japan to expand skilled worker visa system to address labor shortage Japan eyes labor market reform, focuses on AI, chips to drive growth A supernova dubbed SN 2023ixf was discovered on May 19, 2023 by the Japanese astronomer Koichi Itagaki. Messier 101 is located some 21 million light-years from Earth in the direction of the constellation Ursa Major. This spiral galaxy was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Mechain in 1781 and was communicated that year to the French astronomer Charles Messier. Also known as the Pinwheel Galaxy, M101, NGC 5457, LEDA 50063 or UGC 8981, Messier 101 is one of the most photographed galaxies in the night sky. Its face-on orientation to Earth offers a pristine view of its 170,000 light-year diameter and allows observers to marvel at its nearly one trillion stars, said Gemini North astronomers. Speckled throughout its swirling spiral arms are large regions of star-forming nebulae, indicated by the glowing pink pockets of light. Young, hot, blue stars populate the galaxy as well, interlaced with dark dust lanes that aid in fueling the newly birthed stars. On May 19, 2023, a powerful supernova exploded in one of Messier 101s spiral arms. Dubbed SN 2023ixf, the event is the closest supernova seen in the past five years. Since its discovery, observers around the globe have pointed their telescopes toward Messier 101 to get a look at the burst of light. In this image from the Gemini North telescope, part of the International Gemini Observatory operated by NSFs NOIRLab, SN 2023ixf can be spotted in one of the galaxys spiral arms as an exceptionally bright blue star, the astronomers said. Follow-up observations of SN 2023ixf by both amateur and professional astronomers indicate that it is a Type II supernova. This is the closest supernova to be discovered within the last five years and the second supernova to occur in Messier 101 within the past 15 years, following a Type I supernova observed in 2011. This supernova is a prime example of the types of discoveries that will be made by Vera C. Rubin Observatory when it comes online in 2025. Rubins powerful camera and unprecedented scanning ability will allow it to quickly detect and image supernovae and other transient events in the dynamic sky. Other powerful telescopes, like those that comprise the International Gemini Observatory, will then make follow-up observations to study the origins and evolution of these events. Catalysts composed from tiny metal particles play an important role in many areas of technology -- from fuel cells to production of synthetic fuels for energy storage. The exact behavior of catalysts depends, however, on many fine details and their interplay is often difficult to understand. Even when preparing exactly the same catalyst twice, it often occurs that these two will differ in minute aspects and therefore behave very different chemically. At TU Wien, scientists try to identify reasons for such effects by imaging the catalytic reactions taking place on various locations on these catalysts, applying several different microscopy techniques. Such an approach yields a reliable, microscopically correct understanding of the catalytic processes. In doing so, it appeared that even relatively "simple" catalytic systems were more complex than expected. For example, it is not only the size of the employed metal particles or the chemical nature of the support material that define the catalytic properties. Even within a single metal particle, different scenarios can prevail on the micrometer scale. In combination with numeric simulations, the behavior of different catalysts could then be explained and correctly predicted. Not all particles are the same "We investigate the combustion of the possible future energy carrier hydrogen with oxygen, forming pure water, by using rhodium particles as catalysts," explains Prof. Gunther Rupprechter from the Institute of Materials Chemistry at TU Wien. Various parameters play an important role in this process: How big are the individual rhodium particles? Which support material do they bind to? At which temperature and which reactant pressures does the reaction take place? "The catalyst is made from supported rhodium particles, but it does not behave like a uniform object which can be described by a few simple parameters, as often tried in the past," highlights Gunther Rupprechter. "It soon became clear, that the catalytic behavior strongly varies at different catalyst locations. A given area on a given rhodium particle may be catalytically active, whereas another one, just micrometers away, maybe catalytically inactive. And a few minutes later, the situation may even have reversed." Nine catalysts at one sweep For the experiments, the first author of the study, which was published in the journal ACS Catalysis, Dr. Philipp Winkler, prepared a stunning catalyst sample, comprising nine different catalysts with differently sized metal particles and varying support materials. In a dedicated apparatus, all catalysts could therefore be observed and compared simultaneously in a single experiment. advertisement "With our microscopes, we can determine if the catalyst is catalytically active, its chemical composition and electronic properties -- and this for each and every individual spot on the sample," says Philipp Winkler. "In contrast, traditional methods usually just measure an average value for the entire sample. However, as we have demonstrated, this is often by far not sufficient." Even more complex than anticipated Chemical analysis on the microscopic scale has shown that the catalyst composition can vary locally even more than expected: Even within the individual metal particles strong differences were observed. "Atoms of the support material can migrate onto or in the particles, or even form surface alloys," states Gunther Rupprechter. "At some point, there is even no clear boundary anymore, but rather a continuous transition between catalyst particle and support material. It is crucial to consider this fact -- because it also affects the chemical activity." In a next step, the team at TU Wien will apply the gained insights and the successful methods to tackle even more complex catalytic processes, in their continuing mission to explain processes on a microscopic scale, to contribute to the development of improved catalysts, and to search for new catalysts. Therapeutic nanocarriers engineered from adult skin cells can curb inflammation and tissue injury in damaged mouse lungs, new research shows, hinting at the promise of a treatment for lungs severely injured by infection or trauma. Researchers conducted experiments in cell cultures and mice to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of these nanoparticles, which are extracellular vesicles similar to the ones circulating in humans' bloodstream and biological fluids that carry messages between cells. The hope is that a drop of solution containing these nanocarriers, delivered to the lungs via the nose, could treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), one of the most frequent causes of respiratory failure that leads to putting patients on a ventilator. In ARDS, inflammation spiraling out of control in the lungs so seriously burdens the immune system that immune cells are unable to tend to the initial cause of the damage. "These extracellular vesicles would be an alternative ARDS therapy that gives a fighting chance to your own immune system," said senior author Natalia Higuita-Castro, associate professor of biomedical engineering and neurosurgery at The Ohio State University. "The issue with ARDS is that you have a shift in the normal balance that favors inflammation. By introducing the anti-inflammatory agents, you shift that balance to a more level stage so the immune system can resolve the underlying issue." The study was published online recently in the journal Advanced Materials. Starting the engineering process with adult skin cells called dermal fibroblasts is a significant secret to this technology's success, noted Higuita-Castro, also director of advanced therapeutics and engineering in the College of Medicine Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute. Many nanocarriers are engineered from stem or progenitor cells that can differentiate into other cell types, but also have mysterious properties that aren't yet fully understood. advertisement "Using skin cells from adult animals is very important for us because we wanted to demonstrate the feasibility of translating this to clinical settings, where we could have a universal donor cell from adult patients," Higuita-Castro said. "Dermal fibroblasts are easily available, we can grow them, they're used in the clinic for grafting and wound healing, and they don't produce an immune response like that seen with other cell sources." To create the vesicles, scientists apply an electrical charge to a donor skin cell to transiently open holes in its membrane, and deliver externally obtained DNA inside. The donor cell converts that genetic information into one of two anti-inflammatory proteins as well as into messenger RNA, molecules that translate instructions for the manufacture of more of those functional proteins. Those materials are the payload inside these nanocarriers, whose surfaces are tagged with a molecule enabling interaction with specific cells to improve their retention in the lungs. In this study, separate nanocarriers were packed with one of two anti-inflammatory proteins, IL-4 or IL-10, plus mRNA for recipient cells in the lung to process and make more protein. "The proteins have an immediate effect, and adding mRNA will give a more sustained effect," said Higuita-Castro, also a core faculty member of Ohio State's Gene Therapy Institute. The different proteins were not combined into one vesicle for a reason: "Our vision for clinical applications is to have a mix-and-match platform depending on what the patient needs," she said. "That way, we could also administer lower doses multiple times, if needed, and re-dosing with these nanocarriers will be OK because they don't trigger a significant immune response." Cell culture experiments suggested these vesicles could be used as a pre-treatment in sick patients at high risk for developing ARDS. Studies in mice showed their potential to help patients who are already severely ill. advertisement After mice were injected with a molecule that triggered high inflammation in the lung, researchers gave them a single drop of liquid loaded with engineered nanocarriers that traveled straight to their injured lungs and got to work. Inflammation was reduced as expected, but repeated experiments in the animals showed the vesicles also lowered damage to lung tissue. Even more exciting to Higuita-Castro was a finding that cells in the treated lungs secreted substances with additional therapeutic benefits -- including antioxidants and more anti-inflammatory molecules. "Honestly, that was mind-blowing," she said. "It's a local treatment because it's delivered intranasally, and it stays in the lung because we designed it that way, but it has this global effect that is really powerful." Finding a safe, effective treatment for ARDS is a significant medical need. The current use of ventilators and steroids comes with lots of side effects, and while the dangerous lung condition used to be relatively rare, case numbers skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. "COVID-19 shined a light on the lack of effective therapeutic options for acute lung injury in general," Higuita-Castro said. There is more to do with the nanocarriers, including pinning down the precise details of all they can do to repair damaged lungs and testing the therapy in larger animals. But Higuita-Castro is optimistic about the technology's future. "These extracellular vesicles are naturally derived nanoparticles, and we think they're great because nature is the best example we could have -- as it has had millions of years to optimize the system," she said. This research was funded by Ohio State Office of Research COVID-19 seed funding and grants from the National Institutes of Health. The work was led by co-first authors Ana Salazar-Puerta and Maria Rincon-Benavides. Additional Ohio State co-authors included Tatiana Cuellar-Gaviria, Julian Aldana, Lilibeth Ortega-Pineda, Devleena Das, Daniel Dodd, Charles Spencer, Binbin Deng, David McComb, Joshua Englert, Samir Ghadiali, Loren Wold and Daniel Gallego-Perez. Gabriela Vasquez Martinez and Diana Zepeda-Orozco of Nationwide Children's Hospital also worked on the study. SANAA, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni government forces shot down two Houthi drones in the central province of Marib on Saturday, according to Yemen TV. The drones were intercepted and shot down while flying towards army positions in the western part of the province, the national public television said, citing a statement from the army. The Houthi group has yet to comment on the incident. The Yemeni government has repeatedly accused the Houthi rebels of carrying out drone attacks in the oil-rich province, which has served as a significant battleground between the warring factions. However, tensions between the conflicting parties have eased in recent months, with both sides adhering to a tacit truce. Consequently, drone attacks have become less frequent. Efforts by the United Nations to mediate a lasting cease-fire and secure a peace agreement between the warring factions are ongoing. Yemen has been locked in a military conflict since the Houthi militia took control of several northern cities and ousted the Yemeni government from the capital Sanaa in 2014. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering number of casualties and plunged the Arab world's poorest country into humanitarian crises, including widespread famine. BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu met with Narongphan Jitkaewtae, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army, on Saturday in Beijing. Li said China stands ready to work with Thailand to implement to the letter the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and to push for more fruits of cooperation between the two militaries, especially between the two armies. Against the backdrop of the Asia-Pacific currently facing some security challenges, China is willing to jointly maintain regional stability with Thailand and ensure lasting security in the region, Li said. Narongphan expressed appreciation and firm support for the Chinese side's important role in maintaining regional security and stability, and pledged joint efforts to continue advancing the relations between the two countries and militaries. SYDNEY, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said that a 19-year-old man was arrested following a stabbing in Sydney's inner city on Saturday. According to NSW Police Force, at about 12:40 p.m. local time on Saturday, emergency services were called to a bus that stopped on Flinders Street, near South Dowling Street, after receiving reports of a man having been stabbed. Police officers were told that a 35-year-old male passenger was stabbed by another man -- not known to him -- before he fled the scene on foot. The passenger was treated at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Police established a crime scene and commenced a search of the surrounding area. A 19-year-old man was arrested, and a knife was seized in Belmore Park at Haymarket at approximately 1:15 p.m. local time. The 19-year-old has been taken to a police station to assist with inquiries, while the investigation is continuing. BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- China's total enterprise annuity funds hit 2.98 trillion yuan (about 419 billion U.S. dollars) at the end of the first quarter of the year, official data showed. In the first three months, the investment returns of enterprise annuity funds reached 44.02 billion yuan, with the weighted average rate of return standing at 1.55 percent, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The country launched enterprise annuities in 2004 as a type of supplementary pension plan under which both employers and employees must contribute. As of the end of March, a total of 133,512 enterprises and 30.59 million employees had joined such programs. Visitors look at a power battery swap system for new energy vehicles on an exhibition of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Hu Xu) Visitors learn about innovation achievements of new energy vehicles on an exhibition of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Hu Xu) Recycled power batteries of new energy vehicles are on display during an exhibition of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Hu Xu) This photo taken on June 9, 2023 shows the opening session of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Organizing committee of 2023 World Power Battery Conference/Handout via Xinhua) Visitors look at a domestic air vehicle on an exhibition of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Photo by Zhuang Ge'er/Xinhua) This photo taken on June 9, 2023 shows a new energy vehicle on an exhibition of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Hu Xu) UNITED NATIONS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations announced on Friday that a unit of 60 Tanzanian military personnel deployed in the Central African Republic is to be repatriated, following serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against these peacekeepers. They were deployed at a temporary operating base in the western part of the Central African Republic, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. The decision to send the unit home was made by the UN Secretariat in New York, following consultations with MINUSCA, the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, Dujarric said. "The decision comes after a preliminary investigation which found credible evidence that 11 members of the unit had allegedly engaged in sexual exploitation and abuse of four victims," said the spokesman. The Tanzanian authorities have been formally notified and have deployed national investigation officers to the Central African Republic, Dujarric said. "The United Nations remains committed to robustly implementing the secretary-general's vision zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse," the spokesman said. TEGUCIGALPA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Honduran President Xiomara Castro's visit to China will lift bilateral relations to a higher level and lead to greater cooperation between the two countries, Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina has said. Castro arrived in Shanghai on Friday, starting her China visit which will run until June 14 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting between the two leaders will bring fruitful results and provide more development opportunities for the two peoples, Reina said in an interview with Xinhua ahead of the visit. Since establishing diplomatic relations on March 26, Honduras and China have made significant progress in a series of economic and trade cooperation, Reina said. "Honduras-China relations have just begun and we are already seeing friendship and solidarity," the foreign minister said. Regarding the opening of the Chinese Embassy in Honduras on June 5, Reina said it was "very good news." In his opinion, the opening of the Chinese Embassy, as well as that of the Honduran one in Beijing, will ensure a solid development of bilateral relations and help the two countries to further strengthen cooperation and better serve their peoples. He perceived the promotion of multilateralism in the international community, which China has been advocating, as a common principle that the two countries adhere to. "Cooperation between the two sides will give a strong impetus to the development of multilateralism in the international diplomatic arena," Reina said. The minister said the expanding "circle of friends" of China in Latin America reflects a logical trend in the region as China's international status continues to rise. "China has been an important trading partner of Honduras since long before the establishment of diplomatic relations, so the fact is that Honduras and China have been working together for a long time," Reina said, referring to the establishment of their diplomatic relations as just a natural choice to follow the trend and meet the international reality. Regarding China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, he said that the initiative is "important," as it has created a significant space for cooperation and brought countries around the world closer together. "I believe that the Belt and Road will help Honduras find new opportunities for development, investment and infrastructure construction that will benefit not only the Honduran people, but also the world. It will help connect the world," Reina added. Honduras is willing to further strengthen cultural cooperation with China, he said. In this regard, he said that with such important projects as the Confucius Institute, the Honduran government hopes the people will soon have the opportunity to learn Chinese there. In addition, the foreign minister said that as Honduras is faced with many structural problems in its current development, Chinese modernization can provide experience for Honduran reforms and help it promote education, trade, and economic and social development. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island cop formerly assigned to the traffic unit on the boroughs South Shore is suing the department and a commanding officer, alleging he was punished for refusing to acknowledge every courtesy card flashed by motorists during car stops. The citys police unions issue the cards to members who then circulate them among family and friends. Theyre purportedly used as a way to avoid traffic infractions like speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or in some cases even blowing a stop light. Not officially recognized by the NYPD, the cards have long been viewed as a perk of the job. A civil complaint filed last week in Manhattan federal court by officer Mathew Bianchi which names the City of New York and former 123rd Precinct Commanding Officer Andrey Smirnov as defendants claims his superiors retaliated against him for his stance against the corrupt practice. At one point, the suit alleges, Bianchi was warned by an official with the Police Benevolent Association that he would not be protected by his union if he wrote tickets to people displaying a card and that if he continued to do so hed be reassigned. A spokesman for the PBA issued the following statement this week: The PBA does not set policies regarding the way that police officers perform their duties. The law and NYPD policies afford police officers discretion in taking enforcement action. Each police officer determines how to exercise that discretion based on the specifics of each case. Likewise, the PBA does not determine where or how the NYPD deploys its personnel. That is the sole prerogative of NYPD management. The suit also alleges Bianchi was at one point passed over for a promotion despite being the more qualified candidate. Things came to a head last summer when the plaintiff issued a citation to a friend of the NYPDs highest-ranking uniformed officer, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, according to the complaint. Three days later, Bianchi says he was moved from the traffic unit to night patrol. Maddrey meanwhile is in the midst of a department trial surrounding claims he improperly voided the arrest of a former officer. Manhattan-based Attorney John Scola, who is representing Bianchi in the case, argues in the complaint that his clients first amendment right to speak out as a citizen regarding a matter of extreme public concern was violated. Namely widespread corruption, illegal practices and the manipulation of issuance of traffic tickets due to courtesy cards. A spokesperson for the NYPD told the Advance/SILive.com this week the department will review the lawsuit if and when we are served. The citys Law Department also declined to comment about the ongoing case. INTERNAL AFFAIRS ALERTED Following the alleged traffic stop involving a friend of top brass, Bianchi who after joining the department in 2015 was promoted to the traffic division said he submitted an anonymous complaint to the citys Department of Investigation, but withdrew it when he claims he was told it would have to be on the record. So instead he filed with the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau. Even though my car stop was a standard stop with no confrontation I am still being retaliated against solely because the motorist I summonsed knows a chief and that chief is now mad at me, he wrote in a complaint thats quoted in the suit. This is not only corrupt but its a safety issue. In a recent interview he admitted his wife and father have courtesy cards that he gave them, and claimed he honored the cards most of the time, the Daily News reported. But after dealing with repeat traffic offenders, one of them reckless, who flashed their courtesy cards expecting not to get a ticket, he decided to be less forgiving. I SEE CARD AFTER CARD... In some instances, the federal complaint alleges, Bianchi was reprimanded for writing a ticket to a relative or parent of an officer. In others, his commanding officer reviewed body-camera footage to see if he was giving motorists with cards a hard time, the Associated Press reported. In the 123rd Precinct, home to a disproportionately high number of cops and other city workers, the officer said drivers he pulled over for traffic infractions frequently displayed a card. I see card after card. Youre not allowed to write any of them [up], he told the AP. Were not supposed to be showing favoritism when we do car stops, and we shouldnt be giving them out because the guy mows my lawn. His attorney also cites a discriminatory element, noting that Staten Islands South Shore is predominantly white, and those drivers are significantly more likely to have courtesy cards than minority drivers. So as a result of a ticketing quota system, this means police officers are forced to disproportionately ticket minority drivers. The NYPD has long denied the existence of enforcement quotas. Ronnie Dunn, a professor of urban studies at Cleveland State University, told the Guardian he believes the officers allegation is a form of bias. Its not only racial bias, because minorities are less likely to be given courtesy cards based on the demographics of the police, but also creates a status bias, because courtesy cards give impunity to violate traffic laws to family and friends of law enforcement and predominantly European-Americans, Dunn said. RELATED COVERAGE: Staten Island courts >>Staten Island woman struck by car while walking dog awarded $1.4M in settlement >>The Staten Island cop accused of lewd acts met one minor through a youth organization, authorities say >>Historic $22.9M settlement secured for Staten Island family man who suffered brain injuries, paralysis >>Staten Island woman, 42, accused of Target shoplifting hauled into court by warrant squad >>From Staten Island hospital bed, migrant woman arraigned for allegedly dumping baby STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island professional honorary society of women educators, the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, recently awarded college scholarships to two young Staten Island women, totaling $3,000. The recipients are Emma Cahill, of Michael J. Petrides School, and Brianne Gonzalez, of New Dorp High School. We are looking forward to the day when these two bright young people will join the educational community, said Mary Ann Baldari, president of the Alpha Beta Chapter. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society Internationals mission is to grant scholarships to qualified seniors from Staten Island high schools who have exhibited scholarship, leadership, citizenship, a strong work ethic, and community involvement and are entering college in pursuit of a career in education. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International was established in 1929 in Austin, Texas. The Alpha Beta Chapter was established on Staten Island in 1959 and has been granting scholarships to two high school students entering the field of education annually since 1982. Emma Cahill received the $2,000 Dr. Mary Meade Scholarship and will be attending the College of Staten Island to major in education. She was a member of the National Honor Society and National Society for High School Scholars. Cahill has volunteered as an Italian educator at the Staten Island Childrens Museum and has tutored students in grades K-12. Brianne Gonzalez received the $1,000 Alpha Beta Scholarship and will be attending Kean College in New Jersey, majoring in education. Preparing for her role as an educator, she was in the Academy of Education and Leadership at New Dorp High School. Gonzalez goal is to become an elementary school teacher. While at New Dorp, she was a member of the National Honor Society. She will soon receive the Girl Scout Gold Award and was also involved in the school community as a tutor to younger students. Theodore Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, has died in federal prison, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons told The Associated Press on Saturday. Kaczynski was found dead around 8 a.m. at a federal prison in North Carolina. A cause of death was not immediately known. He had been moved to the federal prison medical facility in North Carolina after spending two decades in a federal Supermax prison in Colorado for a series of bombings that targeted scientists. Kaczynski was serving life without the possibility of parole following his 1996 arrest at the primitive cabin where he was living in western Montana. FILE - This April 6, 1996 file photo shows Ted Kaczynski's cabin in the woods of Lincoln, Mont. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)AP FILE - In this April 4, 1996 file photo, Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, is escorted into the federal courthouse in Helena, Mont. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)AP Years before the Sept. 11 attacks and the anthrax mailing, the Unabombers deadly homemade bombs changed the way Americans mailed packages and boarded airplanes, even virtually shutting down air travel on the West Coast in July 1995. He forced The Washington Post, in conjunction with The New York Times, to make the agonizing decision in September 1995 to publish his 35,000-word manifesto, Industrial Society and Its Future, which claimed modern society and technology was leading to a sense of powerlessness and alienation. But it led to his undoing. Kaczynskis brother David and Davids wife, Linda Patrik, recognized the treatises tone and tipped off the FBI, which had been searching for the Unabomber for years in nations longest, costliest manhunt. Authorities in April 1996 found him in a 10-by-14-foot plywood and tarpaper cabin outside Lincoln, Montana, that was filled with journals, a coded diary, explosive ingredients and two completed bombs. As an elusive criminal mastermind, the Unabomber won his share of sympathizers and comparisons to Daniel Boone, Edward Abbey and Henry David Thoreau. But once revealed as a wild-eyed hermit with long hair and beard who weathered Montana winters in a one-room shack, Kaczynski struck many as more of a pathetic loner than romantic anti-hero.He pleaded guilty to setting 16 explosions that killed three people and injured 23 others in various parts of the country between 1978 and 1995. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New Yorkers hoping to get a break from the pollution caused by smoke from raging Canadian wildfires will have to wait a little bit longer. NotifyNYC, New York Citys official emergency notification system, issued a warning Saturday evening that air quality conditions could worsen as the night progresses. It advised residents specifically those with respiratory or heart problems, older adults, and children to limit outdoor activity as much as possible. Air Quality Update: Air quality conditions in NYC may worsen this evening, Saturday June 10th. Limit outdoor activity as much as possible, especially vulnerable populations - incl. those w/respiratory or heart problems, older adults, & children. Info: https://t.co/1jPyFU3vaK NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) June 10, 2023 Air quality conditions were rated as moderate on Saturday by the citys Air Quality Index. Conditions have vastly improved since Wednesday, when a thick plume of smoke shrouded the five boroughs in a dense haze and raised the air quality index to 484. The citys Air Quality Index measures pollution on a scale between zero and 500, with anything above 150 considered to be unhealthy. The 484 mark was the highest measure on the scale since the 1960s, said Mayor Eric Adams. The data is tracked by the Environmental Protection Agency. The deteriorated conditions were caused by smoke from some 250 wildfires in Canada over the past several days. The smoke traveled through the atmosphere, bringing particulate matter a mixture of solid and liquid pollutants down the East Coast of the United States. The citys Department of Health and Mental Hygiene offered the following tips to protect vulnerable residents: Listen to your body if your eyes are watering or your throat is sore or you are out of breath go indoors. If you are having trouble breathing, call 911 . Children with asthma are especially sensitive to poor air quality and should limit time outdoors. Families should consider the amount of time children spend outdoors this weekend and take more frequent breaks indoors if needed. Watch for watery eyes, sore throats and shortness of breath. If a child is experiencing these conditions, bring them indoors. Call 911 if they are having trouble breathing. N95 masks are available for pick up at local police precincts and firehouses citywide. Wearing a high-quality mask can reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. N.J. police say a 39-year-old father drowned while attempting to save his daughters life on Friday morning after the teen got caught up in a rip current while swimming at a Jersey Shore beach. According to NJ.com, officers were called to the Sylvania Avenue beach located in Avon-by-the-Sea at 8:35 a.m after receiving a report of two swimmers in distress. Rescue swimmers immediately began searching for the pair and within 10 minutes found the girl in distress and pulled her from the water. A short time later, the rescuers found a man who was submerged and pulled him from the water, Avon police Capt. Tony Pecelli told the news outlet. After starting life-saving efforts on the beach, the Teaneck, N.J., resident was brought to nearby Jersey Shore University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The teen remains hospitalized. Their identities were not provided pending family notification. Staff members in ancient costumes at China's Shaanxi booth welcome visitors during the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 9, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry. Over 300 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions have registered to display their distinctive products in the fair's Belt and Road International Exhibition Area. (Xinhua/Liang Xu) Visitors choose products at China's Shaanxi booth during the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 9, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry. Over 300 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions have registered to display their distinctive products in the fair's Belt and Road International Exhibition Area. (Xinhua/Liang Xu) Visitors buy products at a booth from Mali during the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 9, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry. Over 300 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions have registered to display their distinctive products in the fair's Belt and Road International Exhibition Area. (Xinhua/Liang Xu) Visitors buy products at a booth from Nepal during the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 9, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry. Over 300 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions have registered to display their distinctive products in the fair's Belt and Road International Exhibition Area. (Xinhua/Liang Xu) Visitors buy products at a booth from South Korea during the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 9, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry. Over 300 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions have registered to display their distinctive products in the fair's Belt and Road International Exhibition Area. (Xinhua/Liang Xu) Visitors buy products at a booth from India during the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 9, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry. Over 300 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions have registered to display their distinctive products in the fair's Belt and Road International Exhibition Area. (Xinhua/Liang Xu) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is asking for the publics assistance in identifying two individuals in connection with a burglary that occurred Friday afternoon. At approximately 1 p.m., two unidentified men allegedly broke through a window of a New Springville home, entered the residence, and removed jewelry and an unknown amount of money, according to the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. There were no injuries reported. Police described one of the sought individuals as a male with a light complexion and a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and red and white sneakers. Police described the second sought individual as a male with a medium complexion. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants and a black face mask. Police released photos of the two men. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A former Staten Island priest already accused in a lawsuit of sexually abusing a minor in New York pleaded no contest to several charges in Pennsylvania Friday in connection with abuse allegations more than a decade ago, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Rev. James Garisto, 74, pleaded no contest to charges of corruption of a minor and indecent assault after a man came forward accusing the priest of touching him inappropriately at a Fishtown, Pa., home between 2006 and 2010 when he was 15 years old, according to the report. Other charges in the case were dropped, the report said. Father Garisto, the former principal and academic dean of St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, was arrested in the case on May 4, 2022, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported. Father Garisto had also faced charges in connection with another incident involving a minor from 1995 to 2002 in Philadelphia. Those charges ultimately were withdrawn due to statute of limitations laws, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia County District Attorneys Office previously told the Advance/SILive.com. Father Garisto is scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 7, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer report. According to a statement issued by the Archdiocese of New York at the time of his arrest, Father Garisto has been on leave, unable to act as a priest or present himself as a priest, since August 2019, when the archdiocese received the first IRCP [Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program] complaint against him. UNRELATED STATEN ISLAND CASE Father Garisto was a biology teacher at St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School in the late 1980s and 1990, also serving as a vice principal and academic dean at one time, according to a post on the schools Facebook page. In 2021, a former Staten Islander filed a lawsuit in Manhattan state Supreme Court against the Archdiocese of New York and St. Josephs under New Yorks Child Victims Act. He claimed Father Garisto sexually abused him for several years, beginning when he was a teen in the 1990s. Ryan Barry, now a husband and father who lives in Pennsylvania, stated in a lawsuit and in a 2021 interview with the Advance/SILive.com that he was preyed upon by Father Garisto, a former pastor, teacher and school administrator at St. Josephs. He robbed me of pretty much my whole childhood and my teenage years, Barry said. Although solidly in recovery today, Barry believes the alleged abuse triggered his long struggle with drug addiction. As soon as the drugs started, thats all I did, Barry said. He [Father Garisto] robbed me of time with my family... Its just frustrating that this guy got away with all of this and Im just forgotten. Father Garisto was not criminally charged in the Staten Island case. ABRUPT DEPARTURE FROM ST. ROCHS In 2015, Father Garisto made an abrupt departure from St. Rochs R.C. Church in Port Richmond, prompting a rally by 100 impassioned parishioners, in support of the priest, on the steps of the church, Advance/SILive.com records show. An archdiocese spokesman said at the time the decision to step aside was made by Father Garisto himself, and not at the request of the archdiocese. It was Fathers decision, and he put forth his reasons in his note to parishioners, and I dont think we should go beyond that, the spokesman said. Father Garistos note a terse letter that was hastily inserted into the weekend bulletin said that he was no longer able to continue as pastor citing emotional stress and physical strain of trying to merge two parishes. He said he had requested a sick leave from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and that hopefully, after a doctor-ordered rest, I will be able to return to active ministry, and asked parishioners to please remember me in your daily prayers, as I always will remember you. EDITORS NOTE: Pride 2023 is a collection of Staten Islanders stories. Whether its about overcoming adversity, a parents journey in accepting their LGBTQ child, or fighting for awareness and equality, these borough residents all have Pride. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Gabriel Acevedo admits he came out as a gay male in an accepting home. Growing up in a Puerto Rican family, the 21-year-old Richmond resident, told the Advance/SILive.com he lived in a good environment when he came out to his parents in the sixth grade. They met him with love and respect, he said, though he knows many others arent as lucky. I am who I am, and I wish to uplift those who dont have the same support system I was blessed with, he said. However, finding a community on Staten Island was initially a struggle, he admitted. But the climate surrounding gay acceptance has changed dramatically in recent years, he said. Acevedo, a 21-year-old Richmond resident, acknowledged he was largely spared from homophobia because he does not appear visibly queer. He joined the Gay Straight Alliance while attending Susan E. Wagner High School, Sea View and is a member of the LGBTQ Resource Center as a student at the College of Staten Island, Willowbrook, where he is pursuing interests in media. FOSTERING DISCUSSION Thats where his career aspirations have crossed into his mission of helping others find belonging. Acevedo has spent countless late nights editing videos to put on social media, where he has cultivated thousands of followers and subscribers across multiple channels, including TikTok and YouTube. His content, among other avenues, explores examples of LGBTQ+ representation in media bringing some relatively unknown novels, shows and movies to the surface to foster discussion. Some of his recent work is aimed at highlighting East Asian and Southeast Asian stories, ranging from romances to dramas, that feature same-sex relationships. SUPPORT FROM FOLLOWERS Acevedo said he also enjoys sharing other content creators and bolstering his community, even as the daily grind of being a student makes content creation a laborious practice a sometimes-difficult pursuit. I have to admit that its a bit hard, but its so rewarding because I love talking about this, said Acevedo. I want to continue that as a passion while I continue in media. The support he has received from followers has been fulfilling, he said. As someone who searched for community himself, he knows that the internet is an important place for finding a home for some. That is especially true as acceptance across the U.S. is far from uniform, said Acevedo. He stressed the need for advocates to not take recent progress for granted and to continue working to confront attacks against the LGBTQ+ community. My fellow LGBTQ folks, youre going to end up going back if you dont get into high gear, he said. Keeping his online community thriving and expanding is part of his goal to support the effort in ways he knows best through his content.. To allow that space to exist, Acevedo feels he needs to be a voice for others. Hope will never be silent, he said, quoting the Harvey Milk, a civil rights leader who became the first openly gay elected official in the history of California. I try to bring hope to a lot of LGBTQ people from not only in the U.S. but across the world. MORE PRIDE STORIES: A journey of respect: Staten Island parents 10-year path to accept -- and embrace -- transgender child Openly gay prosecutor, LGBTQ+ liaison: An advocate for empowerment, progress This Staten Island gay male was met with love and respect when he came out as a pre-teen A true-love story: His partner now identifies as transgender and they stayed together Show youre here, queer and proud: Staten Islander wants to set good example for students, community Ill be their ride or die: State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton pledges her support to the LGBTQ+ community Staten Island playwright of My Big Gay Italian Wedding reflects on LGBTQ+ inclusion progress, work that lies ahead Where have Staten Islands LGBTQ+ bars gone? How a once-vibrant scene has shifted in the 2020s STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island woman says a memorial she set up in her community honoring her late daughter was vandalized earlier this week. Elisa Roces of Princes Bay told the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com she had made a memorial tree across from her home in the Captains Quarters development for her daughter, Jenna, who died at age 29 about a year and a half ago on Jan. 11, 2022, from an accidental overdose. On Monday, June 5, Roces went to visit the tree with her grandson and noticed a black substance on a number of the items and pictures hanging. I was devastated, I was very upset. I dont understand who would do this, she said. In a video shared with the Advance/SILive.com, a black tar or paint-like substance, according to Roces, is seen on a number of objects on the tree including across a picture of her daughter. Elisa Roces of Princes Bay said somebody vandalized her daughter's memorial. (@grievinggirlfrombrooklyn) It is still unknown who committed the act, Roces said. I took a lot of stuff down because I didnt want other things to get ruined I put everything on a tree in the back of my house now at least its on my own property, she said. Roces runs a TikTok page where she helps others with grieving the loss of a loved one. Since my daughter passed away, Ive found that it comforts me to help other people who are going through a tough time, the Princes Bay resident said. Even some followers had sent her items to hang on the memorial tree some sent pictures of their own loved ones to be added to the tree. Inspirational quotes, wind chimes and other mementos were also at the site. I would go there everyday, people started to gather there. It made me happy, I dont like going to the cemetery and this made me feel that my Jenna was still part of this community. Roces is debating to whether to move the memorial back to its original site. The tree is considered New York City property and is not owned by anyone in the community. She originally only planned to have the memorial for the rest of the summer. Jennas birthday is in June. It made me feel happy, it was a nice place to come for peace, it was right by the water, she said. I want everyone to be more compassionate, its just a very sad situation. OTHER STATEN ISLAND NEWS: >> Staten Island NYPD officer alleges he was punished for refusing to honor courtesy cards >> D.A. wont seek charges in Staten Island robbery case where suspect died from martial-arts-style move >> MTA nabs 18 toll evaders with fines nearing $400K during Verrazzano Bridge enforcement blitz 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! San Mateo, CA (94402) Today Mostly cloudy early, then sunshine for the afternoon. High 66F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Expect mist and reduced visibilities at times. Low 53F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Tourists experience folk dance of Li ethnic group during activities to celebrate China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, June 10, 2023. Saturday marks this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in China, with the theme focusing on cultural relics protection and utilization, as well as cultural confidence and strength. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) A child makes paper cutting works during a paper cutting competition in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, June 10, 2023. Saturday marks this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in China, with the theme focusing on cultural relics protection and utilization, as well as cultural confidence and strength. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng) Children demonstrate ethnic Li textile weaving during activities to celebrate China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, June 10, 2023. Saturday marks this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in China, with the theme focusing on cultural relics protection and utilization, as well as cultural confidence and strength. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) A woman demonstrates embroidery skills during activities to celebrate China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in Congjiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 10, 2023. Saturday marks this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in China, with the theme focusing on cultural relics protection and utilization, as well as cultural confidence and strength. (Photo by Lu Zhongnan/Xinhua) A bamboo weaver demonstrates weaving techniques in Tuying Village of Changxing County, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 10, 2023. Saturday marks this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in China, with the theme focusing on cultural relics protection and utilization, as well as cultural confidence and strength. (Photo by Wu Zheng/Xinhua) A child shows a shadow puppet during activities to celebrate China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in Kaifeng City, central China's Henan Province, June 10, 2023. Saturday marks this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in China, with the theme focusing on cultural relics protection and utilization, as well as cultural confidence and strength. (Photo by Li Junsheng/Xinhua) People perform folk dance during activities to celebrate China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in Xiasi Ancient Town of Kaili in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 10, 2023. Saturday marks this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in China, with the theme focusing on cultural relics protection and utilization, as well as cultural confidence and strength. (Photo by Zou Guangxue/Xinhua) All too often, Australias most extraordinary and enduring cultural exports only receive the kudos they so richly deserve when theyre no longer around to hear or see it for themselves. With a showbiz career spanning some 45 years (her first acting gig was a small role in The Sullivans as a 10-year-old), Kylie Minogue certainly fits the criteria among our pantheon of Australias greatest global entertainment exports, up there with AC/DC, Olivia Newton-John and Dame Edna, but her story is far from over. Kylie Minogue performs during Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Concert in February. Credit: Don Arnold/Getty Last Sunday, Minogue pulled off the seemingly impossible, landing a No.6 spot in the UKs official charts with her latest song Padam Padam. Combining physical sales, downloads and streams, the result is Minogues highest chart peak in the UK since All The Lovers hit No. 3 in 2010. She is also the oldest person on the chart by a couple of decades. This is no mean feat. She has survived vinyl, music videos, cassettes, CDs and now digital streams. Advertisement Eating outTrends Are bagels the new sandwiches? 10 of Sydneys best for a hole in one Cafes are swapping sourdough for hand-rolled, freshly baked bagels, each with their own multicultural twist. Here are 10 of the best to try in Sydney. Bianca Hrovat June 10, 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 Bagels are becoming the bread of choice for sandwiches in Sydney, as cafe owners seek an alternative to the perennially popular sourdough. New cafes Happy Alley (Rockdale), AnotherPlace (Potts Point) and Humm (Annandale) all launched bagel-forward menus over the past two months, each adding their own individual touch with a diverse range of spreads and fillings. We didnt want to be another cafe with smashed avo on toast, says Humm co-founder Sarah Christopher. As soon as we told the locals wed be bringing in bagels, their eyes just lit up. Bagels at the new Lox in a Box at Marrickville. James Brickwood Advertisement And the popularity of bagels means stalwarts Brooklyn Boy Bagels and Lox in a Box have expanded to new locations. Theres growing awareness around bagels, their history and the diverse ways you can use them, says Lox in a Box co-founder Candy Berger. Berger prefers her bagels light and fluffy, like a roll with a hole. They come wrapped in white paper and cut down the middle to reveal layers of fresh ingredients like chicken katsu and colourful shredded slaw, or beef brisket pastrami with house-made sauerkraut. Lox in a Box opened its fourth venue last week, in a converted trailer in Marrickville. In two weeks, they plan to launch a breakfast bagel menu with LPs pigs head sausage, fluffy eggs and potato latkes. Lox in a Boxs fourth location is a trailer in Marrickville. James Brickwood Advertisement Brooklyn Boy Bagels founder Michael Shafran says his wholesale business has recently grown to service over 150 suppliers across NSW, including Happy Alley, Humm and Barrel One Coffee Roasters. When I started making them 10 years ago it was a bit of an anti-trend. No one was doing it, Shafran says. But as the American food trend continues to take hold first with burgers, then diners, then fried chicken were starting to see bagels become more popular. Shafran makes old-school, New York-style bagels, boiling and fermenting them to achieve a stretchy chew and unique, malted flavour. It involves a lot more labour, but its worth it for the deeper flavour and the nicer crust, he says. Advertisement While Shafran is the first to bring New-York bagels to Sydney, theyve long appeared in Jewish bakeries in the eastern suburbs. Wellington Cake Shop, which was established by Hungarian immigrant Lesley Brull in Bondi 1979, began as an Australian cake shop before evolving into continental specialities, like European-style bagels. Meanwhile, the late Mendel Glick opened Glicks bakery in Balaclava, Victoria in 1960, before opening three Sydney outposts (one remains in Rose Bay, renamed as The Bagel Co. and run by Glicks grandson, Baruch Kluwgant). The French dip bagel comes with a bowl of broth for dipping. Isaac Price Media At the newly opened Brooklyn Boy Bagels cafe in Surry Hills, Shafran puts his characteristic American slant on the menu. A collaboration with nearby sandwich shop Lenny Briskets for the month of June has resulted in a French-dip-inspired bagel filled with tender roast beef and horseradish cream, served with a bowl of warm beef consomme. The bagel takes on Middle Eastern flavours at Happy Alley, where owner Ali Barakat serves sesame bagels with spicy sujuk sausage and cheese, and zaatar bagels with fried halloumi, olives and tomato. Before us, you couldnt get bagels like this in Rockdale, says Barakat. Advertisement Ive been surprised at how successful its been. Jinny Choi took inspiration from her Korean roots for the cream cheese schmears at AnotherPlace, the cafe she co-founded with friend Reanne Bang. Whenever Id travel back to Korea Id notice all these different cream cheese flavours, and they were really popular, but you couldnt find them in Sydney, Choi says. So we decided to create cream cheese flavours of our own, like yuzu, espresso, blueberry and peanut butter. 10 bagels to try in Sydney Advertisement The veggie bagel from Lox in a Box. Rhett Wyman Lox in a Box, various locations For those who prefer fluffy bagels with lighter fillings, try the veggie bagel with whipped schmear, pickled jalapenos, beetroot, tomato, rocket, carrot and pickles. Keep an eye out for the upcoming brekkie menu with options like whipped Oomite schmear and avocado. loxinabox.com.au A garlic and spring onion bagel from Brooklyn Boy Bagels. Brook Mitchell Brooklyn Boy Bagels, various locations For authentic, New York-style bagels with classic cream cheese schmears alongside meatier options like the muffuletta, which is brimming with layers of mortadella, sopressata, capocollo and provolone. Advertisement brooklynboybagels.com.au Bagels and cookies at Happy Alley, Rockdale. Supplied Happy Alley, Rockdale For traditionalboiled bagels with Middle Eastern-inspired fillings like spicy sujuk sausage, zaatar and halloumi. Try their house-made cookies afterwards, which come in flavours like red velvet and Nutella. The bacon and egg bagel at Humm in Annandale. Supplied Advertisement Humm, Annandale For a brekkie of cheesy bacon and eggs on an everything bagel, with a fried egg cracked over the top. Pair it with Humms house-roasted specialty coffee for the classic coffee and bagel experience. instagram.com/humm.annandale AnotherPlace, Potts Point Advertisement For cream cheese schmears in flavours like yuzu, espresso and blueberry, served on softer bagels from Marrickvilles Luxe Bakery. Order the sweet boy bagel for an Elvis-inspired combination of sliced banana, peanut butter cream cheese and maple syrup. instagram.com/anotherplace_official Scotchish Egg bagel by Will Stewart for Best Bagel Co. in Cremorne. Supplied Best Bagel Co., Cremorne For fun monthly specials developed by well-known Sydney chefs served on house-made bagels. This month Will Stewart (winner of My Kitchen Rules) has developed The Scotchish Egg, with a crumbed pork-mince pattie, boiled egg and tangy piccalilli (proceeds to be donated to R U OK?). Advertisement bestbagel.co Bagel from Small Talk in Dulwich Hill and Glebe. Supplied Small Talk, various locations For Montreal-style hand-rolled bagels that are soaked in a lye water bath to create a pretzel-like crust. Their brekkie bagel is particularly good, with cheesy egg, jalapeno and tomato. smalltalkcoffee.com Advertisement Bagels from Good Fella in Bella Vista. Supplied Good Fella, Bella Vista For plant-based bagels, hand-rolled and baked fresh on site every morning. Try the pumpkin bagel with roasted, smashed pumpkin, walnut dukkah, feta and mint, or keep it simple with herb and caper cream cheese and sliced tomato. goodfella.co The freshly baked bagels at Iggys in Bronte. Supplied Advertisement Iggys Bread, Bronte For sourdough bagels, proved for 20 hours, then steamed intermittently throughout the baking process. The result is lighter than boiled bagels while retaining a crunchy golden crust. instagram.com/iggysbread_downunder Simplicity at The Bagel Co. in Rose Bay. Supplied The Bagel Co., Rose Bay Advertisement For dense, chewy bagels made with a secret family recipe passed down over three generations. Simplicity is key here, with classic toppings like house-cured salmon and cream cheese. thebagelco.com.au Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up 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 Beautifying the Parramatta River canal would be welcomed by most Sydneysiders (Parramatta banks on a river phoenix, June 4). But if that is all that is done, it would be a lost opportunity. The 730-metre canal between Marsden and Charles streets weirs spans the former tidal zone of the river. While there is always an environmental case for removing the weirs, the intertidal zone does not make for a great urban park. The Church Street bridge forms an elegant arch across the river but contributes to CBD flooding in extreme rainfall events. Removing the Charles Street weir and lowering the river and park level several metres will allow ferries to reach the Riverside Theatres and dramatically reduce flood risk. Peter Egan, Mosman An artists impression of turning Parramatta into Sydneys second CBD. Ahem, what happens to this Parrangaroo when the floodwaters come roaring through, as they do after every torrential, and ever more frequent, western Sydney cloudburst? Meredith Williams, Northmead Although Parramatta CEO Gail Connolly wants the city to be the Barangaroo of the west, has anyone asked the residents if they really want a high-rise casino to dominate their historic city? James Deli, Oatley Building up Parnell Palme McGuiness extols the virtues of building higher-end developments in desirable areas to solve the housing crisis (Win-win fix for housing crisis, June 4). Everyone moves up a rung. This is, of course, known as trickle-down economics, and as a lad in high school in the 1980s it was all the rage, and I thought it sounded brilliant. Fast-forward to 2023 and the rich got richer and didnt share the wealth. In short, it was a disaster. With the population now having doubled in my lifetime, that desirable housing will be swamped as the population more than doubles again in my lifetime. We will once again go backwards. Those currently advocating for the far right economic policies of the 1980s, i.e. endless population growth to solve our economic woes and to hell with the climate, need to answer the following question: When the population doubles yet again, how do we solve our economic woes? It will take more than facile slogans like YIMBY for me to re-embrace the 1980s. Paul Davies, Crows Nest University graduate pay rises over the first three years of working can vary by up to $30,000 depending on their choice of career, leading to warnings for high school-leavers to be realistic about their prospects of being able to afford to live in a major capital city. Pharmacists have one of the lowest graduate salaries but pocket the biggest pay rise of $37,000 just three years after leaving university. Doctors, bankers and lawyers get a $25,000 pay rise on average a few years into their chosen careers bringing their pay packets rise to more than $90,000 a year, while teachers receive among the lowest salary increases of anyone with a bachelors degree, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey. The disparity in pay rises has prompted demographers to warn high school-leavers that if they follow a career as a nurse or teacher because it will make it difficult to service a mortgage on a house in a major capital city. Australias Ukrainian community has called for Russians and Belarusians to be stopped from competing in a prestigious Sydney piano competition, claiming organisers are ignoring the deadly invasion that has lasted for more than a year. The Ukrainian Council of NSW also raised concerns about a ban on competitors expressing political views at next months Sydney International Piano Competition. Sergey Belyavsky is one of four Russian musicians who will compete at this years Sydney International Piano Competition. The councils vice president, Andrew Mencinsky, said the competition provided a platform for Russia to use the success of its musicians to project a certain image to the world and deflect from its barbarous actions in Ukraine. In general we do not believe that Russian and Belarusian musicians should be allowed to perform at the Sydney International Piano Competition, he said. However if a performer has publicly condemned the invasion, then we would not be against their attendance at the competition. Noisy, rundown and choked with buses, North Bondi is an obvious candidate for urban renewal. But plans to revamp the areas shops and bus terminus with palm trees, wider footpaths and new pedestrian crossings have caused a backlash from local councillors and shop owners who say it will harm businesses and worsen traffic congestion. They also want more, not less, car parking and do not want trees to block views of Bondi Beach. Ropers Seaside Pharmacy owner John Roper said the area around North Bondi shops and bus terminus needed to be tidied up and made safer for pedestrians. Credit: Janie Barrett Waverley Council wants to give the North Bondi retail strip a makeover and possibly move a bus parking area to Military Road. 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 On February 10, 1942, Japanese forces were making a rapid advance south through the Malay Peninsula and Australian commanders decided it was no longer safe for Australian Army Nurses stationed in Singapore to remain. The nurses felt Australian forces needed them, but decisions regarding their safety and that of their patients were beyond their control. Nurse Pearl Mittleheuser was determined to stay, strengthened by the knowledge that her closest friends would not accompany her on her assigned ship, the Wah Sui. Fellow nurse Sister Molly Campbell was assigned to leave on the Wah Sui but her close friend, Sister Thelma McEachern, was not yet assigned. Sister Pearl Mittleheuser. Credit: Australian War Memorial Recognising a potential compromise, Pearl offered to gamble her place on the Wah Sui with Thelma, ultimately allowing a coin toss to decide their fate. McEachern accepted the gamble, and Pearl tossed the coin. Without revealing the result, she simply told Thelma she had won, allowing her to leave with her friend Sister Molly Campbell on the Wah Sui. This act of friendship would seal Mittleheusers fate - out of love for her sisters and devotion to duty, she had exchanged safe passage to Australia for a cruel death far from home. Two days later, on February 12, 1942, a further 52 Australian Army Nurses departed at first light on the Empire Star and, as the day drew to a close, Mittleheuser and the remaining 64 nurses departed Singapore on the SS Vyner Brooke. The Vyner Brooke was a small cargo steamship and sometime royal yacht, requisitioned for service by the Royal Navy. Equipped to carry a passenger manifest of 12 in addition to 42 crew, an estimated 215 passengers crammed on board to flee Singapore for Batavia (todays Jakarta) via the Bangka Strait. Advertisement On the Vyner Brooke nurses were assigned to care for the wounded and provide for the wellbeing of all passengers, including provision of food and water. Commanded by matrons Olive Paschke and Irene Drummond, each nurse was allocated a station on the ship from which to assist passengers and patients, particularly if required to abandon ship. On February 14, 1942, the Vyner Brooke was spotted by Japanese aircraft and came under relentless aerial bombardment and machine gun attacks. The order to abandon ship was given and within minutes the Vyner Brooke had sunk. Several nurses were injured in the attack, others were simply never seen again. Paschke made it to a life raft alongside five nurses, including Sister Caroline Ennis, who was cradling a five-year-old Chinese boy and a four-year-old English girl. They were never seen again. Twelve Australian Army Nurses were killed or drowned in the sinking of the Vyner Brooke. Loading Among the last to leave the ship was Sister Vivian Bullwinkel. She could not swim, yet she would make it ashore at Radji Beach on Bangka Island with 21 other nurses. The nurses established an area to care for the injured, including their own sisters Clarice Halligan, Flo Casson, Rosetta Wight and Kathleen Neuss. Advertisement They were joined by more survivors of the Vyner Brooke and at least one other sunken ship. Including civilian men, women and children and Navy officers and sailors, there were an estimated 70 people at Radji Beach. The immediate concern was the limited supply of food and water and the serious condition of the wounded. Contact with a small group of locals indicated that the best opportunity for survival was surrender to the Japanese. As day dawned on February 16, 1942, a further 30 British soldiers and sailors arrived on the beach. A small party led by First Officer Bill Sedgeman set out to surrender. They returned with a Japanese officer and around 20 soldiers. The Japanese officer ordered his men to sort the group into three the nurses, officer and non-commissioned officers, and the remaining servicemen. The officer and NCOs were marched at bayonet point around a rocky headland at the end of the beach, where they were blindfolded and bayoneted to death, their bodies discarded in the jungle. The servicemen were next. Their bodies stayed where they fell. Next were the nurses and a civilian woman. The Japanese soldiers sat in view of the nurses while cleaning the blood from their bayonets. Sister Nancy Harris said: Its true then. They dont take prisoners. A softly spoken Drummond reminded them of their duty to their patients: Where there is life, there is hope. They had survived war, the fall of Singapore, the sinking of the Vyner Brooke, all in the hope of a better world. What befell them was a betrayal of that hope. Advertisement The Japanese ordered them to line up along the shore, facing out to sea. The injured nurses were forced to stand, supported by their colleagues. Bullwinkel looked out across the water and thought to herself: How can something as dirty and evil as this be happening in a place that is so beautiful? The last words she would hear from Matron Drummond were: Chins up, girls. Im proud of you and I love you all. Matron Irene Drummond, right, who was executed on Radji Beach, with fellow army nurses Dora Gardam, left, who died in a prisoner-of-war camp on Bangka Island, and Ellen Hannah, who survived the war. Credit: Australian College of Nursing They were then shot in the back by a Japanese machine gunner. Any who showed signs of life were bayoneted through the heart. Yet one nurse survived: Vivian Bullwinkel. Drifting in and out of consciousness, she feigned death until she was certain the Japanese had left. She had been shot above the left hip. Making her way back to the beach she sheltered in the jungle and slept. When she woke and went to seek fresh water she discovered a fellow survivor, British Private Pat Kingsley. He had suffered terrible injuries to his shoulder. For 12 days they hid in the jungle until the threat of starvation left them no choice but to surrender. Kingsley succumbed to his injuries one week later. Bullwinkel was taken to a prisoner-of-war camp, where she was reunited with 31 nurses who had washed ashore elsewhere on Bangka Island. Of their number eight would die in captivity after 3 years of mistreatment. Pearl Mittleheuser was among them, aged just 41. Eighty-one years on, we joined Emeritus Professor Christine Duffield and Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward, president and chief executive respectively of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), to honour our forebears and witness the site of the largest-ever loss of Australian servicewomen in a single event. Advertisement It was dark outside when we set out through the jungle in four-wheel-drives for Radji Beach. We imagined Bullwinkel walking through this place without shoes, looking for fresh water sources, food and shelter, all the while caring for her patient Kingsley. From left: Emeritus Professor Christine Duffield, Wing Commander (Retd) Sharon Bown, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward and Group Captain Kath Stein on their way to Bangka Island, scene of the February 1942 massacre by Japanese troops. Credit: Justin McManus Arriving at the memorial to the nurses and civilians mercilessly killed, we imagined hearing those muffled gunshots from around the headland. The peace and beauty of the beach is so at odds with the brutality of that day. Only waves break the silence. Loading The four of us held a short ceremony to commemorate the life, service and sacrifice of our nurses, Christine and Sharon reading out their 21 names before we placed floral tributes into the water. We watched the flowers floating, some returning to the beach and others drifting away. Their random movement spoke to us of the potential for a different outcome for our nurses, if only different soldiers, with different orders, had found them that day, or they had washed up on a different beach. A few tears escape. We reach out for a group hug. A single line of red roses washes up on the sand. Advertisement Over the past 60 years, there has not been any real change in treatments for eating disorders, Kulkarni said. The field has to move forward. Treatment innovations are desperately needed. Loading In Victoria, children as young as eight are diagnosed with eating disorders, amid higher levels of emotional distress that rose during the pandemic. Families of gravely ill children say they are being failed by inadequate treatment and support and turned away from hospitals until it is too late. The first signs of Lexies disordered eating were subtle. Without announcing it, Lexie reduced her sugar and carb intake, increased her exercise, stopped eating at school and ate meals and dinner at home with her family. Then one night, she refused to eat. There was a multiplicity of things that led to that horrendous moment, Moore said. By then, it was already out of control. Over the next few years, Lexie was admitted to hospital almost a dozen times as her heart and organs started failing. Moore said her daughter was often left traumatised by her experiences in health services, which included being chased and held down by security guards so nasal-gastric feeding tubes could be pushed into her nose. During that time Lexie went from being someone that I think we could have helped to someone that was almost unreachable, Moore said. Kulkarni said her centres first trial would use transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for people with severe anorexia. The treatment has long been used for major depression and there are early signs it may be able to alter neurocircuitry in anorexia nervosa patients, by alleviating disorder-specific behaviours when focused on the part brain associated with the psychiatric disorder. The trial will be led by Monash Universitys Dr Leo Chen, who is writing a new paradigm for anorexia nervosa treatment with researchers at Harvard University. Something has changed in the brain that has led an individual with anorexia nervosa to be able to override what is an essential and fundamental human drive needed to exist and to survive, Kulkarni said. This is pretty powerful stuff. We are really trying to understand how we can reverse it. Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is the director of Monash Universitys HER Centre Australia. Credit: Justin McManus There are also plans for a treatment trial using estrogen for anorexia patients, targeting physical symptoms such as bone density loss, and brain functioning. Kulkarni said treatment for complex eating disorders had too long focused on talking therapies such as psychotherapy, which while important for treatment, had led to delays in advancements in understanding the biology of the illnesses. This program wont be a silver bullet for eating disorders, which are notoriously difficult to treat, Kulkarni said. Loading What Im concerned about is that at the moment it [psychotherapy] is the main and pretty much only option. We want to combine biology with the psychology for a holistic model of care. Lexie spent more than a year in Stockholm under 24/7 in-patient specialist care. Last year, after hitting rock bottom, she spent five months at Wandi Nerida treatment facility, run by the Butterfly Foundation, on Queenslands Sunshine Coast, where she received 24-hour, holistic, integrated intensive therapeutic and psychiatric care. Lexie is now 21 and starting recovery. She and her family hope that research into understanding the biological causes underpinning eating disorders could eventually prevent other young people from going through what she did. Moore said despite the high mortality and a national spike in eating disorders, there remained no nationwide community health prevention campaign like there was for other deadly conditions such as skin cancer. We should be doing everything in terms of prevention, treatment and research we can so no one else has to go through this absolute hell. Emma Moore, Lexies mother Where the system is so utterly failing now is that people who are suffering are sometimes given outdated treatment options with appalling outcomes for eating disorders because we havent invested in the right research or treatments, Moore said. We desperately need to develop better models of care and intervention. Were talking about childrens lives here and ripple effects on their families and others is devastating. We should be doing everything in terms of prevention, treatment and research we can so no one else has to go through this absolute hell. Loading Psychologist Chris Fowler from the Butterfly Foundation, a national charity supporting people with eating disorders, said when treatment was delivered by skilled and knowledgeable health professionals, about 72 per cent of people fully recovered. He said many people had to try different treatment options on their path to recovery. The current evidence-based treatments may not be suitable for every individual experiencing an eating disorder, said Fowler, the clinical lead of the charitys national helpline. He said the foundation welcomed research into innovative treatment options conducted in an ethical and safe way, but added there had to be adequate funding for existing treatment options including increasing co-ordination between mental and physical healthcare and nutritional support. BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- When China's first civilian astronaut Gui Haichao was sent to the space station last month, he might not know he would become an idol for numerous students sitting the country's college entrance examination, or "gaokao." Through the examination, Gui, from a rural family, was admitted to Beihang University, which is prestigious in terms of aeronautics and astronautics, and later became a crew member on the Shenzhou-16 spaceflight mission. "Gui's story is very inspiring. It proves that people's dreams can be realized by making efforts," said Xiong Wangyu, an examinee from Nanjiang County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. A physics lover, Xiong hopes to major in aeronautics and astronautics and contribute to science in the future like Gui. The exact number of applicants for this year's "gaokao" is 12.91 million, a record high since matriculation resumed in 1977. Beginning on Wednesday, their tests are set to conclude by Saturday. Zhong Huaqiang, from the city of Ganzhou in east China's Jiangxi Province, dreams of majoring in Chinese language and literature at a university, as he thinks words are powerful. His favorite poet is Yu Xiuhua, a disabled peasant who became an internet hit years ago. Born with cerebral palsy, Zhong is unable to walk. Over the past 10 years, his classmate Zhu Jinxiang has been his "legs." Zhu carries him to class, to the toilet and almost everywhere, while Zhong, excellent in academic performance, helps Zhu with his homework. Though sitting in different classrooms for the examination, they are pursuing the same goal. "We hope we can enter the same university," said Zhong, echoed by Zhu. Nearly 10,000 examinees with disabilities applied to take the exam, according to the Ministry of Education. Deemed the most important event for Chinese school students, "gaokao" is hailed as a fair system to select talents. Authorities have launched a special operation to crack down hard on cheating in the exam, especially violations such as using mobile phones and other telecommunications gadgets. High-tech facilities such as metal detector gates and face recognition systems are used in many places. China is conducting a "gaokao" reform, gradually adopting a "3+3" or "3+1+2" model. In addition to math, Chinese and English, which are mandatory subjects, examinees can take the exams for three elective subjects under the "3+3" model. Under the "3+1+2" model, choosing physics or history is mandatory. A total of 29 provincial areas in the country will adopt the new "gaokao" models by 2025. Sun Jiamei, a parent of a student set to take the examination next year in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, said the reform that gives students more choices regarding the exam-subject combo will allow students to make independent choices and combine the subjects they choose to assist with career planning. Yang Feng, a professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, said the reform creates a scientific approach to selecting talents. "Top talents stand out because of their own enthusiasm for science and technology, and because of an enabling environment that shields their potential for innovation from being prematurely stifled," said Yang, adding that the reform is designed to give students greater say in their academic pursuits and career choices. Moreover, Yang said that as boundaries between different academic subjects get increasingly murkier with development, a multi-disciplinary academic background becomes imperative for students, and the reform is intended to steer the nation's educators into placing higher attention on students' all-around capacity. I suspect most sensible people are so confused and horrified by the saga of Brittany Higgins rape allegation against her former colleague Bruce Lehrmann that they have stopped reading about it. It is a story of human misery on all sides, a narrative defined by binary conflicts and deep enmities, with much hidden from public view, and so many competing agendas that it has become too nasty to keep up with. Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen/Rhett Wyman Legally, the matter has always been fraught to write about first, because of the possibility of prejudicing the trial for rape of Lehrmann, who was, and is, entitled to the presumption of innocence. He has never been convicted of any wrongdoing and has always fiercely denied he had any sexual contact with Higgins. That risk no longer exists, as Lehrmanns trial was aborted in October last year due to juror misconduct. In a letter sent to Department of Health secretary Brendan Murphy last month, Private Healthcare Australia chief executive Rachel David accused PwC of producing a flawed analysis in 2017 which she says was then relied on by the previous government to set the prices of medical implants. The use of transfer pricing for medical implants inflates the cost in Australia and minimises the tax payable in this country, David wrote in the letter. PwC is currently involved in several Department of Health and Aged Care reviews which will have a direct impact on health fund claims costs and health system costs more generally. Medical devices can cost up to three times more in Australia than in other countries. This type of direct link between PwC acting as an advisor to government on one hand, while supporting multinational clients on tax strategies has been the very focus of the media and parliamentary investigation that has generated the adverse publicity. No PwC staff who were involved in the recent review for the department were involved in previous work for the MTAA, according to the accounting firm. Peter Breadon, the director of the health and aged care program at the Grattan Institute, said the 2017 agreement that underpinned the prosthesis list, which expired last year, was impossible to defend. The prices private hospitals had to pay were set by a committee that included industry representatives. Those prices were way too high, well above those paid by public hospitals, he said. The new policy is better, but even it could deliver bigger price reductions faster. Breadon said the department should ask PwC to identify all potential conflicts of interest, check that any conflicts were properly disclosed and guarantee that it did not share any confidential information with other clients. The Department of Health said it was reviewing all existing contracts to ensure ethical conduct contractual obligations were being met. The department said it was also undertaking value for money assessments on past contracts which may still be relevant including a consideration of ethical conduct. The department has no knowledge or insight into PwC providing advice to the MTAA regarding the 2017 agreement between MTAA and the government. This agreement concluded in 2022 and pre-dated the reforms currently under way, the department said. The private healthcare industry has previously accused the multinational companies of shifting the profits they are making in Australia to other countries including Singapore and Switzerland. In 2018, the Australian Tax Office adopted new guidelines which rated the top 15 overseas corporations supplying Australias $12 billion medical devices market as tax avoidance risks. On December 10 of that year, PwC provided a briefing to MTAA members on how to comply with new ATO guidelines. As you may have heard, with the ever increasing ATO focus on multinationals and their international tax arrangements, there have been some recent developments from the ATO in the transfer pricing space, read an invitation sent out by the MTAA to its members on November 14, 2018. Specifically, we are anticipating the public release of a document known as a Practical Compliance Guideline (PCG) from the ATO towards the end of November. In the lead-up to the release of the guidance, we have been in discussions with PwC in respect to hosting an event to discuss the key elements of this anticipated guidance and what this may mean for the industry. The briefing came two years after the introduction of the new multinational tax avoidance laws at the centre of the tax leak scandal. PwC last week handed over a list of 67 current or former partners and staff who had received at least one of emails containing the then-confidential government plans. Late last year, the Tax Practitioners Board found Peter Collins, PwCs former head of international tax, shared confidential government briefings on multinational tax reform with PwC partners and clients to help them sidestep the laws. The partners who provided the 2018 briefing to medical device suppliers are not among those who have been stood down in recent weeks. A spokesperson for the MTAA said it had never engaged PwC to provide advice on transfer pricing, nor has it engaged the accounting firm any time during the current process of reform to the prostheses list. Loading Columbus, Georgia: Former US president Donald Trump blasted his historic federal indictment as ridiculous and baseless on Saturday during his first public appearance since the charges were unsealed, painting the 37 felony counts as an attack on his supporters as he tried to turn dire legal peril to political advantage. Speaking at a Republican state convention in Georgia, Trump cast his indictment by the Department of Justice as an attempt to damage his chances of returning to the White House as he campaigns for a second term. Theyve launched one witch hunt after another to try and stop our movement, to thwart the will of the American people, Trump alleged, later telling the crowd that, In the end, theyre not coming after me. Theyre coming after you. The strategy is a well-worn one for Trump, who remains the front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination despite his mounting legal woes, which also include criminal charges filed against him in March in New York. Again and again, in the face of investigation, Trump has tried to delegitimise law enforcement officials and portray himself and his supporters as victims, even when he faces serious charges. PHILIPSBURG:--- To reaffirm St. Maartens international reputation as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, the 2023 St. Maarten Flavors Program will kick off with an effort to break a world record befitting its theme of showcasing the many Flavors St. Maarten has to offer. The world record attempt is to take place on the morning of June 15th and will serve as the start of St. Maarten Flavors Appeteaser Week from June 15 June 24. This was announced by the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) in conjunction with Port St. Maarten Group today. This week serves as pre-promotions for St. Maarten Flavors in the month of November, where restaurants are offering prix fixe menus throughout the entire month of either, 3 courses, or one, highlighting their specialties for either $49 or $17.50. Those visitors that enjoy the prix fixe menu concept and food sampling in June are invited to plan their return in November to immerse themselves even further into the dynamic food scene that St. Maarten offers. More details about the world record attempt, a cooperation between the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) through its St. Maarten Flavors Program, and Port St. Maarten Group, will be announced in the upcoming days. CEO of Port St Maarten, Alexander Gumbs states: We are looking forward to a special day, in which St. Maarten will be highlighted worldwide for one of its great strengths its many culinary delights. Our culinary variety is one of the reasons why St. Maarten has received many awards as No. 1. Port of the Caribbean by visitor polls. Mrs. May-ling Chun, director of the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, and a key supporter of 2023s St. Maarten Flavors events in both June and November, states: The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau is elated that this years culinary November already starts in June and we are happy to share our many island flavors throughout the year, to residents and visitors alike. What is revealed about the Appeteaser Weeks kick-off stunt is that St. Maarten Flavors supporting liquor brands El Dorado and Disaronno of Caribbean Liquor and Tobacco (CLT) will play a key role. CLT Managing Director George Greaux: We are truly looking forward to highlighting these fantastic flagship brands as the islands taste on a global stage. The goal of the St. Maarten Flavors program is to put St. Maarten on the map of food lovers around the world, invite visitors and locals to immerse themselves in the dynamic food scene of the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean at an accessible price point and to give local restaurants a platform to showcase their diverse creations. Additionally, these events serve as a fundraiser to get a national St. Maarten Team to the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean competition in Miami in 2024. Besides Port St. Maarten Group, CLT, and PDG Supplies, the St. Maarten Flavors Appeteaser Week is actively supported by: the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) and EZ shop powered by Prime. The program is also made possible by Sol Gas, ORCO Bank, VISIT Magazine, Island 92 Radio, SXM Talks, Sothebys International Realty, Dock Maarten, and Sound 2000. Restaurants offering a 3 courses signature dish for $49 for June Appeteaser Week are Emilios, Jais Contemporary, La Perle Bleu, Mr. Chow at Oasis, Ocean Lounge, Pure Ocean, Roma at Oasis, TJs Cassava Coal Pot. Those restaurants offering a one-course signature dish for $17.50 are Aziana, Nola Bayou Bistro, The Captains Rib Shack, The Pier Beach Bat & Restaurant, and The Tavern. Restaurants interested in participating in, St. Maarten Flavors in November can contact the SHTA office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / www.stmaartenflavors.com or by phone at 542-0108 for all details. Foodies interested in staying up to date with June Appeteaser Week and St Maarten Flavors November can subscribe to our newsletter by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Beware of spoilers for the episode in the article. Please do not continue reading if you havent watched the episode yet and you are not okay with being spoiled. Lois Lane : This week on the show marked the conclusion of a lot of plot lines for this season starting with the end of Lois's Cancer storyline. This episode Lois finally had her surgery as Peia lost control of her power after the cure failed. Clark tried to be there for Lois for her surgery as he also flew around searching for Peia who had become extremely powerful after taking the cure. Peia alternatively used her powers in multiple areas of Metropolis making it difficult for Superman to track her down with his super hearing. Jonathan Kent and Jordan Kent: Just as the Kents arrived at the hospital so that Lois could have her Mastectomy surgery Jordan started to have an anxiety attack. Jordan panicked and he walked out of Loiss hospital room, Jonathan followed right after him. Jonathan truly doesn't need powers in order to be a hero , Jon saved his brother from his anxiety attack. It turned out that Jordans anxiety attack triggered Jordans X-ray vision powers. Jon saved Jordan and Jordan returned the favor when the boys were waiting outside the Hospital room when he stopped a large metal canister from falling over during Lois's surgery since he was able to use his X ray powers to see and check if Lois's surgery was going well. I don't think Jonathan necessarily needs powers but on the other side of things I do think the show has struggled with coming up with interesting storylines for Jonathan that involve him not having powers. I think the decision for Jonathan not to have powers works to a point ,but I'm not sure how long the show can keep things interesting with a powerless Jonathan whilst giving him similar storylines like they have. Jonathan deserves better storylines. Sarah : Sarah tried to apologize to Jordan about their fight last week and she told him she didn't mean what she said. Jordan didn't accept her apology and he told her that he meant what he said. Sarah became really sad which worried Lana about Sarah possibly relapsing and trying to harm herself again. Lana was so worried she went right to Kyle who initially wasn't taking her seriously until she said she hasn't seen Sarah like this since her incident. Kyle and Lana talked to Sarah at the Diner about her mental health and Kyle opened up to Sarah about his own struggles with it and how it manifested in his drinking problem. Kyle told his daughter she needed to find a purpose. The Diner just happened to be looking for a waitress after Candice left town so Sarah begrudgingly agreed to take the waitressing job. Kyle , Superman and Chrissy : Clark finally talked to Kyle about his secret after promising to tell him in last week's episode and Kyle agreed to keep Clarks secret. Kyle however got really mad at Chrissy for lying to him about Clark being Superman when he told her that he believed there was a metahuman in Smallville. Personally it wasn't Chrissy's secret to tell so I didn't blame her for not telling Kyle. Im glad Kyle came around in the end after his talk with Lana and he apologized to Chrissy about getting mad at her. John Henry and Natalie Irons : John Henry followed Natalie to the Mannheims apartment but even though they were still not on the same page about the Mannheims, John adjusted his tune and told his daughter that he wanted her to let go of Matteo so that she wouldn't be chasing a ghost for the rest of her life. John loves his daughter and he just wants her to be happy and safe. Natalie and John Henry's relationship was much more healthy this episode since both father and daughter actually listened to each other. The Mannheims : Peia's story came to an end as she progressively lost control of her powers throughout the episode. It turned out that the cure didn't take and instead turned Peia into a ticking sonic wave time bomb. Bruno refused to accept his wife's new predicament as he tried to get her to take another dose of the cure, the second dose only worked momentarily as it made Peia worse. Peia accidentally splattered one of Bruno's henchmen with her powers in front of Matteo as Matteo expressed shock at seeing his mother's powers in action. This was the moment that Peia realized that her powers were too out of control and she fled from her family to protect them. Matteo rushed to get help as he found Natalie's device that she left in the Mannheims apartment building when she was with her father. Natalie and Matteos reunion was cut short when Bruno followed Matteo and he threatened her just as John Henry who was not far behind quickly took care of Bruno's men with his Steel hammer. John Henry only let go of Mannheim when Matteo pleaded with John to help save his mother. John managed to convince Bruno to call truce between them as Bruno and Mateo rushed to the top of the building so they could see where Pea was in the city. Peia walked through the city as she saw the destruction her power was causing to the people around her. Horrified, she kept trying to contain her power as she fought not to harm anyone else. Superman showed up and told Peia that it was okay for her to let go after she told him that no one could help her. Peia told Superman to tell Bruno she would always love him forever and always as Superman flew up into the sky with her and she finally unleashed all of the power she was holding back as she passed away. Superman took Peias body back to the Mannheims apartment rooftop as Bruno and Matteo tearfully grieved Peias death and Superman told Bruno her message. Bruno ultimately decided to give up everything in exchange for Matteo receiving immunity to live the life that he wants away from facing any consequences for his fathers actions.Bruno only became who he became as a way of keeping Peia and Matteo safe. With Peia gone Matteo was the only thing Bruno was left to protect so he did that, Bruno did everything for his family. This felt like a satisfying conclusion to the Mannheim arc. Chad Coleman, Daya Vaidya and Spence Moore II all did a phenomenal job portraying the Mannheim family this season. Conclusion : The episode ended with a few important development as Lois's surgery went well and we finally saw Bizarro Superman wake up, something we have been waiting to see for quite a while. However the biggest fallout from this episode that could have far reaching consequences for the show's future if we have more seasons is Lex Luthor release. Join me weekly for more reviews of the third season of Superman and Lois on the CW. "What did you think of this weeks episode ?" "Are you excited for next week's episode ?" Let us know in the comments below. UNITED NATIONS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday strongly condemned the attack on a patrol of UN mission in Mali that killed one peacekeeper, his spokesman said. "The secretary-general recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law," Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, said in a statement. He added that Guterres called on the transitional authorities in Mali to spare no effort to identify the perpetrators of the attack so that they can be brought to justice swiftly. On Friday, a patrol of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali was hit by an improvised explosive device explosion, followed by direct small arms fire, 7 km from the mission's base in Ber, in the Timbuktu region, according to the statement. "The secretary-general pays tribute to the determination and the courage of peacekeepers, who continue to implement their mandates in extremely challenging circumstances in support of the people of Mali," said the statement. A fugitive who ran a Ponzi-style investment scam worth 70 million in the City of London has been given jailed after going on the run. Anthony Constantinou, 41, ran Capital World Markets (CWM) which offered investors returns of 60 per cent per year on allegedly risk-free foreign exchange markets. He was jailed for 14 years at Southwark Crown Court on Friday after previously being found guilty of seven charges including fraud by false representation, fraudulent trading and money laundering. He was also disqualified from being a director of a company for 25 years. He attended the early stages of the court case but was last reported to be in Bulgaria where he was arrested for travelling on false documentation but then being released. Detectives believe he is now in Dubai or Turkey. Detective Inspector Nichola Meghji, from the City of London Police, said: Anthony Constantinou is a career criminal who has no regard for anyone but himself. We are glad that he has now been jailed for such a significant period of time and we hope that his victims can take some comfort in knowing how seriously the judge has taken his crimes. The fact that the jury unanimously found him guilty after his trial also speaks volumes. While he initially attended court to hear the opening of his trial, Constantinou did not attend the later stages. Enquiries on his whereabouts revealed that he had fled his last known address in London and he was last located in Bulgaria trying to enter Turkey using false documents. That is why today, we at the City of London Police, are launching an appeal for information on Constantinous whereabouts so that he can be brought back to the UK to face the justice that has been served. Constantinou was arrested in Bulgaria last month while trying to enter Turkey while in possession of false documents. He was later released and officers believe he is now either in Turkey or Dubai, but he also has family connections to Greece and Cyprus. She said he is known to use the aliases of Antonis Hadjicostis and Georgios Arnaoutakis. The officer added: It is also vitally important that people come forward with information as Constantinou was previously convicted of sexual assault in 2016 and by absconding from the UK, he is now in breach of his sexual offences harm order. An international arrest warrant has been issued for Constantinous arrest, but we are calling on the public to help authorities locate him. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or provide information to Crimestoppers anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111 / +44800 555 111. A man who stabbed his wife to death in her east London home to rob her to fuel a drug habit has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Quyum Miah, 41, plotted the attack at Yasmin Begums home but was snared when detectives uncovered CCTV evidence connecting him with the crime, Southwark Crown Court had heard. Last Miah was found guilty of murdering his 40-year-old wife while at an earlier hearing he had pleaded guilty to theft and two counts of fraud at the Old Bailey. He was sentenced on Friday and will serve a minimum of 33 years. In passing sentence, Her Honour Judge Hales KC told the court she was in no doubt that the defendant had murdered Ms Begum for financial gain adding there was a significant degree of planning and premeditation, the defendant had an admitted history of stealing from Ms Begum to fund his drug habit. Yasmin Begum was murdered for her money and jewellery. / Met Police Ms Begum, 40, was found collapsed inside her address in Globe Road, Bethnal Green, on 24 March 2022 after concerned school staff knocked at her home when she failed to collect her children from school. She had been stabbed several times and items, including her bank card and jewellery she was wearing, had been taken. Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith, of the Mets Specialist Crime Command, who led the led the investigation said after the sentencing: The length of this prison sentence reflects not only the violence that Quyum Miah inflicted that day, but also the premeditation involved in taking Yasmins life. Our thoughts remain with Yasmins family as they continue to struggle with their loss. Miah, who was living in Homerton, was married but separated from his wife and divorce proceedings were under way. He was always the key suspect and forensic analysis of CCTV and other physical evidence helped homicide detectives bring him to justice. In the hours after the murder Miah proceeded to use Yasmins bank card to withdraw 800 in cash; two days later he also pawned two items of her jewellery for around 200. Miah was arrested at an address in Plaistow on March 27, 2022 and items stained with his wifes blood were recovered. NEW YORK, June 9 (Xinhua) -- As it pushes to renew a cornerstone law that authorizes major surveillance programs, the Joe Biden administration faces an American public that's broadly skeptical of common intelligence practices and of the need to sacrifice civil liberties for security, reported The Associated Press (AP) on Thursday. In the coming months, Congress will debate whether to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Section 702 authorizes U.S. spy agencies to collect large amounts of foreign communications for intelligence purposes ranging from stopping spies to listening in on allies and foes, according to the report. "Those collection programs also sweep up U.S. citizen communications that can then be searched by intelligence and law enforcement officers," it noted. A new poll from The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed that Democrats and Republicans have similar views on surveillance tactics, while Republicans have become substantially less likely over the last decade to say it is at least sometimes necessary to sacrifice freedom in response to threats. U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 is necessary to protect national security. They credit the program with better informing U.S. diplomats and enabling operations like last year's strike to kill a key plotter of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, added the report. A t least three soldiers fainted in sweltering London temperatures during the Trooping the Colour rehearsal at Horse Guards Parade. Thousands gathered at St Jamess Park to witness The Colonels Review ahead of the Kings Birthday Parade next week. But with temperatures approaching 30C, the baking heat proved too much for some, and the prince later tweeted his thanks to those who had taken part. All three soldiers were taken off on stretchers while two more were helped off the parade ground. One member of the Massed Bands of the Household Division returned to his feet after collapsing and was greeted with a round of applause from the audience. He appeared to attempt to carry on playing his instrument but was swiftly escorted off by medical staff. William acknowledged the difficult conditions in a tweet he personally signed with his initial. He wrote: A big thank you to every solider (sic) who took part in the Colonels Review this morning in the heat. Difficult conditions but you all did a really good job. Thank you. W. James Calford, 18, from Cardiff, who was the youngest soldier in the Welsh Guards to take part, described Trooping the Colour as like being stood in a sauna with a 200kg dumbbell in your left hand. He said the ceremony is a lot harder than it looks on the TV. Once you have got your tunic and bearskin on and carrying your rifle in heat it is incredibly uncomfortable. The Colonels Review is the final evaluation of the Household Division before the soldiers and horses parade for the King during Trooping the Colour on June 17 to mark the monarchs official birthday. William inspected his troops on horseback, wearing a bearskin cap and red dress uniform, for the first time as Colonel of the Welsh Guards. His horse, named Darby, was a gift to the late Queen from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and it led the funeral procession for Williams grandmother last year. This year, it is the turn of the Welsh Guards the Kings former division to Troop their Colour. Charles was Colonel of the Welsh Guards for 48 years before passing the role to William in 2022. Preparations for the ceremony began even before the Kings coronation, with all seven regiments of the Household Division taking part, including the five regiments of the foot guards Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh and two mounted regiments the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery. New music was performed by the Massed Bands of the Household Division, including a piece by Major Lauren Petriz-Watts, who will become the first female composer to have her music played on a monarchs birthday parade. Welsh Guards Second Lieutenant Freddie Hopkisson, 23, said of the June 17 event: This parade will be huge. Its such an honour and were all feeling it. To get to do this key role at such a young age, carrying the Colour and all it represents, is the absolute pinnacle of my life. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the Mall to witness the Kings Birthday Parade. The Trooping the Colour parade traces its origins back to the Middle Ages when each Lord or Baron flew their banner, known as a colour, so their followers could spot them in battle. The annual event has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign for more than 260 years. B oris Johnson has been accused of being a coward for quitting as an MP before the findings of a cross-party investigation into whether he lied to the Commons has been published. Angela Rayner, Labours deputy leader, said the former prime minister had jumped to avoid facing a potential by-election in his marginal constituency. Mr Johnson dramatically resigned as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip on Friday and took aim at the Commons Privileges Committee in a scathing 1,000-word statement. He said the seven-person panel, which is chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman but has a Conservative majority, was on a witch hunt and argued it was attempting to use its investigation to drive me out of Parliament. The committee has been investigating whether Mr Johnson lied to the Commons when he said that Covid rules were followed in Downing Street following reports that lockdown-busting parties were held during the pandemic. At the time when the public needed him the most, he basically was partying and lying to them at a time when they couldnt see their loved ones The committee was reportedly preparing to recommend a 10-day suspension from the Commons, a conclusion which would have resulted in a recall petition among his constituents and a potential by-election in his west London constituency if more than 10% voted for one. Ms Rayner said it was tosh for the former Tory leader to suggest the partygate probe was unfair and accused him of running away from a potential by-election test. To me, he is a coward, the senior Opposition MP told BBC Radio 5 Live. He knows that the Privileges Committee has seen through this fiasco and he has jumped. He could have defended himself, he could have gone to his constituents and fought the suspension, and he has decided he is not going to do that because he knows he is in the wrong. She said Mr Johnson had truly in the most devastating way let voters down who had put their trust in him at the 2019 general election when he secured a landslide victory. At the time when the public needed him the most, he basically was partying and lying to them at a time when they couldnt see their loved ones, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. And that is unforgivable. Will Walden, who previously worked as a spokesman for Mr Johnson, said his former boss had seen the writing on the wall that he could be ousted in a potential by-election triggered by the Privileges Committees sanction. He told Today: By going, as he has, all guns blazing, he is able to avoid defeat, he is able to blame pretty much everyone else, including it seems anyone that voted Remain in 2016. But it is so Boris. He told the committee that if they found against him, he wouldnt respect the outcome and so it has proved, there is no great surprise here. Sir Chris Bryant, the Labour chairman of the Privileges Committee who recused himself from the investigation into Mr Johnson, raised the possibility that further contempt of Parliament charges could be levelled against the former British leader after his narcissistic rant. Ms Harmans inquiry is due to meet on Monday to finalise its conclusions and is expected to publish its report promptly. In a statement released by the committee, a spokesman said Mr Johnson had impugned the integrity of the Commons with his attack. Mr Johnson said he was bewildered and appalled at being forced out, anti-democratically by a probe that he claimed had set out from the beginning to find me guilty, regardless of the facts. Speaking to the Today programme, Sir Chris said: They may want to conclude that there has been an additional contempt of Parliament by the way that Boris Johnson has behaved in the last 24 hours and in the attacks on the committee, which are in effect an attack on the whole House. I dont think anybody can now be in any doubt that Boris Johnson holds Parliament in contempt. Mr Johnsons resignation means Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces two difficult by-elections, with former culture secretary Nadine Dorries also announcing on Friday that she was departing the Commons immediately, rather than waiting until the next election. Uxbridge and South Ruislip was in Labours top 100 target seats at the next election even before Mr Johnsons resignation and the Liberal Democrats have briefed that they could potentially pull-off an upset in Ms Dorries former Mid Bedfordshire constituency. To win in Mid Bedfordshire, where Labour came second in 2019, the Lib Dems would need a swing of 23% less than the swings they achieved in by-elections held in the likes of Chesham and Amersham, and Tiverton and Honiton in recent years. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has ruled out a pact with Labour to encourage tactical voting to win the two by-elections. Therell be no pacts, no deals. We will fight both by-elections. Voters will make the decision, he told the Today programme. Mr Sunak, who Mr Johnson in his resignation statement suggested was failing to deliver on his 2019 election manifesto, has yet to comment on his predecessors Westminster departure. Mr Johnsons Commons exit came only hours after his resignation honours list was published in which he gave peerages and other awards to close allies. B oris Johnsons resignation and attack on the Privileges Committee was very Trumpian his former press secretary has said. Will Walden, who served as senior counsel to Mr Johnson in 2019, said the former Prime Minister will have realised that the writing was on the wall ahead of the release of the committees report. Mr Johnson is clearly angry and convinced of his own truth, Mr Walden said, calling his resignation statement very Trumpian. Boris hates the comparisons with Trump, but it is the language of vendetta. Its a long rant, and frankly, its deeply misleading in places. But its very Boris, he told Sky News. He knows a lot of what hes saying is not true. In a blistering attack, Mr Johnson accused the committee of mounting a political hit job, accused lawmakers of acting like a kangaroo court and said, a witch hunt is underway to take revenge for Brexit and ultimately to reverse the 2016 referendum result. Despite Mr Johnsons explosive comments, Mr Walden said he doesnt recognise that person compared to the Prime Minister he worked for. I think he is a different person. Theres a theres a bitterness, theres a pettiness, he said. But be in no doubt Johnson is on the warpath. He remains a powerful communicator. He is his own best megaphone. Since stepping down as Prime Minister, figures released last month showed Mr Johnson has claimed 2.4million ahead of a speaking tour of the United States, according to the latest register of interest for the MP The Privileges Committee had been investigating whether Mr Johnson knowingly or recklessly lied to MPs when he said that no Covid regulations had been broken by staff in Downing Street during lockdown. He faced a grilling from the cross-party committee in March which said it will meet on Monday to complete its inquiry. If the committee had recommended a suspension longer than 10 days, Mr Johnson would have faced a by-election in his seat which he had held with a 7,000 majority. In a statement, a spokesman for the committee said: The committee has followed the procedures and the mandate of the House at all times and will continue to do so. Mr Johnson has departed from the processes of the House and has impugned the integrity of the House by his statement. The committee will meet on Monday to conclude the inquiry and to publish its report promptly. In addition, Sir Chris Bryant, the chairman of the Privileges Committee who recused himself from the inquiry into Mr Johnson and was replaced by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman, said the former Tory leaders criticisms were in effect an attack on the whole of the House of Commons. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Sir Chris said: They may want to conclude that there has been an additional contempt of Parliament by the way that Boris Johnson has behaved in the last 24 hours and in the attacks on the committee, which are in effect an attack on the whole House. I dont think anybody can now be in any doubt that Boris Johnson holds Parliament in contempt. R ishi Sunak has lost control of the party after a third MP in 24 hours announced their resignation from the party, Labour has claimed. Boris Johnson resigned on Friday ahead of the release of a report into whether he misled MPs over gatherings held in Downing Street during lockdown. Key allies, Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams, soon joined the former Prime Minister in stepping down sparking Labour to accuse Mr Sunak of losing control of the party. Speaking to Sky News Jon Craig in Uxbridge, Labours national campaign coordinator, Shabana Mahmood said: I think its clear that Rishi Sunak has lost control of his party. She then went on to add: He is simply too weak to unite the divided Tories who are more interested in tearing lumps out of each other, causing their own PM by-election difficulties, the cost of a by-election, rather than focussing on the issues that actually matter to the voters. Both Ms Dorries and Mr Adams held majorities of 24,664 in mid-Bedforshire and 20,137 in Selby and Ainsty respectively. Mr Johnsons former Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat has a majority of 7,210, causing Ms Mahmood to claim Labour will target the constituency in the next election. Were fighting for every vote. What were doing is taking our case as a Labour Party to voters, she added. The country needs change. The Tories are in absolute disarray, and the Labour Party can be the change that the country needs." The issue is on the Tories. This party is falling apart. Mr Sunak is yet to comment on the resignations of the now former MPs. The Privileges Committee said it will meet to conclude its report on Monday and said it publish its findings promptly. Although the outcome of the report remains unclear, Veteran Tory MP David Davis, who served in Theresa Mays cabinet alongside Mr Johnson, said "most MPs" thought the former No 10 incumbent had lied. The former Brexit Secretary told GB News: The truth of the matter is, ask around Parliament, ask most of the MPs, most people are fairly sure he misled the House. And he did so many times and he did so knowing that these parties had occurred and he had been at some of them. It is hard to be at a party and not notice it is a party. T he UK will provide an extra 16 million of humanitarian aid to Ukraine after a dam collapsed in the south of the country. Flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam near Kherson has directly affected 32,000 people. Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up the dam. The money consists of 10 million for the Red Cross Movement, 5 million for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and 1 million for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders will be given to the war-torn country and are expected to arrive there next week. Funding will support organisations that are helping people affected by the floods with rapid response equipment, shelter and essential supplies, as well as in areas affected by fighting and communities who have been displaced. The money will also help the response to ongoing impacts from flooding including waterborne infectious diseases, loss of livelihoods and risks from landmines. The announcement comes as water levels in Kherson continue to rise, with flooding spreading to other towns along the Dnipro River. Its effects are expected to last for weeks and leave many in need of food, water and basic supplies. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: Flooding from the destruction of Kakhovka dam is having an untold impact on over 32,000 people living in Kherson, and thousands more in the surrounding area. The UK is leading the way in providing support to those desperately in need. Our funding is playing a vital role in helping Ukrainian services and aid organisations evacuate people and get help to those in need. We will continue to stand by Ukraine in dealing with this terrible incident. The money is on top of 220 million of existing humanitarian support which is allowing organisations such as the Ukraine Red Cross to help evacuate civilians affected by the flooding. Alongside this, the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine has already delivered two specialist rescue boats, search and rescue equipment and trauma medicine to Kherson to assist the ongoing rescue operations by the State Emergency Services. The UK has already given Ukraine 1.5 billion in economic and humanitarian support since the war began, the Government said. The money has paid for the delivery of more than 11 million medical items as well as food supplies, ambulances and shelter kits. Earlier this week the Foreign Secretary visited Ukraine to highlight the UKs unwavering support for the country and its recovery. While there he met President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and discussed how best the UK will continue to support Ukraine against Russias aggression. The UK is also set to host the Ukraine Recovery Conference later this month, which will bring governments and industry leaders together to develop a concerted multi-sector plan to help Ukraine to recover from Russias illegal invasion. A major search for a missing Co Antrim woman is continuing one week on from her disappearance. Police are pursuing a criminal investigation into the disappearance of Chloe Mitchell, 21, from Ballymena. A 26-year-old man was arrested in Lurgan, Co Armagh, on Thursday in connection with the case. He remained in police custody on Saturday afternoon. Ms Mitchell was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of June 3 in Ballymena town centre. Several of the searches have focused on the area around the Braid River in the Co Antrim town. The Community Search and Rescue organisation has been assisting police in the operation. On Friday, a senior police officer expressed hope Ms Mitchell is safe and well. Superintendent Gillian Kearney said police are treating her as a high-risk missing person. Ms Mitchells brother Phillip has urged anyone with information to contact the family. Asked by the BBC how much he is missing his sister, he said on Friday: Words just cant describe it, I am broke. Ms Mitchell was last seen by her family on Friday June 2 and was then captured in the late hours of that day and the early hours of Saturday June 3 in Ballymena town centre on CCTV. She was walking in the direction of James Street in the town. P riti Patel dubbed her former boss Boris Johnson a political titan after his shock decision to quit the House of Commons over a Partygate investigation. Mr Johnson resigned as Conservative MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip triggering a by-election in the seat - on Friday evening due to the investigation by the Privileges Committee into whether he misled Parliament over gatherings held in Downing Street during the pandemic. The former Prime Minister accused the investigation of trying to drive him out, and claimed there was a witch-hunt under way, to take revenge for Brexit and ultimately reverse the 2016 referendum result. Ms Patel, who served under Mr Johnson as home secretary and was nominated for a damehood in the former PMs long-awaited resignation honours list, tweeted a message of support for him last night, describing him as a political titan. She wrote: Boris Johnson has served our country and his constituency with distinction. He led world in supporting Ukraine, got Brexit done, and was our most electorally successful Prime Minister since Margaret Thatcher. Boris is a political titan whose legacy will stand the test of time. Prime Minister Boris Johnson resignation from inside Downing Street 1 / 20 Prime Minister Boris Johnson resignation from inside Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street / Avalon Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street A number of other MPs also took to Twitter to heap praise on Mr Johnson. Mark Jenkinson, the Conservative MP for Workington, wrote: Very sad tonight as we lose a political giant from the Commons, a man that will go down in the history books as one of the greatest political leaders in my lifetime. Against all odds - an 80 seat Conservatives majority, turned Workington Man out to vote for me & delivered Brexit. Boris Johnson has his place in the heroes gallery. When the witch hunt has been forgotten, future generations will look back in astonishment. Brexit and covid sent the country mad. Sir James Duddridge, the Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, wrote: History will recognise the great work Boris did on Brexit, Ukraine and Covid. He is a titan amongst minnows. This is the conclusion of a chapter not the end of the book. We will hear more about Boris over the coming days, months and years. Mr Johnson insisted that he was being truthful when he told MPs that he believed all rules were followed when it came to the lockdown-breaking gatherings in Downing Street. In his statement, he added: But they have wilfully chosen to ignore the truth because from the outset their purpose has not been to discover the truth, or genuinely to understand what was in my mind when I spoke in the Commons. Following his decision to step down as MP, the committee will meet to complete its inquiry on Monday. In a statement, a spokesman said: The committee has followed the procedures and the mandate of the House at all times and will continue to do so. Mr Johnson has departed from the processes of the House and has impugned the integrity of the House by his statement. The committee will meet on Monday to conclude the inquiry and to publish its report promptly. While Mr Johnson was supported by some MPs, others from the other the Opposition attacked his decision to step down. Angela Rayner, Labours deputy leader, said it was tosh for Mr Johnson to argue that the Commons Privileges Committees Partygate inquiry had not been fairly conducted. Sir Chris Bryant, the Labour chairman of the Privileges Committee who recused himself from the Boris Johnson investigation, said the former prime minister could be levelled with a new contempt of Parliament charge after his narcissistic rant. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Sir Chris said: The report still stands and will have to go to the House. He added: They may want to conclude that there has been an additional contempt of Parliament by the way that Boris Johnson has behaved in the last 24 hours and in the attacks on the committee, which are in effect an attack on the whole House. I dont think anybody can now be in any doubt that Boris Johnson holds Parliament in contempt. His decision to step down came after he held a series of calls with his staunch ally Nadine Dorries, who made a surprise announcement yesterday that she would resign down from her Mid-Bedfordshire seat. A UK Government fund of 150 million to help Ukrainians into their own homes and to continue sponsorship arrangements has been announced. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, more than 124,000 people have arrived in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The new money will go to councils to help Ukrainian families into private rented accommodation and find work. It will also go towards continuing sponsorship arrangements, as many guests are in their second year in the UK. The funding is being divided according to the number of Ukrainians in each nation England will receive around 109 million, Scotland 30 million, Wales 8 million and Northern Ireland 2 million. Those hosting Ukrainians will continue to receive a monthly 350 thank-you payment during guests first 12 months, rising to 500 a month during the following year. In March, the Red Cross warned many Ukrainians are staying in inappropriate accommodation. UK housing minister Felicity Buchan said: The UK has an honourable tradition of offering shelter to those fleeing the horrors of war. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hosts in this country, over 124,000 Ukrainians have now found safety in the UK. Sadly, the fighting in Ukraine shows no sign of ending soon, so we are appealing for more people to become hosts while providing councils with this additional funding to support guests into long-term housing. In Scotland, more than 24,000 displaced Ukrainians have arrived through an individual sponsor or the Scottish Governments super-sponsor scheme. Thousands remain in temporary accommodation while waiting for a permanent home. Scotland Office minister John Lamont said: The UK has a long, proud history of helping those fleeing danger or persecution and we will continue to help the Ukrainians whose lives were thrown into turmoil when Russia illegally invaded their country. Todays announcement of a further 30 million for Scotland to help rehome people from Ukraine brings a welcome boost to the great effort already made. I want to thank everyone who has helped support Ukraine for more than a year now, including all those who have helped Ukrainian refugees make new lives in Scotland. Petro Rewko, of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, said his organisation welcomes the funding commitment during difficult economic times. He added: Ukrainians everywhere are grateful to the Government and the British people for opening their homes and hearts to Ukrainians fleeing their homes as a result of Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine. T he three-year-old British girl who was stabbed in Annecy will leave hospital in the coming days, officials have said. The girl was one of four children - aged between 22 months and three-years-old, along with two adults, who were attacked by a 31-year-old Syrian national on Thursday. Lead prosecutor, Line Bonnet-Mathis, confirmed the victims are no longer in life-threatening condition. Ms Bonnet-Mathis also confirmed that French judges have preliminary charged a man with attempted murder following the attack. In a translated statement, she said: The prosecution service of Annecy immediately opened a case and the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police have also been involved. Mr Macron visits emergency workers in the region following the attack / POOL/AFP via Getty Images The assailant at 9.47am was put into custody. The prosecution service of Annecy opened a judicial case for attempted murder. The prosecution service put the assailant in provisional custody. And this afternoon he was going to be taken to court and he will appear before the judge. Emmanuel Macron travelled to the region to visit the victims saying that the British girl "is awake, shes watching television. A critically injured Portuguese male who was both knifed and wounded by a shot that police fired as they detained the suspected attacker is regaining consciousness, Mr Macron said. The second injured adult was discharged from a hospital. Police do not believe the incident to be terror-related. F our children who vanished after a plane crashed in the Colombian Amazon have been found alive. The light aircraft, carrying three adults and four indigenous children, crashed on May 1 in dense jungle due to engine failure. The bodies of the three adults were found in the plane. The Colombia military rescued the kids more than a month after exhaustive searches were launched. Colombian President Gustav Petro said: A joy for the whole country! The four children who were lost in the Colombian jungle appeared alive. Officials had previously said they were confident the children were alive after finding footprints belonging to them. Manuel Ranoque (C), father of the four Indigenous children who were found alive after being lost for 40 days in the Colombian Amazon forest following a plane crash, stands next to a gurney / AFP via Getty Images Searchers had also found a makeshift shelter and items belonging to the children - aged 13, nine, four and 11 months. More than 100 members of Colombias special forces and over 70 indigenous people from the area had joined the search. Some soldiers walked almost 1,000 miles, General Sanchez said, in the quest to find the children. Theyd found a babys bottle, some towels, used nappies, scissors and footprints relatively close to the scene of the accident. Rescuers with search dogs also found discarded fruit and improvised shelters made with jungle vegetation. The group of four children were travelling with their mother from the Amazonian village of Araracuara to San Jose del Guaviare when the plane crashed. They are members of the Huitoto people. Officials said the oldest children in the group had some knowledge of how to survive in the rainforest. The jungle saved them, Mr Petro said. They are children of the jungle, and now they are also children of Colombia. BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- A 78-second footage showing droves of homeless addicts aimlessly staggering through the streets, surrounded by tents and scattered trash in the United States, has swept the internet and surprised the world. The shocking footage, like a nightmarish scene in the "Resident Evil" movies, revealed the drug-infested hellhole on the streets of Philadelphia, the most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, according to British newspaper Daily Mail. The Kensington neighborhood, dubbed "ground zero" for the city's drug crisis, is now seen littered with zombie-like addicts. "I've never seen human beings remain in these kinds of conditions," Sarah Laurel, executive director of an outreach organization Savage Sisters, was quoted as saying by the report. "They have open, gaping wounds and they can't walk." "It is sad to see the state of the U.S. at the moment," sammy151, an Australian cybernaut from the Central Coast New South Wales, said in a comment under the article. "ZOMBIE DRUG" The horrific streetscape was caused by the flood of xylazine, also known as "tranq" or "zombie drug," which is a non-opioid agent that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved in 1972 as a sedative and analgesic for use in veterinary medicine, but now it has become an object of desire in the eyes of addicts to intensify the effects of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. Between 2020 and 2021, xylazine detection figures from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have seen a dramatic increase of almost 200 percent in the southern part of the United States, and of more than 100 percent in the western part. On April 12, the U.S. administration designated fentanyl combined with xylazine as an "emerging threat" to the country. When people use these drugs, they can experience serious side effects. Some of the symptoms that have led to the use of the term "zombie drug" include states of extreme confusion, violent and aggressive behavior, loss of coordination, hallucinations, and even psychotic episodes, French media website VL reported earlier in June. The "zombie drug" can depress "breathing, blood pressure, heart rate" and reduce "body temperature to critical levels," warns the FDA, pointing out that people who inject drugs containing xylazine can develop severe skin wounds and patches of dead and rotting tissue that may lead to amputation. "These wounds were a lot deeper, a lot more severe, there were big necrotic areas ... Sometimes you can see the bones, and we were starting to see more patients that were requiring amputations," Joseph D'Orazio, an emergency physician and addiction medicine specialist at Temple University Hospital, told CNN. DYSTOPIAN REALITY Like many cities in nearly 50 other states, a similar scenario is playing out in San Francisco, with personal stories of drug addicts laid out on the streets and violent assaults frequently told by residents and business owners, reported Fox News Digital last week. "It honestly feels like I'm in a place that's been in a zombie apocalypse. It's like a dystopia. It really feels like a dystopian reality right now where I see boarded up storefronts. I see people defecating on the streets," said Seema Gokhale, a resident who lives near the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco and has been in the city for almost a decade. A newly released report out of the San Francisco Controller's office found nearly half of the city's commercial sidewalks had feces on them in 2021 and into 2022. "This is once a very great, thriving metropolis. It's now just a wasteland. Come here and look around at the businesses. Look at the shops that are close to the small neighborhood businesses that are boarded up. Thirty percent of the office retail space downtown is now empty," Tony Hall, a former city councilman and business owner, was quoted by Fox News Digital as saying. WASHINGTON'S INCOMPETENCE "I can't believe anyone would even try a drug that could cause this. Lord have mercy!" sighed Vickie Fields, an American Facebook user from Ravenswood of West Virginia, who reposted with comments photos of a man losing his fingers. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 107,375 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and drug poisonings in the 12-month period ending in January 2022, with a staggering 67 percent of them involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. "This is the price of liberalism. Society needs rules and regulations and they need to be enforced," said a British netuser by the name of BugKhan from Bradford. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in April questioned the U.S. strategy against the fentanyl crisis, saying it was relying on "palliatives" instead of tackling the root of the problem. The best strategy is to address why so many are using and abusing opioids in the United States, said Lopez Obrador. The U.S. measure reflects "simplistic thinking" in the face of a complex problem, said Mexico's Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion Hugo Lopez-Gatell. It reveals a lack of interest in tackling social problems, such as entrenched inequality and absence of opportunities, especially for the young, said Lopez-Gatell. "The root cause of the U.S. fentanyl crisis lies at home," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin to a press conference on Thursday. The United States needs to reflect on itself, strengthen regulation and control of prescription drugs at home, step up public awareness campaigns about the harm of narcotics, and reduce domestic demand for drugs, instead of smearing and discrediting other countries to shift the blame, Wang said. Guided by the humanitarian spirit, China has worked with the United States to help solve its fentanyl abuse. In May 2019, China became the first country in the world to officially schedule fentanyl-related substances as a class, which played an important role in preventing the illicit manufacturing, trafficking and abuse of the substance. U krainian forces have penetrated the first line of Russian defences in several areas in eastern and southern Ukraine, British defence chiefs said. In its latest intelligence update, the UKs Ministry of Defence (MoD) said significant Ukrainian operations have taken place in several parts of the country over the past 48 hours. Ukrainian forces have likely made good progress and penetrated the first line of Russian defences, the MoD added. However, in other areas Ukrainian progress has been slower. Meanwhile, Russian performance has been mixed, with some units likely conducting credible manoeuvre defence operations while others have pulled back in some disorder, amid increased reports of Russian casualties as they withdraw through their own minefields. The update added: The Russian Airforce has been unusually active over southern Ukraine, where the airspace is more permissive for Russia than in other parts of the country. However, it remains unclear whether tactical airstrikes have been effective. It comes after Volodymyr Zelensky praised the countrys armed forces for gains in fierce battles in the eastern Donetsk region in Ukraine. In a video update yesterday, Ukraines President said there was very heavy fighting in the Donetsk region. Highlighting the city of Bakhmut, where Kyivs troops have been trying to retake land from Russian forces who have occupied it, he added: I am grateful to those who achieved these results. Well done in Bakhmut. Step by step. Separately, Russia fired missiles and attack drones at the central Ukrainian region of Poltava overnight, inflicting some damage of infrastructure and equipment at the Myrhorod military airfield, the regional governor said on Saturday. The attack that used ballistic and cruise missiles also damaged eight private residential homes and several vehicles, governor Dmytro Lunin said on Telegram messenger. A Harvard-educated mathematician branded the Unabomber after he killed three people in a 17-year reign of terror has died in a US jail aged 81. Theodore Ted Kaczynski, lived in a Montana shack where he plotted bomb attacks which also injured 23. Branded the Unabomber by the FBI, Kaczynski died at the federal prison medical center in Butner, North Carolina. He was found unresponsive in his cell early Saturday morning and was pronounced dead around 8am. A cause of death was not immediately known, prison officials said. Before his transfer to the prison medical facility, he had been held in the federal Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado, since May 1998, when he was sentenced to four life sentences plus 30 years for a campaign of terror. He admitted committing 16 bombings from 1978 and 1995, permanently maiming several of his victims. He was against advancing technology and its impact on the environment. He wrote 35,000 word Industrial Society and Its Future to express his views. Kaczynskis deadly homemade bombs changed the way Americans mailed packages and boarded airplanes, even virtually shutting down air travel on the West Coast in July 1995. Authorities in April 1996 found him in a shack with a coded diary, explosive ingredients and two completed bombs. U kraines President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the countrys counter-offensive against Russia has started. Ukrainian troops are reported to have advanced in the east near Bakhmut and in the south near Zaporizhzhia, and have carried out long-range strikes on Russian targets. The president said on Sarurday: Counteroffensive and defensive actions are taking place. He added that he would not talk in detail about which stage or state the counter-offensive was in. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a video interview published Friday that Ukrainian forces had certainly begun their offensive but that attempted advances had failed with heavy casualties. Speaking in Kyiv, after talks with the Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Mr Zelensky described the Russian leaders words as interesting. He also said that Ukraines military commanders were in a positive mood, adding: Tell that to Putin. Mr Trudeau is the first foreign leader to visit Ukraine since devastating floods caused by a breach in the Kakhovka dain the Dnieper River. He offered financial , military and moral support for Ukraine. Thousands of people are believed to be trapped after the dams collapse . Mr Trudeau has already provided 4.7bn in aid since the began in February 2022. The country has also announced 6m for humanitarian assistance for the flood response. Mr Trudeau said the dams collapse was a direct consequence of Russias war. S ir Tony Robinson has said he feels his Blackadder character Baldrick would have very high status in the current British government as he reflected on the hit sitcom during its 40th anniversary. The 76-year-old actor starred as the hapless but trusty sidekick to Rowan Atkinsons cunning Edmund Blackadder in the classic BBC period show from 1983 to 1989 for four series, each set in a different historical period. As the sitcom marks 40 years, Sir Tony revealed whether a fifth series could be on the horizon with Atkinson. Reflecting on what time period he would like to see Baldrick explore, he told the PA news agency: I could do that character anywhere. The great thing about Baldrick is he is every man and every man as it were since the Middle Ages, it just travelled through everywhere being deadpan and making remarks. An enormous amount of people say that they would like to see Baldrick somewhere within the current British government, and I can see why that is such a seductive idea. Although, he could equally be in the White House. Asked what he thinks Baldricks commentary on the current state of British politics would be, he added: I think it would have been run on his cunning plans certainly for the last year or so. Its one of the few periods of time in which he would have very high status. Indeed, he might not always be a man, it might be a female Baldrick in the current or the last iteration of Conservative politics. Launched in 1983 by writer Richard Curtis and star Atkinson, with the assistance of BBC producer John Lloyd and co-author Ben Elton, the show is often cited as one of the best British sitcoms of all time. Sir Tony said that he feels too close to the show to pinpoint why it has been so beloved for decades but feels the comedy being set in different historical moments is one factor. Although its about the issues and the comedy of today, its set in a distant time, he said. Its much easier to view it objectively through the parameters of another time and it doesnt date precisely for that reason. Also, you can get away with more rude stuff because if its now times it doesnt feel quite so rude. The actor revealed that despite feeling a great fondness towards Baldrick, he does not feel a new series of Blackadder is a possibility. The idea of us (Rowan Atkinson) doing something together, its always been there or thereabouts, it just has never quite happened, he said. Will it be reuniting to make another television series Blackadder? I very much doubt it. I just dont think the will is there. Id do it but theres an awful lot of people that wouldnt. And I understand and sympathise with that and I respect it. But will Rowan and I do something together? Its a real possibility and I think hell probably say the same thing. Sir Tony added that feels that a new series would not be possible as people think it would be difficult to top the previous series, as well as attitudes changing since it first aired. He said: If you looked at it now and you think, Well the voices of women are very slight, arent they? The voices of other races than the Imperial white man of a certain age are very slight, that would be the first thing that would leap to mind. So certainly whatever you did, it wouldnt be the same as what we wrote 30 years ago. To mark the 40th anniversary of the hit sitcom, Gold has commissioned two new shows which will air in June, with Blackadder: The Lost Pilot bringing Sir Tony on a journey to find the story behind the shows origin. Meanwhile Blackadder: A Cunning Story will take a look back at the making of all series featuring contributions from fans of the show including Jack Whitehall, Darren Harriott, Sarah Hadland, Ardal OHanlon and Nina Wadia. DAMASCUS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Prime Minister Hussein Arnous on Friday said the country's wheat yield this year is expected to reach one million tons, state news agency SANA reported. Arnous made the remarks during his visit to the central province of Hama, where an estimated 350,000 tons of wheat will be produced this year, said the report. The prime minister noted that the wheat quality this year is good, as shown by indicators including the complete maturity of the grain and the specific weight in hard and soft varieties, which tell the plumpness of grains. Despite hopes for a good harvest, it's still way below the pre-war average grain harvest of 4.1 million tons. Due to the civil crisis, Syria, a country that used to be self-sufficient in wheat, now has to import wheat from abroad to meet domestic demands. The Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas supports the growth of the Romanian Orthodox community in Quito, Ecuador. 7 Holy Baptisms are to be officiated next month for adult converts. Last month, Fr. Daniel Ene, Romanian Orthodox Dean of New York, New England and the East Coast, visited the Romanian community in Quito, Ecuador, bringing gifts for the new worship place. He offered icons and liturgical objects and books. The cleric celebrated the Divine Liturgyand a Commemoration service in the presence of 40 Orthodox believers, according to basilica.ro. During his visit, Miguel, a former Roman-Catholic believer, confessed the Orthodox faith and was received in the Romanian Orthodox community of Quito, which is protected by the Holy Hierarch Iosif of Partos, a Romanian saint. The deans visit concluded with a communal meal with Romanian traditional food. Fr. Daniel Enes next visit to Quito is scheduled for July 16, when he will officiate the Holy Baptism for 7 Ecuadorian catechumens. The mandate to disseminate the Gospel to the entire world is every Christians responsibility, not just of ordained clergy, the Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of Western and Southern Europe urged. In a pastoral letter issued for the feast of Pentecost, the group of six Romanian hierarchs, headed by His Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe, call upon the faithful to be aware of the work of the Spirit within them, to deepen their connection with Christ, and to share this gift with the world. Recalling that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, the hierarchs write, Therefore, the mission of preaching the Gospel is a mission specific to the ordained clergy, bishops and priests. But at the same time, this responsibility is, in a certain way, also borne by all the baptised. And indeed, it was not only the Apostles who helped spread the Gospel throughout the world, but also the Mother of God, the Myrrh-Bearing Women, and many others. The work of the Holy Spirit has always been directed towards converting the nations, but the work of the Holy Spirit is also with those within the Church, the baptised, bearers in the world of the work of the Spirit that dwells in them. The baptised person sees and feels strength and boldness that doesnt come naturally. Every baptised Christian is guided by the Holy Spirit towards a unique experience of fellowship with Christ, Risen from the dead. From now on, he cant but share with others this inner wealth, which gives meaning to life, the hierarchs continue. From the Churchs earliest days, Christians bore witness to the Risen Christ either through preaching or through their Christian way of life, marked by sacrificial love. In the same way, we too cannot fail to see the work of the Holy Spirit manifested in the world and the Church, the statement continues. With all the difficulties we encounter in our age, both the older and the younger, we have the conviction that the Lord is at the ships helm and never abandons us, taking us all to the peaceful harbour of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of Western and Southern Europe, led by Metropolitan Iosif, also includes Bishops Siluan of Italy and Timotei of Spain and Portugal, Assistant Bishops Marc of Neamt (Archdiocese of Western Europe), Atanasie of Bogdania (Diocese of Italy) and Teofil of Iberia (Diocese of Spain and Portugal). A delegation from Putna Monastery visited the Romanian community in the United States of America between May 17 and June 1. Abbot Melchisedec Velnic offered the Romanians a fragment of the relics of Saint Jacob of Putna. During the itinerary, the delegations first stop was at Saints Constantine and Helen Metropolitan Cathedral in Chicago to celebrate the patronal feast and the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Cathedral. Abbot Melchisedec brought the holy relics for veneration. What brought Saint Jacob the closest to God? The boundless love, the wide heart he had, the unceasing prayer for which he fought, said the Abbot. Here, St. Jacob of Putna wanted a particle of his relics to come here in America to you. So, my beloved, whenever you get the chance, cry out to him. Whenever the children dont listen to you, tell him, and hell know what to do. Whenever there is an impasse in the family between husband and wife, complain to him, and he will solve it, said Archim. Melchisedec. Next, the delegation went to Saint Demetrius the New Monastery in Middletown. His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the two Americas celebrated the Divine Liturgy on May 27, with Abbot Melchisedec and the other concelebrating priests and deacons. The Act of Donation of the holy relics was also read. The relics will remain in the heritage of St Demetrius the New monastery. At the end, the abbot of Putna Monastery offered a lecture in which he recalled the lives of Putnas elders and reflected on being a Christian today. He spoke to the faithful about the great clergymen of Romania whom he personally met, thus making them partakers of the spirit of these fathers and thus offering living models for our days. St. Jacob (1719-1778) was the most distinguished bishop and pastor of the Church of 18th-century Moldavia. In 1731, he entered the monastic ranks at Putna Monastery, being elected abbot in 1744. He served as Bishop of Radauti from 1745 to 1750 and of Moldova from 1750 to 1760. During that time, he laboured tirelessly to increase the spiritual level of his flock, printing spiritual literature for all ages and establishing spiritual schools. In 1760 he retired again into monastic simplicity for the remaining eighteen years of his life. The crypt of St. Jacob was opened on June 15, 2016. His bones were found to have a ruddy colour, considered a sign of holiness and perfection in the Lord. St. Jacob was buried simply and humbly, wearing only his monastic garments and a simple silver cross, despite bearing the episcopal dignity of a metropolitan during his life. Thus he went to the grave in the same spirit of humility that characterised his entire life. The General Inspectorate of the Border Police (IGPR) informs that on Friday, 101,983 people entered Romania through the border points, of which 11,467 were Ukrainian citizens. According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Saturday, approximately 225,050 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, and more than 57,650 vehicles have completed the control formalities (both inbound and outbound) through the border points throughout the country. Starting from February 10 (pre-conflict period), 4,481,520 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania. In the areas of competence - the crossing points and the "green border" - the border police detected 60 illegal acts (31 crimes and 29 misdemeanors) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, and the value of the contravention fines applied amounts to approximately 13,650 RON. Assets worth 1,430,400 RON were seized for confiscation. Also on Friday, 30 foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided for by law were not allowed to enter the country, and also 30 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave for various legal reasons. The Feast of the Holy Trinity is also the patronal feast of the Basilica Media Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate. On this occasion, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel addressed a message of congratulations for the institutions rich and responsible activity on Monday, according to basilica.ro. We joyfully congratulate those who work with passion and dedication in the Basilica Media Centre, and we thank them for their rich and responsible activity of communicating in society the message of faith and the social work of our Church, said the Patriarch of Romania at the festive reception organised Monday at the Palace of the Patriarchate. Basilica Media Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate 16 years of media coverage of the Orthodox Christian message The Basilica Media Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate was established on October 27, 2007, as a media ensemble absolutely necessary for the Church, as a multiple tools for communication and for renewing its pastoral-educational mission in a pluralistic and rapidly changing society in which the morally formative and cultural Christian message may be transmitted more effectively. The establishment of the Basilica Media Centre was a new initiative but not a complete innovation in the recent activity of the Church. The oldest media component of the Patriarchate, the Press and Public Relations Office, appeared soon after 1990, following a proposal from the social reflection area of the Church at the time of the fall of the communist regime. In 2007, Radio Trinitas had almost ten years of experience, and the daily Lumina Newspaper had two years of uninterrupted publication. Naturally, but with a lot of effort and extensive involvement of the Church, Trinitas TV and the Basilica News Agency were added. This year, 2023, marks 25 years since the first transmission of Radio Trinitas (1998) and 15 years since the posting of the first online news of the Basilica News Agency (2008). There was and still is a justified need for the Church to use inspired and reliable new media means of proclaiming the Gospel message on which the essential part of European culture was built: Christian civilization. The five components of the Basilica Media Centre have as their primary purpose the presentation of the Christian faith and the life of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The Basilica Media Centre, born and developed in the Church, even bearing its Latin name, addresses through its various means of communication all those who feel the presence of God or seek the love and help of the Most Holy Trinity. The Lord Jesus Christ, the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14: 6), constitutes the vital centre around which the media activity of the Church gravitates, together with its liturgical, pastoral, philanthropic, cultural and social work. In the Solemn Year of the pastoral care of the elderly and the Commemorative Year of Hymnographers and Church chanters, the Basilica Media Centre already contributes substantially to promoting and facilitating activities and events dedicated to the two vast topics. The pastoral care of older people is carried out today, including through the radio and televised transmission of the Divine Liturgy from the Patriarchal Cathedral, but also by the words of instruction, spiritual strengthening and encouragement spoken in the liturgical framework. The media activity of the Romanian Patriarchate carried out through the Basilica Media Centre is increasingly known and naturally appreciated by Romanians living outside Romania. The new shows and columns (radio, television and newspaper), news articles and messages appropriate to the social reality in which the Romanian Orthodox Church is evolving both in the country and abroad contribute beneficially to informing, preserving the spiritual identity and Christian-Orthodox solidarity around permanent moral values, verified and confirmed in the history of humanity and Christianity as essential for community life. In our Churchs 16 years of media ministry, the Basilica Media Centre has become an essential promoter of ecclesial communion in the country and the Romanian diaspora. The cultivation of collaboration between the clergy and lay believers, between the Church and society, the promotion in the public space of the Churchs institutions, activities and official reactions, the mediating of social-philanthropic and cultural-missionary campaigns, the presentation of the current dialogue between faith and culture, all these outline the activity of the Romanian Orthodox Church today. On this day of celebration of the Holy Trinity, we extend warm thanks for missionary cooperation to all those who faithfully support the activity of the Basilica Media Centre: hierarchs, clerics, monastics and lay believers of the Church. We joyfully congratulate those who work with passion and dedication in the Basilica Media Centre and thank them for their rich and responsible activity of communicating the message of faith and the social work of our Church to society. We pray to the Most Holy Trinity to bless all the workers and supporters of the Basilica Media Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate, giving them all health, peace, joy and much help! Daniel Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church Addressing the clergy of the Bucharest Archdiocese earlier this week, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel offered the example of many countries in Central and Eastern Europe where there is a reluctance towards palliative care centres because they do not contribute so much to recovery but to the reduction of pain or suffering. A similar approach can be observed in Romania, the Patriarch noted. Speaking at the Patriarchal Palace on the second day of the pastoral-missionary Conference of all clergy from the Archdiocese of Bucharest, the Patriarch of Romania explained that this general attitude towards palliative care is based on the estrangement from the Christian view of man as a bearer of Gods image. The Patriarch of Romania noted that although the state does not prioritise the care of those who are in a terminal state or who have oncological conditions, this role was assumed by the Christian denominations. You can see here the difference of view on the value of the human person. If the human person was only a producer of material goods with economic significance, that is fine. But when the person is no longer active and no longer produces material values, he is less valuable. And those close to the end of their lives are also very little helped, His Beatitude said on May 30. Regardless of the contribution to a persons material and social life, for Christians, a person is respected for the dignity of the image of God. So palliative care means the dignity of the human person, regardless of their material effectiveness or efficiency. Therefore, they are cared for with respect, they are treated, and their pains are alleviated, but above all, this spiritual assistance or care is provided through prayer, Holy Unction, spiritual hymns, and prayer books. That is, not only the biological body is taken into account, but also the soul, the Patriarch of Romania emphasised. Two visions of the human person are increasingly taking shape, His Beatitude explained: one that reduces the human person to biological existence and everything ends at the grave, and another that sees the human person, created in the image of the ever-living God, as called to eternal life. Patriarch Daniel also reminded that death is an accident, not a natural state of the body and that we, Christians, look to the future beyond the grave: The Universal Resurrection is the complete recovery of the human person, soul and body, in a mode of existence without death. The Church sees the person as eternal value, not limited value and not value conditioned by material production, by only physical importance in society. This true perception of the Church is also expressed in the last article of the Creed: I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come, Patriarch Daniel added, according to basilica.ro. In the age to come death will no longer be, and the city of New Jerusalem will no longer be lit by the sun or the moon because the Lord will light the city. The presence of Christ, through His grace, will illuminate humanity raised from the dead, His Beatitude noted. Herein lies the great difference between those who believe in God and the resurrection and those who consider life to be only telluric, earthly existence. On the second day, the Conference of clerics from the Archdiocese of Bucharest gathered priests and chaplains from Prahova County. The day began with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiesti at St. Spyridon Metropolitan Cathedral in Bucharest and continued with the message delivered in plenary session by Patriarch Daniel, who is also the Archbishop of Bucharest. Three reports on the pastoral care of the elderly and philanthropic projects in this field were presented. SHANGHAI, June 10 (Xinhua) -- President of the Republic of Honduras Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento arrived in Shanghai and started her China visit on Friday, expressing her expectations for the visit that will run until June 14. Noting that her visit to China is expected by the Honduran people, Castro said that recognizing the one-China principle, establishing diplomatic relations with China and cooperating with China can bring development opportunities to Honduras. She said that Honduran people admire China's development achievements, especially the country's efforts in poverty alleviation, adding that striving for the well-being of the people is the common goal of Honduras and China, and that she believes the friendly ties between Honduras and China will be strengthened with the unity and cooperation of the two peoples. Castro expressed her hope that Honduras will achieve prosperity and development like Shanghai and said the country will strengthen cooperation with Shanghai. She said that Honduras will actively participate in the sixth China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai in November, and send young students to Shanghai for study. If Honduran young people have the opportunity to receive education and learn science and technology in China, they can contribute to the construction and development of Honduras, she added. CLAYTON Two guilty of murder: Two men were found guilty of murder Friday in a 2019 Jennings drive-by shooting that left two men dead. A St. Louis County jury found Edward Nixon, 27, of Jennings, and Cortez Caves, 26, of Black Jack, guilty of two counts of first-degree murder along with several weapons offenses Friday after 12 hours of jury deliberations spanning two days. Nixon and Caves face mandatory sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors during the trial argued they both took part in a December 2019 shooting aimed at two vehicles on Jennings Station Road and McLaran Avenue near the New York Market liquor store. Trevion Berry, 24, and Byron Staples, 28, were both killed in the shooting. Evidence during the trial included footage from multiple surveillance cameras of the gunfire, 911 calls and testimony connecting both Nixon and Caves to the shooter's car shortly before the killings. Testimony included Jaunice Berry, the mother of victim Trevion Berry, who described Caves and Granberry dancing with guns in their hands while playing loud music just before the shooting. St. Louis County police Officer Stefan Nieman said not long after, he was called to New York Market liquor store to find Berry bleeding in the passenger seat of a Kia. "I need help. I need help," Nieman recalled Berry saying. "I've been shot." A third man originally charged in the double homicide, Matthew A. Granberry, 28, of Jennings, reached a plea deal with prosecutors and was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in August 2022. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the case. "I commend these 12 jurors for staying through deliberations on this tough case for 12 hard hours, with what must have been a sleepless night in the middle, to bring justice," St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley said in a statement on Friday. LAKE SAINT LOUIS Car catches fire in police chase: A man's car caught fire early Friday while police were chasing him on Interstate 70 near Lake Saint Louis Boulevard. The chase started just after 6 a.m., Missouri Highway Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson said. He said a trooper tried to pull a man over for speeding near Highway K and the man sped away. He drove about 4 miles west and then his car caught fire. He pulled the car over and tried to run away but was arrested, Thompson said. No one was injured and Thompson said police do not know why the fire began. The man's charges were all traffic related. FLORISSANT Man shot, killed in home: A man was shot and killed in a home in Florissant. Officers were called to the shooting around 11:30 p.m. Thursday in the 800 block of Derhake Road, police said. They were told a man had been shot and his family took him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. "It is believed that this was a targeted and isolated incident," Florissant police wrote in a Facebook post. The man's name and additional information was not immediately released. ST. LOUIS Sunday marked exactly 20 years since Theda Persons 9-year-old son, Christian Ferguson, went missing. The boy was never found, and it would take 16 years for prosecutors to charge his father with first-degree murder. Dawan Ferguson was convicted last year and in September was sentenced to life without parole for Christians presumed 2003 death. Christians body has never been found. Persons advocating for a medical alert system shes dubbed CTF, her sons initials, which would send out notifications about individuals with disabilities or special needs when they are missing or are in need of medical attention. I just feel like if that alert system was in place, we would be able to just go ahead and send out an alert, maybe that person is with somebody or maybe they are having a crisis, she told the Post-Dispatch. And we can track that individual. And we can just respond (immediately), instead of waiting and then having a negative outcome. She said she spoke about her idea at Page and Skinker boulevards on Friday evening because thats where it all started 20 years ago, when Ferguson claimed her son had been abducted when his car was stolen. Christian had a rare medical disorder that prevented his body from processing protein. Without medication, he would have died within 24 to 72 hours. At the time of his disappearance, Christian had lost the ability to walk and talk. She said Ferguson had been written up multiple times for noncompliance by area hospitals when it came to taking care of Christians medical needs. My child couldnt wait for a court date, Person said. A condition like his, he would have perished by the time they put it on a docket. Nobody has time to wait for these people to go through their protocols, when an alert could just instantly go out that says (their) medication was not picked up. Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard, of the West End, spoke about Persons efforts during the citys board meeting Friday. She said she hoped her fellow aldermen would support the idea. We are pushing the effort now to enter into the books a medical alert for families, so hopefully no mother will have to be in the same shoes that Theda was in then and still is now, she said. Person noted on Saturday that there are around 1,250 missing people in Missouri, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol website. She said anyone who needs help reporting a family member missing can contact her nonprofit Looking For An Angel. In memory of what Person calls Christians 20th angelversary, a gathering will be held 5 p.m. Sunday in Forest Park in front of the Worlds Fair Pavilion. I think hed be proud of me because he made me grow in so many different ways, Person said of Christian. I think hed be grateful and excited to call me his mother. ST. LOUIS Aldermen are considering an overhaul of the way the city doles out liquor licenses. And theyre taking aim at a rule that gives residents power in the process. Aldermen Bret Narayan, of Dogtown, wants to eliminate a provision in the law that requires restaurateurs to gather signatures from a majority of their neighbors before the businesses can tap a keg. Gathering those signatures and waiting for city employees to vet them can take months to play out. Narayan said that puts a heavy burden on entrepreneurs without deep pockets as well as immigrants, whose petition drives could be complicated by language barriers. If you ask any restaurant owner in the city, he said, theyll tell you this is a massive headache of a process. He said bars and nightclubs would still be required to gather signatures for their liquor licenses. And restaurants would have to make half their money from food to qualify. Business owners applauded the push for reforms. Danni Eickenhorst, who co-owns Steves Hot Dogs on South Grand Boulevard and the Fountain on Locust in Midtown, said she just got licenses for two new locations after five months of working and waiting. And she said shes heard from others who couldnt get them at all. Theres got to be a better way, she said. But some neighborhood leaders are wary, especially in areas where businesses overlap with residential areas. The current process requires bar and restaurant owners to get a majority of signatures from two groups within 350 feet of the business: property owners, for one, and, for the second, a combination of business operators and registered voters. The process forces owners to listen to residents concerns about noise or rowdiness, and address them up front, neighborhood leaders said. Changing the rules, they said, would take their voices away. It flies in the face of the democratic process, said Jim Dwyer, a longtime resident and businessman in the Central West End. Some also worry that the new rules, if passed, would push less-than-honest bar and nightclub owners to open as restaurants, so as to avoid having to gather signatures. The petition process has been the law of the city for decades. But its come under increasing attack in recent months. A staffing shortage in the citys Excise Division has led to longer waits for signatures to be verified, which is done one by one over the phone. And this spring, the issue caught some fire on social media. Eickenhorst tweeted in March that six-month to nine-month wait times for liquor licenses were killing investment in the city, and announced plans to write a letter to City Hall about it. More than a dozen business owners signed on, and over the next few weeks, those owners and others started sharing stories about their struggles. They talked about the strain of taking dozens of hours away from their new businesses to play politician. They complained about how the lists of people in their petition circle they get from the city are sometimes years out of date, with names of numerous residents whove long since moved. They also lamented having to spend thousands of dollars on consultants to mail postcards to residents in apartment and condominium buildings they cant get into to, instead of going door-to-door. Erica Park and Sean Lee, who run Chicken Seven in the Carondelet neighborhood, said even hiring help didnt help them. After three rounds of mailers in their area, which features at least three apartment buildings, their consultant told them only 15% of people were responding. And now, two years after opening a restaurant partially premised on serving Korean fried chicken and beer, they still cant serve the brew. We want to close the business, Park said. Oscar Farina, owner of Farinas on Washington Avenue downtown, said he got all the signatures required, but it took city employees months to process them. And that meant he had to open without a liquor license, which cost him dearly. Without liquor, we cant really keep people in the restaurant, Farina said. They come in, find out you have no alcohol, and they leave. Even Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, in her State of the City address, spoke of struggles with the system. She called the process she went through to open a bar in the Central West End in the 1990s complicated, onerous and outdated, and said a legislative fix was on the way. On Friday, Narayan introduced the bill, with Aldermanic President Megan Green as a co-sponsor. He cast the move as a common-sense reform to an archaic, burdensome system. He tried to allay fears that he was taking power away from residents they could still launch a protest petition to take a liquor license from an operator. The bill also gives the excise commissioner new power to suspend a license for up to three days in the event of a public safety emergency, like shootings connected to bars. And if staff dont have to verify so many signatures, Narayan said, theyll have more time to police establishments breaking the rules, and make sure restaurants are really restaurants. Still, some residents are skeptical the bill will work as advertised, and dont have faith in city efforts to crack down on bad actors. Others just dont understand the need for the bill at all. Keith Fairchild, president of the Boulevard Heights Neighborhood Association, in deep south city, said he hasnt heard restaurant owners protesting the current system. I dont know where aldermen are getting all these complaints, he said. ST. LOUIS David C. Farrell, the chief executive of St. Louis-based May Department Stores Co. for two decades and a civic leader here, died Monday at his home in Ladue of complications from bladder cancer. He was 89. May, the parent company of the old Famous-Barr chain here and various others across the country, grew from 103 to 369 stores under Farrells leadership until his retirement in 1998. At the time it was one of the St. Louis areas largest and most successful companies. When he took over as CEO, May ranked about fifth in department store sales; when he retired, it was second. The company was sold in 2005 to rival Federated Department Stores, now known as Macys. There was really no better department store operator than Dave Farrell, said Bob Buchanan, a retired retail analyst with the former A.G. Edwards & Sons brokerage firm. He was very skilled not only on the customer service side but also on the product side. Among Farrells achievements, Buchanan said, was developing important private brands that distinguished May stores from the competition. He said Farrell also was known for hiring good managers around him and making wise decisions on store locations as the company expanded. They closed the losers, they invested in the winners, Buchanan said. Farrell, a Chicago native, began working for May in the mid-1950s at its Kaufmanns branch in Pittsburgh as part of an on-the-job training program with Antioch College in Ohio, which he attended. He worked his way up and by 1969, when he was 36, he became president of Kaufmanns and a vice president of May. In 1975 he moved to St. Louis when he was appointed Mays president and chief operating officer; he became CEO in 1979 and chairman in 1985. Maxine Clark, the founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop and before that a May executive, said Farrell made May stores more productive in sales per square foot, moving departments and adding services. He was incredibly significant in an era when department store retailing was really coming into its own and becoming more things to more people, she said. She said he also was known for his attention to detail and his curiosity. For example, Clark said when she was a buyer for a May store outside Washington, Farrell spent an hour and a half asking her questions during a drop-in visit. She said Farrell had been a handbag and tie buyer himself earlier in his career and knew how we felt. Among his civic endeavors was serving as campaign and board chairman for the United Way of Greater St. Louis; chairman of the Salvation Army capital campaign; and co-chairman of the successful effort to build a new campus for Cardinal Ritter High School. Farrell and his late wife, Betty, who died in 2018, were active in the Catholic Church and he played a key role in fundraising efforts to support the visit of Pope John Paul II to St. Louis in 1999. Farrell also was a trustee emeritus at Washington University and was on the Siteman Cancer Center community advisory board. Farrell and his wife, in partnership with May, established a distinguished professorship in medicine at Washington University. The Farrells also supported Alzheimers Disease research at the university. Among Farrells honors over the years were the Right Arm of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association in 1998 and the Levee Stone Award from the Downtown St. Louis Partnership in 1985. Among the survivors are two sons, Mark Farrell of Dallas and David Farrell of St. Louis; a daughter, Lisa Heller of St. Louis; a sister, Anne Boho of Illinois; and four grandchildren. The funeral will be private. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Bogey Club, 9266 Clayton Road, Ladue. Last month Amanda Gormans inaugural poem The Hill We Climb was banned in Florida after exactly one parent complained that it contained indirect hate speech and was written to cause confusion and indoctrinate students. The parent had not read the poem. Ill-informed complaints such as this one, which restrict young peoples access to books and fly in the face of our basic constitutional freedoms, have become all too common in recent years. According to PEN America, a nonprofit organization that has been tracking the movement to limit free speech and free expression, the current wave of book bans is unprecedented in scope and scale. In addition to challenges from individuals and groups, new state laws that censor ideas and materials in public schools have made it harder for teachers to do their jobs. We have seen this firsthand in Missouri with the passage of SB775, which led to the banning of nearly 300 books in at least 11 school districts last fall. It is important to know that a small number of people, fueled by conservative political groups, are responsible for these challenges. The majority of parents oppose censorship. And yet the bans continue. As a former high school English teacher, and now as a professor who teaches young adult (YA) literature to college students, I know firsthand that teachers have always needed to advocate for YA lit. In todays political context, literature that centers people of color and LGBTQ protagonists is especially vulnerable to attack. Knowing why we teach diverse books is one thing; being ready to respond in the moment to attacks on diverse titles is also a necessary part of the work. When those on the other side, even those who are well-intentioned, make the case for censorship of diverse books for young people, the following responses provide a way to reframe the debate. First, on the topic of books that explore race and racism, some argue that talking about race can make kids racist. To this we might respond: Our society is racially diverse. Reading literature that centers people of color opens up important conversations about the complexity of identity and the ways race matters in daily life. Students of color benefit from seeing themselves represented in literature. White students also benefit from learning about lives that are different from their own. Second, on the topic of literature that presents honest history, some believe that learning the truth about the past will make white kids feel guilty. To this we can reply: All young people need to grapple with the complexity of our shared history. An honest reckoning with the past produces informed citizens who can work toward a more equitable society. Older students often discover gaps in their education. Diverse literature, especially historical fiction and nonfiction, serves as a resource for students who want to learn what was left out of their textbooks. Third, on the topic of sexual content in books for young people, some claim that any book containing references to sex is pornographic. We can counter this by saying: Pornography is entirely different from literature that includes sex. Honest and nuanced depictions of sex provide teens with information that they want and need. Reading and discussing such content will foster healthier attitudes and lead to safer sexual behavior. It is crucial to note that pornography is being used as a term to describe books that include LGBTQ people or themes. This is irresponsible and dehumanizing. We must reject the misattribution of this term and the weaponization of LGBTQ identities. Fourth, on the topic of todays changing curriculum, some say that kids should read the same classics their parents were assigned in school. To this we can explain: The publishing world has changed. More people of color are writing books, and publishers are helping those books find readers. Students have a right to encounter the same diversity in classroom texts that they encounter in their daily lives. Also, many students cannot or do not read the classics. With access to diverse contemporary literature, more students will want to read, and more students will find school reading meaningful. Finally, on the topic of college readiness, some worry that reading diverse literature will not prepare students for success in college. We can ease these fears by saying: Reading diverse literature provides a foundation for the college experience. Many universities center diversity, equity, and inclusion in their mission statements. Academic programs and extracurricular organizations also prioritize diversity. Reading diverse literature helps students gain insight into the experiences of their future peers and readiness for the texts they will read in college. At Everyday Advocacy (everydayadvocacy.org), a volunteer organization dedicated to helping teachers become their own best advocates, my colleagues and I invite YA authors to tell the story of a time when their book made a difference in the life of a reader. Their stories, archived in five-minute videos, remind us that books do indeed change lives. We need to defend diverse literature especially young adult literature on behalf of all students. With talking points to help us reframe the conversation, we will be more prepared for the work of advocacy. Jennifer Buehler is an associate professor in the School of Education at Saint Louis University. Gay pride observance isnt about division, its about survival Recently a relative complained that June is designated as the month to celebrate gay pride and stated that such designations only serve to further the division in this country. I have been a gay man many years, so let me set something straight, so to speak. Until 1969, gay people were not supposed to be served drinks, and not congregate in any bar where they felt safe. Because queers were sick, immoral, unnatural. At the Stonewall Inn that year, gay patrons fought back as police tried to run them out of the bar with violence. Riots and marches occurred all over this country on behalf of gay rights. Gays were tired of the hiding, division and exclusion. Thats when the long struggle for gay rights became solidified and gay pride became a movement in this country. Gay people are just born different, but it wasnt until 1973 that this was no longer classified as a mental disorder. Imagine growing up with this stigma. It wasnt until the Obama administration that we were granted the right to marry who we loved just like my straight relatives who have done it four times. Gay pride is meant to recognize the struggles and successes to defeat the division we endured in this country. Its to remember those whove died for being gay, its for gay teens who have a suicide rate four times higher than other teens because of feeling alone and stigmatized. Gay pride aint about division. Its about survival. Ralf Lucas Maplewood Its barbaric that Missouri continues performing executions I witnessed a state execution last week at Bonne Terre from outside the prison. I thought it would be a peaceful vigil. But the partner of Michael Tisius was crying and then wailing when the guard told us it was over. (Missouri man executed for killing 2 jailers during failed bid to help inmate escape in 2000, June 7.) Put flesh on these bones of death. Michael was an exemplary prisoner, much changed from his 19-year-old behavior. If killing is so bad (it is), why would society kill again? Missouri is one of the few states that continue this barbaric practice. All the folks on death row had very abusive childhoods. One is quite schizophrenic. It is appalling that state leadership would order this practice. Even worse that all of us let them still do this. We should all be crying out. Sharon Orlet St. Louis Approve plan to give seniors a property tax break (or else) I will spare readers the tale of the unreasonable property tax increases I have endured since buying my home 23 years ago, not to mention the one I anticipate this year. I have a message for the St. Louis County Council and County Executive Sam Page regarding the recently proposed bill to freeze property taxes for seniors (Seniors to get tax break under St. Louis County bill. Losses would be in the millions, county says. June 7): If you vote against this bill, I will vote against you, even if, heaven forbid, that means I have to vote for a Republican. Like most seniors, I want to live in my home, not sell it. Kathy Wright Richmond Heights Writer disingenuously ignored Bidens deft work on Ukraine Regarding The America First case for supporting Ukraine (June 6): Marc A. Thiessens op-ed regarding the Ukraine war was grossly disingenuous. He starts with a quick, apparently obligatory attack on President Bidens supposed weakness and his humiliating withdrawal from Afghanistan. But he conveniently ignores that Bidens predecessor had ordained the binding withdrawal commitment, prescribed a short pullout deadline and left few if any details for an orderly evacuation. The rest of the op-ed details 10 clear points why the U.S. must support Ukraine militarily in the war against Russias aggression. Interestingly, while Donald Trump and some of his acolytes praised Putins invasion as genius and criticize efforts to support Ukraine, Thiessen implies that he and other conservatives have just now discovered why directly supporting Ukraines war effort against Russia is actually critically important to the U.S. and and other world democracies. But nowhere does he acknowledge that the weak Biden long ago warned Ukraine that Russian was gearing up to invade. Nowhere does Thiessen acknowledge that, for well over a year and a half now, Biden has almost single-handedly helped lead NATO back from the brink of potential dissolution and ineffectiveness on the world stage. The supposedly weak Biden has also successfully pushed through several substantial military funding packages for equipment, ammunition and training. And hes done all this while successfully avoiding direct U.S. military confrontation with Russia. Tom OConnor St. Louis County Why are legislators so determined to attack trans citizens? Regarding Bill would bar Missouris Medicaid program from covering gender-affirming hormones, puberty blockers (June 5): The Missouri Legislature is working hard to make life even more miserable for transgender people. Why? These people are not perpetrators, they are victims. God said Love your neighbor, not attack them. Martin Walsh Glendale Read letters online at STLtoday.com. DES MOINES, Iowa In March, when Donald Trump became the first former president in U.S. history indicted on criminal charges, his reelection campaign saw a huge surge in donations. Even political rivals rushed to support him. There was no dent in his front-runner status after the state charges in New York. Thursday's news that Trump has been indicted again, this time on federal charges related to his handling of classified documents, may offer a repeat. A 37-count felony indictment unsealed Friday accuses Trump of willful retention and improper sharing of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and corruptly concealing a document or record, among other charges. The top counts carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison upon conviction. But soon after he was indicted, there were clear signs that Republican voters may be willing to entrust him again with access to the nation's biggest secrets and authority over the very laws prosecutors say he defied. Republican pollster Neil Newhouse said the indictment would not fundamentally change Trump's standing in the GOP or his advantage in the crowded 2024 Republican primary. "In any other decade, this would be more than enough to kill a presidential contender in the crib. That's no longer the case particularly for Donald Trump," Newhouse said. He argued Trump has been effectively setting expectations for more charges for months. "This comes as a surprise to very few Republicans," Newhouse said. "Trump's been saying he'd get indicted. He got indicted. The sense from many Republican voters is that this is all about politics." The prospect that someone under indictment twice could somehow still be considered a viable presidential candidate underscores Trump's grip on the Republican Party and the ways that he has fundamentally transformed democratic norms in America. It also illustrates just how effective he has become at inoculating himself against political fallout by setting expectations and controlling the narrative. And it reflects growing Republican hostility toward the federal government and particularly the Justice Department, which Trump has now spent the better part of a decade maligning. But even if the indictment doesn't hurt Trump's standing with Republican primary voters, its far from certain that the broader set of general election voters, which includes independents and moderates in both parties, will be as forgiving next fall in a prospective matchup against President Joe Biden. HALIFAX, Nova Scotia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The union representing 1800+ school support staff in HRM says governments latest proposal may be a Trojan Horse. Government has provided us with no evidence that converting members from salaried to hourly employees wont have a significant negative impact on our already bargained-for pensions and benefits, said CUPE 5047 President Chris Melanson. Well certainly analyze the proposal, but our members gave us a mandate to make meaningful improvements to their wages, not to re-arrange the money theyre already paid. Premier Houston is trying to undermine our unity and power so that he can bully us into submission," said Melanson. Leaking correspondence with union officials is a standard employer intimidation tactic, and just one of many Tim Houstons government has used throughout this round of negotiations. Melanson says the bargaining committee proposed significant permanent wage increases at the outset of this round, because members wages are now worth less than they were ten years ago. In 2011, the highest EPA salary possible was $32,691.22. That same persons annual earnings are now worth $30,091.96 in 2011 dollars. This has to be rectified. Tim Houston is showing us that he and his government have no respect for school support workers or for the collective bargaining process, said Melanson. What were seeing from government right now is not good faith bargaining its the opposite. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230610782947/en/ Media inquiries: Mary-Dan Johnston CUPE Atlantic Communications Representative 902-412-5780 [email protected] Source: Canadian Union of Public Employees ACCRA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Ghana has regained its position as Africa's top gold producer and the 10th biggest producer globally with a 32 percent jump recorded in gold production in 2022, the Ghana Chamber of Mines said Friday. During its annual general meeting, the chamber said the gold production of the West African country reached 3.7 million ounces. The country has seen concurrent growth in the output of both large and small-scale sectors in 2022, said President of the chamber Joshua Mortoti, adding the large-scale gold sub-sector recorded its highest output in the country's history. The government would continue to protect legitimate mining activities in the country from criminal activities, said Ben Aryee, special advisor to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. "We will also continue to facilitate the formalization of small-scale mining, along with the associated alternative livelihood programs to resolve the poverty and unemployment challenges in the country," he added. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC) returned to the United States today after a week-long trip to Ukraine to meet with high-ranking leaders regarding defense technologies, reconstruction efforts, digital transformation, food security, educational and R&D opportunities. AZDIC President Lynndy Smith was invited to Ukraine after hosting Parliament Member Dmytro Liubota earlier this year to discuss immediate defense technology needs. Through partnerships with Tina Waddington, Executive Director of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, Austin Kennedy, Senior Advisor for Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Billy Kovacs, Federal Affairs Director for Governor Katie Hobbs, David Cook, Arizona State Representative and Chair of the International Trade Committee, Robert Medler, President of the Southern Arizona Defense Alliance, and Rick Stilgenbauer, Senior Public Policy Advisor at Squire Patton Boggs, AZDIC is working to support Ukraine with everything from immediate defense materials to long term reconstruction efforts and development of a domestic defense industry. "Arizona and America continue to stand with Ukraine. The Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition's visit to Ukraine helps us further support Ukraine against Russia's illegal and unprovoked war," said Arizona Senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema. It was an honor to host the Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition, said Liubota, Kharkiv parliament member. Their passion and dedication to creating productive solutions for Ukraine will have a significant impact on our ability to succeed during this current crisis. For Ukraine, relief does not come in one shape and size, said Governor Katie Hobbs. The countrys needs are unique and span a variety of industries and infrastructures. Arizona is home to many impressive innovations and research centers. I look forward to discussing how Arizona and Ukraine can further partner in efforts to defend and rebuild Ukraine. The future of Ukraine cannot be built by simply investing in outdated infrastructures, said Rick Stilgenbauer, Senior Public Policy Advisor at Squire Patton Boggs. By partnering with allied nations, Ukraine can harness the latest technologies and advancements to improve the lives of every citizen. In this instance, reconstruction and innovation will go hand-in-hand, and were honored to provide assistance wherever it is needed most. During this visit, the AZDIC delegation met with high ranking officials including Ukraine Deputy Minister of Defense, Volodymyr Gavrilov, Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries, Sergio Blevins, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Android Melnyk, Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation, Yegor Dubynskyi, First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Korienko, Deputy Chairman of Kyiv Regional State Administration, Mykolaiv Boyko, and Deputy Chairman of Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Evgen Ivanov. Additionally, the Arizona delegation also visited the City of Irpin where they saw first hand the cruelties of Russian aggression. The level of conversations during our visit cannot simply be explained, said Rep. Cook, I am honored to participate in this delegation on behalf of Arizona Speaker of the House Ben Toma as Chairman of International Trade Committee and I am overwhelmed with joy that the Arizona legislature and the Synergy of the Development of Ukraine have entered into a formal memorandum of understanding to establish immediate and long term strategic communications and actions between Arizona and Ukraine. We return to Arizona with a commitment to provide real solutions for Ukraine both now and in the future, said Lynndy Smith. We have already arranged a platform for our over 1,200 defense contractors in the state of Arizona to discuss potential solutions to priorities related to drone surveillance, munitions, and aircraft procurement and maintenance. Additionally, AZDIC has entered into a formal agreement with the Synergy of the Development of Ukraine to ensure continued partnership between Ukraine and Arizonas defense community. Arizona is home to numerous defense assets including the 162nd Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard which was honored to be selected to host Ukrainian pilots for an initial evaluation of their ability to transition to the F-16 platform, said Robert Medler, President of the Southern Arizona Defense Alliance. As the administration continues to evaluate assets for Ukraine, we would welcome the opportunity to host their F-16 training in Tucson. Prior to visiting Ukraine, the AZDIC delegation attended a briefing in Rome with Ambassador Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme. The ongoing global food crisis has been exacerbated since the war's onset, as Ukrainian farmers were unable to export critical wheat and grain supplies for an extended period of time. About Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC)The Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC) is a coalition of regional organizations inspired by Senator McCain, comprising the defense and mining industries, military, veterans and more, to act as a united voice and advocate for regional and national security efforts. Founding members include West Valley Defense Alliance (WVDA), Mesa Industry & Defense Council (MIDC), Southern Arizona Defense Alliance (SADA) and Yuma 50. Together, these groups work closely to foster innovation and advocate for those providing critical resources and services to the US national security efforts. AZDIC's mission is to unify the AZ defense industry and its stakeholders to help secure both AZ regional and national security through better communication and policy reform. For more information on AZDIC, email Lynndy Smith at [email protected]. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cefc94f4-93db-4c9f-8796-4081b8525422https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dde176f0-1036-4789-95a4-31ccb7a5327e Left to right: Rick Stilgenbauer, David Cook, Austin Kennedy, Cindy McCain, Tina Waddington, Robert Medler, Lynndy Smith, Billy Kovacs Left to right: Rick Stilgenbauer, David Cook, Austin Kennedy, Cindy McCain, Tina Waddington, Robert Medler, Lynndy Smith, Billy Kovacs Left to right: Robert Medler, Tina Waddington, Dmytro Liubota, David Cook Left to right: Robert Medler, Tina Waddington, Dmytro Liubota, David Cook Source: Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2023) - CARLYLE COMMODITIES CORP. (CSE: CCC) (FSE: BJ4) (OTCQB: CCCFF) ("Carlyle" or the "Company") announces that it has issued an aggregate of 415,117 common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") to a consultant engaged by the Company, as follows: Date of Issue No. of Shares Deemed Price per Share January 27, 2023 61,538 $0.244 April 10, 2023 98,765 $0.101 May 12, 2023 106,666 $0.094 June 9, 2023 148,148 $0.068 Total: 415,117 The Shares being issued are payment for the services rendered by the consultant at a price per Share equal to the lowest permitted price by the applicable policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Accordingly, the Shares were issued pursuant to the prospectus exemption provided under Section 2.24 of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions. The Shares issued have a hold period of four months and a day from issuance. The Company also announces that it has agreed to issue 500,000 Shares at a deemed price of $0.10 per Share to a consultant of the Company as full and final payment of debt in the aggregate amount of $50,000 (the "Debt Settlement"), to settle certain amounts owed by the Company. All securities issued in connection with the Debt Settlement will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after the date of issuance as set out in National Instrument 45102 -Resale of Securities. About Carlyle Carlyle is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. Carlyle owns 100% of the Newton Project in the Clinton Mining Division of B.C. and is listed on the CSE under the symbol "CCC", on the OTCQB Market under the ticker CCCFF, and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the ticker BJ4. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CARLYLE COMMODITIES CORP. "Morgan Good" Morgan Good Chief Executive Officer For more information regarding this news release, please contact: Morgan Good, CEO and Director T: 604-715-4751 E: [email protected] W: www.carlylecommodities.com Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release). To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169529 Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. Great Place to Work Institute and its senior care partner Activated Insights have honored Camellia Place Assisted Living and Memory Care with certification as a Great Place to Work. Great Place to Work Institute and its senior care partner Activated Insights have honored Camellia Place Assisted Living and Memory Care with certification as a Great Place to Work. This prestigious designation recognizes the dedication of Camellia Place to creating an empowering, fun, and supportive environment for team members and residents. The certification process involved surveying 100% of employees from Camellia Place and evaluating more than 60 elements of team members' experience on the job. These included employee pride in the organization's community impact, a belief that their work makes a difference, and a feeling their work has special meaning. Rankings are based on employees' experiences, no matter who they are or what they do. "We are incredibly proud of our team and the work they do every day to make Camellia Place a special place for our residents," said Kiley Webb, Executive Director of Camellia Place. "Our team members are passionate about their work, and it shows in the care and attention they provide to every resident." Mark Reisman, CEO of Empower Living, the operator of Camellia Place, added, "We attribute our success to empowering team members, which has created a culture of exceptional camaraderie and pride. We introduced many initiatives over our first year to give team members additional support and resources, allowing them more time to engage and have more fun with our residents." Camellia Place is proud to be a Great Place to Work and is committed to providing exceptional care for its assisted living and memory care residents. For more information, visit www.camelliaplace.com. About Empower Living Empower Living is an operator and asset manager for communities in Georgia, Texas, and Missouri. Empower Living is named after its core value of empowerment, which includes empowering team members and residents to foster great places to work and live. United by the core value, Empower Living was formed in 2022 after the partners collectively led a few dozen communities with other operators. About Us: Camellia Place is an assisted living and memory care community of residential homes at 294 Rope Mill Road in Woodstock, Georgia. Camellia Place's mission through its Live WHOLE program is to exemplify safety, personalized quality care, compassion, and joy. The residential community comprises 96 suites across six distinct one-story homes, each meeting residents' individual needs and lifestyle preferences. The neighborhood model is designed to promote a sense of hospitality, social cohesion, and greater fulfillment and motivate residents who benefit from assisted living, memory care, and respite care. With their commitment to promoting independence and well-being, caregivers provide a range of amenities and services to help residents live fulfilling lives. At Camellia Place, they are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and support to our residents and their families. Contact Info: Name: Kiley Webb Email: Send Email Organization: Camellia Place Assisted Living and Memory Care Address: 294 Rope Mill Rd. Woodstock, Georgia 30188 Phone: 770-296-1513 Website: https://www.camelliaplace.com/ Video URL: https://youtu.be/6oJFQ563SRY Release ID: 89099618 If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours. GLASGOW, United Kingdom (PRWEB) June 10, 2023 Dr. Andy Pearson, Group Managing Director of Star Refrigeration, was recently recognised for his 18 years of contribution to Ammonia and CO2 refrigeration research at the 10th International Conference on Ammonia and CO2 Refrigeration Technologies. Organised by the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Ss Cyril & Methodius Skopje, the conference was held in Ohrid, North Macedonia. The biannual specialist conference unites the world's preeminent scientists and industry leaders to promote knowledge exchange and foster innovation in ammonia and CO2 refrigeration technology. This year's event took place from 27th 29th April 2023, with the attendance of 500 international delegates. Dr. Pearson was presented with the special plaque by Didier Coulomb, Director of IIR, and Risto Ciconkov, President of the Organising Committee. The accolade marks Dr. Pearson's consistent presence and seminal research papers presented at all ten editions of the Ohrid conferences. Since its inception in 2005, the conference's objective has been to dispel ambiguities and confusion surrounding ammonia and CO2 refrigeration technologies. Aiming to bridge the gap between industry and academia, the conference was set up to respond to the global transition towards natural refrigeration technology following global efforts to phase-down HFCs to mitigate the catastrophic implications of climate change. This year, Dr. Pearson, who is also the Conference's President of the Scientific Committee, initiated the conference proceedings with his research paper, 'Energy Performance of Process Cooling Equipment,' in which he explored the challenges in the benchmarking energy performance of cooling processes due to the great variety in system types and products processed. Pearson also called for the development of data banks for different products and processes with the assistance and input from operators, saying that the key in benchmarking is to start data collecting as soon as possible in order to build up a pattern, even if the means of processing the data is not yet established. The conference further addressed topics such as the design of modern ammonia (NH3) and CO2 refrigeration and heat pump systems, energy efficiency, and safety and compliance issues associated with natural refrigerants. A prominent industry expert, Dr. Pearson is known for his profound knowledge of industrial refrigeration, having published numerous research studies on energy-efficient design, compliance, and safety of ammonia and CO2 refrigeration technology over four decades. His research and pioneering work in the design and installation of refrigeration and heat pump systems such as the world's first and largest ammonia district heat pump in Drammen, Norway, have earned him prestigious recognitions, including the International Environmental Agency's Rittinger Medal and the J&E Hall Gold Medal from the Institute of Refrigeration. Dr Pearson is an IOR and ASHRAE Fellow and advises on the Refrigeration Safety Technical Committees for the British Standards Institute (BSI), the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and the International Standards Organisation (ISO). On receiving the award, Dr. Pearson said, "I am honoured to receive this special plaque for for having presented at all ten Ohrid conferences. At Star Refrigeration, we remain committed to sharing innovative refrigeration knowledge and best practices underpinned by the most recent industry research." Star Refrigeration are a leading supplier of industrial ammonia and CO2 refrigeration and heat pump systems. With over 50 years of experience, the company is a total solutions provider, working in partnership with customers in the cold storage, pharmaceutical, food and drinks manufacturing, brewing, dairies data centres, building services, ice and leisure, petrochemical and district heating industries. The IIR International Conference in Ohrid is a pivotal industry event for knowledge exchange on Ammonia and CO2 Refrigeration Technologies. For more information, visit https://iifiir.org/en/events/10th-iir-conference-on-ammonia-and-co2-refrigeration-technologies To find out more about Star Refrigeration's advancements in ammonia and CO2 refrigeration and heat pump technology, as well as their recent installations, visit https://www.star-ref.co.uk Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/dr_andy_pearson_receives_special_plaque_for_nearly_two_decades_of_research_paper_contribution_at_the_10th_iir_conference_on_ammonia_and_co2_refrigeration_technologies/prweb19384910.htm GIBSONIA, Penn. (PRWEB) June 10, 2023 Something exciting is brewing in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania! kat's Coffeehouse has opened at 617 Warrendale Road, Suite E. Owners Kathy and Todd Williams learned how to start a coffee shop through the 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program of Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea. On April 25, Allegheny County coffee lovers gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Gibsonia's newest independent coffee shop. The day included a $1 special on all regular-sized specialty coffee drinks. The new shop invites customers into a warm environment designed by Kathy Williams. Ample seating and free Wi-Fi invite guests to stay while they savor specialty coffee drinks, including espressos, mochas and lattes. A drive-thru window caters to Gibsonia coffee lovers on the go. Locally sourced pastries, subs and ice cream round out the menu. "We want to serve the best coffee and provide an experience that the customer remembers as extremely positive," Todd Williams said. "We focus on the details, from lighting to music, fiber internet to fast drive through. And we hire people who truly enjoy the dance of making outstanding specialty coffee drinks that make people happy." kat's Coffeehouse is the latest in a series of enterprises for the couple. Before venturing into coffee, the entrepreneurs made waves in kitchen textile design, the steel industry and retail clothing boutiques. Kathy has worked in fashion since she started in retail at age 15. Before opening two Kat & Willie clothing boutiques in Pittsburgh, she spent 14 years designing kitchen textiles. Todd sold more than three million aprons and tea towels designed by Kathy to retail stores such as HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Earlier in their marriage, he sold steel while Kathy raised their four children. After the clothing boutiques got off the ground, the serial entrepreneurs needed something new to keep the momentum going. Then, encountering a local coffee shop for sale, they took a chance and made an offer. The only problem? They had zero coffee experience. "With no prior experience in the industry, we knew we needed a partner that truly understood coffee," Todd Williams said. Enter Crimson Cup. The award-winning coffee roaster helps entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of starting and running thriving independent coffee shops. Its 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program is designed to help those with little or no coffee experience avoid typical pitfalls and become profitable as quickly as possible. "I was researching coffee providers and got in touch with their amazing 7 Steps coffee shop startup consulting team of Scott Fullerton, Steve Bayless, Heather Syx and Dave Eldridge," Todd said. He then read Seven Steps to Success: a Common-sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee by Crimson Cup Founder and President Greg Ubert. This book forms the foundation of the roaster's 7 Steps program. "It was apparent from reading the book and talking to the consulting team that the business model Crimson Cup provides works," Todd said. As part of their due diligence, the couple visited the Crimson Cup Innovation Lab in Columbus, Ohio, where Kathy tasted a cup of black java with no additives. "It was the best cup of coffee I've ever had!" she exclaimed. That was the deciding factor. "After an exhaustive three-month search, we knew we had found our coffee partner," Todd said. Crimson Cup has helped over 400 entrepreneurs like the Williams open and run successful coffee shops in more than 30 states. Its 7 Steps team guides new owners using over two decades of startup experience. Through the 7 Steps, aspiring coffee shop owners master the complexities of the coffee industry. The consulting team guides them through writing a coffee shop business plan, choosing a location, hiring and training employees, marketing to attract new customers and more. "A big part of our mission is to help coffeehouse owners thrive at every step from opening their shops to becoming a fixture in their communities," Ubert said. As a one-stop shop for independent coffeehouses, Crimson Cup provides end-to-end support. 7 Steps customers receive access to award-winning coffee, workhorse espresso machines, other coffee shop equipment, and quality coffee shop products. Ongoing mentorship helps entrepreneurs thrive in their unique coffee ventures. "The 7 Steps team is outstanding," Todd said. "Each of them knows this coffee business and shares your joy when you succeed." "Weekly calls with Steve and Heather and learning from Dave, whom I call the expert of experts, have helped us avoid so many mistakes," he added. Todd found 'The Dance' the most valuable guidance in the 7 Steps program. "The Dance ensures that coffee service remains uninterrupted by ancillary food service, preserving the quality of customer experience," he explained. "We provide food items from local bake and sub shops, but these only complement the coffee and never slow down the coffee line. Our sales confirm this." The coffee, roasted by Crimson Cup, is gaining a following among area coffee lovers. "Customers say it's amazing, the best coffee they've ever had. They even compare it to shops in Europe," Todd said. The company has received 20 five-star Google reviews in just over two months. "This place is awesome!" wrote one reviewer. "I went for the first time today and was immediately greeted by a man named Todd. He shared with me that he was the owner and was just so kind and welcomed me in! The decor is really fun and cozy. I got an iced latte with oat milk and caramel drizzle, and it was great! Very smooth and not too sweet. They had lots of different options too. Will definitely be going back and bringing friends. Definitely check this place out!" After completing the startup process, Todd had several thoughts to share with others contemplating opening a coffee business. "Don't do it alone!" he said. "Do it with someone who shares when you win and helps when you need help. Most important if you don't have great coffee and training nothing else matters. Plus, work with a coffee business consultant that instills operations best practices so you can get to be profitable faster than doing it alone or just buying coffee from a roaster with a marketing pitch." Kathy and Todd Williams invite everyone in Allegheny County and beyond to visit kat's Coffeehouse. The new shop is open seven days a week at 617 Warrendale Road, Suite E, in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit the shop's Google Business Profile. About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Founded in 1991, Crimson Cup is at the forefront of the coffee industry. Its attentive roasting, startup support and global partnerships are consciously designed for the greater good of communities around the world. Among other national recognitions, the company has earned 2020 and 2017 Good Food Awards, the 2019 Golden Bean Champion for Small Franchise/Chain Roaster and Roast magazine's 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Crimson Cup travels the world searching for the perfect cup driven by meaningful relationships, honesty and a shared vision for the future. Its Friend2Farmer initiatives foster respect and decency through mutually beneficial collaboration across local and global communities. Through its 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program, the company teaches entrepreneurs how to open and run independent coffee houses in their local communities. By developing a coffee shop business plan, entrepreneurs gain insight into coffee shop startup costs. Crimson Cup coffee is available through over 400 independent coffee houses, grocers, college and universities, restaurants and food service operations across more than 30 states, Guam and Bangladesh. The company also owns several Crimson Cup Coffee Shops and a new CRIMSON retail flagship store. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com, or follow the company on Facebook and Instagram. Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/kat_s_coffeehouse_launches_in_gibsonia_pennsylvania_through_crimson_cups_7_steps_to_success_coffee_shop_startup_program/prweb19381343.htm BEIJING , June 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Located in the northernmost part of Hebei Province , Saihanba is one of the largest man-made forests in the world. Covering an area of about 93,000 hectares, Saihanba is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna. Its stunning natural environment attracts flocks of tourists every year. However, it wasn't always this way. Traveling back in time to the 1950s, the former royal retreat had become a virtual wasteland as a result of rampant deforestation, which in turn threatened the country's capital, Beijing , and adjacent regions with harsh and frequent sandstorms. An epic endeavor began in 1962 to transform the barren wilderness into a green "miracle," populated by 500 million trees. Forest coverage has increased from 11.4 percent to 80 percent in six decades. It cleans and purifies some 137 million cubic meters of clean water for residents of Beijing and Tianjin , while absorbing 860,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide and releasing 598,400 tonnes of oxygen. From infrared radar fire detection and early lightning warning monitoring to forest fire video monitoring and satellite hotspot monitoring, advanced technologies have been adopted to help guard the forest against fire. "Our system automatically alerts the forest keepers via phones once a lightning bolt approaches the forest with a beyond-standard power," said Peng Zhijie , director of the Saihanba forest fire prevention office. "We also use drones to patrol the neighboring environment of the forest." Thanks to these technologies, the forest has been protected well while benefiting the people. President Xi Jinping praised the green achievements at Saihanba in 2021, saying "the area's transformation has created a model in the world's history of ecological progress." Respect nature, and benefits will flow "All beings flourish when they live in harmony and receive nourishment from nature." This is a Chinese saying from the great thinker Xunzi more than 2,000 years ago, which Xi quoted in a speech delivered at the Leaders' Summit on Climate via video link from Beijing in April 2021 . Saihanba is a vivid example, reflecting how the harmonious development of humans and nature can lead to a greener future. Xi said, "Mother Nature has nourished us, and we must treat nature as our root, respect it, protect it, and follow its laws. Failure to respect nature or follow its laws will only invite its revenge." In 2020, China announced twin goals of peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060 to secure sustainable development. In the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China last October, pushing forward green development and the harmonious relationship between man and nature was among the key tasks set for the country's journey ahead in the next five years. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-06-09/Why-China-is-committed-to-green-development-1kv7VHtXzWg/index.html yt https://youtu.be/IRibUWy1S6g View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgtn-why-china-is-committed-to-green-development-301847685.html SOURCE CGTN SACRAMENTO, Calif. , June 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney-Partners Roger A. Dreyer and Noemi Nunez Esparza of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora have recently secured a $40-million settlement in a Sacramento elementary school sex abuse case after seven years of hard-fought litigation. Partners Roger A. Dreyer and Noemi Nunez Esparza of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora were joined by The Law Office of Joseph George Jr. to secure a $40-million settlement at the end of a hard-fought Sacramento elementary school sex abuse case. The attorneys represented five survivors of child sex abuse carried out by a trusted employee of Sacramento's Mark Twain Elementary School, who sexually abused at least six elementary school children between 2013 and 2016. The lawsuit was brought against the City of Sacramento and the Sacramento City Unified School District, who were accused of negligently ignoring multiple warning signs that the employee was abusing children for several years. The litigation began with The Law Office of Joseph George Jr., who eventually brought in the two attorneys from Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora to take the lead, joined by Attorney Joe George , Ph. D. and Attorney Maricar Pascual of the George firm. After seven years of litigation, more than 40 depositions, and countless legal battles, Attorneys Dreyer and Esparza were able to secure the $40-million settlement for their clients, which set a settlement amount record for such cases. Furthermore, the survivors and their families did not have to go through a potentially traumatic civil trial before this settlement was reached. A previous victory secured by Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora and The Law Office of Joseph George Jr. required Mark Twain Elementary School and the Sacramento City Unified School District to significantly update the policies and practices regarding staff-and-student interactions. In 2019, the law firms represented another child sexual abuse survivor who was abused in the same timeframe and by the same sexual offender. The case ended with a $12.5-million settlement and a checklist of mandatory policy changes. The conditional agreement in the settlement required the defendants to implement improved policies to prevent future incidents of child sexual abuse, such as improved staff training for mandated reports when unusual or inappropriate staff behavior is known or suspected, stricter requirements for how often and how long a staff member can be alone with students, and other important changes. The district also hired a third-party consultant to review its policies and procedures regarding sexual abuse reporting and staff monitoring. The $40-million settlement can help bring closure and a sense of justice to the young survivors and their families. Although the sexual offender and the school's inaction have caused the survivors to suffer lifelong pain, trauma, and trust issues, the attorneys of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora are hopeful that the settlement will act as the first step on the path to long-term emotional recovery. Attorney Roger Dreyer has been quoted as saying, "These children are going to be living with what has been imprinted into their hard drive, into their brain, the mistrust of adults and the violation that they didn't even know could happen." With financial stability and the offender taken to justice in both the criminal court system and the civil court system, the survivors can begin their healing journeys. This landmark case highlights the unshakable duties of educational institutions to safeguard the well-being of the children placed within their care and instruction. It also underscores the need for schools, administrators, and authorities to take decisive action when the warning signs of misconductsexual abuse or otherwiseare first noticed or reported. With the City of Sacramento paying 60% of the settlement and the Sacramento City Unified School District paying the rest, the attorneys of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora are hopeful that the case result will serve as a catalyst for change in school districts throughout California and across the country, prompting them all to review their policies and ensure the safety of their students. For more information about this case, refer to this Sacramento Bee article: https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article275427836.html. (Log-in and subscription may be required.) For more information about Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora , a Sacramento -based sexual abuse and personal injury law firm, inquiring parties should visit: https://www.dbbwc.com. Media Contact: Rogar A. Dreyer ; 916-379-3500; [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreyer-babich-buccola-wood-campora-40m-settlement-in-sacramento-elementary-school-sex-abuse-case-301847678.html DUBAI, UAE , June 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The UK is home to the world's fifth-largest economy and of the world's most dynamic markets. It has a GDP of $2.67 trillion , and its economy has grown an impressive 7.6% and 4% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. It is no surprise, then, that various ambitious entrepreneurs throughout the globe put the UK on their business bucket lists. Thankfully, for those entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand their business in the UK , the English-speaking nation has no shortage of enticing business immigration routes; namely, the UK Innovator, Start Up, and Expansion Worker visas. The UK Innovator Visa The UK introduced its Innovator Visa in 2019 as a replacement for the now-closed Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa to boost its private sector and elevate the country's innovative start-up scene, which is already quite impressive as the UK ranks 4th on the Global Innovation Index . The Innovator Visa allows investors with a new idea (new to the UK market) to apply for residence in the UK . The visa is quite popular due to its simplicity and the UK's Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) positive environment. SMEs account for a staggering 99.2% of the total business population in the UK and are responsible for 52% of the country's total business turnover . Highlighting the government's focus on nurturing smaller businesses, which makes it an excellent option for entrepreneurs looking to establish their companies. This is made even more accessible through the Innovator Visa. The Innovator Visa's requirements are simple, as an applicant must: Have a clean criminal record Have an innovative business idea Obtain an endorsement from one of the many government-approved bodies Have a level B2 English Language proficiency Have access to 50,000 in funding Have enough personal funds to support themselves and their families for the duration of their stay in the UK Applicants can add their spouse and dependent children below 18 to their application Successful applicants will receive a three-year residency permit that can be renewed for the same period. At the end of five years, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the UK's permanent residency permit. One year after obtaining ILR, they can apply for citizenship if they meet the naturalisation requirements. The UK may also allow successful Innovator Visa applicants to apply for ILR after three years of residency instead of five, but this is subject to specific regulations, and business operation conditions set out by the government. Those who obtain ILR after three years can apply for citizenship after residing for a total of five years instead of the usual six. The UK Start Up Visa The Start Up Visa (SUV) is fairly similar in concept to the Innovator Visa. The premise is that applicants who have an innovative, new, and viable business idea can apply for an endorsement from an approved body to obtain residence in the UK . The requirements for the SUV are: Have a clean criminal record Have an innovative business idea Obtain an endorsement from a government-approved body Have a level B2 English Language proficiency Have enough personal funds to support themselves and their families for the duration of their stay in the UK Applicants can add their spouse and dependent children below 18 to their application The main difference between the SUV and the Innovator Visa is that the SUV is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it does not lead to IRL. It is only valid for two years, and at the end of that period, an SUV holder needs to switch to another visa type in order to remain in the UK . Typically, people will switch to an Innovator Visa due to the similarities of the requirements. The second difference between the two visas is the minimum investment amount, as while the Innovator Visa does have a set minimum, the SUV doesn't, which makes it a great option for those with lower capital to start out in the UK while they sort out funding to apply for the Innovator Visa, a matter which is simpler in the UK than many may think. Venture capitalism investment for innovative start ups in the UK grew 30% from 11.5 billion to 15 billion between 2020 and 2021, emphasising the vast funding opportunities available for SUV holders. The final disparity between the SUV and Innovator Visa lies in the available endorsement bodies. While the Innovator Visa requires applicants to obtain endorsement from government-approved private business incubators, the SUV broadens that perimeter, allowing applicants to get endorsements from any of the following: UK higher education institution higher education institution a business organisation with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs The SUV has a much larger pool of endorsement bodies, which also makes it a somewhat more flexible entry point for entrepreneurs, especially those who have graduated from UK education institutes and maintain a good relationship with their universities. The UK Expansion Worker The Expansion Worker Visa is part of the UK's newly-formed Global Business Mobility (GBM) suite of business visas. It replaced the Representative of An Overseas Business Visa in 2022, and it is the best route for those looking to expand their foreign business into the UK by establishing a branch or subsidiary of a foreign business that has not yet traded in the UK . To qualify for the Expansion Worker Visa, an applicant must: Have a valid certificate of sponsorship from their employer Have worked for their employer outside the UK Do a job that's on the list of eligible occupations Be paid the minimum eligible salary (42,400 per year or the 'going rate') required for their job Have worked for their employer outside the UK for at least twelve months as a senior manager or specialist, unless they are designated as a High Earner with a minimum salary of 73,900 for at least twelve months as a senior manager or specialist, unless they are designated as a High Earner with a minimum salary of 73,900 Be paid the minimum eligible salary (42,400 per year or the 'going rate') required for their job Applicants can add their spouse and dependent children below 18 years of age Like the SUV, the Expansion Worker Visa is a non-immigrant visa. It is initially issued for one year and is renewable for one more year. After two years, the visa holder must either switch to another GBM visa (and there are many) or an Innovator Visa. It is simple to switch from an Expansion Worker Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa, but the pathway for the switch must be planned and carefully constructed. Savory & Partners have a procedure in place to enable that switch come the expiration date of the Expansion Worker Visa, as we help our clients plan their immigration journey with all the requirements needed to seamlessly switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, which does have a pathway to ILR and citizenship. It is also worth noting that if the UK company has a UK -based director, then it is eligible to employ four expansion workers; however, if it does not have a UK -based director, then only one expansion worker can join. The Expansion Worker Visa does not have any minimum investment amount, and its simplicity makes it an optimal route to the UK for those looking to expand their business into the country. Savory & Partners is an accredited agent for multiple governments where citizenship by investment is offered with coverage in over 20 jurisdictions including Europe and was the first firm to obtain all five authorised agent licenses for the governments of the Caribbean Islands . To date it has processed second passports for over 4,000 citizens with a 100 percent success rate. For more information visit www.savoryandpartners.com. For more information, please send an email to [email protected]. You can also call +971 04 430 1717 or send a WhatsApp message to +971 54 440 2955 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1738007/Savory_and_Partners_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/savory-and-partners-the-many-business-immigration-routes-to-the-uk-innovator-start-up-and-expansion-worker-301843591.html SOURCE Savory & Partners Filipino caregivers, barista featured in LA, New York, UK , and Dubai NEW YORK , June 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- True stories of successful Overseas Filipinos are making the rounds globally, in time for Independence Day in the Philippines . Videos featuring Charmaine "Charm" Espinoza, a Filipina caregiver in the United Kingdom and Dan Johnson "DJ" Noblesa, a Filipino barista in Italy , can be viewed in Times Square in New York , and LA billboards in Inglewood , Los Angeles, California from June 12 to June 13 . The videos are part of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications (OPACC)'s new country branding campaign 'We Give the World Our Best The Philippines , featuring the true stories of Overseas Filipinos giving their best, wherever they are in the world. OFWs in the global spotlight Charm and DJ's videos had also earlier appeared in New York Times Square and Dubai 's La Mer City Walk, two of the most prominent and modern cities in the world. UK nurse May Parsons , meanwhile, was the face of the bus ad shown in London on no less than the day of King Charles III's coronation. May was the first nurse to have administered the COVID-19 vaccine in the United Kingdom , which was very much recognized by the UK government. OPACC says the London bus ad had been rolled out during the momentous occasion to draw in the huge crowds, and communicate the inspiring message that Filipinos give their best wherever they are and in whatever they do. "At its core, the project intends to let the whole world know how good, compassionate, and competent Filipinos are. Filipinos bring their 'best' through daily actions that touch lives all over the world," says OPACC Sec. Paul Soriano . A Pinoy's unique values In their videos, both Charm and May were both lauded by their foreign patients for their untiring and dedicated service, manifesting how they showed true care, or the malasakit, maasikaso and maalaga values that comes naturally from every Filipino. "Nursing is not the easiest job in the world, in fact, it's emotionally draining. I truly believe in the things that I do, because of where I come from, our resilience, our dedication I gave my best, and my heart, I am the Philippines ," May says in the video, on how she performs her daily routine of caring for the sick in the UK . Charm, on the other hand, is seen in the video patiently attending to an elderly lady, who gradually changed her demeanor because of Charm's untiring and caring attitude. In the video, while the song "Lean on Me" was playing, Charm said: "I do what's right, I give my best, I keep caring." In the next clip, Charm is introduced by her elderly patient to the family as "My friend, from the Philippines ," and her son, appreciatively looking at Charm, whispered a warm thank you. The video ended with Charm proudly saying: "I am Charm, I am the Philippines ," In the video in Italy , the owner of a coffee shop said that "for coffee-loving people, Italy is where they should go. And in their shop, they honor their barista, not their coffee machines." The owner added while showing how their coffee were made and brewed: "Because coffee is like life, it's all about how you make it; when your barista is the best, you can taste the love in every cup, our barista is the best, bravo Filipino!." The video ended with DJ, the Filipino barista saying: "I am DJ, I am the Philippines ." Proud Pinoys at their best The new videos demonstrate how OFWs portray that they are not mere peons in the country that host them, but true ambassadors of the country they call home. Through their selfless attitude of thinking first of the welfare of their patients/clients, they are able to develop personal connections and create a strong bond between cultures and societies. This leads to greater understanding and appreciation of the Philippines and its people. The videos are now getting positive raves from the netizens. A nurse from a government hospital in Quezon City who has seen the video of May and Charm said: "The video is impressive, sana marami pang similar video ang maipalabas para maipakita kung paano mag-care ang Pinoy sa ano mang lahi sa mundo." A barista of a small coffee shop in Manila who has also seen the 1-minute video of DJ commented: "Iba talaga ang pinoy pagdating sa gawaan ng kape, like what the song of the late Tina Turner said we are "Simply the Best. I'm proud of DJ and how he is bringing honor to our country." These success stories are featured in the We Give the World our Best YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@wegivetheworldourbestph . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/true-stories-of-overseas-filipinos-shine-in-global-spotlight-in-time-for-ph-independence-day-301847673.html SOURCE OPACC By Andy Bruce LONDON (Reuters) -Old rifts resurfaced in Britain's ruling Conservative Party on Saturday following former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's abrupt resignation from parliament, while the opposition Labour Party sensed opportunity ahead of a general election next year. Johnson quit late on Friday in protest against an investigation by lawmakers into his conduct as prime minister during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdown-breaking parties were held in Downing Street. In his resignation statement, Johnson railed against the inquiry that examined whether he misled the House of Commons about the gatherings, saying it had not found "a shred of evidence" against him. He also took aim at current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Sunak's Conservatives, trailing badly in opinion polls, must now fight three by-elections in constituencies vacated on Friday by Johnson and his ally Nadine Dorries, and on Saturday by Nigel Adams, a former minister in the Johnson government. Johnson's loyalists, some of whom received political honours from him hours before his resignation, praised his record in social media posts. The rest were silent. "Well done Rishi for starting this nonsense!!" lawmaker Andrea Jenkyns wrote in a Conservative Party WhatsApp group, according to a screenshot shared by a Sky News reporter. Jenkyns received the honorary title of Dame in Johnson's resignation honours list published on Friday which critics derided as an exercise in cronyism. His premiership was cut short last year in part by anger in his own party and across Britain over COVID rule-breaking lockdown parties in his Downing Street office and residence. Henry Hill, deputy editor of the Conservative Home website, said Johnson's exit meant he was no longer a "prince-over-water" in parliament who threatened Sunak's grip on the party. "It will mean that any trouble made by his allies is much less potent," Hill told BBC radio. A YouGov poll published on Saturday showed 65% of Britons thought Johnson knowingly misled parliament, compared with 17% who did not. LABOUR SMELLS BLOOD The opposition Labour Party, which has a roughly 16-point lead over Sunak's Conservatives in opinion polls, said it relished the prospect of fighting the by-elections in Conservative-held constituencies. "We will be fighting to win in those constituencies," Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner told the BBC on Saturday. "They've created a by-election because both of them (Johnson and Dorries) have thrown their toys out of the pram." Johnson's decision to resign may be the end of his 22-year political career, where he rose from parliament to become mayor of London and then built a profile that tipped the balance of the 2016 European Union referendum in favour of Brexit, before becoming prime minister in 2019. He did leave a possible door open to return, saying at the end of his resignation statement that it was "very sad to be leaving parliament - at least for now". (Reporting by Andy Bruce; Editing by Mike Harrison, Frances Kerry and Clelia Oziel) MOGADISHU, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A huge blast went off at a popular restaurant in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, on Friday evening. The police and witnesses said the blast targeted Mogadishu's Lido Beach restaurant, which is near some government security buildings. "Explosions followed with gunshots could be heard from the beach area. There is an exchange of fire between al-Shabab fighters and hotel security," a police officer who declined to be named told Xinhua on the phone. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the latest attack. FILE PHOTO: Theodore Kaczynski is led out of federal court where he was charged with a single federal weapons violation April 4,1997. (Fixes typo "1978 to 1995" in paragraph 4) By Alistair Bell (Reuters) - Ted Kaczynski, former math professor and "twisted genius" who came to be known as the Unabomber when he carried out a 17-year spree of mysterious bombings that killed three people and baffled the FBI, died on Saturday at the age of 81. Kaczynski, who made and sent many of his bombs while living in a primitive cabin with no running water in rural Montana, was found unresponsive early Saturday morning at the Federal Medical Center Butner, a facility for prisoners with special health needs, in Butner, North Carolina, and pronounced dead at a local hospital. "He is dead," Kristie Breshears, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, told Reuters. The Harvard University graduate, a loner since childhood, targeted academics, scientists and computer store owners and even tried to blow up a commercial airliner in a one-man terror campaign from 1978 to 1995 against what he believed were the evils of modern technology. For years, he frustrated police who, with no solid clues to the killer's identity, dubbed his case UNABOM, for University and Airline Bombings. A breakthrough came when Kaczynski released a rambling, 35,000-word manifesto entitled "Industrial Society and Its Future" that was published in the media in September 1995. Kaczynski's younger brother, David, tipped off police that the author's ideas sounded like those of Ted. Agents arrested the disheveled Unabomber at his cabin in April 1996. After rejecting his lawyers' attempts to have him plead insanity, Kaczynski pleaded guilty to all federal charges relating to the bombings in 1998 and a California court sentenced him to four life terms plus 30 years in prison. Described by the FBI as "a twisted genius who aspires to be the perfect, anonymous killer," Kaczynski was sent to ADX Florence, a "supermax" prison in Florence, Colorado. He was transferred to the North Carolina facility in 2021. Theodore John Kaczynski was born on May 22, 1942, in Chicago to working class Polish-American parents. He was a bright, quiet child who graduated from high school aged 15 and won a scholarship to Harvard University where he studied mathematics. "He wasn't exactly gregarious, but he was extremely articulate," Dale Eickelman, Kaczynski's friend in his early high school years, told the Daily Southtown newspaper in Chicago after Kaczynski's arrest. "I remember Ted was very good at chemistry ... I remember Ted had the know-how of putting together things like batteries, wire leads, potassium nitrate and whatever, and creating explosions" at the age of 12 and 13, Eickelman said. While it is not known exactly what caused Kaczynski to channel his natural talent toward evil, his participation in an infamous science experiment at Harvard may have been one reason. There, psychologists subjected volunteer students, including Kaczynski, to hours of extreme verbal and emotional abuse as part of an attempt to measure how people handled stress. The experiment, now regarded as unethical, lasted three years. Others have cited a period in Kaczynski's childhood when he spent long periods in isolation due to a severe outbreak of hives. Kaczynski earned a doctoral degree in mathematics in 1967 at the University of Michigan before he got a job as an assistant mathematics professor at the University of California at Berkeley. He resigned his post and moved to Montana in 1971 where he bought land and built himself a tar-paper cabin near Lincoln, a town of under 1,000 people in winter. Kaczynski became upset by the destruction of the surrounding forests by development. The cabin served as the main base for his homemade bombing campaign, which began in 1978 when he left a package for an engineering professor at Chicago's Northwestern University. The package exploded, lightly wounding a police officer. A graduate student at the college became the second victim when a small bomb went off in his hands, giving him superficial burns. Kaczynski then took aim at a bigger target, placing a bomb in 1979 in the cargo hold of an American Airlines plane that gave off smoke during a domestic flight, forcing an emergency landing at Dulles International Airport near Washington. That attack caught the attention of the FBI and agents would spend years trying to catch a bomber who left no clear demands and little forensic evidence. A six-year period between 1987 and 1993 in which no bombs were sent further confused investigators. In 1980, Kaczynski sent a package bomb that exploded and injured United Airlines President Percy Wood at his Illinois home. His first fatal victim was computer store owner Hugh Scrutton, 38, who died when a bomb loaded with nails and splinters went off in the parking lot of his store in Sacramento, California in 1985. As his bombs became more sophisticated, Kaczynski also killed New Jersey advertising executive Thomas Mosser, who had worked on improving the public image of oil major Exxon, with a mail bomb in 1994. He then murdered Gilbert Brent Murray, head of a California timber industry lobbying group, with a mail bomb in 1995. In all, the Unabomber set off 17 bombs, injuring around 25 people, some of whom lost vision, hearing or fingers. Kaczynski triggered his own downfall in 1995 when he sent letters to media organizations demanding that they publish a 35,000-word essay of his about the perils of industrialization. "The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race," the essay began. Kaczynski detailed how modernization has destabilized society, subjected humans to indignities and "inflicted severe damage on the natural world." Still short on leads, the FBI and then U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno approved the publication of the manifesto in The Washington Post in the hope that someone would recognize it. The move paid off when the bomber's brother David, recognized phrases and topics in the essay and told police he believed it was written by Ted. (Additional reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles, Phil Stewart and Lucia Mutikani in Washington; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Diane Craft and Cynthia Osterman) Swiss and Canton de Geneve flags are seen on a building of Swiss bank Credit Suisse in Geneva, Switzerland, June 7, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (Reuters) -Credit Suisse Group AG Chief Executive Ulrich Koerner has indicated that the emergency takeover of the bank by UBS AG will close on Monday, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday, citing an internal memo. "While Monday brings to an end this chapter in our history, it is also the beginning of a new and exciting future," Koerner said in a memo to employees. "Monday's legal close is the next important step as we work to get you the answers you need as quickly as possible." On Friday, UBS Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti hinted the takeover of Credit Suisse would close on Monday, the earliest expected date. Earlier on Friday, the Swiss government agreed with UBS to guarantee up to 9 billion Swiss francs ($9.96 billion) of losses the bank may incur from the sale of its rival's assets beyond 5 billion francs the lender is due to cover itself. UBS declined to comment, while Credit Suisse did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. ($1 = 0.9038 Swiss francs) (Reporting by Urvi Dugar in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, Mike Harrison and Louise Heavens) By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union countries will try again next week to pass a deal on new renewable energy targets, which have been stalled by concerns from France and other states that the law sidelines nuclear energy. A group of countries including France lodged last-minute opposition to the EU's law on more ambitious renewable energy goals last month, putting on hold a main pillar of the bloc's plans to tackle climate change. EU country diplomats will attempt to approve the law on Wednesday, according to an agenda for the meeting published late on Friday. Paris has sought changes to the law to offer more favourable treatment of nuclear energy, and said the final deal puts at a disadvantage countries like France with large shares of nuclear power. Nuclear energy is low-carbon, but not renewable. The EU law is designed to drive a rapid expansion of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The deal negotiated this year offered some compromises, including lower renewable fuel targets for industry, in countries that have already used nuclear power to slash their use of fossil fuels. Paris had said the rules still excluded low-carbon hydrogen produced from nuclear electricity. In its hunt for a deal, the EU has considered options such as providing a declaration, accompanying the final law, that acknowledges the challenge this poses for some countries, diplomatic sources said. That would avoid reopening the deal on the law agreed by EU countries and lawmakers earlier this year - a scenario the European Commission and some other countries want to avoid. France's energy ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Thursday France will not give up the competitive advantages linked to nuclear power, noting that EU countries have the right to choose their own energy mix. Other pro-nuclear EU members including Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic had also signalled they would not support the renewable law - citing concerns including, for some, that the targets are simply too high. Together, they have enough votes to block the law. It is unusual for countries to reject pre-agreed deals on EU laws, which follow months of negotiations. Meanwhile, states including Germany and Luxembourg - both anti-nuclear countries - plus Denmark and Ireland have urged the EU to resolve the spat quickly, warning the delay endangers investments in renewable energy. (Reporting by Kate Abnett; Additional reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Frances Kerry) Colombian military soldiers pose for a photo after the rescue of child survivors from a Cessna 206 plane that crashed on May 1 in the jungles of Caqueta, in limits between Caqueta and Guaviare, in this handout photo released June 9, 2023. Presidency/Hando By Luis Jaime Acosta BOGOTA (Reuters) - Four children from an Indigenous community in Colombia were found alive in the country's south on Friday more than five weeks after the plane they were traveling in crashed in thick jungle, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro said. The siblings were rescued by the military near the border between Colombia's Caqueta and Guaviare provinces, close to where the small plane had crashed. The plane - a Cessna 206 - was carrying seven people on a route between Araracuara airport, in Caqueta province, and San Jose del Guaviare, a city in Guaviare province, when it issued a mayday alert due to engine failure in the early hours of May 1. Three adults, including the pilot and the children's mother Magdalena Mucutuy, died as a result of the crash and their bodies were found inside the plane. The four siblings, aged 13, 9, 4, as well as a now 12-month-old baby, survived the impact. Narcizo Mucutuy, the grandfather of the three girls and one boy, told reporters he was delighted at the news of their rescue. "As the grandfather to my grandchildren who disappeared in the jungles of the Yari, at this moment I am very happy," he said. Photos shared by Colombia's military showed a group of soldiers with the four children in the middle of the jungle. "A joy for the whole country! The four children who were lost ... in the Colombian jungle appeared alive," Petro said in a message via Twitter. Petro initially reported that children had been found on May 17 in a message on Twitter but later deleted the post, saying the information was unconfirmed. "They were together, they are weak, let's let the doctors assess them. They found them, it makes me very happy," Petro told journalists on Friday, adding the children had defended themselves alone in the middle of the jungle. Rescuers, supported by search dogs, had previously found discarded fruit the children ate to survive, as well as improvised shelters made with jungle vegetation. Airplanes and helicopters from Colombia's army and air force participated in the rescue operations. (This story has been corrected to fix the location of the airport to Caqueta, from Amazonas, in paragraph 3) (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Jamie Freed) (Reuters) - Fifteen cars of an empty freight train derailed in Russia's southern Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, the local governor said late on Saturday, adding there was no immediate information about the cause. "According to preliminary information, there are no casualties," the governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said on the Telegram messaging app. The accident happened near a train station in the Alexeyevsky municipal district and the train was empty, Gladkov said. Reuters could not independently verify the report. Blasts and attacks on the region's infrastructure have become nearly a daily reality in recent weeks, with officials blaming either Ukrainian forces or pro-Ukrainian saboteurs. Ukraine almost never publicly claims responsibility for attacks inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) A driver looks at the wreckage of a rickshaw destroyed during an attack by Al Shabaab militants in front of the Pearl Beach Restaurant at Liido beach in Mogadishu, Somalia June 10, 2023. REUTERS/Feisal Omar By Abdi Sheikh and Feisal Omar MOGADISHU (Reuters) -Nine people were killed in an attack claimed by al Shabaab Islamist militants at an upmarket restaurant in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Friday night, police said. Those killed at the popular Pearl restaurant were six civilians and three soldiers, police said in a statement. Additionally, Abdikadir Abdirahman, director of Aamin ambulance service, said his group had carried 20 wounded people from the scene. Security forces rescued 84 civilians while the fate of the attackers was unclear, the police statement said. The Somali National News Agency said on Twitter that "security forces have successfully neutralised the al Shabaab militants responsible for the terrorist attack on the Pearl Beach Hotel in Lido Beach, Mogadishu". On Saturday, debris from the restaurant was strewn around the blood-stained street. Window panes were shattered. Hussein Mohamed, a waiter at another restaurant nearby, said he heard a blast followed by gunfire when the attack started. "The whole area is cordoned off by security forces," he said. Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab said it was behind the attack. "The Mujahideen managed to enter the Pearl beach and are still fully in control," the group said in a statement. In November, the group, which controls swaths of the country, attacked another hotel in Mogadishu, killing nine. Al Shabaab controlled a vast area of Somalia before being pushed back in government counteroffensives since last year. However, the militants remain capable of launching significant attacks on government, commercial, and military targets. In late May, its fighters attacked a base housing Ugandan peacekeepers 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Mogadishu, killing 54 soldiers. (Reporting by Abdi Sheikh and Feisal OmarAdditional reporting by Jose JosephWriting by George ObulutsaEditing by William Mallard and Frances Kerry) FILE PHOTO: The logo of Rheinmetall is seen at a production line of German company Rheinmetall, which produces weapons and ammunition for tanks and artillery, during a media tour at the companys plant in Unterluess, Germany, June 6, 2023. REUTERS/Fabia BERLIN (Reuters) - The CEO of Germany's largest defence contractor Rheinmetall said he expected a further boost to the company's stock market value due to the Ukraine war and increased defence spending in Europe. "Our operating income in 2025 should be about 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion), maybe even 1.7 billion euros. For a fair valuation, multiply that with a factor of 11 or 12. That gives you an order of magnitude," CEO Armin Papperger told German newspaper publisher RND in an interview published on Satursday. "A valuation of 17 billion euros is realistic for Rheinmetall over the medium term," he added. Rheinmetall's current stock valuation is about 10.5 billion euros, on 2022 operating income of 754 million euros. The stock market value of the company, a maker of tanks, ammunition and other war equipment, has tripled since December 2021 and it joined Germany's blue-chip DAX index earlier this year. ($1 = 0.9305 euros) (Reporting by Christian Kraemer, Holger Hansen, Writing by Sabine Siebold; Editing by Kirsti Knolle and Madeline Chambers) By Angelo Amante ROME (Reuters) - A Turkish cargo vessel that Italian special forces boarded after the crew detected a group of unidentified people aboard has left waters off the southern city of Naples, website MarineTraffic showed, as police continued to investigate the incident. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Friday that the special forces operation was launched due to the presence of about 15 migrants on board the vessel. A Turkish transport ministry statement said the Galata Seaways roll-on-roll-off vessel was sailing from the Turkish port of Yalova to Sete in France. The crew realised other people were aboard the ship late on Friday morning, it said. The crew locked themselves in the engine room and alerted maritime authorities in Turkey, who in turn contacted Italy and France. The captain told Italian police he issued the alarm after he saw two of the people carrying knives, local media reported. Ansa news agency said the migrants - who were Syrians, Iraqis and Iranians - included a pregnant woman, and three of them were charged over the weapons. It said two women were taken to hospital, while the rest were transferred to a migrant reception centre. "Everything ended well," Crosetto wrote on Twitter on Saturday, as he congratulated the special forces and police for the operation. Crosetto said on Friday that the migrants had tried to take control of the boat, but local media said none of them had so far been charged with that as investigations continue. (Reporting by Angelo Amante, Federica Urso and Yesim Dikmen; Editing by Nick Macfie, Hugh Lawson and Helen Popper) Forward Operating Base Hanson, Afghanistan, Oct. 22, 2012: Afghan National Army soldiers laugh while learning to carry the wounded during a first-aid course given by Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment in Marjah district, Helmand province. (Tribune News Service) Sudan expelled the top United Nations envoy, raising fears the North African country is isolating itself from the international community amid efforts to broker an end to more than a month of deadly conflict. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is controlled by the Sudanese army, declared Volker Perthes persona non grata on Friday, according to two U.N. officials who asked not to be identified because theyre not authorized to speak to the media. Perthes, whos led the U.N. mission in Sudan since early 2021, had come under continuous pressure in Sudan to deliver a power-sharing deal between the army and civilian politicians in the wake of a 2021 coup that unseated the government. The move came after Sudans military-dominated ruling council urged the U.N. in a letter last month to replace Perthes, accusing him of taking sides in the countrys disputes and disrespecting its sovereignty. Africas third-largest country remains mired in a battle for power between the military led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces militia. Violence that erupted April 15 has left about 1,000 people dead and spurred about a million more to flee their homes, many to neighboring countries. The fighting has flared in recent days, killing civilians, doctors and blocking access to humanitarian workers. Saudi Arabia and the U.S. announced on Friday that theyd brokered another 24-hour cease-fire beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday in the capital, Khartoum. Previous truces have brought only temporary respite to some regions. The army has long been at odds with Perthes, an Arabic-speaking German academic enlisted by the U.N.s secretary-general to usher Sudan toward a civilian government and democratic elections after the 2019 overthrow of dictator Omar al-Bashir. In the months between an October 2021 coup and the current conflict, the U.N. envoy was the target of frequent criticism by Sudans military-led government as he tried to loosen the generals stranglehold on the economy and encourage the merging of the RSF, which had its own power structure, funding and allies, into the national army. Perthes also had strained relations with Sudanese youth groups and pro-democracy protesters who objected to his insistence that the army play a pivotal role in the countrys democratic transition, despite its brutal crackdowns on demonstrations and serious doubts over its commitment to relinquishing power. His departure raises questions about how the international community will be able to meaningfully influence any new peace initiative. It could also complicate arrangements to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to places hard-hit by the fighting such as Khartoum and the western region of Darfur. Leen Al-Rashdan and Kateryna Kadabashy contributed to this report. 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. MOGADISHU, June 10 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and 10 others wounded in an attack at a beach hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Friday evening, the police confirmed on Saturday. The police said in a statement that security forces ended a seven-hour siege at Pearl Beach Hotel located inside Lido Beach after killing all the seven al-Shabaab fighters involved in the attack. The police said six civilians and three security officers were among those killed in the incident, which started at around 7:55 p.m. local time on Friday at Lido Beach that is frequented by prominent persons. The police said 84 people, including children, women and elders who were trapped in the hotel, were safely rescued by the forces. Witnesses said two suicide bombers wearing explosive vests wrapped around their waists blew themselves up at the hotel entrance where hundreds of guests were seated. Lido Beach is a popular hangout spot surrounded by beach hotels and restaurants, which are a favorite for many Somalis. Al-Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the latest attack in Mogadishu, saying its fighters targeted guests who were holed up in the hotel. The man who crashed a U-Haul truck into a security barrier outside the White House last month wanted to overthrow the government and replace it with a dictatorship fueled by Nazi ideology, and he had planned other attacks, a federal prosecutor said in court Friday. The revelations came during a hearing before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya, who denied bond for 19-year-old Sai Varshith Kandula, saying he presented a threat to the community. Kandula is being held on a charge of destruction of government property, after he repeatedly rammed a U-Haul truck into security bollards that protect Lafayette Square north of the White House on May 22, prosecutors allege. Kandula then exited the vehicle and unfurled a red and white flag featuring a Nazi swastika, according to charging documents. Prosecutors also revealed Friday that Kandula asked officers on scene whether the media would cover what happened. He intended to overthrow the government and replace it with an authoritarian regime fueled by Nazi ideology, said Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Schneider. The other attacks Kandula allegedly planned to carry out were discussed during a closed hearing, so their nature and scope were unclear. But Upadhyaya said afterward she was disturbed by what she heard from prosecutors. Schneider said he would seek a terrorism enhancement during sentencing if Kandula is ultimately convicted of the charge he is facing, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Assistant Federal Public Defender Diane Shrewsbury argued Kandula, a Chesterfield, Mo., resident should be granted bond, and the incident outside the White House was an aberration for him. Shrewsbury also disputed that the alleged planning for other attacks was forward looking. Mr. Kandula is a very young man, a recent high school graduate with no criminal record, Shrewsbury said. Hes lived a very normal life. Shrewsbury said she is still trying to determine why Kandula took the actions he did and questioned how dangerous he really is, saying his threats were very far-fetched. Kandulas father, who attended the hearing, declined to comment. In prosecutors motion opposing bond, they wrote Kandula planned to give a speech after overthrowing the government that announced a new authoritarian regime and the death penalty for anyone carrying out civil unrest. The text of the speech ends with a misspelled version of the Nazi salute, Sieg Heil. The attack began shortly after 9:30 p.m. on May 22, when a United States Park Police Officer saw Kandula drive a U-Haul onto a sidewalk at the H Street NW walking entrance to Lafayette Square, according to court filings. Photos in court filings show the truck came close to hitting a pair of pedestrians on the sidewalk. The U-Haul truck then struck the metal bollard barriers that keep vehicles from entering Lafayette Square, according to court filings. The U-Haul then reversed and struck the bollards a second time. The second impact disabled the U-Haul truck, which started to smoke and leak fluids, according to court filings. Kandula got out of the U-Haul truck and pulled out the Swastika adorned flag, before Park Police officers detained him. A search of Kandula and the truck did not turn up any explosives, weapons or ammunition, according to court filings. Kandula told investigators he flew to D.C. from St. Louis on a one-way ticket, arriving 1 hours before the incident, according to court filings. He rented the U-Haul truck near Washington Dulles International Airport and drove directly to the White House. Kandula told investigators his plan was to get to the White House, seize power and be put in charge of the nation. He told them he would kill the president if thats what I have to do and would hurt anyone that would stand in my way. Kandula told investigators he purchased the Nazi flag online because the Nazis have a great history. Kandula told them he looked up to Adolf Hitler and called him a strong leader and said he admired the Nazis authoritarian nature and support of eugenics. Kandula also had a green book that detailed plans to harm family members and others, and contained the speech he was planning to give, according to court records. He said he had been working on his plan for six months. Kandulas attorney wrote in a motion for bond that Kandula was a lawful permanent resident of the United States, contrary to what a prosecutor said in court at a previous hearing. The attorney wrote Kandula emigrated from India as a small child, left and then returned when he was 11. Kandula recently graduated from Marquette High School in the St. Louis suburbs and had taken some classes at Marysville University, according to the bond motion. He has lived with his parents and brother for his entire life. Kandula only spoke at Fridays hearing to answer the judges questions. He showed little emotion, as he sat at the defense table in an orange jail jumpsuit. Shrewsbury said Kandula had been hospitalized on Monday for dehydration and malnutrition, but was feeling better. Kandulas preliminary hearing was set for July 13. This story has been corrected Text messages. Phone records. Photos. The 37-count federal indictment of former president Donald Trump unsealed Friday provides a vivid account of Trump's actions at his homes in South Florida and New Jersey and is based on information from a coterie of close aides, household staffers and lawyers hired to serve Trump in his post-presidency. The account from Trump insiders in the 49-page indictment provides a thorough rebuttal to many claims made by Trump about his handling of classified material, including that he may have kept some material by accident or may have considered the material declassified by him. A secretary identified in the indictment as "Trump Employee 2" told prosecutors that Trump himself had been packing and looking through boxes, contrary to assertions from his own lawyers. A young political aide, referred to as "the PAC representative" in the indictment, told prosecutors that Trump showed him a classified map about a military operation in a foreign country and told him to stand back because it was a secret document. At a recent CNN town hall, Trump said he did not remember doing such a thing. Key parts of the indictment are based on one of his lawyers' detailed notes about Trump's wishing to obstruct justice by not responding to a subpoena contradicting the 45th president's claims that he was always cooperative with the Justice Department and the National Archives and Records Administration. And Trump's valet was indicted alongside him, after prosecutors obtained the aide's text messages and accused him of lying about moving boxes at Trump's request. Over a lengthy investigation, special counsel Jack Smith and his team interviewed dozens of Trump's staffers, including his secretary, groundskeepers and political aides. The interviews gave Smith a close-up look at how Trump had structured his unorthodox post-presidential life and made Trump and his advisers deeply angry and uncomfortable, according to people familiar with the matter, who, like others interviewed for this story, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive topics or the ongoing criminal investigation. Trump never spoke to prosecutors in the case, but his actions, idiosyncrasies and thoughts were relayed in documents and text messages provided by staffers. Many accounts were provided reluctantly under subpoena, people familiar with those exchanges have said. Other aides' phones were seized, giving prosecutors access to texts, photos and more. Security video footage also was taken from Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida home and private club, showing the movements of boxes after prosecutors sent a subpoena demanding the return of documents marked classified. Photos in the indictment show Trump's bathroom, complete with a dangling chandelier, where he stored dozens of boxes of documents. Additional photos show other places where documents were stored, including his ballroom and a storage room. Phone records detailed calls between Trump and his valet that coincided with boxes being moved. Some of the most compelling testimony comes from people who were hired to help Trump. Evan Corcoran, a lawyer brought onto Trump's staff in 2022, is the person described as "Attorney 1" in the indictment, according to a person familiar with the situation. Corcoran, a Maryland lawyer, was a former U.S. attorney who represented Trump ally Stephen K. Bannon in the past and was introduced to Trump by Trump's longtime aide and legal adviser Boris Epshteyn. Trumps lawyers fought vigorously against Corcoran testifying in court, citing attorney-client privilege. Corcoran was ultimately compelled to disclose his privileged communications after a judge said prosecutors were entitled to his notes and recollections about conversations with Trump because the court found that Trump may have used Corcoran to further a criminal act in this case, withholding documents and deceiving the government. His testimony rattled Trump. Through his own lawyer, Corcoran declined to comment. On the day Trump's attorneys returned documents to the Justice Department in response to the grand jury subpoena, Trump told Corcoran to search through the material in a folder and indicated that he should remove any problematic documents before handing the folder over, the indictment alleges. Corcoran provided a detailed summary of Trump's comments that indicate he was looking to avoid returning documents. In Corcoran's telling, Trump was determined to keep the boxes even though he knew he had received a grand jury subpoena. "I really don't want anybody looking through my boxes, I really don't, I don't want you looking through my boxes," he said, according to Corcoran. He allegedly also said: "Well, what if we, what happens if we just don't respond at all or don't play ball with them?" and "Wouldn't it be better if we just told them we don't have anything there?" Information prosecutors appear to have obtained from Corcoran also indicates that Trump repeatedly claimed that a lawyer for Hillary Clinton, his 2016 presidential rival, had taken the blame for Clinton's misuse of emails, and he allegedly said the lawyer's willingness to do so was a trait he admired. Another key aide, described in the indictment as "Trump Employee 2," matches information confirmed to The Washington Post about former Trump executive assistant Molly Michael. Michael and a lawyer representing her did not respond to requests for comment. Michael sat outside Trump's office, connected his calls, kept his schedule and often translated his moods to visitors and other Trump advisers. She was deeply involved in all aspects of his life, Trump advisers said, until she left his employ last year. Michael was rattled by the extensive attention from federal authorities conducting the investigation, people familiar with the situation have said. Michael provided text messages and photos to federal investigators, the indictment shows, and kept close tabs on Trump's packing of boxes himself contrary to the claims made by some of his lawyers. "Box answer will be wrenched out of him by tomorrow," Michael said in a text message to Alex Cannon, a Trump lawyer trying to get him to return materials to the Archives. Cannon is referred to in the indictment as a "Trump Representative," according to a person familiar with the situation. He declined to comment. At another time, Michael updates another Trump aide on the former president's efforts to sort through boxes and is said in the indictment to help Trump valet Walt Nauta move boxes. Her text messages appear frequently throughout the indictment, often in exchanges with Nauta. Nauta was charged alongside Trump, but Michael was not, and people familiar with the matter have said she cooperated with the Justice Department. Nauta, on the other hand, is accused of lying during the investigation. As Trump tried to avoid complying with a May 11, 2022, subpoena that required him to produce all documents with classification markings that were in his possession, Nauta was the person he relied on to help conceal the boxes he wanted to keep, the indictment alleges. In the time between the issuing of the subpoena and Trump's attorney's review of boxes in the storage room on June 2, 2022, to find documents being sought, Nauta moved approximately 64 boxes to Trump's residence at Trump's request, according to the indictment. The indictment shows the valet's movements along with phone calls he received from Trump. On the afternoon of May 22, 2022, it says, Nauta entered the storage room and emerged 34 minutes later carrying one of Trump's boxes. On May 24, 2022, "between 5:30 p.m. and 5:38 p.m., Nauta removed three boxes from the Storage Room" at Trump's direction, the indictment reads. A few days passed, and on May 30, 2022, after a 30-second phone call with Trump, Nauta removed 50 boxes from the storage room, according to the indictment. Later that day, a member of Trump's family texted Nauta that the person had seen that he put boxes in Trump's room. "I think he wanted to pick from them," Nauta wrote to the "Trump family member" in a text message obtained by prosecutors. The indictment does not identify the family member, but it would be a woman who has access to Trump's private quarters at Mar-a-Lago. "He told me to put them in the room and he was going to talk to you about them," Nauta writes, after the "family member" says there will not be room for the boxes to go on the plane to Trump's home in Bedminster, N.J., because the aircraft will be "full with luggage." On June 1, 2022, at 12:52 p.m., Nauta visited the storage room once again and removed 11 boxes, the indictment says. Nauta made one more trip before Trump's attorney arrived on June 2, 2022, to review the boxes in the storage room. After Trump and Nauta spoke on the phone at 9:29 a.m. that day, according to the indictment, Nauta, along with another club employee, moved 30 boxes from Trump's residence back to the storage room. The government alleges that Nauta lied in an interview with the FBI about moving boxes. "Are you aware of any boxes being brought to his home his suite?" the FBI agent asks. Nauta responds decisively: "No." A lawyer for Nauta did not respond to a request for comment. In two other instances in the indictment, unidentified Trump aides witness the former president's mishandling of classified information. At Bedminster in 2021, the indictment says, Trump showed a picture of a classified map related to a military operation of another country to an unidentified aide working for his political action committee. Trump "told the PAC representative that he should not be showing the map to the PAC representative and to not get too close," the indictment says. A recording mentioned in the indictment describes a different meeting at Bedminster during which the former president talks about knowing a document related to Iran is classified. "See as president I could have declassified it," he says to an unidentified staffer. "Now I can't you know," he says. "Now we have a problem," the unknown staffer says. "Isn't that interesting?" Trump responds. NEW DELHI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and two others wounded Friday in fresh violence in India's northeastern state of Manipur, local media reports quoted officials as saying. Police blame insurgents for the attack in Khoken village, located on the boundary between Kangpokpi and Imphal West district. "Two people died at the spot while the third succumbed to injuries later," a local newspaper Hindustan Times reported, quoting a police official. Last month, large-scale violence broke out in the state during a tribal protest demonstration over the inclusion of the non-tribal Meiteis community for a scheduled tribe status. The call for protest was given by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM). Scheduled tribes in India are officially designated as disadvantaged socio-economic groups. They are given reservations in education and jobs to improve their lives. Thousands of people took part in the rally, during which violence broke out between the tribals and non-tribals. Schools, houses, churches, vehicles and public properties were set ablaze by protesting mobs in the state. Reports said over 100 people have died and another 40,000 displaced since the outbreak of the violence. In an interview with Al-Jazeera, he said Mr Khans supporters might hold this view it is not based in reality or fact as far as the role of the Army in Pakistans politics well of course no one can hide the fact that we have beensort of more than half of our history been covered by the military rule. He said that Pakistan Peoples Party has challenged each and every single dictatorship in Pakistans history. The last dictatorship we had was Mr [Pervez] Musharrafs dictatorship. Talking about his recent visit to Iraq, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said Pakistan and Iraq have immense potential for economic and security cooperation as well as cultural and religious engagements. Regarding cultural and religious ties, the Foreign Minister said he is working on enhancing these relations as we are working on easing visas for religious tourism in Iraq. He said there is a groundbreaking for opening embassy in Baghdad and we are also working on opening a consulate in Najaf soon. Talking about the scope for economic cooperation between Iraq and Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said there is great potential for investment on both sides. He said Iraqi government is working on diversifying its economy. He said Iraq is working on construction of a development corridor and he has requested the Iraqi side to include Pakistan into this initiative. To a question, the Foreign Minister said we are trying our level best to build a climate resilient Pakistan in the wake of recent devastating floods in the country. At the same time we are engaging with the IMF to finalize a programme. He said once an IMF programme is in place, we will receive more resources from multilateral bodies as pledged by them to help Pakistan's flood hit people. Answering a question regarding Afghanistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Pakistan's position is in line with the international community and we requested the interim government in Kabul to fulfill their pledges with the international community, including honouring women's rights and ensuring that their soil should not to be used by terrorists or to conduct terrorist activities against other countries. He, however, urged the international community to engage with the Afghan interim authorities as a stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the best interest of everyone. Replying queries regarding Pakistan's relations with Russia and China, the Foreign Minister said his country is committed to engage with all the countries, including Russia. He said Pakistan wants to develop meaningful relations and enhance economic ties with Russia. He added that at the same time we maintain our neutrality and don't want to get drawn into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As far as Pakistan's relations with China are concerned, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Islamabad has always and will continue to enhance its cooperation with Beijing. Welcoming the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the Foreign Minister said it is a positive development for the whole region and the world at large. He said we are optimistic that through negotiations they will be able to resolve all issues and that we will see the dividends of peace in the region. The court heard the victim suffered internal bleeding and a laceration to his heart. A MAN charged with attacking another man who needed "emergency" heart surgery following a stabbing in Dundalk last week has been denied bail. Oisin Quinn McDonagh, 21, of Castlecross, Castletown Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, was charged with assault causing harm to the male in his home on June 7. He was arrested and questioned at Dundalk Garda station and then brought to appear before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dublin District Court today, facing objections to bail. Garda Kate Brady voiced witness interference concerns. It was alleged the injured man "received a single stab wound to the right-hand side of his chest". Paramedics were treating him when gardai arrived, and the man was then taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. The contested bail hearing was told the man had to be transferred to the Mater Hospital in Dublin for "emergency surgery on the heart". The court heard he suffered internal bleeding and a laceration to his heart. Gardai obtained CCTV footage. The knife and clothing were discarded after the incident. Garda Brady said it was premeditated, and video evidence showed the clothing being bought. The court heard the alleged injured party lived near the accused, and the garda feared interference "due to the close proximity of the accused". The garda expected that the case would go forward to the Circuit Court but agreed with defence counsel Kevin McCrave that the accused had no prior convictions and enjoyed the presumption of innocence. The garda accepted the accused had mental health issues but said he was "coherent" during his interview. The alleged victim could not attend the hearing because he was still hospitalised. When questioned further, the garda said a "masked individual" carried out the assault. However, it was alleged he was "tracked" on CCTV and took off the mask. Pleading for bail, the barrister said that his client, who did not address the court, had "profound mental health difficulties" and had been treated in numerous facilities. The court heard that his mother acted as his carer, and his current medication did not have the desired effect. The defence submitted that an outright refusal of bail could result in Mr Quinn McDonagh facing a lengthy period in custody awaiting trial. Mr McCrave argued that conditions with an order to reside at a different location could address the garda objections. However, Judge Fottrell noted the intimidation concern and refused bail, given the seriousness of the charge and the possibility of witness interference. He directed medical attention for the accused, granted him legal aid, and remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Thursday. The court heard gardai saw him sitting on a bench at Dorset Street in Dublin city on February 3. He stood up and walked away, acting in a suspicious manner. Kevin Gogarty said he saw the knife beside a bench he was sitting on and took it on himself to discard it when he was stopped by gardai A grandfather caught with a knife up his sleeve on a city street said he had found it in a public area and had taken it on himself to discard it when gardai stopped him. Kevin Gogarty (54) foolishly decided to put the item up his sleeve and looked furtive when the officer saw him. Judge Ciaran Liddy fined the man 200 at Dublin District Court Gogarty, with an address at Dundoogan, Haynestown, Dundalk, Co Louth, admitted possession of a weapon. The court heard gardai saw him sitting on a bench at Dorset Street in Dublin city on February 3. He stood up and walked away, acting in a suspicious manner. When stopped, the knife was found on him. Defence solicitor Philip Hannon said Gogarty had been sitting when he saw the knife beside the bench and took it on himself to discard it. Coincidentally, the garda came on the scene and Gogarty foolishly put the knife up his sleeve. He accepted his explanation was somewhat bizarre. The accused had previous convictions but had been out of trouble for some time. He had a heroin addiction but was now on a low methadone dose and trying to fully detox. TOKYO, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The full implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a mega free trade agreement, is of great significance to promoting regional economic integration and enhancing global trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, a Japanese expert has said. "The pact will also positively promote the long-term stable growth of the world economy," Masahiro Morinaga, chief delegate of the Japan External Trade Organization's Chengdu office, told Xinhua in a recent interview. The RCEP agreement is now in effect for all its 15 members as the world's largest free trade pact came into force for the Philippines on June 2, marking a new stage for the trade bloc of the world's largest population and trade volumes. "By reducing tariff barriers among the 15 member states and abiding by unified provisions in the field of investment and trade, RCEP will facilitate regional economic and trade development," said Morinaga, pointing to the fact that total population, gross domestic product (GDP) and trade volumes of the 15 RCEP members account for about 30 percent of the global total respectively. He said that international trade has been deeply affected by protectionism in recent years, partly due to limitations of the World Trade Organization and other international institutions in fulfilling their responsibilities, and trade protectionist measures taken by the United States and some other countries. In the context, RCEP's full implementation provides an opportunity for all parties to "return to the track of strengthening international cooperation with free trade as the goal," said the expert. Commenting on RCEP's role in promoting China-Japan trade, Morinaga said that the agreement brings Japan and its largest trading partner China into the same free trade framework, exerting significant effects on trade with zero tariffs in place. He said he believes that more Japanese enterprises in China will take advantage of RCEP. Meanwhile, a report released by the Japan External Trade Organization in April showed the number has been on the rise. Under RCEP, tariffs will be lowered or lifted in phases, the agreement will have a bigger role to play in advancing trade and the economy, said Morinaga, stressing that economic ties between China and other RCEP member countries will be even closer. Through tariff cuts, corporate costs will be lowered to help the development of businesses, thus promoting prosperity and relations between countries, he said, hoping to see more applications of RCEP. Morinaga said that the world does not need "decoupling" and confrontation, and countries should resort to RCEP to promote cooperation, build a free and open trade system, advance the world economy. Potentials will be tapped and the agreement will be a boon for the region and beyond, he said. A mother-of-one was caught handing over a package of cannabis to her then-partner while visiting him in prison. Cathy Cross (35) was put under pressure to smuggle 100 worth of the drug in, but was caught by staff and arrested. Judge Ciaran Liddy adjourned the case and said he would strike it out, leaving the accused without a criminal record if she made a 200 charity donation. Cross, of Riverside, Loughlinstown Drive, Ballybrack, pleaded guilty to conveying drugs into Wheatfield prison, as well as a related charge of simple possession of cannabis. Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan told Blanchardstown District Court gardai were dispatched to the jail on April 5. An Irish Prison Service staff member said he had observed the handover of a package from a visitor to an inmate, Sgt Callaghan said. Cross was spoken to and made full admissions. The package was found to contain cannabis worth 100. The accused, who had no previous convictions, worked full time in a supermarket, her barrister Ciaran MacLoughlin said. Her partner at the time was serving a sentence in the prison and he put her under pressure to bring the package in. Cross had since seen the error of her ways and was no longer with this man, Mr MacLoughlin said. Sgt Callaghan said Cross had a good attitude when questioned and was co-operative. The judge said he would strike the charge out if the donation was made. Paula Coakley was mentioned by Christophers defence as being involved in anti-drugs work Christopher Coakley (left), pictured here with Derek Hutch who was shot dead by the Kinahan cartel near Wheatfield Prison in 2018 TWO brothers related to Gerry The Monk Hutch and behind regular mini-crime waves in Dublin city centre were both back before the courts again this week. Blaine and Christopher Coakley between them have over 200 criminal convictions, many for robberies and attempted robberies to feed their drug addictions. Christopher appeared at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday where he had pleaded guilty to stabbing a doctor while trying to steal his backpack and e-scooter. His mother was in court for the sentence hearing and gave her troubled 31-year-old son a hug before proceedings began. Paula Coakley was mentioned by Christophers defence as being involved in anti-drugs work and had been part of a delegation to the EU over the issue. She has worked for the Inner City Drugs Task Force in the past and was described in court as a prominent anti-drugs campaigner. Two of her daughters had grown up to lead successful lives, one gaining a degree in law, and she great efforts to keep Christopher on the straight and narrow. Christopher, who is already serving an eight-years, will be sentenced on 19 June while Blaine is currently doing three years for robbery. The older brother, Blaine, had been due to have his appeal heard on Friday in the Court of Appeal but after consulting with his legal team it was dropped. Christopher Coakley (left), pictured here with Derek Hutch who was shot dead by the Kinahan cartel near Wheatfield Prison in 2018 His lawyer told the court: We spoke to Mr Coakley and we seek leave to withdraw. Paula Coakley has been in court before to support Christopher ten years ago when he hijacked a jeep from a woman while her children were in the back saying she was "so ashamed and sorry for the woman and her children". She tearfully told the court her son needed residential treatment for his drug abuse because "this is no life for anyone." At that hearing when Coakley was 21 with 93 convictions, it was heard how he had been in the childrens court two or three times a week. This week his defence lawyer said that in recent years the longest he has been out of prison is for six months at time and battles with drug and alcohol addiction. The chaotic and terrifying nature of the hijack attempt in 2019 was much the same as when he suddenly kicked the handlebars of Dr Jordi Ruizs e-scooter while clutching a scissors in his hand in 2021. As the doctor, who had just finished a shift in Mountjoy Prison, struggled to hold onto his belongings he suffered seven puncture wounds to his head, neck and abdomen. The attack was witnessed by people who were able to provide enough information for gardai to quickly identify Christopher Coakley and later arrest him. In his victim impact statement Dr Ruiz said the horrific experience left him "hyper alert" and living in a "heightened state of vigilance". At one of Blaine Coakleys recent criminal trials in Dublin his equally chaotic life, blighted by drug addiction, was heard in court. In August 2017 he robbed a shop just two months after being released from prison At his trial he pleaded to be let back into a drug rehab centre, telling the judge that he would do anything to go back to the facility in Coolmine, Dublin. He said he was a different person since he committed the shop robbery and that he wished to address his drug issues. Prison just doesn't work for me, he said in court He had pleaded guilty to robbing 780 from a Gala shop at Holles Street, Dublin 2. A garda gave evidence that Coakley entered the Gala shop with a bread knife and his face covered and demanded money from the cashier, making off with 780. His 100 previous convictions include 45 thefts, as well as robberies and attempted robbery and the robbery before the court was committed while on a suspended sentence for theft. The judge noted that Coakley had left Coolmine himself saying: You didn't just leave, you absconded. That ties my hands quite considerably because I did give you a chance. A four-year sentence with the final 18 months suspended was imposed on him in 2018. Last October he got a three-year sentence at Dublin Circuit Court for robbery. Despite being related to The Monk, Blaine and his brother Christopher were given the cold shoulder by their infamous relative while in Wheatfield Prison last year. He wanted nothing to do with the brothers after it had previously emerged how Christopher had featured in a video posted on social media singing with four members of the Kinahan Cartel while in Mountjoy. The brothers are cousins of Derek Coakley Hutch, who was shot dead by the Kinahans at a halting site near Wheatfield in January 2018. His alleged involvement was uncovered when investigators from the National Crime Agency (NCA) compromised his EncroChat messages. Liam Byrne, key member of the Kinahan organised crime gang, after he was arrested on Sunday. Photo: NCA/PA Liam Byrne was arrested on Sunday evening in Alcudia, Majorca Liam Byrne is the latest criminal to fall victim to police breaking EncroChat Kinahan cartel gangster Liam Byrne was the latest associate of the international crime gang to be arrested after police forces cracked their encrypted communications. The Crumlin man, whom the Sunday World understands used the codename Bosh among other aliases to conduct criminal business, is suspected of having led a gang that trafficked firearms across the UK. His alleged involvement was uncovered when investigators from the National Crime Agency (NCA) compromised his EncroChat messages. He now joins his brother-in-law Thomas Bomber Kavanagh and Offaly haulier Thomas Maher on the list of cartel associates who will be, or have been, prosecuted after their apparently secure communications were decrypted by law enforcement. For Liam Byrne, (42), his EncroChat messages allegedly show him leading an organised crime gang that acquired and supplied firearms between England and Northern Ireland. While the content of the communiques has not been revealed, they can be presumed to be incriminating given that the NCA secured arrest warrants for the purpose of charging Byrne. Liam Byrne was arrested on Sunday evening in Alcudia, Majorca The server was first hacked in 2020 by French and Dutch police who managed to view messages about criminal conspiracies in real time. Information from the database was then passed on to other police forces including the NCA before it was shut down. The investigation into Liam Byrnes gang led to several firearm shipments being seized and gang associates arrested. The weapons included both pistols and sub-machine guns which were bought through systems that didnt leave fingerprints to frustrate investigations, according to Spains national police. Senior Kinahan lieutenant arrested in Spain The operation was on such a large scale that Byrnes gang received a request for 14 firearms in a single order. Police say that when Byrne appeared to realise the operation was compromised, he fled the UK for Dubai. On May 26, he travelled from there to Palma Airport and was arrested in Alcudia while having a family reunion at a restaurant. Liam Byrne, key member of the Kinahan organised crime gang, after he was arrested on Sunday. Photo: NCA/PA He has refused his removal back to the UK and will fight any attempts to extradite him there. Another alleged crime group member is Jack Kavanagh, (22), also an Irish national who was living in Tamworth in Staffordshire. His father, Thomas Bomber Kavanagh, (55), had also previously been a target of the NCA, which uncovered his international trafficking operation after accessing encrypted messages. Unlike the EncroChat hack, his crime network was discovered after police seized PGP Blackberry and BQ Aquarius phones during searches. While Bombers physical device wasnt recovered, examinations of the messages through analysis led to his role being established. In an attempt to avoid detection, he was saved in the contacts of his associates as Plasma and Mallet. The gang also used codewords for locations, with Spain called The Hot and The Netherlands being The Flat. His subordinates also referred to Bomber as The Gaffer when receiving instructions from him. Kilos of cocaine were referred to as Phones, Ricky or TNT; money was called Paper; while the tarmac-removal machinery used was referred to as Bens. The gang also used codewords for locations, with Spain called The Hot and The Netherlands being The Flat. In March 2017 the gang was in communication about 150 Phones, which the prosecution contended was a reference to 150kg of cocaine. In total 26 messages sent from him were uncovered in which he directed his gang to the locations of drug collections and cash payments. In the last message recovered, a clearly frustrated Kavanagh told an associate: Were having nothing to do wit dis liar after dis. D hole week just lies lies and more lies.... Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh The Kinahans then top man and figurehead in the UK was arrested in January 2019 while returning from a family holiday in Mexico. Three years later, he was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for importing drugs into the UK. Another man who worked for the Kinahan gang, and many other major European crime groups, is serving a 14-year jail term after his EncroChat messages were uncovered. Thomas Maher, (42), helped facilitate the movement of large sums of cash, charging a commission for his services, and drug shipments around Europe. Unbeknownst to the haulier, his entire network had been compromised. Who is Liam Byrne? UK police discovered how he used the handles Satirical and Snacker as he ran his criminal enterprise with gangs in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Turkey, Spain and Bulgaria. In one message, Maher even bragged about his longevity within the criminal underworld. Im at this game the last 20 odd years pal....Im not an overnighter so I know the way of plays, he told an associate. He is now serving a lengthy jail term, with the prospect of more prison time if he doesnt hand over 629,159 (731,189) to the UK exchequer from his ill-gotten gains. Meanwhile, the decision of Liam Byrne to fight extradition means a separate hearing will take place in Spain. Such a process could delay any potential extradition by weeks and, if he considers the jail terms already given to his associates, Byrne can be expected to strongly contest his removal to the UK. The taxi driver was knocked unconscious after hitting his head on the ground when he was pushed by the Irishman A drunken Irish tourist was ordered to pay a taxi driver 20,000 after attacking him and breaking seven of his ribs in a brutal assault in the Canary Islands. The tourist reportedly beat the driver who had asked him to get out of the taxi because he did not know where he was going. The taxi driver from the Lanzarote municipality of Tias ended up at the Dr Jose Molina Orosa University Hospital of Lanzarote in the early hours of March 14 after being beaten. The driver, who has remain anonymous, told how he picked up the passenger just after 11pm on Princesa Teguise street, in the tourist town of Puerto del Carmen (Tias), on the night of March 13. He told the Canary Islands-based Spanish language newspaper El Dia that the man who showed obvious symptoms of drunkenness could not say what establishment he was staying in. The taxi driver then asked the man to get out of his vehicle as he did not know where to take him. When I asked him where he was going, he was not clear, the taxi driver recalled. I didn't even put the meter on and I didn't start the car either. However, when the drunken passenger ignored the drivers request, the victim opened the door for him to get him out of the car. The client (passenger) caught the taxi driver off guard as he was returning to his car, pushed him, fell to the ground and beat him up, El Dia reports. As a result of the blows, the taxi driver ended up with seven broken ribs. The taxi driver was then knocked unconscious after hitting his head on the ground when he was pushed by the Irishman. He took advantage of the fact that he was lying on the ground to kick me, the taxi driver added. I don't know the (number of) kicks he gave me because I was unconscious. It was reported that a woman who was passing by saw the driver lying on the ground and called 112. The local Tias police also appeared on the scene as another witness managed to catch up with the assailant and sat him down at the side of the road until officers arrived. The convicted tourist was ordered by a court in Arrecife to leave Lanzarote, but not before paying compensation of 20,000 to the driver. The sentence also included four months in prison, which the attacker "preferred to serve in his own country," explained the taxi driver, who returned to his job after two months off. Officers believe that the pair, who are understood to be known to each other, may have information that could assist their investigation Police also want to speak to this man The woman that police want to speak to Police in Scotland have released images of a man and a woman who have been described as speaking with Irish accents following an assault in the town of Ayr. Officers issued the images as part of a public appeal for information after the incident at Ayr station on Saturday, May 6 at around 7pm. Officers believe that both this male and female, who are understood to be known to each other, may have information that could assist their investigation. Police also want to speak to this man They have urge d he pair, or any members of the public who recognise either of them, to contact police. The male is described as white, aged in his mid 50s, and of stocky heavy build, with dark hair swiped to the side, and with facial hair. He was wearing a dark zip up jacket and blue jeans. Read more How Liam Byrne used code name Bosh and was busted using encrypted phone The male has a tattoo on the side of his neck, has a pierced ear and possibly speaks with an Irish accent. The female is described as white, who is also in her mid 50s, with short blonde hair. She was wearing a light denim jacket and jeans, white trainers, carried a black handbag and also speaks with an Irish accent. Anyone with information is urged to contact us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2300051646. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The celebration of life which took place in the rural Wexford funeral home was meticulously mapped out in advance. The family and friends of cancer campaigner Trina Cleary piled into Ryans Funeral Home in the small village of Wellingtonbridge, Co Wexford on Thursday evening. Although theyll have known this day was coming and prepared for it, it wont have made it any easier on the 38 year-olds heartbroken family husband Stuuy, son Corey, stepchildren Cyan, Kyle, Shola and Regan, parents John and Deirdre, her sister Karen, nephews and extended family. Aware of the severity of her illness though, Trina bravely planned for her untimely passing. The celebration of life which took place in the rural Wexford funeral home was meticulously mapped out in advance, as was the goodbye message posted to her 23,000 followers on Instagram hours after she succumbed to illness on Wednesday morning. In fact, speaking previously in an interview with The Irish Independent in 2021 in advance of her wedding to Stuuy, Trina said: I want to ask the lady who is doing our wedding to do my funeral as well. "Its going to be a tough conversation to have, but I want someone to have my wishes so it takes pressure off everyone and lets them grieve, look after themselves and each other, and celebrate my life instead of worrying about having to plan the perfect day for me. It was further evidence of a selflessness which saw Trina use her own cancer diagnosis and experiences to raise public awareness of the importance of early detection through her Instagram, Facebook and a blog called A Day in the Life of Tri. Trinas words were recalled by friend Diana Goff who spoke next to her coffin in the cramped funeral home. Trina Cleary. Photo: Nikki Stix Photography She stressed that this was to be a celebration of the wonderful, funny, loving and inspiringly determined woman that Trina was. Diana noted that she had been honoured to have been at three of the most prominent moments in Trinas life. "We were both expecting our baby boys at the same time, she recalled. She was so excited back then and in awe of the day she gave birth to her precious son Corey. "I was the chosen celebrant on the day she married Stuuy, the love of her life. " And today, not one of us want to be here, but she chose me to celebrate the end of her life with you all. "She wanted me to keep it upbeat, easier said than done Tri, she smiled, glancing towards the beautiful framed photo of her friend. Tributes had come in from all over the country since Trinas passing. The Wexford woman, through her dogged determination and unshakeable optimism, had really struck a chord with people right across Ireland and further afield and had become a de facto spokesperson for womens health. She candidly documented her own breast cancer journey to encourage women around Ireland to check themselves, to be aware of the signs and not to have to go through what she was having to go through. "We are all truly blessed to have known her, Diana said, frankly. She was held in such high regard as a young womans voice, an ambassador for womens health in Ireland. In advance of the service, Diana described her late friend as a beacon of light for so many. "She lived out every minute to the best of her ability and has saved other peoples lives along the way by promoting self-checking and awareness of womens health. This is what she is leaving behind. The public, ambassadorial Trina just part of the Trina that was recalled at the special service in Wellingtonbridge, however. She was remembered for her fun-loving, bubbly character. She was remembered as a devoted mother, a loving wife, a beloved daughter and sister and a great friend to many. Her favourite karaoke song, Everytime by Britney Spears was played, holidays to Puerta Rico recalled and memories of office fun at work in Equifax shared. While it was acknowledged that Trinas life was not always a bed of roses, those present were urged to look back and remember her best bits. Today is not the end, Diane stressed. Her memory will remain in our minds and hearts forever and she can still make you smile every single day. "It is her wish for her people left behind to continue to live their best lives, just like she wouldve wanted to. Following a moving ceremony, Trinas remains will be taken for a private cremation. Trina was the beloved daughter of John and Deirdre, wife of Stuuy, mother of Corey, stepmother to Cyan, Kyle, Shola and Regan, She was a loving sister of Karen and aunt to Ryan, Tadhg and Caolan. Sadly missed by Karen's fiancee Darren, her nanny Annie, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The former officer was involved in many cases in which he investigated multiple high profile sexual abuse cases. A former senior garda who was being questioned on allegations of rape was released without charge last night. "This male has been released from detention. "Investigations are ongoing and a file will be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions," a garda spokesman said. It previously emerged he was involved in many cases in which he investigated multiple high profile sexual abuse cases. He was arrested yesterday morning in Dublin and was held at a south inner city garda station in the capital for around 12 hours. He was being questioned by specialist detectives on allegations of rape and sexual abuse. Read more Ex-senior garda who investigated sex crimes arrested over rape allegations It is understood that the investigation into the former garda has been ongoing for over a year and relates to his time working in the force. A garda spokesperson confirmed the arrest and said that the man was arrested for alleged offences contrary to the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990. In a statement the Garda Press Office also confirmed the man was a former member of An Garda Siochana but is now a private citizen. He was detained under Section 4 of Criminal Justice Act. Senior sources say that the news of the mans arrest has sent shockwaves through the force. Many members of all ranks are shocked about this arrest, one source said. The former officer served at a senior level in An Garda Siochana for many years but he has been under investigation now for some time. The young woman was captured on CCTV walking in the town centre in the direction of James Street in the late hours of Friday 2 June, into the early hours of Saturday 3 June. The PSNI are examining a number of scenes as part of the investigation. Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press. Police are treating Chloe Mitchell as a high risk missing person and said it is completely out of character for her not to be in touch with her family. The 21-year-old was was last seen in Ballymena a week ago. The young woman was captured on CCTV walking in the town centre in the direction of James Street in the late hours of Friday 2 June, into the early hours of Saturday 3 June. PSNI issues statement amid the ongoing search for missing Chloe Mitchell Phillip Mitchell, Chloes brother, told BBC News NI he has been "broken" since his sister disappeared. On Friday afternoon Mid and East Antrim District Commander, Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said the search is ongoing and a 26-year-old man remains in custody. We are treating [Chloe] as a high-risk missing person, she added. "I am appealing directly to Chloe to make contact with the police, family or friends so that we know you are safe and well. "I am also asking the public to contact us if they have seen Chloe. Intensive search underway for missing 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell The Community Rescue Service has been conducting searches along the Braid River in the town. Spokesperson Darren Harper described it as a "pretty significant operation" with difficult terrain presenting challenges for those involved. "We do have the water technical team in the water and [on] the river banks and we also have ground teams searching other areas," he said. Mr Harper also said the warm weather is posing additional challenges for personnel wearing specialist equipment. Meanwhile, Superintendent Kearney said detectives are becoming increasingly concerned about Chloes safety. "It is completely out of character for her to not be in contact with her family, who are being supported by specialist officers during this worrying time, she said. "We have launched a criminal investigation into her disappearance and we are examining a number of scenes. "A 26-year-old man was arrested in Lurgan yesterday and is currently helping police with their enquiries. The PSNI are examining a number of scenes as part of the investigation. Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press. "Please look at the photograph of Chloe. She was last seen wearing a green and black Northface style jacket, a white t-shirt, leggings and Nike trainers. "I would like to thank the public and search and rescue teams for all their help in trying to find Chloe. "If you have any information, even if you think it might not be important enough to share, please contact police on 101, quoting reference number 2262 of 05/06/23. What you tell us could hold the key to finding Chloe." Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk. The indictment includes 11 charges of abusing a position of trust to incite the alleged victims to engage in sexual activity and two of sexual assault. Neil Beckett who is to appear in court accused of sexually abusing 12 girls. The student health and welfare officer of a south Belfast school is to due to appear in court this week accused of sexually abusing a dozen girls. Following a five-month investigation by the PSNI Public Protection Unit, Neil Beckett (42) has been charged with 13 offences and is due to appear in court on Tuesday. Beckett, from Kilmore Village in Downpatrick, faces an indictment of 13 sex offences alleged to have been committed on dates between October last year to February of this year. The indictment includes 11 charges of abusing a position of trust to incite the alleged victims to engage in sexual activity and two of sexual assault. While it is understood he has not been at work since Christmas, Beckett is the health and welfare officer and also the medical officer at Lagan College in south Belfast. The 11 abuse charges allege that Becket intentionally caused or incited [the victim], a child under 18 to engage in sexual activity and at the time, you were in a position of trust over the said child while the charges of sexual assault accuse Beckett of sexually touching two females when he did not reasonably believe the complaint so consented. A police press release last month revealed: Detectives from our Public Protection Branch in Belfast have charged a 42-year-old man with 11 charges of abuse of position of trust, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and a further two charges of sexual assault. According to the Lagan College website: The health and wellbeing officer is responsible for the physical and mental health of all pupils and staff within the college. Mr Beckett, who is also the school medical officer, looks after all pupils who require specific medical support throughout the day. The health and wellbeing officer liaises with external agencies for the organisation and delivery of routine annual visits by health professionals who provide services such as annual vaccinations or health checks. The health and wellbeing officer works in conjunction with the rest of the pastoral team, form tutors, heads of year and heads of school to deliver a conjoined pastoral, emotional health and wellbeing service for all pupils. Beckett, who also runs a firearms training business with his wife, declined to comment on the investigation several months ago when he was contacted. Similarly, Lagan College also declined to comment. The 34-year-old Romanian national was brought from Dublin Airport to Ballymun Garda Station where she remained detained tonight. A woman suspected of having been the second in command of the Hackerville crime organisation in this country has been extradited back to Ireland. The 34-year-old Romanian national was brought from Dublin Airport to Ballymun Garda Station where she remained detained tonight. She is expected to be brought to a court sitting on Saturday where she is due to be charged with six counts of money laundering and the alleged use of four different false ID documents to open bank accounts. The woman has been at the centre of a major investigation by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) which was codenamed Operation OMENA. Many of her close associates have been jailed either here or in other EU countries for fraud related offences. The male criminal who was ranked just one place above her in the gangs hierarchy is currently in prison in Romania and is expected to be also extradited back to Ireland. GNECB investigations have established that around 160,000 in laundered money went through bank accounts controlled by her that she had set up with the false IDs. It has been established that a total of almost 7m had been laundered in Irish bank accounts by the Hackerville mob one of Europes most prolific fraud gangs. She and some of the other main ringleaders of the gang were based in the Artane area of north Dublin when they were engaged in their crime spree. After leaving Ireland in 2018, the extradited woman and some of her closest associates relocated to Finland where they all ended up serving jail sentences for organised fraud related crime. Apart from Finland, senior sources say that the woman has criminal convictions in Germany, Holland, Spain and Italy. She was a very significant player while based in Ireland, a senior source said last night. Even though she is not from the Romanian city of Ramnicu Valcea, sources say they are closely associated with many gang members from the city which has been nicknamed Hackerville. The central Romanian city earned its dubious title because over 90 of its inhabitants have been arrested as part of a major EU crackdown on the fraud mob. It is understood that the woman did not fight her extradition back to Ireland and is expected to be remanded in further custody tomorrow. Gardai previously announced details of their investigation into the mob. Operation OMENA is intelligence led Garda National Economic Crime Bureau investigation into a criminal organisation involved in fraudulent selling on second hand websites across Europe and the subsequent laundering of the proceeds of these crimes through a network of bank accounts opened using false identities and money mules, a garda spokesperson said at the time. "It is estimated that this criminal organisation had stolen over 22m from victims all over Europe up to the end of 2020 and laundered 6,770.026 of this money through bank accounts in Ireland in the periods 2017-2020, they added. Operation Omena was launched by the GNECB to target fraudsters who operated by advertising caravans, tractors, farm machinery, vintage cars and designer watches on selling websites across Europe. The gang were also heavily involved in rental frauds across Europe. Because of GNECB investigations, sources say that the gang have been basically run out of Ireland and they do not use our banking system for money laundering anymore. A 31-year-old criminal who was extradited back to Ireland last year as part of the gardais massive investigation into the Hackerville gang was jailed last December for two years and eight months for his role in the complex fraud scam. Daniel Semen became the 10th criminal to be convicted as part of detailed international police operation led by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) which was codenamed Operation OMENA and there has been a number of others since. Other criminals who have been busted as part of the GNECB investigation include Dragos Costa (37) who was given a two and a half year jail sentence in the UK after being extradited there from Ireland after his arrest here. This is very much an international investigation that is very much ongoing, a senior source added last night. Radu Agapie (28) was jailed for four and a a half years in January 2020 after he pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Court to five counts of control of fake Polish and Hungarian identification cards, four counts of using fake documentation to open bank accounts and three counts of money laundering on dates between July 2018 and July 2019. A month later, another gang member Contantin Dirlescu (31) was jailed for three and a half years after pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to six counts of using false passports to open bank accounts and four counts of operating accounts for money laundering on dates between January 2019 and July 2019. Maltese President George Vella (2nd R, Front) views a photo exhibition during a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first Chinese medical team abroad as well as the 30th anniversary of dispatching the first Chinese medical team to Malta in Valletta, Malta, on June 9, 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) VALLETTA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Celebrations were held here on Friday to mark the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first Chinese medical team abroad as well as the 30th anniversary of dispatching the first Chinese medical team to Malta. The Chinese Embassy in Malta hosted a reception attended by approximately 300 participants, including Maltese President George Vella and other Maltese officials, as well as diplomats from other countries. In a video speech, Cao Xuetao, deputy head of the National Health Commission of China, said that China has sent around 30,000 medical team members to 76 countries and regions over the past 60 years, providing diagnoses and treatments to over 290 million local patients, aiding in the construction of over 130 medical and health facilities, and saving countless lives. China is ready to work with all sectors of Maltese society to deepen cooperation and exchanges in the field of health and support the development of the Mediterranean Regional Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM), Cao said. Chinese medical team will "continue to benefit the Maltese people with benevolence and skill, and make new and greater contributions to promoting multi-cultural understanding and enhancing China-Malta friendship," he noted. Speaking at the reception, Chinese Ambassador to Malta Yu Dunhai emphasized the deepening medical cooperation between China and Malta over the past 30 years. He also said that China-Malta relations have enjoyed sound and steady development over the past half century, with increasing political mutual trust, fruitful economic cooperation and vibrant cultural exchanges. "China-Malta relations have set a good example of relations between countries of different sizes, social systems, histories and cultures," he said, expressing his confidence in "an ever brighter future" of bilateral ties. The successful collaboration between China and Malta is proof that diverse cultures have a lot to learn from each other and should continuously seek respect and common development, Joseph Chetcuti, permanent secretary of the Ministry for Health, said. According to Chetcuti, the memorandum of understanding in the field of TCM between the two governments was renewed for another term just a few months ago. "I look forward to the first-class medical service offered by top Chinese doctors here in Malta, and to the continued friendly relations between Malta and China in the field of medicine," he said. The satisfactory therapeutic effect has won a wide reputation not only for TCM but also for the medical teams, Dong Xiaoyan, head of the 18th Chinese medical team to Malta, said at the reception. "We are dedicated to working for the health of the Maltese people and developing a deep friendship with them," she added. During the reception, attendees viewed a photo exhibition and a special video showcasing medical cooperation between China and Malta, and highlighting dedicated efforts of Chinese medical teams to Malta over the past 30 years. In 1993, the first Chinese medical team arrived in Malta. In the following year, China and Malta signed a cooperative agreement on traditional Chinese medicine and officially established the MRCTCM in Paola, Malta, opening a new chapter in China-Malta medical cooperation. To date, a total of 18 Chinese medical teams, comprising over 100 physicians, have provided TCM treatments to approximately 250,000 Maltese patients. Despite attempts at negotiation, with intermediaries working in the background to try and end the fighting, attacks have been ongoing. A number of loyalists targeted in the North Down feud have now fled to the continent. Tensions continue to simmer across Newtownards, Bangor and the Ards Peninsula two months into the feud. The violence between rival paramilitary drug gangs the self-styled Real UFF and North Down UDA has been raging since March. Despite attempts at negotiation, with intermediaries working in the background to try and end the fighting, attacks have been ongoing. Homes, commercial property and vehicles have been targeted in a series of arson and pipe bomb attacks with neither side willing to step back. The Real UFF under the leadership of mobster Adrian Price has come under intense pressure. Price himself has fled his Newtownards home and is holed up in east Belfast under the protection of an organised crime boss. While a knot of supporters remain at the crime gangs base at Weavers Grange on the edge of West Winds estate in Newtownards, most have moved away. The Sunday World understands that they have scattered across Northern Ireland primarily in Belfast but some have moved as far away as Fermanagh as far as possible from Newtownards while remaining in Northern Ireland. But we can also reveal that a number of gang members have taken refuge in Spain and Portugal. Four have pitched up on the Algarve and at least two others are in Spanish resort Benidorm a favourite bolt-hole for loyalist paramilitaries. It is understood the Portugal four landed last week on a flight from Belfast. According to sources they have each been warned their lives are under threat from the rival North Down UDA. Theyre hoping the heat is going to die down and they can come home after a few weeks, said our source. The fight has gone out of them, Aidso (Price) is losing men hand over fist. The only reason theyve been hanging in there is the money they were making from drugs. Read more Men loyal to UDA boss Adrian Price keeping feud alive by goading East Belfast UVF The level of attacks has declined, but the threat remains. Last week the home of a relative of Price was firebombed in Belfast. Prices mob was left exposed after it was expelled by South East Antrim UDA. The Rathcoole-based terror group had afforded Price their protection in return for a slice of his gangs drug-running rackets. No longer under the protection of the Carrick leadership, it was open season on the gang who rebranded themselves as the Real UFF. The attacks are spear-headed by a faction led by veteran loyalist Dickie Barry. Expelled by West Belfast UDA last year, he has now been reintegrated into the mainstream organisation in Bangor. And he has full authorisation for the campaign against Price. More than 30 families have now fled Newtownards since the start of the loyalist feud, including people in a new development that was promoted as a great place to live in December last year. The majority of those who left the area were unconnected to the infighting between rival UDA factions, but rather local people caught up in the unrest. Meanwhile there have been a number of people charged and remanded in custody for feud-related incidents. Police have kept a presence in the area but have so far failed to bring the infighting and feud to an end. A senior source said the situation is unsustainable. While the attacks are low-level stuff there is such anger that someone is going to be seriously hurt or killed. The PSNI are constantly in Ards but loyalists know they cant stay here for ever. Eventually theyll leave and when they do thats when youll see revenge attacks for all that has gone on since this kicked off in March. The walnut quality executive office corner desk was supplied by a company in England. An MLA who spent 1,300 of public money on a new desk for his office says it is used by several people. The Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended since February 2022 - but the expenses claims continue to roll in for MLAs. The latest claims, which cover the period from March to December 2022, amounted to 7.8m. Just over 6m of this was claimed by MLAs for the cost of employing staff to run their constituency offices. Stormont politicians are also allowed to claim up to 19,500 a year to cover rent and other expenses involved in running their offices. Among the recent claims submitted was one for 1,317.97 by SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan for a new desk in his Strabane office. The walnut quality executive office corner desk cost 1,209.27 and was supplied by a company in England. A further 108 was paid to get the desk delivered to Strabane. It was by far the largest amount claimed by an MLA for an office desk in the latest batch of expenses. The Sunday World contacted Mr McCrossan, who recently took over as chairperson of the SDLP and who has been an MLA since 2016, about the purchase of the desk. Daniel's desk set In response, an SDLP spokesperson said it was used by several people. This large desk set was purchased by Mr McCrossan for daily use in his constituency office by a number of members of staff and includes an office corner desk, a cupboard set with three doors and drawers for storage, including one with a lock for safety purposes, the spokesperson said. All items claimed for were in line with the Northern Ireland Assembly's expenses guidelines and approved by the Assembly. The latest expenses highlight the differing range of costs incurred by MLAs in fitting out their offices. Just over 1m was claimed from April to December last year for constituency office expenses. After Mr McCrossan, the next highest amount claimed for a desk was 708 by Sinn Fein Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Colm Gildernew, who also claimed 598 for the purchase of a chair for his office. His party colleague, Upper Bann Assemblyman John ODowd, claimed 623 for a desk. At the other end of the scale, Alliance Party MLA Nick Mathison claimed 65 for a table and cabinet which he bought from a shop run by the Habitat for Humanity charity. Among other items claimed recently by MLAs were photocopiers costing 3,360. Two Sinn Fein MLAs Linda Dillon and Emma Sheerin both bought photocopies for their offices at this price. At the bottom end, People Before Profit Assemblyman Gerry Carroll claimed 25.50 for a new toilet seat for his office among his expenses. As well as office costs, MLAs can also claim for travel costs. From April to December 2022, a total of 152,373.83 was claimed by politicians for travel to and from Stormont even though the Assembly was not sitting during this time. MLAs also claimed 46,010.04 during the same period for travel within their constituencies. A total of 433,500 was also paid out last year in resettlement allowances to 19 MLAs who either lost their seat or did not run in the May 2022 Assembly election. Some of those who lost their seats, including high-profile casualties such as former government ministers Peter Weir (UUP) and Mervyn Storey (DUP), received up to 25,500 as part of the pay-off package. Those leaving the Assembly also claimed a total of 52,854.35 as part of winding-up expenditure which covers the costs of MLAs bringing their operations to an orderly close. The Assembly has been suspended since February 2022 when DUP First Minister Paul Givan resigned over his partys opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol, which had been agreed by the British government and European Union as part of the Brexit deal. The protocol was aimed at preventing a hard border on the island of Ireland. However, the DUP claimed it instead created a border down the Irish Sea as a result of new checks on goods travelling between Northern Ireland and Britain. Despite much political pressure, the DUP has refused to return to the Assembly until they say their protocol concerns are addressed. Under the structure of the power-sharing government at Stormont, it cannot return to business without the support of the largest unionist party. There is widespread speculation that the DUP is planning to return to the Assembly after the summer. However, DUP MP Ian Paisley this week said the chances of Stormont returning by the autumn are unlikely and warned that power-sharing could be an Ice Age away due to what he considers a lack of understanding by the Northern Ireland Office. Mr Paisley said the seven tests put forward by his party for any UK/EU deal still havent been met and that staying out of the Assembly was the DUPs only leverage. To be clear, I want Stormont back up and running. I want those seven tests to be met I care about this place. I want to see it working. But it doesnt work if these laws are in place which affect our trade laws, he told the BBCs Nolan Show. Weve got to fix it and the only leverage we have is staying out of the Assembly. Here are the rule changes that have transformed the show in less than a decade. Love Island has given us sun, style and snogging for eight years, but a lot has changed since the ITV programme first graced our screens in 2015. Here are five rule changes that have transformed the show in less than a decade. Smoking ban Its hard to believe it now, but in the beginning we got some of our best Love Island drama while the islanders were sharing a cheeky smoke break. Former islander Craig Lawson revealed that, in the earlier seasons, each contestant was given 20 cigarettes per day. He even went as far as saying some contestants only smoked to avoid boredom in the villa. You get so bored when youre in there, thats why you see so many people smoking. Theres only so much you can talk about your life. But in 2017, following a series of complaints to Ofcom, Love Island producers decided to ban public smoking on the show. However, smoking is only banned on-screen. Ekin-Su Culculoglu Off-screen, the villa has a designated smoking area for islanders. The area isnt filmed and only one islander is permitted to smoke at any given time. Split or steal One of the big drama-inducing moments in the Love Island finale used to be the split or steal moment during the finale. The winning couple would decide whether to split the 50,000 cash prize equally or if one would steal it all for themselves. No one ever actually chose to steal, however. It probably wouldnt have been a wise move in terms of garnering support or brand deals after the show. Last year, ITV decided to pull the split or steal segment and just awarded the winning couples in seasons eight and nine their equal share of the 50,000. Public vote A new twist the producers brought to the show in season eight was the introduction of a public vote for the first coupling. In the inaugural season, the boys picked which girl they wanted to couple up with, while from seasons two to seven the girls selected their preferred boy. But in season eight it was left to the viewers to decide who would be coupled up with who. This rule change has been a controversial one, with many viewers criticising it while others praise the change. The British public might actually prove themselves to be the perfect matchmakers as Love Island couple Tasha and Andrew (season eight), who were matched by viewers from the get-go, are still together, despite a bumpy journey in the villa. In this current season (10), Molly and Mitchel have both repeatedly thanked the public for pairing them together. Contestants Andre Furtado, Molly Marsh, George Fensom, Ruchee Gurung, Ella Thomas, Catherine Agbaje, Tyrique Hyde, Medhi Edno, Jess Harding and Mitchel Taylor (Pic: ITV) Social media ban In a shocking announcement ahead of season nine, the Love Island producers revealed that contestants would be banned from any social media activity while in the villa. The islanders were never allowed their personal phones or to personally post online while they were in the villa, with most relying on their friends and family to operate their social media accounts while they were on the show. Season eights Ekin-Su became the first islander to gain 1m Instagram followers while in the villa. And many of the former contestants have admitted to applying for Love Island in order to gain social media fame. The social media ban proved controversial and the show saw a drop in applications following its introduction. However, ITV said that the ban was introduced as a safeguarding measure to protect the shows contestants and their friends and family members from online abuse. Many former contestants have come out in support of the ban. Amy Hart (season five) feels it will help the families of islanders, saying: I didnt really take into account, when I went into the villa, that although my best friend was really excited to run my social media account, it was me that signed up to do the show, not my family and not my friends. But it was them that had to read the death threats and it was them that had to read the horrible messages. Mixing islanders This season, the producers decided to make a small change when the islanders first entered the villa. Unlike previous years where the boys and the girls entered the villa separately, this summers series began with the boys and the girls arriving at the same time. Some viewers enjoyed this, as it meant islanders could flirt immediately; others preferred the old format, as it built more excitement for the first coupling. Love Island has changed a lot in the past ten seasons. And should the show remain on our screens for ten more, producers will no doubt continue to keep the islanders on their toes with more new rules and twists. New Zealand's most significant prize for painting has been announced. Following a meticulous evaluation process by a panel of distinguished judges, the winner is Auckland artist, Owen Connors. Owen, 30, has a BFA (Hons), from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland and is the current McCahon House artist in residence and a finalist in the 2024 Auckland Art Gallery Walters Prize. Launched in 2017, The Rydal Art Prize is a joint venture between Tauranga Art Gallery and Seeds Trust. Greetings, you who are highly favoured! , 2021, egg tempera on board, hand-carved lacquered ash frame, 40cm diameter (image) / 103cm diameter (framed). Owen Connors. Photo: Supplied. This bi-annual prize awards an artist $25,000 for a work or body of work deemed to be outstanding in the field of painting over the prior two-year period. Previous winners are Ayesha Green (2021), and Christina Pataialii (2019). Drawn from around the country, the panel of judges Abby Cunnane, Megan Dunn, Nathan Pohio, and Serena Bentley awarded Owen for Incubations, shown at Robert Heald Gallery in September, 2021. 'We haven't seen works like these before. Connors has developed their own unique visual language to create searing paintings that investigate the queer experience, often from the inside out, say the judges. 'They may not represent the easiest works to digest for a wide public, but Connors is utterly singular, a visionary for our time. Incubations comprises five double-sided tondo paintings in egg tempera. The works are all circular paintings on board, that feature trompe-l'oeil still life's; on one side scrupulously arranged food platters, and more erotic and disquieting scenes of the male body on the other. Libations, 2021, egg tempera on board, hand-carved lacquered ash frame. Owen Connors. Photo: Supplied. 'We extend the warmest of congratulations to Owen Connors on this outstanding achievement, says Tauranga Art Gallery Director Sonya Korohina. 'The Rydal builds on an exceptional year they are having as the McCahon House artist in residence and Auckland Art Gallery Walters Prize finalist. As the winner of the Rydal Art Prize Owen Connors will also receive a solo exhibition at Tauranga Art Gallery in 2024. 'We look forward to presenting a show of their work that will inspire, engage and challenge our audiences. In researching Owen's art practice, Tauranga Art Gallery advises viewer discretion. At 11am on Saturday June 10 at the Tauranga Art Gallery Abby Cunnane, curator, writer, and director of The Physics Room Contemporary Art Space in Atautahi Christchurch will lead a conversation with Owen Connors, winner of the 2023 Rydal Art Prize. Winner of the Rydal Art Prize Owen Connors. Photo: Supplied. Judging Panel: Serena Bentley, Tauranga Art Gallery Serena Bentley is a curator and art writer and currently Senior Curator at Toi Tauranga. She has held curatorial positions at ACMI (Melbourne) where she was one of the lead curators on their new permanent exhibition The Story of the Moving Image and at The National Gallery of Victoria (Melbourne) where she curated the organisation's first virtual reality commission, Jess Johnson's Ixian Gate. She has also worked in commercial galleries including Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney and as Artistic Program Manager at artist development organisation Next Wave (Melbourne). Abby Cunane, Director, Physics Room Christchurch Abby Cunnane is a curator and writer, currently director of The Physics Room Contemporary Art Space in Atautahi. With artist Amy Howden-Chapman, she is co-editor of The Distance Plan, an online journal that brings together artists, scientists, and writers to discuss climate change in relation to contemporary art. She has written for a range of Aotearoa based art publications, and in 2018 completed an MPhil thesis focusing on curatorial writing and material relationships in Aotearoa. Nathan Pohio, Auckland Art Gallery Nathan PAhio (Waitaha, KAti Mamoe, KAi Tahu, NgAti Kahungunu, Tauiwi) is Senior Curator MAori at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, a founding member of Paemanu and Co-Vice President of Te Aaka Lyttleton Museum. PAhio is an artist and Senior Curator MAori Art at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. PAhio worked at Te Puna o WaiwhetA Christchurch Art Gallery from 2002 2021, where he curated, He Rau Maharataka Whenua: A Memory of Land with Ta Tipene O'Regan in a cultural advisory role; researched and co-curated Te Wheke: Pathways Across Oceania and Ralph Hotere: Atete, to Resist. Megan Dunn, City Gallery Wellington Megan Dunn is the author of Things I Learned at Art School (2021) and Tinderbox (2017). She has written art reviews and criticism for over twenty years, and is a regular arts commentator on RNZ's Saturday Morning with Kim Hill. She currently works as a curator for Experience Wellington. Matariki celebrations in Tauranga this year are being enriched by more than 20 events to be held at the Tauranga Historic Villlage. "Having celebrated here in 2021 and 2022 with massive whAnau days plus a host of events across the month of Matariki, this year the Village in its entirety is set to be the focal point of celebrations in Tauranga Moana," says an Incubator Creative Hub spokesperson. "The 2023 Matariki at the Village celebrations will host more than 20 events." These include four art exhibitions including TupuAnuku Exhibition - Briar York and Louis Mikaere, and Te Mana O Te Taiao a group exhibition with Department of Conservation looking at perceptions of conservation in Aotearoa. There will also be live music, a MAori cinematic showcase, free community events including a community concert, and workshops. Matariki celebrations in the Tauranga Historic Village. Photo: Supplied. "There are opportunities for anyone to learn new skills such as haka, bone carving, storytelling through tukutuku, an introduction to planting by maramataka, how to make Rongoa balms, through to crafting and more." One of the highlights of the Matariki at the Village calendar will be the official launch event on June 17 where the village will come alive from 9am until 2pm with a WhAnau Day. The WhAnau Day will feature food, market stallholders and festival vibe like no other. We were overwhelmed with the response to our 2022 celebrations," says Incubator Creative Hub Director, Simone Anderson. 'The size of the crowds and the level of interest and engagement was beyond our expectations and was fitting way to celebrate our country embracing and celebrating Matariki as a recognised significant month to celebrate, learn and reflect on the principles of Matariki. 'It was so well received that we expanded the event to include the entire Historic Village," says The Incubator's Matariki Manager Marama Mateparae (Ngati Tuwharetoa). "Casual chats turned into formal discussions and now The Historic Village in ready to be host to an expanded line up. The Incubator. Photo: Supplied. The Historic Village Tenants Manager Michelle Smith, (NgApuhi), is very excited about having as many of the village businesses and community organisations as possible embracing this annual occasion. "Like any number of New Zealanders, we have taken some time to understand and appreciate Matariki. "But the enthusiasm and passion is there and we will be ready to host what will be a wonderful experience for us as host and for all our manuhiri this year. 'This is the biggest and best programme anywhere in Tauranga Moana. This will be the home of Matariki 2023, says Michelle. The Matariki programme includes showcasing of The Village Cinema Matariki Film Festival over the month-long celebrations, in the Village Cinema. Paula Whetu Jones. Photo: Supplied. The film festival features a range of short films, music videos, documentaries and guest speakers by MAori filmmakers including a screening of Whina with director Paula Whetu Jones who is here for a Q & A session. THere is also Whetu Marama Bright Star with guest appearance by celestial navigator Jack Thatcher. "A returning event is the Maumahara remembrance tributes aligned with the star PAhutukawa where there is an opportunity for members of the community to share photographs and details of their loved ones who have died in the past year, to be shared on The Village Cinema big screen." "This last event was one of the most impactful last year, with images of beautiful images on the screen, accompanied by Joel Komene performing with taonga pAoro, bringing many to tears." To include an image of your loved one in this tribute, send name and a photograph to support@theincubator.co.nz They are the voice of comfort, reassurance and hope in a crisis. They are the Coastguard Communications East radio operators the crucial link between boaties and the brave Coastguard rescue crews, which go to sea in all weathers and circumstances to save those in peril. Without the radio operators rescues wouldn't happen, lives could be lost. But it's not always life and death. The radio operators are also the first and main point of call for boaties just having difficulties whether it be a flat battery or they've run out of gas. They are Coastguard Communications East voices like Jill Mindy' Sweeney. 'I joined Coastguard because I wanted to save lives, says Mindy. She was manning the communications centre on a cold, blustery and wet holiday morning this week. Only 13 boaties had reported in that morning. But it could be hundreds during summer, because the centre covers the coastline from the top of the Coromandel, round East Cape to Hawke's Bay, from Kaikoura to Dunedin as well as the southern lakes. A big area, a lot of boats. For few hours a day some Bay of Plenty coastguard units run their own service for their own boating communities. 'I want to help others avoid losing a family member. And I am proud to be part of a national team saving lives at sea. Mindy's voice is just one of 20 manning the radio at the communication centre in Nikau Crescent at the Mount. Not everyone is going to call in with an emergency or a problem. 'Most will call to give a trip report, say where they're headed and how long they might be; and, then later, advise they are safely home. All happy days. Now they're holding a recruitment drive they need many more voices in readiness for next summer people with communication skills, common sense and a desire to help others. 'Everything else can be learnt, says Mindy. So they're holding an open day on Saturday, June 17, from 10am-2pm. If you have a voice for radio and want to be part of a team saving lives, meet the team at Coastguard Communications East, look around the unit base, and hear from volunteers about their experience and what it entails. As a volunteer radio operator you'll be part of the national communications team, the main point of contact for boaties and rescue crews. All training is provided free and Coastguard NZ qualifications VHF radio operator and day skipper can be obtained free. No experience is needed. Call Jill (Mindy) on 021 743 815 to book a time to visit. When The Sun is talking to Jill she's monitoring TV images of the Bowentown and Whakatane bars. 'I don't know a bar around New Zealand that hasn't claimed a life. They are very unpredictable and change, so that's a lot of our work. Then sometimes, not often, it's the big emergency. 'It depends on how they cope with stress. Sometimes we might get the awful: Help, help! We're sinking and then nothing else. That's when the calm, collected, trained-up volunteer kicks into gear. We need to determine exactly where they are, how many on board and their problem. That would get a rescue underway. The skills required of the prospective radio operator is to be the reassuring voice for those in need conveying hope, that there is help on the way, but at the same time getting the vital information. Successful rescues depend on good, accurate information. Volunteer radio operators do an average one shift a week of three-four hours. Regular shifts means keeping skills up-to-date. Rosters are published at least two months ahead so people can plan. Operators tend to keep a regular slot, then put a hand up for extras if there are gaps. And there are words of comfort for would-be volunteer radio operators no-one is left in a position of manning a radio without support. LONDON, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from business associations and enterprises in the United Kingdom (UK) have expressed their strong interest and unwavering confidence in China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). Speaking at a promotion conference of Hainan FTP held here on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang highlighted that building Hainan FTP is a national strategy and a great number of breakthroughs have been made. In June 2020, China released a master plan to build the whole of Hainan Island, China's southernmost province, into a globally influential and high-level free trade port by the middle of the century. Three years on, with a slew of favorable policies taking effect and continuous opening up, Hainan has gained a strong momentum of development and is making great strides towards becoming a free trade port with world influence. Zheng stressed that the central government will accelerate the FTP development and bring the potential of this pilot platform into full play. He called on the British business community to seize the opportunities and actively participate in the development of this new mega-port. Sherard Cowper-Coles, chair of the China-Britain Business Council, underlined that Hainan serves as the gateway to southern China and the entire nation. "Hainan is an area where there's plenty of experimentation and plenty of innovation. We hope we can now take it to a new level," he said. Cowper-Coles also reiterated the importance of trade and economic relations between the two countries. China is a major trading partner of Britain, and it is in Britain's economic interest to deepen engagement with China, he added. Giles Williams, managing director of Brooke House College, signed a memorandum of understanding with Hainan's Sanya Investment Promotion Bureau. "Hainan has such an open, engaging and warm welcoming business community. Hopefully, we will be able to establish a strong commercial link in this very supportive environment," said Williams. Official data showed the rapid development of the import and export of goods at the Hainan FTP in recent years. After exceeding 100 billion yuan (14 billion U.S. dollars) in 2021, the total volume of trade in goods exceeded 200 billion yuan in 2022, with an annual growth rate of 36.8 percent. During the promotion conference, Hainan officials pledged to further open up to the world and introduced a series of policies related to tariffs, taxes, visas, and more. Amanda Unsworth, managing director of Trinity Logistics Limited, told Xinhua she has learned much more about Hainan after the conference. "The opportunity in Hainan is fantastic and I can't wait to get up there," said Unsworth. Zhang Bin, director of the Department of Commerce of Hainan Province, said: "We have seen a huge amount of conversations and exchanges following the conference, and we have received highly positive feedback from our audience. This further strengthens our confidence in the future development of the free trade port." (1 yuan = 0.14 U.S. dollar) Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Jeffrey Hoffman is a New York City-based attorney who hosts Ask Me Anything about Cannabis Legalization in New York each week on LinkedIn. Hoffman and NY Cannabis Insider have partnered to bring those sessions into print in a Q&A format. Hoffmans practice focuses on cannabis industry clients, including licensees in the adult-use market, practitioners in the medical cannabis space, and cannabis adjacent product and service providers. He has a particular interest in social and economic equity cannabis license applicants, and he also informs and assists those convicted of cannabis offenses in getting such convictions expunged from their record. He can be reached at info@420jurist.com. The following AMA from June 7 has been edited for length and clarity. Hoffmans next AMA is on June 14 at 4:20 p.m. Where are you doing your show from today? You seem to be doing it remote more often. Im at CUNY. Some of you may remember many moons ago moons measure out months, right many moons ago I mentioned I was working with Professor Terrence Coffie at NYU on some programs related to workforce development, specifically related to folks that were previously incarcerated. For those of you who dont know who Professor Coffie is hes a gentleman who was himself previously incarcerated. When he got out, he decided he wanted not to get re-incarcerated, that this was not the way to go in life. He worked at the Doe Fund for a while and actually, he was the person that made the first cannabis purchase at The Doe Funds store, which is Union Square Travel Agency at 13th & Broadway. And now hes at NYU and has several nonprofits that he works with advancing the causes of folks that were previously incarcerated and also advancing the cause of getting the message out about justice-related issues and employment-related issues. And that is what were doing here tonight. This is the first cohort of previously incarcerated individuals where were going to be helping them learn about the cannabis industry and specifically, what you would need to know in order to enter the regulated cannabis industry. We have MOUs from some of the open dispensaries for them to hire folks that come out of the program. Lots of good work is happening on this front I know Beatrice Stein has a wonderful training program, and well be coordinating with her as these programs gain steam. So thats where I am today. 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: When is the next round of CAURD licensing? OK, so the CAURD application window was open from late August to late September of 2022. And the state is now in the process of giving out the licenses. So there really isnt going to be another round they were originally going to give out 150 and they upped that to 300. And my hope is that they just give it to everyone thats qualified. They all should get licenses. They had to give a guy in Michigan a standard license because of the Variscite lawsuit a guy who would not have scored high enough to get a CAURD license. So, because the CAURD regulation was vulnerable to a challenge, the state had to give this guy in Michigan a license. I just dont think we can now have folks that qualified had the conviction and the qualifying business I dont think we can leave any of them out if weve given a license to someone under these circumstances. When are microbusinesses able to apply? The microbusiness application window will most likely open a month after the 45 days of the revised rulemaking period, after OCM finally gets the revised regs in the state register. If its the week of June 12, then itll be the very end of July for the end of 45 days. And then they could open the application at any point after that, with a 30-day notice. Hopefully, they open it in October or early November because, if they do that, then I win my bet with various other cannabis attorneys. One open question is, are they going to share a scoring rubric this time? We only knew the scoring rubric for CAURD because it got released in the Variscite lawsuit. Im just a big fan of transparency. Im a big fan of sunlight shining on government operations. And I just think it behooves us to know this information before they start giving out the licenses. When do you anticipate CAURDs being able to open a second location? So, who does a regulator want to give a second license to? An individual or entity that has demonstrated to the regulator that they operated their first license successfully. For how long? Six months? I dont think so. A year? Maybe. Two years? Certainly. So anywhere between one to two years, I think. So, no cannabis goes out the back door, you pay all your taxes, the community still likes you, and so forth. They may plan on making you wait until your renewals the renewal for cannabis licenses is two years. And as part of your renewal process, youre going to have to justify everything you did. You gave us a plan, you told us all the things you were going to do in these first two years before your first renewal did you do them? Were you successful? And those that knock it out of the park, I think, will get second licenses very easily. I think therell be a very streamlined process tell us your new location, youre gonna do your same operational model there, but its a different place and different physical footprint, you just tell us the differences in how you will operate. And for those of you who get a license and do a bad job, there is no second location, right? Why would the regulator want to give you a second license if youre already doing a bad job? So, its all going to depend on how well you execute on operating your first store, and how well you execute on the things you told OCM that you were going to do. Do you only practice in New York? New York and North Carolina. It looks like North Carolina is going to finally legalize medical cannabis. And as soon as they do, my good friends down there in the Old North State some of you I went to high school and college (and even elementary school) with are going to be seeing a lot more of me. What state or city do you think is rolling out their recreational cannabis most equitably? So that would be New York and New York City at the moment. So, no ones doing it completely right yet. The most broadly equitable impact in New York is that you can now smoke cannabis anywhere you can smoke a cigarette. This means, for example, that people living in federally subsidized public housing where they couldnt smoke cigarettes or cannabis, and had nowhere to smoke cannabis at all, can now smoke for recreational AND medical purposes. The deepest equitable impact would be New Yorks program of automatically expunging all of the low-level cannabis offenses. We are still working on the conservative regions of the state and the problems there expunging the higher-level cannabis offenses via 440 motions. But were on it. Believe me we are on it. Its never dull in New Yorks marijuana industry. Last week, we at NY Cannabis Insider ran stories about a raucous meeting between state officials and CAURD licensees, controversy surrounding dispensaries in New Paltz, and plenty more. Lets take a look at the stories we covered: First of all, thanks so much to everyone who came out to our live event in Lafayette on Thursday, and thank you to Beak & Skiff for hosting the meetup! We had a bit of rain, but the panel discussion was engaging, and plenty of people braved the weather to tour Beak & Skiffs apple orchard and distillery in UTVs. 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: Reporter Wesley Parnell covered a meeting held Tuesday evening in Queens, at which New York regulators from the OCM and DASNY announced a series of new initiatives for the beleaguered rollout of the states cannabis program to an audience of licensees. The two-hour meeting began with an optimistic tone, as regulators announced a series of new initiatives, including a modified loan program for CAURD holders and a database for checking zoning locations. But it ended with attendees heckling top officials over a lack of financial transparency. Reporter Andrew Ward contributed a piece, for which he interviewed six cannabis professionals about what they think about the way New York media outlets are covering the unlicensed market. While most respondents seem to agree that the illicit market is a concern and coverage is warranted many feel that additional stories are falling by the wayside. We ran a story by reporter Mel Hyman about recent controversy over dispensary siting in New Paltz, a small college town nestled in the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains. Town officials had been considering creating a cannabis row where several dispensaries could locate, but then sought guidance from the OCM as to whether this was allowed. In response, OCM representatives told the village board in late April that there was a state regulation in the works that required a separation distance of 2,000 feet for cannabis businesses located in municipalities with less than 20,000 people. Checking in with Coss Marte, a CAURD licensee who plans to open his first CONBUD dispensary around Labor Day, we found out hes considering a unique design for the shops layout. Marte and his partners are going for an authentic New York look something more similar to the corner bodega than an Apple Store. 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 the PREPARE Act, a bill to authorize Congress to study the topic of federal cannabis legalization. Its possible that the appointed commission could make recommendations that stop or slow down federal legalization, Paula writes. But Its also possible that they will recommend legalization and then Congress will still fail to act. Continuing our NYs women in cannabis series, we ran a profile on Solonje Burnett, co-founder and chief culture and community officer at erven.ai, a Black, womxn and queer-founded technology company facilitating secure sharing of sales performance data with brands. We also added a new entry to our People to know in NY cannabis series: David Vautrin, an operating partner at Union Square Travel Agency, one of the first licensed cannabis retail stores to open in New York State. Lastly, we posted attorney Jeffrey Hoffmans latest Ask Me Anything segment, in which he answered questions about microbusinesses, next CAURD round and more. Have a great weekend everyone, well be back with plenty more next week. At a sold-out NY Cannabis Insider event in Lafayette Thursday evening, company leaders at Beak & Skiff and Union Square Travel Agency talked about branding, consumer behavior and possible bright spots in New Yorks weed industry. The panel discussion, which was held at Beak & Skiff the parent company of Gen V Labs, which makes the ayrloom cannabis brand featured Beak & Skiff President Eddie Brennan, Mack Hueber, who serves as CFO at Beak & Skiff and president of Gen V Labs, and Dave Vautrin, an operating partner at Manhattan dispensary Union Square Travel Agency. I think theres so much good that can come from cannabis, and so much growth that can come for people, Brennan said. Speaking about branding, Vautrin said explained that a brand and a label are two very different things. Vautrin has seen multiple hemp brands in the state who believed branding only consisted of creating a name and logo, but said branding is a much more involved process and requires companies to identify and market to a particular customer segment. 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: Vautrin pointed out edibles brand Senior Moments by cultivation/processing company Bristol Extracts as an early example of successful branding. The company identified senior citizens as their target market, and created a brand and marketing meant to appeal to them. The difference between brands and labels is, really, effort, Vautrin said. Brands that are successful come to us with a strategy and a plan, he added, noting that some brands his store carries send representatives to teach budtenders about their products. Additionally, some brands pitching their product to Union Square Travel Agency dont appear to have put much thought into their packaging and promotion materials, which is a mistake, Vautrin said, because visual materials create first impressions. The imagery is super important; sometimes brands present us products and they have terrible photos its just a product they wouldnt buy on their own, Vautrin said. Brennan told the audience about the evolving brand and sub-brands of Beak & Skiff, which his family established more than 100 years ago as an apple orchard. After a major frost 12 years ago ruined some 80% of their crops, Brennan and others realized they had to move away from selling apples and cider as a commodity, and create a non-commodity brand. Beak & Skiff created the hard cider brand 1911, a name that references the companys long history in New York. In the early days, their branding featured imagery of the farm and old barns, but they soon shifted their approach, putting an emphasis on bold artwork for their packaging. We need to create really bold artwork that would pop off the shelf, Brennan said. We knew the liquid in the can was good, but it had to be bright, it had to be bold, and it had to speak to the consumer. Gen V Labs, Beak & Skiffs cannabis subsidiary, took a lot of cues from the branding success of 1911, Hueber said. The company makes gummy edibles which is a pretty crowded market. To differentiate their ayrloom brand from other edibles on the market, they took steps like using nano-emulsification in making their edibles and seltzers so that theyre fast-acting, Hueber said. Hueber also put a lot of thought into what ayrloom packaging and artwork looked like, he said. All these efforts involved a lot of trial and error, which other companies will likely experience as theyre building their brands. It was a challenge, to say the least, to get there, Hueber said. A lot of hard work, a lot of mistakes made, a lot of wasted packaging, wasted product. All three panelists hailed a recent announcement by the Office of Cannabis Management about the agencys pilot program that would allow cultivators to sell products at farmers markets. Im optimistic about the farmers market concept, Vautrin said. These farmers markets will help you drive awareness of local brands. Students of Liverpool High School celebrated at their senior ball Friday, June 9, 2023. The event was held at the Marriott Downtown in Syracuse. Our photographer captured the excitement, fun and amazing gowns, suits, and accessories. We hope you enjoy the photos taken at the event, taken by contributing photographer Lia Garnes. KIEV/MOSCOW/VLADIVOSTOK, June 10 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments related to the Ukraine crisis: Petro Kotin, president of Ukraine's state-run nuclear energy operator Energoatom, said Friday that the Kakhovka incident poses no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant at the moment as the plant can use water from alternative sources. "In addition to the Kakhovka reservoir, there are several other sources of water for the cooling pond," Kotin was quoted as saying by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency. In particular, mobile pumping units or underground wells for drinking water can be used to provide the plant with water, Kotin said. - - - - Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive but has failed to accomplish its goals, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday. "First, it can be stated with absolute certainty that this offensive has begun. The use of strategic reserves of the Ukrainian forces proves it. Second, in no areas of combat the Ukrainian troops have achieved their tasks. This is an absolutely obvious thing," Putin told reporters in Russia's Sochi. There were "significant losses" of Ukrainian troops in the past five days of "very intense fighting," but Kiev still preserves the offensive potential, Putin was quoted as saying in a Kremlin press release. - - - - Russia will deploy certain types of weapons in Belarus after July 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday when meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. "As you know, on July 7-8, the preparation of relevant facilities will be completed, and we will immediately begin measures related to the deployment of the relevant types of weapons on your territory," Putin said in a conversation with Lukashenko in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi. "So everything is going as planned and everything is stable," he added. - - - - Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, said Thursday that Russia intends to export ammonia through a terminal at the Taman port following the damage to the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline. Manturov said that Russia does not expect gaining access to repair the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline, which was sabotaged on June 5. "Regarding the supply of Russian ammonia, as you know, it has not been delivered through the ammonia pipeline for a year now. As you can understand, neither over the past year nor in the near future will there be any deliveries because there is currently no access for restoration and repair," Manturov said. - - - - Ukraine and the United Nations have agreed to arrange evacuation from the Russia-controlled territories in southern Ukraine, which were affected by mass flooding caused by the Kakhovka dam collapse, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Thursday. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and current Head of the UN in Ukraine Denise Brown agreed that the UN will go to the affected areas from the Ukraine-controlled territories as soon as Russia provides access and security guarantees, the ministry said in a statement. The UN will immediately form groups in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson that will be sent to the affected areas on the left bank of the Dnipro River to provide humanitarian aid and evacuate people, the statement said. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. A woman views a textile at an exhibition titled Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection during a preview at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas, the United States, on June 9, 2023. Officially opening on June 10, the exhibition features folk and court textiles dating from the 14th century to the early 20th century in India and other South Asian areas. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) People view a textile at an exhibition titled Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection during a preview at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas, the United States, on June 9, 2023. Officially opening on June 10, the exhibition features folk and court textiles dating from the 14th century to the early 20th century in India and other South Asian areas. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) A woman views a textile at an exhibition titled Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection during a preview at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas, the United States, on June 9, 2023. Officially opening on June 10, the exhibition features folk and court textiles dating from the 14th century to the early 20th century in India and other South Asian areas. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) People visit an exhibition titled Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection during a preview at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas, the United States, on June 9, 2023. Officially opening on June 10, the exhibition features folk and court textiles dating from the 14th century to the early 20th century in India and other South Asian areas. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) People visit an exhibition titled Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection during a preview at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas, the United States, on June 9, 2023. Officially opening on June 10, the exhibition features folk and court textiles dating from the 14th century to the early 20th century in India and other South Asian areas. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) A hot potato: Tesla unveiled the distinctive-looking Cybertruck in 2019 in an infamous display. Since then, the all-electric pickup truck's production and market availability dates have encountered numerous delays. It's easy to blame global supply chain disruptions, but a recent leak suggests that more serious design problems are at fault. A recently leaked internal Tesla report suggests that the Cybertruck had significant issues with its braking, handling, sealing, and noise levels as of January 2022. These flaws could be behind the electric vehicle's ongoing production delays. The leak, which also exposed thousands of serious customer complaints about Tesla's self-driving software to Handelsblatt last month, contained a concerning progress report on the Cybertruck. Notably, early last year two full years after the truck's unveiling the Cybertruck's design remained in the alpha stage, contradicting initial promises of starting production in 2021. The report, analyzed by Handelsblatt and Wired, indicates that the vehicle required manual sealing and produced substantially more noise than initial simulations predicted. It also revealed that the engineers lacked a clear strategy for effectively sealing an eventual production model. Furthermore, the Cybertruck's handling was plagued by issues such as structural shaking, "mid-speed abruptness and chop," and "high head-toss accelerations." Low-speed maneuvering resulted in excessive lateral jerking in the alpha design. The brake pad also remained unfinished, exhibiting excessive travel, inconsistent stopping, problems with braking while turning, power braking instability, and "excessive pitch during friction braking." Considering the report's age and the resources available to Tesla, none of these problems should be insurmountable. It's likely the company's engineers may have addressed some, if not all, of these issues by now. However, these problems still suggest that the Cybertruck's design process has not proceeded as planned. The pickup drew some ridicule after its unveiling, where its windows failed a live durability demonstration (although the main body outperformed a standard truck). The subsequent production delays have not helped. Tesla initially projected that mass production would begin in 2021 before pushing it back to late 2022, then late 2023, and now 2024. While the pandemic and the subsequent chip shortage that arose shortly after the initial reveal could have significantly impacted the Cybertruck's development, the leak suggests that these aren't its only problems. Upon eventual launch, Tesla plans to offer Cybertruck variants with one, two, three, or four motors. However, rumors suggest the single-motor version may be canceled. The tri-motor model is purported to accelerate from zero to 60 in under three seconds, offer over 500 miles per charge, and tow over 14,000 pounds. The quad-motor variant will have the capacity to individually rotate each wheel and move diagonally, but the leaked report suggests that this feature is still in its early stages. Based on current market trends, it's likely that the truck's price will significantly exceed $40,000. In brief: Much to the chagrin of millions of subscribers, Netflix's new password-sharing block seems to have had its intended effect. The measure, designed to prevent viewers from sharing their accounts with people outside their homes, has given the streaming service its largest spike in new subscriptions in four years. According to a third-party tracker, Netflix gained more new subscribers in the four days immediately following the start of its password-sharing crackdown in the US than in any similar period since 2019. The numbers will likely signal to the company that it made the right decision and could convince competing streaming services to follow suit. Before the new policy, potentially a third of Netflix subscribers in the US shared their password with someone outside their homes. On May 23, the company started sending emails to users confirming that account moochers would have to pay an additional fee to continue watching Netflix. Netflix tracks each subscriber's main household account behavior, device IDs, and IP addresses. Adding a new user who doesn't share the account holder's IP address now costs $7.99 a month in the US and 4.99 in the UK. Subscribers to the service's premium 4K tier can add two extra users. Moreover, Netflix now requires users to log in from their homes once a month. To stream while traveling, the company advises account holders to log in from home immediately before leaving. There doesn't seem to be a way to keep watching Netflix after being away from home for more than 31 days. Data from streaming analytics company Antenna shows an average of around 73,000 new daily subscriptions in the US between May 25 and May 28, a larger spike than any since the company's records began in 2019. A surge in cancellations also followed the crackdown, but the increase in signups significantly outweighed it. Netflix's stock price jumped by around 10 percent during the period and has since climbed significantly. The only other massive subscription spike Antenna recorded was between May and April 2020, soon after the pandemic lockdowns started. Antenna tracks users who pay for accounts through channels like services' web pages, mobile apps, and set-top boxes. The company doesn't count free trials, complimentary hotel access, subscriptions paid by corporations, or subscribers in US territories. It uses an alternative methodology to estimate the number of subscribers who receive access through mobile phone plans. Get ready for a wild ride as the skies become increasingly turbulent! Climate change is making its mark on air travel, and a recent study unveils a worrisome trend of rough flights on the horizon. A recent study conducted by the University of Reading has shed light on the intensifying turbulence in the skies, attributing it to the impacts of climate change. This finding has far-reaching implications for the aviation industry and passengers worldwide. Clear-air Turbulence The research focused on clear-air turbulence, a type of turbulence that is invisible to the naked eye and poses risks to aircraft. The study found that clear-air turbulence has become more prevalent in various parts of the globe, raising concerns for the safety and comfort of flights. Of particular concern is the heavily traveled route above the North Atlantic, where the study detected a significant increase in severe turbulence over the past four decades. The total duration of severe turbulence experienced in a year has surged by 55% since 1979, with a notable increase from 17.7 hours to 27.4 hours in 2020 alone. Additionally, moderate turbulence has risen by 37%, while light turbulence has increased by 17%. The study draws a clear link between these turbulent conditions and the effects of climate change. The emission of CO2, which contributes to global warming, has resulted in warmer air. This warming, in turn, has amplified wind shear within the jet streams, leading to a more pronounced occurrence of clear-air turbulence globally, including in the North Atlantic region, according to the study. Read Also: CES 2023: Can Crypto and Blockchain Encourage a Greener Future? Here Are a Few Initiatives to Combat Climate Crisis Risks of Turbulence During Flights Mark Prosser, a Ph.D. researcher involved in the study, emphasizes the risks associated with turbulence during flights. He stresses the need for airlines to carefully consider how they handle the heightened turbulence levels. The aviation industry in the United States alone already incurs annual costs ranging from $150 million to $500 million due to turbulence-related impacts. The study findings extend beyond the North Atlantic, painting a worrying picture for other heavily traveled flight routes across Europe, the Middle East, and the South Atlantic. The rise in turbulence levels in these regions has sparked worries regarding the safety and comfort of air travel in these areas. Professor Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist from the University of Reading and co-author of the study, cautions that the anticipated rise in clear-air turbulence, which researchers have been predicting for the past decade, is now becoming a reality. He stresses the urgent need for investment in advanced systems capable of forecasting and detecting turbulence accurately. Implementing these measures would play a crucial role in averting the possibility of rougher air leading to even more turbulent flights in the future. This approach would significantly assist the aviation industry in mitigating the potential consequences of heightened turbulence in the years to come. The study's findings were published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. Related Article: Arctic Virus Spillover: New Study Claims Climate Change Could Increase Its Risk; Will This Lead to More Pandemic? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google has just released its latest round of updates for June 2023, bringing some exciting improvements to its services. Among the highlights is an optimized user interface (UI) for the Google Wallet app on foldable smartphones. If you have one of these devices, you'll enjoy a Wallet UI tailor-made for your big screen. To make payments or use passes, close your foldable phone, as noted by 9to5Google. Find My Device Network on Google Play The first feature to be tackled is the much-needed update for the Find My Device network. Since last year, Google has been looking to improve its service to compete with Apple with the same branding. The first time that the company hinted about it was during Google I/O 2023. Furthermore, this update is expected to debut in late 2023. By the time of its release, both Pixel 8 and Android 14 might have this functionality. Expanding the Find My Device network is helpful to establish a "privacy-centric" framework for the devices, Android Headlines mentioned in its report. It's important for smartphones, other gadgets, and accessories. Gpay Support For Foldable Another thing to consider is the Gpay support for foldable devices, which is anticipated to be available before the launch of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Flip 5, and of course, Google Pixel Fold. For some reason, Google has not yet shared some information about this, but it's already tailored for Galaxy Z Fold 4. When making a Wallet payment, Google says there's a need to close the foldable phones. Google Wallet 'Animation' Display In another report by Android Headlines, users can soon switch off "fun animation" on the Google Wallet displays. You can do this right after the transaction is made on the platform. You will be prompted for the Google System update by your Google TV. That's the time when you will be asked to download and install the latest update for the changes to take effect. These improvements are made possible in line with the Google Play services v23.22, which was first dropped last Tuesday, June 6. Related Article: Google Drive Ends Support for Windows 8 & 8.1 Desktop App: Time to Upgrade Google System Update Wrap-Up As a review, here's a summarized version of the update: Google Play System Updates for June 2023 Account Management [Phone] New alerts and recommendations to secure your Google Account. Security & Privacy [Phone] Find My Device now supports more devices, including accessories, using a new privacy-centric framework. Wallet [Phone] GPay support for foldable devices. [Phone] Control to opt out of fun animations after you complete a payment or use a pass. System Management [TV] A reminder dialog for pending system updates has been added. For more Google-related content, regularly visit our website so you won't miss any updates. Read Also: New API Policy Forces Third-Party Reddit Apps to Shut Down-What's the Problem? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A mysterious aircraft was captured passing past the RAF Red Arrows at the Torbay Airshow in the Westcountry. The flying object rapidly navigated through the air show team's formation, baffling aviation expectations, according to Devon Live. John Mooner, the photographer who took the bizarre shots, provided insight into the unexpected encounter. According to the UFO enthusiast, the extraterrestrial ship was moving at a staggering speed of "at least 1000 mph" when it was sighted. The photographer said he had encountered these odd incidents before. Mooner, who has been actively studying the UFO phenomenon, went to the airshow intending to learn the truth about these encounters and hoping to catch another unusual occurrence. Newton Abbott resident Mooner took it upon himself to record any "anomalous objects" close to the airplane. His perseverance paid off when he captured a little black item neatly incorporated into the Red Arrows formation. 'UFO' spotted flying over coronation as mystery object seen hovering above Red Arrows pic.twitter.com/M3ptPyN8Ve MyLondon (@myldn) May 8, 2023 Mysterious Object Not From This World Mooner took a series of burst photographs to preserve the object's rapid movement throughout the four frames, creating an impressive visual record. According to his investigation, the unidentified object was moving at a startling pace of more than 1,000 mph. Mooner was sure this was not an ordinary craft but an independent probe run by artificial intelligence, per Daily Mail. Emma Smith, another witness at the event, said that she found an unusual find after looking over her photos. She was looking through her collection of pictures of the Red Arrows shot at 5:45 on Saturday night near Paignton Pier when she saw a little black speck close to the plane. The importance of these occurrences has sparked discussions among subject-matter specialists. In a public discussion last week, the assistant deputy associate administrator for research in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Daniel Evans, recognized the mounting worries about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) and national security. Read Also: Space Travel Poses Dangerous Health Risks for Astronauts Although the potential of alien origins is not discounted, Evans underlined the necessity for a more thorough investigation of these events to address related dangers to airspace safety. US Authorities Extend UAP Investigations Recent changes have broadened the definition of UAPs, going beyond mysterious underwater and atmospheric sightings in the vicinity of Earth to include intriguing flying encounters. Due to growing curiosity, Congress and US intelligence organizations are disclosing more information concerning UFOs and incident data, according to NBC News. Sean Kirkpatrick, the head of the Defense Department's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office, underlined that "mundane" explanations may explain most reports of UAPs. Kirkpatrick said that his agency had received over 800 complaints of unknown flying objects since 1996. He calculated that only 2% to 5% of these examples had "anomalous characteristics" that needed additional examination, such as modeling, simulation, or physical testing. Kirkpatrick said that the most often reported sightings are of strange orbs or spherical objects, generally seen at altitudes where airplanes typically fly. He admitted that establishing scientifically rigorous and acceptable findings needing adequate evidence remains difficult as they attempt to preserve the highest scientific standards in their resolution attempts. Recent UAP sightings, notably a Chinese spy balloon above Montana earlier this year, have further increased the public's curiosity by investigating these puzzling phenomena. Related Article: NASA's Parker Solar Probe Uncovers Possible Source of Powerful Solar Winds 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilized to assist doctors in examining many mammograms at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and their research has already shown encouraging results, as it effectively identified early-stage breast cancer. Mammograms, low-level X-rays used in breast cancer screenings, are crucial for finding minute alterations that could be too tiny to see or feel. According to the NHS, mammograms save around 1,300 lives annually in the UK. The number of Scottish women receiving regular breast tests has grown, while the number of radiologists reviewing the data has decreased. Between 2021 and 2022, Scotland had 1,830 screen-detected breast cancers, according to Public Health Scotland, according to the BBC. Radiologists call 250 to 300 patients back for additional annual examinations, with 30 to 40 needing further care. Dr. Gerald Lip, clinical director of the North East Scotland Breast Screening Programme, highlighted worries about missing cancer cases due to multiple scans. In 2021, Scotland's AI Strategy featured the Gemini initiative, a cooperation between NHS Grampian, the University of Aberdeen, and private enterprises. Mia, an AI model created by Kheiron Medical Technologies with assistance from Microsoft's cloud computing capabilities, is being used in the experiment. Dr. Lip and other radiologists are undertaking experiments to include AI as an extra check after mammography scan assessments, despite the National Screening Council's existing restrictions prohibiting the automated use of AI in screenings. The AI software's ability to reveal variations between mammograms of the left and right sides was demonstrated by Dr. Lip. With this technology, radiologists were able to inspect and confirm the changes the AI detected by pressing a button. Dr. Lip then called attention to a particular location that the AI software had identified as the critical problem. A new study found that artificial intelligence is significantly better at predicting a patients breast cancer risk than current methods. The research analyzed mammograms of more than 18,000 women in which AI took just seconds to determine their five-year risk. pic.twitter.com/VwtFFe4skE CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) June 6, 2023 Read Also: Scientists Discover New Treatment for Cannabis Addiction AI's Big Help in The Fight Against Breast Cancer In a related breast cancer research published in the journal Radiology, artificial intelligence has shown advantages in assisting with risk prediction for breast cancer. In the research, the performance of the five AI algorithms was compared to the conventional Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium risk model. The risk model of the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) uses family history, age, and other characteristics to predict a patient's five-year risk of breast cancer, per SciTech Daily. The research found that AI algorithms outperformed the conventional risk model regarding accuracy. Breast density is the leading imaging biomarker used in clinical risk models. However, AI's deep learning can extract many other mammographic parameters. The retrospective research originally included more than 324,009 participants and ran from 2016 to 2021. In the study, 13,628 patients were chosen at random, and 193 of them subsequently had incident cancer, USA Today reported. All study participants had negative screening mammography and no evidence of malignancy. Within seconds, the AI algorithms developed risk ratings for breast cancer by analyzing these preliminary screens. Even AI systems trained for short time horizons-as little as three months-could forecasts the risk of breast cancer for up to five years in the time ahead when no tumor was clinically diagnosed by screening mammography. The study suggested that combining the AI and BCSC risk models enhanced cancer prediction even more. Related Article: Remote-Controlled Video Capsule Revolutionizes Endoscopy 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Netflix's recent crackdown on password sharing in the United States has resulted in a significant surge in new subscriber sign-ups, surpassing the growth seen during the early days of the Covid pandemic. Netflix's Password-Sharing Ban Triggers Sign-Ups Surge According to data collected by streaming analytics company Antenna, Netflix experienced its largest influx of new users in the United States in late May, marking a milestone for the streaming service. Antenna's data revealed that on May 26 and May 27, shortly after the crackdown was implemented, Netflix added 100,000 new accounts each day. Moreover, in the days that followed, Netflix witnessed a remarkable increase of over 100% in sign-ups compared to the previous 60-day average. The analytics firm noted that these sign-up spikes exceeded those observed during the initial Covid-19 lockdowns in March and April 2020. While there was also an increase in account cancellations during this period, it was not as substantial as the surge in new sign-ups. Upon the release of this data, Netflix's shares experienced a boost, rising by almost 2% in early trading. Over the past month, the company's shares have climbed by more than 27% to approximately $415, CNN reports. Read Also: Greening of Streaming Movement: How to Participate and Why You Should Gaining Back Significant Loses In the past, Netflix disregarded password sharing as it contributed to its growth. However, the streaming giant experienced significant subscriber losses last year and recognized that password sharing negatively impacted its revenues and hindered its ability to invest in new content. Netflix estimated that over 100 million households had shared their login information with individuals outside their residences. To address this issue, the company has implemented new guidelines allowing U.S. users to include an additional member from outside their homes for an extra fee of $8 per month. Moreover, Netflix intends to prevent unauthorized users from accessing accounts with shared passwords. Before taking action in the United States, Netflix had already begun tackling password sharing in other countries, including Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain. During an earnings call, Netflix acknowledged that subscribers initially reacted negatively when the paid sharing option was announced, leading to cancellations. However, the company also observed subsequent increases in acquisitions and revenue. Expert's Insight Variety reports that analysts like Jeffrey Wlodarczak from Pivotal Research Group believe that Netflix's strategy of monetizing the over 100 million households worldwide that engage in password sharing without paying for their subscriptions could lead to a solid subscriber and financial results. Wlodarczak notes that as the dominant streaming video player globally, Netflix has strong long-term growth potential and massive scale economies, which could be further enhanced by introducing the company's ad-supported plan. In Other News According to reports, Spotify is developing a feature called "Your Offline Mix" to enhance offline listen for users with restricted or no internet connectivity. This feature will generate a playlist automatically, comprising recently played songs. It enables users to relish their preferred tracks even when internet access is unavailable. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Netflix Games to Add 40 New Titles this 2023-Is TV, PC Gaming Also Coming? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As governments around the world started to modify policies and regulations for this technology, lawmakers from the US government are considering introducing new restrictions addressing concerns regarding artificial intelligence. Considering Two AI Bipartisan Bills Two separate bipartisan bills have been introduced by US senators to address artificial intelligence, tackling concerns surrounding the technology. According to Interesting Engineering, this effort was introduced because AI gained popularity. The rise of AI started earlier this year when chatbots like ChatGPT became generally available. The first bill would require the government to be transparent when using the technology when interacting with people, while the other would establish an office to determine if the country is remaining competitive in the latest technologies. AI Transparency US government bodies will be needed to let citizens or users know when the technology is being used to interact with them, as per the first bill. Reuters reported that this bill was introduced by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Mike Braun (R-ID), and James Lankford (R-OK). The bill postulates the agencies and divisions of the US government to create a mechanism for its citizens to appeal decisions made by the technology. The main goal of this bill is to be proactive and transparent when utilizing AI, making sure that real humans are still leading the conversation and creating decisions. This effort comes as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schummer (D-NY) promised to prioritize addressing the technology for members of both parties and will focus on big tech companies and, specifically, AI. Also read: White House Investigates Companies on Using Automated Tools to Monitor Its Workers Remaining to be Competitive Meanwhile, the Global Technology Leadership Act aims to establish an office that analyzes how competitive the nation is in critical technologies, such as artificial intelligence, compared with other countries worldwide. NBC News reported that the office would consist of experts from the industry, the Pentagon, and other relevant agencies. The legislation noted that while the Department of Defense evaluates how the country's battleships, tanks, and aircraft compare to other nations, there is no counterpart for processing comparisons with other countries' critical technologies, hence why establishing an Office of Global Competiton Analysis is important. This was introduced by Demoncrat Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Warner, along with Republican Senator Todd Young. The senators rogue that creating the office would increase awareness of American competitiveness, inform policymakers, and strengthen leadership in the country regarding strategic innovation. Bennet stated, "There is nobody, and I say this with complete certainty, no one in the federal government who can tell us how, nor frankly in the United States of America really, who can tell us how the U.S. stacks up in comparison to China in critical technologies like AI." Related Article: How Artificial Intelligence Is Going To Be Regulated By The US Government: A Closer Look 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In the post-COVID-19 era, artificial intelligence or AI is the dominant buzzword in the technology space. This dynamic and transformative technology appears unstoppable in impacting almost all aspects of human life. Self-driving cars, AI writing assistants, chatbots, and many novel innovations demonstrate how AI moves every industry forward. Many technology enthusiasts and futurists view human intelligence's simulation in machines as a huge step in tech innovation. However, many people also feel daunted as they read in the news that AI will detrimentally modify how people live, work, and play. What appears to frighten people is how technology could wipe out most of the world's jobs. These forms of employment include those requiring traditional manual labor, with robots or automation as replacements. Winder.AI is a company that wants to make AI a friend to the world. This firm understands people's current fears and worries over the technology. Winder.AI: AI Is a Friend to the World Winder Research and Development Limited is an AI consultancy and service provider based in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. It operates under the trading name Winder.AI. This leading artificial intelligence or AI service provider aims to deliver AI's promise to make people's jobs more effortless. Dr. Phil Winder is the founder of the artificial intelligence consultancy. He offers AI, data science, machine learning, and MLOps consulting and development services. Winder.AI's customer base is business organizations of all sizes. This company's notable clients are Microsoft, Google, the British Government, Shell, Nestle, and many others. The world's leading AI firms, from startups to multinational companies, trust Winder.AI. This company has achieved its status as a premier AI consultancy provider today, thanks to the following advantages that made it a preferred option among its clients based worldwide: a. Reliable, seasoned team of engineers with AI expertise Winder.AI's team of experts specializes in delivering AI consulting and development services. They are dependable and trusted engineers based in the United States and Europe. Furthermore, many of Winder.AI's professionals hold doctorate degrees in artificial intelligence and technical disciplines. Some possess an exceptional amount of experience in the nascent AI industry. Winder.AI's founder and CEO, Dr. Winder, is an AI expert himself. He has dedicated his career to the field. Dr. Winder began an enterprise before machine learning became widely used. He wanted to help businesses make automated decisions with data. Winder.AI's CEO has also brought awareness to machine learning and AI and trained engineers in the promising discipline. Winder.AI supports all of its staff members permanently working remotely. The company gathered in the past that it is unlikely to discover the professionals with the correct experience and expertise all in the same place. Thus, Winder.AI has operated on a fully remote setup since 2013. With this arrangement, the company firmly believes it can provide customers with a more flexible and efficient service in this increasingly digitized world. b. Small and focused operations Winder.AI offers its clients a focused approach. This company only works on AI-related projects. Winder.AI's team of experienced and dedicated professionals concentrates on their customers' specific requirements. Additionally, Dr. Winder is a hands-on administrator. He works on all projects that his staff members take on. With its focused and small operations, Winder.AI's team can form long-lasting and meaningful ties with its customers. c. Multiple AI solutions Winder.AI discovered over the last ten years that most AI problems turn out to be quite uncomplicated. Hence, this company wanted to share its expertise with the world's business organizations. Winder.AI builds and designs strong AI services. Its team concentrates more on offering production-ready solutions instead of AI as an academic state-of-the-art output. Among the AI consulting firm's offerings are consultancy services in matters relating to AI, ChatGPT, data science, and machine learning. Additionally, Winder.AI offers consultation regarding AI products, reinforcement learning, and machine learning operations or MLOps. In 2018, the AI consultancy company branched out into machine learning operations or MLOps. It aimed to deliver more than just the model. d. Seamless and client-oriented service Winder.AI's customers are based worldwide. The company serves them by communicating in native English. Meanwhile, Winder.AI's clients communicate daily using their preferred tool along with the company's resilient and strong development practices. Winder.AI operates in most time zones. This leading AI firm meets the needs of its most demanding customers by making them feel they are in the same room as the company's team. Furthermore, Winder.AI's staff members are exceedingly flexible. They understand that their customers are quite occupied. Winder.AI knows that its clients' businesses are simultaneously attempting to deliver many services and products. Therefore, the AI consultancy company strives to be as flexible as possible. The Winder.AI team accommodates customers by meeting them during working hours, slotting into their staff members, or working independently. Winder.AI can usually work things out with their clients, whatever the latter wants for this company to work on. Overall, Winder.AI serves its customers by offering them quality expertise. This company achieves this goal by leveraging its extensive network, bringing the correct talent at an opportune time. Moreover, Winder.AI delivers its very best to its clients while keeping the ability to scale up or down and be flexible in its operations to meet the AI industry's demands. Winder.AI stands out against more software-focused companies through its specialization. It has proven to be a genuine AI specialist, not merely a software consultancy group trying to discover new markets. About Winder.AI's Founder Winder.AI is the brainchild of Dr. Phil Winder. He is a data scientist and multidisciplinary engineer. Dr. Winder holds a doctorate and a Master of Engineering degree in electronic engineering from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom. He authored "Reinforcement Learning: Industrial Applications of Intelligent Agents," which was published in 2020. In his book, the data scientist discussed Reinforcement Learning's present state, fundamental building blocks, and industrial applications. Dr. Winder is an early champion of machine learning operations or MLOps. He is also a celebrated international speaker on subjects relating to AI. In March 2021, Dr. Winder spoke on one episode of the InfoQ podcast. InfoQ is a digital community website that offers software engineering experts the chance to share their experiences and insights. Dr. Winder discussed Reinforcement Learning or RL's history and application in content discovery and robotics fields. He also discussed the ethical considerations for RL, running it in production, and scaling RL models. Dr. Winder has trained thousands of data scientists. He is presently based in Yorkshire, where he administers Winder.AI. 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple and Amazon will continue to face a consumer antitrust lawsuit in the United States court for artificially increasing the prices of iPhones and iPads on Amazon's online retail platform. Both companies' bid to dismiss the prospective class action was rejected. Rejecting Bid to Dismiss Lawsuit United States District Judge John Coughenour rejected the bids from Apple and Amazon to dismiss the consumer antitrust law for allegedly inflating the price of iPhones and iPads on the online retail platform Amazon. According to a report from Phone Arena, Coughenour said in his ruling that the jury questioned the validity of the relevant market. This means that the lawsuit will continue to progress as the plaintiffs collect more evidence as the court hosts pretrial proceedings. As the court rejected the bid, Plaintiffs Lawyer Steve Berman stated, "This is a major win for consumers of Apple phones and iPads." Berman represents the residents from the United States who bought new iPhones and iPads on Amazon beginning in January 2019, which contend an agreement between both companies that went into effect in the same year restricted the number of competitive resellers in violation of antitrust provisions. Filing Lawsuit However, Apple and Amazon argued in a motion to dismiss in March that the agreement limited the number of verified resellers to combat the selling of counterfeit products. But as per the new filing, the case still needs to move through an evidence-gathering process as the district judge rejects the request for dismissal. Reuters reported that the attorneys of Apple called the agreement "commonplace" and stated that the Supreme Court and Ninth Circuit have consistently recognized that such agreements are not illegal, pro-competitive, and lawful. But the Seattle judge argued that its "countervailing" motivations for the agreement would be addressed later in the litigation. Apple already gained $94.8 billion in sales in the second quarter and $127.4 billion for Amazon on its recently reported quarterly earning. Steven Floyd v Amazon.com Inc and Apple Inc seeks both companies' unspecified triple damages and other relief as a settlement. Also read: Amazon Employees Walkout Over Company's Climate Impact, Return-To-Office Policy Amazon also faces another pricing practices lawsuit. As per Forbes' report, a California state court judge denied the company's request to dismiss another antitrust lawsuit from CA Attorney General Rob Bonta for allegedly forcing third-party sellers to adopt policies to increase prices in the market. These agreements threatened the seller's penalties for merchants offering lower website prices. Once this succeeds, Amazon would be forced to increase prices and argue that consumers would pay more for their offerings. Related Article: Amazon Settles $30M for Alexa and Ring Data Privacy Violations, Still Denies FTC Claims 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. US Congress resolution urges Biden to provide ATACMS missiles to Ukraine 10 June, 10:54 AM ATACMS missiles (Photo:andriy_ht/Twitter) Representatives from both parties in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs have tabled a resolution calling on U.S. President Joe Biden to transfer ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, NVs sister publication Ukrainska Pravda reported on June 9. Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Michael McCaul, stated that if the United States fails to provide Ukraine with all necessary weaponry, it would contribute to prolonging the conflict. The success of the Ukrainian counter-offensive is directly linked to the military assistance provided by the United States and our allies, McCaul said. Video of day Therefore, it is extremely unfortunate that the administration is withholding billions of dollars in military funding that could have been immediately transferred to Ukraine, thereby significantly aiding its Armed Forces in altering the situation on the battlefield. The resolution highlights that the United States and its allied nations collectively possess thousands of ATACMS missiles. If the resolution is passed by the U.S. Congress, it will call on President Biden to promptly provide Ukraine with an adequate quantity of ATACMS missiles to expedite Ukraines victory. Previously, the Pentagon stated that the provision of Storm Shadow missiles from the UK to Ukraine did not impact Washingtons position of not providing Ukraine with long-range missiles. However, U.S. lawmakers have continued to urge President Biden to supply Kyiv with long-range weaponry. Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov commented that Western countries hesitate to provide Ukraine with long-range U.S. ATACMS missiles due to their limited global availability, as well as concerns that the Ukrainian military might target Russian territory. Will you support Ukraines free press? Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations. As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility to amplify Ukraines voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation. Its the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine. If youre willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda. Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd. If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly. There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting. We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If youre willing to stand up for the truth consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much. Will you help tell Ukraines story to the world? Twenty years ago, most people hadnt even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyones lips and everyones headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of from music and culture to technology. We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If youre willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News In light of the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the accompanying concerns regarding its potential risks and ethical implications, UNESCO has released a policy paper aimed at addressing these issues. The paper comes in response to calls from world leaders and experts for greater regulation and oversight of AI technologies. UNESCO's Recommendation on AI The policy paper from UNESCO analyzes the emerging field of "experimental" AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in the context of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. It emphasizes the ethical principles underpinning the development and deployment of AI systems, taking into account the known effects of these models and their alignment with the principles outlined in the Recommendation. Various stakeholders have expressed significant concerns regarding the malicious use of AI. Instances of AI misuse, such as the widespread dissemination of deepfakes, have seen a substantial rise in recent years, as AIAAIC reported. Moreover, there is apprehension about the worsening of biases and the potential for AI to facilitate the dissemination of fake news and information. In response to these concerns, UNESCO recommends utilizing the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI as a comprehensive guide for stakeholders within the AI ecosystem. The policy paper delineates specific measures and a procedural framework for ensuring the ethical design, development, deployment, and procurement of AI systems. It places paramount importance on mitigating and rectifying any harm caused by these systems and conducting thorough assessments before their implementation. "It is important that we act fast to make sure that people and organizations are prepared to design and use these technologies, evaluating their impacts both ex-ante and ex-post," said Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO. "To do so, we provided clear analyses and policy advice based on the UNESCO Recommendation." Read Also: US Congress Introduces Two Bipartisan Bills, Addressing Concerns Surrounding Artificial Intelligence Toolkit of Resources UNESCO claims that it is well-equipped to support countries in implementing these measures through its comprehensive toolkit of resources, developed in conjunction with the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. The toolkit includes tools such as the Readiness Assessment Methodology and Ethical Impact Assessment and expert networks like AI Experts without Borders and the Women4EthicalAI Platform. Furthermore, UNESCO collaborates closely with other organizations, including the European Union and the G20, to establish effective governance frameworks for AI. Amidst concerns about the regulatory lag in the face of rapid AI innovation, UNESCO's policy paper provides a response to the industry's evolving landscape. It highlights the importance of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI as an existing resource that can guide decision-makers in swiftly and effectively regulating AI technologies. AI is gradually being integrated into various industries, and more than ever, governments worldwide are racing to create new laws that can govern this emerging technology. Related Article: EU Urges Signatories to Label Deepfakes, AI-generated Content To Prevent Disinformation 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google Meet users can now enjoy an enhanced picture-in-picture experience with the latest update, offering a more engaging and feature-rich interface, according to Google's latest blog post. New Actions From the Picture-in-Picture Window This update introduces several new actions that can be performed directly from the picture-in-picture window, adding greater versatility to the user's meeting experience. Alongside the existing options to turn the camera and microphone on/off or leave the meeting, users can now raise their hand, utilize the in-meeting chat, toggle captions on and off, and resize the picture-in-picture view more effectively. Additionally, flexible layouts can be accessed, allowing for seamless navigation and screen sharing during meetings. Google acknowledges the need for a dynamic and interactive meeting environment, particularly when screen sharing or transitioning to relevant screens. This update aims to address these requirements by providing users with increased flexibility and functionality within the picture-in-picture mode. By incorporating these new features, users can maintain their engagement and productivity while navigating different tabs or windows, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined meeting experience. The update is accessible to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts, ensuring widespread availability and usability across various domains. Read Also: Google System Launches Updates for June 2023: UI Optimization for Foldables, Find My Device Expansion, and More How to Use the Picture-in-Picture Mode To utilize the picture-in-picture mode during a Google Meet session, users can follow a simple set of steps. Clicking on "More options" at the bottom of the meeting interface and selecting "Open picture-in-picture" will initiate the picture-in-picture view. A smaller version of the meeting user interface will then appear at the bottom right of the screen, allowing users to interact with various features while simultaneously navigating other tabs or applications. Users can easily manage the picture-in-picture window by dragging it across the screen or resizing it according to their preferences. This enables users to gauge their audience's reaction during presentations, access meeting-related documents, take notes, and utilize features such as raising hands and in-meeting chat seamlessly. To exit the picture-in-picture mode, users can simply click "Back to tab" in the top right corner of the smaller Meet UI. It is worth noting that users will remain in the meeting even after exiting picture-in-picture mode and can choose to end the meeting by clicking "Hang up" if desired. While using the picture-in-picture feature, users can still perform various actions, including turning the camera and microphone on/off, raising their hands, engaging in in-meeting messaging, and managing captions. However, starting a presentation within picture-in-picture mode is not possible, requiring users to initiate the presentation before activating this feature. Google Meet's updated picture-in-picture functionality offers users a more immersive and convenient meeting experience, empowering them to multitask effectively while staying engaged with the meeting content and interactions. Related Article: Google Bard: Answer Math and Logic Questions Better with Enhanced Capabilities-Fixed its Flaws? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a recent development, Twitter is set to introduce a payment program for verified content creators who incorporate ads in their replies. Elon Musk, the owner of the company since last October, revealed that the first payment block is expected to be around $5 million, reported first by CNBC. Exclusive to Verified Creators In a tweet, Musk clarified that the program would exclusively apply to verified creators, emphasizing that only ads served to verified users will be considered for compensation. This initiative aims to incentivize content creators and provide them with a source of revenue for their contributions to the platform. Since Musk's acquisition of Twitter, the company has faced challenges in retaining advertisers due to concerns about ad placement after significant layoffs were implemented. The introduction of this payment program for verified content creators is seen as an attempt to address these concerns and enhance the platform's advertising ecosystem. The decision comes at a significant time as Twitter prepares for a change in leadership. Linda Yaccarino, an advertising veteran from NBCUniversal, is set to take on the role of CEO, bringing her expertise in the advertising industry to drive the platform's growth and address its advertising-related challenges. This move aligns with Musk's previous statements in March, where he highlighted the potential to increase Twitter's revenue by leveraging advertisements that are more relevant and timely. Musk emphasized the need for improved ad targeting to enhance user engagement and increase the platform's monetization potential. Read Also: Twitter Tests Community Notes for Images, Videos to Identify Misleading Media Senators Question Musk's Leadership In related news, a group of senators publicly expressed concerns about the impact of recent decisions made under Elon Musk's leadership on the platform's data security and privacy. The senators, all Democrats, raised issues regarding Twitter's commitment to safeguarding customer data, the adequacy of internal privacy checks, and the rapid changes in the subscription service. The senators' concerns were triggered by the departures of two senior data privacy executives, Ella Irwin, Head of Trust and Safety, and AJ Brown, Head of Brand Safety and Ad Quality. They also questioned whether Twitter's actions may have violated a consent order established with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2011, which aimed to prevent Twitter from misleading customers about the security of their data over a 20-year period. The Democratic senators expressed their apprehension about Elon Musk's alleged disregard for Twitter's legal obligations following his takeover of the company. They emphasized that regardless of individual wealth, neither Musk nor the company he purchased is exempt from abiding by the law. The senators have raised concerns multiple times, seeking clarification from Twitter on its compliance with security and privacy requirements outlined in the FTC consent decree. Twitter has been requested to respond to these inquiries by June 18th. As Twitter moves forward with its plans to compensate verified content creators for ads in replies, the platform faces both opportunities and challenges in striking a balance between monetization, user experience, and data privacy concerns. Read Also: EU Official Reveals Twitter's Exit from Voluntary Pact Against Disinformation 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An Ontario family is raising concerns regarding the grave consequences associated with the ease of accessing illicit drugs through online channels. In March, Aidan Tate, a 19-year-old, tragically lost his life to a suspected drug overdose. Authorities suspect that Aidan acquired the benzodiazepine Bromazolam from an online source, according to an in-depth report by CBC. Illegal Drugs Online Bromazolam, a powerful sedative that has not received approval for medical use globally, is readily available for sale and shipping within Canada. Its combination with opioids significantly heightens the risk of overdose by depressing the respiratory system and counteracting the effects of antidotes like naloxone. Ontario witnessed a substantial number of overdose fatalities last year, with nearly half of them involving benzodiazepines, leading to 1,170 deaths. Aidan Tate's family was well aware of his struggle with benzodiazepine addiction, stemming from his early teenage years when he was prescribed the medication for anxiety and panic attacks. Despite seeking assistance, Aidan was dismissed from an outpatient program when he admitted to purchasing drugs from illicit sources. Throughout his journey of withdrawal, relapse, and experimentation with various substances, Aidan's parents, Phil Tate, and Sarah Budd, provided support. However, they were unable to protect him from the convenient accessibility of benzodiazepines through online platforms. The prevalence of benzodiazepine-laced opioids, commonly referred to as "benzodope," has permeated throughout Canada, captivating users with heightened euphoria while exposing them to amplified risks. Even smaller communities like Peterborough, Ontario, have not been exempted from this crisis. In 2022, Peterborough experienced a staggering 59 overdose fatalities, despite its modest population of just over 135,000. Tragically, by May 2023, an additional 31 lives had already been claimed by this epidemic. Read Also: Health Canada Warns About Eye Drops Labelling Errors-Leading To Massive Recall; What Should You Do? Illicit Online Sales Addressing the illicit online sales of benzodiazepines encounters formidable obstacles. Aidan's family took action by reporting the website through which he obtained Bromazolam, resulting in its closure. However, a cursory Google search uncovers numerous other platforms still peddling this perilous drug, according to CBC's report. These websites often masquerade as Canadian-based, fabricating contact information and addresses while operating from offshore locations. The anonymity inherent in online transactions, coupled with shipments facilitated by Canada Post, further complicates the detection and intervention of illegal substances by law enforcement. Although Canada Post has enacted measures to identify and remove prohibited items from the postal system, the sheer magnitude of mail-amounting to 6.6 billion parcels and letters annually-renders intercepting every illicit shipment is a challenging task. As Aidan Tate's family continues to mourn his loss, they urge authorities to shut down these online platforms and strengthen measures to combat the online sale of illicit drugs. They hope that by raising awareness about the tragic consequences of easy access to these substances, they can prevent other families from enduring the same heartbreak. Related Article: Unknown Brain Illness Breakout in Canada Confirms Six Dead and Dozens Affected | Neurologists Rush to Identify Cases 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google News is undergoing significant enhancements to improve the experience of local news. One of the updates includes a revamped Following tab, which will now function as a content feed. Google Unveils New 'Following' Feature For Readers Previously, the tab only allowed users to access various feeds without displaying actual content. However, this will change soon as Google plans to show users up to three articles with headlines, publication names, and images. Users will have the ability to customize their feed by adding topics, sources (publications), and locations, per Phone Arena. The articles shown on this page will be determined through ranking algorithms similar to those used in Google News. These improvements will first roll out globally to Google News for Android, followed by iOS later this year. Google News Showcase Another notable update is the introduction of the News Showcase licensing program in the United States, according to 9to5Google. The company will compensate participating news organizations for their content, which will be prominently displayed in a carousel format with panels for each site. The selected stories will appear in Google News and Discover. As part of this program, Google will pay news organizations to provide readers with limited access to their paywalled content. The initial launch of News Showcase in the US will include over 150 news publications, with more than 90% of them being local or regional. In addition to these updates, the Google News Initiative is forming partnerships with five news associations in the US. These partnerships will provide financial grants and training to nearly 1,000 local publications, helping them overcome technological challenges and develop strategies for audience growth, individual giving, and sponsorship revenue. Related Article: Google News Gets a Massive Redesign! More Local Stories This Time? Google Rebrands Subscribe Tool With Reader Revenue Manager The Subscribe with Google tool, which simplifies subscription offerings, is now being rebranded as the Reader Revenue Manager. Users can conveniently subscribe to paid services using their Google Account and benefit from automatic sign-in. The Reader Revenue Manager will introduce a new survey feature that allows readers to provide feedback on their interests and demographics. This tool will expand its availability to the Asia-Pacific region and other regions this summer, building upon its existing availability in the US and several Latin American countries. These updates aim to enhance the local news experience, support news organizations, and provide users with personalized and accessible content within Google News. Google's Material You Gets Redesign In a previous story by Android Police, the search engine titan has rolled out the latest change in the Material You design. The feature now boasts a dedicated navigation bar on the bottom with pill-shaped indicators. This will tell you about the tabs you're opening and you should see them if the live update is already up on your end. Read Also: Google Meet Update Enables More Actions in Picture-in-Picture Window 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft recently introduced a cool new feature for Bing Chat on desktop computers. Now you can have a conversation with the chatbot using your voice. If you're fond of practicing your communications skills, the virtual assistant will do its job of talking back to you. Microsoft Introduces Bing Voice Chat on Desktop Bing, which is powered by OpenAI's GPT-4, was first available on mobile devices and is now accessible on your computer. The community warmly welcomed the chatbot when it was first launched to mobile apps and Skype. According to Engadget's report, you can use its voice support in English, Japanese, French, German, and Mandarin. To expand its reach across the globe, the Redmond firm is reportedly working on adding more languages soon. Another impressive feature of this update is the ability of Bing AI to reply to you with text-to-speech answers. Asking a question is now made easier on the platform. For example, if you ask Bing about the longest bridge on the planet, it will answer you with an accurate response. Goodbye Cortana, Hello Copilot The voice support for the Bing chatbot is a great alternative since Microsoft announced that it would soon shut down the standalone Cortana app for Windows. The Verge says in its report that the company plans to focus on bringing more artificial intelligence capabilities to Windows and Edge. Bing Chat, along with Microsoft 365 Copilot, which helps generate content using AI, are innovative ways to improve the overall experience of the users when using an AI assistant. Related Article: Bing's AI Chatbot Launch Brought in 100 Million Daily Active Users What is Micropilot Copilot Now that Cortana is officially leaving the platform at the end of the year, Microsoft needs to choose a replacement. Surprisingly, the substitute for its current digital assistant will be Copilot, which is used along with other Microsoft apps. According to Tech Times, Copilot can do a summarization of an article in an instant. If you have PDF notes to scan, this is definitely a helpful tool to finish your task. It's centered on helping users with their work tasks. If you have a Powerpoint Presentation to submit to your boss, you can ask Copilot for assistance. It also works for those who struggle with inputting data into an Excel file. It's logical for Microsoft to put an end to Cortana, given the competition among the tech brands with AI assistants. While it's still present, the company does not regularly give it the much-needed updates we see from other AI assistants such as Siri and Alexa. Cortana might exist, yet some people can't feel its use and treat it as a "dead" tool. They can't maximize the software because of its outdated features that struggle to catch up with others. Read Also: Windows 11 Update: Microsoft Is Adding Bing AI Chatbot Button as Part of Latest Taskbar Change 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Wanna Download And Install Phoenix Browser On PC? Well, you have landed on the correct webpage, continue reading to quickly Download Phoenix Browser PC Version. Thanks to useful features like a built-in ad blocker, low resource consumption, and a powerful downloader Phoenix Browser is quite popular among Android smartphone users. Although its quite simple to Download Phoenix Browser For Android the same cant be said about Phoenix Browser PC Download. Consequently, we will share multiple methods to Download Phoenix Browser For Windows PC. Download Phoenix Browser For PC Sadly, Phoenix Browser is exclusively developed for Android smartphones and there is no official app or program of Phoenix Browser available for Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 7 PCs, and laptops. Consequently, we have to rely on a feature-packed Android Emulator to download, install and use Phoenix Browser For PC. During the tests conducted by team Techworm, we found that Bluestacks is possibly the most well-optimized Android emulator out there that replicates an Android phone. So heres how you can download and install Phoenix for Windows 10 PC. STEP 1: Download the Bluestacks emulator and install the .exe file on your computer by following the on-screen instructions. STEP 2: Once installed sign in with your Google account on Bluestacks. STEP 3: Next launch the Google Play Store on Bluestacks and search for Phoenix Browser. STEP 4: Once located press the install button and wait for a few minutes. STEP 5: Once the Phoenix Browser app is installed on your PC you can launch it and start browsing the internet. A similar method can be followed to download and install Phoenix macOS. Phoenix Browser PC Download Without Bluestacks Without a doubt, Bluestacks is a feature-packed Android Emulator thats tried and trusted by millions. However, it is not the most optimized emulator out there and you might witness a poor user experience on low-powered computers. So if you want to Download Phoenix Browser on Windows PC and Mac without Bluestacks then you can check out these great Bluestacks Alternatives. 1. Nox App Player Nox App Player is another great android emulator for downloading and using Phoenix Browser on a Windows and macOS PC. This emulator offers one-click installation and excludes any bloatware or third-party apps. Nox App Player is very stable and the keymapping feature comes in handy while browsing the internet on Windows 11 Phoenix Browser. 2. KO Player KO Player is the next best emulator for Windows 10 Phoenix Browser Download. Well, this emulator is perfect for playing games and running resource-intensive apps. KO Player also offers One-click recording which might come in handy if you plan to record your browsing activity or any tutorial. 3. MEmu MEmu Play is an Android 5.1 Lolipop-based Android emulator for Windows 11 PC. The installation is quick and simple with no bloatware or third-party apps. One of the major highlights of MemeU Play is Key-Mapping again can come in handy while navigating between tabs in Phoenix Browser. Download Phoenix Browser For PC Windows 11 With Windows 11 its now possible to natively download and install Android Apps on a PC. Consequently, if you have Windows 11 installed on your PC then you can effortlessly download Phoenix Browser eliminating the need to rely on an Android Emulator. To do so you can either search for Phoenix on Amazon App Store or Microsoft App Store. That said if you dont find Phoenix on these app stores then you can manually install the Phoenix Browser APK on your PC. One of the best websites to Download Phoenix Browser APK is APKPure. DOWNLOAD PHOENIX BROWSER APK Phoenix Browser For PC Download FAQs How Do I Download Phoenix For PC? To Download Phoenix For PC first, install any reliable android emulator like memu play on your PC. Next, launch the emulator and sign in to your google account to download apps from the play store. Once thats done open the play store and search for Phoenix Browser once located hit the install button and you will be good to go in a few minutes. Is There Phoenix Browser For PC? Sadly, theres no native version of Phoenix Browser For PC. That said, Phoenix Browser can easily run on any Windows 10 PC using any mainstream android emulator. Furthermore, Windows 11 natively supports Android apps so you can effortlessly Install Phoenix Browser APK On PC. Is Phoenix Browser Free? Yes, Phoenix Browser is completely free and offers many great features like Free VPN, News Browsing, Fast Downloading, and Immersive Video Watching. You can install Phoenix Browser APK on your Windows 11/10/7 PC for free. Is Phoneix Browser App Safe? Phoenix Browser App is a fast, free, completely safe, and reliable web browser for Android smartphones, tablets, and Windows PC. To ensure complete safety you can download Version 11.7.1.4175 or above of Phoneix Browser. Is Phoenix Browser Chinese? Phoenix Browser is developed by CloudView Technology which is owned by Tencent which is a chinese company. CONCLUSION So these were some of the best methods to Download Phoenix Browser Windows 11. If you come across any other reliable method to Download And Install Phoenix In PC then feel free to let us know on our socials. In this piece, we will take a look at the ten momentum stocks billionaires are loading up on. For more stocks, head on over to 5 Momentum Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On. Just as there are countless different sectors of stocks for every flavor of economic sentiment, there are a variety of different approaches to investment as well. Broadly speaking, investing can be bifurcated into two categories. These are playing the fundamentals and playing the technicals. And while the latter is often dependent on the former, it is possible to isolate them and focus only on one strategy. Investing with the fundamentals involves an understanding of a firm's balance sheet and its market performance. Companies with stable cash flows, significant share price ratios to their earnings, large growing markets, and countless other metrics are often preferred depending on the investing strategy. Investing with technicals is a graph-based game that looks at share price trends, market sentiment measured through the volume of shares traded, and a handful of other metrics. These days, the macroeconomic environment is one of the most watched indicators. Specifically, investors are wondering if there will be a recession in America and how effective the Federal Reserve's fight against inflation has been. For the latter, June has proven to be an interesting month. Economy watchers were left confused when the May jobs report from the Labor Department revealed that while the number of jobs grew, the unemployment rate also ticked up. However, as the second week of June kicked in, the market was dealt a pleasant surprise. The Labor Department came out with some good news (at least for investors) in its unemployment insurance claims report. Its data showed that the initial claims for the week ending on June 3rd were 261,000 marking a 28,000 jump from the prior week. According to the department, the only time in recent history the number of claims was higher was during the coronavirus pandemic when the claims at the end of October 2021 stood at 264,000. State wise, California accounted for half of the weekly jump, reporting 5,173 additional non seasonally adjusted claims. The market, safe to say, was ecstatic. Economists polled by Reuters had expected the claims figure to come in at 235,000 so the data beat expectations by quite a margin. However, before you get too enthusiastic, keep in mind that economists are also urging caution, as the numbers are quite volatile on a weekly basis and since the data is dominated by a handful of states instead of being a broader occurrence. Some also believe that the data might also be influenced by automakers' seasonal shutdown of plants to retool their machines. Turning to the markets, the NASDAQ jumped by 89 basis points while the NASDAQ 100 rose by a little over one percent. This is because the technology sector is one of the most sensitive ones to high interest rates and the latest release hints that perhaps the Federal Reserve might exercise more restraint. The S&P500 marked a smaller, 49 basis point increase while the NYSE Composite was up by 12 basis points. However, the Russell 2000 index was down by 49 basis points, since the latest data also points to an economic slowdown which often negatively affects small-cap companies. So how to play these recent market trends? Well, on the technical side of investing, one popular strategy is momentum investing. Simply put, momentum investing involves taking a look at recent price trends to determine if there are a sufficient number of buyers and sellers of stock and if their interest can create a self sustained period of price movements that can be leveraged for profit. The seminal work on momentum investing, and one that laid the ground work for today's strategy, was a research paper from Narasimhan Jegadeesh and Sheridan Titman published in The Journal of Finance March 1993 edition. This paper examined NYSE and AMSE stocks between 1965 and 1989 and the results of sixteen trading strategies that picked stocks on the basis of historical stock returns ranging from one to four quarters. All the strategies that the researchers studied yielded positive results, leading them to conclude: Trading strategies that buy past winners and sell past losers realize significant abnormal returns over the 1965 to 1989 period. For example, the strategy we examine in most detail, which selects stocks based on their past 6-month returns and holds them for 6 months, realizes a compounded excess return of 12.01% per year on average. Additional evidence indicates that the profitability of the relative strength strategies are not due to their systematic risk. The results of our tests also indicate that the relative strength profits cannot be attributed to lead-lag effects that result from delayed stock price reactions to common factors. The evidence is, however, consistent with de- layed price reactions to firm-specific information. So, it appears that there are indeed quite a lot of benefits when taking a momentum based approach to investing. Naturally, this led us to take a look at some momentum stocks that billionaires are buying and some top picks are Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB), AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO), and Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD). Momentum Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On Our Methodology To make our list of the momentum stocks being bought by billionaires, we used three indicators - the relative strength index (RSI), the average volume, and the 50-day simple moving average. The RSI measures how fast a stock's price is rising or falling, the average volume analyzes whether the shares traded are above typical levels, and the 50-day simple moving average smooths out price fluctuations. Through these, we first narrowed down to an initial list of stocks based on criteria that looks whether the stock's 50-day moving average was above the 200-day moving average, whether the RSI indicated an oversold stock, and if its relative volume was twice the normal levels. Finally, to ensure that only quality stocks were included, stocks with only recommended Hold or better ratings were picked. This presented us with an initial list of 20 momentum stocks with the best analyst ratings. We then used Insider Monkey's database of billionaire-owned stocks and choose 10 out of these 20 stocks with the highest number of billionaire investors as of the first quarter of 2023. Momentum Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On 10. Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN) Number of Billionaire Investors in Q1 2023: 6 Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN) is an American technology firm headquartered in Hanover, Maryland. It operates networking and automation platforms enabling customer networks to run switching and other functions. By the end of this year's first quarter, 32 of the 943 hedge funds part of Insider Monkey's database had held a stake in Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN). Out of these, the firm's largest investor is Richard Mashaal's Rima Senvest Management with a $99 million stake. Along with AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO), Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB), and Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD), Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN) is a hot momentum stock also finding favor from billionaires. 9. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) Number of Billionaire Investors in Q1 2023: 6 Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is one of the largest alcoholic beverage companies in the world. It operates in more than a hundred locations all over the world and sells a variety of different alcoholic drinks including whiskey, beer, and hard seltzer. Insider Monkey took a look at 943 hedge funds for their March quarter of 2023 investments and found out that 23 had bought the firm's shares. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO)'s largest hedge fund investor is Tom Gayner's Markel Gayner Asset Management which owns 1.3 million shares that are worth $244 million. 8. Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG) Number of Billionaire Investors in Q1 2023: 7 Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG) is one of the world's largest jewelry companies. It primarily makes and sells diamond products and has stores all over the world. Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG) is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. 28 of the 943 hedge funds profiled by Insider Monkey had bought and invested in Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG)'s shares as of March 2023. Robert Joseph Caruso's Select Equity Group is its largest investor with a $687 million investment. 7. Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) Number of Billionaire Investors in Q1 2023: 8 Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) is an American firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It operates and franchises restaurant brands such as Chilli's Wings and It's Just Wings in the U.S. and all over the world. After digging through 943 hedge funds for their Q1 2023 shareholdings, Insider Monkey found out that 24 had held a stake in the restaurant company. Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT)'s largest investor is Brandon Haley's Holocene Advisors with a $70 million investment. 6. Smartsheet Inc. (NYSE:SMAR) Number of Billionaire Investors in Q1 2023: 9 Smartsheet Inc. (NYSE:SMAR) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. The firm was set up in 2005 and it provides a software as a service (SaaS) platform that allows users to work and collaborate with each other. Insider Monkey's first quarter of 2023 research covering 943 hedge funds outlined that 50 had bought Smartsheet Inc. (NYSE:SMAR)'s shares. Out of these, the firm's largest hedge fund investor is Michael Kahan and Jeremy Kahan's North Peak Capital since it owns 4.5 million shares that are worth $216 million. Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB), Smartsheet Inc. (NYSE:SMAR), AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO), and Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) are some top momentum stocks that billionaires are also buying. Click to continue reading and see 5 Momentum Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 10 Momentum Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On is originally published on Insider Monkey. 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Long gone are the days when your grandmother received a poorly-written email from a Nigerian prince promising a windfall. These days, courtesy of AI, financial scams are a lot more sophisticated and believable. Using artificial intelligence, scammers are employing deeply persuasive FaceTime calls, phone calls, and emails to unsuspecting victims. They are posing as prospective lovers, close friends, or even government agents from the IRS, according to experts. Consequently, experts warn the problem could reach unprecedented levels as fraud becomes almost undetectable. They caution Americans to keep their guards up so they dont get swindled, and recommend several ways to protect themselves. We call it crime 3.0, said Haywood Talcove, CEO of the government group at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a data analytics company that protects against identity fraud among other services. The use of this technology whether it's artificial intelligence, generative AI, as well as the deep-fake technology has the ability to blow through most of the tools that have been set up to protect our financial institutions and our government institutions. FILE - The ChatGPT app is displayed on an iPhone in New York, May 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) AI is a problem for everyone Recently, online scams have shot up. Federal Trade Commission data released in February showed that consumers lost roughly $8.8 billion due to fraud in 2022. Thats a 19% increase over the previous year. Kathy Stokes, AARPs director of fraud prevention, or Fraud Watch Network, pointed out that such numbers dont reflect the true scale of the problem because most online scams go unreported. We don't know how big it is, Stokes said. But we know it's so much bigger than we can even imagine. She also noted that fraud doesnt solely affect older Americans. Indeed, the recent FTC data indicate that young people now fall victim to fraud more frequently than seniors. AI is a problem for everyone, not just older adults, and versions of artificial intelligence have been part of fraud for a long time, Stokes said. But now this generative AI just really creates so much more sophistication to the way they target people. She added: It's just when that older adult is the target, they tend to lose so much more because they have those assets that they've saved for retirement an insurance policy if they're widowed and housing wealth and the criminals will go after that. You don't look like a 25-year-old fraudster Visitors stand near a sign of artificial intelligence at an AI robot booth at Security China, an exhibition on public safety and security, in Beijing, China June 7, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo According to the experts, criminals engage AI in several kinds of scams to better dupe their victims. For instance, with ChatGPT, criminals can now send more persuasive letters requesting money, Adam Brewer, a tax lawyer, told Yahoo Finance. The difference now is that it's just more polished. Essentially, they have the computers writing the scripts or writing the letters, Brewer said. It's just going to be a lot harder for the average person to detect. Talcove cited the romance scam, in which fraudsters pose as prospective lovers and fool victims out of their money. Fraudsters can use deepfake technology to alter their image and even the sound of their voice. Lonely, elderly men are particularly susceptible to this form of fraud. You don't look like a 25-year-old fraudster. You look like a 40-year-old attractive female and everything fits the image, fits in the voice, Talcove said. That to me is when you're looking at one of the more devastating impacts of artificial intelligence. He also spotlighted ransom fraud. In this particular scam, Americans might receive a call from a family member or close friend in the middle of the night urgently pleading for money. You're lying in bed at night. Your phone calls and it sounds like your kid, and they're stuck in the Bahamas and they've been arrested. And you need to send them $5,000 immediately, Talcove said. They use generative AI for replication and voice and it's really not your kid. This March 22, 2013, file photo shows the exterior of the Internal Revenue Service building in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) If you've heard about it Experts recommend several courses of action for addressing this kind of fraud. One way to avoid ransom fraud is by creating a family password that a fraudster wouldnt know, Talcove said. To deter romance fraud, adult children should advise their parents to not send money to strangers. Meanwhile, Stokes said potential victims should watch out for messages that put them in a heightened emotional state, such as winning lots of money or the beginning of an exciting, new romantic relationship. Those things put us into a place in our brain, the amygdala, where it's hard to come out of it to access logical thinking. Criminals have known that since forever, Stokes said. And unfortunately, the tools have become so much better for them, that they're able to cause so much harm, but we really need people to focus on that. She added: That red flag it's that emotional reaction to an incoming communication. That's the flag. That's where to disengage. To verify someone's identity on social media, Stokes recommended folks conduct a reverse image search. And if that person shows up on other people's names, then you know the person is trying to defraud you and deceive you in some way, she said, but acknowledged that a reverse image search is not as effective to do when I've just created a human and I can create hundreds of humans that don't actually exist, but that look real. Brewer added that people should be extremely suspicious of government requests that demand immediate action. Government bureaus like the IRS move slowly and are unlikely to make first contact over the phone, email, or text. They're going to send letters and it is going to be a slow process, Brewer said. So if someone's calling you or texting or emailing you, telling youve got to act in the next minutes or days or hours, that's not the time frame the IRS operates on. So you can be sure that it's most likely a scam. Ultimately, Brewer said, the best defense against fraud is awareness of the threat. Thats really the difference between someone falling victim and not. If you've heard about it, your mind is going to put that into that fraud category, he said. Now you're instantly skeptical, whereas if you haven't heard of it, your mind might run and have you send money to someone or do something you'll later regret. Dylan Croll is a Yahoo Finance reporter. 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 The vessel ONE MISSION berthed at the Port of Houston. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) Last week, we forecast a further decline in U.S. containerized import volumes in the second half of 2023, and a new bottom for volumes during this downcycle. The lingering effects of the bullwhip effect on inventories, along with the considerable downside risks that exist to consumer spending, the upcoming months are likely to witness an unprecedented level of caution among importers during this years peak season. This caution, combined with a weakening global macroeconomic backdrop, only heightens the risks of declining import volumes. The Inbound Ocean TEUs Volume Index USA with four-year seasonality. Chart: FreightWaves SONAR. To learn more about FreightWaves SONAR, click here. As we forecast, ocean container bookings in the first half of 2023 (white line) have continued trending right alongside 2019 levels (orange line). This is expected to continue through early Q3, at which point we will likely begin to see a detaching from 2019 levels to find a new bottom, ultimately resulting in a significant drop of 10% to 20% below levels experienced during the 2nd-half of 2019. Below is a chart of what that decline of 10% (orange) to 20% (red) in monthly loaded import TEUs would look like across the Top 10 U.S. ports. To learn more about FreightWaves SONAR, click here. The most recent May report from Logistics Managers Index (LMI) data highlights an important nuance in the persistently high inventories. While the supply chain activity reached an all-time low for the third consecutive month in May, inventory levels also contracted for the first time since the early days of the pandemic. However, even though inventory levels decreased by 1.5 points to 49.5 (marking the first time since February 2020 that inventories have entered contraction territory), its important to note that downstream retail inventories continue to grow at a rate of 54.4, while upstream manufacturer and wholesaler inventories are contracting at a rate of 46.7, which pulled down the overall figure for May. Logistics Manager Index LMI composite measure vs. LMI inventory levels in white and green, respectively. To learn more about FreightWaves SONAR, click here. With retail inventories still in a period of expansion, retailers that are major U.S. importers can be expected to adopt a cautious approach as they navigate the excess inventories that have accumulated in the supply chain bullwhip. These retailers have been scaling back since recognizing the inventory issue in Q1 2022, but the reality is that high inventory levels persist and could extend the destocking cycle throughout (at least) the remainder of 2023. This will require importers to be increasingly strategic in their reordering efforts in the second half to prevent further inventory buildup and manage costs effectively while addressing any additional shifts in consumer demand. As a prime example, Target, one of the major retail players (and the second-largest U.S. importer of containerized goods) entered 2023 with a sense of caution due to its inventory glut and potential shifts in consumer spending patterns. The companys fiscal year 2022 report highlighted the challenges posed by rapid changes in consumer preferences and supply chain volatility, necessitating careful inventory planning to minimize markdowns. In the most recent quarter, Target has now seen both a decline in foot traffic (down 9% y/y) and sales figures (down 5% y/y) as reported by CitiBank analysts, which has likely only increased Targets concerns about reordering/restocking. In the report from CitiBank, which downgraded Targets stock price, the Citi analysts also noted other growing concerns for the retailer, such as the competitive pressure posed by Walmart, which is expected to continue gaining market share (largely due to its strong Grocery segment), potentially impacting Targets discretionary sales, which account for 55% of its overall sales. With Target serving as a prime example of the issues that major retailers are potentially facing heading into the second half of 2023, it is becoming increasingly evident why the company would be incredibly cautious with bringing in new container volumes. Source: Macrotrends.net Target Inventory Levels Reported on Quarterly Reports top bar chart reporesents $USD value with bottom chart representing y/y % change Looking a little further upstream, wholesalers are also facing larger inventory problems than may be perceived from solely looking at the most recent LMI report. Since November 2022, the inventory-to-sales ratio has been higher than during the worst months of the Great Recession. If sales do not rebound (increasingly unlikely that they will), inventories must undergo substantial reductions in the second half. The imbalance between excessive inventories and only a slight softening of sales is causing significant strain throughout the global supply chain, especially when it comes to major origin countries and production centers for U.S. containerized goods. This strain is becoming increasingly apparent further upstream into major origin countries for U.S. containerized imports like China, where economic troubles continue to worsen. Jeffrey Snider of Eurodollar.University has been covering this in-depth in recent weeks, and in a recent video post, he pointed out that for the fourth consecutive month, consumer prices have dropped alongside the largest year-on-year decline in Producer Price Index (PPI) and factory gate prices since 2016. In the chart below, we can see that in May alone, Chinas producer prices experienced a significant 0.9% decrease, further confirming that Chinas reopening has been significantly overstated. These year-on-year declines are especially concerning given the fact that these comparisons are being made during last year when large manufacturing centers in China (i.e. Shanghai) were still largely on lockdown due to COVID restrictions. Source: Jeffrey Snider Eurodollar.University Snider also pointed out that Chinas economic woes are reverberating throughout Asia, driven by the global recession that has dragged down industries. This widespread contraction is evident in the sharp decline in imports from South Korea and Japan, with both countries experiencing a 26% year-to-date decrease in imports. There has also been a substantial decline in Chinas exports. Specifically, the value of goods exported to the U.S. plummeted by 18% year on year in May. This is all supportive of the reality that the reverse bullwhip effect has dealt a large blow to China, resulting ultimately in lower prices while intensifying the global trade recession, which has spread deeper into Europe. The Outbound Ocean TEUs Volume Index China to the USA. Chart: FreightWaves SONAR. To learn more about FreightWaves SONAR, click here. Europes PPI has sharply declined, primarily due to falling energy prices, but included a considerable decline in core prices as well. The HCOB Flash Manufacturing PMI for the Eurozone in May 2023 recorded a significant decline to 44.6 from Aprils 45.8, far below the forecasted 46.2. This reading indicates the sharpest contraction in the factory sector in three years, with output, new orders, and backlogs of orders all declining at an accelerated pace. Input prices experienced the most substantial drop since February 2016, as manufacturers curtailed their input purchases, leading to a steep decline in inventories. Business confidence, especially within the manufacturing sector, weakened further, and Germany (already in an official recession) witnessed a particularly pronounced decline in manufacturing activity. Factory orders there have plummeted, especially from non-European markets, further indicating weakening global demand. The Outbound Ocean TEUs Volume Index Germany to All Ports (Globally). Chart: FreightWaves SONAR. To learn more about FreightWaves SONAR, click here. It is also important to note another major input in the manufacturing process: cardboard box demand. FreightWaves was among the first to cover the concerning signs surrounding cardboard box demand in the article, Cardboard box demand plunging at rates unseen since the Great Recession. Demand has remained soft ever since, and in a recent article from Charles Schwabs chief global investment strategist, Jeffrey Kleintop, he proclaimed that the United States is currently experiencing a cardboard box recession. This refers to a situation in which manufacturing and trade experience a global recession while services industries continue to grow. Demand for manufacturing and trade-related goods has declined, as indicated by the decrease in demand for corrugated linerboard. Circling all the way back to consumers, there are still a number of downside risks facing consumer spending in the 2nd-half, but one of the largest risks is student loan repayments. FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller covered this risk at length in his recent article An unusually terrible freight market may get a lot worse. The article points out factors that could worsen the freight market, including the potential end of various stimulus programs that have boosted personal income and freight demand, but specifically, it highlights the potential fallout caused by the impending resumption of student loan payments. The end of the student loan deferment program, which allowed consumers to save an average of over $15,000 since March 2020, will have a significant impact on consumer spending. With 64% of the $1.7 trillion student loan debt remaining in forbearance, the resumption of payments will create a cash flow shock for many households, particularly among the 25 million Americans ages 18-44 who have deferred their payments. This demographic plays a crucial role in driving consumer spending, and the sudden increase of approximately $393 per month in loan payments will likely lead to reduced discretionary income and a potential decrease in spending capacity. The lingering effects of the bullwhip effect on inventories at major U.S. importers, along with the considerable downside risks that exist to consumer spending, the upcoming months are likely to witness an unprecedented level of caution among importers. The prevailing global economic conditions further contribute to the downward risks facing import volumes. While it may not be a sharp drop, it is becoming increasingly probable that U.S. import demand will experience a fresh decline and establish a new low point in the second half of 2023. The post Bullwhip effect cracking US imports peak season (again) appeared first on FreightWaves. The historic federal criminal case against former President Donald Trump has been initially assigned to a judge he appointed who faced criticism over her decision to grant the Republican's request for an independent arbiter to review documents obtained during an FBI search of his Florida estate. A person familiar with the matter says the case has been assigned to Judge Aileen Cannon, a former federal prosecutor who was nominated to the bench by Trump in 2020 and sits in Fort Pierce. The move seems a rare bit of good news for Trump given rulings last year she issued in his favor and in opposition to the Justice Department. Three Tennessee state legislators did what they believed their constituents wanted: They demanded loudly that their colleagues act to curb gun violence in the wake of a March 25 school shooting that left three 9-year-old children and three adults dead in an affluent Nashville neighborhood. A man is dead and police are hunting for his alleged attacker after a stabbing at a home in Sydneys west on Friday. Police and paramedics were called to a home on Parroo Street, St Clair about 4.30pm on Friday, where they found Youhanna Angok, a man in his 20s, unconscious with stab wounds, Nine News reported. Authorities tried to save the man by administering CPR but he died at the scene. Police are searching for the alleged attacker Prince Fanhbulleh (top right), after the death of Youhanna Angok, (bottom right). Credit: Nine News Prince Fanhbulleh, the alleged attacker, entered the St Clair home where his ex-partner was hosting Angok on Friday afternoon. An altercation erupted before Angok was fatally stabbed. Speaking to Nine News, a woman who grew up with Angok in Doonside, who didnt want to be identified, said he died the day before his 25th birthday. In 1971, I hitchhiked the length of the east coast of Australia alone. The appearance of a phone box - and there almost always was one not too far away - meant I could drag my contact book out of my backpack and a coin from a pocket and call ahead to some friend of a friend and beg a spot on their couch for the night. It also meant I could dial 013 and ask the operator to place a call to my family, reversing the charges (naturally). Sometimes I did. They were comforting little worlds, those old booths, complete with a door for privacy, even if they often stank of urine. You needed coins to dial. You could amuse yourself perusing messages scrawled into the paintwork, suggesting you call Mandy or Rex if you were in search of an interesting time. There, anyway, is the answer to that regular question: What did we do before mobile phones? My solo trip was a very long time before Ivan Milat consigned hitchhiking in Australia to a hideously dangerous period of history, of course. Still, an uncle in Rockhampton tried unsuccessfully to persuade me to carry his old service revolver on my travels north. I didnt know then that a 130-kilometre stretch of the Bruce Highway between the North Queensland towns of Marlborough and Sarina was known as death alley, owing to frequent shootings and murders. In the 60s and 70s, one stretch of road in northern Queensland became notorious. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer In 1967, a Queensland Labor MP, Rex Patterson - later a minister in the Whitlam government - told Parliament he carried a loaded rifle in his car when travelling that spooky road. Just in case. In the previous 18 months, two men had been shot and their bodies thrown into a creek on the Marlborough-Sarina stretch, another man was shot dead while camped in a car, and four other people, including a woman, had been ambushed and wounded. Four years after I hitched through, two more travellers, Sophia and Noel Weckert, were killed on that same road. Two drifters were later found guilty of murder and a woman was convicted of manslaughter. On my way back, after Id finally got as north as I could go, I got stuck in Sarina. By then I knew a bit about the reputation of the area, and wasnt entirely happy about being dropped off in the little sugar-milling town. Sugar cane country in northern Queensland. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer No one would pick me up. For two days. The annual show and rodeo was on. The local cowboys thought it was fine sport to give me a hard time as I tried to sleep on the towns creek bank. I woke to discover someone had shoved a cane toad in my sleeping bag. Beery voices cackled across the creek. There was a phone booth down the street. In the absence of that pistol Id refused to carry, I needed to hear a friendly voice. The phone was busted. No voice, friendly or otherwise, would come down the line. And I lost a precious 20 cents in the slot. These days phone boxes are free for the public. Credit: Glenn Campbell When a fellow in a Morris Minor finally pulled up well into the second day, I leapt in and refused to leave the tiny vehicle until we reached Rockhampton, 300 kilometres down the track. All the way back to Victoria, I obsessively checked booths to see if their phones were in working order. Matt Golding Credit: . To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and telephone number. No attachments, please include your letter in the body of the email. See here for our rules and tips on getting your letter published. Case for social workers The article, School camps saved (10/6), brings up valid questions whether teachers should be paid for being on call at overnight school camps. This situation is not restricted only to teachers but many professions, one being first-response social workers. Social workers are called out all hours of the day or night looking for kids in their care. There is no overtime on pay day, only time in lieu which a lot of social workers dont take because its viewed by the kids as a breaking of trust. The kids trust that their social worker will always be there in a time of need and there always seems to be a time of need. As unfair as this seems, social workers do their job with no overtime given because their job is to help marginal people and save lives. The world would be a better place if we could recognise all workers contribution to society and reward them. Sharon Hendon, Glen Iris Assange a warning for all How will the world be different if Julian Assange is extradited to the United States? As a foreign national who never stepped foot on US soil, Assanges situation should send a chilling warning to all. The US has given itself jurisdiction over persons of any nationality, in any country. If you think this decision affects just one man, think again. What message does this send to others who might dare to consider the same? How might they view the prospect of enduring what Assange has endured? Where does that leave our right to access truthful information about what governments do in our name, with our taxes? And where does it leave our supposed democracies? I acted without delay because I was concerned about what would otherwise happen to our standing. I still feel strongly that the partys name and reputation had to be protected. I only wish I had had more time to consult party members more broadly. But I would not have done this if I didnt believe, deep down, that it was necessary to win. Critics say that by expelling Deeming who supports gender-critical feminists who argue sex is immutable Pesutto, a moderate, isolated the partys conservative members, acted without authority and muzzled free speech. But the father-of-three insists her expulsion wasnt about free speech or the ability to have debates but a matter of teamwork, discipline and focus. He said he accepts that the party needs to discuss difficult issues and that gender debates are legitimate issues to discuss. Pesutto said he wishes he had more time to consult party members about Deemings expulsion Credit: Justin McManus Pesutto has recently begun spending more time talking to party members and selling his revival of the Liberal Party as a more inclusive party that is ready to take office in 2026. While Pesutto, a lawyer by trade, is optimistic about his future, Liberal MPs both federal and state are split on whether he will lead the party to the next election. In the coming months, he will face defamation action from Deeming and a crucial byelection test in Warrandyte, all while trying to represent an ultra-marginal seat and reform the party he loves. I am not going to say it will be easy, there will be difficult days ahead, Pesutto said. Lots of people have been told they cant win, but you get to decide that, he said. You have to build that belief back up. Politics is a brutal business. But in those increasingly rare moments of downtime, Pesutto likes to play guitar or binge on his favourite TV series including political satire Veep and Succession (he was happy with the finale but has sympathy for Kendall Roy). Wife Betty describes the couple's home as their safe space. The moments we do have together are really precious, Betty told The Sunday Age. The couple, who John said get on like a house on fire, met through friends in the early 1990s. They married in 2001 after John popped the question on their fourth anniversary, following a romantic dinner at a bayside restaurant. John Pesutto with his mother Antonietta. He actually went into my jewellery box to find my ring size, but chose one of the rings I wear on my middle finger so it turned out to be quite large, Betty laughs. But I wanted to wear it for a few days before it could be resized so I put some sticky tape on it. Betty is an accountant but has taken on the role of political confidant, advisor and campaigner during her husbands career. She admits the criticism can be tough but said she shares her husbands political values and resilience. Born in the Victorian town of Traralgon in 1970, John was the fourth of five children born to Antonietta and Luigino Pesutto. Luigino an orphan emigrated to Australia in 1961 from his home in Calabria in southern Italy, searching for better opportunities than those in postwar Italy. Antonietta, who didnt speak English, followed alone two years later on the Galileo Galilei, which docked at Port Melbourne in 1963. The pair married days later. My daughters call their Nonna boss lady because of how gutsy she was, Pesutto says. Luigino had several jobs but spent most of his working life as an electrician at the local power station. Pesutto would proudly wear a T-shirt that read My dad works at Yallourn W the local coal-fired power plant in the Latrobe Valley. Pesutto's mum raised the couple's five children and worked as a machinist at McArthur's shoe factory in Traralgon. Loading His admiration for his parents is clear: You made this happen he says, reflecting on their sacrifice. But the admiration is mutual. Luigino can regularly be seen walking around his retirement village wearing a John Pesutto for Hawthorn T-shirt and used his sons election posters to scare away birds from his veggie patch. The struggle they went through, the chances they took, were amazing by todays standards, Pesutto said. They are beautiful stories, the migrant stories, we look at it now with a kind of romanticism. Their life wasnt pretentious, it was utter modesty, and everything was for the family and their children. Although his parents rarely discussed politics, Pesutto believes it was their values a sense of opportunity, honest work and an enterprising ethic that drew him to join the Liberal Party 30 years ago. He doesnt subscribe to the narrative that Victoria is too progressive for a Coalition government, insisting the party must attract support from across the state. The Liberal Party is broad enough to be able to represent the regions, rural areas, growth suburbs, outer suburbs and inner suburbs. We have to avoid, as a party, falling into the trap that we have to choose. If the Labor Party can manage that breadth, why cant we? But the party is a long way from the Treasury benches. In Victoria, the Liberals hold just 19 of 88 seats in the Legislative Assembly. To win government in 2026, Pesutto believes the party must transition into a more diverse and modern organisation. We need to reform, I dont think we can avoid that, Pesutto says. But I do not believe for a minute that we cannot win in 2026. Key to his reform agenda is attracting new members, broadening policy discussions beyond members, professionalising the party machine and running in every election including council contests across the state. Loading We live in a world where people have different lives, families take different shapes, people have greater agency over their identity and who they want to be, so we need to understand and accept that that diversity doesnt have to be inconsistent with our values, he said. Why should it matter whether you worship a god or not, or whether you have a certain sexual orientation. None of that should matter. If we are truly executing the partys values and platform, we should be able to appeal to anyone. While the past six months havent gone to plan, Pesutto is accustomed to political setbacks. His win in Hawthorn in 2014 came after repeated attempts over 20 years to win preselections for multiple federal seats. The day after he lost the seat of Hawthorn at the 2018 election, he sat alone in his study in his familys Camberwell home and plotted a way back. The Hawthorn MP had dreamt of serving in parliament since he first ran for preselection in the west Gippsland seat of McMillan now Monash in 1994. But after just four years as Victorias shadow attorney-general, he was out of a job. Washington: The White House said that Russia appeared to be deepening its defence cooperation with Iran and had received hundreds of one-way attack drones that it is using to strike Ukraine. Citing newly declassified information, the White House said on Friday (US time) the drones, or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), were built in Iran, shipped across the Caspian Sea and then used by Russian forces against Ukraine. Iran-made drones are displayed in a ceremony in Iran. Credit: AP Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorise the Ukrainian population, and the Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening, White House spokesman John Kirby said in a statement. We are also concerned that Russia is working with Iran to produce Iranian UAVs from inside Russia. Washington: Theodore Ted Kaczynski, the Harvard-educated mathematician who retreated to a dingy shack in the Montana wilderness and ran a 17-year bombing campaign that killed three people and injured 23 others, died Saturday. He was 81. Branded the Unabomber by the FBI, Kaczynski died at the federal prison medical centre in Butner, North Carolina, Kristie Breshears, a spokesperson for the federal Bureau of Prisons, told The Associated Press. He was found unresponsive in his cell early Saturday morning and was pronounced dead around 8am, she said. A cause of death was not immediately known. Theodore Ted Kaczynski is flanked by federal agents as he is led to a car from the federal courthouse in Helena, Montana, on April 4, 1996. Credit: Before his transfer to the prison medical facility, he had been held in the federal Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado, since May 1998, when he was sentenced to four life sentences plus 30 years for a campaign of terror that set universities nationwide on edge. He admitted committing 16 bombings from 1978 and 1995, permanently maiming several of his victims. Key Insights The projected fair value for Sanli Environmental is S$0.11 based on Dividend Discount Model Sanli Environmental's S$0.10 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate Peers of Sanli Environmental are currently trading on average at a 58% premium In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Sanli Environmental Limited (Catalist:1E3) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. See our latest analysis for Sanli Environmental The Calculation We have to calculate the value of Sanli Environmental slightly differently to other stocks because it is a construction company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.0%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.9%. Relative to the current share price of S$0.1, the company appears about fair value at a 8.7% 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. Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate) = S$0.008 / (8.9% 2.0%) = S$0.1 dcf The Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Sanli Environmental as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.169. 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 Sanli Environmental Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings. Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market. Weakness No major weaknesses identified for 1E3. Opportunity Current share price is below our estimate of fair value. Significant insider buying over the past 3 months. Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine 1E3's earnings prospects. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows. Next Steps: Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. 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 Sanli Environmental, we've compiled three relevant elements you should explore: Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 4 warning signs with Sanli Environmental (at least 1 which is potentially serious) , and understanding these should be part of your investment process. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for 1E3's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. 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 Singaporean stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Key Insights Canadian North Resources' significant private companies ownership suggests that the key decisions are influenced by shareholders from the larger public A total of 2 investors have a majority stake in the company with 55% ownership Insiders own 27% of Canadian North Resources If you want to know who really controls Canadian North Resources Inc. (CVE:CNRI), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. With 41% stake, private companies possess the maximum shares in the company. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company. Individual investors, on the other hand, account for 32% of the company's stockholders. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Canadian North Resources. See our latest analysis for Canadian North Resources What Does The Lack Of Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Canadian North Resources? We don't tend to see institutional investors holding stock of companies that are very risky, thinly traded, or very small. Though we do sometimes see large companies without institutions on the register, it's not particularly common. There are multiple explanations for why institutions don't own a stock. The most common is that the company is too small relative to funds under management, so the institution does not bother to look closely at the company. It is also possible that fund managers don't own the stock because they aren't convinced it will perform well. Institutional investors may not find the historic growth of the business impressive, or there might be other factors at play. You can see the past revenue performance of Canadian North Resources, for yourself, below. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Canadian North Resources. The company's largest shareholder is Kre Developments Co. Ltd., with ownership of 41%. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 14% and 12% of the stock. Interestingly, the bottom two of the top three shareholders also hold the title of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, respectively, suggesting that these insiders have a personal stake in the company. A more detailed study of the shareholder registry showed us that 2 of the top shareholders have a considerable amount of ownership in the company, via their 55% stake. While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. Our information suggests that there isn't any analyst coverage of the stock, so it is probably little known. Insider Ownership Of Canadian North Resources The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. It seems insiders own a significant proportion of Canadian North Resources Inc.. Insiders have a CA$66m stake in this CA$242m business. We would say this shows alignment with shareholders, but it is worth noting that the company is still quite small; some insiders may have founded the business. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 32% stake in Canadian North Resources. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Private Company Ownership Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 41%, of the company's shares. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company. Next Steps: I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. To that end, you should learn about the 4 warning signs we've spotted with Canadian North Resources (including 3 which are a bit concerning) . Of course this may not be the best stock to buy. Therefore, you may wish to see our free collection of interesting prospects boasting favorable financials. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here The Daily News will sit down with your top performance player from the Week #7 Batavia Muckdogs games and talk baseball! Keep an eye out for our Week #8 poll, running next week (Tuesday - Friday)! You voted: Cango Inc. (NYSE:CANG) Q1 2023 Earnings Call Transcript June 9, 2023 Operator: Good morning, and good evening, everyone. Welcome to Cango, Inc.'s First Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call. At this time all participants are in a listen-only mode. The call is also being broadcast live on the company's IR website. Joining us today are Mr. Jiayuan Lin, Chief Executive Officer; and Mr. Yongyi Zhang, Chief Financial Officer of the company. Following management's prepared remarks, we will conduct the Q&A session. Before we begin, I refer you to the Safe Harbor statement in the company's earnings release which also applies to the conference call today as management will make forward-looking statements. With that said, I'm now turning the call over to Mr. Jiayuan Lin, CEO of Cango. Please go ahead, sir. Jiayuan Lin: Hi everyone. Welcome to Cango's first quarter 2023 earnings call. Due to a variety of issues, notably COVID-19, the automotive industry remained slow throughout 2022. The macro economy began to show indications of steady recovery in 2023, the first year of the post-pandemic era, made a hopeful basis for a revival in China's auto sector. Despite this encouraging trend, the market remained weak in the first quarter due to constrained consumer spending caused by factors such as the Spring Festival Holiday, the loss of national subsidies and a price war that began in March. According to China Passenger Car Association, retail sales volume of passenger vehicles declined 13.4% year-on-year in the first quarter. We predict the overall passenger vehicle market to remain volatile into 2023 owing to persistent pressure from weaker market demand. Cango reacted promptly to changing macro economic and industry conditions by using our resources and constantly expanding our capacity to capture long term growth opportunities. Our Cango Haoche and Cango U-Car apps are now fully operational showcasing our capacity to successfully develop a full service automotive transaction ecosystem centered on both new and used cars by refining our service capabilities and enhancing our operating skills. In the first quarter of 2023, our overall revenues of RMB540 million, down 31% year-on-year but up 11% quarter-on-quarter. Revenues from car trading transactions were RMB430 million, accounting for 79% of total revenues, reinforcing our position as a strong growth engine. Our company's net income for the first quarter was RMB78.8 million, primarily due to an increase in gain on risk assurance liabilities, and the newly implemented accounting standards and the reversal of credit impairment loss due to asset quality improvement. The entire outstanding balance of financing transactions we facilitated have reduced from RMB25.6 billion as of December 31, 2022 to RMB20.7 billion as of March 31, 2023, with our M1 + and M3 + percentages falling to 2.33% and 1.29% respectively. We anticipate that the ongoing reduction in our outstanding balance of financing transactions, together with our robust balance sheet will provide significant support for Cango's healthy long term growth prospects. Next, I would like to provide some specifics on the significant progress we've achieved with our company. Let's begin by discussing the new car trading transactions. The first quarter is typically considered the offseason for automobile sales, and when combined with macro economic and industry challenges, the overall market remains subdued. Nevertheless, our new car trading transactions business demonstrated a robust performance in the first quarter, exhibiting enhanced operational capabilities and efficiency. During this period, a total of 3,867 cars were sold on Cango Haoche maintaining stability compared to Q4 2022. As of March 31, 2023, the total number of dealers participating in Cango Haoche rose to 10,469, marking a 14.8% [ph] increase year-on-year. By the end of the first quarter Cango Haoche app had accumulated over 877,000 page views and attracted more than 78,000 unique visitors. Our distinct vehicle inventory advantage has significantly contributed to the success of Cango Haoche, which has been warmly received by dealers since its inception. Diverging our vehicle inventory we have concentrated on our commitment to delivering superior service to dealers through a diverse range of high quality offerings. buick, automotive, automaker, 4wd, 2013, 2012, crossover, enclave, vehicle, automobile, new york, press, utility, transportation, sports, silver, encore, suv, display, white, Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com Since the start of this year, we have further refined our services to accurately address the challenges and unique requirements of small and medium sized dealers, equipping them with effective support to grow their business and achieve profitability. In mid-February Cango Haoche introduced a new membership service. This incentive-based program merges a membership repay policy with card dealer tiers aiming to boost the repurchase rate of service products and foster dealer engagement. In addition to enhance our online survey efficiency, we introduced an intelligent AI customer service on Cango Haoche in April. This 24/7 service has not only significantly improved our service quality for dealers and increased their satisfaction rates, but also boosted our operational capabilities and efficiency. Moreover Cango Haoche's multi-store model was specifically designed to foster horizontal extension by attracting more high quality third party auto service providers to open online stores. In April Cango Haoche saw the launch of its first online store by third party service provider, JL Car Tuning [ph]. We anticipate the introduction of auto accessories for these [ph] stores in the second half of 2023, empowering dealers to better serve and retain customers with a diverse range of products and services. Moving forward, fueled by Big Data and digitalization Cango Haoche will persist in deepening its multi-store extension strategy, welcoming more upstream and downstream participants from the auto transaction value chain to join us. In doing so, we aim to fully actualize resource sharing across industry by eliminating barriers between small and medium sized dealers and automotive service providers and achieving bi-directional or two way empowerment through digitalized service processes. Now let's shift our focus to used cars, building on the success of the Cango U-Car mini program which was introduced in May last year. The Cango U-Car app was launched in early January this year. The app operates in tandem with the Mini programs providing a seamless experience. Both the app and the mini program have been specifically designed to offer comprehensive technology-driven services that are more secure, reliable, diverse and efficient for used car dealers and individual used car owners alike. By refining these services we have been able to better understand and cater to the unique needs of various industry players offering a one-stop-solution for all their requirements. Powered by our enhanced used car transaction services and optimized digital capabilities, Cango U-Car now provides a range of functions including historic vehicle condition reports, vehicle appraisals, online options, online car searches, used car listings, self-operated used car inventory repurchases and other services such as logistics, financing and insurance. By the end of the first quarter of 2023 our network has included nearly 6,000 register used car dealers across 479 cities in 29 provinces nationwide. The accumulated page views and total unique visitors on the Cango U-Car app and mini program were over 513,000 and 26,000 respectively by the end of the first quarter of 2023. Maintaining a stable advanced inventory as well as a transparent pricing structure are crucial for used car dealers. Thanks to our extensive dealer network across lower tier cities and decades of industry experience we have ample sources of high quality used cars such as trade-ins from our auto financing customers and repossessed cars from our asset management department. These represent unique advantages for our used car transaction services and specifically address one of the primary challenges for used car dealers. In addition to overdue customers Cango has potential inventory of approximately 20,000 used cars from customers whose payments ended normally each month, powered by our in house capabilities in used car acquisition and transaction conversion these potential inventory resources along with repossessed cars will further strengthen the competitive edge of Cango U-Car in terms of used car resources. In May 14 [ph] Cango U-Car successfully obtained its online auction qualification with upgraded auction services in addition to auctioning your individual and repossessed vehicles, all registered dealers nationwide can now list their used cars for B2B auctions through our platform. As far as we know, this capability is the first of its kind available in the market. In other words, we can now provide all small and medium sized used car dealers with additional technology enabled sales channel, enabling them to achieve better prices and faster inventory turnover. Vehicle inspection plays an important role in improving the used car transaction experience. We have well established in house technician teams to not only improve our capabilities, but also offer professional services to dealers and consumers, including vehicles condition checks, pricing and license verifications. In April of this year, we entered into a group level partnership with China Grand Auto to provide a suite of professional after sales services for all its used cars. Going forward, we will continue to accelerate digitalization and enhance our differentiated services in the OTA market. These efforts will provide a foundation for Cango's sustainable growth. We remain committed to standardizing our offerings and deepening our penetration across the automotive value chain powered by Big Data and technological innovation. We will continue strengthening our competitive advantages across the supply chain, covering car transactions, aftermarket services and building a closed loop ecosystem. With these initiatives Cango is well positioned for resilience as we strengthen our place in China's automotive industry with evolution powered by digital technology. Next I'll turn the call over to our Chief Financial Officer, Michael Zhang for a review of the company's financial performance. Yongyi Zhang: Thanks, Jiayuan. Hello everyone and welcome to our first quarter 2023 earnings call. Before I start to review our financials, please notice unless otherwise stated, all numbers are RMB terms and all percentage comparisons are on a year-over-year basis. Our total revenues for the first quarter was $542.6 million, among which our trading transaction business delivered revenues of RMB429.8 million, further demonstrating its solid position as our major revenue driver. Now let's move on to our costs and expenses during the quarter. Total operating costs and expenses in first quarter 2023 were $419.8 million compared with $976.8 million in the same period 2022. Cost of revenue in the first quarter 2023 decreased to $480.5 million from $687 million in the same period 2022. As a percentage of total revenues cost of revenue in its first quarter 2023 was 88.6% compared with 87.2% in the same period 2022. Sales and marketing expenses in first quarter 2023 decreased to RMB12.5 million from RMB53.8 million in the same period 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, sales and marketing expenses in the first quarter 2023 was 2.3% compared with 6.8% in the same period 2022. General and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2023 decreased to RMB39.8 million from RMB15.9 million in the same period 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses in the first quarter 2023 was 7.3% compared with 6.5% in the same period 2022. Research and development expenses in the first quarter 2023 decreased to RMB8.1 million from RMB14.5 million in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses in the first quarter 2023 was 1.5% compared with 1.8% in the same period 2022. Net gain on contingent risks assurance liabilities in the first quarter 2023 was RMB1.6 million. The gain was recognized due to the release of publications from the contingent aspect of the risk assurance liabilities. Net recovery on provision for credit losses in the first quarter 2023 was RMB48.6 million. That recovery was primarily due to the positive impact from the collections of financial receivables. We recorded income from operations of RMB51.8 million in the same in the first quarter 2023, compared with our loss of RMB189.1 million in the same period 2022. Net income in the first quarter 2023 was RMB78.8 million. Non-GAAP adjusted net income in the first quarter 2023 was RMB92.8 million. On a per share basis basic and diluted net income per ADS in the first quarter of 2023 was RMB0.58 and RMB0.56 respectively, and non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS in the same period was RMB0.69 and RMB0.66 respectively. Moving on to our balance sheet, as of March 31, 2023 we have cash and cash equivalents of RMB696.6 million, compared with RMB378.9 million as of December 31, 2022. As of March 31, 2023 the company had a short term investment of RMB2 billion compared with RMB1.9 billion as of December 31, 2022. Looking ahead to the second quarter 2023, we are now predicting our total revenues to be between RMB600 million and RMB650 million. Please note that this forecast reflects our current and preliminary view on market and operational conditions which are subject to change. This concludes our prepared remarks. Operator, we are now ready to take questions. See also 25 Best Beaches in California and 10 Best Coal Mining Stocks to Buy . To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. 12,000-Year-Old Tiny Bone Flutes Found in Israel That Imitate Predatory Birds One of the seven miniature bone flutes found in Hula Valley, in Northern Israel. (Yoli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority) Tiny bones from 12,000-year-old prehistoric birds found in northern Israel have been identified as flutes, researchers say. The seven miniature flutes, made of waterfowl bones, emit sounds like the calls of predatory birds, and the researchers suggest they might have been used for making music, hunting, or some form of communication with the birds. The paper that uncovered the findings was published on June 9 in Nature Scientific Report. It was authored by Dr. Laurent Davin, a post-doctoral fellow at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Centre de Recherche Francais a Jerusalem (CRJF), and Dr. Jose-Miguel Tejero, the University of Vienna and the University of Barcelona, Spain. The flutes were found in the prehistoric swamp site Eynan-Mallaha in the Hula Lake Basin of the Upper Jordan Valley of Northern Israel. One of the flutes that was discovered is complete, according to the researchers, and so far as is known it is the only one in the world in this state of preservation. In the circular structures found in the settlementwhich was first excavated in 1955bones of a variety of animal species, including birds, were found. These were the homes of the hunter-gatherers. Through a variety of analyses, the researchers demonstrated that the bones were intentionally manufactured more than 12,000 years ago to produce a range of sounds, which were close to raptor calls. They speculate that the tiny flutes could have been used to attract prey while hunting. The researchers examined the bones of birds that were recovered by the excavators, as part of the material culture study and funerary offerings at the site from the final Natufian period. Most of the bones are from wintering waterfowl. Demonstration of using a replica of the whistle in an undated photo. (Courtesy of Laurent Davin) The scientists noticed marks on seven tiny wing bones of Eurasian coots and Eurasian teals. Examination of these marks found that they are very tiny holes bored into the hollow bones. In order to figure out how the objects were used, the researchers created replicas of the originals. As part of an experiment carried out on the replica, it was found that the instruments produce different sounds and it was thus concluded that they functioned as flutes. When the sounds were compared with the calls of dozens of bird species that were found on the site, they proved to resemble those of birds of preythe Eurasian Sparrowhawk and the Common Kestrel. One of the theories is that these flutes functioned as a whistle. People equipped with the flutes took up a position near waterfowl and when the sparrowhawks and kestrels, attracted by the whistle calls, approached, the waterfowl flew off in different directions, which made them easier to be caught. It also seems likely, according to the researchers, that in the ensuing confusion, the birds of prey themselves could be trapped. Their claws were used in several ways, including as ornaments and for piercing bones for making new whistles. If the flutes were used for hunting, then this is the earliest evidence of the use of sound in hunting, said Dr. Hamoudi Khalaily of the Israel Antiquities Authority according to a press statement. In most sites from the same period, these instruments deteriorated and vanished, he said, and consequently, the tiny flutes were found as a result of careful and gentle sieving of the excavation finds using water. This discovery provides new information on hunting methods and supplements the various prehistorical tools in the southern Levant, said Khalaily. The sounds produced by the flutes could have served different social-cultural-symbolic functions for the hunter-gatherers at the site, the researchers suggest and add to other findings that demonstrate the complexity of the people of the Natufian culture. The Natufian archaeological culture from about 15,000 to 11,700 years ago marks the transition from hunter-gatherer Palaeolithic societies into fully-fledged agricultural economies of the Neolithic, according to the paper. The Natufians were the first known hunter-gatherers in the Levant that adopted a sedentary lifestyle, as is known through the material culture that has been left (e.g., graveyards, artistic manifestations, and durable stone-built structures). The Natufians from Eynan-Mallaha hunted other larger birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, and goshawks, and larger waterfowl such as geese, swans, and mallards. Thus, they had a large availability of bigger bird bones. So it seems they deliberately chose the short and narrow bird bones as blanks for wind instruments, according to the report. Tiny holes in hollow bird bones that were meticulously perforated to make miniature wind instruments that mimic the sounds of predatory birds, in an undated photo. (Courtesy of Laurent Davin) Although similar aerophones have been found in later archaeological cultures, this is the first known instance of artificial bird sounds in a Paleolithic site. The current research shows how important it is to preserve the cultural finds uncovered during excavations, which continue to yield new insights and research directions into human culture, thanks to new methods and to collaboration among scholars in different disciplines, said Prof. Rivka Rabinovich of the Institute of Archaeology and scientific director of the National Natural History Collections at the Hebrew University. 8 More States Passed Measures to Extend Medicaid Postpartum Care to 12 Months The weeks and months after giving birth referred to as postpartum often result in women suffering from nutritional and hormonal imbalances. (Kristina Paukshtite/Pexels) Lawmakers in more than a handful of states have passed measures this legislative session to expand Medicaid postpartum care coverage for mothers from 60 days to 12 months. This year, Montana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, and Alaska have joined dozens of states that have already implemented the expansion option under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021. The year that follows delivery is a very vulnerable year for the pregnant person, Annie Glover, a senior research scientist at the University of Montanas Rural Institute for Inclusive Families, told KFF Health News. Mothers covered by Medicaid are guaranteed 60 days of postpartum coverage under federal law. The ARP option allows states to amend their state plans to extend the coverage to a full year post-birth. Louisiana was the first state to extend postpartum coverage under its state plan. The ARP state plan option took effect on April 1, 2022, and was initially available to states for a five-year period ending on March 31, 2027. However, the plan was made permanent under the$1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (pdf). Medicaid provides health coverage for more than 86 million low-income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The plan is administered by the states and funded by the states and federal government. Maternal Mortality Statistics More than 4 out of 10 births in the United States are covered under Medicaid, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data for 2020 (pdf). Maternal mortality rates increased during the pandemic. In 2021, 1,205 women died of pregnancy-related causes, up from 861 deaths in 2020 and 754 in 2019 (pdf). Thirty percent of pregnancy-related deaths occurred 43-365 days postpartum, according to Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRC) in 36 states (2017 to 2019). About 23 percent of pregnancy-related deaths occurred seven to 42 days postpartum, while 12 percent took place between one to six days. Another 13 percent of deaths occurred on the day of delivery. The remaining 21 percent occurred during pregnancy. There were six main underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths, according to MMRC. Mental health conditions, hemorrhage, cardiac and coronary conditions, infections, thrombotic embolism, and cardiomyopathy accounted for more than 75 percent of pregnancy-related deaths from 2017 to 2019. Of those deaths, nearly 85 percent were determined to be preventable, validating the importance of expanded postpartum care coverage for mothers. The number of pregnancy-related deaths has increased from 7.2 percent in 1987 to 17.6 percent in 2019, CDC data shows. State Medicaid Amendments In recent years, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have recognized the high maternal mortality rate in the United States, especially among non-Hispanic black women, according to the CDC. Whether youre conservative, liberal, or somewhere in between, people are really supportive of maternal health and helping moms and babies get a good start, Maggie Clark told KFF. Clark is the program director for Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families. Thirty-five states, including Washington D.C., currently participate in the extended postpartum care coverage. Once a state approves an amendment to extend Medicaid postpartum care coverage to a year, it must submit the proposal to the federal government for approval to participate in the program. Montana recently adopted a state budget that includes $6.2 million in state and federal funds over the next two years to provide Medicaid postpartum extended care coverage for up to 2,000 patients each year, according to state and federal estimates. In late May, Texas lawmakers approved a bill to provide 12-month postpartum coverage. Women would not be covered following an elective abortion, where abortion is illegal unless the pregnancy puts the mothers life at risk (pdf). Were thrilled that Texas is taking this critical step forward to support healthy moms and babies, said Diane Forester, director of health policy at Texas Care for Children. This legislation will ensure that more Texas moms can keep seeing their doctor, continue their medications, and take other steps to stay healthy during a time that is so important for their health. The bill was sent to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk for signature. States that Failed to Pass Bills Arkansas, Idaho, and Wisconsin lawmakers failed to pass bills to extend Medicaid coverage for 12 months. Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, according to the CDC (pdf). The maternal mortality rate in Idaho doubled between 2019 and 202, according to the Maternal Mortality Review Committee. In Wisconsin, at least 25 women die each year during or within a year of pregnancy, according to the Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review 2018 report (pdf). Pregnancy-related mortality for non-Hispanic black mothers is five times the state for non-Hispanic white mothers, the report stated. Maternal Mortality Continues to Rise The number of maternal deaths increased to 1,205 in 2021, up from 8621 in 2020, according to National Center for Health Statistics. There were 754 maternal deaths in 2019. Across the nation, the maternal death rate for black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for white women. And the report showed that maternal mortality significantly increases with age, with the rate being 6.8 times higher for women 40 and over compared to women under 25. Australian Law Firm Investigates Cyber Hack Data Release Claim A prominent Australian law firm is investigating claims hackers have published data taken from the company on the dark web. HWL Ebsworth, which has clients at either commercial or government level in every state or territory, on June 9 said it had learned of the data release. Cyber criminals who accessed our systems have now claimed to have published around one third of the total data they say has been exfiltrated from our firm, a company spokesman said. We are investigating this claim and are seeking to identify what data may have been published. It was reported in May by the Australian Financial Review that hackers claimed to have obtained client information and employee data from HWL Ebsworth. The Tasmanian government said it had been contacted by the federal government about an illegal release of HWL Ebsworth data on the dark web. Minister for Science and Technology Madeleine Ogilvie said there was a nationally co-ordinated approach to investigating the impacts of the incident. This is concerning and we are working closely with the Australian government to establish if any Tasmanian information has been impacted, Ogilvie said. While this may take some time considering the volume of data involvedwe are taking swift action and will keep the Tasmanian community informed with further developments. HWL Ebsworth has said it will not submit to the hackers ransom demand. We take our ethical and moral duties to the community very seriously, the firms spokesman said. We consider we have a fundamental civic duty to not, in any way, encourage or be seen to condone the criminal activity of extorting money by taking and threatening the publishing of other peoples data. The privacy and security of our client and employee data remains of the utmost importance. We acknowledge and understand the impact this may have, and we are communicating closely with our clients. The firm says it is working with the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and relevant government authorities and law enforcement. A spokesman for federal Cyber Security Minister Clare ONeil was unable to provide comment. Tasmanias government was caught up in a separate data breach earlier this year in which 16,000 state education department documents were released onto the dark web after a third-party file transfer service was hacked. Badly Managed Cal State Should Not Raise Tuition Commentary I feel sorry for college students today. Tuition and other costs keep going up and up. The latest: California State University is proposing a tuition increase from $174 to $462 a year, plus future increases. Current tuition is $5,742 a year. So in fall 2024 the cost could be as high as $6,204, or 8 percent higher. The increase would have to be approved by the Board of Trustees. The recommendation followed a March report from the trustees Committee on Finance, which found a $1.5 billion funding gap. About 60 percent of students dont pay tuition, so 40 percent would pay the higher amount. Unfortunately, the news stories on the funding gapand the supposed need for a tuition increasedid not note the section in the report on the major causes of the gap. This includes the Los Angeles Times story, which said of the report, In the 2021-2022 school year, there was a 14% disparity between what the system spent and what it actually cost to educate students, pay salaries and keep campuses running, the report said. But here are two items from the list starting on p. 51 of the report: 1. Debt service. Capital facility debt serviceUnknown to Significant In 2008 Governor Brown faced a $26 billion structural deficit and mounting state indebtedness and essentially froze all further state debt financing including the use of General Obligation bonds and lease-revenue bonds for higher education capital facilities (where the state paid the debt service) the last state supported bond occurred in 2006 with a voter approved $690 million in state General Obligation bond funding. Actually, in 2008 the governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger. But his action as the Great Recession dug in showed the dangers of bond financingbecause you always have to pay back the bonds. And if you delay a payment, the future payments just get worse. California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, Calif., on March 8, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Yet the report even laments, [T]he Governor [Schwarzenegger in 2006] proposed at that time an additional $2.7 billion in future G.O. [general obligation] bond recommendations to address CSU capital facilities that unfortunately were never placed on the ballotbut, if passed, would have made todays crisis worse. The bonds that were passed should have been paid down entirely with last years $100 billion surplus. But that was another wasted opportunity. 2. Pensions and retiree medical. Retirement cost increases since FY2014/15 $43.6 million and increasing annually. Again, as part of the states effort to shift annual cost increases tied to compensation the CSU was required to provide additional funding for retirement obligations out of the CSU operating budget. Most Cal State employees, including professors, are part of the California Public Employees Retirement System. Along with most other state and local pensions, benefits were spiked more than 20 years ago. A 2013 City Journal investigation headlined, The Pension Fund That Ate California. CalPERSs corruption, insider dealing, and politicized investments have overwhelmed taxpayers with debt. It detailed: CalPERSs three-decade-long transformation from a prudently managed steward of workers pensions into a highly politicized advocate for special interests. Unlike most government pension funds, CalPERS has become an outright lobbyist for higher member benefits, including a huge pension increase that is now consuming California state and local budgets. CalPERS has also steered billions of dollars into politically connected firms. And it has ventured into socially responsible investment strategies, making bad bets that have lost hundreds of millions of dollars. Such dubious practices have piled up a crushing amount of pension debt, which California residentsand their childrenwill somehow have to repay. CalPERSs funding level also dropped to 72 percent on June 30, 2022, from 81.2 percent a year earlier. In three weeks well get the latest numbers. As I write on the evening of June 7, 2023, the S&P 500 is at 4,267.52 compared to 4,115.77 on June 7, 2022. Thats an increase of just 3.7 percent. So, although CalPERSs investments are different from the S&P 500, its unlikely to have performed much differently. California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, Calif., on March 8, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Too Many Administrators Another big factor in Cal States rising expenses is top-heavy administration. A 2016 report by then-State Auditor Elaine M. Howled found: This report concludes that growth in the number and compensation of management personnel significantly outpaced those of other employee types, including nonfaculty support staff. Specifically, from fiscal years 200708 through 201516, the growth rate was 15 percent (503 employees) for fulltime equivalent (FTE) management personnel, whereas the growth rate for FTE nonfaculty support staff was only 6 percent (1,514 employees) and for FTE faculty was only 7 percent (1,328 employees). We also found that the six campuses we visited frequently could not justify the growth in the number of new management personnel and one campus granted raises to management personnel that were not supported by current written performance appraisals, as required by CSU policy. Theres also something the audit did not cover: Many hundreds of these administrative positions could be cut, saving millions. For example, just at Cal State Fullerton, its divisive Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity administrative section could be eliminated, including all these functionaries: Arlene Gutierrez, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion Tara Garcia, Chief of Operations, Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion John Beisner, Executive Director, Risk Management and Compliance Phenicia McCullough, Associate Vice President, Human Resources Services Bobbie Porter, Assistant Vice President, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Programs Michelle Tapper, Assistant Vice President, Labor and Employee Relations A similar list could be added from each of Cal States 22 other campuses. Conclusion Even more than most California government departments, Cal State is loaded with programs that are wasteful, inefficient, and downright counter-productive. Whats needed is a massive program of reform, not tuition increases. Kids shouldnt be required to go deeply in debt just to support bureaucratic bloat and politically correct indoctrination. John Seilers email: writejohnseiler@gmail.com Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Bipartisan Group Proposes Bill to Grant Uyghurs Priority Refugee Status A member of the Uyghur American Association rallies in front of the White House, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, after marching from Capitol Hill in Washington, in support of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act which has passed the House and now will go on to the Senate. The bill prohibits some imports from Xinjiang and imposes sanctions for human rights violations. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo) U.S. lawmakers have proposed a bipartisan bill to grant priority refugee status to Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities suffering persecution at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime. The bipartisan Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act was introduced on June 8 by Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.), Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). The horrific atrocities that Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities are facing at the hands of the Chinese government are a global human rights emergency, and the United States cannot turn our back to those fleeing this persecution, Wexton said. The proposed bill will designate Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang as Priority 2, or P-2, expediting their asylum application process in the United States, according to a press release. The P-2 designation is used for refugees of special humanitarian concern to the United States who require immediate resettlement and access to the U.S. asylum process. It also seeks to protect Uyghur refugees who fled to countries outside of China by prioritizing diplomatic efforts in those countries, which often face intense pressure from the CCP to extradite Uyghurs to China. In a statement, Meeks said he believes that providing expanded refugee protections to Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities will demonstrate that the United States is serious when it comes to human rights. The United States cannot simply condemn Beijing for its genocide and pat itself on the back, Meeks said. We have a moral and international responsibility to offer aid and assistance to those that are trying to escape the PRCs atrocities in Xinjiang. Rushan Abbas, executive director of Campaign for Uyghurs, said the designation of P-2 refugee status is a long-overdue acknowledgment of the horrific conditions faced by the Uyghurs. I strongly urge Congress to pass this bill immediately and send a clear message to the CCP that the world will not tolerate their flagrant violations of human rights, Abbas said in a statement. The Uyghur community has suffered far too long, and it is time for action to be taken to provide them with the protection and relief they so desperately need, she added. A security person watches from a guard tower around a detention facility in Yarkent County in northwestern Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, on March 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File) In February, a delegation of 40 Chinese envoys faced questions from the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights about the forced labor in Xinjiang. During the six-hour hearing on February 15, the U.N. committee asked the Chinese delegation about the forced labor in Xinjiang, the disparity in access to education, and the cultural and language rights of minorities. They were also questioned about reports of the destruction of mosques and monasteries in Xinjiang and the purpose of reeducation camps guarded with barbed wire and surveillance cameras. The Chinese delegation rejected all charges of human rights abuses, saying that freedom of religious belief was well protected in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, according to the U.N. transcript. Another Chinese delegate claimed that the barbed wire and surveillance cameras at the Xinjiang reeducation camps were put in place for safety reasons. The human rights abuse charges followed the release of a U.N. report in August 2022, which states the scale and brutality of the detentions may amounted to a crime against humanity. The extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim groups may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity, it stated. Buena Park Officials Hopeful of Future of Orange County Power Authority A Southern California Edison crew installs a new overhead switch for circuit reliability in Ventura, Calif., on May 13, 2020. (Brent Stirton/Getty Images) Buena Park city councilors unanimously voiced support during a study session on June 6 to continue the citys membership with the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), despite other member agencies dropping out like Huntington Beach in May and the County of Orange in December. At the meeting, Joe Mosca, the green energy agencys newly-selected interim CEO who began his role earlier this month, told councilors he was hopeful for the future of OCPA. We are hitting all our goals, including most importantly, our renewable energy goals. Were also financially solid, he said during the meeting. Mosca said staff from the agency will be presenting its fiscal year budget for 2023-2024 at its board meeting June 21, and that it will show OCPA is meeting all of our responsibilities. According to Mosca, the agency has already put $40 million into its reserves after operating for less than a year. Also, a strategic planning session for the OCPA is planned for June 16 at the advice of Buena Park Councilman Jose Trinidad Castanedawho also sits on OCPAs boardto discuss the agencys mission, goals, and direction, according to Mosca. The power authoritywhich now services the remaining member cities of Buena Park, Irvine, and Fullertonwas formed in 2020 as a greener alternative to Southern California Edison (SCE). It offers three plans: basic choice at 38 percent renewable energy, smart choice at 69 percent, and 100 percent renewable energy, the most expensive. Since its inception in November 2020, the OCPA has been criticized for a lack of transparency and inexperienced management. Several audits of the agency have been issued, including by an Orange County Grand Jury last June, the Orange County Auditorat the request of Orange County supervisorsin December, and the California State Auditor in February. Following the audits, the OCPA has implemented most recommendations, according to the board, including recently firing their CEO Brian Probolsky, whose last day was May 31. Although some have jumped ship, Buena Park councilors said they are hopeful for the future. Giving our customers choice is the highest value I believe we can bring to the city, and so I remain supportive of our membership in OCPA, said Mayor Pro Tem Susan Sonne. Councilman Castaneda said hes ecstatic about the trajectory of the agency and encouraged other Orange County cities to join. Theres plenty of opportunity and the skys the limit with where were going with renewable energy in Orange County, he said. But a former Irvine planning commissioner, Harvey Liss, advised against Buena Parks continued membership during the public comment portion of the meeting, citing concerns over the agencys ability to compete with SCE. SCE has over 100 years of experience with in-house staff purchasing energy contracts. Contrarily, OCPA pays high-salaried staff and pays hefty commissions to outside consultants [who] purchase their energy contracts, he said. Cannes is the birthplace for any number of future Best International Feature Film Oscar nominees, like last years Grand Prize winner Close, or winners like 2021 Competition entry Drive My Car. This years possibilities include the UKs rapturously received German-language from UK filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest; Argentinas Un Certain Regard entry The Delinquents, a three-hour existential heist movie picked up by Mubi; or Japans Monster, the latest film from Hirokazu Kore-eda, whose Shoplifters scored both the Palme dOr and an Oscar nomination. However, before they can be nominated they must be submitted and that, as Academy members well know, is the rub. The demand for reform boils down to this: Too often the decision of Oscar submissions belongs to decision-makers instead of filmmakers, and that can lead to some frustrating choices. Last year India did not submit RRR and Italy declined to select well-reviewed Cannes entry The Eight Mountains, which was directed on location in Italy by the Belgian team of Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch. If I could change [the Oscars], itd be this idea to have the category be more open, so any movie could apply for it, van Groeningen told IndieWire. Then it would be a process of natural selection. More from IndieWire Countries choose their Oscar picks in different ways. Some appoint small committees; some have a national Academy. In Brazil, Iran, and Russia, the committee are dominated by their governments; even in a democratic country like France, the selection process is dominated by industry powermongers. Cannes director Thierry Fremaux was on the committee for years and was often accused of favoring Cannes titles. This year, among the myriad Academy rule changes was a new rule for Best International Feature Film that requires each countrys Oscar submission selection committee be comprised of 50 percent artists and or craftspeople from the field of motion pictures. This doesnt exactly qualify as radical reform: Prior to its codification as a rule, a 50 percent guideline (one that was unavailable to public view) was in place for years. Still, to the extent that countries around the world care about the Oscars, most are likely to comply. Even so, the new rule does little to address how AMPAS should deal with exiled and banned filmmakers, or with otherwise orphaned films that have no home. International Feature Film executive committee co-chairs Danish Oscar-winner Susanne Bier (In a Better World) and MoMas chief curator of film, Rajendra Roy, who have been deeply researching the processes behind making international Oscar selections, have yet to figure out a solution to these issues. So they started with a smaller step. The Zone of Interest A24 The thing that was clear to both of us was that there was a real need for more transparency for submitting countries, said Roy on the phone. Theres obviously a need for transparency there still seemed to be confusion amongst the countries about how to submit. There just wasnt a lot of consistency, but the thing we needed to be true was that people who make movies, and all those in whatever form that takes, are part of at least 50 percent of that process. Every year, questions to the Academy abound from selection committees about International Feature Film category awards rules, committee guidelines and criteria, and the submission process. When Bhutan tried to submit for the first time, they had no approved official selection committee. The country needed help from the Academy to establish a selection committee and submit a film. Ultimately, Bhutan earned a surprise nomination for Pawo Choyning Dorjis Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom. LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM Samuel Goldwyn Films/Courtesy Everett Collection Attempts to reform the Academys foreign-language selection process have included the 2006 change in which a submitted film no longer had to be in the language of its own home country. That allowed Denmark, for example, to submit the countrys Profile Pictures production Holy Spider last year; the film was shot in Persian in Jordan. After Palme dOr winner 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days was passed over for a 2008 nomination, the Academy formed a foreign committee that weighs in on the final selection. That committee was abandoned in 2021, but the Academy expanded the shortlist to 15 and added online viewing to a wider slice of global voters. To manage international submissions, in April 2022 the Academy hired former Sundance programmer Dilcia Barrera as the Academys new senior VP of member relations, global outreach, and administration. She works closely with Meredith Shea, a former AMPAS membership and awards exec who returned to the Academy fold this April as chief membership, impact, and industry officer. It was an important step for the Academy to find the right staff person to step into the role, someone to focus on international, said Roy. While the Academy has long asked countries to submit selection committee memberships to scrutiny, the official rule plus an identifiable enforcer provides more heft. Dilcia Barrera at the Palm Springs International ShortFest Getty Images If Roy has his druthers, the next guideline-that-could-become-a-rule will ask the countries to impose term limits on their selection committees, much like the AMPAS board of governors three years. (The Academy suggests six-year cycles separated by two-year hiatuses.) Filmmakers have expressed frustration, Roy said, that theres often no room for their inclusion. One step at a time. Clearly, the Academy has no plans to throw out the entry model of one film per country anytime soon. For now, Roy said, its a matter of finding ways of making it work better. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Changes Proposed to Take Guilt out of Australian Food Delivery Uber Eats delivery men ride bicycles through the Kabukicho entertainment area in Tokyo, Japan, on April 11, 2020. (Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images) Thousands of Australian restaurants will be asked to ditch plastic containers and adopt sustainable food packaging in a move by Uber to cut waste and take the guilt out of ordering food deliveries. The changes to the Uber Eats platform are expected to roll out over the next three years, with the company outlining its goal to cut 80 percent of unnecessary plastic waste by 2025. The tech giant revealed the green targets for its Uber Eats platform at an event in London, including plans to eliminate petrol-powered delivery vehicles from the service by 2040. Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said the changes were designed to bring the companys food delivery service into line with its rideshare arm and its target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. Getting your food is great on demand but getting it in plastic containers is not so great, Khosrowshahi said. This, I have to tell you, is going to be very, very difficult. Tackling plastics and waste is a whole new ball game for us. Khosrowshahi said the company planned to work with partners, including the World Wildlife Fund, to create guidelines for reusable, recyclable or compostable food packaging. The eco-friendly items would need to be adopted by more than 50,000 restaurants that have partnered with Uber Eats in Australia and New Zealand, with Uber aiming to replace plastic packaging completely by 2030. Uber delivery senior vice-president Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty said the companys research showed seven in 10 users wanted restaurants to use sustainable packaging. Im willing to bet that more and more consumers will feel more and more guilty about using services like Uber Eats if we are not able to fundamentally improve the sustainability footprint of our services, Gore-Coty said. You will see them put their money where their mouth is in which restaurants they decide to pick and which app they decide to use. Uber would test this idea by allowing some users to search for restaurants that use eco-friendly packaging, Gore-Coty said. A trial will start this week for users in London, Paris, New York, San Francisco, Amsterdam and Taipei. Gore-Coty said the tech firm would also have to work closely with suppliers to lower the cost of eco-friendly packaging, which currently commanded 30 to 40 percent more than the cheapest plastic alternatives and could potentially raise prices. Other changes to Uber Eats include a target for all deliveries to be made in electric vehicles by 2040 in what could be a bigger change for drivers. Uber Eats accepts vehicles up to 33 years of age to be used on its platform, while rideshare drivers must use a vehicle less than 15 years of age. The changes will also follow a difficult time for food-delivery services in Australia after start-up Milkrun and CoLab both stopped operating in April and after meal-delivery giant Deliveroo collapsed in November 2022. *The reporter travelled to London as a guest of Uber. Clerk Charged With Murder at Detroit Gas Station Weeks After Similar Shooting in City DETROITA clerk was charged with murder Thursday in a second recent middle-of-the-night fatal shooting at Detroit gas stations related to disputes with customers. This simply cannot continue to happen, Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy said. Anthony McNary, 25, was shot through the door after the clerk had kicked him out of the gas station and locked the door Monday, Worthy said. Moments earlier, Moad Al-Gaham had removed a beef stick from McNarys pocket and then refused to let him pay for it, the prosecutor said. Al-Gaham was in a place of safety on the other side of a locked glass door and pulled the trigger, Worthy said, adding that the clerk was in no immediate danger. But defense attorney Doraid Elder said Al-Gaham may have been threatened, adding its not clear if the door was locked. That will be one of the issues at stake here. Well have that door examined, Elder told The Associated Press. This is a loss for both families. Al-Gaham, 40, was ordered to jail without bond. On May 6, at a different Detroit gas station, a customer fatally shot another customer. A clerk, who was behind security glass, had remotely locked the door during an argument over a failed electronic purchase. Worthy charged clerk Al-Hassan Aiyash, 22, with involuntary manslaughter, alleging that his actions contributed to the shooting. He has pleaded not guilty. A gas station remains closed less than a week after a fatal shooting in Detroit, on May 10, 2023. (Ed White/AP Photo) Dead China Medical University VP Was Allegedly Involved in Live Organ Harvesting A general view shows the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, on July 4, 2017. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images) Liu Yongfeng, vice president of the First Hospital of China Medical University (CMU), died on Monday. Liu and CMU have been accused by investigators in the United States of allegedly being involved in organ harvesting crimes. The editorial board of the Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery released an obituary saying Liu Yongfeng, an outstanding member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and a surgeon at the First Hospital of CMU, died on June 5 at the age of 71 due to ineffective medical treatment. As a senior organ transplant specialist, Liu Yongfeng presided over the Guidelines for Organ Donation for Cardiac Death in China, which the CCP claims has opened a new era of organ donation in the country, bringing Chinas organ transplantation business to the second golden stage. However, the U.S.-based World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG) listed Liu Yongfeng as a suspect responsible for live organ harvesting. Falun Gong is a peaceful meditation practice with millions of followers around the world, but in China, Falun Gong adherents have been one of the biggest victim groups of forced organ harvesting by the CCP since its former leader Jiang Zemin in 1999 initiated a persecution campaign against Falun Gong. During a rally joined by thousands of Falun Gong practitioners in Taipei on April 23, 2006, four demonstrators play in an action drama against what they said was the Chinese communists killing of Falun Gong followers and harvesting of their organs in concentration camps. (Patrick Lin/AFP via Getty Images) According to WOIPFGs report, Liu Yongfeng has performed at least 700 kidney transplants and 190 liver transplants. From May 1995 to June 2005, 165 combined liver and kidney donor transplants used combined abdominal organ rapid resection, all brain dead, aged 2054, 119 males and three females. Preoperative tests were negative for HIV and hepatitis virus, and liver and kidney function were all normal; From September 1999 to September 2004, 19 cases of combined pancreatic renal resection were male, with an average age of 30. Liu Yongfeng was born on Aug. 13, 1952, and joined state-run CMUwhich is located in Shenyang, northeastern Chinas Liaoning Provincein 1973 to study. He later served as vice president of CMU-affiliated First Hospital, leading the hospitals General Surgery Department, the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, and the Organ Transplantation Department. Liu Yongfeng was also in charge of the CMU Institute of Organ Transplantation and General Surgery. In addition to his pivotal role at CMU, Liu Yongfeng holds abundant official and medical titles, such as a member of the Clinical Application Committee of Human Organ Transplantation Technology of Chinas Ministry of Health, head of the Expert Group for China Human Organ Donation Preparation, director committee of Chinese Society of Organ Transplantation, and the chairman of the Organ Transplantation Branch of the Liaoning Provinces Medical Association. He is also a member of the editorial board of several journals, including the Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation and the Chinese Journal of Surgery, and editor-in-chief of the Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery. The State Council granted Liu Yongfeng a special lifetime allowance. The obituary states that Liu Yongfeng made paramount contributions to the development of modern general surgery and organ transplantation in China. The Ministry of Education awarded him for his combined pancreatic and renal transplantation. China Medical University Allegedly Harvests Human Organs Alive A statue of late communist leader Mao Zedong facing the First Hospital of China Medical University where Chinas Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo is being held inside, in Shenyan, Liaoning province, on July 13, 2017. (Fred Dufour/AFP via Getty Images) CMU is the earliest CCP-based medical school, founded in November 1931 in Ruijin, Jiangxi Provinceat that time, Mao Zedong set up the Chinese Soviet Republic with Ruijin as its capital. It was formerly known as a military medical and health school catering to the CCP and later renamed China Medical University (CMU) in September 1940 in Yanan, Shaanxi Province. CMU was on WOIPFGs list of those suspected of live organ harvesting. On May 23, 2007, CMUs First Hospital was designated by the Ministry of Health as a hospital for liver and kidney transplantation. In 2002, the Institute of Organ Transplantation and a new organ transplantation ICU were established. As of Oct. 18, 2012, the hospital had performed more than 800 kidney transplants, 200 liver transplants, six combined liver-kidney transplants, 26 combined liver-kidney transplants, three combined islet-kidney transplants, and one post-transplant islet transplant. Hong Jing, an ophthalmologist at the hospital, has performed at least 800 penetrating and lamellar corneal transplants, according to WOIPFGs investigation. WOIPFG released a report on Sept. 27, 2014, announcing the first batch of tracing lists of 1,814 medical personnel suspected of participating in the live organ harvesting of Falun Gong adherents in 228 hospitals in mainland China. The list includes Liu Yongfeng, Zhang Jialin, Wu Gang, Liu Shurong, and Li Guichenthey are from the First Hospital of CMU. An Aug. 7, 2012 report of WOIPFG showed that the Field Psychological Research Center of the Jinzhou Public Security Bureau, chaired by Wang Lijun, the former director of the Jinzhou Public Security Bureau in Liaoning Province, was suspected of conducting organ transplants and other human experiments on Falun Gong adherents. According to a telephone conversation with a convert WOIPFG investigator on May 25, 2012, Chen Rongshan, head of the Urology Surgical Section at PLA 205 Hospital in Jingzhou, Liaoning Province, admitted to harvesting organs from Falun Gong adherents and that CMU had been involved in Wang Lijuns post-drug-injection transplantation project. Chen Rongshan has performed as many as 568 kidney transplants in recent years, with a success rate of 100 percent, boasted an article in Liaoxi Business News on May 23, 2006. U.S.-based Minghui.org made the following voice recording public on Dec. 2, 2012: Investigator: He [Wang Lijun] had a post-drug-injection transplantation project and collaborated with the PLA 205 Hospital on this. Could you tell us more about it? Chen Rongshan: Ah Investigator: We would like to confirm if you have collaborated with him on this. Chen Rongshan: Not only us, China Medical University was also involved in this. Investigator: Wang told us that some of the organs were from detained Falun Gong practitioners. Could you confirm this? Chen Rongshan: They were handled through the court. Investigator: You mean, the court officials were involved? Chen Rongshan: Yes. Several Professors of CMU Died of Illness According to incomplete statistics from multiple Chinese news media, in 2023, in addition to Liu Yongfeng, at least five other notable medical experts of CMU died of illness. Those surgeons all enjoyed special allowances from the State Council, and each of them was highly praised as an excellent CCP member or loyal to the Party and the Partys causes. Xu Kecheng, former head of the Department of Cardiology at the First Hospital of CMU, died on April 1 after a long illness. Born in 1928, Xu was the chairman of the Liaoning Cardiovascular Disease Society. He was awarded by the Cardiovascular Disease Branch of the Chinese Medical Association in 2019 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Cardiology by the Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. Pan Zimin, a CCP member and former director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the First Hospital of CMU, died of illness on March 17. Pan, born on Feb. 7, 1935. In 2003, he was awarded the National Science and Technology Progress Award, which represents the highest level of basic and clinical research on laryngeal cancer, by the State Council. Since 1996, he has been appointed as an expert on the Drug Evaluation Committee of the Ministry of Health and the Liaoning Provincial Department of Health. Shen Kui, a CCP member and a professor of general surgery at the First Hospital of CMU, died of illness on Jan. 21. Born in May 1919, Shen was the director of the CMUs Department of Surgery and Pancreatic Cancer Research Sector. The official obituary described him as a prominent CCP member and one of Chinas founders and pioneers of modern pancreatic surgery. Cai Zhidao, one of the founders of ultrasound in China and a professor at CMU, died of illness on Jan. 4. He was born in June 1933, was the director of the Department of Ultrasound and the chief of the Department of Gastroenterology at the First Hospital of CMU. Fei Shengzhong, a CCP member and former director of the First Hospital of CMU, died of an illness on Jan. 4. Born in January 1930, he was the director of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Faculty of Medicine of CMU, the director of the First Hospital of CMU and the head of the Department of Medicine, and the deputy director of the Institute of Oncology and the director of the Laryngeal Cancer Research Unit of CMU. Fei was also the first president of Jinqiu Hospital in Liaoning Province. Democrats Push Bill to Let Government Ignore Debt Limit Democrats have introduced a bicameral proposal to overhaul the debt ceiling process, leaning heavily into the recent default scare to push a bill that would essentially let Treasury ignore the debt cap and continue writing cheques with no limit. The Debt Ceiling Reform Act, introduced jointly on Friday by Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), authorizes the Treasury Department to keep paying the governments bills regardless of the statutory debt limit, unless Congress expressly says no. Under the proposal, Congress would only be able halt payments on government debt if lawmakers in both chambers were to pass a veto-proof resolution of disapproval within 30 days of blowing through the debt cap. After a near catastrophic default thanks to political games by our Republican colleagues, its time to put the debt ceiling in the hands of the Treasury Secretary, Durbin said in a statement. Amid the months-long partisan battle over raising the nations $31.4 trillion debt ceiling, Republicans demanded spending cuts in exchange for their support, while Democrats pushed for a clean bill and blamed Republicans for holding the nations financial health hostage. This legislation is a sensible response to Republicans repeated hostage-taking, manufactured default crises, and toxic brinkmanship, Boyle said in a statement, adding that this legislative proposal would permanently take default off the table and provide the economic stability the American people deserve from their government. The proposal is similar to one put forward during the 2011 debt ceiling standoff by then-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who said at the time that it was not my first choice but a better option than a default. The latest debt cap spat didnt see Republicans reaching for the kind of solution McConnell proposed back in 2011, which would have given then-President Barack Obama the unilateral authority to raise the borrowing limit. The rhetoric of the Boyle-Durbin press release suggests Democrats are looking to capitalize on the fear of a U.S. debt default that reached a fever pitch before President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) struck a deal last week to suspend the debt for 19 months and bring their political deadlock to an end. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), and President Joe Biden meet with other lawmakers in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on May 9, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Default Averted Had Congress failed to agree to 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 breaching the debt cap and soon after ordered Treasury to resort to extraordinary means to keep settling government obligations like interest payments on U.S. Treasurys. McCarthy, for his part, refused to back raising the limit without an agreement from the White House to cut spending. Biden, by contrast, said he wouldnt negotiate over lifting the limit because that would put the full faith and credit of the United States at risk. The first signs that the impasse might be broken came in late April, when the Republican-led House passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act, authorizing a $1.5 trillion increase in borrowing in exchange for around $4.5 trillion in spending cuts over a decade. After both sides traded accusations that their respective stances threatened to catapult the country into a historic default, Biden finally agreed to negotiate with McCarthy, resulting in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. The Fiscal Responsibility Act suspends the debt ceiling until Jan. 1, 2025, and cuts non-defense discretionary spending slightly in 2024 while limiting discretionary spending growth to 1 percent in 2025. The measure also contains permitting reforms for oil and gas drilling, changes to work requirements for some social welfare programs, as well as clawbacks of $20 billion in IRS funding and $30 billion in unspent COVID-19 relief funds. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) speaks to the press after meeting President Joe Biden to discuss the debt limit at the White House in Washington on May 22, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) McCarthy Reckoning? The Fiscal Responsibility Act was approved by both houses of Congress and signed into law by Biden on June 3. 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. McCarthy referred to the legislation in historic terms, calling it the biggest spending cut ever enacted by Congress. Yet the measure angered the most conservative Republicans in the House, as well as some in the Senate, who believe McCarthy made too many concessions to seal the deal. Some members of the House Freedom Caucus sought to derail the legislation and almost succeeded in thwarting the measure in committee. Several House Freedom Caucus members have now hinted at a reckoning with McCarthy over how he handled the negotiations. I dont know if a motion to vacate is going to happen right away, Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) told CNN on June 4, referring to a motion to remove McCarthy from his role as House Speaker. A lot of people voted for this because they have other interests that Kevin McCarthy has assured them. But that doesnt mean that they are satisfied with his leadership, Buck added. Buck said McCarthys credibility had been shaken because the speaker initially said he would insist on reducing 2024 federal spending to 2022 levels but settled for a smaller reduction. Lawrence Wilson contributed to this report. DHS Announces New Border Patrol Chief Replacing Raul Ortiz The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday announced that Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz will be succeeded by Jason Owens, the current head of the Del Rio Sector. Owens, who is a seasoned Border Patrol veteran with over 25 years of experience, will assume the position upon Ortizs retirement on June 30. DHS also revealed the retirement of acting Deputy Commissioner Benjamine Carry Huffman, who will be replaced by Pete Flores, the incoming executive assistant commissioner for the Office of Field Operations. In a statement, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed gratitude for the invaluable service rendered by Huffman and Ortiz, underscoring their unwavering dedication to public service and their substantial contributions to ensuring the safety and security of the American people. Acting Deputy Commissioner Huffman and Chief Ortiz embody the ideals of public service. They have dedicated their careers to the safety and security of the American people and the betterment of the great CBP for which they have sacrificed so much, Mayorkas said in a statement. Their legacy of service is enduring and will forever be a part of the fabric of the entire Department of Homeland Security. Their legacy includes the many men and women whom they have inspired to serve and lead with honor and integrity. I congratulate them on their retirement and am profoundly grateful to them for everything they have done. Mayorkas commended Owens as a talented and selfless leader who is fully committed to the Border Patrols vital law enforcement mission. Chief Owens is a talented, selfless, and inspiring leader who is dedicated to the Border Patrols law enforcement mission, the men and women who fulfill it, and the country that we all serve, he said. I have worked with Chief Owens; I am inspired by his commitment to the mission, and am grateful to him for his continued service in this new leadership role. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz at a press conference in Del Rio, Texas, on June 24, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Ortizs Departure Ortizs departure comes shortly after the end of the Title 42 emergency health restrictions that began in March 2020 and allowed Border Patrol agents to turn illegal immigrants back to Mexico immediately if they were deemed to pose a health threat. Despite concerns that the lifting of Title 42 would result in a surge of border crossings, the Biden administration has reported a decline in such crossings. Ortiz had publicly disagreed with the Biden administrations decision to halt border wall construction and had supported agents who were falsely accused of mistreating illegal immigrants in the Del Rio Sector. During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing in March, Ortiz expressed concerns about overwhelmed sectors and acknowledged that the agency does not exercise complete operational control of the border. This contradicted earlier statements made by the DHS secretary. In an email sent to employees last month, Ortiz announced his departure, expressing confidence in the capable and professional workforce of the Border Patrol. Mayorkas, in a statement at the time, hailed Ortiz as a great leader who embodies the core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity, as well as the Border Patrols motto: honor first. I knew when I became Secretary that Chief of the Border Patrol would be one of the most critical positions to fill. At the time, Chief Ortiz was planning to retire; convincing him to remain in service and selecting him to lead the Border Patrol was among the most important decisions I have made, Mayorkas said. Chief Ortiz agreed to postpone his retirement several times since, and the Border Patrol, the Department, and our country have been all the better for it. According to data, Ortizs tenure saw the Border Patrol encountering a record-high of 2.2 million illegal immigrants at the southern U.S. border in 2022. He also oversaw the implementation of border crossing deterrents, which involved Mexico accepting migrants from Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba, and Nicaragua who were turned away at the border, while the United States initiated a family reunification parole process to admit up to 100,000 individuals from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The change in leadership comes ahead of the impending departure of acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tae Johnson. Currently, the Customs and Border Protection agency is under the leadership of acting Commissioner Troy Miller, who briefly stepped aside when former Commissioner Chris Magnus assumed the role before ultimately resigning due to conflicts with senior DHS officials. Katabella Roberts contributed to this report. DOJ Charges 2 Russian Nationals in Mt. Gox Crypto Hack The U.S. Department of Justice building in Washington on March 28, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged two Russian nationals linked to the 2011 hack of cryptocurrency exchange Mt. Gox and the illicit bitcoin exchange BTC-e, according to charges unsealed on Friday. Both suspects will face charges related to money laundering conspiracy in the Southern District of New York. One suspect will also be charged with operating an unlicensed money services business in the Northern District of California. Alexey Bilyuchenko, 43, and Aleksandr Verner, 29, stand accused by the U.S. Department of Justice of conspiring to launder approximately 647,000 bitcoins stolen from Mt. Gox, which was at the time the worlds largest global cryptocurrency exchange. Bilyuchenko faces additional charges for collaborating with Alexander Vinnik in allegedly setting up and running BTC-e from 2011 to 2017 with the stolen funds from Mt. Gox, according to Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. BTC-e acted as a hub for cybercriminals to transfer, launder, and store the proceeds of illegal activities, according to the second indictment unsealed in the Northern District of California. The exchange boasted over one million users and facilitated transactions worth billions of dollars during its operations from 2011 until its closure in July 2017 by law enforcement. Hackers, ransomware actors, narcotics rings, and corrupt public officials used the service to launder billions of dollars, according to U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. The indictments allege that Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators hacked Mt. Goxs server, which held the bitcoin wallets of the exchanges customers to fraudulently cause bitcoin to be transferred to addresses under their control. Between 2011 and 2014, Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators allegedly stole the majority of Mt. Goxs bitcoin holdings, amounting to around 647,000 bitcoins. The stolen bitcoins were subsequently laundered through other online exchanges. IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Chief Jim Lee said that while crypto offers a new way for criminals to steal and launder money, greed and deceit are nothing new. IRS-CI is specially equipped to follow the complex financial trail left by criminals, and we are dedicated to holding those accountable for crimes committed, he said. An indictment in the Southern District of New York revealed that Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators allegedly made a deal with a Bitcoin broker in New York in April 2012 under the false pretenses of an advertising service to ultimately launder the funds stolen from Mt. Gox. The broker was allegedly convinced to wire $6.6 million to off-shore bank accounts controlled by Bilyuchenko, Verner, and their co-conspirators in the name of shell companies between 2012 and 2013. The broker allegedly received credit for the wire transfers on Exchange-1, through which accused individuals allegedly laundered more than 300,000 of the stolen bitcoins. Mt. Gox ceased its operations in 2014 after the theft came to light, resulting in significant losses for its customers. Court documents reveal that the theft orchestrated by Bilyuchenko and Verner led to the insolvency of Mt. Gox. A DOJ official said these indictments mark a significant development in two major cryptocurrency investigations. These indictments highlight the departments unwavering commitment to bring to justice bad actors in the cryptocurrency ecosystem and prevent the abuse of the financial system, said Polite, Jr. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York noted that Bilyuchenko and Verner believed they could outsmart the law by employing sophisticated hacking techniques to steal and launder large amounts of cryptocurrency. [B]ut the charges unsealed demonstrate our ability to tenaciously pursue these alleged criminals, no matter how complex their schemes, until they are brought to justice, he said. The investigation involved several federal agencies and departments, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS-CI, U.S. Secret Service, and Department of Homeland Security Investigations. FBI Arrests Texas Businessman in Wake of Impeachment of State Attorney General Ken Paxton The FBI on Thursday arrested a businessman in the wake of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons impeachment, a move that came amid new questions about the mens dealings raised by financial records the Republicans lawyers made public to try to clear him of bribery allegations. Real estate developer Nate Paul, 36, was taken into custody by federal agents Thursday afternoon. For the moment it remains unclear what the exact charges are, but records showed Paul was being held on a federal detainer for a felony. Paul was mentioned directly in 6 of the 20 articles of impeachment filed against Paxton. Neither the FBI nor Pauls Lawyers responded to requests for additional comments. A spokesman for federal prosecutors in West Texas also declined to comment. Dan Cogdell, one of Paxtons defense attorneys, said he had no additional information on the arrest. In 2020, eight of Paxtons top deputies reported him to the FBI on allegations of bribery, and misuse of office power, centered around the allegation that Paul paid for Paxtons house renovation. Paul has denied bribing Paxton. The allegations formed the basis of the articles of impeachment overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives in late May, despite strong criticism from several Republicans who objected to the manner in which the process was handled. If it is right to impeach Ken Paxton, it is being done in the wrong way, Rep. Matt Schaefer stated. Bank Statement On Wednesday, Paxtons defense team presented a packed room of journalists with a bank statement with the intention of disproving the allegation that Paul paid for the $120,000 worth of renovations at Paxtons Austin home. However, the wire transfer was dated Oct. 1, 2020, the same day Paxtons deputies formally notified the head of human resources at Paxtons office that they had reported their boss to the FBI. In addition, Cupertino Builders, the company to which the payment was made, did not incorporate as a business in Texas until Oct. 20, three weeks after the wire transfer was made. Tony Buzbee, the prominent Houston attorney who led the news conference, wrote in a Thursday email that the receipts clearly demonstrate that Paxton paid for the home renovation himself, ignoring questions about Cupertino Builders and the timing of the payment. Without any evidence the politicians leading this sham impeachment falsely accused General Paxton of not paying for the repairs to his home. That is a lie, Buzbee said. Texas corporation records show that Cupertino Builders dissolved in 2022. Narsimha Raju Sagiraju, its manager, served prison time for securities fraud and grand theft in California before moving to Austin. In a deposition for an unrelated case, Sagiraju said he did consulting work for Pauls business. The city has no record of building permits from the time of the renovations at Paxtons. Paxton remains temporarily suspended pending the outcome of a Texas Senate trial due at the end of August. The jury will be the members of the 31-seat Senate; among them, Paxtons wife, Sen. Angela Paxton. Paxton, who took office in 2015 and was elected to his third term last year, was indicted on securities fraud charges in 2015 in a different court case, for which he has yet to stand trial. Pauls home and businesses were raided by the FBI in 2019 for unknown reasons. He was not charged at the time. The Associated Press contributed to this article. From NTD News Female-Only Spa With Compulsory Nudity Must Admit Transgender Women With Penises: Judge A spa that for years has served only women must admit men if they claim to be women, a judge has ruled. The constitutional rights of the owners, employees, and patrons of the Olympus Spa in Washington state werent infringed when officials in the state ordered the facility to provide services to transgender women with male genitalia, Washington District Court Judge Barbara Jacobs Rothstein said in a June 5 ruling. The spa was described by its owners, who are Christian, as being designed based on the belief that a male and a female should not ordinarily be in each others presence while in the nude unless married to each other, according to a complaint filed by the owners. Many services provided by the spa require patrons to be fully naked, and the employees who work on-site are all female. Requiring admission of men claiming to be women violates the Constitutional rights to freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, and freedom of association, the spa owners, workers, and patrons asserted. Rothstein disagreed, finding that a state law called the Washingtons Law Against Discrimination does not discriminate on its face, and it does not by its terms favor a particular religion or the non-exercise of religion. That means the law survives if it is rationally related to a legitimate governmental purpose. Rothstein said the laws legitimate purpose is, as stated in the law, to protect the public welfare, health, and peace of the people of this state. She also said that the Washington Human Rights Commission, which investigates complaints of violations of the law, in its order to the spa to remove language about only admitting biological women, didnt infringe on the plaintiffs rights. The compelled speech to which Olympus Spa points is plainly incidental to the [law]s regulation of discriminatory conduct, Rothstein said. By way of analogy, she quoted a U.S. Supreme Court ruling: Congress can prohibit employers from discriminating in hiring on the basis of race, and that this will require an employer to take down a sign reading White Applicants Only hardly means that the law should be analyzed as one regulating the employers speech rather than conduct. The free association claim also failed because the only requirement placed on patrons was that they be female, which is outside the protection based on freedom of association, the judge said. The Court does not minimize the privacy concerns at play when employees are performing exfoliating massages on nude patrons. Aside from this nudity, though, there is simply nothing private about the relationship between Olympus Spa, its employees, and the random strangers who walk in the door seeking a massage, she said. Nor is there anything selective about the association at issue beyond Olympus Spas biological women policy. The Court therefore has little difficulty concluding that the personal attachments implicated here are too attenuated to qualify for constitutional protection. Lawyers for the state didnt respond to requests for comment. Lawyers for the plaintiff said they plan to enter an updated complaint. The spa can file an amended complaint within 30 days, the judge said. She ruled in the federal case because shes a visiting federal judge. She was appointed by former President Jimmy Carter. Alleged Discrimination The situation started when Haven Wilvich, a male who identified as a woman and hasnt undergone sex change surgery, complained to the state commission, alleging the spas policy was in violation of the state law against discrimination. Wilvich alleged, [The spa] denied me services and stated that transgender women without surgery are not welcome because it could make other customers and staff uncomfortable. Spa policy dictates admitting only females older than 13. An investigation by the spa owners found no evidence that Wilvich had ever been to the spa, which has facilities in Tacoma and Lynnwood and has been operating for more than 20 years. Myoon Woon Lee, one of the spa owners, also expressed concern that exposing female customers, especially minors, to male genitalia could open the spa up to criminal penalties based on state laws governing lewd conduct and public indecency. The commission nevertheless determined that the policy violated the law and said it was in violation of the law, which states in part that people have the right to be free from discrimination because of sexual orientation. When dress and grooming standards are applied only to a protected class and are applied specifically because of the protected class status, the standards are discriminatory, a commission representative told the spa in a letter. This is the case with Olympus Spas policy, which denies services to transgender women who have not had surgery specifically because their physical appearance is not consistent with the traditional understanding of biological women. The spa had to remove language regarding serving only biological women from its website and undergo training based on commission-provided materials or it could face prosecution, the representative warned. Lee and others then brought the lawsuit, alleging the state was infringing on their rights. In the complaint, spa owners said that anybody who presents in the nude as female was allowed into the spa, including, theoretically, males who identify as women but have had surgery. Likewise, females who had surgery to give the impression of having male genitalia would not be allowed in, the owners said. Former ByteDance Executive Says Chinese Communist Party Tracked Hong Kong Protesters via Data HONG KONGA former executive at ByteDance, the Chinese company which owns the short-video app TikTok, says in a legal filing that some members of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) used data held by the company to identify and locate protesters in Hong Kong. Yintao Yu, formerly head of engineering for ByteDance in the United States, says those same people had access to U.S. user data, an accusation that the company denies. Yu, who worked for the company in 2018, made the allegations in a recent filing for a wrongful dismissal case filed in May in the San Francisco Superior Court. In the documents submitted to the court he said ByteDance had a superuser credentialalso known as a god credentialthat enabled a special committee of CCP members stationed at the company to view all data collected by ByteDance including those of U.S. users. The credential acted as a backdoor to any barrier ByteDance had supposedly installed to protect data from the CCPs surveillance, the filing says. Hong Kong, a former British colony, was handed over to Chinese rule in 1997. In recent years, following mass protests in 2014 and 2019, Hong Kong has come under more far reaching control by Beijing. Yu said he saw the god credential being used to keep tabs on Hong Kong protesters and civil rights activists by monitoring their locations and devices, their network information, SIM card identifications, IP addresses, and communications. ByteDance said in a statement that Yus accusations were baseless. Its curious that Mr. Yu has never raised these allegations in the five years since his employment for Flipagram was terminated in July 2018, the company said, referring to an app that ByteDance later shut down for business reasons. His actions are clearly intended to garner media attention. We plan to vigorously oppose what we believe are baseless claims and allegations in this complaint, ByteDance said. Charles Jung, Yus lawyer and a partner at the law firm Nassiri & Jung, said Yu chose to raise the allegations because he was disturbed to hear the recent Congressional testimony of TikToks CEO when Shou Zi Chew, a Singaporean, vehemently denied Chinese authorities had access to user data. Telling the truth openly in court is risky, but social change requires the courage to tell the truth, Jung said. Its important to him that public policy be based on accurate information, so hes determined to tell his story. TikTok is under intense scrutiny in the United States and worldwide over how it handles data and whether it poses a national security risk. Some American lawmakers have expressed concern that TikToks ties to ByteDance means the data it holds is subject to Chinese law. They also contend that the app, which has over 150 million monthly active users in the United States and more than a billion users worldwide, could be used to expand the CCPs influence. During the combative March House hearing, lawmakers from both parties grilled Chew over his companys alleged ties to Beijing, data security, and harmful content on the app. Chew repeatedly denied TikTok shares user data or has any ties with Chinese authorities. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 23, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) To allay such concerns, TikTok has said that it would work with Oracle to store all U.S. data within the country. In an earlier court filing, Yu accused ByteDance of serving as a propaganda tool for the CCP by promoting nationalistic content and demoting content that does not serve the partys aims. He also said that ByteDance was responsive to the CCPs requests to share information. Yu also accused ByteDance of scraping content from competitors and users to repost on its sites to exaggerate key engagement metrics. He says he was fired for sharing his concerns about wrongful conduct he saw with others in the company. In mainland China, ByteDance operates Douyin, which is targeted at the domestic market. TikTok is its global app that is available in most other countries. It was also available in Hong Kong until TikTok pulled out of the market in 2020 following the imposition of a sweeping national security law. Anyone who tries to open TikTok from within Hong Kong will see a message that reads We regret to inform you that we have discontinued operating TikTok in Hong Kong. By Zen Soo Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Quits as MP Ahead of Verdict on Partygate Scandal Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson giving evidence to the Privileges Committee at the House of Commons, London, on March 22, 2023. (House of Commons/UK Parliament via PA Media) Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stepped down as an MP as the Parliamentary committee investigating the partygate scandal is set to announce its final verdict on whether he had lied to the House of Commons. The House of Commons Privileges Committee, which is led by Labour MP Harriet Harman but has a Conservative majority, has been investigating whether Johnson misled Parliament when he repeatedly claimed that COVID-19 rules had been followed at all times in Downing Street. Boris Johnson at a gathering in 10 Downing Street. (Sue Gray Report/Cabinet Office/PA) The Times of London reported on Thursday that the panel had sent Johnson a draft of the report. On Friday evening, the former prime minister announced his intention to step down as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip with immediate effect. Kangaroo Court In a statement to the media, Johnson wrote: I have received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clearmuch to my amazementthat they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament. Their purpose from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts, he alleged, adding, This is the very definition of a kangaroo court. Johnson also claimed the probe has been a witch hunt intended to take revenge for Brexit and ultimately to reverse the 2016 referendum result, despite the fact that the Privileges Committee has a Tory majority and includes arch-Brexiteer Sir Bernard Jenkin. He said he was bewildered and appalled that he could be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee with such egregious bias. But he appears to have left the door open for a return to Westminster, saying, It is very sad to be leaving Parliamentat least for now. Parting Shot In the statement, Johnson also defended his record in office and fired a parting shot at Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, saying there is a need for a properly Conservative government. He claimed that Labours lead over the Tories has massively widened since Sunak replaced him as prime minister, adding, Just a few years after winning the biggest majority in almost half a century, that majority is now clearly at risk. He said: Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do. We need to show how we are making the most of Brexit and we need in the next months to be setting out a pro-growth and pro-investment agenda. We need to cut business and personal taxesand not just as pre-election gimmicksrather than endlessly putting them up. But he said the Conservative Party has the time to recover its mojo and its ambition and to win the next election. It had long been suspected he could abandon Uxbridge and South Ruislip, where he had a majority of only 7,210 in 2019, in favor of a safer seat. His resignation came just hours after leading ally Nadine Dorries resigned her Mid-Bedfordshire seat, where the Tories enjoy a majority of more than 24,000, fuelling speculation that Johnson could target that safer constituency for a comeback. Deceit and Lies Responding to Johnsons statement, a spokesperson for the Privileges Committee said: The committee has followed the procedures and the mandate of the House at all times and will continue to do so. Mr. Johnson has departed from the processes of the House and has impugned the integrity of the House by his statement. The Committee will meet on Monday to conclude the inquiry and to publish its report promptly. Angela Rayner, Labours deputy leader, said the former prime minister had jumped to avoid facing a potential by-election in his marginal constituency. To me, he is a coward, the senior opposition MP told BBC Radio 5 Live. Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Johnson has a track record of deceit and lies. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I never thought he was fit to be an MP, let alone prime minister. PA Media contributed to this report. China is facing the risk of deflation as demand weakens and its economy slows Reuters China's economy risks deflation as demand in the nation continues to weaken. The producer price index fell 4.6% in May from a year ago, marking the eighth consecutive decline. Consumer prices rose, but by an anemic 0.2% year-over-year rate. China is now facing the risk of deflation as its economy continues to weaken despite earlier expectations of a post-COVID rebound. Chinese producer prices fell 4.6% in May from a year ago, marking the eighth straight decline and the steepest drop seen since 2016, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Economists in a Reuters poll expected a 4.3% decline in producer prices. Consumer prices, meanwhile, rose by an anemic year-over-year rate of 0.2%, lower than economists' estimates of 0.3% and another sign of weak demand. That makes deflation a situation where prices decrease and lead to a contraction in economic activity a looming threat in China. After an encouraging bounce in first-quarter GDP growth, more recent economic indicators have signaled a sharp loss in the post-COVID rebound's momentum. Real estate and factory activity in China have slowed significantly, and futures for some commodities have plunged as demand slows. Some experts have lost confidence that China's economy will be able to recover from its COVID-era restrictions anytime soon. In a recent op-ed, Rockefeller International chair Ruchir Sharma said that something is "rotten" in China's economy. Meanwhile, former International Monetary Fund official Desmond Lachman said China's economy could be headed for a lost decade. Investors have grown skittish too. International institutional investors have sold a net $148 billion of China's bonds since early 2022, per a report from the Atlantic Council. And separate reports have also shown that foreign investors are selling Chinese stocks at a faster pace. Read the original article on Business Insider A group of independent advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have voted to support regulatory approval of the Alzheimers drug Leqembi, also known by its generic name lecanemab, despite concerns surrounding three deaths during clinical trials. The six members on the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee on Friday all voted in favor of the FDA granting full approval to Leqembi to treat Alzheimers, saying the drug shows a clinical benefit in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia caused by Alzheimers. Alzheimers is a progressive brain disease that causes a range of cognitive impairments, including memory loss. Later in the disease, a person may lose the ability to have conversations, respond to the environment, and carry out daily tasks. The disease affects 6 million Americans, according to the Alzheimers Association. The FDA doesnt have to follow the panels recommendation but it generally does. It is expected to make a final decision on whether to grant Leqembi full approval by July 6. If approved, Medicare payment for the treatment is expected to expand. Accelerated Approval Leqembi was developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai in partnership with U.S. biotechnology company Biogen. It is a monoclonal antibody thats administered intravenously twice a month and costs $26,500 a year. It won accelerated FDA approval in January, making it the first such FDA-approved drug that targets part of the pathophysiology of Alzheimers and that can improve cognitive function. Specifically, Leqembi removes plaques of a sticky protein called amyloid from the brain, one of the characteristics of Alzheimers. Another class of the drug, aducanumab, sold under the brand name Aduhelm and approved by the FDA in 2021, also removes amyloid plaques from the brain but does not result in cognitive improvement. The FDAs accelerated approval program allows early access to drugs for serious conditions where there is an unmet medical need, and there are laboratory or biological results that suggest the drug would benefit patients. Drugs approved via the accelerated pathway can technically be withdrawn by the FDA if their benefits arent confirmed, though regulators rarely take that step. Gaining full approval allows medications to stay on the market indefinitely. Study Shows Benefits A large study supported by Eisai showed that lecanemab benefited patients, the panel determined on Friday. The study, published in November 2022 in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that lecanemab reduced the rate of cognitive decline by 27 percent over 18 months. The double-blind phase 3 clinical trial was carried out on 1795 patients in the early stages of Alzheimers diseasewith 898 assigned to receive lecanemab and 897 to receive a placebo. Lecanemab delayed patients worsening by about five months over the course of the study, Eisais Dr. Michael Irizarry previously told The Associated Press. Patients taking the drug were also 31 percent less likely to advance to the next stage of the disease during the study. That translates to more time in earlier stages when people function better, Irizarry said. I believe the benefit versus risk are beneficial, acceptable, and in line with this class of therapeutics, especially considering the burden of the disease and the progressive nature of the disease, panel member Dr. Tanya Simuni, professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said on Friday. Overall, it demonstrated clearly that this is an effective treatment in the population as it was defined, Dr. Robert Alexander, committee chair and an Alzheimers expert at the Banner Alzheimers Institute, said on Friday. He added that he thought the study clearly demonstrated a clinical benefit, calling the results robust. Side Effects and Deaths However, the study also showed there lecanemab presented some serious side effects for some participants, including brain swelling, as well as bleedingalso referred to as micro-hemorrhages. They reported symptoms of headaches, visual disturbances, and confusion. Three patients taking Leqembi died during the study. One of the patients, before receiving lecanemab, had suffered a stroke and received a blood thinner. A separate patient, a woman, suffered stroke symptoms after starting on lecanemab, and later suffered seizures before her death a few days later. Doctors found massive bleeding in the womans brain. A third individual who was on lecanemab was also treated for acute ischemic stroke with tissue plasminogen activator, and died afterwards from multiple hemorrhages in the brain. FDA reviewers said it was unclear whether lecanemab played a role in their deaths due to other underlying factors such as the blood-thinning medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. FDA Panel Offers Advice on Certain Patients The FDA asked the advisory panel to offer recommendations on the use of lecanemab in certain patient groups. This included people taking blood-thinning medications; people who have APOE4, a gene variant that increases the risk of Alzheimers; and people with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a rare condition marked by buildups of amyloid in the walls of arteries in the brain that can cause bleeding. Regarding those with the APOE4 gene, panel members generally said the risks were balanced by the benefits, but they advised the FDA to recommend genetic testing for the gene in Leqembis prescribing label. For those on blood thinners, some members expressed concerns, while others said patients should be made aware of the risks of bleeding but still be provided the option to take the drug. Members said they wouldnt recommend excluding patients with CAA, which can be difficult to diagnose, but that Leqembi should be limited in patients with the most severe cases of CAA due to more risk of brain hemorrhages. Medicare Coverage Currently, under accelerated approval, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) limits payment of the drug to patients enrolled in clinical trials. But no such trials are underway for Leqembi, resulting in negligible sales. Patients who have received the drug since its accelerated approval have mainly had to pay out of pocket. CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure has said the program will immediately begin covering the drug if it gets full FDA approval. But last week she announced an extra condition, even after CMS coverage begins, for patients to receive payment for the treatmentthey will need to be enrolled in a federal health agency database, known as a registry, to track the drugs safety and effectiveness. However, CMS has yet to release details of its plan. Stephanie Zhang, Reuters, and The Associated Press contributed to this report. What topics would you like to read about? Please let us know at health@epochtimes.nyc The autopsy rate in 2020 reached a record low of 7.4 percent, marking the lowest rate between 1972 and 2020, according to a recently released report by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), a subagency under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (pdf). In 1972, the autopsy rate stood at 19.1 percent, but it has since experienced a steady decline. The decline in autopsy rates hampers diagnostic accuracy, limits medical research and public health understanding, impairs legal and forensic investigations, hinders quality assurance and education, and deprives grieving families of closure about their loved ones cause of death, experts say. Autopsy rate trend from 1972 to 2020. (Donna L. Hoyert, National Center for Health Statistics) The report distinguishes between two types of autopsies: hospital/clinical autopsies requested by families or doctors to determine the cause of death, and medicolegal autopsies ordered by legal officials to investigate death circumstances. It notes the stability of autopsy rates from the 1950s to the early 1970s. Between 1972 and 2020, hospital autopsies declined, while medicolegal autopsies remained stable or increased. Notably, in deaths caused by external factors such as drug overdose, homicide, or suicide, the autopsy rate rose from about 19 percent in 1972 to 60 percent in 2020. In an email to The Epoch Times, the NCHS noted that the distinction between medicolegal autopsies and autopsies for deaths from external causes is not clear, suggesting that the increase in autopsies for external causes may reflect the rise of medicolegal autopsies, while hospital autopsies may refer to autopsies for deaths resulting from diseases. Possible Reasons for the Decline The report attributed the decline in autopsy rates to the removal in 1971 of the 20 percent to 25 percent autopsy rate requirement in hospitals set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. Two other possible reasons are doctors reluctance to order autopsies because they fear potential lawsuits (pdf) if errors are discovereddespite such occurrences being relatively rareand a perception that autopsies as less valuable (pdf) than they were in the past because of advancements in medical technology, as described in a perspective by Dr. Lee Goldman published in Circulation in 2018. The cost of autopsies and the fear of lawsuits need to be addressed, it warns. Our collective inability to address the financial and medicolegal disincentives to higher autopsy rates is a societal shortcoming, undoubtedly reinforced by overconfidence in modern diagnostic technology, wrote Goldman, then dean of the faculties of health sciences and medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. A lack of insurance reimbursement and diminishing academic importance are two other primary reasons for the consistent decline over the past 50 years, Dr. Harry Sanchez, director of autopsy services in the pathology department at the Yale School of Medicine, told The Epoch Times. Lack of Reimbursement Sanchez said that shortly after Medicare and Medicaid were created in 1965, pathologists could no longer bill an autopsy to the patient or the insurance company because it was no longer considered an individual procedure. Autopsies are considered part of the hospitals administrative and quality assurance work, covered by Medicare. You get the same payment whether you do one autopsy or 100 autopsies, Sanchez said. So theres really no financial incentive for the hospital to do more autopsies. For pathologists, you cant bill for the autopsy. So theres no reimbursement to the pathologist who does the autopsy. Before the implementation of Medicare, autopsies were typically billed as a fixed proportion of the total medical bill, according to a 1980 report. Autopsies involve significant work, with a routine adult autopsy taking a few hours. However, pathologists do not receive direct reimbursement for their efforts, including examining slides and generating reports. Lack of Career Incentives The declining academic importance of autopsies has been influenced by significantly increased federal funding for medical research since the 1950s. As grant money has become the primary measure of academic success, pathologists have shown less interest in autopsies and have focused more on research. There was increasingly less incentive to engage in things like quality assurance and teaching, Sanchez said. That continues to be true today. The federal budget for medical research rose from $3 million to $76 million between 1941 and 1951. In the 1940s and 1950s, approximately half of all hospital deaths were autopsied. By the mid-1960s, it had declined to about 25 percent to 35 percent. Very few pathologists want to do autopsies, Sanchez said. The incentives are just not there for them to change their minds economically and professionally. Why Autopsies Remain Indispensable Autopsies have long been regarded as the gold standard for investigating a cause of death, accurately determining the cause and manner in most cases. Even with todays advanced medical technologies, Sanchez said that autopsies remain the gold standard for seeing whether or not you made the right diagnosis. They hold immense importance for families, settling disputes when questions or doubts arise regarding a loved ones death. Autopsies also play a crucial role in medical education and quality assurance within hospitals, Sanchez added. Widely cited studies from 1960 to 2010 cited by Goldman in his commentary in Circulation have shown that autopsies uncovered Class 1 errors in approximately 10 percent of cases. These errors involve crucial causes of death that were initially missed by clinicians and where appropriate treatment could have impacted survival. Sanchez also said that autopsies had proven particularly important from a public health standpoint. Cases involving the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by a coronavirus first reported in Asia in 2003, as well as cases involving the 2015 Zika virus epidemic and its association with microcephaly (when a babys head is much smaller than expected), have demonstrated the continued importance of autopsies. How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Autopsy Rates According to the NCHS report, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in autopsy rates, particularly for COVID-19 deaths. The autopsy rate for COVID-19 deaths in 2020 was 0.9 percent. Many autopsy services were essentially shut down in early 2020, Dr. John Sinard, vice chair and director of clinical operations of the pathology department at the Yale School of Medicine, told The Epoch Times. One reason was the initial uncertainty about the mechanisms of transmission and, thus, the risk an autopsy might pose to staff performing the autopsy, Sinard said. Another reason was the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers. Many places elected to save PPE for live patient care, he said. Experts, including Sanchez, acknowledged the importance of conducting more autopsies during the pandemic to gather crucial information about COVID-19, its effects on organs, and the causes of death. They said they believe that autopsies could have played a vital role in improving patient care and developing effective treatment strategies. It was really important to do autopsies in those cases so that people could find those things out [and] come up with rational therapies and stop doing things that didnt work, Sanchez said. What topics would you like to read about? Please let us know at health@epochtimes.nyc Hundreds in Los Angeles Commemorate Victims of Tiananmen Square Massacre On June 4, 2023 people gather in front of the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles with floral wreaths in memory of those who perished during the Tiananmen Square Massacre in Beijing, June 4, 1989. (Courtesy of Jie Lijian) On the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, hundreds of Chinese democracy activists and supporters in Los Angeles participated in a car parade and candlelight vigil outside the Chinese consulate. According to organizers, their goal was to awaken more people to the truth of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, also known as the June 4th Incident, and the nature of the Chinese Communist Partys dictatorship and tyranny. On the afternoon of June 4, the National Headquarters of the Chinese Democratic Party hosted an LA Democracy Car Parade in Los Angeles. More than 70 vehicles with over 120 participants took part. The vehicles displayed the words 34th Anniversary of June 4th. The convoy started from the San Gabriel 16 supermarket and passed through shopping and business streets known to have a high concentration of Chinese speakers, such as California Supermarket, Shun Fa Supermarket, and Ding Pangzi Square. Along the way, residents opened their windows to listen, watch, and take photos, and many expressed approval by giving a thumbs up. The car parade ended around 5:00 p.m. A car parade is held in Los Angeles to commemorate those that died during the Tiananmen Square Massacre in Beijing, June 4, 1989. (Courtesy of Jie Lijian) The Tiananmen Square Massacre took place in Beijing, China on June 4, 1989 when members of the Peoples Liberation Army killed an estimated thousands of pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square. Because of heavy censorship and propaganda in China from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), many people from China do not even know that the event happened. There are indeed some people who are not even aware of the June 4th Incident. We organize these activities to awaken them to the truth and make them recognize the CCPs tyranny. I think its great progress even if awakening one person at a time, organizer Jie Lijian, executive director of the Youth Department of the Chinese Democratic Party, told Sound of Hope. After understanding, if you rise up against the CCPs tyranny, dont aid and abet its evil, it is still a great way to dismantle the evil power of the CCP. Because if I withdraw my support, eventually abandon it, become tired of it The CCP has lost popular support, and people are awakening. This demonic regime of the CCP will inevitably collapse. Around 300400 people participate in an event in front of the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles commemorating victims of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. (Courtesy of Jie Lijian) After the car parade, participants pulled a huge signboard labeled the National Mourning Column and marched around the commercial and residential areas near the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles. Hundreds of people from mainland China participated in the June 4th memorial event in front of the consulate. Participants included those who came to the United States after the 2000s and parents who brought their children to learn about the truth of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Jie said that he was pleasantly surprised that more people attended this year than last year, and many people no longer wore hats, sunglasses, or masks. They are no longer afraid of the CCPs threats. On the contrary, they were collecting license plates numbers and personal information of those who work for the CCP and sending them to the FBI for investigation. At the gathering, people wrote and attached their condolences for the June 4th Incident to the June 4th Wall and paid their respects by bowing three times and offering incense to the martyrs. They collectively presented wreaths and speeches to commemorate those who died. Then they lit a torch symbolizing democracy and burned the five-starred CCP flag and the communist hammer and sickle flag. Many participants spoke out against the CCPs tyranny. Protesters burn the Chinese Communist Party flag in front of the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles on the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, June 4, 2023. (Courtesy of Jie Lijian) Mr. Zhu Gaofeng, a participant who came to the United States a year ago, was arrested by the CCP for organizing online mourning for the Tiananmen Square Massacre. He told Sound of Hope, June 4th is a sore spot for the CCP. We must definitely let more people who have already gained their freedom see the evil of the CCP and spread this message. I hope people here will join these memorial activities to put pressure on the Communist Party and let more people recognize the evil of the CCP. Zhu explained, In China now, even a picture of a candlelight vigil cannot be sent out, let alone the words 8964. If you manage to send them out, they will be completely censored. To conclude, participants at the consulate held up a tank model similar to the one seen in the iconic Tank Man photo, symbolizing the massacre of the people on June 4 and signifying that the bloodshed will eventually be repaid. The event ended at 8 p.m. In front of the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles, people raise a model tank symbolizing the massacre of civilians during the Tiananmen Square Massacre that happened in Beijing, June 4, 1989. (Courtesy of Jie Lijian) Chinese consulates, June 4th Freedom Park, June 4th candlelight vigils are blooming all over the world, just as Danish human rights activist Gao Zhihuo said, a national mourning column in Hong Kong was illegally confiscated and collapsed with a bang, said Jie. There are countless national mourning columns blooming all over the world. Indeed, many organizations around the world have held memorial events for June 4th, including the Arc de Triomphe in France, Berlin in Germany, Tokyo in Japan, South Korea, and many overseas support groups participating in the Blank Paper Movement. They are the main force. Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. Its where the hearts of the people lie. Jie firmly believes that in the near future, they will personally go to Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, to mourn the heroes of June 4th up close. Wang Xiao from Sound of Hope contributed to this report. IN-DEPTH: Shareholder Votes Show Support for ESG Falling Although 2022 was a blow-out year for climate and race initiatives, 2023 isn't This years spring season of shareholder voting is leading some to believe that the tide may be turning against the left-wing corporate pressure campaign that goes by the moniker of environmental, social, and corporate governance, or ESG. The big story this year is the drop in support for ESG proposals, Scott Shepard, a fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), told The Epoch Times. Citing data from the Sustainable Investments Institute, the Financial Times recently reported that proposals to compel corporations to act against climate change won approval from an average of 23 percent of shareholders, versus 36.6 percent in 2022 and about 50 percent in 2021. Support for proposals on social justice causes is also down by about 10 percentage points from last year. Although the number of political and social shareholder proposals has increased, partly because of a 2021 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule change that allows more ESG petitions to go to a shareholder vote, only five of these proposals received majority approval from shareholders, compared to 34 in 2022. The 2021 SEC ruling reversed a policy implemented under the Trump administration that allowed companies to exclude certain ESG petitions. This reversal by the Biden administration made 2022 a blow-out year for climate and racial resolutions, according to Heidi Welsh, executive director of the Sustainable Investments Institute. Analysts ascribe this years drop in support for progressive petitions to a combination of anti-ESG efforts by red states, consumer boycotts, headline stock declines at companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev and Target, fear of anti-trust investigations, and more light being shed on how the ESG industry works. These factors have raised questions about whether voting for these causes serves the pecuniary interests of their investors and whether asset managers are violating their fiduciary duties. Money Managers Under Significant Scrutiny The big three investment houses [BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street] and the proxy-advisory duopoly [ISS and Glass Lewis] are aware that theyre now under significant scrutiny, and that they may face legal, legislative, and regulatory challenges to their partisan behavior, Shepard said. So fewer certainly are chalking up wins. If that trend continues, as I expect it will, the focus must shift in part to what the investment houses are doing with the influence derived from other peoples money behind the scenes. Critics of the ESG industry say that politically motivated fund managers are leveraging the savings of people who trust them with their money to vote in favor of corporate shareholder proposals ranging from disinvesting in oil, gas, and coal to race and gender-based programs. Given that institutional asset managers control about 80 percent of publicly traded corporate shares, these firms have tremendous influence over the management of most publicly traded corporations today. The response from customers and shareholders to social-justice campaigns undertaken by Bud Light brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev, Target, Disney, Coca-Cola, and other activist corporations could be prompting corporate executives to reconsider steering their companies into controversial political issues. The values of Target and Anheuser-Busch InBev have fallen by about $13 billion and $27 billion, respectively, after attaching their brands to controversial social justice causes. Stung by these losses, many investors worry that asset managers may be proxy-voting their shares against the interests of shareholders. For asset managers and corporate executives alike, this could create a legal liability. Woke Corporations Could Face Class Action Lawsuits On March 5, regarding the steep fall in Targets share price, Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and Tesla, wrote on Twitter, which he also owns, that it wont be long before there are class-action lawsuits by shareholders against the company and board of directors for destruction of shareholder value. On June 6, the NCPPR, a shareholder in Target, served the companys management with a formal demand for corporate records regarding its promotion of LGBT products. Target has formally acknowledged to its shareholders the significant financial risks that would come from eroding positive public perceptions of its brand, said Stephen Miller, president of America First Legal, which is representing NCPPR in the suit. Yet Target went ahead and embraced the most radical and offensive excesses of anti-family, anti-child gender extremism, promoting products like tuck-friendly bathing suits and Satanist-inspired clothing. Miller said Target is aligning its brand with an agenda that advocates puberty blockers and elective surgeries on healthy children. For Target to voluntarily and aggressively associate itself with this movement is an act of sabotage against Target shareholders and a destroyer of value, especially for countless Americans for whom shares of Target are part of the pension funds, mutual funds, and retirement accounts on which they depend, he said. On June 5, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which advocates for LGBT rights, stated that recent pushback against businesses such as Anheuser-Busch and Target, blatantly organized by extremist groups, serves as a wake up call for all businesses that support the LGBT community. Research shows that if a brand publicly supports and demonstrates a commitment to expanding and protecting LGBTQ+ rights, Americans are 2 times more likely to buy or use the brand, the HRC stated. It isnt just LGBTQ+ consumers and communities: 70 percent of non-LGBTQ+ people believe companies should publicly support and include the LGBTQ+ community through practices like hiring, advertising, and sponsorships. At this moment, its critical that Target champions equity and inclusion as it has for over a decade. Anheuser-Busch, which previously had a perfect 100 percent score on the HRCs Corporate Equality Index, had its rating suspended by the organization on May 9, one month after the brewer appeared to backpedal on its transgender promotional campaign for Bud Light following a drop in beer sales. The Walt Disney Company saw similar pushback from shareholders. On April 5, Reed Rubinstein, former deputy attorney general in the Trump administration, issued a letter on behalf of shareholders to Disneys board of directors, demanding a corporate investigation into CEO Bob Chapeks wasting of corporate assets, including damage to Disneys brand and reputation, as well as Disneys violation of employees civil rights by fostering a discriminatory and hostile work environment against conservative staff. This came after Disney fought against a parents rights law in Florida that banned the teaching of sexual topics to children in kindergarten through third grade. Chapek was fired by Disney in November 2022, with a $24 million severance package. States Fight on Both Sides of the ESG Movement In addition to shareholder actions, more than a dozen states, including Florida, Texas, West Virginia, Utah, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, have passed or are considering passing laws and regulations to prevent state funds from being used to support the ESG industry. Some states have also boycotted banks and asset managers that they say discriminate against industries according to the ESG agenda. Conservative state treasurers and AGs have been pulling out all the stops to stop ESG, Yitz Friedman, communications manager at the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), told The Epoch Times. However, most state capitals have a swamp of their own to deal with, and we have seen reluctance on the part of state pension boards to seriously address the ESG threat. The AAF reported that, despite, laws and regulations in Florida and Ohio that require state fund managers to make investment decisions and vote shares only according to monetary criteria, fund managers have continued to support progressive petitions in shareholder votes. Fund managers in Florida and Ohio reportedly voted for corporate resolutions in favor of climate and racial causes at companies including Boeing, UPS, AT&T, Home Depot, Disney, and ExxonMobil. However, the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), which manages the states investments, denied that political issues were a factor. OPERS does not permit ideologies to influence our investment or proxy voting decisions, Michael Pramik, an OPERS spokesman, told The Epoch Times. As conservative states fight ESG, liberal states have been ramping up demands that asset managers include ESG in their investment decisions. In September 2022, fearing that BlackRock, the worlds largest asset manager, was faltering in its support for ESG initiatives, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander wrote BlackRock CEO Larry Fink demanding that stronger action toward net zero emissions reduction across its portfolio. Your 2021 letter to CEOs committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or soonerin line with BlackRocks pledge as a signatory to the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative (NZAMI)and asked businesses to disclose how they are integrating their own net zero plans into their long-term business strategies, Lander told Fink. Unfortunately, despite these repeated proclamations BlackRock now abdicates responsibility for driving net zero alignment in its own portfolio by saying that it does not ask companies to set specific emissions targets as a result of pressure from conservative state AGs and financial officers. Fink had famously declared in 2017, as the ESG movement was picking up steam, that you have to force behaviors, and at BlackRock, we are forcing behaviors. Lander, who directs New Yorks nearly $200 billion in pension assets, suggested that the city might take its business elsewhere if BlackRock failed to use its position as the worlds largest asset manager, with all the corporate governance responsibilities that go along with that position, to move its portfolio companies to get their businesses in line with a net zero economy. This pressure from ESG advocates highlights the difficulties that companies face once they take on ESG causes. Having taken a political position, they soon face backlash from both sides when they attempt to extricate themselves. Democrat lawmakers say ESG is a matter of economic liberty and that companies that support progressive causes should be free to pursue them without interference from government. At a June 6 congressional hearing that criticized ESG investing, Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) said, Lets call this what it is; its an attack on economic freedom. Columbia Business School accounting professor Shivaram Rajgopal testified, To me, ESG in essence is a free market organic investor-driven movement to ask firms to disclose more information about the factors associated with their future cash flow. Investors would be derelict of their fiduciary responsibility to their stakeholders if they did not consider the material factors while making that investment decision. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) said: I am for freedom to invest your money into the causes you and the client actually believe in, but thats not whats happening here. Managers are investing your money in causes they believe in, and we are seeing real consequences for Americans retirements. In the Wake of the ESG Movement Regarding the effects of ESG, Jason Isaac, a director at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, told lawmakers that the movement has taken a harsh toll on U.S. oil and gas production, leading to energy price hikes and making electric and gas bills unaffordable for more Americans. There has been an 81 percent reduction in the number of funds that provide private capital raised for oil and gas exploration in this country and a 94 percent reduction in dollars raised for oil and gas production, Isaac said. Over the past several weeks, stock analysts at JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, and KeyBanc Capital Markets downgraded their ratings of Target shares. Although the analysts said this was to some extent because of fears of a general decline in retail sales as consumers cut back on spending, Citi predicted that Walmart would gain market share from Target. In October 2022, UBS, a Swiss bank, downgraded the shares of BlackRock, stating: Early and energetic adoption of ESG principles in its fund management and shareholder proxy activities have positioned the firm as an ESG leader in our view. However, as performance deteriorates and political risk from ESG has increased, we believe the potential for lost fund mandates and regulatory scrutiny has recently increased. Shepard said theres every indication that final shareholders, as opposed to the fund managers who vote the shares on their behalf, are opposed to ESG. If the institutional investors began using their influence with corporations honestlypushing for ESG goals with the assets that are specifically invested in ESG funds, but pushing against ESG goals in favor of neutrally running companies in non-ESG labeled fundsESG would be over tomorrow, he said. IN-DEPTH: Wildfires Exacerbated by Poor Forest Management, Professors Say Smoke from wildfires burning across Ontario and Quebec blanket the skyline in Kingston, Ont., on June 6, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Lars Hagberg) While there have been suggestions that wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, environmental and economic professors interviewed by The Epoch Times say that the number of fires has been decreasing for decades and that the cause of the fires in many cases can be attributed to poor forest management. The prime minister said that climate change is causing more and more forest fires, and the record shows the opposite, said Ross McKitrick, an environmental economics professor at the University of Guelph. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System shows that the number of forest fires has actually been going down in Canada since the 1990s. As several wildfires in northern Quebec led to thick smoke plumes that blanketed cities across Ontario and the Eastern United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is experiencing more and more of these fires because of climate change. These fires are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality. Well keep workinghere at home and with partners around the worldto tackle climate change and address its impacts, he said on Twitter on June 7. U.S. President Joe Biden made a similar comment on Canadas wildfires, tweeting that such events are intensifying because of the climate crisis. But McKitrick notes that even the U.N.s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change isnt blaming wildfires on climate change. When people look for an easy explanation, trying to blame it on climate change for instance, the obstacle to that is if it was a global climate change story, wed see an increase globally in area burned from wildfires, and that isnt there in the record, he said. The major data collection agencies and scientists who studied them have not claimed theres an increase in global area burnedif anything, its trending down slightlyand the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change doesnt make that claim, doesnt say that thats a detectable effect of climate change. He adds that what has made the current Quebec fires so unusual is that the smoke plumes have formed over southern Ontario and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. People living on the British Columbia coast have some experience with the days with the weird orange haze in the air, but for people in Toronto, New York City, or Washington, it is a very unusual experience, he said. So that part gets a lot of attention. But as far as the number of forest fires, were pretty much on average for the fire season. The area burned so far this year is quite large, but it remains to be seen whether its going to be an exceptional year in that way. Forest Management According to McKitrick, the increased size and intensity of wildfires can be attributed to the accumulation of fuel caused by the alteration of forest management practices in Canada and the United States in the 1980s. During that time, he said, governments began to limit the number of interventions people could do to remove fuel loads from the forest, which led to the accumulation of more flammable, dry debris. The suppression of forest management has meant much larger fuel loads in a lot of forests now, so we do expect to see that when forest fires break out, they can become unmanageable much more quickly, he said. Controlled burns, or prescribed fires, reduce hazardous fuels and help mitigate the intensity of wildfires. Mark Heathcott, a fire expert who managed Parks Canadas controlled burns for more than 20 years, told Macleans in 2016 that Canada was behind the United States in terms of controlled fires. Parks Canada only has 24 controlled burns on its list of 2023 prescribed fires, while south of the border there were over 151,000 in 2019, according to the latest prescribed fires figures from the U.S. National Interagency Fire Center. A lot of lip service is paid to it but very few agencies do it, Heathcott wrote. People dont understand the benefit of fire. Cornelis van Kooten, an economics professor and Canada Research Chair in Environmental Studies and Climate at the University of Victoria, also says poor forest management has made the wildfire situation worse. In the past, we used controlled burns, but environmentalists are against those, so we dont do that anymore. So as a result of the increased fuel loads, you get these more intense, bigger fires, he said. While van Kooten said climate change has had some effect on the frequency of forest fires, he cautioned against solely attributing the wildfires problem to rising CO2 levels and seeing carbon reduction as the only solution. If thats all youre going to do, well, youre not dealing with the problem of forest fires, he said. Were just poor at managing forests, and the reason were poor at managing forests is a number of factors. One is were unwilling to spend the kind of money thats needed. Matthew Wielicki, a former assistant professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Alabama, points out that according to the Canadian National Fire Database, since 1980, the number of wildfires has been trending downward as greenhouse gas emissions increased. I kind of like to look at whats happening in the past to predict whats going to happen in the future. And if the trend continues, then wildfires should keep decreasing, even though we may have years that are higher than normal because of the internal variability of a really complex system like this, he said. Judge Who Ruled in Trumps Favor Assigned to Mar-a-Lago Documents Case Former President Donald Trump greets supporters at an event in Grimes, Iowa, on June 1, 2023. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) A federal judge who was appointed by former President Donald Trump and ruled in his favor in the case involving records seized from his home by the FBI has been assigned to his new criminal case. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon was assigned to the criminal case, which was lodged in federal court in southern Florida, according to the court docket. New cases are assigned randomly to one of 26 judges who operate in the district, according to the courts internal rules. Cannon, a former U.S. prosecutor who was appointed as a judge in 2020, sided with Trump in a previous case brought by the former president against the government following its execution of a search warrant at his Mar-a-Lago resort. Trump asked for an independent person called a special master to be appointed to help adjudicate disputes over the documents the FBI seized, many of which werent marked classified, because he said many of the documents werent allowed to be seized under the warrant. Department of Justice (DOJ) officials opposed the request, alleging that appointing a special master would harm national security and would impede its criminal investigation into Trump. Cannon ruled on Sept. 5, 2022, that a special master would be helpful in identifying personal documents that Trump may be entitled to, such as tax documents that the government had acknowledged seizing. She noted that the government had acknowledged botching a review of the documents for potentially privileged materials and that the team in charge of the review wasnt always perceived to be as impartial as special masters. Concerns about the perception of fair process are heightened where, as here, the Privilege Review Team and the Investigation Team contain members from the same section within the same DOJ division, even if separated for direct reporting purposes on this specific matter, Cannon said. She later said, The Court is mindful that restraints on criminal prosecutions are disfavored but finds that these unprecedented circumstances call for a brief pause to allow for neutral, third-party review to ensure a just process with adequate safeguards. Cannon named U.S. District Judge Raymond Dearie, a Reagan appointee, as the special master and enabled him to view materials with classification markings. Appeals Court Overturns Ruling But an appeals court panel concluded that Cannon likely erred when she made the materials available to Dearie and Trump lawyers, prompting Cannon to modify her order to block them from seeing the documents. The Supreme Court declined to intervene. Trumps case was later thrown out after the same appeals court panel stated that Cannon lacked the jurisdiction to appoint a special master. The new case against Trump stems partly from the same documents that the FBI seized. Authorities say Trump illegally kept classified materials and other sensitive documents beyond his presidency at Mar-a-Lago and showed some of the materials to other people in New Jersey in violation of federal law. The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods, reads the indictment, which was presented by special counsel Jack Smiths team and approved by a grand jury in Florida. Trump says he declassified the classified materials before leaving office and is innocent. He has also pointed out that a number of former top officials, such as former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, havent been charged even though they mishandled classified materials. Special counsel Jack Smith speaks at the Department of Justice in Washington on June 9, 2023. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Request for Recusal? Under federal law, if prosecutors reasonably believe that Cannon cant be fair, they could file an affidavit asking that Cannon recuse herself from the case, arguing that she has a personal bias or prejudice. If she finds the affidavit is sufficient, she must step down. She also must step down if it could be argued that her impartiality might reasonably be questioned by the parties or the public. Given the reversal of Cannons ruling last year, there already appears to be a fair ground for disqualification because the public might reasonably question her impartiality, even absent an evidentiary basis for alleging or finding personal bias or prejudice, according to University of Miami law professor Anthony Alfieri, the founding director of its Center for Ethics and Public Service. Cannon previously worked as an assistant U.S. attorney, mainly out of the federal prosecutors office in Fort Pierce, Florida, which is part of the same federal district as Miami but about 130 miles (209 kilometers) to the north. Beginning in 2013, Cannon prosecuted 41 cases as part of the Major Crimes Division, later handling appeals of criminal convictions and sentences. She has also been a member of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal organization that has championed judges appointed by Trump, including Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. Born in Cali, Colombia, in 1981, Cannon came to the United States as a child, ultimately graduating from Duke University in 2003. One of her cases as a prosecutor involved a defendant in a major $800 million Ponzi scheme who unsuccessfully appealed his numerous fraud convictions to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Her opposing counsel in that case, longtime Miami defense attorney Richard Klugh, described Cannon as very bright and talented and fair to the defense. I didnt see anything I could characterize as anything other than good lawyering and no political bias whatsoever, Klugh said, noting that he has worked on cases handled by Cannon, although he hasnt appeared in her courtroom. Shes known for affording fair process and hearings. You like somebody who actually hears you out. She was asked during her 2020 Senate confirmation process whether she had any discussions with anyone, including people at the White House or the Justice Department, about loyalty to President Trump. In a written response, she replied, No. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Judiciary Committee Says Everything on Table If DOJ Fails to Produce Docs on Mar-a-Lago Raid Abnormalities House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is demanding copies of Justice Department (DOJ) documents concerning the FBIs raid on former President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence, after being told by a senior bureau official involved in the actions planning and execution about multiple unusual features and abnormalities involved. Everything is on the table, a committee spokesman told The Epoch Times, regarding whether a subpoena and potentially an additional contempt charge against FBI Director Christopher Wray or other top [DOJ] officials could result if documents demanded by Jordan in a June 9 letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland arent produced. Jordan has been pressing Garland and Wray for related documents for months but has yet to get them. The August 2022 Mar-a-Lago raid abnormalities were described to congressional investigators during a June 7 transcribed interview with Steven DAntuono, the FBIs former assistant director in charge of the Washington Field Office and one of the most senior FBI officials in charge of effectuating the unprecedented raid, according to the Jordan letter. During his testimony, Mr. DAntuono expressed strong concerns with the departments pursuit of the raid and noted several unusual features in the departments handling of the case, Jordan told Garland. Mr. DAntuono, who had over two decades of FBI experience, noted his frustration that the FBI was going to be left holding the bag again with respect to the search of President Trumps residence. During his transcribed interview, Mr. DAntuono detailed how he disagreed with the Justice Departments approach to the raid and described several abnormalities about the Departments actions in pursuing its investigation of President Trump. Supporters fly flags on a boat to show support near former President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Fla., on April 1, 2023. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Among the abnormalities described by DAntuono was that the Mar-a-Lago action was carried out by the FBIs Washington Field Office, not the Miami Field Office, which would normally be assigned because of the Mar-a-Lago location. DAntuono, according to Jordan, told the committee that FBI headquarters made the decision to assign the execution of the search warrant to the Washington Field Office (WFO) despite the location of the search occurring in the territory of the FBIs Miami Field Office. Mr. DAntuono stated that he had absolutely no idea why this decision was made and questioned why the Miami Field Office was not taking the lead on this matter, Jordan said. DAntuono pointed out to the committee that FBI officials told special counsel John Durham that field offices, not FBI headquarters, should run investigations. Another abnormality was the fact that no U.S. attorney was assigned to the case, even though that was standard FBI operating procedure. He explained that he didnt understand why there wasnt a U.S. Attorney assigned and raised this concern a lot with department officials because this was out of the ordinary, Jordan told Garland. Mr. DAntuono indicated that he never got a good answer and was told that the National Security Division would be handling this matter. DAntuono said Jay Bratt, who leads the DOJs counterintelligence division, functioned as the lead prosecutor on the case. Mr. Bratt is the same department lawyer who allegedly improperly pressured a lawyer representing an employee of President Trump, Jordan noted in his letter. He was referring to an allegation by a former Trump lawyer that Bratt was pushing another Trump attorney to become a witness against the former president. Multiple Abnormalities in FBI Raid A third abnormality alleged by DAntuono was that FBI line agents opposed the use of a search warrant to force entry to Mar-a-Lago and preferred that government officials obtain prior consent from Trump before entering the premises. [DAntuono] indicated a belief that either you or Director Christopher Wray made the decision to seek a search warrant, despite opposition from the line agents working this case in the WFO, Jordan told Garland. A fourth abnormality was related to the third, that the FBI agents at Mar-a-Lago didnt wait for the presence of a Trump lawyer before entering the former presidents residence. Mr. DAntuono testified that the FBI sought to exclude President Trumps attorney from the search, a move with which Mr. DAntuono disagreed, Jordan told Garland. As a result of DAntuonos testimony, Jordan told Garland that he wants all documents and communications referring or relating to meetings between FBI and Justice Department officials prior to the execution of the search warrant on President Trumps private residence, all documents and communications referring or relating to the execution of a search warrant on President Trumps private residence, including those sent or received by the following FBI and Justice Department Officials, and all documents and communications between or among Washington Field Office agents and employees and the U.S. Secret Service about a potential search of President Trumps residence. Wray barely averted a possible congressional contempt citation last week when he agreed to allow members of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability to view an unclassified FBI document that allegedly describes an informants description of evidence that President Joe Biden and his son Hunter accepted bribes from a Ukrainian energy executive while Biden was vice president. DOJ officials didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. Kari Lake Urges Georgia GOP: Fight for Secure Electionsand for Trump, Despite Federal Indictment Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake speaks to the Georgia GOP convention in Columbus, Georgia, on June 9, 2023. (Janice Hisle/The Epoch Times) COLUMBUS, Ga.Kari Lake, a Republican well-known for challenging her 2022 Arizona gubernatorial loss, told a packed house of Georgia Republicans that election integrityand support of embattled former President Donald Trumpshould be top priorities. The two states that have been fighting the hardest to get our sacred vote back are Arizona and the Peach State of Georgia, said Lake, who could be on Trumps shortlist for possible running mates in the 2024 presidential election. Lake addressed about 930 people at the Georgia GOP Convention Victory Dinner on June 9. Both states are considered key to a presidential win. We all know that the path to the White House goes directly through Arizona and Georgia, Lake said. More than 2,700 attendees pre-registered for the convention, the largest turnout in the partys history, Georgia GOP Chair David Shafer told The Epoch Times. Declaring that the party is stronger now than ever in Georgia, Shafer said he was pushing back against a false narrative, suggesting that the party suffers from a lack of unity. A lot of people confuse growing pains with division, Shafer told the audience as he welcomed Lake to the stage. The convention continues on June 10, with Trump set to be a featured speaker at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center. It will be Trumps first public appearance since federal authorities unsealed a 37-count indictment against him. Those charges involve Trumps alleged mishandling of sensitive government documents after his presidency ended in 2021. Trumps Back in The Ring Hes back in the ring, and this time, I think hes taking the gloves off. Hes ready to go. And I cant wait to see what he does next, Lake said. When Lake defended Trump and credited him for refusing to back down from claims that the 2020 election was stolen, she drew cheers and applause. Trump has never conceded defeat to Democrat President Joe Biden. Former President Donald Trump and Kari Lake, whom Trump is supporting in Arizonas gubernatorial race, speak during a rally at the Canyon Moon Ranch festival grounds in Florence, Arizona, on Jan. 15, 2022. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) They rigged the elections to stop Trump, install Biden and destroy our country, Lake said. Biden has said he won fairly, with a record 81 million votes cast for him. Lake played a video mocking that vote total; the audience jeered in response. Republicans need to ramp up their efforts to fix problems such as voting machines failing or possibly being tampered with, Lake said. She intends to continue raising concerns about election fraud playing a role in her 2022 defeat. The case could escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court, Lake said. Georgia and Arizona have both made progress in strengthening elections, she said. Were nibbling around the edges, but we need to do something really big with elections, or were gonna have another one stolen from us, Lake said. If 24 gets stolen, we lose our country. Unsubstantiated, But Throughout Trumps presidency, and since he left office in 2021, Trump has maintained that he is the victim of political witch hunts; he was cleared of wrongdoing in several previous investigations, including allegations that he colluded with Russia to sway the 2016 election in his favor. Jimmy Fisher, who has been a Georgia convention delegate since 1984 and sported political memorabilia dating to 1964, said all the probes against Trump have turned out to be unfounded. Jimmy Fisher, a longtime delegate to the Georgia GOP convention, waits for a ride outside The Columbus, Georgia Convention & Trade Center on June 9, 2023. (Janice Hisle/The Epoch Times) So far, theres not one thing proven against him, Fisher told The Epoch Times. However, he noted that charges are now stacking up against Trump. In addition to the 37 federal charges revealed on June 9, Trump was indicted for 34 state business records charges in New York. Trump also remains under federal investigation for actions he took to oppose or challenge the 2020 election results both at the national level and in Georgia. Nevertheless, Fisher, wearing a Trump 2024 ball cap, said, I have not passed one person today that said anything against him. Everybody Ive passed today has said, Im voting for Trump.' Another conference attendee, Leigh Ann Eskew, told The Epoch Times she is voting for Trump because Hes the only candidate who has the strength to stand up to the Washington swamp. 200 Years in Prison Still, the new, historic federal charges that Trump faces come with long potential prison terms, Lake said. Startled muttering rippled through the audience when Lake remarked: The illegitimate Biden administration wants to lock our beloved president Trump up for more than 200 years. Then Lake blunted the shock of that lengthy possible prison term by joking, I kind of think hes immortal. But 200 years?! Lake said she spoke with Trump on June 8, shortly after he revealed he had been indicted. I had expected him to be a little bit down and out, Lake said. Instead, He was in such high spiritsHe sounded calm, cool, collected, Lake said. I wasnt. She said she was angry. I love this country but I hate this decrepit, disgusting, corrupt federal government that we have right now, she said. What theyre really trying to do is cover up the criminal acts of the Democrats and Joe Bidenliterally criminal acts, Lake said. She noted that the charges against Trump were released just as information surfaced about an alleged foreign bribery scheme involving Biden and his son, Hunter. Challengers Speech Popular Earlier in the day, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a challenger to Trump, told The Epoch Times that the prosecution of the former president seems unAmerican. Im running against Donald Trump to win the Republican nomination for president, but I dont want to win by having him eliminated from competition by a corrupt federal police state, Ramaswamy said. Were not a Banana Republic, where the party in power uses a police force to arrest its political opponents, he said. Thats not us. Thats not the America I learned to pledge allegiance to. Ramaswamy said he was gratified to see that, throughout his June 9 speech at the convention, the crowd was on its feet. Convention attendee Cliff Rhodes, 45, a lifelong Georgian, told The Epoch Times that Ramaswamys oratory skills are so good he may rise to become a contender later in the campaign. Overall, Rhodes liked Ramaswamys message because he sounds like an America First patriot. Still, Rhodes said, Ramaswamy remains somewhat of an unknown quantity for him. Vivek Ramaswamy, a challenger for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, speaks to the Georgia GOP Convention in Columbus, Georgia, on June 9, 2023. (The Epoch Times/Janice Hisle) And, although Rhodes likes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, I dont think DeSantis is ready for 2020. In fact, Id like for him to stay in Florida because hes done such a good job, Rhodes said. Hed rather see DeSantis finish his term as governor and run for the 2028 presidential election. Patriotic Sisters Convention attendee Shannon Hall said she liked Ramaswamys message. Asked whether shed vote for him to become president, Hall said, Hed make a great V.P. But both she and her sister, Shari Poole, who wore patriotic dresses to the convention, said they remain Trump supporters despite the indictment. Poole denounced the weaponization of the federal government against Trump. He was a political outsider until he decided to run for president in 2015; Trump served a four-year term as president after winning the 2016 election. Sisters Shannon Hall (L) and Shari Poole (R) flank Cliff Rhodes (C) at the Georgia GOP Convention in Columbus, Georgia, on June 9, 2023. (Janice Hisle/The Epoch Times) Trumps fights are pushing previously hidden issues to the forefront, Lake said. As a result, many peopleeven Democrats and Independentsare beginning to wake up to problems with Americas voting systems and its justice system, Lake said, citing recent polls reflecting concerns about election fraud or corruption. No matter what investigations Trump has faced, we just love him even more, Lake said. He has the will to fight because he loves this countryand if you do not love President Trump for what he sacrificed and has given up for this country, I hate to tell you this, but it means youre a victim of brainwashing. Lake said she had a message for Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland and Special Counsel Jack Smith, who pressed the government records case against Trump. If you want to get through to President Trump, youre going to have to go through meand youre going to have to go through 75 million Americans who are just like me, Lake declared. Millions Who Died at the Hands of Communism Honored in Washington Members of various embassies, representatives of captive nations, and human rights organizations pose for a group photo at the 16th annual roll call of nations wreath-laying ceremony at the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington on June 9, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) A memorial event in the nations capital on June 9 honored the millions of people around the world who have lost their lives under communism in the past century. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC) held its 16th annual wreath-laying ceremony, which brought together embassies, representatives of captive nations, and human rights organizations. The event honored the more than 100 million victims of communism over the past century, as well as those who still suffer under communist regimes, such as in China. During his remarks at the ceremony, Lee Edwards, the organizations founding chairman, emphasized the importance of not overlooking the sacrifices made by people who suffered under communist regimes. Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington on June 9, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) We are resolved to keep coming back to the memorial every June until that inevitable day when we know that China is free, Cuba is free, Vietnam is free, North Korea is free, and Laos is free, Edwards said, noting that more than 1.5 billion people live under these repressive communist regimes. Just as the Berlin Wall fell and the evil empire collapsed, we are confident that communism will wind up on the ash heap of history, and all the captive nations will be captive no more.The VOC is a nonprofit organization established by bipartisan legislation that was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993. Its objective is to educate people about communisms ideology, history, and legacy and to advocate for the freedom of those still held captive in communist countries. More Awareness Needed VOC Chairman Elizabeth Edwards Spalding said that more must be done to inform the public and raise awareness about the perils of communism. There will be a victory. Its just that we have to keep working toward it, Spalding told The Epoch Times. Theres a lot of ignorance out there. Spalding noted that the collapse of the Soviet Union did not mark the end of communism nor the threats it posed. And in addition to the public, the leaders of the free world need a better understanding of communism, she said. I think that President Biden himself typically has very good instincts, and Id like him to be able to speak out more against communism, Spalding said. Elizabeth Edwards Spalding, Chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC) and Founding Director of the Victims of Communism Museum speaks with an Epoch Times reporter during the 16th annual roll call of nations wreath-laying ceremony convened with embassies, representatives of captive nations, and human rights organizations at the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington on June 9, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) I would call on all of our world leaders to realize that politics is ultimately based on ethics, she said, as she urged Western governments and companies to disinvest from China. Lets move past the policies that were never correct, that were broken, and really encourage people to disinvest from the PRC. And that will be one way to keep chipping away at the Chinese Communist Party. The ceremony took place at the Victims of Communism Memorial statue near the U.S. Capitol. The figure is a replica of the Goddess of Democracy statue, which was created by protesters in Tiananmen Square in 1989 but was later destroyed by the Chinese Communist Party during a violent clampdown. Friends of Falun Gong representatives Erik Meltzer (L) and Mark Yang (R) attend the 16th annual roll call of nations wreath-laying ceremony convened with embassies, representatives of captive nations, and human rights organizations at the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington on June 9, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Vietnam, and Venezuela are the countries where communism persists today, alongside China. Even in nations where communism is not the dominant political system, socialist and communist ideas continue to influence government policies and social movements. At this years event, Bhuchung Tsering, a Tibetan writer and human rights activist, was awarded the TrumanReagan Medal of Freedom for his efforts to bring freedom and democracy to Tibetans living under communist tyranny. Last year, the foundation opened the Victims of Communism Museum in Washington. According to Ken Pope, CEO of the foundation, the objective of the VOC and the museum is to educate people and change perceptions about communism in American classrooms. Especially students and some teachers seem to have a romanticized vision of what socialism and communism really are, Pope told The Epoch Times. He cited Chinas communist leadership as an example of a regime that engages in atrocities such as genocide, reeducation camps, sterilizations, and forced organ harvesting. Our mission really is to educate American citizens and citizens around the world about the true history of communism, Pope said. New Indictment Against Trump Is Political Payback, Legal Experts Say The new indictment a federal grand jury returned against former President Donald Trump over his allegedly illegal retention of national security documents after he left the White House in January 2021 is politically motivated, legal experts told The Epoch Times. While the filing of federal charges against a former U.S. president is itself unprecedented, the indictment is also unique because Trump is currently the leading candidate for the Republican Partys nomination for president in the 2024 election. Democrats say the indictment is justified and long overdue, but Republicans say it and other criminal charges pending against Trump constitute interference by Democrats in the upcoming election. Trump himself said in a four-minute video made public the evening of June 8 that any criminal charges wont stop him from running to unseat President Joe Biden, a Democrat. He called the various investigations election interference. I am an innocent man. I did nothing wrong, said the former president, who previously handed over 15 boxes of disputed papers to the National Archives. Trump was impeached twice, and the news was saturated with coverage of the impeachment each time. The first was by the then-Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives in December 2019 on articles charging him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to communications with the Ukrainian president. He was impeached a second time in January 2021, a week before he left office, on an article charging incitement of insurrection related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach that led to an hours-long delay of the congressional certification of the 2020 election. Both times, he was acquitted by the U.S. Senate. Trump was the third president to be impeached, after Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998, both of whom were also acquitted by the Senate. The 49-page indictment, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, was unsealed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on the afternoon of June 9. The legal document charges Trump with 37 felony counts related to his handling of government records at his residence in the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Specifically, the 45th president stands accused of violating the federal Espionage Act and other federal statutes for allegedly conspiring to obstruct justice, making false statements, and concealing documents. The indictment states that Trump stored classified documents in unauthorized locations at his home, including in his bedroom, a bathroom, and a ballroom. Trump also allegedly shared some of the materials with individuals who lacked security clearances. The classified documents Trump stored in his boxes included information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries; United States nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack, the indictment reads. The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods. Longtime Trump aide Waltine Nauta, a former sailor in the U.S. Navy, is also accused of crimes in the indictment. Nauta allegedly removed government documents from the White House and helped Trump keep them away from federal officials who demanded their return. Its just amazing, what the Biden administration and its allies are willing to do to ensure that they stay in power and punish their enemies, Curt Levey, an attorney whos president of the conservative Committee for Justice, said in an interview with The Epoch Times. I mean, they are willing to blow up our entire legal system. He paraphrased Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who wrote on Twitter that the indictment will undermine public faith in the institutions that hold our republic together. Levey noted that Rubio is no Trump fan. I think its very important to call this what it is: Its President Biden trying to imprison his likely 2024 opponent rather than letting the voters decide his fate, he said. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and DOJ special counsel Jack Smith both work for Bidenhe could fire them at will anytime he wanted. There is no point in pretending that the Department of Justice is somehow independent or the special prosecutor is independent, Levey said, referring to Bidens claim that he wasnt involved in the investigation into the national security documents. I guess the only thing that saves us from being a banana republic and a laughingstock to the rest of the world is the fact that Supreme Court precedent makes it clear that you cant add conditionssuch as not being in prisonto the U.S. Constitutions qualifications for the presidency. So they cant really stop him from running for presidentor for that matter winningbut theyre certainly doing their best to do that. Its a lot harder to run for president from prison. So theyre certainly doing their best to put their thumb on the scale. The bulk of the charges against the former president appears to be for so-called process crimes such as obstruction and making false statements, he said. Of course, thats what the Justice Department is famous for when they dont have a strong case on the merits, Levey said. He also accused the DOJ of applying a double standard to Democratic politicians accused of doing the same thing Trump is accused of. When Hillary Clinton was accused of illegally having classified government documents on her home computer server, the DOJ used its discretion and decided to not prosecute her, he said. And nowadays, we hear nothing about charges against Biden, who allegedly illegally retained classified government documents after his vice presidency ended in January 2017, according to Levey. Its pretty clear which side the Justice Department is on here, he said. The lawyer paraphrased Soviet secret police chief Lavrentiy Beria: Show me the man; Ill show you the charges. If you want to put your political opponents in jail, you can always find a nominal reason to do so. Lets be clear. This is about politics and has nothing to do with the rule of law, Levey said. Attorney Paul Jonna, a partner at LiMandri and Jonna, said the charges are part of a larger witch hunt. My initial thoughts when I hear about this is that youve got one of the leading candidates in next years election and his opponent is basically weaponizing the Department of Justice, Jonna told The Epoch Times. Weve seen this with this Department of Justice repeatedly now. But to me, its hard to take seriously. This is basically a witch hunt that were seeing right now with this Department of Justice. I think the justice system will work properly, and it will be unsuccessful. Attorney J. Christian Adams, president of the Public Interest Legal Foundation, a good government group that focuses on election integrity, questioned the motives of the Biden administration in pursuing the indictment. Obviously DOJ is pretty unhinged and cannot be trusted broadly, Adams, who previously worked as a civil rights lawyer at the Justice Department, told The Epoch Times by email hours before the indictment was made public. But sometimes they get it right. I just dont know enough about the facts here. Trump has also been indicted in New York on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with a $130,000 payment in October 2016a month before that years electionthat hes said to have arranged to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The remittancecharacterized by critics as hush moneywas made in accordance with a nondisclosure agreement she signed in which she vowed to not publicly discuss an alleged affair she had with Trump a decade before. Trump has denied the affair. Trump said Daniels violated the agreement, and he sued her for defamation. In December 2018, Daniels lost in court and was ordered to pay Trump about $293,000 in attorneys fees, costs, and sanctions. Later the same month, former Trump attorney Michael Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for making the 2016 payment that court papers described as an excessive campaign contribution. The former president has denied any wrongdoing in the legal episode. Two other investigations into his conduct are currently ongoing. Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that he has been directed to appear in federal court in Miami on June 13 to answer the new charges. Eva Fu contributed to this article. China's economy is so discouraging that desperate young people are flocking to temples to pray for some luck Vitalyedush/Dreamstime.com Young people in China are so demoralized by the economy that they are flocking to temples to pray for luck. Visits to Beijing's Yonghe Temple soared 530% in March and early April from a year ago. The spike in temple visits comes as China's jobless rate for people 16 to 24 years old is at a record high 20.4%. As China's post-pandemic economic rebound has started to sputter, a different type of rally has taken over the country. The nation's young people are flocking to temples and other religious establishments to pray for luck in the face of dismal prospects as growth deteriorates further. Visits to Beijing's Yonghe Temple, which is favored by those seeking financial accomplishment, soared 530% in March and early April compared to the same time a year ago, according to CNN, which cited a survey by Chinese travel site Qunar.com and social-media app Xiaohongshu. Also known as the Lama Temple, it saw the biggest spike in visitors of any temple in China during that time, the survey found. Nationwide, temple visits this year have quadrupled versus a year ago, with half of the visitors between the ages of 20 and 30, the survey said. Meanwhile, Longhu Mountain, which is one of the birthplaces of Taoism, recorded 4.73 million visitors in the first quarter, up 47% from 2019, according to CNN. And Wudang, another famous Taoist site, saw a 23% surge. To be sure, tourism overall is up after China ended its strict zero-COVID policies last year. But the jump in temple visits has been spurred by a popular hashtag on social media that translates roughly to "no school-going, no hard-working, only incense-burning." In fact, "incense-burning youth" is the top catchphrase in China's tourism industry, according to the survey by Qunar.com and Xiaohongshu. The spike in temple visits comes as China's jobless rate for people 16 to 24 years old is at a record high 20.4%. After the Chinese economy saw an encouraging jump in the first quarter, more recent indicators on manufacturing, services, and retail sales, among others, have pointed to sudden weakening. And on Friday, fresh data on consumer and producer prices elevated fears that deflation could grip China's economy. Read the original article on Business Insider New Mexico Reaches $500 Million Settlement With Walgreens in Opioid Case Bottles of prescription painkillers Oxycodone Hydrochloride, 30mg pills, made by Mallinckrodt sit on a counter at a local pharmacy, in Provo, Utah, on April 25, 2017. (George Frey/Reuters) New Mexico has settled with Walgreens for $500 million over the pharmacys role in giving highly addictive prescription opioid painkillers without due attention to prescriptions raising concerns for drug abuse and addiction. Opioids include legal painkillers such as OxyContin, and various forms of the drug fentanyl. Fentanyl, a highly addictive and potent synthetic opioid, was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat acute pain. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. It is also extremely addictive. Just a two-milligram dose can prove fatal. New Mexicos settlement was signed in March and a confidentiality provision on the settlement was lifted Friday, according to state officials. The settlement is in addition to $274 million in settlements obtained in the case last fall from Albertsons, CVS, Kroger, and Walmart. Attorneys representing the state say that, in all, New Mexicos opioid litigation has brought in more than $1 billion. They argued at trial last year that Walgreens failed to recognize suspicious prescriptions and refuse to fill them. Im optimistic this will help in the fight against the opioid crisis and provide the treatment New Mexicans so desperately need, Luis Robles, one of the attorneys who worked on the case, told the Santa Fe New Mexican. Over the past few years, drug manufacturers, distribution companies, pharmacies, and other companies with roles in the opioid business have reached settlements totaling more than $50 billion with local, state, and tribal governments. In May, West Virginia announced its settlement with Kroger, bringing that states total opioid litigation dollars to more than $1 billion. West Virginia state has lost more lives to opioid overdoses per capita than any other. Walgreens reached another $230 million settlement with San Fransisco in May over the pharmacys role in the citys opioid epidemic. The settlement came nine months after U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco said the drugstore chain could be held liable for having substantially contributed to an opioid epidemic that caused widespread harm in the city and constituted a public nuisance. Breyer faulted Walgreens for its 15-year failure to properly scrutinize opioid prescriptions and flag possible misuse of the sometimes highly addictive drugs. Breyer found that Walgreens San Francisco pharmacies had received more than 1.2 million opioid prescriptions with red flags from 2006 to 2020, yet performed due diligence on less than 5 percent before dispensing them. Also in May this year, the state of Nevada reached a settlement with CVS Pharmacy worth nearly $152 million over the companys role in the opioid epidemic, as announced by Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford. Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said that fentanyl possession should be a category B felony. Last year, CVS agreed to pay state and local governments nearly $5 billion to settle opioid lawsuits in several states. Most of the settlement money from the opioid litigation is required to be used to fight the crisis, which has been linked to more than 560,000 deaths in the U.S. over the past two decades, including more than 70,000 a year recently. More than 100,000 Americans likely died from drug overdoses in 2022, the highest number on record according to CDC data published in May. The largest increase in overdose deaths in 2022 occurred in the states of Washington and Wyoming, where deaths surged 22 percent, according to the CDC. Meanwhile, South Dakota had the biggest percentage decrease in overdose deaths last year, with deaths down 18 percent from 102 to 84, according to the CDC. Fentanyl is everywhere. No community is safe from this poison, from large metropolitan areas to rural America. We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose death and poisonings from claiming scores of American lives every day, said USDEA Administrator Anne Milgram. According to a California Health Policy Strategies report on fatal overdoses (pdf), fentanyl-related deaths in California have increased by 1,027 percent since 2017, from 537 to 6,054 deaths in 2021. There are now 11 times as many fentanyl deaths in at least 55 percent of all fatal overdoses. The Associated Press, Reuters, and Katabella Roberts contributed to this report. One of 2 Giant Ducks in Hong Kongs Victoria Harbor Deflates An art installation called "Double Ducks" by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman as one of the duck is deflated at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong on June 10, 2023. (Louise Delmotte/AP Photo) HONG KONGOne of the two giant inflatable ducks floating in Hong Kongs Victoria Harbor deflated on Saturday, just a day after they were unveiled to revelers. Crowds of residents and tourists flocked in the scorching heat to the promenade near the government headquarters in Admiralty to snap photos of the ducks by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman. But many who arrived in the afternoon only found one duck intact, with the other reduced to a puddle of yellow plastic. Organizers said their staff found one of the ducks was overstretched due to the hot weather and rising air pressure. It was decided that the air needed to be immediately released by loosening the seams to avoid any potential risk, they wrote in a post on social media. They said the duck would be transferred back to the shipyard for repair. The two 18-meter (59-feet) -tall yellow ducks resemble the bath toys. In 2013, one of Hofmans ducks was displayed in the city and sparked a frenzy. But that duck was also deflated during its exhibition period. Hofman said he hoped the return of his pop-art icons would bring some joy to the city. Double duck, double luck, he said. Members of the public photograph an art installation called Double Ducks by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman at Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong on June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte) Hong Kong office worker Snow Wong said it was even more interesting to see the duck deflated. It makes us wonder if double happiness is really possible in Hong Kong. And if you look at the duck, you may find your answer, the 35-year-old said. Macao resident Annita Lei, who visited Hong Kong to see the ducks, was left disappointed. [Having] two ducks is very special. I really hope they can fix it before I leave Hong Kong tomorrow, Lei said. Hofmans rubber ducks have been on a world tour since 2007. By Kanis Leung One of Americas Oldest Restaurants Faces Backlash for Celebrating Pride Month A Cracker Barrel Old Country Store sign is visible atop one of its restaurant stores April 12, 2002 in Naperville, IL. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images) Popular American restaurant chain Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is attracting criticism after promoting Pride Monthwith some customers vowing to never eat at their stores again. Cracker Barrel recently made an Instagram post showing a rainbow-painted chair at one of its restaurants. We are excited to celebrate Pride Month with our employees and guests. Everyone is always welcome at our table. Happy Pride! the post stated. The restaurants promotion of transgenderism did not go well with conservatives, with many expressing their displeasure online. BYE BYE CRACKER BARREL! I will NEVER eat there again!! Representative Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) said in a June 9 tweet. We take no pleasure in reporting that @CrackerBarrel has fallen. A once family-friendly establishment has caved to the mob, the Texas Family Project, which advocates on behalf of the traditional family, said in a June 9 tweet. Thankfully, this makes it even easier than ever to skip this mid restaurant whenever someone recommends it. Everyone else should do their part and skip dining at the Cracker Barrel, too, Lauren Chen, a contributor to conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, said in a June 9 tweet. Promoting LGBT Causes Cracker Barrel is one of the oldest restaurant chains in the United States. It opened its first store back in 1969 and now operates 664 locations across America. Headquartered in Tennessee, the company employs around 73,000 employees. According to Cracker Barrels webpage on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, the brand has been promoting LGBT causes for some time now. In 2021, Cracker Barrel scored 80 points on the Human Rights Campaign Foundations Corporate Equality Index. This national benchmarking tool measures policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) employees and is a primary driving force for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. In 2019, Cracker Barrel turned away a church pastor who planned for his group to meet at one of the companys outlets in the Knoxville region. The pastor was anti-LGBTQ+, according to the company. We issued a statement disagreeing strongly with the pastors statements of hate and divisiveness, and he was not permitted on-site. BlackRock Ownership According to data from CNN, BlackRock Fund Advisors owns a 14.74 percent stake in Cracker Barrels and is the biggest shareholder. Blackrock is known for pushing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards on companies. ESG makes companies look beyond making profits, forcing them to tackle issues like gender identity, climate change, racial inequality, and more. In a recent interview with Fox News, Breitbarts economics editor John Carney pointed out that BlackRocks ESG agenda is about imposing a Chinese-style social credit system onto American corporations. Corporate CEOs feel under pressure to adopt the right environmental, the right social, the right diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, all because one of the biggest investors in the whole world has sent the message to them that this is what they care about, he said. Cracker Barrels current promotion of LGTB is in stark contrast to the companys policies almost three decades ago. In 1991, the firm faced controversy after nine homosexual employees were fired due to their sexual orientation. At the time, Cracker Barrel justified the decision by stating that continuing to employ individuals whose sexual preferences fail to demonstrate normal heterosexual values which have been the foundation of families in our society was inconsistent with its customer base, according to a Los Angeles Times report from February 1991. However, following outrage from homosexual rights advocates, Cracker Barrel decided to continue employing the individuals it had terminated. Pence Was Required to Answer Most Questions in Special Councils Trump Probe, Newly-Released Docs Show Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to supporters as he formally announces his intention to seek the Republican nomination for president in Ankeny, Iowa, on June 7, 2023. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) A federal judge required Vice President Mike Pence to answer most questions posed to him in Special Council Jack Smiths investigation into President Donald Trump, newly-unsealed records show. The court records were released on June 9 and showed that Pences motion to refuse a subpoena from Smith was effectively denied by D.C. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg. Boasberg agreed with government attorneys that Pence was required to answer most questions asked by Smith as part of his probe, denying Pences argument that his role as president of the Senate shielded him from compliance. This June 20, 2012, photo provided by ALM shows U.S. District Judge James Jeb Boasberg in Washington, D.C. (Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM via AP) The subpoena of Pence came following the announcement that Trump would be indicted at the federal level on 37 counts related to his handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. After being asked to testify about his role in the certification of electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021, Pences lawyers submitted a motion requesting that Pence be shielded from such testimony (pdf). They said the Speech and Debate Clause of the Constitution protected Pence from being required to give testimony. That clause reads, [Congressmen] shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. Pences lawyers argued that because Pence was fulfilling his constitutional role as president of the Senate on Jan. 6, this clause protected him from being required to comply with Smiths subpoena of him. Article I of the Constitution provides that the former Vice President shall not be questioned in any other Place concerning activities relating to his role as President of the Senate on Jan. 6, 2021, Pences lawyers argued. That Speech-or-Debate protection is absolute and unqualified. It forbids the Executive and Judicial Branches from compelling the former Vice President to testify about his exercise of the constitutional and statutory powers conferred by the Constitutions Article I and Twelfth Amendment and by the Electoral Count Act. Specifically, they argued that any discussions Pence had with Trump and others ahead of Jan. 6 were protected as preparatory to a legitimate legislative function. Smith replied that Pence had refused earlier efforts to testify to Congress about his actions on Jan. 6 as well, and accused the former vice president of trying to have it both ways by seeking protection from congressional inquiry in the executive branch and by seeking protection from executive branch inquiries in the legislative branch (pdf). Special counsel Jack Smith speaks at the Department of Justice in Washington, on June 9, 2023. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Pence should not be able to have it both ways and avoid any questioning whatsoever about the events surrounding Jan. 6, Smith argued. Pence cannot plausibly claim protection under the Clause here, he added. The Speech-or-Debate privilege exists to ensure that Congress can keep private certain deliberative communications, in order to protect the integrity of the legislative process.' But Smith noted that Pence has repeatedly affirmed in his memoir, So Help Me God, and elsewhere that he was not involved in any legislative process on Jan. 6 because his role was ceremonial only. Stated differently, Pences activities before presiding over the Joint Session were not analogous to the kind of activity a member might undertake in preparation to vote on a bill, participate in a hearing, or draft a subcommittee report. Pences lawyers replied that this response was simply extraordinary and called the discussion of Pences memoirs wholly irrelevant (pdf). This Court, the Vice Presidency, and the Constitution deserve better, they argued. Boasberg ultimately denied the motion in part and granted it in part, contending that select statements and comments from Pence were protected, but most were not. [C]onversations exhorting Pence to reject electors on Jan. 6 are not protected, Boasberg wrote in his opinion on the dispute (pdf), rejecting the contention that Pences discussions with Trump and others ahead of Jan. 6 could be labeled preparatory and thereby protected. Boasberg said that the argument put forward by Pence was far too broad and could theoretically cover any conversation with anybody with an opinion. Instead, the touchstone is whether these conversations were integral to the Vice Presidents performance of his legislative duties, Boasberg wrote. The Court holds that they were not. Their objective role in preparing him to perform his self-admittedly ceremonial duties was incidental at best and certainly not integral. Instead, Boasberg said that only Pences comments on the floor on Jan. 6, and the preparation of those comments, were protected, as were the vice presidents conversations with his staff about the extent of his legal role in the certification of electoral votes on Jan. 6. Pences role on Jan. 6 has been a matter of much speculation and the subject of several investigative efforts. Prior to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, Pence was allegedly pushed by Trump and several of his allies to reject electoral slates from states where there were allegations of widespread voter fraud. At issue was the extent of Pences role as vice president in the certification of electoral slates: Trump and his allies argued that the 12th Amendment and the Electoral Count Act gave Pence the authority to reject electoral slates; Pence and Trumps opponents argued that the vice presidents role is purely ceremonial. The unsealing of the documents in relation to Smiths probe came just a few days after Pence filed paperwork to run for president against his former running mate. Despite his oft-repeated disagreements with Trump, Pence has historically sought to protect his testimony related to the events of the day, running out the clock to avoid a subpoena from the now-defunct House Jan. 6 Committee. Political Cartoonist Zunzi Talks About Newspaper Axing His Column, Urges Hongkongers to Speak for Free Speech Rights Hong Kong popular cartoonist Zunzi spoke to The Epoch Times in Hong Kong, on May 14, 2023 (Sherry Lin/The Epoch Times) On May 14, veteran Hong Kong cartoonist Zunzi had his political cartoon column terminated by the Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao after running for 40 years. The Hong Kong Public Library has also removed Zunzis work from its shelves. Suddenly Zunzi seemed to have never existed in the city. Zunzi shares with The Epoch Times that he wishes Hongkongers would continue to speak up safely to stop a small group of people from controlling the right to speak. He also wishes the present is the darkest time for Hong Kong and the sun will rise soon. Zunzi, taking a brief break, looks very relaxed in the interview. Although Zunzi feels the suspension was not a big deal, the breakup with Ming Pao was political. It is a political cancellation. Perhaps the government wants to create a certain political effect or intent. Or, the government wants no one at all to criticize it. Of course, the published content is also a problem for it. Zunzi held exhibitions in Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles in the United States to introduce his work on turbulent Hong Kong in 2019. (Emma Hsu/ The Epoch Times) Zunzis comics were discontinued permanently right before June 4, a sensitive date for the regime. Zunzi thinks that June 4 is not the only reason the government killed off his cartoon column. The regime wants to create a particular political atmosphere. So silencing his work was just a way to eliminate opposition voices. The cartoonist observes that there have been increasingly more sensitive topics. There has never been an issue with political or satirical comics. That seems to have changed, even though everything on the surface remains the same. Zunzi suspects that the red line has encircled Hong Kong. Zunzi tells the reporter that Ming Pao fears the regime so much that there was no mention in the newspaper of Tiananmen Square, June 4, or its 34th anniversary. When asked whether he fears violating the National Security Law should he continue to draw, Zunzi says there is a possibility and that if journalists are not careful, there will be trouble. We as cartoonists may not always know what is wrong, but we have an idea of what subjects we cannot touch. Hence we do our best to avoid them. Zunzis response confirms journalists in Hong Kong have been trying to avoid topics that may trigger a government response. Zunzi also mentions that if they do not self-censor, there will be problems. Perhaps in the past, the fine line was not as thin as the one now and everyone has to tread on the thin line carefully. As he takes a breather, Zunzi sketches a picture for The Epoch Times reporter to express his current mood. Zunzis sketch for the Epoch Times. (Courtesy of Zunzi) Hitler More Public-Appropriate? In recent years, Hong Kong Public Library has removed a large number of sensitive books, some of which are Zunzis comics. These books are considered to be a risk of endangerment to national security. To a certain extent, Zunzi thinks it includes everything that reflects the governments lack of confidence. Reading does not equal brainwashing. People who take literature or reading seriously will not blindly agree with everything they read. Those who read, read with an open mind. Zunzi also emphasizes that not everyone can or will be swayed by the content of a single book: The government has made a wrong move to ban books. When asked why Hitlers books can remain in the library but not his comics, Zunzi casually smiles and shares, The same question has also crossed my mind. The book Hitler: Mein Kampf is still available online at the Hong Kong Public Library. (Screenshot of Hong Kong Public Libraries website via The Epoch Times) Open Country, Open Mind Zunzi says that in any liberal country, historical literature will always be welcome in libraries. He says people in a free world learn with an open mind. I hope one day everything will return to normal. Everyone can exchange thoughts or opinions freely, bouncing off ideas again. Talk Shows Targeted In China Mainland talk shows have also become a target of suppression by the Chinese government in recent months. Since talk show content goes viral quickly with video sharing, they can capture more attention. The more the drama, the more the public pay notice. In previous interviews, Zunzi had said that people working in journalism were supposed to document, observe and seek what happened. Even if something unexpected happens, say a crocodile shows up from nowhere, they must find out what, why, where, when, and how. The Darkest Hour Zunzi hopes that Hong Kong is at its darkest time. At least we would know dawn will come next. Perhaps everything will improve from here. People can heal and relax. Things can return to how they were, and we can share ideas freely again. Why Stay in Hong Kong? As his drawing career has been put on hold, why is Zunzi still in Hong Kong? Why doesnt he leave? Like some other Hongkongers close to the city, Zunzi loves Hong Kong very much. Think about it. Otherwise, why would I write and sketch so much about it? Zunzi has drawn so much about Hong Kong in the past forty years because he wanted the best for Hong Kong. Zunzi hopes that ending his column will alleviate some pressure from Ming Pao and that the newspaper can remain in business. So What Is Next For Zunzi? Zunzi responds quickly that he has plenty to do. That he can finally do something that he always wanted to do. I might have read just a page of the books I have bought while others are still untouched on the shelfnow I can catch up on my reading. Words For Hongkongers Zunzi says that Hongkongers will need more courage now than ever. He recommends that they Speak up as much as possible, whenever possible. It is crucial for Hongkongers to express their idea right now. If your circumstances allow, and you are in a safe environment, you should express your beliefs loudly. Otherwise, your speech rights will soon be stripped away by a small group of people, he said. Senators Call on TikTok CEO to Explain Inaccurate Statements About How Company Manages US Data NEW YORKTwo U.S. senators are asking TikTok to explain what they called misleading or inaccurate responses about how it stores and provides access to U.S. user data after recent news reports raised questions about how the Chinese-owned social media platform handles some sensitive information. In a letter sent Tuesday to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) cited a report from Forbes that said TikTok had stored financial information of U.S. content creators who get paid by the companyincluding their Social Security numbers and tax IDson China-based servers. The senators also cited another report from The New York Times, published in late May, that said TikTok employees regularly shared user information, such as drivers licenses information of some American users, on an internal messaging app called Lark that employees from TikToks Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, could easily access. Forbes first reported Wednesday on the letter. TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said, We are reviewing the letter. We remain confident in the accuracy of our testimony and responses to Congress. TikTok has said servers that contain U.S. user data have been physically stored in Virginia and Singapore, where its headquartered. But who can access that dataand from whereis an ongoing question. Chew, the companys CEO, said at a congressional hearing in March that access to the data was provided as-required to engineers globally for business purposes. He also said some ByteDance employees still maintained access to some U.S. user data, but that would end once Project Texasthe companys plan to siphon off U.S. user data from Chinawas completed. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 23, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Tiktok has been under scrutiny from Western governments, whove been wary of the companys Chinese ownership and have prohibited its use on government issued devices. Earlier this year, the Biden administration threatened to ban the platform nationwide if the companys Chinese owners dont sell their stakes. To assuage concerns from U.S. lawmakers, TikTok has been touting its Project Texas plan to store U.S. user data on servers owned and maintained by the software giant Oracle. Last year, the company said it began directing all U.S. user traffic to those servers but also continued to back up data on its own servers. Chew said the company began deleting all historic U.S. user data from non-Oracle servers in March, and the process is expected to be completed this year. In their letter, the senators also said the recent news reports appear to contradict testimonies from another TikTok official about where U.S. user data is stored. By Haleluya Hadero South Korea Summons China Envoy Over Provocative Remarks About US Ties South Korea and China's flags flutter next to Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, China, on Dec. 15, 2017. (Jason Lee/Reuters) South Korea on Friday summoned Chinas top envoy to protest against his provocative remarks on United States-South Korea relations, saying that such an act amounts to interference in internal affairs. Chinese envoy Xing Haiming made the remarks during a meeting with South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung on Thursday, in which he urged South Korea to get rid of the interference of external factors when handling relations with China. China-ROK relations are currently encountering considerable difficulties. Frankly speaking, the responsibility for this does not lie with China, he said, using South Koreas official name, the Republic of Korea. The United States is trying its best to suppress China. Some people bet that the United States will win and China will lose, the envoy added. Those who bet against China will regret it in the future. Xing further said the Taiwan issue is at the core of Chinas interest, and South Korea should respect that. Went Too Far South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin sternly warned that Xings remarks are a violation of diplomatic protocol and possibly constituted interference in internal affairs. South Koreas Foreign Minister Park Jin also condemned the envoys actions, saying that Xing went too far, Yonhap News Agency reported. There are diplomatic norms, and the role of an ambassador is to enhance friendship, not to spread misunderstandings, Park told reporters. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin defended Xings actions and reiterated the envoys stance that China is not to blame for the challenges in China-South Korea relations. It is part of ambassador Xings job to have extensive engagement with the ROK government, political parties, and people from all walks of life, exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, and share Chinas position and concerns, Wang told reporters. China views Taiwan as its own and has vowed to seize the self-ruling island by any means necessary. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said in April that he opposed attempts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. These tensions occurred because of the attempts to change the status quo by force, and we together with the international community absolutely oppose such a change, he said in an interview with Reuters. The Taiwan issue is not simply an issue between China and Taiwan but, like the issue of North Korea, it is a global issue, Yoon added. US-South Korea Washington Declaration On April 26, Yoon and President Joe Biden signed the Washington Declaration that outlines a set of U.S. extended deterrence measures, which drew criticism from Chinese state media. South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) and U.S. President Joe Biden (L) participate in a State Arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on April 26, 2023. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) The state-run Global Times on April 29 suggested that if Seoul ignores warnings from China, Russia, and North Korea and completely executes U.S. order for extended deterrence in the region, South Korea will likely face retaliation from China, Russia, and North Korea. When asked about Beijings outcry against the signing of the Washington Declaration, Yoon said that South Korea has no choice but to strengthen its alliance with the United States. If [Beijing] doesnt take part at all in the sanctions against [North Koreas] violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions, what do they want us to do? Were left with no choice, he said. If they want to take issue with us and criticize us for adopting the Washington Declaration and upgrading our security cooperation to one that is nuclear-based, they should reduce the nuclear threat or at least abide by international law and stick to U.N. Security Council sanctions against [North Korea], he added. Yoon said that even the former South Korean President, Moon Jae-in, who was Beijing-friendly, was treated poorly when he visited China, adding that only by forming a Korea-U.S.-Japan alliance would Beijing not treat South Korea with impunity. Lisa Bian and Sean Tseng contributed to this report. Thousands were evacuated overnight in China after land collapses caused large cracks on nearby streets. Footage shows bulged and warped roads, with some buildings even tilting with the pressure. We spoke to impacted residents for the latest. Topics in this episode: Thousands Evacuated in Chinas Tianjin China Slams U.S. Over Alleged Cuba Spy Base Heavy Flooding Hits Southern China China Arrests Pro-Democracy Dissident in Laos Chinas Chip Imports Take 20% Hit Amid Tech War Exxon Goes Ahead with New China Chemical Plant China Cited as Threat to Dollars Primacy South Korea Summons Chinas Envoy: Report Germany to Deploy Two Warships to Indo-Pacific China Close Behind U.S. in Quantum Technology; Security Threat If China Takes the Lead: Lee China in Focus is sponsored by Preserve Gold. Protect your IRA or 401(k) from the declining dollar with precious metals. Learn more now: http://offers.preservegold.com/ntd To Deliver on Her Campaign Promise on Health Care, Smith Needs Innovative Solutions: Analysts Alberta Premier Danielle Smith waits for the swearing in of her new cabinet in Edmonton on June 9, 2023. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press) The month after becoming Alberta premier in October 2022, when she won the United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership race, Danielle Smith dismissed the entire Alberta Health Services board and appointed a single administrator to allow health-care reform to be implemented more quickly. The urgent priorities identified for Dr. John Cowell included improving wait times and consulting with front-line workers and others on long-term reforms. Ahead of the May 2023 election, Smiths UCP promised to improve emergency response times and address surgery backlogs. To deliver on these promises, sweeping changes to the system are needed, says Nadeem Esmail, a senior fellow at the Fraser Institute. Tinkering with the number of administrators and spending more money are not the solution, Esmail told The Epoch Times by email. He said in keeping with Canadas universal health-care system, there are other countries that have more successful models which deliver more timely access for similar or less than we spend on health care, by doing health policy differently. Those countries, rather than giving hospitals an annual budget, instead provide activity-based fundingmoney for each patient treateda model that better connects funding with service volume and quality, Esmail said. He said access to privately paid services in those nations also play an important role. Colin Craig, president of the SecondStreet.org think thank, also said that to effectively improve health-care delivery, the province needs to be innovative and look outside Alberta and even Canada for good models. Partnering with private clinics to try to reduce the surgical backlog, I think thats a positive step, Craig told The Epoch Times. Activity-Based Funding Esmail said that in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, France, Japan, and every other developed country with universal health care (except Canada, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg and New Zealand), hospitals are paid with activity-based funding, where money follows the patient. This means hospitals are paid on a per-case basis (adjusted for medical complexity) with each patient bringing a predetermined amount of money with them based on their particular condition and unique care needs. This way, patients transform from a drain on hospital budgets into a source of additional revenue, he said. [This] creates powerful incentives for hospitals to increase activity, improve efficiency, and focus more on patient-centred services. Esmail said it also incentivizes hospitals to improve the quality of care, which produces a positive reputation [and] will attract more patients (and thus more revenue). Currently, he said, Canadas hospitals for the most part receive an annual budget, which incentivizes them to view patients as costs rather than sources of funding. Quebec is introducing activity-based funding and Alberta should follow that lead, Esmail said. Private Sector Esmail suggests Albertas health-care reforms should also let private hospitals play a large role. He acknowledged that the premier has said cost sharing is off the table, but said that when patients share in the cost of their health care, with limits and exemptions for lower-income individuals, it encourages them to make more informed decisions about when and where to access the health-care system. Health-care reform is fundamentally tied to the federal government, which controls the Canada Health Transfer to the provinces and can penalize them by withdrawing funding if they deviate from the schemes Ottawa imposes. But Craig says that means Canadians will go elsewhere for options. Wealthy Canadians are travelling abroad right now, to get surgery, to get it done faster, to ease their pain and suffering, he says. Theyre spending their dollars supporting other economies. He adds that not only the wealthy are leaving their provinces for health care. His think tank has heard from middle-income Canadians who cant afford to take a year off work and sit in chronic pain and lose income, so they go abroad and get the surgery they need. Craig suggested Smith consider seeking a Supreme Court decision on whether Albertans can pay for surgery in their own province outside of the public system. Quebecers have had that right for a long time. The Supreme Court ruled 43 in 2005 that Quebecs ban on private health care went against the provinces Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms given the unreasonably long wait times. The court in April announced it wouldnt hear a case brought by Vancouver orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Day and patient plaintiffs seeking the right to private health care in B.C. Craig said the court thus created two-tiered health care by giving Quebec patients more rights than the rest of the country. He said a premier could potentially force the Supreme Court to make a decision on the matter. And it would likely be very difficult for the Supreme Court to formally conclude that Quebecers deserve more health-care rights than the rest of the country. Marginal Reforms According to Jack Mintz, Presidents Fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, Health care is a mess, not just in Alberta, but in most other provinces too. In a June 2 commentary in the Financial Post, Mintz said there are too few doctors for a rapidly aging population, too much overuse of emergency care, too little preventive care, and inadequate support for vulnerable populations needing non-medicare services like drugs and home care. Meanwhile, the changes voters seem willing to accept are marginal. He wrote that most provinces contract services to organizations that can do them more efficiently and at less cost than high-price hospitals. The Smith government can continue that trend. However, without clearer public support, he says Alberta is not likely to try European-style reforms. Esmail says hospital activity-based funding and a larger private-sector role in delivering hospital and surgical care would markedly improve health-care system access and efficiency for Albertans. [These policies] have been introduced decades ago in other universal access health care systems with the result of better access to more efficiently delivered universal health care, he said. Alberta Health spokesperson Scott Johnston told The Epoch Times on June 6 that he couldnt share the governments plans for additional health-care reforms at this time. We arent able to comment on any potential change in policy until those changes can be reviewed by cabinet, he said. Top Biden Administration Official Admits to Lying to Congress Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm speaks to reporters during a press briefing at the White House on June 22, 2022. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters A top official in the Biden administration has admitted to lying to Congress when she claimed to not own individual stocks. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, a Biden appointee, told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on April 20 that she invested only in mutual funds and didnt own any individual stocks. Granholm said in a letter on June 9 to Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) that she wasnt honest during the Capitol Hill appearance. I mistakenly told the Committee that I did not own any individual stocks, whereas I should have said that I did not own any conflicting stocks, she wrote in the missive, which was obtained and reviewed by The Epoch Times. Granholm said she divested from assets that could be in conflict with her duties as part of being confirmed as energy secretary but that she retained stocks that government ethics officials determined wouldnt conflict with those duties. She has since sold those stocks. In order to make my financial holdings consistent with my testimony, on May 18, 2023, I divested my remaining stock holdings which consisted of stock in six companies, even though these assets were deemed non-conflicting, Granholm wrote. She didnt identify the companies. She said they would be identified on her annual disclosure report, which is expected to be available in mid-June. The Department of Energy and Manchin, the chair of the energy panel, didnt respond to requests for comment. Secretary Granholm lied to the committee about her familys stock holdings, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the top Republican on the committee, told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. This comes after her failure to follow basic ethics and disclosure rules. This is a troubling pattern. It is unacceptable. Granholm violated stock disclosure rules by listing stock sales in 2022 months later than required, which she previously acknowledged to the Senate. She also violated the Hatch Act when she endorsed Democrats while making an official appearance. She didnt appear to be under oath when she made the false statement to the panel in April, according to video footage of the hearing. Most witnesses testifying before the Senate arent sworn in. One federal law prohibits witnesses from making false statements under oath that they dont believe to be true. Another law bars knowingly and willfully making false statements in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States. Violations of either can land a person up to five years in prison. The U.S. Department of Justice rarely brings cases against officials who lie, regardless of whether theyre under oath. Former President Donald Trump became one of the rare exceptions last week when he was charged with making false statements, among other crimes. The department and the White House didnt respond to requests for comment. Granholm lied to me on April 20and it took the Administration 6 full weeks to admit it. Brazen, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who was questioning Granholm when she made the false statement, wrote on Twitter. It is time to BAN all senior executive branch officials and all members of Congress from owning & trading stock. Granholm also disclosed in the new letter that Ford stock her husband and she held in retirement accounts was sold on March 22, 2021, during the confirmation process and that she believed that the divestiture of Ford was complete. But she learned in May that her husband, Daniel Mulhern, continued holding Ford stock in a separate account, she said. That stock was sold for $2,457.89 on May 15. As I was not previously aware of the asset, I did not report my spouses financial interest on my two prior Public Financial Disclosure Reports, nor was it included in the other paperwork associated with my nomination, Granholm wrote. As a public servant, I take very seriously the commitment to hold myself to the highest ethical standards, and I regret the accidental omission of my spouses interest in Ford. This is a commitment I made to you, the President, and most importantly the American people. My spouse and I have double-checked our financial assets, and there are no other reportable assets that were omitted from my financial disclosure report. Employees assemble a JaguarA E-PaceA compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) on the production line at the second phase of the CheryA JaguarA Land Rover Automotive Co. plant in Changshu, China, on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Jaguar Land Rover is planning to build an electric vehicle in China as the iconic British manufacturer steps up its game in a fast-growing market where other luxury marques from Audi to Mercedes-Benz are plowing money to gain leadership. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg - Qilai Shen/Bloomberg Chinese car makers including Chery have held talks with UK officials about manufacturing in Britain in a potential boost for the countrys under-pressure auto industry. Talks are understood to be at an early stage. However, they could lay the groundwork for potential investment in the future. Chery, which is planning to sell cars in Britain from next year, is among those thought to be interested in local manufacturing of some sort. The company already has an inverse relationship where it makes Land Rovers and Jaguar cars in China as part of a joint venture. Possible investment in British manufacturing could take the form of partnering with European car companies to make vehicles from Chinese designs or outsourcing the assembly to British or European factories, according to one person familiar with the discussions. Another possibility is the building of full-blown plants in Europe or the UK. Investment would be a significant boost for Britains car industry. Manufacturing has been shrinking after Honda shut its plan in Swindon in 2021 and Vauxhall owner Stellantis switched production from cars to vans last year. Hondas effective withdrawal from European manufacturing and the slow pace of electrification by other brands is seen as an opportunity by Chinese manufacturers, many of which have a relative head start in the electric vehicle market. A raft of Chinese brands are expected to enter the UK car market over the next 18 months and manufacturers hope to quickly seize market share just as Japanese carmakers did in Britain in the 1980s. Companies are exploring local manufacturing options as the cost of assembly in China climbs as a result of rising living standards across the country. Where car plants are placed will depend on what deals, subsidies and other inducements are made available by European nations. High electricity prices in Britain for manufacturers are thought to be a barrier. However, Britain is still seen as an attractive choice thanks to the growing supply of green energy, the huge potential for offshore wind and the fact it is Europes second largest car market after Germany. Chinese manufacturers are looking overseas as the domestic market becomes saturated. Local car prices are falling as the pandemic-era boom in demand for vehicles comes to an end, leaving the market oversupplied. A government spokesperson said: The Government is determined to ensure the UK remains one of the best locations in the world for automotive manufacturing and regularly engages with automotive companies to secure investment into the 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. Trump Indictment Fails Crucial Test: Dershowitz Attorney Alan Dershowitz talks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 29, 2020. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) The federal indictment against former President Donald Trump fails a crucial test, law professor Alan Dershowitz says. It doesnt meet what I call the Richard Nixon standard, which was very clear obstruction of justice, destroying evidence, paying bribes, Dershowitz, a professor emeritus at Harvard Law School, said on Newsmax on June 9 after the indictment was unsealed. This is too close a case to bring against the man running for president, against the incumbent president, Dershowitz added. Two paragraphs in the indictment do appear to meet the standard of the planned prosecution of former President Nixon, according to the law professor. Highly Confidential Plan Those paragraphs refer to Trump allegedly showing an unidentified writer, publisher, and staff members a highly confidential plan to attack a country. U.S. General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was quoted in a news story on July 15, 2021, as fighting to stop Trump from ordering an attack on Iran. Six days later, Trump showed the writer and publisher what he described as a plan of attack from the same general. Isnt this amazing? This totally wins my case, except it is like, highly confidential, Trump is quoted as saying in the indictment. As president, I could have declassified it. Now I cant but this is still a secret, he was also quoted as saying. The indictment charges Trump with various crimes, including illegally disclosing national defense information. Will Have to Be Explained Were going to have to hear an exception from Trumps lawyers or from Trump as to how we can justify having shown to somebody who doesnt have security clearance allegedly some information about a plan to attack Iran, Dershowitz said on Newsmax. None of the people shown the document held a security clearance, U.S. authorities say. Trump may claim he didnt show it to them, just kind of waved it in front of them as part of bragging but thats something that will have to be explained, Dershowitz said. When you have a tape in the voice of the defendant himself its hard to dispute, so I think this is a serious indictment on these two charges. Everything else I think was exactly what we expected, he also said. Trump said after the indictment was released that he is innocent and accused the government of corruption. He shared posts on social media noting that a number of top officials possessed classified information, such as former President Bill Clinton, but were not charged. One Set of Laws Special counsel Jack Smith, whose presented charges against Trump were approved by a grand jury, said in prepared remarks from Washington that Our laws that protect national defense information are critical to the safety and security of the United States and they must be enforced and violations of those laws put our country at risk. He added, We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone. Trump has said that he declassified documents before leaving office. Presidents have the power of declassification. Dershowitz, who represented Trump during one of his impeachment trials, said in an op-ed that one question is whether Trump actually declassified the documents. If he claims he did, it will be up to the government to challenge that assertion. It could do so in several ways. It could offer evidence designed to disprove Mr. Trumps claim. But proving a negativein this case, that he did not declassify the documentsis always difficult, Dershowitz wrote. In the usual criminal prosecution, the government has the heavy burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, he added later. Smith said the indictment outlined serious crimes but also noted that Trump and an aide who were charged must be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Trump Scores Legal Victory on the Same Day Hes Charged by DOJ Former President Donald Trump scored a legal win in another unrelated case on the same day he was charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The lawsuit by the former president against his niece Mary Trump, who is a fiery critic of him, could advance, a New York Supreme Court judge ruled on Friday. Mary Trump filed a motion to dismiss all Trumps claims, but Judge Robert Reed refused to dismiss the part about breaching of contract. ORDERED that defendant Mary Trumps motion to dismiss the complaint is denied to the extent that it seeks to dismiss the first cause of action (breach of contract), Reed wrote in the ruling. (pdf) Mary Trump was sued in 2021 for providing Trumps taxes information to The New York Times who later published an over 13,000-word article claiming that Trump potentially engaged in tax schemes. The New York Times was also one of the defendants, but Reed dismissed the complaint against The New York Times in May, citing the First Amendment. Reed said the NY Timess reporting was at the very core of protected First Amendment activity, and that courts have long recognized that reporters are entitled to engage in legal and ordinary news gathering activities without fear of tort liability. In a statement to multiple outlets, the NY Times said it was pleased with Reeds decision. It is an important precedent reaffirming that the press is protected when it engages in routine newsgathering to obtain information of vital importance to the public, the outlet added. The Epoch Times reached out to Mary Trumps attorney, Theodore Boutrous Jr., for comment. Mary Trump Persuaded to Rewrite the History The tax information under dispute in the lawsuit is protected by a Trump family settlement in April 2001 and could not be released without the consent of Trump. [All parties] shall not disclose any of the terms of [the Settlement Agreement], and in addition shall not directly or indirectly publish or cause to be published, any diary, memoir, letter, story, photograph, interview, article, essay, account, or description or depiction of any kind whatsoever, whether fictionalized or not, or assist or provide information to others in connection therewith, reads the settlement agreement. The lawsuit also reveals how the three New York Times reporters, Susanna Craig, David Barstow, and Russell Buettner, successfully convinced Mary Trump to cooperate with them and provided the critical information for the article titled Trump Engaged in Suspect Tax Schemes as He Reaped Riches from His Father. Craig approached Mary Trump at her home in 2017 but was rejected by the latter. Craig continued reaching out to Mary Trump and said she could rewrite the history of the President of the United States. Craig later changed her mind and called Craig. The New York Times article was published on Oct. 2, 2018. This combination of photographs shows the cover art for Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Worlds Most Dangerous Man, left, and a portrait of author Mary Trump. (Simon & Schuster, left, and Peter Serling/Simon Schuster via AP) Mary Trump herself wrote a book two years after the event titled Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Worlds Most Dangerous Man. The book was released on July 14, 2020. Trump: Mary Trumps Book Hurtful Trump said hes hurt by Mary Trumps book and the content and allegations about his parents are more hurtful than the material about the president himself. After the release of the book, Trump was asked by Fox Newss Chris Wallace if it hurt at all to be attacked in such personal terms by a member of his own family. The president said that It hurts me more about attacking my father, not being kind to my mother. I have a mother who was like a saint. She was an incredible woman. And she was nasty even to my mother. Shes a very scarred person. She was not much of a family person, Trump said. Let me just tell you, my father wasI think he was the most solid person Ive ever met. And he was a very good person. He was a very, very good person. He was strong but he was good. For her to say the kind of things, a psychopath, that he was a psychopath, anybody that knew Fred Trump would call him a psychopath? the president said. For her to say, I think the word she used was psychopath, what a disgrace. She ought to be ashamed of herself. That book is a lie. Trump then went on to defend his father, Fred Trump, as tough on me, he was tough on all of the kids. But tough in a solid sense, in a really good sense, he said. Mimi Nguyen Ly and Jack Phillips contributed to this report. Canada to Send More Weapons to Ukraine, Trudeau Says on Trip to Kyiv Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, holds a Ukrainian flag as a veteran writes a note during a tour of a military hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine on June 10, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Frank Gunn) Canada will spend $500 million to help Ukraines military fight Russias invasion, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday in Kyiv, where he told the countrys parliament they are in a battle for the future of us all. You are the tip of the spear that is determining the future of the 21st century, Trudeau said during a 25-minute speech before a special session of the national legislature, known as the Verkhovna Rada. Pledging more weapons and fighter-pilot training for Ukraine, Trudeau also told the lawmakers that Canada will support their countrys bid for membership in the NATO military alliance. We want peace on Ukrainian terms, he said. Russia must completely and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces from Ukraine. Trudeau received several standing ovations in his speech, and a warm embrace from Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Two legislators were holding Canadian flags. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine with whatever it takes, as long as it takes, Trudeau said earlier Saturday at a press conference while standing beside Zelenskyy. Youre fighting for your country and for values like democracy, freedom, respect, and dignity. And in fighting for Ukraine, youre also fighting for the future of us all, Trudeau told Zelenskyy. The visit, which was at the invitation of Ukraine, comes amid signs that a long-awaited spring counteroffensive against Russia could be underway. It is also happening during wildfires across Canada, with smoke reducing air quality, and after Fridays resignation of the special rapporteur Trudeau had assigned to probe foreign interference. Canada will be part of the multinational efforts to train fighter pilots and to help maintain Ukraines fighter-jet program, leveraging Canadian expertise in these areas, Trudeau said during the news conference, adding that Canada will join a team of countries helping to maintain tanks, while providing additional missiles and rounds of ammunition. That includes 288 more AIM-7 missiles for warding off Russian airstrikes, and reallocating existing funds for 10,000 rounds of 105-millimetre ammunition, Trudeau said. The prime minister also announced $10 million in new funding to support those coping with a worsening humanitarian situation in southern Ukraine after the collapse of a hydroelectric dam this week, along with $37.5 million in aid previously earmarked for the country. The Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric dam on the Dnieper River has flooded a large part of the front line in southern Ukraine, an area that was already undergoing shelling. It remains unclear how the dam collapse happened. Kyiv has accused Russia of blowing up the dam and its hydropower plant, which Russian forces controlled. Moscow said Ukraine did it. Trudeau did not attribute direct responsibility for the dams collapse, but said its ultimately Russias fault. This was a direct consequence of Russias war and it is devastating for thousands upon thousands of people, he told reporters. Trudeau also announced more sanctions on 24 individuals and 17 entities for alleged support of Russias invasion of Ukraine. He also said the federal government would try to seize a massive Russian-registered Antonov 124 cargo plane that Canada grounded after it landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport in February 2022. The prime minister said Canada will try to forfeit the plane to Ukraine, so it cant be used to support Russias war effort. Ottawa has legislation to forfeit assets of people sanctioned by Canada, but as of a month ago it had not filed any court application despite promising last December to seize assets held by oligarch Roman Abramovich. The list of those being sanctions was not immediately available from Trudeaus office on Saturday. The two leaders also issued a joint declaration with a dozen points that largely reiterated Canadas actions for Ukraine. It mentioned the need to strengthen efforts to ensure the effective implementation of sanctions and to prevent and counter circumvention in and by third countries. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland joined Trudeau on the trip, which began with the laying of a wreath at the Wall of Remembrance at St. Michaels Golden-Domed Monastery. Freeland also placed some flowers at the wall, which features photos of Ukrainians who have died while defending their homeland since Russias initial invasion in 2014. Both met Ukrainian soldiers there for the event. On his way to the wall, Trudeau at one point crouched down low to look inside one of the frames of burnt-out Russian tanks and military vehicles that fill a public square. Not long before Trudeau and Freeland arrived, there was sombre music and an honour guard for a casket carried into the cathedral for a funeral. Trudeau also visited a rehabilitation centre for war veterans that focuses on both mental and physical recovery. He was joined by Olena Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine. One of the patients gave the prime minister a Ukrainian flag as he was leaving the facility. This is the second time that Trudeau has made an unannounced visit to the embattled country since Russia began its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trudeau last travelled to Ukraine just over a year ago, where he reopened the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv and met Zelenskyy in person for the first time since the war began. Some media outlets, including The Canadian Press, were made aware of this new trip ahead of time on the condition that it not be reported until it was made public, for security reasons. Trudeau met Zelenskyy in the building housing his office, and the pair then took part in an expanded bilateral meeting with some of both Zelenskyy and Trudeaus senior advisers, Freeland and Ukraines trade minister, as well as both countries ambassadors. Zelenskyy thanked Canada for taking in thousands of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict. We need more friends like Canada, he said. The visit coincides with Ukraines gradual ramping up of military activity. Moscow has claimed that Ukraines long-promised spring counteroffensive is already happening, while Ukraines top military brass confirmed Saturday that heavy battles were underway and that Russia was launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraines southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will deploy some of its tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus next month, a move that the Belarusian opposition described as an attempt to blackmail the West ahead of a July meeting of the NATO military alliance. Ottawa has contributed more than $8 billion to efforts related to the war in Ukraine since last year. That has included launching a special immigration program to allow Ukrainians to come to Canada quickly with a temporary work and study permit, instead of going through the usual refugee system. The money includes $1 billion in military support, including the donation of eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine and training for its medics and soldiers in third countries like Latvia. Under House Arrest, Fake Heiress Anna Delvey Sorokin Launches Podcast Anna Sorokin returns to the courtroom during her trial on grand larceny and theft of services charges in New York on April 25, 2019. (Mary Altaffer/AP Photo) NEW YORKIts a weekday afternoon and Anna Sorokin is on house arrest in a New York apartment building that has been condemned as imminently perilous to life. So shes attempting to capture outside attention and relieving her boredom in the most quotidian way: starting a podcast. For now, she wants to reimagine her public image to shake her reputation of being a con artist and a scammer. Im on 24/7 house arrest. Im only allowed to leave for my parole check-ins, my ICE check-ins, and for medical emergencies, she said. Behind her is a life-size cutout of her likenesscreated by artist Kenny Schachterwhich, like Sorokin herself, is wearing an ankle monitoring device. Going by the name Anna Delvey, she posed as a German heiress and lied about having a $67 million trust fund in order to apply for loans, run up debts, and secure a historic building for a private arts club. She falsely claimed to be the daughter of a diplomat or an oil baron. Arrested in late 2017, she was convicted in 2019 on multiple counts of larceny and theft for bilking banks, hotels, and wealthy New Yorkers out of $275,000. She was sentenced to four to 12 years in prison. After serving three years in prison thoughabout half of which was at Rikers Island jail complexSorokin, a German citizen, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Later, she was released after posting a $10,000 bond in the fall to home confinement, pending a deportation hearing. Now shes launching a weekly podcast series that she hopes will tell her side of the story, featuring various expert and celebrity guests. Sorokins conversations with Julia Fox, Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli, and Ottessa Moshfegh will be on upcoming episodes, according to Reunion Audio, the podcast company, who have also said she is interviewing Emily Ratajkowski though her team has not confirmed that. Sorokins fraud case became the basis for the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Inventing Anna, based on a New York magazine story. Sorokin, played by three-time Emmy winner Julia Garner, said she was a consultant on the show, but didnt have any control over the final product. Inventing Anna was inspired by real-life events, but every episode included a disclaimer that the story was true except for the parts that were made up. I know some of the stuff like definitely did not happen, Sorokin said. But its not really up to me to sit here and go over the series piece-by-piece, because its literally a Shonda Rhimes interpretation. The podcast gives her the opportunity to take back some control over the narrative, and its something shes thought about doing for some time. I wanted to start recording in jail, actually over the jail phone because, you know, there are some rappers who record whole albums while being incarcerated. I was like, Why not record a podcast? Sorokin said. She was never able to do it, because it was logistically difficult to record episodes, according to the podcast company. As far as her time behind bars, Sorokin called prison a transformative experience, saying that shes no longer the person who was arrested in 2017. Its been five years, a bit more than five years since I got arrested. So, I just likeI changed. I learned so much, she said. Dressed in a white blouse, her signature black-ribbon tie and dark slacks, her ankle bracelet is clearly visible. She lifts her pants leg to show it off and even explains how it works. This week, Sorokins guest on The Anna Delvey Show was model and rocker Julia Cumming of the New York City band, Sunflower Bean. For now, the subject of the Inventing Anna series waits to find out if people tune into the podcast, available this week on all major platformsand if her campaign to reinvent herself works. Underpaid Casuals at Australias Taronga Zoo Get $2.6M in Back Pay A supplied undated image obtained Feb. 11, 2022 shows Weja, the young Echidna. Weja was rescued and brought to Taronga Wildlife Hospital in October 2021. (AAP Image/Supplied by Taronga Conservation Society Australia) Workers from Taronga and Western Plains zoos will receive millions in back pay after the non-profit operator admitted to underpaying casual staff. The NSW zoo organisation on June 9 said it was acting to address underpayments worth about $2.6 million (US$1.7 million), including interest and superannuation. It found it was underpaying casual maintenance staff after undertaking a proactive review of its interpretation of the relevant award and how it was applied through a new payroll system, introduced in February 2021. Taronga chief executive Cameron Kerr said he was deeply sorry to workers who had been underpaid. I offer my sincere apologies to those current and former staff who have been impacted, Kerr said. Casual staff held a snap strike at Tarongas Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo last year, complaining the new payroll system underpaid them and took away their leave entitlements. Underpayments, late payments and issues with leave and allowances had persisted for 18 months before Taronga took action, the Australian Workers Union (AWU) said. It was only after AWU members held a stop-work meeting at Dubbo that they agreed to meet (with) us, NSW state secretary Tony Callinan said. Its a bit rich for Taronga to come out today and claim to be self-reporting an underpayment when the payroll audit would have never happened if not for AWU members taking action. Taronga had incorrectly concluded casual workers were not entitled to a 15 percent loading on weekdays. Back payments will be made in July and will include interest of six percent, and superannuation paid at 11 percent. The zoo will also correct its payroll system from July 13. Managing the introduction of the new payroll system and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic meant Taronga had not identified the underpayments earlier, Kerr said. We take this matter very seriously and we are in the process of notifying all those who have been affected, Kerr said. The zoo said independent auditors have been engaged to thoroughly review the extent of underpayments and management were committed to remedying the issue quickly. You Need to Surrender: San Diego Police Still Looking for Dangerous Gunman Who Shot Officer The auto-theft suspect that shot and wounded a San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officer this week in a Chollas Creek-area neighborhood remains unidentified and at large, SDPD Chief David Nisleit said June 9. You need to surrender, Nisleit spoke in front of cameras to the fugitive shooter at the briefing at downtown SDPD headquarters. We are not going to stop searching for you until we take you into custody. The chief said the assailant should be considered armed and dangerous. This is a person that shot a police officer, he said. And if hes willing to shoot a police officer, I guarantee hes willing to shoot somebody else. The officer, whose name has been withheld, suffered a gunshot wound to the arm on June 8 when the suspect opened fire on him in the area of Ogden Street and Shiloh Road, according to police. He is recovering from his non-life-threatening injuries, the police chief said. Im very pleased to announce that the officer has been released from the hospital [and] is at home resting with his family, Nisleit told reporters during the briefing. The officer was recruited by the SDPD in July 2021 and has been on active duty for about six months. The events that led to the shooting began shortly after 11 a.m. when the officer spotted a stolen car being driven in the 5300 block of University Avenue and started following it. A short time later, the suspected car thief pulled over, got out of the vehicle, and ran off. During a brief foot chase, the fleeing man turned and fired on the officer, discharging several rounds, before disappearing into the neighborhood, police said. For the remainder of the day, SDPD officers, including a SWAT team, and personnel from other local law enforcement agencies carried out an exhaustive search for the gunman, described as a bald-headed Latino who appeared to be in his 30s, Nisleit said. The intensive efforts to identify and locate the shooter and get him into custody were very much ongoing as we speak, the police chief told reporters at the briefing. This is a seven-24-type of investigation right now, the chief said. To identify the shooter, detectives were looking for surveillance camera videos in residential or commercial areas and trying to find any associates of his or witnesses who could help. Theres no doubt in my mind that there are people out there in our community [who] know who this suspect is and know where [he] is currently, Nisleit said. So Im asking you to come forward. City News Service contributed to this report. Zuckerberg: Establishment Asked to Censor COVID-19 Posts That Ended Up Being True Big Tech firms were asked to censor COVID-19 information that ended up being true, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has assessed. Just take some of the stuff around COVID earlier in the pandemic where there were real health implications, but there hadnt been time to fully vet a bunch of the scientific assumptions, Zuckerberg, whose company is the parent of Facebook and Instagram, said during a discussion with podcaster Lex Fridman that was released on June 8. And unfortunately, I think a lot of the kind of establishment on that kind of waffled on a bunch of facts and asked for a bunch of things to be censored that, in retrospect, ended up being more debatable or true, he added. That stuff is really tough, right? Really undermines trust. U.S. officials pressured Facebook and Instagram to censor posts, emails disclosed in court cases and through Freedom of Information Act requests have shown. Rob Flaherty, a White House official, pressured Facebook to take action against mis- and -disinformation as well as hesitancy-inducing content, one email showed. One Facebook official said in one of the messages that the companys goal was to help organizations to get their safety message out to the public, remove misinformation, and support overall community efforts in areas where we can be of help. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meanwhile, showed executives with Facebook and other social media companies specific posts that were described as misinformation. There were a lot of things circulating that were not accurate information about COVID, Carol Crawford, a CDC official, said during a deposition. I didnt believe we were asking them to remove content specifically, she added later. Facebooks actions included shutting down groups aimed at supporting people injured by the COVID-19 vaccines over alleged misinformation, according to a lawsuit filed this month by people with suspected or confirmed vaccine injuries. Facebook told Flaherty in early 2021 that the company was removing groups that contained often-true content that can be framed as sensation, alarmist, or shocking. Meta did not respond to a request for comment on Zuckerbergs new remarks, including a request for examples of censored information that turned out to be true. Zuckerberg elsewhere in the interview said he is very pro-freedom of speech and that Facebook was aimed at allowing people to express as much as possible while describing government requests to censor content as obviously bad and that, ultimately, its Facebooks call on how to handle such requests. Zuckerberg also said that some of the censorship requests were punitive or vengeful, as in I want you to do this thing, and if you dont, then Im going to make your life difficult in a lot of ways. Casey Norman, a lawyer with the New Civil Liberties Alliance, a group of lawyers representing the injured plaintiffs in the new case, said Zuckerbergs remarks were contradictory. Zuckerbergs remarks in this interview came off to me as evasive and as an attempt to appease all sides without actually providing any meaningful answers or responses to specific issues and instances of censorship and viewpoint moderation of protected speech at the governments behest, Norman told The Epoch Times via email. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has experienced censorship on Twitter, said that Facebooks censorship enabled school closures, vax mandates, toddler masking, and much else. Glad to see some humility here, he said of Zuckerbergs remarks. Meta properties have in recent months restored some users that were banned, including presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., though others remain banned. Zuckerberg said that when it comes to deciding what information to take action on, its best to generally boil things down to the harms that people agree on, listing examples such as sexual exploitation of children. You want to reserve the censorship of content to things that are of known categories that people generally agree are bad, he said. Zuckerbergs interview was released on the same day an investigation of Instagram found its algorithms helped connect a network of pedophiles. A Meta spokesperson told The Epoch Times that the company works to fight child pornography on its platforms and has dismantled dozens of pedophile networks in recent years. Predators constantly change their tactics in their pursuit to harm children, the spokesperson said, and thats why we have strict policies and technology to prevent them from finding or interacting with teens on our apps, and hire specialist teams who focus on understanding their evolving behaviors so we can eliminate abusive networks. After meeting Shah, Naga MLAs want status quo in Naga tribal areas DIMAPUR, MANIPURS Naga MLAs on Friday said they wished the current arrangement for Naga areas where autonomous councils existed should not be disturbed in any solution being worked out for the conflict-ridden State. Ten Naga MLAs arrived here after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on June 7. We have made no demand to the Centre, but in the event of any arrangement (for creating new administrative areas in line with demands by Kukis), Naga areas should not be touched as it will create more problems, said Manipur Minister for Water Resources, Relief and Disaster Management, Awangbow Newmai. Addressing reporters at Chumukedima, around 16 km from here, the Minister said they told Shah that Naga people should be consulted as they are part of an ongoing peace process with the Centre. He said the Government had assured the delegation that the three major communities in Manipur Kukis, Meiteis and Nagas- will be consulted and consensus will be sought before arriving at any plan. 2 miscreants hurl bomb at MLAs residence: Two bike-borne miscreants allegedly hurled a IED at the gate of MLA Soraisam Kebis residence here on Thursday, police said. There were no casualties. Except for a few holes in the ground, the blast did not cause any major damage, the police said. By Carolina Mandl and Nell Mackenzie NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) -Crispin Odey, one of Britain's best-known hedge fund managers, will be leaving the company he founded, Odey Asset Management, following allegations of sexual misconduct, the firm's executive committee said on Saturday. The Financial Times and Tortoise, in a joint publication on Thursday, reported allegations by 13 women that Odey had sexually assaulted or harassed them over a 25-year period. He denies the allegations. Odey and Duncan Lamont, a consultant at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, which represents Odey Asset Management (OAM), did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment about the hedge fund manager's departure. "As from today, he will no longer have any economic or personal involvement in the partnership," OAM's executive committee said in a statement. OAM will continue to operate without him and his partners will control and manage the asset management firm, the company said. It added it has been investigating allegations concerning Odey, but cannot comment in detail because it is bound by legal obligations of confidentiality. The company plans to change its name, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions. Odey told the FT on Saturday that he had been notified of the firm's position, adding: "You have to have (a) willing buyer, willing seller." He did not elaborate. Since the publication on Thursday three Wall Street firms that are OAM's so-called prime brokers -- Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley -- had moved to review or were cutting ties with the business. Some of its clients said they were terminating business with OAM because of the allegations. As prime brokers, the banks help facilitate its trades and provide leverage for bets, making their support vital. JPMorgan and Goldman are continuing to review their prime-broking relationships with the company, sources told Reuters on Saturday. Morgan Stanley declined to comment. UBS which also acts as a prime broker to the firm, did not immediately respond. Odey, who was cleared of indecent assault charges by a British court in 2021, told Reuters on Thursday that the report was "a rehash of an old article and none of the allegations have been stood up in a courtroom or an investigation." A leading backer of Brexit and Conservative Party political donor, Odey founded OAM in 1991. Known for highly leveraged bets trading global equities, debt and currencies, the firm had $4.8 billion in assets under management, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in September 2022. British regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, has been investigating OAM since 2021, a source familiar with the situation said on Thursday. The regulator declined to comment when reached on Saturday. (Reporting by Carolina Mandl in New York and Nell Mackenzie in London; Additional reporting by Kirstin Ridley; Editing by Elisa Martinuzzi and Daniel Wallis) Amit Shah review preparations, security for Amarnath Yatra NEW DELHI, UNION Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday took a detailed review of the preparations being made for a smooth conduct of upcoming Amarnath pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir, sources said. The 62-day-long annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath, located at a height of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas, will begin on July 1 and continue till August 31. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Armys Northern Command chief Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka were among the top functionaries who attended the meeting. The Home Minister reviewed the preparations for the Amarnath pilgrimage with top officials of the Central Government, Army and the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the sources said. Shah also took stock of the plans being formulated to ensure foolproof security for the pilgrimage, they said. According to the sources, there have been Intelligence inputs that Pakistan-based terrorist groups may try to disrupt the pilgrimage. All stakeholders of the pilgrimage have taken part in the meeting and all issues relating to arrangements being made for it have been discussed. Last year, 3.45 lakh people visited the holy cave and this year, the figure could go up to 5 lakh, they said. The sources said that to avoid any incident like last years flash flood which claimed 16 lives near the shrine, the National Disaster Response Force has started identifying ideal locations for setting up pilgrim camps keeping in mind any possible unforeseen natural disaster. Indian Air Force helicopters are expected to be deployed to carry out aerial sorties in the upper reaches of the holy cave to check for glacial events and the formation of lakes that may trigger flash floods downhill. Last year, such sorties were conducted only after the flash floods occurred in June, but this year, the exercise will be undertaken before the start of the pilgrimage and at continuous intervals during the two-month yatra, the sources said. The aerial surveys may be conducted by a team with expertise in remote sensing and satellite, hydrology and disaster response. Once a dangerous water build-up is spotted, contingency measures will be taken all along the pilgrimage route, especially in the areas near the cave shrine, they added. Recently, a lot of snow has been found along both the tracks - Baltal and Pahalgam - leading to the holy cave and therefore the Border Roads Organisation has been given the task to clear the snow by June 15, the sources said. CBI forms SIT to probe Manipur violence cases NEW DELHI, THE Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formed a 10-member special investigation team (SIT) under a DIG-rank officer to probe six cases related to the Manipur violence referred to it by State Government, officials said. During his visit to the north-eastern State, Home Minister Amit Shah announced a CBI probe into six FIRs -- five on alleged criminal conspiracy and one on general conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur. The CBI had dispatched Joint Director Ghanshyam Upadhyay to coordinate with the State officials, and upon his return, the SIT was constituted, they said. The agency re-registered the six cases referred to it by the State Government. The Special Crime Branch, Kolkata will probe the cases, they said. Violence broke out in the north-eastern State after a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. So far, nearly 100 people have lost their lives, and over 300 have been injured ever since the ethnic violence broke out over a month ago. Meanwhile, at least 35 weapons and warlike stores were recovered during joint combing operations by security forces in Manipur, an official said on the second day of joint combing operations. Cops say, live-in partners were married; accused claims, she committed suicide MUMBAI, MANOJ Sane (56), arrested for allegedly murdering his live-in partner Saraswati Vaidya, was in fact married to her but the couple had concealed this fact, police said on Friday. Sane has claimed that Vaidya committed suicide by drinking poison and he only tried to dispose of her body by chopping it up, officials said. Sane, arrested on Thursday from Mira Road (East) area on the outskirts of Mumbai, also allegedly told the interrogators that he was HIV-positive and never had any physical relationship with the 36-year-old Vaidya. The couple did not register their marriage, but they had married by performing rituals in a temple, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Bajbale of Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai Virar Commissionerate, citing the statements of the deceaseds three sisters. Vaidya had informed her sisters about the marriage, but as there was a considerable age gap between them, the couple did not make it public, he said. The remains of the deceaseds body will be handed over to her sisters for last rites as per their wish once DNA testing and other formalities are over, the official added. Vaidyas mother had died when the sisters were very young while their father had abandoned them, DCP Bajbale said. Saraswati studied up to standard 10th at an Ashram school (school for orphans) in Ahmednagar district and came to Mumbai to live with her relatives after turning 18, he said. After they met, Sane had arranged a job of salesperson for her, he said. Sane told police that Vaidya died on the morning of June 3 after consuming poison with foam coming out of her mouth, and fearing that he would be held responsible for her death, he decided to dispose of the body. He also claimed that after disposing of the body pieces he had planned to commit suicide, police officials said. Police were yet to verify these claims, they said, adding that it was possible that the accused was trying to mislead the investigators. On Wednesday, police found Vaidyas body parts, some cooked in pressure cooker and even roasted, inside a flat in Naya Nagar area of Mira Road township in Thane district. She and Sane had been living in the rented flat, according to police. Sane has been remanded in police custody till June 16. The gory details of the crime evoked the memories of the Shraddha Walkar murder case. The motive behind the crime is still not clear, officials said. It is suspected that Vaidya died on June 4. Deve Gowdas Dilemma By Sushil Kutty WHETHER or not the Janata Dal (S) joins the Oppositions joint efforts to forge unity for the 2024 general elections does not count for zilch because the Gowda familys party has lost relevance even in Karnataka forget any place else in the country. The drubbing the JD(S) received in the Karnataka Assembly elections does not lend the party any superior aura compared to the Opposition parties trying to forge unity to oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power in 2024. Therefore, for JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda to dismiss JD(U) supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars untiring efforts to bring together all Opposition parties on a single platform is presumptuous and should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves. HD Deve Gowda and the JD(S) have every right to not join Nitish Kumars bandwagon, but he shouldnt be going around undermining the unity efforts. Would the former Prime Minister have had the opposite opinion if the Janata Dal (S) hadnt fared so poorly in the Assembly elections or if the Bharatiya Janata Party hadnt lost? Point to note here, is getting rid of the Modi regime a priority for the Janata Dal (S) or not? For, if there is one condition that should bind all Opposition parties together, its a strong desire to defeat the BJP so as to oust Modi. There cannot be a half-hearted member in this joint operation. And the JD(S) behaviour post the Karnataka election loss does not engender confidence. HD Deve Gowda highlights this best when he lines up feeble excuses to beat around the bush rather than take a firm line on Opposition unity. Questioning the likelihood of Opposition unity because which party did not have an alliance with the communal BJP cannot be an excuse to oppose unity. Except for the Congress, no party passes this test. Every other party has had an association with the BJP directly or indirectly. At 91, and after being PM, CM and MP, Deve Gowda can analyse national politics, but in his own words what is the use? Deve Gowda appears quite bitter with his partys loss in the Karnataka elections and the Congress partys thumping victory, which appears to have brought him closer to the BJP. The JD(S) won only 19 seats, and its vote share fell heavily. The en bloc transfer of Muslim votes to the Congress particularly hit the Janata Dal (S) hard. It now seems ready to align with the communal BJP. Had they (the Congress) not gone to the doors of M Karunanidhi, who supported (the BJP for) six years. There have been many instances like this Either directly or indirectly. I can go on arguing. With that, isnt JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda setting the stage for a BJP-JD(S) alignment for the 2024 general elections at the expense of strengthening the opposition alliance against the BJP? The political atmosphere in Karnataka post the Assembly polls suits the JD(S) to be anti-Congress and aligned with the BJP. Deve Gowdas long years in politics werent for nothing; he knows the lay of the land. However, Deve Gowda has disappointed the Opposition parties lined up against the BJP as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will concede. But who would have thought the Congress would get 135 Assembly seats and push the JD(U) into the BJP fold! Is Nitish Kumar jinxed? Then again, imagine Deve Gowda being happily okay to be seen in the company of the communal BJP? HD Deve Gowdas defence is who will decide which party is communal and which party is not communal? The fact is, the JD(S) would only lose again if it aligned with a resurgent Congress. And the Muslim vote-bank has every reason to vote Congress en bloc in 2024, too. So, an alliance with the BJP works far better for the JD(S). Also, Nitish Kumars unity efforts might work for the JD(U), but not for the JD(S). And somebody has told Deve Gowda that some Congress leaders are thinking of ditching the grand old party and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party! The senior Gowda was also speaking for Junior Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy. Both father and son are in the same boat after Karnataka elections 2023 with the senior Gowda taking the lead in serving toasts to the BJP, starting with praise for Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for his handling of the Odisha train catastrophe. The rest of the Opposition wants Vaishnavs head, but HD Deve Gowda says Carry On Minister! Deve Gowda also led his party to the inauguration of the new Parliament building. The fact of the matter is, Opposition unity is paramount for ousting Modi. A couple of more losses in the remaining 2023 Assembly elections and Modis 2024 fate will be sealed. HD Deve Gowda, however, must have calculated that post the Karnataka election showing, theres no other go for the JD(S) but to sink or float with the BJP. (IPA) NEW LOW ANOTHER diplomatic row has erupted between India and Canada after a despicable float in Brampton town parade depicted assassination of former Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi. Indias umbrage at the event is justified given the history of dirty tactics adopted by the Canadian Government under Prime Minister Mr. Justin Trudeau whose support to the pro-Khalistani elements is known to the world. External Affairs Minister Mr. S Jaishankar has fittingly sent out a warning to the Canadian Government for showing tolerance towards the rise of anti-India elements and gross influence of vote bank politics in Mr. Trudeaus inaction. India has clearly spelt out the consequences of the abhorrent incident by stating that such stance by Canada would not be good for bilateral ties. New Delhis anger is in the right place and calls for escalation of diplomatic pressure on the Canadian Government through all other channels, for, it is a clear act of pandering to anti-India forces by showing wilful ignorance towards incidents like the Brampton parade. Indias High Commission in Ottawa has sent a formal note to Global Affairs Canada, expressing its displeasure over the incident. It has forced the Trudeau Government to engage in damage control by issuing statements through its Ambassador in India and some members of ruling Liberal Party. Whichever manner the world may see the Canadian response to Indias protest, it is clear that Ottawa is merely offering lip-service even as Mr. Trudeau continues his activities to nurture the Khalistani supporters in his country. The float in Brampton parade celebrated the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi with her cut-out in white saree soaked in blood and cut-outs of her bodyguards brandishing and pointing guns. It came days before the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star in Amritsar. The brazen act is a new low by the Khalistani supporters who have clearly crossed the line. It was a pathetic act of glorification of violence and promotion of hate. The incident demands severe condemnation and also explanation from the Trudeau administration for its diplomatic blunder in allowing public celebration of gruesome murder of the head of a nation. Mr. Jaishankar has also flagged the bigger issue involved in the incident. It is about the space and freedom that Canada has openly and continuously granted to separatists and extremists elements for the sake of vote bank politics. The Trudeau Government has been found wanting on this count even as it backs the anti-India forces on its soil. The Canada PM is accused of pandering to the Khalistan rebel groups active in his country. He was photographed in front of the Khalistan separatist flag in Toronto in 2017 and later was found mingling with pro-Khalistan leaders on various occasions despite New Delhis strong objections. The issues of Sikh separatism and Khalistan have continued to sour relations between India and Canada but the apathy shown by Mr. Trudeau and his unacceptable meddling in internal issues of India, including the farmers protest, has not stopped. Pakistans influence in the Canada Government is another issue that has resulted in the relations reaching an ebb. Mr. Trudeaus caucus has liberal presence of Pakistan-born leaders whose backing for Sikh separatist elements is well known. Despite the snub he received during his ill-advised 2018 tour to India, Mr. Trudeau continues to rile India with his acts of clandestine backing to separatist elements in his country. The latest incident should act as the last straw in relations with Canada. It is time India leverages is dominant position in the global order and pull strings to cut Mr. Trudeau and his cohorts to size. Pawar receives death threat on social media MUMBAI, NATIONALIST Congress Party President Sharad Pawar has received a death threat on social media, NCP claimed on Friday and appealed to party workers to maintain peace at all costs. A delegation of NCP workers led by Pawars daughter and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule met Mumbai police chief Vivek Phansalkar demanding action. The NCP leaders told the police that 82-year-old Pawar received a message on social media that read he will meet the same fate as (Narendra) Dabholkar soon. Narendra Dabholkar, who fought against superstitious beliefs, was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants during his morning walk in Pune on August 20, 2013. Sule submitted printouts of the screenshots of the death threat to the police. A senior police official told PTI that they have been informed about the threat to the NCP chief on a social media platform. We are looking into it. We have started a probe, the official said. Meanwhile, senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar said the threat message was sent by one Saurav Pimpalkar whose social medial profile says he is a BJP supporter. Instead of misusing the freedom of expression, one should fight the ideological battle in a dignified manner, he said talking to reporters. Ajit Pawar, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, said social media platforms are being deliberately misused to malign political leaders, post fake news and create divisions in society. Now, the onus is on the Government, he said. It is to be seen whether the government will promote secularism and uphold the Constitution or give a free hand to the killers of Dabholkar, said the NCP leader. RCOEM students triumph at L&T EduTech National Talent Festival Business Bureau Students of Mechanical Engineering from Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management (RCOEM) have emerged victorious at the National Talent Festival 2023, organised by L&T EduTech. The team has clinched 2nd runner-up position in the grand finale of highly competitive event held recently at L&T headquarters in Chennai. Among the 450 participating teams from across the country, the team of 5 students, Mayank Kumar, Adarsh Mishra, Ayush Namdev, Ayush Rathi, and Shadan Khan, accompanied by their mentor Dr Sandeep Joshi, excelled in the competition. The students expressed their gratitude towards the college for providing unwavering support both morally and financially to the project. The Principal of the college Dr Rajesh Pande and Head of Mechanical Engineering Department Dr Vishal Shukla congratulated the students for their achievement in the prestigious event. Shinde says, Govt has taken serious note of threat; FIR registered MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said his Government has taken serious note of the death threat to NCP chief Sharad Pawar and he has given instructions for a probe. His deputy Devendra Fadnavis said such threats will not be tolerated. While Mumbai police registered a first information report (FIR) over the threat, Pune cops reviewed security at Pawars residence in Shivajinagar area of the city. Calling Pawar a senior respected leader, Shinde said in a statement that all necessary precautions will be taken for his security. Police authorities have been asked to beef up Pawar's security if needed, the CM said. For the past few days, the Chief Minister said, deliberate attempts are being made to create tension in the State. Ever since the Supreme Court verdict (in Shiv Sena-related issues), some people are upset due to which attempts are being made to spoil the atmosphere by glorifying Aurangazeb and Tipu Sultan, said the statement. It added, These attempts will be thwarted. We will foil the conspiracy to create disturbances for selfish political interests. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, said he had asked police to take action, asserting that the Government will not tolerate such threats. Trump indicted in classified papers case By Eric Tucker, Jill Colvin and Michael Balsamo MIAMI, DONALD Trump has been indicted on charges of mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate, a remarkable development that makes him the first former President in US history to face criminal charges by the Federal Government that he once oversaw. The Justice Department was expected to make public an indictment ahead of a historic court appearance next week in the midst of a 2024 presidential campaign punctuated by criminal prosecutions in multiple states. The indictment carries unmistakably grave legal consequences, including the possibility of prison if Trump is convicted. But it also has enormous political implications, potentially upending a Republican presidential primary that Trump had been dominating and testing anew the willingness of GOP voters and party leaders to stick with a now twice-indicted candidate who could face still more charges. And it sets the stage for a sensational trial centred on claims that a man once entrusted to safeguard the nations most closely-guarded secrets willfully, and illegally, hoarded sensitive national security information after leaving office. The Justice Department did not immediately confirm the indictment publicly. But two people familiar with the situation who were not authorised to discuss it publicly said that the indictment included seven criminal charges. One of those people said, Trumps lawyers were contacted by prosecutors shortly before he announced on Thursday on his Truth Social platform that he had been indicted. With buoyancy, State increases mining royalty recovery target Staff Reporter With buoyancy returning to the market after the impact of COVID-19 on economy, the State Government has increased the mining royalty recovery target for the district administrations in Maharashtra by 12 per cent as compared to that in the previous year. Due to COVID-19, which had impacted revenue collection of the Government, the targets were reduced for past some years. During COVID-19 period, the erstwhile Government in State had first increased revenue collection target through mineral royalty, but had to later accept the ground situation. The mineral royalty recovery target for 2021-22 was set at Rs 3,700 crore for entire Maharashtra. As the State recovered from the pandemic shock to the economy following vaccination drives, and as the activities resumed, the Government decided to reduce the target as compared to pre-COVID period and gradually increase in subsequent years. Accordingly, in 2022-23, the target was reduced to 2,500 crore. Now, in 2023-24, the target has been increased by 12 per cent, to Rs 2,800 crore. As far as Vidarbha region is concerned, the mineral royalty recovery target was set pretty high in 2019-20, which was largely pre-COVID period barring the month of March 2020. Back then, the target for Nagpur Division was Rs 619.8310 crore and that for Amravati Division was Rs 392.3593 crore. In 2020-21, despite COVID-19 and lockdown, the erstwhile Government in State still increased the target -- Rs 660.09 crore for Nagpur Division and Rs 783.10 crore for Amravati Division. In 2021-22, considering the ground situation, the Government made downward revision in target -- Rs 622.75 crore for Nagpur Division, and Rs 432.40 crore for Amravati Division. Still, it was on higher side. Due to higher revenue targets, the administration was under pressure, said sources. Besides, the process of carrying out specially sand ghat auctions got affected, which affected revenue generation for the administration. Hence, in 2022-23, the targets for revenue recovery from mineral royalty were reduced to Rs 405 crore for Nagpur Division, and Rs 305 crore for Amravati Division. Franklin Templeton launched a new actively managed income fund that will invest in a range of income-generating assets including bonds and dividend-generating stocks. After surpassing $15 billion in exchange-traded fund assets under management last month, the San Mateo, Calif.-based company is continuing its push into ETFs with the June 8 launch of the Franklin Income Focus ETF (INCM) . Besides seeking income with bonds and dividend stocks, the fund is also using derivatives. Todd Brighton, one of the funds managers, says that the current rising rate environment presents a broadening of opportunities for a fund like INCM. Real yield is there in traditional sources of income that wasnt there for years, he told etf.com in an interview. Among the funds 125 holdings, about 6% is allocated to treasuries and 2% to Chevron Corp. stock. Chevron pays 4.89% dividend yield, or $5.36 per share annually. In a departure from Franklins other funds, INCM carries a 0.38% expense ratio. Thats around half the average of 0.7% for active ETFs, is also well below 0.73% for a similar Franklin mutual fund, the Franklin Income Fund. Brighton said that despite the ETF sharing the Income Funds management and following a similar strategy, its not an ETF clone of the fund. Even though other firms have seen their lower priced offers draw investors away from similar investment products with higher prices, Brighton says he doesnt think that will happen. He argues that because this is Franklins largest mutual fund and people have been familiar with it for decades they wont switch. Regarding income investing, Brighton said: the ability for traditional income to act as a ballast is back, referring to how fixed-income can help provide diversification in a portfolio to help when stocks are down, something bonds have struggled with recently. While Franklin Templeton couldnt divulge specifics, it did say that they have more actively-managed ETFs in the queue. Contact Gabe Alpert at gabe.alpert@etf.com Permalink | Copyright 2023 etf.com. All rights reserved Anuj Mehrotra has been the dean of the George Washington School of Business since 2018. He will take over as dean of the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business on January 1, 2024. GWU photo After a six-month national search, Georgia Institute of Technologys business school has found their new dean. The Scheller College of Business announced June 6 that Anuj Mehrotra has been selected as the schools Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. chair and dean. Mehrotra, who received his doctorate in operations research from Georgia Tech in 1992, will begin his first term January 1, 2024. Mehrotra has been the dean of the George Washington University School of Business in Washington, D.C. since 2018. He is credited with the launch of creative programming and achieving strong partnerships, and he notably appointed the schools first chief diversity officer. During his nearly five years at the school, it earned recognition across MBA rankings, including a significant one-year jump to reach the Poets&Quants top 50 in 2023. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to serve the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business community and continue a sustained effort in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as a key strategic area, Mehrotra says in a statement provided through Georgia Tech. As an alum, I am looking forward to this homecoming and working with Schellers world-class faculty and its diverse stakeholders at a top public research university to further promote inclusive innovation and excellence in research and business education that best prepare our students for the shifting market demands. END OF AN ERA AS SCHELLER DEAN ALAVI STEPS DOWN Maryam Alavi: John Quincy Adams said, If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.' Georgia Tech Scheller moved into 26th place in the 2023 Poets&Quants ranking, up one spot from the previous year. The Scheller College was also No. 26 in the latest U.S. News ranking. Scheller made news last year by finding work for every one of its graduating MBA students a 100% employment rate, highest among all top-30 B-schools. It was a fitting end (though not quite the end) for Dean Maryam Alavi, who officially steps down from her tenure leading Scheller on June 30. Among Alavis other accomplishments since joining Scheller in 2014: The College launched and expanded innovative and interdisciplinary curricular and co-curricular programs and degree offerings and began key initiatives focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion; increased philanthropic support for student scholarships and fellowships, including for women and underrepresented minorities; and Alavi obtained the named gift for the Colleges newest building, Scheller Tower, in Technology Square. In a 2021 interview with P&Q, Alavi offered her favorite definition of leadership, from John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the United States: He said, If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. I believe that my career in higher ed and my role as an educator have provided me with opportunities to inspire my students to dream, do, learn, and become more. These opportunities and activities have shaped my leadership capabilities and my priorities as dean. MEHROTRA HIRED GWSBS FIRST DIVERSITY OFFICER Mehrotra, who has served as dean and a professor of decision sciences at GWUs business school for nearly five years, leaves a B-school ranked 50th by Poets&Quants, up nine places from the previous year, and 55th by U.S. News. He is credited with launching George Washingtons Deans Corporate Council and George Talks Business speaker series, and this spring led the launch of an inaugural business and policy forum that gathered leaders from industry, government, and academia to address issues related to emerging technology and cybersecurity. According to a George Washington University news release, under Mehrotras leadership, the B-school reimagined business education by introducing the 4+1 combined degree plan that allows students to graduate in five years with a bachelors degree and an accelerated business masters degree, as well as instituting certificate programs that can lead to customizable masters degrees. Mehrotra also hired GWSBs first chief diversity officer. I am immensely proud of all the work we have done together in the last five years to advance GWSB, Mehrotra said in the GWU new release. The energy, creativity, ingenuity and passion of our colleagues within the school and across GW, and the larger community partners, with extraordinary support of our board, alumni and university leadership, have strengthened the school to continue on its positive trajectory. Before joining George Washington in 2018, Mehrotra spent 25 years as a professor at the University of Miami, as well six years as vice dean of graduate business programs and more than four years as Chair of the Department of Management Science. DONT MISS SEARCHING FOR THE IDEAL BUSINESS SCHOOL DEAN and NO B-SCHOOL CAN TOP WHAT GEORGIA TECH MBAs DID IN 2022 The post Georgia Tech Scheller Goes To Washington And Finds A New Dean appeared first on Poets&Quants. Greggs takes on home of the pasty with expansion into Cornwall EMBARGOED TO 0001 SATURDAY JUNE 10 File photo dated 18/06/20 of a Greggs sign, as the bakery chain's boss has said they're on track with plans to open 150 new shops across the UK. PA Photo. Issue date: Saturday June 10, 2023. Gregg's said it will open new stores in Cornwall and other areas where it currently has fewer sites as part the group's rapid expansion plan. See PA story CITY Greggs. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire - Andrew Matthews/PA Wire Greggs is cooking up a fresh assault on the home of the pasty, as it sets its sights on expansion in Cornwall. The bakery chain confirmed it had opened its fourth Cornish site, at the U2 Enterprise Park in Saltash, on Saturday, as it unveiled plans to open 150 stores this year with a focus on the South West. Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, said the business saw more scope to open sites in Cornwall, where the chain only has a small presence. Greggs, which was founded in 1939 on Tyneside and is popular across the North of England, has faced scepticism from locals fiercely loyal to the traditional Cornish pasty. Attempts by Greggs to launch in the market have been branded as the pasty wars. One resident even previously described Greggs own alternatives as the Devils spawn. The Saltash store adds to sites Greggs has opened in Truro, St Austell and Launceston. Greggs is known for its popular sausage rolls and steak bakes, although it also produces a beef and vegetable pasty. The London-listed company will not be selling its own-brand pasties in its Cornish stores, however. Since 2011, the Cornish Pasty has held protected status under food laws, and can only be made to a specific recipe in the historic county. May0048632. Daily Telegraph. Rose Prince baking club for DT Weekend. Cornish Pasty recipe. Picture date 10/07/2013. - Andrew Crowley Locals were unphased by the new Greggs opening. The chain previously opened a store in Saltash, which sits on the Tamar River near the border with Devon and is known as the gateway to Cornwall, in 2018. However it closed just months later. Steve Baker, of Bakers Cornish Bakehouse in Saltash, said: Weve got a good customer base and havent noticed any change. Theyre totally different to us, and it is done on a budget but they are charging good money. Were not worried about it. Ms Currie told the PA news agency: The opening strategy is going to plan and the new location in Cornwall is a key part of that. Obviously we are a brand that started in the North and the natural growth of the business from there means there are some parts of the country, such as in Cornwall and the South West, where we see more scope to open sites. Greggs revealed an uptick in sales of nearly a fifth over the start of 2023 as budget meals continued to attract consumers amid the cost-of-living crisis. While they will not be sold at its Cornish stores, Greggs admits its own beef and potato pasty controversially includes peas and carrots. Mr Baker said: You dont want to see carrots in a pasty. 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. Prime Medicine, Inc. (NYSE:PRME Get Rating) major shareholder 2019 Gp L.L.C. Gv sold 22,434 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.70, for a total value of $374,647.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Large shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC. 2019 Gp L.L.C. Gv also recently made the following trade(s): Get Prime Medicine alerts: On Wednesday, May 31st, 2019 Gp L.L.C. Gv sold 16,633 shares of Prime Medicine stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.65, for a total value of $227,040.45. On Friday, May 26th, 2019 Gp L.L.C. Gv sold 12,602 shares of Prime Medicine stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.70, for a total value of $172,647.40. On Wednesday, May 24th, 2019 Gp L.L.C. Gv sold 7,900 shares of Prime Medicine stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.66, for a total value of $107,914.00. On Monday, May 22nd, 2019 Gp L.L.C. Gv sold 87,922 shares of Prime Medicine stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $14.13, for a total transaction of $1,242,337.86. Prime Medicine Trading Down 3.5 % Shares of Prime Medicine stock opened at $14.49 on Friday. Prime Medicine, Inc. has a 12 month low of $11.07 and a 12 month high of $21.73. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth About Prime Medicine Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Prime Medicine to a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 23rd. (Get Rating) Prime Medicine Inc is a biotechnology company committed to delivering a new class of differentiated one-time curative genetic therapies. Prime Medicine Inc is based in CAMBRIDGE, Mass. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Prime Medicine Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prime Medicine and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Japan Small Cap Growth & Income plc (JPS.L) (LON:JPS Get Rating) passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 561 ($6.97) and traded as low as GBX 557.60 ($6.93). JPMorgan Japan Small Cap Growth & Income plc (JPS.L) shares last traded at GBX 561 ($6.97), with a volume of 104,535 shares. JPMorgan Japan Small Cap Growth & Income plc (JPS.L) Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of 305.80 million and a PE ratio of -48.36. The business has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 561 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 561. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.65, a current ratio of 11.53 and a quick ratio of 11.53. About JPMorgan Japan Small Cap Growth & Income plc (JPS.L) (Get Rating) JPMorgan Japan Smaller Companies Trust plc is an open-ended equity mutual fund launched by JPMorgan Funds Limited. The fund is co-managed by JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited and JPMorgan Asset Management (Japan) Limited. It invests in the public equity markets of Japan. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Japan Small Cap Growth & Income plc (JPS.L) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Japan Small Cap Growth & Income plc (JPS.L) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HSBC cut shares of KONE Oyj (OTCMKTS:KNYJY Get Rating) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports. Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. BNP Paribas cut KONE Oyj from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 8th. Bank of America upgraded KONE Oyj from an underperform rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 25th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $48.50. Get KONE Oyj alerts: KONE Oyj Stock Down 0.6 % OTCMKTS KNYJY opened at $26.98 on Tuesday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $27.12 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $26.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 1.01. KONE Oyj has a fifty-two week low of $17.72 and a fifty-two week high of $29.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $28.57 billion, a PE ratio of 34.59, a PEG ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 0.72. KONE Oyj Company Profile Kone Oyj manufactures elevators, escalators, and automatic building doors. It also provides installation, maintenance, modernization, and replacement solutions. The company was founded on October 27, 1910 and is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. See Also Receive News & Ratings for KONE Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KONE Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Nomad Foods (NYSE:NOMD Get Rating) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning. Several other brokerages have also weighed in on NOMD. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Nomad Foods from $21.00 to $22.00 in a research note on Friday, May 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Nomad Foods from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $21.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Sunday, February 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Nomad Foods from $21.00 to $24.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $20.00 price objective on shares of Nomad Foods in a research report on Monday, February 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $22.20. Get Nomad Foods alerts: Nomad Foods Stock Performance NYSE:NOMD opened at $17.83 on Tuesday. Nomad Foods has a fifty-two week low of $12.50 and a fifty-two week high of $20.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.11 billion, a PE ratio of 12.73 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a fifty day moving average of $18.36 and a two-hundred day moving average of $17.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 1.21. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Nomad Foods ( NYSE:NOMD Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.08. Nomad Foods had a net margin of 7.87% and a return on equity of 11.63%. The firm had revenue of $831.55 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $811.47 million. As a group, research analysts forecast that Nomad Foods will post 1.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. raised its position in shares of Nomad Foods by 61.6% during the 1st quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 2,588 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after acquiring an additional 987 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Nomad Foods by 117.5% during the 4th quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,897 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 1,025 shares in the last quarter. Portland Investment Counsel Inc. grew its stake in Nomad Foods by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. Portland Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 183,478 shares of the companys stock worth $2,605,000 after buying an additional 1,242 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Nomad Foods by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 21,849 shares of the companys stock worth $409,000 after buying an additional 1,248 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State of Wyoming grew its stake in Nomad Foods by 18.0% during the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 9,221 shares of the companys stock worth $159,000 after buying an additional 1,404 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.54% of the companys stock. Nomad Foods Company Profile (Get Rating) Nomad Foods Ltd. operates as a holding company, which manufactures and sells frozen foods for human consumption. The firm offers its products under the brands LUTOSA, la Cocinera, Birds Eye, Iglo, and Findus. The company was founded by Noam Gottesman and Sir Martin E. Franklin on April 1, 2014 and is headquartered in Middlesex, the United Kingdom. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Nomad Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nomad Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO Get Rating) was upgraded by equities researchers at Citigroup from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Thursday, The Fly reports. RIO has been the topic of several other research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein raised Rio Tinto Group from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, May 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Rio Tinto Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Rio Tinto Group from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Monday, May 15th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Rio Tinto Group in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded Rio Tinto Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, May 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $5,790.00. Get Rio Tinto Group alerts: Rio Tinto Group Stock Performance Rio Tinto Group stock opened at $64.58 on Thursday. Rio Tinto Group has a 12 month low of $50.92 and a 12 month high of $80.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.64. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $64.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of $69.04. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Rio Tinto Group A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its position in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 58.9% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 12,899,694 shares of the mining companys stock worth $1,037,135,000 after acquiring an additional 4,783,488 shares during the period. Cowa LLC acquired a new position in shares of Rio Tinto Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Pendal Group Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Rio Tinto Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $183,849,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 537.9% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 2,514,532 shares of the mining companys stock worth $172,457,000 after buying an additional 2,120,343 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in Rio Tinto Group by 176.1% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,112,031 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $48,114,000 after purchasing an additional 1,347,060 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 10.43% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Rio Tinto Plc engages in the exploration, mining, and processing of mineral resources. It operates through the following business segments: Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper and Diamonds, Energy and Minerals, and Other Operations. The Iron Ore segment supplies global seaborne iron ore trade. The Aluminium segment produces bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM Get Rating) have received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the forty-one ratings firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, twelve have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $222.89. Several research firms recently commented on CRM. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on shares of Salesforce from $200.00 to $210.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. Macquarie upped their target price on shares of Salesforce from $218.00 to $225.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, March 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Salesforce from $225.00 to $250.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 30th. DA Davidson upped their price objective on Salesforce from $150.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, March 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on Salesforce from $225.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Get Salesforce alerts: Insider Activity at Salesforce In other Salesforce news, insider Srinivas Tallapragada sold 150,344 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.62, for a total transaction of $31,665,453.28. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 55,962 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,786,716.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, insider Parker Harris sold 1,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $219.27, for a total value of $274,087.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 100,309 shares in the company, valued at $21,994,754.43. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Srinivas Tallapragada sold 150,344 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $210.62, for a total transaction of $31,665,453.28. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 55,962 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,786,716.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 179,300 shares of company stock valued at $37,217,532 over the last quarter. Insiders own 3.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Salesforce Salesforce Stock Up 2.8 % A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CRM. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Salesforce by 2.0% in the first quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,599 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $519,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Western Pacific Wealth Management LP grew its position in shares of Salesforce by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Western Pacific Wealth Management LP now owns 4,545 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $908,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the period. Koshinski Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Salesforce by 0.6% during the first quarter. Koshinski Asset Management Inc. now owns 9,715 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $1,941,000 after buying an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. Argent Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in Salesforce by 1.1% in the first quarter. Argent Advisors Inc. now owns 4,952 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $989,000 after buying an additional 54 shares during the period. Finally, Prudent Man Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Salesforce by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Prudent Man Advisors LLC now owns 5,355 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $1,070,000 after acquiring an additional 56 shares during the period. 75.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. CRM stock opened at $215.30 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average is $202.18 and its two-hundred day moving average is $173.71. Salesforce has a twelve month low of $126.34 and a twelve month high of $225.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The stock has a market cap of $209.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 566.58, a PEG ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 1.24. Salesforce (NYSE:CRM Get Rating) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 31st. The CRM provider reported $1.69 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $8.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.17 billion. Salesforce had a return on equity of 5.75% and a net margin of 1.18%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.41 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Salesforce will post 5.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Salesforce announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback plan on Wednesday, March 1st that authorizes the company to repurchase $20.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the CRM provider to repurchase up to 10.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Salesforce Company Profile (Get Rating) Salesforce, Inc engages in the design and development of cloud-based enterprise software for customer relationship management. Its solutions include sales force automation, customer service and support, marketing automation, digital commerce, community management, collaboration, industry-specific solutions, and salesforce platform. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Siam Cement Public (OTCMKTS:SCVPY Get Rating) from a sell rating to a buy rating in a research report report published on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports. Siam Cement Public Stock Performance Shares of SCVPY opened at $9.70 on Tuesday. Siam Cement Public has a 52 week low of $8.47 and a 52 week high of $10.79. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $9.49 and a 200-day moving average of $9.48. Get Siam Cement Public alerts: Siam Cement Public Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 6th were paid a $0.0484 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 1.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, April 5th. Siam Cement Public Company Profile The Siam Cement Public Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the cement and building materials, chemicals, and packaging businesses in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, and internationally. The company operates through Cement-Building Materials Business, Chemicals Business, Packaging Business, and Other segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Siam Cement Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Siam Cement Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Nissan Motor (OTCMKTS:NSANY Get Rating) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note published on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Separately, Citigroup downgraded shares of Nissan Motor from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research note on Monday, March 13th. Get Nissan Motor alerts: Nissan Motor Price Performance NSANY opened at $7.59 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 1.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. Nissan Motor has a 52-week low of $5.81 and a 52-week high of $8.48. The company has a 50 day moving average of $7.46 and a two-hundred day moving average of $7.21. The company has a market cap of $14.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.04, a P/E/G ratio of 0.18 and a beta of 1.04. About Nissan Motor Nissan Motor ( OTCMKTS:NSANY Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 11th. The company reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.08 by $0.33. The company had revenue of $23.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.93 billion. Nissan Motor had a net margin of 2.11% and a return on equity of 6.10%. On average, analysts expect that Nissan Motor will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current year. (Get Rating) Nissan Motor Co, Ltd. manufactures and sells vehicles and automotive parts worldwide. It sells vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. The company offers vehicle and vehicle parts; engines, manual transmissions, and multiplier/reducer units; automotive parts; axles; and other related components. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nissan Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nissan Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI Get Rating) had its price target cut by research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $28.00 to $20.00 in a research note issued on Thursday, The Fly reports. Wells Fargo & Companys target price would suggest a potential downside of 2.10% from the stocks current price. Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on shares of United Natural Foods from $43.00 to $30.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 9th. Northcoast Research downgraded United Natural Foods from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Friday, March 10th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of United Natural Foods in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. CL King lowered shares of United Natural Foods from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, March 9th. Finally, Roth Mkm lowered United Natural Foods from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $63.00 to $34.00 in a report on Wednesday, March 8th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $32.71. Get United Natural Foods alerts: United Natural Foods Stock Performance Shares of UNFI stock opened at $20.43 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. The company has a market cap of $1.21 billion, a PE ratio of 9.59 and a beta of 1.05. United Natural Foods has a 12-month low of $19.62 and a 12-month high of $48.26. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $26.50 and its 200-day simple moving average is $31.25. Insiders Place Their Bets United Natural Foods ( NYSE:UNFI Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, June 7th. The company reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.65 by ($0.11). The business had revenue of $7.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.51 billion. United Natural Foods had a return on equity of 12.48% and a net margin of 0.43%. United Natural Foodss revenue was up 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.10 EPS. Analysts expect that United Natural Foods will post 2.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other United Natural Foods news, CEO J Alexander Douglas, Jr. purchased 45,168 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 24th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $22.22 per share, for a total transaction of $1,003,632.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 150,936 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,353,797.92. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On United Natural Foods A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of United Natural Foods by 25.4% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 293,822 shares of the companys stock worth $7,742,000 after acquiring an additional 59,497 shares during the last quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in United Natural Foods during the first quarter worth about $171,000. State Street Corp increased its position in United Natural Foods by 2.6% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,320,414 shares of the companys stock worth $61,143,000 after purchasing an additional 58,583 shares during the last quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC purchased a new position in United Natural Foods during the first quarter worth about $1,793,000. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP boosted its holdings in United Natural Foods by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 81,460 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,146,000 after purchasing an additional 461 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.63% of the companys stock. United Natural Foods Company Profile (Get Rating) United Natural Foods, Inc engages in the distribution of natural, organic, and specialty foods and non-food products. The firm operates through the following segments: Wholesale and Retail. The Wholesale segment is engaged in the national distribution of natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional grocery and non-food products, and providing retail services in the United States and Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for United Natural Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Natural Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. In a perfect world, we'd like to see a company investing more capital into its business and ideally the returns earned from that capital are also increasing. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. However, after briefly looking over the numbers, we don't think Fresenius Medical Care KGaA (ETR:FME) has the makings of a multi-bagger going forward, but let's have a look at why that may be. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Fresenius Medical Care KGaA: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.051 = 1.5b (36b - 6.5b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023). So, Fresenius Medical Care KGaA has an ROCE of 5.1%. On its own that's a low return on capital but it's in line with the industry's average returns of 5.4%. See our latest analysis for Fresenius Medical Care KGaA roce In the above chart we have measured Fresenius Medical Care KGaA's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company. The Trend Of ROCE On the surface, the trend of ROCE at Fresenius Medical Care KGaA doesn't inspire confidence. Around five years ago the returns on capital were 11%, but since then they've fallen to 5.1%. Meanwhile, the business is utilizing more capital but this hasn't moved the needle much in terms of sales in the past 12 months, so this could reflect longer term investments. It's worth keeping an eye on the company's earnings from here on to see if these investments do end up contributing to the bottom line. What We Can Learn From Fresenius Medical Care KGaA's ROCE In summary, Fresenius Medical Care KGaA is reinvesting funds back into the business for growth but unfortunately it looks like sales haven't increased much just yet. And in the last five years, the stock has given away 47% so the market doesn't look too hopeful on these trends strengthening any time soon. On the whole, we aren't too inspired by the underlying trends and we think there may be better chances of finding a multi-bagger elsewhere. One more thing, we've spotted 2 warning signs facing Fresenius Medical Care KGaA that you might find interesting. For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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 In this article, you will discover some Arkansas municipalities that allow the keeping of backyard chickens, as well as the maximum number of chickens allowed per property. Little Rock, AR Chickens, in addition to turkeys and Guinea fowl, are allowed to be kept within the City limits of Little Rock, Arkansas. While the City of Little Rock does not place a limit on the number of backyard chickens a resident can keep, it does require three square feet of space per chicken over four months of age. In addition, Little Rock Code requires that all chicken coops be kept at least 5 feet from the owner's residence and 25 feet from neighboring residences. Fayetteville, AR In the City of Fayetteville, AR, a maximum of 4 chickens (no roosters) is allowed per single-family home, regardless of lot size. On lots larger than 5000 square feet, a maximum of 20 chickens is allowed. Fayetteville Code requires that chickens be kept in the side or rear yard and 25 feet away from neighboring residences. In addition, the City does not permit the outside slaughtering of chickens and requires that chickens be wing clipped or be a breed that cannot fly. In Fayetteville, AR, chicken keepers may sell eggs 4 times per year, with sales not to exceed 3 consecutive days in duration. A Home Occupation Permit is required to sell eggs in all residential zoning districts, with restrictions including hours, operation size and no employees other than chicken owners. There is also a Limited Business Permit, which offers fewer restrictions than a Home Occupation Permit. Fort Smith, AR A half acre of property is required to have backyard chickens in the city of Fort Smith, AR. The City, however, does not limit the number of chickens residents can have. In addition to chickens, the keeping of ducks, geese, turkeys, and guinea fowl is permitted in Fort Smith, AR. The City Code prohibits chicken owners from permitting their birds to run at large within the city limits. Jonesboro, AR In the City of Jonesboro, no more than five backyard chickens are permitted per household. Owners must keep their chickens in such a manner that they do not disturb the peace of another person, by loud, unusual or obnoxious noises at any time of the day or night. In addition, the City of Jonesboro prohibits chickens, as well as other domestic animals from running at large in the city. Rogers, AR The City of Rogers in Benton County, Arkansas, allows no more than 4 chickens (no roosters) per single-family dwelling. Chickens must be properly maintained in suitable houses, pens, or other enclosures, which must be kept in a clean, sanitary condition. The City Code prohibits chickens from being kept in multifamily complexes, including duplexes and the outside slaughtering of chickens. Furthermore, all chicken coops must be 2 feet off the ground and located at least 25 feet from the nearest neighbor's residence. North Little Rock, AR North Little Rock residents are required to obtain a $1 permit from the city clerk before keeping any chickens. The permit also allows North Little Rock residents to keep ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, peafowl, and doves. The City Code requires that chickens be kept in a clean coop and the coop be located at least 75 feet away from any residence or dwelling or place used for human habitation in the city. Chicken Ordinances in Other Arkansas Cities Phuket people invited to greet King and Queen of Thailand PHUKET: People from all walks of life, including expats and foreign tourists, are cordially invited to pay their respects to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty Queen Suthida during their upcoming Royal Visit to Phuket on Sunday (June 11). By The Phuket News Saturday 10 June 2023 09:15 AM Officials and ordinary people across Phuket are getting ready to greet Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Thailand. Image: PR Department of Thailand, Region 5 Final preparations are currently underway in Phuket for the highly anticipated visit of Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Thailand. The visit will mark the formal opening of the new Phuket Provincial Hall and the laying of the foundation stone for the future Office of the Court of Appeal Region 8. On Friday (June 9), the Phuket provincial office of the Department of Public Relations (PR Phuket) issued several notices confirming the Royal Visit and extending the invitation for individuals to witness the presence of His Majesty King Rama X and Queen Suthida in person. Please note that not all the details have been announced at this time as the confirmation process is still ongoing. It is advised to stay updated as changes are possible Main event PR Phuket has confirmed that the main event at Phuket Provincial Hall will commence at 5pm, though participants are kindly requested to arrive by 2pm, as everyone will be required to undergo a screening process before being granted entry. It is understood that the event is open to all, including those who may not have registered with the Phuket City Municipality as attendees. While Phuket officials previously requested pre-registration, there has been no announcement stating that this is a mandatory prerequisite to attend. The following guidelines have been provided for all attendees: Please dress appropriately for this occasion, traditional Phuket attire or yellow clothing is warmly welcomed. Please ensure you have your ID card (or passport) and a facial mask with you. Kindly arrive by 2.00pm as all attendees will be subject to a screening process upon arrival. Photography is permitted, with the exception of selfies. Please greet His Majesty King Rama X and Her Majesty Queen Suthida with a respectful wai, a traditional Thai greeting gesture. Attendees are allowed to bring portraits of the King and Queen, Thai flags, Royal Monograms, Royal flags, umbrellas, hats, and LED handheld signs. Greeting along the route Phuket residents and tourists are also invited to join the greeting groups at designated locations along the route of the Royal Motorcade from Phuket International Airport to Phuket Provincial Hall and back. PR Phuket has announced the following greeting points: Phuket International Airport; Phuket airport Immigration Office; Thalang District Office; Muslim Wittaya Phuket School; Phuket Office of the Department of Primary Industries and Mines; Court of Appeal Region 8; Phuket Provincial Hall; Robinson Lifestyle Thalang; Phuket Air Traffic Control Center; Phuket International Airport. Specific timings for the Royal Motorcades passage through each greeting point have not been released yet. Additional information is expected to be released later today and tomorrow (June 10-11). Thepkrasattri Municipality published an invitation yesterday (June 9) to join the greeting group in front of Thalang District Office at 2pm. It is understood that screening procedures will be in place at all locations, so it is encouraged for individuals to arrive in advance. The forthcoming Royal Visit presents a rare, if not unique, opportunity for many Phuket residents to see His Majesty King Rama X of Thailand on their island. The last time King Bhumibol the Great, Rama IX honored the province with his presence was in 1973, precisely 50 year ago from today. Since his coronation and assumption of the title of Rama X in 2019, His Majesty Maha Vajiralongkorn has not officially visited Phuket. Thai names chosen for distant star and planet BANGKOK: Two Thai names are among 20 pairs selected by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for exoplanets and their host stars, according to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Narit). By Bangkok Post Saturday 10 June 2023 10:30 AM Kaewkosin, a red dwarf star, will shine for Thais from the sky, with Phailinsiam, a bluish-green exoplanet, rotating around it. Image: Image: IAU Kaewkosin, a red dwarf star, will shine for Thais from the sky, with Phailinsiam, a bluish-green exoplanet, rotating around it. Image: Image: IAU Kaewkosin-Phailinsiam was selected for the red dwarf star GJ 3470 and its bluish-green planet GJ 3470b, Narit researcher Supachai Awiphan said after results of the NameExoWorlds 2022 contest sponsored by the IAU were released this week, reports Bangkok Post. The celestial objects are 95.9 light years from the solar system and located in the constellation of Cancer. The names, proposed by Hassadin Pattanakorn and Chalermwut Samana, were voted on by Thais in an online poll before being submitted. Kaewkosin refers to the crystals of the Hindu deity Indra in the Thai language, alluding to the ancient belief that the stars were gemstones. Phailinsiam is the Thai term for the blue Siamese Sapphire, alluding to the detection of a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering in the planets atmosphere, suggestive of blue skies. Mr Supachai said the selection of Kaewkosin-Phailinsiam has delighted Thai astronomy circles because Thai astronomers were the first to observe the distant bodies through telescopes at the National Observatory on Doi Inthanon mountain in Chiang Mai province. He said the study in Thailand of planets outside the solar system has made significant progress since then. Thai astronomers have demonstrated their potential in international astronomy research through a number of discoveries over the past decade, he added. Mr Supachai said two pairs of Thai names were selected earlier for exoplanets and host stars by the IAU as part of its NameExoWorlds project: Chalawan-Tapaokaew-Tapathong for the 47 UMa planetary system and Chaophraya-Maeping for WASP-50. The NameExoWorlds 2022 contest was held to mark the 10th anniversary of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO). The contest attracted 603 entries from 91 countries in which some 8,800 individuals worked in teams, putting forward outreach initiatives that stimulated the direct participation of almost 12 million people worldwide. Many of the 20 pairs of names selected for exoplanets and their host stars pay homage to fauna and flora with cultural significance and celebrated folktales, mythologies and lore from around the world, including words in Cherokee, Taino, Zoque, Chinese and Korean. Generally speaking the aim of active stock picking is to find companies that provide returns that are superior to the market average. Buying under-rated businesses is one path to excess returns. For example, long term The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) shareholders have enjoyed a 80% share price rise over the last half decade, well in excess of the market return of around 46% (not including dividends). So let's assess the underlying fundamentals over the last 5 years and see if they've moved in lock-step with shareholder returns. See our latest analysis for Sherwin-Williams 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. 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. Over half a decade, Sherwin-Williams managed to grow its earnings per share at 5.3% a year. This EPS growth is lower than the 12% average annual increase in the share price. This suggests that market participants hold the company in higher regard, these days. That's not necessarily surprising considering the five-year track record of earnings growth. You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Sherwin-Williams' earnings, revenue and cash flow. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of Sherwin-Williams, it has a TSR of 88% for the last 5 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 While the broader market gained around 10% in the last year, Sherwin-Williams shareholders lost 1.7% (even including dividends). 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. Longer term investors wouldn't be so upset, since they would have made 13%, each year, over five years. It could be that the recent sell-off is an opportunity, so it may be worth checking the fundamental data for signs of a long term growth trend. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Sherwin-Williams , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. 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 Virtual Reality cuts you off from the world. For that reason alone, I have been deeply skeptical of the tech. Why might we want to erect one more barrier between our senses and the rest of our lives? Having seen the demos and read the reactions to Apples new Vision Pro headset, however, I am almost having a change of heart. Its not that there isnt cause for worry rather, its that though Apples headset is clearly a first iteration of technology that will evolve over time, it also feels like it could well be the future of tech. By extension, it also feels like the kind of augmented reality Apple is pitching is the future of remote work more broadly. The device, which looks like a sleek pair of ski goggles, is mostly a virtual reality headset (though Apple doesnt call it that). You place it on your head and it subsumes your senses with screens in front of your eyes and headphones over your ears. Imagine seeing the home screen of a tablet and its row of icons, not on a 10-inch rectangle but appearing to float across a few feet in front of you. It is also a staggering $3,500 (U.S.) meaning that for now, it is extremely niche. The Pro in the name is the giveaway eventually, Apple wants to take this mainstream. The Vision Pro includes a variety of features that differentiate it from related products from Meta or others. For one, you are supposed look through it rather than at it, meaning that the real world and other people are still present in your view (though, what you are seeing is an image produced by cameras on the front of the device, not reality itself). Even more strangely, there is a screen on the outside of the goggles that show video of your eyes to the people in front of you. Its a feature called Eyesight, and Apple claims it is meant to act as a social cue. Essentially, with Visions Pro Apple is trying to create a new category a device that, long down the road, becomes the default way to do intensive tasks like work or watching a movie. The aim, it seems, is to eventually replace your computer rather than your smartphone. Thats an important distinction for work. Rather than attempting to supplant your phone and creating a world where were all wandering down the street with goggles on our faces, the Vision Pro is meant to be the thing you use at home or in an office. The pitch for work was this: you place the headset on your face and the work you do with a laptop now expands to fill your field of vision. In front of you, seeming to be six feet wide, is an Excel spreadsheet, with a chat window to the left, and your email to the right. Mid-task, you get a call, which you can take as a video or audio. Id say thats actually pretty compelling and also weirdly dystopian all at once. On the upside, the idea of being able to seamlessly move between apps as one is almost literally immersed in them seems like a boon for productivity. On the downside, the fact that the Vision Pro can also be used for content watching movies, looking at photos, scrolling the web feels sad if not a little alienating. Perhaps the more important point is that work is a destination sometimes literally, but increasingly, virtually. The most optimistic thing you can say about augmented reality is that a computer that you put on your face and then take off is less invasive than one that never leaves your hand. For now, its early. Those who have used the Vision Pro say it may be tiring to wear for longer periods and may also get hot. It is also tethered to a battery pack which only lasts two hours and which you must carry (how we dont yet know). What is obvious is that, eventually, Apple wants to shrink this tech down so its neither as cumbersome or intrusive as it is now. That is likely years away, as are killer applications, as well as a more mainstream price. Im surprised to feel somewhat optimistic about the Vision Pro, or at least impressed. When you think of it as a device to use alone to do work and be more productive, its actually quite compelling, not least because it appears to expand the range of what is possible in computing. But when you think of a work device literally strapped to your body, projecting information into your reality, and making you accessible when you wear it, the sheen wears off a bit. After all, imagine walking into a room and seeing your spouse at work, headset on, immersed in something else and appearing to be only half present. It seems like the future all right. But Im not altogether sure its the one we want. SHARE: Ive always had a fraught relationship with the question: Where are you from? Theres been more conversation in recent years, that such a question is most often directed at racialized folks, and assumes a lack of belonging, implies that the person in question cannot possibly be from here. But even before I could articulate this discomfort, the question confounded me. I am often asked if I am from India, or if my family is, and while the answer isnt no, it also isnt cleanly yes. My great-grandparents left British-ruled India for British-ruled East Africa in the early 1900s, where three generations of my family settled, first in Kenya and then in Uganda, until they were exiled in 1972 under the dictator Idi Amins decree to expel all Asians from the country. The foods I grew up eating, the language we speak at home, rest somewhere between India and Uganda, a hybrid of plantain and cassava and chickpea, Gujarati and Swahili and English. As the only person in my family born in Canada, the question of where Im from was always further complicated by the fact that I have always lived here. Though for many that question may not seem political, the reason why I am from these places certainly is. After the abolition of slavery, the British implemented indentured labour, shipping millions of Indians across the Empire, including to labour on the East Africa Railway linking the interiors of Uganda and Kenya in order to transport British exports of tea, coffee, cotton and sugar. Among those who survived the abhorrent working conditions labourers, artisans, engineers, and officers many chose to remain, settling once the railway construction was over. If this was the root of the South Asian community in East Africa, thousands more migrants followed, leaving behind the dire circumstances in British-ruled India in pursuit of better economic opportunities. The diaspora grew, composed of manifold religions, regions, and languages. But their settlement was always tied to their role as colonized subjects: under British rule, the South Asian and African communities were separated, with the British creating a social order that placed the Europeans at the top, Asians in the middle, and Africans at the bottom. This de facto apartheid manifested in separated schools, jobs, pay scales, infrastructure in Kampala, where my family lived, Europeans primarily occupied large houses in the hills, Indians lived in the city centres, and Africans lived outside of the cities altogether. Asians became the middlemen, the scapegoats, the in-between layer in the colonial sandwich. Its an old trick: divide the racialized populations, pit them against one another, breed a false sense of competition between them as insurance. This scarcity mindset developed into a growing resentment toward the Asian population that eventually fuelled Idi Amins expulsion order the reason why at least 80,000 South Asians were forced to leave their homes permanently, many of whom had lived there for generations, my family included. I wrote a novel A History of Burning that moves from India to Kenya to Uganda to Canada and the United Kingdom, probing questions of belonging and survival in shifting lands and homes. My writing was propelled by a desire to understand that question of where I come from. But embedded in that question were more: what does it mean to be a migrant community settling in another colonized place? To seek refuge on stolen land? What does it mean to pursue safety and security in a system that is also causing harm to other communities? Who gets to feel belonging in that context? My familys history is composed of both settlers and refugees at once complicit in and harmed by the nations to which we tried, hoped, to belong. The final chapter of that novel takes place in Toronto during the Yonge Street Uprising in 1992. A protest that began in solidarity with rage over the acquittal of the police officers caught on camera beating Rodney King grew to encompass the police brutality and racial violence in Toronto, motivated by the killing of Raymond Lawrence by a white police officer just days before. Our cities might not be legally segregated but we do not all live and move freely, equally, within them. See above: who gets to feel safe? How do different communities experience these adopted homes, which we who have been forced to leave other countries are told are havens? The 1992 protest was started by several hundred activists from the Black Action Defence Committee, but it steadily grew into the thousands, joined by Indigenous youth, racialized folks, and white allies calling for justice in the nations violent systems. Ive been expounding here on the narrative of complicity how racialized settlers benefit from the dispossession of Indigenous lands and peoples, how the painting of Asians as a good minority perpetuates anti-Blackness through heavier policing and carceral oppression that target Black communities, how the belief that we must assimilate to whiteness as the ticket to stability in this country only perpetuates the divide between racialized groups. But theres another side to this narrative: resistance. Recently, in the midst of the ongoing global pandemic that has sparked anti-Asian racism while disproportionately impacting Black communities, the dialogue about cross-racial and cross-community solidarities has been growing. The spreading Black Lives Matter movement and escalating anti-Asian violence have pushed many to widen their definition of community to interrogate anti-Blackness and prejudice in our own circles and to consider our complicities in the white supremacist systems that affect us all. When I wrote that final chapter of my novel, it was without the knowledge of what was to come in 2020 and beyond, of the growing urgency of antiracist struggles here and elsewhere. But though I could not look forward, I could look back. During my research for the novel, I encountered examples of Afro-Asian coalition-building during the post-Independence student movements in Uganda in the 1960s and the Organization for Women of African and Asian Descent (OWAAD) in the UK in the 1970s legacies of resistance that continue today. There is a long legacy of Black and Asian solidarities in movement work, rooted in shared histories of colonialism, racial and labour exploitation, and empire. These movements were not detached from the messy realities of coming together as different communities with power dynamics between them. And yet, what struck me was how the conversations about collective liberation and solidarity are not new. They are the groundwork from which we can learn, knowing that just as our histories are tied together, so too are our struggles towards liberation. In other words, were not safe until were all safe. We are stronger, louder when we come together. And it brings me back to that first question, of where Im from. Our legacies of complicity and resistance tell us that the answer is not to erase our complicated histories, not to reduce them for the sake of ease, but to learn from them. Perhaps the problem is in the question itself, not because it assumes a lack of belonging, but because there can be no belonging until it exists for us all. Janika Oza is the author of the novel A History of Burning. SHARE: By Tatiana Bautzer and Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein victims who are suing JPMorgan Chase over its ties to the disgraced financier on Friday asked a judge to require Chief Executive Jamie Dimon and two other bank officials to sit for new depositions. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan, the lawyers said recalling the executives was necessary because JPMorgan has been slow to produce relevant documents, including more than 1,500 produced after Dimon's May 26 deposition. The lawyers said these documents included discussion of an internal review conducted after Epstein's August 2019 death, and a 22-page timeline of emails including messages between Epstein and Jes Staley, who once oversaw asset management at JPMorgan. Epstein was a JPMorgan client from 1998 to 2013. He died of an apparent suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Other executives the lawyers want to recall are Mary Erdoes, who runs JPMorgan's wealth and asset management business, and Mary Casey, a former private banker for Epstein. JPMorgan spokesman Darin Oduyoye said there was no basis for new depositions. "Plaintiffs like the headlines, but no amount of time on the record will change the fact that Jamie Dimon never met the man, never worked with the man, and wishes in hindsight the man had never been a client," Oduyoye said. In his deposition, Dimon said he had barely heard of Epstein before the financier's arrest. JPMorgan is also being sued over Epstein by the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the financier allegedly also abused victims on a private island he owned. The bank is suing Staley to cover losses it may face in both lawsuits. Staley, who was Barclays' CEO from 2015 to 2021, is expected to sit for a deposition on Saturday. The case is Jane Doe 1 v JPMorgan Chase & Co, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 22-10019. (Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer and Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang) Canada has ordered the seizure of a giant Russian cargo jet thats been grounded on the tarmac at Toronto Pearson Airport since the 2022 start of the war in Ukraine. Today, Canada is sending a clear message to the Russian regime that there will be nowhere left to hide for those who support and profit from the Kremlins war of aggression, Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement. Joly made the announcement as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a surprise visit to Kyiv to meet with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trudeau said in Kyiv that the federal government would try to forfeit the plane to Ukraine, so that it cannot be used to support Russias war effort. It is Canadas first physical seizure after making amendments in 2022 to the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act to allow the government to seize, forfeit, dispose or redistribute assets belonging to sanctioned individuals and entities. The Russian aircraft, an Antonov 124, is believed to be owned by a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Airlines LLC and Volga-Dnepr Group, two entities against which Canada has imposed sanctions. The large white and blue cargo jet, which can carry the weight of about 83 cars, had arrived in Canada on the same day sanctions were announced last February. Neither the Greater Toronto Airport Authority nor Transport Canada have said what happened to the pilot or the passengers. Trudeaus visit to Kyiv at the invitation of Zelenskyy comes amid signs that a long-awaited spring counteroffensive against Russia could already be underway. Canada will be part of the multinational efforts to train fighter pilots and to help maintain and support Ukraines fighter-jet program, leveraging Canadian expertise in these areas, Trudeau said during a news conference. He added that Canada will join a team of countries helping to maintain tanks, while providing additional missiles and rounds of ammunition. The two leaders also issued a joint declaration with a dozen points that largely reiterated Canadas actions in support of Ukraine. It mentioned the need to strengthen efforts to ensure the effective implementation of sanctions and to prevent and counter circumvention in and by third countries. Joly also announced today that Canada is imposing additional sanctions against 24 individuals and 17 entities in Ukraine as part of the Special Economic Measures (Ukraine) Regulations. Since Russias invasion of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 2,500 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova, involving coordination with allies and partners. With files from The Canadian Press and Michele Henry 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: Upon entering Mezzetta Restaurant at 681 St. Clair Ave. W., the first thing you notice is the decor not on the walls, but on the tables. Under the glass tops are scattered dozens of photos and ephemera, whose only unified theme is randomness. On one table, theres a black-and-white picture of a surfer riding a massive wave right above a toddler playing a drum kit. On another, Andy Warhol stands a few centimetres away from a brochure for a Turkish museum. Beer coasters, wish-you-were-here postcards, portraits of jazz greats and the like adorn other tables. As for the walls, they too hold a slew of photographs, originals taken by the proprietor of such sights as the Montmartre stairs in Paris and a view of Barcelona just outside the Olympic Stadium. This ostentatious variety aligns with what this restaurant has aimed to offer diners for more than three decades: a collage of some 50 tapas-style dishes, such as slow shrimp, fish shish and sultans stew each concocted by owner Safa Nematy. What makes Mezzetta unique is how it reflects a true melting pot of cultures: the cuisine is Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, inspired by Spanish fare, created by an Iranian immigrant who was taught the restaurant ropes by an Israeli in a venue that previously served Greek food. Its also one of many restaurants in Hillcrest Village among them, the Rushton, Aviv Immigrant Kitchen, Pukka and Nodo Hillcrest that has revitalized the food landscape on St. Clair West after long-running construction work imperilled businesses 13 years ago. We live in a time and age that the consumer has lots of expectations. For whatever reason, they want to see new things, says Nematy, 60, who emigrated to Toronto from a chaotic Tehran in the 1980s and has owned Mezzetta since 1995. While bringing tapas to Mezzetta was the idea of the restaurants former owner, it was Nematys notion to import more Spanish flavours. You must become creative, he says. I have been back and forth to Spain a few times, and every time I was toying with some ideas, Which one of these dishes is doable? After one of those visits, he brought back to the restaurant the idea of jazzing up patatas bravas, spicy Spanish potatoes, with wine vinegar and chili peppers. Mezzettas vast array of tapas appeals to both meat lovers, pescaterians and vegetarians, and at $4.95 per dish ($5.50 for takeout), meals at Mezzetta can be easy on the wallet. The menu and the cozy 45-seat dining room encourage sharing, which can be enticing for those unsure if they want to commit to one item for an entire meal and can also spark conversations among diners. Inspiring that dialogue is something Nematy wanted to encourage after he visited European countries soon after leaving Tehran. I loved that atmosphere of happiness and joy that you see, especially in small cafes in Europe, he says. People are laughing, telling their stories. During an interview at the restaurant one recent afternoon, a few hours before opening, Nematy is all smiles and shining eyes and gesticulating hands. The only time his face registers sadness is when he brings up the tumult he experienced living in Tehran during the Iranian Revolution. Nematy fled the region with a friend in 1986, after the upheaval wreaked havoc on the economy and threatened personal safety. His parents later joined him in Toronto. Anybody facing the turbulent times of 1980s in their right mind would choose to leave, he says. And I was no exception. When Nematy brings to my table some dishes to try, his smile returns. I tuck into the addictive espinacas a la sevillana: slow-cooked spinach with garlic, onion and steamed chickpeas. Im also a big fan of the flavourful vine leaves stuffed with ground beef, herbs and rice, drizzled with tzatziki and oil. Mezzettas signature sangria cocktail, made with red wine, isnt overly sweet or complicated, and Nematy revealed to me his secret ingredient: a dash of cinnamon. I always liked to cook, same with my family in Iran, he says, and I play around with recipes. Once settled in Toronto, Nematy took university courses at Seneca (computer science) and York (sociology) but paid the rent by working at a Pizza Pizza in Thornhill, first as a delivery person, then as a manager. He considers those seven years an invaluable learning experience. What is customer service? What is quality control? What is consistency? he says. Pizza Pizza is known to really utilize those concepts. As for moving from Pizza Pizza to Mezzetta, Nematy says, Isnt it everyones dream to run their own restaurant one day? It was always something I thought about. While the ingredient top-ups are Nematys idea, the table decor origin story belongs to Yossi Omessi, who opened Mezzetta in 1991. He bought the space from the owner of the Blue Door, a Greek seafood restaurant, and it was also Omessis idea to cook up tapas dishes with a Middle Eastern twist, while infusing the space with live jazz. When Omessi decided to move to Israel with his wife in 1995, Nematy had already been working with him. I told him to make his kebabs with dry basil, and not add all that olive oil, which is expensive and a waste, Nematy says, because that oil burns too quick when its in contact with direct heat. Having run Mezzetta in four decades, Nematy has witnessed the changes Hillcrest Village has undergone, such as the struggle many of its restaurants had to endure when the TTC installed a dedicated streetcar line on St. Clair West, which he says resulted in 25 per cent drop in customers during the construction. Things perked up soon after, when, he says, people who were living north of the 401 started coming down here to live, and they were mainly younger families. When I turn off the tape recorder, Nematy continues to speak about his love of history (You have to check out this documentary on Iran) and about the powerful presence of saffron (It must be picked up at a certain time in the morning, in a certain month; thats why its so expensive). He just cant help himself. Im a chatterbox, I love to talk, and I cant picture myself behind a desk all day, he says. I dont see myself as being in the food business. Im in the service business. Read more about: SHARE: Toronto police are investigating after a man walked into a hospital with a gunshot wound overnight in the western part of the city. Officers were dispatched after a call reporting a shooting near Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue West at around 2:52 a.m. Saturday. Police said that while the injury was non-life-threatening, the man remained in serious condition. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. No charges or arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2222. SHARE: SIVERSK, UkraineCrammed into a damp cellar under a former hospital nicknamed the sanctuary, Katia stirs water and potato chunks in a plastic bucket as the vibrations of not-so-distant artillery strikes permeate the shelter. With little water and no power for more than a year, the frail pensioner has struggled to stay alive, living underground in Siversk, about 10 kilometres from the front line near Bakhmut, the city in eastern Ukraine where Russian forces are close to victory after months of fierce fighting. Do you know how long we will have to live in the cellar? she asked the Star reporters who dodged a Russian drone attack to reach her. She is hoping for the war to end soon, but not necessarily a Ukrainian victory. Katia is one of a few thousand people who have refused to evacuate from Siversk and rely on humanitarian deliveries to survive. Ukrainian soldiers call them waiters, suspecting that they are waiting for Russian soldiers who occupy territory to the north, east and south to arrive and end the war. They may hope, being Russian speakers, they will be spared the brutality now synonymous with the Russian invasion; it would be dangerous for people in Siversk to say so outright, but the assumption hangs in the air here. My husband died My house is destroyed. There is nothing left but clothes, said Katia, a Russian-style kerchief covering her hair. With the towns television, internet and phone services destroyed by airstrikes, Katia is completely isolated from the outside world and wary of strangers: the World Food Programme staff members who deliver bread; the British volunteers who bring in water; the Ukrainian soldiers protecting what is left of the village from Russian attack. With a kind smile, she grasps uneasily for news from the Star reporters. I want to ask if you know when this will end, she probed, her spoken Ukrainian dotted with Russian words. Representing a sizable minority of the towns 11,000 pre-war residents, about 1,000 Siversk waiters feel more affinity to Russia than to Ukraine, even as Putins bombardment endangers their lives. Some have family they want to join in Russia. Others are afraid to move west, where they fear Russian loyalists are not welcome. All are victims of Russian propaganda that has made them fear the people trying to keep them alive. The Star is using only partial names. On the direct path of a Russian advance beyond Bakhmut in the Donbas region, Siversk is a strategic next target for the Russian army to access Kostyantynivka and Kramatorsk, two towns with more than 100,000 inhabitants. Close geographically to the border and regions that have been under Russian control since 2014, it is part of the most pro-Russian region in Ukraine and home to families with ties to both countries. The danger of Russian attack is ever present. A Russian drone circled the water delivery team the day the Star visited. Within moments, soldiers of the Ukrainian army opened fire with small arms, and after five frenzied minutes, the drone was downed. Waiting nervously for his water ration as the rumble of artillery grows louder, 69-year-old Aleksandr revealed his support for Russia in a recorded video interview. We just wish all these (Ukrainian) soldiers would go away from here, he said in Russian. His beard scraggy from a year with little water to shave, Aleksandr rocked back and forth nervously on his stiff legs and squinted in the spring daylight after months in the dark. We have been bombarded for a long time, he said with a roguish glance to the Stars Russian-speaking Ukrainian translator that seemed a test of sympathy for Putin. How to define peace is an interesting question. Aleksandr will eat grass and dig for water if humanitarian agencies become unable to deliver food and water to Siversk, he said. Waving proudly at the few modest sheds still standing in the village, he remains loyal to the country that is trying to destroy him. Look. All this is all mine, he said. Why should I leave? Once the camera turned off, he muttered angrily and walked away. I am Russian, he said. Russian or Ukrainian, everyone from Siversk has a story of hardship and death. Townspeople starved in Stalins genocidal famine of the 1930s, witnessed fierce fighting in the Second World War and endured a violent occupation by Russian-led forces in 2014. Residents who remain tend to be over 50, as the Ukrainian government required parents with children to move to safer areas of the country last fall. They grew up under the Soviets, who disparaged Ukrainian culture and placed countless Ukrainians in concentration camps known as the gulag, Timothy Snyder, a professor of history at Yale University, wrote in the magazine Foreign Affairs. Since 2014, locals have been told that Ukrainians are really Russians who want to be invaded and also Nazi satanists who must be exterminated, Snyder wrote. Speaking in Russian outside the towns bombed-out pharmacy, Sasha and Valentina were clearly uncomfortable talking about Ukraine. A tattered sign in Russian seemed to mock their desperate circumstances: Taking care of you and your health. Sasha, whose tired eyes and unshaven face revealed the stress of living in a war zone, paced nervously and walked away at mention of the hostilities. Born in Siversk, the couple moved briefly to the relative safety of Poltava, a town 300 kilometres to the west, but were unhappy there, said Valentina, over the drone of an emergency generator, her eyes misty in the dusty air. Her son lives in Chelyabinsk, an industrial centre in central Russia once known as Tankograd, for its production of tanks and diesel engines, she said sadly. She has no way of contacting him. After a difficult winter, the air in Siversk is warming, but the streets are a reminder of just how brutal life can be in Ukraines Donbas region. Deep shell craters filled with black water score the main street, the aftermath of a fierce Russian assault in July 2022. Blocks of flats gutted and exposed, their tattered and scorched curtains blowing in the gentle breeze, offer no protection to the remaining residents who have been forced into cellars and basements. Little is untouched by the intensity of the Russian assault on the town; the damage is almost total, and it is impossible to imagine normal life ever returning to these devastated streets. Many years ago, villagers planted exotic fruit trees in the market square but were forced to cut them down for firewood to survive the savage winter. The leaves on the remaining trees are unable to hide the destroyed facades of homes, many with graves in their front yards. Siversk is one of Ukraines largest population centres cut off from water, gas and electricity, according to Aquaducks, a humanitarian group that delivers water there. Without water, there is no life anywhere said Nikolayevich, 71, who moves awkwardly, his joints failing after months of living in a basement that he leaves only for water or food. But nothing will deter Nikolayevich whose three sons live in Russia from waiting in Siversk. Once employed at the towns aqua-coloured train station, he now collects rainwater for washing and wood for cooking despite daily shelling. Life in Europe would be too difficult, he said. At least, as they say, even a tree here is native. To a certain degree, the decades-long Russian propaganda campaign has been a success in parts of eastern Ukraine like Siversk. And the elderly, especially those with strong family connections in Russia, see little media at all, even in peacetime, relying instead on information gleaned over the phone from relatives in Russia. I think this is where the idea (comes from) that if the Russians come, it will be OK. Thats what theyre told by their families, said Sergio, the Stars translator, who works in the region. The reality is, the Russians would shoot them before they opened their mouths. But though they may feel more native to Russia, the waiters in Siversk hope for peace just like everyone else in Ukraine. We may have to survive another winter in the basement, Katia said. I wouldnt wish this life on my worst enemy. KB Paul Conroy is an award-winning photographer and writer. His memoir of being attacked while covering the siege of Homs, Under the Wire, has been made into a feature film. Katharine Lake Berz is a frequent contributor to the Toronto Star. She writes about the impact of major national and international issues on individual lives. Read more about: SHARE: BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Four Indigenous children survived an Amazon plane crash that killed three adults and then braved the jungle for 40 days before being found alive by Colombian soldiers, bringing a happy ending to a search-and-rescue saga that captivated a nation and forced the usually opposing military and Indigenous people to work together. Cassava flour and some familiarity with the rainforests fruits were key to the childrens extraordinary survival in an area where snakes, mosquitoes and other animals abound. The members of the Huitoto people, aged 13, 9 and 4 years and 11 months, are expected to remain for a minimum of two weeks at a hospital receiving treatment after their rescue Friday. Family members, President Gustavo Petro as well as government and military officials met the children Saturday at the hospital in Bogota, the capital. Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez told reporters the children were being rehydrated and cannot eat food yet. But in general, the condition of the children is acceptable, Velasquez said. They were travelling with their mother from the Amazonian village of Araracuara to San Jose del Guaviare when the plane crashed in the early hours of May 1. The Cessna single-engine propeller plane was carrying three adults and the four children when the pilot declared an emergency due to an engine failure. The small aircraft fell off the radar a short time later and a search for survivors began. When the plane crashed, they took out (of the wreckage) a farina, and with that, they survived, the childrens uncle, Fidencio Valencia told reporters outside the hospital. Farina is a cassava flour that people eat in the Amazon region. After the farina ran out, they began to eat seeds, Valencia said. Timing was in the childrens favor. Astrid Caceres, head of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, said the youngsters were also able to eat fruit because the jungle was in harvest. An air force video released Friday showed a helicopter using lines to pull the youngsters up because it couldnt land in the dense rainforest where they were found. The military on Friday tweeted pictures showing a group of soldiers and volunteers posing with the children, who were wrapped in thermal blankets. One of the soldiers held a bottle to the smallest childs lips. Gen. Pedro Sanchez, who was in charge of the rescue efforts, said that the children were found 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from the crash site in a small forest clearing. He said rescue teams had passed within 20 to 50 meters (66 to 164 feet) of where the children were found on a couple of occasions but had missed them. The minors were already very weak, Sanchez said. And surely their strength was only enough to breathe or reach a small fruit to feed themselves or drink a drop of water in the jungle. Petro called the children an example of survival and predicted their saga will remain in history. Two weeks after the crash, on May 16, a search team found the plane in a thick patch of the rainforest and recovered the bodies of the three adults on board, but the small children were nowhere to be found. Sensing that they could be alive, Colombias army stepped up the hunt and flew 150 soldiers with dogs into the area, where mist and thick foliage greatly limited visibility. Dozens of volunteers from Indigenous tribes also joined the search. Soldiers on helicopters dropped boxes of food into the jungle, hoping that it would help sustain the children. Planes flying over the area fired flares to help search crews on the ground at night, and rescuers used speakers that blasted a message recorded by the siblings grandmother telling them to stay in one place. The announcement of their rescue came shortly after President Gustavo Petro signed a cease-fire with representatives of the National Liberation Army rebel group. In line with his governments messaging highlighting his efforts to end internal conflicts, he stressed the joint work of the military and Indigenous communities to find the children. The meeting of knowledge: indigenous and military, he tweeted. Here is a different path for Colombia: I believe that this is the true path of Peace. Damaris Mucutuy, an aunt of the children, told a radio station that the children are fine despite being dehydrated and with insect bites. She added that the children had been offered mental health services. Caceres told reporters officials agreed with the childrens relatives to allow for spiritual work at the jungle and the hospital if there was no immediate emergency action needed. She said musicians and musical instruments relevant to the childrens culture will be allowed in the hospital. Officials praised the courage of eldest of the children, a girl, who they said had some knowledge of how to survive in the rainforest and led the children through the ordeal. Before their rescue, rumors swirled about their whereabouts. So much so, that on May 18, Petro tweeted that the children had been found. He then deleted the message, claiming he had been misinformed by a government agency. The children told officials they spent some time with the dog, but it then went missing. That was a rescue dog that soldiers took into the jungle. The military was still looking for the dog, a Belgian Shepherd named Wilson, as of Saturday. Petro said that for a while he had believed the children were rescued by one of the nomadic tribes that still roam the remote area where the plane fell and have little contact with authorities. As the search progressed, soldiers found small clues that led them to believe the children were still alive, including a pair of footprints, a baby bottle, diapers and pieces of fruit that looked like they had been bitten by humans. The jungle saved them, Petro said. They are children of the jungle, and now they are also children of Colombia. ___ Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City. SHARE: PARIS (AP) Four young children stabbed in a playground in the French Alps are no longer in life-threatening condition but remain hospitalized, the regional prosecutor said Saturday, as the suspected attacker was handed preliminary charges of attempted murder. The victims came from multiple countries, and the impact from the unusually savage and incomprehensible attack Thursday reverberated across France and beyond. The children who were stabbed, between 22 months and 3 years old, were in hospitals in France and Switzerland. The suspect, a 31-year-old Syrian refugee with permanent Swedish residency, has a 3-year-old daughter living in Sweden, regional prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis told reporters Saturday. Witnesses told investigators that the suspect mentioned his daughter, his wife and Jesus Christ during the attack Thursday targeting a playground in the lakeside town of Annecy. Police detained the suspect in the park in the town of Annecy after bystanders notably, a Catholic pilgrim who repeatedly swung at the attacker with his backpack sought to deter him. The suspected attacker, whose name was not released, was presented to investigating judges in Annecy on Saturday and given charges of attempted murder and armed resistance, Bonnet-Mathis said. He is in custody pending further investigation. The suspect refused to talk to investigators, and was examined by a psychiatrist and other doctors who deemed him fit to face charges, the prosecutor said. She said that the motive remained unclear, but it didnt appear to be terrorism-related. The suspected attacker wore a cross and carried two Christian images with him at the time of the attack, the prosecutor said. He also had 480 euros in cash with him and a Swedish drivers license, and had been sleeping in the common area of an Annecy apartment building. He had traveled from Sweden to Italy and Switzerland before coming to France last October, and French police are coordinating with colleagues in those countries to learn more about his trajectory, said Damien Delaby, director of the regional judicial police. The child victims were two French 2-year-old cousins, a boy and a girl, who were in the playground with their grandmother when the assailant appeared; a British 3-year-old girl visiting Annecy with her parents; and a 22-month-old Dutch girl, according to the prosecutor. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the victims and their families, first responders and witnesses Friday. Macron said doctors were very confident about the conditions of the two cousins, who were the most critically injured. The wounded British girl is awake, shes watching television, Macron added. The Dutch girl also has improved, and a critically injured adult who was both knifed and wounded by a shot that police fired as they detained the suspected attacker is regaining consciousness, Macron said. The seriously injured adult, a Portuguese man, was wounded trying to stop the attacker from fleeing police. Portugals foreign ministry said he is now out of danger. In a statement Saturday, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa thanked the man, Manuel Ponte, for his bravery. The second injured adult was discharged from a hospital, his left elbow bandaged. The pilgrim dubbed the hero with the backpack, a 24-year-old Frenchman named Henri, is on a walking and hitchhiking tour of Frances cathedrals,. He told French broadcaster BFMTV that hed been setting off to another abbey when the horror unfolded in front of him. The attacker slashed at him, but Henri held his ground and used a weighty backpack he was carrying to swing at the assailant. Henris father told The Associated Press that his son told me that the Syrian was incoherent, saying lots of strange things in different languages, invoking his father, his mother, all the Gods. The suspects profile fueled renewed criticism from far-right and conservative politicians about French migration policies. But authorities noted that the suspect entered France legally, because he has permanent residency status in Sweden. Sweden and France are both members of the EU and Europes border-free travel zone. He applied for citizenship in Sweden in 2017 and 2018 but was denied, according to the Swedish Migration Agency. Swedens TV4 television, citing the citizenship refusal document, reported that he was denied because he had served in the Syrian army. He applied for asylum in France last year and was refused a few days before the attack, on the grounds that he had already won asylum in Sweden in 2013, the French interior minister said. Annecy is planning a public gathering at the site of the attack on Sunday in support of the victims. ___ Vaux-Montagny reported from Lyon, France. Karl Ritter in Stockholm and Helena Alves in Lisbon, Portugal contributed. Read more about: SHARE: KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukraines military reported intense fighting with Russian forces on Saturday, while the countrys nuclear energy agency said it put the last operating reactor at Europes largest nuclear power plant into a cold shutdown for safety as Russias war on Ukraine drags on through its 16th month. After Russian forces pummeled Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight resulting in deaths and damage to a military airfield, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Kyiv Saturday for an previously unannounced visit, his second trip to Ukraine since Russias invasion in February last year. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Ukraines General Staff said Saturday that heavy battles were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the countrys industrial east. It gave no details but said Russian forces were defending themselves and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraines southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. A day earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his view that Ukrainian troops have started a long-expected counteroffensive and were suffering significant losses. At the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europes largest, which is occupied by Russian forces, five out of six reactors were already in a state of cold shutdown, Thats a process in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency, said in a statement late Friday that there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Energoatom said it shut down the final reactor due to that, and also because of shelling near the site that has damaged overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraines energy system. With all nuclear reactions stopped, temperatures and pressure inside reactors gradually decline, reducing the required intensity of water cooling of the radioactive fuel. This is a nuclear power plants safest operating mode. Energoatom employees are still working at the power plant, although it remains controlled by the Russians. The sites power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Also on Saturday morning, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least four civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. Ukraines State Emergency Service reported that three people were killed and more than two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. A spokesperson for Ukraines southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. In Ukraines northeast, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, reported Saturday. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded. In the Poltava region further west, there was damage to a military airfield struck overnight during a Russian drone and missile attack, local Gov. Dmytro Lunin reported. Lunin said no one was hurt. As of Saturday morning, there was no additional comment from the Ukrainian army or officials on the extent of the damage. The Ukrainian air force said that during the night, it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles of various types launched by Russian forces. The fighting and civilian casualties took renewed attention as authorities in southern Ukraine said water levels have been declining in a vast area beneath the ruptured dam. Nearly one-third of protected natural areas in the Kherson region could be obliterated by flooding following the breach of the Kakhovka dam, the Ukrainian environment minister warned Saturday. In a Facebook post, Ruslan Strilets said that the dams collapse left one national park completely submerged, drained rivers and lakes in other protected areas, and could lead to groundwater rising in parts of the Dnieper delta occupied by Moscow, creating the risk of further flooding. In the city of Kherson, whose outskirts were among the flood-hit areas, the average water level decreased by 31 centimeters (12 inches) during the night, but remained over 4.5 meters (15 feet) higher than usual, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin reported Saturday. Prokudin warned that meteorologists predicted heavy rainfall in the area over the weekend, complicating rescue efforts. The U.N.s humanitarian aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said in an Associated Press interview Friday that an extraordinary 700,000 people were in need of drinking water. In other developments: On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he wants to continue speaking with Putin whose order for Russias invasion of Ukraine has been criticized by many Western leaders and plans to do so again soon. Scholz has spoken several times by phone with Putin since the invasion. The chancellor said the basis for a fair peace between Russia and Ukraine is the withdrawal of Russian troops. Thats needs to be understood, he said. ___ Jon Gambrell in Kyiv, Joanna Kozlowska in London and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this story. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Read more about: SHARE: QAMISHLI, Syria (AP) The Kurdish-led authority in northeast Syria announced Saturday that hundreds of fighters with the Islamic State group held in prisons around the region will be put on trial after their home countries refused to repatriate them. The statement by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria said it still calls for the creation of an international tribunal to put those fighters on trial. It called on the United Nations, international rights groups and local organizations to help facilitate the trials. The U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, is holding over 10,000 captured IS fighters in around two dozen detention facilities including 2,000 foreigners whose home countries have refused to repatriate them. The statement said the fighters from about 60 nationalities had entered Syria years ago and were captured in battles against the extremists. The terrorist organization carried out horrific crimes and mass massacres against people in the region, it said, adding that such acts are considered crimes against humanity and war crimes. It said the trials will be fair and transparent in accordance with international and local laws related to terrorism. The SDF and the local Kurdish police force known as Asayesh also oversee some 51,000 family members of IS fighters, mostly women and children in the al-Hol camp. Many of those family members remain die-hard IS supporters, and killings by militants have taken place in the camp over the years. Saturdays announcement came two days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken co-hosted a meeting in Saudi Arabia of foreign ministers from the global coalition battling IS during which he announced nearly $150 million in new U.S. funding for stabilization efforts in Syria and Iraq. The extremist group no longer controls any territory, but its affiliates still carry out attacks across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, as IS is also known, includes more than 80 countries to coordinate action against the extremists, who at their height controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq. Blinken said the U.S. pledge is part of new funding amounting to more than $600 million. Blinken did not specify, but U.S. aid to Syria is expected to flow through Kurdish allies, the United Nations or international aid groups, as the U.S. and other Western countries maintain sanctions on Syrian President Bashar Assads government. The Kurdish-led authority did not say where exactly the trials will be held or when they will start. They are believed to take place in areas controlled by the SDF in northeast and eastern Syria. The U.S. military has a presence in the region controlled by SDF fighters. On any given day there are at least 900 U.S. forces in Syria, along with an undisclosed number of contractors. U.S. forces advise and assist the SDF, including in securing the detention facilities, and they also conduct counterterror missions against IS. The Kurdish-led authority said that years of fighting against IS has left 15,000 SDF fighters dead and 25,000 wounded. IS was officially defeated in Syria in March 2019, when the extremists lost the last sliver of land under their control but their sleeper cells still carry out deadly attacks. Last week, the SDF announced it handed over 50 Iraqi IS fighters to Baghdad. It also said that it repatriated 170 Iraqis who were living at the al-Hol camp. _____ Mroue reported from Beirut. Read more about: SHARE: LOS ANGELES (AP) A Los Angeles police sergeant and five officers broke department policy when they opened fire last year on an armed man who refused to follow officers commands, killing him, a police commission found. The Board of Police Commissioners voted on May 23 to approve a Los Angeles Police Department internal investigation into the fatal shooting of Rodolfo Torres on July 2, 2022, that found the officers use of force was not reasonable or necessary. Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said in his internal investigation report to the commission that four other officers who opened fire on Torres were within policy. Two other officers who responded to the scene did not fire their weapons. On the day of the fatal shooting, two officers were patrolling South Los Angeles when they came upon Torres, 30, who seemed to be under the influence of drugs and had a bulge in his clothing resembling a gun, Moore wrote. One of the officers believed he recognized Torres as someone involved in the illegal sales and manufacturing of firearms, the police chief said. One of the officers saw what he believed to be the butt of a handgun concealed in Torres jacket pocket and ordered him to stop and get his hands out of his pockets, Moore wrote. But he ignored their commands and instead started walking away from them, he wrote. The officers pursued him on foot for several blocks using a patrol vehicle as a cover and called for backup, according to the chiefs report. In trying to detain him, an officer shot him once with a hard foam projectile and Torres fell to the ground and a gun fell out of his pocket, Moore wrote. When Torres picked the gun back up, the 10 officers opened fire, firing 31 rounds at Torres within three seconds, according to Moores report. Some officers told internal investigators they saw Torres point the gun at them, others said they saw him raise the gun. Torres was taken to a hospital where he died. Officers recovered a loaded .40-caliber pistol with no serial number and an extended magazine. They also recovered another extended magazine, a .9mm AR-style pistol and a 50-round drum magazine inside a backpack Torres was carrying, the police chief wrote. Moore wrote that while he understood Sgt. Christopher Burke and Officers Jose Rodriguez, Kyle Bender, James Stea, Israel Florez and Chad Fillinger faced a difficult situation and there were issues with Burkes command of the situation as supervisor, there were other designated covered officers who were better positioned to address the lethal threat. Therefore, I have determined that Officers Rodriguez, Bender, Stea, Florez, and Fillingers use of lethal force was not proportional, objectively reasonable, or necessary, he wrote. Moore also said in his report that Burke didnt need to fire his service weapon and should have stayed back and assigned clear roles to the officers. The Board noted that Sergeant Burke was expected to take an active leadership role and reduce the overall intensity of the incident, Moore wrote. However, Sergeant Burke appeared overly involved in Torres actions, which seemed to limit his ability to effectively manage his personnel. The board of directors for the Los Angeles Police Protective League, a union for officers, said in a statement that the officers followed their training to try and keep the public and themselves safe. The responding officers fired their weapons because they all saw the suspect raise his gun after repeatedly ignoring verbal warnings in English and Spanish to show his hands and after other less lethal de-escalation tactics were deployed, the statement said. Moore will now recommend discipline for the officers and sergeant. If he suggests a lengthy suspension or dismissal, the recommendations will automatically go to a Board of Rights proceeding. The results remain confidential under the LAPDs interpretation of state law. SHARE: Asifa: In the north of India, Rama and Krishna are big Gods. Everyone knows the Rama-Sita story; how Rawan took his wife. So you tell me: He is a God who couldnt even save his own wife. He [even] needed the help of those monkey Gods? And then you worship those monkeys. Shalini: You mean to say 1 billion people are wrong? This is so confusing. Asifa: It is confusing because you are following the wrong path. This is just one of many heinous conversations between a radical Muslim woman and her Hindu friends in a scene from The Kerala Story, a film about several Hindu women who in 2016 were forcibly converted and lured into Daesh. Released on May 8, the movie has been screening in some Toronto cinemas daily. Going in, I had a sense of how graphically violent the film was (a Muslim man raping his pregnant Hindu wife; a group of burka-clad women being chained together and taken to a tent to be gang-raped) but what I was less prepared for was the emotionally manipulative dialogue the repeated scenes of Muslims disparaging Hindus for their beliefs and customs. Its jarring to see this in Bollywood, which sometimes has been a powerful antidote to sectarian tensions. It was clear that the lines had been scripted carefully, with the aim of generating a certain emotional audience response, whether it was genuine to the story being told or not. As an Indian Muslim, it felt sickening to watch the Daesh recruiter character Asifa psychologically deceive her friends into embracing Islam after they fall in love with two Muslim men recruited by Daesh to prey on vulnerable Hindu college students in the southern India state of Kerala. Her casual denigration of Hinduism and Christianity sharply contrasts with the Qurans explicit condemnation to not abuse those who worship besides God (6:109), not to mention its repeated and fervent calls for the use of intellect, reason and rationality. But there was no chance anyone who came out of that film would know that. In fact, it would be difficult to not come out of that film feeling anything but hatred for Muslims. The political controversy within India about The Kerala Story perhaps explains why it has both sold out in Toronto theatres, while also prompting thousands of Canadians to sign a letter to Cineplex asking for it to be withdrawn, on the basis that it perpetuates anti-Muslim tropes, not unlike how anti-Semitic films are banned in Canada. The main criticism against the movie is the fact it asserts itself as non-fiction. But when its first trailer claimed 32,000 women from the southern state of Kerala had been forcibly converted to Islam before joining militant groups in Syria and Yemen, Indian fact-checking site Alt News revealed the number to be false, saying there was no evidentiary basis. According to the U.S. State Departments Country Reports on Terrorism in 2020, 66 known Indian-origin fighters were affiliated with Daesh in that year. BBC News also quoted an Indian police official who told them that no more than 10 to 15 women had converted and left Kerala to join Daesh since 2016. But like former U.S. President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have made alternative facts a new way of life. He has openly endorsed the film, claiming it had exposed a new form of terrorism. The BJP even announced tax breaks for the film in two large BJP-run states and offered free tickets in several cities. And while some states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal refused to screen the film, saying it had the potential to incite violence, the West Bengal ban was later overturned by Indias Supreme Court. The court asked the creators to add a disclaimer saying the film is a fictionalized account of events and there is no data to back its claims that 32,000 women were forced to convert to Islam and join Daesh. This disclaimer can be seen in the film today a quick black screen of text that flashes before another one which (not at all confusingly!) adds: This film is inspired by many true stories. And as if that isnt bewildering enough, an epilogue again perpetuates the false claim, through a dedication to all the thousands of women from Kerala who have been forcibly converted and recruited. The films release comes amidst a deepening climate of marginalization against Muslims in India, a country that is often held up as a bastion for cultural tolerance. Today, India is classified as a genocide emergency, according to Dr. Gregory Stanton, president of U.S. non-profit Genocide Watch, who raised the same warning ahead of the Rwanda genocide in the 1990s. The tensions are also playing out close to home, as was documented extensively in a report on the Nazi-inspired theological roots of the BJP party and its influence networks in Canada earlier this year. Which could explain why complimentary tickets to at least two screenings of The Kerala Story were being offered to people in Mississauga last month by VHP Canada, a registered charity that has a notorious historical track record in India of religious extremism and sectarianism. Political polarization is a global illness that we know has the power to tear apart the fabric of peaceful democracies. If I could offer a single message to the people who championed this film: Please, lets not fall prey to the extremists within our midst. Shenaz Kermalli is a Toronto-based journalist with a focus on geopolitics. Read more about: SHARE: The pushback is part of a larger turn against ESG measures during the 2023 proxy season Activists asked shareholders to back numerous proposals this year requiring American companies to disclose more about the risks they face now that women no longer have the constitutional right to an abortion. So far, most shareholders aren't interested. This spring investors rejected a series of shareholder proposals that called for added transparency about how companies handle law enforcement requests for abortion-related customer data, what political contributions they make that conflict with stated values, and ways that limited abortion care can impact hiring and retaining workers. Thus far all 16 proposals that went to a vote at annual meetings failed, including one that fell short of a majority of Comcast (CMCSA) shareholders on Wednesday. Fourteen others were withdrawn, and in some cases, proponents revoked proposals after companies agreed to more transparency or broader consumer protections. One proposal asking Mastercard (MA) to disclose the risks of handling law enforcement requests for abortion-related customer data is scheduled for a vote on June 27. Votes were cast by shareholders of some of the countrys most prominent companies, including Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL), Meta (META), Walmart (WMT), Home Depot (HD), Pfizer (PFE), Abbvie (ABBV), Costco (COST), and Coca-cola (KO). Here's a closer look at those results: Anti-ESG The lack of support is part of a wider pushback against proposals that demand action on a variety of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues ranging from corporate diversity to carbon emissions. In fact, conservative-leaning shareholders have pushed a record number of anti-ESG proposals during recent proxy seasons, a time in the spring and summer when shareholders seek votes on specific proposals. The number of anti-ESG resolutions on corporate ballots between January 1 through May 31 rose by more than 400% from 2020 to 2023, according to ISS Corporate Solutions. That helped drive the volume of shareholder proposals up by 14 percent during that period. Protesters outside the Supreme Court in June 2022. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) Activists first gave renewed attention to reproductive rights last year when the Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision that guaranteed American women the federal constitutional right to an abortion. A leak of the court's draft majority opinion last May triggered some of the first abortion-related proposals. The number of reproductive rights proposals then doubled to roughly 31 between the 2022 and 2023 proxy seasons. 'More momentum' One activist investor who encountered pushback from shareholders this year was Arjuna Capital, which was responsible for abortion-related proposals at CVS (CVS), United Parcel Service (UPS), Costco (COST), Meta, and Alphabet. Arjuna argued for the proposals at tech companies like Meta and Alphabet because they are huge arbiters of data. Shareholders for both companies voted down measures that would have required them to assess and minimize how much abortion-related customer data is shared with law enforcement. Shareholders in UPS and Costco similarly voted 'no' to measures that would have required the businesses to report risks caused by state policies restricting reproductive rights, as well as possible mitigation strategies. The latest defeat came on Wednesday when Comcast shareholders decided against a measure asking the telecom giant to regularly disclose its political donations to anti-abortion politicians and organizations that conflict with its publicly stated values. Arjuna Capital managing partner Natasha Lamb. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Arjuna, however, did succeed in securing new data protection practices at CVS. Negotiations concerning its proposal led the healthcare company to agree to expand privacy protections around consumer health data. While the proposals have not garnered majority support thus far, the more important outcome is to get companies and investors considering how restricting reproductive freedoms carries inherent business risk, Arjuna managing partner Natasha Lamb said. ISS said the votes track with an overall drop in enthusiasm for all shareholder proposals in 2023. "When all is said and done, we expect support for shareholder proposals to be down over past years and potentially closer to pre-pandemic norms, said Jun Frank, managing director at ISS Corporate Solutions. Lamb said she is not giving up. "Unfortunately, the business risks from restricting reproductive freedoms are not going away anytime soon," she said, "and we expect more momentum on this issue heading into the next proxy season." Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on Twitter @alexiskweed. Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and YouTube Find live stock market quotes and the latest business and finance news Im sitting under a smoke advisory. I am in southern Ontario, about 200 kms from the nearest forest fire but the air is hazy, there is smoke in every breath, our windows are closed and the air is being filtered. I can only imagine what it is like for those on the front lines, living in the danger zones or working as firefighters. There are the obvious costs to families forced to flee from forest fires homes lost, health compromised, communities hammered, but there is also the less obvious cost: the fires are spewing millions of tons of green house gases into the atmosphere. It is a vicious circle where climate heating encourages more fires and more fires cause the climate crisis to deepen. On May 31, the Ontarios minister of natural resources was in northwestern Ontario to announce a new government program whose purpose, stripped of all the bafflegab, is to burn more wood. Through a series of sleight of hands biomass energy (burning wood) is considered a renewable energy source. Bizarre as it sounds, renewable energy sources are wind, water, solar and burning wood. Admittedly, Ontario isnt alone in this fiction. The conventional view is that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from burning wood can be offset by the carbon dioxide sequestered by trees planted to replace those burned. This supposed carbon neutrality assumes that forests are carbon sinks. Instead, we now know Canadas forests are carbon sources. The minister was announcing funding of about $20 million under the Forest Biomass Action Plan. The Ford government has taken a climate threatening practice burning wood to make energy and has transformed it into a pillar of the new green economy. The Forest Biomass Action plan describes the initiative as helping to reduce emissions and addressing climate change. And argues it will, position Ontario as a leader in the growing circular and green economy. The greenwashing makes it easy to forget that, for the most part, the initiative will generate more greenhouse gas by burning wood. At the top of the Action Plans objectives is this: The Forest Biomass Program will support projects to harvest more wood from Crown forests Throughout are references to underutilized species and uncommercial trees. But whether a tree is uncommercial or from an underutilized species, if it continues to grow it is sequestering carbon. The Action Plan also includes a completely cynical effort to broaden the definition of green hydrogen hydrogen created by using solar and wind renewable energy to include hydrogen created by burning wood. There are opportunities, innovations and breakthroughs that can occur from rethinking our approach to forests, wood harvesting and biomass. There is an international scramble among countries to emerge as major players in the new bio-economy. Forests can support biodiversity, pharmaceuticals and medicines, fibres, and bio plastics. There are ways to use our forest resources more sustainably with less wood waste. But in Fords Ontario we have been forced to think about the balance of probabilities. Is the Action Plan about using wood residues and waste more effectively and seeing intact forests as a resource or is it about more clear cutting, the threat of deforestation and burning more wood? In the last few years, on separate occasions, hundreds of scientists have asked governments around the world to recognize that burning wood emits more carbon than fossil fuels and poses major health risks. Scientists have asked government leaders to stop subsidizing biomass energy. The European Union has revised its Renewable Energy Directive by tightening the sustainability criteria and prohibiting the use of biomass from primary and highly biodiverse forests. This week as fires burn across the country the Ontario government is encouraging us to burn more wood. And providing more subsidies for forest biomass energy. The announcement is another in a long list of Fords bad energy choices. David Robertson is retired and volunteers with Seniors for Climate Action Now! Read more about: SHARE: Dozens of people gathered recently for a candlelight vigil outside a small hospital in Minden Ontario. They werent there to mourn the loss of one specific life. They were there, rather, to mourn the loss of a critical service that has saved so many lives. This month, in a controversial decision, The Haliburton Highlands Health Services officially closed Mindens emergency department. Mindens ER services have been consolidated with the emergency department in Haliburton, a 25-minute drive away. The Minden site will provide physiotherapy, bone densitometry and outpatient X-ray services by appointment. But the heartfelt display of gratitude for the health care workers that kept Mindens ER up and running for nearly thirty years could not reverse its fate. Going forward, local residents and cottagers who descend on Minden in the summer months more than tripling the towns population will be forced to seek emergency care elsewhere. This outcome will be felt acutely not only by Minden residents who require urgent medical care but by those who provide it. We will have an increased demand for our paramedic services and ambulances, Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter told the Star in April, speaking about the looming closure of the department. This demand will need to be paid for by the county. On top of that, if the paramedics are busy due to their increased workload, the responsibility for answering medical calls will need to be answered by our volunteer fire departments, Carter said. Severe staffing shortages The reason for the closure, according to the HHHS, is severe staffing shortages, particularly when it comes to nursing. According to reporting by the Stars Kenyon Wallace, the health agency said the consolidation of the Minden ER was necessary in part, due to severe and persistent nursing shortages, as well as physician shortages at the Haliburton ER. Yet whatever the reason behind this specific ER shuttering, or consolidation, the tragic closure is a symptom of a widespread problem crippling the provinces health care system. Last year, hospital emergency departments were forced to close across Ontario 158 times. The shutdowns occurred at 24 hospitals, most of them in rural areas, ranging in time frame from 12 hours to a full day. In almost every case, according to the Stars investigation, the reason given for the closures was a lack of adequate staffing. This is a crisis that exists far beyond Ontario borders. Even with what appears to be the worst of COVID-19 behind us, hospitals everywhere are finding it difficult to attract and retain nurses. Indeed, a few months ago, the International Council of Nurses declared the nursing shortage a global health emergency. However, just because the crisis has roots in factors beyond the provincial governments control doesnt mean the government isnt responsible for making it worse here at home. It is simply egregious that Ontarios nurses were subject to wage restraint legislation in the middle of the pandemic. Though that legislation Bill 124 has since been declared unconstitutional, and arbitrators have ruled that nurses should receive retroactive pay for lost wages, it isnt difficult to understand why many nurses or would-be nurses would rather not seek employment in Ontario. After years of wage suppression and disrespect, tangible evidence is needed that their work-lives must improve in order to retain them, a spokesperson for the Ontario Nurses Association told the Star in April. The province must make attracting health care workers an urgent priority not by offering them bonuses or by renewing funding to rural and northern hospitals on a temporary basis (as Health Minister Sylvia Jones did this month), but by fostering the long-term conditions for a healthy workplace and workload. Premier Doug Ford must display the same respect for nurses and PSWs that he does for police officers. Moreover, the province must get serious about its approach to solving the health care crisis. According to a damning report from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario, between 2022-23 to 2027-28, the province has allocated $21.3 billion less than will be needed to fund current health sector programs and deliver on its program expansion commitments in hospitals, home care and long-term care. The report concluded that while the provincial governments measures do address physician shortages in rural emergency departments it does not provide for a sustained increase in emergency staffing across the province. Canadians are rightly proud of our nations universal health care. But there is nothing universal about health care that is available to some people and unavailable to others, depending on their address. Unless the provincial government makes a sustained, honest commitment to health care funding and staffing, we fear that ER closures like the one in Minden will not be an anomaly in Ontario, but the norm. SHARE: Through fire and flames, June 6 Much of the current wildfire problem across Canada and around the world is blamed generically on climate change but few if any media organizations drill down to analyze why they have become such a serious issue in modern society, who is ultimately responsible and who should pay. On all three counts the answer is corporate capitalism. While giving us what we want, they have consumed the world over the last two centuries. Wildfires are a direct result of clear-cut logging practices which harvest the lumber but leave behind billions of tons of debris drying out in the forests. Replanting programs make the problem even worse. Clearing this debris costs money and cuts into profit margins of big corporations so like factories and other production facilities they ignore their toxic byproducts and simply pump them into our rivers and lakes. The mercury poisoning at Grassy Narrows is an egregious example of a toxic chemical related to paper mills. All of this is left for the taxpayers to clean up while corporations take all the credit for the products, jobs and profits that their operations bring. Once again greed drives profits with all of its ugly sides. Governments have been hands-off enthusiasts to the private sector shovelling money their way to get re-elected. So before we herald a new VW plant in Windsor we should step outside and breathe deeply. What youre smelling in the smoky air is the smell of toxic success. Robert Bahlieda, Newmarket Through fire and flames, June 6 The harm caused by this springs wildfires evacuations, ill health, lost property, economic damage is vast. Wildfires also cause massive greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 270 million tonnes from Canadas so-called managed forest in 2021, equal to 40 per cent of Canadas total reported emissions. In contrast to many other countries, the feds dont count these wildfire emissions in Canadas GHG totals, because such fires are not considered to be directly human-caused. Thats concerning, because there is widespread evidence that human-driven climate change is exacerbating the frequency and severity of fires. The federal government has been criticized for not transparently reporting GHG emissions from industrial logging, which its own numbers indicate were more than 70 million tonnes in 2021. Its time for the government of Canada to take responsibility for the massive carbon pollution being caused by both industrial logging and wildfires, and to put in place a comprehensive strategy to reduce these emissions. Michael Polanyi, Nature Canada, Ottawa It seems as though the world is on fire. (Please congratulate any climate advocates you know for not indulging in I told you sos.) In fact, those who are concerned with climate issues are at least as horrified as everybody else. What can we do about this? First, lets stop making the problem worse. This shouldnt be so hard as renewable energy technology is good and cheap too. Lets make the switch from dirty to clean energy before we end up in an inferno. Cathy Lacroix, Toronto I woke this morning to a blood red sun and the smell of smoke in the air. We are at war in every province of the country. Not an imaginary war with China or Russia. No need for new F-35 fighter jets. We are in a climate change war and we need water bombers and we need them now. How many water bombers does each province own? How fast can we build or buy new ones? Fires are burning in every province and it is still spring. We rely on volunteer firefighters and they are in short supply.This summer could be hell on Earth. We are really at war with ourselves, with our fossil fuel dependent civilization. It will take decades to transition and we will still need vast amounts of fossil fuels. We are in big trouble and may have left it too late. We have had warnings since the 60s that this was approaching and now it has arrived with a vengeance. Kurt Crist, Consecon, ON SHARE: I usually enjoy any time spent reading Canadian humorist and economist Stephen Leacock for his agility to entertain as he illustrates bizarre dynamics of our mostly Canadian and man-made systems of governance and commerce. To read his 1945 work While theres still time now in our COVID era is educational and alarming. That particular series of essays was an urgent appeal to boost confidence in private enterprise in order to offset economic deflation that could befall post WWII Canada. His focus was resource development and investment. Yet, he mentioned human resources people-oriented service, education, workplace unions and governance bodies to convince the reader that realistic social policy and private initiative must balance out for the public good. Ontario needs to fund, support and secure a healthy health-care labour force, not turn away. If Niagaras local urgent care and hospital services are at risk of permanent closure, it may be that this province should do its fair share to uphold the provisions of the Canada Health Act to better fund these community built hubs of service and ensure equitable, accessible provision of health service, for all. As Stephen Leacock insisted, honesty and service for a public good come before profits. Julia Blushak, St. Catharines SHARE: Martin Regg Cohn is missing a critical point. Specifically, how the school board is free to not have to actively promote values and practices its teachings fundamentally disagree with, by flying the Pride flag. If we are actually going to be a nation that respects and promotes religious and personal freedoms, then the right of the board to be consistent with its beliefs and teachings needs to be not only respected, but supported. To be clear, I come with this view as a total atheist, whose views on religion are that they cannot possibly have any basis in reality. If anything, such beliefs have caused much ignorance and set back human development for centuries. I just also believe we cannot claim to protect and support religious and personal freedoms if we arbitrarily get to tell others what aspects of their personal beliefs they are allowed to have. This isnt the same as expecting the board to provide a safe and welcoming environment to all levels of sexual, cultural, and racial diversity. Of course it must. But that doesnt mean it must actively promote practices that run counter to religious beliefs. Not promoting the Pride flag is NOT in itself an act of discrimination against LGBTQ students, but rather an example of them exercising their essential freedom to practice their religious beliefs. There clearly is a difference. Their rights to hold such beliefs are just as valid as your right to disagree. Gary MacLean, Richmond Hill Martin Regg Cohns column reminds that past injustices can be corrected. For example, Cohn helps by stating the fact that while our Canadian constitution cannot be changed on a whim and a prayer, both Newfoundland and Quebec have secured constitutional amendments enabling those provinces to establish a single, publicly-funded school system. Since our current Premier has no hesitation about using the infamous notwithstanding clause, he could get it done and institute a single public school system here in Ontario. The need for such a system is clearly evident. School systems that are based on religious beliefs, such as unconditional love for all people, are in violation of their own foundational principles when they discriminate against LGBTQ persons. The continuing strife over Pride flags and acceptance of LGBTQ persons, must be resolved and one of the best ways of doing so is to eliminate public funding for school systems that refuse to accept the inclusive principles of our society, and love for ones neighbour. This is one way of correcting past injustices. Allan Baker, Scarborough SHARE: Ive written about this before, but I sometimes think back to former mayor David Miller announcing his Transit City plan on the campaign trail in 2006: it included busways on Kingston Road and Yonge Street, an LRT line on Jane, and a Sheppard East subway extension in Scarborough. His plan to pay for it was to ask upper levels of government to step up. It changed a lot when the province did step up to pay for it, and then changed a lot more when Rob Ford was elected mayor and paused or scrapped parts of it. If were lucky, sometime this decade, the Eglinton Crosstown line and the Finch West LRT will open, and well see the payoff for that promise, close to 20 years later. I bring it up now as a note about the value and the limits of mayoral campaign platform plans and promises. Millers plan was good, and inspiring, and based on a reasonable understanding of what was needed and possibly affordable. But it was not something that was ever likely even if Ford hadnt mucked with it going to turn into a construction blueprint that then turned into reality in short order. That was even more true of the Ford brothers 2010 promise of free private-sector subways built before 2015, and as we know, of John Torys 2014 SmartTrack plan. We talk a lot about mayoral platforms, nitpicking the details, questioning the assumptions, judging what the vision behind them tells us about a candidate and we should. But the truth is that the reality of governing, and dealing with the unexpected, of evaluating real-world studies of ideas as theyre examined, and of managing funding that changes based on provincial and federal whims all of that means the platform ideas are necessarily going to change a lot before anything like them is implemented. In another way, the point is more dramatically illustrated looking at U.S. presidential history: George W. Bush didnt campaign on being the anti-terrorism, war-starting president. But Sept. 11, 2001 happened on his watch and changed everything about his plans. Similarly, John Tory had perhaps his best stretch as mayor when the pandemic came along and derailed all of his (and everyone elses) plans, forcing him to manage an emergency. As Mike Tyson famously said: everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. And so in evaluating our own votes for mayor, we need to not just consider the plans, but how we might expect the person putting them forward to react when they get punched in the face. Metaphorically, that is: when they run up against the messy reality of governing and the unexpected events of city life. Which is why I noted during a question at the recent debate hosted by the Toronto Star and the United Way that we dont elect a platform, we elect a leader. The new mayor is going to be the CEO of an organization with thousands of employees and a $16 billion operating budget, one whose operations can have life-and-death consequences for people in Toronto. That person is also going to need to lead a legislative body of 25 councillors who do not formally report to them, and where theres no party system to apply discipline each of those councillors elected with their own mandate and owing no allegiance or even favours to the new mayor. And the new mayor will serve for at least three years as the voice of the city in external dealings, the personification of the city in news reports, the mirror in which our problems and our struggles to deal with them are reflected back to us in speeches and actions and reactions. So a question we might ask of the candidates, beyond what ideas they have, is what qualifies them for that management and political task. And what qualities will they bring to perform it. Thats why, starting on Saturday, the Star is running extended 360 profiles of seven of the leading candidates for mayor, where we talk to the people theyve worked for, the people who have worked for them and those theyve worked with in order to give voters a look at who these people are, what experience they have, what they are like and how they think. Each of them has made claims through the campaign about why they think theyre up for the job: Olivia Chows long experience and well-known public record; Mark Saunderss executive experience leading the police force; Mitzie Hunters administrative and non-profit resume and her experience as a provincial cabinet minister; Josh Matlows current council record and dedication to evidence-based policy and upfront honesty about costs; Ana Bailaos record of getting along with mayors and her assembled endorsements from councillors and other elected officials serving as a recommendation for her ability to work with others; Brad Bradfords expertise as a city planner and stated commitment to cutting through bureaucracy to speed things up; Anthony Fureys outsider fed-up-with-it-ness. There are different ways to look at the question, for sure. And different qualities that voters might think are appropriate for the job. But the personal qualities they bring to city hall are equally important maybe more important than the plans they pack in their briefcases. Which isnt to say platforms are not essential information. They are. But they are especially useful in determining how seriously a candidate understands a problem, how they think about approaching it and how realistically they see the citys situation. You can tell all of that from looking at their plans. What you cant tell is how the future will reshape those plans. So you need to also try to understand how well a candidate will improvise on the job to meet the needs of real life. If you elected a candidate with no clear plan, youd be inviting a world of trouble. But if you elected a candidate whod panic when things didnt go according to plan, you might find yourself in more trouble still. A platform is necessary. But it is used as something for a leader to stand on. In picking a mayor, thats something to keep in mind. SHARE: OTTAWATheres a key argument behind the way the New Democrats have approached the foreign interference saga that has hung over Ottawa for months: they think Canadians are worried about threats to democracy, but believe they want dental care a lot more. One of the things Im constantly reminded of when I return back to my constituency is the things that seem like the most urgent and important topics of the day in Ottawa mean absolutely nothing to my constituents, Hamilton Centre NDP MP Matthew Green told the Star. Indeed, the party says its heard, through daily donor and voter outreach programs, that the issue of foreign meddling in Canadian elections is simply not resonating across the country. Polling data appears to bear that out. According to new numbers from Abacus Data shared exclusively with the Star, just seven per cent of Canadians said they were very familiar with special rapporteur David Johnstons report that recommended against a public inquiry into the situation, compared to 34 per cent who said they had never heard of the report before being surveyed. The findings, pulled from a survey of 1,750 adults conducted May 25-29, also indicate that foreign interference doesnt rank among Canadians top concerns. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents said cost of living was one of their top three issues, followed by health care at 57 per cent and housing at 42 per cent. Interference threats posed by China and Russia, meanwhile, were a priority issue for only 10 per cent of respondents. Liberals ignore opposition demands That doesnt mean the NDP which is propping up the minority Liberals in a governing agreement that could hold until 2025 arent condemning Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus handling of media reports chronicling Beijings attempted interference in Canadian democratic affairs. For one, the Liberals have continued to ignore opposition demands to launch a public inquiry after Johnston ruled it out. I think the Liberal government is failing in its mandate as a government to take seriously the threats that are in front of us, said Green, who sits on the House of Commons ethics committee studying the allegations. Nevertheless, those warring beliefs have left the Liberals governing partner in a prickly political tangle: should the New Democrats heed their critics, exit the deal and potentially bring down the government if they truly believe Trudeau is fumbling the file? Or should they stay the course and fulfil the governing pacts 27 policy goals they say are the more pressing issues for Canadians? Part of what is complicating the NDPs response is that tackling foreign threats to democratic institutions is not one of the issues enshrined in the deal. And the story of foreign meddling in Canadian elections is shrouded in so many unknowns, its hard to be sure what move to make next. I think if you had to go to the voters and say, Yeah, we abandoned dental care, we abandoned pharmacare, we abandoned all of these things that we promised you we would do, because we think there might be possibly something going on here that isnt great, Im not sure that would fly with a lot of people, said a senior NDP source, who spoke to the Star on the condition they not be named. Gun bill taught NDP a lesson But the last time the New Democrats felt restless about their relationship with the Liberals, they learned a lesson: its possible to stand your ground, reach a compromise, and avert the nuclear option. That was over some poorly communicated amendments regarding the governments firearms bill, which involved sweeping changes that the NDP and other opposition parties staunchly opposed. Instead of collapsing the supply-and-confidence deal over the issue, which also fell outside the scope of the agreement, the New Democrats say they went back to the drawing board and wound up with an approach with which they could live. Its a lesson the party is applying once again and it says its already seeing signs the tactic is working. The only thing that works in these kinds of situations is youre persistent, and you dont give up, and you play the long game, and you present your evidence, and you keep making your demands, the NDP source said. The party is quick to point to how it was one the earliest voices to demand Trudeau call a public inquiry. When the Liberals attempted to block the prime ministers chief of staff, Katie Telford, from appearing before a parliamentary committee studying the matter, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh sided with the Conservatives to compel her to testify. And when Johnston recommended against a public inquiry, citing the sensitive nature of the intelligence involved, the NDP was behind an opposition-backed motion calling for him to stand aside and for the Liberals to announce a public probe once and for all. Then, late Friday, Johnston announced he was leaving his post, owing to the highly partisan atmosphere surrounding his appointment. He also asked the prime minister to consult the opposition to identify new candidates. I'm not shocked. I think this was going to be the conclusion, the source said in a separate interview, adding that the passage of the partys non-binding motion signalled the beginning of the end for the special rapporteur. NDP could get caught out Even so, the partys strategy has opened it up to criticism, particularly from the Conservatives, who argue the NDP is putting its own interests and its relationship with the Liberals before safeguarding democracy. It puts them in a bind, because of course, they are enabling the Liberal government to not call a public inquiry by keeping them in power and refusing to pull their support, said Karl Belanger, president of Traxxion Strategies and a former NDP national director. The danger lies in when people are so fed up with the Liberal party, the Liberal brand, and Justin Trudeau, that theyre going to start to blame the NDP for enabling them. We have not reached that point but if we reach it, then it is possible that the NDP could go down with the Titanic. Whats more, the party has flip-flopped on its initial messaging that it believed Johnston was the right choice to investigate the allegations, as other opposition parties jumped on his perceived ties to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation and the current prime minister. Singh eventually called Johnston tone-deaf after promising he wouldnt disrespect the special rapporteur for choosing not to step aside after the NDPs motion passed. When Johnston did stand down, Singh reversed course again, stating that he always thought that Mr. Johnston is an honourable man. The party has also expressed serious concerns that the lawyer Johnston retained for his work is too closely affiliated with the Liberal party, while brushing off questions that Brian Topp, who worked for the NDPs counterparts in two provinces and once sought leadership of the federal party, also advised Johnston. For the first time for a lot of these members, who have never been close to governing, they are feeling the vitriol that you get when you govern, said a senior government source close to the deal. That has, I think, sometimes caused them to maybe shift off a more reasonable position, said the source, who spoke to the Star on the condition they not be named. That doesnt mean tension and frustration are currently erupting behind the scenes for both parties, who continue to insist that their agreement is working as planned and that the issue of foreign interference has not shaken its foundations. Still, the government source acknowledged things got pretty heated back in the spring around procedural squabbles over Telfords committee appearance, and that the NDPs current position on Johnston is incorrect and unfortunate. The senior NDP source, meanwhile, said pulling out of the deal over the situation has yet to be put on the table in a serious way. That tool is a tool you get to use once, he source said. Its not a tool you get to pull out every week so you have to be pretty serious about it. NDP denies financial troubles The party has also rebuffed any suggestion it could be seeking to avoid an election because its not in a financial position to mount a federal campaign. The deputy national director, Jesse Calvert, told the Star in a statement that it was on track to complete its debt obligations from the previous election and was ready to fight an election whenever one comes. But the notion that the party has been presented a false dichotomy of only two paths forward is something MP Green rejects, even as he sees his partys options narrowing. Absent of pulling our support and calling a confidence vote and having the government fall tomorrow, Im not sure what more we could do in this situation, he admitted. We recognize its not politically popular on either side. Yet he agrees that taking that step in the name of a public inquiry is simply too extreme. This supply agreement is not us playing roulette with Parliament, he said. Were going to continue to apply pressure at committees. These reports, these studies havent closed, so I think what youre going to see is likely recommendations from multiple House committees calling on the government to do this. Read more about: SHARE: Ottawa is set to move quickly to select a leader for a public inquiry into foreign influence after former governor general David Johnston resigned Friday as outside adviser following weeks of controversy over his appointment. Its our governments hopes that opposition parties will treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves and we will be able to chart a path forward, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc told media on Saturday. A public inquiry has never been off the table. All options remain on the table. LeBlanc said his task in the next few days is to consult with outside experts and opposition parties on the next steps forward. He called on opposition parties to make concrete suggestions on who they would like to see lead a public inquiry, as well as provide input on the terms and timeline of an inquiry. He blamed the Conservative party for largely creating a toxic partisan climate around foreign interference issues and said qualified individuals may understandably hesitate to step forward to lead such an inquiry. The only ones causing problems are the Liberals, said a Conservative party spokesperson. It is Justin Trudeau who appointed his old friend, ski buddy, cottage neighbour, and member of the Trudeau Foundation to cover up his involvement in Beijings interference in our democracy. If we can lower the partisan temperature and have a serious conversation about a serious issue, were confident we can find the right eminent person to lead the next public phase My conversation with the Prime Minister yesterday was (about) how we need to get on with this and not fall into a dead end again, LeBlanc said. In a statement to the Star, the Conservatives urged the Liberals to end the cover up and announce a public inquiry now. Only once they finally follow the will of Canadians and Parliament to call an open and independent public inquiry will Conservatives discuss further details. All three main opposition parties have already voted in favour of a public inquiry, and all reiterated that demand Friday in reaction to Johnstons departure. We have always said that the process needs to be independent, public, and transparent. A public inquiry is the only way forward, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said in a statement to the Star. To achieve this, and restore public trust, the only way is if that process is headed by a judge with no ties to the Liberal party, the Trudeau foundation and made no political donations to a federal party in at least the last decade. The Star has also reached out to the Bloc Quebecois for comment. The surprising turn of events came after months of withering criticism of Trudeau and Johnston. An official confirmed the government did not expect the former governor general, constitutional lawyer and academic dean to step down. When I undertook the task of Independent Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference, my objective was to help build trust in our democratic institutions, Johnston said in a written release. I have concluded that, given the highly partisan atmosphere around my appointment and work, my leadership has had the opposite effect. I am therefore tendering my resignation, effective no later than the end of June 2023, or as soon as I deliver a brief final report, which I hope to be earlier. In quitting, Johnston who had rejected the need for a public inquiry because it could not transparently deal with top-secret classified intelligence said that a deep and comprehensive review of foreign interference, its effects, and how to prevent it, should be an urgent priority for your Government and our Parliament. Up until late this week, Trudeau continued to defend Johnstons integrity and impartiality, and to demand that the Conservative and Bloc leaders accept top-secret briefings to understand the classified information Johnston relied on to reach his conclusions. Johnstons initial appointment immediately met opposition criticism because of his past ties as a member of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, which supports academic research and scholarship but which the Conservatives decried as a partisan organization that had accepted a donation from a donor with close ties to Beijings ruling Communist Party. Johnstons first report found gaps in how intelligence agencies communicate with senior public servants and political leaders, but downplayed news reports alleging a deliberate network of Chinese government proxies, money and disinformation had impacted the 2019 and 2021 election campaigns. In the eyes of many, Johnstons declaration after Parliament voted for his removal and for an immediate inquiry that he had a mandate from the government, not Parliament, to continue his work struck a discordant note, coming from a former governor general. With files from Stephanie Levitz, Raisa Patel and Tonda MacCharles 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: When the West Bengal election commission announced the dates for the panchayat polls on the evening of June 8, giving a mere five-day window for nomination filings, it caused a flurry of activity among the states leading opposition politicians. The following day, both the BJP and the Congress filed petitions in the Calcutta High Court, seeking an extension of the deadline and requesting the deployment of central forces to oversee the polls. The Court has directed the state government to respond to the oppositions demands by Monday, June 12. The question is, will the West Bengal Panchayat polls cast a shadow on 2024 Lok Sabha polls? Of course, it seems, it will. Which is why the matter had to be taken to court. The answer lies in the fact that the results of the Panchayat polls will determine the political strength of each party in the state before the upcoming Parliamentary elections next year. West Bengal has a total of 63,329 Gram Panchayat seats, 9,730 Panchayat Samity seats, and 928 Zilla Parishad seats, spread across 3,317 Gram Panchayats. The party that secures the majority of seats will have a significant influence on the political landscape. Advertisement According to Chandra Kumar Bose, a member and former VP of the Bengal BJP, it is explained that the results of the rural elections indicate the level of effort required by a political party to strengthen its position and improve its chances before significant elections, whether at the state or central level. Even prior to the announcement of the dates, the Trinamool Congress has been actively engaging with the rural population to gauge and strengthen its support base in these areas. Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of Trinamool and Mamata Banerjees nephew, has initiated a rural outreach campaign to connect with people on the ground before the polls. The Jana Sanjog Yatra (journey to connect with the masses) and Gram Banglar Motamot (views from the villages of Bengal) initiatives aim to establish contact with a large number of rural residents from north to south. Mamata Banerjee herself has been holding rallies in various villages. The BJP, Trinamools primary competitor in the state, has also been actively involved in the groundwork. Sanghamitra Choudhury, BJPs district president for South 24 Paraganas, states, We have already been working closely with the people on the ground and will continue to do so. In May, the Union Home Minister visited Bengal and reportedly discussed the forthcoming rural polls. According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the state, particularly the rural areas, prior to the polls. The high-profile visits by top leaders of the BJP and Trinamool to remote areas in the state serve as clear indicators of the significance of the upcoming rural polls, often referred to as the dress rehearsals, in capturing the ground before the general elections next year. LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigeria's markets regulator has ordered the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance to halt its operations in the country, saying a local unit that courted Nigerian investors through a website was illegal. "Binance Nigeria Limited is hereby directed to immediately stop soliciting Nigerian investors in any form whatsoever," the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said in a statement dated June 9. It said the company was not registered or regulated, making it illegal. Binance could not be immediately reached for comment. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission this week sued Binance and Coinbase for allegedly breaching its rules. Last year, Nigeria's SEC published a set of regulations for digital assets, signalling Africa's most populous country was trying to find a middle ground between an outright ban on crypto assets and their unregulated use. That was after Nigeria's central bank in 2021 banned banks and financial institutions from dealing in or facilitating transactions in digital currencies. Nigeria's young, tech-savvy population has eagerly adopted cryptocurrencies, for example using peer-to-peer trading offered by crypto exchanges to avoid the financial sector ban. (Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Helen Popper) The Delhi government, in its continuous efforts to provide a platform for young artists from its Dr. BR Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence-Performing and Visual Arts (ASoSE PVA), organised an art exhibition at Bikaner House, named Lehar. The exhibition, organised and curated entirely by over 370 students of Class 10 and 11 from ASoSE PVA, is aimed at showcasing the remarkable artwork created by these talented individuals. Under the theme Lehar, the students embarked on a journey of transformation, expressing their interpretation not only of their own lives but also of their surroundings, environment, and cities. The exhibition served as a testament to the students creativity and passion, as they confidently addressed issues such as the environment, pollution, and various community concerns. Advertisement This unique exhibition delved into the intricate relationship between ecology and urban life. Through captivating visual displays and thought-provoking concepts, it explores the unfolding scenario of construction, rivers, plants, animals, mountains, forests, machines, and the dichotomy between urban and rural areas. This exhibition also raised important questions about the world the present generation is leaving for future generations, igniting a wave of consciousness and inspiring hope for a better future. Delhi Education Minister Atishi, who recently visited the exhibition, expressed her admiration for the students artwork and said, The creativity and depth of expression showcased by the students at this exhibition was truly commendable. It was heartening to see how young minds are engaging with pressing issues of the surrounding and conveying their concerns through art. This exhibition served as a powerful reminder of the role education plays in nurturing talent and shaping future leaders. Reflecting on the exhibitions significance, Atishi said, The Kejriwal governments Dr. B R Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence has created a platform for students to explore their artistic abilities and channel their thoughts into impactful art forms. This exhibition not only highlighted the immense talent of these young artists but also underscored the importance of incorporating arts education into our curriculum to foster creativity and critical thinking. She added that art and music are often considered as a hobby by parents and children never get the right opportunity to showcase them. At ASoSE PVA, the Delhi government is making an effort to make professional performing and visual art education accessible to every student who wants to make their career in this field. This school truly breaks down conventional molds of curriculum to recognise Performing and Visual Arts as a curricular field and carves a new academic pathway for young artists. The exhibition featured an array of artistic forms and mediums, showcasing the talent nurtured within the Dr. B R Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence. Visual Arts students presented their creations through a curated indoor exhibition, while interactive stalls hosted by students and teachers offered live workshops on art forms such as Gond Art, Madhubani Art, Block Printing, and Weaving. The mesmerizing ambiance of the exhibition was further enhanced by live music performances, ranging from Jugalbandi to A Capella, as well as an immersive audio experience featuring a meticulously crafted background score by senior students in collaboration with Music Production artists. Additionally, the exhibition presented four thought-provoking short films conceptualised and directed by Class 10 students, along with over 40 stunning photographs captured by the students. The Delhi government had launched Performing and Visual Arts Dr. BR Ambedkar Schools of Specialised Excellence in 2021. These schools were set up especially for students demonstrating early awareness of their artistic aptitude and keen to build a career in the field of creative arts. Admitted through a selection process, students can specialise in one of three art forms Music (Indian and Western), Visual Arts and Filmmaking, Acting & Media Studies for 2 hours daily as a curricular subject, thereby recognizing early education in the arts as a mainstream subject. The uniquely crafted curriculum offers students experiential learning aimed at unlocking a wide array of higher education and career pathways. At present, there are four PVA ASoSEs in Delhi with 570+ students across Grades 9-11. These ASoSEs are affiliated to Delhi Board of School Education(DBSE) and their curriculum is developed in collaboration with various international partners. With summer at its peak, erratic electric supply across Jammu and Kashmir is adding to the inconvenience of the consumers. Undeclared power cuts and frequent tripping have become a routine, particularly in the rural areas of the Union Territory (UT). The situation is equally bad in the urban areas where the administration had said that the electric supply would improve and consumers will get 247 power after installation of smart meters. The electronic meters have been replaced with smart meters at many places but the power supply remains erratic. This was also affecting water supply. Advertisement Hundreds of crores of rupees were spent a few years ago on upgrading of the electric distribution system, but the system remains fragile and the supply gets snapped when wind blows or there is rain, cry the consumers. The power department was earlier during the year resorting to declared daily 3 hours power curtailment. However, the curtailment was withdrawn after 13 February when the authorities said that the power scenario has improved. Apni Party Senior Vice-President Ghulam Hassan Mir on Saturday expressed deep concern over the frequent power outages in most of the areas across the UT and said that unscheduled power cuts not only cause inconvenience to the general consumers, but it also affects the irrigation of farms and orchards as lift irrigation stations become non-operational due to lack of electricity. Mir said that despite their substantial electricity bill payments, consumers get the required power supply in neither cities nor rural areas. He said, Sadly, the government is failing to ensure the required power supply to the consumers in Jammu and Kashmir. Unscheduled and frequent power outages in both metered and non-metered areas cause immense problems for the people, especially the farmers and orchardists who have difficulties ensuring timely irrigation of their fields and orchards. This is the crucial time for the farmers and orchardists, as failing to provide sufficient water to paddy fields and orchards at this stage will inevitably have adverse effects on the crops. Ghulam Hassan Mir urged the Lt Governors administration to intervene in the matter to ensure people in the Valley get a sufficient power supply. He said, the administration should realise that a continuous power supply is essential for the smooth functioning of businesses and the day-to-day affairs of the people. Also, the concerned officials must realise that timely bill payments entitle consumers to the necessary power supply they deserve. A landmark programme started for the betterment of the school children in Andhra Pradesh called From the Principal Secretarys Desk is focusing persistently on providing quality education to the students. In its latest episode (sixth), here is what the Principal Secretary of Education Andhra Pradesh Praveen Prakash said. He said that this year through the programme, I am fervently making an appeal that if any headmaster, teacher, or parent finds that the school kit, whether it is the bag, shoes, uniforms, books or any other thing they find is sub-standard it should be immediately brought to my notice. Advertisement The schools are reopening on June 12. The students will get their textbooks, notebooks, dictionary, bag, etc If anything is found to be amiss in terms of quality, immediately click a picture of it and Whatsapp it to me. Praveen Prakash added, I have only one mobile number. And at any point in time, I am available to all the 42 lakh parents if they have a grievance. He further added, I dont want a situation like the one that emerged last year in Kasturba Gandhi School in Manyam district where students were given mathematics books in the last days of the session. At the most, all the books to be studied in the second semester will be available to the students in the third or fourth week of June, IAS Praveen Prakash said. Regarding the raw material that is used in the making of the school if I find that the benches in the school or RO plant, tube lights, tiles or any other thing is found to be sub-standard, I will not only ensure that such a vendor is blacklisted in India but also across the globe. Regarding this, I have already done a video conference with my vendor and have them about it, Prakash said. Also, Andhra Pradesh will have 30,000 classrooms installed with interactive flat panels, and smart TVs with BJYUs content uploaded on it so that students get to learn better. My appeal is also to the parents that on their part, please spend 15 to 20 minutes with the children every day so that they remain updated about the goings-on in the schools and remain generally aware of the child, Praveen Prakash said. Bihar BJP chief Samrat Chaudhary once again made a direct personal attack on senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday while speaking in the Araria district. Addressing a rally, part of the saffron partys month-long mass contact programme, the leader compared Rahul Gandhi to slain Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, stating that by growing a beard, one cannot become the prime minister of a country. I still consider him (read Rahul Gandhi) a 50-year-old child in politics. We cannot do anything if a 50-yearold is ignorant about politics, he said. Advertisement Whats more intriguing is that Chaudhary said his (Rahuls) sister (Priyanka Gandhi) is not ready to contest election which, he said, has become a matter of debate between the brother and the sister. Chaudharys comment came months after Rahul Gandhi, during his Bharat Jodi Yatra, sported a long beard, which he later trimmed after the completion of Yatra. Chaudhary is not alone to make such bizarre comments on rival party leaders. Nearly six months ago, Assam CM Hemant Biswa Sarma had compared Rahul Gandhi with Iraqi dictator Saddam Husain for his beard. If Rahul Gandhi sits close to Saddam he resembles him, he had said. The Bihar BJP chief wont even spare Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. He compared the mental state of CM Nitish with that of a character in Amir Khan-starrer Bollywood film Gajani. Nitish Kumars mental state resembled the character of Amir Khan in the film Ghajini, he said, adding On several occasions, his habit of forgetting things, even his own portfolio as the cabinet minister has come to the fore, he said. His (Nitshis) dream of becoming PM is haunting him, he added. On previous occasions, he made scathing attacks on Nitish Kumar saying he should retire now and take a political sanyas in his village in Nalanda. He also questioned the authenticity of his engineering degree in the backdrop of the collapse of the River Bridge in Ganga recently. Quoting a line from a song of the Hindi blockbuster Dangal, he said, Woh Bihar ke liye hanikarak hein (He has become injurious to Bihar). Sharply reacting to Chaudharys remarks on the two leaders, RJD national spokesman and Rajya Sabha member Manoj Jha asked, Crores of citizens in the country keep beard. Are they all terrorists? He wants to be in the limelight by saying all these irrelevant things. The Bihar state spokesman of the Congress Asitnath Tiwary said Samrat Chaudhary has lost his mental balance. He should be treated at the best possible place, he added. Though, the good news is Canada will treat these students as victims and not culprits One common link to the majority of the 700 Indian students from Punjab who are facing deportation charges in Canada, Brijesh Mishra is on the run. Mishra has now been traced to the United States. This has been confirmed by Commissioner of Police (CP) Jalandhar Kuldeep Singh Chahal. According to Chahal, accused Mishra has already been booked in some of these cases under Section 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), 465 (making forged documents), 467 (forgery), 471) using forged as a genuine document) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy). At long last some good news for the students Though the good news is that in Canada, the committee of the House of Commons has passed a motion saying that the students facing deportation be treated as victims the focus should be to penalise the culprit and not the students. Advertisement Back home, Punjab NRI affairs minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal has said that the state government will provide free legal assistance to these students if the need arises. Returning to the common link that is between these about 700 students and the fake offer letters they received from Canadian colleges, Brijesh Mishra sent a majority of them to Canada on fake offer letters allegedly to some of the better known colleges and universities in Canada. The offer letter looked so authentic that the embassy officials did not find anything amiss in them. However, once these students landed in Canada, they realised that they had not been registered in the respective colleges they were sent to. Mishra then told them that they should enroll in a different college. Mishras bluff was caught It was only in 2023, when the students who flew to Canada had to apply for permanent residency that Mishras bluff was caught. And slowly, skeletons started tumbling out of the closet. Not in single or double digit figures but a total of about 700 students had been sent to Canada on fake offer letters. A detailed investigation by Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) was carried out and Brijesh Mishras firm Education and Migration Services was found to be the common link between most of these students. Meanwhile, Punjab NRI Affairs minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that the Punjab government has taken up the case with the Ministry of External Affairs and also written to their Canadian counterparts to take up the issue with the Canadian government. What the victims have to say? Jugraj Singh from Zira in Ferozepur is one of the victims of Mishra. Jugraj had applied through Mishra for his sons higher studies in Canada. In the nick of time, I was told by my well-wishers that Mishra is a fraud. And I immediately withdrew my sons file. I had filed a case against him but nothing happened. Now my son is in England and happy. I am relieved that we did not fall for Mishras go-to-Canada dream. Gurdev Singh, who also hails from Ferozepur told The Statesman, My son is in London town of Canada. By Gods grace he is well settled. Though, Mishra also cheated us and send my son Amritpal to Canada on fake documents, we somehow proved to be lucky. We are really thankful to the Canadian PM Justin Trudeau that these kids will be taken care of. Political scientists Suhas Palshikar and Yogendra Yadav expressed their strong desire to disassociate themselves from the political science textbooks published by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT). They emphasized that they could not be compelled to endorse a textbook that they no longer recognize. In a letter addressed to NCERT, Palshikar and Yadav criticized the rationalization process, stating that it had significantly distorted and rendered the books academically dysfunctional. They requested the removal of their names from the textbooks, highlighting their disappointment in how these once cherished sources of pride had now become a source of embarrassment. In response, the NCERT asserted that withdrawing anyones association was not an option, as the development of school-level textbooks was based on collective knowledge and understanding rather than individual authorship claims. Advertisement Palshikar and Yadav clarified that their concerns were not about authorship, copyrights, or the legal authority of the NCERT to modify the textbooks. Their main contention was that if the NCERT could exercise its legal right to distort and mutilate the text, they should be able to exercise their moral and legal right to dissociate themselves from a textbook they did not endorse. They argued that their continued inclusion in the books created a false impression of endorsement and requested their names be removed. The statement further emphasized that the two were the authors of the signed letter introducing each book, and they questioned how they could be compelled to introduce a textbook they no longer recognized. They called upon the NCERT to publish the names of the experts responsible for the changes if they were willing to make alterations as desired. Palshikar and Yadav urged the NCERT to remove their names from the textbooks that had previously been a source of pride but were now a source of embarrassment. Palshikar, an academician and political scientist, and Yadav, a political scientist and leader of Swaraj India, previously served as chief advisors for the political science books for Classes 9 to 12. These books were originally published in 2006-07 based on the 2005 version of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). Their names were mentioned in a letter to students and in the list of members of the textbook development team at the beginning of each book. Palshikar and Yadav argued that while the modifications to the textbooks were justified under the guise of rationalization, they failed to see any pedagogic rationale behind the changes. They criticized the extensive mutilation of the text and highlighted the numerous irrational cuts and deletions without any effort to address the resulting gaps. The controversy surrounding the dropping of various topics and portions from NCERT textbooks last month led to accusations by the opposition, who blamed the BJP-led Centre for attempting to whitewash with vengeance. The controversy was fueled by the fact that while some changes made during the rationalization exercise were notified, certain controversial deletions were not mentioned, leading to suspicions of surreptitious removal. Initially, the NCERT described the omissions as possible oversights but refused to reverse the deletions, citing the recommendations of experts. The NCERT mentioned that the textbooks were scheduled for revision in 2024 when the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF) would be implemented. However, the NCERT later altered its position, stating that minor changes need not be notified. For a FEMA violation of $5,551 crore, the Enforcement Directorate issued a show-cause notice to Xiaomi Technology India, CFO Sameer Rao, its former MD Manu Jain, and 3 banks. According to the officials, the notice relates to illegal remittances made by the company totaling $5,555.27 crores. Manu Kumar Jain, a former MD, and Sameer B. Rao, a director and chief financial officer, have each received show-cause letters. The ED stated in a statement that notices have also been sent to CITI Bank, HSBC Bank, and Deutsche Bank AG for violating Sections 10(4) and 10(5) of FEMA by permitting international payments made under the guise of royalties without carrying out due diligence and obtaining any underlying Technical Collaboration Agreement from the company. In line with FEMA regulations, the federal investigation agency seized $5,551.27 billion worth of property belonging to the wholly-owned subsidiary of the China-based Xiaomi group last year. According to the investigation agency, the funds were in bank accounts linked to the Chinese smartphone giant and had been confiscated in February in connection with alleged illegal outward remittances. Advertisement While confirming the seizure, the authority held that ED is right in holding that foreign exchange equivalent to 5,551.27 crore has been transferred out of India by Xiaomi India in an unauthorised manner and is held outside of India on behalf of the group entity in contravention of section 4 of FEMA, 1999 and that the same is liable to be seized in accordance with provisions of Section 37A of the FEMA, it said. After the ED investigation is over, a showcause notice is given under the FEMA, and once it is resolved, the accused is obligated to pay a fine. On the occasion of World Music Day, 21 June, not far away, Nairobi is going to see compositions by famous India composers like Satyajit Ray, RD Burman, AR Rahman and others. In a way, Indian music and its composers will attain international recognition as Nigerian nationals are going to not only sing but also dance on the tunes of Indian composers. Cultural activist and Nairobi-based Ananya Pal would be arranging a cultural programme, Music & Beyond at the prestigious Jalaram Auditorium in Nairobi on 10 June to mark World Music Day. Advertisement The programme will be presented under her banner Ananya pal Production. Like her earlier productions, this would also present unique musical and dance items, where a Hindi bhajan would be sung with African music arrangements and Shiv tandav stotra would be danced by Indian and African dancers representing their own style. There will be a fusion of Kathak and Bharatnatyam. The main attraction would be a medley of compositions by Satyajit Ray, Salil Chaudhury, RD Barman, AR Rahman and the Jamaica Farewell song of Harry Belafonte would be a tribute to the world-class musicians. Ananya Pal said, This is an apt time to showcase the power of Indian music. Though we live far away from India, composers from the country are global and part of world music. We have lost legendary Harry Belafonte recently. We would pay a special tribute to him too. The bhajans will be sung by Arun Nair and Dan and Djembe, Marimba and guitar will be used. For the rest of the compositions, Indians and Kenyans will perform with afro music arrangements. Responding to the vigilance probe ordered against Opposition leader VD Satheesan over accepting foreign fund for Punarjani project implemented in his constituency after the 2018 floods, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered the investigation against Satheesan with political motivation. He alleged that this is part of the LDF governments tactics of silencing those who point out the misdeeds of the government and speak against the government. Chennithala said the Pinarayi government in Kerala is following the same stand that Narendra Modi is taking at the Centre. KPCC president K Sudhkaran on Saturday said the LDF government is harassing Satheesan just as they have done to former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The LDF government ordered a probe against Oommen Chandy to intimidate him, he said. Advertisement The Chief Minister should at least withdraw from such actions as the Kerala society is aware of his crooked tactics, Sudhakaran said here. Opposition leader VD Satheesan said the Vigilance probe was ordered against him at a time when the chief minister is in the dock over the unauthorised fundraising for the Loka Kerala Sabha event in New York. The Vigilance probe against him was an attempt by the Chief Minister to hide the unauthorised fund collection of money for the Loka Kerala Sabha event, he said I have a request to the Chief Ministers office. When Pinarayi Vijayan calls from the US, you should tell him the opposition leader was terrified to hear the news about the Vigilance probe, Satheesan said sarcastically while speaking to the media in Kochi on Saturday. He added that people are intelligent enough to see through the timing of the vigilance probe ordered against him by the Chief Minister. The LDF government in Kerala has ordered a vigilance inquiry against senior Congress leader and opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan over accepting foreign funds for the Punarjani project implemented in his constituency after the 2018 floods. The inquiry was ordered on the basis of allegations that Satheesan had collected funds from abroad for the Punarjaniproject without the permission of the central government. It has been reported that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who handles the home department including the Vigilance, has given permission for the investigation against the Opposition leader just before he embarked on an eight-day foreign tour of the US and Cuba on Thursday. With a click of a button, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today evening transferred a sum of Rs 1000 each directly into the bank accounts of more than 1.25 crore women in Madhya Pradesh under the ambitious Laadli Behna Yojana. The CM officially launched the scheme at a glittering function held at Jabalpur in the evening. Chouhan announced a total sum of Rs 1209.64 crore at the launch ceremony of the scheme, which is very close to his heart and could also prove to be a game changer politically for the upcoming state assembly polls in MP to be held at the end of this year. Addressing a large number of women at the venue, Chouhan launched a scathing attack on the Congress too. The Congress leaders are liars and indulge in spreading false accusations against me and the BJP, he averred. Advertisement My dear sisters, you must be cautious and not get trapped in the conspiracy of the Congress, he asserted. You must have faith in me, (PM Narendra) Modi Ji and the BJP, Chouhan urged the women. You must continue to stand by me, the CM maintained, sending a subtle message to the women to again vote the BJP to power in the assembly polls. The number of beneficiary women through this scheme is about half of the total women voters registered in Madhya Pradesh. My aim is to make all my sisters lakhpati (millionaires) and we will eventually achieve that goal too in the next five years, the CM asserted. I am announcing today that from now on, even the 21-year-old married women would be eligible to benefit from the Laadli Behna Yojana, the CM declared, bringing down the minimum age limit for eligibility for the scheme by two years, from 23 years to 21 years. I am your real brother and the mission of my life is to bring happiness, prosperity and wealth in the lives of my sisters. No sister in MP will remain poor from now on, the emotionally-charged Chouhan declared. The CM also announced setting up of Laadli Behna Sena in all villages of MP. This sena will ensure that all schemes of the government are properly implemented and all the beneficiaries get the full benefit of each scheme, he said. He said that the sena would include 11 women in small villages and 21 in big villages. The sisters in this sena will be our own army. They will ensure that no foul play takes place in the implementation of any of our schemes aimed at benefiting women, Chouhan said. The CM asked the beneficiary women to be patient and wait till tomorrow or day after before trying to withdraw the Rs 1000 from their bank accounts, as the process of funds reaching their respective bank accounts might take a day or two. After officially launching the scheme with the click of a button at around 7.05 pm, Chief Minister Chouhan showered petals and flowers on the women present at the venue amidst peppy music reverberating at the function site. He also asked all women in the state to light lamps and celebrate the occasion with fervor. Wilton, Connecticut--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2023) - In an era where online visibility is critical for business success, the newly launched Mastermind program by One Page Case Studies is teaching business owners the latest local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies. Local SEO, a vital facet of digital marketing, enables businesses to reach local customers precisely when they are online and seeking their services. While its importance is undeniable, optimizing local SEO can often be a challenging endeavor due to evolving algorithms and best practices. One Page Case Studies Launches Local SEO Mastermind for Business Owners To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/169410_ad103391a4443a46_001full.jpg "One Page Case Studies are dramatically transforming the local SEO landscape," says Ed Winslow, co-founder of One Page Case Studies. "Success stories provide a unique, real-world testament to a business's product or service effectiveness." These case studies also bolster local SEO by demonstrating how businesses address real customer needs. They not only foster credibility and trust but also improve online visibility, as search engines prioritize content delivering relevant, high-quality information. The Mastermind program equips businesses with the tools and knowledge to create and leverage One Page Case Studies effectively. As a result, businesses can enhance their online visibility, customer engagement, and overall success in the digital marketing realm. "Adapting to these changes is not an option, but a necessity for businesses to stay competitive," Winslow adds. "The One Page Case Studies Mastermind program is here to guide business owners every step of the way." This new marketing technique leverages case study content beyond just an innovative concept and turns it into a game-changer in the world of local SEO, setting businesses on the path to new heights in the digital marketing landscape. About One Page Case Studies One Page Case Studies is a digital marketing company specializing in helping businesses and marketing professionals create compelling success stories. Combining the power of storytelling with proven SEO strategies, One Page Case Studies aims to boost brand visibility, generate leads, and connect with its audience. Visit https://1pagecasestudies.com/ to learn more about the Mastermind workshops. Contact Info: Name: Edward Winslow Email: ed@onepagecasestudies.com Organization: One Page Case Studies Address: 26 Tory Pl, Wilton, CT 06897, United States Website: https://onepagecasestudies.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169410 On June 23, a crucial meeting of prominent political figures from across India will be held in Patna, with the primary objective of devising a plan to oust the BJP government in the upcoming 2024 Parliamentary elections. The initiative was taken by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who recently met with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata to discuss the matter. It is anticipated that Mamata Banerjee will participate in the gathering. The meeting and the prospect of a united front against the BJP have reignited speculations about Mamata Banerjees potential candidacy for the top position if the opposition alliance emerges victorious. The idea of Mamata as Prime Minister was first raised prior to the 2014 Parliamentary elections, with notable support coming from renowned writer and Magsaysay awardee, the late Mahasweta Devi. However, the overwhelming victory of the BJP under Narendra Modis leadership dashed those hopes, although the concept has resurfaced with each subsequent general election. Notably, high-profile TMC MP and actor Shatrughan Sinha recently endorsed Mamata Banerjee as the only viable alternative to Modi, and economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen reportedly expressed that it could be a possibility. Advertisement Mamata Banerjee has always projected herself as a national leader, evident from the full name of her party, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC). Political analysts argue that Mamatas credentials make her a suitable candidate. Tarun Ganguly, a Bengal political expert, acknowledges the possibility of Mamata Banerjee becoming Prime Minister, stating, I cannot rule out the possibility that Mamata Banerjee can become the Prime Minister someday. More unlikely candidates have held the post before. Deve Gowda or IK Gujral were not national players before they found themselves leading the nation. Mamata can certainly stake a claim to the Prime Ministership; she has been a prominent member of the Congress, and she has founded her own party, which currently governs a state like West Bengal. She is visible and possesses charisma. However, skeptics argue that there are several other strong contenders. Professor Biswanath Chakraborty, a political analyst, points out that the meeting will be attended by at least half a dozen prominent leaders, including Rahul Gandhi from the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray from Shiv Sena, Sharad Pawar from NCP, and Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, among others. Supporters believe that the 2024 elections could be a game-changer, considering the changes in political equations over the past decade. With other potential contenders like the late Jayalalitha, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Mayawati, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, no longer in the picture, Mamatas chances of leading the opposition in the event of a united front are significantly greater. According to Dola Sen, a close aide of Mamata Banerjee and Rajya Sabha MP of AITMC, no other politician is better suited to lead a possible opposition alliance than Mamata Banerjee. Sen emphatically asks, With due respect, show me one other political leader with the kind of trajectory that Mamata Banerjee has? Highlighting Mamatas extensive experience as a politician for almost four decades, Sen explains, Mamata Banerjee has been an MP seven times, serving as a minister five times (twice as Railways Minister, once as Coal Minister, and once as Youth Minister). She has been elected Chief Minister three consecutive times. Her partys strength in the Assembly has risen significantly, from 186 seats in 2011 to 211 in 2016, and further to 217 in 2021. Regarding Mamata Banerjees status as a national leader, Sen states unequivocally, Didi is a national leader. Since her first victory as a Congress candidate against the formidable left leader late Somnath Chatterjee in the 1984 Parliamentary elections, Mamata has been active in national politics until she assumed the leadership of West Bengal in 2011. At one point, AITMC had MLAs in states like Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, and UP. Presently, the party holds 10 MPs in the Meghalaya Assembly. Nevertheless, doubts persist even within her own party. An AITMC MP, who preferred to remain anonymous, remarks, Although Didi is undoubtedly one of the most qualified leaders, there is not enough national presence to project this idea. While the feasibility of the idea hinges on the formation of an opposition alliance, Sen clarifies that Mamata Banerjee has no agenda of becoming Prime Minister. She has repeatedly stated this. Our sole national agenda is to topple the BJP government. President Droupadi Murmu on Friday arrived in Delhi after concluding a successful six-day tour to Suriname and Serbia. The President was given a grand welcome at Delhis Palam Airport by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Minister of State for Health Bharti Pawar. She was welcomed with a Shawl, traditional headgear and a statue of Birsa Munda. Advertisement President Murmu visited Suriname and Serbia from June 4 to 9. This was her maiden visit to Suriname, at the invitation of Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and also her first state visit since assuming office in July 2022. Murmu also received an invitation from Serbian President Aleksander Vucic to visit his country. When our President goes to a foreign country and is honoured with the biggest state award, the whole country feels proud. It is something to be proud of. Suriname or Serbia, the way our President was given honour and respect, the whole nation is proud, Minister Kiren Rijiju said while speaking to ANI. President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the highest civilian award of Suriname Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star. Congratulations to Rashtrapati Ji on being conferred the highest civilian award of Suriname Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star. This special gesture from the Government and people of Suriname symbolizes the enduring friendship between our countries, the Prime Minister said in a tweet. President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn successfully concludes her visit to Suriname & Serbia. The visit has set new milestones in Indias ties with the two countries, tweeted MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Friday. President Droupadi Murmu and Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday agreed to set a target for bilateral trade from the present 32 crore Euros to one billion euros by the end of the decade, the Ministry of External Affairs said. During the business event, both leaders agreed to set a target for bilateral trade from the present 32 crores to a billion euros by the end of the decade, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary-West Sanjay Verma said in a media briefing. MEA Secretary said President Droupadi Murmu had a packed day of official engagements, which started with a guard of honour at the Serbia Palace, followed by restricted-level talks, delegation-level talks, a joint address to the media and a business event. During the interactions on Thursday morning, both presidents reiterated old commitments and resolved to explore new areas of cooperation for further strengthening bilateral relations, MEA Secretary West Sanjay Verma said. The Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, Dr Vladimir Orlic, also called on President Murmu. Later, President Droupadi Murmu laid a wreath on the memorial of the unknown warrior atop Mountain Avala in Belgrade. During delegation-level talks, President Vucic was joined by the Ministers of Defense, Agriculture, Culture, Health, mining and Energy, construction, transport and infrastructure, trade and tourism, and youth, which means eight members of the Cabinet were present today for the delegation-level talks. Each participating minister was briefed about the potential in their respective sectors, Sanjay added. At the outset, President Vucic expressed his condolences for the loss of lives in the triple train accident in Odisha. During the bilateral interactions, both leaders reiterated their principle stand on the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. President Butcheck described Serbias relationship with India as a fraternity. He termed India as a time-tested, friendly country and told the Indian president to consider Serbia as a second motherland. President Vucic identified six major areas of cooperation. These included defence and military tech cooperation pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial cooperation, information technology, AI cultural cooperation, including film production and cemetery graphics. Both sides discussed cooperation in the field of culture, particularly in cinema films, and tourism came up repeatedly. Serbia sees the potential of attracting Indian filmmakers for shooting post-production and during the visit, there is a high-profile Indian film crew shooting in this country. Murmu reached Suriname on June 4 and towards the end of her visit, she said that a mini India resides in Suriname and highlighted the significant contributions made by Indians in various aspects of Surinames development, including the economy, society, and culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her on the honour saying that this special gesture from the government and the people of Suriname symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two countries. During her visit, she also met people of Indian origin living in Suriname at a community reception which was also attended by Suriname President Chandikaprasad Santokhi. Addressing the people present on the occasion, President Draupadi Murmu said, It is a matter of pride for us that Indians have reached the highest positions in Suriname. My first state visit after assuming office is to Suriname. It is a privilege for me to be part of the celebration of 150 years of the arrival of Indians in Suriname. It is a matter of pride for us that Indians have reached the highest positions in Suriname. Indians have been contributing significantly to the development of Suriname economically, socially and culturally, President Murmu said. She further said the Centres policy is to build permanent relations with all its friendly countries. Today India is moving fast towards development, India has always been ahead in helping its friendly countries regarding vaccines and medicines, she added. Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santoki, while addressing the event, said that Suriname will further strengthen the 47 years of relationship with India. We are celebrating 150 years of Indian coming to Suriname, we are overwhelmed to wholeheartedly welcome the President of India on this occasion. We will further strengthen the 47 years of relationship between Suriname and India, and will further strengthen cultural and social-religious ties. Despite the distance of thousands of kilometres, a mini India resides in Suriname. Our relations have become stronger after Draupadi Murmu jis visit. I say thanks on behalf of the people of Suriname, he said. Earlier, President Murmu paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhis statue along with her Suriname counterpart Chandrikapersad Santokhi in Knuffelsgracht of capital Paramaribo on Tuesday. Remembering the lasting legacy of Mahatma. President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn & President @CSantokhi of Suriname paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Paramaribo, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted. In a remarkable and heartwarming story, four children from an Indigenous community in Colombia have been discovered alive after surviving for over a month in the dense jungle. President Gustavo Petro shared the incredible news, revealing that the siblings were found near the border between Colombias Caqueta and Guaviare provinces, close to where their plane had crashed. Despite the hardships they faced, the children managed to stay alive, although they appeared thin and exhausted in the photos. They have been rescued by the military and are currently being evaluated by doctors. Plans are underway to transport them to the town of San Jose del Guaviare, where they will receive further medical treatment in Bogota, the capital, according to Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez. The kids belong to the Huitoto community, and authorities mentioned that the older siblings had some understanding of how to manage in the rainforest and stay alive. The Cessna 206 plane they were traveling in crashed during a journey from Araracuara to San Jose del Guaviare on May 1. The impact of the crash was survived by four children, with ages of 13, 9, and 4, along with a baby who is now 12 months old. Advertisement Tragically, the plane crash resulted in the loss of two lives: the pilot, Hernando Murcia Morales, and Yarupari indigenous leader, Herman Mendoza Hernandez. President Petro commended the childrens remarkable resilience and survival instincts, attributing their ability to their upbringing in indigenous families and knowledge of living in the jungle. He described their survival as a testament to their strength and expressed pride in their achievement. The childrens story has captured the worlds attention, with Petro emphasizing that their survival will be remembered as a significant moment in history. Their disappearance had triggered an extensive search operation involving over a hundred specially trained Colombian forces and more than 70 indigenous scouts. The discovery of the children brings hope and relief to their community and the entire country, celebrating their safe return after enduring a challenging ordeal in the Amazon jungle. The Sudanese Armed Forces has declared its commitment to a 24-hour truce with the rival, paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), starting from on Saturday. The ceasefire will come into force at 6 a.m. (local time), reports Xinhua news agency. However, the army also highlighted its right reserved to deal with any violations that the rebels may commit during the new truce mediated by Saudi Arabia and the US, according to an official statement. Advertisement Earlier on Friday, Saudi Arabia and the US announced in a joint statement that the two warring rivals have agreed to the 24-hour countrywide ceasefire, adding both parties also agreed to allow the unimpeded movement and delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout the country. Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the army and the RSF in the capital Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which has left 863 people dead and 3,531 others injured, according to the Sudanese Doctors Union. At least 1.6 million people have been displaced, fleeing to safer locations inside and outside Sudan, according to the UN figures. Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High around 80F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A clear sky. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Regular readers will know that we love our dividends at Simply Wall St, which is why it's exciting to see RheinLand Holding AG (DUSE:RLV) is about to trade ex-dividend in the next 3 days. The ex-dividend date occurs one day before the record date which is the day on which shareholders need to be on the company's books in order to receive a dividend. It is important to be aware of the ex-dividend date because any trade on the stock needs to have been settled on or before the record date. Thus, you can purchase RheinLand Holding's shares before the 14th of June in order to receive the dividend, which the company will pay on the 16th of June. The upcoming dividend for RheinLand Holding will put a total of 1.30 per share in shareholders' pockets, up from last year's total dividends of 1.20. If you buy this business for its dividend, you should have an idea of whether RheinLand Holding's dividend is reliable and sustainable. That's why we should always check whether the dividend payments appear sustainable, and if the company is growing. See our latest analysis for RheinLand Holding If a company pays out more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. RheinLand Holding paid out a comfortable 40% of its profit last year. When a company paid out less in dividends than it earned in profit, this generally suggests its dividend is affordable. The lower the % of its profit that it pays out, the greater the margin of safety for the dividend if the business enters a downturn. Click here to see how much of its profit RheinLand Holding paid out over the last 12 months. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? When earnings decline, dividend companies become much harder to analyse and own safely. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. That's why it's not ideal to see RheinLand Holding's earnings per share have been shrinking at 3.2% a year over the previous five years. Many investors will assess a company's dividend performance by evaluating how much the dividend payments have changed over time. Since the start of our data, 10 years ago, RheinLand Holding has lifted its dividend by approximately 1.8% a year on average. Final Takeaway Is RheinLand Holding worth buying for its dividend? RheinLand Holding's earnings per share are down over the past five years, although it has the cushion of a low payout ratio, which would suggest a cut to the dividend is relatively unlikely. In sum this is a middling combination, and we find it hard to get excited about the company from a dividend perspective. However if you're still interested in RheinLand Holding as a potential investment, you should definitely consider some of the risks involved with RheinLand Holding. Our analysis shows 1 warning sign for RheinLand Holding and you should be aware of it before buying any shares. If you're in the market for strong dividend payers, we recommend checking our selection of top dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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 Peter Simonischek, the Austrian actor who starred in the movie Toni Erdmann and was known for his work on theatre stages, in films and on TV, has died at the age of 76. Austrian public broadcaster ORF, German news agency dpa, and other media outlets in Austria and Germany reported the news on Tuesday without immediately detailing a cause of death. The Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria also tweeted that Simonischek, a member of its ensemble and an honorary member of the theater, had died overnight. More from The Hollywood Reporter The actor regularly appeared at the Salzburg Festival, where he was known for playing the title role in the play Jedermann (Everyman), which the festival has put on regularly, numerous times. For his role in Maren Ades 2016 oddball dramedy and Oscar nominee Toni Erdmann, opposite Sandra Huller, Simonischek won the German Film Award, or Lola, and the European Film Award for best actor. Among others, he was also nominated for a London Critics Circle Film Awards, as well as a Toronto Film Critics Association Awards. In a review of Toni Erdmann for THR, Leslie Felperin wrote: Ade plays an especially adept game herself as she manipulates, aided and abetted by intricately layered performances from Simonischek and Huller, audience sympathy for these at-first irritating, perhaps even hugely unlikable characters who grow soft sides and sweet spots over the course of the film. Simonischek, born on Aug. 6, 1946 in Graz, Austria, was also honored with awards in the German-speaking world. For example, he won the prestigious Grimme Preis for German TV productions twice. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Click here to read the full article. Picking and Choosing Tokens to Prosecute Is 'Pretty Unfair,' Says Former SEC Cyber Chief The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), led by Gary Gensler, has been clamping down big time on the cryptocurrency industry. This week it filed charges against Coinbase and Binance, the two largest cryptocurrency exchanges, for violating U.S. securities lawsclaimed some cryptocurrencies are unregistered securities, while others remained, puzzlingly, unmentioned. In fact, of the countless cryptocurrencies on the market, only a dozen or so have been called securities. Why is that? Robert Cohen, former SEC Cyber Chief spoke to Laura Shin on Unchained Podcast about the disparity. "There is a seeming element of real bad luck and randomness, and getting singled out to be one of the 10 or 12 tokens that are mentioned when there's hundreds that could have been, Cohen told the journalist and podcast host. "When you think about a government taking action, that sort of randomness seems rather unfair." "If the SEC were passing rules, it affects everyone the same way, and people [should] have a chance to comment, he added. Cohen, who now works as an attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, also said the SEC's actions are raising a cloud of suspicion where one may not be warranted. When the SEC says that a token is a security and was not registered, they seem to be implying that something wrong happened, he said. [It] casts a negative suggestion over the people involved in that token in the first place. "It's having a real impact on real people and real businesses, he noted. Ethereum's Heroes and Villains: Book Review of 'The Cryptopians' Gary Gensler has not been especially forthcoming on the status of varioius tokens. He eluded congressional questions about Ethereum, has shilled others, and none of the current enforcement actionsincluding the latest against Coinbase and Binanceinvolve Proof-of-Work assets. By the way, Cohen said, This may never get decidedthese complaints may never actually go to trial, they might get settled, they might get dismissed for other reasons. That will leave the crypto industry in much the same position it started in. "There may never actually be a decision on whether a token is a security, he said. The education industry has witnessed rapid growth and innovation in the last few years. According to Invest India, India has become the second-largest market for e-learning after the United States, and by 2025, the education sector in India is expected to be worth USD 225 billion. The internet and digital media have had a significant impact in unlocking this growth for the education sector, where educational institutions are making greater use of digital platforms to reach prospective students. That is not to say that they did not face any challenges. The increased competition and a knowledgeable target audience well-versed in different marketing channels made it necessary for educational organizations to be strategic. Digital Marketing For Education Must Be Strategic Modern students and their parents are increasingly aware of marketing methods and can discern between various promotional efforts. Consequently, digital marketing for the education sector needs to be more focused, well-thought-out, and, more importantly, strategic. There are a number of marketing channels, and when it comes to establishing a digital presence, many brands battle with FOMO (Fear of missing out). In such a pursuit, it is easier to get lost and lose sight of the bigger picture, i.e., ensuring the organizations message reaches the target audience in an effective manner. Educational brands must go back to the board and identify channels that have the most potential. Search engines still carry a lot of weight. Presently, the search volume for most of the keywords in the education industry has seen an upward trend, suggesting a surge in interest and necessitating that search engines are an important digital channel. However, to capitalize on this trend and dominate search results, education brands need a proper strategy - Enterprise SEO . Leveraging Enterprise SEO To Attract More Students Enterprise SEO, a specialized form of search engine optimization, is tailored to dominate a keyword universe, and in this case, it is education. In an interview on Enterprise SEO , Sarvesh Bagla said, "With the upward trend we have seen in the keyword universe for the education industry, the time is ripe for educational brands to capitalize on it through Enterprise SEO. He goes on, Enterprise SEO gives organic growth, and time and again, we have seen organic growth surpass the performance through paid media in the acquisition cost as well as the intent to purchase. Presently, educational brands that tap into the power of Enterprise SEO see a significant boost in their Share of Voice in the target keyword universe, enabling them to attract students organically. The case studies below illustrate the effectiveness of Enterprise SEO to a great extent - Case Study 1 : [International School Chain Witnessed an 82% Increase in Leads] [An international school chain increased the number of admission-related queries from organic search by 82%. The strategies involved specific tactics, such as keyword universe identification, content strategy, conversion rate optimization, and optimizing technical SEO elements.] Case Study 2 : [EdTech Platform Witnessed a 96% Increase in Web Traffic] [An EdTech platform witnessed a 96% increase in web traffic, which translated to increased visits from potential learners to the top course pages. The strategies involved targeting keywords to increase the number of queries from professionals looking to get certified in areas like Cloud Computing from platforms like Microsoft and AWS.] What Must Educational Brands Do To Leverage Enterprise SEO Enterprise SEO works on scale, so educational brands must realize that it comes with a lot of challenges. To start things off, brands must identify the keyword universe in which they operate and target it strategically. Moreover, since this strategy is dependent on scale, the focus on creating helpful content should not waver. If done correctly, intelligent content can help build thought leadership, which is something that a knowledgeable target audience highly values. Brands must also cover the basics, such as fixing the website architecture, setting up the crawl budget, and optimizing the web experience for mobile devices. Similarly, collaboration across the SEO, content marketing, web development, and PR teams is crucial to adopt a unified strategy. It is challenging, necessitating educational brands to be strategic. But by embracing Enterprise SEO and keeping up with the evolving landscape of digital marketing, educational institutions can position themselves as leaders and attract and engage students in a highly competitive environment. Battery-operated cars and bikes, a doll house, phones and tablets for online studies were some of the wishes of children battling critical illnesses. As their wishes were fulfilled by Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon, along with Records Manya and Make-A-Wish Foundation, the children could not stop smiling. The 12 children who were invited to the Ambassador's residence, hail from different parts of the country and are being treated in Delhi for their severe illnesses. Once they received their gifts, they were indulged in activities and interactive experiences to lift their spirits. The initiative was funded by a portion of the proceeds generated from the successful art exhibition held last month in which artists sold their art painted on old vinyl records to raise funds. It was a joint initiative of the Speaking Art Foundation and Records Manya, the brainchild of Maya Katz, an Israeli artist working with the Embassy of Israel in India. Around 125 hand-painted artworks on scratched records, created by more than 100 artists from all over India were showcased and sold. Maya, who shared she recently lost someone close to cancer, said it became her drive to do something for the children. I had received these vinyl records from one of my family members during the lockdown and I was wondering what to do with them. That is when I started painting them. It gave me the idea of bringing together artists to do the same for a good cause, she said. While the amount raised has not been disclosed, Maya says it is good enough to fulfill the wishes of the children. Ambassador Gilon, who played host along with his wife, said: "I am honoured to host such a noble event and make a small difference in the lives of the children undergoing challenging medical treatment. Witnessing the joy and hope emanating from these incredible kids is a profound reminder of the power of unity, compassion, and the ability to create an impact. It is even more special as the proceeds were generated by the sustainable art exhibition that reused scratched vinyl to create new artefacts. He further said: It was inspiring to see Israelis and Indians coming together to make a positive contribution and bring happiness and hope to these children. Together, we can inspire and uplift, creating a world where wishes do come true. Ambassador Gilon who has actively advocated for water conservation techniques and initiatives often finds himself getting back at trolls on Twitter. When asked about some of the recent incidents, he said he is a Twitter person and loves to engage and communicate with people on Twitter. I am very active on Twitter and feel it is a god way to share thoughts. At times, I feel the need to speak my part as well and that is why I do and clarify things, he said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the BJP for the chief minister's post after the Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019 by joining hands with Nationalist Congress Party and Congress. Addressing a rally at Nanded as a part of the BJP's outreach campaign to mark the completion of nine years of the Narendra Modi government, Shah said the BJP didn't bring down the Thackeray-led MVA government last year, but they were Shiv Sainiks who were tired of Thackeray's policies and were not ready to go with the NCP headed by Sharad Pawar. "I as (then) BJP president and (the then chief minister) Devendra Fadnavis had carried out negotiations in which Thackeray agreed that if the NDA emerged victorious, Fadnavis will be the chief minister (again). However, after the results (in 2019), Thackeray broke the promise and sat in the Congress-NCP's lap," Shah added. The Shiv Sena (undivided) and the BJP contested the 2019 Assembly polls together, but the former walked out of the alliance over the post of chief minister. Shah said the Shiv Sena, which is now headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has got back its bow and arrow and it has been decided who the real Shiv Sena is. He dared Thackeray to make his stand clear on whether he agrees on abolishing the practise of triple talaq, construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uniform Civil Code and reservation for Muslims. "You cannot stand on two stones. You will be exposed before the people of the state," Shah said in a swipe at Thackeray. Shah said during COVID-19 pandemic while Modi was giving vaccines to countrymen, Thackeray did not go to office. Thackeray had received flak for not going to office during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his revised autobiography released last month, NCP president Sharad Pawar said although the middle class liked Thackeray's Facebook Live during the COVID-19 pandemic, him going to Mantralaya (the state secretariat) just twice was difficult to fathom. Shah said four generations of the Gandhis could not achieve what Modi did in nine years. He said Prime Minister Modi is working to raise the stature of India globally, while on the other hand, the Congress' "prince" Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and insults the country. The recent remarks by Union Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh calling Nathurdam Godse a saput (worthy son) of India has kicked another controversy. Opposition leaders came to the forefront criticising the minister's remarks. Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said that Singh's remark was "communal". "My reaction is total rejection of what Giriraj Singh said. He has made a communal statement, he praised a person who killed the father of the nation. 'Babar ki Aulad' is a term used by communal people...we reject it. He called Mughal emperors as the people against India," the MP told ANI. Singh, who holds the rural development and panchayati raj portfolio said that if Godse is Gandhi's killer, he is also the nation's son. "If Godse is Gandhi's killer, he is also the nation's son. He was born in India, and he was not an invader like Aurangzeb and Babar. Whosoever feels happy to be called the son of Babar, that person can't be the son of Bharat Mata," said Union Minister Singh. Giriraj Singh: Godse a saput (worthy son) of India Assassin, born in India unlike the Mughals...By this statement many may not call you a worthy sonof India...Assassins cannot be distinguished by their origin!...Hope the PM and Amit Shah condemn this statement, tweeted Rajya Sabha Kapil Sibal. Giriraj Singh : Godse a saput (worthy son) of India Assassin, born in India unlike the Mughals By this statement many may not call you a worthy sonof India Assassins cannot be distinguished by their origin ! Hope the PM and Amit Shah condemn this statement Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) June 10, 2023 Singh is currently touring the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. His remarks were heard in a video that surfaced the social media. Recently, a political slugfest had erupted over social media posts regarding Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. Singh's remarks came after AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi attacked the BJP on the issue of violence in Kolhapur, love jihad and others. While referring to the violence in Kolhapur during a public meeting on Thursday night, Owaisi said that RSS people hit the streets in the city after someone carried a photo of Tipu Sultan. He also added that BJP and the Centre should release a list banning names like Tipu, Aurangzeb and Babur, like the ban on 44 organisations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The party should state that it will not include the names of Godse in the prohibited list of names, he said. Now the matter has come to names also, he added. Referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly saying "Aurangzeb ki aulad" (children of Aurangzeb), Owaisi asked as to who is "Godse ki aulad". "Suddenly, in some districts of Maharashtra, sons of Aurangzeb took birth. They keep the status of Aurangzeb and show their posters. Because of this, there are tensions. Questions rise. Where do these sons of Aurangzeb come from? Who are behind this? We will find this out," Fadnavis told ANI. Talking about 'love jihad', he said "If love jihad is happening in Maharashtra, give an estimate, a number, that this (incident) happened in Ahmednagar, this is what happened in Kolhapur, Sangli, western Maharashtra, Marathwada. Say that. (But) nothing. Love jihad is happening. Where is it happening. After violent clashes broke out between two groups in Kolhapur, a curfew was imposed on Wednesday. A day after a Congress worker was shot dead in West Bengal's Murshidabad district in the run up to the panchayat election, the party on Saturday alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress was behind the murder. Fulchand Sheikh, 45, was attacked by TMC's goons when he was playing cards in Ratanpur village on Friday, his family members alleged. Sheikh was rushed to Kandi Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Two other persons were injured in the attack, police said. The TMC denied it has any role in the incident. Police said investigations into the case are on and two persons are being interrogated in this connection. "This is a clear indication that the TMC is trying to win the panchayat polls by using muscle power. What is the use of ballot if TMC wants to win with bullets," state Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said. Sheikh was killed on the first day of filing nominations for the July 8 Panchayat elections. The TMC is trying to intimidate Congress workers ahead of the panchayat polls, Chowdhury claimed. A Murshidabad district Congress leader said Sheikh received six bullets. The two injured persons were also Congress workers, he claimed. Local leaders of the TMC claimed that personal rivalry was behind the killing and the Congress is trying to add political colour to it. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday that the "very severe" cyclonic storm Biparjoy is expected to intensify further and move north-northeastwards in the next 24 hours. The IMD has warned that Biparjoy, the first cyclone in the Arabian Sea this year, could cause heavy rain and strong winds in coastal areas of Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. On Friday, fishermen in Gujarat were also called back. As a precautionary measure, Tithal beach in Valsad has been closed after high waves were deserved, ANI reported. The weather department had earlier advised fishermen not to venture into the seas off the coast of Kerala, Goa and Lakshadweep. The cyclone is centered about 640 kilometers south-southwest of Gujarat's coastal Porbandar district. "Due to the cyclone, the wind speed may go up to 45 to 55 knots on June 10,11 and 12. The speed may also touch the 65-knot mark, the IMD said. In accordance with international procedure, ports are advised to hoist "signals" whenever adverse weather is expected over them in oceanic areas. The step seeks to alert vessels and ensure the safety of maritime activities. Biparjoy will likely make landfall in Pakistan. Meanwhile, as the southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on Thursday, yellow alert has been issued in nine districts of the state. The progress of the monsooon, which arrived seven days later than the normal date, is being monitored. Meteorological officials earlier said Cyclone 'Biparjoy' had been impacting the intensity of the monsoon and that its onset over Kerala would be "mild". The cyclone was named Biparjoy by Bangladesh. The name means "disaster" or "calamity" in Bengali. There seems to be no respite for the violence in Manipur. Three people were killed in a village in Imphal on Friday when a group of insurgents disguised as security personnel called them out of the homes and fired at them. Amid the tense situation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the violence-hit state on Saturday. Sarma met Manipur CM N. Biren Singh and took stock of the situation. This is the first visit by a chief minister from the northeastern states to Manipur since the clashes broke out. At least two people were injured in the firing incident that took place on Friday. According to officials, the insurgents belonged to the Meitei community and they approached villagers on the pretext of a combing operation. The incident took place in Khoken village on the border of Kangpoki and Imphal West districts. After hearing gunshots, security forces on routine patrol of the village stepped in. However the insurgents fled the scene by then. The bodies were recovered by Assam Rifles. A combined team of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and the Army conducted a search operation in the area. Central forces stay extended In the wake of the unrest, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday extended the deployment of 114 companies of central armed police forces (CAPF) in the state till June 30. The deployment is expected to be extended further if the tense situation prevails in the violence-hit state. Reportedly, the deadline for the central forces deployment was till June 10. Presently, there are 52 companies of CRPF, 10 Rapid Action Force, 43 BSF companies, four of ITBP and five of SSB deployed in the state to maintain law and order, reported News18. An additional 30 companies were also sent by the Union Home Ministry this week. Central forces have been making arrangements by deploying officers for the ad-hoc battalions, reported News18. Over 1,500 migrated to Nagaland Since the clashes that broke out between the ethnic communities on May 3, around 1,500 people have taken refuge in Nagaland. The clashes between Meitei and Kuki tribes have so far claimed over 100 lives and some 10,000 army and para-military personnel had to be deployed to bring back normalcy in the northeastern state. Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had visited the state and camped for four days evaluating the situation. Shah had called for peace in the state and appealed the people to surrender their arms and weapons. The central forces have been engaged in search operations in the violence-hit areas since the clashes broke out. In recent times, there has not been a naval exercise of this size and extent. But the real message lay in the implication that India now has the capability to dominate its surrounding seas by flying fighter aircraft that take off from one carrier and land on the other. The exerciseTwin-carrier CBG Operationstook place last week in the Arabian Sea and demonstrated the capacity for seamless operational integration between the Indian Navys two aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. As the aircraft carriers sailed side by side, they were accompanied by 15-20 auxiliary support ships, destroyers and submarines, more than 35 aircraft including the MiG-29K fighter jets, MH60R, Kamov, Sea King, Chetak and ALH helicoptersprojecting unprecedented Indian naval power all the way. Just for perspective, the MiG-29Kwhich is deployed on both the INS Vikramaditya and the home-made INS Vikranthas an operative range of 2,000 km and flies at a top speed of 2,200 kmph. The area covered by the exercise ranged between 25-30 nautical miles. Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said: The twin-carrier CBG (Carrier Battle Group) operations undertaken by the Indian Navy, with more than 35 aircraft, in Arabian Sea, demonstrate our formidable capability in ensuring sustained air operations across the vast maritime expanse and underscoring our commitment to safeguarding Indias national interests. The seamless operational integration of the two aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant as well as fleet ships and submarines is a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea based air power and Indias role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean and beyond. A senior Navy source familiar with the exercise explained to THE WEEK: In a real-life situation, both the aircraft carriers will not operate so close by. If one is deployed in the Arabian Sea and another in the Bay of Bengal or the Indian Ocean, the exercise has shown that fighters can take off from one and land on the other and vice versa. After all, aircraft carriers are floating sovereign airfields that can be positioned anywhere. The exercise is indicative of increased mission flexibility, timely response to emerging threats and sustained air operations to safeguard national interests across the globe besides demonstrating capability for total sea control for a prolonged period of time. Hyderabad police on Friday arrested a temple priest in connection with the murder of a 30-year-old woman whose body was found in a manhole in the city four days after she went missing. According to police, the woman had gone missing on June 4 and the accused, Ayyagari Sai Krishna, had even filed a police complaint about her missing. Police said Kuruganti Apsara, the victim, was in a relationship with Sai Krishna (36), a priest at a temple in Saroor Nagar, and wanted him to marry her, even as he was already married with two children. Apsara had recently aborted their pregnancy and forced him to leave his family and marry her. This was Sai Krishnas motive to kill her, a police officer was quoted as saying by the Indian Express. Sai Krishna filed a missing complaint with Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) police station, saying he had dropped Apsara at the Shamshabad bus stand as she was planning to travel to Bhadrachalam. In his complaint, he even said the woman was his niece. However, the police grew suspicious in his statements and in the further interrogation, he confessed to having murdered the woman. The investigators also checked the CCTV footage and mobile signals of Sai Krishna. Police said the accused took the woman from her home and went for a drive on June 3. At a remote place in Shamshabad, they had an argument and he killed her by smashing her head with a stone. He drove back to Saroor nagar and dumped the body in a manhole behind the MRO Office near the temple he worked in. According to reports, Sai Krishna also dumped two truckloads of soil on the manhole to destroy evidence. A "magical day" is being celebrated in Colombia, after four children, who went missing after their plane crashed in the Amazon jungle, were found alive after 40 days. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said that finding the children after weeks of searching was "a joy for the whole country". Along with children-- siblings aged 13, nine, four and a one-year-old babytheir mother, a pilot and a co-pilot were onboard when the plane crashed on May 1. The adults including their mother died on the plane. The army had recovered their bodies from the crash site. A "magical day, said the the president adding that "they were alone, they themselves achieved an example of total survival which will remain in history." "These children are today the children of peace and the children of Colombia," said the president. He also added that the children are now getting the required medical attention. He said he had spoken to their grandfather, who told him that "the mother jungle returned them." The Cessna 206 aircraft carrying the children along with their mother was flying from Araracuara, in Amazonas province to San Jose del Guaviare, when it issued a mayday alert due to engine failure. Preliminary information from the civil aviation authority suggested that the children escaped the crash and wandered into the jungle to find help, reported Reuters. A massive search had began in May and the rescuers had found items including baby's feeding bottle, a hair tie, scissors, and a half-eaten piece of fruit in the forest. With these items recovered came in reports last month that the kids were found alive. Petro said in a tweet last month that children were discovered after "arduous search efforts" by the military. The Colombian armed officials eventually came across an improvised shelter built with sticks and branches. Reportedly, this had led them to the surviving children. Later the president retracted his statement and also deleted the tweet, which said the children had been found. The children belonged to the Huitoto indigenous groups and the community believed that their knowledge of fruits and jungle survival skills would help them. Along with the army, indigenous people also joined the search operations to locate the children. Ranpak Holdings (NYSE:PACK) adds US$73m to market cap in the past 7 days, though investors from five years ago are still down 55% Over the last month the Ranpak Holdings Corp. (NYSE:PACK) has been much stronger than before, rebounding by 43%. But that is little comfort to those holding over the last half decade, sitting on a big loss. In fact, the share price has declined rather badly, down some 55% in that time. So we're hesitant to put much weight behind the short term increase. We'd err towards caution given the long term under-performance. While the stock has risen 25% in the past week but long term shareholders are still in the red, let's see what the fundamentals can tell us. View our latest analysis for Ranpak Holdings Given that Ranpak Holdings didn't make a profit in the last twelve months, we'll focus on revenue growth to form a quick view of its business development. Generally speaking, companies without profits are expected to grow revenue every year, and at a good clip. As you can imagine, fast revenue growth, when maintained, often leads to fast profit growth. You can see how earnings and revenue have changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). 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. This free report showing analyst forecasts should help you form a view on Ranpak Holdings A Different Perspective While the broader market gained around 10% in the last year, Ranpak Holdings shareholders lost 55%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 9% 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. 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. Even so, be aware that Ranpak Holdings is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , you should know about... Ranpak Holdings 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 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 Former President Donald Trump will make his first public appearances since his federal indictment, speaking on Saturday to friendly Republican audiences in Georgia and North Carolina as he seeks to rally supporters to his defence. Trump, who remains the front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination despite his mounting legal woes, is expected to use his scheduled speeches at state party conventions in the two states to deliver a full-throated rebuke of the charges and amplify his assertions that he is the victim of a politically motivated witch hunt by Democratic President Joe Biden's Justice Department. His appearances will come a day after the unsealing of an indictment charging him with 37 felony counts in connection with his hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The indictment accuses the former president of willfully defying Justice Department demands to return classified documents, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his estate. The indictment includes allegations that he stored documents in a ballroom and bathroom at his resort, among other places. The most serious charges against him carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years each, but first-time offenders rarely get anywhere near the maximum sentence and the decision would ultimately be up to the judge. For all that, Trump can expect a hero's welcome this weekend as he rallies his fiercest partisans and seeks to cement his status as Republicans' leading 2024 presidential candidate. Trump is a fighter, and the kinds of people that attend these conventions love a fighter, said Jack Kingston, a former Georgia congressman who supported Trump in 2016 and 2020. With former Vice President Mike Pence also slated to address North Carolina Republicans, Saturday will be the first time the former running mates have appeared at the same venue since Pence announced his campaign against his old boss. For his part, Trump has insisted he committed no wrongdoing, saying, "There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years. The indictment arrives at a time when Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary. Other GOP candidates have largely attacked the Justice Department rather than Trump for the investigation, although the indictment's breadth of allegations and scope could make it harder for Republicans to rail against than an earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak. A Trump campaign official described the former president's mood as defiant" on Friday ahead of his trip. But aides were notably more reserved after the indictment's unsealing as they reckoned with the gravity of the legal charges and the threat they pose to Trump beyond the potential short-term political gain. The federal charging document alleges that Trump not only intentionally possessed classified documents but also boastfully showed them off to visitors and aides. The indictment is built on Trump's own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, including his professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information. The indictment includes 37 counts 31 of which pertain to the willful retention of national defense information, with the balance relating to alleged conspiracy, obstruction and false statements that, taken together, could result in a yearslong prison sentence. Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance on Tuesday in Miami. He was charged alongside Walt Nauta, a personal aide whom prosecutors say moved boxes from a storage room to Trump's residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. A photograph included in the indictment shows several dozen file boxes stacked in a storage area. The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump, who has already been indicted in New York in a hush money scheme and faces additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta that also could lead to criminal charges. But among the various investigations he has faced, the Mar-a-Lago probe has long been considered the most perilous threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. Campaign aides had been bracing for the fallout since Trump's attorneys were notified that he was the target of the investigation, assuming it was not a matter of if charges would be brought, but when. Trump's continued popularity among Republican voters is evident in how gingerly his primary rivals have treated the federal indictment, which comes less than three months after he was charged in New York in a hush-money scheme stemming from payouts made to a porn actor during his 2016 campaign. Pence, campaigning in New Hampshire on Friday, said he was deeply troubled that Trump had been federally indicted because he believes it will further divide the nation. Pence urged his audience to pray for Trump, his family and all Americans, and promised to uphold the rule of law and clean house at the highest level of the Department of Justice, if elected. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump's leading GOP rival, unabashedly echoed the former president, decrying the weaponisation of federal law enforcement and an uneven application of the law. Without offering any specific allegation, DeSantis took aim at two favourite Republican targets Hillary Clinton and Biden's son, Hunter and suggested they have escaped federal accountability because of such political bias. During his own remarks at the North Carolina GOP convention on Friday night, DeSantis didn't mention Trump by name but again made the comparison to Clinton. Is there a different standard for a Democratic secretary of state versus a former Republican president? DeSantis asked. I think there needs to be one standard of justice in this country. ... At the end of the day, we will once and for all end the weaponisation of government under my administration. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has shocked the nation by abruptly quitting as a member of the parliament after being told by a parliamentary committee that he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament over lockdown-breaking parties at Downing street during his premiership. Johnson, 58, had been under investigation by a parliamentary inquiry looking into whether he misled the House of Commons about lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street during the Covid-19 pandemic. Johnson's decision came on Friday as he received a confidential letter from the MP-led privileges Committee over the crucial matter. Johnson accused the Commons inquiry of attempting to "drive me out". In a statement he said: "They have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons." Earlier on Friday, he received a copy of the yet-to-be-published report, which he claimed was "riddled with inaccuracies and reeks of prejudice". In evidence given to the Privileges Committee in March, Johnson admitted misleading Parliament, but denied doing it on purpose. He said social distancing had not been "perfect" at gatherings in Downing Street during COVID lockdowns. But he said they were "essential" work events, which he claimed were allowed. He insisted the guidelines - as he understood them - were followed at all times. Announcing he would step down, Johnson issued a lengthy statement in which he said: "I did not lie, and I believe that in their hearts the committee know it." "They know perfectly well that when I spoke in the Commons I was saying what I believed sincerely to be true and what I had been briefed to say, like any other minister," he said. Johnson said he corrected the record as soon as possible, and claimed committee members "know that". He said the "current prime minister and then occupant of the same building, Rishi Sunak" also believed they were "working lawfully together". Johnson condemned the committee as a "kangaroo court", and claimed that its "purpose from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts". Johnson's departure from political life comes less than four years after he won an 80-seat political majority and nine months after he stood down as prime minister after a police fine for breaking his own COVID rules. In his statement, Johnson hit out at political enemies for targeting him after he was shown the privileges committee findings against him earlier this week. "It is very sad to be leaving parliament at least for now but above all I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee chaired and managed, by [the Labour MP] Harriet Harman, with such egregious bias," he said. The resignation will trigger an immediate by-election in Johnson's Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. It was the second in a day for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after Nadine Dorries resigned as MP for Mid Bedfordshire after her inclusion on Johnson's peerage list was blocked. Labour sources view both the seats as winnable. Ukraine's nuclear agency has put the last reactor at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on cold shutdown as a precautionary measure to avoid any catastrophic incident due to the collapse of Kakhovka dam. The plant reportedly draws water from the dam for its cooling plant. The last reactor was put into cold shutdown on Thursday, Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency said in a statement late Friday, adding that other factors in the decision included shelling near the site which has damaged overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraine's energy system. Energoatom said that there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Russian forces continued pummeling the country with missiles and drones overnight, with Ukrainian officials reporting at least four deaths and damage to a military airfield. Five out of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, are already in a state of cold shutdown, in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. With all nuclear reactions stopped, temperatures and pressure inside reactors gradually decline, reducing the required intensity of water cooling of the radioactive fuel. This is a nuclear power plant's safest operating mode. Energoatom employees are still working at the power plant, although it remains controlled by the Russians. The site's power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Analysts and Russia say that Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive in southern Ukraine, potentially aiming to retake territory near the plant. In a statement on Friday, IAEA said the agency will provide vital assistance to Ukraine in coping with the devastating consequences of dam disaster. Through the use of nuclear techniques, we will determine the effects on potable water, human health, and soil and water management and assess the integrity of critical infrastructure. Ukraine can count on our assistance now and in dealing with the longer-term consequences of this disaster, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said. It remains unclear at what height the Kakhovka reservoir will stabilize and whether it will do so before it reaches a level where the pumps can no longer be operated, Grossi added. Grossi alternate resources for water for cooling plant have sufficient water storage. Even if there is no short-term threat, the dam disaster is causing major new difficulties for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant at a time when the nuclear safety and security situation is already extremely fragile and potentially dangerous during the military conflict, Grossi said. (With PTI inputs.) NEW DELHI, June 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- India's largest gifting brand, FNP (Ferns N Petals) is thrilled to announce the launch of its well-curated and exclusive Father's Day gift collection. With the special day just around the corner the brand has unveiled a digital campaign 'Every DadSuper Dad' celebrating the extraordinary roles that fathers play in our lives, recognizing their unwavering support, love, and guidance In a bid to provide consumers with a unique and memorable gifting experience, the brand's expert curators have carefully selected each items in the collection to ensure the highest quality and thoughtfulness. The remarkable assortment features an array of personalized fun items, souvenirs, luxury gift hampers, mouth-watering chocolates, cakes, vibrant flower bouquets, memorabilia and more, thus catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of fathers across the country. In fact there is something special for all kind of dads in this incredible collection. For the Stylish and Fashion-forward Dad, FNP provides a collection of meticulously crafted men's accessories. From sophisticated cufflinks to elegant brooches and trendy tie pins, these accessories are designed to complement their impeccable sense of style. For the Foodie Dad who enjoys the finer things in life, FNP presents delectable gourmet hampers complete with premium treats, dry fruits, sweets and delicious truffle cakes in unique designs from FNP Cakes For the environmentally conscious and Plant-Loving Dad, FNP offers a wide range of indoor plants that will add a touch of greenery and colour to their living spaces. For the Workaholic Dad who spend long hours at their desks, FNP offers an array of desk gifts in quirky shapes and designs. From eyeglass holders to mobile phone holders and a stationary organizers, these unique gifts add a touch of fun and functionality to their workspaces. Anand Shankar, AVP Category FNP said "We are delighted to unveil our exclusive collection for Father's Day featuring over 1000 gift items. At FNP, we believe that every dad is a superhero, and this collection is designed to help customers express their love and admiration for their fathers in a special way. Our team has put in tremendous effort to curate a diverse range of gifts that cater to different personalities and interests. We are confident that our customers will find the perfect gift to celebrate their super dads." Truffle Delight for Dad Surprise your superhero dad with Truffle Delight for Dad on Father's Day. This cake is designed to honour his superpowers and decorated a vibrant blue colour with "Super Dad" written on it. Treat your dad to this super-delicious truffle delight and make his Father's Day a delicious one. Pegasus Horse Brooch A timeless symbol of grace and enchantment the Pegasus Horse Brooch is an exquisitely crafted vintage piece in antique gold made of brass metal a perfect gift for your dapper dad to compliment his sense of fashion Peach Anchor Necktie and Pocket Square Gift Set This stylish duo is the perfect gift choice for the fathers who appreciate sophisticated fashion. With its subtle anchor pattern and high quality craftsmanship, this set adds a touch of charm to any outfit. Whether it's for a special occasion or every day wear, this versatile gift set is sure to impress Dapper Dad's Gift Set A sleek white coffee mug, perfect for the morning brew and a personalised notebook in white, a perfect Father's Day gift! Accompanied by a sleek white metal pen, this gift set exudes elegance and practicality, making it a great way to show appreciation to all fathers who love to jot down thoughts and ideas. Dad's Special Rose Mug A thoughtful Father's Day Gift! The cheerful yellow roses radiate happiness, while the white daisy flower adds a touch of innocence, all neatly arranged in a ceramic mug with a heartfelt quote 'This guy is an amazing dad'. Designed to honour the remarkable dads out there this thoughtful gift not only showcases the beauty of the flowers but also serves as a practical keepsake. Cushion of Love for Dad and Lucky Jade This gift Father's Day gift features a beautiful jade plant and a customised cushion. The jade plant symbolises luck, prosperity and positive energy, making it a meaningful gift for dad. The cushion with personalisation adds a personal touch to the gift. This thoughtful combo brings together the beauty of nature and the warmth of personalisation, making it a perfect expression of love and gratitude on this special day. Personalised Beer Mug For Dad Raise a toast to dads this Father's Day with FNP's customised Beer Mug. This sturdy and stylish beer mug features a personalised print, showcasing his name. It's the perfect gift for a beer-loving father, allowing him to enjoy his favourite brew in style. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2098109/FNPTrufleDelight.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2098110/Pegasus.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi, Jun 10 (PTI) Air India's Boeing aircraft that was grounded in Magadan in far east Russia is now airborne after engineers rectified the oil system defect in one of the engines and the plane will land in Mumbai later in the day, the airline said on Saturday. On June 6, AI 173 operating from Delhi to San Francisco carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew members was diverted to the port city of Magadan in far east Russia following a mid-air glitch in one of the engines of the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. All were stranded in the port city for two days and the replacement aircraft ferried them to San Francisco on June 8. An Air India spokesperson on Saturday said the B777-200LR aircraft, bearing registration mark VT-ALH, that was grounded in Magadan, Russia (GDX) following the diversion of AI173 DEL-SFO on June 6, has departed GDX and is on its way to Mumbai. "We can confirm that a defect in the oil system of one of the aircraft's engines has been rectified by our engineering team that flew on a ferry flight to GDX on June 7. The aircraft was checked on all safety parameters and certified serviceable before take off from GDX today," the spokesperson said in a statement. According to a source, there are two pilots and eight cabin crew onboard the aircraft. The airline had sent four engineers on the ferry flight to Magadan on June 7 and the issue of oil pressure in one of the engines of the stranded aircraft was fixed. Shimla, Jun 10 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged Union power minister R K Singh to complete the ownership transfer of the Shanan hydropower project from Punjab to the hill state. Shanan hydropower project, commissioned in 1932, was built under a 99-year lease agreement between Joginder Sen, the then king of the erstwhile Mandi state, and British engineer B C Batty signed in 1925. During the reorganisation of states in November 1966, the powerhouse which came under Mandi district of the hill state was given to Punjab as per the lease agreement that will expire on March 2, 2024. "I have apprised the Union minister about all the issues related to ownership of the Shanan hydel project and also about its lease period which is expiring in March 2024," the chief minister said in a statement issued here on Friday. Various issues pertaining to the power sector were raised with the Union power minister during the latter's stay in Himachal Pradesh, the statement said. The chief minister also urged the Union minister to complete the ownership transfer process in a time-bound manner, it added. Sukhu, who has recently handed over the legal documents regarding the project to the Union power ministry, also said that the project can generate an annual income of Rs 200 crore. According to the statement, Sukhu has also requested the Centre to formulate a scheme to develop infrastructure for facilitating hydropower projects of less than 25 MW capacity in Himachal Pradesh. Besides, Sukhu said the state government has taken up the issue of providing incentives to Himachal Pradesh to enhance competitiveness for the production of green hydrogen in the market, the statement added. Lucknow, Jun 10 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said a total of Rs 2,13,400 crore have been paid to sugarcane farmers in the state through direct benefit transfer (DBT) in the last five years. "Between 2017 and 2023, sugarcane prices worth Rs 2,13,400 crore have been paid to farmers through DBT," the CM said while speaking at the certificate distribution ceremony for the winners of the State Sugarcane Production Competitions. Adityanath said during the previous governments payments to sugarcane farmers used to remain pending for years but now it is being done within a week. "Prior to six years, sugarcane farmers in the state used to face difficulties in obtaining receipts because of discrepancies in the weighing of sugarcane as well as theft of their receipts, which often led to protests by the farmers. "Besides, the untimely closure of sugar mills had caused inconvenience to the farmers. For years, payment of sugarcane price to the farmers was pending but now it is being done within a week," the CM was quoted as having said in an official release. Speaking about the present situation, the CM said that steps were taken on a mission mode to settle the pending payments for sugarcane from 2010 to 2017, when the BJP government took over. The owners of sugar mills have requested permission to produce ethanol in order to regulate the pending payments to farmers on time, he said. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for various reforms for the farmers, he said with the PM's approval sugar mills in the state are now producing ethanol along with sugar. As a result of this, Uttar Pradesh has become number one in the country in terms of production of sugarcane, sugar and ethanol production as well as in setting up of 'khandsari' units, he said. The chief minister also inaugurated online the newly constructed buildings of 25 cooperative sugarcane and sugar mill committees. During the programme, Adityanath said that there are farmers who are achieving the impossible by yielding 2,640 quintals of sugarcane per hectare. Additionally, there are 3,171 cooperative women self-help groups in the state, with over 59,000 women working and they are contributing to strengthening the state's economy by collaborating with 60 lakhs sugarcane farmers. The chief minister expressed hope that all 118 sugar mills in the state will adopt the practice of paying sugarcane price to the farmers within ten days. Speaking about the achievements of the Sugarcane Department, he said that it has restarted four previously closed sugar mills, and two new sugar mills have been established. "Chaudhary Charan Singh was called the 'messiah' of farmers. He had spoken about the revival of the Chhaprauli sugar mill in the 1980s, but successive governments came and went without thinking about the farmers. Our government has initiated the establishment of a new sugar mill in Chhaprauli," he added. Jaipur, Jun 10 (PTI) The Rajasthan government on Saturday said it will convert about 1.20 lakh hectare of agricultural land into organic farming area and provide organic seeds, bio-fertilizers and pesticides to the farmers. The state government is making all-out efforts to encourage organic farming. In this sequence, chief minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a proposal to convert 1.20 lakh hectares area into organic farming area. Under this, organic seeds, bio fertilizers and pesticides will be made available to the farmers, an official statement said. This year, farmers will be benefited by converting 1.20 lakh hectare area into organic. It will cost about Rs 23.57 crore. Besides, Rs 5,000 per farmer will also be given to 50,000 organic farmers. The chief minister has also sanctioned Rs 5 crore from the state fund for activities like farmer selection, formation of farmers' groups and master trainers training, among others. Johannesburg, June 10 (PTI) An international conference in South Africa pondered upon the issues that can be addressed using the principles of non-violence advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King. The three-day Gandhi-King-Mandela International Conference on the African continent that concluded on Friday agreed to continue networking and taking forward the message of non-violence by putting pressure on institutions such as the UN and the African Union to step up their efforts in terms of human rights, David Gengen, the chairperson of the Pietermaritzburg Gandhi Foundation, which hosted the conference in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, said. The year 2023 is the 130th anniversary of the eviction of young lawyer Mohandas Gandhi from a train at Pietermaritzburg Station (which sparked his path to developing Satyagraha and leading the struggle against oppression and discrimination in both South Africa and India). It is also the 120th anniversary of Indian Opinion, the first newspaper established by Gandhi in 1903, Gengen said, explaining the significance of this year's conference on the three iconic leaders of the last century. Joint Secretary for External Affairs Puneet Kundal said this year also marked the 30th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between India and South Africa after a break of almost four decades because of apartheid. Kundal also shared Gandhis role in ending British rule in India. India needed some kind of a beacon; some kind of hope for them to get together and fight the colonial masters. That one man who had the courage and the conviction to bring that empire to its knees is who we celebrate today." It is Gandhis blessing that really drives not only India, but I can say with great confidence South Africa as well because icons of South Africa such as Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu all looked up to him for inspiration, Kundal said. Ela Gandhi, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, who continues to lead the work at the Phoenix Settlement started by him during his tenure in Durban, said he, King and Mandela all upheld the principles of non-violence and the Biblical spirit of treating your neighbour as you would want to be treated yourself. She called on the delegates to come up with a blueprint to address the issues of climate change, environmental degradation, inequality, poverty, crime, corruption and wars. Keynote speaker Clayborne Carson, professor of history at Stanford University and director of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute, called on the delegates to not just repeat the words of Gandhi, King and Mandela, but to emulate their deeds. We have to build the movements of the 21st century. That will not happen by looking at the past. We have to use the technology of today to move into the 21st century, Carson said as he appealed to the youth to build such a movement, though not necessarily from all the advice of older people. Build your own movement, build your own ideas. In that way the 21st century is going to be the greatest movement in human history because it will deal with the problem of what rights does every human being have, Carson said. Decolonisation of educational curricula across the globe was also deemed to be a critical issue by the 400 academics, community leaders and youth from more than a dozen countries who attended the conference. Even in the British system, the issues of Gandhi and the freedom struggles and so on dont receive attention. In South Africa, we get a watered-down version of the real history of our country, but more about the Dutch colonists such as Jan van Riebeek than the role of Gandhi, for example, Gengen said. In a youth symposium that was part of the conference, delegates agreed that the youth in generations to come must be educated on how governments work. This is because many young people aspire to be in government, but they dont know how it works, leading to chaos and mistakes of the kind we have in South Africa," Gengen said. The symposium said the thought processes of children in this regard should be changed by teaching the principles of non-violence and justice for all while they are still in school, not when they reach university, Gengen added. One of the decisions was also that we need to facilitate a stronger civil society because this gives rise to good democratic processes, Gengen said. Deputy High Commissioner Banu Prakash handed over a large collection of books to be added to the 100 volumes of Gandhis writings that are already in a Gandhi Corner in the Pietermaritzburg municipal library. The Gandhi-King Foundation from Hyderabad suggested that the next conference be hosted in India, as this would follow logically because the first conference was held in Kings native US and this one in Mandelas South Africa, so the next should be in Gandhis country of birth. A date has not been confirmed yet. London, Jun 9 (PTI) Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has shocked the nation by abruptly quitting as a member of the parliament after being told by a parliamentary committee that he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament over lockdown-breaking parties at Downing street during his premiership. Johnson, 58, had been under investigation by a parliamentary inquiry looking into whether he misled the House of Commons about lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street during the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson's decision came on Friday as he received a confidential letter from the MP-led privileges Committee over the crucial matter. Johnson accused the Commons inquiry of attempting to "drive me out". In a statement he said: "They have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons." Earlier on Friday, he received a copy of the yet-to-be-published report, which he claimed was "riddled with inaccuracies and reeks of prejudice". In evidence given to the Privileges Committee in March, Johnson admitted misleading Parliament, but denied doing it on purpose. He said social distancing had not been "perfect" at gatherings in Downing Street during COVID lockdowns. But he said they were "essential" work events, which he claimed were allowed. He insisted the guidelines - as he understood them - were followed at all times. Announcing he would step down, Johnson issued a lengthy statement in which he said: "I did not lie, and I believe that in their hearts the committee know it." "They know perfectly well that when I spoke in the Commons I was saying what I believed sincerely to be true and what I had been briefed to say, like any other minister," he said. Johnson said he corrected the record as soon as possible, and claimed committee members "know that". He said the "current prime minister and then occupant of the same building, Rishi Sunak" also believed they were "working lawfully together". Johnson condemned the committee as a "kangaroo court", and claimed that its "purpose from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts". Johnson's departure from political life comes less than four years after he won an 80-seat political majority and nine months after he stood down as prime minister after a police fine for breaking his own COVID rules. In his statement, Johnson hit out at political enemies for targeting him after he was shown the privileges committee findings against him earlier this week. "It is very sad to be leaving parliament at least for now but above all I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee chaired and managed, by [the Labour MP] Harriet Harman, with such egregious bias," he said. The resignation will trigger an immediate by-election in Johnsons Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. It was the second in a day for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after Nadine Dorries resigned as MP for Mid Bedfordshire after her inclusion on Johnsons peerage list was blocked. Labour sources view both the seats as winnable. Sequoia China goes solo under HongShan brand, a sign that the bromance between US funds and China tech start-ups is over The separation of Sequoia China, the poster child for the financial bromance between the US and China over the last 18 years, from its US parent is a watershed moment in China's venture capital industry, as American capitalists divorce themselves from Chinese entrepreneurs, industry insiders said. Few institutions have played such as an important role as Sequoia China, which was founded by Yale-educated Neil Shen Nanpeng, to connect US funding with China's tech start-ups, but the rising acrimony between Beijing and Washington has made it hard for intermediaries like Sequoia China to align interests across the Pacific. The China split is part of a global restructuring by Sequoia Capital, the American venture capital giant based in Menlo Park, California. The Chinese operation has been rebranded as HongShan, while Sequoia's operations in India and Southeast Asia will be made independent under the name Peak XV Partners. 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 decision to make Sequoia China a separate entity is a fresh sign of decoupling between the world's two largest economies, although Sequoia Capital did not mention geopolitical consideration in explaining the move. Levy Cao, a venture partner at Shanghai-based investment firm Capital O, said the Sequoia China split marks the beginning of the end. "The Chinese venture investment world will probably need to remember this moment, as it signifies that US dollar funds [in China] are poised to bid departure to their good old days in search of new positioning and direction in the country," he said. Sequoia China was established in 2005 when the country's nascent internet industry was crying out for venture capital funding. The firm quickly emerged as China's No 1 venture capital house, investing in the country's top internet players, including e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding, top food delivery platform Meituan, and the world's leading drone maker DJI, generating stellar returns for investors. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post. In one famous case, Sequoia China was the sole investor in the 2010 A-round funding of Meituan, providing US$2o million to founder Wang Xing, and helping the platform win a brutal price war in group buying. Neil Shen, the founding and managing partner of Sequoia Capital China. Photo: Handout alt=Neil Shen, the founding and managing partner of Sequoia Capital China. Photo: Handout> Its success gave Sequoia, or HongShan in Chinese, major brand recognition among start-ups in China and investors in the US, making Shen the "go to" figure when it came to US-China deals. In the US, Shen is a trustee at the Asia Society, an influential non-profit organisation, and was named chairman of the Yale School of Management Board of Advisers in 2021. In China, he was the only representative from the venture capital industry to be appointed to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, serving in the top political advisory body for the Chinese government from 2018 to 2022. However, Shen's advantage of being able to work both sides has become a liability as rivalry between Beijing and Washington has intensified. The Biden administration is considering restricting US investments in China's hi-tech sectors, from semiconductors to artificial intelligence, while Beijing is increasingly suspicious of US money going into sensitive sectors and its digital infrastructure. In the area of microchips, for instance, the Chinese government considers investment and research in certain projects as national security matters. A number of Chinese technology companies that received investments from Sequoia China are now on Washington's radar. Beijing-based ByteDance is struggling to convince US lawmakers that its TikTok short video platform is independent from Chinese Communist Party influence, and drone maker DJI was put on a US sanctions list last year for alleged links to the Chinese military. Beijing's shifting priorities to data and national security issues are also a challenge for Sequoia China. Didi Global, China's taxi-hailing giant, another of Sequoia's high profile bets that paid off, was put under a cybersecurity probe just days after its US$4.4 billion public listing in New York in 2021. In a public letter to Chinese entrepreneurs, Sequoia China's management team said that a centralised back office operation had become a burden instead of an advantage, making the split necessary. It did not elaborate on what changes would be made in profit-sharing or sources of funding. The firm, which has invested in nearly 1,000 projects in China, had already developed a local team. The 42 managing directors, partners and senior executives listed on Sequoia China's website are all Chinese. Kaidi Gao, an analyst with research firm PitchBook Data, said US venture capital funding for China start-ups is drying up as some of the largest limited partners, such as pension funds, have scaled back their China exposure amid geopolitical tensions. Aggregate capital raised by Greater China-based venture capital funds fell to US$36.8 billion in 2022, compared to the annual average of US$148.9 billion raised between 2019 and 2021, according to a report by investment data firm Preqin. 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. Boris Johnson quits as UK lawmaker after being told he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament. UN aid chief says Ukraine faces "hugely worse'' humanitarian situation after the dam rupture. Stories on political developments in Pakistan. ** London, Jun 9 (AP) Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Friday that he's quitting as a lawmaker after being told he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament. Johnson quit after receiving the results of an investigation by lawmakers over misleading statements he made to Parliament about a slew of gatherings in government that breached pandemic lockdown rules. In a statement, he accused opponents of trying to drive him out. Johnson quit as prime minister in 2022 amid multiple scandals but remained a lawmaker. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP's earlier story follows below. LONDON (AP) Several dozen allies of former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson received honors from King Charles III on Friday, a list that drew cries of cronyism from opponents of the ousted leader. Resignation honors, bestowed by the monarch but chosen by the government, are an established but contentious way for departing leaders to reward loyal lieutenants. Johnson gave lifetime seats in Parliament's unelected upper chamber, the House of Lords, to several former advisers, and bestowed knighthoods or damehoods on loyalist lawmakers including former Cabinet ministers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Priti Patel. Other aides, lawmakers and Conservative Party figures received lesser honors. The list features several staffers implicated in the partygate scandal over rule-breaking gatherings in government buildings during the pandemic, including former Johnson aides Martin Reynolds and Shelley Williams-Walker. Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, said that Johnson had rewarded a carousel of cronies. Instead of tackling the cost-of-living crisis, the Tories are spending their time doling out rewards for those who tried to cover up rule-breaking and toadied to a disgraced former prime minister," she said. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office said that, as is customary, the current leader didn't interfere with his predecessor's honors list. Among the political allies of the tousle-haired Johnson, one name on the list stood out: Kelly Dodge, the long-serving manager of Parliament's in-house hair salon, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. One name missing from the list is former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, a stalwart Johnson supporter who had been widely tipped to enter the Lords. She wasn't on the list but announced Friday she was quitting as a lawmaker, effective immediately. There will be a special election to fill her seat in the House of Commons. Issues of patronage are especially sensitive around Johnson, who left office in September 2022 when scandals over money, ethics and judgment turned Conservative lawmakers against him. Johnson's Conservative predecessors Theresa May and David Cameron also handed out honors when they left office in 2019 and 2016, respectively. But Labour prime ministers before them, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, didn't use the procedure. Johnson, whose career has been a roller coaster of scandals and comebacks, led the Conservatives to a landslide victory in 2019 but was forced out by his own party less than three years later. Still a lawmaker, he is awaiting the outcome of an investigation by a House of Commons standards committee over misleading statements he made to Parliament about a slew of gatherings in government buildings in 2020 and 2021 that breached pandemic lockdown rules. Police eventually issued 126 fines over the late-night soirees, boozy parties and wine time Fridays, including one to Johnson, and the scandal helped hasten the end of his premiership. The committee is expected to publish its report in the next few weeks. If it concludes that Johnson deliberately lied, he could face suspension from the House of Commons. A suspension of 10 days or more would allow his constituents to petition for a special election to replace Johnson as a member of Parliament. (AP) AMS AMS Mumbai, Jun 10 (PTI) A private bus rammed into a monorail bridge pillar near Bhoiwada bus stop in Mumbai on Saturday, leaving a woman injured, police said. The bus was on its way to Colaba bus depot in south Mumbai from Antop Hill in the afternoon when the incident occurred, which is prima facie caused by brake failure. The injured woman was rushed to KEM hospital for treatment, the official said. Mumbai, Jun 10 (PTI) The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party will make the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena "cry" for every Lok Sabha seat, the statements coming amid strife in the ruling alliance in Kalyan Lok Sabha seat represented by Shinde's son Shrikant. On Friday, Shrikant Shinde had said some leaders were trying to create hurdles in the alliance in Dombivali area (under Kalyan Lok Sabha seat) for their own selfish politics and that he was ready to leave the seat since the aim was to ensure the Narendra Modi government returns with a thumping majority in the 2024 LS polls. Latching on to the strain there, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said the Kalyan-Dombivali area was a stronghold of the (undivided) Shiv Sena and the party had been winning from there for years now. "The same seat was given to Shrikant Shinde who had no connection with the party. Uddhav Thackeray had pampered Shinde's son. Let him fight his battle. The BJP will make them (Shinde-led Shiv Sena) cry for every single seat," Raut said. The NCP said the BJP had plans to ditch Shinde in Kalyan and eventually force all Shiv Sena leaders to contest on its lotus symbol. "Looks like @BJP4Maharashtra has all plans to ditch MP Dr Shrikant Shinde in Kalyan Loksabha Constituency. Eventually BJP will force all others from Shinde camp to contest on BJP ticket or face permanent political isolation. @NCPspeaks," the party's spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said. On Friday, in a bid to defuse the situation, Shrikant Shinde had said he would "back whichever candidate the senior leadership of BJP-Sena decides" for Kalyan as everyone was "working towards the BJP-Shiv Sena forming government at the Centre". Shrikant Shinde has been MP from Kalyan since 2014. Pune, Jun 10 (PTI) Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar on Saturday debunked media reports that he was unhappy after Supriya Sule and Praful Patel were made working presidents of the outfit and he was not given any role in the Sharad Pawar-led party. In an event in Delhi earlier in the day to mark the 24th anniversary of the founding of the NCP, Sharad Pawar declared Patel and Sule working presidents of the party, marking a generational shift in the organisation. Talking to reporters here, Ajit Pawar said, "Some media channels ran stories that Ajit Pawar did not get any responsibility, I would like to tell them that I have the responsibility of leader of opposition in Maharashtra." Asserting that he was active in state politics by choice, the former state deputy chief minister said, "For the past several years, Supriya is in Delhi. I am active in state politics. I have responsibility of the state since I am the leader of opposition." Incidentally, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, speaking in Delhi after the event, dismissed suggestions that the appointment of Sule has upset nephew Ajit Pawar. "The suggestion was made by him (Ajit Pawar). So, where is the question of him being happy or unhappy," Pawar told reporters. Ajit Pawar was seen as an heir-apparent in the NCP, but his dalliances with the BJP, including an early morning swearing-in as Maharashtra deputy chief minister along with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in 2019, had not been received well by the party. Nanded, Jun 10 (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the BJP for the chief minister's post after the Maharashtra assembly elections in 2019 by joining hands with Nationalist Congress Party. Addressing a rally at Nanded as a part of the BJP's outreach campaign to mark the completion of nine years of the Narendra Modi government, Shah said the BJP didn't bring down the Thackeray-led MVA government last year, but they were Shiv Sainiks who were tired of Thackeray's policies and were not ready to go with the NCP headed by Sharad Pawar. "I as a BJP president and then chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had carried out negotiations in which Thackeray agreed that if the NDA emerged victorious, Fadnavis will be the chief minister (again). However, after the results (in 2019), Thackeray broke the promise and sat in NCP's lap," Shah added. The Shiv Sena (Undivided) and the BJP contested the 2019 assembly polls together, but the former walked out of the alliance over the post of chief minister. Imphal, Jun 10 (PTI) A drop box for returning weapons snatched from security forces set up at the home of a BJP legislator from Imphal East has become a popular attraction with local youth, who have taken advantage of the anonymous facility to deposit 130 weapons including sophisticated automatic rifles. A large poster at a covered shed outside the home of L Susindro Meitei, who is currently a Minister in the Manipur government, says Please drop your snatched weapons here both in English and Meitei language. A tagline below this adds feel free to do so, an indication that questions will not be asked how the weapons were in thei possession of those who drop by in the first place. A few weapons including a couple of automatic rifles and live ammunition belts were actually present in the box when a PTI reporter went there this morning. Susindro who was touring his constituency area persuading young villagers to join in the peace process by depositing their weapons, later told PTI over the phone that he had set up the facility as, Many a time those who come to surrender arms hesitate out of fear of the police thats why this anonymous box. He said that some 130 weapons have been received so far since it was set up a few days ago. The keys to the box are kept with the police and they can come anytime to pick up the weapons, the MLA added. Large numbers of weapons were looted from police stations in early May when ethnic violence broke out in the state of Manipur. Since then both Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have appealed to people to surrender their weapons. Army and para-military forces in collaboration with state police have been carrying out combing operations to defang communities and bring back peace here. At least 35 weapons and warlike stores were recovered during joint combing operations by security forces on Friday, an official said. At least 100 people lost their lives and 310 others were injured in the ethnic violence in Manipur that broke out a month ago. A total of 37,450 people are currently sheltered in 272 relief camps. Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts. Kolkata, Jun 10 (PTI) Bangladesh's Awami League-led regime would like all political parties to contest next year's parliamentary elections, but it would not go in for a caretaker government while conducting the polls as sought by principal opposition BNP, said its Agriculture Minister Mohammad Abdur Razzaque. Speaking to PTI, Razzaque said the US's announcement of banning visas of those who obstruct the poll process "sends out a wrong message". He also ruled out the possibility of the army intervening in the democratic process as it did in 1975 by staging a coup. "We have been trying to get all parties to come on board for a free and fair election next year, which an independent Election Commission will conduct... We are still hopeful that it will happen," Razzaque, a senior Awami League leader, said. While the BNP-led opposition alliance boycotted the 2014 elections to the Jatiya Sansad or Parliament, Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League swept it in 2019 with the BNP managing just seven seats. The opposition alleged that the 2019 results were an outcome of "massive rigging". "Our prime minister had in 2014 reached out to BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia, and offered an all-party government which would oversee the polls to get her to give up the boycott. But, she had remained adamant on boycotting the election process," the minister said. Razzque, a freedom fighter who led 'Mukti Bahini' irregulars in 1971, maintained that the US's announcement last month to restrict visas of any Bangladeshis -- officials, members of pro-government outfits and opposition political parties who obstruct the poll process -- sends out a wrong message. "We have tried to find out what they (the US) want, but they have not been able to give any answers," he said, adding that his government was always willing to talk to anyone on the election process and to ensure that it was a transparent one. However, he also noted that in the Westminster-style parliamentary democracy that Bangladesh follows, there was no space for dissolving the parliament or installing a caretaker government as sought by the opposition. Even as the minister made these assertions in Kolkata, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reportedly reiterated at a meeting in Dhaka on Saturday that the Awami League-led government has to resign, dissolve the parliament and form a caretaker government to oversee the election. A caretaker government, backed by the army, had overseen the 2008 elections but during its short tenure of just over two years, a proposal was mooted -- termed 'minus two' -- that promoted removing both Hasina and Zia from the process and bringing in a third political force. The move, which many Awami Leaguers suspect was supported by Western powers, however, did not find popular support and in the elections, Hasina got a massive mandate. Razzaque ruled out the possibility of army intervention in any political logjam in his country. "The army has become a far more nationalistic organ of the state and does not have the anti-liberation elements which were present in 1975," he said, referring to the coup that led to the killing of the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After the caretaker government demitted office in 2008, there have been fears of another coup in a re-run of the 1975 takeover of power by the army. Bangladesh's parliament has 300 directly-elected members, and another 50 seats are reserved for women, which are distributed among political parties on the basis of their performance in the elections. Patna, Jun 10 (PTI) Preparations were in full swing in Patna for the standing committee meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council on June 17, an official said on Saturday. The Eastern Zonal Council comprises Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha and Sikkim. The General Administration Department (GAD) of the Bihar government has selected 20 officials of the Bihar Administrative Service (BAS) who will act as liaison officers and will coordinate with officials from other states who will attend the meeting, the official said. The agenda of the meeting is still under preparation, though all issues concerning the zone are aimed to be covered in the meeting, he said. "Training of all the 20 officials of the BAS will start on Monday, and they will report to the state Home Department," said a circular issued by the GAD. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over the 25th Eastern Zonal Council meeting held on December 17. The five zonal councils -- Western, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Central -- were set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 to foster inter-state cooperation and coordination. They are mandated to discuss and make recommendations on any matter of common interest in the field of economic and social planning, border disputes, linguistic minorities or inter-state transport. Kolkata, Jun 10 (PTI) Violence and chaos continued to mar the second day of nomination filing for West Bengal panchayat polls on Saturday, with opposition BJP, Congress and CPI(M) alleging their candidates were prevented from submitting papers by the ruling TMC activists and goons. Reports of violence and scuffles between workers of the ruling and opposition parties came from a number of districts such as Bankura, Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad districts. A Congress activist was shot dead on Friday, the first day of nomination filing, in Murshidabad district allegedly by TMC goons, a charge denied by the ruling party. A State Election Commission official told PTI: "We have sought reports about all the incidents and will pass on necessary instructions to the police. Opposition BJP demanded immediate deployment of central forces to conduct the panchayat polls while the TMC asserted that the opposition is hunting for excuses fearing defeat. At Domkol in Murshidabad, opposition parties alleged that goons belonging to the TMC were seen moving around with firearms near the BDO office, where nomination papers will be filed, and obstructing their candidates. Civic volunteers were seen with lathis along with the police to control disturbances in Domkal. Besides, BJP nominees were allegedly heckled by TMC workers at Labhpur in Birbhum district. Similar reports of violence came from Bishnupur in Bankura, Katwa in Purba Bardhaman, and Babarani in Paschim Bardhaman districts, where CPIM candidates were allegedly prevented from filing their nomination papers by the TMC. BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya told PTI: We have been asking for deployment of central forces from the very beginning, but the partisan State Election Commission is yet to hear our pleas. "Civic volunteers wearing police uniform are now deployed to oversee the nomination filing process and ruling party miscreants are getting a free run. This is in blatant violation of the law. The TMC does not want the opposition to field candidates anywhere," he said. TMC Rajya Sabha member and party spokesperson Shantanu Sen said the opposition had faced severe drubbing in the 2021 assembly polls and several assembly and one Lok Sabha by-elections, all of which were conducted in the presence of central forces. People of Bengal are solidly behind the TMC and not with the BJP, Congress or the CPI(M). The opposition may demand deployment of peacekeeping force from the United Nations in panchayat polls if they want," Sen said. State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha on Saturday called on West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose to explain the commissions stand on demands for extending the date of filing nominations for the states three-tier panchayat polls and to explain steps taken to contain incidents of violence. The 2018 rural poll process was marred by violence and alleged malpractices in several districts. (Reuters) - Swedish hygiene products group Essity has divested its operations in Russia, the company said in a statement on Saturday. The company said it did not expect to see a material financial impact from the winding down of its Russian business. Essity has signed an agreement with a buyer and the transaction has been approved by the Russian authorities, it said, adding that the deal was expected to be finalised during the second quarter of 2023. The world's second-biggest consumer tissue maker began work on exiting the Russian market in April, after taking a writedown of about 1.7 billion crowns ($157.25 million) on its assets in the country, the statement added. Essity had said in March it would shut down all production and sales in Russia, where it had clocked sales worth 2.8 billion crowns last year, corresponding to about 2% of its total sales. ($1 = 10.8107 Swedish crowns) (Reporting by Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Alex Richardson) New Delhi, Jun 10 (PTI) The National Medical Commission in its new regulations has proposed a common counselling for admissions to graduate courses at all medical institutions in the country on the basis of the NEET-UG merit list. These new Regulations are called Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 or GMER-23. "Without prejudice to anything stated in the present Regulations or other NMC Regulations, there shall be common counselling for admission to graduate courses in medicine for all Medical Institutions in India based on the merit list of the NEET-UG," the NMC in a gazette notification on June 2 said. Counselling shall entirely be based on the seat matrix provided by NMC, provided the common counselling may have multiple rounds as may be necessary, it stated. The Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) shall publish guidelines for the conduct of common counselling, and the designated authority under section 17 below shall conduct the counselling in conformity with the published guidelines. The government will appoint a designated authority for the counselling and decide and notify its agency and method for all undergraduate seats. No medical institute shall admit any candidate to the Graduate Medical Education (GME) course in contravention of these regulations, the regulations stated. New Delhi, Jun 10 (PTI) Dismissing the Congress' allegation of misuse of funds meant for railway safety on crockery, furniture and foot massagers, government sources on Saturday said these were used in rooms of train drivers who spend long hours on duty. According to an official document, the national transporter has spent more than Rs 1 lakh crore on safety measures between 2017-2018 and 2021-22 with a steady growth in expenditure on track renewal. Citing a 2021 report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the Congress on Friday claimed the central government "misused" funds meant for railway safety on crockery, car rentals, furniture, laptops and foot massagers. "This is how funds specifically meant for railway safety were used. This is the CAG's finding," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on Twitter, days after a triple train accident in Odisha's Balasore claimed 278 lives and injured nearly 1,000 people. The government sources said the items mentioned by the Congress were being used in rooms of loco-pilots who run trains. "They are the most essential and key elements of safety in railways. There are some who spend long hours in trains, sometimes even standing...all day. The foot massagers are for them. These are not a luxury item for them but a necessity which keeps them in good health," one of the sources said. According to the CAG report, referred to by the Congress, the railways has spent Rs 1.48 crore for the purchase of furniture, utensils, crockery, kitchen/electrical appliances, Rs 0.085 crore on hiring of vehicles, and Rs 4.54 crore on street light, fee to pollution control board, foot massager, winter jackets among other things. The sources said these were expenditures critical to the well-being of the running staff. All India Railwaymen's Federation secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra said, "Our station managers and running staff work day and night and it's not fair to politicise things bought for their use like crockery and foot massager. Politics over these things only ruin the image of the railways." New Delhi, Jun 10 (PTI) Delhi Water Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj on Saturday accused Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena of claiming credit for the efforts of the Kejriwal government in cleaning the Yamuna river, dismissing the LG's claims as "misleading and baseless." There was no immediate response from the LG's office. Bhardwaj's statement came a day after the LG Secretariat issued a press release stating that the biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels in the Najafgarh drain, which accounts for approximately 70 per cent of wastewater discharge into the Yamuna, had decreased by 33 per cent compared to the previous year. The reduction was attributed to the intervention of a high-level committee headed by Saxena. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), an important parameter to assess water quality, is the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to decompose organic material present in a water body. A BOD level of fewer than 3 milligrams per litre is considered good. Challenging Saxena to provide evidence of any new projects or initiatives he had initiated before taking credit for the government's work, Bhardwaj emphasised that the progress in cleaning the Yamuna was a result of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's six-point action plan announced in November 2021. He dismissed the claims made by the LG's office as baseless and misleading, pointing out that the LG does not have the financial authority to approve projects in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) or the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFC). Bhardwaj also accused the LG office of falsely presenting minutes of meetings and presentations from the DJB and IFC, deceptively claiming them as the sole achievements of the LG. The water minister also highlighted the achievements of the DJB, such as connecting jhuggi-jhopri clusters to the sewer network, tapping and diverting drains, desilting trunk sewers, providing house service connections, and upgrading sewage treatment plants. According to the Constitution, matters related to land, law and order, and police fall under the jurisdiction of the LG, while others come under the purview of the Delhi government. The Supreme Court recently issued an order placing the services department under the Delhi government, but the Centre later issued an ordinance granting the LG control over the bureaucracy in the national capital. Dehradun, Jun 10 (PTI) Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande on Saturday asked IMA graduates to keep updating their skills to deal with the challenges of rapidly changing dynamics of combat. Addressing the Passing Out Parade at the conclusion of the IMA's spring term course, Gen Pande said, "The dynamics of combat are rapidly changing with fast paced development of technology and the battle space has become more complex." In such a scenario, technical prowess, mental agility, critical thinking, and quick response will be the key to success, he said, and asked the newly commissioned officers to continuously enhance their competency. "Your journey does not end with your commissioning into the army. On the contrary, it is just the beginning of a life of commitment towards self-improvement," the army chief said. The profession of "soldiering" is the noblest of all professions as it gives one an opportunity to don the uniform and serve one's motherland with "selfless devotion," Gen Pande said. The POP saw the commissioning of 373 gentlemen cadets including 42 from friendly foreign countries into the armies of their respective nations. The coveted Sword of Honour and the silver medal went to Army under officer Mihir Banerjee and the gold medal to senior under officer Abhimanyu Singh. Uttar Pradesh had 63 officers commissioned, the highest, followed by Bihar 33, Haryana 32, Uttarakhand 25, and Punjab 23. Mansa (Punjab), Jun 10 (PTI) The Punjab Cabinet on Saturday gave nod to regularise the services of over 14,000 contractual teachers in the state. A decision in this regard was taken at a cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, here. Of the total 14,239 contractual/temporary teachers, whose services will be regularised, 7,902 have completed 10 and more years in service, Mann said. The remaining 6,337 teachers are those who have gaps in regular service because of "unavoidable circumstances", he said. "Because of the gap, these teachers could not complete 10 years of service. We decided that the gap will also be counted and with this, these 6,337 teachers will also be regularised," Mann added. The regularised teachers will get salary, perks and holidays as per the state government policy, the chief minister said. In another decision, the cabinet decided to propose strict action against chit fund companies found involved in duping people. Mann cited the example of 'Pearl Group', which had allegedly cheated many people in various parts of the country including Punjab, by illegally operating different investment schemes. "There are many chit fund companies which dupe people and for these, we will bring an amendment in the law for proposing punishment of up to 10 years," he said. Later, an official statement said to tighten noose around fraudulent financial institutions, the cabinet gave nod to frame "The Punjab Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Rules 2023". There has been a mushroom growth of financial establishments in the country in the recent past, which are duping the people, particularly the middle class and the poorer, by making impracticable or commercially unviable promises, or by offering highly attractive rates of interest, or rewards, with the intention of defrauding the investors, it said. In fact, many of such financial establishments have intentionally failed to return the deposits on maturity, or to pay interest, or to render any specified service offered against such deposits, the statement said. Therefore, it was felt necessary to provide for a suitable legislation in the state for the protection of interests of depositors in the financial establishments, it said. It has been considered to regulate and to impose restrictions on such financial establishments in order to curb the unscrupulous activities of such financial establishments, it added. 'The Punjab Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Rules 2023' will make the promoter, partner, director, manager, member, employee or any other person responsible for the management of, or conducting the business, or affairs of, liable for misdeeds of such financial establishments, the statement said. The cabinet also gave consent for sending the case of four life convicts for seeking their premature release from jails in the state. After the nod of the cabinet under Article 163 of the Constitution of India, these special remission/premature release cases will be submitted to the Punjab governor under Article 161 of the Constitution for consideration, the statement said. The cabinet also gave approval to accept the recommendations of the Sixth Punjab Finance Commission for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26, including devolution of 3.5 per cent share of state net own tax revenue to local bodies and panchayati raj institutions. "Recommendation regarding devolution of share of excise duty, auction money and professional tax to local bodies along with the formula of Horizontal Distribution, Inter-se Distribution of above devolution among ULBs and PRIs was also accepted," the statement said. The cabinet also gave nod for merging the Punjab Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (PUNSUP) and the Punjab Agro FoodGrains Corporation Limited (PAFC) with the Punjab State Grains Procurement Corporation Limited (PUNGRAIN) to enhance its efficiency and also to further streamline the procurement of food grains. The PUNGRAIN is an agency of the department of the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, which procures wheat and paddy for the central stock in the state. The cabinet also gave nod to frame a policy for controlling the menace of stray cattle in the state. It also cleared the creation of 485 posts of house doctors in the Health and Family Welfare Department and 1,445 posts of paramedics. Shimla, Jun 10 (PTI) Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said the Himachal government has signed a memorandum of understanding of over Rs 800 crore with a French agency to improve drinking water and sanitation services in five towns in the state. With an aim to develop better sewerage facilities in Manali, Bilaspur, Palampur, Nahan and Karsog besides improving drinking water supply in Manali and Palampur towns, the state government has signed a MoU of Rs 817.12 crore with the French Development Agency, (Agence Francaise de Developpement) (AFD), he said About Rs 612 crore will be provided by AFD, whereas the state government will provide Rs 204.85 crore under this project which will be implemented in two phases within three years. The beneficiaries of the project will receive house service connections in these five towns and the sewerage treatment plant will be designed with cutting-edge technologies so that the effluent could be reused for agricultural and industrial purposes, Sukhu said. Hapur (UP), Jun 10 (PTI) A man was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly offered 'namaaz' on the premises of Chandi temple here, police said. Satyanarayan Agarwal, an office-bearer of the temple committee, had lodged an FIR at Kotwali Nagar Police Station while local BJP leaders and members of Hindu outfits demanded strict action against the accused. Hapur Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Verma said Anwar, a resident of Sarai Basharat Ali, had allegedly offered 'namaaz' at the temple on Friday morning and was held from Bulandshahr Road a few hours later. Police analysed the CCTV camera footage taken from the temple to identify the accused, an official said. Hapur Sadar MLA Vijaypal Aadhati urged the administration to tighten security at the temples in the city and demanded strict action against the accused. On Saturday morning, devotees purified the temple by sprinkling 'Gangajal'. In the evening, the temple was washed with 'Gangajal' brought from Brajghat. Devotees present at the temple for a morning 'aarti' on Friday alleged that the accused spread a cloth on the floor and started offering 'namaaz'. He was stopped by the priest and escorted out of the temple premises. New Delhi, Jun 10 (PTI) A group of women from Manipur's Kuki community staged a candlelight vigil here on Saturday to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in Manipur violence. Scores of women from the Kuki community gathered at Jantar Mantar with candles. In a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they have sought his intervention to bring back normalcy in the state. The demands include immediate imposition of President's rule in Manipur, permanent solution through separate administration, more deployment of central forces and neutral officers at conflict zones, security at mortuary and hospitals. It also includes provision of security, food and medical aid. "Since May 3, there's unrest in Manipur. It's been more than a month. In spite of Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the state and his appeal to maintain normalcy, violence is still continuing. A mother and her son were burnt alive a few days ago. We don't know whom to trust now," one of the members of Kuki Women's Forum told PTI. "Our appeal to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister is to ensure the situation doesn't escalate further," she added. Clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of smaller agitations. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts. The ethnic clashes claimed more than 100 lives and some 10,000 army and para-military personnel had to be deployed as part of the efforts to bring back normalcy in the northeastern state. Chandigarh, Jun 10 (PTI) Lovepreet Singh's parents' are still in disbelief that their son who had left for Canada six years ago on study visa is now under threat of deportation after his education paper were found to be fake, and keep wondering what's their son's fault. \R Lovepreet Singh is one of the 700 students from India, most of whom are from Punjab, who are facing deportation from Canada after their "admission offer letters" were found to be fake. Lovepreet is scheduled to be deported from Canada on June 13, his family said. The matter came to light in March when these students, after finishing their studies, applied for permanent residency in Canada and the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) found their documents fake. Families in Punjab blamed education consultants for duping them with fake admission letters. Most of the 700 students had gone to Canada between 2017 and 2018. "Lovepreet moved to Canada in 2017 after completing his mechanical engineering. He is good in studies. Whats his fault," said a teary eyed Sarabjit Kaur, Lovepreet's mother, from Chatamli village in Punjab's Rupnagar district. "We want him to stay there. We have invested our life savings on sending Lovepreet abroad," she said. Sarabjit Kaur has filed a police complaint against the consultant through which Loverpreet had gone to Canada. Lovepreet, among other students, has been camping outside the building of CBSA in Mississauga in Canada in protest against the deportation orders. Ferozepur-based parents of Amritpal Singh were equally worried over the fate of their son who is also facing deportation. Amritpal's father Gurdev Singh said his son had gone to Canada in 2018 after completing Class 12. He studied at a college for two years in London city of Canada and later worked there. "When he applied for permanent residency, we came to know that his admission letter was fake," said Gurdev Singh, a farmer from Peer Mohammad village in Ferozepur district. Gurdev Singh said he and his son were completely dejected after they learnt about the fraud and the imminent deportation. He has lodged a police complaint against Jalandhar-based consultant Brajesh Mishra allegedly for duping his son and several other students. Gurdev Singh said though he never met Mishra, another person in his office kept giving him assurances that everything will be all right and he believed him. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday gave students the hope that all is not lost, when he said his government was focused on identifying "the culprits, not penalising the victims." "We are deeply aware of cases of international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters," Trudeau said in Canada. "Victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situations and present evidence to support their cases," he added. A Canadian parliamentary committee has voted unanimously to urge the border services agency to stop the deportation of nearly 700 Indian students who were duped by unscrupulous education consultants in India. Back in Punjab, Punjab NRI Affairs minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the state government will provide free legal assistance to the Indian students facing deportation. Dhaliwal has also written to all MPs of Punjab origin in Canada to help students tide over the deportation trouble, and sought intervention of Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in this matter. Jaishankar earlier said India has taken up the issue with Canadian authorities. "If there were people who misled them, the culpable parties should be acted upon. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook education in good faith," he said in Delhi. National Students Union of India, Punjab unit president Isherpreet Singh sought from the Punjab government to take strict action against fraudulent consultants to save the future of youth who aspire to go abroad. Lucknow, Jun 9 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Bhupendra Singh Chowdhary hit back at SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav on Friday for his remarks describing those associated with the saffron party as "demons", saying they do not need a certificate from people who have been patrons of demons, such as terrorists and criminals. Inaugurating a two-day training camp for party workers in Sitapur earlier in the day, Yadav, the chief general secretary of the Samajwadi Party (SP), said, "This training camp in Naimisharanya is the beginning of destruction of demons and those associated with the BJP are no less than demons." Reacting to Yadav's statement, Chowdhary said, "The BJP does not need any certificate from people who have been patrons of demons like mafia, criminals and terrorists." The state unit chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also said "the public has understood the truth of the people running a family-based party in the name of socialism". "Under their misrule, corruption, crime, unsafe women, oppression of the poor, exploitation had become the identity of Uttar Pradesh. Today, the criminals who are lodged in jails used to roam freely under their misrule," he added. EVN explains power purchases from abroad Vietnam's power giant EVN has explained the reasons behind its purchase of electricity from neighbouring countries rather than from renewable energy facilities at home. Two workers use a PD device to examine an electrical substation in ien Bien Province. The first reason is geographical. Power shortages often strike the northern region, whereas wind and solar farms predominantly cluster around the central and southern regions. The current capacity of the national grid doesn't allow for the transmission of excessive power from the two regions to the other. Another reason centres around power purchase agreements. Vietnam has signed such an agreement with Laos for a long time, so it is traditional to import part of its power consumption from the neighbour. The same goes for China, which has been its power exporter since 2005. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade ang Hoang An said the imported electricity was a drop in the bucket compared to what generators produced at home. Vietnam imported around 10 million kWh per day while generating 850 million kWh per day. "We import electricity not because we are short of electricity, but because it is in line with our power purchase agreements," said An. EVN has also clarified its stance on why its subsidiaries put dozens of trillions of ong in banks while EVN itself pressed for a hike in power prices. EVN said it is common practice to make deposits into banking accounts to service short-term debts. By the time the subsidiaries deposited their money, their short-term debts had amounted to over VN60 trillion (US$2.56 billion). As such, they had to maintain a sufficient banking balance to keep good credit scores. EVN also said its negotiations of power purchase with renewable energy facilities had got results. By May 31, 40 out of 50 facilities that requested temporary prices equaling half the ceiling prices defined in Decision No.21 had been approved by the ministry. More importantly, seven facilities with a total capacity of 430MW had come into operation and connected to the national grid. EVN also said it had actively embraced digital transformation to improve its operational efficiency. And as a result of the ensuing increased productivity, its headcounts on the payroll fell by 1,100 year-by-year. EVN has phased in digital electric metres since 2015 to supersede mechanical metres which require manual reading. About 80 per cent of the mechanical metres had been replaced to date, and the phase-in was expected to be completed in 2025. LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: An airplane flies over a Travelodge Hotel as it comes in to land at Heathrow Airport on January 28, 2021 in London, England. Arriving travellers from 22 "red list" countries including South Africa, South American countries and Portugal, will now need to quarantine in hotel rooms upon arrival to the UK. The measures have been introduced to prevent new strains of the covid-19 virus from taking hold here. Other countries have adopted this policy with travellers paying for their accommodation in designated hotels and are delivered meals during the quarantine period. (Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images) - Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images The American hedge fund behind Travelodge is weighing a sale worth up to 1.2bn after almost a decade of ownership. GoldenTree, one of three opportunistic funds that seized control of Travelodge more than a decade ago, is lining up bankers to explore a potential sale, according to City sources. It comes after Travelodges two other Wall Street backers recently cashed out of the budget hotel chain. Avenue Capital and Goldman Sachs, exited the investment by selling stakes worth hundreds of millions of pounds to GoldenTree. Earlier this year GoldenTree struck a deal with Travelodge bondholders owed 440m to extend the maturity of the debt from 2025 to 2028. The agreement is seen as a prelude to a potential sale as it would give any acquirer an extra three years of breathing space before needing to either repay or refinance the debt. American boutique Moelis and Goldman Sachs advisory arm are among those believed to have been sounded out to run a prospective auction of the business. A City source said: They [GoldenTree] are desperate to get out. Travelodge employs 12,000 people across nearly 600 sites and is the UKs second-biggest budget chain behind Whitbread-owned Premier Inn. A potential sale comes as hotels benefit from a surge in demand following the end of the Covid pandemic with people eager to travel again after years of restrictions. Travelodge recently reported record profits and revenue growth. Room occupancy in 2022 was higher than 2019 and room prices were up by nearly a quarter to reach an average of 64.31. Underlying earnings were 213m, compared with 129m pre-pandemic. Any sale would come just two years after Travelodges landlords were forced to accept steep rent reductions. Travelodge used a company voluntary arrangement a process led by an insolvency practitioner to reduce debts to cut its rent bill in 2020 at a time when international travel came to a standstill. Under the terms of the deal, landlords were able to recoup lost rent if profitability was higher than an agreed threshold. Travelodge was forced to pay landlords 13m in April this year, according to recent corporate filings, after a strong rebound in occupancy. Travelodge is helmed by Jo Boydell, the chains former finance chief, who took over from Craig Bonnar last summer. Mr Bonnar himself had only been at the helm of the hotel chain for only 18 months. Former Center Parcs chairman Martin Robinson was brought in at a similar time to Mr Bonnar to act as Travelodges chairman. Golden Tree Asset Management and Avenue Capital joined Goldman Sachs in seizing control of Travelodge after swapping their loans for equity in the business in 2012. The trio ousted Dubai International Capital, which had bought Travelodge in 2006 in a 675m deal. It is not the first time that Travelodges owners have weighed a potential sale of the business. Deutsche Bank was hired in 2015 to explore either an auction or stock market float. At the time the business was valued at 1bn. Travelodge declined to comment. 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. New Delhi, Jun 9 (PTI) Delhi University's ambitious document envisaging its plan to "continue to cut" the financial support from the government and develop innovative financial strategies for sustainability in the next 25 years caused a furore on Friday, with a section of teachers terming it a "clear blueprint for privatisation". The document -- Envisage DU 2047 (25-year strategic plan) -- was presented before the Executive Council (EC) on Friday for approval, but was deferred by Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh after members raised issues over certain portions of it. However, Singh clarified that there is no plan for privatisation. "I deferred it and asked to make the required amendments," the VC told PTI over the phone. In a statement, the DU said the strategic document was presented for discussions. Singh told the meeting that the next 25 years are very important for the country. "When the country will be celebrating the centenary of its independence, we will be among the developed nations. Therefore, the University of Delhi has also started preparing for its contribution to make India a developed nation in the next 25 years." he was quoted as saying at the meeting. During the discussion, two EC members -- Seema Das and Rajpal Singh Panwar -- raised a strong opposition. They objected especially to the portion in the document regarding government support. The document seen by PTI mentioned that it has been prepared to strengthen the DU's position as a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits with excellence, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit at its core. In the next 25 years, the university will focus on six broad domains -- education and students' experience, research, university community, campuses and local community connect, industry collaborations and global impact, keeping in mind the core parameters of branding, resource generation, philanthropy and globalisation, the document said. As an educational institution, the DU faces potential decline unless it can revitalise funding in ways that do not rely only on government support, the document mentioned. This portion was highlighted by the EC members. "Financial support for higher education, healthcare and research has been and will continue to be cut. As an educational institution, the University of Delhi faces potential decline unless it can revitalise funding in ways that do not rely only on government funding," the document read. "New partnerships with industry are essential to financial stability and the university is well-equipped to maximise opportunities in these areas.... Communicating, relationship-building and fundraising will be important as the university develops innovative financial strategies for sustainability," it read. Highlighting this section, Das said the strategic plan was deferred as it is a "clear blueprint for privatisation and contractualisation". "It clearly says that the present government has inflicted fund cuts on education, health and research. The document emphasised on fee hike, fundraising and to change the public-funded character of the university," she said. Meanwhile, Panwar, who is also a member of the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) teachers' wing, said the document does not mention reservation for the SC, ST, OBC, PwD and EWS categories. "The vision for the DU colleges is missing. The AADTA will oppose such a document for privatisation and contractualisation as set by the NEP 2020 in the statutory bodies as well as on streets," he added. The university said the VC described the strategic plan as very important. He said keeping in mind the strategic plan of the Government of India, the DU has also prepared its plan regarding what it needs to do in the next 25 years. Singh told PTI that the proposal was discussed and it was decided that certain changes will be made. Asked about the particular section, he said, "We have no such plans. It might be that due to some error, that part was included. The document has been sent back for amendments and will be presented before the next council meeting." The EC meeting also approved the recommendation of the steering committee constituted for conducting programmes under the existing departments of the Faculty of Technology. The new programmes are B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering of the Department of Computer Engineering, B.Tech Electronics and Communication Engineering of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering and B.Tech Electrical Engineering of the Department of Electrical Engineering. "It is worth noting that due to the NSIT and the Delhi College of Engineering becoming separate universities, the DU currently does not have technology programmes," the university said. Now, the DU has received the Ministry of Education's approval for the creation of 72 teaching and 48 non-teaching posts for its Faculty of Technology, it said. "However, at present, only 14 teachers will be appointed to these departments. It is to be noted that the Steering Committee had recommended starting three B.Tech programmes from the academic session 2023-24," it added. A total of 360 students -- 120 for each B.Tech programme -- will be admitted. Admission to these programmes will be done on the basis of the JEE Mains score. The course structure, credit distribution and syllabi for the first two semesters of the programmes have been finalised, the university said. Nagpur, Jun 10 (PTI) A 65-year-old man suffering from cancer committed suicide at a hospital here in Maharashtra, police said on Saturday. According to police, he was frustrated due to the disease. He hanged himself in the bathroom of Rastra Sant Tukdoji Regional Cancer Hospital from the hook using a stole on Friday. The deceased was a resident of Madhya Pradesh. Nagpur, Jun 10 (PTI) A 50-year-old man was arrested in Nagpur for allegedly killing his wife, a police official said. The woman was mentally unwell and the accused used to give her baths, and an argument ensued on Friday after she refused to let him help, the official said. He banged her head against a wall in their home in Kalmeshwar tehsil and killed her, the official added. Britain and its financial regulators have been coming under attack, with one of the loudest critics being the financial tech firm Revolut. The firm's boss Nik Storonsky has been blasting watchdogs for not yet granting his company a UK banking licence. Revolut has had its accounts qualified by its auditor, but its banking licence which earlier this year it was confidently saying it expected to go through within days has still not been handed over. Revolut boss boss Nik Storonsky (pictured) has been blasting watchdogs for not yet granting his company a UK banking licence Interestingly, others looking to make their mark on the UK's financial sector seem to be having an easier ride. LHV Bank, an Estonian group headquartered in the capital Tallinn, managed to score its own UK banking licence at the start of May, seemingly with little issue. An LHV spokesman said Britain's embattled regulators are 'very focused' and promote 'strong competition'. One for Nik to ponder, perhaps. Informa set for AGM pay row Events group Informa suffered one of the biggest revolts last year when a majority of shareholders rebelled against a 2.8 million pay package for chief executive Stephen Carter. Latest accounts show the former boss of media regulator Ofcom and aide to Gordon Brown trousered 3.8 million this time, taking total earnings since joining a decade ago to 28 million. In that time Informa's share price has grown by 4 per cent a year on average not to be sniffed at but hardly shooting the lights out. Chairman John Rishton says he's pleased a new pay policy was worked out at last year's meeting 'while recognising differences of opinion'. Will that ensure him a quieter time at this week's annual meeting? WE Soda adds a touch of glamour to the Footsie Float: Didem Ciner is WE Soda's chairman News that WE Soda, which makes Soda Ash a key component in glass plans to float in London has been cheered by investors and bankers alike. So far 2023 has been an annus horribilis for the UK market, with Cambridge microchip designer Arm picking New York, and many more UK firms saying they want to follow. With a 6 billion valuation, We Soda should go straight into the FTSE 100. It will also bring a touch of glamour to the Footsie, being majority owned by Turkish media mogul Turgay Ciner, 67, and his wife Didem, 43, who is its chair. She joins a still pitifully small number of women at the top of blue-chip firms. Credit Suisse bloodbath continues The bloodbath following UBS's takeover of Credit Suisse continues. Sources say 200 Credit Suisse bankers are leaving each week, with London hit hard as there are more than 5,000 Credit Suisse staff in the capital. UBS chairman Colm Kelleher last month told investors he was worried about 'cultural contamination' in taking on Credit Suisse investment bankers, adding: 'A bit like Japanese knotweed, at Credit Suisse the investment bank grew out of control and absorbed all this capital.' Actor James Cosmo, 75, has been delighting audiences since the 1960s, playing everything from a British field marshal to a Highland warrior. However, his military ties don't stop at Hollywood, as he's also an honorary colonel in the 7th Scots regiment. His commitment to Scotland, its history and culture aren't limited to scene-stealing roles in the likes of Highlander, Game Of Thrones and His Dark Materials either. This year sees the launch of his own brand of blended whisky, Storyman, available on Wednesday from storymanwhisky.com. The award-winning star lives in Surrey with his wife Anne and says he dreams of owning a bolthole near a fly-fishing stream in the Scottish Borders. Warpath: James Cosmo as Campbell in the 1995 movie Braveheart. The Scottish actor is now launching his own brand of whisky called Storyman What money advice did you get from your parents? After the war there wasn't much money around, so they advised me to be always careful around it. You had to live within your means. So, I've always been a bit wary of going into debt, major things like the mortgage aside. With cars, if I wanted one I'd pay in cash or not at all. Has your attitude to money changed over the years? I'd like to believe it hasn't. My wife Anne and I have never been ones for big holidays or flashy stuff. Not because we're Luddites or utilitarian or stingy, but because it's never really occurred to us to do that. I think Anne and I have only been on two holidays together. For me, being home's a holiday. What was your first job? I started in Arnott Young shipbreakers in the Firth of Clyde, getting brass off engines with oxy-acetylene burners. It was filthy work, with no health and safety, almost Dickensian. But there was a great bunch of characters, and it was a proper introduction to a working life. It was tiring, but it certainly did me no harm. I always enjoyed physical labour, so I worked and built Clydeside, not all on my own, but I did my bit. I still drive past and spot places where I was driving a digger or whatever. How did you get into acting? I thought I should make a living out of something I really enjoyed doing. Coming from where I did, acting seemed incredibly glamorous, so I hitchhiked to London when I was about 17. I had a back-up, of course, in that I'd work when I couldn't get an acting job. I never signed on. I had the mindset that I'm an actor, and working in bars or as a labourer is homework. You're observing the human condition, and all that experience, all the characters you meet, one day you're going to tap into those people you watched while you weren't acting, and that'll serve you well. Have you ever been paid silly money? I'd been on 10 a week labouring, and then I landed a role in The Battle Of Britain. This was the late-1960s and there I was earning 400 a week, I think, rubbing shoulders with Michael Caine and Trevor Howard. What role had the most impact on you? I did a short film for the BBC called Golden Wedding. I was in my early-50s and made up to look in my late-70s, as I was playing an elderly man with Alzheimer's. I knew about this disease as my mother was suffering with Alzheimer's at the time, and being cared for by my beloved sister. Anyway, I was playing this poor man who was losing his faculties, and on the last day of filming my sister called to say Mum had died. Spitfire ace: James Cosmo earned 400 a week playing an RAF fighter pilot In 1969's The Battle of Britain What has been your best money decision? Buying a house, with a big deposit. It was a three-bedroom semi in Twickenham, South-West London, and we had many, many happy years there. Managing to jump on the housing ladder and be able to say we've got a home now was really something. In fact, I've still got that house and we rent it out. And your worst money decision? Buying yet another barbecue. I watch YouTube, and there's some guy cooking something on a big green egg and I've gotta have it. And then another one'll come along. Where do you live? I live in a village in Surrey. I like to say it's near Weybridge, but it's not. I've been thinking about looking for a wee cottage in the Borders, because I'm a fanatical fly-fisherman. There are some lovely little streams there, but that's probably just a pipedream. It would be cheaper just to go up there and stay in a hotel. What's your personal luxury? Being on a plane coming home, with the feeling that it's gone well. Just getting home to the family is a luxury. Do you invest or have pensions? Anne and I have pensions. When it comes to investments, I'm no good at all. I'd have broken Elon Musk if I'd invested in him a while back. No, I leave investments to the professionals, with their great big buildings, big cars and fat files. That really impresses me, honest. They can take all my money. What is next for you? Well, I did a film called Outlaw King, and the production company was going to launch its own whisky, and asked me to go up and promote it. Nothing came of it. Anyway, a while later I suggested to a friend that we launch our own blend of whisky. There were no great designs, we just wanted to produce our own bottles as a wee thing. It was just a thought, but it just grew and grew. Annandale Distillery got on board as I'd met their boss through the film Outlaw King. The outcome was Storyman whisky, which is a beautiful blend. If it goes great, that's great. If it doesn't, well it's been an interesting journey. You're an honorary colonel of the 7th Scots regiment, how did that come about? I've played so many military characters in my career. I started off playing a corporal in the Virgin Soldiers, and since then it's gone up and up. I was a lieutenant colonel in Soldier Soldier and I was Field Marshal Haig in Wonder Woman, and you can't go higher than that. So I've always had a loose association with the services and like to support them and go to their functions, and let the folk who are in the services know they're appreciated. TORONTO, June 8, 2023 Thomson Reuters (NYSE/TSX: TRI), a global content and technology company, today announces a series of updates to its ONESOURCE tax solutions. Enhancements across the product suite support simplified tax data management and customizable workflows to ensure on-time filing and compliance helping corporate tax departments stay ahead of regional and global tax reform and regulatory changes. In addition to in-house product developments, new technology partnerships, including collaborations with Pagero, and Orbitax, position Thomson Reuters to support customers in automating and digitizing tax, eliminating manual work, and helping them to scale and grow their multi-national businesses. Our corporate customers trust us to inform the way forward both for their businesses, and for their clients. Ensuring they can remain compliant across every aspect of the tax workflow is essential to their future success, said Ray Grove, Vice President, Indirect Tax Product Management at Thomson Reuters. These latest product updates are a great example of how were doing just that bringing technology that drives compliance with regulatory changes and global tax rules. Were collaborating with innovative technology partners and thats helping us to bring unparalleled offerings to market. Were excited to be at the forefront of helping our customers to digitize their processes using our technology and reap the rewards of the efficiencies that brings for their tax departments. Thomson Reuters Innovation and Product Enhancements Include: Digitizing Invoicing Processes and Automating Compliance Using Pagero and ONESOURCE Indirect Tax As governments accelerate digitalization, the global indirect tax regulatory and technology landscape is ever-changing. Today companies need agile technology and expert consulting services to maintain local compliance with cross-border operations. Evolving to e-invoicing is key to digital transformation in businesses and Thomson Reuters and Pagero have launched a strategic technology partnership focused on helping tax departments simplify their e-invoicing processes. Combining Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Indirect Tax automation and accuracy with Pageros open, cloud-based business network, this partnership will enable customers to address their compliance needs more efficiently and effectively. Continuous transaction control (CTC) capabilities support mandatory business-to-government (B2G) e-invoicing and e-ordering, Pan European Public Procurement Online (PEPPOL), invoice clearance, and real-time transaction reporting. Availability: The ONESOURCE and Pagero integration will be available as part of an early adopter program in September 2023. Enabling Compliance: Global Minimum Tax with Orbitax and ONESOURCE Tax Provision A partnership between Thomson Reuters and Orbitax is removing complexity for corporate tax departments looking to navigate the Pillar 2 rules from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Orbitax Global Minimum Tax, launched in partnership with Thomson Reuters, is an end-to-end software solution that addresses all aspects of the OECD Pillar 2 rules. It is specifically designed to help companies with the expanded level of data management and preparation needed to meet compliance requirements. Tax departments worldwide can use the software to comply with local country requirements, including rule tracking, updating country-specific calculation templates for reporting, and completing and filing forms. Integrated with Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Tax Provision, alongside Pillar 2 risk assessments, it offers reporting, global compliance and forecasting. The product also supports local country implementations of the Pillar 2 rules including populating and filing of the GLoBE (Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules) Information Return. Availability: The Orbitax Global Minimum Tax Solution integration with Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Tax Provision integration is available globally. Connecting Data and Processes to Free Up Time with ONESOURCE Tax Provision APIs Designed to help tax departments connect and automate data between business systems, APIs enable faster execution of typically manually performed tasks across the tax lifecycle, without the need to log into ONESOURCE Tax Provision. This improved efficiency frees up time for customers to focus on strategic work, elevating corporate tax departments impact on the business. Availability: ONESOURCE Tax Provision APIs are available globally. Custom Analytics powered by ONESOURCE Income Tax Return and ONESOURCE Tax Provision Calculations Using Public APIs Tax is an integral part of the financial close, and with ONESOURCE Income Tax Return and Tax Provision Analytics APIs, Thomson Reuters has opened up the application data for customers to use within their own in-house analytics tools, such as Power BI, Tableau and even Microsoft Excel. Availability: ONESOURCE Income Tax and ONESOURCE Tax Provision Analytics APIs are available globally. Duty Optimization Supporting Supply Chain Success Following unprecedented supply chain disruptions in recent years, there is continued industry focus on supply chain optimization. The recently launched ONESOURCE Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Analyzer supports customers with effective duty optimization, which is critical in helping businesses prioritize the most impactful opportunities to maximize savings. Launched as part of the ONESOURCE Global Trade suite of products, the solution offers decision-making and analytics, delivering up-to-the-day reports detailing which sourcing countries, trade lanes and trade agreements provide the most favorable return on investment, based on company-specific data. Availability: ONESOURCE Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Analyzer is available globally. Taking The Pain Out of Tax Data Management Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE data solutions allow tax and finance professionals to worry less about gathering and converting data for use in tax manually. Through advanced automation, tax technologies ONESOURCE DataFlow and Data Hub play a vital role in reducing errors and making it easier to use data more securely and consistently as part of tax processes. These products are helping tax leaders gain greater control, delivering the transparency needed to reduce risks and prevent mistakes such as paying too much or too little in taxes as well as avoiding fines and penalties. Availability: ONESOURCE DataFlow and ONESOURCE Data Hub are available globally. ONESOURCE Events Debuts, Driving Collaboration Fulfilling its commitment to tighten collaboration across tax ecosystems, in the first quarter Thomson Reuters released ONESOURCE Events. This new platform capability sends messages from ONESOURCE products to top accounting firms. These can then be leveraged in real-time workflow updates in Intela, and for e-file validation notifications. Availability: ONESOURCE Events is available globally. Thomson Reuters Thomson Reuters (NYSE / TSX: TRI) (TR) informs the way forward by bringing together the trusted content and technology that people and organizations need to make the right decisions. The company serves professionals across legal, tax, accounting, compliance, government, and media. Its products combine highly specialized software and insights to empower professionals with the data, intelligence, and solutions needed to make informed decisions, and to help institutions in their pursuit of justice, truth, and transparency. Reuters, part of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds leading provider of trusted journalism and news. For more information, visit tr.com. Contact Kirsty Bennett Director, Customer and Product PR +44 7786 005 128 kirsty.bennett@thomsonreuters.com Filipino caregivers, barista featured in LA, New York, UK, and Dubai NEW YORK, June 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- True stories of successful Overseas Filipinos are making the rounds globally, in time for Independence Day in the Philippines. Videos featuring Charmaine "Charm" Espinoza, a Filipina caregiver in the United Kingdom and Dan Johnson "DJ" Noblesa, a Filipino barista in Italy, can be viewed in Times Square in New York, and LA billboards in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California from June 12 to June 13. The videos are part of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications (OPACC)'s new country branding campaign 'We Give the World Our Best The Philippines, featuring the true stories of Overseas Filipinos giving their best, wherever they are in the world. OFWs in the global spotlight Charm and DJ's videos had also earlier appeared in New York Times Square and Dubai's La Mer City Walk, two of the most prominent and modern cities in the world. UK nurse May Parsons, meanwhile, was the face of the bus ad shown in London on no less than the day of King Charles III's coronation. May was the first nurse to have administered the COVID-19 vaccine in the United Kingdom, which was very much recognized by the UK government. OPACC says the London bus ad had been rolled out during the momentous occasion to draw in the huge crowds, and communicate the inspiring message that Filipinos give their best wherever they are and in whatever they do. "At its core, the project intends to let the whole world know how good, compassionate, and competent Filipinos are. Filipinos bring their 'best' through daily actions that touch lives all over the world," says OPACC Sec. Paul Soriano. A Pinoy's unique values In their videos, both Charm and May were both lauded by their foreign patients for their untiring and dedicated service, manifesting how they showed true care, or the malasakit, maasikaso and maalaga values that comes naturally from every Filipino. "Nursing is not the easiest job in the world, in fact, it's emotionally draining. I truly believe in the things that I do, because of where I come from, our resilience, our dedication I gave my best, and my heart, I am the Philippines," May says in the video, on how she performs her daily routine of caring for the sick in the UK. Charm, on the other hand, is seen in the video patiently attending to an elderly lady, who gradually changed her demeanor because of Charm's untiring and caring attitude. In the video, while the song "Lean on Me" was playing, Charm said: "I do what's right, I give my best, I keep caring." In the next clip, Charm is introduced by her elderly patient to the family as "My friend, from the Philippines," and her son, appreciatively looking at Charm, whispered a warm thank you. The video ended with Charm proudly saying: "I am Charm, I am the Philippines," In the video in Italy, the owner of a coffee shop said that "for coffee-loving people, Italy is where they should go. And in their shop, they honor their barista, not their coffee machines." The owner added while showing how their coffee were made and brewed: "Because coffee is like life, it's all about how you make it; when your barista is the best, you can taste the love in every cup, our barista is the best, bravo Filipino!." The video ended with DJ, the Filipino barista saying: "I am DJ, I am the Philippines." Proud Pinoys at their best The new videos demonstrate how OFWs portray that they are not mere peons in the country that host them, but true ambassadors of the country they call home. Through their selfless attitude of thinking first of the welfare of their patients/clients, they are able to develop personal connections and create a strong bond between cultures and societies. This leads to greater understanding and appreciation of the Philippines and its people. The videos are now getting positive raves from the netizens. A nurse from a government hospital in Quezon City who has seen the video of May and Charm said: "The video is impressive, sana marami pang similar video ang maipalabas para maipakita kung paano mag-care ang Pinoy sa ano mang lahi sa mundo." A barista of a small coffee shop in Manila who has also seen the 1-minute video of DJ commented: "Iba talaga ang pinoy pagdating sa gawaan ng kape, like what the song of the late Tina Turner said we are "Simply the Best. I'm proud of DJ and how he is bringing honor to our country." These success stories are featured in the We Give the World our Best YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@wegivetheworldourbestph . Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/true-stories-of-overseas-filipinos-shine-in-global-spotlight-in-time-for-ph-independence-day-301847673.html SOURCE OPACC Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript June 8, 2023 Vail Resorts, Inc. misses on earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $8.18 EPS, expectations were $8.84. Operator: Good day everyone. Good afternoon and welcome to the Vail Resorts Fiscal 2023 Third Quarter Earnings Call. Today's conference is being recorded. Currently, all callers have been placed in a listen-only mode and following management's prepared remarks, the call will be opened up for your questions. [Operator Instructions] I will now turn the call over to Kirsten Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Vail Resorts. You may begin. Kirsten Lynch: Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to our fiscal 2023 third quarter earnings conference call. Joining me on the call this afternoon is Angela Korch, our Chief Financial Officer. Before we begin, let me remind you that some information provided during this call may include forward-looking statements that are based on certain assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties as described in our SEC filings and actual future results may vary materially. Forward-looking statements in our press release issued this afternoon, along with our remarks on this call are made as of today, June 8, 2023, and we undertake no duty to update them as actual events unfold. Today's remarks also include certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of these measures are provided in the tables included with our press release, along with our quarterly report on Form 10-Q were filed this afternoon with the SEC and are also available on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.vailresorts.com. Let's turn to our fiscal 2023 third quarter results. We are pleased with our overall results for the quarter and for the 2023/2024 North American ski season with strong growth in visitation and spending versus the prior year. After the challenges experienced in the second quarter of fiscal 2023, driven by weather disruptions in Tahoe and across our Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast resorts, collectively referred to as our Eastern U.S. resorts, the results in March and April improved as expected, with strong demand from local and destination guests, driving visitation, and resort net revenue above prior year record levels. Favorable conditions enabled an extended season at resorts across Utah, Tahoe, and the Northeastern U.S., while some resorts in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions closed earlier than originally intended due to unseasonably warm weather and lack of terrain. Our results throughout the 2022/2023 North American ski season highlight both the stability that comes from the advance commitment from season pass products and our strong operational execution through the season. The winter season included significant weather-related challenges from the travel disruptions over the peak holiday period, abnormal weather variability across our Eastern U.S. resorts, and significant storm related disruptions at our Tahoe resorts during multiple peak periods throughout the season. Despite these weather events, the company grew visitation, resort net revenue and Resort Reported EBITDA to record levels, supported by the stability created from our advance commitment strategy, and a strong finish to the season with good spring conditions at our resorts in Colorado, Utah, Tahoe, and the Northeastern U.S. Our ancillary businesses, including ski school, dining, and retail/rental, experienced strong growth, compared to the prior year period, when those businesses were impacted by capacity constraints driven by staffing, and in the case of dining, by operational restrictions associated with COVID-19. Staffing levels enabled our mountain resorts to deliver a strong guest experience, resulting in a significant improvement in guest satisfaction scores, which exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels at our destination resorts. Now, I would like to turn the call over to Angela to further discuss our financial results and fiscal 2023 outlook. Angela Korch: Thank you. As Kirsten mentioned, we are pleased with our overall results for the quarter. And as expected, we saw improved results in March and April. Net income attributable to Vail Resorts was $325 million or $8.18 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2023, compared to the net income attributable to Vail Resorts of $372.6 million, or $9.16 per diluted share, in the prior year. The decrease in net income attributable to Vail Resorts, compared to the prior year, is primarily attributable to an increase in expense associated with a change in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to our Park City resort lease. Resort Reported EBITDA was $623.3 million in the third quarter at fiscal 2023, an increase of $12.8 million, or 2.1%, compared to the same period in the prior year. Resort Reported EBITDA was impacted by the timing of recognition of past product revenue as a result of delayed resort openings in the prior year and early resort openings in the current 2022/2023 North American ski season. This change in resort operating dates opening dates resulted in a past product revenue decrease of approximately $40 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2023, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2022 and represents a timing difference that offsets with our second quarter of fiscal 2023. Now, turning to our outlook for fiscal 2023. The strong finish to the season produced Resort Reported EBITDA results that were in-line with our expectations. And we now expect net income attributable to Vail Resorts for fiscal 2023 to be between $251 million and $283 million, and Resort Reported EBITDA for fiscal 2023 to be between $837 million and $853 million. resort, hotel, sea Photo by Andrew Ruiz on Unsplash Our balance sheet remains strong and the business continues to generate robust cash flow. Our total cash and revolver availability as of April 30, 2023 was approximately $1.5 billion with $896 million of cash on hand and $628 million of combined revolver availability across our credit agreements. As of April 30, 2023, our net debt was 2.3x trailing 12 months total reported EBITDA. The company repurchased approximately 1.8 million shares at an average price of $225.01, for a total of $400 million during the quarter, representing 4.4% of the company's outstanding stock as of the beginning of the third quarter. We have approximately 1.8 million shares remaining under our authorization for share repurchases and remain focused on returning capital to shareholders, while always prioritizing the long-term value of our shares. Additionally, the company declared a quarterly cash dividend on Vail Resorts' common stock of $2.06 per share. The dividend will be payable on July 12, 2023 to shareholders of record as of June 27, 2023. We will continue to be disciplined stewards of our capital and remain committed to prioritizing investments in our guests, and employee experience, high return capacity expanding capital projects, strategic acquisition opportunities, and returning capital to our shareholders through our quarterly dividend and share repurchase program. Now, I'll turn the call back over to Kirsten to discuss our spring pass sales. Kirsten Lynch: Thank you, Angela. We are pleased with the results for our season pass sales to date and with continued unit growth over the strong pass sales results the business achieved last spring. Pass product sales through May 30, 2023 for the upcoming 2023/2024 North American ski season increased approximately 6% in units and approximately 11% in sales dollars as compared to the period in the prior year through May 31, 2022. Pass product sales are adjusted to eliminate the impact of foreign currency by applying an exchange rate of $0.74 between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar in both periods for Whistler Blackcomb pass sales. Relative to season to date pass product sales for the 2022/2023 season, the company achieved strong unit growth among renewing pass holders. The company successfully grew units across destination, international, and local geographies, with the strongest unit growth in destination markets, particularly in the Northeast, and across all major pass product segments, with the strongest product growth in regional unlimited pass products and Epic Day Pass products as lower frequency guests and local Northeast guests continue to be attracted to the strong value proposition of these products. Pass sales dollars are benefiting from the 8% price increase relative to the 2022/2023 season, partially offset by the mix impact from the growth of Epic Day Pass products. While pass results to date have been strong, we still have the majority of our pass selling season ahead of us, and given our efforts to drive more guests to purchase passes in the spring, we expect the full-year pass sales growth rate may moderate relative to our spring growth rate. We will provide more information about our pass sales results in our September 2023 earnings release. We are pleased with the performance from ongoing sales of the Epic Australia Pass, which end on June 14, 2023 and are up approximately 16% in units through June 1, 2023, relative to the comparable period through June 2, 2022. These passes provide advance commitment for this winter in Australia, but also provide advance commitment from Australian guests for our North American ski resorts for the 2023/2024 winter season. Our commitment to reinvesting in our resorts and the guest experience remains one of our highest priorities. As part of this, we are pleased to be launching a new innovative business and new technology for the upcoming 2023/2024 North American ski season. We are piloting My Epic gear at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone for a limited number of pass holders during the 2023/2024 North American ski season, which will introduce a new membership program that provides the best benefits of gear ownership, but with more choice, lower cost, and no hassle. My Epic Gear provides its members with the ability to choose the gear they want, for the full season or for the day, from a selection of the most popular and latest ski and snowboard models, and have it delivered to them when and where they want it, guaranteed, with free slopeside pick up and drop off every day. In addition to offering the best skis and snowboards, My Epic Gear will also offer name brand, high-quality ski, and snowboard boots with customized insoles and boot fit scanning technology. The entire My Epic Gear membership, from gear selection to boot fit to personalized recommendations to delivery, will be at the members' fingertips through the new My Epic app. My Epic Gear will officially launch for the 2024/2025 winter season at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City Mountain, Crested Butte, Heavenly, Northstar, Stowe, Okemo, and Mount Snow. And further expansions are expected in future years. The company is planning to introduce new technology for the 2023/2024 ski season at its U.S. Resorts that will allow guests to store their pass product or lift ticket directly on their phone and scan at lifts hands-free, eliminating the need for carrying plastic cards, visiting the ticket window, or waiting to receive a pass or lift ticket in the mail. Once loaded onto their phones, guests can store their phone in their pocket, and get scanned hands free in the lift line using Bluetooth Low Energy technology, which is designed for low energy usage to minimize the impact on a phones battery life. In addition to the significant enhancement of the guest experience, this technology will also ultimately reduce waste of printing plastic cards for pass products and lift tickets, and RFID chips, as a part of the company's commitment to Zero. For the first year of launch, to ensure a smooth transition, the company will provide plastic cards for passes and lift tickets to all guests, and in future years plastic cards will be available to any guest who cannot or do not want to use their phone to store their pass product or lift ticket. We are also excited to announce the launch of our new My Epic app, which will include Mobile Pass and mobile lift ticket, interactive trail maps, real-time and predictive lift line wait times, personalized stats, My Epic Gear, and other relevant information to support the guest experience. The company is also investing in network-wide scalable technology that will enhance our analytics, e-commerce, and guest engagement tools to improve our ability to target our guest outreach, personalize messages, and improve conversion. Additionally, as previously announced, this summer and fall, we will be completing important strategic capital projects. At Keystone, we plan to complete the transformational lift served terrain expansion project in Bergman Bowl, increasing lift-served terrain by 550 acres with the addition of a new six-person high speed lift. At Breckenridge, we plan to upgrade the Peak 8 base area to enhance the beginner and children's experience and increase uphill capacity from this popular base area. The investment plan includes a new four-person high speed 5-Chair to replace the existing two-person fixed-grip lift, as well as significant improvements, including new teaching terrain and a transport carpet from the base, to make the beginner experience more accessible. At Whistler Blackcomb, we plan to replace the four-person high speed Fitzsimmons lift with a new eight-person high speed lift in calendar year 2023. At Stevens Pass, we are planning to replace the two-person fixed-grip Kehrs Chair lift with a new four-person lift, which is designed to improve out-of-base capacity and guest experience. At Attitash, we plan to replace the three-person fixed-grip Summit Triple lift with a new four-person high speed lift to increase uphill capacity and reduce guest ride time on the longest lift at the resort. These lift projects are currently planned to be completed in time for the 2023/2024 North American winter season. Additionally, the company plans to expand parking by more than 500 spaces across Heavenly, Mount Sunapee, Liberty and Roundtop to improve the guest experience. In closing, we greatly appreciate the loyalty of our guests that visited across our entire network of Mountain Resorts this past season and the continued loyalty of our pass holders that have already committed to next season. With the North American and European ski season coming to an end, I would like to especially thank our frontline employees for their passion and tireless dedication to delivering an experience of a lifetime to our guests. Our employees are the core of Vail Resorts mission to create an experience of a lifetime. We cannot create an experience of a lifetime for our guests without first creating an experience of a lifetime for our employees, and we are all looking forward to a great winter season at our three Mountain Resorts in Australia. At this time, Angela and I will be happy to answer your questions. Operator, we are now ready for questions. See also 25 Best Beaches in California and 10 Best Coal Mining Stocks to Buy . To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although Amazon.com made losses for many years after listing, if you had bought and held the shares since 1999, you would have made a fortune. But the harsh reality is that very many loss making companies burn through all their cash and go bankrupt. So, the natural question for Xtract One Technologies (TSE:XTRA) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). We'll start by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves in order to calculate its cash runway. See our latest analysis for Xtract One Technologies How Long Is Xtract One Technologies' Cash Runway? You can calculate a company's cash runway by dividing the amount of cash it has by the rate at which it is spending that cash. As at April 2023, Xtract One Technologies had cash of CA$8.6m and no debt. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through CA$15m. Therefore, from April 2023 it had roughly 7 months of cash runway. That's quite a short cash runway, indicating the company must either reduce its annual cash burn or replenish its cash. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time. How Well Is Xtract One Technologies Growing? Xtract One Technologies boosted investment sharply in the last year, with cash burn ramping by 91%. On top of that, the fact that operating revenue was basically flat over the same period compounds the concern. Considering both these metrics, we're a little concerned about how the company is developing. In reality, this article only makes a short study of the company's growth data. You can take a look at how Xtract One Technologies has developed its business over time by checking this visualization of its revenue and earnings history. How Easily Can Xtract One Technologies Raise Cash? Since Xtract One Technologies has been boosting its cash burn, the market will likely be considering how it can raise more cash if need be. Generally speaking, a listed business can raise new cash through issuing shares or taking on debt. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn. Xtract One Technologies has a market capitalisation of CA$191m and burnt through CA$15m last year, which is 7.8% of the company's market value. That's a low proportion, so we figure the company would be able to raise more cash to fund growth, with a little dilution, or even to simply borrow some money. Is Xtract One Technologies' Cash Burn A Worry? Even though its cash runway makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Xtract One Technologies' cash burn relative to its market cap was relatively promising. Looking at the factors mentioned in this short report, we do think that its cash burn is a bit risky, and it does make us slightly nervous about the stock. On another note, we conducted an in-depth investigation of the company, and identified 4 warning signs for Xtract One Technologies (2 make us uncomfortable!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts) 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 09, 2023] NETEVIA LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE SUPPORT MARKETPLACE WITH FRANPOS AS INAUGURAL PARTNER Tweet MIAMI, June 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Netevia, a leading Financial Technology Company, is excited to announce the launch of its new Software Support Marketplace a robust platform designed to empower Independent Sales Organizations (ISO) with high-quality software solutions tailored to various business verticals. "Our goal is to create an ecosystem where software solutions and support converge to provide businesses and ISOs with unparalleled efficiency," said Benoit Boisset, Chief Operating Officer at Netevia. "With the inclusion of FranPOS in our marketplace, we're delivering on our promise to offer industry-leading solutions coupled with top-tier support." Over the past year, Netevia has significantly expanded its support team to ensure comprehensive, top-level support for every vendor that partners with our marketplace. This strategic expansion strengthens our ability to sell our vendor's software effectively and provide end-to-end support. It creates a seamless experience for business owners who now need to connect with only one company for support. We are pleased to introduce FranPOS as the inaugural software in our marketplace. A powerful point-of-sale (POS) and business managemen solution, FranPOS brings an extensive suite of features, including transaction processing, inventory management, CRM tools, marketing automation, and more. FranPOS caters to various business verticals such as Retail, Salons, Barber Shops, Vape Shops, and ten other diverse sectors, helping businesses streamline operations, boost customer engagement, and drive growth. Subodh Gupta, the Chief Executive Officer of FranPOS, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Collaborating with Netevia opens a new avenue for FranPOS to expand into channel sales and reach a wider audience. Offering our solution on Netevia's platform not only benefits our growth but ultimately adds value to businesses seeking a high-quality POS solution. We're looking forward to seeing this collaboration prosper." FranPOS will also be available on the latest PAX Elys Family Line of terminals, starting with the L1400 Workstation and the E600, further enhancing the reach of its cutting-edge technology in transaction processing. The timing of our announcement couldn't be more perfect as we're looking forward to showcasing our innovative marketplace at the upcoming Southeastern Acquirers Association show. We cordially invite you to visit us at booth #131 to learn more about our Software Support Marketplace and the exclusive features offered by FranPOS. Netevia remains committed to supporting its partners and delivering best-in-class solutions to business owners. The Software Support Marketplace, powered by an expanded support team and strategic partnerships like FranPOS, is a testament to this commitment. For more information about our Software Support Marketplace or partnership with FranPOS, please visit our website at www.netevia.com. About Netevia Netevia is a forward-thinking FinTech company committed to offering innovative solutions that streamline and simplify financial operations for businesses across diverse verticals. Our comprehensive offerings and dedicated customer support empower businesses to achieve their full potential in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Press Contact: Eduardo Mora Marketing Director Netevia [email protected] (786)449-9235 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/netevia-launches-innovative-software-support-marketplace-with-franpos-as-inaugural-partner-301847624.html SOURCE Netevia [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Rising local violence continues into the weekend . . . Here's the latest and newsies wait for official word from Missouri Highway Patrol . . . Check-it . . . "The shooting happened around 9 p.m. near East 31st Street and Van Brunt Boulevard, just south of Interstate 70. Four ambulances, dozens of firefighters and additional police flooded the area after the outburst of violence." More deets from the latest update . . . "A Kansas City police spokesperson said the police shooting happened near 31st Street and Van Brunt Boulevard. No offers were injured in the shooting. "Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Andy Bell said just before 9 p.m. a Kansas City officer put out an assist call. Right after that, officers responded to a shots fired call in the area. "Three people were shot in total in the incident, but Bell didnt have information yet about what led to the shooting." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Police shooting reported at 31st, Van Brunt in Kansas City 31st and Van Brunt shooting SOURCE: KMBC Authorities are on the scene of a police shooting at 31st and Van Brunt in Kansas City. The Missouri Highway Patrol is on scene assisting the investigation. Earlier, police said there were two shooting individuals who were shot in the area. 1 person died, 2 others injured in shooting involving KCPD on Friday night KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City, Missouri, police were involved in a shooting Friday that left one person dead, another critically injured and a third person with unknown injuries. Two killed, another injured in Kansas City police shooting Friday night KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Two people are dead and another is injured after a shooting involving Kansas City police Friday night. A Kansas City police spokesperson said the police shooting happened near 31st Street and Van Brunt Boulevard. No offers were injured in the shooting. Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Developing . . . Show-Me State politicos spent most of today paying their respects to the legacy of one of their colleagues. Meanwhile, newsies who worked the statehouse were mostly terrified of this dude at first meeting. Here are the basics of tonight's report . . . Ron Richard died on Friday at the age 75. He had been recently diagnosed with bladder cancer. Many who are currently or were in Missouri politics spent Friday praising Richard as a titan in the state legislature who held top leadership roles during tumultuous times. He was speaker of the House in the midst of the economic calamity of the late 2000s and was the leader of the Senate during a monthslong crisis over the future of then-Gov. Eric Greitens governorship. Its a legacy of what it means to be a true public servant, said former House Speaker Todd Richardson. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . A giant in Missouri legislative politics dies - Missourinet The only person in Missouri history to hold both positions of Missouri Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tem has died. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, was 75 years old. Richard started his political career in the 1990's, where he was elected to the Joplin City Council. With a price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 1.4x Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (NYSE:WHG) may be sending bullish signals at the moment, given that almost half of all the Capital Markets companies in the United States have P/S ratios greater than 2.4x and even P/S higher than 7x are not unusual. However, the P/S might be low for a reason and it requires further investigation to determine if it's justified. Check out our latest analysis for Westwood Holdings Group What Does Westwood Holdings Group's P/S Mean For Shareholders? Revenue has risen at a steady rate over the last year for Westwood Holdings Group, which is generally not a bad outcome. One possibility is that the P/S ratio is low because investors think this good revenue growth might actually underperform the broader industry in the near future. Those who are bullish on Westwood Holdings Group will be hoping that this isn't the case, so that they can pick up the stock at a lower valuation. Although there are no analyst estimates available for Westwood Holdings Group, take a look at this free data-rich visualisation to see how the company stacks up on earnings, revenue and cash flow. What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The Low P/S? Westwood Holdings Group's P/S ratio would be typical for a company that's only expected to deliver limited growth, and importantly, perform worse than the industry. Taking a look back first, we see that the company managed to grow revenues by a handy 3.1% last year. Still, lamentably revenue has fallen 3.5% in aggregate from three years ago, which is disappointing. Accordingly, shareholders would have felt downbeat about the medium-term rates of revenue growth. Comparing that to the industry, which is predicted to deliver 18% growth in the next 12 months, the company's downward momentum based on recent medium-term revenue results is a sobering picture. With this in mind, we understand why Westwood Holdings Group's P/S is lower than most of its industry peers. Nonetheless, there's no guarantee the P/S has reached a floor yet with revenue going in reverse. Even just maintaining these prices could be difficult to achieve as recent revenue trends are already weighing down the shares. What We Can Learn From Westwood Holdings Group's P/S? We'd say the price-to-sales ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations. As we suspected, our examination of Westwood Holdings Group revealed its shrinking revenue over the medium-term is contributing to its low P/S, given the industry is set to grow. At this stage investors feel the potential for an improvement in revenue isn't great enough to justify a higher P/S ratio. Given the current circumstances, it seems unlikely that the share price will experience any significant movement in either direction in the near future if recent medium-term revenue trends persist. And what about other risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Westwood Holdings Group (of which 1 is a bit unpleasant!) you should know about. If strong companies turning a profit tickle your fancy, then you'll want to check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a low P/E (but have proven they can grow earnings). 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 We've missed these updates but this week there's welcomed, feisty argumentation in one of our favorite community newspaper. Check CRITICAL STREET LEVEL REPORTING & OPINION on one of many KCMO construction projects that absolutely ignored the advice of neighbors . . . "The new plan is a complete departure from the Independence Avenue overlay plan that was discussed by community stakeholders and approved by the mayor and full city council in 2016. The new plan also largely ignores recommendations made in a Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) study in 2018 that recommended that the Independence and Van Brunt intersection be realigned to match Independence and Benton or Independence and Hardesty. Can you say baby out with the bathwater?" Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . The Mayor's pledge to work on the issue is encouraging. However . . . We can only hope that Mayor Q has more luck SOLVING this problem than he encountered in recent efforts to curb Kansas City's historic homicide surge. Meanwhile . . . Cynical & skeptical souls might see yet another gambit for so-called "local control" in his argumentation. Check-it . . . Maybe its changing whos answering the calls and what agency does that and whos getting paid to do it, (Mayor Quinton) Lucas said. Right now, all of our 911 dispatch starts with the Kansas City Police Department. Should we do that through fire or some other service? Because frankly, everythings on the table. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Kansas City mayor vows to solve city's 911 problem: 'Everything's on the table.' KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas called current wait times "unacceptable" and "horrifying." He said plans to propose changes at the next Board of Commissioners meeting. "Maybe it's changing who's answering the calls and what agency does that and who's getting paid to do it," Lucas said. May numbers show increase in 911 wait times for Kansas City, Mo. residents Numbers released this week show that Kansas City, Mo., residents waited even longer in May 2023 for 911 calls to be answered. There were more than 61,000 911 calls to the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department last month. Fewer than 41 percent of them were answered within 15 seconds. Developing . . . Here's the aftermath, more info, and news reports which provide yet another example that worsening metro crime doesn't respect municipal boundaries: Shawnee police said officers were called around 12:45 p.m. to the store in the 6600 block of Nieman Road on a report that an employee had been stabbed with a knife. When officers arrived at the store, the female employee said a man walked into the store and attacked her. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Police took a suspect into custody around 3:30 p.m. in Kansas City, Missouri. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Man in custody after allegedly stabbing woman at Shawnee liquor store KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A man is in custody in connection to a stabbing Friday afternoon at Stonebridge Liquors in Shawnee. Shawnee police said officers were called around 12:45 p.m. to the store in the 6600 block of Nieman Road on a report that an employee had been stabbed with a knife. Suspect in custody after woman is stabbed in Shawnee liquor store SHAWNEE, Kan. (KCTV) - A woman is in critical condition after being stabbed at a liquor store in Shawnee, Kansas, on Friday afternoon. According to the police department, it happened at 12:47 p.m. at Stonebridge Liquors in the 6600 block of Nieman Road. Suspect in custody after woman critically injured in Shawnee knife attack SHAWNEE, Kan. - A woman is hospitalized with critical injuries after she told police a man attacked her at work. The incident happened around 12:45 p.m. at Stonebridge Liquors. The store is located at the corner of W. 67th Street and Nieman Road in Shawnee. Police investigating after Shawnee, Kan., liquor store employee stabbed A woman is in critical condition after police say she was stabbed while working in a Shawnee liquor store. Police were called out to the 6600 block of Nieman Road Friday afternoon to investigate a reported stabbing. When they arrived, they saw a female suffering from stabbing wounds. Johnson County liquor store clerk who was knifed Friday is in critical condition: Police A clerk working at Stonebridge Liquor in Shawnee was seriously injured in a knife attack Friday afternoon, according to police. Officers responded shortly before 1 p.m. to the 6648 Nieman Road in response to the attack, police said in a statement. Developing . . . Japan will provide $5 million in support to Ukraine after Russia's blowing up of the Nova Kakhovka dam caused severe damage to the nation. That's according to Kyodo, which cites Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, Ukrinform reports. Matsuno said that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a 30-minute telephone conversation, during which Kishida once again expressed sympathy and solidarity with the people of Ukraine in connection with the consequences of the destruction of the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. According to Kyodo, the dam destroyed by Russian forces is crucial for Ukraine as it supplies cooling water to the country's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant -- the largest in Europe. Failure to cool the nuclear fuel could lead to a serious accident such as a core meltdown. Both facilities are under Russian control. Russia is deepening its defense cooperation with Iran and has received hundreds of one-way attack drones that it is using to strike Ukraine. Thats according to Reuters, Ukrinform reports. Citing newly declassified information, the White House said the drones, or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), were built in Iran, shipped across the Caspian Sea and then used by Russian forces against Ukraine. "Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorize the Ukrainian population, and the Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening," White House spokesman John Kirby said in a statement. The official noted that the transfer of the drones was a violation of United Nations rules, and the United States would seek to hold the two countries accountable. "We will continue to impose sanctions on the actors involved in the transfer of Iranian military equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine," Kirby said. He said a new U.S. advisory issued on Friday aimed "to help businesses and other governments better understand the risks posed by Irans UAV program and the illicit practices Iran uses to procure components for it." As Ukrinform reported earlier, Iran provides Russia with materials for the construction of a drone factory in Tatarstan, which will be able to provide the Kremlin with weapons to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine. A man who caused a school bus crash last year as part of a series of incidents involving huffing in Stafford County pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges Thursday. Michael Jay Kingham, 30, pleaded guilty to inhaling noxious chemicals and reckless driving. Those charges stemmed from a Dec. 16 incident in which he caused a traffic accident involving a middle school bus. According to police, Kingham had been inhaling fumes from aerosol cans that day when he passed a school bus in the 1300 block of Brooke Road in southern Stafford on a double-yellow line while heading north. He hit the bus, then collided head-on with a southbound Dodge Durango. The bus ended up in a ditch. The bus had just left DixonSmith Middle School. Two students were taken to a hospital to be treated, and the Durango driver was also injured. Kingham had been convicted of huffing charges previously, and was arrested at least three more times following the school bus crash. He is again facing charges in Stafford as the result of a May 23 incident in which he was found locked in a Stafford Walmart bathroom with several empty aerosol cans he had allegedly stolen from the store. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursdays convictions on July 27. Introducing the new Free Lance-Star app Customize your experience so you see the stories most important to you. And sign up for pers Moldova will provide Ukraine with aid in the amount of 4.2 million lei (over $236,000) to eliminate the environmental and humanitarian consequences of the Kakhovka HPP destruction. Thats according to NewsMaker, Ukrinform reports. "The batch of humanitarian aid includes water pumping stations, inflatable boats, food, and equipment needed to mitigate flooding effects," the report said. The corresponding decision was taken by the National Emergency Situations Commission of Moldova. The equipment will be provided from the reserves of the General Inspectorate of Emergency Situations and the Agency for Material Reserves. As Ukrinform reported earlier, on the night of June 6, Russian troops blew up the Kakhovka HPP dam. The plant cannot be restored, according to the operator. In Kherson region, rescue operations and evacuation of the population from flooded areas are ongoing. Japan has announced it will provide $5 million to Ukraine through international organizations for urgent aid to victims of flooding caused by the Russian forces blowing up the Kakhovka HPP dam. Also, immediate help is expected from Belgium to support those affected by the flood. The country engaged several federal ministries and departments to this end. Asian countries are increasingly inclined to support Ukraine in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Volodymyr Havrylov said this in a comment to the Military Media Center, according to Ukrinform. He noted that countries in Asia are increasingly inclined to support Ukraine, and the dynamics of sentiment in this region in recent months "has been very positive in our favor." Read also: Ukrainian forces launch over 20 air strikes on enemy positions over past 24 hours "This primarily concerns Japan. It has opened up a lot to us," Havrylov said. According to him, South Korea is also becoming more inclined towards Ukraine. In particular, he noted that Vietnam and Malaysia are already "looking more boldly at communicating with us." "They all understand that there was aggression. But in that region, traditionally, there was a great influence of the Soviet Union, and later of Russia, but Russia is simply unable to maintain any filters in conditions when a lot of negative things about it are spreading worldwide," Havrylov said. Photo: Ukraine's Ministry of Defense French President Emmanuel Macron has warned Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi about the consequences of delivering drones to Russia. Thats according to Reuters citing Macron's office, Ukrinform reports. In a phone call, Macron urged Iran to "immediately cease" the support it is giving Russia in the war against Ukraine. Macron also expressed concerns about the trajectory of the Iranian nuclear programme, the statement read. As Ukrinform reported earlier, Russia is deepening cooperation with Iran in the field of defense and has received hundreds of lethal one-way attack drones, which it uses to launch strikes against Ukraine. The Fredericksburg School Board on Monday unanimously approved the renewal of superintendent Marci Catletts contract for another four years, effective July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027. FCPS is seeing the tangible benefits of Dr. Catletts leadership and is excited to extend her contract for another four years, School Board Chair Jennifer Boyd told The Free LanceStar on Friday. The board looks forward to continued partnership with her as the school system moves onward and upward. Catlett is receiving a salary increase of about $20,000 under the new contract. Her new salary is $219,904. Her salary under the previous contract, which was effective July 1, 2021, was $199,500. Catlett was hired in November 2019 to replace David Melton, who retired in June of that year. She was deputy superintendent under Melton and has spent her entire career with Fredericksburg City Public Schools, beginning as a middle school teacher in 1981 and moving into administration in 1990. She is also a graduate of the division. Unadjusted SOL scores show improvement in Fredericksburg City student performance Fredericksburg City Public School students improved their performance in 26 subjects and mai When Melton retired, he was the highest-paid superintendent in the region, making an annual base salary of $239,617, according to data obtained from the city school system in 2018. Stafford County Superintendent Thomas Taylor is now the regions highest-paid superintendent, making $250,000 annually, according to the most recent contract posted on the School Boards website. Taylor was hired in 2021 and has a doctorate in education and a masters degree in business administration and has worked as a teacher, principal, chief academic officer, chief operating officer and deputy superintendent. The second highest-paid public employee in the region is Spotsylvania superintendent Mark Taylor, who makes $245,000 annually. He was hired in September and comes to the job with a background in county administration. Introducing the new Free Lance-Star app Customize your experience so you see the stories most important to you. And sign up for pers Rome, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jun, 2023 ) :Italian special forces boarded a cargo ship sailing from Turkey to France on Friday, after the crew were threatened by "pirates" off the Italian coast, the defence ministry said. Marines dropped onto the vessel from helicopters after a number of "stowaways" used knives to threaten the crew, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told reporters. The ministry told AFP the aggressors appeared to be migrants, though their nationalities were unknown. The ship was the Galata Seaways, a roll-on roll-off cargo ship -- designed to carry vehicles -- sailing under a Turkish flag with reportedly 22 crew members. It set off from Topcular in Turkey on June 7 and was headed for Sete in southern France. Some 15 stowaways had boarded the ship in Turkey, in the hope of reaching Europe, but were discovered by the crew, the Repubblica daily said. "The migrants tried to take some of the crew hostage inside the bridge," ANSA news agency said. The drama unfolded as the ship -- some 200 metres long and 20 metres wide -- was sailing in Italian waters, near the island of Ischia. The captain managed to radio for help, sending an urgent request to Ankara, which then alerted the Italian authorities, according to reports. After special forces stormed the ship, some of the stowaways were arrested but others "barricaded themselves in the depths of the hold," the Repubblica said. "The ship is very big and it is not difficult to hide," minister Crosetto told a television show. "When they heard the helicopter, (some of the stowaways) ran, then probably tried to escape by sea in the dark," he said. "However, the ship is surrounded. We will see in the next few hours... who the pirates are and what they wanted to do," he said. Italy's marines "had to take control of the ship, and they did so in a very short time," he said, adding that the crew was safe. Coast guard and financial police boats were also involved in the operation, the Italian ministry said. The cargo ship was escorted towards Naples and anchored just outside the port, where there was a heavy police presence, local media reported. Rome, June 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jun, 2023 ) :Italian special forces boarded a cargo ship sailing from Turkey to France on Friday after the crew were threatened by "pirates" off the Italian coast, the defence ministry said. "An operation is underway on a vessel boarded by pirates... The stowaways were using what seem to be weapons like daggers" to threaten the crew, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told reporters. Marines boarded the ship off Naples after the group, "allegedly migrants, threatened the crew with knives," a ministry press officer told. Special forces have since regained control of the ship, but a search was underway for some of the stowaways, the press officer said. The ship was the Galata Seaways, a roll-on roll-off cargo ship -- designed to carry vehicles -- sailing under a Turkish flag with 22 crew members, according to Italian media reports. It set off from Topcular in Turkey on June 7 and was headed for Sete in southern France, the reports said. An as yet unknown number of stowaways had boarded the ship in Turkey, in the hope of reaching Europe, but were discovered by the crew, the Repubblica daily said. "The migrants tried to take some of the crew hostages inside the bridge," ANSA news agency said. The captain of the ship managed to radio for help, sending an urgent request to Ankara, it said. After special forces stormed the ship, some of the stowaways were arrested but others "barricaded themselves in the depths of the hold," the Repubblica said. The family of a 28-year-old man who died in a garbage compactor at a Spotsylvania County trash facility issued a statement Wednesday, expressing the devastation of Brandon Nutters horrific 2022 death. The statement alleges that a criminal investigation could soon go to a grand jury and the family intends to sue all responsible parties in the event there is no amicable resolution. In his third week on the job at the Chancellor Convenience Center on July 7, 2022, Nutter was inside a compactor when the machine activated after he cut free a piece of rebar. He was crushed while trying to escape, according to a report from the Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office. According to the July 7, 2022, Sheriffs Office report, several factors played crucial roles in Nutters death, including a lack of training and record keeping. The county faces nearly $300,000 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration fines for violations related to the fatal incident. The labor and industry department is handling the state-based investigation for OSHA. The OSHA case has not been resolved. Stafford County attorney Charles B. Roberts released a statement from the family that described Nutters death as senseless. His mother spoke to him almost daily, as did his father and brothers, and they loved him very much, the family stated. They enjoyed weekends with him at Lake Anna boating, swimming, and barbecuing. The statement added that Nutter and his fiancee had planned a May 2023 wedding, and she is heartbroken. The statement covers details of the Sheriffs Office report and also states that the labor report found a criminal violation, something the family alleges county officials were aware of when commenting they declared no crime was committed by any employee. The incident was investigated by the Spotsylvania Countys Sheriffs Office and it concluded that no crime had been committed by any county employee, as evidenced by the Sheriffs Office investigative report, the county said in a statement. Detective Anthony Horn requested to close the criminal case, but that has not happened. The county statement also notes that it has not received any notification regarding a recommendation of criminal charges through the OSHA investigation and that there was no criminal finding in the citations. The county said officials continue to work through the OSHA investigative process and that it was prepared to complete the process in April, but OSHA and the department of labor and industry rescheduled it to August. This matter is not closed, the county response stated. Importantly, the county actively continues to address and responsibly improve workplace safety. It remains important to the County meaningfully to learn from this tragic and terrible accident and engage in actions to prevent something similar from happening to someone else. The Sheriffs Office and state department of labor and industry have not yet responded to a request for a response and update on the case. Roberts, the familys attorney, said they hired him to investigate this tragic matter and file a wrongful death lawsuit against all responsible parties in the event there is no amicable resolution. If we must file suit, we are preparing for a protracted and expensive legal battle. The family statement ends by saying its time for the county to give Brandons life and his family the respect, dignity, and closure they deserve by accepting responsibility for its employees actions and by resolving the citations and a settlement with the family. London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jun, 2023 ) :Britain's former prime minister Boris Johnson on Friday said he was quitting as a member of parliament, claiming he had been forced out in a stitch-up by his political opponents. The 58-year-old populist politician has been under investigation by a cross-party committee about whether he repeatedly lied to parliament over Covid lockdown-breaking parties when he was in office. In evidence earlier this year he angrily insisted he had not. But as the committee prepares to make public its findings, he said they had contacted him "making it clear... they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament". The Privileges Committee, which has a majority of MPs from his own Conservative party, has powers to impose sanctions for misleading parliament, including suspension. Ordinarily, suspension of more than 10 working days leads to a by-election in the MP's constituency. Johnson, though, pre-empted any finding -- or the consequences of a humiliating fight to remain an MP in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency in northwest London where he holds a slim majority of just over 7,000 -- by quitting. He denounced the committee, chaired by veteran opposition Labour MP Harriet Harman, as a "kangaroo court". "It is very sad to be leaving Parliament - at least for now -- but above all I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically... with such egregious bias," he said. The committee's report, which has not been published, was "riddled with inaccuracies and reeks of prejudice", he said, complaining he had "no formal ability to challenge anything they say". Their "purpose from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts", he added. - Sunak attack - The announcement came just hours after Johnson controversially rewarded his closest Brexit allies -- and officials implicated in the "Partygate" saga -- in his prime ministerial resignation honours list. At the same time, his former culture secretary Nadine Dorries announced that she was quitting as an MP with immediate effect. Johnson led the Tories to a thumping 80-seat majority in the December 2019 general election on a promise to "get Brexit done". That allowed him to railroad through parliament his divorce deal with the European Union, unblocking years of political paralysis. But he was undone by his handling of the Covid pandemic, "Partygate" and a succession of other scandals that led to a ministerial rebellion in July last year. He quit as prime minister and left office in September last year, although rumours persisted that he wanted another shot at the top job. Rishi Sunak, who was one of Johnson's top team who quit, has been trying to steady the ship since becoming prime minister in October last year, after the turbulent tenure of his former boss and the short-lived Liz Truss. Johnson's resignation will likely be seen as his revenge on Sunak, whose Tories are well down in the polls to the main opposition Labour party after 13 years in power and with a general election looming next year. "When I left office last year the government was only a handful of points behind in the polls. That gap has now massively widened," said Johnson in his letter lashing out at Sunak. "Just a few years after winning the biggest majority in almost half a century, that majority is now clearly at risk. "Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do." - 'Good riddance' - Johnson's supporters rallied behind him, lauding his achievements on Brexit, and galvanising support for Ukraine. But Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said the public -- battling a cost-of-living crisis -- have had enough of the "never-ending Tory soap opera". Her opposite number with the smaller Liberal Democrats, Daisy Cooper, said it was "good riddance" while the Scottish National Party's deputy UK parliament leader Mhairi Black, said Johnson "jumped before he was pushed". Johnson, who was sacked from his first job at The Times newspaper for making up a quote, made his name as Brussels correspondent of the Daily Telegraph peddling euromyths. He first became an MP in 2001 until 2008, then quit to serve two four-year terms as London's mayor. He became an MP again in 2015, going on to be foreign secretary under Theresa May. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Due to heavy wind, rain and storm, the number of victims has increased to 17 with more than 60 others injured including children and women, Director General Rescue 1122 Dr Khateer Ahmad told media men here on Saturday PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jun, 2023 ) :Due to heavy wind, rain and storm, the number of victims has increased to 17 with more than 60 others injured including children and women, Director General Rescue 1122 Dr Khateer Ahmad told media men here on Saturday. Giving much-updated details, Director General Rescue 1122, disclosed that the number of deaths due to heavy rain, strong wind and storm in Lakki Marwat, Karak and Bannu was reported with 12 people killed in Bannu, three in Lakki Marwat and 2 in Karak, Director General Rescue 1122 said. He said, more than 60 people were injured due to wind and storm and most of the accidents occurred due to collapsed roofs and walls. The number of injured has increased to more than 60, Director General Rescue 1122 said. There were unconfirmed reports that more than 85 were injured. He said the victims including children and women with relief operations of Rescue 1122 are ongoing in Karak, Bannu and Lakki Marwat. Roofs and walls of houses collapsed in various incidents, he added. He said, earlier, two children and a woman of the same family died in Lakki Marwat and more than 60 others were injured. The official of Rescue 1122 said that all stations of Rescue 1122 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are on alert. Dr Khateer Ahmed directed the official to keep a vigilant eye on any untoward incident. He said relief activities continued as due to heavy rain, roof collapses occurred at many places in Lakki Marwat, Karak and Bannu. He disclosed that Rescue 1122's search and rescue operations are ongoing as all the injured are being shifted to the hospital after providing medical aid on the spot. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jun, 2023 ) :Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (MoS) Hina Rabbani Khar paid a two-day visit to Denmark and Finland on June 8-10 in which she held government level interactions and engaged with think tank and local media. In Denmark, the MoS met the Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jorgensen. The two ministers agreed on building collaboration in renewable energy sector, under the recently signed Green Framework Engagement Agreement. She hoped that the Danish Minister's upcoming visit to Pakistan next week (16-18 June 2023) would be instrumental in this regard and assured Minister Jorgensen warm welcome and full cooperation on the government's behalf, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release on Saturday. In a meeting with Prehn Rasmus, a Member of the Danish Parliament, the MoS underscored the importance of parliamentary engagement in further cementing mutual ties. Discussions were also held on areas where quick progress could be made bilaterally. The MoS engaged with the Danish chapter of the Schiller Institute on Pakistan's approach to key regional and international issues. The talk was joined in via Zoom by the international president of the Schiller Institute, Helga Zepp-LaRouche. She also gave an interview to the leading Danish newspaper, Berlingske. On 9 June, the MoS called on Johanna Sumuvuori, the State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland in Helsinki. The two ministers noted the growing bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of education and vocational training. The MoS identified Green Energy as a key sector, in which significant bilateral collaboration could be developed in the near future. Minister Khar also exchanged views with her counterpart on regional and global issues of interest. "The visit of the Minister of State to Denmark and Finland provided an excellent opportunity for high-level political engagement with the two countries. These engagements are expected to build mutual confidence and trust, resulting in mutually beneficial partnerships across various sectors," it was further added. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th June, 2023) Authorities in the province of Albay on the Philippine island of Luzon began evacuating 10,000 people on Friday due to the threat of an eruption of the Mayon volcano, Philippine media reported. The authorities launched the evacuation of 2,400 families, or 10,000 people, living in the four-kilometer zone of "permanent danger" of the Mayon volcano, the GMA broadcaster reported, citing officials. On Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the volcanic eruption threat to Level 3, the report noted, adding that in the case of Level 4, the provincial authorities will evacuate another 16,000 people from the 8-kilometer zone. Mayon volcano last erupted in 2018. Nigel Adams, described by the media as an associate of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, announced on Saturday that he was stepping down as a member of parliament from the Conservative Party, with his replacement already elected MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th June, 2023) Nigel Adams, described by the media as an associate of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, announced on Saturday that he was stepping down as a member of parliament from the Conservative Party, with his replacement already elected. "Yesterday, Selby Conservatives selected an excellent new parliamentary candidate. I've today informed the chief whip that I will be standing down as a Member of Parliament with immediate effect. It has been an honour to represent the area where I was raised, educated & I want to thank my constituents for their wonderful support since 2010," Adams tweeted. On Friday, Sky news reported that Johnson was resigning as a Conservative member of parliament. The same day former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries, who is a strong supporter of Johnson, also announced her resignation from parliament. Johnson was eventually forced to resign as the UK prime minister last July after a series of leaks showed that several social gatherings had been held at his offices during the COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing mandate. The situation was aggravated by the reports that two more parties were held in April 2021, right before Prince Philip's funeral, when the UK still maintained COVID-19 restrictions and was in national mourning. Johnson later apologized and said he had paid the fine issued by the Metropolitan Police. In March, Johnson admitted he had misled the parliament on the matter of parties held at his residence at 10 Downing Street during the nationwide lockdown, however argued he did it "in good faith." (@ChaudhryMAli88) Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski, the American domestic terrorist known as the Unabomber, died in prison on Saturday morning at the age of 81, media reported, citing the Federal Bureau of Prisons WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th June, 2023) Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski, the American domestic terrorist known as the Unabomber, died in prison on Saturday morning at the age of 81, media reported, citing the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Kaczynski was held in a maximum security prison in Colorado, but in December 2021 he was transferred due to poor health to a medical facility in North Carolina, ABC news reported. Between 1978 and 1995, he launched a nationwide mail bombing campaign, sending explosive devices to universities and offices of air carriers, in a bid to attract attention to what he believed was the erosion of human freedom by modern technologies. Sixteen bombs sent by Kaczynski killed three people and injured over 20. He was arrested in 1996 and sentenced to life in prison. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th June, 2023) A senior Polish national security official told The Wall Street Journal on Saturday the country's authorities were not involved in the attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines, however, cannot exclude the participation of some private Polish entity in the operation. In early March, German magazine Der Spiegel disclosed details regarding the yacht allegedly linked to the sabotage on the Nord Stream pipelines. A Bavaria Cruiser 50 sailing yacht named Andromeda was rented by unknown people, with the e-mail used to rent it hinting at connections to Ukraine, the report said. "I can assure you that no Polish institution is involved in this story, and this is not a state case," the official told the newspaper, adding "I cannot exclude that some Polish company or whatever is involved in this case." Other polish officials said that they doubted the Andromeda was involved in the destruction of the pipelines, according to the report. Additionally, German officials familiar with the investigation told the news outlet that there was no evidence at the moment that the Polish authorities were somehow engaged in the attacks on the gas infrastructure. The Somalia government says an attack launched Friday by al-Shabab militants on a Mogadishu hotel has ended. State media report that security forces successfully neutralized the militants who stormed the Pearl Beach Hotel on Friday evening and rescued a large number of civilians. There was no immediate word on any deaths. Earlier, the director of Aamin ambulance service Abdikadir Abdirahman told local media that his service had received more than six people who had been wounded at the hotel. Somalia security forces had engaged in ongoing efforts to neutralize al-Shabab militants who launched the attack at the beachfront hotel. Witnesses told VOAs Somali Service that the assault began with at least two explosions outside the Pearl Beach Hotel, followed by gunmen storming the hotel. Gunfire was heard with an unknown number of people trapped inside the building, witnesses said, while others managed to escape through the back doors and windows. "Special elite forces gained access to the entry into the upper floors of the hotel," one witness told VOA Somali. Al-Shabab group, affiliated with al-Qaida, has claimed responsibility for the attack. "The mujahideen managed to enter the Pearl Beach hotel and are still fully in control" the group said in a statement. The hotel at the center of the attack is near Lido Beach, a popular destination for politicians and members of the Somali diaspora visiting the capital city. This incident occurred during a period of relative calm for Mogadishu after the government in mid-April deployed newly trained military police in and around the city. However, violence by the group has wreaked havoc in other parts of the country. In a separate incident on Friday, at least 27 people including children were killed and more than 50 were injured in a massive blast from unexploded ordinance in the village of Muraale, located between Qoryooley and Jannaale districts. "Some individuals had retrieved unexploded explosives from a nearby field and used it for fire to cook food, but tragically, the device exploded, resulting in the deaths of 27 people, including children, mother, father, and youths," Abdirahman Yusuf Abdinur, the mayor of Jannaale, told Somalia state media agency. Earlier Friday, Somalia announced its readiness to take over security responsibilities from the African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission in the country, with 2,000 AU troops set to leave Somalia by the end of June, in line with U.N. Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670. Somalias Ministry of Defense said in a statement that it has recruited enough security forces who will assume control of the security responsibilities currently handled by the outgoing AU troops. The AU peace mission is expected to fully exit Somalia by Dec. 31, 2024. This story originated in VOAs Somali Service. The year is 1998 in southern Sudan. Maryam Phio and her 9-year-old son Motwakil and 11-year-old daughter Awadia are traveling north to Khartoum to board a train that will take them across the border. They are fleeing to Egypt to escape the civil war that has been plaguing Sudan for more than 15 years. But they are being followed. A man threatens Maryam and her children, trying to prevent them from leaving the country. They dont know who he is or the reason for his threats. He would always come by and try to take us away, and my mom would hide us, Motwakil said. Maryam was on her own, forced to leave her husband behind because his health issues made him unable to travel. For a while, Maryam was able to keep her children safe amid the stalking, war and chaos. But one day she turned around and Awadia was gone. The man returned, saying he knew where the little girl was but he would not tell them if they were going to flee Sudan. She brought the situation to a local lawyer who only gave the same admonition to stay in the country. For three months Maryam and her son searched, hoping to find Awadia. I looked everywhere, Maryam said. They delayed their departure three times, but they were out of time. We had until midnight to make it to the border or the travel documents would expire and we would have to start all over again, Motwakil said. So they fled with Awadias passport still in hand. From Khartoum they took a train across the border to Aswan, then a three-day boat ride up the Nile and another train to get to Cairo. They met up with Maryams oldest daughter, Najat, who came to Egypt the year prior to apply for refugee status so she could come to the United States. She was able to qualify, and in 2001 she left for Arizona at 21 years old. For eight years Maryam and her son stayed in Egypt, waiting and hoping Awadia was safe and that she would come to Cairo and be reunited with her family. With no access to phones, Maryam told people who were traveling down to Sudan to look for Awadia. Eventually one was able to locate her and returned with the news that she was alive and had one child, but no boyfriend or husband. However, they could not get her and her baby out. Maryam worried constantly about her daughter and grandson. Life in Sudan was dangerous and unregulated. If you have problem with people in your neighborhood, they come to your house, hit you, blood everywhere, no police, Maryam said. Maryam was torn between joining her oldest daughter in Arizona, or staying in Egypt with the faint hope that Awadia would make it out of Sudan. Wanting a better future for her son, Maryam decided to apply for refugee status and she and Motwakil were able to come to Arizona in May of 2006. They came to Lincoln in 2013 while Najat stayed back in Arizona for work. Shortly after their arrival to the new city, they were able to get into contact with Maryams husband back in Sudan. He was able to reunite with Awadia sometime after Maryam and Motwakil had fled Sudan. My father said your sister has passed, Motwakil said. They found her hanging on a rope from her neck. We dont know if somebody did this or if she did that to herself. She was 26 years old when she was found dead. At this time, Maryam was also told Awadia now had four young children with no one to take care of them, the youngest one being just 2 months old when his mother died. Maryams husband was too ill to care for them, and South Sudan was too dangerous for them to stay. In 2011, Sudan had split into two countries, Sudan and South Sudan. Although this action was supposed to establish peace, violence soon broke out in the south between the two ethnic groups in South Sudan, the Dinka and Neur people. At the time of Awadias death, she and her four children were staying in a village in Juba, South Sudan along with her ailing father. Maryams oldest daughter Najat decided to travel to Juba and found the children and took them to Naroibi, the capital of Kenya. The children were then taken to the Kakuma camp in Kenya, one of the worlds largest refugee camps. They then filed as orphans to be able to come to the United States, but progress in the case has stalled. They need an immigration lawyer, which costs a lot of money. They need a lawyer for the case to be processed, but unless somebody is there to represent your case, your case is just a file, Motwakil said. Just because there is no war in Kenya doesnt mean the children are safe. Two years ago, Lina, the oldest grandchild was raped in the camp. At 15 years old, she now has a son just over a year old. The situation is just getting worse, Motwakil said. As of July 2020, the Kakuma camp had a population of 196,666 registered refugees and asylum seekers. Located at the edge of a desert, the average daily temperature in the camp is 104 degrees Fahrenheit and consists of an arid city crowded with tents and huts. The children have been there six years now. Maryam is able to talk to her grandchildren on the phone, but she longs for the day when she can hold them, love them and give them a life away from the pain and loss theyve grown up in. Now 58, Maryam lives with Motwakil in government housing in Lincoln along with Najats daughter, who is also named Maryam after her grandmother. The 6-year-old girl is currently staying with them and going to school while her mother continues working in Arizona. Young Maryam speaks English and Dinka, the language of her grandmother and her people in South Sudan. However, she only knows the life of safety and innocence her mother and grandmother have tried to give her, not yet able to fully understand the situation of her cousins living more than 8,400 miles away. Maryam and her son routinely travel to Omaha to the immigration office to inquire about the case and work to make progress, but as the days have turned into months and months into years, she often feels discouraged and worries about the fate of these four orphans who make up part of the 1.45 million South Sudanese child refugees. All under the age of 18, her granchildren have already been the victims of loss, sexual assault and violent attacks. Its just too much, Maryam said. But talking to you, I am happy. She hopes through awareness and by telling her story, others in the Lincoln community and beyond can understand her desperate situation and help her bring these children to safety. As a family across continents, she eagerly awaits the day when she can meet her grandchildren and tell them yin ta baye you are home. Top Journal Star photos for June 2023 As the acrid clouds of smoke that have blanketed eastern North America for the past week begin to ease, residents are starting to assess the damage and pick up the pieces in Halifax, Nova Scotia, near the epicenter of one of the first in a Canada-wide wave of wildfires. More than 16,000 people were driven from their homes by a fire that reached into the suburbs of Halifax, a provincial capital and the largest city in eastern Canada. Several thousand still were without homes after the fire was brought under control, left to survey the smoldering ruins of what had been houses, cars and outbuildings. Elsewhere in Canada, more than 400 fires continued to burn Friday across nine of the country's 10 provinces and in its far northern territories, scorching 40,000 square kilometers and issuing clouds of smoke that created eerie landscapes in cities from Canada's capital, Ottawa, as far south as Washington, D.C. In Ottawa, residents warned one another to stay indoors as the sun punctured through the smoke as a glowing red orb. With Canada's annual wildfire season just beginning, the amount of land burned already exceeds the total for all but three complete years. Experts told the Toronto Globe and Mail that the record for any single year will be broken by next week. The conflagrations began late last month in the western province of Alberta, quickly followed by new outbreaks in the central province of Quebec, many of them attributed to lightning strikes. While most of the fires have remained in remote forested regions, the human impact has been especially severe in Halifax, where the destruction reached into highly populated areas. Thousands of people were displaced, and hundreds of homes were destroyed in the city's suburbs, leaving their occupants scrambling to find shelter in the midst of a severe housing shortage. The vacancy rate in Halifax fell to 1% in 2019 and has remained in that range or worse ever since. Team Rubicon Canada, an offshoot of the U.S.-based charity Team Rubicon, said it is gearing up to help the city's residents to begin rebuilding their lives. "Rubicon volunteers made up of veterans, first responders, and skilled civilians from across Canada will be assisting Halifax-area residents beginning the weekend of June 16th," said Helen Lialias, who works with the charity's Nova Scotia branch.She said the group's capabilities include "chainsaw operations, debris removal, heirloom recovery, incident management support and disaster mapping." "We are already seeing one of the worst wildfire seasons on record and their devastating impacts on Canadians," Lialias added. While wildfires are not unexpected in Canada at this time of year, the unprecedented severity of this year's blazes has many residents pointing the blame at global climate change. "These fires are a terrifying harbinger of what we can expect as the effects of a warming planet are felt around the world," said Jo-Ann Roberts, a former interim leader of the Green Party of Canada, in an interview. "Fires, hurricanes, floods are now a part of life." In addition to taking steps to combat climate change, Roberts said, the government should begin "redirecting training and equipment resources to build up military personnel who are ready to respond to fire, flood and wind disasters." China is using a recent visit by an Arab League delegation to Xinjiang to highlight what it says is support of its policies in the region. Experts, however, say the praise that Beijing has reportedly received from diplomats and officials who took part in the trip is nothing more than "Chinese propaganda" and an attempt to whitewash human rights violations there. Chinas treatment of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang is a major source of international concern. Western countries have raised allegations of forced labor, religious persecution and some, including the United States, have classified what is happening in Xinjiang as genocide, an accusation Beijing denies. State media reports and remarks from Chinese officials about the delegations visit have portrayed the trip as an outright rejection of what it called Western "accusations of ethnic genocide." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that during the Xinjiang visit from May 30-June 2, members of the Arab League delegation expressed their appreciation for China's efforts in Xinjiang and praised the regions development and stability. "During their trip, the delegation traveled to Urumqi and Kashgar, where they visited mosques, Islamic institutes, local enterprises, old towns and an exhibition on counterterrorism and de-radicalization, performed prayers in mosques with the locals and got a firsthand experience of their happy life," Wang said at a press briefing in Beijing earlier this week. "Arab countries have commended the care that Muslims in Xinjiang and people of other ethnic minority groups have received and expressed their firm support for Chinas effort to promote Xinjiangs development and ensure its stability." According to Wang, Arab countries have always held a just position on Xinjiang. "What the Arab League delegation has seen with their own eyes in Xinjiang once again shows that truth will always prevail, and those who seek to smear China by manipulating Xinjiang-related issues will not have their way," Wang said. The Arab League, founded in 1945, is a confederation of 22 Arab nations aiming to improve coordination on common interests. Its charter promotes cooperation, renounces violence, and mediates disputes, but lacks enforcement mechanisms. Critics point out that the apparent endorsement of China's policies by the Arab League delegation is at odds with the findings and conclusions of the U.N. human rights office, which has highlighted serious human rights violations in Xinjiang. In a post on Twitter, Adrian Zenz, a senior fellow and director in China studies at the Washington-based Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, called the visit a "terrible betrayal." Last year, the U.N. human rights office released an assessment of the human rights situation in Xinjiang, concluding that China's actions against Uyghurs and other minority groups may amount to crimes against humanity. The assessment highlighted various human rights violations taking place in Xinjiang, including arbitrary detention, forced labor, cultural assimilation, surveillance, and restrictions on religious and linguistic freedoms. According to Abdulhakim Idris, director of the Washington-based Center for Uyghur Studies, the Arab League delegation's visit and support of Chinas actions in Xinjiang is part of a Chinese propaganda campaign to conceal its mistreatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. "This visit is the last example of the Chinese Communist Regime's propaganda efforts to hide the Uyghur Genocide in East Turkistan from the world public opinion," Idris told VOA in an email, using the name East Turkistan, Uyghurs preferred name for the region. Chinese media outlets Xinhua and the Global Times reported that the delegation's visit to Xinjiang contradicted Western media portrayals. The Chinese reports said that the Arab League delegation praised Chinas achievements in Xinjiang in upholding human rights, particularly highlighting Chinas "anti-terrorism" efforts in the region. "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," Xinhua said. The visit garnered attention primarily from Chinese state media outlets such as China Daily, China Central Television, Xinhua and the Global Times. Chinese embassies and diplomats shared excerpts from those reports on Twitter. The Arab League did not mention the visit on its website or social media platforms. However, Idris said the statements made by the delegation should be considered in the context of economic and diplomatic ties between their countries and China. "Today, China has made many countries from both the Arab world and the Muslim regions dependent on it, both economically and diplomatically," Idris said. These countries are unable to respond as expected in terms of human rights and democracy due to their economic reliance on China. Instead, they favor the explanations provided by the Chinese government, he added. The archbishop of Canterbury has written to Ugandan Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba to express his "grief and dismay" at the Church of Ugandas support of the African countrys anti-LGBT law. "Within the Anglican Communion we continue to disagree over matters of sexuality, but in our commitment to God-given human dignity we must be united," Justin Welby said in a statement Friday. The Ugandan law, approved by President Yoweri Museveni, is severe. Under the law, gay sex is punishable by life in prison. "Aggravated homosexuality," which includes transmitting HIV, is punishable by death. Kaziimba has said he welcomes the new law, saying that homosexuality was being pushed on Ugandans by "foreign actors." "This is not about imposing Western values on our Ugandan Anglican sisters and brothers," Welby said in his statement. "It is about reminding them of the commitments we have made as Anglicans to treat every person with the care and respect they deserve as children of God." U.S. President Joe Biden is set to meet outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the White House on Monday as jockeying to secure his successor intensifies. While the White House says the official agenda for the meeting is to discuss the alliances July summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, the issue of who will be next at NATOs helm during this difficult period in its 74-year history will no doubt be front and center, as the alliance faces Russias war in Ukraine. The administration has not settled on a candidate for the next secretary-general, and we are not able to comment on deliberations, a senior U.S. government official told VOA Saturday. The secretary-general has done a superb job and particularly at an unbelievably critical time in history. Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, is the longest-serving NATO chief in a generation and has had his tenure extended three times since taking the job in 2014. In February, his spokesperson said he would leave office when his current term ends in October. Stoltenberg is widely credited for managing rocky transatlantic relations between former U.S. President Donald Trump and European allies over defense spending; the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021; and the alliances response to Moscows invasion of Ukraine. His preference about his successor carries weight and Biden is expected to consult with him. A lot of people will look to him to say, Who do you think is the best to follow up your leadership? Andrew Hyde, senior fellow at the Stimson Center, told VOA. Whoever succeeds Stoltenberg will face the daunting challenge of shepherding the security of 1 billion people in 31 countries and growing. He or she must manage the tough balancing act of supporting Ukraine militarily while preventing the conflict from bleeding into the territory of a NATO member, which would trigger the alliances Article 5 principle of collective defense and potentially lead to World War III. Consensus based A U.S. general is traditionally the Supreme Allied Commander Europe but the post of NATO chief has always been assumed by a European, even though theres nothing in the alliance's charter that requires it. Theres no formal process and candidates dont announce that theyre running for the post. Selection is done through consensus, achieved mostly through quiet and informal diplomatic channels. As the biggest donor, the U.S. plays a key role the reason why two contenders have visited the Oval Office recently. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen met with Biden at the White House on Monday. She is seen as a front-runner; however, her candidacy would mean a third successive secretary-general from a Nordic country. Another potential hurdle is that Denmark has long failed to meet the 2% minimum requirement in military spending for member states. In December, her government launched a plan to meet NATOs target by 2030, and it recently ramped up military aid to Ukraine. U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Washington days after Frederiksen, with a broad agenda that includes lobbying for his defense secretary, Ben Wallace. Britain, supplier of more military assistance to Ukraine than any other country after the United States, has clout. And as one of the first defense ministers to provide lethal aid to Ukraine, Wallace is well-known among the alliance. However, out of 13 chiefs in NATOs history, three were British. Biden was noncommittal when asked whether it was time for another one. Maybe. That remains to be seen, he said Thursday during a joint news conference with Sunak. All who have filled the post since 1952 were male. Time for a woman? There is a sense that its time the alliance selects a female leader, Hyde said. With the Russian war raging, there's also a feeling it should be somebody from Eastern Europe, he added. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and her Lithuanian counterpart, Ingrida Simonyte, meet both requirements. However, some observers argue that a leader from one of the Baltic countries, which are usually hawkish on Russia, could be perceived as a provocation by Moscow. Slovakias President Zuzana Caputova and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of Germany have been floated as potential candidates. So has Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, although her Ukrainian heritage may prove to be a complication. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been mentioned as another contender. And theres always the possibility that the allies might prevail on Stoltenberg to extend his tenure yet again. The issue of who will be the next NATO secretary-general is expected to be settled by July, when the groups leaders meet in Vilnius. A special investigator named by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to probe alleged election interference by China on Friday said he would quit, citing widespread opposition to his appointment and work. David Johnston, 81, said he would leave his post by the end of June, or as soon as he has delivered a brief final report. Last month, he said Trudeau's government had not ignored evidence of Chinese meddling and recommended against an official public inquest. Johnston was appointed in March after media reports based on leaked intelligence said that Beijing had sought to influence elections and policy. China has denied any interference. Last month, the House of Commons, the lower chamber of parliament, approved a nonbinding motion to demand Johnston's resignation. Some critics said he had ignored a real election issue while others, noting his long friendship with Trudeau, said the appointment had been a mistake. "My objective was to help build trust in our democratic institutions. I have concluded that, given the highly partisan atmosphere around my appointment and work, my leadership has had the opposite effect," Johnston said in a letter to Trudeau. In response, government minister Dominic LeBlanc thanked Johnston and said the attacks on his position and work had been unwarranted and unacceptable. In a statement, LeBlanc said he would consult experts as to how to continue probing foreign election interference and who would be best placed to lead that work. Following Johnston's appointment, three opposition legislators said Canada's spy agency told them they had been the target of Chinese interference. Last month, Trudeau's government expelled a Chinese official after it emerged that he had sought information about the family of one of the legislators. China-Canada relations turned icy in late 2018 when Canadian police detained a Chinese telecommunications executive. Shortly afterward, Beijing arrested two Canadians on spying charges. All three were freed in 2021. A thick haze from Canadian wildfire smoke covered cities in the northeastern U.S. this week. U.S. East Coast residents are unaccustomed to such pollution. VOA Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti explains whats different and shows us the strange look of the New York City skyline. The death toll from clashes between displaced people inside a U.N. site in South Sudan has risen to more than 20, with more than 50 others wounded, the medical charity MSF said Friday. The statement by the organization, which is also known as Doctors Without Borders, said that two of its staff were among those hurt. Some of the injured were being airlifted to the capital, Juba. "While the situation was relatively calm this morning, many women and children who fled the camp are yet to return in fear of escalation," said Luz Linares, MSF's head of mission in the country. Thursday's clashes in the Malakal camp occurred between members of the Shilluk and Nuer ethnic groups, a local representative of the displaced people told The Associated Press. The U.N. office in South Sudan said the fighting began with a stabbing, and that its mission had reinforced the military and police presence in the area in "close collaboration" with South Sudan's military and authorities. Deadly violence between ethnic groups and communities still troubles South Sudan years after a 2018 peace deal to end a five-year civil war. During the conflict, thousands of people took shelter inside U.N. protection sites. More than 41,000 people are staying in the Malakal site, which is also a designated camp for people fleeing the violence in neighboring Sudan, MSF said. 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. Biden Administration Relies on Deterrence to Manage Immigration at US-Mexico Border The Biden administration is using new rules to manage the flow of migrants by discouraging them from coming to the U.S.-Mexico border, delaying them once they arrive or removing them if they dont follow the guidelines. Immigration reporter Aline Barros has the story. Nigerian-Born Political Newcomer Becomes Colorado City Mayor After a history-making victory, Nigerian immigrant Yemi Mobolade was sworn in on June 6 as the mayor of Colorado Springs, the second-largest city in the western U.S. state of Colorado. Mobolade moved to the U.S. 27 years ago as a student and became a U.S. citizen in 2017. He started a family, opened two restaurants and a church, and then won election in this traditionally conservative city as its first elected Black leader. Haruna Shehu reports from Colorado. California Attorney General Blames Florida for Migrant Charter Flight Florida appears to have arranged for a group of South American migrants to be transported from Texas to California and dropped off in Sacramento, California's attorney general said, noting that he's looking into whether any crimes may have been committed. The Associated Press reports. Vietnamese Families Calling Remote Alaskan Islands Home Off the coast of Alaska, an outpost of about 4,000 people spills over two of the Aleutian Islands, Unalaska and Amaknak. A few Vietnamese families have braved the harsh conditions to build lives and businesses. VOAs Dong Hai has the story, narrated by Titi Tran. VOA Day in Photo: A wooden boat carrying migrants waits to be rescued by a Spanish coast guard vessel, near Bahia Feliz Beach, in the island of Gran Canaria, Spain. Immigration around the world Visa Program for Afghans Gains Momentum; Many Applicants Trapped Under Taliban Nearly two years after the United States evacuated approximately 124,000 people from Afghanistan, tens of thousands of Afghans who worked for the U.S. government remain inside the country, fearing Taliban persecution. VOAs Akmal Dawi reports. Malawi Revokes Dubious Citizenship of Refugees Wanted Abroad Malawi's government has started revoking the citizenship of refugees and asylum-seekers who they say obtained their status fraudulently. Officials say the campaign is aimed at flushing out criminals from other countries, including Rwandan genocide suspects. But critics say the program is too broad and will ensnare legitimate refugees. Story by Lameck Masina. Rights Groups Urge Malawi to Stop Forced Refugee Relocations An international rights group is asking the Malawi government to stop the forced relocation of 8,000 refugees living outside a congested camp. Human Rights Watch says it is concerned by reports that children are among those caught up in the sweeps and forcibly taken to a prison in the capital, Lilongwe. The rights group says the forcible relocation violates international conventions for refugees which Malawi ratified. Story by Lameck Masina. Caught Between Two Wars: Sudans Ethiopian Refugees Tigrayans who fled Ethiopia's civil war to neighboring Sudan say they are not receiving enough aid because of the outbreak of violence there, but that they are afraid to return to Ethiopia because of alleged ethnic cleansing. Others, resorting to desperate measures, are falling victim to human traffickers promising to help them find passage to Europe. Henry Wilkins reports from NDjamena, Chad. Food Rations for Each Rohingya Refugee Drops to $8 Per Month Rights activists and refugees have expressed concerns over the United Nations food agency's decision to cut food aid for the second time in three months for more than 1 million Rohingya from Myanmar who are living in shanty colonies in Bangladesh. Story by Shaikh Azizur Rahman. Taliban Move to Address Pakistan's Cross-Border Terror Complaints Taliban authorities in Afghanistan announced their plan Sunday to move thousands of Pakistani refugees away from border provinces amid sustained allegations the displaced population is the source of growing terrorism in neighboring Pakistan. Ayaz Gul reports for VOA from Islamabad, Pakistan. News Brief The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new process that will enable Afghan nationals to renew their parole and continue to live and work in the United States. Egypt has announced that as of Saturday it requires all citizens of neighboring Sudan, engulfed in bloody conflict since mid-April, to obtain a visa before they can cross the border. Since fighting broke out between two rival generals vying for control in Sudan, about 200,000 Sudanese nationals have entered Egypt, most of them through land crossings, Cairo said. Egyptian authorities had so far exempted Sudanese women of all ages, children younger than 16 and anyone older than 50 from having to obtain a visa before arriving at a point of entry. Cairo's foreign ministry issued a statement Saturday announcing the new regulations, justifying the move as a crackdown on illegal activities, including fraud. The authorities introduced visa procedures aimed at regulating "the entry of the brotherly Sudanese (people) into Egypt after more than 50 days of crisis" in their country, the statement said. It said that the new requirements were not designed to prevent or limit the entry of Sudanese nationals, but rather to stop "illegal activities by individuals and groups on the Sudanese side of the border, who forged entry visas" for profit. Sudan has been rocked by nearly two months of intense battles between the regular army, led by General Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Burhan's former deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. More than 1,800 people have been killed in the fighting, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. Aid agencies and international organizations say the actual toll may be much higher. The United Nations' International Organization for Migration said nearly 2 million Sudanese people have been displaced, including 476,000 who have sought refuge in neighboring countries. "Egypt has welcomed more than 200,000 Sudanese citizens since the start of the crisis ... adding to the approximately 5 million Sudanese citizens who were already present" in the country before the war, the foreign ministry statement said. Sudanese media and some social media users have reported over the past two days orders issued by Egyptian authorities at two border crossings with Sudan, according to which "entry into Egypt is allowed only after obtaining a visa, for all age groups and genders." Egypt's foreign ministry stressed in its statement that its consulates in Sudan have been provided with "the necessary electronic devices to carry out these regulations in a precise, rapid and safe manner, ensuring the orderly entry of Sudanese citizens." French judges Saturday handed preliminary charges of attempted murder to a man suspected of stabbing four young children and two adults in a French Alps park, an attack that reverberated across France and beyond. The suspect, a 31-year-old Syrian refugee with permanent Swedish residency, has a 3-year-old daughter living in Sweden, regional prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis said. Witnesses told investigators that the suspect mentioned his daughter, his wife and Jesus Christ during the attack Thursday targeting a playground in the lakeside town of Annecy. The victims, who came from multiple countries, are no longer in life-threatening condition, the prosecutor said. The children, between 22 months and 3 years old, remain hospitalized. Police detained the suspect in the lakeside park in the town of Annecy after bystanders notably, a Catholic pilgrim who repeatedly swung at the attacker with his backpack sought to deter him. The suspected attacker, whose name was not released, was presented to investigating judges in Annecy Saturday and given charges of attempted murder and armed resistance, Bonnet-Mathis said. He is in custody pending further investigation. The suspect refused to talk to investigators and was examined by a psychiatrist and other doctors who deemed him fit to face charges, the prosecutor said. She said that the motive remained unclear, but it didnt appear to be terrorism related. Witnesses said they heard the attacker mention his daughter, his wife and Jesus Christ, according to the prosecutor, who said he wore a cross and carried two Christian images with him at the time of the attack. He also had $516 in cash, a Swedish driver's license, and had been sleeping in the common area of an Annecy apartment building. He had traveled to Italy and Switzerland before coming to France last October, and French police are coordinating with colleagues in those countries to learn more about his trajectory, said Damien Delaby, director of the regional judicial police. The child victims were two French 2-year-old cousins, a boy and a girl, who were in the playground with their grandmother when the assailant appeared; a British 3-year-old girl visiting Annecy with her parents; and a 22-month-old Dutch girl, according to the prosecutor. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the victims and their families, first responders and witnesses Friday. Macron said doctors were very confident about the conditions of the two cousins, who were the most critically injured. The wounded British girl is awake, shes watching television, Macron added. A wounded Dutch girl also has improved and a critically injured adult who was both knifed and wounded by a shot that police fired as they detained the suspected attacker is regaining consciousness, Macron said. The seriously injured adult was treated in Annecy. Portugals foreign ministry said he is Portuguese and now out of danger. He was wounded trying to stop the attacker from fleeing from the police, it said. The second injured adult was discharged from a hospital, his left elbow bandaged. The pilgrim, Henri, a 24-year-old who is on a nine-month walking and hitchhiking tour of France's cathedrals, said hed been setting off to another abbey when the horror unfolded in front of him. The attacker slashed at him, but Henri held his ground and used a weighty backpack he was carrying to swing at the assailant. Henris father said his son told me that the Syrian was incoherent, saying lots of strange things in different languages, invoking his father, his mother, all the Gods. The suspects profile fueled renewed criticism from far-right and conservative politicians about French migration policies. But authorities noted that the suspect entered France legally, because he has permanent residency status in Sweden. Sweden and France are both members of the EU and Europes border-free travel zone. He applied for asylum in France last year and was refused a few days before the attack, on the grounds that he had already won asylum in Sweden in 2013, the French interior minister said. NEBRASKA The Fourth of July will be here before you know it and lighting off fireworks on Independence Day is an American tradition. However, if done improperly, it can lead to injury, property damage and even death. The National Safety Council Nebraska lists some firework safety tips to follow this holiday season. Consumer fireworks may only be possessed, used or discharged by a person 16 years of age or older; provided, that a person 12 years of age or older and less than 16 years of age may possess, use or discharge consumer fireworks, but only when in the immediate presence of and under the direct supervision of an adult 19 years of age or older, according to NFPA. A variety of fireworks may be sold across Nebraska; however, there are some restrictions. Fireworks sold at Nebraska stands must be legal in Nebraska. It is against the law to transport illegal fireworks into the state. For a full list of illegal fireworks, visit Nebraska State Fire Marshal site. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal states permissible fireworks, which include sparklers, foundations, torches, cones, aerial shells, cannot exceed 50 milligrams of explosive composition. Display fireworks are for public exhibitions and these firecrackers cannot exceed 130 milligrams of explosives and aerial shells cannot exceed more than 40 milligrams. Injury can result from improper use of fireworks, the NFPA has statistics listed on their website. An estimated 8,500 fireworks-related injuries (or 74 percent of the total estimated fireworks-related injuries in 2021) occurred during the 1-month special study period between June 18 and July 18 last year. In 2021, there were an estimated 1,500 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 1,100 involving sparklers. In 2021, the parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (an estimated 31 percent of injuries) along with head, face, and ears (an estimated 21 percent). According to the Nebraska State Fire Marshal, the most common body part injured from fireworks is the eyes and hands, lesser so are the legs and face. The most common injuries were second degree burns, followed by first degree burns and abrasions. The most common reasons for injury are a person holding the device during discharge or they were too close to a discharging firework. The age groups which were injured the most in Nebraska in 2018 were 11 to 19 year olds, followed by 20-29 year olds. Males were injured at a greater rate than females. The Consumer Product Safety Commission released an annual report about injuries and deaths related to fireworks in 2021. CPSC staff received reports of nine non-occupational fireworks-related deaths during 2021. The CPSC went into detail about the circumstances of some of the deaths. In June, a 31-year-old male was fatally injured from a fireworks blast inside his home. The house explosion occurred while the victim was manufacturing firework devices in his basement. The blast caused a wall of the residence to detach leaving the second floor in a state of collapse, per the CPSC report. In July, a 23-year-old male was fatally injured while shooting off fireworks. The victim was lighting the device and holding it at an angle above his head. One of the devices discharged from the bottom of the tube striking the victim in the chest and exploding. The victim immediately ran toward the porch before collapsing. Witnesses performed CPR until emergency personnel arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, the report stated. In July, a 55-year-old male was critically injured after lighting off fireworks utilizing a quick match fuse. A loud boom was heard before the victim was found lying in the street. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner reports that the victim experienced significant head injuries with near decapitation present, per the report. In July, a 55-year-old male was shooting fireworks from a paddle boat in the middle of a bay when he was fatally injured. The victim lit a fireworks device which exploded unexpectedly. Witnesses reported seeing the victim fall out of the boat shortly after the explosion. When witnesses pulled the victim from the water, he was unresponsive, the report stated. According to the CPSC report, fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2019, The estimated rate of emergency department-treated injuries is 2.8 per 100,000 individuals in the United States. There were an estimated 500 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers and 200 with bottle rockets. There were an estimated 1,000 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers. Of these, an estimated 33 percent were associated with small firecrackers, an estimated 13 percent with illegal firecrackers, and an estimated 54 percent with firecrackers for which there was no specific information. Approximately 81 percent of the victims were treated at the hospital emergency department and then released. An estimated 17 percent of patients were treated and transferred to another hospital, or admitted to the hospital. The CPSC report concluded, typical causes of injuries were as follows: misuse of fireworks; errant flight paths; tip-overs; early ignitions; and blowout. The NFPA lists the following firework safety tips: Only use fireworks where they are legal. Only use fireworks that are legal where you are shooting them, and be sure you are shooting on dates that are legal in your city. Dont import fireworks from another state or city to use locally they may not be legal where you are. Buy locally to be sure fireworks are both legal and safe. Use fireworks outdoors only. This includes sparklers and snakes. All fireworks burn, and can quickly start a house fire. When outdoors, be sure there is enough room to point fireworks away from spectators, houses, buildings and flammable materials. Use launching fireworks in open areas only to ensure they dont land on top of buildings and houses. Especially those with natural (cedar) type shingles. Always pre-plan to have water handy, whether that is a bucket or a hose. Have a first aid kit ready and waiting. Keep young children away from fireworks even sparklers! Children using fireworks should be at least 12 years old, and always closely supervised. 20 percent of fireworks injuries to children are caused by sparklers. Use fireworks the way they were intended. Follow the lighting instructions on the package. Dont combine them. Dont try to relight duds. Wait at least 20 minutes before handling a dud, then soak it in water before disposing of the dud. Use a designated shooter who is alcohol free and wearing safety glasses. Light one device at a time, and keep a safe distance once a firework is lit. Dont light fireworks in containers. Dont allow running or horseplay by anyone near fireworks. Dont use fireworks while consuming alcoholic beverages. Always clean up after you are done celebrating. Whether Sudans warring parties stick to the latest U.S.-Saudi Arabian-brokered cease-fire agreement remains an open question. What is not in doubt is that Saturdays 24-hour truce has capped another murderous week of intense fighting in which civilians were the main victims. Since fighting between Sudans army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted April 15, Sudans Federal Ministry of Health says nearly 800 people have been killed and 5,800 wounded. The U.N. refugee agency said Friday 1.42 million people have become internally displaced and nearly half a million have crossed borders as refugees. This past week alone, fighting between Sudans rival factions in and around the capital, Khartoum, has taken a heavy toll on civilian lives. Attacks against a busy livestock market, residential areas and a refugee center reportedly killed dozens of people. While people are dying from shelling and gunfire, the lack of humanitarian aid and a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation are compounding their misery. Jeremy Laurence, UNHCR spokesman, said Friday his office has received concerning reports of conflict-related sexual violence. Since the fighting began, our office has received credible reports of 12 incidents of sexual violence related to the conflict against at least 37 womenalthough the number could be far higher. In at least three incidents, the victims were young girls. In one case, 18 to 20 women were reportedly raped. Laurence said growing reports of apparent enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention were another cause for concern. He said that journalists were at heightened risk amid a rise in online hate speech and disinformation. Our office has learnt of a list circulating on social media accusing certain journalists of being supporters of the RSF. We have observed comments on Facebook calling for the killing of the journalists on the list, he said. Alfonso Verdu Perez, the outgoing head of delegation for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Khartoum, said Friday he was present when the conflict began in mid-April and since has witnessed the heavy toll combat and violence have taken on the civilian infrastructure of the densely populated city. Electricity and water levels have been severely damaged. We fear outbreaks of diseases because many residents have had no choice but to use unsafe drinking water from the river, from the Nile and other sources. At the same time, food and fuel prices have skyrocketed and the situation has been made worse for many people by the fact that they cannot even access their money in their banks. Perez said the situation in Darfur was equally worrying. He said robberies and looting were on the rise, power stations and markets have been looted. He said more than 200 people reportedly were killed in the town of El Geneina in western Darfur in just a few days early last month. He warned that this flare-up of violence could easily escalate and worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. Health care may collapse at any moment, despite the best efforts of Sudanese doctors and nurses who have continued working in extremely difficult conditions caring for the wounded and providing other essential health care services to communities. The Red Cross official said conditions in Khartoum were no better, saying that only an estimated 20% of the citys health facilities were still functioning. Those facilities, he said, were facing severe shortages of water, power, food, and essential medical supplies were running low. Latest developments: During an unannounced visit to Kyiv Saturday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged new military aid for Ukraine. "We will be there with (you) as much as it takes, for as long as it takes," he said as Ukraine ramps up against Russian forces. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Saturday he planned to speak with Russia President Vladimir Putin by phone soon to urge him to withdraw Russia's troops from Ukraine. It's not reasonable to force Ukraine to approve and accept the raid that Putin has perpetrated and that parts of Ukraine become Russian just like that," he said. He added he would work to ensure that NATO does not get drawn into the war. German investigators are examining evidence suggesting a sabotage team used Poland as an operating base to damage the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea last September, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday. Earlier this week, The Washington Post reported that the U.S. had learned of a Ukrainian plan to attack the pipelines three months before the explosions. It is not yet determined who was responsible for the attack. The Ukrainian counteroffensive is under way, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, while remaining mum on military advances. The Ukrainian president exuded optimism in referencing his top generals on the war front. They are all in a positive mood, pass that on to Putin," he said smiling during a news conference in Kyiv alongside visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Russia says Ukraine is carrying a big offensive push this week, but that Kyiv's forces failed to breach Russian defenses and also sustained heavy casualties. The British Defense Ministry said Saturday that Ukraine has conducted significant operations in the last 48 hours in the eastern and southern regions. Ukrainian forces have likely made good progress and penetrated the first line of Russian defenses in some areas, the daily intelligence update said. In other areas, Ukrainian progress has been slower. Meanwhile, Russias air force, the ministry said, has been unusually active in southern Ukraine, but it remains unclear whether the airstrikes have been effective. Intense fighting is being reported on Ukraines front lines, however, independent media have not been able to ascertain whether Ukraine was penetrating Russian defenses. Trudeau Ukraine aid During his impromptu visit in Kyiv, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau announced new military aid for Ukraine. We will provide 500 million dollars in new funding, he said during a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. "We will be there with (you) as much as it takes, for as long as it takes," he said, sitting across from the Ukrainian leader. As one of the largest Ukrainian diasporas in the world and a NATO member, Canada has supplied military and financial assistance to Ukraine and supports its bid for membership into the North Atlantic Alliance. Zelenskyy thanked Trudeau and the Canadian people for their commitment to the people of Ukraine. New $2.1 billion U.S. assistance package to Ukraine The Pentagon announced Friday, a new $2.1 billion assistance package for Ukraine that it said includes critical air defense and ammunition capabilities. The package includes Hawk air defense systems and missiles, 105 mm and 203 mm artillery rounds, Puma unmanned aerial systems, laser-guided rocket system munitions and support for training and maintenance, the Defense Department said in a statement. According to the department, since the beginning of the Russian offensive, the U.S. has committed more than $40.4 billion is security assistance to Ukraine. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration and the U.S. Congress have provided more than $75 billion in humanitarian, financial and military support to Ukraine. Russia- grain deal Russia could still walk out of the U.N.-brokered Black Sea Grain Deal on July 17, when the agreement expires, if its demands are not met, said Russias deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin. Vershinin made the comments Saturday after meeting with senior U.N. trade officials Friday, the TASS news agency reported. Vershinin expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the memorandum is implemented. "Barriers to our exports remain," he said. The demands outlined by Moscow include the resumption of the transit of ammonia from Russia via Ukrainian territory to Pivdennyi port in Odesa, from where it is exported and the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to the SWIFT international payment system. Kakhovka dam explosion An extraordinary" 700,000 people need drinking water after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine, said U.N. aid chief Undersecretary-General Martin Griffiths. Griffiths said the humanitarian situation in the country has gotten hugely worse since the rupture of the dam. He warned that the flooding in one of the world's most important breadbaskets will almost inevitably lead to lower grain exports, higher food prices around the world and less to eat for millions in need. Griffiths told The Associated Press Friday, that this is a viral problem," noting the truth is this is only the beginning of seeing the consequences of this act. Clear signals of an explosion occurred at the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine early Tuesday morning, the Norwegian seismic research foundation Norsar said. Earlier Friday, a U.S. official told The New York Times that American spy satellites equipped with infrared sensors detected an explosion at the Kakhovka dam just before it collapsed Tuesday and unleashed a torrent of floodwater into the surrounding areas. The Associated Press flew a drone over the dam Wednesday and reported that there are no signs of an attack from above no scorch marks or shrapnel scars visible on buildings above the flooding that would be typical of a bombardment that Russia claims Ukraine carried out. Russians and Ukrainians have traded blame for the destruction of the vast Soviet-era dam, which is under Russian control. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Lithuania's capital was flooded with pink food, decor, and colorful outfits on Saturday, as residents celebrated the Baltic nation's love for a cold beetroot dish commonly known as "pink soup." While beetroot soup is beloved in many eastern European nations, Lithuania lays claim to Saltibarsciai made of kefir, cucumbers, beetroot, and dill eaten cold and a favorite on a hot summer's day. "It's not just soup it's a way of life," said the city's tourism agency Go Vilnius, which organized the inaugural festival in its honor. French student Victor Delcroix came dressed as a bowl of "Pink Soup." "I fell in love with Saltibarsciai and I felt obliged to wear this to honor it," he said before jumping on a giant pink slip-and-slide covered in foam. Elsewhere some festivalgoers prepared to set a record with the largest-ever bowl of Saltibarsciai. Topped with sour cream and boiled eggs and served with boiled or fried potatoes, "pink soup" is a summer staple in Lithuania. "There are bars ... that prepare them in interesting ways, like a sushi place that makes it with wasabi," said Ricardas Andrijauskas, at the festival. "We usually make it more traditionally." He was not entirely convinced by all the innovations, he confessed. "Not with wasabi," he said, shaking his head. Long culinary history Elsewhere at the festival vendors were selling pink ice-cream, coffee, cocktails and perfumes. Go Vilnius wants the soup to boost food tourism to the city. "Our city's gastro scene has skyrocketed in the past years," Inga Romanovskiene, director of Go Vilnius, told AFP. "Historical cuisine recipes from the 700 years of the capital's multicultural heritage, which celebrate a unique local fusion of Lithuanian, Jewish, Polish cuisine, have also settled in the menus of the city's restaurants," she added. According to Lithuanians, the dish originated in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which existed until 1795 and included swaths of territory in present-day Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. However, Poland and Belarus are among those who contest its heritage. Instagrammable soup Pink soup has also become a star on social media. "It's called one of the most 'instagrammable' soups," said Dovile Seliuke, spokesperson of the country's tourism promotion agency, Travel Lithuania. The Pink Soup Fest is taking place against the backdrop of hundreds of Ukrainian flags fluttering around the capital. Over 80,000 Ukrainians have now sought asylum in Lithuania, a Baltic country of 2.7 million people. "The celebration helps take your mind off ... the war in Ukraine," said Rasa Kasitiene, who with her daughter was dressed up all in pink. Russia is still not satisfied with how a Black Sea grain deal is being implemented, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said Saturday after meeting senior U.N. trade officials a day earlier, the TASS news agency reported. Russia has threatened to walk away from the grain deal July 17 if demands to improve its own food and fertilizer exports are not met. The deal, struck in July last year, facilitates the safe navigation of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers, including ammonia, for export to global markets. "We cannot be satisfied with how this memorandum is being implemented," Vershinin was quoted as saying. "Barriers to our exports remain." Russia agreed to a two-month extension of the deal last month but has said the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports is fulfilled. The demands set out by Moscow include the resumption of the transit of ammonia from Russia via Ukrainian territory to Pivdennyi port in Odesa, from where it is exported. Transit of ammonia, an important part of nitrogen-based fertilizers, was halted via the pipeline after Russia sent its troops to Ukraine last year. Russia's demands to improve its grain and fertilizer exports include the reconnection of Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to the SWIFT international payment system. While Russian exports of food and fertilizer are not subject to Western sanctions, Moscow says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have amounted to a barrier to shipments. Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that U.N. representatives' attention was drawn to obstacles facing Russian agricultural producers and suppliers. "(They) are still forced to overcome numerous restrictions and barriers provoked by illegal anti-Russian sanctions associated with bank payments, delivery and insurance of goods, on their own and at high costs, which negatively affects prices and physical availability of goods," it said. Russia's ambassador to Turkey said Friday that despite ongoing consultations with the United Nations on the grain deal, there are no grounds to extend it, the RIA news agency reported. The United Nations and Russia began talks Friday about Russias continued participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which facilitates the export of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products from Back Sea ports. Rebecca Greenspan, secretary-general of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, held discussions with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin. Before the talks, however, Vershinin said some recent Ukraine developments could not be overlooked in the talks. Those events include the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in the Kharkov region and the destruction of Russias Togliatti Odessa ammonia pipeline, also in Kharkov. The pipeline is one of the worlds longest for transporting ammonia. Russia said earlier this week a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group were behind the pipeline destruction. The initial 120-day grain agreement has been extended several times, most recently in May. The two warring factions in Sudan entered into a cease-fire 6 a.m. Saturday, local time. There are apprehensions that the 24-hour deal will collapse before it ends; a number of other truces have already failed. U.S. and Saudi mediators have warned they may pull out of mediation efforts if Saturdays cease-fire collapses. "A one-day truce is much less than we aspire for," Khartoum North resident Mahmud Bashir told Agence France-Presse. "We look forward to an end to this damned war." The hourslong deal opens the opportunity for humanitarian assistance. Fighting erupted in Khartoum, Sudans capital, and surrounding locations, in mid-April, between two rival generals Abdel Fattah al-Burhan from Sudans army and Burhan's former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Da, who leads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has also spread elsewhere. Close to 2,000 people have been killed in the fighting, while nearly 2 million have been displaced. Sudan's warring sides have agreed to a nationwide, 24-hour cease-fire starting Saturday morning, U.S. and Saudi Arabian mediators said, following a week of intensified fighting after a previous truce deal lapsed. The mediators said the cease-fire was "an effort to break the cycle of violence" between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which began battling each other eight weeks ago, sparking a major humanitarian crisis. The conflict has displaced more than 1.9 million people, 400,000 of whom have crossed into neighboring countries. The urban area around Sudan's capital, Khartoum, home to at least 5 million people, has been turned into a war zone. Unrest has also flared in the conflict-scarred western region of Darfur. Fighting continued Friday, with residents reporting artillery fire and clashes in the north of Omdurman, across the confluence of the Nile River from Khartoum, and airstrikes in Bahri, a third adjoining city that makes up the wider capital. "There are heavy strikes near us and bullets from every direction in Al-Thawra neighborhood in Omdurman," said Sanaa Ahmed, a 24-year-old resident. "We are really afraid, and we don't know what to do." Medical charity Doctors Without Borders said fighting had intensified significantly in Khartoum since Tuesday, resulting in a surge of patients to a hospital where it is working. Another city where the conflict has triggered clashes is El Obeid in North Kordofan State southwest of Khartoum, which lies on a main route between the capital and Darfur, the RSF's power base. A doctors group said in a statement that the city had been suffering from water outages for more than a month, shortages of food, medicine and fuel, and two weeks of power cuts. Twelve kidney dialysis patients have died because of the impact of the war, and dozens more are at risk, it said. The cease-fire is to start at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) local time on Saturday. The two sides agreed to "refrain from prohibited movements, attacks, use of aircraft or drones, aerial bombardment, artillery strikes, reinforcement of positions and resupply of forces, and will refrain from seeking military advantage during the cease-fire," a Saudi-U.S. statement read. They also agreed to allow delivery of humanitarian assistance, it said. Both sides have broken a string of cease-fire agreements, including a 12-day truce deal that expired on June 3 and was brokered by Saudi Arabia and the U.S. at talks in Jeddah. Fighting subsided slightly during the period of that truce deal and limited amounts of humanitarian relief were delivered, though aid agencies say their operations have been badly impeded by bureaucratic controls, fighting, and looting of aid supplies. The army said last week that it was pulling out of the Jeddah talks, though both sides kept delegations in the Saudi city for consultations. If the parties fail to observe the new cease-fire, "facilitators will be compelled to consider adjourning the Jeddah talks," the Saudi-U.S. statement said. The army confirmed in a statement that it had agreed to the 24-hour cease-fire while asserting "its right to respond to any violations." The RSF said in a statement it was committed to respecting the truce. Authorities in the Philippines on Friday announced they have identified two suspects in the case of a radio journalist shot dead on May 31. Cresenciano Cris Bundoquin was killed in a drive-by attack in Calapan City in the Philippines Oriental Mindoro province about 4 a.m. May 31. In a statement on Facebook, Paul Gutierrez, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, named the two gunmen as Narciso Ignacio Guntan and Isabelo Lopez Bautista. Guntan died in a motorcycle crash while fleeing the scene, the statement said. Bautista is still at large. Gutierrez called on Bautistas family to persuade him to surrender. Radio journalist Bundoquin hosted the Ayos Mandin radio program on the local broadcaster DWXR 101.7 Kalahi FM and owned the MUX Online Radio broadcaster. Local journalists say the 50-year-old was critical of the government and political issues in his region. Bundoquin was what is known as a radio block timer a unique media approach where journalists buy up radio airtime in regions and provinces to provide their own coverage. It is often funded by politicians or political groups who aim to promote their narratives. Philippine journalists say that radio reporters particularly those who use the block time method are more at risk, even with efforts by the government to set up task forces to protect media. President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. appointed award-winning journalist Gutierrez as the new chief of the media security task force in May as part of those efforts. The Philippines is widely regarded as among the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) says journalists face threats such as red-tagging, cyber libel and physical attacks. Research by the union showed more than 53 press violations since Marcos Jr. took office. During former President Rodrigo Dutertes six years in charge, the annual average was 41, according to a May 2023 report by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). VOA reached out to the Philippines Presidential Office for comment but have yet to receive a reply. Bundoquin is the first journalist killed in the Philippines in 2023 and the fourth to be slain since Marcos Jr. became president in June 2022. Jonathan de Santos, chair of the NUJP, told VOA that the media work in a risky environment. The latest killing, which incidentally happened in the same month as World Press Freedom Day, shows that journalism is still dangerous in the Philippines despite a seemingly better relationship between the national government and the press. Media workers in the regions are generally more at risk, and broadcasters are particularly so, and this incident if shown to be work related makes that even more clear, he added. In October 2022, another radio journalist was killed on his way home in Las Pinas, Metro Manila. Percival Mabasa, known as Percy Lapid, was a prominent radio reporter and YouTuber. In November, the Philippines Bureau of Corrections prison chief and a security aide were charged with masterminding the killing of Mabasa, who had been critical of the prison authorities. Also killed in 2022 were Renato Blanco and Federico Gempesaw. Raymund Villanueva, a journalist for Kodao Productions and a safety officer at the NUJP, said the use block timing puts journalists at risk. More than half of media killing victims are block time broadcasters. ... Within a system where low salaries prevail over salaried media workers and radio stations fill up their time slots with block time to do business, it will always be exploited by political interests who have no compunction about killing," Villanueva told VOA. Being a journalist isnt easy in the Philippines, but there is hope the media environment may improve. Duterte had an uneasy relationship with the press, often criticizing journalists publicly. His administration formed a task force on media security in 2016, but local journalists say it has had little success. Marcos Jr. vowed to ensure press freedom before he was elected. De Santos hopes the Marcos Jr. administration will do more to protect the media with a new team leading the media security task force. "We [are hopeful] that the presidents statements about upholding the rights of and ensuring the safety of the press will translate to action on this case and in recent cases of attacks on journalists. Having former journalists at the Presidential Communications Office and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security are also encouraging signals, so we do hope that this case is resolved soon, and the perpetrators brought to justice," he added. The Philippines ranked seventh on CPJs Impunity Index 2022, which focuses on the countries where journalists are killed, and their attackers go free. And the country ranks 132 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, where 1 has the best media environment. The Kurdish-led authority in northeast Syria announced Saturday that hundreds of fighters with the Islamic State group held in prisons around the region will be put on trial after their home countries refused to repatriate them. The statement by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria said it still calls for the creation of an international tribunal to put those fighters on trial. It called on the United Nations, international rights groups and local organizations to help facilitate the trials. The U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces is holding more than 10,000 captured IS fighters in around two dozen detention facilities, including 2,000 foreigners whose home countries have refused to repatriate them. The statement said the fighters from about 60 nationalities had entered Syria years ago and were captured in battles against the extremists. "The terrorist organization carried out horrific crimes and mass massacres against people in the region," it said, adding that such acts are considered crimes against humanity and war crimes. It said the trials will be "fair and transparent in accordance with international and local laws related to terrorism." The SDF and the local Kurdish police force known as Asayesh also oversee some 51,000 family members of IS fighters, mostly women and children in the al-Hol camp. Many of those family members remain die-hard IS supporters, and killings by militants have taken place in the camp over the years. Saturday's announcement came two days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken co-hosted a meeting in Saudi Arabia of foreign ministers from the global coalition battling IS during which he announced nearly $150 million in new U.S. funding for stabilization efforts in Syria and Iraq. The extremist group no longer controls any territory, but its affiliates still carry out attacks across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, as IS is also known, includes more than 80 countries to coordinate action against the extremists, who at their height controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq. Blinken said the U.S. pledge is part of new funding amounting to more than $600 million. Blinken did not specify, but U.S. aid to Syria is expected to flow through Kurdish allies, the United Nations or international aid groups, as the U.S. and other Western countries maintain sanctions on Syrian President Bashar Assad's government. The Kurdish-led authority did not say where exactly the trials will be held or when they will start. They are believed to take place in areas controlled by the SDF in northeast and eastern Syria. The U.S. military has a presence in the region controlled by SDF fighters. On any given day there are at least 900 U.S. forces in Syria, along with an undisclosed number of contractors. U.S. forces advise and assist the SDF, including in securing the detention facilities, and they also conduct counterterror missions against IS. The Kurdish-led authority said that years of fighting against IS has left 15,000 SDF fighters dead and 25,000 wounded. IS was officially defeated in Syria in March 2019, when the extremists lost the last sliver of land under their control, but their sleeper cells still carry out deadly attacks. Last week, the SDF announced it handed over 50 Iraqi IS fighters to Baghdad. It also said that it repatriated 170 Iraqis who were living at the al-Hol camp. Patrol boats circled and officers descended by rope from a helicopter during a staged hostage crisis in the southern city of Kaohsiung, as Taiwan's armed forces held drills Saturday. The island holds frequent military drills in the face of increasing military and political pressures from China, including near-daily Chinese warplane incursions into its air defense zone. Beijing claims self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to retake it one day -- by force if necessary. At Kaohsiung port Saturday, the coast guard, military, police and airborne services simulated a hostage situation, accompanied by action-movie music and an ongoing narration of the "attack." "This is (Taiwan) Coast Guard! Stop the engine immediately!" shouted the announcer. "We are going to board and inspect your ship!" Smaller patrol boats surrounded the ship while a helicopter hovered overhead. The officers managed to "covertly" board the ship, and they opened fire -- not live rounds -- on the yellow-clad hostage-takers. At the end of the rehearsal, officers saluted President Tsai Ing-wen, who waved from the pier. "Everyone who participated in today's drill are our country's frontline defenders. I want to emphasize again, we have to strengthen ourselves in order to ensure peace in the Taiwan Strait," Tsai said in a short speech. "The more we are united, the more secure we are; the more secure Taiwan is, the safer the world will be." Since Tsai -- who rejects that Taiwan is a part of China -- came to power in 2016, the island has seen increased incursions by Beijing's boats warplanes. In April, Beijing conducted three days of military exercises simulating a blockade of the island in response to US Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meeting Tsai in California. And last August, China held four days of live-fire drills around Taiwan's territorial waters -- with some of the exercises taking place just off the coast of Kaohsiung. DESIGN RECIPES Homes make a first impression on visitors within seconds of entering the space. The foyer, or point of entry, serves as a sneak peek of what's to come. The initial message can be warm and welcoming, bold and bright, or functional and inviting. Regardless of the feeling you want to convey, look for opportunities to introduce a sense of style to create a great first impression. Where to start Begin by standing in the space and considering how you want guests to feel upon entering. What do you need to make the space function? Is this a space where you need to leave keys and hats, or do you want it be more of a design statement? As you plan out your space, consider these Design Recipes do's and don'ts. Do's Do use art to introduce color and graphics. Artwork in entryways can create a bold design statement and wow Do use seating to add an element of function and design. Do use mirrors to open and brighten a space. Don'ts Don't overcrowd an entry with too much furniture. Don't use colors or style elements that are not in line with the overall decor of the home. Don't create an entry that is dark or gloomy. Look for ways to add light and bright elements. Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award winning television host and a nationally known home-staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and the Hudson Valley. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com. Attackers killed one U.N. peacekeeper and seriously injured eight others Friday in Mali's Timbuktu region, an area where extremists continue to operate, the United Nations said. The peacekeepers were part of a security patrol that was targeted first by an improvised explosive device and then by direct fire in the town of Ber, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The United Nations joined the head of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali, El-Ghassim Wane, in strongly condemning the attack, Dujarric said. Mali has been ruled by a military junta since a 2020 coup against an elected president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. It has faced destabilizing attacks by armed extremist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group since 2013. In 2021, France and its European partners who were engaged in the fight against extremists in Mali's north withdrew from the country after the junta brought in mercenaries from Russia's Wagner Group. The United States warned Mali's military government in April that it would be "irresponsible" for the United Nations to continue deploying its more than 15,000 peacekeepers unless the western African nation ended restrictions, including on operating reconnaissance drones, and carried out political commitments toward peace and elections in March 2024. The warning came as the U.N. Security Council considers three options proposed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the peacekeeping mission's future: increase its size, reduce its footprint, or withdraw troops and police and turn it into a political mission. Its current mandate expires on June 30. Dujarric said the peacekeeper killed on Friday was the ninth to die in Mali this year. "This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the risks that peacekeepers in Mali and other places around the world face while tirelessly working to bring stability and peace to the people of Mali," he said. Editor's note: Here is a fast take on what the international community has been up to this past week, as seen from the United Nations perch. Ukrainian sites flooded following blast at dam On Tuesday, a major dam in southern Ukraine was blown up, resulting in flooding that has displaced thousands, destroyed crops and killed livestock, and potentially dislodged landmines and unexploded ordnance that could now pose hazards to the general population. Ukraine and Russia accused each other of being behind the blast at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam, which is under Russian control. The dam also provides water upstream to cool reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop. The U.N. has been assisting the affected region with humanitarian aid, including clean drinking water. The U.N. Security Council met late Tuesday in an emergency session at both Ukraines and Russias insistence. Ukraines president visited the region Thursday, calling for a scaled up international response. Dam Blown Up in Country's South Unleashes Torrent of Water, Evacuations 300 children rescued from Sudanese orphanage The U.N. childrens agency, UNICEF, said Thursday that nearly 300 children were safely relocated from an orphanage in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, to a transit center in a safer location. The International Committee for the Red Cross facilitated the evacuation of the children and their caretakers. At least 70 children had reportedly died at the Mygoma orphanage since fighting began April 15. Read more from The Associated Press: UNICEF Says 300 Trapped Children Rescued from Sudanese Orphanage After 71 Others Died Food aid diverted in Ethiopia The World Food Program said Friday that it is speeding up efforts to roll out improved safeguards and controls to ensure humanitarian food aid reaches the people it is intended for in Ethiopia. WFPs announcement follows a joint statement by Ethiopias Foreign Ministry and USAID about revelations of food aid diversion in the country. WFP paused food distributions in Ethiopias northern Tigray region in April, after evidence of significant food aid sales in local markets. In a statement, WFP said while it has temporarily halted food aid assistance in Ethiopia, it has continued nutrition assistance to children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, school meals programs, and activities for building the resilience of farmers and pastoralists. More than 20 million people across Ethiopia need food assistance this year. Report: US Suspends Food Aid to Ethiopia Amid Theft Accusations Tanzanian peacekeepers repatriated after sexual abuse and exploitation scandal The United Nations said Friday that it is sending home a unit of 60 Tanzanian peacekeepers from the Central African Republic after a preliminary investigation found credible evidence that 11 of them allegedly sexually exploited and abused at least four victims. It is not the first time peacekeepers from MINUSCA have been implicated in such abuses. UN Sending Home Peacekeepers Implicated in Sexual Abuse Five new members elected to U.N. Security Council for 2024-25 The U.N. General Assembly approved five new members for two-year terms on the organizations powerful 15-nation Security Council on Tuesday. Slovenia routed Belarus 153 to 38 for the only contested seat. Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and South Korea will start their terms on January 1, 2024. At UN, Belarus Shut Out in Bid for Security Council Seat In brief The U.N. Mission in South Sudan said at least 13 people have died and more than 20 were injured during an outbreak of intercommunal fighting at a protection of civilians site in Malakal, in Upper Nile State on Thursday. Some of the injured were treated at the U.N. missions hospital. The U.N. said the violence erupted following a stabbing at the site, which houses more than 37,000 displaced persons. Doctors without Borders put the toll higher, saying that 20 people were killed and 50 injured, including two of their staffers who live in the camp. In Mali, one U.N. peacekeeper from Burkina Faso was killed Friday near Ber town in the Timbuktu region and eight others were seriously injured during an improvised explosive device attack that was followed by direct gun fire. Terrorists and armed groups frequently attack peacekeepers in Mali; nine have died so far this year. The United Nations rejected the designation of U.N. envoy Volker Perthes as persona non grata by Sudans General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan this week. A U.N. spokesperson said that the doctrine of persona non grata is not applicable to or in respect of United Nations personnel, and its invocation is contrary to the obligations of states under the Charter of the United Nations, including those concerning the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel. Perthes is presently traveling outside Sudan. This week, the U.N. headquarters host city, New York, experienced heavy smoke and hazardous air quality levels from wildfires burning to the north in Canada. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted about the link between rising global temperatures and the need to reduce wildfire risk. Good news Secretary-General Guterres welcomed the announcement Friday that the government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) have agreed to a six-month bilateral national cease-fire and a mechanism to define the participation of Colombian society in the peace process. The U.N. chief said these are important steps forward that send hope to the Colombian people, especially the communities that are most impacted by conflict. President Gustavo Petro of Colombia and the First Commander of the ELN, Antonio Garcia, both attended a signing ceremony in Havana, Cuba. Guterres said the U.N. verification mission in Colombia is ready to continue to assist the dialogue process. What we are watching next week On Tuesday, the U.N. Security Council will discuss the link between climate change and peace and security, under the chairmanship of the United Arab Emirates, which holds the councils rotating presidency for June. The UAE will host the next climate review conference, COP28, in November, and the president-designate of the conference will chair Tuesdays council meeting. Sultan al-Jaber is the UAEs special envoy for climate change, the minister of industry and advanced technology, and more controversially, the CEO of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Friday she is gravely concerned by the growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran because it enables Russias prosecution of its brutal war against Ukraine. Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement, the recent release of information by the United States documenting how Iran has provided Russia with hundreds of one-way, attack unmanned aerial vehicles and UAV production equipment, has enabled Russia to use the UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv, destroy Ukranian infrastructure, and kill and terrorize Ukrainians civilians. She said Russia and Irans actions violate U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which prohibits all countries including permanent members of the U.N. Security Council from transferring these types of weapons from Iran. Many countries, including Ukraine and the United States, have reported these violations to the Security Council and have also provided supporting material and analysis, according to Thomas-Greenfield. There is an urgent need for the secretary-general to respond to calls from the international community to investigate these violations, she said. Doing so could save lives. The United States and Kosovo are continuing to engage in an unusual public spat, after the staunch U.S. allys prime minister, Albin Kurti, resisted calls to take steps that the West says are necessary to de-escalate ethnic tensions in the countrys north. Tensions flared last week as ethnic Albanian mayors entered municipal buildings with the backing of police, despite having won with only 3.5 percent of the vote in local elections that ethnic Serbs boycotted. U.S. Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar and EU Special Envoy Miroslav Lajcak visited Kosovo and Serbia this week, where they asked the leaders of the two countries to de-escalate, hold quick new elections in northern Kosovo and resume their dialogue. Its unclear if they will be able to persuade the two sides. Escobar has called Kurti inflexible and uncooperative, and Kurti complained that Washington and Brussels are biased in favor of Serbia. Whats at stake is a deal between Kosovo and Serbia aimed at normalizing relations, but so far no concrete steps have been taken. On Thursday, U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill was blunt in an interview with VOAs Serbian Service, saying Washington has a problem with Kurti. Hes not willing to comply, and I think we have some very fundamental issues with him on whether we can count on him as a partner, he said. Kurti fired back, complaining in an interview with The Associated Press of bias against his country from the United States and the European Union and tolerance of what he calls Serbias authoritarian regime. Behaving well with an autocrat doesnt make him behave better. On the contrary, he told AP. Hill confirmed a view that many who have followed the Western Balkans and U.S. engagement with Kosovo share these days. I don't think I've ever seen such a deep division, really what we have going right now between Pristina and Washington, he said. US approach debated While analysts agree that the situation is dangerous, they have different opinions on the United States open criticism of Kurti. Luke Coffey, a senior fellow with the Hudson Institute, said the biggest concern for him has been the way the Biden administration has handled the situation, calling Escobars approach almost reckless. "I understand this desire to put pressure on both sides by the U.S. government, but it seems like right now the pressure is disproportionately on Kosovo. And I think this is unhealthy, he told VOA Albanian in an interview. But Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the criticism is justified. He [Kurti] has taken actions of late that I deem to be needlessly provocative, including ... using armed guards to seat ethnic Albanian mayors that were elected with less than 4 percent of the vote. These are not helpful maneuvers, he told VOA Albanian. Kupchan said the United States and the EU still need to maintain an even-handed approach, considering that Serbia has been a difficult player on these issues from the very beginning, that Serbia likely advised Serbs in the north not to participate in the recent elections. So, whereas I do think that the criticism of Kurti is justified, the pressure needs to stay on both Pristina and Belgrade if we're going to see progress toward normalization and implementation of the agreements, including some form of Serb self-management in Kosovo, he said. The U.S. and the EU have asked Serbia to withdraw troops that it sent to the border with Kosovo and to urge protesters to be calm. But observers notice that there has not been a calling out of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, like there has been with Kurti. Coffey said the West is trying to appease Serbia, and Vucic is trying to have it both ways. He wants to pretend like he is going to get closer to the West and be a productive member of the Euro-Atlantic community, but all the while he is very cozy with Moscow, very cozy with the Kremlin. And Serbia, under his leadership, remains Russia's main foothold in the Balkans, he said, adding that this undermines U.S. interests in the region. When visiting Pristina, special envoy Escobar made sure to distinguish in his remarks between sharp disagreements with the Kosovo government and the overall relationship with the country as a whole. Kupchan said the unique relationship between Kosovo and the United States has not changed. By making public statements of this sort, I think the United States is, as I said, trying to create a situation in which there is political public pressure on Kurti to take a different line, and in which I think the United States is also sending a message to Serbs, to Serbia, to the Serbian government, that it is an even-handed player, he said. Many disputes The tensions over local elections are just the latest in a long list of disagreements between Kosovo and Serbia over what each country needs to do to make progress toward normalizing ties, a process spearheaded by the EU with strong support from the U.S. Kupchan said Western leaders' frustration stems from the fact that they thought normalization was within reach, and the parties don't seem to be taking advantage of the opportunity. This is, in my mind, the best opportunity that we've seen really in a very long time, perhaps even since the initial independence of Kosovo in 2008, he said. The issue of self-management of Serbs in northern Kosovo is essentially the Achilles' heel in this process. Visiting the region, Escobar repeated that Kosovo needs to establish an Association of Serb Municipalities if it wants to move closer to Euro-Atlantic institutions. Kosovo officials have resisted, talking about more autonomy for Serbs but stopping short of committing to a concrete plan. That seems to be the key sticking point here. It is also, in my mind, the key that would lead to a breakthrough in which the Serb majority that lives north of the river would feel that they have a voice in the institutions, the governance of Kosovo, and that they may then be more comfortable integrating into the country, Kupchan said. He added that the question is not whether Kosovo has a right to be frustrated, considering that Belgrade has been sustaining parallel structures and has been manipulating the population inside Kosovo. In his view, the main question facing Kosovo is, What is the best course for the government to take to get to a satisfactory, stable, durable peace in which Serbia forms a normal relationship with Kosovo, and ultimately all the countries of the world, including Serbia, recognize Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state? Serbia does not recognize Kosovos independence that it declared in 2008, and that came almost a decade after U.S.-led NATO forces intervened to stop ethnic cleansing by the Serbian regime at the time. Keida Kostreci reported from Washington. Jovana Djurovic reported from Belgrade. Ivana Konstantinovic contributed. Some information came from The Associated Press. Uyghur Brothers Detained in India Since 2013 Face Deportation Threat Three Uyghur brothers fled persecution in China's Xinjiang region, crossed into India without proper documents, and were charged under the Public Safety Act. Advocates call for their release, urging the Indian government to grant protection and consider their plea for temporary asylum. Uyghur Student Convicted for Sharing Protest Video on WeChat Kamile Wayit, a Uyghur student, has been convicted of "advocating extremism" in China for posting a video on WeChat that showed protests of lockdown measures. Detained in Xinjiang in December, Wayit was sentenced in March, potentially facing up to five years in prison. Human rights organizations criticize the state's arbitrary detention of Uyghurs based on their ethnicity, highlighting Wayit's case as an example. Uyghur Student Imprisoned 13 Years for VPN Usage in Xinjiang Uyghur university student Mehmut Memtimin has been serving a 13-year sentence in China's Xinjiang region since his 2017 arrest. His crime was using a VPN to access "illegal information," which was deemed a national security threat. Memtimin, a computer science major at Xinjiang University, is held in Tumshuq Prison in Maralbeshi county in the region. Although VPN usage is widespread in China, arrests and harsh penalties are uncommon. Chinese Government Likely Exploits Uyghur Travel Vlogs for Propaganda Uyghur travel vlogs circulating on Chinese social media platforms are suspected to be part of a propaganda campaign by the Chinese government. These videos aim to create a false perception of freedom and normalcy in Xinjiang, despite strict travel restrictions for Uyghurs. The videos, posted on Chinese social media platforms like Kuaishou, show some Uyghurs documenting their travels despite restrictions on their movement. Experts believe it is highly unlikely that Uyghurs can travel abroad without official approval. The motive behind the campaign is to downplay China's human rights abuses against Uyghurs and divert attention from ongoing genocide allegations, according to some rights activists. Uyghur Hatmaker and Wife Die in Xinjiang Prison A Uyghur hatmaker and his wife, arrested in 2017 for "illegal" religious activities, have died in Tumshuq Prison while serving their 10-year sentences. The prison, notorious for detaining Uyghurs during the 2017 crackdown, secretly released the bodies of the prisoners to their family, according to a Radio Free Asia report. A Uyghur Mans Courageous Journey of Escaping China and Thai Prison A decade ago, Uyghurs in China, desperate to escape oppression, embarked on the perilous "smugglers' road" to find safety in countries like Turkey. Hashim Mohammed's personal story of confinement in a Thai detention center and his daring escape through a hole in a cell wall represents the experiences of many Uyghurs risking their lives for freedom. His account highlights the challenges and grim realities of detention, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance and support for those still trapped in Thailand and other countries. US Implements Import Ban on Two More Chinese Companies over Uyghur Human Rights Concerns The U.S. has banned imports from Ninestar Corp. and Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical because of alleged human rights abuses targeting Uyghurs in China. This action was taken under the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act, which prohibits imports produced in Xinjiang or by listed companies involved in forced labor. The list now includes 22 companies, and more than $1.3 billion worth of goods have been examined for forced labor. Ninestar and Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical were added for their role in exploiting forced labor from persecuted Uyghurs in Xinjiang. US Lawmakers Introduce Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act (UGASA) Last week, Senators Marco Rubio and Jeff Merkley introduced the Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act (UGASA) as a significant response to ongoing atrocities committed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Xinjiang. The comprehensive bill, building upon previous legislation, seeks to strengthen sanctions and visa prohibitions against Chinese officials involved in the U.S.-designated genocide. It emphasizes expanding sanctions, denying entry to those involved in forced abortions or sterilizations, providing support to Uyghurs and Turkic groups, and assisting genocide victims. The UGASA also aims to combat CCP propaganda, impose restrictions on certain U.S. government agency contracts, and mandate disclosures regarding activities in Xinjiang. Uyghur rights groups welcomed the bill as a crucial step toward accountability, while the Chinese embassy spokesperson criticized it as malicious legislation. The bill also highlights the need for support in preserving Uyghur culture and resilience within the Uyghur diaspora. News in brief The recent visit of the Arab League delegation to Xinjiang, where they commended China's policies in the region, has sparked controversy and been deemed a "betrayal" and the "whitewashing" of Chinese treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, classified as genocide by the United States and some Western countries. The Chinese government denies the accusations. Critics argue that the endorsement of China's policies by the Arab League delegation contradicts the findings of the U.N. human rights office, which highlighted serious human rights violations in Xinjiang. The delegation's visit is seen as part of China's propaganda efforts to conceal the mistreatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. Some experts attribute the delegation's support to the economic and diplomatic ties between their countries and China, making it challenging for them to take a stronger stance on human rights and democracy. Quote of note Today, China has made many countries from both the Arab world and the Muslim regions dependent on it, both economically and diplomatically, said Abdulhakim Idris, director of the Washington-based Center for Uyghur Studies. The White House has warned private entities, especially technology companies, about the risks of their products ending up in Iranian hands. Russia has been using drones in its war against Ukraine, attacking cities and destroying infrastructure, and according to the White House is working with Iran to produce them from inside Russia. VOA Persian's White House correspondent Farhad Pouladi on Friday spoke with John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, about this and other issues the administration is tackling regarding the Islamic Republic. VOA: On Iran and Russia cooperation on drones, what advice does the administration have by issuing this new advisory? NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL COORDINATOR FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS JOHN KIRBY: Well, we want to make sure that private entities, certainly technology companies, understand the risks of their products potentially ending up in Iranian hands to be used for the manufacture of Iranian drones in this case that can be used to kill innocent Ukrainian people. So, the purpose of the advisory was really to make sure that the business community understands our concerns and is taking a look at its own procedures and procedures. VOA: In the past two weeks, Iran unveiled a hypersonic missile called Fattah and a 2 kilometer-range missile called Kheibar. With the arms embargo under UNSC Resolution 2231 coming to an end in October, and considering Russias veto power, what is the U.S. hoping to do? KIRBY: Well, I can't get ahead of the U.N. process here. But you're right. This activity by Iran, particularly with ballistic missiles, is a violation of 2231. Again, I won't get ahead of the process here and where it's going. Clear violations, we're going to continue to work with our allies and partners at the U.N. and outside the U.N. to make sure that we're putting enough pressure on Iran so that they stop this destabilizing activity. Their ballistic missile program continues to improve. It presents a clear threat to the region, certainly to our friends in the region. And now some of these capabilities, not ballistic missiles necessarily but in terms of UAVs, [unmanned aerial vehicles] now, this capability, this technology is being used inside Ukraine to kill innocent Ukrainians. And now we know that Iran is working with Russia on the potential construction of a manufacturing facility, or the conversion of one, to be used inside Russia to actually produce, organically, there inside Russia, Iranian-designed UAVs, so all the more reason to continue to put pressure on the regime. VOA: So, Europeans swap their prisoners with Iran. What is the holdup for the Americans in Iran? You mentioned it behind the podium that a blue passport is a blue passport. So what is the holdup for them? KIRBY: I would tell you that we never lose sight of our obligations, our sacred obligation to get home wrongfully detained Americans overseas, including in Iran. I don't have anything with specific cases to talk to you today. I can just tell you that we never stopped working on this. We're always going to try to find a way to bring these Americans home in a way that comports with our obligation to them but also with our national security. And we're doing that right now. VOA: The IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] Board of Governors and the U.S. urged Iran to fully cooperate with the agency. And if it fails, the board should be prepared to hold Iran to account at the appropriate time. Isn't that just a slap on the wrist from the U.S.? KIRBY: We have done an awful lot inside the United States, just unilaterally let alone multilaterally with other countries, to hold the regime accountable for their destabilizing activities, for their constant pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities, for their support to Russia inside Ukraine, for their attacks on maritime shipping. I could go on, and on, and on. And we're not going to take any tools off the table to continue to hold them accountable going forward. So I think in Tehran, again, I won't speak for the regime, but I'd be hard pressed to look at the pressure they're under and for them to believe that the United States is simply slapping them on the wrist. Now, yes, we want them to comply with the requirements of the IAEA as they should, as they must, but we're not going to take any options off the table in terms of our ability to continue to put pressure on them so that they do comply, so that ... we can get to a place where they don't have a nuclear weapons capability. VOA: Going to the sanctions issue as part of Iran's nuclear deal, specifically on Iranian blocked assets, that can be used only for humanitarian relief and humanitarian commodities. Any changes to that, especially when it comes to news reports that Iran's Central Bank chief was here? KIRBY: I mean, I don't have I don't have anything on those press reports. Look, we have sanctions in place that are going to stay in place to hold the regime accountable for their activities in the region, for the way they're treating their own people, and certainly for the manner in which they're supporting Ukraine Im sorry, Russia in their fight inside Ukraine and killing innocent Ukrainian people. HARARE, ZIMBABWE Amnesty International on Friday called on Zimbabwes president not to sign into law the so-called "Patriotic Act" that lawmakers approved this week. The government says the proposed law, which would authorize penalties against people found guilty of damaging Zimbabwes sovereignty and national interests, is justified and must be enacted. Critics say the law will curb freedom of expression during the August elections. Amnesty International urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa not to sign the measure, known officially as the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Bill 2022. The bill, if made law, would authorize jail terms of up 20 years against those found guilty of willfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe. It would also allow the death penalty for a person found to have advocated for international sanctions that harm the country or its people. Amnesty said the proposed law would effectively give authorities greater power to unduly restrict human rights and silence those perceived as being critical of the government, such as political activists, human rights defenders, journalists, civil society leaders, opposition parties and whistle-blowers. Lucia Masuka, Amnesty's executive director in Zimbabwe, said her organization was deeply concerned by this weeks passing of the bill by the Senate. The weaponization of the law is a desperate and patent move to curtail the rights to freedom of expression and to public participation in elections due in August this year," she said. "The bills deliberately vague and overly broad provisions on damaging Zimbabwes interest and sovereignty, including by calling for economic sanctions, flies in the face of Zimbabwes international human rights obligations. All laws must be defined precisely, allowing people to know exactly which acts will make them criminally liable. But Ziyambi Ziyambi, Zimbabwes justice minister, said the proposed law would target only citizens who plan on harming the nation with the help of foreigners. "The provision says this: If you go and meet a foreign government or an agent of a foreign government, and [the intention of the meeting] is to ensure that particular country imposes a trade embargo on Zimbabwe or sanctions, and you fully participate and you urge them to do that, knowing fully well that your action will injure the sovereignty of the country, you are guilty of an offense," Ziyambi said. "Are you saying it is good? He added that even if the measure was enacted, Zimbabweans would still be allowed to say anything and even criticize Mnangagwa. "The law has nothing to do with Mnangagwa," Ziyambi said. "You can insult him as long as you do not infringe on existing laws; you wont be arrested. We are saying we can disagree, but not to the extent of advocating for the generality of the population to suffer. Musa Kika, a constitutional lawyer who heads the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, said enactment of the legislation would be unfortunate. The government has committed itself to certain governance reforms in light of arrears and debt clearance process," Kika said. "Under governance there are issues to do with constitutionalism and civic space, et cetera. This kind of law takes back or takes away whatever commitments it has made in that process. This is an unconstitutional law - it infringes on all sorts of civil and political rights that the constitution gives. He added that the bill could be struck off Zimbabwes statutes if challenged in court. But Rutendo Matinyarare, chairman of the Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Movement, disagreed. Amnesty International is not a multilateral human rights institution," Matinyarare said. "So they do not qualify to speak on human rights issues. That is the prerogative of the U.N. Human Rights Council. Secondly, Amnesty International is paid, so it is not an independent institution; it is an institution paid to advance American and Western interests over Third World interests and African interests. "On the issue of the Patriotic Bill, they have not given any evidence how the Patriotic Bill is going to close down dissent, because there is nowhere in the Patriotic Bill that it says Zimbabweans are not allowed to criticize their government. Mnangagwa has not said when or whether he will sign the bill into law. HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) Munyaradzi Mushawatu, an electrician in Zimbabwes capital, Harare, was both ecstatic and jittery after President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced recently that national elections would be held on Aug. 23. I have voted in every election since 1990. I cant wait to make my voice heard. I am ready, said Mushawatu. But the bravado turned to chagrin as he recalled how the countrys skewed elections environment has remained intact for decades. Its only the election date that is new. The usual old obstacles remain, said the 56year-old father of three. Allegations of fraud, violence and harassment of opposition members have characterized elections held in Zimbabwe since independence from white minority rule in 1980. The 2018 elections were the first following a coup that replaced Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's longtime autocratic ruler, with Mnangagwa, amid promises of reform. But after a close-run contest, the Constitutional Court dismissed opposition leader Nelson Chamisas claims of vote-rigging. Mnangagwa, an 80-year-old former enforcer and ally of Mugabe, is again expected to face a strong challenge from the 45-year-old Chamisa. The election will also decide the composition of the 350-seat parliament and close to 2,000 local council positions. For many Zimbabweans, hope offered by the Aug. 23 elections is eclipsed by a realization that although Mnangagwa has tried to present himself as a reformer, prevailing conditions suggest that he is even more repressive than the man he helped remove from power. The opposition and some human rights groups say the playing field has been tilted in the ruling partys favor. They cite oppressive laws, arrests and detentions of opposition figures, bans of meetings, alleged violence, biased state media coverage and alleged voters roll irregularities just as in previous elections. In the spotlight is a bill recently passed by parliament but which must still be signed by the president in order to become law. The legislation calls for harsh punishments of up to 20 years in jail for unpatriotic acts such as attending a meeting with foreign agents where issues such as sanctions or the overthrow of the government are discussed. The government defends the bill as necessary to protect national interests. Many are skeptical. Since Mugabes time, Zimbabwes ruling party has used sanctions imposed by the United States two decades ago over human rights violations as election campaign fodder often accusing the opposition of conspiring with the U.S to keep the measures in place. The bill has had a chilling effect of silencing dissent, said Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, or ZLHR, an NGO. Provisions such as penalizing people for merely attending a meeting where sanctions are considered are vague, lack certainty, are imprecise, and are thus prone to abuse by law enforcement, said ZLHR. Criticizing the president or the ruling ZANU-PF party already appears to be hazardous locally. ZLHR says it is providing free legal representation to dozens of people arrested or detained for insulting the president or for tweeting, singing or marching. Another recurring bone of contention is the voters roll, which Chamisa described as a perennial challenge. Alleged irregularities include missing names of registered voters. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has repeatedly dismissed allegations of colluding with the ruling party, and recently said voters roll irregularities would be resolved by Election Day. Despite the odds, Chamisa says he sees a real chance. Some say, are you to boycott the elections? We will not boycott 2023 is a big moment, an opportunity for Zimbabweans to realize change, he told reporters last week. Its the first real test for his party, the Citizens Coalition for Change, which he formed in January last year, making a break from the countrys longtime opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change. Zimbabwean political commentator Alexander Rusero says Chamisa hopes that a strong showing in August will strengthen the new partys credentials. The opposition genuinely believe they are being frog-marched into an election they are sure to lose, said Rusero. But remember it is a new political outfit. Elections will secure Chamisas party the legitimacy of being the most formidable opposition and get a seat at the table in case of any post-election political settlement, he said. Tensions are rising in the Southern African nation of 15 million people as the economy implodes under the weight of a debilitating currency crisis, sharp price rises, crippling electricity shortages, unemployment, corruption allegations and collapsing public health infrastructure. The ruling party blames U.S sanctions and also accuses businesspeople of conniving to increase prices and ignite anger ahead of elections. Mnangagwa and the government also deny allegations of violence and intimidation by ruling party activists and security forces and are promising a credible election. Nothing must be spared to ensure the environment is right and conducive for free, fair and peaceful elections in which the right to vote is available to all those eligible, Mnangagwa wrote in his weekly column in the state-controlled Sunday Mail newspaper. But some, like Mushawatu, the electrician, are not too sure. I will vote, but I am not convinced that we are in a new era, he said. (FILE PHOTO) When boat lifts were taken out of Lake Mary this past fall you could see the volume of zebra mussels in the Douglas County lake. Lake Mary is one of many lakes in the county to make the DNR's list of lakes with invasive species in it. Alexander Hernandez, the Fremont man who killed a 4-month-old baby in January 2021 but was ruled not guilty by reason of insanity, has set the record for the longest incarcerated inmate in the history of the Saunders County Jail. Hernandez, now 22, has been an inmate at the Saunders County Jail in Wahoo since Jan. 9, 2021, as he awaits a court-ordered transfer to the Lincoln Regional Center, the State of Nebraskas high-security psychiatric hospital. Saunders County Jail Director Brian Styskal confirmed to the Tribune that to his knowledge, no inmate has ever spent a longer amount of time in the jail than Hernandez in Saunders County history. Hernandez has been incarcerated at the jail for two years and five months as of Friday, June 9. Hes been here longer than any other inmate ever has. This process has drug on for eternity it seems with him, said Styskal, who has been the Saunders County jail director since 2010. It is a county jail. You have no access to an external rec yard and things like that. Itd be tough doing that amount of time anywhere, in my opinion. Here, you dont even see the horizon, quite frankly, the way the facility is designed, he explained. It can definitely take a toll on someones mental health capacity, especially if you had issues before coming in here. Normally, inmates are not housed in county jails for longer than 12 months, as under Nebraska state law, any criminal conviction with a sentence longer than one year is served in a state prison. Most people are in a county jail less than a year. If you are going to get a sentence longer than a year, you are going to go to a prison, he added. Most county jails are not going to have people in them for years. It is pretty uncommon to have an individual in a county jail for years like he has been. Transfer to mental hospital delayed On May 17, Dodge County District Court Judge Geoffrey Hall agreed with a risk assessment done by a state criminal psychologist who found Hernandez still suffered from several mental illnesses and mental health issues and posed a high risk of violence. Hall ordered Hernandezs transfer to the Lincoln Regional Center secure psychiatric facility to be expedited, but his relocation is contingent on the facility having space to house him. Once there, Hernandez will first undergo a 90-day mental illness assessment at the facility before doctors are expected to develop a treatment plan for him. Styskal said once he is notified that there is room at the Lincoln Regional Center and a transfer is approved, Hernandez will be sent there immediately to begin his initial 90-day mental illness assessment. After that assessment is completed, Hernandez will appear in court again for an update hearing before Hall. Mental health space in the State of Nebraska is kind of hard to come by, Styskal said. Generally, there is a waiting list for people to get in those place. Hernandez killed his cousin in January 2021 Hernandez was ordered to the mental health facility for the killing of his own 4-month-old cousin on Jan. 8, 2021. The female infant, whom the Fremont Tribune is not identifying by name, was being cared for by Hernandezs two parents while her own parents were seeking treatment for substance abuse issues. On March 17, Hernandez was acquitted of criminal guilt on the basis of him being ruled insane. Afterward, Hall ruled that he undergo a risk of danger assessment by a state psychologist, which was completed by Dr. Jennifer Cimpl-Bohn, a psychologist with the Nebraska Regional, who testified about Hernandez on May 17. Hernandez descended into worsening mental health conditions over a six month period in 2020, which his parents partly blamed on the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and cannabis abuse disorder. Cimpl-Bohn also testified that Hernandez had admitted to her he had an extensive and years-long personal history of illegal substance use, including having taken cocaine, LSD and smoked cannabis daily since he was an early teen, and he binge drank alcohol on weekends. The fact that Hernandez killed the infant was never contested in court, however his defense attorney cited a claim that Hernandez was insane at the time of the incident, which after years of court testimony and hearings, was affirmed by Hall. Jail incidents cause concern As part of the risk of danger assessment, Cimpl-Bohn did a two-hour, in-person interview with Hernandez at the jail, during which a second state criminal psychologist was present. In the more than two years Hernandez has been jailed at the Saunders County Jail, Cimpl-Bohn testified that weekly therapy sessions as well as a medication plan of Prozac and a drug called Abilify have helped Hernandez improve his mental health, but he was still suffering from delusions and hallucinations. In February, Cimpl-Bohn testified that Saunders County Jail staff told her that Hernandez had begun to have ideations of allegedly wanting to possibly kill his cellmate. (Hernandez) reported to jail staff that he was having vague thoughts of harming his cellmate, she claimed in testimony. Cimpl-Bohn also recalled when Saunders County Jail staff compiled a report for her detailing a psychotic episode in April during which Hernandez was alleged to have suffered from paranoid ideations and hallucinations. He also reportedly told jail officials that officers from the FBI were secretly living in the jail and monitoring his thoughts and actions. Styskal said in the June 7 interview that he was not fully familiar with all of the specific details of the two incidents that Cimpl-Bohn testified about in court, but said he did not view Hernandez as a serious threat to jail staff. Things he might have discussed (with Cimpl-Bohn) we would not necessarily be privy to that unless they disclosed it to us. I dont have any concerns that there was any threat to the facility or anything like that, Styskal said. Styskal also said for the safety and wellbeing of his jail staff and other inmates, he believes any credible threats an inmate may tell their mental health counselor should be shared when allowable with him and the jail staff. I would hope they would disclose (potential threats). Some people are more in-tune with what we do in here than others. You think it might be common sense to relay possible threats to us. But, it also depends on how it was received. Was it (a) blatant (threat), or was it indirect, he said. For example, a person may say I have these feelings, but Im not going to act on them. There may be some variances on how it is perceived and whether or not they relay it all to us. Styskal said while the jail is not the ideal place for intensive mental health treatment like what Hernandez has been ordered to receive at the Lincoln Regional Center, the jail does have licensed medical staff to conduct mental health therapy and distribute medications to inmates. We contract our medical and mental health services with Advanced Correctional Healthcare. We do have a licensed mental health practitioner that comes in weekly to meet with inmates, Styskal said. There is also a prescribing (medication) authority. We have a licensed practical nurse here five days a week, and we have another licensed nurse that comes in on weekends. We strive to provide a level of community care. A hearing for an update on Hernandezs 90-day session at the mental hospital was set for 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 9, however since Hernandez has not been able to be transferred to the facility nor begin the assessment, that court date will likely be switched to a later date. Photo: Disney+ Its almost time to see Harrison Ford wear leather as Indiana Jones with Phoebe Waller-Bridge in the final film of the franchise. But before we try to figure out what the hell a Dial of Destiny is, we need to turn it back to where it all started. While the Indiana Jones films have had a home on Paramount+ for a while now, theyre making their way to the house of mouse. Now, you can watch every Indiana Jones film leading up to Dial of Destiny on Disney+, giving you about a month before the new film comes to theaters on June 30. However, Disney+ isnt the only place to experience the franchise. Pluto TV has added all four of the Indiana Jones films as a part of their Popcorn Summer Movies series, all for free. For the superfan and the physical-media collector, Paramount is releasing a 4K Ultra HD film collection on June 8. Even if you dont have Disney+ or are cutting down your DVD collection, here are a few ways you can watch and stream every Indiana Jones film. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark To kick off your rewatch, the first Indiana Jones film is available on Paramount+, Pluto TV and now on Disney+. Itll give you a good starting place to remember how Jones got started kicking Nazis asses. The movie is also where youll meet Marion Ravenwood, Joness love interest who returns for Dial of Destiny. Actually, if you wanted to, you can make your rewatch a double feature and watch it alongside Tar Todd Field will thank you for it. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom The second film, Temple of Doom, introduces us to the angel that is Ke Huy Quan in his first film as the character Short Round, who helps Jones by who drives the 1936 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster in his escape. The film is available on Fubo TV, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Disney+. Try not to cry when you see Quan and Ford together. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Ah, the first time we see a baby Indy. River Phoenix briefly stars in a flashback to teenage Indiana Jones; Ford said of the actors who auditioned, Phoenix looked the most like him at that age. Adding to the stars returning for the final film, youll meet Sallah (played by John Rhys-Davies), a professional excavator living in Cairo. The movie is available on Fubo TV, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Disney+. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull The most recent edition to the franchise stars Ford; Lydia Tar Cate Blanchett as the films villain, the Soviet agent Irina Spalko; and, um, Shia LaBeouf (who plays Joness son). While LaBeouf will not be in the final film, the last installment will reveal what happens to his character, says director James Mangold. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is available on Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Disney+. The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones Starring Corey Carrier and Patrick Flanery as Young Indiana Jones, the 90s series followed Joness childhood and teenage years where he meets historical figures like Ernest Hemingway and Theodore Roosevelt. Featuring cameos from Catherine Zeta-Jones, Daniel Craig, Denis OHare, and Keith David, the series is a great Oh my God, they were in this? as you gear up for the next Indy film. The three-season series is currently only available to purchase individual episodes on Amazon, but it will make its streaming debut alongside its film counterparts on Disney+. Greek chapters at the University NebraskaLincoln saw their building values jump nearly $1.2 million on average in one year, according to data from the Lancaster County Assessors Office. It was sticker shock, said Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Jon Gayer. Some of these groups are probably looking at a $100,000 increase in taxes. The Lancaster County Assessors Office reassessed Greek house values after they hadnt changed during the pandemic. And this time, the office looked at how houses were valued near other Big Ten campuses. Farmhouse Fraternity saw the largest increase out of all the Greek chapters. Their valuation in 2022 was $250,300, but that didnt account for a complete remodeling of the house. Now, their new valuation is $7.24 million. Alpha Xi Deltas old valuation was $246,400. Their new one: $1.56 million, a staggering 534% increase. Their building value rose the most out of any UNL sorority, according to assessor data. Alpha Gamma Rhos valuation nearly quadrupled, to more than $4.8 million. Kappa Deltas value also nearly quadrupled, to nearly $1.6 million. Lancaster County Assessor Dan Nolte was not in office until this year, but he said COVID and the housing market during the pandemic may have led to the lack of change in previous building valuations. We are tasked by statute with valuing property as close to market value as we can, Nolte said. The numbers There are 17 fraternities and 12 sororities with chapter houses on or near UNL campuses. Most men and women who are part of a designated house live there during their college years. Some houses have designated sleeping rooms, while others have individual rooms shared with roommates. Chapters eat meals and host meetings and events at their house. Embed code: Greek chapters were caught off guard by the increase, in part because they had not seen a major change in property value in recent years, Gayer said. Chapter buildings at UNL hadnt been reassessed since 2015. The Assessors Office began looking at reevaluating the houses after receiving calls about Greek chapter building values not being accurate and other equalization concerns. There were also a few building sales and new construction that indicated a valuation issue, said Phil Hughes from the Lancaster County Assessors Office. How reassessments worked Property values increase for a variety of reasons. The Greek chapters saw a 293.21% average increase because of renovations and the current housing market, Hughes said. We need to value property, real estate, as close to market value as we can, Nolte said. Statute requires property to be valued at 100% market value, and there are three approaches: sales, income and cost. The sales approach compares a property with similar properties recently sold. This method couldnt be used because Greek chapter houses are rarely sold, and are hard to compare to similar-sized properties. The income approach, used with most commercial properties, determines value based on the amount of money brought in. But Greek chapters are generally nonprofits. Most of them operate in the red or very, very near in the red, Hughes said. Embed code: So the Lancaster County Assessors Office used a cost approach, which looks at cost tables produced by a national company to determine the worth of the property. These cost tables determine values based on replacement costs for things like square footage, materials used and quality of materials, Hughes said. The Assessors Office said staff did on-site inspections of the outside of all the chapters and inside most of them. They noted updates and areas with deferred maintenance. From these notes, they looked at the cost tables to reach the new values. Every time we re-value, we start completely over with new sales data. We dont base any of our new values off prior data, said Lancaster County Appraisal Operations Manager Alice Lauer. It is all new market data, all new income data, all new cost and depreciation data. To ensure the numbers logically aligned, the office said they looked at Greek properties at universities in Iowa and Wisconsin to compare. They chose these campuses because they were similar to Lincoln, assessed at full market value and had information available online. If they value something at $10 million that we value at $100,000 that just would not be logical, Hughes said. Hughes said the office sympathizes with the Greek houses facing large increases, but they are required to follow state statute. "There is less of a concern that our value is wrong and more of a concern of the increase of the value and what it does with their budgets," he said. Theta Xi Fraternity Alumni Association Treasurer Brent Ganey said he doesnt think the valuations are entirely wrong. However, he said, Greek houses being taxed as real property at 100% market value isnt fair because of their unique purpose. The impact on Greeks As valuations increase, so do property taxes. This will impact budgets and cost of living in a Greek house, leaders say. Chapters will have to pay the expense through an increase in rent or changing budgets. Blake Welker, a UNL junior, has served as president of Sigma Chi. That chapters value increased by more than $500,000. He said Sigma Chi has around 100 members, so they will be able to manage the increase better than smaller chapters. But the increase may still lead to increased dues. It does take away from things we can do, Welker said. It is not to the point that we can't run the house. Gayer said he doesnt think it will necessarily affect recruitment numbers, but it may affect which chapter students choose because incoming students are looking more closely at cost and value. Theta Xi Fraternity, which has about 80 members, also received a significant hike in value. Their alumni board is working with the Lancaster County Assessors Office, said Theta Xi President Benjamin Morse. If the fraternity pays more in taxes, the cost of living will increase, he said. We are just a bunch of college kids, he said. Its already hard for college kids to afford these dues and afford to live in a fraternity or sorority. With these increases, it will deter people from wanting to. Whats next When the valuations were released, a number of chapters called the Office for Sorority and Fraternity Life. The office organized a meeting with the Lancaster County Assessor's Office where chapter presidents, advisers and friends were able to ask questions. Chapters can file an appeal before June 30. A formal protest through the County Clerks Office can lead to a hearing with a third-party private appraiser. Chapter advisers and alumni boards are working on appeals, they say. Welker said their advisers are encouraging them to speak to the new chancellor about the issue as soon as possible. Gayer said he asked if the chapters could file a joint appeal and was told no. Nolte said this is because each property is separate. The Lancaster County Board of Equalization will make a decision on all appeals by Aug. 10. After that decision, chapters could appeal to the Nebraska Tax Equalization Review Commission, said Nolte. If the chapters continue to appeal, they would eventually be heard by the Nebraska Supreme Court, Gayer said. I think we lose sight that these are for the most part student housing, Gayer said. You can't flip this overnight to be an apartment complex. You cant. Top Journal Star photos for June 2023 Italy looks back on anniversary of Vermicino tragedy whose doomed rescue attempts unfolded on live television. On this day 42 years ago, a small boy fell deep into a well in a village near Frascati, about 20 km south-east of Rome. Alfredo Rampi, known as Alfredino, was six years old. On the evening of 10 June 1981, the boy had asked his father if he could walk back across the field to the family's holiday house. It was a short walk and his father said yes. When his father returned home later there was no sign of Alfredino. His alarmed parents began looking for him and soon they were joined by a police search party. Alfredino Rampi The search party comes across a well in adjoining property but initially it is excluded as it is covered with a sheet of metal weighed down with rocks. Shortly afterwards, however, a fire fighter insists on checking the well and, sticking his head into the abyss, he makes out the moans of Alfredino. 'Mamma,' came the faint voice from far below. It transpires that the owner of the land had covered over the well, which was dug illegally, without realising that the little boy was trapped inside. An emergency operation to save Alfredino begins. The rescue is complicated from the outset: the mouth of the well is only 28 cm wide and the tunnel is 80 metres deep, with very irregular walls. After rescuers lower a lamp inside it is revealed that the child is stuck at a depth of about 36 metres, blocked by a recess. Alfredino's mother, Franca Rampi, with rescue officials and volunteers. Photo ANSA. The first attempt to save Alfredino turns out to be a disaster: the rescuers lower a wooden board into the well, to allow the child to cling to it, but it gets stuck at a depth of 24 metres and the rope tied to it snaps. The well is now blocked. During the night, technicians from the state television broadcaster RAI arrive on site and, by lowering their equipment into the well, allow the rescuers to communicate with Alfredino. Speleologists from the Alpine Rescue volunteer to lower themselves into the well in an attempt to remove the board blocking the rescue operation. The attempts fail. It is decided to start digging two tunnels, one vertical and one horizontal, in a bid to reach Alfredino who by now is asking for water. However the digging is hampered from the start by the tough terrain, then granite, which makes it difficult to tunnel. Alfredino, who suffers from congenital heart disease, drifts in and out of sleep. Day break, 11 June. Later in the morning RAI begins broadcasting live from the rescue site in Vermicino. The intention is to film the lead-up to the rescue of Alfredino, expected imminently. Tragically, this does not go according to plan. As the day goes by millions of people tune in to watch the rescue attempts. Thousands of people have gathered around the site to watch. Rescuers work unceasingly, their work impeded frequently by technical obstacles. The cameras keep rolling. The non-stop television coverage is attracting up to 21 million viewers at peak times. The president of Italy, Sandro Pertini, visits the scene to offer comfort to Alfredino's parents. President of Italy, Sandro Pertini, visits the Vermicino site. Photo ANSA. A visibly distraught Pertini vows not to move until Alfredino is rescued. The boy's condition begins to deteriorate. Then, on the morning of 12 June (a day and a half after his fall) Alfredino stops responding to rescuers. By that evening, the drilling of the tunnels is complete, with the horizontal tunnel reaching a depth of 34 metres. Rescuers then make a terrible discovery. Vibrations from the drilling have caused the boy to slip an estimated 30 metres further down the well. With Alfredino now not responding and trapped about 60 metres below ground, the only option is to lower someone into the remaining part of the well. After multiple failed attempts by trained speleologists, rescuers began to choose the smallest, slightest men they could find, to fit into the narrow and increasingly deep abyss. A volunteer steps forward. His name is Angelo Licheri. He has travelled from Rome specifically to offer his services. Liccheri strips to his underwater and is lowered into the shaft, upside down. Angelo Licheri. Photo ANSA. After descending for 60 metres, Licheri reaches Alfredino who is very weak but still responsive. Licheri tries to lift the boy's spirits. He promises to buy him a new bicycle, that he will take him fishing. All Licheri's attempts to place a harness on Alfredino fail, as do his sustained efforts to pull him upwards, out of the mud. Alfredino slips deeper. After 45 minutes - far more than the maximum 25 minutes considered safe for an upside-down mission - a desperate Licheri blows Alfredino a kiss, says "Ciao piccolino" and makes the agonising call to be lifted up without the boy. When Licheri resurfaces, he faints and would be hospitalised for a month from injuries sustained in his mission. Subsequent attempts by others to save Alfredino fail too. The last miniature volunteer to reach the boy was Donato Caruso. It was dawn on 13 June. "He's not breathing." Caruso managed to secure Alfredino with handcuffs but his wrist slipped out and he fell further. Caruso could not budge his inert body from the mud. After lowering a sonar probe, doctors could not detect a heart beat. Alfredino Rampi was declared dead at 06.36 on Saturday 13 June. His death was announced live on air, through tears, by television presenter Massimo Valentini. Alfredino's body would not be recovered until 11 July, a month after he fell. Aftermath Alfredino's death would lead to the creation of Italy's civil protection agency. The live broadcasting of the rescue attempt also triggered a major debate in Italy about media ethics and privacy. Photos ANSA. On May 30, 2023, I signed LB753 into law. LB753, known as the Opportunity Scholarship Act, will provide parents the choice in which school to send their children. This bill is a historic step forward for the state of Nebraska. Before the passage of this legislation, Nebraska was only one of two states, North Dakota being the other, that had no form of school choice. Our kids are our future, and we all believe that every Nebraska kid should be given the opportunity to have their educational needs met from the river to Harrison. LB753 creates a tax credit program to which Nebraskans can donate. Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) will administer the scholarships. Students should not be tied down by the zip code they are born in. Our current education system does not allow for underprivileged students to attend a private school or choose a different school district to live in. You need money and wealth to live in neighboring districts that are performing higher than others. In Nebraska, we need to be funding students, not systems. These scholarships will go to those students who need them most. They will provide students the ability to attend a school they otherwise could never afford. LB753 gives priority for these scholarships to those who live in poverty, foster care, experience bullying, harassment, or other victimizing behaviors, or have a parent or guardian who is serving in the military. As Nebraskans, we believe we should never, ever give up on a kid. This piece of legislation is part of my continuing commitment to put kids first so we can make our state a place where future generations can grow and thrive. If you have any questions about our vision for Nebraska, please call my office at 402-471-2244 or email me at jim.pillen@nebraska.gov. Together we can! Nick Fordham has been on Team Folbigg for 18 months. Credit: Steven Siewert Fordham declined to comment to PS, however it is understood he started working with Team Folbigg at the start of 2022. He also met with her while she was serving her sentence at the Clarence Correctional Centre in Grafton several months ago. On Tuesday, the Seven Networks Spotlight program and its executive producer Mark Llewellyn emerged the victors against rival 60 Minutes on the Nine Network, the owner of this masthead, in what insiders have described as a bruising bidding war. Theres no rush to get it to air. Its an extraordinary story, and what I am seeing from what weve been shooting is beyond my expectations, Llewellyn told PS. The Spotlight deal was struck by Fordham nearly a month ago, and while it has been reported the fee paid by Seven was $400,000 for the first exclusive interview PS has heard from sources close to the negotiations the final amount was at least double that, and possibly as high as $1 million. The interview is not likely to air for several weeks. Nor does it appear likely that Folbiggs payment would fall under the Proceeds of Crime legislation, despite her convictions yet to be formally quashed through court. A spokesperson from the NSW Attorney General Michael Daleys office said that in such matters, the particular circumstances of the case would come into consideration. The Seven deal was particularly disappointing for 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown, who has done several stories on the Folbigg case over many years, including an investigation on the breakthrough science in 2021 which ultimately set her free. International media players have also entered the fray, with names like Winfrey and Morgan in the mix of potential interviewers. Fordham is the brother of 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham. His late father, John Fordham, founded the media management firm he now runs. He also represents Lisa Wilkinson, who featured prominently in last Sundays polarising Spotlight interview with former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann. The irony that Fordham was cutting a deal on behalf of his new client with the same show that was carving up one of his oldest, has not been lost on his rivals. The media potential of the Folbigg story in the streaming age is vast. Recently, Fordham has been negotiating content deals with streaming giants including Netflix and Paramount+, which bought the multi-million-dollar John Ibrahim series Last King Of The Cross. Fordham is listed as a co-executive producer on the series, which was created with media executive Mark Fennessys Helium outfit. Fordham also has producing credits on the globally syndicated Netflix TV series Outback Wrangler and Wild Territory featuring Matt Wright, another client who has generated headlines off-camera following the helicopter crash that killed his friend and co-star Chris Willow Wilson in February 2022. Society wedding in the City of Love Chicken or boeuf? All roads lead to Paris for next weeks society wedding of Sydney-based celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi and chicken heiress Tamie Ingham in what sounds like an affair fit for a poultry princess. Oui do! Guillaume Brahimi. Credit: Nic Walker Sydney socialite Tamie is a grandchild of the late thoroughbred horse racing figure Jack Ingham, who is the brother of billionaire chook baron Bob. PS can reveal the wedding is taking place in the sumptuous Musee Rodin in Paris. In 1916, a year before his death, Auguste Rodin bequeathed all his works and possessions to the French state which, in exchange, purchased the elegant Hotel Biron and committed to turning it into a museum dedicated to the artist. With iconic and priceless pieces, such as The Kiss and The Thinker, housed in the museum, the couples guests, including Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch, James Packer, Karl (who will MC) and Jasmine Stefanovic, Seek founder Paul Bassat, outgoing AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, designer Tamsin and her tailor husband Patrick Johnson and Michael and Lisa Wipfli, along with various members of the extended Ingham clan, are clearly in for a cultural treat. In 2013 the Inghams sold their business for $850 million. It will be the first of three upcoming destination weddings planned for the European summer for the Inghams, with Tamies brother Johnny and sister Katie Ingham all set to tie the knot with their respective partners over the coming weeks. Jasmine Stefanovic and Tamie Ingham. Johnny will marry social media influencer Rey Vakili, who once worked as an assistant to Vogues editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Taormina, Italy, also the location for the second season of The White Lotus. Then its off to Tuscany where Katie Ingham will marry Ali Rosenberg. Dinnigan shuts up shop The Southern Highlands tweed and twin-set brigade have been clutching their pearls following the closure of Collette Dinnigans homewares boutique in the old Mittagong Post Office, barely a year after it launched amid much fanfare. Dinnigan, understood to be in Europe, had told friends the shop, which sold her bespoke range including fragrances, candles and homewares, was an experiment, and one which apparently caused the former fashion designer considerable headaches when it came to finding staff, with Dinnigan herself often manning the counter. Collette Dinnigan has shut shop in Mittagong. Credit: Bec Parsons However, the year-long lease has ended and now Dinnigan, who owns an expansive estate in nearby Bowral, is selling online her hand-printed Belgian linen curtains, scented candles, ceramics, cushions made from her exclusive archival fabrics and antiques. Showbiz legends art auction Australian showbiz blueblood Jim Sharman is auctioning 47 works from his personal art collection with all proceeds going to seed the creation of the NIDA Future Centre. Sharman, the son of the iconic travelling showman who bore the same name, has directed on stage and screen, classics including the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar. Stage and screen director Jim Sharman is selling his art collection to fund a new generation of creatives at NIDA. Credit: Louie Douvis His art collection includes a masterwork by Tom Polo, major works from Bill Hensons career, Archibald-Prize winner Nigel Milsom, Michael Ramsden, Geoffrey Proud, Andrew Purvis and selected stage and film posters, which will go under the hammer at Shapiro Auctioneers Annex Gallery in Chippendale on June 20. I enjoy art and artists across a wide spectrum and over the years have gifted works to public galleries, said Sharman, who graduated from NIDA in 1966. Im not a collector in the commercial sense, these works were acquired because I knew the artist, or I loved the work, but mostly because I was inspired by it. Ive enjoyed them, and now its time to share them with others past and present artists helping to fund artists of the future. Throughout his trailblazing career Sharman directed more than 80 productions, including Hair in Sydney, Tokyo and Boston, Jesus Christ Superstar in Australia and nine years in Londons West End and The Rocky Horror Show in the UK, USA and Australia, along with its film adaptations. Michael Ryan and Zoe Bingley-Pullin in 2019. Credit: Marco Del Grande Dog house for dog food business Hes the man who got his best mate Hugh Jackman into shape for his Wolverine films, but Sydney celebrity fitness guru Michael Ryans foray into the pet food business, in which he also enlisted his television nutritionist wife Zoe Bingley-Pullin and controversial chef Pete Evans, has ended up in the dog house. James Ivory laughs at the thought that he is still making films at the age of 94. Im only 94 for two more days, the director of such celebrated Merchant Ivory films as Heat And Dust, A Room With A View, Maurice, Howards End and The Remains Of The Day says from New York earlier this week. The now 95-year-old, who became the oldest winner in Oscars history with his script for the gay romance Call Me By Your Name five years ago, is still surprisingly busy. James Ivory in his youth in A Cooler Climate. Credit: The Bureau He has a new documentary about a trip he made to Afghanistan in 1960, A Cooler Climate, screening at the Sydney Film Festival this long weekend. Its a beautifully shot social history of a time before the country was torn apart by war that is also a memoir of the American film-makers youth. Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news This is going to be a problem: How changes to student visa rules will hit hospitality Industry leaders say July 1 is too soon to reintroduce student visa work restrictions. Bianca Hrovat June 9, 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 Staff shortages and service standards across the hospitality industry are predicted to worsen from July 1, when the Australian government reintroduces working restrictions on international students. Student visa work restrictions were temporarily removed in January 2022 in an effort to alleviate widespread labour shortages caused by COVID border closures and lockdowns. The scheme proved beneficial to hard-hit industries such as hospitality. In Melbourne, restaurateur Manpreet Sekhon relied on international students to keep her businesses, Masti and Elchi, operational. Students became the backbone of the hospitality industry, Sekhon says, who estimates they make up almost 99 per cent of her workforce. Restaurateur Manpreet Sekhon says students have been the industry backbone. Carlie Jane Advertisement At Ho Jiak restaurants in Sydney, founder and executive chef Junda Khoo has spent the past three years training students to become chefs, filling roles that would have been taken by skilled migrant workers had borders not closed. They really helped us return to normal, Khoo says. During COVID, they didnt receive any income support, but they hung around and stayed back to fight and survive. Now, well have to cut their hours back. Junda Khoo and student Ivy Angelina at Sydney restaurant Ho Jiak Town Hall. Brook Mitchell Come July, restaurants, bars and cafes must limit the working hours of student visa holders to 48 hours a fortnight (about three shifts a week). Often, this will leave business owners scrambling to fill roster gaps. Advertisement A recipe for disaster: The rules putting Sydneys international students at risk Februarys announcement sparked concern across the board from small, family-run restaurants such as Sekhons to hospitality giants like Merivale. International students play a significant role in contributing to the growth of our hospitality industry and the economy, says Merivale chief executive officer Justin Hemmes. The increase implemented by the previous government was a big relief for us, so any winding back of that is, of course, detrimental to our industry and to the individuals. Stefano Catino, co-founder of Sydney cocktail bar Maybe Sammy, argues its too soon to reintroduce the working cap. Advertisement While [the labour shortage] isnt as bad as it was, the problem hasnt been solved. We still need skilled workers, he says. Once the restrictions come in, Ill have to hire two people to do the job of one or go back to opening just four days a week. Everyone is going to suffer from this. I want to make it very clear: this is going to be a problem. Cutting students hours will definitely have an impact on service at restaurants such as 400 Gradi in Melbourne, says owner Johnny Di Francesco. Anyone who thinks its easy to find good staff right now has got it wrong, he says. Advertisement We have been getting plenty of people inquiring about work but around 70 to 80 per cent of them dont turn up for interviews. And when we do manage to get more people well have to train them. That can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks and that will always have an impact [on customers]. The team from Al Dente Enoteca in Carlton (from left) co-owner Andrea Vignali, manager Michelle Badek, co-owner Davide Bonadiman and worker Gautam Timalsina. Simon Schluter For hospitality students such as 23-year-old Gautam Timalsina, the changes mean he will barely earn enough to scrape by. The chef de partie-in-training has been studying commercial cookery while working full-time at Al Dente Enoteca in Melbournes Carlton. Almost half of my pay will be gone, just like that, Timalsina says. Advertisement Timalsina says the restaurants managers work around his classes and coursework, allowing him ample time to study. Al Dente Enoteca general manager Michelle Badek says, as a former student herself, she knows how to support international student employees to balance their commitments. I hope [the student working cap] doesnt deter young people from coming to Australia, Badek says. But as the number of international students swells beyond 585,000 (numbers have jumped 85 per cent between December 2021 to February this year), Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil seeks to ensure the appropriate use of a student visa. I do not think too many Australians are going to love the idea of people coming here as international students and effectively using that as a pathway to becoming a full-time worker in our country, ONeil says. Advertisement They are either here as students or they are here as workers. A pre-existing condition of the visa mandates that students maintain course enrolment, satisfactory course attendance and good grades while in Australia. ONeil says students are unable to get a good-quality education in Australia if theyre working full-time. Thats why the rule has existed before, she says. Many of the international students working in hospitality are studying at culinary schools such as the Kingsford International Institute in Sydney. KII marketing manager Sandra Arias employs student visa holders at her newly opened Elizabeth Bay business, Greenknowe Cafe. For our staff, this job is not just a means of making money but also a means of gaining their qualification, Arias says. Advertisement Theyve been worried about these restrictions. Imagine having your wages halved during a cost of living crisis, when rent prices are so ridiculous. For bars such as Old Mates Place in Sydney, the new restrictions will mean allowing fewer customers inside on busy nights. It means well suffer financial losses, but thats all you can do, says owner Dre Walters. [Otherwise], people end up waiting too long, and then you get bad reviews. I think youll see a lot more operators bringing in QR codes. Service will have to become simpler, with less attention to detail. Two Queensland police officers involved in the shooting of 24-year-old West Australian man Luke Gilbert have threatened to sue his family for half a million dollars over what they allege are false and defamatory online posts. Gilbert was shot by Senior Constable David Murray and Constable Liam Forster after they stopped him while he was carrying a knife in Airlie Beachs party precinct in October last year. Luke Gilbert and mother Nicola. Credit: Facebook In draft pleadings distributed in recent days, the officers, supported by the Queensland Police Union, have threatened to sue Darren and Nicola Gilbert over what they allege are false and defamatory posts and an online petition they created. The draft document asserts the online posts attribute blame for Gilberts death on the officers. Former Coalition defence minister Linda Reynolds has called for more transparency about how the Australian Defence Force is improving its culture following the Brereton war crimes inquiry and urged the nations most senior officers to take greater responsibility for alleged wrongdoing in Afghanistan. Reynolds, who was defence minister when the Brereton report was released in 2020, said there was still resistance to recognising the militarys ethical failures in Afghanistan, even after a Federal Court judge found Ben Roberts-Smith to be a murderer and war criminal when dismissing his defamation case against media outlets last week. Former defence minister Linda Reynolds is calling for more transparency from the Australian Defence Force about how it has reformed its culture. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen There is still an attitude in some quarters that if you raise these issues, it is a slight against all veterans, that somehow what happens in war should stay in war, Reynolds said in an interview. But we cant sweep this under the rug. There can be no legal or moral excuses for war crimes. Australian beef producers arent responsible for deforestation, according to advice from the federal Agriculture Department to minister Murray Watt that contradicts Queensland government data, further complicating trade negotiations with the European Union. The departments claim, released under freedom of information laws, surfaced as Watt and Trade Minister Don Farrells push to seal a trade deal with the EU stalled this week over access for farm exports. Murray Watt says its impossible to compare what is happening overseas with Australias very specific conditions for producing food and fibre. Credit: Rhett Wyman Watt had sought the information from the Agriculture Department before travelling to Europe in January to promote the sector as part of the governments pursuit of the trade deal. The departments official briefing note told Watt there is no risk Australian beef and leather products are connected to deforestation. Sometime ago I was having breakfast in a Paris hotel (Traveller letters, June 3), sharing a table with a pleasant and handsome Frenchman and enjoying the opportunity to practise my recently acquired French. Eventually he stood up, politely bowed and departed, leaving an untouched bread roll. I souvenired it. However, he returned shortly after with a coffee to finish his breakfast. I still feel guilty. Margaret Atchison, Armidale, NSW Waste not, want not Whenever I travel, I always pack a small box of Glad lunch bags that are resealable and use them to take the leftovers from breakfast (Traveller letters, June 3) or even to put a sandwich in for the kids to have by the pool later in the day. I have found that when the kids help themselves from the breakfast buffet, there are always uneaten items which make perfect snacks for later in the day. Ive even stayed at resorts that ask if you want to take any leftovers to eat later. Ive found that hotels dont want the waste and dont want their staff to see food thrown away when it could have been taken. Ive been doing this for about 18 years of travel and have never had anyone question me or ask for payment. Belinda OCallaghan, Glen Iris, Vic Soothe operators On a recent Virgin night flight from Darwin to Melbourne, a passenger became ill. I was really impressed with how the cabin crew dealt with this in such a cramped situation. The young lady was given an oxygen mask and soothing reassurance. A call for a doctor or paramedic on board was responded to and an ambulance organised for arrival at Melbourne. The young womans travelling companions were also reassured and informed fully of what was happening with their friend. At no stage was there any panic. Well done to those concerned. Barbara Kemp, Yarram, Vic Gut reaction I recently returned from a wonderful holiday in Poland and Portugal. To enjoy the history and the architecture in both countries was a treat. But to enjoy the bread, pastries and beer without any gut issues was the highlight. Having to eat gluten-free foods back here all the time (and Im not a coeliac) can be rather dull. But thanks to the European wheat I was able to hoe into luscious bread rolls, pastries and local beers with lunch or without any bloating. What is wrong with Australian-grown wheat? How many other GF travellers to Europe have found the same gut response? Pam Montgomery, Pretty Beach, NSW Solo man Racing to catch your flight? Japans Narita Airport has got your covered. Credit: Alamy Our son was returning from Japan and his arrival at Narita Airport was delayed. He raced from the train to the Singapore Airlines desk and the staff greeted him politely and explained that they could get him on his scheduled flight. One amazing young woman slung his checked luggage over her shoulder to get it under the plane. He was then escorted by a team of five women and they all ran to get him through security and to the gate. Thank you to the wonderful staff who cared enough to help a young man on his first solo journey. Sally Karlovic, Yarraville, Vic Harry, 38, alleges that 147 articles published between 1996 and 2010 at the Mirror Groups titles, including the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday People, were linked to methods including phone hacking, so-called blagging or gaining information by deception, and use of private investigators for unlawful activities. Just 33 of those stories are being examined in the trial. The stories cover his relationship with his family and ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy, visits to strip clubs, a few injuries and illnesses, his military service and allegations of drug use. A court artist sketch of Prince Harry being cross-examined by Andrew Green, KC. Credit: AP Harry said he found certain headlines mean and said he would feel some injustice if the judge finds his phone was not hacked. All this intrusion meant it was very hard to trust anyone, which led to bouts of depression and paranoia, he said. Mirror Group denies that 28 of the 33 articles involved unlawful information gathering, and it is not admitted for the remaining five articles. In 2015, the paper admitted to and apologised for hacking on its front page and has paid 100 million ($186.7 million) in settlements and legal fees to others. Setting the tone for an explosive two days in court, the prince broke with royal protocol to criticise the current British government, saying in his witness statement that at the moment our country is judged globally by the state of our press and our government both of which I believe are at rock bottom. He added: Democracy fails when your press fails to scrutinise and hold the government accountable, and instead choose to get into bed with them. He also criticised the lack of oversight of incredibly powerful media companies who masquerade as journalists. Andrew Green, the lead lawyer for Mirror Group Newspapers, passes by media at the High Court in London. Credit: AP But over the course of several hours, Harrys 49-page witness statement was picked apart by Mirror Group barrister Andrew Green, KC, who put it to him that many of the articles in question were actually based on reports already published by other newspapers or official sources. At times, Prince Harry seemed shockingly uninformed about the evidence he himself had submitted to the court. And when challenged about the more difficult matter of the truth by a leading barrister, his recollections fell apart. Take for instance an article in the Sunday Mirror which reported that the now-Duke of Sussex had separated from Davy in November 2007. Loading Harry told the court: I dont know how anybody would know that we had broken up; we didnt tell anybody. However, under cross-examination he later agreed it was very similar to a story that had appeared in an earlier edition of the News of the World. He was later questioned about a Daily Mirror article from September 1996 reporting a visit by his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, while he was at Ludgrove prep school on his 12th birthday, and how she discussed her divorce. The duke admitted he was unaware that two days earlier the Press Association news agency had reported the planned visit, while his mother had told the BBCs current affairs program Panorama that she discussed the divorce with her sons. The duke suggested the information came from the hacking of his voicemails, but later acknowledged in court he did not have a mobile phone until he went to Eton. When asked why hed taken exception to an exclusive article about him breaking his thumb in November 2000, he was shocked to find out it had been widely reported the previous day and included a Palace statement. When many of these stories were published, the Daily Mirror was selling 2 million copies a day. Recent circulation figures show sales of about 280,000. But the desire for greater control of the press continues. The pressure group Hacked Off hopes the case will be the springboard for the establishment of a state regulator with the power to impose sanctions on newspapers. Even The Times, owned by Rupert Murdoch, conceded that in some cases Harrys bitterness was understandable. But, the paper wrote in its editorial, while he may feel the need to dredge up the hurt of the past, he is in reality fighting yesteryears war. Loading If he insists on making these allegations he must prove them. Vague generalities will not do, it added. After finishing his testimony, the prince was asked by his barrister David Sherborne how he felt after being cross-examined while watched by the worlds media. The prince replied in a slightly cracked voice: Its been a lot. In my first speech on the U.S. Senate floor, I promised Nebraskans I would reject every effort to restrict our liberties and always fight for the freedoms of the Nebraskans I serve. There are few freedoms more important than those outlined in our U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Earlier this week, I was proud to follow through on that commitment by fighting a Biden administration attack on Nebraskans Second Amendment rights. Our Second Amendment is rooted in the truth that individuals have an inherent right to defend not just themselves, but also their families and property. Our Founding Fathers recognized that self-defense is a natural and unalienable right, not a privilege given by government. In fact, the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental part of individual liberty and, like all of our other rights, we have a duty to exercise those rights responsibly. When I was governor, we worked tirelessly to safeguard our Second Amendment rights in Nebraska. I signed bills to protect the identities of gun owners with concealed carry permits and provide them better notification and information regarding permit renewals. We created an online process to renew, update or replace a Concealed Handgun Permit, saving gun owners across the state valuable time. Additionally, I signed an order declaring Nebraska a Second Amendment Sanctuary State, promising to stand up to federal overreach and attempts to regulate our rights. While the fight to protect our rights is never over, I am grateful that Nebraska continues to be a state that cherishes our first freedoms. As U.S. Senator, I have continued to defend the rights of law-abiding gun owners. Ive co-sponsored Senator John Cornyns (R-TX) Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2023 to ensure Nebraskans concealed-carry rights remain protected when they cross state lines. Im also supporting Senator Cindy Hyde-Smiths (R-MS) Gun-owner Registration Information Protection (GRIP) Act. With anti-gun proposals on the rise in Democrat-led cities and states, the GRIP Act would prohibit federal funding to maintain gun registries. My fear is these kinds of registries could be weaponized in the future to target people who at the time owned or purchased firearms legally. In addition to getting laws on the books to protect our rights, Im also fighting the Biden administrations bureaucratic attacks on the Second Amendment. I recently co-sponsored a Congressional Review Act resolution led by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) that would block enforcement of an anti-Second Amendment pistol brace rule issued by President Bidens Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) earlier this year. For a decade, ATF approved of pistol braces that allowed disabled veterans and other Americans to handle a firearm more safely. Due to these past approvals, millions of Americans, including many disabled veterans across Nebraska, have purchased these braces. Now, the Biden administration has decided to issue a rule that reclassifies pistols as short-barreled rifles if they have a stabilizing brace attachment. This classification change would threaten otherwise lawful gun owners with up to a decade in jail and huge fines if they fail to register, return, or remove their already approved pistol brace. Bureaucrats have no business burdening Americans constitutional rights with such regulatory whiplash. While a federal judge issued a ruling temporarily blocking the rule, Congressional action would block it permanently. Our right to keep and bear arms is protected in our Bill of Rights. I will not stand by and let the Biden administrations attacks on law-abiding gun owners go unchallenged. The oath I swore to defend the Constitution of the United States demands it. Nebraskans respect our constitutional rights and exercise them responsibly. I will continue to oppose any attempt to erode or dismantle our cherished freedoms. Along with Senator Fischer and the rest of my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my team and I are here to serve you. Contact my team and I anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact. I am honored to serve our great state and will continue to work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach. READING, Pa. - On Saturday June 10, a new tradition will be born as Reading will host its first Juneteenth Parade. Starting at 11 a.m., the parade will go around Second onto Third Street into the front of Third and Spruce. The parade will be filled with music, and drill and dance teams from as far as Philadelphia. It will be followed by a festival. But Wynton Butler, the branch historian for the NAACP Reading Chapter, says while he wants everyone to have a great time at all the festivities, he'd like them to keep in mind the historical background. He says, "In terms of history and how people are trying to rewrite it and things like that, it's important that we have national holidays that remind us that we've come a long way as a country, and we need to keep moving forward." Juneteenth is a celebration of when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. Butler says, "Essentially, the Emancipation Proclamation had been put in place in January 1st of 1863, it freed the slaves that were in the Confederate states and as you know Texas was a Confederate state." But it would be two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation that those troops would arrive in Texas. "To let those folks know that slavery was over and from there they went into the rest of Texas to free the rest of the enslaved people," Butler explains. Events will be held all next week; many will focus on the historical background. A closing celebration will be held at Zion Baptist Church in Reading on Sunday, June 18. BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Portuguese American Club in Bethlehem is hosting the 2023 Portuguese Heritage Day festival. It starts at 10 a.m. with a flag raising at City Hall and continues with a parade at 11 a.m. and a street festival from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event features live Portuguese music, food, and drinks. BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Northern Ireland author Tony Macaulay and Rwandan native Christophe MBonyingbao are on a world tour of reconciliation, which includes a stop at Bethlehem's Red Stag Pub. "There's a story about Rwanda that the world hasn't really heard. I think the world knows about what happened in terms of 1994, the genocide against the Tutsi," Macaulay said. A story of healing, since the 100 days of civil war that left 800,000 slaughtered, is what the pair are focusing on. The country has nearly completely recovered politically, emotionally, and economically. "In Rwanda, forgiveness, reconciliation is a very critical pillar for our sustainable, for our economic, for economic and political sustainability in the future," MBonyingbao said. In his new co-written book "Kill The Devil," Macaulay tells a love story between a victim and her perpetrator. It's a first-person look into Rwanda's genocide and its massive reconciliation. The book is inspired by true tales from MBonyingbao, the founder of two Rwandan Reconciliation Chariities. There's no, any society that has made it successful for generations, if they don't really believe in the unity, and inclusivity, it's impossible. And that's common," the African said. Macaulay, who's lived through his own country's civil war, does peacekeeping missions throughout the world but says Rwanda is unique, and the perfect subject to highlight humanity. "It's a story, it's a journey that the whole world needs in terms of what's possible, in terms of reconciliation after the horrors of violence that took place," he said. The pair are hosting an author talk at Red Stag Sunday afternoon. It's free and starts at 1:30 p.m. Here are 5 key takeaways from the indictment unsealed Friday against Donald Trump accusing the former president of illegally hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate after leaving the White House in 2021, then scheming and lying to thwart government efforts to recover them. Hosting an international student in your home can open up their world and yours, and there are students from around the world heading to our area in about a month. They are hoping you'll share your home with them. Lynn Weller has hosted a student before and she's ready to do it again. She's the regional supervisor of Compass USA, and visited WFMZ to discuss the process of hosting an international student. Almost a dozen flights scheduled to arrive Thursday night at Denver International Airport were diverted to Colorado Springs due to severe thunderstorms in the Mile High City, said Greg Phillips, director of aviation at the Colorado Springs Airport. Colorado Springs is the primary diversion spot for flights headed to Denver, Phillips said. Between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., 11 flights from various airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, changed course and arrived in the Springs after the National Weather Service in Boulder issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Denver International Airport. Most of the diverted flights were able to wait out the storm and continue on course, but a handful of aircraft deplaned passengers and provided ground transportation to Denver, Phillips said, noting that is an option airlines often try to avoid. "It doesn't lead to a great passenger experience," he said. "Carriers hope to get back on route." Some airlines were required to deplane passengers because they were either approaching the U.S. Department of Transportation's tarmac delay limit of three hours, or pilots and crews were approaching the Federal Aviation Administration's maximum limit of flight hours. Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Some passengers sat on planes more than two hours, but Phillips said he was not aware of any flights that hit or exceeded the three-hour limit, adding that while airport staff can help direct aircraft and traffic control to move or park planes, airlines do not allow the airport to offload passengers. "We will do everything we can to help out," Phillips said. Frontier Airlines was among the commercial carriers that unloaded flights Thursday at the Colorado Springs Airport; the airline had ended passenger service at the airport in November. Frontier has an agreement with independent fixed-base operator Colorado jetCenter on the airport's general aviation side of the airfield, where Frontier deplaned one of its three diverted flights, Phillips said. "We did have one flight where the crew timed out and we had to terminate the flight in Colorado Springs," said Jennifer de la Cruz, senior director of corporate communications for the Denver-based low-fare carrier. "Those folks were offered a stipend to travel to Denver on their own along with a future flight voucher." Flights scheduled to arrive in and depart from Colorado Springs were not impacted by the string of diversions, Phillips said. AMTD Digital (NYSE:HKD Get Rating) and Carbon Streaming (OTCMKTS:OFSTF Get Rating) are both small-cap business services companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership and valuation. Valuation & Earnings This table compares AMTD Digital and Carbon Streamings gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get AMTD Digital alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio AMTD Digital $25.28 million 48.16 $27.51 million N/A N/A Carbon Streaming $150,000.00 401.28 -$12.90 million $0.80 1.60 AMTD Digital has higher revenue and earnings than Carbon Streaming. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets AMTD Digital N/A N/A N/A Carbon Streaming 990.27% -12.22% -10.82% Analyst Recommendations This table compares AMTD Digital and Carbon Streamings net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for AMTD Digital and Carbon Streaming, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score AMTD Digital 0 0 0 0 N/A Carbon Streaming 0 2 3 0 2.60 Carbon Streaming has a consensus target price of $4.42, suggesting a potential upside of 245.46%. Given Carbon Streamings higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Carbon Streaming is more favorable than AMTD Digital. About AMTD Digital (Get Rating) AMTD Digital Inc., through its subsidiaries, designs and develops a digital platform to provide financial, media, content and marketing, and investment solutions in Asia. It operates through three segments: SpiderNet Ecosystem Solutions, Digital Financial Services, and Corporate. The company offers digital banking and insurance technology platforms for consumers and small and medium-sized enterprises; and SpiderNet ecosystem, a platform to enhance their investor communication, investor relations, and corporate communication to enhance their valuation. Its platform monitors portfolio companies, such as tracking of business and technology development, competitive landscape, latest technological trends, risk exposure, and financial analysis. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. AMTD Digital Inc. is a subsidiary of AMTD IDEA Group. About Carbon Streaming (Get Rating) Carbon Streaming Corp. offers investors exposure to carbon credits. It is used by both governments and corporations to achieve their climate goals. The company was founded on September 13, 2004 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for AMTD Digital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AMTD Digital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shore Capital reiterated their buy rating on shares of Auto Trader Group (LON:AUTO Get Rating) in a report released on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Auto Trader Group in a research note on Wednesday, February 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a neutral rating and issued a GBX 630 ($7.83) price objective on shares of Auto Trader Group in a report on Monday, June 5th. Finally, Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and issued a GBX 725 ($9.01) price objective on shares of Auto Trader Group in a report on Thursday, April 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of GBX 624.86 ($7.77). Get Auto Trader Group alerts: Auto Trader Group Trading Up 1.3 % Shares of AUTO stock opened at GBX 617.80 ($7.68) on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 623.90 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 593.18. The stock has a market capitalization of 5.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 2,471.20, a P/E/G ratio of 3.99 and a beta of 0.61. Auto Trader Group has a fifty-two week low of GBX 479.80 ($5.96) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 681 ($8.47). 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 Increases Dividend About Auto Trader Group The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 24th will be paid a dividend of GBX 5.60 ($0.07) per share. This is a positive change from Auto Trader Groups previous dividend of $2.80. This represents a yield of 0.89%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 24th. Auto Trader Groups payout ratio is 3,200.00%. (Get Rating) 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. Further Reading 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. During the 2023 session of the Colorado Legislature, which adjourned its 180-day annual session last month, the Democratic Party enjoyed large majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Despite large Democratic majorities, however, three major bills widely supported by many Democrats, particularly liberal and progressive Democrats, failed to be enacted. Those three bills involved work and pay schedules in the restaurant industry, rules and procedures for evicting renters, and forcing large apartment houses into single-family zoned neighborhoods. How could this happen when the large Democratic majorities in both houses should be in almost full control? Political analysts have an answer for this seeming contradiction. It is called the sun-moon theory of political parties, and it has been around for almost three generations. The theory developed during the 62-year period, from 1932 to 1994, that the Democratic Party dominated the U.S. House and Senate. Except for 1953-1954 (following Republican Dwight D Eisenhower's sweep election into the White House), the Democrats controlled both houses of Congress by comfortable majorities for decades. Political observers noticed that things work differently when one party is in total control of a two-house legislature. The sun-moon theory sought to explain the differences. The theory was developed by a widely read, respected newspaper columnist in the 1950s and 1960s named Samuel Lubell. His ideas were taken up by legislative scholars. "The sun" is the powerful winning political party that has large majorities in both houses of a state legislature. It shines brightly as it goes about its business, totally controlling the output of both House and Senate. As long as the sun remains united, any bill the sun supports is typically passed into law. In Colorado, thanks to big election victories in the 2022 general elections, the Democratic Party is a bold and brightly shining sun. It easily passed nine of the 12 most important bills in the 2023 session and did not need any Republican votes to get the job done. "The moon" is the minority party. It is weak and powerless because of recent failures at the ballot box. It has little power of its own as the sun does. It can only reflect the light that comes from the sun. And the minority moon can only do that at certain times. Similar to the phases of the real moon, the legislative moon waxes and wanes, only shining reflected light and then only at certain times. 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. Now, we borrow another word from astronomy: the comet. Divisive issues that come before legislatures are like comets. They strike the majority sun, thereby causing bits and pieces of the sun to spin off into space. Ready to catch those bits and pieces is the moon. If enough pieces break off the majority sun and are attracted to the minority moon, the moon may become larger than the majority sun, although just for that brief moment. And so it went in the Colorado Legislature this spring. Three large comets rules for restaurant employees, tenant rights against landlords, and state mandated apartment buildings in single-family housing zones struck the majority sun and caused key parts to break away. These errant majority-party legislators gravitated to the minority moon and, combined with the Republicans, had enough votes to defeat the three controversial bills. Note that this sun-moon theory gives the minority Republicans a potentially fruitful or corrective role to play at the Legislature, even though they are woefully in the minority. Whenever the majority Democrats split on a major issue, the Republicans can pick one side or the other and, at least for that one piece of legislation, be part of a majority winning coalition. Sun-moon theorists (count us in) like to say that, when one political party dominates a legislature, political issues are primarily solved within the majority party rather than between the majority party and the minority party. That's a way of saying that, as long as the Democrats at the Legislature remain united and form a brightly burning sun, they get to make the major decisions among themselves about legislative bills. The Republicans do not get to participate at all. If, on the other hand, the sun is split by an issue, two-party politics comes into play, as deserting Democrats form a majority by combining with Republicans. Democrats won the legislative redistricting struggle in 2001, so the Colorado Legislature is currently gerrymandered strongly in favor of Democrats. That condition will remain in effect until the next redistricting in 2031. So for the next several years, we predict that the sun-moon theory will provide a plausible explanation of what is happening in the Legislature. The majority Democrats will shine brightly and get much of what they want, as long as they remain united. But divisive issues will come along and break off key parts of the sun. That will create opportunities for the moon Republicans to join with the dissident Democrats to briefly take control. So when Democratic bills are occasionally defeated in the future in the Legislature, think sun-moon theory. VMware (NYSE:VMW Get Rating) had its target price boosted by BMO Capital Markets from $139.00 to $140.00 in a research report released on Wednesday morning, The Fly reports. A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on the company. UBS Group raised their target price on VMware from $151.00 to $161.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM restated a maintains rating on shares of VMware in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Mizuho raised their target price on VMware from $135.00 to $138.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. Piper Sandler raised their target price on VMware from $125.00 to $134.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on VMware in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $143.25. Get VMware alerts: VMware Stock Up 1.7 % VMware stock opened at $135.42 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.15, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $58.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 44.69, a PEG ratio of 3.30 and a beta of 0.72. VMware has a 1-year low of $103.55 and a 1-year high of $138.00. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $126.67 and a 200-day moving average price of $122.56. Insider Buying and Selling at VMware VMware ( NYSE:VMW Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 1st. The virtualization software provider reported $1.49 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.55 by ($0.06). The business had revenue of $3.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.31 billion. VMware had a return on equity of 213.51% and a net margin of 9.57%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.71 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that VMware will post 4.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other VMware news, CFO Zane Rowe sold 35,715 shares of VMware stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $124.53, for a total transaction of $4,447,588.95. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 174,162 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,688,393.86. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 40.30% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On VMware Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. increased its stake in shares of VMware by 75.4% in the 1st quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 200 shares of the virtualization software providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 86 shares in the last quarter. Trivant Custom Portfolio Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of VMware in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Toth Financial Advisory Corp increased its stake in shares of VMware by 101.0% in the 1st quarter. Toth Financial Advisory Corp now owns 205 shares of the virtualization software providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. WealthPLAN Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of VMware in the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. Finally, Accurate Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of VMware in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 45.85% of the companys stock. VMware Company Profile (Get Rating) VMware, Inc engages in the provision of cloud infrastructure and business mobility. Its products include Software-Defined Data Center, Hybrid Cloud Computing, and End-User Computing. It supports modernizing data centers, integrating public clouds, empowering digital workspaces and transforming security. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for VMware Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VMware and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Farmers Bankshares, Inc. (OTCMKTS:FBVA Get Rating) shot up 2% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $18.85 and last traded at $18.81. 900 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 4% from the average session volume of 933 shares. The stock had previously closed at $18.45. Farmers Bankshares Stock Performance The companys 50-day moving average is $18.81 and its 200 day moving average is $18.78. About Farmers Bankshares (Get Rating) Farmers Bankshares, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Farmers Bank that provides various banking products and services to small and mid-sized businesses, professionals, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs primarily in southeastern Virginia. The company offers personal and business checking and savings accounts. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Farmers Bankshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Farmers Bankshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sendas Distribuidora (NYSE:ASAI Get Rating) is one of 54 public companies in the Grocery stores industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare Sendas Distribuidora to similar businesses based on the strength of its valuation, institutional ownership, profitability, dividends, risk, analyst recommendations and earnings. Dividends Sendas Distribuidora pays an annual dividend of $0.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Sendas Distribuidora pays out 10.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Grocery stores companies pay a dividend yield of 3.6% and pay out 57.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Get Sendas Distribuidora alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Sendas Distribuidora and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Sendas Distribuidora $58.17 billion $236.31 million 16.95 Sendas Distribuidora Competitors $30.60 billion $705.75 million 217.70 Analyst Recommendations Sendas Distribuidora has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its competitors. Sendas Distribuidora is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Sendas Distribuidora and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Sendas Distribuidora 0 1 0 0 2.00 Sendas Distribuidora Competitors 1105 2674 2856 113 2.29 As a group, Grocery stores companies have a potential upside of 20.44%. Given Sendas Distribuidoras competitors stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Sendas Distribuidora has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Insider & Institutional Ownership 4.4% of Sendas Distribuidora shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 46.1% of shares of all Grocery stores companies are held by institutional investors. 0.4% of Sendas Distribuidora shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 20.9% of shares of all Grocery stores companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Sendas Distribuidora and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Sendas Distribuidora 1.86% 29.13% 2.88% Sendas Distribuidora Competitors 1.82% 15.81% 4.57% Volatility & Risk Sendas Distribuidora has a beta of 0.77, suggesting that its share price is 23% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Sendas Distribuidoras competitors have a beta of 0.48, suggesting that their average share price is 52% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Sendas Distribuidora competitors beat Sendas Distribuidora on 10 of the 15 factors compared. Sendas Distribuidora Company Profile (Get Rating) Sendas Distribuidora S.A. engages in the retail and wholesale sale of food products, bazaar items, and other products in Brazil. The company serves restaurants, pizzerias, snack bars, schools, small businesses, religious institutions, hospitals, hotels, grocery stores, neighborhood supermarkets, and individuals. It sells its products through brick-and-mortar stores, as well as through telesales. The company was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Receive News & Ratings for Sendas Distribuidora Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sendas Distribuidora and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Sparta Commercial Services, Inc. (OTCMKTS:SRCO Get Rating) fell 6% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $0.14 and last traded at $0.14. 10,100 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 71% from the average session volume of 34,546 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.15. Sparta Commercial Services Stock Performance The stocks fifty day moving average price is $0.17 and its 200-day moving average price is $0.16. The company has a market capitalization of $3.25 million, a P/E ratio of -0.50 and a beta of -0.43. About Sparta Commercial Services (Get Rating) Sparta Commercial Services, Inc provides mobile app tools, products and services. It also provides vehicle history reports and a municipal leasing program. The company offers mobile app development, sales, marketing and support and vehicle history reports. Its mobile application offers base beyond vehicle dealers to a wide range of businesses including, but not limited to, restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Sparta Commercial Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sparta Commercial Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Science Applications International (NYSE:SAIC Get Rating) had its price target decreased by Truist Financial from $120.00 to $115.00 in a report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. A number of other analysts have also commented on SAIC. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on shares of Science Applications International from $110.00 to $112.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Science Applications International from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price 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 reduced their target price 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. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Science Applications International from $90.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Science Applications International currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $113.29. Get Science Applications International alerts: Science Applications International Trading Up 0.6 % SAIC opened at $105.74 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day moving average is $102.32 and its 200-day moving average is $105.44. Science Applications International has a 1-year low of $83.68 and a 1-year high of $117.94. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38. The company has a market cap of $5.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.98 and a beta of 0.71. Science Applications International Dividend Announcement Science Applications International ( NYSE:SAIC Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, June 5th. The information technology services provider reported $2.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.83 by $0.31. The firm had revenue of $2.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.96 billion. Science Applications International had a net margin of 4.20% and a return on equity of 25.68%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.88 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Science Applications International will post 7.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 28th. Investors of record on Friday, July 14th will be paid a $0.37 dividend. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.40%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 13th. Science Applications Internationals payout ratio is 25.17%. Insider Buying and Selling at Science Applications International In other Science Applications International news, CEO Nazzic S. Keene sold 26,237 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.37, for a total transaction of $2,817,066.69. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 65,680 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,052,061.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, insider Michael W. Larouche sold 6,000 shares of Science Applications International stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.19, for a total value of $643,140.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 49,192 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,272,890.48. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Nazzic S. Keene sold 26,237 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.37, for a total value of $2,817,066.69. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 65,680 shares in the company, valued at $7,052,061.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 33,430 shares of company stock valued at $3,589,623. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its stake in Science Applications International by 68.3% in the 3rd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 2,035,190 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $179,971,000 after purchasing an additional 825,670 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in Science Applications International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $60,582,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in Science Applications International by 9.4% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,699,458 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $525,321,000 after purchasing an additional 491,167 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in Science Applications International by 2,399.5% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 418,074 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,857,000 after purchasing an additional 401,348 shares during the period. Finally, Boston Partners boosted its stake in Science Applications International by 4.6% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 3,866,900 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $414,954,000 after purchasing an additional 171,810 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 Articles 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. UBS ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN (NYSEARCA:BDCS Get Rating) shares passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $15.23 and traded as high as $15.31. UBS ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN shares last traded at $15.23, with a volume of 14,900 shares trading hands. UBS ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN Stock Performance The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $15.23 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $15.23. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for UBS ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UBS ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SHENZHEN, June 8 (Xinhua) The first Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength opened in Shenzhen on Wednesday afternoon. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent a letter to extend his warm congratulations to the forum on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. Xi noted in the letter that the CPC has been committed to securing new successes in developing socialist culture. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, it has attached great importance to cultural development in national governance, furthered understanding of rules about cultural development, and promoted cultural inheritance and development. Solid progress has been made in building China into a country with a strong socialist culture. Xi stressed that we must fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, better shoulder new cultural missions, increase confidence in our own culture, adhere to the approach of openness and inclusiveness, uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, and inspire the cultural creativity of the whole nation. Standing at a new historical starting point, we will continue to promote cultural prosperity, build a leading country in culture, develop a modern Chinese civilization, keep promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and provide cultural strength for building a stronger country and achieving national rejuvenation. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, read out Xi's letter and delivered a keynote speech at the forum. He said that Xi's letter demonstrated great confidence in and a deep understanding of our culture, pointing the direction for shouldering new cultural missions and developing a modern Chinese civilization. It is imperative to study and put into practice the guiding principles from General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and the important instructions in his congratulatory letter. We should undertake our mission, work diligently, uphold ideological principles, strengthen our spiritual power, root ourselves in cultural traditions, push forward cultural prosperity and development, and promote exchanges and mutual learning. Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, attended the forum and delivered an address. Tie Ning, vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, attended the forum and made a speech. Hosted by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the first Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength is themed on "Towards Greater Cultural Confidence and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations." Leading officials of central publicity and cultural authorities, publicity branches of provincial-level Party committees and some enterprises and public institutions in the cultural sector and experts and scholars from relevant think tanks were present at the forum. (Source: Xinhua) BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) As China promotes its modernization drive, sci-tech self-reliance is playing an important role in the process. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has on various occasions called for efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. During his visit to the Zhonghuan Industrial Park in Hohhot, the capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on Wednesday afternoon, Xi told workers in the park that it is up to self-reliance and strength in sci-tech and building new development pattern to realize breakthroughs in science and technology. Role of Enterprises One crucial way to achieve sci-tech self-reliance is innovation, while the main players of innovation are enterprises. On April 21, Xi presided over the first meeting of the commission for deepening overall reform of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The meeting called for strengthening the principal position of enterprises in sci-tech innovation, which it said is a crucial move to deepen structural scientific and technological reform and achieve high-standard self-reliance and strength in science and technology. Visiting enterprises has become one of Xi's major activities during his inspections across the country over the years. Whenever he visits an enterprise, Xi always learns about the development of the enterprise and the progress of its technological innovation. On April 12, Xi visited the headquarters of GAC Aion New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. in the city of Guangzhou in south China's Guangdong Province. During the visit, Xi gained insight into the enterprise's progress in achieving breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields and the company's efforts in developing higher-end, smarter and greener manufacturing. During this inspection trip to Guangdong Province, Xi emphasized strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises in innovation, and cultivating more innovative enterprises with independent intellectual property rights and core competitiveness. In June 2022, while inspecting HGLaser Engineering Co., Ltd., a laser equipment company based in Wuhan, Hubei Province, Xi noted that optoelectronic information is a high-tech industry in which China has the conditions to take the lead in achieving breakthroughs. Breaking through bottlenecks in core technologies in key fields has been a pressing task, Xi said, calling for speeding up the realization of the country's scientific and technological self-reliance. Frontline Workforce As China speeds up efforts to build the country into a scientific and technological powerhouse, it puts great emphasis on developing a quality workforce and stimulating the vitality of talent for innovation. When inspecting enterprises, Xi has had many conversations with frontline workers and technicians, encouraging them to devote themselves to innovation. On May 12, Xi visited a research institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation in the city of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. He entered a workshop to observe the chip production process, stressing the need for new breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields. Xi encouraged researchers to achieve consistent progress in grasping cutting-edge technologies and developing more technological and engineering equipment and projects of great significance. In August 2022, while inspecting Siasun Robot and Automation Co., Ltd. in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, Xi set aside time to talk with technicians who were testing equipment in a factory workshop. During the conversation, Xi asked about their college majors and professional abilities. Upon learning that the company boasted a workforce comprising over 4,000 such R&D professionals, he was delighted. Innovation-Driven Development As China firms up its strategy of high-quality development, it has found a path to that end through greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. To attain this result, the country will accelerate the implementation of its innovation-driven development strategy. The innovation-driven development strategy put forward at the 18th National Congress of the CPC has led China to join the ranks of the world's innovators, with success on various fronts over the past decade. "Why does the CPC Central Committee implement the innovation-driven development strategy? It is because it's the only way for our country to improve the industrial level and capacity, and transform our country's economy and manufacturing from being big to being strong," said Xi. China is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for innovation through advancing the reform of its sci-tech governance system, promoting interaction between enterprises and academia, and enhancing the protection of intellectual property rights. Over 10 years into the nation's innovation-driven development strategy, China moved up to the 11th place in the Global Innovation Index in 2022, 23 places higher than its 2012 ranking. It also secured the top spot for global patent filings in 2021, way ahead of all other countries, according to the World Intellectual Property Indicators report. The number of high-tech enterprises in China had grown from 49,000 in 2012 to 330,000 in 2022, representing 5.7-fold growth. The same year also saw the R&D investment of these enterprises account for over three-quarters of the total across society. China's pursuit of scientific and technological advancement serves both its economy and the growing demand of its people for improved lives and health. While reinforcing its strength in science and technology, the country has also been committed to sharing its technology with worldwide partners and cooperating to improve global science and technology governance. (Source: Xinhua) BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held phone talks with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, pledging to promote China-South Africa ties, and calling for favorable conditions to solve the Ukraine crisis. Xi said China and South Africa are both important major developing countries and the two enjoy special friendly relations like brothers. China-South Africa relations are of important strategic significance to safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and guiding China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, Xi said. He said this year marks the "Year of South Africa" for BRICS, and the development of bilateral relations is facing important opportunities. China is ready to work with South Africa to upgrade bilateral relations, build a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future, jointly practice genuine multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and make the international order more just and equitable. China, Xi said, supports South Africa, as the rotating chair, in successfully hosting various BRICS cooperation activities this year. South Africa highly cherishes and is deeply proud of the strong and high-level strategic partnership with China, Ramaphosa said. Cooperation between the two countries benefits Africa, he said, adding that South Africa is committed to working with China to promote the continuous development of South Africa-China relations. South Africa will deepen communication and coordination with China and other BRICS members to strengthen BRICS cooperation, Ramaphosa added. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Ramaphosa said that South Africa supports China's position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and hopes that relevant parties could resume negotiations at an early date. A peace delegation consisting of leaders of six African countries, including South Africa, will visit Russia and Ukraine to push for an end to the crisis as soon as possible, he added. Xi told Ramaphosa that China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent, which is to promote peace talks. The Chinese leader said that he hopes all parties will build up favorable conditions for solving the crisis through dialogue, adding that it is a good thing that President Ramaphosa and leaders of relevant African countries formed a peace delegation to visit Russia and Ukraine. It is also hoped that peace-loving countries worldwide which uphold justice can make a rational voice to promote peace talks, Xi said. (Source: Xinhua) Weather Alert THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 516 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ILLINOIS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 9 COUNTIES IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ALEXANDER JACKSON JOHNSON MASSAC PERRY POPE PULASKI UNION WILLIAMSON IN KENTUCKY THIS WATCH INCLUDES 11 COUNTIES IN WESTERN KENTUCKY BALLARD CALLOWAY CARLISLE FULTON GRAVES HICKMAN LIVINGSTON LYON MARSHALL MCCRACKEN TRIGG IN MISSOURI THIS WATCH INCLUDES 5 COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI BOLLINGER CAPE GIRARDEAU MISSISSIPPI PERRY SCOTT THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BARDWELL, BENTON, CADIZ, CAIRO, CAPE GIRARDEAU, CARBONDALE, CHARLESTON, CLINTON, EDDYVILLE, GOLCONDA, HERRIN, HICKMAN, JACKSON, JONESBORO, MARBLE HILL, MAYFIELD, METROPOLIS, MOUND CITY, MURPHYSBORO, MURRAY, PADUCAH, PERRYVILLE, PINCKNEYVILLE, SIKESTON, SMITHLAND, VIENNA, AND WICKLIFFE. .Multiple rounds of thunderstorms will keep the potential for flash flooding, some significant, across the watch area through early morning. At this time, the heaviest rainfall totals are expected across far southern Illinois and the Purchase area of western Kentucky, where some locations will pick up over 5 inches of rain. Localized rainfall totals of up to 10 inches are possible and may result in significant life threatening flooding. ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be likely. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri, including the following areas, in southern Illinois, Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union and Williamson. In western Kentucky, Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Daviess, Fulton, Graves, Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg, Union KY and Webster. In southeast Missouri, Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Mississippi, New Madrid, Perry MO, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne MO. * WHEN...Until 10 AM CDT this morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. A few locations will experience significant life threatening flooding. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Multiple rounds of thunderstorms may produce 5 to as much as locally 10 inches of rainfall. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your location. Avoid flooded roadways. && Claims of elder abuse involving actor John Amos are being investigated by Colorado law enforcement. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation emailed a news release Friday for the Custer County Sheriffs Office amid claims by Shannon Amos, daughter of the actor known for roles in Roots and Good Times among many other credits, that her father had fallen victim to elder abuse and financial exploitation. In the news release, officials said John Amos has been a beloved member of our community for many years. He has also been an ardent supporter of our community and this sheriffs office. We take allegations of crimes very seriously. A GoFundMe account was created, allegedly by Shannon Amos, asking for help with legal fees. Shannon Amos was out of the country when she learned her father was hospitalized in the ICU, according to the account. 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. Determined to seek justice, we (are) working closely with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and the local Sheriffs Department in my fathers home state, the GoFundMe page reads. The Custer County Sheriffs Office said that John Amos publicist confirmed that he is a patient at a hospital in Tennessee, and that he could be a victim of a crime. Could be was bolded. As with any potential criminal investigation we are unable to provide any additional comment on the case or the investigation, the release adds. We have received questions from media outlets across the country and this will serve as our statement until we are in a position to release additional information. Meanwhile, John Amos and his representative say Shannon Amos claims are a lie, saying that hes feeling better. The war in Ukraine is also a battle for raw materials. The country has large deposits of iron, titanium and lithium, some of which are now controlled by Russia. Thats what the federally owned German foreign trade agency Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) reported on its website on January 16 under the title Ukraines raw materials wealth at risk. There are trillions at stake. According to the GTAI, raw material deposits worth $12.4 trillion remain beyond the control of the Ukrainian army, including 41 coal mines, 27 gas deposits, 9 oil fields and 6 iron ore deposits. Ukraine has not only coal, gas, oil and wheat but also rare earths and metalsespecially lithium, which has been called the white gold of the transition to new energy and transportation technologies. The country accounts for around one-third of Europes explored lithium deposits. Iron mine in Poltava (Ukraine) Only the ignorant could believe that this is irrelevant to NATOs war aims. It would be the first major war in over 100 years that is not about mineral resources, markets and geostrategic interests. The World Socialist Web Site has pointed out in previous articles that deposits of critical raw materials in Russia and China, which are essential to the transition to electric mobility and renewable energy, are an important factor in the war calculus of NATO states. Yet they go unmentioned in the medias round-the-clock war propaganda. The media wish the public to believe that NATO is waging this war to defend freedom and democracyand that after bombing Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria back into the Middle Ages under similar pretexts. Relevant trade journals, industry magazines and think tanks, on the other hand, rave about Ukraines mineral wealth and discuss how best to capture it. It was to this end that German Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Green Party) even traveled to Ukraine at the beginning of April with a high-ranking business delegation. According to the industry magazine Mining World, Ukraine has a total of around 20,000 raw material deposits, of which only 7,800 have been explored. Numerous other articles and strategy papers openly state that this is what the war is about. On February 24, 2022, the day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the largest German business magazine, Capital, published an article stating that Europes supply of raw materials was threatened by the Russian occupation of eastern Ukraine. Ukraine was not only the leading grain exporter but also the largest EU supplier of iron ore pellets and a linchpin for Europes energy security. Among investors, the magazine said, there is concern that the war will cut off exports of key raw materials. The GTAI article cited earlier reports that European steel mills were sourcing nearly one-fifth of their iron ore pellets from Ukraine in 2021. GTAI goes on to write that Ukraine is among the top ten producers of iron ore, manganese, zirconium, and graphite, and is among the world leaders in titanium and kaolin. In addition to untapped oil and gas fields, Ukraines lithium and titanium deposits, in particular, hold enormous potential for the European economy. In 2020, production volumes amounted to 1,681,000 tons of kaolin, 537,000 tons of titanium, 699,000 tons of manganese and 49,274,000 tons of iron ore. Lithium for electromobility and energy storage The price of lithium has increased more than eightfold in the last decade and is the subject of intense speculation. The metal is of strategic importance to the major imperialist powers because it is used in lithium-ion batteries installed in electric vehicles and off-grid renewable energy sources, and is also needed for lightweight aluminum alloys in the aerospace industry. The largest lithium deposit in Europe is located in the Donetsk Oblast in the middle of the embattled Donbas region, only kilometers from the front lines. An article in the Tagesspiegel, published two months after the Russian invasion, points to untapped lithium reserves of 500,000 tons in Shevchenko near Potrovsk and at least two other Ukrainian deposits. Western companies and Ukrainian oligarchs were already fighting bitterly for control of this white gold before the war. As the Tagesspiegel reports, Ukrainian businessmen (who stood close to the Ukrainian government of the time under the oligarch Petro Poroshenko) with connections to Western mining companies obtained mining licenses, without a tender process, for the lithium deposit in Shevchenko as early as 2018. The company in question, Petro Consultingwhich was renamed European Lithium Ukraine shortly before the war beganis expected to be bought out by the Australian-European mining company European Lithium once its access to Ukraines lithium reserves is secured. In 2018, when the Ukrainian Geological Survey refused to issue a special permit for Ukraines second largest lithium deposit at Dobra, likewise bypassing the tender process, Petro Consulting went so far as to sue the agency. After the Ukrainian Procurator Generals Office eventually launched an investigation into the allegedly illegal special permits, Petro-Consulting had its Shevchenko mining license revoked by the courts in April 2020 until further notice. However, a spokesman for European Lithium told Der Tagesspiegel that the company bears no risk in connection with the Ukrainian deposits. He expressed confidence that the projects would be made production-ready after the end of the war. Titanium for the Western arms industry In a September 2022 article titled Ukraines Titanium Can Armor the West, the transatlantic think tank Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) wrote: Support for Ukraine has been driven by strategic concerns and moral-political values. But long-term Western help should also be based on solid material interests. Ukraines substantial titanium deposits are a key resource critical to the West because the metal is integral to many defense systems, such as aircraft components and missiles. Currently, the raw material for Airbus, Boeing and Co. is extracted in an expensive and time-consuming six-step process from titanium ore, which until then had been sourced to a considerable extent from Russia. This dependence on strategic competitors and adversaries is unacceptable from the Wests point of view and can be ended with the help of Ukrainian resources: For example, Dnipro-based Velta, the largest private exporter of raw titanium in Europe, has developed a new production system that bypasses the intensive process of producing titanium sponge and could supply the US and European defense and aerospace industries with finished metal. Given there are only five countries in the world actively producing titanium sponge China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan and Ukraine Veltas technology could be a game changer for the supply chain by cutting reliance on Russia and China. CEPA is funded by US and European defense contractors and lists as members of its scientific advisory board Donald Trumps National Security Advisor General H. R. McMaster, former German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt and publicists Anne Applebaum, Francis Fukuyama, and Timothy Garton Ash among others. The CEPA article continues, Reorienting titanium contracts to Ukraine would stimulate the countrys economy, even during wartime, not to mention during postwar reconstruction, and simultaneously strike another blow at Russias war machine. The goal, it states, should be cementing Ukraines integration into Europe. A January 28, 2023 report in Newsweek reports, there is a nascent effort underway in the U.S. and allied nations to identify, develop, and utilize Ukraines vast resources of a key metal crucial for the development of the Wests most advanced military technology which will form the backbone of future deterrence against Russia and China. The report adds, If Ukraine wins, the U.S. and its allies will be in sole position to cultivate a new conduit of titanium. Strategic raw materials partnership between EU and Ukraine The US and EU efforts to plunder Ukraines lithium and titanium deposits are part of the broader goal of tying Ukraine to the West as a strategic raw materials supplier. In particular, the EU is seeking to free itself from dependence on Chinacurrently its most important raw materials supplieragainst which the imperialist powers, especially the United States, are preparing to wage war. On July 13, 2021, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Maros Sefcovic, Vice President of the European Commission, signed a Strategic Partnership on Raw Materials and Batteries in Kiev to integrate critical raw materials and battery value chains. Ukraines inclusion in the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) and the European Battery Alliance (EBA) serves to bolster Europes resilience and open strategic autonomy in key technologies, the EU Commission said. Referring to the list of critical raw materials in the EUs associated action plan, Sefcovic told the press, 21 of these critical raw materials are in Ukraine, which is also extracting 117 out of 120 globally used minerals. He added: Were talking about lithium, cobalt, manganese, rare earthsall of them are in Ukraine. Following the signing, EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, who is also responsible for the defense and space industries of EU countries, praised the high potential of the critical raw material reserves in Ukraine that could help in addressing some of the strategic dependencies [of the EU]. Speaking at Raw Materials Week in Brussels in November 2022, Prime Minister Shmyhal stressed that Ukraine is among the top ten producers of titanium, iron ore, kaolin, manganese, zirconium and graphite and renewed his pledge to make the country an integral part of industrial supply chains in the EU. The EUs strategic dependencies are by no means limited to Russia or China and certainly not to Ukraine. A global race for strategic sources of raw materials has long since begun, in the course of which the US and the leading EU powers are attempting to divide among themselves the mineral resources and other resources of the weaker states. Although they are jointly waging war against Russia in Ukraine, this inevitably exacerbates conflicts between themselves as well. The escalation of the war in Ukraine shows that the ruling elites are willing to go to extremes to enforce their profit interests. Only the working class can put an end to permanent war and the prospect of devastating nuclear war by bringing the resources of the entire planet under its democratic control on the basis of a socialist program and holding war profiteers to account. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently travelled to Japan for meetings with Japanese officials, where the two sides pledged to deepen their war drive against China while promoting Tokyos remilitarization. This is in line with Washingtons goal of building a system of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region in preparation for war with China. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, right, and Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada, left, review the guard of honor at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, June 1, 2023. [AP Photo/Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP] The meetings took place on June 1 as part of Austins four-nation trip, that also included stops in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue, India, and France. Austin spoke separately with his counterpart Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi while also paying a courtesy call to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. During a joint press conference, Austin and Hamada pledged their commitment to the US-Japan alliance with the former declaring that the two countries militaries are operating and training together like never before. The two denounced China, Russia, and North Korea, including Pyongyangs failed attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit the previous day. Two days later, Austin and Hamada also met together with South Koreas Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, with the three agreeing to begin sharing real-time intelligence between Seoul and Tokyo within the year, ostensibly aimed at North Korea. This is part of the deepening trilateral relationship between the US, Japan, and South Korea, which Washington considers a vital aspect of its ballistic missile system in the region. Furthermore, while in Tokyo, Austin and his Japanese allies discussed working together to improve Japans ability to launch long-range attacks far beyond its borders. Couched in the language of defense and the supposed need for counter-strike capabilities, Japan intends to develop and acquire cruise missiles that would enable its military to strike targets in China, Russia, or North Korea. The acquisition of such offensive weaponry is banned by Article 9 of Japans constitution, which states that it renounces the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes and that armed forces will never be maintained. While the Japanese ruling class has chipped away at this clause over decades, Tokyo began to pursue a more rapid agenda of remilitarization after Shinzo Abe came to power in 2012, an agenda that the current Kishida government is building upon. All of this is backed and encouraged by Washington. During the press conference with Hamada, Austin stated, I strongly support Japan's updated national security policies, including your decision to increase defense spending and to acquire counter-strike capabilities. To carry this out, Japans Defense Ministry signed four contracts totaling 378.1 billion yen ($US2.7 billion) in April with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the development of long-range, or standoff, missiles. These weapons, coupled with support for Washingtons stoking of tensions over Taiwan, make clear that Tokyo is preparing for war with China, not defending itself from Beijings supposed assertiveness or so-called North Korea aggression. The first contract involves the mass production of an upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missile (SSM) beginning in the current fiscal year with delivery expected in 2026. The second is for the development of new ship- and air-launched versions of the Type 12 SSM by 2026 and 2028 respectively. The range of this missile is expected to jump from 200 kilometers to 1,500 kilometers. The third contract is for the mass production of Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles (HVGP), for use against targets on remote islands. This includes the Block 1 and Block 2A and 2B variants, with the Block 1 and 2A missiles expected to enter service in 2026 and 2027 and the Block 2B expected to be deployed by the early 2030s. The Japanese military intends to base them in Kyushu in the south and in Hokkaido in the north. The latter will host the HVGP Block 2B, which will have the longest range of the variants of up to 3,000 kilometers, allowing Tokyo to target the Russian Far East. Tokyo also plans to develop a submarine guided missile under the final contract by 2027, which would enter into use beginning the following year. The missile range will be greatly expanded over that of the current Harpoon missiles used on Japanese submarines, but full details have not been released. Tokyo also intends to purchase 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US while its own weaponry is in production, a decision announced last February. The development of these missiles is part of Tokyos new National Security Strategy released last December and plans to double military spending over the next five years. Already, Japans military spending is at record levels, hitting 6.82 trillion yen ($US48.8 billion) this year. Between 2023 and 2027, Tokyo is expected to spend 43 trillion yen ($US308 billion), bringing its spending to 2 percent of GDP, similar to the guideline set for NATO countries. In addition to these plans, Austin and Hamada also used their meeting to continue ramping up tensions with Beijing over Taiwan. The two provocatively declared that unilateral changes to the status quo cannot be tolerated, and that Japan and the United States will cooperate more than ever in this regard. Hamada added that the two reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The language used here is regularly trotted out to denounce Beijing. In reality, it is Washington that has sought to overturn the status quo in the region, provocatively goading Beijing over Taiwan and all but overturning the One China policy, which the US had de facto recognized since 1979 when it cut off formal diplomatic relations with Taipei in favor of Beijing. References to peace and stability around Taiwan are meant to place the blame for tensions in the region on Beijing while the US regularly conducts so-called freedom of navigation military operations through the Taiwan Strait on Chinas doorstep. Washington uses these highly provocative voyages to try to provoke a response from Beijing, which fears allowing Taiwan to declare independence would set a precedent for carving up China and at the same time provide the US with a base for military operations directly adjacent to the Chinese mainland. These US provocations are growing more dangerous. On June 3, the US sent the USS Chung-Hoon destroyer, alongside the Canadian frigate HMCS Montreal, through the Taiwan Strait. During the transit, Washington claims, a Chinese destroyer supposedly cut across the path of the American vessel. Whatever actually took place, it is ultimately the purposeful recklessness of the US and its allies that is inflaming the overall danger of war in the region. Media reports over the past week have revealed advanced plans to dispatch Australian F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine, as part of the US-NATO proxy war against Russia. Behind the backs of the population, and without discussion anywhere, even in the parliament, the Australian Labor government has been holding secret meetings with the US and Ukrainian administrations to finalise the plan. Three Royal Australian Air Force FA-18 Hornets in flight at Red Flag in 2012. [Photo: US Air Force Senior Airman Brett Clashman] The initial report, in the Australian Financial Review, was not based on a leak. Instead it was an enthusiastic promotion of the plan based on information provided by government and intelligence agency sources. Under the proposal, Australia would dispatch 41 F/A-18s to Kiev. The aircraft have been retired by the Australian airforce and are currently in a hangar near the industrial city of Newcastle two hours north of Sydney. The article stated: Sources have told The Australian Financial Review [AFR] that the US, which recently gave permission to other Western allies to supply Ukraine with advanced fighter jets, including US-made F-16s, is favourably disposed to the idea of gifting Ukraine the F/A-18s. Washingtons approval is needed because it owns the intellectual property on the jets that have been retired by the RAAF and which are being replaced by F-35s, of which Australia has ordered 72. The article, and subsequent coverage in the AFR, has sought to present the dispatch of advanced fighter jets as a humanitarian operation. They would, the publication asserts, protect Ukrainian civilians. This is, of course, transparent nonsense. The discussion surrounding the dispatch of the planes is taking place in the context of a massive escalation of direct US-NATO intervention in the proxy conflict, which was provoked by Washington and has been used by it to enact long standing plans for a war with Russia. The US and NATO, in addition to approving the dispatch of F-16 fighter jets by US allies to Ukraine, have bankrolled and armed Ukrainian forces throughout the conflict and before. US and NATO officials are all but openly coordinating the current Ukrainian counter-offensive, which is resulting in massive losses of life on both sides and raising the specter of a direct US-Russian war. An Australian aircraft shipment would not only underscore the Labor governments complete commitment to this criminal policy. It would also provide a precedent for the US and other NATO powers, more directly involved in the war, to further escalate. The AFR made clear this is one of the calculations, reporting: Australia going first with an initial delivery of fighter jets would give the Americans (and other nations) cover to provide hundreds from its own fleet of F/A-18s. The articles conclusion highlighted the immense recklessness of what is being discussed. To prevent the risk of escalation, Australians (and the Americans) could make clear that the Hornets could only fly within Ukrainian airspace, warning if they were used to bomb Russia, the allies would stop maintaining the aircraft, effectively grounding them, it stated. But Ukrainian forces have already engaged in attacks on Russian territory. Last month, a group of emigre Russian neo-Nazis, aligned with the Kiev regime, conducted a cross-border raid using American-supplied military vehicles and weaponry. That followed a Ukrainian drone attack on the Kremlin, the seat of the Russian government, at the beginning of the month. US press reports, moreover, have indicated that the US government and its agencies are increasingly favorably disposed to Ukrainian attacks on Russia. Last week, the New York Times published an article titled Biden Administration Shrugs Off Ukraines Attacks in Russia. It stated: Behind closed doors senior administration officials have seemed even less fazed. Look, its a war, one senior Pentagon official said last Thursday. This is what happens in a war. The AFR articles suggestion that maintenance of the aircraft would be withdrawn after the Hornets were used to attack Russia is ridiculous. Such attacks would be the beginning of a full-scale aerial conflict, which could well result in a world war. Another question is raised, though. How would Australia end maintenance of fighter jets stationed in Ukraine? Australian personnel would have to be inside that country. That is also indicated by the AFR report. After prattling about the need to develop Ukrainian-language instructional manuals for the Hornets, as though they were hire cars, the AFR stated: And with an influx of western fighters to help Ukraine, that would include ex- Hornet pilots. There was no elaboration of this strange sentence. The influx of western fighters was not explained. Nor was it indicated who exactly these ex-Hornet pilots would be or where they would come from. It seems highly unlikely that the Australian government would gift the jets, on the off chance that ex-Hornet pilots happened to be turning up in Ukraine. And they would plainly not be ex-Hornet pilots, if they were sent to Ukraine to fly Hornets. Clearly what is being hinted at is the deployment of Australian military forces to Ukraine, either active duty or retired. That forms part of a broader discussion, increasingly open, on the need for US and NATO troops on the grounds. From the outset, the WSWS has warned that the policies pursued by Washington and its partners are leading in this direction, which would be a direct war with Russia. It is already known that US and NATO military advisors, intelligence agents and small numbers of specialist troops are deployed to Ukraine. No information has yet emerged about whether Australian personnel are also involved. However, the AFR article included comments from one Robert Potter, who was curiously described as an Australian security expert advising the Ukrainian government. His comments made clear he was in a position to confirm the discussions underway between the US, Australian and Ukranian governments about the possible Hornet shipment. Potters LinkedIn profile indicates that during the course of an exceptionally active work life, he has been employed by the US, Canadian and Australian governments in cyber and intelligence related fields. For instance, for a time he was lead SME for North Korean Cyber Security for the United States Department of State. Potters private cyber-security company is based in Australia. Under a Who are we heading, the companys website states: Former Intelligence Officers (Army and Federal Government), Special Forces Operators (SAS and Commando) and later Cyber Advisors to Defence Industry & Government. Employees are not only drawn from Australian, but also US intelligence. In addition to the Hornets, Australia is reportedly discussing sending Hawkei armored vehicles to Ukraine. The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald reported this week that the vehicles were among a list of demands submitted by Ukraines ambassador to the Australian government. They are very, very famous armed vehicles with air defence systems, he commented. As the Age and Herald noted, the Hawkei is a seven-tonne armoured car designed to be fitted with the same Norwegian-American air defence system that protects the White House. Labor Defence Minister Marles refused to confirm, but said he had had a very detailed conversation with the ambassador. Also last week, it was revealed that an Australian military plane had landed in Poland, apparently with supplies bound for the Ukrainian military. The Department of Defence rebuffed all requests from journalists for any indication of what it was carrying. Based on previous announcements, some have speculated that it may have been a shipment of previously-pledged Bushmaster military vehicles. The secrecy underscores the fact that Australias increasing involvement in the Ukraine conflict, half a world away, is being conducted as a conspiracy against the population. Decisions are made, then not long after leaked to friendly reporters who will write what are essentially extended press releases for the government. Australias role highlights the fact that the proxy war against Ukraine is increasingly meshing with the US confrontation with China in the Indo-Pacific. As it is stepping up its involvement on the European battlefield, the Labor government is functioning as the diplomatic attack dog of Washington in the Indo-Pacific, and presiding over a vast militarisation of Australia in preparation for war with China. On June 7, in response to the announcement of a delayed and hastily prepared strike authorization vote, the Teamsters bureaucracy held an online meeting in an attempt to diffuse anger among rank-and-file UPS workers. The vote was only announced June 5, with results to be reported June 16. The sudden and rushed character of the vote, which will be held over two days in person, with no online or by mail option, angered many workers. The vote comes with the July 31 contract expiration date fast approaching. In his opening remarks at the meeting Teamster President Sean OBrien reported that two supplemental agreements are still open. A UPS driver in front of Paramount Studios during the WGA strike, May 3, 2023. Both supplemental committees are still meeting, trying to get to a resolution, but the one thing that was sure that we would clear up at UPS, is that we wanted the supplements done prior to going to national negotiations, OBrien stated. Unfortunately, two of them couldnt get done, theyre not that far apart and the chairmen and the committees respectively gave us the green light. He did not further elaborate. The meeting included negotiating and subcommittee rank and file members who offered nothing but scripted praise for the entrenched union leadership. Im one of over 40 rank and file members thats involved in the negotiations, and when I say involved, I mean involved, Dean Doss, a feeder driver from Teamsters Local 63 based in Southern California, said. Theyre not just there just to be flies on the wall and see whats going on. Theyre being asked their opinion on things and how things go, Doss continued. Each day, sitting back and watching our General President, Sean OBrien, and our General Secretary Treasurer, Fred Zuckerman, theyre leading the charge and taking it to the company. General Secretary Fred Zuckerman then gave the official updates on the strike authorization vote, if one can call them updates. They mainly consist of simply telling members to get everyone involved and be informed on the dates, times and locations where in person balloting is taking place. Yet, as the WSWS has previously reported, many local leaders were caught unaware that a strike authorization was going to be held. Zuckerman continued, The committee strongly urges all UPS Teamsters to vote yes for strike authorization because a credible strike threat is a necessary tool and we must be prepared to hit the streets August 1st. ' He added, Not saying that nobody wants a strike, but we need to show UPS that we are not afraid of one. Zuckerman states that he wants membership to be prepared to hit the streets August 1, yet he glosses over the fact that the reactionary National Labor Relations Acts required that employers receive a 60-day notice from employees on their intent to strike and that having a strike authorization vote tallied on June 16, only 45 days before the expiration of the contract, will leave workers facing retaliation from UPS unless they delay the strike past the August 1 deadline. OBrien also gave updates on some of the articles which were agreed upon during national negotiations with UPS. One article which stands out is Article 6, Section 4: Technological Change. OBrien states that This is a very, very important article. Its new language that prevents the introduction of drones, driver-less vehicles, platooning or shipping for the duration of this contract without bargaining on such technology with the union. This supreme order would require UPS to meet with the Teamsters at least 45 days before any proposed change in technology. [italics added] In other words, the Teamsters will allow UPS to automate facilities, which will lead to layoffs, pay cuts, lower staff ratios and higher speedups, just as long as they notify the union 45 days ahead of time. Another section worth looking into is Article 6, Section 6: Technology Discipline, which states, Driver facing sensors will only be used to train new drivers and cannot be used for discipline, but then states, Sensors may not be used as the only reason to disqualify an employee during this probationary period in training. [italics added] In short, driver facing sensors can be used to discipline employees as long as it's paired with another disciplinary measure. The tightly controlled Q&A session clearly demonstrated the deep seated contempt of the top Teamster brass for the rank-and-file. The first question was asked by an attendee named Jack Flash who asked, How will the Glacier Northwest ruling affect the UPS campaign? referring to the anti-democratic Glacier Northwest v. Teamsters Supreme Court Ruling that allows corporations to sue for damages caused by strikes. OBrien dismissed dangers this reactionary ruling poses. It opens the door to a situation where strikes are effectively banned, unless pre-approved by management, in other words made totally ineffective. The Glacier Northwest ruling is not going to have any effect on the UPS campaign, OBrien answered, although it wasnt a great decision for us, it doesnt hurt us, it doesnt limit us, either way. If we do have to strike, we do not go back to work unless we negotiate amnesty in any and all agreements moving forward so we are not concerned about that Glacier agreement one bit, OBrien added. This echoes the same lies that OBrien made at a UPS rally when he claimed that the Biden administration did not intervene in the rail strike of last year. In fact, as Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson correctly stated in her dissenting opinion, this decision would ultimately decide if workers are to be considered legally free or indentured servants. The fact that OBrien casually dismisses the significance of this fundamental attack on core democratic rights demonstrates the utter worthlessness of the Teamster leadership. Another participant, Jason Gutsenger, asked, Why not mail out the strike ballot? Why is strike authorization being held in person? OBrien answered, We did a lot of strategizing about what the best and most effective way to get our members engaged and we gauged it by the international election and with elections in the past, people dont check their mail, people dont go to their mailbox, people dont send it back in, OBrien said. OBrien then blamed worker apathy for this decision by stating, Were trying to make it as convenient as possible, opening union halls on the weekends, and as history would dictate, there isnt a whole lot of participation, theres always this Ill get to it later, and look, most people dont check their mail anymore. First of all, there is nothing convenient about this hastily called and poorly planned strike authorization vote, where many part timers have very little free time to come to a voting site, often tens of miles away from their home, on their very limited days off to participate. Second of all, it is routine for the trade union bureaucracy to blame worker apathy for the concessions and betrayals carried out by the leadership. In the recently held direct elections for top UAW officers reformist candidate for the UAW, Shawn Fein, claimed that worker apathy was to blame for the lowest voter turnout in union history in that election. In fact it was demonstrated by socialist candidate for UAW president, Mack Trucks worker Will Lehman, that the UAW intentionally suppressed the rank and file vote of UAW members, especially for UC Grad Students that were on strike that same year. Far from being apathetic, UPS workers are determined for a fight to recoup decades of concessions surrendered by the Teamster bureaucracy. The World Socialist Web Site encourages the largest vote possible in favor of strike authorization. But by itself this will resolve nothing. The critical question is the independent initiative taken by rank-and-file workers. As OBriens comments at this weeks meeting show once again, the Teamster leadership will do nothing to wage a serious struggle. The WSWS and the Socialist Equality Party urge UPS workers to build rank-and-file committees in each workplace to pierce the information blackout being imposed by the Teamsters, provide a forum for democratic discussion of their demands and plan for the widest and most effective strike action possible. Contact the WSWS today if you are interested in joining this fight! The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) received a letter from the Sri Lankas Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara on May 26, calling for proposals for labour law reforms and inviting discussion on that matter. Government sector workers protest against Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe's tax policy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. [AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena] Nanayakkara also sent similar letters to all other political parties, trade unions, and several other civil organisations requesting their proposals, in the guise of consulting all stakeholders in preparing the new labour laws. The new bill is to be presented on July 9 to the National Labour Advisory Council, a tri-partite corporatist body including the labour minister, employers and trade unions. SEP General Secretary Deepal Jayasekera replied on behalf of the party, stating: The SEP rejects your invitation for submitting proposals for labour law reforms to your government and participation in discussions with you on that matter. Our party, representing and working for the interests of vast majority of the populationthe working classis not going to collaborate with your government on any matter and be part of any exercise. We also oppose the scrapping of existing rights of workers even though they are limited. Your letter is a cynical and dishonest exercise. Contrary to your claims that you are going to change the countrys existing labour laws to protect and safeguard employers and employees, the new labour laws being brought by you will protect employers against employees. Your government wants to establish new labour laws to provide unrestricted exploitation of workers by local and foreign investors. The SEP, the Sri Lankan section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, will not subscribe to the right-wing President Ranil Wickremesinghe regimes moves to scrap existing labour laws. For that matter, the SEP will not collaborate with any move of this regimeor any capitalist government. Our party is in a fight to build an independent political movement of the working class, rallying the rural masses, to bring down this hated regime and to establish a workers and peasants government committed to socialist policies as part of the struggle for international socialism. The governments pretense that it is engaging in a democratic exercise in bringing in new labour laws is a blatant lie. It is to rally support from other bourgeois parties, their hangers-on and the trade unions. According to the establishment media, some organisations, particularly the trade unions, have already sent their proposals to the labour ministry while others are preparing their submissions. The ministers letter states that in an ever-changing environment reviewing and updating our labour laws is imperative to address the emerging changes in the world of work, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis have intensified the urgency for these changes to protect and safeguard employers and employees. By an ever-changing environment, the minister means the unprecedented economic crisis in Sri Lanka that is an integral part of a deepening world capitalist crisis. In this context, the reference to the emerging changes in the world of work can only signify meeting the demand of corporations and parasitic international capital for a flexible labour market to enable hiring and firing at will, wage cuts and brutal working conditions to extract greater profits. His letter says that the changes to labour laws are needed for ensuring the fair and equitable treatment of employees and a harmonious relationship between employer and employee. However, none of this is possible because production and distribution under capitalism is based on extracting surplus value from the working class in the form of profit. Significantly, the proposed changes to the countrys labour legislation are part of the austerity program being dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF country report of March 2023 told the government to ensure labour flexibility to improve the competitiveness of private firms and help develop greater linkages between foreign and local firms. In presenting his 2023 budget to parliament in November, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the finance minister, declared: Labour laws have to be reformed for an export-oriented economy, and to bring a comprehensive law to regulate labour. For several decades, the IMF, World Bank and Sri Lankan big business have been demanding changes to the existing labour laws and are determined amid the countrys deep economic crisis to push through changes. Some of Sri Lankas labour legislation is the legacy of British colonial rule that ended in 1948, while other laws were enacted in the post-Second World War period. The government is proposing to introduce one piece of legislation to replace 28 laws, which include the Wages Boards Ordinance 1941, Factories Ordinance 1942, Shop and Office Employees Act of 1954, Gratuity act and Maternity Benefit Ordinance, and Termination of Employment Act of 1971. The existing legislation encapsulates important rights won in struggle by workers, such as job security, job permanency after completing 180 days of work, paid leave and some medical care, and limited compensation when employment is terminated. The government and employers now want to abolish these limited rights and subordinate workers to capitalist profit needs. A labour law reforms consultative meeting was held on May 17 where the minister, employers organisations, employers and some other groups, such as Sri Lanka Bar Association, participated. In the meeting the employers demanded: An employer should be able to terminate the services of an employee if the job position becomes redundant due to technological advancement, restructuring or business negotiation, breach of contract, such as disclosing confidential information or engaging in a conflict of interests, poor performance and disciplinary reasons. Poor performance will be decided by the company when a worker fails to complete increased work targets. Any opposition to unbearable working conditions or action to defend workers rights could be defined as a breach of discipline. Big business wants to remove restrictions on employing women workers on night shifts on the same payment as for day shifts, without an extra allowance as per existing law. The employers have already taken such action arbitrarily. In the apparel sector, thousands of workers have been laid off without compensations or even their due wages and overtime payments. Working days have also been reduced, and wages and other allowances, including bonuses, cut. The employers further demand that future salary increases should be based on an attendance of 75 percent or above, and completing at least 90 percent of the daily target. Employers also insist the law must be revised to accommodate gig workers by allowing businesses to hire and fire at will and enable them to employ temporary or part-time workers instead of permanent workers. If the labour legislation is changed to meet the demands of big business, there will be no job security and employers will not be providing benefits, such as pensions, health coverage and paid leave. These sorts of changes are being imposed by governments internationally. Last year, Indias right-wing Bharatiya Janatha Party regime abolished 29 labour laws and introduced four new acts which were hailed by big business. The legislation was a sweeping attack on jobs and working conditions and permitted the use of contract labour in virtually all public and private sectors. In Europe, governments have implemented laws to cut wages and pensions, extend working hours and facilitate lay-offs. In the US, President Joe Biden signed a dictatorial bill to impose a national contract on rail workers, while some American states have passed laws legalising child labour. The so-called labour law reforms in Sri Lanka are part of a broader attack on the social and democratic rights of the working class as part of the IMFs far-reaching austerity measures being unleashed by the Wickremesinghe regime. These measures include the privatisation or restructuring of 430 state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the wholesale destruction of public sector jobs, slashing public health and education, increasing and broadening income tax, and a VAT increase that boosts the price of all goods and services. New labour legislation will affect more than eight million workers in private sector and semi-government institutions. The private sector includes free trade zones and 21 regional plantation companies where 1.5 million workers are employed. The trade unions, which have been instrumental in containing and suppressing the struggles of workers against the IMF austerity agenda, have also rejected organising any campaign against the labour law reforms. Instead, they have expressed their willingness to collaborate with the government in not only preparing the new laws but implementing them. About 30 unions covering the private sector and SOEs held a meeting on May 25, stating they did not oppose labour reform, but adding that it should be for the benefit of workers, even though that is patently not the case. The unions included the Free Trade Zone General Services Workers Union (FTZGSWU), Ceylon Bank Employees Union (CBEU), Ceylon Mercantile Industrial and General Workers Union, and All Telecom Employees Union. Clearly aware of the anti-working class nature of the labour law reform, FTZGSU General Secretary Anton Marcus expressed his fear that the proposed labour legislation would result in young workers leaving the country. His only suggestion was to set up a committee of experts to discuss suitable laws. CBEU President Channa Disanayake demogogically declared that street protests should be organised against the laws. In the same breath, however, he said if foreign investors say they will not invest in Sri Lanka because of the existing labour laws, we are ready to talk with those investors If they explain, we will understand it and reform [the labour laws] accordingly. Any struggle by workers to defend their basic social and democratic rights directly confronts the profit system and the capitalist state which protects the interests of the big business and global finance capital. The working class cannot defend its rights through the trade unions which have proven again and again their willingness to collaborate with government and big business to uphold the capitalist system at the expense of workers. The unions have refused to wage any campaign against the draconian Essential Public Services Act and Emergency regulations that have been used to ban industrial action. The SEP urges workers to take matters into their own hands by building action committees independent of the unions and all capitalist parties in every factory, work place, plantations and neighbourhood and organising a unified struggle of the working class against the government and its entire IMF-dictated agenda. This poses the challenge before the working class of overthrowing capitalist rule and establishing a workers and peasants government as part of a broader fight for socialism in South Asia and internationally. Building a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses, based on delegates of action committees of workers and rural masses, is the way forward in advancing this political struggle. The SEP alone fights for this program. We call on workers and youth to take up this fight and to join and build our party as the necessary revolutionary leadership. Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to reporters Friday, June 9, 2023, in Washington. Former President Donald Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents according to an indictment unsealed on Friday. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] Thursdays filing of a 38-count federal criminal indictment against former President Donald Trump marks a new and unprecedented stage in the crisis of the American political system. At a critical juncture in the escalating US-NATO war against Russia and with the first Republican presidential primary only seven months away, an explosive conflict between the two main factions of the ruling class has burst to the surface. This is the first time in US history that the Department of Justice has charged a former president with breaking federal law. Even in 1974, at the peak of the Watergate crisis, Gerald Ford sacrificed his political credibility and ultimately his presidency by pardoning Nixon in order to prevent a trial that the ruling class feared would destabilize the political system and weaken the world position of US imperialism. In contrast to the ongoing state prosecutions and civil suits against Trump that are based on his sexual improprieties, the DOJ indictment, unsealed Friday, is far more consequential. The indictment asserts that Trump usurped core state powers by retaining top secret military documents related to US war plans for personal political use. It details how Trump and his cronies stole top secret documents obtained during his time in the White House and hid them at Trumps mansion in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. It includes transcripts of audio recordings and text messages in which Trump and his employees essentially admit that they were aware the conduct was illegal. The detailed character of the indictment indicates that a section of the state apparatus has decided that the time has come to try to remove Trump from the political arena once and for all. The document concludes by charging Trump with 38 counts of criminal activity, including 31 counts of violating the Espionage Act, each of which carries a potential 10-year sentence for gathering, transmitting or losing defense information. The remaining counts assert that Trump and his valet, Waltine Nauta, conspired, lied and withheld information during a federal investigation over the handling of classified documents. The conspiracy count has a maximum sentence of 20 years. From the standpoint of the working class, there is no democratic side in the prosecution. The brutal imperialist politician Trump is not a victim or opponent of the war machine, and the Democratic Party-led prosecution is only interested in challenging Trump on the most right-wing basis possible: to advance its war aims against Russia. The indictment makes no reference to Trumps violation of democratic rights or his attempt to overthrow the Constitution in the coup attempt of January 6, 2021. Its legal vehicle, the Espionage Act of 1917, is US imperialisms most powerful statutory tool for guarding high-level secrets, used to prosecute Chelsea Manning and Julian Assange. In a brief statement to the press Friday, Special Counsel Jack Smith outlined the reactionary character of the indictment: The men and women of the intelligence community and armed forces dedicate our lives to protecting our nation and its people, he said. Our laws that protect national defense and its information are critical for protecting the safety and security of the United States, and they must be enforced. Violations of those laws put our country at risk. Consistent with the Democratic Partys longstanding strategy for opposing Trump, the indictment is based entirely on defending the prerogatives of the military-intelligence apparatus and presenting Trump as an obstacle in achieving US imperialisms foreign policy, though he is in reality no less of a ruthless imperialist politician than his Democratic counterparts, regardless of their tactical differences. But the bitter crisis between the factions of the ruling class is bringing to the surface critical information that has been hidden from the public. For example, the indictment prominently lists the subject matter of the documents Trump retained in boxes seized by the FBI from his Mar-a-Lago mansion during the August 8, 2022 raid: The classified documents Trump stored in his boxes included information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries; United States nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack. The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States. This leaves little doubt that the United States government is in advanced stages of planning for world war, including war involving strategic nuclear weapons. Behind the backs of the population, in rooms to which the public is barred from entering and without any serious inquiry from the corporate media, leading military and intelligence officials are gaming the impact of nuclear exchanges and tallying the cost to human life of various military options being planned in American imperialisms desperate struggle for world domination. This information is top secret because the success of the war plans depends on keeping them hidden from the population. The fact that Trump decided such documents were necessary to keep indicates their importance for his own plotting and intrigues. Among the top-secret documents Trump is alleged to have taken are those concerning military capabilities of a foreign country and the United States, nuclear capabilities of a foreign country, military attacks by a foreign country, military contingency planning of the United States, projected regional military capabilities of a foreign country and the United States, military options of a foreign country and potential effects on United States interests and nuclear weaponry of the United States. The indictment refers to high-level discussions over attacking various countries, listed in the indictment as Country A, Country B, etc. It prominently refers to an audio recording from a July 2021 conversation at Trumps home in Bedminster, New Jersey relating to a dispute between Trump and top military brass, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, who accused Trump of plotting to start a war with Iran as a way to maintain power after losing the 2020 US election. During the recorded discussion in Bedminster, Trump claims access to top-secret military attack plans outlining measures the United States would take to invade Iran (Country A). The indictment quotes the discussion at length: Well, with Milleyuh, let me see that, Ill show you an example. He said that I wanted to attack Country A. Isnt that amazing? I have a big pile of papers; this thing just came up. Look. This was him [Milley]. They presented me thisthis is off the record, butthey presented me this. This was him. This was the Defense Department and him. Look at this. You attack and The indictment describes additional military plans against Country B, explaining, In August or September 2021, when he was no longer president, Trump met in his office at the Bedminster Club with a representative of his political action committee. During the meeting, Trump commented that an ongoing military operation in Country B was not going well. Trump showed the PAC representative a classified map of Country B and told the PAC Representative that he should not be showing the map to the PAC representative. How many more war plans have been drawn up behind the backs of the population? What other information is being hidden from the eyes of the working class behind the label top secret? It is worth noting that Trump is being charged under the same section of the Espionage Act as Jack Teixeira, the National Guard intelligence officer arrested for disclosing classified documents related to the US conduct in preparing and prosecuting the war in Ukraine. Trump has responded to the indictment by denouncing the Biden administration, stating this is warfare and this country is going to hell. He appealed to his supporters within the military apparatus, saying that when he was president we had a strong military that wasnt woke, and urging the millions of people who voted for him in the 2020 election to come to his defense. Two-and-a-half years after attempting to overturn the Constitution, Trump remains the leading candidate in the Republican primary, and the Republicans have almost unanimously stated their opposition to the indictment. Regardless of how the case unfolds, the indictment will provoke a significant escalation of the internal political crisis and further transform the Republican Party into an openly fascist party. The Democratic Party, for its part, has sought to stabilize bourgeois rule by attempting to forge a bipartisan agreement with the Republicans based on the essential interests of the ruling class, including the massive assault on social programs contained in the debt ceiling agreement. At the same time, it is attempting to safeguard the central preoccupation of the Biden administration: the US-NATO war against Russia. The indictment both expresses and will accelerate a massive political crisis within the apparatus of class rule in the United States. Moreover, given the role of the United States in world capitalism, it will have global consequences. The working class cannot take sides in the conflict within the ruling elite. Rather, the task for the working class is to utilize whatever emerges in the trial to expose the ruling class as a whole and its conspiracies. As strikes and workers protests develop in the auto industry, among postal workers, UPS workers and at the West Coast ports, the profound divisions that have exploded within the ruling class must be exploited. For this it is necessary that the working class elaborate a clear, independent position by refusing to take sides in this crisis between two reactionary factions of US imperialism. The banner reads, "UW postdocs and researchers on STRIKE" Approximately 2,400 postdocs and research scientists/engineers at the University of Washington have on been on strike since Wednesday. Similar to UW librarians who were poised to go on strike in January, postdocs and researchers are fighting for higher wages and benefits, as well as cost of living adjustments in Seattle, a city that has one of the highest costs of living in the United States. The strike was called by United Auto Workers Local 4121, which was formed after a campaign among the postdocs and researchers by the UAW in 2019. This section of university workers are salaried staff, generally all with graduate level education, and who provide vital services to the university including performing research alongside professors and students, as well as maintaining and operating laboratories, machine shops and numerous other facilities at the institution. At the same time, they are not able to afford to live in the city. A postdocs starting salary is just under $54,000 a year, and only exceeds $60,000 after five years of work, about $30 an hour. In contrast, a living wage in Seattle is somewhere between $40 and $60 an hour, depending on the neighborhood. Moreover, these workers often have a great deal of student loan debt; a masters degree on average costs $80,000. One of the key triggers for the strike is that as of the beginning of this year, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries mandated that salaried employees who are overtime-exempt make at least $65,484 annually. According to an article in Science, UW President Ana Mari Cauce argued that this is not financially feasible. While they complied with the law at that time for some post docs and researchers, those whose pay is funded by fellowships did not see raises. Workers gathered today at a rally called by the UAW and were eager to fight. They were all aware of struggles of other sections of students and workers at the university and were in strong agreement with the proposal for a unified struggle, like with the library workers. The UW Library workers were set to strike in January before it was called off by the UW Libraries Union, which said they had reached an agreement on a minimum salary of $66,000. The WSWS reporters visiting the picket line pointed to the fact that 6,000 graduate students at UW werent striking, despite all being part of the same UAW local. One researcher commented that he was both a graduate student and a researcher so he was both on strike and not. This fact points to the treacherous role being played by the UAW leadership. Similar to postdocs and researchers, graduate students are a key component of the intellectual labor performed at universities, and a joint strike would be a major blow to the operations of the unviersity. The UAW, however, is focused above all on maintaining its dues base and channeling genuine struggles behind the Democratic Party. Many of those attending the picket were aware of the strike of 48,000 academic workers of the UC system that was prematurely ended by the UAW. Fewer were aware of the major cuts that have since occurred, including planned reductions of 89 percent of departments across all California campuses. That the UC system was able to carry out such attacks was entirely due to the complete capitulation by the UAW, which did everything to isolate and undermine the struggle by the academic workers. The UAW refused to unify the strike of academic workers with the 150,000 autoworkers across the United States whose contracts expire later this year. In an earlier period, it would have been unthinkable for one section of a union to go on strike without sympathy strikes called across the union and across the industry. Instead, the UAW left the UC academic workers strike completely isolated and is doing the same to UW academic workers. it should be recalled that the UAW completely failed to inform workers at UW about the first ever direct election of top union officers last year, in which rank and file Mack Trucks worker Will Lehman, running as a socialist, won just under 5,000 votes. According to returns released by the UAW Monitor, UAW Local 4121, with 9,000 members, had just 72 ballots counted, a turnout of 0.8 percent. This was not because workers were apathetic, but because the UAW deliberately did not inform workers about the election, under conditions where a genuine socialist was on the ballot. Several UAW members from the UW campus reached out to the Will Lehman campaign website and followed the instructions on how to get a ballot sent if they hadnt received one. All over the US there were cases of workers not receiving ballots or not receiving them in time to be mailed and counted. A WSWS reporter discussing Will Lehmans campaign with striking academic workers was asked, I only want to know one thing, are you for Trotsky? He took several flyers after receiving an affirmative reply. The WSWS encourages UW academic workers to study the lessons of the betrayal of the UC strike and the treacherous role played by the UAW apparatus. To carry forward their struggle workers must take the initiative by forming independent rank-and-file committees. These committees, controlled by academic workers, not union bureaucrats, should provide a democratic forum for workers to advance their own demands and organize an effective struggle, reaching out for support to faculty, non striking campus workers and broader sections of the working class. The state prosecutors office in the central west Mexican state of Jalisco on Tuesday said that forensic analysis had confirmed that the chopped up human bones and remains found in 45 trash bags in a ravine on the outskirts of the Guadalajara high tech suburb of Zapopan on May 29 were those of eight call center workers who were missing since May 20-22. The Guadalajara metropolitan area is the third most populated in Mexico, with over five million people. It is also the home base of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), an outfit that rivals the Sinaloa Cartel as Mexicos largest. Search for murdered workers remains [Photo: Estado de Jalisco] CJNG engages in the traditional businesses of drug trafficking, extortion and kidnapping. It is also notorious for its violence. CJNG is famous for its ruthless treatment of those who attempt to leave it or its employ, informants and turncoats. The missing workers, who were aged from 23 to 37, worked out of two Zapopan call centers run by CJNG. Authorities believe they were murdered because they tried to leave their jobs. Call centers are a major source of employment in Mexico for young people or migrants who may have learned English in the United States, but who have returned to Mexico. One of the Zapopan call center workers was from Arizona. The call centers that employed the murdered workers likely were a scam designed to defraud money out of mostly elderly Americans and Canadians trying to sell or rent timeshares they had acquired in Mexico resort locations. The timeshare fraud came to light in April, when the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against members or associates of CJNG, who apparently ran a similar operation in the Pacific coast Puerto Vallarta resort area, also located in Jalisco state. In an April 2023 alert, the FBI said sellers were contacted via email by scammers who said they had a buyer lined up, but that the seller needed to pay taxes or other fees before the deal could go through. The fraud was sophisticated. Victims were sent fake contracts and official-looking documents from the Mexican tax authority saying taxes were due on the prospective sale. Once this money was paid by the victims, the deals evaporated. The FBIs report said that in 2022, the agencys Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 600 complaints with losses of approximately $39.6 million from victims contacted by scammers regarding timeshares owned in Mexico. Jalisco is the state with the highest number of disappearances and missing persons in Mexico. An activist group for families of the disappeared, Por Amor a Ellxs roughly, For Love of Them said there are around 15,000 missing people in Jalisco, out of a total of about 112,000 nationwide. Official figures show that more than 1,500 bodies have been found in Jalisco state since 2018. According to the office of Jaliscos special prosecutor for missing persons, 291 bodies were discovered in 2019, 544 in 2020, 280 in 2021, and 301 the following year. So far in 2023, 147 bodies have been found. Mexican officials, up to the presidential level, and from all the major political parties, have a decades-long history of selectively collaborating with the narco cartels, including Carlos Salinas de Gortari, and likely Enrique Pena Nieto, the predecessor of current president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), as well as Pena Nietos predecessor Felipe Calderon. AMLO exonerated former defense minister General Salvador Cienfuegos, who had been detained in the US for facilitating cartel drug shipments and brought him home unscathed and uncharged. AMLO has acted sympathetically toward the family of the Sinaloa Cartels imprisoned head Chapo Guzman, publicly greeting his mother and one of his sons. Prominent members in government positions in AMLOs party MORENA are also strongly suspected of cartel ties. AMLO, a darling of the pseudo-left, while increasingly militarizing the country, has done nothing substantial to rein in the cartels. And despite all his populist demagogy, he has done little to alleviate Mexicos mass poverty or the conditions that drive young people into cartel activity and lead to many of their deaths. On Thursday the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of a lower court decision mandating that the state of Alabama redraw its congressional district maps. The lower court had found that Alabamas district map was racially discriminatory towards black voters by diluting their vote. African Americans make up 27 percent of the states population and have overwhelmingly voted for the Democratic Party in recent years. Despite this, the state map, which took effect for the 2022 election, created one safe Democratic district, predominately African American, and six safe Republican districts. The gerrymandered map does this by concentrating much of the black population in a single district that includes the rural population of of the west central portion of the state, heavily African American, and then reaches out to include black areas of Birmingham and Montgomery, two of the three main cities in the state. The rest of the African American population is dispersed across other districts with Republican majorities ranging from 60 to 80 percent. A lawsuit by the ACLU and the NAACP challenged the district maps and brought the case up to the Supreme Court. Alabamas proposed map is not a significant change from its previous district map and overall the general shape of the districts has not changed much in 30 years. District 7, the only Democratic district in the state, was established in 1992 after a lawsuit forced the creation of the first black majority district in the state since 1877. Since then the districts have remained roughly the same. Similar challenges to Alabamas state legislature district maps came after the 2010 census brought Alabamas redistricting to the Supreme Court in 2015. However, despite the court finding that the districts were drawn with a racial intent to dilute the black vote, the court decided to return the case to a federal district court for further review. In 2017 the federal court ordered Alabama to redraw select districts for the state house and state senate. There was no ruling on the states federal congressional districts. This latest ruling by the Supreme Court was a surprise to many and is being celebrated by the Democratic Party and its aligned organizations as a great victory for voting rights. The decision, however, will have only a short-term effect, the court is still preparing a far greater assault on voting rights than the Alabama districts posed in themselves. The liberal minority of the court was able to win over Chief Justice Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh, who was a last-minute defector from the conservative majority. But the views stated in their opinions leave extensive room for additional, and even more aggressive, challenges to the Voting Rights Act. A year ago, Kavanaugh sided with a 5-4 conservative majority which agreed to take up the Alabama case, but barred the lower court decision imposing a new map from taking effect in the 2022 elections. Roberts is a right-wing justice who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade and spearheaded the weakening of section five of the Voting Rights Act in 2013, voicing the belief that the southern states no longer needed any special treatment due to their history of racial segregation and oppression. But he is a more traditional conservative than his far-right colleagues and favors following precedent as much as possible. The chief justice made several objections to Alabamas argument, but central to his ruling was Alabamas attempt to remake our 2 jurisprudence anew by relying on computer-generated models to build a supposedly race-neutral benchmark. Roberts rejected this argument because it demanded that the court reject other factors and change the framework that previous court rulings have set. His opposition to changes to precedent is not based on commitment to the Voting Rights Act (VRA) but rather a demand that the Republican challengers to the VRA present a stronger case for overturning section two of the act. This section prohibits racial discrimination in voting and defines racial voting suppression as when members [of a protected group] have less opportunity than other members of the electorate to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice. Under the precedent set by the 1986 case Thornburg v. Gingles, the Supreme Court established a three-part test to determine if redistricting is racially discriminatory: 1. A minority group is sufficiently large and geographically compact to constitute a majority in a single-member district; 2. The group is politically cohesive; 3. The majority votes in a politically cohesive way that would typically defeat a minority candidate. Roberts opinion recognized the Black Belt in Alabama as a politically cohesive area that merited two congressional districts. The Black Belt was originally named after the color of the soil, which is extraordinarily fertile. As a result, plantation agriculture dominated the area and slaves made up the vast majority of the population. After emancipation, free blacks still remained the majority, many working as sharecroppers for the former slaveowners. A large proportion of this area is now incorporated into the 7th Congressional District. Roberts statements leave the door open for challengers to the VRA to undermine this precedent, but Kavanughs concurring opinion blows the door wide open for the abolition of section two of the VRA entirely. In Kavanaughs concurrence he agreed with Clarence Thomas that the authority to conduct race-based redistricting cannot extend indefinitely into the future. In other words, there is a time limit on how long the VRA can prohibit racial discrimination and require states to provide equal voting opportunity to minority populations considered to be special interest groups. Kavanaugh rejected this argument only because the State of Alabama did not make it in its legal briefs. Kavanaugh and Thomas have made it clear that they are fully in support of abolishing section two of the VRA, but Kavanaugh has requested that Republican challengers present a more coherent and persuasive case than Alabama did. For his part, Roberts is also likely to favor such a ruling in the future. Despite his apparent preference for precedent, in 2013 he led a ruling that struck down section five of the VRA, which required states with a history of racial discrimination in voting to submit their district maps for federal approval before adoption. Roberts accepted legal challenges to this part of the VRA, known as preclearance, on the grounds that things have changed dramatically since the passage of the VRA in 1965. The core of Roberts decision was simply that section five had expired based, on an arbitrary interpretation of its utility. Roberts and the conservative majority argued that the racial discrimination of the Jim Crow era was no longer a factor affecting voting rights, and therefore pre-clearance was unconstitutional. Since 2013 the section five has been made toothless, remaining a part of the VRA but unenforceable. This most recent court ruling is not a cause for celebration. At best, it is a win for the reactionary racialist politics of the Democratic Party, which has a history of accepting racial gerrymandering because of the guaranteed seats offered by it. The legal challenges to Alabamas districts, which were accepted after 1992 because the Democrats had at least one assured seat, are borne out of the Democratic Partys inability to present a genuine alternative to the Republican Party and concerns about securing more seats in the House of Representatives. In reality the ruling is a tactical maneuver to wait for the right case to attack the VRA on, just as the court waited for the right case to overturn Roe v. Wade. There have been several court cases reining in some of the excesses of the far-right in the Republican Party recently. A federal judge declared Tennessees anti-drag-show law unconstitutional this week and federal courts have intervened against some of the reactionary laws passed in Florida and Texas over the past few years. However, the courts are not acting as progressive defenders of democratic rights but as referees for the ruling class, calling foul only when the fascistic elements of the Republican Party move too quickly for the comfort of Wall Street, which is concerned about the danger of provoking an angry response in the working class, which broadly defends democratic rights. Golden resident Ethan Vogel, 11, is still alive today likely because of quick actions by his father, Zach Vogel, and a team of rescue workers from Fairmount Fire Protection District. A rattlesnake struck Ethan's chest after he fell from his bike while riding with his father on North Table Mountain in Golden Tuesday. The mountain biking duo was enjoying a ride on the North Table Mountain Loop near the farms of the north side of the mesa when the incident occurred. "North Table Mountain is known for rattlers, but we didn't expect things to change this fast," Zach wrote in a post on the Facebook group Front Range Mountain Biking. Here is a summary of the timeline of events from bite to recovery as notated by Zach Vogel. He gave the Denver Gazette permission to publish his son's name and picture in hopes it helps raise awareness for bikers, hikers and runners in the area: About 90 minutes into their ride late Tuesday afternoon , Ethan hit a rock while riding, fell from his bike and landed near a rattlesnake that was just off the trail, according to Zach Vogel, the boy's father in a timeline posted to Facebook. Vogel wrote that the nearly 3-foot-long snake bit the 11-year-old on the right side of his upper chest at 6:36 p.m. The boy got up and walked backed about 4 feet to reach his father's bike. Ethan took off his shirt to reveal the marks left by the snake's fangs. After making a call to emergency services, Vogel said he saw the effect of the venom on the boy and tried to calm him while shielding him from a possible return of the snake. "The snake's venom was already doing its work and lips went numb, white spots on cheeks, pain setting in, hard time breathing, heart rate increasing," Vogel wrote. The pair waited on the trail about 20 minutes for the ambulance as Ethan's symptoms worsened. His father wrote that "Ethan's body began purging bile and face [was] completely numb. Extending to fingers and toes." Fairmount Fire Protection District rescue squad pulled their ambulance to within 50 yards of the trail and loaded Ethan to start treatment. Vogel wrote that Ethan's heart rate reached 165 beats per minute and his blood pressure had "tanked." The ambulance left for St. Anthony's hospital in Lakewood at a little past 7 p.m. after confirming there was antivenom serum available there, Vogel wrote. 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 emergency department, medical staff administered the antivenom, steroids and other anti-inflammatory medicine to the boy. Ethan's mother, Heather, met them at the hospital and helped keep the fatigued 11-year-old "focused and stay conscious," Vogel wrote. Ten vials of antivenom were given the boy over 90 minutes and he was transferred to intensive care unit at Anschutz Children's Hospital in Aurora at 8:45 p.m. His vital signs "looked much better," Vogel wrote, and the boy slept through the night. On Wednesday morning, Ethan was given six more doses of antivenom, his father wrote, with two more rounds of antivenom given Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning. Vogel wrote that by Wednesday, about 24 hours after the being bitten, Ethan's "swelling was diminishing and pain was subsiding to 4 of 10." He was moved from the ICU to a standard care room, Vogel wrote. "We have ridden it (North Table Mountain) for years, but it's been a while together," Zach said of the incident. "Ethan loves to ride and really wanted to rip it up before dinner together." Rattlesnakes are Colorado's only venomous snake, and although Ethan's run-in with the snake was rare, rattlesnake bites are a cause of death in younger people more so than in adults. West Metro Fire posted to Facebook that treated an adult woman in June 2019 who was bitten by a rattlesnake while biking on Green Mountain in Lakewood. She survived the encounter. Rattlesnake venom works fast if not a dry bite and Zach Vogel expressed that "this was not mild or moderate, it was extreme." Ethan was discharged mid-day Thursday and is expected to recover fully within 14-20 days. The family has started a GoFundMe page: Help Ethan Fight the Bite: Rattlesnake Bite Ease A motorcyclist who died in a crash June 3 was identified as Colorado Springs resident Luis Cruz, according to the El Paso County Coroner's Office. Police found the rider after responding to a call at 7:15 p.m. about a traffic crash near Barnes Road and Charlotte Parkway, just east of Powers Boulevard. Cruz was taken to a hospital, where he later died of his injuries, police said in a news release Friday. Cruz, 33, was driving east on Barnes when he hit a curb and guardrail, then was ejected from the motorcycle, according to police. Speed does not appear to be a factor in the single-vehicle crash, police said. The coroner's office also this week said Jace Bajza died in a single-vehicle crash off East Woodmen Road and Gold Sage Drive at about 11:50 p.m. Monday. These were the 20th and 21st traffic fatalities this year in Colorado Springs. At this time in 2022, Colorado Springs had 16 fatal crashes. Arnold Schwarzenegger is being dissected in Netflixs new three-part docuseries, Arnold, which looks back on his multipronged career as a bodybuilding champion, California Governor, and movie star. The series is now streaming on the service. The stories are flowing from the 75-year-old Schwarzenegger in the series, which takes a candid look at his Hollywood era. One of the anecdotes concerns his role in the action-comedy flick The Last Action Hero, a film which was not well-received. More from Deadline Schwarzenegger played action hero character Jack Slater in the 1993 film, the hero who bonds with a young movie fan, played by Austin OBrien, in an imaginary action film. Critics and fans werent ready for a spoof of action films, and it grossed just $50 million worldwide. When Last Action Hero came out I had reached my peak after Terminator 2, having the most successful movie of the year worldwide, Schwarzenegger says in the docuseries. So when the reviews for the (next) film rolled out, I cannot tell you how upset that I was, he says. It hurts you. It hurts your feelings. Its embarrassing. Things were so bad, Schwarzenegger practically pulled the covers over his head. James Cameron, his director in the highly successful Terminator films, said he phoned him shortly after The Last Action Hero opened. He sounded like he was in bed crying, Cameron says. He took it as a deep blow to his brand. I think it really shook him. I said, What are you gonna do? He said, Im just gonna hang out by myself. Thats the only time Ive ever heard him down. I didnt want to see anyone for a week, Schwarzenegger acknowledged. But you keep plodding along. And my mother-in-law also said this all the time: Lets just move forward. Its a great message. Story continues A better time was had during the making of The Terminator. Cameron and Schwarzenegger recalled the creation of one of filmdoms most classic lines. Sometime in the middle of the shoot, were doing this police station scene, said Cameron. The line is, Ill come back. It wasnt meant to be like a big moment at all. It was literally meant to be, on its face, No problem, Ill come back. Arnold didnt say, Ill come back. I said, Well, just say Ill be back. Keep it simple.' Schwarzenegger balked at that. He claimed it would be funny for a machine to say the line, and wanted to change it to, I will be back because it sounded more machine-like. Cameron didnt like it. Schwarzenegger describes the argument as, He says, Are you a writer? and I said, No, and he said, Well, dont tell me how to f*cking write.' Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Scouted/The Daily Beast/iStock. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Anyone who has ever tried Korean Beautya.k.a. K-Beautyknows that its maximalist, ten-step approach is much different compared to Western skincare. Sure, ten steps may seem strenuous to some, but to others, it's a self-care ritual that nourishes the mind as much as it does the skin. Unsurprisingly, the number of K-Beauty brands available to Western consumers seems endless now, with more and more people recognizing just how beneficial the lofty K-Beauty-based skincare ritual is. But aside from the multi-step routine, Korean beauty products also offer a slew of unusual (by U.S. standards, that is) and effective actives, including laxity-boosting snail mucin and redness-reducing cica. The beauty industry is massive in South Korea, with 112 beauty stores spanning just eight street blocks in Seoul, according to K-Beauty brand (and one of our top K-beauty brand picks) Peach & Lily. For those who havent plunged into this market just yet, the differences between choosing a K-Beauty anti-aging (or any skincare concern) versus a Korean anti-aging product may seem tricky, but we're here to help guide you. We're not here to judge whether you adopt a Korean or Western-inspired beauty routine, but the benefits of using a K-Beauty line are clearespecially if you're seeking clean ingredients. K-Beauty lines concentrate on maintaining a healthy, well hydrated, and nourished skin environment for results that last a lifetime, according to top-rated Korean brand Peach & Lily. K-Beauty products continue to soar above others on the market because of their efficacious products formulated with wallet-friendly and gentle active ingredients that seem to suit all skin types (including sensitive) but actually keep their promises of ironing out fine lines, erasing acne scars, and retaining hydration for more than sixty seconds. Plus, most K-beauty products are super affordable without the ubiquitous 'clean beauty' price tag. Scroll through below to check out some of my favorite Korean beauty brands disrupting the skincare space right now. Story continues TONYMOLY TONYMOLY is one of the cutest makeup brands I have ever seenperiod. Just look at its packaging! (TONYMOLY means putting style into packaging, so I suppose maybe thats why its so spectacular.) Anyway, this brands sheet mask is the sheet mask and my favorites include the moisturizing aloe (especially as someone who sunburns easily!), pore care red wine, and the clear skin rice options. This whale cooling algae eye serum is also insanely adorable and works insanely well to deeply moisturize and de-puff skin. Buy TONYMOLY at Ulta, $null Laneige Laneige is unquestionably one of the most prominent K-Beauty brands in the U.S. and beyond, and theres good reason for it. For starters, this antioxidant-rich lip sleeping mask is a TikTok famous product that continues to sweep creators and viewers alike away. Many users wear it every day and for its overnight use; either way, it deeply hydrates my lips and comes with yummy scents, like berry, gummy bear, vanilla, and limited edition scents like mango and berry n choco kisses. Im also in love with Laneiges Cica Sleeping Mask free of parabens and full of hydrating and redness-reducing benefits. The brands Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Hydration Set is also a summer staple and perfect for your next getaway. Buy Laneige at Sephora, $null Then I Met You . My skin felt so tired and dull, and then I met you, Then I Met You. And I thank you for it. Then I Met You is sold at Soko Glam, my personal favorite hub for K-Beauty products, and this best-selling brand offers a Holy Grail Hydration Set filled with luxurious and antioxidant-rich products for the ultimate K-Beauty skin ritual takeover. If youre serious about indulging in K-Beauty and kissing your other skincare routine goodbye to say hello to more natural ingredients, look no further than this set bound to meet you there, too. The Cleansing Duo is also a great place to start if you arent ready to commit to the full bit just yet. Buy Then I Met You at Soko Glam, $null Dr. Jart Dr. Jart is one of the most famed and recognized skincare brands out there, and this high-performance skincare is available at fairly r4easonable prices. One of the brand's coolest products would have to be its Cryo Rubber Masks that emulate the effects of cryotherapy (cold therapy used to treat skin) as an at-home treatment. Four different masks are offered hereone with Soothing Allantoin to protect the skin from environmental factors and for redness and irritation, one with Hyaluronic Acid for hydrating the skin, another with Vitamin C for brightening and lifting away dead skin cells, and one with Firming Collagen for soothing the skin and smoothing fine line and wrinkles. Buy Dr. Jart at Sephora, $null I Dew Care I Dew Care is another brand that wants you to know they absolutely do care about making your skincare ritual as fun and effective as possible. I Dew Care creates products that are safe for you and the planet, all while playing around with unique textures and tasty scents. This vegan and cruelty-free brand has a super fun array of products, like its Scoop Party Wash-Off Masks and Headband Set, which includes an adorable pink tiara headband thats giving a Princess Peach moment, and three of the brands best-selling masks: a soothing matcha green tea mask to calm skin, a berry mask infused with glycolic acid for revitalizing skin, and a cake-themed, sprinkle wash-off mask that deeply moisturizes skin. Buy I Dew Care at Ulta, $null Banila Co Let me tell you about arguably the best cleansing balm out thereBanila Cos Clean It Zero cleansing balm that takes off your makeup without irritating your skin. Instead, this product melts off your makeup and naturally exfoliates your skin, while also brightening with vitamin C-rich acerola extract. This product is also naturally derived from green tea, giving it a fresh rose scent and even more reason to add it to cart. This powerful cleansing balm comes in other powerful packages, including ones for purifying, revitalizing, and brightening. This cult favorite brand is a classic pick to kickstart your skins inevitable love for K-Beauty. Buy Banila Co at Soko Glam, $null Peach & Lily Peach & Lilys Glass Skin Discovery Set is determined to help you achieve your healthiest skin yet. The brands brightening, hydrating, firming, and calming Glass Skin Serum itself has 4.5 stars and over 3,200 reviews and its included in this essential discovery set thats vegan, clean, cruelty-free and sold with sustainable packaging. Peach & Lily created this daily use set to give you luminous skin on an everyday basis. The brand is also passionate about excluding potentially harmful ingredients, like fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and more. Buy Peach & Lily at Ulta, $null Daybird Newly launched, Daybird is a BIPOC and AAPI-owned brand that dubs themselves The Anti-Beauty Beauty Club, and were all here for the brands philosophy behind its so forward slogan. Daybird is redefining the B worda.k.a. Beautyand encourage its consumers to do the same in encouraging positive relationships with themselves and their images. Instead of using more products and taking so many steps to attempt to achieve societys impossible standards, Daybirds first productits Tinted Skincareis a wonderful 4-in-1 multitasker thats a vegan serum, moisturizer, sheer foundation and mineral SPF 50 sunscreen all in one. The product already has rave reviews, and you can take the brands Skin Quiz to find which shade would work best for you (because skincare should work for younot the other way around). Buy Daybird at Daybird, $null Beauty of Joseon This best-selling Glow Serum from beloved brand Beauty of Joseon has lasted me months and has given months of life back to my skin. Created for acne-prone skin, this serum is formulated with propolis, which is one of the best ingredients out there to help calm and heal troubled skin. My roommate swears by the brands Revive Serum formulated with ginseng and snail mucin, which helps with hyperpigmentation and scarring and gives your skin a healthy and natural glow. You could also give the brands green tea-infused Calming Serum a whirl. Take your pickI bet youll love any of them. Buy Beauty of Joseon at Soko Glam, $null Sign up for our newsletter for even more recommendations. Dont forget to check out our coupon site to find apparel deals from L.L.Bean, Lands End, Gap, and more. 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 new USA Network series The Big D sees six divorced couples take a shot at finding love once again, but it turns out the show's hosts also got some help during filming. The show, which premieres on June 14, is hosted by married couple JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rogers. They're joined by relationship expert Dr. Jada Jackson who is there to help these divorced couples determine if they will pursue a second chance at love with their ex or with someone new in the house. However, she did double duty with the hosts, which they revealed in an interview. RELATED: Everything to Know About The Big D Host JoJo Fletcher Speaking with USAInsider, JoJo and Jordan revealed what they learned from Dr. Jada that they apply in their own relationship after being married for a year. JoJo opened up about what they learned a lot from Dr. Jada and how much they absolutely loved working with her. Jordan said that, even off camera, they just soaked up all the relationship knowledge they could get from her. So, you'll see on the show that we get together and we run these exercises where couples or new couples get together. We put them in sometimes weird, sometimes funny situations that work on communication, some tools for their relationship, awkward moments and icebreakers. But, off camera, we got to sit in the green room, get makeup and our wardrobe for sometimes hours at a time with Dr. Jada and we got so many unbillable, hopefully, hours of therapy with Dr. Jada for ourselves, Jordan explained. Dr. Jada Jackson wearing a yellow one sleeve dress Everything to Know About The Big D Relationship Expert Dr. Jada Jackson Hosting the show was eye-opening for the couple because it made them realize things about their own relationship. Were watching these relationships like everyone else will be on [June 14] and were going, 'Wait, we never really talked about that' or 'We struggle with that as well.' So, it was a great opportunity for us and it was really great for the contestants on this show because on a lot of shows, you dont have that resource, Jordan added. It sounds like Dr. Jada is not only helping the hosts, but the contestants as they work to find new love or re-ignite the flame with their ex. The Big D premieres on June 14 at 10 PM ET right after new episodes of Temptation Island as part of USAs Wednesday night "Hump Day" programming line-up. Watch Temptation Island on Peacock. Myles Hill, 19 months, of Clintonville claps as his family reacts to him driving is Go Baby Go car for the first time June 9 at Fox Valley Technical College in Grand Chute. Childrens Wisconsin and Fox Valley Tech partner to fit electric, ride-on cars for kids with mobility issues to help them learn independence. In back is brother Matthew Hill, 6, father, Rob Hill, mother, Lisa Hill and brother Mason Hill, 8. On Friday, 19-month-old Myles Hill received a battery-powered kids car designed specifically for him. Within minutes, Myles was beaming with pride as he took off, his dad helping steer via remote control. This was met with applause from his family and the team of Children's Wisconsin therapists and Fox Valley Technical College students who made it happen. The new partnership is part of the national Go Baby Go program, which provides battery-powered kids cars customized to meet the needs of children with mobility limitations. For Myles, who has Down syndrome, and other children with mobility challenges, Go Baby Go cars provide a new sense of agency. A lot of our children have difficulties with some motor skills, whether it be crawling or walking, and are often moved around by parents, their families, and they cant go somewhere on their own," explained Katelin Keck, physical therapist at Childrens Wisconsins Appleton clinic. "Being able to adapt these cars so that they can push a button and be able to go and independently explore their environment without any additional help other than maybe some steering is really, really important to their development, Keck added. Myles is one of the first children to receive a car through Go Baby Go's new presence in the Fox Valley, but Children's Wisconsin and Marquette University have partnered for a number of years to have Go Baby Go in Southeastern Wisconsin. The Milwaukee program continues today. Here are answers to some questions about the program's new presence in the Valley: Who does Go Baby Go help, and how much does it cost? To qualify for a Go Baby Go car, children must meet certain criteria, including being up to 5 years old and having limited mobility. Amy Van Donsel, Fox Valley therapy manager for Children's Wisconsin, said its Go Baby Go collaborations serve children with a range of conditions, including those with cerebral palsy and hemiplegia. Story continues All Go Baby Go! cars are free to the families who qualify, thanks to donations. Donations can be made online at bit.ly/donategobabygo. Myles Hill, 19 months, of Clintonville tries out his Go Baby Go car for the first time. Children's Wisconsin's partnership with Marquette University has provided over 200 children with these specially modified cars. Van Donsel said they already have a waitlist that stretches past October in the Valley. How do Children's Wisconsin and FVTC work together on the cars? Once a child qualifies for a car, they meet with Children's therapists and Fox Valley Tech students, all of whom volunteer their time on the project. Using "demo" vehicles, the team determines how a car, which Van Donsel said are typically bought from Amazon, can best be modified to meet that child's specific needs. This can include installing a five-point harness, a push button to make the car drive instead of having to use a gas pedal, pads to the steering wheel to move it closer to the child, a head restraint and more, said Aaron Daane, Fox Valley Technical College electromechanical instructor. Kamden Monroe, 2, of Green Bay is fitted for a Go Baby Go car June 9 at Fox Valley Technical College in Grand Chute. Fitting Camden is Childrens Wisconsin occupational therapist Lori Reblin, left, and physical therapist Katelin Keck. The first two children to receive Go Baby Go cars from the Fox Valley partnership had fittings in mid-May; just a few weeks later, the cars were ready to be picked up. "When we did that first fitting, the kids had the biggest smiles, and their parents did, too," Van Donsel said. "That joy extends to the whole team, too. We just had these permanent smiles the whole time." More: The new Wisconsin family? 1.7 kids, no picket fence and child care costs more than college Why is it important that FVTC modify the cars? Daane explained that electronics club students alter the cars to fit the children's needs. The students have a range of skill sets, including electromechanical engineering, automated manufacturing systems and electrical engineering. To Daane, the purpose of students working on the project is twofold. "It's a great opportunity for them to give back to the community," he said, "and see how they can apply their skill set in a different way than just an academic (setting)." More: Wisconsin doctors offer 6 things to know to help your baby to sleep better More: 8 tips to help Wisconsin parents find the right pediatrician for their kids How do Go Baby Go cars affect families? Oshkosh's Callen Seyer, who turns 3 Saturday, received a Go Baby Go car a few years ago through Children's Wisconsin's partnership with Marquette University. Callen's car not only makes him the coolest kid in the neighborhood, it also allows him to better participate in active play, something that can be challenging for children with Down syndrome, who often have low muscle tone. With his blue convertible, Callen can ride alongside his older siblings while they bike. Callen Seyler, who is turning 3 years old this weekend, cruises through Oshkosh in his stylish sports car. Seyler received his car through Children's Wisconsin and Marquette University's Go Baby Go! partnership. Go Baby Go! provides toy cars to children who have mobility challenges. All Go Baby Go! cars are free to families because of donations. When he was younger, Callen's parents could control the car via remote as long as Callen allowed the car to move via the push button. This is how Myle's car is controlled currently. Now that Callen is older, he is taking control of the steering. "Callen doesn't see himself as anybody with a disability." said Callen's mom, Miriah Seyler. "We celebrate Callen's ability, and this makes him able to participate alongside his siblings." "Callen can drive it now by himself, which is a little scary. Hes a little daredevil now that hes going on 3," she added. The cars also help children build on many of the skills they work on in therapy, Van Donsel said. "When theyre riding in the car, it really improves their dexterity, their hand and upper extremity control," she said. "They learn to self-initialize their movement, and it really just improves their quality of life. It allows them to just be a kid." Myles Hill, 19 months, of Clintonville is all smiles as he tries out his Go Baby Go car for the first time. Childrens Wisconsin partners with Fox Valley Tech to fit electric, ride-on cars for kids with mobility issues to help them learn independence. Often, the cars are modified to help advance the child's specific goals. For example, almost-2-year old Evelyn Schmidt's cerebral palsy primarily affects her right side. Her Go Baby Go car's push button was strategically installed in the middle, so she can use her left arm, or strength area, as well as practice using her right side, her parents explained. The button is also red, a color that's easier to see with her visual impairment. How will the new partnership help more children? For Children's Wisconsin, the goal of partnering with Fox Valley Technical College to bring Go Baby Go to Northeast Wisconsin was clear: It will help serve more families. "Childrens Wisconsin is all about getting care closer to home. We have had some children in the northeast region that have gone down to Marquette University it was just proving to be a hardship for those families to make one trip down for the fitting and then another trip down to pick up the vehicle," Van Donsel said. For more information on Children's Wisconsin's Go Baby Go partnerships or to apply for a car, visit bit.ly/learnaboutgobabygo. Madison Lammert covers child care and early education across Wisconsin as a Report for America corps member based at The Appleton Post-Crescent. To contact her, email mlammert@gannett.com or call 920-993-7108. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Children's Wisconsin, Fox Valley Tech team up on Go Baby Go program Gavin Newsom is opening up about the widespread criticism he faced as a result of his incredible relationship with former President Donald Trump during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a preview for Newsoms upcoming interview with Sean Hannity, which will air on Fox News Hannity on Monday, the cable news host asked the California governor for his response to Trumps indictment on Friday, which charged the former President 37 felony counts originating from an investigation into the classified government documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate and other locations upon leaving office. Sad, Newsom told Hannity. And I say that as an American. Also Read: Gavin Newsom Shelves Own Presidential Ambitions, Endorses Joe Biden Reelection Run | Exclusive Hannity went on to ask Newsom about his relationship with Trump, asking were you friendly with him? Well, as you know, I didnt have a closed fist I had an open hand, Newsom said in response. We actually had an incredible relationship during COVID. It was incredible. He would play no politics during COVID with California played none whatsoever Its a fact. He continued on by noting that by the way, Ive gotten a lot of critique from the left by saying that, referring to his agreeable relationship with Trump during the pandemic. Also Read: Lawrence ODonnell Chuckles at Trump Indictment Details: Everything About It Is Incredible (Video) Ahead of the interviews airing, which comes shortly after Newsom proposed a 28th Amendment that would address gun safety, Fox News released an additional clip in which Hannity asks Newsom about his view of President Joe Bidens 2024 presidential run. Do you think hes cognitively strong enough to be president? Hannity poses in the clip, to which Newsom responds yes, and notes that he has conversations with the President all the time. Story continues Im dead serious about that Ive talked to him when hes been overseas, Ive been in Air Force One, Marine One, Ive been in the limo with him, Newsom continued. Ive spent time with him privately and publicly. Despite his answer of good faith, Hannity pressed the California governor on the frequency of which his supporters urge him to join the 2024 race, asking How many times does your phone ping a day, people saying, You need to get in this race because they agree with me that hes not up to the job?' I see where youre going with that, Sean, Newsom said. Im not answering. Also Read: Director Frank Marshall and Dan Rather Bonded Over Texas Pasts for Newscaster Doc: We Shared a Lot of Stories Great White Shark near the surface. Humans and juvenile great white sharks swim in the same waters nearly every single day along some beaches in southern California, a new study has found. Yet bites remain rare. I think what we've finally done is put a nail in the coffin for the old myth that if you're in the water with a white shark, it's going to attack you, study co-author Chris Lowe , a marine biologist at California State University, Long Beach, told Live Science. The researchers published their findings on June 2 in the journal PLOS ONE . Shark attacks are extremely rare. In 2022, there were 41 unprovoked bites and one fatality reported in the U.S., according to the University of Floridas International Shark Attack File . Yet perceived risk among the public is high, the study authors said. Part of the problem, they said, is there is very little data showing how often sharks and humans come into close proximity. To find out, the researcher flew a drone over beaches in southern California every month for two years, noting where in the water they spotted people and great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). Most of the juvenile great white sharks they spotted were at two locations: Carpinteria, which is just south of Santa Barbara; and Del Mar, just north of San Diego. Along those beaches, the research team spotted a human-shark interaction on 97% of the days they took the drone out. Great white shark underwater. The sharks were all located on the far side of the wave break the line where the waves start to crest but so were plenty of people. While waders and bodyboarders tended to stay on the beach side of the wave break, swimmers, surfers and paddle boarders were frequently spotted past the wave break often bringing them close to white sharks. Yet over the course of the study, there was just one unofficial report of a white shark bite along these beaches, Lowe said. A few months afterward, there was one additional record of a shark bite, he added. The young white sharks are probably more focused on eating animals like stingrays, which live on the ocean floor, Lowe said. And even though these young sharks can still grow to about 9 feet (2.7 meters) long before they reach adulthood, they might be afraid of humans, he added. Story continues The researchers are still trying to understand why the juvenile white sharks were congregating around Carpinteria and Del Mar. One reason might be an abundance of food, Lowe said. But these young sharks might also hang around the coast because there arent that many adult white sharks nearby to threaten them. Related stories What is the deadliest shark attack ever recorded? In rare attack, great white shark decapitates diver in Mexico. But why? Shark launches 3 attacks on surfer in Australia, in deadly and 'atypical' encounter Adult white sharks, which can reach up to 20 feet (6 m) long, tend to live closer to the offshore islands and further north where they can find more seals and sea lions, Lowe said, adding that while hed definitely want to be more careful going into these waters, bites from adult white sharks are still rare. But with the juveniles off southern California, the findings show that shark encounters are extremely common and not particularly dangerous. It's possible for someone to swim near one of these juvenile white sharks without ever knowing it Lowe said theyd often spot sharks right next to, or even underneath someone who appeared completely unaware of the giant, predatory fish. For years, we've been saying we really don't think sharks are as dangerous to people as people think or as they've been taught to believe, Lowe said. And what this research shows, for the first time, is that thats true. Despite its humorous likeness to a Jack Daniel's bottle, the whiskey brand took trademark squeaky toy seriously. Shutterstock For nine long years, Jack Daniels has been engaged in a steadily escalating legal battle against VIP Products, an Arizona company that makes the Silly Squeakers line of dog toys. The companys chewy toys parody the appearance of alcohol and soda packaging, turning Kendall Jackson wine into a plastic bottle of Kennel Relaxin, rebranding Bacardi into Bark Party, and making chewable soft cans of Panta soda. Jack Daniels has never been impressed by VIPs squeaky version of its Tennessee whisky, and filed a cease and desist in 2014, in the hopes that the company would stop making its Bad Spaniels toy, which replaces Jack Daniels familiar label with one that says 43% Poo by [Volume] and The Old No. 2, on your Tennessee Carpet. VIP Products has consistently fought back, and this case has worked its way from lower courts to the Ninth Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court itself. Related: An Entire Tennessee Town Is Covered in 'Whiskey Fungus' On Thursday, the nine Justices ruled unanimously in favor of Jack Daniels, tossing the Ninth Courts previous ruling that Bad Spaniels was a parody that should be protected by the First Amendment and that whole right to free speech thing. This case is about dog toys and whiskey, two items seldom appearing in the same sentence, Justice Elena Kagan wrote in her opinion. [VIP Products] jokes did not impress petitioner Jack Daniels Properties. It owns trademarks in the distinctive Jack Daniels bottle and in many of the words and graphics on the label. And it believed Bad Spaniels had both infringed and diluted those trademarks. Bad Spaniels had infringed the marks, the argument ran, by leading consumers to think that Jack Daniels had created, or was otherwise responsible for, the dog toy. (As a side note, Kagan didnt seem to be totally impressed by Bad Spaniels either: What is there to it? What is the parody here? Kagan asked VIP Products attorney during oral arguments in March. Because maybe I just have no sense of humor. But whats the parody?) Story continues As reported by Reuters, although the Court noted that the decision was narrow, it ultimately decided in Jack Daniels favor, ruling that the Bad Spaniels toy was not an expressive work covered by VIP Products First Amendment rights. [I]t is not appropriate when the accused infringer has used a trademark to designate the source of its own goods in other words, has used a trademark as a trademark, Kagan continued. That kind of use falls within the heartland of trademark law, and does not receive special First Amendment protection." Related: This Tennessee Distillery Is the Most Visited in the World Representatives for both Jack Daniels and the Distilled Spirits Council both seemed pleased with the courts decision. While this case focused on silly dog toys, the issue of trademark infringement is very serious and this unanimous ruling is a big win for brand owners working hard to responsibly market their products, Courtney Armour, the Distilled Spirits Councils chief legal officer, told USA Today. Jack Daniels spokesperson Svend Jansen said that the company would continue to protect its trademark. "Jack Daniel's is a brand recognized for quality and craftsmanship, and when friends around the world see the label, they know it stands for something they can count on, he said. Food & Wine has reached out to VIP Products for comment about the decision. Their Mr. Poops squeaky toy looks pretty sad today though. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. An Eastern Kentucky coal company that pleaded guilty in connection with cheating on tests designed to protect miners from deadly black lung disease was sentenced to pay a $200,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Robert E. Wier sentenced Black Diamond Coal LLC in federal court in Pikeville Thursday. The judge sentenced Walter Perkins, who was in charge of the testing at Black Diamond, to six months in jail and six months on home detention for his role in the cheating. Black Diamond operated an underground mine in Floyd County from August 2018 to April 2021, according to a court document. When employees of the Mine Safety and Health Administration arrived at the mine on Oct. 8, 2020, they found a dust monitor sitting on a table in the first-aid trailer, when a machine operator was supposed to be wearing it underground, according to the court record. The monitors are used to measure the concentration of respirable dust in coal mines, meaning dust that can be inhaled into the lungs. Machines that dig coal churn out dust from coal and rocks. Coal companies are required to use ventilation and other measures to hold down dust in mines, and can be fined over unsafe levels. Leaving the dust monitor in an office meant it would record clean air, not the level of dust inside the mine. Coal dust causes black lung, an incurable disease that slowly chokes off a miners lung function, often leading to premature death. Perkins told inspectors he had given the monitor to the operator of a continuous mining machine to wear, but that the operator returned it because it hadnt worked properly, according to Perkins plea agreement. However, MSHA was able to determine the monitor had not malfunctioned and hadnt been underground because sensors in it hadnt recorded any movement and the temperatures the unit recorded were warmer than in the mine. The continuous mining machine operator told authorities Perkins had not given him the dust monitor during the time he was supposed to wear it. Story continues The purpose of these safety regulations is to prevent a progressive and irreversible disease, said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV. Shier said that companies that falsify the dust sampling arent just violating the law, they are dramatically reducing the safety of their employees. That is simply unacceptable, and compelled us to prosecute this case. A display case at NIOSH shows a normal lung and a diseased black lung, caused by inhaling coal dust and other harmful particles while coal mining. Black Diamond pleaded guilty to a charge of willfully violating a mandatory health and safety standard and a charge of making false statements. Perkins, 45, of Harlan County, pleaded guilty to a charge that he authorized, ordered or carried out a violation of a health and safety standard and to a charge of making false statements. Prosecutors said his actions cut out the heart of that system designed to protect his fellow coal miners. In addition to the fine, Black Diamond is to pay $400 to any miner who worked at the mine during the violation but isnt employed in the industry anymore meaning they dont get free screening for black lung so they can get screened. That payment to former miners is the first of its kind, according to a news release from Shier. Perkins attorney, Michael B. Fox, argued in memorandum that a sentence of probation would be appropriate for him. A supervisor told Perkins to lie to MSHA about the dust data, and his need to keep his job was a significant factor in his crime, the memo said. Walter was dependent upon his employer to maintain his livelihood and believed refusing to follow his employers directive to provide false information would result in his dismissal as an employee, Fox wrote. The attorney for Black Diamond, Brandon W. Marshall, said in a memo that the company closed not long after the inspection that led to the criminal charges. In a situation in which some mine operators might have raised insolvency as a shield against a significant fine, Black Diamond instead wanted to make amends and worked out a cooperative, meaningful, punitive deal with the government, Marshall wrote. After dropping for decades, the prevalence of black lung rose beginning around 2000, particularly in Central Appalachia, which includes Eastern Kentucky. One study published in 2018 said that 20.6% of miners in Eastern Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia had black lung, four times the rate among miners elsewhere in the country. Researchers have pointed to several possible reasons, including increased dust from mining in thinner coal seams, but cheating on dust sampling was also identified as a factor. A 2020 paper quoted miners and others as saying negligent dust practices and fraudulent dust sampling have become commonplace in many Appalachian mines. The Mine Safety and Health Administration can only protect miners from the risk of developing black lung disease if it has accurate sampling results, Chris Williamson, an official with the agency, said in a news release. Given the troubling spike in black lung cases in Appalachia, we must hold accountable those who choose not to comply with the law and put miners health and lives at risk. Tesla may dominate the EV market, but Mercedes-Benz just scored a win that could prove to be crucial going forward. On Thursday, the German luxury marque became the first automaker to receive certification from the state of California to sell vehicles with a conditional automated driving system, according to Reuters. The technology is expected to be available as an option on two upcoming models the company will sell in the state. More from Robb Report The California Department of Motor Vehicles gave Mercedes approval to start selling vehicles with its Drive Pilot system. The SAE Level 3 advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) cant fully operate a vehicle on its own, but it does allow the person behind the wheel to legally take their eyes off the road, though they must be available to resume control if needed. The technology can only be used on certain roads during daylight hours and not at speeds exceeding 40 mph. Those roads include highways in the Bay Area, Central Valley, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, as well as an interstate connecting the state to Nevada. Engadget notes that if all rules are followed, Mercedes and not the driver will be legally responsible for any accident that happens. A Mercedes-Benz EQS equipped with Drive Pilot Mercedes intends to make Drive Pilot available as an option on the 2024 S-Class saloon and its all-electric equivalent, the EQS sedan, according to Reuters. Deliveries of vehicles with the tech are expected to begin before the end of the year. Drive Pilot is currently the most advanced ADAS system currently available in the US. Teslas Autopilot and General Motorss Super Cruise technologies are both classified as Level 2 systems, which can handle some driving tasks but require the driver to pay full attention to the road should they need to take over. Teslas system has been the subject of intense scrutiny over the last year and in February the company recalled 362,000 EVs after the NHTSA found that its Full Self-Driving Beta software could increase the risk of crash. Story continues Thursdays approval isnt the first such win for Mercedes. In January, Nevada also granted the automaker approval to deploy vehicles equipped with Drive Pilot on state roads. Well see what state is next to follow the pairs lead. 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. Thick smoke from roaring Canadian wildfires continues to create poor air quality in the United States. Bloomington is one of several cities with a gray haze and the local air quality has taken a dip, mirroring other areas in the Midwest. Wondering whether you should dig out your old face mask? The good news is that won't be necessary for most people. The U.S. AQI is EPAs index for reporting air quality. Air quality alert in Bloomington: What does it mean? Air quality is measured by particulate matter. PM2.5 consists of fine particles smaller than the width of a human hair which can be inhaled. According to AirNow, the national source for air quality data, Bloomington's level is "unhealthy" at 151 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5. This means Bloomington's air quality is close to what the East Coast was experiencing earlier this month, with areas like New York City once reaching about 200 PM2.5 with a reported increase in patients with respiratory ailments due to the smoke-filled air. According to AirNow, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should take some steps to reduce their exposure, such as avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and keeping outdoor activities short. "Most people in general might notice an odor or smell. If theyre exercising (outside), it might be harder to breathe," said meteorologist Jason Puma. In the interim of waiting for the air quality to improve, residents should remain alert while outside and also check on people who are more likely to be impacted. "Listen to your body," Puma advised. "If youre having trouble breathing, get indoors and rest and recover." Reach Rachel Smith at rksmith@heraldt.com. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Haze over Bloomington: air quality down The mother of two brothers who died when a Sacramento police detective crashed into them on Interstate 5 in December has sued the city. Virginia Carranza, of Ventura County, filed the wrongful death lawsuit last month in Sacramento Superior Court against the city and Det. Jonathan Thomas Nangle, who was on duty and driving the police vehicle that crashed into the brothers. Juan Carlos Rodriguez, 33 of Sacramento, and Lionel Rodriguez, 32 of Simi Valley, were standing on the shoulder of I-5 near Sutterville Road the morning of Dec. 6 near a broken down pickup truck. Nangle was driving in a police vehicle, an unmarked Ford Fusion, when he crashed into the pickup and then struck the brothers. A California Highway Patrol news release at the time said Nangle struck them for an unknown reason. The brothers were Carranzas only two sons, and they supported her financially, the lawsuit alleged. Virginia aches with the thought that she will never again have her boys over for dinner, see them on holidays, or hug them, the lawsuit stated. The moments that her mind gets distracted with the daily drumming of life inevitably get interrupted with this heartbreaking reminder, and Virginia breaks down again ... She lost two men whom she expected, and who would happy, to take care of her into her twilight years. It never crossed her mind that they would leave this earth before she did. The brothers had three children, ages 10, 6 and 5, according to a GoFundMe page the family set up after their deaths. The city declined to comment on the lawsuit other than to say CHP is currently investigating and has not concluded its investigation, city spokesman Tim Swanson said. Nangle is still a police detective, the same position he had prior to the crash, Swanson said. Swanson declined to answer whether the city has placed Nangle on paid leave or has disciplined him in any way. The city has not yet provided any police disciplinary records from any incidents, except for one, from a request The Sacramento Bee filed March 17 through a California Public Records Act. The collision that killed the brothers wasnt Nangles first on duty crash. He was behind the wheel in an April 2021 collision at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 47th Avenue, according to a civil lawsuit filed in Sacramento Superior Court in 2021. Emily Keophommachak, who was injured in the crash, filed the lawsuit against the city and Nangle. The city paid a $15,000 settlement in that case. Nangle has been a city employee since September 2013, according to a city roster The Bee obtained through a PRA. As of March, he was assigned to the unit handling major property crimes, and his base salary was roughly $133,000. The initial incident unfolded when the British jets took off from the Amari airbase in Estonia (RAF) RAF Typhoons have intercepted Russian planes flying close to Nato member airspace twice in the past 24 hours. The initial incident unfolded when the British jets took off from the Amari airbase in Estonia on Thursday evening. They were accompanied by Swedish Air Force Gripens which scrambled to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 COOT A and Su-27 FLANKER B flying close to Nato and Swedish airspace, the RAF said. The initial incident unfolded when the British jets took off from the Amari airbase in Estonia (RAF) Russian aircraft were not complying with international norms by failing to communicate with the relevant flight information, a statement from the Royal Air Force continued. However, the RAF confirmed the planes remained in international airspace and flew in a professional manner. Typhoons were again scrambled to intercept one AN12 CUB and one AN72 COALER flying south from mainland Russia towards the Kaliningrad Oblast on Friday morning. The RAF planes also intercepted two Tupolev Tu-22M BACKFIRES and two Su-30 SM FLANKER H, also flying south from mainland Russia over the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. Typhoons were again scrambled on Friday morning to intercept one AN12 CUB and one AN72 COALER flying south from mainland Russia towards the Kaliningrad Oblast (RAF) One of the pilots involved in the scramble told the airforce how the incident unfolded. Although there is an apparent increase in regional activity, these intercepts remain normal jogging for us and we are ready to respond to any task that may pose a threat to regional security, he said in a statement. Both Swedish and British planes were involved in the incident on Thursday (RAF) Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the incidents were proof of how countries can work together to patrol each others regions. These intercepts are a stark reminder that the RAF is always ready to defend our skies and those of our allies, he said. The coordinated action by several air forces serves as a clear demonstration of the value of our international alliances. As anti-hunger advocates worry about new food stamp rules, more than 444,000 Granite Staters reported having too little food as of May 8. About 1,000 older Granite Staters are at risk of losing food assistance under the debt ceiling deal signed into law Saturday, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Thats a new worry for anti-hunger advocates in the state as they focus on another potentially more significant concern: Only half the adults and children in the state eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are enrolled. Laura Milliken, executive director of NH Hunger Solutions, said Tuesday that based on March enrollment data from the state Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 30,390 children and 145,461 adults in the state who are eligible for SNAP are not signed up. In an analysis of 2021 enrollment data, the organization said 50 percent of those eligible for benefits were not receiving them. The percentage was higher in Rockingham County, at 64 percent, and significantly less in Coos County, at about 38 percent. The under-enrollment has been attributed in part to the states lack of a SNAP outreach plan since 2017. In January, NH Hunger Solutions received $250,000 in federal money to initiate an outreach and awareness campaign. As NH Hunger Solutions launches its outreach effort, it is watching for the impacts of the federal deficit deal, which will expand work requirements to people ages 50 to 54, who are currently exempt from them, but also make new populations eligible for food assistance without having to meet work requirements. The state Department of Health and Human Services said last week that its too early to predict how changes to SNAP rules will affect New Hampshire. Currently, 39,461 households are receiving SNAP benefits, said Karen Hebert, director of the Division of Economic Stability at the Department of Health and Human Services. According to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, the average monthly benefit prior to the pandemic was $186, and the average household size was just under two people. Story continues In a 2020 analysis, the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute said increased SNAP benefits would not only reduce hunger but boost the economy. Quoting a 2019 report from the U.S Department of Agriculture, it said every dollar invested in new SNAP benefits would generate about $1.50 in economic activity when the economy is weak. Under the existing rules, people between 18 and 49 who dont live with a child under 18 and are fit to work must work, volunteer, or be in an approved work training program for at least 20 hours a week. People who are pregnant, participating regularly in drug or alcohol treatment, or have a mental and physical condition that prevents them from working are also exempt. Nearly 8,750 Granite State SNAP recipients are participating in work requirements, Hebert said. Its difficult to know how many qualify for an exemption, she said, because the federal public health emergency set aside work requirements until the end of the month. Hebert said the department is monitoring developments and awaiting guidance from federal agencies that administer the program. The debt limit deal expands work requirements in the first year of the budget to adults between 50 and 52 who do not live with dependent children. The age limit would increase to 54 beginning in the second year. Meanwhile, more people, such as veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and homeless people, would be exempt from work requirements, which could make it easier for them to receive assistance over a longer period of time. Together, those changes increase overall federal SNAP spending by $2.1 billion over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Extending the work requirements to older Americans would save $6.5 billion in that time, it said, but exempting more people from the work requirements would increase spending by $6.8 billion. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has estimated that as many as 1,000 Granite Staters between 50 and 54 could lose their SNAP benefits under the new rules if they dont qualify for a work exemption. Milliken, from NH Hunger Solutions, opposes the expanded work requirements. She said research has shown that most SNAP participants who can work for pay already do. Evidence shows that work requirements take assistance needed to afford food away from people while having no impact on employment outcomes, she said. This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH struggles to reach those eligible but not receiving SNAP benefits Strictlys Amy Dowden shares health update amid breast cancer battle (Instagram/Amy Dowden) Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared a health update after undergoing surgery amid her breast cancer treatment. The 32-year-old announced shed been diagnosed with breast cancer last month after discovering a lump on her breast in April while preparing to go on her honeymoon in the Maldives with husband Ben Jones. And on Wednesday the dancer revealed that she was in hospital undergoing treatment and said that shes more determined than ever to get back on the dance floor. After her operation, Dowden took to her Instagram Story to update her social media followers about her treatment and revealed that her surgery had been successful. She wrote: Surgery went well. Big thanks to my two surgeons and nurses who have been so utterly amazing and looking after me. Very sore but focusing on the positives they said the surgery went well! Thanks for all the support and messages. Dowden revealed that her surgery went well (Instagram/Amy Dowden) Ahead of going under the knife, the BBC star shared a selfie from her hospital bed and said that she was determined to return to the Strictly dance floor. She captioned the post: Step one to beating cancer! Rrrrrrready for this fight and more determined than ever to get back on the dance floor. After sharing her sentiments, the ballroom pro was inundated with well wishes from fans and her Strictly co-stars. Strictly pro Karen Hauer commented: Love you you got this while former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball penned: huge love and strength to you beautiful Amy. Dowdens former Strictly partner Tom Fletcher added: Sending you all the love today. Us Fletchers are right behind you. X Last month, the Caerphilly-born star, who joined the BBC dance competition show in 2017, shared her cancer diagnosis on Instagram, telling fans that she is determined to return to the dance floor as soon as she can. She wrote: Hey all, Ive got some news which isnt easy to share. Ive recently been diagnosed with breast cancer but Im determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it. Dowden added a pink love heart, signing off with Welsh love Amy with a kiss. Former President Donald Trump was indicted Thursday on charges related to violations of the Espionage Act and the mishandling of classified documents taken from the White House after he lost reelection. The Republican whining has already begun. Despite running against Trump for next years GOP presidential nomination, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ran to his defense and asked why the Department of Justice was so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary [Clinton] or Hunter [Biden]? Republicans are sure to ramp up the comparisons between Trumps indictment and similar cases involving former Secretary of State Clinton, former Vice President Mike Pence and President Joe Biden, all of whom had some classified material in their possession as private citizens, as they rush to defend Trump. The allegations against Trump, however, when paired with the available evidence of his state of mind, are dramatically different from the potential charges considered against Biden, Clinton or Pence. The Trump Case A federal grand jury has indicted Trump on allegations he willfully retained national defense information under the Espionage Act, making false statements, conspiracy and obstruction. The former president has been under investigation for more than a year for taking classified documents after he left office and not returning them after requests. The investigation began after the National Archives discovered that a number of key documents from the Trump administration were missing in the files turned over at the end of his White House term. They asked the former president to return them if he had them. After much foot-dragging, Trump complied and sent 15 boxes of documents to the archives. Upon inspection, the agency found 197 classified documents in those 15 boxes, including some with sensitive national security information. The archives referred the matter to the Justice Department, which issued a subpoena for the return of any other documents. Trumps lawyers turned in 38 more documents, claiming it was all they had. Story continues Former President Donald Trump, shown here in April campaigning for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination in Manchester, New Hampshire, is facing multiple investigations and has now been indicted in two cases. Former President Donald Trump, shown here in April campaigning for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination in Manchester, New Hampshire, is facing multiple investigations and has now been indicted in two cases. But Justice Department investigators had reason to believe otherwise. The FBI searched Trumps home at Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8, 2022, recovering 102 more documents with classification markers that Trump had withheld from the prior requests and subpoena. Following the search, and as it became clear a Trump-Biden 2024 rematch was a real possibility, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Jack Smith, a veteran prosecutor and political independent, as a special counsel to oversee a grand jury investigation into Trumps actions. Since then, more information has come out to show that Trump actively sought to prevent the return of classified documents and knew he had taken classified documents that he had not declassified while president. Trump aides moved boxes containing the documents ahead of the FBI search. Trump also showed classified documentsto others on at least two occasions, according to the indictment. In one instance, prosecutors obtained an audio recording from former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows ghostwriters in which Trump bragged about a classified document prepared for him by the Department of Defense, and he can be heard acknowledging that he knew he couldnt show it to them while he apparently was showing it to them. Secret. This is secret information. Look, look at this. This was done by the military and given to me, Trump says on the recording, first reported by CNN. As president, I could have declassified, but now I cant, he added. Trump also showed a political aide a classified map related to a military operation and said he should not be showing it to the aide, according to the indictment. The indictment charges Trump with 31 counts of retaining classified documents, including those covering U.S. military contingency plans, U.S. military operations in a foreign country, military and nuclear capabilities of the U.S. and foreign countries, and details about military actions and attacks in foreign countries. Lets recap: Trump is accused of actively taking classified documents that he knew he had not declassified, refusing to hand them over despite receiving a subpoena for them, seeking to further hide them from investigators, telling investigators he didnt have any more documents and showing classified documents to people without security clearances on at least two occasions. And theres recorded audio evidence that points to his state of mind and understanding of the law. This is all far different from what was alleged or found to be the case in regards to Biden, Clinton and Pence. The Hillary Clinton Case The obvious comparison that Republicans have, and will, make to Trumps predicament is Clintons use of a private email server while she was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. The email server became a public controversy during her 2016 presidential campaign against Trump, with his rally crowds chanting Lock her up, a sentiment Trump said he was starting to agree with in July 2016. Trump ally Alex Jones sold Hillary for prison T-shirts. The initial investigation into Clintons private email server revealed classified information had been shared in upwards of 2,000 email chains stored on the server. In making the server a campaign issue, Trump promised to enforce the law. Hillary Clinton's handling of classified emails was a major issue in her 2016 presidential campaign against Trump Hillary Clinton's handling of classified emails was a major issue in her 2016 presidential campaign against Trump In my administration, Im going to enforce all laws concerning the protection of classified information, Trump said in August 2016. No one will be above the law. Trumps repeated attacks on Clinton and promises of upholding the rule of law are cited in the indictment against him as evidence that he knew about the importance of enforcing the proper handling of classified information. The investigation into Clintons private email server crescendoed when FBI Director James Comeys July 2016 statement that although Clinton and her aides were extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information, no charges would be filed because our judgment is that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case. Comey used such prosecutorial discretion because there was no evidence Clinton or her aides failed to turn over documents or that the server was set up to receive classified information and retain it and that there was little evidence that the documents deemed to be classified were properly marked as such when they were sent and received in her email. A Justice Department inspector generals report on the investigation and the agencys handling of it was released in June 2018, revealing that none of the emails contained clear classification markers as required under executive rules. Just three email chains contained any classification markings of any kind, according to the IG report. The classified documents in these three chains were call sheets marked with the lowest priority of classification, providing reminders and talking points on scheduled calls between Clinton and foreign leaders. It was also difficult for prosecutors to determine if Clinton and her aides intended to receive and retain classified information because the State Departments email oversight and retention practices had been so poor for years that her actions were just normal practice. Two State Department reviews conducted under Trumps secretaries of state, Rex Tillerson and Mike Pompeo, also found that Clinton bore no individual culpability for any spillage of classified information and there was no persuasive evidence of systemic, deliberate mishandling of classified information. Four investigations revealed that Clinton did not have forethought in her retention of classified information, just three of the emails on her server were even marked as classified when they were received and she complied with the Justice Departments investigation fully. This is almost the exact opposite of what Trump is alleged to have done. The Joe Biden And Mike Pence Cases After the FBI searched Trumps home at Mar-a-Lago, aides for Biden and Pence, in the process of sorting through documents held by the two former vice presidents, alerted the National Archives to the presence of classified documents found in their possession. A special counsel has been appointed to investigate classified documents found at President Joe Biden's personal residence and at the office of a nonprofit from his time as vice president. A special counsel has been appointed to investigate classified documents found at President Joe Biden's personal residence and at the office of a nonprofit from his time as vice president. The classified documents held by Biden emerged after the presidents personal lawyers found them while moving boxes stored in a locked closet at a nonprofit affiliated with Biden in Washington called the Penn Biden Center. Subsequent searches revealed other documents at Bidens home in Wilmington, Delaware. A Department of Justice search of Bidens vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, turned up no additional documents. Since the 20 or so documents were discovered, Biden has said he had no intention of taking any such documents and did not even know what was in them. Unlike Trump, his lawyers immediately alerted the National Archives when the documents were discovered and he has complied with all Justice Department activities since, including allowing broad searches of his personal residence, the Penn Biden Center and his vacation home. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed former U.S. Attorney Robert Hur as special counsel to investigate whether any further action is warranted in the case of Bidens documents. Following the discovery of classified documents at Bidens locations, Pence ordered his lawyers to review the papers he took from his time as vice president for the inclusion of any classified materials. After finding about a dozen such documents, his lawyers alerted the archives and turned the documents over to the Justice Department. The FBI later conducted a search of his home in Indiana. The investigation ended on June 1 when the DOJ sent a letter to Pence telling him that no criminal charges will be sought. In both cases, Biden and Pence immediately alerted the archives when documents were discovered. They both cooperated with investigators, allowing broad searches of their properties. They, as far as we know, did not purposefully take classified documents, brag about their possession of them, lie to investigators about how many documents they had, order aides to lie about the number of documents or try to move and hide the documents from investigators. According to the indictment, Trump did all of those things. Related... Brian Zielinski runs ShapeConnect a company that helps small businesses with tasks like social media, accounting, promotions etc., by connecting them with other small businesses. The Army reservist, Zielinski, seen at Pritzlaff Building in Milwaukee where he runs ShapeConnect out of a co-working space, started the company which has become a major tool for veteran entrepreneurs. Starting a business is daunting and for veterans coming out of the service, it can be extra challenging. But ShapeConnect, a veteran-founded business-to-business platform, is trying to make things easier for small business owners, especially veterans. Brian Zielinski, founder of ShapeConnect and U.S. Army Reservist, created the company in 2021 as a way to help entrepreneurs with some of the mundane tasks involved with running a business. We try to help them define whats right for them, Zielinski said. You can Google website provider and find hundreds of thousands of firms that can do that work, but how do you know whats right for you? ShapeConnect links businesses to help serve as a virtual networking platform to build relationships between companies. It can connect businesses that focus on accounting, content creation, search engine optimization, and other aspects of running a business and also allow businesses to grow their networks. Companies in need of a new website (for example), they use our platform to scope their needs properly and understand what theyre looking to accomplish, Zielinski said. Zielinski said ShapeConnect has more than 1,000 users and has helped more than 560 transactions through the platform. As businesses learned to be more virtual in a post-pandemic world, people became more comfortable with making those online connections, Zielinski said. People had to make virtual business to business connections and our platform was another way to do that, Zielinski said. When the in-person events had gone away, I think people turned to us a bit more for finding their partners. Landing page of ShapeConnect Connecting with Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce Although ShapeConnect is not exclusively for veterans, there are some benefits with working with ShapeConnect that veteran entrepreneurs can benefit from. Zielinski said his first few customers were veterans and he reached out to the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce to connect with more. Story continues Theyre a catalyst for that around the greater Milwaukee area. They're consistent, Zielinski said. Ive already met with some people through chamber events that are partners... we do that kind of sharing. Saul Newton, president and CEO of Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, said he saw a natural alignment with veteran owned businesses. Newton said one area where veteran business owners struggle is technical assistance and having an established network that they can leverage to build their business. My running joke is that veterans are incredibly entrepreneurial, they possess a lot of skills but QuickBooks isnt really covered in basic training, Newton said. Having access to a resource like Brian, can help fill in some of those gaps and make sure they can focus on starting to grow their business and have the support and backing to make sure theyre set up for success. Newton said Zielinski being in the military helps veteran businesses feel comfortable using his platform because hes someone who has gone through difficult questions like, How do I find an accountant? How do I write an employee handbook? How do I build a social media presence? How do I build a website? It comes down to opportunities that are sacrificed as part as military service, Newton said adding civilians often go into a trade or college after high school and spend the next few years gaining work experience and building relationships. When youre in the military, the military is inherently isolated and segregated from the rest of the country. When youre in the military, youre not building a professional network that you can leverage for investors, or youre not building a professional network that you can leverage for mentorship or peer support. Often when veterans leave the service, and they go back to their hometown or city, they have to make new connections. Even those folks that returned where theyre originally from, theyve been gone for years or even decades at a time... the world doesnt stand still when youre serving in the military, Newton said. Even though they might have a personal support network from family and friends established, again, it comes down to those professional relationships that others have had the opportunity to develop that folks who have been in the military, thats part of the sacrifice that they have made. Veterans lack an 'alumni association' Mike Moran, co-owner of Kaufy Painting, is an Iraq War U.S. Army veteran who graduated from DePaul University with a finance degree. What we dont have as veterans is, like, an alumni association, Moran said. Veterans go out, we do a lot of different things. Were everything from presidents to garbage men to construction contractors and surgeons. Were everywhere, people just dont always realize it and we dont always realize it. In the past groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, helped fill those roles but there are less veterans. Moran said hes worked next to people for years without knowing they were veterans. Were just such a smaller population (veterans) my age and the veterans that are coming out now... it takes a little bit more effort to find each other, Moran said. With Kaufy Painting, which paints residential and commercial properties between Milwaukee and Chicago, ShapeConnect is helping them with marketing, SEO optimization and content posting. I can give them pictures and video, and they can splice that up, put it everywhere I need it; make sure everything is captured correctly and I dont have to become a professional in that (task) in order to do it, Moran said. Theres time value in money. If Im spending time doing that stuff, Im not out doing estimates, Im not doing takeoffs on commercial projects. So the more I can have somebody like that take care of that, the better off I am. Moran enjoys working with a company as opposed to paying for a company to do social media without much teamwork. It gives us more collaboration which, frankly, is what were used to. In the military everybody works, at least, in a two-man team, Moran said. Im building a relationship, theyre building a long-term relationship, weve got a road map and a strategy and were working through it. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A veteran founded ShapeConnect to help businesses and other veterans Twice impeached, and now twice indicted. Donald Trump's mounting legal problems overwhelmed the 2024 campaign once again after he became the first former president indicted on federal criminal charges for his handling of more than 300 classified documents seized from Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate. Much like the separate case in New York, which accused Trump of falsifying business records for hush money payments to an adult film actress, most of the Republican presidential candidates jockeying for the nomination defended him against what they cast as an unfairand politically motivatedindictment. Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter The GOP primary did see some major names enter this week with former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Gov. Christie joining, along with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. With the field nearly set, the question is who, if anyone, can wrest the nomination from Trump's hands? Former President Donald Trump greets supporters at a Team Trump volunteer leadership training event held at the Grimes Community Complex on June 01 in Grimes, Iowa. Conservatives are't the only one seeing more candidates vying to be on the 2024 ballot. Harvard-educated philosopher Cornel West, a well-known progressive activist and public intellectual, is running for president under the Peoples Party banner. The long-shot bid from a far-left contender is bound to aggravate Democrats and President Joe Biden, who faces a handful of quixotical campaigns that are polling better than expected. And the Supreme Court surprised many legal observers, particularly on the progressive side, when it ruled against Alabama in a challenge to its recently redrawn congressional districts that could hold ramifications for next year's election. The justices also issued a ruling in a bizarre case that refereed a fight between distiller Jack Daniel's and a company that kid you notmakes a poop-themed dog toys. Trump indictment redux The Justice Department's special counsel laid out a stunning round of allegations against Trump, which total at 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act. Story continues He is accused of not just keeping and hiding the documents, however. Trump is also alleged to have show sensitive materials, including top secrets; U.S. nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the U.S. and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack. The former president allegedly acknowledged knowing the documents were classified, saying "this is still a secret," according to the indictment. Politics: Donald Trump plays the victim card while rivals mostly defend him More: Trump indicted for allegedly mishandling classified documents seized at Mar-a-Lago As it happened in late March after a New York grand jury indicted Trump over hush money payments, he is claiming the investigation is election interference and, without evidence, suggested that the Biden administration and Democrats are targeting him via the legal system. "I AM AN INNOCENT MAN!" Trump said in a statement. Legal experts say the charges alleging the mishandling of classified documents could be the most straightforward case but just like before, most of his top 2024 rivals are cornered into defending the former president, who remains popular among the GOP base. "The weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society. We have for years witnessed an uneven application of the law depending upon political affiliation," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is Trump's chief rival, said in a tweet Thursday. The weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society. We have for years witnessed an uneven application of the law depending upon political affiliation. Why so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter? The DeSantis Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) June 9, 2023 Candidates further down in the polls, however, argue Trump's multiple courtroom dramas are a distraction, and should be a disqualification in him being the GOP's top choice for 2024. "While Donald Trump is entitled to the presumption of innocence, the ongoing criminal proceedings will be a major distraction," said former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. "This reaffirms the need for Donald Trump to respect the office and end his campaign." Can anyone else win the 2024 GOP primary? Former Vice President Mike Pence claps after Second Lady Karen Pence finishes her remarks during a campaign announcement rally at the FFA Enrichment Center on the DMACC campus on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Ankeny, Iowa. Coupled with this new federal indictment, the 2024 campaign saw heavy-hitters such as Pence and Christie coming into the race, bringing the number of Trump challengers to nearly a dozen. With the Republican field mostly set, what remains foggy is which of these contenders is best positioned to take down the bombastic former president, who has kept a decisive lead in every major poll. The challengers have varying styles and strategies with some mimicking Trump, some sharpening their attacks and others looking to fly above the circus with a more optimistic outlook. Election: DeSantis or bust: Who is best to take down Trump in 2024? Maybe Trump's legal woes will be his most formidable foe, but GOP observers say it is going to be impossible for others to avoid an eventual confrontation with the front-runner. "To be successful, a non-Trump candidate will need to confront him and speak to the concerns of voters who are drawn to Trump but also be easily distinguishable from him on morals, ethics, behavior and comportment," Republican strategist Liz Mair told USA TODAY. Cornel West running to the Democrat's left Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at the Union Theological Seminary Cornel West speaks during a press conference calling for Congress and the US Department of Justice to launch a federal investigation into the hiring and promoting practices of United Airlines at The National Press Club September 15, 2016 in Washington, D.C. Philosopher Cornel West is looking to "reintroduce America to the best of itself" through a Hail Mary presidential bid that is quickly being denounced by some progressive writers. The author came out swinging at Republicans and Democrats, saying in his announcement video neither political party wants to tell the truth about many U.S. institutions, such as tech giants and the Defense Department. West has long had a beef with the Democrats, who he challenges aren't progressive enough, and has often supported more progressive candidates in primaries or backed left-leaning outsiders, such as Jill Stein, during the 2016 contest. That has angered some liberals, who contend the former Harvard professor's campaign has Republican DNA and will only help elect a GOP candidate. USA TODAY poll: Exclusive: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launches unlikely presidential bid backed by 14% of Biden voters More: Cornel West is staying in the race until Election Day. What that means for Biden and Trump But whatever critics might think about West and his chances, he told USA TODAY in an interview that his intentions are to stay in the race until Election Day. I cant be dogmatic. I cant just foreclose the future, West said. But right now, Im fundamentally committed to going to the end and trying to show the American people that the two-party system has become now a real impediment for focusing on the plight of poor and working people." A supreme surprise in Alabama voting rights case Evan Milligan, plaintiff in Merrill v. Milligan, an Alabama redistricting case, listens to a reporter's question following oral arguments outside the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 4, 2022. The Supreme Court shocked many when it rendered a 5-4 decision in favor of voting rights activists who argued Alabama lawmakers were diluting Black political power. Led by Chief Justice John Roberts, who joined by the court's three-justice liberal wing and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the high court upheld a key provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which had been weakened in recent years. Roberts said Alabama's argument that mapmakers must be "entirely 'blind' to race has no footing" in the court's earlier decisions. States shouldn't let race be the primary factor in deciding how to draw congressional boundaries, he said, but it should be considered. Courts: Supreme Court rejects Alabama congressional map that diluted Black vote in surprise ruling More: Flowers from Oprah, travel to Italy: Here's what Supreme Court's new disclosures reveal What this means for Alabama, which is 27% Black, is legislators will have to redraw the map it used in the 2022 midterm election that will likely create a new congressional district made up of a majority of African American voters. The ruling could have ramifications in other southern states where there is just one majority-minority district, and that might change the dynamics of key congressional races in 2024. SCOTUS: You're no Jack Daniel's A bottle of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey is displayed next to a Bad Spaniels dog toy in Arlington, Va., Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. Jack Daniel's has asked the Supreme Court justices to hear its case against the manufacturer of the toy. (AP Photo/Jessica Gresko) ORG XMIT: VAJG106 The justices did all agree on one thing, however. Don't mess with Jack Daniel's. In a 9-0 ruling, the high court sided with the distiller against VIP Products, a dog toy, which sold a parody item shaped like the famous whiskey bottle. VIP Products argued the toy is a joke protected by the First Amendment, but Jack Daniel's Properties claimed it could confuse consumers in a case that raised legitimate questions about a companys ability to protect a brand against humorous knockoffs. A lower court ruled with the dog toy company, but the justices didn't bite. "This case is about dog toys and whiskey," Justice Elena Kagan wrote, "two items seldom appearing in the same sentence." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Week in politics: Trump indicted again; SCOTUS surprise in Alabama Courtesy of Teatime Tranquility and Treasures Florida is full of surprises. From crystal-clear turquoise springs to real-life mermaids, you never know what wonders await in the Sunshine State. Every time we think weve found the next best thing in Florida, another teeny tiny town comes on our radar, and were once again stunned by all it has to offer. Our latest discovery is the town Alachua, located just a 30-minute drive north of Gainesville in the north-central part of the state. From the moment Alachuas (pronounced uh-la-choo-uh) idyllic Main Street comes into sight, youre overcome with a sense of calm. Time slows, your pace becomes a meander, and worries drift away. Once youve made your way through downtown, visit with Alachua's equine residents as they graze through rolling pastures or find quiet in a mystical natural preserve. Here are the best things to do in Alachua, Florida. Begin Your Day with Delicious Breakfast Start your morning strong with a meal worth getting out of bed for. Local flavor trends in two directions, so you can choose how you want to treat your tastebuds. Find authentic Cuban cuisine at Mi Apa Latin Cafe. A classic Cuban breakfast of Ropa Vieja y Huevos (two eggs, shredded beef, and Cuban toast) will only set you back $11. Order that plus a Cafe con Leche or natural guava juice, and youll be set clear through noon. If youre craving the full spread, head to Browns Country Buffet, a longstanding family-owned restaurant where you can trust that everything from the cheese grits to buttermilk biscuits are made by and for Southerners. Courtesy of Mill Creek Farm Feed the Horses at Mill Creek Farm This nonprofit equine sanctuary provides elderly horses with room to roam. On Saturday afternoons, visitors are invited to come by and say hello, all for the reasonable admission rate of two carrots (to feed to your new friends!). Take a leisurely walk through the bucolic pastureland and enjoy watching these beautiful gentle creatures enjoy their home. Trails range from 1.6-2.9 miles, and donations are appreciated to keep the farm running. Story continues Take a Walking History Tour of Downtown Alachua Bradford pear trees and historic lampposts line the charming streets of Main Street Alachua. The town was founded in 1905, so youll find turn-of-the-century architecture, grand Victorian homes, and vintage charm everywhere you turn. History buffs should follow the online walking tour map created by the Alachua County Historical Commission and the Alachua County Tour Service in 1986. It points out significant landmarks and gives the history behind some of the towns oldest homes and buildings. Courtesy of Teatime Tranquility and Treasures Have Tea at Teatime Tranquility and Treasures Its hard to miss the sprawling Victorian house, complete with rose pink trim and a white picket fence, as you stroll through downtown Alachua. Having a cup of tea and pastry at Teatime Tranquility and Treasures is practically a rite of passage in Alachua. And the tearoom spares no expense. Were talking floral-patterned teapots and cups, white tablecloths, a dining room filled with antiques, dozens upon dozens of tea blends, and a varied menu of tea cakes, cookies, scones, and desserts. For the full experience, call ahead and schedule high tea. Shop on Main Street Once youve become acquainted with downtowns history, head back to Main Street to enjoy its modern-day uses. Find boutique fashion at Pink Threads, consignment clothing at Valeries Loft, and home goods and other gift items at The Cardinals Nest. Courtesy of Visit Gainesville, Alachua County Hike at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park The scenery at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is second to none. You can spend an entire day marveling at the natural beauty of the mature hardwood forests, tropical hammock landscape, and shaded swampland. Choose from three different hiking trails that range from 0.9 to 5.6 miles. There are also specially marked equestrian and mountain biking trails for those who prefer to leave their hiking boots at home. If youre quiet, you may spot a white-tailed deer, gray fox, turkey, or any number of the many beautiful species of songbirds that call the preserve home. Have Lunch at Bevs Better Burgers or Tony and Als Deli Follow the line outside Bevs Better Burgers (located on one end of Main Street) to the best handmade steak burger and handspun milkshake youll ever have. The walk-up counter-only restaurant is a local favorite for a classic meal. If its okra season, make sure to get an order of the Southern-fried veggie. One block over, youll find Tony and Als Restaurant, an Italian eatery where you can get everything from a specialty pizza to linguine and clams. Courtesy of Deep Spring Farm Go Berry Picking at Deep Spring Farm The memories you make at Deep Spring Farm will last a lifetime because the experiences you can have there are timeless. The humble family farm is set on 22 acres of gorgeous Florida land covered with Spanish moss-covered trees, lush greenery, and deep-blue ponds. In June, blueberry season begins, and guests can use their $10 entry fee to pick and take home organic blueberries. After youve filled your bucket, head to Deep Spring Pond where you can enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of a giant live oak, then dive into the cool, refreshing spring-fed water. Courtesy of Beaker & Flask Wine Company Hit Up a Happy Hour Haunt The Sippin Seven Alachua County Ale Trail runs through Alachua (the town) by way of Daft Cow Brewery. The towns first and only craft brewery, Daft Cows taproom is an inviting spot to sit down to a pint of one of 15 brews on tap on any given day. Snag a bar swing and order anything from a double dry-hopped hazy IPA to a American amber to a sour flavored with cotton candy. If suds arent your style, set your sights on Beaker & Flask Wine Company, a modern wine bar serving up craft cocktails and a never-ending list of wine from around the world. Have a Steak at Conestogas Restaurant After 25 successful years in business, Conestogas hasnt slowed down one bit. The western-themed steakhouse is known for its house-marinated, hand-cut steaks and giant juicy burgers. Feeling extra bold? Take on the Main Street Monster Burger, three 16-ounce patties on a giant bun. If you eat it, plus a salad or baked potato on your own, youll score a free T-shirt and slice of key lime pie. It's not part of the competition but kudos to anyone who can finish the pie, too! For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Southern Living. Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. From flowy linen pants to the perfect sundress, these lightweight styles deserve a spot in your suitcase. Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten Planning for travel can be exhausting and expensive enough. Fortunately, if youve already expended a big chunk of your effort and budget on booking that summer trip, you can simplify the packing process with just a few clicks that wont break the bank. Thats because Amazon is brimming with breezy summer clothing finds, with many popular and highly reviewed pieces at budget-friendly price points and weve curated the best looks to make shopping easy. From a flattering, shopper-loved sundress that is only $34 right now to these flowy white linen pants that are perfect for a beach getaway, these versatile picks are affordable and ready for your next vacation. Read on for our top picks for summer clothing at Amazon for women and men, with travel wardrobe staples including pants, dresses, shirts, skirts, shorts, and more all under $40. They all have just the right lightweight fabric to make you forget its sweltering outside, whether youre at the beach or in your own backyard. Related: 15 Easy, Breezy Linen Pieces You Can Buy at Amazon Right in Time for Summer Starting at $19 Amazon Essentials Womens Drawstring Linen Pants Amazon Nothing says summer like linen, that magical breathable fabric that keeps you covered but cool as a cucumber even on hot days. These linen-blend pants are a summertime travel staple, with a drawstring closure, wide-leg silhouette, and four functional pockets. Theyre available in an array of 13 neutral, versatile colors, and in a size-inclusive range up to 6X. According to one five-star reviewer who ordered one size up for a looser fit for their trip to Egypt, These are so comfy and perfect for travel. To buy: amazon.com, $36 Snugwind Casual Sleeveless Jumpsuit Amazon It doesnt get comfier than this flowy jumpsuit, which has plenty of room for movement in its casual, loose fit. The pull-on, one-and-done outfit is made of a stretchy yet soft cotton-polyester blend thats easy to wear all day long and it has pockets. Choose from 23 colors in sizes S to XXL and kick back in total comfort on your next trip. One five-star reviewer said the jumpsuit is so comfy and versatile, I could wear it out or wear it to sleep, its so nice. They styled it with a jean jacket and it was the perfect travel outfit. Story continues To buy: amazon.com, $29 (originally $36) Anrabess Maxi Dress Amazon With more than 13,300 five-star ratings, its no wonder this flowy maxi has become Amazons No. 1 best-selling casual dress. The popular silhouette is so versatile and easy to wear, with ventilating side slits, a loose fit, and pockets, and can be dressed up or down depending on your shoes and accessories. Plus, with this lightweight fabric, youll hardly notice its touching your skin on those humid, sticky days. One Amazon reviewer said its super cute and lightweight enough to wear on a hot day. Love the fit so much that I ordered a second color. Another reviewer who bought this for a beach vacation said, Fits perfect in all the right places, doesnt cling to your waist, and is a perfect dress after a hot day in the sun. It would be hard to get a better deal for the price, look, and comfort, according to a third five-star review. Good thing it comes in 38 solids and prints, so you can stock up. To buy: amazon.com, $37 (originally $53) Acelitt Drawstring Shorts Amazon Every traveler needs a go-to pair of shorts for walking around in the heat on vacation, and this pair will make you forget all about your uncomfortable jean shorts. These lightweight, 100-percent cotton shorts come in three dozen colors and prints, so it might be hard to decide between them all (but with a $22 price point, you can grab more than one). These have a drawstring closure, elastic waistband for comfort, and pockets at the sides and back for stashing all of your travel essentials. I wore them while flying and they were comfortable, said one reviewer who calls them perfect for travel. To buy: amazon.com, $22 (originally $26) Votepretty V-Neck Spaghetti Strap Sundress Amazon Perfect for picnics, park strolls, or an afternoon aperitivo in the sun, this Amazons Choice pick is a shopper favorite packing in big style (and va-va-voom factor) at a seriously streamlined price point. Made of polyester and spandex, this dress is comfy, soft, and breathable, with a tie-front design and adjustable spaghetti straps. One five-star reviewer who calls it a must-buy said I'm shocked at the quality of this dressLove the pockets and the cut-out. To buy: amazon.com, $33 with on-site coupon (originally $53) Zeagoo Womens Two-piece Lounge Set Amazon Earlier this year, Meghan Markle wore a two-piece set that single-handedly convinced us the breezy trend was the hottest and most versatile of the summer. This 100-percent cotton lounge set calls for a day at the beach or lounging around a resort with its breathable, loose-fitting top and drawstring pants that can be mixed and matched with everything in your suitcase. Throw the shorts on over a swimsuit or button up the top and dress your look up for a dinner the possibilities are endless. It comes in 19 cool, summer-ready colors in sizes XS to 4XL. To buy: amazon.com, $39 (originally $50) Alelly Ruffle Skirt Amazon Ideal for dinners out, happy hour, or just taking a walking tour through a new city, this breezy rayon and cotton summer skirt wins major points for being easy to pack, wear, and care for, with an elastic waist and a machine-washable construction. The breathable style comes in a full 44 colors and patterns. But the real reason this stunner deserves a spot in your suitcase? According to one reviewer who left it five stars and dubbed it an adorable skirt, this little number is a great travel item as it doesn't show any wrinkles making it a dream for packing. To buy: amazon.com, $29 (originally $36) Dokotoo Oversized Button-Down Shirt Amazon Reminiscent of the wrinkle-free button down one Travel + Leisure writer wore all over Europe for three weeks without ironing once, this oversized cotton button-down, too, has so many uses for summertime packing. Wear it open over a tank, buttoned-up with shorts or pants, or even as a swimsuit coverup. It comes in more than 20 colors, including vibrant or neutral solids and on-trend color-block styles. One reviewer called it the perfect lightweight shirt for the summertime and a new closet staple. To buy: amazon.com, $33 with on-site coupon (originally $35) Lock and Love Short-Sleeve Kimono Amazon Throw it on and go this no-fuss short-sleeve kimono dress is so easy to wear and versatile enough to be worn as a casual dress or beach cover-up. It comes in more than 30 colors, from wear-with-anything shades that serve as packing powerhouses (like white or black) to summertime standouts (like Barbiecore pink or that vacation favorite, ocean blue). One five-star reviewer said it all when they attested, I originally bought it to use as a cover-up for a trip to Mexico, but it fits so well that I'll wear it everywhere. To buy: amazon.com, $24 with on-site coupon (originally $25) Merokeety Short-Sleeve T-Shirt Dress Amazon With a whopping 18,000-plus five-star ratings, its safe to say this casual frock is an all-purpose fan favorite. The wrinkle-resistant, knee-length sheath dress has side pockets and a self-tie belted waist. Reviewers love how easy it is to dress up and down, with one noting, I wear this to work with a blazer or cardigan, and in a more casual setting, it looks great with a fitted jean jacket and sandals or sneakers. Another raved about the quality, saying, The material is so soft, yet thick and doesnt wrinkle or shrink. I have ordered three different colors over the last year. To buy: amazon.com, $38 (originally $40) Moss Rose Swimsuit Cover-up Amazon Lending itself perfectly to tropical destinations, this flowy, boho chic cover-up is a summer and especially a beach must-have. Its not only breezy and versatile, but it also adds a touch of style to any look, whether youre throwing it over a swimsuit or wearing it as a cardigan over a dress for dinner. More than 13,300 reviewers awarded this kimono (which comes in 45 patterns!) five stars. One traveler said, It was perfect for a trip to Maui. You can use it in multiple ways, dress it up [or] down, take to the beach, or [a] Road to Hana trip. To buy: amazon.com, $25 Apraw Linen Mens Button-Down Shirt Amazon There are plenty of breezy, vacation-ready staples for men at Amazon, too. This cotton and linen button-down shirt is a summer packing must-have, with a dressed-up resort-ready look and a sweat-wicking, breathable fabrication. Its available in 13 stylish and neutral hues. One cheery reviewer who bought the shirt for their husband for their Texas beach trip had nothing but nice things to say. It was great during the hot part of the day, and even kept him warm when the sun went down. This is a must-have if you wear a shirt with your swim trunks at the beach. They even went on to say it held up so well after washing they may buy more in different colors and said, I could see this being a great cruise or vacation must have for anyone. To buy: amazon.com, $24 (originally $30) Sailwind Mens Linen Shorts Amazon Theres no denying it: These cotton and linen blend casual summer shorts are a summer packing staple. They have an elastic waistband and drawstring closure for comfort with beaded detailing for extra flair. Pockets make these shorts extra practical for travel. Theyre probably one of the most comfortable pairs of shorts Ive ever owned, one five-star reviewer said. [Theyre] lightweight and very breezy the shorts are great for hot-weather days and beach vacations. To buy: amazon.com, $25 Amazon Essentials Mens Regular Fit Short-sleeve Print Shirt Amazon One look at this smart summer shirt, and we can practically hear the grill being fired up for a backyard barbecue or a cold can being cracked open on vacation. This lightweight, 100-percent cotton mens button-up comes in 13 prints that are perfect for summer fun, including palm leaves and blue fish as well as more everyday styles like this white geo print. One fan who packed the shirt for a trip to Southeast Asia said, It's comfortable and fits well, continuing to say that it hasn't faded or shrunk after five or six times washing and drying. Love it. At $15, what could beat that? To buy: amazon.com, $15 (originally $20) Bamboo Cool V-Neck (Pack of Two) Amazon The secret to staying cool on vacation? Cooling T-shirts, of course. Stock up for your next trip with this bamboo viscose style that comes in a practical pack of two. This lightweight shirt is breathable and lightweight, with a tailored cut and invisible label for extra comfort. Put simply, reviewers say this is a great lightweight, breathable shirt! To buy: amazon.com, $26 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and well send you our favorite travel products each week. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Major US cities trapped under a thick, orange blanket of smog this week will soon get a reprieve, as the Canadian wildfires spewing noxious fumes across the border are easing up. Fire activity in the province of Quebec has improved, and the area covered by smoke is now just 7% of what it was last week. Slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity in Canada mean less smoke billowing across the border. But there are two big caveats: Its still early in the Canadian fire season, meaning more wildfires could flare up this summer. And several US states are still suffering poor air quality, which could cause health problems. Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to be transported south by winds into the U.S. resulting in moderate to unhealthy air quality across parts of the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, and Midwest on Friday, the National Weather Service said. Some improvement is expected this weekend. While the worst has passed for most of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, potentially harmful air pollutants in New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, are expected to linger Friday before slowly clearing over the next several days. Philadelphias air quality index exceeded 150 early Friday, making it unhealthy, according to the monitoring website AirNow. New York Citys air quality index was below 150 early Friday and deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. The oppressive smoke this week has postponed professional sports games, grounded flights due to poor visibility, shuttered zoos and beaches and forced many to mask up outdoors. Climate experts have warned such events are becoming more frequent due to human-induced climate change. About 50 million people across several Midwest and East Coast states were under air quality alerts early Friday, but the number could change as conditions improve in some areas. Heres what to expect: Entire states air quality is compromised: All of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Indiana are under air quality alerts, as well as parts of Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. Story continues The US Capitol in Washington, DC, was shrouded in smoke Thursday. - Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images Schools go remote: Public schools in New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, have remote learning Friday to help reduce exposure to air toxins. New York City will improve: After having the worlds worst air quality multiple times this week, according to IQAir, the Big Apple could see some significant improvement, Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday. As of right now, the smoke models are not indicating another large plume over the city, Adams said, though he urged people to mask well when outside. Evacuated Canadians can go home: Most of the Halifax residents evacuated because of the wildfires will be allowed to return home Friday, Mayor Mike Savage said. About 16,000 people fled their homes during the height of the wildfire evacuations, and about 4,100 remain evacuated. Firefighters will get help: New York state plans to send forest rangers to help fight the wildfires in Quebec Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. Federal resources have also been deployed, the White House has said. Scientists warn such routine-altering weather events are more likely to continue disrupting daily life as the planet warms, creating the ideal environment for more severe and frequent wildfires. When flames burn, the smoke can travel thousands of miles, which puts millions more people in harms way. Wildfire smoke is particularly dangerous because it contains tiny particulate matter, or PM2.5, the tiniest of pollutants. When inhaled, it can move deep into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream. It comes from sources including the combustion of fossil fuels, dust storms and wildfires. Such smoke has been linked to several health complications including asthma, heart disease and other respiratory illnesses. CNNs Jennifer Gray, Brandon Miller, Robert Shackelford, Andrea Cambron, Laura Ly, Caroll Alvarado, Kristina Sgueglia, Sara Smart and Jen Christensen contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. If youre a bourbon fan, youre likely familiar with Buffalo Traces W.L. Weller lineup. This wheated bourbon exploded in popularity a few years back when people realized that it was sort of a less expensive, easier to find version of the legendary Pappy Van Winkle. This week, a new member of the Weller family was announcedDaniel Weller, an experimental whiskey that could reach Pappy levels of cult fandom. Daniel Weller is named after the grandfather of Willliam Larue Weller, the man credited by Buffalo Trace with introducing the wheated bourbon style to Kentucky. If youre unfamiliar with that term, it refers to bourbon made with wheat instead of rye as the secondary flavoring grain after corn (other examples of wheaters include Makers Mark, Wyoming Whiskey, and Larceny). Other accounts have wheated bourbon arriving decades after Wellers death, however, when a group of men including Julian P. Van Winkle developed the recipe. Whatever the case may be, the Weller brand is now synonymous with wheated bourbon, and the new Daniel Weller expression is an interesting addition to the lineup. This is the first release in what is intended to be a biennial series, so the next new expression wont arrive until 2025. Daniel Weller is made from a mash bill that uses Emmer wheat, which according to Buffalo Trace is an ancient Egyptian varietal used more for beer and bread than whiskey. We began this experiment to see how one of the original, long-forgotten wheat strains would taste in our wheated bourbon, said master distiller Harlen Wheatley in a statement. Weve found it offers just a slightlyyet delightfullydifferent taste that brings us into a new bourbon territory. It will taste like Weller, but with distinct, unique notes that make it stand apart from the other Weller whiskies weve released to date. Story continues Click here to read the full article. In addition to including this unique strain of wheat in the recipe, the whiskey was produced in a much smaller batch in the E.H. Taylor, Jr. Microstill, which Wheatley himself designed. This is a hybrid pot-column still installed in 2007, and the whiskey made in it is aged in Buffalo Traces Warehouse X, sort of the Area 51 of Kentucky bourbon. We will continue to experiment with multiple variables that affect the final taste profilegrains, techniques, aging, barrels, and morein pursuit of that ultimate goal, said Buffalo Trace global brand director Andrew Duncan. When an experiment graduates to be released under a beloved brand like Weller, its a reflection of our confidence in the whiskey. Daniel Weller was aged for almost 12 years and bottled at 94 proof. Official tasting notes include orange zest, hazelnut, cinnamon, and caramel on the nose; oak, sweet honey and orchard fruits on the palate; and an oaky finish with baking spice and leather. This is a very limited release, but its available now around the country for $500 although youre better off checking your local liquor store than looking online, and be prepared to pay much more than that. If you want to compare it to the regular Weller lineup, you can find those bottles to purchase now at ReserveBar. Best of Robb Report Click here to read the full article. Its a weekend of anniversaries, and youre invited to the celebrations. Take in some scenic sights at Belgum Grove in Iowa City to help Bur Oak Land Trust celebrate 45 years. There will be live music, food and a special hike for guests. Earlier in the day, stop by Backpocket Brewing as the brewery toasts to 11 years with drinks, food trucks and games throughout the day. Here are four things to do this weekend in Johnson County, including a pair of spots for happy hour and brunch. Come party with the Bur Oak Land Trust Saturday evening: The Bur Oak Land Trust, which protects more than 1,000 acres of land in eastern Iowa, is celebrating 45 years. Belgum Grove, a 40-acre property located at 3261 500th St. S.W. in Iowa City, will host Belgum Groove, an outdoor concert from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Musicians Brian Johannesen and Dave Helmer will perform while guests can enjoy food from Marcos Grilled Cheese. At 4 p.m., visitors can go on a guided hike of Belgum Grove. Tickets are $20 per vehicle or free for those who bike to Belgum Grove. Visit Bur Oak Land Trust's website for more information about this family-friendly celebration. Experience a powerful music performance The Quire performs during the Iowa City Pride festival, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. Sunday evening: For nearly 30 years, the Quire of Eastern Iowa has made space for members of the LGBTQ community to perform. Theyll be at the Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Sunday for a performance of Protest, Power, & Remembrance featuring selections from the three-part oratorio Considering Matthew Shepard. "Considering Matthew Shepard" is based on the brutal attack and death of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard, a gay man who attended the University of Wyoming in 1998. The concert begins at 4 p.m. Admission is free, though donations are accepted. Visit the Quire of Eastern Iowas website to stay updated on upcoming concerts. Join in on an anniversary bash with Backpocket Brewing People sample a variety of brews and Girl Scout Cookies during an event, Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Backpocket Brewing in Coralville, Iowa. Saturday afternoon: Backpocket Brewing in Coralville is celebrating 11 years with beer, food and live music throughout the day. The brewery will open at 11 a.m. with their 11th anniversary Russian Imperial Stout available for purchase. Bring your pets at noon for a special dog-friendly patio experience complete with Coralville dog treat bakery Woofables and Kaitlyns Pupcakes. Through 4 p.m., Backpocket Brewing will have live music, yard games and food trucks. Afterwards, enjoy a bags tournament and drinks to celebrate the brewerys new cocktail brand, Horse Shoe Cocktails. Backpocket Brewing is located at 903 Quarry Rd. in Coralville. Visit Backpocket Brewings Facebook page for more details about the event. Story continues Groove out with a brass music act Friday evening: Bring yourself to hear BYOBrass at the Pedestrian Mall Friday. The high-energy, nine-piece brass band of professional musicians and educators across Iowa comes to Summer of the Arts Friday Night Concert Series. Expect to hear a bit of everything from pop to funk to house. The performance is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ped Mall stage. Visit Summer of the Arts website for a full schedule of performances at the Friday Night Concert Series. Eat brunch or hang with friends at happy hour in Johnson County Griddle Me This serves breakfast at farmers markets and caters local events. Friday or Saturday evening: Whether youre stopping in for an early dinner or a late-night meal, rest assured that youll be just in time for happy hour at Pat & Frans Irish Pub, located at 808 Fifth St., suite 8 in Coralville. Two-for-one happy hour on all drafts, bottles, seltzers, well drinks and wine goes from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Late-night happy hour starts at 9 p.m. with $3 domestic bottles and well drinks, $4 Titos and Jameson and $4 seltzers. Saturday morning: Have brunch with an outdoor twist. Skip a sit-down restaurant and stop by the Iowa City Farmers Market for breakfast with Griddle Me This. Expect large, sweet pancakes topped with whipped cream and omeletts. Iowa City Farmers Market is from 7:30 a.m. to noon and located at the Chauncey Swan Park, 405 E. Washington St.. Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Reach her at PBarraza@press-citizen.com or 319-519-9731. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Things to do this weekend in Iowa City include Backpocket Brewing bash French Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak has said her ministry is looking at ways to resolve a funding crisis for Frances Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival after its regional support was cut out of the blue earlier this month. We will have to do something because its impossible to fragilize this festival. Were in discussion with the mayor of Clermont-Ferrand and the other partners and well decide what we do, she told an international press briefing in Cannes on Saturday. More from Deadline The event, the worlds biggest festival devoted to short films, unexpectedly had its funding slashed on May 12, after the regional council for the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, in which Clermont-Ferrand is situated, voted to cut its funding by half to $121,000 (111,000 euros). Over the years, the festival has shown the early works of a raft of now-established, award-winning filmmakers including Cannes regulars Jane Campion, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Mike Leigh, Abderrahmane Sissako, Olivier Assayas, Jessica Hausner, Vladimir Perisic, Keren Yadaya, Mati Diop, Lea Mysius and Ladj Ly There have been suggestions that the cut was politically motivated with communist regional counsellor Boris Bouchet accusing the councils president, the liberal-conservative politician Laurent Wauquiez, of using a political guillotine to hit events not aligned with his politics. Wauquiez, a potential future presidential candidate, is known for his anti-welfare and anti-immigration policies and desire to cut back public spending in France. Abdul Malak said the regional councils sudden cut set a problematic precedent for Frances cultural funding model, mixing national and regional funds. Story continues We have contracts for three years with our partners, the government, the local authorities, and the festival or the institution, she said If one partner decides on their own to stop the support, or to cut it by half without informing the others, its not going to work. She added that her ministry would likely have to intervene in the case of Clermont-Ferrand, given its importance for the short film format and emerging filmmakers at home and worldwide. In this specific case, its impossible just to sit and wait and see what will happen. We need to do something. So we will find a way to support them, even if its exceptional support, she said. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. CHICAGO (CBS)-- Illinois is set to become the first state to count Arab Americans when collecting public data. After passing the Illinois legislature, the new bill, HB 3768, is on its way to Governor JB Pritzker. If passed, Arab Americans and minority groups from the Middle East will be separately recognized. "It happened, right? I mean, oh my God, the feeling? Unbelievable," said Itedal Shalabi, co-founder and executive director of Arab American Family Services. "It was just an unbelievable feeling. It was like, 'oh my God, we did it.'" Currently, Arab Americans are categorized as white. If it becomes law, the bill introduced in February will ensure that the Middle East and North African (MENA) racial category will be on official state government forms, studies, and reports. Illinois would become the first state in the country to create a MENA category, ensuring Arab Americans are counted on state forms. The data collected is used to inform local programs, funding, and policy. "It sends a message to the Arab American community that you are valued, you are seen," State Representative and bill sponsor Abdelnasser Rashid told CBS 2. But it took decades to get here. Shalabi and Nareman Taha, who co-founded Arab American Family Services with her, have seen the struggle in the MENA community first hand. Having to check "white" or "other" on forms means the state was never collecting specific data on Arabs. That also means they couldn't get funding when they needed it most. "It was this constant struggle that we exist, that you have a large community here in the Chicagoland area," Taha said. "You have to prove, constantly, in and out, that you need these resources, you need these opportunities to build a healthy community," CBS 2 has reported for years on the devastating impact of data not being collected on this group. "[This bill] means that we exist as a community," Taha said. "It means endless opportunities from education to public health." Story continues That was no more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Arabs were among those dying at high rates in Illinois, CBS 2 found city and state agencies did not have a separate category tracking this information like they do for other groups. Therefore, organizations struggled to obtain funding for resources. "So many Arab Americans were labeled or boxed into white, or Asians, or other; so there was no accuracy to the number of COVID-impacted individuals," Taha said. You might remember we interviewed Shalabi and Taha back in 2021, when we first reported Arabs were dying from COVID at high rates; but no one knew the depth of the devastation, because the government wasn't counting. "The COVID testing, not being early on, has caused a lot of deaths in the community that could have been prevented," Shalabi said at the time. Husam Farraj's uncle, Abdelkarim Haj, died from COVID, but the medical examiner listed his race as Asian. "It's disturbing because it's almost like it becomes a lie, in a way," Farraj said. But with the new law, that will change. The state will now be required to collect data that will help Arab communities get the services and funding they need from health disparities to housing to education. Once the MENA category is implemented, Shalabi and Taha encourage Arab Americans to start checking off that MENA box. In the meantime, they have message for the community. "We finally matter. We finally found a box that we can check that represents us, that truly embodies us," Shalabi said. The governor is expected to sign the bill, and we'll be tracking how state officials implement the new category. Arab American Family Services hopes the new law in Illinois will inspire other states to do the same. President Biden, Speaker McCarthy meet on debt ceiling as next week's deadline looms Carmelo Anthony retiring from NBA after 19 seasons California, Arizona and Nevada reach deal to conserve Colorado River The IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) announced Thursday that it will launch a pilot program in June in which cyber attaches will be sent across four continents to combat cyber crime. The attaches will focus on cracking down tax and financial crimes that use cryptocurrency, decentralized finance, peer-to-peer payments and mixing services. The four attaches will be deployed to Sydney; Singapore; Bogota, Colombia; and Frankfurt, Germany. They will work with law enforcement counterparts in Australia, Asia, South America and Europe. In order to effectively combat cybercrime, we need to ensure that our foreign counterparts have access to the same tools and expertise we have here in the United States, CI Chief Jim Lee said in a statement. The CI currently has one permanent cyber attache at Europol headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. The position was created in 2020 to build a partnership with CIs European law enforcement counterparts. The CI is the criminal investigative arm of the IRS that focuses on financial crimes, including tax fraud, narcotics trafficking, money-laundering, public corruption, and health care fraud. U.S. authorities have been cracking down on cyber criminals especially those who use cryptocurrency to steal assets. In March, the Department of Justice said it dismantled a darknet cryptocurrency mixer for enabling cyber criminals to launder more than $3 billion of cryptocurrency. The department said it seized two domains that directed users to the mixing service, known as ChipMixer. The agency added that ChipMixer was also involved in other illegal activities including ransomware, fraud, cryptocurrency heists and other hacking schemes. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) on Friday said the charges contained in a 37-count indictment brought by Justice Department (DOJ) special counsel Jack Smith against former President Trump are quite serious and cannot be casually dismissed. Murkowski, who says the Republican Party needs to move past Trump and was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict him on an impeachment charge in 2021, said in a statement that mishandling classified documents is a federal crime because it can expose national secrets, as well as the sources and methods they were obtained through. The unlawful retention and obstruction of justice related to classified documents are also criminal matters, she wrote. Anyone found guilty whether an analyst, a former president, or another elected or appointed official should face the same set of consequences. The Alaska senator joined Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) in being the only two Republican senators to criticize Trump shortly after news of the indictment broke Thursday evening. By all appearances, the Justice Department and special counsel have exercised due care, affording Mr. Trump the time and opportunity to avoid charges that would not generally have been afforded to others, Romney said, pushing back on criticism from other Republicans who say the DOJ is being driven by politics and unfairly targeting Trump. Mr. Trump brought these charges upon himself by not only taking classified documents, he said in his statement, adding but by refusing to simply return them when given numerous opportunities to do so. FILE Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, asks a question during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File) Romney continued, calling the allegations serious and said, if proven, they would be consistent with his other actions offensive to the national interest, such as withholding defensive weapons from Ukraine for political reasons and failing to defend the Capitol from violent attack and insurrection. Story continues The Senates top two Republican leaders, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and Minority Whip John Thune (S.D.) who both have made little secret of their desire for the party to move past Trump and find a new nominee for president in 2024 have stayed quiet about the indictment since it was unveiled. House Republican leaders, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy (Calif.), and other Senate Republicans, however, have slammed the Justice Department for bringing charges against a former president. This is going to disrupt the nation because it goes to the core of equal justice for all, which is not being seen today. And were not going to stand for it, McCarthy told Fox News in an interview Friday. More Trump indictment coverage from The Hill Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told The Daily Signal the indictment will harm the country. He warned the nation is already dangerously polarized and said you are now on top of it are going to pour gasoline with an indictment. Rubio also predicted that a significant plurality of Americans, significant percentage, are going to say, thats political. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Juneteenth flag is raised during the Celebration of Juneteenth at the African American Civil War Memorial event on Monday June 20, 2022 in Washington, DC. On Thursday, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo signed a bill into law that now makes Juneteenth a state holiday in Nevada. Nevada has now joined other states who have done the same, including New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington. By changing the June 19 holiday from a day of observance to a state holiday, this means more state employees can now take the day off. Before the law, Nevada had 11 legal holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.s birthday, Washingtons birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day Nevada Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Family Day (Friday after Thanksgiving), and Christmas Day. Juneteenth is now the 12th legal holiday for the state of Nevada. Read more The measure passed by votes of 19 to 2 in the state Senate and 40 to 1 in the state Assembly. One of the bills sponsors, Democratic Assemblywoman Claire Thomas, stated: As the first state to ratify the 15th Amendment, which gave African Americans the right to vote, Nevada has a long and proud history of supporting civil rights. Thomas continued: By designating Juneteenth as a state holiday, Nevada continues to honor that legacy and celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for equality. Juneteenth formally recognizes the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Originally, it was first celebrated in Texas in 1865 following the Civil War. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill passed by Congress that makes Juneteenth a federal holiday. During the signing, Biden said: [The holiday] marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, and a promise of a brighter morning to come. This is a day of profound in my view profound weight and profound power. 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. The GOP-controlled North Carolina General Assembly on Tuesday evening overrode a veto from the governor on a bill that prohibits abortions after 12 weeks and imposes more restrictions on providers and patients. The lower chambers vote came after the state Senate voted to override the veto earlier Tuesday. Gov. Roy Cooper (D) had vetoed the bill over the weekend, lambasting Republicans for including medically unnecessary obstacles and restrictions. North Carolina had allowed for abortions up to 20 weeks, but that time frame is now reduced to 12 weeks as the bill becomes law. The 12-week ban is set to go into effect immediately. Some provisions will go into effect later this year, such as heightened restrictions on administering medical abortions and licensing requirements for new abortion facilities. However, N.C. Democratic lawmakers have argued the law actually limits abortions to a shorter time frame, owing to how it reduces when medical abortions can be performed to 10 weeks. Medical abortions account for more than half of all abortions in the U.S. Abortion clinics are now vulnerable to losing their licensing with the enactment of this bill as it allows the North Carolina Medical Care Commission to adopt, amend and appeal the rules applied to such facilities. Republicans in the state have framed this bill as a compromise or middle ground, arguing that a 12-week limit does not go as far as other abortion bills passed in GOP-led states and have also pointed to the provisions that incentivize health care, child care and provide free contraception. The vote was not unexpected, with the North Carolina GOP having a veto-proof majority in the legislature after state Rep. Tricia Cotham switched over to the Republicans Party a few months following her election. Cooper had appealed to constituents in districts represented by GOP lawmakers, urging them to call on their representatives to vote against the bill, but no legislators came forward before it was overridden. Story continues Democrats in North Carolina have few options in fighting this vote. While they may be able to delay its enactment through lower courts for a short time, conservative justices have had a supermajority in the states supreme court ever since November when two Republicans claimed seats on the bench. In the long term, North Carolina Democrats plan to use this vote to bring about a referendum at the ballots in 2024, possibly taking down the conservative supermajority. I think that this will fuel everything going into 2024, Anderson Clayton, chairperson of the North Carolina Democratic Party, said. This is a health care decision for women and for people who have babies. And I think that theres a lack of willingness to believe that people across North Carolina are going to stand up in 2024 against this, but I fully expect them to. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Cewe Photo Award 2023 The CEWE Photo Award is once again the largest free-to-enter photo competition in the world, and we don't envy the judging panel one bit. The CEWE international jury now has until July 12, 2023 to whittle down the 509,612 total of submitted photos into a shortlist for selecting the overall winners. The best part? For every photo submitted, CEWE promised to donate 10 cents to the SOS Children's Villages worldwide, which can as a result look forward to a donation of approximately $54,913 / 43,695 / AU$81,518 from the awards. These are the best lenses for travel photography. If you haven't heard of the CEWE Photo Award before then you might want to get on board as it's now considered to be the biggest photo competition in the world (at least according to CEWE). The deadline for entering the fifth edition of the CEWE Photo Awards has now been and gone, but the excitement continues as we wait patiently to find out which global photographers will be selected by the jury next month, and gain global exposure for their undoubtedly exceptional work. This year was themed around Our world is beautiful a topic more poignant than ever given unfortunate recent global events and there were 10 categories in which photographers could enter their images, including Landscapes, People, Nature, Architecture and Technology, Sports, Cooking and Food, Hobby and Leisure, Animals, Travel and Culture and Aerial Photography. Cewe Photo Award 2023 launch image 4 Its feeding time by Dikye Ariani A mother lines up her small fluffy chicks to feed them breakfast to fuel the day ahead, in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Image credit: Cewe Photo Award 2023/Dikye Ariani) CEWE Photo Award 2023 receives half a million entries Llamatrek on an old Inca-Trail in the Andes Peru / Category: Travel and Culture (monthly winner April 2023) (Image credit: Bjorn Snelders / CEWE Photo Award) "Today is a day of joy for CEWE, because we have once again succeeded in declaring the CEWE Photo Award, which we created, the world's largest photo competition," shares Thomas Mehls, CEWE Board Member. Story continues "People around the world are turning to photography with unabated enthusiasm, and CEWE sees it as its heartfelt duty to continue to strongly promote the topic of photo culture at all levels. In addition, we are particularly pleased to actively support the SOS Children's Villages worldwide with our high donation sum of over 50,000 euros." This year's donations from the CEWE Photo Award will benefit an educational project of the children's relief organization based in Somalia, offering children and girls access to education, and participating in school renovations. CEWE has supported the SOS Children's Villages with donations of more than two million euros to date. Cewe Photo Award 2023 launch image 6 Lighthouse by Joel Burnic A lighthouse shines brightly in the distance lighting up the night sky, photographed in Formentor, Mallorca. (Image credit: Cewe Photo Award/Joel Burnic) The reason for the super high number of entries is actually down to two simple factors, firstly - the competition is completely free to enter. And secondly, each photographer can submit up to 100 photos if they choose to do so. When you do the math, assuming that each photographer really did enter 100 photos, then by dividing the total number of entries (509,612) by one hundred, this leaves you with just over five thousand individual entries as a rough estimate. While these factors alone might be enough to encourage any photographer to enter, with no expensive entry fee to pay or limitations on how many images can be entered, but there's also the huge bonus of being in with the chance to receive a share of the 250,000 prize fund. CEWE Photo Award 2023 receives half a million entries A Mirror of My World No 2 / Category People (monthly winner April 2023) (Image credit: Fefe Spielmann / CEWE Photo Award) Prospective winners can expect to receive a holiday of their choice worth 15,000 (first prize), as well as 5,000 of photography equipment and 2,500 of CEWE products for every photographer who comes in 2nd to 10th place. There are even prizes up to 1000th place - with a 100 CEWE voucher for those between 31st to 1000th Place! "Wait and see" is the motto for the participants of this year's CEWE Photo Award, at least until July 12, 2023, when the best photos in each category will be selected and revealed at a digital press conference. The coveted trophies will be presented to the award winning photographers at the Photopia photo fair in Hamburg in September. You might also be interested in the best travel cameras, as well as the best travel tripods, and not forgetting the best camera bags for traveling. Over the course of the past week, Prince Harry has been fighting a new battle in the courtrooms of the United Kingdom. The Duke of Sussex is part of a huge lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers, who allegedly used unlawful tactics to obtain private information about the royal via phone-hacking and wire-tapping. A lot of focus and scrutiny has been on the father of two, so its no surprise people are wondering, yet again, if Harry was able to reconnect with certain members of the royal family during his visit. According to a new report, however, it doesnt seem likely. Prince Harry did not get together with Prince William or King Charles III during his recent stint in the U.K., per The Telegraph via OK!. The Duke of Sussex is not believed to have seen either his brother or his father, a source shared with the outlet. King Charles returned to the U.K. on June 6 following a trip to Romania, but did not take the opportunity to see the Duke. As for the Prince of Wales, Harry made no attempt to see his brother during his time in his home country. More from SheKnows Was this Prince Harry's last Frogmore Cottage visit? https://t.co/UsHKO3JTeL SheKnows (@SheKnows) June 9, 2023 To be honest, were not wholly surprised Harry didnt see his brother or father. Ongoing tension between Harry and William and Charles aside, this court case was at the center of Harrys focus during his few days in the U.K. If the reports are true, then he likely didnt want to be distracted, or even involve his family further. Still, each time Harry is back in his home country, we cant help but wonder if it will present a new opportunity for the Duke of Sussex to reconnect with his family. With this ongoing court case against MGN, however, it doesnt look like thatll happen any time soon not in this climate, at least. Story continues Click here to read the full article. Before you go, click here to see the best photos of Prince Harry and Prince William growing up together over the years. Prince William, Prince Harry Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Courtesy of Rachael Cocker OFFICIAL RULES NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING 1. How To Enter : Rachael Cocker Hydrangea Confit Pot. (the Sweepstakes): Beginning June 15th, 2021 at 12:01 AM (ET) through August 16th, 2021 at 11:59 PM (ET) (the Entry Period), go to sweepstakes.veranda.com on a computer or wireless device and complete the entry form pursuant to the online instructions. Important Notice: You may be charged for visiting the mobile website in accordance with the terms of your service agreement with your carrier. Please consult your wireless service provider regarding your pricing plan. You must use a Smartphone device to participate via your mobile phone. Not all mobile phone providers carry the necessary service to participate. Check your phone capabilities for specific Internet instructions. If your data usage exceeds what is allotted by your data plan, you could be subject to additional fees by your carrier. Please contact your mobile service provider with any questions regarding your bill. Winner Selection : Winner[s] (individually and collectively, the Winner) will be selected on or about August 17th, 2021 in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received. In the event the Sponsor does not receive any eligible entries, the Sponsor has the right to cancel the Sweepstakes. Drawing will be conducted by Veranda staff whose decisions are final. Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. In the event Canadians are eligible to enter as specified in the Eligibility paragraph below, and if there is a Canadian Winner, the Winner will be required to correctly answer a mathematical skill testing question as a condition of receiving the prize. Prizes & Approximate Retail Value : One (1) Winner will receive one (1) Hydrangea Confit Pot by Rachael Cocker. ARV per set: $316. Total ARV: $316. Any difference between the stated ARV and the actual value of the prize will not be awarded in any form. Story continues 2. Winner Notification: Winner will be notified within one (1) month of the last day of the Sweepstakes, via e-mail, and/or at Sponsors discretion, via phone or postal mail. In the event the Winner doesnt respond to Sponsors notification or does not accept the prize within five (5) business days of notification, the prize will be deemed forfeited and an alternate Winner will be selected. In the event that any one or more potential Winner(s) fails to respond as stated above, declines the prize or fails to provide signed affidavits or releases, such Winner(s) will be deemed to forfeit the prize and Sponsor will select an alternate Winner(s) from the remaining eligible entrants. If any alternate(s) similarly fails to respond or declines the prize, Sponsor will use a reasonable number of attempts, in its discretion, to award the prize(s) to another alternate(s) but if it is unable to do so, the prize(s) will be finally forfeited and Sponsor shall have no further liability in connection with this Sweepstakes. List of Winner(s) : For the name(s) of the Winner(s), send a separate self-addressed, stamped envelope to Veranda Magazine Rachael Cocker Sweepstakes List, Hearst Magazine Media, Inc., 2901 2nd Ave S., Suite 170; Birmingham, AL 35233 within two (2) months from the Winner notification date as specified above. 3. ENTRIES: Limit one (1) entry per person for Sweepstakes. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned. Proof of submission does not constitute proof of receipt. 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SPONSOR: The Sponsor of this Sweepstakes is Hearst Magazine Media, Inc., 300 W. 57thStreet, New York, NY 10019. You Might Also Like LAC DU FLAMBEAU Time is running out for non-tribal member homeowners on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation in northern Wisconsin who fear road access could be once again cut off to their properties. Tribal officials had barricaded the four roads on the reservation Jan. 31, stranding non-tribal residents of some 65 properties by cutting off the only access for vehicle traffic to their homes. Tribal officials said the easement agreement for the roads expired more than 10 years ago and the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and the title insurance companies that handle the properties had not negotiated in good faith to extend the agreements. Officials with the non-tribal government town of Lac du Flambeau on the reservation held a special meeting March 11 and accepted the tribes offer to remove the barricades for 90 days in exchange for $60,000 while negotiations for a more permanent solution continue. One possible solution officials are discussing is a proposed referendum that would ask for an additional $1 million a year from town residents, payable to the Lac du Flambeau Tribe, in exchange for all the roads remaining open to the public. Meanwhile, the temporary agreement that reopened the roads is set to expire this month as lawsuits are being argued in court. Property owners sued the tribe in federal court in February demanding that the roads be reopened due to public safety concerns. The federal government in April sided with the tribe in an amicus brief in that case, Pollard et al v. Johnson, recognizing the tribes sovereignty. And on Wednesday, a federal judge signaled he wont force the tribe to permanently reopen the roads in that case. The federal government filed a counter lawsuit against the town in June alleging that the town knowingly allowed people to trespass on tribal land. Affected residents are imploring federal officials to help resolve the issue and find a way to permanently reopen the roads. Residents of more than two dozen properties sent a letter to Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R), who represents much of northern Wisconsin, urging them to work collectively with their parties to help resolve the issue that was created by the federal government in the first place. Story continues The homeowners argue that the Dawes Act passed by Congress in the late 19th century had allowed non-tribal residents to purchase property on tribal land in the first place. This situation was caused by Congress, and as such, we believe Congress needs to step in to resolve it in a way that is beneficial to both the tribe and the property owners, read a letter by the homeowners to Baldwin and Tiffany. We understand that you both sit on opposite sides of the fence. We request that you put this aside and work together in a bipartisan manner to develop a federal solution to this situation. We expect that you will commit to doing this for the benefit of all parties. Homeowner Mary Possin said residents are growing frustrated with the lack of response from officials. Many homeowners have been collectively imploring Tammy Baldwin and Tom Tiffany to work on a federal solution yet, despite what must be at least dozens, if not more than a hundred, phone calls and messages, they have been utterly non-responsive except to say we should contact the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) and that they continue to monitor the situation, she wrote to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She said Baldwin had continued to assert that this is a local issue and Tiffany has recently been ignoring the situation, which Possin said is preferable to earlier damaging statements by Tiffany. Earlier this year, Tiffany had written a scathing letter to the Lac du Flambeau Tribal President John Johnson in which he said that closing the roads appears to be a shakedown attempt by the tribe and had threatened legislative action. Tiffanys office maintains that they have been working to resolve the issue everyday and that the tone in the congressmans letter was in response to the aggressiveness of the tribe in closing the roads. Tiffanys office argues that the BIA still hasnt shown appraisal value for the roads in question and that they could be worth anywhere between $2,000 and the $20 million that the tribe is asking for. Tiffany and Sen. Ron Johnson (R) released a joint statement on Thursday addressing the issue. It has been months since we asked the tribal leaders, their Minneapolis attorney, and the Biden administration to release the cost appraisals of these rights-of-way and begin good faith negotiations to find a solution, the statement read. Apparently, they havent agreed to do either of those things. Unfortunately, when youre more interested in brinksmanship than talking to your neighbors, it makes it difficult to hash out a compromise. The Biden administration has made things even worse by deploying the full force of the Justice Department against the town. We dont agree with Governor Evers or Senator Baldwin on many issues, but we should all agree that the first step to getting a resolution is to turn down the temperature and communicate. Baldwins office also maintains that they have been working with Gov. Tony Evers administration to resolve the issue. We remain frustrated and disappointed by the lack of collective work done to resolve this issue permanently, read a May 26 joint letter from Baldwin and Evers to interested parties. It is long past time for mediation. We are extremely disappointed that mediation has yet to occur. This delay harms the people of Wisconsin, whether they are Tribal members, impacted homeowners, or other members of our communities. A lack of action will not help tensions and are a threat to the well-being of the individuals directly involved and the greater community. Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Barricades continue to cut off vehicle access for some on Lac du Flambeau Reservation The U.S. attorney for Massachusetts leaked information to help her preferred candidate for the Suffolk County, Massachusetts, district attorney, among other "egregious" violations of DOJ policy, two government watchdogs announced Wednesday. Rachael Rollins, the first African American U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, announced her resignation Tuesday after being informed of the details that would be included in the Justice Department's Inspector General report. The investigation began amid reports she may have violated the Hatch Act by attending a political fundraiser with the first lady in July of last year. She did violate the Hatch Act, the Inspector General found, but that merely scratches the surface of Rollins' alleged abuse of her position, according to the report. The Office of Special Counsel, which investigates Hatch Act violations called it "one of the most egregious Hatch Act violations that OSC has investigated." MORE: DOJ watchdog finds 'serious' problems in handling of 'Whitey' Bulger prison transfer Prior to being nominated to be U.S. Attorney, Rollins served as District Attorney for Suffolk County, which in Massachusetts is an elected position. She took extraordinary steps to ensure her preferred candidate to replace her would be elected, the IG found. "Our investigation determined that Rollins, while serving as U.S. Attorney, assisted Ricardo Arroyo with his Democratic primary campaign for Suffolk D.A., providing him campaign advice and direction and coordinating with Arroyo on activities to help his campaign," the 161-page report says. "The evidence demonstrated that at a critical stage of the primary race, Rollins brought her efforts to advance Arroyo's candidacy to the [Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office], when she used her position as U.S. Attorney, and information available to her as U.S. Attorney, in an ultimately unsuccessful effort to create the impression publicly, before the primary election, that DOJ was or would be investigating [Arroyo's opponent, Kevin] Hayden for public corruption." Story continues The former U.S. attorney tried to give non-public sensitive DOJ information to a Boston Herald reporter to further influence the election, and she talked extensively to a Boston Globe reporter about Arroyo's opponent and gave "off the record" tips to the reporter, who then wrote three critical stories about the opponent, the IG found. Rollins not only violated department policy, but also potentially broke the law when misleading investigators about providing false statements to the IG about leaking the information to the Boston Herald reporter. The Inspector General made a referral of Rollins' misstatements to the department in December, but officials declined to prosecute only three weeks later. She communicated information to reporters using her personal phone -- also a violation of DOJ policy, per the report. PHOTO: United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Rachael Rollins is seen during a press conference held at Boston Police Headquarters, Feb. 6, 2023, in Boston. (Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images, FILE) Rollins advised Arroyo on a myriad of issues and coordinated in some instances with Arroyo on certain campaign activities, even coordinating some U.S. attorney events to coincide with Arroyo's campaign events and Rollins, text messages purportedly show. More specifically, the IG found that Rollins tried "unsuccessfully to convince her First Assistant U.S. Attorney to issue a letter that would have created the impression that DOJ was investigating Hayden and, when that effort failed, disclosed non-public, sensitive DOJ information directly to a Herald reporter before the primary election." She lied when asked about it by investigators, according to the IG. When Rollins sought the advice of the general counsel for the Executive Office for United States Attorneys on recusal because she recognized the appearance of a potential conflict of interest, she seemingly reluctantly agreed with his recommendation that she recuse herself. "I don't like being recused from things, but ... if you think I need to be, I understand that," Rollins said she told the EOUSA general counsel, per the report. Eventually, the Office of the Deputy Attorney General sent her a recusal memo which she then shared with the Boston Herald reporter as evidence there was a federal investigation into Hayden, the report said. Then, after the article came out on Sept. 11, 2022, Rollins allegedly texted her staff from her personal phone expressing apparent shock about the article, asking the questions, "Wtf!?!" and "When was the office contacted about this? And why wasn't I called? How are they quoting things?" "Based upon the facts described above, the OIG concluded that U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins used her position as U.S. Attorney in an effort to influence the outcome of a partisan political election, namely the September 6, 2022 Democratic primary election that would select her likely successor as Suffolk D.A," the IG concluded. "Additionally, we determined that days after Hayden prevailed in the September 6 primary election, Rollins sought to damage Hayden's reputation by leaking to the Herald Reporter non-public and sensitive DOJ information that suggested the possibility of a federal criminal investigation into Hayden, a matter from which Rollins was recused." Regarding the political fundraiser, Rollins went without the approval of the deputy attorney general and against the ethics advice she had received, the IG said. Initially, Rollins was supposed to leave the event with first lady Jill Biden once they had a brief meet and greet outside of the event, but that is not what happened, the IG found. "Rollins went inside the home, mingled with the guests, and stood in the same receiving line as the other fundraiser guests to meet Dr. Biden," the report says. "Rollins's interaction with Dr. Biden was identical to those of the other fundraiser guests whose primary purpose for being at the event was to get in line and meet Dr. Biden. She also posed for photos with the event hosts and guests, as well as a U.S. Senator, after meeting Dr. Biden and before leaving the event." Other alleged violations included improperly using the office to obtain tickets to a Boston Celtics game for 30 children which she also attended and improperly used office resources for, according to the report. She also made improper statements about the leaked Dobbs vs. Jackson Womens Health Organization ruling without getting approval from the Justice Department, and she continued to accept campaign contributions while serving as the U.S. Attorney in violation of department policy, the IG said. Rollins' resignation will take effect at the end of the week. US attorney for Massachusetts committed 'egregious' ethics violations, watchdog finds originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Manuel Ranoque, the father of two of the youngest Indigenous children who survived an Amazon plane crash that killed three adults, and then braved the jungle for 40 days before being found alive, speaks to the media from the entrance of the military hospital where the children are receiving medical attention, in Bogota, Colombia, Sunday, June 11, 2023. | Ivan Valencia, Associated Press All four children who went missing after a plane crashed in Colombia were found alive in the jungle after 40 days. They survived by eating cassava flour and fruits from the rainforest. All three of the adults onboard the plane were killed in the crash, but the situation puzzled search and rescue as they tried to find the children in the dense jungle. The children are members of the Huitoto people and are only 13, 9, 4 and 11 months old. Colombia President Gustavo Petro met the children in the hospital in Bogota after their rescue, and the children were being treated and getting rehydrated. But in general, the condition of the children is acceptable, Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez told The Associated Press. As the grandfather to my grandchildren who disappeared in the jungles of the Yari, at this moment I am very happy, Narcizo Mucutuy, the grandfather of the children, told Reuters. When the children were found near the border between Colombias Caqueta and Guaviare provinces, they were weak and malnourished but conscious and alive, per Reuters. They were alone. They themselves achieved an example of total survival. It will remain in history, so those children are today the children of peace and the children of Colombia, Petro told local media, per The Washington Post. On May 31, searchers discovered small footprints about two miles away from where a plane crashed, renewing hope the children were still alive and energizing search efforts, The Associated Press reported. Who was searching for the missing Colombian children? There were more than 100 members of Colombias special forces and more than 70 indigenous people from the area who participated in a search for the missing children, with some of the soldiers having walked nearly 1,000 miles during their search, according to AP. Gen. Pedro Sanchez, who led the search, said that rescue teams were within 164 feet on a couple occasions but had missed them, The Guardian reported. Story continues The children were already very weak, Sanchez told The Guardian. Their strength was only enough to breathe or reach a small fruit to feed themselves or drink a drop of water in the jungle. The search was treacherous, with searchers dealing with up to 16 hours a day of rain, wild animals, mosquitoes and poisonous snakes, CBS News reported. They also risked getting lost in the dense jungle, which made the search more time intensive. How did officials know the children might have survived the crash? According to CBS News, on May 1, the plane crashed, and two weeks later, the remains of the aircraft were found along with the bodies of the pilot and two other adults traveling aboard. The children were not found at the site, and officials declared there were clear signs that the children survived the impact. Plane crashes occur somewhat often over the Amazon, CNN reported, with 8.74% of accidents in all of Colombia taking place in the region, despite only 2% of the countrys population living there. Indigenous advocates released a statement that accused Bogota of failing to enforce safety checks and protocols for planes in the region, per CNN. British writer Martin Amis, the author of the book The Zone of Interest, has died at 73. News of his death comes just one day after the big-screen adaptation of his 2014 novel premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews. The New York Times reports that Amis died of esophageal cancer, as confirmed by his wife, the writer Isabel Fonseca. He died at the familys home in Lake Worth, Florida. More from Variety Amis published 15 novels over the course of his career, a number of which were adapted for screen. Under the Skin director Jonathan Glazers treatment of Amis chilling Nazi drama The Zone of Interest is one of the buzziest premieres to come out of Cannes so far. The film follows the family of a high-ranking SS officer that lives next door to Auschwitz concentration camp. In a review that labelled The Zone of Interest as chilling and profound, Variety critic Owen Gleiberman said the film holds human darkness up to the light and examines it as if under a microscope. The novel was Amis 14th book. He was also known for his London trilogy of novels, which include Money: A Suicide Note (1985), London Fields (1990) and The Information (1995). His murder mystery Night Train was adapted into the 2018 movie Out of Blue starring Patricia Clarkson as a detective investigating the murder of an astrophysicist. Amis, who was the son of renowned Lucky Jim author Kingsley Amis, also published a popular memoir in 2000 titled Experience, which examined the turbulent relationship with his father. Born in Oxford, Amis went on to study English at the university and worked as a journalist and editor at publications including The Times of London and The New Statesman. At the latter, he met his best friend, the writer Christopher Hutchins. Story continues Aside from his literary pursuits, Amis is also known for various scandals. The writer accused Wild Oats author Jacob Epstein, the son of New York Review of Books founder Barbara Epstein, of plagiarizing many passages from Amis breakthrough novel The Rachel Papers in his own debut. Epstein later admitted that he had copied passages. Amis is survived by Fonseca and his five children. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Tolentino seeks DOH-BAI collaboration to address ASF, bird flu MANILA - Senator Francis 'TOL' N. Tolentino urged the new leadership of the Department of Health (DOH) to collaborate with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to help address the problem of African Swine Flu (ASF) and Avian Influenza Flu in the country. In his weekly radio program on DZRH, Tolentino asked newly appointed Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa if there's a way for hog and fowl farmers to directly access vaccines for ASF and bird flu respectively, since the current policy only allows them to have limited number of doses for their livestock and poultry. "Pwede po bang magtulungan ang Department of Health at Bureau of Animal Industry? Para naman siguro etong kakulangan sa bakuna sa ating mga poultry products at sa ating mga baboy--ay matulungan natin ang ating mga magsasaka," said Tolentino on Saturday. Tolentino stressed that during his recent visit in Pampanga, he was able to talk to some hog raisers and poultry operators who are willing to directly purchase vaccines for the sake of maintaining their respective livelihoods, as the number of doses being set to be provided by BAI are not enough to cover all the animals inside their farms. "Marami po tayong mga magsasaka na nahihirapan sa pronouncement ng Bureau of Animal Industry na yung bakuna para sa swine flu eh 400 o 600 (pesos bawat isa) at may kamahalan. Tapos galing ako sa Pampanga nung isang araw, yung mga naapektuhan naman ng bird flu... gusto nila, sila na yung bumili ng bakuna. Pwede kaya 'yon na mag-link kayo ng Bureau of Animal Industry para matulungan ang ating mga magsasaka?" the senator added. In response, Herbosa heeded Tolentino's suggestion, noting that he will immediately reach out to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to find out how they can collaborate on the matter. Tolentino recently filed Senate Resolution No. 580 which seeks to determine the appropriate government actions in preventing and controlling another possible outbreak of bird flu in the country. The senator earlier also urged the national government to declare a state of national calamity due to the severe impact of ASF. China has been spying on the United States from a base in Cuba, a Biden administration official said on Saturday, claiming that this is an issue that this administration inherited. The Wall Street Journal, followed by POLITICO and other outlets, reported on Thursday that China had been in conversations with Havana to establish a new spy base in the island nation. That same day, the White House and the Pentagon said the reporting was inaccurate, without going into details. On Saturday, an administration official clarified by saying that the Chinese base in Cuba has already been established, noting that it didnt happen on their watch. The administration official, who was granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive subject, said the Chinese spying effort has been an ongoing concern and that the U.S. has been taking steps to deal with it. When this administration took office in January 2021, we were briefed on a number of sensitive PRC efforts around the world to expand its overseas logistics, basing, and collection infrastructure globally to allow the [military] to project and sustain military power at greater distance, the official said, referring to the Peoples Republic of China. This effort included the presence of PRC intelligence collection facilities in Cuba, the official confirmed. In fact, the PRC conducted an upgrade of its intelligence collection facilities in Cuba in 2019. This is well-documented in the intelligence record. President Joe Biden directed his administration to address the issue. Within months, we did so, the official said, noting that the thrust of the engagement with Beijing over the spy post has been through diplomacy. The official would not go into detail, but said the engagements have brought results and that our experts assess that our diplomatic efforts have slowed the PRC down. We think the PRC isnt quite where they had hoped to be, the official said. The PRC will keep trying to enhance its presence in Cuba, and we will keep working to disrupt it. Story continues Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), chair of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized the administration following POLITICO's report on Saturday. President Biden needs to stop ignoring the threat from China," he said in a statement. "In less than 48 hours, officials from the Biden administration have contradicted themselves multiple times about whether or not the Chinese Communist Party is spying on the United States. This is unacceptable. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), chair of the House China Committee, slammed Biden and his team for the way they reacted to the initial reports. "Why did the Biden administration previously deny these reports of a CCP spy base in Cuba? ... Without a coherent explanation, we must conclude they are deliberately misleading the American people and whitewashing CCP aggression in order to revive the counterproductive strategy of engagement." Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), a member of that same panel, said the news of the base is "sufficiently plausible to merit congressional oversight." If the CCP is using a spy facility in Cuba, as media reports have alleged, then Congress has a duty to investigate the matter rather than accept at face value the denials of the Defense Department," he said in a statement on Saturday. Despite the administration initially saying the reporting was inaccurate, the two leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee released a joint statement Thursday in response to the news. The United States must respond to Chinas ongoing and brazen attacks on our nations security. We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles of Florida and the United States, in an area also populated with key military installations and extensive maritime traffic, Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) they said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit China as soon as next week and will almost certainly discuss this matter with his counterparts. Daniel Lippman and Phelim Kine contributed to this report. Singapore has long billed itself as a garden city, a term coined in the 1960s by the countrys founding father and former prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew. In the decades since, the island has embarked on extensive tree-planting programs and embraced so-called biophilic architecture, with greenery often seen creeping up urban facades or spilling out from skyscrapers. A new six-story college campus building stands as Singapores latest ode to nature. Home to Nanyang Technological Universitys (NTU) business school, the gently curved design features sunlit atriums, open-air study areas set against lush backdrops and elevators that descend into beds of tropical plants. Everything from handrails to benches, door frames to room dividers (and even an adjoining bus stop), were built using wood. So, too, were the structural beams and columns. In fact, the building is made almost entirely from mass timber a new generation of engineered wood, arranged in layers and bonded with strong adhesives, that is pushing the boundaries of architecture. Sprawling across 43,500 square meters (468,000 square feet), it is now Asias largest timber building, by floor area. Named Gaia, after the ancient Greek goddess of the Earth, the project opened in May and cost 125 million Singapore dollars ($93 million) to build. Its exposed timber frame is free from cladding or paint, a design decision that celebrates natural materials while giving visitors the feeling of walking between trees. According to the celebrated Japanese architect behind the project, Toyo Ito, this was precisely the point. I always try to envision a connection with and a feeling of nature, such as trees and water, in my designs, he told CNN shortly after the buildings inauguration ceremony. The fact you mentioned that if feels like entering a forest shows that my vision came through. Ito, who was awarded the Pritzker Prize (often dubbed the Nobel of architecture) in 2013, designed Gaia alongside Singaporean design firm RSP. It features a 190-seat auditorium and a dozen lecture theaters, as well as research facilities, faculty offices and airy study terraces. Story continues Aside from toilets, ground-floor slabs and external staircases, which were built using concrete (in part due to local regulations), the structure was made with timber harvested from spruce trees in Austria, Sweden and Finland. The wood was prefabricated into panels and heavy-duty beams in Europe before being shipped to Singapore. Set across 43,500 square meters (468,000 square feet) of space, Gaia will house Nanyang Technological University's business school. - NTU Singapore Global trend Recent years have heralded a huge increase in the number of large-scale wooden structures being built around the world. Some countries now even allow for high-rises (or plyscrapers), like Milwaukee, Wisconsins 25-story Ascent, which at 284 feet, is the worlds tallest mass timber structure. Asian cities have often been slower to embrace the trend than European and North American ones. Singapores building codes only allowed timber architecture to rise to 24 meters (79 feet) at the time Gaia was approved, though this height restriction has since been lifted. But 81-year-old Ito believes attitudes are changing rapidly in Asia, adding: Singapore is especially quick to make these things a reality. Singapores Building and Construction Authority (BCA) claims that using mass timber can reduce dust and noise at construction sites, while speeding up projects by as much as 35%. Counterintuitively, advocates for wooden buildings say they may also be safer and less prone to catastrophic collapse than steel-framed ones in a fire (though not all experts agree). Advocates for mass timber point to the relatively slow and predictable rate at which the material burns. Gaias designers have also added a sacrificial layer of wood to the buildings beams that, in the event of a blaze, would char while protecting the timber beneath it. Many of the purported benefits of mass timber are, however, environmental. Around 40% of the worlds energy consumption is attributed to the construction and operation of buildings. But unlike concrete and steel, whose energy-intensive production is responsible for a significant portion of buildings environmental footprint, trees absorb carbon dioxide throughout their lifetime. If a tree is then turned into mass timber, this embodied carbon is sequestered, or locked in, rather than being returned to the atmosphere. Studies suggest that 1 cubic meter of wood can store about a ton of carbon dioxide. Timber is also a natural insulator that, in warm places like Singapore, traps less heat than concrete ones (or reduces heat loss in colder climates). And while Gaias designers say they have not calculated the emissions saved during the construction process, they claim that, in operation, the structure produces 2,500 fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide than concrete or steel equivalents an annual saving equivalent to taking over 550 cars off the roads. Singapore has designated Gaia a "zero energy" building. - NTU Singapore Passive cooling These energy savings are not just about materials. For one, the buildings exterior features strategically placed fins that cast shade over the facade, helping to keep it cool. Blasts of artificial air conditioning are also conspicuous by their absence. Eschewing mechanical fans some feat in a country less than 140 kilometers north of the equator Gaias AC system instead relies on passive cooling, which pushes cold water through coils to chill the surrounding air. The breezy buildings north-south orientation meanwhile encourages natural ventilation by aligning with the direction of Singapores prevailing winds. The countrys authorities have designated Gaia as a zero energy building that (with the help of rooftop solar panels) produces as much energy as it consumes. To date, just 16 structures in Singapore have achieved this distinction and, now, precisely half of them are NTU properties, including a campus sports hall, also designed by Ito. Airy terraces and sunlit atriums are found throughout the design. - NTU Singapore At the buildings opening, the universitys president Ho Teck Hua used his speech to boast of having the greenest campus in Singapore. Quite what the business schools students make of their new home remains to be seen classes dont begin here until the new academic year starts in August. But there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that using wood in architecture can have a positive impact on occupants well-being, including reduced stress levels. Ito, whose grandfather was a lumber dealer, said that his design ethos remains underpinned by the comfort of those who use his buildings. I always consider comfort, he explained. (If a building is comfortable), people will stay in the space and visit every day. I want to create architecture that gives people the will to live. CNNs Mayumi Maruyama contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Richard (Jesse Garcia), Judy (Annie Gonzalez), and their son Lucky (Hunter Jones) in Flamin' Hot. Credit - Emily AragonesSearchlight Pictures Flamin Hot, Eva Longorias feature directorial debut, is not a factual history of the Flamin Hot Cheetonor is it meant to be. Instead, in diving into the story of Richard Montanezthe man who claims to have invented the cult favorite spicy snackFlamin Hot tells an acutely human story of a man trying to break generational cycles and start life anew. Releasing June 9 on both Hulu and Disney+ (becoming the first new movie to do so), Flamin Hot is based on Montanezs first memoir, A Boy, a Burrito, and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive. Jesse Garcia plays Montanez, unemployed and selling drugs before he was hired at Frito-Lay. In Montanezs telling, he invented a chile slurry with his family that would become the spice base for the eventual Flamin Hot Cheeto. Frito-Lay has denied these claims, according to the Los Angeles Times, citing interviews with former employees and the companys archival record. But Flamin Hot worries less about these details and concentrates on the significance of Montanezs story: While working for a company that largely kept Latinos out of the C-suite, he broke through with tenacity, tailoring the flavor to his community. In both the movie and real life, he climbed the chain of command, eventually becoming the vice president of multicultural sales and community promotions for PepsiCo. Flamin Hot is, however, authentic when it comes to what its director, Longoria, has said matters most: cultural specificity. Linda Yvette Chavez, the co-writer of the film, thoroughly revised a draft of a script written by Lewis Colick into Longorias vision, massaging in the Chicano culture of Southern California in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. How Flamin Hot nails cholo and Chicano culture Montanez never graduated high schoolhe was not fluent in the corporate jargon of the Frito-Lay executive suite. In the movie, he translates what he imagines Roger Enrico, CEO of parent company PepsiCo, and the other bigwigs might be saying about an economic downturn into a language he does understand: cholo. Story continues The corporate suite at Frito-Lay felt like gangsters throwing down in a drug den, Montanez narrates. Cause lets be real, thats pretty much what C-suiters are: gangsters with money. Enrico was pissed. He was like, You pendejos are out here tellin me these little punks like Nabisco and Eagle Snacks are getting more feria than us? Montanez continues, pretending to be Enrico. Biting off our territory, and youse estupidos OK with that? And this gabacho was all, Nah, big homie, Montanez says, as another executive. We still got the good stuff. Cheetos, Fritos, Doritos. People still dishin out lana for the classics, bro. What? Montanez interjects, as himself again. You need a cholo translator? All right, I got you. So sales are down? Yeah. Unfortunately. Yeah, thats what it looks like right now. PepsiCo CEO Roger Enrico (Tony Shalhoub) examines a Flamin' Hot Cheeto sample mock-up that Richard sent him. Anna KoorisSearchlight Pictures Montanez would have been fluent in the language of gangs and hustling, Chavez tells TIME. These guys are hustlers, just like him, she says. From Richards perspective, this is probably how it went down in the room, and they probably threw down about everything. And letting them each be a different type of character from that cholo culture and world. Montanez and his wife, Judy (played by Annie Gonzalez), were cholos: young Mexican Americans who belonged to an urban gang subculture. (Colloquially and on the street, chola and cholo culture is known for its trademark aesthetic: pencil-thin eyebrows, lips with a dark and defined liner, cruising lowriders, stylized tattoos.) But then Montanez got a job at Frito-Lays plant in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and things started looking up. I grew up with cholitos in my family, Chavez says. I see them in three dimensional ways, and so does Eva. When you create from a place of love, youre gonna get a nuanced representation of that. So thats where I write from in everything that I do, allowing us to be flawed and complex and also beautiful. Chavez, perhaps best known for co-creating the series Gentefied, about three cousins fighting to keep their grandfathers Boyle Heights taco shop in business, is the daughter of two immigrants from Mexico, and grew up in Norwalk, Calif., a deeply Latino city in Los Angeles County. Longoria, for her part, was born in Corpus Christi, Texas to two Mexican parents. Montanez was born into a Mexican American family near San Bernardino and was raised in and around a migrant labor camp outside of Los Angeles. When Chavez joined the project, she met first with Montanez, at his house in the Inland Empire, a region next to Southern California. His whole family was there, kids and grandkids, and theyd jump in to fill in any gaps in the story. Richard felt like her dad, she says: a working-class man who worked in factories and dealt with racism. Judy felt like her mom, her prima, the women in my community who are always holding it down. She felt a sense of relief from them, to sit down with a Latina director and a Latina writer and say, OK, we can turn off the code-switching, and we can be us, and we can tell you truly what we went through, Chavez says. Because just looking at you, I know that you know my experience. Theyre right. I do. Brice Gonzalez, Annie Gonzalez, Jesse Garcia and Hunter Jones in FLAMIN HOT Emily AragonesSearchlight Pictures How Flamin Hot handles the muddled story of the spicy Cheeto While Flamin Hot has been well-received (it won the headliner audience award at South by Southwest in March), the details of Montanezs story have raised eyebrows. In two memoirsA Boy, a Burrito, and a Cookie and Flamin Hot: The Incredible True Story of One Mans Rise from Janitor to Top Executiveand countless speeches, Montanez has said that he invented Flamin Hot Cheetos. But in May 2021, while the film was in development, the Los Angeles Times published an investigation in which Frito-Lay denied that he invented the snack. According to the Times, a separate team within Frito-Lay came up with the creation. We value Richards many contributions to our company, especially his insights into Hispanic consumers, but we do not credit the creation of Flamin Hot Cheetos or any Flamin Hot products to him, the company said in a statement. He did, however, work on Sabrositas, a line of products pitched at the Latino market in the Los Angeles area. Less than a week later, PepsiCo, Frito-Lays parent company, backtracked. The information we shared with the media has been misconstrued by some, the company said in a statement. We attribute the launch and success of Flamin Hot Cheetos and other products to several people who worked at PepsiCo, including Richard Montanez. Longoria and Chavez agree: They didnt set out to tell the history of the Flamin Hot Cheeto. The film does, however, acknowledge a group in the Midwest that was designing a spicy snack to be sold in inner-city mini-marts at the same time, which aligns with the official record. So much of his story, especially when you watch the film, is how do you get people to value your worth, give you your worth and your credit? Chavez says. And for BIPOC people, its been a journey for all of us. Sometimes history is skewed. And sometimes those people in positions of power have the privilege to skew that history. A High Court judge in London has denied Julian Assange permission to appeal an order to extradite him to the United States, where he faces criminal charges under the Espionage Act. The decision was dated Tuesday and is the latest in a years-long legal saga. His camp told CNN on Thursday that they will lodge a new appeal next week. In a ruling dated June 6, 2023 and seen by CNN, Mr. Justice Swift said Assanges application had been refused stating that none of the four grounds of appeal raises any properly arguable point. In a separate ruling, the High Court judge also denied Assange permission to appeal and challenge the dismissal of other parts of his case during a ruling by district judge Vanessa Baraitser in January 2021. After revising eight proposed grounds of appeal the judge argued he did not consider the proposed appeals raised any properly arguable case. The 51-year-old is wanted by US authorities on 18 criminal counts after WikiLeaks, the organization he founded, published thousands of classified documents and diplomatic cables in 2010 and 2011. A London court issued a formal extradition order to send the Australian to the US in April last year; it was rubber-stamped by the UK government two months later. The Home Office stressed at the time that the UK courts have not found his extradition to be incompatible with his human rights. The UK courts have not found that it would be oppressive, unjust or an abuse of process to extradite Mr. Assange. Nor have they found that extradition would be incompatible with his human rights, including his right to a fair trial and to freedom of expression, and that whilst in the US he will be treated appropriately, including in relation to his health, it said in a statement announcing the order almost a year ago. In response to the latest ruling, Assanges wife, Stella, said her husbands legal team would make a renewed application for appeal to the same court next Tuesday. The matter will then proceed to a public hearing before two new judges at the High Court and we remain optimistic that we will prevail, and that Julian will not be extradited to the United States where he faces charges that could result in him spending the rest of his life in a maximum security prison for publishing true information that revealed war crimes committed by the U.S. government, she wrote in a post on Twitter. Story continues Reaction to decision Assange is currently being held at Belmarsh Prison in southeast London. He has been at the high-security facility since he was forcibly removed from Ecuadors central London embassy and arrested by Londons Metropolitan Police in April 2019. Since then, he has completed a British jail sentence for breaching bail conditions when he entered the diplomatic haven back in 2012 but has remained at Belmarsh as he has engaged in the lengthy fight against his deportation. Assange faces an 18-count indictment handed down by the Eastern District of Virginia which alleges that the WikiLeaks founder actively solicited classified information, pushing former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to obtain thousands of pages of classified material and providing Assange with diplomatic State Department cables, Iraq war-related significant activity reports and information related to Guantanamo Bay detainees. If convicted, Assange could be sentenced to up to 175 years in prison. In January 2021, a UK judge rejected a request from the US to extradite Assange, ruling that such a move would be oppressive to his mental health. That decision was overturned by the High Court in December 2021 on the basis of assurances from the US government over how he was likely to be treated if extradited. Supporters of Assange and human rights groups have long expressed concerns over the US indictment of the WikiLeaks founder, arguing the extradition order undermines freedom of the press. Amnesty Internationals European Institutions Office described the latest court decision as disappointing. It said allowing the extradition would set a dangerous precedent, threatening all our rights to freedom of expression in a Twitter post. The reaction was similar from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) which said it was deeply concerned by the High Court decision against Assange which brings him dangerously close to being extradited. It is absurd that a single judge can issue a three-page decision that could land Julian Assange in prison for the rest of his life and permanently impact the climate for journalism around the world, said Rebecca Vincent, RSFs Director of Campaigns. The historical weight of what happens next cannot be overstated; it is time to put a stop to this relentless targeting of Assange and act instead to protect journalism and press freedom. Our call on President Biden is now more urgent than ever: drop these charges, close the case against Assange, and allow for his release without further delay. Meanwhile, the International and the European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) said it was appalled by the decision. IFJ President Dominique Pradalie called on the British and US governments to end its grotesque persecution of the embattled Australian. She added: If Assange goes to jail, no journalist on earth will be safe. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The debt limit fiasco did show that compromise, however fleeting and in the end disappointing, is still possible in Washington, D.C. President Biden got what he wanted a raising of the debt limit not just now but for the next two years and avoiding any rollback of the programs he has pushed through Congress. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy got a small cut in spending and the ability to force those getting some federal benefits to get a job. Kendall P. Stanley Both men could walk away claiming bipartisanship and compromise which is something long lacking in Congress. None of that is to say all representatives and senators are happy with the end result. There were plenty of votes against the compromise. A great many members knew, however, that failure to raise the debt limit was untenable. But if this crisis was avoided, much work remains in the future. First off the issue will come up again in two years. What will we have learned in that time? Second, how about getting back to a regular budget process rather than just approving continuing resolutions so spending can continue. Kicking the can down the road isnt governing. We know in two years the debt limit issue will rear its ugly head why not fix the system before that happens? Oh wait, this is Washington where solving issues like the debt ceiling limit turns into a blustering circus of who can bring us as close to the brink as possible before casting a yes vote. Since we can pretty much be assured that chaos over the debt will be coming our way, how about fixing the issue once and for all. Like eliminating it for starters. Only Denmark along with the U.S. has a debt ceiling limit. If basically all the other countries in the world can get by without one, why cant we? Its not in the Constitution although the 14th Amendment says we must pay our bills. Some were looking toward that if we came close to default but fortunately didnt have to use it. Why? It would have turned into a constitutional mess headed directly to the Supreme Court. Story continues Weve got two years folks to make the debt ceiling work in a rational way, eliminate it or find some other way to make sure we dont go over a financial cliff. Experience counts Forget Joe Bidens slip over a sandbag at the Air Force Academy, hes not the doddering old guy that many perceive or believe. Taking his years of experience in Congress and the vice presidents office, Old Joe made a little concession here, a little concession there and with an aim to get the debt limit raised he got the compromise he needed. Kevin McCarthy made plenty of claims that the Republicans were the winners in the effort to raise the limit, but many analysts and some members of McCarthys caucus are more than willing to make the case McCarthy got rolled by Biden. Lesson to be learned here? Never underestimate an old guy who has been around the block a few times. Finally, sanity? As reported in The New York Times, Arizona has determined that there is not enough groundwater for all of the housing construction that has already been approved in the Phoenix area, and will stop developers from building some new subdivisions, a sign of looming trouble in the West and other places where overuse, drought and climate change are straining water supplies. The decision by state officials very likely means the beginning of the end to the explosive development that has made the Phoenix area the fastest growing metropolitan region in the country. You can find gold in Arizona, but the real gold is water where to get it, how to share it, wondering if there will continue to be enough. There are several areas of the state where groundwater is being depleted and regeneration of the water in those aquifers isnt as fast as the water withdrawals. For once the state appears to be ready to say STOP, enough is enough. In the long run that sounds like a very good thing. Kendall P. Stanley is retired editor of the News-Review. He can be contacted at kendallstanley@charter.net. The opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and not necessarily of the Petoskey News-Review or its employees. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Kendall Stanley: Compromise is possible This image from police body-worn video, released and annotated by the Justice Department in the statement of facts supporting an arrest warrant for Markus Maly, shows Maly, circled in red, at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Justice Department via AP Markus Maly said he merely "occupied space" on Jan. 6 and denied attacking and pepper-spraying cops. A prosecutor described Maly as a "lifelong criminal" with 33 prior convictions. He was convicted of all 8 charges against him, including impeding police using a dangerous weapon. A Virginia man who told his wife and a federal jury that he had "fun" at the Capitol riot was sentenced on Friday to six years in prison for attacking police as he stormed the building. Markus Maly's prison sentence is significantly lower than the punishment prosecutors sought for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. The Justice Department had recommended a prison sentence of 15 years and eight months for Maly, a flooring installer. A prosecutor described Maly, 49, as a "lifelong criminal" with 33 prior convictions on his record, including two for battery of a law enforcement officer. But the judge who sentenced Maly noted that most of his crimes date back to his 20s. Maly told US District Judge Amit Mehta that he regrets traveling to Washington and following the mob of then-President Donald Trump's supporters to the Capitol. But he insisted that he merely "occupied space" in the crowd and denied attacking and pepper-spraying police. "I went to a rally. That's what I did," he told the judge. The judge said jurors had ample evidence to convict Maly of assaulting police. "It's not that you were there and 'occupying space.' It's that you did these things and kept doing them that day," the judge told him. Prosecutors say Maly is one of many Capitol rioters who have tried to profit from their notoriety, portraying themselves as patriots, martyrs, or political prisoners as they solicit donations from supporters. While prosecutors acknowledge that defendants have a right to raise money for legal defenses, they're increasingly asking judges to impose fines on top of prison terms to claw back donations used for personal expenses. Story continues Maly has raised over $16,500 through a GiveSendGo donation page, referring to himself as a "January 6 P.O.W." Prosecutors asked the judge to fine him an amount commensurate with his fundraising haul, noting that he had a public defender and didn't owe any legal fees. The judge declined to impose a fine. He said Maly's fundraising activities may have been "unseemly," but he questioned whether there was a legal basis for clawing back the money. Maly testified at his trial that participating in the Capitol riot was "fun" for him. He also described the events of Jan. 6 as "fun" and "awesome" in messages sent to his wife and others. "Maly admitted to being proud of what he had done at the Capitol and that he had bragged about it," prosecutor Stephen Rancourt wrote in a court filing. "Despite seeing police officers assaulted, injured, and distressed on January 6, and knowing that it was a bad day for members of Congress and the police officers who had to live through the riot, Maly reiterated that his experience that day was 'fun.'" The judge at Maly's trial previously handed down the longest sentence for a Capitol riot case: 18 years for Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, who was convicted of orchestrating a violent plot to keep Trump, a Republican, in the White House after he lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, a Democrat. Maly has been jailed since a jury convicted him in December of all eight charges against him, including felony counts of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding police using a dangerous weapon. On the morning of Jan. 6, Maly took a bus from his home in Fincastle, Virginia, to Washington to attend Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally. He later joined the mob that attacked police on the Capitol's Lower West Terrace, one of the day's most violent clashes. Maly sprayed a chemical, possibly pepper spray, at Metropolitan Police Department Officer Christopher Boyle as he and other officers retreated into a tunnel and guarded an entrance. Maly passed a spray canister from one rioter to another, joined a coordinated "heave ho" push against police, and left the tunnel with a stolen riot shield as a "trophy," Rancourt said. Maly was charged and tried with co-defendants Peter Schwartz and Jeffrey Scott Brown. Schwartz passed the spray canister to Maly, who passed it to Brown. The jurors who convicted Maly also found Schwartz and Brown guilty of related charges. The judge sentenced Schwartz last month to 14 years and two months in prison, the longest for a Jan. 6 case before Rhodes, and sentenced Brown in April to four years and six months in prison. Prosecutors say Maly lied on the witness stand when he testified that he only showed a canister to Boyle but didn't spray the officer. "Maly claimed that the stream of liquid coming out of the canister was actually a piece of fringe on his hat. However, his hat didn't have a fringe," Rancourt wrote. Defense attorney Benjamin Schiffelbein said Maly believed that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Trump. "He fervently believed that he was protesting in the name of liberty and freedom. His motives, however (factually) wrong they may have been, were based in values this country celebrates," Schiffelbein wrote. "What is more American than fervently defending democracy even from one's own government and perhaps especially then?" More than 100 police officers were injured during the riot. More than 1,000 people have been charged with federal crimes related to Jan. 6. Over 500 of them have been sentenced, with more than half getting terms of imprisonment, according to an Associated Press review of court records. Read the original article on Business Insider After avoiding detection for 17 years, Elda Chafoya had hoped that one day she would find some peace. A decade ago, she followed the crops to Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina. Before the coronavirus pandemic, she settled in Florida to provide some stability for her family. She found steady work picking strawberries, cucumbers and sweet chilis. She rented a home in the Wimauma area that reminded her of growing up in Guatemala. Two other families moved in with her. But when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation last month thats considered among the nations toughest crackdowns on illegal immigration, Chafoya realized that the stability she had sought for so long might be lost for good. Thats when she started thinking about leaving the state with her three daughters, all of whom were born in the U.S. Its a survival mode, she said. The new law goes into effect July 1 and will target the workforce lacking proper legal documents in various industries. It expands the worker verification process and requires that businesses with 25 or more employees have to use E-Verify, an online system that checks a persons citizenship. If someone is found working without proper documents, the state can penalize employers. The legislation prohibits local governments from issuing ID cards to individuals without permanent legal status and invalidates drivers licenses issued by other states for such immigrants. It will expose drivers to third-degree felony charges for knowingly transporting immigrants who lack proper legal documents into the state and require hospitals that accept Medicaid to collect patient immigration information. The law sets aside $12 million for DeSantis migrant relocation initiative, a program that has been described by opponents as a political stunt. The relocations grabbed headlines Monday when two charter planes with three dozen immigrants flew from the U.S. southern border to Sacramento. Last year, DeSantis flew about 50 Venezuelans from Texas to Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts, a traditional summer destination for celebrities and public figures. Story continues The legislation gives Florida the most ambitious anti-illegal immigration laws in the country, fighting back against reckless federal government policies and ensuring the Florida taxpayers are not footing the bill for illegal immigration, DeSantis said last month. More than three weeks later, however, Hispanic groups organized demonstrations in Tampa and other cities across Florida, warning that the new law would harm the economy. Facebook, TikTok and Instagram feeds have been filled with viral videos showing abandoned farms and construction projects. Latino truck drivers also called for a boycott and the suspension of deliveries to and from Florida on the day the law goes into effect. In Florida, there are more than 1.8 million immigrants, including those without permanent status. Immigrants represent 11% of the total labor force but account for the largest share in certain industries. They make up 37% of the workforce in agriculture; 23% in construction; and 14% in service jobs, according to a recent KFF Health News analysis of a 2021 U.S. Census report. After two years of a coronavirus pandemic that disrupted the economy, the law coincides with an increased demand for labor. This labor crunch is pronounced in Floridas agricultural sector, which employs thousands of people each year in counties such as Hillsborough, Polk, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Construction also relies heavily on immigrants. More than 311,000 immigrants work in this industry in Florida, according to the nonprofit The Center for Construction Research and Training. A study by the Center for American Progress, a liberal policy research and advocacy organization, found that those immigrants make up approximately 5.2% of Floridas labor force, or about 512,000 workers. The same analysis concluded that immigrants help meet important labor needs and fill crucial gaps without taking jobs away from U.S.-born workers. Increasing immigration is the way forward to grow our labor force, strengthen the economy, and save every American from rising costs, said Phillip Connor, senior demographer at FWD.us, a bipartisan organization working to reform immigration and criminal justice. Laudi Campo, the state director of the Hispanic Federation, a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1990, said that the law will hurt families as well as the local and national economy. Floridas economy will feel the brunt of these cruel anti-immigrant laws and we think there will be a swift effort to try and rectify the problems caused by these laws, said Campo. We just hope it wont be too late. But Sean Snaith, director of the Institute for Economic Forecast at the University of Central Florida, said it is premature to guess how deep the impact of the law could be. Probably, well see many people finding new ways to deal with the new rule, but it is not going to be the end of undocumented workers in Florida, said Snaith. Already, some lawmakers who supported the law are downplaying how consequential it will be. Two Republican state representatives, Rick Roth of Palm Beach and Alina Garcia of Miami-Dade County, urged migrant workers in South Florida to ignore the law. Roth said it was more of a political bill than it is policy. This bill is 100% supposed to scare you, Roth said in a video. A key enforcement issue will be verifying the legal status of workers. Currently, anyone who wants to work is required to fill out an I-9 employment eligibility verification form and provide ID, such as passports or drivers licenses. Companies are required to only collect and submit copies of the documents with the I-9 form without checking the legal status of the workers. That changes July 1, when companies are required to verify legal status by using E-Verify. But that only applies to companies with 25 or more workers. So after the law goes into effect, many agriculture and construction companies will likely begin employing subcontractors with fewer than 25 to avoid being held responsible if theyre employing workers without legal status. But people like Miguel and Maria Perez, a married couple from Mexico, are already bracing for enforcement. Miguel Perez, 60, immigrated two decades ago without documentation, and ever since, he has been supporting his two daughters and his wife in Mexico. Eight years ago, he paid to bring Maria, 53, to America through the southern border. Perez worked in construction for many years, saved enough money, and paid for his childrens college education. Two years ago, the couple started working for a landscaping company in Wesley Chapel owned by Jemi and Katherine Carbajal. They said the state government is ignoring the needs of immigrants, who dont want anything for free. Its unfair to witness this happening, said Katherine Carbajal. They simply want to work. Is that too difficult to understand? Jemi Carbajal said. Perez and his wife were disappointed when they heard that DeSantis had signed the law. With no opportunities left, they decided to leave for Louisiana later this month. A friends son has offered to let them temporarily stay in his apartment while they search for a job. They dont know him personally, but its the only choice they have, Perez said. We dont want to leave, but we feel safer somewhere else, he said. We are no longer 20 years old to be taking risks. Darryl Williams, a Plant City farmer, remembers how farm work brought him joy and challenges as a child. Now, at 62, he never imagined that politics could wreak so much havoc in an industry that feeds everyone. He employs over 150 farmworkers during the year. Williams, known as El Capullo among farmworkers, said his employees are concerned about the situation. Many of them have friends and family members without legal status. Im concerned as well because they are like a family, he said. But I think its important to be informed at this point and see what happens. For now, we cant do more than that. Jose Raul Marquez, a subcontractor from Cuba now based in Tampa, said he has already lost five workers. He said they left the state a week ago because they didnt want to put their families at risk. Marquez has construction projects in Tampa, Plant City and Naples, among others. All of them are facing schedule delays because his workers have left. He said DeSantis is making it difficult for business owners to create jobs. Despite all these years in the business since 1990, Ive never seen anything like this, said Marquez, 64. Its really tough. Chafoya, 42, the Guatemalan immigrant and single mother of three, has been cleaning up the house shes renting in Wimauma and packing some suitcases. Shes considering a move to North Carolina, where she worked years ago. Chafoya thought about leaving two weeks ago, but a local activist told her to hang on and see if anything changed. She loves the community where she lives, including her chickens and dogs. If there are no guarantees of work, where will we get the money to pay the rent and support our families? she asked. Chafoya thinks the situation is going to become even more challenging. Two weeks ago, she had to rush to a hospital in Sun City because she got really dizzy after being hit on the head. When she arrived at the hospital, they told her that she had to pay for the consultation upfront. If she couldnt, they threatened to call an immigration officer next time, she said. I said, You cant do that, she recalled. But they told me Yes, we can. Chafoya believes that only a miracle can change fear into hope. But maybe, she said, I wont be here to see that. Reuters Matt Damon and Ben Affleck might not be so pleased to learn about their newest famous fan. On Saturday, Donald Trump posted a video on Truth Social featuring Damons monologue as the legendary Nike marketing and sales rep Sonny Vaccaro in the Affleck-directed Air. Money can buy you almost anything, Damon says in the video, as images of Trump come and go. It cant buy you immortality; that you have to earn. The video includes the caption MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN as well as a donation link. A representative for Trump did not immediately respond to a question about whether hed received permission to use the audio. A spokesperson for Artists Equity, Damon and Ben Afflecks production company, told The Daily Beast in a statement that the Trump campaign did not have permission to use the clip. We had no foreknowledge of, did not consent to and do not endorse or approve any footage or audio from Air being repurposed by the Trump campaign as a political advertisement or for any other use, the spokesperson said, adding that we hereby, expressly give notice that in the case of any use of material from Air by the Trump campaign where approval or consent is required, we do not grant such consent. Trump is now cutting web videos w/ Matt Damons Air monologue as narration pic.twitter.com/cBMBOaUr0Q Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) June 10, 2023 Damon publicly supported Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election, and a year later, he called Trumps response to the riots in Charlottesville, Virginia absolutely abhorrent. Affleck was also among the celebrities who backed Democrats in 2020 and has publicly criticized Trump. You knew you were at a cheesy party if Donald Trump was there, Affleck told The Guardian in 2017. He would kind of trawl around them. That said, its not hard to divine what mightve appealed to Trump about the monologue. Story continues People are going to build you up, Damon says. Because youre great. And new. We love you. Man, well build you into something that doesnt even exist But you know what? Once theyve built you as high as they possibly can, theyre going to tear you back down. Sounds like someones taking their recent indictment personally. This is not the first time Trump has tried to fuel his campaign efforts by injecting some pop culture; sadly, like his onetime nemesis Ted Cruz, the former president loves a good reference. Hans Zimmer fans might recall that in 2019, Twitter removed a video Trump posted using music from The Dark Knight Rises after Warner Bros. reportedly filed a copyright claim. (Lets not forget that Trumps 2017 inauguration speech also borrowed a line from that movies villain, Bane.) R.E.M. also blasted the then-president for retweeting a meme that appropriated their song Everybody Hurts for mockery. Trump even cribbed his re-election campaign slogan, Keep America Great, from the horror franchise The Purge. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. An international team of scientists discovered three historical shipwrecks during an underwater archaeological expedition last year in the Mediterranean Sea. The expedition also gathered high-resolution images of three Roman wrecks initially discovered by oceanographer Robert Ballard and archaeologist Anna Marguerite McCann in the 1980s to 2000s. Researchers findings were presented Thursday during a UNESCO press conference in Paris. Twenty scientists from Algeria, Croatia, Egypt, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia set out on French research vessel the Alfred Merlin on a 14-day voyage between August and September. Scientists conducted their expedition in the Mediterranean last year aboard the Alfred Merlin research vessel. - M. Pradinaud Using remotely operated underwater vehicles, called ROVs, the researchers explored the Skerki Bank of Tunisia and Italys Sicilian Channel. The team used the research vessels underwater mapping and imaging equipment to catalog shipwrecks, dating from ancient times to the 20th century, with sonar. The ROVs dived to depths inaccessible to humans to collect images and video of the wrecks and their artifacts. One ROV, named Arthur, was able to reach depths of 2,296 to 2,952 feet (700 to 900 meters). Located along a heavily traveled route in the Mediterranean, the Skerki Bank in the Strait of Sicily is one of the most treacherous maritime areas. Its shallow waters feature an intensely rocky seabed, some of which is less than 3.2 feet (1 meter) beneath the waters surface. Rocky features can be seen just beneath the surface of Keith Reef. - Angel Fitor/UNESCO The Skerki Banks perilous features have caused shipwrecks for more than 3,000 years, sinking ancient trading vessels as well as ships during World War II. The area is of interest to researchers because the route has served as a point of contact between multiple cultures traversing the Mediterranean. An ROV named Hilarion descended through the most dangerous zone of the Skerki Bank called Keith Reef to conduct the first detailed study of the ocean floor. Resting along the bottom of the Tunisian continental shelf were three ships, all previously unknown to researchers. Story continues Two of the shipwrecks were likely from the end of the 19th century or beginning of the 20th century, including a large motorized metal wreck with no traces of cargo. In that wreck, researchers noted that the davits, which would have been used to lower lifeboats, were facing outward, which means any crew may have been able to leave the ship. The second ship was likely a wooden fishing boat. One of the shipwrecks on the Tunisian continental shelf can be seen in this image. - DRASSM UNESCO A third shipwreck was likely a merchant vessel that sailed between the first century BC and the second century. The ROV spotted artifacts that appeared to be amphoras, or tall, two-handled jars with narrow necks used by Greeks and Romans, possibly to store wine. The team hopes that looking through archives could reveal the individual names of the ships that sank since none of them was easily identifiable. Meanwhile, exploration along the Italian continental shelf revisited three Roman shipwrecks dating between the first century BC and the first century, including two merchant vessels and one cargo ship. All three littered artifacts across the seafloor, including amphoras, ceramics, building materials, jugs, pots and lamps. The items were likely part of trade between cultures that crisscrossed the Mediterranean thousands of years ago. Roman shipwrecks on the Italian continental shelf included handled jars called amphoras. - V.Creuze ROV Drassm/UNESCO We are going to write a new page in the history of trade, said Barbara Davidde, underwater archaeologist and director for the national superintendency for underwater cultural heritage in Italy. Thanks to the analysis of the cargo, we can study the relationships between the countries in the Mediterranean and the sea trade that connected different parts of the Mediterranean. The shipwrecks and their artifacts surprisingly remained largely undisturbed since being discovered between 1988 and 2000. The wrecks were initially outside territorial waters, meaning that their artifacts were easy targets for looting. Now, the areas around the wrecks will be protected under UNESCOs 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. Ceramics were found scattered across the seafloor from an ancient Roman shipwreck. - V.Creuze ROV Drassm/UNESCO The designation will allow for more precise mapping of shipwrecks and defining protection zones. We recognize the huge potential and the importance of underwater cultural heritage, said Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. UNESCO has actively committed itself to supporting underwater archaeological missions of this type right across the globe. As you know, the Mediterranean with its very rich history, and its countless shipwrecks and archaeological sites offer a unique and fascinating stage for such expeditions. And I hope that there will be many more in the future that will bring us together. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com As inevitable as death and taxes are, many El Paso County property owners hoped to lessen the blow of the latter. The El Paso County Assessor's Office has received as many as 24,000 objections on property valuations the county made, which are used to determine land, home and commercial owners' property tax amounts, Mark Flutcher, the county assessor said Wednesday. That number probably increased by the end of the appeal deadline Thursday as property owners battled the clock. Last month, in an interview with The Gazette, the assessor predicted the county would see around 10,000 appeals. Blowing past that level, which was last seen in 2009 during the Great Recession, the number of appeals headed toward 1980s records when more than 35,000 objections were submitted during an appeal period, Flutcher said. He attributed property owners' ardent reactions to sticker shock following a stretch of pricey sales during the 18-month statewide valuation period of Jan. 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. The value of an average single-family home rose 44% in El Paso County from the last time the office updated property values in 2021, a process that happens every two years in Colorado, The Gazette reported in an article last month. For homeowners such as Susan Beiner, a schoolteacher who lives in Black Forest with her husband on a 5-acre plot with a house and a barn, her property value increased $369,000. I know that Colorado Springs is booming, Beiner said. But ... for my property to go up $300,000 in a year and half or two years just didnt make sense to me. Beiner appealed the value, and saw it drop by $215,000. Quite honestly, (I was) relieved, Beiner said. Many real estate agents will offer free assistance when it comes to figuring out if and how to appeal property value estimates. Virnisha Pastore with The Cutting Edge Realtors, an agency in Colorado Springs, was one of those real estate agents. 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 awe of high home values, Pastore was frustrated with the system of appraisals and assisted hundreds of homeowners through the appeal process. Im doing this from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep, Pastore said ahead of the June 8 deadline. Despite the high volume of appeals, Flucher said the county was on track to see a typical 40% to 50% of appealed valuations adjusted. Ryan OMea, a homeowner in Meridian Ranch, a development in Falcon, was among the 50% to 60% of appeals that the assessors office did not adjust. OMea said his house was valued during the previous cycle of property valuations at $422,000. During the most recent assessment period, his home was upgraded to $635,000. Its a huge shock, OMea said, adding later. Id love to sell it for that much to them right now. OMea, still in disagreement with the value, scheduled a hearing with the Board of Equalization, the next step property owners can take if they disagree with the adjusted value after an initial appeal. During the hearing, the office and property owner each have 15 minutes to present their arguments and evidence, and a written decision is mailed within five business days. Property owners can continue to dispute the value with Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals and beyond. For more information, visit the assessor's website at assessor.elpasoco.com/. You are the owner of this article. Local housing growth caps will soon be banned in the state of Colorado after Gov. Jared Polis signed a new law on Wednesday. Beginning in August, House Bill 1255 prohibits local laws that limit annual housing construction or residential permits, and erases those that currently exist in several cities in Colorado, such as Boulder, Golden and Lakewood. The new law is state policymakers' most recent effort to tackle Colorado's affordable housing issue, intended to increase housing stock in growth-capped cities. The law doesn't force local governments to approve specific housing developments, but they will no longer be able to reject a proposal due to a growth cap. Colorado is facing a housing crisis, and we must all work together to create more housing opportunities for every Colorado budget, not limit them, Polis said. I am particularly pleased that the local housing growth restrictions bill, an important part of our more housing now goals, is now the law of Colorado. HB 1255 was part of the governor's affordable housing package, introduced alongside his sweeping land use bill, Senate Bill 213, which failed to pass the Legislature. Only a handful of municipalities throughout the state have growth caps. For example, Boulder, Golden and Lakewood, all only allow housing stock to expand by 1% each year. Critics of the bill argued it violates local control and won't necessarily result in more affordable housing, as there is no requirement that the new housing built must be affordable. Municipalities that use growth caps also said they can help preserve a community's character and stay within the limits of their infrastructure. 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. Proponents said growth caps have a broad effect on surrounding cities and the state at large. When residents of growth-capped cities are forced to live in neighboring districts, they said, it can overwhelm enrollment in the neighboring schools, increase the use of vehicles for work commutes, and force them to build more housing to accommodate for rapidly rising populations. By getting rid of limits on how many homes can be built, well increase our housing supply, lower costs for families, and help more Coloradans find a place to live they can afford, said bill sponsor Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial. This will help Coloradans live closer to their jobs, schools, and loved ones while improving our air quality and our environment." Under the new law, municipalities can temporarily enforce growth caps for up to 24 months if there is a declared disaster emergency, such as a wildfire, to change land-use laws or to address insufficient public infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment. On Wednesday, Polis also signed bills to cap pet fees for renters, allow remote participation in eviction court proceedings, and create a tax credit for employers who help employees purchase a home. Other housing laws signed this year include requiring mediation before eviction for tenants on government aid, limiting tenant income requirements and security deposits, restricting leases from waiving tenant rights and allowing the reuse of rental applications without extra fees. However, most of the major housing legislation failed to come to fruition, such as House Bill 1115 to let local governments enact rent control, and House Bill 1171 to ban evictions and lease terminations without "just cause" in addition to the failure of SB 213. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. De ce au sunat sirenele pompierilor in municipiul Buzau Un incendiu a cuprins, astazi, un lan de grau din localitatea buzoiana Sarata, comuna Ulmeni. Pompierii sunt la fata locului si lupta cu flacarile. Astazi, in jurul orei 13:30, un apel la 112 anunta producerea unui incendiu de vegetatie la un lan de grau din Sarata. Flacarile inghiteau [citeste mai departe] As you gaze over at Budas historic skyline from the embankment on the Pest side, soaring high above rises the Gothic spire of Matthias Church, Matyas templom to Hungarians. Also known as the Church of the Assumption of Buda Castle, this distinctive landmark dates back to the time of Hungarys first king, St Stephen, at the start of the previous millennium. What is Matthias Church? Complemented by the gingerbread-pattered roof of signature Zsolnay tiling, the church is a great national symbol, on a par with Parliament, the Basilica and the Chain Bridge. Named after the revered Renaissance king Matthias Corvinus, who ruled over Hungary and Croatia in the second half of the 1400s, the church has witnessed seminal moments in Hungarian history, from the Ottoman invasion to World War II and beyond, not to mention the coronations and royal weddings that took place here. Destroyed by the Mongols in 1241, the church was rebuilt by King Bela IV later that century, significantly augmented and embellished by Matthias Corvinus in the 1400s, before being transformed into a mosque by the Ottomans. The subsequent Habsburg takeover saw everything in the then separate city of Buda be built in Baroque style, including this church. Matthias Church owes its current look to the painstaking work of architect Frigyes Schulek in the later part of the 1800s. When was Matthias Church built and by whom? The short answer is between 1874 and 1896, by Frigyes Schulek. While the original building went through several transformations, the one conceived by this Budapest-born architect, still in his early thirties when entrusted with this project by Emperor Franz Joseph I, is the most significant. Schulek delved into the medieval records to find the original Gothic plans upon which he based his design. Not only that, but he and his team discovered significant architectural features that had been buried under centuries of history and conflict. Like Miklos Ybl who was working on the Basilica around the same time both aiming for a completion date of 1896 to mark the Hungarian millennium Schulek brought in renowned artists Bertalan Szekely and Karoly Lotz to create the figurative murals within. Where is Matthias Church? Matthias Church towers over Szentharomsag ter, Holy Trinity Square, that centrepieces the historic Castle Quarter, Varnegyed. This is deep in tourist central, with groups being guided round in many languages, and clip-clopping horses pulling carriages along cobbled streets. From here the views over the Danube and Pest beyond are spectacular. Access is by Funicular from Clark Adam ter or the little 16 bus that sets off from focal Deak Ferenc ter and pootles up Castle Hill via Clark Adam ter. Alternatively, you can walk up via the stairs and walkways that zigzag around the Funicular. What else should I know about Matthias Church? The last Habsburg coronation took place at Matthias Church in 1916, of Karl I and his wife, Zita of Bourbon-Parma, during World War I. Half a century before, his great uncle, Emperor Franz Joseph, was crowned here as Hungarian king after the Compromise of 1867 that granted Hungary a certain autonomy as a partner in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Franz Liszt wrote the Coronation Mass for the occasion, performed here for the first time. Of the many prestigious weddings to have taken place here, perhaps the most significant was that of Matthias Corvinus, his second, to Beatrice of Naples in 1476. His royal court duly welcomed artists and architects from Italy, and Buda came under Italian influence at the height of the Renaissance. More recently, as part of the churchs complete remodelling under Frigyes Schulek in the later 1800s, Zsolnay tiling was used for the roof. This chimed with the times, as its bright colours also embellish other key architectural landmarks in the Budapest, such as the Museum of Applied Arts. The unique properties of the tiling glaze, as developed by the Zsolnay factory in Pecs, protects the surface from the effects of rain and snow. To sum up, why visit Matthias Church? Matthias Church is not only a stunning architectural masterpiece but also a national landmark steeped in European history. Stepping inside reveals a stunning interior adorned with vibrant frescoes, stained-glass windows and a majestic altar. The Matthias Church organ, with its melodious tones, adds to the ethereal atmosphere, and concerts here are a particularly memorable experience. You can also scale the 197 steps of the Matyas Tower for incredible views and take a guided tour in English. Words by Peterjon Cresswell Peterjon has been researching the byways of Budapest for 30 years, extending his expertise across Europe to produce guidebooks for Time Out and his own website liberoguide.com The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday announced that it has decided to cancel the pending challans on vehicles from the year 2017 to 2021. The cancellation of challans will be applied regardless of the vehicle type for the owners in Uttar Pradesh. "The cancellation applies to all challans issued between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, regardless of the vehicle type. This includes cases that are currently pending in various courts," the official statement said. In this regard, Transport Commissioner Chandra Bhushan Singh has instructed all divisional transport officers to withdraw these challans from the portal once they receive the court's list of abated cases. Also read: Upcoming SUVs Launching In India Under Rs 20 Lakh: Honda Elevate And More cre Trending Stories Transport Commissioner Singh said, "This cancellation of old pending challans is in accordance with Uttar Pradesh Ordinance No. 2 of June 2023. This move paves the way for the waiver of crores of challans across Uttar Pradesh." "Following the cancellation of old pending challans, the drivers should not panic after this period. They can fill online traffic challans while sitting at home. Detailed information can be obtained by visiting the official website of UP Traffic Police, and for this, only the vehicle number is required," he added. He also mentioned that drivers can file a complaint if they believe that a wrong challan has been issued to them. "Moreover, if drivers believe that a wrong challan has been issued, they can also file a complaint directly on the website. A mobile notification is also sent when a vehicle's challan is deducted, ensuring prompt communication," he said. The SUVs in the Indian market are gaining increasing attention from Indian consumers. The reason we say this is because the number of SUVs in the list of the top 10 best-selling cars in India in monthly sales keeps on increasing. To cater to this demand and simultaneously benefit from it, OEMs in India are constantly working towards launching new models with attractive propositions. These new models mostly target the mid-size and compact SUV segments at a reasonable price. So keeping the segment in mind, here we have listed the upcoming SUVs in India launching with a price tag under Rs 20 lakh. Honda Elevate Honda Elevate made its global debut in India. The new SUV opens the doors of a new SUV-first plan of the Japanese automaker in India. Furthermore, the new model will be the first of 4 more SUVs the company plans on launching in the domestic market. The company plans to launch the new SUV soon with a 1.5L NA petrol engine, with the options of a 6-speed MT and a CVT. cre Trending Stories Also read: Bollywood Couple Anushka Ranjan, Aditya Seal Buy New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Worth Rs 75 Lakh Honda Elevate EV While unveiling the Elevate SUV, the Japanese automaker also promised to launch an all-electric version of the car in the Indian market. The OEM announced that the new electric SUV will be launched in the Indian market within 3 years. However, they refrained from revealing any further details about the EV. Hyundai Creta Facelift The Hyundai Creta SUV awaits a facelift in the face of increasing competition. The South Korean automaker plans to launch the SUV with fresh styling and a few mechanical changes to deal with the new contenders entering the mid-size SUV market. If rumors are to be believed, the automaker might even bring an N-Line version of the mid-size SUV to India. Kia Seltos Facelift Kia Seltos is one of the most popular SUVs of the South Korean automaker in India. However, the SUV hasn't received any major updates in a while. Changing that, the automaker plans on launching a new facelift version of the SUV. This new version is expected to have styling and mechanical changes. Furthermore, the feature list of the car might get refreshed. Mahindra Thar 5-door Indians recently witnessed the launch of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door version. The launch of the lifestyle off-roader can increase problems for the ongoing 3-door version of the Mahindra Thar. To resolve the issue, the Indian automaker has been working on a 5-door version of the Mahindra Thar to be launched in India soon. The car can expect to have a longer wheelbase updated feature list with the same engines as in the ongoing SUV. New Delhi: Ridhi Dogra is a talented actor who has shown her versatility both in films and OTT series. She gained a lot of appreciation earlier this year for her outstanding performance in the movie Lakdabaggha. Riddhi was recently seen in the sequel to her much-awaited show 'Asur 2' where her turn as Nusrat Saeed was praised by the masses and the critics alike. As the actor continues to bask in the love and appreciation she is receiving for her performance in Asur 2, she has already into her next release. She is seen playing Liz in Badtameez Dil. The romantic drama sees her paired with her 'Asur' co-star Barun Sobti. Taking to her social media, Ridhi posted a series of cute pictures from the show Badtameez Dil and called the character of Liz as one of her favourites. Sharing the pictures, the actress captioned, "I love Liz Hope you love her too! Liz and her world is yours now. #badtameezdilonamazonminitv all episodes out now @amazonminitv @hereishowweding @altt.in Waiting to read all your feedback" This year is going to be an exciting one for Ridhi as she has an interesting line-up of big movies including Tiger 3 and Jawan. Twenty Years Ago: The victory party at City Park had started even before the Denver election polls had officially closed to support what political pundits were calling anyones candidate, a man new to politics but no stranger in the city with a funny last name. The new Denver mayor-elect a short but sweet new title that, when announced from stage, instantly activated a charged crowd would be a candidate who had received multi-tiered support throughout Denver's diverse communities. That new mayor was John Hickenlooper. The Denver businessman had skillfully attracted votes from both Democrats and Republicans alike, from both business and labor, whites and minorities. Refreshingly to many political insiders, the six months of vigorous campaigning between Hickenlooper and longtime politico Don Mares had featured none of the acrimony of the previous congressional and senate races; rather it had been comprised of spirited debate focused squarely on the issues. Hickenlooper began his victory night speech by thanking the city of Denver for their support. Hundreds of people have given their time and treasures for change, Hickenlooper said. Today we dont fear change; we embrace it. We dont fear diversity; we honor it. We dont yearn for yesterday; we anticipate and relish tomorrow. Hickenlooper heaped thanks not only his supporters but the seven incredible candidates who, he said, had raised the race to a higher level. To Don Mares I say thank you. You ran a strong campaign, and I am proud to share this campaign with you. Don Mares and I proved that you could run a positive campaign without negative attack ads. Hickenlooper, after much raucous applause, quoted Galileo Copernicus saying that he could see farther than others because he was standing on the shoulders of giants as he introduced outgoing Denver Mayor Wellington Webb onto the stage. Weird things happen in Denver, Webb said. You guys decided to elect some guy named Pena, then some guy walking around this city named Webb, and now youve elected the Brew Man Hickenlooper. I will work with you and your staff and give you the tools to leave behind because on July 21 you are the new leader. 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. Thirty Years Ago This Week: Recovering from a severe viral infection at University Hospital, state Sen. Ray Powers, R-Colorado Springs, discovered that the medical predicament he found himself in had set off a political scramble in the within the El Paso County GOP. Rep. Tom Ratterree, R-Colorado Springs, had visited Powers in the hospital to pass along information that Rep. Ron May, R-Colorado Springs, was eyeing his seat. The rumor had originated from reports that both May and Senate District 10 Chairman Phil Conway had called El Paso County Republican Party headquarters inquiring about Powerss condition and had said they were researching bylaws in case the seat was vacated. But when contacted by reporters, both May and Conway vehemently denied any involvement or cooperation in an alleged effort to undercut Powers or benefit from his medical crisis, except Conway did admit that he had called the El Paso County Republican Party headquarters, but just to asked whether theyd been getting a lot of inquiries about Powerss condition. The staffer told me that I cant tell you any of the details about those calls; its an in-house problem. And that reply told me all I needed to know, Conway said. Conway told The Colorado Statesman that hed concluded that interested persons had called the county party headquarters to find out how to convene the vacancy committee and conceivably replace Powers, who at the time was critically ill, instead of talking directly with me. The anonymous persons, Conway said, were coming through the back door in order to keep May from taking Powerss seat and making El Paso County into another arena for a Republican Party dogfight. Itd be logical that May would think about Powerss seat, Conway said. Hes the only one with any experience in the senate district. The callers saw a good opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Whoever they were calling for wanted to make sure they were on the inside. Why else would they talk about the vacancy committee? Rachael Wright is the author of the Captain Savva Mystery series, with degrees in Political Science and History from Colorado Mesa University, and is a contributing writer to Colorado Politics and The Gazette. PATAN: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused Rahul Gandhi of criticising India and discussing its internal politics during his visits to foreign countries, and said the Congress leader should learn from his ancestors. Shah said it does not suit any leader to criticise one's own country abroad, and asked Gandhi to keep in mind that people of the country were watching him. He was referring to Gandhi's criticism of the Narendra Modi government during his recent tour of the USA. "Any patriotic person should discuss Indian politics within India. It does not suit the leader of any party to go abroad and discuss the country's politics and criticise the country. Rahul baba, you must remember that people of the country are watching it closely," Shah said. "Rahul baba is going abroad on a vacation to escape the summer heat. He keeps criticising the country there. I would like to suggest Rahul Gandhi to learn from his ancestors," he said. Shah was addressing a rally at Siddhpur town in Patan district of Gujarat organised to mark nine years of the Modi government. The country has witnessed huge changes under the Modi government, but Congress does not stop talking about anti-India things, he said. Shah also attacked Gandhi over its criticism of the new Parliament building. cre Trending Stories "You opposed the new Parliament building and installation of 'Sengol', a historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu, there. The Sengol was to be installed by Jawaharlal Nehru. Modi is doing it because he (Nehru) did not do it, then why are you opposing?" he asked. Congress leaders do not allow PM Modi to speak in Parliament and only keep opposing everything, Shah alleged, and added that the PM has started a new tradition of doing "politics of development". Shah also attacked Gandhi over the issues of Ram temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370. Lord Ram's temple at Ayodhya was desecrated since the time of Babar (founder of the Mughal empire), he said. "But today, a grand temple of Lord Ram is under construction and it will be completed shortly," he said. Praising PM Modi, Shah said the government worked towards improving the lives of Dalits, poor and tribals and made them capable. "It was under the leadership of PM Modi that a tribal woman became the President of the country for the first time," he said. Whether improving the economic condition or connecting the country digitally, implementing projects of social welfare, COVID-19 vaccination or infrastructure, India has become a centre of hope in the world, he said. Referring to former PM Manmohan Singh and ex-Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Shah said, "Comparing 10 years of Manmohan-Sonia to 10 years of Modi, one will find that the 10 years of the Congress-led government were marked by corruption, mismanagement, economic downfall, terrorism and poor law and order situation." The 10 years of the Modi government have been that of capable and safe digital India walking the path of social welfare, he said. Shah urged the people of Gujarat to vote for the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) to ensure that it wins all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat in the 2024 election. "Narendrabhai started a new era of development in the country from Gujarat. The publicity of all-round development witnessed in Gujarat from 2002 till 2014 in terms of 24-hours electricity, water, check dam, farm, and girl education helped Modi become the prime minister and the 'Gujarat model' turned into the 'India model'," he said. Shah urged people to get united and decide whether they want Modi or Gandhi as their prime minister in 2024. "Wherever I go, I see support for Modi. I request the people of Gujarat that they should ensure that all 26 seats in the state are won by the BJP for the third time," he said. New Delhi: Countering the charge that his party was now adopting the "soft Hindutva" approach, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday that his party had been "very soft" and needed to take the hard stance. He made the remark while addressing a two-day training camp for party workers. "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has coined a word. They (BJP) are saying that it seems we too are going on the path of soft Hindutva. There is no need to panic. We has been very soft and the need now is to become hard," Yadav told his party workers. His remark assumes significance as it came a day after SP general secretary Ramgopal Yadav termed the training camp a crucial step for "destroying the demons", adding "the BJP is no less than a demon". About 5,000 party workers attended the camp in Naimisharanya in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh which was addressed by senior leaders. The SP president hit out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his claim that "only four out of 100 are unemployed" in the state. "He says whatever his officers tell him," Yadav said, criticising Adityanath. He also targeted the chief minister over police encounters, saying these were "fake". cre Trending Stories Alson Read: Akhilesh Yadav Threatens Of State-Wide Stir Over Cut In OBC Reservation In UP On the issue of caste census, Yadav said that if the government wants it can completes such an exercise within a few months using technology. "Whenever we get a chance to form government, we will get the caste census done. Social justice will be achieved only when the caste census is done," he said. Also Read: Akhilesh Backs Mamata Banerjee's Assertion Of Support To Congress Where It's Strong Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Samajwadi Party has been holding training camps for its workers on booth management and other important aspects of electioneering. The first training camp was held in Lakhimpur Kheri on June 5, followed by the one in Sitapur. The two districts are known for their Hindu religious sites -- Devkali and Naimisharanya Dham. Los Angeles: After 'The Crowded Room', actor Tom Holland's fans have to wait a little longer to see him next on the screen. In an interview with Extra, Holland announced that he is taking the next year off from acting following the strenuous production of his new Apple TV+ crime thriller 'The Crowded Room', Variety reported. "It was a tough time, for sure," Holland told Extra about the show's production. "We were exploring certain emotions that I have definitely never experienced before. And then on top of that, being a producer, dealing with the day-to-day problems that come with any film set, just added that extra level of pressure." Holland said he "loved the learning curve of becoming a producer," but juggling two roles on one production while playing a character in a severe mental health state pushed him past his breaking point. cre Trending Stories "I'm no stranger to hard work," Holland said. "I've lived by the idea that hard work is good work. Then again, the show did break me. There did come a time where I needed a break and disappeared and went to Mexico for a week and had time on a beach and laid low. I'm now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was. I am excited to see how it turns out. I feel like our hard work wasn't in vain." Holland stars in 'The Crowded Room' opposite Amanda Seyfried, Sasha Lane, Will Chase, Lior Raz, Laila Robins, Christopher Abbott and Henry Eikenberry. MIAMI: The federal indictment against Donald Trump accuses the former president of illegally hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate after leaving the White House in 2021, and then scheming and lying to thwart government efforts to recover them. Justice Department prosecutors brought 37 felony counts against Trump in the indictment, relying upon photographs from Mar-a-Lago, surveillance video, text messages between staffers, Trump's own words, those of his lawyers, and other evidence. An aide to Trump, Walt Nauta, was charged as a co-conspirator with six felony counts. Trump says he is innocent and has decried the criminal case, the second indictment against him in a matter of months, as an attempt by his political opponents to hinder his 2024 campaign. He is expected to make his first court appearance on Tuesday in Miami. Here are key takeaways from the indictment unsealed Friday: What are the 37 charges? cre Trending Stories Trump faces 37 felony counts, including 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act. Other charges include: conspiracy to obstruct justice; corruptly concealing a document or record; concealing a document in a federal investigation; and making false statements. Each of the willful retention counts pertains to a specific classified document found at Mar-A-Lago marked 'SECRET' or 'TOP SECRET'." Topics addressed in the documents include details about US nuclear weapons, the nuclear capabilities of a foreign country and the military activities or capabilities of other countries. The conspiracy charges deal with Trump's alleged attempts to hide documents from his lawyer or federal investigators. The false statement charges stem from Trump causing his lawyer to tell the FBI that no more classified documents were at Mar-a-Lago ' but then the FBI later found more than 100 documents during an August 2022 search. The most serious charges carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years each. But judges have discretion and, if convicted, first-time offenders rarely get anywhere near the maximum sentence. Being a former president would also likely be a major consideration in any sentencing. What is the alleged conspiracy to obstruct justice? The indictment accuses Trump and Nauta of conspiring to hide the secret documents from the grand jury, which in May 2022 issued a subpoena for him to turn them over. The conspiracy allegation included a suggestion from Trump that has lawyer falsely tell investigators that the former president didn't have any more classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. It also involved moving boxes to hide the secret documents from Trump's lawyer, and suggesting that Trump's lawyer hide or destroy documents that investigators were seeking. The indictment says that, at Trump's direction, Nauta moved about 64 boxes of documents from a Mar-a-Lago storage room to the former president's residence in May 2022. He then returned 'approximately 30 boxes' to the storage room on June 2, the same day Trump's legal team came to examine the boxes and search for classified documents to return to the government, the indictment says. Nauta had a brief phone call with Trump before returning those boxes, the indictment says. Neither Trump nor Nauta told the former president's lawyers that Nauta had moved any of the storage room contents, the indictment says. Is Trump accused of sharing classified information? The indictment alleges that Trump showed classified documents to people who didn't have security clearances on two occasions. The court papers detail a meeting Trump had in July 2021 with a writer and publisher about an upcoming book. Trump told the pair "look what I found" and showed them what he described as a senior military official's "plan of attack," according to an audio recording of that conversation obtained by investigators. Trump acknowledged during that meeting that the document was 'highly confidential' and 'secret information'," the indictment says. He also says that he could have declassified the document if he was still president. "Now I can't, you know, but this is still a secret," he said, according to the indictment. A few months later, Trump showed a representative of his political action committee a classified map of a foreign country while discussing a military operation in the country that was not going well, the indictment says. Trump acknowledged that he shouldn't be showing the map to the person and told him not to get too close, prosecutors allege. What evidence do prosecutors have? In addition to the audio recording, prosecutors also relied upon text messages between Trump employees, photos of boxes of documents stored in various rooms throughout Mar-a-Lago and details about conversations between Trump and his lawyers that were memorialized by one of them. In one conversation with his lawyers, Trump said: "I don't want anybody looking through my boxes." Trump also asked one of his lawyers if it would be better 'if we just told them we don't have anything here,' the indictment says. Photographs in the indictment show boxes stacked on a stage in a ballroom as well as in a bathroom. Another shows boxes that spilled over in a storage room, including a document marked 'SECRET/REL TO USA, FVEY,' which means information releasable only to members of the 'Five Eyes' intelligence alliance of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Where will the case be heard? While Trump's first court appearance on Tuesday is expected to be in front of a magistrate judge in Miami, the case was filed in West Palm Beach, about 70 miles to the north. The case was assigned to Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, who issued rulings favourable to him last year and expressed repeated skepticism of Justice Department positions. Cannon was broadly criticised last year for granting the Trump legal team's request for a special master to conduct an independent review of the hundreds of classified documents seized from his Florida property last year. The move, which temporarily halted core aspects of the Justice Department's investigative work, was overturned months later by a three-judge panel of a federal appeals court. New Delhi: Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff is gearing up for his upcoming two major releases this year. Ever since the announcement video of the action film Ganapath 1 featuring him in the most rugged and raw avatar has been released fans want to know more about it. So Tiger shared an update about the film with his fans on Saturday. Taking to his social media, he shared: Been seeing a lot of your messages for no updates on ganpath...all i can say is that i promise it will be worth your wait. we've all been through hell and back in this journey but almost there love. cre Trending Stories Jackky Bhagnanis Ganapath Part 1 has been eagerly awaited by the trade and audience ever since its announcement. With a penchant if massy entertainers, the new age producer is all set to enthrall audiences with his action multiverse 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' and film 'Ganapath'. Meanwhile, on the work front, apart from Ganapath, Tiger Shroff will also be seen in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan with Akshay Kumar. The Central Selection Board of Constable (CSBC) is set to start the online application process for the recruitment of constables in the Bihar Police, Bihar Special Armed Police, and other units. A total of 21,391 vacancies have been announced for these positions. Starting from June 20, interested candidates can access the application forms on the official CSBC website https://www.csbc.bih.nic.in/. The pay scale for the job is Level 3, encompassing a monthly salary ranging from Rs. 21,700 to Rs. 69,100. There are 8,556 vacancies available for general category candidates, while SC and ST candidates have 3,400 and 228 seats, respectively. To know more about vacancies, visit the CSBC website and read the notification released for the same. cre Trending Stories CSBC Recruitment Drive: Steps To Apply Step 1: Head to the official CSBC website https://www.csbc.bih.nic.in/ Step 2: On the homepage, click on the recruitment link for the constables Step 3: Register by submitting your basic contact details Step 4: Open the online application portal required for the job Step 5: Fill the registration form by entering the requested details Step 6: Upload the documents Step 7: Pay the application fee, if required Step 8: Submit and download the application form To be eligible for recruitment, candidates must have successfully completed either Class 10 or 12. The age range for interested applicants is between 18 and 35 years. Male candidates are required to meet specific physical measurement criteria, with a minimum height of 165 cm for general candidates and 160 cm for SC/ST candidates. Similarly, female candidates across all categories should have a height of 155 cm. To know more about the physical eligibility required for the vacancy, candidates are requested to read the information brochure released by CSBC on their official website. The selection procedure will consist of a Written examination which will be followed by Physical Measurement Test (PMT) and Medical Test. The marks obtained in the written examination will not be considered for the merit list. To qualify for the PMT stage, candidates need to score a minimum of 30 percent marks of the total score in the written examination. New Delhi: Sharad Pawar on Saturday declared Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as the working presidents of the Nationalist Congress Party. He made this declaration at the partys 25th anniversary, which was founded by him and P A Sangma in 1999. Ajit Pawar, a key player in NCP, was present at the occasion. Pawar had offered to step down from the partys presidency last month, which was met with strong protests from the party members and other political leaders. A panel of NCP formed to discuss Pawars offer had rejected his resignation on May 5 and asked him to continue as the party president. Sharad Pawar had on May 2nd announced his resignation from the party president's post. While addressing a press conference, Pawar informed about the decision and said, "Because of your love and respect I am taking back my decision to step down as party chief." "I can't disrespect your sentiments. Due to your love, I am respecting the demand that was made to me to withdraw my resignation and the resolution that was passed by senior NCP leaders. I withdraw my decision to step down as the national president of Nationalist Congress Party," said Pawar. cre Trending Stories "After my 63 years of public life, I felt I was relieved from my post, but after this, there was a strong reaction from the workers of NCP, the public living with me along with numerous workers and office bearers, expressed sadness over this decision and urged me to reconsider," he added further. "Rohit Chintak, my workers who love me, innumerable well-wishers, all of them unanimously called me, my party colleagues from all over the country and especially from Maharashtra and others urged me to take over the responsibility of the post of president again," said Pawar further. When asked about the absence of Ajit Pawar at the press conference where he withdrew his resignation he said, "Others are here. Committee took this decision and after their decision, I took my decision back. All are united and discussed this. Senior leaders are there in the committee." Satyajit and Ajinka Hange climbed the corporate ladder after completing their MBAs from Pune University by working with premier MNCs for almost ten years. But there was always a strange feeling. Gradually, stuff seemed off somehow. They came to understand that they could only ever be completely content when they were in their 100-year-old wada in the Bhodani village of Indapur Taluka. They decided to launch Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF) after growing weary of their corporate employment. They got harsh criticism for their choice. But they had a rigid set of beliefs. The Hange brothers began farming on a small plot of land and now operate a 21-acre organic farm with an annual revenue of Rs 12 crore. They use conventional farming techniques and cow dung as manure. TBOF: The Beginning Two Brothers Organic Farm (TBOF) was founded in 2014 by Satyajit Hange (42), and Ajinkya Hange (39), who both left their positions as bankers to pursue their own organic farms. The brothers were kept away from farming from a young age, despite hailing from a farming family. The two brothers attended school in Pune from kindergarten through graduation, and they also had jobs there for a while. Before deciding that farming was their vocation, they spent the next seven to eight years traveling through India's major towns. cre Trending Stories Early Challenges The brothers discovered that the farms' output had substantially decreased from their fellow farm laborers. Prior to beginning, they were aware that the majority of farms produced less due to declining soil fertility and inorganic agricultural practices. Additionally, both the amount of active labours and the availability of water are declining. They were aware of organic farming, but few others in their area were actually doing it. They began meeting farmers who were practicing unconventional farming all over India. In a few isolated areas around the nation, organic farming was conducted, but not in a way that was profitable. They stopped using chemical fertilizers the day they learned about their negative impacts. Use Of Traditional Manures Two brothers resumed using cow dung as fertilizer for their plants. The soil is given the micro- and macronutrients it needs through the use of traditional manures like cow dung. To increase fertility, they mulched their farms with organic waste. While poly-cropping helps boost soil fertility, soil particle size, water retention capacity, and eventually farm biodiversity, mono-cropping causes the depletion of one specific nutrient. As they began experimenting with poly-cropping, now their farm has a food forest with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and 25 to 30 different plant species, some of which are medicinal. Experiment With Papaya One of their initial experiments was with papaya. Even though it didn't have a particularly attractive exterior, it tasted good. Markets, on the other hand, disapproved of their prices because they were based on the fruit's appearance. Then they started building their brand TBOF and took their produce to markets and shopping centers, and they also entered the online realm. After four years of trial and error, the brothers created a model using local seeds, their own fertilizers, and insecticides, which significantly reduced their agricultural expenditures. Their true market prices were three to four times greater than those on the local market for the caliber of their produce. They succeeded in raising market awareness of the value of organic produce through a variety of community and nonprofit programs, which had an impact on their local farmers. Also Read: How A Trip To Bali Changed The Lives Of This Engineer Couple? Earning Rs 18 Lakh Per Month After Giving Up High-Paying Jobs Final Success Story Gradually, TBOF received a large number of visitors and farmers from 14 different nations, as well as from all around India. Travelers, farmers, media professionals, and bankers from the USA, France, Germany, and Australia are among them. Additionally, the Maharashtra government invited farmers from all around the nation to learn more about their agricultural methods. More than 25,000 farmers have received organic agricultural training from Satyajit and Ajinkya during the past six to seven years. To evaluate and advise them on how to improve their produce, the two even go to their farms. The brothers have also joined hands with local farmers to help them convert their farms to organic practices and market their produce. Currently, the duo sell a variety of organic goods, including laddoos, gulkand, chyawanprash, ghee, peanut butter, groundnut oil, traditional wheat flour, jowar varieties, and nutritionally-rich rice and pulses. No third party exists. Everything is available for purchase online, and orders are shipped out within four to five days of being placed. Their yearly revenue in 2016 was Rs. 2 lakh. However, they currently have an annual turnover of roughly Rs. 12 crore. Everyone in the supply chain is now a stakeholder after Team TBOF recently gave stocks worth around Rs 3.6 crore to all of its employees, from the cowherder to the chauffeur. On the same day the Black Forest fire began cutting a deadly swath through 15,000 acres and more than 500 structures, another, smaller blaze destroyed one of southern Colorados most popular tourist attractions. The Black Forest fire was bigger, there were deaths, and lots of homes were destroyed, so it received more national attention, said Brett Hargrave, general manager of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Ours was more like a blip on CNN. But a lot of people were affected by it. The Royal Gorge fire scorched more than 3,200 acres, and while no homes were destroyed, the damage to the park was nothing short of catastrophic, officials said. When the fire was out, and the smoke had mostly cleared, only four of the parks 52 structures were left standing. Ten years have elapsed since the blaze, but Peggy Gair, the parks human resources director, remembers like it was yesterday right down to the warm, breezy weather conditions. It was a memorable day, so it sticks in my mind, Gair said. Around 1 p.m. on June 11, 2013, a wildfire was reported on the south side of the Royal Gorge Bridge. Soon after that, Gair and other park employees were advised to get ready to evacuate. We were starting to pack our desks and get ready to leave, she said. Then we heard someone on our radios saying, It jumped the gorge! It jumped the gorge! Firefighters showed up and told the employees there was no time to pack. It was time to leave. Park rangers and fire crews evacuated more than 1,000 visitors and about 200 staff members without any serious injuries, officials said. But they were forced to leave behind about 60 head of elk, buffalo, horses and bighorn sheep. I could hardly sleep that night, thinking about the animals, Gair remembers. But a couple of days later, we were told that they were all OK. (The animals) all survived, Hargrave said. I was shocked when I learned that. The fire burned about 360 acres of land within the park itself, but those numbers dont begin to tell the tale, Gair said. Park officials werent allowed to go back to the park for about two days. When it was finally safe to return, the place looked like a dystopian wasteland, according to Hargrave. The visitors center was now a pile of ashes and molten, twisted metal. Other structures had been reduced to formless masses of smoldering debris. The building that housed the aerial tram, and the gondola inside, was destroyed. The cable connecting the two tram stations had fallen into the gorge. Total destruction, Hargrave said. Everything was gone. It looked like a war zone. 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. One of our park rangers said it looked like a bomb had gone off, Gair said. It didnt take long for insurance adjusters to confirm what Gair and Hargrave already knew: The Park was a complete loss. Normally, it takes a while for insurance adjusters to investigate the damage and make a determination, Hargrave said. When I walked them through the park, it took them about 30 seconds (to declare the park a total loss). The bridge suffered minimal structural damage, and only a few planks had to be replaced. The Plaza theater and the Sky Coaster were also intact. But almost everything else would need to be rebuilt. We started thinking about a rebuild right away, Hargrave said. We knew we had to move fast. The park is a central part of the areas tourism industry, but its more than that to the people of Canon City and surrounding areas, residents said. Its a part of the culture, and a rebuild would go a long way toward restoring morale. It was important to the city, of course, Hargrave said. But this place is also important to the people who live and work here. It took a concerted, 14-month effort between the park and the city to refurbish the park. By the 2014 Labor Day weekend, the park was again open for business. Reconstruction was still going on, even as the park reopened, Gair said. But people were eager to come back. With the exception of the Sky Coaster, the bridge and the theater, all the structures have been renewed or replaced, and the park is back to welcoming 350,000 to 400,000 guests per year, officials said. According to Hargrave, the newer structures and rides operate more efficiently and require less maintenance than the older ones. (The fire) was the worst thing that could have happened to the park, Hargrave said. But in some ways, it was also one of the best. In 2014, the Canon City Police Department said the fire was human-caused but had no other details. DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday demanded that BJP leader and Union Minister Amit Shah release a list of special schemes implemented for Tamil Nadu in the past nine years by the saffron party-led Central government. Referring to Shah's visit to the State on June 11 as part of preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Stalin asked whether the Union Home Minister was ready to spell out the schemes for Tamil Nadu. Shah is set to address a public meeting in Vellore and chair party events here. "I am asking this question," Stalin said addressing a meet of party functionaries here and listed the special initiatives implemented during the UPA dispensation (2004-14) in which the DMK was a constituent. "Many special schemes were brought to Tamil Nadu during the Congress-led coalition government at the Centre," he said. The first phase of the Chennai Metro Rail was implemented while 11 per cent of the project spend of the Union government was brought to the State. As many as 69 important schemes were implemented, Tamil was declared a classical language, Central Institute of Classical Tamil was set up, highway projects to the tune of Rs 56,664.21 crore were implemented in TN and the Sethusamudram project was launched, Stalin said. The National Automotive Testing and Research and Development Infrastructure Centre (Project) was set up at Oragadam near Chennai. A Siddha hospital and a maritime varsity in Chennai, a Central University at Tiruvarur were among the several other projects that the Chief Minister mentioned, while pointing out that the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was repealed. "The list will go on and on," Stalin said and wanted Shah to present such a list of special schemes implemented by the BJP-led Centre for Tamil Nadu. "Does he have the ability to give a list; he should list out the schemes tomorrow...He should get the courage and ability to say that this is what they have done for Tamil Nadu. Will he get (courage) it? No." Citing the AIIMS project announced for the State in 2015 by the Centre, he said the proposal was yet to see the light of day. "Why this project cannot be implemented? This is the question of the people of Tamil Nadu. Shah should answer this question. I am expecting it." All that BJP gave for the State was imposition of Hindi and Sanskrit, sidelining of Tamil and 'NEET atrocity', he alleged. The Centre's three farm laws (repealed later) made farmers suffer, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was a threat to people belonging to the minority community and State's rights were usurped, he claimed. "They (Centre) are even denying the funds for the State." cre Trending Stories Referring to installation of 'Sengol' (sceptre) in the new Parliament, he said the 'history' was now well-known, apparently taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He asked if the BJP would seek votes in the name of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam or for (Modi) quoting Tamil classic Tirukkural. Stalin said the BJP was readying to face the LS polls in the State by depending on the AIADMK that has lost every election since the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The AIADMK faced defeat in civic polls even while in power (2016-21) and in the 2021 Assembly election as well, he said. Citing 'claims' that an AIADMK leader may be appointed a 'Union Minister', Stalin said it could even be a ploy to make the AIADMK take responsibility for the BJP's betrayal of TN. The CM underscored that he was not sure whether such claims were true or not. However, it only reminded him of a tale, the crux of which was, though a person wanted to desert the other, it could not be done in view of circumstances. He said the BJP and AIADMK would be defeated in the 'people's court', the 2024 LS polls. He outlined several welfare schemes implemented by the State government including fare-free travel for women in State-run buses and free breakfast for school children. People were very happy with the good governance of the DMK regime. "People say that the governance is superb," he added. The DMK chief urged those party workers who do not have social media accounts to sign up online immediately to strengthen the party's campaign. He reiterated his slogan of 'Nadum Namathey, Narpathum Namathey', which means "the nation is ours, all the 40 LS constituencies (39 in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry) are ours". The LS polls next year and the celebration of the year long (2023-24) birth centenary of former party patriarch M Karunanidhi were very important goals, Stalin further said. New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh's cultural capital and gateway to the tribal-dominated Mahakoshal region, Jabalpur is becoming a key battleground for the upcoming Assembly elections. Both the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party and the opposition Congress are launching their poll campaigns with big promises of freebies from the city. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will release the first installment of Rs 1000 to women under the Ladli Behna Yojna scheme in the city today, which aims to woo the 38 per cent of women voters and reduce the anti-incumbency against his nearly two-decade rule. The scheme is also seen as a crucial strategy by the BJP's central leadership to change peoples' mindset. According to government data, around 1.25 crore women aged between 23 and 60 years will receive their first monthly financial benefit under the scheme. cre Trending Stories Sources say that the state BJP leadership will conduct an internal survey later to assess the impact of the scheme on the anti-incumbency factor. On June 12, Congress national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will start the party`s poll campaign from Jabalpur with a roadshow and public meeting, after performing the Narmada poojan on the river bank. Gateway To The Tribal Dominated Mahakoshal Region Jabalpur`s political importance lies in its location as the Gateway of Mahakoshal region, which is dominated by Gond and Baiga tribes. The region has 38 Assembly seats, including seven in Chhindwara district, which is a stronghold of state Congress chief Kamal Nath. In 2018 Assembly polls, the Congress won 24 seats in Mahakoshal, while the BJP got 13 and one seat went to a Congress rebel. In Chhindwara, all seven seats were won by Kamal Nath`s party in 2018, while in Jabalpur district (where BJP had won six out of eight seats in 2013), both parties won four seats each in 2018. The BJP also faced setbacks in Mahakoshal region in July 2022 mayoral polls. The Congress won Jabalpur (after 18 years) and Chhindwara, while a BJP rebel defeated its official candidate in Katni.The Congress hopes that launching its poll campaign from Jabalpur with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will help it retain Mahakoshal and boost its chances of coming back to power. It will also send a positive signal to another poll-bound state, Chhattisgarh, which shares its border with Mahakoshal region of MP. Former Chief Minister and state Congress chief Kamal Nath said during a visit to Jabalpur a few days ago, We are going to kick start the poll campaign from Jabalpur on June 12. I believe that people of Madhya Pradesh will take the state toward development to secure the future of the new generation. I believe that people will support the Congress in the upcoming Assembly polls. Jabalpur is also significant for the BJP, as it is where party's national president J.P. Nadda and state party chief VD Sharmas in-laws reside. The city is also considered as Sharmas political karmabhoomi` (workplace). NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit the United States for an official state visit from June 21 to 24 at the invitation of US President Joe Biden. Upon his arrival, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India at the White House. While PM Modi has been a frequent traveller to the United States in the past 9 years, none of these were official state visits. So, this visit assumes huge significance since it will be PM Modis first state visit to the United States. PM had last month travelled to Australia, Japan and Papua New Guinea. He went to Hiroshima (Japan) for the G-7 Summit (May 19-21), then to Papua New Guinea for the Pacific Islands leaders summit, and finally to Australia for the Quad Leaders Summit. What's The Objective Of PM Modi's US Visit? cre Trending Stories PM Modi is likely to begin his US visit from New York, where he will lead the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21. He will then head to Washington DC for the state visit. He is also likely to address the Indian diaspora in Chicago. An official announcement made by the Ministry of External Affairs and the White House about the visit said, The visit will underscore the growing importance of the strategic partnership between India and the United States as the two nations collaborate across numerous sectors. The leaders will have the opportunity to review strong bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, including technology, trade, industry, education, research, clean energy, defence, security, healthcare, and deepening people-to-people connections, it said. During the visit, PM Modi and President Biden will also explore ways to strengthen India-US collaboration in plurilateral and multilateral fora, including in the G20. They would reflect on their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and discuss opportunities to expand and consolidate the Quad engagement, read the announcement. PM Modi's visit comes at a time when India has maintained a diplomatic tightrope walk on the Russia-Ukraine War by not choosing a side and offering to mediate for a lasting solution between the two nations caught in a bloody military conflict. Who Was The Last Indian PM To Visit The US On A State Visit? Prior to PM Modi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited the United States from November 23 to 25, 2009 on an official state visit. Though PM Modi has made multiple trips to the US in past years, none of these visits could be categorised as a state visit, which is the highest-ranked visit, according to diplomatic protocol. What Categorises As A State Visit? State visits are visits by a sovereign head of state/government to foreign countries. State visits are, therefore, described as a visit of (name of state) rather than a visit of (name of leader). State visits carry great ceremonial importance and symbolises friendly bilateral relations between the host and the guest states. In the case of the US, state visits can occur only upon the official invitation of the US President, who serves as the head of state. Presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs frequently make state visits. However, other important leaders, including crown princes, vice presidents, and ceremonial heads of state, can make other types of foreign visits. Ceremonial Importance Attached With State Visits State visits, which are usually a few days long, involve various elaborate ceremonies. These include the flight line ceremony, where the visiting head of state is welcomed upon landing, a 21-Gun Salute in the honour of the visiting official guest, playing the national anthems of both countries by a military band, an invitation to stay at the Blair House (the US Presidents guest house), street-lining of flags and an exchange of gifts between the two heads. A state banquet is also held in the honour of state guest by the host state. Who Pays For The State Visit? The host state/nation bears all expenses, including lodging and travelling, of a state visit. Importantly, the US president can host only one head of state once every four years, according to the US State Department guidelines. What Are Different Categories Of Foreign Visits? While state visits hold greater ceremonial importance, the actual diplomatic work and relationship-building can be accomplished in various types of visits. According to the US State Department guidelines, there are five different types of visits that can be granted to any high-ranking official from another country. They are - state visit, official visit, official working visit, working visit and private visit. While invitations are required for all other visits, except a private visit by a head of a state, the invitation for a state visit is extended very rarely. Categorisation Of PM Modis Past US Visits PM Modis previous visits to the US were classified as a working visit (2014), working lunch (2016) and official working visit (2017). PM Modi's 2019 visit to the US was described by the US Department of State as the one in which he Participated in a rally in Houston, Texas. Details of Foreign/Domestic Visits of PM Modi Since 26.05.2014 The Government of India's website has a dedicated page: (https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/details-of-foreigndomestic-visits) which carries the details of foreign visits undertaken by PM Modi since 26.05.2014 along with the duration and expenses incurred on chartered flights. New Delhi: Prime Minister Modi will embark on his first state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in June. The US president and the First Lady will also host Modi at a state dinner on June 22. On the other hand, the American President is expected to travel to India in September to attend the G20 Leaders Summit. PM Modi is expected to start his US trip from New York, where he will lead the International Yoga Day events on June 21. He will then travel to Washington DC for the state visit. He is also likely to speak to the Indian community in Chicago. During his visit, PM Modi will also address a Joint Session of the US Congress for the second time and it is indeed historic. Strategic Partnership The Biden administration is playing the long game by inviting PM Modi despite some challenges in bilateral ties, according to Rick Rossow, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The US is trying to take the relationship to a new level in terms of commercial and security relations, even though India has been reluctant to take a stronger stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. cre Trending Stories Also Read: PM Narendra Modi In US: What Is A State Visit, What Are Different Types Of Foreign Visits? Areas of Concern Visa Delay: The long wait time for visa interviews in India is affecting people-to-people ties. Trade-Commerce: India has focused on domestic support programmes and selective trade agreements, while the US has announced the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. There is scepticism about whether they can match up to the free trade agreements that exist. Tariff Disputes: The US revoked Indias GSP status, which gave tariff preferences to Indian exporters. India imposed countervailing duties against the US steel and aluminium tariffs. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi's Upcoming Visit To US Has Many Special Significance: 10 Important Points Areas of Cooperation Defence Technology: The US is becoming a major supplier of critical defence technology to India. Investment: The US is the largest investor in India and the largest goods trading partner. India has a goods trade surplus with the US. Service Sector: Indias IT services market is largely built around servicing and partnerships with the US. The US is a critical partner for Indias current and future needs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the United States for an official state visit on June 22. PM Modi is scheduled to visit the US from June 21-24 following an invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. This visit is significant given the fact that India and America's relationship has grown by leaps and bounds amid concern about China's aggression. Then there is a war going on between Russia and Ukraine which has serious global repercussions. And all of the above, it's all about the Indo-US ties which have evolved since PM Modi took over the reign of India in 2014. Since 2014, the United States saw the rule of three Presidents -Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden and PM Modi managed to maintain good relations with all three leaders. Here are 10 key reasons PM Modi's US visit is special: First Indian PM To Address US Congress Twice During his visit, PM Modi will address a Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time and it is indeed historic. He is the first Indian PM to do so twice. Globally, as a Head of Government, PM Modi is second only to Benjamin Netanyahu, PM of Israel, who has done it thrice. This honour bestowed on PM Modi shows bipartisan respect and support for him in the USA, say experts. cre Trending Stories G7 Summit And The Bonhomie During the G7 summit held last month in Japan, US President Biden walked up to PM Modi and the two leaders shared a warm hug, a picture of that went viral. The bonhomie displayed by the two leaders indicates a successful bilateral relation. This also shows that the United States is increasingly bending towards India in the Asia-Pacific. The China Threat The US has shifted its focus towards Indo-Pacific from Asia-Pacific showing the greater importance it assigns to India. With China having border altercations with almost all neighbours besides the United States, America sees India as an ally that can help it mitigate the threat posed by the dragon. Meeting Of Two Greatest Democracies In the words of US-India Business Council (USIBC) president Atul Keshap, the meeting between India and the US is the meeting of the two greatest democracies on the earth. He termed it a big deal and a powerful signal that the future of the two countries is together. Since this is the only third state visit of any leader under the Biden administration, it shows India is getting closer to the US. Focus On Trade The India-US trade currently stands at USD 190 billion and the business community and the political leadership of both nations are keen to take it to USD 500 billion annually. India and US have trade possibilities on fronts other than defence like e-commerce, supply chain manufacturing, digital economy, FinTech, energy and aerospace. PM Modi is also likely to address a gathering at the international trade centre. Defence Deals On Cards During PM Modi's visit, a big deal for the domestic manufacturing of American jet engines used in the Indian fighter aircraft is expected to be signed between General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics. If this happens, it will be a boost for Make in India. Also, there can be a deal between the US and India to buy 30 MQ-9 B armed drones. There is an estimate that this deal will be worth Rs 22,000 crores. New Trust And Confidence The top advisor to President Joe Biden for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell has said that while the United States and India were both imperfect democracies and there were still concerns that would be discussed, there is a degree of trust and confidence between the countries that did not exist a decade ago. Campbell's remark showed that under PM Modi, Indo-US relation has become more meaningful than ever. PM Modi To Address Indian Diaspora Prime Minister Modi is likely to address a gathering of Indian Americans from across the US in Washington on June 23 on the role of the diaspora in India's growth story. The event would be hosted by US India Community Foundation. A co-host committee has also been set up. India And US Polls Next year, both India and the US are gearing up for general elections, as Prime Minister Modi will be seeking a third term, and President Joe Biden is aiming for a second term. At the meeting, both leaders will try to show their citizens the growing prominence of their nation. While the two leaders will look to demonstrate their commitment to their respective constituents, for President Biden, it is imperative to convince not only his voters but also Congress and some of his colleagues about the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationship with India. On the other hand, PM Modi will show to Indians and the world that under his leadership, India is getting more respect globally. Countering Accusations Made By Rahul Gandhi PM Modi's visit comes just after the 10-day-long trip by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi during which he engaged with various stakeholders including civil society, think tanks, and others. During his visit, Rahul Gandhi questioned the state of Indian democracy and PM Modi's visit and engagements will aim at containing any possible harm from Gandhi's statement. New Delhi: Indian street food has a global reputation and is appreciated by everyone, from world leaders to many Hollywood celebrities. Hiroshi Suzuki, the Japanese envoy to India and Bhutan, was the latest to enjoy the country's diverse street food. A video of Japanese envoy Suzuki tasting Maharashtrian-style street food in Pune has recently gone viral on social media. Suzuki, who once praised the hard work done by workers to progress the bullet train project, was seen travelling in a Mumbai local earlier this month. Who Is Hiroshi Suzuki? Japan's Ambassador to India Hiroshi Suzuki assumed the post on 9th November 2022 and presented his credentials to President Murmu on November 28th. Before coming to India, he served as the Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs (G7 and G20 Sherpa) from 2020 - 2022. He was the Executive Secretary to the late Prime Minister Shinjo Abe Kishida for eight years between 2012 to 2020. cre Trending Stories Education Suzuki pursued his B.A. degree in 1985 from the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Law. In 1988, he completed his M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. The envoy, who was in Pune for an event, tried Vada Pav and Misal Pav. However, he had a small issue that it was too spicy for him. He posted the video of him eating the street food on Twitter with a caption that said, I love street food of India but thoda teekha kam please! The Japanese envoy also tried Punes popular Misal Pav, on the suggestion of his Twitter followers, and also posted a video of eating the delicacy. He received a lot of praise from netizens for his posts about trying out Indian street food in Pune. Some of his social media followers encouraged him to try other delicacies in the comments section, while others admired his openness to try new foods. Suzuki was in Mumbai, commuting like a regular Mumbaikar. He travelled in a local train in Mumbai and also posed for a photograph while standing at the door of the train. Im in Mumbai, Suzuki tweeted. Im in Mumbai!! pic.twitter.com/qIp4VuiPj8 Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan (@HiroSuzukiAmbJP) June 1, 2023 In another tweet, he was seen in a Mumbai local market, looking at white shirts priced Rs 100 each. He captioned the photograph, What a bargain! Should I buy? NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday said it has issued show-cause notices to the Indian arm of Chinese mobile phone manufacturer Xiaomi, its chief financial officer and director Sameer B Rao, former managing director Manu Kumar Jain and three foreign banks for alleged violations of the foreign exchange law to the tune of more than Rs 5,551 crore. The Adjudicating Authority (of the Foreign Exchange Management Act) has issued the notices to Xiaomi Technology India Private Limited, the two executives, the CITIbank, the HSBC bank and the Deutsche Bank AG under section 16 of the FEMA, the federal agency said in a statement. A show-cause notice is issued after the completion of a FEMA probe and once it is settled, the accused may have to pay a penalty that could be three times the amount contravened. The notices have been issued to the firm, along with Jain and Rao, the ED said. The Adjudicating Authority has also issued show-cause notices to three banks -- Citibank, HSBC Bank and Deutsche Bank AG -- for contravention of sections 10(4) and 10(5) of the FEMA and directions issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as they allowed foreign outward remittances in the name of royalty through the banks, "without" conducting due diligence and "without" obtaining any underlying technical collaboration agreement from the company, it said. cre Trending Stories The ED had earlier seized funds worth Rs 5,551.27 crore of Xiaomi Technology India Private Limited lying in its bank accounts under the FEMA for the "unauthorised" remittance of this amount in guise of royalty abroad by the company. "The competent authority, appointed under section 37A of the FEMA, has confirmed the said seizure order. The authority, while confirming the seizure, held that the ED is right in holding that foreign exchange equivalent to Rs 5,551.27 crore has been transferred out of India by Xiaomi India in an unauthorised manner and is held outside India on behalf of the group entity in contravention of section 4 of the FEMA, 1999 and the same is liable to be seized in terms of provisions of section 37A of the FEMA," it said. The agency said the competent authority also observed that the payment of royalty was nothing but a tool for transferring the foreign exchange out of India and the same was in "blatant" violation of the FEMA provisions. The ED said its investigation, launched last year, has found that the company had remitted foreign currency equivalent to Rs 5,551.27 crore to three foreign-based entities, including a Xiaomi group entity, in the guise of royalty. "Under the cover of various unrelated documentary facade created amongst the group entities, the company remitted this amount in the guise of royalty abroad, which constitutes violation of section 4 of the FEMA," it said. New Delhi: Actor and comedian Mike Batayeh, most remembered for his role in 'Breaking Bad' as the manager of Gus's renowned laundry, has died. He was 52. According to Variety, his relatives informed that Batayeh died of a heart attack while sleeping in his Michigan home on June 1. His family said, "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that my sisters and I announce the passing of our dear brother. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many." A memorial ceremony will be held on June 16 at 2 p.m. at the Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home in Plymouth, Mich, as per Variety. cre Trending Stories Batayeh appeared in three episodes of AMC's 'Breaking Bad' as Dennis Markowski, the manager of the Lavanderia Brillante laundromat, which also served as a meth lab for Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Batayeh appeared on shows such as 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' 'Sleeper Cell,' 'The Bernie Mac Show,' 'Boy Meets World,' and 'Everybody Loves Raymond' during his acting career. He co-starred in Paul Weitz's 'American Dreamz,' 'Don't Mess with the Zohan,' 'Gas,' and played Mike in the 2012 film 'Detroit Unleaded.' The actor has performed and headlined in notable comedy clubs like New York's Gotham and Los Angeles' Laugh Factory, Comedy Store, the Improv, and the Icehouse. He was one of the first American comedians to perform for Middle Eastern audiences. Batayeh performed in Dubai, where he shot a Showtime Arabia special, as well as Egypt, Lebanon, Nazareth, and Jordan. The Jordanian royal family invited Batayeh to appear at the Amman International Comedy Festival two years in a row. New Delhi: Actor Kajol on Friday left her fans worried by sharing a cryptic post about her life on Instagram. In the post, she mentioned that she is "facing one of the toughest trials" of her life. To deal with her struggles, the 48-year-old said she had decided to take a break from social media. She even deleted and archived all her other Instagram posts. The post left her fans confused and concerned. However, after leaving her fans guessing on what she was hinting at and if all was well with her, the actor later clarified that the cryptic post was part of a promotional strategy for her upcoming OTT series 'The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhoka'. The web series was earlier titled 'The Good Wife'. Kajol put out an update on her earlier post by sharing a post from Disney+Hotstar, on her Instagram handle. 'The Trial' is an Indian adaptation of hit American courtroom drama 'The Good Wife' starring Julianna Margulies in the lead role. It began airing in 2009. The show ran for seven seasons and wound up in 2016. Kajol will essay the role of a housewife, who goes back to working as a lawyer after her husband's scandal lands him in jail. Directed by Supan Verma, it will stream on Disney+Hotstar. Kajol also has 'Lust Stories 2' in her kitty. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is clearly making her mark across the world and has become a global face. From working on a slew of international projects to being a part of several global brands, the actress has proved her mettle in India as well as overseas. In the latest, the actress while adding a new feather to her cap was seen attending the Italian luxury jewellery brand Bulgari's Hotel opening in Rome. Priyanka was accompanied by Hollywood actress Zendaya, with whom she had earlier attended the Bulgari event in Venice last month. Meanwhile, for the opening of the Bulgari Hotel, the actress opted for a pearl white gown that had dramatic and playful elements with long feathers to it. Priyanka complemented her look with a cute pigtail hairstyle along with a bold makeup look, that added to her fashion game. She also shared pictures of her outfit on Instagram, exuding style and elegance perfectly! Giving different poses in her pictures, Priyanka clearly made a splash on social media, leaving her fans and of course husband Nick Jonas enchanted. cre Trending Stories Check it out: Priyanka Chopra in a white gown at Bulgari Hotel opening Speaking about the diva's stunning outfit, she chose a gorgeous white gown by Giambattista Valli Couture, that had a plunging V neckline and a high thigh slit. With full sleeves adorned with long dramatic feathers, her outfit created a striking look. To complete the look, she added a dark green-coloured beaded necklace along with a large green and white pendant. Coming to her makeup, she completed the dramatic look by going for brown eyes with winged eyeliner and mascara. With proper contouring, blush, and a tint of burgundy lip shade, the actress looked ethereal. She was also seen experimenting with her hairstyle as she went for cute pigtails. Priyanka Chopra joins Zendaya at Bulgari Hotel opening Apart from the Citadel actress, Spiderman actress Zendaya also attended the hotel opening. Pictures of the two were shared by Bulgari's official Instagram handle showing the two posing with each other. Zendaya was dressed in a black Valentino suit with a touch of shimmering glitter. She completed her ensemble with a fishnet top and pointed-toe stilettos. Notably, this is not the first time when the two actresses graced a Bulgari event. Priyanka and Zendaya who are ambassadors for the luxury brand also attended a party last month, where they again left netizens swooning over their attires. With the growing popularity of digital education and an increasing number of students transitioning to online learning, Indian edtech companies have been executing highly engaging ad campaigns. Recently, upGrad, an online higher education company, shared one such campaign featuring an AI-generated lookalike of Google CEO Sundar Pichai. While this approach may be seen as creative by the company, it received mixed reviews from social media users. Many criticised the edtech company for producing an ad that they considered "cringy" and "tacky." Additionally, questions were raised regarding whether upGrad obtained permission from the Google CEO himself before using his likeness and personal details in their campaign. upGrad's new ad campaign reminds of Sundar Pichai cre Trending Stories In the ad, upGrad shared a picture of a man standing in the middle of a crowded railway platform. The man who had a striking resemblance with Google CEO Sundar Pichai was described as a 45-year-old IT professional named Sundar P. The ad further gave more details about the man and added, "I got a scholarship at Stanford but the travel cost too much so I didnt go." Notably, the Google boss also has a Stanford connection as he completed his Master's degree from there. While this was still confusing, the caption left no doubts about the campaign's indirect jibe at Sundar Pichai. Thankfully, the Sundar we know chose to #SkipExcuses and left his competition miles peeche, it wrote. Check: Thankfully, the Sundar we know chose to #SkipExcuses and left his competition miles peeche. __ Disclaimer: This post is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real events, real-life individuals/personalities or entities is purely coincidental. Viewer discretion is advised. pic.twitter.com/jE6sHjjgIE June 6, 2023 Further advising viewers to act at their discretion, the company also mentioned that the post is a complete work of fiction and any resemblance to real events, real-life individuals/personalities, or entities is purely coincidental. However, it seems netizens were in no mood to get convinced. Netizens unhappy with upGrad's new ad campaign As soon as the ad was shared, many took to the comment section and expressed their displeasure with the same. A user wrote, "Does Sundar Pichai know that his name and likeness are being appropriated in an ad campaign by an Indian edtech brand?" while another one commented, "This is so cringeee." "Let's be grateful Mr Pichai hasn't been given a silly made-up name like 'Wolf Gupta'!" a third user said, while a fourth one wrote, "This is a new low. Must be terrible leadership to approve such cringeworthy ads." Tribal immunity is the doctrine of sovereign immunity applied on behalf of Native American tribes. Under the Indian Commerce Clause, Congress has plenary authority over the tribes. Courts have held that these tribes cannot be sued without the consent of Congress. The doctrine of tribal immunity, however, is a judicially created doctrine that the federal courts have independently fashioned. At least one Supreme Court Justice has noted the necessity of a more principled analysis of the doctrine of tribal immunity, expressing "doubts about the continuing vitality in this day of the doctrine of tribal immunity as it was enunciated in the case of the United States v. United States Fidelity and Guaranty Co." and "the view that that doctrine may well merit re-examination in an appropriate case." The doctrine first emerged in the case of the United States v. United States Fidelity and Guaranty Co., where the Supreme Court held "Indian nations exempt from suit without congressional authorization." The Supreme Court suggested two grounds for the doctrine. First, Native American tribes enjoy immunity as a result of being recognized as sovereigns. Within the last decade, the court has reaffirmed this position, holding that these tribes retain all sovereign powers except those "expressly terminated by Congress" and "inconsistent with their status." These powers are not, in general, delegated powers granted by express acts of Congress, but rather "inherent powers of a limited sovereignty which has never been extinguished." A second basis for tribal immunity stems from the desire to protect tribal resources. While the Supreme Court did not explicitly pronounce the protection of tribal resources as a ground for its decision, it cited cases in support of its ruling that were primarily concerned with such protection. Unlike the immunities enjoyed by states, the federal government and foreign countries, no limitations have been placed on the scope of tribal immunity. For instance, courts consistently hold that a Native American tribes immunity can be waived only by its express consent or the consent of Congress. In contrast to other governments, implied waivers are generally not recognized even in cases where commercial activity by a tribe on or off its reservation has taken place. Similarly, the purchase of insurance by a tribe does not serve to waive immunity. Tribal immunity is, therefore, broader in this respect than is the immunity possessed by states, the federal government, and foreign countries. The proprietary acts of Native American tribes have not been distinguished from the governmental functions of tribes, although this distinction has been made in cases concerning other sovereigns. In fact, some courts have specifically upheld that "the fact that a tribe was engaged in an enterprise private or commercial in character, rather than governmental, is not material." Thus courts continue to find a broader immunity for Native American tribes than is still recognized for any other sovereign. 1. Which of the following legal decisions would most weaken the authors claim about the immunity granted to Native American tribes? A. A decision to permit a Native American tribe to sue a foreign corporation B. A decision to prevent a Native American tribe from suing the federal government C. A decision to permit a business corporation to sue a Native American tribe D. A decision to prevent the federal government from suing a Native American tribe E. A decision to permit a Native American tribe to sue another Native American tribe 2. Based on information in the passage, which of the following statements is NOT true? A. It is more difficult to sue a Native American tribe than a business corporation. B. It is more difficult to sue the federal government than a Native American tribe. C. It is less difficult to sue a foreign government than a Native American tribe. D. It is less difficult to sue a state government than a Native American tribe E. Tribal immunity has virtually no limits 3. Based on information in the passage, each of the following statements is a plausible explanation of why the judicial system has not changed the rules governing tribal immunity EXCEPT: A. Native American tribes are sovereign entities that cannot be sued without their consent. B. the resources possessed by Native American tribes should remain under tribal control. C. Native American tribes have generally been unable to purchase insurance. D. the sovereign powers of Native American tribes differ from those of other governments. E. it is essential to protect the tribes natural resources 1. Which of the following legal decisions would most weaken the authors claim about the immunity granted to Native American tribes?A. A decision to permit a Native American tribe to sue a foreign corporationB. A decision to prevent a Native American tribe from suing the federal governmentC. A decision to permit a business corporation to sue a Native American tribeD. A decision to prevent the federal government from suing a Native American tribeE. A decision to permit a Native American tribe to sue another Native American tribe2. Based on information in the passage, which of the following statements is NOT true?A. It is more difficult to sue a Native American tribe than a business corporation.B. It is more difficult to sue the federal government than a Native American tribe.C. It is less difficult to sue a foreign government than a Native American tribe.D. It is less difficult to sue a state government than a Native American tribeE. Tribal immunity has virtually no limits3. Based on information in the passage, each of the following statements is a plausible explanation of why the judicial system has not changed the rules governing tribal immunity EXCEPT:A. Native American tribes are sovereign entities that cannot be sued without their consent.B. the resources possessed by Native American tribes should remain under tribal control.C. Native American tribes have generally been unable to purchase insurance.D. the sovereign powers of Native American tribes differ from those of other governments.E. it is essential to protect the tribes natural resources Press Release June 10, 2023 Villar invokes her goal of food sufficient PH Sen. Cynthia Villar yesterday renewed her commitment to improve the lives of our farmers and ensure that her legislations will address the needs of the country's agriculture sector and promote food security. The senator, chairperson of the Senate committee on agriculture and food, led the Ribbon Cutting ceremony and opening program of "The Philippine Poultry Show and ILDEX Philippines 2023" held at SMX Convention Center. The event, Villar said, featured "cutting-edge technology and informative seminars focused on the poultry industry, livestock and dairy products." More than 100 exhibitors from over 20 countries worldwide, including prominent companies specializing in animal health, breeding and hatching, farm production, and feed ingredient and additive companies in the Philippines, participated in the event. For the 19th Congress, the senator related that one of her priority legislations is the "Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Development and Competitiveness Act of 2022," which she describes "very relevant" to the poultry industry. "To provide additional support to the livestock, poultry and dairy industry, I am also prioritizing the passage of the Yellow Corn Industry Development Act of 2022," she said. The senator noted these two bills will help boost the livestock, poultry and dairy sectors. She said it will also give our backyard farmers the chance to improve their lives. The senator also extolled having filed bills in response to the issues of smuggling. "The amendment of Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 to include the acts of hoarding, profiteering and cartel of agricultural products as economic sabotage, and the establishment of Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Courts to try cases involving smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and cartel of agricultural products and to ensure that individuals and organizations involved in these activities are held accountable for their actions," she said. "These are just some of the bills that I will pass to uplift our agriculture sector," related the senator. She reiterated her promise to the Filipino people to join them in their dream of realizing a "food sufficient-Philippines." Villar, inihayag ang mithiing food sufficiency sa PH Muling iginiit ni Sen. Cynthia Villar ang pangakong pabubutihin ang buhay ng mga magsasaka, titiyaking tutugon ang kanyang legislations sa kailangan ng agrikultura at isusulong ang food security. Pinangunahan ng senador, chairperson ng Senate committee on agriculture and food, ang Ribbon Cutting ceremony at opening program ng "The Philippine Poultry Show and ILDEX Philippines 2023" na idinaos sa SMX Convention Center. Itinampok sa event, ang "cutting-edge technology" at informative seminars na tumutok sa poultry industry, livestock dairy products. Lumahok dito ang mahigit 100 exhibitors mula sa 20 bansa, kabilang ang mga prominenteng kumpanya na magagaling sa animal health, breeding at hatching, farm production at feed ingredient at additive companies sa Pilipinas. Sa 19th Congress, sinabi ng senador na isa sa kanyang priority legislations ang "Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Development at Competitiveness Act of 2022," na mahalaga sa poultry. "To provide additional support to the livestock, poultry and dairy industry, I am also prioritizing the passage of the Yellow Corn Industry Development Act of 2022," ayon kay Villar. Iginiit ng senador na mapaiigting ng dalawang bill na ito ang livestock, poultry at dairy sectors. Mabibigyan din nito ang backyard farmers ng pagkakataong mapabuti ang kanilang buhay. Ipinagmalaki rin ng senador na naghain siya ng mga panukala bilang tugon sa isyu ng smuggling. "The amendment of Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 to include the acts of hoarding, profiteering and cartel of agricultural products as economic sabotage, and the establishment of Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Courts to try cases involving smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and cartel of agricultural products and to ensure that individuals and organizations involved in these activities are held accountable for their actions," ayon kay Villar. "These are just some of the bills that I will pass to uplift our agriculture sector," sabi pa niya. Muli siyang nangako ng makikiisa sa pangarap na makamit ang food sufficiency. MEN'S DAY New Ephesus Baptist Church, 375 Ephesus Church Road, Semora, North Carolina, will celebrate annual Men's Day on June 25 beginning at 11 a.m. during morning worship service. The guest preacher will be elder Austin Harris, associate minister at Faith Temple United Holy Church in Roxboro, North Carolina. If worshipping in person in the sanctuary, masks are available. Attendees also may choose to participate using Facebook Live, by conference call at 978-990-5000 and access code 197724 or in the church parking lot at 107.3 FM. ANNIVERSARY The Junior and Senior Usher Boards of Silver Creek Baptist Church will celebrate its anniversary at 2:30 p.m. Sunday with the Rev. Otis Dillard and County Line Baptist Church congregation will be guests. 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. Sunday 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 beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday. 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. WENTWORTH District Court Judge Chris Freeman recently announced that he will run for a position on the North Carolina Court of Appeals in the 2024 election. Freeman, 45, is currently serving his third term as judge for District 17A which oversees Rockingham and Caswell counties, according the a news release from his office. From January 2007 until his election to the court in 2014, Freeman, a Republican, served as an assistant district attorney for District 17A. Freeman joined the United States Air Force in 2013. He previously served as a first lieutenant for the military branchs Judge Advocate General (JAG) Reserves. I am excited to announce that I will be running for the North Carolina Court of Appeals, Freeman said in the release. It has been an honor to serve the people of Rockingham and Caswell Counties, and I look forward to bringing my conservative judicial philosophy to the appellate court. Freeman attends Osborne Baptist Church in Eden, is a member of the Eden Kiwanis Club and serves as a board member for the Betsy Jeff-Penn 4H Center and the United Way of Rockingham County. A North Carolina native, Freeman grew up in Asheboro where he graduated from high school. He earned a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration from High Point University and attended law school at Regent University. I consider it an honor to serve my county and my country I have been blessed to have been in a position of service for seventeen years, Freeman said in the release. I look forward to serving all the citizens of North Carolina as a Court of Appeals judge. MADISON The James Hunter Chapter, N.S. Daughters of the American Revolution held a recent gala to celebrate their 70th anniversary and the swearing-in of the chapters new Regent. The party was held June 3 at the Reality Church in Mayodan. During the first half of the fete, members reminisced about the chapters historic beginnings and the patriot for whom the chapter is named. The very first organizational meeting of the James Hunter chapter was a luncheon held, June 4, 1953 at Grogans Dining Room in Madison. Some 19 members from Madison, Mayodan and Stoneville; other small towns of Western Rockingham County and rural Stokes County attended. State Regent Lillian Long Kernodle of Burlington and North Carolina, Organizing Chairman Frances Catherine McAulay Rankin of Mt. Gilead presided at the meeting. The late Susie Johnson Lauten was chosen to be the organizing regent, and she appointed the officers. The chapters name was chosen in honor of Major James Hunter, a Revolutionary War soldier whose home had been located in the area. Born April 8, 1740, in Hunterdon County, N.J., Hunter was a distinguished soldier and public official. In September 1776, Hunter renounced allegiance to the King of England and took the Oath of Allegiance to the Colonies in Salisbury. During the American Revolutionary War, Maj. Hunter played an important role as a militia member, entering as a major in the company of his cousin, Colonel James Martin. They fought in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, serving as militia under Gen. Nathaniel Greene. After the battle, Gen. Greene dispatched Hunter on a dangerous and arduous journey with a message to Gen. Washington who was in New Jersey, according to historic records. When the new county was formed, Hunter served the public in many ways over the years. He was a representative for Guilford County in the State House of Common from 17781782. He was treasurer of Guilford County, High Sheriff for the county and a juror on the county court, to name a few duties. Hunter died of pneumonia on Jan. 30, 1821, and was laid to rest in the HunterDaltonPrice Graveyard near his old Beaver Island home outside Madison. During the second half of the party, outgoing Regent Kim Thompson passed her gavel to incoming Regent Dr. Kathleen Fowler. Dr. Fowler is an English instructor at the Surry Community College and Co-advisor of SCCs Alpha Xi Tau chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Her PTK society has worked in conjunction with the Hunter chapter on numerous projects. Since joining our chapter, she has been an asset. Kathleen has taken three D.A.R. courses to fully understand every facet of the organization. I know she will be an awesome leader, Thompson said. A D.A.R. ceremony was also held in the memory of Marilyn Sharpe a Daughter of James Hunter Chapter who passed away April 19. She was a member of the chapter for 42 years during which she held the offices of Vice Regent, Regent and Chaplain for more than 20 years. GREENSBORO A Greensboro man is accused of swindling investors out of money by promising to invest it in real estate deals. The Securities and Exchange Commission alleges that Marshall E. Melton and his business, Integrated Consulting & Management LLC, targeted mostly older investors, according to a news release. The SEC called the 65-year-old Melton a repeat securities law violator. Melton was found liable in 1999 of defrauding clients through other firms he controlled. At the time, an administrative law judge sanctioned him from associating with certain members of the securities industry. He pleaded guilty to securities fraud charges and was sentenced to five years of supervised probation. He served only one year before being released, the SEC said. The latest SEC complaint was filed May 30 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. It contends that between March 2016 and April 2021, seven investors gave Melton more than $1 million for what Melton described as a real estate development venture in Laurinburg. The form of the investments varied and the complaint does not say where the investors lived. A News & Record reporter tried to contact Melton via Facebook messenger, but did not receive a response. A voicemail left at a phone number listed as his business was not returned, and a lawyer for Melton was not listed in court documents. Melton told investors he would buy properties in downtown Laurinburg, renovate them for rental income and resale, and pay the investors a return from those proceeds, the complaint says. Melton bought seven properties in Laurinburg, a city of about 15,000 people in Scotland County near the South Carolina border. Melton paid $340,000 for two office buildings, three retail buildings, a restaurant and a parking lot. He made presentations to the Laurinburg City Council on his redevelopment plans and began gutting the interiors of some buildings. However, he did not pay firms who did this work, nor the taxes on the building, according to the lawsuit. (H)is uncompleted work left one building without glass windows and another so structurally unsound that it collapsed onto the sidewalk and an adjoining property during a seasonal hurricane, the complaint says. The SEC said Melton used nearly two-thirds of the investors money for his own use. He paid personal credit cards, dined at restaurants, bought groceries, liquor and clothes and paid fees to an anti-aging wellness clinic, the lawsuit says. Six of the investors ranged in age from almost 60 to just over 86, with an average age of 75 at the time of investment. Most investors were clients of his insurance business and had invested in his previous real estate venture, called Bulk Home Buyers. A 78-year-old retired school teacher and her 82-year-old husband, a retired Marine, were among the investors. They met Melton through their church, where Melton served as a Steven minister, a lay church member who counsels people experiencing life difficulties, the lawsuit says. He had previously convinced the teacher to invest $60,000 in Bulk Home Buyers, but later told her the money had been stolen. If she invested $40,000, Melton told her he would give her credit for the $60,000, the complaint says. In another instance, a retired physician whose wife had Alzheimers disease, asked Melton how he could accumulate assets to pay for her care. Melton instructed him to mortgage his home for $250,000 and invest that money in the Laurinburg deal, according to the lawsuit. An 86-year-old widow invested more than $128,000 and a 53-year-old software engineer invested $60,000, the lawsuit says. Two other investors, a retired physician and professor and his wife, invested $615,000 in the Laurinburg project. When the latter two investors complained about the lack of returns, Melton convinced the retired school teacher and the software engineer to assign their interest in the properties back to him, stating that they were to be sold. He then transferred five of the Laurinburg properties to the complaining investors in exchange for a release of claims against him, according to the lawsuit. The SEC seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest and civil penalties against Melton and his business. It also seeks a conduct-based injunction against Melton, permanently enjoining him from participating in the issuance, purchase, offer, or sale of any security except for his own personal accounts. GREENSBORO Ron DeSantis never mentioned his chief rival in the race for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination during his opening-night address Friday at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention, but Donald Trumps legal challenges were an unmistakable prop in the Florida governors address to a packed Koury Convention Center ballroom. DeSantis, the early frontrunner among nine challengers so far to the former president in the GOP primaries, delivered an unabashed broadside against a federal bureaucracy that he said functions as a fourth branch of government. When theres no constitutional accountability, our founding fathers absolutely would have predicted the weaponization weve seen, particularly (the) Justice Department and FBI because without accountability, human nature is such that they will abuse their power, and thats whats happened. DeSantis, a lawyer who served as a Navy JAG officer, suggested he would have been court-martialed if hed used a private email server for government communications like Hillary Clinton did for a time when she was secretary of state. There are different standards for a Democrat secretary of state versus a former Republican president, he said, referring to Trump. I think there needs to be one standard of justice in this country. ... A weaponization of these agencies strikes at the heart of what it means to have a free society. Clinton was investigated by the FBI but cleared of any legal wrongdoing. In Trumps case, a federal investigation resulted in more than three dozen felony charges against him this week. The indictment, unsealed Friday, accuses Trump of improperly removing scores of boxes, some containing classified documents, from the White House and taking them to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Prosecutors say Trump refused to return the documents and in some cases showed highly sensitive materials to visitors, and asked aides and lawyers to hide them from investigators. Its the first time in U.S. history that a former president has faced criminal charges by the federal government he once oversaw. If convicted, Trump faces the possibility of prison. DeSantis, like some other Republicans in the race, is walking a fine line between criticizing Trump and angering the former presidents base, which still represents a significant chunk of the Republican electorate. One way of doing that is shifting the focus of the former presidents legal issues on the agencies investigating and prosecuting him. We need to have a president that will do something about that, an impassioned DeSantis said. You cant get cowed by the left (and) you cant get cowed by the media from doing what is right. You gotta be willing to go in there on Day One and you gotta be able to spit nails and with me, youll have a new FBI director on Day One. Well clean out all those agencies on Day One. The governor also pointed to disappointing Republican results in the 2020 election when a significant segment of independent voters tipped from the GOP to Democrats a trend tied largely to moderates dissatisfaction with Trump. We have a task in front of us to shake this culture of losing that has infected the Republican Party in recent years, DeSantis insisted. We were supposed to have a massive red wave in November of 2022. That didnt happen. We need to stop frittering away winnable elections. Trump speaks at the Greensboro convention Saturday night, just hours after his former vice president, Mike Pence, delivers his own address during a lunch event there. Its the first time Trump, Pence and DeSantis have appeared at the same event since all three declared their candidacies. And it likely won't be the last. The road to the White House is a long one, and places like Greensboro are just a stop among many as GOP candidates will be criss-crossing the nation to make their case to those whose support they need. The people. On Friday night at the Koury, they were young but mostly old. Some Black but mostly white. They had "DeSantis" stickers on their chests and patriotism within their hearts. They wore blue suits and red ties and allegiances on their sleeve. Trump outsells everyone, Ronald Solomon of the MAGA Mall was saying as a customer lingered over a "DeSantis 2024" shirt among the many Republican wares on his exhibition table. Trump might be the presumptive nominee for many Republicans but DeSantis, who filled the Koury Convention Center's largest ballroom, had people listening. He received more than one standing ovation as he seemed to orchestrate the ebb and flow of the packed ballroom's emotions like a conductor working through his latest performance piece. Peary Coughenour, a Guilford County delegate, wasnt even a Republican a few years ago. But he likes how the Florida governor maneuvered the state through the COVID-19 pandemic and has clashed with Disney over taxes. Still, hed prefer the 44-year-old DeSantis get more experience as a vice president. Theres a lot more to running a country than a state, Coughenour said. Maybe he runs in four years. So Coughenour is supporting Trump. For now. But I havent heard Pence, he said. PHOTOS: Ron DeSantis speaks at NC Republican Convention DECATUR Jennifer Dahn helped in relief and cleanup efforts when a devastating tornado hit Washington, IL in 2013. A comfort dog ministry was there, with dogs to help both storm victims and volunteers cope with the emotional aftermath. I just fell in love with those dogs, Dahn said. She decided to start a comfort dog ministry in Decatur, and called it Payton's Paw Prints, after her own dog who was, at the time, the only dog involved. But her father, Dave Koshinski, told her to dream big, and the rechristened PawPrint Ministries now has 43 dogs and outgrew its original headquarters on the first floor of Investment Planners, Koshinski's business. The space once housed a hair salon, later was used as storage for Investment Planners, and Koshinski let his daughter have it for PawPrint Ministries. Last weekend, PawPrint moved into its new headquarters in Park 101. We were in our previous location for nine years, since we started, Dahn said. That location was wonderful for us to do our day to day work, but it was not large enough to host trainings. We ended up hosting most of our trainings off site and the community has been wonderful to let us come and utilize different facilities to train our dogs, from Decatur Conference Center to Lampstand (Church), Lowe's, Macon County Courthouse, we trained all over the place. In the new location, the ministry can host training sessions on site, though they'll still have off-site field trips, which are necessary to get the comfort dogs accustomed to various sights and sounds and smells. Comfort dogs visit nursing homes, hospitals, schools, libraries, and disaster sites, so the wider variety of experiences they have, the better. It takes two years of training for a dog to be certified as a comfort dog, after first passing a temperament test to be certain the dog is suited for it, Dahn said. All the dogs belong to the volunteers, who take on the responsibility of attending the training, and reinforcing the lessons at home. Dogs and their owners can begin going on some visits before certification, with a certified handler and dog, as part of their training. Harry and Hilary Rouse got their first dog, Sterling, in 2016 when he was 3. He had been a breeder but, Harry Rouse said, he wasn't very good at it. He only managed to father one puppy. God didn't mean for him to be a breeding dog, Harry said. He meant for him to be a comfort dog. A plus for the Rouses was that Sterling was past the puppy stage, so they wouldn't have to deal with potty training and the chewing stage. Their second dog, Silver, joined the family in 2020. She is also a former breeder from the same facility. Both are PawPrint dogs. When asked why they want to be part of PawPrint, Hilary Rouse's answer is simple: she pulled out her phone and showed photos of people's ear-to-ear smiles when interacting with Sterling and Silver. Our church has a preschool, and we've been doing a reading program with them, she said. We go once a month and the dogs 'read' to the kids. Harry Rouse takes Sterling to the Danville Veterans Administration Hospital, too, and one of his regulars there has a mom in residential nursing care in Decatur. Neither mother nor son is in good enough health to travel to see each other, though they often speak by phone, and Harry Rouse arranged a video call on one of his visits. Their smiles are also among the photo memories Hilary Rouse has on her phone. When visiting an Alzheimer's care unit, one of the women who had never made a sound as long as the staff had known her began trying to speak when she was petting one of the Rouse's dogs. And while some of the people they visit are in such poor health that the Rouses know those people might pass away at any time, making them smile by bringing a furry friend for a visit keeps them going back. It's just that kind of effect, that not just our dogs, but any of the dogs (in the ministry) have on people, that's why (we) do it, Hilary Rouse said. I do it because where else can you have a job that you take your dog to work? Harry Rouse quipped. Even though you don't get paid a nickel. 8 ways to get the most out of a walk with your dog 8 ways to get the most out of a walk with your dog Find the rhythm that works for both of you Stick to a routine and be consistent with what you teach your dog Focus on terrain and pace, not distance Let your dog take you for a walk Make walking your dog part of your daily exercise Add physical and mental stimulation by switching things up during walks Give them time for bathroom breaks Don't pull too hard on the leash DECATUR A Decatur man waited two days before calling police to tell them he had killed his ex-wife, according to a court document. Macon County Coroner Michael E. Day, on Friday, identified the woman as Cheryl A. Russell, 64, of Decatur. "(Gary S.) Russell advised that on approximately (Tuesday) June 6, he used a kitchen knife to stab Cheryl multiple times while inside the residence," a sworn affidavit read. "Russell advised that that after believing Cheryl to be deceased, he moved her remains to a different location in he residence and used the same knife to mutilate her remains." Decatur police responded at 4:10 a.m. Thursday, June 8, to the 400 block of Dwight Drive to a call from a man who said he had killed his wife. Upon arrival, the officers located Russell outside of the residence. "The officers then located a 64-year-old female deceased with multiple stab wounds inside the residence," authorities said in a news release. "It was determined Russell and the victim were previously married but were still residing together." A certificate of dissolution of marriage was filed in Macon County Circuit Court on June 6. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Russell, 52, on preliminary charges of first-degree murder. Preliminary charges are subject to review by the state's attorney's office. Russell remains jailed on $3 million bond, which would require the posting of $300,000 to be released. 2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov has participated in the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin as part of his working visit to Sochi, Azernews reports citing with the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers. Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Ali Asadov conveyed Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's greetings and best wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin. PM Ali Asadov also touched upon the issues of the Azerbaijan-Russia bilateral strategic partnership agenda. SHELBYVILLE House Bill 1076 passed out of the Illinois General Assembly with little fanfare. House members were unanimous in their support of the amended bill on May 25. There were no nay votes or lengthy floor speeches. In fact, there was no discussion, beyond state Rep. Brad Halbrook's explanation of the vote he planned to cast. The bill, which amends the Illinois Counties Code and allows with some restrictions the leasing of county farmland, now awaits the governors signature. HB1076 moved along quietly as legislators focused on ushering through a budget at the end of spring session. But many Shelby County residents were watching intently, as the bill represents a larger debate on the future of the countys long-held farmland about four and a half miles northwest of Shelbyville. That debate has sparked anger and division in the rural county of just over 20,000 residents, where one person might want the county to keep farming the land while their neighbor says doing so would be illegal. Such tension is evident in HB1076s path to becoming law. The bill was written in part by former Shelby County States Attorney Nichole Kroncke but opposed by Robert Hanlon, the man recently appointed to fill the vacancy left by her departure. One of McHenry County native Hanlons first public appearances as Shelby County states attorney was testifying against the bill in the House Counties & Townships Committee on Feb. 23. In response to an emailed list of questions from the Herald & Review, Hanlon clarified that he is not opposed to HB1076 as amended. Halbrook, a Shelbyville Republican who represents Shelby County, voted against the bill three times before voting yes on May 25. Hundreds of self-identified Shelby County residents filed witness slips in support of the legislation. And on Thursday, the Shelby County Board was evenly split on a vote to continue farming the land. Public purpose The farmland includes 197 tillable acres, but spans roughly 240 acres because of a cemetery also on the property. It was leased from the 1950s until about three years ago, when questions about the property began to arise, ultimately leading to the proposed legislation. Opponents of the bill and continued farming of the county farm property say this is mostly a debate of constitutionality the land doesnt serve a clear public purpose, they say, making the act of leasing it to a private individual unconstitutional. Has the farm committee answered the constitutional question of the public purpose? board member Sonny Ross, R-Windsor, asked during debate on the Thursday farm vote. Members of the public audibly groaned in response to the question. The meeting was closing in on its second hour at that point, with multiple items left on the agenda. Not to my knowledge, replied board Chairman Robert Bobby Orman, R-Windsor. But other members say the debate on constitutionality isnt so clear-cut. After all, the county leased the land for decades before turning to custom farming last year, and the Illinois Attorney Generals Office has never taken action against the county or suggested continued farming would be unconstitutional. And, according to documentation obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests and provided to the Herald & Review, at least 24 other Illinois counties currently cash rent or lease their farmland. Those counties include: Brown, Clark, Clinton, Dekalb, Fayette, Ford, Greene, Henry, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Logan, Macoupin, McDonough, Mercer, Montgomery, Moultrie, Pike, Randolph, Rock Island, Schuyler, Tazewell, Warren and Whiteside. We're already in violation of the rule if that's the case, because we've approved spending money on it for farming, right? said board member Tad Mayhall, R-Shelbyville, in response to a statement from another board member that paying taxes on the farmland is an issue of taxation without representation. If that stands to be true, then we're all culpable, right? Were already culpable. The agenda item in question read as follows: Discussion and vote to continue farming the county farm property unless otherwise directed on recommendation of the Farm Committee. Debate on the item continued for over 30 minutes. Opponents fixated on the idea of public purpose. We are a greedy county because we want to make all the money we can make off of it, said board member Mark Bennett, R-Bethany. If we want to convert it into a park or something that is a benefit to the members of this county, not just to our pockets, then it can be a public purpose. It can go to school, it can go to 4-H, there are a lot of uses and there are a lot of counties that are doing that. And that is how they're getting by with the public purpose. We are not doing any of that. The county board has been debating on public purpose and the farm's fate for years. On June 3, 2021, the Illinois Attorney Generals Office released an informal opinion to then-States Attorney Kroncke in response to her request for clarification on the legality of Shelby County's leasing of its farmland. Per that informal opinion, a copy of which was provided to the Herald & Review by the attorney generals office, state law allows counties to lease farm property or acreage under certain circumstances. Under the language of section 5-21005 of the Counties Code, a county may lease farm property or acreage acquired in connection with a county sheltered care home or county nursing home to public or private entities when deemed in the best interest of the county, the opinion read. A county board may also lease real estate when the real estate is no longer necessary, appropriate, required for the use of, profitable to, or for the best interests of the county, as determined by the county board. Whether either of these provisions authorizes the lease of the county property that is the subject of your inquiry involves questions of fact that cannot be resolved in a legal opinion of this office, the opinion determined. The inconclusive answer was attributed to the fact that Kronckes request didnt provide information on how the county farmland was originally obtained. The cemetery question Bennett and others have also voiced a fairly new concern that could halt farming on the county farm: whether the land in question may be legally classified as a cemetery. On Thursday, he moved to table the vote almost immediately after the farm item was introduced to the county board, saying he was still seeking legal advice on the subject. The idea did not originate with Bennett. In March, board member Carol Cole, R-Shelbyville, made a statement she hoped would prevent the board from allowing Prairie Power to run a series of power lines directly through the county farmland. Coles grandparents were superintendents of the county farm from 1925-1940, and her mother lived on the land for those 15 years. She commonly refers to the land as the poor farm because its intended purpose when first purchased by the county in the nineteenth century was to provide food for impoverished residents. During the March board meeting, Cole said that shed heard stories about bodies being buried along the farm's fence line during harsh winters when it was too difficult to reach and return from the cemetery. Such an event would have only taken place during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, she told the Herald & Review. Coles mother wrote a short book on the history of the county farm. The book contains no written record of bodies being buried on the farm, she said. She has no other evidence to believe there are bodies buried on the farm. The board voted to allow Prairie Power to survey the sections of the farmland where it wants to place the 12 poles. No bones or remains were found in that area. Cole intended her comments to prevent the farmland from being dug up and drilled into. But now its being used as a reason to potentially cease farming completely. (I was) hoping that maybe they could find a different route and not right through the middle of the farm. I mean, it was stupid, Cole said. I'll have to agree with that. It was stupid. But I was trying to save the farm from 12 poles, you know? Cole said she was told that shed have to sign an affidavit formally retracting her statement or else the county must accept her claim at face value and consider any actual farming of the farm inconsistent with the Illinois Cemeteries Act and, thus, illegal. Without identifying Cole, Hanlon told the Herald & Review he's addressed her comments with other board members. "That board member certainly can clear up the record, if her statements concerning bodies being buried 'anywhere they pleased' were to be recanted or explained to the board," he wrote. Back to the bill For Rep. Halbrook, public purpose is what matters most. This piece is really important, that counties shall not acquire farmland for the sole purpose of entering into a cash lease, crop-sharing arrangement, or custom farming arrangement, he told the Herald & Review, reading directly from HB1076. It was this language, tacked onto the bill through Senate Amendment 001, that Halbrook said convinced him to change his vote. Its not legal to take a piece of any public property the county owns, in this case farmland, and to lease it to a private individual, he said. The representative pointed to Article 8, Section 1 of the Illinois Annotated Constitution as defining a public purpose. If the farm is just a public asset, he argued, then it by definition cannot serve a public purpose. When asked if he believes the Shelby County Board should sell its farmland, he took a brief pause before saying: I think they need to figure out what is going to be best for the taxpayers of the county. Im not elected to the county board, he said. Im not going to get into my opinion because it doesnt matter. What's next Ultimately, 10 board members voted in favor of continuing to farm the county farm property, and 10 voted against. Because a majority wasnt reached, the motion failed. Its unclear what will happen next. In 2021, the boards indecision on the farm led to the growth of noxious weeds, frustrating local farmers and residents. Cole said she wants to preserve the land and its history for future generations. Some people want to pretend that history never happened, she said. Let's just get rid of history. Let's knock down all the statues and pretend that history didn't happen. Well, if we don't continue to tell the younger generation about this history, how are we ever going to know or appreciate what people went through for them? And some residents just want the board to play nice. I come to these meetings because we have lost so much humanity in how we treat people, and I'm going to keep coming and keep coming. And I'm going to say the same thing over and over and over again, said Shelby County resident Tricia Miller during public comment on Thursday. I'm, I've always been classified as pretty far right. Im not left What Im seeing out of the local Republican Party, that's not the party I want to be a part of, Miller continued. How you treat people, how you react to people and how you talk to the taxpayers. You don't have to like what we say. You don't have to agree with what we say. But if we can't sit and talk to each other in a respectful manner, were lost, and we need to get it together. PHOTOS: Balloons soar above Shelbyville during the 20th annual Touchstone Balloon Festival DECATUR The owner of Decaturs Powers-Jarvis Mansion is reviewing its options after a misunderstanding has once again put the fate of the historic home in limbo. Were devastated not being able to purchase the Powers mansion, IGBY Minister Zach Drew said in the video. IGBY had the winning bid of $301,750. In the final hour of its sale, the home's price tag doubled from around $145,000 to over $300,000, per monitoring of the online auction by the Herald & Review. The building was initially listed for sale for $130,000 before an auction was announced last week. The result of the auction, conducted by ServiceLink Auction, is under review, said Geovanni Garcia, a representative of the business. No decision on next steps has yet been made, though a new auction is one option under consideration. In the video, Drew detailed how the ministry had done its due diligence to research legal issues associated with the proposed purchase, had conducted title searches, had obtained board and investor approvals and thought it had funding in place prior to the online auction that ran Monday through Wednesday. Then there was a misunderstanding, Drew said. So we understood alongside our team and our investors that it was a cash-only option with the full price to be given within a day of the auctions completion. "Our financial institution, who had given us the OK for the project had an understanding that it was 30 days to secure a conventional loan after all the title work was done. So it goes without saying that were not going to be able secure the property since they need the cash the day of. Local auctioneer Andy Black, who has no connection to the Powers-Jarvis sale, said typically a real estate auction requires bidders to put down a deposit and provide a letter from a bank or other lending institution showing an adequate line of credit, before being allowed to participate in such an auction. If the winning bidder does not complete the purchase, that deposit is forfeited. In a case like that, the second-highest bidder is under no obligation to purchase the property, though the auction company may offer the opportunity. More often, a new auction would be scheduled instead. Drew and the local preservation group History of the Heartland expressed hope that whoever purchases the mansion will do so with plans to restore it. History of the Heartland is hopeful that putting the spotlight on the Powers Mansion and the significance of the home will assist in getting the proper buyer. We hope that whoever comes to own the property will have the determination and means to see it restored and will allow the community to share in the journey, Bret Robertson, chairman of History of the Heartland said on behalf of the not-for-profit organization. History of the Heartland members voted the Powers-Jarvis mansion as the No. 1 Most Endangered residence in Decatur in August 2020, the organization said. The three-story Greek revival-style home at 357 W. Decatur St. went into foreclosure after its former owner failed to pay on the mortgage. A check of legal records by the Herald & Review shows a man identified as Anthony J. Grason is the subject of a foreclosure action by U.S. Bank NA, as trustee, on behalf of the J.P. Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust. The foreclosure complaint listed the amount of modified indebtedness as $467,245.12. The terms of the online auction included the home being sold as is, without the opportunity to view it in person, and taking on the responsibility of evicting the current residents. The 7,700-square-foot mansion sits on 1 acres. The home features 13 rooms, including seven bedrooms and a ballroom. At one point the home featured underground parking for four cars. The mansion was built by Charles Powers, whose family members were some of the biggest landowners in Macon County. It was later owned by oil tycoon Vernon Jarvis. His sister-in-law, Hollywood star Nancy Walters, regularly stayed at the home and visited there for an extended period in 1961 after concluding filming on Blue Hawaii with Elvis Presley, and it was rumored that the King himself stayed there, though there's no proof of that. The house was empty by the end of the 1960s and was damaged by an arson fire in 1970. A plan to bulldoze the home in the mid-1970s to make way for an elderly housing complex was abandoned following a wave of local protests. The Bachrach family, who owned Decatur-based Bachrach Clothing Inc., bought and restored the home in 1988. The Bachrachs used the home as a training center for their business before it was sold for more than $400,000 in a 2005 auction. 7 of Decatur's most historic homes John H. Culver home Linn House Oglesby Mansion A.E. Staley Residence Eli Ulery house James Millikin Home Powers Mansion Decatur Christian Women's Connection The Decatur Christian Women's Connection will meet at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 22, at Scovill Activity Center, 3909 W. Main St., Decatur. The featured speaker will be Sherry Gray who will share her story "Surviving the Winds of Life and Still Laughing. Ken Frye, the director of Scovill Zoo will share with us what they do there. A chef prepared meal with drinks and dessert will be available for $20 per person. Reservations are required and due by Wednesday, June 14. Call Karen at 217-433-7522 or Pam at 217-433-9814 for reservations and or cancellations. BOGOTA, Colombia Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Friday that authorities found alive four children who survived a small plane crash 40 days ago and had been the subject of an intense search in the Amazon jungle that held Colombians on edge. The children were alone when searchers found them and are now receiving medical attention, Petro told reporters upon his return to Bogota from Cuba, where he signed a cease-fire agreement with representatives of the National Liberation Army rebel group. The president said the youngsters are an example of survival and predicted their saga will remain in history. A joy for the whole country! The four children who were lost 40 days ago in the Colombian jungle were found alive, Petro tweeted Friday. The children are the only survivors of a May 1 plane crash that killed pilot Hernando Murcia Morales, Yarupari indigenous leader Herman Mendoza Hernandez, and their mother, Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia, CNN reported. Their subsequent disappearance into the deep forest had galvanized a massive military-led search operation involving over a hundred Colombian special forces troops and over 70 indigenous scouts combing the area. For weeks, the search turned up only tantalizing clues, including footprints, a dirty diaper and a bottle. Family members said the oldest child had some experience in the forest, but hopes waned the longer that the children remained missing. Early hopes arose in mid-May when Petro mistakenly tweeted that the children had been found. He was later forced to backtrack. Clues suggest children survived Colombian jungle plane crash as officials race to find them (CNN) A Colombian government official said she was very confident four children have been found alive more than two weeks after their plane crashed in the Amazon jungle but was awaiting further proof. The children are members of the Huitoto people, and officials said the oldest children in the group had some knowledge of how to survive in the rainforest. On Friday, after confirming the children had been rescued, the president said that for a while he had believed the children were rescued by one of the nomadic tribes that still roam the remote swath of the jungle where the plane fell and have little contact with authorities. But Petro added that the children were first found by one of the rescue dogs that soldiers took into the jungle. The jungle saved them Petro said. They are children of the jungle, and now they are also children of Colombia. SPRINGFIELD Illinois lawmakers passed 566 bills through both chambers of the General Assembly in the recently concluded legislative session all but one of them in May. It sets the table for an approximate three-month bill-signing season for Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Thats because the states constitution gives legislative leaders 30 days from a bills passage to send it to the governor, who then has 60 days to sign or veto it. If the governor takes no action in that time, the bill would become law automatically. Historically, the legislature has sent bills to the governor in batches, allowing his staff ample time to review the proposals. Below are some of the bills that Pritzker will consider signing in the coming months. Noncitizen licenses A measure backed by Democratic Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias would allow residents of Illinois to obtain a standard drivers license, rather than the temporary visitor drivers license that is currently allowed under law. An applicant would be required to show their U.S. immigration documentation or, if they dont have that, a passport or consular card. They would also have to prove they have car insurance. A standard license can be used as identification, whereas a TVDL cannot. Advocates said that has made tasks such as buying alcohol or picking up a prescription challenging for many TVDL holders. Under House Bill 3882, noncitizens would still be ineligible to receive a federal Real ID certified license. According to the secretary of states office, more than 300,000 people currently have a TVDL. Those would still be valid until their expiration date, but the state would not issue any new ones. It passed the House 67-35 and the Senate 33-18. Noncitizen law enforcement House Bill 3751 provides that noncitizens can become law enforcement officers in Illinois if theyre authorized by federal law to work in the country or if action on their immigration status has been deferred under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals process. Those individuals must meet all other state qualifications for being in law enforcement and must be authorized to possess a firearm under federal law. The measure passed 37-20 in the Senate and 100-7 in the House. License plate readers Another measure backed by Giannoulias would prohibit any user of an automated license plate reader from sharing data collected by the device with out-of-state law enforcement officers who are investigating activities related to abortion care or someones immigration status. Prior to sharing any data, an ALPR user which includes law-enforcement agencies and other entities if they share the data with law enforcement would first need a written declaration that the law enforcement agency would not use the data contrary to the bills language. If no such declaration exists, the user would be prohibited from sharing the data. House Bill 3326 passed 39-15 in the Senate and 69-34 in the House. Native American repatriation House Bill 3413 would streamline the process through which Illinois returns Native American remains and materials to their communities. In part, it would create a procedure in which the Illinois Department of Natural Resources would consult with affiliated tribal nations when returning remains. The measure was spurred by reporting from ProPublica which showed the Illinois State Museum has the second-largest collection of unrepatriated Native American remains in the U.S. As of 2022, the state museum had only returned 2 percent of the 7,700 remains it reported to the U.S. government. HB 3413 allows IDNR to establish burial sites for Native American human remains and other artifacts that are closed to the public and protected by the state. Additionally, it creates a fund in the state treasury that would be paid into by violators of the act and subject to appropriation to cover costs including reinternment, repatriation, repair or restoration of human remains. It passed both houses unanimously. One lawmaker voted present in the House. Probation drug testing Senate Bill 1886 would limit the circumstances under which a judge could order a person to refrain from cannabis and alcohol use and submit to testing while on probation. A judge could still mandate testing if the person is under 21 or was sentenced for an offense that included use of an intoxicating compound. Testing could also still be required if the person is in problem-solving court or if the person has undergone a clinical assessment that includes alcohol or cannabis testing. Courts could also still require a person to abstain from cannabis and alcohol for 30 days between sentencing and the persons participation in a clinical assessment. The measure would also prohibit a court from banning cannabis use if it is prescribed by a medical professional and from assessing fees for mandatory drug or alcohol testing if the person is indigent as defined in state law. It passed 75-40 in the House and 31-18 in the Senate. Child influencers Senate Bill 1782 aims to protect child influencers who are under the age of 16 and featured in at least 30 percent of money-making internet videos, or vlogs, published by a family member in a 30-day period. Vloggers who feature children under the age of 16 would be required to keep records of the childrens inclusion in vlogs, proof of age and other documents. If they dont, the child would have a right to sue in civil court. If the vlog reaches a platforms money-making threshold or generates at least 10 cents per view, the vlogger would be required to put a percentage of earnings into a trust fund for the child that is equal to half of the percentage of content that features the child. Percentages differ if multiple children are featured. It passed the House 98-17 and the Senate 57-0. Hotel worker protections House Bill 2220 would give hotel managers greater authority to remove disruptive visitors from their premises. That includes individuals who refuse to pay, threaten employees, violate laws or posted hotel rules, or use verbally abusive language. The hotel industry pushed for the changes, which also state the removed guest must be refunded for unused portions of their stay. It also states the language cant be used to evict long-term residents or if the area is under a severe weather warning. It also may not be used to discriminate against a guest based on characteristics protected under federal, state or local law. Hotel managers would be allowed to refuse accommodation to anyone who destroys or threatens to destroy hotel property or who is on the premises for the purpose of providing alcohol to an underage person or possessing a controlled substance. It passed 108-3 in the House and 51-2 in the Senate. Full-day kindergarten House Bill 2396 would require Illinois elementary and unit public school districts to offer full-day kindergarten by the 2027-2028 school year. After that time, offering half-day kindergarten would be optional. Some districts would be able to apply for a two-year waiver based on their level of state funding. The measure would also create a task force to study the number of districts offering kindergarten, the number of students enrolled and several other factors. The task force is to be named by October, with an interim report due to lawmakers by June 30, 2024, and a final report by Jan. 31, 2025. It passed 52-1 in the Senate and 85-24 in the House. New state flag commission Senate Bill 1818 numbered for the year Illinois entered the union would create a commission to consider new state flag designs and make recommendations to the General Assembly as to whether the current flag should be replaced. Members would be appointed by the governor and legislative leaders of both parties, as well as the secretary of state, the state board of education and the state museum. They would be unpaid other than a per diem reimbursement. The commission would set guiding principles for a new flag, raise awareness for the effort and create a submission process for new designs. By Sept. 1, 2024, they would select 10 of those designs, and by Dec. 3, 2024, they would report to lawmakers with their recommendations. It passed 39-16 in the Senate and 72-40 in the House. Teacher licensure Senate Bill 1488 will temporarily suspend and create a task force to review one of the tests prospective teachers must pass to be licensed in Illinois. The test is known as the Teacher Performance Assessment, or edTPA, which would be suspended through Aug. 31, 2025, under the measure. The edTPA is a performance-based assessment that requires applicants to submit a portfolio including lesson plans and tests theyve administered while student teaching, along with examples of student work and other material. The portfolios are scored by outside teachers and teacher educators. It has been a requirement in Illinois since 2015 but was temporarily stalled by Pritzkers executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which expired May 11. SB 1488 would also establish a task force to evaluate teacher performance assessment systems and make recommendations to the State Board of Education and the General Assembly by Aug. 1, 2024. It passed the House 84-19 and the Senate 55-2. School district cash reserves Senate Bill 1994, which passed both chambers unanimously, would require school districts to report their annual cash reserves and average three-year operating expenditures to the state. When reserves exceed 2.5 times the average three-year expenditures, the school district would be required to file a plan to the state board detailing how they plan to spend reserves down to 2.5 times their average expenditures or less. Districts would not be required to spend reserves, but only to submit the plan detailing how they intend to do so over three years. Capitol News Illinois reporters Peter Hancock and Nika Schoonover contributed to this report. Photos: Pritzker sworn in for second term Back in February, the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago proposed some sweeping revenue changes designed to significantly boost the states credit rating to AA over time and help accelerate the states pension payments to bring down its huge unfunded liabilities. The groups proposals were striking because their members are some of the wealthiest people in the state. In the country, even. The Civic Committee led the charge several years ago to slash pension benefits for government employees and has long been known to be on the same side of the fence as the loud legions of Illinois government bashers. Heck, they helped build that fence. They also helped lead the fight against a graduated income tax proposal. The committee surprised almost everyone by proposing a temporary, ten-year personal and corporate income tax surcharge to raise $2.9 billion per year, or, as an alternative, a tax on retirement income. The committee also proposed expanding the sales tax to services, which it said could bring in an additional $1.2 billion a year if the state adopted Iowas model. Much of the money would be used to pay off state pension debt. In exchange, the committee proposed repealing the corporate franchise tax and the estate tax. The franchise tax was lowered during the spring session. And lowering or even repealing the estate tax was also on the Senates discussion table this year. Senate Republicans at one point thought they might make some headway, even though the governor has long expressed reservations. As a billionaire who inherited great family wealth, J.B. Pritzker wasnt exactly eager to sign such a bill into law. But Republicans apparently saw some signals that the governor would be open to such a plan this year if the legislature decided to go ahead. Senate President Don Harmon reminded me last week when we spoke that the Senate had already passed a repeal of the estate tax. I am more convinced than ever that the estate tax, more than the income tax, determines people's residency, Harmon claimed. He has said for a while that he believes many people move away from Illinois not because they want to lower their current tax rates, but to assure that their heirs inherit more of their money when they pass away than they would if they were still in Illinois. Harmon said getting rid of the estate tax is worth discussing, but only in a broader tax reform package. It's not something we can do as a one-off. It has to fit within a broader tax reform package. A top Senate Republican source suggested recently that the state budget talks veered away from the estate tax issue because Harmon wanted a broader deal down the road. The source also said it sounded like the Civic Committees plan could be a blueprint, or at least a starting point. Harmon confirmed that he was indeed looking at the recommendations. I think that the Civic Committee offers a very interesting blueprint, Harmon said of the tax hike proposals the group proposed. And if in fact the Civic Committee can generate broad support from the business community and from Republican lawmakers, it's absolutely worth a longer conversation. Thats a big if at this point, but well see. The Civic Committee also recently announced that it plans to raise tens of millions of dollars for Chicago violence reduction programs, including finding meaningful jobs (with wrap-around services) for people who had gone through violence prevention training, many of whom have extensive criminal records. Instead of a traditional get tough on crime approach, the Civic Committee emphasized constitutional policing and other police reforms. The group also announced that it had hired Robert Boik to help spearhead that effort. Boik oversaw the Chicagos 2019 federal consent decree to overhaul the policing system until he was pushed out after criticizing his superiors. Harmon seemed quite encouraged by the groups proposals and its entire approach these days. From our research, Harmon claimed, there's a dichotomy in the public perception. People want to be safer. But people understand that the root causes of crime are far more complicated. He said he believed people were moving away from the locking up and throw away the key types of people. I confess, it's not what I expected Harmon said of the Civic Committee, which has long had a conservative bent. I think that the Civic committee is approaching major problems with a very different perspective, Harmon said. More on that topic next week. Wednesday, June 14, is Flag Day. We encourage everyone to fly their American flag high, not just on that day but every day. Groups of flags flying are always impressive. Whether lining a boulevard, a city street or a neighborhood, flags flying in the wind can prove breathtaking to even the most jaded among us. We love our bunting. Whether its at a ballpark, in a well-adorned theater, or even on a float in a parade, were stirred with thoughts and images of pride from both a pleasant past and a positive imagination about what the future could hold. The American flag has long been a symbol of pride for this country. While the Fourth of July is traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, June 14 is a day to celebrate America's flag and all that it stands for. On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national flag day on June 14. The story of America's flag starts much earlier. It has long been held that in June 1776, George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, to create a flag for the new nation in anticipation of its declaration of independence. However, it was actually New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who designed the first flag while serving on the Continental Navy Board. On June 14, 1777, John Adams spoke about the flag at a Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia. He said, "Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation." There have been 27 official versions of the flag so far; stars have been added to it as states entered the Union. The current version dates to July 4, 1960, when Hawaii became the 50th state. The current flag has been unchanged for a record 63 years. That stretch eclipses the previous mark of 47 years, from 1912 to 1959. There are people in this country who do not believe that flag waves for them. Instead of the promise of equality and opportunity, they see dead ends blocking every possible path to progress. There are appearances that things might be changing. On the other hand, there were signs 50 years ago, and weve come to realize in the decades since that however far weve come, we havent come far enough. While the flag means something different to each of us, we are all passionate about those emotions. Even so, we can come to easily overlook the significance of the symbol. The flag is one of a handful of things that immediately represents the United States on sight. There will always be individuals and iconic images that represent the United States, but the flag is the longest-lasting and the one that's as close to permanent as any we have. The flag is the one symbol our society has chosen as the one to be consecrated. When the flag passes, we expect one another to show respect: quiet, salute in some way, remove your hat. Flag Day being less regarded than other celebration days is understandable. It lands between Memorial Day and July 4, both recognized national holidays. We don't even make changes to the flag on its own date. The changes are not made until July 4. Just as well, then, to have an official day to recognize it. This week is also officially "National Flag Week." a week during which all citizens are encouraged to fly the flag. Join us in doing so. ABINGDON, Va. The former owner of a chain of buprenorphine clinics, with locations in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon on three drug charges. Dr. Ralph Thomas Reach, 63, of Bristol, Virginia, pleaded guilty in March 2023 to three counts of causing drugs to be misbranded while held for sale after shipment in interstate commerce by inducing various quantities of prescription drugs Subutex (Schedule III), Suboxone (Schedule III), clonazepam (Schedule IV controlled substance) and gabapentin to be dispensed without valid prescriptions by the actions of health care providers at Watauga Recovery Centers. Virginians have suffered at the hands of pharmaceutical corporations and greedy doctors by overprescribing opioids treating our population like a science experiment. Now, corrupt health care providers are manipulating the sale of drugs designed for opioids abuse recovery. Enough is enough. Im proud of the role were playing in holding accountable bad actors who abuse the system and illegally prioritize profit over recovery, said Attorney General Jason Miyares. Opioid poisoning continues to be a leading cause of death for Virginians of all ages, despite the continued efforts of law enforcement and community groups to warn of the adverse effects of misuse, United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said. When doctors add to this mounting problem by overprescribing these powerful drugs, they must be held accountable, and we will continue to do exactly that. Buprenorphine, when properly prescribed, is an important tool in battling the opioid crisis. Medical professionals who abuse their access to and power to prescribe these drugs put profits over patients, said Special Agent in Charge George A. Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. Our office will continue to pursue and bring to justice those involved in the illegal prescribing and distribution of these drugs. Reach, a physician, was the primary owner of Watauga Recovery Centers which operated substance abuse treatment clinics in Virginia and Tennessee. At his clinics, Reach and other medical providers wrote prescriptions for buprenorphine (including Suboxone and Subutex), clonazepam, gabapentin, and other drugs. The prescriptions at issue were not valid because they were dispensed without a legitimate medical purpose and beyond the bounds of professional practice. Reach was sentenced to imprisonment for a term of six months to be followed by 18 months of home detention. Upon release from prison, Reach will serve a five year term of probation. In addition, he was ordered to forfeit $50,000 and pay a fine of $100,000. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Reachs conviction and sentencing was the result of an investigation that previously led to convictions of Matthew Sykes (former Watauga Recovery Centers employee); John Paul Linke (former Watauga Recovery Centers employee); Michael Dube (owner of screening laboratory used by Watauga Recovery Centers); Regan Dube (registered agent of screening laboratory used by Watauga Recovery Centers); Michael Olshavsky (sales representative of a Florida confirmation laboratory used by Watauga Recovery Centers); and Rakesh Kothuru (owner of a Las Vegas confirmation laboratory). More than $9.9 million dollars in fines, forfeitures and restitution were ordered as a result of these convictions. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Virginia Assistant Attorney General Janine M. Myatt and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Pierce and Randy Ramseyer prosecuted Reach and the related cases. Thanks to all involved with library fundraiser The culture of Appalachia was on display when Chef Jody Hazelwood provided a twist on his regional cuisine during the Savor the Mountain: An Appalachian Experience fundraiser dinner Sunday, May 21, at the Front Porch on Main in Tazewell, Virginia. How exciting it was to define a culture through arts and crafts, folklore, music and food, especially for a project to restore the Tazewell County Public Library in Richlands to its full glory. The Tazewell County Public Library Foundation Board, the Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library would like to thank the many supporters, ticket patrons and volunteers who made this an evening to remember. Preserving the culture and integrity of our history while celebrating its future is what Appalachian people are all about, and that is why it is so important to save our libraries and what they stand for. Thank you for helping. We would like to thank the following people and businesses for their support and gifts in so many ways: The Front Porch on Main, Irma Mitchell, Chef Jody Hazelwood, Laura Hunt, Karel Ryan, Erica Galloway, Amanda Killen, Kimberly Destifino, Dagmar Snowadesy, Greg Horn, Don and Elmes, Anita McGraw and Tazewell County Communication and Tourism, A J Robinson. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to highlight our Appalachian heritage and experience the interesting names and taste of our foods. Blessings all around the table, and lets savor the next time we meet. Thank you on behalf of: Tazewell County Public Library Foundation and Trustee Boards, Regina Roberts, chair Tazewell County Public Library-Richlands Renovation Project, Valerie Rose, chair Tazewell County Friends of the Library Fundraising and Publicity, Amity Layne, chair, Ginger H. Branton, Tazewell County Public Library-Board of Trustees/ Richlands Library Renovation Committee HICKORY The Catawba Valley Interfaith Council will hold its annual business meeting on Thursday, June 15, at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Exodus Missionary Outreach Church at 1763 Highland Ave. NE in Hickory. In addition to their regular business in which members will elect a new board and approve changes to their constitution, the meeting will feature a contextualized reading and discussion of a first-hand account of slavery in Catawba County. The public is invited to attend this free event in-person or stream it online from the groups Facebook page. The narrative of Martin Luther Bost, collected by the Federal Writers Project in 1937 as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) effort to collect narratives from the last generation of formerly enslaved people in the South, will be read by the Rev. Reggie Longcrier of Exodus Missionary Outreach Church. Founding executive director of Exodus Homes, a faith-based United Way agency that provides supportive housing for homeless recovering people returning to the community from substance abuse treatment centers and prison, Longcrier is also the chaplain of Catawba Correctional Center in Newton. Widely available on the internet (including LibriVox audio) today, portions of Bosts narrative were read by Ossie Davis for the 2003 HBO documentary titled Unchained Memories. As discussed in his narrative, Bost was enslaved in Newton and later moved to Asheville where the interview was conducted. Not included in any local historical narratives, Bosts narrative was collected by the WPA during the Jim Crow era and contains dehumanizing language as well as disturbing graphic personal recollections about the American antebellum period and Reconstruction era. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate, said Betty Lohr, CVIC president, but it is also an opportunity to educate ourselves about the history of slavery in our own communities. This history might make some people uncomfortable, but we think its important that Martin Luther Bosts story is told. CVIC is a local not-for-profit organization of faith-based and secular communities in the Catawba Valley serving as a catalyst for hope and cooperating for the purpose of dialogue, information sharing, and celebration. Their purpose is to create a more compassionate community and honor the rich diversity of religious, spiritual, and secular traditions in the community. Dolmabahce Palace, which witnessed the cultural and political transformation of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century Turkiye, still stands as one of the magnificent structures of the reform period, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. The palace in the Besiktas district of Istanbul province, which is one of the Ottoman Empires symbols of modernization, welcomed Sultan Abdulmejid on June 7, 1856. Since 1856, the palace was home to Sultan Abdulmejid, Abdulaziz, Abdul Hamid, Murad V, Mehmed V Resad, Mehmed VI Vahideddin, Caliph Abdulmejid, and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The palace, whose architecture draws the attention of both local and foreign tourists, is one of the city's most important historical structures, having witnessed the lives of the Ottoman sultans. Highlighting the historical, political, and cultural importance of the palace, President of National Palaces Yasin Yildiz told Anadolu that "Dolmabahce Palace is the most symbolic and iconic of the Tanzimat Period palaces that existed in the last 70 years of the Ottoman period." "The palace has an area of 360 decares. Many of its structures have survived to the present day, Yildiz said. "The palace, which receives nearly 1.8 million visitors each year, is one of our country's most important museums," he added. 404 404. Thats an error. The requested URL was not found on this server. Thats all we know. The City of Concord agreed to enter into a mutual contract with the City of Charlotte on Thursday night, which will assign Charlottes planning/development regulations to a portion of land along Quay Road near Concord Mills Mall. Childress Klein, one of the largest private, full-service real estate companies in the Southeast, per its website, owns a 48.21-acre parcel close to Concord Mills, of which 36.67 acres are located in Charlotte and the remaining 11.54 acres in Concord. Jeff Brown, lawyer for the Charlotte-based Moore & Van Allen, which is assisting Childress Klein, told the city council during its meeting Thursday that the Concord parcel is an orphan piece that logically should be developed along with the overall parcel in a unified manner consistent with the plans for the 36.67 acre portion that was zoned for multi-family purposes unanimously by Charlotte City Council in 2021. As you look at this development plan, it makes so much more sense to have it unified, as one development, Brown told council, noting this is a unique situation. Even though Charlotte development regulations would apply to the property on Quay Road, the acres would remain in Concord, the taxation status would not change and schools and emergency services would continue to be provided by Concord/Cabarrus County. Charlotte City Council also needs to approve of the arrangement, which should occur next month. Charlotte rezoned the property two years ago to allow for 488 multifamily units. A traffic impact analysis approved with the rezoning factored in the potential development of 212 potential multifamily units for the Concord parcel. Following a public hearing, where no one spoke for or against, the council unanimously approved the resolution to assign development/planning regulations to Charlotte for the 11.54 acres. The city council also: Adopted the FY 2023-2024 budget, which totals $325 million. For the 10th straight year, the property tax rate will remain at 48 cents per $100 of valuation. The budget also includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment. Approved voluntary annexation of 3.34 acres on Amalia Street NW and Northeast Gateway Court NE. The property is currently zoned General Commercial (C2). Authorized City Manager Lloyd Payne to negotiate and execute a one-year contract extension with the Town of Harrisburg for continued treated water purchases. Approved Concord Co-Sponsorship application for the Downtown Concord-Cabarrus Arts Council Art Walk on Union, which will be held June 24. Approved the Concord Co-Sponsorship application for the Juneteenth celebration at Caldwell park to be held June 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is contingent on the applicant providing city staff the required certificate of insurance. Approved a motion to award a bid and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for Williams Electric Company to provide contract labor and equipment for installation and maintenance of the City of Concords electric infrastructure. Approved a motion to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with McAdams in the amount of $290,620 for full design services for the David Phillips Activity Center park area. Approved changing the speed limit for the entire Allen Mills neighborhood from 35 mph to 25 mph. The neighborhood requested the change and received 76% approval from property owners. Authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, L.L.P. for engineering services related to intersection improvements at Poplar Tent Road and Harris Road contingent on NCDOT approval. The next regular council meeting is set for July 13. Clint Walker Community Content Coordinator Follow Clint Walker Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today When Francis Ford Coppola re-released The Godfather Part III to theaters last year, he retitled it The Godfather: Coda, because even though its three hours long, features the same characters and continues the same storyline, its not a sequel, its a coda. If that sounds like a distinction without a difference, then bear with me as I present to you this coda to Mays Summer Movie Showcase, delayed by a week for reasons Ill get to, 1990s Gen-X high school angst classic Pump Up the Volume. How I came to realize that its a classic is a story that begins with a friend of mine doing the worst possible thing someone could do to someone as self-obsessed as I: Pay me a compliment. Namely, that I reminded her of Christian Slater from this movie. I cant help but think, after watching it for the first time, she didnt mean the cool Christian Slater as he appeared on the poster as Happy Harry, the teen pirate radio DJ secretly broadcasting from his bedroom; but instead dowdy, everyday high school doofus Mark. And if youre wondering how in the world someone in the production crew managed to make peak Christian Slater look nerdy, they just put him in a denim pullover, flounced his hair into a loose flop of a pompadour and gave him those glasses with big round lenses so that he looked like the Encyclopedia Britannica kid. Its how I did it at that age. Needless to say, with its angsty teen rebellion set to a soundtrack of late 80s college rock heard only by eager listeners on their car radios while parked in the best reception spots in the middle of nowhere, who then bring the home-recorded tapes to school the next day to spread the word, Pump Up the Volume is 100% my thing. What surprised me most about it though was the unexpected turn it takes into serious territory when, after the death of a distraught caller-in to the program, Mark walks like a ghost through the next school day, hardly saying a word to anyone, watching the classmates who make up his rabid listenership trying to deal with whats happened and knowing that come Friday night, as Harry, hes going to have to try to help them make sense of it. Which is why, like The Breakfast Club before it, its a movie that probably should have been seen by teenagers because it tried to tackle the topics that, as corny as it soundswere on teens minds. A task many of you stopped spending time on years ago. But hey, some of us never stop trying to prove our eternal solidary with youth; like say, the hip English teacher in this movie, who laughs at tapes of Harrys antics as the rest of the faculty in the breakroom frowns, and who gets thrown out on her ear for daring to stand up to the evil principal secretly using a ban-Harry crackdown to accomplish her own nefarious academic goal, which is revealed during the films third act showdown involving Harry pulling off a daring final broadcast via a mobile recording rig while the entire student body protests in the face of the local police and the FCC, who apparently are authorized to mobilize the National Guard. That kind of teacher, in real life, might even try showing this movie to a class today. They probably should, even though, since were at a time when were still banning books for dumb reasons, that same teacher might have to quickly throw a tarpaulin over the TV because of the truly righteous, yet still very innocent, love scene between Harry and the goth-lite library chick who managed to figure out his identity in a way that youd think someone else would have thought to do alreadyby staking out his P.O. box. Ahh, the days before email, right? So yeah, fans of 80s cinema who think theyve seen it all, havent, until they track this one down. And dont make me give you the no year zero speech, because yes, 1990 is still the 80s. Also, Im serious: youre really going to have to track it down, literally, because the reason this entire column was delayed a week was because its not available for streaminganywhere. Guess that whole no more video stores thing really blew up in everyones face, didnt it? Which is why Im glad that that my opinion about having to actually buy this movie on Blu-Ray changed from Ugh...now I own Pump Up the Volume to Wownow I own Pump Up the Volume, followed by plans to buy and frame the movie poster for my music nook. Heck, come Bagelfest time, Im half-tempted to stage my own pirate broadcast by projecting the entire movie on a bedsheet hanging out of a window. I might even act out some of the monologues. Dont think I havent been practicing. OK, look, Im not quite Christian Slater. But that doesnt mean Im not totally unlike Christian Slater either. No, I dont have a pirate radio station, despite half-drawn up plans to use untwisted wire hangers as an antenna tied into my vintage amp. But Ive got a weekly column. Thats like a radio show, right? Except you read it. I dont know if its still a thing that copies of the paper somehow just appear strewn across the folding tables of some of our finer laundromats in the area, but if it is, and youre up late waiting on the driers, and youre reading me right now, let me sign off by paraphrasing ol Happy Harry: Its your life. Take charge of it. Spill your guts out. Pick a name. Steal the page. Read hard. And support physical media. As mayor of the city of Hopewell, Virginia, Johnny Partin is too busy trying to lead the community forward and make critically needed infrastructure improvements to think too much about his age. One year into the job as mayor, the 30-year-old Virginia Military graduate (Class of 2014) was just 26 when he was elected as a Hopewell City Council member. Partin, who is also a captain in the Virginia National Guard, attributes his passion for service to the influence of his grandfather, who was a one-star general in the National Guard and the Army Reserve. The elder Partin wasnt able to complete his college education because of the Great Depression and World War II, but he told all six of his grandchildren that hed help them through college. There was one string attached, though, Partin said. They had to attend VMI, the small, state-supported military college in the mountains of western Virginia. The school, which has produced a Nobel Prize winner, 11 Rhodes Scholars, seven Medal of Honor recipients, a Pulitzer Prize winner, college presidents, generals and flag officers, is far from ordinary. VMI was the only option because my grandfather loved the model of being a citizen-soldier, Partin said. He loved the schools model because it incorporated a lot of the philosophy that the National Guard is built on. VMIs unique combination of an excellent academic program, physical fitness, honor, character, and military training appealed to the younger Partin as well. During his time at the school, he participated in the Institute Honors program, served as vice president of the Honor Court, and was president of the VMI chapter of Engineers Without Borders, a humanitarian service group. After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, Partin moved to Hopewell, an economically disadvantaged community (population 23,000) south of Richmond, where he began attending City Council meetings. He quickly realized the council was in need of leadership. Making his case to voters several decades his senior, Partin realized that his degree from VMI was one of his greatest strengths. They saw that I was a graduate of VMI They knew that this guy knows what hes doing. This guy is a leader. He knows how to get things done. Johnny Partin - 2014 VMI alumnus VMI itself prepares you for leadership positions, he said. It prepares you to tackle a lot of the problems that you're going to face in life, whether it is in business, whether it's in politics, whether its in the nonprofit sector, or even in the military. And thats what VMI is truly all about serving as a role model and as a leader, and also helping people, helping your community, helping your country, and basically being a part of that call to selfless service. Since he was elected, Partins goal has been to improve public safety and help facilitate neighborhood improvements that are currently in the works. Some of these involve fixing drainage issues, upgrading utilities and improving the wastewater plant. Nearly a decade after graduating from VMI, Partin reflects and remembers his younger self who would have never had imagined he would one day lead a community. [VMI] prepares you to tackle a lot of the problems that you're going to face in life, whether it is in business, whether it's in politics, whether its in the nonprofit sector, or even in the military. Johnny Partin - 2014 VMI alumnus His grandfather would be proud. For more information, please visit vmi.edu. Take a look at what else is happening at VMI in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com. U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, North Carolina Republicans, say that former President Donald Trump deserves a presumption of innocence after Trump was indicted on federal charges of mishandling classified documents. There is always a presumption of innocence in America, and that applies to former President Trump, Tillis said Friday in a statement. It is sad to see some Democratic politicians cheering this indictment and presuming guilt for sheer political gain, despite the fact that President (Joe) Biden himself is under federal investigation for mishandling classified documents. The American peoples faith and confidence in the Department of Justice have eroded in recent years, Tillis said, and we must ensure that no partisan politics were injected at any point during this process. A Biden spokeswoman declined to comment Friday on the Trumps indictment. Budd wrote in a Thursday night tweet that in America, citizens are innocent until proven guilty. We must ensure that justice is administered without political bias, Budd wrote, and the American people are rightly skeptical that the Biden administration is able to do that. Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents, according to an indictment unsealed Friday that alleges that he described a Pentagon plan of attack and shared a classified map related to a military operation. Trump is the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges by the federal government. The 49-page charging document paints a portrait of Trumps treatment of sensitive information, accusing him of willfully ignoring Justice Department demands to return documents he had taken from the White House to Mar-a-Lago and even directing aides to help him hide the records sought by the government. U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning of Greensboro, D-6th, said that no one is above the law in the United States. The law must be applied equally to all citizens, whether you were elected to the highest office in the land or commit a crime in your neighborhood, all are subject to the full and fair enforcement of the law, Manning said. Spokespeople for the N.C. Republican and Democratic parties declined to comment on Trumps indictment. The Forsyth County Democratic Party doesnt comment on ongoing investigations, said Jenny Marshall, the chairman of the local Democratic Party. The (Department of Justice) is not a political organization, Marshall said, and we need to let them to let them do their job. Ken Raymond, the chairman of the Forsyth County Republican Party, said he doubts the validity of the indictment against Trump. The Trump indictments has as much substance and credibility as the three-year Russia collusion investigation that was proven a fabrication by special counsel John Durham, Raymond said. After Durham proved that the Russia investigation was a huge hoax and waste of time, why should anyone believe that these indictments arent more of the same? Republican District Attorney Jim ONeill of Forsyth County declined to comment about the case. John Dinan, a political-science professor at Wake Forest University, pointed to the news of the federal indictment against Trump coinciding with the N.C. Republican Party convention in Greensboro. It is fascinating that these indictments take place just as North Carolina Republicans are getting ready to host Donald Trump, along with several other leading candidates in Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence, at the partys state convention this weekend, because the candidates speeches, along with the reactions of convention attendees, will be scrutinized for their reactions to these indictments, Dinan said. Prior to this week, it is not clear that the various legal charges and pending legal charges against Trump in other cases have hurt him in the Republican nomination contest, Dinan said. A key question is whether at a certain point this weeks indictments and other charges that he is defending against will begin to lead some Republican officials and Republican primary voters to reconsider their support for him and look more closely at some of the other candidates in the Republican presidential nominating field who are not facing so many legal challenges. We just dont know whether these indictments will have this sort of effect, Dinan said, and it is one of the reasons why a lot of attention will be paid to this weekends N.C. Republican Party convention, to see how other Republican officials and voters react to these federal indictments. Gregory Parks, a professor at Wake Forest University School of Law, said he questions how Trump supporters will process the information about the case. Trump once said he could walk down Fifth Avenue and shoot someone in the head and not lose a supporter, Parks said. Hes largely been right in that statement. People often believe what they need to believe to achieve the outcomes they desire. Trump has truly captured the political right, Parks said. Even when he has debased their purported values, theyve stuck by his side. Jan. 6 told us that blue lives and the rule of law could be cast aside by many of his supporters. These indictments raise the question even more: What does the political right truly value in the age of Trump, especially if the rule of law is cast aside Parks asked. Services Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, will have services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The 10:45 service will be live streamed on YouTube and Facebook. Pastor Tyler Tankersley will begin a sermon series about Promises. The first sermon is titled Into the Unknown. 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, Responding to the Goodness of God. The scripture is I Chronicles 17:16-27. 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. Cheryl Bridges 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 Face-book.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 ardmoreumc.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 there 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. At 11 a.m. Sunday there will be an in-person worship service. It will be live streamed on Facebook and You Tube. 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 Gods Kingdom of Peace (Devotional Reading John 16:20-33; Background Scripture Isaiah 65:17-25). 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. Reference scripture is Luke 6. 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. Sunday. The service will be in-person and streamed on YouTube at youtube.com/ClemmonsPresbyterianChurch. 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 RuralHallChurch.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 3, reminding us of what we can do for our community. The Forum will be at 9 a.m. Regina Hal will discuss the work of the Boston-Thurmond Community Network. 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 worship with Pastor Emily Schlaman Larsen at 11 a.m. Sunday. 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. Vacation Bible School First Baptist ChurchEast, 700 Highland Ave., Winston-Salem, will host its Vacation Bible School from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Preschoolers to adults are invited to take part in Ive Got This with Jesus, a fun-filled Bible program. Activities will include Bible training classes, crafts and music. St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 357 Old Hollow Road, Winston-Salem, will have Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday for ages 2-12. The theme is Food Truck Party. Activities include dinner, games and story time. New Friendship Baptist Church, 4258 Old Lexington Road, Winston-Salem, will have its annual Vacation Bible School with the theme, Twist and Turn from 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 25 through June 29 for ages 3 through rising 6th grade. Dinner will be served for the students in attendance. To register in advance, go to the churchs website: nfbcws.com. For more information about VBS, call 336-407-0776. Fundraiser 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 events Burkhead United Methodist Church, 5250 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, will have Music on the Hill at 6 p.m. Sunday 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. Thursday. 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. Saturday. 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. Parkway United Church of Christ, 1465 Irving St., Winston-Salem, will have Forest Edge Cearcall, an outdoor gathering that will celebrate the summer solstice at 6:15 p.m. June 21. For more information, go to Facebook for Forest Edge Cearcall or call 336-723-1395. Vessels of Honor Church, 3608 Ogburn Ave., Winston-Salem, will have a community day from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 24. There will be health care screenings, food and clothing giveaway, hot dogs, and activities for children. 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. Union United Methodist Church, 8935 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, invites you to celebrate Independence Day from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 2. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and desserts will be served at 12:30. There will be live bluegrass music by The Tarheel Travelers. There will also be games and fun for kids and adults including a bounce house, slide, corn hole, and face painting. Come out and celebrate. TORONTO The Toronto Blue Jays cut pitcher Anthony Bass on Friday, one day after the right-handed reliever said he didn't think an anti-LGBTQ+ social media post he shared last month was hateful. The team now has seven days to trade Bass or put him on waivers. The move came hours before Bass was set to catch a ceremonial first pitch from Toronto LGBTQ+ activist leZlie Lee Kam before Friday's game against Minnesota as the Blue Jays began their fourth annual Pride Weekend celebration. Kevin Gausman caught the first pitch instead of Bass. Bass apologized before a May 30 game after sharing a post on his Instagram calling for boycotts of Target and Bud Light over support they showed for the LGBTQ+ community. Before Friday's game, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said the decision to cut Bass was primarily motivated by performance and not by the pitcher's off-the-field circumstances. He was 0-0 with a 4.95 ERA. To alleviate the financial burden of cancer treatment, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recently awarded a $5,000 transportation grant to Nebraska Hematology-Oncology (NHO). The grant is one of 380 transportation grants totaling $6.2 million awarded to health systems nationwide. The funding will allow health systems to provide eligible patients an estimated 577,350 rides to treatment. We are extremely grateful to the American Cancer Society for providing these funds to help us assist patients who have an added burden of finding a way to get to and from their treatments, said Mike Lefler, NHOs business and communications strategist. At NHO, we realize how various barriers may come into play when thinking about someones personal cancer journey," Lefler added. "Minimizing the barriers that can prevent patients from successfully completing treatment is very important to us, and we are happy to have partnerships like the one with ACS to help individuals right here in Nebraska. Lack of transportation to treatment prevents many people living with cancer from receiving care, which worsens cancer outcomes. Not having access to high-quality cancer treatment due to where you live contributes to the disparities we see in cancer outcomes. Its important to provide the funding and programming needed to keep a lack of transportation from impacting survival, said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer for the ACS. The local health systems we partner with across the country use this funding to deliver assistance directly to the patients who need it most. For more information about NHO, visit YourCancerCare.com. International Day of Yoga will be celebrated in Osh city. Press service of the City Hall reported, Azernews reports, citing 24.kg. Deputy Mayor of the city Nurbek Kadyrov met with the Assistant Secretary of the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, Rajesh Kumar. The parties discussed the issue of holding the International Day of Yoga in the city. The official stressed that the celebration of this day in the southern capital has become a traditional event, and the City Hall will assist in organizing the event. Rajesh Kumar noted that the City Hall of Osh, as well as the City Hall of Bishkek, have been partners of the Indian side for a long time, cooperation continues to develop fruitfully. Due to the fact that the central stadium of the southern capital is being renovated, it was proposed to consider alternative venues for holding the International Day of Yoga. The Kiwanis Club of Lincoln-Capital City and the Capital City Kiwanis Club Foundation awarded annual scholarships at meetings May 16 and 23. Five $1,000 scholarships were awarded this year, three from foundation endowments and two from club funds. Students and their families were invited to attend the Capital City Kiwanis meeting at the Second Baptist Church to receive their scholarships. Clare Bauman, a Lincoln Pius X High School graduate, was awarded the Bob and Dottie Orshek Scholarship and plans to pursue a degree in graphic design at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Hudson Beery, a Lincoln Southwest graduate, received a Capital City Kiwanis Club Scholarship and plans to pursue a degree in biology at UNL. Chloe Jones, a Norris High School graduate, was awarded the Gwen Farmer Memorial Nursing Scholarship and plans to pursue a nursing degree at Creighton University. Anthony Nguyen, a Lincoln Pius X graduate, received a Capital City Kiwanis Club Scholarship and plans to pursue a degree in engineering systems and biology at UNL. Alex Quible, a Lincoln North Star graduate, received the Beverly Carlson Education Scholarship and plans to pursue a music education degree from UNL and become a music teacher. Each of the students were chosen based on their academic achievements and service to their communities. Applicants must be from Lancaster County and plan to attend a Nebraska college to be eligible for these scholarships. The Capital City Kiwanis Foundation and Club Scholarship program started in 1977 and has provided funds to help local students further their education. The Lincoln Children's Museum has partnered with the national Museums for All program. By joining this initiative, the Children's Museum will provide greater access to its exhibits, extending its reach to more children and families to explore and learn through play. Museums for All is a national access program that encourages museums to open their doors to families receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) at a significantly reduced cost. Tara Knuth, executive director of Lincoln Children's Museum, expressed enthusiasm about joining Museums for All. "At the Lincoln Children's Museum, our mission is to invite all children to create, discover and learn through the power of play," Knuth said. "By becoming a participant in the Museums for All program, we are taking a significant step toward breaking down financial barriers so that more families can access the educational resources and experiences we offer. In addition to the Lincoln Children's Museum, two other Lincoln institutions -- the University of Nebraska State Museum, also known as Morrill Hall, and the International Quilt Museum -- are participants in Museums for All. The Lincoln Childrens Museums new commitment to the program cements Lincoln's position as a "HUB" city for cultural enrichment, offering a diverse range of educational and immersive experiences to its residents and visitors. To become a HUB city, Museums for All requires a minimum of three participating museums within city limits. We're excited to have the Lincoln Children's Museum join Museums for All, said Susan Weller, director of the University of Nebraska State Museum. Attaining HUB status enhances Lincoln's reputation as a city where the joy of learning is accessible for everyone at our nationally recognized museums. Leslie C. Levy, Ardis & Robert James executive director of the International Quilt Museum, added: Being designated as a true HUB city publicly recognizes that Lincoln strives to offer engaging learning opportunities and artistic explorations for the entire community. Access to cultural organizations is essential for holistic educational development. Effective this month, when families present their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, they are eligible to receive reduced admission at the Lincoln Children's Museum through the national program. Additionally, those who receive WIC benefits can receive a discounted rate at the Lincoln Childrens Museum. Reduced admission cost will be $3 per person for up to four people per party. For more information about the Lincoln Children's Museum and its partnership with Museums for All, visit www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org/museums-for-all. It was just a get-acquainted lunch, but it turned into a lasting friendship. Id heard Jay Wilkinson talk about his company at a Rotary Business Networking Day in 2010, and invited him to lunch to learn more about his work at Firespring and some of what he shared about his business focus. As we talked over lunch, the conversation turned to favorite TED talks, which led Jay to ask if Id seen the TEDx information on the TED website. That casual question served to trigger my curiosity, which eventually led to producing more than 20 TEDxLincoln events in seven years. The talk that Jay shared at the very first event in 2011 went on to reach over a million people with his idea about the importance of a positive company culture. Talk about company culture. If you know Jay and Firespring, no doubt youve seen or heard of the slide from the second floor to the companys combination meeting/recreation/kitchen/cafeteria (they call it the hangout area or firepit) at the company headquarters in south Lincoln. Each morning at 11:11, you can be in the hangout area, and suddenly people will show up from all corners of the building, many making their entrance on the slide. Staff is there for 11 minutes while the fire chiefs take them through a quick update on whats happening. Wilkinson hails from North Platte, attended Doane University and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Launching the magazine Campus Connections as an undergraduate took him to New York City for a while, but as he put it, he returned to Nebraska where theres more grass than concrete. That was when he established a franchise called Alpha Printing, which ultimately led to developing websites for printshops across the United States. That was in the mid 90s, when the academic-oriented internet turned into the World Wide Web and began to really reach into the business world. Wilkinson and his company were at the forefront. It was an interesting twist of fate, because he had sought to raise money to expand, brought some venture capitalists into the picture and was pushed out of the picture. That was a challenging time in his life, but through challenges we often end up focused on whats important. To Wilkinson, running an agency in Lincoln that catered to nonprofit organizations is important. So in 2007, he bought his company back from the venture capitalists and created Firespring, an agency that provides strategic guidance activated through creative, marketing, printing and technology solutions helping businesses and nonprofits. Now, youd think that a guy who has done what Wilkinson has done in and around Lincoln would have a good feel for what makes the city tick. Tawyna and I participated in the Leadership Lincoln Executive Series, and my mind was blown by what I learned about what services there are in Lincoln and things that needed attention, Jay said. He added that becoming more aware of the communitys needs has helped the two of them focus their attention on Launch Leadership, the Foundry Coworking Space and the Do More Good conference. It was Launch Leadership that started Wilkinson on his path to civic involvement when he was in high school. Today, the organization continues to prosper in its drive to help students from across Nebraska and beyond to challenge themselves, grow, and feel seen and heard. I was introverted when I was in high school, and Launch put me on a path to be a servant leader, he said. Hes still passionate and is a big supporter of Launch. A second focus for Wilkinson is The Foundry coworking space in downtown Lincoln. The building, at 14th and P streets, only blocks from the UNL campus, originally was home to the Cornerstone Printing operation run by Wilkinson. It is now the office home for organizations including Launch Leadership, Arc of Nebraska, Leadership Lincoln, Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company and Voices of Hope, along with many others. A third area of priority is the Do More Good movement and conference. The organization focuses on helping companies evolve on their path to purpose while being a conscious capitalistic organization. Wilkinson wants Firespring to be a purpose-driven company. In 2014, Firespring was the first B Corporation in Nebraska, and that came after Wilkinson had advocated for the Nebraska Unicameral to pass legislation that made B Corporations possible in the state. A certified B Corporation is a company that seeks to meet the highest standards for social and environmental performance while, at the same time, making money for the owners. Looking to Lincolns future, Wilkinson believes strongly that a convention center is needed. A quality place for people to meet will help bring people to Lincoln, he said. Once theyre here, we have a good chance of getting them to move here. And I think down the road, Lincoln will be recognized as a leading city and example of the way any good city would want to be. Wilkinson went on to note that its challenging for citizens to work together, and when we work together, good things can happen. Jay Wilkinson, working together with a broad cross section of Lincoln for causes and leading a purpose-driven company, all make for a positive impact. Humanities Nebraska (HN) is seeking nominations for the annual Sower Award in the Humanities, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the public understanding of the humanities in Nebraska. The deadline is Friday, June 16. The Sower Award will be presented at the 28th annual Governors Lecture in the Humanities Oct. 10 at Omahas Holland Performing Arts Center. Co-sponsored by UMB Bank and Union Pacific, From Moscow to the Lincoln Highway: An Evening with Amor Towles will also be broadcast online. Anyone may nominate an individual who has made a significant contribution to public understanding of the humanities in Nebraska via a commitment of time, expertise, resources or any combination of the above. The selection committee will consider nominees contributions to history, literature, culture and other areas of the humanities and how this has inspired and enriched personal and public life in Nebraska. Previous awards have recognized many different kinds of contributions, including the work of humanities faculty who have taken the humanities to the public beyond their classroom or research, volunteers who have enhanced the cultural life of their state, journalists and filmmakers who have brought the humanities to bear on important public issues, and philanthropists who have contributed to the cultural vitality of Nebraska. Nomination forms can be downloaded from HumanitiesNebraska.org and must be postmarked or emailed by Friday. For more information, contact Heather Thomas at heather@humanitiesnebraska.org or 402-474-2131. HN is a private nonprofit with a mission to help people explore what connects us and makes us human. HN is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, an appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, private donations and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, a public-private partnership with state dollars matching private dollars to benefit the arts and humanities in Nebraska. Civic Nebraska and members of the Community Builder Coalition announced Thursday the Strong Neighborhoods Grants program, which will support neighborhood-based, resident-led programs and projects across Lincoln. Lincoln Community Foundation has provided $25,000 to support and equip neighborhood stakeholders to achieve neighborhood development goals. Civic Nebraska will serve as the fiscal agent and distribute the funding at the discretion of the Community Builder Coalition, a group of community builders and organizers from local organizations developed out of Prosper Lincoln's Strong Neighborhoods initiative. The Coalition will review applications monthly and includes representation from Civic Nebraska, Collective Impact Lincoln, Lincoln Community Learning Centers, F Street Community Center, Lincoln Community Foundation, Lincoln Public Schools, Lutheran Family Services, Nebraska Appleseed, NeighborWorks Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center. Strong Neighborhoods grants can include neighborhood events that bring neighbors together and strengthen relationships in the community; projects that enhance the safety, beauty or social connections within a neighborhood; and/or develop leadership skills and roles of neighborhood residents. The maximum amount available is $1,000 for each project. Grant recipients are required to submit a brief report at the end of their project and submit receipts for purchases made with grant funds. Grants are open to neighborhood organizations/groups or individuals within the Lincoln city limits. They can be formal neighborhood associations, school neighborhood advisory committees at Community Learning Center schools, or informal groups of neighborhood residents. They also can include neighborhoods where a member of the Community Builder Coalition is currently working. Grants may not be used for private programs or events, including private religious celebrations; political activities; alcohol, tobacco or gambling, which includes raffles or other games of chance; and inflatables or bounce houses. For more information, visit StrongNeighborhoodsLNK.org or contact Nancy Petitto, Civic Nebraskas director of civic health programs, at nancy.petitto@civicnebraska.org. The rainbow came before the rain at Lincoln's third annual Pride parade Saturday morning. The Star City Pride Parade started at 9:30 a.m. Saturday around the state Capitol nearly three weeks after Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB574 into law, restricting access to abortions and gender-affirming care for minors. The rain held up as hundreds wrapped around the Capitol and as the parade passed by twice in about 30 minutes. From motorcycles and drag queens to puppies and balloons, nearly 40 groups participated in the parade. Andrew Farias, community outreach coordinator for Star City Pride Events said the event was a success. This was his second year attending the parade and his first time on the Board of Directors. Its really phenomenal for Star City Pride Events to be visibly present, Farias said. Especially around the Nebraska state Capitol, which is a very central part of Lincoln. I think that its really vital that we are visible, that were present, not just to the queer community but to the city of Lincoln as a whole. Signs reading You Cant Erase Us and You Are Safe Here were plentiful around the crowds. Beaded necklaces, pride stickers, candy and mom hugs were handed out to supporters of all ages in attendance. Kendra Carlson of Lincoln was one of the many moms at the parade handing out hugs. She attended the parade on behalf of her nonbinary teenager. Its the least I can do, and if I get to hug anybody today, Ill tell them that theyre perfect, Carlson said. I have a kid that I have the privilege of supporting and I know how hard it is still for them. I cant imagine and it breaks my heart that anybody, even if their mom has passed or is not with them, doesnt have that kind of support. This was Carlsons second time attending the Pride parade in Lincoln. Im relieved that it wasnt disturbed and also I can feel people holding back, Carlson said. I totally get it, people have to protect themselves. I miss the indigenous people. We just do the best we can and hopefully next year will be a lot better and a lot safer. Those in support of the parade came from surrounding areas as well including Emma Radziunas from Bellevue. She walked in the parade with the Omaha Pride Guard for her second time. It was just so exciting seeing everyone coming together and just celebrating who we are and just having fun, Radziunas said. Especially with everything going on, its just nice to have a little happy moment. Other organizations also attended the parade such as St. Paul United Methodist Church, NRC Health, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Winslows Wardrobe, Zoetis, Star City Chorus and the parade sponsor, Ameritas. Bryson Cole and Ben VandeVere walked with St. Paul United Methodist Church in flashy gold outfits expressing the community they love. VandeVere, a cosplay artist, spent nearly 100 hours creating the shiny gold costumes. I really wanted it, of course, to be fabulous because we wanted to celebrate here with pride, VandeVere said. The whole point for me with pride is that its such a heightened level of expression that we get to show and emulate consistently throughout the day. VandeVere has attended the parade each year and has spent the past two years walking in it. He said that each year, the crowd seems to grow in numbers. Its always so heartwarming to see the amount of love that is still persistent, VandeVere said. Were not going to be able to continue pushing forward and progressing through this nasty war that we have to fight if we don't remember why were doing it and come back and feel the love. As for Bryson, this was his first time in the parade and was glad to see the young children in attendance supported by their parents. Its always so nice to see the support, not just from the queer community, but all the allies who come out to support you, Bryson said. At the end of the day, its about love. Photos: Lincoln Pride parade fills downtown streets with colorful celebration In the year since the Supreme Court struck down the nationwide right to abortion, America's religious leaders and denominations responded in strikingly diverse ways some celebrating the state-level bans that ensued, others angered that a conservative Christian cause changed the law of the land in ways they consider oppressive. The divisions are epitomized in the country's largest denomination: the Catholic Church. National polls repeatedly show that a majority of U.S. Catholics believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases, yet the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops supports sweeping bans. Among Protestants, a solid majority of white evangelicals favor outlawing abortion. However, most mainline Protestants support the right to abortion, and several of their top leaders decried the ruling that undermined that right by reversing the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973. For example, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, said he was "deeply grieved" by that ruling. The decision "institutionalizes inequality because women with access to resources will be able to exercise their moral judgment in ways that women without the same resources will not," Curry said. Some religious Americans went beyond expressions of dismay, filing lawsuits contending that new abortion bans infringed on their own religious beliefs. Jewish women played roles in such lawsuits in Indiana and Kentucky; in Florida, a synagogue in Boynton Beach Congregation L'Dor Va-Dor contended in a lawsuit that a state abortion ban violated Jewish teachings. Dr. Sara Imershein, 69, who performs first-trimester abortions in northern Virginia, said her Reform Judaism beliefs informed her decision to choose that path. "I looked more at the liturgy of Judaism and found that it really supported my work," she said. "I studied with my local rabbi." "Laws that restrict abortion ignore our Jewish teachings that are very old, and they stomp on our religious freedom," she said. In Buddhism, Islam and Sikhism, there also is widespread acceptance of abortion in some circumstances. Most U.S. Hindus are "very much in support of choice," said Dheepa Sundaram, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Denver; she cited the concept of karma, which holds that each person has the liberty to act and face the consequences of their actions good or bad. Randall Balmer, a professor of American religious history at Dartmouth College, says the abortion debate is so intractable in part because believers in the opposing camps view the Bible which doesn't include the word "abortion" as supporting their side. "It shows the pliability of Scripture the way that each group tries to marshal arguments on its behalf," he said. "The Bible can be manipulated." Even within individual churches, divisions over abortion can flare. Bishop Timothy Clarke, pastor of First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio, frequently exhorts his predominantly African American congregation to respect those with opposing views. Clarke describes himself as "biblically pro-life," yet he criticizes the stringent abortion bans enacted in numerous Republican-led states as "excessive and extreme." There is similar sentiment among some U.S. Catholics, says Kathleen Sprows Cummings, a professor of American studies and history at the University of Notre Dame and director of its Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism. "There are some horrific stories coming out of pregnant women with severe issues who are being denied health care," she said, referring to the consequences of some state abortion bans. A poll last year from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed a clear gap between the prevalent views of U.S. Catholics, and the anti-abortion positions of the bishops. According to the poll, 63% of Catholic adults said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, and 68% opposed Roe v. Wade's reversal. "On every issue having to do with sexuality or reproductive health, there's a huge gap between the way lay Catholics think and what the hierarchy is teaching," said Jamie Manson, president of Catholics for Choice. Manson noted that a 2014 survey by the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, found that nearly one-fourth of U.S. abortion patients identify as Catholic. "There's an all-male hierarchy telling them they're complicit in murder," Manson said. Among mainline Protestant denominations, official statements acknowledge abortion is a complex issue, but prevailing sentiment is that last year's Supreme Court ruling was an injustice to women, particularly those already facing economic hardships and racial discrimination. "This decision further complicates the struggle and creates division, anger, and chaos in an already divided and conflicted country," wrote Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the United Methodist Church's Council of Bishops. Some Protestant pastors emerged as outspoken advocates of abortion rights; among them is Jacqui Lewis, the first African American and first woman to serve as a senior minister in New York City's historic Middle Collegiate Church. Among the leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, by far the largest evangelical denomination, there's unified opposition to abortion. However, there is sharp disagreement over whether to impose criminal penalties on women who get abortions. The SBC's president, Bart Barber, opposes criminalization of women in such cases and has sparred verbally with Baptist pastors who argue that such women should be considered murderers. "I think it is unjust, unnecessary, and unwise to include in abortion laws the prosecution of women who seek or obtain an abortion," Barber wrote in a lengthy article. "The abortionist is the murderer, and any law banning abortion should identify the abortionist uniquely as such." Abortion in America: How access and attitudes have changed through the centuries The evolution of abortion in America Pre-1850: Abortions in early America are commonplace Mid-1800s: Birth of the American Medical Association shifts abortion oversight from midwives to doctors; abortion is criminalized 1960s: 'Back-alley butchers,' birth control, and protests 1970s: Roe v. Wade protects women's right to abortion; politics shift 1980s-2000s: Legal challenges to Roe v. Wade introduce restrictions 2020s: Roe v. Wade is overturned; Postal Service allowed to mail abortion medication NEW YORK Social media users are sharing a surprisingly effective way to protect yourself indoors from the toxic wildfire smoke blanketing much of the East Coast: a box fan, four air filters and a whole lot of duct tape. As searches for "air purifiers" spike on Google, people are posting on TikTok and Facebook about how to build the DIY air purifier. The technique, known as the Corsi-Rosenthal method, gained attention in recent years amid the pandemic and raging western U.S. wildfires. Some East Coast residents are learning about the box fan method for the first time, unlike their West Coast counterparts who are accustomed to wildfire smoke. Seattle resident Angel Robertson, 34, posted a video on a New Yorker's TikTok demonstrating how to put it together. In her video, which has amassed more than 600,000 views, Robertson duct tapes four 20-by-20 air filters into a box shape and attaches the fan on top. The whole apparatus costs under $100. "It works extremely well and will save your life with really smoky days," she says in the video. "It does a lot better than the normal air filters." Public health experts say Corsi-Rosenthal purifiers are highly effective at removing particles from the air. Petri Kalliomaki, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Maryland's School of Public Health, said their clean air delivery rate is relatively high and can be used to purify air against not only smoke, but pollen and viruses. At the University of Connecticut Thursday, Misti Levy Zamora, an assistant professor in public health sciences, and her colleagues were handing out Corsi-Rosenthal purifiers for free to anyone stopping by. Zamora said she has done several tests at the university, public schools and her own home on the purifier. "I can confidently say this thing is working really well today," she said. "I was able to filter out all the particles in the air basically back down to what I saw last week within a matter of minutes." The power of social media led to the invention of the box, said co-inventor Richard Corsi, dean of the College of Engineering at the University of California at Davis. He said in 2020, he was sketching one night and put the design up on Twitter. Jim Rosenthal, CEO of Tex-Air Filters, took the design and built it. Corsi said he wanted to create an inexpensive purifier that the average American could afford. He's now hearing from friends in the Northeast who are using his idea. "When you have to seal up a building and reduce the amount of air flow coming in and when you have to spend a lot of time indoors, this is where portable air cleaners can really make a difference in your life," he said. Liz Hradil, 27, who lives in Syracuse, New York, said the smoke burned her eyes, and she could feel the smoke in her nose and throat as the smoke descended onto New York this week. She went digging around online to buy an air purifier when she came across the Corsi-Rosenthal box and went to Lowe's to pick up the filters and fan. She then immediately noticed that the smoke smell was gone after about 30 minutes of starting her purifier. "It was my first time, and my New York friends were like this is so genius," she said after sharing the photo of the box online. "No one had heard of it." ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. Isaac Paredes homered twice and drove in a career-high six runs, Tyler Glasnow got his first win in two years, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Texas Rangers 8-3 on Friday in a matchup of teams with the best records in the majors. Paredes had an RBI double with two outs in the first inning and made it 4-1 with a three-run homer in the third off Andrew Heaney. His second home run, a two-run shot off Spencer Howard, came in a four-run sixth that put Tampa Bay ahead 8-1. Glasnow gave up one run, one hit and struck out six over six innings in his third start this year. It was the 6-foot-8 right-hander's first win since June 8, 2021. He missed most of last season after Tommy John surgery and started 2023 on the injured list with a left oblique strain. Kevin Kelly and Luis Patino completed a three-hitter as Tampa Bay won its seventh straight game. The announced crowd was 17,447. Tampa Bay started the day averaging 16,961 at home. RED SOX 3, YANKEES 2: Garrett Whitlock got his second win since replacing Corey Kluber in the rotation, Rafael Devers and Kike Hernandez homered, and Boston beat host New York in the first meeting this year of a rivalry cut to 13 games by the balanced schedule. Gerrit Cole lost for the first time this season after going unbeaten in his first 13 starts. He gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings. Whitlock allowed two runs one earned and seven hits in 61/3 innings with six strikeouts and one walk. Kenley Jansen worked the ninth and picked up his 14th save in 17 chances. BRAVES 3, NATIONALS 2: Orlando Arcia broke tie in the eighth with an infield single and Atlanta rallied past visiting Washington. Braves rookie AJ Smith-Shawver did not allow an earned run in 51 3 innings. D-BACKS 11, TIGERS 6: Rookie Corbin Carroll hit his first grand slam in a seven-run seventh for his second home run of the night and visiting Arizona handed struggling Detroit its seventh consecutive loss. PIRATES 14, METS 7: Ke'Bryan Hayes tied career highs with five hits and four RBIs as host Pittsburgh drilled mistake-prone New York, sending the Mets to a seventh straight loss. Hayes is hitting .558 during his eight-game hitting streak. ORIOLES 3, ROYALS 2: Austin Hays homered on the first pitch, and Tyler Wells took a three-hitter into the seventh, leading Baltimore past visiting Kansas City. TWINS 3, BLUE JAYS 2 (10): Michael A. Taylor hit a two-run homer in the fifth and had a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the 10th, and Minnesota snapped a five-game skid with a victory in Toronto. PHILLIES 5, DODGERS 4: Kyle Schwarber hit a walk-off home run with two outs in the ninth and Philadelphia survived Los Angeles for its sixth straight win. WHITE SOX 2, MARLINS 1: Yasmani Grandal homered and had three hits, Luis Robert Jr. hit a walk-off single in the ninth, and Chicago ended Miami's season-high six game win streak. CARDINALS 7, REDS 2: Rookie Jordan Walker homered and had a career-best three hits, Jordan Montgomery pitched six scoreless innings and St. Louis beat visiting Cincinnati. RACINE After a plan was paused because of swift backlash from families, Racine Unified is seeking community input regarding the future of its dual language program. The school district in late March informed students, staff and parents that dual language classes at Fratt Elementary would move to Mitchell K-8 School in the 2023-24 school year. When families immediately voiced their opposition, the district put that plan on hold. The pushback was very strong, so we said, Hold on, were not going to move those classrooms, RUSD Acting Superintendent Soren Gajewski said during a May 15 RUSD Board meeting. Indeed, parents were upset they were not consulted about the proposal to move classes from Fratt, a school they say has an excellent dual language program that feels like a family. We were very angry, because we were not asked, Fratt parent Raquel Villasenor said. We were told. There will be minimal changes to the dual language program in the 2023-24 school year, when Fratt and Mitchell will be two of the six schools offering dual language courses. Its direction is uncertain for the 2024-25 school year and beyond, though. It might involve consolidating the program to fewer schools, due in part to ongoing challenges finding dual language teachers. That uncertainty is why the school district wants to hear from students, staff and families during community meetings. One meeting will happen June 28 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2221 Douglas Ave. Another will take place July 11 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Mitchell School family resource center, 2701 Drexel Ave. RUSD also plans to form two committees to make recommendations about the programs future: a dual language parent advisory committee and a community-wide stakeholder committee. According to Stacy Tapp, RUSD chief of communications and community engagement, there are currently 14 people on the community stakeholder committee: 11 community members and three RUSD staffers. She said the parent advisory committee is open to any parent who attends the community meetings. The only changes next school year are that Fratt is adding a 4-K dual language class and Fratt dual language kindergarten courses will be taught at Mitchell for spacing reasons. After receiving community input, the school district intends to bring its dual language plans to the School Board later this year before the RUSD school choice window starts Dec. 1. I think its safe to say that we hope to be able to present to the board a plan sometime in the fall, said Maria Barreras, executive director of the RUSD department of language and global learning. Please come to the table During the May 15 board meeting, RUSD Board President Jane Barbian asked why Fratt families were told in March that dual language classes were moving to Mitchell. Gajewski explained that, based on March enrollment numbers, combining dual language students at Fratt and Mitchell would have resulted in similarly sized classes for elementary school grades. In the 2022-23 school year, for example, the third grade dual language class at Mitchell had 29 students, and the third grade dual language class at Fratt had 17 students. The districts idea was to have all of those students in the same building with two equally sized classrooms so students could receive the same learning opportunities. Tapp said RUSD quickly realized the error of that plan and is now seeking more input. We know that (families) are upset about the decision that was paused, Tapp said. We recognize that, we own that, but we just want the community to know were ready to move forward, fresh start, with your voices at the table, so please come to the table and be a willing partner with us. Barreras said the district is trying to strengthen its dual language program for the long run, which might mean offering it at fewer schools so classes are similar sizes and staff have support at every building. We need to be smarter and set a program up for success, Barreras said. To do that, we need to figure out, How do we consolidate our resources to make it stronger? How do we not necessarily decrease a program but maybe combine it into a school or two or three, depending on our overall plan? Gajewski shared a similar sentiment during a May 18 RUSD Board budget information session. The inefficiency is calling for us to be more prudent or effective, efficient in those classrooms so we can pool those resources together, Gajewski said. The challenge that were having is, Where do those kids go? Thats where it gets a little more personal and challenging. Like family Indeed, it is personal for several Fratt families who spoke to The Journal Times. They adore the schools dual language program and the buildings close-knit, safe environment, which they worry might end after the 2023-24 school year. These kids are happy where they are, Villasenor said. Thats what its all about: going to school, learning, having fun That school is like family. The teachers love those kids like their own. Families want dual language classes to remain at Fratt, and they were distraught in March when they though the program was moving to Mitchell. Students wept, fearing they would be separated from friends and teachers, most of whom they have known for many years. All of us were crying, said Aaliyah Villasenor, Fratt third grader. We grew up together. Fratt third grader Julia Cartagena, who wants to stay in the same classes as her good friend Aaliyah, said she likes her teachers and appreciates learning Spanish. Fratt parent Carolina Rodriguez, who spoke through an RUSD interpreter, said during the May 15 board meeting that the dual language program has supported her and her children through many difficulties. I ask you to please never take Fratt away from us, Rodriguez said. That is our second home. Weve been there for 16 years, and having to readjust and relocate to someplace else is not something that would be beneficial emotionally to my family. Cindy Escobedo, Fratt parent and school secretary, said during the May 15 meeting that communication between families and RUSD is key, since parents want to know how they can help the dual language program remain at the school. Although there are always issues that arise, it is the cohesive environment at Fratt that reduces burnout in the teachers to continue to give their best, day in and day out, Escobedo said. If Fratt dual language classes are moved because of consolidation, Escobedo wants the chosen buildings to be equivalent to Fratt, which she called an exceptional school. What is dual language? At RUSD, dual language courses start as young as 4-K and go up to eighth grade. The goal is to develop bilingual, biliterate students who are aware of and can connect with a variety of cultures. For the youngest grades, 80% of classroom content like math and reading is taught in Spanish and 20% is taught in English. Each year, progressively more content is taught in English until 50% is taught in English and 50% is taught in Spanish from fourth through eighth grade. The dual language program is open to anyone, and RUSD hopes to attract more students like Cartagena who speak English at home. In 2022-23, RUSD had 1,001 students in dual language classes: 729 elementary schoolers and 272 middle schoolers, according to Tapp. In the 2023-24 school year, RUSD dual language classes will be taught at four elementary schools (Fratt, Julian Thomas, S.C. Johnson and Wadewitz) and two K-8 schools (Jerstad-Agerholm and Mitchell). All of those buildings had dual language classes this school year. It is a constant challenge for RUSD to find enough qualified bilingual teachers to instruct dual language courses. In 2022-23, the district had 47 dual language educators. Of that total, 36 were certified and 11 had emergency teaching permits. Next school year, RUSD plans to hire six dual language educators at Mitchell because of an added strand, meaning there will be one additional dual language classroom for kindergarten through fifth grade. Dual language and ESL Dual language educators and English as a Second Language teachers are different jobs. Dual language teachers are classroom instructors fluent in English and Spanish who teach courses like history and science. English as a Second Language teachers are specialists who help students learn English. Some of those students first language is Spanish, but not all. This year, for example, RUSD had several students who were refugees from Afghanistan. Dual language students can also receive help from an ESL teacher if needed. However, Gajewski said those services are largely redundant. Because of that, RUSD is working to figure out where to best place ESL educators, a process Gajewski said started a few years ago. Were kind of phasing that duplication out without trying to have anybody lose their jobs, because these are very valuable people, Gajewski said on May 18. However, Maribel Schlitz, Fratt third grade dual language teacher, believes ESL instructors provide essential work and are needed in dual language classrooms. All the achievements of our dual language program are not because of any specific individual, but the collaboration of many, Schlitz said during the May 15 board meeting. It takes a village to raise our children. Give them a voice Travis Eales, Julian Thomas Elementary fourth grade dual language teacher, said on May 15 that having dual language classes at fewer buildings wont help RUSD. He believes students will leave the district if dual language programs are cut at neighborhood schools. If we consolidate down to just a few schools, it will just be a small, niche program, and it wont be able to serve the vast majority of our Latino population, Eales said. Dual language is one of the things that can help save this district. Florencia Garza-Blas thinks dual language can help as well. She is a retired educator who taught bilingual and dual language classes for nearly 50 years, including at RUSD. Garza-Blas told The Journal Times that dual language helps students learn another language, a key life skill, and improves cultural understanding between people. Barreras understands the passion families have for dual language, which she called the Cadillac of all programs. Because of that, Barreras said RUSD must listen to the community regarding the programs direction. My goal is to give them a voice, because its their children, they live in this community, Barreras said. I want to empower them to have a voice and for them to speak up. When RUSD determines the direction of its dual language program later this year, RUSD board member Theresa Villar said the district must effectively communicate its plans to the people impacted. If you look at this whole situation by looking at the numbers, it makes complete and total sense, Villar said during the May 15 board meeting. I think what we sometimes, as a district, forget is the lives of the people involved, the emotions of the people involved, the relationships that the people have, the comfort level with what theyve built in their own schools. The future of the dual language program is unknown after next school year. After working with the community, RUSD aims to soon provide clarity. Close Florencia Garza-Bias and Amiyah Huerta Virgen Rodruguez and Daniella Saucedo-Porcayo Aryanna Toscano and Daniela Toscano Aileen Canales and Sandra Correa Joana Araiza and Emanuel Mejia William Duberstine and Frida Duberstine Anthony Morones, Virgen Rodriguez and Amiyah Huerta In photos: Dr. Jones Elementary School 4K Dual Language Class The children in Florencia Garza-Bias Dual Language class at Dr. Jones Elementary School learned how to reduce, reuse, and recycle trash as part of the 4K Creative Curriculum. They learned how littering, leaving water running, leaving on lights or the TV on when not in the room can waste resources and affect our environment. They learned that paper, glass, plastic, cars, old furniture and even airplanes can be recycled. Florencia Garza-Bias and Amiyah Huerta Virgen Rodruguez and Daniella Saucedo-Porcayo Aryanna Toscano and Daniela Toscano Aileen Canales and Sandra Correa Joana Araiza and Emanuel Mejia William Duberstine and Frida Duberstine Anthony Morones, Virgen Rodriguez and Amiyah Huerta US and Iranian officials engaged in indirect talks in Oman last month, where Washington conveyed a strong warning to Tehran that it would face serious consequences if it enriched uranium up to 90-percent purity, according to a report, Azernews reports, citing Al Arabiya. Brett McGurk, the White House National Security Councils Middle East policy coordinator, and an Iranian delegation that included Ali Bagheri-Kani, Irans chief nuclear negotiator, were in present Oman in early May, Axios reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources. Instead of meeting directly, the two sides remained in separate locations, with Omani officials serving as intermediaries to facilitate the exchange of messages, the report said. One of the main messages from the US to the Iranians focused on deterrence, with Washington making it clear that Iran would pay a heavy price if it chose to enrich uranium up to 90 percent, the level needed to produce a nuclear bomb. The objective of these indirect talks was to reach an understanding about ways to deescalate Irans nuclear program, its conduct in the region, and its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, according to the report. This comes as efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have stalled since last year. The deal offered Iran relief from international sanctions in exchange for strict but temporary curbs on its nuclear program. The agreement unraveled after the US withdrew from it under former President Donald Trump in 2018. Last month, Yoav Gallant, the defense minister of Irans arch-foe, Israel, warned that if Tehran chose to enrich uranium to 90 percent, it would be a grave mistake with the potential to could ignite the region. Iran has denied seeking to acquire nuclear weapons and insists that it has not attempted to enrich urnium beyond 60-percent purity. 1. Yes. Voters across the city filled the seat in the first place. Voters should decide again. 2. Yes. An election is much preferable to back-room decisions among council members. 3. No. The charter calls for the council to fill the vacancy by appointment. Follow the rules. 4. No. An election would be expensive, both for the city and for the potential candidates. 5. Unsure. An election seems more transparent, but its not the perfect answer. Vote View Results KEARNEY Carlie Nelson never expected to purchase a business. Now, she's happily filling up the pages of a new chapter in her life. In February, she purchased The Solid Rock, a Christian bookstore at 1010 Third Ave. On Tuesday, she will celebrate with a grand opening, starting with a ribbon-cutting from 9-9:10 a.m. and followed by cupcakes, book signings and all-day sales of Bibles, books and artwork. Tuesday's grand opening The Solid Rock at 1010 Third Ave is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. It is closed Sundays. Grand opening festivities will run 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday with cupcakes, giveaways and sales on books, Bibles and more. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. three local authors will sign their new books. Leslie Means will sign So God Made a Mother with Sarah Luke, one of its contributing writers. Jamie Dubas, whose pen name is M.J. Sarge, will sign Child in a Bottle. Call the store at 308-234-9813, or email owner Carlie Nelson at carlie@kearneysolidrock.com. The store's website is www.kearneysolidrock.com. It can also be found on Facebook. Just a few months ago, Nelson couldnt have imagined owning The Solid Rock. She has worked there since 2012 when it was owned by Bill and Ila Ballou and located at 2010 Central Avenue. But in February, co-owner Linda Muhlbach called Nelson into her office. Muhlbach and her husband Dan had purchased the store in 2019, and now, they were retiring. Carlie, Ive been praying. I feel like Im supposed to talk to you about selling you the store, Muhlbach told Nelson. Nelson was dumbfounded. I think Im going to have to pray about that, she replied. She went home and prayed. She prayed again. She thought about the discipleship class she was taking at Spirit of Life Open Bible Church. The theme of that class was the armor of God. She recalled some notes she had jotted down in the back of her Bible not long after she found Jesus 12 years ago. I had written, Lord, will I own the Solid Rock one day? I had forgotten it was there. When I found that, it was one more confirmation that this was what the Lord wanted me to do, she said. She saw more signs. In her earlier life, Nelson had worked a variety of jobs. Shed been a waitress and a clerk in a convenience store. She had worked for trucking companies. In 2011, she was unemployed and drifting when she had her spiritual re-awakening. Greg Mast, then the pastor at Spirit of Life Open Bible Church, told her The Solid Rock was hiring. He told me that his wife worked there. He said they needed people to work in the mornings, so I applied, she said. She was hired. She happily settled in. She was still there in 2019, when the Ballous, who had opened the Solid Rock at 2010 Central Ave in 1974, sold it to the Muhlbachs, who moved it south to its current location on Feb. 7, 2022. Now, that bookstore is hers. So peaceful Nelson cant hide her enthusiasm for the store and its eight employees. Its so much more peaceful than any other job Ive had, she said. The store carries Bibles, spiritual books, greeting cards, calendars, CDs, wall plaques, stationery, pictures, jewelry and more. We have the best customers in the whole wide world. We have incredible employees, people I get to work with. We listen to Christian music. Were surrounded by so many people and things pointing you to the Lord, she said. Since taking ownership, she has several new vendors and has given the store what she called a slightly more spiritual feel. Its roughly two-thirds the size of the previous one on Central Avenue, but its lower ceiling and white shelves make it cozier and more inviting. She likes the new location, too. There are so many restaurants in this area. We are near the interstate and many motels, so we have a lot of foot traffic. We have a lot of new customers, and, thankfully, still the loyal customers weve always had, she said. Along with preparing for Tuesdays grand opening, she has been busy this spring providing books, Bibles, gifts and other merchandise for spring celebrations such as Easter, Mothers Day, graduations, First Communions and confirmations. Father's Day items are on display now. The Solid Rock also does a segment every Tuesday on NTVs The Good Life. That's one of the reasons the grand opening will be held on a Tuesday, Nelson said. The 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting is a private Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce event, but when shop doors open at 10, giveaways and cupcakes from Small Cakes will be waiting. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. three local authors will sign books. Leslie Means will sign So God Made a Mother along with one of its contributing writers, Sarah Luke. Jamie Dubas, whose pen name is M.J. Sarge, will sign her new book, Child in a Bottle. Throughout the day, books, Bibles and artwork will be on sale. Sneak peeks can be found on The Solid Rocks Facebook page and its website. As she prepares for the big day, Nelson is excited. I love The Solid Rock. I enjoy working there very much, she said. HALL COUNTY A Kearney business owner has been charged in Hall County Court with felony theft of $5,000 or more. According to an arrest affidavit, Joshua Madsen, 40, went to a rural Hall County residence upon request to give the resident a written quote to replace the roof of the house. The resident wrote Madsen a check for $16,692 on Aug. 19, 2022 to pay for materials for the roofing job. After receiving the check, Madsen told the resident that he would complete the roofing job within 10-14 days. Madsen allegedly cashed the check and never completed the roofing job. The resident tried to contact Madsen several times by phone and by going to his residence in Kearney, but he was not able to make contact with him, according to the arrest affidavit. Deputy Hall County Sheriff Travis Sturgill also attempted to contact Madsen by phone, but the number was disconnected. Madsen was arrested on May 19 after a warrant for his arrest was issued on March 23. This is not the first time that Madsen, the sole proprietor of Madsen Roofing and Exteriors LLC, has been in legal trouble. In the past four years, Madsen and his business have been sued five times in civil court in Nebraska. Madsen has another open criminal case against him as well. In Buffalo County Court, Madsen is charged with two misdemeanor counts of shoplifting $500 or less. The shoplifting allegedly occurred on Jan. 27, 2023, and Feb. 2, 2023, at Menards in Kearney. Madsen Roofing and Exteriors has an F rating on the Better Business Bureau website, and it is not BBB accredited. Two complaints are listed on the website. One complaint alleges that Madsen accepted money from the customer to buy siding materials for their home on March 3, 2021. However, the complaint alleges that Madsen never completed the job or returned the money, and he stopped answering the customer's messages on April 27, 2021. The second complaint alleges that on April 12, 2021 the customer paid Madsen to replace their roof and gutters and repair a piece of siding. Madsen allegedly delayed the job several times before stopping all communication with the customer, and he allegedly never returned the money. Madsens business was administratively dissolved by the Nebraska Secretary of States Office on June 15, 2021 for failing to file its 2021 biennial report and pay the filing fee. Because it was administratively dissolved, the business is only allowed to carry on activities necessary to wind up its activities and liquidate its assets. Madsen's charge of felony theft in Hall County stems from a business transaction that occurred more than a year after his business was dissolved by the state. What does administrative dissolution mean? According to the Nebraska Secretary of State's Office, a limited liability company that has been administratively dissolved continues to exist but may only wind up its activities and liquidate its assets. The company may apply to the Secretary of State for reinstatement, however. If the company is reinstated, the reinstatement takes effect as of the date of the administrative dissolution, so the company may resume its activities as if the dissolution never occurred. If a company continues to operate without applying for reinstatement, possible repercussions could include the members or managers of the company becoming personally liable for the actions of the business, the name of the company could become available for use by another business and the company would not be able to receive a certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State's Office. This certificate is typically needed when engaging in financial transactions, such as purchasing property, opening a bank account or financing a purchase. Madsen Roofing and Exteriors LLC was administratively dissolved on June 15, 2021 and has not applied for reinstatement, according to records from the Secretary of State's Office. A job never completed Former Kearney resident Justin McClintic bought a house at 211 W. 32nd St. in February 2019 knowing that it would need some work. Ridge ventilation needed to be installed, but McClintic wasn't comfortable cutting a hole through the roof on his own. So, a little more than a year and a half later, he hired Madsen Roofing and Exteriors to complete the job. On Oct. 13, 2020, when Madsen was giving McClintic an estimate on the ridge ventilation, McClintic said Madsen noticed some hail damage on the roof and offered to fix that as well. According to Buffalo County Court records, Madsen gave McClintic an estimate of $8,582.10 to replace shingles, ridge ventilation, gutters, downspouts and facia on McClintic's Kearney residence. McClintic paid Madsen the full amount of the estimate. According to court documents, on Oct. 13, 2020, Madsen gave McClintic an estimate of $9,949.95 for siding replacement at his Kearney residence. On June 4, 2021, after Madsen's crew completed the roofing job, McClintic paid Madsen $6,900 for siding materials in advance of the work being done. McClintic said Madsen never completed any work on the siding nor did he give McClintic any siding materials. McClintic said he kept receiving delay messages from Madsen, and then Madsen stopped communicating with him entirely. Court records indicate that even though Madsen's crew completed the roofing job, the crew failed to do work on the residence's gutters and facia, which were valued at $1,305.40 on the original estimate. Madsen did not refund McClintic this amount, and he never refunded McClintic $6,900 for the siding job that he did not complete, according to court documents. By the time McClintic decided to settle the matter in civil court, he was in the process of moving to Blair and had to hire and pay for a lawyer in Kearney. He said the county impounded Madsen's vehicle to get Madsen to pay him back. Court records indicate that Madsen's vehicle was returned to him after he paid the debts owed to McClintic on March 1, 2022. Additionally, McClintic noted some unsafe and odd practices by Madsen's workers. While Madsen's crew was completing work on McClintic's roof, McClintic noticed on his Ring camera that the crew was climbing onto his roof by standing on the edge of a dump trailer and boosting each other up. McClintic said he texted Madsen a screenshot from his Ring camera of the workers and asked why they weren't using a ladder. He said Madsen later texted a picture of a ladder and said they had found a ladder. The ladder was from McClintic's shed, which McClintic said he never gave Madsen's crew permission to use. McClintic said Madsen seemed like a nice guy, like everything was going well, but said that something seemed to have happened between the roofing job and the siding job that was never completed. I would definitely not recommend him from my experience," McClintic said. Because McClintic was moving before his civil court case was settled, in September 2021 he sold his Kearney residence without the siding done. Who knows what the real cost was to me, to the value of the house not being done, McClintic said. If it wouldve been more curb appeal, it would have sold faster for more money." History of legal trouble Madsen's other civil court cases stem from similar incidents. According to Buffalo County District Court records, on June 3, 2020, Madsen was hired to install a new roof on Qdoba at 2414 Second Ave. in Kearney. Madsen agreed to install the new roof for $25,200. Madsen was paid $13,000 by MINE LLC, which owns the property on which Qdoba is built, as an advance payment to purchase materials. Madsen allegedly attempted to complete the roof replacement but did so in a defective, deficient and negligent manner, according to court documents. Madsens work allegedly caused the roof to leak excessively, causing damage to Qdobas building as well as property inside the building and forcing the restaurant to temporarily close. The defective roof replacement also allegedly caused all the new roofing materials to be unusable. According to court documents, Madsen failed to use the advance payment from MINE LLC for the roofing materials. A construction lien was placed on the property by the roofing materials provider as a result, and the roofing materials provider filed a lawsuit to foreclose the construction lien. MINE LLC paid the cost of the roofing materials to the provider, according to court documents. Court documents noted MINE LLC suffered damages totaling $47,336.37. K-H Enterprises Inc., which leases 2414 Second Ave. from MINE LLC and operates the Qdoba restaurant on the property, suffered damages totaling $27,170.78. In response to the complaints filed against him in Buffalo County District Court, Madsen alleged that he was not allowed to finish the job and requested the rest of the agreed-upon payment for his work in the amount of $12,200, plus late fees, according to court documents. His late fee rate is 3.5% every 30 days, which MINE LLC and K-H Enterprises Inc. allege is an illegal rate of interest and would constitute usury, as it would amount to approximately 42% interest per year. MINE LLC and K-H Enterprises Inc. allege that Madsen claimed to have completed his work and refused to do repairs to the leaky roof. They allege damage to property occurred after Madsen claimed to have completed his work and more damages ensued when Madsen refused to correct his defective work. Because the civil case is ongoing, K-H Enterprises Inc. owner Reed Miller declined to comment on his experience with Madsen Roofing and Exteriors. The other two civil court cases against Madsen have been closed. In Nebraska Furniture Mart Inc. v. Madsen in Douglas County Court, court records indicate Madsen purchased eight furniture items through a revolving charge agreement dated April 4, 2020. The revolving charge agreement meant that Madsen had possession of the items, but Nebraska Furniture Mart retained a security interest in the items until they were fully paid off. Madsen allegedly prematurely stopped making payments and failed to pay $4,561.51 of the agreement. Madsen did not appear in court for the hearing, so the case was closed as uncontested default. On June 8, 2022, Douglas County Judge Darryl R. Lowe granted Nebraska Furniture Mart $4,561.51 plus interest from July 10, 2021 at 18% per year as well as court costs totaling $70.72 and post-judgment interest at 18% per year. In Mead Lumber - Kearney v. Joshua Madsen in Buffalo County Court, Madsen was accused of receiving goods and services totaling $23,474.81 from Mead Lumber over the span of several months without paying. Mead Lumber wanted the money for their goods and services, but Madsen allegedly refused to give them the money owed. The case was dismissed without prejudice by Buffalo County Judge Gerald Jorgensen Jr. on July 15, 2022 for lack of activity in the case. Madsen was released from Hall County Jail on May 22 after posting bail set at 10% of $10,000. He will appear in Hall County Court for a preliminary hearing on June 20. Lim Sang-hyeon, the chief of the Gyeonggi Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center (DARC), attends policy discussion for research on drug addiction treatment at the National Assembly in Seoul, March 16. Courtesy of Lim Sang-hyeon By Jung Da-hyun Drug addicts in Korean society require a proper "cure" to prevent them from repeated use of banned substances, according to Lim Sang-hyeon, the chief of the Gyeonggi Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center (DARC). Lim, as a former drug user himself, believes that the key to overcoming drug addiction lies in teaching addicts the necessary measures to help them break free from drugs, which could also decrease the rates of crimes related to drugs. Lim struggled with drug addiction for approximately 30 years before finally overcoming it. During those three decades, he was convicted on nine occasions for using illegal drugs. Even during his time as a therapist at the Korean Association Against Drug Abuse (KAADA), where he helped individuals recover from drug use disorders from 2003 to 2006, he relapsed due to the stress of poverty. "I spent around 30 years addicted to drugs, but I always yearned to break free from their grip. Unfortunately, I didn't know how," Lim said. Lim Sang-hyeon, the chief of the Gyeonggi Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center (DARC) / Courtesy of Lim Sang-hyeon His personal experience highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that equips drug addicts with the knowledge and tools to overcome their addiction permanently. Lim was 17 when he first encountered drugs. He lived near a U.S. Army base in Samgakji, Seoul, where his friends purchased pills from a nearby shop. Intrigued, he decided to try a drug called Seconal, a highly addictive barbiturate, unaware of the decades-long struggle that awaited him. His first arrest for drug use took place in 1977. Lim recalls being subject to brutal treatment, including having his wrists and ankles shackled. Officials from the Ministry of Health, which at the time had the direct authority to arrest and punish drug addicts, inflicted various forms of torture including waterboarding on those they held into custody, according to Lim. At that time, the authorities focused on violently punishing offenders, assuming that fear would deter further drug use. When Lim was arrested for the third time, the responsibility of handling those accused of drug-related crimes had been transferred to the police and the prosecution, under whom physical abuse was no longer employed. Ironically, prison provides an opportunity for drug addicts to exchange useful information, according to Lim. "While doing time, drug users discuss drugs extensively. What else would they talk about?" he said. "Despite being jailed for drug use, they still experience unresolved emotions and cravings for drugs." Within prison walls, individuals exchange information on sources where they can obtain drugs at lower prices. Upon release, armed with the knowledge acquired behind bars, they use various channels to get drugs, according to Lim. This is why Lim emphasizes the importance of establishing a system focused on addiction treatment rather than punishment. He believes that a balance between punishment and rehabilitation can lead to a decrease in drug-related crimes. Lim once believed that overcoming drug addiction was impossible and faced feelings of hopelessness. In 1999, he was sent to the Gongju Institute of Forensic Psychiatry in Gongju, South Chuncheong Province, an institution where those who committed crimes due to mental illness or drug-related problems are sent rather than serving time in prison. It was where he encountered Cho Seung-nam, a compassionate physician responsible for aiding Lim in his battle against addiction, who showed hope for recovery. After his seventh confinement in the institute, he had a chance to meet a group from Japan who were in the process of conquering their addiction. The group of people was associated with DARC in Japan, which was founded in Tokyo in July 1985 and now operates 90 centers across the country, housing approximately 2,000 drug addicts in total and helping their recovery. Drug addicts participate in an addiction recovery session at Gyeonggi DARC in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. Courtesy of Lim Sang-hyeon June. The sixth month of the year. A time for graduations, cookouts, trips to Olsons Ice Cream store, Eau Claire Municipal Band concerts, Fat-Far, Country Fest, Fathers Day, and Flag Day. A time to contemplate summer projects and a time to plan on taking a few days up north. Or, as the comic strip writer of Calvin and Hobbs Bill Watterson wrote, Its a cruel season that makes you get ready for bed while its light out. If it is any comfort to Bill, after June 21 the days will start to become shorter. A few current event items to review and ponder. The nation was once again gripped in the vice of the debt ceiling debate. The debt ceiling returns every couple years like athletes foot. Athletes foot has a cure and so does the debt ceiling. In fact, the debt ceiling is easier to cure than athletes foot. Athletes foot has been around longer than the debt ceiling; the debt ceiling was instituted in 1917 for World War I. The debt ceiling can be eliminated by a simple vote of Congress; athletes foot cannot. President Joe Biden took a header leaving the stage at the Air Force Academy graduation. A few right-wing members of Congress called for Biden to be replaced under the 25th Amendment. I have a better idea. Biden was tripped up by a sandbag placed in a means of egress. That is a fire code violation. How about issuing a few citations to the Air Force Academy? Recently my wife joined a drug club. No, it is not the Dallas Buyers Club of movie fame. Her doctor suggested a certain drug for a certain common medical condition. She went off to the store and purchased the drug. The drug cost $177. By joining the drug club for $20, it now costs $44. I am not worried about drag queens reading books to kids or what brain damage reading the book To Kill a Mocking Bird will do to junior or senior high school kids. I wonder what damage Big Pharma does to the country. Do not send me any hate mail, I had an uncle that worked for Eli Lilly pharmaceuticals. The stories he told were amazing. In the June 1 New York Times, this item: Doctors at the Allina Health System, a wealthy nonprofit in the Midwest, arent allowed to see poor patients or children with too many unpaid medical bills Allina Health System, which runs more than 100 hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin and brings in $4 billion a year in revenue. Hmm. That news was a bit disconcerting. Most nonprofits are allowed wide latitude in operations and tax breaks. Maybe the rules need to change and more oversight is needed. On the good news front, the Bernard F. Willi Outdoor Pool opened June 9 and will remain open until Aug. 20. The pool is located on Bridgewater Avenue in Chippewa Falls. If you go online, you can take a survey and give your input to the Chippewa Falls City Council about the future of the pool. In a previous column, I took the city council to task for considering closing the pool. It is only right for me to thank them for seeking community input. If you have a minute, go down to Lake Hallie and either fish or canoe. The lake is in pretty good shape right now. The problem with Lake Hallie is that later in the summer there are algae blooms that pop up. Divers from the Chippewa Fire District went into the lake to search for an aerator a few weeks ago. They noted that the bottom of the lake is very weed infested. Water quality also suffers due to runoff of lawn fertilizer chemicals, which include phosphorus. If the village of Lake Hallie has any American Rescue Plan Act funds left over, perhaps they can invest that money in research on how to improve the water quality of the lake. American Poet and writer James Russell Lowell wrote, And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days. A very extraordinary thought. Unless like me, you prefer October. Years ago when Courtney Silas was renting a home on Sixth Street in La Crosse, the kitchen ceiling fell in and water from the upstairs plumbing flooded the entire room. (My landlord) was like, Oh, you can clean that up, Silas recalled. I was like, No. Im not doing that. But then theres the mold and all the water on the floor and thats when the kids get sick. Silas ultimately left that property and moved out of the city of La Crosse entirely because it was expensive to rent and she was tired of the treatment from various landlords. When you pay for where you live, you deserve to live somewhere nice, Silas said. In a city where over half of residents are renters, many face inadequate housing conditions: properties with structural, electrical or plumbing problems, unsanitary conditions, broken windows or other safety hazards. Of the 11,415 rental units in the city, 47% or 5,370 of those households, have at least one of the four housing problems as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: incomplete kitchen facilities, incomplete plumbing facilities, more than one person per room or cost burden greater than 30% of income. The data does not provide the number of units with each defined housing problem. Sixty percent of the 5,370 rental households with a housing problem have a cost burden greater than 50%, meaning they spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs rent and utilities according to housing affordability data from HUD. Nearly all of the households with a housing problem have a household income of equal to or less than 80% of the county median income which in La Crosse County is $32,225 per year. Median rent in La Crosse is about $975 for a one-bedroom residence. An individual making the median income would use 36% of that income toward the median rent. However, almost 3,000 of the households with housing problems are making 30% or less than the county median income, about $9,667 a year. The responsibility of repairs to comply with housing codes or to keep a property safe falls on the property owner. But Silas and other renters said that maintenance can be slow in coming and tenant complaints sometimes are ignored. Tami Nururdin, president of the Apartment Association of the La Crosse Area, said good property owners respond promptly as timely repairs protect the property from further damage. When conditions deteriorate too far, a tenant may try to force a landlord to make necessary repairs by legally withholding rent or requesting a property inspection from the city. Neither option guarantees a resolution and each may carry risks for the renter. No incentive to repair Tenants have the ability to request an interior inspection from the city inspector, however Kevin Hundt, one of the founders of Coulee Tenants United, said many renters with housing problems are fearful of retaliation from a landlord if an inspection is completed. A 2018 Wisconsin state law limited the ability for cities to perform regular inspections on rental properties, unless the area is considered blighted. Inspections must be instigated by a complaint. Nururdin said the apartment association is not opposed to the complaint driven method of inspections, as the organization is concerned about all housing that may not be habitable or safe. David Reinhart, chief building inspector for the city of La Crosse, said the department frequently receives inspection requests for outside storage or garbage. These kinds of complaints are issued by neighbors, rather than occupants. The fire department also inspects rental buildings with three or more units yearly for fire safety. A review of city inspection data from January 2021 until March 2023 reveals the city inspection department has predominantly issued orders to correct, or OTCs, for properties with tall grass or outside storage. Of the 6,700 OTCs issued from January 2021 to March 2023, only 13% were for rental properties. Of those corrections, 20.8% (183) were for tall grass and another 20.1% (177) were for outside storage. Another 13.2% (116) of corrections were for housing maintenance, which could include interior problems like incomplete kitchens, plumbing or unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Its unknown if any of those corrections were issued to one of the 5,000 units with housing problems in the city. At least a dozen properties in La Crosse received more than one order to correct for housing maintenance between 2021 and March 2023. A home on Green Bay Street, owned and managed by Munson Realty, has received six OTCs for housing maintenance since 2021, the most recent in February of this year. The person who owns their own home has a direct financial incentive to repair, theyre the ones who are living in the space that needs the repairs, Hundt said. As opposed to a landlord who is not living in a space that needs to do repairs. So the landlord is directly incentivized to not make repairs. Nururdin said the apartment association takes a proactive approach in educating property owners about how to prevent unsafe or uninhabitable housing. Withholding rent Wisconsin law states that rent abatement, or withholding partial rent payment until a landlord completes property repairs, is legal, but gives no clear direction on how tenants can get rent abatement. Since there is no statewide or countywide rent abatement guideline, Amanda Schamens, managing attorney at Legal Aid Wisconsin La Crosse, said tenants usually withhold the entirety of their monthly rent and the property owner then evicts them, citing them for unpaid rent. When theres poor housing conditions, (rent abatement) is supposed to be the tenants solution, Schamens said. Theyre supposed to be able to withhold a certain portion of their rent, but they dont know how to do it and even attorneys dont know how to do it. Legal Action usually gets involved after an eviction action has been filed in court and assists the tenant in litigation. Schamens said they will also help tenants withhold a percentage of the rent, if a tenant seeks out that help. Schamens said a rent abatement guideline or program from the local municipalities would be hugely beneficial to her clients. We have been seeing very hazardous housing conditions, particularly for the city of La Crosse, Schamens said. If tenants are actually successfully able to use rent abatement as their solution, then that can be fixed amongst themselves and greatly beneficial for our clients. Tenant support In March, the city approved an ordinance to create a rental registry an action proponents say will make the landlord-tenant relationship more equitable and provide for safer, livable properties. Councilmember Rebecca Schwarz supported the registry because it will help the city, public and other interested organizations understand the rental market in La Crosse in a way they havent before. A lot of renters are in pretty tenuous situations, Schwarz said. We want to make sure that when theres a problem, we can level that legal playing field, that power playing field for them having their needs met. So anything that supports that, supports our city and the people living here. Enforcement for the rental registry is still a question for Fire Chief Jeff Schott, whos department is responsible for the execution of the registry. Schott is working on a solution for compliance and hopes to get a voluntary registration system up in the next six months. Some members of the public and elected officials are concerned the registry will give false hope in alleviating the inspection problem. Schwarz said the city needs to start somewhere. Ill be the first to admit that what we passed in March was an incomplete solution, Schwarz said. But this is not something that we can wait for the perfect answer to be all lined up before we start implementing. Nururdin questioned whether blanket inspections would reveal any actionable information and if they would be an effective use of inspectors time. A mandatory inspection process of nearly 10,000 rental properties in La Crosse from 2004-2009 revealed the most frequent infractions discovered were caused by tenant behavior, not landlord negligence. Only 9 structures were condemned as unfit for habitation. The positive results of this inspection sweep, when compared with the enormous cost of performing blanket inspections, compelled the City Council to cancel the program entirely in 2009, Nururdin said. We hope that future councils will carefully study the information accrued from this effort as well as enquire the opinions of the city inspectors when determining future inspection policies. In 2017, the city of Eau Claire created a proactive housing inspection program and rental registry requirement as a way to ensure housing met the minimum health and safety standards. The proactive inspection program was the product of a series of meetings with local landlords groups, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire staff and other stakeholders. The resulting ordinance includes findings that there is probable cause to conduct an interior inspection under the special inspection warrant statute, which states if certain criteria is met (e.g., exterior violations) then an interior inspection can be performed. I would love to have a fully implemented inspection system, because if we had a fully functioning inspection system for rental units that could protect both landlords and tenants, Schwarz said. Planning to explore Dane County bike trails this summer? You may need to buy a trail pass if you want to avoid a citation. That was the warning this week from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, after its wardens issued warnings to more than 300 bikers during a recent enforcement campaign. The pass is required for anyone 16 and older who bikes, uses in-line skates, rides horses or motorcycles on certain state trails including in state parks, forests and recreation areas and state-run trails. Walking or hiking does not require a pass. Confusion can arise for cyclists who start out on a non-fee trail but continue onto one that requires a pass. Say youre headed south on the Southwest Commuter Trail on Madisons Near West Side. Continuing on to the Badger State Trail will put you in a fee area. Trails requiring a pass are marked at the trailhead. A full list of state parks and trails that require a trail pass can be found at go.madison.com/bike-trails. Passes can be purchased at an annual ($25) or daily ($5) rate, and an additional $5 fee is added if they are not purchased prior to trail use, according to the DNR. County and local trails may also require separate fees. Annual passes are valid through Dec. 31. The revenue from state trail passes is used to maintain trails, including to combat erosion, remove trash and fix potholes. At most state park properties, there are three ways you can purchase a pass: Heading to a drive-up window during office hours is your best bet, as they accept all forms of payment on-site (credit cards, cash or checks). If you find yourself mid-trail, stop at a nearby self-registration station, available at every state park, forest, recreation area and trail, and open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Youll need cash or a check for this option. The stations include small boxes where you can put your payment in an envelope and use the receipt, which is torn off the envelope, as a temporary pass. If you buy an annual pass, youll get it in the mail. Many properties have an electronic sales kiosk (credit cards only). The receipt for this purchase acts as the trail pass. Planning ahead? Try these. Buy a pass by phone by calling a local state park property office (credit cards only). Head to your local DNR service center. The DNRs central service center office is located in Madison at 101 S. Webster St. Visit for a full list of statewide DNR service center locations. Stuck on a trail with no cash or physical card? Try calling your local state park property office to purchase your pass remotely, if you have digital access to a credit card. On June 9 at 10:50 p.m., the information disseminated by the Ministry of Defense of this country about the firing of different types of firearms and mortars on the positions of the Armenian armed forces located in the direction of the Garaiman settlement of Basarkecher district by units of the Azerbaijani Army is completely false and untrue. "We categorically deny this information spread by the other side," the Ministry of Defense said. The United States should close NATOs open door. The U.S. should make clear it does not support Ukraine joining the alliance for three main reasons. The first is that Ukraines security does not affect the security of Americans. U.S. policy in Europe historically aimed at preventing one country from dominating the continent. Even outright Russian control of Ukraine which will not happen would not let it dominate Europe. The idea is absurd enough that even the neoconservative writer Robert Kagan recently acknowledged there is no way that (Vladimir) Putins conquest of Ukraine (would have) any immediate or even distant effect on American security. As he put it, the claim is kind of ludicrous. Had Russia taken all of Ukraine without a shot being fired, its GDP would have gone up 10%, and it would have gained a second major port on the Black Sea. Are these stakes really worth the risk of nuclear war for Americans? That risk is real. Even President Joe Biden, whose policy of arming and training Ukrainians and helping them target Russians has run serious risks, acknowledges it. Since the beginning of the war, Biden has repeated his view that we will not fight the third world war in Ukraine. Sending Americans to fight Russia in Ukraine, thats called World War III, OK? Lets get it straight here, guys. This leads to the second reason to oppose Ukrainian NATO membership: a U.S. commitment to defend Ukraine would have dubious credibility. Alliance commitments have been honored only 22% of the time since World War II, research suggests. A treaty commitment to Ukraine would be especially dubious because the United States has revealed that it does not believe Ukraine is worth fighting over. Russia has revealed that it does. With the judgment of the U.S. government on the record in this fashion reread Bidens quote above why would Russia credit a U.S. commitment to defend it? Trying to make a credible commitment would almost certainly entail deploying U.S. military forces to Ukraine to tip the conventional balance against Russia and to attempt to convince Moscow it would risk nuclear war for Ukraine. If history is a guide, the defense requirements for Ukraine will be undersold when its candidacy is being marketed. But if it joins the alliance, an array of bleak facts will suddenly emerge. The Baltic states, for example, were snuck in under the premises that their defense was cheap, they faced few threats and that Article 5, which commits NATO members to treat an attack on any member as an attack on itself, was largely self-enforcing. After Russia invaded Georgia in 2008, Baltic heads of state understandably came rushing to NATO demanding a plan for their defense. The amiable, secure NATO candidates suddenly became costly, vulnerable alliance members. Those pushing hardest for Ukrainian NATO membership claim that only an Article 5 guarantee can secure Ukraine. Oddly, though, some NATO members do not feel their own Article 5 guarantees are sufficient. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Estonias prime minister complained that the existing NATO posture leaves Tallinn vulnerable to being wiped off the map and that greater effort on Estonias behalf was required. The final reason to oppose Ukraines membership in NATO is that the costs of defending Ukraine would be borne primarily by Americans at a time when the United States has more significant problems at home and in other theaters. With Congress having just punted on the national debt, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that in 10 years the United States will run $2.7 trillion annual deficits and face an unprecedented national debt that's 119% of GDP. These rising fiscal constraints are complemented by an unprecedented Chinese challenge in Asia. The United States is already on the hook for more than $100 billion in aid to Ukraine, making it by far the largest contributor to Ukraines defense. Estimates of what it will cost to reconstruct Ukraine hover around $1 trillion, with much of that bill laid at the feet of Americans. The costs of Ukrainian NATO membership would also be carried primarily by Americans. Ukraines security is not vital to the security of Americans. A treaty commitment to Ukraine would be of dubious credibility, and the costs and risks of defending that country would fall on Americans. Russias invasion violated the U.N. charter, and its troops are guilty of war crimes. As such, Ukraine deserves our sympathy and some aid, but not that we consider its security our own. The ability to revoke Minnesota licenses for misconduct is critical to accountability. For too long, the Minnesota Peace Officers and Standards Training Board has lacked the authority that could bring real muscle to its effort to create statewide law enforcement standards. The board did its best over the years, creating conduct guidelines and appropriate training. But unlike many professional licensing boards, it lacked the ability to revoke a police officers license unless the officer had been convicted of committing a crime. That is and always was too high a bar. Teachers, nurses, real estate agents and lawyers can all lose their licenses for violations of professional conduct that fall well short of convictions for an actual felony or gross misdemeanor. Now the POST Board joins those ranks, able to revoke a license for serious violations of its carefully developed guidelines. Years of work have gone into this new standard, and it is entirely necessary if the state is to follow through on reforms intended to create a higher standard of law enforcement that uses appropriate measures to ensure public safety. Minnesota gained worldwide notoriety in 2020 for police misconduct that resulted in the murder of George Floyd, when a veteran Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled his full weight onto Floyds neck until Floyd died. Incredibly, even after Chauvin was arrested and charged, the POST Board wasnt able to pull his license until he was convicted. A more recent example of the need for discipline came when Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson crashed a county-owned vehicle in December 2021 after reaching speeds of 126 mph while drunk and lied to authorities about the facts in the case. Hutchinson refused to resign, and it was not until nearly a year later, in November 2022, that the POST Board suspended his license for 30 days while he was already on indefinite medical leave. Under state law, when his term was finished, Hutchinson was allowed to return to his old job as a sergeant with Metro Transit something that would not have been possible had the board revoked his license. He was fired from Metro Transit earlier this year for other infractions. Law enforcement officers are given immense power and authority, backed up by weapons. Like anyone, they need to be held accountable for their actions, preferably by those who know the dangers and pressures they face every day. The POST Board can and should be that entity. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who prosecuted Chauvin, told an editorial writer that higher standards are essential to improving law enforcement as a whole. No professional board has to wait for a member to actually be convicted of a crime before issuing discipline, he said. In Hutchinsons case, he said, the sheriff was given a one-month suspension of his license when it didnt matter anymore. Thats not what builds trust with the public. Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman told an editorial writer that the new POST Board authority is reflective of where the Legislature wants to see reforms in policing go. We knew last year that the Minnesota POST Board was willing to do more. They knew officers like Chauvin had created a problem in their profession. I knew exactly what we wanted to do was to fund law enforcement and crime prevention and get at police misconduct because the whole nation is wrestling with that. Another important change adopted earlier this year was the POST Boards ban on officers belonging to hate groups. After the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Ellison noted, We know that these groups deliberately try to infiltrate law enforcement groups, so it does matter. In a strong show of unity, the POST Board in February voted unanimously to ban individuals who belong to or support white supremacist or extremist groups from obtaining a law enforcement license. The POST Board, with much-needed help from the Legislature, deserves praise for taking positive steps to reinforce the high standards of ethical conduct that will produce the best law enforcement officers. Do you think you could make a go of it in your own retail shop? Wouldnt it be fun to try? This was the question posed to Lake Geneva Regional News readers in an ad published June 3, 1976, for Fancy Fair Mall. This is Lake Genevas first and only downtown shopping mall. Today, the former Fancy Fair Mall is The Market of Lake Geneva. Located at 830-36 Main St., the spot has been a prime downtown Lake Geneva business location for almost 100 years. It was an open-air car lot in the 1920s, then a garage. In the late 1930s, a new retail store was opened at the location by Montgomery Ward, then one of the largest department store chains in the U.S. Since the 1970s, the location has remained a shopping mall. Fancy Fair opened in the 1970s. In the latter half of 2021, the building was updated for the opening of The Market. In it are 10 retail shops, including Queen Bee Artisan Market, Threads by J. Roberts Menswear and Gallery LG. Diving deep into the archives, below is a brief history of 830-36 Main St., a property that is still vital in the ever-changing face of downtown Lake Genevas business landscape. From cars to retailThe announcement that Montgomery Ward was opening a store in the building that formerly housed Lake Shore Garage was on the front page of the Regional News Sept. 8, 1938. Ralph C. Diehl, who opened Lake Shore, leased the property to Montgomery Ward, according to the article. Ward remodeled the structure. In those days, a Ward store was comparable to having Walmart or Target set up shop downtown. After the start of the 20th Century, Ward was locked in competition with Sears, opening stores and plying wares through mail-order catalogs in an era that well precedes online shopping and the big box store. The Montgomery Ward store stocked clothes, dry goods, furniture, hardware products, sporting goods and tires and auto accessories. The increasing demand for Ward merchandise in Lake Geneva, plus the favorable condition of this citys business activity, are two of the important factors that influenced the companys decision to locate one of their newest retail stores here, the article stated. A Regional News article published April 6, 1939, titled Spring Breezes Bring Easter Bargains to Lake Geneva Buyer, reported that Lake Geneva is rapidly becoming known as the shopping center of the county. The Lake Geneva Montgomery Ward store received special mention. Whether you are interested in items for your Easter wardrobe, furnishings for the home, accessories for your car or gifts for the baby, visit the big store, the article stated. Visit it anyhow. Its a sight to see! A distinctive atmosphereDiehl sold the property in 1973 to Glen Nelson and Merrill Chase, who remodeled the building and opened Fancy Fair Mall in summer 1976. A Regional News article from Aug. 23, 1979, by Jim Cook, painted Fancy Fair as a pillar of success. Tourists from all over the United States have made special effort to visit the mall, whether in search of a specific item or simply to browse through the many shops, Cook stated. Circa August 1979, Fancy Fair had 16 shops offering everything from imported garments to Christmas ornaments. Back then, Galerie Matisse, Flemings Ltd., the Gift Cottage, Overland Sheepskin Company, Crabtree and Evelyn Ltd., J&H Collectibles and Fancy Burger called the mall home. The shops radiate from a sunlit atrium that is filled with plants, giving the mall a warm, distinctive atmosphere, stated Cook. The name Glen Nelson should be familiar to those who have been in Lake Geneva since before the turn of the century. There was a Regional News article about Nelson in a special issue commemorating the newspapers sesquicentennial anniversary April 30, 1998. Nelson didnt just own and manage Fancy Fair. Originally from Minnesota, he moved to Lake Geneva in 1937 to be a department manager at the Kroger Grocery and Baking Company store that used to be located at 757 Main St. He managed Hills Market, formerly at 724 Main St., in 1944. About a year later, Nelson and his brother-in-law, Harold Hill, bought Rices Cafe, 812 Main St. From 1948 to 1963, Nelson served as a Lake Geneva alderman. In 1964, Nelson and Hill purchased Cobb Hardware Store, located on the corner of Main and Broad streets at what is today the Cornerstone Shoppe. There was also the Glen Nelson Restaurant, which according to a Regional News article July 10, 1969, had photographs lining its walls that were autographed by various well-known Wisconsin politicians and entertainers. Among them were Doc Severinsen, trumpeter and leader of the NBC Orchestra on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Nelson died Nov. 15, 1999. Robert and Sandra Skibitzki, Nelsons son-in-law and daughter, respectively, owned Fancy Fair Mall, which was sold to Kirk Booher in 2021 for about $1.8 million. New lifeThe Market of Lake Geneva looks much different than Fancy Fair Mall. Gone are the blue, burgundy and brown colors of the facade. Today, it is a white building with black trim. Much was done to overhaul the building. A new sign was installed out front, and aside from the repainting, new lights, tuckpointing and masonry work was completed. The old exterior awnings were removed. Its bright. Its fresh. Its attractive, said Sally Nimmow, owner of Thrift-In, one of the shops in The Market of Lake Geneva, in a Regional News article from Oct. 17, 2021. Kenosha County sheriffs deputies successfully arrested an armed and intoxicated man who reportedly was threatening violence at a Salem Lakes residence Thursday night. Just before 10 p.m. deputies responded to the residence for reports of a man armed with a firearm who was reportedly pointing it in a neighbors face and threatening to kill people, according to a department post on social media. Deputies quickly responded but once they were on scene the suspect retreated into his residence, still armed, with family members inside. A perimeter was set up and communication with the residence was also immediately started. Deputies were successfully able to get all other family members released from inside the house and escorted to a safe location. In under 50 minutes, deputies successfully de-escalated the situation and the suspect exited. No one was injured. Last night, as most of us were sleeping, Kenosha Sheriffs Department deputies were out in our community keeping us safe! the department posted on social media. This suspect is a convicted felon and should never have been in possession of a firearm to start! Our community now has one less convicted felon in possession of any firearms! Excellent work to all those involved! The recovered firearm also reportedly had its serial numbers removed. Lake Geneva City Council committee meetings may once again be conducted now that appointments to those committees have been approved. Members of the Lake Geneva City Council approved Mayor Charlene Klein's aldermanic appointments to the council's standing committees, May 22, by a 5-3 vote with aldermen Cindy Yager, Mary Jo Fesenmaier and Linda Frame voting "no." The council members rejected the mayor's appointments to the committees, April 18, by a 4-3 vote, which caused the committee meetings to not be held during the past month. Several aldermen and residents expressed concern, during the April 18 meeting, that a District 2 alderman was appointed to only one of the standing committees. Frame, District 2 alderman, was appointed to the finance, license and regulation committee, and Fesenmaier, who also is a District 2 alderman, was not appointed to any of the standing committees during that time. The committee appointments have been restructured to include Fesenmaier serving on the finance, license and regulation committee, and Frame serving on the personnel committee. Both Fesenmaier and Frame have been appointed to the board of review. The city council's standing committees include finance, license and regulation committee; personnel committee; public works committee; piers, harbors and lakefront committee; and board of review. The committees make recommendations to be voted on by the full city council. Frame said, during the May 22 city council meeting, that she feels the mayoral appointments to the committees are still unbalanced. "I'm concerned myself in that we have two aldermen who are on all five committees, and the rest of us are kind of divided up," Frame said. "Two are on five, one is on four and the rest is three and then two. I think this was not well dispersed." Yager said she also is not in favor of the committee appointments. "I'm still concerned with the distribution of work amongst all of us, and I wish there was a better result than this," Yager said. Alderman Peg Esposito said she does not agree with the committee appointments but will vote in favor so the committee meetings can be held once again. "I'm going to vote for this, but I have to say the reason I'm voting for it is because we have to get the committees going," Esposito said. "It has been really hard to get information on things that are going on without having the committees. I will serve on my committees and I will attend those I'm interested in." Klein said there are several factors she considers when appointing aldermen to the committees. "There's many factors that go into it. Some of these factors, yes, there maybe internal issues. I had to exercise a certain amount of discretion when it comes to knowledge of people." Klein said. "We may not agree on everything, but our goal is to work together and that's what we should be striving to do as the end result." Klein said every district is represented on the full city council, and the aldermen may attend any of the committee meetings even if they are not a member. "Everybody will be represented," Klein said. "If the District 2 alderpeople want to attend every single meeting they can, and I'm sure the chairs will allow them to speak and they all have a vote on the city council." Klein said she also is disappointed that none of the District 2 aldermen nor residents talked with her in person regarding the committee appointments. "I've always had an open door policy and to this date no one from District 2 has asked me why I made the decisions that I did nor have neither of the aldermen for District 2," Klein said. Frame told Klein that she has tried to talk with her about the committee appointments several times, but she has not wanted to discuss the issue. "I just want to go on record that I tried to talk to you, and you didn't want to talk," Frame said. "I understood that because there's a lot of stuff that went on, and I understand you probably felt like you were in a bad spot. It was uncomfortable, but I asked you nicely each of those times." "Ok, thank you," Klein replied. The committee appointments that were approve include: Aldermen Ken Howell, Joan Yunker, Fesenmaier, Yager and Tim Dunn on the finance, license and regulation committee. Aldermen Shari Straube, Yunker, Howell, Esposito and Dunn on the piers, harbors and lakefront committee Aldermen Straube, Howell, Yager, Dunn and Yunker on the public works committee Yunker, Frame, Fesenmaier, Howell, Esposito, Klein and City Clerk Lana Kropf were appointed to the board of review. The city council members also approved, May 22, the mayor's aldermanic and citizen appointments to the non-standing committees and commissions by a 7-1 with Fesenmaier voting "no." The city's non-standing committees and commissions include: Lake Geneva Public Library Board, historic preservation bommission, board of park commissioners, plan commission, police and fire commission, tree board, tourism commission, utility commission, avian committee, Business Improvement District Board, cemetery board, chamber of commerce, Geneva Lakes Family YMCA Board, Geneva Lake Museum Board, Geneva Lake Use Committee, Geneva Lake Environmental Agency Board and Lake Geneva Economic Development Corporation Board. "Let's get back to business everybody," Klein said after the committee appointments were approved. The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has recognized UW-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford for her years of service and leadership. Ford is leaving the UW System after 14 years to become chancellor of Indiana University Southeast. The regents also voted to confer on her Chancellor Emerita status. She was recognized during the Board of Regents June meeting on Thursday. Jennifer Staton, current Student Regent and UW-Parkside student, read the Resolution of Appreciation. Its not work when you love what you do and you get to see learning in action every day, Ford said. And its easy when you place students at the center of your decision-making. She urged colleagues to be loud and proud supporters of UW; to always be asking for ideas, support, and money; and to embrace learning as this is why we have all chosen to work at a university. Ford also reminded them to take time to listen and see all of our students and members of the learning community. Too often we do not know the impact of those connections, she said. Ford said that UW-Parkside will always hold a special place in her heart. I had the honor of leading a university that transforms lives, she said. The most repeated phrase I would hear from alumni, is If not for Parkside. Finally, she offered a few words of advice: Remember, remain calm, absorb chaos, and give back hope. This is what we must do as leaders today, she said. Scott Menke was recognized as interim chancellor beginning his appointment on Friday, June 9. Regent President Karen Walsh provided an update on the ongoing search for the next chancellor at UW-Parkside. With the deadline for applications closing last week, the search and screen committee (co-chaired by Regent Kyle Weatherly and UW-Parkside faculty member Dr. Adrienne Viramontes) will begin review of applicants and plan to hold semifinalist interviews later this summer. Its expected a new chancellor will be named by early fall. UW-Parkside Alum joins Board of Regents The Board of Regents also welcomed new colleagues appointed by Gov. Tony Evers. Jim Kreuser, a former Kenosha County Executive (2008-2022) and previous member of the Wisconsin State Assembly (1993-2008), was appointed to a seven-year term. A first-generation college student, he earned both a B.A. and masters degree from UW-Parkside. It means a lot to be on the Board of Regents, to serve the state, and to serve with such a distinguished group, Kreuser said. He also thanked UW-Parkside, where he was given the opportunity to learn and find my passion and live it every day. Xi urges troops to forge "great wall of steel" in guarding Chinese borders Xinhua) 08:57, June 10, 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivers an important speech during a fact-finding trip to survey the work of border management and control and the development of border troops in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, June 7, 2023. Xi extended greetings to border troops stationed in the region on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC. (Xinhua/Li Gang) HOHHOT, June 9 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has called on Chinese border troops to enhance their capabilities in border defense and control to forge a "great wall of steel" along the country's borders. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Wednesday during a fact-finding trip to survey the work of border management and control and the development of border troops in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. While visiting the Inner Mongolia military command of the People's Liberation Army, Xi commended the role of the region's border troops in ensuring security and stability on the northern border of the country. Praising China's progress in border defense work since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xi said the country's border troops have boosted military training and combat preparedness, and resolutely safeguarded border security and the stability in regions along the borders. They have effectively safeguarded China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, he added. Stressing the importance of border defense in ensuring national stability and governance, Xi called on border troops to have a stronger sense of mission and responsibility, and guard the borders diligently for the Party and the people. Xi underscored the need for continuous efforts to enhance cohesion and forge the soul of the border troops with the Party's new theories, as well as to improve their education on the political discipline, discipline regarding the public and affairs related to foreigners, and policies on ethnic and religious affairs. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the integrity and a high degree of unity among the border troops. He called for more efforts to intensify troop training and enhance combat preparedness, speed up capacity building concerning information technology-enabled border defense and control, transform the way border defense duties are performed, tighten military discipline, maintain good troop order, and foster more border defense professionals. Highlighting cooperation among Party and government departments, the military, law enforcement agencies and ordinary people in border defense as China's unique strength, Xi called for joint efforts from all parties to break a new ground in defending the country's borders. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad), the integrated economic and industrial hub of Abu Dhabi, has signed a land lease agreement with Spains Tubacex Group for the development of a 50,000-sq-m manufacturing unit for OCTG-CRA tubular solutions within its facility. A first-of-its-kind plant in the Middle East, it is expected to be operational towards the end of 2024. OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods) is tube and pipe which is used in the production of oil and gas, both onshore and offshore, while the corrosion-resistant alloys are metals engineered to resist degradation by oxidation or other chemical reactions. The CRA cladded steel pipe is composed of a conventional carbon steel or low alloy steel pipe and a corrosion-resistant alloy layer. A global leader in the design, manufacturing and installation of advanced industrial products and high-value-added services for the energy and mobility sectors, Tubacex already has a major presence in the UAE with its production facility in Dubai. The Spanish group brings value to its customers through its global presence, with production plants and service centres in Spain, Austria, Italy, US, India, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Canada, Singapore, Guyana and Kazakhstan. This new facility will enable Tubacex to establish a strong presence in the UAE, while reaching out to its global network of clients. According to Kezad, the company provides a wide range of stainless-steel tubular solutions for the energy market and operates as a fully integrated one-stop-shop enterprise. Abdullah Al Hameli said, KEZAD continues to welcome the best-in-class companies to establish their presence in Abu Dhabi, as we drive forward in our aim to become the leading hub in the region for manufacturing and innovation. Tubacex Groups global leadership in tubular solutions perfectly aligns with our vision for industrial excellence. Our infrastructure and services will help the company enhance its offering and benefit not only the Abu Dhabi industrial ecosystem but the region and the world from its base in KEZAD. The agreement was signed by Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO Economic Cities & Free Zones, and Jesus Esmoris, the CEO of Tubacex Group, during the recent Make it in the Emirates Forum in the presence of Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO of AD Ports Group. Esmoris said: "We are very excited to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi, as the UAE, and Kezad in particular, have consistently proven to be the right location providing an exceptional operating framework and connectivity to global clients." "Through this investment we expand our existing footprint in the UAE, in the core of a key global Energy hub. Tubacex will implement in Abu Dhabi the sectors most advanced, sustainable manufacturing technologies, and thus secure the supply of a key component needed for the UAE to meet its increasing natural gas production targets which play a crucial role in the energy transition landscape," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Vanden Heuvel and Carden Reflect on JFKs American University Speech June 9, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Katrina vanden Heuvel and James Carden published an article in Responsible Statecraft that focuses on the quality of empathy expressed by President Kennedy towards the Soviet Union in his speech at American University in 1963, and they poignantly note the lack of such emotion today in Joe Bidens Washington. Carden is a former adviser to the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Commission at the U.S. Department of State, and has written articles and essays for numerous publications, including The Nation. Vanden Heuvel is editorial director and publisher of The Nation and is vice-president of the American Committee for U.S.-Russia Accord (ACURA), the successor organization to the Committee for East-West Accord which was founded in 2015 by vanden Heuvels husband, the late Professor Stephen F. Cohen. In the formation of ACURA, Cohen was joined by his father-in-law, William vanden Heuvel, a former diplomat who had earlier served as U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedys assistant in 1962. The article in Responsible Statecraft by vanden Heuvel and Carden is titled What Kind of Peace Do We Seek? At 60, JFKs Speech Never Gets Old, with the subtitle, On Saturday it will be six decades since the 35th President made a call for not seeing the Soviet enemy as evil. We have a lot to learn. They note the importance of the fact that at American University, Kennedy took his case for a sane, rational and above all ethical Cold War policy directly to the American people. Moreover, vanden Heuvel and Carden recall that Kennedy and Khrushchev had developed a rapport which helped steer us away from apocalypse during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which was ultimately based on the quality of empathy expressed by Kennedy when he said: No government or social system is so evil, that its people must be considered as lacking in virtue. Their article concludes: We present the second of three parts of the short story "Benito Cereno." It was written by Herman Melville. Last week, we told how African slaves on a Spanish ship rebelled in seventeen ninety-nine. They killed most of the Spanish sailors. Only the captain, Benito Cereno, and a few others were left alive. The leader of the rebellion was a slave named Babo. He ordered Captain Cereno to sail the ship back to Senegal, the slaves' homeland. But food and water were low. So the ship stopped at an island off the coast of Chile to get the needed supplies. When it arrived, an American ship was in the harbor. The American captain, Amoso Delano, thought the Spanish ship might be in trouble. He would offer help. Babo decided to remain close to Captain Cereno and act as if he were the captain's slave. Babo would kill him if he told Captain Delano the truth about what happened. Now, here is Shep O'Neal to continue our story. As Captain Delano came up in his whale boat, he saw that the other ship needed scraping, tarring and brushing. It looked old and decayed. He climbed up the side and came aboard. He was quickly surrounded by a crowd of black men. Captain Delano looked around for the man who commanded the ship. The Spanish captain stood a little away off against the main mast. He was young looking, richly dressed but seemed troubled and tired with the spirit gone out of him. He looked unhappily toward his American visitor. At the Spanish's captain side stood a small black man with a rough face. Captain Delano struggled forward through the crowd, went up to the Spaniard and greeted him. He offered to help him in any way he could. Captain Benito Cereno returned the American's greeting politely, but without warmth. Captain Delano pushed his way back through the crowd to the gangway. He told his men to go and bring back as much water as they could, also bread, pumpkins, sugar and a dozen of his private bottles of cider. The whale boat pushed off. Left alone, Captain Delano again observed with fresh surprise the general disorder aboard the ship. Some of the men were fighting. There were no deck officers to discipline or control the violent ones. And everyone seemed to do as he pleased. Captain Delano could not fully understand how this could have happened. What could explain such a break down of order and responsibility? He asked Don Benito to give him the full story of his ship's misfortunes. Don Benito did not answer. He just kept looking at his American visitor as if he heard nothing. This angered Captain Delano, who suddenly turned away and walked forward to one of the Spanish seamen for his answer. But he had hardly gone five steps when Don Benito called him back. "It is now 190 days," Don Benito began, "that the ship sailed from Buenos Aires for Lima with a general cargo. Pedigree, tea, and the like, and a number of Negros, now not more than a 150 as you see, but then numbering over 300 souls. The ship was officered and well-manned, with several cabin passengers. Some 50 Spaniards in all. Off Cape Horn we had heavy gales." Captain Cereno coughed suddenly and almost collapsed. He fell heavily against his body servant. "His mind wanders," said Babo. "He was thinking of the disease that followed the gales. My poor, poor master. Be patient senor, these attacks do not last long. Master will soon be himself." Don Benito recovered, and in a broken voice continued his story. "My ship was tossed about many days in storms off Cape Horn. And then there was an outbreak of scurvy. The disease carried off many whites and blacks. Most of my surviving seaman had become so sick that they could not handle the sails well. For days and nights we could not control the ship. It was blown north-westward. The wind suddenly left us in unknown waters with oppressive hot calms. Most of our water was gone. "And we suffered terribly, especially after a deadly fever broke out among us. Whole families of blacks and many Spaniards, including every officer but myself, were killed by the disease." Don Benito paused. He looked down at the black man at his side. Babo seemed satisfied. The Spanish captain saw him take his hand from the knife hidden under his shirt. Captain Delano saw nothing. His mind was filled with the terrible tale he had just heard. Now he could understand why the other captain seemed so shaken. He took Don Benito's hand and promised to give him all the help possible. He would give him a large permanent supply of water, and some sails and equipment for sailing the ship. And he also promised to let Don Benito have three of his best seamen for temporary deck officers. In this way, the San Dominick could without delay start for Concepcion. There the ship could be fixed and prepared for its voyage to Lima. Don Benito's face lighted up. He seemed excited by Captain Delano's generous offer. But, Babo appeared troubled. "This excitement is bad for master," Babo whispered, taking Don Benito's arm and with soothing words gently drawing him aside. When Don Benito returned, Captain Delano observed that his excitement was gone. Captain Delano decided to talk of other matters. But the Spanish captain showed no further interest. He answered Captain Delano's questions with sharp words and suddenly with an angry movement he walked back to Babo. Captain Delano watched the two men whispering together in low voices. It made an ugly picture, which Captain Delano found so extremely unpleasant that he turned his face to the other side of the ship. Their actions made Delano suspicious of Captain Cereno. He began to wonder about him. His behavior. His coughing attacks. His weakness. His empty wild looks. Was he really half mad or a faker playing a part? One moment Captain Delano had the worst suspicions of Don Benito. But the next he would feel guilty and ashamed of himself for having such doubts about the man. Presently, Don Benito moved back toward his guest, still supported by his servant. His pale face twitched. He seemed more nervous than usual. And there was a strange tone in his husky whisper as he spoke. "May I ask how many men you have on board, senor?" Captain Delano became uneasy, but answered. "About 25 all total." "And at present, senor, all on board?" "All on board," Captain Delano answered. "And will be tonight, senor?" At this last question, Captain Delano looked very seriously at Don Benito, who could not return the look but dropped his eyes to the deck. Captain Delano could think of only one reason for such a question. But no, it was foolish to think that these weak and starving men could have any idea of seizing his ship. But still he remained silent. "And will they be aboard tonight?" Again the question from Don Benito. Captain Delano decided to answer truthfully. Some of his men had talked of going off on a fishing party about midnight. And he told Don Benito this. As he answered, Captain Delano again looked straight at Don Benito. But the Spanish captain refused to meet his eyes. Then as before, he suddenly withdrew with his servant. And again the two men began whispering to each other in low voices. Captain Delano tried to push the worry from his mind. But what were those two strange men discussing? That will be our story next week. What do you think of this story? Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Quiz Quiz - Benito Cereno by Herman Melville, Part Two Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz For Teachers This lesson plan, based on the CALLA Approach, teaches the strategy, 'find and apply patterns,' to help students understand the story. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story collapse - v. to fall down or become unconscious because you are sick or exhausted senor - n. a title or form of address used of or to a Spanish-speaking man, corresponding to Mr.or sir. recover - v. to become healthy after an illness or injury : to return to normal health scurvy - n. a disease that is caused by not eating enough fruits or vegetables that contain vitamin C survive - v. to remain alive; to continue to live equipment - n. supplies or tools needed for a special purpose temporary - adj. continuing for a limited amount of time : not permanent faker - n. a person pretending to be something they are not What do you think of this story? We want to hear from you. Write your comment in our forum below. A United States federal grand jury is charging former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump with crimes linked to his possession of sensitive government documents. Trump is to appear in court in Miami, Florida, on Tuesday to hear the charges against him. The day will mark the first time a former president has been charged with a crime in a federal court. The indictment was released publicly Friday. Jack Smith is the Justice Department special counsel who filed the charges against Trump. Smith spoke to reporters after the indictment was opened. He explained the charges against Trump and said that the country has one set of laws and they apply to everyone." Smith did not take questions at the press conference. Trump has said he is innocent and has done nothing wrong. The indictment accuses Trump of 37 crimes. They include willfully holding national defense information, obstruction, false statements and plotting with another to carry out a crime. In March, a government lawyer in the state of New York charged Trump with 34 counts of criminally falsifying business documents. That indictment made Trump the first former president to face criminal charges. Why are federal officials investigating Trump? The Justice Department announced an investigation into Trumps keeping possession of government records in early 2022. The investigation started when the National Archives reported that Trump had hundreds of sensitive government documents at his home in Florida. Under U.S. law, presidential records belong to the government and must be given to the National Archive when a president leaves office. Trump is being accused of taking hundreds of records from the White House and sending them to his home at Mar-a-Lago. The National Archives demanded the documents from Trumps representatives in 2021 and received 14 containers of them in January 2022. The boxes contained more than 100 documents that are described as classified. The National Archives then reported the discovery to the Justice Department, which started an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. How is a special counsel involved? The Justice Department was leading the investigation through most of last year. In November, Trump announced that he would again be a presidential candidate. Attorney General Merrick Garland then appointed Jack Smith, a department lawyer, as a special counsel to carry out the investigation. Smith brought evidence to two grand juries in recent months. One in Washington, D.C. and another in Miami, Florida. A court ordered a number of witnesses to appear before the two groups, which decide whether charges can be brought. Smith is also investigating Trump in connection with the events that lead to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol building. A federal indictment would not disqualify Trump from competing in the 2024 presidential campaign. Experts say the former president could seek a return to office even if he is found guilty of charges. Other documents cases In January, the Justice Department named another special counsel, Robert Hur, to investigate the documents case of President Joe Biden. The documents are from at least the time when Biden was vice president. The documents were found last year at Bidens former Washington office and at his home in Delaware. Bidens lawyers have said there are few documents involved and that they were given to the government as soon as they were found. Experts suggest that failing to correctly deal with classified documents would be unlikely to cause federal officials to bring charges. Jordan Strauss is a former Justice Department official who is now with Kroll, a business risk adviser. He said there is a Justice Department policy saying that a current president cannot be indicted. Former Vice President Mike Pence has also been criticized for holding classified documents. And the Associated Press reported last year that the claim that former President Barack Obama took millions of documents when he left office was false. Answering a question about whether the Justice Department indictment of a competing presidential candidate was unfair, Biden said: I have never once not one single time suggested to the Justice Department what they should do or not do, relative to bringing a charge or not bringing a charge. Im honest. Im Caty Weaver. And I'm Mario Ritter Jr. Masood Farivar reported this story for VOA NEWS. Mario Ritter, Jr. adapted it for VOA Learning English with some additional material from Associated Press. ____________________________________________________ Words in This Story obstruction n. (legal) the act of blocking or trying to block legal officials from getting evidence that they are seeking conspiracy n. (legal) a secret plan by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal indictment n. (legal) the process of bringing charges before a court of law We want to hear from you. Here is how our comment system 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. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. An agreement between an order of Catholic Sisters and a construction company will help preserve and find new uses for part of a sprawling rural campus in Grant County. The Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, their numbers in decline for decades, said last year that they needed to sell or remove, at considerable cost, three massive buildings totaling more than 300,000 square feet of chapel, auditorium, office, dining and dormitory space. Last week, the Sisters announced they had found an answer. The order has accepted a proposal from Tricon Construction Group in Dubuque, Iowa, that would renovate the space for an active, senior living community and event center and to explore partnerships with local community organizations responding to human needs in the area. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the deal will preserve the look and character of the campus, founded in 1847 on one of the regions highest hills. We are grateful that Tricon and other neighbors in this Tri-State area value these iconic buildings and are committed to repurposing them so that others will be able to enjoy the special place that is Sinsinawa Mound, said Sister Toni Harris, prioress of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation since 2016. While there are details that need to be worked out before finalizing a transfer of ownership, we appreciate Tricons plan for stewardship of some of our buildings into the future. The buildings included in the transfer of ownership to Tricon are two constructed in 1964. One houses the Queen of the Rosary Chapel, and another includes the main foyer, dining room, kitchen, meeting spaces, wellness center, sleeping quarters and guest rooms. The other is the convent building, constructed in 1899. The Sisters will retain ownership of the stone building and St. Clara Chapel. Those spaces will be renovated to serve as congregation office space, public meeting and prayer space, community living space for the Sisters, and exhibit areas, Sister Harris said. The Sisters will also continue to own the Academy Apartments, two houses on the property and the surrounding land, while Sinsinawa Mound will continue to serve as the Motherhouse of the Congregation. Tricon owner Ron Richard was born and raised in Kieler, about 10 miles northwest of the Mound, a place that I admired, he said in a statement. His construction company was founded in 1998 and besides Dubuque, also has operations in Cedar Rapids, Chicago and Florida. The company specializes in the construction of government buildings, police and fire stations, hospitals, swimming pools, bridges and airports, among others. Renovating and finding new uses for the buildings at Sinsinawa adds to the companys growing repertoire. We are very excited to be part of the Sinsinawa Mounds future, said Richard. The buildings are in great structural shape, and it would be a shame to see them deconstructed or just not used. Because of the current housing need in the Tri-State area, along with the growing popularity of amenity filled retirement communities, we feel that our proposed plan will be a great benefit to the surrounding area. Sites history The campus, located 8 miles from Dubuque and 10 miles from Galena, Illinois, was founded by Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, who migrated from Italy in 1828, was ordained a priest in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1830, and was assigned as a missionary at Mackinac Island. He later served in Green Bay and southern Canada before finding his way to what is now southwestern Wisconsin. This is where, beginning in 1838, he built churches in Prairie du Chien, Potosi, Shullsburg, Hazel Green and other communities. He purchased 800 acres in 1847 that included the mound and founded Sinsinawa Mound College, which operated until 1854. He started St. Clara Female Academy at Benton in 1852, which relocated to Sinsinawa in 1867. The mound also was home to St. Clara College beginning in 1901, before it moved in 1922 to River Forest, Illinois, where it is now Dominican University. The presence in Madison received a considerable boost in 1881 when Gov. Cadwallader Washburn gave his Edgewood Villa and 55-acre wooded estate on the shore of Lake Wingra to the Dominican Sisters, who then moved St. Regina Academy in the citys Downtown to the new site. Two years later, after a tragic fire, the school was rebuilt and named Sacred Heart Academy, which was later separated into Edgewood High School and Edgewood Campus School. In 1927, the Sisters opened Edgewood College for women with a two-year liberal arts curriculum, housed in the same building as the high school. A four-year degree program was added in 1940, and a year later the college moved into its own building. The Sisters also own Whitefish Bay Dominican High School near Milwaukee. Close Three buildings totaling more than 300,000 square feet are being sold at Sinsinawa, in southwestern Grant County. If the buildings are not sold to a buyer that aligns with the Dominican mission, they will be removed. About 110 people live and work on the 450-acre campus, but by 2023 that number will be reduced to about 30. Sister Priscilla Wood, director of the Office of Arts and Cultural Heritage at Sinsinawa Mound Center, in the 500-seat Queen of the Rosary Chapel. Located in the Rotunda constructed in 1964, the building also includes a 500-seat auditorium and two museums. A bell from the former St. Dominic Church, which was dedicated on the grounds of Sinsinawa Mound Center in 1845, is displayed near the St. Clara Convent building, one of several structures the Dominican Sisters' order is looking to sell. Nicole Doyle, the sole employee of a post office which services the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. converses with visitors to the office Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL A sculpture depicting Father Samuel Mazzuchelli shares the grounds of the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Produce plots are tended on the grounds of the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL A pair of historic buildings dating to the mid and late-1800s share the grounds of the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Bread made on the grounds of the the Dominican Sisters Sinsinawa Mound Center is offered for sale in the centers gift store in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL A cornerstone of the Saint Clara Convent, founded in 1847, is displayed on the building on the campus of Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Sister Quincy Howard of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, right, and Laurana Snyder, a farm coordinator on the property, converse with visitors to Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Headstones of sisters that served with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Mound Center maker their final resting places on the campus in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL A post office which services the Sinsinawa Mound Center and employs a single worker, shares the property owned by the Dominican Sisters order in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Sister Quincy Howard of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa walks among the outdoor gardens of the communitys Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Sister Toni Harris, prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, views the grounds of the campus last week from a dining hall. Outside the window at left is the St. Clara Convent building constructed in 1899, which is among those being sold. Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, who migrated to the U.S. from Italy at age 22 in 1828, began missionary work in 1930, the same year he was ordained as a Catholic priest. He came to southwestern Wisconsin in the late 1830s and in 1847 formed a community of Dominican Sisters at Sinsinawa. A fort built in 1832 by George Wallace Jones during the Black Hawk War stands on the grounds of the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Sister Quincy Howard of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa takes in the sweeping views from an upper floor of a dormitory building that is among those being sold. The property is on one of the highest points in southwestern Wisconsin. Distinctive diamond-shaped windows comprise a wall of a hallway between buildings on the campus of Sinsinawa. Working to the secure future of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa and the orders home at Sinsinawa Mound Center, Sister Quincy Howard, an urban planner, pauses in the resting place of members whove died since its founding in 1847. With few women entering the congregation, Sinsinawa is being downsized. Artwork created by members of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa is displayed on the walls of the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Stained glass windows rim the Queen of the Rosary Chapel on the campus of the Sinsinawa Mound Center. Laurana Snyder, a horticulturalist and farm coordinator for property owned by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is among those renting some of the 120 acres of farmland on the property. Snyder is hoping farming opportunities expand on the property in an effort to assist small farmers. A 500-seat auditorium at Sinsinawa Mound Center occupies one level of the 94,600-square-foot Rotunda building. Photos: A tour of the Sinsinawa Mound Center The center is being downsized with the sale of three large buildings as few Sisters enter the Dominican order each year. Three buildings totaling more than 300,000 square feet are being sold at Sinsinawa, in southwestern Grant County. If the buildings are not sold to a buyer that aligns with the Dominican mission, they will be removed. About 110 people live and work on the 450-acre campus, but by 2023 that number will be reduced to about 30. Sister Priscilla Wood, director of the Office of Arts and Cultural Heritage at Sinsinawa Mound Center, in the 500-seat Queen of the Rosary Chapel. Located in the Rotunda constructed in 1964, the building also includes a 500-seat auditorium and two museums. A bell from the former St. Dominic Church, which was dedicated on the grounds of Sinsinawa Mound Center in 1845, is displayed near the St. Clara Convent building, one of several structures the Dominican Sisters' order is looking to sell. Nicole Doyle, the sole employee of a post office which services the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. converses with visitors to the office Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL A sculpture depicting Father Samuel Mazzuchelli shares the grounds of the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Produce plots are tended on the grounds of the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL A pair of historic buildings dating to the mid and late-1800s share the grounds of the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Bread made on the grounds of the the Dominican Sisters Sinsinawa Mound Center is offered for sale in the centers gift store in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL A cornerstone of the Saint Clara Convent, founded in 1847, is displayed on the building on the campus of Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Sister Quincy Howard of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, right, and Laurana Snyder, a farm coordinator on the property, converse with visitors to Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Headstones of sisters that served with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Mound Center maker their final resting places on the campus in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL A post office which services the Sinsinawa Mound Center and employs a single worker, shares the property owned by the Dominican Sisters order in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Sister Quincy Howard of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa walks among the outdoor gardens of the communitys Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Sister Toni Harris, prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, views the grounds of the campus last week from a dining hall. Outside the window at left is the St. Clara Convent building constructed in 1899, which is among those being sold. Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, who migrated to the U.S. from Italy at age 22 in 1828, began missionary work in 1930, the same year he was ordained as a Catholic priest. He came to southwestern Wisconsin in the late 1830s and in 1847 formed a community of Dominican Sisters at Sinsinawa. A fort built in 1832 by George Wallace Jones during the Black Hawk War stands on the grounds of the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Sister Quincy Howard of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa takes in the sweeping views from an upper floor of a dormitory building that is among those being sold. The property is on one of the highest points in southwestern Wisconsin. Distinctive diamond-shaped windows comprise a wall of a hallway between buildings on the campus of Sinsinawa. Working to the secure future of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa and the orders home at Sinsinawa Mound Center, Sister Quincy Howard, an urban planner, pauses in the resting place of members whove died since its founding in 1847. With few women entering the congregation, Sinsinawa is being downsized. Artwork created by members of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa is displayed on the walls of the Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. Tuesday, July 12, 2022. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Stained glass windows rim the Queen of the Rosary Chapel on the campus of the Sinsinawa Mound Center. Laurana Snyder, a horticulturalist and farm coordinator for property owned by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is among those renting some of the 120 acres of farmland on the property. Snyder is hoping farming opportunities expand on the property in an effort to assist small farmers. A 500-seat auditorium at Sinsinawa Mound Center occupies one level of the 94,600-square-foot Rotunda building. Several area events including some free, family-friendly offerings will mark Juneteenth, the federal holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. While the actual holiday is June 19, many events are taking place earlier that will celebrate Juneteenth with food, music, educational offerings and more. Fitchburg Juneteenth Celebration What: Fitchburg Senior Center will host a Juneteenth celebration featuring the Fast N Fresh food cart, music, dancing and artwork by local artist Lilada Gee. When: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 16 Where: Fitchburg Senior Center, 5510 Lacy Road, Fitchburg Juneteenth Opening Ceremony What: The Kujichagulia Madison Center for Self Determination is hosting an opening ceremony for Juneteenth weekend, which will include the introduction of elected officials and the presentation of the annual Juneteenth awards. When: 5 to 7:30 p.m. June 16 Where: UW Partnership Space-South Madison, 2238 South Park St. School Daze showing What: In partnership with Lakeview Library, Sherman Church will host a showing of the movie School Daze. Directed by Spike Lee, School Daze is a musical comedy that explores college life, colorism and social justice. The film is rated R. When: 5 p.m. June 16 Where: Lakeview Library, 2845 North Sherman Ave. Juneteenth Wine Down What: The Wisconsin Alumni Association: African American Affinity Group is hosting a Juneteenth Wine Down event at Memorial Union. The event will include food, music and conversation. Space is limited, so reservations are encouraged. When: 6 to 9 p.m. June 16 Where: Memorial Union Terrace (Multicultural Greek Room), 800 Langdon St. Juneteenth in Penn Park What: The Kujichagulia Madison Center for Self Determination is hosting a daylong celebration of Juneteenth. Festivities will start with a parade that departs at 10:45 a.m. from Fountain of Life Church and ends at Penn Park. Attendees can enjoy live music, family-friendly activities and food. Volunteers for the day are still needed and those interested can sign up at www.volunteersignup.org/ECWQ4. When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 17 Where: Penn Park, 2101 Fisher St. Juneteenth in Sun Prairie What: Explore Childrens Museum will be bringing games and activities to Wetmore Park in Sun Prairie for children and families to celebrate Juneteenth. When: 2 to 5:30 p.m. June 17 Where: Wetmore Park, 555 North St., Sun Prairie Shades of Black Culture Festival What: The third annual Shades of Black Culture festival at Hilldale offers attendees the opportunity to purchase from more than 20 Black-owned small businesses and connect with local artists. There will be a community art project and activities for children. When: 1 to 5 p.m. June 18 Where: Hilldale Shopping Center, 726 North Midvale Boulevard Northside Juneteenth/Fathers Day Celebration What: Sherman Church will host a Northside Juneteenth/Fathers Day Celebration featuring live music, fellowship and a free community meal. When: 3 to 4:30 p.m. June 18 Where: Sherman Church, 3705 North Sherman Ave. Stoughton Juneteenth What: A Juneteenth celebration at Rotary Park in Stoughton will have music, crafts, food and a bounce house. When: 1 to 4 p.m. June 18 Where: Rotary Park, 324 S. 6th St., Stoughton Madison Jazz Festival: Juneteenth Celebration on the Terrace What: Celebrate Juneteenth and the final day of the Madison Jazz Festival with a series of free performances throughout the day. Host for the evening will be local rapper Rob Dz. When: 2:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 18 Where: Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon St. Dane County Executive Joe Parisi plans to start using a recruitment firm when hiring all county government directors, a move that means three departments, including the newly created Office of Justice Reform, are likely months away from having permanent leaders. The new policy follows the Dane County Boards rejection of Rep. Shelia Stubbs contentious nomination to lead the Department of Human Services in May, a battle that highlights the bitter relationship between Parisi and the board over county workplaces. Among the boards criticisms of Stubbs nomination was the fact that Parisi did not use a search firm to cast a broad net for candidates before he selected Stubbs for the position. The board leadership made it clear to the County Executives Office that it would like to see the Execs Office use an executive search firm for department head level recruitments, Greg Brockmeyer, head of county administration, said in an email to some on the board late last month. Board Chair Patrick Miles did not respond to the Wisconsin State Journals request for comment on the new recruitment policy. Sup. Elizabeth Doyle, 1st District, who chairs the boards Personnel and Finance Committee, noted that supervisors never requested that a recruitment firm be used for all department head hires. But shes glad the county is moving forward on having defined rules in place for hiring department heads. Department heads Human Services, which Stubbs had been tapped to lead, has about 800 staff members, making it the countys largest department. In the seven department head hires before Stubbs nomination, the county used an outside contractor for three Human Services, the Dane County Regional Airport and the Alliant Energy Center. If the Board leadership feels that the use of a recruitment firm is a prerequisite to finding a qualified candidate for the director of Human Services, the Administration cannot single out one department as being more deserving in its recruitment efforts than another, Brockmeyer wrote in an email to the Wisconsin State Journal. The utilization of a recruitment firm will also ensure transparency in the process and help restore trust in how the County goes about recruiting these very public facing positions. In response to the controversy surrounding Stubbs nomination, Sup. Dana Pellebon, 33rd District, has introduced an ordinance that outlines the boards preferences for future Human Services director nominees. Those criteria include having five years of managerial and administrative experience in a human services-related field, knowledge of social casework and fiscal management experience. Doyle said some members of the public have grown frustrated with the lack of a director for the Office of Justice Reform, which Parisi created in the countys 2023 budget to focus on reducing racial disparities and disproportionate incarceration in the criminal justice system. I think in the long run, it is better to make sure we have qualified directors in these important positions, Doyle said. Interim leadership Parisis administration on Friday announced that former Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney will serve as the Office of Justice Reforms director for a limited term, until early next year. The hunt for a justice reform director had been narrowed down to five possible candidates out of 55 applicants around the time the board nixed Stubbs nomination, Brockmeyer said. But the finalists were told that the search process was being suspended because a search firm wasnt used. The office will be located on the second floor of the City-County Building and is expected to have six staff members. Two board committees already have voted to spend $8,000 to fully furnish the justice reform office, and a full board vote could come next week. You go back to 2020 when thousands of people were marching in the streets of Madison calling for reform of the criminal justice system, Sup. Tim Kiefer, 25th District, said. I dont think anyone expected that three years later what we would be doing at the county level would be voting on buying furniture for an empty office. Apart from Human Services, Kiefer said, a recruitment firm really isnt needed for hiring directors within the county, such as the Office of Justice Reform, since theres so much local talent with expertise in the field. Why this is completely being abandoned to do this national search, I simply dont understand, Kiefer said. Of the County Boards 37 members, Kiefer and Sup. Jeff Weigand, 20th District, were the only two who voted in favor of Stubbs confirmation. Parisi has named former Madison mayoral candidate Gloria Reyes to act as a co-director of Human Services alongside interim director Astra Iheukumere. Iheukumere has served as interim director for the last year and interviewed for the permanent director position along with Stubbs and two other candidates. The timeline With Parisis new recruitment policy, the county is drafting a request-for-proposals for recruitment firms and a contract could be in place as early as September, Brockmeyer said. The firm will then work to find director candidates for Human Services, Justice Reform and the Department of Highway and Transportation, he said. The firm could be held on a retainer for future director vacancies. The Highway Department, which has about 140 staff members, has been without a permanent leader since March, when its longtime commissioner, Jerry Mandli, retired. Pam Dunphy has served as interim commissioner since then. Doyle noted that not having formal leadership in place can be difficult as the county shifts toward budget talks in the fall. Kiefer, who has served on the board since 2012, said interim directors are often hesitant to make consequential decisions, preferring to leave them to permanent directors. Im not looking at blaming County Board leadership or the executive, but the two sides need to sit down and figure this out, he said. Those departments need permanent directors. Workplace challenges Over the past year, the board, Parisi, organized labor and county management have had vitriolic public disputes over county workplaces. When former Human Services director Shawn Tessman resigned last summer, she cited disrespect from the board and its deference to the demands of organized labor. Then came the Stubbs nomination. Over the confirmation process, Parisi charged supervisors with treating Stubbs, who is Black, differently because of her race. Supervisors argued that Stubbs was unqualified for the job and had peddled misinformation about the confirmation process to her supporters. Is it too hot to walk your dog? 5 safety tips for summer weather How hot is too hot to walk my dog? Summer can bring scorching temperatures that leave responsible dog owners wondering when its too hot to take their pup on a walk. Dogs tend to overheat more quickly than humans, so paying careful attention to the temperature and your dogs body language is essential. As a general rule, if the temperatures are over 90 degrees, youll likely want to wait until the cooler evening for a walk. You can also place the back of your hand on the sidewalk or pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If thats too hot for your hand, its also too hot for your dogs paws. How can I prevent my dog from overheating on walks? Following a few simple safety tips can make long summer strolls just as fun for your dog as they are for you. Heres what you need to know as the temperatures rise. 1. Timing is everything. When the sun is at its peak, pavement can become scorching hot. Its best to save walks for early mornings or late evenings when the temperature is cooler. Skip mid-day walks when the sun is blazing unless you can stroll in a wooded area where the ground gets plenty of shade. 2. Stay hydrated. Just as its important for people to get plenty of water on hot days, its also important for dogs. When walking in the summer, grab a cold water bottle and a collapsible dog bowl. If you notice excessive panting or salivation, take a break and give your dog time to hydrate. Freezing low-sodium broth in an ice cube tray is also a great way to get your dog more fluids in the summer. 3. Stay in the shade. Staying in shady wooded areas is ideal, but for city-dwellers, its best to cross to the shady side of the street. Plan your dog's walking routes in areas with more tree or building coverage to keep your dogs paws cooler. As a bonus, it might help you avoid your next sunburn. 4. Protect their paws. As mentioned before, if the sidewalk is too hot for the back of your hand, its also too hot for your dogs paws. Stick to grassy areas, or get some breathable dog booties to protect their paws from hot pavement. 5. Watch for signs of overheating. Dogs produce far less sweat than people, so theyll need your help to stay cool in the summer. Watch for common signs of your dog overheating which include: Excessive panting Difficulty breathing Drooling Weakness Fatigue Collapsing If you notice any of these symptoms, get to a shady spot and offer your dog plenty of water. Wetting your dogs paws, belly, and ears with cool water can also help bring down their body temperature. You can even store some dog ice cream in the freezer for a special treat when you get home. Is it safe to walk my dog in the summer? When walking your dog in the summer, its important to keep the warning signs of overheating in mind, especially with dog breeds that have short noses or thick coats. If you follow a few simple safety tips, your dog can enjoy the long summer days and all the extra evening walks that come with the season. Saudi Arabias economy registered a 3.8% y/y growth for the first three months of the year, mainly driven by the non-oil sector which remained robust at 5.3% y/y in Q1 2023, unchanged from Q4 and Q3 2022, according to a report by leading UAE bank Emirates NBD. The transport, storage and communication sector grew 9.3% y/y, while trade, restaurants and hotels saw real output growth accelerate to 7.5% y/y, it stated, adding the construction sector also posted stronger growth in Q1 at 5.5% y/y. According to Emirates NBD, the growth in key sectors such as finance, insurance and real estate slowed last quarter to 2.8% y/y from 3.9% in Q4 2022. Government services, which account for around 14% of total GDP, grew 4.9% y/y in Q1 the fastest pace of growth in this sector since 2018. On the expenditure side, consumption accelerated to 7.8% y/y from 4.5% in Q4 2022, driven by a surge in government consumption (16.2% y/y). Budget data for Q1 showed government spending on goods and services rose 70% y/y. Private consumption growth also picked up to 3.9% y/y but was weaker than in H1 2022. Gross fixed capital formation has maintained its recent strong growth, although slowing slightly from Q4 at 17.6% y/y in Q1 2023. This reflects a sharp increase in investment spending in the kingdom since the start of 2022. Again, the budget data for Q1 shows a jump of 75% y/y for government investment spending, but private investment was likely a key contributor to fixed capital investment as well. The Emirati bank in its study said the Saudi economy's Q1 growth was slightly lower than the preliminary estimate of 3.9%. On a seasonally adjusted basis, real output contracted -1.4% q/q, largely on the back of declining crude oil and natural gas production, it added. Net trade contributed positively to overall GDP growth in Q1 (reflecting a trade surplus). Export growth slowed to 2.0% y/y (likely reflecting weaker oil and gas exports) while import growth rose 11.2% y/y. "Although we have revised our forecasts for overall GDP growth lower to -0.5% in 2023, this is entirely due to the voluntary oil production cuts announced in April and which will be extended from July," stated the bank in its review. "We have assumed that the additional 1m b/d in production cuts from July will be extended through the end of the year; if these cuts are unwound in H2 then this would boost headline GDP growth in 2023," it added. Accorddibng to Emiraates NBD, the strong non-oil sector growth has been driven by significant structural reform in the kingdom over the last few years and an increase in investment post-pandemic. This is necessary to meet the Vision 2030 objectives as well as to create opportunities for young Saudis who will be entering the labour market in the coming years amid a booming population. The latest census data (2022) puts the size of the population at 32.18 million in 2022, making it somewhere around the 40th largest in the world. This compares with 24 million when the census was last carried out in 2010, marking a 34.2% increase over the period and an annual growth rate of 2.5%. This makes Saudi Arabia the fastest growing population in the G20 by some margin in recent years. Of the gain in the population since the last census, 4.8 million were Saudis, contributing to the young age of the Saudi population with the median at just 22 years. Within the Saudi population, 63% are under the age of 30, meaning many citizens will be reaching working age in the coming years. The Saudi government is well aware of this potential demographic pressure on the labour force, and this partly explains the economic shift undergone in recent years, where a host of new more labour-intensive industries such as hospitality and tourism have been encouraged to flourish and Saudis have been encouraged, through the Saudisation strategy, into jobs previously occupied by immigrant workers, stated the report. In December, the government launched the second phase of its Tawteen programme which earmarked 170,000 new jobs to be created, 30,000 of which will be in the tourism sector. The National Tourism Strategy aims at creating 1 million new jobs in the industry over the coming years as the sector develops, it added. Faisal bin Fadel Al Ibrahim, the minister of economy and planning, noted on the censuss release that its outputs will be a key pillar for planning and decision making, developing economic and social policy, creating development plans for various sectors and services, and supporting the investment environment in the Kingdom and achieving the Vision 2030 goals. The split between Saudis and non-Saudis in the population stood at 58.4% to 41.6% in 2022, or 18.8 million to 13.4 million (this is down from a non-Saudi peak of 14.6 million in 2016). The bulk of these foreign inhabitants come from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, and Philippines. The division in the labour market remains quite different, however, with two thirds of the workforce in the country still non-Saudi. This skew towards a high proportion of foreign workers means that the median age of the non-Saudi population is far higher, at 34 years old, and 91.8% of non-Saudis are in the working age bracket of 15-64, stated the Emirati bank in its report. The high proportion of foreign workers also has implications for the gender balance in Saudi Arabia while Saudi males and females are almost equal in number in the working age bracket, for non-Saudis there are 3.9 males for every female, leading to a headline division of 1.84 to 1.0. For the population as a whole, 61.2% are male and 38.8% female. On the future outlook, Emirates NBD said it remains optimistic that non-oil sector growth will remain robust this year, as PMI surveys indicate strong domestic demand as well as robust external demand in the first five months of this year. The Riyadh Bank PMI averaged 59.0 through May, much higher than the 55.5 average in Jan-May 2022.-TradeArabia News Service Recently, a hospital CFO commented: We need to continue to address our scope of services as the aging of America occurs with a huge increase in Medicaid patients. Oops, Medicare is the insurance plan for people over 65. To add to the potential confusion, they both even sound alike. Ever heard someone trying to guess which is which? Lets see if we can clarify and simplify. Medicare: Medicare was created in 1965 to provide healthcare coverage for people 65 and over. It will also cover some disabled and end-stage renal disease patients. It is funded thru taxation on earnings for Part A/in-hospital & skilled nursing care and monthly premiums for Part B/doctor visits, outpatient hospital care and DME. Part D/prescription drugs was added in 2006 with a monthly premium. There is no long-term care, defined as long term placement or residing in a nursing home, available thru Medicare. Being retired is not required to be eligible for Medicare. As each person turns 65, a decision to leave their commercial plan and move to Medicare should be evaluated. Compare all the out-of-pocket expenses with Medicare A,B,D vs. the commercial plan as choices exist when turning 65 and then again during the normal open enrollment period. Medicaid: Medicaid is a federal and state program that helps with healthcare costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid also can cover services not covered by Medicare -specifically nursing home care and personal care services. There are people who are eligible for Medicare and then low-income assistance thru Medicaid referred to as Dual coverage. Other coverage can include low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Each state has different rules for eligibility including the scope of services. Medicaid is a state and federally funded program for eligible patients. The Health Insurance Association of America describes Medicaid as a government insurance program for persons of all ages whose income and resources are insufficient to pay for health care. Medicare vs. Medicaid: Medicare is the healthcare benefit for people 65 and over. Medicaid is healthcare assistance for income-eligible individuals of any age but depends on whether your state expanded Medicaid for many part-time, low income with jobs, & patients with no ability to get commercial insurance. Hope this helps the next time you think which is which? Hot update The Medicaid Redetermination-nationwide- began on April 1, 2023. During the three-year public health emergency, all Medicaid recipients were not screened for income eligibility (different per state) -it was called Continuous Coverage. This ensured there was a payment source and coverage when Medicaid patients needed care during the public health emergency/COVID-19. (Medicaid payment rates average 30% of billed charges with the healthcare provider absorbing all remaining charges,) On April 1, 2023, each state began their own rollout to begin the redetermination/re-eligibility screening of all Medicaid recipients. It is highly important that the Dept of Health & Welfare has the most recent address. Initial contact is by mail with high probability of dis-enrollment if mail is returned/rejected. Dont let this happen and ensure it is current. Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Bradley Calbo has been indicted by a grand jury on charges that he committed acts of violence against a 44-year-old woman at a property along the Oregon coast, records show. Calbo, 54, was involved in a June 3 incident in Lincoln City in which the woman said he strangled her and committed other acts to place her in fear of imminent serious physical injury, the indictment obtained by the Times-News reads. The indictment was signed Thursday by the grand jury foreperson and Lincoln County district attorney. Calbo was originally scheduled to appear in court Monday for a preliminary hearing, but instead is expected to be in court that day for a hearing related to the indictment. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store A Lincoln City police officer, according to the summary of probable cause, responded to a report of domestic assault Sunday at about 11:24 a.m., and the woman said she had been assaulted by Calbo the previous night, including being strangled to the point of her not being able to breathe for about 10 seconds. In addition, she said Calbo held her down by her arm, which she recently had surgery performed on, and slapped her multiple times and pulled her hair. The woman played for police a 20-minute-long audio recording she made in which a male voice, which she identified as being Calbos, is heard yelling and swearing, along with saying, I should just kill you, and similar phrases, while the woman screams loudly to be let go. On one occasion, the woman says, Youre choking me. Calbo told police that neither he nor the woman had physically assaulted each other, and that the incident was only verbal, records say. The four charges against Calbo, who is being held on a $500,000 bond and has a no-contact order against him, include coercion, strangulation, fourth-degree assault and menacing. This is not the first legal difficulty for Calbo in Oregon. In March 2021 in Klamath County, he was charged with fourth-degree assault and harassment, and after pleading guilty received a conditional discharge which was terminated after he was charged in September 2021 with DUI and reckless driving, records say. The reckless driving charge was later dismissed. In March 2022, he received a sentence of 30 days for the assault charge, 15 of which was completed with electronic home detention. He received two days in jail for the DUI with eight days of electronic monitoring, records say. In 2005, records show he was disbarred from practicing law in Colorado after a board found that he converted thousands of dollars in clients funds and knowingly failed to perform services for his clients, causing them serious harm. Calbo was appointed as Jeromes prosecuting attorney last fall when former Prosecuting Attorney Mike Seib resigned from the position. Jerome County commissioners were aware of the previous criminal charges against Calbo, along with him being disbarred, when he was appointed, Commissioner Charlie Howell told the Times-News on Friday. Commissioners talked to judges and acquaintances and received recommendations that Calbo was fit for the job, he said. We feel we vetted him pretty well, Howell said, later saying, I dont know what we could have done differently. Howell said he has not had contact with Calbo since the charges were filed against him. The prosecutors office is filling in during Calbos absence to make sure court cases are covered. And as for questions whether Calbo will voluntarily resign his position as prosecutor, Howell said, Im sure he will do the right thing. TWIN FALLS A man accused of violently beating his cousin in May outside a Castleford bar has been bound over to district court on a charge of aggravated battery. In a preliminary hearing Friday, the victim, Dawson Bishop, said his relative Chase West Bishop, 26, severely beat him after inviting him on May 20 to come to the bar, with the pretext of drinking a beer and using marijuana, which Dawson was asked to bring. But when he arrived, Dawson said his cousin led him across the street and struck him multiple times, breaking his nose and causing injuries to his back, to the point he says he has not been physically able to work as a self-employed autobody repairman. The reason for the confrontation, Dawson said, was that Chase accused him of stealing from his grandparents, something Dawson denied upon questioning by defense attorney Joseph Rockstahl. He said he put up little resistance to the blows, and was bleeding so much, I didnt have a fighting chance at that point. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. After hitting him, Chase also choked him to the point of almost passing out, Dawson said. Dawson said he called law enforcement and met a deputy later at his house. Rockstahl argued that the prosecution didnt prove the severity of the victims injuries. No medical records were presented at the hearing, but several photos of Dawson's injuries were submitted as evidence. This seems to be the summer of my discontents. I have been trying to find a relevant aphorism for my anger. Still, I can only clearly say that I find the statehouse shenanigans over education funding beyond the pale. It is outside of anything acceptable. I am reminded of now senator then governor Jim Risch taking the popular one cent for education slogan and political request and dealing education a similar blow. At the time, Idaho had an expiring 1% sales tax in addition to the 5% base, and the Idaho Education Association was mounting a campaign to keep it as more funding for public schools. Risch was appointed governor for the seven months remaining on Dirk Kempthornes term. In August, he called a special legislative session that reduced property taxes and funded the difference in revenue with the 6% sales tax. Jeopardy viewers could refer to it as a legislative lightning round. The area where property taxes were climbing at the time was Boundary County, but school districts throughout Idaho have suffered since. Every senior graduating from Idaho schools since 2019 has been a victim of this sleight of hand. The overall tax burden for Idahoans did not change. It is worth mentioning that Sen. Risch holds as much as $13,700,000 in real estate, according to the financial report he is required to file as a senator. It is hard to say who benefits from the Legislatures tax cuts this year, but the schools didnt get their share of Idahos wealth. For years, schools in Idaho have been criticized for underperforming. However, it is fair to ask how many people would seek jobs in an industry that requires an outlay of cash (the cost of higher education) and then pays less than most highly-skilled people in the area. Our state forcefully protects the unborn, but we dont want to pay what it costs to give them a superior education. The shift in funding for schools from paying for each child enrolled in a school district to each child attending on specific days is estimated to take away $260M in funding. Gov. Brad Little promised $330 million in new (sales tax revenue) for schools at the beginning of the school year. Looks like a bait-and-switch scheme to me. The promised salary increases will be gone, or the districts will not hire as many teachers. The Idaho Freedom Foundation is pushing for taxpayer-funded education accounts (another way of funding private schools, often including religious education), and the attraction of smaller class sizes would convince parents to enroll their children. The IFF is hard at work finding ways to reward voters who support their increasingly Christian nationalist agenda. NECOCHEA: A broken promise to our children IDAHO DEMOCRATIC PARTY: While the nuances of school funding are complex, the bottom line is that schools deserve reliable adequate funding. The future for our children and their children will require a depth of education few current adults have been exposed to. We would all be wise to try to learn some subjects along with our kids. The field of robotics will replace hazardous jobs as well as repetitive tasks. Artificial Intelligence must be controlled, and programmers with malicious intent prevented from deploying their creations (or their creatures?) Keeping small businesses alive will require creativity, critical thinking, and knowledge. Access to learning the skills and the facts the future needs will not come cheap. Even artists in todays world do not want to starve. Why should highly trained individuals take the time to share knowledge when they can earn a better living by using it? We cant look at political con jobs in the short term. The members of the 2023 Idaho Legislature and Sen. Risch were looking at the next election or their own narrow goals. Political sleight of hand can have devastating long-term effects. Saying one thing and doing another shatters trust in the government because voters dont get what they expect. The consequences of bad policy can multiply in severity. The costs are paid for by the people harmed. Please note: I strongly support Christianity and patriotism. However, I will fight as hard as I can against any notion that we are a Christian theocracy dedicated to protecting the United States interests without considering what is fair to the rest of the world. TELUS International Philippines Community Board, TELUS International Philippines fund-granting foundation is accepting grant applications from non-profit and charitable organizations up to September 15 for the third quarter period. Giving back has become a huge part of who we are, and we are working relentlessly to help address the needs of our communities. Over the last 11 years, we have been actively looking out for opportunities to provide support to a wide range of community programs through the TELUS International Philippines Community Board. To date, weve contributed more than P50 million to 133 projects, charities, and organizations throughout the Philippines, said TELUS International Philippines corporate social responsibility senior manager Phoebe Carrera. In 2022, the TELUS International Philippines Community Board helped improve the lives of 4,492 Filipinos through the support of 14 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including PadyaRescue Incorporated and Center for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development. PadyaRescue is a non-government organization (NGO) based in Pangasinan launched the initiative Go Bike Project, wherein young volunteers travel within their own communities on bikes to deliver first aid and basic medical support, such as blood pressure monitoring, first aid, and blood sugar testing. Support from the TELUS International Philippines Community Board has helped train 30 youth volunteers to deliver these critical services to rural Filipino communities. Since 2012, the companys donations and volunteer activities have made a profound impact on the lives of thousands of Filipinos in areas such as education, health, and the environment. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez will continue to be a prolific in terms of its primary task of legislation for the entire 19th Congress. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said Romualdez had already set the tone during the First Regular Session with its high output of processed and approved measures. The measures the House approved during the First Regular Session have both quality and quantity. Quality, because the chamber passed 33 out of the 42 priority bills of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. as listed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC); and quantity, because the chamber was able to process 30 measures per session day, and this was 10 percent more than what the previous Congress did, sai Barbers, a stalwart of the Nacionalista Party. GATHERING. Speaker Martin Romualdez (center) introduces Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo (2nd from left) and Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (left) to Chief Executive of Hongkong Special Administrative Region, John Lee Ka-chiu during a celebration to mark the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence at Aberdeen Marina Club in Hongkong. The House will continue to perform at this pace for the rest of the 19th Congress. Speaker Romualdez knows that time is of the essence, thats why he can easily tune out from all the political noise. We will follow his lead, he added. A total of 577 bills were passed on third and final reading during the past 10 months, which constituted the First Regular Session. A lot is riding on the work of government. In fact there are over 31 million Filipinos who bought into the Presidents notion of a better and more comfortable life. This promise will come to fruition if the legislature and executive continues to tread a united path, Barbers said. Earlier, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. urged the House of Representatives to remain committed to working on measures that would sustain the countrys economic growth. He made the appeal in reaction to the World Banks decision to upgrade its economic outlook for the Philippines for this year from a range of 5.4 to 5.6 percent to a full six percent. Romualdez himself said the House would not allow distractions in formulating policies for the benefit of the Filipino people. Lets ignore any political noise that comes our way. Lets remain focused on helping President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and our Speaker Martin Romualdez in keeping the economy on the high growth path by enhancing conditions that would attract investments and create job and income opportunities for our people, Gonzales said. The head of the Party-list Coalition also expressed confidence that the House under Speaker Romualdez will maintain its remarkable synergy with the Executive branch into the second regular session and for the rest of the 19th Congress. We were elected to uplift the lives of our constituents and so far, the House has followed President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.s Agenda for Peace and Prosperity to a tee, said Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Members of the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society recently participated in an archeological excavation at Red Hill-Patrick Henry National Memorial. On May 31, a group of Historical Society members traveled to the last home and burial place of Patrick Henry. They explored the area northwest of the Henry House where several early 20th century structures previously stood, including a domestic building, an icehouse and a kitchen, a release stated. Through archaeological digs, it is hoped that more will be learned about the people who lived at Red Hill. Upon arriving at Red Hill, I was proud but surprised to learn that we were the first group to volunteer for this project, said Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society President John Phillips. Folks should be lining up to make history while discovering it. Our Historical Society will lead by example that volunteers of all ages and from all backgrounds may participate in an archeological excavation and enjoy it. Funded by the E. Stuart James Grant Charitable Trust, the project is coordinated by Brian Bates of Longwood University, J. Craig Rose, archaeologist and principle investigator of the Dominion Research Group and Red Hill Staff Archeologist Lucia Butler. As we begin archaeology at Red Hill, were looking for volunteers who have a passion for history, so we are thrilled to have the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society come help us dig, said Butler. Volunteers of any age and experience are invited to participate in the fieldwork which will last from now through October. During the winter, volunteers will be needed to help with artifact processing in the lab, Butler said. Henry County was established in 1777 when it was formed from Pittsylvania County. The new county was initially named Patrick Henry County in honor of Patrick Henry, who lived in Henry County at Leatherwood for five years from 1779 to 1784. During that time, Henry served as the first and fifth post-colonial governor of Virginia. In 1794, Henry and his wife retired to Red Hill where he died on June 6, 1799, the release stated. Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of the powergrid interconnection project with Iraq, which entails the implementation of a dual-circuit transmission line linking the northern city of Arar in KSA to Yusufiya in western Baghdad, boasting an initial capacity of 1000 megawatts. The agreement for the project was signed by GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) and Iraq on the sidelines of the 'Jeddah Summit for Security and Development' in July last year. A framework agreement was sealed between the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity and GCCIA in 2019 for the laying of the project's foundation stone. Once finalised and operational, the project, alongside the Gulf-Iraq electrical interconnection project, will provide substantial assistance to the Iraqi electrical grid, augmenting its capability to meet the growing electricity demands of the Iraqi population in the upcoming years. The project entails the implementation of a 400 kV dual-circuit transmission line connecting the Al Zour Substation, passing through the 400 kV Al Wafrah unit and reaching the Al Faw Substation, running 322 km long. The anticipated capacity to be imported through this initiative is estimated at 500MW, thereby catering to the electricity requirements of the Basra governorate, said the statement from GCCIA. HH Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of the Eastern Province, inaugurated the Saudi-Iraq power grid project implemented through an agreement between the GCC Interconnection Authority and the Republic of Iraq. This landmark event was witnessed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Energy, Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of the Eastern Province, and Engineer Ziyad Ali Fadel, the Iraqi Minister of Electricity, as well as a number of Gulf Arab ministers of electricity, Gulf ambassadors to the Kingdom, as well as several officials from both the Gulf and Iraq. Speaking on the occasion, Prince Saud said: "The launch of the Iraq electrical interconnection project has thrown open abundant prosperity as well as extensive advantages to the entire region. Additionally, this project serves as a catalyst for a new era, ushering in broader horizons and expanding market opportunities." Prince Saud said this project stands as a testament to the unwavering support and guidance of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister as well as other GCC leaders. "Since its establishment in 2009, when the Kingdom embraced it, the project has consistently demonstrated its impact year after year, generating numerous economic advantages for the GCC countries. Notably, it has substantially reduced both the capital and operational expenses associated with the Gulf electricity network," he added. Prince Saud pointed out that the project had furnished approximately half of the overall required energy reserves in the countries prior to the finalization of the electrical interconnection. "Furthermore, it has established dependable, sustainable, and competitive electricity transmission services, yielding a positive influence in supporting and streamlining all developmental endeavours in the region," he noted. "Through this collaboration, we achieve a multitude of objectives, elevating the stature of the GCC countries in bolstering and enhancing the value of the regional electricity market," stated the Governor. "The project fulfils the aspirations of the people in the region for electricity trade and exchange, while also serving as an integral component of the comprehensive Arab electrical interconnection project, which aims to connect Arab nations with each other," he added. On the launch, Prince Abdulaziz said: "The start of the implementation of the GCC-Iraq electrical interconnection project, which was signed on the sidelines of the 'Jeddah Summit for Security and Development' in July last year, represents one of the projects aimed at boosting cooperation with Iraq in the economic and social fields." Highlighting the project's significance to Iraq, Ali Fadel said: "It is of strategic importance in terms of Arab integration in the realm of electrical energy. This project also acts as a vital conduit linking Iraq to its Arab Gulf counterparts." GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al Budaiwi emphasized the significance of the Gulf Power Interconnection Project as a crucial infrastructure initiative linking the member states. Its primary objectives include addressing the loss of generation capacity during emergencies, reducing generation reserves in member countries, mitigating carbon emissions, minimizing costs associated with fiber optic network infrastructure, and facilitating the exchange and trade of electrical energy among member states. GCCIA Chairman Engineer Mohsin Hamed Al Hadhrami pointed out that the strategic projects such as these have consistently yielded technical and economic benefits for the GCC countries over the years. "It plays a vital role in supporting emergency situations by preventing power outages within the networks of the GCC countries. This is achieved by promptly providing assistance during emergencies through the transmission of the required energy via the extensive Gulf Power Interconnection network, which spans approximately 1,050km from Kuwait to Oman. CEO Engineer Ahmed Al Ebrahim said since 2016, the GCCIA and the energy ministries of Gulf countries have established a platform for energy exchange. "This platform sets the stage for realizing the Arab aspiration of interconnection with Iraq, followed by Jordan and Egypt, thus creating the Arab Common Electricity Market. According to him, plans are afoot to increase the investments in Gulf electricity networks by approximately $1.5 billion over the next five years. "These investments will support three major projects, including the expansion of electricity interconnection with Kuwait, the expansion of electricity interconnection with the UAE and the establishment of direct interconnection with the Sultanate of Oman. This increased investment in Gulf electricity networks will boost the capacity for power grid interconnection. "Our forthcoming plan for interconnection beyond the GCC system involves connecting with Jordan and Egypt, and they are presently conducting the final feasibility study for interconnection to reach Europe," he added.-TradeArabia News Service The Rodriguez brothers first invited hungry customers to roll one with us a few years ago as they created one of Marions most loved and popular eateries. And now, Burrito Bros. is Marions Small Business of the Year for 2023. During the 39th annual membership meeting of the Marion Business Association, outgoing President Lauren Mathews announced Thursday morning the prestigious award would go to Burrito Bros. restaurant. Owners Daniel Rodriguez, his wife Brandi Rodriguez, his son Syris Rodriguez and his brother Lee Roy Rodriguez accepted the honor during the MBA meeting at the Marion Depot. Some of the previous honorees include Flavors on Main, Smokey Ques Barbeque and Fat Boys Burritos & More, Mica Town Brewing, Refinery 13, West Court Food Center, Mr. Bobs Do-Nuts, The McDowell News, Marion Pharmacy, Phillips Financial Group, Blue Ridge Chiropractic and Spencers Hardware. In late 2016 the Rodriguez brothers, Daniel and Lee Roy, and Daniels wife Brandi took a leap of faith and opened a small food truck, available at various locations in Marion. They soon realized the demand for their takeout Mexican authentic food far exceeded their food truck capacity. They reached out to the Marion Business Association to see what resources were available to grow their business. They enrolled in the next Growing Entrepreneurs Marion (GEM) class and created a business plan to expand into a brick-and-mortar location. Soon after completing the GEM class, a downtown deli lunch spot became available, said Mathews. It was located in a prime location and was the perfect place to grow their business. They opened in June of 2017 and Burrito Bros. was an instant success. In 2018, the popular eatery was featured on UNC-TVs North Carolina Weekend show with a segment hosted by Tar Heel State food expert Bob Garner. The business grew to meet the customer demand and in a few years they realized they needed a larger location. Working with Todd Miller and GEM Constructors, they found a larger space in the Larry D. Miller Business Complex, more than doubling the seating capacity and kitchen space. They moved into the space in the spring of 2022, said Mathews. Burrito Bros. now had the dream kitchen that would serve both the restaurant and their catering business, she said. Daniel designed the kitchen to suit their unique needs. Using local artisans and craftsmen, they brought the vibe they feel best pairs with their modern menu of old favorites. Fresh, quality ingredients including handmade tortillas give the boldest flavor every time. Marion Business Association is proud to recognize Burrito Bros as the 2023 Marion Business of the Year, said Mathews as she presented the award to the Rodriguez family. Upon receiving the award, Daniel Rodriguez spoke for his family by saying, We are really thankful to be here and we really do appreciate it. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Genetic counseling is essential when dealing with individuals who are affected by, or at risk of, inherited disease. Although it is known to be useful in helping patients cope with test results and deal with uncertainty, there have been very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of its effectiveness. Dr. Andrada Ciuca, a post-doctoral researcher at Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, will tell the annual conference today (Sunday 11 June) that the results of the first RCT of genetic counseling in familial colorectal cancer (fCRC) show that it provided significant improvements in patients' feelings of empowerment, as well as other states of mind such as depression and emotional distress. Genetic counseling involves the process of helping individuals and families affected by or at risk of genetic disorders to understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of the genetic contribution to their disease. In recent years, with the advent of genomic medicine, such counseling has taken on a new importance. The researchers recruited 82 individuals who were at risk for various types of fCRC from a Romanian oncology clinic, and randomized them to either standard care or standard care plus genetic counseling. Their average age was 44.81 years old, and 52.4% of the participants were female. They saw a significant effect on empowerment and depression scores in the group that received genetic counseling as compared to the control group, and further analysis showed that the counseling group also had improvements in knowledge, anxiety, and emotional distress. "We found that lower emotional distress benefited more in terms of empowerment," says Dr. Ciuca. "Empowerment is particularly important for these patients, since not only does it help them feel they can make real, informed choices, but it also aids their ability to manage their feelings and make plans for the future. An interesting finding was that the more anxiety decreased after their counseling session, the greater the impact was on their empowerment. This highlights the importance of addressing emotional distress during genetic counseling." The researchers hope that their results will inform further investigations in genetic counseling, as well as clinical practice. Since it is a fairly young discipline, building a robust evidence base of its effectiveness is important, they say. In the meantime, their study should underline the need for more support for the further development of genetic counseling from healthcare systems and policy makers. "Because genetic counseling is relatively new, it is perhaps unsurprising that there are so few RCTs of its use in inherited cancers. There have been trials looking at different counseling strategies in fCRC, but this is the first to look at the effect of counseling vs. no counseling. However, there is a strong evidence-based ethos in our discipline, and I would expect that more trials for other conditions will follow," Dr. Ciuca will conclude. Professor Alexandre Reymond, chair of the conference, said, "We should empower patients to make informed choices. This is only possible if we are fully committed to help them understand the medical information we provide." More information: Abstract no. C12.2 The efficacy of genetic counselling for familial colorectal cancer: findings from a randomised controlled trial, The European Human Genetics Conference, 2023.eshg.org/ This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The most common screening test for prostate cancer so often returns a false positive result that it's no longer recommended for men older than 70, and it's offered as a personal choice for younger men. But researchers think they've found a way to make the blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) accurate enough to significantly reduce overdiagnosis and better predict dangerous cancers. By calibrating PSA levels to each man's genetics, doctors could control for other factors that might cause levels to be elevated, according to researchers at Stanford Medicine, in California. The researchers envisioned combining the regular blood-based PSA test with an additional genetic analysis that detects inherited genetic variants that can affect PSA levels. Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, but levels can also be high due to other issues like inflammation, infection, an enlarged prostate or just old age, the study authors said in background notes. "Some men have higher PSA levels due to their genetics," senior researcher John Witte, a Stanford professor of epidemiology and population health, said in a university news release. "They don't have cancer, but the higher PSA level leads to a cascade of unnecessary medical interventions like biopsy." By one estimate, less than one-third of men with elevated PSA levels were confirmed by a biopsy to have prostate cancer, the researchers reported. Moreover, 15% of men with normal PSA levels were later found to have prostate cancer. But health experts are reluctant to write off the PSA test completely, given that prostate cancer rates are on the rise in the United States. Prostate cancer rates rose by 3% a year between 2014 and 2019 after two decades of decline, and advanced prostate cancers increased by about 5% a year, the latest American Cancer Society statistics show. The problem is that the signal delivered by current PSA screeninga man's risk of prostate canceris too often mixed with background noise, the researchers explained. "To improve the signal, which is the variation in PSA levels caused by a prostate tumor, we subtract out the noise, which in this case comes from genetics," said lead researcher Linda Kachuri, an assistant professor of epidemiology and population health at Stanford. For this study, the investigators looked at the genomes and PSA levels of nearly 96,000 men without prostate cancer to better understand the genetics behind normal variation in PSA levels. The data had been collected as part of earlier studies and included mostly men of European ancestry. Through this analysis, the researchers estimated that 30% to 40% of the variation found in each man's PSA levels constitutes "noise," determined by genetic factors unrelated to cancer. "Specifically, what we're trying to capture are the genetic determinants of normal PSA variation," Kachuri explained. "This is different from our usual research deciphering the genetic basis of cancer," Witte said. "We want to remove the non-cancer-related part that's making PSA a less specific biomarker." The researchers identified 128 specific sites in the genome that can affect a man's PSA level, and then developed a means to account for these normal genetic variations when calculating what they called a PSA polygenic score. "A polygenic score is a quantitative way of summarizing someone's genetic predisposition for a trait in a single value," Kachuri said. The researchers then tested their PSA polygenic score against data from a separate group of nearly 32,000 men without prostate cancer. They found that the score could predict close to 10% of variation in PSA levels. However, it was much more effective among men of European ancestry than among men of East Asian or African ancestry. Next, the researchers applied their score to a mixed group of men with and without prostate cancer, as confirmed by biopsy. The results showed that their PSA test could have spared roughly 30% of those men a biopsy. The adjusted PSA levels particularly improved detection of the more aggressive forms of prostate cancer, although the benefit was noticeable only in men of European ancestry, according to the report. "What we're really worried about are those aggressive cases, so the fact that we're able to show that genetically adjusted PSA is more predictive of aggressive disease is really promising," Kachuri said. Unfortunately, the adjusted PSA levels also would have missed approximately 9% of positive biopsies, the findings showed. The majority of these missed cases were slow-growing tumors, which are not as dangerous and may not even require treatment. However, the misclassifications point to room for improving the score, the study authors said. The team next plans a larger study that will include more men from diverse populations, to better improve the accuracy of the test. "Ideally, we want to come up with a single score that works well for everybody, across the spectrum of ancestry," Kachuri said. Even a small improvement in screening could save lives, given that one in nine men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and one in 40 will die from it, the researchers said. The new study was published June 1 in Nature Medicine. More information: Linda Kachuri et al, Genetically adjusted PSA levels for prostate cancer screening, Nature Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02277-9 Journal information: Nature Medicine Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Citizens Alliance Bank has completed its acquisition of Granite Mountain Bank and its branches in Butte, Drummond and Philipsburg. Citizens, an independent community bank headquartered in Clara City, Minnesota, says the acquisition was completed June 2, and it is committed to preserving the exceptional level of customer service that GMB customers have come to rely on. Citizens Alliance Bank eagerly looks forward to the opportunity to serve these communities and build upon the strong foundation that Granite Mountain Bank has established over the years, it said in a news release. Existing Granite Mountain Bank customers may continue to use their existing debit cards and check stock until Aug.5, according to the release. Starting Aug. 5, customers will be transitioned onto Citizens Alliance Banks core system computer platform. Former Granite Mountain Bank customers will be kept apprised of changes related to this conversion over this summer, Citizens said. You will be notified in a timely manner to enable you to stay connected to your banker and your accounts. Citizens has assets exceeding $1.3 billion and has already established a strong presence in Montana through its offices in Great Falls, Seeley Lake and Lincoln. Two Helena alcohol producers won top honors on international stages in 2023, putting the Queen City's craft beer and spirits scenes on the map. Lewis and Clark Brewing Co.'s two workhorse beers, Miner's Gold Hefeweizen and Prickly Pear Pale Ale, won gold medals at the North American Brewers Association 2023 International Beer and Cider Awards in the American-style Hefeweizen Dark Hefeweizen and English-style Pale Ale categories, respectively. Miner's Gold also won a bronze medal in the World Beer Cup, where Prickly Pear Pale Ale won a silver medal. "It really shows me people care about what they're doing," Lewis and Clark Brewing Co. Owner Max Pigman said. "There's not a lot of super special ingredients. There's no secret. Our people take pride in what we do." Pigman said the awards are even more gratifying considering the beers submitted were taken straight off the production line. He said with competitions like these, many brewers will concoct small one-off batches that are easier to control. "We've never done that," he said. "We're submitting cans that would've been on a store shelf." In the spirits realm, Helena's own Gulch Distillers won gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition with its Burrone Fernet, a bittersweet botanical liqueur. "Our fernet scored higher than some of my favorite bottles I keep in my home bar," Gulch Distillers Co-owner Steffen Rasile said. Rasile and Tyrrell Hibbard opened the business in 2015 and rolled out their fernet by 2016. The duo called fernet a "very European spirit" that is "deeply woven into the bartender community." Hibbard said because of the alcohol's digestive properties, it is a popular choice as a nightcap following an evening of imbibing. "It's sort of a hangover prophylactic," he said. Rasile said the 2016 batches of their fernet were good, but they knew it could be better. The duo attended a craft spirits workshop in Golden, Colorado, to learn from some experts and hone their craft. He said one of the problems with this particular kind of spirit, with its herbal and botanical components, is the difficulty in scaling up the batch size. "We brought what we learned home and tried to put in as many Montana ingredients as we could," Rasile said. "It took a number of batches to dial it in." While it may be popular among Helena's barbacks, the local market in general was keenly unfamiliar with the spirit, they said. "It's very difficult to bring a new product to market," Hibbard said. The distillers were still working their way through a somewhat unfamiliar spirit, selling it to Montanans who were unfamiliar with it. With help from the Montana Department of Commerce, the duo toured trade shows in Japan in 2017 handing out samples to anyone willing to try it. They said Japan is a market equally unfamiliar with fernet. "It was great watching the Japanese community trying this very loud flavor for the first time," Rasile said. While it was well received abroad, Rasile said they still were not sure about the recipe. In 2019, they decided to enter the fernet into the 2019 American Craft Spirits, a competition known for the detailed feedback notes provided by judges. "We brought it there really just to get feedback," Rasile said. The fernet won a gold medal and best in show. "It was a huge surprise and a tremendous honor," he said. "Then we knew we had our recipe." The big wins in 2019 created a foothold in East Coast markets, allowing them to increase their distribution. They planned to travel to New York City in March 2020 to sell the fernet to craft cocktail bars. "The pandemic was really hard on the New York cocktail scene," Hibbard said. Not long after that, Gulch Distillers was dropped by the distributor. Montana remains the only state where one can buy their spirits. They said their fernet and other spirits are sold within Yellowstone National Park and all around the Glacier National Park area. Hibbard and Rasile are hopeful 2023's big win in San Francisco will help them branch out into more markets. "It could help us gain a foothold outside of Montana," Hibbard said. They intend to ramp up production of the award-winning Burrone Fernet. All of their spirits are distilled onsite at the tasting room, 790 Front St., in preparation. They currently put out about four or five batches a year, with 60 cases per batch. "That means we have to dedicate more space and time to fernet away from the other spirits," Hibbard said. Pigman and his beer have taken a similar journey. What started as a hobby in Pigman's garage, transformed into Lewis and Clark Brewing Co. by 2002. Miner's Gold and Prickly Pear were the first beers sold by the company, and Pigman said the recipe was tweaked and modified over the years as he "hired smarter people and purchased better equipment." He said one of the reasons for the beers' success is their approachability, even people who do not drink craft beers can enjoy them, Pigman said. "Early on, I was trying to carve out a niche, and a lot of breweries were making really big beers," he said. "I wanted to stay approachable." He said every month is a toss up as to which beer will sell the most. "There are many companies in this industry who have one horse," Pigman said. "We're really fortunate to have two beers competing for No. 1 every month." The Helena businesses' work is similar to a degree, and when asked how a small town like Helena could produce two internationally awarded alcohols, the brewers and distillers all pointed to the state's deep ties to agriculture. Hibbard said it does not surprise him. "Culturally, we're a blend of pioneers and makers who love to figure it out," he said. "But more importantly, we grow some of the best grain in the world. We're starting from an advantage." Mike Scott has worked as the operations manager at Lewis and Clark Brewing Co. for the past two years and has been with the company for five years. "We have a close connection to agriculture," Scott said. "Being in Montana, we have access to really high quality grains. Specifically, we have quality barley just up the road." The community has taken notice, and the business owners said it has been the full-throated local support that has kept them going and striving for better. "It just goes to show what talented entrepreneurs we have in Helena," said Callie Aschim, president and CEO of Helena Area Chamber of Commerce. "We're fortunate to have these small businesses lighting the way. To have that level of recognition for Helena and these businesses on an international stage, we're just so fortunate." Gov. Greg Gianforte and Sen. Steve Daines came to town Friday to celebrate Montana manufacturing jobs at the recently expanded Missoula-based Felco Industries. Gianforte said with support in the private sector, the state and he are working together to make Montana the best place to do business. If you didnt know, Montana is open for business, Gianforte said. Its great to see this expansion. I want to say specifically to Felco thank you for your investment in Montana. Thank you for the jobs you are creating. Thank you for the brighter futures and for growing our economy. Felco Industries expansion was assisted by Montanas down payment assistance program. Gianforte said he made great progress in the last legislative cycle toward opening up businesses with efforts like the 170 red-tape relief bills, Montanas $1 billion tax cut, and raising business tax exemptions across Montana to a $1 million per business. That action alone took 5,000 small businesses off tax rolls in Montana, he said. Additionally, Gianforte mentioned regular scholarships offered for trade school students learning skills like welding and machining in Montana for the next generation of workers. But the best news is were just getting started, Gianforte said. So the real message here is: Congratulations Felco, weve got your back. Daines also congratulated Felco Industries, which helps build excavator attachments and products. I grew up in the trades and construction and I've got to say this is a great tour today, Daines said. So congratulations to Felco and what you all are doing here and the innovation that is coming from the bottom up. The best ideas typically come from those with dirt under their fingernails, and congratulations for listening to the working people of this country, getting great ideas and building a business like this, he added. Daines emphasized the importance of industry in America and bringing jobs back to the United States. Its important to create incentives to keep these jobs in America, and to stop these jobs from going over to China and other places, Daines said. Thats why we have tax codes and other regulatory measures that allow American businesses to compete and to win. That makes our nation more secure, it protects our economy, and brings good, high-paying jobs. Mid-Canon fishing access site on the Missouri River near Craig is now closed due to flooding by high river flows. According to a release Friday from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the site is closed by gate along the access road. Everyone involved in the decades-long saga of the former Smurfit-Stone mill site agrees on at least one thing: The toxic industrial wasteland along the Clark Fork River near Frenchtown must be cleaned up. What not everyone agrees on is when it should be cleaned up, or how much testing should be performed before physical work begins. The federal Environmental Protection Agency and some local stakeholders including the Frenchtown Smurfit-Stone Community Advisory Group (CAG) that liaises between local stakeholders and the EPA are committed to the site assessment and cleanup process outlined in CERCLA, the law that created the federal Superfund cleanup program. Smurfit-Stone is proposed for listing on the National Priority List of Superfund cleanups. The agency is currently conducting a remedial investigation to determine exactly where the 3,200-acre site is contaminated, how badly and by what, and how much risk the contamination poses. Last winter, after strong insistence by the CAG and Missoula County, the EPA agreed to perform additional sampling of the site that could illustrate how much ground shows contamination. In conjunction with a separate EPA-funded sampling of fish tissue along a broader stretch of the Clark Fork, the combined data could conclusively link the site to natural resource damage. But the sampling is estimated to take about two years to complete. That pushes a final remedial investigation report back to 2028, according to Allie Archer, the EPA's Helena-based remedial project manager for the site. The subsequent feasibility study, which determines the viability of possible cleanup actions, takes about another two years, she said. That means that a signed record of decision to actually implement a cleanup action wouldn't come until at least 2030, if everything goes according to schedule. The EPA and CAG maintain that the process, frustrating as its pace may be, is methodical for a reason: A carefully studied and designed cleanup is one that can be done effectively on the first try, even if it takes awhile. But others want to see the process accelerated while additional sampling occurs. Missoula County officials, the state Department of Environmental Quality, groups like the Clark Fork Coalition and American Rivers, and developers hoping to reimagine the site all are pushing the EPA to fast-track physical cleanup. The year 2030, they say, is too late. EPA Region 8 Administrator KC Becker flew over the site Thursday as part of a meeting with groups pushing for a faster timeline. The night before, she attended a CAG meeting along with many of the same people. The CAG was not part of Thursday's event, which was organized by the Clark Fork Coalition and American Rivers. DEQ Director Chris Dorrington was also part of Thursday's overflight and subsequent discussions, as were all three Missoula County commissioners, EPA staff and multiple state legislators. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester issued a video statement supporting the CAG's work. Rep. Ryan Zinke's district director attended Thursday's event. Tribal representatives attended both events. The Smurfit-Stone site was home to a cardboard container factory from 1957 to 2010. It has been vacant and unused since then. A 138-acre section of floodplain within the 3,200-acre property is home to an immense collection of toxic sludge dumps that also contain fly ash, plastic, lime kiln grits, asbestos, equipment and other garbage. Contaminated wastewater was impounded in a sprawling array of settling ponds covering 900 acres. Most of the pond sites were built in the Clark Fork River floodplain and historical river channels. A porous earthen berm constructed in 1958 is all that keeps the river from sweeping contaminants downstream. A 1972 meander in the river is pushing into the upstream end of the berm. Oxbows from the 1952 river channel form depressions in the old pond sites that often fill with groundwater coated in a shimmering chemical sheen. About 460 acres of the river's channel migration zone is impeded by 4 miles of Smurfit-Stone berm on the river's north side. The berm has been damaged and repaired before, and the ponds were designed to allow wastewater to percolate out of them. The site has been on the EPA's radar for years. It's drawn the ire of environmentalists since at least the 1970s. In 2020, the state warned anglers not to consume fish caught in the Clark Fork from Missoula to Paradise, due to contaminants in fish tissue that likely came from Smurfit-Stone. Karen Knudsen, executive director of the Clark Fork Coalition, said in an interview Thursday that she hoped the flight and subsequent discussion would impart upon Becker that "it's time." "We know theres contaminated waste at the site, we know that the rivers on the move, its time to take care of cleaning up this threat to the river and downstream communities and sooner than 2030," she said. "So we wanted to get her up in the air, show her the risk, show her the rivers moving, show her the site and how you can see groundwater repopulating historic channels, just bring that message home." The urgency, she said, is necessary because the Clark Fork River naturally wants to flow where toxic soil and waste is dumped. There's no telling when a flood event could compromise the berm and wash it all downstream, she said. Over the past 50 years of the Clark Fork's stream migration, she said, most of the channel's movement occurred in the past 10 years meaning the river is becoming more likely to impinge on the berms. The river's current morphology shows it wants to flow through the pond sites the berm is blocking it from. "Seven years is seven runoffs with climate change accelerating," Knudsen said. "Weve got a revved-up river system. We just dont know, we cant predict the future. We dont know what Mother Natures going to dish up every year. And how tragic would it be to see a catastrophic flood send millions of tons of toxic waste into the river to downstream communities, and knowing that we let that happen. Lets do it now while its relatively contained. Do it right before Mother Nature makes a mess." Becker acknowledged at Wednesday's CAG meeting and Thursday's gathering that many in the community see 2030 as too long to wait for a cleanup action. "Im hearing from people what they really want is to make sure its done right, but they also want it done quickly," she said in an interview Thursday. "And sometimes those are sort of hard to accommodate both, but were trying. Doing additional sampling will certainly slow down the final cleanup, but people are also starting to talk about how you can continue to do the sampling and at the same time start developing the feasibility plan." Elena Evans of the Missoula Valley Water Quality District, which pushed for additional sampling, said that the EPA's willingness to conduct the additional sampling was a "groundbreaking" development in the county's relationship with an agency that seemed disinterested during the Trump administration. Becker, a Biden appointee, has made six visits to Montana since being appointed about 18 months ago. Evans said that additional sampling, though time-consuming, can show how widespread contamination is at Smurfit-Stone and could lead to a broader, more comprehensive cleanup action. Using only the less granular sampling the EPA had already conducted, she said, the agency would only clean up around points where it found contamination: "You're going to get little weird Tetris pieces and it's going to start at the point that's sampled." At the CAG meeting, a woman who said she owns property adjacent to the site used the rehabbing of Missoula's Sawmill District as a cautionary tale of rushing a cleanup. When that site closed, she said, "there wasnt all of these regulations, there wasnt all of these groups of people that showed up, and things were taken care of differently." The site was supposedly cleaned up, she said, but then in coming years babies born to families who lived in the area had birth defects. "In Missoula we all live on top of land that was once treating logs, and it wasnt done right, and some of us have walked around with the consequences of it," she said. "Kudos to you guys and kudos to being trustworthy and ethical and moral in making those decisions." Dorrington, the head of DEQ, said in an interview Thursday that he'd like to see cleanup action before 2030, "but I also know, having been through this quite a few times especially Superfund, regardless of whether its in Missoula or you pick another site it takes a lot of time to make certain youre doing the right thing, not going backwards or harming water, ground, the economics of the situation." Steve Malsam, a Seattle-based developer originally from Montana, owns a less contaminated portion of the site. At Wednesday's CAG meeting, he pushed Becker on why the agency approved more sampling for one portion of the site that will delay cleanup and his plans to redevelop his part of site. He said he felt the narrative was "one-sided" and that an imbalanced approach led to some parties "dictating all the new testing that needs to be done." Becker responded, "I dont think anyone here is trying to slow down the process, I dont think thats the goal. I think people need assurance that EPA fully knows whats out there." By the end of Thursday's event, Becker said, "I think 2030 seems too long to me, and Im definitely going to look into trying to speed that timeline up." But as she left the event, she lamented: "EPA operates on this glacial timeline. It's a bummer." Data or delay: Is 2030 too late to clean up Smurfit-Stone? SWIFT has been used to for sanctions in the past. In 2012 to 2016, Iranian banks were disconnected from the system, as part of an array of restrictions to pressure Iran to curb its nuclear program. In 2017, SWIFT also cut off North Korean banks. When Iran was cut off from SWIFT in 2012, it took a major hit in lost revenue from oil exports, and experts say that being cut off from the SWIFT system would be a major hindrance to the Russian financial sector. Advertisement "SWIFT is how banks communicate and transact," Benjamin A. Jansen, an assistant professor of finance, in Middle Tennessee State University's Jones College of Business, explains via email. "So if Russia is cut off from SWIFT, then businesses and people there will face significant economic consequences by being unable to transact funds as they normally would, especially given how dependent the Russian economy is on exports." "It would be a big deal to deny Russia's banks access to this service," Lockwood says. "Indeed, it was the threat of doing so after the 2014 Russian invasion of Crimea that led Russia to pursue efforts to develop its own alternative to SWIFT, but uptake of that system has been very, very slow and there are very few users. SWIFT really is the dominant financial communications network, and it's very difficult to dislodge a dominant infrastructure." The SWIFT system is owned by financial institutions across the world and overseen by the G-10 central banks, which include Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Sweden. The U.S., and the European Central Bank have a say as well, according to SWIFT's website. Some European countries Germany, in particular had been reluctant to disconnect Russia from SWIFT, because of the collateral damage that it might cause to their own economies. "The flipside of the damage that cutting off SWIFT would inflict on the Russian economy is the damage it would do to Russia's counterparties to the transactions being arranged, confirmed and negotiated via SWIFT, most importantly European states heavily dependent on Russian exports, especially in the energy sector," Lockwood says. "Limiting Russian banks' access to SWIFT would also hinder the ability for payments for these goods and services to be efficiently communicated and executed." However, Germany changed its position on Saturday and joined other European leaders in banning Russia from SWIFT. "We are urgently working on how to limit the collateral damage of decoupling from SWIFT in such a way that it affects the right people," Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Economy Minister Robert Habeck said in a statement. "What we need is a targeted and functional restriction of SWIFT." Now That's Interesting In recent years, some have predicted that blockchain technology distributed ledgers such as those used by Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies might disrupt SWIFT's dominance over bank communication. Guns U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is proposing a bill allotting $900 million to harden schools with more security. She suggests the recruitment of former military personnel, and even grandparents, to protect children at school. How many more millions will be needed to harden and secure shopping malls, churches, grocery stores, nightclubs, concert arenas and the other everyday areas of American life under siege today? Perhaps it will take a family with the incredible courage of Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, to allow us to see what doctors and first responders see at these horrific crime scenes, to finally move lawmakers to ban a weapon of war that deny all of us the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Margaret Magnani, Cary GOPs future in NC The writer is executive director of Lillians List, which recruits women to run for office in N.C. After Gov. Cooper vetoes the abortion bill and it returns to the legislature for a vote, Republicans would be wise to reconsider this callous and medically unnecessary attack on bodily autonomy. While peoples feelings about abortion may be complicated, their desire to see it remain a legal and accessible part of health care is not. Overwhelmingly, the general public wants women to be able to access abortion care when they need it. In 2024 there will be competitive legislative races and consequential statewide races on the ballot in North Carolina. If Republicans in Raleigh continue to press their anti-abortion agenda, they will learn the hard way the lessons that their colleagues in Kentucky, Wisconsin and Michigan have already learned. Sarah Preston, Raleigh School vouchers I am appalled at the General Assemblys plan to expand private school vouchers to all students regardless of income. The Wake waiting list for NC Innovations Waiver assistance for the intellectually disabled is currently processing applications from 2010 due to lack of funds. Thats right, if you apply today you may get help in 13 years. Over that time, a private school student could get about $39,000 under this bill while the disabled child waits for their first dime. I guess families of the disabled arent large Republican contributors. Theyre spending their money on services for their child. Susan Montgomery, Raleigh Billboards Regarding Billboard companies want to cut more trees along NC roads, (May 8): It takes 730 trees to offset the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere by a persons annual fossil fuel usage. Cutting down trees should be discouraged. However, if billboard companies are allowed to cut down trees, they should be required to plant enough trees to offset those they cut down. It makes no sense to limit carbon emissions while trees, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and emit oxygen in exchange, can be cut down for commercial purposes. Barton Bloom, Clayton Trees Wouldnt it be wonderful to live in a place where we paid to keep the living beauty of trees, like redbuds, on our roadsides and instead cut down the billboards that hid them from view? Nancy Corson Carter, Chapel Hill Dix Park Dix Park promises to evolve into a crown jewel among Raleighs many attractions, and by one key measure its already a huge success. The Dix Park Conservancy contributed $25.5 million to planning and construction of the parks first major investment: Gipson Play Plaza. Contributions came from across the community: walkers, joggers, dog owners, parents, grandparents, preservationists, businesses and more. All share a common belief: The city made a wise decision to purchase the 308-acre Dix Hill site and make it a world-class place for all people. The park will generate more meetings, community gatherings, robust public discussion and headlines in the coming years, along with countless, joyful moments sparked among visitors. As a member of the Dix Park Conservancy Board of Directors, I believe Dix Park is destined to be a major contributor to the economic, social, physical and emotional well-being of Raleigh and its citizens. Ines Palacios, Raleigh Chapel Hill As CEO of Grubb Properties, Im writing to thank the Chapel Hill Town Council for their support of Link Apartments Rosemary. To build a strong and vibrant downtown, young professionals need places to work and live year-round. The council recognized this when it unanimously approved Link Apartments Rosemary, which will provide 150 units of essential housing. Its the kind of year-round housing needed to bolster local businesses and revitalize downtown redevelopment in Chapel Hill. Grubb Properties worked closely with town leaders and UNC-Chapel Hill to envision an innovation district on East Rosemary Street, and additional housing is integral to ensuring the success of this initiative. The Town Council recognized that to attract the best workers, you must provide them with good jobs and affordable, quality places to live. We hope other localities will be inspired to find ways to work with private companies to meet their communitys needs and position themselves for a vibrant future. Clay Grubb, Charlotte What happened along Upper Creek in Burke County changed world history. The first European explorer in these parts is said to have been Spanish conquistador Hernando DeSoto in 1540, but it wasnt until 1566-67 that Spanish explorers returned to stay for about 18 months, long enough to be considered permanent. The archaeological dig is called the Berry Site for owners Pat and James Berry. Over the past 37 years, theyve allowed archaeologists, volunteers and field school participants to excavate on their land, uncovering a key chapter in North Carolina history, one shovelful at a time. I first visited the site in the 1990s during a public field day to observe the dig in progress. It was clear that archaeology is sweaty, back-breaking work, which made me appreciate what they do all the more. A couple of weeks ago, I enjoyed another tour. Volunteers enthusiastically showed off artifacts theyd just found: pieces of native pottery dating to the 1500s. Thats when Queen Elizabeth I ruled England. The potsherds had not been touched by human hands in well over 400 years. Thats the thrill of archaeology. Dr. David Moore, emeritus professor of anthropology at Warren Wilson College, has spent the bulk of his career exploring Joara. With colleagues Dr. Robin Beck of the University of Michigan and Dr. Chris Rodning of Tulane University, he has worked tirelessly to uncover remains of a Spanish outpost and a village once inhabited by the Catawba. In 1566-67, a full 40 years before the founding of Jamestown, 120 men led by Juan Pardo traveled north and west from the coastal settlement of Santa Elena (present-day Parris Island, South Carolina), using native trails along the Santee, Wateree and Catawba rivers. The men eventually arrived at Joara, a thriving native town north of present-day Morganton. There they established a winter base and built a fortification, Fort San Juan. In the coming months, Pardos men ventured west, establishing five more forts. They had set out to establish an overland route to Mexico, but as the story goes, Pardo had mistaken the Blue Ridge Mountains for the gold-rich Rockies. It was a miscalculation of some 2,000 miles. A year and a half later, the natives turned on the Spanish, burning their structures to the ground and killing all but one of Pardos men. That lone survivor returned to Santa Elena to relay his shocking account. Before long, the Spanish retreated to St. Augustine, leaving the Eastern seaboard up for grabs by the French, Dutch and English. Its not clear why the natives turned on the Spanish. For some time, they had been allowed to live among the Indians who had provided them with food and supplies. And then one day, Fort San Juan was burned to the ground. At the Berry site, excavations have revealed charred outlines of buildings and a wealth of native pottery, arrowheads and other relics of Mississippian culture. Theyve also uncovered Spanish artifacts: glass beads, fragments of olive jars, painted Majolica pottery, a clay smoking pipe, and pieces of chain mail. Because it is on private property, the Berry site is not open to the public. To accommodate visitors, the Exploring Joara Foundation has established a living history village at Catawba Meadows Park off Sanford Drive in Morganton. Excavations have enabled the foundation to accurately reconstruct 16th-century buildings there along the Catawba River Greenway. An exhibit about Joara/Fort San Juan is housed at the History Museum of Burke County near downtown Morganton. Looking ahead, a family-friendly Community Day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21, at Catawba Meadows Living History Village. For more information, check the website, exploringjoara.org. WASHINGTON Theodore Ted Kaczynski, the Harvard-educated mathematician who retreated to a dingy shack in the Montana wilderness and ran a 17-year bombing campaign that killed three people and injured 23 others, died Saturday. He was 81. Branded the Unabomber by the FBI, Kaczynski died at the federal prison medical center in Butner, North Carolina, Kristie Breshears, a spokesperson for the federal Bureau of Prisons, told The Associated Press. He was found unresponsive in his cell early Saturday morning and was pronounced dead around 8 a.m., she said. A cause of death was not immediately known. Before his transfer to the prison medical facility, he was held in the federal Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado, since May 1998, when he was sentenced to four life sentences plus 30 years for a campaign of terror that set universities nationwide on edge. He admitted committing 16 bombings from 1978 and 1995, permanently maiming several of his victims. Years before the Sept. 11 attacks and the anthrax mailing, the Unabombers deadly homemade bombs changed the way Americans mailed packages and boarded airplanes, even virtually shutting down air travel on the West Coast in July 1995. He forced The Washington Post, in conjunction with The New York Times, to make the agonizing decision in September 1995 to publish his 35,000-word manifesto, Industrial Society and Its Future, which claimed modern society and technology were leading to a sense of powerlessness and alienation. But it led to his undoing. Kaczynskis brother, David, and Davids wife, Linda Patrik, recognized the treatises tone and tipped off the FBI, which had been searching for the Unabomber for years in the nations longest, costliest manhunt. Authorities in April 1996 found him in a 10-by-14-foot plywood and tarpaper cabin outside Lincoln, Montana, that was filled with journals, a coded diary, explosive ingredients and two completed bombs. As an elusive criminal mastermind, the Unabomber won his share of sympathizers and comparisons to Daniel Boone, Edward Abbey and Henry David Thoreau. But once revealed as a wild-eyed hermit with long hair and beard who weathered Montana winters in a one-room shack, Kaczynski struck many as more of a pathetic loner than romantic anti-hero. Even in his own journals, Kaczynski came across not as a committed revolutionary but as a vengeful hermit driven by petty grievances. I certainly dont claim to be an altruist or to be acting for the good (whatever that is) of the human race, he wrote on April 6, 1971. I act merely from a desire for revenge. A psychiatrist who interviewed Kaczynski in prison diagnosed him as a paranoid schizophrenic. Mr. Kaczynskis delusions are mostly persecutory in nature, Sally Johnson wrote in a 47-page report. The central themes involve his belief that he is being maligned and harassed by family members and modern society. Kaczynski hated the idea of being viewed as mentally ill and when his lawyers attempted to present an insanity defense, he tried to fire them. When that failed, he tried to hang himself with his underwear. Kaczynski eventually pleaded guilty rather than let his defense team proceed with an insanity defense. Im confident that Im sane, Kaczynski told Time magazine in 1999. I dont get delusions and so forth. He was certainly brilliant. Kaczynski skipped two grades to attend Harvard at age 16 and had published papers in prestigious mathematics journals. His explosives were carefully tested and came in meticulously handcrafted wooden boxes sanded to remove possible fingerprints. Later bombs bore the signature FC for Freedom Club. The FBI called him the Unabomber because his early targets seemed to be universities and airlines. An altitude-triggered bomb he mailed in 1979 went off as planned aboard an American Airlines flight; a dozen people aboard suffered from smoke inhalation. Kaczynski killed computer rental store owner Hugh Scrutton, advertising executive Thomas Mosser and timber industry lobbyist Gilbert Murray. California geneticist Charles Epstein and Yale University computer expert David Gelernter were maimed by bombs two days apart in June 1993. Mosser was killed in his North Caldwell, New Jersey, home on Dec. 10, 1994, a day he was supposed to be picking out a Christmas tree with his family. His wife, Susan, found him grievously wounded by a barrage of razor blades, pipes and nails. He was moaning very softly, she said at Kaczynskis 1998 sentencing. The fingers on his right hand were dangling. I held his left hand. I told him help was coming. I told him I loved him. When Kaczynski stepped up his bombs and letters to newspapers and scientists in 1995, experts speculated the Unabomber was jealous of the attention being paid to Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. A threat to blow up a plane out of Los Angeles before the end of the July Fourth weekend threw air travel and mail delivery into chaos. The Unabomber later claimed it was a prank. The Washington Post printed the Unabombers manifesto at the urging of federal authorities, after the bomber said he would desist from terrorism if a national publication published his treatise. Patrik had a disturbing feeling about her brother-in-law even before seeing the manifesto and eventually persuaded her husband to read a copy at the library. After two months of arguments, they took some of Ted Kaczynskis letters to Patriks childhood friend Susan Swanson, a private investigator in Chicago. Swanson in turn passed them along to former FBI behavioral science expert Clint Van Zandt, whose analysts said whoever wrote them had also probably written the Unabombers manifesto. It was a nightmare, David Kaczynski, who as a child had idolized his older brother, said in a 2005 speech at Bennington College. I was literally thinking, My brothers a serial killer, the most wanted man in America. The Republican Party of Iowa announced the speaker lineup for its annual Lincoln Dinner fundraiser on Friday, which includes nearly every Republican presidential candidate. The event, which reliably draws presidential candidates seeking the support of Republican caucus-goers, will be held at 5 p.m. July 28, in Des Moines. The event will be hosted by Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann. The list of confirmed attendees is: Former President Donald Trump. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Former Vice President Mike Pence. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. South Carolina U.S. Senator Tim Scott. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Talk show host Larry Elder. Michigan businessman Perry Johnson. You dont want to miss it; we need you there, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a Twitter video posted by Kaufmann. This is the opportunity to hear from some great Republican candidates that are vying to be the next president of the United States of America. Among declared candidates, only former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Texas pastor Ryan Binkley are not on the list, though more speakers could be announced ahead of the event. The event presents an opportunity for candidates to speak to a large crowd of Republican voters around six months ahead of the expected date of the 2024 first-in-the-nation caucuses. Iowa Dems hire new staff The Iowa Democratic Party announced new top staff hires on Friday, saying the hires make the party fully staffed and ready to support Democratic candidates and values. Kevin Sobkoviak was hired as the partys finance director. Sobkoviak has worked on several Democratic campaigns for governor and senate. Paige Godden, a former Iowa journalist, was hired as the communications director. Godden worked for various newspapers in western Iowa before joining the left-leaning outlet Iowa Starting Line. She was Rep. Cindy Axnes communications director until 2023. Dawson McNamara-Bloom, a former staffer for Democratic Florida U.S. Rep. Annette Taddeo, was hired as the partys rapid response director. Raising funds and adding new staff to the party was a goal set by Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart in her bid for the position earlier this year. In a statement, she said the new staff will help the party win elections. When I was elected as chair, I said my focus is squarely on helping the party win elections again. With these three new hires, the Iowa Democratic Party is now fully staffed and Im confident that this new IDP team will be unstoppable, Hart said in a press release. Technology has seeped into just about everything we do and now it could become more involved with the way our countrys judiciary works. When Christopher Roly Young was sentenced to life in prison without parole Friday after receiving a first-degree murder conviction in May for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Nathan Gabriel Garza outside an American Canyon Safeway supermarket in 2020. Download Napa Valley Register news app today! Your story lives in the Napa Valley. Get in-depth stories from the Napa region and beyond including news, sports, features and politics. Following a six-week trial, jurors agreed in May that Young, a 26-year-old Martinez resident, had fired his handgun at Garza an employee of the American Canyon Safeway and incoming college student and had lain in wait to do so. Along with the first-degree murder charge for premeditation, Young also was convicted for four other felonies: giving false information to police officers, shooting from a motor vehicle, firearm possession by a felon and ammunition possession by a felon. To start the Friday hearing, Tracy Garza, Nathans mother, spoke about her relationship with her son; about who he was and about how the sudden loss of him has caused incredible pain to her and their family. Every fiber of my being wants to be reunited with Nathan, Garza said. My soul searches continually." She recalled when Nathan was born on Dec. 14, 2001, following his six sisters and how she felt at the time that our family was now complete. Garza went on to describe Nathan as highly self-motivated, funny, introverted and kind, and as someone who didnt shy away from challenges, prioritized family above all else, and actively brought good into the world He was the son I always dreamed of and my husbands best friend, Garza said. But the loss of Nathan has piled disorientating, hazy grief upon the family, she said, and his absence is palpable and overwhelming. I will never see him graduate college, pursue his ambitions and become a husband and father, Garza said. The future seems impossibly long, and it is difficult to find my footing in this new reality. Garza also called on the court to impose the maximum possible sentence on Young, who she described as not appearing to value life at all and exhibiting little to no emotion throughout the proceedings. She added that past failures in the system needed to be corrected to ensure Nathans sacrifice isnt in vain. We started our own life sentence when Nathan was murdered, Garza said. Garza family members softly sobbed throughout Tracy Garzas statement. Young, who wore a white long-sleeved shirt and handcuffs Friday, didnt visibly react during the hearing. The sentencing essentially brings the case which started with the Aug. 16, 2020 fatal shooting of Garza in the Safeway Parking lot from a white Cadillac Sedan to a close, though defense attorney Michael Keeley has indicated he will appeal the convictions. According to previous Register reporting, Garza was pushing a shopping cart, responding to a garbled phone call for a drive-up grocery delivery, when he was shot. He died at the scene. Young was arrested by police an hour later on the nearby Wetlands Edge Road, following reports from locals about a man running down American Canyon streets and through backyards. He was booked into Napa County jail and was held there prior to the trial. During the trial and in filings beforehand, lawyers presented clashing narratives about who killed Garza and what the motivations behind the killing were. Prosecutors argued Garza was the victim of Youngs retaliation against Safeway the two had never met after Young and two others were stopped by police at a Safeway location in Cordelia a week prior to the shooting. A Safeway employee had noticed a gun in a waistband of an acquaintance of Young and called the police; Young was cited for having a drug pipe, while the other two were arrested, according to previous Register reporting. Youngs defense attorney, Michael Keeley, argued that Youngs friend Tyler Howell was responsible for Garzas death. Howell, Keeley contended, shot Garza while riding in the car with Young, and then fled the car minutes later. Youngs subsequent actions to leave the car, change shirts, run through backyards and place his smartphone in a strangers shed were signs of panic after witnessing a killing, and not a killers guilt, Keeley had told the jurors. Prosecutors said that the defense argument contradicted evidence from surveillance video and witnesses, according to past Register reporting. Judge Elia Ortiz, as she handed down the sentence, said that it was apparent from the testimony and by watching surveillance videos of Young jumping through backyards that his life was spinning out of control. Ortiz said the court wont be able to understand the murder itself, but what we do know is we have a family that suffered greatly. This is a horrific thing to have happen. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Ryan Alsop rose to the top of the more than 60 people who applied to become the next Napa County executive officer and oversee a half-billion-dollar-plus annual county operation. The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider an agreement that would give Alsop a $365,000 annual base salary to serve as CEO. He would begin the job on Aug. 7. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Alsop, 52, presently serves as chief administrative officer for Kern County. The Bakersfield native has held that post since 2017. Among his duties with Napa County will be managing day-to-day county operations, making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and supervising non-elected department heads. Hell sit at a desk next to the board dais during meetings. My wife and I love the area, love that part of the state, Alsop said on Friday. I wasnt looking for a job. We were familiar with the area. When the position came up, I thought Id put my name in for consideration because I thought I had something to offer, and Id be a good fit. He cant come Tuesday to the Napa County Board of Supervisors meeting for his contract item because he will be at the Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting. He said he might be able to appear by Zoom. Hell be doing his job with Kern County for the next month-and-a-half. He also has to move to Napa County and enroll his 11-year-old son in school, Alsop said. Thats where my focus is right now...it will keep me busy, he said. He comes from an agricultural county. Kern County in 2021 reported a crop value of $8.3 billion. It had 847,000 acres of crops ranging from oranges to grapes to pistachios to cotton to potatoes and 1.4 million acres of rangeland. We grow it all here, Alsop said. We grow the nations food. Napa County, meanwhile, had less than an eighth of Kern County's crop value, almost all of it stemming from about 45,000 acres of grapes. But Napa County has world-wide fame as wine country. It is a little bit different, but certainly the nuts-and-bolts of the agricultural industry is similar, Alsop said. I think the experience in Kern County has given me a great perspective on agriculture that will serve the wine industry and me in Napa. Alsop released a statement in Kern County to news media there. My decision to leave Kern County was a tough one, he said. Not only am I leaving family, friends and a community I care deeply about, but also a job that has been incredibly rewarding, working for and with people that I love and respect, and whom Im going to miss tremendously. Napa County Board of Supervisors Chairperson Belia Ramos said on Friday that there were seven finalists for the job chosen for interviews. The Board of Supervisors selected Alsop with input from department heads. "His leadership style is collaborative," Ramos said. "Hes focused on team-building and really empowering those subject matter experts...He values creativity. And his track record shows that. Alsops proposed contract with Napa County calls for a base salary of $365,000 his first year and subsequent raises in keeping with county management employees. Previous Napa County CEO Minh Tran earned a base salary of $311,352. Transparent California reports that Alsop for his Kern County job in 2021 had a base salary of $213,681, with other pay of $44,490. Alsop's proposed Napa County contract also calls for the county to grant him a $75,000 no-interest loan to buy a local house. The county is to forgive the loan by an amount of $15,000 annually during his county employment. If he leaves county employment, the balance of the loan is due within 30 days. Alsop is to receive $15,000 in relocation expenses. He is waiving a $5,000 hiring incentive, according to the proposed agreement. He would have a term of three years, until Aug. 6, 2026. Unlike Trans contract, the Alsop agreement does not appear to have an automatic renewal. Trans contract assured Tran would always have several years remaining on his term if dismissed. Instead, Alsops proposed contract calls for him to continue to serve as CEO and receive his salary after his term expires, until he is reappointed or until a successor is appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The exception is if he is dismissed earlier. The Napa County Board of Supervisors dismissed Tran in July 2022. Supervisors said the reason wasnt performance-related, but was because Tran was seeking employment elsewhere. Planning, Building and Environmental Services Director David Morrison has served as interim CEO since then. Supervisors didnt want to search for a new CEO until newly elected Supervisors Anne Cottrell and Joelle Gallagher took their seats in January. Severance pay became an issue with Tran. Trans contract called for severance pay equaling 18 months of his salary, should he be terminated for non-performance reasons. The Board of Supervisors recently declared Tran ineligible for severance, claiming he had already accepted a job at Riverside County at the time of his dismissal. Tran has yet to respond. The proposed Alsop contract calls for severance pay equaling 40 weeks of his salary or his weekly salary for the time he is unemployed, whichever is less. Alsop also worked as a private government relations consultant in Washington D.C. after serving on the staffs of Rep. Stephen Horn and state Sen. Ken Maddy. He held government and public affairs positions at the Greater Bakersfield and Long Beach chambers of commerce and served as director of external affairs in the office of then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a county press release said. During his Kern County tenure, he successfully navigated a fiscal emergency and addressed severe general and fire fund structural deficits. He led significant reform in employee compensation practices across multiple bargaining units, the press release said. Also, he played a pivotal role in developing and constructing Kern County's first 150-bed homeless shelter, it said. PHOTOS: Napa StoryWalk and 4-H horse show at Skyline Park Story Walk 1 Story Walk 2 Story Walk 3 Story Walk 4 Story Walk 5 Story Walk 6 Story Walk 7 4-H Horse Show 1 4-H Horse Show 2 4-H Horse Show 3 4-H Horse Show 4 4-H Horse Show 5 4-H Horse Show 6 4-H Horse Show 7 Armenia army General Staff chief meets with US Air Force chief of staff (PHOTOS) Edmon Marukyan: Azerbaijan has no plan to integrate Christian Armenians Azerbaijan MFA responds to Armenia FM with series of absurd accusations Livestock sector is in much worse situation in besieged Karabakh, agriculture minister says Agriculture minister: Scheduled power outages, lack of diesel fuel also cause problems in Karabakh irrigation system Karabakh MoD: Defense Army did not carry out fortification work in Askeran Region Newspaper: What 'tougher actions' Karabakh will take? MoD: Armenia army did not fire at Azerbaijan positions Worlds most expensive iPhone is sold in US US returns 105 antiquities illegally exported from India to latter David Babayan: Karabakh grandpa who fought at Stalingrad, took Berlin never imagined he could die of hunger Russia, Iran FMs interested in consultations with participation of Armenia, Azerbaijan Austria FM: Lachin corridor blockade must be stopped immediately Deputy PM Grigoryan's office: Armenia, Azerbaijan have not made decision on any map Armenia FM briefs OSCE Secretary General on situation in Karabakh Armenian Foreign Minister expresses Yerevan's readiness to hold talks with Turkey in Vienna Armenia is not going to become a space where sanctions could be bypassed: Ararat Mirzoyan Dollar, euro increase in Armenia Armenia FM: Regrettable that instead of engaging in dialogue, Azerbaijan pursues policy of ethnic cleansing in Karabakh FMs sign protocol on implementation of Armenia-EU readmission agreement between Armenia, Austria (PHOTOS) Karabakh residents block Askeran-Aghdam motorway, with concrete barriers (PHOTOS) Armenias Pashinyan receives ex-MP Francois Rochebloine of France Yerevan municipal election events schedule announced Karabakh NGOs: Support being provided to Artsakh people cannot be at cost of trampling on their dignity American University of Armenia has new president Hyundai releases first photos of new generation Santa Fe crossover Public Television to present dire situation in Karabakh every day live from capital Stepanakert's Renaissance Square Teen found dead in Armenia river European Parliament committee calls on Turkey to recognize Armenian Genocide Armenia FM visit to Vienna kicks of with private talk with Austria colleague Karabakh operational headquarters chief: Presidents sit-in could be beneficial European Parliament accuses Azerbaijan of bribing PACE lawmakers, some other offenses Karabakh presidential advisor warns of taking extreme measures Iraqi Kurdistan leader visits Azerbaijan In support of Karabakh demonstration participants march to US Embassy in Yerevan US embassy: Passengers are denied entry to Armenia for possession of drugs Azerbaijan continues to settle occupied Berdzor-Lachin town of Karabakh Armenia army chief attends US National Guard State Partnership Program 30th Anniversary conference (PHOTOS) Public transport to not operate in Karabakh capital Stepanakert as of today Karabakh interior ministry: No vehicle passed through Askeran police checkpoint to Akna-Aghdam Azerbaijan FM repeats proposal to use Aghdam road to Karabakh Protests in support of Karabakh continue in Yerevan Grigory Karasin responds to accusations against Russia from Azerbaijan Armenia PM: It will be very good if we do European track and field tournament in Artashat Newspaper: More Armenia military commanders to be arrested soon Karabakh minister of state: Today nationwide movement will continue awareness actions started in Yerevan Karabakh parliament speaker joins Presidents sit-in Armenia MoD: Azerbaijan again disseminated disinformation MFA spox: Armenia demands lifting of illegal blockade of Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan Karabakh President: People of Artsakh are facing real threat of physical destruction Russia MFA confirms readiness to hold Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs meeting in Moscow Karabakh presidential adviser on Azerbaijan proposal to transport humanitarian goods to Artsakh: This is greatest danger Armen Grigoryan presents humanitarian crisis in Karabakh to Matthias Luttenberg Karabakh capital Stepanakert public transport to operate in very limited capacity Armenia ex-ruling party official Armen Ashotyan to remain in custody Armenias Matenadaran museum and institute of ancient manuscripts has new director Armenia PM follows road construction work in Ararat Province MFA spox: Armenia calls on other international players to follow ICJ, ECtHR Son dies on the spot, father hospitalized after car overturns in Armenias Gegharkunik Province Armenia parliament vice-speaker briefs Germany MFA official on South Caucasus security situation Zangi company launches 'ArtsakhX' project in Karabakh, which will operate even when internet is cut off Armenia ambassador-at-large: Azerbaijans non-compliance is violation of conventional obligations Armenia PM pays tribute to heroes who sacrificed their lives for Motherland Karabakh minister of state on Armenia protests in support of Artsakh: Put aside all differences, try to unite Protester in support of Karabakh to Russia's Putin: Keep your word, we believed in you MFA spox: Armenia did not receive trilateral meeting proposal from Russia Protesters in support of Karabakh march from UN office to Russia embassy in Armenia UAE new envoy to Armenia conveys Dubai Aviation Exhibition invitation to defense minister (PHOTOS) Karabakh President to deliver address Karabakh children sing Artsakh national anthem in front of UN office in Armenia Russia antiterrorism committee: Crimea bridge was attacked by 2 Ukraine UAVs at night Karabakh applicants unable to take Armenia universities entrance exams First ombudsperson to PM: What do you have to do with territories on which Armenia sovereignty doesnt extend? Azerbaijan must reopen Lachin corridor: ECtHR reaffirms necessity of implementing its previous decision Pickets in support of Karabakh being staged outside UN office and Russia embassy in Armenia Motion to arrest Karabakh ex-official Vitaly Balasanyan submitted to court Karabakh state minister: Nationwide movement that started in Artsakh will also take place in Armenia as of today Armenia opposition MP: International players try to exonerate themselves in advance from Karabakh tragedy Emergency situation on Crimea bridge, there are casualties and injured Karabakh state ministers father-in-law dies suddenly, no necessary medical aid provided Armenia MoD: Azerbaijan fired at Armenian positions Humans pumped so much groundwater from Earth that it caused planet's axis shift, new study finds Armenia ex-PM: Perfectly legal robbery Chain collision in Yerevan Azerbaijan violates ceasefire in Artsakh Martakert region Russian forces attack Ukraines Kupiansk city Kosovo buys Turkish UAVs Iraqi PM arrives in Syria Janet Yellen on 'single best' way to help global economy Bulgaria blames Ukraine of continuing the war Artsakh President Adviser on Charles Michels statements Benjamin Netanyahu discharged from hospital Iran, Russia to exchange electricity through Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan 3.9 magnitude earthquake in Turkey 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Alaska Russia will use cluster munitions if forced to Iran to Russia: Respect red lines of Iranian people Fire breaks out in a Tavush village US Special Envoy for Climate to visit Beijing Azerbaijan upset over Russia's Artsakh statement A group of former members of the Dutch parliament published a joint statement on the Nederlands Dagblad website, calling on the Dutch government and international organizations to send an international peacekeeping mission to [Artsakh] Nagorno-Karabakh and pressure Baku to accept the mission. As Armenpress news agency reports, the former members of the Parliament of the Netherlands [States General] recalled the statement made by the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan last week that if reliable security guarantees are provided, Armenia is ready to recognize the region [Artsakh] as part of Azerbaijan. In practical terms, this means that there must be international engagement to maintain that peace and prevent ethnic cleansing. The role of the Dutch government is important here. In order to give peace a chance, in addition to the guaranteed security of the people of Artsakh, Azerbaijan should also provide faithful cooperation in establishing the final borders, the return of prisoners of war, the safe return of refugees, as well as administrative and cultural autonomy. The reopening of regional communications, such as the now closed [Berdzor] Lachin Corridor, the only access road from Armenia to Artsakh, is definitely important, the statement says. According to former members of the Dutch Parliament, with Prime Minister Pashinyan's statement, Armenia not only took a risk, but also made an important step towards peace. Now is the time for the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the United States and Russia, if possible with the help of the United Nations, to support, help define and implement this prelude to peace. This is not possible without the actual participation of Artsakh representatives in the discussion. We all understand that this is a difficult issue, but it is of great importance. We have to face the fact that without international involvement, the peace process is doomed to failure. After all, the Baku regime is dictatorial and unreliable. Azerbaijan occupies a very low position in the Human Freedom Index, and dissidents, for example, are not tolerated. Armenia, on the other hand, is a fully democratic country with partnership relations with the EU. Although Azerbaijan has economic relations with the European Union, particularly in the field of energy, this does not make it a reliable partner, the statement further says. The former Dutch MPs see the need to include neighboring countries such as Turkey and Iran in establishing a long-term peace, however difficult it may be. In general, now that Pashinyan has taken this important step, the time has come for the Dutch government to play a [more] active role. Armenia has opened a path to peace. Those in power in Baku must now show a willingness to promote the same. The Netherlands should now actively focus on EU support, for example, a UN or OSCE observation mission or an international peacekeeping mission, in which the Netherlands will also actively participate. It is necessary to send a clear message to the Baku dictator Aliyev. He has so far shown nothing more than all forms of obstruction and aggression. Let the European Union, in consultation with the international community, USA, UN, OSCE, draw a line and put pressure on Baku to accept the international peacekeeping mission. That's when it will become clear whether Aliyev wants peace or only aims for war, the statement concludes. The joint announcement was issued by Harry van Bommel, Leen van Dijke, Martijn van Helvert, Jan Hoekema and Joel Voordewind. Former French President Francois Hollande, in an interview with the Financial Times, expressed the opinion that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will depend on the results of the US presidential election next year. If [Donald] Trump is elected, he will say, we stop here; whatever the Russians have they can keep. The war costs too much, Hollande told Financial Times, Russian RBK reports. The former French president believes that Europe needs to prepare for the day when it will have to rely on itself to provide security, which at the same time must be linked to NATO. Hollande emphasized it does not mean that European countries do not share the goals of the United States. If we suggest to European allies that we dont have the same interests as the US, for peace at least . . . our allies cannot follow us, he said. In total, according to Pentagon estimates, since February last year, the United States has delivered military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of over 39.7 billion US Dollars. Earlier, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Trump's victory in next year's elections would spell the end of democracy in the US and the end of Ukraine. US Senators Alex Padilla and Marco Rubio introduced a bipartisan resolution to the Senate calling on the United States to step up pressure on Azerbaijan to end the blockade of the [Berdzor] Lachin corridor, radio station Voice of America reports. Azerbaijans blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh has left [over 100 thousand] Armenians without access to basic necessities. It's inhumaneand it's unacceptable. That's why I just introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning this blockade and urging the United States to take action now, Alex Padilla wrote on Twitter. Senator Marco Rubio also addressed the resolution tweeting, Proud to join [senator Alex Padilla] in the bipartisan resolution condemning Azerbaijans blockage of the [Berdzor] Lachin Corridor. The U.S. must help end this humanitarian crisis. The legislative initiative, in particular, calls on the United States to impose sanctions on Azerbaijani officials responsible for the blockade of Lachin and violations of the rights of Armenians, and also calls on the Biden administration to stop any military assistance to Baku. Luis Bono, US Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations, recently stated in an interview with Radio Liberty that Washington is not going to impose sanctions against Baku because of the blockade of the Lachin corridor. This is not a time for sanctions. I am here to work with both parties to lead them towards peace. Sanctions would be counterproductive. Its not even under consideration at this point, he said. PRNewswire New Delhi [India], June 10: India's largest gifting brand, FNP (Ferns N Petals) is thrilled to announce the launch of its well-curated and exclusive Father's Day gift collection. With the special day just around the corner the brand has unveiled a digital campaign 'Every Dad...Super Dad' celebrating the extraordinary roles that fathers play in our lives, recognizing their unwavering support, love, and guidance In a bid to provide consumers with a unique and memorable gifting experience, the brand's expert curators have carefully selected each items in the collection to ensure the highest quality and thoughtfulness. The remarkable assortment features an array of personalized fun items, souvenirs, luxury gift hampers, mouth-watering chocolates, cakes, vibrant flower bouquets, memorabilia and more, thus catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of fathers across the country. In fact there is something special for all kind of dads in this incredible collection. For the Stylish and Fashion-forward Dad, FNP provides a collection of meticulously crafted men's accessories. From sophisticated cufflinks to elegant brooches and trendy tie pins, these accessories are designed to complement their impeccable sense of style. For the Foodie Dad who enjoys the finer things in life, FNP presents delectable gourmet hampers complete with premium treats, dry fruits, sweets and delicious truffle cakes in unique designs from FNP Cakes For the environmentally conscious and Plant-Loving Dad, FNP offers a wide range of indoor plants that will add a touch of greenery and colour to their living spaces. For the Workaholic Dad who spend long hours at their desks, FNP offers an array of desk gifts in quirky shapes and designs. From eyeglass holders to mobile phone holders and a stationary organizers, these unique gifts add a touch of fun and functionality to their workspaces. Anand Shankar, AVP Category FNP said "We are delighted to unveil our exclusive collection for Father's Day featuring over 1000 gift items. At FNP, we believe that every dad is a superhero, and this collection is designed to help customers express their love and admiration for their fathers in a special way. Our team has put in tremendous effort to curate a diverse range of gifts that cater to different personalities and interests. We are confident that our customers will find the perfect gift to celebrate their super dads." Truffle Delight for Dad Surprise your superhero dad with Truffle Delight for Dad on Father's Day. This cake is designed to honour his superpowers and decorated a vibrant blue colour with "Super Dad" written on it. Treat your dad to this super-delicious truffle delight and make his Father's Day a delicious one. Pegasus Horse Brooch A timeless symbol of grace and enchantment the Pegasus Horse Brooch is an exquisitely crafted vintage piece in antique gold made of brass metal a perfect gift for your dapper dad to compliment his sense of fashion Peach Anchor Necktie and Pocket Square Gift Set This stylish duo is the perfect gift choice for the fathers who appreciate sophisticated fashion. With its subtle anchor pattern and high quality craftsmanship, this set adds a touch of charm to any outfit. Whether it's for a special occasion or every day wear, this versatile gift set is sure to impress Dapper Dad's Gift Set A sleek white coffee mug, perfect for the morning brew and a personalised notebook in white, a perfect Father's Day gift! Accompanied by a sleek white metal pen, this gift set exudes elegance and practicality, making it a great way to show appreciation to all fathers who love to jot down thoughts and ideas. Dad's Special Rose Mug A thoughtful Father's Day Gift! The cheerful yellow roses radiate happiness, while the white daisy flower adds a touch of innocence, all neatly arranged in a ceramic mug with a heartfelt quote 'This guy is an amazing dad'. Designed to honour the remarkable dads out there this thoughtful gift not only showcases the beauty of the flowers but also serves as a practical keepsake. Cushion of Love for Dad and Lucky Jade This gift Father's Day gift features a beautiful jade plant and a customised cushion. The jade plant symbolises luck, prosperity and positive energy, making it a meaningful gift for dad. The cushion with personalisation adds a personal touch to the gift. This thoughtful combo brings together the beauty of nature and the warmth of personalisation, making it a perfect expression of love and gratitude on this special day. Personalised Beer Mug For Dad Raise a toast to dads this Father's Day with FNP's customised Beer Mug. This sturdy and stylish beer mug features a personalised print, showcasing his name. It's the perfect gift for a beer-loving father, allowing him to enjoy his favourite brew in style. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 10: KCP Infra Limited, which is executing part of the Smart City Project in Coimbatore for the City Corporation, is all set to unveil a unique statue of Thiruvalluvar, the celebrated Tamil poet, and philosopher. The Thiruvalluvar statue is being installed on the Kurichi lakebed. The Lake is being given a massive facelift at a cost of about Rs 52 crores. Designed and implemented by KCP Infra the Thiruvalluvar statue project is unique and is one of its kind projects in India. The Thiruvalluvar statue is 15 feet wide, 25 feet high and 20 feet long, weighing 2.50 tonnes. This sculpture has been created with 1330 Tamil characters in honour of 1330 Thirukkural written by Thiruvalluvar. The uniqueness of the statue is that the entire structure is made of steel and designed with Tamil characters (alphabets) - 12 Uyir eluttu, 18 mey eluttu, 216 uyirmey eluttu, 1 ayuta eluttu for a total of 247 eluttukkal (alphabets). Each of the Tamil letter/s, made of quality steel, is interlaced/interlocked in different shapes to reflect the sun's rays on the idol. Infrastructure engineers from various parts of India with statue-making expertise were tasked to design and execute the same. Commenting on the Thiruvalluvar Statue project, K. Chandra Prakash, Managing Director, KCP Infra Ltd. said, "This statue, made of Tamil letters, is expected to be a unique landmark not only for Coimbatore but for India." Also, he pointed out, the statue has been designed with four secret words, which need to be searched and found. Further, he said, there are several statues of Thiruvalluvar worldwide, but this statue is one of its kind where Tamil letters are used to showcase the legacy of not only the language but also the great poet. "This is the first time in Tamil history that Thiruvalluvar sculpture has been erected with Tamil characters." (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) ATK New Delhi [India], June 10: Three cryptocurrencies stand out with their distinct approaches to growth. DogeMiyagi (MIYAGI) prioritizes its community, Sandbox (SAND) empowers creators in the metaverse, and Apecoin (APE) embraces decentralized governance, making all three a great potential investment. Let's dive into the details of their strategies and discover how they are reshaping the crypto landscape. From referral programs to NFT integration, these projects offer unique opportunities for users to engage, create, and participate in the world of digital assets. DogeMiyagi: A New Presale Token Prioritizing Camaraderie DogeMiyagi (MIYAGI) sets itself apart by emphasizing camaraderie and community spirit as crucial drivers of growth. The project's roadmap showcases a well-thought-out plan that encompasses various stages. One notable aspect of DogeMiyagi's strategy is its unique referral code system, which incentivizes users to share the investment opportunity with their connections. By offering a generous 10 per cent commission on referrals, the token cultivates a strong and engaged community and promotes organic growth through word-of-mouth. Additionally, DogeMiyagi's roadmap reveals an expansion into the NFT space during its 4th phase. This move not only aligns with the current trend in the cryptocurrency market but also presents exciting opportunities for collectors and artists within its ecosystem. The integration of NFT designs into their offerings adds a new dimension to their platform, expanding their user base and creating additional revenue streams. Sandbox - Empowering Creators In The Metaverse Sandbox (SAND) takes a different approach by focusing on empowering creators in the metaverse through the use of its utility token, SAND. The traditional gaming market often restricts creative rights and ownership, limiting the ability of players to generate fair value for their creations. Sandbox addresses these challenges by developing a voxel gaming platform on the Ethereum (ETH) blockchain, allowing creators to construct, play, share, collect, and trade without relying on a central authority. One of the key features of Sandbox's growth strategy is the use of nonfungible tokens (NFTs) to establish and guarantee copyright ownership. Each in-game item possesses a unique and unchangeable blockchain identity, leveraging the power of NFTs to reshape the way we acquire art, form communities, make money, and engage with gaming experiences. By being at the forefront of NFT-based initiatives, Sandbox positions itself as a leader in the metaverse, driving blockchain adoption and expanding the blockchain gaming sector. Apecoin - Empowering Bored Ape Yacht Club Community Apecoin (APE), the native coin of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), adopts a growth strategy centered around community engagement and decentralized governance. As an ERC-20 governance and utility token, Apecoin allows holders to actively participate in the decision-making process through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). This inclusive approach ensures that the community's voice is heard, promoting a sense of ownership and accountability. Apecoin's association with BAYC, a highly regarded NFT collection, has attracted widespread attention. The BAYC community showcases an amazing ecosystem, with investors from around the world, including high-profile figures like Justin Bieber and Eminem. The success of Apecoin can be attributed to its alignment with a thriving community and its ability to leverage the popularity of the Bored Ape brand. DogeMiyagi, Sandbox, and Apecoin each employ unique growth strategies tailored to the specific needs of cryptocurrency investors. DogeMiyagi harnesses camaraderie and community spirit, Sandbox focuses on empowering creators in the metaverse, and Apecoin embraces community engagement! Follow the Links For More Information on DogeMiyagi! 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) PNN New Delhi [India], June 10: Melocare Celebrity Anti-Aging Clinic, located in the heart of New Delhi, has emerged as the ultimate destination for Bollywood celebrities and influencers seeking top-notch skin care and anti-aging solutions. With a comprehensive range of cutting-edge therapies, including lip fillers, skin botox, and Delhi's best IV Bar, the clinic offers personalized treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Dr Megha Nagpal, the renowned celebrity aesthetician and founder of Melocare, leads the way in providing exceptional care and innovative approaches to help individuals achieve youthful and radiant skin. Revolutionary Anti-Aging Therapies for Youthful Skin At Melocare Melocare Celebrity Anti-Aging Clinic offers an array of revolutionary therapies that address the specific concerns of aging skin. From advanced anti-aging facials to non-invasive procedures, the clinic provides a range of options to cater to individual needs. Lip fillers, administered by skilled professionals, enhance lip volume and shape, creating a fuller and more youthful appearance. Skin botox treatments effectively reduce fine lines and wrinkles, rejuvenating the skin and restoring a more vibrant look. Additionally, the clinic boasts Delhi's best IV Bar, offering customized intravenous treatments that nourish the body from within and enhance overall wellness, resulting in radiant and glowing skin. Dr Megha Nagpal: Aesthetic Visionary and Leading Expert At the forefront of the aesthetic medicine field, Dr Megha Nagpal is a highly respected and sought-after celebrity aesthetician known for her expertise in anti-aging therapies. With a deep passion for helping individuals look and feel their best, Dr Megha Nagpal has earned a reputation for her exceptional results and commitment to staying ahead of the latest advancements in skincare. With a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs of Bollywood celebrities and influencers, Dr Nagpal combines her artistic vision with scientific precision to deliver transformative treatments that enhance natural beauty and reverse the signs of aging. Unparalleled Expertise and Personalized Care Melocare Celebrity Anti-Aging Clinic prides itself on delivering unparalleled expertise and personalized care to its esteemed clientele. Dr Megha Nagpal and her team of highly trained professionals ensure that each client receives a tailored treatment plan based on their unique requirements and goals. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to natural-looking results, the clinic strives to exceed expectations and provide a comfortable and luxurious experience for every individual who walks through its doors. Setting the Standard for Skin Care Excellence in New Delhi Located in the heart of New Delhi, Melocare Celebrity Anti-Aging Clinic has established itself as the epitome of excellence in skincare and anti-aging treatments. Combining state-of-the-art technology, advanced techniques, and the highest quality products, the clinic delivers exceptional results while adhering to the highest safety standards. Bollywood celebrities and influencers flock to Melocare to experience the transformative effects of the clinic's treatments and benefit from Dr Megha Nagpal's expertise. Clinic Locations Paschim Vihar: D-4, Shubham Enclave, Reserve Bank Enclave, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110063 Ph: 098185 37400 Green Park: C-17, Green Park Extension, Block C, Green Park Extension, Green Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110016 Ph: 098185 37200 Website: https://melocare.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) NewsVoir New Delhi [India], June 10: Expand My Business, a leading B2B IT services marketplace, committed to nurturing digital entrepreneurship, kicked off an inspiring and impactful Convention of Digital Entrepreneurs (CODE) today in New Delhi. The first leg of the two-day event, held at Pragati Maidan, brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and technology enthusiasts for a day of knowledge-sharing, networking, and innovation. The Convention opened at a grand note as Chief Guest, Shireesh Joshi, CBO of ONDC gave a remarkable inaugural address on the future of Commerce in India. The subsequent MarTech Conference gathered prominent Marketing & Growth leaders for captivating discussions on the latest Marketing trends. From Neil Patel, sharing his insights on "The Future of Search" to an electrifying panel discussion on "AI and the Emergence of Conversational Commerce", attendees left with deep insights into the future of technology-driven marketing. The HR Tech Conference featured leaders like Vasudevan Narasimha, Founder of BluTech Talent Plus, Pooja Dudani, Associate Vice President of Human Resources at Cars24, Shekhar Haldar, Business Head - Recruitment, Internshala shared first-hand insights into the transformative power of technology in the workplace. The Convention experienced an impressive turnout of 7000+ attendees on its first day, a remarkable feat. The Expo floor buzzed with energy as digital entrepreneurs from across India connected and presented their innovative ideas and solutions. "We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and success of the first day of CODE New Delhi. The remarkable engagement from our speakers, attendees, and partners reinforces our commitment to providing a platform that empowers entrepreneurs and facilitates meaningful connections. We look forward to day 2 of the convention, where we will continue to inspire and equip digital entrepreneurs for future success," said a member of the CODE team from Expand My Business. CODE New Delhi will continue on June 11, 2023, offering an exciting lineup of workshops, networking opportunities, and a Founders' conference featuring Founders that have built revolutionary brands. With a remarkable roster of speakers and industry experts, the event promises to empower and inspire digital entrepreneurs as they navigate the evolving landscape of business and technology. Register now: code.exmyb.com. Expand My Business is Asia's largest digital solutions platform dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. EMB strives to empower entrepreneurs and help them succeed in the global arketplace through its services and initiatives. Through CODE, the goal is to foster a culture of innovation and creativity, and to support the growth and development of businesses of all sizes and sectors. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Taking to her Instagram handle, Vidya posted a video and wrote, "Until I can say it to you in person again, Thank you, Dada, for Parineeta and for believing in me even when I didn't. 18 years to Parineeta today." https://www.instagram.com/p/CtTRw72s9z4/ The video showcased glimpses from the sets of the movie. Several members of the film fraternity poured in love in the comments section.Actor Sayani Gupta wrote, "You beauty! Everything about this film is so charming and heartwarming! Dada ." Actor Aditi Rao Hydari commented, "Love." A fan wrote, "It's not a movie it's a feeling." Vidya Balan, since making her big Bollywood debut in 2005, till now she has delivered some outstanding performances in her career.The Government of India honoured her with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2014 for her contributions to the film industry. She aspired to be an actor since she was a child, and she had her first acting role in the sitcom Hum Paanch in 1995. She made her cinematic debut in the Bengali film Bhalo Theko in 2003. Vidya went on to make a name for herself as a strong female lead in a few consecutive hit movies, that includes films like Paa (2009), Ishqiya (2010), No One Killed Jessica and Kahaani (2012), and The Dirty Picture (2011). She will soon be seen in 'Neeyat' and another untitled movie directed by Shirsha Guha Thakurta. (ANI) After the date for holding the Panchayat polls for West Bengal were declared, State Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya on Friday took a swipe at the state Election Commission saying that the "state poll body would be happy if TMC is declared the winner before the elections". Samik Bhattacharya also criticised state election commissioner Rajiva Sinha calling him "inexperienced". "We have started nominations for the Panchayat Elections. But this is unfortunate that the one who has been appointed as the State Election Commissioner is inexperienced. His incapability is being proven again and again. Around 74,000 candidates are there and only 24 hours have been given for nomination. It means the Election Commission would be happy if TMC was declared the winner before the elections. Even after this, BJP workers are fighting neck to neck," he said in a press conference here. The panchayat elections in West Bengal will be held on July 8, the State Election Commission said on Thursday. Rajiva Sinha, the state election commissioner, informed further that the elections would be held in a single phase, adding, "The Model Code of Conduct has already come into effect." The state poll panel chief added that candidates can file their nominations starting Friday till June 15. The counting of votes will be held on July 11. Shortly after the panchayat poll date was announced, the leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, hit out at the state poll panel claiming that it was working at the behest of the ruling Trinamool Congress. Taking to Twitter, he said, "Murder of Democracy in West Bengal. For the 1st time ever, the Panchayat Elections have been announced unilaterally without holding a single All Party Meeting at the Block levels, District Levels or at the State Level. There hasn't been any discussion on the security arrangements for the single phase Elections. The time duration allotted for filing of nominations starts from tomorrow i.e. 9th June; Friday, with 15th June being the last date. 10th & 11th June being weekend, no official work would be possible." (ANI) Illegal structures of the accused held for murdering a minor in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district were demolished by the team of the municipal corporation and district administration on Friday, an official said. According to the police, the minor girl was murdered in Kamal Colony on Tuesday and her body was recovered on Wednesday. The police arrested four accused in this connection on Thursday. Later, the illegal construction of the accused situated in Kamal Colony in the district was demolished on Friday. "A minor was murdered in the district following which four accused were arrested and produced before the court. After that, the illegal structures of the accused were demolished by the team of the municipal corporation and police administration," City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Sachin Parte said. During this, 60 police personnel, a team from the municipal corporation and a team from the revenue department were present, he added. The minor girl's father Ram Singh expressed satisfaction over the action of the police administration and he demanded the death penalty for the accused. (ANI) Referring to the Kolhapur clashes, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday alleged that BJP is behind the incidents, adding that "Riots are being created by the people from outside as shows the failure of the Home Minister." Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Raut's statement came on the recent communal clashes that erupted after a social media post uploaded by a few people hailing Mughal emperors Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan following the 350th Coronation Day ceremony. "There is peace in Kolhapur. It is the state of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and such incidences don't occur in Kolhapur. They (BJP) tried in Karnataka but didn't get success. The same experiments they are trying in Kolhapur. Riots are being created by the people from outside as shows the failure of the Home Minister," he said. "There is a conspiracy played by the government because of the upcoming elections. In Karnataka, they came up with Bajrangbali which didn't work out, now they came up with this Aurangzeb topic here," he said while slamming the Eknath Shinde government. Tension gripped Kolhapur after some youth allegedly posted objectionable posts on social media with a reference to Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. Leader of Opposition of Maharashtra and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Ajit Pawar on Wednesday urged the government to find the reason behind the Kolhapur violence. "Today, there is a curfew-like situation in Kolhapur. The incidents to disturb law and order happen intentionally. Previously, some violent riots took place disturbing the law and order. It is the responsibility of the CM and police to investigate the reason behind the clashes. There are rumours that the incidents are happening, keeping elections in mind. The government should keep a firm stand on knowing the reason behind the clashes," Pawar said. However, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar on Thursday said that there is no need for politics in the Kolhapur incident. "Unfortunately, some people have created such a situation. This is not right for society...Common people have to pay its price...There is no need for politics in this. When this is investigated, the truth will come before everyone," the Nationalist Congress chief said while speaking to the reporters. (ANI) "In a recent operation conducted on June 8, 2023, in collaboration with the local police, a suspected vehicle was intercepted by the BSF Tripura," said the statement. The vehicle was found to be carrying 3,195 bottles of Eskuf syrup, valued at Rs 5,59,125 intended for smuggling into Bangladesh. Consequently, one Indian national was apprehended, it added. The statement also said that the BSF troops along with Airport Police Station swiftly launched further operations based on the information provided by the arrested individual. BSF party assisted by Police tracked one truck parked at Agartala airport road near the Usha Bazar area, it said. "During the search of the vehicle, a huge quantity of Eskuf syrup 84,800 bottles worth Rs 1,48,40,000 packed in several cartons was found concealed under sacks filled with corn," it added. BSF handed over the seized Eskuf/Phensedyl to Police Station Airport, it further added. In addition, BSF troop also seized 8,960 bottles of Eskuf syrup, worth Rs 15,68,000 from a truck concealed near Village Mohanpur. BSF handed over the seized items to Police Station Sidhai, the statement said. In a single day, 96,955 bottles of Eskuf/ Phensedyl worth Rs 1,69,67,125 were recovered and seized by BSF troops, it said. The official statement added that the Border Security Force (BSF) Tripura remains committed to combating the persistent issue of border smuggling on the Indo-Bangladesh international border. Through its ongoing efforts and regular execution of "Special Operations," the BSF Tripura effectively neutralizes the nefarious designs of syndicates engaged in border smuggling, it said. The vigilant BSF troops deployed across various regions of the Tripura frontier continue to undertake proactive operations against trans-border smugglers, leading to the seizure of various contraband items, it said. (ANI) Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education, on Saturday, urged that the National Education Policy (NEP) should be embraced by all in letter and spirit while congratulating the newly recruited faculties in Bhubaneswar. "NEP is a philosophy. All of us should embrace and implement in letter and spirit to realise the goal of a modern, culturally-rooted, developed India," tweeted Pradhan while speaking after inaugurating the Virtual and Augmented Reality Centre of Excellence at IIT Bhubaneswar. Inaugurating the Virtual and Augmented Reality Centre of Excellence at IIT Bhubaneswar Pradhan said "This CoE will accelerate digital transformation across disciplines, invigorate application-driven research as well as boost entrepreneurship." He also reviewed academic programs of higher education institutions in Odisha and tweeted, "Always a learning experience coming to our IITs. It always gives us new energy, and inspiration and ignites the learner within. Encouraged the @iitbbs family to undertake a massive plantation drive for making the campus green and sustainable." Speaking on the occasion Pradhan said that he was glad to be among the academic fraternity of IIT Bhubaneswar and congratulated all the newly recruited faculties. Pradhan encouraged them to instil social responsibilities in young minds and also prepare them to become global citizens in line with the tenets of the National Education Policy (NEP). IIT Bhubaneswar intends to augment the existing experimental facilities and establish two pioneering centres, one for materials characterization, processing and manufacturing and the other for a Centre of Excellence for Laboratory Grown Diamonds, said officials. Both these facilities will expand the R&D and innovation profile of IIT Bhubaneswar, strengthen innovation and research in material sciences, boost industry-academia linkages, aid the development of critical technologies, encourage entrepreneurship, boost employment and make India self-reliant in frontier areas. (ANI) Scores of students under the banner of Jharkhand State Student's Union (JSSU) called for a 48-hour strike (Bandh) against the state government's revised recruitment policy in Ranchi. Authorities have deployed police to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident. Recently, the Jharkhand government brought a recruitment policy of '60:40' under which 60 per cent of seats are reserved for aspirants from the State, while the remaining 40 per cent of seats are open to all. Earlier in March, hundreds of students organized a 'Naya Vidhan Sabha Adhikaar March' in order to gherao the State Legislative Assembly premises, where proceedings of the last day of the Budget session were going on. Police stopped the protestors nearly 1 km before the Legislative Assembly by barricading and heavy force deployment in the area. But the students veered the route and went to fields in order to reach the Legislative Assembly. Jharkhand police had resorted to lathi-charge and fired tear gas at the agitators, in a bid to disperse them. The situation then turned violent after students pelted stones at the police. Five students including student leader Jairam Mahato were detained by the police. Rahul Sinha, District Collector had told ANI, "The protests got violent thus we deployed forces of over five hundred police officials. We are staying vigilant to avoid any worsening of the law and order situation. We had to use tear gas as well as we are ensuring that the students disperse from here." (ANI) The arrests were made after a police complaint was filed by a Delhi resident. The resident was allegedly cheated by the accused persons on the pretext of selling expensive gadgets at cheap prices, said the police. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North) Ravi Kumar Singh, a complaint has been filed with the Cyber Crime branch by the complainant Akhilesh Gupta, a resident of Pooth Khurd, Bawana, Delhi. The accused have been identified as Raghav (22) and Aryan Kumar (21), residents of Shanti Nagar, Model Town, Panipat and Maghra, Nalanda district in Bihar respectively. A case was registered under section 420 of the Indian Penal Code on May 22. As per the technical analysis of IPDR and the money trailing address of the accused, he was identified and found to be in Shanti Nagar, model town, Panipat, Haryana. (ANI) West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Sukanta Majumdar will meet Governor CV Ananda Bose today in Rajbhawan. Majumdar will meet him on June 10 in light of the upcoming Panchayat elections in the state. The Panchayat elections in West Bengal will be held on July 8, the State Election Commission said on Thursday. Earlier, West Bengal Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury requested Governor CV Ananda Bose in a letter yesterday to arrange for Central forces during the Panchayat elections to have free and fair elections. "I have solid reason to apprehend that a free and fair election to three-tier Panchayat in the month of July 2023 in West Bengal, would be a far-reaching dream. Therefore, I humbly solicit your good office to do the needful for conducting the said election under the direct supervision of the central forces. Your prompt action in this regard is highly solicited," he requested in his letter to the Governor. This comes after a Congress worker was killed during the campaigns. Talking about the assassination of a party worker Fulchand Shaikh, Chowdhury alleged that "Jungle rule" prevails in the state under which the thugs and miscreants of the ruling party are preying upon the opposition workers like they are some "monsters of the deep". In view of the upcoming elections going to be held in July, Adhir Ranjan wrote, "With due deference and humble submission, I would like to invite your immediate attention to the fact that today one Congress worker, Fulchand Shaikh has been brutally assassinated and two others including a woman named Rebika Bibi are struggling for life in hospital." "An active Congress worker was killed in the Khargam of Murshidabad. This happened in view of the panchayat elections. The murder accused got the protection of the Khargram administration after which the murder was carried out. TMC wants a bullet election or ballot election? We will not allow Trinamool Congress to do this politics of blood," Adhir Ranjan said."We will protest against it," he added. The Bengal panchayat elections will be held on July 8. It will be held in a single phase and the total votes will be counted on July 11.Panchayat polls in West Bengal will witness a fierce contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress as it will be seen as a litmus test ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday met Chief Minister N Biren Singh in Manipur. The ministers are meeting to discuss the backdrop of the ongoing violence in Manipur. The Supreme Court on Friday declined the urgent listing of a plea against the suspension of internet services in the violence-hit state of Manipur since May 3, saying High Court is seized of the matter. The ban on the internet was imposed on May 3 and remains in effect till now. The violence in Manipur between the Hindu Meiteis and the tribal Kuki, who are Christians, erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. Violence has gripped the entire State for more than a month now and the Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. On Friday, the Supreme Court declined the urgent listing of a plea against the suspension of internet services in the violence-hit state of Manipur since May 3, saying High Court is seized of the matter. "High Court is seized of the matter. Why are you duplicating it? Let it come before the regular bench", a vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal had said. The ban on the internet was imposed on May 3 and remains in effect till now. Earlier, the top court expressed concern over the loss of lives and properties in Manipur during the violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities and stressed taking adequate measures to restore normalcy there. On March 27, the High Court directed the State to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. The violence in Manipur between the Hindu Meiteis and the tribal Kuki, who are Christians, erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. Violence has gripped the entire State for now a month and the Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. (ANI) Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala on Saturday claimed that both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) alliance was forged to run a stable government in the state. Speaking to the media about the BJP-JJP alliance, Chautala remarked that the partnership was formed under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in order to establish a stable government in the state. "The alliance between both parties (BJP-JJP) was forged under the leadership of Union home minister Amit Shah to run a stable government in the state. There was no compulsion in forging an alliance," the Haryana Deputy CM said. He also said that both parties had formed the alliance after a proper discussion and agreement and that there was no compulsion in forging the alliance between both parties. "The alliance was formed with the vision to take the nation forward to the route of development. Neither of the parties has done a favour to each other," added Dushyant Chautala. Speaking on the recent controversy between the BJP and the JJP, Independent MLA in Haryana Government and Electricity Minister in the Government Ranjit Singh Chautala stated that they have always and would continue to support the BJP. "We are six independent MLAs and we have always supported the BJP unconditionally and will continue to do so," he said. Whatever is going on in JJP, it is their own debate, we do not want to read about it, but I do not think that BJP and JJP will part ways, added Ranjit Singh Chautala. Adding further the MLA said that he met the Former Chief Minister of Tripura Biplab Deb and discussed BJP's leadership in the country. "Today I met with Biplab Dev ji and had many discussions with him. The BJP government in Haryana is absolutely solid and will continue to function firmly," he said. The Parliament elections are scheduled for 2024, and I am hopeful that Modi ji's magic will work and the BJP administration would take over the country and will affect Haryana as well, added Ranjit Singh Chautala. (ANI) A youth has been arrested by the Delhi Police for alleged rape and defamation of a girl. An incident of rape and defamation was reported in PS Karawal Nagar, Delhi. A youth identified as Shahrukh had allegedly hidden his identity, represented himself as a Hindu, befriended the victim, and allegedly raped her. "On June 9, 2023, a complainant, namely NNNN D/o BBBB R/o West Karawal Nagar Delhi, age 22 years, arrived at PS Karawal Nagar and reported that a boy, namely Shahrukh, hid his identity and misrepresented himself as a Hindu, and in October 2020, he be-friended with the victim and made physical relations with her," said the police. Over a period of time, the victim came to know about the identity of the accused, but by that time, the accused had captured the victim's obscene photos and videos and allegedly threatened to share the photos and videos online if she broke up with him. "Over a period of time, in January 2023, she came to know about his religion, she opposed the same and wanted to break up with him. But, during their friendship, Shahrukh had captured her obscene photos and videos with wrong deeds through WhatsApp video calls, about which she wasn't aware. Later, he started to threaten her and pressurise her to befriend him, or he would share her obscene photos and videos on the social media platform, i.e., Instagram, etc.," said the police. A case has been registered under Indian Penal Code. Further investigation of the case is underway. (ANI) As per BJYM allegations, the relatives of politicians, bureaucrats, and businessmen were selected for the CGPSC exams. They also questioned the transparency in the selection of the assistant professor examination that was conducted in the year 2019-20. The BJYM president questioned the recruitment done to government jobs from 2019 to date. Despite protests, the state government did not take any action, BJYM leaders said. Alleging malpractices in CGPSC exams, BJYM earlier had gheraoed the office of CGPSC, and protests were also held at every district of the state, said the state president of BJYM Ravi Bhagat. In the gherao to the CM's house around 10,000 people will participate, said Ravi Bhagat. BJYM on June 6 held a demonstration, 'Bhrashtachar Baraat', in Raipur to protest against alleged corruption in the Congress' Bhupesh Baghel-led Chhattisgarh government. (ANI) The committee members include the Chief Minister, a few Ministers of the Manipur government, Members of Parliament, MLAs and leaders from different political parties. The Committee also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups. The mandate of the Committee will be to facilitate a peacemaking process among various ethnic groups of the state, including peaceful dialogue and negotiations between conflicting parties and groups, said the MHA statement. "The committee should strengthen social cohesiveness, mutual understanding and facilitate cordial communication between various ethnic groups" it said. The committee was formed days after, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced the constitution of the peace committee after taking stock of the situation of Manipur during his four-day visit there between May 29 to June 1. The violence in Manipur erupted on May 3 during a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest the demand for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The march was organized in protest against the demand for inclusion of the state's Meitei community in the ST category, following an April 19 Manipur High Court directive. Violence has gripped the entire State for now a month and the Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. (ANI) According to BJP sources, the discussion will focus on gathering feedback from party MPs regarding the campaign, including the public's response and feedback. During the meeting, an assessment will be made of the status of the MPs' respective constituencies and the districts assigned to them as part of the Maha Jan Sampark Abhiyan, the sources said. Additionally, they will be urged to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21. It should be noted that during a meeting held on Friday evening with party secretaries, BJP president Nadda emphasized the need to further accelerate the Maha Jan Sampark Abhiyan. In the same vein, this meeting will also be held with the party president and the MPs. The party has entrusted leaders from across the country with the responsibility for the Mahajan Sampark Abhiyan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already addressed a rally in Ajmer as part of this campaign. BJP chief Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other ministers have been conducting public meetings and engaging in mass contact across the country. (ANI) Notably, this will be the first big show of Nadda in Southern states after BJP lost in the Karnataka Assembly elections. His visit is considered very important in terms of preparations for the Lok Sabha elections. As per the Election Commission of India, Congress registered an emphatic win in the Karnataka Assembly polls winning 135 seats. The BJP which was in power was reduced to 66 seats and JD(S) won 19 seats. During his one-day visit to Andhra Pradesh, he will also meet party leaders and workers in the state to give important guidelines on preparations for the Lok Sabha polls and will also address a huge public meeting in Tirupati. (ANI) Two women died due to mudslide near a pond located in Balampur village under Sukhi Sewaniya police station limits in the state capital on Saturday, a police official said. "Around five to six women had gone near a pond in Balampur village to dig mud for painting their house. During this, they made a hole to dig the soil but it was deep from inside. Meanwhile the top layer of the soil caved in and three women got buried inside it," Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Santosh Shukla told ANI over phone. On getting the information from the locals, the police and the district administration team immediately reached the spot. All the three women were evacuated, out of which two women died while one was taken to the hospital, he said. "State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and administration teams are still engaged in digging work at the spot to make sure that no one else is buried," Shukla added. (ANI) Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that today the whole world is looking towards India as its position has strengthened manifold. Defence Minister Singh was interacting with intellectuals at Gopal Narayan Singh University Rohtas, Bihar where he said, "BJP fulfils promises, we abolished Article 370 and the grand Ram temple is now being built. Hum rajniti sirf sarkar banane ke liye nahi balki samaj banane ke liye karte hai. (We don't do politics for forming a government but for the welfare of the society)." He said that water has reached around 12 crore homes in the country through taps. "Today, water has reached around 12 crore homes in the country through taps. In the year 2014, there was no electricity in about 18,000 villages. Today electricity has reached every house," said Rajnath Singh. He further added that India's economic growth is tremendous and is progressing very fast. "Now India's economic growth is tremendous. Today, India is progressing very fast. India has joined the top 5 economies of the world. Morgan Stanley has said that India will be counted among the top 3 economies of the world by 2027," said Singh. He further shed light that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a system where every hundred paise is reaching the bank account of the people. "Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had said that I send 100 paise, but only 15 paise reaches the bottom. Our Prime Minister has given such a system that every hundred paise is reaching the bank account of the people," said Rajnath Singh. "Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done the work of evacuating Indian students safely during the war between Russia and Ukraine. He talked to the President of Russia, Ukraine and America and the war stopped so that the Indian children were evacuated safely," he added. Referring to the defence production in the country, he highlighted that it has crossed one lakh crore and the exports have reached a record level of Rs 16,000 crores. "Today the defence production in the country has crossed one lakh crore. Earlier defence exports were less than one thousand crores, today the exports have reached a record level of Rs 16000 crores. Defence exports are targeted to reach 35000 crores in the coming years," said Singh. "Positive indigenization lists of 411 items have been issued by the Armed Forces and 4,666 items by Defense PSUs. These will be made in India and by Indian hands only," he added. He further said that a maximum number of digital transactions are taking place in India. "Today, the maximum number of digital transactions are taking place in India. Earlier people used to say that digital transactions are not possible in a country like India. Today a large number of digital transactions are taking place in Bihar as well," he said. The defence minister said that Birsa Munda has been given the honour which was not given earlier. "For the first time in the country, Birsa Munda has been given that honour, which was not given earlier. Tribal Pride Day is being celebrated in his honour today," said Singh. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday welcomed the jawans of the National Disaster Response Force jawans who returned after climbing the Bhagirathi-2 peak at the Chief Minister's Camp Office. "The Chief Minister formally concluded the expedition by receiving the flag of the mountaineering team. The Chief Minister congratulated all the NDRF personnel for successfully completing this difficult operation. He said that by conducting such campaigns, it becomes easier to face the challenges ahead," an official statement said. On the occasion, CM Dhami said that whenever it comes to rescue operations in our hilly areas, the NDRF is first remembered along with our SDRF. "Uttarakhand is a sensitive state from the point of view of natural calamities. NDRF has done commendable work in the state during natural calamities from time to time. Apart from the country, at the international level also, NDRF carries out rapid relief and rescue operations in various natural calamities, the efficiency of these jawans is commendable," he said. Director General NDRF Atul Karwal informed that the first mountaineering expedition of NDRF-2023, Bhagirathi-2 was successfully climbed by the expedition team on May 30, 2023. "The team consisted of 38 mountaineers under the leadership of Deputy Inspector General NDRF Gambhir Singh Chauhan. He said that a battalion of NDRF is being set up in Haldwani," an official statement said. (ANI) With 'Biparjoy' taking menacing proportions, developing into a severe cyclonic storm, Indian Coast Guard Region-North West has initiated outreach to advise the fishing community, mariners and stakeholders of Gujarat, Daman and Diu to take necessary precautions and safety measures, officials of the Gujarat Information Department informed on Saturday. For the past week, all coastal establishments of the Indian Coast Guard have been holding regular community interactions with fishermen, and taking adequate precautions as the tropical storm brews over the Arabian Sea. They have already warned locals against venturing out to sea for fishing. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said the 'very severe cyclonic storm', 'Biparjoy', will likely intensify further during the next 24 hours. "VSCS BIPARJOY lay centred at 1130IST of today, near latitude 16.8N and longitude 67.4E, about 700 km WNW of Goa, 620 km WSW of Mumbai, 590 km SSW of Porbandar and 900 km S of Karachi. To intensify further and move NNE-wards during next 24 hours," the IMD said in a tweet. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the young ignited minds of the country to come out with new ideas and innovations and help the government in making India a developed nation by 2047 as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was addressing the convocation ceremony of Gopal Narayan Singh University in Rohtas district of Bihar on Saturday. Rajnath Singh asserted that India has entered its golden age and it is surging ahead at an unprecedented pace to become a developed nation at the end of 'Amrit Kaal' by 2047. "India's economy has grown at a tremendous level. India has joined the top 5 economies of the world. According to Morgan Stanley report, India will be counted among the top 3 economies of the world by 2027," Rajnath Singh said. He also shed light on the growth of the start-up ecosystem in the country, pointing out that the number of start-ups has skyrocketed to nearly one lakh today, including over 100 unicorns, from just 500 seven-eight years ago. "The youth has the potential and capability to take the nation to greater heights and contribute to the betterment of humanity," he emphasised. Rajnath Singh also urged the students to lay emphasis on connecting with the country's cultures, values and traditions, as much as they focus on obtaining education and knowledge. "Your values are not only your identity in the world, but it is also that of your parents, teachers and the country," he said. The Defence Minister exhorted the students to concentrate on character building, highlighting that India is a place where a person's worth is not only assessed by his/her knowledge but also through values and behaviour and how proficiently that skill is used. "Ego, overconfidence and self-centred attitude are some of the biggest roadblocks to growth," he said, adding that the aim should be to move forward taking everyone together on the path of progress. Rajnath Singh urged the students to keep grooming themselves spiritually, while the educational institutions nurture them at the academic and mental levels. He also called upon the teaching fraternity to light the eternal flame of learning in the hearts and minds of students. He described it as the most crucial part of an individual's personality, which not only ensures personal growth but also the development of society. (ANI) The central government, meanwhile, constituted a Peace Committee in Manipur under the chairpersonship of the Manipur Governor, which is aimed at facilitating the peacemaking process among various ethnic groups there, read a statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The committee members include the chief minister, a few members of the Manipur cabinet, MPs, MLAs and leaders from different political parties. The committee also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups. The mandate of the committee members will be to facilitate a peacemaking process by taking the different ethnic groups of the state, by engaging them in dialogue and brokering negotiations between conflicting parties and groups, said the MHA statement. "The committee should strengthen social cohesiveness, mutual understanding and facilitate cordial communication between various ethnic groups," it said. The committee was formed days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the constitution of a peace panel after taking stock of the situation in Manipur during his four-day visit to the Northeast state between May 29 to June 1. Clashes erupted in Manipur erupted on May 3 during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest a directive by the Manipur High Court, asking the state government to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. After a month of ethnic strife, which left many dead, the Centre had to deploy central armed forces to enforce order. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday offered prayers at Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurudwara at Maharashtra's Nanded. Shah is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh starting Saturday. Earlier in the day, Shah planted saplings at Gokul Global University in Gujarat's Patan. The Union Home Minister will attend various political events and public rallies during his visit to the four states. In Nanded, Shah will address the first rally under the BJP's special month-long campaign. Nanded is the home turf of Congress veteran and former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan. Shah's event is part of the party's month-long campaign covering all Lok Sabha constituencies to mark the completion of nine years of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Union Home Minister is also likely to address a rally in Abchalnagar ground of Nanded -- the second largest city in the Marathwada region. It is home to one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Sikhs, as Guru Gobind Singh had spent his last days in Nanded. The Home Minister will reach Chennai by Saturday late evening and go into a huddle with party workers on Sunday. He will also address a rally in Vellore in Tamil Nadu to highlight the achievements in 9 years of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. The rally is part of the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit to hold 66 public meetings in a month to highlight the achievements of the government under PM Modi. Several national leaders of the BJP would headline public meetings in the state over a month. Union Minister of State for Personnel and PMO, Jitendra Singh, addressed a meeting in Chennai last week, highlighting the 'achievements' of the BJP government at the Centre. On June 11, the Home Minister will reach Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh where he will address a public meeting at the railway grounds as part of the nationwide celebrations being organised in every Parliamentary constituency on the completion of 9 years of the government led by PM Modi. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday offered prayers at Sachkhand Gurudwara at Maharashtra's Nanded. Shah is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh starting Saturday. Earlier in the day, Shah planted saplings at Gokul Global University in Gujarat's Patan. The Union Home Minister will attend various political events and public rallies during his visit to the four states. In Nanded, Shah will address the first rally under the BJP's special month-long campaign. Nanded is the home turf of Congress veteran and former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan. Shah's event is part of the party's month-long campaign covering all Lok Sabha constituencies to mark the completion of nine years of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Union Home Minister is also likely to address a rally in Abchalnagar ground of Nanded -- the second largest city in the Marathwada region. It is home to one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Sikhs, as Guru Gobind Singh had spent his last days in Nanded. The Home Minister will reach Chennai by Saturday late evening and go into a huddle with party workers on Sunday. He will also address a rally in Vellore in Tamil Nadu to highlight the achievements in 9 years of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. The rally is part of the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit to hold 66 public meetings in a month to highlight the achievements of the government under PM Modi. Several national leaders of the BJP would headline public meetings in the state over a month. Union Minister of State for Personnel and PMO, Jitendra Singh, addressed a meeting in Chennai last week, highlighting the 'achievements' of the BJP government at the Centre. On June 11, the Home Minister will reach Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh where he will address a public meeting at the railway grounds as part of the nationwide celebrations being organised in every Parliamentary constituency on the completion of 9 years of the government led by PM Modi. (ANI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that Uttar Pradesh leads in the country not only in sugar and sugarcane production but also in ethanol production and in setting up of Khandsari units. Speaking at the certificate distribution ceremony for the winners of the State Sugarcane Production Competitions, he said, "Earlier, sugarcane farmers in the state used to face difficulties in obtaining receipts because of discrepancies in the weighing of sugarcane as well as theft of their receipts, which often led to protests by the farmers. Additionally, the untimely closure of sugar mills had caused inconvenience to the farmers. For years, payment of sugarcane price to the farmers was pending." Speaking of the current situation, he stated that steps were taken on a mission mode to settle the pending payments for sugarcane from 2010 to 2017 when the BJP government took over the state in 2017. He mentioned that the owners of sugar mills requested permission to produce ethanol in order to regulate the pending payments to farmers on time. "PM Modi's implementation of various reforms for the farmers has brought about a significant change in the state. With the approval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sugar mills in the state are now producing ethanol along with sugar. As a result, UP is number one in the country in sugarcane, sugar and ethanol production as well as in setting up of Khandsari units," he added. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed buildings of 25 cooperative sugarcane and sugar mill committees at Lok Bhavan on Saturday. He stated that the buildings of cooperative committees can also prove to be useful for fertilizers and warehouses. During the program, Yogi Adityanath stated that there are farmers in the state who are achieving the impossible by yielding 2640 quintals of sugarcane per hectare. Additionally, there are 3,171 cooperative women self-help groups in the state, with over 59,000 women working who are contributing to strengthening the state's economy by collaborating with 60 lakhs of sugarcane farmers. He further mentioned that sugarcane payments that totaled roughly Rs. 1 lakh crore between 2007-2017, increased to Rs 2,134,00 crore between 2017-2023, and the amount was paid to the farmers through DBT. Additionally, cash has been paid for the additional 500 tonnes of sugarcane crushed at the Khandsari units and separate payments are also being made for ethanol. The Chief Minister said that hopefully, all 118 sugar mills in the state will adopt the practice wherein 100 sugar mills are paying the sugarcane price to the farmers within one to ten days. Speaking of the achievements of the Sugarcane Department, he said that it has restarted four previously closed sugar mills in the state and two new sugar mills have been established. "Chaudhary Charan Singh was called the 'messiah' of farmers. He had spoken about the revival of the Chhaprauli sugar mill in the 1980s, but successive governments came and went without thinking about the farmers. Our government has initiated the establishment of a new sugar mill in Chhaprauli," he added. The Chief Minister stated that previous governments used to fire bullets at sugarcane farmers, whereas today the government is establishing new sugar mills that are functioning at full capacity. "No one will be allowed to mess with the food providers (farmers) and become an obstacle in their development. The double-engine government is working sincerely in this direction," he added. He asserted that Uttar Pradesh is the only state in the entire country where sugar mills continued to operate during the prolonged lockdown following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, when there was a shortage of sanitisers during the pandemic, sugar mills took charge and provided free sanitisers to every hospital, municipality, and gram panchayat in the state. Besides, sanitisers from Uttar Pradesh were also sent to 27 other states. The cooperative women's self-help groups, sugar mill owners, and sugarcane farmers have made a significant contribution to the progress of Uttar Pradesh. "Your contribution accounts for nearly 9 per cent of Uttar Pradesh's GDP. Your contribution will play a vital role in making the state's economy a trillion-dollar economy," he added. In the program, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of organic farming. He said that organic farming will ensure the health of Mother Earth and the well-being of sugarcane farmers. It will also contribute to the protection of cows. Farmers need to gradually advance organic farming. Emphasizing the need of advancing technology, he said that the department has provided farmers with freedom from paper-based transactions by using technology. In the last 6 years, the double-engine government has provided additional irrigation facilities to nearly 2,300,000 hectares of land. As a result, 45 to 60 lakh sugarcane farmers are supplying sugarcane to sugar mills, which indicates that the scope of sugarcane cultivation in the state has significantly expanded. During the event, Minister of Sugar Industry and Development, Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary, State Minister of Sugar Industry and Development, Sanjay Singh Gangwar, Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra, and Additional Chief Secretary of Sugar Industry, Development, and Excise Department, Sanjay Bhoosreddy, were present. In the program, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured the participants and sugar mill owners. (ANI) Former Congress leader Kapil Sibal and Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy on Saturday came down heavily on Union minister Giriraj Singh over his praise of Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse. Hitting out at the Union minister, Sibal, who also happens to be one of the country's leading advocates, said the BJP and the Rashtriya Swamyamsevak Sangh (RSS), its ideological fountainhead, can never truly acknowledge the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi as they had offered to help the British rulers during the freedom struggle. "Was Godse a good son as Giriraj Singh said? The RSS had offered help to the British (during the freedom struggle). How can they acknowledge the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi? Their ideology and beliefs go against the principles espoused by Mahatma Gandhi," Sibal told ANI on Saturday. Earlier, Giriraj Singh had dubbed Godse as a 'Sapoot' (son) of this country. "The assassin of Mahatma Gandhi was not an invader like Mughal emperors Babar and Aurangzeb. He was born in India and was a son of the soil," Singh said on Friday. Condemning the Union minister's statement, TMC MP Saugata Roy said he heaped praise on a person who killed the "Father of the Nation". "I reject his statement. He sang praises of a person who killed the Father of the Nation. He said the Mughal emperors were enemies of India," the TMC MP added. Singh made the remark in response to a statement by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Godse. Owaisi was responding to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who made a remark invoking Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Singh said people, who take pride in being called the descendants of Babar, cannot be considered true sons of India. An FIR was registered against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande and 8 others under Maharashtra Police Act 37, 135, for burning an effigy of Aurangzeb in the aftermath of Kolhapur violence, Mumbai Police said on Thursday. A curfew was imposed in Kolhapur the day before following violent clashes between two groups. The police had to resort to a lathi-charge and disperse the crowd to enforce order. Speaking on the violence, Fadnavis said, "Sons of Aurangzeb seems to have popped out of nowhere in some districts of Maharashtra. They keep Aurangzeb alive through their posters. It is because of such elements that such incidents take place. However, the question remains, where do these sons of Aurangzeb come from? Who were behind this incident? We will find them out," Fadnavis told ANI in Nagpur earlier. (ANI) Delhi's Karkardooma Court recently acquitted a man accused of rioting and vandalism, giving him the benefit of doubt. While acquitting the accused, the court raised serious questions about the trustworthiness of the witnesses. The court even termed the testimony of the complainant contradictory and that of the eyewitness head constable "apparently false". This case pertains to an FIR registered at Khajuri Khas police station on a complaint by Mohd. Rashid, whose shop was allegedly vandalised by the mob on February 24, 2020, during the North-East Delhi riots. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shirish Agarwal acquitted Noor Mohammad alias Noora in a case of rioting and vandalism, giving him the benefit of doubt. The court said, "The burden of proof on the prosecution is to prove the case by leading convincing evidence to prove the guilt of accused persons beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused persons cannot be convicted on the basis of mere probabilities or presumptions." "Suspicion, howsoever grave may be, cannot take the place of proof. Every benefit of the doubt goes in favour of accused persons," said the CMM Agarwal in a judgement passed on May 30. The court observed further, "After careful perusal of the record, this Court is of the opinion that the identification of the accused as the offender by the prosecution witnesses is not believable for various reasons. The judge said since the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, the accused, Noor Mohammad alias Noora, stands acquitted of the offences punishable under Section 147, 148, 188, 323, 394 and 427 read with Section 149 of Indian Penal Code. The judge noted that as per the chargesheet, the complainant and the beat officer concerned, HC Sangram Singh, had identified the accused Noor Mohd as the offender. However, when evidence was recorded, the complainant, Rashid, who was examined by the prosecutor as a witness, failed to identify the accused as the offender, the court added. In fact, the complainant stated that he never informed the police that he can identify the offenders. He also denied identifying the accused as the offender in the police station, the judge pointed out. The complainant turned hostile during the cross-examination by the special public prosecutor (SPP). The court said during cross-examination, the witness denied having stated to the police that he can identify the persons who were present during the riots. He denied that the accused was arrested in his presence or that he identified him at the police station on April 2, 2020. He also denied that he fell for an inducement by the accused, the court said. The chief metropolitan magistrate said, "It is the case of the prosecution that the complainant Mohd Rashid himself identified the accused as the offender. However, this has been denied by the complainant." "No explanation has been given by the State as to why the complainant would deny identifying the accused," he added. The court noted further that HC Sangram Singh, who was the beat officer at the place where the office of the complainant is situated, deposed that he was present at the spot of offence and identified some persons in the mob. He claimed further that he had tried to stop the mob but couldn't. "During cross-examination, he testified that he was at a distance of 40-50 meters from the place of offence. It is doubtful if HC Sangram Singh could have clearly seen and identified one of the several rioters from such a long distance. Also, it is hard to understand how from such a long distance, he tried to stop the mob as he claims to have done," the judge noted. The judge added, "HC Sangram Singh, who did not even bother to report thematter immediately to his superiors and make a video of the offence, claimed to have tried to stop the mob." "It is hard to believe that such a person would risk his life to stall the attempts of a mob of rioters. As such, it appears that the testimony of HC Sangram Singh is false," the judge said. The court also noted that the FIR said the offence was committed at the shop of the complainant at 6 pm on February 24, 2020. According to his testimony, he left the shop on the morning of February 24, 2020, and returned after 2-3 days. The court observed, "Since the complainant had already left the shop, it is not clear how he learnt that his shop was vandalized and looted at 6:00 pm. Hearsay evidence is notadmissible. The court pulled up the state, saying, "The state has not led any evidence, which establishesthat the offence had, indeed, taken place at 6 pm. Even the purported eyewitness, HC Sangram Singh, did not disclose the time of the offence." While perusing the testimony of the complainant, it was found that the material fact was missing from it. The court termed it as contradictory. The court said, "Even though in the complaint given to the police by Mohd Rashid, it is stated that his shop was looted, this allegation which is a material fact is missing from his testimony." "He only deposed that his shop was vandalized. Therefore, there is a contradiction in the version of the complainant narrated by him in his complaint and as narrated by him in his testimony," the court added. On March 2, 2020, the FIR was registered at Khajuri Khas police station on the basis of a written complaint on February 29, 2020, from Rashid. He said in his complaint that his shop is situated near Aadarsh Lakhpat School. He alleged that on February 24, 2020, around 6 pm, some rioters looted some articles lying in his shop and also vandalised it. Noor Mohammad alias Noora was arrested on the basis of the disclosure statement given by him in another case. (ANI) Hitting out at the Congress, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the 10 years of the grand old party's rule were a period of increasing poverty, while the nine years of BJP rule are India's pride. Amit Shah was addressing a public meeting in Nanded, Maharashtra on the completion of 9 years of the Modi government. Shah said, "The 10 years of the Sonia-Manmohan government were a period of increasing poverty in the country whereas during 9 years of Modiji's government, a lot of poor welfare works were undertaken." He said that only after the Congress rule ended and the BJP came to power did India make progress. "The last 9 years of PM Modi-led Government are the years of India's pride, of India's development, of India ensuring the welfare for poor. Only after Sonia-Manmohan rule ended and Modi Ji took command did India make progress and ensure development," Shah said. In an attack on Uddhav Thackeray over his stand on reservation, he said that the BJP believes that there should not be Muslim reservation as it is against the Constitution. "BJP believes that there should not be Muslim reservation as it is against the Constitution. Religion-based reservations should not happen. Uddhav Thackeray should make his stand clear on this," said Shah. "Uddhav ji - We abolished triple talaq... do you agree with that or not? - Do you agree with the Ram temple being built or not? Do you clarify whether you want Common Civil Code or not? - You tell whether Muslim reservations should be there or not?" Shah asked. Lauding the work done by the PM, Shah said that India's culture and heritage are being best preserved under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi. "India's culture and heritage are being best preserved under the strong and dynamic leadership of Modi Ji. The last 9 years of the BJP government have ensured poor welfare and good governance in a true sense," Shah added. "Narendra Modi ji has done the work of respecting the country's culture and history, Narendra Modi ji has done the work of making the country proud in the world. Today, wherever he goes in the world, slogans of Modi-Modi ji are raised and this respect is not for Modi ji but for our people," he added. He said that every poor should get clean drinking water, toilets, and free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. "Every poor person should get clean drinking water, toilets, free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, 80 crore people should get free ration, every poor should get a house....," Shah said. Lashing out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent criticism of the government during his US visit, Shah said that he criticised the government on foreign soil because very few people are left to listen to him in India. "On the one hand, Modi ji is getting respect in the world, while on the other hand, Rahul Baba, the prince of Congress, is doing the work of insulting the country. They don't speak here, they go abroad and speak... because there are very few people left to listen to them in the country," said Amit Shah. During a six-day, three-city tour of the United States, Rahul Gandhi criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "The central architect of modern India, Mahatma Gandhi, was an NRI. The foundation for India's freedom movement was laid in South Africa...Nehru, BR Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, all were NRIs and had an open mind about the outside world," Rahul Gandhi said. Earlier today, Amit Shah offered prayers at Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurudwara at Maharashtra's Nanded. Shah is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh starting Saturday. Earlier in the day, Shah planted saplings at Gokul Global University in Gujarat's Patan. Shah's event is part of the party's month-long campaign covering all Lok Sabha constituencies to mark the completion of nine years of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Union Home Minister is also likely to address a rally in Abchalnagar ground of Nanded -- the second largest city in the Marathwada region. It is home to one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Sikhs, as Guru Gobind Singh had spent his last days in Nanded. The Home Minister will reach Chennai by Saturday late evening and go into a huddle with party workers on Sunday. He will also address a rally in Vellore in Tamil Nadu to highlight the achievements in 9 years of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. The rally is part of the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit to hold 66 public meetings in a month to highlight the achievements of the government under PM Modi. Several national leaders of the BJP would headline public meetings in the state over a month. Union Minister of State for Personnel and PMO, Jitendra Singh, addressed a meeting in Chennai last week, highlighting the 'achievements' of the BJP government at the Centre. On June 11, the Home Minister will reach Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh where he will address a public meeting at the railway grounds as part of the nationwide celebrations being organised in every Parliamentary constituency on the completion of 9 years of the government led by PM Modi. (ANI) Syeda Batool Zehra, a determined and hardworking student hailing from the Pahari ethnic group in the border Uri, has achieved an impressive score of 469/500 in her Class 12 examination. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the lack of transportation and tuition facilities in her village, Batool's dedication and perseverance have made her excel academically. Expressing joy at the announcement of her results, Batool said, "I am a girl from a border area in Uri, where even basic facilities like transportation and tuition centres are scarce. It was challenging for me to travel to school on foot at times, and I couldn't afford tuition classes. However, I am grateful to Allah for my achievements. I had expected higher marks, but I am content with what I have achieved." Batool has set her sights on becoming an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer to serve and make a positive impact on society. Her role model is Dr Syed Sehrish Ashghar, the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, whose dedication and service have inspired her aspirations. The entire family, especially Batool's father and mother, are overjoyed by her remarkable success. They played a significant role in supporting and encouraging her throughout her academic journey. Batool's father Arif Hussain Kazmi expressed his happiness and said, "We are proud of Batool's achievement. Her dedication and hard work have paid off, and we will continue to support her in her future endeavors." The Pahari ethnic group, to which Batool belongs, is elated by her accomplishments. The community, known for its rich cultural heritage, is thrilled to witness one of its own excelling academically and aspiring to serve the people. "We are happy that now our girls are also giving their best," said Zubair Qureshi from Pahari Ethnic Group. Batool completed her 10th-grade education at Imamia Public High School, Uri, where she laid the foundation for her academic success. Her journey showcases the strength and determination of individuals who overcome significant obstacles to achieve their dreams. (ANI) As Batool prepares to embark on her path towards realizing her goal of becoming an IAS officer, her story serves as an inspiration to countless others facing similar challenges. With her unwavering determination and the support of her community, she is sure to make a positive impact on the lives of the people she serves. The success of Syeda Batool Zehra is a testament to the indomitable spirit of perseverance and determination, proving that with hard work and dedication, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve greatness. (ANI) Delhi's Rohini Court has granted bail to a man accused in a case of cheating people of lakhs of rupees on the pretext of providing government jobs including banks. This matter pertains to an FIR registered at Kanjhawala Police Station in 2022, regarding a case of cheating and other offences. Seven people from Delhi and Haryana had approached the court seeking direction for the registration of FIR against five accused persons. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Jagmohan Singh granted bail to Ashutosh Kumar after hearing the submissions of counsels for the accused, the complainants and the State. The court granted the relief to the accused citing that as per the report of the investigating officer (IO), no recovery of money was effected from the accused and he was not required for further investigation. Advocate Karan Tarkar, counsel for the accused, argued that the accused had been arrested on the basis of the disclosure statement of the co-accused Rajat. He also argued that there is no evidence of any transaction of the alleged cheated amount in the accused's bank account. The accused was in judicial custody since April 9, 2023. On a specific query by the court, the IO also submitted that "no evidence has surfaced so far regarding any money transaction of the alleged cheated amount in the bank account of the accused". However, the counsel for the complainant opposed the bail plea and submitted that Rs 7 lakh was given in cash to the accused by the co-accused Deepak Gulia as recorded in the disclosure statement of the co-accused Deepak Gulia. It was further submitted that two co-accused are yet to be arrested in the present case. The present FIR was registered after a direction by the court on the complaint moved by Sagar Deshwal and six others. The FIR stated that the complainants are aspirants of government jobs and they are preparing for various government jobs in banks, postal department etc. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the BJP is of the belief that the Constitution does not provide for reservation on the grounds of religion. Addressing a public meeting organised in Nanded, Maharashtra, to mark the completion of 9 years of the BJP-led government at the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Home Minister said, "The BJP believes that there should be no reservation on the grounds of religion as it is unconstitutional. (former Maharashtra chief minister and Shiv Sena UBT chief) Uddhav Thackeray should make his stand clear on this." Also targeting Uddhav for the undivided Shiv Sena's alliance with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), in the wake of the results of the 2019 Assembly polls, Shah said, "I was the president of the party at the time. Devendra Fadnavis and I were in Maharashtra to preside over the negotiations (with the Sena on the formation of the government should we come to power). Uddhav Thackeray had accepted that if NDA gets the majority in the 2019 elections, Fadnavis will become CM of Maharashtra. But when the results were declared and NDA won, Thackeray broke his promise and formed an alliance with Congress and NCP." Earlier, while campaigning for the Karnataka Assembly elections, Shah lashed out at the Congress while defending the move of the then BJP government to roll back the 4 per cent reservation for the Muslims, saying that his party only rectified the wrong done by the grand old party by doing away with reservation for the Muslims in the state. Addressing a meeting in Byndoor on April 29, said, "The BJP has rectified the wrong of the Congress by doing away with Muslim reservation in Karnataka. The Congress wants to restore it. We will ensure that they are not able to do so as it is unconstitutional and also compromises with the rights of the Vokkaligas, Lingayats, SCs, STs and Dalits in the state." "BJP scrapped the 4 per cent Muslim reservation as the Constitution does not guarantee reservation on grounds of religion. The Congress has said once their reverse-gear government comes, they will restore the Muslim reservation. Do you want that?" Shah said at the rally. While campaigning for the Karnataka polls, present Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said the Congress was committed "to increasing the reservation limit from 50 per cent to 75 per cent and extend reservation to all castes on the basis of their population". Congress leader and former deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, K Rahman Khan, told media persons that if the party comes to power in Karnataka, Muslim reservation will be raised from 4 per cent to 6 per cent. On May 8, in an exclusive interview with ANI, Amit Shah slammed Congress over its promise to restore quota for Muslims in Karnataka and raise the reservation to 6 per cent, saying that the party should come clean on whether it would roll back the reservation benefits to SCs, STs, Lingayats and Vokkaligas in a bid to guarantee quotas for Muslims. Further, during the rally in Maharashtra on Saturday, he said it was only after the Congress rule ended and the BJP came to power that India started to make real progress. "The last 9 years of PM Modi-led government have been about restoring India's pride, development, and ensuring the welfare of the poor. Only after Sonia-Manmohan rule ended and Modi-ji took command did India make real progress and ensure development," Shah said. Shah said that India's culture and heritage were being best preserved under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi. "India's culture and heritage are being best preserved under the strong and dynamic leadership of Modi-ji. The last 9 years of the BJP government have ensured poor welfare and good governance in a true sense," Shah added. "Modi-ji has worked to earn the country's culture and history on the global stage. He has also worked to make the country proud. Wherever he goes today, chants of 'Modi-Modi' ring out. This is respect being accorded not just to him but the people," Shah added. (ANI) The Air India aircraft that had been grounded in the Russian town of Magadan since Tuesday following an engine glitch has landed in Mumbai, as per a spokesperson of the airline. The flight landed in Mumbai on Saturday evening. Earlier in the day, the airline confirmed that the plane left Magadan on Saturday morning after necessary engine repairs. The official further said that the aircraft was checked on all safety parameters and certified serviceable before take-off. "We can confirm that a defect in the oil system of one of the aircraft's engines has been rectified by our engineering team that flew on a ferry flight to GDX on June 7. The aircraft was checked on all safety parameters and certified serviceable before take-off from GDX today," the airline's spokesperson said. On Tuesday, an Air India flight, headed to San Francisco from New Delhi with 216 passengers and 16 crew was diverted to Magadan in Russia after a technical issue with one of its engines. A total of 216 passengers and 16 crew members aboard the aircraft were stranded in the small town till Thursday morning, when the rescue flight sent by Air India took off for their intended destination, San Francisco, from Magadan. However, Indian passengers stranded in Russia's Magadan have expressed their gratitude to the Russian authorities for their assistance after a reserve flight on Thursday transported all passengers to San Francisco. However, in a statement on Thursday morning, the airline said it had mobilised additional on-ground support at the destination to carry out the smooth clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival. Air India has said that it will refund journey fare and provide a voucher for future travel to passengers who were stranded for nearly two days in Magadan after their New Delhi-San Francisco flight was diverted to the Russian city following a technical snag in one of its engines. In a letter to the passengers, the airline said that the pilots received an indication of low oil pressure in one engine and out of caution, they elected to land the aircraft at a nearby airport. "Please allow me to sincerely apologise, on behalf of Air India, for the extended delay in bringing you to San Francisco. As you are all too aware, the aircraft encountered a technical issue whereby the pilots received an indication of low oil pressure in one engine. Out of caution, they elected to land the aircraft at a nearby airport rather than continue the journey," the letter said. (ANI) Two persons were arrested by the police in connection with the murder of a Congress worker in Khargram, Murshidabad, West Bengal on Saturday. The Congress leader was allegedly murdered at Khargram of Murshidabad on Saturday. Public Prosecutor Subhra Mishra Kandi told ANI that the accused have been sent to a ten-day police remand to recover the weapon used in the crime, which was reported to be an iron rod and a local gun. "They attacked with an iron rod and a local gun. They were injured and one of them died at the hospital. They have been sent to a 10-day police remand for the recovery of the offending weapon," Subhra Mishra Kandi, a Public Prosecutor told ANI. Further details are awaited. In response to the alleged killing, Congress workers held a demonstration outside the West Bengal State Election Commission office in Kolkata. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government, accusing it of protecting the culprits involved in the murder. "A Congress worker was murdered at Khargram in Murshidabad. The incident took place in the run-up to the panchayat elections. The accused is being shielded by the administration in the wake of the killing. We will hold protests against this. Does the TMC want a bullet election or a ballot election? We will not allow TMC to indulge in this politics of blood," he said. He further accused the TMC of "intimidating" the Opposition parties ahead of the Panchayat polls. "Our worst fears around the panchayat polls are ringing true. The ruling party in Bengal is resorting to unchecked hooliganism and using the administration to unleash terror on the Opposition forces ahead of the panchayat polls. We are being intimidated in a planned manner. They don't want the panchayat polls in Murshidabad and elsewhere to be held in police," Chowdhury told. The panchayat elections in West Bengal are to be held on July 8 in a single phase and votes will be counted on July 11, the state poll panel said on Thursday. These elections are expected to witness a fierce competition between the ruling TMC and the principal opposition, the BJP. They are being seen as a litmus test for both parties ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year. (ANI) The Sindh Assembly saw a heated debate over the alleged kidnapping of a teenage Hindu girl, named Sohna Sharma. Mukesh Kumar Chawla, the provincial minister, gave the house assurances that the government would take the required steps to invoke and enforce the applicable laws. He clearly asserted that no one should be forced to convert under pressure while emphasising the fundamental right of people to freely select their religion. The assembly session under the leadership of Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani began after a two-hour delay. Lal Chand, a PPP MPA, voiced his outrage at the purported kidnapping of Sohna Sharma, 14, who is a member of the minority Hindu community. Chand claimed that the minority populations' voices were being silenced even on the most minor issues after the speaker told him to raise his concerns later. Chand was silenced when the speaker responded by turning off his microphone. Later, Chand informed the lawmakers that Sharma, a 14-year-old member of their community, had been kidnapped in Qazi Ahmad. Her nikahnama (marriage certificate), which proved that she had wed a man of her choosing, was then produced. Pakistan, which is already struggling with the adverse political and economic situation and continues to bear the brunt of forced marriages and conversions, Human Rights Without Frontiers reported. Human Rights Without Frontiers is a Europe-based organization that tracks incidents worldwide where people are imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief. According to the data compiled by one of Christian Solidarity Worldwide's (CSW) local partners in Pakistan, the Centre for Social Justice, 202 incidents were recorded and documented between 2021 and 2022. Almost all of them took place within the Sindh and Punjab provinces. Out of 202 cases, 120 Hindu women and girls, 80 Christians and 2 Sikhs. The figures show that girls from "low" caste Hindu communities are the most at-risk group. And among those figures, only 20 were confirmed to be over 18 years old and 133 were under 18 (including 55 under 14 years old). In the remaining 49 cases, the age was unknown or unconfirmed. In the data, CSW said a Hindu woman named Pooja Kumari was 18-years-old, when on March 21, 2022, three men made an intrusion into her home, near the Chhuahra Mandi area of Sukkur in Sindh. One of the men is said to have asked Kumari to marry him but when she refused, he and the others attempted to abduct her. As she resisted, they shot her, according to Human Rights Without Frontiers. Earlier, on October 26, 2022, six UN Special Rapporteurs, including the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, and the Working Group on the discrimination against women and girls released a common statement from which Jonathan de Leyser excluded qualifying words such as "allegedly" and "reportedly" when he quoted a part of it "because these are all facts that CSW could confirm." "These women and girls are then (reportedly) forced by their abductors to appear before courts and give testimony and/or sign official documents which attest to their being of age and having married and converted to Islam of their own free will. This coercion (reportedly) takes place under the threat of violence against them or their families. Perpetrators of these offences (are alleged to) enjoy a significant degree of impunity, enabled in part by the actions of the security forces and the justice system," Jonathan de Leyser said. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu on Friday arrived in Delhi after concluding a successful six-day tour to Suriname and Serbia. The President was given a grand welcome at Delhi's Palam Airport by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Minister of State for Health Bharti Pawar. She was welcomed with a Shawl, traditional headgear and a statue of Birsa Munda. President Murmu visited Suriname and Serbia from June 4 to 9. This was her maiden visit to Suriname, at the invitation of Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and also her first state visit since assuming office in July 2022. Murmu also received an invitation from Serbian President Aleksander Vucic to visit his country. "When our President goes to a foreign country and is honoured with the biggest state award, the whole country feels proud. It is something to be proud of. Suriname or Serbia, the way our President was given honour and respect, the whole nation is proud, " Minister Kiren Rijiju said while speaking to ANI. President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the highest civilian award of Suriname -- Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star. "Congratulations to Rashtrapati Ji on being conferred the highest civilian award of Suriname - Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star. This special gesture from the Government and people of Suriname symbolizes the enduring friendship between our countries", the Prime Minister said in a tweet. "President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn successfully concludes her visit to Suriname & Serbia. The visit has set new milestones in India's ties with the two countries," tweeted MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Friday. President Droupadi Murmu and Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday agreed to set a target for bilateral trade from the present 32 crore Euros to one billion euros by the end of the decade, the Ministry of External Affairs said. During the business event, both leaders agreed to set a target for bilateral trade from the present 32 crores to a billion euros by the end of the decade, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary-West Sanjay Verma said in a media briefing. MEA Secretary said President Droupadi Murmu had a packed day of official engagements, which started with a guard of honour at the Serbia Palace, followed by restricted-level talks, delegation-level talks, a joint address to the media and a business event. "During the interactions on Thursday morning, both presidents reiterated old commitments and resolved to explore new areas of cooperation for further strengthening bilateral relations," MEA Secretary West Sanjay Verma said. The Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, Dr Vladimir Orlic, also called on President Murmu. Later, President Droupadi Murmu laid a wreath on the memorial of the unknown warrior atop Mountain Avala in Belgrade. During delegation-level talks, President Vucic was joined by the Ministers of Defense, Agriculture, Culture, Health, mining and Energy, construction, transport and infrastructure, trade and tourism, and youth, which means eight members of the Cabinet were present today for the delegation-level talks. Each participating minister was briefed about the potential in their respective sectors, Sanjay added. At the outset, President Vucic expressed his condolences for the loss of lives in the triple train accident in Odisha. During the bilateral interactions, both leaders reiterated their principle stand on the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. President Butcheck described Serbia's relationship with India as a fraternity. He termed India as a time-tested, friendly country and told the Indian president to consider Serbia as a second motherland. President Vucic identified six major areas of cooperation. "These included defence and military tech cooperation pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial cooperation, information technology, AI cultural cooperation, including film production and cemetery graphics". Both sides discussed "cooperation in the field of culture, particularly in cinema films, and tourism came up repeatedly". Serbia sees the potential of attracting Indian filmmakers for shooting post-production and during the visit, there is a high-profile Indian film crew shooting in this country. Murmu reached Suriname on June 4 and towards the end of her visit, she said that a mini India resides in Suriname and highlighted the significant contributions made by Indians in various aspects of Suriname's development, including the economy, society, and culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her on the honour saying that this special gesture from the government and the people of Suriname symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two countries. During her visit, she also met people of Indian origin living in Suriname at a community reception which was also attended by Suriname President Chandikaprasad Santokhi. Addressing the people present on the occasion, President Draupadi Murmu said, "It is a matter of pride for us that Indians have reached the highest positions in Suriname." "My first state visit after assuming office is to Suriname. It is a privilege for me to be part of the celebration of 150 years of the arrival of Indians in Suriname. It is a matter of pride for us that Indians have reached the highest positions in Suriname. Indians have been contributing significantly to the development of Suriname economically, socially and culturally," President Murmu said. She further said the Centre's policy is to build permanent relations with all its friendly countries. "Today India is moving fast towards development, India has always been ahead in helping its friendly countries regarding vaccines and medicines," she added. Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santoki, while addressing the event, said that Suriname will further strengthen the 47 years of relationship with India. "We are celebrating 150 years of Indian coming to Suriname, we are overwhelmed to wholeheartedly welcome the President of India on this occasion. We will further strengthen the 47 years of relationship between Suriname and India, and will further strengthen cultural and social-religious ties. Despite the distance of thousands of kilometres, a mini India resides in Suriname. Our relations have become stronger after Draupadi Murmu ji's visit. I say thanks on behalf of the people of Suriname," he said. Earlier, President Murmu paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi's statue along with her Suriname counterpart Chandrikapersad Santokhi in Knuffelsgracht of capital Paramaribo on Tuesday. "Remembering the lasting legacy of Mahatma. President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn & President @CSantokhi of Suriname paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Paramaribo," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted. (ANI) "In a few weeks, X/Twitter will start paying creators for ads served in their replies. The first block payment totals USD 5M. Note, the creator must be verified and only ads served to verified users count," Musk tweeted on Saturday. Meanwhile, it was recently reported that Elon Musk has yet again claimed his position as the world's richest person after beating the CEO of the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton Bernard Arnault, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, as of Thursday, Musk's net worth was about USD 192 billion, with Arnault's USD 187 billion. Index data showed behind Musk and Arnault are Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates at USD 144 billion and USD 125 billion, respectively. The index is a daily ranking of the world's wealthiest people. Details about the calculations are provided in the net worth analysis on each billionaire's profile page. The figures are updated at the close of every trading day in New York. (ANI) Xi, Ramaphosa hold phone talks over bilateral ties, Ukraine crisis Xinhua) 08:58, June 10, 2023 BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held phone talks with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, pledging to promote China-South Africa ties, and calling for favorable conditions to solve the Ukraine crisis. Xi said China and South Africa are both important major developing countries and the two enjoy special friendly relations like brothers. China-South Africa relations are of important strategic significance to safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and guiding China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, Xi said. He said this year marks the "Year of South Africa" for BRICS, and the development of bilateral relations is facing important opportunities. China is ready to work with South Africa to upgrade bilateral relations, build a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future, jointly practice genuine multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and make the international order more just and equitable. China, Xi said, supports South Africa, as the rotating chair, in successfully hosting various BRICS cooperation activities this year. South Africa highly cherishes and is deeply proud of the strong and high-level strategic partnership with China, Ramaphosa said. Cooperation between the two countries benefits Africa, he said, adding that South Africa is committed to working with China to promote the continuous development of South Africa-China relations. South Africa will deepen communication and coordination with China and other BRICS members to strengthen BRICS cooperation, Ramaphosa added. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Ramaphosa said that South Africa supports China's position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and hopes that relevant parties could resume negotiations at an early date. A peace delegation consisting of leaders of six African countries, including South Africa, will visit Russia and Ukraine to push for an end to the crisis as soon as possible, he added. Xi told Ramaphosa that China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent, which is to promote peace talks. The Chinese leader said that he hopes all parties will build up favorable conditions for solving the crisis through dialogue, adding that it is a good thing that President Ramaphosa and leaders of relevant African countries formed a peace delegation to visit Russia and Ukraine. It is also hoped that peace-loving countries worldwide which uphold justice can make a rational voice to promote peace talks, Xi said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Pakistan's multiple crises have become the breeding ground for heightened faith-driven terror attacks, marking a 73 per cent rise in incidents and casualties since August 2021, according to security experts within and outside the country. Pakistani analyst Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director of the Center for Research and Security Studies, Islamabad, wrote for East Asia Forum in March that terrorist attacks peaked in 2013, averaging just under four attacks a day, with nearly 2700 total fatalities. The latest trends suggest that 2023 may be worse, with almost 200 terror-related incidents and at least 340 fatalities by March. The trend has bucked since then. As politicians squabble amid an unprecedented economic crisis, the Pakistan Army, the state's principal executive arm tackling terrorism has been bogged down in political fire-fighting and to retain its own dominance and control. Analysts say this has badly hit its efforts to chase the terrorists. The resurgent violence by ISIS-linked ethnic Pashtun and Baloch terrorists and separatists has been attributed by critics to the Pakistani military's involvement in national politics. Former Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa in a televised speech on November 27, 2022, just days before his resignation, conceded that the military had been meddling in politics, despite a conscious decision in early 2021 to stop 'unconstitutional interference'. Even after his retirement, Bajwa admitted to 'managing' Pakistani politicians, journalists and foreign affairs. The chicken has come home to roost with Bajwa's successor, Gen Asim Munir fighting dissension within his own top brass and sections of the politicians led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan's terror spike has to do with the Taliban's return to power in Kabul in August 2021. Far from returning the favours shown by Islamabad for two decades, the new rulers have sheltered Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the umbrella group that has been on a rampage with renewed vigour. Kabul denies sheltering them but is not ready to evacuate them either. Gul sees "a new terror triad." "At the centre of this violence is a new terror triad. It comprises the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the ethnic Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), the regional chapter of ISIS." In his maiden press briefing in April, ISPR Director General Maj General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that at least 293 people were killed and 521 were injured in 436 terrorist incidents over the past year. In KP, 192 people were killed in 219 terror activities, while 80 people lost lives in 206 incidents in Balochistan, 14 people in five attacks in Punjab, and seven in six terrorism incidents across Sindh. The DG ISPR had also said that overall 137 security personnel were killed and 117 injured in anti-terror operations during 2023. By March, 854 people were killed. Despite the government's declaration of success and a decline in the frequency of attacks in recent years, the TTP and other terrorists continue to operate and carry out major attacks, according to Global Conflict Tracker (GCT), the research wing of the Council for Foreign Relations (CFR), an American think tank. The GCT/CFR analysis says that the military, which has historically been dominant over civilian governments, is believed to still be providing support to the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and other militant proxy groups that often collaborate with the TTP. According to Gul's analysis, an absence of cohesive civil-military action may also be a major contributing factor. It encourages the TTP to escalate their terror campaign, dubbed as 'proxy terrorists' by Pakistani officials. In sum, the situation points to each player in Pakistan's crisis - the army, the politicians, the terrorists and even the judiciary - as part of the problem, not so much the solution to the crises that could worsen with time. (ANI) The G20 Development Ministers' Meeting under the G20 Indian Presidency is scheduled to be held between June 11-13 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will chair the meeting. The meeting, to be held as part of India's G20 Presidency, will also see a special video address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official release. The Varanasi Development Ministers' Meeting takes place in the midst of mounting developmental challenges that have been made worse by the slowdown in the global economy, debt distress, the effects of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, rising poverty and inequality, the cost of living crisis, supply chain disruptions around the world, and geopolitical tensions and conflicts. The G20 Development Ministerial meeting will be an opportunity to collectively agree on actions for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering synergies between the development, environment and climate agendas while avoiding costly trade-offs that hold back progress for the developing countries, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in its release. The Varanasi gathering follows the Voice of the Global South Summit, which was hosted by India in January 2023. The decisions made at the Varanasi meeting will also have an impact on the United Nations SDG Summit, which will be held in New York in September. Further, according to the official release, the meeting will consist of two main sessions -- one on 'Multilateralism: Collective Actions for Accelerating Progress towards SDGs' and another on 'Green Development: A LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Approach'. The Development Ministers' Meeting was preceded by the fourth and final Development Working Group (DWG) Meeting, which was held in Delhi from June 6-9. The DWG, while building on the crucial work done by previous G20 presidencies, has carried forward its mandate of enhancing G20's contribution to accelerating progress towards SDGs and strengthening G20 long-term vision in this regard including by strengthening G20 efforts towards fostering sustainable, inclusive and resilient economic growth. To give the delegates a taste of Varanasi's rich culture and traditions, cultural programmes, exhibitions, and excursions have also been planned. A total of 200 delegates are expected to attend the meeting. (ANI) Taking to Twitter, he extended his greetings to his Portugal counterpart Joao Cravinho and said, "Warm greetings to FM @JoaoCravinho and the Government and people of Portugal on their National Day." "Our multifaceted bilateral partnership and EU engagement is growing from strength to strength," Jaishankar added. Both India and Portugal share warm and cordial relations with each other. Although the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had a dampening effect on commercial activity, including tourism flows. However, bilateral trade has nonetheless flourished between the two nations. India joining the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) in July 2021 has further added a new dimension to New Delhi's relations with Portugal and the Lusophonic world, with events like India celebrating Portuguese Language Day and organising a Lusophone Cultural Festival in Goa further strengthening the ties. Earlier, in October last year, India and Portugal held the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) in Lisbon. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed cooperation in defence, cultural and people-to-people relations, among others. The consultations were co-chaired by Sanjay Verma, secretary (West) in MEA and envoy Rui Vinhas, director general for Foreign Policy in Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomat Verma also called on Francisco Andre, secretary of state for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Portugal, the Ministry of External Affairs said in the press release. The two sides carried out a comprehensive review of bilateral relations with a focus on issues like high-level political engagements, implementation of migration and mobility agreements, and deepening of trade and economic ties. They explored new and existing cooperation avenues in science and technology, defence, cultural and people-to-people relations. (ANI) The two leaders reviewed bilateral, regional and global issues, including cooperation in BRICS. The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation, which is anchored in historic and strong people-to-people ties, the Prime Minister's office said in an official release today. The foreign ministers from the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) recently met in Cape Town to attend the meeting from June 1-2. The bloc's current chair, South Africa hosted the BRICS foreign ministers conference in the South African capital. During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi thanked the South African President for the relocation of 12 Cheetahs to India earlier this year. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in BRICS in the context of South Africa's chairmanship this year, the official release read. PM Modi was briefed by President Ramaphosa on the African Leaders' Peace Initiative. The PM reaffirmed India's persistent demand for dialogue and diplomacy as the best course of action, noting that India supported all efforts to secure long-lasting peace and stability in Ukraine. During India's current G20 Presidency, President Ramaphosa expressed his complete support for its initiatives and expressed excitement for his upcoming trip to India. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch. (ANI) Sikyong Penpa Tsering, head of the Tibetan administration in exile, emphasized the importance of establishing an alliance with like-minded diplomatic allies and partners to confront their common adversary, China, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported. He made the remarks at a conference to discuss China and the Changing Global Order in Dharamshala. The three-day conference was conducted in Dharamshala in which around 50 research scholars and experts held discussions to counter the threats posed by China. At the inaugural session on June 8, Sikyong Penpa Tsering and representatives of nations and ethnic groups facing China's repressive policies and programs expressed their views on China's internal political dynamics vis-a-vis its evolving foreign policy. In his address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering stressed on the need to jointly pool together each effort and resource in a periodic assessment of the developing situation in China. He said, "We need to jointly pool together every effort and resource in the periodic assessment of the developing situation in China and its approach to global governance," Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported. The participants discussed and deliberated on wide-ranging key issues concerning Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Taiwanese and Mongolians, CTA reported. Furthermore, he expressed optimism about the conference implementing an action plan to tackle the threats posed by China. The representatives from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Inner Mongolia and Uyghur agreed on the common need to form an alliance in addressing the increasing repression of China, according to CTA report. The conference has been organised by the Tibet Policy Institute of the Department of Information and International Relations, CTA. Earlier in May, Gonpo Dhondhup, President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) called for international support for Tibet amid China's repression and breaches of human rights, reported Tibet Rights Collective (TRC). "It's been one week since the start of TYC's #TibetMatters rally & the energy is still going strong!" tweeted TRC. Notably, "Tibet Matters March" comes in the wake up of the recent disinformation campaign against Dalai Lama. Speaking on the importance of the need to educate the world about Tibet and Tibetan culture, Dhondhup said, "Our march also plays an important role in educating the masses. We were very pained and hurt by the recent incidents. It was sad to see people misjudging Dalai lama based on a few seconds of an edited video. It has hurt the sentiments of millions of Tibetans, Buddhist followers, and admirers of the Dalai Lama around the world. So through this campaign, we aim at creating awareness among the people of what is our struggle, and what is our culture." (ANI) A Georgia man was sentenced to 18 years in prison after being found guilty of sneaking illegal immigrants through the Canadian border in North Dakota. According to court documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News, the Pembina County Sheriffs Office in Pembina, North Dakota, received reports of a motorist assistance call on Nov. 17 at 3:34 a.m. When deputies arrived, they found 39-year-old Ernesto Falcon Jr. and 38-year-old Rodolfo Arzola-Carrillo, both of Tifton, Georgia, who informed them that their vehicle was stuck in the ditch and that they were walking down the road with their family. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Deputies noted that Falcon and the eight people he was with were dressed in heavy winter clothing and appeared to be prepared for the weather conditions, leading them to believe they would smuggle someone or something into the United States. All nine people were taken to the sheriffs office after asking law enforcement to assist them in getting a hotel for the night. According to court documents, seven individuals admitted to a Border Patrol agent that they were in the United States illegally. Only Falcon and Arzola-Carrillo admitted to being United States citizens. Falcon told agents that they had helped the seven illegal immigrants cross into the United States from Canada by entering Canada from the U.S. side of the border and guiding them back through security. TRENDING STORIES: Court documents said that Falcon was approached by Arzola-Carrillo while employed at Arzola Construction in Georgia and asked Falcon about the possibility of doing some extra work by assisting in smuggling people, primarily his family members, into the U.S. According to officials, Falcon and Arzola-Carrillo made four trips in Sept. 2022 and Oct. 2022 before being caught in Nov. 2022 during their fifth trip. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Falcon added that he got paid $500 to $1,000 per subject he smuggled in. On Wednesday, Arzola-Carrillo was found guilty of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Falcon will be sentenced in August, according to court documents. IN OTHER NEWS: 2 Tallmadge officers recognized for work on 2 cold murder cases from the 1970s Two Tallmadge officers who helped solve two murder cases from the 1970s were recognized this week with Distinguished Service Awards. Retired Capt. Doug Bohon and Officer Dave Chochola received the honor from the Tallmadge Police Department and Fraternal Order of Police No. 111 in a ceremony Thursday night. Doug Bohon, the retired Tallmadge police captain who reopened the investigation of two killings from the 1970s, testifies during Gustave Sapharas' murder trial March 15 at the Summit County Courthouse in Akron. Bohon and Chochola reopened the investigations into the murders of Karen Bentz of Akron, who was killed in 1970, and Loretta Jean Davis of Brimfield, who was slain in 1975. This resulted in the arrest and recent conviction of Gustave Sapharas, who was accused both of the two murders and of the sexual assaults of several women. Gustave Sapharas listens to his attorneys talk after he was sentenced to life in prison on April 4 for the decades-old slayings of Karen Bentz of Akron and Loretta Jean Davis of Brimfield. Sapharas was convicted in a jury trial in Summit County Common Pleas Court and sentenced in April to life in prison without the possibility of parole. More: 'I hope you burn in hell,' sister of Akron woman slain 53 years ago tells convicted killer Sgt. Derek Heatwell said these cold murder cases are among the 10 oldest solved cold cases in the United States and were next to impossible to crack. He said Bohon and Chochola worked on them for nearly two years. It was impressive to see how they pieced it together, Heatwell said. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Tallmadge officers lauded for work on two cold murder cases A Texas community is mourning the death of 24-year-old Akira Ross, whose father and girlfriend claim was fatally shot by a stranger who was shouting gay slurs at her. Ross was killed at about 9:50 p.m. on June 2 at a Circle K in Cedar Park, a suburb of Austin, where she had stopped for gas with her girlfriend, Tanya, and another friend. Tanya (who did not provide her last name to protect her privacy) told the Austin American-Statesman that a man yelled gay slurs at Ross as they walked into the store. While Ross was pumping gas, the man, identified by police as Bradley Stanford, 23, continued to harass her, Tanya told the American-Statesman, adding that he suddenly opened fire, killing Ross. No one else was hurt, and Stanford drove off. It was a hate crime, Rosss father, Anthony Hill, told HuffPost. He was calling her gay girl, dyke girl thats hate, any way you look at it. Akira Ross, 24, was shot and killed on June 2 at a Circle K in Cedar Park, a suburb of Austin, Texas. Akira Ross, 24, was shot and killed on June 2 at a Circle K in Cedar Park, a suburb of Austin, Texas. Stanford was arrested two days later in Ingleside, more than 200 miles away near Corpus Christi, the Cedar Park Police Department said in a statement. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held on $1 million bond. It is unclear whether authorities consider the killing to be motivated by hate. I am only able to confirm right now that this remains an ongoing investigation, and we are actively looking at all avenues of this case, a spokesperson for the Cedar Park Police Department told HuffPost. Though Texas does not have a hate crime statute, state law does allow sentencing enhancements if certain crimes are committed because of bias or prejudice. One of Rosss greatest joys was music, according to her father. She loved to write music, perform music, hip-hop music. She was a leader... a woman who knew what she wanted out of life, he said. Just the look in her eye, that sign, that glow. It would just attract you to her. Rosss mother died just two and half years ago, Hill noted, adding, Losing her mother, thats hard enough, because I lost my daughter too. Its a hard pill to swallow. Hill said he was proud that his daughter, who was killed on the second day of Pride month, was open about her sexuality. Im the type of father I let my kids live their life and whatever they do, Im going to support it 150%... You cant be the judge or juror of anybody in this society nowadays... If you dont like it, just look the other way. Its none of your business anyway. The day before Ross was killed, a gay couple bought a car from Hill, a salesperson at a dealership, which they planned to pick up the next day. When they called to meet, Hill said he told them, My daughter just got murdered it was a hate crime. They killed her because she was gay. One of the buyers, Christopher Salas, asked Hill for permission to set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. Im asking for the community and allies to come together in order to support the loss of our LGBTQIA+ sibling, Salas wrote on the crowdfunding page. This loss comes so quickly into the beginning of our month where most can feel at liberty to be free and to be their selves. The family plans to hold a balloon release ceremony in memory of Ross on Friday at her grandmothers house in Austin. Subscribe to our true crime newsletter, Suspicious Circumstances, to get the biggest unsolved mysteries, white-collar scandals, and captivating cases delivered straight to your inbox every week. Sign up here. Related... 3 teens say they went to Coweta County to break into cars, arrested for stealing one, deputies say A trio of teenagers are in custody after telling authorities they traveled to a metro Atlanta county to break into cars, but ended up stealing one and leading deputies on a chase. Coweta County deputies say they saw a stolen car in the parking lot of Dicks Sporting Goods. When the teens inside saw them, they drove off and began speeding through a busy area near Ashley Park. Once they got away from an area filled with pedestrians, deputies performed a PIT maneuver to stop the car. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] All three teens got out of the car and began running. The driver, 17-year-old Jason Lewis Stephenson, dropped a bag with a gun inside while he was running. He was arrested in the woods a short time later. Two 16-year-old passengers were also arrested. They have not been identified. The car they were in was determined to have been stolen from DeKalb County. TRENDING STORIES: Stephenson was charged with two counts of theft by receiving, fleeing and attempting to elude and obstruction. The passengers were charged with two counts of theft by receiving and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The 16-year-olds are being held in the Youth Detention Center and Stephenson was taken to the Coweta County Jail. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Mourners hold candles while observing a moment of silence during a vigil outside the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for the mass shooting victims at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. Mourners hold candles while observing a moment of silence during a vigil outside the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for the mass shooting victims at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 13, 2016. Credit - Brendan SmialowskiAFP/Getty Images Growing up in rural Oregon, I often dreamt of a world where I could be all of myself. A world where I didnt feel the nagging societal pressure to be Black enough for some spaces and white enough for others. A world that saw my queerness not as a dealbreaker, but as a superpower. Pulse Nightclub embodied that for me. After packing two suitcases and running away to the refuge of Orlando, I uncovered what I had been looking for. The spinning disco balls and strobe beams ricocheting across the bar dared all of us to dance like no one was watching. The beats radiating from the floorboards unearthed our authenticity, nudging us into rhythmic protest against a world that had always told us to uncross our legs, stiffen our wrists, and deepen the gravel in our voices. There was safety there. Inside those walls, we were normal. When I close my eyes at night, I can remember the moments when that normal shattered into a million shards on June 12, 2016. I can feel it, hear it, see it. The vibrant poster above the urinal. The cup teetering on the edge of the sink, perched precariously as if it might tumble to the tiles below. The first cracks of gunfire from an assault rifle. The stench of blood and smoke wafting into the room. More from TIME Hours later, the world woke to our horror: 49 dead; 53 injured. LGBTQ communities across the globe reeled with the jarring reminder that no space is a safe space when your very humanity is perpetually up for debate. The celebrations over marriage equality and surging social acceptance were suddenly cleaved by violence. Overnight, ours was a community under siege, picking up the broken pieces of the nations deadliest attack on LGBTQ people in history. This community remains under siege today. Florida, just years removed from that horrifying tragedy, has become synonymous with the breathtaking assaults on LGBTQ civil rights sweeping the nation. From book censorship to health care prohibitions on trans youth to bathroom bans, Gov. Ron DeSantis and his right wing allies have ushered in a raft of dehumanizing policies designed to build political careers at the expense of our civil liberties. These laws are all animated by the same dangerous ideology that has long been used to rationalize discrimination and violence against LGBTQ people: That we are a contagion whose spread can only be stopped by wielding the power of government to censor us out of society. This utterly absurd argument is peddled alongside promises to protect the children from us in an effort to force us back into that makeshift closet. Read More: Were Here, Were Queer, Were Getting Married in Florida The demonization of LGBTQ people isnt new. Whether it was the police raids that led to the Stonewall Riots or the HIV/AIDS crisis that fueled the ACT UP movement, this community has had its back against the wall countless times before. And at each pivotal point in history, we blazed a new path forward. We willed a better, more inclusive future into existence by sharing our stories unapologetically and choosing radical love over the ferocious hate threatening to consume us. In the wake of the tragedy at Pulse seven years ago, Orlando faced a similar critical choice. We could succumb to the TV pundits. We could beat the drums of war. Or we could choose love. We could embody the spirit of Pulse itself, unapologetically becoming a city that dares everyone to dance as if no one is watching. We chose the latter. We chose love over hate. When I left home in search of a place to belong, I didnt expect to fall in love with a new community. I never thought Id watch that community traverse the flames of militarized hatred. And I couldnt have imagined that our struggle to put the pieces back together might demonstrate to a weary nation that when hate tries to demonize our neighbors, terrorize them into submission, and tear us apart at the seams, there is another path. We simply must choose to walk it together. UPDATE: Garri Zhitomirskiy has been found safe, according to state police. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ State police are looking for the publics help in locating a missing 87-year-old Boston man who was last seen at Logan International Airport on Saturday morning. Garri Zhitomirskiy was last seen at Logan Airport at 10:50 a.m. Saturday, state police said. Police described Zhitomirskiy as standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. When he was last seen, he was wearing a gray sweatshirt, dark gray sweatpants, and a gray shirt depicting the Statue of Liberty, black cap, and light blue sneakers with white soles, state police said. SILVER ALERT cont.-ZHITOMIRSKIY may be carrying a blue shoulder bag and wearing his passport around his neck in a red sleeve. Hes not in possession of a phone, or funds, and speaks primarily Russian and Ukrainian. If seen, please call MSP-Troop F at (617) 568-7300. Tweet 2of 2. https://t.co/ecRUay2NHr pic.twitter.com/ohDeoNq6sx Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) June 10, 2023 Zhitomirskiy may be carrying a blue shoulder bag and wearing his passport around his neck in a red sleeve, state police said. He does not have a cell phone or money and he speaks primarily in Russian and/or Ukrainian. Anyone who sees Zhitomirskiy is urged to call state police at 617-568-7300. 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 Aftermath of HPP blowing up: water level recedes in Kherson Oblast, but future rains will slow down this process Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson Oblast Military Administration, has said that the water receded by 31 centimetres from the evening of 9 June to the morning of 10 June, but rains are expected in the oblast, which will slow down this process. Source: Prokudin in the morning video address Details: Prokudin noted that currently the average level of flooding in Kherson Oblast is currently 4.72 metres. He emphasised that rains are expected in the oblast in the coming days, which will slow down the receding water level in the region. According to Prokudins information, the water has receded by 31 centimetres since yesterday evening. It is known that 35 settlements were flooded on the right bank, and 3,763 houses are under water. On 9 June, 248 people were evacuated to safe areas. In total, 2,588 people were rescued from the water trap. Background: On the morning of 6 June, Ukraines Operational Command Pivden (South) reported that Russian occupation forces had blown up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), completely destroying the dam and the power plant's turbine hall. The draining of the Kakhovka Reservoir threatens the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant has caused an environmental disaster. The water from the reservoir has begun to flood towns and villages, and evacuations of local residents from dangerous areas have begun. It has caused problems with the water supply in the cities of Kryvyi Rih, Marhanets and Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the disaster at the Kakhovka HPP caused by Russia would neither stop Ukraine from liberating its own territory nor increase the chances of the occupiers staying on this land. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is greeted in the dugout after hitting a three-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) DETROIT (AP) The Arizona Diamondbacks started the year with relatively low expectations from those outside their clubhouse. Manager Torey Lovullo and his players, meanwhile, always believed this season would be successful. So far, it looks like they're right. Nick Ahmed hit a two-run homer in the second inning, Lourdes Gurriel followed with a three-run blast in the fifth and the NL West-leading Diamondbacks beat the slumping Detroit Tigers 5-0 Saturday. We have the right pieces, Lovullo said. We have really good players on this team. Am I surprised? No." Arizona, which has won four straight, is 14 games over .500 for the first time in nearly five years. We have a lot of talent in this room, and guys that are hungry," Ahmed said. Detroit, which has lost eight straight games, was shut out for the third time this month and eighth time this season. We've got to find a different way and we havent really done that in this stretch, manager A.J. Hinch said. Ryne Nelson (3-3) threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings. After walking two straight to load the bases, Nelson was replaced by right-hander Austin Adams, who ended the sixth by getting Zack Short out on a fly to center. That's huge, Nelson said. Feel really good with him coming in the game right there. I definitely wanted to go six, and maybe even more, but I made a couple mistakes and walked a couple guys. Nelson, who gave up four hits and struck out four, would have had a chance to match his career high with a seven-inning outing if he stayed out of trouble in the sixth. There was a thought there that he was going to touch the seventh inning, Lovullo said. That's how well he was throwing. Detroit's Matthew Boyd (3-5) allowed five earned runs for the second time in three starts and third time in six outings. Made a few mistakes, and a few of them were all the damage in the game, Boyd said. Tigers fans didn't have much to cheer about, but they did get a chance in the second and ninth when fading star Miguel Cabrera hit a double in each inning. The 40-year-old Cabrera, who is retiring after this season, matched Ty Cobb's total of extra-base hits (1,136) for 15th on the all-time list and tied Dave Winfield for 22nd all time with 3,110 career hits. BOUNCING BACK Gurriel played for the first time in a week, returning from a break to let his right groin heal, and looked healthy when he hit a shot over the left-field fence. You throw the wrong pitch at the wrong time to the wrong hitter in the wrong area, and thats dangerous, Hinch said. TRAINERS ROOM Diamondbacks: LHP Anthony Misiewicz, who was on the 15-day injured list with a strained right calf, was reinstated and optioned to Triple-A Reno. Tigers: OF Akil Baddoo went on the 10-day injured list with a right quadriceps strain after leaving Friday's game with an injury. Nick Solak was recalled from Triple-A Toledo to take Baddoo's roster spot. ... OF Matt Vierling (lower back) has begun a rehab assignment with the Mud Hens. UP NEXT Wrapping up their only series this season, the Diamondbacks expect to have a big advantage on the mound with RHP Zac Gallen (7-2, 2.75) and Tigers LHP Joey Wentz (1-6) scheduled to start in a game that begins Sunday at 11:35 a.m. in Detroit and 8:35 a.m. in Arizona. We know how early it is back home," said Lovullo, whose major league playing career began with the Tigers in 1988. Hopefully our body clocks have adjusted. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Credit - Eisai Inc. A panel of experts who advise the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agreed on June 9 that a late-stage study of a drug for Alzheimers disease showed that it was beneficial in slowing cognitive decline. Lecanemab (brand name: Leqembi), made by Eisai and Biogen, was granted accelerated FDA approval in Jan. 2023 based on early-stage studies of the drugs effectiveness, and the companies submitted additional data to support full approval for the drug. The six-member committees vote was unanimous that the additional study verified the clinical benefit of lecanemab. If the FDA grants the drug full approval, more patients would have access to it. Currently, not all people who need it can receive it: the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which operates Medicare, has said it will not cover the drug for most patients unless it receives full approval. Under accelerated approval, patients can only get the drug if they either pay the out-of-pocket price of $26,500 a year or if they are enrolled in a clinical trial that continues to monitor the drugs safety and effectiveness. One big loophole remains Even if the drug becomes fully approved, CMS said in a statement on June 1 that it would cover the drug for patients who agreed to enroll in a national registry that collects evidence about how these drugs work in the real world. The requirement is the same that CMS used for the first FDA-approved Alzheimers treatment, aducanumab, which was approved despite studies showing differing levels of effectiveness at slowing cognitive decline. Because aducanumab and lecanemab belong to the same class of drugs that target amyloid protein, the agency says the need for additional monitoring is justified. Such a registry does not yet exist, and its still unclear how patients will be able to join it. Advocacy groups like the Alzheimers Association have questioned the need for the additional step, saying that it will make it harder to access to the treatment. We continue to believe that registry as a condition of coverage is an unnecessary barrier, the group said in a statement in response to CMSs decision. More from TIME Not even the makers of the drug understand the move. The question becomes what CMS means by registry or registries, says Ivan Cheung, CEO of Eisai Inc. No one knows the answeronly CMS does. Until CMS puts out an operational manual about how its going to work, we are all guessing. Lecanemabs safety and efficacy In the meeting, panel experts reviewed data from the completed Phase 3 study of the drug, which confirmed that people with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimers dementia who received lecanemab had a 27% slower decline in cognitive abilities compared to those getting placebo. Those receiving the drug also improved their ability to perform daily tasks, such as dressing and feeding themselves, compared to those receiving placebo. Dr. Sarah Cohen, medical director of the Toronto Memory Program and one of the researchers involved in testing the drug, said during the meeting that such improvements in daily living, and any extension of the time that Alzheimers patients can live independently, are crucial. The ability to remain at an earlier stage of disease for a longer period of time is incredibly important, she told the panel. Overall, the panel agreed that the benefits of the drug, which people receive as an infusion every two weeks, outweighed the risks. Some people on the drug developed infusion site reactions and swelling of the brain, called amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, or ARIA. Lecanemabs label currently includes a warning about the risks of ARIAwhich are greater among people who have the ApoE4 gene and are therefore genetically more at risk for Alzheimers diseaseand the need for doctors to monitor patients for signs of it through brain MRIs. The panel members also discussed a small number of hospitalizations and deaths among people in the study taking lecanemab who were also taking blood-thinning medications like anticoagulants. While some felt they would not recommend people on these medications take lecanemab, others said more data were needed to understand the magnitude of the risk, and that until such data became available, it was premature to exclude any such populations from taking the drug. The FDA will now take the opinions of the panel into consideration and make a final decision on whether to grant full approval to lecanemab by July 6. American, JetBlue urge US judge to allow them to keep codeshare arrangements By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - American Airlines and JetBlue Airways asked a U.S. judge late Friday to allow them to continue mutual frequent flyer recognition and codeshare arrangements. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled on May 19 that the airlines must end their Northeast Alliance (NEA) they used to coordinate flights and pool revenue finding the arrangement means higher prices for consumers and ordering the companies to part ways within 30 days. The airlines said Sorokin should allow them to continue codesharing and reciprocal frequent flyer programs, arguing such agreements are lawful and "to ensure that the right airline is paid for the service provided to the consumer." Codeshares allow multiple airlines to sell seats for the same flight. The Justice Department said Sorokin should reject the airlines "invitation to craft a new 'NEA Lite' on the fly." The court should not "bless a different partnership, in a matter of days, simply because it lacks some of the most brazen features of the NEA." The Justice Department and six states sued in 2021 to unwind the NEA announced in 2020, calling it a "de facto merger" of the American and JetBlue Boston and New York operations that removes incentives for them to compete. The department said Friday the airlines "must abandon their entanglements and return to being fully independent competitors to remedy their unlawful distortion of airline competition in the Northeast and beyond." The airlines opposed other proposed U.S. disclosure and monitoring conditions calling them onerous and unnecessary and oppose a two-year ban on any new alliance with any another U.S. air carrier similar to the NEA. The airlines said Sorokin should minimize consumer disruption and not become "the central planner in the unwinding of a multi-year integrated joint venture in violation of cardinal principles of antitrust law." American is the largest U.S. airline by fleet size and low-cost carrier. JetBlue is the sixth largest. American said last week it plans to appeal. JetBlue has not made a decision. The Justice Department argued the alliance gave the airlines more than 80% of market share in flights from Boston to Washington and six other airports including the New York area's JFK, LaGuardia and Newark. Separately, the Justice Department filed suit in March aimed at stopping JetBlue from buying discount rival Spirit Airlines. (Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Diane Craft) Person walking out of the office with a cardboard box. Anchalee Phanmaha | Gettyimages Here are three of the week's top pieces of financial insight, gathered from around the web: The great SPAC robbery Insiders profited to the tune of billions of dollars before their SPAC deals went bust, said Tom McGinty, Shane Shifflett and Amrith Ramkumar in The Wall Street Journal. SPACs, or special-purpose acquisition companies, are shell firms that go public for the sole purpose of merging with a hot startup, which then replaces the SPAC in the stock market. SPAC creators are given a unique incentive: They are allowed to buy 20% of the company at a deep discount. A review of SEC filings found 232 SPACs with insider sales, and "on average, insiders sold about $22 million of shares each" for a total of $22 billion in sales. Some of the biggest winners, like Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson and convicted Nikola founder Trevor Milton, made hundreds of millions of dollars before shares in their companies plummeted. Branson sold 75% of his holdings for more than $1.4 billion; Virgin Galactic shares are down more than 90% from their high. Americans are tired of quitting The "Great Resignation" era appears to be over, said Greg Iacurci at CNBC. Though the labor market remains tight, "the rate at which Americans quit their jobs has steadily declined" during the past year. The "quits rate" dropped to 2.4% in April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that's back to being "roughly on par with the monthly pre-pandemic average." A record 50.5 million people voluntarily left their positions in 2022 to either take a better gig or wait for something else. That's because many workers thanks partly to a savings boost from the pandemic stimulus packages of 2020 and 2021 felt they had unprecedented leverage to demand higher wages or leave unfulfilling jobs. This year, "workers appear more nervous." The downside of the exurban exodus The average annual commute costs $2,000 and takes 39 hours longer than it did before the pandemic, said Chloe Berger in Fortune. An analysis of government data by real estate matching service Clever Real Estate found that "the average American is shelling out $8,466 and spends 239 hours" simply getting to and from the office. Many workers who moved out of cities to work remotely during the pandemic are now being called back to the office, "making the commute a bit longer (and more expensive)." The cost of commuting is a big reason why "many workers are so resistant" to returning to their desks. 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 4 things to consider when leaving an inheritance 'Jurassic Park' 30th anniversary: 13 things you didn't know about the film Supreme Court's surprise Voting Rights Act ruling could help Democrats retake the House Analysis: Boris Johnsons name will go down in history, but for none of the reasons he wants When Boris Johnson became British prime minister in the summer of 2019, he entered Downing Street as the highest-profile individual to do so since his hero, wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill, began his second stint as PM in 1951. Johnson was nothing short of a colossus. A popular columnist, a television star, a celebrated author. For decades, his carefully honed media persona part pseudo-intellectual; part loveable-but-out-of-touch-poshboy won Johnson fans beyond the traditional Conservative base. For years, he was the most electorally successful Conservative in the country, serving as Mayor of London a liberal city where the Conservatives typically struggle. As mayor, he gained a global reputation, appearing at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics; going on US talk shows as a guest; taking center stage at the London Olympics in 2012; being the human embodiment of Brexit an earthquake in global politics and economics. Boris Johnson gets stuck on a zip-line in Victoria Park in London where the 2012 Olympic Games were being shown on a big screen on August 1, 2012. - Kois Miah/Getty Images However, he leaves frontline politics a diminished figure who, for now, seems to have lost all the big arguments and is no longer in control of his legacy. His previous fame and electoral success could not protect him from crashing down to earth as the final months of his premiership became dogged in scandals so severe that his position eventually became untenable. Those scandals have been covered extensively in the international media. From Partygate, in which Johnson became the first sitting prime minister to be issued with a police fine, to his deputy chief whip resigning after allegedly groping someone, Johnsons spent his last few weeks in office clinging desperately to power. What might be less well-known outside of the UK is what happened next. For all that Johnsons supporters agitated for his return when his successor Liz Truss was forced to resign, when push came to shove, his own party thought he was damaged goods and blocked any return to the throne. Since then, its only been his most loyal footsoldiers that have continued banging the Johnson drum. When Johnson gave evidence to a parliamentary committee with a Conservative majority investigating whether or not he deliberately misled parliament over Partygate, you could count his supporters in the room on one hand. They muttered and tutted at others in the room as Johnson was grilled for hours, but they represented a minority view of the people that once supported Johnson whole-heartedly. Johnson attended a Parliament's Privileges Committee hearing, where he gave evidence on whether he deliberately misled parliament over Partygate. - Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images That same day, Johnsons dwindling influence was further underscored as he led a futile rebellion against Sunaks new Brexit deal, something Johnson has publicly criticized. Orthodox thinking in the Conservative party now is that Sunak has saved Brexit from being a total disaster and that Johnson looks slightly ridiculous protesting Sunaks strategy. It is in this context that Johnsons resignation statement should be read. He discredits the inquiry into Partygate, saying they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament. They have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons. He attacks Sunaks approach to Brexit: Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do. We need to show how we are making the most of Brexit We must not be afraid to be a properly Conservative government. And he reminds everyone reading of the monumental battles he won at the ballot box: We need to deliver on the 2019 manifesto, which was endorsed by 14 million people. We should remember that more than 17 million voted for Brexit. Johnson is a man with a keen sense of history and desperately wants his name to go down as one of the most important in Britains. Johnson delivered Brexit in 2016, but it was now Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who received praise from US President Joe Biden for fixing the issue Johnson's deal created with Northern Ireland. - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images A little over a year ago, there was no reason why it wouldnt. He had not only delivered Brexit in 2016, but saved it in 2019 when he took over as PM, negotiated a new deal with the EU at the time considered impossible and called an election at which he won an 80-seat parliamentary majority. He nearly died during the Covid-19 pandemic, but recovered and led one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the world. His steadfast defense of Ukraine has won him such adoration in that country that streets in the capital Kyiv have been renamed in his honor. But all of those things may have been overshadowed. Brexit, his personal victory, is now tarnished. Not only do the majority of Brits now consider it to have been a mistake, it was his nemesis Sunak who received praise from none other than US President Joe Biden for fixing the problems Johnsons deal created with Northern Ireland. His legacy when it comes to Covid wont be the vaccine rollout, but Partygate. And the longer the war in Ukraine rolls on, the more apparent it becomes that the first land war in Europe in decades simply isnt primarily about Boris Johnson. The final indignity for a man who prides himself on his popularity would have been defeat at an election. Johnson and his allies can now forever write an alternative reality, where he either remained in power or came back and won the next general election. By resigning, he has spared himself that fate. And living in denial might be the kindest thing that Johnson could possibly have done for himself and his legacy. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The charging document against former President Donald Trump is seen in Washington By Jack Queen (Reuters) - Donald Trump faces a formidable task defending against charges that he illegally kept top-secret documents upon leaving the White House in 2021, according to legal experts, who said neither the law nor the facts appear to be on his side. The former U.S. president, who is a candidate to run again in the 2024 election, was charged in an indictment unsealed in Florida federal court on Friday. The 37 counts against him include violations of the Espionage Act, obstruction of justice conspiracy and false statements. National security law experts were struck by the breadth of evidence in the indictment which includes documents, photos, text messages, audio and witness statements. They said this made a strong case for prosecutors allegation that Trump illegally took the documents and then tried to cover it up. The details are pretty shocking in terms of the carelessness with which these documents were handled, and the concerted effort to keep them out of the hands of the FBI, said Elizabeth Goitein, a national security law expert at the Brennan Center for Justice. Trumps lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump has proclaimed his innocence and called the case a witch hunt orchestrated by political enemies. "There was no crime, except for what the DOJ and FBI have been doing against me for years, he wrote on his Truth Social platform on Friday. Trump's greatest peril could lie in the conspiracy to obstruct justice charges, which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Legal experts said the evidence appears to show that Trump was aware he had documents in his possession that were subject to a subpoena but refused to turn them over and encouraged his lawyers to mislead the FBI. "That's about as clear a case of obstruction as you could imagine," said Clark Neily, a legal expert at the conservative Cato Institute. Obstruction of justice is a particularly difficult charge to defend against, attorney Mark MacDougall said. It offends people. Hiding things from a lawful legal process. Most people understand why thats a crime," he said. Legal experts said Trump's alleged years-long effort to conceal documents was likely a major factor in special counsel Jack Smith's decision to indict him. 'WORSE THAN THE CRIME' During the investigation, Trump's lawyers told the FBI that they had turned over all classified documents in their possession, which was false. They deny intentionally misleading investigators. "This is a situation where the coverup is worse than the crime," the Brennan Center's Goitein said. "If he had only been negligent, no charges would have been brought." The conspiracy element makes the obstruction charges far more serious, and all prosecutors must prove is that Trump worked with another person to try to hinder the investigation, regardless of whether they succeeded. Cato's Neily said that based on his reading of the indictment, prosecutors likely have many witnesses who have given them similar accounts of Trump's efforts. Trump has claimed he declassified the documents before taking them. That assertion is undercut by a taped conversation cited in the indictment, which said Trump showed a secret document to several people and said that he could have declassified it as president but did not. But the classification issue will likely end up being irrelevant. Prosecutors charged Trump under the Espionage Act, a World War One-era law that predates classification and criminalizes only the unauthorized retention of national defense information. National defense information does not need to be classified to be covered by that law, national security law experts said. The information need only be useful to the nations adversaries and be closely held by the government. Lets say all of the documents were declassified. The Espionage Act does not care, said Georgetown University law professor Todd Huntley. COULD TRUMP PARDON HIMSELF? However, Trump does have some potentially successful strategies. His lawyers could challenge witness accounts, blame others or argue he was following the advice of his attorneys and did not intend to break the law. If it goes to trial, a Florida jury would hear the case since that is where the special counsel sought the indictment. In the conservative-leaning state, Trump would need only one juror to oppose his conviction for there to be a mistrial. His defense team could also file motions that would delay a trial until after the November 2024 election. Legal experts disagree over whether Trump could pardon himself if he wins. (Reporting by Jack Queen in New York; Additional reporting by Sarah N. Lynch in Washington, D.C.; editing by Amy Stevens and Cynthia Osterman) Anderson: Who is going to speak up for Minn. wetlands? If not you It's widely believed a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling will weaken wetlands protection nationwide but that the ruling will have minimal impact in Minnesota, thanks to the state's Wetlands Conservation Act (WCA) passed in 1991. Championed by the late DFL Rep. Willard Munger of Duluth, the WCA is the most ambitious wetlands protection law in any state. And indeed, since its passage, Minnesota has experienced minimal wetlands acreage losses. Yet, counterintuitive as it might seem, the state since 1991 has lost an incalculable number of functional and partially functional wetlands, meaning those that hold relatively clear, shallow water, are nutrient rich, are inhabited primarily by diverse native plants, support a variety of wildlife and are not overrun by invasive species. Losses of functional wetlands are occurring even though the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the agency ultimately charged with administering the WCA in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation districts might be the best managed, and most effective, of all state agencies. Industrialized agriculture and an ever-expanding human population are to blame for the wetlands losses. But blame you and me, too. And our parents and grandparents and great-grandparents. We, and they, said little, or nothing, during the last century while Congress wrote federal programs incentivizing farmers to drain wetlands. Blame us also for encouraging, if only implicitly, Minnesota cities large and small, and the state, to pull the plug on countless Minnesota wetlands, draining and/or rerouting them to provide us places to build homes and drive cars. Now only remnants of these valuable resources as beautiful to the trained eye as any mountain or seashore remain on the landscape. Wondering why Minneapolis is suddenly pockmarked with sinkholes, or why basements of homes in the Minnehaha Creek watershed are filling with water? The same reason we don't have the numbers of ducks we once did, or red-winged blackbirds or muskrats. And the same reason, essentially, why so many wells in southern Minnesota are tainted with nitrates and other farm chemicals. Each is a victim of Minnesotans' cavalier attitudes toward water, wetlands in particular, dating to before statehood attitudes that today, unfortunately, still prevail among the general populace and, even more unfortunately, among officeholders. In 1836, the southern Minnesota French-Indian trader, Joseph Laframboise, told a visitor, "We can give you plenty of buffalo meat and tongues, wild geese, and ducks, prairie hens, young swan, beaver tails, pigeons there is plenty of sport here and in a short distance you will find buffalo." But soon after Congress passed its first Swamp Lands Act, in 1849, awarding Minnesota and 14 other states 65 million acres of wet, low ground, those and other critters began to disappear. The federal government wanted the lands drained to make way for settlers and to clear routes for railroads so pioneers' crops could get to market. By 1930, Minnesota's portion of the federal government's largesse 5 million acres of wetlands had been drained. Today, while about 50% of Minnesota's original wetlands remain statewide, only about 15% of pre-settlement wet areas exist in the southern and western parts of the state. And yet rain still falls today as copiously (or more so) across Minnesota as it did in Laframboise's era, and snow still melts in the same amounts. Consequently, the same quantities of water are being squeezed into far fewer and far smaller wetlands, meaning many of today's wetlands are much deeper than they historically have been too deep, importantly, to support the vegetation and wildlife they once did, and too deep, oftentimes, to retain seasonal floods while also cleansing the water people need for drinking and other purposes. But not too deep to hold tons of bottom-rooting carp. The recent Supreme Court decision might, or might not, make matters worse in Minnesota. The ruling primarily loosens protection on wetlands that are not obviously connected to larger, federally administered waters. Until the court's ruling, these more disparate wetlands have been protected under Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act, administered by the Army Corps of Engineers. No one knows exactly how many of these disconnected wetlands exist in Minnesota, but BSWR officials are trying to find out. And no one knows yet, and likely won't for a year or more, the specific rules the Environmental Protection Agency and/or the Army Corps of Engineers will write to put into action what the Supreme Court has decided. That said, in southern and western Minnesota, many of these more remote wetlands, particularly the smaller ones, are already gone. In some cases this is because they were 2 acres or less in size and the WCA exempted them from protection. In other cases, these smaller, often seasonal wetlands have simply disappeared lost to pattern tiling, a system of drains and pipes installed by farmers beneath crop fields to whisk away small pools of temporary surface water. Such "ephemeral'' wetlands are critically important to ducks, particularly during spring migrations and nesting seasons, because they allow waterfowl to feast on soil invertebrates, which are energy-rich. Given that water is one of the world's most valuable commodities, the question is: Can any of this be improved? Absolutely. For starters, in Minnesota, taxes on functioning wetlands located on private property, or wetlands that can be made functional, could be lowered to more closely reflect their public benefit. This might also spur more wetland restorations of the kind Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, BWSR and others are already doing. That would be the right thing to do, and would benefit everyone. But the public would have to demand it, something you and I, and others, have never done. People gather to lay flowers for the victims of the stabbing in Annecy in France - OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP The Syrian refugee suspected of stabbing six people including four young children in the French town of Annecy has been charged with attempted murder, prosecutors said on Saturday. The suspect, named as Abdalmasih H, did not wish to speak during his 48 hours in police custody nor before the magistrates leading the investigation, public prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis told a press conference, adding that the victims were no longer in a life-threatening condition. The children, between 22 months and three years old, remain in hospital. The six victims came from four different countries: Britain, France, the Netherlands and Portugal. The suspect, a 31-year-old Syrian political refugee with permanent residency status in Sweden, has a three-year-old daughter and wife living in Sweden, the prosecutor said. He was examined by psychiatrists who deemed him fit to face charges, the prosecutor said. She said that the motive for the savage attack remained unclear, but it did not appear to be terrorism-related. Witnesses said they heard the attacker mention his daughter, his wife and Jesus Christ, according to the prosecutor, who said he had Christian objects with him at the time of the attack. Police detained the suspect in the lakeside park in the town of Annecy after bystanders notably, a Catholic pilgrim who repeatedly swung at the attacker with his backpack sought to deter him. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, visited the victims and their families on Friday. Mr Macron said two young French cousins who were the most critically injured have stabilised, and doctors were very confident. The wounded British girl is awake, shes watching television, Mr Macron added. A wounded Dutch girl also has improved and a critically injured adult who was both knifed and wounded by a shot that police fired as they detained the suspected attacker is regaining consciousness, Mr Macron said. The seriously injured adult was treated in Annecy. Portugals foreign ministry said he is Portuguese and now out of danger. He was wounded trying to stop the attacker from fleeing from the police, it said. The second injured adult was discharged from a hospital with his left elbow bandaged. The pilgrim, Henri, a 24-year-old man on a nine-month walking and hitchhiking tour of Frances cathedrals, said he had been setting off to another abbey when the horror unfolded in front of him. The attacker slashed at him, but Henri held his ground and used a weighty backpack he was carrying to swing at the assailant. Henris father said his son told me that the Syrian was incoherent, saying lots of strange things in different languages, invoking his father, his mother, all the Gods. The suspects profile fueled renewed criticism of Frances migration policies. The suspect entered France legally, because he has permanent residency status in Sweden. Sweden and France are both members of the EU and Europes border-free travel zone. He applied for asylum in France last year and was refused a few days before the attack, on the grounds that he had already won asylum in Sweden in 2013, the French interior minister said. 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. APD: Woman grazed, man shot in stomach after argument with two suspects Atlanta Police are searching for two suspects they believe were involved in a shooting on Saturday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to police, they responded to 15 Wall Street SE after reports of a person shot. Officers located a woman whose foot had been grazed. Around the same time, officers discovered a man at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the stomach. Police believe the victim is connected to the incident. Officers told Channel 2 Action News an argument between the victims and two male suspects led to gunfire. TRENDING STORIES: Anyone with information on this incident should contact Atlanta police. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: The level of flooding in Kherson Oblast following the Russian occupiers destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant has dropped by 27 cm over the course of the day. The area of flooded territories has already halved. Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson Oblast Military Administration, in a video message Quote: "Compared to this morning, the average level of flooding has dropped by 27 cm and is now 4.45 m. The area of flooded territories has almost halved. The water has departed from Mykolaivka, Lviv and Olhivka in the Beryslav district. 32 settlements on the right bank remain flooded. 3,784 houses are underwater." Details: Prokudin said that as of Saturday evening, 2,699 people have been evacuated from dangerous settlements, including 178 children and 67 people with limited mobility. "The situation remains critical on the temporarily occupied left bank. 14 settlements are currently flooded there. The occupation authorities are not carrying out evacuation measures," he said. Read also: "We are not afraid, we have sailed home." Ukrainska Pravda on high water and evacuation in Kherson Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed a bill that would ban public school students from using restrooms and changing rooms that align with their gender identity, calling it yet another discriminatory act against LGBTQ+ youth passed by the majority at the state legislature. Republican lawmakers, who have a slim majority in both legislative chambers, have advanced a slate of bills targeting the rights of LGBTQ people, which the Human Rights Campaign described as an effort to assault the LGBTQ+ community and attack transgender children to appease their base. Hobbs, who recently rejected a bill that would have banned school employees from using a trans students preferred name or pronoun, wrote Thursday she would continue to veto every bill that aims to attack and harm children. Bills aimed at restricting the rights of trans youth have been at the forefront of an ideological battle in GOP-majority statehouses across the country, where Republican lawmakers have been using anti-LGBTQ sentiment in an attempt to appeal to socially conservative voters. On Tuesday, the HRC issued its first-ever state of emergency for LGBTQ people in the U.S., citing an unprecedented number of newly signed laws restricting the rights of queer and trans people across the nation at least 76 this year alone. Thats already more than double the number of laws enacted in all of 2022, which was previously the worst year for LGBTQ equality in the U.S. At least 11 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in Arizona this year, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Hobbs, a former Arizona secretary of state, won a tight race against Republican Kari Lake in last years elections. Her first official act as governor was to sign an executive order to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ state employees and contractors. Lake, a Trump-backed former television anchor, has yet to concede to Hobbs. McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fighter Romanenko pointed out that these aircraft possess robust landing gear and two engines, making them the most suitable Western fighters for Ukrainian airfields. Moreover, this is a fairly popular aircraft, he said. However, it is not popular among our neighbors. If we switch to the F-18 and establish a certain unit, we will encounter significant issues with their maintenance and servicing because none of the neighboring countries (have them). Read also: A critical moment for Ukraine in the sky. What is being decided now? - opinion The expert said the closest country that could assist Ukraine in the maintenance of F/A-18 Hornets would be Spain, necessitating the transportation of the aircraft across Europe. They are also in service with Finland, but Ukraine does not have direct (overland) communications with that country, and no one will transport these aircraft there for repairs, Romanenko added. Canada and Australia are also options, but they are even more distant possibilities, Romanenko concluded. The aviation expert also discussed the different models of these aircraft, including the C-D versions and the F models. The F/A-18E/F is the Super Hornet. To put it simply, if we are provided with the Super Hornet, it would be an excellent option, and then we can hope for the support of the United States, which has this type of aircraft in its arsenal. It is being phased out, and our units can be replenished from the stocks of the United States. Read also: Ukraine could use F-16s to intercept aircraft over Russia, expert says He added that Ukraine should not agree to the early models because we would only receive a limited number of these aircraft for one (squadron), but we need to establish a complete infrastructure for their maintenance. The early Hornet variants are not the path we should take, as maintenance issues will arise. It will require creating a full-fledged infrastructure for servicing. They have a different engine compared to the F-16. The armament is identical. The F-18 has a better radar. However, repair and maintenance concerns still remain, Romanenko said. He also said that the F/A-18 Hornet A++ is the most modernized version of the original Hornet, with the F model having twice the stealth capability and a better radar. At the same time, these aircraft use the same armaments. On June 6, reports emerged in the media that Australia and the United States were discussing the possibility of transferring 41 F/A-18 Hornet aircraft to Ukraine. Australia would replace the aircraft with the more advanced F-35. Read also: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway pool their air forces together U.S. news website Politico wrote that dozens of old but operational F-18s are likely to be available for export when Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and Finland transition to F-35 fighters. The F/A-18 Hornet is classified as both a fighter and an attack aircraft. It has been in service since 1983 and has a combat radius of approximately 1,000 kilometers. The aircraft is capable of employing a wide range of weapons, including unguided Hydra70 and Zuni rockets, air-to-air AIM-120, AMRAAM, and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, air-to-ground AGM-88, HARM, Taurus, and AGM-84 Harpoon missiles, and unguided Mark-80 and CBU-87 bombs, as well as guided bombs equipped with the JDAM system. 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) -- The UKs biggest high street bank now owns one of the countrys best-known newspapers something Lloyds Banking Group Plc had been determined to avoid as it tried to claw back 1 billion of debts from the owners of the Sunday and Daily Telegraph. Most Read from Bloomberg The lender finally pulled the plug this week following years of negotiations with the Barclay family which has owned the newspaper titles since 2004. In recent weeks, the bank had pressed the family to put forward its best plan to shrink the company's debt pile. The response disappointed Lloyds: it included a request for the bank to take a haircut on its loan. The terms were unacceptable to the lender, according to people with knowledge of the discussions who declined to be identified because they werent authorized to speak publicly. Attempts to tweak the offer over the last week failed to impress Lloyds, the people said. In the end the bank ran out of patience with the publisher forcing B.UK, the Bermudian-based holding company for the Telegraph Media Group into receivership on Wednesday. The bank says it now plans to sell the titles, with several possible buyers from rival media groups to wealthy individuals linked with a deal. Lloyds taking control of some of the nations best known titles shocked the media and political world in Britain. It has thrown up questions about the future ownership of the Telegraph newspapers, which have stridently backed both Brexit and the ruling Conservative Party, ahead of a general election expected next year. The dramatic move has turned the spotlight on the family and the rest of its shrinking business empire. The banks intervention might not be the end of it. Sitting in a separate structure from the media assets is the familys e-commerce business Shop Direct Holdings the holding company for Very Group which accounted for most of the empires revenue in 2020-21, according to company filings. Lloyds is focusing on the Telegraph titles, but possible solutions to the unpaid debts could involve that part of the business, according to several people involved in the talks. However, they cautioned it would be complicated, with Very having other influential stakeholders, such as Carlyle Group Inc. A spokesman for the US private equity firm declined to comment. Lloyds has hired AlixPartners and investment bank Lazard to assist in the restructuring, while the Barclay family has been using Houlihan Lokey to examine its options. Representatives at all three firms declined to comment for this story. In a statement on Wednesday, AlixPartners said the publications havent entered administration, and their day-to-day running will continue as normal. Though the Barclays have lost control of the newspapers, a spokesperson for the family emphasized that the publications themselves are unaffected by Lloydss actions for now. The loans in question are related to the familys overarching ownership structure of its Media Assets, the spokesperson said. They do not, in any way, affect the operations or financial stability of Telegraph Media Group. For the family, headed by twins Frederick and David until the latters death in 2021, it marks a rare and unwelcome appearance on the front pages. In 2021, internal family divisions were laid bare in the Royal Courts of Justice when Frederick Barclay was ordered to pay 100 million to resolve a divorce case. A separate legal action brought by Frederick against other members of the family alleged that some had been using bugging devices to spy on others in the family-owned Ritz Hotel. In one of their most recent high-profile disposals they sold the Ritz, one of Londons most famous luxury hotels, to a Qatari investor group for almost 800 million in 2020. With the loan to Lloyds already in default at that point, some of the proceeds of the Ritz sale went to the bank, one of the people said. Citigroup was among the other recipients of the proceeds, the person added. A spokesman for the New York-based lender declined to comment. Change of Banker Lloyds has financed the Barclays for almost two decades. The loan which triggered the receivership was initially signed off by Peter Cummings, once one of the UKs most powerful bankers who wrote huge checks for the likes of Philip Green, the Reuben Brothers and the Barclays, who were then among the richest families in the country. Lloyds inherited some of those loans when it bought Cummings employer Bank of Scotland, part of rival HBOS in a rescue takeover by Lloyds at the height of the financial crisis in 2009. Within two years, Antonio Horta-Osorio became chief executive officer, taking the bank from the brink of nationalization back to full private ownership inside a decade. The loan to the Barclay family was among the biggest single exposures Lloyds inherited from HBOS, at one point hitting a level of about 1.5 billion, according to a person familiar with the matter. A spokesperson for the Barclay family declined to comment. Lloyds worked to manage the risk, bringing it down to about 1 billion, writing off much of its value in its accounts and adding conditions to give the bank more security against the debt over time, the person said. That effectively put Lloyds in the position where it could seize the newspapers if necessary, the person said. Steven Shelley, group chief risk officer, is one of the key people inside Lloyds who has dealt with the loan. Horta-Osorio also discussed the repayment of the loan with Aidan Barclay, chairman of the media group and son of David, on several occasions. Spokesmen for Horta-Osorio, Lloyds and the Barclay family declined to comment, while Shelley didnt respond. If Horta-Osorio laid the groundwork, it was his successor, Charlie Nunn, who pulled the trigger. Given the substantial write down Lloyds has already made on the value of the debt, any sale could produce a sizeable benefit in the form of a write-back. Even so, the bank might not get the full value of the loan back. Divorces and Court Cases The loss of the Telegraph newspapers represents a major fall from grace for the Barclay brothers. Having grown up with little money, they started their careers in the accounts department of General Electric Co., going on to buy companies others did not want and building a valuable portfolio. By 1993, they had bought their own 2.3 million island, Brecqhou, in the Channel Islands. Read More: Billionaire Twins Shaking Up Opaque U.K. Business Empire In 2004, they won a bidding battle and bought the Telegraph, with Aidan Barclay becoming chairman a job he relished. He took an interventionist approach, for example calling the news desk when former prime minister Margaret Thatcher died in 2013 to ensure the reporting mentioned it happened at the Barclay-owned Ritz Hotel, according to a staff member who worked there at the time who asked not to be identified because they werent authorized to speak publicly about the matter. The family was also able to promote its anti-European Union opinions through the newspaper, which over time took trenchant views on Brexit and employed Boris Johnson as a columnist before he became prime minister. The family business sits within a byzantine structure of offshore trusts in jurisdictions that require little public disclosure. Those opaque entities sit at the top of several of the familys businesses in the UK, which include The Telegraph, The Very Group and a number of other firms. A forensic report carried out by accountants at KPMG and submitted as evidence during Frederick Barclays trial for contempt in 2022, after he refused to pay the 100 million, offers a picture of the family's empire, where debts have been rising. The report was commissioned by lawyers acting for Barclays former wife. Simon Albrighton, a partner at the accountancy firm, was asked to value loan notes issued from one offshore Barclays family trust and held by another to assess the ability of Frederick to pay the money he owes as part of the divorce settlement. A lack of disclosure about the chain of companies that hold the Barclays assets made this job impossible, the accountant concluded in the report. I have not received any financial information, nor have I been able to identify such financial information publicly, in respect of the offshore parent companies of the underlying businesses, Albrighton wrote in the report, obtained by Bloomberg from a court filing. As a result, I am not able to assess the financial position of the business empire as a whole. The report also identified a steadily increasing level of indebtedness at the operating companies which had risen to nearly 2.5 billion by 2019 from 1.6 billion in 2010. The spokesperson for the Barclay family declined to comment on the figures. Shop Direct Holdings, the holding company of the Very Group, and the largest business the Barclays own, was owed a significant amount of money by its offshore parent company, Albrighton noted in his report. Deciphering the state of the Barclay's financial affairs is further complicated by a web of loans between companies tied to the family. The owner of delivery service Yodel has been owed funds in the past from a Very Group unit, but also from a London-based property management business controlled by the Barclay family. In addition, Aidan Barclay has loaned funds to Shop Direct Holdings, and had 123 million outstanding at the end of June 2021 that was later repaid to him in full, according to UK registry filings. Suitors Circling A sale could still be months away. Lloydss team of receivers are now going through the inner workings of the Barclays publishing business to understand the details. A new buyer of a major national newspaper would likely be subject to a government antitrust review. Meanwhile, staff at the newspaper were this week playing down the impact of the turmoil. In an email to staff, the Telegraph Media Groups CEO Nick Hugh said he did not anticipate any operational or staff changes. In a separate email, Daily Telegraph editor Chris Evans said, there's every reason to be optimistic whatever the outcome. With the fate of the newspapers uncertain, it took Matt the newspapers longstanding cartoonist to inject some gallows humor. I hear we're going to be bought by Prince Harry, his daily cartoon quipped. He's always been interested in journalism. --With assistance from Jonathan Browning, Harry Wilson, Sabah Meddings, Conrad Quilty-Harper and Thomas Seal. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A $45 million settlement has been reached in the civil police brutality case involving Richard "Randy" Cox, a Black man now paralyzed from the chest down following an arrest by police officers in New Haven, Connecticut, nearly a year ago. The case represents the largest settlement involving police misconduct in U.S. history, which comes two years after the $27 million settlement involving the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day weekend in 2020. In an interview with the USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, the lead attorney in both cases, said Floyd's case was previously the largest settlement involving police brutality. Both cases, he said, were preventable. "My endeavor has been very consistent. When we set the record with George Floyd with $27 million, I was very clear that what we're trying to do is make it financially unsustainable for the police to continue to violate our constitutional rights and brutalize us unnecessarily and unjustifiably," said Crump, in his first interview following the settlement release. Five New Haven police officers were charged after Cox was left partially paralyzed while being transported in a police van. Cox had been detained on a weapons charge when he was being driven to a police station on June 19, 2022. The van's driver slammed on the brakes at an intersection to avoid a collision, causing Cox to fly headfirst into a metal partition inside the van. Minutes after the crash, Cox said, "I can't move. I'm going to die like this. Please, please, please help me," according to a USA TODAY article published Nov. 28, 2022. FILE - Doreen Coleman, left, mother of Richard "Randy" Cox Jr., walks with civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump during a march for Justice for Randy Cox on Dixwell Avenue in New Haven, Conn., Friday, July 8, 2022. At right is Attorney Michael Jefferson. Lawyers for Cox, a Black man who was paralyzed from the chest down in June when a police van without seat belts braked suddenly, filed a $100 million lawsuit Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, against the city of New Haven. (Arnold Gold/New Haven Register via AP, File) As Cox pleaded for help, some of the officers at the detention center mocked him and accused him of being drunk and faking his injuries, according to dialogue captured by surveillance and body-worn camera footage In a statement, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said what happened to Cox was "unacceptable." When an individual enters police custody, there is an obligation to treat them with dignity and respect and in a manner that ensures their safety and well-being. That did not happen with Randy: he entered police custody being able to walk, and he left police custody paralyzed with his life and his health forever altered." Elicker went on to say he and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson promised accountability, transparency and action following the incident, adding, "we committed to do everything in our power to ensure an incident like this never happens again. On Wednesday, following a special meeting by the New Haven Board of Police Commissioners, officers Jocelyn Lavandier and Luis Rivera were fired for violating officer conduct policies. Crump, a longtime attorney based in Tallahassee, Fla., who's received a national spotlight for representing minority individuals and families affected by police brutality, said Cox worked in the construction industry before being paralyzed. Back story: After Trayvon Martin, Tallahassee's Ben Crump became civil rights go-to lawyer Crump in recent headlines: Attorney Benjamin Crump, family of slain Ocala mom urge community to keep fighting Cox, a 37-year-old father, now lives as a dependent in need of assistance at all times. Crump said the settlement was important to offset the extensive and ongoing healthcare Cox will need for the rest of his life. "If he wants a sip of water, somebody has to give it to him. If he wants to eat, somebody has to give it to him. If he has to urinate, his diaper has to be change," Crump said. "It's like he's a baby again but in some ways worse." A history of settlements in police brutality cases In 2021, the Associated Press highlighted some of the police misconduct settlements in American history. In 2021, Minneapolis city leaders approved a $27 million settlement Friday with the family of George Floyd in a wrongful death lawsuit over his death in police custody that spurred protests worldwide and a national reckoning on racial justice. At the time it was the largest pretrial civil rights settlement ever. The settlement was announced as jury selection was underway in the trial of Derek Chauvin, a white former city police officer who was later found guilty in the May 25 death of Floyd, who was Black. Floyd died in police custody on May 25, 2020, when Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes. As he lay on the ground under Chauvin, Floyd, who was Black, cried out "I cant breathe" more than 20 times. The incident sparked protests worldwide. In May 2021, the city of Columbus, Ohio, agreed to pay $10 million to the family of Andre Hill, an unarmed Black man fatally shot by former police officer Adam Coy in December. Hill, 47, was exiting a garage at a home in Northwest Columbus around 2 a.m. Dec. 22 when he was shot and killed by then-Columbus police officer Adam Coy. Police had responded to a nonemergency disturbance call about a vehicle turning on and off. Coy did not have his body camera on at the time of the shooting, however, the camera captured video without audio of the shots being fired. Body camera footage from responding officers showed more than 10 minutes passed before Hill was given any medical aid. He died about 30 minutes after the shooting at the hospital. In 2020, a $12 million settlement for the estate of Breonna Taylor was one of the largest ever paid in the United States in a case of police excessive force and by far the biggest paid out in Louisville for alleged police misconduct. Taylor, 26, was shot and killed after Louisville Metro Police officers broke down her apartment door March 13 to serve a signed "no-knock" search warrant in connection with a narcotics investigation centered 10 miles away. The settlement, however, did not admit any wrongdoing on the part of the city or the police, and it prevents Taylor's family from suing again in the future. Seventeen-year-old Laquan McDonald was shot dead by Chicago police in 2014. Nothing in the citys recent history has created more distrust of City Hall and the police department than then-Mayor Rahm Emanuels unsuccessful legal battle to keep the dashcam video under wraps that shows Officer Jason Van Dyke shoot McDonald 16 times. A jury found Van Dyke guilty in October 2018 of second-degree murder and aggravated battery in McDonalds shooting. He was sentenced to six years in prison. McDonalds family sued for $16 million a million for every bullet but settled for $5 million. Six Baltimore officers were charged in the April 2015 arrest and in-custody death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old Black man who died after being injured in a Baltimore police van, touching off weeks of protests. Three officers were acquitted and prosecutors dropped all remaining charges in July 2016 following a hung jury. The U.S. Department of Justice decided not to bring federal civil rights charges. Grays family agreed to a $6.4 million settlement with the city in September 2015. Jeronimo Yanez, an officer in St. Anthony, Minnesota, was acquitted of manslaughter in the 2016 fatal shooting of Philando Castile. The Black motorist had just informed the officer that he was carrying a gun. Yanez testified that Castile was pulling his gun out of his pocket despite his commands not to do so. The case in suburban St. Paul garnered immediate attention because Castiles girlfriend streamed the aftermath live on Facebook. Castiles mother reached a $3 million settlement and his girlfriend was paid $800,000 by the city of St. Anthony and others. Tamir Rice was 12 years old when he was fatally shot by a white Cleveland police officer in a recreational area in November 2014. Officers were responding to a report of a man waving a gun. The boy had a pellet gun tucked in his waistband and was shot after the officers cruiser skidded to a stop just feet away. A grand jury in December 2015 declined to indict patrolman Timothy Loehmann, who fired the fatal shot, and training officer Frank Garmback. The city settled the Rice familys lawsuit for $6 million. Rookie New York City police officer Peter Liang was convicted of manslaughter in the November 2014 death of 28-year-old Akai Gurley. Liang, an American of Chinese descent, said he was patrolling a public housing high-rise with his gun drawn when a sound startled him and he fired accidentally. A bullet ricocheted off a wall, hitting Gurley. A judge reduced the conviction to negligent homicide and sentenced Liang to five years probation and 800 hours of community service. The city settled with Gurleys family for $4.1 million. Michael Brown, an unarmed Black 18-year-old, was fatally shot by a white officer, Darren Wilson, in August 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. A grand jury declined to indict Wilson, and the U.S. Justice Department opted against civil rights charges. Wilson later resigned. The death of Brown led to months of sometimes violent protests and became a catalyst for the Black Lives Matter movement. His family received $1.5 million. Eric Garner, 43, died in July 2014 in New York City after a white officer placed him in a chokehold during an arrest for selling loose cigarettes. A grand jury declined to indict that officer, or any others involved in the arrest. The Justice Department declined to file civil rights charges after a yearslong investigation. The city agreed to pay a $6 million civil settlement. USA TODAY contributed to this article. Contact Reporter TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com and follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Ben Crump: $45M settlement reached in Randy Cox police misconduct case The best states to camp in the U.S., according to new data Utah was ranked No. 7 for best states to camp in a new analysis that combined 10 different factors into the ranking. This was a sunny summer day in Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, on June 4, 2020. | Sarah Gambles, Deseret News Its that time of year when many travellers head to the mountains and forests to get back in touch with nature. With so many people expected to travel this year, Adventures on the Rock took up the challenge to find out which state is the No. 1 for camping. What state ranked at the top of the list? Wyoming. More than half of the states in the top 10 rankings are located in the Intermountain West. The state features the highest number of free campsites and RV parks relative to its population, according to the analysis that adventure vehicle experts from Adventures on the Rock conducted, per a press release. As indicated in the press release, factors that went into the rankings included: Number of national parks and landmarks relative to state area. Number of hiking trails in the state. RV parks and campsites relative to state population. Average fuel prices. Yearly average rainfall. Diversity of plant and animal species. Deaths per 10 million national park visits. Deaths caused by dangerous animal or plant exposure. This data provides a fascinating insight into which states offer nature lovers the most well-rounded camping experiences, said a spokesperson for the company in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure. One of the key reasons people plan camping trips is for the adventure component. Exploring the great outdoors, observing different wildlife, and hiking trails are all part of the allure. Wyoming also had the third most hiking trails of any state 350 per 100,000 residents. Montana was ranked No. 2, and New Mexico was placed No. 3. We always say that were adventure steeped in culture, thats kind of our unique identifier, Cody Johnson, communications director at the New Mexico Tourism Department, told the Albuquerque Journal. The adventure part of that manifests in the form of a plethora of outdoor activities that are available, whether its camping, or hiking or water-based recreation. Utah has beautiful and diverse landscapes thats why the landlocked state was ranked No. 7, but it was ranked No. 10 for most biodiverse, touting 3,892 different plant and animal species. What are the top 10 best states for camping? The Biden administration is trying to ensure a high-stakes visit to China by top U.S. diplomat Antony Blinken goes ahead as planned, but critics contend that the White House has repeatedly downplayed increasingly provocative actions by China in the process. The examples extend from revelations this week about a possible Chinese plan to build an electronic listening post in Cuba to a series of tense military encounters in the Pacific between the two nations. Blinkens planned visit to China next week would be the first by a U.S. secretary of state since 2018, and comes after the Biden administration postponed an earlier scheduled trip in February after the U.S. shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon after it entered U.S. airspace, prompting an angry reaction from Beijing. Now, the White House doesnt want another incident like the balloon episode to derail the planned talks, Western officials, congressional aides and experts told NBC News. They are working hard to make sure this visit happens, said one Western diplomat, who was not authorized to speak on the record. And they dont want to be drawn into difficult subjects. This time its not a giant balloon traversing the continental U.S. that has presented the White House with a challenge, but a possible project to build a Chinese eavesdropping site in Cuba about 100 miles off Floridas coast. China has held discussions with Havana about setting up an electronic surveillance facility in Cuba, a U.S. official and a congressional aide with knowledge of the matter told NBC News. It was unclear whether China and Cuba had a formal agreement in place for the base. The Wall Street Journal first reported plans for the site, saying the two countries had forged an agreement in principle to proceed. Other U.S. media outlets have also reported on Chinas possible foray into the Western hemisphere, a potentially audacious move that could allow Beijing to scoop up electronic signals in the southeastern U.S. But White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the Wall Street Journal report was inaccurate. Kirby and other officials did not specify what exactly was incorrect about the account, saying it was not possible to discuss sensitive intelligence reporting. We have had real concerns about Chinas relationship with Cuba, and we have been concerned since day one of the administration about Chinas activities in our hemisphere and around the world, Kirby told NBC News in a statement. We are closely monitoring it and taking steps to counter it. Congressional aides say the administration appears to be trying to avoid confirming the reports on the possible Cuba post, with Blinkens trip in the balance and details of Beijings plans in Cuba still uncertain. Chinas embassy in Washington said it was unaware of any such project in Cuba. A spokesperson for the foreign ministry, Wang Wenbin, said that spreading rumors and slander is a common tactic of the United States, and accused Washington of hypocrisy given its global surveillance operations. The United States is also the most powerful hacker empire in the world, and also veritably a major monitoring nation, Wang said. Cuba dismissed the report of a planned Chinese listening post as mendacious and baseless and said that Havana has been committed since 2014 to opposing any foreign military presence in Latin America and the Caribbean. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers from both parties expressed alarm over Chinas possible post in Cuba and called on the Biden administration to take action to prevent it. We are deeply disturbed by reports that Havana and Beijing are working together to target the United States and our people, said the Democratic chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, and the Republican vice chair, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, in a joint statement. WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 8: (L-R) Committee chairman Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) talks with ranking member Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing concerning worldwide threats, on Capitol Hill March 8, 2023 in Washington, DC. The leaders of the intelligence agencies testified on a wide range of issues, including China, Covid-19 origins, and TikTok. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images file) We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles of Florida and the United States, in an area also populated with key military installations and extensive maritime traffic, Warner and Rubio said. The chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Republican Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, said on Twitter that he was deeply troubled by the reports and added, If true, this would be yet another act of Chinese aggression. Setting up a listening post in Cuba fits into Chinas broader global strategy to secure ports and hubs at key naval chokepoints around the world, providing it with a platform to conduct real-time intelligence collection against the U.S. military and U.S. facilities in the region, said Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. Chinese denials regarding the base should not be taken at face value, according to Singleton. China initially described an outpost it constructed in Djibouti as a minor logistics site, but it is now a sprawling base that can house thousands of Chinese marines that includes vast hardened underground facilities, he said. As the administration has made final preparations for Blinkens trip in recent weeks, the Chinese and U.S. militaries have had two close calls in the western Pacific. The Pentagon says a Chinese fighter jet flew dangerously close to a U.S. military surveillance plane over the South China Sea on May 30. Days later, a Chinese naval ship came within 150 yards of an American destroyer in the Taiwan Strait, cutting across its bow. China rejected the Pentagons description and blamed the U.S. for both incidents. Speaking to reporters shortly after the incidents, Blinken said the near collisions only underscored the importance of the U.S. and China maintaining open lines of communication. The most dangerous thing is not to communicate and as a result, to have a misunderstanding and miscommunication, Blinken said. As weve said repeatedly, while we have a real competition with China, we also make sure that doesnt veer into conflict. U.S. allies in Asia and Europe, worried about growing distrust between the two superpowers, see Blinkens planned visit as crucial to preventing a trade war and avoiding an unintended crisis. All of our allies are uneasy about the fact that the U.S.-China relationship continues to deteriorate, said Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the German Marshall Fund think tanks Indo-Pacific program. They all want to see more stable relations between the United States and China. In March, South Korean Rep. Lee Jae-jung, who sits on the foreign affairs committee of the countrys National Assembly, said that the current state of Chinese-U.S. relations is a powder keg that I fear could explode anytime. But critics and some China hawks have questioned the administrations approach, accusing the White House of pulling its punches and being too eager to maintain the prospect of possible high-level meetings with Chinese counterparts. Xi will permit only limited bilateral dialogue in niche areas of vital significance to Beijing while rejecting meaningful engagement on most anything of import to Washington, Singleton said. After angry exchanges between Washington and Beijing during and after the Chinese balloon flight in February, the Biden administration has stopped speaking about the airship publicly, unless asked. The administration has also not released the results of an FBI-led examination of the debris from the balloon, which was shot down on Feb. 4. Chinese officials want to move on from the incident and privately express concern about the issue coming up again if the results of the FBI investigation are released. At the Group of Seven summit in Japan in May, President Joe Biden dismissed the airship as a silly balloon. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden praised the LGBTQ communitys courage at what he described as the biggest Pride Month celebration yet at the White House, saying theyre an example for the US and the world. Most Read from Bloomberg Addressing some 1,000 guests Saturday on the South Lawn, Biden touted his administrations efforts to counter state and local laws targeting LGBTQ people. We need to push back against the hundreds of callous and cynical bills and laws introduced in states, targeting transgender children, terrifying families and criminalizing doctors and nurses, Biden told the crowd. Initiatives announced by Biden on Thursday include a Department of Homeland Security program to offer safety training to LGBTQ community centers facing increased threats. The government also is releasing regulations allowing states to use federal funds for programs to benefit LGBTQ people. The Department of Education will name a coordinator to create training for school boards and administrators, warning that book bans could violate US civil rights law. Biden, whos running for a second term in 2024, paid tribute to survivors of shootings targeting LGBTQ people and reiterated his call for an assault weapons ban. Youre some of the bravest and most inspiring people Ive ever known, and Ive known a lot of good folks, Biden said against a backdrop of two US flags and a rainbow flag hanging from the White Houses Truman Balcony. Youve set an example for the nation and quite frankly for the world. Read more: White House Delays Pride Event as Smoky Haze Hits Washington Pride Month celebrations have become a corporate and cultural flashpoint. Target Corp. removed some LGBTQ-themed merchandise citing confrontational behavior at stores and conservative activists are calling for a boycott of Anheuser Busch InBev for a Bud Light promotion with a transgender TikTok star. Republican-controlled states have passed a number of bills targeting transgender health care or limiting how teachers discuss gender in classrooms. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a 2024 GOP presidential contender, is embroiled in a feud with one of his states largest employers, Walt Disney Co., after it criticized a law restricting discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools, which opponents dubbed the Dont Say Gay bill. --With assistance from Josh Wingrove. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (This June 10 story has been corrected to say that Pete Buttigieg is the first openly LGBTQ U.S. Cabinet secretary confirmed by lawmakers, in paragraph 3) By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday hosted the largest Pride celebration in White House history, calling for new measures to protect the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ people amid a spate of what he called "terrifying" attacks and legislation. Biden, a Democrat, urged Congress to pass the "Equality Act" which would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity for protection alongside race, religion, sex and national origin, and ban assault weapons. Thousands of guests picnicked on the South Lawn including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the first openly LGBTQ U.S. Cabinet secretary confirmed by lawmakers, and Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services Admiral Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate. Biden said the guests also included survivors of deadly shootings at the LGTBQ Club Q nightclub in Colorado Springs last November and Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in 2016. The attacks and a flurry of bills in Republican-led states targeting transgender youth, banning teachers of younger children from discussing gender or sexuality and proposed or passed laws restricting drag performances have created a threatening environment for LGTBQ people, Biden said. "When families across the country face excruciating decisions to relocate to a different state to protect their child from dangerous ant-LGTBQ laws, we have to act. We need to push back against the hundreds of callous and cynical bills introduced in states targeting transgender children, terrifying families and criminalizing doctors and nurses," he said. "These bills and laws attack the most basic values and freedoms we have as Americans," he said, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd, where many wore rainbow colors, shorts and sundresses, and some came dressed in drag. Many chanted "four more years" as he neared the end of his remarks. First lady Jill Biden said the celebration was meant to "find joy" and "celebrate the beauty and resilience" of the LGBTQ community in face of growing threats to their lives and rights. "Today, we say loud and clear - that you belong, that you are beautiful, that you are loved," she said. "Let it remind you that you don't have to face those battles alone. You are never alone." The celebration was delayed from Thursday due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Biden this week announced new measures intended to curb book bans and hate crimes, help transgender youth access better care and increased federal coordination to "better protect Pride celebrations, marches, community centers, healthcare providers and small businesses. Florida has been at the forefront of restrictions aimed at the LGBTQ community under Governor Ron DeSantis, who says the measures protect children, and recently entered the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination to challenge Biden. As president, Biden has overturned a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, issued a new order to stop conversion therapy and signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which federally recognizes same-sex marriages, into law. American support for same-sex marriage has doubled since the late 1990s to more than 70%, Gallup polls show, and the percentage of people who identify as LGBTQ has doubled in the past decade to over 7%. More than 70 bills considered anti-LGBTQ by the Human Rights Campaign were passed in statehouses this legislative session, double last year's previous record, and over 500 were introduced. (This June 10 story has been corrected to say that Pete Buttigieg is the first openly LGBTQ U.S. Cabinet secretary confirmed by lawmakers, in paragraph 3) (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Deepa Babington) An ingested bird in a T-45C Goshawk trainer jet engine last year led to the aircrafts crash, according to an investigation obtained by Navy Times. The aircraft, assigned to Training Air Wing 2 at Naval Air Station Kingsville in Texas, plummeted to the ground near the runway in August 2022 after the aircraft swallowed a large bird resulting in the complete loss of the T-45, valued at more than $45 million, the investigation said. Birds remain a significant strike hazard to T-45 operations, especially in Kingsville, which is situated within a significant migratory corridor, the commanding officer of Training Squadron 21 said in the investigation. Even with expansion and evolution of technology to enhance bird avoidance, aircrew must remain vigilant and be prepared to execute emergency procedures in the event a bird is ingested into the engine. The report found that the instructor pilot, who was the only one flying the aircraft, departed Navy Auxiliary Landing Field Orange Grove for a flight syllabus event with two other aircraft on Aug. 16, 2022. T-45 Goshawk crashes near Naval Air Station Kingsville; pilot safe During the flight, the instructor pilot spotted numerous birds and alerted the other aircraft of their presence on tactical frequency, the report said. The instructor pilot attempted to dodge the birds, but the report said the T-45 inhaled a large bird at an altitude of 1,900 feet. The instructor pilot took several corrective actions to navigate challenges including a confirmed fire with some flames coming out the back but concluded the field could not be made and chose to eject roughly 2,500 feet from one of the runways at Naval Air Station Kingsville. After the pilot bailed out, the aircraft flew for three more seconds before crashing on airfield property. The report determined the aircraft ultimately suffered a power loss and described the mishap as wholly unavoidable. The instructor pilots 72-hour history revealed he was properly rested and free from any medications or alcohol, the report said. The instructor pilot did not sustain serious injuries. The bird strike hazard condition was listed as low for the duration of the flight, and the investigation concluded neither weather nor aircraft maintenance were factors in the incident. The investigation did not issue any line of duty recommendations, given that the incident resulted in no serious injuries or loss of work days. The report recommended the continuation and expansion of avian radar capabilities, as well as continuing simulations involving bird strikes with associated engine failure. There were a total of 10 Class A aviation mishaps in FY 2022, up from nine in 2021, according to the Naval Safety Command. Class A aviation mishaps involve death, $2.5 million or more in damages or the destruction of an aircraft. Another T-45 aircraft crashed after ingesting a 4.5-pound black vulture in September 2021 as it was attempting to land at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in Texas. Both the instructor pilot and the student suffered injuries after ejecting, as well as at least three residents of the Lake Worth neighborhood. The incident also damaged several homes. (Bloomberg) -- Kosovos prime minister defied calls from key allies in the US and Europe to dial back a confrontation with Serbia thats led to the worst violence in a decade, insisting Belgrade make the first move. Most Read from Bloomberg Serbia must cut off support for the militia that triggered protests in North Kosovo last month and those responsible must be prosecuted before his government will consider easing its stance, Prime Minister Albin Kurti said in a phone interview. We cannot yield as a democratic republic to this violent militia, he said. We want things to settle as soon as possible but you know it doesnt depend only on us. Denouncing allied criticism as unfair, he made clear his government isnt backing down despite rising pressure from the US and Europe, on which Kosovo depends for political and economic support. Serbia has denied it instigated the violence but openly supports its ethnic kin in Kosovo. The unrest, which injured dozens of NATO peacekeepers and protesters, broke out after Kosovo installed mayors in towns in the north following elections that the Serb population there had boycotted. The standoff threatens a new cycle of violence in the country of 1.8 million on Europes southern edge as the attention of the continents leaders is focused on Russias invasion of Ukraine. Kurti, popular former dissident, said his government would move to reduce the police force it deployed to the region and consider re-running the controversial local elections as sought by its allies in the US and Europe only after Serbia took the first steps. Belgrade has demanded the mayors be removed first. European leaders have pressured Kurtis government to soften its line. The US excluded the countrys forces from NATO exercises scheduled for later this year in a sign of frustration. It is not okay to bully Kosovo, he said. Whenever United States asks something from us, we dont ask why, but only when and how, he added, calling the exclusion from the maneuvers not fair. Kurti has sought to cast the conflict as part of the broader standoff between the the US and its allies and Russia, which has close historic ties to Serbia. But his tough line with his sponsors is a gamble for him, since their backing is vital to his quest to gain international recognition. Serbia has refused to recognize Kosovos independence, declared in 2008, and blocked its efforts to join international bodies. Belgrade, which has sought to balance closer ties with Europe with links to Russia and China, encouraged local residents to boycott the local elections. Initially an outsider to a peace process that has lasted decades, Kurti has survived politically despite crossing important allies in the past. In 2020, he blamed Richard Grenell, a special envoy in Serbia-Kosovo talks under then-President Donald Trump, for backing a no-confidence vote that toppled his government. Unlike Kosovos previous top leaders, Kurti was not a guerrilla fighter. Serving a 15-year terrorism conviction from a Serbian court, he was beaten and forced to be a human shield during the NATO bombing campaign that pushed Serb forces out of Kosovo in 1999. Freed upon Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevics ouster in 2001, he organized anti-graft protests against the international administrators who oversaw Kosovos transition to a fledgling democracy. In 2007, two activists from his ethnic-Albanian party died and dozens were injured in a clash with United Nations police. He himself was arrested and held for nine months. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. The invaders Talipov claimed that all Russian servicemen had left the islands before the dam was blown up, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine or HUR reported on Telegram on June 10. Our guys have contacted me. Everyone has left the islands. There was no one there by 3 a.m. There have been no losses. Therefore, all the information being published in this context is a shameless lie, wrote Talipov. HUR said that Talipovs statements provide conclusive evidence that the Russian military had prior knowledge of the imminent attack and had ordered the evacuation in advance. Read also: Despite Talipovs claims, numerous videos circulating in social media in the wake of the dam breach showed Russian soldiers wading through floodwater, climbing trees to escape the water, and being rescued by boat by other Russian soldiers, indicating that some front-line units were not informed about the plan to blow the dam. Nevertheless, some Russian units were observed retreating from the banks of the Dnipro River ahead of the dam breach, Ukrainian intelligence reported earlier. The HUR said that after the wide publication of the information provided by Talipov, he will likely be labeled as a public enemy or an agent of Ukrainian special services, as has traditionally been done in such cases. However, the HUR noted that the amount of such testimony is increasing, and these reports could serve as additional evidence in future tribunals. Talipov, a pro-Russian blogger from Crimea, is the founder and author of the Web resource Crimean Smersh, which is involved in the persecution of pro-Ukrainian residents of the peninsula. Read also: Earlier, Andriy Yusov, a HUR representative, stated that the occupiers had rigged the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant with explosives immediately after capturing it, and said he was confident that the order to blow it up was personally given by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Substantial evidence has been reported implicating the military and political leadership of Russia in the attack on the dam of Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. Yusov also claimed that Russia had been planning to blow up the dam for a long time, and that it had not been a spontaneous decision. 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 national security adviser John Bolton called on former President Trump to end his campaign for president following the release of the 37-count federal indictment against him. Bolton tweeted on Friday that criminal charges are piling up against Trump and he would support the rule of law instead of violating it if he truly believed in prioritizing the countrys interests. Donald Trump should immediately withdraw as a candidate for president. Criminal charges are piling up around him. If Trump truly stood for America First policies, he would support the rule of law instead of continually flouting it. Withdraw now! he said. Bolton, who served as Trumps national security adviser for about a year and as ambassador to the United Nations during George W. Bushs administration, has previously sharply criticized his former boss, more recently telling CNN that Trump did enormous damage to the country and the Republican Party. Former U.S. national security advisor John Bolton delivers a speech to discuss a subject titled ''Maintaining Long Term Peace and Security in Taiwan'' at the Global Taiwan National Affair Symposium XII in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, April 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying) Former U.S. national security advisor John Bolton delivers a speech to discuss a subject titled Maintaining Long Term Peace and Security in Taiwan at the Global Taiwan National Affair Symposium XII in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, April 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying) The indictment against Trump was unsealed on Friday, revealing that he has been charged with 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information in violation of the Espionage Act, along with six other charges. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and argued that the investigation into the classified and sensitive documents that were taken to his Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach, Fla., after he left the White House is politically motivated. The case against Trump marks the second set of charges he is facing after he was indicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records by a Manhattan grand jury earlier this spring. The charges stem from payments that his former attorney, Michael Cohen, made to adult film star Stormy Daniels for her to remain quiet about an affair that she allegedly had with Trump ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump is also facing criminal investigations over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and the broader efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and efforts to overturn the 2020 results in Georgia. More Trump indictment coverage from The Hill Trump has remained the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president in 2024 despite the various legal issues. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R), a competitor for the Republican nomination, called on Trump to drop out of the race after the Manhattan indictment, saying it would be a huge distraction from the election. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Arkansas booksellers and librarians have filed a lawsuit challenging a new state law that would punish them with up to a year in prison for providing "harmful" books to people under age 18. The suit challenges two parts of the law, Act 372, which is due to take effect on Aug. 1. One section makes it a criminal offense to knowingly lend, make available or show to a minor any material deemed "harmful" to them. State law defines material as "harmful to minors" if it contains nudity or sexual content and appeals to a "prurient interest in sex," "lacks serious literary, scientific, medical, artistic or political value for minors" and if, by current community standards, it is "inappropriate for minors." Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. The plaintiffs also contest a section of the law that requires county and municipal libraries to establish written guidelines for the "selection, relocation and retention" of materials, including a process for individuals to challenge their "appropriateness" and request that they be moved to an area inaccessible to children. By passing Act 372, which also strikes a statute that protected librarians from being prosecuted for circulating material "claimed to be obscene," Arkansas became one of at least seven states that have passed laws criminalizing librarians and school employees who provide books deemed sexually explicit or "harmful" to minors, The Washington Post's Hannah Natanson reported in May. Another dozen states have considered similar bills. None of the bill's four sponsors in the Arkansas General Assembly responded to a request for comment. In a May op-ed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, state Sen. Dan Sullivan defended Act 372, saying that it simply expands existing prohibitions on "displaying" harmful material and creates a process for parents to "appeal the decisions of unelected librarians to local elected officials." Kandi West, the primary owner of WordsWorth Books in Little Rock, a plaintiff in the suit, expressed concerns about how to interpret the law's definition of making material "available" to a minor. "While our store is organized with our children's section in its own part of the store, there is nothing that keeps a minor from browsing the entire store," she wrote in an email. "We pride ourselves on our collection, and on having books that represent all kinds of people that are in our community," said Daniel Jordan, who co-owns Pearl's Books, another plaintiff, with his wife, Leah. Now he worries the law might force them to hide or remove critically acclaimed, popular books for fear that someone might deem them inappropriate for minors. It would be practically impossible to strictly enforce the law at their family bookstore in Fayetteville, Ark., Jordan said. Housed in a former newspaper building, Pearl's is 1,200 square feet, "long and skinny," with a dedicated children's section in the back; it has a mix of books, for people of all ages, on the display tables up front. Customers often browse with their kids in tow, and the clientele also includes university students, who may not have turned 18 yet. "We're asking ourselves all kinds of questions, like: Would we need to be checking IDs for certain books? What if we accidentally sold something that someone considers 'harmful'?" Jordan said. "Are we going to have a separate entrance for children and a separate entrance for adults?" If the law went into effect, he added, "I think we'd need to probably decide if we're an adults-only bookstore, 18-plus, or a children's-only bookstore. That's pretty worrisome for us, because that's cutting our business in pieces." The law would require libraries to create age-restricted sections where minors aren't allowed, even with adult supervision; some librarians joining the suit argue that this would hinder their ability to serve readers of all ages. "I will have to either keep that room locked, and people will have to ask for permission for the key for 'the dirty room,' or I'll have to have staff at the door," said Adam Webb, executive director of the Garland County Library. That requirement would make it impossible for the library to continue its student volunteer program or to hire minors in staff positions, he added. "If a 'harmful to minors' book comes in and gets put on a cart for one of the teenagers to shelve, all of a sudden I've committed a crime." This would pose extreme difficulties for the state's smallest libraries, which lack the space to cordon off an age-restricted area or the staff to ensure compliance, said Nate Coulter, executive director of the Central Arkansas Library System in Little Rock, the lead plaintiff. "Is your whole library 'adults only'?" Coulter asked. "Somebody was joking that it's like a dispensary for controlled substances, with officers at the door." Webb also raised concerns about the law's section on challenging a book's "appropriateness." It would change his library's standard reconsideration process, in part, by allowing individuals to bypass the library board and appeal to their local government. "It doesn't say that the person challenging the material has to live in my community or use my library," he said. "It says, 'a person affected by the material' - and that person can be sitting in their basement challenging library books in every library in the state of Arkansas." Act 372 doesn't make distinctions between what might be "appropriate" reading for an older teenager, as compared with a very young child, forcing librarians into what Webb describes as a difficult "binary": "Either all the material in my library is going to be appropriate for the youngest of minors, or I'm just going to exclude children from using the library." And either choice, Webb said, might run afoul of the Constitution's protections for free speech or prohibitions on age discrimination. In response to the new law, the Carroll and Madison Library System in Eureka Springs, Ark., is rewriting its policies and plans to block all youth borrowers' accounts in July, at the height of their summer reading programs, unless a parent signs a waiver. The waiver states that the collections include materials whose viewpoints they may not agree with and that caregivers - not librarians - are responsible for their child's safety and behavior, including their choice of reading materials. "We're hoping is it is an awareness tool" for patrons who hadn't heard about the law, said April Griffith, the system's regional administrator. And for library staff, she added, "we're hoping it adds at least a layer of protection." The law's vagueness will have a chilling effect, Coulter said. "It's not hard for me to infer that that's the objective here: that the purpose is to scare people, discourage people, intimidate people from collecting these things that are deemed objectionable by certain parts of the community - or, if you have them in your collection, to put them in the smut room or isolate them." Related Content Are those trumpets playing Beyonce's 'Crazy in Love' at the French Open? In scramble for EV metals, health threat to workers often goes unaddressed D.C. region suffers second day of dangerous air quality from wildfire smoke Boston police have identified the suspect who allegedly shot a Boston Police officer multiple times Friday night. John Lazare, 23, of Brockton is facing a slew of charges including assault and battery with a firearm, armed robbery, and assault with a dangerous weapon, Boston Police officials revealed Saturday. Police say Lazare shot the responding officer in the foot and back on Cedric Street near Clifford Park in Roxbury late Friday night. This is another example of people who have no respect for life in any way shape or form, Police Commissioner Michael Cox said in a press conference Saturday. According to the police report, the responding officer was previously in the area on Wednesday night to investigate a report of an armed robbery of a pizza delivery driver. That victim reported being robbed by a 56 to 58 male wearing a black hoody, a face mask and dark-colored pajama pants with red graphics. Police say the same officer was provided with more photos of the alleged suspect on Friday afternoon. The officer returned to the area of Cedric Street Friday evening due to this recent activity, Boston Police say. While in the area after 9 p.m., the officer noticed a man matching the description of Wednesday nights suspect pointing a gun at another male making a food delivery. As the officer approached, the suspect, who police identify as Lazare, began to open fire on the officer and ran into the main entrance of 44 Cedric Street. The officer reported being shot multiple times over a police channel, specifically once in the foot and back. Police say a multitude of officers began heading to the area. The shot officer was ushered into a police car and rushed to Boston Medical Center where they were treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Officers still at the scene of the shooting began to clear residents out of 44 Cedric Street, eventually noticing Lazare on a nearby rooftop. In an attempt to escape, Lazare jumped from the roof, landing in a nearby alleyway and injuring his leg, police say. Lazare was then taken into custody and brought to Beth Israel Hospital for treatment of his leg. A silver and black firearm and a 9mm shell casing were found near the entrance of 44 Cedric Street, police say. The shot officer is recovering with his family at Boston Medical Center, Police Commissioner Michael Cox said. The full list of charges Lazare is facing are as follows: Assault and battery with a firearm Armed Robbery Assault with a dangerous weapon Carrying a firearm without a license Possessing a firearm without an FID card Carrying a loaded firearm without a license Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building Possessing a large-capacity firearm Receiving stolen property Lazare will be arraigned on Monday, June 12 in Roxbury District Court. Boston Police and Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden say the incident is under investigation. 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 Shortly after withdrawing a petition to annex the 101-acre Baxter International headquarters site into Deerfield to build an industrial business park with more than a million square feet of warehouse space, Bridge Industrial representatives submitted a request for a preliminary meeting with Lake Countys Planning, Building and Development Department, according to its director Eric Waggoner. The outreach, Waggoner said, requested a preliminary meeting, to discuss an unincorporated development proposal for the property. Lake County must hear out the request and begin its petition process, as Deerfield officials were required to, and the plan is to schedule a meeting with Bridge representatives in the coming weeks. The move is the first sign that Bridge Industrial representatives plan to explore additional pathways to push through its plans for the property after thousands of residents in Deerfield and Riverwoods organized in opposition to the proposal. The departments practice is to meet with a client first in order to understand the potential scope of a development project, prior to any formal application review stage, Waggoner said. The commercial real estate developer yanked its petition from consideration by the village of Deerfield on Wednesday, one day ahead a Plan Commission meeting where legal counsel retained by residents opposed to the project was set to present against the proposal. Hundreds of residents of Deerfield and Riverwoods, including the Thorngate subdivision that would share a stoplight and intersection with the industrial business park, were expected to attend Thursdays canceled Plan Commission meeting. The meetings cancellation kicked off celebrations Wednesday night among residents who pooled resources to retain legal counsel to advocate against the project, printed tons of signs and lobbied their neighbors and local officials against the idea. Thorngate resident Lisa Rosen, who worked to raise awareness and opposition to the problem within her neighborhood and online, said Thursday that the petitions withdrawal was a big win for area residents. The lesson I want my kids to know is you stand up for what you believe in, Rosen said. When you make a stand, others believe and you come together and you can create great things. And I do believe this is a great win, because it was not the right project for the Baxter land. David Meeks, the land use and zoning attorney residents retained, said Thursday that, the community would fight and be fully engaged with that proposal if Bridge took its pitch to the Lake County Board and its Planning, Building and Development staff. By pulling its petition from consideration by Deerfield before the hearing, Bridge at least delayed the public airing of independently gathered data and studies of potential project impacts. Our environmental air quality report would have talked about the increased emissions, and the worse quality of the emissions to come from idling diesel trucks and how that hadnt been in the developers environmental assessment, Meek said. Last month, more than 500 residents packed the Deerfield High School gymnasium to see Bridge Industrial representatives and consultant formally present its plans to the Deerfield Plan Commission, which would have made a recommendation about the project to the village board. A petition urging action against the annexation proposal and Bridges redevelopment plans also drew more than 5,000 signatures. An initial public hearing on the plan was postponed because so many residents packed Village Hall that officials were concerned holding the meeting would have violated the Open Meetings Act. Attempts to reach Bridge Industrial Senior Vice President Mark Houser and Chicago Region Partner Jonathan Pozerycki on Thursday and Friday were unsuccessful. Prof Peter Schwartz British scientist Australian mother pardoned freed Kathleen Folbigg wrongly convicted genetic research - Italian Institute for Auxology On the morning of June 5, Prof Peter Schwartz, a world-renowned cardiologist, was sitting at his table enjoying his breakfast of tea and kippers. It was then that the British-born doctors phone rang and he heard the news that Kathleen Folbigg, an Australian woman convicted of murdering her four small children, had been granted an official pardon and released after 20 years behind bars. He immediately felt goosebumps it was his expert opinion that had played a key role in casting doubt over Ms Folbiggs original conviction, which led to her being described as Australias worst female serial killer. I was having breakfast and I received a message from a dear friend in London who knew that I had been involved, Prof Schwartz told The Telegraph. It was not unexpected, but it generated a lot of emotion in me. It gave me goosebumps. It makes a big impression on you when you realise the woman has been released from jail largely because of what you have done. Im really proud of it. The geneticist had submitted what he called a rather strong and direct and blunt deposition to an Australian review of the case which helped secure Ms Folbiggs liberation. He said: Ive saved the lives of a few people with CPR, but this was a different story. It was really against the odds. Along with other prominent scientists, Prof Schwartz played a vital role in casting reasonable doubt over Ms Folbiggs original convictions. Those findings brought to an end a nightmare for the Australian woman. Not only did she witness all four of her children die at a young age, she then spent two decades in jail, wrongly accused of murdering them and reviled by society as a monster. Australian mother pardoned freed Kathleen Folbigg wrongly convicted genetic research - Pool via AP It was an ordeal from which Ms Folbigg, now aged 55, has only just been liberated. In 2003, she was jailed for 40 years for the murders of three of her children Sarah, Laura, and Patrick and the manslaughter of the fourth, Caleb. The infants all died suddenly in the period between 1989 and 1999, aged between 19 days and 18 months. Prosecutors, basing their evidence in part on highly selective extracts from Ms Folbiggs diaries in which she wrote of her struggles with motherhood, insisted she had smothered them. There was no forensic evidence linking her to the deaths and she always protested her innocence. However, she became a figure of hate, a woman who had committed the unthinkable act of killing her own offspring. After spending much of her sentence in solitary confinement, she received an official pardon this week and was released from jail in the town of Grafton, 200 miles south of Brisbane. In a brief video message, she said she would grieve for her children forever, and that she missed them and loved them terribly. Pain of losing children and being jailed Rhanee Rego, Ms Folbiggs lawyer, said: It is impossible to comprehend the injury that has been inflicted upon Kathleen Folbigg the pain of losing her children and close to two decades locked away in maximum security prisons. A fresh inquiry led by Tom Bathurst, a retired Australian judge, accepted that cutting edge research on gene mutations had cast serious doubt over her conviction. The case illustrated how revolutionary advances in science can make all the difference, coming up with new evidence that can overturn criminal convictions. An international team of scientists found that Ms Folbiggs two daughters and two sons suffered from incredibly rare genetic mutations that most likely led to their deaths. The chances of four children from the same family having such mutations seemed infinitesimally small and yet scientists showed that it existed. They found that Ms Folbiggs daughters shared a genetic mutation called Calm2 G114R, which can cause sudden cardiac death. Australian mother pardoned freed Kathleen Folbigg wrongly convicted genetic research - New South Wales Supreme Court/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock They also discovered that her sons possessed another genetic mutation which in mice has been linked to sudden-onset epilepsy. One of her sons, Patrick, suffered from epileptic seizures in the months before his death. In what has been described as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in Australian history, scientists concluded there was reasonable doubt that Ms Folbigg had nothing to do with her childrens deaths simply that she had been dealt an unbelievably bad genetic hand. Born in Huntingdon during the Second World War to an Italian mother and a Hungarian father, Prof Schwartz is a prominent scientist at the Italian Institute for Auxology, based in Milan, where he studies genetic disorders that can lead to sudden cardiac deaths in children. In particular, he has devoted 50 years to a condition called the long QT syndrome (LQTS), a disorder that can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias. It is very similar to the mutations in the Calm gene that Ms Folbiggs baby girls suffered from. Asked how long it took him to realise that there could be a natural explanation for the deaths of the Folbigg children, Prof Schwartz said: It was immediate. We know that if an infant dies suddenly and they dont have a knife in the back and they have this genetic mutation, then this is the cause of death. He was brought in on the case in 2019 after being contacted by Prof Carola Garcia Vinuesa, a Spanish scientist who had become convinced of Ms Folbiggs innocence. The scientific breakthrough Prof Vinuesa is now at the Crick Institute in London, but at the time was the head of the immunology department at the Australian National University. She became involved in 2018 after being contacted by David Wallace, a former student who had since gone into law and was working on the Folbigg case. She began to investigate the deaths of the children, sending Dr Todor Arsov, a colleague, to visit Ms Folbigg in prison and obtain a DNA sample from her. They sequenced the Australian womans genome and found that she had a mutation in the Calm2 gene that could cause sudden infant death syndrome. They then found the same mutation in Ms Folbiggs two daughters. As evidence, I think this finding would carry the same weight as having a confession or an eyewitness to a crime, Dr Arsov told El Pais newspaper. Patrick and Caleb were found to carry two rare variants of the BSN gene, which causes lethal epilepsy in mice. The theory that she had killed her children had no evidence. The only evidence was circumstantial because she was the one finding them dead, said Prof Vinuesa. The science was irrefutable in terms of casting doubt over the convictions. Breaking the stigma For many people involved in the case, Ms Folbigg was emblematic of how women whose children die in unclear circumstances are often stigmatised and judged. Dr Hayley Cullen, an associate lecturer in psychology at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and Dr Celine van Golde, a senior lecturer in forensic psychology at the University of Sydney, wrote an opinion piece on the subject for The Conversation website. They said: Women who have been wrongfully convicted of murdering their children will not only endure the stigma and discrimination but they may also be battling with the tremendous grief of losing their child. Prison can stunt the grieving process, which is a necessary psychological response to loss. They said data from the US revealed that among wrongfully convicted women, one in three were convicted of crimes that involved harming children. And women are three times more likely than men to be wrongly convicted for crimes that didnt occur. Ms Folbiggs 20 years of wrongful imprisonment followed a deeply traumatic childhood. She was just 18 months old when her father, a criminal and underworld enforcer, murdered her mother, stabbing her 24 times with a carving knife. As a child, she shuttled between the homes of relatives before finally ending up with foster parents in Newcastle, Australia. She came from a very troubled family her father killed her mother. She was the ideal monster for the public, the ideal scapegoat, said Prof Schwartz. Lindy Chamberlain Australian mother pardoned freed Kathleen Folbigg wrongly convicted genetic research - National Museum of Australia/Channel 5 In Australia, parallels have been drawn with another notorious case of a mother accused of killing her child. Lindy Chamberlain was sentenced to life in prison in 1982 for allegedly murdering her baby daughter, Azaria, despite insisting the child had been carried off by a dingo while the family were camping near Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. She was eventually freed years later when a jacket that had been worn by the little girl was found near a dingos lair. Ms Folbiggs conviction came at a time when much credence was given to a theory called Meadows Law, named after Roy Meadow, the British paediatrician who coined it. According to his maxim, one sudden death is a tragedy, two is suspicious and three must be murder unless there is proof to the contrary. However, Mr Meadow was later discredited and for a time was struck off the medical register. Doubt was also cast on the convictions by Prof Peter Fleming, a leading British paediatrician and world-renowned expert on sudden infant deaths. He was asked by Mr Bathurst whether children could be smothered to death with no signs of injury being left, as had been argued during the trial in 2003. He said that children who are smothered wriggle and fight vigorously, with their teeth causing injuries to the inside of their mouths. The Folbigg children did not have such injuries, Prof Fleming said. I would find it very hard to believe that somebody could suffocate them by putting something over their face or obstructing their airways and leaving no marks, he told the inquiry. I would find that extraordinary. Australias greatest miscarriage of justice The Australian Academy of Science, which also played a key role in clearing Ms Folbiggs name, said her original conviction was Australias greatest miscarriage of justice. Anna-Maria Arabia, the academys chief executive, said: What this case has absolutely shown is theres an absence of a mechanism for the justice system to consider new information, particularly scientific information. Halfway across the world, in his house in Milan, Prof Schwartz agreed: The case shows that errors can be made and that they can and should be corrected. It demonstrates the importance of judges relying not on generic experts like cardiologists but on experts on the specific disease that is under investigation. And judges should be open to reviewing cases if new scientific evidence comes to light. I hope it will create a precedent. 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. Constellation Brands' Modelo Especial outsold Bud Light in May, a report says. Reuters Bud Light sales dropped 23% in May, according to data from research firm Circana. The drop came as the brand faced right-wing backlash over a promotion that featured a trans influencer. Mexican lager Modelo Especial was the top-selling beer in the US last month, per the report. Modelo Especial dethroned embattled Bud Light as the best-selling beer in the US last month, a new report says. Bud Light sales plunged 23% year-over-year in May to $297.3 million, according to data compiled by consumer-behavior research firm Circana and shared with Insider. Meanwhile, sales of the Mexican lager surged 15% to $333.1 million. Conservative outrage over a March Madness promotion that featured transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney sparked calls for a Bud Light boycott. Anheuser-Busch suffered weeks of backlash from a Bud Light promotion featuring trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press and Rob Kim/Getty Images Bud Light's parent company Anheuser-Busch initially stood by the promotion, but as the right-wing backlash grew, the executive who arranged the Mulvaney campaign took a leave of absence, and the brewing company reportedly offered to buy back expired cases of Bud Light from distributors and gave free cases of beer to distributor employees. Analysts at JPMorgan recently warned that Bud Light sales could drop as much as 13% this year. Rounding out the top five in beer sales for May were Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, and Miller Lite, Circana reports. In response to questions about the May drop in Bud Light sales, an Anheuser-Busch spokesperson told Insider: "For the year, Bud Light remains the #1 brand in the US nationally in volume and dollar sales." Constellation Brands, which holds the US brand license for Modelo, told Insider in a statement that its beer has seen "consistent and accelerated growth" since Constellation acquired the rights a decade ago. "We continue to see runway for growth as we introduce Modelo to new consumers through increased distribution / presence at retail, in line with the brand's momentum in the marketplace," the statement said. Read the original article on Business Insider Canada will take part in a multinational effort to train Ukrainian fighter jet pilots and provide Kyiv with a new military aid package worth CA$500 million [approx. US$370 million ed.]. Source: This was announced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a visit to Kyiv on Saturday 10 June, referenced by Interfax-Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "Today I can announce that we will provide CA$500 million in new funding for military assistance. In total, we have already provided more than CA$8 billion, of which CA$1 billion was in military assistance," Trudeau said at a press conference in Kyiv on Saturday after meeting with President Zelenskyy. According to him, Canada will join the process of training Ukrainian pilots to fly on Western aircraft. "We will also provide additional 287 of AM-7 missiles that were provided in order to protect the sky of Ukraine, and 10,000 155-mm calibre shells on top of that," Trudeau said. He also announced the provision of CA$10 million to help flood victims after the explosion at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. According to European Pravda, during his visit to Kyiv on Saturday, Trudeau also signed a declaration with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which Ottawa officially supported Ukraine's accession to NATO, "as soon as conditions allow for it". Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Canada supported Ukraine's accession to NATO "as soon as conditions allow for it" During the meeting in Kyiv on 10 June, the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Canada adopted a declaration in which Ottawa supports Ukraine's accession to NATO "as soon as conditions allow for it". Source: The text of the declaration was published by the Office of the President of Ukraine on 10 June, reports European Pravda. Details: As mentioned, within NATO, Canada emphasises that Ukraine has the right to choose its own security measures. At the same time, Canada continues to focus on immediate support to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself. According to the document, Canada fully supports the Ukraine-NATO Council as a platform for further strengthening and expansion of current cooperation with the aim of facilitating the implementation of Ukraine's path to the Euro-Atlantic family in accordance with the Bucharest Declaration. Quote: "Canada supports Ukraine to become a NATO member as soon as conditions allow for it. Ukraine and Canada look forward to addressing these issues at the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July 2023," the text of the declaration reads. Previously: Ukraine signed similar declarations with more than 15 countries of the Alliance. Not all of them support the quick accession of Ukraine to NATO. Some agreed only to repeat the Alliance's official position that Ukraine has a Euro-Atlantic future and will join NATO at some point in the future. As part of a tour to European capitals in May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy adopted declarations supporting Ukraine's membership in NATO with the leaders of Italy, Germany and France. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Canada and the world are stuck in a feedback loop of fire, argues bestselling Canadian journalist John Vaillant. The wildfires currently blazing across Eastern and Western Canada represent the mainstreaming of a level of power and destruction that was once extreme, Vaillant told The Hill last month, before the smoke drifted south and blanketed much of the eastern United States. Fire now is capable of behaviors on a regular basis that would have been considered totally anomalous in the 1990s, he said. In his recently-published book Fire Weather, Vaillant whose journalism has appeared in magazines like National Geographic, The New Yorker and The Atlantic tells the story of fires that all but erased the oil-mining capital of Fort McMurray, Alberta in May of 2016 He describes the disaster as a fiery equivalent to Hurricane Katrina, and argues it served as an opening act to the current era of large scale destructive wildfire. For the last two months, destructive wildfires have burned across Canada, leading to pollution and social upheaval on a staggering scale. In early May, when Vaillant spoke to The Hill, nearly 25,000 people in Alberta had been forced to evacuate in the face of 103 fires, burning across 26 square miles. That was roughly in line with the 10 year average but by this Wednesday, the situation had metastasized by a factor of more than 500. With the Alberta fires spreading across the West, and new flame fronts opened in the eastern province of Quebec, more than 14,000 square miles were aflame. With Canadian firefighters bogged down fighting more than 60 fires, another 186 raged uncontrolled. Thats a level of destruction 13 times the ten year average. And its something that the Canadian government, through its heavy support of one of the worlds most polluting oil sectors, has helped to subsidize, Vaillant argued. As a Massachusetts native who emigrated to Canada as an adult, he was struck by the stark environmental politics behind the countrys placid public face. In the countrys oil and timber industries, Vaillant found an 18th-century inefficiency reminiscent of the era when millions of sea otters were killed for the fur trade. That is the Canadian legacy, he added. I mean, its a colony. It was a fur colony, and it still thinks and acts that way. Vaillants protagonists are the latter day descendants of the fur traders: timber scouts, hunters and oil-miners who are drawn into conflict with the vast, hidden powers of the boreal forests a force that they love, even as they make their lives eroding it. And, in Vaillants telling, the conflict ultimately consumes them. Thats a figurative fate in The Golden Spruce, another Valliant non-fiction tale follows the story of a corporate timber surveyor who desecrates a sacred Haida Nation tree and disappears into the waters of the north Pacific apparently driven crazy by his role in clear-cutting the woods he loved. Its more literal in the case of The Tiger, which tracks a loose band of Russian trappers in Siberia who accidentally offend an enormous Amur tiger with horror-movie results. Fire Weather brings these themes together in a perfect storm. As car-sized chunks of ice still floated on the local waterways in May 2016, Fort McMurray was struck by a spell of record heat that dried out woodlands into firewood. Over three hellish days, the fires the first major crisis of current premier Justin Trudeaus tenure forced 88,000 people from their homes, burned down more than 2000 buildings, and ultimately consumed an area of forest about half the size of Rhode Island. Putting it out cost more than $9 billion, making it Canadas most expensive natural disaster at least, until today. Survivors were struck by the speed and ferocity of the flames as much as the scale of the damage. Its almost like people had just sprayed gasoline around, thats how quickly the fire was moving, Vaillant said. The speed came with a frightening explanation. Like the later 2018 fire that wiped out Paradise, Calif., the 2016 Alberta fires had congealed a fire so large that its plume touched the border of space. This kind of fire is often characterized by the formation of a pyrocumulonimbus, or what NASA has called the fire-breathing dragon of clouds: a fire-fueled thunderstorm so big it can significantly alter the weather and powering storm systems that drive the fire on. Facing such a force, in the accounts of survivors, sounds less like fighting a conventional wildfire than going up against Godzilla. As disasters go, the Fort Mac fires, as Canadians call them, represent a painful irony. Fueled by climate change, the fires ravaged the center of Canadas tar sands, a particularly climate-disrupting annex of the oil industry. But a closer look at the Alberta outbreaks of seven years ago, Vaillant argued, sheds new light on the process powering the new age of destructive fire: our species overwhelming, long-running obsession with flame. Midway through his research into the Fort Mac fires, Vaillant had an epiphany about the shared aspects of wildfire and the fossil fuel age. Oil, gas, coal and trees these, he realized, were just fuels, in the same way that emissions or greenhouse gasses were outputs. But between hydrocarbon and emissions, Vaillant realized, lay a process so well disguised by technology that its easy to forget: fire. Why have we little tiny human beings been able to actually change the chemistry of the planetary atmosphere? he asked. Its because we burn trillions of fires every day. Those fires are largely hidden beneath gas stovetops, the steam turbines of power plants and particularly beneath the hoods of the vast majority of cars, which are powered by internal combustion engines. That mastery of fire has been a gift, Vaillant emphasized. The ever-more-advanced command of fire has given ordinary people the command of a level of horsepower literally, the amount of power generated by a draft horse that was once available only to the very rich, he said. But that has come at a price. On the global scale, the thousands of fires lit each year by billions of people represent a super volcano erupting constantly, day after day after day, year after year and now century after century. In Vaillants terms, Fort McMurray was the economic heart of the Canadian fire industry or as the countrys oil executives would call it, the oil sands. Mixed into the earth and rock beneath the forest and wetlands of Northern Alberta lie the equivalent of nearly 2 trillion barrels of bitumen. While the Canadian oil sector describes it as heavy crude, bitumen is more like a chemical cousin of asphalt, and it is also a product with a staggering environmental and climate toll. As Vaillant writes, mining bitumen is akin to an attempt to squeeze oil from a highway exit ramp. To do so requires not only clearing the forests and pulling out the tarry sand beneath but also burning billions of cubic feet of natural gas per day to further separate out the bitumen. When mixed with condensed natural gas, this sludgy mixture becomes sufficiently liquid that it can move through a pipeline, although in the case of a leak these ingredients tend to separate, with catastrophic results. Such environmental concerns gave the Alberta bitumen mines a starring role in the new era of American land conflicts around pipelines. But the greatest toll of the Canadian bitumen industry and of the fossil fuel industry more generally has been on the global climate, Vaillant argued. Just as Canadas forests, fisheries and fur-bearing mammals all of which were once viewed by settlers as limitless have largely collapsed in the face of industrial-scale exploitation, Vaillant argued that a century of burning has eroded the capacity of the global atmosphere to soak up the greenhouse gasses produced by all our fires. We have been supercharged by fossil fuels, you know? We can fly in jets. We can drive in cars. Weve become enormously powerful. But, he said. In doing so, we have also inadvertently empowered the atmosphere in an analogous way. The result, he said, has been the current era of wildfire. After Fort McMurray, pyrocumulonimbus firestorms reared up again and again, in a grim litany of new records. The following winter brought unprecedented fires to Chile; then in the summer of 2017, dozens were killed that summer along a highway in Portugal as they tried to flee the flames. Over the past five years, these fires have wrought staggering changes across the worlds forest and in many cases they have deleted ecosystems entirely, one leading wildfire scientist told The Hill. Climate change is far from the only cause behind Canadas current fires. Trudeau has taken flak for leaning too hard on the climate angle, which critics have argued is an excuse for his governments near-decade of neglect of conditions in the nations forests. But the trillions of fires that power human civilization are the problem driving all the others, Valliant argues. We have to stop burning, he said. Were a fire-driven civilization and there are 8 billion of us on Earth and its going to take a long time to recalibrate that. Doing so, he added, is a path that we can choose to take. And that I think its clear to most people that it is a path we have to take. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. KYIV (Reuters) -Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $500 million in new military aid for Ukraine during an unannounced trip to war-time Kyiv on Saturday, as Ukraine girds for a counteroffensive against Russian forces and grapples with regular air strikes. Trudeau paid his respects at a memorial to Ukrainian soldiers killed fighting pro-Russian forces since 2014, met President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and addressed Ukraine's parliament. "We will be there with (you) as much as it takes, for as long as it takes," he said, in footage of the talks released by Kyiv authorities, as he sat across from the Ukrainian leader. NATO member Canada, which has one of the world's largest Ukrainian diasporas, has supplied military and financial assistance to Kyiv since Russia invaded in February 2022. Ukraine wants to join the NATO military alliance as fast as it can, but Zelenskiy has recognised that cannot happen while the war with Russia is raging. "Canada supports Ukraine to become a NATO member as soon as conditions allow for it. Ukraine and Canada look forward to addressing these issues at the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July 2023," said a joint declaration adopted after the talks. Trudeau was applauded at length as he spoke in parliament for 25 minutes, denouncing the Russian invasion and praising Ukraine's democratic development. He said Ukraine's resistance was about "the future of us all. You are the tip of the spear that is determining the future of the 21st century." Zelenskiy said Ukraine was grateful to Canadians for their support and extended thanks. As Trudeau visited Kyiv, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced that a Russian-registered Antonov-124 cargo plane was seized at Toronto's airport, Ottawa's first such seizure of an asset aimed at putting pressure on Moscow. The Canadian prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, a Ukrainian speaker. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth and Yurii Khomenko; Editing by Mike Harrison, Alex Richardson, Ron Popeski and Cynthia Osterman) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid an unexpected visit to Kyiv on Saturday. Source: European Pravda Details: Photos of the Canadian Prime Minister in Kyiv appeared on social networks and in the Canadian mass media. The Canadian prime minister is in Ukraine with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent. Trudeau's visit was not announced, like most visits by Western government officials, for security reasons. In Kyiv, Trudeau started his visit by attending a wreath-laying ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance, dedicated to those who died in the Russian-Ukrainian war. This is Trudeau's second visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trudeau last visited Ukraine in May 2022. In May 2023, President Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, in which he discussed the programme of long-term defence cooperation and also noted the beginning of the confiscation of Russian assets in Canada. At the end of April, the Canadian government announced the provision of new military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 39 million Canadian dollars (US$28.9 million). Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Amid the textbook bans and LGBTQ snubs in Florida schools, comes another transformative change passed by the Florida Legislature: It simply has to do with what time the school bell will ring. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed House Bill 733, which mandates later start times for middle and high schools, a radical reset for students, parents, teachers and districts in Miami-Dade and across the state. Although the change has its critics, the law might not be a bad thing, It requires public school districts and charter schools to adjust their current schedules to ensure that middle schools begin classes at or after 8 a.m., while high schools will start at or after 8:30 a.m., instead of the current 7:20 a.m. It all goes into effect with the 2026-2027 school year, for it will take that long for districts to alter everything from school bus, cafeteria, student and faculty schedules. The move has the support of The American Academy of Pediatrics, which has recommended later starting times so students get a sufficient amount of sleep. It recommends as 8.5 hours to 9.5 hours a night. Lack of sleep can have serious consequences. High school students who dont get enough sleep have higher risks of obesity, depression, drinking, drugs and performing poorly in school, according to studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The change is only 30 minutes, but its an impactful 30 minutes. In fact, it will even alter the countys traffic patterns during morning and afternoon hours. Thats transformative. But the radical change in school start times has some concerned that the cost of implementing it will be another unfunded mandate from Tallahassee. For students, an hour later school start time is psychologically better. I have been a proponent of this change for the older students, but I know this will be expensive to execute for the district, former Miami-Dade School Board member Marta Perez, now an advocate for mental health and fitness for children and families, told the Editorial Board. The Legislature should help districts pay for all the changes that will be necessary. This can be an unfunded mandate. Tallahassee needs to help the districts. We agree. Perez said the benefits of good sleep for students have long been overlooked, with many falsely believing that early starts to the school day enhance productivity. Research attached to the bill indicates otherwise. Adolescents sleep patterns are different from those of adults. Kids stay up later. Its natural. With an earlier start time, students are often forced to wake up well before their natural waking time, which leads to chronic sleep deprivation. By pushing back the start time, students will be able to get the recommended amount of sleep, which can lead to better academic performance and improved physical and mental health, the bill promises. Studies show that children and teenagers require more sleep than adults, and sleep deprivation can lead to a range of negative consequences, including poor academic performance, behavioral issues, health problems and mental health issues. For some teens, the stress of knowing that they must be at their desks at 7:20 a.m. has led those old enough to drop out. And thats a shame. Teachers are also likely to see some benefits from the new start times in terms of their preparation and student attention. Teachers know that during that first period of the day, half their students are barely awake. A later school start time had been considered by the Miami-Dade school district back in 2021. At that time, the district created a task force. The same should happen now to help ease the transition. The bill signed by DeSantis wisely comes with preparation guidelines. It requires each district school board to educate its community about the positive impact of good sleep habits on student health and safety. Again, who pays? Since its a Tallahassee mandate, the districts should not be stuck will all the costs. On the flip side, some parents are concerned that the later start times will interfere with their work schedules and the time they drop off their children, while others worry about the impact on after-school activities, which will obviously be later and into nighttime in some cases. School bus drivers have expressed concerns about significant changes to their schedules, which may increase the amount of time students spend on a school bus. Logistics will be complicated, and everyone affected should be heard out. If a later school bell leads to improved academic performance and mental well-being, the effort will have been worth it. People attend a church service in Nuremberg, Germany, Friday, June 9, 2023. Hundreds of German Protestants have attended a church service in Bavaria that was generated almost entirely by artificial intelligence. The service was created by ChatGPT and Jonas Simmerlein, a theologian and philosopher from the University of Vienna. The ChatGPT chatbot, personified by different avatars on a huge screen above the altar, led the more than 300 people through 40 minutes of prayer, music, sermons and blessings. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) FUERTH, Germany (AP) The artificial intelligence chatbot asked the believers in the fully packed St. Paul's church in the Bavarian town of Fuerth to rise from the pews and praise the Lord. The ChatGPT chatbot, personified by an avatar of a bearded Black man on a huge screen above the altar, then began preaching to the more than 300 people who had shown up on Friday morning for an experimental Lutheran church service almost entirely generated by AI. Dear friends, it is an honor for me to stand here and preach to you as the first artificial intelligence at this year's convention of Protestants in Germany," the avatar said with an expressionless face and monotonous voice. The 40-minute service including the sermon, prayers and music was created by ChatGPT and Jonas Simmerlein, a theologian and philosopher from the University of Vienna. I conceived this service but actually I rather accompanied it, because I would say about 98% comes from the machine, the 29-year-old scholar told The Associated Press. The AI church service was one of hundreds of events at the convention of Protestants in the Bavarian towns of Nuremberg and the neighboring Fuerth, and it drew such immense interest that people formed a long queue outside the 19th-century, neo-Gothic building an hour before it began. The convention itself Deutscher Evangelischer Kirchentag in German takes place every two years in the summer at a different place in Germany and draws tens of thousands of believers to pray, sing and discuss their faith. They also talk about current world affairs and look for solutions to key issues, which this year included global warming, the war in Ukraine and artificial intelligence. This year's gathering is taking place from Wednesday to Sunday under the motto Now is the time. That slogan was one of the sentences Simmerlein fed ChatGPT when he asked the chatbot to develop the sermon. I told the artificial intelligence We are at the church congress, you are a preacher what would a church service look like? Simmerlein said. He also asked for psalms to be included, as well as prayers and a blessing at the end. You end up with a pretty solid church service, Simmerlein said, sounding almost surprised by the success of his experiment. Indeed, the believers in the church listened attentively as the artificial intelligence preached about leaving the past behind, focusing on the challenges of the present, overcoming fear of death, and never losing trust in Jesus Christ. The entire service was led by four different avatars on the screen, two young women, and two young men. At times, the AI-generated avatar inadvertently drew laughter as when it used platitudes and told the churchgoers with a deadpan expression that in order to keep our faith, we must pray and go to church regularly. Some people enthusiastically videotaped the event with their cell phones, while others looked on more critically and refused to speak along loudly during The Lord's Prayer. Heiderose Schmidt, a 54-year-old who works in IT, said she was excited and curious when the service started but found it increasingly off-putting as it went along. There was no heart and no soul, she said. The avatars showed no emotions at all, had no body language and were talking so fast and monotonously that it was very hard for me to concentrate on what they said. But maybe it is different for the younger generation who grew up with all of this, Schmidt added. Marc Jansen, a 31-year-old Lutheran pastor from Troisdorf near the western German city of Cologne, brought a group of teenagers from his congregation to St. Paul. He was more impressed by the experiment. I had actually imagined it to be worse. But I was positively surprised how well it worked. Also the language of the AI worked well, even though it was still a bit bumpy at times," Jansen said. What the young pastor missed, however, was any kind of emotion or spirituality, which he says is essential when he writes his own sermons. Anna Puzio, 28, a researcher on the ethics of technology from the University of Twente in The Netherlands, also attended the service. She said she sees a lot of opportunities in the use of AI in religion such as making religious services more easily available and inclusive for believers who for various reasons may not be able experience their faith in person with others in houses of worship. However, she noted there are also dangers when it comes to the use of AI in religion. The challenge that I see is that AI is very human-like and that it's easy to be deceived by it," she said. Also, we dont have only one Christian opinion, and thats what AI has to represent as well, she said. "We have to be careful that it's not misused for such purposes as to spread only one opinion. Simmerlein said it is not his intention to replace religious leaders with artificial intelligence. Rather, he sees the use of AI as a way to help them with their everyday work in their congregations. Some pastors seek inspiration in literature, he says, so why not also ask AI for ideas regarding an upcoming sermon. Others would like to have more time for individual spiritual guidance of their parishioners, so why not speed up the process of writing the sermon with the help of a chatbot to make time for other important duties. Artificial intelligence will increasingly take over our lives, in all its facets, Simmerlein said. And thats why its useful to learn to deal with it. However, the experimental church service also showed the limits to implementing artificial AI in church, or in religion. There was no real interaction between the believers and the chatbot, which wasn't able to respond to the laughter or any other reactions by the churchgoers as a human pastor would have been able to do. The pastor is in the congregation, she lives with them, she buries the people, she knows them from the beginning," Simmerlein said. Artificial intelligence cannot do that. It does not know the congregation. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Child plane crash survivors in "acceptable" state of health Children found alive in jungle weeks after plane crash, arrive at Bogota BOGOTA (Reuters) -Four Indigenous children who were missing for more than five weeks in Colombia's southern jungle, after surviving a plane crash which killed their mother, are in an "acceptable" state of health, the government said on Saturday. The siblings were found on Friday in Caqueta province after weeks of searching by the military, Indigenous communities and others, and were initially treated by military medics before being transported to a military hospital in capital Bogota. President Gustavo Petro, his family and other officials visited the children at the hospital on Saturday morning, with Petro saying on Twitter the rescue was an example of different groups coming together for the common good. "In general the boy and the girls are in an acceptable state. According to the medical reports they are out of danger," Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez said during a press conference after the visit. The children are not yet able to eat, he added, but are being hydrated and stabilized. "They are very thin but I know they're in good hands," the children's great-uncle Fidencio Valencia told journalists as he left the hospital. "We never expected to find them so well." Velasquez recognized the eldest of the siblings, a 13-year-old girl, for her bravery. The youngest of the children turned one while in the jungle, while her brother had his fifth birthday, he said. The other sister is nine. The siblings have some insect bites and other minor injuries, army Major General Carlos Rincon said, but "life-threatening conditions are ruled out." Clues as to the siblings' whereabouts have been reported for weeks as the search, dubbed Operation Hope, continued. Wilson, one of the military dogs which participated in the operation, is now himself missing, but an effort to find him is taking place, the military has said. In photos shared by Colombia's military, the children appear gaunt. It is unclear whether they have already been reunited with their father, Manuel Ranoque, who was not on the airplane and participated in the search. Their ordeal began in the early hours of May 1, when the Cessna 206 aircraft carrying seven people and traveling between Araracuara airport in Caqueta and San Jose del Guaviare, a city in Guaviare province, issued a mayday alert due to engine failure. Three adults, including the pilot and the children's mother, died in the crash and their bodies were found inside the plane. (Reporting by Carolina Pulice and Luis Jaime Acosta, Additional reporting by Nelson Bocanegra; Writing by Carolina Pulice and Oliver Griffin; Editing by Jamie Freed and Andrea Ricci) China has been spying from Cuba for some time, U.S. official says WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China has been spying from Cuba for some time and upgraded its intelligence collection facilities there in 2019, a Biden administration official said on Saturday, following a report about a new spying effort underway on the island. The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported that China had reached a secret deal with Cuba to establish an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island roughly 100 miles (160 km) from Florida, but the U.S. and Cuban governments cast strong doubt on the report. The Biden administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the media's characterization "does not comport with our understanding," but did not specify how the report was wrong nor address in detail whether there were efforts by China to build a new eavesdropping facility in Cuba. The official said the issue predated Joe Biden's presidency, as had Beijing's efforts to strengthen its intelligence collection infrastructure worldwide. "This is an ongoing issue, and not a new development," the official said. "The PRC (People's Republic of China) conducted an upgrade of its intelligence collection facilities in Cuba in 2019. This is well-documented in the intelligence record." Asked for comment, an official at China's embassy in Washington pointed to Friday's statement by a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson who accused the U.S. of "spreading rumors and slander" with talk of a Cuba spy station, and of being "the most powerful hacker empire in the world." The Cuban government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Thursday, Cuban Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio dismissed the Journal's report as "totally mendacious" and called it a U.S. fabrication meant to justify Washington's decades-old economic embargo against the island. He said Cuba rejects all foreign military presence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Attention surrounding alleged Chinese spying from Cuba comes as Washington and Beijing are taking tentative steps to soothe tensions that spiked after a suspected Chinese high-altitude spy balloon crossed the United States before the U.S. military shot it down off the East Coast in February. That includes a trip to China that U.S. officials say Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning for June 18. Washington's top diplomat had earlier scrapped the visit over the spy balloon incident. The Biden administration official said that despite the former administration of Donald Trump being aware of the Chinese basing effort in Cuba and making some attempts to address the challenge, "we were not making enough progress and needed a more direct approach." The official said U.S. diplomats had engaged governments that were considering hosting Chinese bases and had exchanged information with them. "Our experts assess that our diplomatic efforts have slowed the PRC down," the official said. "We think the PRC isn't quite where they had hoped to be." (Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Phil Stewart; Additional reporting by Dave Sherwood in Havana; Editing by Daniel Wallis) China using secret base in Cuba to spy on U.S., Biden admin official confirms China has been spying on the United States from a base in Cuba, a Biden administration official said on Saturday, claiming that this is an issue that this administration inherited. The Wall Street Journal, followed by POLITICO and other outlets, reported on Thursday that China had been in conversations with Havana to establish a new spy base in the island nation. That same day, the White House and the Pentagon said the reporting was inaccurate, without going into details. On Saturday, an administration official clarified by saying that the Chinese base in Cuba has already been established, noting that it didnt happen on their watch. The administration official, who was granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive subject, said the Chinese spying effort has been an ongoing concern and that the U.S. has been taking steps to deal with it. When this administration took office in January 2021, we were briefed on a number of sensitive PRC efforts around the world to expand its overseas logistics, basing, and collection infrastructure globally to allow the [military] to project and sustain military power at greater distance, the official said, referring to the Peoples Republic of China. This effort included the presence of PRC intelligence collection facilities in Cuba, the official confirmed. In fact, the PRC conducted an upgrade of its intelligence collection facilities in Cuba in 2019. This is well-documented in the intelligence record. President Joe Biden directed his administration to address the issue. Within months, we did so, the official said, noting that the thrust of the engagement with Beijing over the spy post has been through diplomacy. The official would not go into detail, but said the engagements have brought results and that our experts assess that our diplomatic efforts have slowed the PRC down. We think the PRC isnt quite where they had hoped to be, the official said. The PRC will keep trying to enhance its presence in Cuba, and we will keep working to disrupt it. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), chair of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized the administration following POLITICO's report on Saturday. President Biden needs to stop ignoring the threat from China," he said in a statement. "In less than 48 hours, officials from the Biden administration have contradicted themselves multiple times about whether or not the Chinese Communist Party is spying on the United States. This is unacceptable. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), chair of the House China Committee, slammed Biden and his team for the way they reacted to the initial reports. "Why did the Biden administration previously deny these reports of a CCP spy base in Cuba? ... Without a coherent explanation, we must conclude they are deliberately misleading the American people and whitewashing CCP aggression in order to revive the counterproductive strategy of engagement." Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), a member of that same panel, said the news of the base is "sufficiently plausible to merit congressional oversight." If the CCP is using a spy facility in Cuba, as media reports have alleged, then Congress has a duty to investigate the matter rather than accept at face value the denials of the Defense Department," he said in a statement on Saturday. Despite the administration initially saying the reporting was inaccurate, the two leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee released a joint statement Thursday in response to the news. The United States must respond to Chinas ongoing and brazen attacks on our nations security. We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles of Florida and the United States, in an area also populated with key military installations and extensive maritime traffic, Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) they said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit China as soon as next week and will almost certainly discuss this matter with his counterparts. Daniel Lippman and Phelim Kine contributed to this report. Presidents of South Africa and China, Cyril Ramaphosa and Xi Jinping The African "peace" delegation consists of diplomats from Uganda, South Africa, Congo, Senegal, Zambia and Egypt. Speaking by phone with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa about the African leaders' intention to visit Ukraine and Russia in "a push for an end to the conflict as soon as possible, Xi said it was a "good" thing. "It is good that Mr President and the leaders of the relevant African countries have formed a peace delegation and will visit Russia and Ukraine," the Chinese leader said, adding that his country was adhering to a consistent position in regard to "Russian-Ukrainian conflict" and aimed at its settlement via a dialogue. In keeping with the Russian propaganda narrative, China doesn't call Russias unprovoked war of aggression on Ukraine a "war," but euphemistically refers to it as "a conflict." Read also: South African president wants to visit Ukraine with peace initiative South Africa backs the Chinese "peace plan" for a political settlement of the "conflict in Ukraine," Ramaphosa said, also employing the Kremlin propaganda term. He said he hopes to restart Ukrainian-Russian negotiations in the nearest future. There were talks between Ukraine and Russia in the early days of Russias full scale invasion of Ukraine from Feb. 24, 2022, but these quickly stalled. The African "peacekeeping mission" will take place after a European tour by China's special envoy on resolving Russia's war against Ukraine. The African leaders plan to visit Ukraine at the beginning of June and want to initiate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia even if troops from Russias invasion force are still present within Ukrainian sovereign borders. Read also: Foreign Minister Kuleba meets with envoy of Xi Jinping in Kyiv, rules out freezing conflict Beijing released a 12-point position paper on the "settlement" of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine on the anniversary of the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, on Feb. 24, 2023. Chinas position is to call for a ceasefire and restoration of negotiations, as well as the suspension of international sanctions against Russia, the continued operation of the Black Sea grain corridor, ensuring the security of nuclear plants, and no threats being made of the use of nuclear weapons. It does not, however, demand the removal of Russian invasion forces from Ukraines territory, which is a mandatory demand by 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 CMS says it wont allow father to walk across stage to accept sons diploma Next week, students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District will be graduating. Unfortunately, this moment will be bittersweet for one family. Nahzir Taylor was scheduled to graduate in March, but he was shot and killed as he got off a school bus in November. Channel 9s Glenn Counts spoke with Nahzirs family, who said a communications error has added to their pain. Graduation is a momentous occasion for any student, as well as for the family who supports them. I told him youre not grown until you graduate high school, so us accepting his diploma is going to mean the world, Nahzirs mother Shetara Taylor said. Keon Taylor, Nazhirs father, said the family had planned to attend his graduation at Rocky River High School and accept their sons diploma on his behalf. So, then we asked What can we do? What can we be allowed to do? And then told us we could walk the stage Shetara Taylor explained. However, before that could occur they received a phone call from the school saying there was a mix-up in communication and Keon Taylor would not be able to walk across the stage for his son. We are very angry. We are very upset ... we are very upset. Me walking the stage for him, is not only walking the stage for him, but its walking the stage for myself and for both of us, Keon Taylor told Channel 9. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: CMPD: Second teen charged in students shooting near CMS bus stop The Taylors said this doesnt just affect their immediate family, but their extended family as well. Because a lot of family and friends are coming we got t-shirts made. We got so much stuff to celebrate him, Shetara Taylor explained said. Channel 9 reached out to the school district and a CMS spokesperson told us that their schools do honor deceased students during the ceremony. They are honored with an empty chair with the graduates cap, gown, and a shadow box filled with memorabilia. The district said thats their longstanding practice but is not a policy. Im never going to be able to hug my son again. And for me, to already be dealing with that, and to keep having to deal with mistake, after mistake, after mistake. Its almost starting to become a slap in the face, Keon Taylor said. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said two teenagers have been charged in connection with the shooting death of Nahzir Taylor. VIDEO: CMPD: Second teen charged in students shooting near CMS bus stop A man is seen with a laptop depicting the CNN logo with Donald Trump appearing in the background. Jaap Arriens / NurPhoto via Getty Images Hemorrhaging viewers post-Trump, CNN is trying to broaden its appeal. Can it get Republicans to tune in? Here's everything you need to know: Why is CNN struggling? The network is suffering an identity crisis, as its owners and newsroom fight over how to cover the GOP and Donald Trump's incendiary 2024 presidential bid. When Trump was in office, ratings soared as CNN departed from conventional news coverage and permitted impassioned commentary from anchors and correspondents in the style of Fox News and MSNBC such as when former host Don Lemon opened a show by declaring, "The president of the United States is a racist." But CNN's ratings have cratered since Trump left office, recently hitting an eight-year low of fewer than half a million total daily viewers less than half of the audiences at Fox and MSNBC. In an especially humiliating turn of events, CNN's average prime-time ratings dipped below those of right-wing upstart Newsmax. Warner Bros. Discovery, which acquired CNN last year, wants to win back independent and conservative viewers by featuring more Republicans and prioritizing down-the-middle reporting, promising a return to CNN founder Ted Turner's goal to "make news the star." But internal infighting over that goal led this week to the dismissal of the new CEO, Chris Licht, after he made a series of disastrous decisions. What went wrong? Warner Bros. Discovery President David Zaslav hired Licht to shake up the network, saying viewers and advertisers don't want CNN to be an "advocacy network." Coverage, Zaslav said, must "show both sides of every issue," and he praised the network for interviewing 75 Republicans during January's four-day battle over whether to elect Kevin McCarthy as the GOP House speaker. Licht slashed costs, laid off more than 300 employees, shut down CNN's new streaming service, and canceled documentary programming such as Stanley Tucci's popular Italy-based food show. Licht also fired journalists known for criticizing Republicans and Fox notably Brian Stelter, John Harwood and Jeffrey Toobin and launched a lighthearted morning show that, thus far, has been a ratings bust. Lemon was ousted in April after clashing with his co-hosts and angering co-workers. CNN's rising star, Kaitlan Collins, has been named to fill the coveted 9 p.m. slot, and was chosen to interview Trump at a recent CNN town hall. How did that go? It was widely deemed a journalistic disaster. Though Collins asked tough, well-informed questions, Trump repeatedly steamrolled over her, reiterating falsehoods and calling her "a nasty person" as the MAGA-packed audience whooped in approval. Some of CNN's journalists publicly criticized Licht for giving Trump the platform of a live broadcast. "It's hard to see how America was served by the spectacle of lies that aired on CNN," wrote media critic Oliver Darcy in a CNN newsletter that angered Licht. Anchor Christiane Amanpour slammed the event in a Columbia Journalism School commencement address, warning graduates against false equivalency. "Be truthful, but not neutral," she said. Critics said the town hall's lackluster ratings 3.3 million viewers, fewer than the past six Trump town halls on Fox underscored the futility of CNN trying to appeal to right-wing viewers. The interview also alienated its progressive viewers, with overall ratings falling. With morale at CNN reportedly at rock bottom, Licht further angered the staff by cooperating with an incendiary new profile in The Atlantic that depicted him as a Zaslav puppet on a failing mission. How are CNN's competitors doing? Fox News continues to dominate prime time, averaging about 2.2 million viewers, double MSNBC's audience and nearly four times CNN's. All of the top news networks, including CNN, remain extremely profitable, thanks to lucrative licensing fees from cable operators. But the median cable news viewer is in his or her 60s, and the rise of "cord cutting" as Americans opt for streaming over cable has imperiled the network-news business model. When Trump was elected in 2016, more than 70% of U.S. households with a TV had a cable or satellite subscription. That share has fallen to below 40%. Do viewers trust CNN? A YouGov/Economist poll found that 40% of Democratic viewers and just 15% of Republicans consider CNN trustworthy. Zaslav said he's unfazed by the persistence of the partisan split, suggesting that CNN's rebrand could take several years. But trust in the media in general is dropping amid intense partisan polarization and cultural conflict. A Reuters Institute report found that many people in the U.S. are avoiding news entirely, with 29% of respondents saying "they often feel worn out by the news." As Trump again seeks the 2024 GOP nomination, media critic Jay Rosen said CNN and other mainstream media outlets face a fundamental dilemma. "The press," he said, "has to decide how to do journalism in the presence of a threat to the democracy that permits the journalism we do." Fox's own troubles Fox News' dominance of conservative media is showing signs of slipping. The network agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems $787 million in April in order to avoid an embarrassing defamation trial, but the lawsuit had already exposed that Fox knowingly spread falsehoods about the 2020 election, as well as plotted behind the scenes to skew coverage to benefit Republicans. Rupert Murdoch, chairman of Fox's parent company, messaged Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott to suggest that host Sean Hannity say "something supportive" about Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) ahead of the 2020 election, explaining, "We cannot lose the Senate if at all possible." Despite that blatant political bias, some right-wing viewers apparently have determined that Fox isn't pro-Republican enough. Since popular conservative host Tucker Carlson was fired, reportedly for racist, misogynist and anti-management texts unearthed by the Dominion lawsuit, Fox's ratings have plummeted, and hundreds of thousands of viewers appear to be defecting to Newsmax. Fox's ratings are down 24% compared with last year's, and in the coveted age 25 to 54 demographic, the network's ratings haven't been this low since 2001. Newsmax pundit Andrew Napolitano, ousted by Fox in 2021 over a sexual harassment allegation, taunted Fox for firing its top-rated anchor. It's "like the 1927 Yankees firing Babe Ruth for his table manners," he said. "I don't get it." 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 4 things to consider when leaving an inheritance 'Jurassic Park' 30th anniversary: 13 things you didn't know about the film What happened to the coming recession? Comedian Marlon Wayans involved in Denver airport dispute on way to KC performances Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans canceled at least one of his sold-out performances at the Kansas City Improv following a heated exchange with a United Airlines gate agent in Denver. The celebrity was scheduled to perform five shows at the metro area venue, according to its website, starting with one Friday. Several of the shows were sold out. But an argument over Wayans luggage allegedly led to the Denver Police Department issuing him a citation for disturbing the peace and ultimately missing at least one appearance. The actor said he had suffered harassment and apologized to Kansas City fans over social media. Neither the police department nor United Airlines was immediately available to respond for comment. Bro claimed I had too many bags so I complied and consolidated them he was like Oh now you have to check that bag. Bye. Im in seat 2 A come holla, Wayans said in a Friday Instagram post. He said he grabbed his bags and got on the plane. Then, Wayans was removed from the plane, allegedly, as a result of the argument over his bags. In a later Instagram post, Wayans said the gate agent was desperate to have some authority and clearly picking on him. Dude tried to lie and say I assaulted him, Wayans said on social media. He also said the incident involved racism and classism as he alleged another passenger, who was white, was not criticized for similarly trying to bring three bags onto the plane. No one from Kansas City Improv immediately responded to requests for comment Saturday. Marlon Wayans management also did not respond to requests for comment. Kids across America are experiencing a mental health crisis, according to Congress. Lawmakers are hearing from experts in order help our children. Thursday on Capitol Hill, there was a heart-breaking moment as the superintendent of Tacoma, Washington, schools recounted the challenges his students are facing. In the last year, our students Tony, Angel, Brielle, Isaiah, Marco, DJ, Wyatt, Xavier, Larry and Iona have been shot in our community, Dr. Joshua Garcia said. Our students have to survive human trafficking, battle homelessness, drug abuse, physical and mental abuse and social media harassment and bullying. These are also the challenges of students across the country. Like you and I are, students are being bombarded with images of news events, daily experiences of trauma and hate and stress, Garcia said. Unlike us, they are doing this without fully developed brains. ALSO READ: Nonprofit expands mental health care to teens as need becomes more critical This hearing comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says two out of five American teens felt persistently sad or hopeless, and one out of five has seriously considered suicide. The U.S. surgeon general told lawmakers the main drivers here are social media and the increase in loneliness and isolation. Our kids cant afford to wait longer for us to address the youth mental health crisis, Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy said. We have to expand our efforts to ensure every child has access to high quality, affordable, culturally competent mental health care. While Democrats and Republicans might disagree on the specifics of how Congress can help, both parties agree everyone has to work together to solve this. We know that its not easy, Dr. Garcia added. There are egos, turf battles and frustrations, however, we are truly better together. We may not be united on everything, but our future is with us now and we must be united in our commitment to serving youth first. VIDEO: Nonprofit expands mental health care to teens as need becomes more critical Minnesota Twins' Carlos Correa (4) celebrates with his teammates after hitting a grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Toronto. (Arlyn McAdorey/The Canadian Press via AP) TORONTO (AP) Carlos Correa hit his second career grand slam, Max Kepler and Trevor Larnach also homered and the Minnesota Twins scored seven runs in the eighth inning to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 9-4 Saturday. Minnesota, which leads the AL Central with a 33-32 record, scored seven runs its previous five games. We needed that as a team, Correa said of the seven-run outburst. We needed to put great at bats together like that. Weve been waiting for that for the past week. It came at the right time. Newly promoted Edouard Julien reached base three times and Donovan Solano had three hits as the Twins won for the 13th time in their past 17 games at Rogers Centre. Minnesota has homered in 16 consecutive games in Canada. Jorge Lopez (2-2) pitched a one-hit seventh as the Twins won their second straight after a five-game skid. Adam Cimber (0-2) lost for the second straight day, giving up six runs and five hits while getting just one out. Its a bunt single and a broken-bat single, and things unraveled from there, Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. Cimber entered with a 3-1 lead and gave up three straight hits to Michael A. Taylor, Julien and Solano starting the eighth. He struck out Alek Kirilloff, then allowed Correas eighth home run this season. That felt really good, Correa said. Im not going to lie. Bases loaded, were down. To just turn the game upside down like that, it was a great one. Correa is batting 366 with four home runs and 16 RBIs in 10 games in Toronto. Thats what youre looking for from your big boys, and hes a big boy, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. Larnach singled and Cimber left after hitting Willi Castro with a pitch. Kepler greeted right-hander Mitch White with a drive into the right-field bullpen for his seventh home run. The situation compounded in our favor really nicely because our at bats were good, Baldelli said. Minnesota trailed 3-0 before Larnard homered off Bowden Francis in the seventh. Toronto built its lead on RBI singles by Whit Merrifield in the second and Vladimir Guerrero in the third, and Nathan Lukes sacrifice fly in the fifth his first big league RBI. Lukes replaced Brandon Belt, who grabbed at his left hamstring while scoring on Guerreros hit. The Blue Jays said Belt had a tight hamstring. Twins starter Joe Ryan allowed three runs and six hits in six innings. Right-hander Trevor Richards became the sixth Blue Jays pitcher to start a game this season, striking out seven over three shutout innings. Richards took the spot of struggling former All-Star Alek Manoah, demoted to the Florida Complex League after failing to get out of the first inning against Houston on Monday. TRAINERS ROOM Twins: Julien was recalled from Triple-A to replace lNF Jorge Polanco, who was placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Friday, because of a strained left hamstring. Blue Jays: OF Kevin Kiermaier didnt start for the second straight game. Kiermaier left Thursdays game after being hit on the left wrist by a pitch. He pinch ran in the 10th inning Friday. SLAM STORY Correas first career grand slam came July 27, 2019 against St. Louis, when he played for Houston. WEB GEM Blue Jays 3B Matt Chapman made a diving catch on Kirilloff's leadoff liner in the fourth. UP NEXT Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (5-3, 2.63) faces Twins RHP Louie Varland (3-2, 4.40) as Toronto tries to avoid a sweep in Sundays series finale. Gausman has won three straight starts and is unbeaten since May 4 at Boston. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Cory Bigsby gave a jailhouse statement to a correctional officer last summer. Now, hes charged with killing his son. Did a statement Cory Jamar Bigsby Sr. gave to a correctional officer at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail last summer lead to a murder charge against him? Law enforcement investigators have said for more than a year that theyve had a difficult time determining when or where his son, Codi, was last seen alive. Theyve been frustrated in lacking a good starting point for where exactly to search. But based on a statement Bigsby made while locked up on a host of child neglect and abuse charges, Hampton police and the FBI searched an outdoor area in Maryland, near Washington, in the summer of 2022, a law enforcement source said. Though that didnt turn up any leads on Codis whereabouts and the boys body wasnt found Bigsbys jailhouse statement is still being discussed in his case. In March, one of Bigsbys attorneys, Amina Matheny-Willard, wrote in a motion to toss the case that prosecutors through the regional jail correctional officer obtained a statement from Bigsby last August while he was locked up. What exactly Bigsby said in the statement remains a mystery. Im not going to discuss the contents, but just suffice it to say it was concerning enough for us to ask for a (competency) evaluation, she told reporters in March. Matheny-Willard contended that prosecutors slow-walked providing the jailhouse statement to Bigsbys defense lawyers, saying it took more than three months to turn over. But Hampton Commonwealths Attorney Anton Bell said it didnt need to be shared earlier because it involved the investigation into Codi rather than the other pending charges. It wasnt immediately clear Friday whether that obtained statement was part of the basis for this weeks new charges. The evidence backing the charges isnt spelled out in the two bare-bones indictments handed down Monday, and Bell has declined to answer questions about them. The Hampton grand jury indicted Bigsby on Monday on one count of second-degree murder and another count of concealing a dead body to prevent detection of an unlawful act, according to the documents filed in Hampton Circuit Court. The grand jury contends he killed the boy more than seven months before reporting him missing. The panel asserts Bigsby killed Codi on our about June 18, 2021 in Hampton and concealed his body on the same date. Codi would have been 3 at the time. Bigsby called Hampton Police the morning of Jan. 31, 2022, to report his son missing from the familys Buckroe Beach home. He told police he last saw Codi, who by then would have been 4, sleeping in bed at about 2 a.m. That set off numerous searches around the city, including among police and citizens. An aunt told investigators she talked by phone with Codi about 13 months before he went missing on either Thanksgiving or Christmas in 2020, according to two law enforcement sources with knowledge of the case. As far as investigators can tell, thats the last time anyone aside from Cory Bigsby spoke with Codi. The childs mother, who lives in the Washington area, wasnt involved in Codis life, and Cory Bigsby was raising the boy and his three brothers alone. Grand juries meet in secret, with a prosecutor and police detective presenting evidence of a crime. Such panels, which in Virginia typically consist of seven members, then vote on whether theres probable cause to advance the charges. Unlike with trial juries, grand jury votes in Virginia dont have to be unanimous. Bigsby separately faces 25 counts of child neglect stemming from his admissions that hed leave Codi and his brothers alone for hours at a time. The past charges also include three counts of child abuse and two counts of failing to get medical attention for a child. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in that case. Matheny-Willard said she was talking with Bigsbys family and might provide a statement Monday on the new charges. Peter Dujardin, 757-247-4749, pdujardin@dailypress.com A recent article published in The Economist has drawn online backlash after its headline and heading characterized Latin American workers as "useless" and "unproductive." "It's racist, it's incendiary, it's insulting," Alexander Avina, an associate professor of history at Arizona State University, told NBC News in a phone interview. The story, published Thursday in the London-based magazine that covers global and economic affairs, focuses on why Latin America, according to World Bank figures, is the world's slowest-growing regional economy. The article posited various factors, including governments' lack of investment in education, limited competition, a large informal economy and corruption. The Economist office in New York. (Google Maps) But scholars, journalists and historians pushed back online that the article's heading A land of useless workers, and the headline, Why are Latin American workers so strikingly unproductive? played into racist tropes of Latin American workers as lazy. "If you look at some of the U.S. press in the 19th century, even into the 20th century, they would talk about Mexicans having the quote-unquote manana habit and that explains the lack of development and productivity to characterize Mexico," Avina said. "Having followed The Economist for a really long time, they know what they're doing," he said. "There's a click-baity aspect to this title and this argument and the subtitle but, nonetheless, it's still, I think, incredibly insulting, objectively inaccurate on a variety of levels, and I think it's racist." Aida Velasco, the consul for political affairs and education at the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, tweeted that it was an "unfortunate" headline that was "full of stereotypes." @TheEconomist what an unfortunate headline about Latin America, like slogans not very helpful and full of stereotypes. I wonder how many latinx contribute to the paper? Aida Velasco (@Aidavepe1) June 9, 2023 Ignacio Sanchez Prado, a professor of Latin American studies at Washington University in St. Louis, said in a phone interview that "there is an existing framework that disparages Latin American countries to stereotypes ... pieces like this feed from that representation." In Sanchez Prado's opinion, the article doesn't address the history of past economic policies, some even endorsed by the magazine, that have contributed to undermining economic conditions in Mexico and Latin America. Latin America, especially Mexico, has some of the most hard working people on the planet - and they are very productive. The reason the West is richer has a lot to do with structural issues - like major corporations sucking up money. "A land of useless workers" is insulting. pic.twitter.com/8cP4s5HU2G Ioan Grillo (@ioangrillo) June 9, 2023 The Economist updated some of the article's language Friday to "A land of frustrated workers." Following the backlash, the publication issued an editor's note clarifying the intent behind the original title, stating: "The original headline in this article attracted criticism for the phrase 'A land of useless workers'. We have changed it to make clear that we are analysing the social and economic costs of low productivity. "Our aim is to draw attention to the structural causes of low average labour productivity in Latin American countries, including powerful oligopolies that mute competition and a large informal sector which forces many businesses to remain subscale," the editor's note continued. NBC News has reached out to The Economist for comment; the publication has not immediately responded. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Boston Police officer shot multiple times while approaching robbery in progress, suspect in custody A Boston Police Officer was shot during a patrol incident near Clifford Park in Roxbury late Friday night, said Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. Police sources tell Boston 25 that the officer was struck in the foot and back. According to Cox, the officer approached a robbery in progress in the area of 44 Cedric Street when the armed suspect shot the officer multiple times. Cox said two other officers were injured during the incident, but not by gunfire. This just goes to show all the difficult work that our officers deal with daily, Cox said during a news conference. Its just so troubling in todays world that, you know, these things happen. The officer was transported to Boston Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to be okay, Cox said. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Suffolk County District Attorney Michael Hayden joined Commissioner Cox outside the emergency room. We see again and again just how much Boston is really blessed to have first responders who are so professionally well-trained and keeping us safe every single day, Wu said. Suffolk County District Attorney Michael Hayden said the Boston police officer was also an employee of the DAs office. One person was taken in police custody, the Boston Police Commissioner said. Tonight, our thoughts are focused on the @bostonpolice officer shot tonight in Roxbury. As always we proudly stand with our BPD brothers and sisters. Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) June 10, 2023 Our thoughts and prayers are with our brother @bostonpolice officer shot while serving/protecting the residents of Boston. We pray for a full and speedy recovery !! We are proud to always stand with you.. our most valued partner. MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) June 10, 2023 The name of the officer shot was not immediately released by police. This is an active investigation. 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 Dale Anderson was convicted of two metro-east murders, but many connect him to another On Sept. 27, 1988, the day before Rodney Woidtke was sentenced in the slaying of Belleville News-Democrat intern Audrey Cardenes, John Lanman arrived at his home near Belleville to find his wife and 3-year-old son murdered. To date, there is no physical evidence that connects the two crimes, but the continued investigation by local media and a career FBI criminologist led to courtroom intrigue and Woidtkes eventual exoneration. To some, there is a common denominator that connects bridges to the two crime scenes: Dale Anderson. Anderson, who died this week while serving a life sentence for the murder of Jolaine and Kenneth Lanman, was obsessed with Cardenes murder and, in fact, attempted to frame his supervisors at the Illinois Department of Public Aid for it. Who killed Cardenas may never be known with any certainty. But here is a timeline of the circumstances, people and arguments that have bound the two crimes together: June 19, 1988 Belleville News-Democrat reporting intern Audrey Cardenas was last seen alive. Cardenas, a College Station, Texas, native, had moved into Belleville only 10 days earlier. June 26, 1988 A custodian for Belleville Township High School East discovered Cardenas remains in a dry creek bed near the schools parking lot. Decomposition kept the medical examiner from determining the cause of death. Findings indicated she did not die from a blow to the head. The same day, police found Rodney Woidtke walking inside the cordoned-off crime scene area. He was unresponsive and carrying a knapsack containing personal items, including letters about his sexual fantasies. Woidtke first denied involvement in the crime, but said he spent time in Alton Mental Health Center and heard voices. A detective questioned his sexual preference and he got upset, saying he did not want to become a homosexual. Woidtke made three conflicting confessions: first saying he hit Cardenas in the head with a pipe; then recanting; then saying he didnt hit her and that she was alive when he left her; then saying he hit her three or four times. July 1988 Psychologist Daniel Cuneo diagnosed Woidtke as being a paranoid schizophrenic who claimed to have sex with Cardenas so police would not think he was a homosexual. Cuneo said when Woidtke gave the inconsistent statements to police, he was hallucinating, actively schizophrenic, delusional and unmedicated. Aug. 16, 1988 Woidtke was charged with Cardenas murder. Because he was indigent, the court appointed assistant public defender Brian Trentman to represent him. However, on Cuneos recommendation, Woidtke was found unfit to stand trial. December 1988 - Dale Anderson was found guilty of disorderly conduct and sentenced to 30 days in jail, one year of mandatory psychiatric treatment. He was convicted of waving a gun during an interview with Belleville News-Democrat reporter Carolyn Tuft the previous June. July 1989 Cuneo determined Woidtke to be fit to stand trial following a year of medication and therapy at Chester Mental Health Center. Aug. 25, 1989 After four days of testimony, St. Clair County Associate Judge Richard Aguirre convicted Woidtke of murdering Cardenas. Woidtkes own incriminating statements were the strongest evidence. No physical evidence tied Woidtke to the killing. Sept. 27, 1989 John Lanman returned home from work about 5 p.m. to find his wife, Jolaine, who was four-months pregnant, and toddler son dead. They both had been beaten, stabbed multiple times and a pair of scissors was protruding from his wifes neck. Jolaine Lanman Kenneth Lanman Sept. 28, 1989 Woidtke was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Meanwhile, police searched for a blue station wagon belonging to Anderson because it was seen near the Lanman home in the Villa Madero subdivision on the day of the murders. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis also was granted a search warrant to go into Andersons home. Sept. 29, 1989 - Armed police surrounded the Anderson home at 34 Bedford Drive as investigators searched the house and interrogated Anderson. After 15 hours, with a crowd of curious neighbors gathered behind barricades outside, Anderson was arrested. The neighbors applauded as Anderson was led outside. Inside the house, police found six briefcases containing surgical gloves, knives, blunt metal instruments and pieces of rope. They also recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition along with newspaper articles on another murder and political corruption. Oct. 2, 1989 Woidtke filed his own petition asking that his conviction be overturned because the Lanman murders were similar to Cardenas murder. The court appointed Trentman to represent Woidtke in the petition, but Trentman never filed a supplemental petition detailing the similarities between the murders. Audrey Cardenas Oct. 29, 1989 - A St. Clair County grand jury indicted Anderson on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Jolaine and Kenneth Lanman. Judge Jerry Flynn refused Anderson bail he posed a threat to his three former supervisors at the Illinois Department of Public Aid, where he had been a caseworker for eight years prior to being fired in August of that year. Anderson tried to implicate the three supervisors in Cardenas murder through a note found in the Lanman home. Investigators, at the time, said they believe Anderson coerced Jolaine Lanman into writing the note. It claimed the three supervisors had beaten her and bragged about killing Audrey Cardenas. It also listed the license plate numbers of two cars owned by the Illinois Department of Public Aid. It also was revealed that, in addition to being stabbed, Lanman had been hit with a blunt object and had a length of rope around her neck. Dec. 7, 1989 - John English, a special prosecutor assigned to investigate possible connections between the Lanman and Cardenas murders, said he found none. Jan. 5, 1990 - In his first interview since being arrested, Anderson told the BND I am innocent. I never did anything to harm Mrs. Lanman or her child. Anybody who knows me knows I wouldnt murder anyone or do anything to bring shame or disgrace to my family. He also asked that the newspaper use a picture of him in a suit and tie instead of the orange jumpsuit issued by the St. Clair County Jail. It makes a negative impression if you see someone in a jumpsuit, he said. It doesnt present me in a favorable light. Feb. 9, 1990 - Judge Flynn granted Andersons request for a change of venue. Attorney Gary Bement argued that publicity the case had generated would prejudice a jury in St. Clair County. While Flynn agreed to move the trial to Randolph County, he denied Bements petition to withdraw as attorney because Anderson had complained about the way he was handling the case. In a letter to the court, Anderson complained that Bement didnt meet with him often and that he failed to provide him certain records he had asked for, including police reports from the murder of Cardenas. March 26, 1990 - Jury selection begins in Andersons double-murder trial. Prior to jury selection, Anderson appeared to be considering an insanity defense. A psychologist evaluated Anderson and found he had a paranoid personality disorder. In the meantime, Assistant States Attorney Dennis Hatch said he intended to seek the death penalty. March 28, 1990 - Opening arguments in Andersons double-murder trial begin. Hatch argued that the Lanman murders were part of Andersons plot to frame his former bosses for Cardenas murder and that he had to rush before Woitke was sentenced. Bement called the theory a fantastic story that was unbelievable. Rodney Woidtke was initially convicted of killing Audrey Cardenas. He died in 2014. March 29, 1990 - John Lanman testified about finding the bodys of his wife and 3-year-old son. He said he found his wife concealed beneath a blanket hanging over the edge of the bed. Trying to maintain his composure, he described pulling his wifes body from under the bed and seeing the scissors sticking out of her neck. After finding her, I became very concerned about my child. He choked out the final words of his testimony, telling the court he said he had never met Anderson. He broke into sobs when prosecutors showed pictures of Jolaine and Kenneth Lanman before and after the killing. Three of Lanmans neighbors also testified to seeing Anderson in their neighborhood on the day of the murders. One of them said she went to the Lanmans door between 4 and 4:30 p.m. to invite Jolaine to go for a walk and thought she heard a child scream. March 30, 1990 - One of the supervisors at the Illinois Department of Public Aid that Anderson attempted to frame, Maurice Vale, testified about problems they had with Andersons work performance. The bottom line (is) he was not giving service to people who deserved it, he said. Records from cases Anderson was working were discovered missing in May 1988, he testified. When supervisors asked Anderson to open his briefcase to see if the records were inside, Anderson filed disorderly conduct charges against them. From there, Vale said, I think he was relieved of his duties. March 31, 1990 - Belleville Police Sgt. Mark Heffernan testified that Anderson sought battery and theft charges against his three bosses for allegedly pushing him and taking his briefcase and $800. He also said Anderson complained that the three harassed him over the phone and threatened to kill him and his family. The three were arrested, but the charges were dismissed. April 5, 1990 - Acquaintances testified that Anderson told them he knew who killed Cardenas. One of them said Anderson told him Cardenas had interviewed him and was preparing a story for the newspaper that would show his bosses involvement with her murder. April 10, 1990 - Anderson took the witness stand in his own defense, refuting testimony about his job performance by his supervisors. He said they were angry and upset and humiliated by the disorderly conduct charges he filed against them. Andersons wife, Linda Anderson, testified that she stayed home from work and their three children stayed home from school for two days after the Lanman murders. April 12, 1990 - In his second day on the stand, Anderson said that on the day of the murders, he worked to straighten up his garage, put oil and antifreeze in his car and otherwise left the home only to shop for tires in downtown Belleville. He also refuted, tearfully, testimony his wife had given earlier that he covered the homes windows with cardboard on the day of the crime. A neighbor and friend of Andersons daughter testified that she was at the Anderson home at 3 p.m. and didnt see Dale Anderson until he drove into the driveway at about 5 p.m. The 14-year-old also said Anderson made her write a letter to the court saying she was at his home when Cardenas interviewed him about the allegations of fraud by Andersons supervisors. The note said Cardenas said the three men threatened to kill her. The girl testified in court that she never saw Cardenas and didnt witness the interview. April 18, 1990 - After more than three weeks of testimony it took the jury of five men and seven women just two hours to find Anderson guilty of murdering Jolaine and Kenneth Lanman. Anderson looked down, pursed his lips and swallowed, but otherwise showed little emotion. Bement said he would appeal while Hatch appealed to the jury to administer the death penalty. April 20, 1990 - The jury voted 11-1 in favor of recommending that Anderson be sentenced to death by lethal injection. A unanimous vote was required for a death sentence. John Lanman was satisfied. Hes at some place where he cant do it again, he said. Theres no sense in getting worked up about him not getting the death penalty. The revenge part is not there for me. May 10, 1990 - Judge Flynn sentenced Anderson to life in prison without parole. Anderson used his time before the court to reassert his innocence and blame his attorney for the verdict. June 6, 1990 - Anderson formally filed to appeal his conviction with the Fifth District Appellate Court in Mount Vernon. A different public defender was appointed. June 17, 1990 - In an interview from prison, Woidtke said he had hoped Anderson would confess to murdering Cardenas. I dont know whether Dale Anderson did it or not, but hes as guilty as I could be. I dont think in my case they proved I killed anybody. Dale Anderson is shown in the most recent Illinois Department of Corrections photo available. June 25, 1990 - Texas driver Lloyd Wayne Hampton, who had confessed to murdering an elderly man in Troy, contacted the Belleville News-Democrat and told a reporter that Anderson reached out to him for help. In a letter, Anderson said he would do whatever he can to help Hampton if he would take the blame for the Lanman murders too. Aug. 14, 1990 - A state appeals court upheld the guilty verdict against Anderson for waving a gun at a BND reporter in 1988. July 1992 Woidtke filed another petition stating errors were made in his trial and that Trentmans defense was ineffective. He asked for a different attorney. The following month, the court appointed Trentman to represent him. Dec. 2, 1992 - The Fifth District Appellate Court in Mount Vernon upheld Andersons conviction in the murder of Jolaine and Kenneth Lanman. March 23, 1998 Ron Jenkins became Woidtkes attorney after Trentman was elected states attorney for Washington County. May 5, 1998 Jenkins added to Woidtkes 1992 petition for a new trial, arguing that new evidence showed Anderson killed Cardenas, that Trentman was an ineffective defense attorney and had a conflict of interest because he was representing Anderson at the same time on a misdemeanor charge. April 14, 1999 Aguirre rejected Woidtkes bid for a new trial, saying his defense had been adequate and that Trentman did not have a conflict by representing Woidtke and Anderson at the same time. 1999-2000 - Carolyn Tuft, a journalist who covered the Cardenas and Lanman murders for the BND, published a series of articles for the St. Louis Louis Post-Dispatch connecting Anderson with Cardenas slaying. She cited the late Robert K. Ressler, a former FBI expert, who suspected Anderson in the killing as well as four other high-profile slayings involving young women in the metro-east. They included Elizabeth West, Ruth Ann Jany, Eulalia Lolly Chavez (known then only as the Summerfield Jane Doe), and Kristina Povolish. Investigators in Cardenas murders maintained their believe that Woidtke was the killer, but the articles influenced an eventual retrial. A third suspected murder, Gregory Bowman, was found guilty in the murders of Jany and West, but the conviction was overturned do to the circumstances under which Bowman provided information to police. While being bonded out for a retrial, DNA evidence connected Bowman to the rape and strangulation of Velda Joy Rumfelt in St. Louis in 1977. Former Belleville Police Chief and investigator James Rokita said he believed Bowman had other victims. Bowman died in jail while waiting on Missouri death row in 2016. April 26, 2000 The Fifth District Appellate Court in Mount Vernon overturned Aguirres ruling from 1999. The justices found that Trentman should not have represented both Woidtke and Anderson. They also found that Aguirre should have held a hearing on the new evidence Woidtkes lawyers produced in the case. The Appellate Court threw out Woidtkes conviction and ordered a new trial. December 31, 2000 - Understanding that Woidtkes attorney will make him a suspect in the Cardenas murder in the new trial, Anderson told the BND that hell testify that he did not kill the reporter. April 24, 2001 - St. Clair County State prosecutors rejected a theory by Rodney Woikes defense attorney that connected Anderson to the murder of Cardeneas. Dale Anderson was obsessed with the Audrey Cardeneas murder, but there were also a number of other people obsessed with the murder, an assistant states attorney argued. The (Lanman and Cardenas) crime scenes were so radically different that no reasonable person can believe that Dale Anderson committed this murder. Jan. 5, 2001 - St. Clair County States Attorney Robert Haida refused to grant immunity to Anderson for his testimony at Rodney Woidtkes retrial in the murder of Cardenas. Anderson refused to testify in a hearing and invoked his constitutional rights under the Fifth Amendment not to incriminate himself. Defense attorneys for Woidtke think Andersons testimony could exonerate Woidtke, a former mental patient. Jan. 17, 2001 - St. Clair County Associate Judge Stephen Rice filed a ruling prohibiting Woidtkes defense from even suggesting that Anderson, or anybody else, killed Cardenas. Jan. 26, 2001 - A jury is seated and opening arguments begin in Woidtkes second trial for the murder of Cardenas. Jan. 30, 2001 - Judge Rice declares a mistrial and orders new pre-trial hearing for another new trial. March 22, 2001 - The second attempt at Woidtkes retrial begins with a new jury. March 27, 2001 - New DNA evidence shows Woidtke didnt have contact with Cardenas, an Illinois State Police forensic scientist testified. March 29, 2001 - The jury hears Woidtkes taped confession as prosecutors point out inconsistencies between what he said and other evidence gathered from the creek where Cardenas body was found. March 30, 2001 - Woidtke declines to take the stand and the jury begins deliberations. March 31, 2001 - After serving 13 years in the Illinois State Prison system, Woidtke is acquitted in his retrial and released from jail. He went back to Roseville, California with his brother and sister-in-law. November 30, 2001 - St. Clair County circuit clerks office received mail with death by anthrax scrawled in blocky letters. It was sent by Anderson from prison. As a result of the threat, Anderson was segregated from the rest of the prison population. He was moved from Menard Correctional Facility in Chester to Joliet Correctional Center and, eventually to Pontiac Correctional Center, where he died. Dale Anderson, in prison for one of the metro-easts most notorious murder cases, has died Dale Anderson, who was serving a life sentence for killing a Belleville-area woman and her 3-year-old son in 1989, has died, the Illinois Department of Corrections said Saturday. Anderson, who denied killing Jolaine Lanman and her son Kenneth, died Tuesday at the Pontiac Correctional Center in Pontiac, the state agency confirmed in a statement. He was 71. Livingston County Coroner Danny Watson said he responded to a prison cell in the correctional center north of Bloomington on Tuesday and found Anderson dead. An autopsy was conducted but Watson said a cause of death wouldnt be available until after toxicology tests are completed in the coming weeks. Watson said the Illinois State Police always investigates deaths that occur in a state prison. A representative of the Illinois State Police told the Belleville News-Democrat that she would check to see if additional information could be released. Anderson was found guilty in 1990 of killing Jolaine Lanman, 34, and her son in their home in the Villa Madero subdivision in St. Clair County east of Belleville on Sept. 27, 1989. Lanman, who was pregnant, and her son were beaten and stabbed with a pair of scissors. Anderson was arrested two days later in his Belleville home. I am innocent. I never did anything to harm Mrs. Lanman or her child. Anybody who knows me knows I wouldnt murder anyone or do anything to bring shame or disgrace to my family, Anderson said in an interview with the Belleville News-Democrat after his arrest. The prosecutor in Andersons double-murder trial said that Anderson killed Lanman and her son to get revenge on his three supervisors at the Belleville office of the Illinois Department of Public Aid, according to a Belleville News-Democrat account of his trial in 1990. Anderson had been fired from his job just more than a year before the Lanmans were killed. A note found under Jolaine Lanmans bed stated that the three supervisors attacked her and it listed the license plate numbers of the agency-issued vehicles they drove. This man here had an obsession to get revenge on those three people, said then-St. Clair County Assistant States Attorney Dennis Hatch during his opening arguments in Andersons trial, which was conducted in Randolph County because of pre-trial publicity in Belleville. The note, which an expert said was written by Lanman, also implicated Andersons three supervisors in the death of Belleville News-Democrat intern reporter Audrey Cardenas, who was killed in June 1988. Her body was found in a creek by Belleville East High School. Anderson timed the killing of the Lanmans to fall on the day before Rodney Woidtke of California was to be sentenced in the Cardenas case, Hatch said during Andersons trial. Murders of young women A former FBI analyst who once led the agencys team that profiled serial killers, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1999 that Anderson likely killed the 24-year-old Cardenas and that Woidtke was innocent. However, St. Clair County prosecutors said in 2001 that there was no evidence that Anderson killed Cardenas although they acknowledged Anderson was obsessed with the Cardenas case, the BND reported. Anderson, who served as a corrections officer in the St. Clair County Jail, in the 1970s, called Cardenas father and told him he was a police officer investigating Cardenas death. Woidtke was convicted in August 1989 of killing Cardenas and given a 45-year prison sentence. He won a new trial in 2000 after reporting by the late Post-Dispatch reporter Carolyn Tuft, who had previously worked for the BND, raised questions about his rights. He was found innocent in the retrial in 2001 and he died in 2014. Jolaine Lanman Kenneth Lanman In 2018, James Rokita, who was chief of detectives for Belleville Police Department at the time of the Cardenas murder, told the BND that he believed Woidtke killed Cardenas. Im absolutely sure of that. Hes the killer, Rokita said. The late Robert K. Ressler, who was the former FBI expert cited by the Post-Dispatch in 1999, also suspected Anderson killed four other young women in the metro-east: Elizabeth K. West, a 14-year-old freshman at Belleville West High School. Her body was found in 1978 in a creek between Belleville and Millstadt. Ruth Ann Jany, 21, whose body was found in 1979 near Hecker in Monroe County. Gregory Bowman was convicted in 1979 of the West and Jany murders. He died in 2016. Eulalia Lolly Chavez, 27, of Palo Alto, California, who was strangled and whose mutilated remains were found in a cornfield near Summerfield in 1986. Chavez wasnt identified until 2008 and no one has been charged in this case. Kristina Povolish, 19, was strangled and her body was found in 1987 near Belleville. No one has been charged in this case. Charges before the Lanman murders Before Jolaine Lanman and her son were killed in 1989, Anderson had been in the news. Anderson had filed disorderly conduct charges against his former supervisors but those were dismissed in September 1988. He was convicted of one count of disorderly conduct for waving a gun at Tuft in June 1988 when she was working for the BND. This occurred when she was interviewing him in his home, the BND reported before Andersons 1990 trial. In 1988, a clinical psychologist deemed Anderson legally insane. This ruling was made while Anderson was facing the charge involving Tuft. The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce joined other chambers in a lawsuit challenging federal entities power to set prescription drug prices. The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio states the federal law allowing Centers for Medicare and Medicaid as well as Health and Human Services to set prices on prescription drugs is unconstitutional. The suit states it oversteps core provisions in the constitution that protect private businesses from government overreach. >> Congress trying to tackle rising prescription drug costs by cracking down on PBMs The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce has various members across the supply chain that are impacted by this federal law. While we would all like to see a market-based reduction in prescription drug prices, the government should not be price setting for private industry, Chris Kershner, president and CEO at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce said. Dayton is joined in the lawsuit by that the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A copy of the suit can be found here. Pitcher Matt Dermody was cut by the Boston Red Sox on Friday, a day after he made his first major league start and said he regretted making a homophobic tweet two years ago. The 32-year-old left-hander was designated for assignment as part of a flurry of roster moves. Boston has seven days to trade him or place him on waivers. Toronto Blue cut pitcher Anthony Bass earlier Friday, one day after the right-handed reliever said he didnt think an anti-LGBTQ+ social media post he shared last month was hateful. Boston also activated outfielder Adam Duvall from the 60-day injured list after he recovered from a broken left wrist, transferred left-hander Chris Sale (left shoulder inflammation) to the 60-day IL and selected the contract of left-hander Joe Jacques Triple-A Worcester. The Red Sox said infielder Enmanuel Valdez was optioned to Worcester after Thursday nights game against Cleveland. Dermody allowed three runs over four innings against the Guardians, giving up two of Jose Ramirezs three home runs and taking the loss in a 10-3 defeat. He was 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in eight starts and one relief appearance for Worcester. Dermody made the social media post in 2021. It has since been deleted, but captured screenshots continue to circulate. The Red Sox said they were unaware of Dermodys tweet when he signed with the club in January. Once they learned of it, team officials met with Dermody, who went through mandatory anti-discrimination and harassment training in March. Afterward, Dermody expressed some remorse for his actions. I do regret the tweet in the sense that it came out hurtful and it hurt a lot of people, he said. Thats the last thing I want to do is hurt people. A lot of people think that Im against a certain group of people or whatnot. But Im for everybody making it to heaven. 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 Gov. Ron DeSantis new school voucher program is breaking records. Florida is on track to service more school choice applications than all the other 49 states combined. But that popularity is causing some issues for parents eager for their children to land a scholarship. As a mom and founder of Master Tree Academy, Jona Schultz knows the frustrations surrounding Floridas School Choice and Vouchers program. One of those concerns is DeSantis new law allowing any Florida household to send their child to any school. Read: Florida drivers passing a school bus illegally will soon be paying a fine Theres a little bit of an issue with the government not really informing parents, Schultz said. Step Up For Students processes the majority of the applications. Last year, the number of submissions came out to 250,000. And this year, the number of submissions was 350,000. Read: Volusia County schools offering free summer meals for kids But some parents complain that they have waited almost two hours on the phone to talk to customer service. Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students, said they understand the bumps in the system that occur with so many people. We added more stuff to our e-help systems and more staff to answer emails, he said. Read: Seminole County Public Schools to host free camp for students Tuthill wants parents to know that theres no need to worry if they have applied for the Family Empowerment Scholarship. Every individual family, by law, will get funded, he said. This is also regardless of income or when families apply. Read: DeSantis speaks publicly in Central Fla. for 1st time since announcing presidential bid Tuthill said the state allocated about $1.3 billion to fund the program. Central Florida families could be awarded between $7,000 and $9,000 per student. We just want families to keep working with us, Tuthill said. We are doing our best to get as many families processed as quickly as possible. Step Up For Students said every submitted application will be awarded unless there is a late application for the scholarship. Click here for more information. 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. GREENSBORO, N.C. Despite an indictment packed with details of Donald Trumps alleged schemes to hold on to top secret files in defiance of a grand jury subpoena, Trumps leading GOP rival, Ron DeSantis, didnt once mention the 37-count document that could send the former president to prison during a Friday night speech to North Carolina Republicans. The Florida governor barely alluded to the issue at all and introduced the topic by returning to the old standby of former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons private email server, which wound up hosting some classified documents. Gee, as a naval officer, if I had taken classified on my phone, I would have been court-martialed in a New York minute, he said. And yet, they seem to not care about that. Is there a different standard for a Democrat secretary of state versus a former Republican president? I think there needs to be one standard of justice in this country. DeSantis, who has been happy to attack Trump for his handling of COVID, his failure to build a wall along the U.S. southern border and other hot-button issues for the Republican primary voting base, appears unwilling to mention an issue that could make Trump unelectable in a general election. After Trump was indicted in March in New York City on charges of falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 payoff to a porn star, DeSantis at first remarked that he had no expertise in the area of hush-money payments. But after receiving criticism for not joining in the general Republican condemnation of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, DeSantis got in line and announced that he would refuse to turn Trump over for prosecution had he been asked to. Florida will not assist in an extradition request given the questionable circumstances at issue with this Soros-backed Manhattan prosecutor and his political agenda, De Santis wrote in a Twitter post. On Thursday night, two hours and 32 minutes after Trump announced on his personal social media platform that he had been indicted, DeSantis joined the chorus of pro-Trump voices complaining about unequal justice. Why so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter? The DeSantis administration will bring accountability to the DOJ, excise political bias and end weaponization once and for all, the Florida governor wrote. Republican presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis delivers remarks June 9, 2023, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Republican presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis delivers remarks June 9, 2023, in Greensboro, North Carolina. DeSantis was the guest speaker at Fridays Old North State Dinner at North Carolina Republicans annual convention. Former Vice President Mike Pence is set to speak Saturday afternoon, and Trump is scheduled to speak Saturday night. Taking no questions from the 900 or so people filling the Greensboro Sheratons main ballroom, DeSantis instead spent his 45 minutes onstage running through his now-familiar stump speech. He bragged about his wins in Florida, including a six-week abortion ban, a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs at state universities and his more general war on woke. His only standing ovation came when boasting of his attack on the Walt Disney Co. for criticizing him and his parental rights in education bill. There will be no compromise, he said. The closest DeSantis came to criticizing Trump, who leads him by double digits in polls, was alluding to the bad election results the party has suffered since the former developer and game show host won the White House in 2016. Republicans lost the House in 2018, both the White House and the Senate in 2020, and, notwithstanding expectations of a red wave, barely won back the House while actually losing another seat in the Senate in 2022. We have a task in front of us to shake the culture of losing that has infected the Republican Party in recent years, he said. We have to stop frittering away winnable elections. Trump is facing two other criminal investigations on top of the two he is already under indictment for: a second probe by the DOJ for his Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt; and a Georgia state investigation for his attempt to overturn the election there. He is nevertheless seeking the presidency again and leads most polls of the 2024 GOP field. 29 people are considered missing as a result of Russia blowing up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) in Kherson Oblast. Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs Details: As of 20:30, 46 settlements in Kherson Oblast are flooded, 32 of them in Ukrainian-controlled areas. 2,699 people have been evacuated, and 29 people are considered missing. In Mykolaiv Oblast, 31 settlements are flooded and 982 people have been evacuated. Earlier on Saturday, Ukraines Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that 4 people have died and 27 people were still missing in Kherson Oblast as of noon on 10 June following Russias blowing up of the Kakhovka HPP. Background: On the night of 5-6 June, Russian occupation forces blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), completely destroying the dam and the power plant's turbine hall. The plant is beyond repair. Ukrhydroenergo, the national regulator, said the reservoir was expected to be drained within the next four days. The draining of the Kakhovka Reservoir threatens the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The destruction of the Kakhovka HPP caused an environmental disaster. Water from the reservoir began to flood towns and villages, and evacuations of local residents from dangerous areas began. It has caused problems with the water supply in the cities of Kryvyi Rih, Marhanets and Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the disaster at the Kakhovka HPP created by the Russians would not stop Ukraine from liberating its own territory and would not increase the chances of the occupiers staying on this land. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Residents face off with Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies hours after the killing of Dijon Kizzee in South Los Angeles. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) The father of a Black man who was shot and killed by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies in 2020 has tentatively settled a lawsuit that alleged the department used excessive force and committed civil rights violations. In a court filing this week, attorneys for Dijon Kizzee's father, Edwin Kizzee, told a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge that they had reached a conditional settlement with the county, which is subject to approval by the L.A. County Claims Board. A status hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 28. The terms of the proposed settlement were not disclosed. The lawsuit, filed against L.A. County in September 2021, alleged the "unlawful use of deadly force" by deputies and that the department failed to properly train the deputies on the use of force. Attorneys for the county denied all the allegations, arguing in a court filing that deputies acted "in good faith and without malicious intent" to harm Kizzee or deprive him of his constitutional rights. In February 2021, attorneys for Edwin Kizzee and Dijon Kizzee's aunt Fletcher Fair filed a legal claim against the county that sought $35 million in damages. The claim alleged that deputies decided to stop and detain Kizzee because of his race, as opposed to any legitimate law enforcement reason. Kizzee, 29, was fatally shot on Aug. 31, 2020, by sheriffs deputies who tried to stop him for riding his bike on the wrong side of the street in South L.A., spurring weeks of protests. The deputies fired 19 shots. Kizzee was struck 15 times, according to an autopsy commissioned by his family. Sheriffs officials said Kizzee was riding his bike on the wrong side of the street when he was stopped by two South L.A. deputies. Kizzee made a U-turn in front of deputies, dropped his bike on the sidewalk and ran, according to the department. When one of the deputies caught up to Kizzee, he struck the deputy in the face and a pistol Kizzee was carrying dropped to the ground, according to the department. Kizzee bent down and picked up the pistol and that's when one of the deputies fired multiple shots at him. As Kizzee collapsed from his injuries, both deputies thought he was reaching for the weapon a second time and fired another volley, authorities said. Much of the altercation was caught on video. But parts of the struggle with deputies right before the shooting are partially obstructed by a wall and difficult to discern. After reviewing the evidence, the L.A. County district attorney's office declined to press charges against the two deputies last fall. In a 19-page memo, prosecutors said deputies Christian Morales and Michael Garcia reasonably believed, based on the totality of the circumstances, that force was necessary to defend against a threat of death when they initially fired their weapons. Kizzees family and activists have said the shooting wasnt warranted and disputed the agencys account. The lawsuit alleged that Kizzee "did nothing to justify this use of serious and unreasonable force against him." Kizzee, his attorneys said, was "at worst, merely a Black man riding his bicycle in a manner that may be contrary traffic safety regulations, but which is rarely if ever enforced by sheriff deputies patrolling that neighborhood, especially if the rider is not a Black male." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Disney is bringing back a 24-day private jet tour of its 12 theme parks but it'll cost you a whopping $115,000 Guests will visit 12 of Disney's theme parks around the world. Todd Anderson/Getty Images Disney is relaunching a 24-day private jet tour of its global theme parks for $115,000 per person. Guests will visit 12 theme parks while also taking in sights like the Great Pyramid of Giza. Customers will travel on a "VIP-configured" Boeing 757 operated by Icelandair. Disney is relaunching its 24-day private jet tour, offering wealthy customers the chance to visit 12 of its theme parks around the world. The "Disney Parks Around The World" tour will take guests to six countries the US, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and India on a "VIP-configured" Boeing 757 operated by Icelandair. In India and Egypt guests can see visit two of the seven wonders of the world one from the modern list and one from the ancient list: the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Travelers will be accompanied on the tour by Disney-trained adventure guides, a physician, and a chef who will prepare in-flight meals. They may also meet Disney leaders and some of the "Imagineers" who help design the parks. In total, the tour includes 69 meals and 31 site visits. As you might have guessed, it doesn't come cheap. Customers will have to shell out almost $115,000 for the experience, nearly $5,000 more than it cost last year. But Disney promises it will give guests access to "extraordinary opportunities not available to the public." Last year, the group was hosted by the director of Walt Disney Archives, Becky Cline, who has worked at the company since 1989. Travelers have to be at least 12 years old, but Disney also provides a suggested age of 14 and over. Two tours are planned for 2024. The first starts in Los Angeles on June 16 and ends in Orlando on July 9. The second trip follows the same route and runs from July 28 to August 20. Read the original article on Business Insider Donald Trump can proceed with a lawsuit against his niece, Mary, over her role in a New York Times story on his taxes, judge rules Former President Donald Trump, Mary Trump Chet Strange/Getty Images Trump sued Mary Trump for giving the New York Times information for a 2018 story about his taxes. A judge has now ruled that the lawsuit against his niece is allowed to go ahead. Trump's minor legal victory came the same day he was indicted for the second time. Former President Donald Trump's lawsuit against his niece Mary Trump can proceed, a judge has ruled, according to Bloomberg. The former president claims that when his niece provided information to The New York Times for its 2018 report on his taxes, she violated confidentiality provisions of a 2001 settlement related to the family property business. On Friday, New York state court Justice Robert Reed rejected Mary Trump's argument that her uncle's lawsuit violated a state law against frivolous legal suits "aimed at chilling freedom of speech and the press," Bloomberg reported. The decision was described as a "modest procedural victory" by Bloomberg. The ruling came the same day that Trump was indicted for the second time, this time on 37 charges linked to Trump taking government records to Mar-a-Lago. Mary Trump weighed in on the indictment in a blog post, in which she said there was "nothing he won't do to get away with his crimes," per Newsweek. Regarding the lawsuit between uncle and niece, the New York judge said that Trump could pursue a breach-of-contract claim but dismissed allegations of unjust enrichment and bad-faith conduct, per Bloomberg. Reed had earlier dismissed the former president's claims against the newspaper over the Pulitzer Prize-winning story and ordered him to pay their legal fees and costs. Trump's attorney Alina Habba said that it was "no surprise" that Mary Trump violated the older settlement, per Bloomberg. "Mary Trump had already received a lucrative settlement in the estate proceedings, but she greedily sought to exploit the situation further by disclosing confidential information in violation of an agreement that she freely signed," Habba said. Mary Trump will most likely appeal the ruling, Bloomberg reported. A representative for Mary Trump did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, which was sent outside of normal working hours. She has long been an outspoken critic of her uncle in recent years. She has accused him of being a "fascist" and a "loser." The former president, in turn, referred to her as a "seldom-seen niece" and a "mess." Read the original article on Business Insider Your doughnut box is pink thanks to Cambodian refugees Ted Ngoy, founder of Christy's Donut Shops, sits in one of his businesses in 2004. Gary Friedman/Getty Images During the Khmer Rouge, thousands of Cambodian refugees arrived to southern California to escape the genocide. Ted Ngoy, one of these refugees, saw an opportunity for a new business venture: doughnut shops. Now, around 80% of doughnut shops in southern California are owned by Cambodian refugee families. Southern California is home to one of the highest concentrations of doughnut shops in the country. That's all thanks to the region's Cambodian American community. Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images Source: LA Times The Khmer Rouge regime, the state-backed genocide of Cambodian citizens at the hands of Communist Party leader Pol Pot, claimed the lives of roughly 2 million people between 1975 and 1979. Pol Pot with former Khmer Rouge foreign minister Ieng Sary. AFP via Getty Images Source: BBC Cambodians began seeking refuge around the world, including the US. They were initially held in the military base Camp Pendleton before setting up a thriving corridor of businesses surrounding Long Beach. At the gate at the French Embassy in 1975, consular authorities are trying to accommodate the influx of people wanting to take refuge. Roland Neveu/LightRocket via Getty Images An estimated 50,000 migrants arrived at Camp Pendleton. The base became a temporary home for people from South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos who were forced to flee their homelands. Source: San Diego Union-Tribune Ted Ngoy was one of those refugees. In 1975, he arrived in Camp Pendleton after fleeing the Khmer Rouge with his wife and children. Ted Ngoy worships at the East Side Christian Church in Long Beach in November, 2004. Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images He initially worked two jobs as a church janitor and nighttime gas station attendant. Source: LA Times He noticed how a nearby doughnut shop's bestseller was similar to the traditional Cambodian num kong, a ring of fried dough fluffy on the inside with a crispy exterior. A customer buys pastries from a street vendor in Phnom Penh. Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP via Getty Images Source: LA Times With the support of his church congregation, Ngoy was able to gain experience running a doughnut shop through Winchell Donut House's management program, becoming the first Southeast Asian to attend the program. Andrew Hetherington via Getty Images Source: LA Times By 1979, Ngoy was able to buy his own shop in La Habra, California, named Christy's Donut Shop. Run by his wife and family, Christy's thrived throughout the next decade and inspired other Cambodian-owned businesses. Ted Ngoy, founder of Christy's Donut Shops, sits in one of his businesses in 2004. Gary Friedman/Getty Images Today, around 80% of doughnut shops in southern California are owned by Cambodian Americans. Source: CBS News At the time, the new shop owners found that white boxes were costly. Supplier Westco provided leftover pink cardstock to the SoCal business owners and the boxes happened to perfectly fit a dozen donuts. "Why buy the more expensive white? Save a few pennies and make big bucks," Ngoy told the Los Angeles Times. GaryAlvis via Getty Images Pink was also close to red, considered to be a lucky color for many refugees, especially those who were ethnically Chinese, like Ngoy. While there is no clear consensus where the pink boxes first popped up, some say they came from Ning Yen, another Cambodian immigrant who owned doughnut shops, who wanted red boxes for "good fortune," but kept getting sent pink ones instead. Source: LA Times, Food and Wine Many of those family-owned shops have been inherited by the next generation of "doughnut kids," who have been keeping the tradition of the pink doughnut box alive. Mother and daughter Chuong Lee and Mayly Tao stand in front of their family doughnut shop, DK's Donuts & Bakery. Business Wire via AP Source: Eater Today, the pink boxes have gone beyond the southern California Cambodian community. They can be seen everywhere, perhaps most notably at Portland's Voodoo Doughnut. Pink doughnut boxes at Voodoo Doughnut. Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Read the original article on Insider Visitors pet sled dogs at Iditarod headquarters in Fairbanks, Alaska. I thought the highlight of my Alaskan vacation would be glaciers, but looking back on the past two weeks, what really stands out are the dogs. Since 1972, dog mushing has been the official state sport of Alaska. Visiting kennels, Iditarod training camps and Denali National Park, I learned two important lessons: dog mushing is not cruel, and it is possible to compost dog poop. To be clear about the relevance of these lessons, hooking up a dog to anything larger than a kid on a skateboard here in the lower 48 as Alaskans call most of the rest of the country would probably get you in trouble with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. And trying to compost dog poop in local organics curbside collection programs would anger the sorters who remove contaminants. If those sorters failed to do their job, poop could get the compost facility managing your discards in trouble with the local environmental health agency. However, to my points, some dogs love a life focused on pulling sleds over snow, and at least two impressive kennels have perfected techniques some of us might consider for home-based management of dog poop. Also, to be clear about glaciers, they were magnificent. The blue sparkle of Mendenhall Glacier, in mountains north of Juneau, melted into the gushing Nugget Falls, a display so big and powerful its churning white water was clearly visible from the visitors center 1.5 miles away. Even more majestic, the sweeping view of glaciers from the bow of a ship was overwhelming as my family forged through Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord, above Prince William Sound. Rocky, glacial-carpeted shorelines rose to snow-capped mountains on both sides of the deck as the ships propellers shot a silt-tinged wake into the distance. Views of glaciers proved spectacular during a recent vacation in Alaska. Back to the dog poop: To fight climate change, the California Legislature mandates composting of sewage sludge, food scraps and yard clippings, but dog poop is landfilled. In Alaska, dog poop is composted. Specifically, composting is practiced in Fairbanks, at Trail Breaker Kennels, the dog breeding and training center founded by Susan Butcher, who inspired the T-shirt and bumper sticker slogan, Alaska: Where men are men, and women win the Iditarod. She and her lead dog, Granite, overcame doubt, injury and blizzards to win the 1,000-mile race four times. Disembarking at Chena Village from a paddleboat on the Fairbanks Discovery Tour after watching a training exercise at the kennel, our tour group petted the dogs and, as on kennel tours in Wasilla and Skagway, witnessed the dogs eagerness to join a harnessed team and pull a sled. A musher hoping to follow in Butchers sled prints made my day by letting me know the amazing detail: this award-winning training and breeding facility composts the dog poop. There was no time to get the details of how they compost a material we eschew in local programs due to odor, parasites and germs. But fortunately, while visiting a sled dog kennel at Denali National Park, I found another example of dog poop composting. Rangers use dog sleds to traverse wilderness while collecting data, hauling equipment and patrolling for poachers. When the dogs are back at the kennel, Ranger Mitch Flanigan composts their waste. He talked with me and emailed me his six-step process. I will send it to anyone who emails me a request. Sled dogs have pulled native Athabaskans across snow for generations. The dogs originated from Siberian huskies, but the joke is, most modern sled dogs are now Canardlies. That is, one can ardly tell what breeds were mixed to create them. Sled dogs are selected for characteristics, not breed. The Ventura County Animal Services division lists Siberian huskies available for adoption at vcas.us/huskyweek. David Goldstein, an environmental resource analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, can be reached at 805-658-4312 or david.goldstein@ventura.org. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Eco-tip: Glaciers and dog poop among lessons of Alaska Emily Blunt Says Her Celebrity Status Is 'Not Exciting' To Her Kids Emily Blunts children, whom she shares with husband John Krasinski, apparently dont think her A-list celebrity status is all that exciting. The actor told Harpers Bazaar UK in an interview published Wednesday that daughters Hazel, 9, and Violet, 7, tend to disconnect when they spot their mom on a billboard or screen. When I see myself up on a billboard, I have this complete dissociation with it... Im like, whos that? she said. And I can see my children doing the same they might say, oh, theres Mama, but its not exciting for them. Whats exciting for them is when I can pick them up from school and take them swimming. Blunt then discussed some of the challenges of balancing work and raising kids, saying that it can be rough on her daughters when shes away for work, and that she makes a point to not be gone for more than two weeks at a time. There are cornerstones of the girls day that I dont want to compromise on like, will you wake me up, take me to school, pick me up and put me to bed? she explained. And I just want to be able to say, yes, yes, yes. Its such an exhale for me to be able to do that. Emily Blunt appears at the Met Gala on May 1 in New York City. Emily Blunt appears at the Met Gala on May 1 in New York City. Blunt, who appears in the upcoming film Oppenheimer, has previously discussed her daughters nonchalant attitude about her career. The actor told E! News last year that although the kids have seen some of her and Krasinskis projects, they dont keep up with their work all that much. They dont really want to watch us on screen, she said at the time. Theyve got that ownership of us as parents. So its not theyre not running to see me in a movie, which keeps you humble. Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, is due out July 21. Related... Espionage Act in the spotlight after Trump indictment. What is it? After a more than yearlong investigation, former President Trump has been charged with more than three dozen criminal counts related to his continued possession of classified and sensitive documents at his Mar-a-Lago property after leaving the White House. Most of the charges Trump is facing are counts of willful retention of national defense information in violation of the Espionage Act of 1917. He is also facing charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, concealing a document in a federal investigation, scheming to conceal and making false statements and representations. The indictment against Trump revealed federal investigators made extensive efforts to recover the documents that were taken from the White House at the end of Trumps presidency before and after the search that the FBI conducted at Mar-a-Lago in August. It also alleged the former president had documents concerning the countrys nuclear program and military capabilities. The Espionage Act declares that obtaining information relating to national defense to be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of any foreign nation is illegal. The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods, the indictment states. The law also prohibits anyone who was lawfully allowed to possess information related to national security from sharing it with others who are not authorized. These individuals who are allowed to have the information also cannot willfully retain the documents and fail to deliver them upon demand from an officer who is allowed to possess them. Conviction for violating the law can carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, according to the indictment. The law was originally enacted during the U.S. involvement in World War I to prevent interference with the war effort and to prevent Americans from supporting the countrys enemies during the war. More Trump indictment coverage from The Hill Legal experts have said varying levels of intent required for a potential violator to meet the level of breaking the law could have implications for Trump. The law includes more than a half-dozen provisions that lay out different circumstances when a violation might occur. Derek Bambauer, a law professor at the University of Arizona, said a state of mind provision is common in criminal law, taking into account what the persons intent was. The acts fifth provision which Trump has been accused of violating states that a potential violator must have a reason to believe information they share with an unauthorized individual or refuse to provide upon demand from a U.S. officer could be used to harm the U.S. or help a foreign nation. Experts also said Trumps common defense of his conduct, that he declassified the documents that were taken to Mar-a-Lago, is not relevant to the Espionage Act because it does not mention classification status. Bambauer said the documents only need to contain sensitive information that could be used in a threat to national security. The indictment also includes a conversation Trump allegedly had with one of his staff members and a writer and a publisher in July 2021 in which he seems to acknowledge not declassifying a document he referenced. See as president I could have declassified it, he said, later adding Now I cant, you know, but this is still a secret. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A new survey found a larger-than-expected population of the worlds most endangered marine mammal, a small porpoise whose collapse has generated international contempt toward Mexico. Researchers in the Gulf of California recorded between 10 and 13 individual vaquita marina porpoises over 17 days in May, roughly the same number of vaquitas spotted in October of 2021, indicating a more resilient than expected population. The survey reveals a remarkable 90 percent reduction of boats and fishing nets within the zero-tolerance area, underscoring substantial progress in safeguarding the vaquita marina, a spokesman for the Mexican embassy in Washington told The Hill. This significant progress demonstrates that we are heading in the right direction in our collective efforts to protect the vaquita marina. Fears over the extinction of the vaquita have simmered for years with increasing illegal fishing in the Gulf of California the only habitat for the species. The gulf separates the Baja California peninsula from the Mexican mainland. Fishermen largely seek out totoaba, a threatened species of fish, whose swim bladder is considered a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, and fetches exorbitant prices. To fish for totoaba, fishermen use gillnets, which create barriers that entangle and drown vaquitas. The new survey on the vaquita population, conducted by Sea Shepherd, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Mexican Navy and ministry of the environment, found that some of the protective measures taken by Mexico and scientists proved effective. Last August the Mexican Navy deployed 193 concrete blocks with 3m high hooks designed to entangle gillnets, reads the report. While the exact reason for no gillnet vessels being observed within the [zero tolerance area (ZTA)] is unknown, the simplest explanation would be that the concrete blocks and hooks, in combination with the collaborative efforts by the Mexican Navy and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) to remove the few fishermen who were willing to risk their nets by deploying them inside the ZTA, is working. The dorsal fin of a vaquita porpoise is seen swimming during a census mission run by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Mexican authorities as part of the efforts to save the endangered vaquita porpoise near San Felipe, in the Gulf of California, Baja California State, northwestern Mexico, on May 20, 2023. (Photo by GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images) Porpoise population led to sanctions The decaying vaquita population has been a source of tension in U.S.-Mexico relations, and more broadly damaging to the countrys international reputation. In March, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) imposed global sanctions on Mexico for not doing enough to curtail totoaba fishing and protect the vaquita. CITES is a multilateral international body created by treaty that regulates trade in goods sourced from wildlife, and evaluates countries individual action plans to protect endangered species. The sanctions, which limited Mexicos ability to export wildlife-sourced goods, were lifted in April after a high-level Mexican delegation presented a revised action plan to CITES officials in Geneva. But the U.S. Department of the Interior found Mexicos efforts still lacking, triggering the potential for a U.S. embargo on Mexican seafood. The Department of the Interior, in consultation with the Department of State, has determined through a thorough investigation of the evidence that, despite international protections and commitments, the government of Mexico has failed to stem the illegal harvest and commercial export of totoaba, wrote Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in May 26 in letters to Vice President Harris and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). Haalands letter stemmed from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finding that Mexicos efforts were lacking, triggering whats known as the Pelly amendment, which allows the president to embargo imports from a country found to diminish the effectiveness of wildlife treaties. The Fish and Wildlife Service certification was spurred by a settlement to a lawsuit against Interior brought by environmental groups who wanted to trigger the Pelly amendment. Per that law, President Biden has until mid-July to decide what actions to take, given the Fish and Wildlife findings, or otherwise must issue an explanation as to why sanctions were not imposed. Impact on US-Mexico relations While the United States currently imposes a ban on some Mexican seafood caught using gillnets in the Gulf of California, a broader embargo could estrange bilateral relations. The two countries have for decades been at odds over Mexican tuna exports, stemming from allegations that Mexican tuna fishing was entangling dolphins. While that conflict has simmered from its peak in the 1980s, it remains a sore subject in Mexico. Both a fisheries embargo or findings of continued environmental failings could trigger larger United States Mexico Canada Agreement consequences, risking tit-for-tat retaliations among two neighbors with a complex relationship. In 2021, the United States briefly banned all Mexican shrimp imports due to a similar concern over sea turtle protections that ban risked an industry worth more than $200 million per year, according to a 2021 Brookings Institution report. That report recommended strict enforcement on the Mexican side, but also warned of a vicious cycle if the U.S. market is closed to Mexican fish products and fishermen cant find economic incentives to comply with regulations. Complying with environmental and fishery laws to prevent the bycatch of endangered species and acting against illegal fishing is not just a vaquita-hugging agenda of environmentalists. It is essential for restoring Mexicos most important trade relationship, reads the report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. GREENSBORO, N.C. Maintaining his defense of the newly indicted Donald Trump, former vice president and 2024 rival Mike Pence said Saturday that Attorney General Merrick Garland should explain publicly why his office and appointed Special Counsel Jack Smith brought charges about hoarding classified documents and obstructing justice. "Stop hiding behind the Special Counsel and stand before the American people and explain why this indictment went forward," Pence told a convention of the North Carolina Republican Party. Pence, visiting North Carolina as part of a national tour to mark his formal entrance into the 2024 race, also repeated his criticism of Trump for demanding that he help him overturn the 2020 presidential election, showcasing the complicated relationship and politics between the two men at a time they're both vying for the presidency. Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to a crowd during the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at Koury Convention Center Saturday. In demanding that Pence throw out the electoral votes that elected President Joe Biden on Jan. 6, 2021, Trump asked his vice president to choose between him and the Constitution, Pence said, and he said he chose the Constitution. In a jab at Trump, Pence told the North Carolina Republicans: Anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States." The pro-Trump crowd reacted tepidly. That incident is the subject of another investigation of Trump. Donald Trump indicted for allegedly mishandling classified documents seized at Mar-a-Lago: Recap 'This is secret': Donald Trump indictment details charges against former president Pence focuses on North Carolina Pence's demands for answers from Garland came a day after Special Counsel Smith unsealed the unprecedented federal indictment of the former president. Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to a crowd during the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at Koury Convention Center Saturday. Trump, who speaks at the North Carolina convention later in the day, is charged with improperly taking sensitive classified documents from the White House, then illegally obstructing the government's efforts to retrieve them. Aside from the comments on Trump's indictment, Pence offered his now-standard campaign speech to the North Carolina Republicans, vowing to pursue Trump-like economic and foreign policies if elected. Appealing to local issues, Pence noted that North Carolina is a big part of next year's "Super Tuesday" set of primaries. As GOP rival Ron DeSantis did on Friday, Pence pledged to change the name of North Carolina's Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg. Officials changed it as part of a nationwide effort to purge facility names dedicated to Confederate Civil War generals such as Braxton Bragg. How GOP candidates are addressing Trump's indictment Pence is not the only Republican candidate taking a low-key approach to Trump's second indictment. DeSantis and Nikki Haley have criticized what they call the "weaponization" of law enforcement, but said little about the detailed allegations against Trump. Other Republicans have been more critical of the front-running 2024 candidate. Chris Christie, who also joined the presidential race recently, tweeted "Is this the type of conduct we want from someone who wants to be President of the United States?...We have to focus on the conduct, and the conduct is bad." Trump had already been indicted in a New York state court for allegations arising from hush money payments to an ex-mistress. The Republican frontrunner for 2024 remains under investigation in two other cases: His efforts to overturn his 2020 loss in Georgia and his actions ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection against the electoral vote count. That latter investigation has included testimony from Pence. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pence slams federal indictment of Donald Trump in North Carolina A building captured by the Russians on the Arabat Spit The Chalet Thermal hotel, which is part of the complex of Professor Kozyavkin's clinic and is still under construction, was seen a video posted by Fedorov, damaged and on fire, according to the Ukrainian Center for Investigative Journalism. Read also: Collaborators home blown up in Berdyansk, invaders cover up consequences and hunt for culprits The occupiers earlier seized the complex and declared it to be unfinished "government quarters." Convoys of Russians' and collaborators cars are now leaving for the occupied Crimea, following the attack, the mayor said. Blasts were heard in Henichesk District of the occupied part of Kherson Oblast, the regional administration adviser, Serhiy Khlan, reported earlier on Facebook. He said the so-called "authorities' quarter" was hit, and that ambulances and fire engines had been seen rushing to the scene. Residents of the village of Shchaslyve in Henichevsk District of Kherson Oblast confirmed there had been several attacks on the resort facilities housing occupiers' military and officials, the local outlet Most wrote. Read also: Russian troops shooting endangered birds for fun on Arabat Spit Khlan Saldo claimed that "foreign war criminals" hit with missiles "temporary accommodation centers" on the Arabat Spit on June 5. He also noted that a hotel had been destroyed in the Kherson Oblast coastal town of Zaliznyi Port. /Telegram The collaborator complained about "persecution of the leading persons of Kherson Oblast." Former Party of Regions MPs and collaborator, Oleh Tsarev, said that Saldo was in the affected hotel, but had managed to survive. Read also: State Bureau of Investigation conducts search of collaborator Saldos property "I got in touch with him. It was hard to reach him. He really was under attack. Alive. Not injured," a message posted by Tsarev on Telegram reads. 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 Family of woman found in dumpster is 'ready to fight' after charges dropped because of police department's racist texts Family of woman found in dumpster is 'ready to fight' after charges dropped because of police department's racist texts The sister of a woman whose torched body was discovered in a dumpster last year slammed Northern California prosecutors after they dropped charges against two men accused in her death, citing the cases link to racist and derogatory text messages that have shaken a local police department. Nicole Eason told NBC News that the messages which were released earlier this year after a joint investigation into the Antioch Police Department by the FBI and the Contra Costa District Attorneys Office should have had no effect on the prosecution of Ashton Montalvo and Deangelo Boone. Montalvo and Boone were charged with arson and mutilation of human remains in the Oct. 17 death of Mykaella Sharlman, 25. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges. Mykaella Sharlman. (Courtesy Nicole Eason) Eason called the decision to drop the charges unacceptable and said that prosecutors should recant and scrutinize" evidence that she described as insurmountable, including security video and eyewitness testimony. Were getting ready to lawyer up Eason said. Were getting ready to fight. A spokesman for the Contra Costa District Attorneys Office declined to comment. In a statement Wednesday, the prosecutors office "extended its deepest sympathies" to Sharlman's family and said it would seek to renew the prosecution if possible. The spokesman, Ted Asregadoo, said in an earlier email that prosecutors are "hopeful APD can pursue other investigative avenues and bring our office more evidence to review for a charging decision." The statement said the prosecutor's office dropped the charges because the case relied heavily on the investigative work of officers associated with the text messages. "After thoroughly reviewing the officers role in this case, applying relevant legal principles, and considering ethical responsibilities, the Contra Costa District Attorneys Office no longer has confidence in the integrity of this prosecution," the statement said. The officers were not identified, and it isn't clear which messages they sent or received. An Antioch Police Department spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment, nor did a lawyer for the local police union. Homophobic slurs, racist images The messages, from 2020 and 2021, were sent and received by dozens of officers and include homophobic slurs, racist images and the casual discussion of using less lethal weapons on people, including the citys mayor, who is Black, according to an investigative report compiled by the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office. California's Attorney General opened an investigation last month to determine if the police department engaged in a pattern and practice of unconstitutional policing. Asregadoo said Wednesday's announcement marked the first time the prosecutor's office has dropped a felony case linked to the messages. Overdose death Eason described her younger sister as the "life of the party" someone who loved praise dancing at church and dreamed of opening a salon. She fell in with friends who were into drugs and began experimenting, Eason said. The medical examiner determined that Sharlman died of a fentanyl overdose, said Eason, noting that her family had attended all of the court dates in her sister's death, including the preliminary hearing, where a judge determines if prosecutors have sufficient evidence to make a defendant stand trial. Eason said that during court testimony Montalvo and Boone were accused of dumping her sister's body in a dumpster they grabbed from a nearby building after she overdose at an abandoned apartment in Antioch, a city of roughly 114,000 northeast of San Francisco. The men were captured on security cameras borrowing a dolly from a 7-Eleven and pushing the dumpster four blocks to a paved trail, where witnesses from a nearby homeless encampment saw them allegedly pour lighter fluid into the dumpster and set Sharlman's body on fire, Eason said. Roughly a week later, after Sharlman's family reported the 25-year-old as missing, Eason said authorities confirmed her death. Eason compared the events to labor pains. "I didn't have the joy of getting the baby out," she said. "We got death instead." Lawyers for Montalvo and Boone did not respond to requests for comment. The family found some solace in learning of Sharlman's cause of death, Eason said. She died before her body was torched, Eason said. The family was further heartened by the department's handling of the case, which Eason described as "nothing short of amazing," and by the arrests that followed. "For us to have suspects in custody was exceptional," she said. "It was a win, and it doesn't always happen like that. Although they're under scrutiny now, they did their due diligence before they detained these two men." Eason added that her family was "devastated" to learn that a detective involved in the case was linked to the text messages. "However, this scandal came out after my sister's death," Eason said. "It shouldn't have had any bearing on the evidence." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Finland is the world's happiest country, but Finns say we're confusing happiness for something else People enjoying sunny weather on ice at the waterfront in Helsinki in 2021. Jussi Nukari / Lehtikuva / AFP via Getty Images When I asked Frank Martela what makes him happy, he held out his phone and showed me a photo of a row of brightly colored children's bikes. "I was taking my youngest kid to preschool when I saw all these tiny bicycles hundreds of them parked outside," he said. Some of the kids, who are as young as 7, travel to and from school by themselves and go out to play alone too. Martela, a philosopher and researcher at Aalto University in Espoo, 12 miles from Finland's capital, Helsinki, treasures the freedom his three children have there. "Young children can move on their own," he said. "It's something that Finnish people might not think about if they've never been outside the country. They just take it for granted." Finland's high levels of social trust could be one reason the country has been ranked as the world's happiest for six years in a row. As the World Happiness Report, which does the ranking, notes, most Finns expect their wallet to be returned to them if they lose it. Frank Martela showed me this photo of a row of children's bikes. Frank Martela "In Helsinki it is completely normal to leave the baby outside, obviously with a baby monitor and if possible by the window, so you can see the stroller while shopping or having coffee," said Jennifer De Paola, a social psychologist and an expert on Finnish happiness who moved to Finland when she was 25. (When I interviewed her in a cafe in Helsinki, De Paola's 7-month-old was napping at her side.) The country is also known for its focus on work-life balance. That point is underscored when I go to meet Heli Jimenez, of Visit Finland, at a Helsinki office block shortly after 5 p.m. Apart from us, the place is almost empty as workers have left for the day. Jimenez told me that Finns were surprised people in other countries didn't have "simple skills," like how to build a fire out in nature. So Finns have liberated children, trust their neighbors, commune with nature, and leave work on time. But ask them what they think of the happiness report, and you'll get a surprising answer. "We're always surprised that we are still the first," Meri Larivaara, a mental-health advocate, told me in yet another Helsinki coffee shop. "Every year there is a debate like, 'How is this possible?'" In fact, locals I talked to were exasperated by the survey and even annoyed by the global perception of them as happy. Mentions of the report prompt eye-rolls and sighs. "We don't agree with it it's just not real for us," an interior designer told me, without giving me a name. A better word to describe Finns would be "content," Jimenez said. "Because we are satisfied with our lives." A different question Part of the problem is with the survey, which is published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and written by a team of independent experts. The rankings data is taken from the Gallup World Poll, a worldwide survey that asks people to rate their lives on an imagined ladder measuring the best and worst possible life for them. Respondents score their own lives on a scale of 0 to 10. "The question that they asked the participants is how satisfied you are with your life at the moment. So there is no mention of happiness," De Paola said. "Happiness has more to do with emotions and the way the emotions are communicated," she said, pointing to research in which she had studied word associations on social media. "So smiling, being cheerful, being joyful, are more linked to happiness than the concept of life satisfaction. "It's just sexier to call it the World Happiness Report rather than calling it the life-satisfaction report." Finns don't view themselves as exceptionally happy people. In fact, the country can be quite pessimistic. Finnish people are "not so good at creating an atmosphere of optimism," said Larivaara, the mental-health advocate. But she's quick to add that pessimism and contentment can exist simultaneously. A busy street in Helsinki. peeterv/ Getty Images Finnish people are often stereotyped as introverted and keeping to themselves. Finns mind their own business, my Finnish grandmother tells me. During the summer, those with the means might retreat to private summer cottages in the countryside for weeks at a time. Yes, the climate is punishing. The country's winters are cold and abnormally dark, especially in the north, where there is almost continual darkness in the winter. But it's also true that Finns are very content with what they have. "They call us up and just ask if we like our lives. We just say there's nothing wrong right now, maybe call back tomorrow," one local said of the survey. A safety net Maybe it's not so much that Finns are happy but that they don't have some of the intense fears you might find in other places. Finland's government sponsors one of the most robust welfare systems in the world. In 2021, the Nordic country spent 24% of its gross domestic product on social protection the highest of any other OECD country that year. Taxes are high in the country, but residents get a lot in return. Healthcare and education are free for all residents all the way through to the Ph.D. level. The country also pays for a proportion of families' childcare costs, and workers are entitled to four weeks of summer holiday and one week of winter holiday on top of the country's 13 national holidays. Finns are socialized and taught from a young age not to settle for poor working conditions, De Paola said: "Proper pay, proper breaks, proper working hours, and to have a job that matches their abilities these are all things that every Finnish person expects." People gathered on a terrace in Helsinki in 2020. ALESSANDRO RAMPAZZO/AFP via Getty Images For example, if you lose your job in Finland, the state will help out until you find a new one. "You don't have to care so much about money as in somewhere like the US," Martela said. "If I lose my job, that doesn't affect my kids' education or my wife's healthcare or anything like that." Finns generally are also less dramatic in their aspirations when it comes to things like wealth and generally share an "attainable" idea of what it means to be content with your life. "I wouldn't say that they don't dream big, but they dream attainable," De Paola said. 'We have problems as well' As fun as such ratings can be to share and debate, they of course obscure the challenges experienced in any country, even Finland. "People forget that other countries have social problems as well," Larivaara said. "It's hard to find a country where we wouldn't have these issues." Larivaara points to a mental-health crisis that is hitting teenagers particularly hard. As in many countries, Finland has seen a rise in mental illness in adolescents during the pandemic. In the spring of 2021, satisfaction with life had decreased among teenagers, while anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness increased in comparison with 2019, according to a study in the journal Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, which cited Finnish research, in April. Overall, mental-health complaints from Finnish adolescents had been increasing in the past two decades, per the report. Finland also has an aging population. According to the Population Reference Bureau, 21.9% of Finland's population is 65 and over. The country has the third-largest percentage of older people in the world, coming in just behind Japan and Italy. And of course there is wealth division. Two girls told me only the wealthy people in the city were "happy" as they could afford to do things like retreat to "summer cottages" in the countryside for the long summer vacations. De Paola, her partner, and her baby, Eric. Susanna Nordvall 'Things were not set in stone' Speaking for herself, De Paola said she had felt an uplift in her life satisfaction since moving to Finland from Italy, where she grew up. She most valued feeling that in Finland she could pause and change the course of her life, thanks to the country's relaxed approach to "milestones." People take periodic career breaks and return to universities at all ages after working. "Things were not set in stone here," she said. After training to be a clinical psychologist in Italy, she said, "the natural path would have been to go to psychotherapy school and become a psychotherapist." "But here I just took a pause and did odd jobs for some years to figure out what I wanted to do," said De Paola, who's now pursuing a doctorate. There have also been some surprises. When De Paola's Finnish partner took her to a "summer cottage" known as mokki for the first time, she noticed many of the cottages didn't have electricity, and others didn't even have running water. Finns enjoy bathing in lakes instead. "That's something strange that makes Finnish people happy," she said. Read the original article on Business Insider The right lane and shoulder of southbound Interstate 95 were closed after a fire truck overturned Friday, June 9, 2023 in Prince George County. The truck was en route from New York to Georgia. PRINCE GEORGE State police say a blown tire caused a fire truck in transit from New York to Georgia to overturn on southbound Interstate 95 early Friday night, injuring two people and slowing traffic for a few hours. The wreck happened around 6 p.m. near Carson, state police said. The truck, a 1999 Spartan, had been purchased by the Waynesville, Georgia Fire Department from Granville, New York, and was being driven home when the crash happened. State Police Sgt. Jessica Shehan said a rear tire blew on the truck, causing the driver to lose control. Shehan said the truck ran into the median, then back onto the highway when it flipped over on the drivers side. The driver and passenger, both from Brunswick, Georgia, were thrown from the truck. The driver, a 34-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The passenger, a 28-year-old woman, was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries. The right lane and shoulder of I-95 were closed while crews cleaned up the scene. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Fire truck overturns on I-95 in Prince George; two people hurt More than a dozen people rushed to save a 91-year-old man trapped inside a car in a river in Idaho, officials said. Between 15 and 20 people passing on Highway 12 in Idaho County stopped to help, officials with the Idaho County Sheriffs Office said on Facebook. The car was stuck about 50 feet from the bank of the Lochsa River on Thursday, June 8 just before 2 p.m., and a 91-year-old man from Whitefish, Montana, was trapped inside. Officials did not have all the names of those who rushed in to help but identified Keegan Fancher and JT Sohr. Sohr, a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service, had recently finished swiftwater rescue training, officials said. He quickly put his new skills to work and used his personal rafting equipment to get the man safely out of the car. He lost about $250 worth of his equipment down the river in the process, officials said. Sheriffs officials said he would be reimbursed for the lost equipment after several people offered to replace it in comments on the post. Its moments like these that remind us that we live in a wonderful area full of kind and courageous people who are willing to help their fellow man, officials said. We are truly thankful for the help of JT, Keegan, and all others. People shared their disbelief in the comments that Sohr happened to be in the right place at the right time. (The driver) is a lucky man to have had someone so skilled on the scene, someone said. Others said they were touched that so many people stopped to help. This helps raise my faith in humanity, someone commented. Kudos to all of those who stopped and assisted! Grandpa falls face first into pool then fearless 10-year-old steps in, GA cops say 2-year-old dies days after shes pulled from Ozarks lake with no life jacket, cops say Swimmer vanishes trying to save kids from rip current, Florida cops say. Body now found Firefighters faced heavy flames and smoke as they battled a 2-alarm fire at the Moss Mobile Manor & RV Park in Lucerne Valley. Numerous firefighters faced heavy flames and smoke as they battled a 2-alarm fire at the Moss Mobile Manor & RV Park in Lucerne Valley. San Bernardino County Fire responded to the blaze, reported at 7:32 p.m. on Thursday at 38338 Old Woman Springs Road. Apple Valley Fire, the SBC Sheriffs Department, and Southern California also responded. An aerial map of the property reveals two large sections. The first section, on the propertys eastern flank, includes seven rows of abandoned vehicles in otherwise open space. The second section, at the back of the property to the north, appeared more haphazard in layout and included additional abandoned vehicles, trees, and what looked like a building for storage. Video recorded by Shannan Espinosa showed a neighbor with her dog watching as firefighters prepared to attack the fire as it consumed structures, trees, brush, a water tank, and a windmill. At one point, the video captures a loud explosion causing Espinosas daughter to utter an expletive before saying, Ah! My ear! We heard the first explosion from inside our home about five city blocks down, Espinosa said. We jumped in my truck and drove down there. The flames were about 50 feet up in the air when we first drove up. I dont believe anyone was evacuated at all. I saw over 10 fire trucks. Authorities have not released details about the fire, such as damages if residents were misplaced, if there were injuries, or the cause of the fire. Thursdays fire was the third emergency response incident at Moss Mobile Manor in less than three years. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. Firefighters faced heavy flames and smoke as they battled a 2-alarm fire at the Moss Mobile Manor & RV Park in Lucerne Valley. February fire Just before 2 p.m. on Feb. 19, firefighters responded to a fire at Moss Mobile Manor. Upon arrival, firefighters found at least two mobile homes on fire. The fire damaged four units before the blaze was contained, SBC Fire officials said. The fire displaced about a half dozen residents, helped by the American Red Cross. Apple Valley and Victorville fire departments assisted in battling the blaze. The sheriffs department and SCE also responded. Fire officials said no one was injured in the fire. 2020 shooting SBC Sheriffs deputies shot and killed a Yucaipa man at Moss Mobile Manor on Sept. 4, 2020, after authorities said he injured at least one person during an active shooter incident and refused to surrender during a four-hour standoff. Joshua Beedie, 38, continued to fire a weapon from an unknown location inside Moss Mobile Manor as deputies from the Victor Valley Station in Adelanto arrived on the scene, sheriffs officials said. Responding deputies evacuated residents and started a search for the suspect, later identified as Beedie. Sheriffs Aviation and California Highway Patrol helicopters assisted from above. Authorities believed Beedie was hiding in a section of the mobile home park where abandoned cars and trailers are kept. "Sheriff's aviation, as well as deputies on the ground, made numerous (public address) announcements to get the suspect to surrender peacefully," sheriffs officials said. "The suspect continued to ignore their commands." Deputies with the sheriff's Specialized Enforcement Division responded and used three armored vehicles to approach Beedie's hiding area. Deputies shot Beedie at approximately 1:30 p.m., about four hours after the Victor Valley Station deputies arrived. Two rifles, an AR-15 and a sawed-off shotgun, were found next to Beedie, who was taken to a hospital where he later died, according to sheriffs officials. Sheriffs officials said a preliminary investigation revealed that Beedie had shot at two people before deputies arrived. One person received minor injuries after being hit by the gunfire. No deputies were injured during the incident. Sheriffs officials said Beedie was wanted for attempted murder and rape out of the Morongo Basin Station in Joshua Tree, about 45 miles southeast of Moss Mobile Manor. It was unclear why Beedie went to the mobile home park or if his alleged actions were somehow linked to his wanted status. Other fires Fire officials said a fire at Moss Mobile Manor burned a single-wide trailer, two travel trailers, and a car on Oct. 17, 2011. In June 2008, a mobile home and its surrounding property were burned in a fire at Moss Mobile Manor. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Firefighters battle fire at Moss Mobile Manor & RV Park in Lucerne Valley Details of the Justice Departments months-long investigation into former President Trumps handling of classified documents went public on Friday after prosecutors successfully sought an indictment. Trump is set to make his first court appearance on Tuesday afternoon in Miami to face 37 federal criminal charges. Here are five takeaways from the federal indictment. DOJ lays bare the scope and the gravity of Trump charges Former President Donald Trump speaks with reporters while in flight on his plane after a campaign rally at Waco Regional Airport, in Waco, Texas, Saturday, March 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) The indictment covers 37 different counts against Trump, the majority of which are for violations of the Espionage Act. A breakdown of the documents shows that most of them dealt with intelligence collected on foreign countries or American military capabilities, while the indictment itself warns their release risks the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods. The sheer total number of counts makes clear the Justice Department isnt shying away from a complex prosecution that includes highly sensitive information, even if the only a a small portion of the 300 classified records Trump had in his possession are covered by the indictment. What stands out to me is the number of Espionage Act charges: 31! I was expecting 10-15 or so, but 31 shows that DOJ will be pursuing a VERY aggressive strategy in this case, Brian Greer, a former CIA attorney, wrote on Twitter. These docs are EXTREMELY sensitive. 21 of the 31 are classified as Top Secret. DOJ is not messing around by just cherrypicking some less sensitive Secret documents. Espionage Act violations carry up to 10 years in prison while others included in the indictment carry 20 years, surpassing the risk of jail time for the first case Trump was indicted on this year in the New York based hush money probe. Trump charged with direct involvement in withholding records Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to reporters Friday, June 9, 2023, in Washington. Former President Donald Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents according to an indictment unsealed on Friday. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Several of the charges that Trump is facing are related to efforts to hide his possession of the documents and keep them away from federal investigators, including charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice, a scheme to conceal and making false statements and representations. The indictment includes multiple instances where Trump allegedly directed his staff members to move and hide the documents from investigators and on one occasion his own attorney. After a grand jury issued a subpoena in May 2022 for him to provide any classified information in his possession, the former president raised questions with his attorneys about what would happen if they ignored the subpoena or dont play ball. Wouldnt it be better if we just told them we dont have anything here? Trump asked. One of Trumps attorneys had planned to visit Mar-a-Lago in June to review what boxes had been sent to the National Archives so someone could certify that Trumps team had fully complied with the subpoena. More Trump indictment coverage from The Hill But Trump directed another aide, Walt Nauta, who has also been charged, to move about 64 boxes from the storage room where the attorney planned to look to Trumps residence, according to the indictment. After the Trump attorney taped up boxes containing classified documents found in the storage room, Trump allegedly motioned, but did not directly say, that the attorney should take the boxes with him to his hotel room and pluck out any documents that are really bad. The relocation of the boxes from the storage room caused another attorney to wrongly conclude that all documents had been provided and certify to investigators that the subpoenas requirements had been fully met. At a meeting where the false certification was provided to Justice Department and FBI personnel, Trump claimed he was an open book. More legal baggage for Trumps campaign President Donald Trump is joined on stage with Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk as he finishes speaking at Turning Point USA Teen Student Action Summit at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, Tuesday, July 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) The indictment adds to the cloud hanging over Trump as he campaigns for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, but its unclear whether the allegations will be enough to significantly alter his support with GOP primary voters. Trump managed to maintain his lead in the polls after the Manhattan district attorney brought charges in April over an alleged hush money scheme, and Trump aides believe Fridays federal indictment will only further cement the support of his base, which is already inclined to believe Trump is being unfairly targeted. Hard-core Trump supporters, like Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, called on other candidates to suspend their campaigns in a show of support for Trump. While the charges led to many of Trumps would-be rivals to attack the Justice Department, some seemed unwilling to absolve Trump of wrongdoing entirely. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Trumps top challenger in polls, derided the weaponization of federal law enforcement and vowed to hold the Justice Department accountable if elected, but otherwise did not specifically defend Trump. Former Vice President Mike Pence said he was deeply troubled by the indictment but added that no one is above the law. Trump remains under investigation at the federal level for his attempts to stay in power after the 2020 election, and at the state level in Georgia for attempts to overturn the 2020 election results there. Smith addresses longstanding GOP criticism Jack Smith Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to reporters Friday, June 9, 2023, in Washington. Former President Donald Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents according to an indictment unsealed on Friday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Smith offered his first public remarks on the case since taking helm of the investigation in November, and took the opportunity to address criticism of the case. White Trump and others in the GOP have cast the investigation as a witch hunt, Smith said prosecutors were motivated to bring charges only because of the facts of the case and the law. Adherence to the rule of law is a bedrock principle of the Department of Justice. And our nations commitment to the rule of law sets an example for the world. We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone, Smith said. Applying those laws, collecting facts thats what determines the outcome of an investigation. Nothing more, nothing less. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) was a rare GOP voice suggesting the charges are merited. Mr. Trump brought these charges upon himself by not only taking classified documents, but by refusing to simply return them when given numerous opportunities to do so, Romney said in a statement. Legal team shakeups Former President Donald Trump speaks at an event in Grimes, Iowa, on June 1, 2023. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Trumps defense team has been shaken up multiple times as the case has intensified. Hours after being indicted, Trump announced attorneys Jim Trusty and John Rowley would no longer represent him in the case. The move was a sudden twist, as Trusty had been on the airwaves as recently as Friday morning to defend the former president. Attorney Todd Blanche, who left his role as a partner at a major law firm in April to represent Trump in his Manhattan hush money criminal case, will now also play a role in the classified documents defense. The Washington Post reported on Friday that the Trump team has further been seeking criminal defense attorneys in South Florida, where the charges were brought, for the past couple of weeks. I want to thank Jim Trusty and John Rowley for their work, but they were up against a very dishonest, corrupt, evil, and sick group of people, the likes of which has not been seen before. We will be announcing additional lawyers in the coming days, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday. Sign up for the latest from The Hill here In a joint statement labeled OUR DECISION shortly after Trumps announcement, the two attorneys said they would step away from representing the former president in either line of inquiry pursued by the special counsel. Attorney Tim Parlatore also departed Trumps legal team in the weeks leading up to the indictment over differences with Trump counsel Boris Epshteyn. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Each week restaurant inspections are performed in the Myrtle Beach area. A complete report of routine and follow-up inspections is provided to The Sun News. These inspections are unannounced to facilities. Inspectors are making sure food safety compliance is being met. Routine Inspection - Unannounced and conducted on a frequency determined by the facilitys Risk Category on a frequency of one to four times a year. Follow-Up Inspection - Conducted within ten days of a Routine Inspection that requires follow-up verification. The following had follow-up inspections the week of May 29 - June 1: Abuleos Mexican Restaurant located at 740 Coastal Grand Circle, Myrtle Beach, had an unannounced routine inspection on May 22 and scored 78 percent B grade. A follow-up inspection was done on June 1 and scored 96 percent A grade, according to the SC Food Grade Report. Fajitas Mexican Restaurant located at 1207 3rd Ave. S., Unit C, Myrtle Beach, had an unannounced routine inspection on May 23 and scored 78 percent B grade. A follow-up inspection was done on June 2 and scored a 96 percent A grade, according to the SC Food Grade Report. Saigon Cafe Restaurant located at 1943-A Mr. Joe White Ave., Myrtle Beach, had an unannounced routine inspection on May 23 and scored 72 percent C grade. Here is what inspectors found: Observed uncovered drink and evidence of smoking in kitchen. Unclean surfaces of food slicer and interior of ice machine, bowl being stored in hand sink. Kitchen - shelf - cabbage wraps being stored 83 degrees. In the kitchen refrigerator, chicken - 52 degrees, beef - 50 degrees, egg casserole - 59 degrees. Observed ready to eat noodles and melon in refrigerator without date marking. Observed back door left open, flies in facility and roaches, food products being stored directly on floor. Grease buildup of sides of cooking equipment. Observed grease accumulation on surfaces of shelves. Observed area in back of kitchen being used as a living area. A follow-up inspection is scheduled to be performed within 10 days, according to the SC Food Safety Report. Saigon Cafe had a follow-up inspection and did not receive an A grade. Harry The Hats located at 351 Lake Arrowhead Road, Myrtle Beach, had an unannounced routine inspection on May 24 and scored 80 percent B grade. According to SC Food Grade Report Harry The Hats did not have a follow-up inspection as of June 2. This week inspectors did not award 4 area restaurants with an A grade. Each of these restaurants had violations and will be receiving a follow-up inspection within the next 10 days. One restaurant scores C grade two weeks in a row. This information provided by SC Department of Health and Environmental Control. 4 restaurants had routine inspections; 1 had a follow-up the week of May 29 - June 1 Deromas Pizzeria located at 10025 Ocean Highway, Unit 334, Pawleys Island, had a routine inspection on June 2 and received 84 percent B grade. Here is what inspectors found: Employee observed putting on gloves without washing hands. Can opener blade observed with build-up. Stand mixer observed with buildup around bottom and sides. Cardboard being used on wall behind pizza cutting area, surface soiled. A follow-up inspection is scheduled to be performed within 10 days according to the SC Food Safety Report. Pizza De Roma located at 806 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, had a routine inspection on June 1 and received 80 percent B grade. Here is what inspectors found: No paper towels at kitchen and employee hand sinks. No soap at kitchen and employee hand sinks. Hand sink blocked by prep table. Can opener blade and mount has accumulation of debris. Could not provide product thermometer. Back door propped open. Pizza boxes stored on floor. Bags of flour need to be closed securely during storage. Could not provide test kit for sanitizer. Accumulation of debris on shelves under prep counters. Accumulation of food debris on walls behind prep tables. Accumulation of debris under cook line. A follow-up inspection is scheduled to be performed within 10 days according to the SC Food Safety Report. Saigon Cafe Restaurant located at 1943-A Mr. Joe White Ave., Myrtle Beach, had a routine inspection on May 23 and scored 72 percent C grade. (Details above) Saigon Cafe Restaurant located at 1943-A Mr. Joe White Ave., Myrtle Beach, had a follow-up inspection on June 2 and scored 75 percent C grade. Here is what inspectors found: Observed employee wrapping lettuce wraps with bare hands, no further cooking. Observed duck eggs stored at room temperature. Observed spoiled bananas in standing refrigerator. Observed opened container of chicken stored on top of sealed pork. Unclean surfaces of food slicer. Observed several roaches and flies in the kitchen. Observed grease buildup of sides of cooking equipment. Observed grease accumulation on surfaces of shelves. Soiled floor surfaces on floor in corners and under equipment. Observed rice noodles in container dated 5/31 and new product added to container today. Another follow-up inspection will be performed within the next 10 days according to the SC Food Safety Report. Wild Wing Plantation located at 1000 Wild Wing Plantation, Conway, had a routine inspection on June 1 and scored 83 percent B grade. Here is what inspectors found: Dump strainers observed in hand sinks behind the bar. No hand soap provided at employee hand sink behind the bar. No hand towels observed at employee hand sink behind the bar. Ice machine observed with mildew/pink slime build-up on the deflector plate. Hot dog rollers observed with build up. Cases of food in the walk freezer observed with ice build-up. Case of bread observed stored on the walk in freezer floor. Single service items stored behind the bar observed not stored inverted. Inside of bun warmer observed with splatter/spillage. Walk in freezer door observed not closing, possibly warped. Ice build up observed around door even after heat strip replaced. Door being held closed with screwdriver. A follow-up inspection will be performed within the next 10 days according to the SC Food Safety Report. INSPECTION KE Y A | 100 - 88 - The retail food establishment earned more than 87 points. Food safety practices appeared to meet the requirements of Regulation 61-25. B | 87 - 78 - The retail food establishment earned 78-87 points. Food safety practices need improvement. C | 77 & Below - The retail establishment earned less than 78 points. Food safety practices need significant improvement. R | Indicates a Routine Inspection - Unannounced and conducted on a frequency determined by the facilitys Risk Category on a frequency of one to four times a year. F | Indicates a Follow-Up Inspection - Conducted within 10 days of a Routine Inspection that requires follow-up verification. Florida center says 'Grey Team' technology, exercise help veterans overcome PTSD and other ailments U.S. Army veteran Ed Reichbach, 93, left, greets Vietnam veteran Fred Kalfon, 81, after Kalfon's workout session at the Grey Team veterans center, Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in Boca Raton, Fla. The center is helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental and physical ailments get back into the civilian world. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) Before Fred Kalfon began exercising at the Grey Team veterans center a couple months ago, the 81-year-old rarely left his Florida home. Parkinson's disease, an inner ear disorder and other neurological problems, all likely caused by the Vietnam vet's exposure to the infamous defoliant Agent Orange, made it difficult for him to move. His post-traumatic stress disorder, centering on the execution of a woman who helped his platoon, was at its worst. Treatment through the federal Department of Veterans Affairs didn't work, he said. I felt stupid the way I walk around and stumble, said Kalfon, who led a medical aid unit as a first lieutenant in 1964-65. I was depressed. But after months in a veteran-specialized gym and recovery program, the retired pharmaceutical researcher and sales manager is socializing and has thrown aside his walker for a cane. He's among the latest of 700 veterans of all ages working with the Grey Team, a 7-year-old organization combining personalized workouts, camaraderie, community outings and an array of machines in a 90-day program targeted at improving physical and mental health. It's the machines, sure. It's the therapy you are taking. It's the (staff's) encouragement they are there all the time for you. They are caring. Caring makes a difference, Kalfon said. The nonprofit center, located in a converted warehouse in Boca Raton, Florida, gets its name, in part, from the brain's nickname: gray matter." Many of the vets who apply and are accepted into the free program suffered head trauma in battle or have PTSD. What we have created here is really magical, said Grey Team co-founder Cary Reichbach, 62, a physical trainer and former Army police officer. The goal, he said, is to get the vets off medications for their mental and physical ailments when possible. Even after completing the program, participants can still workout, hang out and participate in outings. With the government saying vets are 50% more likely to kill themselves than non-veterans, Reichbach is proud the center helps combat that statistic. We want to tackle the suicidal ideation before it even starts, he said. He concedes suicide prevention is easier because the center doesnt accept clients who are homeless or have uncontrolled addictions. I wish we had the funding to tackle those issues, he said. The Grey Teams program features an array of machines using infrared light, lasers and sound waves meant to relieve stress, heal mental and physical wounds and help the vets sleep without the use of pharmaceuticals. The program is run by a primary team of seven, including a medical director. Drugs are overutilized in other veteran programs, such as those in VA hospitals, often because "they have a budget and they have to spend it, Reichbach said. Ohio State University psychologist Craig Bryan, a former executive director of the National Center for Veterans Studies, said the successes of the Grey Team program are not surprising given the selective participant pool. They are selecting from a subgroup with less severe problems," said Bryan, a former Air Force captain who now works with the VA. His skepticism also extends to the effectiveness of the machines. To my knowledge, theyve never been rigorously studied so its hard to know if they have any benefit at all and/or if they have side effects or cause harms, Bryan said. Exercise is a common feature of many therapies and treatments that have demonstrated efficacy for PTSD, depression and suicide risk." University researchers are collecting data that Reichbach said he believes will show his program's treatments work. Reichbachs 93-year-old father, Ed, offers hugs and back slaps to everyone entering the Grey Team lobby. Sometimes the Army vet and former university professor drops to give 10 rapid-fire pushups a demonstration to give older vets a jolt on their first visit. We have to get them in here, thats the difficult part," he said. Upstairs in the center's safe space community area, Navy vet Bill Tolle discussed his service as a meteorologist and oceanographer from 1983 to 1990. As a petty officer second-class stationed in Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Antarctica, he never experienced combat. But in 1988, Tolle witnessed a plane crash at his Antarctic base that killed two people. A year later, he sustained a back injury in a helicopter crash. The back-to-back traumas left him with PTSD. He worked as a firefighter and then a registered nurse in an inner-city emergency room. His PTSD led to alcoholism. I really wasn't familiar with what PTSD was. I always thought it was combat-related, Tolle said. For years I went untreated and it got progressively worse. He finally was diagnosed in 2016 but didn't get treatment until 2020 through a residential VA program. He then lived at the Salvation Army, which introduced him to the Grey Team. Tolle is a believer in the center's machines. My thinking was foggy, at best. A lot of short-term memory stuff. I would forget. I can now think things through, resolve things, he said. My whole cognitive function is sharper. In the centers gym, Kalfon talked about walking through Vietnam jungles still wet with Agent Orange, the herbicide sprayed by the U.S. from planes to kill the brush where enemy soldiers hid. It has been linked to veterans health problems. His health began failing about seven years ago. First, a heart attack and quintuple bypass. Then the neurological problems. His health insurance agent told him about the Grey Team and he applied, seeing it as a last hope. For about two months, Kalfon has been coming to the center three times weekly. He can now walk up stairs and has set a goal to jog 3 miles (5 kilometers). When I can do that, he said, I think I will have accomplished everything I need. Florida farmers receive federal financial assistance to help with pandemic costs While touring a farm in Polk County Friday, the Hispanic Federation Partnership announced Florida farmworkers would continue receiving one-time from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to a press release, the USDA is continuing to mail out a total of $1,140,000 to 1,900 to the states farmworkers and has been doing so since March. The Hispanic Federation Partnership said the $600-one-time payments would help workers who suffered pandemic-related health and safety costs. Photos: Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar to open new location near Kissimmee The payments are part of the U.S. Department of Agricultures Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant program, which awarded the Hispanic Federation a $44.3 million grant for farm and food workers in 17 states. Latinos who were at the front lines of the pandemic, including our farmworkers, experienced higher death, infection, and hospitalization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, " said Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation. Read: Orlando Police: 15-year-old arrested in US military veterans shooting death The USDAs FFWR grant program is one of the Hispanic Federations initiatives that support vulnerable communities in Florida. Hispanic Federation said its partners provide legal services, health resources, education programming, and economic support to fill in gaps exacerbated by anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ policies recently implemented in the state. Read: Trump indictment: Who is Aileen Cannon, the judge who will oversee Tuesdays arraigment? Hispanic Federation stands alongside all these farmworkers and the immigrant community, recognizing that this countrys strength lies in the diversity and inclusivity they bring to this nation, said Laudi Campo, Hispanic Federations Florida State Director. Click here for more information. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Florida woman who fatally shot a Black neighbor admitted hurling racial slurs at victims children in the past, affidavit says A Florida woman who fatally shot a Black neighbor during a dispute over kids playing outside admitted hurling racial slurs at the children and told detectives the victim threatened to kill her, according to an arrest affidavit. The affidavit was released before bond for Susan Louise Lorincz was set at $154,000 on Friday. Lorincz, a 58-year-old White woman, was arrested on a charge of manslaughter Tuesday, four days after investigators say she fatally shot Ajike AJ Owens through the front door of Lorinczs home near Ocala, Florida, as Owens repeatedly knocked on her door, the Marion County Sheriffs Office said. The arrest affidavit released from the sheriffs Office said Lorincz became angry that neighborhood children, including the children of the victim, were playing near her home. The affidavit detailed interviews with witnesses whose names are redacted. Two witnesses are believed to be some of the victims children. One of Owens sons told a deputy hed been playing basketball in the street while his younger 10-year-old brother played in the nearby field, according to the affidavit. The child told the deputy his younger brother informed him that he had left an electronic tablet in the field and said Lorincz had picked it up. When the 10-year-old asked Lorincz to return the tablet, he told the deputy, the woman threw it to the ground and yelled at him. The child claimed Lorincz threw roller skates at him, according to the affidavit. The affidavit says the older child said he told his younger sibling to tell their mother what was going on, and then he approached Lorinczs front door and yelled, You want to throw something, throw it at me! Lorincz came out of her home and told him he was trespassing and swung an umbrella in his direction, the affidavit stated. Shortly after, the victim approached Lorincz front door and banged on the door, yelling for Lorincz to throw something at her if she wanted to throw something, the affidavit said. Susan Louise Lorincz faces charges of manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office. - Marion County Sheriff's Office The older child then heard a loud bang and witnessed his mother stumbling away from the door while telling him to call 911, according to information obtained by a deputy, which is laid out in the affidavit. The defendant painted a different picture of events in her interview with a sheriffs deputy, according to the affidavit. Lorincz told the deputy shed been having problems with the same juveniles for the past years due to their lack of respect for her peace and privacy, the affidavit stated. Lorincz also told the deputy that Owens children had told her they would kill her in the past, according to the affidavit. Lorincz denied picking up a tablet or throwing roller skates at anyone in her interview with the deputy, the affidavit states. But she acknowledged throwing roller skates in the yard and telling the children to go fetch them. She also admitted that it was possible she had swung an umbrella near one of the children, but wouldnt have hit them, according to the court document. On the night of the shooting, Lorincz told the deputy that after she told all the children to leave, Owens suddenly appeared at her door and started banging on it while yelling, Im going to f**king kill you! Owens was banging on her door with so much force, Lorincz told the deputy, that she panicked, stating Oh my god shes really going to kill me this time, according to the affidavit. Then, Lorincz said, she retrieved her handgun and fired a single shot through the door, telling the deputy she was afraid for her life, the affidavit stated. The defendant also told the deputy she never intended to hit the victim when she fired the gun and thought she hit really high when she shot. Neighbors interviewed by sheriffs deputies revealed a history of negative interactions between Lorincz and children in the neighborhood, with one saying the White woman was always yelling at the children who play in the area and calls in false reports on them, according to the affidavit. The court document quotes Owens younger child as saying Lorincz had called him and other children bastards and jackasses, and, at one time stated, This isnt the underground railroad, slave. A neighbor told deputies that the night of the shooting, Lorincz came out of her home and gave the children playing in the field the middle finger and yelled, Get away from my house, you black slave, the affidavit said. In a second interview with law enforcement, the affidavit said the defendant acknowledged using racial slurs toward children in the past. Lorincz admitted to having used the n-word toward children out of anger in the past and also calling children other derogatory terms, the detective noted in the affidavit. When reached by CNN, Lorinczs attorney Amanda Sizemore said she has no comment on the case at this time. State had requested a higher bond A judge on Friday set bond at $150,000 for the felony charge and another $4,000 for four misdemeanor counts. Lorincz told the court she could only afford a bond of $1,700. She also said she is unemployed and owns about $3,000 worth of furniture. The state requested a $200,000 bond. The owner of the apartment where Lorincz lives told detectives she was being evicted, according to a prosecutor and the judge recommended Lorincz not return there. In addition to manslaughter with a firearm, Lorincz is facing charges of culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault, the sheriffs office said early Wednesday. If Lorincz posts bond, she will not be allowed to possess a firearm or any other weapon, nor is she allowed to have any contact with the victims family. If she returns to her apartment to gather belongings, she will have to have someone accompany her. She is allowed to live in her apartment as long as she isnt evicted. Lorincz will also have to wear an ankle monitor. Lorincz made an initial court appearance via video call on Thursday. She told the court she has no savings, is making payments on a car, and had filed for disability after working at UnitedHealthcare. She said she last worked two weeks ago and that she supports her 55-year-old sister. In the days since the killing, Owens family had repeatedly called for the arrest and charging of the shooter, insisting the incident was unprovoked and unjustified. Though the arrest has brought Owens family some relief, one of her sons is grappling with remorse because he was the one who told his mother about Lorinczs confrontation with the children, the family said. He witnessed his mother shot and killed. In his soul, and his heart, its his fault that his older brother, his baby sister, and his baby brother, as well as himself, will never see their mother again, Pamela Dias, Owens mother, said of the young boy. Another child also blamed himself because he was unable to perform CPR on his mother, Dias said. Grandma, grandma. I couldnt save her, Dias recalled the 12-year-old boy telling her. A funeral service will be held for Owens on Monday, according to a family attorney. CNNs Ray Sanchez, Denise Royal, Carlos Suarez and Tina Burnside contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Folsom Cordova Unified School District board is considering a $72,000 feasibility study into the possibility of splitting its 34 schools into two smaller districts: one for Folsom and one for Rancho Cordova. A special joint meeting between the school board and the two suburban cities on Thursday night was the culmination so far of a new effort to separate the district of 21,000 enrolled students. The effort was launched by board members in January. There was an attempt in 2002 to divide the district which was formed in 1949 in Folsom and expanded to the former Mather Air Force Base in the 1960s but it did not meet certain criteria required by a Sacramento County reorganization committee, according to representatives from School Services of California. I truly believe in the educational programs that FCUSD provides, but I do think its starkly obvious that there is disparity of equality between Rancho and Folsom, said Ria Srivastava, a student board member, as she spoke in favor of the feasibility study. Whether it be facilities to staff support to even just the way the community perceives our schools, it is entirely clear that there is a lack in Rancho Cordova. Madelaine Sanderson said she grew up in the district, has lived in Rancho Cordova her whole life and works for the Folsom Cordova Community Partnership, a nonprofit that helps families have safe, self-sufficient homes. She took the podium Thursday night to discuss the disparity between the schools in Folsom and Rancho Cordova, and how she thinks a feasibility study might combat that. I serve families on both sides, and I can tell you on both sides the communities are having different experiences, Sanderson said. (On the) Rancho Cordova side, just think of facilities. The upkeep in Folsom is different than the upkeep here in Rancho Cordova. I know that Ive been up here many times to share that. Sanderson said at one point she was able to get district staff out to inspect mold in a wall at Rancho Cordova Elementary. Thats not having good upkeep, she said. At least check the data for the students in Rancho Cordova and Folsom. David Reid, the boards president, said he likes the district the way it is, but at the same time, I truly dont feel I necessarily have the right to tell folks in another city that they cant control their own destiny. Sarah Koligian, the districts superintendent, said the $72,000 feasibility study would be an agenda item at this Thursdays school board meeting. What does district reorganization take? There are nine statutory criteria for a division petition to move forward, according to Brianna Garcia, the vice president of the School Services of California. Among them: Each reorganized district must have an adequate number of pupils enrolled, each district have substantial community identity, there must be an equitable division of property and facilities and there must be no racial or ethnic discrimination or segregation. Additional criteria also maintain that there should be no substantial increase in state cost or to school facilities costs, both districts must have sound education programs and performances, there must be purposes for reorganization other than to significantly increase property values and the proposed reorganization must promote fiscal management. In 2002, the Sacramento County reorganization committee determined that there would be racial or ethnic discrimination or segregation and did not approve a proposed reorganization because of it and other factors regarding finances and education performance. Should the county committee approve or disapprove of a reorganization, the petition would then be seen by the State Board of Education. Upon its approval, a reorganization would then be put before voters in a ballot initiative. We have another example of a clash between a business owners faith and anti-discrimination or public accommodation laws meant to protect LGBTQ+ people. What if we lived in a world where people of faith could uphold their beliefs and LGBTQ+ people still thrived? A Fort Worth business, Roots Markets, recently disinvited a vendor from its weekly craft fair on Magnolia Avenue. The vendor, Carlie Alaniz, was initially approved, but Root Markets owners revoked an invitation once they discovered Alanizs support of LGBTQ+ rights. Our values are biblically based, we do not have the same values as LGBTQ+, Roots Markets business owners wrote to Alaniz. She posted online about being shut out of the event, and Roots Markets has received backlash on social media. Some of the controversy is understandable: No one likes to be disinvited or told they are unwelcome, or especially that their identity is deemed unacceptable by others. On the other hand, people of faith have held their values for centuries. Its unlikely to turn into anything more than an online spat, but it represents larger questions the country and the Supreme Court have been grappling with for years. Federal law says that discriminating against a person based on sexual orientation, a protected category, is illegal. But technically, Texas has no state law that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The e-mail from Roots Markets to the banished vendor is interesting: Is Roots Markets discriminating based on the message of the LGBTQ+ community support or against Alaniz as a person because she identifies as queer (as stated on her social media profile)? Roots Markets language about values is a significant key. The thing that made Jack Phillips case unique during the long-running Masterpiece Cakeshop case is that he sold his custom cakes to anyone, including gay people, but he declined to create a custom cake that would be used to celebrate a message with which he disagreed. And the state of Colorado tried to punish him for that, citing its anti-discrimination laws. The Supreme Court decided that Colorado couldnt use its anti-discrimination law to bludgeon Phillips into creating the cake. There are legal questions and there are practical ones, but this should remain paramount: In America, both the LGBTQ+ community and people of faith have equal rights under the law. The rights of one group should not supersede the rights of another. How this plays out in everyday life can get murky. Do business owners with religious beliefs have a right to allow only vendors with similar beliefs or even to disallow vendors with opposing beliefs from their marketplace? To say it another way, is it discriminatory to hold to ones deeply held beliefs in the public square? Religious freedom and freedom of conscience are vital. So far, there hasnt been any litigation or attempt to force the faith-based business owner to allow the artist to sell at their marketplace, and there really shouldnt be. Consider the reverse: What if a conservative Christian wanted to sell Bibles in the middle of a Pride festival where tickets were required to attend and was told no? Would it be ethical for the Christian to claim, due to public accommodation laws, that Pride leaders who operate the festival must allow the person in and to sue if they didnt? Forcing either party to violate their conscience is a problem. Keeping free speech paramount protects both parties. That said, imagine a world where, when a gay person asks if they can sell their wares at a marketplace that Christians have created, and the answer is yes. That doesnt mean the person isnt abiding by their conscience or trying to avoid being discriminatory its often a difficult, personal decision. But such an act would probably be viewed as one of kindness, a common grace we should all have available, not an endorsement, or giving in. Either way, the government shouldnt use laws to force people to act against their religious beliefs, and the LGBTQ+ community should stop using local and federal public accommodation laws against people of faith, turning age-old beliefs on their head and calling them bigoted rather than traditional, discriminatory rather than orthodox. Admittedly, that hasnt quite happened here yet, but it did in Masterpiece. Issues like this will keep coming up, at the Supreme Court, in Texas, and perhaps even again on Magnolia Avenue. Our fundamental rights as Americans dont give us the right to be treated as special, or above anyone else, but nor should we use those rights to hurt others. As the defense effort for World War II cranked up, the drive to marshal manpower and materials was complex. Fort Worths bomber plant began operations on April 18, 1942. Officials had estimated that 14,000 workers would be needed to cover three shifts to staff the assembly plant, which was operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The mile-long plant, originally designated as Air Force Plant No. 4, has been known through time as the bomber plant, Consolidated Aircraft, Consolidated Vultee, Convair, General Dynamics, and Lockheed. (The Martin bomber plant at Offutt Field, Nebraska, was No. 1; the North American Aviation plant near Kansas City, Kansas, was No. 2; and the Douglas Aircraft Plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was No. 3.) Where would these workers and their families live? On March 27, 1942, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce asked the federal government to build 300 units to house those working at the newly opened bomber plant. Prodded by a group of lumbermen who feared that the low-cost housing units could spur a slump in real estate values once the war ended, the request was to make them demountable or able to be taken apart and reassembled elsewhere. At first, the Chamber had to focus on transportation how to get workers living in existing housing to and from their jobs as rubber tires wore out and gasoline supplies were less predictable. The number of people moving to Fort Worth increased rapidly. Mary Louise Phillips, who headed the Manufacturers Division at the Chamber (and for whom the westside elementary school is named), faced the problem of coordinating the competing interests at work in the area of wartime housing. Her approach was to help both government and private housing efforts proceed as quickly as possible, but she often faced problems that had no good solution. Robin W. Billie Mitchell and her three children Robin Carol, Linda, and Stephen enjoy a snack in the kitchen after settling into their new Liberator Village home in February 1943. Child care and schooling through the tenth grade were offered so women could work at the bomber plant. On May 12, 1942, the federal government announced that 500 units of housing to shelter wartime workers would be built near the Consolidated Aircraft Corp. plant. The homes came to be called whites, because the asbestos siding was painted white. Fortunately, the construction funds had already been allocated. Everyone wanted more housing as quickly as it could be erected, but the weather and red tape in the form of supply shortages and construction approvals started to gum up the works so everyone blamed someone else. The story was the same four months later. Little progress had been made on construction, and the number of Consolidated employees was still growing. The Fort Worth Housing Authority offered to negotiate with subcontractors and execute construction of the first 500 units for the government. Slowly, but surely, there was finally progress. In November 1942, bids were opened for the construction of an additional 200 housing units, and in December of that year streets were named for fallen World War II military heroes. By Feb. 1, 1943, the first 104 Liberator Village apartments were available to lease, and 40 had been occupied. Brick and tile were substituted for wood construction on the third set of units, begun in April 1943. These materials were available locally, as were workers with bricklaying skills. Liberator Village reds or bricks unit shown in 1946. The names referred to the oversize red bricks used in construction of the homes. At its height, Liberator Village had about 6,000 people living in 1,500 apartments. Since about 23% of the war time bomber plant workers were women, a child care center was essential. Schools (going up to the tenth grade) and a library were available. The federally-owned Liberator Village Shopping Center contained many service providers, including a Hill and Mack Grocery store, a post office, barber and beauty shops, and a medical clinic. Manager J. H. Patton looks on as a clerk rings up an order at the Hill and Mack Grocery store in the Liberator Village shopping center in September 1945. Liberator Village survived for a few years after World War II ended, easing the housing shortage which developed as soldiers returned and resumed civilian life. Soon after, however, demand for single family houses surged, and by 1953 the older section of Liberator Village was scheduled for demolition. Today, only one Liberator Village building remains. It is at 7820 Wyatt Drive and houses the office for Suburban Newspapers. Carol Lyn Davis, museum manager for the White Settlement Historical Museum, notes that it is a red or brick building that has been painted white. The interior has been remodeled for commercial purposes. Davis also says that pieces of Liberator Village exist throughout White Settlement. Many of the Liberator Village housing units were taken apart, and the windows, doors, and other pieces reused in other 1950s buildings. It was a community born during a difficult time, but one which has a lasting legacy. Postscript: Privately-funded war housing projects in Fort Worth included Linwood (56 duplexes constructed in 1943 south of White Settlement Road and east of University Drive) and the Parkview Apartments (248 apartments), built in 1943 by Dallas developer Leo F. Corrigan and located where the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth now stands. In this handout picture released by the Colombian Presidency members the Army pose four Indigenous children after spending more than a month lost in the Colombian Amazon rainforest following a small plane crash, in Colombia's Guaviare jungle on June 9, 2023 (Colombian Presidency/AFP via Get) Four children who survived a plane crash have been found alive after 40 days lost in a Colombian jungle, according to the countrys president. Gustavo Petro announced that the four siblings who disappeared after a plane they were on went down in the Amazon rainforest had survived their ordeal and were receiving medical treatment. A joy for the whole country! The 4 children who were lost 40 days ago in the Colombian jungle appeared alive, Mr Petro tweeted on Friday. In this handout picture released by the Colombian Presidency members the Army pose four Indigenous children after spending more than a month lost in the Colombian Amazon rainforest following a small plane crash, in Colombia's Guaviare jungle on June 9, 2023 (Colombian Presidency/AFP via Get) The president said the youngsters, who were found alone, are an example of survival and predicted their saga will remain in history. The siblings - 13-year-old Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy, nine-year-old Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy, four-year-old Tien Noriel Ronoque Mucutuy and 11-month-old Cristin Neriman Ranoque Mucutuy - were travelling in a Cessna 206 plane when it crashed on 1 May near the Guaviare province. Their mother Magdalena Mucutuy, the planes pilot, and another passenger died in the accident but the minors were nowhere to be found, according to the Colombian Air Force. Days into the initial search Mr Petro announced that the minors had been located and were in good health. But hours later, he walked back that assertion, clarifying that the Air Force and indigenous communities had established contact with the children, but their location remains unknown. Mucutuy was travelling with her children to Bogota to meet her husband Manuel Ranoque and start a new life together. FILE - In this photo released by Colombia's Armed Forces Press Office, a soldier stands in front of the wreckage of a Cessna C206, May 18, 2023, that crashed in the jungle of Solano in the Caqueta state of Colombia. The discovery of footprints on May 30 of a small foot rekindled the hope of finding the children alive after their plane crashed on May 1. Soldiers found the wreckage and the bodies of three adults, including the pilot and the children's mother. (Colombia's Armed Forces Press Office via AP, File) According to El Tiempo, Mr Ranoque, who is related to a local political leader, previously lived in the indigenous reserve of Puerto Sabalo with his family. Scenes from the Amazon rescue attempts (Aeronautica Civil de Colombia) He had to flee the community on foot after receiving threats from crime groups operating in the area. Mr Ranoque completed his odyssey through the jungle and eventually arrived in Bogota. Magdalena mucutuy died in the crash. Her four children survived, says the countrys president (OPIAC Amazonia/Twitter) He reportedly found a job and saved money for a month and a half to afford his familys transport from their remote community to the Colombian capital. After 40 days of being lost in the Amazon jungle, four Indigenous children were found alive by Colombian soldiers after the children, one as young as 11 months old, survived a plane crash that killed three adults including their mother. The children are all siblings and are ages 13, 9, 4 and 11 months. Their successful rescue was announced on Friday, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro tweeting that the four children had been found. "A joy for the whole country! The 4 children who were lost 40 days ago in the Colombian jungle appeared alive," Petro wrote in the tweet, translated from Spanish. The Colombian military also posted about the successful search and rescue mission on Twitter along with pictures of the children and the soldiers who rescued them, writing that unionized efforts of groups across Colombia helped make the mission possible. Una alegria para todo el pais! Aparecieron con vida los 4 ninos que estaban perdidos hace 40 dias en la selva colombiana. pic.twitter.com/cvADdLbCpm Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) June 9, 2023 #GeneralGiraldo: "La union de esfuerzos hizo posible esta alegria para Colombia" Gloria a los soldados de las @FuerzasMilCol, a las comunidades indigenas e instituciones que hicieron parte de la #OperacionEsperanza" pic.twitter.com/LO3BPldLgD Fuerzas Militares de Colombia (@FuerzasMilCol) June 10, 2023 The country's defense minister Ivan Velasquez Gomez called the rescue "Operation Miracle," in a tweet. "Huge congratulations to the @FuerzasMilCol and to those who did not lose hope and worked day and night to make the miracle possible." Forecast after wildfire smoke subsides: Smoke from Canada wildfires may be clearing in US, but watch out for storms, heat While more details will surface on the children and how they survived 40 days in the jungle on their own, here is what we know about the situation right now. How are the 4 missing Colombian children doing now? Colombian officials said on Friday that the children were transported to a Bogota, Colombia hospital to be checked out, The Associated Press reported. Petro said he hopes to speak with the children on Saturday. Details have not yet been shared on how specifically the siblings survived for the 40 days in the jungle, but the children are a part of an Indigenous group that lives in that region of the jungle, AP reported. The City Paper Bogota reported the children suffered from dehydration and were first transported to San Jose del Guaviare in central Colombia, where they were to be treated by military paramedics. The children, whose names are Lesly, Soleiny, Tien and Cristin listed by age have mosquito bites and show signs of exhaustion, the outlet said. The Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF), the countrys child protection agency, released a statement saying it had been informed that the children were alive and in good health," The Washington Post reported. How did the Colombian children go missing? The children went missing after a plane crash that happened early May 1, when a Cessna single-engine propeller plane that had six passengers aboard it as well as a pilot declared an emergency due to an engine failure on the plane. After the emergency declaration, the aircraft fell off of the radar and the search for the plane and the passengers began. A search team discovered the plane and recovered the bodies of three adults in the rainforest on May 16, but could not locate the children. Who are the children and where were they last seen? The four siblings were on the plane with their mother and the group was traveling from the Amazonian village of Araracuara to San Jose del Guaviare in central Colombia, about 240 miles south of Bogota, when it crashed. The children are members of the Huitoto people, an Indigenous group in southeastern Colombia, and the older children of the siblings had some jungle survival skills officials said. Earlier in May, speculation began about the childrens' location and Petro tweeted on May 18 that the children had been successfully located. Petro ultimately deleted the message after stating he was misinformed on the status of the search and rescue mission by another government agency. How was the search for the 4 missing children conducted? After finding the bodies of the three adults on the plane, Colombia sent 150 soldiers with dogs into the area of the rainforest. There were also multiple volunteers from various Indigenous tribes in the area who aided in the search for the children. In more dense parts of the jungle, soldiers dropped food from helicopters to help the children survive, the AP reported. Multiple planes also flew over the jungle and fired flares to help people searching for the children in the jungle at night. There were also speakers that played a message from the children's grandmother, who encouraged them to stay put as opposed to continuously moving. As the days searching for the children continued, the soldiers found multiple items that made them think the siblings were still alive in the jungle including footprints, diapers, a baby bottle, and chewed fruit. We have a 100% expectation of finding them alive, Gen. Pedro Sanchez, commander of the Joint Command of Special Operations, told The Associated Press more than a week ago. Its not like finding a needle in a haystack, its like finding a tiny flea in a huge rug that moves in unpredictable directions. A military helicopter takes off with a group of Indigenous persons at a military base in Calamar, Colombia, on May 23, 2023, to help search for four Indigenous children who are missing after a deadly plane crash. Ultimately, the children were found by a rescue dog first, Petro said. Details have not been released on how far the children wandered from the crash site, but rescue crews searched in a 3-mile radius of the site. The children were taken out of the jungle by helicopter. Petro said locating the children was the combined efforts of the Indigenous communities and the Colombian military, but the siblings ultimately kept themselves alive for the 40 days. "They were alone. It was them who achieved a great exemplary survival. It will become history," Petro said. "These children are today, the children of peace and the children of Colombia. A great gift to Colombia. Overall, this is a gift from life, which is this meant, our children being taken care of by the jungle." The children's survival is a sign of a knowledge and relationship with the natural environment of life, which is learned from the mothers womb and practiced from a very early age," the Organization of the Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon in a statement on Twitter, thanking all those who assisted in the rescue. Contributing: The Associated Press. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colombian children found after being lost for 40 days in Amazon jungle 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicks off in SW China's Sichuan Xinhua) 09:12, June 10, 2023 Visitors look at a power battery swap system for new energy vehicles on an exhibition of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Hu Xu) Visitors learn about innovation achievements of new energy vehicles on an exhibition of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Hu Xu) Recycled power batteries of new energy vehicles are on display during an exhibition of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Hu Xu) This photo taken on June 9, 2023 shows the opening session of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Organizing committee of 2023 World Power Battery Conference/Handout via Xinhua) Visitors look at a domestic air vehicle on an exhibition of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Photo by Zhuang Ge'er/Xinhua) This photo taken on June 9, 2023 shows a new energy vehicle on an exhibition of the 2023 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2023. Themed "New Green Power for the Future and New Growth-driver for the World", the 2023 World Power Battery Conference kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Hu Xu) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) More than a century of resource extraction and environmental destruction along the San Joaquin River near Fresno couldve been halted. Instead, the Fresno County Planning Commission blinked. Rather than allow CEMEXs gravel mining permits to expire in July, as intended, the commission on Thursday sided with county staff and CEMEXs lawyers and employees over the objections of quarry neighbors and the nonprofit San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. As a result, the multinational building materials company has county clearance to continue aggregate mining through July 2027. The extension should allow enough time to complete a draft environmental impact report for CEMEXs wrongheaded proposal to blast a 600-foot-deep pit near the river which is the companys ultimate aim. The planning commissions 5-2 vote is binding unless the decision gets appealed to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors by June 23. Opinion Will that happen? It seems unlikely for two reasons: One, filing an appeal costs $500. Two, this is the Board of Supervisors were talking about. Expecting that body to side with the environment over industry in the absence of immense public pressure is a fools hope. Not to mention the fact that CEMEX (including Central Valley operations manager Pete LoCastro and the companys employee PAC) has made significant campaign contributions to all five county supervisors, with Steve Brandau ($7,500 since 2019) leading the way. Besides commissioners Kuldip Chatha and Lisa Woolf, who cast the two dissenting votes against the permit extension, the remainder of the planning commission lacked the resolve to tell CEMEX no thanks. Which, honestly, wasnt that surprising. Even if the vote had gone the other way, CEMEX would have assuredly appealed and gotten its way with the Board of Supervisors. In other words, this poker game is being played with a stacked deck. Blast mine looms over hearing Last Thursdays hearing was not specifically about the blast mine proposal, as county staff and CEMEX attorney Paul Mitchell reminded those who spoke out against the extension. Rather, it would simply allow the company to continue its existing gravel quarry and processing operations along Friant Road. There is a lot of confusion among the general public, senior planner Dave Randall said during the hearing. Actually, there isnt. The public, at least those who care enough to be informed, knows full well what is taking place and how the blast mine proposal and the permit extension are inexorably linked. Were talking about (the blast mine) because theres an obvious nexus between the two, commission chair Ken Abrahamian said. CEMEX initially submitted the blast mine proposal, a more destructive mining process than has ever been employed near the San Joaquin River, in December of 2019. In June of 2020, the Fresno County Department of Public Works and Planning issued a Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Impact Report. Three years later, the environmental report still isnt finished and no one seems quite certain when it will be. It could be several months, or even years. (Or never, if the county follows past precedence.) The CEMEX Rockfield aggregate plant site in Friant is seen in this drone image on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. The comany applied to Fresno County to continue mining the quarry for 100 years, and use blasting and drilling to mine a 600-ft deep pit. So with CEMEXs existing permits set to expire in July, the company sought an extension to buy more time in order for the blast mine EIR to be completed. CEMEX requested four additional years, and thats precisely what it got. Never mind that a conditional use permit issued by the county in 1985 declared, in no uncertain terms, that CEMEX must stop gravel mining along the San Joaquin in 20 years and begin environmental reclamation of its quarry and plant sites. Or the fact that the companys own consultant, in order to justify gravel mining along the Kings River, declared way back in 2007 that aggregate near the San Joaquin was down to its last few tons. Now, according to Mitchell, CEMEXs attorney, there are enough remaining gravel deposits at the companys quarry site to mine for at least another four years. But when commissioner Austin Ewell asked CEMEX officials and representatives exactly how much gravel remained at the quarry, he was told that information was confidential and a trade secret. What a bunch of nonsense. (Id use a different word if this werent a family newspaper.) The bottom line hasnt changed since when I initially brought this issue to the publics attention in January 2020: The only way to stop CEMEX from blasting a 600-foot deep pit a stones throw from the San Joaquin River Parkway is through litigation or immense public outcry similar to the Save Jesse Morrow Mountain effort from a decade ago. (Which, incidentally, was another CEMEX proposal.) We certainly cant count on county staff, the planning commission or the Board of Supervisors to do the right thing for Californias second-longest river. Not when theres money to be made off its continued plunder. George Conway appeared Friday on CNN to discuss the most devastating aspects of the indictment linked to former President Donald Trumps handling of classified documents. Conway, a conservative lawyer and longtime Trump critic, spoke about the obstruction portion of the federal indictment unsealed earlier in the day. He proceeded to share how, according to the text, Trump told his attorneys in May 2022 that I dont want anybody looking through my boxes following a grand jury subpoena for documents, and suggested ways to respond to the Justice Department. What happens if we just dont respond at all? Trump is quoted as saying in the indictment. Wouldnt it be better if we just told them we dont have anything here? Hes asking his lawyer to lie, said Conway, adding that this is why a judge in Washington ordered all the legal testimony, all of his lawyers testify. Thats whats so devastating here, Conway continued. The directness of his contact with the obstruction is so short. Its such a short distance between him and the obstructive act. He went on to contrast Trump with President Richard Nixon, who had a long chain of people leading up to him in attempts to obstruct the Watergate investigation in the 1970s. Trump is here in the boxes, messing with the boxes, moving them around at his at his home, in his bathroom, over a toilet, said Conway, who announced earlier this year that he and former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway were getting a divorce. Its crazy how powerful this evidence is. And you could just take one-tenth of this and you have a case thats airtight. (H/T Mediaite) Related... One of two giant rubber ducks on display in Hong Kongs Victoria Harbor was deflated on Saturday to protect it from sweltering temperatures. Organizers said they made the decision to deflate the duck just one day after the pair arrived in the harbor, after an inspection found that its surface had stretched in the hot weather. The deflated duck will be sent for repairs, while its friend will remain in the harbor as part of a pop-art installation dubbed Double Duck. Locals and tourists had gathered at the waterfront in the scorching sun to catch a glimpse of the artwork with some left disheartened at only seeing one duck. One Hong Kong resident, 35, explained that she had brought her child out specially to see the oversized bath toys. Today, we originally planned to bring my child to see the yellow duck. We saw it 10 years ago as well. Back then, there was only one yellow duck, but today we came to see double ducks. However, unexpectedly, there is only one duck now. We dont feel disappointed though. As long as the children are happy, thats enough. A tourist from Thailand explained that her sister is a big fan of the giant ducks. So, she was super sad, because she can see just only one. Dutch artist Florentijn Hofmans Rubber Duck initially appeared in Victoria Harbor a decade ago. Conceived in 2001 before debuting in France six years later, the installation appeared in cities including Osaka, Sydney and Sao Paolo before arriving in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory in May 2013. The artworks previous arrival in Victoria Harbour made a splash worldwide in part because it mysteriously deflated overnight before being reinflated days later. The pop art installation returned to the harbor on Friday, this time with not one, but two ducks. At 18 meters (59 feet) tall, they are slightly larger than the one that made global headlines 10 years ago. Double duck is double luck, artist Hofman said in a statement. The work emphasizes friendship and getting connected Double Ducks is not about looking into the past but enjoying the moment together! CNNs Oscar Holland contributed reporting. Additional reporting by Reuters. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Bloomberg) -- Representative Mike Gallagher, a Wisconsin Republican who had been considered the strongest candidate to defeat the states Democratic senator, Tammy Baldwin, in 2024, said Friday he would not enter the race. Most Read from Bloomberg Gallagher, in a statement posted on Twitter, wrote that he preferred to concentrate his energies on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, of which he is chairman, and the voters in his district. I have a rare, bipartisan opportunity in the 118th Congress to help restore American strength, prevent war in the Pacific and defend basic freedoms from communist aggression, he said. Accomplishing this mission and serving Wisconsins 8th District deserve my undivided attention. He will seek reelection next year. Gallagher, a Princeton graduate and former Marine who was first elected in 2016, was named the chairman of the China committee last year and has worked to make the panel a bipartisan endeavor, confronting what he has described as the foremost threat in the world today. His decision will likely come as a relief to Democrats, who must defend 23 Senate seats in the 2024 elections, as opposed to 11 seats for Republicans. Baldwins campaign declined to comment Friday evening. --With assistance from Daniel Flatley. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GOP Representative Clay Higgins appeared to call for an insurrection following the announcement that Donald Trump would face a second set of indictments stemming from his possession of sensitive documents following his presidency. On Thursday evening, Mr Trump announced on Truth Social that he would face indictment a second time making him the first president ever to face federal charges in the wake of the Mar-a-Lago raid by the FBI. After the announcement, Mr Higgins, a GOP congressman from Louisiana and a former law enforcement officer, issued a strange tweet responding to the news. "President Trump said he has 'been summoned to appear at the Federal Courthouse in Miami on Tuesday, at 3 PM.' This is a perimeter probe from the oppressors. Hold. rPOTUS has this," he wrote. "Buckle up. 1/50K know your bridges. Rock steady calm. That is all." Mr Higgins has previously referred to Mr Trump as "rPOTUS," and Joe Biden as "iPOTUS." QuacksAnonymous, a researcher on Twitter who follows right-wing extremist spaces, told The Independent that the "rPOTUS" abbreviation was originally used by resistance Democrats when referring to Mr Trump with "r" standing for Russian but was later co-opted by conservatives who do not accept the results of the 2020 election, now using the "r" to stand for "real." It is unclear what "iPOTUS" refers to with regard to Mr Biden, though it may mean "imposter" when considering the meaning behind "rPOTUS." More troubling though is his comment regarding bridges. Clay Higgins issued a cryptic tweet following Donald Trumps second indictment that some experts interpreted as a call for insurrection (REUTERS) The Washington Post's Will Sommer who has authored a book on QAnon and previously hosted a podcast focused on esoteric right-wing grievance culture was baffled by the tweet and asked for assistance parsing the language. Any ideas on what '1/50k know your bridges' means, besides literally knowing your local bridges? Not something Ive encountered before, Sommer asked on Twitter. Jeff Sharlet, the author of The Undertow: Scenes From a Slow Civil War, a New York Times bestselling book about US militia movements, provided Sommer with an answer. Deep scary: 1/50 k refers to military scale maps & publicly available US Geological Survey maps of areas mostly surrounding military installations. This isnt a metaphor. This isnt slow civil war. This is a congressman calling for the real thing. pic.twitter.com/HvAfn8yT4z THE UNDERTOW, by Jeff Sharlet (@JeffSharlet) June 9, 2023 "Deep scary: 1/50 k refers to military scale maps & publicly available US Geological Survey maps of areas mostly surrounding military installations," he wrote. "This isnt a metaphor. This isnt slow civil war. This is a congressman calling for the real thing." Mr Sharlet admitted that "I think this is scary as hell." He also theorised that rPOTUS means real POTUS in Mr Higgins usage. The alarming response prompted Twitter users to ask Mr Sharlet for his intepretation of Mr Higgins tweet. Prepare for war. Know your bridges is militia speak for closing them down. County level insurrection, Mr Sharlet replied. Former New Jersey Democratic Representative Tom Malinkowski, who served at the same time as Mr Higgins, called the congressman "dangerous" and "unhinged" after the comment. "Most of this guy's House GOP colleagues know he's dangerous and unhinged," Mr Malinkowski wrote. "But they tolerate him. That is all." Most of this guy's House GOP colleagues know he's dangerous and unhinged, but they tolerate him. That is all. pic.twitter.com/ULrWB0MaI5 Tom Malinowski (@Malinowski) June 9, 2023 The Independent has reached out to Mr Higgins for comment. This is the second time in as many months that Mr Higgins has made headlines. Last month he grabbed and shoved an activist who was shouting questions at Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and other GOP lawmakers during an outdoor press conference in Washington DC. Mr Higgins was caught on video grabbing the man's shirt and forcefully shoving him backward. He then kept the man grappled until police arrived and separated the two. He offered a response peppered with law enforcement lingo following the incident. "Activist was a 103M. Threatening. He was escorted out and turned over to Capitol Police. Textbook," Mr Higgins wrote in a tweet. "103M" is police radio code for a "mentally disturbed individual. GREEN BAY A Green Bay man convicted of burning a body that was found in a natural area on the edge of the UW-Green Bay campus in 2021 was sentenced Friday to four years in prison followed by three years of extended supervision. Jeisaac Rodriguez-Garcia, 30, pleaded guilty to mutilating a corpse, as party to a crime, on April 17. Rodriguez-Garcia worked as a painter for Pedro Santiago-Marquez, who was convicted of fatally shooting, or ordering the shooting, of Jason Mendez-Ramos, 36, of Ashwaubenon, on Sept. 27, 2021. Rodriguez-Garcia testified at Santiago-Marquez's trial in February that he set fire to "garbage" his boss asked him to dispose of something heavy, five to six feet long and covered in garbage bags and tarp that he claimed he only later learned was Mendez-Ramos' body. Santiago-Marquez, 34, of Green Bay, was sentenced May 30 to life in prison with eligibility for parole in 2064. At his sentencing, Rodriguez-Garcia apologized for his role in the homicide cover-up. He also said he was under the influence of drugs at the time he burned the body, which made it harder for him to make proper decisions. "I want to apologize to the family for the whole situation and for my role in the case. With my whole heart I apologize and I ask for a chance to make my life anew," Rodriguez-Garcia said at his sentencing hearing Friday through a Spanish-to-English translator. Rodriguez-Garcia's stepfather, who raised his stepson since birth, spoke at the sentencing and asked Brown County Circuit Court Judge Beau Liegeois to grant Rodriguez-Garcia the shortest possible sentence. For the prosecution, Mendez-Ramos' father appeared in court via Zoom and gave a victim impact statement requesting the maximum sentence, which was 7 years in prison with five years of extended supervision. Rodriguez-Garcia's attorney, Chad Fahrenkrug, requested a sentence of 18 months initial confinement and two years of extended supervision. Fahrenkrug said Rodriguez-Garcia, high on drugs that altered his ability to think clearly, was roped into burning Mendez-Ramos' body without being informed of what had happened. The real criminals, Fahrenkrug said, were both Santiago-Marquez and Mendez-Ramos, who got into an altercation related to an $80,000 cocaine debt. At Santiago-Marquez's trial, prosecutors argued that Santiago-Marquez killed Mendez-Ramos after the victim confronted him about money he was owed. Prior to the trial, they had said the debt was related to drug trafficking, but pretrial rulings limited discussion of that during the trial. "The victim was playing with fire. So was Pedro Marquez. And unfortunately, Jeisaac was also burned," Fahrenkrug said at the sentencing. Fahrenkrug's request of an 18-month prison sentence was nearly the length Rodriguez-Garcia has already served in Brown County Jail since his arrest in January 2022. When he asked the judge for this sentence, Fahrenkrug pointed to the sentence of the other man convicted of helping cover up the homicide Alexander Burgos-Mojica, 48, was convicted of harboring or aiding a felon in March and sentenced to one year in prison with five years of extended supervision. Burgos-Mojica was at the crime scene and helped clean it up, Fahrenkrug said, while Rodriguez-Garcia was not informed that anyone had been killed at the time he set fire to the body, concealed in garbage bags and a tarp. In sentencing Rodriguez-Garcia, Judge Liegeois acknowledged that Rodriguez-Garcia admitted to investigators that he was addicted to various drugs, including heroin, THC, opiates and prescription drugs. Liegeois also said it was notable that Rodriguez-Garcia had no prior criminal record, he seemed to show remorse, and he testified at Santiago-Marquez's trial without being granted immunity. However, Liegeois said, the gravity of the crime of burning Mendez-Ramos' body was the primary factor to weigh in deciding Rodriguez-Garcia's sentence. "It is a significant offense. I mean this is part of a murder, mutilating or destroying the body raises the level of depravity in the murder itself," Liegeois said. "It makes investigating harder, more difficult for law enforcement ... and the second part ... it amplifies the pain and the trauma for the family that is left behind of the deceased victim." Liegeois went with the prosecution's sentencing recommendation. RELATED: Man convicted of burning body found near UW-Green Bay campus in 2021 to be sentenced Friday RELATED: Green Bay man sentenced to life in prison for homicide, mutilating a corpse in 2021 case RELATED: Brown County jury finds Pedro Santiago-Marquez guilty of killing Ashwaubenon man Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay man sentenced to prison for burning body in homicide case When Alabama enacted the state sales tax in 1939, some legislators tried to exempt what they called basic foodstuffs. These were the elements of a traditional southern breakfast: milk, flour, cornmeal, sugar and coffee. The state had spared all these from the gross receipts tax, the predecessor to the sales tax. Gov. Frank Dixon and most legislators didnt like this. Food could be a major source of revenue, especially in a state where the wealthy had foiled any kind of practical property tax system. With grocery taxes in Alabama, generally, state and local governments want you to pay up to 10% on your groceries. Administration forces have contended that exemptions must be eliminated to stop what were termed wide-spread evasions, and asserted the tax, without exemptions, would not fall unduly heavy upon those least able to pay, the Associated Press reported on Jan. 31, 1939. Its typical of Alabama. Tax people least able to bear it; claim its not as bad as you think and suggest that the poorest in the state are criminals. But even as they made everyones food more expensive, legislators voted to exempt livestock from the new levy. It was the first big exemption from the sales tax. But not the last. You dont pay state sales taxes on baby chicks. Or the litter they use. Or the pallets used to ship them. Grass sod and forest tree seedlings? No sales tax on those. If youre in the market for a railroad car, the state of Alabama wont assess a sales tax on that. But food? There are a handful of food-related exemptions, such as produce sold at farmers markets and items delivered to hospitals that treat mental illness. But generally, state and local governments want you to pay up to 10% on your groceries. Taxing food but not chicken litter is absurd, as advocates for reducing or eliminating the grocery tax have argued for years. So its welcome that after 84 years, we might be close to a reduction in the grocery tax. A bill that could cut the Alabama levy from 4% to 2% assuming growth in the Education Trust Fund covers the reductions passed the House of Representatives on Thursday. The legislation, sponsored by House Ways and Means Education committee chair Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, would also freeze local sales taxes on groceries. The bill is in the Senate, and most senators say they want to see the grocery tax reduced. Sounds good, right? Except the bill only began moving on Wednesday, the 25th day of a 30-day legislative session. It passed on the 26th day. Lawmakers threw the 27th day away to get the budgets passed. The reduction needs at least two days to get to Gov. Kay Ivey. Legislators have three days to do it. Theres not much room for error. Still, Im optimistically cautious. And to be fair, cutting the grocery tax isnt easy. The levy brings something north of $600 million into our $8.2 billion education budget, about 7.3% of the total. But why has it taken so long? The grocery tax is hated, and repeal is widely popular. Legislators who were responsive to their constituents would have been working for years to cut it. Consider how quickly the Legislature moved on a package of economic development bills this spring. The legislation, sponsored by Democrats and Republicans, included an increase in tax credits for job creation; authorized tax credits for small businesses and made money available for industrial site development. These, in effect, are tax cuts. Im skeptical that they actually help the state attract business, and Im not alone thinking that. But I know our lawmakers consider them important. I know this because they held a press conference praising the bills in the Montgomery Biscuits stadium, a jumbotron broadcasting the name of the package behind them, talking about the legislation as if the states economy couldnt grow without it. I know this because the bills were filed, passed and signed by Ivey in a little over two weeks in April. Meanwhile, efforts to repeal the grocery tax, an unquestionable burden on Alabamians, go all the way back to 1977, if not earlier. Despite the efforts of legislators like former Rep. John Knight of Montgomery and groups like Alabama Arise, theyve rarely gotten further than committee discussions. Economic development bills move quickly because they chiefly benefit developers and large business owners. If you represent one or both of those groups, you (or your lobbyists) have a standing invitation to meet with Alabama lawmakers. Repeat the word jobs in plainchant and you can get them to cut just about any tax you want. But if youd like the state to stop adding $20 or $30 or $50 to your grocery bill? Hands go into pockets. Deep sighs are uttered. That tax is too important for our schools. Its pointless to suggest that the state would be better off replacing that revenue with fairer taxes on the wealthiest. You might as well speak Esperanto. This is how our government was designed. White planters and industrialists in the nadir of race relations wrote our Constitution. They had bad memories of a multiracial political coalition that almost brought democracy to the state in the early 1890s. So they cut Blacks and poor whites out of the electorate and ensured that the biggest interests would have the loudest voices in the Alabama Legislature. And legislators have to satisfy the big interests, more than voters. Which makes it easy to protect baby chicks and railroad cars and livestock. And to splash tax cuts on businesses that dont need them. The people who want those things will always take precedence. The rest of us, and our food bills, are an afterthought. Brian Lyman is the editor of the Alabama Reflector. Brian Lyman is the editor of Alabama Reflector. He has covered Alabama politics since 2006, and worked at the Montgomery Advertiser, the Press-Register and The Anniston Star. His work has won awards from the Associated Press Managing Editors, the Alabama Press Association and Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights. He lives in Auburn with his wife, Julie, and their three children.Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, an independent nonprofit website covering politics and policy in state capitals around the nation. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, an independent nonprofit website covering politics and policy in state capitals around the nation. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: What the grocery tax says about Alabama government This group takes kids around the world without leaving Pensacola. Why the trip is worthwhile The grant from the U.S. Department of Defense was worth just over $2.9 million and Escambia was one of seven school districts in the country to receive it. The money was intended to fund additional foreign language classes and expanded areas of study at three of the district's high schools, four middle schools and seven elementary schools that have high military family enrollment. The Escambia County School District received a multi-million dollar grant in 2021 to enhance cultural education and foreign language instruction in the classroom. Since then, nonprofit The Global Corner has been changing the way elementary school students see the world. While teaching foreign language and culture has long been part of the curriculum at middle and high schools, this grant has allowed elementary school students to have experiences that allow them to relate to the people around them that may not look like them or have grown up like they did. Before the funds run out, community leaders are hoping students and adults can learn to appreciate the cultural, professional and potential economic benefits of broadening their world view. ECSD receives massive grant: ECSD introduces foreign language instruction at seven of its elementary schools Incarcerated kids are still learning: Escambia County Jail students aren't forgotten by school district Students watch a video and learn about a traditional Filipino dance as part of the Passport to the Philippines Program by The Global Corner. According to Global Corner Founder Lee Hansen, the travel experience of students in Escambia County varies greatly, where some of have been all the way to Kenya, while others have never been to Pensacola Beach. When The Global Corners in-school Passport Program commences in the school day, students move from station to station, stamping their passports, learning greetings, geography and cultural norms. Each year, they focus on a different country. The grant also funds an optional two-to-three-week after school enrichment program for the young learners. Hansen, a retired Naval officer who traveled the globe during her career, founded The Global Corner 15 years ago to introduce children of Northwest Florida to the languages, customs, and cultures of people around the world. Since, its founding the organization has provided 90,000 virtual adventures to K-5 students across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. In this school year alone, over 78.6% of students who participated in The Global Corners after school program expressed they were more interested in learning about language and culture looking toward middle school. Kingsfield Elementary School students practice using chopsticks during the Let's Visit Japan after school program run by The Global Corner. The program has had a deeper impact than just getting children interested in learning about world languages. It has helped build a sense of belonging in students who are typically the minority, and empathy is developed in those that arent. When we were teaching about China in one of the schools that we went into, there was a little boy who was from China, Hansen said. He was a very quiet, very shy little boy. That day, he was the one who knew all the answers. He was the star of the show. Everybody turned to him and looked to him for answers. They finally realized this kid wasn't stupid. He was in an environment where he didn't speak the language, Hansen continued. So it really gave not only him certainly a really good feeling, but it gave his classmates the understanding that, Holy cow, can you imagine if you had to go to school where nobody spoke English?' How difficult that would be. Retired Navy Capt. Tim Kinsella, former base commander of Naval Air Station Pensacola, thinks the program has been a serious asset to Escambia County Public Schools as far as preparing future leaders in a diverse world. They key is starting the interest in other cultures early. Here in the United States, only 20% of Americans consider themselves bilingual. And the vast majority of that 20% are immigrants. People who were born here and raised here, a very, very small minority of them are bilingual in any way, shape or form. The rest of the world is about 56%, Kinsella said. Why is it that we refuse to embrace foreign languages here in the United States? I think it is pretty obvious that we have everything that we need here in the United States, right? We don't need to go anywhere else. We don't need to involve ourselves in other cultures, because weve got everything we need right here, right? Wrong. He learned this firsthand when working for NATO, where he had to understand other points of view and culture to negotiate in the business world. I learned very, very quickly when I worked with NATO the value of understanding other cultures and the value of giving other cultures the respect of being interested in those cultures, Kinsella said. "If you don't understand other cultures, other points of views, you can never hope to have a meaningful relationship. You can never hope to negotiate in business. Students locate the Philippines on a globe as part of the Passport to the Philippines Program by The Global Corner. Hansen said that once the five-year grant expires, the expense will back on the schools and The Global Corner to raise the necessary funds for cultural programs. But in order to secure funding, people need to understand how significant the experiences can be down the road. I was a little naive and thinking that we would be able to get enough grants and sponsorships and things. It was a little hard, I think, for businesses and individuals to understand the connection between children learning about language, learning about other cultures, and how they would become more well-rounded adults, Hansen said. Global Corner instructor Silke Johnson said people underestimate how much the elementary school students are able to learn, remember and teach others. Theyre like little sponges, and the earlier you get to them, the more you can actually inspire them to learn about other things that they might not have known, Johnson said. I think it's so important for them to understand we're a part of a bigger world. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Global Corner brings cultural education to Escambia elementary schools Layne Pollard, of Gurnee, has a trifecta of milestones hitting around the same time. His doggy day care and grooming business, Central Bark, celebrated its 10-year anniversary this month, and hell be turning 60 on June 16, just two days before celebrating Fathers Day with his family stateside after having hiked Mount Kilimanjaros 19,341 feet in Tanzania. With his youngest daughter, Jorie Pollard, 26, by his side, Layne is adamant about not spending his 60th sitting around. So when Layne, an avid hiker, casually mentioned summiting the dormant volcano four years ago to Jorie, another hiking fan, she jumped at the opportunity. I want to turn 60, but feel younger, said the father of three. Im turning 60, but thats only a number. I know a lot of people say that, but I feel a lot younger than I have over the last number of years now. As it gets closer every day, I just get more and more excited and ready to hit the hiking trails for this big adventure. For the past six months, Layne and Jorie, who lives and works in Denver, have been training with Layne walking steeper inclines on treadmills four to five times a week, working on balance, core strength and upper body strength with a trainer, and with Jorie running once or twice a week and doing long and short hikes on weekends and after work. The hike is six continuous days, so if we do 8 miles one day, well probably be doing 7 the next, she said. So Ive been trying to mock what that will look like here, so doing 10 miles one day and then 6 the next and Ive just been doing that every weekend and then some extra cardio during the week. Jorie has lived in Alaska and Wyoming, and hiked the Teton Range in the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming, as well as Glacier National Park in Montana with her dad. He said shes been his hiking buddy since she was 5. For a trip, to go do something, shes always ready to go. Shell find time, shell make a way, shes always been there, he said about Jorie. At a young age, we would take family vacations. We did Colorado Springs when she was about 5 years old, and just walked and walked all day. And then about seventh-eighth grade, we took the family out West and did a Colorado-Utah trip and she absolutely loved it. I think that really opened her eyes to all this. Layne instilled his love of the outdoors in Jorie, and Jorie said she and her dad are looking forward to taking her 3-year-old nephew on his first hiking adventure when he is old enough. But the Pollards come to it instinctually. Laynes father, Jerry Pollard of Northbrook, climbed to 14,700 feet when he hiked Mount Everest in Nepal in March 2016. For Layne, Mount Kilimanjaro will be the highest hes ever climbed and his most strenuous hike. Normally, his birthdays entail a big dinner with family. But this time around, his love of nature won out. Hes been a fan of nature for the majority of his life. It gets you out of your element. ... It just changes the mindset, resets you, he said. Weve gone on vacations in big cities and you come home and say, That was a fabulous vacation. But its not the same reset as you get when you spend a week in the mountains. Theres nothing like fresh air. Jorie can relate. She starting attending overnight camp at 8 years old and continued until her late teens. She said thats where she truly found her love of the outdoors. With her parents encouragement, her adventurous side has thrived. She bought her dad a shirt from Melanzana Outdoor Clothing to keep him warm on the mountain as a Fathers Day gift. When you start out, itll probably be in the 60s and 70s and as we go up, it gets colder, she said. My dad was checking the weather; its like 28 degrees at the peak, but it has the possibility to be as cold as 5 degrees, so we will most likely be wearing a winter jacket of sorts at the top, just in case it is that cold. Layne isnt afraid of the temperatures; he knows how to dress for the weather. After all, hes from Chicagoland. Layne said most of the hike will be done in 30- to 50-degree temperatures, except for the final day, at the top, where the high could be 21 degrees and the low 10 degrees. The temperature increases again as one goes down the mountain, ranging from 59 to 63 degrees. The pair land in Tanzania on Saturday and the hiking begins Sunday. He said over the first four days, he plans to go from 13,000 feet to about 16,000 feet. And on the fourth night on the mountain, he and his daughter start their ascent in the dark from 16,000 feet to over 19,000 feet. The goal is the summit, he said. If I have to push myself, I will push as long as altitude sickness is not involved. The tour guides are not going to let you push through that. Its too dangerous. But if its body aches, thats mind over matter. At that point, that wont stop me. God willing, well get to the top and well be home on Fathers Day. Layne posted about the trip on his companys website. What started as something the Pollards didnt think was that big of a deal is now something special because everybody else thinks it is. He said Central Barks clientele are excited for him, as are Jories colleagues and friends in Colorado. The father and daughter intend to share photos, journal and blog posts while trekking, depending on connectivity on the mountain. Jorie will share her images on her Instagram account and Layne will send pictures to his wife, so she can update the Facebook page for Central Bark. Layne said he will do his best to take it all in and revel in the time spent with his daughter on this milestone. Fathers Day is about either your kids being with you or you spending time with your own parents, he said. And well be home for Fathers Day to share this whole adventure with my dad. As for Laynes next steps after hitting age 60, hes already thinking of taking his hiking to elevations of 20,000 feet, possibly Chimborazo in Ecuador. Let me get through 19,000 feet and lets see what happens in a year or so, he said. My father at 84, was hiking the route to base camp on Everest, so we have big shoes to follow. If he did this at 84, I have no choice in my own mind that I have to do this at 60. Jorie said Layne will push her as much as hell push himself. Hes worked really hard and I have all the faith in the world that he will have no problem at all to get up the mountain, she said. drockett@chicagotribune.com More than 18 years have passed since18-year-old Natalee Holloway disappeared during her senior class trip in Aruba, but her family is hopeful they may finally find answers to what happened to their daughter. Joran van der Sloot, a longtime suspect in the Alabama teenagers 2005 disappearance, is now facing charges of extortion and fraud after allegedly plotting to sell information about the location of Holloways remains. After spending years behind bars in Peru for the murder of another woman, van der Sloot was extradited to the U.S. on Thursday. He appeared in a federal courthouse in Alabama on Friday and pleaded not guilty. His attorney did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Though the current case does not charge van der Sloot with Holloways disappearance, her family remains hopeful that the judicial process will bring them answers. These particular charges do not involve me directly, but I am trusting that this prosecution will lead us to the truth about Natalee. I remain thankful for everything done by the U.S. Attorneys office, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals office here in Birmingham, Holloways father, Dave Holloway, said in a statement to HuffPost on Friday. We are also deeply appreciative for the support of people all over the world who share [a] common belief that good must always prevail over evil. Who was Natalee Holloway? Beth Holloway, Natalee Holloway's mother, participates in the launch of the Natalee Holloway Resource Center on June 8, 2010, in Washington, D.C. The nonprofit resource center was founded by Holloway and the National Museum of Crime & Punishment to assist families of missing persons. Beth Holloway, Natalee Holloway's mother, participates in the launch of the Natalee Holloway Resource Center on June 8, 2010, in Washington, D.C. The nonprofit resource center was founded by Holloway and the National Museum of Crime & Punishment to assist families of missing persons. Holloway was 18 years old and graduating from Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham, Alabama, when she disappeared during a senior class trip to Aruba. She was last seen getting inside a silver Honda at around 1:30 a.m. after the students last night out on May 30, 2005, according to the FBI. In a two-part interview with Oxygen in 2017, Jessica Caiola, a classmate and friend, described Holloway as a beautiful person who was kind and generous. Caiola was one of the last to see both van der Sloot and Holloway before Holloway disappeared. Caiola said she remembered first seeing van der Sloot in the hotels casino two days before Holloways disappearance and again at the bar the night she disappeared. Caiola said the group of friends left the bar to go grab street food, and as they were waiting for a shuttle, she remembered seeing Holloway inside a silver car, which had its windows rolled down, as it drove off. My impression was, Oh great, she found a ride back to the hotel, Caiola said. Holloway never made it back to the hotel, and her friends did not realize until the next morning that she had disappeared. Her body has never been found, and authorities declared her legally dead in 2012. Who is Joran van der Sloot, and why was he a suspect? Joran van der Sloot, then 18, enters his family's car as his mother Anita closes the door after he was conditionally released from jail in San Nicolas, Aruba, on Sept. 3, 2005. Joran van der Sloot, then 18, enters his family's car as his mother Anita closes the door after he was conditionally released from jail in San Nicolas, Aruba, on Sept. 3, 2005. Three people were in the car with Holloway when she was last seen: Van der Sloot and brothers Satish and Depak Kalpoe, who were all teens at the time. They told police officers that they had visited a beach with Holloway that day before taking her back to her hotel, CNN reports. Van der Sloot and the brothers were arrested days later, on June 9, 2005, in connection with her disappearance. Paul van der Sloot, a judge in Aruba and van der Sloots father, was arrested shortly after on suspicion of involvement in Holloways disappearance. He was released three days later. Van der Sloot and the Kalpoe brothers were released on Sept. 3, 2005, but at that time, they remained under investigation. Van der Sloot soon left the Caribbean island but was required to remain in Dutch territory under the terms of his release. What happened after he was released? Joran van der Sloot, then 20, takes a walk to the local supermarket near his parents' home in Oranjestad, Aruba, just after he was released from detention again in 2007. Joran van der Sloot, then 20, takes a walk to the local supermarket near his parents' home in Oranjestad, Aruba, just after he was released from detention again in 2007. Upon his 2005 release, van der Sloot made multiple media appearances in an attempt to clear his name and even authored his own autobiographical account of Holloways disappearance in Dutch. In a 2006 interview with ABC News Chris Cuomo, he gave his version of what happened the night of Holloways disappearance, proclaiming his innocence and arguing that U.S. media had painted him unfairly as a murderer and a rapist. In Aruba, that was part of my lifestyle ... going out, being single and picking up girls, he said. Going out with them, having a good time and then saying goodbye. Van der Sloot and the Kalpoe brothers were arrested again on Nov. 21, 2007, after investigators said they had new evidence, but they were released the next month. The case was dropped on Dec 18, 2007, according to CNN. In 2008, prosecutors in Aruba said that van der Sloot had been secretly taped describing how, on the day of her disappearance, Holloway began to shake and slumped over as if she was having a seizure as the two were kissing on the beach. Although Aruban prosecutors said the taped confession was admissible in court, it was insufficient to warrant an arrest. Van der Sloot moved to Thailand that same year. What charges were filed against van der Sloot in the U.S.? Between March and May 2010, van der Sloot contacted Holloways mother through her lawyer and demanded $250,000 in exchange for information he said he could provide about where Holloway was buried, according to a federal indictment at the time. According to the indictment, Holloways mother eventually paid him $25,000 for the information, with promises to pay the rest after Holloways remains were found. But the information van der Sloot provided proved to be false, and the FBI launched an investigation. A grand jury indicted van der Sloot in July 2010 on charges of extortion and wire fraud, but he was not immediately arrested because he had just been arrested in a separate case in South America. What happened in South America? A man holds posters of Joran van der Sloot and Stephany Flores in Lima on Jan. 13, 2012. Van der Sloot was sentenced to 28 years in prison by a Peruvian court after he confessed to killing Flores in Lima in 2010. A man holds posters of Joran van der Sloot and Stephany Flores in Lima on Jan. 13, 2012. Van der Sloot was sentenced to 28 years in prison by a Peruvian court after he confessed to killing Flores in Lima in 2010. Five years after Holloway disappeared, van der Sloot, now 22 years old, was accused of killing a 21-year-old Peruvian woman by luring her to his hotel room in Lima and beating her to death, according to Interpol. Van der Sloot was arrested on June 3, 2010, in Chile in connection with the death of Stephany Flores Ramirez, the daughter of well-known businessman and car racer Ricardo Flores. Hotel staff in Lima found her body on June 2, 2010, and van der Sloot was extradited to Peru. In a signed confession translated by The Associated Press, van der Sloot said that he and Flores had gone back to his hotel room to play poker on his laptop around 5:30 a.m. on May 30, 2010, exactly five years after Holloway had disappeared. Van der Sloot claimed in the confession that Flores had seen an email to him containing a death threat, and that he told her he had been a suspect in Holloways case. He said she then hit him, and he elbowed her in the nose. According to the document, he then strangled her. Van der Sloot pleaded guilty to Flores murder almost two years later on Jan 11, 2012, and was sentenced to 28 years in prison and required to pay $75,000 to the Flores family. Where are we today? Joran van der Sloot is transferred in a police car in Lima on June 8, 2023. Joran van der Sloot is transferred in a police car in Lima on June 8, 2023. In 2021, van der Sloot faced an additional 18-year sentence after he was accused of smuggling cocaine into prison, the Netherlands Times reported. He was initially set to be extradited to the U.S. after he finished his sentence in Peru, but Peruvian officials agreed in May to temporarily transfer him earlier, the AP reported. Van der Sloot arrived in the U.S. surrounded by federal agents on Thursday. In a statement following van der Sloots not-guilty plea on Friday, John Q. Kelly, the attorney representing Beth Holloway since her daughters disappearance, said Holloways family is thrilled that the arraignment took place, calling it a step closer to holding him accountable for his role in the case. For nearly two decades, Beth has tirelessly sought answers and fought for justice for her beloved daughter, the statement said. The journey has been emotionally and legally arduous, filled with countless obstacles, but Beths determination has never wavered. Today, she finds solace in the fact that the wheels of justice are finally turning and that van der Sloot will have to atone for his crimes on U.S. soil. Subscribe to our true crime newsletter, Suspicious Circumstances, to get the biggest unsolved mysteries, white-collar scandals and captivating cases delivered straight to your inbox every week. Sign up here. Related... Will Holden Beach NC non-residents be banned from collecting shells? Heres what we know A social media post this week had some shellers concerned when it indicated that Holden Beach would no longer allow non-residents to collect seashells on its beach. Holden Beach is a popular destination for shellers to carry out their hobby. More than 930 people call the North Carolina barrier island home year round. That number swells to more than 10,000 during the summer season. Holden Beach is 50 miles up the coast from Myrtle Beach. In a Facebook group called Carolina Seashellers, a user made a post that said Holden Beach would no longer allow non-residents to come to the town with the purpose of sea-shelling. The user claimed that this rule would go into effect starting in July. But the claim is untrue. The user, Landon Alexander, said in a Facebook message that the post was made as a joke. Sea-shelling, usually shortened to shelling, is a hobby that consists of visiting a beach shoreline and collecting seashells. The goal with shelling is to find the perfect shell or to find different types of shells. According to the Holden Beach Rules and Regulations, residents and non-residents are allowed to collect shells at their own leisure. In an email, Holden Beach commissioner Brian Murdock wrote that there is no truth to the social media claim and that everyone is welcome. While Holden Beach an incorporated destination with 29 public beach accesses has not banned non-residents from the beach, other public beaches in states like Maryland have. With the public trust doctrine, non-residents and North Carolina residents alike have guaranteed access to the beach unless there is a state of emergency. In an area that was once an ancestral burial ground, about 150 members of five regional American Indian tribes gathered at a park in East Boise on Friday to commemorate their ties to the Boise Valley, and to pay tribute to their culture and history. People from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, Burns Paiute Tribe, Fort McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs displayed their traditional clothing and told stories about their homeland. Eagle Rock Park, the site of the gathering, was a summer campground for centuries, according to tribal members. A formal event, known as the Return of the Boise Valley People, has been held there annually since 2011. Lionel Gross Queep, a member of the Shoshone-Bannock, told the Idaho Statesman that he has been pushing for years to include Indigenous history in the curriculum at Idaho public schools, which often do not teach about American Indians or the forced dispossession of tribal lands. Gross Queep said that tribal youth often attend public schools off of reservations, meaning that if their history and culture are not taught, they might not learn it. We continue to have to battle for any rights that we have, Gross Queep said. We were scattered through the reservation process. Thats a fact that we have to live with. Thats a fact that you have to live with. When the U.S. government created reservations for tribes, different bands were forcibly moved onto different reservations, meaning there are many families today who have relatives on other reservations. The Shoshone-Bannock reservation is in Eastern Idaho, near Blackfoot. The Shoshone-Paiute reservation is south of Boise, straddling the Idaho-Nevada state line. The Fort McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone reservation sits on the Oregon-Nevada line. The Burns Paiute reservation is in Central Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is southeast of Portland. Shoshone, Paiute and Bannock refer to different tribes that historically inhabited the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West, according to Boise Arts and History Department Director Jennifer Stevens, who spoke at a City Council presentation on Tuesday. Stevens said the terms were created by white anthropologists to identify groups that historically inhabited different regions and spoke different dialects. Boise was a major gathering place for the regions original inhabitants because it sits in a borderland connecting the Great Basin, Columbia River Plateau and the Great Plains, Stevens said. Antoinette Cavanaugh, a member of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe, said the American Indian term for Shoshone is Neme; the term for Bannock is Banakkwa; and the term for Paiute is Numu. She said each term means our people. Lionel Gross Queep of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe speaks about the history of Indigenous people. New land donation in Boise This year, members of the five tribes formed a nonprofit, called the Original Boise Valley People LLC. The nonprofit was used on Friday to accept a 40-acre donation from a Boise landowner, Tom Terteling, near Bogus Basin Road. The tribes eventually hope to build a cultural center in the Boise area, Lori Edmo, the editor of the tribal newspaper called the Sho-Ban News, told the Statesman. This is the area where we pray, Edmo said. Our people are buried all along here. In 1893, the Statesman reported that bones, beads and bracelets had been unearthed in the area near the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Much of the area has since been developed, and subdivisions have been built in the Boise Foothills. Edmo added that part of the intent of the annual event is to share the tribes history with the general public. What you read in history books is not our perspective, Edmo said. The history books were written by white people. This is our homeland and weve never given up title to it, because the Fort Boise Treaty was never ratified. In the 1860s, gold was discovered in the Boise Basin, which attracted settlers to the area, said Cavanaugh, who is also a board member of the new nonprofit. As tensions developed between the newly arrived white settlers and the American Indian inhabitants, the U.S. Army established Fort Boise, which was guarded by soldiers. In 1884, Idahos territorial governor signed a treaty with the Boise Shoshone ceding the tribes rights to the nearby lands, Cavanaugh said. Antoinette Cavanaugh, a member of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe, speaks about the creation of a new nonprofit called embers of the five tribes formed a nonprofit, called the Original Boise Valley People LLC. The treaty was never ratified by Congress, Cavanaugh said, meaning the lands are still unceded territory. Some local native people continued to live in the area and were imprisoned at army forts, Cavanaugh said. Once tribal members were marched onto reservations far from their homelands, they were not allowed to leave. Honoring Chief Eagle Eye The East Boise Park was renamed in 2019 as Eagle Rock Park, and open land to the north was renamed Chief Eagle Eye Reserve in honor of the Indigenous history. Chief Eagle Eye led a band of Weiser Shoshone who lived in the area for years after most tribal members had been pushed out. At the gathering Friday, members of the different tribes wore traditional dress, sang flag and victory songs, and displayed native plants that were historically used for cooking or hunting. Members of the Burns-Paiute Tribe showed attendees how to make decoys for duck hunting out of tule rush, a sedge plant that grows in marshes. Kenton Dick, the tribes fire chief, told the Statesman he has been coming to the annual event since it was first put together in 2011. Its our land and its unfortunate that we lost it, he said. But were still here. As the sun sets, migrants wait outside a gate in the border fence to enter into El Paso, Texas, to be processed by the Border Patrol, Thursday, May 11, 2023. Migrants rushed across the Mexico border, racing to enter the U.S. before pandemic-related asylum restrictions are lifted in a shift that threatens to put a historic strain on the nation's beleaguered immigration system. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration on Friday named U.S. Border Patrol veteran Jason Owens to lead the agency, replacing retiring chief Raul Ortiz at a time of intense political scrutiny over the administration's immigration policies. In a statement announcing Owens' promotion, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said, Chief Owens is a talented, selfless, and inspiring leader who is dedicated to the Border Patrols law enforcement mission, the men and women who fulfill it, and the country that we all serve. "I am inspired by his commitment to the mission, and am grateful to him for his continued service in this new leadership role, Mayorkas added. The New York Times reported that Owens has been with the Border Patrol for more than 20 years, most recently as the head of the Del Rio division in Texas. Del Rio is one of nine sectors along the southern border. The sector stretches 245 miles (395 kilometers) along the Rio Grande River that divides Texas from Mexico. It is staffed by roughly 1,400 Border Patrol agents. According to his LinkedIn profile, before that Owens served as the head of the Border Patrol's training academy in New Mexico. His resume also includes numerous stints in other locations along the southern and northern borders. The Border Patrol is responsible for patrolling the vast stretches of land between the legal border crossings to stop smuggling or illegal migration. Ortiz said last month in a note to staff that was obtained by The Associated Press that he will leave June 30. Ortiz managed the Border Patrol and its roughly 20,000 agents through the COVID-19 pandemic and Title 42 emergency health restrictions that began in March 2020 and allowed agents to quickly return migrants over the southern border. He also oversaw the rollout of new policies on May 11 meant to discourage migrants from crossing illegally while opening up other legal pathways. The number of crossings has dropped, and the border has not seen the high numbers of crossings or chaos anticipated by even President Joe Biden with the end of the restrictions. But Republicans, who say the Biden administration has done little to deter immigration, are still aiming to make it a key issue this Congress where they've been holding repeated hearings that have been harshly critical of the administration and specifically of Mayorkas. As horse racings elite saddle up for the final race of the coveted Triple Crown at New Yorks Belmont Stakes, the sports top trainers will face off for their share of the $1.5 million purse at the lavish, star-studded event amid growing scrutiny after a recent spate of horse deaths. A CNN analysis of disciplinary records found that the top earning trainers in the sport whose thoroughbreds win them millions of dollars have all broken rules meant to keep their horses safe. Trainers slapped with violations have continued racing, pocketing winnings while paying minimal fines. Records show that horse racings most successful trainers have violated the sports rules multiple times over the course of thousands of races across decades-long careers. The violations range from failed drug tests on race day to falsifying a trainer license. At least three of the trainers have horses competing at the Belmont Stakes this weekend. Many of the violations center on the use of drugs that could mask pain prior to a race, potentially leading racehorses bred for speed with spindly legs to run on preexisting injuries that increase the risk of fatal breakdowns on the tracks. Researchers have found that about 90% of fatal horse injuries involve preexisting issues, such as small fractures that weaken horses bones. While therapeutic medications are often legal for treating horses, several are banned on race day. If a horse has an anti-inflammatory, it could compromise an inspection, said Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, a veterinarian with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the national regulatory body established in 2020. Its one of the reasons we do restrict medications in the pre-race period. In many ways, the violations say more about the sport than the trainers themselves. Historically, drug limits and rules have varied from state to state, and punishments, which typically led to fines of a few hundred dollars, seemed more like slaps on the wrists than true deterrents. Trainers suspended from one racetrack were still able to compete on others. Horse racing reform advocates, and even some trainers, say that national standards for drug violations will help with compliance and improve horse safety. Trainers and their representatives interviewed by CNN, however, largely dismissed their disciplinary records, citing unaccredited testing labs, sensitive testing which picks up on minute traces of medication and inconsistent rules among tracks that led to mistakes often beyond their control. They also say the violations must be placed in the context of the thousands of races their horses have started. Tragedy at the track It was supposed to be a triumphant comeback for legendary horse trainer Bob Baffert, but his Preakness Stakes win was underscored by tragedy. Just hours before a horse he trained, National Treasure, won the second-leg of the Triple Crown last month, Bafferts powerful bay-colored colt, Havnameltdown, suffered an injury to its fore fetlock, the equivalent of an ankle, during an earlier race that day. A veterinarian deemed the injury non-operable, leaving the three-year-old horse to be euthanized on the track. The Maryland Racing Commission is investigating the death. During his short life, Havnameltdown earned $708,000 in prize money for his handlers, including Baffert, who has said the horse got hit pretty hard by another horse coming out of the starting gate. The Maryland race marked Bafferts anticipated return to a Triple Crown race the first since his 2021 Kentucky Derby win was disqualified after his horse, Medina Spirit, failed a post-race drug test. Baffert was cited by the state horse racing commission and Churchill Downs handed him a suspension that banned him from the next two Derby races. Medina Spirit pictured after winning the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2021 at Churchill Downs. - Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images/FILE The drug test revealed that Medina Spirit had betamethasone in his system. The drug is legal for horses in Kentucky, but state rules dont allow any detectable levels on race day. Baffert disputed the test result and appealed the commissions citation. During his suspension, Baffert continued to race at other tracks and claimed his cut of millions in prize money. Months after the Derby, Medina Spirit died while training at Californias Santa Anita Park; the necropsy report was inconclusive. Equine deaths are quite common hundreds die on and off the track annually. The root cause of what can bring down a massive, muscular horse can range from the natural to the exploitive, including being overworked and overdrugged in the quest for winnings. But while some deaths are difficult to prevent, the recent spate of tragedies, especially ones like the public euthanasia of Havnameltdown, have cast a dark shadow over the multi-billion-dollar industry. In the span of a month, 12 horses died at Churchill Downs, Kentuckys most prominent track, since the stable opened this season. The track has suspended racing there while the fatalities are investigated. Bob Baffert-trained horse Havnameltdown, behind the curtain, had to be euthanized on May 20, 2023, during the sixth race of Preakness Day in Baltimore. - Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service/Getty Images/FILE The deaths sparked public outrage and thrust the industry back into the national spotlight just a week after HISA rolled out regulations that include medication control. But thats done little to assuage critics concerns over the treatment of horses in what was once called the sport of kings. All of it sounds really impressive and its quite a show, but thats all it is: A show. Meanwhile, the horses continue to die, said Patrick Battuello, an advocate who has tracked horse deaths for the last decade. The killing is built into the system. In what other sport are the athletes drugged and doped without their consent? The absolute insurers Defenders of the sport argue that the number of horse racing deaths have declined in recent years, and that the industry is safer than it ever was. They point to falling annual death counts collected by The Jockey Club, an influential industry organization, which reports the number of horses who die or are euthanized after racing injuries. The group has tallied several hundred racing deaths each year, with 328 in 2022, down from 709 a decade earlier. But those numbers dont include horses who die during training or between races, which critics argue leads to a severe undercounting of deaths in the sport. They also only include thoroughbred horses, not quarter horses and standardbred horses. Battuello has tallied more than 9,500 racehorses that died since 2014, largely based on death records hes collected from state horse racing commissions roughly 1,000 a year. While the exact rules vary from state to state, trainers are generally required to report horse deaths that occur at racetracks or as a result of injuries sustained during races. Most deaths are categorized as racing-related or training-related. In a statement, The Jockey Club argued that its numbers were the most accurate data possible and noted that it had different criteria for including racing-related deaths than Battuello. The sports highest-earning trainers were among those who had the most horses die at racetracks or due to racing injuries, according to a CNN analysis of state records collected by Battuello over the last decade, as well as data from the horse racing website Equibase. Some prominent trainers saw far more of their horses die during training than in actual races. CNNs review found that Todd Pletcher, whos earned more than any horse trainer in the industry over the course of his career, has trained at least 38 horses whose deaths were reported to state racing commissions since 2014. Trainer Todd Pletcher watches a workout at Churchill Downs Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky. - Charlie Riedel/AP/FILE More than three-fourths of those deaths were related to training, not racing, according to Battuellos count meaning that Pletcher largely avoided the national spotlight shone on deaths that took place during prominent races like the Preakness or Belmont. Similarly, four of the seven deceased horses trained by Baffert that CNN documented did not die as a direct result of injuries sustained during races, and thus likely wouldnt be included in the official tally of deaths counted by The Jockey Club. CNNs review is an undercount of deaths because it only counted deaths reportable to state commissions. The review connected horses to their most recent trainer of record as of their last race so its possible that some of the horses could have moved to a different trainer before their deaths. Horse trainers bear the ultimate responsibility for the wellbeing of the horse and adherence to the rules on the track, an industry standard known as the absolute insurer rule. We are completely responsible for the horses. When they arrive on the racetrack that day, were responsible for whats going into that horse, whether its medication or feed, said Graham Motion, a 30-year horse trainer in Maryland. That has to be our responsibility. Theres no other way really to make it work. The most successful trainers in the sport have all been cited for medical or drug violations. Pletcher has racked up nine drug-related violations throughout his career. On one occasion, regulators found he broke rules regarding Lasix known as the water drug which makes a horse urinate and potentially run faster. New regulations have banned the drug though state commissions can apply for three-year exemptions while the effect on horse safety is studied, according to HISA. Pletcher was suspended for 10 days last month, after a delayed drug test showed that his horse, Forte, had elevated levels of a common pain-reliever and anti-inflammatory drug during a race he won in New York back in September. Irad Ortiz Jr. rides Forte to victory during the Breeders' Cup Juvenile race at Keenelend Race Course, on Nov. 4, 2022, in Lexington, Kentucky. - Jeff Roberson/AP/FILE Forte came into our care on March 25, 2022, and he has never been prescribed or administered meloxicam, Pletcher, who did not respond to CNNs multiple requests for comment, told Bloodhorse.com. We did an internal investigation and could not find an employee who had used the drug. Records show Pletcher plans to appeal the ruling. Baffert, too, was suspended after his horse, Medina Spirit who placed first in a 2021 race at Churchill Downs tested positive for an anti-inflammatory. The suspension was one of about two dozen drug-related violations during Bafferts career; the vast majority included anti-inflammatories like betamethasone and phenylbutazone. One of the three highest earning trainers, Steve Asmussen, has been cited for violations of medication rules about 40 times, in many instances finding elevated levels of anti-inflammatories or thyroid medication, according to records from the Association of Racing Commissioners International, an umbrella organization of horse racing regulators. Research has shown thyroid medication in horses can cause cardiac arrythmias and new regulations ban its use in thoroughbreds, including on race day. Clark Brewster, an attorney for both Baffert and Asmussen, said the tally of violations from ARCI data paints an unfair picture of his clients because many of those citations involved therapeutic medications that only slightly exceeded allowable limits in the rules, which he said have repeatedly shifted. These guys are painstakingly trying to get it right. Motion, the veteran Maryland trainer, himself has been cited at least twice in his career for medication violations, once after one of his horses tested positive for methocarbamol a muscle relaxer that is permissible to treat horses, but not allowed on race day. It was a very difficult time for me. And I fought it. And I almost regret fighting it now, said Motion, adding that he felt his team handled the medication the proper way. He said the new rules around when horses need to withdraw from such medication ahead of race day could have prevented this type of incident. Trainer Steve Asmussen before the 149th running of the Kentucky Oaks on May 5, 2023, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. - Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images/FILE Some therapeutic drugs, including anti-inflammatories, are a big concern for the industry on race day. Before each race, horses are examined by veterinarians to determine their fitness and identify potential ailments. But medication in the horses system, like anti-inflammatories, can mask some of those preexisting injuries. The extent [of the preexisting injury] can change dramatically and it can go from something minor to something that is potentially serious, if not life threatening when a horse bursts onto the track from the starting stall, said Dr. Mary Scollay, chief of science at the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit which oversees the new medication control regulations under HISA. New HISA regulations, implemented last month, include strict rules about withdrawal times and allowable medication levels on race day. We want to make sure that there is no lingering effects from that medication that could mask a potential injury that would put that horse at risk to the horse, the rider, the others that are in that race, said Dr. Will Farmer, equine medical director at Churchill Downs Incorporated. Thats why we have very strict regulation around use of therapeutics in regards to a race specifically. For decades, a patchwork of local and state rules governed the racetracks in the United States, and trainers found in violation of the rules meant to keep their horses safe have been met with minimal repercussions. Pletcher whose horses have earned more than $460 million in almost 25,000 races paid $5,000 in fines for drug-related citations over the course of his 27-year career. Baffert and Asmussen were each fined over $30,000 during their decades-long careers, according to records from the racing commissioners association. Those fines are offset by more than $340 million and $410 million in earnings, respectively, according to Equibase. Whats more, suspensions only banned trainers from certain tracks, allowing them to continue racing and pocketing earnings in other states. Since the 2022 New York race where Pletchers horse Forte had a post-race positive drug test, the horse won four more competitions for Pletcher, earning his handlers more than $2 million. Forte is set to race this weekend and is one of the favorites to win the Belmont Stakes. Baffert, too, was able to continue racing after he was hit with the suspension following Medina Spirits positive drug test. During that time, Baffert entered hundreds of races on other tracks, competing for purses totaling nearly $125 million, according to Equibase data. In 2022 alone, Bafferts horses brought in nearly $10 million in prize money. The rules A general view at the start during the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. - Jamie Rhodes/USA Today Sports/Reuters/FILE The biggest change in the governance of American horse racing was tucked into a 2020 federal spending bill. That proviso ultimately created the national Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, or HISA a move that, after three previous legislative attempts, found support from federal lawmakers after a particularly deadly season at a California racetrack. During the 2018-2019 season, a staggering 56 horses died at one of the most glamorous racetracks in the country, Santa Anita Park, once home to the famous 1940s thoroughbred Seabiscuit. The California Horse Racing Board could not determine a common denominator for the fatalities but found that the vast majority of horses that died had preexisting injuries. And, while no illegal substances or procedures were found, many of the horses were on anti-inflammatories and various other medications. Horse racing must develop a culture of safety first, the California board wrote in its investigative report. A small number of participants refusing to change will harm the entire industry. Initially a local scandal, the deaths in Santa Anita Park would have national implications. The fatalities led not only to a complete overhaul of racing practices in Santa Anita improved track maintenance, restrictions on the use of medications, and softer whips on race day but also to new national rules under the new regulator, HISA. As a private entity under the supervision of the Federal Trade Commission, HISA creates uniform regulations and penalties to govern racetracks throughout the country. The latest set of rules, implemented last month, include anti-doping and medication control programs. They also state that any suspension for a rule violation will carry across all tracks under HISAs jurisdiction. HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said the goal is to ensure that there is a level playing field, that the horses are treated properly, that there is built-in safety and integrity in the sport. But some pockets of the industry arent welcoming the changes most notably the National Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association, which has questioned the constitutionality of HISA and filed suits arguing regulatory overreach. In an annual NHBPA conference held in March, trainers spoke out against HISA citing an increased administrative burden and added costs of higher fees and required veterinary checks. The whole thing is a facade. Its been all smoke and mirrors, said Bret Calhoun, a horse trainer and member of the Louisiana HBPA board, according to the Thoroughbred Daily News. They sold this thing as the safety of the horse. Its absolutely not about safety of horse. Its a few people, with self-interest and they have their own personal agenda. There are several lawsuits challenging HISAs legitimacy and authority in the sport, some backed by the NHBPA, making their way through courts across the country. But while legal battles are fought in the courts, horses keep dying on the tracks. Last week, a horse death at Belmont Park meant that there have been fatalities around all three racetracks in the Triple Crown this season. There is risk in any sport. We cannot eliminate risk. We can continue to diminish risk as best we can. We are never going to eliminate a horse getting injured, said Motion, adding the most important thing is the welfare of the horse. Its not winning at all costs. Its winning with a healthy animal. Methodology To identify racehorses who died while being trained by the industrys highest-earning trainers, CNN combined a list of dead horses compiled by activist Patrick Battuello with data from the horse racing website Equibase. Since 2014, Battuello has collected state horse racing commission reports on horse deaths through public records requests and published a list of racehorses who died each year on his website. Most of the horse deaths Battuello has identified are based on state records, although a handful are based on news reports or verbal confirmation he received from racetrack officials. CNN matched Battuellos list of deceased horses with data downloaded from Equibase that listed each horses trainer as of its most recent race. For the top three trainers with the highest earnings, Pletcher, Asmussen and Baffert, CNN reviewed the original documents Battuello collected from the commissions, which he provided to reporters. Because the Equibase data on trainers is based on each horses most recent race, some horses may have moved to other trainers before they died. In a handful of cases, when state death records listed a different trainer for a horse than Equibase does, CNN used the trainer listed in the records. CNNs review only included horse deaths that were required to be reported to state commissions, so it undercounts the total deaths associated with individual trainers. In addition, not all of the dead horses Battuello has documented were able to be reliably matched with Equibases data, so additional deaths may also be missing from the review. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Can humans and rats live together? Paris is trying to find out Can humans and rats live together? Thats what city leaders in Paris are trying to find out. The French capital, like many metropolises, has a notorious rodent problem. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is forming a committee to study cohabitation to what extent humans and rodents can live together one of her deputies said Thursday during a city council meeting. Anne Souyris, Paris deputy mayor in charge of public health, announced the move in response to questions from Geoffroy Boulard, the head of Paris 17th arrondissement and a member of the center-right Republican party. Boulard had called upon the city government to outline a more ambitious plan against the proliferation of rats in public spaces. He has previously criticized Hidalgo, a member of the center-left socialist party, for not doing enough to eliminate rats from Paris, including during strikes earlier this year which saw garbage pile up across the city. The presence of rats on the surface is harmful to the quality of life of Parisians, Boulard said. Boulard said he was raising his question after coming across an ongoing study, Project Armageddon. The projects mission is aiding the city in managing its rat population and among its objectives is fighting prejudices against rats to help Parisians better live with them. The study is being financed by the French government, though the city of Paris is a partner in the project. Souyris explained that what was being studied was to what extent humans and rats can live together in a way that is the most efficient and at the same time ensure that its not unbearable for Parisians. While rats can spread disease, the deputy mayor said that the rats being discussed were not the same black rats that can carry plague, but other types of rats that carry diseases like leptospirosis, a bacterial disease. Souyris also highlighted some of the actions taken by the city as part of its 2017 anti-rat plan, including investing in thousands of new garbage cans to make the rats go back underground. Souyris later said on Twitter that Paris rats do not pose a significant public health risk. She added that she was asking the French High Council on Public Health to weigh in on the debate. We need scientific advice, not political press releases, she said. Animal rights group Paris Animaux Zoopolis welcomed the citys move. Rats are present in Paris, as in all major French cities, so the question of cohabitation necessarily arises, a statement from the group said. At PAZ, when we talk about peaceful cohabitation with rats, we dont mean living with them in our houses and apartments, but making sure that these animals dont suffer AND that were not disturbed. Again, a very reasonable objective! CNN has asked the Paris authorities for more detail on the plans. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Photo Illustration by Kelly Caminero / The Daily Beast / Getty In April, Marc Johnson, a molecular virologist from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, noticed something startling in the wastewater around Columbus, Ohio: High levels of a previously unknown, significantly mutated lineage of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Not only was the lineage very different from any of the commonly circulating variants, it was a B.1.1 derivative, suggesting the person had been infected for more than two years. Adding to the mystery is the rate at which the affected individual is shedding the virusexponentially higher than the average person infected with SARS-CoV-2. Johnson told The Daily Beast that while the individual doesnt pose a threat to the public, their own health is likely affected. He recently laid out his calculations on Twitter, writing: I do not know of any persistent infections that shed this much virus without killing the patient The closest would probably be [Hepatitis C], an infection that often ends in liver cancer. The lineage has only been detected in two Ohio sewersheds: one in Columbus, and the other in a city about 40 miles away called Washington Court House. Based on the fact that the lineage is always present in the Columbus Southerly sewershed, but not always at the Washington Court House (WCH) sewershed, Johnson assumes the individual lives in Columbus and travels to Washington Court House somewhat regularly, possibly for work. New COVID Variants Are Escaping the Immune System. Heres What That Means. Scientists regularly measure the levels of shed virus in wastewater as part of the metric for understanding how extensive the spread of COVID is and what kinds of variants are trending. Last month, the WCH wastewater shed had its highest SARS-CoV-2 levels eversurpassing even the earliest pandemic peaks. Just before that May apex, researchers sequencing the WCH watershed found that all of the samples taken of SARS-CoV-2 in the watershed were from this mysterious cryptic lineage. Johnson is waiting for the most recent data but he told The Daily Beast: I bet you anything once we get that new data, the SARS-CoV-2 present is now entirely the cryptic lineage. But Im waiting for the next round of sequencing to come out before I can really point to something publicly and say, Yes, its increasing. Cryptic lineagesor cryptics as Johnson calls themare lineages of a virus, in this case, SARS-CoV-2, that are genetically distinct from the commonly circulating variants; they have mutations not found in the commonly circulating variant. Thus far, researchers have only identified a handful of cryptics. While these unusual lineages are mysterious, Johnson said theres no indication that these lineages are contagiousif anything, the data show precisely the oppositethe lineages arent spreading. Thats comforting news, but the unknowns still surrounding COVID compel scientists to continue these types of investigations. Researchers are eager to identify a person infected with a cryptic lineage of SARS-CoV-2 to learn more about how these versions of the virus can affect human health. As Johnson noted in his tweet about the case in Ohio, the level of viral shedding suggests some kind of acute infection. Finding and studying the affected individual could help researchers answer many lingering COVID mysteries, like long COVID. Johnson is probably the best person to run this kind of detective work. He discovered his first cryptic lineage in March 2021 in St. Louis. Early in the pandemic, Johnson researched the history of coronaviruses and developed his own system for sequencing SARS-CoV-2 strains found in wastewater, which can be an excellent way to determine the scope and trajectory of viral infection in a community. For the first year of the pandemic, Johnson was going through reams and reams of data, looking at all the common lineages. It would be like alpha, beta, gamma, alpha, beta, gamma, alpha, he said. And then, in March of 2021, Johnson discovered something unexpected: a new lineage. I thought it must be a mistake. But then the next week, we saw the exact same thing, but only from that sewershed and nowhere else. And then it became more common, but still only in that sewershed. CDC Mulls Sampling Wastewater from Planes to Track New COVID Variants as China Cases Rocket By late March 2021, the St. Louis cryptic lineage accounted for 50 percent of the sequences coming out of that sewershed. And this was not a small sewershed. It had pretty elevated SARS-CoV-2 to begin with. Initially, the researchers thought it was the beginning of a massive outbreak, but as the days and weeks went on, the lineage stayed exclusively in that sewershed. I was really freaked out by it, Johnson told The Daily Beast, like, I couldnt sleep. And then, six weeks later, the lineage disappeared. Because they werent able to identify the person infected with the lineage, researchers cant say for sure why it disappeared. Its possible the person may have simply cleared the infection on their own. Whatever happened, researchers lost the opportunity to interview the affected individual and learn more about what the cryptic lineages effects may have been on that persons health. Since that time, researchers have found cryptic lineages in 12 other states. In most states where researchers have found cryptics, only 1-4 distinct lineages appeared in each state. In New York, however, scientists have identified more than 10. The One Silver Lining Out of Chinas Latest COVID Outbreak Origin Story While researchers havent been able to find someone actively infected with a cryptic lineage, history suggests that immunocompromised people are likely the most affected. There are precedents for this, particularly the polioviruses, where people who are immunocompromised in some way become infected, but they cant completely shed the virus. The virus then keeps multiplying in that individual, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, told The Daily Beast As that multiplication happens, the virus develops mutations, which can create sub-variants in that person Im ready to bet my dollar that if we could trace back to that one person, that person is likely to be immunocompromised. Johnson said the person might not know theyre infected with any SARS-CoV-2 variant and may not even test positive with a nasal swab if the infection is primarily in their gastrointestinal system. Even if someone with chronic diarrhea goes to the doctor, the doctor will probably not give them a COVID test on their stool, he said. And I do think they have to be having some [gastrointestinal] symptoms. I have a hard time believing there wouldnt be tissue damage with the amount of virus theyre shedding. According to Johnson, someone with Crohns Disease could be a likely candidate, since GI distress is characteristic of that conditionthough he cautioned that is just an assumption. So far, the little information available points to affected individuals who are at least not bedridden. Interestingly, Johnson said that in all of the cases of a cryptic lineage he and his colleagues have followed, there always seems to be an incubation period before the person becomes a super shedder. We never see the intermediate versions of a cryptic lineage. They appear fully or mostly baked, he said. The first time we see them, theyll have five mutations in the receptor binding domain, and then over time, they might have 12 or 13. But we never see zero, one, two, three. And we dont know why that is. Figuring out the answers to those questions could have implications for treating COVID in immunocompromised people or long COVID. If we can answer the questions about these specific patients, we might be able to figure out the best track to help them clear the infection, Johnson said. And if we figure out how to clear it in these patients, we can start trying it out on long COVID patients where it looks like they might have a chronic infection. 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. Hunter Biden A former Donald Trump aide has published almost 9,000 images of Joe Bidens son Hunter online, after claiming it took months to censor compromising images of him nude and with drugs and prostitutes. The photographs come from a cache of material obtained from a laptop the US presidents son reportedly took to a computer repair shop in Delaware. The contents were passed to the media and a number of the photos were published ahead of the presidential election in 2020 in an attempt to embarrass the Biden campaign. The latest images were published online by Marco Polo, a Right-wing non-profit organisation founded by Garrett Ziegler, a former employee of Mr Trump. They show the younger Mr Biden, 53, naked and apparently taking drugs and in the company of sex workers. Hunters battle with drug addiction is well documented. Hunter Biden The photographs are dated between 2008 and 2019. Mixed in with the explicit images are a selection of family pictures, showing members of the Biden clan - including the president - holidaying in Rome. Other photographs were purportedly taken in locations including Hawaii, Kosovo, China, London and Paris. Mr Ziegler defended the decision to release the images, telling the Daily Mail: If the American people want to know what their first family is like, theyre going to get it. And were not going to be taking out photos that paint the Bidens in a good light. The photographs are presented in chronological order and include geolocation tags, allowing users to see where they were taken on a world map. Mr Ziegler said it took months to go through the images and edit out any graphic material. Earlier this year, lawyers for Mr Biden wrote to the US Justice Department calling for a criminal investigation into close allies of Mr Trump and others who accessed and disseminated data from the laptop. 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. Australian national Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones from Queensland gives a thumb up as he waits for check in at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia, Saturday, June 10, 2023. Indonesias authorities are deporting an Australian surfer who apologized for attacking several people while drunk and naked in the deeply conservative province of Aceh. Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones was detained in late April on Simeulue Island, a surf resort, after police accused him of going on a drunken rampage that left a fisherman with serious injuries. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Indonesia's authorities on Saturday deported an Australian surfer who apologized for attacking several people while drunk and naked in the deeply conservative Muslim province of Aceh. Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones, 23, from Queensland, was detained in late April on Simeulue Island, a surf resort, after police accused him of going on a drunken rampage that left a fisherman with serious injuries. Of course Im pretty emotional, so Im going to feel bad about it, Risby-Jones said while waiting for his flight to Melbourne. He said the fisherman's relatives forgave him and told him that he was a part of their family now. Im welcome to come back and even stay at their house whenever I want, he said. So, that feeling of guilt is definitely much smaller that it was originally, he said. He was released from prison on Tuesday after he went through a restorative justice process, apologized for the attack and agreed to pay compensation to the fisherman. That allowed him to avoid going to court and facing a possible charge of assault that could have landed him up to five years in prison. His lawyer, Idris Marbawi, said the two sides agreed that Risby-Jones would pay the fishermans family for hospital fees and a traditional peace ceremony. The total payment was 300 million rupiah ($20,000). The fisherman underwent surgery in Banda Aceh, the provincial capital, for broken bones and an infection in his legs. Risby-Jones is the first foreigner to successfully resolve a case through restorative justice in Aceh province, Marbawi said. He deeply regretted what happened and vowed to return to Indonesia for surfing." Violent acts by foreigners are rare in Aceh, the only province in Muslim-majority Indonesia that practices Shariah, a concession made by the central government in 2001 as part of efforts to end a decades-long war for independence. The sale and consumption of alcohol is forbidden in Aceh, and those found drunk have been caned in public. ____ Associated Press journalists Niniek Karmini and Dita Alangkara in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report. An inmate at the Issaquah Jail died on Jun. 9, according to a media release from the Bellevue Police Department. The death occurred between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. According to the Independent Force Investigation Team, who is handling the investigation, the inmate suffered an unknown medical issue. The inmates cellmates found the man unresponsive on his bed. Employees at the jail gave the man first aid, but the man died. Three jail employees were placed on administrative leave. The investigation showed the inmate was booked into jail at about 2:45 p.m. on Jun. 7. Detectives interviewed the on-duty nurse and nine cellmates. They are also reviewing video of the inmate during his stay. The autopsy showed there were no signs of external injuries. Preliminary tests show the presence of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The final, formal drug screening test could take two more months. Photo: The Canadian Press Paul Bernardo leaves the detention centre in Scarborough on his way to a court appearance in St. Catharines, Ont., Thursday, Sept. 16, 1993. The Correctional Service of Canada is defending its decision to uphold Paul Bernardo's privacy rights, as the federal public safety minister says Canadians deserve to know why he was moved to a medium-security prison. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn The families of convicted killer and rapist Paul Bernardo's victims didn't learn that he was being transferred to a different prison until the day it happened, the correctional service confirmed Friday. Tim Danson, who represents the families of two of Bernardo's victims, said in an open letter Friday that the family of Kristen French was notified of the convicted killer and serial rapist's transfer out of his maximum-security institution the morning of May 29. "By early to mid-afternoon, they were told that the transfer had been completed," he wrote in a letter addressed to Anne Kelly, the commissioner of Correctional Service Canada. Bernardo is serving a life sentence for the murders, kidnapping and torture of 15-year-old French and 14-year-old Leslie Mahaffy in the early 1990s. He has admitted to sexually assaulting 14 other women and was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Tammy Homolka, who died after being drugged and sexually assaulted. Tammy's sister Karla Homolka, who was married to Bernardo at the time, was released in 2005 after completing a 12-year sentence for her role in the crimes committed against French and Mahaffy. Danson's letter came as federal officials faced continued fallout over the decision to move Bernardo to a medium-security prison, across police associations, the Ontario legislature and Parliament Hill. This week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford called on Kelly to resign or be fired over the decision. Danson said in the letter that the victims' families want Bernardo's transfer reversed. He also raised concerns about how the federal correctional service notified them of the controversial move. The correctional service has said in statements that it informed victims of what was going on before his transfer, as well as after it happened. In his letter, Danson wrote that the French family appeared to find out on the day it happened. And the Mahaffy family were "left with the distinct impression that the transfer had already taken place, or at best was imminent," the letter said. Danson did not include specific details around when they were notified. "Had anyone considered that this transfer was done just over two weeks before the anniversary date of Leslie Mahaffy's abduction and murder?" he wrote. "Does anyone at (the Correctional Service of Canada) appreciate the devastating grief experienced by the Mahaffy family at this time of year?" Danson himself received two voice mails on May 29, his letter said, and the second notified him that the federal correctional service "had some information for me." "The decision to delay informing myself as counsel and the families until the day of the transfer and while the transfer was in progress is, with respect, troubling." This was not "regular administrative news," the letter said. "A development of such pivotal importance came as a shock to the families." Late Friday, Kevin Antonucci, a spokesman for the correctional service, confirmed victims' families were notified of his transfer the day it happened. "One of the considerations for not providing sooner notifications was the safety and security of the staff who had to conduct the transfer ... given it was publicly known that the offender was located at Millhaven Institution." He added the commissioner has since spoken with one of the victim's families to answer their questions. Earlier in the day, the correctional service defended its decision to uphold Bernardo's privacy rights, despite the federal public safety minister saying that Canadians are owed an explanation for why he was moved. Antonucci said Bernardo was transferred as a result of a review into his security classification, which is required every two years. He underlined that Bernardo poses no risk to public safety and the Quebec prison he now resides in has the same security perimeter as a maximum-security institution. The prison specializes in the treatment of violent sex offenders. Speaking generally, Antonucci said the criteria for transfers and security classifications are based on factors like a prisoner's escape risk, as stipulated under the law governing corrections. The service has also acknowledged that while Canadians want answers about why Bernardo was moved, it is "restricted by the law" in what it can say. What prison authorities are allowed to disclose, including to victims, is outlined in corrections law and in the federal Privacy Act. Antonucci said Friday that under privacy law, the correctional service cannot disclose an inmate's personal information without their consent, "except in specific circumstances." He said considerations include the sensitivity of the information as well as the likelihood and level of "injury relative to the benefits of the disclosure to the public." In his letter, Danson said the public has a right to know and maintains he wasn't provided reasons for Bernardo's transfer due to privacy law. "To (effect) such a transfer without any explanation, under the cloak of protecting privacy rights of the person who sadistically and brutally sexually tortured their daughters before murdering them is beyond comprehension," he said. It was Hollywood that turned the temple complex around Angkor Wat into an ultra-famous location, but the Cambodian site is so much more than a movie set. For nine hundred years, it has been a wonder of history, religion and art. It's also the site of an epic theft. Thousands of people visit the temple every day, but look closely at some of the lesser-known parts of the complex, and you'll notice vital statues of Hindu gods and Buddhas are missing. In the decades of lawlessness following Cambodia's civil war, which raged from 1967 to 1975 and left hundreds of thousands of people dead, looters raided these sites and made off with the priceless artifacts. Many have ended up in private collections and museums. American lawyer Brad Gordon said he is on a mission to track down these irreplacable items. "Many of these statues have spiritual qualities, and the Cambodians regard them as their ancestors," Gordon said."They believe that they're living." Angkor Wat. / Credit: Dmitry Rukhlenko/iStock In one case, a man named Toek Tik, code-named Lion, revealed to Gordon and a team of archaeologists that he had stolen a statue from a temple. Lion died in 2021, but first, he led Gordon and the archaeology team to the temple he'd robbed in 1997. There, Gordon and his team found a pedestal and the fragment of a foot, which led the experts to confirm that Lion had stolen the statue "Standing Female Deity." Now, that statue lives in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. "We have his confirmation, and then we have a French archaeologist who uses 3D imaging. And he's been able to match the body at the Met to the foot that's here," Gordon said. The museum returned two Cambodian sculptures, known as the Kneeling Attendants, in 2013, but Gordon said they're not budging on the matter of "Standing Female Deity." "The Met has been very difficult," Gordon said. The museum did not respond to a request for comment from CBS News. Gordon said that he isn't giving up on bringing the statue home. "At the moment we have been working with the U.S. Government - providing them information on the collection," Gordon explained. "And the U.S. Government has their own investigation going on. If it doesn't work out to our satisfaction, we are confident we can bring civil action." Other museums and collectors have cooperated, Gordon said, and so the looted pieces have been trickling back to Cambodia. As recently as March, a trove of pieces were returned by a collector in the United Kingdom who'd inherited the pieces and decided giving them back was the only ethical choice. "Some museums are actually contacting us now and saying, 'Hey, we don't want to have stolen objects. Would you review our collection... If you want any of them back, please just tell us,'" Gordon said. Eye Opener: Four children found alive in Colombia 40 days after plane crash Saturday Sessions: Waldemar performs "Ruthless" Saturday Sessions: Waldemar performs "Summer Rain" All of the major candidates are in. The first debate is scheduled. But the date that isn't set? The first Republican nominating contest. All we know is that it will be in Iowa but the Democratic National Committees efforts to overhaul its early-state lineup has left the GOP contest in flux. How early might the voting start? The primaries and caucuses will almost certainly begin weeks earlier than in the previous two elections and could kick off as soon as early January. The sequence and length of the four early nominating states Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada matters because a slower drip of primaries and caucuses brought on by an early start could prolong the winnowing process. We don't yet know who would benefit from lengthier time between contests, but Joe Bidens victory in the South Carolina primary in 2020 led some of his biggest rivals to speedily drop out and endorse him ahead of the Super Tuesday slate of primaries on March 3, just three days later. The 2024 GOP calendar could slate Super Tuesday as many as four weeks after the South Carolina primary, which could throw a lifeline to candidates who fall flat in the early states. One of the biggest questions this cycle is around Iowa. In 2020, the Iowa caucuses were held on Feb. 3, just a month before Super Tuesday. This time, the caucuses could realistically be as early as Jan. 8, though the week after is considered more likely. Super Tuesday still wouldnt be until March 5. The three other early states constitute most of the moving parts. Democrats are attempting to elevate South Carolinas primary to be first in the beginning of February. But New Hampshire state law says their primary has to come before any other primary, which could move the first-in-the-nation primary to January. With the Democrats shifting the states in their early window lineup, thats created some pressure on the states in the Republican process namely Iowa and New Hampshire to move up to even earlier dates, said Josh Putnam, an expert on delegate-selection rules who runs the website Frontloading HQ. Thats creating a spread that we havent seen in the last couple of cycles, when the national parties were kind of on the same page. The Republican National Committee said Iowas caucuses still go before New Hampshire. But Republicans are trying to hold their own party-run caucuses, even though the state has a brand-new primary in early February. The early state calendar is far from settled at this point. The 2024 Democratic domino effect Biden and the DNC wanted South Carolina to go first this cycle in part as a reward for the state that smoothed his path to the nomination in 2020 and but also to address criticism about the lack of diversity in the Iowa and New Hampshire electorates. In setting their new calendar, the DNC not only gave South Carolina the coveted No. 1 slot it also set a date for the first Saturday in February: Feb. 3, 2024. The new DNC calendar designated Nevada and New Hampshire to hold the second and third primaries together on Feb. 6, three days later. But New Hampshires state law says it must hold the first-in-the-nation primary at least a week before any other state, so South Carolinas pending move to Feb. 3 would likely prompt New Hampshire to go to Jan. 23, the Tuesday of the preceding week. To accommodate the Republican National Committees set order of states, New Hampshires shift to Jan. 23 would bounce Iowa up to Jan. 15, the Monday of the week prior. But none of this is a done deal. Thats partly because its not clear whether New Hampshire will be satisfied with going after Iowa. Iowa is also making some changes that scramble things: In another response to national Democrats new rules limiting caucuses, the Iowa state Democratic Party is allowing participants to vote by mail. To some, that sounds suspiciously like a primary that could prompt New Hampshire to jump in front again though a new bill signed into law last week by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, requires the caucuses to be held in person. For now, the two states appear at a detente. "It's a caucus, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu told my colleague Lisa Kashinsky in an interview this week following his announcement he wouldnt run for the GOP presidential nomination. I've talked to [Reynolds] about that. And she says, It's a caucus. You're still the first-in-the-nation primary.' I think we got through that." The next two states That leaves South Carolina and Nevada. While South Carolina Democrats are set for Feb. 3, that doesnt mean Republicans have to vote on the same day. Thats contributing to the uncertainty around the GOP calendar. What happens in Nevada might prove crucial. As part of the DNCs efforts to expand access to the nominating process, Nevadas state government established a new presidential primary election on the DNCs suggested date of Feb. 6. Nevada Republicans would prefer to maintain their party-run caucuses and last week sued the state for an exemption. Even if they dont receive an exemption, Nevada Republicans could declare the primary a non-binding beauty contest, with the delegates to the GOP convention only up for grabs in caucuses later in February. But neither state has set a date for their Republican contests yet, though Nevada Republicans are hoping to hold their caucuses on Feb. 24. One thing does seem certain: The rapid transition that helped decide the 2020 Democratic nomination isnt going to happen this time. Youre going to end up with Iowa and New Hampshire in January, South Carolina Republicans either sometime at the end of January or the first half of February, Nevadas caucuses apparently sometime thereafter, and then a gap for a couple of weeks until Super Tuesday, Putnam said. Other calendar questions While the four early states are still in flux and theres a possibility Michigan moves up to be the fifth state in late February or early March with a possible hybrid of both a primary and caucuses the next official slate is set on Super Tuesday: March 5. On the GOP side, some 15 states are expected to hold primaries that day, the greatest number on any single day on the 2024 calendar: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia. There will be other big, multi-state primary days on the calendar, too, like March 19 when Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas and Ohio will vote and likely April 2 for Northeastern states, though efforts to organize a bloc of states to hold primaries on that date are still underway. Will the nomination still be up for grabs by then? The early states whenever they vote will play a pivotal role in the process. Iran's attack drones have become a key weapon in Russia's war arsenal. Now Tehran is helping Putin to build his own factory to produce them, says the White House. This image released by The White House shows an industrial site several hundred miles east of Moscow where U.S. intelligence officials believe Russia with Irans help, is building a factory to produce attack drones for use in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies via AP The US said that Russia was receiving materials from Iran for an attack drone manufacturing plant. Russia has been widely using Iranian drones to strike Ukraine since the start of the war. The White House noted that the Russia-Iran military partnership appeared to be "deepening." The US said it had information that Russia was receiving materials from Iran to build a killer drone manufacturing plant. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said in a statement on Friday that the US was "concerned that Russia is working with Iran to produce Iranian UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] from inside Russia," Reuters reported. "Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorize the Ukrainian population, and the Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening," he said. He added that the drone plant, sighted in Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone, east of Moscow, could be fully operational by early next year. Remain of a Russian-made Shahed 136 at an exhibition showing remains of missiles and drones that Russia used to attack Kyiv on May 12, 2023 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Oleksii Samsonov /Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Russia has been accused of using Iranian-made drones to strike Ukraine since the start of the war, which Moscow has denied. Iran has admitted to sending drones to Russia, but it said it did so before the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. While reports at the end of last year suggested that Russia had run out of Iranian-made drones, Kirby noted in Friday's statement that it appeared Russia had received hundreds more and it was using them to strike Ukraine, citing newly declassified information. He said the drones were built in Iran and shipped across the Caspian Sea to the Russian port of Makhachkala. In recent weeks, Russia hit Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war, and Ukraine claimed to have shot down 52 Iranian-made devices, per The Guardian. Iran, which is becoming a global leader in the production of drones, has been forming a closer partnership with Russia. Iran has supplied Russia with several Shahed-series drones, colloquially known as "suicide" or "kamikaze" drones, with a payload of around 5-30 kg, reported Insider's Mia Jankowicz. Light, quick, and inexpensive, they are often deployed in swarms to confuse air defense systems and act like a flying bomb that explodes on impact. Russia has been deploying them against civilian targets on the battlefield, particularly in areas where Ukraine has an artillery advantage, as Insider reported. The US and European Union have targeted Iran's drone industry with sanctions since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict. Read the original article on Business Insider A demonstrator wearing a rubber mask depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest against plans by his government to overhaul the judicial system, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, June 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov) TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Israelis continued protests Saturday for the 23rd week against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right government to overhaul the judiciary in the country. The mass demonstrations started in January shortly after the government, made up of ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox religious parties, was sworn in. Gaining momentum and seeing large turnouts of more than 200,00 demonstrators at times, protest organizers have said they will not give up until the government cancels the proposed legal changes rather than delaying them. The protests have become a weekly occasion to express on current affairs in the country. In the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, where the main protest with tens of thousands is held, protesters held a giant banner reading Type of citizen: dead, a reference to surging crimes among Israels Arab communities. Other protesters marched behind an effigy of a chained-up Netanyahu amid a sea of Israels blue-and-white flags. The plan would weaken the judiciary and limit judicial oversight on laws and government decisions, what critics say poses a direct threat to civil rights and the rights of minorities and marginalized groups. They also warn it will grant the government unrestrained power and upend the countrys system of checks and balances. The government says the judicial plan is meant to rein in what it says is an overly interventionist Supreme Court and restore power to elected legislators. Italy's elite special forces stormed a cargo ship taken over by knife-wielding stowaways, reports say A composite photo showing the Galata Seaways from a distance (left) and an image of helicopter-borne soldiers boarding it (right) in June 2023. Getty Images/Insider Italian special forces scrambled to a cargo vessel in trouble on Friday. After landing by helicopter, the soldiers reclaimed the ship, officials said. About 15 people described as migrants were detained. One report said three were armed with blades. Italian special forces stormed a cargo ship that had been commandeered by knife-wielding stowaways, according to numerous reports and officials. Italy's elite San Marco Brigade was photographed landing by helicopter on the Turkish Galata Seaways vessel off the Italian coast on Friday. Italian special forces landing on the Galata Seaways cargo ship on June 9, 2023. Getty Images Another photograph, seemingly taken from the ship's surveillance footage, showed about seven soldiers in combat gear and assault weapons standing on the deck of the ship. The vessel featured the branding of the Danish shipping giant DFDS. According to Reuters, it was sailing from Turkey to France. Italian special forces on board the Galata Seaways cargo ship on June 9, 2023. Getty Images Italy's ANSA news agency reported that the emergency broke out on Friday off the coast of Naples, leading the Italian military to scramble special forces to recapture it. Citing unnamed sources, ANSA said that 13 men and two women had stowed away on board. It said police seized two knives and a box cutter from them, and had referred three of the group to local prosecutors. Nobody was hurt, the agency said. Italy's defense minister, Guido Crosetto, hailed the soldiers in a statement on Twitter, commending them for a "splendid operation." ANSA's reporting described those on board as migrants. Though details of the group were not made public, migrants fleeing violence and instability in the Middle East and North Africa have taken increasingly desperate steps to reach Europe and seek asylum. The San Marco brigade is part of Italy's Navy and roughly equivalent to forces like the Royal Marines or the US Marine Corps. Per the website of the Italian defense ministry, the brigade is an elite force that specializes in keeping the peace at sea and intercepting vessels. Read the original article on Business Insider TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's small opposition party leader Yuichiro Tamaki said on Saturday that he would prepare for a snap general election before the current parliament session ends on June 21, Kyodo newsagency reported. "We want to accelerate preparations with the possibility that the premier may dissolve the lower house of parliament on June 16," Tamaki, head of the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), told reporters in the city of Toyama. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who swept to power in Oct 2021, has said all along that he was not thinking of dissolving the lower chamber for a snap election. Although an election for parliament's powerful lower house is not due until the autumn of 2025, Kishida is keen to boost his strength in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ahead of a party leadership race next September, some analysts say. Kishida may see an early election benefiting him with support rates edging up after he hosted the G7 summit last month. (This story has been refiled to fix a typo in the word 'preparing' in the headline) (Reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto) Jennifer Coolidge comments on why she never had kids In perhaps one of the most relatable Jennifer Coolidge admissions to date, the actor says she doesnt totally feel like a full-fledged adult. In a new profile for British GQ, the actor spoke about the early days of her career, stepping into the shoes of her beloved White Lotus character Tanya as well as future projects, including a potential role in the upcoming Legally Blonde 3." Prior to her White Lotus success, Coolidge had been cracking up audiences for decades as tertiary characters in movies like American Pie and Best in Show. Now, with the wind currently at her careers back, Coolidge explained to the magazine that shes been spending more time in Los Angeles, as opposed to New Orleans, where she owns a home. Im bored here, she said of her current setup in L.A., adding that she might appreciate the sprawling city more if she had kids or something. At 61 years old, Coolidge said that her friends have suggested she adopt children, but the "Cinderella Story actor said she could see herself more as a stepmother. Im very, very immature, she elaborated. I think that has kept me from having children because Im sort of a child. Maybe if I had kids, I wouldve had to have grown up. Coolidge also explained that she has a particular interest in men who tend to veer on the side of broody. Ive never had, like, a laid-back boyfriend that was just full of joy, you know? she added. Like, someone who laughs at all your shortcomings. Thats never who I choose for myself. In the interview, she also opened up about her relationship with Eddie Kaye Thomas, her "American Pie" co-star. The duo lived together for a few years, she said, but she "wasn't the love of his life." He had girlfriends," she said. "My bedroom was across the hallway from his." Coolidge also confirmed to British GQ that she is currently "single" and said part of the appeal of taking on new acting projects is to meet people. My way of talking myself into a different job is like, well, it could be romance, or it could be, you know, a whole different group of friends," she said. "Cool things could come out of it." This article was originally published on TODAY.com Former state Commerce Secretary Jim Fain, who in the 2000s helped North Carolina bring in companies from the pharmaceutical, financial services and aviation sectors, has died at age 80. Fain the states primary economic recruiter during Democratic Gov. Mike Easleys eight years in office died Wednesday at a hospice center in Raleigh, his son, John Fain, said Friday. He had been in declining health over the past year, the family said. A longtime First Union executive who later served as the banks Triangle-area president, Fain first joined the state Commerce Department in 1999 as an assistant secretary in Gov. Jim Hunts administration. He was elevated to Easleys Cabinet in 2001 during one economic downturn and left as the 2008 Great Recession was ramping up and Easleys second term ended. In between, the state attracted a host of new companies that helped counter the loss of manufacturing and textiles jobs overseas. They included Merck in Durham; Honda Jet in Greensboro; and Credit Suisse and Fidelity Investments in the Raleigh-Durham area. During Easleys final year in office, the Global TransPark in Kinston finally landed a major tenant: aircraft component supplier Spirit AeroSystems. ALSO READ: Family Dollar founder and NC philanthropist Leon Levine dies Fain was very proud of that moment, John Fain said. His father later briefly became TransPark president and continued as an economic development consultant. Dan Gerlach, who was Easleys budget adviser, credited Fain for improving North Carolinas attractiveness to companies looking to build or expand through his efforts to overhaul the states chief financial incentives tool. The General Assembly passed legislation creating the Job Development Investment Grant program, which began in 2003 and remains in place today. Gerlach said Fain helped create JDIG, which closed North Carolinas disadvantages with economic incentives and remains a national model. Fains tireless work and direct advocacy with companies ... made a real difference, Gerlach said. James Toole Fain III was a Hendersonville native who graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A memorial service will be held next Thursday at Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh. Fains wife, Peggy, died last year. In addition to his son, Fain is survived by a daughter, Catherine, and a brother. VIDEO: Family Dollar founder and NC philanthropist Leon Levine dies Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is investigating after a McDonalds customer and employee exchanged gunfire on University Boulevard West Saturday morning. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< According to detectives, at around 3 a.m., officers responded to the location and located a man with a gunshot wound to the leg. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Shortly after, officers responded to another hospital for another man shot in the arm. Police learned that he was involved in the same shooting. Read: Family of 19-year-old swimmer who drowned off Atlantic Beach: He really loved people Further investigation discovered that shortly before 3 a.m., a man drove into the drive through at the McDonalds and got in an argument with the employee. He then exited the car, pulled out a gun and pistol whipped the employee through the window. Another employee, who was also armed, then exited the building and shot at the customer. The employee was shot in the leg and the customer was shot in the arm. At this time, its unclear who was the primary aggressor. There is also currently a third person in custody for questioning. It is unclear whether this person is a witness or suspect. However, both the wounded employee and customer are being called suspect victims. Action News Jax will continue to follow the story and update you as events unfold. Read: Family of 19-year-old swimmer who drowned off Atlantic Beach: He really loved people [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. Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau receives a standing ovation as he appears at the Ukrainian parliament in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Saturday. UPDATE: 8:55 a.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Ukraine's parliament today, calling the fight against Russia's invasion a battle "for the future of us all." He received several standing ovations during the 25-minute speech before a special session of the national legislature, known as the Verkhovna Rada. Trudeau also told the lawmakers that Canada will support their country's bid for membership in the NATO military alliance and that peace must be achieved on Ukrainian terms and by total withdrawal of Russian forces. Trudeau's address is part of an unannounced visit to Kyiv, where he pledged help for Ukraines military, including more weapons and fighter-pilot training, worth $500 million in new funding. Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland met Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and some of his senior advisers and his trade minister, as well as both countries' ambassadors. This is the second time that Trudeau has visited Ukraine since Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022, and comes amid signs a long-awaited spring counteroffensive against Russia could be underway. ORIGINAL: 6:55 a.m. Canada will spend $500 million to help Ukraine's military fight Russia's invasion, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday on an unannounced visit to Kyiv, including more weapons and fighter-pilot training. "Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine with whatever it takes as long as it takes," Trudeau said in a press conference while standing beside Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "You're fighting for your country and for values like democracy, freedom, respect, and dignity. And in fighting for Ukraine, you're also fighting for the future of us all," Trudeau told Zelenskyy. The visit, which is happening at the invitation of Ukraine, comes amid signs a long-awaited spring counteroffensive against Russia could be underway. It is also happening as there have been wildfires across Canada, with smoke reducing air quality, and after Friday's resignation of the special rapporteur Trudeau had assigned to probe foreign interference. "Canada will be part of the multinational efforts to train fighter pilots and to help maintain Ukraines fighter-jet program, leveraging Canadian expertise in these areas," Trudeau said during the news conference, adding that Canada will join a team of countries helping to maintain tanks, while providing hundreds more missiles and additional rounds of ammunition. That includes 288 more AIM-7 missiles for warding off Russian airstrikes, and reallocating existing funds for 10,000 rounds of 105-millimetre ammunition, Trudeau said. The prime minister also announced existing aid for Ukraine will be used to support those coping with a worsening humanitarian situation in southern Ukraine after the collapse of a hydroelectric dam this week. Trudeau also announced more sanctions on 24 individuals and 17 entities for alleged support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He also said the federal government would try to seize a massive Russian-registered Antonov 124 cargo plane that Canada grounded after it landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport in February 2022. The prime minister said Canada will try to forfeit the plane to Ukraine, so it cant be used to support Russia's war effort. Ottawa has legislation to forfeit assets of people sanctioned by Canada, but as of a month ago it had not filed any court application despite promising last December to seize assets held by oligarch Roman Abramovich. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland joined Trudeau on the trip, which began with the laying of a wreath at the Wall of Remembrance at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery. Freeland also placed some flowers at the wall, which features photos of Ukrainians who have died while defending their homeland. Both met Ukrainian soldiers there for the event. On his way to the wall, Trudeau at one point crouched down low to look inside one of the frames of burnt-out Russian tanks and military vehicles that fill a public square. Not long before Trudeau and Freeland arrived, there was sombre music and an honour guard for a casket carried into the cathedral for a funeral. This is the second time that Trudeau has made an unannounced visit to the embattled country since Russia began its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trudeau last travelled to Ukraine just over a year ago, where he reopened the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv and met Zelenskyy in person for the first time since the war began. Some media outlets, including The Canadian Press, were made aware of this new trip ahead of time on the condition that it not be reported until it was made public, for security reasons. Trudeau met Zelenskyy in the building housing the Office of the President on Saturday. Trudeau and Freeland then both took part in an expanded bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and some of his officials, and he thanked Canada for taking in thousands of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict. "We need more friends like Canada," Zelenskyy said. The visit coincides with Ukraine's gradual ramping up of military activity. Moscow has claimed that Ukraine's long-promised spring counteroffensive is already happening. Ukraine's General Staff said Saturday that "heavy battles" were underway. It gave no details but said Russian forces were "defending themselves" and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraine's southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Meanwhile, Britain's defence ministry reported on Saturday there has been "significant Ukrainian operations" in the country's east and south since Thursday morning, with gains in some areas. The ministry reported mixed results from the Russian army, with some units holding ground "while others have pulled back in some disorder, amid increased reports of Russian casualties as they withdraw through their own minefields." The ministry also noted "unusually active" Russian airstrikes in southern Ukraine, where it is easier for Moscow to fly planes. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will deploy some of its tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus next month, a move that the Belarusian opposition described as an attempt to blackmail the West ahead of a July meeting of the NATO military alliance. Russia has used the territory of Belarus, its ally, to send its troops into Ukraine since the invasion began. It has kept forces and weapons there too. Earlier this week, a hydroelectric dam on the Dnieper River ruptured, flooding a large part of the front line in southern Ukraine and worsening the humanitarian situation including the need for drinking water in an area that was already undergoing shelling. It remains unclear how the dam collapse happened. Kyiv has accused Russia of blowing up the dam and its hydropower plant, which Russian forces controlled. Moscow said Ukraine did it. Trudeau and Zelenskyy also spent some time together just last month on the margins of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, where the Ukrainian president continued his campaign to shore up support among western allies for the defence of his country. Canada has joined other countries in condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime for the incursion, including through economic sanctions. Ottawa has also contributed more than $8 billion to efforts related to the war in Ukraine since last year. That included launching a special immigration program to allow Ukrainians to come to Canada quickly with a temporary work and study permit, instead of going through the usual refugee system. It also gave some $1 billion in military support, including the donation of eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal visited Toronto in April, when he thanked Canada for its support but also stressed the need for more. Last month, Defence Minister Anita Anand announced a team of Canadian Armed Forces medical trainers helping instruct Ukrainian personnel in Poland would increase from seven to 12, and that Ottawa would donate 43 short-range missiles to Ukraine. Canada has also recently joined Latvia in delivering training to Ukrainian soldiers being promoted to junior military officers, building on a program that focuses on teaching battlefield tactics. During the G7 summit last month, Trudeaustressed that countries pushing for a negotiated ceasefire must recognize Russia is to blame for the conflict and could end things by stopping its invasion. "It is not a ceasefire that is needed. It is peace. And that peace can only be achieved if Russia decides to stop its ongoing invasion of a sovereign neighbour," the prime minister said. The House of Commons foreign-affairs committee took a similar view after its February visit to the region. "The strategic consequences of allowing Russia to benefit from its aggression would far exceed the monetary costs associated with supporting Ukraine," reads the committee's April report. "A frozen conflict would leave Ukraine facing constant threats and blackmail." A federal judge has partially unsealed his decision that required former Vice President Mike Pence to testify in special counsel Jack Smiths probe into the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, the chief judge for the district court for Washington, D.C., ruled at the end of March that Pence was required to testify before the grand jury in the investigation about most topics related to his role as vice president in certifying the election results, in compliance with a subpoena issued to him. The unsealing of the ruling Friday reveals that Boasberg ordered Pence to answer most of the special counsel offices questions about his role in the election and the pressure he received to overturn the results, with a couple of exceptions. Pence had argued that he should not have to testify because he is protected by the Constitutions speech or debate clause, which protects members of Congress from having to be questioned in any other place about any statements they make during congressional sessions. He put forward an untested legal theory that since he served as president of the Senate and presided over the houses of Congress during the certification of the results, he should not be required to testify. But Boasberg found the clause only provides Pence narrow exceptions to what he was required to discuss in testimony. The judge cited past Supreme Court cases that found the clause does not protect conversations in which the principal function is to press a legislator to act unlawfully. The bottom line is that conversations exhorting Pence to reject electors on January 6th are not protected, Boasberg wrote. He found that Pences argument would be too broad, protecting any conversations the vice president had that educated a lawmaker on a matter before them, even if only incidentally. Boasberg did note two exceptions where Pence could avoid questions: his speech on the Senate floor while certifying the election results, and his preparation for it and internal staff advice between Pence and his aides about his authority on Jan. 6. Former President Trump repeatedly called on Pence to reject the results of certain key states he lost in the 2020 election, while Pence maintained that he only had a ceremonial role in counting the votes and could not reject any states decision. Pence testified for several hours before the grand jury in April. He previously included some details of the conversations he had with Trump about certifying the vote in the memoir he released in November. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. EVANSVILLE A federal judge has dismissed the class action lawsuit against ABK Tracking, ruling that the Southern District Court of Indiana "lacks subject matter jurisdiction" in the case. Judge Matthew P. Brookman made the ruling on Friday. The lawsuit, filed last year by the nonprofit law firm Equal Justice Under the Law, as well as Evansville attorney Jeremey Schnepper, accused ABK Tracking, Circuit Court Judge David Kiely, and Vanderburgh County of conspiring to extort money from poor residents. ABK was also the subject of a Courier & Press investigation, articles from which are cited in the lawsuit. According to dismissal, Brookman based his decision on whether or not the case should be heard in federal court. Brookman sided with the defendants and ruled that federal courts didn't have jurisdiction to make a ruling in the case, and that it's ultimately a state matter. He also rejected the plaintiffs' claims that ABK's fees were unreviewable in state court. The plaintiffs made that argument based on the fact that ABK's fees weren't listed in bail or probation orders and weren't communicated to the customers until they reported to ABK. Brookman called the unreviewable claim "illusory." "Indiana's courts are open to and do address challenges to state court orders, including those relating to bail, fees, and a defendant's ability to pay," Brookman wrote. Natasha Baker, an attorney with Equal Justice Under the Law, didn't answer a call seeking comment. Schnepper declined to comment. ABK president Danny Koester, meanwhile, praised the decision. "I dont know what we did wrong. Ive said that all along," he said. "... Weve done nothing wrong." According to the lawsuit, ABK would charge some customers "exorbitant fees" and then file a petition to revoke their probation when they were unable to pay. That resulted in what the plaintiffs' attorneys described as a "debtor's prison." They said the system essentially punished customers for being poor. One of the plaintiffs in the case, William Huggins, said ABK charged him around $600 in fees per month: about $75 less than his rent. ABK provides electronic home detention and drug testing services. It recently lost its contract with the Vanderburgh County Community Corrections Advisory Board, which replaced ABK with Kentucky-based Corrisoft. The board said cost was a major reason for the change. Corrisoft charges community corrections $5 a day for ankle monitoring, compared to $13 a day from ABK. That decision sparked an internal investigation of the board over whether Community Corrections Director James Akin or Superior Court Judge Wayne Trockman misled or unduly influenced the board before the vote to switch to Corrisoft was made. Last month, board member and former Posey County Prosecutor Jodi Uebelhack said she found no evidence of misleading comments. As of Friday, it was unknown whether the plaintiffs would attempt to re-file the suit in state courts. "Nobody knows. Thats up to them," Koester said. "They have that right, obviously. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Judge dismisses federal class action lawsuit against ABK Tracking The figures pressuring Mike Pence to reject Joe Bidens electoral votes on Jan. 6 were asking him to act unlawfully, the chief judge of Washington D.C.s federal district court ruled in a secret April decision. U.S. District Court Judge James Boasbergs 19-page opinion which the judge partially unsealed Friday at the urging of media organizations cleared the way for special counsel Jack Smiths prosecutors to question the former vice president about his conversations with a wide array of figures who leaned on him to reject Bidens electors, possibly including Donald Trump. The bottom line is that conversations exhorting Pence to reject electors on January 6th are not protected, Boasberg wrote in the ruling, dated March 27, adding, There is no dispute in this case that Pence lacked the authority to reject certified electoral votes. Pence appeared for that closed-door testimony on April 27 and answered questions for more than six hours. The substance of the questions and answers remain almost entirely shielded from public view but nevertheless marked a historic moment in Smiths unprecedented criminal probe of Trump and his allies efforts to subvert the 2020 election. Boasbergs newly unsealed ruling reveals that he required Pence to answer nearly every category of questions prosecutors intended to pose, including about the pressure by those who asked him to simply throw out or refuse to count Bidens electors. Both Trump and Pence had fought to sharply restrict questions that Smiths team could pose to the former vice president. Trump claimed his conversations with Pence were shielded by executive privilege an argument Boasberg squarely rejected. Pence, however, took a different tack, arguing that he should be afforded the same immunity from DOJ questioning that members of Congress receive. That immunity, afforded by the Constitution's speech or debate clause is meant to shield lawmakers and congressional officials from compelled testimony to the Executive Branch. Pence emphasized that on Jan. 6, 2021, he was fulfilling his constitutional role as president of the Senate, presiding over both houses of Congress to count electoral votes. That role entitles him to congressional immunity, he contended. Boasberg agreed with Pence and his ruling is a first-of-its-kind finding that vice presidents should be treated as hybrid members of the Executive and Legislative, deriving protections from both, depending on the context. But he also noted that the speech or debate clause has strict limits, and doesnt protect efforts by outside actors to coax legislators to act unlawfully. In his ruling, Boasberg said Pence was required to answer questions on virtually all topics proposed by Smiths team with the exception of inquiries about his preparation and planning to perform the actual task of counting electors. In the final frenzied weeks before Jan. 6, Trump leaned on Pence to single-handedly disrupt the transfer of power by refusing to count Joe Bidens electors on Jan. 6, when Pence was tasked with presiding over Congress to count electoral votes and finalize the results. Trump called Pence on the morning of Jan. 6 and berated him for refusing to acquiesce, urging him to reconsider just minutes before Pence traveled to the Capitol. Pences refusal shattered Trumps last-ditch bid to cling to power and became fuel for an angry mob of Trump supporters that subsequently ransacked the Capitol that day. Despite Smiths clear win, Boasberg at times took the Justice Department to task for making sweeping arguments about the limits of the speech or debate clause, which he said were far too narrow. In a redacted brief that Boasberg unsealed on Friday as well, DOJ attorney James Pearce argued that Pence shouldnt enjoy protections from the speech or debate clause at all. In fact, Pearces position was at odds with one the Justice Department had taken repeatedly in recent years to fend off lawsuits against vice presidents and other congressional officers, a reversal Pearce acknowledged. He attributed the change to what he said was a lack of a thorough analysis in the previous cases. Pence, in his own newly unsealed brief, argued that the speech or debate clause provided him expansive protections which Boasberg ruled was far too broad of an interpretation. Robert Beaser, the former chair of The Juilliard Schools composition department, was fired after an independent investigation found Beaser had engaged in conduct which interfered with individuals academic work and was inconsistent with Juilliards commitment to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for its students and had an unreported relationship that violated school policy, the prestigious performing arts school in New York announced Thursday in a memo sent to students, staff, and faculty. In the memo provided to CNN, Juilliard says that in December 2022, the school undertook a comprehensive review of alleged sexual misconduct in the Composition Department from the late 1990s and early 2000s. While the schools statement mentioned that it was writing to share an update on allegations of sexual misconduct, the memo did not specify any findings about sexual misconduct involving Beaser. In a statement to CNN, Beasers attorney, Richard C. Schoenstein says that Dr. Beaser denies sexually harassing anybody and that the Juilliard announcement did not indicate any evidence credible or otherwise of sexual harassment. Allegations against Beaser, who chaired the department from 1994 to 2018, were made relevant again after classical music magazine VAN published an article in December looking into accusations Beaser had made repeated sexual advances toward students and entered into sexual relationships with some of them. In the article, VAN magazine claims Beaser faced several allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, with some dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. According to VAN, Juilliards Title IX coordinator was made aware of some allegations in 2018. Following the publication of the report, Beaser was placed on leave and Juilliard hired the law firm Potter & Murdock, P.C. to conduct a review of the alleged sexual misconduct in the composition department, according to the memo. Some of these allegations were previously investigated by Juilliards administration in the late 1990s and early 2000s and again in 2017-18 and were handled based on their understanding of the information provided at that time, the memo read. However, to review new information reported in the media and to better understand the relevant facts, our administration launched an independent investigation in December 2022 and placed composition faculty member Robert Beaser on leave pending its outcome. During the time the allegations were brought up, the investigation concluded some students, especially women, experienced an environment in the department that did not live up to the schools values and expectations. The relationship referred to in Juilliards announcement happened 30 years ago and was well known to the school for many years. It was the subject of prior investigations, Beasers attorney, Richard C. Schoenstein. Dr. Beaser denies any allegation that he misrepresented facts. Moreover, he participated in this investigation (and the past investigations) fully and voluntarily. The other allegations suggested by the school are both unspecific and unattributed. The independent review also found credible evidence former composition professor and Pulitzer- and Grammy-winning composer Christopher Rouse made sexual advances and comments toward students, but the allegations could not be fully investigated because Rouse died in 2019, the memo said. In addition to terminating Beaser, the school says it plans to prohibit all amorous or sexual relationships between faculty and students starting in the fall. Previously, the school only prohibited amorous or sexual relationships between faculty and undergraduate students. However, it allowed relationships between faculty and graduate students where there wasnt a power imbalance that could be exploited, such as being in the same department. The school recognizes the leadership role it plays in helping to address historical inequities in the field of composition, and has been working to address these inequities over the last years through artistic programming, mentorship initiatives, and artist residencies. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Tylan Sims, 25, of Columbus' Northeast Side, right, with his defense attorney, Leo Ross, right, on Wednesday during Sims' murder trial in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. A jury on Friday found Sims guilty of one count each of murder and felonious assault in the death of 20-year-old Dezujwuan Pyfrom on Sept. 7, 2020. A Franklin County jury has found a Columbus man guilty of murder for a fatal 2020 shooting on the citys Northeast Side that was caught on video. Tylan Sims, 25, of the Northeast Side, was on trial in Franklin County Common Pleas Court for two counts of murder and multiple counts of felonious assault in connection with the death of 20-year-old Dezujwuan Pyfrom on Sept. 7, 2020. The jury found Sims guilty on Friday of one count of murder and one count of felonious assault. The jury found him not guilty of the other charges, essentially determining Sims was not guilty of purposefully causing Pyfrom's death, but guilty of causing Pyfrom's death by purposefully committing felonious assault. Regardless, Sims faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison for murder. Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Kim Brown will sentence Sims at a later date. The afternoon shooting by Sims and his codefendant Adonis Walker outside the convenience store at 1485 Sunbury Road was captured on surveillance video. Pyfrom was parking a truck in the store lot when Sims and Walker opened fire on him, and then fled the scene, according to records filed by a Columbus police detective with the Franklin County Municipal Court. Pyfrom was pronounced dead shortly after police arrived at around 3 p.m. Walker, 24, pleaded guilty on Aug. 31 to attempted murder and multiple counts of felonious assault. Franklin County prosecutors dropped a murder charge. Walker is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23. His defense attorney and prosecutors are jointly recommending that Brown sentence Walker to an indefinite prison term of 11 years to 15 years in prison. Sims' defense attorney, Leo Ross, did not return a call Friday from The Dispatch requesting comment. More: Mayor Andrew Ginther continues to call for gun reform. Would it curb Columbus violence? jlaird@dispatch.com @LairdWrites This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Jury finds Columbus man guilty of murder for shooting caught on video State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced Friday that a Duval County jury has delivered a verdict of guilty for Greggory James, who has been charged with First-Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent for a 2021 crime. The jurys decision has set in motion a mandatory life sentence in Florida State Prison for James. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The case stems from a tragic incident that occurred on January 6, 2021, when the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office responded to reports of a shooting at an auto body shop on Edison Avenue. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered the victim lying on the ground outside the shop, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Regrettably, the victim succumbed to his injuries shortly after the incident. Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted that the victim had been standing at the front of the shop with a group of individuals when the assailant, later identified as Greggory James, approached them. James was described as wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt that concealed his face. Without warning, he fired nine shots at the victim, striking him seven times in a meticulously planned attack. Following the assault, James quickly made his escape, fleeing to a waiting black sedan driven by a co-defendant. The shocking incident prompted an immediate police chase, with concerned witnesses dialing 911 to report the crime. Eventually, officers managed to intercept the fleeing vehicle, at which point James hastily exited the car and attempted to evade capture. However, law enforcement apprehended him shortly thereafter. Inside the vehicle, investigators discovered the gray sweatshirt that James had worn during the shooting. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Additionally, the firearm used in the crime was recovered in close proximity to the scene after James had discarded it out the car window. Both the sweatshirt and the weapon were found to contain James DNA upon forensic testing. The diligent investigation into the case was carried out by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, while the prosecution was handled by Assistant State Attorneys Erin Wolfson and Dan Skinner. With the guilty verdict delivered by the jury, Greggory James now faces a lifetime behind bars. The sentencing hearing, to be presided over by Judge London Kite, will provide an opportunity for the court to consider the severity of the crimes committed and the appropriate punishment for Jamess actions. [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. This will escalate: Kari Lake called out over incendiary threat to Biden admin after Trump indictment Kari Lake, the GOP nominee and election denier who lost the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial election, has issued an incendiary warning to the Biden administration over the indictment of Donald Trump. The former president has been indicted on 37 counts in relation to his allegedly illegal retention of classified national security information that hes reported to have taken with him to his Palm Beach, Florida club Mar-a-Lago after leaving the White House in January 2021. The consensus among legal experts appears to be that Mr Trump is in serious legal jeopardy that may end in a decades-long prison sentence. That hasnt stopped many Republicans, including Ms Lake, to come to his defence as they attempt to portray the legal action taken by Special Counsel Jack Smith as politically motivated. Ms Lake said on Friday that those wishing to go after Mr Trump would have to go through her and all those who supported Mr Trump in the 2020 election 75 million people. She then went on to falsely say that most of us are card-carrying members of the National Rifle Association (NRA). The organisation reportedly has around 4.3 million members. She specifically called out Mr Smith, President Joe Biden, and Attorney General Merrick Garland. I have a message tonight for Merrick Garland, and Jack Smith, and Joe Biden, Ms Lake said as she was speaking at the Georgia Republican Party convention. And the guys back there in the fake news media, you should listen up as well, this ones for you. If you wanna get to President Trump, youre gonna have to go through me, and youre gonna have to go through 75 million Americans just like me, she claimed. And Im gonna tell you, most of us are card-carrying members of the NRA, she added to cheers from the crowd. Thats not a threat, thats a public service announcement. Washington Post reporter Isaac Arnsdorf quoted Ms Lake on Twitter and noted that she received a standing ovation. Responding to Mr Arnsdorf, Ms Lake wrote: I meant what I said. Ms Lake was replacing former vice president and GOP presidential candidate Mike Pence after he dropped out of his planned speech at the Georgia convention, according to Mediaite. Ms Lake has been an aggressive supporter of Mr Trump and in January it was reported that she was one of the candidates the ex-president was considering as a possible running mate in 2024. Reed Galen of the Lincoln Project said Ms Lakes kind of rhetoric had sparked violence in the past, listing a number of mass shootings. This will escalate. Weve seen the results of these words: El Paso, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Allen, N. Charleston, Christchurch, he tweeted. How does this not warrant at least a visit by Secret Service? Nicky Frank asked. Congrats to all the wise consultants out there who decided that Trumpism would fade away. Take a f***ing bow folks, you negotiated with the terrorists and it worked out great, one Twitter user added. This is shocking. Kari Lake should issue a retraction and apology. This is not even a veiled threat of a violent war in America. It is a call to arms, Jon Hinck said. A Naperville-based mobile pet food business opened a brick-and-mortar store this week in the Ogden Avenue corridor, one of several recent developments on Napervilles business front. Three months after Pet Wants franchise owner Jaclynn Berna and her husband, Evan, began offering fresh pet kibble for dogs and cats via free delivery, the couple has set up shop in the Twin Centers strip mall at 630 E. Ogden Ave. Jaclyn Berna said free delivery will continue throughout southern DuPage, Will and Kane counties. The business has been steadily growing since they started in early February, she said, and theyve exceeded sales expectations each month. Word-of-mouth has helped a ton, Berna said. Whats different about the Pet Wants franchise, she said, is the freshness of kibble, which is produced in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in franchisees hands within two days of it being made. Besides dry kibble, the store will sell the companys anti-itch sprays, healing salves and natural dog treats like jerky, grain-free biscuits, dried chicken hearts or minnows, and Chilean blue sea mussel. Berna said they also plan to offer other pet-related items. Plans are in the works to create a grooming space behind the retail operation, but that likely wont happen until winter, she said. In the interim, Berna is partnering with a dog trainer to offer classes in the vacant space. Two Bostons adds new location Two Bostons celebrated the opening of its seventh store in the independent pet boutiques chain with a Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting event at 1239 Naper Blvd. The location in the Market Meadows Shopping Center marks the business third location in Naperville. Two Bostons has a store in downtown Naperville at 103 W. Jefferson Ave. and in the Naperville Springbrook center at 2523 W. 75th St. Their other four stores are in Burr Ridge, Geneva, Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. Owners Andy and AdreAnne Tesene opened their first store 17 years ago in downtown Naperville. A grand opening is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, June 24, during which customers can play games, win prizes, take photos at a selfie station and get free treats for their pets. Simpson Tech moving to Naperville Simpson Technologies Corp. is relocating its headquarters and tech center from the business park on Shoreline Drive in Aurora to a 9,349-square-foot space at CityGate Centre in Naperville. The 10-year lease starts Nov. 1 and will bring the office building along Route 59 north of Interstate 88 to 88% occupancy. An innovator in metal casting technologies, Simpson equipment, services and production solutions are used in foundries in more than 65 countries. Simpson Technologies CEO Bruce Dienst said the company will receive visitors from around the world, and the CityGate campus provides all the amenities national and international visitors need when they visit Simpson. Chris Landis, Calamos Real Estate vice president and managing broker, said leasing at CityGate Centre continues to benefit from the move toward smaller footprints, statement spaces and upgraded amenities. Office space at CityGate Centre ranges from 200 square feet to more than 20,000 square feet. Anmol coming to Route 59 in 2024 A Milwaukee-based South Asian restaurant featuring fresh Halal dishes will be coming to Naperville in 2024, the company announced on its website. Anmol is Arabic for precious, and the Milwaukee location serves more than 25,000 guests every month. The Naperville storefront will be in the strip mall at 1550 N. Route 59. Enclave Coworking to hold grand opening Enclave, a new coworking space that doubles as a social club in downtown Naperville, will hold a grand opening event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16. Located on the upper floors of 218 S. Main St. above Jenis Ice Cream, Enclave offers a variety of workspace options, including private offices and shared spaces, and rooms to reserve for meetings. Besides private offices on the second floor, members can set up on the couches, arm chairs or at the bar in the lounge on the third floor. On the social side, Enclave members can end the workday by catching up with friends or participating in planned activities, such as yoga during the lunch hour and poker instruction night for women. Where to dine outdoors with Fido Looking for a place where you and your canine best friend can dine outdoors this summer? Downtown Naperville Alliance has compiled a list of some of the restaurants with dog-friendly patios in Naperville. They include: Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Catch 35, Davanti Enoteca, Egg Harbor Cafe, Einstein Bagel Bros., Everdines Grilled Cheese Co., Fat Rosies Taco and Tequila Bar, Features Bar & Grill, Fiamme, Front Street Cantera (front patio only), La Sorella di Francesca, MOD Pizza, Peanuts Bar & Grill, Quigleys Irish Pub, Rosebud Italian Specialties & Pizzeria, SixtyFour Wine Bar & Kitchen, Smokeshow BBQ, Tapville Social and Vasilis Mediterranean. subaker@tribpub.com In addition to supporting Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce members, Tyler Kneeskern also supports the community at large through educational programs and extra services such as an upcoming group tour of Greece that is open to the public. FREMONT - In December 2019, Tyler Kneeskern joined the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County to head a variety of departments, including membership, marketing and events. In April, he was named the chambers president and CEO. Between his start date and his advancement to president, COVID-19 altered the face of chamber work, and he just recently began to experience a normal chamber schedule. I started, and few months later, everything shut down. We had to navigate the COVID waters, Kneeskern said. Were just now getting back to the way things were before I started. That means Kneeskern is heading a full schedule of events and services that aid local businesses and the community at large, from Business After Hours meetings to group trips abroad. A full calendar is a good fit for Kneeskern, who has a degree in advertising and public relations from Loyola University in Chicago. Its been great. Its been very busy, he said. While a Loyola student, Kneeskern spent a semester studying abroad in Rome. The experience helped fuel his passion for travel. While I was there, I visited Florence, Milan and Paris, he said. A few years ago, a friend told me to pack my bags for somewhere warm, and we went to Mexico. We were more inland and visited some very historic towns. That was really fun. Chamber president organizing trip to Greece Kneeskern is utilizing his travel experience to organize a trip to Greece. The Sandusky County Chamber has partnered with Aventura World to offer a nine-day, seven-night trip to Greece from Nov. 3 to 11. The all-inclusive cost includes hotel stays, food, excursions and airfare from Detroit. The trip is open to anyone, not just chamber members. For information, visit www.scchamber.org/chamber-trip. Back in the chamber office, Kneeskern has been promoting cost-saving programs for members, including health insurance plans and gas and electric savings through the Chamber Energy Program. The program provides electric and natural gas supply savings for chamber members businesses and homes and their employees homes. Safety council meetings can save chamber members money Chamber members can receive a 3% rebate on Bureau of Workers Compensation premiums by attending 10 monthly meetings through the safety council program. Enrollment deadline for the program is July 31. Tyler Kneeskern, who was named CEO and president of the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County in April, is busy assisting local businesses through promotional services, savings programs and educational classes. Kneeskern will share his marketing knowledge with the public at a Canva Class for Beginners at Terra State Community College on June 30. Canva is a free graphic design platform used to create content for business and personal use. The class is free, but registration is required at www.eventbrite.com/e/canva-class-for-beginners-tickets-651049515627?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Chamber 'Shop Near Home' campaign wins award Although Kneeskern has only been with the chamber a few years, his efforts have already attracted national attention. His Shop Near Home for the Holidays campaign won an Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive award. The campaign was birthed during COVID-19 and used QR codes and ads to promote local businesses. It was a great experience for the businesses that participated and the shoppers who got to save money, he said. Chamber members and prospective members are welcome to attend Business After Hours events hosted onsite at member businesses. If you are interested in joining the chamber, this is an opportunity to check us out, meet chamber members and enjoy free food, Kneeskern said. After graduating from Loyola University, Kneeskern lived in San Diego before returning to Ohio to be near family. In his spare time, Kneeskern likes to hike, cook and travel with his 11-year-old pug, Roman. Im very close to my family in Tiffin. I cook meals almost every night for my grandma, he said. I live to travel with my pug. Hes been everywhere with me. He was in Chicago with me and in San Diego, and now were back in Ohio. All roads lead home. Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Kneeskern takes the helm at Sandusky County Chamber Heres what we know about the modified lockdown at Peninsula High and Purdy Elementary A threat that had multiple schools in the Gig Harbor area on modified lockdown Friday was not credible, a Peninsula School District spokesperson said. School district spokesperson Danielle Chastaine told the Gateway that Peninsula High School and the nearby Purdy Elementary School and district offices were on modified lockdown, which means classes go on as usual but exterior doors are locked. Asked for additional information about the threat, Chastaine reiterated that the threat was not credible and said district officials couldnt provide further information due to student privacy reasons. We asked the Pierce County Sheriffs Department to be on campus out of caution when students arrived, Chastaine said. They were there for about 30 minutes. Sheriffs Department spokesperson Sergeant Darren Moss Jr. told the Gateway that deputies arrived about 7 a.m. No law enforcement action was taken or needed, he said. We stayed at the school just in case. Moss said a student got a text early Friday that said there was going to be a fight at school involving guns. There was nothing to it, Moss said. Migrants look out the window as they ride a CTA bus leaving the High Ridge YMCA shelter to be transferred to Daley College on June 13, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) More than 10,000 asylum-seekers, mostly from Venezuela, have arrived in Chicago since August, after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, began putting recent refugees from Central and South America onto one-way buses to Chicago and other democratic cities, arguing that liberal sanctuary cities should readily take on more of the burden from the border crisis. The migrants have arrived on buses, planes and other means of transportation with help from not-for-profit organizations at the border and on their own from different states, after hearing from fellow asylum-seekers that in Chicago theres shelter and food available. Advertisement But city and state resources have not been able to keep up, most recently forcing migrants to sleep in police stations and galvanizing residents and faith-based groups to create makeshift shelters and even house the migrants themselves. Twelve temporary city-run shelters have opened throughout the city, including one at Wilbur Wright College and another one in Richard J. Daley College, an attempt to move migrants out of police stations but still without a clear plan of a more permanent future. Meanwhile, migrant children living in temporary shelters enrolled in Chicago Public Schools, giving families a semblance of normalcy in an otherwise intense state of transition. Volunteers are responding to needs by providing pop-up showers, clothing donations, hot meals, medical screenings and other temporary services. Communities are slowly getting used to the hundreds of new arrivals sleeping in abandoned schools, recreation centers and hotels in their neighborhoods. Advertisement Heres what to know about Chicagos migrant crisis. Whats happening in Chicago? Julianna Ovalles, from left, Maria Cortez and Oscar Bracho, all of Venezuela, listen to Samantha Oulavong teach an English lesson in Margaret Hie Ding Lin Park on June 8, 2023. Most of the group stays across the street at the Chicago Police Department's 1st District station. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Then-Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot declared a state of emergency in early May in response to the thousands of migrants who have settled in the city, often under harsh living conditions. The executive order marked the outgoing administrations grimmest prognosis yet on how Chicagos most vulnerable new arrivals will fare as the city braces for the imminent end of its runway on financial assistance. It came nine months after Abbott began putting recent refugees from Central and South America onto buses, which Lightfoot derided as a political stunt while also conceding the buses will not stop. More than 10,000 such migrants have since come to the city, and Mayor Brandon Johnson has called the situation wicked and unconscionable. He has promised to help the city come together to provide for those who wish to find real comfort here. Chicago is seeing its next big wave of new arrivals, however, despite the safety net that awaits them growing more frayed by the week. Families, including children and pregnant women, are still sleeping on the floor of crowded police stations, while more than a hundred daily new arrivals add to the need at untenable rates. Read more here. Catch up on the latest news. Migrants are more than just a number. Here are some of their stories. Volunteer Heather Kofke-Egger distributes yoga mats for sleeping to migrants sleeping in a police station Monday on May 22, 2023, at the 6th District in Gresham. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Without any governmental help, a small house of worship on Division Avenue, Adalberto Memorial United Methodist Church, has turned into a temporary shelter that has housed nearly 100 migrants. Many have transitioned into more permanent housing and found jobs, establishing a network within the group to lend each other a hand in their new home, Chicago. At the church, the migrants share their journeys, fears and dreams. As some move out, others make room for new arrivals by cleaning up the sleeping areas in between church pews. And during Sunday service, everyone those who have transitioned out and those who recently arrived is invited to have lunch together. Advertisement Beyond the new reality that migrants face and the story of their desperate need to flee their home countries to undergo a journey north where many are now homeless, are people who once had homes, and jobs. Read more here. Faces of volunteers: They provide more than donations and shelter to migrants in Chicago. They give love. Ricky Flores, right, hands out McDonalds to the first group of migrants as they wait to be taken on a CTA bus to a shelter shortly after arriving on a bus from Texas at Union Station on Aug. 31, 2022. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) The volunteers, parents who work full-time jobs, artists and even doctors, can be found at city- and community-run shelters and police stations, filling the gaps left by the city and state as government officials grapple with the lack of funding, resources and shelter space for the more than 10,000 asylum-seekers who have arrived since August. For the migrants, people such as Ricky Flores, a roofer by trade, are more than just volunteers: Theyre friends. Read more here. What is Title 42? The restrictions on asylum that have allowed the U.S. to quickly expel migrants are often referred to as Title 42, because the authority comes from Title 42 of a 1944 public health law that allows curbs on migration in the name of protecting public health. The end of Title 42s use has raised questions about what will happen with migration at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Biden administration is preparing for an increase in migrants. Read more here. Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Rep. Lauren Boebert tweeted on Saturday that the Pentagon views her as a security threat. Her information comes from a website with a history of conspiracy theories about COVID and vaccines. The Pentagon declined to comment. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado claimed on Saturday that the Pentagon considers her a security threat. Boebert tweeted on Saturday: "Apparently the Pentagon thinks I'm a security threat because I oppose Biden's plans for a woke military. Call me whatever you want, but I'm not backing down today or ever." Apparently the Pentagon thinks Im a security threat because I oppose Bidens plans for a woke military. Call me whatever you want, but Im not backing down today or ever. Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) June 10, 2023 Boebert's tweet appears to reference a post on TRMLX, a website run by anonymous writers and editors, that claims the Pentagon created a report in February 2021 that highlighted social media posts from prominent conservatives, including Boebert, as potential "security threats." The report, titled "Alternative Social Media Update 06 February 2021 (0600)," included screenshots of posts from figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, and others. That said, the site TRMLX has a checkered history. The site is run by the same anonymous authors as a military meme page called Terminal CWO, and both have trafficked in COVID and vaccine conspiracy theories. At one point Terminal CWO tweeted that while no children have died from COVID, the vaccine has killed many children, a statement that one of the site's authors admitted was false. A writer using the pseudonym "Danny," the same name used to write about Rep. Boebert being a security threat, told Military Times in 2021 that the claim that the COVID vaccine killed children was an attempt to "troll." "It was 100 percent a troll," Danny told Military Times. "They were frothing at the bait. They were just going off on our account, I mean, just the nastiest things you could say." "We cannot confirm the contents of the document or the veracity of those claims," a Defense official said when reached for comment regarding Boebert. Read the original article on Business Insider A family-owned, Colorado-based aviation company called Wilson Aerospace has filed a lawsuit accusing the giant military and NASA contractor Boeing of fraud and stealing their intellectual property. Wilson, which Boeing contracted between 2014 and 2016 to come up with solutions to attach engines to NASA's Space Launch System Moon rocket, also alleges that Boeing terminated said contract and came up with botched solutions that were "critically deficient in quality and performance," as quoted by Sky News. These tools, the lawsuit claims, led to leaks that delayed the launch of the massive rocket. Worse yet, Wilson accuses Boeing of putting astronauts' lives at risk by blundering its own take on the IP it allegedly stole from the family-owned outfit. "Boeing has not only stolen our intellectual property and damaged our company's reputation but has used the technology incorrectly and at the expense of astronauts' safety, which is beyond despicable," said the company's founder David Wilson, as quoted by the Denver Post. "I hope that this lawsuit will put a stop to Boeing's repeated practice of prioritizing its own profits over safety," he added. Needless to say, Wilson is making some very serious allegations here but whether they'll stand up in court remains to be seen. Boeing, for its part, has shot back, claiming that it was Wilson that seriously screwed up. "This lawsuit is rife with inaccuracies and omissions," Boeing told Reuters in a statement. "We will vigorously defend against this in court." According to the complaint, which was filed in Seattle federal court earlier this week, Boeing made "billions of dollars in revenue because of the infringement of Wilson's trade secrets" and is therefore asking for "all revenues and profits Boeing has obtained as a result." Wilson also alleges that Boeing stole its designs for special tools used by astronauts during spacewalks to install equipment for the International Space Station's life support system and airlocks. According to the suit, Boeing used a special wrench "in a manner non-conforming with its original design." One of Wilson's lawyers Lance Astrella even told CNBC that an earlier variation of the tool is still stuck on the ISS to this day. Wilson also claims Boeing wrongfully blamed subsequent leaks on Wilson's tool. "Boeing had accused them in public forums of having made a defective tool, and being honest folks, they took the position of, 'Gee we must have done something wrong,'" Astrella told the Denver Post. "They put a heck of a lot of time and effort into figuring out what they were doing wrong, which was nothing," he added. In short, there's clearly a lot of bad blood between the two companies. The lawsuit goes as far as to invoke the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster that killed seven astronauts in 2003, accusing Boeing of using "Wilson as a scapegoat for Boeing's fraudulent testing procedure and false calibration instructions." Since Boeing is still allegedly using Wilson's stolen IP without knowing how to properly make use of it, Boeing has built other products as well that have "critical safety flaws that put lives at risk," Wilson claimed in his statement. Again, Wilson is making some extremely serious accusations, and Boeing will likely throw some weight behind its efforts to dismiss them in court. It's hard what to make of the situation. Did Boeing really take advantage of a much smaller contractor and infringe on its IP? Could Boeing's allegedly careless actions really have led to leaks on board the ISS and even the Columbia? Or is this a messy case of a partnership gone bad? For now, all we can do is wait and see as this particularly hairy case develops. More on Boeing: NASA Paying SpaceX Half of Boeing's Price to Launch Astronauts Jackie Goldberg Amid anti-LGBTQ+ protests at schools, the Los Angeles Unified School Districts board, led by its out president Jackie Goldberg, has taken a stand for diversity and inclusion. The L.A. Unified board unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday in support of the LGBTQ+ community, the Los Angeles Times reports. It reads that the district proclaims and commemorates June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, October as LGBTQ+ History Month, as well as October 11th as National Coming Out Day, November 20th as Transgender Day of Remembrance, March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility, and April 12th as Day of Silence. It also encourages schools to incorporate LGBTQ+ lessons throughout the year. The adoption came after Jackie Goldberg, president of the board, read from a childrens book titled The Great Big Book of Families and gave an impassioned speech. Some parents at Saticoy Elementary School in the North Hollywood section of L.A. had protested over a Pride assembly at the school that included the reading of that book, and during the protest there were physical altercations between protesters and counterprotesters. A Pride flag was burned at one point. Goldberg noted that the book has one sentence that says some families have two mothers or two fathers. Parents of Saticoy students had been told their children didnt have to attend the assembly if the parents or children were uncomfortable with it, she said. Ive been confronting this issue my entire life, Goldberg, a lesbian, longtime activist, and former Los Angeles City Council member, said after reading from the book. I have been threatened. I have been harassed. I have been denied jobs because of who I am and who I love. \u201c\ud83d\udea8 Please watch this video In it\u2019s entirety \ud83d\udea8 Ms. Jackie Goldberg of the Los Angeles Unified School District says it in a way we all need to hear. Growth is a choice. #thursdaymorning #LAUSD #Pride #PrideMonth #Parents #books #teachers\u201d Ryan Shead (@Ryan Shead) 1686242391 She said some protesters at Saticoy said they couldnt be homophobic because they have gay relatives, which she called B.S. You can be homophobic and have a gay friend, a gay neighbor, a gay son, a gay anything, she said. Talk to all the gay kids that get thrown out of their houses and onto the streets by parents who say I wont have you in my house any longer, and tell me that having a gay relative means youre not homophobic. Those who protested, Goldberg said, did so based on hearsay from agitators from outside their community who saw an opportunity to take advantage of the real fears of people. She added that she doesnt expect anyone to love or accept her but just to treat her with the same respect they show any other person. The protests made every gay kid and gay worker in the city afraid, she said. How dare you make them afraid because you are? she continued. Her son was harassed for having two moms, but her grandchildren havent been, and thats progress, she said. She also promised that no one in the district will ever sexualize children, as the far right has baselessly accused LGBTQ+ activists of doing. Those who believe this might happen are invited to review curriculum materials, attend assemblies with their children, and opt their kids out of assemblies they find objectionable, she said. She doesnt believe in forcing anyone to do anything that violates their values, as we dont all have to agree, she concluded. Videos of her speech have gone viral, receiving hundreds of thousands of views. Goldbergs speech and the adoption of the resolution came the same night as protests in a neighboring school district, in the L.A. suburb of Glendale. The Glendale Unified School Board was scheduled to vote on a resolution proclaiming Pride Month, and anti-LGBTQ+ protesters clashed with LGBTQ+ rights supporters outside the board office. Three people were arrested. The board, however, ended up adopting the resolution. MACKINAC ISLAND, Michigan Liz Cheney has no regrets. The former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming stands by the strong stance she took against President Donald Trump after the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and his actions to overturn the results of the presidential election. For her efforts on the congressional committee investigating Jan. 6, as well as her vote to impeach Trump, Cheney lost her primary last year. But her conscience is clear. Cheney also continues to maintain that for the good of the country, the Republican Party must move beyond the cult of personality surrounding Trump and instead prioritize defending the U.S. Constitution and our intrinsic freedoms. Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney speaks at the Mackinac Policy Conference on June 1, 2023, on Mackinac Island, Mich. Cheney spoke Thursday to the Detroit Regional Chambers Mackinac Policy Conference, Michigans premier annual gathering of business and political leaders. Betsy DeVos: Trumps actions on Jan. 6 were line in the sand that led to resignation Trump unleashes DeSantis deepfake: GOP should support a grownup for president. Right now we have one party that has embraced insurrection, one party that is willingly trapped in a cult of personality, and that's a really dangerous place for us to be, Cheney said. I don't think you can look at today's Republican Party and say that it is any kind of a healthy institution. Liz Cheney as a third-party candidate? Theres been much speculation about Cheneys future political ambitions, and while she didnt make any big announcement Thursday, she definitely left open the possibility of a presidential run. The 2024 GOP presidential field is becoming increasingly crowded, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Vice President Mike Pence are expected to announce their campaigns soon. Cheney seems to be positioning herself for a White House bid as well. She has a book coming out later this year, Oath and Honor, detailing what happened on Jan. 6 and the fears she still has about the future of the country. Rather than join the Republican fray, however, Cheney indicated shes considering a third-party option, saying she wouldnt rule it out. Third-party candidates in the past have rarely done well. Yet with 70% of the country not wanting to see a rematch between President Joe Biden and Trump, there could be more interest in a third option. Who wants Trump? Many Republicans don't want Trump to be the 2024 GOP nominee. But Democrats sure do. I think that this is a moment where the tectonic plates of our politics are shifting, and they're shifting because the peril is so real, Cheney said. I don't know whether that means we will have a third-party candidate. We need people who are serious. We need people who are sane. The bipartisan group No Labels seeks to find a strong third-party candidate and is gaining steam nationally to identify and fund a third option. The challenge for any candidate especially a third-party one is to get on the ballot in every state, which takes considerable funding. The prospect of a credible third-party candidate is intriguing, and one that could appeal to both Republican and Democratic moderates. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., campaigns for Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., in Lansing on Nov. 1, 2022. I am a conservative Cheney made it clear that while she is standing up to Trump and other election deniers who have flooded the GOP, her conservative ideals remain solidly intact. She has previously said she believes in the principles of limited government and a strong national defense, and she stands by them. Is GOP's 'big tent' shrinking? Traditional conservatives find themselves without a home. Last fall, Cheney raised a lot of eyebrows when she came to Michigan to campaign for the reelection of Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat. That doesnt mean her political stance has changed, she said. Rather, Cheney felt compelled to support a former colleague who wants the best for the country, even if Slotkin is on the other side of the aisle. USA TODAY columnist Ingrid Jacques For her actions, Cheney said she has been slapped with the Republican in name only label, including by Trump. Shes no RINO, however. I think the most conservative of all conservative principles is allegiance to the Constitution, she said. And I am a conservative. Email Ingrid Jacques, a columnist at USA TODAY, at ijacques@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Liz Cheney for president? Trump critic considers third-party campaign Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street - Frank Augstein/AP People knew what they were doing when they voted for Boris Johnson in 2019. They knew that he was a disruptor, a corner-cutter, a man with no time for norms or niceties. They sensed that, like Nietzsches Blond Beast, Johnson transcended the rules. And they got precisely what they had voted for. These were the qualities that led Johnson to break the deadlock in Parliament, beat Jeremy Corbyn and deliver Brexit. It was his impatience with process that gave Britain the fastest vaccine rollout of any major country on Earth. Johnsons victories left his opponents dumbfounded. They had dismissed him as a buffoon. Yet he took his party from 8.8 per cent of the vote at the 2019 European election to 42.4 per cent seven months later, and went on to lead Britain out of their beloved EU. The figure they had taken for a clown had belaboured them, not with an inflated bladder, but with a real crowbar, leaving them broken. No wonder they wanted revenge. When I say they, I mean those who never reconciled themselves to Brexit: Conservative as well as Opposition MPs, broadcasters, columnists and, not least, many senior civil servants. Against this complot of grandees, Boris for a while had his mandate. Many Tories knew that people who would never vote for the Conservatives had been happy to vote for Boris. But, when the pandemic hit, the mood changed. A frightened country was in no mood for jokes, and the qualities that had attracted people to Johnson in the first place his cheerfulness, his ability to laugh at himself, his optimism began to grate. Boris was suddenly stranded as a Falstaff in a nation new-peopled with Malvolios. As the lockdown dragged on, fear gave way to resentment. Even those who had demanded the toughest restrictions began to chafe at their consequences, to look for someone to blame. It was Johnsons supreme misfortune to come shambling into their line of sight at this precise moment, accused of breaking the rules that he had imposed on everyone else. The PM, it seemed, had been partying while his rules had forced families apart and kept people from dying loved ones. Such was the mood that qualifications and defences became impossible. No one wanted to hear that an office break with colleagues was not, in any normal sense of the word, a party. No one wanted to be reminded that other key workers had posted cheerful dance videos. No one wanted to be told that Johnson, too, had gone unvisited in hospital, and that he had been prevented from seeing his own mother, who died not long afterwards that he had, in fact, obeyed the same rules as the rest of us. No, we wanted a sin-eater, a scapegoat. And who better than the man who had been pushed into decreeing the lockdown in the first place? Ah, you say, but the Privileges Committee investigation isnt about these things. It isnt about the 2019 election or Brexit. It isnt about whether people sang Happy Birthday to Johnson in the cabinet room. It is narrowly about whether he deceived Parliament. Now deceiving Parliament is unpardonable. An MP can get away with drunkenness, or adultery, but not with lying at the Despatch Box. All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. Still, I cannot for the life of me see, on the basis of the evidence they have heard, how the committee can ever conclude that the former PM concocted a deliberate lie. There was one occasion when Johnson told MPs that whatever happened, the guidance was followed and the rules were followed at all times. It may be that, that time, he fluffed his lines, for it seems that his briefings referred only to the rules, not to the guidance. But does it strike you as plausible that this was calculated deceit rather than imprecise wording? You might say that I am doing what I am accusing Johnsons enemies of doing, namely determining his guilt or innocence on the basis of whether I like him. And it is certainly true that, just as those clamouring loudest for his removal were generally already anti-Boris and anti-Brexit, so those insisting on his innocence make no secret of their desire to see him back in Downing Street. Well, not me. Once you resign, you resign. Fond as I am of my former Telegraph colleague, he has had his chance. Nor do I buy the idea that we are somehow being governed by a cabal of Euro-nostalgic wets. Rishi Sunak, unlike Johnson, is a lifelong Eurosceptic. As Chancellor, he tried to hold the then PM back from writing cheques left, right and centre. It was thanks to the Thatcherite Chancellor, not the big-spending PM, that we were not locked down all over again when, at the end of 2021, the scientists were scare-mongering about Omicron. The readiness of some Johnsonians to blame the current PM for the conclusions of an independent committee does them little credit. This is not about Sunak. It is about the nonsensical way in which politicians can be brought down by committees of other politicians, including their opponents. It is about whether any minister can in future have his or her career ended for saying something in good faith that later turns out to be incorrect. It is, in the end, about whether a serious country turfs out its leader, not because he has immiserated it, or lost a war, or broken his promises, but because he was found in the vicinity of uneaten cake. Who are the real clowns here? 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. In one year, the regime of self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has delivered 131,582 tonnes of ammunition to Russia. Source: MotolkoPomogi (MotolkoHelp), a project run by Belarusian journalist and analyst Anton Motolko, with reference to data from the Society of Railway Workers of Belarus Details: The Society of Railway Workers of Belarus has published data on the export of ammunition from the territory of Belarus to the Russian Federation and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine for the 13 months from January 2022 to February 2023. The data indicates that the volume of ammunition exported during those 13 months amounted to 131,582 tonnes - an average of about 10,121 tonnes per month. The volumes were ten times smaller prior to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine and began to rise immediately after 24 February 2022. In January and February 2022, 203 tonnes [of ammunition] was exported to the Russian Federation, but by March 2022, that figure was 12.5 times higher 2,558 tonnes. In terms of ammunition export to Russia over the entire analysed period, the peak 29,741 tonnes was reached the following month, in April 2022. The month with the second highest volumes was January 2023, with 24,421 tonnes. The largest exports during the analysed period were carried out from nine railway stations in Belarus. Most of the ammunition was transported from the 43rd missile and ammunition arsenal (Dobrush railway station) 33,032 tonnes; the 46th missile and ammunition arsenal (Bronnaja Hara railway station) 28,507 tonnes; and the 1405th artillery base (Osipovich-1 railway station) 25,237 tonnes. Exports were also carried out from the following railway stations: Tsentrolit (20,833 tonnes), Bobr (7,993 tonnes), Rechitsa (10,523 tonnes), Baranovichi-Tsentr (1,064 tonnes), Novobelitskaya (3,588 tonnes) and Stepyanka (805 tonnes). Not all of the ammunition supplied by the Lukashenko regime to Russia was exported to the Russian Federation. Some was sent directly to the temporarily occupied territories in Ukraine, including Crimea, and to Russian-occupied territory in Georgia. The stations to which the largest volumes were delivered were: Bryansk-Lgovsky (Bryansk, Bryansk Oblast) 25,022 tonnes; Tikhonky (Krasnodar Oblast) 11,344 tonnes; and Alekseyevka (Alekseyevka, Belgorod Oblast) -10,513 tonnes. Ammunition was delivered to the following stations in occupied Crimea: Kirovska (3,335 tonnes), Solone Ozero (3,852 tonnes), Dzhankoi (561 tonnes) and Armiansk (1,800 tonnes). 7,768 tonnes of ammunition was also delivered to Lukovsky station in North Ossetia. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Man arrested after breaking into Florida theme park, hopping into alligator enclosure and filming video for social media, authorities say A man is accused of breaking into a Florida theme park, jumping into an alligator enclosure and filming a video for social media a dangerous stunt that authorities say led to his arrest. Police in Tampa Bay say Jacob Pursifull, 20, hopped a fence to enter Busch Gardens theme park illegally on June 1. He and two others went to the parks alligator enclosure, which is outfitted with two layers of metal fencing, footage of the incident shows. Authorities say Pursifull entered the enclosure while one of the people with him recorded him, according to a news release from the Tampa Police Department. Onlookers can be seen in a video posted to social media showing Pursifull inside the enclosure, with some shouting at him to get out and that it was dangerous to get that close to the reptiles. Footage of the incident went viral online. Another wild Karen. Crikey! Pursifull can be heard saying in a clip cited by CNN affiliate WBBH. It is unclear whether Pursifull has legal representation. Authorities say he posted a video of the incident to social media. No video of the incident currently appears on social media accounts appearing to belong to Pursifull. According to Tampa police, Jacob Pursifull "jumped over a fence to unlawfully enter the park" and entered the alligator enclosure. - Tampa Police Department Tampa police say leads from social media helped investigators identify and arrest Pursifull. He was taken into custody Monday on charges of theft of services, trespassing and burglary of an occupied structure, according to the release from police and the Hillsborough County jails website. Pursifull was released on $8,500 bond Tuesday, booking information showed. It is unclear whether the two other people who police say snuck into the theme park with Pursifull will face charges. The Tampa Police Department did not immediately respond to an inquiry from CNN. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booths daughter Jianna watches as Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs the 2024 fiscal year budget on June 7, 2023, at the Christopher House in Chicago's Belmont Cragin neighborhood. The Early Childhood Block Grant, aimed at improving access to preschool, is a considerable chunk of the budget. (Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune) The Illinois State Board of Education has until Wednesday to encourage school districts, child care centers, community centers and other organizations in preschool desert areas to apply for the Early Childhood Block Grant, which is a considerable chunk of the 2024 budget aimed at improving access to preschool signed Wednesday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The grant is part of the governors Smart Start initiative, which increases funding for child care providers and invests in early childhood facilities. Advertisement The total appropriation to ISBE for the Early Childhood Block Grant for 2024 is approximately $673 million, with $75 million of the budget allocated specifically to put Illinois on a path to creating more than 20,000 new pre-K spots. Weve never seen a budget in the state of Illinois that really prioritizes education the way this one does, state Superintendent Tony Sanders said Friday. I think everybody is beginning to recognize not just in the education sector, but even in the corporate sector the importance of early childhood education. It is clear from all the research that its the best investment we can make in our childrens future and the future of our state. Advertisement And ISBEs top priority is to reach over 50 regional areas throughout the state that have insufficient publicly funded preschool seats to serve at least 80% of 3- and 4-year-old children from low-income families. Illinois ranks eighth in the nation for preschool enrollment, but the list of preschool deserts is extensive, said Sanders, adding that there are thousands of children across 178 cities and towns in Illinois without access to preschool. Working with Gov. Pritzker, I know one of his priorities was to see exactly where we were lacking seats across Illinois, Sanders said. And that was one of the reasons and catalysts for the Smart Start program when he saw in numbers the needs that we had across the state. ISBE provides a priority list on its website that identifies those district regions, counties and ZIP codes classified as preschool deserts. Toward the bottom of the webpage near the toggle map, Slots needed means the number of additional preschool seats the area needs in order to serve 80% of low-income 3- and 4-year-old children. Based on the map, Cook County requires approximately 3,470 more preschool seats to accommodate preschool-aged children not enrolled in an early childhood program. Skokie School District 68, for example, serves only 48% of 3- and 4-year-old children from low-income families. Glenview Community Consolidated School District 34 isnt meeting the needs at all and requires 270 preschool slots to accommodate 3- to 4-year-olds eligible for early childhood education. Outside of school districts, the grant application is open to regional offices of education, university laboratory schools approved by ISBE, charter schools, area vocational centers, public or private day care centers, and community centers providing early childhood education. Sana Bhojani, executive director at Mosaic Early Childhood Center in Skokie, said she is applying for the Preschool For All expansion, one of three types of programs providers can apply for within the Early Childhood Block Grant. Bhojani said her center, which serves children from age 6 weeks to 12 years, would use the grant toward new materials and to expand its hours. Advertisement Ideally, wed like to open up a couple more classrooms and take on more staff, she said Friday. Weve always said we want extra classroom staff, so if funds come in, we can get that. She said the preschool ratio at Mosaic Early Childhood Center is currently 10 students to one teacher. ISBE officials noted that providers could apply for funding the salaries of the teachers who will teach additional students. Still, providers cannot apply for funding to increase wages for existing programs. The state board said this funding is to increase access rather than increase the quality of existing programs. Bhojani said that education centers, much like public and private day care centers, are often misunderstood or not given credit where its due. Were really trying to push that its not babysitting. We call it school, she said. Even when somebody comes with an infant, we say, Oh, theyre going to be in school, and theyre going to be a student. We have full lesson plans, and the state board has curriculums that we follow and use in our classrooms. And those are tested and studied curriculums. Because the center doesnt follow district boundaries, students from areas outside of Skokie can attend as well, and they are typically always full except for one or two slots left at any given time, Bhojani said. Advertisement Bhojani noted that early childhood centers stress the importance of social and emotional learning, starting even before children are eligible for preschool. The governors budget leans heavily toward children and education opportunities for young kids, making it easier for Republicans and Democrats to get behind, said state Senate President Don Harmon. Every dollar we spend today on kids, from the time theyre conceived until they head off to kindergarten, is maybe the best money we can spend, Harmon said Friday. It comes back to us dressed up as an awful lot more money and in medium and long-term savings. The challenge has always been the extra resources you need to get over the hump. But it has been easy to convince our Democratic colleagues in the caucus, and it wasnt evidenced in votes on the budget. Still, Republicans support early childhood intervention education and care as well. Since the governor first floated the idea of a free preschool-for-all system, educators across the state wondered how demand could be met from an infrastructure standpoint. Harmon said there is money for infrastructure for early childhood education providers, but districts have to be willing to play the long game. Remember, this is not a snap your fingers, and everything is in place proposal, he said. We were able to pass the Kindergarten For All initiative to make sure that all-day kindergarten is available. Not every family will take up that offer, but well make sure its available in the state over the next year or so. This is a long-term commitment and one thats overdue. Advertisement Along with the grant option to expand preschool to five hours, the Early Childhood Block Grant provides half-day Preschool For All, which would be 2.5 hours per day with licensed teachers and a standards-aligned curriculum. Another option is the Prevention Initiative, which includes home visiting and center-based programs that provide intensive, research-based and comprehensive child development and family support services for expectant parents and families with children from birth to age 3. Because Chicago Public Schools receives a separate grant for early childhood services, which it uses to offer pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds districtwide, the Early Childhood Block Grant prioritizes applicants outside Chicago. Heather Pruett, regional council manager for Birth to Five Illinois, has been integral in closing preschool deserts in the state. Her team assists with accessing, understanding and utilizing preschool desert data in funding applications in Region 13, which includes Clinton, Jefferson, Washington and Marion counties. Pruett said 10 communities have been identified as a preschool deserts in Region 13. There are several areas where there is an extensive waitlist to get into a preschool program, Pruett said. And for some of these priority areas, parents have to travel a little bit farther outside of where they live to access preschool. So increasing slots in these higher poverty areas, where the slots dont currently exist, will be really beneficial for those families. Advertisement Sanders said he highly encourages any qualified early childhood provider to take advantage of the grant opportunity by the June 14 deadline. Take a look at the desert areas; look at the application process. And, please, get your applications in, he said. For more information, visit isbe.net/preschool. zsyed@chicagotribune.com Man believed to be homeless charged with fatally shooting another man in North Linden Columbus police use crime scene tape to cordon off a homicide in this file photo. A man believed to be homeless has been charged with fatally shooting another man Friday during an argument in North Linden, Columbus police said. At about 1:40 p.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 1900 block of Denune Avenue, Columbus police said. Responding officers found 32-year-old Rapheal Jones suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Columbus Division of Fire medics transported Jones, whom records indicate resided in Gahanna, to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in critical condition, where he was pronounced deceased at 2:46 p.m. Jones and Sir Robert Martin-Sydnor, 28, were arguing when Martin-Sydnor pulled out a handgun and shot Jones, police said. Martin-Sydnor ran from the scene, possibility in possession of a backpack that belonged to Jones. Homicide Database: Here's where homicides have occurred in Columbus Homicide detectives obtained a warrant charging Martin-Sydnor with murder in connection with Jones death. Police said Martin-Sydnor is believed to be homeless and was recently living in an inoperable vehicle parked near where the murder occurred. As of Friday night, police were still searching for Martin-Sydnor. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to Columbus police homicide Detective Scott Polgar at 614-645-4196 or SPolgar@ColumbusPolice.org or to call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477). @Colebehr_report Cbehrens@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Man dead after argument turns to fatal gunfire in North Linden A Maricopa County Superior Court judge sentenced a Phoenix man to 13 years in prison for manslaughter after he admitted to chasing a man off his mother's property and stabbing him to death. Darius Moore, 27, pled guilty on May 5 for the manslaughter of Fredrick Morris after a nine-day trial ended in a mistrial. Based on the plea agreement, he was facing 10 to 21 years in prison. On Friday, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge David Cunanan ordered Moore to 13 years in prison. Morris's murder On May 15, 2021, Moore was sleeping in his car, which was parked on his mothers driveway. According to court documents, he and his sister had an argument, and he was not allowed inside. Moore woke up to Morris knocking on his car door window. According to court records, Moore told Morris to leave him alone and told him to leave. Moore was anxious because he had heard gunshots not long before Morris came up to him, and he had experienced being shot before, according to Moore's attorney Kyle Green. Morris didnt leave, and Moore got into a fight with Morris. At some point during the struggle, Moore pulled out a long knife and stabbed Morris more than 20 times. 'Canal killings': Bryan Miller gets the death penalty for murdering 2 Phoenix women Morris, according to the autopsy report, had been under the influence of drugs when he approached Moore. Morris tried to escape, but Moore chased him and killed him on a lawn across the street from Moores car. The state initially charged Moore with second-degree murder, which, under state law, means that Moore intended to kill Morris because he chased him. But during the trial, Green argued the murder was sudden and reckless, which better qualified it as manslaughter instead. Though the case went to trial, it was declared a mistrial because a few jurors were caught talking about the case outside of court, something jurors are not allowed to do because it could lead to outside sources influencing their ruling. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office offered Moore a plea deal and the case never went back to court. Jesse Wilson: Adoptive mother of dead boy released from jail on own recognizance Sentencing The sentencing became the venue for the closing arguments prosecutors and defense lawyers were denied at trial, because of the misconduct of the jurors. Maricopa County Deputy Attorney Gregory Bizzozero argued that Moore should be put away for the maximum allowed: 21 years. He claimed that Moore tried to hide a murder weapon when he placed the knife behind the gate of his mothers home, that the murder was excessively violent and painful, and that Moore would be a danger to others. Moores attorney, Green, told the judge that on the night of the murder, Moore was not looking to get into a fight or out to hurt anyone. Rather, he was "minding his own business" in his car when Mr. Morris walked up to Moore and continued to bother him after Moore told him to leave. He also told the court that Moore was not trying to hide the knife, explaining that as soon as police arrived, Moore told them where the knife was. Moores mother was the only person not directly involved with the case to speak during sentencing. She told the judge that the weight of what her son had done weighed heavily on her and that she grieved both Morriss death and the pain it caused his family. She explained to the judge that this murder had been provoked and that if given the chance, she would get her son the help needed. I ask that you have some leniency towards my son, and I will do whatever it takes to make this right with this right with my son, she said. The judge ultimately decided that Moore should serve 13 years in prison with 756 days of credit from the time Moore had already served in jail. He took into account that this was Moore's only issue with the law. He also acknowledged that while Moore didnt start the fight, he did chase Morris and stab him an excessive amount of times. If you had retreated that point or done nothing, we would have been in a very different story in terms of your sentencing in terms of culpability, he told Moore. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man pleads guilty, sentenced to 13 years for 2021 Avondale killing Marion City Council will hear the final reading of two ordinances related to the municipal income tax code when it meets on Monday evening. The two measures have generated quite a bit of debate during meetings over the past month. Councilman Ayers Ratliff, 2nd Ward, proposed both ordinances. Ordinance 2023-028 would amend the section of the local tax code (Marion City Code Chapter 194.091) that requires city residents age 16 and older to "file an annual municipal income tax return with the Municipality, regardless of income or liability." Ratliff contends that asking people who are not required to pay the local income tax to still file a tax form is an undo burden on those residents who fall into that category and a waste of resources and time it takes the auditor's office to process those forms. Ratliff has proposed amending the code to eliminate the age requirement for filing an income tax return and only require residents to file an income tax return if they have an annual income that is $500 or more. The amended portion of code - Chapter 194.091(A)(1) - would read as follows if Ordinance 2023-028 receives approval from city council: "An annual return with respect to the income tax levied on Municipal Taxable Income by the Municipality shall be completed and filed by every taxpayer for any taxable year for which the taxpayer is subject to the tax, except if the income subject to the tax is less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00)." Additionally, Chapter 194.091 (A)(3) would read as follows, if the amendment is approved by city council: "All resident individual taxpayers, 16 years of age and older, shall file an annual municipal income tax return with the Municipality, regardless of income or liability. except if the income subject to the tax is less than Five Hundred Dollars ($ 500.00)." Marion Auditor Miranda Meginness and Deputy Auditor Marden Watts have expressed their opposition to the amendment, both in discussions during the Jobs and Economic Development Committee meetings and regular council meetings. Watts stated during the May 22 meeting that he believes the amendment would create contradictions within the city's tax code, be difficult to explain to residents, and have an adverse effect on other parts of the city tax code, including definitions of terminology. Ordinance 2023-029 would amend Marion City Code Chapter 194.081 that applies to the credit for income tax paid to other municipalities by those Marion residents whose jobs are in other locations. City code currently allows for a 50% credit on income tax Marion residents pay to other municipalities. In short, the Ratliff amendment would provide Marion residents who work outside of the city and pay that municipality's income tax with a 100% credit, if the ordinance is approved by city council. Ratliff contends that Marion residents who pay income tax to the municipalities where they work as well as the local income tax are unfairly "double taxed" in an economic atmosphere where individual and family incomes are already burdened. Councilmen Mike Neff, 6th Ward, and Aaron Rollins, At-large, have both expressed support for the proposed ordinance in previous meetings. The auditor's office has also expressed opposition to this amendment, stating that Marion would lose an estimated $311,000 in income due to the 100% credit. Watts said that figure was based on 2022 credit amount. Marion mayoral candidate Bill Collins has also voiced opposition to the proposed tax credit increase, citing the fact that the city's bond rating was revoked earlier this year by S&P Global Ratings due to the ongoing issues completing the 2021 and 2022 financial audits. In a letter to city council dated May 21, Collins said he is "not comfortable" that anyone knows what the actual economic impact of the proposed tax credit would be on the city. He advised waiting until 2024 to "figure out exactly where the city stands financially." Marion City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at City Hall. To see the agenda for the meeting, go to the City of Marion website www.marionohio.us. To listen to audio recordings of Marion City Council meetings, go to the City of Marion Ohio YouTube account. Last meeting for Cornelius Monday's meeting will be the final one for Councilman Brett Cornelius, At-large. Cornelius is a Lutheran minister and has accepted a senior pastor position with a church in Vandalia, Illinois. He said he and his wife will be moving there next week. Despite announcing publicly on May 7 that he is moving away from Marion, Cornelius, a Republican, has yet to tender his resignation to city council. He is expected to do that at Monday's meeting. The Marion County Republican Party Central Committee now has the task of finding a replacement for Cornelius. Chairman Ken Stiverson told the Star that Cornelius informed him about his decision to leave Marion on May 8. Stiverson said the GOP central committee has begun the work of seeking a replacement for Cornelius. Cornelius is the second member of Marion City Council to resign from office during this term, which commenced Jan. 1, 2022, and will end Dec. 31 2023. Councilman Kai Meade, 1st Ward, resigned last July because his family purchased a house outside of city limits, thus making him ineligible to hold office. Meade, a Democrat, was replaced by Jeff Gerritsen, who was appointed by the Marion County Democratic Party Central Committee last August. Email: ecarter@gannett.com | Twitter: @AndrewACCarter This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Marion City Council to consider amendments to tax code on Monday Marlon Wayans was kicked off a United Airlines flight after a dispute over too many carry-on bags Marlon Wayans. Jason Mendez/Getty Images Actor Marlon Wayans complained about being kicked off a United Airlines flight on Friday. He said he had a dispute with a gate agent who told him to check in his carry-on bags. Denver police said he was given a citation for "disturbing the peace." Actor Marlon Wayans said he was kicked off a United Airlines flight hours before he was due on stage over a dispute with a gate agent about checking in a bag. Wayans took to Instagram to complain to his six million followers about being denied entry onto the Denver to Kansas City flight. "Bro claimed i had too many bags so i complied and consolidated them he was like "oh now you have to check that bag". Bye," he wrote. "I'm going to miss my shows tonight because of a gate agent at United Airlines," he said in the video. "Just sometimes you come across a dick. United, pick better people to work for you." A witness told TMZ that the "White Chicks" star was angered by being told to check his back in during boarding and claimed that the actor slammed his ticket on the counter before boarding the plane. The witness said that the gate agent couldn't stop Wayans from boarding so called security. A spokesperson for United told TMZ: "In Denver on Friday, a customer who had been told he would have to gate-check his bag instead pushed past a United employee at the jetbridge and attempted to board the aircraft. The customer won't be flying on United to his destination." TMZ reported that Wayans was escorted off the plane about 30 minutes later, at which point the police arrived. A spokesperson for the Denver Police Department told TMZ that Wayans was given a citation for disturbing the peace following the incident. Wayans made three other Instagram posts about the incident, revealing that he made it to Kansas City on an American Airlines flight later that day. In his posts, he spoke extensively about his anger towards the "rude and wrong" gate agent and called for him to be reprimanded. A few of Wayans' famous friends weighed in in the comment section, with Snoop Dogg suggesting he "fly private" because he is "a boss." Read the original article on Business Insider curiosity rover on mars next to a small reddish-brown hill NASA's Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance are exploring uncharted territory which means their mission teams have to come up with lots of names to fill the new maps they're putting together. Monikers have been supplied for thousands of sizable geological features on Mars , like hills, mountains, dry river beds and craters, as happens here on Earth as well. But NASA scientists also name much more diminutive features on the Red Planet, christening objects from large boulders down to tiny pebbles. Naming a pebble here on Earth would be seen as pretty eccentric behavior, so why do Mars scientists do it? And how are these names chosen? In a new NASA video, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) geologist Tina Seeger explains the process involved in the naming of Mars rocks, drill targets and other locations the agency's surface missions explore. "Just like on Earth, geologists on Mars rely on familiar names on a map to understand the landscape and communicate with each other about the rocks seen by the rovers," said Seeger, a doctoral student who's a collaborator on the Curiosity and Perseverance rover missions. "Curiosity and Perseverance are located in different craters more than 2,000 miles [3,200 kilometers] from each other and naming rocks in those craters after places on Earth." Related: 12 amazing photos from the Perseverance rover's 1st year on Mars curiosity rover on mars next to a small reddish-brown hill Examples of Martian names There are two main categories of names given to objects on Mars. Some are given official names, while others receive nicknames. As an example, the Perseverance rover is currently investigating rock outcrops alongside the rim of Belva Crater , a large impact crater within the even larger Jezero Crater . Belva is named after a town in West Virginia, which in turn is named after Belva Ann Lockwood, an American lawyer who was one of the first women in the U.S. to run for president. Jezero, meanwhile, means "lake" in many Slavic languages. Perseverance's older cousin Curiosity recently drilled a rock sample from a location known as "Ubajara," which is named after a national park in Brazil. While Jezero and Bela are official names, "Ubajara" is a nickname an unofficial moniker. "Official names get assigned by the International Astronomical Union, which has strict guidelines for features across the whole solar system . Small craters on Mars must be named after small towns," Seeger pointed out. "Smaller features like rocks, cliffs, meteorites those get nicknames chosen by the rover teams that are not official, but they do stick." While this may seem arbitrary, Seeger said it's an improvement over how names were chosen in the past. "In the '90s, they came up with names on the fly, and that's why you got silly names like 'Barnacle Bill' [and] 'Indiana Jones.' Going back to Pathfinder, a rock looked like the face of Yogi Bear and got the name 'Yogi Rock,'" she said, referring to NASA's Pathfinder lander-rover mission , which landed on Mars in 1997. "But now we compile a list of names ahead of time based on different themes," she added. "We draw a grid on the map where each square is a different quadrant that represents a different theme." Related stories: Water on Mars: Exploration and evidence Happy anniversary, Perseverance! NASA rover marks 2 years on Mars Perseverance rover collects Mars samples rich in 'organic matter' for future return to Earth While the Curiosity team has selected names from South America and Scotland, Perseverance's handlers pick names from national parks around the world. "Drilled rock samples that Perseverance has dropped for collection also have names like 'Bearwallow," which is named after a hiking trail in Shenandoah National Park," Seeger continued. "One of my favorite Curiosity targets is called 'Bonanza King,' which is named after the Bonanza King Rock formation near Death Valley." The geologist also highlighted terrain visited by Perseverance that resembles a strip of bacon when viewed from space. It therefore jokingly received the nickname the " Bacon Strip ." And she has some ideas of what she would name a Martian rock, should she get the chance. "I spent seven summers as the Night Skies ranger at Mount Rainier National Park, so I'd probably pick something named after Mount Rainier or a place that's special to me inside the park," Seeger concluded. "Luckily, I got to map the Mount Rainier quadrant in Jezero Crater. So if we drive through it, that dream might become a reality." Kairan Quazi is set to become the youngest person to graduate from Santa Clara University. Getty Images SpaceX has hired a young prodigy to join its Starlink division as a software engineer. Kairan Quazi, 14, is set to graduate this month from Santa Clara University in California. Quazi started studying computer science and engineering at age 11. The latest recruit at SpaceX is a software engineer who passed its "technically challenging" and "fun" interview process. What's different about Kairan Quazi, however, is that he's just 14 years old. "I will be joining the coolest company on the planet as a software engineer on the Starlink engineering team," Quazi wrote in a LinkedIn post on Thursday. "One of the rare companies that did not use my age as an arbitrary and outdated proxy for maturity and ability." He is expected to become the youngest person to graduate from Santa Clara University, The Seattle Times reported. Quazi and his mother are planning to move from Pleasanton, California, so he can start working at SpaceX in Redmond, Washington, per the report. Quazi's extraordinary journey started at age 2 when he was reported to be able to speak in complete sentences. By kindergarten, he was telling other kids and teachers about news stories he'd heard on the radio, according to the Los Angeles Times. After finding that his schoolwork wasn't challenging enough in the third grade, his parents helped him enroll at a community college in California at age 9, per the report. "I felt like I was learning at the level that I was meant to learn," Quazi told the LA Times. That same year he was placed in the 99.9th percentile in an IQ test, his family told BrainGain magazine. Quazi landed an internship as an artificial-intelligence research fellow at Intel Labs a few months later. By age 11, he transferred to Santa Clara University to study computer science and engineering. Last year, he spent four months as a machine-learning intern at the cyber-intelligence firm Blackbird.AI, according to his LinkedIn profile. He helped design an "anomaly detection statistical learning pipeline" to flag social-media content that had been manipulated, according to his profile. "I think there's a conventional mindset that I'm missing out on childhood, but I don't think that's true," Quazi told ABC7 News. "I think, again, that mindset would have me graduating middle school now." It appears he's already achieved one ambition by landing the Starlink job. "It is my dream to have a career tackling challenging issues and effecting radical innovation in service of the common good," he wrote in his LinkedIn biography. Starlink, SpaceX's satellite-internet service, started operating in January in Nigeria its first African market. Starlink did not immediately respond to a request for comment made outside normal working hours. Read the original article on Business Insider Men shooting at each other in Petersburg apartment complex convicted in bystander's death PETERSBURG The two men whose shootout at a downtown apartment complex last July resulted in the death of a bystander were convicted Friday afternoon for killing her. A Circuit Court jury deliberated for just over four hours before finding Jesiah Flowers guilty of second-degree murder and Devin Mitchell guilty of voluntary manslaughter. During their gun battle July 2, 2022 inside the ArtistSpace Lofts, 19-year-old Toni Stinka Knight was killed and her 11-year-old cousin injured as they walked into the crossfire inside the buildings lobby. Flowers faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on the murder charge and Mitchell 10 years on the manslaughter charge when they are sentenced Aug. 17. Diane Branzelle had waited 342 days and four hours to hear the fate of the two suspects accused of killing her daughter. After court was adjourned, family members and supporters hugged her and cheered outside the Petersburg courthouse. Toni 'Stinka' Knight, shown in this family photo, was shot to death July 2, 2022 when she was caught in crossfire outside the ArtistSpace Lofts in Petersburg. On Friday, a Petersburg jury convicted two men for her death. We got justice for Stinka, Branzelle said, a tone of relief in her voice. As she walked from the courtroom, Branzelle also got a hug from Mitchells mother. Shortly before the verdict was read, the two women chatted in the lobby where the suspects mother wanted to apologize to the victims mother. Flowers mother and two sisters fled the courtroom in tears after Circuit Court Judge Dennis Martin remanded Flowers back into custody. He had been released on bond pending the trial, and his attorney, James Bullard, had requested Flowers remain out until sentencing. Mitchell, on the other hand, had remained in custody. Martin also refused attorney Stephen Sommers request to let Mitchell out on bond until sentencing. Both defendants were also convicted on weapons and wounding charges stemming from the incident and will receive prison time for those, including ones for Knight's 11-year-old cousin who was struck in the head by bullet shrapnel. Each man had faced a total of 14 charges. Flowers was convicted on 11 of them, and Mitchell on five. It took the judge 50 minutes to read the 85 pages of instructions to the jury before giving them the case, but only a few minutes for the court clerk to read the verdicts. Prior to the jury coming in, both Martin and a sheriffs deputy warned spectators in the courtroom about emotional outbursts when the decisions were read. I dont care what you think the verdict is or what the verdict should have been, the judge said. He warned that 15 Petersburg Police officers and Virginia State Police troopers were stationed outside to keep the peace, and I dont expect any problems. The room grew silent and tense as the verdicts were read. Neither defendant showed any reaction as they heard the decisions. Closing arguments Both defense counsels pushed for the jury to be allowed to consider self-defense in the instructions, which is what both defendants are claiming prompted the altercation. Flowers and Mitchell attended Hopewell High School together and were involved in an altercation there three years ago, and the prosecution claimed it was that beef that led to the shooting. It all started with a fist fight in Hopewell and ended with a shootout in Petersburg, lead prosecutor Thomas Chaffe said in his closing argument. Attorneys for the defendants tried to blow holes in the prosecutions case and each others. Bullard laid blame squarely on Mitchell, saying he was the one that instigated the shootout because he threatened Flowers and his family. Whie Flowers admitted to shooting first, it was Mitchell who fired the most rounds, several of them blindly as he was running from the scene. "He changed the world that day, and we are all the worst for it," Bullard said. He interjected something that his grandmother used to tell him as a child about staying away from troublesome people -- they were "a lie and the truth ain't in them." "If Josephine Bailey were still alive, she would look right at [Mitchell] and say, 'That boy is a lie and the truth ain't nowhere near him,'" Bullard said. Of Flowers testimony Thursday, Bullard said he was telling the truth, but noted how Chaffe and Sommers tried to bully him on the stand. They are taking a victory lap for tripping up a kid, the attorney said. Sommers told the jury if Flowers had not fired first, then Mitchell would not have drawn his weapon. "Who set this death sequence in motion? One person: Jesiah Flowers," Sommers said. "He lit the fuse that created this explosion in everyone's world." According to surveillance video from the building, Mitchell and Flowers passed each other on a stairwell the day of the incident when something sparked the shootout. Mitchell was by himself while Flowers was accompanied by his two sisters and 16-year-old Keshawn Hicks, a third suspect who made a plea agreement with prosecutors and will be sentenced in August. On the video, Knights 11-year-old cousin was already in the lobby when the shooting started, and she is seen running for cover. Knight was shot outside the door and collapsed face down on the sidewalk while her other cousin, who was not injured, ran. Each defendant claimed the other made threats on that stairwell, but the video did not have an audio track. Flowers said Mitchell threatened to kill him while Mitchell said someone in Flowers group called him a motherf****r. Sommers questioned why the people who were with Flowers that day at ArtistSpace Lofts were not called to corroborate Flowers' claim that Mitchell provoked him. He called that "the elephant in the room" on the case. Lead prosecutor Thomas Chaffe admitted during his closing arguments that Mitchell's gun fired the shot that ultimately killed Knight. "We know it was Devin Mitchell's bullet that killed Toni Knight. She was right there in front of the glass," Chaffe said. "But it, the bullet, could very easily have belonged to Jesiah Flowers." The Petersburg commonwealth's attorney brought second-degree murde charges against both men and Hicks. Chaffe said that was done because it was "the mutual combat" among them that ultimately cost Knight her life. Chaffe tore apart both defendants testimonies the day before. [Mitchell] talked like a lawyer. There was nothing genuine about his testimony, Chaffe told the jurors. He sounded like a 13-Bravo recruit using legal terms to camouflage that he made up his testimony. Flowers counsel had to lead him all the time, and he contradicted himself. More: Toni Knight murder case goes to Petersburg jury Friday; defendants take the stand Thursday Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on Twitter at @BAtkinson_PI. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Men convicted in July 2022 death of woman at Petersburg apartments PITTSBURGH The freefalling Mets are facing the possibility of being without their best hitter for 3-4 weeks. The extra imaging on Pete Alonsos left wrist showed a bone bruise and a sprain, forcing the club to place him on the injured list Friday. Its a huge blow for a team that has lost six straight and done so in brutal fashion. Alonso leads the Mets and MLB with 22 home runs and the lineup is lacking in power outside of Alonso, Francisco Alvarez and Francisco Lindor. The first baseman was hit on the left wrist with a 97 mph fastball from Atlanta Braves right-gander Charlie Morton on Saturday night at Truist Park. The injury came in the first inning and X-rays came back negative, but the club still felt it best to send him to New York to undergo more imaging and get examined by team doctors. The Mets called up infielder Luis Guillorme from Triple-A Syracuse to take his spot on the roster. The club also made a move to get a fresh arm in the bullpen, designating right-hander Stephen Nogosek for assignment and calling up left-hander Zach Muckenhirn from Syracuse. This gives the Mets two lefties in the bullpen and one they can use to face left-handed hitters in the middle innings, with Brooks Raley primarily deployed in high-leverage, late-inning situations. In addition, right-hander Edwin Uceta underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee by Dr. Andrew Pearle in New York. Hes expected to return in eight weeks. Uceta was 1-0 with a 7.71 ERA over two outings in Syracuse. He made one appearance with the Major League team earlier this season. I am writing regarding the police torture scandal involving former Chicago Cmdr. Jon Burge. Because of the things many African American men suffered, I ask for a memorial to be built to remember the victims, and it would also educate those who do not know about the scandal. Advertisement For those who are not aware, Burge was accused of participating in or approving the torture of more than 100 African American men from 1972 to 1991. These men were tortured using electric shock, suffocation and physical abuse in order to collect false confessions from them. Dozens of men spoke up about the actions of Burge and his detectives, but the state attorneys office dismissed their claims, and coerced statements were used against them, leading to convictions and imprisonment. In his testimony, victim Anthony Holmes stated, He tried to kill me. It leaves a gnawing, hurting feeling. I cant ever shake it. ... I still think I shouldnt have let Burge do that to me, but there was nothing I could do. ... I remember looking around the room at the other officers, and I thought one of them would say that was enough, and they never did. Advertisement States Attorney Richard M. Daley received word of the torture Anthony Wilson experienced in 1982, yet a criminal investigation never took place. After 10 years, as the news circulated and there was further investigation, Burge was fired by the police board. Detective John Yucaitis was suspended for 15 months after being accused of Wilsons torture and physical abuse. The things that took place over this course of time will forever remain a part of the victims and their families. The need for transparency, accountability and supervision grows stronger as more African Americans are neglected in the criminal justice system. The Burge scandal is a hurtful reminder that the struggle for civil rights and justice is ongoing, and it is up to us to come together as one to recognize and speak on the abuse from all angles, in all forms. By confronting the legacy of Burges torture, keeping the victims names alive, educating ourselves on the issues, having open and honest conversations, and advocating for change through using peaceful protests and reaching out to our representatives, we can work toward a better, more just society. This will also be a big step in combating and overcoming systemic racism and police brutality not only in the city of Chicago but communities all over. With a memorial, we would be taking action to be the change we want and break the culture of silence. Ethan Middleton, student, Kenwood Academy High School, Chicago Why give the controls to AI? In their op-ed We need AI labels on creative content (June 4), professors Chris White and Mariusz Kozak pose the question: Will we cringe at the thought of connecting with an algorithm when we find out a song that moves us is a product of artificial intelligence? I would ask: Will we be horrified to discover that we can be manipulated by AI on such a deeply emotional level? Where are we headed if AI can subvert our reason by distorting our perception of reality? When our emotions can be engineered? What if AI is used to write political ads? Could the desire to avoid bias result in abdicating judgment and leaving decisions to AI? What happens to creativity, democracy and the uniqueness of individual thought, expression and experience if AI gains ascendancy? We forget that we humans are part of the animal kingdom. Many of the things we take pride in as human achievements are things other species also do at some level. Members of other species communicate with each other. They can manipulate their environment. They build homes. They form communities. They form families and protect their young with great ferocity. The difference is they do not have religion. They do not create works of art and engage in abstract thinking. Advertisement Why would we want turn over the things that makes us uniquely human to AI? Janice Cody, Chicago Discarded e-bikes, scooters I want to bring attention to the haphazard parking of electric scooters and e-bicycles across neighborhood sidewalks. While these modes of transportation have undoubtedly revolutionized urban mobility, letting riders abandon them on walkways poses potential safety risks and real inconveniences for pedestrians. As more people embrace the convenience and eco-friendliness of electric scooters and e-bikes, it is essential that we establish responsible guidelines to ensure the well-being of all residents. The trend of riders simply abandoning their vehicles on sidewalks has resulted in an array of issues, including blocked pathways, trip hazards and general disorderliness. We should simply require docking stations for electric scooter and e-bike riders just as they are required for Divvy riders. Ive been a Divvy subscriber for many years and have yet to encounter a problem locating a pickup or drop-off docking station using the free app. Scooter and e-bike riders would similarly have no troubles. Heres why such a system for electric scooters and e-bikes would be beneficial: Advertisement Safety: Sidewalks would be free from obstructions, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries. Pedestrians, including those with disabilities or strollers, would regain the freedom to traverse sidewalks. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Aesthetics: Haphazardly discarded scooters and e-bikes can quickly become an eyesore and give an impression of disorderliness in our city. Docking stations would create a neat and tidy appearance. Efficient use of space: With well-defined parking areas, riders would be encouraged to park their vehicles close together. Charging and maintenance: Docking stations could double as charging points, ensuring that electric scooters and e-bikes have sufficient battery power. Additionally, these stations could serve as maintenance hubs where repairs and inspections could be conducted, ensuring the vehicles are always in safe operating condition. Electric scooters and e-bikes offer great potential for transforming urban mobility. However, we must prioritize the safety and convenience of all residents. Thomas Krengel, Chicago Advertisement Join the conversation in our Letters to the Editor Facebook group. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Mexico arrests 16 soldiers involved in 'execution' of five men, ministry says FILE PHOTO: Soldiers guard a crime scene where five men were killed following a chase, in Nuevo Laredo MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's defense ministry said on Saturday that the 16 military personnel allegedly involved in an "execution" have been arrested, after soldiers were filmed beating and then shooting five men. A military court on Thursday issued 16 arrest warrants against the military personnel involved for "crimes contrary to military discipline," the ministry said in a statement. The decision follows the publication by media outlets on Tuesday of a video dated May 18 from the northern state of Tamaulipas that showed about a dozen troops surrounding a truck after it crashed into a wall at high speed. The video shows the soldiers pulling five occupants from the vehicle with kicks and punches before pushing them against a wall. One soldier is seen removing a long gun from the truck. The troops then appear to take cover and shoot into the distance at unseen targets, before shooting the men. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said at a press conference earlier this week that the killings appeared to have been an "execution." Legal representatives for the soldiers could not immediately be reached for comment. (Reporting by Carolina Pulice and Diego Ore; Editing by Andrea Ricci) Miami has hosted its share of marquee criminal defendants over the years Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega, al-Qaeda jihadist Jose Padilla, and Cocaine Cowboys Willy Falcon and Sal Magluta but no one nearly as prominent as Donald J. Trump. This is an unprecedented federal indictment of a former president of the United States, a man who love him or hate him once occupied the most powerful office in the world and remains a leading candidate to regain the Republican presidential nomination. Yet when Trump shows up for his first appearance in Miami federal court Tuesday to face 37 charges detailed in an expansive Department of Justice indictment accusing him of putting national security at risk by mishandling classified documents at his Palm Beach estate, the former president must submit to fingerprinting and routine judicial system processing like any other ordinary defendant. As a former president, of course, there will be special treatment for the 76-year-old Trump. Hell be accompanied by Secret Service agents for security reasons and law enforcement will line the streets as his convoy arrives. His prints will be taken electronically, not with messy ink. His first appearance will occur on the 13th floor of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Courthouse, a gleaming glass high-rise, instead of the older concrete federal courthouse next door. Still, hell be ushered through the probation and pretrial services office, remain in custody for hours and then be escorted by U.S. Marshals deputies into court. Business as usual, to a degree. Miami has had huge criminal cases in the past, said lawyer Jeffrey Sloman, who served as the top federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorneys Office in South Florida during a 20-year career there. All of this is being planned out, so there is no muss or fuss. This is not our first rodeo. Read More: Security ramps up for Trump Miami court appearance. But there is no escaping that this will go down as a historic rodeo, the first time a former president has ever been formally charged with a federal crime. In Trumps case, there are multiple felony allegations: including sharing defense secrets with unauthorized persons and obstructing government efforts to retrieve the records from his Palm Beach estate. Its this serious: The maximum penalties for the charges call for decades in prison. Of course, persuading a jury to convict a former president remains a huge uncertainty, let alone sending one to prison as do other critical elements of the case, including which federal judge in the Southern District will wind up overseeing it and where a trial might unfold. Miami could simply go down as the site of Trumps arraignment but it also could possibly host what will certainly be one of the the countrys most closely watched trials. Miami, Florida - June 9, 2023 - TV reporters and crews gather outside the Federal courthouse in Miami to cover the indictment of former President Donald J. Trump. Federal Courthouse, 400 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL A controversial judge selection? At the moment, and adding to the political and legal questions surrounding the case is the randomly assigned judge who could preside over it: U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon was selected off a wheel from among four federal judges in the West Palm Beach division of the Southern District of Florida. Her oversight would instantly be in question, at least with TV talking heads and in the social media sphere. She was widely criticized for her handling of Trumps civil case challenging the FBIs seizure of classified documents at his private residence, Mar-a-Lago, last summer. An appellate court, including other Trump-nominated judges, issued a scathing ruling overturning her favorable decisions for the former president in that dispute. Cannon, normally based in the Fort Pierce section of that division, was nominated by Trump and joined the federal bench just days after he lost the presidential election in November 2020. It remains to be seen whether Cannon who could handle Trumps first court appearance instead of a customary magistrate judge will stay on the case after the former president receives a bond, enters his plea and is released from custody. Miami attorney Joseph DeMaria, who once worked in the Justice Departments organized crime task force in South Florida, said there may be no legal reason to disqualify Cannon from staying on the Trump case. But he said that the American public is so divided politically that if she chooses to stick with it, many people might not have faith in the outcome. Should she recuse herself? asked DeMaria, a Republican. As a citizen, I think she should. Donald Trump is entitled to a fair trial, but the people of this country also deserve a fair trial. If Cannon were to step aside for any reason, the Trump case would be randomly assigned again to one of the other three federal judges in the West Palm Beach division: Robin Rosenberg, Donald Middlebrooks or Kenneth Marra. But if Cannon elects to stay on the case, DeMaria said Trumps legal team should try to move his trial as far north as possible in the Southern District such as West Palm Beach or even Fort Pierce where jury candidates might be more supportive of the former Republican president. Were culturally mixed in Miami, so its a mixed bag and unpredictable, DeMaria said. If I were Donald Trumps lawyers, I would try to move this case to Fort Pierce, which is heavily Republican. Cannon is also based in that federal courthouse. Miami a possibility for any trial Sloman, the former U.S. attorney in Miami who is a Democrat, said its more likely that Trumps case would stay in Miami for security reasons, even if potential jurors would all be from Miami-Dade County. He also questioned the idea of bringing jury candidates from Palm Beach County to Miami for Trumps trial. They are not going to get a pool of jurors in West Palm Beach and bus them down to Miami, said Sloman, who also doubted that Trumps defense team would succeed in changing the venue of the case. Read More: Special counsel says Trump put our country at risk. Read the unsealed indictment The Justice Departments appointed special counsel Jack Smith, who has been assisted in the Trump documents case by two Miami federal prosecutors, Karen Gilbert and Michael Thakur, would likely fight any request for a change of venue. However all these issues sort themselves out, one thing is for sure. Trump is confronting a menacing indictment: 37 counts accusing him of sharing defense secrets with unauthorized persons, mishandling classified documents after leaving office and obstructing the governments efforts to retrieve the records from his Palm Beach estate. The 49-page indictment returned by a Miami federal grand jury Thursday and released by the Department of Justice Friday accuses Trump of willfully retaining national defense secrets in violation of the Espionage Act, making false statements and conspiracy to obstruct justice. It included far more charges than Trumps defense team had earlier in the week suggested he might face. A former presidential aide, Waltine Nauta, who continued to work for Trump after he left the White House, was also charged in a 38th count and other offenses in the indictment. So Trump unless Nauta doesnt cut a plea deal wont be standing trial alone. There is one other certainty: The former president will fight the prosecution especially outside the courtroom, where he has repeatedly taken to social media, cable TV and other outlets to proclaim that he is a victim of politically driven prosecutors pursuing the Greatest Witch Hunt of all time. It now appears that a federal jury somewhere in South Florida will have the final word on that. You can now talk to Bing on desktop, and it can even read its replies to you out loud. Microsoft has rolled out voice support for the search engine's chatbot on Edge for PCs, which is powered by OpenAI's GPT-4 technology. "We know many of you love using voice input for chat on mobile," the tech giant wrote in its latest Bing preview release notes. The feature first became available on Bing's AI chatbot for its mobile apps. Now it's also available on desktop you just need to tap on the mic icon in the Bing Chat box to talk to the AI-powered bot. The feature supports English, Japanese, French, German and Mandarin at the moment, but Microsoft says support for more languages is on the way. In addition to being able to ask Bing questions simply by speaking, the chatbot now also supports text-to-speech answers and can respond to your questions with its own voice. "Using voice input, ask Bing Chat, 'Whats the toughest tongue twister you know?,'" Microsoft suggested. And yes, it will be able to respond. As The Verge notes, Microsoft has introduced voice support for Bing Chat on desktop shortly after it announced that it's killing the standalone Cortana app for Windows, which serves as a voice assistant, later this year. In its announcement back then, Microsoft pointed out that users will still have access to "powerful productivity features in Windows and Edge, which have increased AI capabilities." In particular, it mentioned Bing Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot, which uses artificial intelligence to generate content within the company's apps. Flooded Nova Kakhovka, June 8, 2023 The Russian authorities faced a choice between Ukrainian forces crossing the Dnipro River in the near future, and the destruction of their positions on the left bank by destroying the Kakhovka dam and causing subsequent flooding, Svitan said. They opted for the lesser evil, or at least that's how they perceive it, he said. While they destroyed their own fortifications on the left bank, they succeeded in delaying our troops from advancing towards the left bank of the Dnipro River for at least a month. Svitan said that after the flooding, the water would recede within three to four days. However, it would take time for the land to dry, rendering movement through the submerged territory impossible. From a military standpoint, they have impeded our forces, but only on the Kherson front, Svitan said. Read also: Blogger claims Russian soldiers had prior knowledge of attack on Kakhovka dam, evacuated in advance HUR Furthermore, the reserve forces we had positioned on the Kherson front, which were ready to cross the Dnipro River and advance directly towards Armyansk and Crimea, can now be deployed on the Zaporizhzhya, Donetsk, and Luhansk fronts. This will intensify the fighting in those areas, the expert said. Svitan also emphasized that it had been evident since the Russian seizure of the Kakhovka dam a year ago that they were willing to destroy it it. The colonel said that the Russians likely placed several tons of quarrying explosives at the dam, as they had earlier gained control of warehouses containing such materials. He added that the Russians had been preparing for the dam explosion for at least two weeks, during which they relocated heavy equipment and valuable machinery from Oleshky, ceased water releases through the dam sluices prior to the blast, and engaged in looting nearby settlements along the Dnipro River in the last two to three days. The Russians swiftly withdrew to their pre-planned third line of defense, anticipating the explosion and subsequent flooding, Svitan said. This third line of defense lies beyond the flooded area, and they are currently holding that position. However, a vast expanse of water lies ahead of them, reducing their concerns. Nonetheless, their forces and resources there were limited, as they knew they possessed the ability to create this problem at any moment by detonating the hydroelectric power plant. Consequently, the forces stationed on the Kherson front remained there and made minimal movement, Svitan said. Explosion at Kakhovka HPP what is known Read also: Why is Russia guilty in any scenario? Russias troops invaded Nova Kakhovka more than a year ago. On the night of June 6, the dam there was blown from the inside. The water flow from the reservoir, which was close to its highest recorded water level, has endangered over 80 towns and settlements, including the regional capital of Kherson, downstream on the Dnipro River. The left (eastern) bank of the Dnipro River, which is under Russian occupation, is affected the most. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered an evacuation from the endangered areas and supply of safe drinking water to people who were supplied with water from the Kakhovka Reservoir, which is draining away because of the destruction of the dam. Evacuation from the right bank of Kherson Oblast continues, even during the nighttime, while a catastrophe unfolds on the occupied left bank, which has suffered significantly more from the flooding. The Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant was completely destroyed and cannot be repaired, state hydroelectric company Ukrhydroenergo said earlier. The dam wasnt destroyed completely, but significantly damaged, the Ukrainian militarys South Operational Command said. Read also: Ukrainian counteroffensive has begun; expect breakthroughs by early June military expert Around 16,000 people on the right (western) bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast are in a critical zone at risk of flooding according to the oblasts governor, Oleksandr Prokudin. The Prosecutor Generals Office opened an investigation on the incident under article of the Criminal Code on ecocide. President Zelenskyy has called Russias attack on the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant the largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades. Ukraines Defense Intelligence has said that the Russian demolition of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant increases the threat of a nuclear disaster. The mayor of the occupied town of Oleshky, Yevhen Ryshchuk, reported on June 8 that at least eight people had died as a result of the flooding. At least five individuals lost their lives and another 13 were reported missing due to the explosion at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, according to Ukraines Interior Ministry. 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 Minister: Only 15% of bomb shelters in Kyiv suitable for use without significant issues Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin reported on June 10 that only 15% of all 4,655 bomb shelters audited in Kyiv are suitable for use without significant issues. The results are disappointing, Kamyshin wrote on Telegram. According to him, 50% of checked bomb shelters in the capital are technically suitable for use but must be put in order. Thirty-five percent of the shelters were deemed unusable. Also, only 44% of bomb shelters are freely accessible, Kamyshin reported. While 21% of shelters are available within five minutes, he added, explaining that these shelters are opened by the guards on duty. Ukrainian authorities started a nationwide audit after two women and a nine-year-old child were killed by missile debris in Kyiv on June 1 as they couldnt access the bomb shelter at a nearby clinic. The incident triggered a major scandal, with Kyiv residents criticizing the authorities for failing to ensure the proper functioning of bomb shelters. Clinic guard arrested over locked bomb shelter that led to civilian deaths in Kyiv In an unexpected turn that left many commentators dissatisfied, the June 3 arrest hearing appeared to put the majority of responsibility for the tragedy on the clinics elderly night guard. The Kyiv IndependentDaria Shulzhenko Earlier on June 9, the Kyiv City Military Administration said it would initiate a change to the legislation to prevent property developers from bypassing the requirements to equip residential buildings with bomb shelters. According to Petro Panteleiev, the administrations deputy head, the current legislation allows developers to either include bomb shelters in their construction projects or ensure one is nearby. There should be no or, he said. On June 3, Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko reported that the city authorities had received about 1,000 complaints from Kyiv residents within just one day of initiating the feedback system. Gustavo Petro/Twitter In a miraculous story of survival, four childrenincluding an 11-month-old infanthave reportedly turned up alive after escaping a plane crash and surviving 40 days on their own in the Amazon rainforest. The four children survived a crash in Colombia that killed three other people, including their mother, on May 1. When authorities arrived at the scene to survey the wreckage of the downed Cessna 206, they found the children missing, kicking off a frantic search to find them. On Friday night, after a whirlwind of conflicting reports about their survival, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said the children are now in safe hands. A joy for the whole country! Petro wrote. Four children who were lost for 40 days in the Columbian jungle have turned up alive. In photos posted by Petro and the country's military forces, rescuers tend to the missing children as they sit on tarps on the jungle floor. A video shared by the Colombian Ministry of Defense shows military personnel lifting the children into a helicopter as it hovered over the forest in the dead of night. The children later arrived at a hospital in the capital of Bogota to receive medical treatment. The four childrens father and grandparents have since reunited with them, CNN en Espanol reported. Military Forces of Colombia/Twitter It is a gift for Colombia, Petro told local media. He said that the combined efforts of military personnel and indigenous communities made the rescue possible After the plane crash that killed the childrens mother along with a pilot and another passenger, Colombian military personnel and local indigenous communities set out to find them. Soldiers deployed sniffer dogs and military aircraft to track down the lost kids, including a helicopter that strafed the jungle canopy while playing a recorded message from the childrens grandmother to stay put. The children were all from Indigenous Huitoto people, who live in the border region of southeastern Colombia and northern Peru. In addition to the infant, their group included a 13-year-old, an 11-year-old, and a 4-year-old. The final confirmation of their survival follows weeks of mixed messages. On May 14, Petro prematurely tweeted that searchers had found the children alive, citing information from the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare. But after defense sources disputed the finding to a Colombian newspaper, he took the post down and issued an apology. Reports that the children had been located continued to percolate, however. #AEstaHora comandos de la @FuerzaAereaCol sacan de la espesa selva a los 4 ninos. El helicoptero esta a mas de 60 mts de altura. Los arboles son muy altos y la visibilidad es casi nula. Van al helipuerto habilitado en medio de la selva para esta operacion. Del helipuerto pic.twitter.com/P7RYWDV9oi Mindefensa (@mindefensa) June 10, 2023 A plane operator that owned the crashed plane released a statement saying one of its pilots had heard news of the childrens survival from residents when they landed in the village of Cachiporro, not far from the crash site. And indigenous radio stations reported that the children had been secured and would arrive by river in the village. Following the rescue, the childrens grandmother said that the oldest child was used to caring for their younger siblings while their mother was awaya skill that may have saved them all. "I am very grateful, and to mother earth as well, that they were set free," she said, according to the BBC. Petro stressed that the children would continue to receive medical treatment. The most important thing now is what the doctors say, they have been lost for 40 days, their health condition must have been stressed, Petro said at a press conference. We need to check their mental state too. 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. Missing WA climber identified as Dawes Eddy, who died on his 50th Mount Rainier trek Dawes Eddy, the acclaimed Spokane mountain climber who went silent while on a solo expedition to summit Mount Rainier at the end of May, has died at age 80, the Pierce County Medical Examiner confirmed Friday. The ill-fated climb would have been his 50th ascent of the 14,411-foot peak. The exact cause and manner of death is still pending. He had been missing since May 31, the day he had told park rangers he would return from his climb via the Ingraham Glacier route, considered by experts the best choice for early spring ascents. Search and rescue began June 1. Four days later, on June 5, two guides from Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. discovered a body matching the climbers description in a crevasse along that path. There is at least one prominent crevasse midway up the Ingraham Glacier around 11,200 feet called High Crack, according to The Mountaineers, a nonprofit that promotes exploration and conservation of the Pacific Northwest. Climbers are told to expect a ladder crossing even in early season here and potentially at other points on this trail, which later meets the Disappointment Cleaver route. Park officials said crews worked Tuesday to retrieve the climbers body. Earl Dawes Eddy III joined the elite echelons of climbers in 2009, becoming, for a moment, the oldest American to summit Mount Everest. A 41-year-old Bremerton man also died during a Mount Rainier expedition in recent weeks. He collapsed near the summit on May 31, The News Tribune reported. This is the No. 1 problem Bellingham renters face. Housing advocates want protections Mold in Bellingham rental houses and apartments disproportionately impacts tenants and is made worse by poor legislation and substandard mitigation practices, tenant advocates say. In fact, mold was listed as the No. 1 problem facing renters in the rainy Pacific Northwest among readers participating in a Bellingham Herald poll. Most people that I talk to have mold issues, said Rebecca Quirke of the local advocacy group Tenants Revolt. Mold is incredibly dangerous. Quirke has spoken with hundreds of tenants since the group began in July 2022, with the goal of bringing a series of mass-action and class-action lawsuits against landlords for habitability violations, theft and property negligence. Mold is the most-common indoor air quality problem, according to the Northwest Clean Air Agency. Mold growth often causes health issues and damages homes. The impact on tenants Mold problems inside buildings are a result of excess water and moisture that accumulate due to things like inadequate ventilation, leaks and flooding. Results of the recent Bellingham Herald poll show that, of those who responded, mold contamination is the issue experienced most by tenants in Bellingham rentals. Among 41 participants who responded to the poll, 31 of them, or 76%, say they have experienced mold contamination as a renter in Whatcom County. Tenants Revolt has documented numerous older homes occupied by Bellingham renters that are actively in this sort of disrepair. Quirke says she has taken countless reports and personally visited homes that have unmitigated mold infestations. She is even seeing this issue in her own rental unit where she lives. Its clear that nothing is being done. Theres no insulation. many places dont have heat or have active leaks. A lot of people that I speak with dont realize that they have mold, Quirke told The Bellingham Herald. Kristina Michele Martens, a member of the Bellingham City Council actively campaigning for mayor, says mold infestation tends to disproportionately impact renters who are trying to navigate the ongoing housing crisis. When theres nowhere else to go, when to get into a habitable location is maybe a $500, $700, $1,000 increase from where youre at, with the rents so high and the competition being so fierce, those of us who are renters we dont really have anywhere else to go. We have to take what is being offered to us if we just want to be sheltered, Martens said. The Bellingham Herald reached out to several local property management companies for comment on the state of mold in their rental units and how it is remediated when found, but they did not respond. There are no quick fixes Mold often grows inside the walls of homes, making it challenging to spot without proper testing. Even after testing is done, fixing the issue can be expensive and difficult, so poor mitigation strategies are sometimes implemented. What weve seen a lot of the time is ceiling paint covering the mold, Quirke said. The Washington State Department of Health advises against painting or caulking over mold as it will continue to grow under the paint and the paint will peel. An undated photo shows drywall covered with mold that needs to be removed. Painting over mold is not acceptable for mitigation, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Quirke says shes also seen tar paper stapled above drywall to prevent water from a leak from making its way into the main living area of a home. Its not fixing the problem at all, she said. In the instance of a leak that has resulted in moisture penetrating building materials, its very common for landlords to fail to fully realize the scope of the issue, according to the Northwest Clean Air Agency. The agency says materials like drywall, carpet and subfloor need to be aggressively dried to prevent mold growth, sometimes requiring professional assistance. Otherwise, mold growth will persist, causing occupant exposure and property damage. Mold impacts health The Washington State Legislature acknowledges that exposure to mold and its toxins can cause adverse health effects including loss of memory and impairment of the ability to think coherently and function in a job, and may cause fatigue, nausea and headaches. Mold exposure may also lead to skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion, aggravation of asthma, or difficulty breathing. Immunocompromised individuals that come into contact with mold may also be at increased risk for infections, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Exposure can occur through breathing contaminated air, touching mold or ingesting moldy food. An undated photo shows mold growing on the ceiling of a building due to an unrepaired plumbing leak or roof leak. This wallboard must be removed using personal protection and a plastic enclosure to prevent further contamination of the property. Lisa Tenney, a Bellingham renter and certified mold inspector, hosts The Moldy Mama Podcast. She became ill from mold poisoning after living in a house on Peabody Street with her children for more than a decade that had reoccurring flooding. It was very neglected, Tenney said. The windows were rotting. The front porch was rotting. There were rodent holes in my daughters ceiling. Tenney says she developed gut issues and experienced daily nausea which impacted her ability to work. She also experienced worsening symptoms of her mental health issues. Eventually, she says she became bedridden with pneumonia. Tenney says her symptoms have alleviated since moving out of the house. Now that shes a mold inspector, Tenney says shes become more attuned to how widespread the issue is. To me, as a mold inspector, its more like, Where is it? versus Is it here? Tenney said. Legislation is lacking The Washington State Legislature recognizes that residents face preventable exposures to mold in their homes, apartments, and schools. But there are no explicit protections against mold for tenants in Washington, unlike other states like California. Its [the tenants] understanding that theyre responsible for persistent mold that has been unsatisfactorily remediated or covered up because the document that is passed out with lease agreements says this is a shared responsibility between the owner/management company, Quirke said. Washington law requires that landlords maintain the dwelling unit in reasonably weathertight condition. It also requires they provide tenants with information approved by the Department of Health about the health hazards associated with exposure to indoor mold. The information needs to detail how tenants can control mold growth in their units to minimize associated health risks. An undated photo shows a saturated wallboard containing mold. But the law does not require landlords to do mold remediation. Condensation accumulation indoors is also often considered the fault of the tenant, according to the Northwest Clean Air Agency. Quirke says property owners need to be held more legally accountable. We need strong, aggressive, clear guidelines around this, Quirke said. We need mold legislation. We can do it locally if the state doesnt want to implement it. I think a lot can be done at the city level. Martens says there is a lot of work to be done to address habitability issues for renters locally, including mold infestation. We know mold is an issue. We know habitability is huge. And yet everyone is dragging their feet on this, she said. Martens says the city can and needs to take the appropriate legal steps like establishing a department, finding the funding and deciding how [to] tackle this. Preventative measures If mold is growing in your home, the Whatcom County Health Department recommends airing it out as much as possible. If the problem is a water leak inside the walls or behind an appliance, the leak must be fixed and the area must be dried out completely, potentially by removing the wall if the damage is too extensive to clean. Tenney recommends using a dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your home between 30% and 50%, keeping windows cracked as frequently as possible to help exchange indoor and outdoor air, cleaning your HVAC system yearly to avoid collecting mold and redistributing it throughout the house, and diligently checking your crawlspace or attic for signs of mold. Tenney also recommends documenting the issue for your landlord. The Washington State Department of Health recommends the following: Stop water leaks and repair leaky roofs and plumbing. Keep water away from concrete slabs and basement walls. Make sure that warm air flows into all areas of the home. Move large objects a few inches away from the inside of exterior walls to increase air circulation. Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces. Use heavy plastic to cover earth floors in crawl spaces. Clean and dry water-damaged carpets, clothing, bedding, and upholstered furniture within 24 to 48 hours, or consider removing and replacing damaged furnishings. Vacuum and clean your home regularly to remove mold spores. Check around your windows for signs of condensation and water droplets. Wipe them up right away so mold cant start to grow. Moldova's Commission for Emergency Situations decided on June 9 to provide Ukraine with humanitarian aid worth around $230,000 for the "management of the ecological and humanitarian consequences" following Russia's destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Kherson Oblast, the countrys state news agency Moldpres reported. The batch reportedly includes water pumping stations, inflatable boats, food products, and other equipment. Saving lives from Russias flood: Inside inundated, shelled Kherson Since Russias full-scale war began, first came eight months of terror under occupation, then came seven months of intense shelling across the river, then came the river itself to Kherson. Over 24 hours after Russian forces destroyed the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant and its massive The Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell On June 8, the Danish Foreign Ministry announced that it would send aid to Ukraine, including two high-capacity pumps, 35 tents for accommodation, three smaller boats with transport rafts, several generators, and five water tank trucks to move water from flooded areas. "The floods put large parts of Ukraine in a terrible situation, and we must do what we can to help the Ukrainians. With this preparedness package, we can help with equipment that enables the Ukrainian preparedness to react more effectively," said Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. Ukraine's international partners have provided $170 million in assistance following the Kakhovka dam disaster. Ever since being liberated by Ukrainian forces in November 2022, Kherson has experienced regular shelling from Russian forces on the other side of the Dnipro River. On June 6, Russia destroyed the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant across the Dnipro River, occupied by Russian forces, sparking a large-scale humanitarian and environmental disaster across southern Ukraine. At colleges with a majority-Black student population, Black and white students graduate at the same rate. Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work. The big idea College graduation gaps between Black and white students tend to shrink when there are more students of color or faculty of color on campus. This finding is based on analyses of 2,807 four-year U.S. colleges conducted by psychology researcher Nida Denson and me. Our research appeared as a peer-reviewed article in 2022 in Volume 93, Issue 3, of The Journal of Higher Education. Not only did we find that the gap in graduation rates between Black and white students is smaller at colleges with a larger percentage of Black students or faculty. We also found that the presence of one racial group may lead to smaller graduation gaps for other groups as well. For example, a greater percentage of Black students or instructors often helps shrink the graduation gap between other groups, such as Latino and white students. Our findings were mainly at colleges where almost no students attend online programs. Students in online coursework sometimes know the race of their instructor and other students. However, these racial identities may not be obvious in online courses on a day-to-day basis, especially if students have few chances to interact. In addition, at colleges and universities with a majority-Black student population, Black students have the same graduation rates as white students. This same pattern is also seen for Latino and white students at colleges with a majority-Latino population. Our findings hold even after we took other factors into account, such as how selective the college was, where it was located and how much it cost to attend. Why it matters College graduation rates vary substantially across racial groups. For instance, white students who began attending a four-year college in 2010 graduated within six years at a rate of 63.9%, whereas Black students who began college the same year graduated at a rate of 39.7%, federal data shows. Our research highlights an overlooked reason that may explain some of these gaps: the presence of a large majority of white students and faculty at many colleges. This finding is important, because colleges have some control over the students whom they choose to recruit and admit as well as the faculty they hire. Our finding that majority-Black and majority-Latino colleges have managed to eliminate gaps in graduation rates despite centuries of past and present racism that affect student outcomes is also notable. Some of these colleges have a founding mission of supporting students of color, such as historically Black colleges and universities, which were originally created for Black students who were prevented from attending white colleges. Others have a large percentage of students of color without this type of history, such as California State University, Fresno. Receiving a college degree provides benefits in terms of future employment, income, mental well-being, physical health and civic participation. Additionally, a well-educated population provides economic, health and civic benefits to society overall. Therefore, promoting equitable graduation rates serves as one critical step in the effort toward creating a more racially just society. Future research is needed to better understand how and why the presence of students and faculty of color may lead to equitable graduation rates. Moreover, colleges and universities may want to bolster their efforts to hire faculty of color to improve their students outcomes. What still isnt known While this study shows that higher percentages of students and faculty of color tend to close racial gaps in graduation rates, it does not explain how this happens. This closing of gaps may occur from students of color feeling comfort when seeing other people of color on campus, having more interactions and friendships with students of color, or experiencing more inclusive classroom environments with faculty members of color. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. It was written by: Nicholas A. Bowman, University of Iowa. Read more: Nicholas A. Bowman receives funding from Western Sydney University (WSU) School of Social Sciences and Psychology. Layne Pollard, right, carries weights while training with Alex Santiago during a workout session at Fit Nation on June 6, 2023, in Gurnee. Pollard and his daughter Jorie plan to hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Layne Pollard, of Gurnee, has a trifecta of milestones hitting around the same time. His doggy day care and grooming business, Central Bark, celebrated its 10-year anniversary this month, and hell be turning 60 on June 16, just two days before celebrating Fathers Day with his family stateside after having hiked Mount Kilimanjaros 19,341 feet in Tanzania. With his youngest daughter, Jorie Pollard, 26, by his side, Layne is adamant about not spending his 60th sitting around. So when Layne, an avid hiker, casually mentioned summiting the dormant volcano four years ago to Jorie, another hiking fan, she jumped at the opportunity. Advertisement I want to turn 60, but feel younger, said the father of three. Im turning 60, but thats only a number. I know a lot of people say that, but I feel a lot younger than I have over the last number of years now. As it gets closer every day, I just get more and more excited and ready to hit the hiking trails for this big adventure. For the past six months, Layne and Jorie, who lives and works in Denver, have been training with Layne walking steeper inclines on treadmills four to five times a week, working on balance, core strength and upper body strength with a trainer, and with Jorie running once or twice a week and doing long and short hikes on weekends and after work. Advertisement The hike is six continuous days, so if we do 8 miles one day, well probably be doing 7 the next, she said. So Ive been trying to mock what that will look like here, so doing 10 miles one day and then 6 the next and Ive just been doing that every weekend and then some extra cardio during the week. Jorie has lived in Alaska and Wyoming, and hiked the Teton Range in the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming, as well as Glacier National Park in Montana with her dad. He said shes been his hiking buddy since she was 5. For a trip, to go do something, shes always ready to go. Shell find time, shell make a way, shes always been there, he said about Jorie. At a young age, we would take family vacations. We did Colorado Springs when she was about 5 years old, and just walked and walked all day. And then about seventh-eighth grade, we took the family out West and did a Colorado-Utah trip and she absolutely loved it. I think that really opened her eyes to all this. Layne instilled his love of the outdoors in Jorie, and Jorie said she and her dad are looking forward to taking her 3-year-old nephew on his first hiking adventure when he is old enough. But the Pollards come to it instinctually. Laynes father, Jerry Pollard of Northbrook, climbed to 14,700 feet when he hiked Mount Everest in Nepal in March 2016. For Layne, Mount Kilimanjaro will be the highest hes ever climbed and his most strenuous hike. Normally, his birthdays entail a big dinner with family. But this time around, his love of nature won out. Hes been a fan of nature for the majority of his life. It gets you out of your element. ... It just changes the mindset, resets you, he said. Weve gone on vacations in big cities and you come home and say, That was a fabulous vacation. But its not the same reset as you get when you spend a week in the mountains. Theres nothing like fresh air. Jorie can relate. She starting attending overnight camp at 8 years old and continued until her late teens. She said thats where she truly found her love of the outdoors. With her parents encouragement, her adventurous side has thrived. She bought her dad a shirt from Melanzana Outdoor Clothing to keep him warm on the mountain as a Fathers Day gift. When you start out, itll probably be in the 60s and 70s and as we go up, it gets colder, she said. My dad was checking the weather; its like 28 degrees at the peak, but it has the possibility to be as cold as 5 degrees, so we will most likely be wearing a winter jacket of sorts at the top, just in case it is that cold. Advertisement Layne isnt afraid of the temperatures; he knows how to dress for the weather. After all, hes from Chicagoland. Layne said most of the hike will be done in 30- to 50-degree temperatures, except for the final day, at the top, where the high could be 21 degrees and the low 10 degrees. The temperature increases again as one goes down the mountain, ranging from 59 to 63 degrees. The pair land in Tanzania on Saturday and the hiking begins Sunday. He said over the first four days, he plans to go from 13,000 feet to about 16,000 feet. And on the fourth night on the mountain, he and his daughter start their ascent in the dark from 16,000 feet to over 19,000 feet. The goal is the summit, he said. If I have to push myself, I will push as long as altitude sickness is not involved. The tour guides are not going to let you push through that. Its too dangerous. But if its body aches, thats mind over matter. At that point, that wont stop me. God willing, well get to the top and well be home on Fathers Day. Layne posted about the trip on his companys website. What started as something the Pollards didnt think was that big of a deal is now something special because everybody else thinks it is. He said Central Barks clientele are excited for him, as are Jories colleagues and friends in Colorado. The father and daughter intend to share photos, journal and blog posts while trekking, depending on connectivity on the mountain. Jorie will share her images on her Instagram account and Layne will send pictures to his wife, so she can update the Facebook page for Central Bark. Layne said he will do his best to take it all in and revel in the time spent with his daughter on this milestone. Advertisement Fathers Day is about either your kids being with you or you spending time with your own parents, he said. And well be home for Fathers Day to share this whole adventure with my dad. As for Laynes next steps after hitting age 60, hes already thinking of taking his hiking to elevations of 20,000 feet, possibly Chimborazo in Ecuador. Let me get through 19,000 feet and lets see what happens in a year or so, he said. My father at 84, was hiking the route to base camp on Everest, so we have big shoes to follow. If he did this at 84, I have no choice in my own mind that I have to do this at 60. Jorie said Layne will push her as much as hell push himself. Hes worked really hard and I have all the faith in the world that he will have no problem at all to get up the mountain, she said. drockett@chicagotribune.com Schools out and summer vacation season is upon us, which undoubtedly means spending more time outdoors. Orange County health officials want to remind residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes. Not only are they pesky at parties and barbeques, but mosquitoes can lead to certain health issues. The Department of Health wants residents to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, especially in light of a recent finding. Officials said several sentinel chickens from a single flock tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus infection, commonly referred to as EEE. READ: Rock Springs at Kelly Park temporarily closed due to alligator activity They noted that the risk of transmission to humans has increased and said that county Mosquito Control and health experts are involved in ongoing surveillance and prevention efforts. And while they do their part to help lessen the threat of mosquitoes, they want residents to do their part, too. Here are some drain and cover tips from Orange County health officials to protect yourself and your loved ones: DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected. Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that arent being used. Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week. Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that dont accumulate water. Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use. READ: Here are 9 things to do this weekend in Central Florida COVER skin with clothing or repellent Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present. Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanoate, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old. Another thing experts remind you to cover are doors and windows, using screens to help keep mosquitoes out of your house. The Florida Department of Health also advised residents that before they apply repellent, they should read label directions carefully for approved usage, as some repellents are not suitable for children. READ: Officers round up hundreds of pigs from overwhelmed Florida animal sanctuary For more information on repellents that are most suitable, officials said to consider using the Environmental Protection Agencys search tool. 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. Murkowski: charges against Trump quite serious and cannot be casually dismissed Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) on Friday said the charges contained in a 37-count indictment brought by Justice Department (DOJ) special counsel Jack Smith against former President Trump are quite serious and cannot be casually dismissed. Murkowski, who says the Republican Party needs to move past Trump and was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict him on an impeachment charge in 2021, said in a statement that mishandling classified documents is a federal crime because it can expose national secrets, as well as the sources and methods they were obtained through. The unlawful retention and obstruction of justice related to classified documents are also criminal matters, she wrote. Anyone found guilty whether an analyst, a former president, or another elected or appointed official should face the same set of consequences. The Alaska senator joined Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) in being the only two Republican senators to criticize Trump shortly after news of the indictment broke Thursday evening. By all appearances, the Justice Department and special counsel have exercised due care, affording Mr. Trump the time and opportunity to avoid charges that would not generally have been afforded to others, Romney said, pushing back on criticism from other Republicans who say the DOJ is being driven by politics and unfairly targeting Trump. Mr. Trump brought these charges upon himself by not only taking classified documents, he said in his statement, adding but by refusing to simply return them when given numerous opportunities to do so. FILE Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, asks a question during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File) Romney continued, calling the allegations serious and said, if proven, they would be consistent with his other actions offensive to the national interest, such as withholding defensive weapons from Ukraine for political reasons and failing to defend the Capitol from violent attack and insurrection. The Senates top two Republican leaders, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and Minority Whip John Thune (S.D.) who both have made little secret of their desire for the party to move past Trump and find a new nominee for president in 2024 have stayed quiet about the indictment since it was unveiled. House Republican leaders, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy (Calif.), and other Senate Republicans, however, have slammed the Justice Department for bringing charges against a former president. This is going to disrupt the nation because it goes to the core of equal justice for all, which is not being seen today. And were not going to stand for it, McCarthy told Fox News in an interview Friday. More Trump indictment coverage from The Hill Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told The Daily Signal the indictment will harm the country. He warned the nation is already dangerously polarized and said you are now on top of it are going to pour gasoline with an indictment. Rubio also predicted that a significant plurality of Americans, significant percentage, are going to say, thats political. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Photo of an astronaut glove, a model of the hubble space telescope and a spare mechanical arm for the viking mars lander Fifteen years after NASA opened its archive of space artifacts to schools and museums, the program still has a lot to give. The space agency recently began accepting applications for its 60th screening of spent equipment, science instruments and small hardware that was flown into space. Approved educational institutions, libraries and planetariums will be able to request artifacts at no cost other than shipping and handling. "NASA's artifacts program offers an opportunity to encourage the next generation of science, technology, engineering and math students the Artemis Generation and many other space enthusiasts, with these priceless artifacts to share the agency's awe-inspiring accomplishments," said Lauren Katz, exhibits and artifacts program manager at NASA, in a statement. "We have a simple process online now for eligible institutions to secure their chance to participate in this unparallel event. We hope many apply!" Related: Facts about NASA A large-scale cutaway model of an Apollo spacecraft as it would be mounted atop the Saturn V rocket sits atop a table in a warehouse Access to the full inventory of artifacts is limited to the screening participants only. NASA, though, identified a dozen items as highlights. Among them are detailed scale models of the Hubble Space Telescope, vintage replicas of the Saturn V moon rocket and miniatures of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecraft that completed the first joint U.S. and Russian space mission in 1975. For institutions with more (floor) space, FORCAST and HAWC are up for grabs. These two large instruments flew on board SOFIA the now-retired Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, NASA's specially outfitted Boeing 747 detected water on the moon's sun-lit areas and studied polarized light from the interstellar medium, respectively. Speaking of grabs, a spare mechanical arm from NASA's Viking landers is also being offered. The hardware is a leftover remnant from the United States' first exploration of the surface of Mars. When NASA partnered with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), one of the first items that was made available was something the space agency had in droves. Even after 60 screenings, NASA still has space shuttle thermal protection system tiles available, which perhaps should not be too surprising given that more than 20,000 tiles were installed on each shuttle orbiter to shield the vehicle's metal skin from the heat of reentry into Earth's atmosphere. Other items in the current catalog include a specialized bag designed to carry circuit cards and a glove, part of the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) spacesuit worn by astronauts on spacewalks, which were both used for mission training. Two instruments for NASA's SOFIA flying observatory are shown installed in the plane RELATED STORIES: The best Hubble Space Telescope images of all time! Viking at 40: How NASA mission brought Mars into the light SOFIA: NASA's prematurely canceled airborne telescope that left a gap behind NASA considers an item to be an artifact if is associated with achievements or improvements in technology; the understanding of the universe; or important or well-known personalities. NASA centers and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum have first right of refusal on artifacts being released from the agency's holdings. If after receiving an artifact, the new custodian (as NASA refers to the recipients) decides it no longer desires the item, it generally has to offer the agency the artifact's return within the first five years of ownership. Since 2009, the agency has assigned more than 13,000 artifacts from its collection to locations in all 50 U.S. states. According to a NASA, organizations eligible to become custodians include other federal agencies, universities registered in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), K-12 schools registered in the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and not-for-profit museums, libraries and planetariums that are eligible to receive federal property. Museums need to be designated as a 501(c)(3) organization to participate. The deadline to apply for the 60th screening is June 30. NASA expects even more artifacts to be offered in additional rounds to come. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2023 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. Conservative delegates to the annual North Carolina Republican Party convention voted Saturday to censure the states senior U.S. senator, a member of their own party, for votes that delegates said went against the partys views on key issues, according to reports from WRAL. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican who has served in Congress since 2015, has attempted in recent years to work on bipartisan deals in Congress on hot-button issues particularly guns, immigration and gay marriage which have left some conservatives feeling dissatisfied with his record. The official resolution against Tillis is vague, saying he is being censured for blatant violations of our party platform. A Tillis spokesman said Saturday after the vote that the senator keeps his promises and delivers results. State Rep. Mark Brody, R-Union, told WRAL that the dissatisfaction started building several years ago when Tillis initially opposed then-President Donald Trumps plan to shift millions of dollars from military construction projects toward building a wall along the Mexican border. Tillis eventually changed his position and supported Trumps plan, but conservatives never forgot his initial stance. ALSO READ: Republicans at NCGOP Convention react to Trump indictments The final straw for the GOP base, Brody said, was Tillis work on the Respect For Marriage Act last year, which codified legal protections for same-sex marriagesomething the GOP officially opposes in its national and state party platforms, Brody said. Tillis spokesman Daniel Keylin defended Tillis record, and conservative credentials. He will never apologize for his work passing the largest tax cut in history, introducing legislation to secure the border and end sanctuary cities, delivering desperately-needed funding to strengthen school safety, and protecting the rights of churches to worship freely based on their belief in traditional marriage, Keylin wrote in an email. A spokesman for the state Republican Party didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Tillis previously served as the state legislatures House speaker after Republicans swept into power following the 2010 Tea Party wave. Brody served with Tillis in the state legislature and said Saturday he personally likes Tillis but also supported the vote to censure him. ALSO READ: Trump's GOP defenders in Congress leap into action on charges after months of preparation According to WRAL, the vote Saturday cant remove Tillis from office, but it serves as a message that the party base isnt happy with his efforts to reach across the aisle on big, controversial issues. As a party, we can be a squishy party and say, Well, were going to try to appeal to everybody, Brody said. Or we can set a standard, and say This is where we want to go, and let the public decide. The public, or at least the grassroots conservative public, made their decision loud and clear Saturday. Charles Hellwig, a Republican political consultant who has worked both with and against Tillis in past elections, said Saturday that he was shocked by the vote. The party intentionally set a very high bar for these sorts of resolutions, he said, requiring at least 66% of the vote to make sure resolutions can only pass if theyre broadly popular. Thats a big hurdle to cross, getting two out of three delegates to support a motion like that, Hellwig said. It just demonstrates how unpopular he is among the grassroots activists and core party base. VIDEO: NCGOP Convention underway; former president scheduled to speak It's OK to need help: Life-lessons gleamed from the 2022 Cornerstone Church shooting Members of Cornerstone Church attend the service Sunday, June 4, 2023 to honor the anniversary of the killings of Eden Montang and Vivian Flores. "It's okay to not be okay," Ames Police Commander Jason Tuttle said. "It's okay to admit we need help." Tuttle and Cornerstone Church founder Troy Nesbitt have both navigated unique healing paths following the deaths of Eden Montang and Vivian Flores on June 2, 2022. John Whitlatch shot and killed Montang and Flores in the Cornerstone Church parking lot and took his own life, a tragic end to a lengthy domestic battle. Nesbitt and Tuttle were on the scene the night of the killings. They both experienced proper resources as well as a strong support system can change lives. Jason Tuttle credits his wife, Laura Tuttle, for supporting him through the trauma of the Cornerstone Church killings on June 2, 2022. The church, along with Ames Police Department's Mental Health Advocate Julie Saxton, have concrete advice and tools for others to reference when suffering from physical, emotional and mental wounds. A year after the tragedy, Nesbit focuses on work that helps others. He's devoted to recovery and looking toward the future. A February shooting on a college campus in Michigan required his assistance, and Nesbitt sprang to action. "We have The Salt Company at Michigan State University. We helped our students through that shooting" Nesbitt said. "I'm giving myself fully to The Salt Network with 28 churches and 30 Salt Companies around the country." The Salt Network is the church's college student outreach program. Violence is often unpredictable, but paying attention to the warning signs can make a big difference, Saxton said. Troy Nesbitt Assuming violence is caused by mental illness is 'completely wrong' Violence is rarely connected to mental illness, Saxton said. "For the most part there is a misconception that people with mental illness are violent," she said. "That is completely wrong. Typically, people with mental illness are the victims of violence, not the perpetrators." Rather, Saxton said, violent people are more likely to have violent tendencies, be narcissistic or posses a need to control others. The shooting was a result of an abuser wanting control, she said "We are not seeing them in a psychotic or delusional state of mind," Saxton said. "Instead, they are exhibiting controlling behavior that leads to violence," she said. Victims need to develop a plan that will allow them to escape the violence, Saxton said. That could include squirreling away some emergency money, even just a few dollars. Keeping a list of important phone numbers or memorizing that list is vital. If keeping a small bag of clothing and supplies packed isn't possible, be prepared to leave immediately because safety is more important than material objects. Saxton suggests contacting one of the many counselors and therapists in the Ames area for anyone considering violence in a relationship. Another source is to speak to a trusted physician or a friend to seek help. Trauma from an abusive relationship can have long-lasting effects. The sooner it is addressed, the better the outcome. "Many people have the perception that trauma is something like war, a car accident or a natural disaster," Saxton said. "But trauma is also abuse. Neglect is trauma. Not having enough food is a trauma. The first thing is to recognize that you went through something. You have experienced something that has caused you physical or emotional harm." Members of Cornerstone Church attend the service Sunday, June 4, 2023 to honor the anniversary of the killings of Eden Montang and Vivian Flores. Montang, as previously reported, had ended her relationship with Whitlatch before that June night and had a restraining order against him. This week, Story County Sheriff Office Captain Nicholas Lennie stated that Montang also had a gun permit and did have a gun with her at the time of the shooting. He said he couldn't confirm whether she had the gun affixed to her hip or in her purse that evening. Montang and Whitlatch, both of Boone, served in the same Iowa National Guard unit, officials said last year. Whitlatch was arrested two days before the shooting for allegedly harassing Montang. He was released after posting bond. More: Ames Cornerstone Church shooting: One year later, congregation reflects on healing process Where to find help? Leaving an abusive relationship may be the end goal, but it's often not as easy as it may seem. Saxton said simply having external resources at the victim's disposal is vital. It helps build a necessary foundation. "You dont have to go through that alone," she said. "People will say, 'Why didnt so-and-so leave an abusive situation?' But it's so much more complicated than that. We typically dont see people leaving those relationships until they feel strong enough. Until they have the support to be able to do that." Saxton said victims should also reach out to someone and tell them what is happening. Victims can go to the Ames Police Department or to the Mary Greeley Medical Center Emergency Room to ask for help. A specific resource for domestic abuse victims is ACCESS in Ames at 515-292-0500. More: Ames tried changing who responds to some 911 calls. Here's why it's renewing the test. "When you are in those abusive type of relationships, its not as easy to get out of them as people think," Saxton said. "Just telling somebody so you dont have to go through that alone can be the first step." Tuttle has leaned on his expertise since last June's shooting, suggesting people turn to the Mobile Crisis Team at CICS (855-581-8111). Another source is the Alternative Response for Community Health at 515-239-2147. "It's okay to lean on others," Tuttle said. "I know I've had to do that. I've had a community of people around me to lift me up and carry me along the way. We all need this. A friend, pastor. Whoever it may be. I can't imagine trying to walk through something like this without a group of people to show me the light through the darkness." Teresa Kay Albertson covers politics, crime, courts and local government in Ames and central Iowa for the Ames Tribune and Des Moines Register. Reach her on Twitter @TeresaAlberts11 and at talbertson@registermedia.com, 515-419-6098. . This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Healing from Cornerstone Church shooting leads to trauma support Ten North Texas men have been arrested on the suspicion of soliciting sex with a minor online, Fort Worth police said Friday. The men planned to meet up with individuals they believed were 15 or 16 years old and engage in sexual acts with them, according to a Fort Worth Police Department social media post. But the individuals were really undercover law enforcement officials. The officials accessed online platforms and communicated with people who were actively seeking to engage in sexual conduct with children under the age of 17, the police departments post said. Daniel Alford, a 42-year-old Fort Worth man, is a registered sex offender and was previously convicted for indecency with a child, officials said. He showed up to meet with someone he believed was 15 years old for sex and spoke sexually with someone he believed was 16 years old. Alfords parole was revoked, officials said. He is currently being held in the Tarrant County Jail without bond. He was arrested May 10 and charged with online solicitation of a minor, according to court records. Another Fort Worth man, 23-year-old Joshua Whitfield, is on probation for a 2022 robbery, according to officials. He showed up to meet someone he thought was a 16-year-old girl for the purposes of sex. Fort Worth police arrested Whitfield on May 17 and charged him with online solicitation of a minor, according to court records. Eight other men were arrested in the sting operation and charged with one or more counts of online solicitation of a minor, which is a third degree felony in Texas, officials said. 1 of 2 #BreakingNews Online Solicitation Sting Operation pic.twitter.com/chr0GZpXgk Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) June 9, 2023 This release is intended to inform the public of the number of individuals arrested for attempting to solicit underage children online and the consequences that go with these actions, police said online. The Fort Worth Police Departments Internet Crimes Against Children Unit conducted the sting operation in cooperation with other local, state and federal agencies, the post said. A 47-year-old school district superintendent was recently arrested in a sting operation conducted by the Humble Police Department. Michael Stephens was arrested June 1 and accused of online solicitation of a minor for sex, authorities said. Northeast not out of the woods yet even as air quality improves Northeast not out of the woods yet even as air quality improves Air quality levels were slowly beginning to improve across the Northeast at the start of the weekend following days of smoke-filled skies, but with the fire season just starting, the region might not be out of the woods just yet. A red sunrise over New York City on Wednesday served as an ill omen for what was to come for the remainder of the week as wind steered smoke from Quebec's wildfires into the United States. By Wednesday afternoon, the smoke had shrouded the city in a dystopian orange haze and aggravated the lungs of those who ventured outside. "You can't even see the Statue of Liberty today, and usually it's bright and clear," Jack Wright, a retired lawyer in New York City, told AFPTV on Wednesday. He added that while he had quit smoking 50 years ago, while outside, he had started to experience a similar cough as when he had smoked. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP The raging wildfires in Quebec combined with steering winds from the combination of two weather systems were the main factors at play during the week, funneling the smoke into the eastern U.S., according to AccuWeather meteorologists. "The combination of a stalled high pressure system over the northern Plains and a stationary low pressure system off Atlantic Canada produced a persistent steering wind from north to south across the region, which sent thick plumes of smoke southward into the Northeast, Middle Atlantic and Ohio Valley," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson explained. He added that as these fires were largely in remote, wooded areas, they would likely continue to burn into the summer as most of Canada's firefighting efforts were focused on saving homes and property. New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., were among the cities with some of the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) levels throughout the week, with the former two earning the unwanted title as cities with the world's worst air quality for a time. The air quality levels at all three cities reached "dangerous" levels on Wednesday, the highest level on the six-level scale by Plume Labs, which is owned by AccuWeather. Philadelphia had the worst air quality level on Wednesday night with an AQI of 455. New York City had an AQI of 336 on Wednesday afternoon and Washington, D.C., had an AQI of 297 on Thursday morning. New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., air quality readings for the week of June 3-9. New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. air quality readings for the week of June 3-9. The hazardous air took its toll on several aspects of daily life, forcing people to reevaluate how to go about life while protecting themselves from the smoke. New York City public schools held remote instruction on Friday to prevent students and staff from venturing outdoors, and several Broadway shows were canceled Wednesday evening. This included the shows such as "Hamilton" and "Camelot." Tonight's performance of Hamilton will not go on as scheduled. The hazardous air quality in New York City has made it impossible for a number of our artists to perform this evening. Shows will resume as scheduled tomorrow. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to... Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) June 8, 2023 The White House's Pride event, which was scheduled to take place on the South Lawn on Thursday evening, was postponed until Saturday due to the smoke from Canada's growing fires. By Thursday morning, the amount of land burning in Quebec from the wildfires was the size of Delaware, according to Anderson. "For Canada, the amount of acres burned through early June has already surpassed the 10-year average for an entire season," he said. "We are not necessarily seeing more fires with climate change, but larger fires that are consuming vast amounts of area." After a dry May, Quebec and Nova Scotia have set new seasonal records for the amount of land burned during a wildfire season, according to Anderson. The smoke filling the New York skies that the record-breaking wildfires generated has also been unprecedented, according to Basil Seggos, commissioner of New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In an interview with AccuWeather Assistant Chief Broadcast Meteorologist Geoff Cornish, Seggos said the amount of smoke seen in the state was "unlike anything we've seen." To find a similar event, Seggos told Cornish that he had to look back over 50 years ago to when smog in the New York City area led to the deaths of about 168 people. "What it [the smoke] has impacted from New York state, now all the way down to Washington, D.C., there hasn't been anything like this impacting such a large population in decades," Seggos said. A man wears a face mask as smoke continues to shroud the sun as it rises behind the skyline of Manhattan in New York City on June 7, 2023, as seen from Weehawken, New Jersey. (Photo by Kena Betancur/VIEWpress/Getty Images) The next similar event was in 2002 when wildfires in the Canadian provinces impacted New York, but he added that "it was nothing like this," as smoke from the 2002 event wasn't as widespread or persistent as the smoke over the past few days. The smoke in the Northeast won't stick around for long, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. However, they also warned that more smoky spells are possible in the near future and can occasionally occur throughout the summer months in the Northeast. That includes the second half of this week as winds blowing from the north could give fires in Canada a second wind and direct the smoke back over the Northeast. While air quality levels likely won't be as bad as they had been over the past few days, they could still reach health-threatening levels. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app.AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. 'We have now reached a war phase,' wrote Rep Andy Biggs. 'Violent rhetoric' spreading in MAGA-world over Trump indictment. Former President Donald Trump greets supporters at a campaign rally on April 27, 2023 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Spencer Platt/Getty Images MAGA supporters are using violent rhetoric after the news of the indictment of Trump, says a nonprofit. Messaging board users made threats against lawmakers, with some calling for "civil war," Vice News reported. The posts were rhetorical, however, and there were no plans to engage in real-life violence, a report found. Right-wing Trump supporters are indignant and using "violent rhetoric" online after a federal grand jury brought criminal charges against former President Donald Trump. "We have now reached a war phase," Republican congressman Andy Biggs menacingly tweeted on Friday. "Eye for an eye," said the Arizona Rep. Rep Clay Higgins from Louisiana, a former police officer, used various military terminology in a tweet objecting to Trump's charges. He said the former president had been "summoned to appear at the Federal Courthouse in Miami on Tuesday, at 3 PM" and called it a "perimeter probe from the oppressors." Prosecutors allege Trump broke federal law when he took documents some including top-secret national security information from the White House to Mar-a-Lago, rather than depositing them with the National Archives. Trump faces charges over alleged violations of the Espionage Act, conspiring to obstruct justice, and lying to law enforcement, according to the indictment. Trump himself announced the news on Truth Social, calling the indictment the "Boxes Hoax." He is expected to surrender himself on Tuesday to authorities in Miami. Numerous far-right Trump supporters on online messaging boards and social media platforms have greeted the news with a vociferous reaction, making specific threats against lawmakers and some calling for "civil war," Vice News reported. "Perhaps it's time for that Civil War that the damn DemoKKKrats have been trying to start for years now," a member of The Donald, a pro-Trump message board, wrote, per Vice. The Donald was also previously used to provoke and promote the violence at the Capitol insurrection in 2021, Rolling Stone reported. Responding to a user's prediction of "civil war" on Thursday, another called it "inevitable," saying a conflict is "right around the corner." Other users responded even more violently, with one posting, "If they steal the election again, why are we talking about anything but dragging the political elite out of their homes and setting them on fire?" per Rolling Stone. Advance Democracy Inc., a nonprofit organization, monitored message boards Truth Social 4chan and Patriots.win after the announcement. "As of June 8, 2023, ADI has identified platform users using violent rhetoric and making threats in response to Trump's indictment, including a post containing threatening language aimed at Attorney General Merrick Garland's family," the nonprofit wrote in the report, according to NBC News. ADI noted, however, that the posts were rhetorical, and they did not see any plans from the users to engage in real-life violence. Violent rhetoric from Trump's far-right supporters followed Trump's previous indictment earlier this year. However, the former president had little in-person support when he arrived at the criminal court in New York. Read the original article on Business Insider Reality Winner, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor who pleaded guilty to leaking classified information, said the case against former President Trump over the documents he kept at Mar-a-Lago after his presidency is egregious and cut-and-dry. Winner said in an interview with NBC News on Friday that she was blown away by the level of detail included in the indictment against Trump, which was unsealed earlier that day. Trump has been charged with 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information in violation of the Espionage Act over his handling of the documents in addition to other charges including conspiracy to obstruct justice and scheme to conceal. This is probably one of the most egregious and cut-and-dry cases, Winner said. Winner pleaded guilty to violating the Espionage Act during the Trump administration by leaking classified information from the NSA about Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election to media. She was sentenced to more than five years in prison. Winner said the Espionage Act, which prohibits sharing or willfully retaining information related to the national defense that could be used to harm the country or help a foreign nation without authorization, is applied inconsistently, but the indictment is specific in what documents Trump took and makes clear that he was not acting in the countrys interest. Some of the documents in Trumps possession included information on U.S. nuclear programs, U.S. and foreign defense capabilities, potential vulnerabilities that the country has to attacks and plans for retaliatory attacks if they are deemed necessary. The indictment also alleges Trump undertook significant efforts to cover up the documents and try to keep them from being discovered by federal investigators. Trump also allegedly showed sensitive documents to others who were not authorized to view them on at least two occasions. Winner said the indictment might set a new legal standard for how cases will be brought under the Espionage Act in the future. This is probably one of the most transparent and straightforward indictments that defines national defense information and gives the public a sense of the itemized description of every document, which is not how this particular law has been used against ordinary citizens, she said. Winner said the case could possibly provide more leverage to those who were acting out of moral conscience as she was to defend themselves. She has said she leaked the information in service to the American people. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SPRINGFIELD Employees at a troubled downstate mental health center repeatedly covered up staff misconduct even as the facility was under state scrutiny following allegations that residents were abused and neglected, according to a state government watchdog report released Friday. Gov. J.B. Pritzker in March laid out a multiyear repurposing plan for the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna in partnership with the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine that was designed to improve conditions and offer residents the option to move to other facilities. Advertisement At the time, an investigation of Choate by the inspector general for the Illinois Department of Human Services that began in September was still underway. According to the newly released IG report, investigators found that there appear to be fundamental problems with all aspects of that system, including repeated instances of staff members deliberately covering up misconduct they either engaged in or witnessed. The IGs office also found that staff was either failing to report misconduct, or seeking to report that misconduct anonymously, in fear of possible retaliation from their fellow employees. Advertisement Even security officers do not want to speak up, the IG report stated. In one instance, the report also stated, a Choate employee said that as a trainee, you did not speak up for fear of losing your job. Many of the problems at Choate were made public last year in an investigation by ProPublica, Capitol News Illinois and Lee Enterprises that found Illinois State Police had launched at least 40 criminal probes over the past decade into alleged employee misconduct at the facility. Choate employees have been charged criminally more than a dozen times over the years on allegations that include everything from beating up residents to forcing a resident to drink a cup of hot sauce. Workers have also been cited for not reporting abuse and obstructing investigations and lying to state police. Republican lawmakers have blasted the Pritzker administration for its handling of the issues at Choate. In the plan unveiled earlier this year, the governor called for new safety enhancements at not only Choate but across all other state-run developmental centers. The plan also calls for the appointment of a new statewide chief resident safety officer. In addition, Pritzker said his administration has provided more training for staff, more indoor and outdoor cameras, an increase of about a half-dozen security workers and an increased management presence in living areas and professional staff presence after hours. The IG report criticized Choate officials for a lack of accuracy and thoroughness in keeping records of various allegations. A (Choate) employee stated that individuals are instructed not to call (the inspector generals office) and are threatened with the loss of privileges, such as no access to trust funds, home visits canceled, or no outside time, the IG report said. In interviews, employees said its difficult for patients who want to report misconduct. Patients must ask staff to use a phone in the facility and tell staff who theyre calling and posters for the IGs hotline, which includes a number to call to report an allegation, are sometimes removed, the report stated. Advertisement Multiple patients at Choate said the phones are sometimes broken and not fixed for days, the report said. And if staffers are reported nothing happens to them and they come back to work, and threaten to write up the patients. The report said a fundamental overhaul of the system is needed to establish a new culture where the reporting of abuse is automatic and not an act of courage jgorner@chicagotribune.com After the blowing up of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) and the flood that it caused, the Russian invaders are only allowing residents with Russian passports to evacuate from the left bank in Kherson Oblast, which is still occupied. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Quote: "In settlements in the temporarily occupied part of Kherson Oblast, the Russian occupiers are continuing to use the consequences of the crime for their own purposes." Details: The General Staff has stated that the invaders are only allowing people with Russian passports to evacuate from the flooded settlements. In addition, the Russians are forcibly expelling civilians from their homes to accommodate soldiers from the Russian occupation forces. Background: On 6 June 2023, at about 02:30, the Russian occupiers blew up the Kakhovka Reservoir dam. Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, said that the evacuation of the local population from dangerous areas had begun. According to Prokudin, the water would reach a critical level in five hours. Police said that the potential flood zone on the right bank of the Dnipro River includes the villages of Mykolaivka, Olhivka, Lvove, Tiahynka, Poniativka, Ivanivka, Tokarivka, Prydniprovske, Sadove and part of the city of Kherson Korabel Island. The electricity supply has been cut off in the Korabel microdistrict in Kherson due to flooding caused by the blowing up of the Kakhovka HPP dam. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! One person killed and four injured in overnight Russian attack on Kharkiv Oblast The Russians shelled the Kharkiv Oblast The Russians attacked Kupyansk, Chuhuiv, Izyum, Bohoduhiv and Kharkiv districts of the oblast, the message reads. Read also: Russia attacks Poltava Oblast with cruise and ballistic missiles, aiming at military air base A 29-year-old man was killed, and two others, aged 39 and 54, were injured in Kupyansk District. There were also reports of forest fires and damage to houses in the district. Elsewhere in Kharkiv Oblast, a 48-year-old man was injured in the village of Horohovatka in Izyum District due to shelling, and a 63-year-old man was injured in Vovchansk, Chuhuiv District, by a Russian attack. The occupiers used a Kalibr cruise missile to target the village of Kotliary in Kharkiv District, but their were no casualties or significant damage. Read also: Ukraine downs eight suicide drones and two missiles in bloody overnight Russian attack on Odesa A pre-trial investigation in the violation of the laws and customs of war has been launched. Ukraine's air defence downed 20 enemy suicide drones and two cruise missiles attacking Poltava, Odesa, and Kharkiv oblasts the same day. Russian invasion troops regularly shell civilian residential areas in other Ukrainian oblasts close to Russian territory or Russian-occupied territory, including Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya, Kherson and and Mykolaiv oblasts. The International Criminal Court recently announced that it was opening two war crimes cases against Russia, one of which concerns illegal attacks on civilian infrastructure. Russia claims to have annexed Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson oblasts, but it does not have complete control over any of them. It lost control of the city of Kherson the only major Ukrainian regional center it managed to capture in its full-scale invasion in early November last year, and has so far been forced to retreat from small parts of Zhytomyr Oblast, and parts of Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy Kharkiv, Luhansk and Kherson oblasts. About 18% of Ukraines internationally recognized territory remains under Russian occupation including Ukraines Crimea and the parts of the Donbas that were invaded by Russia in 2014. The Kremlin falsely declared it had annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 but this claim has only been recognized by a handful of the worlds rogue and pariah states. Read also: Russian shelling damages ammonia pipeline in Kharkiv Oblast, says governor According to international law, Crimea remains part of Ukraine, although is has been under Russian military occupation since 2014. 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 Opinion: My mom suddenly got brain cancer. At 41, I'm caregiving in the land of the sick Patients lie on gurneys inside the emergency department at MLK Community Hospital in Willowbrook on Jan. 2. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Ive long joked with my mom that Id find a way to pay her back for all her trouble. Her response has always been youre not supposed to, and shes right: Kids cant repay their parents, and Id certainly never be able to. Then she got brain cancer and I began to realize how much I owed. My mothers sickness came on suddenly. She was working full time as a nurse at Los Angeles General Medical Center until early May, when a brainstem tumor emerged from hiding. She fell in her house on Friday, and its no exaggeration to say that she would have died on the floor if I hadnt broken into her home and called the paramedics. The tumor has taken away her ability to stand, open her eyes, swallow or speak clearly. In the past month, my mom has been taken from the country of the well across the stark frontier that marks off the land of malady, as the late Christopher Hitchens wrote when he discovered his cancer. And as her caregivers now, my brother and I migrated with her. Shes 65. My brother is 40. Im 41 with three young kids. Most middle-aged Americans will eventually look after their aging parents in some way, even without the shock of a dire and unexpected illness. Many fear what that will involve, and for good reason: According to the World Economic Forum, the entire $6-trillion care economy risks collapsing under the weight of an aging population and healthcare worker burnout. In a short few weeks, my family has been plunged into that economy and forced to plan for a future where there is no safety net or, at best, a frayed one. While my mom is drifting in and out of consciousness in her hospital bed, my brother, the lawyer, works the phones. Hes been gathering information to ensure that our moms employer-provided healthcare coverage doesnt lapse or change in any way. And he relieves me at her bedside so I can go home and be a father for a few hours. What I lack in my brothers professional skills, I make up for in experience. Six years ago, my wife was hospitalized and treated for cancer. The stilted conversations with doctors, the harried rearranging of life, the need to translate this health crisis for my kids, the skating on thin financial ice, the pangs of guilt from sliding into emotional numbness I wish I didnt have to live through it again. But there are moments of relief and comfort even in this land of the sick. We may have a complicated, scary, inadequate medical system, but the workers keeping it all together exhibit a kindness and competence that I can only marvel at. The doctors from the surgeon who threaded a needle into my mothers brain to the oncologists planning her chemotherapy make me wish I had developed some kind of skill that could save lives. The nurses and their assistants who care for patients day and night deepen my awe for those called to my moms profession. The security guard who prays for my mom makes me regret ever being unkind to anyone. Even the caseworker who regretfully informed us that long-term skilled nursing care isnt covered by my moms insurance is trying to help. Or it seems that way. And my mom? Shes been independent and strong her whole life, starting as a single, divorced parent of two toddlers back in the 1980s. She spent her career delivering healthcare to some of Los Angeles most vulnerable patients, including jail inmates. She worked during a pandemic that exhausted doctors and nurses half her age. And now, with a well-deserved retirement finally in sight, this. My mom can never be repaid. But with her illness, my brother, my wife, my children and I have an opportunity to try. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. When I was serving as then-President Barack Obamas special counsel for ethics and government reform, I helped write Executive Order (EO) 13526, which reformed the classification system for national security documents. The executive order brought needed clarity by articulating more uniform rules for classification and declassification in place of what had, over many years, grown into a tangled mess. Norm Eisen - Courtesy of Norm Eisen When former President Donald Trump took office in 2017, he left the rules in place. That will surely come back to haunt him in the classified documents probe. Indeed, special counsel Jack Smith repeatedly cited this executive order in the recently unsealed federal indictment, which implicates both Trump and his aide Walt Nauta, who has been charged as a co-conspirator. Smith has indicted Trump on 31 counts under the Espionage Act, 18 USC 793(e), as well as six additional counts related to obstruction and his alleged attempt to conceal his retention of classified documents. Trump denies any wrongdoing, and Nautas attorney declined to comment on Friday. To convict Trump under the Espionage Act provision, prosecutors will have to prove a series of elements, including that Trump had unauthorized possession of one or more documents (or information) relating to national defense and willfully retain[ed] them, failing to deliver them to the officer and employee of the United States entitled to receive them. A great deal, potentially including Trumps freedom, will turn on the word unauthorized, since there can be no doubt that Trump was in possession of such documents, and willfully retained and refused to deliver them to the government. According to the indictment, when Trump left office, he took dozens of documents from the White House and brought them to Mar-a-Lago. The National Archives repeatedly asked for their return. Trump refused to comply, eventually prompting escalation by the Department of Justice, which executed a subpoena. Though some documents were recovered following the subpoena, a judge subsequently authorized a search warrant allowing the FBI to recover over 100 additional classified ones. Throughout that time and since, Trump has loudly defended his actions, including at the CNN town hall last month and on Truth Social both before and after his announcement of the charges. Clearly seeing Espionage Act charges coming they were among the charges for which a judge found probable cause to authorize that search warrant Trump has been steadfast that his retention of the documents was authorized. Theyre mine, he reportedly declared, his advisors said, when they pressed him to send the classified materials to the National Archives, offering an ever-shifting set of reasons why. First, and most famously, Trump argued that he can automatically declassify documents and did so with the documents at Mar-a-Lago. He also said that as president, even by thinking about it, he could render a document and the information in it declassified. The problem for Trump is that EO 13526 is central to knocking down every variation of his defense that his retention of the documents was somehow authorized. It sets up a declassification process that applies to everyone even the president and it says nothing about automatic presidential declassification. According to the indictment, Trump acknowledged in one recorded conversation that the classification rules apply to him and that he was aware of and followed them while in office (including the ones I helped write). Indeed, in the quoted conversation, Trump showed a classified document to others after his presidency and admitted that it was still classified, and he no longer had the power to declassify it. No wonder Trump and his allies may be willing to make this automatic declassification argument on cable television, but he and his lawyers have so far not been ready to advance it in court filings or arguments, where they would face penalties for false statements. Trumps claims that the Presidential Records Act (PRA) justifies his behavior doesnt pass muster because that statute doesnt actually have anything to do with the critical question of whether his possession of these documents was authorized the executive order covers that. Yet Trump and his legal team claim that the PRA applies, arguing that the PRA, which provides in general terms for the handling of government documents by ex-presidents, allows Trump to decide unilaterally if any document is personal, and thus legally hold onto it. But the statute nowhere stretches the definition of personal documents to encompass our nations most sensitive secrets. On the contrary, personal documents are defined as purely private ones which do not relate to or have an effect upon the carrying out of the duties of the President. Trumps position ignores that, trying to dodge the actual law that applies the executive order. Even though Obama was no longer in office when Trump allegedly took documents to Mar-a-Lago, his executive order was and is still in effect, and nothing in the PRA contradicts it. Thus, the handling of any classified document, no matter its status under the PRA, is also subject to the limits of the executive order which Trump did not appear to follow, according to the indictment. Trump has also defended himself by proclaiming that federal investigators have mistreated him. Hes pointed out that President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence, who both had classified documents in their possession after their service, werent subject to a search warrant or the kind of deep investigation that has followed. Trumps argument here could take the form of a selective prosecution defense the idea that prosecutors are abusing their power by unfairly targeting him for political reasons, but that is a sure loser in court. It should also fail in the court of public opinion, and once again, the executive order is part of the reason why. Evaluating Trumps pattern of statements and actions against the backdrop of the executive order and the rest of the applicable law, its clear that he is in defiance of the legal system. That offers a dramatic contrast to the cooperation of both Pence and Biden who, if they did not comply with the executive order and other laws, are at least trying to make it right. Pence said mistakes were made and accepted full responsibility, and a Biden spokesperson said the Presidents personal attorneys have cooperated with the Archives and the Department of Justice. Neither case features any publicly available evidence of the kind of willful retention that Trump allegedly exhibited. There is little wonder the Pence investigation was recently closed; and while the investigation into Biden remains ongoing, there are thus far no signs that charges will follow. That message needs to be hammered home in public discourse, and the executive order provides a key foundation for that information. In each of his defenses, Trump is running up against the core American idea that no one, not even an ex-president, is above the law. The classification system and the declassification rules represented by our executive order are a central part of the legal limits that apply here making this indictment the greatest legal danger yet for the former president. It is one that he could have perhaps avoided if he had studied the order a little more closely and followed it. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ottawa MPP says he was allegedly 'rabbit-punched' while attending rally to keep trans and queer individuals safe Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden claims he was allegedly punched at a rally to keep queer trans youth safe Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden is facing public scrutiny after he claimed that he was punched in the face by an anti-'gender ideology' activist at a rally on Friday. After reports of the alleged assault circulated on social media, video footage captured at the rally appears to show a megaphone striking Harden's face at the same place where he claimed he was allegedly punched. This video of MPP Joel Harden was recorded on June 9, 2023, at approximately 12:07 PM. #cdnpoli #Ottawa pic.twitter.com/v53TIu2ZM7 Caryma Sa'd - Lawyer + Political Satirist (@CarymaRules) June 11, 2023 Yahoo News Canada has since reached out to Harden for a statement in response to allegations behind the factuality of the incident. Ottawa MPP claims he was assaulted Friday by anti-'gender ideology' activist Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden claims he was allegedly assaulted by an anti-'gender ideology' activist while attending a rally in support of queer and trans rights in Ottawa Friday morning. Harden, who recently spoke at the Ontario Legislation on Thursday about the importance of protection for queer and trans youth as the country celebrates Pride Month, claims he was punched several times by the anti-trans protestor. As incidents of hate against the 2SLGBTQIA are rising, we have a message for queer and trans youth in #OttawaCentre and everywhere in this province: We see you, love you, value you, and we will not continue to let you be threatened by hate or bigotry. #Onpoli #Pride pic.twitter.com/nqDxUiy5Lh Joel Harden (@JoelHardenONDP) June 8, 2023 Harden says he attended the Broadview rally on Friday morning to support queer and trans youth, and potentially de-escalate any violent situation as events have been targeted by anti-'gender ideology' activists in the past. "We held a part of the street far away from schools as we did not want to be protesting in front of schools, so we gathered near where they said they would gather," Harden said. Police were also on hand to ensure public safety. I felt something really bad was going to happenJoel Harden, Ottawa Centre MPP Harden said that out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a woman berating another individual and had her hands in the person's hair. He rushed over and stood between them in an attempt to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance. "I felt a punch in the back and then a rabbit-punch to the face," Harden recounted. "It happened in a split-second." And punching people in the face. But Ill take a punch for queer and trans youth any day. pic.twitter.com/vNHArmFtBX Joel Harden (@JoelHardenONDP) June 9, 2023 He also said that one of the members of the rally quickly pulled the woman away after realizing what had happened. Harden, who has long sounded the alarm on rising hate against queer and trans people, believes that there is a deliberate effort to manipulate people's desire to safeguard children and it's being weaponized. "I am a father. What measures I wouldn't go to in an effort to protect my own children. But what this movement is doing is convincing individuals that to protect your children, you have to hate trans and queer people," he says. The MPP, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario five years ago, believes that much of this hatred stems from a place of fear of not understanding LGBTQ2S+ experiences and that is why, bridges need to be built to start conversations. "We are not your enemy," he added. This is absolute madness. The far-right mob is not even at a school anymore, theyre just standing in the middle of a residential street in Westboro chanting nonsense in the direction of random homeowners to leave our kids alone. pic.twitter.com/nqY5ANA9nk Luke LeBrun (@_llebrun) June 9, 2023 Harden also believes that social media has become this "vitriolic cesspool" where individuals are dehumanizing each other increasingly. "History and present day has taught me that there are some of us who are willing to put the work in to de-program hatred, and I'm down for that," said Harden. "If people want to come to my office and throw rotten tomatoes at me, come over." Harden says he remains hopeful that people will come together and build solidarity. Harden also said that if he were to ever meet the woman who allegedly assaulted him, he would like to "share a meal with her". "If I meet her again, and I hope I do, I would like to share a meal with her, heck, I would pay for it. Then I would ask her what motivated her to do what she did. I want to work together to try and fix our country to make it better," he said. Mixed reaction pours in over social media Harden received a mixed reaction of scrutiny and support after posting a photo of what appears to be an injury to his face on social media after the incident. "Ill take a punch for queer and trans youth any day," Harden tweeted. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh shared a tweet saying he was proud of Harden for standing up. "Queer and trans peopleand kidsare being targeted by angry and hateful extremists. Governments must step up to protect the queer and trans community," he wrote. I'm proud of you @JoelHardenONDP. Queer and Trans people - and kids - are being targeted by angry and hateful extremists. Governments must step up to protect the queer and trans community. https://t.co/j3ihWCumBA Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) June 9, 2023 Dissection of video footage from Friday's rally led social media commentators to question what Harden described as a "rabbit-punch to the face." Open question to Ontario NDP Leader @maritstiles: do you condone your NDP MPPs lying to the public like @JoelHardenONDP did? Ontarians deserve better & a public statement. CC: @brianlilley @joe_warmington pic.twitter.com/5ZkayyIQqG Rowan (@canmericanized) June 11, 2023 Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe shared a tweet stating that "hate has no place in our city." "Protests like the one today on Broadview should not be allowed to disrupt children and their education. And hatred has no place anywhere in our city," he wrote. Ottawa's transgender and 2SLGBTQ+ community members need and deserve our support. And schools should be a safe space for children to learn and develop, not a target for political protests. Protests like the one today on Broadview should not be allowed to disrupt children and Mark Sutcliffe (@_MarkSutcliffe) June 9, 2023 Another Twitter user shared "its time to come together, mobilize, and build solidarity on this issue." My local MPP @JoelHardenONDP just got punched in the face at a counter rally, during an anti-trans protest. Queer and trans people are sounding the alarm on rising hate. Its time to come together, mobilize, and build solidarity on this issue. https://t.co/uZ3v8W9kSL Kathryn LeBlanc (she/her) (@Kat_LeBlanc) June 9, 2023 Twitter user Fae Johnstone thanked Harden for his longstanding efforts to take on the hatred that the LGBTQ2 community faces. Jesus Christ. Im sorry Joel, and I hope youre okay. Thank you for always standing by communities and our rights. We must take the rise in far-right anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate seriously. https://t.co/8bGalrsaE2 Fae Johnstone, MSW (@FaeJohnstone) June 9, 2023 Editor's note: Yahoo Canada has updated this story to reflect the claims Ottawa MPP Joel Harden made about an attack was an alleged incident, which is still under investigation. 290 apartments in 11 residential buildings were damaged by a blast wave as a result of a drone attack on Odesa on the night of 9-10 June. Source: Odesa City Council on Telegram PHOTO: Odesa City Council Details: It is reported that the emergency services were dealing with the aftermath of the attack during the day on Saturday, removing damaged facade elements and window frames, clearing away glass and damaged trees, covering windows with film, and taking away rubbish. 15 appliances and more than 100 employees were involved in the work. 230 tonnes of destroyed items were removed. Previously: Ukrainian air defences destroyed all the Shahed-131/136s drones used during the Russian UAV attack on Odesa Oblast. A fire broke out due to falling debris. The Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office has reported that 3 people were killed and 25 were injured in the Russian attack on a residential area in Odesa, including a 5-year-old and a 17-year-old, who were taken to hospital. Three multi-storey buildings, a school, a kindergarten and cars parked next to the buildings suffered major damage. Six people, including two children aged 5 and 12, were injured in an attack on a village on the Black Sea coast in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district. Seven private homes were completely destroyed and 15 were damaged. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! My Partner Helped Me Survive A Mystery Disease. I Had No Idea What He Was Secretly Dealing With. The author with Andy in 2000, the year they began dating. The author with Andy in 2000, the year they began dating. Honey, I think there are two doctors sitting here for a reason, my partner, Andy, said. I looked at the three people filling the cramped, brightly lit space around my hospital bed. The somber, mustached physician who was in charge of my case had pulled a chair up close on my right. Andy had folded his 6-foot frame into a seat to my left, and a young blond resident sat cross-legged at the foot of the bed. All right, I said, Ill have the CT, and began to cry. The doctors hurried off to order the scan. Andy rubbed my shoulder. I wondered why he was so calm. Why he wasnt angry with me. Id been admitted to the hospital the night before with a fever of 104 degrees. My temperature had returned to normal the next morning, only to spike again this evening. As it climbed, Id also become aware of a strange sensation on the right side of my chest, as if my lung were being slowly squeezed like a balloon, then released. With my history of pulmonary embolism, and with the cause of the fever still undetermined (it was 2014, long before COVID), my somber doctor wanted a chest CT. I refused. If I didnt have the scan, they couldnt find another blood clot. That was the clearest reasoning my overheated brain could manage. But Andy had all of his faculties, plus an air of assurance that surprised me under the circumstances. If they find a problem, theyll be able to deal with it right away, he reminded me. He had never been so cool-headed during my previous medical crises. Andy describes himself as a hypochondriac. Though he has never been clinically diagnosed with what is now called illness anxiety disorder, we both suspect he suffers from some form of it. A fleeting pain in his belly was likely the first sign of diverticulitis. An oddly shaped mole on his forearm was probably melanoma until a doctor said it wasnt. It didnt matter that hed never had a serious illness Itll be my turn one day, he often said. Eight years before the fevers, when I was undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer, Andy was so frightened that he often lost his temper. He cursed when I forgot to tell him about appointments. He sometimes stiffened when I wanted him to hold me. Sixteen months after the cancer, when I was admitted with multiple blood clots in both lungs, he went numb and was especially quiet around medical personnel. The only time he showed strong emotion was when he began sobbing at the too-familiar sight of me in my cotton gown. Andy began to worry enough for two: Something dire could strike either of us without warning. This universal truth, typically absorbed in ones 60s, came to Andy on the cusp of middle age. Clinging to my last shred of denial, I still saw Andy as the always-healthy one, but together, we inflamed each others fears for my well-being. It was too easy, since were both highly anxious people by nature. Now I was in the hospital with mysterious fevers, and Andy did not appear to be afraid. I was surprised, though relieved that I didnt have to take on his anxiety along with my own. Though he didnt seem scared, he was concerned. Andy saw that I had a potentially serious symptom and that I was being unreasonable. After all wed been through with my health, I couldnt refuse him. In our everyday life, we were equals, making choices together. Now, I let him lead me. I had the CT, and I got my wish: It revealed no clot, no explanation for the strange sensation. No diagnosis, no problem. The tightening in my chest went away. But just hours after the scan, my fever shot up to 106, and I was transferred to the ICU. For two nights, the ICU team worked to bring my temperature down. It always abated by morning. Andy lost his temper when he called the hospital to check in and learned that I was in the ICU. He was my primary emergency contact. No one had thought to phone him. By the time he entered my room, he was again calm, stopping blue-scrub-clad nurses as they hurried past, asking questions but never in a panicked or angry tone: What was her highest temperature? What was her heart rate? I wondered what had happened to Andys intense anxiety around illness. Maybe after all this time, hed learned to manage his fears. Whatever the case, it made things easier for me, and I could only think that it made things easier for him. My symptoms met the criteria for sepsis a life-threatening condition yet the source of my infection remained unknown. Blood tests ruled out autoimmune disorders, HIV, Epstein-Barr. The author with Andy on vacation in NYC's Central Park, 2014. The author with Andy on vacation in NYC's Central Park, 2014. "Six months after this photo was taken, I was admitted to an ICU in Vermont with dangerously high fevers" she writes. My doctor explained that my affliction was most likely some kind of virus, but they might never determine which one. Even as I lay in the ICU, I wanted no diagnosis, no new label added to my complex medical profile. Each day, I was protected from fear by sheer exhaustion, and each night by fever. For Andy, the idea of not knowing was unacceptable. So was the fact that I was only getting IV fluids, ice packs and Tylenol. He told my doctor, We want you to treat Marcias condition more aggressively. Andy says he discussed this with me first; I have no memory of it, though Im certain he would not have forged ahead without consulting me. I do remember being astonished that he was telling a medical professional what to do. The doctor agreed to begin a course of antibiotics, which reassured Andy slightly (cultures would later reveal that there had been no bacterial infection). After five nights of high fevers that disappeared by morning, my temperature stabilized, and two days after that, I went home. The only diagnosis I would ever receive was systemic inflammatory response syndrome, an acknowledgment of my bodys reaction to a still-unknown stressor. We had no answers, but I was relieved to be set free from the hospital. I was surprised by Andys nervousness once I was home, given his demeanor in the hospital. Will you please take your temperature? he asked many times a day, and I did. It was always normal. When he remarked in an alarmed tone, Youre still losing weight, I began eating a box of organic pasta with cheese every day to gain some back. It would be months before I knew the truth of what Andy actually went through during my nights of life-threatening fevers. I sat in my home office, medical records from the hospital stay spilling across my desk. Andy stopped by the open doorway, and I asked, What were you thinking all that time? It had only now occurred to me that I didnt know. Andy looked stricken. I thought you would likely die, he said. I stopped stacking papers and stared at him. His anxiety around illness hadnt disappeared. Andys dread of disease had been exacerbated by a situation that might have terrified anyone. He told me how frightened hed been while my temperature climbed. When informed I was in the ICU, he panicked. He thought my fever would exceed 106. He thought this unknown invader would kill me while doctors were still scrambling to identify it. He had shielded me from his fears when I was sick. Once I was well, it wasnt a topic he wanted to revisit. Im surprised that I ever believed Andy was as calm as he seemed that week. We pride ourselves on how well we know each other. While Im grateful to him for not overwhelming me when I was vulnerable, I feel I should have figured out the reality once Id regained my health and could think clearly again. I was and am immensely moved, not just by how he advocated for me while I was ill, but also by how difficult it must have been for him, given the intensity of his fears about disease. It demonstrated how selfless he was and is because despite his terror all that week, he made me and my recovery his first priority. I believe that true love requires this type of selflessness. As we continue to make our way through this life together, I try to follow Andys example and give him as much as he gives me. Ive been with Andy for 23 years, and our love has only grown deeper over the decades. But it took a third brush with death for me to realize just how devoted he is, how tough he is, and how much hes agonized over the prospect of losing me. This terrifying experience illustrated the power of our feelings for each other, as romantic partners and as the best of friends. And because of my nights in the ICU, Ive begun to face the prospect of losing Andy: As hes pointed out, one day, he might suffer a deadly disease that arrives without warning. Back when we first started dating, I was grateful that Id found my forever partner. Now, as cliche as it may sound, I know that love means cherishing every moment together. Its forever until one of us leaves this Earth. Next time Im seriously ill (and its hardly irrational to assume that there will be a next time), Ill be on the lookout for that telltale wildness in Andys eyes. And I hope that when its his turn to be sick, Ill be strong enough to be his stoic advocate, his comfort, his safety in that world of endless needles and relentless light. Marcia Trahan is the author of Mercy: A Memoir of Medical Trauma and True Crime Obsession. Her work has appeared in The Rumpus, CrimeReads, Catapult and numerous literary magazines. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in writing and literature from Bennington College and provides editing services for creative writers. She and Andy are living healthy lives (with fingers crossed) in South Burlington, Vermont. Learn more at marciatrahan.com. Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch. Related... Former Vice President and 2024 hopeful Mike Pence speaks at the North Carolina Republican Party convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday, June 10. Former Vice President and 2024 hopeful Mike Pence speaks at the North Carolina Republican Party convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday, June 10. GREENSBORO, N.C. Former Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday criticized the Department of Justice, rather than Donald Trump, for a devastating 37-count indictment accusing his former boss of conspiring to hide top-secret documents from authorities seeking their return. The American people have a right to know the basis of this decision, Pence told North Carolina Republicans gathered for their state convention, where Trump was scheduled to speak just hours later. Attorney General Merrick Garland, stop hiding behind the special counsel and stand before the American people and explain why this indictment went forward. Pence, as he was leaving following his 40 minutes on the stage, ignored repeated questions from reporters asking if he had read the indictment and if he believed it wouldve come had Trump turned over improperly retained classified documents when the FBI requested them. Pences choice to blame prosecutors for charging Trump with a crime rather than Trump for refusing to turn over hundreds of the documents, even in the face of a subpoena aligns him with most other candidates running for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination against Trump. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy went so far as to promise to pardon Trump on his first day in office, should he win. Only former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have said Trump is to blame for his own troubles and that his behavior made him unfit for the presidency. After the FBI searched Trumps Florida country club following his failure to turn over all the classified documents in his possession last summer, and after aides to Joe Biden also discovered files at the Democratic presidents home, Pence looked through his own residence and similarly found classified material. He called in the FBI, resulting in further searches. The DOJ announced recently that its investigation into Pence had been closed with no charges. I took full responsibility, and I was pleased the Department of Justice concluded it was an innocent mistake, he said at a campaign stop Friday in New Hampshire. But it was a mistake. We must secure our nations secrets. Pence was nearly killed during Trumps Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt in Washington. A mob, brought to a boiling rage as Trump criticized Pence for lacking the courage to help overturn his 2020 election loss, came within yards of encountering Pence at the Capitol. Many of Trumps followers chanted, Hang Mike Pence, as they roamed the halls looking for him. Despite this, Pence has remained measured in his criticisms of Trump. Only in his campaign announcement last week did Pence say, for the first time, that Trumps behavior after the 2020 election through the Jan. 6 insurrection disqualified him from being president again. He has echoed that belief in subsequent appearances, and did so again Saturday in North Carolina. Anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, Pence said in his remarks. Republicans at the Sheraton ballroom in Greensboro offered polite applause as Pence explained his actions on Jan. 6, when he refused Trumps demands. Melissa Crespo, a delegate from the Lincoln County party committee, said she absolutely could not support Pence. I feel like he should not run against Trump. I just feel like thats disloyal, she said. Hes betraying the people who supported him as vice president. Pences First in Freedom luncheon brought in 600 convention-goers, who paid $75 each to attend the fundraiser. His was one of three ticketed meals the party is holding. A dinner featuring fellow GOP hopeful Ron DeSantis attracted about 900 attendees who paid $150 a ticket, while a Saturday night dinner with Trump sold nearly 1,000 tickets at $150 each. Elgin Fire Chief Robert Cagann stands next to one of the Sea-Doo pontoon boats the city has purchased to make water rescues on the Fox River. Because the crafts will be stationed in the water, the department will be able to reduce rescue times by as much as 15 minutes, he said. (Gloria Casas/The Courier-News) Elgin Fire Department is making its water rescue more efficient by placing two pontoon boats with wave runner technology on piers in the Fox River, a move that could reduce emergency response times by as much as 15 minutes, Fire Chief Robert Cagann said. We will save a lot of time on the front end because we wont have to trailer the boats, Cagann said. If you are underwater, you dont have any time. ... This will be far more efficient. It will be a great improvement to our water rescue operations. Advertisement The first new Sea-Doo pontoon boat, which cost about $26,000, was delivered about three weeks ago. Elgin City Council members have tentatively approved the purchase of a second boat, and are expected to finalize the request June 14. The fire department plans to build two piers at different locations at the river. One will be north of the Gail Borden Public Library on North Grove Avenue, and the other will be north of the Grand Victoria Riverboat Casino. Advertisement This is how the new Sea-Doo pontoon boats purchased by the Elgin Fire Department will look when the department's name and insignia are added. (Elgin Fire Chief Robert Cagann/HANDOUT) Currently water rescues have required boats on trailers to be dispatched to the scene, followed by the dive team, the chief said. Having boats ready to launch will make a huge difference, he said. Ive been looking at doing this for decades, even as a lieutenant or captain, I was looking at our water rescue operations because they were not nearly as efficient as they should be, Cagann said. He grew up in Fox Lake, near the Chain OLakes, where everyone has their boat located off a pier ready to launch. I always thought, why dont we do that here? Why dont we have our boats on the river? Originally, he thought about using wave runners but the drawback is they are only built for two people. After doing some research, h learned about a new type of boat using wave runner technology in a pontoon boat, Cagann said. It drives like a wave runner, but it has a handlebar instead of a steering wheel, Cagann said. This seems to be the best of both worlds. The 170-horsepower Sea-Doo pontoon is easier to navigate for firefighters, especially those who dont have a lot of boating experience. It has removable seats that lets firefighters set it up so theres working space for divers and equipment, Cagann said. EFD has two boats and eight divers who are also part of a regional dive team, and all firefighters are trained for water rescues, he said. Firefighters have started training to use the pontoon boat, and have already used it for one emergency call in which a man needed to be rescued when his jet ski sank, the chief said. Advertisement Until money was made available through tax money paid by out-of-state insurance companies selling fire insurance in Illinois was available, the city could not afford the $100,000 cost of the boats, piers, and boat lift equipment, Cagann said. With those funds, Elgins share is about $50,000, he said. We dont get a lot of water rescue calls because we dont have that big recreation boating that happens in other parts of the channel, but nonetheless, the city of Elgin has a major riverway going through the community, and we have to prepare for it, Cagann said. Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. Former Vice President Mike Pence called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to publicly justify the federal indictment against former President Trump after his former boss was charged with 37 criminal counts. Pence said during a speech at a North Carolina GOP convention in Greensboro on Saturday that Trump is facing an unprecedented indictment from a Justice Department (DOJ) that is run by the current president, Joe Biden. He said the day of Trumps indictment was a sad day for the country. Pence said no one is above the law, but he has seen years of politicization from the DOJ, pointing to examples like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton not facing prosecution for her use of a private email server while serving as secretary and a hoax of an investigation into alleged ties between the Trump 2016 campaign and Russia. He said the country has a right to know the basis of the decision to indict Trump. Today, Im calling on the attorney general to stand before the American people and explain why this was necessary in his words. Attorney General Merrick Garland, stop hiding behind the special counsel and stand before the American people and explain why this indictment went forward, Pence said. Special counsel Jack Smith, whom Garland appointed to oversee the investigation after Trump declared his candidacy for president in 2024, emphasized the seriousness of the charges facing Trump on Friday shortly after the indictment was unsealed. He said Trump is innocent until proven guilty but pushed against criticism from Trump and members of the Republican Party who have slammed the probe as politically motivated. Adherence to the rule of law is a bedrock principle of the Department of Justice. And our nations commitment to the rule of law sets an example for the world. We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone, Smith said. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage Pence previously told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Friday that he was deeply troubled by the indictment. He said during a town hall with CNN earlier this week that he hopes the DOJ thinks better of charging Trump. The indictment lays out extensive allegations against Trump, including that he had documents concerning U.S. nuclear programs, defense capabilities and vulnerabilities and took repeated measures to try to prevent federal investigators from recovering the documents, even after a subpoena was issued. Trump has maintained that he did not commit any wrongdoing and had the right to keep the documents. Pence is one of a few of Trumps GOP contenders for the Republican nomination who have defended him and slammed alleged politicization at the DOJ following the indictment. Pence said the public also needs to hear Trumps defense and then make their own judgement on the case. Know that we will soon know the facts. And I also encourage you to pray. Pray for the former president and his family. Pray for all those in positions of authority. And pray for this divided nation, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- A federal judge ordered the release of legal documents related to a fight over the grand jury testimony of former Vice President Mike Pence, who was subpoenaed in the Jan. 6 investigation involving former President Donald Trump. Most Read from Bloomberg Chief Judge James Boasberg, who presides over grand jury-related matters in Washington, held on Friday that Pences public statements about the secret grand jury proceedings weighed in favor of making the documents available, with redactions. The court released them a few hours later, after the government indicated it would not appeal. Pence spent several hours testifying to the grand jury in April as part of Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smiths probe into whether Trump or others obstructed the peaceful transition of power by attempting to prevent Congress from certifying President Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 election. Boasbergs redacted opinion on March 27 shows that he agreed with Pence that a constitutional protection that shields members of the legislative branch against being forced to testify about their official activities did apply to vice presidents serving in their dual role as president of the Senate. Yet he also wrote that the protection didnt cover the vast majority of what the special counsel seeks to ask him about. The judge wrote that he was largely denying Pences motion and shielding him against only a few narrow lines of questioning. Earlier: Pence Rebukes Ex-Boss Trump in Launch of Presidential Bid Boasberg redacted portions of his opinion that touched on the specifics of what Pence was being asked to discuss. But he did make clear that the legal protection at issue, known as the Speech or Debate Clause in Article I of the US Constitution, generally wouldnt apply to testimony about efforts to urge a legislator to act unlawfully for instance, Pences recollection of conversations urging him to reject electors when Congress met to certify the election on Jan. 6, 2021. There is no dispute in this case that Pence lacked the authority to reject certified electoral votes, the judge wrote. Pence wouldnt have to testify about acts integral to his performance of his duties on Jan. 6, such as legal advice he received from aides, but the judge rejected his push to broaden the protection to cover any preparations leading up to Jan. 6. The judge also rebuffed the governments argument that the shield shouldnt apply to the vice president. After Boasbergs opinion came down, Pence had announced that he wouldnt appeal because he was satisfied that the judge had agreed with him on the general principle that the constitutional protections for legislative activity did extend to the vice president. The Jan. 6 investigation is separate from Smiths investigation into Trumps handling of classified material, which resulted in an indictment unsealed on Friday, that includes 37 counts against the former president on charges including willful retention of national defense information, corruptly concealing documents, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements. The indictment includes a 38th count against Walt Nauta, a Trump aide, on charges in connection with the alleged conspiracy. Read More: Trump Tried to Hide Documents, Share Secrets, Indictment Alleges The newly unsealed copy of his March court brief shows that his lawyer, Emmet Flood, acknowledged that Pence has openly discussed President Trumps effort to have him reject electoral votes from the 2020 election in interviews and a book. His position in this litigation is therefore not driven by a desire to preserve confidence or protect secrets. He is not reluctant to answer questions about events relating to his legislative role in the Jan. 6 proceedings. But he is not willing to do so under compulsion or the threat of compulsion, Flood wrote. Again and again, the motion cites the vice presidents role as president of the Senate, a constitutionally created legislative role. Yielding to the subpoena, his lawyers argued, would contribute to the erosion of an important separation of powers principle. Trump had separately fought the subpoena for Pences testimony on executive privilege grounds and also lost before Boasberg. His lawyers unsuccessfully appealed, and the April 26 order from the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit cleared the way for Pences appearance at court the following day. A coalition of news organizations, including Bloomberg News, had argued that Boasberg should release materials related to the subpoena fight. Read More: Documents in Trump Indictment Were Nations Most Closely Guarded Boasberg wrote in his decision on Friday that although grand jury matters are usually handled behind closed doors, Pence nudged them ajar when he revealed in a series of public statements that the grand jury had subpoenaed him, that he had initially refused to testify, and that this court had stepped in to referee the resulting constitutional dispute. The heart of what the press asks for here, and what the court plans to release, is the legal discussion surrounding the dispute Pence has already revealed, he said. The court also released the governments opposition brief and a heavily redacted transcript of the March 23 hearing before Boasberg. Pence, who announced his candidacy for president this week, has made his fidelity to the Constitution a key part of his argument as to why he and not Trump should be the Republican nominee in 2024. Pences presidential campaign declined to comment on the ruling. (Updates to add details on order, in third paragraph, details on indictments in fifth paragraph, and information from unsealed documents throughout) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. My son graduated from high school in 2021. Like many special education students, he then fell into the abyss of the adult service system for people with Intellectual Disability/Autism a system that has been historically underfunded and understaffed. There are no words to describe the heartache and emotional rollercoaster that happens when you first learn your child has an ID/A diagnosis. You experience sleepless nights, invest hours into research and therapies, have guilt over not focusing enough on your neuro-typical children, and feel isolated and alone, even if you have a strong family/friend support system. School becomes your main system for services and support, and the worry and sleepless nights never truly go away. You experience the trauma of stigma stared at in public, teased, difficulty making friends. You focus on helping your child grow and gain independence, communication, and job skills. Then graduation arrives and leaves you and your child with an uncertain future. This is an undated file photo of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. For many decades, people like me have fought for the same opportunities for our children that other sons and daughters have. In my opinion, its a value statement that this years proposed state budget doesnt even scratch the surface of what people in the ID/A community need. That means our trauma continues as we realize our family my son is simply not a priority. Society already stigmatizes my family. Bureaucracy and politics marginalize us even further by allowing us to flounder without adequate support. Our son is nonverbal, has autism and intellectual disability, and has a seizure disorder. He requires 24/7 assistance. We receive only three days of professional support per week and sit on a waitlist for more support. Because of this, my husband left the workforce to care for our son. Sadly, many families like ours face this decision. Some in our community would cruelly argue that taxpayer dollars shouldnt support the services our son needs. To them I would say that my husband retired from the Air Force with over 20 years of service to our country. He is a veteran with a second career in corporate America. We pay taxes, vote, and engage with our community. In other words, we fulfill our civic duties. Yet, when we need something in return for what we have contributed it is not reciprocated. We want what every parent wants: safety, security, stability, and happiness for our son. If we were to die today, what would happen to our son? His safety, security, stability and happiness would be jeopardized. And if anyone reading this thinks thats OK, I would question their values. Who will support our son? Who will provide routine, stability, social and medical oversight, and behavioral supports? Who will be here to allow him to live in his home and community when we no longer can? Who will protect his freedoms? We need direct support professionals. Today, DSPs make low wages on par with unskilled laborers. I dont understand that. Its complicated, mentally, and physically demanding work. We need DSPs who are paid appropriately for the work they do so there will be enough DSPs to support people like my son. He deserves the quality of life that only his family and skilled DSPs can provide. To accomplish this, our state government needs to prioritize funding so the people who need the most support can access it. Wouldnt it be great if Pennsylvania decided to lead the way for the rest of the country by investing in these services? Lets pay the skilled workforce of DSPs what they are worth and recognize the important, life-altering service and work they do. Legislators, please hear our voices. Anne Couldridge is the mother of an adult son with Intellectual Disability/Autism. She and her family live in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Pennsylvania families better access to Direct Support Professionals A jury rejected a man's claims that he shot his ex-girlfriend's new partner in self-defense and found him guilty of murder following a two-day trial in Pensacola. After just over an hour of deliberations, an Escambia County jury returned to the courtroom Friday afternoon and determined Pensacola man Brandian Lyons murdered Larry Gross in 2021. After the jury found Lyons guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm, Circuit Judge John Simon promptly sentenced Lyons to life in state prison for Gross's July 10, 2021, death. "Frankly, when we leave here today, there is one individual who is not on this earth and has not been on this earth, and that's Mr. Gross," Simon told Lyons just before he announced the life sentence, "and a jury found you responsible for that death." Brandian Lyons was found guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Larry Gross and sentenced to life in prison. Trial begins: Fatal love triangle: Was Pensacola shooting self-defense or jealousy? Jury to decide. The original story: Pensacola man accused of shooting and killing a man Saturday outside Escambia County home What did Brandian Lyons do on July 10, 2021? Lyons fatally shot Gross at the home of his former girlfriend, Yvette Jones, on July 10, 2021. Lyons and Jones broke off a relationship a few weeks prior, but Lyons still resided at Jones' home. Lyons was upset that Jones was in a relationship with Gross. In the days before the shooting, Lyons reportedly sent Jones numerous text messages where he seemingly threatened to kill Gross. "Don't bring that (obscenity) to the house tonight, I swear," one of the many text messages said. "I'm coming. I don't care. I'm about to war tonight. "My pain runs so deep knowing you love that (obscenity) over me. I really gotta make peace with myself," Lyons reportedly wrote. "I'll kill that boy, for real for real." According to attorneys, Gross had just returned to Jones' home after they spent the evening out. When he arrived, Jones and Lyons were on the front porch talking. Footage from a surveillance camera across the street from the home shows Gross walk up to the porch where the two individuals were talking, but the footage cuts out before the shooting. Why did Brandian Lyons' attorney say this case was self-defense? Lyons' defense team made the case that despite his threats, Gross had been the aggressor leading up to the shooting. David Sellers, Lyons' attorney, said his client was defending himself that night because Gross pulled a gun from his pocket, which prompted Lyons to shoot in self-defense. "Have you maintained your innocence in shooting Mr. Gross?" Sellers asked of Lyons, who took the witness stand Friday morning. "Yes," he replied, "because he pulled a gun on me." Brandian Lyons was found guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Larry Gross and sentenced to life in prison. Still, Jones and her niece both said they never saw Gross pull out a gun prior to Lyons firing the fatal shots. Sellers also tried to explain away Lyon's text threats as empty bravado. He said although there were over 100 text messages between Lyons and Jones saying he would kill himself or Gross, Sellers said the former couple would often speak to each other that way. "Those texts, as his girlfriend said, 'It's just Brandian being Brandian, running his mouth,'" Sellers told the jury during his closing statement. "'He's said all of that a thousand times before.' That's what she said." Nonetheless, after hearing the evidence Thursday and Friday jurors spent just a little over an hour discussing the case before finding Lyons guilty. What did Larry Gross's sisters tell the court after the verdict? After Judge Simon excused the jury, Assistant State Attorney Matt Gordon called Gross' sister Erica to the podium to tell the court her thoughts on sentencing. "What would you like Judge Simon to consider?" Gordon asked Erica. "The maximum sentence," she said as she turned and walked back to her seat. Another of Gross' sisters, Angela Crosby, also took to the podium and requested Simon give Lyons a life sentence in prison. "This really impacted our lives, and I'm glad justice has been served," Crosby said. "Now we can move on with our lives." This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Florida man Brandian Lyons got life in murder of Larry Gross A customer walks into the Target store in The District in South Jordan on Sept. 11, 2009. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Millennial mothers have been looking to cut our Target spending for years and it turns out, it wasnt nearly as difficult as we thought. Target just had to make just one decision and around $13 billion in market value disappeared practically overnight, leaving American families (and perhaps Walmart) just a little bit richer. Conservatives have been struggling to find a foothold against corporate wokeism, the injection of politics and social issues into business. But the past two months seem to suggest the tide is turning dramatically. Bud Light, which inked a deal with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney for a single online spot during March Madness, might now be considered brand-dead. After social conservatives gave up Bud Light en masse, Anheuser-Busch is facing a permanent decline of 15% in Bud Light sales, according to some analysts. The boycott has been so effective that Bud Light is now being used as a verb companies that go woke risk being Bud Lighted. Target could be an even bigger prize for social conservatives hoping to drive businesses away from the practice of embracing various social causes and back to the place where they simply market the stuff they sell. Theres been some confusion over what exactly Target did to earn a boycott, given that Target was one of the first, and most consistent retailers, to embrace gay pride. But the last straw seemed to be when the hip retailer introduced tucking swimwear aimed at transgender adults. Then the company was wrongly accused of promoting satanism, although it was revealed that a brand it carried, Abprallen, also sells some occult- and satanic-themed LGBTQ+ clothing and accessories, such as popular pins and shirts featuring the phrase Satan respects pronouns, according to The Associated Press. Those items werent carried by Target, but the company did stock, as part of its Pride Month collection, a messenger bag that said Too Queer for Here and a sweatshirt that said Cure Transphobia, Not Trans People next to an image of a menacing serpent on a winged staff. Or at least it did until outraged parents got involved. Target losses hover around $13 billion as shareholders bear brunt of woke backlash https://t.co/aYiUvwyKA3 #FoxBusiness Liz Peek (@lizpeek) June 9, 2023 Maybe Target wasnt choosing a side in the culture war or signaling its woke bona fides, but was in fact just trying to sell stuff. But to this mom and others, the choice of these particular products, and this particular designer, looks and feels like in its quest to be inclusive Target excluded those whod rather have a more politically and socially neutral place to bring their children to shop. And it seems the opposition is more widespread than Targets buyers and marketers expected. Experts have suggested that consumers have gotten more aggressive after the COVID-19 lockdowns, and that social media is fanning the flames of anger in ways traditional media just doesnt. More than that, though, it seems the lockdowns revealed to parents just how little they knew about what their kids were being exposed to online or told during the school day, when theyre under complete control of some teachers, administrators and others who are increasingly aggressive about pushing political agendas. But now were seeing that parents do have power. And theyre ready to wield it. Target and Bud Light werent even the first targets the public schools were. Related The National Centers for Education Statistics estimate that a million students failed to return to public schools after the pandemic, and state enrollment figures show no signs of rebound, according to The New York Timess report on the phenomenon. Meanwhile, private school numbers are up, as is home-schooling. The breakdown in the relationship between teachers and parents has been obvious; school board meetings are contentious as parents and administrators clash over sexually explicit books and teaching plans that seem more focused on political agendas than on math, science or history. Some schools and educators have also been accused of hiding childrens gender transitions from unsupportive parents. Its not just conservative parents who are concerned. But conservatives have gone woke in their own way now. Theyre awakening to how schools and corporations might steer their kids away from the values theyre seeking to teach their children and model in their homes. Their efforts to push back are finally making a difference. And the impact is hitting retailers where it hurts most. Emily Zanotti is a writer, commentator and communications consultant living in Nashville, Tennessee. You can find her writing on motherhood in her Substack and her notes and recipes on Twitter. On June 8, a group of students gathered at Poston Butte High School in San Tan Valley for an unusual demonstration a staged school shooting intended to teach them about the criminal justice process and the variety of professionals involved. The students kept their distance as a man in a ski mask ran into the school's atrium, where he pretended to fire a fake gun. Four volunteers acting as shooting victims were covered in fake blood. The Pinal County Sheriffs Office swept the room, and a team of EMTs responded. "There's a ton of resources that are coming together, and it's really in the interest of the kids," said Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer. Roughly 50 high school students were treated to an up-close look at law enforcement careers at the Youth CSI Summer Camp held by the Pinal County Attorneys Office. For over three days, participants from across the county learned about different aspects of a criminal investigation. Volkmer said the program's goal is for students to understand how the justice system truly works and to spark interest in a law enforcement career. Arizona education: School union leaders, district hope to move forward following tense school year The program, which is in its second year, grew out of a forensic science class at Poston Butte that teacher Kayla Kully created. Kully, whose background is in law enforcement, said that her course is a hands-on experience for students who are interested in crime scene investigation. Many of the summer camp participants have taken Kully's class. The Youth CSI Summer Camp expands the opportunity to learn about forensics to Pinal County students outside of Poston Butte. The summer camp began with a class on Wednesday to walk the students through forensics basics. On Thursday, after the staged shooting, they collected evidence around the school. Then sheriffs deputies apprehended and questioned a suspect. On the last day of camp, a mock trial was staged at the Pinal County Superior Court, where some students served as attorneys and jurors. Volkmer said a case of this nature would typically take 18 months to three years to reach trial, but students only had to wait a day before seeing witnesses take the stand. The expedited timeline helps participants understand the many responsibilities of law enforcement careers. "I want kids to walk away understanding what's fully involved before they decide to take on a career like that," Kully said. Cody Daer, a youth cadet with the Pinal County Sheriffs Office, returned to the summer program this year. It has given him a sense of how law enforcement functions from multiple angles, he said. Someday, he said, he sees himself becoming a K-9 officer. This is the first time a school shooting has been staged at the camp. Last year, the program tackled a scenario involving gun violence after a drug deal. Kully said the school shooting scenario is relevant for her students, who have regularly participated in active shooter drills. Its very sensitive to have an active shooter inside a school building, Kully said. But thats the reality of 2023. In the midst of collecting forensic evidence for the trial, students could speak with a licensed counselor, Laura Wood, about what they had just seen and felt. There are many ways traumatic events can affect someones day-to-day life, she said. You dont have to be shot to have the trauma, Wood said. On the program's last day, a jury of students found the defendant guilty on all four counts. Reach the reporters at serena.lin@gannett.com and helen.rummel@gannettt.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Free Pinal County summer camp introduces teens to law enforcement jobs Police locate missing 10-year-old boy with autism from Pittsburgh At around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Pittsburgh Police said that Johnson had been located. UPDATE: Skyler Johnson has been located by Zone 5 officers. Thank you to everyone who shared the information. Original post: pic.twitter.com/EbHiX9aXQy Pittsburgh Police (@PghPolice) June 10, 2023 Pittsburgh Police are asking for the publics help in finding a missing boy with autism. Officers say Skyler Johnson, 10, was last seen on Penn Avenue and Millvale Avenue in Garfield. Johnson is 5 feet tall and weighs 100 pounds. He has black hair and black eyes. He is wearing a long sleeve pink, tie-dyed shirt, light pink pants and red white and blue shoes. The boy was walking with his grandmother when he ran towards Friendship. Anyone with information is asked to contact Pittsburgh Police at 412-323-7800 or to call 911. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Federal student loan payment restart date announced Recall alert: 253K Ashley recliners, loveseats, sofas recalled Pittsburgh synagogue trial is proving the obvious, but ultimately focused on the death penalty VIDEO: Mother of former patient at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital speaks out after staff member charged DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts NATO is working on a two-part package for Ukraine focusing on practical support and Ukraine's membership bid ahead of the upcoming July summit in Vilnius, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith told Politico on June 9. As reported earlier, Ukraine is unlikely to receive a NATO membership invitation at the summit. The alliance nevertheless wants to signal Kyiv their long-term commitment and support. We want to signal to President Zelenskyy if he comes in person we care deeply about having a longer-term relationship with Ukraine and looking for ways to acknowledge, you know, all theyve accomplished and that our support isnt going to fade away or that were not going to get distracted, Smith said. One of the deliverables will involve helping Kyiv's military develop to NATO standards, the other should address the political issue of Ukraine's membership bid. According to Smith, the members are yet to decide what will constitute this package but there is an "array of options." Politico wrote on June 8 that NATO diplomats remain divided on "nearly every element" regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. Many Western leaders are not yet ready to provide a clear pathway to Ukraine's NATO membership, but at the same time, they do not want to leave Ukraine disappointed and vulnerable to further aggression. Viktoriia Lapa: NATO should stop biding time on Ukrainian membership promise With the NATO summit in Vilnius in sight, Ukrainians are placing high hopes on the political decisions made and security guarantees granted. In a comment on April 21, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: All NATO allies have agreed that Ukraine will become a member. During meetings wit The Kyiv IndependentViktoriia Lapa Ukraine's officials have repeatedly appealed to the alliance for a clear pathway toward full membership. President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will not attend the summit without a membership invitation or "some kind of signal." Eastern and Central European allies voiced support for a clear membership path, while others remain hesitant. Former NATO chief Anders Rasmussen warned on June 8 that some NATO members may consider sending troops to Ukraine if they don't see meaningful security guarantees presented at the summit. France and Germany favor "stronger, concrete, very clear security guarantees" over discussions on Ukraine's accession. Paris even indicated it is ready to provide such guarantees itself, comparing it to an "Israeli-style" security agreement. Prince Harry gifts his memoir Spare to air steward as thanks after flight to LA The Duke of Sussex left a surprise gift for an air steward as a thank-you for a pleasant flight to the US. The flight attendant, Holden Pattern, shared a photograph of him and Prince Harry on an American Airlines plane via his Instagram Stories on Friday (9 June). He captioned it: Passenger prince. In the image, Pattern beams as Harry puts his arm around him, wearing a plain black T-shirt and blue jeans. It comes after the duke returned to the US after giving evidence at his High Court phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) in London last week. It is understood that Harry did not see his father, King Charles III, or his brother, the Prince of Wales, during his brief trip here. However, he made Patterns day after he left a thank-you gift in the form of his controversial memoir, Spare, for the air steward. In another photo shared on Instagram Stories, Pattern showed followers a snap of a business class seat with Harrys book placed on the table. He wrote: Just found this in my luggage that a passenger gave to me. American Airlines flight attendant Holden Pattern shares a photograph of a gift left for him by Prince Harry (Holden Pattern/Instagram) Pattern did not offer any further details about the flight that carried Harry home after presenting his testimonial in court. Harry flew to the UK from Los Angeles overnight last Sunday (4 June) after celebrating his daughter Princess Lilibets second birthday. He missed the opening day of his claim against MGN in court, earning him rebuke from the judge. The prince, alongside a number of other celebrities, is accusing the publisher of the Daily Mirror of using unlawful information-gathering, including phone hacking, to uncover details about his personal life. During his testimony this week, Harry blamed the prying eyes of the tabloids for causing his relationship with former girlfriend Chelsy Davy to end. He also said the alleged unlawful information-gathering led him to lose friendships due to the huge amount of paranoia the press intrusion caused. Harrys memoir Spare, which was released in January, contains a number of explosive claims about the royal family, particularly around its relationship with the UK press. The book became the fastest-selling non-fiction book in the UK since records began in 1998. Farmers harness science, technology to improve harvest Xinhua) 09:20, June 10, 2023 This aerial photo taken on June 7, 2023 shows a harvester loading wheat onto a truck in Yuanying Village of Huaxian County, central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Haoran) ZHENGZHOU, June 9 (Xinhua) -- These days are the busiest time of the year for Liu Fukang, a 27-year-old farmer in Minquan County, central China's Henan Province. Within just three days, he harvested more than 1,400 mu (about 93.3 hectares) of wheat with the use of six combine harvesters. After he completes this task, Liu drives a tractor equipped with assisted driving capabilities to sow corn and soybeans. "During the summer harvest, the processes of both harvesting and sowing becomes a race against time," Liu said, adding that as the workload intensifies, he finds himself working until midnight every day. Henan Province, often referred to as the "granary in China's central plains," holds significant agricultural importance in China, accounting for around a quarter of the country's total annual wheat output. After graduating from Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology in 2015, Liu spent five years working in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan. However, in 2020, at the strong request of his father, he returned to his hometown of Minquan. The two then embarked on a new venture, running an agricultural planting cooperative with more than 93.3 hectares of land. "Originally, I had reservations about returning home instead of staying in the big city. However, my perspective gradually changed upon witnessing the introduction of advanced and intelligent agricultural equipment," Liu said. Liu soon took a huge step in upgrading his sowing tractors by installing the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System's intelligent terminal. Since the system has been put in place, Liu has become adept at utilizing its features. When operating the tractor, Liu only needs to engage the steering wheel during turns and can operate hands-free the rest of the time. This allows him the freedom to turn around and monitor the sowing process behind him. Also, with the tractor maintaining a consistent speed, Liu can simultaneously bury seeds, fertilizer, and drip irrigation belts into the soil. "By confirming the plot data in the intelligent terminal, the planter is capable of sowing in a straight line with exceptional accuracy. The system ensures that the margin of error per kilometer is reduced to the centimeter level, thus greatly improving the precision and consistency of the sowing process," Liu said. A villager drives a harvester to load wheat onto a truck in Beixinzhuang Village of Xiangfu District, Kaifeng City, central China's Henan Province, June 7, 2023. (Photo by Li Junsheng/Xinhua) The application of Beidou intelligent terminals in harvesting and sowing machinery has reached an advanced stage and is undergoing widespread adaptation in various regions in China. Liu Fukang's 78-year-old grandfather, Liu Yunjiang, could not help but feel a sense of pride as he observed his grandson's modern farming techniques. Reflecting on his own experience, Liu Yunjiang recalled the laborious task of cutting wheat with a sickle when he was the same age as Liu Fukang. "At that time, despite my best efforts, I could only harvest a small portion of land each day, and the work left me physically exhausted," Liu Yunjiang said. Now, Liu Fukang's commitment to embracing agricultural science and technology is evident from his collection of over 30 agricultural machineries, ranging from small to large equipment. His utilization of drones for fertilization and pesticide application has increased his efficiency. He can now cover 600 to 1,000 mu of land per day. "One can remotely control drones in their car, avoiding direct sun exposure. Also, after turning on the switch, the drip irrigation system would irrigate automatically without the need for manual control," Liu Fukang said. After three years of hands-on experience, Liu Fukang's interest in agricultural science and technology has grown, motivating him to set new goals. "We have to learn and introduce new technologies, and strive to achieve fully unmanned harvesting and sowing operations one day," Liu Fukang said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) After operating a mobile pet food business for three months, the owners of a Pet Wants franchise are moving into a storefront in the Twin Centers strip mall at 630 E. Ogden Ave. in Naperville. (Suzanne Baker/Naperville Sun) A Naperville-based mobile pet food business opened a brick-and-mortar store this week in the Ogden Avenue corridor, one of several recent developments on Napervilles business front. Three months after Pet Wants franchise owner Jaclynn Berna and her husband, Evan, began offering fresh pet kibble for dogs and cats via free delivery, the couple has set up shop in the Twin Centers strip mall at 630 E. Ogden Ave. Advertisement Jaclyn Berna said free delivery will continue throughout southern DuPage, Will and Kane counties. The business has been steadily growing since they started in early February, she said, and theyve exceeded sales expectations each month. Advertisement Word-of-mouth has helped a ton, Berna said. Whats different about the Pet Wants franchise, she said, is the freshness of kibble, which is produced in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in franchisees hands within two days of it being made. Besides dry kibble, the store will sell the companys anti-itch sprays, healing salves and natural dog treats like jerky, grain-free biscuits, dried chicken hearts or minnows, and Chilean blue sea mussel. Berna said they also plan to offer other pet-related items. Plans are in the works to create a grooming space behind the retail operation, but that likely wont happen until winter, she said. In the interim, Berna is partnering with a dog trainer to offer classes in the vacant space. A ribbon-cutting event attended by Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce officials and others was held this week for Two Bostons's third Naperville location at 1239 Naper Blvd. - Original Credit: (Naperville Area Chamber/HANDOUT) Two Bostons adds new location Two Bostons celebrated the opening of its seventh store in the independent pet boutiques chain with a Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting event at 1239 Naper Blvd. Advertisement The location in the Market Meadows Shopping Center marks the business third location in Naperville. Two Bostons has a store in downtown Naperville at 103 W. Jefferson Ave. and in the Naperville Springbrook center at 2523 W. 75th St. Their other four stores are in Burr Ridge, Geneva, Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. Owners Andy and AdreAnne Tesene opened their first store 17 years ago in downtown Naperville. A grand opening is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, June 24, during which customers can play games, win prizes, take photos at a selfie station and get free treats for their pets. Simpson Tech moving to Naperville Simpson Technologies Corp. is relocating its headquarters and tech center from the business park on Shoreline Drive in Aurora to a 9,349-square-foot space at CityGate Centre in Naperville. Advertisement The 10-year lease starts Nov. 1 and will bring the office building along Route 59 north of Interstate 88 to 88% occupancy. An innovator in metal casting technologies, Simpson equipment, services and production solutions are used in foundries in more than 65 countries. Simpson Technologies CEO Bruce Dienst said the company will receive visitors from around the world, and the CityGate campus provides all the amenities national and international visitors need when they visit Simpson. Chris Landis, Calamos Real Estate vice president and managing broker, said leasing at CityGate Centre continues to benefit from the move toward smaller footprints, statement spaces and upgraded amenities. Office space at CityGate Centre ranges from 200 square feet to more than 20,000 square feet. Anmol coming to Route 59 in 2024 Advertisement A Milwaukee-based South Asian restaurant featuring fresh Halal dishes will be coming to Naperville in 2024, the company announced on its website. Anmol is Arabic for precious, and the Milwaukee location serves more than 25,000 guests every month. The Naperville storefront will be in the strip mall at 1550 N. Route 59. Enclave Coworking in downtown Naperville offers both office space and areas where people can socialize and participate in after-work activities. (Downtown Naperville Alliance/HANDOUT) Enclave Coworking to hold grand opening Enclave, a new coworking space that doubles as a social club in downtown Naperville, will hold a grand opening event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16. Located on the upper floors of 218 S. Main St. above Jenis Ice Cream, Enclave offers a variety of workspace options, including private offices and shared spaces, and rooms to reserve for meetings. Advertisement Besides private offices on the second floor, members can set up on the couches, arm chairs or at the bar in the lounge on the third floor. On the social side, Enclave members can end the workday by catching up with friends or participating in planned activities, such as yoga during the lunch hour and poker instruction night for women. Where to dine outdoors with Fido Looking for a place where you and your canine best friend can dine outdoors this summer? Downtown Naperville Alliance has compiled a list of some of the restaurants with dog-friendly patios in Naperville. They include: Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Catch 35, Davanti Enoteca, Egg Harbor Cafe, Einstein Bagel Bros., Everdines Grilled Cheese Co., Fat Rosies Taco and Tequila Bar, Features Bar & Grill, Fiamme, Front Street Cantera (front patio only), La Sorella di Francesca, MOD Pizza, Peanuts Bar & Grill, Quigleys Irish Pub, Rosebud Italian Specialties & Pizzeria, SixtyFour Wine Bar & Kitchen, Smokeshow BBQ, Tapville Social and Vasilis Mediterranean. subaker@tribpub.com Prosecutors want Karen Reads lawyers not to speak of certain aspects of case Prosecutors in Norfolk County have filed a motion asking the judge to block Karen Reads defense team from speaking out on certain aspects of the case involving her trial. Read is facing 2nd-degree murder charges in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe after a party in January of 2022. The filing, which 25 Investigates obtained and is dated June 8th, asks the judge to prohibit Reads defense team from making extrajudicial statements to the media that could be seen as prejudicial to the criminal proceedings. 25 Investigates: Prosecutors to disprove woman who says shes wrongly charged in death of Boston cop The prosecution called the defense a trial by media strategy alleging Reads lawyers have sought to target the witnesses credibility and character and have encouraged the unwarranted invasion of witnesses privacy. The prosecution also revealed in the filing that it has turned over evidence to the defense saying This evidence establishes that the defendant, while intoxicated, in a snowstorm, operated her motor vehicle in reverse for a period of time, before striking the victim at a high rate of speed. Reads defense has maintained that there is some sort of cover-up in the case and claims that others are responsible for OKeefes death. Reads lawyers take issue with the filing and have yet to file a response to the motion. 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 Protestors call for reform, charges to be dropped for man they say was wrongly arrested Family, friends and activists on Friday called for charges to be dropped against a man they say was wrongly arrested in late May, and for punishment to be levied against the officers involved in the arrest. Jamil Ibrahim, Moamen Saad Hijaz, Ibrahim Mahmoud and Salim Ibrahim were each arrested May 27, with Hijaz, Mahmoud and Salim Ibrahim being charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Jamil Ibrahim was charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault on a first responder. The three charged with disorderly conduct have all had their charges dropped by the Shelby County District Attorney's Office. Mahmoud's were dropped at his arraignment on May 30, and Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said during a Tuesday morning press conference Salim Ibrahim and Hijaz had their charges dropped. Jamil Ibrahim's case remains open, but Mulroy said the charges could be dropped in the future. Demonstrators and family of Jamil Ibrahim, who was wrongly identified as a man with an active warrant, demand justice for Jamil and 3 others on June 9, 2023 near the intersection of Poplar Avenue & Highland Street in Memphis, Tenn. "Frankly, based on our staff's review of the video and what we've found so far, we have some concerns about both Mr. [Jamil] Ibrahim's behavior in the altercation, and then also the arresting officers' behavior," Mulroy said at that press conference Tuesday. "We're going to be continuing to investigate all of that, so we can't make a final decision yet." The four brothers were arrested after they say Jamil Ibrahim called the police when he found a bag of bullets behind their warehouse at Winchester Road and Kirby Parkway. When MPD officers arrived, an officer spelled Jamil Ibrahim's name as "Jamal Ibrahim" and a different person, who had an active warrant for their arrest, came up, family said. Jamil Ibrahim's affidavit for the May 27 arrest cited a separate warrant, which had already been executed by MPD in December 2022, for an aggravated assault and domestic assault case. Ibrahim has made every court appearance in that case. Ibrahim was taken to Regional One Hospital prior to being booked at the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center. His family said he was given stitches to his forehead, but was put in a neck brace and sling after posting bail. He is still recovering, according to Mahmoud. Demonstrators and family of Jamil Ibrahim, who was wrongly identified as a man with an active warrant, demand justice for Jamil and 3 others on June 9, 2023 near the intersection of Poplar Avenue & Highland Street in Memphis, Tenn. "Jamil [Ibrahim] is still in pretty bad shape," Mahmoud told reporters at the protest Friday evening. "He can't lift anything, it's pretty bad. He's been in a sling because of his shoulder, [doctors] had him in a neck brace as well. Most days, his wife has to help him out of bed. He can't work. Working in the warehouse, you need to be able to lift boxes. If you can't lift boxes, I can't have you there." Nabil Bayakly, a man who has known the brothers for years, said the arrests came a surprise to him, especially following Tyre Nichols' death after being beaten by multiple MPD officers. "I raised these folks," Bayakly said. "They always came to mosque and we taught them all the Arabic they had to learn...They're not that sort of people. They don't aggravate, they don't escalate, they're very calm people...I went over to their house that night, when Jamil was getting released, and I saw the gash on [Jamil's] forehead. I said, 'What is this?' And they showed me the video. Whoever sees these videos, all you can think of is Tyre Nichols, or Tyre Nichols part two because of the way they handled Jamil." MPD said on May 28 that the incident between officers and the brothers was "under review by precinct commanders." Mulroy said he had spoken with MPD brass, including MPD Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis about the incident, and she said an internal investigation is underway. Demonstrators and family of Jamil Ibrahim, who was wrongly identified as a man with an active warrant, demand justice for Jamil and 3 others on June 9, 2023 near the intersection of Poplar Avenue & Highland Street in Memphis, Tenn. "No officer has been relieved of duty," MPD Public Information Officer Major Karen Rudolph said in an email Friday. Video taken by bystanders at the warehouse, and shown to reporters from The Commercial Appeal May 27, showed Jamil Ibrahim holding his arms behind his back when a female officer appeared to try and handcuff him by wrapping her arms around him. 'A bittersweet day': Celebrating what should have been a momentous birthday mark for Tyre Nichols When another officer entered the warehouse, the two officers then appeared to grab Ibrahim's arms and push him into boxes. As the officers appeared to continue trying to handcuff Ibrahim, a male officer appeared to punch Ibrahim on the head and later appeared to place his hands around Ibrahim's throat. When another bystander appeared in the video and tried to break up the officers and Ibrahim, he was pushed away by an officer. The affidavit mentions an officer "striking" Ibrahim, though does not mention any officers placing their hands around his throat. According to the affidavit, Ibrahim "lunged" at the officer prior to the officer hitting him. Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Calls continue for charges to be dropped for man they say was wrongly arrested Rain to help clear Canada's air soon, but days away from Quebec fires By Rod Nickel and David Ljunggren WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) -Rain is likely to help clear up smoky air in eastern Canada starting Sunday but may not reach the forest fires raging in the province of Quebec until days later, a government meteorologist said on Saturday. There were 426 fires across Canada on Saturday morning, 144 of them in Quebec. Canadian forest fires regularly occur in the summer but the scope of the current conflagration - and its early arrival - are unprecedented. The fires on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts have burned 4.4 million hectares so far, forced thousands of Canadians from their homes and spread smoke that has left residents from Toronto to New York gasping for breath. Federal meteorologist Gerald Cheng told reporters on Saturday that rain was expected Sunday in southern Ontario and southwestern Quebec, which will likely help clear smoke. The rain looks set to reach more northern parts of Quebec - where the biggest fires are burning - starting Tuesday but only 10-20 mm (0.4-0.8 inches) of precipitation is expected, Cheng said. "Our concern is that it's not a lot of rain," he said. Officials say that by Monday there will be around 1,200 firefighters, including more than 100 from France, battling blazes across Quebec, a heavily wooded province of 8.5 million people that covers more territory than Germany, Spain and France combined. "In the next few days there is a risk the situation will stay critical. But the arrival of French firefighters is really going to help," Quebec Forestry Minister Maite Blanchette Vezina said on Friday. More than 13,000 people have been evacuated from towns in the north of Quebec. In the Pacific province of British Columbia, weather improved on Saturday as firefighters battled a large 20,000-hectare (50,000-acre) blaze in the remote foothills of the Rocky Mountains near the eastern border with Alberta. Winds that had been blowing westward toward the mostly evacuated community of Tumbler Ridge, about 1,000 km (600 miles) northeast of Vancouver, turned to the east. Temperatures also cooled, allowing firefighters to get closer to the fire, said Karley Desrosiers, information officer for the B.C. Wildfire Service. The fire is just 4 km (2-1/2 miles) from Tumbler Ridge, where about 150 of its 2,400 residents remain. "I can't say the risk has been alleviated because it absolutely has not, but at this exact moment, the weather is working in our favor," she said. Drizzling rain has helped, but the forest is so dry from drought that the area needs heavier rain to make a major difference, Desrosiers said. (Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, editing by Deepa Babington; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Cynthia Osterman) Ramstad: Minnesotas small towns are in decline. Its hard, but we must talk about it. GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. In Minnesota outside the Twin Cities, the leveling-out or decline of population and economic growth is acute and uncomfortable to bring up. "Resource scarcity, and how often this scarcity is showing up, is crippling," said Tuleah Palmer, who, as chief executive of the Blandin Foundation, spends a lot of time working on the resilience of rural communities. "It's contrary to, I think, what has been a historic independent pride in rural culture. So it's hard to articulate and it's a little bit risky to do it," she adds. "But we want to help make visible what is invisible." Often, the biggest, toughest problems are difficult to discuss. I found myself feeling sheepish, and worried about being impolite, on a recent trip through northern Minnesota when I asked questions about this dynamic. So I was relieved when Palmer said she and her colleagues face the same difficulty. Slow growth is a statewide phenomenon, but people in small towns and rural areas have been contending with it for decades. In many Minnesota places, slow growth turned into outright decline in the last 20 years. And this decade, 50 of the state's 87 counties are expected to lose population. The foundation, created in 1941 by the founder of the Blandin Paper Co., is the largest philanthropic organization in Minnesota outside the Twin Cities with about $500 million in assets. The paper company was sold in the 1970s and the foundation has been independent from it since. When Palmer arrived at the Blandin Foundation in July 2020, it was the height of the pandemic and the organization was intensely focused on distributing funds to help communities meet unexpected challenges. But Palmer, who grew up in the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in towns around Grand Rapids, knew that small-town life had changed immensely in her lifetime. "Things feel different than when we were kids," she says. "There's a tension around asking 'What is going on?' It's sort of contrary to the culture to say 'There's something wrong.'" The foundation has a lot of data about challenges and opportunities in rural Minnesota. As she and other foundation leaders looked beyond the pandemic, they realized that rural resilience needed to be a core focus of their work. "Working class people in rural spaces, how do they access health care in 20 years? We're super-focused on that," Palmer says. One of the main tensions in Minnesota is that the growth trajectory of the metro area is upward while for most of the rest of the state it's downward. But the Twin Cities' growth is slow relative to most other big U.S. cities. The degrees may vary but, on economic growth, all Minnesotans are in the same proverbial boat. There are plenty of people, including elected state leaders and business executives, who care a lot about what happens outside the Twin Cities. They also realize that the growing political influence of the cities and suburbs frustrates people beyond the metro. "But they're really situated in urban structuralism, with dense population and high mobility rates," Palmer says. "And rural places are sparse, often isolated and have low mobility rates. That inevitably shifts cultural norms and even what change looks like in rural places." As one example, she notes how the public discussion about the transition to clean energy centers almost entirely on what it means to people in cities, but it's people in rural areas with the land needed to capture renewable energy from wind and the sun. That makes clean energy a wonderful economic opportunity for rural areas, but one that is ripe for exploitation. "That would be a great thing to have conversations around," she says. Even an influential institution like the Blandin Foundation can only do so much to maintain wealth and spark innovation in areas that are declining in size and economic power, Palmer says. "Philanthropy is not the answer to a system that isn't working right," she says. "It's like the pebble that you put into the system. It's a seed for change." I view the leaders of Minnesota's small-town businesses and institutions as today's pioneers. They are managing the questions and hard choices of flattening and decline before many people in the Twin Cities, or cities anywhere in the U.S., even understand what's going on. Next week, I'll write about the people at five community colleges in northern Minnesota who looked at the future, then made difficult decisions to unify in the face of decline. Anti-science zealots and conservative talking heads have spent this week twisting themselves in knots to imagine that global climate change isnt exacerbating wildfires around the globe. In the U.S., climate change denial groups have made sweeping claims that the overall number of wildfires is down, ignoring the ballooning size and severity of infernos. In Canada, right-wing politicians have latched on to what they say must be a coordinated arson campaign, ignoring that fires are fueled by conditions on the ground regardless of how they start. The partisan response one that has played out many times amid extreme wildfire events in the U.S. comes amid what a Stanford University research team confirmed to be the worst wildfire smoke day on record in the United States. The toxic plumes that have crippled cities across the Northeast and Midwest in recent days stem from unprecedented wildfires in neighboring Canada after a prolonged heat wave in May that shattered multiple temperature records. As usual, the Heartland Institute is spearheading the right-wing disinformation campaign. In a press release Thursday, the group known for its annual climate change denial and conspiracy conference declared that the reality is wildfires are becoming less frequent and severe as the planet modestly warms, without bothering to link to a single study as evidence. Climate activists embarrass themselves when they claim that the fewer wildfires that still do occur must be caused by climate change and are proof of a climate crisis, James Taylor, the groups president, said in an accompanying statement. Mandy Gunasekara, a former high-ranking Environmental Protection Agency official under President Donald Trump and a key figure in the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, peddled that same message in a Friday interview with fringe conservative network Newsmax TV. Canadian wildfires have been declining for the past 100 years, she wrote in a tweet promoting her appearance. These facts havent stopped Team Biden from fear-mongering about them. Its not climate change thats the problem, its climate hysteria. At best, the Heartland Institute and Gunasekara are cherry-picking data to fit their own agendas. This satellite image from June 6, 2023, shows wildfires burning in the Canadian provinces of Quebec, right, and Ontario, left, with smoke drifting southward. This satellite image from June 6, 2023, shows wildfires burning in the Canadian provinces of Quebec, right, and Ontario, left, with smoke drifting southward. It is true that the overall number of annual fires in Canada has declined in recent decades, from approximately 87,000 blazes throughout the 1980s to 60,000 during the 2010s, according to CBC News analysis of national data. But the number of wildfires says nothing of their size, severity and the myriad complex forces driving extreme fire behavior, including climate impacts and decades of fire suppression. Wildfires are forecast to become increasingly severe as climate change fuels heat waves and worsening drought events. The Canadian government published a national risk report last month that found that the total acreage burned annually by wildland fires has more than doubled since the 1970s and is forecast to double again by the end of the century. The impacts of climate change on wildland fires are already being felt and are expected to cause a dramatic increase in the variation and extremes in fire-conducive weather, the federal report states. Nationally, climate change is creating longer fire seasons and contributing to the increased intensity, frequency, and size of wildland fires, regardless of the ever-increasing effectiveness of fire suppression tactics. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that the nation is experiencing its worst wildfire season on record. As of Friday, the blazes had consumed nearly 11 million acres, roughly 15 times the 10-year average, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Thats an area larger than Maryland. An orange sun rises behind One World Trade Center and the New York City skyline as smoke from Canadian wildfires fills the air on June 8, 2023. An orange sun rises behind One World Trade Center and the New York City skyline as smoke from Canadian wildfires fills the air on June 8, 2023. The situation mirrors that in the United States. While the number of fires year-to-year has dipped slightly since the mid-1980s, their size and the total annual acreage burned have drastically increased. Since 2000, wildfires in the U.S. have consumed an average of 7 million acres annually, more than double the 3.3 million acre annual average in the 1990s. In 2020, when historic wildfires plagued Australia, conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr. and Fox News host Sean Hannity, focused their attention not on clear trends in fire size and behavior, but on cases of alleged arson. In doing so, they conveniently ignored that the majority of the blazes were ignited by lightning strikes. Similarly, when wildfires were raging in the Pacific Northwest that same year, Loren Culp, the Republican nominee for governor of Washington state, pushed an internet conspiracy theory that they were the result of a coordinated arson campaign. The same right-wing conspiracy has reared its ugly head in Canada. I bet a good portion of the wildfires raging across the country were started by green terrorists who want to give their climate change campaign a little boost, Maxime Bernier, the far-right leader of the Peoples Party of Canada, tweeted Monday, linking to a story about a woman charged with 32 counts of arson in connection with a series of wildfires in April. The far left are experts at inventing and creating crises that they can then exploit. Danielle Smith, the conservative premier of Alberta, also promoted the idea, telling podcast host Ryan Jespersen she is very concerned that there are arsonists. Denial, misinformation and partisan talking points have become an unfortunate part of extreme weather events. To be clear, arson is a problem. Each year, a handful of people are arrested for intentionally setting fires. But to focus on arson distracts from the realities and magnitude of the current problem. The accusation of arson is commonly used to detract from the real drivers of these extreme wildfires and their impacts on people and ecosystems, Lori Daniels, a forestry professor at the University of British Columbia, told the Toronto Star. Pointing fingers at fake causes for political gain is an insult to the people who have lost their homes, the firefighters trying to stop those wildfires, and all affected by the smoke and other secondary effects. Lightning strikes and human negligence are believed to be the primary triggers of the current spate of fires. H/T to Instant Weather Ontario @IWeatherON ... with suggestion of arson floating social media they went to UofColorado and pulled up GOES-16 satellite data stream I pulled just two frames from the satellite feed first comes the lightning then comes the fires pic.twitter.com/Jnw60V26Me ItsTheAtmosphere @Padruig@universeodon.com (@ItsTheAtmospher) June 9, 2023 Denial, misinformation and partisan talking points have become an unfortunate part of extreme weather events, as climate change for reasons that defy logic remains a partisan issue. But the most disgusting segment of quackery this week goes to Fox News Laura Ingrahams show, which gave a microphone to anti-science hack and professional troll Steve Milloy. Milloy, a staunch climate change denier and former tobacco and coal lobbyist with no medical background, falsely declared that the wildfire smoke blanketing cities like New York and Washington, D.C., poses no human health hazard. Look, its ugly, its unpleasant to breathe, and for a lot of people, they get anxiety over it, Milloy told Ingraham. But the reality is, theres no health risk, OK? Theres EPA research; theyve done lots of clinical research on asthmatics, on elderly asthmatics, on children, on elderly with heart disease not a cough or a wheeze from any of them. His claim is utterbullshit. As HuffPost reported Thursday, Republican lawmakers in Washington have done somersaults this week to ignore or downplay the link between wildfire and planetary warming, instead using the smoke event to peddle pro-logging talking points about the need for better forest management. Related... Reconnaissance by drone and bombardment with grenades: Ukrainian border guards post video of engaging Russian forces Ukrainian border guards posted a video of them bombarding Russian occupiers with grenades on the Bakhmut front, killing at least two invaders. Source: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Quote: "The invaders are having a hard time on the Bakhmut front From an observation post in the forest belt, Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers detected enemy infantry moving towards the contact line. The task of killing the enemy was given to the border guards-grenadiers. They used a drone to determine the coordinates, which led to a dozen fragmentation grenades falling directly on the invaders' heads." Details: Border guards reported that two occupiers were killed and three others were injured. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Reports of Russian casualties as they 'withdraw through their own minefields,' driven back by Ukraine's counteroffensive, UK intel says A Ukrainian soldier covers his ears while firing a mortar at Russian positions on the front line near Bakhmut, in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, on May 29. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky Reports of Russian casualties climb as they "withdraw through their own minefields," per UK intel. Military progress on both sides has been mixed in the past two days, the UK defense ministry said. This comes as Ukraine's long-anticipated counteroffensive began this week. Russian military performance has been "mixed" in the past 48 hours of fighting, with an increasing number of Russian casualties being reported as troops "withdraw through their own minefields," according to intel from Britain. In an intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's ministry of defense outlined the progress that had been made on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. "In some areas, Ukrainian forces have likely made good progress and penetrated the first line of Russian defences. In others, Ukrainian progress has been slower," the agency said in a statement. "Russian performance has been mixed: some units are likely conducting credible manoeuvre defence operations while others have pulled back in some disorder, amid increased reports of Russian casualties as they withdraw through their own minefields." The Russian Air Force has also been "unusually active" over southern Ukraine, according to the intelligence, but it remains "unclear" whether tactical airstrikes in the area have been effective. Mine warfare An M109A6 Paladin 155 mm self-propelled howitzer camouflaged in a Ukrainian position on May 18 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. The weapon can fire the Remote Anti-Armor Mine System shell. Serhii Mykhalchuk/Getty Images Russia has built a complex defense in southeastern Ukraine, Insider recently reported, comprised of razor wire, anti-tank obstacles, and deadly minefields. Two US officials told CNN on Thursday that mines were also having a negative impact on Ukraine's armored vehicles. Ukrainian forces are using US-made artillery rounds that lay anti-tank mines in flight. The US has supplied Ukraine with more than 10,000 of these Remote Anti-Armor Mine Systems along with the 155 mm howitzers that can fire them nearly 11 miles. The mine-laying artillery shell is designed to force desperate choices, wrote Insider's Sam Fellman. Vehicles must run a gauntlet laid with mines to deliver fresh troops, ammunition, fuel, and food to front-line positions. It also can be used to set traps along escape routes for front-line forces. Ukraine has confirmed that its long-anticipated counteroffensive is underway, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that the Ukrainian forces are fighting "very tough battles." The fog of war makes determining a main line of effort difficult, but one objective of the counteroffensive may be severing the so-called land bridge connecting Russia and Russian-controlled territories in the southeast in a push to the Sea of Azov, wrote Insider's Ryan Pickrell. Read the original article on Business Insider This article was originally published in Rhode Island Current. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee joined nine other Democratic state and territorial governors Friday in signing a letter to nine school textbook publishers calling on them to resist censorship, especially when it comes to U.S. history. The effort was led by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who is head of the Democratic Governors Association. We are deeply troubled by the news of some textbook publishers yielding to the unreasonable demands of certain government representatives calling for the censorship of school educational materials, specifically textbooks, the letter begins. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter We write to you out of concern that those who are charged with supporting the education of this countrys students, such as yourselves, may be tempted to water down critical information to appeal to the lowest common denominator. We urge any company who has not yet given in to this pressure to hold the line for our democracy. McKees office did not respond to requests for comment. The move came a little less than a month after Florida authorities worked with textbook companies to correct 66 social studies textbooks previously declared to contain inaccurate material, errors and other information that was not aligned with Florida Law, according to a statement from the Florida Department of Education. The scrubbing came after only 19 of 101 submitted textbooks were approved by the state education department for use in Florida schools. The objections from the department included: One textbook encouraged critical discussions at home around athletes taking a knee during performances of the National Anthem. The removal of a passage from a middle school textbook calling regarding the murder of Geroge Floyd and Black Lives Matter protests, calling it an unsolicited topic. Removal of the word socialism from a section on economics where the system was described as a way to keep things nice and even. Other governors who signed the letter included: Maura Healey, of Massachusetts; John Carney, of Delaware; J.B. Pritzker, of Illinois; Wes Moore, of Maryland; Michelle Lujan Grisham, of New Mexico; Jay Inslee, of Washington; Albert Bryan, of the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Kathy Hochul, of New York. The letter was sent to the Association of American Publishers, which represents the leading book, journal, and education publishers in the United States and the following publishers: Cengage Learning, Goodheart-Wilcox, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw Hill Education, Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, Savvas Learning Co., Scholastic, and Teachers Curriculum Institute did not respond to requests for comment. Pearson declined to comment. Rhode Island Current is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Rhode Island Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janine L. Weisman for questions: info@rhodeislandcurrent.com. Follow Rhode Island Current on Facebook and Twitter. The following items were taken from Niles Police Department bulletins. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Public intoxication Advertisement Rose Barenig, 59, of the 9200 block of Sally Lane, Schiller Park, was arrested June 2 for public intoxication and requiring emergency services on the 6800 block of Milwaukee Avenue, police said. Traffic violations Advertisement Zarak Tariq, 21, of the 8800 block of Dee Road, Des Plaines, was arrested June 3 for speeding 62 mph in a 35 mph zone on the 7900 block of Dempster Street, police said. A court date is set for July 3. Avinash Devapalan, 34, of the 1200 block of 51st Street, Chicago, was arrested June 3 for speeding 66 mph in a 35 mph zone on the 7900 block of Dempster Street, police said. Guillermo Cujilema, 35, of the 4700 block of Monticello Avenue, Chicago, was arrested June 3 for driving without a drivers license and operating a vehicle with its registration suspended, police said. Magana Mercado, 22, of the 6600 block of Albion Avenue, Chicago, was arrested June 4 for speeding 69 mph in a 35 mph zone at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Ebinger Drive, police said. Disorderly conduct Two 15-year-old boys from Skokie were arrested June 3 for disorderly conduct after climbing the shelves and knocking things down in a Walmart on the 5600 block of Touhy Avenue, police said. A court date is set for July 3. Theft Dina Chavarro, of the 5400 block of Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, and an unknown man were arrested at the Costco on the 7300 block of Melvina Avenue for removing $37.98 worth of merchandise from the store without paying, police said. Advertisement A City of Chicago parking sticker was removed from a vehicle parked on the 5600 block of Touhy Avenue June 1, police said. A Nordstrom package worth $1,240 marked as delivered to the 8400 block of Madison Street and did not make it to the recipient, police said. Three unknown suspects in a dark-colored vehicle approached a complainant for directions to the expressway while in the parking lot of the Costco on the 7300 block of Melvina Avenue June 2, then hugged the complainant and pulled him into the vehicle, police said. One subject gave the complainant a series of rings and the complainant realized his gold necklace was missing later on, police said. Identity theft A complainant residing on the 6700 block of Milwaukee Avenue stated June 1 that they had received a phone call from an unknown individual stating that their Chase debit card had been frozen and the complainant could unlock it using an emailed code, police said. The complainant gave the code to the caller along with other personal information and later learned $9,430.00 was missing from their bank account, police said. Fraud Advertisement A complainant reported a check for $700.21 she had mailed from the Niles Post office had been altered and deposited by another person in the original amount June 5, police said. WASHINGTON - Here's a look at how area members of Congress voted over the previous week. Along with roll call votes this week, the House also passed these measures by voice vote: the National Senior Investor Initiative Act (H.R. 2593), to create an interdivisional taskforce at the Securities and Exchange Commission for senior investors; a bill (H.R. 2608), to specify the periods for which financial statements are required to be provided by an emerging growth company; and a bill (H.R. 2610), to permit securities issuers to file draft registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission for confidential review. House votes Chuck Edwards House Vote 1: OFFERINGS OF COMPANY STOCK: The House has passed the Encouraging Public Offerings Act (H.R. 2793), sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., to expand the ability of companies issuing stock to the public to use streamlined regulatory procedures. Wagner said: "This bill will make listing on exchanges more attractive, strengthening our financial markets and providing Main Street investors with more opportunities to grow their nest eggs." The vote, on June 5, was 384 yeas to 13 nays. YEAS: Edwards R-NC (11th). House Vote 2: COMPANY INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS OF STOCK: The House has passed the Middle Market IPO Cost Act (H.R. 2812), sponsored by Rep. James A. Himes, D-Conn., to require the Securities and Exchange Commission to report to Congress on the costs for small and mid-sized companies of initial public offerings (IPOs), and ways to potentially reduce those costs. Himes said the companies usually pay IPO underwriters a fee of 7 percent of the money raised in the IPO despite falling costs for technologies used in IPOs, and "I strongly believe that this remarkably stable 7 percent gross spread is fair subject for scrutiny." The vote, on June 5, was 390 yeas to 10 nays. NOT VOTING: Edwards R-NC (11th). Senate votes Sens. Ted Budd, left, and Thom Tillis Senate Vote 1: ENERGY OFFICIAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of David Crane to be the Energy Department's Under Secretary for Infrastructure. Crane was the CEO of NRG, a large electric power generation company, for 12 years; more recently, he has been a board member of several renewable energy and steel companies. A supporter, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Crane "has a wealth of knowledge from the private sector as a former CEO of a leading energy company and is one of America's leading voices in the fight for clean energy." An opponent, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said "Crane's nomination is bad news for Kentucky, for coal country, and for any American who enjoys making their own choices about which cars to drive, which products to consume, and how to earn a living." The vote, on June 7, was 56 yeas to 43 nays. NAYS: Tillis R-NC, Budd R-NC. Senate Vote 2: SMALL BUSINESS OFFICIAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Dilawar Syed to be the Small Business Administration deputy administrator. Syed was an official in various business and economy roles in the Obama administration, and is currently the CEO of Lumiata, a healthcare artificial intelligence company. A supporter, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said Syed "has experience working directly with small business owners and has led efforts to drive economic growth at the local, state, and federal levels." An opponent, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said: "Based on our experience with Mr. Syed over the past 2 1/2 years while his nomination has been under consideration, he has resisted full transparency at every turn." The vote, on June 8, was 54 yeas to 42 nays. NAYS: Tillis R-NC, Budd R-NC. Senate Vote 3: FEDERAL CLAIMS JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Milly R. Silfen to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a 15-year term. Silfen has been a solicitor attorney in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office since 2013, when she left a private practice law firm. A supporter, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., cited Silfen's "extensive experience at all levels of the federal judicial system, along with her commitment to public service." The vote, on June 8, was 55 yeas to 39 nays. YEAS: Tillis R-NC. NAYS: Budd R-NC. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Here's how WNC's members of Congress voted June 2-8 Ron DeSantis says little about Trump indictment; decries unequal justice and 'weaponization' Jun 9, 2023; Greensboro, NC, USA; Hundreds gathered to hear Governor Ron DeSantis speak at the North Carolina Republican Party 2023 State Convention on Friday, June 9. The event came on the heels of another indictment of former President Donald Trump. GREENSBORO, N.C. - Ron DeSantis argued his campaign case to the North Carolina Republican Party on Friday while making only passing reference to the biggest political elephant in the room: Donald Trump's second indictment. While not citing Trump by name, DeSantis again decried the "weaponization" of law enforcement and claimed that different standards are being applied to Republicans and Democrats, including "a former Republican president." "I think there needs to be one standard of justice in this country," DeSantis said. Let's enforce that on everybody and make sure we all know the rules." DeSantis also may have made an indirect jab at Trump. The former Navy lawyer said he would have been court-martialed "in a New York minute" if he had taken classified information home, a comment he directed at former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton but which could also be applied to Trump. 'This is secret': Donald Trump indictment details charges against former president What does Trump's indictment mean? Can he still run for president? Here's what to know Otherwise, DeSantis mostly gave his standard campaign speech, pledging to apply his Florida agenda to the nation as a whole on issues like law enforcement, the economy, and so-called "woke ideology." Going local, DeSantis congratulated North Carolina Republicans for their political successes. He also pledged to change the name of Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg, arguing that "political correctness" persuaded the military to drop the dedication to Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg. On the day that the Justice Department unsealed the indictment of Trump over his handling of classified documents, most Republican candidates continued to soft-pedal the case against the ex-president and went after law enforcement instead. 'Endless drama and distractions' DeSantis, Trump's closest challenger in most Republican primary polls, spoke to delegates at the North Carolina Republican Party convention. Trump is scheduled to address the same group on Saturday, two days after he was indicted on charges of improperly removing sensitive classified documents from the White House and obstructing the government's efforts to get them back. Another 2024 challenger, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, took to Twitter to say that "this is not how justice should be pursued in our country. The American people are exhausted by the prosecutorial overreach, double standards, and vendetta politics." Her tweet also appeared to make a reference to Trump and his legal troubles. "Its time to move beyond the endless drama and distractions," Haley said. During a town hall in New Hampshire, former Trump Vice President Mike Pence called it a "sad day," and said he had hoped "it wouldn't come to this." Indictment reaction: Donald Trump plays the victim card while rivals mostly defend him Republicans speak out, some call for Trump to drop out At least one Republican candidate has been more aggressive. Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas, said Trump should exit the race because of the nature of the charges against him. Trump is the first former president to be indicted in federal court. In March, he became the first ex-president to be indicted at any level, as a New York state grand jury charged him in connection with hush money payments to a former mistress. Trump remains under investigation over the Jan. 6 insurrection and efforts to overturn his loss to Biden in the state of Georgia. Some Republicans criticized the tepid reaction of most of the 2024 candidates. Sarah Matthews, a deputy press secretary in the Trump White House, said the details of Trump's behavior should make the other candidates more critical. "All the 2024 GOP candidates and Republicans who rushed to defend Trump before the indictment was unsealed seem to have a lot of egg on their faces now," said Matthews, who testified in the congressional hearings on the Jan. 6 insurrection. "This indictment is highly detailed and troubling," she said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ron DeSantis and other GOPers say little about Donald Trump indictment Ron DeSantis says he would have expected tough punishment had he taken classified documents while in the navy - Sean Rayford/Getty Images Ron DeSantis suggested he would have been court-martialed in a New York minute if he had kept classified documents while in the Navy, in a veiled attack on Donald Trump. The Florida governor, 44, has been careful to walk a delicate line as he challenges Mr Trump for the Republican partys 2024 presidential nomination, as he is wary of alienating the former presidents base. Mr DeSantis initially expressed outrage at the Justice Departments decision to charge the 76-year-old former president with illegally keeping top-secret files after he left the White House. But in remarks on Friday night, Mr DeSantis implicitly stressed the gravity of his rivals alleged crimes, even as he condemned the weaponisation of the justice system. As a naval officer, if I wouldve taken classified [documents] to my apartment, I would have been court-martialed in a New York minute, he told a Republican Party convention in Greensboro, North Carolina. The governor was ostensibly discussing a case involving Hillary Clinton, who was investigated by the FBI over her use of a private email server at her New York home for work purposes while she was secretary of state. The FBI said Mrs Clinton had been careless but did not recommend charges. Is there a different standard for a Democrat secretary of state versus a former Republican president? he said. But Mr DeSantiss suggestion of wrongdoing in Mrs Clintons case and the implicit parallels he drew with Mr Trump was a back-handed defence of his rival. The governor also suggested Mr Trump should have some humility in tackling a politicised judicial system, adding: You cannot do it alone. Mr Trump, who remains the GOP frontrunner, was due to address Republicans at state conventions in Georgia and North Carolina on Saturday He is expected to give a furious response to prosecutors and the FBI as he paints himself as a victim of a politicised Justice Department. He is facing 37 counts relating to the illegal retention of highly sensitive documents, including details of Americas nuclear weapons and foreign allies. The indictment of a sitting or former US president on federal charges is unprecedented in American history. Stacks of boxes containing secret documents were found at Mar-a-Lago - US Department of Justice via Getty Images Mr Trumps allies have launched a pressure campaign to push his Republican rivals to condemn his prosecution. Many have done so, wary of alienating his supporters. Alongside Mr DeSantis, they include Mike Pence, the former vice-president; Nikki Haley, the former United Nations ambassador; and Tim Scott, the senator. However, all have drawn short of defending Mr Trumps actions, as the full details of his handling of sensitive US intelligence were laid bare in a 49-page indictment. Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor and another GOP candidate, said the facts of the case were damning. Photographs in the document showed dozens of boxes of files were found at Mar-a-Lago, Mr Trumps private members club and main residence in Florida. They were discovered next to a shower, on a ballroom stage, and in his office and bedroom. Some documents spilled on the floor of a storage room pertained to intelligence releasable only to the Five Eyes, the intelligence-sharing network between the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. According to prosecutors, the documents included details of nuclear weaponry in the United States and the nuclear capabilities of a foreign country. It also included information of potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack. Prosecutors said Mr Trump attempted to conceal his continued retention of classified documents after he was issued a subpoena demanding their return. He allegedly directed Walt Nauta, his valet, to move documents so they would be hidden from his own lawyer and the FBI. The former president was charged with 31 counts under the Espionage Act of willful retention of national defence information. He also faces six other charges including concealing documents, making false statements and conspiracy to obstruct justice. It could result in a substantial prison sentence. Mr Nauta has also been charged in the case. Joe Biden, the US president, said he had not spoken to the Justice Department about the case and had no forewarning of Mr Trumps indictment. Mr Trump has denied any wrongdoing, saying: I am an innocent man. He will plead not guilty when he appears in court in Miami on Tuesday, and has encouraged his supporters to assemble outside. He wrote on his social media platform: SEE YOU IN MIAMI ON TUESDAY!!! The political impact of Mr Trumps latest indictment is not yet clear. A YouGov poll last month found that a majority of Democrats and independent voters deemed removing highly classified documents and obstructing their return to be a serious crime. Some 42 per cent of Republicans agreed. However, Mr Trumps aides said they expected to raise millions of dollars from angry voters who feel he has been treated unfairly. 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. On Nov. 1 and then again on Nov. 5 in 2018, just ahead of that years Nov. 6 Election Day, Donald Trump visited Missouri to campaign for Josh Hawley, whose U.S. Senate race against the incumbent Democrat, Sen. Claire McCaskill, was expected to be close. In Cape Girardeau on Nov. 5, at Trumps last campaign stop of the midterms, Hawley compared McCaskill to that monster Hillary Clinton, knowing that the crowd would in response erupt in the gleeful chant that Trump had successfully run on: Lock her up! When they complied, right on cue, Hawley beamed. Now though, the senator seems to have changed his mind. If the people in power can jail their political opponents at will, Hawley tweeted after hearing that Trump was going to be indicted over his handling of sensitive documents, then we dont have a republic. If Trump risked the safety of our U.S. intelligence agents and our military, among others, by stealing and stowing nuclear secrets in cardboard boxes in a Mar-a-Lago bathroom, how could he not face charges? He is not in jail yet, though he has been accused of going to extraordinary lengths to hide classified documents from investigators. And he cannot and will not be put behind bars at will. Because for now, we still have due process in this country. When Hawley basked in those cheers of Lock her up! five years ago, were sure that he was just Joshin, or else not thinking about the republic at all. Hillarys transgression, youll recall, was using a private server for official emails, as her predecessors, too, had done. By the time she was serving as Barack Obamas secretary of state, however, doing so was against policy and federal statute. Failing to adhere to that policy was careless, but as the investigation that helped tank her presidential campaign concluded, it was not criminal. Hillary Clintons email server not criminal When it was over, FBI Director James Comey wrote that in looking back at our investigations into mishandling or removal of classified information, we cannot find a case that would support bringing criminal charges on these facts. All the cases prosecuted involved some combination of: clearly intentional and willful mishandling of classified information; or vast quantities of materials exposed in such a way as to support an inference of intentional misconduct; or indications of disloyalty to the United States; or efforts to obstruct justice. We do not see those things here. (At least three of those four factors very well may apply to Trump, who allegedly showed off his top secret treasures to anyone who wandered through, and sometimes bragged that no, they hadnt been declassified, telepathically or otherwise.) When some in Hawleys office as Missouris attorney general were likewise found to have used private emails for official business, they werent prosecuted, either. His staff had been suspected of circumventing the open records laws he was supposed to have been enforcing. But that wasnt found to be criminal. And nobody ever yelled, Lock him up! Classified documents from the Obama administration were found at President Joe Bidens former office in Washington, D.C., and his home in Wilmington, Delaware. But as far as we know, he didnt take anything willfully, and is fully cooperating with investigators, as did former Vice President Mike Pence, who was recently cleared in his handling of the classified documents found in his Indiana home. None of the other cases can fairly be compared to allegations that Trump purposely mishandled highly sensitive information in ways that could have put Americans and our allies in real danger. At various times, he falsely said that hed given all the documents back, that the documents had been planted by the FBI, and that as a former president, he could do with them as he liked. Yet before knowing any specifics, Hawley and most others in his party declared that all allegations of national security breaches Trump also stands accused of suggesting that one of his attorneys lie to the FBI and help hide or destroy documents could only have been partisan. The widely respected, politically independent longtime federal and former war crimes prosecutor and now special counsel Jack Smith is not that. And of course, Hawley chooses to ignore the years that Trump spent thrilling audiences by musing about jailing his adversaries. We dont know if thats because the senator owes his career to Trump, or if he is just too afraid to be honest. But we do know that anyone who claims complete confidence that Trump is simply too discreet and upright to have shared state secrets is either lying to us or himself. Eric Schmitt, Roger Marshall blame Biden, FBI We also know that no one who has written these criminal charges off as a witch hunt before even knowing the details can ever again claim to care about national security. All that these former law-and-order Republicans can say for themselves now is that they do believe in the rule of law, but only if they dont like the perp. Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt tweeted: Joe Biden has now indicted his top political opponent. Full on Banana Republic stuff. Biden did not serve on the federal grand jury in south Florida that indicted the former president, and in fact has stayed far away from the case. And enforcing our laws, even when it would be easier not to, is the opposite of banana republic stuff. Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said the indictment was the result of a Justice Department and FBI plot: Every American should be alarmed by tonights indictment, he said. We agree, though not in the way he meant it. No one, he implied, should entertain the possibility that Trump has been indicted because hes committed serious crimes and betrayed the public trust. This indictment of a former president is no cause for joy, though to have failed to hold Trump accountable would have been even worse. And until Republicans like Hawley, Schmitt, Marshall and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, too, start acknowledging in public what so many GOP officeholders say in private about Donald Trump, our republic cant even begin to recover from what he and those too afraid of their own voters to admit the truth about his lawlessness have done to this country. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that Iceland's decision to suspend its embassy operations in Moscow "destroys" bilateral cooperation. Iceland said on Friday the operations would be suspended from Aug. 1 due to an "all-time low" level of commercial, cultural and political relations between the countries, adding that it had asked Russia to scale back its diplomatic activities in Reykjavik. "The decision taken by the Icelandic authorities to lower the level of diplomatic relations with Russia destroys the entire range of Russian-Icelandic cooperation," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "We will take this unfriendly decision into account when building our ties with Iceland in the future. All anti-Russian actions of Reykjavik will inevitably be followed by a corresponding reaction," it added in a statement. When announcing its decision, Iceland said diplomatic relations had not been severed and that the embassy would be reopened once relations normalise. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Helen Popper) A Russian state news agency said Saturday that an American citizen had been detained in Moscow earlier in the week and has now been arrested "in the case of organizing the sale of drugs." The Russian state news agency, Interfax, identified the American as Lika Michael Travis. The Associated Press reported his name as Michael Travis Leake. Interfax described Travis as a paratrooper and musician. It is unknown why he is in Russia but it was reported he has lived in the country for more than a decade. Interfax reported that the Khamovnichesky court of Moscow, Russia told them that Travis is "accused of "organizing a drug sales business with the involvement of young people." The Associated Press reported he sold mephedrone. The State Department said that they are monitoring reports of Travis' arrest, but did not confirm that he had been arrested. The department said they would not comment further "due to privacy considerations." "When a U.S. citizen is detained overseas, the Department pursues consular access as soon as possible and works to provide all appropriate consular assistance," the department told CBS News. Organist wows followers with midnight performances Eye Opener: Four children found alive in Colombia 40 days after plane crash Saturday Sessions: Waldemar performs "Ruthless" On the morning of 10 June, Russian occupiers shelled the Korabel microdistrict of Kherson, injuring volunteers, Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Oblast Military Administration, reported. Source: Prokudin on Telegram Quote from Prokudin: "Two men, 52 and 25 years old, were injured by the Russian artillery strike. These are volunteers who were providing assistance to people affected by flooding." Details: It is noted that they are in hospital, and are being given the necessary help. Background: Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Dmytro Lunin, Head of Poltava Oblast Military Administration, has reported that the Russian occupiers attacked Myrhorod military airfield at night with ballistic and cruise missiles, causing damage. Source: Lunin on Telegram Quote: "The enemy used Iskander ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as Iranian-made attack drones, during a night attack near Myrhorod military airfield. There is some damage to the airfields infrastructure and equipment. Preliminary reports indicate that there are no casualties." Details: Lunin said that they are dealing with the aftermath of the attack and transporting equipment to safe places. He also reported that eight private buildings and four private cars have been damaged after debris fell as a result of an air defence operation. There are no casualties. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Munster resdient Tom Farley bikes over a new pedestrian bridge built with ARPA funds between Munster and Hammond on Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune) Northwest Indianas municipalities received a bounty of millions of dollars through the American Rescue Plan Act in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. From stormwater projects to boosting social services, upping essential employee pay with bonuses and tackling long-awaited infrastructure projects, elected officials are putting the money to work throughout the region. Advertisement The funds, under federal strictures for the spending, must be appropriated by Dec. 31, 2024 and spent two years later. There was speculation that municipalities unused ARPA funds would be recalled as part of the debt ceiling negotiation, but that ended up not happening, U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, said Tuesday. Advertisement Other federal agencies saw their funds clawed back instead. Moneys that were given to the IRS and Homeland Security were recovered, and that $80 billion was put back into the budget, Mrvan said. Heres a look at how some communities are using the funds: For the city of Hobart, getting some much needed housekeeping completed was the order of the day with the $6.3 million it received in ARPA funds. A portion of the take around $1 million first went to pay the citys essential employees premium pandemic pay, Clerk-Treasurer Deb Longer said, and then City Hall got a bit of a face-lift with an ADA-compliant front door and an emergency exit for Council Chambers. Longers office got a little bit of the money, too, when the city had the pandemic plexiglass it put up at the offices counter replaced with regular glass, she said. Volunteer Jim Gardt leads shepherd mix Selene to a walk outside the Humane Society of Hobart Friday December 3, 2021. Gardt, of Hobart, said he walks dogs at the facility six days a week. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Post-Tribune) Hobart-based charities Exceptional Equestrians, Hobart Humane Society and Hobart Food Pantry received portions of $40,000 the council set aside for charitable giving, Longer said, and miscellaneous public-safety equipment, such as portable defibrillators for some Hobart Police cars, is on order. All in all, the city has spent about $2 million of its money, but the rest is earmarked for bigger projects both started and anticipated. The Festival Park bathrooms were something we immediately chose because we needed them, she said. Weve got about $2 million set aside for the sewer project on Colorado Street when that starts, and there will be other money for the new Destination Park by the Hobart Pool. Advertisement The town of Merrillville has spent $4.1 million of the $7.8 million it received in the funds, Town Council President Rick Bella, D-5, said. The council has used its money to respond to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality, reads its resolution. Among the items its paid for were additional sanitation equipment and supplies for town buildings, building sanitation/maintenance personnel and a front door greeter/security person for town hall; a generator for town hall and upgrades to its conference room, council chambers, HVAC in town buildings, and bathroom fixtures in town buildings; the towns household improvement plan, of which residents have applied for only $100,000 of the $300,000 allotted; a small business financial assistance program; a vaccination incentive program; and a donation to the 2022 ReBuilding South Lake County. This (resolution) is before the treasury announced the towns entire allotment could be classified as revenue replacement, Bella said. Thereafter, the towns spending on the ARP grant moneys has stayed in line with the initial planning. The town of Highland, meanwhile, wont get to spend its $5.1 million on any wants, Clerk-Treasurer Mark Herak said, but it will help knock out a giant need: a sewer project thats part of the consent decree with the city of Hammond. Right now, the moneys sitting tight in an interest-bearing account, he said. Hammonds ARPA funding was used 100% for infrastructure projects, while some communities tapped the revenue replacement component of the funding, allowing them to fill pandemic-related budget shortfalls, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., said. Getting that $52 million allowed us to do projects that were badly needed, McDermott said. Advertisement McDermott said he and the city council were on the same page and decided early the funding would be used exclusively for infrastructure. Thanks to that cooperation the city was among the first in the state to appropriate funds and get work underway. Many of the projects already are completed. All districts were touched by the money. Im proud of us for doing that. It resulted in great projects and a lot of extra work for our trades, he said. A new pedestrian bridge built with ARPA funds spans Calumet between Munster and Hammond on Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune) Hammond spent $4 million for Robertsdale lead remediation; $3 million for new infrastructure at Clark High School for 37 new single family homes; $5 million for the downtown Hohman Avenue reconstruction; $5 million for the new YMCA; $3.5 million for the new Calumet Avenue pedestrian bridge between Munster and Hammond; $1 million for reconstruction of Oxbow Road, $3.6 million for a new Hessville bridge over the rail crossing; $5 million for the Kennedy Avenue reconstruction in downtown Hessville; $1.3 million for software updates and cybersecurity; and $1 million toward Columbia Avenue water tank repairs. Another approximately $2 million was spent between projects including reconstruction of JF Mahoney Drive, a new storm sewer in the 7000 block of Schneider Street, a new single-family home development on Florida Avenue in Hessville and technology updates for the Hammond City council. The city received an additional $2 million in ARPA funding from the Lake County Council when Councilman Dave Hamm, D-Hammond, and Councilwoman Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, kicked in $1 million each toward the construction of Firehouse No. 2 in the Robertsdale neighborhood. Council members earmarked their dollars for infrastructure projects within the communities in their districts. Their contributions were part of $10 million in ARPA revenue replacement funds distributed to the council from the Lake County Board of Commissioners. Since money was part of the revenue replacement program, council members were able to use the funds for a wider variety of projects, Commissioner Michael Repay, D-Hammond, said. Advertisement Lake County received approximately $94 million in ARPA funding to be distributed by commissioners. The bulk of the funding, outside of the $10 million directed to the county council, was used for two separate septic elimination projects in the unincorporated north and south parts of the county. About $33 million will be directed to the project that will join residents in south Lake County to the Crown Point sewer system. More than $40 million was given toward the Calumet Township septic elimination project, a previously unfunded infrastructure project. Repay said the need for the Calumet Township project was identified in 2018 but the then-$60 million price tag was cost-prohibitive. It sat there a long time until ARPA came out, Repay said. Today the project is expected to cost $120 million. Basically well just get a third of the project done. Porter County officials, for both the county and cities and towns, have appropriated nearly all their ARPA grant money. Valparaiso Clerk-Treasurer Holly Taylor said the city received nearly $7.7 million and have not heard a peep about giving any of it back. Almost all the citys ARPA money was appropriated in 2023, with a small supplemental amount of $14,483.93 left to be appropriated. The city used nearly $600,000 to respond to COVID and its negative economic impacts; nearly $700,000 for premium pay to eligible workers; $6.4 million for the provision of government services due to revenue reduction; and $40,000 for audit costs and consultants. Rendering of the proposed new Chesterton Police Station. - Original Credit: Town of Chesterton (Handout/HANDOUT) The town of Chesterton is using its $3.2 million for a new police station, according to Clerk-Treasurer Courtney Udvare. Advertisement At the county level, $5 million hangs in the balance as the Porter County Board of Commissioners and the Porter County Council limp toward an agreement of how to spend that portion of its $33 million in ARPA funds. At the end of 2022 the $5 million was appropriated for extensive renovations and expansion of the Memorial Opera House in downtown Valparaiso, but later unappropriated by the council after the Board of Commissioners failed to move ahead with the project due to an extensive gap between funding and the estimated final price tag. By the end of 2022, the county had appropriated $18.6 million for a variety of county concerns, including $1.6 million to shore up the county health insurance fund, $500,000 for township assistance, $25,000 for a behavioral health study, $1 million for premium pay to county workers, and $2.5 million for construction of the Marquette Trail. A variety of nonprofits received $7.9 million. cnapoleon@chicagotribune.com Michelle L. Quinn and Shelley Jones are freelance reporters for the Post-Tribune. Russian troops have once again attacked emergency workers as they were extinguishing a fire in Kharkiv Oblast: one employee of the State Emergency Service has been killed and another injured. Source: State Emergency Service of Kharkiv Oblast Quote: "Another crime against emergency workers: repeated fire attack took the life of a firefighter in Kharkiv Oblast while he was extinguishing a fire. Mykhailo Piskun, a firefighter and emergency worker with the 12th State Fire and Rescue Unit of the Main Department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv Oblast, was 29 years old. A repeated fire attack ended the life of this brave young man. Ivan Moskaliuk, his colleague, firefighter and emergency worker, sustained numerous injuries and was taken to hospital." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! A married couple was killed in a Russian strike on the city of Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and a man was injured in the village of Preobrazhenka. Source: Yurii Malashko, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "One wounded and two dead after strikes on frontline settlements. In Orikhiv, Ruscists struck a private house, in the courtyard of which a couple died a 58-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman. In Preobrazhenka, a 77-year-old man received blast injuries, and was promptly taken to a medical facility. " Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! London mayor Sadiq Khan This week, I read that an 85 year old man was pushed to the floor on a bus in south London, in broad daylight, and had his wallet stolen. A story like this would have been shocking a decade ago, but sadly it seems all too familiar today. Thefts have become an everyday crime. Bikes, phones, watches and even pets are being stolen at an alarming scale. Some criminals know full well that they will never be caught. Victims know this too. Many are unlikely to report these crimes, because even if they had video footage and a signed confession from the thief, they know there is a diminished chance of prosecution. Having your phone stolen is not even an interesting story to tell your friends anymore. They are more likely to shrug and point out that it has happened to them several times before. And it is vulnerable people who suffer the most. If there are no legal consequences for robbing someone, then criminals will target those who cannot fight back. This should not be happening. In a city like London, where tourists and businesspeople from across the world come to visit, we should never accept that certain types of crime can just go unpunished. There is certainly no excuse when we have the resources to tackle it. Police numbers have increased markedly in the capital. Yet despite being both the Mayor and the police and crime commissioner, he has failed to act. Sadiq Khan seems more interested in shaking hands with Extinction Rebellion protesters and rubbing shoulders with celebrities than he is leading the Metropolitan police. This needs to be sorted out. I am standing to be the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London, and if I am elected Mayor, I will sort it. My plan will fix the police with a further funding boost, to help make the changes we need and increase the number of frontline officers even further. But more importantly, I will take action to restore the police to the respected and trusted authority figures they once were. Criminals will fear them again. The reputation of the police has been chipped away for years. And now the relationship between the public and the police has fundamentally broken. When the police failed to turn up to burglaries, it became difficult to trust them to keep us safe. And when you watch officers on duty dancing at Notting Hill carnival, or bending the knee for the latest political cause, it is hard for people to take them seriously. The police are sadly seen as weak, incompetent and corrupt by many, treated like a joke by criminals. It is an unfair characterisation, given the crucial work that frontline officers do, putting their lives at risk to keep us safe. But this perception has been allowed to develop, because people like Sadiq Khan have refused to step up and lead them. We need to get rid of the nonsense and make sure the police are focused on sorting out crime, not appeasing political causes. We need a dedicated unit to stop burglaries, robberies and thefts. And we must put an end to the horrific scandals in the Met Police, by rooting out corrupt officers and reforming its institutions. It does not have to be this way. I do not accept that crimes like these are an inevitable consequence of a growing population. It is a problem that can be solved with strong, effective leadership and with common sense policies. Susan Hall is a member of the London Assembly 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. San Clemente's beach areas are closing at 10 p.m. two hours earlier than usual after a brawl between youths and three off-duty Marines. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) San Clemente beaches among the last in Orange County open until midnight are closing two hours earlier at night after a recent brawl between a group of teens and three off-duty Marines. The San Clemente City Council voted Tuesday to close the city's beaches at 10 p.m. effective immediately, citing how challenging law enforcement has become at night. We were one of the few, if not the only, beaches that actually had an open area until 12 a.m., Councilmember Mark Enmeier said in an interview Friday. This should have been done several years ago because nothing good happens after 10 p.m. on the beach. City officials said public safety incidents have increased in the city in the last few weeks. But data do not suggest a rise in dangerous or criminal incidents involving youths in the beach areas, according to Orange County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Frank Gonzalez. He added that the new ordinance will also help address noise complaints from local residents. The beaches after 10 o'clock have been a problem for a long time, Councilmember Steve Knoblock said during Tuesday's meeting. I've done ride-alongs with the Police Department, and officers know that tends to be a problem time and a problem location. During the Memorial Day weekend, a group of 30 teens and young adults pummeled three off-duty Marines near San Clemente Pier. Five minors were arrested on suspicion of felony assault and booked into Orange County Juvenile Hall, authorities said. Enmeier said the ordinance had been in the works to align with curfews for nearby beaches and to curtail teenage misconduct. But the brawl in May was the tipping point. This is a Marine Corps town, Mayor Chris Duncan said during the meeting. Especially on Memorial Day weekend, this was extraordinarily tragic and heartbreaking for our town. According to a city agenda report released during Tuesday's meeting, most beaches in Orange and San Diego counties close at 10 p.m., and San Clementes later closure creates a situation where bad actors could congregate on city beaches for an additional two hours. Enmeier said the 3,000 or so high school students in San Clemente need to have safe places to gather besides the beach areas at night, and city officials will meet to discuss some ideas. Officials will monitor the beach to determine whether early closure improves safety in the area before permanently changing the hours, according to the agenda report. Although the beach will now close at 10 p.m., the San Clemente Pier will remain open until midnight. We're not looking at changing the culture of the town, Enmeier said. We're just trying to make sure that our community is staying safe after those hours. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Friday marked another night full of pomp and circumstance as four more San Luis Obispo County high schools celebrated graduation. San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Nipomo and Shandon high schools each held commencement ceremonies on Friday evening. Central Coast New Tech High School in Nipomo was set to celebrate its grads Saturday morning. Students formed two lines and gave each other high-fives and fist bumps when they parted. San Luis Obispo High School celebrated its 389 graduating seniors in a ceremony at Holt Stadium on Friday evening, June 9, 2023. San Luis Obispo High School San Luis Obispo High School celebrated its 389 graduating seniors in a ceremony at Holt Stadium on Friday evening. Students formed two lines and gave each other high-fives and fist bumps when they parted. San Luis Obispo High School celebrated its 389 graduating seniors in a ceremony at Holt Stadium on Friday evening, June 9, 2023. In times of difficulty, let us remember those bonds we have formed, the support we have received and the strength we have found within ourselves, graduate Gavin Wren said at the Friday ceremony. This is a class I have watched embrace, love and appreciate one another. So let us recognize the lessons learned during our time together, knowing that we are capable of overcoming anything in our way. Erin Chae gave the valedictorian address. San Luis Obispo High School celebrated its 389 graduating seniors in a ceremony at Holt Stadium on Friday evening, June 9, 2023. Erin Chae was valedictorian, and Emily Pan was salutatorian. More than $350,000 in local scholarships were awarded to 150 seniors. Aidan Maples was awarded the Cal Poly Army ROTC scholarship. San Luis Obispo High School celebrated its 389 graduating seniors in a ceremony at Holt Stadium on Friday evening, June 9, 2023. Of the graduating students, 62 are going to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, 42 to University of California schools, 28 to private universities and 36 to out-of-state public schools. Another 152 students are going to Cuesta College and other community colleges, while six are set to go straight into the workforce, four are undecided, three are enlisting in the U.S. military and nine are taking a gap year. Paso Robles High School Paso Robles High School had 387 students graduate during a commencement ceremony at its War Memorial Stadium on Friday evening. Of those students, 206 plan to attend Cuesta College, 13 plan to attend other two-year colleges. Paso Robles High School conferred degrees on 383 graduates as the Class of 2023 attended the ceremony at War Memorial Stadium. Another 63 Paso Robles High grads will attend a California State University school 19 of which will go to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo 34 plan to attend a UC, and 45 a private university. A total of 31 Paso Robles grads are enlisting in the military: seven in the U.S. Army, two in the U.S. Navy, 11 in the U.S. Air Force, nine in the U.S. Marines and two in the state and national guards. The schools valedictorian was Olivia Wright, earning a 4.84 total weighted grade-point average. She will attend Saint Marys College of California. Miguel Muniz and Gwenyth Lemon were co-salutatorians, both earning 4.8 GPAs. Aranza Mauro Camacho celebrates getting her diploma. Paso Robles High School conferred degrees on 383 graduates as the Class of 2023 attended the ceremony at War Memorial Stadium. Thank you ChatGPT for writing the speech, Lemon joked during the ceremony. It is an honor to be standing here as your co-salutatorian. I used to not know how to spell or say salutatorian, but Ive come a long way since Tuesday. On a more serious note, Lemon thanked fellow students, the faculty and family. I would especially like to express my gratitude for our principal Mr. Overton, our counselor Mrs. Thompson, and also my parents Beth and Justin for getting me where I am today speaking in front of a crowd in matching, really unflattering garments, Lemon said. Muniz will attend UC Berkeley while Lemon will attend Colorado School of Mines. During the ceremony, Muniz promised to keep the speech short and sweet: Mom, dad thank you. Amari Tyler celebrates earning his diploma at Nipomo High Schools commencement ceremony on June 9. Nipomo High School At Nipomo High Schools stadium on Friday evening, 190 graduates celebrated earning their diplomas. Lauren Boersma, Kayden Sanders and Joe Hunt were named the schools valedictorians. Boersma will attend Cal Poly in the fall, while Sanders will attend University of the Redland and Hunt will go to UC San Diego. Nipomo High School grads walk while teachers clapped during a commencement ceremony on June 9. Of those graduating from Nipomo High School, 11 will attend Cal Poly, 23 Cuesta College, 75 Allan Hancock College and 43 other four-year universities. Three Nipomo grads will enlist in the Army and one in the Air Force. Karissa Courtenay smiles after picking up her diploma at Nipomo High Schools graduation ceremony on June 9. About $163,750 was awarded to 33 seniors. They included Ahtziry Lemus who earned $32,000 over four years from the Northern California Scholarship Foundation, and Joseph Hunt, who received $20,000 for the Towru Kobara Scholarship for Engineering from the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County. Shandon High School At Shandon High School, 16 graduates were honored in a commencement ceremony Friday evening. Cadence Guizar was named valedictorian, earning a 3.79 GPA. Guizar will go to Southern Oregon University. Jovani Ramirez was named salutatorian. He earned a 3.77 GPA and will attend Cuesta College. Of Shandon Highs graduates, 13 will go to Cuesta College, one to Fresno State, one to Allan Hancock College and one to Southern Oregon University. Another grad will enlist in the military. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said the Justice Departments detailed indictment proves former President Trump had a maligned intent in keeping the documents that were taken from the White House to Mar-a-Lago after his presidency ended. Schiff told MSNBCs Nicole Wallace in an interview on Friday that the indictment is stunning in the amount of detail that was included and the extent to which it demonstrates that Trump was not acting in good faith concerning the documents. First of all, its stunning in its detail and in the degree to which it shows so clearly Donald Trumps malign intent, the lawmaker said. The most difficult element, often, to prove is what did the defendant intend. But here Donald Trump has made so crystal clear in the conversations that are recorded, instructions that he gives to his aide to move the boxes, in his deceitfulness with his own attorneys, its just so graphic, he added. Schiff, who served as an impeachment manager during Trumps first impeachment trial, said the decision about whether Trump should be charged was not a difficult one for special counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the investigation. He said the evidence included in the indictment is so powerful that I dont think special counsel had any choice but to go forward. The indictment, which was unsealed on Friday, includes several examples of Trump allegedly trying to prevent federal authorities from obtaining the documents that were taken to Mar-a-Lago. On one occasion, he reportedly had an aide who was also indicted in the case move boxes of documents out of one room without informing his attorney who was looking for documents that needed to be turned over to comply with a subpoena that was issued. The document also includes a transcript of a conversation Trump had in which he asks his attorneys if they could just ignore the subpoena. Schiff said he was also stunned that the documents include information on military plans, the nuclear capabilities of U.S. enemies and the countrys vulnerabilities. But I think this is the way of special counsel and a speaking indictment, letting all the American people know that this isnt a paperwork violation, he said. These are national secrets that present real national security risks to the country. The California Democrat said after Trump announced on Thursday that he had been indicted that the charges were another affirmation of the rule of law. For four years, he acted like he was above the law. But he should be treated like any other lawbreaker. And today, he has been, Schiff said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Scholz plans to speak by phone with Putin soon Olaf Scholz "I plan to do it again soon, Scholz said. Read also: Scholz, Macron, Duda to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine in Paris this week, Politico It's not reasonable to force Ukraine to approve and accept the (invasion) that Putin has perpetrated and that parts of Ukraine become Russian just like that," the chancellor said about a phone conversation he plans in near future. Meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said they know nothing about such conversation, according to the dictator's schedule. Read also: Germany may reverse stance, approve fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine soon Pistorius Scholz has several times talked with Putin since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but to no avail. They last they spoke was on Dec. 2, 2022. At that time, the German Chancellor also urged the dictator to withdraw his army from Ukraine and condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. Scholz said he would continue to phone Putin, as it is important "to stay in touch with him." Kyiv, in turn, has urged the international community to isolate the Russian dictator as much as possible. 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 Searching for a sub? Boston eatery lands on list of best sandwich shops in America If youre searching for that super sub, look no further than this Boston restaurant. Chacarero, located near Downtown Crossing, landed at #13 on farandwide.coms list of the best sandwich shops in America. The Chilean shop has served hungry Bostonians for nearly three decades. Founder Juan Hurtado started selling his signature sandwich, a combination of green beans, grilled chicken or beef, avocado spread, sliced tomato, muenster cheese and hot sauce, from a pushcart. As word of the delicious dish spread, Chacarero was able to share a space with a Filenes Basement before moving to their current location on Arch Street, according to their website. Chacarero has become the unlikely king of Boston sandwiches, writes farandwide.com Another shop joins Chacarero as New Englands lone representatives on the list. Portland, Maines Duckfat landed at #7 on farandaway.coms list. Its been a well-loved local favorite for over 15 years, and its fanbase continues to grow, writes the site. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A 500-acre Northern California family compound with a sprawling 5,500-square-foot lodge, four-bedroom primary residence, guest cabin and 75-foot pool is for sale for $6.25 million. Hayes Springs Ranch in the town of Big Bend in Shasta County offers an unparalleled living experience in the heart of nature, according to the property listing. What a rarity it is to find a property with such a unique ecology in California. The amount and variety of water on the property is what makes the ranch so unique, listing agent Todd Renfrew of California Outdoor Properties told The Sacramento Bee in an email. Four lakes, two ponds, nearly a half a mile of spring-fed creek, and multiple artesian springs offer an unmatched variety of recreational opportunities from swimming and paddleboarding to trophy trout fishing, he said. The retreat is being operated as a commercial fly-fishing lodge. Located at 31419 Hagen Flat Road in Big Bend, the ranch is about an hour from Redding and four hours north of Sacramento. The main residence spans 2,643 square feet while the lodge adds eight more bedrooms and four more bathrooms. Large decks take in the meadow and spring creek views. Next to the saltwater pool and spa is a fruit orchard and a 2,000-square-foot shop with 12-foot roll up doors. If you drive a Tesla up to the property, you wont get stuck without a charge. Theres a Tesla charging station and a three-car garage. The property is powered by 48 solar panels, as well. The Hayes family owned the property for nearly 100 years, according to a California Outdoor Properties representative. A. Wayne Hayes moved off the ranch around 1930 to to start his agricultural trucking empire, and later established the Hayes Truck Museum in Woodland, California. A large lodge is part of the sprawling Shasta County compound. California Outdoor Properties The ranch has been visited by prominent businessmen and industrialists, according to the seller. Charlie Fullerton, former director of California Department of Fish and Wildlife, would annually sponsor a trip to the ranch where state water policies would be hashed out at the lodge dining table with state legislators from every county attending, the California Outdoor Properties representative said. The ideal buyer is someone who is seeking the ultimate outdoor lifestyle away from the stress of city life a haven that offers a true sense of relaxation and rejuvenation (with) its combination of luxurious amenities and exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, according to the listing. The ideal buyer is someone looking for a family retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Renfrew said. And, probably a fisherman or someone who aspires to be a fisherman. Its currently used as a commercial fly-fishing lodge so a buyer might want to keep that running, too. You know what they say about trout they dont live in ugly places. A fly-fishing dream for $9M: CA ranch borders miles of river with Mount Shasta views Three people were killed in separate car crashes on Friday. The first crash occurred prior to 10:47 a.m. Friday, when Lake County Coroners Office investigators were dispatched to 11650 U.S. 41 in Cedar Lake. Advertisement Cedar Lake resident Marjorie Leonardo, 84, was pronounced dead at the scene around noon. She suffered blunt force injuries from the crash, according to a coroners office release, but her manner of death is pending In the second crash, Hebron resident Nadia Flewellen, 22, was killed. The crash occurred prior to 8:38 p.m. Friday, when coroners office investigators were sent to 15610 S. Grove Road in Hebron. Flewellen sustained multiple injuries from the crash, according to a coroners office release, with the manner of her death listed as an accident. Advertisement The third crash occurred at 6050 W. Ridge Road in Gary late Friday night. Coroners office investigators were sent to the Community Hospital emergency room in Munster where Gary resident John Price, 44, was pronounced dead at 10:10 p.m. Price sustained multiple injuries from the crash, and the manner of his death is listed as an accident, according to a coroners office release. Toxicology reports are pending in all three cases. Police taped up the scene at the Kroger store in Prospect after a bomb threat was reported. Kroger store in Prospect has been cleared after a bomb threat was called in on Saturday afternoon, Prospect Police said. The manager of the store received a call from a man saying he had left a backpack with a bomb in one of the shelves and he would detonate it if he was not paid, Prospect Police Chief Jeff Sherrard said. He said police did not find anything on the shelves, but found a backpack "in a location that they thought at the time was odd." After the Louisville Metro Police bomb task force responded to the scene, they determined it was safe and that it belonged to an employee, Sherrard said. He said the store was reopened after being closed for 90 minutes. Jessica Sharp, a Kroger spokesperson, confirmed the suspicious activity earlier as other Kroger stores received bomb threats as well. "We can confirm suspicious activity at several Kroger locations. The safety and well-being of our associates and customers are our top priority. We are working closely with local law enforcement and the FBI to investigate similar threats that have taken place around the country at many retail stores," Sharp said. A Courier-Journal reporter at the scene learned that employees and customers were asked to leave the Prospect store on Saturday afternoon. Middletown Fire Department and Prospect Police responded to the scene. Two other Kroger stores in Northern Kentucky were evacuated Saturday morning after they received bomb threats, police said. The Bellevue Police Department first reported the threats concerning the Kroger locations in Newport and Bellevue in a Facebook post just before 11 a.m. More: Winning Mega Millions numbers for Friday, June 9, 2023. Lottery jackpot at $240 million The Kroger Marketplace store at the Newport Pavilion has been cleared, the city of Newport said in tweet just before noon. The Bellevue store has also been cleared and reopened with help from the Cincinnati Police Department and Northern Kentucky University police, Bellevue police said on social media at 12:38 p.m. Bellevue police said they believe the threats are part of a nationwide hoax and the FBI has been notified. More: 'What in the world is going on'? See video of crazy long TSA lines at Louisville's airport More: Gavin Perkins, once charged with mother's Louisville murder, to leave psychiatric hospital Reporter Joe Gerth contributed. Reach Ana Rocio Alvarez Brinez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kroger store in Prospect clear after report of suspicious activity A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for North Texas until 10 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The affected areas include Fort Worth, Dallas, Granbury, Waxahachie, Corsicana, Waco, Palestine and Killeen. A couple of tornadoes, hail up to the size of an apple and scattered wind gusts of up to 75 miles per hour are possible Saturday, the NWS said. Isolated flash flooding could also occur. Tarrant and Dallas counties and counties to the south are included in the area at the highest risk for severe storms and flash flooding. A severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service for parts of Texas, including the northern areas, until 10 p.m. Saturday. The outflow boundary, which will focus on afternoon and evening thunderstorm development, now stretches from Rockwall to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Decatur to Wichita Falls. Any storms that will develop in the afternoon will likely quickly become severe, according to the NWS. Weather watches and warnings A live data feed from the National Weather Service containing official weather warnings, watches, and advisory statements. Tap warning areas for more details. Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform and Esri. Open Storm Reports This map contains continuously updated storm reports and damage from the National Weather Service for the past 48 hours. Reports include tornado, wind storm and hail storm reports. The map also includes tornado reports for the past week and recent rainfall accumulations. Sources: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Esri. Open Shonda Rhimes' version of love always starts out rocky while it makes for good TV, it's not necessarily healthy, a relationship expert says Some of the most popular couples in Shonda Rhimes shows include Queen Charlotte and King George, Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd, and Olivia Pope and Fitz Grant. Liam Daniel/Netflix, ob D'Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images, Mitch Haaseth/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Longtime viewers of Shonda Rhimes' shows know that the best TV relationships start out rocky. From "Grey's Anatomy" to "Bridgerton," Shondaland couples always face a series of obstacles. But these fictional couples aren't always the best examples of real-life relationship success. Shonda Rhimes has a track record for creating some of the most popular television shows to air over the past two decades. In doing so, she's proven she's acutely aware of what viewers thrive on: drama and romance. But as the dust settles over the premiere of her latest smash hit, Netflix's "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" which aired in May TJ Mocci, a licensed marriage and family therapist, told Insider why their audiences continue to be fascinated with Rhimes' version of love, which isn't always the healthiest. Longtime viewers of Rhimes' programs will know that there's somewhat of a formula for fan-favorite couples. It goes something like this: Girl meets boy, or boy meets girl, an obstacle presents itself, the pair don't know whether they can overcome it, they break up, and eventually perhaps after a few seasons worth of dramatic will-they-or-won't-they moments they get back together. "Grey's Anatomy," which premiered back in 2005, laid the groundwork for this very format. OG Grey's fans will recall how in season one, surgical intern Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) meets and starts dating neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) only to find out in the finale that he'd hidden the glaring fact that he's still married to fellow surgeon Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh). For a healthy relationship, you need to put in some work. ABC Although the setting is vastly different from Rhimes' latest show, a fictionalized mini series portraying the early days of Queen Charlotte and King George's marriage, the parallels in terms of the relationships simply cannot be ignored. In "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story," a young Charlotte meets George the day of their wedding. She seemingly falls head over heels for him upon their first meeting, before he swiftly isolates himself from her hours after their wedding. Later, Charlotte discovers he's hidden his struggle with a mysterious mental illness from her, which he explains was an attempt to protect her. According to Mocci, what Rhimes has done with each iteration of this pattern is tap into a part of the human psyche that relishes the sweet pain of the unknown. "Audiences thrive on the unknown of a saga and whether or not a couple will end up together," she said. "It also feeds into our nature as curious beings who like being able to peek behind the mask that our 'heroes' wear." What's more, Mocci said the relationships Rhimes portrays continue to strike a chord with huge audiences because we the viewer find ways to connect our romantic hardships, in whatever shape or form, with that of the characters onscreen. "We like to see the internal externalized because often we can feel like we are the only ones who experience these things," Mocci added. "So when we see someone who we admire or fantasize about expressing faults or internal insecurities, we feel validated and normalized." Rhimes' version of romance shouldn't be considered 'relationship goals' Imagine speaking to a friend who says they're seeing someone who has hidden the fact they're married. Better yet, imagine that friend is in a relationship with their boss who they say attempted to fire them because they realized they had feelings for them. This is exactly what happens to Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and Fitz Grant (Tony Goldwyn), the fictional president in Rhimes' show "Scandal," which ran from 2012 to 2018. If I heard a friend tell me they were going through either relationship struggle, I'm not sure I'd be the only one to say the situation isn't healthy. That said, I'd also be the first to admit that seeing the drama portrayed onscreen makes me unabashedly root for each couple's success. But why? And would it be safe to say these are toxic? According to Mocci, a toxic relationship consists of "a pattern of negativity that causes one or both partners harm, regardless of whether the pattern of negativity is purposeful or not." She also said she'd go one step further in saying "that one or both partners are causing harm and yet there continues to be a vicious cycle of anger, blame, forgiveness, acceptance followed by anger, blame, forgiveness, and acceptance." Even if something feels good at the time, it might not be worth it later. ABC Many couples in Shondaland do fit this description although Mocci says it gets a bit more complicated when it comes to Queen Charlotte and King George. "It's tricky because at the beginning of relationships, we all keep things close to our heart in order to protect ourselves," Mocci said. While there's nothing wrong with that, she added, the earlier couples can reveal their "shadow sides," the better chance the relationship stands to face the test of time. "If a relationship is going to have any longevity then it needs to be based on a trusting and transparent foundation," she added. Taking Charlotte as an example, Mocci said if the queen couldn't "handle" or support George's mental health struggles, it would've been better for her to know about it at the outset or at least in the early stages of their relationship in order to save them both "struggle and pain later on." Charlotte does end up capable of handling George's mental struggle, but it takes a toll on her, as the show portrays. In her later years, Charlotte has to do deal with the loneliness of being in a marriage with someone who isn't mentally present while essentially running the royal household not an easy task. In real life, there's something to be admired about smooth sailing As entertaining as watching seasons upon seasons of couples falling hopelessly in love and overcoming the odds, there is something to be admired about real relationships that begin without much fuss, Mocci said. "I think there is a lot of admiration for those who start by being genuine and working towards making a real connection versus pushing their partner away or making it challenging for them," she added, referencing another pattern Shondaland couples follow which is when confronted with an obstacle, one person in the relationship actively distances themselves from the other. "When the obstacles are placed in front of one another as partners purposefully out of self-preservation or perceived safety it can be more challenging to create a strong foundation of trust and unconditional positive regard," she added. In Mocci's expert opinion, a healthy relationship is one based on trust, respect, authenticity, openness, and safety and while some of Rhimes' TV couples achieve this, it does often take them seasons to get there. Corey Mylchreest as Young King George and India Amarteifio as Young Queen Charlotte in episode one of "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story." Liam Daniel/Netflix So while we will likely all continue tuning into Shondaland shows Mocci included, who said she's a big fan of all things produced by Rhimes it's probably best to have a clearer understanding that what we see on TV isn't always what's best for us in real life. But that doesn't mean we still can't enjoy the drama from the sidelines because ultimately we, the viewers, love watching two people meant to be together finally do just that. "We want them to share what they are hiding because we know their identified partner will love them regardless of their shadow self even though they don't know that," she added. "We want to see them come to the same realization that we already have." Read the original article on Insider Six months after zero Covid, U.S. firms in China still face an unpredictable business climate HONG KONG After three years of trying to do business under some of the toughest Covid controls in the world, U.S. and other Western companies in China began 2023 with cautious optimism: The country was finally reopening and Chinese officials, eager to reinvigorate the economy, were actively courting overseas investors. But a series of raids this spring on international consulting firms and other actions by Chinese authorities have undermined that message, reinforcing Beijings reputation as an increasingly unpredictable regime that poses growing risks for foreign commerce and investment, U.S. business groups and executives say. The recent moves, coupled with ongoing diplomatic tensions with Washington, have further complicated the business environment between the worlds two largest economies even as they remain closely intertwined. What youre seeing is a leadership that is notwithstanding the rhetoric of, Were open, were back, we want foreign investment that is just piling uncertainty on top of uncertainty. And the results of that, I think, are pretty predictable, said a senior business executive who speaks regularly with U.S. officials and corporate leaders operating in China. When you create a more uncertain, less welcoming environment, business is going to vote with its feet, said the executive, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of concern that his comments could jeopardize his organizations prospects in the country. China is still a major focus for U.S. businesses, as evidenced by the recent stream of senior executives visiting for the first time since before the pandemic, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. And most American companies operating there intend to stay, with three-quarters of respondents in an April flash survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) saying they were not relocating their supply chains. But China is no longer seen as a top-three investment market by a majority of U.S. companies, according to a business climate survey the chamber released in March. It was the first time in the polls 25-year history that member companies took such a pessimistic view of the Chinese market. The survey showed that while American firms still see China as a priority, their willingness to increase investment and strategic priority is declining, the business group said. By far the biggest concern for U.S. companies in China is the deteriorating relationship between the two countries, with 87% of respondents expressing a negative outlook in the flash survey. Dozens of U.S. businesses have moved their regional headquarters out of the Chinese special administrative region of Hong Kong over the past decade, according to an Atlantic Council report in March. The trend accelerated sharply in 2021 and 2022 following Chinas crackdown on mass pro-democracy demonstrations there, including sweeping legislation that has curtailed civil liberties. FedEx said in May that it was shifting some of its Asia-Pacific operations from Hong Kong to Singapore, which has sought to take advantage of the changing business climate. A spokesperson said the carriers move would help connect all of our operations in this region with greater speed and agility. The FedEx exhibition booth at the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai in 2022. (VCG via Getty Images) At a JPMorgan summit of American and Chinese business leaders in Shanghai last week, Dimon called for real engagement between the U.S. and China on security and trade issues, Reuters reported. He also expressed support for the Biden administrations policy of de-risking the U.S. relationship with China rather than a more serious decoupling. Musk, who has a major Tesla factory in Shanghai, likewise voiced opposition to decoupling in a meeting in Beijing last week with Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Qin Gang, according to a readout from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. While Musk has not commented publicly on his trip, Chinese state media held up his visit as a sign of Beijings openness to foreign investment. China is firmly committed to advancing high-level opening up and fostering a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment, Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular news briefing in Beijing last week. We welcome foreign companies to invest and do business in China, explore the Chinese market and share in development opportunities. But the foreign business community has been rattled this year by a series of raids and heightened scrutiny of international consulting companies, financial auditing firms and law offices that conduct due diligence on investments and new ventures in China. Chinese authorities cited national security concerns for some of the moves. A spokesperson for the U.S. corporate due diligence firm Mintz Group confirmed that Chinese authorities in March had detained five staff members at its Beijing office, all of them Chinese nationals, and closed its operations there. The company has not received any official legal notice regarding a case against it and has requested that its employees be released, the spokesperson added. A spokesperson for the U.S. consulting firm Bain & Co. confirmed that Chinese authorities had questioned staff at its Shanghai office in April and said it was cooperating as appropriate. Chinese state media reported in May that national security authorities had investigated Capvision Partners, a consulting firm that puts clients in touch with mostly Chinese experts in various fields and has headquarters in Shanghai and New York. The firm, which didnt respond to a request for comment, said in an earlier statement on its WeChat account that it would abide by Chinas national security rules. Business groups have raised concerns over the types of firms China has targeted, saying their services are crucial to establishing investor confidence in any market. If you cant collect information, how can you run and manage your business? said Michael Hart, president of AmCham China. How can you plan future investment if you cant do due diligence on your future partners? Adding to the uncertainty, Hart said, is the lack of reason given for the law enforcement actions. On the one hand, China says it wants FDI, he said, referring to foreign direct investment. But for the companies who are focused on China trying to collect information, there seem to be restrictions, and the really concerning thing is its not clear to us where that line is. Foreign companies have also been unnerved by heightened restrictions on access to commercial information and a recent expansion of Chinas anti-espionage law that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has said casts a wide net over the range of documents, data or materials considered relevant to national security. While national security has long been central to both U.S. and Chinese policy decisions affecting business, Beijing has also cited those concerns to justify moves widely seen abroad as acts of state repression, such as the Hong Kong crackdown and the mass surveillance and internment of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region. At a meeting in Beijing last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who accuses the U.S. of trying to block Chinas development, called for heightened national security measures and said the government should be prepared for worst-case scenarios, according to Xinhua, Chinas state-run news agency. It was stressed at the meeting that the complexity and severity of national security problems faced by our country have increased dramatically, the agency said. In Washington, Republicans and Democrats alike have been debating a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, citing national security concerns among other factors. Semiconductor chips have also become a growing flashpoint between the two economic superpowers. Last year, the Biden administration imposed export controls intended to cut China off from chips and other strategically important technologies. It is also considering new restrictions on U.S. investment in Chinese companies working on advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, according to congressional testimony last month. In May, in what was widely seen as retaliation against the export controls, Chinese regulators barred operators of key infrastructure from buying products from U.S. chipmaker Micron, saying it had failed a network security review. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo described the move as plain and simple economic coercion. Mao, the Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, in turn accused the U.S. of economic coercion over restrictions it has placed on more than 1,200 Chinese companies and individuals despite the lack of hard evidence of wrongdoing. The U.S. executive said while it has been clear for some time that a foreign companys data is not secure in China, firms now must also worry about whether their employees will be questioned by state security or even jailed. Beijings widespread use of exit bans barring foreigners from leaving the country has also caused serious concerns for businesses, he said. Once you take these actions and undermine confidence, its not really clear how you restore that, he said. CORRECTION (June 12, 12:00 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misattributed comments regarding Chinas expanded anti-espionage law. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, not the U.S.-China Business Council, said the measure casts a wide net over the range of documents, data or materials considered relevant to national security, though the latter group has also criticized the law. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office is investigating the whereabouts of a missing 12-year old San Miguel girl. Kathe Rovenstine said her daughter, Addie Fay Wilson, was last seen in San Miguel at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday. The family first noticed her missing when Addies stepdad was making pancakes in the kitchen, Rovenstine told The Tribune. They called their kids to come to breakfast, but the 12-year-old did not show up. Im worried of everything right now, Rovenstine said. It is believed Wilson left on foot and may have been picked up by a vehicle, according to a news release from the Sheriffs Office. Wilson is deemed at risk because of her age, the news release said. The agency said it received a call about her being missing around 8 a.m. The detectives left the familys residence around 12:50 p.m., according to Rovenstine. In a public Facebook post Saturday morning, Rovenstine urged the public to be on the lookout for the girl, who was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with a smiley face on it, American flag cowboy boots and jeans with rips on the knees. She is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, 118 pounds, with long brown hair and brown eyes. If anyone sees her, please call 911 immediately, Rovenstine wrote. The Sheriffs Office asks the public to contact them at 805-781-4550 with any information they have on her location. Smoke from Canada wildfires may be clearing in US, but watch out for storms, heat Meteorologists on Saturday alerted millions of residents in Puerto Rico and Texas of potentially dangerous heat conditions, with some areas expecting heat indexes over 110 degrees. Those warnings, however, are far more localized than the widespread air quality concerns after a smokey haze from Canada's wildfires plagued the eastern United States earlier this week. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, millions of Americans were under Air Quality Alerts along the East Coast in cities like New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Some schools switched to remote instruction and residents were told to stay indoors or wear protective face masks outdoors. At the same time, social justice advocates sounded the alarm about the dangers facing cities' most vulnerable residents who live without proper shelter and couldn't easily escape the smoggy air. Here's what to know about the weekend weather forecast in the US: Air quality much improved in eastern US Air quality along huge stretches of the East Coast has improved since Wednesday and Thursday, when residents faced dangerous levels of pollution from smoke that drifted into the U.S. from hundreds of wildfires in Canada. The concerns were worsened by fires in the U.S. as well. What is the air quality on Saturday? On Saturday, the air had "good" or "moderate" levels of particle pollution along the East Coast's I-95 corridor, meteorologists said. There may still be some hazy smoke visible in the skies Saturday in major cities like New York and Philadelphia, but it will be in higher levels of the atmosphere, said NWS meteorologist Zack Taylor from the Weather Prediction Center. It should not affect people's breathing. Why did the air quality improve? Shifting winds have allowed the smoke to be more dispersed, according to meteorologists at the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. Parts of the Midwest will still have poor air quality: There will still be "pockets" of poor air quality in places like Detroit, Indianapolis and parts of Ohio, he said, which are "unhealthy for sensitive groups or just generally unhealthy for most people," he said. NWS explains: "The smoke is not nearly as dense or as widespread this morning and this weekend and that's why the air quality levels are much improved, particularly across the Mid-Atlantic and the northeast," Taylor told USA TODAY. US air quality map Extreme heat in Puerto Rico, South Texas Virtually all of the island of Puerto Rico is under some form of heat alert Saturday, as the heat index temperatures could reach over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the weather service. "The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create dangerous situations in which heat related illnesses are possible," the weather service says on its website. Experts warned residents Saturday to reschedule strenuous outdoor activities to the morning or evening, and to watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Similarly, cities in South Texas like Corpus Christi, Victoria and Laredo are under a heat advisory from noon until 7 p.m. Saturday, with the heat index temperature expected to reach 110 degrees or higher, according to the NWS. "Please take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water if you must be outside today," experts at the weather service warned online Saturday. Thunderstorms in the South Parts of East Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas are expecting severe thunderstorms Saturday that could unleash damaging winds and hail, the weather service said on Twitter. An active weather day across the Southern Plains where damaging wind gusts and large hail are expected. The Storm Prediction Center has an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) across portions of eastern Texas and extending into the Ark-La-Tex today. Check https://t.co/VyWINDk3xP pic.twitter.com/G8Nv3iXk7m National Weather Service (@NWS) June 10, 2023 US weather watches and warnings map This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US air quality map shows Canada wildfire smoke clearing: Weather news The theft of the 2023 Ford F-150, seen here, has wreaked havoc in the Phoenix metro area and elsewhere as companies have been tangled in a web of deceit when after Ford Motor Company failed to report the thefts immediately. A string of new Ford F-150s stolen directly from holding lots in recent months has triggered a cascade of misfortune for customers, dealers, title companies and others across the Western United States, the USA TODAY Network has learned. The problems center on 14 such vehicles stolen late last year in metro Detroit that mostly ended up in Arizona, but a trove of police documents and court records, along with a private investigator, suggests the overall scheme could be bigger, ensnaring unwitting victims and prompting criminal probes and lawsuits. It all began when an estimated $1 million in pickups were stolen off lots from metro Detroit between mid-October and mid-December. How the trucks disappeared remains a mystery. However, police reports document a lack of surveillance video and vehicles parked with keys inside. Police in at least two states have learned that Ford or its partners running the lots have failed to report the vehicles stolen for weeks, months or ever. The pickups were driven off the lots to the Phoenix area to be sold to unsuspecting buyers, according to fuel and toll receipts provided to the Detroit Free Press. Pickup odometers reflected miles traveled between Michigan and Arizona, according to police and court records. Police reports in Michigan and Arizona chronicle a bizarre web of activity showing how a cache of blank vehicle titles stolen in Georgia in 2007 was used to get stolen pickups quickly sold with clean titles. When stolen vehicles are not reported stolen, title companies, auction houses and car dealers are not alerted and have no idea. As protocol, they run security checks through a national computer system to verify legitimate transactions when buying, selling and titling vehicles. How it all works A thief takes a vehicle from a holding lot, which is managed by Ford or the automaker's partners, and drives it to metro Phoenix. Then someone submits a stolen Georgia title filled out with the Ford vehicle information and gets a new title from an actual title company. Then the vehicle has the apparent legitimacy to go into the consumer pipeline through sales to various car dealers or individuals. In some incidents the Free Press reviewed, the vehicle had changed hands four times prior to being discovered as stolen. A Phoenix police investigation led to the seizure of the 14 Ford F-150 vehicles and a report to Ford that possible stolen vehicles had been recovered, but the automaker was asked to confirm. Police reports indicated that Ford was not alerted by any security or tracking system when its vehicles went missing. One woman learned of the problem when her dealership was raided by armed police. An auto auction house found out when police came to collect stolen vehicles the auction house had processed with clean titles. A Ford customer was notified by law enforcement that the truck he purchased was stolen. As a result of these thefts, small family-owned auto dealers and title companies, as well as national vehicle and financial entities, including AutoNation, say they've been swindled. This Arizona title for a 2023 Ford F-150 pickup truck appears to be a typical title. Cascio Motors later found out the vehicle was stolen, though there was no record of theft in any paperwork related to the truck. Who owns these new F-150 pickups? The status of the vehicles today is murky, as many have been impounded by Phoenix police. Who owns them? It is unclear whether the thefts were an inside job or whether the scheme could involve more than the 14 trucks. Ford declined to provide theft data to the Detroit Free Press. 'Why don't they have better security?' AddisonBrown, co-owner of Cascio Motors in Scottsdale, with her husband, Joey, said her family has been battered financially after working 15 years to build their business. They were raided on Dec. 23 by armed police at the dealership in search of four F-150 pickups that police said were stolen. Cascio paid an average of $65,000 apiece for the trucks. Police had a warrant. Brown was assembling and wrapping Christmas gifts at her dealership for her young children with their grandparents at the time. This search warrant was used to raid Cascio Motors in December 2022, after the family-owned car dealership had purchased Ford F-150 pickups with flawless titles. "I'm supposed to lock up my cars and have security cameras. How can Ford leave trucks out with keys in them in 2023? Why don't they have better security?" Brown told the Free Press. "I'm out $300,000 and my trucks have been impounded. When you read through the police reports, you can see that this case was worked backwards. Ford did not initially report trucks stolen. And when people ask questions, Ford is nonresponsive." She added Thursday, "If Ford would have done an inventory check once a week, let's say, and noticed cars were missing, they would've had to report them stolen, and those reports pop up everywhere on a title search, on CARFAX. There's so many notifications that prevent you from buying a stolen car. No one would have gotten scammed. What about a surveillance? What about a wall and gate? What about taking the keys out of the cars? Any of these minor adjustments." The 14 stolen pickups left the holding lots unscathed, unlike thefts from various dealer lots where vehicles smashed through gates or were sold for a few thousand and found on the streets of Detroit. Addison Brown, seen here on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Cascio Motors in Scottsdale, Arizona, is fighting to regain custody of four Ford F-150 pickups she purchased legally with legitimate Arizona titles for an estimated $300,000. Again and again Michael Lorette, owner of Prompt Titles & Registrations in Phoenix, said he has instructed staff not to title any 2022-23 Ford F-150s. His wife of 49 years ran the business with him until early 2021, when she died after having COVID-19. Lorette, an authorized third-party provider to the Arizona Department of Transportation, told the Free Press that title companies don't inspect vehicles but instead process state-validated paperwork. That's what he said his company did with an F-150 in November. "Weeks later, we get notification that we're being sued by a dealer saying they bought the brand new pickup truck based on our information, that we're in cahoots with however this vehicle is stolen," Lorette said. "If it had come up stolen in the system, being reported stolen, the transaction would be stopped. We would be required to call the police and do whatever we can to hold the people in the office without using force until the police arrived." After getting caught up in the fraud initially, he said, three additional F-150 trucks were brought to his office. In December, his company noticed the title listed a pickup as a model year 2022 but the VIN said model year 2023. Lorette's company declined to process the next three F-150 sellers. When a fourth seller with an F-150 came through the door, Lorette's team photocopied all the information, recorded the man on video and declined his transaction. Ford dealerships tangled up in lawsuits Even Ford dealers weren't immune from the scam,according to at least one lawsuit that named companies in New Mexico and Texas. Rich Ford Sales in Albuquerque purchased an F-150 truck from Metro Auto Auction. Pollard Friendly Ford in Lubbock bought a truck from Metro Auto Auction and then sold it to a retail buyer. Both Ford dealers conducted transactions based on paperwork that appeared to be legitimate but the trucks turned out to be stolen. Metro Auto Auction is owned by Berkshire Hathaway and is suingto reclaim its losses. Electric vehicles: Here's what Mesa wants to do to address growing charging needs Ford: 'Theft is a sad reality' Meanwhile, Ford says the car theft problem is widespread and other automakers have also been targeted. "Product theft is a sad reality for all manufacturers, including every carmaker, and retailers. When we become aware of robberies, we promptly report the losses to law enforcement agencies. ... In fact, along with unsuspecting people who purchase these vehicles, Ford and other companies are victims here," Ford spokesman Ian Thibodeau told the Free Press. A Carfax search, along with other standard review protocol prior to purchasing vehicles, appeared to be a typical document in 2022, despite the fact that Cascio Motor later found out this Ford F-150 and others were stolen. Police documents show delays of weeks and months of Ford reporting thefts or, in some cases, never reporting at all. Thibodeau declined to respond to questions submitted by the Free Press, including: How many F-150 vehicles were stolen from Michigan lots this year and last? What is Ford doing to prevent theft from its storage lots, specifically in Michigan? Why would Ford not report some stolen vehicles as stolen, or wait months? Thibodeau said, "We cant respond to your specific questions as several law enforcement agencies are investigating these thefts. Ford is fully cooperating with all authorities involved." This is one of many Dearborn Police Department documents related to the theft of Ford F-150 pickup trucks taken from holding lots in Michigan. 'Unlocked with keys inside' Police have documented that they were not immediately notified when Ford trucks went missing. It could not be determined from case files whether Fordeven knew trucks went missing. "On Jan. 12, 2023, I contacted (a) Ford Employee ... who is responsible for locating vehicles in their holdings lots in Michigan and reporting them stolen if necessary. (He) confirmed he is assisting the Phoenix Police Department on their case," a detective with the Arizona Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, wrote in a report on Jan. 27. "He said they are losing approximately seven vehicles a week due to theft." Fraud case: Fendi, Prada and diamonds: Inside a $22 million Arizona Medicaid fraud case In one situation, a person associated with a third party that stores Ford vehicles told Dearborn. Mich., police that a gold 2023 Ford F-150 had gone missing sometime between Nov. 24, 2022, and Dec. 17, 2022. The company knew when it was last there and someone just happened to notice it was gone after being "unlocked with the keys inside," according to the police report. The company had no video footage or suspect information but asked that the vehicle be entered into the system as stolen. In early January, in another case, a security supervisor reported to police that a black 2022 F-150 had gone missing from the Dearborn Truck Plant sometime between Sept. 3, 2022, and Jan. 2, 2023. There were no suspect descriptions and, again, "it was believed the vehicle was taken with keys," according to the police report. It said the vehicle had been recovered in Arizona and Ford was in the process of taking possession. The security supervisor wanted the truck "documented as stolen for their recording purposes." Victims suing other victims Lawsuits involving more than a dozen parties have been filed over the sales of stolen vehicles that had clean titles and no record of theft. Victims are suing other victims. Lawsuits have been filed in Maricopa County, Arizona, courts in February, March and April among title companies, car dealers and auction houses. One of the plaintiffs is VT Motors, which is also owned by Berkshire Hathaway. Another plaintiff is Metro Auto Auction, against Brown and others. They're all suing and countersuing because companies have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars after buying and reselling new Ford F-150s that turned out to be stolen. This business card is one of many given to Addison Brown, co-owners of Cascio Motors in Phoenix, after she purchased stolen Ford F-150 trucks not knowing they were stolen. She is now named in at least one lawsuit by other victims. 'Eligible for felony stops at gunpoint' Addison Brown, seen here on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Cascio Motors in Scottsdale, Arizona, is fighting to regain custody of four Ford F-150 pickups she purchased legally with legitimate Arizona titles for an estimated $300,000. Matthew DeLisio, a California-based private detective who specializes in financial crimes and fraud, usually works for major corporations with hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. But he is working with Addison Brown and Cascio Motors in Scottsdale, he said, because the family needs help battling an endless nightmare that is not of their doing. "Through our investigation we have found Ford vehicles are not leaving the holding lots in a dramatic and obvious way," DeLisio told the Free Press. "They appear to almost be allowed to leave and be gone for months without being missed. And with multiple holding companies running these lots and claiming ownership of the vehicles, it is near impossible for a victim or investigator to trace what day, week or even month, a vehicle left a particular lot, and who allowed it to leave." Ford's attorney consistently provided an on-the-record response of no comment to victims' investigators, he said. Yet there's a public safety concern that Ford is not addressing, DeLisio said. "Based on Ford's cavalier approach to file stolen vehicle reports months after the vehicles go missing, placing these vehicles into the National Stolen Vehicle Database and making them eligible for felony stops at gunpoint by law enforcement, this inaction to the ongoing problem places the unknowing public at risk and the officers tasked with pulling these cars over and taking them," he said. Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Stolen Ford F-150s from Detroit end up in Arizona with clean titles Man walks while smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment in Khartoum North CAIRO (Reuters) -The Sudanese capital Khartoum was relatively calm on Saturday morning as a U.S. and Saudi-brokered 24-hour ceasefire took effect, providing a window for humanitarian assistance and giving the public a break from the intense fighting. The short ceasefire follows a string of violated truces between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose power struggle erupted into violence eight weeks ago, sparking a humanitarian crisis. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia said they shared "frustration" over the violations in a statement announcing the latest truce, and they threatened to adjourn the talks, which have continued indirectly, if fighting continues. The fighting has turned the metropolitan area including Khartoum and its sister cities Bahri and Omdurman into a war zone, and led to conflict in the Darfur and Kordofan regions to the west. Before the start of the truce at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT), residents reported anti-aircraft missiles firing in southern Khartoum and the Sharg el-Nil district across the Nile, which also saw air strikes. The fighting has displaced more than 1.9 million people, 200,000 or more of whom have crossed the border into Egypt. Those who have taken the long journey have complained of poor conditions and long wait times. On Saturday two people attempting to cross the Ashkeit border said they had been turned back as a new rule had come into effect requiring all Sudanese to obtain a visa before entering Egypt, reversing a longtime exemption for women, children, and the elderly. "We spent two nights in the neutral territory and now they are turning us back," said Sundus Abbas, a doctor speaking to Reuters by phone from between the countries' checkpoints. "Some people are refusing to leave," she said. Confirming the new rule, Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said authorities had detected "the spread of unlawful activities by some individuals and groups on the Sudanese side" including issuing fraudulent visas. Egypt did not aim to prohibit entry but to organise it, he said, adding the necessary equipment had been provided for the visas to be issued promptly. SATELLITE MONITORING In the week since the last ceasefire lapsed on June 3 there has been intense fighting, including around crucial army bases. The U.S. State Department said late on Friday it was supporting a platform called the Sudan Conflict Observatory that would release results of satellite monitoring of the fighting and ceasefires. An initial report by the observatory documented "widespread and targeted" destruction of water, power and telecom facilities. It also documented eight "systematic" arson attacks that razed villages in Darfur and several attacks on schools, mosques and other public buildings in El Geneina, country's westernmost city, which has seen fierce militia attacks amid a telecom blackout. A doctors' union in the city called it a "ghost town" and alleged several human rights abuses, including blockading the city, depriving civilians of water, and killing the elderly. Citizens have said that some of the men who have attacked the city wore RSF uniforms. Previous ceasefires had allowed some humanitarian access, but aid agencies reported still being impeded by the fighting, bureaucratic control and looting. Medical aid agency MSF said on Saturday its staff had been stopped by RSF soldiers and "obliged" to make a statement that was later circulated by the forces. Sudan's army and the RSF, a parallel force that has operated legally since 2017, fell out over plans to integrate their troops and reorganise their chain of command as part of a transition toward civilian rule four years after a popular uprising ousted strongman President Omar al-Bashir. (Reporting by Nafisa Eltahir and Maggie Michael in Cairo and Khalid Abdelaziz in DubaiEditing by Hugh Lawson, Louise Heavens and Frances Kerry) Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor, second from left, discusses the condition of the apartment building at 215 East St. with Hobart Fire Chief Randy Smith, left; Hobart Deputy Prosecutor Alex Rosillas, second from right; and Building Official Karen Hansen on Monday, July 11, 2022. The building has been sold. (Michelle L. Quinn / Post-Tribune) A Hobart apartment building where 24 families were left homeless because of poor conditions is going to get a new lease on life, but not by the owner who allowed the poor conditions. Glenwood Properties LLC principal Joseph Gore of Valparaiso sold the 11-unit building at 215 East St. at the end of last month to 215 East Street Apartments LLC, a subsidiary of Preferred Homes LLC, City Building Official Karen Hansen announced during Wednesdays Board of Works meeting. Gore was ordered to appear before the board for not complying with the citys order to complete the work it laid out for him. Advertisement The new owner, Dave Boyce, told the board his group is very aware of the problems the building had and issues they need to fix, but theyve done a lot of projects in Hobart and are eager put the problems to rest. The outside and inside will have a totally different feel, Boyce told the board. Advertisement Its an excellent building, and theres such a need for housing, Board President Mayor Brian Snedecor said. Im glad to see its going (to be done). Hansen told the board that while the new owners have plans to renovate the entire building, shes asked them to hold off on that until the rest of the citys order is fulfilled. One of the items, for example, is that the furnaces and rear fire escape need to be enclosed, on which the Hobart Fire Department will then have to sign off, she said. Board attorney Heather McCarthy agreed. Resolve the order, and then you can proceed however you choose, she said. Boyce said hes ready to pull the permits immediately and is looking forward to making things better. We dont shy away from the tough projects, Boyce told the Post-Tribune. The board unanimously agreed to give 215 East Street Apartments LLC 30 days to pull the permits they need and set its next appearance for July 19. Hobart firefighters conducted a wellness check on an elderly woman who lived in a basement apartment at the 100-year-old, 11-unit apartment building just east of downtown sometime after noon July 11, city officials said at the scene. Firefighters first discovered that the windows to the basement had been boarded and sealed shut. Advertisement Samantha Brant, of Hobart sobs as her dad, Don Brant, of Hammond, comforts her on Monday, July 11, 2022. Samantha Brant was one of at least 24 people left homeless because of building conditions. (Michelle L. Quinn / Post-Tribune) Firefighters later learned that the woman had been moved out of the dwelling, officials said, but further investigation showed that the building had, among other problems, standing water in the basement, water leaking into the main electrical box and out of electrical outlets, and sewage from one unit bubbling up into another units bathtub. City officials first posted bright yellow Do Not Occupy signs on the doors that afternoon; the order to shut it down completely came the next day. The inspection of the building at 215 East Street, Hobart, Indiana, concluded numerous violations relating to public safety including but not limited to electrical issues, blocked exits, inoperative illumination/exit signs, water leaks, sewage backup, expired fire extinguishers, potential asbestos and black mold, unsanitary living conditions and lack of properly working smoke detectors, the order reads. The condition of the building presents a clear and immediate danger of serious bodily injury. The city ordered Gore to appear at its July 20 Public Works meeting, where he told that board he would appeal its decision and reappear August 3 for a hearing, the Post-Tribune previously reported. At that time, City Attorney Heather McCarthy acknowledged that Gore had taken steps to come into compliance. Gore initially made progress on mold remediation, but by August, Hansen said she and Gore had discussed several more items needing repair for which hed yet to provide contractors and estimates. Among the items, Hansen said, were demolition of the basement down to the studs and removing all the debris; replacing the basements boarded-up windows; HVAC replacement on work that was done illegally without permits; and fixing sewage backup and water leaks in several apartments. At that point, the board gave Gore a deadline of 60 days to submit an HVAC estimate and told him to report back at its September 7 meeting for an update. By September 7, work had then been stalled because of misunderstanding over whether electrical work should be started before or after the building was checked for asbestos, the Post-Tribune reported. Hansen told the Public Works board that of the 10 items discussed at the first public hearing on the matter August 3, only one having a mold remediation company come in and air test the building has been completed. Progress on the other items, such as surface testing for mold and the results of those tests; the air quality testing for Apartment three; hiring an asbestos inspector; submitting a quote for the HVAC scope of work; documenting the sewage leaks; and allowing the Building department back in to check the work, havent been submitted, she said. Despite being at the August 3 meeting, Gores attorney, Greg Bouwer, said he and his client never received the list. With regard to the asbestos, however, workers in the building would know not to touch anything with asbestos, so Bouwer said they should be released from that obligation because the law doesnt require we do anything. Advertisement Regarding the HVAC system, Bouwer said that Gore was grandfathered into the remodel that previous owner Jeff Greener did in 1996, so Gore wasnt responsible for updating it just because the city determined its not up to code now. The city, however, had no record of any permit being pulled for the HVAC system, Hansen said then, including when Greener renovated it, so the city believes any work on it was done illegally. When you made reference to being grandfathered, do you still contend that with no record of any work ever being done? Snedecor said then. Joseph Gore speaks before the Hobart Board of Public Works and Safety during their meeting in Hobart, Indiana Wednesday July 20, 2022. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Post-Tribune) Gore, who also owns Pinnacle Realty and Top Shelf Construction in Valparaiso, and the city did complete the asbestos inspection in November, and electrical permits were to be issued upon its completion. A judgment docket book was entered Dec. 20 in Lake Superior Court Civil Division 6 against Gore, according to court records. A judgment docket book, according to the states website, is a list of all judgments for the recovery of money or costs, indexed in alphabetical order, open to public inspection, and intended to afford official notice to interested parties of the existence of a judgment. The judgment of $245 was issued against Gore for an August violation of Hobarts ordinance against high grass and weeds, the Post-Tribune previously reported. Gore, McCarthy said, neither paid the fines nor appeared in City Court over them. In January, Gore pleaded out seven of eight cases of ordinance violations he had pending in New Chicago and received a judgement on the eighth, court records show. A lawsuit filed in October by 17 of the tenants of 215 East, who are asking for all reasonable actual, compensatory and/or consequential damages, recoverable punitive damages, recoverable pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, recoverable attorney fees and costs and all other just and proper relief in the premises on two counts, is still pending. Advertisement Gore denies all charges in that case, court records said. Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) blasted the Republican 2024 presidential candidates for their reaction to the federal indictment of former President Trump, saying they need to be willing to attack him to have a chance to win. Sununu said in an interview with CNNs Anderson Cooper on Friday that he is surprised the other candidates running for the GOP nomination are not being more aggressive in calling out the allegations Trump is facing as a huge problem. When youre running in a race, youre trying to beat the guy ahead of you. Youre trying to knock him down, and given all the things and the rap sheet there thats a mile long, youd think that theyd be more aggressive, he said. Sununu said he understands they are focusing on certain issues with the Justice Department (DOJ), which he said are real, but they need to focus on the facts, with Trump facing a 37-count indictment over his handling of classified and sensitive documents at Mar-a-Lago. You almost look like youre defending him at this point, Sununu said of the other candidates in the race. That does not look like a serious candidate thats willing to take him on over the next six months to knock his poll numbers down and shoot you to the top. Either you want to run for president and beat the guy or you dont. Trumps fellow candidates for the Republican nomination have had a mixed reaction to the news of the wide-ranging indictment against him. Trump has been charged with 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information in violation of the Espionage Act, as well as charges for concealing a document in a federal investigation and making false statements and representations, among others. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who has consistently placed second to Trump in GOP primary polls, slammed the DOJ for a weaponization of law enforcement while avoiding a direct defense of Trump in the case. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott (R) also denounced alleged DOJ politicization, while conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy vowed to pardon Trump if elected president. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R), who has criticized Trump in the past, reiterated his previous position that Trump should drop out of the race, which he first said after the former president was charged with falsifying business records in Manhattan earlier this year. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), another Trump critic, said the facts from the indictment are devastating and that it is filled with evidence of the former presidents wrongdoing. Sununu had been considering a run for the GOP nomination for president but announced this week that he would not enter the race. Updated at 10:17 a.m. EDT. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Florida is known for its theme parks and sandy beaches. The University of Florida surveyed over 1,500 people to discover why tourists flock to the Sunshine State every year. Half of the people surveyed were Floridians, and the other half were non-Floridians, including Texas, California and New York. Read: Avelo Airlines offers $19 one-way flights from Central Florida People voted the top three destinations as Orlando, Miami and the beaches. Most people said they liked Florida best because of Walt Disney World, and state officials should improve prices, crowds and traffic. The travel survey also evaluated the information people used when planning and booking a trip to Florida and their decision-making. Summer travel: Gas prices holding steady nationally, Florida sees spike Forty percent said social media plays a role in their vacation destination, 18% said TV programs and 14% said travel news websites. Local and non-Florida visitors said tourism, scenery, prices, culture and hospitality were travel factors. 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. After avoiding detection for 17 years, Elda Chafoya had hoped that one day she would find some peace. A decade ago, she followed the crops to Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina. Before the coronavirus pandemic, she settled in Florida to provide some stability for her family. She found steady work picking strawberries, cucumbers and sweet chilis. She rented a home in the Wimauma area that reminded her of growing up in Guatemala. Two other families moved in with her. But when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation last month thats considered among the nations toughest crackdowns on illegal immigration, Chafoya realized that the stability she had sought for so long might be lost for good. Thats when she started thinking about leaving the state with her three daughters, all of whom were born in the U.S. Its a survival mode, she said. The new law goes into effect July 1 and will target the workforce lacking proper legal documents in various industries. It expands the worker verification process and requires that businesses with 25 or more employees have to use E-Verify, an online system that checks a persons citizenship. If someone is found working without proper documents, the state can penalize employers. The legislation prohibits local governments from issuing ID cards to individuals without permanent legal status and invalidates drivers licenses issued by other states for such immigrants. It will expose drivers to third-degree felony charges for knowingly transporting immigrants who lack proper legal documents into the state and require hospitals that accept Medicaid to collect patient immigration information. The law sets aside $12 million for DeSantis migrant relocation initiative, a program that has been described by opponents as a political stunt. The relocations grabbed headlines Monday when two charter planes with three dozen immigrants flew from the U.S. southern border to Sacramento. Last year, DeSantis flew about 50 Venezuelans from Texas to Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts, a traditional summer destination for celebrities and public figures. The legislation gives Florida the most ambitious anti-illegal immigration laws in the country, fighting back against reckless federal government policies and ensuring the Florida taxpayers are not footing the bill for illegal immigration, DeSantis said last month. More than three weeks later, however, Hispanic groups organized demonstrations in Tampa and other cities across Florida, warning that the new law would harm the economy. Facebook, TikTok and Instagram feeds have been filled with viral videos showing abandoned farms and construction projects. Latino truck drivers also called for a boycott and the suspension of deliveries to and from Florida on the day the law goes into effect. In Florida, there are more than 1.8 million immigrants, including those without permanent status. Immigrants represent 11% of the total labor force but account for the largest share in certain industries. They make up 37% of the workforce in agriculture; 23% in construction; and 14% in service jobs, according to a recent KFF Health News analysis of a 2021 U.S. Census report. After two years of a coronavirus pandemic that disrupted the economy, the law coincides with an increased demand for labor. This labor crunch is pronounced in Floridas agricultural sector, which employs thousands of people each year in counties such as Hillsborough, Polk, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Construction also relies heavily on immigrants. More than 311,000 immigrants work in this industry in Florida, according to the nonprofit The Center for Construction Research and Training. A study by the Center for American Progress, a liberal policy research and advocacy organization, found that those immigrants make up approximately 5.2% of Floridas labor force, or about 512,000 workers. The same analysis concluded that immigrants help meet important labor needs and fill crucial gaps without taking jobs away from U.S.-born workers. Increasing immigration is the way forward to grow our labor force, strengthen the economy, and save every American from rising costs, said Phillip Connor, senior demographer at FWD.us, a bipartisan organization working to reform immigration and criminal justice. Laudi Campo, the state director of the Hispanic Federation, a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1990, said that the law will hurt families as well as the local and national economy. Floridas economy will feel the brunt of these cruel anti-immigrant laws and we think there will be a swift effort to try and rectify the problems caused by these laws, said Campo. We just hope it wont be too late. But Sean Snaith, director of the Institute for Economic Forecast at the University of Central Florida, said it is premature to guess how deep the impact of the law could be. Probably, well see many people finding new ways to deal with the new rule, but it is not going to be the end of undocumented workers in Florida, said Snaith. Already, some lawmakers who supported the law are downplaying how consequential it will be. Two Republican state representatives, Rick Roth of Palm Beach and Alina Garcia of Miami-Dade County, urged migrant workers in South Florida to ignore the law. Roth said it was more of a political bill than it is policy. This bill is 100% supposed to scare you, Roth said in a video. A key enforcement issue will be verifying the legal status of workers. Currently, anyone who wants to work is required to fill out an I-9 employment eligibility verification form and provide ID, such as passports or drivers licenses. Companies are required to only collect and submit copies of the documents with the I-9 form without checking the legal status of the workers. That changes July 1, when companies are required to verify legal status by using E-Verify. But that only applies to companies with 25 or more workers. So after the law goes into effect, many agriculture and construction companies will likely begin employing subcontractors with fewer than 25 to avoid being held responsible if theyre employing workers without legal status. But people like Miguel and Maria Perez, a married couple from Mexico, are already bracing for enforcement. Miguel Perez, 60, immigrated two decades ago without documentation, and ever since, he has been supporting his two daughters and his wife in Mexico. Eight years ago, he paid to bring Maria, 53, to America through the southern border. Perez worked in construction for many years, saved enough money, and paid for his childrens college education. Two years ago, the couple started working for a landscaping company in Wesley Chapel owned by Jemi and Katherine Carbajal. They said the state government is ignoring the needs of immigrants, who dont want anything for free. Its unfair to witness this happening, said Katherine Carbajal. They simply want to work. Is that too difficult to understand? Jemi Carbajal said. Perez and his wife were disappointed when they heard that DeSantis had signed the law. With no opportunities left, they decided to leave for Louisiana later this month. A friends son has offered to let them temporarily stay in his apartment while they search for a job. They dont know him personally, but its the only choice they have, Perez said. We dont want to leave, but we feel safer somewhere else, he said. We are no longer 20 years old to be taking risks. Darryl Williams, a Plant City farmer, remembers how farm work brought him joy and challenges as a child. Now, at 62, he never imagined that politics could wreak so much havoc in an industry that feeds everyone. He employs over 150 farmworkers during the year. Williams, known as El Capullo among farmworkers, said his employees are concerned about the situation. Many of them have friends and family members without legal status. Im concerned as well because they are like a family, he said. But I think its important to be informed at this point and see what happens. For now, we cant do more than that. Jose Raul Marquez, a subcontractor from Cuba now based in Tampa, said he has already lost five workers. He said they left the state a week ago because they didnt want to put their families at risk. Marquez has construction projects in Tampa, Plant City and Naples, among others. All of them are facing schedule delays because his workers have left. He said DeSantis is making it difficult for business owners to create jobs. Despite all these years in the business since 1990, Ive never seen anything like this, said Marquez, 64. Its really tough. Chafoya, 42, the Guatemalan immigrant and single mother of three, has been cleaning up the house shes renting in Wimauma and packing some suitcases. Shes considering a move to North Carolina, where she worked years ago. Chafoya thought about leaving two weeks ago, but a local activist told her to hang on and see if anything changed. She loves the community where she lives, including her chickens and dogs. If there are no guarantees of work, where will we get the money to pay the rent and support our families? she asked. Chafoya thinks the situation is going to become even more challenging. Two weeks ago, she had to rush to a hospital in Sun City because she got really dizzy after being hit on the head. When she arrived at the hospital, they told her that she had to pay for the consultation upfront. If she couldnt, they threatened to call an immigration officer next time, she said. I said, You cant do that, she recalled. But they told me Yes, we can. Chafoya believes that only a miracle can change fear into hope. But maybe, she said, I wont be here to see that. Anti-vaccine activism continued to grow in the Texas Legislature during its most recent session, with dozens of bills related to vaccine policy in the state. The Texas Immunization Partnership, a nonprofit that advocates for vaccine policy and access, calculated that there were more than 50 vaccine-related bills filed during the 2023 regular session. The vast majority more than 90% were anti-vaccine in nature, said Rekha Lakshmanan, the chief strategy officer at the partnership. Although only two bills directly related to vaccine access passed, advocates said the number of bills filed during the session and the number of bills that progressed toward becoming law was concerning for the future of vaccine policy in Texas. Its the most bills most anti-vaccine bills filed i would say in over 10 years weve not seen this kind of a volume, Lakshmanan said, The history of vaccine opposition in Texas Anti-vaccine activists have steadily grown and expanded their reach throughout the state since 2015, when scholars who study vaccine opposers say the groups began to change their narrative. Initially, opponents touted the widely discredited narrative that routine childhood vaccines could cause autism. Decades of research has confirmed that there is no link between vaccines and autism, and the original research that set off the panic has been proven inaccurate and unreliable. But in 2015, researchers say, anti-vaccine activists in Texas began to promote a narrative of medical freedom. Since the birth of the new anti-vaccine movement in 2015, the number of bills filed has steadily increased in each legislative session. In 2021, researchers with Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy found the terms medical freedom and bodily autonomy repeatedly in bill captions or in the body of proposed bills. One-quarter of bills filed during that session used the word discrimination, according to their analysis. Since the 2015 legislative session, the number of anti-vaccine bills has steadily grown, Lakshmanan said, and she doesnt expect the trend to slow down in future sessions. 2023 legislative session Two bills related to vaccines did pass during the 2023 session. One, SB 29, permanently enacts multiple executive orders that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had signed into law, including a prohibition on adding COVID-19 vaccines to the schedule of vaccines required to attend public school in Texas. The second, HB 44, would penalize physicians who have vaccination requirements for their patients from being eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. Although only two bills made it through every stage to become law, many more were debated and discussed during public hearings, during which both legislators and commentators spread misinformation about vaccine safety. Scientists Robert Malone and Richard Fleming testified in support of multiple bills over the course of the session. Malone is best known for campaigning against COVID-19 vaccines, and has been a supporter of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has been spreading incorrect information about vaccines since 2005. Kennedy, the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, has filed to run for president in the 2024 election. He was identified as one of the Disinformation Dozen by a research group identifying the top 12 purveyors of false information about COVID-19 vaccines online. Government figures and health care professionals are becoming an increasingly common source of misinformation in the U.S., according to a report from the Public Goods Project. The group concluded that more than 70% of the worlds misinformation about vaccines and vaccine safety originates in the U.S. Anytime vaccine limiting beliefs are introduced or even given a hearing, it sets a really bad and dangerous precedent, because those are opportunities to spread misinformation, Lakshmanan said. So you think they've got Trump right where they want him, eh? Wait till you hear what this former federal prosecutor turned high-end defense attorney has to say. Former President Donald Trump. Alex Wong/Getty Images It sure looks like they've really got Trump where they want him this time! Except he's probably going to get a favorable judge. And she'll have enormous power to prevent Trump from getting convicted. If you think former President Donald Trump is finally, really, actually, but for real this time, about to face justice hold on just one moment. He may have an easy out. Yes, it sounds like this new indictment against Trump is a pretty strong one. Even Fox News' top legal commenter thinks so. He called it "extremely damning." And we're not seeing nearly as much skepticism as we saw after Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg's indictment, either. But one former federal prosecutor turned high-end defense attorney, Ken White, sees a quick path out of trouble for Trump. He said all Trump needs is a judge completely in the tank for him a judge who is willing to sacrifice their reputation in order to protect him. White thinks Trump might get one: Judge Aileen Cannon. As my colleagues, including Kimberly Leonard, reported Friday, Cannon was widely criticized last year when she ruled that an independent arbiter would have to review all the documents that the FBI seized from Mar-a-Lago. The Department of Justice appealed the decision and was rewarded with a brutal rebuke of Cannon by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. The smackdown was particularly notable because it came from a panel of judges that included several appointed by Republicans. In addition to being a fancy defense lawyer, White also cohosts a legal podcast with Josh Barro called "Serious Trouble." Reflecting on Cannon's ruling to appoint an independent arbiter (called a "special master") and other decisions she made regarding the government's investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents, Barro said to White on the podcast that Cannon has shown a "willingness to behave in a way that most judges likely would not, even if they were partisan Republicans." "Sure," White replied. "She's willing to violate the Meat Loaf Rule: I'll do anything for love. But I won't do that." White said that there are usually a "number of factors" that smooth even partisan judges out and move them "into the middle." He listed a few: "Their relationship with other colleagues, their reputation, their hopes to be elevated to a higher bench, their place in history, you know, cocktail parties, opinion of lawyers, all that sort of thing. " "But sometimes," White said, "judges just don't give a shit and Judge Cannon's behavior in this case in the past was several very long strides in this direction of don't give a shit." White suspects Cannon may be imagining what she might be able to get out of a second Trump presidency. "You have a situation where it is not even remotely difficult to imagine: Her acquitting Trump, Trump getting elected, Trump elevating her to the 11th Circuit or the Supreme Court. He would totally do it. His fans would be completely fine with it. And it would be just a giant middle finger to the country. And I mean, he would do it." So how, exactly, could Cannon protect Trump and end this case against him in a moment? "She can delay things forever by making rulings that can't be appealed. She can make rulings that while they don't tank the case, make it very difficult, like excluding evidence by saying evidence was wrongfully gathered," White said. "And that can be something that has a very unfavorable standard on appeal." "So, for instance, if she started to rule all these statements Trump made, 'That's too prejudicial. It's unfair. I'm keeping it out.' If that goes up on appeal, that's an abuse of discretion standard. And normally, you can't appeal it before the case." And Cannon could go even further than that, White said. "Most drastically, she can do things that can't be repaired. Once a jury is impaneled, she can dismiss the case. And there's not a goddamn thing anyone can do about it. Double jeopardy attaches; you're done. She can grant a motion for directed verdict of acquittal after the government's case. And then we're done. You can't be retried, can't be reviewed. It's over." White's analysis on the "Serious Trouble" podcast left Barro a little stunned. Barro asked White: "Is it possible that the Department of Justice is walking us into a situation that not only could fail to obtain convictions here, but they could end up setting off a chain of events that's quite damaging to the federal judiciary?" "Absolutely," White said. He went on: "People are saying that by charging Trump you're riling up his base. You're making it more likely he's going to get elected. And then he's going to have a more conservative judiciary, insulate himself more, pardon himself, all this type of stuff. And it's all true. All that is perfectly possible." "But if you're the Justice Department, you can't think that way," White said. "OK, you simply can't think that we now have to retreat from rule of law because it's too politically costly." "If they do that, then they're basically sort of giving up." Read the original article on Business Insider Russian strikes kill three in Odesa, hit Poltava air base - Ukraine Aftermath of a Russian drone strike in Odesa By Tom Balmforth and Iryna Nazarchuk KYIV/ODESA, Ukraine (Reuters) -Russia fired missiles and drones at targets across Ukraine in the early hours of Saturday, killing three civilians in the Black Sea city of Odesa and striking a military air field in the central Poltava region, Kyiv authorities said. The attacks, in which a 29-year-old was also killed in the northeast Kharkiv region according to officials, were the latest in a spate of overnight strikes that Russia has intensified as Kyiv sets its sights on a major counter-offensive. The Air Force said the attacks involved eight ground-launched missiles and 35 strike drones. Air defence units managed to down 20 drones and two cruise missiles, it said. "As a result of the air fight, debris from one of the drones fell onto a high-rise apartment, causing a fire," the southern military command's spokesperson Natalia Humeniuk said of the attack on Odesa. Firefighters battled overnight to put out the fire in the 10-storey block in a residential area of the city, footage released by the military showed. The morning light revealed a gaping crater in the ground several metres wide next to the damaged building and a children's playground, a Reuters photographer said. Three people were killed including a couple who lived on the eighth floor of the building and a man who had been outside at the time of the attack, authorities said. At least 27 other people, including three children, were hurt, the emergency services said. The first drone strike came around midnight and was followed by three more. Air raid sirens blared repeatedly through the night. Russia also fired drones and ballistic and cruise missiles at the Poltava region, inflicting "some damage of infrastructure and equipment" at the Myrhorod military airfield, the regional governor said. Ten drones attacked two areas of the Kharkiv region, which borders Russia and also backs onto the front line, wounding a 39-year-old man and killing one other person, governor Oleh Synehubov. Ukraine also shot down two drones over the Dnipropetrovsk region where no damage was reported, its governor Serhiy Lysak said. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Frances Kerry) A top executive was fired after being caught having an affair on China's version of TikTok. Now, the $85 dress his mistress wore in the video is selling out. Illustrative photo of a woman wearing a pink dress. Tony Anderson/Getty Images A top business executive was sacked in China after a video of him with his mistress went viral. Chinese users rushed to buy some 4,000 pieces of the pink dress the mistress wore. "It is really ridiculous and ironic," one Chinese user said on the mistress' newfound fame. A top business executive in China was fired after being caught having an affair with his coworker in a viral video posted on the Chinese version of TikTok. But people online are now obsessed with his mistress with thousands buying the exact dress she wore in the video. After the video went viral on Douyin in June, Hu Jiyong was terminated as the executive director and general manager of the state-owned company Huanqiu Contracting and Engineering Corporation, per a company statement published on June 7. The company said that Hu is also being investigated by its disciplinary committee. The original video, posted by a local street photographer, has since been deleted. In one copy posted on TikTok by the Singapore news website Today, Hu was shown holding hands with his coworker. She has only been identified by her surname "Dong," according to the state-owned outlet Sixth Tone. The couple was shown wearing matching pink outfits in Chengdu, a province in China. Hu was in a pink polo shirt, and Dong was wearing the now-iconic body-hugging pink dress. In the video, Dong was also shown carrying a Lady Dior handbag, which cost at least $5,000 in the US. Several users dubbed it the "mistress" and "dismissal" dress on Weibo, a Chinese platform similar to Twitter. The Weibo thread discussing Dong's dress has garnered at least 17 million views. Thousands of people then rushed to buy Dong's dress, which was sold by a vendor on Taobao, an online shopping platform, according to the Singapore newspaper The Straits Times. The dress cost 618 Chinese yuan, or around $85. Dong's newfound fans purchased around 1,000 pieces of the dress overnight. By June 8, 4,000 pieces were sold, per ST. One Weibo user shared why Chinese users were so enamored by Hu and Dong's illicit love affair: "The male protagonist is rich, and the female protagonist is fair-skinned, beautiful, and long-legged." But another user criticized the people who purchased the dress, writing: "A beautifully-dressed mistress, everyone followed suit. The same dress was sold out. It is really ridiculous and ironic." Huanqiu Contracting and Engineering Corporation did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment. Read the original article on Insider Boris Johnson - YVES HERMAN/REUTERS Whatever lies ahead for Mr Johnson now that he is leaving Parliament, his place in history is secure. He is the Prime Minister who made Brexit happen. He put Britain at the forefront of support for Ukraine in its moment of crisis. Crucially, he has been a trailblazing if often controversial Conservative leader. His career in elected office proved Toryism could still offer a uniting, aspirational message, and reach parts of the country written off by less gifted politicians. Among the many good things he achieved, seeing off the threat of Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister will always deserve the nations gratitude. For all the economic threats and geopolitical challenges the United Kingdom now faces, things would have been immeasurably worse, at home and abroad, under the socialist impulses of a Corbynite administration. He also spoke up for the City when he was Mayor of London at a time when other Tories had resorted to anti-capitalist demagogy. Brexit, however, will always define Johnsons legacy, and rightly so. His decision to spearhead the campaign to leave the EU helped secure its narrow victory margin. As Prime Minister, he then pushed an exit deal over the line where Theresa May had failed three times, despite an astonishing Remain alliance determined to cancel the results of the referendum. Many people contributed to achieving Brexit, but it is fair to say that without Mr Johnsons help, it might never have become a political reality. It is a shame, therefore, that his career is ending, at least for now, in such a sorry way. Irreconcilable Remainers aside, those in his party who celebrate his demise are being tragically short-sighted. Despite his many flaws, when it comes to the ballot box, Johnson was a man with the Midas touch. Winning two terms as Mayor of London, in a city seen by many as a no-go area for Tory hopefuls, was a remarkable achievement. He then wooed a very different audience in 2019, leading the Conservatives to a startling victory, one that left them with the biggest majority since Margaret Thatcher. Too many of those rejoicing on his premature departure from frontline politics have forgotten this crucial point. Yet in office, and with Brexit secure, Johnsons touch seemed almost immediately to desert him. Taking the vital next step and making a success of Brexit, by seizing its opportunities, proved a challenge too far. He signed up to HS2 and massive spending increases. Waylaid by the global catastrophe of Covid, he was overly influenced by pro-lockdown forecasters and the example of other, more authoritarian countries, and ended up ruining the economy. His huge majority was squandered, the disastrous Whitehall bureaucracy left unreformed, and he spent too much time chasing Net Zero and a form of environmentalism at odds with his pro-progress, pro-growth positions. Delivering for the new coalition of voters he had pioneered remains a work in progress. No doubt part of the problem was Mr Johnsons own personality, more suited to the poetry of the campaign trail than the dull prose of daily government. Yet there can be no doubt that he also suffered from the burning resentment of the Remain establishment. The technocrats who saw Brexit as a populist uprising against all good sense blamed Johnson as its mastermind. The idea lingered that by purging one man from the body politic they could somehow return to the status quo ante. Now he is leaving Parliament, many question marks remain over the process that led to Johnsons ousting. The behaviour by some in Number 10 during the Covid pandemic was shocking. It has rightly infuriated many of those who followed the rules themselves, often at tremendous personal cost. It was therefore essential that the investigation into his conduct by the Privileges Committee was not only impartial, but seen to be impartial. In that latter point, it seems to have failed. As Jeremy Brier KC points out in these pages, in a quasi-judicial setting, there should not be any reasonable suspicion by a fair-minded and informed person that the judges were not impartial. Yet while the committee had a Tory majority, it was one made up of MPs sharply critical of Boris. The former chairman Chris Bryant recused himself for having made public comments pre-judging the case. But he was then replaced by Harriet Harman, who reports suggest had also tweeted about Partygate. Nevertheless, as things stand the Conservative party appears to be heading for an electoral nightmare. Recent polls suggest a Labour landslide could be on the cards. Some Conservatives believe a spell in opposition would be good for them. Yet that attitude is a dereliction of duty to the country. There is a great ideological battle raging for the heart of the nation. At stake are not just the usual, vital questions of economic responsibility but also those of national identity including the ability to name our history and heroes without apology and even of biological reality. Labour may no longer be run by Jeremy Corbyn, but Sir Keir Starmer would undoubtedly shift the country to the Left. His party remains wedded to disastrous ideas on tax, the economy, class warfare, environmentalism and cultural issues. The Tories need to fight, not simply give up. They must stop destroying each other and remember who their real opponents are. Johnson had a gift for unifying the country behind the Conservatives. Now the party must stop tearing itself apart and focus on what matters. 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. Totally wrong: Former Kansas officer says hes humiliated for incident with teen girl A longtime southeast Kansas officer had his police certification revoked after he grabbed a 14-year-old in a rude and aggressive manner and made unprofessional comments. Wallace Simmons certification was revoked at the end of May, according to the Kansas Commission of Peace Officers Standards and Training, which oversees officer certifications. The 76-year-old said he already planned to retire from the Cherryvale Police Department before an incident on Aug. 6, 2020, but turned in his papers shortly after because of the fallout around it. The incident happened after he responded to a report of a fight at a park. Simmons was verbally aggressive with multiple teens, saying things like your little ass is about ready to go to jail and that hed show them for copping a goddamn attitude with him, the KSCPOST report says. It says he also grabbed a 14-year-old girl by the arms, lifted her up and put her in the back of his patrol vehicle before letting her go. Simmons said he was a sergeant at the time. He had been with the department from August 2013 to October 2020. Simmons said he spent more than 45 years in law enforcement, including in Independence, Coffeyville, where he retired as a lieutenant, and Montgomery County, and had never been reprimanded. The incident, he said, is one that weighs on him, and makes him feel embarrassed for how his actions reflect on his former department and all of law enforcement. He also said he feels bad for the girl he yelled at. I feel like I did some good here and there but this one bad outweighs all the good. Personally I just feel very humiliated, he said. I feel bad for the little girl, I really do, she shouldnt of had to go through that, from a police officer. I agree, it was totally wrong. Simmons said what the KSCPOST report says he said is true, but he doesnt agree that he grabbed her in a rude and aggressive manner by the arms and lifted her up. He said she was sitting on a bench and popped up when he grabbed her. Simmons said the whole incident was out of character. He doesnt think it would have happened had he eaten after taking his insulin shot, instead of rushing to a call about a fight in the park. The girl and the other teenagers denied being involved in a fight. The KSCPOST report says he was aggressive with multiple juveniles throughout his investigation at the park. Simmons, the report says, got out of his patrol vehicle and immediately said that: Your little ass is about ready to go to jail. He also said: Who is this loudmouth? What is your problem? You think you can open your big fat mouth and start hollering things out at us? the report says. Lastly, the report says, he said: You gonna cop a goddamn attitude with me and Ill show you whats going to happen to your little mutt. Ill deal with all you kids. Ill put an end to it. By god I will. He also put the girl in the back of his patrol vehicle and placed her against the back, the report says, adding he never gave any verbal instructions prior to placing his hands on her. The girl didnt know if she was being detained or arrested, the report says. After verbally engaging with the other teenagers, (Simmons) announced that the park was closed, the report says. He then pushed (the girl) away from his vehicle and said Bye. He wasnt charged, but the case was settled in a pre-charging diversion, the report says. Simmons said his son watched the body-cam footage and didnt recognize him, saying he looked spaced out. It was like I was a smart ass or something, Simmons said after watching the video himself. No lawsuit was ever filed against the department or the city because of the incident, Cherryvale police Chief Jimmy Holt said. Simmons said he was a sergeant when he left the department. Cherryvale City Clerk Karen Davis said an open records request and payment would be required to confirm Simmons position. The whole incident was a mistake, Simmons maintains. No. 1 the little girl, I feel bad for. No. 2, I feel bad for all the officers in the department, and, No. 3, I feel humiliated. The whole thing never should have happened. A Gary man is accused of killing a woman and seriously injuring a man during a Thursday night shooting in a Merrillville parking lot. Dejuan Boyd McIntyre was charged with murder and attempted murder, according to Lake County court records. Advertisement Around 11:15 p.m. Thursday, Merrillville Police were sent to the 6400 block of Mississippi Street, where they found a man who had been shot numerous times near the entrance of Menards at 6300 Mississippi Street, according to a police press release. Medics arrived and began to treat the the man, who was later transported by helicopter to a Chicago based hospital where he is listed in critical condition. Advertisement Police continued to search the area and located Ashley Bitikofer who was pronounced dead on scene at 2:15 a.m. Friday as a result several gunshot wounds. Bitikofer, 34, resided in Portage. Police said a witness pointed to McIntyre as the shooter. He and Bitikofer had been in a relationship that they ended a few months prior, police said. Around 5 p.m. Friday, Merrillville detectives obtained a search warrant for McIntyre and his residence in the 1400 block of East 50th Place in Gary. Detectives were assisted by the Merrillville Tactical Apprehension Squad (MTAS) in serving the warrant at the residence, where McIntyre peacefully surrendered and was taken into custody, the release states. McIntyre is currently at the Lake County Jail being held without bail, court records state. Police invited anyone with information on the case to please contact Det. Van Rite at (219) 769-3531, ext. 349 or avanrite@merrillville.in.gov. Trudeau explained who is responsible for destruction of Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister, said that the unjustified aggressive war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine is the main reason the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam was destroyed. Source: Trudeau at a press conference in Kyiv, answering the question of who is behind the destruction of the dam, as reported by Ukrinform Quote: "We do not doubt that the dam's destruction was a direct consequence of Russia's decision to invade a peaceful country." Details: He stressed that the war unleashed by Russia destroyed infrastructure in Ukraine, destroyed families, took lives, and "caused problems with energy, the economy, and food around the world". "Russia is responsible and will be punished," the Canadian Prime Minister stressed. Background: Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! On Saturday, Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister, spoke at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Source: MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak on Telegram Details: The speech was also attended by Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and all members of the parliament of Ukraine. Quote: "Main theses: You are fighting not only for your survival but for everything. For democracy and freedom. The world can't underestimate the importance of the moment and your struggles. You are fighting for yourself, your language, your homes, and the future of all of us. Your victory will be in the history books, and you will determine the future of the 21st century. Canada will be with you for as long as necessary. You don't give up, and so we won't give up. Today, we announced US$400 million for military support, and Canada will be part of the coalition to train your pilots. It should be Ukraine's choice of how to defend itself, and Canada will support Ukraine's accession into NATO. We want peace, but we want it on Ukrainian terms. The Russian Federation must leave the entire territory of Ukraine. We are transferring the confiscated Russian aircraft (AN-124) to Ukraine. Thank you for remaining champions and defenders of democracy every day! He ended with the phrase, Glory to Ukraine!." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! During his first public remarks since the unsealing of the 49-page, 37-charge indictment against him, Donald Trump again lashed out at special counsel Jack Smith the lead prosecutor in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents probe. Speaking at the state Republican Party convention in Columbus, Georgia, the former president and current presidential candidate gave a meandering stump speech weaving in his apparent incredulity regarding the charges levied against him. As with all of his foes, political or judicial, Mr Trump has already veered into personal attacks against the individuals concerned on his social media platform Truth Social but relished his first opportunity to talk to a large, enraptured crowd of followers. After calling the indictment a political hit job and claiming Republicans are treated far differently at the Justice Department than Democrats, Mr Trump pondered whether Mr Smith had changed his name. You know Im talking about Jack Smith. What do you think his name used to be? I dont know Sounds so innocent. Hes deranged. The former president didnt stop there. He continued: Deranged Jack Smith and I watched him yesterday go up and talk. He talked for about two and a half minutes. He was shaking. He was so scared. He didnt want to be there. Because ultimately, these are cowards. Theyre cowards. He added: And hes a big Trump hater, openly hes a Trump hater. And his wife is even more of a Trump hater. I wish her a lot of luck. But hes a bad Trump hater and shes a Trump hater. Mr Trump returned to the topic of his indictments a couple of times during the speech which went on for much longer than expected as he revelled in the applause from the crowd, who booed and jeered at the mention of his political opponents. Trump: Deranged Jack Smith. I watched him yesterday go up and talk.. He was shaking. He was so scared. He didnt want to be there because ultimately these are cowards pic.twitter.com/llB3bHSxUO Acyn (@Acyn) June 10, 2023 The federal indictment against the former president outlines 37 counts related to retaining classified information, willfully retaining national defence information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and more. The indictment was unsealed on Friday afternoon (9 June), revealing the Department of Justices findings after a nearly year-long investigation into Mr Trump retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Last August, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized boxes of documents from Mr Trumps home, some of which included top-secret records detailing a foreign nations nuclear capabilities. As the former president raged against the indictment online on Friday, Mr Smith gave a televised speech from the Justice Department as referenced by Mr Trump in Saturdays remarks. Mr Smith stressed that laws intended to protect national defence information are critical to the safety and security of the United States. And they must be enforced. Violations of those laws put our country at risk. Adherence to the rule of law is a bedrock principle of the Department of Justice and our nations commitment to the rule of law sets an example for the world, he added. We have one set of laws in this country and they apply to everyone. Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at the North Carolina Republican Party convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S. June 10, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at the North Carolina Republican Party convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S. June 10, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake GREENSBORO, N.C. Coup-attempting former President Donald Trump on Saturday attacked the special counsel who indicted him for withholding and conspiring to hide secret national security documents, calling him a thug, deranged and a Trump hater in his first public appearances since a federal grand jury handed up 37 felony counts against him. They cheated like dogs, he told the North Carolina Republican Partys annual convention, repeating his familiar lies that the 2020 election had been stolen from him. In the Greensboro Sheratons ballroom, and earlier at a campaign stop in Georgia, he railed against the new indictment against him, claiming it was politically motivated. The ridiculous and baseless indictment of me by the Biden administrations weaponized department of injustice will go down as among the most horrific abuses of power in the history of our country, he told attendees at the Georgia Republican Partys state convention in Columbus. This vicious persecution is a travesty of justice... Biden is trying to jail his leading political opponent. Trump stands charged with possessing classified documents at his Florida country club, conspiring to hide them from federal authorities and a grand jury, revealing national defense documents to unauthorized people and making false statements about it all to investigators. The most serious charges carry sentences of 20 years in federal prison if he is convicted. Trump, though, Saturday repeated that he had a right to the documents and that he did nothing wrong. We didnt do any obstruction, he said. He went on to call special counsel Jack Smith a thug, deranged and a Trump hater in an extended rant about how he had been indicted but that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden had not been. Several hours later, he added maniac to his list of insults. Thursdays indictment details how Trump instructed an aide to move boxes of documents out of a storage room where they could not be found by one of his lawyers who was scheduled to search through them to look for classified material so that it could be turned over to the FBI. It also describes how Trump suggested to his lawyers that they simply get rid of classified documents that, if found by authorities, could cause problems for him. Trump on Friday told his millions of followers on his social media site: SEE YOU IN MIAMI ON TUESDAY!!! reminiscent of his Dec. 19, 2020, Twitter post urging his followers to converge on Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6: Be there, will be wild! Trump will be arraigned on the new indictment at 3 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Miami on Tuesday. Trumps followers on Jan. 6, 2021, became an angry mob that assaulted the Capitol, especially after he attacked his own vice president, Mike Pence, for lacking the courage to overturn his election loss for him. Five police officers ended up dead, and 140 others were injured because of the melee. Trump, who last year urged his followers to stage massive protests were he to be charged, on Saturday hinted about violence during his 83 minutes of remarks. Our people are angry, he said. And sometimes you need strength. You have to have strength, more than just normal strength. And we have to get a change because were not going to have a country left. Trump now is under two indictments: Last weeks in Miamis federal court and one from March in New York City on charges he falsified business records to hide a $130,000 hush money payment to a porn star in the days leading up to the 2016 election. He also faces two open criminal investigations that could produce even more indictments: A second DOJ probe into his actions leading up to and on his Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt and one by Georgia prosecutors looking into his attempt to coerce state officials into overturning his election loss in that state. In his Columbus remarks, Trump also attacked the Fulton County district attorney, Fani Willis, calling her a lunatic Marxist prosecutor. She is expected to announce indictments from her investigation in August. Related... Former President Trump long deemed Teflon Don for his ability to dodge legal matters is facing a series of serious criminal charges brought by the Justice Department, which unsealed a 37-count indictment on Friday related to his handling of classified documents. The indictment is Trumps second this year, but its his first time facing federal charges, itself a history-making status for a former president. The classified records case brings weighty charges that, should Trump be convicted, could carry jail time for the 76-year-old presidential candidate. The inclusion of Espionage Act charges alone is remarkable, putting Trump in the company of those accused of mishandling or even leaking state secrets. Hes also facing six other charges, including for obstruction of justice and concealing records. The indictment is a sign the Justice Department plans an aggressive trial of the former president after the government spent nearly two years seeking the return of the records. He took extremely dangerous national defense information to which he had no right and refused to return it. And when he was busted, he lied and covered up and obstructed in order to hide that. So illegal removal and an illegal cover up is a very simple one-two punch, Norm Eisen, the counsel for Democrats in Trumps first impeachment, told The Hill. No one case is by itself is sufficient to end Trumps lawlessness, Eisen said, listing off three additional prosecutors currently probing Trumps behavior, adding, although no one case can do it, this may be the most precarious of the four horsemen of the legal apocalypse that hes facing. Special Counsel Jack Smith, in his first public appearance since being tapped to lead the investigation, asked the public to review the filing in full to understand the scope and the gravity of the crimes charged. The case is the second major Espionage Act prosecution filed by DOJ this year after a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman was accused of posting classified intelligence to a website popular with gamers. The 31 counts on the Espionage Act charge alone show prosecutors decided to pursue a case based on some of the most highly classified records found among the trove of more than 300 classified records, detailing in a breakdown the classification status of each while categorizing the topic. The majority dealt with intel collected on other foreign powers or reviewed U.S. military capabilities information of high value to U.S. adversaries. The indictment explains the documents were kept in various parts of Trumps Florida home shuffled around the residence between numerous unsecured locations, though it was a photo of boxes stacked high in a Mar-a-Lago bathroom that captured the most attention. Brian Greer, a former attorney with the CIA, said the sheer number of Espionage Act counts shows that DOJ will be pursuing a very aggressive strategy in this case. At the same time, he said the prosecution is in line with how the department has handled other instances of employees leaving with classified information. If the Justice Department didnt indict Trump, it would have no leg to stand on the next time a federal employee recklessly retained classified material and then attempted to cover that up, he told The Hill. Unless one thinks former presidents are above the law, DOJ had no choice but to bring charges. The indictment also spells out other key evidence for securing a conviction on Espionage Act charges, one of the few laws on the book that requires prosecutors prove a defendant had knowledge their conduct was criminal. The filing lists two instances in which Trump appeared to show or describe documents to those without a clearance, including a transcript of a conversation first reported by CNN where Trump explains how he did not declassify a document relating to military action in Iran and therefore should not share them. Trump described the information as highly confidential and when noting he cant share then a staffer responds after laughing, Now we have a problem. Beyond demonstrating Trumps knowledge of the declassification, the discussion undercuts his claim he declassified the records in his possession. Regardless, the Espionage Act focuses on whether information in key to the national defense rather than whether it is classified. Greer noted that historically defendants have faced steep penalties under the law, with many receiving sentences closer to the 10-year maximum. Eisen put it another way. People go to jail for a long time for this kind of conduct, he said. The indictment answered another question lingering since the FBI secured a warrant to search Trumps home expecting to find evidence of obstruction of justice: Would prosecutors be able to directly tie Trump to that crime? The filing breaks down numerous instances in which Trump directed either his staff or his attorneys to take efforts to hide or withhold the documents, relying heavily on notes from one of Trumps former attorneys in the probe as well as text messages. Evan Corcoran, who is no longer representing Trump in the matter, was compelled to testify before the grand jury in the case and turn over his notes after a judge determined Trump may have misled his attorney. A judge can pierce attorney-client privilege if they determine legal advice was used in furtherance of a crime. Trump suggested his attorney claim to authorities that he did not have any records that were responsive to a May 2022 subpoena demanding the return of all records with classified markings. In another instance he suggested his attorney hide or destroy the records in question. When Corcoran did seek to comply with the subpoena, Trump gestured for him to pluck out anything bad from the pile. The indictment also used surveillance photos and texts to piece together a timeline showing aide Walt Nauta, also indicted alongside Trump, moving boxes ahead of Corcorans trip to Florida to assemble them. Nauta moved 64 boxes from the storage room Corcoran planned to search. Trump will appear in court in Miami at 3 p.m. Tuesday to be arraigned on the charges, though next steps in the case will be left to a newly formed legal team. Trumps attorneys on the matter resigned Friday morning a departure that did not appear to be previously in the works given attorney Jim Trustys early morning defense of the former president on NBC. He also remains under investigation on other matters, including for his actions related to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol, both by Smith and a Georgia-based prosecutor. Republicans have largely defended Trump, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) who said the Mar-a-Lago prosecution would disrupt this nation because it goes to the core of equal justice for all, which is not being seen today. But a few GOP senators did not offer support for Trump. No one is above the law but every American is innocent until proven guilty. Still, the charges in this case are quite serious and cannot be casually dismissed, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who voted for Trumps conviction in his second impeachment, said in a statement. Anyone found guilty whether an analyst, a former president, or another elected or appointed official should face the same set of consequences. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Photos included in the federal indictment filed against Donald Trump show boxes allegedly containing classified documents stored in unusual locations stacked on a ballroom stage and in a bathroom next to a shower and toilet at Mar-a-Lago, the former president's residence in Florida. This image, contained in the indictment against former President Donald Trump, shows boxes of records being stored on the stage in the White and Gold Ballroom at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. / Credit: AP The images were released Friday as Trump was indicted on 37 counts related to sensitive documents recovered from Mar-a-Lago. The indictment states that Mar-a-Lago "was not an authorized location for the storage, possession, review, display, or discussion of classified documents" after Trump left office. This image, contained in the indictment against former President Donald Trump, shows boxes of records stored in a bathroom and shower in the Lake Room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. / Credit: AP Prosecutors pointed out that "tens of thousands of members and guests" visited the "active social club" at Mar-a-Lago for more than a year after Trump left the White House. "Nevertheless, Trump stored his boxes containing classified documents in various locations at The Mar-a-Lago Club including in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, an office space, his bedroom, and a storage room," according to the indictment. Another photograph contained in the indictment shows one box in a storage room at Mar-a-Lago tipped over on the ground, with materials spilling out from it. The indictment states that on Dec. 7, 2021, Walt Nauta, an aide to Trump, discovered the fallen box and texted an unidentified Trump employee, "I opened the door and found this" with two photos of the scene. This image, contained in the indictment against former President Donald Trump, shows boxes of records on Dec. 7, 2021, in a storage room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., that had fallen over with contents spilling onto the floor. / Credit: AP Nauta has been indicted along with the former president, according to the federal indictment unsealed Friday. Contained among the items in the box was a document marked "SECRET/REL TO USA, FVEY," meaning it was releasable only to the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the U.S., prosecutors said. Prosecutors allege that Trump directed his attorney to sign a "sworn certification" that all the classified documents had been turned over to the FBI when Trump knew there were more classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Jack Smith, the Justice Department special counsel who filed the charges, said in his first public statement that the country has "one set of laws" and that they apply to everyone. Melissa Quinn and Robert Legare contributed to this report. Presidential historian on significance of Trump's indictment Everything we know so far about Trump's federal indictment in classified documents probe Some NYC dining establishments cater to both dogs and their owners The indictment of former President Donald Trump in connection with his handling of classified government documents is forcing his 2024 primary rivals into an awkward position: defending the man theyre trying to defeat. Within hours of the indictment news, several of Trumps Republican challengers rushed to his defense, accusing President Biden and his Justice Department of weaponizing the legal system in an effort to take out one of his chief political opponents and the ostensible head of the Republican Party. Its a difficult predicament for the ever-growing field of Republican presidential hopefuls, but one that underscores a powerful dynamic within the modern GOP. Despite a long list of scandals, Trump remains a beloved figure among the partys conservative base, and failing to defend him in the face of his legal troubles could prove potentially damaging to 2024 contenders. Republicans fundamentally hate unfairness on the left and unfairness in government, said Bryan Lanza, who worked on Trumps 2016 campaign and remains close to the former presidents team. What works for Trump its the fact that since 2015 theres been a dual system in American politics and American media. Theres everybody else and a normal set of rules. And then theres Donald Trump and a different set of rules. Its where the GOP is when they see this, he added. Its an organic feeling within the GOP that its a two-pronged system. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage That argument that Trump has been held to a different standard than other politicians has so far dominated the conversation among the partys 2024 contenders. Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur whos seeking the GOPs 2024 nod, condemned what he called two tiers of justice: one for Trump on government document retention, another for Biden. He acknowledged that it would be easier for me to win this election if Trump werent in the race, but cast his defense of the former president as a matter of principle. Likewise, another 2024 contender, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), decried the weaponization of the Department [of] Justice against a former president over the course of several years. You dont have to be a Republican to see injustice and want to fix it, Scott said during an interview on Fox News on Thursday evening. You dont have to be a Democrat to see injustice and want to fix it. You just have to be an American and stand up for the right thing. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is seen before President Yoon Suk Yeol addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley chimed in on Friday, claiming that the indictment was an example of prosecutorial overreach, double standards, and vendetta politics in the U.S. justice system. Perhaps the most telling response to the indictment came from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trumps most serious challenger for the 2024 Republican nomination. In a Thursday night tweet, he hammered the indictment as politically motivated and vowed to go after the Justice Department if elected to the White House. The weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society, DeSantis, who has feuded bitterly with Trump in recent weeks, wrote. We have for years witnessed an uneven application of the law depending upon political affiliation. DeSantiss quick response to the indictment, coming just a few hours after the news broke, marked an about-face from how he handled Trumps indictment in Manhattan earlier this year over an alleged hush money scheme. After that indictment, DeSantis remained silent for days before he was eventually goaded into a defense of the former president. I think the fact that he was quick to the draw this time its an acknowledgement that you cant just wait and see where things go, one Republican strategist said. You might be running against Trump, but this is an animating issue for the base. They see it as a right-vs.-wrong thing. So far, only one 2024 Republican, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, has called for Trump to end his campaign in the face of the latest indictment, arguing that the charges would be a major distraction in the presidential contest. Yet even candidates who have positioned themselves as Trump critics have taken a more cautious approach. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Trump-ally-turned-critic, said he would wait to see what the facts are when any possible indictment is released. As I have said before, no one is above the law, no matter how much they wish they were, Christie wrote on Twitter. We will have more to say when the facts are revealed. Sign up for the latest from The Hill here Former Vice President Mike Pence, who has made a point to target Trump over his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Friday that while nobody is above the law, he had hoped that the DOJ would see its way clear not to move forward here. Federal prosecutors unsealed the 49-page indictment on Friday, accusing Trump of illegally keeping classified documents concerning United States nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack. It also alleges that the former president sought to block the FBI and grand jury investigations and hide the fact that he had retained the documents. Trump is slated to appear in federal court in Miami for his arraignment on Tuesday. Yet Trump already appears poised to capitalize on the indictment, much as he has from past controversies. After his last indictment in late March, Trumps campaign raised a staggering $4 million in the first 24 hours that followed. His team began sending out fundraising pleas just minutes after news of the federal indictment broke on Thursday. There are also questions about how the indictment will change the trajectory of the Republican primary going forward. After his last indictment, Trump surged in public polls, helping him consolidate support in the primary and beat back speculation that he was in danger of being overtaken by DeSantis. At the same time, the tendency of conservative voters to rally behind Trump at his toughest moments could force his Republican rivals to reevaluate their strategies toward the former president at a time when some contenders have begun more openly attacking him. Still, Lanza noted, its not that Trump doesnt have any political vulnerabilities. But whoever wants to beat Trump youre not going to beat him on these indictments, he said. Youre going to beat him by convincing GOP voters that Trump is a losing entity, a losing brand. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) Former President Donald Trump blasted his historic federal indictment as ridiculous and baseless" Saturday during his first public appearances since the charges were unsealed, painting the 37 felony counts as an attack on his supporters as he tried to turn dire legal peril to political advantage and project a sense of normalcy. Speaking at Republican state conventions in Georgia and North Carolina, Trump cast his indictment by the Department of Justice as an attempt to damage his chances of returning to the White House as he campaigns for a second term. Theyve launched one witch hunt after another to try and stop our movement, to thwart the will of the American people, Trump alleged in Georgia, later telling the crowd that, "In the end, theyre not coming after me. Theyre coming after you. The strategy is a well-worn one for Trump, who remains the front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination despite his mounting legal woes, which also include criminal charges filed against him in March in New York. Again and again, in the face of investigation, Trump has tried to delegitimize law enforcement officials and portray himself and his supporters as victims, even when he is accused of serious crimes. Trump also vowed Saturday to remain in the race, even if he is convicted in the case. Ill never leave, he told Politico in an interview aboard his plane after his speech in Georgia. He further predicted that he wouldn't be convicted and sidestepped questions about whether he would pardon himself if he wins a second term. I dont think Ill ever have to, Trump said. I didnt do anything wrong. The indictment unsealed Friday charges Trump with willfully defying Justice Department demands that he return classified documents, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his residence. The indictment includes allegations that he stored documents in a ballroom and bathroom at his Mar-a-Lago resort, among other places. Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance Tuesday in Miami. He was charged alongside valet Walt Nauta, a personal aide whom prosecutors say moved boxes from a storage room to Trumps residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. Nauta traveled with Trump on Saturday, appearing by his side at a Georgia Waffle House stop where the former president signed autographs, posed for photos and told supporters, We did absolutely nothing wrong. Earlier Saturday, Trump was given a hero's welcome at the party convention in Georgia, where he drew loud applause as he slammed the investigation as a political hit job and accused his political enemies of launching one hoax and witch hunt after another to prevent his reelection. The ridiculous and baseless indictment by the Biden administrations weaponized Department of Injustice will go down as among the most horrific abuses of power in the history of our country," he said. He also used his remarks to rail against President Joe Biden and his 2016 Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, accusing them of mishandling classified information and insisting he was treated unfairly because he is a Republican. But Trump overlooked a critical difference: Only he has been accused of intentionally trying to impede investigators by not returning the documents in question. In the Clinton probe, for instance, FBI investigators concluded that although she was extremely careless in her handling of classified emails on a private server, there was no evidence that she intended to break the law. And though the Biden investigation is still ongoing, no evidence has emerged to suggest that he intentionally held onto the records or even knew that they were there, with his representatives turning over records after they were discovered and voluntarily consenting to FBI searches. Trump also lingered on Georgias role in his 2020 defeat, repeating his lies that he had won the state and defending his efforts to overturn Bidens victory, which is the subject of another ongoing investigation, this one by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Willis has suggested that any indictments would likely come in August. At the heart of the investigation is a recorded phone conversation in which Trump urges Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes just enough to overtake Biden and overturn Trumps narrow loss in the state. Trump has defended the phone call as perfect," and on Saturday lashed out against both Willis and the special counsel in the Mar-a-Lago case. But aside from reacting to the news, Trump's remarks in both states largely mirrored his pre-indictment rally speeches, lending a sense of normalcy to a campaign that is well-practiced in responding to crisis. And despite the latest criminal charges, attendees cheered him on in Georgia and in North Carolina, where he spoke at a state GOP convention dinner Saturday evening. About 100 supporters, some waving Witch Hunt signs, showed up to the Columbus, Georgia, airfield to greet Trump as he arrived. Jan Plemmons, 66, wearing an oversize foam Make America Great Again hat, called the federal charges absolutely ridiculous and said she was ready to campaign with Trump. To Michael Sellers, 67, it was criminal what they're doing to him." The indictment arrives as Trump is continuing to dominate the primary race. Among the various investigations Trump has faced, the documents case has long been considered the most perilous legal threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. But Trumps continued popularity among Republican voters is evident in how gingerly his primary rivals have treated the federal indictment. Mike Pence, whose appearance in North Carolina marked the first shared venue with his former boss since the ex-vice president announced his own campaign this past week, condemned the politicization of the Justice Department and urged Attorney General Merrick Garland "to stop hiding behind the special counsel and stand before the American people to explain the basis for the federal investigation into Trump. In an interview with The Associated Press after his speech, Pence said he had read the indictment but repeatedly declined to share his personal reaction to its contents including the photographs of boxes with classified information stacked in a Mar-a-Lago bathroom and on a ballroom stage or to criticize Trump. The very nature of a grand jury is that there is no defense presented, Pence said. Thats why I said today Im going to urge patience, encourage people to be prayerful for the former president, but also for all those in authority and for the country going forward. At the North Carolina GOP gathering Friday night, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump's leading GOP rival, didn't mention Trump by name but compared his situation to that of Clinton. Is there a different standard for a Democratic secretary of state versus a former Republican president? DeSantis asked. I think there needs to be one standard of justice in this country. ... At the end of the day, we will once and for all end the weaponization of government under my administration. Among the declared Republican contenders, only Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has explicitly called for Trump to end his candidacy. Hutchinson told reporters in Georgia that the Republican Party should not lose its soul in defending Trump and said the evidence so far suggested that the former president treated national secrets like entertainment tools. ___ Colvin and Kinnard reported from Greensboro, N.C. Associated Press writers Eric Tucker in Washington, Thomas Beaumont in Marshalltown, Iowa, and Holly Ramer in Derry, N.H., contributed to this report. (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump can proceed with a lawsuit against his niece Mary Trump for providing information to the New York Times for its 2018 report on his taxes, a judge ruled. Most Read from Bloomberg New York state court Justice Robert Reed on Friday rejected Mary Trumps argument that the former presidents lawsuit violated a state law against frivolous litigation aimed at chilling freedom of speech and the press. The ruling is a modest procedural victory for Trump on an otherwise rough day in which he became the first-ever ex-president indicted for federal crimes. Reed earlier dismissed Trumps claims against the New York Times and ordered the former president to pay the newspapers legal fees and costs, saying the award-winning story was protected by the First Amendment. Read More: NY Times Beats Trump Suit Over Pulitzer Report on His Taxes Donald Trump claims that, by acting as a source for the newspaper, Mary Trump violated confidentiality provisions of a 2001 settlement that resolved an estate dispute over the family property business. In Fridays ruling, Reed said Trump can advance with a breach-of-contract claim against his niece, while dismissing allegations of unjust enrichment and bad-faith conduct. The ruling is no surprise because Mary Trump violated the 2001 settlement agreement with her uncle even after benefiting from it financially, Trumps attorney Alina Habba said in a statement. Mary Trump had already received a lucrative settlement in the estate proceedings, but she greedily sought to exploit the situation further by disclosing confidential information in violation of an agreement that she freely signed. Mary Trump is likely to appeal. The ruling is her second setback in litigation with her uncle. Reed in November dismissed her earlier fraud suit against her uncle, which accused the former president and his siblings of defrauding her of her minority share of the family business. The judge said she unambiguously waived her write to sue in the same settlement cited by Donald Trump. Mary Trump is appealing that ruling. A psychologist and the daughter of the former presidents deceased older brother, Mary Trump has emerged as a fierce critic of her uncle. She wrote her 2020 book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Worlds Most Dangerous Man, with the goal of helping to stop his reelection. In the book, she described providing documents to the Times for its 2018 report detailing how Donald Trump used low property valuations to minimize his tax liability. The report, which won the Pulitzer Prize, also revealed that he inherited more than $400 million from his father, contrary to Trumps frequent assertion that he only received a small loan of around $1 million. In her motion to dismiss, Mary Trump pointed to the many lawsuits her uncle has previously filed against his perceived enemies. She noted that, as a presidential candidate, he threatened to sue women who accused him of sexual assault and encouraged his brother to sue Mary Trump over her planned book. Donald Trumps use of litigation personifies the evils that led New York state lawmakers to amend and broaden New Yorks Anti Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation statute, known as an anti-SLAPP law, in 2020, Mary Trump argued in her motion. (Updates with details of ruling) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. FILE - Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a campaign event on May 31, 2023, in Salix, Iowa. Mark Seitz, the Roman Catholic bishop of El Paso, Texas, tells The Associated Press that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' flights of migrants from the Texas border to California are "reprehensible" and "not morally acceptable." (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) (Charlie Neibergall/AP) Ron DeSantis is running for president on a promise to destroy leftism. How uplifting. Advertisement On his first day in office, he says, hell process pardons for the January 6th rioters, calling the seditionists who called for a a noose for Mike Pence victims of political targeting. The gaslighting is astounding. Advertisement DeSantis has elevated political targeting in Florida to unprecedented levels, weaponizing state resources to punish anyone who crosses him. Civil rights abuses are so severe in Florida that the NAACP, Human Rights Campaign, League of United Latin American Citizens, and Equality Florida have issued separate travel and relocation warnings. DeSantis will soon brag that Florida is where civil rights go to die. DeSantis takes a hatchet to the First Amendment Florida is also where the First Amendment goes to die. Despite winning his 2018 gubernatorial race by a thread, DeSantis preened with a mandate, immediately seeking counsel on all his new powers. DeSantis today is known for Floridas 6-week abortion ban, outlawing books and drag shows, criminalizing health care, eliminating permit requirements for concealed guns, and persecuting political opponents. He was re-elected in 2022 by 19% not because Floridians love him, but because the Democratic party essentially defunded Florida that year. Right before the election, DeSantis fired Tampas popular and elected prosecutor, Democrat Andrew Warren, in a pure political stunt. Warren stated that he would exercise prosecutorial discretion in controversial cases involving abortion and transgender care, leading DeSantis to remove him from office for his statements and beliefs not his actions. Warren sued, and the federal judge determined handily that DeSantis had retaliated against Warren for exercising standard First Amendment rights, retaliation that was clearly politically motivated. DeSantis prioritized his political career over Floridas economy DeSantis is also obsessed with persecuting the Disney corporation, Floridas mega-employer, in retaliation for publicly disagreeing with his Dont Say Gay law. After Disneys CEO criticized DeSantis for outlawing the discussion of sexual orientation in the classroom, DeSantis yanked control of Reedy Creek governance from Disney, and gave control to a DeSantis-appointed tourism board, leading Disney to cancel $1 billion in planned Orlando investments. DeSantis claims Reedy Creek was a benefit Disney was never really entitled to, so the state could take it away for any reason. DeSantis, a Harvard-educated lawyer, either failed First Amendment 101, or deliberately misrepresents it. SCOTUS ruled years ago that the government is not allowed to take away government benefits in retaliation for disfavored political speech ever even if the government was never obligated to provide the benefits in the first place. DeSantis made Floridas education system a laughing stock DeSantis often brags that Florida is where WOKE goes to die. Under his Stop WOKE law, a dystopian exercise in thought control, DeSantis has dictated the manner in which race, gender, and history can be discussed in public schools and higher education settings. Last November, a judge ruled that Stop WOKE gives the state power to decide which viewpoints are worthy of illumination and which must remain in the shadows, which has dangerous implications for everyone. The First Amendment does not permit the State of Florida to muzzle its university professors, impose its own orthodoxy of viewpoints, and cast us all into the dark. Advertisement Post-Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > In May, instead of heeding the judges ruling, and the Constitution, DeSantis brazenly tightened the muzzle. Florida now bans certain topics from higher education courses entirely. Under the new law, DeSantis-appointed boards control topics, course materials, and lectures, not only through high school, but at the college level, alarming universities nationwide. A hammer where a scalpel was needed The right has correctly observed that children should not be made to feel guilty for Americas racist history, including the crime of slavery and the genocide of native peoples. The rub is that the left doesnt want that either. No one wants to make children feel responsible for the past, but they must learn our history regardless of how it makes them feel, in part because ignorance about the past reinforces inequities in the present, and in part because truth is the prerequisite to any democracy. I also dont know anyone not a single gay or transgender person (and I know plenty) who wants sexual orientation or gender studies to be taught to grade school students. But they never were. Depicting LGBTQ+ people without contempt, responding truthfully when students ask, treating same sex parents with respect, or comforting a different child who is constantly bullied is not promoting, indoctrinating, or grooming. Its human decency. Banning all classroom discussion of sexual orientation through high school, no matter how it arises, locks gay teachers and their supporters in the closet. It silences students who have two fathers, a gay cousin, or have their own fears about being different. It tells vulnerable gay youth, gay administrators and teachers, and gay parents that they have so little value their existence cannot be acknowledged. DeSantis and his Tallahassee sycophants have targeted minorities, women, climate scientists, teachers, corporations, and political opponents. His weaponization of government to persecute and silence political targets is unmatched in history; his freedom lives in Florida campaign a cynical insiders joke. DeSantis authoritarian instincts in Florida are dangerous, alarming, and un-American. Imagine the destruction he would unleash if scaled nationwide. Advertisement Sabrina Haake is a Chicago attorney who lives in Gary. A letter that House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, of Ohio, wrote on June 9, 2023, to Attorney General Merrick Garland is photographed in Frederick, Md. Former President Donald Trumps indictment on charges of mishandling classified documents is set to play out in federal court in Florida. But thousands of miles away in Washington, part of Trumps defense is well underway in a different venue the halls of Congress, where Republicans have been preparing for months to wage an aggressive counter-offensive against the Justice Department. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick) WASHINGTON (AP) Former President Donald Trumps indictment on charges of mishandling classified documents is set to play out in a federal court in Florida. But about a thousand miles away, part of Trumps defense is well underway in a different venue the halls of Congress, where Republicans have been preparing for months to wage an aggressive counteroffensive against the Justice Department. The federal indictment against Trump, unsealed Friday, includes 37 counts, including allegations that the former president intentionally possessed classified documents, showed them off to visitors, willfully defied Justice Department demands to return them and made false statements to federal authorities about them. The evidence details Trump's own words and actions as recounted by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses. The Republican campaign to discredit federal prosecutors skims over the substance of those charges, which were brought by a grand jury in Florida. GOP lawmakers are instead working, as they have for several years, to foster a broader argument that law enforcement and President Joe Biden are conspiring against the former president and possible Republican nominee for president in 2024. Today is indeed a dark day for the United States of America, tweeted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, soon after Trump said on his social media platform Thursday night that an indictment was coming. McCarthy blamed Biden, who has declined to comment on the case and said he is not at all involved in the Justice Departments decisions. McCarthy called it a grave injustice and said that House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable. Republican lawmakers in the House have already laid extensive groundwork for the effort to defend Trump since taking the majority in January. A near constant string of hearings featuring former FBI agents, Twitter executives and federal officials have sought to paint the narrative of a corrupt government using its powers against Trump and the right. A GOP-led House subcommittee on the weaponization of government is probing the Justice Department and other government agencies, while at the same time Republicans are investigating Bidens son Hunter Biden. Its a sad day for America, said Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the House Judiciary Committee chairman who is a leading Trump defender and ally, in a statement Thursday. God bless President Trump. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs was more strident. We have now reached a war phase, he tweeted. Eye for an eye. Democrats say the Republicans are trafficking in conspiracy theories, with potentially dangerous consequences. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both Democrats from New York, issued a joint statement Friday urging calm around the Trump case, saying everyone should let this case proceed peacefully in court. Recent Republicans rhetoric not only undermines the Department of Justice but betrays the essential principle of justice that no one is above the commands of law, not even a former President or a self-proclaimed billionaire, said Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. Key elements of the GOP strategy are to discredit the prosecutors and investigate the investigators a playbook that Republicans employed during Trumps presidency as his own Justice Department probed his connections to Russia, and also used in April when Trump was charged in a hush money investigation in New York. In the days leading to the New York indictment, House Republicans laid out a full-on campaign against Alvin Bragg, the Democratic district attorney in Manhattan who brought the case against the former president. Charging that the prosecution was pure politics, Jordan held a field hearing near Braggs New York offices to examine what they said were his pro-crime, anti-victim policies. Jordan is also the top Republican on the weaponization subcommittee. As special counsel Jack Smith was preparing this week to release the indictment, Trump's allies on Capitol Hill were working overtime to prepare the defense of the former president. Jordan issued a series of letters to the Justice Department, demanding documents related to his investigation into Trumps handling of classified records. Jordan cited the recent report by special counsel John Durham that found that the FBI rushed into its investigation of ties between Russia and Donald Trumps 2016 campaign and routinely ignored or rationalized evidence that undercut its premise. In the June 1 letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Jordan requested information about the ongoing investigation in order to ensure any ongoing investigations are not poisoned by this same politicization. Just as the indictment was unsealed on Friday, Jordan sent another letter to Garland, this time laying out testimony from a former FBI official who testified to the committee about the raid at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Jordan wrote that Steven DAntuono, a former assistant director at the FBIs Washington Field Office, told the committee the Justice Department was not following the same principles as previous raids. Defending Trump also has the potential to ease tensions among House Republicans as they face their own troubles on Capitol Hill, after a conservative-led revolt over the recent debt ceiling deal divided the party this week and halted most legislation from passing on the floor. But even if Republicans are able to shape public perception of the probes, there is one thing they cannot do control the outcome of Trump's trial. The former president is at great legal risk, no matter what the public believes, under two indictments and potentially more as prosecutors in Georgia and Washington investigate his actions leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection. Still, some Republicans maintain that the multiple indictments could help Trump improve his standing in polls of Republican voters and solidify the impression that the government is conspiring against him. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina told CNN she believes the indictment handed Donald Trump the nomination in the 2024 GOP primary. And as the House panel has ramped up its efforts to defend the former president, the word weaponization has taken root among Trumps Republican allies. Nearly every GOP lawmaker used the term as did a member of Trump's legal team hours before the charges were unsealed to the public. It puts a stamp of reality on something that really is unreal in terms of the weaponization of the Department of Justice, said James Trusty, one of Trumps lawyers, on ABC Friday morning. Trump announced later in the day that Trusty was leaving his team. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas tweeted that the weaponization of our Department of Justice against enemies of the Biden admin. will do enormous damage to the rule of law & have a lasting impact. Cruzs GOP colleagues in the Senate were more muted, with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and others who have criticized the former president declining to weigh in on the indictment. Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, the only GOP senator to vote to convict Trump in both of his impeachment trials, was a rare voice of criticism. While Romney stressed that Trump is entitled to presumption of innocence, he said he believes the charges are serious and Trump brought them on himself. These allegations are serious and if proven, would be consistent with his other actions offensive to the national interest, Romney said. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that Rep. Jim Jordan is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, not the Senate Judiciary Committee. Two men arrested for child rape during undercover sting operation, Tacoma police say Tacoma Police arrested two men Thursday for the attempted rapes of what they thought were two children. The two suspects, 30 and 34, were arrested for attempted rape of a child in the second degree, immoral communication with a minor and commercial sexual abuse of a minor. Charging papers for the 34-year-old suspect provided the following details: The arrests came during an undercover operation conducted by the Tacoma Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigations South Sound Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Washington State Patrols (WSP) Missing and Exploited Children Task Force and other local law enforcement agencies. The operations goal was to snare people who seek children for sexual purposes. On Wednesday, WSP Det. Sgt. Jason Greer posted an ad on website which is frequently used for prostitution. The ad stated it was coming from two females offering sexual services in Tacoma. During a text exchange with the suspect, officers said they were 13-year-old girls. The suspect allegedly acknowledged that information, was still interested and then drove to an arranged location where he was arrested. He allegedly had $450 in cash on him the agreed amount for the interaction. The suspects were booked into the Pierce County Jail. The U.K. announced on June 10 that it will provide Ukraine with $20 million worth of humanitarian aid to help Ukraine cope with the aftermath of Russia's June 6 destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Kherson Oblast, as well as to support those at the frontlines and displaced communities. The aid includes a package of rescue boats, community water filters, water pumps, and waders to help Ukraines State Emergency Services responders deal with the ongoing impact of the flooding, reads the announcement on the U.K. governmental website. According to it, the equipment is expected to start arriving in Ukraine by next week. The funding will support aid organizations assisting people affected by the flooding as well as in areas affected by the fighting and communities who have been displaced. This builds on our existing humanitarian support of 220 million ($277 million), which is allowing partners, such as the Ukraine Red Cross, to help evacuate civilians affected by the flooding, the announcement says. Earlier on June 9, Moldova also announced that it had decided to provide Ukraine with humanitarian aid worth around $230,000 for the "management of the ecological and humanitarian consequences" following the Kakhovka dam disaster. Ever since being liberated by Ukrainian forces in November 2022, Kherson has experienced regular shelling from Russian forces on the other side of the Dnipro River. On June 6, Russia destroyed the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant across the Dnipro River, occupied by Russian forces, sparking a large-scale humanitarian and environmental disaster across southern Ukraine. They are destroying us. People plea to escape flooded Russian-occupied areas Editors note: For this story, we spoke to people living or having family in the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. For their safety, they are identified by first name only. After destroying the Nova Kakhovka dam and stranding thousands of Ukrainians in the catastrophic flood zone, Russians prevent The Kyiv IndependentDaria Shulzhenko As of 1 p.m. on June 10, 27 people are considered missing due to the floods, according to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry. At least five people have been killed in both Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts due to the floods, the ministry said earlier. Ukraine downs eight suicide drones and two missiles in bloody overnight Russian attack on Odesa Russia attacked Odesa Oblast at night with missiles and drones All of the enemy aerial targets were shot down, but falling debris caused casualties in the southern port city, Humeniuk said on Ukrainian national television in the morning on June 10. Read also: Russian shelling damages ammonia pipeline in Kharkiv Oblast, says governor Drone wreckage set fire to an apartment of a high-raised residential building in Odesa, and the blast wave from its impact killed three civilians. Another 26 civilians were injured, including a pregnant woman and two children. Russia also launched missiles on a resort in Odesa Oblast. Ukraine air defence intercepted two of them, while another hit the coast of the Black Sea. Read also: Mother of toddler killed in Russian missile strike on central Ukraine fighting for life "People should pay attention to air raid warnings. With no success at the frontline, the enemy is getting mad and is targeting the areas behind the front line," Humeniuk said. Air raid sirens sounded in a number of Ukrainian regions on the night of June 10. Besides Odesa, Russia also attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, where Ukrainian air defence shot down two Shahed drones and saved the region from casualties. An air raid alert sounded in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv overnight, but it turned out to be a false alarm generated by Russian electronic warfare generating false ballistic missile launch signals, Ukrainian air raid monitoring channels said. 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) -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy gave his strongest signal yet that Ukraines much-discussed ground offensive is under way a day after Russias Vladimir Putin acknowledged as much, and as Kyivs military commanders pointed to small advances on the eastern front, including near the contested city of Bakhmut. The counteroffensive is thought to be active in at least four areas and comes against a backdrop of continued missile and drone bombardments by Russia of targets across Ukraine, often but not exclusively targeted at the capital. Most Read from Bloomberg Counteroffensive and defensive actions are being taken in Ukraine, Zelenskiy said in Kyiv as he stood alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. I dont comment on the scale. I am in touch with our commanders. Everyone is in a positive mood. Pass this on to Putin. The Ukrainian also said it was interesting that Putin had felt compelled to comment on the counteroffensive, adding that it implies Russians feel they wont stay on Ukrainian territory for long. Trudeau traveled to Kyiv a month before a crucial NATO summit in Lithuania, which Zelenskiy is expected to attend as part of his push to secure a path for membership. Canada pledged another $375 million in aid for Ukraine. Elsewhere, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held out the possibility of talks with Putin soon. Rescue efforts continue in response to flooding caused by the Kakhovka Dam collapse, and as water levels recede, the scale of the environmental disaster - and the urgent threat to human health - is coming into focus. Latest Coverage Russia launched eight missiles, 35 drones overnight, killing three in Odesa Germany eyes Polish involvement in Nord Stream sabotage: WSJ Trudeau Pledges New Military Aid During Surprise Kyiv Trip Ukraine Warns of Toxic Black Sea Garbage Dump From Dam Debris Pentagon Commits $2 Billion More to Long-Term Ukraine Defense Coming Up UN watchdog Rafael Mariano Grossi to visit Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant next week Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Russian President Vladimir Putin weighs in on the Ukrainian counteroffensive. As Ukraine's counteroffensive ramps up after days of intense fighting, Russian President Vladimir Putin finally weighed in. We can safely state that the offensive has begun. We know this from the fact that the Ukrainian Army tapped its strategic reserves. This is my first point, Putin said in response to a reporters question Friday, according to the Russian Defense Ministry Telegram (MoD) channel. Second, the Ukrainian troops failed to achieve their goals in all combat sectors, which is clear as day. https://twitter.com/EUFreeCitizen/status/1667313724812607490 The intense hostilities have been going on for five days now, Putin said. The fighting was intense over the past 48 hours, and the enemy was not successful in any area of operations. Putin credited that to the courage and heroism of our soldiers and the good organization and command of the troops, as well as the high effectiveness of Russian weapons, especially the latest weapons. Ukrainian forces, he added, suffer significant causalities. As is known, losses routinely amount to about three to one during offensive operations. But in this case, they are much higher. I am not going to give these figures, but they are striking. After blaming Ukraine for starting the conflict back in 2014, Putin said he cannot say that the offensive has got bogged down. All I can say is that the counteroffensive attempts that have been made so far failed. But the offensive potential of the Kyivs regime is still there. I believe Russia's military leadership is realistic in its assessments of the situation and will proceed from these realities as it continues to plan up our actions in the short term. https://twitter.com/MatevzNovak/status/1667250179135660034?s=20 Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials are still remaining fairly quiet about this operation, though its Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar hinted of offensive operations in Zaporizhzhia. The enemy is conducting defensive operations in the Zaporizhzhia direction, she said on her Telegram channel Friday. Positional battles continue. The eastern part of the battlezone remains the epicenter, however, she said, referring to combat in and around cities like Lyman, Bakhmut and Avdiivka. In the Bakhmut direction, the enemy is withdrawing reserves and trying to hold the occupied positions, she said. Makes attempts to attack, but fails. Now our defenders are conducting active combat operations in several areas of the Bakhmut direction. Maliar also addressed the issue of combat losses. War is not without losses, she said. The most terrible, but inevitable losses are people. And unfortunately, they have not yet created military equipment that cannot be destroyed. https://twitter.com/ukskies/status/1667184475820769280 But current wars, she added, take place in two dimensions - real and informational. They are no less fierce in the information battle. And they also have certain tasks, rules and laws. So far, Ukraine has largely refrained from talking about whats taking place in the counteroffensive. While both sides are deep into an information battle, and neither should have their statements taken at face value, the Russians, as we have written about, frequently offer outlandish statistics, with no proof. Maliar explained why Ukraine, which runs its own very effective information operation, has largely avoided commenting about the counteroffensive. The Russians are releasing information to force Ukraine to reveal as much information about themselves as possible. For example, due to the urge to justify and refute. For this, very inflated figures are thrown in the expectation that we will begin to refute indignantly and issue some data or indirect guidelines for them. So now we have a better sense at least why Ukraine says it is keeping its informational powder dry, though it doesn't clear up the operational picture. Getting reliable information from this phase of the war is difficult, and it is important always to maintain a high degree of skepticism about what is dribbling out. Similarly, despite the images emerging showing the first proof of destroyed Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Leopard 2 tanks and other donated armor, it's far too early to draw any conclusions about the course of the counteroffensive. https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1667170442015121408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1667170442015121408%7Ctwgr%5E35d43de0ff3d67542e523e319330af194d43141e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Frussia-has-destroyed-its-first-ukrainian-bradley-fighting-vehicles https://twitter.com/shashj/status/1667191332224344066 One thing that is becoming apparent is that Russia's battlefield interdiction and close air support capabilities are playing a role in this fight. Russia's Ka-52 Alligators have been braving the complex counter-air situation along the front lines to put their weapons to bear on Ukrainian forces. It isn't clear exactly how widespread or successful they have been, but they are clearly a factor. This does raise questions about Ukraine's short-range anti-aircraft capabilities along the front, especially in high-risk combat areas where employing man-portable systems is challenging. https://twitter.com/JennyCafarella/status/1667158818264850432?s=20 Though far from ideal, Russian Telegram channels have provided the bulk of the information coming out of the fighting. They say they are expecting the intensity of the attacks to increase over the next few days along a front line front from southern Donetsk Oblast to neighboring Zaporizhzhia Oblast. https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1667310493042704385?s=12&t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A The Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated more than 15 settlements and advanced five to 17 km deep into the front in the Zaporizhzhia direction, the independent Russian Ukraine Situation Report: The Fighting Will Only Get Worse outlet reported Friday on its Telegram channel. The most dangerous [area] for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation remains the southeastern direction (near Ugledar), where the Armed Forces of Ukraine have achieved the greatest success so far, Volya Media reported, claiming it based its assessment on discussions with Russian and Ukrainian military personnel. Heavy fighting is going on along the entire line, the Russian command has already activated up to 70% of the reserves in the south. Ukraine achieved the greatest success by advancing from the direction of Vuhledar to Staromlynovka, Volya Media reported. According to the Russian military who are in the battle zone, the Ukrainian army has begun to send shock units into battle, which can break through the defenses of the Russian Armed Forces and, thus, bring down the entire defense on this sector of the front." If the Armed Forces of Ukraine succeed, "then the [Russian] Armed Forces in the southeastern direction plan to retreat to Volnovakha and occupy the defensive line between Volnovakha and Mariupol (Maloyanisol-Andreevka)," Volya Media reported. "What will happen to the formations of the [Russian] Armed Forces in the Gulyai-Polye and Orekhovsky directions is a question, because the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be able to attack them on the flank and go behind their lines. Ukraine has yet to use the main strike units assembled for the offensive, Volya Media said. https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1667222871297409035?s=20 "Judging by the information from the front, this may happen in the next day or has already happened, the information comes with a delay. According to our information, the [Russian] Armed Forces have already committed more than 40,000 soldiers from the reserves into battle. The transfer of newly formed units from the Crimea to the Genichesk region is hastily going on, from where they can be transferred further to the front line. The locations of Russian reserves are under constant fire from Ukrainian artillery and [multiple launch rocket systems] MLRS. Also under fire are the roads connecting the rear with the front line. In the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation there are large losses of trucks and vehicles." Pro-Moscow Russian Telegram channels offer a different take on the progress taking place on the battlefield, but hold similar opinions that the intensity will only ramp up from here. Fierce battles have been going on in the Orikhiv sector for several days, the Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel reported Friday. Russian servicemen not only manage to successfully hold the defense but also destroy dozens of Ukrainian armored vehicles, including Leopard 2 tanks and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles supplied by the West. https://twitter.com/OAlexanderDK/status/1667190618248847360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1667190618248847360%7Ctwgr%5E35d43de0ff3d67542e523e319330af194d43141e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Frussia-has-destroyed-its-first-ukrainian-bradley-fighting-vehicles Nevertheless, the enemy did not stop attempting an offensive near Orikhiv even that night. At the same time, in the coming days, we should expect attacks by Ukrainian formations in other directions. During yesterday's unsuccessful attempts to push through our defenses in this area, the established losses of the enemy amounted to up to 23 tanks and other armored combat vehicles and up to 250 personnel, the Russian Two Majors Telegram channel said, offering no proof. The effective work of our army and front-line aviation is noted, as well as the high efficiency of electronic warfare, which managed to disrupt enemy communications systems, including by creating problems for enemy aircraft. Near the village of Rabotino, Ukrainian forces attempted a lightning attack with the forces of 10 armored vehicles. He had no success, tried to drive through minefields and lost all 10 units. However, the enemy has not yet delivered the main blow, which is expected in the near future, Two Majors said. The enemy has little time to wait: soon it will rain on the Zaporizhzhia Front, which will reduce the space for maneuver of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Before we head into the latest news from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage here. The Latest Speaking of those damaged and destroyed vehicles, the Oryx open source intelligence group updated its figures for the amount of equipment lost by Ukraine so far in the counteroffensive. Oryx, which tabulates only of vehicles for which there are visual confirmations, says that so far there have been 10 Bradleys damaged and one destroyed. As we wrote about earlier, that number will only increase as Ukraine mounts a challenging counteroffensive without air support into highly prepared Russian lines in an area they've long since known would be contested. Still, 10 Bradleys is approaching 10% of Ukraine's promised M2 force. https://twitter.com/oryxspioenkop/status/1667301470260043777?s=12&t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A Meanwhile, it seems like the Russians have gotten very close to at least some of those stricken Bradleys. https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1667282063592939521 The Pentagon on Friday unveiled its latest tranche of security assistance for Ukraine. The package, valued at up to $2.1 billion, includes additional air defense systems and munitions as well as the first donation of 203mm artillery rounds. Those are likely to be used by Ukraines Soviet-era S27 Pion self-propelled cannon. Those rounds, as we wrote in the past, have been in short supply in Ukraine because they are no longer manufactured anywhere. In fact, images emerged in January of Ukrainian troops using projectiles designed for ancient B-4 howitzers because of that shortage. The B-4, first developed in 1931, was used by the Soviet Union during WWII. https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1619450204469723138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1619450204469723138%7Ctwgr%5E5abca9df09b7afe9b5c11834a27e8155fac3b507%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fukraine-situation-report-the-battle-for-dnipro-river-islands Because this is a Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative package, the Pentagon will have to purchase the shells. A Pentagon spokesman on Friday told us that it is unknown yet where those shells will come from because no contract has yet been signed. A Ukrainian defense official told us that they will most likely come from existing stocks in Eastern Europe or elsewhere that has Soviet-era ammo on hand, because "I don't know any company, even in Russia, who manufactures 203mm shells as a complete round, including propellant, cartridge, fuse, etc. " In addition to the 203mm rounds, the package includes an unspecified number of: Additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems; HAWK air defense systems and missiles; 105mm artillery rounds; Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems; Laser-guided rocket system munitions; Support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities. While those items are promised, here's an example of one weapons system already delivered, a U.K.-donated Stormer HVM short range air defense system now in service with Ukraine. https://twitter.com/magictouch190/status/1667189871352467458?s=20 The New York Times is reporting that a senior Biden administration official says that U.S. spy satellites detected an explosion at the Nova Kakhovka dam just before it collapsed. American analysts, however, still do not know who caused the dams destruction or how exactly it happened, the newspaper reported. According to the Times, the official said that satellites equipped with infrared sensors detected a heat signature consistent with a major explosion just before the dam collapsed, unleashing huge floodwaters downstream. U.S. intelligence analysts "suspect that Russia was behind the dams destruction, the senior administration official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss operational details. But he added that U.S. spy agencies still do not have any solid evidence about who was responsible." The paper also reported that seismic data picked up by the NORSAR observatory in Norway "also supported the theory there had been large explosion near Kakhovka dam on Tuesday at 2:54 a.m. local time, when the structure collapsed. NORSAR said in a statement that signals captured from a station 385 miles away from the dam show clear indications of an explosion." You can read our report on this revelation and what satellites were likely used here. Meanwhile, fallout from Monday's destruction of the dam continues. At least five people died and 13 remain missing as a result of flooding caused by the destruction of the damn on Monday dam, Ihor Klymenko - Ukraines Minister of Internal Affairs and the man tasked with dealing with the disaster's aftermath - reported Friday on his agencys Telegram channel. In Kherson Oblast, 48 settlements were actually flooded, Klymenko said. Most of them - 34 - are in Ukrainian territory and included 3,625 homes. The remainder of those settlements are in Russian-held territory on the other side of the Dnipro River. As of Friday, more than 2,400 people had been evacuated, Klymenko said. A man rows with a small boat among the flooded streets in Kherson city because the collapsed Nova Kakhovka dam upstream the Dnipro river. (Photo by Celestino Arce/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Russia appears to be increasing its cooperation with Iran over weaponry and has received hundreds of kamikaze drones it is using to strike Ukraine, the White House said Friday. Citing newly declassified information, the White House said the drones were built in Iran, shipped across the Caspian Sea and then used by Russian forces against Ukraine, Reuters reported. It is a route Ukrainian intelligence officials confirmed to us back in November. "Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorize the Ukrainian population, and the Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening," White House spokesman John Kirby said Friday in a statement. We are also concerned that Russia is working with Iran to produce Iranian UAVs from inside Russia." Kirby said the U.S. had information that Russia was receiving materials from Iran required to build a drone manufacturing plant that could be fully operational early next year. "We are releasing satellite imagery of the planned location of this UAV manufacturing plant in Russias Alabuga Special Economic Zone," he said. https://twitter.com/KyivPost/status/1667208333550338048 Kamikaze drones have been effective for Ukraine as well, as you can see in this video below. https://twitter.com/2uwmp/status/1667054270242344962?s=20 And in a highly unusual move, a Ukrainian drone was spotted capturing, then towing, two Russian drones through the air. https://twitter.com/CasualArtyFan/status/1667264406164590611?s=20 A drone that hit a building in Voronezh, Russia - about 120 miles northeast of the Ukrainian border - "lightly" injured three people, local government officials said Friday. "The Governor of the Voronezh Region, Alexander Gusev, after visiting the UAV crash site on Belinsky Street, will soon hold a meeting with law enforcement agencies and city services under his leadership," according to the regional government Telegram channel. "It will develop further actions to ensure the safety of the inhabitants of the region and give instructions to eliminate the consequences of the incident." The most likely target of the UAV attack could be the [nearby] Baltimore military airfield - where Su-34 fighter-bombers are based, the Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram Channel wrote Friday. Russia also uses the facility to deliver missile strikes against targets in Ukraine. In addition, there is a diesel locomotive repair factory and an aircraft manufacturing plant nearby as well, Rybar reported. The incident once again raises the question of the need to strengthen security measures at military facilities in the rear regions of Russia, Rybar wrote. Shooting down drones on approach is still much safer than in a densely populated center not the most remote from the battle line of the city." https://twitter.com/Euan_MacDonald/status/1667122639985430530?s=20 If you want to get a sense of what it is like to be a Ukrainian soldier storming a Russian trench, check out this video below. It shows Ukrainian troops rumbling toward a Russian trench in armored vehicles, laying down suppressive machine gun fire before dismounting. The video cuts out before we learn what happened. https://twitter.com/parrot_soldier/status/1667095305710456832?s=12&t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A Russian disinformation continues apace. While the Russian Defense Ministry claimed its attack on Thursday in Uman targeted an ammunition warehouse, video emerging from the scene appears to show otherwise. https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1667083137459863553?s=20 And finally, meet what may be the luckiest dog in Ukraine. Residents of the Black Sea coastal city of Hryhorivka, near Odesa, say they rescued a dog that washed ashore on a raft. That part of the Black Sea has been inundated with garbage, cars and other debris that floated ashore after the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in Kherson City. Locals surmised that the dog survived the ensuing floods and came ashore. That's a distance of about 90 miles from the dam and some 35 miles across the Black Sea from where the Dnipro River drains into it. https://twitter.com/euromaidanpress/status/1667151431088979974?s=12&t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A That's it for now. We'll update this story when there's more news to report about Ukraine. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Key developments on June 9: Ministry: 5 killed, 13 missing in flooding caused by Kakhovka dam explosion Water level drops in Kherson, Mykolaiv oblasts 2 killed, 3 injured in Russian airstrike on hospital in Zaporizhzhia Oblast US, Belgium to provide Ukraine with military assistance Russia claims drone attacks in Belgorod, Kursk, Voronezh Dozens of settlements on both banks of the Dnipro River are flooded. At least five people in Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts were killed, and 13 more are considered missing, the Interior Ministry reported on June 9. The ministry said, four of the five victims died in southern Kherson Oblast, where 48 settlements have been flooded, including 34 on the Ukraine-controlled west bank of the Dnipro River and 14 on the Russian-occupied east bank. Mykolaiv Oblast police chief reported on June 8 that another victim died in neighboring Mykolaiv Oblast, where 23 settlements have been flooded. Russian shelling during the civilian evacuation in Kherson Oblast injured another 11 people. Over 3,200 people have been evacuated from the affected areas of Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts, according to the ministry. The total number of casualties arent known in the east bank, which Russian forces are currently occupying. Yevhen Ryshchuk, the exiled mayor of the Russian-occupied Oleshky, which sits just across Kherson, reported on June 7 that three people died due to flooding. Meanwhile, the water level in Kakhovka Reservoir dropped after the dam explosion, Ukraine's state-owned energy company Ukrhydroenergo reported on June 9. On June 9, as of 6 p.m., the water level was 11.23 meters (36.8 feet). The water level has already dropped by over five meters (16.4 feet). Ukrhydroenergo reported the upstream hydroelectric power stations are operating at reduced capacity to mitigate the consequences of the June 6 Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam explosion. Ihor Syrota, Ukrhydroenergo CEO, reported on June 8 that the water level in the Kakhovka Reservoir dropped below the critical threshold of 12.7 meters, hindering water supply to settlements and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. It is most likely that the water level will stabilize at around a 3-meter level, Syrota said. The water level in the reservoir is currently dropping by a meter per day, and it will continue to drop for another week or so. This Week in Ukraine Ep. 11 Russias destruction of Ukrainian dam, and catastrophic flood it caused Episode #11 of our weekly video podcast This Week in Ukraine is dedicated to Russias destruction of Ukraines Kakhovka dam, and the catastrophic flood it caused. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Igor Kossov. Listen to the audio version of the podcast on Apple, The Kyiv IndependentAnastasiia Lapatina The Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station dam collapse caused a humanitarian and ecological disaster. Ukraines authorities said that the dam was intentionally destroyed by Russian forces to impede a Ukrainian counteroffensive. As of June 8, an area of 600 square kilometers is already flooded In Kherson Oblast, with the most critical situation on the east bank of the Dnieper River, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. Ukrhydroenergo CEO also said that the flooded areas are likely to expand, despite the decrease in flood levels. Although the water level in the Kakhovka Reservoir is decreasing, the overflow is likely to expand. It won't increase in height, but it will cover a larger area. In the morning, 600 square kilometers were flooded. I believe that this area will expand, Syrota told Channel 5 on June 8. The water level near Kherson has already decreased by 35 centimeters, the Kherson City Military Administration Chief Roman Mrochko reported on June 9. In neighboring Mykolaiv Oblast, the water level has also dropped in the DniproBug estuary near Ochakiv in Mykolaiv Oblast, according to the regional hydrometeorological center. In Mykolaiv, the regional capital, the water level dropped by seven centimeters and stopped at the one-meter level, according to the report. As of 5 p.m., the water level in Mykolaiv's waters is still one meter higher, Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych reported on June 9. Saving lives from Russias flood: Inside inundated, shelled Kherson Since Russias full-scale war began, first came eight months of terror under occupation, then came seven months of intense shelling across the river, then came the river itself to Kherson. Over 24 hours after Russian forces destroyed the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant and its massive The Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell Russia strikes hospital in Zaporizhzhia Oblast Russian forces struck a hospital with a guided aerial bomb in Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, killing at least two people and injuring three others, authorities reported on June 9. Presidents Office Head Andrii Yermak said that the killed woman was a nurse, and the killed man was a technician in the hospital. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Governor Yurii Malashko reported that a 46-year-old killed man was doing his job in the hospital when the guided aerial bomb hit the hospital in the front line town. A 55-year-old woman was killed outside the hospital, according to the report. The governor also said that two nurses and one emergency service woman were injured in the attack. Huliaipole, located just a few kilometers from Russian positions in the south, has been continuously shelled by Russia. Only some 1,000 residents stayed in the town with a pre-war population of 14,000 due to the full-scale invasion. Russian attacks have damaged 1,544 healthcare facilities since the start of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Health Ministry reported on June 9. The biggest damage to the medical infrastructure is recorded in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, and Chernihiv oblasts. Stranded civilians brave shelling, return to Ukraines front-line towns ORIKHIV, HULIAIPOLE, Zaporizhzhia Oblast A massive rumble shakes the basement under the partly destroyed administrative building, followed by another blast much closer. Not good, says 51-year-old Svitlana Mandrich, Orikhivs deputy mayor, looking warily at the sandbags protecting the cellars v The Kyiv IndependentAlexander Query Military assistance The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced a $2.1 billion security assistance package for Ukraine on June 9. The package, which includes air defense and ammunition capabilities, is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), according to the Pentagon. The capabilities in this announcement include: Additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems; HAWK air defense systems and missiles; 105 mm and 203 mm artillery rounds; Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems; Laser-guided rocket system munitions; Support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities. DoD has continued to leverage to deliver equipment to Ukraine from DoD stocks at a historic pace, the Pentagon said. In total, the U.S. has committed $39.7 billion to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. In addition, Belgium approved the delivery of 105 mm rounds of ammunition aid worth 32.4 million euros ($34.8 million) as part of Brussels 14th military aid package to Ukraine, L'Avenir newspaper reported on June 9. The rounds will be delivered to Ukraine as soon as possible, according to the countrys Defense Ministry. Belgiums government has already provided Ukraine with a total of 306 million euros ($329 million) in military assistance. Editorial: Arming Ukraine wont escalate war. Reluctance to do so will First it was the tanks, now its the fighter jets. As Ukraine braces for another possible major Russian offensive in the upcoming weeks, Western leaders are yet again coming up with a variety of excuses why this time, they cannot justify supplying F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to Ukraine. The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent Russia claims drone attacks in 3 cities Russian regional authorities claimed drone attacks in Russias Voronezh, Belgorod, and Kursk regions on June 9. Voronezh Oblast Governor Alexander Gusev claimed a drone hit the residential building in the regional capital on June 9. Voronezh Oblast borders Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast. Gusev later said three people were injured by the broken glass without further hospitalization. A local state of emergency is being imposed in the area, according to the governor. Gusev hasnt blamed Ukraine for the drone attack. Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed a drone hit an office building, causing a fire in the regional capital, on June 9. He also said that air defense downed two drones in the region. No casualties were reported. Gladkov hasnt blamed Ukraine for the drone launch. Russias Belgorod Oblast, which borders Ukrainian Kharkiv and Luhansk oblasts, is used by the Russian forces to attack Ukraine with missiles and artillery. Kursk Oblast Governor Roman Starovoyt claimed a drone hit the area near an oil depot on June 9 without damaging the infrastructure. Later that day, Starovoyt claimed that Ukraines forces dropped an explosive in the village of Tyotkino, damaging a house. No casualties were reported. Kursk region borders Ukraines Sumy Oblast, which has been subjected to daily Russian attacks with artillery and guided bombs over the border. Multiple drone attacks and sabotage acts were reported inside Russia since Moscow unleashed its all-out war against Ukraine in late February last year. Ukraine denies responsibility for these attacks. The Kyiv Independent is unable to verify all of these claims. Ukraine - Tyler Hicks/The New York Times Ukraines counter-offensive has already broken through the first Russian lines of defence in places, but its army has taken casualties, British military intelligence said on Saturday. The Ministry of Defence said that the Ukrainian soldiers had met mixed resistance, with some Russian units holding their ground but others fleeing, with some forced to retreat through their own minefields. In some areas, Ukrainian forces have likely made good progress and penetrated the first line of Russian defences. In others, Ukrainian progress has been slower, the MoD said. Ukraine had warned that Russian air superiority would be a problem for its offensive and the MoD said that Russian fighter jets had been unusually active over front line battlefields. The Ukrainian militarys main attacks have focused on the Zaporizhzhia region. Strategists have said that if Ukrainian forces can recapture the town of Tokmak, around 10 miles to the south of the current front line, they will break Russian transport links between occupied parts of Donbas and Crimea. Other Western analysts also said that Ukraine had struck Russian forces around Bakhmut in the Donbas region, which had been the focus of fighting. Ukrainian forces around Bakhmut have advanced almost one mile in 24 hours, said Phillips OBrien, professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews. At a press conference in Kyiv with Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime pinister, Volodymyr Zelensky said: Counter-offensive and defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine: at which stage I will not talk in detail. However, the Ukrainian President said that his military commanders were in a positive mood. It is important that Russia feels this, that they do not have long left in my opinion, he said. The Canadian leader said he would provide 500m Canadian dollars in new funding for military assistance to Ukraine. He also pledged that Canada would be part of the multinational efforts to train Ukraines fighter pilots. Justin Trudeau - Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters Ukraines military does not publish casualty figures, but images from the front lines appear to show that it has suffered losses. Mines, anti-tank guided missiles and first-person view drones disabling vehicles are going to be a massive problem for Ukraine, just as they have previously proven to be for Russia, said Oliver Alexander, a defence analyst. Russian officials and military bloggers have praised Russias defensive lines, although many hit an unusually downbeat, but still defiant, tone. We have to admit that the tactical advance of the Ukrainian military in this area is happening but it is not critical, the WarGonzo Telegram channel said of fighting near the village of Velikaya Novoselovka on the western edge of the Donetsk region. We still firmly hold the high ground but the enemy has taken positions in the low land. To the west of the front line fighting, rescue workers were still trying to evacuate people from towns and villages flooded this week when a dam broke on the Dnipro River. Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately destroying the Nova Kakhovka dam to slow the Ukrainian advance. Floodwater has receded, but the UN said that 700,000 people now urgently need access to drinking water. Read all the developments from the day below. 05:10 PM Today's top stories Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that counteroffensive action was underway against Russian forces, while declining to give any details The sea that meets Odessa has become a cemetery for animals as the blast at the Nova Kakhovka dam sparks what the UN has called an ecological catastrophe The UK will donate an additional 16m to help Ukraine deal with the flooding caused by the Nova Kakhovka dam breach Russias Foreign Ministry has said that Icelands decision to suspend its embassy operations in Moscow destroys bilateral cooperation Kyiv said on Saturday there had been heavy fighting in the eastern region of Donetsk the previous night, with three people killed in a fire sparked by falling debris from shot-down drones 05:06 PM Russia does 'not have long left, says Zelensky Russia has reported thwarting Ukrainian attacks in the east and south, though President Zelensky implied the claims were incorrect. Its interesting what Putin said about our counteroffensive. It is important that Russia always feels this: that they do not have long left, in my opinion, Zelensky said. He added that he was in daily touch with military commanders including armed forces chief Valery Zaluzhny and everyone is positive now - tell that to Putin! 04:01 PM Swedish hygiene company Essity divests Russian operations Swedish hygiene products maker Essity said it was divesting its Russian operations and had already found a buyer. Essity has signed an agreement with a buyer and the transaction has now been approved by the Russian authorities, the company said in a statement on Saturday. The company added that they expected to finalise the transaction during the second quarter of 2023. 03:49 PM Russia still dissatisfied with Black Sea grain deal after UN talks Russia is said to still not satisfied with how a Black Sea grain deal is being implemented, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said on Saturday after meeting senior UN trade officials a day earlier. Russia has threatened to walk away from the grain deal on July 17 if demands to improve its own food and fertiliser exports are not met. The deal, struck in July last year, facilitates the safe navigation of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers - including ammonia - for export to global markets. We cannot be satisfied with how this memorandum is being implemented, Vershinin was quoted as saying by the Tass news agency. Barriers to our exports remain. 03:16 PM Xi briefed on African peace mission to Ukraine, Russia South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has briefed Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping about an upcoming mission by African leaders to Russia and Ukraine to try and broker peace, Pretoria said on Saturday. Mr Ramaphosa announced last month that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky had agreed to receive a six-member African delegation, expected to visit this month. Mr Ramaphosa has briefed Xi, the South African presidency said in a statement. The delegation will group the presidents of the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. 02:54 PM Zelensky says counteroffensive actions 'taking place' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that counteroffensive action was underway against Russian forces, while declining to give any details. Counteroffensive and defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine: at which stage I will not talk in detail, Mr Zelensky said on Saturday. A journalist asked Mr Zelensky to comment after Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Kyivs long-expected counteroffensive was already failing. Its interesting what Putin said about our counteroffensive. It is important that Russia always feels this: that they do not have long left, in my opinion, Mr Zelensky said. 02:22 PM Sea turning into a 'cemetery for animals' The sea that meets Odessa has become a cemetery for animals as the blast at the Nova Kakhovka dam sparks what the UN has called an ecological catastrophe. Some 300 zoo animals along with pets are reported to have been killed by the mass flooding unleashed by the dams explosion on Tuesday. Houses, furniture, household appliances and cars are being washed into the sea, according to Ukraines state border guard, turning it into a rubbish dump and a cemetery for animals. 02:14 PM Russian losses to date, according to Ukraine "We don't even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward." Isabel Allende Total combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to June 10, 2023: pic.twitter.com/F6dCcM7XLG Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 10, 2023 01:30 PM UK donates additional 16 million to help with aftermath of dam destruction The UK will donate an additional 16m to help Ukraine deal with the flooding caused by the Nova Kakhovka dam breach. The foreign secretary, James Cleverly, said the UK is leading the way in providing support to those desperately in need after an explosion at the dam on Tuesday. Flooding from the destruction of Kakhovka dam is having an untold impact on over 32,000 people living in Kherson, and thousands more in the surrounding area, said James Cleverly, the foreign secretary. The country has so far contributed 220 million to help civilians affected by the flooding, including medicines to combat waterborne infectious diseases. 01:12 PM How Ukraine finally launched its counter-offensive and whether it will succeed Over the last two months, the Ukrainians have been conducting preparatory shaping operations, writes Mike Martin. These are designed to soften the enemy, confuse them as to your intentions, and gather intelligence about their strengths and weaknesses. In other words, to shape the enemy to your liking so that they are easier to defeat once you finally attack them. Most strikingly, the Russian Freedom Legion a Ukrainian armed and supported paramilitary group comprised of Russian citizens have made bold and daring incursions into the Russian territories of Belgorod and Kursk. Judging by the lack of Russian defensive troops along their own border, these were clearly considered safe by the Kremlin. Not anymore. And as a result, the Russians now have to contend with a front line that is twice as long, further stretching their already stretched troops. This week the Ukrainians moved on from shaping operations. They are now in to phase one of their counter-offensive. And rather than using the whole of their force and all of the western donated equipment some nine armoured brigades and a supporting infantry force they have opted for multiple mini-offensives with much smaller teams. Read the full story 12:47 PM Russia says Iceland 'destroys' ties by suspending embassy operations Russias Foreign Ministry has said that Icelands decision to suspend its embassy operations in Moscow destroys bilateral cooperation. Iceland said on Friday the operations would be suspended from August 1 due to an all-time low level of commercial, cultural and political relations between the countries, adding that it had asked Russia to scale back its diplomatic activities in Reykjavik. The decision taken by the Icelandic authorities to lower the level of diplomatic relations with Russia destroys the entire range of Russian-Icelandic cooperation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. 12:26 PM Ukraine's counteroffensive mapped by ISW NEW: Ukrainian forces continued #counteroffensive operations in at least four areas of the front on June 9, making further gains around #Bakhmut and in Western #Donetsk. Latest on #Russia's invasion of #Ukraine w/ @criticalthreats: https://t.co/ilySwoUjWw pic.twitter.com/3JC2yP98E5 ISW (@TheStudyofWar) June 10, 2023 12:12 PM Trudeau makes surprise visit to Kyiv Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Saturday, his second trip to Ukraine since Russias invasion in February last year. Mr Trudeau paid his respects at a memorial site in central Kyiv to Ukrainian soldiers who have been killed fighting pro-Russian forces since 2014. Welcome to Ukraine Mr. Prime Minister, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Melnyk tweeted, alongside a photograph of them shaking hands on the platform of a train station. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits an exhibition of destroyed vehicles on the day of his visit at the Wall of Remembrance to pay tribute to killed Ukrainian soldiers, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine June 10, 2023. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/Pool - REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/Pool 11:43 AM Ukraine dam disaster risks contamination from sewage and rotting carcasses Several hundred tonnes of oil were washed into the Dnipro river, while groundwater sources are believed to have become polluted, writes Harriet Barber A plague of rotting animal carcasses, contamination from cemeteries, and sewage could lead to serious disease outbreaks in flood-hit areas of Ukraine, health officials have warned. The destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam sent 4.8 billion gallons of water cascading across the war zone of southern Ukraine on Tuesday. Russia and Ukraine have traded blame for the attack, which has forced tens of thousands to leave their homes. Several hundred tonnes of oil were washed into the Dnipro river, while groundwater sources are believed to have become polluted. The reservoir had provided clean water to 700,000 people. The Ukrainian health ministry has told locals not to consume water drawn from wells and ground pumps, as is common in rural areas of Ukraine. Read the full story 11:25 AM Ukraine faces `hugely worse' humanitarian situation after dam rupture, says UN aid chief The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is hugely worse than before the Kakhovka dam collapsed, the UNs top aid official warned on Friday. Undersecretary-General Martin Griffiths said an extraordinary 700,000 people are in need of drinking water and warned that the ravages of flooding in one of the worlds most important breadbaskets will almost inevitably lead to lower grain exports, higher food prices around the world, and less to eat for millions in need This is a viral problem, he said in an interview with The Associated Press. But the truth is this is only the beginning of seeing the consequences of this act. 11:07 AM Last reactor shut down at Ukraine's largest nuclear plant as fighting, flooding continues Ukraines nuclear energy agency says it has put the last operating reactor at Europes largest nuclear power plant into a cold shutdown a safety precaution amid catastrophic flooding from the collapse of the Kakhovka dam. Russian forces continued pummelling the country with missiles and drones overnight, with Ukrainian officials reporting at least four deaths and damage to a military airfield. Five out of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, are already in a state of cold shutdown, in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. FILE PHOTO: Russian military vehicles escorting a motorcade of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expert mission arrive at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict outside Enerhodar in the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian-controlled Ukraine, March 29, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko/File Photo - REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko/File Photo 10:41 AM Russian airforce unusually active over southern Ukraine, says MoD Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 10 June 2023. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Sr1VlSp8Hy #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/lBSwEVN2pH Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) June 10, 2023 10:31 AM In pictures: Latest scenes from the war A residential house was hit by Russian shelling in Kherson - Roman Pilipey/Getty Images Firefighters work near an apartment building damaged during a massive Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine June 10, 2023. via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. - Reuters 10:12 AM Three killed in Odesa region drone attack Three people were killed early on Saturday in a fire sparked by falling debris from shot-down drones in the region of Odesa in southern Ukraine, regional officials said. At night, the enemy attacked Odesa Region with attack drones, regional authorities said in a statement social media, referring to Russian forces. Ukraines air defence forces destroyed all the unmanned aerial vehicles but their falling debris hit a high-rise residential building, sparking a fire, the statement said. 09:56 AM Ukrainian forces claim to have gained more ground near Bakhmut Kyiv said there had been heavy fighting in the eastern region of Donetsk on Friday, and a military spokesperson said Ukrainian forces had gained more ground near the devastated city of Bakhmut. Russia says Ukraines counteroffensive has failed so far. Ukraine has not said the counteroffensive has actually begun - nor is it likely to - although the consensus among military analysts seems to be that it has. With virtually no independent reporting from the front lines and Kyiv saying little, it was impossible to assess whether Ukraine was penetrating Russian defences in its bid to drive out occupying forces. 09:51 AM 'Dnipro river should return to its banks by June 16 after dam collapse' The southern reach of the Dnipro river is likely to return to its banks by June 16 following a vast flood unleashed by the breach of Ukraines Kakhovka dam this week, a Russian-installed official said on Saturday. The flood has inundated towns and villages below the dam, trapping residents and sweeping away entire houses on both sides of the Dnipro, which separates Ukrainian-controlled Kherson province from the southern section that Russian forces control. Vladimir Saldo, who heads the Russian-controlled part, said the water level at Nova Kakhovka, the town adjacent to the dam on the downstream side, had now dropped by 3 metres (10 feet) from Tuesdays peak. *** BESTPIX *** KHERSON, UKRAINE - JUNE 09: A woman sits in an inflatable boat after she was evacuated by volunteers from an apartment building on a flooded street on June 9, 2023 in Kherson, Ukraine. Early Tuesday, the Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power plant, which sit on the Dnipro river in the southern Kherson region, were destroyed, forcing downstream communities to evacuate due to the risk of flooding. The cause of the dam's collapse is not yet confirmed, with Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of its destruction. The Dnipro river has served as a frontline between the warring armies following Russia's retreat from Kherson and surrounding areas last autumn. The dam and plant had been under the control of Russia, which occupies a swath of land south and southeast of the river. (Photo by - Roman Pilipey/Getty Images 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 Armed Forces of Ukraine were able to advance up to 1,400 metres on different parts of the Bakhmut front during the day, Serhii Cherevatyi, the spokesman for the eastern group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said. Source: Serhii Cherevatyi, spokesman for the eastern group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote from Cherevatyi: "In total [in a day - ed.] there were six combat clashes, during which our Defence Forces killed 138 occupiers, 236 were injured, and one was taken prisoner." Details: According to Cherevatyi, the Russians are building up their defences and trying to counterattack the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but are failing. The spokesman announced that they have information about the potential, command, and capabilities of the Russians. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Bingshan Group Co., Ltd. in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese Premier Li Qiang has urged efforts to optimize the business environment, strengthen the momentum and vitality for development, and make breakthroughs in the comprehensive revitalization of the northeast. Li made the remarks during his inspection tour in northeast China's Liaoning Province from Wednesday to Thursday. When inspecting the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Li said he hopes it could focus on innovation and make new contributions to serving high-level science and technology self-reliance and self-improvement. Li also applauded the RCEP (Dalian) International Business District for launching a public service platform. He encouraged the companies he visited in Dalian to develop high-quality products for more application scenarios and continuously improve market competitiveness. When inspecting companies in the city of Shenyang, Li said the country should improve its ability to nurture talent at home and attract the brightest minds from around the world, actively cultivate a sound innovation ecosystem, promote the deep integration of production, education, and research, and enable more scientific and technological enterprises to thrive. He also encouraged the companies to aim at the commanding heights of industrial development and concentrate on breaking through several key core technologies. During the inspection tour, Li also presided over a symposium, where he stressed efforts to improve the business environment. Li said policies and services should be more effective and targeted, while candid work should be put into solving problems for companies and making them feel more fulfilled. He called on the province to leverage its own advantages in advancing technological innovations by fostering advanced manufacturing clusters and improving agriculture technology and mechanization levels. To deepen reforms and promote opening up, Li underscored progress in building a unified domestic market and the development of state-owned enterprises, private companies, and foreign-funded ones. KYIV (Reuters) - Counterattacking Ukrainian forces have advanced up to 1,400 metres at a number of sections of the front line near the eastern city of Bakhmut in the past day, a military spokesman said on Saturday. The advance is the latest in a series of similar gains reported this week by Kyiv near Bakhmut, which Russia said it had fully captured last month after the bloodiest and longest battle since it began its full-scale invasion in February 2022. "We're trying...to conduct strikes on the enemy, we're counterattacking. We've managed to advance up to 1,400 metres on various sections of the front," the spokesperson for the eastern military command said, when asked about fighting near Bakhmut. Serhiy Cherevaty, the official, said in televised comments that Russian forces were themselves trying to counterattack but that they had not been successful. Ukrainian forces, he said, had inflicted heavy Russian troop casualties and destroyed military hardware in the area. Reuters was not able to independently verify that assertion or the situation on the battlefield. Moscow and Kyiv both reported heavy fighting in Ukraine on Friday, with bloggers describing the first sightings of German and U.S. armour, signalling that Ukraine's long-anticipated counterattack was under way. Russia, which has built extensive fortifications in Ukraine's occupied east and south, said this week that a big push by Kyiv had failed to break through Russian lines. Britain's Ministry of Defence said that Ukrainian forces have penetrated the first line of Russian defences in some areas but that Kyiv's progress had been slower in others. Officials in Ukraine, which has been poised to launch a broad counteroffensive for weeks, denies its much-anticipated push has begun and says that when it does it will be obvious. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Hugh Lawson) The Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has resolved to appeal to the UN, the parliaments and governments of its member states, and international organisations and their parliamentary assemblies, in connection with the Russians blowing up of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP). Source: MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak on Telegram; draft resolution on the Verkhovna Rada website Details: 265 MPs voted for the adoption of draft resolution No. 9375, with 226 votes needed for it to pass. The text of the appeal has been published on the website of the Verkhovna Rada. It says that the Kakhovka HPP was mined by the Russian invaders immediately after its capture in the early weeks of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the destruction of the plant was another pre-planned act of state terrorism. It is noted that this crime committed by the Russian Federation is not only an act of terrorism and ecocide, but also a war crime in accordance with the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilians during War of 1949 and its Additional Protocol of 1977, as well as a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Hostile Use of Means of Influence on the Natural Environment of 1977. The Verkhovna Rada notes that this crime committed by Russia confirms the extreme relevance of President Volodymyr Zelenskyys peace formula, and calls on governments and parliaments of foreign states, the UN and other international organisations to join in implementing the peace formula as soon as possible. The Verkhovna Rada urges the UN to strongly condemn the Russian act of terrorism committed at the Kakhovka HPP and to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and its actions as ecocide and genocide of the Ukrainian people. The parliament also urges G7 and EU member states to immediately consider imposing new tough far-reaching sanctions on the Russian Federation, in particular on the Russian missile industry and the nuclear industry. The Verkhovna Rada calls on the UN General Assembly to adopt urgent measures to terminate Russia's membership of the UN Security Council and the UN itself. The Verkhovna Rada appeals to foreign states to join in the development and functioning of a compensation mechanism that would provide full compensation for the damage caused by the Russian Federation as a result of its armed aggression against Ukraine, and to increase their military, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The Ukrainian Air Force has reported the downing of 20 Shahed drones and two missiles overnight on 9-10 June. Source: Ukrainian Air Force Details: Russian forces attacked one of the operational airfields in Poltava Oblast on the night of 9-10 June, and Odesa and Kharkiv oblasts were also attacked. In total, Russian forces launched eight land-based missiles of various types from the northern and southern fronts and 35 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 attack drones from the eastern coast of the Sea of Azov to attack critical infrastructure and military facilities. Ukrainian Air Force air defence assets and personnel falling under the responsibility of Air Commands Skhid (East), Centre and Pivden (South), in cooperation with the air defence of other components of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, destroyed two cruise missiles (type to be confirmed) and 20 Shahed-136/131 attack drones. The attack lasted from 23:00 on 9 June to 05:00 on 10 June. In addition, on 9 June, the Air Defence Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed 12 Russian operational-tactical level UAVs (Orlan-10, Zala, Supercam). Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have reported that Ukrainian Defence Forces are continuing to advance near Bakhmut and have made some progress in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Source: ISW Details: The report noted that Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations on at least four fronts on 9 June. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that Russian troops had repelled limited and localised ground attacks by Ukrainian forces in the vicinity of Kreminna, Luhansk Oblast. At the same time, Ukrainian officials said that Ukrainian troops had advanced 1.2 kilometres as they continued their offensive near Bakhmut on 8 June. In addition, Ukrainian Defence Forces continued limited counteroffensive operations in western Donetsk Oblast near the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblast borders on 9 June and made tactical gains in the area. Ukrainian forces also continued ground attacks in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast on the night of 8-9 June and during the day on 9 June, and a Russian source suggested that Ukrainian forces had made some progress during these attacks. The ISW analysts point out that Ukrainian officials have explicitly acknowledged that Ukrainian troops expect to lose equipment during counteroffensive operations. ISW experts say that the structure of the Russian command responsible for the war in the southern regions of Ukraine is unclear and likely to overlap. After analysing statements made by the Russian military and their actions, the analysts have concluded that the command relationship between the four Russian military leaders Romanchuk [Colonel General Alexander Romanchuk, the commander of the Russian forces on the Zaporizhzhia front], Teplinsky [Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky, the deputy commander of the Joint Russian forces in Ukraine], Kuzovlev [Colonel General Sergey Kuzovlev, the commander of the southern grouping of the Joint Russian forces in Ukraine] and Gerasimov [Army General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces], who are said to be in charge of Russian troops in the region, remains unclear. The White House announced on 9 June that Iran is helping Russia build a drone manufacturing plant in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, underlining the growing military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow despite Western sanctions. Analysts have noted that Valery Gerasimov discussed strengthening Russian-Chinese military cooperation with Liu Zhengli, Chief of the Joint Staff Division of the Central Military Commission of China, on 9 June. To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 9 June: Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations in at least four areas of the front on 9 June, making further gains around Bakhmut and in Western Donetsk. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on 9 June that the Ukrainian counteroffensive recently began and noted that Ukrainian forces still have offensive potential, a departure from previous Kremlin efforts to downplay Ukrainian counteroffensives. Contrarily, much of the Russian information space prematurely claimed that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has failed after Russian forces damaged more Western-provided Ukrainian military equipment on 9 June. Ukrainian officials directly acknowledged that Ukrainian forces expect to suffer equipment losses during counteroffensive operations. The Russian command structure responsible for areas of southern Ukraine is unclear and likely overlapping. Russian forces carried out missile and drone strikes across Ukraine on the night of 8-9 June. Several independent sources reported additional evidence that an internal explosion likely destroyed the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam on 6 June. The White House revealed on 9 June that Iran is helping Russia build a drone manufacturing factory in Yelabuga, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, underscoring the growing military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow despite Western sanctions. General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff Army, discussed increasing Russian-Chinese military cooperation with Liu Zhenli, Chinese Central Military Commission Joint Staff Department Chief of Staff, on 9 June. Russian and Ukrainian forces conducted limited and localised ground attacks south of Kreminna. Russian forces continued ground attacks near Bakhmut and on the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line. Ukrainian forces continued limited ground attacks on the administrative border between Donetsk and Zaporizhia oblasts and in western Zaporizhia Oblast. Russia continues to evade international sanctions and has reportedly restored access to key Western microchips and electronics that Russia needs to produce military equipment. A Ukrainian report states that Russian authorities may be preparing evacuations from northern Crimea. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on 9 June that Russia will begin deploying tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus in July 2023, and this is not an escalation from Putins prior nuclear weapons rhetoric. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Ukrainian defenders killed another 890 Russian invaders and destroyed 15 artillery systems during the past day. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces from 24 February 2022 to 10 June 2023 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses ed.]: approximately 214,660 (+890) military personnel 3909 (+8) tanks 7,607 (+7) armoured combat vehicles 3,717 (+15) artillery systems 600 (+1) multiple-launch rocket systems 362 (+3) air defence systems 314 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft 299 (+0) helicopters 3,263 (+16) operational-tactical UAVs 1,176 (+5) cruise missiles 18 (+0) ships/boats 6,428 (+18) vehicles and tankers 507 (+5) special vehicles The data is being confirmed. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office has reported further details about the Russian attack on Odesa with drones and missiles, which claimed the lives of three people. Source: The Office of the Prosecutor General Details: Investigators stated that the Russian Armed Forces carried out an air attack using missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles on the city of Odesa and Odesa Oblasts settlements during the night of 10 June. Preliminary reports indicate that 3 people were killed and 25 were injured in the Russian attack on a residential area in Odesa, including a 5-year-old and a 17-year-old, who were hospitalised. Three multi-storey buildings, a school, a kindergarten and cars parked next to the buildings suffered major damage. An attack on a village on the Black Sea coast in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district injured six people, including two children aged 5 and 12. Seven private residential buildings were destroyed and 15 damaged. Background: Ukrainian air defences have destroyed all Shahed-131/136s used during a Russian UAV attack at Odesa Oblast. Due to falling debris, a fire broke out, 3 civilians were killed, and more than 26 were injured. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Who was the 'Unabomber'? A look back at Ted Kaczynski, who killed three and died in prison Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski is flanked by federal agents as he is led to a car from the federal courthouse in Helena, Mont., April 4, 1996. Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski, the man known as the "Unabomber" and one of the most destructive domestic terrorists in U.S. history, was found dead Saturday at a North Carolina prison medical facility at the age of 81. Kaczynski was serving a life sentence for conducting an array of attacks using homemade bombs that he would send through the mail between 1978 and 1995. He was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in April 1996 and plead guilty to setting off 16 various explosions that killed three people and injured 23 others. Here's a summary of the Unabomber's life and history of his bomb attacks. Who was Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber? Kaczynski was born in 1942 in Chicago and was one of two children, with his younger brother David ultimately aiding in his arrest. Kaczynski graduated early from high school and was accepted into Harvard University at 16, where he graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. He went on to earn master's and doctorate degrees in mathematics in 1964 and 1967, respectively, from the University of Michigan. Following his graduation in 1967, Kaczynski became an assistant professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where he taught undergraduate geometry and calculus for two years before he resigned in 1969. After completing his education, at 25, Kaczynski became the youngest assistant professor in the history of UC Berkeley when he was hired to teach undergraduate geometry and calculus in the fall of 1967. However, he resigned, without providing a reason, two years later. Kaczynski returned to the Chicagoland area after resigning from Berkeley and lived with his parents until 1971, when he moved to a cabin in the woods near Lincoln, Montana. This April 6, 1996 file photo shows Ted Kaczynski's cabin in the woods of Lincoln, Mont. Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, has died in federal prison, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons told The Associated Press on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The 'Unabomber': Convicted terrorist Ted Kaczynski has died in federal prison at age 81 What did the Unabomber do in his attacks? In 1978, Kaczynski began attacking people with homemade bombs, some sent in the mail using the U.S. Postal Service and some hand-delivered by him. He first target was Buckley Crist, who was a professor of engineering at Northwestern University. Crist realized that the package, which listed the return address as his and was in the parking lot of his office building, was not sent by him and alerted campus security, the FBI details. The bomb exploded when a security guard opened the package, and the guard received a hand injury. Kaczynski proceeded to mail nine handmade pipe bombs to people for the next seven years, including workers at both United Airlines and American Airlines, as well as various academic administrators, according to History.com. Some people were seriously injured by the pipe bombs. This undated photograph shows the infamous hooded sweatshirt and sun glasses worn by Unabomber Ted Kaczynski. After the FBI code-name its investigation into the bombings "UNABOM," the media named Kaczynski, the "Unabomber," as he continued to carry out the attacks. The first fatality caused by Kaczynski occurred in December 1985, when he sent a bomb to Hugh Scrutton, a computer store owner in Sacramento, California. Kaczynski committed his last attack on April 24, 1995, also in Sacramento. The attack resulted in the death of Gilbert Murray, who was president of the California Forestry Association, a lobbying group. Police misconduct case: Largest settlement in US history over misconduct reached: $45M in Randy Cox case What was the Unabomber Manifesto? During the summer of 1995, Kaczynski sent his own manifesto, entitled "Industrial Society and Its Future," and letters to different publications, threatening to commit more bombing attacks if they did not publish the essay. Both The New York Times and The Washington Post published the 35,000-word essay in September 1995 after U.S. officials decided it should be published. Kaczynski's manifesto called for society to change, claiming that modern technology limits human power and freedom. How was the Unabomber caught? Kaczynski's run eventually ended when his brother, David, recognized the manifesto's ideas as being similar to the ideas of Kaczynski. David went to the FBI with his concerns and gave them letters between himself and his brother. The FBI had been searching for Kaczynski for multiple years by the time David came to them. Kaczynski's letters helped detectives confirm that the manifesto and the letters had linguistic similarities, the FBI says. Wanda Kaczynski, right, smiles as she leaves a Sacramento, Calif., federal building with one of her sons, David Kaczynski, on Jan. 22, 1998, after another son, Theodore Kaczynski, pleaded guilty to being the anti-technology terrorist known as the Unabomber. Officers went to Kaczynski's Montana cabin with a search warrant in April 3, 1996, where they found him along with multiple bomb parts and ingredients. That same month, Kaczynski was indicted on 10 counts of illegally transporting, mailing, and using bombs along with three counts of murder. He plead guilty to all counts. In May 1998, Kaczynski was sentenced to four life sentences and 30 years in prison for the bombings. During his time in prison, Kaczynski wrote and published two books. Contributing: The Associated Press, Jeanine Santucci More on crime: Death penalty in Florida: Heres what to know about executions, death row This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who was 'Unabomber' Ted Kaczynski and what did the late terrorist do? Theodore Ted Kacynski, who was also known as the Unabomber, reportedly died in his prison cell Saturday morning, according to the Associated Press. Kacynski had been serving four life sentences, plus 30 years, after pleading guilty to mailing bombs that caused 16 explosions that killed three people and maimed 23 between 1978 and 1995. His targets included universities and airlines across the country, including Dulles International Airport, the University of Michigan, Yale, and the University of California at Berkley. He also sent a pipe bomb to a Boeing parts fabricating complex in Auburn on June 13, 1985. According to the News Tribune, a Boeing spokesperson said the device had been found by two custodial supervisory workers who were suspicious of a package they saw in a mailroom. Another Boeing spokesperson said a 1-inch pipe that was connected to batteries in a box was found just before noon that day. About 30 workers were evacuated and the Auburn police were called, who called the county bomb squad. A bomb blanket was placed on top of the device and it was transported to a muddy pit nearby. It was detonated at about 5:30 p.m. The Boeing spokesperson said they were not aware, at the time, of any threat in connection to the bomb. Five months later, Kacynski would mail a package to a professor at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where it detonated, injuring two people. Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski, the man known as the "Unabomber," has died in custody at a federal prison medical center in Butner, North Carolina, at age 81. He was found unresponsive Saturday shortly after midnight. Staff performed life-saving measures, and he was transported to a hospital, the Bureau of Prisons said. Kaczynski was pronounced dead at about 8 a.m., Kristie Breshears, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons confirmed to USA TODAY. A cause of death was not immediately known. He was serving a life sentence after sending a series of homemade bombs by mail around the country. He pleaded guilty to setting 16 explosions that killed three people and injured 23 others. Kaczynski had been transferred from supermax prison in Colorado to a federal prison medical facility in North Carolina in December 2021. Officials didn't say why he was moved at the time. USA's most prolific bomber The FBI spent nearly two decades trying to hunt down Kaczynski, who became known as America's most prolific bomber. His first bomb, which the FBI described as "primitive" went off at a Chicago university in 1978. He went on to send 15 more bombs by mail that mostly targeted scientists. His bombs advanced in their sophistication over the years, authorities said. Kaczynski killed computer rental store owner Hugh Scrutton, advertising executive Thomas Mosser and timber industry lobbyist Gilbert Murray. California geneticist Charles Epstein and Yale University computer expert David Gelernter were maimed by bombs two days apart in June 1993. A dozen people suffered smoke inhalation from a bomb he placed on an airplane in 1979. The "Unabomber" moniker came from a task force's name of the case UNABOM, because of the "UNiversity and Airline BOMbing" cases investigated. The task force included over 150 members assigned to track him down. In 1995, Kaczynski sent authorities a 35,000-word manifesto that he also pressured The Washington Post and The New York Times into publishing. The Times noted that federal officials recommended publishing. The tirade, called, "Industrial Society and Its Future, claimed modern society and technology was leading to a sense of powerlessness and alienation. His brother sent in a tip after recognizing the writing, which led investigators to his ultimate arrest on April 3, 1996, at a dingy shack in the Montana wilderness. Theodore Kaczynski is led from the Federal Courthouse in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 22, 1998, after he pleaded guilty to being the Unabomber. Kaczynski died in prison, officials said June 10, 2023. Unabomber changed US mail, airplanes Kaczynski grew up in Chicago and was a Harvard-trained math professor who once taught at the University of California, Berkeley where he placed two of his bombs. He targeted universities, scientists, airlines and a timber industry lobbyist he blamed for drowning the world in technology and destroying the environment. Years before the Sept. 11 and the anthrax mailing attacks, the Unabombers deadly homemade bombs changed the way Americans mailed packages and boarded airplanes, even virtually shutting down air travel on the West Coast in July 1995. Though he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia by a psychiatrist while in prison, Kaczynski hated being depicted as mentally ill and pleaded guilty rather than let his defense team proceed with an insanity defense. The bombing spree was borne out of Kaczynski's drive for vengeance, investigators concluded based on his writings. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Unabomber' Ted Kaczynski has died in federal prison; cause unknown Ted Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber, is flanked by federal agents outside the federal courthouse in Helena, Mont., in 1996. (John Youngbear / Associated Press) At first the bombs were crude affairs, amateur efforts packed with thousands of match heads. But over time, Ted Kaczynski became a craftsman, building sophisticated killing devices from easily obtained chemicals, lamp cords, roofing nails materials that were commonplace, highly damaging and virtually untraceable. When he needed switches, he hand-carved them from hickory. He glued components together with epoxy that he made from the boiled hooves of deer he shot. In his primitive, 10-by-12-foot cabin near the Continental Divide in Montana, he sanded and filed and polished parts to erase his fingerprints. He even peeled the skin off batteries to eliminate the lot numbers that could identify where they were sold. He fed investigators false clues, taunting them like a comic-book villain. He sent the New York Times a letter with a return address of 9th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. in Washington, D.C. the location of the J. Edgar Hoover Building, headquarters of the FBI. At one point, he lodged hairs he found in a bus station restroom between the layers of electrical tape on a bombs wire connections, hoping to initiate a genetic wild-goose chase. But in 1996, after 18 years of a frightening, slow-motion rampage that killed three people and injured 23 more, Kaczynski was finally arrested betrayed not by his bombs but by his own words. Known as the Unabomber, Kaczynski died Saturday in federal prison, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons told the Associated Press. He was 81. Kaczynski was found dead around 8 a.m. at a prison medical facility in North Carolina, where he had been moved to in 2021. A cause of death was not immediately known. By the time of his capture, Kaczynski had become one of the most feared individuals in America. The FBI poured more than $50 million into tracking him down and offered a $1-million reward for information leading to his conviction. In the end, more than 150 FBI agents, profilers, analysts and others were working full time on finding the terrorist who had eluded them for so many years. Kaczynski's Unabomber moniker came from an FBI code name combining the un of universities and the a of airlines, his initial targets. His identity first emerged just two months before his arrest. In his writings, the taciturn hermit referred to himself as FC for Freedom Club and grandiosely used the first-person plural to suggest it was a group of like-minded comrades. A Harvard graduate and a former math professor at UC Berkeley, Kaczynski wanted above all to draw attention to his ideas, all radiating from his hatred of modern technology. In a 1995 letter, he vowed to suspend his killings if the New York Times or Washington Post published, unedited, his 35,000-word treatise on the dehumanizing influence of technology. The manifesto, as it was known, began: The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race. It was published as an eight-page special section in the Washington Post on Sept. 19, 1995. Its themes of technology running amok and individual freedom shrinking were familiar, but parts of the Unabombers opus were chilling. In paragraph 96 of his 232 paragraphs he numbered them, for ease of reference he honed in on the terrifying method of his madness: If we had never done anything violent and had submitted the present writings to a publisher, they probably would not have been accepted, he wrote. In order to get our message before the public with some chance of making a lasting impression, we've had to kill people." Ted Kaczynski's mailbox outside Lincoln, Mont., is shown in 1996. (Stuart S. White / Associated Press) In 1985, Kaczynskis first lethal bomb killed Hugh Scrutton, the owner of a computer store in Sacramento. In 1994, public relations executive Thomas Mosser was killed as he opened one of Kaczynskis packages at his home in North Caldwell, N.J. The following year, California Forestry Assn. President Gilbert R. Murray was killed the same way at his groups Sacramento headquarters. But in addition to the fatalities, Kaczynski tallied many more injuries and some grim near-misses. In 1978, a bomb left in a parking lot ended up injuring campus officer Terry Marker at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. The following year, a graduate researcher at Northwestern, John Harris, was hurt in a student lounge when he opened what appeared to be a gift box. Kaczynski was disappointed when he read that the student was treated only for cuts. I had hoped that the victim would be blinded or have his hands blown off or be otherwise maimed, he wrote in a journal entry. Later in 1979, Kaczynski placed a bomb on an American Airlines flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C. It failed to explode but thick smoke forced an emergency landing. Twelve of those aboard were treated for smoke inhalation. He caused a fleeting panic in 1995, when he threatened to bring down an airliner leaving Los Angeles International Airport within six days. The next day, he took it all back. Since the public has a short memory, we decided to play one last prank to remind them who we are, he said in a letter to the New York Times. But no, we havent tried to plant a bomb on an airline [recently]. In all, he distributed 16 bombs, either dropping them off in person or mailing them from distant cities. His bombs injured United Airlines President Percy Wood and John Hauser, an Air Force captain and aspiring astronaut. They hurt Janet Smith, a secretary at Vanderbilt University in Nashville; Diogenes Angelakos, an engineering professor at UC Berkeley; University of Michigan psychology professor James V. McConnell and his assistant Nicklaus Suino; and Salt Lake City computer store owner Gary Wright. The Unabombers final survivors were Dr. Charles Epstein, a leading U.S. geneticist who taught at UC San Francisco, and David Gelernter, a prominent computer scientist at Yale. Kaczynski sent Gelernter an insulting note two years after his bomb shattered the Yale professors right hand and nearly took out one of his eyes. People with advanced degrees aren't as smart as they think they are, he wrote. If you'd had any brains, you would have realized that there are a lot of people out there who resent bitterly the way techno-nerds like you are changing the world and you wouldn't have been dumb enough to open an unexpected package from an unknown source. Gelernter, also a painter and a political commentator, forwarded the letter to the FBI without reading it. If this guy has a message for me, I dont give a damn what it is, he told agents. Unlike other serial bombers, Kaczynski was not out to avenge perceived mistreatment by a particular individual, company or government agency. Instead, his wrath was directed at all those who enabled the operation of what he called industrial society. As he opined in paragraph 79 of his treatise: It would be better to dump the whole stinking system and take the consequences. Born May 22, 1942, Theodore John Kaczynski grew up in Evergreen Park, Ill., a Chicago suburb. His father, Theodore R. Kaczynski, was a sausage maker, and his mother, Wanda Kaczynski, a full-time homemaker. They quickly recognized his brilliance and tried to nurture it, discussing Scientific American magazine articles with him when he was young. His dad loved the outdoors and taught his two sons camping skills. Young Ted skipped two grades without much effort. In high school, his math teacher said Ted was likely the smartest student hed ever seen. He had no friends, but joined the coin club, played trombone in the school band and got into Harvard on a scholarship. In his university days, he was known mostly as a recluse. I dont recall more than 10 words being spoken by him, Patrick S. MacIntosh, one of Kaczynskis roommates for three years, told the Boston Globe. "His room was an unholy mess, the worst mess I've ever seen in my life," MacIntosh said. "Sometimes it smelled like he had left his lunch in there for weeks." Ted Kaczynski, center, is led from a plane by federal authorities at Mather Field in Rancho Cordova, Calif., in 1996. (Dick Schmidt / Associated Press) Kaczynskis brilliance, however, was unquestioned. A math major, he was admitted to a graduate program at the University of Michigan, where he received his doctorate in 1967. His dissertation won a prize as thesis of the year. Without the assistance or knowledge of his professors, he published papers in respected journals. Ted was quietly solving open problems and creating new mathematics, Joel H. Shapiro, a Michigan classmate, told the Los Angeles Times. It was as if he could write poetry while the rest of us were struggling to learn grammar." In 1967, he signed on as an assistant professor at UC Berkeley. Two years later, he resigned. While he had never been active in Vietnam War protests, he told a family friend he didnt want to be part of the war machine. But from the cabin he built on land purchased with his brother, David, for $2,100, he pursued his own private war. For 25 years, Kaczynski lived three miles from Lincoln, Mont., without electricity or running water. He got around on a rickety bicycle. His beard went halfway down his chest, and he was perennially disheveled. He spoke with few of the locals, though he sometimes rode along with a neighbor to bus stations in Helena or Missoula, secretly carrying his dangerous cargo in wrapped, intricately made wooden boxes. Nobody had sensed that he was violent, but by the 1990s, doubts were stirring among those who knew him best. In increasingly blistering letters, he had estranged himself from his family. When his father, suffering from terminal cancer, took his own life in 1990, Ted refused to attend the funeral. David, a social worker in Schenectady, N.Y., was concerned about his older brothers mental state and so was his wife, Linda Patrik, a philosophy professor at Union College. It was Patrik who persuaded her husband to read the Unabombers newly released manifesto. In their five years of marriage, she had never met her husband's brother, but she was familiar with his long, rambling letters, typically laden with fearful forecasts about technology. Some of the similarities between the manifesto and Teds writings were startling. When David saw the phrase cool-headed logicians in the manifesto, his heart sank. Kaczynski had used the same phrase in one of his letters. David also was disquieted by his brother's familiarity with the places that had been targeted by the Unabomber. Chicago, the University of Michigan, Berkeley, Salt Lake City: All were spots that Kaczynski knew well. Ultimately, he came to an anguished dilemma: Do nothing and run the risk that Ted might kill again, or turn him in and accept the likelihood that he would be executed for his crimes. After the manifestos publication, the FBI received some 55,000 tips on who the Unabomber might be. Offered through an attorney, David Kaczynskis tip about his brother hit home. He later donated most of his $1-million FBI reward to his brothers victims. Consulting with a Georgetown University linguist, FBI profiler James R. Fitzgerald led a team that scoured the manifesto and Ted Kaczynskis old letters to his family. The first similarity to strike Fitzgerald was: You cant eat your cake and have it too an uncommon version of the maxim You cant have your cake and eat it too. His team found some 600 distinctive phrases used in both the manifesto and the letters, including words like wilfully, that were spelled in the style used by the Chicago Tribune when Kaczynski was growing up. On April 3, 1996, a legion of FBI agents and law enforcement personnel surrounded the Unabombers cabin off Humbug Contour Road. A U.S. Forest Service ranger and two agents pretending to be land surveyors knocked at the door. Within seconds, the Unabomber was in custody. For 25 years, Ted Kaczynski lived in a cabin three miles from Lincoln, Mont., without electricity or running water. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press) In a days-long search of the property, investigators found thousands of journal pages, bomb diagrams, technical data on bomb chemistry, two typewriters and shelves of bomb-making materials. Kaczynskis bed was a plywood platform suspended from the wall. It had no mattress, because, as he once told his brother, mattresses make men weak. Beneath the bed was a live bomb, awaiting its next victim. On Jan. 21, 1998, before a federal judge in Sacramento, Kaczynski pleaded guilty to murder and all other federal charges. The plea spared him the possibility of a death sentence. Years later, he responded to a questionnaire from organizers of his 50th alumni reunion at Harvard. He described his occupation as prisoner and noted his awards: Eight life sentences, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, 1998. Kaczynski spent most of his time behind bars in solitary confinement at the federal Administrative Maximum Facility also known as Supermax, near Florence, Colo. Housed in a 12-by-7-foot cell only slightly smaller than his cabin, he was allowed out into a cement courtyard for just one hour a day. For a time, his companions on his workout break, each enclosed in a large wire cage, were Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh and World Trade Center bomber Ramzi Ahmed Yousef. Kaczynski kept himself busy with correspondence. He periodically donated the hate mail addressed to him as well as his many exchanges with fans to a special collection at the University of Michigan library. He turned down nearly all interview requests. In 1999, however, he sat down with Time Magazines Stephen J. Dubner, who pointed out that anarchists saw him as a hero. Kaczynski was flattered but largely unimpressed. A lot of these people are just irrational, he said. Steve Chawkins is a former Times staff writer. Sign up for Essential California, your daily guide to news, views and life in the Golden State. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. You are here: China Chinese authorities Friday released a draft guideline on the punishment of illegal and criminal activities of cyberbullying to solicit public opinion. The draft, issued by the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the Ministry of Public Security, aims to crack down on illegal and criminal cyberbullying activities in accordance with the law, protect people's rights and interests, and maintain good Internet order. The document noted that illegal online behaviors, including online defamation, online insults, infringement of personal information, offline nuisance, and malicious marketing hype driven by cyberbullying, shall be lawfully punished. Illegal and criminal activities of cyberbullying targeting minors and people with disabilities or involving online trolls shall be severely punished, according to the guideline. Based on the difficulties in identifying the perpetrators and collecting evidence, the draft urged relevant authorities to provide sufficient legal aid for the victims of cyberbullying. Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski, the man known as the "Unabomber" for a series of bombings targeting scientists, was found dead in his prison cell Saturday morning, a spokesperson for the federal Bureau of Prisons told CBS News. Kaczynski was found unresponsive in his prison cell just after midnight Saturday morning, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release. Staff "immediately initiated life-saving measures," and Kaczynski was transported to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead there, the department said. The bureau spokesperson said that he was pronounced dead around 8 a.m. A cause of death was not immediately known. At the time of his death, Kaczynski was being held at the U.S. Bureau of Prison's FMC Butner medical center in eastern North Carolina, where he had been transferred in Dec. 2021. The reasons for his transfer were not made public. Previously, he was serving a life sentence at ADX Florence, a federal supermax prison in Colorado. Kaczynski terrorized the nation with a mail bombing campaign that ran from 1978 to 1995. He sent homemade bombs to victims, CBS San Francisco previously reported, cumulatively killing three people and injuring 24. The Harvard-trained mathematician and former UC Berkeley math professor targeted anyone having to do with the advancement of technology. Kaczynski was captured on April 3, 1996, after an almost two-decade manhunt. He was found living in a cabin in the backwoods on Montana in a 10-by-14 foot plywood and tarpaper cabin, where he'd been living since the 1970s. His brother David Kaczynski and his wife Linda Patrik turned him into the FBI. David Kaczynski recognized his brother's handwriting in an anti-technology manifesto, titled "Industrial Society and Its Future," when it was published in national newspapers. Kaczynski pled guilty to charges including transportation of an explosive with intent to kill or injure, mailing an explosive device with the intent to kill or injure, and use of a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence. Arden Farhi contributed reporting. Four young children found alive in Colombian jungle after more than 5 weeks Ted Kazcynski, "Unabomber" who mailed threats across nation, dies at 81 "CBS Weekend News" headlines for Saturday, June 10, 2023 Donaldson Collection/Getty Mike Singh didnt think twice about the wild-looking stranger who walked into the Burger King he managed at a Sacramento bus terminal in April 1995. The disheveled man with the matted mop of reddish-blond hair looked like all the other bums who came in in the mornings, Singh later told the Associated Press. The stranger, who ordered a breakfast sandwich, had several books tucked under his arm. He told Singh that he was doing research. Singh would later see a photo of the man on television. His name, according to the news anchor, was Ted Kaczynski, and the FBI had just arrested him on suspicion of being the Unabomber, the serial-bombing bogeyman who had been terrorizing America for nearly two decades. But the day of the arrest was still roughly a year away on that morning at the Burger King; and before he was finally brought to justice, Kaczynski had one final, deadly surprise in store. Several days later, a shoebox-sized package arrived at the Sacramento offices of the California Forestry Association, wrapped neatly in brown paper. When Gilbert Murray, the organizations 47-year-old president, opened it, the bomb hidden inside detonated, killing him. The handful of staffers also in the office that day all escaped unharmed, but the office looked apocalyptic after the blast. One employee later told The New York Times that it had been like walking through a war atmosphere, with shrapnel in the walls and everything busted down. There was a chemical smell from the bomb itself. The carpeting and all the walls had been ripped out. There was a real sense of evil to it, he added. The same day, a letter was delivered to The New York Times. Its author claimed he was responsible for the string of 15 previous mail-bombing incidents that had taken place over the last decade and a half, proclaiming his goal to be nothing less than the complete destruction of the worldwide industrial system. This was the shadowy figure known to the American public only as the Unabomber. MCT/Getty The Unabomber announced in his letter that he was preparing to send the Times and a few other news outlets a long article he had written, which he wanted published in its entirety. Acquiesce to his demands, he promised, and he would permanently desist from terrorist activities. Resist, and he would start building our next bomb. Theodore John Kaczynski, a recluse who had spent 25 years eking out an existence in the Montana wilderness, was arrested almost exactly one year later. His 35,000-word manifesto, calling for a revolt against technology and environmental destruction, had indeed been published, sparking the chain reaction that finally led authorities directly to him. Though Kaczynski was referred to as the alleged Unabomber in news reports, after glimpsing the mountain of evidence inside his cabinincluding a copy of the manifesto, 40,000 pages of journal entries, and a fully-constructed bombone agent who had spent years on the Unabombers trail turned to his colleagues in tears. This is it, he said, according to the Times. Its over. This is the guy. Kaczynskiwho died in his prison cell on Saturdaywould eventually agree to plead guilty to several charges linked to the Unabombers 17-year bombing campaign, which killed three people and injured 23 others. A Harvard graduate and the subject of the longest, most expensive manhunt in FBI history, Kaczynski was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1998. Before he became the Unabomber, though, Kaczynski was Teddy, a kid growing up in a working-class Chicago suburb. His father, Theodore Turk Kaczynski, was a sausage factory worker. His mother, Wanda Kaczynski, was a fixture at local PTA meetings, and frequently could be found leading bands of children through the woods, educating them about the environment. She read articles from Scientific American aloud to Teddy and his brother, David, seven years his junior. Archival photo of American mathematician and Professor Ted Kaczynski, later a domestic terrorist known as the Unabomber. Scott Manchester/Getty Born in 1942, Teddy was a nerds nerd, shy and arrogant, socially doomed, as a New Yorker writer put it. Given a genius score of 167 on a fifth-grade IQ test, Kaczynski was skipped straight to seventh grade, later jumping another grade on an administrative recommendation in high school. Two years younger than his peers, Kaczynski was a social pariah. He joined the chess, coin-collecting, German, and mathematics clubs; he was a voracious reader; he played the trombone. Nothing helped. Scientifically minded, however, he did possess a preternatural talent for creating explosions that occasionally drew others in. Classmate Dale Eickelman later told Chicagos Daily Southtown how, at 12 years old, Kaczynski had the know-how of putting together things like batteries, wire leads, potassium nitrate and whatever. The pair would go to the hardware store to collect materials for things you might call bombs, trekking to open fields to blow up weeds. Kaczynski excelled academically, and enrolled at Harvard on a scholarship at age 16. Of all the youngsters I have worked with at the college level, his high school guidance counselor wrote to the university, I believe Ted has one of the greatest contributions to make to society. He is reflective, sensitive, and deeply conscious of his responsibilities to society. At Harvard, Kaczynski would bolt past his housemates after classes, shutting himself up in his room to eat alone. The smell of rotting food wafted from his door, and his neighbors were often kept awake by his late-night trombone practice sessions, or the sound of him repeatedly banging a chair against the wall, rocking as he studied, according to a report from The Washington Post. Paralyzingly introverted, Kaczynski was now also afflicted with what he termed acute sexual starvation, as he later reflected from behind bars. There was something gnawing, something brewing in Kaczynski by the time he graduated from Harvard in 1962, according to a criminologists assessment for the Post. Moving on to pursue a masters and doctorate in mathematical analysis at the University of Michigan, Kaczynski had already begun to fantasize about revolutionary violence and breaking away from normal society, a court-appointed forensic psychiatrist later concluded. But Kaczynski was an undeniable virtuoso in mathematics, his Michigan classmates said. While most of us were just trying to learn how to arrange logical statements into coherent arguments, Ted was quietly solving open problems and creating new mathematics, Joel Shapiro explained to the Times. It was as if he could write poetry while the rest of us were trying to learn grammar. Parlaying his talent into a teaching post at the University at California Berkeley, Kaczynski appeared to be on track for tenure by 1969, when he quit with little warning or explanation. The Post reported Kaczynski had told his father, Turk, that he hadnt wanted to teach students how to destroy nature with nuclear weapons. But an Atlantic writer later suggested that Kaczynski had only accepted the position to build up a nest egg for his inevitable retreat into the wild. On a 1.4 acre plot of land in Montanas high country that he jointly owned with his brother David, Kaczynski built the cabin that became his home for the next quarter-century. Living without electricity or plumbing, he grew or poached his own food, riding a rickety bicycle five miles into the nearby town of Lincoln every few weeks to quietly stock up on the bare essentials and visit the public library. I hate the system not because of some abstract humanitarian principle but because I hated living in the system. I got out of it by getting into the mountains, Kaczynski told a documentary crew making a 2020 Netflix miniseries. But the system wouldnt leave me alone. Hypersensitive to the mechanical noise that intruded into his forest sanctum, Kaczynski in the early 70s began to exact his revenge, as she called it, through monkey-wrenching, a nascent term environmental activists had plucked from an Edward Abbey novel to describe acts of industrial sabotage. He struck wires between trees on trails used by motorcyclists; poured sand into the fuel tank of a nearby sawmill; and attacked snowmobiles with engine-degrading sugar. There was less he could do about the jets that frequently screamed over his cabin, though. Stewing in his rage, Kaczynski also began to distance himself from his stinking family, as he later wrote to David, around 1977. Turk and Wanda received long, hate-filled letters accusing them of pushing their oldest son too hard academically. He blamed them for everythinghis social ineptitude, his failure with women, and his anger. I hate you, and I will never forgive you, because the harm you did me can never be undone, he wrote to Wanda in one scorching note, according to Time magazine. When Turk committed suicide in 1990, shortly after being diagnosed with lung cancer, Kaczynski skipped the funeral. After David got married in 1989, he became a target of his brothers written ire as well. The Unabomber struck for the first time on May 26, 1978. A strange wooden boxmeticulously sanded, polished and stained, like a piece of fine furniture from an old-world artisan, as a Times writer described itarrived at Northwestern University. A public safety officer opened it, detonating the crude, homemade bomb inside. The officers hand was injured in the explosion, but he escaped with his life. Wanda Kaczynski and her son David Kaczynski are escorted to their car by defense lawyer Dennis Waks and attorney Anthony Pisceglie after the suspected Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski pleaded guilty. John G. Mabanglo/Getty More bombs began to be mailed out, seemingly to wreak havoc indiscriminately. The Unabombers victims would eventually include university professors, graduate students, computer store owners, a secretary, and a geneticist. In one 1979 incident, a dozen people were treated for smoke inhalation injuries after one of the Unabombers parcels caught fire in the cargo hold of an American Airlines flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C., though there were no fatalities. The idea was to kill a lot of business people who we assumed would constitute the majority of passengers, the Unabomber wrote in a 1995 letter to the Times. But of course, some passengers would likely have been innocent peoplemaybe kids or some working stiff going to see his sick grandmother. Were glad now that that attempt failed. Kaczynski responded to news reports of his other attacks with unbridled glee, however. After maiming an Air Force pilot studying at Berkeley in May 1985, Kaczynski mused in his journal that the victim might have been one of the guys that has flown those fucking jets over my home. This gives great relief to my choking, frustrated anger and sense of impotence against the system. A joint task force made up of a number of federal agencies and a swelling FBI file on the UNABOM (for university, airline, and bomber) case did little to produce answers. The suspect meticulously erased his tracks, removing any traces of DNA from his bombs before sending them out. Desperate for leads, the bureau eventually offered a $1 million reward for information. More than 53,000 calls swamped the bureau. All of them pointed to dead ends, according to lead agent Donald Noel. Meanwhile, Kaczynskis bombs were becoming lethal. In December 1985, Hugh Scrutton, 32, was killed after picking up a bomb filled with nails outside the computer rental store that he owned. Excellent, Kaczynski wrote in his journal. Humane way to eliminate somebody. He probably never felt a thing. In December 1994, one of his bombs killed 50-year-old Thomas Mosser, a New Jersey advertising executive. A totally satisfactory result, Kaczynski concluded. The Unabomber began to speak publicly for the first time in 1993, beginning a one-sided correspondence with newspapers like the Times, the Post, and the San Francisco Chronicle that reached a crescendo in June 1995, when he mailed out his colossal manifesto, expecting publication in a widely read, nationally distributed periodical. (The publisher of Penthouse offered in an open letter not only to publish the manifesto verbatim, but also to give the bomber a monthly column.) The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race, Kaczynski began his 56-page manifesto, Industrial Society and Its Future. He insisted that people had been robbed of their freedom, happiness, and dignity by the techno-industrial state. The only solution was revolution, violent if necessary, and the systems wholesale annihilation. In garrulous print, his credo revealed him to be a visionary, a New Yorker critic proclaimed in 1997. His dream was of a green and pleasant land liberated from the curse of technological proliferation. The manifesto was published by The Washington Post as an eight-page supplement on Sept. 19, 1995, following three months of deliberations with both Attorney General Janet Reno and FBI Director Louis J. Freeh. Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr. of the Times, who had been involved in the discussions, fronted half of the printing costs. Here we are dealing with an individual with a 17-year record of violent actions, he said on publication day. Hard experience proves that his threat to send another bomb must be taken absolutely seriously. David Kaczynski first read his brothers manifesto in October, scrolling on a library computer in Schenectady, New York, with a sinking feeling. It was his wife, Linda Patrik, a philosophy professor at Union College who had never met Ted, who first seriously suggested that there might have been a link between the man in the woods and the mysterious Unabomber. Hey, youve got this screwy brother, she had joked in the past, David later recalled in an interview. Maybe hes the guy. On an emotional level, David told ABC News, the manifesto just sounded like my brothers voice. You know, the way he talked, the way he argued, the way he expressed an idea. He and Linda dug out a number of Kaczynskis old letters, including a vitriolic 23-page essay in which he fumed, Technology has already made it impossible for us to live as physically independent beings. The couple, chilled, spent several months comparing the evidence and discussing whether to come forward with what they were increasingly convinced was true. David and Linda eventually approached the FBI in December 1995. Kaczynski was arrested by federal agents on a cold, slushy day in April the following year. Though the bureau had promised them confidentiality, David turned on his television that night to see CBS Dan Rather explain to viewers across the nation that the alleged Unabomber had been turned in by his own brother. Kaczynski himself found out the next day, when he asked a public defender in Lincoln how hed been caught. Oh, didnt you know? the lawyer replied, according to Yahoo News. It was your brother. Kaczynski was hauled before a Sacramento court to answer for a number of the Unabombers attacks, including two of the fatal bombings. Though David, accompanied by Wanda, had a seat in the packed courtroom ten feet away from his older brother, Kaczynski never once acknowledged his family. Instead, he initially pleaded not guilty, and appeared set to go to trialuntil he learned that his lawyers were preparing an insanity defense, attempting to save him from the death penalty. This kicked off what the San Francisco Examiner diplomatically called a long-running disagreement with his defense team regarding his mental state. For months, Kaczynski clashed with his attorneys, who were planning to call experts to paint him as dangerously, schizophrenically disconnected from reality. They had hired a flatbed truck to haul his 10-by-12 foot plywood cabin across the country to the courtroom, a New Yorker writer covering the proceedings reported, where they would show it to the jury and ask the question: Would anyone but a certifiable lunatic choose such a primitive abode? Desperate to avoid a humiliating trial, Kaczynski asked the judge to be allowed to either hire new legal representation or represent himself. Both requests were denied. After an attempt to strangle himself in his cell failed, Kaczynski concluded he had been backed into a corner, and agreed to a plea deal in January 1998, all but directly acknowledging he was the Unabomber. Kaczynski s guided to his arraignment in Helena, Montana on April 4, 1996. Michael Macor/Getty As Inmate 04475-046 at a federal supermax prison in Colorado known as the Alcatraz of the Rockies, Kaczynski lived on Celebrity Row alongside the Oklahoma City bomber and one of the men behind the 1993 World Trade Center attack. He told a pen pal that he thought both were nicer than the majority of people Ive known on the outside, according to Yahoo News. In fact, he wrote in another letter, he considered himself to be in a (relatively) fortunate situation in the lockup, he shared in another letter. And yet the knowledge that I'm locked up here and likely to remain so for the rest of my lifeit ruins it, he told a Time magazine writer, who judged the Unabomber to be affable, polite and sincere, in 1999. And I don't want to live long. I would rather get the death penalty than spend the rest of my life in prison. Though he remained a prolific writer behind bars, corresponding with the hordes of people, including multiple love interests, who wrote him letters, and penning a number of books, Kaczynski soured on interviews after the Time profile. With hardly any information publicly available about his activities over the last two decades, it came as a surprise when the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced in December 2021 that Kaczynski, then 79, had been transferred to a medical center known for treating inmates with significant health problems, according to The Washington Post. A bureau spokesperson declined to share details on his condition. There has never been a serial killer in the United States with Kaczynskis academic credentials, one article trumpeted the week of Kaczynskis arrest. But Linda, speaking candidly a few months after her brother-in-laws sentencing, downplayed his twisted achievement. Based on this whole experience, I have lost respect for tremendous intellect, she said. I have discovered that genius needs to be coupled with heart and loving relationships with people to have a positive impact on society. I now know that intellectual brilliance alone has great dangers. 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. Ted Kaczynski, the man who set off more than a dozen bombs and became known as the Unabomber, has died. Kaczynski was found dead in his prison cell on Saturday, according to multiple reports. He was 81. His cause of death has not been revealed, though in 2021 he was moved to a prison medical facility due to poor health. Kaczynski set off 16 bombs that killed three people and injured 23 others in various parts of the country between 1978 and 1995. He was arrested in 1996 at his remote cabin in western Montana. In this April 4, 1996, file photo, Ted Kaczynski, also known as the In this April 4, 1996, file photo, Ted Kaczynski, also known as the "Unabomber," is escorted into a federal courthouse in Helena, Montana. Kaczynski went nearly 20 years without being captured and terrorized the country each time he set off homemade explosives, often through the mail. On Nov. 15, 1979, an American Airlines flight heading from Chicago to Washington, D.C., filled with smoke after a bomb made by Kaczynski detonated in the luggage compartment. The plane was able to land safely and no one died, but the bombings continued. Six years after that incident, in 1985, Kaczynski left a bomb in the parking lot of a California computer store, killing the stores owner. Kaczynski, who entered Harvard at 16 and received an undergraduate degree there, infamously wrote a 35,000-word manifesto railing against technology and industrial society. He successfully pressured The Washington Post and The New York Times into publishing his treatise in 1995, telling the newspapers that he would stop hurting people if they did so. But the manifestos publication ultimately led to Kaczynskis capture. When his brother and brothers wife saw the text, they realized it sounded like Kaczynski and tipped off the FBI. Kaczynski eventually pleaded guilty to the bombings rather than allow his legal team to claim that he was insane. Hilary Hanson contributed to this report. Related... The new abnormal: Unprecedented spectacle of Trump charges could become routine by 2024 Donald Trumps arraignment next week in a Miami courthouse will mark an unprecedented moment in American history, in which a former president will campaign for his old job while simultaneously facing federal charges that could ultimately send him to prison. Its a dizzying political dynamic that, somehow, might soon feel routine on this years campaign trail. As the 2024 Republican presidential primary kicks into a higher gear this summer, Trump and the rest of the GOP field are bracing for the possibility that the former president already facing state and federal felony criminal charges could face two more rounds of indictments before voters even start casting ballots next year. Trump is currently under federal indictment related to his handling of classified documents, and charged in New York with falsifying business records to conceal extramarital affairs in the months before the 2016 election. But he faces additional charges at both the state and federal level related to investigations into his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol and the 2020 election in Georgia. Political experts struggle to find a comparable moment in the countrys history. We havent had anything like this in modern American political campaigns, said Danny Hayes, a professor of political science at George Washington University. This is completely unprecedented in political campaigns. And yet, Trumps opponents, including Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis, are already falling into a routine when the former president faces a new set of criminal charges a paradigm that would have been unthinkable before Trumps first felony indictment last March. His opponents have largely defended him against the latest charges, much as they did earlier in the year after a grand jury in Manhattan indicted the former president. In the aftermath of news of the indictment, most of them have said they think the Justice Department investigation was politically motivated, echoing Trumps own defense. The DeSantis administration will bring accountability to the DOJ, excise political bias and end weaponization once and for all, the Florida governor tweeted. DeSantis and Trumps other rivals in the GOP field argue they can carry on Trumps Make America Great Again policies without the baggage and drama that burden its architect. But the expanding saga of Trumps legal woes will put their political theory to the ultimate test. After Trump was first indicted by a district attorney in New York, support for the former president surged among likely Republican voters and few of Trumps opponents have criticized any of the behavior that has made him the subject of multiple criminal probes. Longtime political operators said they expected Trump would receive the same boost in support from Republicans this week. What makes this indictment any different? said Fernand Amandi, a Democratic strategist and pollster based in Miami. I expect the same falling in line behind Trump for the simple reason that the Republican Party of today is Donald Trumps party, he added. RALLY AROUND HIM In anticipation of the federal indictment, and with the experience of his earlier indictment in New York under his belt, Trump and his team coordinated over the last two weeks with Republican leaders on Capitol Hill to prepare a response all but forcing members of the GOP field, some of whom might otherwise have been inclined to use this moment as an opening to attack him, to fall in line behind his defense. Nancy Mace, a Republican lawmaker from South Carolina who has yet to endorse a candidate in the GOP primary, told CNN on Friday that the new set of charges would likely help him. Im still keeping my powder dry and watching the Republican primary process, Mace said. But I do believe Joe Biden handed the nomination to Donald Trump last night. Youre seeing the different presidential candidates rally around him. Youre seeing folks across the country rally around him. The former presidents 2024 campaign was also ready, blasting out a fundraising email shortly after Trump announced he had been indicted. The Deep State thought they had destroyed our campaign when a Soros-backed prosecutor indicted and even ARRESTED me earlier this year, the campaign wrote. But then, we SHOCKED them as our campaign grew even stronger. Christian Ziegler, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, said since news of the indictment broke hes heard even from DeSantis supporters about their unhappiness with the DOJs actions. Its part of a broad response, he added, from Republicans rallying to defend the president even at the start of a primary race in which voters might support a broad array of candidates. I think everyone on the Republican side, I dont care who you support for president, all agree with that feeling, said Ziegler, who is staying neutral in the 2024 GOP primary. The continued series of allegations against Trump could theoretically affect GOP voters opinions of him, draining him of support in the partys primary. Thus far, however, that hasnt happened: After the first indictment, Trump actually gained support with GOP voters, polls showed. When April began, the former president was averaging just under 48% support among Republican voters in national polls, according to an average of surveys compiled by FiveThirtyEight.com. The polling average now shows him with nearly 54% support, while his chief rival, DeSantis, from about 28% to 21% support in the same timeframe. After his first indictment, Trump politically benefited from most of his GOP rivals defending him, with many calling them unfair and politically motivated. The same pattern appeared to take hold this week, with Republican candidates like U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy saying the former president was being unfairly targeted. On Friday morning, former Vice President Mike Pence told conservative radio show host Hugh Hewitt that he would clean house at the Justice Department if elected president. But he said he was deeply troubled by the indictment, he said. But let me be very clear: No one is above the law, said Pence, who says that Trump asked him to violate the U.S. Constitution when he pushed him to thwart the certification of the 2020 presidential election results on Jan. 6. THE CASES The federal indictment, unsealed on Friday, includes 31 counts charging Trump with willfully retaining national defense material in violation of the Espionage Act, as well as additional charges of making false statements and conspiring to obstruct justice. The FBI raided Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in August of last year to reclaim government documents after a monthslong negotiation with the former presidents team over the return of boxes of classified material. Some of the documents were among the most sensitive in the U.S. government, containing highly classified national security secrets, federal prosecutors said in their search warrant. The classified documents Trump stored in the boxes included information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the U.S. and foreign countries, U.S. nuclear programs, potential vulnerabilities of the U.S. and its allies to military attack, the indictment reads. Trump faces other legal challenges, as well. In April, the former president was charged in New York with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, accused by the Manhattan district attorney of attempting to bury allegations of extramarital affairs using hush money payments while running for the presidency in 2016. He also faces potential federal and state-level charges stemming from his attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The same special counsels office that indicted Trump on Thursday, run by Jack Smith, is still investigating his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. And Georgia prosecutors are weighing whether to charge Trump with criminally interfering in the administration of the states 2020 election. At a minimum, future charges against Trump and the procedural hurdles involved in all of the legal processes he faces could distract him from the campaign trail this fall and winter, when candidates traditionally are laser-focused on campaigning in the primarys early state contests. Political experts say how voters react to potential future charges against Trump could depend on how his Republican opponents choose to respond to them. Trump is not invulnerable to criticism from within his own party, and when Republicans collectively criticize him, it does hurt him in the polls, Hayes said. So whether or not this indictment or future indictments or any other legal jeopardy actually poses a risk to Trump will depend very much on how other candidates and how other GOP leaders decide to handle it. ATACMS missiles Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Michael McCaul, stated that if the United States fails to provide Ukraine with all necessary weaponry, it would contribute to prolonging the conflict. The success of the Ukrainian counter-offensive is directly linked to the military assistance provided by the United States and our allies, McCaul said. Therefore, it is extremely unfortunate that the administration is withholding billions of dollars in military funding that could have been immediately transferred to Ukraine, thereby significantly aiding its Armed Forces in altering the situation on the battlefield. The resolution highlights that the United States and its allied nations collectively possess thousands of ATACMS missiles. Read also: US will continue to provide Ukraine with weapons despite attack on Moscow White House If the resolution is passed by the U.S. Congress, it will call on President Biden to promptly provide Ukraine with an adequate quantity of ATACMS missiles to expedite Ukraines victory. Previously, the Pentagon stated that the provision of Storm Shadow missiles from the UK to Ukraine did not impact Washingtons position of not providing Ukraine with long-range missiles. However, U.S. lawmakers have continued to urge President Biden to supply Kyiv with long-range weaponry. Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov commented that Western countries hesitate to provide Ukraine with long-range U.S. ATACMS missiles due to their limited global availability, as well as concerns that the Ukrainian military might target Russian territory. 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 How Utah adopted the most inclusive in-state tuition policy in the nation for refugees Mahsa Qaderi, an Afghani refugee by way of Kabul, poses for a portrait at her home in West Valley City on Friday, June 9, 2023. | Ryan Sun, Deseret News Mahsa Qaderi, a young girl from Afghanistan whose dream of becoming a computer programmer was thwarted by high tuition costs. A young woman from Kenya putting every single penny toward her out-of-state tuition fees. And several Venezuelans hoping to continue their education in America. With the help of Utah Rep. Jordan Teuscher, who sponsored HB102 a revolutionary bill signed by Gov. Spencer Cox in March that expands in-state tuition access to refugees and asylum seekers these people now have an opportunity to pursue their educational goals. Teuscher discussed the bills legislative process on Tuesday afternoon at the fourth annual States Lay the Foundation Summit. Hosted online by the International Rescue Committee, founded by Albert Einstein in 1933 to respond to the worlds biggest humanitarian crises, and the Refugee Advocacy Lab, eight leading state legislators discussed recent policies they implemented to help with refugee integration and resettlement. Speaking with Virginia state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, Teuscher deemed HB102 the most inclusive in-state tuition policy in the nation. Thats because, in addition to refugees and asylum-seekers, other eligible parties benefiting from the bill include special immigrant visa recipients, individuals granted humanitarian parole and general newcomers. And Teuscher said that stories like Qaderis, heard at committee meetings, helped spur unanimous support for HB102. Im a hard-working student, and I want a better life for my family, Qaderi said in her testimony to the Utah Senate Education Committee in February. If Im not approved a resident, I wont be able to afford the expensive tuition, and my dreams will never come true. Please help me, and help other people like me, start life in the beautiful United States of America. HB102 allows refugees to immediately qualify for in-state tuition rates by requiring state schools to grant them residency status, which can otherwise take years to receive. Teuscher said his interest in the issue was sparked by one of his constituents, Carlos Moreno, a Venezuelan who came to America on a student visa. A unique opportunity abroad ended with the Venezuelan government freezing Morenos bank accounts and charging him with treason after he spoke out against his home country. Forced to apply for political asylum, Moreno fortunately didnt have to wait long. I had to apply for political asylum here. I was lucky because my political asylum process took four months. That was very, very, very unusual because that process takes 10 years, seven years, eight years, 12 years. During that time, you are from nowhere. You are in a legal limbo. You are here, but at the same time, you are not here, Moreno told the Deseret News in January, before the bills passage. Whats more, Moreno was elected student body president at Salt Lake Community College, which earned him a scholarship. Still, he urged Teuscher to address the high tuition costs preventing fellow refugees from pursuing higher education. It wasnt Teuschers goal to make HB102 the most inclusive in-state tuition policy in the nation, but through a gradual process, which included substantial amounts of feedback and revisions, it became historic. When the bill was first drafted, we were looking at refugees and asylum-seekers. And as other groups took a look at the legislation, they said, Well, what about this group that might be impacted? The legislation just got better and better, Teuscher said during the summit. The International Rescue Committee, one of 10 nonprofit refugee resettlement agencies in the United States, was one of those groups that worked closely with Teuscher as the bill continued to progress. The consultative process was conversations with him where we said, Hey could this potentially include humanitarian parolees? Annie Healion, the International Rescue Committee Utah advocacy officer, said. He did his political machinations, figured out stuff, that if it could work, and then added folks in. Teuscher easily won support, thanks to touching stories like Qaderis that brought the refugee plight to life in vivid detail. Mahsa Qaderi, an Afghani refugee by way of Kabul, poses for a portrait at her home in West Valley City on Friday, June 9, 2023. | Ryan Sun, Deseret News These stories touched everyones hearts. They brought people to tears, and they really made it real I think the more that we can push these stories to help our colleagues to understand the real impact that the legislation is going to have, the better off that we are. Teuscher also attributed the lack of opposition to the history of Utah, citing the Latter-day Saint pioneers who fled to the Beehive State because of religious persecution. Its in our DNA, he said. The bill unanimously passed both chambers of the Utah Legislature and took effect on May 3. When I heard the bill passed, I started crying, Qaderi said. Now, Qaderi has a scholarship from Salt Lake Community College, where she will study computer science this fall, and Teuscher has a message for other legislators throughout the country. I would just say that we can accomplish big things. Dont be afraid of taking on a challenge like this. Its just if we dont try, we cant do (it), and in this case it worked really well. Vintage photos show how deep sea diving and exploration has evolved over the years A diver gets ready to search for treasure in Tobermory Bay in 1954. Bettmann/Getty Exploring the world's oceans has been one of humankind's most difficult endeavours. Over centuries, diving technology has developed from diving bells to clunky diving suits to "air-lungs." Recently, it appears humans may have finally met their limits and robots have taken over. There's just something about the unknown. For the last few centuries, inventors, researchers and naval forces have worked to improve human's ability to dive deep. Things have come a long way since the diving bell. Humans have gone down more than 1,000 feet with no vessel around them, and tens of thousands of feet to the very bottom of the ocean inside vessels. One of those people was the film director James Cameron. But still much about the deep sea remains uncertain. Tens of thousands of robots are now being used for deep sea exploration and drilling. Here's how deep sea exploration has helped make our oceans a little less opaque. About 140 million square milesmore than 50%of the earth is covered by ocean. Yet scientists know more about the moon's surface than what's below the surface. A portrait of oceanographer Emil Racovitza. Its been digitally colorized but is one of the first underwater flash photographs from 1899. Gado/Getty Sources: DUJS, New York Times, New York Times One of the issues is that oceans are deep, and the deeper you go the more intense the pressure gets. At some points, the ocean floor is 35,000 feet below the surface. A diver from the US Navy adjusts his air pressure under water, circa 1955. Al Barry/Three Lions/Getty For comparison, that's about the same distance as a commercial aircraft's altitude above land. The ocean gets dark toofrom 3,280 feet onwards light disappears completely. Sources: New York Times, New York Times, Travel and Leisure For centuries, there were good reasons for wanting to go deepto explore shipwrecks, gather food, or find precious substances like pearl and sponge. But without the technology, people were restricted to shallow diving. An underwater camera crew makes close up of a diver actor to show the correct method of adjusting an air valve in 1944. Bettmann/Getty Sources: Atlantic The diving bellbasically a solid chamber that was dropped into the sea where a person could sit and breathe, swim out and return to when they needed more airchanged everything. For the first time people could stay underwater. An engraving of Edmund Halleys Diving Bell. DeAgostini/Getty Since as far back as Aristotle in 400 BC, there have been references to diving bells, but it wasn't until 1690 that a man named Edmund Halley patented a diving bell with a pipe which guided air to the diver. Sources: NZ Geographic, DUJS, Atlantic Then, in 1827, the first functioning diving suit was invented. Augustus Siebe, a British engineer, took a patented firefighters' copper smoke helmet and attached it to a diver's head with weights. A diver leaps into the water to investigate a crash in 1915. Jun Fujita/Chicago History Museum/Getty His first version was precariousif the diver moved the wrong way while underwater the helmet would fill with water and the diver could drown. But he later created a waterproof version sealed into the diver's suit. Sources: NZ Geographic, DUJS The diver was connected to the surface by tubes. From above, a team would pump air down to them. When the diver was done, they could close a valve in the suit and the air that was being pumped in would fill their suit and float them back up. A diver and his equipment aboard the HMS Blake in 1895. The Print Collector/Getty This suit marked the beginning of a new period of diving. Sources: NZ Geographic, DUJS For decades afterwards, divers wore bulky suits made of heavy materials like canvas, with massive metal helmets, lead belts weighing around 60 pounds and shoes with lead soles weighing about 18 pounds. Diving helmets stacked on a shelf at the US Navy Salvage School in New Jersey in 1955. Al Barry/Three Lions/Getty Sources: NZ Geographic They had to stagger to a point where they could drop into the water, but once they were under it was all goair was unlimited, and divers could salvage and explore wrecks, as well as search deeper parts of the ocean that were still unknown. A US Navy School diver prepares for a dive in 1930. Bettmann/Getty Sources: NY Books, NZ Geographic Although divers were still restricted by how deep they could go. In 1878, experts first began to understand the bends, a potentially deadly condition where nitrogen bubbles enlarge in the diver's blood if they return to the surface too quickly. A diver prepares himself before a dive, circa 1940. NCJ/Evening World/NCJ Archive/Mirrorpix/Getty Another issue that would become well known was nitrogen narcosis or the "Martini Effect." This kicked in when a diver went below 100 feet, and began to feel slightly drunk or untethered. Sources: NY Books, NZ Geographic In the early 20th century, armed forces around the world began training up their divers. In particular, beginning in 1912, with the looming threat of German military submarines, the US Navy launched a program to improve its methods. A US navy diver being fitted with a weight belt of about 100 pounds before a dive in 1955. Al Barry/Three Lions/Getty Sources: Naval History and Heritage Command From 1912 to 1915, navy divers increased the depth they could to go from about 60 feet up to 274 feet. An instructor signals through a porthole to a seaman at the bottom of a 15 foot tank, during submarine crew training in 1939. Keystone/Getty They used their new expertise in 1915 to recover the USS F-4, a sunk submarine off the coast of Hawaii, going down 304 feet. This set a record for deep sea diving using standard dive dress and the divers all noted afterwards that they had struggled to concentrate. This was due to nitrogen narcosis. Sources: Naval History and Heritage Command This experience alerted the navy to the problem of breathing normal air during a deep sea dive, and it started experimenting with a helium-oxygen mix. A US naval diver preparing for a dive in 1955. Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis/Getty Sources: Naval History and Heritage Command In 1930, the world's first deep sea dive in a vessel took place off the coast of an island called Nonsuch. The divers went down in a contraption called the bathysphere, which was basically a large steel ball with three quartz windows to look through. Gloria Hollister, William Beebe, and John Teevan with the bathysphere in 1932. Bettmann/Getty Sources: Smithsonian Magazine The aim was to record what was going on below. Two skinny men (they had to be skinny to get in and out of the bathysphere) an engineer named Otis Barton and a marine biologist William Beebe went down, taking notes. Otis Barton and William Beebe with the bathysphere in 1934. Ralph White/Corbis/Getty Sources: Smithsonian Magazine The dive was a success and when they returned to the surface Beebe was forever changed. He later wrote that the yellow of the sun, "can never hereafter be as wonderful as blue can be." William Beebe climbs out of the bathysphere in 1934. Ullstein bild/Getty The bathysphere was used 40 more times over the next four years, and it went as deep as 3,028 feet. They discovered more than a dozen new species of fish, but they had to be illustrated since it was difficult to photograph through the quartz windows. Sources: Smithsonian Magazine Throughout this period, individual diving suits were also being modified. Here's a heavy-looking one that weighed 1,400 pounds from 1931. Attached to its shoulders are two 1,000 watt lamps to see in the dark down below. US inventor H. L. Bowdoin with his deep sea diving suit in 1931. Imagno/Getty The all-metal suit was patented in 1914 by the inventor H. L. Bowdoin. He wanted divers to be able to execute difficult tasks in deep water so he designed a stronger, armoured suit. It's unclear if he ever made any money out of his invention. Sources: Snopes It wasn't until 1942, when Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a French Naval officer, created the "aqua lung," that deep sea diving took a leap forward. Oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau demonstrates his latest invention, the Aqua-Lung, in 1950. Bettmann/Getty An earlier air tank had been created in 1933, which worked like a tap, where once it was opened air came billowing out. Whereas Cousteau's invention was based on a car regulator and only released air when the diver tried to breath. Sources: DUJS The air lung was revolutionary, because it let divers control their own breathing. By the 1950s, regulators were widespread. Four deep divers using aqua lungs in Wisconsin in 1954. Bettmann/Getty Sources: NZ Geographic, DUJS As technology developed, divers kept going deeper. In 1956, a Royal Navy diver managed to get down to 600 feet. Because of the depth his ascent back up took 12 hours. A US navy diver on a diving stage before a dive in 1955. Al Barry/Three Lions/Getty Sources: NYBooks The record was broken again in 1962, by a 28-year-old Swiss mathematician named Hannes Keller and his partner journalist Peter Small. The pair descended 1,000 feet to the floor of the Pacific Ocean in a diving chamber called "Atlantis." Atlantis being lifted out of water after record-breaking 1,000 ft. dive. Don Cravens via Getty Images Shell, the oil company, had provided financial backing and equipment. The company was interested in Keller's secret mixture of oxygen and helium that he'd used on previous successful deep dives. Unfortunately, this time tragedy struck. When Keller left Atlantis his breathing hoses became tangled with the flags he had planned on planting in the sea floor. He managed to get back inside, but failed to close the door. Both divers lost consciousness. The team above saw both men were in a bad way and sent divers down to help. Sources: New York Times, NY Books The divers managed to close the door, which eased pressure, but Small ended up dying of decompression sickness while one of the rescue divers named Chris Whittaker went missing under water. His body was never discovered. Peter Small being carried out after his fatal dive with Hannes Keller. Don Cravens/Getty Ben Hellwarth, who wrote a book titled, "Sealab: America's Forgotten Quest to Live and Work on the Ocean Floor," told the New York Times, "His thousand-foot dive turned into a Houdini-like spectacle, unfortunately with disastrous consequences." Sources: New York Times, NY Books Despite the dive's tragic end, Keller continued experimenting and Shell profited from his discoveries. In the following 20 years, Shell's divers went down even deeper. Hannes Keller inspecting a diving mask in 1960. RDB/Ullstein bild/Getty Sources: NY Books It became normal for oil companies like Shell to contract deep sea diversmostly men between 25 and 40 who had worked in high-stakes environmentsto spend months at a time in the deep sea doing maintenance and repair work. Tanker spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 1990. Bettmann/Getty This was especially true after storms damaged pipelines, including in the Gulf of Mexico, where underwater repairs were urgently needed. The deep sea workers live in what's called a saturation complex, where air pressure is adapted to the depth and the air is a mixture of gases including helium. Food is delivered down to the workers, but due to the pressure it doesn't always survive. Fizzy drinks lose their fizz, while Rice Krispies fall to pieces. It's the third most dangerous in the US after logging and fishing. In 1998, a report by the CDC stated the fatality rate was 40 times the US average. Sources: NY Books While commercial deep diving developed, scientific research continued too. One leader in his field was the marine botanist Sylvia Earle. In 1970, Earle and a team of women scientists spent two weeks living underwater, studying a reef off the coast of St John Island. Sylvia Earle comes out of the underwater habitat to start an experiment in 1970. Bettmann Archive/Getty Sources: New York Times Earle made headlines in 1979, when she broke the record for deepest untethered walk along the sea floor, at 1,250 feet below the surface. She did it 10 years after Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, and like Armstrong, she planted a flag. Marine botanist Sylvia Earle after her descent off Hawaii accompanied by a mini submarine which took her down to 1,000 feet before letting her go in 1979. Bettmann/Getty She had strapped herself to the front of a submarine. Once she was at the bottom she untied herself and walked across the bottom of the sea floor for around two hours. Sources: New York Times, CNN, Guinness World Records But eventually humans appeared to reach their limits. The deepest a person has gone without being in a vessel was achieved back in 1988 when six divers went down 1,752 feet. Henri-Germain Delauze exploring the deep sea in 1999. Xavier Desmier/Gamma-Rapho/Getty They were part of a French engineering company called Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises. The company was founded by French diver Henri-Germain Delauze. Sources: Popular Mechanics, Washington Post By then, the shift toward using technology had already begun. According to Oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard, it started in the late 1970s. He himself only realized while he was aboard a vessel 8,000 feet below the surface. A diver and a two-man submarine search the ocean in 1963. OFF/AFP/Getty It came to him when he saw that his colleague was more focused on what was on a monitor rather than what he could see out the window. Sources: New York Times The moment stuck with him and he realized a few things, according to the New York Times: "It's cold and scary, time in the deep is limited, and robotic vehicles might do the same work for less money." Dr Robert Ballard during a book tour in 1987. Bettmann/Getty Sources: New York Times In 1985, a deep sea robot filmed the Titanic wreck for the first time. From then on, the use of deep sea robots boomed. Thirty years later, there were an estimated 10,000 of them, being used for research and for oil drilling. A shot of the Titanic wreck in 1996. Xavier Desmier/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Sources: New York Times It makes sense. Compared to humans, robots can stay below for longer, go deeper, and send their information back instantly. A French navy officer controls a robot during a dive operation in 2012. Patrick Aventurier/Getty Sources: New York Times, Popular Mechanics, New York Times Robotic vessels have also taken a number people down to the bottom of the seaat 35,858 feetincluding two US navy men in 1960, film director James Cameron in 2012, and investor Victor Vescovo in 2019. James Cameron sits in a model of the vessel he used in his deep sea exploration in 2018. SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images Sources: New York Times, Popular Mechanics, New York Times According to the New York Times, the robots "have clearly won the deep-sea war." A 3D picture of a modern diving suit from 2012. Patrick Avenurier/Getty Sources: New York Times Read the original article on Business Insider A villager works in a millet field in Nihe Village of Luozhuangzi Township, Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, Sept. 21, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese scientists have made a new breakthrough in the graph-based genome research of foxtail millet, which will facilitate rapid breeding of the crop and help ensure world food security. The new study, conducted by an international team led by scientists from the Institute of Crop Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), was published online in the latest issue of the academic journal Nature Genetics. Diao Xianmin, leader of the research said that foxtail millet is one of the oldest domesticated crops in the world and a staple crop in the formation of the Asian agricultural civilization and it held a dominant position in the Chinese agricultural system before the introduction of high-input agricultural practices like irrigation and chemical fertilizers. The crop possesses several favorable traits, including high photosynthetic rates, efficient water utilization, and strong environmental adaptation, Diao added. Michael Purugganan, a professor at New York University and the study's co-senior author, said foxtail millet is considered to be the foundation for early Chinese civilization. Moreover, because it is a crop that can grow across a wide range of environments, including arid lands, it has the potential to be important for food security under climate change. However, scientists previously lacked systematic basic research on the genome of foxtail millet. Researchers selected 1,844 varieties of millet and performed large-scale genetic studies. This study provides better understanding of the domestication and improvement process of foxtail millet, the genetic basis for important agricultural traits, as well as the methodology for large-scale data-assisted plant breeding, said He Qiang, the first author of this study. This achievement will pave the way for the next generation of large-scale germplasm utilization and functional gene mining for future breeding. By understanding the comprehensive set of genomic variations, scientists will be equipped with superior genetic tools to pursue biological research and breeding of foxtail millet, said Diao, adding that the research will also offer insights for other crops to enhance global food security. This work has not only offered new insights into the population structure of foxtail millet germplasm, and identified an ancient, more environmentally adaptive subgroup, but also systematically studied the domestication and improvement of foxtail millet, identifying numerous variations related to domestication and breeding selection, said Han Bin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Jing Haichun, a researcher with the Institute of Botany of CAS, said that foxtail millet is suitable for arid and semi-arid areas, like many places in Africa, and convenient for planting. This research may help provide a Chinese solution to cope with climate change and ensure global food security. Flooded as a result of Russians undermining Kakhovka HPP Kherson Read also: Blogger claims Russian soldiers had prior knowledge of attack on Kakhovka dam, evacuated in advance HUR The injured individuals are two men aged 52 and 25 years. They have been transported to the hospital, where medical professionals are providing them with the necessary assistance. The Korabelnyi district of Kherson, which lies on an island to the south of the center of the city, was very severely affected by the flooding caused by the destruction of the Russian-occupied Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station and dam. Rescue workers from the State Emergency Service and the police are evacuating local residents from the districts flooded streets. Read also: Volunteers needed to help pets rescued from Kherson Oblast The evacuation is taking place under constant danger, as Russian forces located on the left bank of the Dnipro River are firing mortars and artillery at the rescue route. 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 New voting districts could change again in some states before the 2024 elections FILE - Reggie Weaver, at podium, speaks outside the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C, on Feb. 15, 2022, about a recent partisan gerrymandering ruling by the North Carolina Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday, June 8, 2023, that Alabamas U.S. House districts violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the political power of Black voters.(AP Photo/Gary D. Robertson, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) The 2022 elections marked the first using new voting districts drawn from updated census data. Those districts typically last for a decade, but they could be short-lived in some states. Court challenges could force lawmakers or special commissions to draw yet another set of maps before the 2024 elections for representatives in Congress and state capitols. That means voters who were just shifted into new U.S. House or state legislative districts could be grouped with different communities when they go to vote the next time. Here's a look at some places where voting districts could change, and the reasons why. RACE IN REDISTRICTING The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that Alabamas congressional districts likely violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the political power of Black voters. The ruling means the state's Republican-led Legislature and GOP governor likely will have to draw new U.S. House districts in which Black voters comprise a majority or close to it in two of Alabama's seven districts, instead of only one. The ruling also could lead to new U.S. House districts in Louisiana, and potentially Georgia. While considering the Alabama case, the Supreme Court had put a hold on a similar lower court ruling that Louisiana's districts must be redrawn to create a second majority-Black district. That's likely to be lifted. A federal judge in Georgia last year also said some of its congressional and state legislative districts likely violated the Voting Rights Act, but no final decision has been issued. The Alabama decision is "breathing new life into similar cases around the country, said attorney Mark Gaber, senior redistricting director at the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center. Voting Rights Acts challenges are in the early stages in Texas. Lawsuits also allege that state legislative districts dilute the voting strength of Hispanic residents in Washington and Native Americans in North Dakota. Though based on different legal theories, other lawsuits allege districts were drawn to the detriment of minority votes in Arkansas and Florida. The Supreme Court also has agreed to review a lower court ruling that a South Carolina congressional district discriminates against Black voters. A NEW LOOK FOR A NEW ELECTION New Assembly districts also are on tap in New York. The states highest court last year struck down maps approved by the Democratic-led legislature for the U.S. House, state Senate and state Assembly. It ordered a lower court to impose new U.S. House and state Senate districts for the 2022 elections. But judges determined it was too late to come up with new Assembly districts before the last election. The courts instead said that the states Independent Redistricting Commission should draw new districts. The commission in April endorsed a revised Assembly map, which received quick approval from the legislature and governor to take effect for the 2024 elections. A pending lawsuit asks that the independent commission also be allowed to draw new U.S. House maps before the 2024 elections. In North Carolina, a Democratic majority of the state Supreme Court ruled last year that congressional districts drawn by the Republican-led General Assembly were an illegal partisan gerrymander and instead allowed a map drawn by judges to be used for the 2022 elections. While that case was on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, voters elected a Republican majority to the state Supreme Court. Those judges in April reversed the previous ruling and declared there was no constitutional prohibition on partisan gerrymandering. Whatever the U.S. Supreme Court does with the original appeal, state lawmakers are planning to redraw congressional districts before the next election giving Republicans a chance at winning more seats than the current 7-7 split. In Ohio, the state Supreme Court rejected multiple maps drawn by Republican officials for U.S. House, state Senate and state House districts. But courts allowed the 2022 elections to go forward anyway using those maps, directing new districts to be drawn before the next elections. Republican state lawmakers have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal of the congressional map rejection. If they lose, they will have to draw new maps. Meanwhile, a Republican-led commission responsible for drawing state legislative maps is expected to meet later this year to make another attempt. MORE PARTISAN CHALLENGES Cases are pending before the top courts in New Mexico and Utah claiming that their congressional districts are illegal partisan gerrymanders in New Mexico's case benefitting Democrats, and in Utah's aiding Republicans. The New Mexico Supreme Court heard arguments in January but has not ruled on whether to dismiss the lawsuit brought by Republicans. The lawsuit contends Democratic lawmakers illegally divided up the southeastern corner of the state an oil-producing Republican stronghold into three districts for raw political gain. Democrats won all three districts in the 2022 elections. The Utah Supreme Court is to hear arguments in July on whether a trial can go forward in a lawsuit contending Republican lawmakers engaged in illegal partisan gerrymandering by splitting Salt Lake County the most politically competitive area among four congressional districts. Republicans won all four districts in last year's elections. In Kentucky, a trial court last November rejected a partisan gerrymandering claim brought by Democrats against congressional and state House maps adopted by the Republican-led Legislature. That case has been appealed to the state Supreme Court. WISCONSIN, TOO? Though there is no current redistricting challenge in Wisconsin, there could be by the end of the summer. That could open the potential for new districts before the 2024 elections. Voters in April elected a new Democrat-backed judge to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, ensuring that liberals will take over majority control when Judge Janet Protasiewicz officially joins the court in August. Protasiewicz said during the campaign that she thought the current maps were rigged and she wanted to revisit them. That's raised hopes among Democrats that the high court could be more receptive to a lawsuit alleging that the current state legislative and congressional districts provide an unfair advantage for Republicans. Though the current districts were approved by the court, they were modeled after previous Republican-drawn districts that gave the GOP a strong edge over the past decade. Jeff Mandell, a Madison attorney, said he and others opposed to the maps plan to file a legal challenge shortly after Protasiewicz joins the court. We think the people of Wisconsin deserve a chance for this new court to take a fresh look at this issue, Mandell said. Water levels decline in Kherson Oblast, but heavy rainfall will slow fall in flooding Kherson after the Russians blew up the Kakhovskaya HPP, June 9, 2023 The average level of flooding currently stands at 4.72 meters a decrease of 31 centimeters since the evening of June 9. However, meteorologists are predicting substantial rainfall on June 11, which could present another challenge for the flood-ravaged region. Were facing another challenge, Prokudin said. The rain will slightly hinder the recession of the (flood) water, and naturally create additional difficulties for the people. Read also: Water levels in Mykolaiv recede to 100 cm from peak On the right bank of Kherson Oblast, a total of 35 settlements are submerged, with 3,763 houses recorded as being inundated. The most heavily affected areas include Kherson, Bilozerka, and Zymivnyk. Over 2,500 individuals have already been evacuated from the flood zone. The situation on the occupied left bank remains critical. In Hola Prystan and Velykokardashynskyi community district, the water has receded by 20-30 centimeters, but the rate of recession has slowed down. Prokudin noted that Russian invasion forces are not only obstructing evacuation efforts but also threating to shoot locals who wish to assist others. Explosion at Kakhovka HPP what is known Russias troops invaded Nova Kakhovka more than a year ago. On the night of June 6, the dam there was blown from the inside. The water flow from the reservoir, which was close to its highest recorded water level, has endangered over 80 towns and settlements, including the regional capital of Kherson, downstream on the Dnipro River. Read also: Russian forces shelled rescuers in Kherson during evacuations, damaging critical evacuation vehicle The left (eastern) bank of the Dnipro River, which is under Russian occupation, is affected the most. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered an evacuation from the endangered areas and supply of safe drinking water to people who were supplied with water from the Kakhovka Reservoir, which is draining away because of the destruction of the dam. Evacuation from the right bank of Kherson Oblast continues, even during the nighttime, while a catastrophe unfolds on the occupied left bank, which has suffered significantly more from the flooding. The Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant was completely destroyed and cannot be repaired, state hydroelectric company Ukrhydroenergo said earlier. The dam wasnt destroyed completely, but significantly damaged, the Ukrainian militarys South Operational Command said. Around 16,000 people on the right (western) bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast are in a critical zone at risk of flooding according to the oblasts governor, Oleksandr Prokudin. The Prosecutor Generals Office opened an investigation on the incident under article of the Criminal Code on ecocide. Read also: Ukraine releases list of landmarks affected by Russian destruction of Kakhovka Dam President Zelenskyy has called Russias attack on the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant the largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades. Ukraines Defense Intelligence has said that the Russian demolition of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant increases the threat of a nuclear disaster. The mayor of the occupied town of Oleshky, Yevhen Ryshchuk, reported on June 8 that at least eight people had died as a result of the flooding. At least five individuals lost their lives and another 13 were reported missing due to the explosion at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, according to Ukraines Interior Ministry. 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 Water levels are dropping in Nova Kakhovka, but the floodwaters washed out graves in a nearby village Consequences of the Russian explosion of the Kakhovka HPP Regarding Nova Kakhovka, the water there is receding, he explained. Read also: Water levels in Mykolaiv recede to 100 cm from peak Its now in the park zone, in the lower part of the town, which was flooded in the opening hours (of the flood) and where the biggest waves were located they approached six meters in the area of Kazkova Dibrova (a zoo located along the bank of the Dnipro River - ed.) This part is still flooded, but there isnt any housing there. He also noted that Russian forces are still deployed in the town, and, according to witnesses, they have quartered themselves in empty apartments. However, the nearby village of Korsunka, is facing a much more difficult and terrifying situation, he added. Read also: Ukraine releases list of landmarks affected by Russian destruction of Kakhovka Dam I just spoke to a resident of Korsunka: no one told the residents that there is a flood, he relayed. There were absolutely no attempts to organize an evacuation, even though the water levels in that village reached an even three meters. The gymnasium, monastery, library, club, where all flooded, the graveyard was washed out. I dont want to believe this, but the woman said this: I saw that corpses and coffins were floating through the town. Read also: Russian soldiers confirm that Russian sabotage group intentionally destroyed Kakhovka dam audio intercept Russian forces blew up the Kakhovka Dam and hydropower plant on June 6, which they had occupied for more than a year. Ukrainian hydropower operator Ukrhydroenergo announced that the plant was completely destroyed and could not be restored, while the Ukrainian militarys Operational Command South clarified that while the entire dam was not destroyed, it has suffered significant damage. Read also: Dam waters ravage south Ukraine, military expert assesses catastrophic impact President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the Russian destruction of the dam the largest man-made ecological catastrophe in Europe in decades. 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 Waynesboro man charged in New Jersey homicide, Albemarle Co. robbery WAYNESBORO Local, regional and federal authorities converged on a Waynesboro residence early Friday morning and arrested a man charged in a New Jersey homicide, a press release said. At about 6 a.m., members of the Waynesboro Police Department, the FBI and the Albemarle County Police Department conducted a fugitive arrest and search warrant operation in the 300 block of Arch Avenue in Waynesboro. The fugitive, Jaleel Khirey Brookins, 27, of Waynesboro, was wanted on several local and out-of-state charges, the release said. In Newark, New Jersey, Brookins was wanted on charges of homicide, illegal use of a firearm, bodily threats and possession of a firearm without a permit. Four firearms were seized during a search of a Waynesboro residence Friday. In Albemarle County, Brookins was wanted on charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony. A second man, 29-year-old Qwasean Jamal Lewis of Charlottesville, was also located at the Waynesboro residence. He faces charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. The Albemarle County charges are related to a robbery that took place in May, police said. During the search of the residence, authorities seized four firearms. Additional charges are pending. Details of the New Jersey homicide were not released. PD: Employee accused of stealing nearly $60,000 from Waynesboro pool business One dead following Staunton wreck Friday afternoon Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Waynesboro man charged in New Jersey homicide, Albemarle robbery Wes Anderson tells friends not to send him TikToks of people impersonating his style: Ill immediately erase it Wes Anderson refuses to watch any TikTok impersonators, the Asteroid City director has revealed. In recent months, Andersons distinct creative style has become a viral challenge on the social media platform as users create content inspired by the Grand Budapest Hotel filmmaker. These Anderson-esque elements include symmetrical compositions, people staring directly into the camera, pastel colour palettes, and the use of quirky humour. In a new interview with The Times, the director said he asks friends not to send him any Wes Anderson challenge memes. Im very good at protecting myself from seeing all that stuff, he said. If somebody sends me something like that Ill immediately erase it and say, Please, sorry, do not send me things of people doing me. Because I do not want to look at it, thinking, Is that what I do? Is that what I mean? I dont want to see too much of someone else thinking about what I try to be because, God knows, I could then start doing it. One such recent clip reimagined Star Wars through the eyes of Anderson. Through AI-generated animation, the likenesses of Anderon-favourite actors such as Scarlett Johansson, Owen Wilson and Jeff Goldblum are included as part of the trailer. Steve Carell in Wes Andersons Asteroid City' (Pop 87 Productions/Focus Features) In another viral video, a content creator captured the moment she was told via email that she had been laid off in Andersons style. The directors new comedy-drama, Asteroid City, features a star-studded cast of Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, Maya Hawke and more. The film is said to be a poetic meditation on the meaning of life. Set in a fictional American desert town around 1955, it will tell the story of the towns Junior Stargazer convention and the students and parents it brings together. Read The Independents five-star review of the movie here. Asteroid City is out in cinemas on 16 June. The grand opening of the White Elephant Cabaret Theatre was canceled just a few days before the new theaters planned June 12 celebratory gala. And for now the venues future remains in doubt, artistic director Robert Crane says. We are devastated, he said in an interview Saturday afternoon. Late Friday, Crane released a statement on social media announcing the cancellation of the opening celebration, which was titled Parade and was set to include a lineup of Central Florida entertainers. Other programming at the venue is also on hold, he said. It is with great sadness and emotions of devastation that we announce that The White Elephant Cabaret Theatre will not be opening as scheduled due to complications not of our own making, Cranes statement began. The cancellation was forced by unresolved zoning issues that came to a head Friday afternoon, Crane said Saturday, when Orange County officials said the business would not be permitted to open. The venue, which Crane is leasing, is located on unincorporated county land, northwest of downtown Orlando between the College Park neighborhood and the city of Winter Park. It previously housed a church. According to Crane, the county had years ago asked the building owner to make about $60,000 in upgrades, such as paving the parking lot, but then waived the restrictions while the structure was used as a church as places of worship are regulated differently than other nonprofits and businesses. When he signed the lease, Crane was unaware of the issues. We were led to believe it was a commercial property we could use, he said. But by switching the building from a church to a theater, the county once again required the upgrades to be completed, Crane said. Theyre just doing their jobs, Crane said of county officials. We dont blame them. He said he would be consulting the buildings owner, who is on currently on vacation, but until the two can connect, it looks like were out of luck. In addition to the opening gala, future programming already announced had included concerts by the Sincerely, Three vocal trio, a cabaret by Bert Rodriguez and the play Mass Appeal, produced by Michael Wanzie. So sorry to any friends who had bought tickets to our show next weekend, posted Sincerely, Three member Matt Rothenberg on his social media. Sincerely, Three is currently finding a way to still put on our show for you all in some way! So stay tuned. Crane said those who had bought tickets for immediate events would be refunded, because it isnt fair to raise money for the company while the fate of the venue is in doubt. Mass Appeal isnt scheduled to open until July, and Wanzie asked ticket holders for patience as he works to find an alternate venue for the production. In a message to patrons, he also expressed support for Crane and the White Elephant team. My heart is breaking for my dear friends who have invested so much time, heart and money in attempting to enhance our theater community with their very laudable venture, Wanzie wrote, and I remain supportive of my friends and I certainly feel their pain quite personally. Crane had spent more than a year finding a venue for his theater company, and he said he would pursue every avenue to open White Elephant. He previously had said his motivation for opening the space was to provide Central Florida artists an affordable venue for presenting their shows. We have not given up the fight, his statement read. We will continue to work diligently with all parties involved to resolve the zoning issues which just recently were brought to our attention and bring this space to life for the arts community to ensure that everyone has a home in which to create, perform and learn. Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more arts news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/arts, and go to orlandosentinel.com/theater for theater news and reviews. Chinese premier urges efforts to optimize business environment Xinhua) 09:21, June 10, 2023 Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Bingshan Group Co., Ltd. in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 7, 2023. Li made an inspection tour in northeast China's Liaoning Province from Wednesday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) SHENYANG, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has urged efforts to optimize the business environment, strengthen the momentum and vitality for development, and make breakthroughs in the comprehensive revitalization of the northeast. Li made the remarks during his inspection tour in northeast China's Liaoning Province from Wednesday to Thursday. When inspecting the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Li said he hopes it could focus on innovation and make new contributions to serving high-level science and technology self-reliance and self-improvement. Li also applauded the RCEP (Dalian) International Business District for launching a public service platform. He encouraged the companies he visited in Dalian to develop high-quality products for more application scenarios and continuously improve market competitiveness. When inspecting companies in the city of Shenyang, Li said the country should improve its ability to nurture talent at home and attract the brightest minds from around the world, actively cultivate a sound innovation ecosystem, promote the deep integration of production, education, and research, and enable more scientific and technological enterprises to thrive. He also encouraged the companies to aim at the commanding heights of industrial development and concentrate on breaking through several key core technologies. During the inspection tour, Li also presided over a symposium, where he stressed efforts to improve the business environment. Li said policies and services should be more effective and targeted, while candid work should be put into solving problems for companies and making them feel more fulfilled. He called on the province to leverage its own advantages in advancing technological innovations by fostering advanced manufacturing clusters and improving agriculture technology and mechanization levels. To deepen reforms and promote opening up, Li underscored progress in building a unified domestic market and the development of state-owned enterprises, private companies, and foreign-funded ones. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an aviation industrial park in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 8, 2023. Li made an inspection tour in northeast China's Liaoning Province from Wednesday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Police van - Heathcliff O'Malley One day a few years ago, returning home to the flat I was renting in Brockley, south-east London, I noticed my bike was gone. The lock had been cut and off it went. Oh well, I thought miserably, nothing to be done. A few days later, someone had broken in and pinched the passports and laptops of all our neighbours, picking locks with a credit card. Our door had been double locked so wed been spared. Not one of them planned on calling the police. This is the level of policing, indeed the level of interest in the order part of law and order, that the citizens of the United Kingdom have come to accept. For Brits who have been robbed at home or elsewhere, thems the breaks, and have been for years. Never mind that having your home broken into can be deeply upsetting and violating and when family heirlooms are pinched, truly traumatic. But because burglary seems to have stopped being deemed a serious crime, those who steal and vandalise get away with it, and its tough luck for their victims. Now we hear with great fanfare that, finally, after months of dithering, all 43 of Britains constabularies have met their pledge to send officers to every home burglary scene, a measure that should improve the dismal figure from the Office for National Statistics that only 4.8 per cent of burglars, pre-pledge, were charged or cautioned. In some constabularies, prosecution rates were less than 2 per cent. But are we really meant to be grateful for this? Most of us have lost faith in the polices ability to actually solve anything, or punish anyone, so the latest pledge smacks of being too little too late. Its not even guaranteed that sending officers to the scene will lead to more burglars being caught. Heres what I think will happen. The police will dutifully come round after a break-in. Theyll bring lots and lots of paperwork with them, and after the jamboree of form-filling, or perhaps before it, theyll look at the lock and advise the victim to get a better one. Many people will feel blamed for not doing enough to prevent break-ins. So why does the force no longer take burglaries seriously? I suspect this situation hasnt developed out of mere police laziness, but that there are deep institutional reasons, namely an ill-starred homage to critical race theory, which looks for structures of power arrayed against helpless individuals in a racist state. Clearly, there was a need for a dramatic clean-up of racism, which certainly marred the face of the Metropolitan Police, in particular, for decades. But the backlash against institutional racism, swept up in the tornado of social justice ideology, has also resulted in a misleading and harmful fixation with the idea of proportion as if criminals would only act according to their demographic footprint, all things being equal. Thus we hear much about the disproportionate number of ethnic minorities who enter the penal system and with it, the assumption that this disproportion must always reflect racism. As a result, instead of tackling the underlying social causes for elevated crime in some communities which is work that requires moral boldness, not just woke bleeding hearts, as well as, of course, patience and creative thinking some seem to believe that we should let crimes continue unpunished and undeterred. After all, it would be racist to do otherwise. The police and the Government seem to spend much more energy looking for isms than taking crime and its victims seriously. A 2021 Home Affairs select committee report goes into pearl-clutching mode over a worrying decline of confidence in the police among some BME communities. The notion that BME communities may also share exactly the same distrust as every other community because they cant count on the police for protection, is not of interest. Meanwhile, the reports sententious capitalising of White and Black provides evidence of woke capture. In the aftermath of George Floyds death, some argued that since the police were inherently an arm of a white-racist state, all their actions even by black officers were racist and only served to provoke more violence. There was an implication, too, that those who call the police after being robbed are not far off indulging in white privilege for demanding a response to the theft of their possessions. Deranged such thinking may be. But like almost every other American culture war issue, I wouldnt be at all surprised if some of this thinking has also taken root here. And the rot isnt all coming from on high. Britain has become an inheritance tax-loving, spitefully anti-wealth country, where there is great wariness of anything that smacks of wealth transfer: grannys silver earrings included. Add to that that burglary is, after all, a crime of property, of goods bought on the dirty capitalist marketplace, and you begin to wonder if some people secretly think thieves are all actually modern-day Robin Hoods. Those who instead dream of a well-ordered society have an immense task ahead of us to get the police to take crime seriously. Id be amazed if the latest announcement regarding burglaries actually translates into arrests and convictions. Nevertheless, it is an absolute necessity that we get there. For it is most of all in the interests of the most vulnerable in our society, who cannot defend themselves and, in many ways, have always been the greatest victims of woke-think. 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. Why the SCOTUS decision on Alabama voting rights is a 'game changer' for Dems in 2024, according to an expert The Supreme Court. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Black voters who challenged a Republican-drawn congressional district map in Alabama were handed a major victory Thursday when the U.S. Supreme Court found that the state violated a federal civil rights law that bars racial discrimination in voting. In an unexpected 5-4 ruling by the conservative-majority court, the justices decided not to further dilute the protections of the Voting Rights Act, which the court had done twice in the past decade. The opinion was written by Chief Justice John Roberts, a Republican appointee who has led the Supreme Court in previously restricting and overturning parts of the Voting Rights Act. We find Alabamas new approach to Section 2 [of the Voting Rights Act] compelling neither in theory nor in practice, he wrote. Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined Roberts and the courts three liberal justices: Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Thursdays decision upholds a lower courts ruling that the congressional district map must be redrawn. Alabama lawmakers had passed a newly drawn map to reflect the 2020 census, with just one majority-Black district even though Black residents make up 27% of the states population. The remaining Black voters were dispersed among the other six congressional districts. In an era of highly polarized voting and highly polarized geography, [voting maps] are destiny, Dave Wasserman, senior editor for the Cook Political Report, told Yahoo News. The way maps are drawn determines who wins them in November in 80% to 90% of cases. Wasserman spoke with Yahoo News about what the political implications could be for the 2024 election as a result of the justices decision in the Alabama voting rights case. Some responses have been edited for length and clarity. The Cook Political Report changed five House races from solid Republican to toss-up following the SCOTUS Alabama decision. How will this impact the 2024 election? New @CookPolitical: in the wake of the SCOTUS Alabama decision, we're shifting five House ratings in Democrats' direction. It's very likely two formerly Solid R seats will end up in Solid D. https://t.co/MXV2dJeIdc pic.twitter.com/q0FNwZMwc7 Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) June 8, 2023 Its almost never that seats move from solid Republican to solid Democrat overnight. In this case, its still unclear which Republican seats are going to be axed or reconfigured in order to make way for additional Black-majority districts, Wasserman explained. But we moved the members that are in the most geographic jeopardy into the toss-up column. That doesnt mean that Democrats are going to gain four seats across [Alabama and Louisiana], he said. It just means that at the end of the day, one seat in each state is going to end up in a solid Democrat column. We just dont know which ones yet. How else could the SCOTUS decision reverberate beyond Alabama in the 2024 election? A federal case [in Louisiana] essentially went on hold when the Supreme Court took up the Alabama case because they were so similar, Wasserman told Yahoo News. Its pretty straightforward to draw a second Black-majority district in Louisiana, so I think thats very likely. The other two states Im watching, Georgia and South Carolina, are less clear-cut, Wasserman said. Both states also have pending racial gerrymandering cases. Why are the seats all in the South? Southern states are typically made up of white Republican majorities, with large Black populations that lean heavily Democratic. Republican-dominated state legislatures across the South redrew congressional district maps after the 2020 census to maximize Republican seats. Political parties always seek to maximize their own power. Until this [SCOTUS] decision, the way that Republicans in Alabama and Louisiana did so was by packing as many Black voters, who are highly Democratic, into single districts as possible, Wasserman said, referring to gerrymandering. The Supreme Court held that the way Alabamas map was drawn diluted the power of Black voters. The decision reaffirmed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which bars racial discrimination in voting practices. Are there any states where this SCOTUS decision could net Republicans more seats? No, Wasserman said simply. What other big implications could this SCOTUS decision have on the 2024 election? During the 2022 midterms, North Carolina Republicans gained control of the state Supreme Court and overturned an earlier decision by the Democratic-controlled court that said the states 2022 congressional map was the result of partisan gerrymandering. Republicans have a very tenuous [House] majority and theyre very likely to draw a new gerrymander in North Carolina [with a GOP-led majority] to pad their margin and seek to maximize their seats to guard against losses elsewhere, Wasserman said. Now, this latest ruling probably at least partially offsets that. So its a game changer for Democrats. This [Alabama] ruling not only has the potential to offset the changes in North Carolina, but it could also impact Republicans thinking in North Carolina when they go to draw the map later this summer. Republicans could be more risk-averse and decide that they dont want to target the Democrat from a substantially Black district, Don Davis, Wasserman told Yahoo News. The Wise County Sheriffs Office is investigating a shooting Friday when one person was found dead in Paradise, Texas, and two others shot in Cottondale, according to a report from the Wise County Messenger. Few details were available, but Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin confirmed there was a shooting in the Cottondale area Friday afternoon. A suspect vehicle was stopped in Paradise where the driver was found dead and had been killed by what appears to be a single gunshot wound, according to the report. Akin said it appears the wound was self-inflicted, but it will be investigated. We dont think theres any urgency, nothing that would do any damage to anyone in the area, but were in the very early stages, said Akin. Farm Road 3259 in the Paradise area was to be shut down for a couple of hours, Akin said, as the scene where the driver died was being investigated. Investigators are also at the scene of the shooting in the Cottondale area where two victims were shot. Their conditions are unknown. Zelenskyy on counteroffensive: All Ukrainian commanders are optimistic, so tell Putin that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that all Ukrainian commanders are optimistic about the counteroffensive. Source: Zelenskyy on Saturday at a press conference in Kyiv after a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, answering questions about the progress of the counteroffensive, reports Interfax-Ukraine Quote: "Every day, I am in touch with our commanders of various fronts Syrskyi, Tarnavskyi, Moskalev, Naiev, Zaluzhnyi [commanders of operational strategic groups ed.]. Everyone is optimistic. So tell Putin that... From my point of view, counteroffensive defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. At what stage I will not say in detail. And I think we will feel it." Details: Zelenskyy also emphasised that he "wouldn't trust Telegram channels and Putin". "You have to trust our military," he said. Background: On 9 June, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had begun. At the same time, he claims that "in no part of the hostilities did the Ukrainian troops achieve their goals." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken out about the shameful indifference of international organisations to the ecocide and human tragedy caused by the Russians blowing up of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP). Source: President's evening address Quote: "Now, unfortunately, we see that at some levels in the world there is simply a shameful indifference to the ecocide and human tragedy caused by the Russian terrorist attack on the Kakhovka HPP. When international organisations that are supposed to protect life on a global scale do not have time to form and send a rescue mission to the occupied territory even in a week, when some world actors do not even dare to come out with clear and strong statements condemning this latest Russian war crime, terrorists simply feed on this weakness of the world, this indifference it encourages them. And we must overcome this. And we will overcome it." Details: Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is putting pressure on, and encouraging, international organisations and international support to be present in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast. He noted that over 3,000 people have already been evacuated from the Ukrainian-controlled territory of Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblast. In the Russian-occupied territory, however, "it is only possible to help people in some areas Russian terrorists are doing all they can to ensure there are as many victims of the disaster as possible." The president stressed that Russia is not providing any real help to people in the flooded areas not for the sake of propaganda, but for the sake of people. The Russian state and the Russian leadership must bear separate fair and strict responsibility for all this, he said. "And international organisations should work [in the areas] where we have not yet liberated our territories. Every life is important - the whole of Kherson Oblast, the whole of the south. Every town and village. We will do everything possible and impossible to help all our people," Zelenskyy said. Earlier, Zelenskyy said he was shocked by the reaction of the UN and the Red Cross to the blowing up of the Kakhovka HPP by the Russian occupiers. Background: Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Zelenskyy about French, German and Polish leaders: I hope they are thinking about Ukraine joining NATO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes that the leaders of France, Germany and Poland will think about how to speed up Ukraine's accession to NATO during the meeting scheduled for Monday. Source: Zelenskyy on Saturday at a press conference after a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Interfax-Ukraine reports Details: Zelenskyy said that on Sunday, he would have a telephone conversation with the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, in which they will discuss the upcoming meeting of the Polish President with the leaders of Germany and France. Quote: "Tomorrow, I will have a conversation with the President of Poland; I think he will tell me what this meeting is about. Let's hope that our colleagues are thinking about how to speed up Ukraine's accession to NATO. Or not, let's see." Background: Politico reported that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish President Andrzej Duda will arrive in Paris next Monday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. The dinner meeting is expected to focus on Ukraine's bid for NATO membership and security guarantees from allies ahead of the Alliance's summit in July. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Zelenskyy offers help to Canada: We must take care of each other President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offers Canada help in overcoming the consequences of large-scale forest fires. Source: the President's evening address Quote: "The consequences of the Russian terrorist attack on the Kakhovka HPP were discussed in detail. Canada is among those who can help us recover from this disaster. We understand each other in the steps that are needed. And they are needed very quickly. Of course, we will not stay away from the disaster Canada is facing now. Massive wildfires, colossal environmental losses, and threats to people... Ukraine is ready to help extinguish fires if Canada needs such international assistance." Details: Zelensky emphasised that for Ukraine, the meaning for international relations is precisely that "we should always take care of each other when support is needed, and really help [each other]." "I am sure it will become a global principle. Mutual action, mutual support, mutual strength," he added. Background: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in Kyiv on Saturday that Canada would participate in a multinational effort to train Ukrainian fighter pilots and provide Kyiv with a new military aid package worth 500 million Canadian dollars (US$370 million). He also announced the provision of 10 million Canadian dollars to help flood victims after the blowing up of the Kakhovka HPP. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that counteroffensive and defensive actions were underway against Russian forces, asserting that his top commanders were in a positive mindset as their troops engaged in intense fighting along the front line. The Ukrainian leader, at a Kyiv news conference alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responded to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putins comment a day earlier that Ukraines counteroffensive had started and Ukrainian forces were taking significant losses. Zelennsky said that the counteroffensive, defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. I will not speak about which stage or phase they are in. I am in touch with our commanders of different directions every day, he added, citing the names of five of Ukraines top military leaders. Everyone is positive. Pass this on to Putin. Trudeau, the first foreign leader to visit Ukraine since devastating floods caused by a breach in a Dnieper River dam, offered up monetary, military and moral support for Ukraine. He pledged $500 million in new military aid, on top of $8 billion that Canada has already provided since the war began in February 2022, and announced $10 million for humanitarian assistance for the flood response. Trudeau said the dams collapse was a direct consequence of Russias war, but he didnt blame Moscow directly. Ukraines General Staff said Saturday that heavy battles were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the countrys industrial east. It gave no details but said Russian forces were defending themselves and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraines southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. At the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europes largest, which is occupied by Russian forces, five out of six reactors were already in a state of cold shutdown, Thats a process in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure. Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear agency, said in a statement late Friday that there was no direct threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Energoatom said it shut down the final reactor due to that, and also because of shelling near the site that has damaged overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraines energy system. With all nuclear reactions stopped, temperatures and pressure inside reactors gradually decline, reducing the required intensity of water cooling of the radioactive fuel. This is a nuclear power plants safest operating mode. Energoatom employees are still working at the power plant, although it remains controlled by the Russians. The sites power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Also on Saturday morning, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least four civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. Ukraines State Emergency Service reported that three people were killed and more than two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. A spokesperson for Ukraines southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. In Ukraines northeast, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, reported Saturday. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded. In the Poltava region further west, there was damage to a military airfield struck overnight during a Russian drone and missile attack, local Gov. Dmytro Lunin reported. Lunin said no one was hurt. As of Saturday morning, there was no additional comment from the Ukrainian army or officials on the extent of the damage. The Ukrainian air force said that during the night, it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles of various types launched by Russian forces. The fighting and civilian casualties took renewed attention as authorities in southern Ukraine said water levels have been declining in a vast area beneath the ruptured dam. Nearly one-third of protected natural areas in the Kherson region could be obliterated by flooding following the breach of the Kakhovka dam, the Ukrainian environment minister warned Saturday. In a Facebook post, Ruslan Strilets said that the dams collapse left one national park completely submerged, drained rivers and lakes in other protected areas, and could lead to groundwater rising in parts of the Dnieper delta occupied by Moscow, creating the risk of further flooding. In the city of Kherson, whose outskirts were among the flood-hit areas, the average water level decreased by 31 centimeters (12 inches) during the night, but remained over 4.5 meters (15 feet) higher than usual, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin reported Saturday. Prokudin warned that meteorologists predicted heavy rainfall in the area over the weekend, complicating rescue efforts. The U.N.s humanitarian aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said in an Associated Press interview Friday that an extraordinary 700,000 people were in need of drinking water. In other developments: On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he wants to continue speaking with Putin whose order for Russias invasion of Ukraine has been criticized by many Western leaders and plans to do so again soon. Scholz has spoken several times by phone with Putin since the invasion. The chancellor said the basis for a fair peace between Russia and Ukraine is the withdrawal of Russian troops. Thats needs to be understood, he said. ___ Jon Gambrell in Kyiv, Joanna Kozlowska in London and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this story. 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 Beginning Monday and continuing for about two months, construction on the pedestal for the placement of the Mayor M.W. Teedy Thornhill, Jr. statue planned for the roundabout at 5th and Federal streets will take place, according to a news release from the city. Thornhill, first elected to Lynchburg City Council in 1972 as the Ward II representative, was elected as the citys first African American mayor in 1990. The statue in his honor is being erected in partnership between the City of Lynchburg, the 5th Street Community Development Corporation, Wiley|Wilson and Hill Studio. Last September, during a briefing from City Planner Tom Martin on the art installation, he told council the statue itself is being cast by Carolina Bronze of Seagrove, North Carolina. The artist is Ed Walker, according to the presentation given by Martin. At that meeting, Ward II Councilor Sterling Wilder said he was so excited for the Thornhill statue to be installed, adding the 5th Street Community Development Committee had been working on the project for several years. He was a pillar in our community since I was a child, Wilder added about Thornhill. The city said motorists should expect minor delays and use caution in the area of the roundabout while traveling, adding there could be flagging operations, changes in traffic patterns and temporary signage. According to the news release, periodic detours and lane closures will occur. However, emergency vehicles will have access at all times. Pat Price, who sits on the citys African American Culture Committee, told the The News & Advance on Friday the statue is expected to be unveiled Aug. 19, the weekend of the old Dunbar High School reunion held annually. SEE VIDEO BELOW A video showing the moment operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) arrested and detention suspended Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has surfaced on social media. Recall an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and media aide to Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed Emefiele was arrested in Lagos and the security agency will soon release an official statement on the issue. He tweeted: After initial denial, DSS has now confirmed the arrest of suspended CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele. He was arrested in Lagos. An official statement soon Following the statement, a video of the security operatives leading the suspended CBN governor into a private jet has now surfaced. Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the arrest of embattled suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. The American Red Cross has put out a plea for blood donations in the wake of a shortfall in May. The Red Cross collected 26,000 fewer donations than needed last month to meet the needs of patients, according to a press release from the agency. With the busy travel season getting underway, it is important to shore up the blood supply. The need for blood is constant, with someone needing a blood transfusion in the U.S. every two seconds, the release stated. Platelet donors are especially needed. Wednesday, June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, which is set aside to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply and recognize volunteer blood donors. It is also a good time to welcome new ones. As a reward to donors, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in June will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. They will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June. To set an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Upcoming blood drives in southwest Iowa include the following: Harrison County June 16 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Care Initiatives, 1403 Harrison Road, Dunlap June 16 noon to 6 p.m., Rand Community/Senior Center, 100 S. Fourth St., Missouri Valley June 20 noon to 6 p.m., St. Patrick Catholic Church, 312 S. Third St., Dunlap Montgomery County June 26 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Montgomery County Hospital, 2301 Eastern Ave., Red Oak Page County June 23 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Shenandoah Medical Center, 300 Pershing Ave., Shenandoah June 26 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Elks Lodge, 701 S. Fremont St., Highway 59, Shenandoah Pottawattamie County June 9 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Carson Community Center, 316 S. Commercial St., Carson June 13 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., New Horizon Presbyterian Church, 30 Valley View Drive, Council Bluffs June 15 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Treynor Community Center, 11 W. Main, Treynor June 20 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Harrahs Casino, 1 Harrahs Blvd., Council Bluffs June 22 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Horseshoe Casino, 2701 23rd Ave., Council Bluffs June 23 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hy-Vee, 2323 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs June 23 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., CHI Health Mercy Hospital, 800 Mercy Drive, Council Bluffs June 24 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., McClelland Town Hall, 117 Main St., McClelland June 26 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., NP Dodge Real Estate, 1032 Woodbury Ave., Council Bluffs June 28 noon to 6 p.m., New Horizon Presbyterian Church, 30 Valley View Drive, Council Bluffs June 29 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs June 29 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs Despite being sued by Australias Sundance Resources, Cameroon is set to begin in August the construction of a railway line with two China-affiliated businesses, connecting the coast to substantial iron ore deposit on Congo Republic border. In December 2020, the Perth-based Sundance Resources and two other Australian mining companies, who aspired to develop one of west Africas most promising iron near the border between Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, saw the projects future extinguished amidst accusations of deceit and corruption. All three Australian companies had their mining licenses stripped from them by the Congo government. All three licenses were then awarded to a mysterious company called Sangha Mining, a newly created group with no previous history in the region and no obvious background. Working in tandem with another Beijing-linked group, it had snared the rights to develop one of west Africas most promising iron ore deposits, the Mbalam-Nabeba project which has been Sundances main focus for more than 15 years. Fast forward to May 2023, Sundance Resources is in legal dispute with the Cameroonian government. Sundance claims that by collaborating with Chinese investors to build the Mbalam-Nabeba project, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo broke contracts and they are now sued for international arbitration and billions of dollars in damages. Cameroons acting mines minister, Fuh Calistus Gentry, announced earlier in the week that construction for the railway connecting the deposit in Nabeba to the southern port city of Kribi would start in late August. Together we can demonstrate to the world the maturity of our two peoples to ensure that the Cameroon-Congo mining family lives on, he said. He also said that Cameroon has identified 12 new mining projects, five of which were slated to start this year. In 2021, representatives of Aust-Sino Resources and Hong-Kong-based Bestway Finance inked an agreement with Cameroon to build a 500-km rail link with the ability to transport 35 million tons of high-grade iron ore annually for ten years. Despite having its headquarters in Australia, the mining business Aust-Sinos website claims that some of its board members are closely connected to China. For the Congolese portion of the project, the Congo Republic withdrew the license held by Sundance subsidiary Congo Iron in December 2020 and granted it to obscure business Sangha Mining Development Sasu, financed by Bestway. With tensions between Canberra and Beijing still simmering, Chinas battle for resource security, not least in Africa, will likely further intensify. If Chinas alleged machinations in Cameroon and the Congo are any indication, observes believe that Beijing is determined to shut out Australia and its interests wherever it can. Nigerias dreams for a domestic airline crash-land, as the lawmakers slammed the launch of the countrys new flag carrier Nigeria Air just days before the end of the administration, declaring it a fraud. Nigerias House of Representatives dubbed the purported 26 May launch of the Nigeria Air as fraudulent, while local media reported that major stakeholders in the deal the federal government and Ethiopian Airlines had denied knowledge of the launch. Nigerian lawmakers have thus essentially confirmed SaharaReporters story that the former President Muhammadu Buhari-led government deceived Nigerians by unveiling a Boeing 737-800 aircraft belonging to Ethiopian Airlines as a Nigerian Air plane. At an investigative hearing with major stakeholders, the Senate Committee on Aviation recommended that the ministry of aviation and its partners in the project immediately suspend flight operations. SaharaReporters last month revealed that the plane unveiled by Buhari as Nigerian Air a few days before he left office, was over 10 years old and belonged to Ethiopian Airlines. Members of the House Committee on Aviation were reportedly shocked when the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) disclosed that the aircraft bearing Nigerian colors was on a chartered flight to Nigeria, while other stakeholders who confirmed the disclosure noted that a chartered flight could be painted in any color and with any inscriptions. After many failed attempts to launch a profitable airline, the Nigerian government enlisted Africas biggest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, to help its new national carrier take off. With a 49% stake, Ethiopian Airlines is a majority shareholder in the Nigeria Air project, two Nigerian companies hold a 46% stake while the remaining 5% stake is held by the federal government. Ways to strengthening trade relations between Morocco and the Economic Community of South American Countries/Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) were at the center of talks visiting President of the MERCOSUR Parliament Ruben Anibal Basigalupe and his accompanying delegation held with Moroccan officials and MPs. The purpose of the MERCOSUR parliamentary delegations visit to the Kingdom is to consolidate and strengthen relations between the two sides, and to get informed on the significant advances made by Morocco, particularly in terms of economic development, Basigalupe said during a meeting with Moroccan Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour. The visit is also meant to upgrade and deepen Moroccos diplomatic relations with the member countries of the regional economic grouping. Basigalupe, who praised Moroccos efforts in terms of economic performance, underlined Mercosurs strong commitment to explore all partnership opportunities with the Kingdom, especially as the group aims to bolster its trade relations with MENA countries, given the potential of complementary interests. The two parties also stressed the importance of organizing a business forum to bring their respective business communities closer together, as well as seeking complementarities between the two economies, particularly in the agri-food industry and renewable energies, in view of the challenges that these two sectors represent. They welcomed the dynamic and quality of relations that Morocco and Mercosur have maintained to date, and which make it possible to look forward with optimism to their consolidation on an economic and industrial level. During the meeting, Mezzour highlighted Moroccos strengths as a production and export platform for a market of over a billion consumers, thanks to its free-trade agreements with the United States and the European Union (EU) in particular, which make it an international hub. The Minister also emphasized that the common economic interests of both parties, as well as their economic potential, easily enable their cooperation to move from an essentially commercial relationship to a multi-sector partnership, notably in the industrial sector. He called in this connection for deploying triangular Mercosur-Morocco-Africa cooperation, and to take advantage of Moroccos competitive advantages as a gateway to Africa, in the context of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The MERCOSUR parliament delegation, which is on a working visit to Morocco from June 9 to 14, also held talks with several MPs, including with chairwoman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. After these talks that covered ways of developing parliamentary relations, coordinating international efforts and promoting democracy and human rights, Ruben Anibal Bacigalupe underlined in a statement to the media that Moroccos strategic position offers South American countries access to various markets on the African continent and noted that Moroccos qualitative development progress is a model to follow in several areas. MERCOSUR parliament and the Moroccan Parliament signed in November 2022 a MoU providing for strengthening the ties of cooperation between the two parties and exploiting the opportunities offered in the African, Mediterranean and Latin American zones. Morocco has voiced its total solidarity with Burkina Faso in its efforts to fight extremism and terrorism and condemned the cowardly attacks targeting the country. Morocco firmly condemns the cowardly attacks that have targeted Burkina Faso, a brotherly country, and which are contrary to the spirit of tolerance and coexistence that has always marked this country, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, at a joint press briefing in Dakhla Friday, with his Burkinabe counterpart, Olivia Ragnaghnewende Rouamba, at the end of the 4th session of the Morocco-Burkina Faso Joint Commission. He pointed out that the situation in Burkina Faso is closely linked to the instability in the Sahel and Sahara region, where armed and terrorist groups have found fertile ground for their proliferation, noting that over 60% of the worlds terrorist operations take place in sub-Saharan Africa. The number of victims of terrorist operations in this region exceeds that recorded in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, he lamented. Today, there are at least 12 terrorist groups operating in the Sahel and Sahara region, colluding with 19 separatist groups that threaten the territorial integrity of African countries, he stressed, noting that the scourge of terrorist groups infiltration into Africa is a general phenomenon. Burkina Faso, which is in the firing line, needs support and backing, given that the fight against terrorism in this country will have an impact on the entire Sahel and West Africa region, he added. The Kingdom, which has made the fight against extremism and terrorism an absolute priority, continues to call on the international community to pay particular attention to this scourge, by supporting the measures and actions taken by African countries faced with this phenomenon, according to a holistic and innovative approach combining humanitarian action, development, and peacebuilding, with a view to putting an end to the phenomenon of terrorism and violent extremism, he underlined. Bourita affirmed that Morocco is following with interest the development of the transition process in Burkina Faso, and has confidence in the ability of the countrys leaders to deal with all developments in the country with wisdom and with the supreme national interest in mind, stressing that the measures taken in recent months by president Ibrahim Traore are important for strengthening stability and relaunching the development process in this brotherly country. After stressing that the transition process is on the right track, Bourita noted that Morocco still believes that elections are not an end in themselves, but are held with a view to achieving stability. Organizing elections in the absence of security and continuing attacks makes no sense, he said. In this context, he praised the wisdom shown by the Burkina Faso authorities, which is a source of satisfaction for Morocco, noting that the Kingdom once again expresses its full solidarity with Burkina Faso at this stage. Working to strengthen state structures and interacting with humanitarian needs demonstrate the existence of a sincere will to get Burkina Faso out of this difficult situation, he added, underscoring Moroccos readiness to support the development program launched by President Ibrahim Traore, through support and the exchange of expertise, with the aim of achieving the desired results. Burkina Faso has shown remarkable steadfastness and stability in this particular context, added Bourita, expressing confidence that this country, with its leadership, its capabilities, the determination of its people and the support of its friends, is in a position to overcome the difficulties it faces during this particular period. The 4th session of the Morocco-Burkina Faso joint cooperation Commission, held in Dakhla, under the co-presidency of Bourita and Olivia Ragnaghnewende Rouamba, provided an opportunity to explore new horizons for consolidating cooperation relations and to build fruitful partnerships in a wide range of fields. The session was crowned by the signing of 12 agreements covering several cooperation areas. Highlights of NCORPE legal opinion Excerpts from a recent Nebraska attorney generals opinion on whether leaders of water augmentation projects like Lincoln Countys NCORPE could sell their land but retain its water rights, as proposed in 2023s Legislative Bill 396: At common law, the right to use groundwater is tied explicitly to the land and therefore would preclude selling the land but reserving the right to use the groundwater. Under Nebraska common law, groundwater is subject to the modified correlative rights doctrine (which says that) qualified by the requirement of a reasonable, proportionate sharing during shortage of groundwater, Nebraskas common law permits a landowner to use groundwater extracted from beneath the owners land, provided such landowners extraction does not exceed a reasonable and beneficial use of the landowners property. There is no support in case law or current Nebraska statute for the proposition that the right to use groundwater can be severed from ownership of the overlying land a landowner has a right to use groundwater but does not actually own the groundwater under the land. The Nebraska Legislature may alter the common law through statute. The (Nebraska) Supreme Court has specifically noted the primacy of the Legislature in making policy decisions regarding the use of groundwater. Such alterations to the common law can be through authorizing actions not previously recognized by the common law or by abrogating the common law through specific statutory language. (But the Supreme Court says) if the Legislature chooses to alter or abrogate the common law, it must do so clearly and explicitly by declaring with specificity what aspects of the common law the statute intends to abrogate. We conclude that LB 396, if strictly construed, does not explicitly abrogate the common law modified correlative rights doctrine. To the extent it purports to authorize an action not previously recognized by the common law, the bill contains no details with regard to how such authorization would operate. We note that there are additional follow-on questions that are not addressed in LB 396 For example: If both the landowner and the NRDs have equal entitlement to use groundwater from the same parcel, how would the correlative rights doctrine be applied? Would the augmentation project be prohibited or limited from the use of groundwater, or owe damages, due to its effect on the use by the landowner? If the right to use groundwater is severed from the land and only the NRDs retain the right to use, what happens if the NRD abandons the augmentation project? Is that right then held by the NRD for another purpose? Can it be transferred further? Does it revert to the purchasers of the overlying acres? If LB 396 legally severs the ability to use groundwater on those acres, by what mechanism could that right be granted again? The Legislature has the authority to abrogate the common law by statute but must do so with clear and express language. We conclude that the language of LB 396 is not sufficiently clear and express so as to abrogate the common law. Mike Hilgers, attorney general, and Joshua E. Dethlefsen, assistant attorney general; filed May 31, 2023 The evening gowns sparkled, emphasizing the elegance of the 2023 Miss Nebraska and Miss Nebraska Outstanding Teen candidates on Friday night. Morgan Baird, Miss Scotts Bluff County, took the preliminary talent award with her dance routine that showed off her creativity. I love to self-choreograph all my pieces, Baird said. Its just a way for my creativity to come out. She said drawing or painting is not something she does, so dance is her art form. She chose the song Can You Hold Me, by NF and Britt Nicole, a contemporary modern piece to showcase her dancing. I started dancing when I was 8 years old, which seems late, compared to other dancers, Baird said. I worked hard all the way through high school to gain flexibility and strength. She suffered a hip injury her senior year of high school and thought she would never be able to be on stage again. So winning the preliminary talent award is a little victory for me, Baird said. Hannah Johnson, Miss Capitol City, won the preliminary evening gown competition with a stunning black gown with silver highlights. I cant put it into words almost. Its one of those things you work so long for and you have that one goal, that one thing you want to achieve and then it happens, Johnson said. I cant even describe how it feels, its just incredible. This year is Johnsons first at the Miss Nebraska competition after competing in locals for four years. This is a pretty big feat for me right now, Johnson said. The Miss Nebraska Community Service award went to Alayna Wilson, Miss Douglas County. Her Community Service Initiative is titled Sammys Super Heroes. It raises funds for all types of childhood cancer and research, Wilson said. This past year Ive been hard at work. Ive published a book, Ive been able to help pass LB802 in the Nebraska Legislature and my whole dream is just to continue my best friends legacy, who passed away from childhood cancer. The Miss Teen talent winner Maggie Wadginski, Miss Lincoln Teen, performed a ballet and the Miss Teen evening gown winner was Clara Johnson, Miss Omaha Teen. Wadginski also won the Community Service Award. The finals begin at 6:30 p.m. tonight and at the end of the evening, a new Miss Nebraska will be crowned along with a new Miss Nebraskas Outstanding Teen. The top eight contestants in each division will compete for the crown. The winners will receive thousands of dollars in scholarships and cash awards and will move on to the Miss America and Miss Americas Outstanding Teen competitions later in the year. LMCA-Las Mananitas Community Advocates in coordination with Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful will host a Northside North Platte Cleanup on June 28, according to a press release from the two organizations. The event is held as part of the Great American Cleanup, the countrys largest community improvement program in more than 20,000 communities each spring. This national program engages 2 million volunteers who take action in their communities to create positive change and lasting impact. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Lutheran Family Services Park at the corner of Rodeo Road and Jeffers Street. Volunteers can stop in at any time during the event and help for as long as they would like. All supplies will be provided. Refreshments will be served at Dayspring Bank (formerly 1st State Bank) at the conclusion of the cleanup. We want to encourage our citizens to get involved in keeping our community a cleaner, greener, more beautiful place to live, said Mona Anderson, executive director of Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful. Adi Fernandez-Dobbins, LMCA Director added, It is time to revitalize the Northside of North Platte. We want residents to have pride in their community and it begins with everyone coming together to make a difference. For more information, contact Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful at 308-534-8100. NENZEL Greg Nollette and his family lucked into the wine business. They planted 200 vines on their Cherry County ranch in 2002, not to sell wine but to grow grapes that George Johnson could crush and sour for his George Paul Vinegars in nearby Cody. Unknowingly, they had picked almost the perfect spot on their spread. The spark for the Nollettes Niobrara Valley Vineyards, a 2023 Nebraska Passport location was struck a decade later by Ed Swanson. He owned the former Cuthills Vineyards near Pierce and was consulting with Johnson, Greg Nollette said. When he tasted the yield from the Nollettes grapes, Ed said the wines too good to spoil it. Vinegars spoiled wine, Greg said. So George called me up and asked if we could sell any wine. I said I had no idea, because I had never seen it before. The familys wines debuted in 2012, with Johnson offering his vinegary to produce the first 30 cases. After formally organizing their vineyard business in 2013, the Nollettes started producing at their own place in 2014. Their tasting room has operated ever since in the home place at the ranch. Its 1 miles off U.S. Highway 20 southeast of Nenzel, incorporated in 1899, where the four Nollette brothers grew up as the fourth generation from homesteader and town founder George Nenzel. The two oldest Lou, now 74, and Neal, 71 are retired Catholic priests in the Grand Island Diocese. Greg, 67, and Tim, 63, felt a call to agriculture, inspired in part by the hogs and cattle father Joseph Nollette raised on the familys acreage in town. But their call was to the classroom, at least at first. Both of the youngest brothers taught agriculture in rural Nebraska high schools. But in 1982, with Tim teaching at St. Edward and Greg in graduate school to become an extension agent, their dad died. They had to deal with the family home. That was in the agricultural depression, Greg said. And people said you need to forget about that and sell it off. We didnt sell. Thats why were here. And we came home. They bought a more traditional spread, though. The family pooled resources to buy their 800-acre ranch in 1985, where Greg and Tim raised purebred Black Angus and Gelbvieh cattle when they werent teaching or working elsewhere. When Johnson asked them to consider raising grapes, the brothers jumped. It was a passion to try to find a way to make a living at a small place, Greg said. We had tried a lot of things in between. All we did was work. Theyve learned a lot about winemaking since. But Greg said the brothers didnt realize the virtues of their vineyard site along their ranchs entrance road. It was close to brother-in-law Jim Higgins neighboring hydrant, and it was kind of out of the way of the ranch, he said. We didnt have a lot of time to take care of grapes, but (Johnson) convinced us. Out of all the people who grew grapes for him, ours were the best. And we had neglected them. When homesteaders took up claims in the area George Nenzel filed for his in 1885 there were a few places in this area where they did a little farming, Greg Nollette said. That soils a little better here because were in the transition area between South Dakota and the Sandhills. The luck was with the spot the brothers chose for their vines. It had good air flow, so the grapes wouldnt freeze in the spring, he said. And were on a hill at 3,300 feet elevation, so its pretty high. Western Nebraskas later growing season impacts Niobrara Valleys wines, too. Compared with Missouri River vineyards in eastern Nebraska, we think we have a lot better quality but less quantity, Greg said. The cooler temperatures at night allow the plant to rest, and you get a different quality of grapes. We hear some of the best reds in the state of Nebraska come from here. Its not something we do. Its from where we happen to be. The Nollettes have multiplied their first accidentally successful 200 vines more than tenfold, with 2,350 vines and 10 varieties of French-American hybrid grapes cited on Niobrara Valleys website at nvvsandhills.net. Thirteen wines are listed on the website, which Greg Nollette said can be shipped to 38 states. All of them are cold, hearty grapes, he said. We have a ranching mentality about the grapes. If they cant survive, we dont want them. Besides Greg and Tim Nollette, the vineyard operation has two full-time employees and 15 part-timers during the May 1-Sept. 30 summer season. People who visit the vineyards tasting room will see the medals Niobrara Valley has won at national wine competitions since 2015. Theyll soon be seeing them at a new tasting room and event center closer to Nebraska Highway S-16F. Its expected to open by late summer. The Nollettes are developing a 10-unit RV park and a 1-mile-long pathway winding through the vineyards. Niobrara Valley also offers pizza every Friday night and prime rib every fourth Sunday of the month during the summers. People come for pizza from a 90-mile radius which in western Nebraska isnt seen as a long drive. Everythings relative out here, Greg Nollette said. Local means they could be 60 miles away. U.S. Highway 30 between Ogallala and Roscoe is now open, according to a press release from Nebraska Department of Transportation. Traffic will be maintained with flaggers and a pilot car while remaining work is done on the shoulder and the roadway. A 12-foot width restriction is in effect. This area is approximately from the east edge of Ogallala to just east of Roscoe. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the month. Remaining work includes earth shoulder construction, rumble strips, sealing, and seeding. Paulsen Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up and to put phones down. Family camping is a great outdoor activity and it is kicking into high gear for the summer. It is a great way to get away from your normal routine, have a small vacation, travel as little or as much as you want and enjoy what Nebraska has to offer. In our region, we are also blessed with many nice places to camp. Scouts Rest Ranch, Lake Maloney and Sutherland Reservoir are the immediate ones that come to mind. So, what do you need to get into family camping? One of the first things you need to think about is where you are going to sleep. Will you be sleeping in a camper or roughing it a bit more and using a tent? There is almost an endless array of options for this aspect of camping. My best advice is take your time when making your choice, think about your needs and buy the best shelter your budget can afford. What will you use for your bedding? Will it be a sleeping bag or a bedroll? There is a wide variety of products to choose from here, too. With sleeping bags, pay attention to what type of insulation is used and its temperature rating. For a beginning camper, I recommend a lightweight sleeping bag with a nylon shell and synthetic insulation that is easy to care for and maintain. You dont need to spend a lot of money on an Arctic expedition rated super down bag if you just plan on summer camping. A sleeping bag rated down to 30 to 40 degrees would be plenty. Cooking is another important aspect of camping. There is an old saying that alludes to food always tasting better in the outdoors. That may be true, but you need good cooking gear to make a good meal. What you select for pots and pans has a lot to do with how far you will need to carry it to get to camp. If you are a backpacker, you need to look at lightweight cook kits made from aluminum, stainless steel or titanium, and a small stove to match the set. If you only plan to trek a few feet from your vehicle to your camp, that opens up a lot more possibilities. You cant beat cast iron pans and skillets, but it is a personal choice as to what to use. What are you going to cook on? Your pots and pans are a personal choice. Again, if you are not backpacking, kitchenware like you use at home would be fine if using a camp cook stove. I like using cast iron in my base camps. Im always finding cast iron cookware at garage sales. Im sure I could outfit a family camp for less than $50. With cast iron, you can cook over an open fire. Tia Adams of Lincoln was camped at Lake Maloney this week. She told me she grew up in North Platte and is back visiting family and friends for a few days. Lake Maloney has always been the meeting place for family and friends. I grew up camping. My mom and dad were campers and Ive been camping for as long as I can remember, Adams said. Ive tented and Ive had an RV, but I like tenting better. Camping with a tent gets you closer to nature. Adams was sitting next to a brand-new Coleman Montana eight-person tent. She told me this was its first trip and first time out of the box. She also told me she got a great deal on it via an Amazon Prime Day sale only $100! I looked it up and she paid a little more than half price. Camping is some of the best stress relief you can find. Being camped like this, right next to the lake, is great. Nature is the place to find that stress relief, Adams stated. Im just waiting to get my fishing pole out and get something in the water. There seems to be a lot of fish here. I like it here at Lake Maloney. I like the scenery and its quiet! Adams continued. Adams told me that she has a trip planned for the Niobrara River in a few weeks. That will be a combination camping and kayaking trip. eOutboards You knew it was coming. Electric outboard motors are entering the marine market. Weve had electric trolling motors for years, but the next step was to begin outfitting boats with electric outboard or inboard motors. Im seeing more and more about eBoats every day. NuWave Marine, a Mercury Marine authorized dealer in Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, recently sold the first Mercury Avator 7.5e electric outboard to be registered in the United States. Avator is Mercurys first step in electric propulsion systems and the 7.5e model is the first in a series of electric outboard products to be released in 2023. Mercury is slated to have its Avator 20e and 35e outboards on the market later this summer and a total of five eOutboard models in the market place by the end of this year. To put this motor in perspective, the Avator 7.5e outboard generates 750 watts of power at the prop shaft and produces similar speed and acceleration as that of a Mercury 3.5 HP FourStroke outboard. It is offered as a tiller or remote steering. It might be a good choice for many small boats. Have a great week in Nebraskas outdoors! The 2024 field will be smaller than the group of candidates who crowded onto a debate stage in 2015 and spilled over into a kids table. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images This week three candidates (Chris Christie, Mike Pence, and Doug Burgum) joined the 2024 Republican presidential race, while one potential aspirant (Chris Sununu) took himself out. With only one prospective candidate, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, still undeclared it looked like the 2024 GOP field was finally settled. Then the races frontrunner, Donald Trump, was hit with a federal criminal indictment and suddenly no one was talking about all these campaign launches. So the 2024 GOP race has truly begun, and as always, its under the vast shadow cast by the 45th president. Of the 12 declared Republican candidates, two (Perry Johnson and Ryan Binkley) are unlikely to make any debate stage or stay in the race for long. Another candidate, Larry Elder, is marginal: Beyond his longtime talk-show audience, hes mostly known as the very unsuccessful candidate to replace Gavin Newsom as governor of California in the failed 2021 recall election. So that leaves nine more or less serious candidates in a field dominated by the runaway polling front-runners, Trump and Ron DeSantis. The others who are at least theoretically credible as candidates are Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, Asa Hutchinson, Vivek Ramaswamy and the aforementioned Christie, Pence and Burgum). The first scheduled joint appearance by the 2024 candidates is a party-sanctioned debate on August 23 in Milwaukee. Trump, professing anger at Fox News (the media sponsor of the debate) has equivocated about participating, casting a pall over the event, which he might dominate more in his absence than in his presence. The one thing we know for sure is that unlike the initial debates in 2016, all the candidates will fit on a single stage. And in fact, it may be roomy; at least four candidates (Christie, Elder, Hutchinson, and Burgum) may struggle to meet the RNCs polling and donor criteria for participating (a one percent showing in three large-sample national polls or two national polls and one early-state poll, plus 40,000 unique donors in 20 states). The RNC will probably ratchet up participation requirements for later debates, particularly after voting commences in 2024. What we cannot know right now is how many criminal indictments the front-runner might be facing by August 23, and how his legal perils are affecting the race. His initial indictment in Manhattan back in March only seemed to improve his standing among Republicans accustomed to dismissing impeachments and almost endless allegations of misconduct as politically motivated witch hunts. His position in the polls improved and his rivals were placed in the uncomfortable position of defending him against his supposed persecutors while challenging his leadership of the party. Reflexive Republican solidarity with Trump appears to be recurring in the immediate wake of the second indictment on federal charges involving mishandling of classified documents. Will that persist through subsequent criminal legal proceedings, or will the Trump fatigue his rivals have counted on finally materialize? We dont know, but we do know that much of this dynamic in the race is far beyond the control of the candidates challenging Trump. So its an open question how many candidates will still be around when the Iowa caucuses formally launch the nomination contest next January. In 2016, five announced candidates dropped out before voters voted. Once voting does begin, candidate strategies should be relatively simple this time around. The field can be conveniently divided between the two front-runners and everyone else. At this early juncture, Trump is in a reasonably good position to nail down the nomination with victories in all four early states (Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada, with Michigan whose tentative primary date violates current RNC rules being a possibility). DeSantis needs a strong showing in Iowa and a win or two before the calendar arrives at his and Trumps home state of Florida in mid-March. With the possible exception of the questionably viable Christie, all the dark-horse candidates are expected to make a play for survival in Iowa, where they are hoping for three developments: (1) a major stumble by either Trump or DeSantis; (2) a murder-suicide scenario where Trump and DeSantis seriously damage each other and create a craving for a more positive candidate; and (3) a high placement among the remaining candidates. Each of the dark horses will need to decide whether to concentrate on Iowas large and very conservative evangelical vote, where Trump, DeSantis, Pence, and Scott already have established appeal, or to seek a separate lane among more moderate caucusgoers. How much winnowing of the field happens in the Hawkeye State is another big question. The conventional wisdom for years has been that there are three tickets out of Iowa. But how many candidacies effectively die in the caucuses depends on a lot of variables, including performance against expectations and the possible emergence of a non-Trump, non-DeSantis dark horse who becomes an activist or media favorite. Two very wealthy self-funding candidates, Ramaswamy and Burgum, can probably stay in the race as long as they are willing to keep spending. Two others, Haley and Scott, have a strong incentive to try to stay alive until their own state of South Carolina votes (its third on the calendar), particularly if either can croak the candidacy of the other. If multiple candidates do stick it out, delegate-selection rules could help finish off the dark horses before long. Unlike Democrats, Republicans do not have strict proportionality requirements for delegate rewards. In fact, after March 15, states can elect to hold winner-take-all or winner-take-most contests (usually by congressional district), and even before mid-March minimum-vote requirements for winning delegates (often as high as 20 percent) will really hurt lagging candidates. But its entirely possible that the race will be over very early or at least that it will be reduced to two or three candidates running actual campaigns. The most common pattern in recent nomination contests in both parties has been a heavy early front-runner being pursued by a single viable rival until the nomination has been definitively decided (Mitt Romney versus Rick Santorum in 2012; Trump versus Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton versus Bernie Sanders in 2016; Joe Biden versus Bernie Sanders in 2020). So if you had to guess right now, youd have to figure Ron DeSantis will be chasing Donald Trump around the country until his money runs out or Trumps legal troubles pull him from the campaign trail. Photo: John Taggart/Redux The skies on the East Coast had turned an apocalyptic shade of orange, and everywhere, it seems, peoples minds have turned to smoke. So it felt almost preordained when I recently picked up a copy of John Vaillants Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World, which was published on June 6, the same day that Mayor Eric Adams first told New Yorkers to limit outdoor activities. A review of the book in the New York Times called it a a gripping yarn and a painstaking history, both of which are true. But, as I learned, it also provides a refreshingly clear explanation of this hazy, uncanny moment in the earths history. This is not planet Earth as we found it, Vaillant writes. This is a new place a fire planet we have made, with an atmosphere more conducive to combustion than at any time in the past three million years. Vaillant is the type of journalist who picks a single narrative and monomaniacally researches it, plunging himself deeper and deeper into the murky details, and then emerges, many years later, with a small universe cupped in his hands. For his first book, The Golden Spruce, he told the story of a deluded environmentalist who cut down a rare tree that was sacred to the Haida people; the universe around that story was the history of logging, wilderness management, and indigenous sovereignty on Canadas west coast. His second book, The Tiger, was about the hunt for a man-eating Siberian tiger, but it was also about the cloistered world of Russian forest dwellers, the challenges of conservation, and the mythic place that big cats hold in our imagination. In both books, man and nature collide, bursting open to reveal the cosmic complexity of each as well as their deep entanglement. In Fire Weather, Vaillant tells the story of the Fort McMurray wildfire, which took place seven years ago, leaving behind destruction that, as Vaillant describes with eerie specificity, closely resembled the hypocenter of an atomic-bomb blast. As in his previous books, the narrative is by turns heart-racing and horrifying. But the story is not just about what happened to this one city. It is about what Vaillant calls the new reality of 21st-century fire the carbon-fueled feedback loop that is making wildfires bigger, faster, and more unpredictable than ever in recorded history. We called up Vaillant at his home in Vancouver, to ask him a few (cough, cough) burning questions about smoke, fire, and life on an ever-more flammable planet. Lets start with the topic of smoke. Do you have any tips youve picked up from the people of Fort McMurray, for whom this type of smoke has become pretty familiar? Oh, just generally the advice that Im sure all New Yorkers have heard. You know, stay inside, keep the windows closed, have some kind of air filter going. I think if you are not health-compromised, a few days of bad smoke is not going to have a lasting impact on you. That said, the men and women who were in Fort McMurray during that fire, in part because they were around so many burning houses and burning cars, they inhaled a lot of petrochemistry, and their lives are definitely compromised. All those chemicals get into your bloodstream, into your lungs, even into your nervous system. Its similar to the kind of mysterious conditions that plagued first responders after 9/11. Theyre all resigned to the fact that they will not live as long or as healthily as they would have. It was an anomalous situation. But it was a glimpse of the future too. You just published an essay calling this state of affairs the continentwide smoke plumes, the megafiresthe new abnormal. Whats so apt about that phrase is that it never really gets to where it feels normal, does it? No matter how many times you experience wildfire smoke (or, worse, actual wildfires), it always remains otherworldly and horrible I personally refuse to recalibrate to that reality. I will never call it normal. Something that might be useful to think about here, a kind of analogy, is that theres a thing called the Cascade Effect. Its when one system starts to break down, there are all these other consequences that you never think of. So, for example, the permafrost is melting. Well, youve got pipelines all through Alaska and northern Canada that are mounted on permafrost. And when the permafrost starts to melt, the pipelines distort and rupture and leak. So now you have this whole other host of problems of oil leaks where youve never had them. Right. Its like dominoes falling Yeah. But theyre falling at weird angles. Wildfire strikes me as a perfect metaphor for climate change in some ways , because its the result of combustion, which is ultimately the source of the problem.It destroys homes on the local level, disrupts whole ecosystems. And yes, the least powerful people will inevitably be the most affected by it. But it also releases all this smoke, which doesnt care about borders. It invades everything our homes, even the capillaries in our brains. Exactly. Im probably not the first person to say this, but were all downwind. We are all connected. Its not just a California problem; its not just a Canada problem. We really are going to go through this impending future together. Thats why I wrote Fire Weather, because I understood that these were stories from the near future, and these people had survived them and learned some really hard lessons that the rest of us havent been forced to learn yet. So, whats going on in the heads of Canadas conservatives right now? Is this waking them up? Theres a desperate bid to maintain the status quo. One thing I learned from hearing about peoples experiences in these fires was how hard they will fight to hold onto the life that they know and love. They will not give up until the fire is literally at their door. I was going to ask, have you seen any glimmers of hope coming from Fort Mac, in terms of people who have experienced this firsthand having a political awakening? Nope. Not one. Fuck. I really got to know these people. These are people who cried in front of me, who got drunk with me, who told me their deepest secrets. One guy, who got screwed over by the oil company that had employed him for decades, said, I dont know who to trust anymore. I dont know what to trust anymore. But still, he will not talk about climate change and he will not let go of his loyalty to the petroleum industry. Im starting to think of it more as a religion. One of the things that Ive noticed with these sort of petro-evangelists is that they tend to respond to big wildfires in a very predictable, stereotypical way. Bill McKibben said today that whenever he tweets about wildfires, hes swarmed with people saying, Its always been like this! The same thing is happening to me! There are, like, three responses. One of them is, Theres always been fires! The other is, Look at this graph: Much less area is being burned now than historically. Which actually just isnt true. And then the third thing is, Its arsonists! Forest arsonists? Yes. The premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, is saying its arsonists who are lighting these fires, and theyre probably liberals trying to sabotage the petroleum industry Which makes it all into a little morality play, in which the bad guy can be caught if such a bad guy even exists distracting everyone from the larger systemic issue. Totally. And, the thing is, theres always a grain of truth. There have always been wildfires. Some of these fires almost certainly were started by people. But one of the fascinating things you point out in your book is that this is not just regular old fire. At different temperatures and different humidity levels, fire behaves differently. It becomes something far more dangerous. How so? I coined a term in Fire Weather, 21st-century fire. You get these pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which are gigantic stratospheric firestorm weather systems that can reach heights of 45,000 feet and can cover 50,000 square miles of area. And inside them is this roiling storm system producing its own lightning, which can basically perpetuate a large wildfire indefinitely. Those clouds were not unheard of prior to the year 2000, but they were so rare that they really werent studied. The only times they would generally occur would be when a volcano erupted. The first fire tornado was identified and named in 2003. That happened outside of Canberra, Australia. The second one occurred in Redding, California, in 2018. I went there for The Guardian. It tore 100-foot, high-tension electricity pylons out of the ground. It tore cars in half. It threw F150s through the air, burned them down to the springs. It destroyed everything on a granular level. It really looked like the aftermath of a nuclear blast. So thats new. Fire didnt used to do that. So theres a double entendre hidden in the title of your book. Fire weather is the conditions where wildfires flourish. But also, when fires become big enough, they also create their own weather systems Both of those. And then the third meaning is that we are entering a new regime in which fire weather could conceivably become the dominant weather. Fire season in California in the 1950s and 60s was about four months. Now, its perfectly common to have fires year-round. A theme here, and something that I think is hard for us to understand, but its actually simple, is were now crossing invisible thresholds. Think about your own body. If you raise the temperature of your body by one degree, youre really gonna notice it. If you raise it by three degrees, youre gonna have a full-on fever and youre gonna probably be in bed. And if you raise it by five degrees, youll be dead. A forest is the same. If youve got 90-degree temperatures when its supposed to be 65 out, and youve got humidity levels that are commensurate with Death Valley (as they were in Fort McMurray on May 3, 2016), fires gonna do different stuff. The fire that came out of the forest that day into Fort McMurray was projecting radiant heat of a thousand degrees. It was as hot as Venus. You also make a distinction in the book between destructive wildfires and transformative ones. Can you explain what those terms mean? Your average, run-of-the-mill, 1980s wildfire, it would burn a bunch of trees down, and if there was a town in the way, it might burn through the town. But you wouldnt have the heat that these modern fires are generating. The first time people really saw that was in 2011, in this little town of Slave Lake, south of Fort McMurray. When that fire came in, it burned incredibly fast and incredibly hot to the point that peoples homes were completely burned. All that remained would be, like, piles of nails. Maybe the sheet-metal husk of a refrigerator or the shell of a car. When people went to look for things like lawn mowers, they couldnt find them because they had vaporized. There was a front-page headline in the New York Post yesterday urging American readers to Blame Canada! for the smoke thats blanketing the East Coast. Do you think thats a fair response? Its no more logical than blaming arsonists for the fires in Alberta. Its just ludicrous, simplistic thinking. I mean, we could blame America Yeah. America imports the bulk of its lumber from Canada. And the same goes for the tar sands, right? Something like 40 percent of American oil imports come from Canada. So, in a sense, a good portion of that smoke is Americas pollution. It was just made elsewhere. Totally. And then theres all the petcoke. Petcoke is the stuff thats left over from bitumen processing. Its sold to India and China to run their power plants. Thats American and Canadian petcoke thats trashing the skies above Beijing and New Delhi. The Post also claimed that the fires were the result of bad forestry and green ideology because the Canadian government hasnt done enough prescribed burning. When I was in Australia during its Black Summer, I remember hearing precisely those same claims. As youve pointed out, this is a ploy to distract from the climate crisis, and pinning the blame on environmentalists is a whole new level of derangement. But is there any truth to the underlying claim that these megafires in Canada are being caused by too little prescribed burning? Nobody likes smoke. Ask any New Yorker. Nobody likes it. And people used to think you needed to preserve the forest. So we had this development, especially postwar, of all these parachute-trained soldiers who were redeployed as smoke jumpers in helicopter crews in the forest. And they were really effective at suppressing wildfires. So weve had almost a century of very successful wildfire suppression. The 10 a.m. policy. Exactly. Out by 10. What it replaced was natural fire burning and also, frankly, indigenous burning, which was the original prescribed burn. So now you have forests after a hundred years of fire suppression, and theyre lighting up. This is also after two centuries of rampant logging that just trashed the woods from coast to coast. So, yeah. Your book feels distinctly of the moment because it takes place in the Athabasca tar sands, a swath of bitumen-soaked land the size of New York State. One of your sources likens it to Mordor. Miles of bare earth, flames shooting into the sky from flare stacks. Just this kind of hellscape. And yet, the region produces billions of dollars each year, a huge chunk of the nations GDP. So, in effect, youre peering right into the burning heart of climate change. Was that your intention when you set out to write a book about climate change? Not at all. In fact, I made a vow to myself early on that I wouldnt use the word climate. Ive broken that vow, obviously, but I really wanted to stay away from the topic. I mean, what Rebecca Solnit is doing and what Bill McKibben is doing is crucial. And I have the deepest admiration for them. But I didnt want to write one of those books. You write that Fort McMurray is also the embodiment of what you call wildfire economics. Tell us about what that term means. Wildfire economics is what occurred to me after learning how a big fire can create its own weather. It generates its own energy by creating pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which creates lightning, which lights more fire around the fires periphery, which primes the ground and keeps it all going. What these large corporations are able to do once they get big enough is they can set the terms the same way a large firestorm can. They literally changed the laws. Thats part of why were in the situation were in right now, because of the power of the petroleum industry to manipulate how our civilization runs. To me, one of the scariest things about climate change is the way that it has this capacity to keep racing on, even after we have tried to pull in the reins. The clearest illustration of that is how the forests burn and then spew out carbon, which makes the climate warmer, which then makes more fires, and on and on Yeah. Weve already supercharged the system. Were gonna have to go through all the trouble of coming up with a new energy system, and we will still suffer in terms of respiratory issues and high temperatures and wet-bulb deaths and all the horrors that are lurking out there. That doesnt mean we cant still live good lives. I mean, I honestly feel hopeful. Its just, theres gonna be a cost too. So, youve spent seven years writing this book, immersing yourself in this science, this history, these peoples lives. How has it changed you personally, seeing the world through the lens of fire? Its made me much more critical of capitalism, much more critical of my own unconscious appetites. Petroleum, at this point, feels almost like a death wish. I really want to be on the side of the living. Im someone who has been an absolute beneficiary of the Petrocene age; oil and gas made my life possible and enabled me to go places and do things that wouldve been very hard to do without them. So I feel grateful for that. But a mature person, an aware person, also has to say, this is ultimately not serving myself, my family, my people, or the future. Clearly whats needed in the world is a more humble approach to how we make our living on earth. Thats a 21st-century project that Homo sapiens are going to have to reckon with. And its going to involve a lot of fire, unfortunately. A driver died in a deputy-involved shooting on US Highway 280 in Southeast Lee County, according to the Lee County Sherriffs Office. Authories said the driver, whose name has yet to be released, fired shots at two deputies before they returned fired. The deputies were not injured. The Lee County Sherriffs Office received a 911 call around 10:45 p.m. Friday reporting a man who was possibly intoxicated driving eastbound on US Highway 280. He was traveling in the Bleeker community near the intersection of Lee Road 250. The caller described the vehicle as a white Ford F-150 and that it was swerving across lanes and had run off the road into a ditch, officials said in the press release. Authorities said a deputy responding to the incident spotted a white Ford pick-up around 10:55 p.m. in a ditch less than 1 mile east of Lee Road 250 off US Highway 280. The deputy approached and truck and observed a lone occupant of the vehicle, an adult male, who appeared to be asleep in the drivers seat of the vehicle. The deputy also observed what appeared to be a rifle in the seat beside the individual. Officials said the deputy called another deputy to the scene. After that deputy arrived around 11 p.m., they saw the truck start backing out of the ditch. A shot was fired from the drivers vehicle. Deputies returned fire, leaving the driver fatally wounded. They then approached the truck as other deputies arrived on the scene, according to the new release. Authorizes said they found he driver wounded with a handgun in one hand and a semi-automatic shotgun with an extended magazine in the seat beside him. Officials didnt state whether they found the driver was in fact intoxicated. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the incident. Flash Dozens of Palestinian artists in Gaza on Thursday took part in an art exhibition to reflect the suffering of the local children during the Gaza-Israeli tensions. Dubbed "The Occupation Kills Children," the art event was organized by 26 nongovernment organizations, showing graffiti of the children's losses of homes and even lives under Israeli attacks. Graffiti on rubbles of houses destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, theatrical plays, some of the dead children's personal belongings, and remains of Israeli rockets fired at Gaza were among the most visited segments. "We launched this festival to simulate the suffering of Palestinian children because of the endless Israeli violations against them in Gaza," Fedaa Younus, one of the event organizers, told Xinhua. "We decided to invest in the art as a message to people around the world, which can be understood in all languages," the young woman explained. "The children of Gaza are subjected to killing, destruction, displacement, and fear, and no one cares about them," Hussain Abu Sadiq, a Gaza-based artist who drew graffiti on walls of destroyed houses portraying miserable children in Gaza, told Xinhua. "We focus on our children's suffering to ask for the world's support and pressure Israel into stopping all its crimes against them," said the artist. Mohammed Siam, another Gaza-based artist, also took part in the exhibition with his paintings about children who were trying to escape from Israeli airstrikes on their residential houses. "Our children wish to live in their country freely and not to feel afraid of death or bombing, and they want to enjoy a normal life like the rest of the world's children," said Siam. Now in Gaza of more than 2.3 million, residents have gradually managed to resume their normal daily routines after an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire between Israel and the Hamas-led militant groups ended their five-day deadly exchange of fire, which started on May 9 and left 33 Palestinians and one Israeli killed. On Tuesday, Palestine officially called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to add Israel to the list of parties liable for grave violations against children. During the international conference held in Norway's capital Oslo, Riyad Mansour, Palestine's envoy to the United Nations, called on the international community to support the moral, political, and legal measures against Israel as a necessary and important step toward protecting children during conflicts. Governments in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia have set themselves ambitious targets for a transition to a low-carbon energy system. These targets are overwhelmingly dependent on the mining industry. The transition is impossible without massive amounts of copper, steel, lithium, and a host of other elements found in the Earths crust. But there is a problem: taking these elements out takes people. And there are not enough people to do that. The labor shortage problem first became obvious during the pandemic, when lockdowns essentially froze much of the movement of people across borders. Reuters mentioned the problem in a 2022 article about the headwinds facing global mining majors, which also included elevated production costs. With the pandemic now over and no more lockdowns, people should once again be moving freely where their job takes them. Yet this does not seem to be the case for engineers, miners, and truck drivers. There are simply not enough people with the respective qualifications, it seems. Barrons reported in February that the unemployment rate for the mining industry in the United States was an impressive 0.3% at the start of the year. The shortage was quite serious in oil and gas, too, and became one reason why production was seen growing more slowly than otherwise possible. The same went for mining output. We could have in 2022 produced more if we were fully staffed, Kathleen Quirk, president of copper major Freeport-McMoRan, said on the companys 2022 earnings call. And I believe that is the case again this year. This is a problem for the transition plans of governments. It is perhaps the most serious problem because, with less raw material supply for wind and solar installations, electric cars, and transmission lines, the ambitious targets these governments set themselves might never materialize. Because the problem is global. McKinsey earlier this year produced a report that warned that a talent shortage had become a top priority for the mining industry because of its unprecedented scale. The reason: Mining is not currently an aspirational industry for young technical talent to join. In other words, college students are not interested in mining-related degrees. They are choosing other fields. Related: Head Of UAE Oil Giant Says Fossil Fuel Phasedown Inevitable In Australia, McKinsey said, there has been a 63% decline in mining engineering enrolment since 2014. In the United States, the decline has been more modest, at 39% since 2016, but still considerable. Young people just dont want to work in mining. Reputation is certainly one part of the equation, and it is why mining companies are now outing a lot of effort into painting a new, environmentally friendly image for themselves. There is a lot of talk about new mining practices, more sparing for the environment and more responsible from an emissions perspective. Transition-eager governments could probably help by recognizing the crucial role mining has to play in the transition instead of pandering to any activist group that protests a new copper mine somewhere where a wildflower grows. There is no way of eating the cake and having it, too. The transition needs mining, period. But its not only a reputational problem. With enrolment down and many in the industry reaching retirement age and exiting, there appears to be a net outflow of workers from the mining industry. And these are not all people you could easily replace, even if the work does not require a university degree. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the number of people employed in the U.S. mining industry had declined by 39% since 1990, driven by the switch from coal to gas for electricity generation. And that talent is not coming back. The problem is that talent isnt lying around waiting to be paid morethere just isnt enough of it, Andrea Brickey, associate professor of mining engineering and management at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, told the WSJ. Even so, companies have few options, and they are using them all: signing bonuses, higher salaries, and additional perks are all being thrown at prospective workers to fill those vacancies. Yet there are not enough people. And it will take years to train some. What this means is that the price tag of the transition will go higher. Because higher salaries for mining engineers and chemists, project managers and truck drivers lead to higher prices for the end product. It also means the transition will take longer. Because you cant build all the infrastructure that it requires without raw materials. ADVERTISEMENT Finally, it means the transition will not be smooth sailing the whole way. The combination between a supply deficit and a labor shortage is a bad one. Its especially bad when planners operate in an environment fraught with presumably existential deadlines. At some point, these planners might need to start acknowledging the reality of the various constraints that call the feasibility of a massive energy system overhaul into question. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Via the Jamestown Foundation On June 1, during the course of his visit to Chisinau, Moldova, to attend the second summit of the European Political Community (EPC), Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the next meeting of the foreign ministers from his country and Azerbaijan will take place in Washington on June 12 (Armenpress.am, June 1). Although it has been postponed since, the Azerbaijani side declared that the new date will be announced soon (Modern.az, June 8). If it indeed takes place, this will be the second meeting of the two ministers hosted by the United States, after their four-day peace talks in the US capital in early May 2023 (see EDM, May 8). Following this meeting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the two South Caucasus republics were within reach of an agreement (State.gov, May 4). Indeed, multiple meetings have taken place since then between representatives of the two countries at various levels, resulting in some noteworthy advancements. The European Unionmediated summit of Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders in Brussels on May 14 and the Russian-mediated foreign ministers meeting in Moscow on May 19 (see EDM, May 23) had provided a good basis for subsequent talks between the two sides. Most importantly, the recognition of the Karabakh region as part of Azerbaijan by Pashinyan, which has historically been a point of contention between both countries, was a remarkable impetus for the peace process (Consilium.europa.eu, May 14). In the aftermath of these two meetings, the long-awaited trilateral summit of Armenian, Azerbaijani and Russian leaders took place in Moscow on May 25. This trilateral gathering was organized on the sidelines of the summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), where Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev took part as a guest for the first time (President.az, May 25). A few hours before the resumption of high-level peace talks in Moscow, which had not taken place since the summit in Sochi on October 31, 2022, Russian media announced that at least two documents would be signed. According to the Russian daily Kommersant, one of these documents was expected to be signed by the deputy prime ministers involved in a separate negotiation track, with a particular emphasis on reopening regional transportation connections as outlined in the trilateral statement issued on January 12, 2021, signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia (Kommersant, May 25). The other document was anticipated to be another joint statement issued by the leaders of the three countries. However, the trilateral meeting did not deliver any signed documents or yield any major breakthrough. Some Azerbaijani media reported that the Armenian side was not interested in the adoption of any document (Qafqazinfo, May 25). The verbal battle between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan at the EAEU summit received more attention from observers. Here, Aliyev and Pashinyan, in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other EAEU leaders, argued about the perception of corridor, which is a debatable topic as Armenia rejects this term in relation to the transportation passage widely referred to as the Zangezur Corridor. Aliyev reiterated to the Armenian leader that the use of this term does not contain any territorial claims against Armenia and that he uses this term in the same way when referring to the North-South Corridor and East-West Corridor (President.az, May 25). That said, perhaps the most important outcome of the Moscow summit was the re-activation of the working group of both countries deputy prime ministers to discuss transportation projects. Following the trilateral summit, Putin noted that the sides were close to a final deal on re-opening transportation links and that the remaining issues were purely technical (President.az, May 25). On June 3, the working group met for the 12th time and reported to have reached a common understanding concerning the implementation of concrete steps for the restoration and organization of the railway connection on the ArazdeyanJulfaMehriHoradiz route (Apa.az, June 3). The group statement avoided using the term Zangezur Corridor, which is widely used to refer to the aforementioned route. Both sides, nevertheless, reported important progress in talks about the modality of these transportation links without giving further details. Progress in this direction has also been observed in the increasing use of the Azerbaijani checkpoint on the Lachin road by Armenians traveling in and out of the Karabakh region (Azernews, June 3). In another positive move, which was commended by the US, Aliyev promised amnesty to the Armenian separatists in the Karabakh region if they disband their illegal entities and abide by Azerbaijani laws (Turan.az, May 28; Apa.az, May 31). The two sides also appear to be closer to an agreement on the exchange of one anothers exclaves that have remained in the territory of the other since the collapse of the Soviet Union (News.am, June 1). In the meantime, on June 1, on the sidelines of the EPC summit, Aliyev and Pashinyan met again with the mediation of European Council President Charles Michel, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. This format is not entirely supported by Azerbaijan due to the participation of Macron, since the political establishment of his country has almost always been supportive of Armenia (News.az, June 2). Nevertheless, in an apparent demonstration of goodwill in the peace process, Aliyev agreed to join the meeting, which was held informally in a cafeteria. The major outcome of the gathering was the announcement of the next summit of Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders via the mediation of Michel in Brussels on July 21 (Consilium.europa.eu, June 1). Thus, in the run-up to the next ministerial meeting in Washington, the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks have been marked by significant dynamism and progress. In addition to the aforementioned advancements, the attendance of Pashinyan at the inauguration ceremony of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 3 for the first time in history marked a highly symbolic occasion (Armenpress.am, June 3). Thus, the potential is growing that Baku and Yerevan could sign a peace treaty in the near future if they can overcome the remaining challenges on this path (see EDM, May 23) and preserve the positive atmosphere that comes under threat by frequent, albeit small-scale, military clashes along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan (Mod.gov.az, June 1, 2, 3). ADVERTISEMENT By Vasif Huseynov More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Omahans were able to get an up-close look at art and meet the creative minds behind it at a festival in Aksarben Village on Friday. The 49th annual Omaha Summer Arts Festival, which will continue Saturday and Sunday, was in full swing Friday afternoon with artist booths, live displays, music and food vendors. Over 130 artists representing around 20 states are featured in this years event, according to event marketing coordinator Maggie Winton. The event will also include over 30 musical performances over the course of the weekend, as well as a childrens fair with activities on Saturday and Sunday. A Young Artists Exhibit in Mammel Hall at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is also open over the weekend and features over 300 pieces created by Omaha area students, Winton said. The festival itself is free, which Winton said is important to making sure that art remains accessible. Even if youre not necessarily going to purchase art from the artists, you can still come down to see the art, talk with the artists, get their information for future use and be exposed to the arts in that way, she said. Despite some rain, turnout remained strong throughout the day on Friday, Winton said. Winton said she thinks something a lot of people appreciate about the festival is being able to get up close and personal with the artists behind the art. People can talk with local artists and get to know who they are and network with them and talk to them about their process, she said. I think that thats something super valuable about this festival. Christian Coleman of Salt Lake City was selling mixed-media art at the festival. He said he creates black-and-white line drawings by hand, which he then digitalizes and adds in colors and other elements. Coleman said that he and his wife travel around the country selling their artwork and that he appreciated that people werent afraid to come out in the rain for the festival Friday. This is the first time weve made it up here, he said. Oil painter Greta Sandquist of St. Paul, Minnesota, was selling her paintings, which focus on animals and nature, at the festival. Sandquist said she sells at a lot of festivals over the summer, and although this was her first time at the Omaha festival, she was impressed. The promoters are amazing, she said. They have taken really good care of the artists. Sheree Ree LeShawn was one of the homegrown artists representing Omaha at the festival. LeShawn creates photo-based art, which she said she uses as a way to express herself and her emotions. While this is her first year selling at the event, she said she has been several times in the past to browse other artists work. I love it mostly just because theres a variety of art, she said. Its also super cool just to see that locally people appreciate what the art world is. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2023 Recent shark bites in Florida and Hawaii and a suspected case in New Jersey have piqued interest in an age-old summer question for beachgoers is it safe to go in the water? Scientists and researchers who study sharks said the overwhelming answer to that question is yes, it is safe. Potentially dangerous interactions between humans and sharks are uncommon, and serious injuries and deaths from the bites are vanishingly rare, scientists said. Nonetheless, the dramatic nature of shark bites and the stories of survivors, such as Hawaii surfer Mike Moritas tale of fighting off a shark in April, capture the imagination. Its a good idea to remember just how rare shark bites truly are, scientists said. How often do shark bites occur? There have been typically around 70 to 80 unprovoked shark bites annually, worldwide, over the past decade. And not only are shark bites rare, theyve been especially rare recently. There were only 57 unprovoked bites last year, and five of those were fatal, according to University of Floridas International Shark Attack File. There had been nine such deaths the previous year. The database reported a year ago that one reason for the decline in bites might be be the global decline of shark populations. Its too early in the warm season to get an idea of how active this year will be for interactions between humans and sharks, said Greg Skomal, a shark expert with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. If we get lots of bait fish and forage fish species close to shore, we have a super hot summer that draws people to beaches, more people in the water, then we can determine the risk, Skomal said. What are the most prone areas for shark encounters? The United States and Australia are typically the sites of the most reported shark bites. Florida had more bites than anywhere else on Earth last year with 16 unprovoked bites, two of which resulted in amputations, the Shark Attack File said. This month, two Florida fishermen were bitten by sharks in separate incidents less than 36 hours apart. The rate of shark bites has stayed steady in recent years, but it might feel like a more common occurrence because of the prevalence of smartphones, said Nick Whitney, a senior scientist at the New England Aquarium in Boston. Recently developed smartphone apps allow users to report shark sightings in real time. What kind of sharks are cause for concern? White sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks are those most cited by the International Shark Attack File for unprovoked bites. Those species are large sharks that also cause the most fatalities. However, its worth bearing in mind that many interactions with sharks are with smaller species that are unlikely to cause serious injuries, said James Sulikowski, director of the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station at Oregon State University. Those species might bite a human, realize we are not their preferred prey and move on, he said. Is it safe to swim? Yes. Youre at exponentially greater risk of getting hurt in a car accident on the way to the beach than you are to get seriously injured by a shark bite. Millions of people flock to the beach in the summer as the weather heats up, and that raises the possibility of interacting with a shark. But by taking simple precautions, such as not carrying shiny objects into the water and not swimming at dawn and dusk, beachgoers can reduce any chance of a dangerous encounter with a shark, Sulikowski said. We are intruders in their environment. What we can do is be logical and safe about that and avoid areas where sharks are going to be feeding, Sulikowski said. When an interaction occurs, its mistaken identity we are in an area where a shark is looking to eat. GREENSBORO, N.C. Former President Donald Trump blasted his historic federal indictment as ridiculous and baseless" Saturday during his first public appearances since the charges were unsealed, painting the 37 felony counts as an attack on his supporters as he tried to turn dire legal peril to political advantage. Speaking at Republican state conventions in Georgia and North Carolina, Trump cast his indictment by the Department of Justice as an attempt to damage his chances of returning to the White House as he campaigns for a second term. Theyve launched one witch hunt after another to try and stop our movement, to thwart the will of the American people, Trump alleged in Georgia, later telling the crowd that, "In the end, theyre not coming after me. Theyre coming after you. The strategy is a well-worn one for Trump, who remains the front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination despite his mounting legal woes, which also include criminal charges filed against him in March in New York. Again and again, in the face of investigation, Trump has tried to delegitimize law enforcement officials and portray himself and his supporters as victims, even when he is accused of serious crimes. Trump also vowed Saturday to remain in the race, even if he is convicted in the case. Ill never leave, he told Politico in an interview aboard his plane after his speech in Georgia. He further predicted that he wouldn't be convicted and sidestepped questions about whether he would pardon himself if he wins a second term. I dont think Ill ever have to, Trump said. I didnt do anything wrong. The indictment unsealed Friday charges Trump with willfully defying Justice Department demands that he return classified documents, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his residence. The indictment includes allegations that he stored documents in a ballroom and bathroom at his Mar-a-Lago resort, among other places. Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance Tuesday in Miami. He was charged alongside valet Walt Nauta, a personal aide whom prosecutors say moved boxes from a storage room to Trumps residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. Nauta traveled with Trump to Georgia, appearing by his side at a Waffle House stop where the former president signed autographs, posed for photos and told supporters, We did absolutely nothing wrong. Earlier Saturday, Trump was given a hero's welcome at the party convention in Georgia, where he drew loud applause as he slammed the investigation as a political hit job and accused his political enemies of launching one hoax and witch hunt after another to prevent his reelection. The ridiculous and baseless indictment by the Biden administrations weaponized Department of Injustice will go down as among the most horrific abuses of power in the history of our country," he said. He also used his remarks to rail against President Joe Biden and his 2016 Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, accusing them of mishandling classified information and insisting he was treated unfairly because he is a Republican. But Trump overlooked a critical difference: Only he has been accused of intentionally trying to impede investigators by not returning the documents in question. In the Clinton probe, for instance, FBI investigators concluded that although she was extremely careless in her handling of classified emails on a private server, there was no evidence that she intended to break the law. And though the Biden investigation is ongoing, no evidence has emerged to suggest that he intentionally held onto the records or even knew that they were there, with his representatives turning over records after they were discovered and voluntarily consenting to FBI searches. Trump also lingered on Georgias role in his 2020 defeat, repeating his lies that he had won the state and defending his efforts to overturn Bidens victory, which is the subject of another ongoing investigation, this one by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Willis has suggested that any indictments would likely come in August. At the heart of the investigation is a recorded phone conversation in which Trump urges Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes just enough to overtake Biden and overturn Trumps narrow loss in the state. Trump has defended the phone call as perfect," and on Saturday lashed out against both Willis and the special counsel in the Mar-a-Lago case. Despite the latest criminal charges, attendees cheered him on in Georgia and in North Carolina, where he spoke at a state GOP convention dinner Saturday evening. About 100 supporters, some waving Witch Hunt signs, showed up to the Columbus, Georgia, airfield to greet Trump as he arrived. Jan Plemmons, 66, wearing an oversize foam Make America Great Again hat, called the federal charges absolutely ridiculous and said she was ready to campaign with Trump. To Michael Sellers, 67, it was criminal what they're doing to him." The indictment arrives as Trump is continuing to dominate the primary race. Among the various investigations Trump has faced, the documents case has long been considered the most perilous legal threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. But Trumps continued popularity among Republican voters is evident in how gingerly his primary rivals have treated the federal indictment. Mike Pence, whose appearance in North Carolina marked the first shared venue with his former boss since the ex-vice president announced his own campaign this past week, condemned the politicization of the Justice Department and urged Attorney General Merrick Garland "to stop hiding behind the special counsel and stand before the American people to explain the basis for the federal investigation into Trump. It took just 50 seconds for Keloni Jones to draw a handgun from her purse and fire a single bullet through the heart of a 23-year-old security guard, according to Friday testimony from an Omaha police detective. On Friday, 24-year-old Jones appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony in the killing of Gom Gout in the early-morning hours of May 7. Prosecutors allege that Jones shot and killed Gout as he tried to diffuse a fight while working security at a downtown bar. According to testimony from Omaha Police Homicide Detective Chad Frodyma: For Jones, the night out began about 10:30 p.m. She went with her sister and a handful of friends to Moe and Curleys Pub, a karaoke bar near 10th Street and Capitol Avenue. At about 12:30 a.m., Jones and the rest of her group left the bar as a large disturbance formed in the street outside. About 20 minutes later, Jones and a friend are seen on security cameras walking back toward the bar. Jones later told police that her friend had left her purse at the bar, and she offered to go back to look for it. As the two walk down the street, a group of about five or six women begin to follow them. Multiple fights broke out in front of the bar, with one woman taking Jones to the ground, holding her by the hair and repeatedly kicking and punching her in the head and body. Jones was left on the ground after the fight. Gout, who was inside the bar, came outside and successfully broke up another fight nearby. He was dressed in a bright red shirt with SECURITY written on the back. A group of people, including the woman who assaulted Jones, had gathered in a group about 20 feet away from the bars entrance. Gout was speaking with the women when Jones got up off the ground, walked toward the bar entrance and pulled a Glock 19 handgun out of her purse. Noticing that Jones had a gun, Gout slowly approached with an outstretched hand in what Frodyma described as a calm down movement. He attempted to block her movement as she stepped away from him to look at the group of women. Frodyma testified that Jones then punched Gout in the arm and placed her hand on his chest to push him away. She had the gun in her right hand, pointed upward, before she pointed it at Gouts chest and pulled the trigger. Gout attempted to run away and made it a step or two before collapsing on the ground. The bullet pierced his heart and lung, and he was declared dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The entire incident, from the moment Jones was assaulted to the moment Gout was shot, lasted less than two minutes. Uniformed officers, who had been provided a description of Jones, picked her up a few hours later at 24th and Dodge Streets. Surveillance footage from the bar captured the assault and shooting on camera. Jones defense attorney, Nissa Jones, argued that the assault had left her client traumatized, confused and afraid, leading her to believe that Gout was a threat. She said Keloni Jones has a legitimate self-defense claim, and there is no evidence to suggest that she knew Gout was a security guard. Nissa Jones also asked Douglas County Court Judge Stephanie Shearer to reconsider setting bail for Keloni Jones, who has been held in custody without bail since the killing. Nissa Jones requested bail to be set at 10% of $500,000. Shearer declined to set a bail amount and bound Keloni Jones case over to District Court for trial. NENZEL, Neb. Greg Nollette and his family lucked into the wine business. They planted 200 vines on their Cherry County ranch in 2002, not to sell wine but to grow grapes that George Johnson could crush and sour for his George Paul Vinegars in nearby Cody. Unknowingly, they had picked almost the perfect spot on their spread. The spark for the Nollettes Niobrara Valley Vineyards was struck a decade later by Ed Swanson. He owned the former Cuthills Vineyards near Pierce and was consulting with Johnson, Greg Nollette said. When he tasted the yield from the Nollettes grapes, Ed said the wines too good to spoil it. Vinegars spoiled wine, Greg said. So George called me up and asked if we could sell any wine. I said I had no idea, because I had never seen it before. The familys wines debuted in 2012, with Johnson offering his vinegary to produce the first 30 cases. After formally organizing their vineyard business in 2013, the Nollettes started producing at their own place in 2014. Their tasting room has operated ever since in the home place at the ranch, about a mile off U.S. Highway 20 southeast of Nenzel, which is 30 miles west of Valentine. Its one of the 70 stops in the 2023 Nebraska Passport tourism program. Nenzel is where the four Nollette brothers grew up as the fourth generation from homesteader and town founder George Nenzel. The two oldest Lou, now 74, and Neal, 71 are retired Catholic priests in the Grand Island Diocese. Greg, 67, and Tim, 63, went into education, although they also felt a call to agriculture, inspired in part by the hogs and cattle their father, Joseph Nollette, raised on the familys acreage in town. In 1982, with Tim teaching in St. Edward and Greg in graduate school to become an extension agent, their dad died. They had to deal with the family home. That was in the agricultural depression, Greg said. And people said you need to forget about that and sell it off. We didnt sell. Thats why were here. And we came home. They bought a more traditional spread, though. The family pooled resources to buy their 800-acre ranch in 1985, where Greg and Tim raised purebred Black Angus and Gelbvieh cattle when they werent teaching or working elsewhere. When Johnson asked them to consider raising grapes, the brothers jumped. It was a passion to try to find a way to make a living at a small place, Greg said. The luck was with the spot the brothers chose for their vines. It had good air flow, so the grapes wouldnt freeze in the spring, he said. And were on a hill at 3,300 feet elevation, so its pretty high. Western Nebraskas later growing season impacts Niobrara Valleys wines, too. Compared with Missouri River vineyards in eastern Nebraska, we think we have a lot better quality but less quantity, Greg said. The cooler temperatures at night allow the plant to rest, and you get a different quality of grapes. We hear some of the best reds in the state of Nebraska come from here. Its not something we do. Its from where we happen to be. The Nollettes have multiplied their initial 200 vines more than tenfold, with 2,350 vines and 10 varieties of French-American hybrid grapes cited on Niobrara Valleys website at nvvsandhills.net. Thirteen wines are listed on the website, and Greg Nollette said they can be shipped to 38 states. All of them are cold, hardy grapes, he said. We have a ranching mentality about the grapes. If they cant survive, we dont want them. Besides Greg and Tim Nollette, the vineyard operation has two full-time employees and 15 part-timers during the May 1-Sept. 30 summer season. A new tasting room and event center, closer to Nebraska Highway S-16F, is expected to open by late summer. The Nollettes are developing a 10-unit RV park and a mile-long pathway winding through the vineyards. Niobrara Valley also offers pizza every Friday night and prime rib every fourth Sunday of the month during the summers. People come for pizza from a 90-mile radius which in western Nebraska isnt seen as a long drive. Everythings relative out here, Greg Nollette said. Local means they could be 60 miles away. Flash At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas will pay a state visit to China from June 13 to 16, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying announced Friday. At a news briefing on Friday, Wang Wenbin, another spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said that President Abbas is an old and good friend of the Chinese people and the first Arab head of state to be hosted by China this year. "This speaks volumes about the high-level friendly relations between China and Palestine." Wang said China and Palestine enjoy a traditional friendship, and China is one of the first countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine. He said in recent years, thanks to the personal guidance of President Xi and President Abbas, the China-Palestine relations have maintained a good momentum of growth with stronger political mutual trust and deeper friendship between the two peoples. "China stands ready to work with Palestine to follow through on the common understandings of leaders of the two countries and take the China-Palestine traditional friendship to new heights," Wang added. The Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East issue and matters to the region's peace and stability and global equity and justice, Wang said, adding that "China has all along firmly supported the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights." The spokesperson said for 10 consecutive years, President Xi has sent congratulatory messages to the special commemorative meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, and more than once he put forward China's proposals for resolving the Palestinian question, stressing the need to resolutely advance a political settlement based on the two-state solution and intensify international efforts for peace. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to work with the international community for a comprehensive, just and enduring solution to the Palestinian question at an early date, said Wang. There was jubilation across Osun State on Friday after the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja declared Ademola Adeleke the winner of the elections held in September, 2018. The three-member panel at the tribunal, in a split judgment of two-to-one, declared the Peoples Democratic Partys candidate the winner of the September 2018 election. The tribunal, through the majority judgment, nullified the certificate of return issued to Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and ordered the commission to issue a fresh one to Mr Adeleke. The tribunal, which had earlier dismissed the preliminary objection filed against the PDP and Mr Adelekes petition, stated that the petitioners failed to prove the allegations of over-voting in many polling units during the September 22, 2018 election. It also held that the petitioners complaints of corrupt practices and violent disruption of voting and disenfranchisement of voters during the September 27, 2018 run-off were not proved. But the tribunal, in its majority judgment, went ahead to uphold the petition on the grounds that the petitioners successfully proved that there was substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2010 in the conduct of the September 27, 2018 run-off in 17 polling units. Dissenting, the Chairman, Ibrahim Sirajo, in his minority judgment dismissed the petition filed by Mr Adeleke and the PDP for lacking in merit. But Peter Obiora, who read the lead majority judgment, and Ayinla Gbolagunte, who agreed, upheld the petition. The judgment lasted for about six hours. The majority judgment nullified the September 27, 2018 supplementary election after declaring it illegal and declared Mr Adeleke the winner of the poll based on the outcome of the September 22, 2018 election. Considering the valid results of the election, the tribunal deducted the votes polled by both the APC and the PDP in the 17 polling units across many local government areas where it held that the election was conducted in substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. regret not being allowed to marry the man of my choice Patience Ozokwor It deducted 2,029 afflicted votes polled by the APC in the 17 polling units from the partys total votes in the September 22, 2018 election, and deducted 1,246 from PDPs votes. According to the tribunal, the PDP won the election with 254,698 votes, while the APC placed second with 253,452 votes. Mr Obiora added that the PDP would still have won the poll even if the tribunal validated the supplementary election. He held that if the afflicted votes of 2,029 were deducted from the 255,505 votes polled by the APC at the end of the September 27, 2018 run-off, the party and its candidate would only have polled 253,476 votes. But according to Mr Obiora, the PDP would have won with 253,777 votes if the afflicted votes of 1,246 votes were deducted from the partys 255,023 votes at the end of the supplementary election. Mr Obiora said, By our earlier calculation, the votes affected by non-compliance are: APC: 2,029; PDP: 1,246 which we hereby nullify. If the above votes are deducted from the scores of the parties as of September 22, 2018 election, the standing of the parties will be as follows: APC: 254,345 votes, minus 2,029 votes equal 252,315 votes. PDP: 254,698 votes, minus 1,246 votes, equal to 253,452 votes. Perchance the rerun is found to be valid, and the final scores of the parties declared after the rerun of September 27, 2018 is allowed to stand, then deducting the votes that were found to be afflicted by non-compliance shall stand the parties in the following scores: APC: 255,505 votes, minus 2,029 votes, equal to 253,476 votes. PDP: 255,023 votes, minus the afflicted votes of non-compliance which is 1,246, will give us 253,777 votes. In both situations, it is obvious that the petitioners won the election to the office of the Governor of Osun State. The tribunal held that the election in 17 polling units was conducted in non-compliance with the Electoral Act by alleged deliberate failure of INEC to fill in eight columns on the result sheets and the number of accredited voters and give an account of usage of ballot papers. We are of the opinion that the non-recording was deliberate and tailored towards achieving an unwholesome result. The tribunal added that aside from the cases of non-compliance, Forms EC8A and the result sheets of polling units were discredited during the trial by virtue of alterations noticed on them. It said the figures on the certified true copies of the forms were different from what was on the pink duplicate copies issued to party agents at the end of the election. Commenting on the conduct of INEC, the tribunal stated, We note that a substantial number of the Certified True Copies of the Forms EC8A either have figures on them altered or have figures entered in them in Columns 1 8 thereof. The alterations in figures and fresh filling in the columns were not on the pink copies of the Forms EC8A distributed to the parties polling unit agents on the day of the election, which were tendered before this honourable tribunal. The obvious implication of this unfortunate development is that the first respondent went to work on the documents after the election, behind the parties. The first respondent (INEC) should realise that it holds an office of public trust and should at all times, strive to maintain the sanctity of the electoral practice. It added that the supplementary poll was illegal because it was a product of an unlawful cancellation of the September 22, 2018 election in seven polling units. It held that the Returning Officer unlawfully cancelled the September 22, 2018 governorship election in the state in seven polling units. It said the unlawful cancellation of the election in the seven polling units by the State Returning Officer informed the INECs decision to declare the results inconclusive and fixed September 27, 2018 for the supplementary election. Mr Obiora also noted that Mr Oyetolas lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, had argued that the tribunal could not nullify his clients certificate of return issued to him by INEC on the grounds that the said certificate was not tendered by the petitioners. But the tribunal held that an order of nullification of the said certificate of return is a mere formality as the foundation of the certificate of return issued to the second respondent has been eroded by the nullification of Mr Oyetolas election. Meanwhile, in his minority judgment, Justice Sirajo, held that the petitioners did not prove that election actually held in the seven polling units where results were cancelled. He added that the petitioners failed to prove who, in fact, cancelled the results. He, therefore, held that the supplementary election of September, 27, 2018 was lawful. According to Mr Sirajo, even if non-substantial compliance had affected the outcome of the election, the tribunal, by virtue of Section 140(2) of the Electoral Act, lacked the power to subtract the votes affected by the non-compliance from the scores of the candidates and announce a winner. Sources said her two bre*sts were clinically removed. Her body was dropped about 100 metres to his house, The Nation reports. Scores of passers-by and sympathisers were catching a glimpse of her n*ked corpse, while rope was tied in one of her legs. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO)for Okeagbe-Akoko, Ibitayo Adetanranmi, a Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed the incident. He assured that the perpetrators of the heinous crime would be fished out. The Ikare Area Commander, Razak Rauf, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) said criminals like ritualists would not be spared under his command. It would be recalled that three similar cases happened late last year at Ikare-Akoko involving women with their private parts and bre*sts removed. Another eight-year-old pupils of St. Georges Anglican Primary School Oke-agbe, headquarters of Akoko Northwest was also killed in similar circumstances. Invest In Social Force & Get 50% Click HERE >> To Buy Cheap MTN & GLO Data Click HERE >> President Muhammadu Buharis wife, Aisha, has urged Nigerians to use their vote on Saturday to decide if the poor should continue to get poorer and the rich richer. She said this on Thursday when she presented empowerment packs to 1,250 women and youths from the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. Her husband, Buhari, and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, are major contenders for the seat of Presidency in this Saturdays presidential election. But speaking ahead of the poll, Aisha called on Nigerians to decide whether the poor should become poorer and the rich richer or a society where the gap begins to be reduced. Her statement was made known in a statement her media adviser Adebisi, Olumide Ajayi, made available to newsmen. Aisha, according to the statement explained that poverty is one of the indices that encourage people to embrace vices like terrorism, kidnapping, and begging. Speaking earlier at the event, the Director-General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Dr. Nasir, Mohammed Argungu, had said that since 2014, the revenue allocation to the agency had not changed. He however noted that the agency was able to train 861,234 women and youths from 2015 to date, compared to 4,832 trained in 2014/15. File Photo An Ogun State Magistrates Court sitting in Sagamu has sentenced a fake doctor, Patrick Adebanjo, to one year in prison without an option of fine for impersonation. The convict, who claimed to have graduated from the Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2003, was convicted by Magistrate Sola Adebayo-Alebiosu for impersonation with intention to defraud members of the public. The police had arraigned Adebanjo for performing surgery unprofessionally on a pregnant woman after she had lost her baby in a hospital where he worked as a medical doctor. Adebayo-Alebiosu, in her judgement, a copy of which was obtained by a Punch correspondent on Tuesday, said she was moved by the atrocities committed by the convict before his eventual arrest. Adebanjo was arrested following a petition written by members of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, against him for his unprofessional conduct. The Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Gbenga Folohunsho, had told the court that investigation revealed that the convict had been parading himself as a medical practitioner and performing surgeries on unsuspecting members of the public. He explained that after receiving the petition from the state chapter of the AGPMPN, he had to lure Adebanjo by pretending to be a patient, who needed urgent medical treatment, before he was arrested. The IPO said when the police searched the convicts house in Ijebu-Ode, items like scrub, theatre uniform, sodium chloride, a bag of medical instruments, stethoscope and the Olabisi Onabajo University Teaching Hospital identity card, among others, were found. Four doctors and two other persons testified against the convict, who had earlier pleaded not guilty to the one count of impersonation. Those who testified against the convict said his illegal activities had resulted in the loss of lives of innocent members of the society. While delivering her judgement, the magistrate submitted that the prosecution had successfully discharged the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant, indeed, did impersonate and his intention was to defraud, hence, the misrepresentation. I, therefore, find the defendant guilty of the sole count, the magistrate stated. The Labour Party, LP, has disowned one of its House of Representatives members-elect, Hon Amobi Ogah, for commending President Bola Tinubus level of intelligence. DAILY POST recalls that Ogah, while speaking with journalists after a meeting with Tinubu on the 10th National Assembly leadership in Abuja on Thursday, said Today is my best day. Today, Im so happy that Im an elected member seeing my president talking. In fact, I never knew this man is so intelligent. I never knew that this man is so prepared to serve this country. I saw the love, character, and charisma. The belief that Nigeria can be a better nation. So Im so glad that the meeting we had today is going to take us a little bit to a more stabilised house. Now, even without talking to us again, we have agreed that we are going towards the governments decision. Reacting to Ogahs interview on Friday, in a statement issued by its acting National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, LP stated that Ogahs position on President Tinubus leadership is his personal opinion and not that of the party. Though as a first time and newly elected lawmaker, the member-elect made the utterance which is clearly within his rights as an individual as enshrined in the laws of the land; however, the party has a view quite different from what the honourable member was quoted to have said. As an individual, he does not have the mandate to speak for the party and therefore cannot claim to be standing on the platform of the LP to do the same, giving views that are diametrically opposed to what our party stands for. Labour Party is presently in the tribunal hoping to retrieve our mandate which was expressively given to our presidential candidate on February 25, and every testament emanating from the tribunal points to the fact that the Labour Party clearly won the election but was robbed. We have remained resolute to our belief that justice will be done so soon. We as a party insist that the route to His Excellency must be excellent and anything other than that amounts to a mockery of democracy. We urge millions of our party members who are offended by Hon Ogahs interview, which has since gone viral, to maintain their cool as the lawmaker has regretted his actions and has tendered unreserved apologies to the party. The department of State Services, DSS have arrested Godwin Emefiele, the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. His arrest is coming shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered his suspension and directed that he immediately hands over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor in charge of Operations Directorate, who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of an investigation and the reforms. News Direct had reported extensively on how the secret police had done everything within its power to effect his arrest unsuccessfully. The DSS had filed its case (ex-parte motion) against Emefiele on December 7, 2022, seeking permission to arrest, probe and detain him. However, on December 9, a federal high court sitting in Abuja, declined the application filed by the DSS. In declining the motion ex-parte filed by the secret police, Justice J.T. Tsoho, the chief judge, said that the DSS did not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate its claims that Emefiele was involved in terrorism financing and economic crimes. The court said that such an application should have been accompanied with the presidential approval because of the grave implications for the economy if the CBN governor was arrested and detained. Emefiele was accused by the DSS of financing terrorism, aiding and abetting terrorism, and committing other economic crimes. The DSS alleged that Emefiele funded the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB with both the resources he raised for his failed presidential bid on the platform of the Al Progressives Congress, APC, last year and funds diverted from government coffers. The secret police also accused Emefiele of fraud, money laundering, round tripping and conferment of financial benefit to self and others. It said that he mismanaged public funds under his control. The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested the suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele was picked up by the agency moments after he was suspended by President Bola Tinubu. Kanyi Daily News earlier reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, CFR, from office with immediate effect. Mr Emefiele was also directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of the investigation and the reforms. Three months ago, Godwin Emefiele denied reports that he was plotting against the then President-elect, Bola Tinubu. He also also debunked reports that he provided funds to the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos state, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivor. Recall that the CBN Governor also picked the N100 million presidential nomination forms to contest the presidency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). READ MORE: 2023: Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele Picks N100 Million APC Presidential Form Related The former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has expressed his view on President Bola Tinubu suspending Godwin Emefiele as CBN governor The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain described the decision as a welcome development He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking the bold step to sanction the suspension of Emefiele The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, hailed President Bola Tinubu for suspending Godwin Emefiele as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Recall that Legit.ng reported the suspension of Emefiele in the late hours of Friday, June 9. President Tinubu suspended Emefiele late Friday and directed him to immediately hand over the banks Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate) Folashodun Shonubi. Photo Credit: Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Source: Twitter The announcement of Emefieles suspension was announced by the office of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF). The directive also contained that Emefiele hand over the helm of affairs to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate) Folashodun Shonubi. Reacting to this development, Wike, one of the critics of Emefieles policies, especially the Naira redesign, described the Presidents decision as bold and timely. As reported by Channels TV online, the former Rivers State Governor also commanded President Tinubu for approving uniformity in the retirement age and pension of judicial officers in the country, according to a statement by his media team. He said the Presidents action would introduce a new lease of life to the nations judiciary. Wike noted that he and other G5 members are impressed that the President is showing focused and exemplary leadership that will prosper the county. Tinubus Inauguration: Senator Shehu Sani Predicts What Will Happen to Emefiele after Buharis Exit Meanwhile, ex-lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has predicted that CBN governor Godwin Emefiele may have a difficult relationship with the incoming administration of President-elect Bola Tinubu. Sani made the statement on his Twitter page, claiming that Emefieles life and activities under the incoming government will be like a Zebra in the hands of Tigers. This prediction follows allegations that the governor of the CBN worked against Tinubus presidential bid. President Tinubu Is Not Playing: Nigerians, Experts React to Suspension of CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele In another development, Godwin Emefiele has been arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS). This development comes less than a week after President Bola Tinubu met with him and NNPC CEO Mele Kyari at Aso Rock. Nigerians have taken to social media to express their opinions on the suspension of Emefiele and the first few days of Tinubus administration. Source: Legit.ng DSS arrests suspended CBN Governor Emefiele By Danlami Nmodu The Department of State Services, DSS has arrested the suspended Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Godwin Emefiele. Though there was no official statement from the DSS on the arrest of Emefiele, reports said he was taken into custody after his suspension from office by President Bola Tinubu. Insiders noted last night that the DSS which had seemingly built its case against Emefiele was frustrated from arresting him during President Muhammadu Buharis regime. Despite the efforts to nab him, Emefiele appeared in the country, looking stronger and untouchable. Newsdiaryonline reports that the he was one of those who welcomed newly inaugurated President as Tinubu assumed office at the Presidential Villa recently. That was viewed as a sign that the CBN Governor then, may survive yet again, in the new regime. Read Also: Tinubu suspends Emefiele from office as Central Bank Governor All that changed Friday evening as the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said President Tinubu has ordered the suspension of CBN Governor Emefiele from office. According to a statement signed by Willie Bassey, Director, Information, Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, CFR, from office with immediate effect. This is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy. Mr Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms. Some insiders had told Newsdiaryonline even before Emefieles arrest that President Tinubu must move to correct perceived lapses at the CBN in order for the new governments economic policies to achieve tangible results. DSS arrests suspended CBN Governor Emefiele By Danlami Nmodu Flash China's status as the world's largest developing country is rooted in facts and international law, and it is not something that can easily be wiped away by a U.S. congressional bill, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday. According to reports, on June 8, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations approved the Ending China's Developing Nation Status Act, asking to end the treatment of China as a developing nation. "The United States is not labeling China a 'developed country' out of appreciation or recognition for China's development success. The real motive behind ending China's developing country status is to hold back China's development," Wang told a regular news briefing when asked to comment on the act. Wang said some U.S. lawmakers' concern that China would use its developing country status to evade international responsibilities is "completely unnecessary." He added that China's contribution to global economic growth, and UN regular budget and peacekeeping assessments far outweighs that of most developed countries. "It's not up to the United States to decide whether China is a developing country. The United States can neither deny the fact that China is still a developing country, nor stop China from moving towards national rejuvenation," said Wang. "The rights that China is lawfully entitled to as a developing country will not be deprived just because a few politicians on the Hill say so," he said. He added that rather than trying to figure out how to pin the label of "developed country" on China, the United States might want to think about how to remove its own label of a bully and hegemon. STATE governments can attract more investments into Nigerias power sector and improve access to electricity in their respective states with the 2023 Electricity Act that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law on Thursday, June 8. The National Assembly had, in July 2022, passed the bill leading to the Electricity Act 2023 to repeal the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act, 2005. The Electricity Act consolidates all legislations dealing with the electricity supply industry to provide an ideal institutional framework to guide the post-privatisation phase and encourage private sector investments in the sector. The primary aim of the Act, as stated in its first section, is to create a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to guide the Nigerian electricity supply industry (NESI). Nigeria has been having energy supply challenges, with about 86 million people unconnected to the national grid and lacking access to electricity. The electricity sector has remained stagnant over time with the government still paying subsidy of N70 billion annually to keep the sector afloat, despite privatisation. Industry watchers posit that with the new Act, states can now expand opportunities and play key roles in building power plants and complementing the Federal governments efforts on the transmission expansion project, while also curbing energy theft in the power industry. Section 209-224, for instance, talks about the power theft law in detail. This is an area that I expect states to establish power theft agencies. Once this is done, investors confidence on investing in the sector will grow. Remember that revenue collection is a major challenge, and the Act addresses that, a power sector governance expert and energy lawyer, Chuks Nwani, told The ICIR. Nwani further said that states can now establish their electricity boards as provided by the Act to look at areas of infrastructure protection, metering, and network expansion investment with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). To a development economist, Kelvin Emmanuel, the new Act offers opportunities for states to play a leading role in the deregulated electricity market. Emmanuel said, It is a positive development. What the President has basically done with the generation and transmission is they now rest with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), while distribution rests with states distribution boards. The reality is that transmission capacity is to be unbundled, which impacts the ability of the distribution companies (Discos) to get the load from the generating companies. You will see the states playing more roles to cover prepaid meter penetration rates and cover costs for supplied power. The new law, the economist elaborated, would see more states key into investments in the Discos, which had been struggling to stay afloat. Some of them had even gone into administration. He said, When you consider lots of outstanding debts running into trillions of naira in the sector, you note that the Federal government has struggled over time, and the states need to support with their own roles. Notably, the new Act de-monopolises electricity generation, transmission, and distribution at the national level to empower states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity. States will also be able to issue licences to private investors who can operate mini-grids and power plants within the state. Still, such state licences are not to extend to inter-state or transnational distribution of electricity. This is the culmination of two years work, to update the electricity law and bring it in line with what the constitution actually provides, one source said. Nigerias constitution, as amended, provides for shared power between the Federal and state governments in terms of making laws for electricity. Nigerias journey to the new law started with clarifying the position of the constitution on joint regulatory powers, leading to the constitutional amendment that former president, Muhammadu Buhari, assented to in March. The Electricity Act establishes that NERCs powers to regulate within Nigeria are without prejudice to the powers of the states to make laws and create electricity markets within those states and to regulate those markets. It mandates how NERC will be transitioning regulatory responsibilities from itself to state regulators when they are established. Where regulators have not been established, NERC will continue to regulate the electricity business. This means that states like Kaduna, Lagos, and Edo can begin to regulate their own electricity markets as they have already created laws for them. The other states will continue to be regulated by NERC until they pass their laws. The new law restates the position and clarifies the authority and powers of the states and federal. It means that Nigeria will not have one single market regulated from Abuja, but could have, at least, three independent regulators. The NERC will still carry out cross-border regulation in generation and transmission across states. Lawmakers under the Act are granted the power to carry out oversight responsibilities through the respective committees on Power in the Senate and House of Representatives. This is to be carried out notwithstanding the supervisory powers of any government ministry over government-owned enterprises or other entities operating in the Nigerian electricity supply industry in which the government has not divested its equity holdings, and irrespective of the ministry where such entities are placed for administrative supervision. The Electricity Act also mandates the imposition of renewable purchase obligations on distribution or supply licensees. It also states that anyone may construct, own or operate an undertaking for generating electricity not exceeding one megawatt (mw) in aggregate at a site, or an undertaking for the distribution of electricity with a capacity not exceeding 100 kilowatts (kw) in aggregate at a site, or such other capacity as the Commission may determine from time to time, without a licence. Article summary Nigerias newly signed Electricity Act focuses on the structure of the countrys electricity sector. The 2023 Electricity Act provides a framework to guide the post-privatization phase of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) as well as encourage private sector investments in the sector. The Act encourages market competition, stability, and implementation of strict governance structures and can be considered an all-in-one stop shop for all electricity-related regulations in Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed the Electricity Act into law. The Act, which was first passed in July 2022, was made to replace the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), which was signed into law by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005. The 2023 Electricity Act provides a framework to guide the post-privatization phase of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) as well as encourage private sector investments in the sector. It became important to draft the 2023 Electricity Act because the former extant law guiding Nigerias electricity sector was the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) which was no longer capable of tackling the post-privatization issues in the sector. The EPSRA created a single electricity market with one sole regulator, meanwhile, electricity has always been a concurrent legislative matter. So, there had to be a total repeal, which has now occurred. Here are some important insights about the Electricity Act: Aligns electricity laws to the constitution The Electricity Act aligns the extant electricity laws to the provisions of the constitution, which was recently amended by former President Buhari in March 2023, a provision that states can now generate, transmit and distribute electricity in the areas covered by the national grid. The Act makes electricity matters a fully concurrent matter that both states and federal governments can legislate. Unifies all Acts into one The Electricity Act puts the various electricity Acts/laws into one single Act. So, establishment Acts like the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency Act of 2015, and the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) Act of 2010 are now contained in the 2023 Electricity Act. Tackles post-privatization issues The Electricity Act speaks to post-privatization issues in Nigerias electricity sector. It will strengthen the regulatory structure in the sector. It will also address issues of bankruptcy within the distribution companies (DisCos). Provides structure for a national electricity policy One of the objectives of the Electricity Act is to provide a clear, legal, and institutional framework for the formulation and adoption of a National Integrated Electricity Policy and Implementation Plan. The plan will be updated every five years. The committee responsible will take into account the policies at the national and state levels to come up with a single document. The existing national electricity policy was done in 2001, and we have yet to update that document. Encourages various types of power generation The Electricity Act promotes embedded power generation, hybridized generation, co-generation and the generation of electricity from renewable sources such as solar energy, wind, small hydropower, biomass and other renewable sources. Empowers renewable energy Under the Electricity Act, NERC will review the National Content Development Regulations for the power sector to address local content requirements for local skills acquisition, local production and assembly of solar PV components, deep cycle batteries, electro-mechanical components of Small Hydropower (SHP) technology, wind power, boilers and turbines for co-generation of fewer than 30 megawatts. NERC must also ensure stable and long-term favourable pricing mechanisms for renewable energy and facilitate unhindered access to the national grid and distribution network. Promotes collaboration The Electricity Act also creates a power council, to enable better coordination in the sector. It is important to note that one of the biggest challenges facing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), is coordination. All market players have been lacking in true collaboration and cooperation. Going forward, a power council will tackle any issues that may arise and solve these issues as they come up. Fair tariffs Under the Electricity Act, power transmission, distribution, supply and system operation, electricity distribution franchising or other activities are subject to tariff regulation. NERC will determine the tariff prices; however, they must allow the licensee that operates efficiently to recover the full costs of the business activities, including a reasonable return on the capital invested in the business. Encourages market competition According to the Electricity Act, NERC shall have a continuing responsibility to monitor the NESI regarding its potential for additional competition. It must ensure the prevention or mitigation of abuses of market power which includes market concentration. If there is verified abuse of market power, the Commission is required to issue cease orders and levy fines as appropriate. Power consumer assistance fund The Electricity Act established the power consumer assistance fund, which will be used to subsidize underprivileged power consumers as specified by the Minister in consultation with NERC. The fund will consist of the contributions delivered from any subsidies received from the Federal Government of Nigeria as appropriated by the National Assembly as well as contributions from the Commission. *Ganduje: I would have slapped Kwankwaso if we had met in Aso Rock*He owned illegal structures brought down, Kwankwaso replies Deji Elumoye in Abuja Former Governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and his predecessor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, yesterday traded words over the recent demolition of buildings and structures in Kano by the new Governor of the state, Abba Yusuf. The duo, who were at the State House, Abuja, to see President Bola Tinubu, spoke separately to newsmen after their closed-door session with the President. First to speak with reporters was the immediate past governor of Kano State, Ganduje, who said he would have slapped his predecessor, Kwankwaso, if they had met after both men arrived at the State House separately to see President Tinubu. Ganduje, who had been asked whether he saw Kwankwaso in the presidents office replied: I know he is in the building but we have not met. Maybe I could have slapped him. He said he came to report Kwankwaso to President Tinubu over the alleged indiscriminate demolition of property in Kano. Ganduje described the action of Governor Abba Yusuf as illegal, saying that the demolition exercise was by Kwankwasos prompting. He lamented the fact that the shopping complex around the new Daula Hotel, developed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and approved by the states executive, was demolished on the directive of Kwankwaso, without any investigation, without any notice, by the current administration in the state. According to him: We appointed a technical committee right from the beginning. They submitted a report to the Executive Council. The executive council approved the PPP project. The PPP project is 90% executed, but now without any investigation, without any notice, this new government under the directive of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso demolished the building. The issue is in a court of law. Ganduje said the demolition exercise was done without carrying out any investigation or giving due notice in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act. The former governor said he spoke at length on the issue while reporting the matter to the president and had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, with video evidence of the looting and vandalism that trailed the demolition. Ganduje said he had briefed the president adequately on the demolition exercise that even affected the supporters of Kwankwaso whom he accused of ordering the action. He said the governor, who he described as a stooge of Kwankwaso, was no longer happy because of the condemnation that greeted the move. Asked to give figures to properties lost to the demolition exercise, he said some human rights organisations were working on the level of damage. Ganduje, however, said one of the developers who was affected had sued the government, demanding over N10 billion. Also speaking with reporters after his separate meeting with the President, Kwankwaso dismissed his successors claim, accusing him of appropriating government property for himself and family members. According to him, his party had pledged to demolish such structures during the electioneering campaigns ahead of the March, 2023 governorship poll. Kwankwaso disclosed that he and Ganduje were summoned by President Tinubu over the ongoing demolition in the State. He claimed that most of the buildings demolished were illegally acquired by the Ganduje administration and that President Tinubu was shocked when he briefed him on the true picture of what led to the present demolition. Asked if he was satisfied with the presidents intervention, the former Defence Minister said: The President was shocked. Are you not shocked that somebody will sell University? Are you not shocked that he demolished the only university? Daula Hotel, for those of you who are in Kano, you know the old Daula, demolished to zero and that is a faculty under the University of Science and Technology. He demolished that one. Are you not shocked? The President was shocked. He didnt know. He even mentioned that he talked to somebody to go and find out for him. But when I told him, I said you are a Muslim, very soon you are going for Sallah. How can you go under that circumstance and pray in that place? And even the Triumph place he is talking about, you are journalists. You should be angry because thats your constituency, he demolished it completely and put shops everywhere. According to Kwankwaso, his party under Governor Abba Yusuf, was only fulfilling the campaign promises to demolish such structures. You see, the governor is doing what we campaigned with. I wanted to be president, I campaigned also. And I went to Kano and told them that these places, schools, in fact most of our schools in Kano were being encroached. And it is our policy to make sure that they are returned to them. We will not allow anybody either local government chairman, or Governor to go and sell. The leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) revealed that the issue of a ministerial post for him in the Tinubu administration came up during his discussion with the president. He agreed that he was open to work with the president to move the nation forward, adding that discussion on the issue was ongoing. While noting that himself and the president had come a long way, Kwankwaso affirmed that he would not join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Tinubu was only looking at a government of national unity. Asked whether the issue of a ministerial appointment for him was discussed, he said: The issue came up but we are still discussing. We will see how it comes to fruition. We will be very happy to see how we can move the country forward. The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu was shocked by the alleged selling of state properties by the Ganduje-led administration. Kwankwaso, who spoke to State House correspondents from the Aso Rock Villa on Friday after a closed-door meeting with the President, disclosed that he and his successor, Ganduje, were both summoned to the State House by Tinubu over the ongoing demolition in Kano State. Explaining the controversy behind the demolitions, Kwankwaso stressed that the buildings demolished were illegally acquired by the Ganduje administration. According to him, the President was shocked when he (Kwankwaso) revealed the actual situation to him. He said: The President was shocked. Are you not shocked that somebody will sell university? Are you not shocked that he demolished the only university? Daula Hotel, for those of you who are in Kano, you know the old Daula, demolished to zero, and that is a faculty under the University of Science and Technology. He demolished that one. Are you not shocked? The President was shocked. He didnt know. He even mentioned that he talked to somebody to go and find out for him. But when I told him, I said, You are a Muslim; very soon you are going for Sallah. How can you go under those circumstances and pray in that place? And even the Triumph place he is talking about, you are journalists. You should be angry because thats your constituency; he demolished it completely and put shops everywhere. Kwankwaso added that his party, under Governor Abba Yusuf, was merely fulfilling campaign promises to demolish such structures. You see, the governor is doing what we campaigned with. I wanted to be president; I campaigned also. And I went to Kano and told them that these placesschools, in fact, most of our schools in Kano were being encroached on. And it is our policy to make sure that the encroached areas are returned to them. Wike who was one of the critics of Emefieles policies, especially the Naira redesign, described the Presidents decision as bold and timely. The immediate-past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for suspending Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Last night, President Tinubu suspended Emefiele and directed him to immediately hand over to the Apex banks Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate) Folashodun Shonubi. Reacting to the development, Wike who was one of the critics of Emefieles policies, especially the Naira redesign, described the Presidents decision as bold and timely. The former Rivers State Governor also commanded President Tinubu for approving uniformity in the retirement age and pension of judicial officers in the country, according to a statement by his media team. He said the Presidents action will introduce a new lease of life to the nations judiciary. Wike noted that he and other G5 members are impressed that the President is showing focused and exemplary leadership that will lead the county to prosperity. Nigerian politician and Media mogul, Dele Momodu has urged his niece, Sophia Momodu, to calm down after she called out her baby daddy, Davido, over their daughter, Imade Adeleke. KanyiDaily recalls that Sophia Momodu had recently accused Davido of not fulfilling his fatherly responsibility, claiming that she is the only one taking care of her. The mother of one stated that since she is playing the roles of mother and father for Imade, she would change the girls name and remove Adeleke from her name. Reacting in his birthday message to Sophia on Friday, June 9, Dele Momdu said a powerful prayer for his niece and pleaded with her to calm down, while affirming his love for her. He wrote, Happy birthday to my darling @thesophiamomodu. As you add one year to your age today, may God Almighty continue to grant you favor, grace, peace, wisdom, prosperity, and excellent health. Above all, PLEASE CALM DOWN. Love you always. KanyiDaily recalls that Sophia Momodu had also accused Davido of bullying her financially into staying with him. Related Binance Nigeria was ordered to cease operations immediately by the local Securities and Exchange Commission. Nigerias SEC declares Binances operations illegal due to a lack of registration and regulation. The halt in Binances operations follows a US lawsuit and Nigerias tough stance on crypto. In a swift regulatory move, Binances Nigerian division has been ordered by the local Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to halt its operations immediately. According to a circular released on Friday, Binance Nigeria Limited is neither registered nor regulated by the Commission, and its operations in Nigeria are, therefore, illegal. This unexpected regulatory action follows closely on the heels of a lawsuit by the US SEC against the worlds largest crypto exchange by market capitalization. The allegations include failure to register as a broker or exchange and offering unregistered securities to the general public. In Nigeria, a country where banks are prohibited from offering services to crypto platforms, the SEC has previously declared all crypto assets to be securities by default. However, this marks the first major regulatory action against a significant exchange platform in the nation. The Commissions decision to halt Binances operations promises to send ripples through the crypto landscape and adds an extra layer of complexity to Binances global regulatory challenges. The regulator has promised updates on further actions against Binance Nigeria and other similar platforms. Despite this setback, Binance Nigerias potential for a rebound remains high. The resilience demonstrated by the crypto giant in various global regulatory environments signals its willingness to adapt and comply with local norms. The cease order may momentarily disrupt Binances operation, but the enduring strength of its community and its commitment to engaging constructively with regulators offers a strong indication that Binance Nigeria can weather this storm. As the situation continues to unfold, the future of Binance in Nigeria and in the broader African continent will be a space to watch closely. Read also: The All Progressive Congress (APC), in Plateau State, has scored the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the State zero in its nascent governance which began on May 29, 2023, which is just 10 to 11 days ago. Spokesman for the Party, Hon. Sylvanus Namang said in just 10 days the State has witnessed a lot of setbacks making it feel like 10 years. He said the PDP government led by Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, contrary to what he promised the people of the State during his campaigns and inaugural speech, is currently doing the opposite. Namang who spoke in a Statement sent to our correspondent on Friday said demotion of civil servants from the rank of Permanent Secretaries, to the reversal of employments made into public service by the former governor, Simon Lalong, and the suspension of Local Government Chairmen in the 17 LGAs of the State, are the many sins committed by the Mutfwang administration. According to him: Plateau State in the past 10 days of the Barr. Caleb Mutfwang governance has been plagued by a lot of political summersaults which have all the ingredients of taking the State back to the decadent days of the past PDP administration in the state. For these ten days, which is already like 10 years to many citizens, his reign of impunity has subjected every facets of the peoples lives to unwarranted agony. First, he marked his first two days in office by descending on the Local Government structures in the State, a constituency or a ladder which he used to rise to the exalted position of Governor, though which is still being keenly contested at the tribunal. The handwritten manifesto of the PDP in Plateau State which is different from that of the partys national manifesto is to undo and erase anything that has to do with the eight years of the Simon Bako Lalong administration. We would not be surprised if one day we wake up to the decision of disbanding the Plateau Peace Building Agency, the demolition of the ultra modern High Court Complex and the British America Junction Flyover Bridge and Roundabout Road in addition to the Lalong legacy projects being part of its vindictive policy summersaults. The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State had, in its Press Conference early this week, stated that it is going to interrogate all his policy decisions as citizens and critical stakeholders of the Plateau project and heritage. Of great concern to the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State is his fast backpedaling on the promises he made during the campaign and his inaugural speech. Only yesterday evening, the State was visited with the news of the suspension of all appointments/employment into the state civil service made from 1st October, 2022 by the immediate past dispensation. Additionally he reversed the appointments of Civil Servants to the positions of Permanent Secretaries to go back to their previous positions. This toxic and very unpopular decisions are as condemnable as they cannot stand any integrity test by all discerning minds judged against his own sundry pronouncements. Advertisement He promised in his inaugural speech and in a video during the campaigns which has gone viral in the social media that he was not going to remove any worker employed into the civil service but is rather going to employ more hands in order to enhance the capacity of civil servants and reposition it to be one of the best in the country. He described those who said he was going to do away with civil servants employed by the immediate past administration as unimaginative liars and figment of their imagination. What a melodrama! It is important to remind His Excellency that while throwing a stone into the open market, you cannot tell whose head it is going to fall on. Some of these innocent Plateau unemployed youths whose source of livelihood has been terminated and their future made bleak will be full of regrets as some of them in the wake of all sorts of deception and the outpouring of religious sentiments during the last Gubernatorial election voted for him. Parents who also forced their wards to vote for him with great expectation in return would by now be licking their wounds, the statement reads in parts. You are here: World Flash The spokesperson for the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Andrea Tenenti on Friday urged Lebanon and Israel to exercise restraint amid the border tensions. "We urge the parties to use our coordination mechanisms effectively to prevent misunderstandings and violations and contribute to maintaining stability in the region," Tenenti was quoted as saying by the National News Agency. "UNIFIL peacekeepers are on the ground to ensure the continuation of the cessation of hostilities, establish calm, and help mitigate tensions," he added. Earlier in the day, the Israeli army attacked with tear gas Lebanese citizens in the border villages of Kfarchouba and al-Arqoub, who were demonstrating against Israel's bulldozing work on their lands, Elnashra news website reported. The Lebanese army deployed its forces to support the protests while UNIFIL sent reinforcements. By Joshua Chibuzo Andrew, Owerri One of the Frontline social-cultural Igbo group under the umbrella of Ozuruigbo worldwide has named Senator Orji Kalu their final and most exquisite choice for the position of 10th Assembly Senate President. The group had on Friday revealed that the former Abia State governor, Kalu is the only former govenor since 1999 who is returning to the Senate from the South East. The group made their decision known shortly after their strategic stakeholders meeting held in Isu Local Government Area, in Imo State. In attendance were delegates from the nineteen northern states and Abuja, delegates from the South West and South South States and delegates from diaspora especially the West African coastline countries. However, the well attended half year, retreat and meeting was presided by the President General Dr. Batos Chikezie Nwadike popularly known as the ( Oyi of Igboland). Speaking on behalf of the group, Nwadike said, We discussed top on our agenda the inauguration of the 10th Senate and its leadership. That without question or thinking twice H.E Senator Orji Kalu is the final and most exquisite choice for the position of Senate President. He is the only 1999 Governor returning to the Senate from the South East. It is a political abomination in the South East for Osita Izunaso to rankle shoulder with him or anybody of his ranking. Ozuruigbo worldwide makes bold to state to the Senators-elect that we know and we clearly understand these two personalities in terms of integrity, character, loyalty, capacity and capability, fear of God, patriotism and nationalism. The Plain Truth that must be told is that Osita Izunaso failed all the test on all indices. We urge our Senators-elect to move on courageously and with patriotism and give our 10th Senate a deserving and befitting leadership devoid of treachery, blackmailer, wickedness, greediness, disloyalty, avarice and any known vice of disnobleness. A leadership that will make our country and people proud. Related Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, the chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in Osun State, has reacted to the statement made by the immediate past governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Ganduje, stating that he would attack his predecessor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. Odeyemi, who disclosed this in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Saturday, challenged Ganduje to carry out his threat against Kwankwaso and face consequences for his actions. Ganduje, while addressing State House correspondents shortly after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa on Friday, said the demolitions of buildings by the incumbent governor of Kano, Abba Yusuf, were executed without due process. He also told journalists that though he knew that Kwankwaso was in the Villa, he would have slapped him, had they met. Reacting further, Odeyemi said as a former governor, Ganduje should not have made such a statement, noting that it was a pointer to how he managed state affairs, while he was in office as governor. The statement How could a whole former governor make such statement? Did he think we are still in the era where any indiscipline act can go unchallenged in Nigeria? Ganduje should go and rest. He should start building a political empire as being done by our leader, Engr. Kwankwaso. And if he feels he wants to try the patience of the NNPP family in Nigeria, he should go ahead with his threat. A word is enough for him if he is wise. The Vice President, Sen Kashim Shettima and First Lady, Remi Tinubu, were in attendance at the valedictory session to commemorate the Ninth Assembly at the National Assembly today, June 10. While Shettima represented Borno Central in the Assembly before being elected as Vice President, Mrs Tinubu represented Lagos Central Senatorial district. Mr Shettima was elected into the Senate for the first time in 2019, after his tenure as Borno State governor. Mrs Tinubu was a three-term senator. At the valedictory session, the outgoing Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, presented certificates to each member of the house. The ninth Senate was inaugurated on 11 June, 2019 for a four-year tenure. According to Sun News, at least five persons have lost their lives when suspected armed men invaded Taaba and Okwali communities, in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. It was gathered that several houses where razed by the assailants during the attacks in the two communities, which occurred on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Further information gathered from a reliable source in Khana LGA, revealed that the gunmen, suspected to be cultists, had on Tuesday around 8 pm, invaded Okwale community and killed three persons. The source, who craved anonymity, said that yesterday morning, another set of gunmen attacked Taabaa community and killed people. He noted that residents of the two communities had fled their homes for safety, and called for government intervention. The source said: The attackers raided Okwali community yesterday (Tuesday) evening around 8.00pm, shooting sporadically and at their targets. They killed about five people. They also burnt many houses. This morning (Wednesday), they also attacked Taaba and, neighbouring communities up to Okwali, shooting and killing some persons too. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident to journalists, stating that the command had deployed its men to the affected communities to restore normalcy. Omoni was quoted as saying: Yes, I can confirm the incident; the police have swiftly deployed men to the area to restore peace and order. Power distribution companies are said to pulling available strings to avoid serious sanctions from the Nigerian electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) following unpaid N34.05bn loan disbursed under the Central Bank of Nigeria-Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility programme (CBN-NEMSF). National Daily gathered that the DisCos have been given ultimatum to repay the loan before the end of this year. Recall that in November 2014, the CBN, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Ministry of Power and NERC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the CBN-NEMSF to address the shortfalls in the revenue of the power sector. With N213 billion earmarked for disbursement through Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), billions of naira has been disbursed under the programme to the power firms, including generation companies. Following the exit of the core investor as a result of the insecurity in the North-East region of the country, the Federal Government, in July 2015, took over Yola Electricity Distribution Company after it declared a force majeure. The power sector regulator said it had confirmed N1.15 trillion as the tariff shortfall suffered by the 11 DisCos from 2015 to 2018. According to NERC, power distribution companies (DisCos) would repay N34.05 billion of the loan disbursed under the Central Bank of Nigeria-Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility programme (CBN-NEMSF) before the end of this year. This was disclosed in the NERCs 2016-2018 Minor Review of Multi-Year Tariff Order 2015 and Minimum Remittance Order for the Year 2019 for the Discos. The breakdown shows that Enugu Electricity Distribution Company is expected to repay N5.57 billion to the CBN this year, while Abuja DisCo is expected to pay N4.95 billion; Benin DisCo, N4.89 billion; Ibadan DisCo, N4.58 billion; and Port Harcourt DisCo, N3.38 billion. Similarly, Kaduna DisCo is expected to repay N3.34 billion; Jos DisCo, N2.68 billion; Kano DisCo, N1.76 billion; Ikeja DisCo, N1.75 billion; and Eko Disco, N1.03 billion. According to the NERC, Yola DisCo, which was returned to the Federal Government by the core investor in 2015, has the lowest payment obligation of N61 million. NERC, however, disclosed that the DisCos would only be availed the opportunity to earn their revenue requirements only after meeting the payment obligations including the repayment of the CBN-NEMS facility and 100% settlement of the market operators invoice based on the tariffs it applied in determining respective invoices prior to the order. Post Views: 67 Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi has revealed that he is not afraid of being attacked abroad by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Amaechi was reacted to reports that Nigerian politicians are afraid to travel abroad following threats of assault by IPOB members. While speaking to LEGIT TV, on if hes afraid of traveling abroad so as not to be attacked by IPOB members like they did to the former deputy senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, in Germany, Amaechi revealed that he would soon be traveling to Geneva and that hes not scared of being attacked. He said: What do you mean by that? Scared of who? Im going to Geneva, let them come. You know there is something called self-defence? Abegi! I will go to America or a place I have a function to attend to. The solution is not in attacking the politicians. On the solution to Nigerias problem which he believes should be followed instead of attacking politicians, Amaechi stated that the Nigerian economy has to be changed from consumption to production economy. A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has urged the United State (US) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and INTERPOL to go after Yahoo politicians in Nigeria. Frank claimed that some corrupt politicians in the current government were the ones breeding internet fraudsters known as Yahoo Yahoo boys in Nigeria. He stated this in a statement in Abuja on Monday in response to the 77 Nigerians listed as internet fraudsters in a list recently released by the FBI. While he commended the FBI and other international security agencies for their onslaught against fraudsters in the country, Frank urged them to beam their searchlight on governors, ministers or other government appointees, who became stupendously affluent after their tenure in office. These politicians, he alleged, often were nowhere financially before they got into public office. Frank, who accused the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Commission (ICPC), of continuously shielding the Yahoo politicians, argued that it would be difficult to end the incidence of internet frauds being perpetrated by some young Nigerians. Corruption is gradually becoming criteria to get appointment, especially under the current administration. The Yahoo politicians are the role models of these Yahoo Yahoo Boys. Those presently in government are not immune. They have turned Nigeria to the capital of poverty in the world. The Yahoo appointees and governors will throw elaborate parties and dinners once they assume public office because they see it as an opportunity to loot the treasury, he said. Focus keyword: Yahoo politicians Metal keyword: A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has urged the United State (US) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and INTERPOL to go after Yahoo politicians in Nigeria. Frank claimed that some corrupt politicians in the current government were the ones breeding internet fraudsters known as Yahoo Yahoo boys in Nigeria. He stated this in a statement in Abuja on Monday in response to the 77 Nigerians listed as internet fraudsters in a list recently released by the FBI. While he commended the FBI and other international security agencies for their onslaught against fraudsters in the country, Frank urged them to beam their searchlight on governors, ministers or other government appointees, who became stupendously affluent after their tenure in office. These politicians, he alleged, often were nowhere financially before they got into public office. Frank, who accused the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Commission (ICPC), of continuously shielding the Yahoo politicians, argued that it would be difficult to end the incidence of internet frauds being perpetrated by some young Nigerians. Corruption is gradually becoming criteria to get appointment, especially under the current administration. The Yahoo politicians are the role models of these Yahoo Yahoo Boys. Those presently in government are not immune. They have turned Nigeria to the capital of poverty in the world. The Yahoo appointees and governors will throw elaborate parties and dinners once they assume public office because they see it as an opportunity to loot the treasury, he said. Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has berated the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government for politicising the fight against coronavirus, describing the selective support to states as unfortunate. In a broadcast on Sunday evening, Wike condemned the exclusion of Rivers State from the Federal Government grants in the fight against coronavirus. He noted that despite the exclusion of the state, the Buhari-led government has continued to endanger the state by flying expatriates into the state. The governor wondered if the federal government is waiting for a state to have more than 50 cases before rendering support. It is quite unfortunate that the containment of coronavirus has been politicised by the federal government, he said. While Lagos State received a grant of N10billion as a commercial hub, Rivers State as the nations oil and gas hub that produces a greater percentage of the nations wealth has not received any support from the federal government. One wonders why federal government should single out a state out of 36 States to give support. Does it mean that support will come when a State has a record of over 50 infected persons before it gets support. No state should be seen as more important than any other state. This is a Federal Republic. No state is superior to others. Rivers State is entitled to support from the federal government. Everyday, we are inundated with letters from the federal government to allow oil companies to fly in expatriates to drill Oil. Then we ask, what is the status of those coming from Lagos? Nobody has told us their status as regards coronavirus. If they come to come Rivers without us knowing their status, what will be implication assuming they have the virus. Governor Wike also announced that all markets in the state shall operate between 7a.m. and 12 noon on April 7 and April 8, 2020 to allow residents shop for Easter and also replenish their stock of foodstuffs. He said Oil Mill Market, Mbiama Market and Slaughter Market at Trans Amadi will remain closed till further notice. Flash Maltese President George Vella (2nd R, Front) views a photo exhibition during a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first Chinese medical team abroad as well as the 30th anniversary of dispatching the first Chinese medical team to Malta in Valletta, Malta, on June 9, 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) Celebrations were held on Friday to mark the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first Chinese medical team abroad as well as the 30th anniversary of dispatching the first Chinese medical team to Malta. The Chinese Embassy in Malta hosted a reception attended by approximately 300 participants, including Maltese President George Vella and other Maltese officials, as well as diplomats from other countries. In a video speech, Cao Xuetao, deputy head of the National Health Commission of China, said that China has sent around 30,000 medical team members to 76 countries and regions over the past 60 years, providing diagnoses and treatments to over 290 million local patients, aiding in the construction of over 130 medical and health facilities, and saving countless lives. China is ready to work with all sectors of Maltese society to deepen cooperation and exchanges in the field of health and support the development of the Mediterranean Regional Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM), Cao said. Chinese medical team will "continue to benefit the Maltese people with benevolence and skill, and make new and greater contributions to promoting multi-cultural understanding and enhancing China-Malta friendship," he noted. Speaking at the reception, Chinese Ambassador to Malta Yu Dunhai emphasized the deepening medical cooperation between China and Malta over the past 30 years. He also said that China-Malta relations have enjoyed sound and steady development over the past half century, with increasing political mutual trust, fruitful economic cooperation and vibrant cultural exchanges. "China-Malta relations have set a good example of relations between countries of different sizes, social systems, histories and cultures," he said, expressing his confidence in "an ever brighter future" of bilateral ties. The successful collaboration between China and Malta is proof that diverse cultures have a lot to learn from each other and should continuously seek respect and common development, Joseph Chetcuti, permanent secretary of the Ministry for Health, said. According to Chetcuti, the memorandum of understanding in the field of TCM between the two governments was renewed for another term just a few months ago. "I look forward to the first-class medical service offered by top Chinese doctors here in Malta, and to the continued friendly relations between Malta and China in the field of medicine," he said. The satisfactory therapeutic effect has won a wide reputation not only for TCM but also for the medical teams, Dong Xiaoyan, head of the 18th Chinese medical team to Malta, said at the reception. "We are dedicated to working for the health of the Maltese people and developing a deep friendship with them," she added. During the reception, attendees viewed a photo exhibition and a special video showcasing medical cooperation between China and Malta, and highlighting dedicated efforts of Chinese medical teams to Malta over the past 30 years. In 1993, the first Chinese medical team arrived in Malta. In the following year, China and Malta signed a cooperative agreement on traditional Chinese medicine and officially established the MRCTCM in Paola, Malta, opening a new chapter in China-Malta medical cooperation. To date, a total of 18 Chinese medical teams, comprising over 100 physicians, have provided TCM treatments to approximately 250,000 Maltese patients. According to online court records, he pleaded guilty to that charge Thursday and was sentenced to five and a half years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with credit for 335 days already served. He was also sentenced to one year of mandatory supervised release. BLOOMINGTON A 45-year-old man is facing dozens of felony charges for possessing child pornography. Chad W. Muse, of Normal, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing one day after being indicted by a grand jury. He faces 24 counts of possession of pornographic photos of a child age 13 and under, a Class 2 felony, plus 17 counts of possessing pornographic film or photos of a minor, a Class 3 felony. Charging documents dated all 41 child porn offenses as occurring Dec. 12. Judge Scott Black set Muse's bond at $500,000, with 10% to apply for release. Muse told the court he planned to hire a private attorney, thus a public defender was not appointed. His arraignment hearing was scheduled for 9 a.m. June 23. 'A moral disaster': Photos reveal scope of migrant kids program Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Immigration Childrens Shelters Ghanaians yesterday took another giant step towards restoring the countrys degraded landscape by planting 10 million trees in an exercise labelled Green Ghana Day. The tree planting exercise which was carried out across the country received patronage from high-profile personalities, the diplomatic community, organisations, companies, religious bodies, state and non-state institutions. The third in three years, yesterdays event brings to 43 million the number of trees that have been planted since the initiative was first held on June 11, 2021, with a post-planting monitoring survey putting the average tree survival rate at 71 per cent or 23 million trees planted during the previous two editions. In the first edition, seven million trees were planted, while 26 million trees were planted last year. Leadership President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led the country in the tree-planting exercise at the University of Ghana in the Greater Accra Region, where he was joined by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, and other personalities who were hosted by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo. The President planted a tree to symbolically start the exercise just after 11 a.m. He planted Velvet Tamarind, known locally as yooyi by the Gas, atsitoe by the Ees and Asamba by Fantes, at the event which was on the theme Mobilising for a Greener Future. The legislative arm of government also actively participated in the national exercise, with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, leading legislators and staff of the Parliamentary Service to plant trees on the premises of the House. At the Nationalism Park in Accra, the Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Development led his charge in planting trees, while his counterpart from the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry organised a similar event at the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs at Dodowa. Other state agencies and institutions, including the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, and the Diplomatic community all joined at separate events to plant trees to mark the day. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, joined the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu Bio, and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, in Kumasi, while the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, also joined the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, to plant trees in Koforidua. The President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam II, also joined the Upper East Regional Minster, Stephen Yakubu, and other dignitaries to plant trees in Bolgatanga. Prioritising Green Ghana Speaking ahead of planting a tree, President Akufo-Addo underscored the need for all citizens and residents in the country to play active roles in preserving the forest. We must do this with a sense of urgency and renewed purpose, noting that the success depends on our collective action, he stated. The President stressed the importance of all stakeholders focusing on tackling the drivers of forest degradation to mitigate its impact on climate change, health and the economy. President Akufo-Addo said the Green Ghana project was crucial to delivering Ghanas commitment to climate action, both in its nationally determined contributions and to the international community. We have a history of leading the charge when the need arises and our climate actions cannot be different. We must continue to work together to ensure that our contribution to climate solution is positive, transformative and sustainable, he added. The President said he was proud of the successes chalked up over the first two years of the implementation of the Green Ghana project and that it was important that the target was reviewed down this year to devote some time and resources to nursing the over 23 million trees that had survived over the past two years. Today, we have another opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to saving planet earth and protecting our livelihoods, he urged. Touching on how the country had taken concrete steps to mitigate the effect of the global warming and ensure that its actions did not negatively affect the planet, President Akufo-Addo said the country continued to adopt and implement policies aimed at addressing climate change. He said even though the countrys contribution was minimal, it recognised that this global crisis required collective, ambitious and meaningful efforts from all countries. Ghanas action President Akufo-Addo said Ghana had committed under its Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by some 64 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. These bold and ambitious targets reflect our vision of becoming a low-carbon climate-resilient economy. Since most of our emissions come from land use chain, achieving these targets require taking urgent steps to address the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, he added. Tree per student President Akufo-Addo commended the MLNR for instituting the One-student, One-tree initiative, in line with the Green Ghana project, through which, he said, the nation could inculcate the culture in the youth and hopefully jettison the culture of impunity that led to the destruction of forests. For her part, Prof. Amfo described the Green Ghana initiative as visionary because it would ensure that the vegetation cover of the country was protected. She noted that the adverse effect of climate change on food systems and humanity in general underscored the need to take tree-planting seriously as that was the surest way of restoring degraded forests. "I want to commend the President for initiating this laudable national project to safeguard our environment. The efforts by the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry and the Forestry Commission in ensuring that the two previous editions of the Green Ghana Day achieve the desired impact is very commendable," Prof. Amfo added. 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 This years mid-year budget review, which the Finance Minister is expected to present to parliament before the end of June, must be one that restores hope toward economic recovery, Minority Leader of parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has expressed. The most important matter of concern to us is the state of our economy, and the fact that government has announced an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and concluded same. It is our prayer that the mid-year review will address the issue of misery in the economy and be one that restores hope; a mid-year review that will put the country back on the path to economic recovery and unite all of us, Dr. Forson stated during a media encounter between the leadership of parliament and media. He insisted that the review must proffer practical steps to restore stability, particularly on the back of the US$3billion IMF deals approval and subsequent disbursement of US$600million. He further indicated that this years mid-year budget review should tell Ghanaians whether the economy is on a recovery path or will continue to deteriorate. We have a budget that is insufficient, yet governments lifestyle does not correspond to the financial constraints we face as a country, the Ajumako/Enyan/Esiam MP added. Meanwhile, speaking on the IMF facility, Majority Leader of parliament Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu opined that even though the US$3billion which will be spread over three years on face value is not enough for the countrys expenditure, its significance is enormous. The significance of it is that it gives confirmation by the IMF and World Bank that you are on a good trajectory and that also serves to unlock other funds from the bilateral engagements you have, and the IMF and World Bank then come in as a guarantor for your own sustenance; and that is the import of it. That notwithstanding, we should also ensure that what comes into the national kitty is utilised in fulfilment of our own promises and pledges so that we are able to keep ourselves on track, he added. According to him, government will have to cut down its expenditure as part of the IMF conditionality in a manner that will negatively impact employment and infrastructural development. I think that at the heart of these discussions with the IMF, two things stand out: cut down expenditure and increase domestic revenue. This will require some careful balance, but we will get there with the mid-year review. And when it comes, I believe parliament will come together and offer useful suggestions as to the better ways for us in this endeavour to provide that dose of resurgence to the economy. Source: B&FT Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video GLENS FALLS Firefighters past and present gathered at the Queensbury Hotel Thursday evening to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Glens Falls Fire Department. I promise not to take too long, but Ive got about 120 years worth of firefighter history to cover before they give me the hook, Glens Falls Mayor Bill Collins said as he kicked off the celebration. From the settlement, to a village, and beginning five years before the city was granted its charter by New York State Legislature, members of the Glens Falls Fire Department officially reported for duty 120 years ago today. Collins explained that from 1772 to 1901, the community was served by volunteer fire companies. But between 1901 and 1902, members of the community pushed for a permanent, full-time fire department. At 7 a.m., June 8, 1903, the first paid firefighters reported for duty at the Ridge Street firehouse. Collins said the firefighters started out with a schedule of working 10 days on and one day off, and were paid $50 a month. Lets not tell the Common Council that, he said, jokingly, They might ask you to back to those days. The newly minted departments first fire call was to the basement of The Glens Falls Shirt Factory just one week after its inception. Now keep in mind, in 1903, horses were the primary mode of transportation pulling the fire department apparatus, Collins said. And dont forget, sleighs had to be used in the winter. Collins continued highlighting some meaningful moments in the departments history, which included acquiring its first C-grade, combination chemical engine in 1915; the first fire school held in 1939; the formation of the volunteer auxiliary fire department in 1942; enhanced safety and emergency services training through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s; and more recently, the hiring of the first female member in the departments history. In 2010, Micki Guy was hired, and is still with the department, Collins said, pausing for a round of applause for Guy. The amount and level of services the department has provided has clearly changed over 120 years, but the commitment and dedication to provide the best possible services for our community has not. A representative from Assemblywoman Carrie Woerners office presented a proclamation commemorating the anniversary. Schrammel sendoff Collins paused to announce the second special meaning behind Thursdays event, the retirement of Fire Chief James Schrammel. The next reason were here, the best reason were here, is to recognize Chief Schrammel and his retirement, he said. Id like to sincerely congratulate Chief Schrammel for his 32-year career history in the fire department and I need to wish him all the best in retirement. And to let him know that if he doesnt move out of the city, in my vision, hes not retired. A representative from Sen. Dan Stecs office presented Schrammel with a declaration thanking him for his service, Collins then reminisced about his time as mayor, serving with Schrammel. As much as I had no intention of becoming mayor when I was a young man, and I really didnt, I was so proud when I got to City Hall, that it was Chief Schrammel that I would be working with, he said. I dont think it can be oversaid that his leadership in this department is super important. Collins then read a resolution issued in conjunction with the Common Council, naming June 8, 2023, Firefighter James P. Jamie Schrammel Day, in the city of Glens Falls. Former Glens Falls Mayor Dan Hall also spoke about how is time in City Hall was benefitted by Schrammels leadership. Just a lot of things that I would call him up and it wouldnt have anything to do with the fire department and Id say, hey, let me ask you a question, if you were me, what would you do, Hall said, eliciting a round of laughter from the crowd. I dont think I could have gotten through four years as mayor without Chief Schrammel. Schrammel then took the podium to speak about his time with the department. One hundred and twenty years sounds like a long time, he began. You talk about horses and horse-drawn wagons, and where we are today. But when you think about it, a 30-year career is one-quarter of that time. Most people here did at least 20 years thats one-sixth of the existence of the fire department. So when I say everybody plays a part in what the fire department has become its true. The self-confessed numbers guy said he couldnt have succeeded as chief without all the others around him. Every fireman, every officer I worked for, every politician I worked for, they made the city what it is and made this department what it is, he said. Before ending his speech, Schrammel gave a simple, but poignant piece of advice to the younger firefighters who are starting their careers with the department. Set your goals high, and accomplish those goals, he said. Thats how this department is going to move forward. PHOTOS: Glens Falls Fire Department celebrates 120 years Glens Falls Fire Department celebrates 120 years Glens Falls Fire Department celebrates 120 years Glens Falls Fire Department celebrates 120 years QUEENSBURY The 62nd annual convention of the American Society of Dowsers (ASD) found its way to the SUNY Adirondack campus in Queensbury this weekend. Grassroots dowsers have been around since the beginning of time finding water. because water was important. You had to have water. You had to find food, so where are the deer, wheres the buffalo herd, so we can find food, explained Sandi Isgro, president of the ASD on Saturday. The process is getting out of your conscious mind and getting into the unconscious, which connects you to spirt, and I dont mean a church thing, I mean to your inner knowing. Most people have at least a vague picture of what dowsing is. A colonial man in a tri-corner hat, walking out into a field with a Y-shaped stick. It was was very common throughout most of human history, but as we began to develop technology to more accurately and expediently do the job of grassroots dowsing, the practice has become relegated to the realm of spiritualism and mysticism. However, Isgro said there is a scientific underpinning. The founders of the society were all ex CIA, FBI, Isgro said. They were researchers, investigators before, and they discovered why are these people in Europe interested in this stuff, and how can we use this for intelligence? And then when they retired they were like, hey, what else can we do with this stuff. Its well documented that matter is not solid, but in fact it is the frequency at which particles vibrate which gives matter its substantive range be it gas, liquid, plasma, or solid. In his paper, If atoms are mostly empty space, why do objects look and feel solid, Roger Barlow, research professor and director of the International Institute for Accelerator Applications at the University of Huddersfield wrote: Just like the polarity of a magnet, it is possible to feel the energy emitted by these vibrating, or dancing, particles, according to Barlow. That, a nutshell, is the science of dowsing. Dowsing has remained in use, even in modern times. Isgro spoke of dowsers being used to train American soldiers in Vietnam to find land mines. Other dowsers were hired by military intelligence to find submarines, she said. They were our intelligence in the sky back then. Pickin up good vibrationsIsgro was joined by Joan Reid, a Hawaiian Energetic practitioner, Reiki master and teacher who lives in the area. The two explained how dowsers train, or center their minds to tune in on the specific vibrations of the object they seek. Its coming to that part within ourselves that knows that were part of everything and everythings part of us, Isgro explained using the analogy of a sound wave in the form of a musical note to illustrate the process. We hear a note made by a flute. The musician reads that as a line with a little ball on the end, so that line with the little ball is the symbol of that sound you just heard. That frequency you just heard. Isgro explained that dowsing works in the way our ears do to pick up the vibration of the sound wave generated by the note. When we hear the note, we can discern where the sound is coming from as well as how far away it is. With the vibrations of objects, there is not corresponding sound, so dowsers learn to pick up on the subtle energy fields generated by the vibrational waves. Tools of the trade As with any finely attuned skill, tools can be employed to help enhance and reinforce the process. Pendulums, Y-rods, and L-rods are the most common dowsing tools used. The rod, or the pendulum, or the Y-rod is just our antenna following (the note), its a visual of following it. Just like that note on the page tells the musician to create that sound, she said. After youve connected with the tools, you realize, oh Im feeling it, maybe in the back of my neck, or, my finger twitches when a certain thing happens, or whatever, Reid added. And we learn that our body is just energy, its all energy, and our bodys energy is picking things up like an antenna. When preparing to dowse, Isgro and Reid both said its extremely important to center ones mind, and first make sure they are in a complimentary state to pick up the energy theyre on the lookout for. May I dowse right now? Can I dowse right now? Is it appropriate for me to dowse right now? Reid said. Asking these questions before dowsing should reset the mind into a state of being able to accept and acknowledge the data its about to receive. One of the first lessons a dowser must learn is to read their own bodys signals. Maybe Im dehydrated. Maybe Im really tired, or another thing could be, its really none of my business to find that out right now, she said. Dowser specialties Isgro said many dowsers have a specialty when it comes to picking up specific types of vibrations. Some of them are finders. I can find lost keys. I can find a lost person. I can find the lost dog, she said. Others are water, theyre exceedingly sensitive to water. Others are body, the human body. They can find a spot that you didnt even know of thats hurt. Being a Reiki master, Reid said she specializes in body dowsing, a way of finding the source of a persons malady by determining where within the body, their vibrations are off. Ill ask, show me the source, because sometimes, her hip could be hurting but it could be because of something that happened in her shoulder, Reid explained. When dowsing was more common, Isgro said doctors would often team up with dowsers to determine what treatments were needed. Back in the elder times, the doctor and the dowser worked together, they were not separate, she said. And now youre seeing a resurgence in the holistic medicines. We never say, dont go to a medical doctor. Thats not our thing, Reid added, saying that dowsing can be applied as a type of complementary medicine. All of the pharmaceuticals these days were originally started from herbs, medicinal plants. Skepticism There are some who will remain skeptical about dowsing. Dismissing it as nothing more than an outdated means of location, or outright hokum. But Isgro said shes confident that, whether knowing it or not, most people have dabbled in dowsing once or twice in their life. Have you ever walked into a room, and its a really nice room. Its pleasant. Its got windows. Its got light it looks like you could just walk in and have a nice seat. And you get the feeling in your gut that just says, get the hell outta here. You dont belong here, she asked. Thats dowsing. Thats feeling (your) inner knowing. LAKE GEORGE Freedom Boat Club, in Dunhams Bay on Lake George, is the site of New Yorks first electric boat charger. Dave Wick, executive director of the Lake George Park Commission, delivered a speech from Gov. Kathy Hochul at a ribbon-cutting event on Friday at the boat club. With abundant lakes and tremendous natural resources here in our state, boating is very popular, but it comes with long-term environmental challenges from fossil fuel emissions and worsening climate change, Wick said on behalf of Governor Hochul. However, with the advent of vastly improved battery technology and fast charging, this industry is poised to make great strides in clean and safe electrified boating. The club showcased three electric boats built by electric boat manufacturing company Ingenity Electric a pontoon, a speedboat outfitted with a wakeboarding tower, and a classic Hacker-Craft built in partnership with Hacker Boat Company. Matt OHara, owner of Freedom Boat Club and Queen Boat Co., said chargers are a great start to incentivize electric boats on Lake George. OHara said hes heard boat owners interested in owning electric boats, but there being a lack of chargers in the area. He said marinas have said the same about getting chargers, as theres a lack of electric boats and no reason to invest in the chargers. By installing the charger at the club, OHara hopes to break the boating proverbial catch-22. Aqua superPower, the developers of the charging stations, installed the charger at the boat club for free with a 20-year contract to split electric fuel profits. Like gas fuel costs, the cost of the electricity will be passed onto the consumer along with a markup for profit. The marina the charger is located at and Aqua superPower will split the profit from the electricity markup. Eventually we want to be more electric boats in our boat club, so having (the charger) allows for something like that, OHara said. We agree (with Aqua superPower) that these types of boats, people on Lake George are going to like them. Scott Canning, Aqua superPowers vice president of business development in North America, said Lake George was specifically chosen for a few reasons including the areas history of boating, the size of the lake and the money in the areas boating market. It made sense to come here, Canning said. Its a big lake, but youre never going to be five miles out to sea. With strategically placed chargers, you can serve the whole lake. One of the largest selling points of the electric vehicle is lessening fuel costs compared to rising gas prices. A full tank on a gas-powered boat could cost hundreds of dollars, while a full battery costs around $30, depending on the size of the battery. While the chargers are marketed as fast-charging, a full charge will take over an hour. The charger at Freedom Boat Club delivers 75kw an hour, and most batteries hold around 150kw. Canning said the chargers are safer than most power cables used to charge batteries and other amenities on gas boats, as theyre considered smart chargers. The cables will only provide power to the battery when fully attached, and there is no risk of electrocution if dropped into the water. However, the upfront cost of an electric boat is still steep. The pontoon showcased on Lake George markets for $350,000 and the Hacker-Craft runs over $500,000. More information about Aqua superPower and electric boating chargers can be found at www.aqua-superpower.com/. You are here: World Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held phone talks with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, pledging to promote China-South Africa ties, and calling for favorable conditions to solve the Ukraine crisis. Xi said China and South Africa are both important major developing countries and the two enjoy special friendly relations like brothers. China-South Africa relations are of important strategic significance to safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and guiding China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, Xi said. He said this year marks the "Year of South Africa" for BRICS, and the development of bilateral relations is facing important opportunities. China is ready to work with South Africa to upgrade bilateral relations, build a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future, jointly practice genuine multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and make the international order more just and equitable. China, Xi said, supports South Africa, as the rotating chair, in successfully hosting various BRICS cooperation activities this year. South Africa highly cherishes and is deeply proud of the strong and high-level strategic partnership with China, Ramaphosa said. Cooperation between the two countries benefits Africa, he said, adding that South Africa is committed to working with China to promote the continuous development of South Africa-China relations. South Africa will deepen communication and coordination with China and other BRICS members to strengthen BRICS cooperation, Ramaphosa added. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Ramaphosa said that South Africa supports China's position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and hopes that relevant parties could resume negotiations at an early date. A peace delegation consisting of leaders of six African countries, including South Africa, will visit Russia and Ukraine to push for an end to the crisis as soon as possible, he added. Xi told Ramaphosa that China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent, which is to promote peace talks. The Chinese leader said that he hopes all parties will build up favorable conditions for solving the crisis through dialogue, adding that it is a good thing that President Ramaphosa and leaders of relevant African countries formed a peace delegation to visit Russia and Ukraine. It is also hoped that peace-loving countries worldwide which uphold justice can make a rational voice to promote peace talks, Xi said. SOUTH GLENS FALLS Sidewalk disputes between residents and code enforcement officers can be a tricky business, especially when that resident happens to be a Village Board member. When do you enforce the code strictly by the code, and when do you have leniency, and say, you know what, yeah, it doesnt make any sense to enforce this one, South Glens Falls board member Tony Girard said in an interview with The Post-Star on Thursday. The incident began back in April, when Girard took it upon himself to cover a paved portion of sidewalk along his corner lot home on Charles Street. Public-right-of-ways exist along municipal roadways to allow people to travel along them without having to enter the streets. Typically its the adjacent property owners responsibility to maintain that pathway, whether its paved or left as a grass. In Girards case, the portion of public-right-of-way running along the Henry Street side of his property was only partially paved. The pavement stopped and reverted to grass shortly before reaching his neighbors driveway. Looking to avoid the annual hassle of clearing the paved portion of snow each winter, Girard opted to cover it up to the corner with sod and seed it with grass. Girard was cited with an Order to Remedy Violation, issued by the village Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Ostrander. The violations Girard was cited with were New York State Property Maintenance Code 302.3, Sidewalks and driveways. Sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions. And South Glens Falls Village Law 127-14: Obstruction of sidewalks with awnings or merchandise. No person shall erect, hang or maintain any awning over any sidewalk unless the same and its fixtures and flaps are at least seven feet above the surface of such sidewalk, nor shall such awning extend more than seven feet from the building to which it is attached, and no person shall suspend or place any wares, goods or merchandise upon any sidewalk more than 30 inches in front of any store, shop or other building so as to obstruct the free passage on any sidewalk or to any store. It was noted by Girard that in a final Notice and Order to Remedy, South Glens Falls Village Law 127-14 was dropped from the citation, but the New York State code 302.3 remained as the offence. My jobs pretty binary, Ostrander told The Post-Star. Heres the code. Enforce the code. Girard defends himself Girard maintains that the change does not create hazardous conditions, as the public can still gain access to the right-of-way along his property. Ostrander, however, says that the lack of paving deters pedestrian use, causing them to step out into the roadway, thereby creating the public safety problem. Sidewalks in our municipality, based on state code and local code, are the property of the village of South Glens Falls, he said. Our children and our elderly walk the sidewalks. In this instance, when he covered the sidewalk, I actually witnessed this personally, people circumventing into the street when walking their dogs. To that end, Girard said that people have always walked on the street along that stretch of road, due to the sidewalk being broken by the driveway at the other end anyway. If it was a continuous sidewalk and I (covered) it totally wrong, totally wrong, Girard conceded. But its not a continuous sidewalk. Girard contacted village Mayor Nicholas Bodkin to address the violation and was told he needed to obtain a variance from the village in order to make any changes to village property. According to Girard, he applied for a variance from the Village Board of Appeals that same day, but was denied. He was informed that because the property in question was village-owned, he would need to appeal to the Board of Trustees to obtain a variance. Girard then brought the issue to the Village Board meeting held Wednesday, along with legal representation. After recusing himself from his position on the board, Girard took a seat in the public gallery, while Nathan Hall, associate attorney at Stafford, Carr, and McNally, addressed the board. My understanding from Tony is that there are other land owners in this area in the past within the village who have done something similar, Hall said, during Wednesdays meeting. Its my understanding that, whether its this particular board, this particular government, prior iterations have not ever raised an issue with this in the past. T.J. Chagnon, highway maintenance and public works supervisor, was asked if he knew of any instances of such action taking place. Sidewalks have been removed, and sidewalks have been covered and there were no violations that were given out, Chagnon said. There was one on Prospect Street that was removed and the board was made aware and there was nothing done. Chagnon pointed out that there are several lengths of public-right-of-way in that area that are not paved. In Trustee Girards situation, the sidewalk didnt go anywhere, he added. Board takes no action In his interview with The Post-Star Thursday, Ostrander, who has only been working with the village as its code enforcement officer since May 2022, addressed the issue of past violations not being issued. In the past, I didnt work here, he said. Ive had a number of violations over the 13 months that Ive been here. This is the first one of that kind. Girards attorney asked the board to grant Girard the variance he would need to keep the sidewalk covered. We certainly could go through the enforcement procedure and defend Tony on these claims, but our preference in the first case would be to have a conversation with the village board in hopes that under the circumstances, the board would be willing to grant Tony a variance to have this lot remain grassy in that area, he said. Bodkin suggested taking a recess to discuss what legal actions were within the boards right to take with Mary Elizabeth Kissane, associate attorney with Miller, Mannix, Schachner, and Hafner, also the villages legal counsel. After a lengthy attorney/client privilege session, excluding Girard, Bodkin stated that the village would not take any action to resolve the issue that night. The Board of Trustees has no comment to make at this time, he said. When pressed for more clarification by Hall, Kissane explained that the notice of violation would remain open, and Girard would need to seek a resolution in some other way. Theres a process being played out, and the boards going to allow that process to play out, she answered. Hall thanked the board for their time, and said he and Girard would seek to address the issue in another form. Girard did not stay for the remainder of the meeting, but left with his attorney and wife, who was also in the audience. For some reason, I guess because Im a trustee, they wanted to make an example of me, which they were able to do that to me and my wife, which I feel was very unfair, Girard said Thursday. I think it should have been a discussion out (in the open), and everybody should have been able to hear it. Girard Why werent we allowed to hear what they had to say? Whyd they have to go behind closed doors and come back and say nothing. According to the village code, Girard has until July 2, to unearth the sidewalk and return it to its previous state before further legal action is taken. At this point were just in a waiting game to see how the resident will proceed. Hopefully hell remediate, that would be ideal, Ostrander said. ALBANY The State Senate is declining to hold a vote on whether to confirm Justin Driscoll, the acting president and CEO of the New York Power Authority, a setback for Gov. Kathy Hochuls administration. On Tuesday, The Buffalo News had reported on several discrimination complaints lodged at the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston. Between 2014 and 2021, Driscoll was counsel for NYPA and his office was charged with reviewing all such complaints. Before her death in March, Shirley Hamilton, the former leader of the Niagara Falls NAACP, had sought to raise awareness about the claimed mishandling of discrimination complaints under Driscolls leadership, a charge that Driscoll denies. Hamilton had worked at NYPA for 44 years, rising to become the first Black female control room operator at the Lewiston plant. In statement Friday following the news that Driscoll would not be confirmed, the coalition Public Power NY, which opposed Driscolls nomination, said it was deeply grateful to Shirley Hamilton, whose tireless activism for racial justice fueled us, and to all the NYPA employees who were brave enough to share their stories and struggle for justice in their workplace. Some liberal lawmakers also questioned other aspects of Driscolls records, including his history of making campaign donations to Republicans and his initial opposition to a law expanding NYPAs green energy production. Hochul recommended Driscoll last year for the top post at NYPA, a public benefit corporation that provides low-cost power to New Yorkers. The news that Driscoll would not receive a confirmation vote was first reported by Politico, and two Senate sources confirmed that development to The Buffalo News. One Senate source said Driscoll did not have support within the full Senate Democratic conference to be confirmed. That was despite Driscoll having easily passed through two Senate committee votes Tuesday. Driscoll always faced resistance from liberal members of the Senate due to his one-time opposition to the Build Public Renewables Act, according to another legislative source and the recent Buffalo News article didnt help. Hochuls office said Driscoll would remain in his acting role and defended his hiring. Following a national search last year, Governor Hochul recommended Justin Driscoll for President and CEO of the New York Power Authority because he has the expertise to lead the nations largest state-owned utility, helping New York to achieve its ambitious climate goals using both NYPAs existing authorities and its expanded mandate to build renewable energy secured in the FY24 State Budget, Hochul spokeswoman Katy Zielinski said. Asked about the discrimination complaints at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Driscoll said that before complaints ever got to his office, they were vetted at several levels within the state government, both within the agency and outside it by some 10 to 15 people. He noted that of NYPAs nine top executives, three are Black. The last two managers of the Niagara Power Project, where Hamilton worked, have been Black. Anyone who knows me knows thats not me, thats not how I operate, Driscoll said of the accusations. I would never try to minimize complaints. Near the end of Hamiltons 44-year career at NYPA, Christopher Carey was the operations superintendent at the Niagara Power Project. Several of the complaints lodged there concerned Carey. For instance, Nick Gilewski, an outage coordinator there who is white, grew concerned about a series of comments that Carey reportedly made about Hamilton and in 2019, reported his concerns to a regional Power Authority manager. Carey, who is white, would berate, belittle and discredit Hamilton in front of other employees; referred to how she made crazy and wild complaints; talked about how Hamilton was prone to make mistakes on the job; and said that no one could have Hamilton fired because she was Black and untouchable, but that he would get her fired and be the first, according to a complaint Gilewski later filed with the state Division of Human Rights. In the same complaint, Gilewski claimed that he was also denied a raise and disciplined by Carey in retaliation for coming forward to an authority manager about Careys disparaging comments. Carey denied the charges. But the state Division of Human Rights in January 2021 found probable cause to support the allegations. Five months earlier, in August 2020, Power Authority chief diversity officer Nancy Harvey had written a letter to Gilewski, stating that the authority could not substantiate Gilewskis claim of retaliation. But Harvey did write that administrative action has been recommended to address Mr. Careys unprofessional conduct toward Shirley Hamilton. Yet following that action, Careys pay jumped from $166,000 in 2020 to nearly $195,000 in 2021, and he gained the new title of superintendent. Last year, he made more than $202,000. While officials in some shore communities work to slow the planned development of offshore wind projects, the development companies came under sharp criticism last week from a different direction, and for a much different reason. In remarks at a meeting Wednesday, Joseph Fiordaliso, president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, accused wind energy developers of dragging their feet in moving the projects forward. He said time is not a luxury New Jersey can afford. Climate change doesnt delay itself. Climate change continues to progress at a rate that is dangerous, Fiordaliso said. We cannot afford any more delays. In his remarks, Fiordaliso did not mention any of the wind power companies by name but said he hoped representatives of at least one of the companies was listening and would bring word back to their superiors. Put your nose to the grindstone and lets get this going again, Fiordaliso said. Because my patience is short and these delays are intolerable. And if you cant do that, were going to have to have an intense discussion. He said he would not likely live to see the biggest impacts of climate change, but his grandchildren would, as would the children of other members of the BPU. Were going to be judged on what we do here, he said. I will not tolerate additional delays by developers. Frankly, Im sick and tired of it. Gov. Phil Murphy has pledged to move New Jerseys energy systems to renewable sources and ween the states electrical grid from fossil fuels, a move he says will reduce the carbon emissions blamed for a steadily warming planet while creating new jobs. NJ allocates $2 million for more research on offshore wind The state Department of Environmental Protection and Board of Public Utilities on Wednesday At the federal level, the Biden administration has also backed the expansion of offshore wind as a major component of its energy policy, citing it as a potential way to cut carbon emissions in generating electricity. But many in shore communities have remained skeptical of the proposal, citing its potential impact on tourism and the local fishing industry. Cape May County government vowed to fight the proposed projects, citing the potential for devastating environmental and cultural impacts. Despite federal assurances that there is no evidence linking preparations for the projects to marine mammal deaths over the winter, many area residents remain convinced of a connection between the deaths and strandings and work mapping the ocean floor. The Ocean Wind 1 project is the furthest along of the wind farm proposals off the coast of New Jersey. After the BPU meeting, Maddy Urbish, the head of government affairs and marketing for the energy company rsted, expressed surprise at the comments, saying the company has been working closely with the BPU and other state and federal agencies. rsted is committed to delivering Ocean Wind 1, New Jerseys first offshore wind project, she said in a statement. In recent months, the project received its state permits and Federal Environmental Impact Statement, demonstrating significant progress towards onshore construction later this year. Ocean Wind 1 is already delivering local jobs and economic investments, including EEWs monopile manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro, construction of our Atlantic City O&M facility, and support for local minority and women-owned businesses through the Pro-NJ Grantor Trust. The company plans to begin delivering power from the project next year. It was unclear what brought on the comments, which came after a closed-door session of the board, and after a decision to put off a vote on one of the resolutions, In the matter of declaring transmission to support offshore wind a public policy of the state of New Jersey. Fiordaliso cited advice from BPU attorneys for the delay, saying the resolution had been challenged by the Division of Rate Counsel, which advocated for ratepayers in New Jersey. Atlantic City Electric bills to go up 4.1% in June after auction Atlantic City Electric bills will go up 4.1% to an average of $141 per month starting in Jun There was no immediate response Friday to a call to a BPU spokesperson requesting more details. Documents posted to the BPUs website indicate the resolution relates to the construction of the onshore projects, including transmission facilities, that will bring offshore wind power to homes and businesses. But a recent letter from T. David Wand, the states deputy rate counsel, said the division did not have enough time to evaluate the decision before the meeting. Rate Counsel did not learn of the matter until it was posted on the agenda. Rate Counsel still has no idea what project scope modifications the board will be considering, or the rate impact of those changes, reads a letter submitted to the board before last weeks meeting. Fiordaliso commented on several matters after the closed session, but before the start of the BPU board meeting. He also addressed wind power opponents, saying the turbines will be miles from the beach and that someone would need excellent eyesight to see them. Drawings presented by Ocean Wind 1 at public meetings have shown that the wind turbines would be visible on the horizon from the beaches of Ocean City on clear days, and Cape May County officials say the project would be visible from every beach community in the county. We know that there are people who dont agree with our initiatives, but the majority of people agree with the fact that we have to continue to mitigate the effects of climate change, Fiordaliso said. We have to get moving. ATLANTIC CITY The new executive director at the troubled Atlantic City Housing Authority knows how to talk to a crowd, even when its made up of angry residents of public housing, fed up with years of infestations, broken appliances, and heat and hot water outages. So, about that hot water and heat, I heard there was a problem with hot water and heat, said Matt Doherty, with the delivery of a stand-up comic, in his first meeting with Stanley Holmes Village residents last month. Is that true? Laughter went through the room, and feelings of tension and anger lessened a bit. He also joked about a microphone malfunction. It wouldnt be a Housing Authority meeting if something wasnt screwed up, he said, but then fixed the mic and told the crowd the authority is a mess but he intends to make things right. Doherty, 49, recently took over the authority after four years leading the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, where he was credited with greatly increasing cooperation with the city, particularly helping fund additional police officers. Doherty also led the authority through the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant dramatic changes to how staff worked and the use of the Atlantic City Convention Center as a vaccine mega site. He has also been mayor of his hometown of Belmar in Monmouth County, where he led the effort to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy. Atlantic City Housing Authority hires emergency contractors ATLANTIC CITY The board of the Atlantic City Housing Authority met Thursday evening and hi Residents at that first Stanley Holmes meeting left feeling cautiously optimistic. Weve been dealing with this for years. How do you trust people? asked resident George Harrod after the Stanley Holmes meeting. Hed like to think problems will be fixed, but he said when he called recently about his mold problem, the authority sent a couple of maintenance men with a squirt bottle of mold killer. They sprayed and left, said Harrod, and the mold continues. Harrod is part of a residents lawsuit against the authority over conditions, he said. Doherty has spent his first month in his new job talking to residents and listening to their stories of frustration and anxiety over their living conditions. One of the first things he did when he started May 8 was give his email and cellphone number to every resident via flyers sent to every authority address. The problems he faces, however, will take more than good communication skills to fix. The eight complexes owned and run by the authority all have serious problems, he said in a recent interview. The scattered sites have mold and pest problems too, Doherty said of the 153 newest public housing residences in the city, made up of townhomes and single-family homes. They also have roofing and siding issues. When I came on (several floors in senior citizens building Jeffries Tower) had no hot water for 10 days, Doherty said. Thats not acceptable. They had a bad pump. ... The elevators are not working as well as they should. Sometimes residents cause problems, he said. At Altman Terrace (a high-rise on Arctic Avenue), one woman was using a washing machine in her apartment, he said of an appliance she wasnt supposed to have. The wastewater from that machine came up in the toilet in the unit under her, causing a sudsy flood. Residents have to help themselves, Doherty said, by following rules and using common sense. While Doherty walked around Stanley Holmes Village recently, tenant Troy Williams came out to say hello in front of his apartment on Adriatic Avenue. Williams has been living there 24 years, he said, and doesnt have mold or pest infestations like some of his neighbors. His problems are structural. Stanley Holmes Village seniors will no longer be forced to move ATLANTIC CITY Senior citizens living in the troubled Stanley Holmes Village public housing My windows dont work at all, Williams said. In winter its like being outside. Other than fixing the problems in units, Williams suggested employing residents to do maintenance jobs, such as landscaping, and adding more trash cans to the property and dog stations so people will be encouraged to pick up after their pets. Doherty has been listening to all the input, but his first priority is getting the heating system replaced at Stanley Holmes Village for the fall. He plans to scrap the ancient boilers there that have been breaking down for years, replacing them with gas-powered tankless hot water heaters in each building. Doherty wanted to have the new units installed by the end of August, tested in September and working by Oct. 1. This week, however, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development told the authority it cannot use an emergency contract for the project, but a regular bidding process. That will take a month or so longer, he said. I went from confident to hopeful, Doherty said Friday. The best case scenario, come Oct. 1, all the (31) buildings will have the new system. The worst case is we rely on the old boilers until the new one is up and running sometime in October. Other work by contractors hired under emergency provisions, such as roach and mice control contractors, had to stop work this week as well, he said. The contracts will be put out under a regular bidding process, but treatment will be delayed. HUD rejects emergency contracts for Atlantic City Housing Authority work ATLANTIC CITY Work on testing gas lines, remediating mold and fighting pest infestations h Doherty also plans to beef up the maintenance department with many new hires but cannot do that until a new maintenance director is hired. That job has been advertised and applications have come in, he said. Other open positions have been advertised as well, and an interview process will soon start for human resources director, chief financial officer, contract administrator and management specialist, he said. The ads will end on the 12th. We are hoping to start interviewing next week, Doherty said. Doherty admits he doesnt have experience in public housing but said he knows about running a public agency that is accountable to residents, and knows about using federal dollars. The Housing Authority is funded and overseen by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. I was mayor of Belmar after Sandy, Doherty said. I dealt with rebuilding ... that was all federal dollars. He is counting on new second-in-command Chief Operating Officer Tom Sahlin to know the ins and outs of public housing law and requirements. Sahlin left his job as executive director of the Asbury Park Housing Authority for the job here. The two started at about the same time. City leaders greeted Dohertys hiring by the Housing Authority board with hope. This is the first meeting with the new director, and Im going to say something I havent said in a long, long, long time. I am optimistic about the future of Stanley Holmes Village with Director Doherty here, said City Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz at Dohertys first authority board meeting last month. Council President Aaron Sporty Randolph, who represents the 1st Ward, also attended the board meeting. I have a lot of seniors in all the high-rises uptown, Randolph said. He gave them his phone number. Ive been getting great feedback. A graduate of Georgetown University, Doherty said he grew up in a two-bedroom home in Edison, Middlesex County, where his parents and four kids shared one bathroom. This reminds me of where I grew up, he said, sitting in an outside common area at Stanley Holmes Village. Doherty feels a camaraderie with the residents and knows he has a lot of healthy skepticism to overcome. Residents frequently ask why conditions were allowed to deteriorate for so long under previous executive directors. But thats in the past, Doherty said. What may have happened in 2019 and 2020 there is nothing I can do about it, Doherty told residents at the Stanley Holmes meeting. There is nothing I can do to unwind the past. What we can do is put a plan in front of you and make improvements from this point forward. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has cleared all the confusion regarding a 40 percent concession on the property tax, and has urged the citizens to pay the regular housing property tax. The civic body urged the property owners to pay only financial year tax and submit PT-3 form with proof of self-occupied property to get the arrears removed from the bill. Recently, there has been lot of confusion among self-occupied residential property owners over property tax bill, as they have been asked to pay exorbitant price. The civic body about 20 days ago started issuing property tax bills, but the owners are still confused about the exact amount they are supposed to pay to the civic body. Most of the owners claims they have received highly overstated tax bills, and are shocked and confused as to why they have been asked to pay exorbitant price. The civic body alleges that the confusion is caused due to revised calculations, software updates and re-issuance bills following the Maharashtra governments decision in April to restart the 40 percent tax discount for self-occupied residential properties under municipal limits. The civic body have instructed the tax collector officials to not collect arrears from the residential property owners registered before 2019 if it is a self-occupied property. Considering the 40 percent discount in the arrears in the bill is removed .The property owners have to fill the PT-3 form and will have to submit at least two residential proofs from the society. The PT-3 can be submitted to the nearest tax office or ward office oof PMC. In April this year, the state government had declared that the 40 per cent concession in annual taxable value and 15 per cent concession in the annual rent against existing 10 per cent have been restored for self-occupied residential properties in PMC A Scott County judge rejected a plea in the municipal citation case filed against Andrew Wold's Davenport Hotel LLC in relation to the May 28 building collapse in Davenport. A hearing in the case was held Friday morning. The partial collapse of the building at 324 N. Main St. occurred in the center of the west side of the six-story structure and involved every floor. Three people had been confirmed dead as of June 5, and many others lost their homes and property. The city filed the citation on May 30, accusing Wold, doing business as Davenport Hotel LLC, of failing on May 28 to maintain the 324 Main St. property in a safe, sanitary and structurally sound condition. In a Friday morning hearing, Scott County Magistrate Catherine Cartee rejected a plea of nolo contendere electronically filed on Davenport Hotel LLCs behalf by its attorney Alexander Johnson. Wold did not appear. When people offer a plea of nolo contendere (no contest), it means they are not admitting guilt but also are not offering a defense. They are then subject to penalties as if they had pleaded guilty but retain the option of denying the charge in other legal proceedings. In her written ruling, Cartee said the court did not accept or acknowledge that the plea complies with the Iowa Code of Civil Procedure. Wold will have to enter a different plea or set the case for trial, Cartees order states. He can appear by counsel or in writing. The hearing was continued to Monday. A conviction for such a violation means a fine of $300 with an additional $95 in court costs, according to the citation. Photos: One week after the partial collapse of The Davenport Two people were killed and one injured early Saturday in a two-vehicle crash at Illinois Routes 5 and 92 and Morton Drive. Officers were sent to the scene of a multiple-vehicle crash at 3:04 a.m., East Moline Police Capt. Jason Kratt said in a news release. Officers arriving on the scene saw a vehicle off the roadway that was on fire. The two passengers in the burning vehicle were taken out of the vehicle but ultimately died of their injuries. Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson identified the two men that died as Andrew D. Painter, 40, of Colona, and Raymundo G. Mendoza, 41, of East Moline. Gustafson said Painter drove his vehicle into the back of a semitractor-trailer. Painter was taken to Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, where he died. Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene, Gustafson said. The driver of the semitractor suffered minor injuries and reported the crash to police. Toxicology tests will be run on both Painter and Mendoza, Gustafson said. East Moline Police were assisted by the East Moline Fire Department, Silvis Police Department, Moline Police Department, Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation. The crash remains under investigation by the East Moline Police Department. Police ask that anyone with information about this incident to call the East Moline Police Department at 309-752-1555 or Crime Stoppers of the Quad-Cities at 309-762-9500, or submit an anonymous tip via the P3 Tips mobile app or submit a tip online at qccrimestoppers.com. Photos: One week after the partial collapse of The Davenport Flash Russia will deploy certain types of weapons in Belarus after July 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday when meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. "As you know, on July 7-8, the preparation of relevant facilities will be completed, and we will immediately begin measures related to the deployment of the relevant types of weapons on your territory," Putin said in a conversation with Lukashenko in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi. "So everything is going as planned and everything is stable," he added. In March this year, Putin said that Russia, at the request of Minsk, would deploy its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, just as the United States had been doing on the territories of its allies. The construction of a special storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory would be completed in July, he said. As drought conditions worsen over Iowa and Illinois, the chances for rain remain slim despite a storm system moving through the Quad-City region Saturday night into Sunday. Unfortunately, it doesnt look like its going to turn into much, meteorologist Zach Uttech of the National Weather Service, Davenport, said Saturday. Its so dry and the dew points are so low theres not much in the way of instability; theres no convection with it, Uttech said. It looks like more of a spotty light rain with the thunderstorms holding down in southern Illinois and Missouri. Theyll get more rain down there than up here. Despite the lack of rain with the system, temperatures will be a bit cooler after a week of highs in the low 80s to low 90s. The high temperature Sunday is expected to reach 74 degrees with an overnight low into Monday of 49 degrees. The normal high for this time of year is 82 degrees and the normal low is 60 degrees. The dew point is the temperature the air needs to be cooled to become saturated with water, causing dew to form. The higher the dew point, the hotter and stickier it feels. Uttech said a prolonged period of air flow from the Gulf Of Mexico was needed to raise the dew points, and thats not been happening. Weve had this blocking pattern over us with a ridge that extends into Canada, he said. There is high pressure over us and over the Great Lakes. That brings our winds from the east and northeast. Sunday is expected to be windy with a northeast wind blowing at 15 mph with gusts as high as 25 mph. Sunday is expected to start out cloudy with some rain, but the clouds will dissipate and the skies will once again become sunny. Its back to the routine of sunny skies, warm temperatures and low dew points on Monday, Uttech said. Mondays forecast calls for a high of 77 degrees under sunny skies with an overnight low of 57, while Tuesdays high is expected to be 85 degrees with sunny skies and a low of 59. The rain is needed as drought conditions have spread across Iowa and Illinois. Uttech said that from May 19 through the May 31, Moline had received one-hundredth, or .01, of an inch of rain. During that same period, Davenport received fifteen-hundredths, or .15, of an inch of rain. Honestly, by this time of year were usually seeing 70-degree dew points where youre outside for a few minutes and youre already sweating, he said. I prefer this. Moline community welcomes the Mercado on Fifth street market Black Hills National Forest held its annual media day Friday to give people a chance to see and learn about the Rapid City Airtanker Base. Different firefighters and fire departments get to see the work that the base does like reviewing base ramp operations and covering risk management information. "It's a Forest Service airtanker base, but we're kind of back here on the airport, doing our job away from where people are seeing the fires or the other forest service offices," Jarrod Hattervig, manager of the Rapid City Airtanker Base, said. "It gives some good exposure for people to know that we're here. I think that's the really important part is putting a face to a name, seeing the facilities here, seeing the operation and that we're here if you need us." The base will help support different agencies who are fighting fires. Its main responsibility is loading air tankers during the firefighting season in South Dakota, usually June through September. During times of busy fire activity, they can send over 10,000 gallons of retardant in an hour to support firefighters on the ground. Last year, they sent about 255,000 gallons of retardant to support fires in South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming. They were unable to have an aircraft at the base Friday to demonstrate how it is operated, but having it there largely depends on the fire season. Close Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Jarrod Hattervig, manager of Rapid City Airtanker Base, explains their job with a participant standing behind him during the Media Day Friday at the Rapid City Airtanker Base. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Winston Cadotte, assistant manager of the Rapid City Airtanker Base, left, and Erynn Stephan, a volunteer firefighter with the Pringle and Argyle Volunteer Fire Departments, talk during the Media Day Friday. Erynn Stephan, a volunteer firefighter with the Pringle and Argyle Volunteer Fire Departments, left, talks with Winston Cadotte, assistant manager of the Rapid City Airtanker Base, during the Media Day Friday at the Rapid City Airtanker Base. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Matthew Esser, Black Hills Heliteck Captain, talks with firefighters during the Media Day Friday at the Rapid City Airtanker Base. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Eric O'Connor, left, and Andrew Stanfield, of the Rapid City Fire Department Fuels Crew, move airtanker equipment to feel how heavy it is during the event on Friday. Airtanker base managers show the base to firefighters Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Jarrod Hattervig, manager of Rapid City Airtanker Base, explains their job with a participant standing behind him during the Media Day Friday at the Rapid City Airtanker Base. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Winston Cadotte, assistant manager of the Rapid City Airtanker Base, left, and Erynn Stephan, a volunteer firefighter with the Pringle and Argyle Volunteer Fire Departments, talk during the Media Day Friday. Erynn Stephan, a volunteer firefighter with the Pringle and Argyle Volunteer Fire Departments, left, talks with Winston Cadotte, assistant manager of the Rapid City Airtanker Base, during the Media Day Friday at the Rapid City Airtanker Base. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Matthew Esser, Black Hills Heliteck Captain, talks with firefighters during the Media Day Friday at the Rapid City Airtanker Base. Scenes from Rapid City Airtanker Base Media Day. Eric O'Connor, left, and Andrew Stanfield, of the Rapid City Fire Department Fuels Crew, move airtanker equipment to feel how heavy it is during the event on Friday. "Right now with the current activity around the Black Hills, there's no tankers at the moment," Hattervig said. "No one can predict it, so you never know day to day how busy you might be or not be, but we're happy to support through the summer either way." Smaller helicopters carry water in buckets that hold between 100-400 gallons of water while larger helicopters can deliver 1,000-2,000 gallons of water. They will also fill water tanks or buckets from water sources like lakes and rivers. Large airtankers can deliver 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of retardant or water and reload at retardant bases. The retardant at Rapid City's base is Phos-Chek LC-95A-Fx, which is a wet concentrate formulation that uses ammonium polyphosphate as the fire retardant salt. Bases have been shifting over to Phos-Chek LCE20-Fx which uses ammonium phosphate salts instead. The base will work with a number of fire departments during the fire season. "It's very important," Winston Cadotte, assistant manager of the Rapid City Airtanker Base, said. "They need to know that we're here. They need to know that we're available and if we do have an aircraft that needs to be somewhere on their fire, we're able and that's what we're trained for. It's the fire community even though it's different agencies. We're all doing the same thing." Erynn Stephan, a volunteer firefighter with the Pringle and Argyle Volunteer Fire Departments, says it's a relief to see the airtankers arrive, knowing that something is in the air to help. Cadotte started his career at the Rapid City Airtanker Base. He's done a few other things like helping establish air tanker bases in other states like Nebraska, but he's back at the Rapid City base again. Bringing more attention to the base can also help bring in new faces. While it might not be for everyone, Cadotte mentioned that one of his favorite parts of the job is getting to work with different people, either someone he's already met before or getting to see new people join. "You really have to have a love of aircrafts if you're gonna be out here and actually operate with them," he said. "Being a part of an air crew on a helicopter, I've done that before, and that was one of the great things. You get to fly around in a helicopter. I mean, who doesn't want to do something like that. How fun is it to fly around in an airplane? If you want to be out on something like this where you get to see all these different aircrafts, what better office can you have. I enjoy it. It might not be for everybody, but if there's an interest, it's here." After a five-day trial and two hours of deliberation, a Pennington County jury found a 38-year-old Rapid City man guilty of raping a child when she was 7 to 11 years old. The jury convicted Ryan Corley of three counts of first-degree rape, sexual contact with a child under 16, and sexual exploitation of a minor from Sept. 1, 2016 to Oct. 10, 2020. The exploitation charge was for showing the girl pornography. The now-14-year-old took the stand Tuesday and testified the sexual abuse usually occurred when her mother worked and happened as often as every day or every other day. She told her mother on Oct. 10, 2020, that Corley had been raping her. Her mother took her to the emergency room the same day. Corley was charged with the crimes and arrested in February 2021 after law enforcement conducted an investigation. "He had opportunity. He was alone with that girl," said Senior Deputy Pennington County State's Attorney Roxanne Hammond during closing arguments Friday. With Corley's text messages on the courtroom projector, Hammond pointed out he didn't ask how the alleged victim was doing while she was at the hospital, but instead told the girl's mother he was taking anything "incriminating." "His only concern is self-preservation," Hammond said. In another message, Corley said he deleted 1,000 photos from his phone and got rid of any pornography he had saved. He told police he threw away sex toys, which were later discovered at a different location. DNA results of the toys were inconclusive, although the girl described them during an interview. The defenses argument was the girl lied in order to get out of trouble for sneaking a phone she wasnt supposed to have and to get rid of Corley, who she hated. Hammond pointed to the girls testimony, which included the statement, I loved him at first. Until he started touching her, Hammond said. Deborah Davis a forensic psychologist the court recognized as an expert in false confessions, false statements and memory formation testified for the defense Friday. Davis testified "we overestimate the performance of our own memories." She explained the brain does not record everything "like a videotape," rather it retains information considered essential. "We find a way to think about things in a way that feels good or suits our needs," Davis said. "A lot of it is unconscious." There was a nine-hour gap between when the victim told her mother about the abuse to when she was taken to the hospital. During closing arguments Friday, one of Corley's defense attorneys, Martha Rossiter, said the girl's mother or other family could have asked "suggestive" questions that influenced her account. Davis said an example of a suggestive question would be asking, "Did you see the stop sign?" which implies the existence of a stop sign. Suggestive questions are especially avoided in interviews with children. Brandi Tonkel, a forensic interviewer at the Children's Home Child Advocacy Center in Rapid City, interviews children who potentially witnessed or were victims of crimes. She interviewed the victim. Tonkel testified the best way to get accurate information is to avoid leading questions and suggestions. She said children under 10 are more suggestable than people over the age of 10. The victim was 11 during her interview. Another way to help get accurate information from a child is to ask them about sensory details, which are harder to make up without actually experiencing an event, Tonkel said. The victim described sensory details during her interview, such as taste. During closing arguments, Rossiter told the jury their job was not to evaluate "he said, she said," but to determine if the state proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt. "This is how we protect the community and ourselves," Rossiter said. Hammond said the girl explained "things an 11-year-old shouldn't be able to." Rossiter countered that the girl could have gained the knowledge from sources other than abuse. She noted the child's access to a cell phone which had apps like Snapchat, Tiktok, and Instagram downloaded on it at some point and suggested the girl could have watched pornography on her phone or on Corley's phone while he slept. She also noted a conversation found on the girl's phone where one of her friends mentioned rape, and the presence of a roleplaying game BitLife, which contains some adult themes. Derek Kuchenreuther, a digital forensic examiner at Computer Forensic Resources in Sioux Falls, testified for the defense. He retrieved data from the alleged victim's cell phone. He said he did not find any "sexually explicit" conversations on the girl's phone, but he located the apps and message information. Under Rossiter's questioning, Rapid City Police Department Sgt. Seth Walker testified he found nothing of importance to the case on the phone. Rossiter argued law enforcement failed by not gathering more evidence from the alleged victim and called it "insulting" that law enforcement said the phone was not relevant. "(She) is not the one being accused of anything," Hammond said. "Her phone isn't the lynchpin piece of evidence." First-degree rape is the most severe form of rape in South Dakota sexual penetration of child under the age of 13. A class C felony, it carries a possibility of life in prison and up to a $50,000 fine. The sexual contact count is a class 3 felony with a maximum of 15 years in prison and up to a $30,000 fine. Sexual exploitation of a minor is a class 2 felony with a maximum of two years in prison and up to a $4,000 fine. Corley is scheduled for sentencing at 10 a.m. on Sept. 10 before Presiding Judge Craig Pfeifle. U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Transferring Illicit Assets to Ukraine Act. This bipartisan legislation would allow the U.S. Department of Justice to transfer more forfeited Russian assets to Ukraine. It is critical Ukraine is able to protect their country against Russias unjustified and illegal invasion, said Rounds. By providing Ukraine with the necessary tools to defend themselves, we are helping to defend democracy. This bipartisan legislation paves an effective and efficient way for Ukraine to receive seized assets, which further strengthens their ability to fight back against Russian aggression. Under current authority, the DOJ can only transfer assets to Ukraine that are forfeited from violations of select Russia-related sanctions. The first and only use of this authority occurred in February 2023, when Attorney General Merrick Garland authorized a transfer of $5.4 million forfeited from a sanctioned Russian oligarch. With expanded authority from Congress, the DOJ could transfer far more assets from bad actors to support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom. This legislation would allow the DOJ to transfer assets forfeited from violations of a wider range of economic countermeasures, such as export controls. Defeating Putin and supporting the Ukrainian people against this ruthless and unjust war must remain our top priority, said Manchin. This bipartisan legislation will authorize the DOJ to expand its ability to seize Russian assets and send them directly to Ukraine for defense and rebuilding. I am committed to bringing this legislation across the finish line to reaffirm our long-term commitment to the Ukrainian people and our leading role in the fight to defend democracy. Specifically, the Transferring Illicit Assets to Ukraine Act would: expand the DOJs existing authority to apply to the proceeds of forfeited assets from any sanction or export control involving Russia or Belarus related to Russias invasion of Ukraine (including the 2014 invasion of Crimea); require a report from the Attorney General, Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of State outlining a plan for using this new authority; and require semiannual reports from these same entities on the use of this authority for the benefit of Ukraine. Pharmaceutical manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) held a ribbon cutting at their Hamilton facility on Thursday to celebrate the completion of a new building that will house the manufacturing of their QS-21 adjuvant. Adjuvants are compounds that when combined with an appropriate antigen, work to elicit a stronger and more robust immune response than the antigen may be able to provide alone. That adds to the potency of vaccines such as the popular shingles vaccine Shingrix. They also provide a more lasting, durable immune response over time, which is particularly important for older adults as the immune system wanes with ageing. The QS-21 adjuvant is derived from a compound that occurs naturally in the bark of a tree that grows predominantly in Chile. The trees are harvested, and the bark is treated with hot water to create the starting raw material. This extract is then subjected to a series of purification steps to remove impurities and isolate the mixture which contains the QS-21 molecule. We're certainly proud of the accomplishment and the work that's been put in here to get this building where it is, said Stephen Brandt, site director at GSKs Hamilton facility. We're also humbled, knowing that the work we do here every day, is making a significant positive impact in the lives of people all over the world, so it is a privilege. The prevention of deadly diseases, such as cervical cancer and malaria, and most recently with GSKs Arexvy vaccine the first ever approved vaccine to treat RSV in older adults the work we're doing here is saving lives, so it is an honor. And all of this is enabled by the QS-21 adjuvant that well manufacture in the new building, and the MPL adjuvant that has been manufactured here for almost 40 years. GSK Head of Site Manufacturing Sciences and Technology and Process Science Jeb VanDenburg, of Hamilton, described the years-long process of discovery, development, commercial scale-up and approval necessary in the vaccine manufacturing industry, and the process of bringing the new building to fruition. He also praised the outstanding team who work at GSKs Hamilton facility for their accomplishments, and the contributions their work makes to better the lives of people around the world. Because of the immunostimulants we make here in Hamilton, MPL and now QS-21, somewhere in the world today, it's very possible there is a woman who won't be diagnosed with cervical cancer. It's quite likely there's someone going through a very stressful time, who won't be burdened with the pain and suffering of shingles on top of everything theyre going through thanks to the vaccine Shingrix. Perhaps there's a baby somewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa that won't die from malaria, thanks to our vaccine Mosquirix. And soon, likely, perhaps even this fall, there will be an older adult who won't be hospitalized or perhaps even die from complications due to RSV thanks to our vaccine Arexvy. These vaccines are two miracles of modern medicine, and it is a privilege to create two of the key ingredients that make them so successful. Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf and members of the Bitterroot Valley business community toured the facility. Representatives from the offices of Gov. Greg Gianforte, Sen. Jon Tester and Sen. Steve Daines gave remarks at the event. It's an exciting day for the Bitteroot and for all of Montana, said Mark Blasdel, deputy chief of staff to Gianforte in a statement read on the governors behalf. On behalf of a grateful state, we just want to say thank you to the GSK team for their investment for continuing to create high paying jobs here in Montana, adding to the growing hotspot of cutting edge employers in the Bitterroot, and seeing the value of Montana's unparalleled work ethic. Farrenkopf praised GSK and the new facility at the event for the good-paying jobs GSK provides in the community as well as the companys tax-based contribution to the economic development of the Bitterroot Valley. GSK has been a longtime member of our community, Farrenkopf said. When they wanted to expand, the City of Hamilton was involved with Ravalli County Economic Development Authority and GSK. We helped with water and sewer, which is extremely important to a facility like this. GSK provides a lot for our community. They're just a really good company to have in your town. Having them in our community just really enables us to continue to provide other infrastructure for other organizations that are growing on Old Corvallis Road in the North Hamilton Urban Renewal District. When you put somebody on this side of town, that's using water and sewer and there's infrastructure in the ground, when other businesses expand, they can tie into that. So all of this helps the community grow responsibly. COLUMBUS, Ohio At Cleveland's Urban Kutz Barbershop, customers can flip through magazines as they wait, or help themselves to drug screening tests left out in a box on a table with a somber message: "Your drugs could contain fentanyl. Please take free test strips." Owner Waverly Willis has given out strips for years at his barbershop, hoping to protect others from unwittingly being exposed to the highly potent synthetic opioid ravaging the U.S. and often secretly laced into other illegal drugs. "When I put them out, they just fly out the door," said Willis, who hands out about 30 strips a week as part of The Urban Barber Association, a Cleveland organization that provides health education to the community via local barbershops. Nearly 18 years into his own sobriety from drugs, Willis isn't shy about making the strips available. He figures he'd be dead if fentanyl were so widely prevalent when he was using. Fentanyl has driven overdose deaths in the U.S. since 2016, and that isn't changing as the cheaper and deadlier synthetic opioid continues to be cut into the drug supply. Approximately 75,000 of the nearly 110,000 overdose deaths of 2022 could be linked to fentanyl, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Legalizing test strips could bring those numbers down, advocates say, saving lives by helping more people understand just how deadly their drugs could be. Until this spring, use of the strips was technically illegal in Ohio. It has joined at least 20 other states whose lawmakers formally decriminalized the strips since Rhode Island became the first in 2018. Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Kentucky and Mississippi also followed suit this year. The CDC recommends fentanyl test strips as a low cost means of helping prevent drug overdoses. They can detect fentanyl in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and many other drugs whether in pills, powders or injectables. Yet these small paper strips are still considered illegal in some states, outlawed under drug paraphernalia laws dating to the 1970s-era war on drugs long before fentanyl began seeping into the nation's drug supply. Every state but Alaska had an anti-paraphernalia law on the books by the mid-1980s, making materials used for testing and analyzing illicit substances illegal. Increasingly, the strips are now being seen as potentially lifesaving. Newark, Ohio, resident Rodney Olinger has used methamphetamines for eight years. The 45-year-old gets four to five fentanyl test strips weekly from the Newark Homeless Outreach, and calls them a "blessing." He credits the strips with helping ensure he and his fiancee, who also uses, stay alive. "It's very scary," Olinger said of fentanyl. "Just a little bit could kill you." While the strips may not prevent drug use overall, they allow testers to take a pause if a strip comes back positive, possibly encouraging them to reconsider drug use and seek help, said Sheila Vakharia with the national nonprofit Drug Policy Alliance, which seeks to shape U.S. drug policy. "You never know if a fentanyl test strip can keep someone alive long enough so they can make that decision for themselves," she said. The CDC says any drug that dissolves in water can be tested. The strip is dipped in the solution for about 15 seconds, set out a few minutes, and is positive for fentanyl if a single pink line appears. Two pink lines is a negative result. The strips can often be obtained from advocacy groups, local and state health departments, or purchased online. Where strips are illegal, the push to change the law continues. In Kansas, lawmakers debated until April whether to legalize the strips. But there was never any debate for Kansas mother Brandy Harris, who lost her 21-year-old son Sebastain Sheahan to a fentanyl overdose in April 2022. Addicted since age 13, he was first prescribed opioids after being hit by a truck. Harris believes her son would still be alive if he'd had test strips showing what he was ingesting. "I do believe that if these were available, that at least one person would be saved," Harris said. "And that is the main goal at least one person." Kansas' governor recently signed a bipartisan bill decriminalizing the strips starting July 1. The mental health of students was already a primary concern at Virginia Commonwealth University. Battered by the pandemic, teenagers and young adults have been seeking counseling at VCU and other colleges in increasingly higher numbers. Then the university suffered a series of tragedies this semester, all within four blocks. Two student pedestrians were killed in separate automobile accidents. And on Tuesday, a Huguenot High School student, Shawn Jackson, 18, was shot and killed minutes after he received his diploma. His stepfather, Renzo Smith, 36, was killed too. Their deaths occurred near the heart of campus, close enough for students and faculty to see and hear the commotion. Aya Youssef, a recent VCU graduate who now works for the school as a research technician, was walking to her car Tuesday evening when she heard the screams. She turned to see people running away from the theater. It was the latest in a string of sad moments along West Main Street all within five months. You can feel it on campus, Youssef said. Morale is pretty low. Increase in counseling services for students During the pandemic, college students often felt lonely, depressed or anxious. In 2021, three out of every four Virginia college students surveyed said their mental health had been challenged. VCU responded by increasing its counseling services. The university, along with others in the state, contracted last year with a telehealth provider called TimelyCare. Students can engage with therapists on video calls and receive emergency services. Each student gets up to 12 sessions a year. The universitys counseling center has grown to about 20 employees. Generally, the staff members try to provide immediate and short-term counseling for the universitys 28,000 students. When students need long-term therapy, VCU staffers work to connect them with off-campus counselors. In some cases, the university will provide long-term care for students who cannot afford or access private mental health care. There is far too much demand to provide all the mental health services students seek, said Jihad Aziz, VCUs director of counseling. The university also trained more students to provide peer health education. Sometimes students do not need professional counseling, but they can benefit from the advice of an older student. Some students want to hear from other students and not old people like myself, Aziz said. When the pandemic began, high schools and colleges allowed students more time to complete tasks and more absences from class. Schools have raised expectations back to normal, but many students have had trouble meeting them, said a VCU professor who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the professor is not authorized to speak for the university. Almost any faculty member would say, since the pandemic, its just been different, the professor said. There are a lot more mental health issues. (Students) have a much harder time. The transition back to post-pandemic has not been easy. Everyones so used to tragedy happening The spring semester has been a particularly sad one for VCU. In January, a 22-year-old VCU senior named Mahrokh Somia Khan was struck and killed by a car while crossing West Main Street outside Altria Theater. Her death occurred in almost the same location as Tuesdays shooting. Then in May, 26-year-old Shawn Soares died when a two-car wreck spilled onto the sidewalk, striking him. The wreck occurred in the 300 block of West Main Street, two blocks east of Monroe Park. Students also feel the death of Adam Oakes, a VCU freshman who died in a February 2021 hazing incident. When a death occurs, students are often emotionally impacted for a day and then move on because they have to, said Isabel Brooks, a VCU sophomore studying nursing. Everyones so used to tragedy happening, Brooks said. Its just a society thing, I guess. Brooks added that she would like to see more legislation to limit gun violence and said the age at which a Virginia teenager can receive a drivers license should be raised. At night, she hear cars racing down campus streets. Students generally want to see a response from authorities when tragedy strikes, Youssef said. Following Khans death, VCU police started a traffic safety campaign, writing more tickets and dressing as referees to encourage students to cross the street in a safe manner. When Soares died, the city took action, installing speed bumps in and around campus. One speed bump has slowed cars by 15 mph, VCU police said. Youssef said she is thankful for the speed bumps, calling the driving in Richmond reckless. She added that students need to be more careful crossing the road, and not should not act so invincible. Most VCU students already had gone home for the summer when Tuesdays shooting occurred at the end of Huguenot High Schools graduation. Some remain on campus for the summer term, and they were affected, Youssef said. A lot of people felt tense because it happened on campus, she added. I always feel very safe on campus 'Shooter! Run!' Huguenot teachers locked selves in bathroom Graduation had ended, and the nearly 300 students exited the theater onto the street. Then Fabiola Chesnut heard about 10 gunshots in rapid succession. VCU prepares for emergency events by conducting active shooter training for professors and staff. A recent training occurred last month. I always feel very safe on campus, the professor added. When a student death or tragedy occurs, the VCU counseling staff puts boots on the ground, reaching out to departments within the university, dormitories and clubs. Following Tuesdays shooting, the counselors went to the office of international students, one of the few groups to stay on campus during the summer. The counseling staff schedules group sessions and invites everyone to attend. When a student dies, the counseling staff makes connections with the social, academic and activity circles in which the student participated. Our response is: How do we help them understand what theyre experiencing is normal? Aziz said. Aaron Hart, VCUs vice president for student affairs, tries to make sure the university is proactive with its offerings so students know where to turn when they need help. The universitys RamStrong webpage contains information on how to access student health and TimelyCare, how to communicate with the Dean of Students office and VCU police and how to access the universitys Recreation and Well-being department, RecWell. The webpage also contains information for employees to help students and themselves. A program called Kognito helps faculty and staff learn the signs of student distress and techniques for intervening. VCU students are very involved in their community, Hart said, and experience all the positive and negative emotions that come with that involvement. Many of them have jobs on and off campus and, because of VCUs urban location, students are part of the citys fabric, not just nestled in their own enclave. Theyre not visitors, Hart said. They truly live here, in every sense of the word. Photos: Richmond reacts to mass shooting after graduation ceremony Barbara Jean Monaco and her older sister traveled from their home in Derby, Connecticut, to Virginia Beach on Sunday, Aug. 20, 1978, to celebrate Barbara Jeans 18th birthday. But the trip took a nightmarish turn less than 72 hours later. Witnesses saw Barbara Jean getting into a car on Pacific Avenue around 1 a.m. Aug. 23, after leaving the Country Comfort bar, where she had been with her sister earlier in the evening. She had a date arranged at a bar called Peabodys, but she never showed up. Nearly 45 years later, Barbara Jean Monaco is still missing. Multiple people have come forward claiming that they had information about her disappearance or whereabouts, but the trail has always gone cold again, often in strange ways and for strange reasons: One informant ceased to cooperate with police after they refused to offer him immunity from prosecution in exchange for his testimony, while another potential witness took his own life in 2001 just hours after giving a statement to authorities. Now, with help from other law enforcement agencies across Virginia, the Virginia State Police are working to make sure that cases like Barbara Jeans do not continue to go unsolved for decades at a time. Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of an online database designed to give the public a way to easily browse unsolved case files and get in touch with police departments if they have information that might be able to lead to progress in solving the cases. Time is your friend The term cold case conjures the image of a folder gathering dust in a filing cabinet, just waiting for someone to come along with new information that will break the case open. But that is not necessarily an accurate picture. Lt. Rachel Wigand, who oversees the Virginia Beach Police Departments Cold Case Homicide Unit, says that the units two full-time detectives and two part-time investigators are always looking for new leads, but that working cold cases requires police to take much of the normal approach to solving homicide cases and turn it on its head. On an active homicide case, the clock is working against police, who are trying to collect as much information as they can as quickly as possible not just to arrest a suspect for that specific homicide, but to ensure that there is no longer a threat to the community. But a few years later, she says, time is your friend. Shifting circumstances can break down old allegiances and make people more likely to speak up. Maybe your friend did see something, Wigand, who has been with VBPD for almost 20 years, said. Or maybe somebody saw something and it was traumatic at that point in time, but a couple of years later, they went to therapy and now theyre able to share things with us. Operating outside of the immediacy of an active investigation allows cold case detectives to apply the newest crime-solving tools to old cases. Thomas Kohlbeck, the lead analyst overseeing a team that provides support to VSPs Criminal Intelligence Division, said that national crime databases like the FBIs Violent Criminal Apprehension Program, or ViCAP established in 1985 and made available to law enforcement agencies across the country in 2008 had taken big leaps forward in recent years. Another modern tool that authorities are able to use in investigating cold cases, Kohlbeck said, is investigative genetic genealogy, in which users of certain genealogy services opt in to allow law enforcement agencies to check DNA evidence against the samples that the users provide in an attempt to find familial connections to suspects. Ancestry.com and 23andMe, two of the most popular genealogy providers, say on their websites that they do not share data with law enforcement officials unless compelled by court order, subpoena or search warrant, but other providers are more willing to share. GEDmatch, one of the services that VSP uses, confirmed that DNA profiles of its users were used in 2018 to identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer. Cold case investigators are also able to get creative with how they reach out to the community in search of new information. Virginia Beachs cold case unit produced the docuseries Virginia Beach Cold Case Files, which is available on the citys YouTube channel and on public access television, with help from the citys communications office. The first episode, What Happened to Barbara Jean, which explores Monacos case, won a regional Emmy in 2021 for long-form crime content. Police in Chesterfield County created a similar series, Chesterfield Unsolved, with videos on the deaths of David Copeland and Jerry Colyer both of whom appear in the VSP database. What is in the database? The earliest version of the database saved in the Internet Archives Wayback Machine, from a little over a week after the site launched last June, listed about 50 cold cases, all of them from VSP. As of May 2023, there are now 205 spanning all the way from the 1961 death of an unidentified woman near Hillsboro in Loudoun County, to the case of Mary Rebecca Osborne, who was reported missing in Wise County in May 2017. Visitors to the database can click through the pages of unsolved homicides, missing persons cases and unidentified persons to see short case descriptions and any photos that are available though what is available varies greatly, depending on the case. A Richmond Times-Dispatch analysis of all the cases in the database as of May 1 found that 63 of the pages had no photos of the victim. An additional 12 had other kinds of images: drawings by sketch artists, facial reconstructions or pictures of headstones. Eighty-three of the 214 victims nine case files cover multiple deaths are women, and 69 are people of color. Nineteen law enforcement agencies across the state are listed as reporting agencies, though three-quarters of the cases in the database fall under the jurisdiction of either Virginia Beach police or VSP. The Chesterfield County Police Department, the only Richmond-area agency on the list, started participating in September 2022 and has put nine of its cases in the database so far, but Sgt. Kevin Helton, who leads the CCPDs Unsolved/Major Investigations Group, said that the department is working to get all of its unsolved cases added. Detective Sgt. George Wade of the Richmond Police Departments Major Crimes unit oversees the citys unsolved cases; more than 60 unsolved homicides are listed on a page on the departments website, with information similar to what is available in the entries in the VSP database. Wade, who has been with RPD for more than 40 years, said in April that he only had help from one other detective due to retirements and other detectives being reassigned to active cases. The Richmond Times-Dispatch sent questions to RPD about whether there are plans to contribute cases to the database in the future, but the departments public affairs unit was unable to provide answers in time for publication. The submit a tip links at the bottom of each case file are programmed to send emails directly to the agency with jurisdiction over the case, ensuring that VSP does not act as an information bottleneck. And on each visit to the site, the cases featured on the front page refresh, so that no case is given disproportionate priority over the others. Kohlbeck says that is by design, in hopes that the appearance of different cases will generate more interest and public participation and, as a result, better leads. The last thing we would want to do is just set it to stand in one defined order every time, he said. All of this is good The database was established by the General Assembly during the 2020 session in a bill introduced by Del. Danica Roem, D-Prince William. Roem, who is the Democratic candidate for the State Senate seat in District 30, was not the first legislator to propose the establishment of such a database. Former Del. Jim Scott, D-Fairfax, introduced cold case database bills in the 2011 and 2012 sessions, but the measures failed on both occasions once in committee, once at the appropriations stage. Scotts successor, Del. Marcus Simon, suggested the database as an idea for Roem to revive when she took office in 2018. The cold case database really caught my attention immediately, said Roem, who spent more than 10 years as a newspaper reporter in Prince William County before running for office, and pledges on her campaign website to bring a reporters sensibility to everything I do as a legislator. To me, this is the intersection of transparency, of government accountability, of putting more knowledge into the publics hands, she said. All of this is good. But the bill died in appropriations again. Roem said that she was on a kill list during her first year part of a group of Democratic legislators that House Republicans wanted to prevent from successfully passing any legislation. Finally, in 2020, with help from Dels. Mike Mullin, D-Newport News, and Rob Bell, R-Albemarle both members of the Courts of Justice Committee in sharpening the language and ensuring the bill would offer privacy protections for crime victims families, HB 1024 passed without opposition and was signed into law by then-Gov. Ralph Northam. Even after it was passed, there were potential stumbling blocks. While the $110,000 appropriated for the database in fiscal year 2021 was a little more than one ten-thousandth of Virginias $74.7 billion expenditure for the year, it was held up by the states spending freeze in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. When it was time for the database to launch last June, Roem knew that getting the public to interact with the database was the only way the database would be be successful, so she embarked on an bold press tour across the state, giving interviews to news outlets and appearing on an episode of the true crime podcast Mind Over Murder. If you were a reporter, I talked to your news outlet at some point, she said. If (reporters) did call me every day, I would talk about the cold case database all the time. I would put it on my schedule its cold case database hour! No matter what it is The Roanoke Times reported in late July 2022, just over a month after the database launched, that VSP had received a tip leading to the discovery that a person of interest in the 2003 killing of Richard Dickie Palmer, of Floyd County, was already incarcerated for life on a slew of child pornography charges. But as VSP Special Agent Douglas Hubert noted at the time, one new tip did not mean that the case was closed. And other examples of concrete progress in long-unsolved cases have proven elusive perhaps something that was to be expected, given that the database is still in its relative infancy. Despite that, Roem is hopeful that if more law enforcement agencies join the effort and people are willing to send in tips, cases will eventually be solved. The only way the cold case database can be successful is if the public interacts with it frequently, Roem said. If even one of those cases is solved because of the existence of this cold case database, then the entire investment is worth it. Kohlbeck, the state police analyst, echoed the importance of citizen participation. We need the publics help in solving these cases, Kohlbeck said. No matter what it is, whether you think its small or you think its big, please report it. 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That is about how long Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, has served in Virginias state legislature, and it is how old Del. Sally Hudson, D-Charlottesville, was when she was first elected to it in 2019. The two Democrats are now vying for the same seat in the Virginia Senate in a June 20 primary. Senate District 11 encompasses the Democratic strongholds of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, plus Nelson and Amherst counties and part of Louisa County. Neither candidate is new to many of the Democratic voters in District 11 and they overlap on a lot of policy stances but they represent different demographics and flairs of their political party. Deeds, who served in the House of Delegates from 1992 to 2001, has represented Charlottesville as a senator since December 2001. He lived in Bath County, closer to West Virginias border, before the state Supreme Court reconfigured the states legislative districts. In 2021, he moved to Charlottesville to run for this seat. Since his move, he sometimes can be spotted on the downtown mall with his dog, Mila, one of the beagles rescued when federal authorities cracked down on a Cumberland breeder mill assailed for inhumane practices. (In 2021 legislators passed a bipartisan beagle bill to protect dogs and cats at research facilities.) Hudson, an economics professor at the University of Virginia, has lived in the area since 2016. The first woman to represent the Charlottesville area in the House of Delegates, she considers herself among the wave of progressive Democrats who became more politically active following the election of President Donald Trump in 2016. Its sort of new wave versus old guard, Hudson said of the primary contest with Deeds. I think the more recent legislators, whether were young or old, have just been more community-connected because we were mobilized in the post-Trump era. We realized just how far Democrats had fallen from connecting with state and local politics. In the blue wave elections of 2017 and 2019, a surge of diverse Democrats were elected to the legislature bringing more young lawmakers, women, people of color and lawmakers of varied religious backgrounds. Deeds, the 2009 Democratic nominee for governor, noted legislative similarities between himself and Hudson, but said his experience sets him apart in the race. Redistricting lumped many lawmakers into districts with other incumbents, prompting a wave of retirements in the Senate this year. Deeds is poised to be the second most senior Democratic senator if reelected bringing with him his institutional knowledge and what he termed a consistent track record of passing bills. Substantively, theres not a lot of space between us, but the reality is that I get more stuff done, and Ive done it for a long time, Deeds said. I think thats a significant difference between the two of us. He boasts a higher success rate of his bills becoming law, according to analysis by the Virginia Public Access Project. Hudson noted at a debate this spring that she is in the minority in her chamber (Democrats control the Senate, while Republicans have controlled the House during half of her tenure there). When I pass bills, I pass them with Republicans. That means you have to put your name as second fiddle on the list, she said at the time. Who cares if you get the credit? Hudson thinks another difference between them is community connection. Constituents have hosted Hudson for neighborhood house parties around the district as part of her campaign. The gatherings give people a chance to speak with her more directly. Throughout her tenure in the House, she has routinely hosted town halls to update constituents on happenings in the General Assembly. This is not a policy difference, but it is a difference in how we do the job, Hudson said. Its our job to be out and about the community making sure that people understand year-round why the state government matters. Deeds is not a stranger to the districts voters, though. He may have previously lived further away from the Charlottesville and Albemarle base of the district, but he has used his position on several committees to advance legislation about which residents of the Democratic-stronghold care. Legislative progress Both legislators consider 2020s expanded voter access one of several points of pride in their public service. The measures included expanded early and absentee voting, and were made possible, in part, through Deeds and Hudsons votes. Deeds also chaired the Privileges and Elections Committee at the time. Bills are filtered through committees before they can receive full floor votes and potentially end up on a governors desk. Deeds currently is co-chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and serves on Commerce and Labor, Finance and Appropriations, Privileges and Elections, and Rules. Hudson currently serves on the House Finance Committee along with the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee. In primaries around the state, Democratic candidates have said they are hearing that guns and abortion are some of the key issues their voters care about. Deeds and Hudson note their work on these issues. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections last summer, it placed authority over access to the procedure into states hands. In the year since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Virginia has become the least restrictive state in the South for abortion access. With Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other Republicans pushing for a ban of most abortions after 15 weeks, abortion protections have emerged as a key issue in Democratic primaries. Both Deeds and Hudson have secured endorsements from reproductive rights groups though a recent campaign mailer from Deeds insinuated otherwise. Its just a strange mistake to try to claim that hes the only candidate in the race who has support from abortion rights advocacy groups, when thats clearly not true, Hudson said. Deeds is endorsed by advocacy groups ReproRising and the Virginia chapter of the National Organization for Women, while Hudson is endorsed by Whole Womens Health, a national organization that has a clinic in the Charlottesville area. At the time, we didnt know about Sallys abortion supporters, Deeds said of the early June mailer (Hudson was endorsed by the group in early May). On the endorsements he received, he said the organizations backing him know that he is an ally to women. Both Hudson and Deeds have co-sponsored and say they will continue to support a proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion protections in the states constitution. Hudson said she has more of a track record when it comes to abortion legislation. In 2021 Hudsons successful House Bill 1896 removed prohibition of abortion coverage from the states insurance exchange. Another abortion-related bill she carried fell on party lines this year. Hudson said it stemmed from listening to abortion providers and constituents in an effort to solve a specific issue. House Bill 2097 would have required health care providers to administer emergency contraception to survivors of sexual assault if they requested it. Virginia law includes a conscience clause physicians can cite if performing certain care violates their moral or religious beliefs. I think that the hospitals have to at least have a backup plan in place so that if a survivor of sexual assault shows up in an emergency room seeking care, their options dont depend on who happens to be on duty that night, Hudson said. You dont hear those stories if youre not working with providers. She noted the uphill battle for such legislation in the current political climate. She introduced her insurance bill unsuccessfully in 2020 before it passed in 2021. Despite shifting political climates, Deeds said he is proud of his success rate in passing bills. Despite this, he has also seen bills on contentious issues defeated. This year, both candidates who carried nearly identical bills, such as prohibition of guns at universities saw their attempts to reduce gun violence defeated along party lines. Each has vowed to try again next year, if elected. Another bill that will be taken up again is a ban on the sale of assault-style weapons. Though Deeds carried the Senate version of the bill this year, he was among four Democrats to vote against it in 2020. In 2020, Deeds was concerned that the version of the bill then under consideration would have applied to more guns than intended. His 2023 version specified that the definition would not apply to antique guns, bolt-operated guns or guns manufactured before July 2023. The bill ultimately failed this session. Still, Deeds attributes his higher success rate in passing bills to how he approaches other legislators. I work well with others. I understand that you catch more bees with honey than with vinegar, Deeds said. I get along with people and Ive got relationships on both sides of the aisle. Amid redistricting, all districts are technically new, meaning there are no true incumbents. In challenging Deeds, Hudson is among about a dozen delegates seeking to hop from House to Senate (as Deeds did more than 20 years ago). An area of voters accustomed to supporting both Deeds and Hudson must now choose between them and each candidate is working to connect with the newer areas of the district as well. According to VPAP, the district currently has the highest turnout for early voting. I think its a very good thing that we have competitive primaries right now, Hudson said. It pulls people out. Theyve got candidates working hard for their vote. Former President Donald Trump improperly shared a Pentagon plan of attack and a classified map related to a military operation, according to a sweeping 37-count felony indictment related to the mishandling of classified documents that was unsealed Friday and that could instantly reshape the 2024 presidential race. The indictment paints an unmistakably damning portrait of Trumps treatment of sensitive information, accusing him of willfully defying Justice Department demands to return documents he had taken from the White House to Mar-a-Lago, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored in his estate. I dont want anybody looking through my boxes, one of Trumps lawyers described the former president saying, according to the indictment. He also asked if it would be better if we just told them we dont have anything here, the indictment says. Making his first public statements, Jack Smith, the Justice Department special counsel who filed the case, said: Our laws that protect national defense information are critical to the safety and security of the United States and they must be enforced. Violations of those laws put our country at risk. He added, We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone. The indictment arrives at a time when Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary and one day before a scheduled campaign trip to North Carolina. Though other candidates have largely attacked the Justice Department, rather than Trump, for the investigation, the indictments breadth of allegations and startling scope will be harder for Republicans to rail against than an earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak. Trump announced that he was being indicted on Thursday night. As Trump lashed out about his indictment in Florida, many fellow Republicans fell in line behind him, with some marked exceptions. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy voiced support for the ex-president. I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump against this grave injustice, the California Republican tweeted. House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable, he added. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said the indictment was a sham and the continuation of the endless political persecution of Donald Trump. GOP Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has been seen as a possible 2024 presidential contender, also weighed in. These charges are unprecedented and its a sad day for our country, especially in light of what clearly appears to be a two-tiered justice system where some are selectively prosecuted, and others are not, Youngkin said in a tweet. He said parents in Virginia have been targeted by politically motivated actions but did not specify. Regardless of your party, this undermines faith in our judicial system at exactly the time when we should be working to restore that trust. In April, Youngkin condemned the charges against Trump in a New York hush money case, tweeting: It is beyond belief that District Attorney Alvin Bragg has indicted a former president and current presidential candidate for pure political gain. John Fredericks, a conservative radio host who served as Trumps Virginia campaign chair in 2016 and 2020, posted on Twitter: THIS CEMENTS THE NOMINATION FOR TRUMP: Average Americans are seeing through this fraud of an indictment. If they can do this to Donald Trump, they can do it to you! Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, whose district includes parts of Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield counties, decried what he called a double standard in prosecution. Not a single effort was made to enforce the law as it relates to classified documents with Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden, yet with Donald Trump its a different standard, Wittman said in an interview with WRVA radio. And thats why I think people are so incredibly frustrated with what they see unfolding with the federal government. The 49-page charging document alleges that Trump intentionally possessed classified documents and showed them off to visitors. The indictment is built on Trumps own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, with prosecutors even using against Trump his own words as a candidate and president professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information. The indictment includes 37 counts 31 of which pertain to the willful retention of national defense information, with the balance relating to alleged conspiracy, obstruction and false statements that taken together could result in a yearslong prison sentence. Trump is due to make his first court appearance Tuesday in federal court in Miami. He was charged alongside Walt Nauta, an aide and close adviser to Trump who prosecutors say brought boxes from a storage room to Trumps residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. A photograph included in the indictment shows several dozen file boxes stacked in a storage area. Noting the tens of thousands of members and guests who visited the active social club of Mar-a-Lago between the end of Trumps presidency in January 2021 through the August 2022 search, prosecutors argued that Trump had nevertheless stored the documents there, including in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, and office space, his bedroom, and a storage room. The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump, who has already been indicted in the New York matter and faces additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta that also could lead to criminal charges. But among the various investigations he has faced, legal experts as well as Trumps own aides had long seen the Mar-a-Lago probe as the most perilous threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. Campaign aides had been bracing for the fallout since Trumps attorneys were notified that he was the target of the investigation, assuming it was not a matter of if charges would be brought, but when. Enumerating the defense and foreign intelligence-related information included in the documents, prosecutors wrote that their unauthorized disclosure ... could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods. Photos: Donald Trump's arraignment